Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy Chapter 1511: 27: Aohan Freedom Alliance

A moment after the Dawn Battleship passed the border, a sleek, boomerang-shaped warship emerged from behind a lifeless star and vanished into the shadows of a moon.

“It’s quite vexing to watch our target slip right past us,” grumbled a burly man with brown eyes, his Kirin Armor shimmering as he stood with his arms crossed in the cockpit.

Beside him was a woman with an elegant physique, her face concealed by a metal mask.

“The warship carrying the Shura Mecha has disengaged from combat.”

“An accord has been reached between the Federation’s Border Defense Fleet and the Revolution Army’s First Fleet; they’re commencing a coordinated sweep of Line 131.”

“Lord Samikina, the enemy fleet we lured out has been annihilated. Zeg’s counteroffensive has met its end,” relayed an alluring, slightly raspy voice. It belonged to Ye Mei, who had previously crossed paths with Mu Fan on Grey Forest Star.

It turned out the Star Body Fortress wasn't coincidentally positioned near the Dawn Battleship's path but had been deliberately placed there under Solomon’s covert direction.

Upon hearing this report, the imposing figure at the forefront turned, causing everyone to bow their heads solemnly at the sight of his colorless, pupil-less eyes.

He was Samikina, the Punisher, Solomon’s Fourth Gatepost.

“His rate of power progression is alarmingly swift.”

“The Mecha leaped directly to Great Demon God… That old speculation might actually be true,” the reserved Gatepost Knight mused quietly.

“Punisher, should we dispatch forces to pursue him into the Outer Domain Galaxy?” Ye Mei inquired respectfully.

In Samikina’s presence, not even the highest leader dared to jest; a solemnity prevailed.

“Three of the Eight Xingluo Army Commanders have already made their appearance. The Outer Domain Galaxy has been thoroughly stirred, and Solomon need not intervene further,” Samikina stated, observing the Star Map. He showed neither frustration nor disappointment regarding the failed attempt to ensnare Mu Fan.

“Then…”

“We return to the Second Star District! If the Gardot Empire doesn’t assist in quelling the invaders, Line 131 will inevitably crumble. That will be the opportune moment to initiate the Chaos Revival before the collapse!”

Samikina addressed Ye Mei, “Establish an intelligence network within the Second Star Domain, deploy Solomon’s Hunting Target, and officially commence the Chaos Plan.”

“Are you preparing to resurrect the Cosmic Will?”

At this declaration, all fourteen Gatepost Knights on the bridge wore grim expressions.

They were the esteemed Solomon Gateposts!

They stood ready to lay down their lives for the resurgence of the great Ancient God.

Reshaping the cosmic order was their ultimate goal; morality held no sway.

Bloodshed and carnage were merely necessary precursors.

…

…

“Roar!”

For half an hour, Evil Wing had been engrossed with a fist-sized High Crystal Stone. Upon exiting the border, it suddenly lifted its head and let out a howl.

“What’s wrong, you foolish dragon?” Black inquired, operating a cleaning robot as it approached Evil Wing.

“Roar~~ Roar!” Evil Wing first voiced its offense at the nickname, then rose, extending its wings and pointing backward, its expression perplexed.

“Are you trying to say there’s a familiar presence back there, but you’re uncertain?”

“Roar~”

“Then why did you bellow like that! Only call out when you’re certain,” the robot retorted before turning and departing. “Roar?!!” Evil Wing’s eyes widened, its tail thudding against the deck.

“Cause any more trouble, and your rations for today will be halved.”

“Mmm…” The mechanical dragon sulked, coiling on the deck and falling silent, grinding its teeth as it continued to gnaw on the High Crystal Stone.

…

On the deserted steel bridge, Mu Fan stood alone on the forward observation deck.

“What’s going on?”

“That silly dragon likely detected a familiar aura; it seemed unsure if it was a treasure or related to Solomon and wanted you to confirm, but I sent it off.”

“Give it an extra portion. We don't have time for trivial matters right now. Where is our next stop?”

“Let me check… The border checkpoint of Flame Star. It’s the ultimate route from here to the main channel of the Outer Domain Galaxy, securing a massive natural wormhole that can accommodate a battleship of the Dawn Battleship’s class for hyperspace jumps. However, it’s heavily fortified.”

“Heavily fortified? By whom?” Mu Fan inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“Officially, it’s known as the Aohan Freedom Alliance. Flame Star serves as the economic hub for that entity. In the Outer Domain Galaxy, such so-called nations and alliances are numerous. The reason for its heavy fortification, however, stems from the influence of the Firmament Corps.”

“Firmament Corps? One of the Outer Domain’s Eight Xingluo Corps… Firmament?”

“Indeed, it’s the same faction you clashed with previously in the Grey Forest Star and encountered amidst the Light Relics. However, those were merely the lower-tier combat units of the Firmament Corps. Their actual combat strength is likely superior to that of the Federal First Army Group from back then, especially when considering their high-tier combat power… utmost caution is advised.” Information regarding the mysterious Eight Xingluo Corps is exceedingly scarce on the network.

Due to the vast diversity of species within the Outer Domain Galaxy, with forces as numerous as the stars in the heavens, and the immense distances involved, coupled with the Federation's ongoing conflict with the Gardot Empire, Black could only unearth limited pertinent data through the Federation's Star Network.

Especially concerning the enigmatic Eight Xingluo Corps, the available intelligence was virtually non-existent.

Yet, one fact remained indisputable: the Eight Xingluo Corps were undeniably recognized as the dominant force in the Outer Domain Galaxy.

“The Aohan Freedom Alliance comprises a confederation of nine distinct ethnic groups, overseeing seventeen planets. The paramount amongst these is the Flame Star. Their prosperity hinges on controlling a stable fold jump point, from which they levy transit fees, transforming it into a remarkably liberated territory,” Black expounded, simultaneously projecting a massive Star Map before Mu Fan.

It was a celestial body transformed through a blend of mechanical and natural processes.

Intertwined Star Rings formed pathways that appeared semi-artificial.

Viewed from space, it resembled an ancient passage, with a vividly colored vortex at its terminus lending an air of mystery to the otherwise peculiar celestial formation.

Within the Star Map, a synchronized video feed displayed numerous vessels, both large and small, of various colors, flowing into the elongated, ringed star body. Significant heavy space machinery was also observable on the surface.

Every ship, upon entering the Star Ring, was guided into the transition channel by mechanical aids, proceeding in a remarkably organized fashion.

“Does this imply we can proceed in a similar manner?”

“In theory, affirmative.”

“Then proceed with the arrangements. Ensure we avoid any conflict until we reach Winter Tree Star,” Mu Fan commanded decisively.

…

Under Mu Fan's explicit directive, the Dawn Battleship utilized High Crystal Stones as a catalyst without regard for expense, propelling the entire vessel to a staggering four times its previous velocity!

This menacing and formidable warship sliced through the void like a sharpened blade, navigating its course.

After traversing a stretch of colorful starlit expanse, the battleship abruptly breached a membrane-like barrier, akin to a soap bubble, emerging into a serene and boundless cosmos.

In the distance, a stellar universe dominated by shades of yellow and deep red came into view.

[Aohan Freedom Alliance], arrival confirmed!