Chapter 27: Passing the Blame

"Principal Luo, we really did our best. The attacks didn't just happen here; the First Intermediate Academy and other locations were also hit. We came to assist as quickly as we could, and many of our brothers sacrificed their lives tonight."

"I don't care! You're all responsible, and I'm going to report every single one of you!" Principal Luo Ken snapped, his tone unreasonable.

Luo Ken wasn't deliberately trying to make things difficult for them; the overwhelming number of student casualties left him with no other choice. If he didn't shift the blame, the pressure from both higher-ups and the victims' families—many of whom were influential public officials or wealthy elites—would be impossible to bear.

Hearing this, Vice-Captain Sima sighed and said with resignation, "It seems you're determined to pin this on us no matter what, aren't you?"

Luo Ken's face turned beet red with anger. He pointed a trembling finger at Sima's mech. "You… you!"

At that moment, Captain Han Le stepped in, his voice stern as he reprimanded, "Sima, watch how you speak to Principal Luo. Apologize immediately!"

Though Luo Ken was merely a school principal, he held significant authority within District 13's education system. While not directly part of the same chain of command, his position was influential enough to warrant respect. Han Le didn't want Sima to risk a formal complaint or a disciplinary mark on his record.

"I apologize," Sima said reluctantly.

"Hmph! This isn't over!" Luo Ken huffed, though his tone softened slightly.

Su Ming, observing the scene from a distance, could only shake his head and sigh at the farcical display.

"Ridiculous. We risked our lives to save people, and instead of gratitude, we're being berated," Chen Tong muttered over the comms.

"Exactly. It's completely unfair," Ming Ke chimed in, clearly aggrieved.

"Enough, you two," Teacher Tang Yan interjected, steering his mech closer. "If someone reports you, you'll be in serious trouble. Let it go."

With Tang Yan's warning, the group fell silent.

Meanwhile, the guards on-site began the grim task of handling the aftermath. Corpses were carefully arranged in rows on the open ground of the field. At Han Le's signal, several Ironhead mechs wielding oversized flamethrowers moved in to incinerate the remains.

It wasn't out of disrespect for the deceased. Chirami parasites left infected bodies as ticking time bombs, and burning the remains was the only way to ensure safety.

Watching the flames consume the bodies of their peers, Su Ming and the others felt a mix of sorrow and helplessness.

Sobs broke out among the surviving students, their grief spilling over. Though they understood the necessity, the emotional weight was almost unbearable.

Near the principal, Tang Yan and other teachers approached Luo Ken with heavy hearts.

"Principal, what are our next steps?"

"What else can we do? We wait for instructions from above. For now, calm the students and ensure everyone stays put," Luo Ken replied irritably.

"Understood." Tang Yan and the others nodded solemnly before dispersing.

Time dragged on until morning.

When Luo Ken's phone buzzed with an incoming message, he read it carefully before addressing the gathered students through a loudspeaker.

"Everyone, may I have your attention!"

The students, many of whom were resting or in shock, turned their weary eyes to him.

Clearing his throat, Luo Ken announced, "Dear students, I am deeply pained by what has transpired. My heart aches for the losses we've suffered."

He paused dramatically, then continued, "I've just received an update. The source of this Chirami outbreak was in the Lower District. Because our academy is close to the Lower District, we were caught in the crossfire. However, most areas of the Upper District, including your homes, remain safe. We've arranged transportation to take you back home to rest."

"Finally! We can go home!"

"Thank goodness!"

Cheers erupted among the students, their relief palpable.

Meanwhile, Han Le approached Su Ming and his group, his Ironwing mech looming over them. "It's time to return the weapons."

"Understood," Su Ming said as he handed over the heavy weapon to one of Han Le's subordinates.

Han Le saluted them respectfully before returning to his duties.

The four of them then carefully disembarked from their mechs. As Su Ming climbed out, he noticed Lin Chuyu looking at him. She offered a warm, approving smile and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Hey, Su Ming, did you see that? Lin Chuyu just greeted us!" Ming Ke said excitedly.

"Yeah, I saw," Su Ming replied with a nod in her direction.

Hours later, a luxury bus pulled up at the gates of the Deep Blue Villa District. Su Ming stepped off, empty-handed.

Though the Chirami crisis had been contained, their persistence and ability to hide meant the school would remain closed for thorough inspections. Every nook, cranny, and underground pipe would need to be scoured for potential threats—a massive undertaking. As a result, all students had been sent home to continue their studies remotely.

To make matters worse, they weren't even allowed to retrieve their textbooks; the school promised to deliver them later.

Walking toward his house, Su Ming sighed. "I can't believe school closed after just a few days… and the city exams are still happening as scheduled. This is going to be a nightmare."

Reaching his front gate, Su Ming stopped abruptly, stunned.

The house was under heavy surveillance. Three armored transport vehicles were parked outside, and the yard was filled with guards in tactical gear as well as stern-looking inspectors in black suits with striped lapels.

Inside the yard, Su Yuan looked utterly defeated as he was escorted into one of the armored vehicles. Standing at the doorway, Zhao Ning watched tearfully.

"Move out!" a cold-voiced man with sharp features ordered.

The guards and inspectors swiftly boarded the vehicles and drove away.

Su Ming watched his father being taken, his brow furrowing deeply. First the school, now this. Trouble was coming from all sides.

He walked into the yard, approaching Zhao Ning, who was wiping her tears.

When she saw Su Ming, she cried out in relief, rushing over to hold his hand and inspect him.

"You're back! Thank goodness. Are you hurt? You look so beaten up!"

"I'm fine, Mom. Just some scrapes from a f

all. But what happened to Dad? Why did they take him?" Su Ming asked, his tone filled with concern.