Chapter 80
Chapter 80-The Federation’s Dark Underbelly
Finishell
Hadrien let out a quiet sigh at the accusation.
“Harlan, I may not hold your decades of battlefield experience or your battle honors, but I am not the kind of man who would hoard a Guide selfishly.
“Before I am the Administrator, I am a Sentinel p>
Harlan was older and had deployed to the warfront long before him. Addressing him as senior was only
proper.
Harlan stared hard at him. “Then what holds you back p>
Hadrien wore a weary expression.
“The situation is far more complicated than it appears p>
He explained, “You have been confined here for many years. Core Prime is nothing like you remember.
“Factions of the old guard and new politicians fight endlessly. Each side scrambles to seize resources to take down its rivals, and plots and schemes run rampant.
“To reach their goals, they have even begun using Guides as pawns to be fought over and exploited.
“That is not all. External rebel forces are also constantly infiltrating the Federation.
“Lyra is an orphan with no powerful, loyal Sentinel to stand behind her. With her gentle, trusting nature, she would inevitably become a tool for political power plays p>
He paused briefly before continuing.
“Beyond that, her identity remains unconfirmed.
“I am still running investigations. Though she possesses purifying abilities, strictly speaking, she is not yet a true Guide.
“Long before I took this post, the Black Spire was riddled with people of questionable loyalties. Until all malicious actors are rooted out, I cannot risk exposing her secret.
“I chose to station her here partly so her unique power can help all of you break free from the Black Spire
sooner.
“If her secret comes out later, you will all be nearby to defend her p>
Harlan needed time to process everything he had heard.
“How could Core Prime decay into something like this p>
Hadrien replied flatly, “Human greed knows no bounds p>
When overwhelming external threats loomed, everyone stood united against the enemy.
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Chapter 80 Fire Federation’s Dark Underbelly
Finished
Once the danger faded, desire stirred beneath the lure of benefit.
Harlan studied him with a heavy heart.
“Does that mean you accepted the position of Administrator here because p>
Hadrien did not wish to admit it, yet the facts could not be avoided.
“The military commander grew tired of the politicians’ endless backstabbing and repeatedly refused their orders.
“Those in higher offices began targeting him. They blocked access to Guide treatment and healing, and transferred loyal soldiers like us away under every excuse they could invent.
“The commander has very few trusted men left around him. They hold the most dangerous quarantine zones, and their position will only grow more precarious p>
Harlan shook his head, unable to believe what he heard.
“This is outrageous p>
He looked back toward Hadrien. “What about the Federation prime minister p>
Weariness edged into Hadrien’s tone.
“He is advanced in years and his health is failing fast. That is exactly why the government has fallen into chaos.
“Guides are now the most valuable bargaining chip in the politicians’ hands.
“They hoard them to force countless Sentinels into serving their will.
“For that reason, Lyra must never be discovered by those people p>
Harlan drew a deep breath, his features heavy with gravity.
“I understand now…
“But other Sentinels here have already learned of her abilities. What if one of them p>
“I have considered that,” Hadrien cut in immediately. “We have no choice but to take the risk p>
“I choose to trust that more men here will protect her, just as you do p>
After all, certain Sentinels had uncovered Lyra’s power long before Hadrien himself.
Harlan lowered his gaze.
After a long silence, he spoke to Hadrien.
“You are the Administrator, yet you only recently took office. With pressure pouring down from above. your hands must be tied p>
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Chapter 80 The Federation’s Dark Underbelly
Finished
Beneath his visor, Hadrien’s lips tugged faintly upward.
“People shape their own fate. If we share the same goal, we will find a way through this storm p>
Once her lunch break arrived, Lyra went to visit Jessa again.
When she arrived, Jessa was talking with a young nurse.
Spotting Lyra in the doorway, Jessa waved her over at once.
“Come right in. I heard you were transferred back.
“It’s wonderful news. Now I don’t have to keep worrying about you being bullied there all by yourself p>
Lyra stepped inside. The young nurse gave her a polite smile and stepped out of the room.
She sat down beside Jessa. For all Jessa’s joy, Lyra could not bring herself to feel happy.
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Feral Sentinels Obey Only Her
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.