The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

"But you're not just anyone. You're Aster's parents," Wulfric said almost without hesitation, as though it were the most natural thing in the world, not even worth a second thought.

This response, something the other clearly hadn't even paused to consider, took Gage by surprise. He hadn't expected such a genuine reply, delivered so naturally. It sounded so sincere that, for a moment, Gage almost believed he meant it. No—maybe he truly did.

From what he had observed earlier, this guy wasn't exactly the thinking type. He was the kind who acted first and thought later—someone driven more by instinct and emotions than by logic or reason.

Honestly, Gage would have preferred if he were sly and scheming—it would make him easier to dislike. But this guy wore his emotions on his sleeve, and as much as Gage hated to admit it, judging whether his feelings for Aster were genuine would be as simple as talking to him. And Gage didn't like where that might lead.

So, before he had the chance to soften and decide this guy wasn't all that bad, Gage knew he needed to stick to his original plan and do what he'd intended from the start.

"Your Highness, how about a match?" he suggested with a smirk. "Sometimes, the best way for men to understand each other is by trading punches. Don't you agree?"

Wulfric had more or less expected Aster's father to, for lack of a better word, want to beat him up. But to actually suggest a match outright? That caught him off guard. He almost blurted out a refusal on instinct, but thankfully, he stopped himself just in time.

If he declined without a good reason, he'd definitely look bad in front of Aster's father—and he'd already shown enough of his foolish side to Aster's family since arriving on this planet. The last thing he wanted was to make a fool of himself again.

So, before answering, he took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry, Uncle. Yes, I know you don't want me to call you this, but there's really nothing else I could call you without being too disrespectful. Of course, Mr. Townsend is also a viable choice. But both Aster and Reas are Townsends as well. So, it would feel like I'm calling them that as well.

Which would be weird. And... Sorry, I'm rambling.

"The thing is, I can't fight you. With my physique, it's certain that I will win. And that's not me underestimating you, I'm simply stating a fact. So, if you really want to hit me, go ahead. I'll stand here and take it. No need to worry about any consequences—I'm giving you full permission.

Just let me know when you're ready."

"Why, how generous of you, Your Highness," Gage replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're not saying that just so you can play the victim in front of Aster later, are you? Then complain about how I beat you up unfairly?"

Wulfric wanted to deny that, but he couldn't. Because a part of him was really planning to do just that. He imagined how good it would be if Aster started to fuss over him. Being discovered by Aster's father like this both felt embarrassing and also filled him with guilt.

Seeing Wulfric's reaction, Gage let out a dry laugh. This guy. He wasn't sure whether to be annoyed or amused. It would have been easy for Wulfric to deny the accusation, to simply say, "No, that's not it." But instead, his face gave everything away. It was almost comical—just as Gage had said, amusing in its own way.

"Alright," Gage said, cracking his knuckles. "I'll come at you, but you don't have to just stand there. Dodge my attacks for ten minutes. Then—"

"I'm off the hook?" Wulfric cut in, his voice laced with hope.

Gage scoffed. "You wish. This is what you get for being interested in my son. Starting to regret it yet?"

"No! Even if you asked me to walk through fire, I wouldn't regret it for a second," Wulfric replied firmly.

"Alright, then. Let's get to it."

The moment Gage spoke, he didn't wait for Wulfric to respond. Without hesitation, he dashed forward, aiming his first strike.

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Gage moved swiftly, his fist cutting through the air toward Wulfric's face. Wulfric stepped back just in time, feeling the rush of air as Gage's punch missed by inches. Without pause, Gage followed up with a quick jab aimed at Wulfric's side. Wulfric twisted his body, dodging to the right, his feet light as he shifted his weight.

Gage pressed on, not letting Wulfric gain any distance. A heavy swing came toward Wulfric's shoulder, but he ducked low, the blow grazing the air above him. Wulfric straightened quickly, taking a few steps back, but Gage was relentless. He moved in again, aiming a sharp kick at Wulfric's legs. Wulfric hopped back, narrowly avoiding the sweep.

For a moment, Gage paused, then charged again, this time with a rapid series of punches. Wulfric leaned left, right, dodging each one with careful precision. His breathing was steady, eyes locked on Gage's movements. Gage threw a hard punch toward his chest, but Wulfric sidestepped at the last second.

Gage's attacks were fast and forceful, but Wulfric avoided each one with sharp, calculated movements, always keeping one step out of reach.

Gage realized Wulfric had adapted to his attacks, so he decided to change his approach. He threw a quick punch toward Wulfric's chest, fully expecting him to dodge. As predicted, Wulfric shifted to the side, but Gage was already one step ahead.

Instead of following through, Gage used the momentum to spin sharply on his heel. As Wulfric moved to what he thought was a safe position, Gage came around with a powerful backhand. Before Wulfric could react, Gage's fist had already connected cleanly with his cheek!

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