Heroic Death System Chapter 7-8

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Chapter 7: I Only Need 72 Hours To Fall In Love With You (VII)

Shang Ke leaned against his pillow, staring at the holographic screen before him. The founding of the state ceremony was being broadcast.

There was a vast, lively crowd bustling in the plaza. Ravel sat in a shuttle car that was slowly traveling on the planned route. Guards in a naval escort formation flanked him on both sides. They fired gun salutes into the sky, which burst into colorful flowers in an unprecedentedly majestic scene.

Shang Ke felt that, if a man were to be as accomplished as Ravel, then his life was truly worth living. As the King of a new empire, with the ma.s.ses below him, he was truly number one in the world.

"Sire Ravel, no, he should be called 'His Majesty' now. His Majesty is really too cool!" The big sister nurse praised him with stars in her eyes.

Shang Ke nodded his head to express his agreement. He reluctantly admitted that Ravel looked two-thirds cool.

Ravel ascended onto the tall platform and started to give his speech. His appearance was grave, and his eyes firm. The strictness of a soldier and the elegance of a n.o.ble mixed and gave him a unique charm, causing reverence to be born in people's hearts.

When he loudly declared the termination of Cruise's regime and establishment of the new empire, everyone started to cheer. They cried, laughed, and hugged each other, feeling all sorts of complicated emotions.

Shang Ke wasn't someone of this world, so he hadn't experienced Cruise's regime of darkness and brutality. However, after seeing their sincerely happy expressions, he also felt rather moved.

In fact, being treated like a hero felt pretty good. Although he could only be regarded as a "false" hero, he truly did suffer though torture. So, for better or worse, even though he didn't contribute anything, he had still worked hard. Shang Ke felt as though he could also "rejoice and celebrate with everyone" for a bit.

At this moment, Ravel suddenly raised his head with a burning gaze. It seemed as though he could see through the screen to somewhere.

"Ah!" The big sister nurse let out a low scream, and was especially moved as she said to him, "Young Master Cage, His Majesty must be looking at you!"

Can you not joke around? He was obviously using a conquering-the-world gaze.

When the big sister nurse saw that he didn't react, she suddenly grew nervous and walked to his side, carefully inspecting the instrument's data and asking, "Young Master Cage, how do you feel? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"

Shang Ke confusedly looked at her, not understanding why she was so nervous. Wasn't he just fine? If he had a problem, then he would have long since "beautified". (The magical Perfect Expression Pack, will let you become more and more beautiful~~)[1]

TL Note: Beautified is a pun, the pinyin is the same as being gone, so he's joking about dying.

When the nurse realized that nothing was wrong, she released the breath she was holding and told him, "His Majesty specifically reminded me to always be mindful of your condition. He was worried that something unexpected would happen while you were watching the ceremony."

Exactly what unexpected thing could happen? Was Ravel afraid that he would die from being overly excited? Don't worry, he still had another three days to live.

The ceremony lasted three hours. Even after Ravel left, the crowd in the plaza did not scatter.

Shang Ke was just about to change channels when he got a phone call from Ravel. Looking at the time, that guy should be quite busy at this time, and yet he still didn't forget to call him. He was really a considerate friend.[3]

"Did you watch the ceremony?" Ravel asked.

Shang Ke nodded.

"Are you happy?"

Of course. Shang Ke continued to nod.

"There's also a banquet this afternoon. I was going to bring you there to attend it, but I'm worried about your body." Ravel carefully inspected Shang Ke through the screen, and felt relieved after confirming that he was actually fine.

In truth, Shang Ke really wanted to go to the banquet and see the world. This was the country's banquet! He was finally close friends with a monarch, and it was likely he wouldn't have such an opportunity again.

Ravel looked at his shining eyes, and his body's cold aura weakened.

"Your Majesty, everyone is waiting for you." Kahn's voice could be heard from Ravel's side.

Ravel returned to his senses and told Shang Ke, "Rest well and wait for me to return."

The call ended and the big sister nurse helped Shang Ke fix his blanket, teasing him with a smile, "His Majesty said it, so you need to rest well. You can't disobey his order."

Shang Ke curled his lips, thinking, Don't think I don't know that you are an informer he placed by my side, a crafty person, a spy![2]

After he silently roasted her a little, Shang Ke closed his eyes and obediently went to sleep. After all, who could hope for a half paralyzed man to jump around?

That night, Ravel pushed aside all other social niceties and directly returned to the hospital, without even changing out of his clothes.

As he walked to the room's door, he slowed his steps and lightly pushed open the door. When he saw the fast asleep Shang Ke, his pupils contracted slightly.

He walked to the hospital bed and scrutinized what was shown on the instrument. He then slowly sat down, holding Shang Ke's hand and feeling his temperature. It was only then that he finally relaxed.

Thank you for continuing to live.

The next morning, Shang Ke heard a voice through the door in his muddled conscious state. Ravel seemed to be speaking to someone, but his tone was very cold.

"Quickly find out where the news came from!" A trace of killing intent flashed through Ravel's eyes as he continued, "It not only calls my authority into question, but it also is an insult towards Cage."

Kahn frowned and said, "I've already found people to carefully checked the images and videos. They really aren't counterfeit, but…"

"I will only believe in the Cage I have seen. No matter whether they are true or false, they will not influence my judgement of him." Ravel stared sharply at Kahn.

"This subordinate understands." Kahn's expression also cooled, and he left with a bow.

When Ravel walked back into the room, he didn't know when the boy had woken up, but he was sitting upright and staring at him.

"You heard it?" Ravel walked to his side and sat down.

Shang Ke nodded, using his eyes to ask, What happened?

Ravel remained silent for a moment, before reaching out to open a virtual screen

There were a large amount of images and videos displayed, with all kinds of excellent writing to explain them. All of the content had something to do with him. To be precise, it had something to do with the original master of his body-Cage.

He had no choice but to admit that this Young Master Cage's life had been very lively. He had mixed himself with the dark crowds before, partic.i.p.ated in gang fights, chased after beauties, made a fool of himself, bullied the small and weak… When he resided in Taima Planet, he had been unable to do as he pleased, and could only play some games that were frowned upon.

From Shang Ke's perspective, Cage was a chuuni youngster who lacked love. It wasn't a big deal, but he just had to become a publically known hero. As a public figure, any small mistake would be greatly magnified. Furthermore, Cage's character really wasn't that good, and he had previously offended many people. After his past was exposed to the public, it immediately drew widespread condemnation and criticism. A lot of people felt as though they had been lied to.

【Fck, Cage is such a person? Reality is too different!】

【And I had even made him my idol. Should call him "i-dol" now. (He used the same pinyin sound, but this one means "vomit-like"】

【Even this kind of person can be called a "hero"? He's simply the shame of heroes.】

【All the words above are too vulgar. Cage is now seriously injured in bed, and doesn't have long to live. Can't you guys leave some things unsaid?】

【Not long to live? Remember how ten days ago the doctor said that he won't live past two days. But isn't he still alive and well now?】

【I saw Cage's diagnosis report, with those kinds of injuries, the average person really wouldn't live past two days.】

【Hehe, don't you guys think that this is quite suspicious? Cage might just be trying to win sympathizers, and is using that report as a reason to erase his past stains. In fact, his injuries might not be as serious as it was reported.】

【d.a.m.n, if that is true, then why don't they explain Cage's black history!】

【What he said.】

Ravel observed Cage's expression the entire time, worried that his mood might plummet and his injuries would act up again. However, he didn't expect that, not only did Cage not get angry, but he remained very calm and tranquil.

That was right, this was the "Cage" he was familiar with. When facing the enemy's torment, he had not yielded or begged for mercy. When facing the people's criticism, he was neither submissive nor arrogant. A person's outer appearance could lie to others, but not their eyes. Cage's eyes did not hold any darkness, and were only full of light.

Even Ravel felt that all of the online remarks were unbearable, and yet this boy remained completely calm. Just this temperament was enough for him to completely defend him.

Sometimes, words are even more frightening than a blade. Just saying a few irresponsible things could completely hurt people. Because of this, Ravel began to despise those who started rumors and created trouble.

"Don't worry, and leave this matter to me. I will not allow you to be wronged," Ravel pledged to him.

It was all right, he didn't mind it at all.

Shang Ke was just about to give him a rea.s.suring smile when the System's voice sudden appeared in his mind, 【Additional Mission: In two days, Ravel will encounter a sniper. The Host is requested to protect him at all costs.】

How was a disabled person like him supposed to protect Ravel?

【System detects that, with the Host's current condition of muscle atrophy, poisoned state, necropsied internal organs, and newly-healing bones, you have at least three seconds of time to stand. Please use these valuable three seconds strategically and heroically challenge death.】

System, be honest, is Ravel your son? This is playing around with a life to protect him, but the life being played is his own!

【If this mission is completed and the Host does not die, System will present you with another 15 days of detained time.】

Shang Ke thought, Hehe, thank you, but there's no need!

However, in just a few hours, the gossip's source had been found. Although they did not catch the person, they had a close relationship with Gabriel. As long as they interrogated Gabriel a little, they would be able to find their trail.

Gabriel hadn't managed to recovered yet from being tortured. His entire person was like a bird startled by the mere tw.a.n.g of a bow, and whatever one asked, he would answer. He was so obedient that he couldn't be any more obedient.

The information that was announced online had completely exposed Cage's black history, from the ages of fourteen to twenty-one. It was clear that Gabriel had been planning this for a long time.

If Cage hadn't returned to Dragon Fang Planet earlier, and had waited until the rebellion prevailed and the situation steadied before returning, then Gabriel could have been able to exploit the information in order to control public opinion. He could then use the opportunity to fight for and obtain the rights to the family inheritance. His thinking could be easily seen through.

Ravel originally was not planning to execute Gabriel, but the other shouldn't have repeatedly touched his bottom line!

"Your Majesty, all of the online information has been wiped clean. But…" Kahn hesitated before continuing, "Public opinion is very unfavorable toward Cage right now. They wish for the government to give them an explanation, and for Cage to personally appear and clarify the situation."

"To personally appear and explain? Do they really think that Cage's condition is fake?" Doctor Banny could no longer restrain his anger.

Ravel's eyes also contained his repressed rage.

"Your Majesty." Banny looked at Ravel, his tone full of grief, "Cage, he, he is really about to die."

Ravel looked downwards, his fist tightly clenched.

"I wish for Cage to go peacefully, so don't allow him to die with his name smeared." Banny gave a deep sigh before turning and leaving.

The people who genuinely interacted with him knew that he was truly a strong and gentle child. Regardless of his past, the current him was worthy of everyone's respect and adoration.

Footnotes:

[1]Beautified is a pun, the pinyin is the same as being gone, so he's joking about dying.

[2]That's also a pun, crafty person also means spy. So he's repeated himself using different terms…

[3]This friend is specifically meant for friends of the same s.e.x, it's sometimes also called gay partner.

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Chapter 8: I Only Need 72 Hours To Fall In Love With You (VIII)

As the arguing online became increasingly intense, the number of requests for Cage to personally appear also increased.

Ravel blocked this information so as not to trouble Cage.

"We are going to conduct a heroes memorial service at the cemetery tomorrow, where I will personally clear your name."

Tomorrow? Wasn't tomorrow the day that Ravel was going to be sniped?

Brother, if you want to live, then take me along! Shang Ke placed his hand on Ravel's arm, eyes full of expectation as he looked at him.

"You want to go?" Ravel stared at his shining eyes.

Shang Ke very seriously nodded his head.

"You can't. There will be a lot of people at the memorial service, and I'm afraid something unexpected will happen." The moment Ravel finished speaking, he saw Cage's eyes becoming even brighter, a light roaming within them like rippling green jade.

The one that will have an unexpected situation is you! Brother, if you don't bring me along, you'll regret it!

Shang Ke continued to stare at Ravel with starry eyes.

Ravel faced him for two minutes before relenting. "Alright, I'll have Kahn strengthen the defenses."

Shang Ke immediately beamed with joy, and his platinum golden hair slightly stuck up as if every strand also carried his delight, full of sunshine.

Ravel couldn't endure it and rubbed his head. The feeling was really good, so comfortably warm, so he rubbed a few more times…

The reason why Ravel agreed to allow Shang Ke to partic.i.p.ate was one, to respond to the public's questions,. Two, because the memorial service at the cemetery would be solemn and respectful. Although there would be a lot of people, things would be in perfect order. And the third reason was because among the departed, the most important one was Cage's father, General Utrecht.

Ravel walked out of the room, but returned after four to five minutes, picking Shang Ke up.

Eh? Where are we going?

"I asked Doctor Banny, and he said you can take a bath." Ravel carried Shang Ke to the bathroom off to the side and explained, "It's alright as long as you take one carefully and don't open any wounds."

The bandages on Shang Ke's body had already been taken off. After the treatment, his bones had healed pretty well, but because of his atrophied muscles, his hands and feet were still unable to work.

Ravel gently placed him down on a warm jade recliner, before helping him to take off his clothes.

During this timeframe, Ravel had frequently taken care of him personally. Shang Ke had already been naked in front of him so many time, so he was able to keep calm. Although this was the first time that Ravel was helping him bathe, what part of him had he not already seen?

Ravel looked at his emaciated body and the numerous injuries covering his deathly pale skin. He looked so weak that it seemed like a light touch could smash him into pieces. Only the Flaming Red Sky Flower on his chest was still gorgeous, like blood.

This boy greeted people everyday with a smile, in great spirits. But who would have thought that there was this kind of broken body under his clothes?

The outside world called his condition into question, but it was only because they hadn't seen his true appearance.

Ravel adjusted the water temperature and began to carefully wash Shang Ke's hair and body.

As his fingers slowly stroked his skin, Ravel's eyes gradually grew darker.

He wanted this man, his eyes, his lips, his tattoo, his injuries…everything, he wanted it all.

This was the first time such an intense feeling arose in him, like raging flames, almost wanting to burn this boy into ashes. However, he could not do anything. He didn't dare to do anything more, afraid that he would injure him if he became careless.

Shang Ke seemed to sense something, and he turned to look at Ravel.

Ravel moved his line of sight, deeply hiding his thoughts in his mind.

After he finished washing Cage, Ravel took a bath towel to carefully wrap him up. Like he was picking up a large worm, he placed the boy back onto the hospital bed and helped him into his clothes.

"Take a good rest. The memorial service will start at nine tomorrow, but preparations will start at eight."

The next day, Ravel wore a black ceremonial robe, appearing dignified and solemn. Despite his grave expression, he was still extremely handsome.

Ravel personally helped Shang Ke put on his ceremonial robe. The pattern on his was the same as his.

The moment Shang Ke put on the ceremonial robe, he turned from a lazy house cat into a dainty leopard.

As his personal doctor, Danny always felt this boy was very magical. His body was obviously utterly broken, and yet he was still able to burst out such great vitality. Looking at his lively appearance, just who would believe that this was actually a checkmated man?

Banny then looked at Ravel, who was helping Shang Ke b.u.t.ton up his collar. He thought to himself that if this boy could survive, then he will inevitably become the new Chen Empire's Queen. With how much importance Ravel attached to him, even if they were both men, he would still unhesitatingly  keep him by his side.

But it was a pity…

With a squad of guards surrounding them, a party of people climbed into the shuttle car, majestically leaving for the cemetery.

For the mourning ceremony, half of the capital's generals had shown up, along with some media reporters and normal citizens.

When Ravel appeared pushing Shang Ke, the reporters quickly took out their cameras, recording the entire event. They did not make a ruckus, but stayed outside of the guard circle, quickly filming. After the ceremony ends, there would also be a reporter meeting, so they were not anxious at all.

The majority of the people's gazes were on Shang Ke. When they saw his clear eyes and lively vigor, the suspicion in their hearts grew.

The ceremony started with Ravel giving a speech, and following that was the royal family's Master of Ceremonies taking charge. Within the quiet cemetery, thousands of solemn people stood, concentrating on listening to the Master of Ceremonies' low and respectful tone slowly reading out the memorial list and the names of all the casualties.

There were countless people online, watching the ceremony being live broadcasted.

The people in the ceremony all stood, and only Shang Ke remained seat, becoming especially eye-catching. Countless people online started to mock and ridicule him, saying how bright and neat he looked, and yet he remained in his wheelchair. He really was lucky. Looking at his appearance, he completely did not look like a "grave patient." His four limbs were obviously sound, so he should be able to stand on crutches for a few minutes!

He was so strong-willed under torture, so why was he suddenly delicate again?

The Master of Ceremonies ended his memorial speech, and everyone began to offer flowers.

Shang Ke felt his breathing becoming weaker and weaker, but he still kept his spirits up in order to be mindful of the surrounding situation. The time he had before he left the world was roughly a few more hours. The person that would snipe Ravel could appear at any moment.

"Cage, come with me to offer flowers, alright?" Ravel said in a soft voice by his ear.

Shang Ke nodded his head and had Ravel push him to the heroes gravestone.

The other people were separated into two rows, saluting them.

When they arrived in front of the monument, Ravel was just about to support Shang Ke when he saw him already supporting himself on the handrail, using great effort to stand up. Ravel extended his hand to help him stand firmly, and then the two placed the flowers on the gravestone.

This scene was carefully recorded on tape, one day becoming an extremely valuable remembrance scene.

After they finished offering flowers, Ravel helped Shang Ke walked down. Just at this moment, Shang Ke saw a flash of light from the crowd. Immediately following that, he heard a guard shout, "Your Majesty, watch out!"

Ravel had not reacted when he saw a thin and weak person throw himself in front of his body, his platinum gold hair sliding past his lower jaw.

Ravel's pupils shrank, immediately holding the boy that fell softly into his embrace. But the moment his hand touched the body, he felt a piercing chill. In the next second, the top half of the boy's clothing had shattered into ice, sprinkling onto the ground.

"Your Majesty, quickly put Cage down! That's ice devil!" Banny's worried voice transmitted into Ravel's ear, causing his numb mind to finally work.

Ravel placed Cage onto the ground, his body freezing into ice at an extremely fast speed. However, the corner of his mouth was still smiling, and his eyes were still as gentle as before. His gorgeous expression would be forever frozen within the ice.

The guards quickly caught the a.s.sa.s.sin, but could only hear him aggressively shouting, "Ravel, just you wait! We will return one day. Cruise's legacy will last forever!"

An uproar erupted from all around, but everyone was stopped by the guards outside.

Ravel did not pay attention to the noises outside, and his eyes only contained the boy on the ground.

Ice devil was a special kind of biological weapon, and was capable of freezing the target in a moment. It was just that the production cost was extremely high, and it was very rare. It's biggest advantage was being easily concealed, since the dangerous item monitor was unable to detect it.

Banny walked to Shang Ke's side, and took out an instrument to begin saving him.

The bodies of people who were hit by ice devil would freeze in a short time. As long as the person was rescued and given medical treatment in time, they still had a change of living. The only thing had to take note of was that the body must be whole. The objects that ice devil hit would become very weak, and just a bit of strength could break them. For example, Shang Ke's clothes had turned into ice shards just now under Ravel's hands.

"Why are you still not doing anything?" Ravel watched Banny raise his instrument for a long time, not moving. His eyes emitted two rays of cold light.

Banny slowly placed down the instrument and quietly told him, "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. He is already gone."

"He had not been frozen for even two minutes!" Ravel coldly stared at him.

"Your Majesty, Cage's internal organs had already necrotized. For him to live until today was because of his will." Banny shook his head and continued, "He cannot endure the pressure from being melted. So long as I try, his body's organs will all immediately turn into watery blood."

Ravel's breathing froze, his eyes landing on the boy. Everything before him gradually turned dark, and the last thing that remained was that colorful red flower on his chest, like blood had condensed in his pupils.

The thousands of people at the scene, along with those watching the live broadcast, all saw the unforeseen event for themselves. Cage took a fatal hit for Ravel with his weak body. At the moment, his clothes had shredded, exposing the boy's naked upper body before everyone's eyes.

The dried up, match-like body, withered muscles, and body covered in injuries caused all to fall silent.

With the current level of medical treatment, ordinary injuries wouldn't even leave a scar behind. However, Cage's injuries had not healed, even in the dozens of days. They were clearly in a dangerous state, showing that his body's physiological functions had already lost all energy. His cells were unable to repair themselves, so no matter how they treated him, his condition would only continue to worsen.

Everyone only knew his bitterness during the torture, and they did not know that he was still tormented even after the torture. And they had even pitilessly and ignorantly called him into question, calling into question the boy who didn't have a single place that wasn't injured. What qualifications did they have to insult him, to insult such a brave person?

No wonder he sat in the wheelchair from beginning to end. It wasn't that he didn't respect the dead, but because his muscles had seriously declined, and he simply had no strength to walk. But even so, when they were going to offer flowers, he still bore the pain and stood up.

When he threw himself in front of Ravel's body, he had not hesitated, and he did not regret, because the final expression frozen on his face was a smile, a fearless smile, an incomparably calm smile.

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