Timeless Assassin

Chapter 1140: Confrontation

(Planet Drexel, Commander Micky James’ Office, Mairon’s POV)

Mairon stormed into Commander Micky James’ office with fury written clearly across his face, as the atmosphere around him already felt dangerously unstable before he even spoke a word.

Despite being buried beneath stacks of reports and ongoing military logistics, Commander James was forced to stop everything immediately once Mairon entered the room in that state.

"What happened now?" Commander James asked, as he leaned forward slightly in his chair while observing the young Lieutenant carefully.

Mairon wasted no time explaining.

He narrated the same incident his Captain had reported earlier, however the way he spoke about it made the situation sound far uglier and far more personal.

With every sentence, his anger rose higher.

The veins around his neck and forearms became increasingly visible, as fury seeped deeper into his tone while his fists clenched harder after every few words.

By the time he finished explaining the ambush, even Commander James could feel the rage radiating off him like heat from a furnace.

*Sigh*

Commander James exhaled softly afterward, sympathy flickering briefly across his expression before his gaze hardened with responsibility once more.

"Lieutenant, my deepest condolences for your loss," Commander James said calmly, as his voice carried genuine sincerity despite the difficult conversation ahead.

"I understand exactly where your anger is coming from, however what you are proposing is neither practical nor acceptable under Cult military law."

Mairon’s jaw tightened listening to that response.

"You are authorized to investigate this matter thoroughly and identify the individuals directly responsible for orchestrating the ambush," Commander James continued, his tone remaining firm yet measured.

"And once those culprits are identified with certainty, you may punish them however you deem appropriate within operational boundaries."

His eyes narrowed slightly afterward.

"However, I will not authorize widespread torture, forced interrogations, or collective punishment against civilians simply because you are angry."

Mairon’s expression darkened further.

"For those uninvolved in the attack, punishment would be unjustified," Commander James said, as his tone sharpened while he spoke with greater conviction.

"Your father was extremely clear regarding the standards and morals we are expected to uphold as soldiers of the Cult."

"Yes, rebellion cannot be tolerated."

"Yes, law and order must be maintained."

"But innocent civilians cannot suffer for the crimes committed by a handful of extremists."

Commander James folded his hands together afterward.

"We are soldiers, Lieutenant."

"We are not tyrants."

"We do not abuse power simply because we possess it."

For a brief moment, silence settled across the office.

Then—

"Morals?" Mairon repeated slowly, as though the word itself irritated him.

Commander James nodded immediately.

"Yes, morals."

Mairon let out a cold laugh afterward.

"Hah..."

"Our morals should be simple then," Mairon replied, his eyes growing colder with every passing second.

"Reward allies."

"Punish enemies."

His voice lowered further afterward.

"You think those attackers escaped because innocent civilians had nothing to do with it?"

Mairon stepped forward slightly.

"They are hiding somewhere inside this city right now.... while relatives, neighbors, and sympathizers cover for them like heroes protecting freedom fighters."

His breathing grew heavier.

"My Captain knocks on doors asking questions, and these people look at us with disgust written all over their faces."

"They spit near our boots."

"They curse us under their breath."

"They pray every night for the Ru Clan to return with reinforcements and butcher us."

Commander James remained silent while listening.

"They are not OUR people, Commander," Mairon continued, as frustration bled openly into his voice now.

"We liberated this planet from the Ru Clan, we are stabilizing their infrastructure and bringing new technology to their world that will improve their quality of life significantly...."

"And still they hate us down to their bones."

His fists tightened again.

"I never went out of my way to make their lives miserable before today."

"But now one of my own men is dead."

"And I refuse to take that lying down."

Mairon’s eyes locked directly onto Commander James afterward.

"You either approve this operation..."

"...or I proceed without your approval."

The room fell silent instantly after those words.

"Because this is the kind of man I intend to become," Mairon said, his tone steady despite the anger burning underneath it.

"When my soldiers follow my orders and step onto dangerous streets under my command, they trust that if something goes wrong, their Lieutenant will come for them."

"And if he cannot save them..."

"...then he will damn sure avenge them."

Commander James stared at him quietly afterward before slowly rising from his seat, his expression turning significantly more serious than before.

*Grab*

His hand lowered toward the weapon hanging beside his waist.

Mairon immediately noticed the motion, however instead of retreating, he straightened further and met the Commander’s gaze directly without fear.

"Just because you are the Cult Master’s son does not mean I will allow you to run wild under my command," Commander James said firmly.

"You are still a Lieutenant serving beneath me, and your actions reflect directly upon this military administration."

His gaze sharpened afterward.

"So do not threaten me again by saying you will do whatever you please."

"I already told you that you may punish those responsible."

"But innocent civilians remain off limits."

Commander James’ tone hardened fully afterward.

"Follow my directive."

"Or face disciplinary punishment."

"This is not a negotiation."

Mairon remained silent for several seconds after hearing that response.

Then slowly—

"I have nothing but respect for you, Commander," he replied calmly, though the dangerous conviction behind his words only deepened.

"But this is where you are mistaken."

His eyes never wavered.

"I am going to do this my way."

"Not because I simply want to..."

"...but because I genuinely believe I must."

The atmosphere inside the office became increasingly tense afterward.

"My sense of justice is absolute in this regard, Commander," Mairon continued, his voice steady despite the fury still boiling beneath it.

"And the promises I make to my men are promises I fully intend to keep no matter the consequences."

He stepped forward one final time.

"So I will find those culprits my way, whether you approve of it or not."

His gaze sharpened dangerously afterward.

"And if you intend to stop me..."

"...then we should probably settle this on the training grounds right now."

Commander James’ eyes narrowed instantly.

"I am not afraid of you, Commander," Mairon finished, his voice calm enough to become genuinely unsettling.

"But if you stand between me and my justice..."

"...then yes."

"I will fight you too."

Mairon announced, as the tension within the room reached its peak at that declaration.