Veronica might have been panicking, but the moment she realized that Ava was slowly weaving a trap around Kyle, tightening it strand by strand, she reached out to the only person who could help him if things spiraled in a direction she feared.

And her instinct proved right.

Ava had cornered Kyle, backing him into a helpless position, and had even gone as far as harming him to satisfy her own twisted desires.

Veronica couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this much anger. And if not for the sudden interruption, she wouldn’t have trusted herself with Ava’s life.

She would have killed her today. And she would have found relief, even a grim sense of elation, in doing so.

"Headmaster?" Ava’s voice carried clear shock as she stared at the old man who had appeared out of nowhere.

The man who stood atop a container possessed a commanding presence that seemed to still the very air, halting the chaos that had lingered just moments ago.

His bald head was covered with a black hat, and a neatly trimmed white goatee framed his face, lending him an air of quiet elegance.

He stood tall, around six feet, his lean physique giving him a refined yet formidable appearance.

Clad in a crisp three-piece suit was the headmaster of the military academy, the very institution where every awakened student of the nation was admitted.

Sir Christopher Malandock.

He took a step forward, landed on the ground softly and positioned himself directly between Veronica and Ava, his back turned to the former as if shielding her from what might come next.

Fixing Ava with a sharp glare, he spoke, "There should be a limit to how unruly you can be. For a grown woman who holds such a significant position, you clearly need to sit down and revisit the disciplinary lessons you were taught."

Ava let out a soft snicker. "He is a criminal who tried to run away. As the officer in charge of the case—"

"I have been here since the moment you nearly crushed his toes, you foolish girl! This was not an act of catching a criminal. You were just hell bent on harming him."

Ava fell silent at those words, her eyes widening ever so slightly. Why didn’t she sense him until now? And why was he here in the first place?

Christopher had, by coincidence, been in Montclair and had stepped out for a walk when he sensed Ava’s presence.

Following her, he had witnessed the entire exchange between her and the suspect, as well as the clash between his two former students.

And just as he sensed Veronica tipping toward a dangerous edge, he chose to intervene.

Christopher stepped back and turned to look at Veronica. "And you...this is how you choose to react in a situation like this."

"There is a line beyond which no one can allow others to cross, and if they do, the reaction will be exactly what you just witnessed," Veronica replied calmly, without the faintest trace of regret lingered within her.

She was aware of how close she had come to crushing Ava moments ago. And she still held that intention.

Ava let out a low growl as she glared at Veronica, her eyes sharp with hostility. "Protecting a criminal like him will surely earn you quite a few rewards soon, Veronica. Just wait for them."

Veronica remained completely unbothered, her expression steady as she subtly positioned herself in front of Kyle, shielding him behind her back.

Just then, Christopher spoke, his tone firm and unquestionable. "You are to leave for the base. I will handle everything from here."

Ava frowned deeply. "Excuse me? I have direct orders to—"

"I am well aware of your orders, and I have already contacted central command, so there is no need for you to concern yourself any further, Ava," Christopher interrupted, his voice carrying quiet authority. "Your new orders are to return to the base and submit a full report of everything you have caused in your attempt to complete this mission."

He made it clear with his gaze that what would happen if she missed to add what she actually did rather than simply arresting the suspect.

Ava didn’t move at once. Instead, she raised her hand and contacted someone over the earpiece, her gaze still fixed ahead.

Only after receiving confirmation did she finally decide to step back, though not before casting one last, lingering glance at Kyle and then Veronica.

She would have her revenge, but not now. The time for that would come soon enough. And this time, Ava knew where to strike to harm Veronica the most.

Once Ava was gone, Christopher let out a long, exasperated breath before speaking, "Carry him somewhere safe first."

Veronica gave a small nod before turning toward Kyle.

The wound on his chest had already vanished, yet he remained unconscious, his body limp and unresponsive.

Veronica slid one arm beneath his knees and the other behind his back, lifting him with ease. Despite his build, she couldn’t help but notice that he felt a little underweight in her arms.

They began walking toward the car parked at a distance. As they moved, Christopher spoke again, his tone calmer compared to before, "This is the first time you have ever requested something from me since our very first meeting. And it wasn’t even for yourself."

Veronica lowered her gaze slightly. "And it’s still more than what you could have done for me."

Christopher let out a faint huff. "In this field, emotions are considered a weakness, and yet you harbor such deep feelings for this boy? I must admit, I am surprised, Veronica."

The silver-haired woman said nothing in response.

She did not see her love for Kyle as any form of weakness. If anything, it was those very feelings that had carried her this far. The desire to stand beside him, to be someone he could rely on like a steadfast pillar, had never once allowed her to give up at any point in her life.

Christopher chose not to pursue the matter any further and simply moved ahead, opening the car door for her without another word.

Veronica carefully adjusted Kyle onto the backseat before settling in beside him, gently placing his head on her lap.

Christopher closed the door and was just about to step into the driver’s seat when he suddenly felt the urge to sigh.

Another strong and all too familiar Genesis signature was approaching rapidly, heading straight in their direction.

Without saying a word, he stepped forward and brought his hands together in a light clap.

TNG

The wave that burst out from him struck the approaching figure, forcing him to halt abruptly as his eyes widened in shock.

"Old man?" Blake called out in surprise. "Why are you—no, wait. I need to find my brother and punish that wicked woman," he muttered, his voice turning cold.

Christopher pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperation creeping into his expression. "How did all my students turn out to be this rowdy? Dear lord, save me."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, drop a comment or review.