Chapter 355: Return Voyage (Five-in-One)

“Yes, is there a problem?”

Hokas was very surprised to see Commander Su Ming’s strong reaction.

“That’s our ship. Where is it docked?”

Commander Su Ming asked excitedly.

“I think it was docked in Interstellar Airport’s G-sector, but they seemed to be heading back today. I wonder if they’ve left yet?”

Hokas wasn’t entirely sure.

“Norfleen, I need to go find Tsar right away!”

Commander Su Ming said to Norfleen, a bit anxious.

“Okay, I’ll go with you.”

Norfleen replied without a moment’s hesitation.

Just as the two were about to leave, Hokas quickly called out to them.

“Wait a moment.”

“What is it?”

Norfleen looked at Hokas and asked.

“By the time you get there, it’ll be too late. Take my BMW; it’s parked in the underground parking lot at spot 4522.”

Hokas took out a string of keys and threw them to Norfleen and the others.

“Thanks!”

Norfleen took the keys and immediately ran with Commander Su Ming towards the elevator.

Soon after, Norfleen drove a green jeep, carrying Commander Su Ming, out of the underground passage and sped towards Interstellar Airport’s G-sector.

Commander Su Ming constantly looked out the car window, scanning the ships docked in the distance, searching for Tsar.

His heart was in his throat. If they could catch up to Tsar, they would be able to return to the Federation smoothly.

“Commander Su Ming, you don’t need to worry. Tsar definitely hasn’t left yet.”

Seeing Commander Su Ming so tense, Norfleen spoke to comfort him.

“I hope so!”

Commander Su Ming took a deep breath and replied.

Norfleen silently pressed harder on the accelerator, and the jeep’s speed continued to soar.

More than half an hour later, Norfleen drove the car into Interstellar Airport’s G-sector.

At this moment, Commander Su Ming saw Tsar docked on the horizon from afar, and said with great joy, “Look, Tsar!”

Norfleen followed Commander Su Ming’s gaze, and a shocked expression appeared on her face as well.

“What a huge ship!”

“Tsar is a Level 5 mothership, so it’s quite large. Drive the car over, and I’ll try to contact them.”

Commander Su Ming quickly raised his wristband and entered a command, trying to connect to Tsar.

However, his wristband displayed an error message.

“Communication connection failed, error code X233!”

Commander Su Ming was slightly stunned when he saw this error code.

“What happened? Can’t you connect? Is it too far?”

Norfleen asked when she saw this.

“It’s not a distance issue. Damn, it’s the Mechanical Octopus. The signal is being blocked.”

Commander Su Ming said, his expression changing slightly.

Tsar’s hull was covered in Mechanical Octopus, shielding all scans and signals. Only special equipment could connect to it.

“Not good, Commander Su Ming, Tsar seems to be about to set sail.”

Norfleen suddenly shouted, her face changing dramatically.

Commander Su Ming’s heart skipped a beat when he heard Norfleen’s words. He immediately looked up and stared into the distance.

He saw Tsar in the distance glowing with blue light all over its body, which clearly indicated that its anti-gravity system had been activated.

“Norfleen, hurry, drive over, drive to the front of the ship!”

Commander Su Ming’s heart instantly sank to the bottom. He immediately said to Norfleen.

“Okay!”

Norfleen floored the accelerator.

The jeep’s engine roared, and the speedometer needle shot straight to 260 KM/H.

On Tsar’s Training Ground 3.

Many soldiers sat silently on the ground, each looking very heavy-hearted, with sadness in their eyes.

Hugh Eun, Hegas, and Timmy stood on the observation deck, looking at their soldiers, their expressions also very complex.

“Alas~ Although we successfully completed the mission to attack the Heavenly Base Heart this time, we also paid an extremely heavy price!”

Timmy said with a heavy heart.

“The worst part is that all 2,000 people responsible for the surprise attack were wiped out. Kaff and Commander Su Ming both perished.”

Hugh Eun said in a hoarse voice.

“Damn it! It’s really too bad, especially Commander Su Ming! He was so powerful, slaying so many Imperial generals, on the verge of rising! He could have become the Federation’s most dazzling new star in the future, but he perished there!”

Hegas said, gritting his teeth.

“You’re right, Commander Su Ming’s death is truly a great pity.”

Timmy sighed deeply.

Commander Su Ming’s death was definitely a major loss for the Federation, but the reality of war is just that cruel.

Over the years, the Federation had produced many exceptionally talented individuals, but many of them never fully matured and were lost on the battlefield.

Hegas felt a lump in his chest, feeling extremely frustrated, but he had no way to vent.

Hugh Eun and Timmy also fell silent, their expressions very melancholic.

Inside Tsar’s Central Control Room.

Zhou Yuelin, Lieutenant, continuously reported on Tsar’s status.

“Fusion power unit 1 is operating normally!”

“Checking ship circuits…”

Major General Vickers rested his chin on one hand, sitting quietly in the command chair, listening to Zhou Yuelin’s report.

At this moment, Colonel Zhou Quan seemed to hesitate before asking Major General Vickers, “General, are we really returning to the Federation?”

“Hmm, I know what you want to say, but we have to learn to accept reality.”

Vickers replied in a deep voice.

In fact, after Vickers and his team escaped into the Dark Forest Star Sea and shook off the enemy, they didn’t leave immediately. Instead, they lay in ambush in the Dark Forest Star Sea, waiting for the surprise attack team.

However, they waited for several days and didn’t hear from Commander Su Ming and his team. Instead, they encountered a large number of searching Imperial Army troops.

Seeing the risk of exposure growing higher and higher, Major General Vickers had no choice but to issue the order to leave the Dark Forest.

Of course, Major General Vickers and his team were unaware that the searching personnel were not Imperial Army soldiers at all, but Holy Army.

It was just that the mechs they used were of the same model.

“General, you are right.”

Colonel Zhou Quan replied with a sigh.

“Everyone, cheer up. The journey back is long and arduous. Don’t let your guard down.”

Major General Vickers sternly reminded everyone.

“Yes!”

Colonel Zhou Quan and the others nodded heavily in response.

At the Interstellar Airport, Norfleen drove the jeep along the side of Tsar, speeding towards the bow.

At this moment, the blue light on Tsar’s mothership became increasingly intense, and the entire massive ship, like a feather, began to slowly ascend.

Norfleen was also anxious when she saw this scene. She said to Commander Su Ming, “Commander Su Ming, the ship has set sail, what should we do?”

Commander Su Ming frowned deeply when he saw this. Why set sail now, of all times? He couldn’t possibly give up just like that.

“Quick, give me the gun!”

Commander Su Ming decisively picked up the transparent protective helmet from the passenger seat and put it on, then said to Norfleen.

Norfleen immediately pulled out the portable beam gun from her waist and handed it to Commander Su Ming, asking confusedly, “What do you want to do?”

“Put on your protective helmet!”

Commander Su Ming didn’t answer Norfleen, but instead told Norfleen.

“Okay!”

Norfleen immediately put on her helmet.

Commander Su Ming then lowered the car window partially, and a powerful air pressure immediately surged in.

He raised the beam gun in his hand and fired directly at Tsar!

Whoosh, whoosh~

Beams of light shot towards Tsar.

Norfleen was dumbfounded when she saw this. Commander Su Ming was actually attacking Tsar.

“Is, is this okay?”

“It’s fine!”

Commander Su Ming couldn’t care less right now. He had to immediately get Tsar’s attention, otherwise it would be over!

He fired ten shots consecutively, hitting Tsar’s armor plating, but it had no effect, like a tickle.

Tsar continued to ascend, and Norfleen’s beam gun was too low-powered.

“No, it doesn’t seem to be working!”

Norfleen was also getting a bit anxious. If Tsar ascended any higher, they really wouldn’t be able to catch up.

“I know, let me think!”

Commander Su Ming looked at Tsar, which was continuously ascending, and tried his best to suppress his irritation and calm himself down.

Just then, he sharply noticed a Mechanical Octopus attached to Tsar’s hull, and his eyes lit up!

Tsar was thick-skinned, and the beam gun’s power wasn’t enough to trigger the sensing device. But those Mechanical Octopus were the latest products from Xiguang Laboratory, with such high technological content, they must be very sensitive.

Commander Su Ming decisively said to Norfleen, “Quick, accelerate and catch up!”

Norfleen immediately disengaged the car’s safety device and slammed the accelerator, speeding forward.

Commander Su Ming raised the beam gun in his hand, quickly aimed at the head of the Mechanical Octopus attached to Tsar, took a deep breath, he only had one chance.

Then Commander Su Ming’s pupils contracted, and he pulled the trigger!

Whoosh!

A beam of light shot out, hitting the attached Mechanical Octopus directly.

At this moment, inside Tsar’s Central Control Room.

A red warning box suddenly popped up on the operation screen.

“Warning: Mechanical Octopus #28192 has been attacked by an unknown beam, causing some damage.”

Zhou Yuelin was dumbfounded when she saw the alert. She reported in astonishment, “General, were we attacked?”

“What?”

Colonel Zhou Quan and the others were stunned.

Although Lost Land was a chaotic and unregulated area, this area also had rules. Any force causing trouble here would not end well, not even the Dark Star Empire.

Furthermore, the Federation also had hidden forces here. The area where Tsar was docked was their own territory. Attacking them here, wasn’t that asking for death?

“See who attacked us.”

Vickers replied, his brow slightly furrowed.

“Yes!”

Zhou Yuelin, Lieutenant, immediately entered a command to activate the optical device and capture the image.

Swish!

An image appeared. Inside the image, a jeep could be seen constantly chasing Tsar, occasionally firing beams of light.

Zhou Yuelin immediately zoomed in on the jeep’s image, and Commander Su Ming’s face instantly appeared in everyone’s eyes.

“Commander Su Ming!”

Zhou Yuelin cried out in surprise.

“He’s not dead?”

“No way? Is that for real?!”

“It really is Commander Su Ming!”

Colonel Zhou Quan and the others looked incredulous, gathering forward to examine it closely.

Major General Vickers was stunned to hear that Commander Su Ming was not dead, and quickly stepped forward to check.

“It’s really this kid, he’s not dead, and he even chased us all the way here. Quick, abort the departure, broadcast a notice to all members, and also inform the control tower of Lost Land that we are delaying our departure! Now descend to welcome our hero back.”

“Yes! General!”

Zhou Yuelin and the others cheered excitedly.

At this moment, Tsar’s broadcast sounded.

“Dear brothers and sisters, a temporary announcement: Due to a special unforeseen circumstance, Tsar will temporarily halt its departure and will redescend to its docking position…”

Inside the training ground.

Many soldiers listened to the broadcast, each showing a very bewildered expression, and discussed among themselves.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know, the departure was canceled for no reason.”

Hegas turned his head and said to Hugh Eun and Timmy, “Something doesn’t seem right!”

“Let’s go, let’s go to the observation deck and see!”

Hugh Eun said decisively to the two of them.

“Okay!”

Hegas and Timmy immediately responded.

They immediately rushed towards the observation deck. In fact, they weren’t the only ones with this idea.

Lieutenant Colonel Aragon, Major Currifa, Ye Hai, and others also walked towards the observation deck.

Soon, a large group of them arrived at the observation deck and looked out.

“Look, there’s a jeep chasing us down there, but it’s too far away, I can’t see it clearly.”

Currifa said in surprise.

“Quick, activate the observation deck’s optical device, capture the image, and zoom in.”

Hugh Eun immediately spoke.

“I’ll do it!”

Timmy then walked to the side of the observation deck to operate it.

Soon, the jeep was projected in front of Hugh Eun and the others, and everyone clearly saw Commander Su Ming poking his head out of the jeep.

“Holy cow! Commander Su Ming!”

Currifa shouted in surprise.

“Damn it, this kid isn’t dead!”

Hegas’s head buzzed instantly, his face full of disbelief.

“That’s great, he’s still alive.”

Hugh Eun and the others were all incredibly happy.

Although they had sacrificed so many people, even one person returning alive now was a huge cause for celebration.

At this moment, at the Interstellar Airport.

Commander Su Ming looked at Tsar, which was continuously ascending, and also felt a strong sense of powerlessness.

He reluctantly accepted reality, leaned back against the seat, and sighed deeply.

“Alas!”

Norfleen saw Su Ming sighing and felt it was a great pity; it was right in front of them, but in the end, it was all for naught.

However, at this moment, the Tsar suddenly stopped ascending and instead slowly began to descend.

Seeing this, Norfleen’s mouth slightly opened, and she excitedly shouted to Su Ming.

“Su Ming, the Tsar has stopped ascending and is descending.”

Hearing this, Su Ming looked up.

He looked at the descending Tsar and smiled, saying to Norfleen.

“It’s done. Drive the car to the front of Entrance 1.”

“Okay!”

Norfleen immediately responded.

Soon after, the Tsar landed back on its mooring.

Norfleen drove the jeep to Entrance 1 of the Tsar.

Su Ming said to Norfleen.

“Wait for me here for a moment.”

“Okay.”

Norfleen nodded slightly in response.

Su Ming then opened the car door and got out.

At this moment, the Tsar’s entrance opened, and a metal staircase extended out.

Major General Vickers, leading people in exoskeleton armor, walked down from the Tsar.

Su Ming was a bit surprised, not expecting Major General Vickers to come down personally. He immediately went to meet him, saluted, and greeted him.

“General Vickers!”

Major General Vickers was also very happy to reach out and pat Su Ming heavily on the shoulder, praising him sincerely.

“Well done! It’s good that you’re alive. Welcome home!”

“Thank you, General. But I’m not the only one who survived.”

Hearing this, Su Ming said to Major General Vickers with a smile.

“There are others?”

Vickers was also startled and turned to look around.

“Yes, Kaff is also fine, and more than eight hundred people from our two commando teams survived.”

Su Ming said to Major General Vickers.

Vickers heard this and immediately burst into laughter.

“Good, good, excellent! Where are they?”

“They are all on the Holy Army’s transport ship. We originally escaped into the Dark Forest Star Sea and, by chance, ran into the Holy Army. Later, we followed them and escaped to the Lost Land.”

Su Ming briefly explained to Vickers.

“Quick, immediately bring them all back.”

Vickers said to Su Ming.

“Okay, I’ll go do it right away.”

Su Ming nodded in response.

Soon after, Su Ming followed Norfleen back to the transport ship and informed Kaff and the others to transfer.

Then, with Norfleen’s help, they successfully transferred all the mechs back to the Tsar.

Inside the Tsar’s hangar.

A dense crowd of soldiers gathered here. Aragon, Hugh Eun, and others stood at the front, waiting for Su Ming and his team to disembark.

At this moment, Su Ming and the others opened their cockpits and jumped down from their mechs.

Aragon, Hugh Eun, Hegas, and others excitedly came forward, embracing Su Ming and Kaff with emotion.

“Haha! I knew you wouldn’t die so easily!”

Hegas then punched Su Ming in the chest and said.

“Cough, cough, gently! Don’t die at your hands before dying at the Imperial Army’s.”

Su Ming replied jokingly.

“Get lost! Are you that fragile, kid?”

Hegas cursed with a laugh.

“Haha!”

Ye Hai and the others burst into laughter.

At this time, Norfleen and the others stood in the distance, looking at Hugh Eun and the others, as well as the many brand-new mechs parked in the large hangar. Their expressions became very reserved, as if they were country bumpkins entering the city, everything feeling out of place.

“Wow, the Federal Army’s equipment is so good.”

“Compared to them, we feel like beggars.”

At this moment, after Su Ming finished speaking with Hugh Eun, he noticed Norfleen and the others.

He then clapped his hands together and shouted loudly.

“Everyone, quiet down!”

Kaff and the others were slightly startled, stopping and looking at Su Ming.

“I’d like to ask for everyone’s help.”

“What kind of help?”

“Take out all your cash and valuables and give them to me. Consider it a loan from me!”

Su Ming shouted to everyone.

“Su Ming, what are you doing?”

Kaff asked curiously.

“Of course, I’m repaying a kindness.”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

Kaff and the others immediately understood and shouted.

“Quick, take out all your cash and valuables!”

“I’ll go find a sack!”

Rhine immediately ran towards the logistics personnel nearby.

Su Ming took out his wallet and pulled out all the cash, which amounted to ten thousand yuan notes.

Kaff and the others also took out all their cash.

Hugh Eun and the others also didn’t hesitate and took out money.

Hegas even took off the watch on his wrist and said.

“I spent millions on this watch; it’s very valuable too!”

“I have a necklace here.”

Elu and the others all took off their jewelry.

“The sack is here! Throw it in!”

Rhine rushed over with the bag.

Everyone threw their money and items into the sack.

In a flash, the entire sack was full.

Su Ming looked at the supportive crowd and said.

“Remember how much money you gave; I’ll reimburse you later!”

“What are you talking about! As if you’re the only one who was saved.”

Kaff replied grumpily.

“That’s right, Squad Leader. You always charge at the front during battles. Now that it’s time to pay, you can’t bear it alone!”

Rhine and the others echoed.

“We are one corps. They saved you means they saved us. You don’t need to return this money.”

Hugh Eun and the others also spoke up.

Su Ming looked at everyone and said with a bright smile.

“Okay! Then I won’t be polite with you anymore.”

“That’s right, don’t be wishy-washy like a woman.”

Hegas replied with a laugh.

Su Ming nodded, then dragged the sack towards Norfleen and the others.

He walked in front of Norfleen and the others, handing over the sack filled with money and items, saying.

“This is for you!”

Norfleen was slightly startled when she saw it, then reacted and replied.

“No, we can’t take it.”

“This is a small token of our appreciation. Don’t be polite with us. Without your rescue, we probably would have died in the Dark Forest.”

Su Ming persuaded Norfleen.

“Still no, we didn’t save you for a reward.”

Norfleen quickly shook her head and refused.

“Yes, Big Sister is right.”

Fia and the others also chimed in.

Although they were very tempted by the bag of money and desperately needed it, it was a matter of principle; they had their own beliefs.

“Norfleen, please don’t be polite with us. Just consider it a donation to the Holy Army. Your current situation truly needs money.”

Su Ming, without allowing for argument, shoved the sack to Norfleen.

In fact, even putting aside Norfleen and her team’s rescue, Su Ming was willing to financially support the Holy Army, because supporting them was equivalent to going against the Imperial Army.

“Alright, I thank you all on behalf of everyone in the Holy Army!”

Norfleen was finally persuaded by Su Ming.

“No need to be so polite. Also, this is my Star Cluster Forum account. If you encounter any trouble in the future and need my help, try to contact me through the Star Cluster Forum. As long as I can help, I will definitely not refuse!”

Su Ming took out a piece of paper with his Star Cluster Forum account written on it and handed it to Norfleen.

“Okay, then we’ll be going now.”

Norfleen, after taking the note, said to Su Ming with some emotion.

“Goodbye. If you have a chance to come to the Federation, I will definitely treat you well!”

Su Ming said to Norfleen and the others.

“Mm, goodbye!”

Norfleen and the others then returned to their mechs and controlled them to leave the Tsar.

Su Ming and the others stood in place, watching them leave.

Inside the Tsar’s central control room.

Zhou Yuelin, Lieutenant reported to Major General Vickers.

“General, Su Ming and the others have all returned to the Tsar, and the Holy Army personnel have also left.”

“Hmm, inform everyone, the Tsar is setting sail!”

Major General Vickers then issued the order.

“Yes!”

Zhou Yuelin immediately responded.

At the Interstellar Airport, the Tsar started up again, its massive hull slowly rising.

Norfleen and the others controlled their mechs to stop, turning to look back at the slowly ascending Tsar.

Fia asked with some sadness.

“Big Sister, will we meet them again in the future?”

“I don’t know either, maybe.”

Norfleen replied with some sadness.

At this moment, the Tsar went to full power and flew towards the distant sky, eventually disappearing from sight.

—

Inside the Tsar’s dock.

Su Ming led Rhine and the others back to the Wind Motion.

“We’re finally back.”

“Finally, I can take a bath. I haven’t bathed in almost ten days; I’m practically rotting.”

“That’s right. Although the Holy Army is good, the conditions are really too harsh.”

“This time, it was truly life-threatening.”

Rhine and the others said with great emotion.

“Alright, everyone go back and get some good rest. For these days, except for those on rotating shifts, everyone else is on vacation!”

Su Ming said to Rhine and the others.

“Okay.”

Rhine and the others replied one after another.

Su Ming then walked towards his room.

The moment he reached his room door and opened it.

Little Ash darted over with incredible speed, directly leaping into Su Ming’s arms.

“Squeak squeak~”

Little Ash rubbed against Su Ming while whimpering sadly.

Su Ming chuckled, stroking Little Ash’s head to comfort him.

“Alright, I’m back now. I’ll get you some grapes to eat later.”

Little Ash, hearing Su Ming’s words, immediately chirped happily.

Su Ming then carried Little Ash into the room, closing the door.

—

Five months later.

Inside the Tsar’s temporary officer’s office.

Su Ming leisurely drank hot water, watching Currifa and the others chatting.

“Don’t you guys think it’s strange?”

Currifa said with a frown.

“What’s strange?”

Hugh Eun and the others asked curiously.

“It’s been five months since we left the Lost Land and started sailing, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, what about it?”

“It’s been so long, and we still haven’t returned to the Federation. Don’t you think that’s strange?”

“What you said makes some sense, but could it be because we took a long detour?”

“Even with a detour, it’s been sailing for too long. You know, when we took the Star Radiance Fortress to attack the Imperial Army, it only took about a month in total, even with a detour. Now it’s been five months, and we still haven’t returned home. Do you think we might have to carry out some special mission again?”

Currifa said in a low voice.

“No way, Major General Vickers clearly said that we are indeed on our way back.”

Ye Hai replied with a dark expression.

Hearing this, Su Ming was also a bit confused. Their return journey did seem a bit too long.

Just then, Kaff walked over with a smile and said.

“What are you guessing about? We are indeed on our way back, and the return time is not a problem.”

“Ah? Then what’s going on?”

Currifa and the others all looked at Kaff.

“You guys are silly. We came here on the Star Radiance Fortress, and the cruising speeds of the Star Radiance Fortress and the Tsar are different. Although the Star Radiance Fortress can’t compare to a Star Destroyer, its cruising speed barely reaches 2 H-lights, while the Tsar only has 1 H-light. In other words, the Star Radiance Fortress’s cruising speed is 10 times that of the Tsar, so five months of sailing is nothing.”

Kaff explained to everyone.

After hearing Kaff’s words, Su Ming did a quick calculation.

The Star Radiance Fortress sailed for about a month in total, but this month wasn’t all spent sailing. There was a lot of time spent stopped for them to train and conduct combat exercises.

Therefore, calculating generously, it should have sailed for about half the time. If calculated based on that time, the Tsar should be almost back to the Federation.

“Holy moly, so that’s the reason. But the speed difference is too great.”

“I didn’t expect the Star Radiance Fortress to be so fast. Then wouldn’t the Legion Commander and his people have returned earlier than us?”

“Possibly!”

At this moment, Currifa and the others also realized and spoke up one after another.

Kaff sighed and said.

“Actually, the Star Radiance Fortress’s speed isn’t that fast. There’s something even faster.”

“Ah? Even faster?”

Currifa and the others all looked at Kaff.

“The Imperial Army’s Curvature Ring. That thing is even faster; it can warp large fleets directly to their destination in seconds.”

Kaff said to everyone.

“Yes, that’s a good thing. The Imperial Army uses Curvature Rings for warp jumps, they’re incredibly tactical!” Hugh Eun agreed.

“Does our Federation have such a device?” Su Ming asked curiously.

“No, that Curvature Ring was invented by Dr. Prague, a genius from the Dark Star Empire. The Federation still hasn’t mastered that technology,” Kaff replied, shaking his head.

“What a pity,” Su Ming said with great regret upon hearing this.

“But it’s nothing much. The energy required to activate that Curvature Ring is an astronomical figure. The Dark Star Empire is reluctant to use it unless absolutely necessary. Using this thing too many times would lead to bankruptcy,” Kaff said, seemingly feeling a bit stifled, then quickly added.

“That makes sense,” Currifa echoed.

Inside the Tsar’s Central Control Room.

Zhou Yuelin, Lieutenant reported to Major General Vickers.

“General, we are about to end our superluminal flight and will arrive at the Kagor Defense Line.”

“Very good. After ending superluminal flight, immediately send an encrypted communication request to the Kagor Defense Line’s highest command center!” Vickers replied, taking a deep breath.

“Yes!” Zhou Yuelin immediately responded.

In the vast starry sky, dandelion-shaped metal defense fortresses floated, and every so often, a giant umbrella-shaped Heavenly Base Weapon could be seen. In addition, numerous battleships were systematically patrolling.

Behind these defensive weapons lay a gray metal fortress.

Just then, ripples appeared in the dark starry sky.

The Tsar silently emerged.

Inside the Central Control Room.

Zhou Yuelin immediately sent an encrypted communication request to the Kagor Defense Line’s highest command center.

“Waiting for a response.”

“The other party has accepted, establishing encrypted communication connection.”

Soon, a woman with pale hair, wrinkled face, indifferent expression, and wearing a major general’s military uniform appeared on the operation screen.

“I am Major General Lin Ling, commander of the Kagor Defense Line.”

Vickers stood up and replied solemnly.

“I am Deputy Legion Commander Vickers of the Federation Thirteenth Corps. I now formally request the Tsar to pass through the Kagor Defense Line and return.”

“Thirteenth Corps? You’ve returned safely!” Lin Ling was first stunned, then replied with pleasant surprise.

“Mm!”

“That’s great, I’ll clear you now. Do you want to rest here?”

“No need, we need to return directly to the Third Planet. Major General Lin Ling, I hope you can keep our return confidential and not publicize it.”

“Understood, you’ve worked hard,” Lin Ling replied to Major General Vickers and the others.

“Thank you!” Major General Vickers nodded in response.

As the communication closed, the dandelion fortresses in the starry sky in front of the Tsar moved aside, and the Kagor Defense Line then disabled its Curvature interference in certain areas.

At this point, the Tsar went to full power, directly passing through the Kagor Defense Line. It reactivated its superluminal flight device and disappeared into the Star Sea.

Zhou Yuelin then said to Vickers with great joy.

“General, we have entered Federation territory. We are safely home.”

“Very good. Immediately notify all combat personnel to gather at Training Ground 1!” Major General Vickers said, then stood up.

“Yes!” Zhou Yuelin immediately responded.

Inside the temporary officers’ office.

Su Ming, Kaff, and the others were chatting happily when suddenly all their wristbands vibrated, and a message popped up.

After reading it, they all stood up and said,

“Let’s go, hurry to Training Ground 1 for assembly!”

A moment later, inside Training Ground 1.

Rhine and the others had already arrived, neatly arranged in a square formation according to their teams.

Su Ming and the others rushed over and stood in front of their respective teams.

Rhine, standing behind Su Ming, quietly asked,

“Squad Leader, what happened?”

“I don’t know either, just got the temporary notice,” Su Ming replied in a low voice.

Just then, Major General Vickers walked over with his hands behind his back.

Everyone’s expressions became solemn, and they stood ramrod straight.

Vickers walked to the front of the crowd, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and spoke solemnly.

“I am now formally announcing something: a short while ago, we safely returned and entered Federation territory. The Tsar is now heading to the Third Planet.”

Upon hearing Vickers’ words, everyone showed expressions of great joy.

However, everyone still restrained their emotions, standing neatly in place.

Vickers was very pleased with their reaction and said solemnly,

“Once we enter Federation territory, we are safe. I will now play a video left by the Legion Commander. Everyone, watch carefully!”

Su Ming and the others were a little surprised to hear this, that the Legion Commander had actually left a video in advance.

Vickers raised his wristband and tapped it a few times, and the Purple-haired girl’s image was projected in front of everyone.

At this moment, the Purple-haired girl bowed to everyone, then slowly said,

“When you see this video, it means you have successfully completed the Heavenly Base Heart attack mission and safely returned to the Federation. I am truly happy and proud of you. I congratulate you here; you have done very well. The Thirteenth Corps is honored by you!”

Currifa and the others showed excited expressions upon hearing the Purple-haired girl’s congratulations.

“There is one more thing you need to pay attention to. The Thirteenth Corps is a special secret legion. After you return to the Federation, you are not allowed to disclose internal information to outsiders. Maintain your confidential identity. As for the remaining matters, Major General Vickers will instruct you. Finally, I congratulate you on your triumphant return!” The Purple-haired girl said coldly.

The video then froze and finally disappeared.

At this moment, Major General Vickers said to Su Ming and the others in a deep voice,

“Alright, that was the Legion Commander’s message. Now, I’ll briefly add a few words. After returning, I will submit your military merits for the first two battles. As for the military merit application for this attack on the Heavenly Base Heart, we will wait until the Legion Commander returns to submit it. If I were to submit it, there might be some issues.”

Upon hearing Major General Vickers’ words, Su Ming immediately realized that the military merits for the first two battles were drafted and signed by the Legion Commander, and Major General Vickers only needed to report them.

For the last Heavenly Base Heart battle, Vickers not directly submitting the application was likely because he feared the council and military department might not accept it from him.

“Also, after you return, be as low-key as possible. You can report your military rank to outsiders, but try not to tell others that you are from the Thirteenth Corps. If anyone relentlessly investigates you, you can consider them a spy! The reason I’m telling you to do this is also to protect you!”

“You are now heroes of the Federation, but at the same time, you are thorns in the side of the Dark Star Empire. They will stop at nothing to eliminate you! Every year, many Federation heroes die in various unspeakable assassinations and accidents.”

Major General Vickers warned very seriously.

Of course, there was one more thing he didn’t say: what needed to be guarded against was not just the Dark Star Empire, but also their own people.

Upon hearing Vickers’ words, Su Ming and the others all looked very solemn.

Vickers’ words were not alarmist. Because the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Divine Kingdom both split off from the Federation, the three major powers had planted a large number of spies and agents within each other.

Assassinations happened endlessly every year.

This time, they had severely slapped the Dark Star Empire, making the Emperor lose face. This matter could never be simply forgotten.

“Finally, I announce a general leave! Everyone, enjoy this rare vacation. As for the return to duty time, it is TBD!”

“Understood!” Everyone responded.

“Alright, we will soon arrive at the Third Planet. Now, everyone go back, wash up, and change into your military uniforms. When we arrive at Starlight City, it will also be the time for us to send our fallen comrades home!” Major General Vickers said to the crowd.

“Yes!” Su Ming and the others looked very solemn upon hearing Vickers’ words.

—

Starlight City, City Lord’s Office.

Gakels sat at his desk, a holographic image screen in front of him displaying the communication images of Shihm Country Lord, Sevo Country Lord, and Chief Fleef.

“City Lord Gakels, you must avenge our country! The Dark Star Empire is truly inhumane; they directly destroyed my homeworld. Hundreds of millions of lives are just gone!” Chief Fleef cried, accusing him.

“That’s truly too much.”

“They’re practically beasts, City Lord Gakels, you can’t just ignore this!” Sevo Country Lord and Shihm Country Lord echoed.

Although it wasn’t their homeworlds that were destroyed, they also felt a sense of shared sorrow.

Gakels had a terrible headache listening to them and said,

“Calm down, listen to me!”

The three, Fleef, Shihm, and Sevo, immediately quieted down and looked at Gakels.

Gakels said in a deep voice,

“The Federation hasn’t ignored you, as you’ve seen. The Federation sent troops to the Donao Star Sea to directly confront the Dark Star Empire for your sake, and subsequently dispatched an expeditionary force to push into the Dark Star Empire and destroy the Heavenly Base Heart! Haven’t we done enough? Don’t just focus on the Dark Star Empire destroying planets. Think about it, if the Dark Star Empire wasn’t wary of the Federation, would they have only destroyed one? They would have flattened all three of your countries long ago! Would you even have the chance to speak here now?”

Sevo Country Lord, Shihm Country Lord, and Chief Fleef looked at each other after hearing this, not daring to make a sound.

“But…” Chief Fleef said, feeling very unwilling.

“Chief Fleef, listen to me. The Federation will not ignore the destruction of your country. I will provide a large amount of financial and material aid to help you rebuild your homeworld. As for this grudge, if there’s an opportunity in the future, I will definitely help you get your revenge,” Gakels said to Chief Fleef.

“Alright,” Chief Fleef could only respond dejectedly upon hearing this.

“Alright, let’s end our discussion here for now. I’m a bit tired,” Gakels said in a deep voice, seeing Chief Fleef relent, and ended the remote meeting.

“Yes, Lord Gakels.” The three, Fleef, Shihm, and Sevo, then cut off the communication.

“Sigh!” Gakels also let out a deep sigh.

He was actually very angry about the Dark Star Empire’s planet destruction, but he absolutely didn’t want to go to full-scale war with the Dark Star Empire right now, so he could only forcefully appease them.

Just then, the office door was pushed open, and Vice City Lord Okens rushed in, excitedly saying to Gakels,

“Lord City Lord Gakels, an urgent notification came from the Kagor Defense Line! The Thirteenth Corps has returned!”

“What did you say? The Thirteenth Corps has returned?” Gakels stood up excitedly.

“That’s right! They should be almost at the Third Planet,” Vice City Lord Okens immediately replied.

“Quick, come with me to welcome the Thirteenth Legion Commander!”

“Lord City Lord Gakels, the Thirteenth Legion Commander and the Star Radiance Fortress did not return. Only the Tsar returned.”

“Huh, didn’t return?”

“Yes!”

“Alright then, Okins, you personally lead the welcoming party. Make sure to use the highest level of courtesy,” Gakels pondered for a moment, then said to Vice City Lord Okens.

“Yes!” Vice City Lord Okens immediately responded.