NCCnovel Chapter 270 The Psionicist "Aria"
Chapter 270 The Psionicist "Aria"
Because Russell single-handedly defeated Iron Warrior, the captain was able to save the cargo, which allowed them to sell it for a good price on this prosperous planet. The captain was very grateful to Russell, who not only gave him a large sum of money but also offered to take him to a tavern for a good drink.
On this bustling planet, neon lights shimmer in the night sky, and the streets teem with people, their noise rising and falling. This is one of the most famous trading centers in the galaxy, where merchants and adventurers from all over the world gather in search of wealth and opportunity.
The crew of "Starwing" walked down the street, their faces beaming with the joy of victory. They had just sold their cargo for a good price, and the captain had generously distributed a large reward to each of them. Russell walked at the back of the group, his tall figure standing out conspicuously in the crowd. His gaze remained stern, but the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, as if he had also developed a slight interest in this bustling city.
"Russell, tonight we're drinking until we drop!" Captain Marcus patted Russell on the shoulder, his voice tinged with excitement. He led his crew into a luxurious tavern, its sign flashing neon lights that read "Dream of the Stars."
Inside the tavern, the music was deafening, and all sorts of people were reveling. The moment Russell entered, he immediately drew everyone's attention. He was over 2.2 meters tall, weighed nearly 600 pounds, and his muscles were bulging, making him look like a moving mountain. His taciturn nature and the enormous Bloodthirsty entrenching tool he wielded further deterred anyone from approaching him.
"Who is that big guy?" a customer asked in a low voice, a hint of awe in his eyes.
“I heard he’s the guardian of the ‘Star Wings’,” another patron whispered. “He single-handedly took down the Red Pirate’s Iron Warrior.”
Whispers rose and fell in the tavern, but Russell paid them no heed. He followed Captain Marcus to the bar and ordered the strongest drink. The bartender carefully handed him a glass of amber liquid, which Russell downed in one gulp, a burning sensation shooting through his throat.
“Good wine!” Russell’s voice was deep and powerful, like the growl of a beast.
Captain Marcus laughed and raised his glass: "To victory! To Russell!"
The crew raised their glasses, cheers echoing through the tavern. Russell's lips curled into a slight smile, a rare hint of relief in his eyes. He knew this was a moment of relaxation they deserved.
The atmosphere in the tavern gradually heated up, and the crew began to revel. The Katachon warriors and several crew members danced on the dance floor, while the psionicist sat in a corner, quietly sipping a glass of red wine. Russell remained at the bar, drinking one glass after another, as if trying to swallow all his stress and pain with the alcohol.
“Russell,” Captain Marcus approached him, his voice tinged with concern, “Are you alright?”
Russell nodded, a complex look flashing in his eyes: "I'm fine. Just... a little tired."
Captain Marcus patted him on the shoulder, his voice tinged with understanding: "You did a great job, Russell. We're all proud of you."
Russell didn't answer, but simply raised his glass and downed it in one gulp. His gaze pierced through the glass, taking in the din and excitement of the tavern. He knew this moment wouldn't last long, but he still cherished every single second.
The music in the pub was still deafening, and Russell stood alone behind the bar, looking particularly lonely. But his heart was calmer than ever before.
…………
In a corner of the tavern, the psionicist gently swirled the red wine in her glass, her gaze never leaving Russell. Her name was Arya, the most mysterious being on the "Wings of the Stars." Her face was exquisitely beautiful, her eyes like the deep starry sky, and a psionic aura shimmered around her, as if draping her in a veil of mystery.
Arya rose and gracefully walked to the bar. Her steps were light, as if she were floating in mid-air. She walked to Russell's side, gently set down her glass, and said in a voice as melodious as a clear spring, "Russell, can I talk to you?"
Russell looked up, glanced at her coldly, nodded, but said nothing.
Arya smiled slightly and sat down in the chair next to him. "My name is Arya, and I'm a psionicist on the ship. You may have noticed that I'm quite interested in you."
Russell remained silent, but picked up his glass and drank it all in one gulp.
Arya, unfazed by his coldness, continued, "Your power is peculiar, that golden psionic energy... I've never seen anything like it before. You are an enigma, Russell. A powerful and lonely enigma."
Russell's eyes flickered slightly, but he still didn't answer. His fingers tapped lightly on the bar, as if he were thinking about something.
Arya took a small sip of red wine, a profound look in her eyes: "I know you carry a heavy burden, Russell. Your past, your pain... I feel it all. But you don't have to bear it alone. Perhaps, I can help you."
Russell finally spoke, his voice low and cold: "I don't need help."
Arya's smile remained gentle: "Everyone needs help, Russell. Even a strong person like you."
Russell didn't answer, but just stared at her coldly. His gaze held a hint of wariness, as if he were on guard against something.
Arya didn't back down; her gaze held a resolute glint. "I know you don't trust me, but time will tell. I just want you to know that you're not alone."
Russell was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Thank you."
Arya's smile widened as she raised her glass: "To a new beginning."
Russell did not raise his glass, but simply nodded slightly, though a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.
The music in the pub was still deafening, and Russell stood alone behind the bar, looking particularly lonely. But Arya's presence seemed to bring him a touch of warmth. She knew that Russell's inner world was far more complex than his outward appearance suggested, and she was willing to take the time to understand him.