From Cannon Fodder to Star Conqueror

'Judas' thought he must be insane.

Otherwise, he wouldn't still be thinking about completing the mission after witnessing Amber's combat skills.

If he had to list someone he most wanted to kill right now, he would write down the codename 'Stinger.'

That guy's intel was clearly flawed.

Amber's abilities completely exceeded the level of a Grade-3 Psychic.

Whether it was taking down two powered suits in an instant or skillfully bypassing door security, none of it was something a recently graduated Federal Psychic Agent should be capable of.

But 'Judas' had no way out now.

If he refused the mission, 'Stinger' would definitely kill him.

And with that psycho's reputation, who knew what kind of torture he'd endure?

If he carried out the mission, there was still a chance he could get lucky and kill this psychic.

After all, Amber had just used up a lot of psychic energy. His combat ability shouldn't be at its peak anymore.

Amber's equipment was the Federal Psychic Agent's standard combat suit and light exoskeleton.

While it allowed optical invisibility and provided minor boosts to strength and speed, it sacrificed defensive capabilities.

Aside from soft body armor woven inside the suit, the lightweight gear offered minimal protection.

Even the vital areas could only withstand a few shots from small-caliber firearms.

Against the coilguns already standard among mobile infantry, this level of defense was meaningless.

Of course, 'Judas' also knew that Psychic Agents relied on their own energy shields for protection.

That's why these psychics dared to 'run naked' across bullet-riddled battlefields.

But Amber, despite his strength, wasn't at the level to cast a psychic shield yet.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to create an opening by cutting off power to defeat the powered suits earlier.

He could have just tanked the hits head-on with a shield.

Steadying his nerves, 'Judas' stuck the high-energy explosive to the terminal's back and set a 1-minute countdown.

When remote detonation isn't possible, setting a timer to allow evacuation is essential.

"All set! The explosives are armed with a 1-minute countdown. Hurry over here!"

As he spoke, 'Judas' bent his arm slightly, hiding the pistol at his waist, and aimed it at where Amber would appear.

Although not a combat specialist, 'Judas' was still trained in firearms.

At less than five meters, he was confident he could hit Amber with a point-blank shot.

Moreover, the pistol in his hand wasn't an ordinary firearm.

He had modified the standard-issue Federal sidearm, upgrading its propulsion system from gunpowder to electrothermal-chemical energy.

Though the magazine size was reduced from 12 rounds to just 2, the extra space allowed him to install a micro-plasma generator and a simplified pulse-shaping network.

With this extreme modification, its muzzle energy skyrocketed.

Paired with explosive rounds, 'Judas' was certain that a direct hit to Amber's torso would be lethal.

Even with a biologically enhanced body, psychic agents could only withstand a dozen shots at best—not outright immunity.

From a tactical standpoint, 'Judas' plan was viable.

Amber, without a psychic shield, couldn't survive the modified pistol's firepower.

Unfortunately, 'Judas' overlooked a crucial detail—Amber's reflexes were far beyond his league.

The moment Amber saw the gun, he instinctively launched a psychic blast.

The faint blue energy ball struck 'Judas' in the chest just as he pulled the trigger.

Bang!

'Judas' felt like he'd been hammered in the chest. He was knocked to the ground, losing his aim.

The valuable shot missed completely.

"Damn it!"

'Judas' cursed, once again witnessing the terrifying abilities of psychics.

But he wasn't ready to give up.

As a trained spy, he rolled to the side, aiming at Margaret, who hadn't reacted yet.

If he couldn't kill the psychic, he could still take out a regular person!

Boom!

Amber fired first.

At such close range, the 12-gauge shotgun blast shredded 'Judas' chest.

Blood and flesh splattered across the wall behind him.

Amber cautiously approached the downed traitor, shotgun raised.

Surprisingly, 'Judas' managed a faint smile.

With his dying breath, he forced out a single word through blood-frothed lips—

"Thanks…"

Then, his eyes closed, and the Imperial spy known as 'Judas' died.

Amber, codenamed 'Chick,' was left conflicted.

Margaret, who had narrowly avoided death, still hadn't processed what had happened.

She couldn't believe their trusted comrade had turned on them and been killed in an instant.

"W-what just happened?"

Margaret carefully asked.

Amber didn't answer. Instead, he tackled her to the ground.

Boom!!!

The timed explosives detonated, turning the central terminal into debris.

When the dust settled, Amber stood up, brushing off the ash.

He glanced at 'Judas' lifeless body and then asked Margaret,

"Do you know which unit he belonged to?"

Margaret hesitated but replied instinctively,

"He was field support from 'Star Dragon Fangs.' Why did he turn on us? Could he be a double agent for the Federation?"

"No, wait… If he was working for the Federation, why help plant and detonate the explosives?"

Before she could overthink further, Amber cut her off.

"If I remember correctly, 'Star Dragon Fangs' has already pledged loyalty to the Regent, right?"

(End of Chapter)