A Chemist's Interstellar Saga

Chapter 198: Bringing Back Phantom
Chapter 198: Bringing Back Phantom

Zorix was silent for a long time after receiving the message. Bryndel could already imagine the president’s furious reaction.

The thought of facing his president made Bryndel dread returning to the association. He feared he would be executed and turned into soup, with only his bones left for Talrin to collect.

The more he imagined, the gloomier Bryndel’s face became. He stared resentfully at Talrin, filled with regret for taking on such troublesome students.

Lorin was always running around, Jorvic was no better, and Talrin was the worst, constantly causing trouble. Only Arix, that sweet piece of candy, gave him a bit of solace.

Sighing, Bryndel shook his head wearily. While they waited tensely, a message finally came from the Psychic Ware Association.

Bryndel hurriedly opened it and read the contents, his changing dramatically.

The association had grudgingly agreed to the first two conditions. The third one, however, was modified: Arix could enter the Knowledge Tower for a month, but Talrin could only go for one day. If Talrin disagreed, the association would call off the deal and find another way.

After hearing Bryndel’s explanation, Talrin smiled slyly and said, ”Master, please tell the association I agree to these terms. I originally just wanted to get Arix into the Knowledge Tower. I didn’t expect the association to be so generous.”

Bryndel shook his head at his cheeky apprentice and then sent the response to the association. With no objections on either side, the deal was made.

Bryndel looked at his newfound proof of freedom and the 10 billion astrocredits in his account, feeling a mix of surprise and gratitude. Without hesitation, he grabbed the Space Button and left quickly, fearing Talrin might come up with another scheme.

As Bryndel hurried away, Talrin stood at the broken door, waving goodbye. Once Bryndel was out of sight, Talrin lowered his arm. He transferred 5 billion astrocredits to Arix and sent her an email granting her a month in the Knowledge Tower.

After completing these tasks, Talrin whistled happily and walked upstairs with a spring in his step.

...

Morning sunlight spilled into the bedroom, gently waking Arix.

She stretched and yawned, feeling refreshed from a good night’s sleep. She even dreamt about receiving 5 billion astrocredits, vividly recalling the notification sound in her dream.

Thinking it was just a dream, she shrugged it off and headed to the bathroom to get ready.

Downstairs, she found Thaddeus and Fleur cozily seated on the couch. Thaddeus was engrossed in legion work, while Fleur watched TV.

”Good morning, Dad and Mom,” Arix greeted them with a bright smile, rushing over for a group hug. Fleur hugged her daughter warmly, her heart melting with affection. Thaddeus smiled at the scene, pulling them both into his embrace.

After a bit, Arix pulled away and looked at Thaddeus. ”Dad, let’s save Phantom now,” she said eagerly.

”You haven’t had breakfast yet. How about we wait a bit?” Thaddeus suggested, concerned.

”It’s okay, it’ll be quick,” Arix insisted with a playful pout. Seeing her determination, Thaddeus sighed and relented. ”Alright, alright, we’ll do it your way.”

Arix grinned. ”Great! Here, Dad, hold this core.” Thaddeus took the core, ready for the task.

”Now, close your eyes,” Arix instructed. ”In the psychic world, use the core’s power to visualize Phantom. Once you see him, keep calling his name. Take your time; we’ll be waiting outside.”

In the psychic realm, Thaddeus followed Arix’s guidance. He easily visualized Phantom—a small, black cat with two tails, the size of an ordinary house cat. Her jet-black fur and ruby-red eyes made her look both noble and mysterious.

Seeing Phantom, Thaddeus’s eyes filled with tears.

...

Phantom had appeared when Thaddeus was just six years old.

Initially, he thought she was a lost kitten, but when his hand passed through her, he realized it was unreal; more like a phantom. For a long time, Phantom’s blood-red eyes scared him to tears.

It was Frances who first noticed something was off with Thaddeus. After some gentle questioning, she discovered Thaddeus had awakened his own psychic incarnation.

Seeing her son looking worn out, Frances couldn’t resist giving him a playful flick on the forehead. She then explained the psychic incarnations of the five major families. With this knowledge, Thaddeus realized Phantom wasn’t a ghost and began trying to interact with her.

One day, Thaddeus was attacked by other kids, and Phantom was the first to stand in front of him and protect him.

From that moment, Thaddeus truly accepted Phantom, forming a bond with her. He chatted with Phantom daily, sharing his life.

When Drexel was born, he even brought Phantom to the cradle to watch the baby curiously.

Thinking back on these warm memories, Thaddeus smiled. He began to call out, ”Phantom, Phantom, come back...”

With each call, scattered light gathered at Phantom’s forehead.

Thaddeus’s voice grew hoarse, but he kept calling. As the light grew brighter, Phantom slowly opened her eyes, focusing on Thaddeus.

”Meow,” Phantom called out, concerned. Her last memory was of Thaddeus being saved by a level-eight mecha. Though she knew Thaddeus was likely safe, she was still worried.

Hearing Phantom’s voice, Thaddeus’s tears flowed. He laughed, then sobbed more intensely. Phantom, thinking she had scared Thaddeus like before, stood nervously aside, unsure how to comfort him without making things worse.

After a while, Thaddeus wiped his tears and opened his arms. ”Phantom, come here,” he called softly.

With a meow, Phantom leapt into his arms without hesitation. Feeling the reality of Phantom, Thaddeus finally believed she was truly back.

”Meow,” Phantom licked Thaddeus’s tears and rubbed against his cheek to comfort him.

Thaddeus petted Phantom and remembered that Fleur and Arix were waiting outside. He gently asked, ”Phantom, do you want to meet the one who saved you, little Arix?”

”Meow,” Phantom looked up at Thaddeus and nodded slightly.

”Alright, let’s go see her. I remember when you scared Arix to tears as a child,” Thaddeus recalled with a hidden smile.

Phantom remembered too and meowed in response.

As the sounds faded, Thaddeus and Phantom left the psychic world together.