Chapter 538: The Bell

On the stage, General Gabres and the others, although all looking serious and tense, had eyes that revealed a hint of joy.

They could finally switch to VI Type Mechs, even if they weren’t the VI Type Mechs with the properties of the Primal Stone added. At the very least, they could confront VI Type monsters head-on, and relying on their own skills, they had a certain probability of winning.

Su Ming also felt very happy about General Gabres and the others changing their mechs; the Federal Government was truly becoming more and more powerful.

At this moment, Dragon White raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

The noisy scene quieted down once again.

“With this mech upgrade, the Federal Government’s strength will see a qualitative leap. But the Federal Government’s strength goes far beyond this. As long as we give the Federal Government more time, we will surely break through this predicament, sweep across the entire universe, and scatter the Federal Government’s flag across the entire Star Sea.”

Dragon White declared to the crowd.

“Long live the Federal Government!”

Everyone shouted excitedly.

“I declare the celebration concluded.”

Dragon White officially announced to everyone.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Countless fireworks ascended into the sky.

Bang! Bang!

Countless brilliant fireworks burst open.

At this moment, Council Speaker Deputy Dragon Dust stepped forward, speaking with a face full of smiles.

“Everyone, tonight is New Year’s Eve. Since many soldiers who have been away for years have only just returned home, in order to let everyone have a reunion year, the Federal Government will not be holding an annual meeting this year. However, to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, the Federal Government has specially invited Ms. Hillis to perform publicly at Starlight City square. If you are free, you are welcome to come and watch.”

“Ms. Hillis!”

“That’s great!”

The crowd cheered excitedly.

“Finally, thank you all for attending this celebration.”

Dragon Dust bowed to the crowd.

Su Ming and the others immediately walked down from the ceremonial stage.

Rhine and the others surrounded him, excitedly saying to Su Ming, “Boss!”

“Here.”

Su Ming handed the V Type Genetic Agent in his hand directly to Rhine.

“Boss, is this the V Type Genetic Agent? Even just the casing looks so high-end!” Rhine said excitedly as he took the freezer box.

“You like it? It’s yours.”

Su Ming said to Rhine with a smile.

“Ah, for me? Boss, you’re not joking, are you?” Rhine replied, his face filled with disbelief upon hearing Su Ming’s words.

“When have I ever joked?”

Su Ming reached out and patted Rhine’s shoulder. This V Type Genetic Agent was useless to him now; he had already injected the first-generation version, which was even more effective than this one.

“Thank you, Boss, but I haven’t injected the IV Type Genetic Agent yet.” After his initial joy, Rhine was also a bit troubled.

In fact, Rhine only injected the III Type Genetic Agent after being promoted to Major General; IV Type Genetic Agents were generally only accessible to those at the General level.

“It’s fine. I have another IV Type Genetic Agent in my room; I’ll give that to you as well.” Su Ming said to Rhine with a smile.

“Boss, I’m so touched, I don’t even know how to repay you.” Hearing this, Rhine’s eyes turned red with emotion.

“Get lost, don’t act like a woman.” Su Ming felt goosebumps all over his body.

“Exactly!” Ankajia and the others also chimed in with envy.

At this moment, Hillis, Violet Lolo, and others also walked over, smiling as they said to Su Ming, “Su Ming, congratulations!”

“You still look more handsome wearing the General’s uniform!”

“That’s right!”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

Su Ming responded with a smile.

At this moment, Mo Xiu brought Rogue over and congratulated Su Ming, “Su Ming, congratulations on your promotion to General!”

“Congratulations to you too!” Su Ming replied to Mo Xiu and the others with a smile.

“Thank you for what happened in the Mist Star Sea last time.”

“No need to be so polite!”

“It’s necessary. I wonder if you are free? I’d like to treat you to a meal.”

“About that, how about another day? I’m really too busy lately.”

“Understood, we’ll wait until you’re free.” Mo Xiu replied with a smile.

At this moment, Commander Alec De, Commander Soleia, General Gabres, General Sigrid, and others also walked over. Seeing this, Rhine and the others quickly stepped aside.

“Su Ming, congratulations!” Commander Alec De and the others congratulated Su Ming.

“Thank you.” Su Ming replied with a smile.

“Junior, your promotion speed really makes us ashamed! Thinking back to the Star Treasury event, you were still just a Major General, and in just a few years, you’ve been promoted to General.” General Sigrid said to Su Ming with a chuckle.

“That’s thanks to the care of you and everyone else, Senior.” Su Ming replied modestly.

“We wouldn’t dare take credit for that.” General Sigrid and the others responded with a smile.

At this moment, Su Ming saw Goodman also walking over, wanting to congratulate him, but seeing so many superior officers, he was a bit afraid to approach. So, Su Ming raised his hand and took the initiative to greet him, “Old Man!”

Goodman was surprised to see Su Ming waving at him. He took a deep breath, walked forward, and smiled as he offered his congratulations, “Lord Su Ming, congratulations on your promotion to General!”

“Thank you. By the way, everyone, let me introduce you; this is my friend, Goodman.” Su Ming introduced him to the group with a smile.

“Hmm.” Commander Alec De and the others looked at Goodman one after another. It was rare for Su Ming to personally introduce someone and call them a friend.

General Gabres recognized at a glance that Goodman was his subordinate and had even been disciplined.

Goodman was stunned; he hadn’t expected Su Ming to introduce him in front of so many superior officers. This was clearly helping him build connections, so he quickly spoke up, “Greetings, Lords.”

“Goodman, although you have made minor mistakes, your recent combat performance has been very outstanding. You may return to your original post!” General Gabres said in a deep voice.

“Thank you, Lord General Gabres.” Goodman said very gratefully.

Although it was just a return to his original post, it meant he no longer had to carry the disciplinary record, and his future was promising!

At this moment, Dragon Dust, Mokdo, Taifulu, Su Mulong, and others also walked over with smiles, congratulating Su Ming.

“Su Ming, congratulations!”

“Thank you, Grandfathers!” Su Ming said with great gratitude.

“Mulong, Su Ming has been promoted to General; shouldn’t you show some gesture?” Taifulu said to Su Mulong with a smile.

“Damn it, of course I should! Su Ming, when are you coming home? The family will throw you a promotion banquet, it will be absolutely grand!” Su Mulong was grinning from ear to ear.

“Um, Grandfather, there are too many things going on recently. Let’s skip the promotion banquet; besides, it’s not very appropriate right now.” Su Ming quickly declined upon hearing this.

“Alright.”

Su Mulong actually really wanted to throw a grand one for Su Ming, but what Su Ming said wasn’t unreasonable. The Federal Government had withdrawn all troops and many had sacrificed their lives; it was indeed not very appropriate at this juncture.

At this moment, Hillis smiled and said to Su Ming, “Mr. Su Ming, I wonder if you have time tonight to come and watch my public concert?”

“This.” Su Ming replied with some hesitation.

“It’s a rare opportunity, we can go watch it together!” Seeing this, Violet Lolo also spoke up.

“That’s right, we can also celebrate the New Year together.” Helena and others also joined in the invitation.

Su Ming looked at Hillis and the others, then took a glance at Dragon White, who was talking to Gakels in the distance, and then coughed and said, “Sorry, I have other things to do tonight. Maybe next time.”

“Ah, that’s a pity.” Hillis and the others replied with great regret upon hearing this.

“Well, I have some other matters to attend to, so please excuse me.” Su Ming said to everyone present.

“Alright.” The crowd nodded in response.

Su Ming immediately walked into the distance, then raised his wristband, tapped it a few times, and sent a message.

——

Inside the Dark Star Imperial Palace.

In the dim main hall, the Dark Star Emperor sat on the throne, with Chief Minister Logrian waiting respectfully to the side. A virtual image was projected in front of them.

In the image, Dragon White stood on the ceremonial stage wearing the Star Council robes, delivering an impassioned speech.

“The current Federal Government has completely risen, becoming incomparably powerful, capable of facing human traitors and alien races alone, fearing no strong enemies.”

“Haha, how arrogant!” The Dark Star Emperor laughed out loud upon hearing this.

“Emperor, the new Council Speaker Dragon White is indeed overly arrogant.” Chief Minister Logrian said respectfully.

In fact, Chief Minister Logrian’s words were not entirely without merit. The Federal Government had recently annexed Saint Jocks, the Shabask Kingdom, and numerous Neutral Countries; there was indeed a trend toward unification.

But one must know that during the Federal Government’s prime, the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom and the Dark Star Empire were both within the Federal system. At that time, under the leadership of Council Speaker Long Xian, the Federal Government had barely managed to defeat the Kirami and the Mechanical Clan.

Now, Dragon White actually dared to declare that he feared no one—not the Kirami, the Mechanical Clan, the Dark Star Empire, or the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom. This was simply too arrogant.

However, having said that, if the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom returned to the Federal Government, and humanity were completely unified, they would indeed have the qualifications to wage war against the two alien races and compete for hegemony over the entire starry sky.

But unfortunately, both the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom had split away and instead become enemies. Being able to say such things—either his brain was broken, or he was just too arrogant.

“But this Dragon White does indeed have the demeanor of Long Xian from back in the day; his methods are not ordinarily tough!” Although the Dark Star Emperor felt Dragon White was very arrogant and did not take the Dark Star Empire seriously, he did not underestimate him.

“Emperor, you are correct. Not every Council Speaker has the courage to sacrifice the limb to save the life, giving up the Three Great Forbidden Zones. Moreover, the Federal Government has indeed developed by leaps and bounds over these years, while conversely, our strength has been constantly declining.” Chief Minister Logrian replied in a low voice.

The Dark Star Emperor’s brows furrowed upon hearing this, and he then said in a deep voice, “Hundreds of years ago, I and that old guy Van Lo followed Long Xian to fight against the alien races. At that time, there were only five VI Type Mechs in total; after the split, I took one! So many years have passed, and we have only added one. And as far as I know, the Federal Government has already added eight VI Type Mechs! The gap between us is indeed widening.”

“Emperor, what should we do next?” Chief Minister Logrian asked with concern.

“No matter, we still have a chance. Isn’t the Federal Government reveling and celebrating the arrival of the New Year? Little do they know that the bell of the New Year is the beginning of the countdown to their destruction, haha!” The Dark Star Emperor laughed aloud as he finished speaking.

In fact, this was also the Dark Star Emperor’s last chance. If he couldn’t take down the Federal Government this time, he would never again have hope of touching that thing.

“The Emperor is wise!” Logrian said respectfully.

“How is the modification of my mech going?” The Emperor asked coldly.

“It is nearing its end.” Chief Minister Logrian raised his hand and waved, and the virtual image in front of them immediately switched.

A majestic, domineering mech came into view, with numerous mechanics busy modifying the internal parts of the mech. The Emperor looked at the mech being modified and said with satisfaction, “Very good. What about the Clone Legion?”

“They are also ready.” Chief Minister Logrian waved his hand. The projected video immediately switched, and rows upon rows of biological tanks, stretching as far as the eye could see, came into view.

Inside each biological tank, a clone soldier was soaking. Although these clone soldiers were not comparable to those in the Void Legion, each one was very strong.

“Good, my soldiers, wake up.” As the Emperor’s order was issued, countless biological tanks began to drain their nutrient solution. Pairs of scarlet eyes opened.

——

Deep inside the Wormhole Spacetime.

A VI Type Mech · Infernal Blade (Modified), standing 120 meters tall, with a griffin-like metal head, its body made entirely of rare red metal, covered with complex intricate lines, a circular red aperture embedded in its chest, sharp metal claws emitting an eerie luster, a scarlet metal blade tucked at its waist, a sun symbol branded on its chest, and six pairs of dark red metal wings embedded in its back, exuding a hair-raising aura, flew at high speed from the distant starry sky.

Inside the cockpit.

Kloss said to Pamier, “Are you sure we are flying in the right direction? I haven’t seen anything yet.”

“That’s right, the Forbidden God Abyss is just ahead!”

Pamier said to Kloss in a hoarse voice.

“Have you been here before?”

Kloss asked, his eyes flickering.

“Hmph, more than just been here! Back when the Federal Government was at war with the Kirami and the Mechanical Clan, the main battle broke out right near the Forbidden God Abyss.”

Pamier said to Kloss.

Just as Kloss was about to say something, he suddenly saw a truly shocking scene.

In the distant starry sky, a hole with no end in sight appeared. Inside was complete darkness and nothingness, resembling an endless abyss. Anything, including light, was mercilessly devoured the moment it touched it.

The entire hole was very similar to the entrance of the Abyss of Fallen, but the scale of the two was on completely different levels.

And if one looked closely, one could see that this hole had become even larger than before.

Kloss instinctively sensed extreme danger and said to Pamier.

“Is this the Forbidden God Abyss?”

“That’s right. Back then, Patriarch Herares and the Kirami Patriarch forcibly broke in here to search for the divine artifact. Later, Council Speaker Long Xian pursued them inside with the Dark Star Emperor and Van Lo God Emperor. The three parties fought fiercely inside the Forbidden God Abyss to seize the divine artifact. In the end, Dragon String won and came out with the divine artifact and numerous Primordial Stones, which led to the Federal Government we have today!”

Pamier looked at the Forbidden God Abyss, saying with somewhat complex emotions.

“So that’s how it is. But I’m very curious, what exactly is that divine artifact? It could actually make two Patriarchs go so crazy, and even cause the Dark Star Emperor and Van Lo God Emperor to betray the Federal Government?”

Kloss asked with great curiosity.

“You don’t need to know that. Hurry and go down!”

Pamier had no intention of telling Kloss.

“Are you sure we should go down? Just because Dragon String and the others could return alive doesn’t mean we can, right? This Forbidden God Abyss is probably exceptionally dangerous.”

Kloss lit a cigarette, took a puff, and said.

“There’s no way around the danger. Although the Infernal Blade you have has been modified by me and its performance has greatly improved, it’s far from enough! And Patriarch Herares has been watching me; I simply don’t have enough materials on hand to craft a top-tier VI Generation mecha. Therefore, you must take the risk and go down to fish for Primordial Stones. If you are unfortunate enough to die inside, then so be it!”

Pamier did not guarantee to Kloss that they would definitely return alive.

“Fine, where do we enter?”

Kloss smiled.

“Follow the flight route I gave you and enter little by little! Although this Forbidden God Abyss is full of darkness and nothingness, and there are almost no celestial bodies or matter inside, once you find matter, it is absolutely good stuff!”

Pamier said to Kloss.

“Understood!”

Kloss piloted the Infernal Blade and flew inside bit by bit.

——

Starlight City · K17 District.

Inside a luxurious, massive villa hall.

Sinrad walked in like a furious lion, with Natz and the others following behind with very grim expressions.

The maids in the hall saw Sinrad’s furious face and all lowered their heads, looking nervous.

At this moment, Sinrad walked to the guest table in the hall, pressed both hands on the table, his face somewhat twisted, and then violently flipped the entire table over.

“Crash~”

The table hit the ground with a thud, and various crystal tea sets shattered all over the floor.

The maids on the scene knelt down in extreme terror, not daring to lift their heads at all.

“Sir, please calm your anger!”

Natz and the others quickly tried to persuade him.

“Calm my anger? I’ve had enough! How many merits have I established for the Federal Government, how much effort have I put in, and what’s the result? How has the Federal Government treated me? There wasn’t even a spot for me among the two General positions! Fine, Su Ming snatched one away, after all, that guy is a true freak, but what about Mo Xiu? What right does he have to be selected as a General!!!”

Sinrad said through gritted teeth.

Although he detested Su Ming, he had studied Su Ming’s files and had also seen his historical battle records.

This guy really was a monster; he wasn’t just normally strong.

Especially when he took on Commander Sakari, Commander Asya, and Kloss all by himself; that was no joke!

He asked himself, and he truly couldn’t do that.

“Sir, the final election was indeed unfair.”

Natz said, bracing himself.

“Those bastards talk about fairness and justice on the surface, but where is the fairness and justice? Mo Xiu did perform great service, but he was piloting the VI Generation mecha · Thunder Angel! The bunch of guys who besieged him were at most pseudo-VI Generation mechas. Give the Thunder Angel to me, and I could also kill my way through them, and even kill more than he did!”

Sinrad roared furiously.

“Sir, you are right.”

Natz hurriedly agreed.

“Those bastards clearly know I am more outstanding than Mo Xiu, they just don’t want to give the General position to me! Isn’t it just because Mo Xiu is the grandson of City Lord Faraon, while I am just from a commoner background? They simply cannot see how much blood and tears I have shed, how many times I have fought to the death? How long I have endured!”

Sinrad roared, his emotions completely out of control.

Natz and the others swallowed hard, not daring to make a sound.

At this moment, Long Shadow walked in from the main entrance, glanced at the red-eyed Sinrad and the messy floor, and frowned slightly.

“Lord Long Shadow!”

Natz and the others saw Long Shadow and hurriedly greeted him respectfully.

“All of you, get out.”

Long Shadow said impassively.

“Yes.”

Natz and the others hurriedly retreated, closing the hall doors at the same time.

Soon, only Long Shadow and Sinrad were left in the entire hall.

Long Shadow walked to the chair next to Sinrad and sat down, saying with a gloomy expression.

“I know you are very unwilling to accept that you failed to be selected!”

“Lord Long Shadow, how can I be willing to accept this? Those bastards would rather give the General position to Mo Xiu than to me. What have I become? A laughingstock for everyone!”

Sinrad replied with a face full of fury.

“No matter how unwilling you are, you must endure it.”

“I can’t endure it!”

“Even if you can’t endure it, you must. My niece is no pushover. Besides, the overall situation is settled now. If you jump out now, she can easily deal with you!”

Long Shadow warned coldly.

Upon hearing this, Sinrad clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking, and replied through gritted teeth.

“I’m just going to swallow this grievance?”

“If you don’t endure small things, you will spoil the big plan. Moreover, losing this time isn’t unjustified. Haven’t you noticed that when Mo Xiu was promoted to General, the Federal Government gave him power and a position, but didn’t give him any supplies? To put it plainly, this is an inside deal.”

Long Shadow said to Sinrad.

Upon hearing this, Sinrad’s expression kept changing.

“Lord, what should I do now?”

“Don’t rush, the good show is just beginning. Until the very last moment, it’s not certain who will win. Once I successfully achieve the great cause, you will have whatever you want!”

Long Shadow promised Sinrad.

“Understood, Lord!”

After listening to Long Shadow’s words, Sinrad suppressed the anger in his heart and said calmly to Long Shadow.

“As long as you understand, I won’t say much more.”

Long Shadow stood up from the chair and said.

“Lord, I will see you out.”

Sinrad said respectfully.

“No need, you should rest well and adjust your state. Also, deal with those insignificant people who were in the hall just now.”

Long Shadow said to Sinrad.

“Yes.”

Sinrad nodded and replied.

Long Shadow then turned and left the hall.

Natz then walked in and said cautiously.

“Lord, shall I have someone clean this up?”

“No, you go and deal with those people.”

Sinrad said coldly.

“Yes.”

Natz immediately responded with understanding.

——

Nighttime.

All the night scenery lights of the entire Starlight City were turned on, and countless virtual advertising slots were constantly playing concert previews for Hillis.

All street stall restrictions were temporarily lifted, allowing private individuals to set up stalls on the side of the streets.

Countless citizens were walking on the streets with their children.

At this time, Su Ming changed into casual clothes, wearing a baseball cap and black sunglasses, and came to Golden Light Street.

The entire Golden Light Street was packed with young men and women out for fun.

Su Ming wove through the bustling street, walking forward, and soon arrived at the circular commercial plaza in the center of the street.

He stopped, his gaze passing through the many pedestrians to look at the fountain in the center.

He saw Irelia wearing a champagne-colored cheongsam, with a purple hairpin in her hair. Her eyebrows and eyes were as beautiful as a painting, ethereal and lively, as she looked at the fountain in front of her with her face turned to the side.

A bright smile appeared on Su Ming’s face as he walked straight to Irelia’s side and said with a smile.

“Why did you arrive so early today?”

“I’m not like someone who claims to be busy with official business, but is actually flirting and joking with a beauty.”

Irelia turned around and smiled sweetly at Su Ming.

“That’s not true, it’s all a misunderstanding. I’m here looking for you, aren’t I?”

Hearing Irelia’s words, Su Ming couldn’t help but cough awkwardly.

“Is that so? Then how come I heard that someone braved the Mist Star Sea for love?”

Irelia asked, looking at Su Ming with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Su Ming was stunned, the smile on his face instantly faded, and he fell into silence.

At this time, Irelia also noticed something was wrong and immediately asked.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Nothing.”

Su Ming shook his head and replied.

“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Let’s go for a stroll.”

Irelia gracefully reached out, took Su Ming’s hand, and said.

“Okay!”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

The two strolled along the street together. Many couples along the way looked at Su Ming and Irelia, whispering to each other.

“Wow, that guy looks so handsome! It’s a pity, why don’t you look like that?”

“He’s wearing a hat and sunglasses, how do you know he’s handsome?”

“You can tell even from that!”

“Please, just look at how beautiful the girlfriend next to him is. If you were half as pretty as her, I would be satisfied!”

“What did you say?”

“Ouch, baby, I was wrong!”

Su Ming and Irelia glanced at the flirting young couple and couldn’t help but smile.

At this moment, they passed by a high-end men’s clothing store.

Irelia glanced at the clothes Su Ming was wearing—still those same few outfits—and stopped.

“What’s wrong?”

Su Ming asked curiously.

“Come with me.”

Irelia took Su Ming’s arm and walked into the store.

“Respected Sir and Madam, I am the sales assistant, Lin Qin. Is there anything I can do for you?”

A woman wearing a red professional suit with a pretty face asked respectfully.

“No need, we’ll just look around ourselves!”

Irelia said indifferently to Lin Qin.

“Okay, then I will wait nearby. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.”

Lin Qin then respectfully retreated to the side.

Irelia then led Su Ming to browse the clothes.

“Are you going to pick out clothes for me?”

Su Ming asked with a smile.

“Hmm, don’t you like it?”

Irelia looked up at Su Ming and asked with a light laugh.

“No.”

Su Ming said very cooperatively.

At this moment, Irelia took down a black shirt from the clothes rack. The entire black shirt was made of very high-end material, and some textures could be faintly seen.

“Try this one.”

Irelia said to Su Ming.

“Okay.”

Su Ming took the clothes and walked towards the fitting room.

A few minutes later.

Su Ming came out of the fitting room after changing into the clothes.

Irelia looked at Su Ming, her eyes shifting, and a smile appeared on her face.

“Does it not look good?”

Su Ming asked somewhat puzzled.

“You can look in the mirror.”

Irelia said with a smile.

“Not bad!”

Su Ming turned his head to look in the mirror, seeing that after putting on the black shirt, he had gained a bit of cold sharpness, looking quite handsome.

“It’s still missing a little something.”

Irelia said with a smile.

“Where?”

Su Ming asked curiously.

Irelia walked in front of Su Ming, a faint, elegant fragrance wafting towards him. Then, she raised her hand to fasten the button on his collar.

Su Ming looked at Irelia, who was so close, and for a moment, ripples couldn’t help but stir in his heart.

At this time, seeing that Su Ming kept looking at her, Irelia spoke softly.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing.”

Su Ming replied with a smile,

At this time, Lin Qin, who was waiting in the distance, whispered to her colleague nearby.

“Wow, that guy is so handsome!”

AI Model: deepseek-chat

Yeah, but why does he look so familiar? Feels like I’ve seen him somewhere before.

Stop talking nonsense. A guy this handsome, you definitely wouldn’t forget if you’d seen him.

True.

A little over half an hour later.

Su Ming, carrying a bag, walked out of the store with Irelia.

The two strolled along the bustling street.

In an excellent mood, Su Ming chatted with Irelia.

“Xiao Ya, what was your impression of me when we first met alone?”

“Impression? Uh… that I’d never met someone with such a thick skin before.”

Irelia replied with a smile.

“Just as I guessed.”

“Actually, I’m not an easy person to get along with, and getting along with me often doesn’t end well. I’m curious, where did you find the courage?”

“Even if the ending isn’t ideal, meeting you was the best possible fortune!”

Su Ming said to Irelia with a smile.

“Mm.”

Irelia nodded in reply.

At that moment, Su Ming spotted an ice cream truck parked by the roadside and said with a smile,

“Wait for me a moment.”

After saying this, Su Ming walked towards the ice cream truck.

Irelia stood quietly where she was, waiting.

Meanwhile, Su Ming reached the ice cream truck and said to the vendor,

“Two vanilla ones, please.”

“Okay.”

The vendor promptly made two vanilla ice creams and handed them to Su Ming.

Just as Su Ming took the ice creams and was about to leave, he saw a little girl with a ponytail and a slightly chubby face looking at him pitifully.

Su Ming asked with a smile,

“Little girl, do you want some?”

The little girl nodded repeatedly.

Su Ming handed her one ice cream, then turned to the vendor and said,

“Make me another one.”

“Okay!”

The vendor immediately made another one for Su Ming.

Su Ming took the ice cream and returned to Irelia’s side, handing it to her, saying,

“Here.”

“I don’t eat that stuff.”

Irelia shook her head slightly.

“Just try a little.”

“Alright.”

Not wanting to spoil the mood, Irelia reached out and took it.

The two walked forward while eating their ice creams.

Irelia stuck out her tongue to lick the ice cream, then lightly brushed back her hair, quickly turned the ice cream, and licked another spot that was about to melt.

Su Ming glanced over and was momentarily stunned, then couldn’t help but smile.

“What’s wrong?”

Irelia looked at Su Ming and asked curiously.

“Nothing.”

Su Ming replied with a laugh.

“Are you sure? It feels like your smile is a bit weird.”

Irelia replied, half-believing, half-doubting.

“Really, nothing.”

Su Ming replied with a straight face.

Seeing this, Irelia didn’t press further. But just as they continued walking, they felt as if someone was following them, so they stopped.

*Thump~*

Su Ming suddenly felt a bump against his heel and turned to look.

He saw the little girl holding the ice cream, blinking her eyes at him.

“Little girl, is there something you need?”

Su Ming asked, puzzled.

“Daddy!”

The little girl immediately called out sweetly.

Hearing the little girl’s words, Su Ming’s face instantly turned pale.

Irelia also looked at Su Ming with great interest and asked,

“Is this your daughter?”

“How could that be? Little girl, don’t call me that. Where’s your mom?”

Su Ming asked, somewhat flustered.

The little girl looked around and shook her head, replying,

“Don’t know.”

“Oh no, she must be lost.”

Su Ming said to Irelia with a bitter smile.

Irelia glanced at the little girl and said,

“Let’s wait here. Her mother will probably come looking soon.”

“Okay.”

Su Ming nodded in agreement.

The two, holding the little girl’s hand, walked to the roadside to wait.

At that moment, the little girl’s attention was drawn to a nearby takoyaki stall, and she unconsciously started drooling.

Seeing this, Su Ming walked over, bought two takoyaki sticks, handed one to the little girl and one to Irelia.

The little girl happily started eating.

Irelia took a bite of one ball and handed the stick to Su Ming.

Su Ming smiled and took a bite.

The three waited by the roadside, but even after they finished eating, the little girl’s mother still hadn’t appeared.

Meanwhile, the vendor at the nearby balloon shooting stall kept calling out,

“Ten federal currency for twenty shots! All sorts of beautiful dolls and gifts await you!”

The little girl was immediately attracted by the call, her bright eyes fixed on a white bear doll at the stall.

Seeing this, Su Ming, with nothing better to do, suggested with a smile,

“Let’s go shoot some balloons!”

“Okay.”

Irelia nodded.

The two, holding the little girl’s hand, walked to the stall. The uncle warmly greeted them,

“Sir, want to give it a try?”

“One round!”

Su Ming took out ten federal currency and handed it to the uncle, then picked up the imitation gun from the stall, aimed at the balloons, and pulled the trigger!

*Bang!*

One balloon after another popped.

Twenty shots, all hits.

The uncle was utterly dumbfounded.

“Uncle, could I have that white bear doll, please.”

Su Ming said with a smile.

The uncle promptly handed the white bear doll to Su Ming, who then gave it directly to the little girl, saying,

“For you!”

“Wow, thank you, Daddy!”

After receiving the white bear doll, the little girl was overjoyed and hugged Su Ming’s leg.

Su Ming felt somewhat awkward for a moment.

Just then, a woman wearing a silk dress, with fair skin and delicate features, rushed over looking frantic.

Seeing the woman, the little girl happily called out,

“Mommy!”

The woman saw the little girl and rushed over excitedly, hugging her tightly, asking anxiously,

“Nina, where did you run off to?”

“Mommy, I found Daddy! Daddy gave me this doll.”

The little girl told her mother happily.

Hearing the little girl’s words, Irelia looked at Su Ming with a half-smile.

Su Ming’s mouth twitched slightly, and he quickly said,

“Little girl, you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

Hearing her daughter’s words, the woman was also taken aback. She looked up at Su Ming and hurriedly apologized,

“I’m sorry, my daughter mistook you for someone else. Please don’t mind.”

“It’s fine, but what’s going on?”

“It’s like this… my husband passed away a few years ago. He used to often wear a baseball cap too.”

“I see.”

“I’m really, truly sorry. Thank you so much for looking after my daughter. When we passed the ice cream truck earlier, she wanted ice cream, but I didn’t buy it for her. In a moment of carelessness, she got separated. When I went back to look, I couldn’t find her anymore.”

“Mm, be more careful next time.”

Su Ming nodded in reply.

“Okay, sweetie, say goodbye to the big brother and big sister.”

The woman said to the little girl.

“Bye-bye.”

The little girl obediently waved and said.

“Bye-bye, don’t run off again next time.”

Su Ming said with a smile.

“Mm!”

The little girl nodded obediently, then left with her mother.

Su Ming and Irelia watched them leave, then continued their stroll.

Suddenly, all the pedestrians on the street stopped. Everyone looked towards a huge virtual projection advertisement.

Miss Hillis, wearing a pure white dress, said sweetly to everyone,

“Everyone, the New Year’s bell is about to ring. Let’s count down together and welcome a wonderful new year!”

“Yeah!”

Countless fans responded enthusiastically.

“10!”

“9!”

“2!”

“1!”

“0!”

Amidst the crowd’s shouts.

*Dong~*

A deep bell toll sounded, echoing throughout Starlight City.

“Happy New Year!”

Hillis wished everyone.

*Whoosh! Whoosh!*

Countless fireworks rose into the sky from every corner of Starlight City.

*Boom! Rumble~*

Countless brilliant fireworks burst into bloom.

A gentle breeze blew past.

Su Ming and Irelia stood by the roadside, looking up at the sky, watching the brilliant fireworks continuously explode.

The two quietly watched the fireworks show until it ended.

At that moment, Irelia’s wristband vibrated. She looked down at the notification that popped up and slightly furrowed her brows.

“What’s wrong?”

Su Ming immediately sensed something was off and asked.

“It’s nothing. It’s getting late, I should head back now.”

Irelia said apologetically to Su Ming.

“Okay, I’ll walk you to the public transport stop.”

Su Ming said to Irelia with a gentle smile.

“Mm!”

Irelia nodded.

A short while later.

By the public transport stop sign, Su Ming watched the public rail car drive away, a trace of worry appearing on his face. Clearly, something had happened, though he wasn’t sure what exactly.

*Buzz~*

Just then, Su Ming’s wristband vibrated.

He looked down and saw that Rhine was calling.

Su Ming immediately answered.

“Rhine, what’s up?”

“Boss, something’s happened.”

Rhine’s voice sounded urgent.

“What happened?”

Su Ming slightly furrowed his brows.

“The Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom are mobilizing troops on a massive scale. This time is different from before; the numbers they’re gathering are especially huge. And their forces are gradually advancing towards the Donao Star Sea and the Tidal Star Sea.”

“How do you know this?”

“Isn’t the Star Cluster Forum fully open now? Those guys from the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom are openly boasting about it online. They even posted videos. Now both the Tidal Star Sea and the Donao Star Sea areas are in chaos.”

Rhine explained to Su Ming.

“Trouble. The Scarlet Country hasn’t withdrawn into Federal territory.”

Su Ming said with a headache.

“Boss, what do we do now? Will the Federation send troops?”

Rhine asked.

“The probability is low. The Federation’s current policy is to turtle up. Defensive warfare is always more advantageous than head-on confrontation.”

Su Ming explained to Rhine in a serious tone.

“So what do we do now?”

“I know about this situation. Let’s wait for the Federation’s decision first.”

“Okay. Those bastards really aren’t human, not even letting people have a peaceful New Year!”

Rhine cursed angrily.

“Cursing won’t help. We knew this day would come; we just didn’t expect it so soon.”

“You’re right, Boss!”

“Rhine, first, pull together a team to go receive the Star Destroyer Leiji!”

Su Ming’s expression shifted as he instructed Rhine.

“Okay, I’ll go right away.”

After saying this, Rhine hung up.

Su Ming then raised his wristband and opened the Star Cluster Forum.

The entire Star Cluster Forum was in an uproar. Countless posts were popping up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.

Most of these posts were published by the Dark Star Empire, the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom, and Neutral Countries.

Su Ming clicked on the hottest post.

Inside the post was a video clip. It showed densely packed, fully armed Imperial soldiers, weapons in hand, boarding ships with a murderous air. Then the camera pulled back, revealing a massive Interstellar Airport with battleships docked one after another—a truly awe-inspiring scene.

Below the post, comments from citizens of the Dark Star Empire scrolled continuously.

“Tremble, you Federation dogs!”

“Our great army is assembling!”

“Your doom is coming soon!”

“Screw you!”

“Bunch of savages!”

“Can’t even let people have a quiet New Year. If you dare come, we’ll break your damn legs.”

Su Ming watched the two sides fighting online, his brows tightly furrowed.