Chapter 344: Old Acquaintances (Five-in-One)
by SunflowerIn the starry sky, Su Ming looked at the Star Radiance Fortress in the distance and said with a deep frown.
“No, General, we won’t make it!”
“Take hold!”
Vice Army Commander Nowis controlled the Silver Executioner and extended his hands, crossed, towards Su Ming.
Su Ming decisively controlled the Slayer Mecha to cross its hands and grab on.
Then, Vice Army Commander Nowis solemnly said to Su Ming,
“Are you ready?”
“Ready!”
“Full power!”
“Understood!”
Both Mechas exerted force simultaneously, spewing terrifying flame trails, and their speed skyrocketed as they charged towards the Star Radiance Fortress.
At this moment, Su Ming also showed a hint of surprise on his face; he felt a very strong acceleration. The Pseudo V-generation Mecha’s power was so strong!
Inside the Star Radiance Fortress Central Control Room.
The Operator shouted excitedly,
“General, Vice Army Commander Nowis and Major Su Ming have accelerated! It looks like there’s hope!”
Major General Qiong En’s heart immediately rose to his throat upon hearing this. He stared intently at the optical device and anxiously shouted,
“Faster, faster!”
Inside the Destroyer · Resentment Central Control Room.
“Commander Hodeska, they’re getting away!”
Teddyra looked at the Star Radiance Fortress about to disappear into Subspace and said with extreme urgency.
Commander Hodeska’s eyes were bloodshot, and he furiously gave the order.
“Attack them!”
Sercee reported to Hodeska with great difficulty,
“Lord Hodeska, we haven’t entered effective range yet. And the main cannon’s charge is insufficient; it’s only forty-eight percent!”
“No matter, lock onto the Star Radiance Fortress and fire! Leave it to me!”
Hodeska went all out; he couldn’t afford to care about so much now.
“Yes!”
Sercee immediately responded.
She then turned and gave orders to the Operator.
“Meteorite Cannon ready, lock target!”
“Yes, target locked!”
“Fire!”
The Destroyer · Resentment’s main cannon instantly burst into brilliant light, and a red beam of light, flashing with terrifying lightning and filled with destructive power, shot out with a roar.
Swish!
The red beam of light sliced through the dark starry sky, illuminating the entire Star Sea, and the space along its path twisted repeatedly.
In the distant starry sky.
More than nine-tenths of the Star Radiance Fortress’s body had entered Subspace.
At this moment, Vice Army Commander Nowis and Su Ming were also catching up.
The two were less than a thousand kilometers from the Fortress.
Su Ming and Vice Army Commander Nowis’s hearts pounded, hope was right before their eyes.
“Come on, just a little more!”
Vice Army Commander Nowis said to Su Ming.
“Understood!”
Su Ming’s nerves were stretched to their limit.
At this moment, black warning boxes suddenly popped up on the Mecha operation screens of Vice Army Commander Nowis and Su Ming.
“Warning: High energy attack detected!”
Su Ming turned his head to look back, only to see the red beam of light, full of destructive power, coming straight at them.
He was also stunned; he had never seen such a terrifying attack.
“Quick, dodge!”
Vice Army Commander Nowis directly pulled Su Ming, abruptly plunging downwards into the starry sky.
Instantly, that red beam of light directly hit the surface of the Star Radiance Fortress and exploded, a huge impact sweeping outwards.
The entire Star Radiance Fortress shook violently.
Inside the Central Control Room, everyone almost lost their footing.
At this moment, the Operator reported in horror,
“Oh no, Vice Army Commander Nowis and Major Su Ming were affected, and the distance has widened!”
“Damn it!”
Jon was furious upon hearing this and slammed his fist directly on the console.
At this moment, Major Su Ming and Vice Army Commander Nowis struggled to stabilize their Mechas. However, when they looked up ahead, they found that the Star Radiance Fortress had flown far away, and then the entire Star Radiance Fortress disappeared into Subspace.
The hope that was within reach was shattered; they were so close, just a little bit more.
“Damn it!”
Vice Army Commander Nowis was also extremely unwilling.
Su Ming, on the other hand, showed a wry smile; this time, they were truly finished.
However, at this very moment, below Su Ming and Vice Army Commander Nowis in the starry sky, a 7-kilometer long battleship with a very smooth surface armor suddenly de-cloaked and appeared without warning.
This battleship was the 4th Class Battleship · Chameleon Tiger that had previously ambushed the Curvature Interference Device.
Su Ming and Vice Army Commander Nowis were both stunned when they saw it.
At this time, an anxious voice sounded in their communication channel.
“Vice Army Commander Nowis, Major Su Ming, quickly come down!”
Su Ming and Vice Army Commander Nowis immediately controlled their Mechas to rush down, directly grabbing onto the protruding parts on the surface of the 4th Class Battleship · Chameleon Tiger.
“Officers, hold on tight, it might be a bit bumpy!”
As the prompt sounded, the 4th Class Battleship · Chameleon Tiger instantly activated its superluminal flight device.
The entire battleship’s speed soared, and ripples appeared in the starry sky ahead.
The 4th Class Battleship · Chameleon Tiger directly entered Subspace, disappearing without a trace.
Inside the Destroyer · Resentment Central Control Room.
Many Imperial Army officers bowed their heads, sinking into silence. Teddyra’s heart died completely at this moment.
The Federal Government’s forces had broken through the defense line head-on, and what was worse, they had even notified the Empire in advance that they were going to attack the defense line, and they actually succeeded. The Dark Star Empire and the Emperor’s face were completely trampled upon.
Commander Hodeska did not rage, but simply took a deep breath. His voice, icy to the extreme, gave the order.
“My order: Arrest Vice Army Commander Nowis!”
“Yes!”
Sercee immediately responded.
“Yes, he should have been arrested long ago. If it weren’t for him openly defying orders, the Federal Government’s forces wouldn’t have broken through the defense line so quickly!”
Teddyra quickly echoed.
“Guards, arrest Teddyra as well!”
Hodeska then gave the order.
Four soldiers wearing Third Generation Exoskeleton Armor immediately stepped forward and restrained Teddyra.
Teddyra’s face instantly changed dramatically, and he looked at Hodeska with shock and anger.
“Hodeska, the defense line being breached is your problem, why are you arresting me?”
Hodeska looked at Teddyra with cold eyes and said,
“You fool, if you hadn’t fallen for it, how could the defense line have been breached so easily? You are largely to blame for this matter. Take him away!”
“If I am guilty, you won’t escape responsibility either!”
Teddyra, being taken away, roared unwillingly.
At this moment, Barbarian Beast Mechas flew one by one to the side of the Pseudo V-generation Mecha · Dream Devourer, surrounding it.
Vice Army Commander Nowis snorted and said,
“You don’t need to arrest me, I’ll go back myself!”
After speaking, Vice Army Commander Nowis controlled the Pseudo V-generation Mecha · Dream Devourer and flew directly towards the Destroyer · Resentment.
Once he entered the hangar, he opened the cockpit and jumped out.
A group of Imperial Army soldiers immediately surrounded him, and Vice Army Commander Nowis directly extended his hands to surrender.
Inside the Central Control Room.
Sercee hesitated for a moment, then asked Hodeska,
“Lord, what do we do now?”
Hodeska took a deep breath and said to Sercee in a deep voice,
“The defense line has been breached, a monstrous disaster has been committed, and nothing can be said now. No one can bear the Emperor’s wrath! Now, the only way is to arrest both Vice Army Commander Nowis and Teddyra, and involve the Dream Nightmare Corps and the Black Crow Legion. As long as enough people are involved, there might still be a glimmer of hope!”
“Understood.”
“Sercee, immediately inform Olev that from now on, he will be fully responsible for the defense line. Then, immediately send people to repair the Cardle Fortress and the Curvature Interference Device.”
“Lord, are you going to?”
“I plan to take them to the Main Planet to apologize to Lord Emperor, bearing thorns on my back. I am largely to blame for such a big incident!”
“Yes.”
Sercee replied in a low voice.
Inside Subspace.
On the massive hull of the 4th Class Battleship · Chameleon Tiger.
Two Mechas were attached to the ship. Vice Army Commander Nowis controlled the Pseudo V-generation Mecha · Silver Executioner, gripping a protrusion with one hand and holding down the Slayer Mecha with the other, to prevent Su Ming from losing his grip.
In any case, the Pseudo V-generation Mecha Silver Executioner’s power was much stronger than the Slayer’s.
At this moment, Su Ming slightly controlled his Mecha, raising his head to look around.
The entire Subspace was like a long river of light, and the light within it was distorted, full of dreamlike colors.
“Su Ming, you must hold on tight. If you lose your grip, you don’t know where you’ll be swept off to.”
Vice Army Commander Nowis instructed Su Ming.
“Mm, okay.”
Su Ming replied seriously.
“But speaking of which, you kid are truly uncommonly brave, daring to come over and ambush Vice Army Commander Nowis. And that ambush you pulled off on Vice Army Commander Nowis was simply brilliant! If I had been the one ambushed, I would have probably stumbled too!”
Vice Army Commander Nowis praised with great emotion.
“Haha, it was alright.”
“You’re being modest. I’m very curious, how do you have such strong abilities at such a young age?”
“Mainly because my teacher taught me well.”
“I remember you’re a student of the Royal Court Academy. Which teacher taught you?”
“Teacher Mia!”
Su Ming didn’t hide it from Vice Army Commander Nowis.
Vice Army Commander Nowis, upon hearing Su Ming’s words, replied as if he had seen a ghost.
“You’re Mia’s student? She can teach a student like you?”
“You know Teacher Mia?”
Seeing Vice Army Commander Nowis so surprised, clearly knowing his teacher, Su Ming immediately asked with great interest.
“Heh heh, how could I not know her? She’s the military’s famous young lady.”
“Young lady? Teacher Mia is very poor, though?”
“She’s poor? She’s better at accumulating wealth than anyone; she’ll never be poor!”
Vice Army Commander Nowis said grumpily.
“Vice Army Commander Nowis, can you tell me about Teacher Mia? What position does she hold in the military, exactly?”
Su Ming asked with great curiosity.
“She hasn’t told you about herself?”
“No!”
“If that’s the case, I shouldn’t say too much, after all, information on high-ranking military officers is confidential. But another day, you can ask her yourself.”
Vice Army Commander Nowis pondered for a moment before replying.
“Okay!”
Seeing that Vice Army Commander Nowis was unwilling to speak, Su Ming did not press further.
—
Dark Star Empire · Gloomy Star Sea.
The originally silent starry sky suddenly rippled.
The Tsar, silver moon, and Flame, among other ships, all ended their superluminal flight and emerged from Subspace.
Following that, the massive Star Radiance Fortress also slowly emerged from Subspace.
Inside the Tsar Command Room.
Major General Vickers opened the public communication channel and immediately asked Major General Qiong En,
“Jon! Did Vice Army Commander Nowis and Major Su Ming make it?”
At this moment, everyone on the public communication channel was on edge, awaiting Major General Qiong En’s reply.
A few seconds later, Major General Qiong En’s voice, hoarse, said,
“They didn’t make it, just barely missed it.”
Upon hearing Major General Qiong En’s reply, Rhine and the others’ moods immediately plummeted.
The public communication channel was silent, not a sound, the atmosphere unprecedentedly low.
At this moment, the Purple-haired girl calmly gave the order.
“All ships and personnel immediately return to the Star Radiance Fortress!”
“Yes!”
Solemn voices responded one after another.
The Tsar and other ships flew towards the Star Radiance Fortress.
Not long after, ripples appeared in the starry sky again.
The 4th Class Battleship · Chameleon Tiger also emerged from Subspace.
At this moment, inside the Star Radiance Fortress Command Room.
An Operator looked at the displayed optical image and reported,
“Report: The 4th Class Battleship · Chameleon Tiger has returned to formation, huh?”
“What’s wrong? Lieutenant Stewart!”
Major General Qiong En asked in a deep voice.
Lieutenant Stewart quickly zoomed in on the optical image, clearly seeing two Mechas clinging to it. His eyes immediately widened, and he shouted with immense excitement,
“Vice Army Commander Nowis and Major Su Ming came back with the Chameleon Tiger ship!”
“What did you say? They escaped with it?”
Major General Qiong En was also startled!
“That’s right!”
Lieutenant Stewart replied with certainty.
Upon hearing this, Major General Qiong En quickly reported to the Purple-haired girl,
“Lord Legion Commander, Vice Army Commander Nowis and Major Su Ming, they escaped!”
The Purple-haired girl, upon hearing this, slowly stood up and praised,
“Well done, immediately have them return to base.”
“Yes!”
Major General Qiong En immediately gave the order.
On the Chameleon Tiger, Vice Army Commander Nowis released his grip after receiving the order, then said to Su Ming,
“Let’s go!”
“Okay.”
Su Ming then controlled his Mecha and, along with Vice Army Commander Nowis, flew towards the Star Radiance Fortress.
Star Radiance Fortress · Combat Hall No. 1.
After many people disembarked from the ships, they were arranged here.
At this time, everyone in the entire hall looked dejected.
Rhine and the others were also gathered together, with sad expressions on their faces.
“Wuwu, squad leader…”
An Qi and others sobbed softly.
“I didn’t expect that we joined the army with the squad leader, and he was fine when we came, but he left first.”
Rhine said very sadly.
“Rhine, can the squad leader really not come back?”
Ankajia and the others said with red eyes.
“I also want him to come back alive, but that’s impossible. The squad leader didn’t follow, he must have been beaten to death by those Imperial Army guys, leaving no bones behind.”
Rhine replied with a choked voice.
At this moment, Su Ming appeared behind Rhine. Ankajia and the others immediately showed extremely shocked expressions, raising their fingers and pointing at Su Ming, stammering as they spoke.
“Squad, squad, squad leader!”
“What are you doing? The squad leader is already dead.”
“The squad leader is behind you!”
“Are you hallucinating? Even if the squad leader turned into a ghost, he wouldn’t be here that fast.”
Rhein looked at Ankajia and the others in confusion.
Just then, Su Ming reached out and patted Rhein on the shoulder, saying impatiently,
“Rhein, are you trying to curse me to death?”
Rhein instantly shivered, then turned his head with difficulty to look.
The moment he saw Su Ming, he was stunned.
“Squad leader? You’re not dead?”
“Of course I’m not dead!”
Su Ming replied irritably.
At this, Rhein and the others suddenly reacted, cheering excitedly,
“Squad leader, it’s great that you’re alright!”
“We thought you wouldn’t make it back, you scared us to death!”
Su Ming looked at the concerned crowd and smiled, replying,
“I’m back, it’s alright!”
Just then, footsteps approached, and Vice Army Commander Nowis also walked over.
“General Feilong!”
When Rhein and the others saw General Feilong, they instantly stiffened and quickly stood at attention!
“Everyone, there’s no need to be so formal!”
Feilong coughed and cleared his throat, saying.
At this moment, Hugh Eun and the others also rushed over, and when they saw Su Ming and General Feilong, they were also dumbfounded.
“General Feilong, Su Ming, you’re back?”
“Yes, thank you for your concern.”
General Feilong nodded steadily.
“That’s great!”
Everyone said joyfully.
Just then, a holographic projection suddenly appeared, and the Purple-haired girl appeared before everyone.
When everyone saw the Purple-haired girl’s projection, they stopped talking and quickly lined up.
The Purple-haired girl scanned everyone present. The original fully staffed 130,000 mecha team was now only about 40% left, which was a devastating number of casualties.
However, the remaining 40% of the personnel had undergone tremendous changes, like unsheathed swords.
Clap clap!
The Purple-haired girl raised her hands and clapped, solemnly saying to everyone,
“Congratulations on making history. You have broken through the Dark Star Empire’s defenses and shattered the empire’s myth of invincibility. This glory belongs to you!”
Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces showed excited expressions.
At this, the Purple-haired girl then announced an even more significant piece of news.
“I hereby officially announce that you have passed your assessment. From now on, you are official members of the Thirteenth Corps, and your fallen comrades will also receive the Thirteenth Corps’s survivor benefits.”
When Su Ming heard this, he was slightly surprised. It seemed they were all reservists and were only now officially becoming full members.
However, this also made Su Ming feel that something was off. If the Purple-haired girl’s words were true, this Thirteenth Corps didn’t seem like it had just been established?
At this, everyone replied very happily,
“Thank you, Legion Commander.”
The Purple-haired girl nodded slightly, then said to everyone,
“Alright, everyone can rest now. The Star Radiance Fortress is about to set sail again. The memorial and medal ceremony will be held the day after tomorrow.”
“Yes!”
“And you cannot relax too much; this is just the beginning!”
“Understood!”
Everyone shouted in unison.
— —
Federal Government Administrative Building · Dawn Second Hall.
Gakels, Faraon, Alicia, and others were all sitting on mechanical chairs.
Faraon asked, somewhat restlessly,
“What the hell is going on? Is there still no news from the Thirteenth Corps?”
“No, there’s no news so far.”
At this moment, Cloud Soft, standing beside Gakels, reported respectfully.
“How many days has it been!”
Faraon said with extreme irritation.
He knew that his troops were still trapped in the Donao Star Sea. Although the Thirteenth Corps’s surprise attack on the Slok Star Sea didn’t successfully rescue his troops, at least if the Thirteenth Corps was there, they could think of other plans.
But now the Thirteenth Corps had simply disappeared without a trace.
At this, Xiao Lie hesitated before speaking.
“The Thirteenth Corps couldn’t have been surrounded and annihilated by the Imperial Army, could they?”
“No way!”
“Hard to say, otherwise why would there be no news at all?”
“Then something big must have happened.”
Upon hearing Xiao Lie’s words, everyone present exclaimed in shock.
Gakels’s face instantly changed when he heard this, and he said,
“Don’t talk nonsense, it’s impossible. The Thirteenth Corps absolutely cannot be annihilated.”
“We don’t want to guess like this, but where did the Thirteenth Corps go?”
Xiao Lie replied helplessly.
“I don’t know about that either. Let’s wait patiently. Today’s meeting is adjourned!”
Gakels waved his hand, directly ending the meeting.
Upon hearing this, everyone sighed and stood up, leaving the Dawn Second Hall meeting room.
Soon, only Gakels and Cloud Soft remained in the meeting room.
Gakels’s expression was very solemn, and the light in his cloudy eyes constantly shifted.
“Sir, are you worried about the Thirteenth Corps?”
Cloud Soft asked softly.
“How could I not be worried? Cloud Soft, immediately send people to inquire about the Thirteenth Corps’s news. Once there’s definite information, report it immediately!”
Gakels instructed Cloud Soft.
“Alright, I’ll go arrange it now!”
Cloud Soft immediately replied.
— —
First New Galaxy Dark Star Empire · Dark Star.
In the outer space area, spatial ripples undulated.
The Destroyer · Resentment emerged from Subspace.
In the central control room.
Commander Hodeska stood on the observation deck, hands behind his back, looking at the starry sky not far away.
A planet with a grey atmosphere came into view. This planet was the Dark Star Empire’s main star, a 4+ class habitable planet, slightly less suitable than the Third Planet.
And in the outer region of Dark Star, three circular war fortresses floated, along with a large number of space fortresses, various shapes of space-based weapons, and countless fleets.
At this moment, a prompt popped up on the operation screen.
“Received a communication request from the Dark Star Defense Force!”
The Operator quickly projected the communication request interface in front of Commander Hodeska.
Commander Hodeska reached out and tapped to connect.
Swish!
A virtual image of a female officer, dressed in an Imperial military uniform, with black curly hair and a sexy figure, appeared before Commander Hodeska.
“Sir, what is the purpose of your return this time?”
“I’m here to meet the Emperor!”
Hodeska replied in a deep voice.
“Yes, I will process your clearance procedures now. Please land at the Imperial City Interstellar Airport!”
“Understood.”
Hodeska replied coldly.
Soon, the Destroyer · Resentment completed its procedures and flew directly towards Dark Star.
As the Destroyer entered Dark Star, breaking through the grey atmosphere, the boundless grey land came into view.
In the center of the grey land, a transparent, gigantic Dorag Sphere was located.
Within this Dorag Sphere, a magnificent and imposing base city was situated. The main structure of the entire city was composed of huge alloy plates, and the city walls on the edges were densely covered with countless turrets and firing ports.
At the four corners of the city, four thousand-meter-tall Emperor statues stood tall.
The entire city resembled a ferocious giant beast.
“Hoo!”
Hodeska took a deep breath. What had to be faced, eventually would be.
Shortly after, Hodeska, accompanied by Teddyra and Vice Army Commander Nowis, appeared before the Imperial Palace.
The main structure of the entire Imperial Palace was composed of dark gold stone bricks, and the palace walls were tall and continuous, like a coiled giant dragon.
The Imperial Palace gate was wide open, with Third Generation Mecha · Barbarian Beast standing on either side.
At the gate, a young man with a pale, gaunt face, long slender fingers, and an effeminate aura stood. He was an Imperial Army.
Upon seeing Hodeska and the others, he came forward.
“Commander Hodeska, please follow me!”
“Understood!”
Hodeska nodded slightly in response, then led the two men to follow the effeminate man inside.
This effeminate man was not a big shot; he was just an attendant in the Imperial Palace, but often, such small figures were the most deadly.
As they stepped through the gate and entered the Imperial Palace, a wide imperial road stretched straight ahead. On both sides of the road, stone sculptures of fierce beasts were arranged, each carved so lifelike as if they were alive.
Looking into the distance, various luxurious palace buildings were scattered throughout the Imperial Palace.
Clang! Clang!
A Fourth Generation Mecha · Blood Falcon, accompanied by five Third Generation Mecha · Eagle Falcon, walked past Hodeska. As they approached, they all turned their heads to glance at Hodeska, identifying his status.
Not long after.
Hodeska and the two men were led into a palace.
The effeminate attendant led them to a luxurious side hall within the palace.
The entire side hall covered an area of tens of thousands of square meters. Various precious gems were embedded in the dome, the surrounding walls were carved with various lifelike patterns, and the floor was paved with snow-white jade tiles.
“Commander Hodeska, please wait here for a moment.”
The attendant said respectfully, then turned and exited.
Teddyra and Vice Army Commander Nowis’s faces were very pale, especially Teddyra’s legs were trembling slightly.
As for Vice Army Commander Nowis, while not as bad, his face was extremely grim, completely lacking his previous arrogant demeanor.
In fact, even if Hodeska had cut him down, he wouldn’t have even flinched, but this guy had brought him to meet the Emperor.
Once the Emperor was enraged, even death would be a luxury.
At this moment, a man wearing a black robe and a black, faceless metal mask walked out from inside the side hall.
The man’s robe was covered with various ancient and mysterious patterns. His eyes, as deep as night, were like an abyss, making it impossible to look directly at them, and his demeanor exuded a mysterious aura.
“Chief Rogrian!”
Hodeska greeted the man before him with great respect.
“Hmm.”
Roglian replied with a hoarse voice.
“Sir, we are here to meet the Emperor and confess our sins!”
Hodeska said in a deep voice.
“Follow me, the Emperor is waiting for you.”
Logrian said to Hodeska and the two men, then walked towards the interior of the side hall.
Hodeska and the two men followed behind, their expressions tense.
Soon, they passed through the inner door of the side hall and entered a long corridor.
In the middle of the corridor, a man leaned against the wall, dressed in golden combat armor, with golden hair, sapphire-like eyes, a handsome appearance, an arrogant expression, and an aura of dominance.
“Sir Tossk!”
As Hodeska passed by, he greeted him respectfully.
This man was none other than Tossk, the third seat of the Imperial Royal Order.
“Hmm.”
Tossk’s mouth didn’t move; he simply gave a perfunctory response.
Hodeska didn’t say anything more, silently following Logrian further inside.
Soon they reached the end, where a metal door carved with black dragon patterns came into view.
Click!
At this, the metal door opened automatically. The inside of the door was pitch black, like an abyss, making it impossible to see what was inside.
Logrian led Hodeska inside.
At this, the open metal door behind them slowly closed, and the four of them were instantly plunged into darkness.
“Emperor, the people have been brought.”
Logrian said respectfully.
At this moment, in the darkness, a pair of dark red eyes suddenly opened, and an invisible pressure instantly permeated the air.
Hodeska immediately knelt down, placing his right hand on his chest, and said,
“Emperor, your subordinate is incompetent, causing the defense line to be breached by the Federation. I have come to confess my sins! Please bestow punishment, Emperor!”
“Emperor, it’s all my fault, I was too foolish and fell for the Federation’s trick!”
Teddyra knelt down in fear, her voice trembling.
“Your subordinate underestimated the enemy, causing the defense line to be breached. I am willing to accept punishment!”
Vice Army Commander Nowis also knelt down.
At this moment, the dark red eyes, upon hearing the words “Federation,” gradually became clearer, and then a majestic voice sounded.
“Is it an old friend visiting?”
Hodeska and the two men were stunned by the Emperor’s words, unsure how to respond.
At this, Logrian, who was standing nearby, replied respectfully,
“It is an old friend visiting, but they didn’t knock to come in; they kicked the door in.”
“Haha! Still as rude as ever!”
The Emperor burst into laughter upon hearing Logrian’s words.
Hodeska and the two men showed incredibly shocked expressions upon hearing the Emperor’s laughter. The Emperor actually laughed! One must know that the Emperor hadn’t laughed in hundreds of years, and now he actually laughed; it was too incredible.
However, hearing the Emperor’s laughter made them even more fearful and uneasy; it was too abnormal.
Moreover, they didn’t understand what the Emperor was saying at all.
At this, the Emperor stopped and asked,
“Is it him?”
“That is unclear.”
Logrian replied calmly.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s clear eyes turned dark red again, and he spoke coldly.
“The guests have arrived! Don’t you know how to welcome them? What are you still doing standing here?”
“Yes!”
Hodeska and the other two replied in fear.
The previously closed metal door opened again, and Logrian immediately led Hodeska and the other two away.
After they returned to the side hall, Hodeska quickly asked for guidance.
“Lord Logrian, what should we do next?”
“Mobilize the local troops from various planets to encircle and bring the guests before the Emperor. Remember, this is your last chance.”
Logrian said to Hodeska and the other two in a deep voice.
“Yes!”
Hodeska and the other two quickly responded.
——
Star Radiance Fortress.
In the quiet room, Su Ming was sleeping soundly on the bed.
Thump thump!
At this moment, a knock on the door sounded, and Little Gray, who was lying on the ground, stood up and looked at the door in confusion.
Su Ming slowly opened his eyes, his eyelids seemed to be fighting, and his head felt heavy.
He spoke hoarsely.
“Little Gray, open the door.”
Upon hearing this, Little Gray immediately darted out, jumped up, grabbed the doorknob, and pulled it down.
At this moment, the door opened, and Rhine, Ankajia, and the others looked inside. The entire room was quiet, and Su Ming’s figure was nowhere to be seen.
“Huh? Where’s the squad leader?”
Ankajia asked in confusion.
“Let’s go in and see!”
Rhine led them in, and when they walked to the bedside, they saw Su Ming still sleeping on the bed.
“Oh my, squad leader, you’re still sleeping?”
“Why are you looking for me so early in the morning instead of resting more?”
Su Ming asked tiredly.
“No, squad leader, it’s already evening on the second day. You didn’t sleep from yesterday until now, did you? No wonder I didn’t see you all day.”
Rhine asked in a daze.
Upon hearing Rhine’s words, Su Ming suddenly sat up and looked at the time on his wristband.
It was indeed as Rhine said; he had slept for almost a day and a night. It was truly unbelievable.
However, Su Ming quickly guessed the reason. It was probably due to mental exhaustion caused by prolonged combat using his Four-Generation Mecha and multiple uses of Light Speed Flash.
“Squad leader, stop sleeping. Let’s go eat something.”
Rhine said to Su Ming.
“Alright.”
Su Ming pondered for a moment and nodded in response.
Soon after, Su Ming and the others arrived at the commercial street.
The entire commercial street was very lively, with all shops open for business and people everywhere.
“Squad leader, there’s a wonton shop over there that looks pretty good. How about we go eat something?”
Rhine looked left and right, then asked when he saw a wonton shop.
“Okay.”
Su Ming replied spiritlessly.
Soon, they arrived at the wonton shop and sat down, each ordering a large bowl of wontons.
The boss skillfully brought the wontons and placed them in front of Su Ming and the others.
Su Ming picked up a spoon, scooped up some soup, then let out a big yawn and slowly took a sip, completely lacking energy.
Rhine looked at this scene and asked Su Ming in a daze.
“Squad leader, why are you so listless?”
“I don’t know, I’m just so tired.”
“How about I take you to a good place later?”
“What place?”
“You’ll know when you get there later.”
“Alright!”
Seeing Rhine say this, Su Ming did not refuse.
A moment later, Rhine and the others led Su Ming to the largest hot spring bathhouse on the commercial street.
It was super lively here, with many officers in military uniforms walking in.
“Why are there so many people here?”
Su Ming asked in great surprise.
“Because it’s free!”
“Free? You’re not kidding me, are you? I remember water resources are very expensive. I usually have to be careful with water usage even when taking a shower, and it has to be recycled afterward, not to mention a bathhouse like this.”
“I’m not sure about the specifics, but this hot spring bathhouse used to not be open to the public, and then suddenly it became free! And it’s not just this hot spring bathhouse; many high-end facilities in the commercial street are now free for our Thirteenth Corps.”
“Free? Is there such a good thing?”
“Exactly! Squad leader, let’s not worry about it so much. Let’s quickly go in and take a bath; it’ll be good for you to relieve your fatigue.”
Rhine said to Su Ming.
“Alright!”
Although Su Ming felt it was a bit strange, he did not refuse. Soaking in a hot spring now would indeed help his body recover.
Rhine and the others, along with Su Ming, then walked in.
The welcoming attendant greeted them with a smile.
“Welcome! It’s free today, all consumption is free!”
“Squad leader, did you see that? It’s really free, we can soak for a while longer.”
Rhine turned his head and said to Su Ming.
“Mm, let’s go to the changing room.”
Su Ming nodded slightly in response.
Soon after, Su Ming and the others arrived at the men’s changing room. As soon as they entered, they heard conversation.
“In this defense line battle, Commander Su Ming was really strong.”
“Not just strong, you know Officer Kafu, right?”
“I know, he almost died at Burda’s hands, but Commander Su Ming saved him with a cool flash! I was nearby at the time, and I was stunned, it was super awesome!”
Su Ming looked over somewhat awkwardly, only to see a few lieutenants talking.
At this moment, they also saw Su Ming, immediately stopped talking, and respectfully greeted him.
“Commander Su!”
“Mm!”
Su Ming nodded slightly and walked towards the locker.
These lieutenants quickly left the changing room and headed to the hot spring pool.
“Squad leader, you seem to be famous now!”
Rhine leaned next to Su Ming and said.
“It’s alright, the buzz will die down after a while.”
Su Ming replied indifferently.
“I doubt it.”
Ankajia shook her head and replied.
“Alright, I’m not going to chat with you guys anymore, I’ve changed and I’m going first!”
Su Ming said to Rhine and the others.
“Don’t! We’ll be changed in a minute, wait for us!”
Rhine and the others quickly sped up.
Soon, Su Ming and the others left the changing room and arrived at the hot spring pool.
The entire hot spring pool was very large, about two thousand square meters, with steam swirling around.
At this moment, figures were soaking in the hot spring pool.
Just then, a surprised voice rang out.
“Su Ming?”
Upon hearing this, Su Ming turned his head and saw Hugh Eun leaning against the hot spring pool wall not far away, greeting him.
Hegas, Currifa, and Ye Hai were also nearby. Hearing Hugh Eun’s greeting, they all turned their heads and then waved to Su Ming.
Seeing this, Su Ming led Rhine and the others over and greeted everyone.
“You’re all here!”
“It’s a rare chance to take a bath, and it’s free, so how can we miss it? Come on down and soak together.”
Hugh Eun said to Su Ming.
Su Ming didn’t stand on ceremony and jumped into the hot spring pool. The steaming hot spring water immediately invigorated him.
Rhine and the others also entered the water.
At this moment, Currifa asked Su Ming curiously.
“Su Ming, your performance on the battlefield was truly amazing. Is it really your first time using a Four-Generation Mecha? Why do you seem so skilled at using it?”
“Exactly, your technique feels extraordinarily good, even better than Kaff’s.”
Hegas also chimed in.
“Don’t talk nonsense, that’s not true.”
Su Ming coughed and replied.
“What’s there to hide? It’s the truth.”
Hegas replied nonchalantly.
“Hegas is right, how do you operate it so well?”
“Hehe, isn’t it enough to just know how to operate that Four-Generation Mecha? Isn’t everyone the same?”
Su Ming replied awkwardly.
“That’s too much, you’re being too humble. A Four-Generation Mecha isn’t that easy to control. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to handle it well without practicing for a year or two. Did you secretly practice before?”
Currifa asked in great confusion.
Upon hearing this, Su Ming realized that his strength was too abnormal, so he said.
“As expected, I can’t hide it from you guys. Actually, it was all taught by my teacher!”
“Ah? Squad leader, did the teacher secretly teach you the Four-Generation Mecha before?”
Rhine and the others asked in confusion.
“Yes!”
Su Ming decisively threw the blame on Mia, using her as a shield.
“That’s too much, the teacher actually gave you special private lessons.”
Rhine and the others joked, one after another.
At this moment, Hugh Eun asked Su Ming very curiously.
“Su Ming, who is your teacher?”
“Mia.”
Su Ming directly told Hugh Eun.
“Mia, that name sounds so familiar, I feel like I’ve heard it somewhere.”
Hugh Eun frowned tightly, but he couldn’t remember no matter what.
Su Ming saw Hugh Eun’s reaction and immediately understood something. It seemed that those at or above the general level knew Teacher Mia, while those below the general level seemed to know her less.
Su Ming could guarantee that Teacher Mia was definitely at the general level, but he didn’t know her specific military rank.
“It’s normal for it to sound familiar, after all, she’s a teacher at the Royal Court Academy. Maybe you’ve even met her.”
Su Ming directly changed the subject.
“That’s true.”
Hugh Eun didn’t dwell on it anymore.
“Su Ming, you’ve rendered great meritorious service this time, not only by slaying an Imperial general but also by commanding everyone to destroy the Curvature Interference Tower, and finally saving General Feilong!”
“That’s right, it feels like you’re going to rise to prominence. Maybe we’ll have to call you ‘Commander’ in the future.”
“Exactly!”
Currifa and the others praised Su Ming one after another.
“That’s an exaggeration.”
Su Ming smiled awkwardly and chatted with Currifa and the others.
Half an hour later, Currifa stretched and suggested.
“I feel like I’ve soaked enough. There’s a sauna over there, do you guys want to steam for a while together and sweat it out!”
“Great!”
Hugh Eun and the others all agreed.
“You guys go first, I’ll soak for another ten minutes and then come find you!”
Su Ming said to Currifa.
“Alright, then we’ll go first, be sure to come later.”
Currifa and the others said to Su Ming.
“Okay!”
Su Ming readily agreed.
Currifa and the others then got out of the hot spring pool and walked towards the sauna room.
Su Ming turned to look at Rhine and the others, asking with a smile.
“Rhine, do you guys want to join later?”
“No, those are our officers, it feels very awkward.”
Rhine and the others shook their heads like rattles.
“Alright!”
Su Ming smiled wryly upon hearing this and didn’t force Rhine and the others to join.
Inside the sauna room.
Several officers sat on chairs, chatting.
“Did you guys see the welfare benefits after becoming a full member?”
“Yeah, they’re so high!”
“Our previous welfare benefits were already very good, and now they’ve directly doubled.”
“The Legion Commander is too generous. I originally thought that the new corps wouldn’t have so many industries, so it would be difficult to improve welfare benefits.”
“I thought so too.”
Just then, the glass door of the sauna room was pushed open.
Several lieutenants walked in, laughing and chatting.
“How many military merit points do you think we can get this time?”
“Hard to say.”
At this moment, those officers, seeing the lieutenants walk in, all stiffened their expressions, quickly stood up, and left the sauna room.
However, shortly after they left, the glass door of the sauna room was pushed open again.
Hugh Eun and the others walked in.
The expressions of these lieutenants immediately stiffened, and they quickly stood up and greeted them.
“Officers.”
“Mm, sit down!”
Hugh Eun and the others nodded slightly in response.
“We’re good, you guys steam!”
These lieutenants finished speaking and immediately slipped away.
“Why are you running? We’re not tigers.”
Major Currifa plopped down, yawning and complaining.
At this moment, the glass door was opened again, and Major General Vickers and Major General Qiong En walked in.
Currifa and the others were stunned for a moment, then all stood up.
“Generals!”
“Mm, sit down!”
Vickers said calmly.
“No, I’m already good, you guys take your time steaming!”
Currifa decisively slipped away.
“We’re good too.”
Hugh Eun and the others then also followed suit and slipped away.
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