Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy Chapter 1532 48: Some People Are Not to Be Missed

"Yes. It's just... when they wake up and ask when you'll return, how should I answer?"

Black's core program is set to accompany Mu Fan to the Winter Tree Star, but for now, it must store relevant settings within its sub-program.

This is to prevent utter chaos should these people awaken and find Mu Fan has vanished without a trace.

"I... I don't know." Mu Fan's voice, though laced with a sudden trace of indecision, quickly solidified into resolve. "Whether it's three months, one year, or even longer—or if I might never come back—I cannot say. I can't give anyone any guarantees."

Mu Fan spoke with a calm sincerity; the Gate of Divine River represented the great unknown.

Even he himself could not offer any assurances.

Therefore, he couldn't selfishly demand his companions brave this uncertainty with him!

"Set three time points: 90 days, 180 days, and 360 days. At each interval, provide a response as if it's from me. If more than a year passes, simply do not answer."

"That's not an easy response to give; Lu Qingxue certainly won't accept it," Black lamented with a sigh.

"I will leave her a separate message."

Mu Fan's voice was serene and firm. With a gentle wave of his hand, rows of hibernation pods from the Dawn Battleship materialized on Shura's light screen.

Each pod's apex featured a transparent shield displaying the occupant's face. Mu Fan's gaze swept across each one.

The same youthful countenances, yet they no longer held that same unblemished freshness...

The battlefield is indeed a crucible for rapid personal growth.

A flicker of contentment crossed Mu Fan's eyes, and his lips curved into an involuntary smile. How fortunate he was to possess such a group of companions, bound by life and death.

"You are needed more here."

In a soft murmur, Mu Fan's attention settled on the final hibernation pod. Through its protective shield, the sight of skin as pale as snow and a face of breathtaking beauty was evident.

Even in slumber, Lu Qingxue retained a heroic aura in her brow, now softened with a touch more femininity. Bathed in the glow of her snow-like skin, she resembled a princess asleep amidst ice and snow, awaiting her awakening.

Though her eyes were closed, the beauty seemed to sense Mu Fan's intense gaze, her elegant brow furrowing slightly.

"Qingxue, in 90 days, I will absolutely return. Until then, do not seek me out."

"Trust me, just as I have never failed you."

His finger lifted from the virtual keypad, transmitting Mu Fan's simple yet resolute words.

These words, though brief, were imbued with deep affection; at this moment, their very calmness lent them greater conviction.

"That's all?" Black's tone was laced with astonishment.

"That's all."

"And what about after 90 days? You haven't made any arrangements for me to send further time-point notifications?"

"Such arrangements would be futile; she would wait for me for at most 90 days. In certain matters, her determination surpasses mine," Mu Fan replied placidly.

Black's voice caught; for the first time, he voiced his opposition indignantly, "Aren't these arrangements merely a jest?"

"No, I've arranged it this way precisely because it gives me a reason to return!"

Mu Fan's voice resonated with a sharp, blade-like resolve.

The ninety-day promise made to Lu Qingxue served as his ultimate safeguard!

No barrier could impede his crossing of the Gate of Galaxy.

Similarly, no person or thing could prevent his return to this place!

Beneath this expanse of stars, certain individuals are too precious to be forgotten.

Likewise, within his will and conviction...

Certain actions are imperative!

"Black, Flame Rain Frost Blue."

Mu Fan declared with indifference.

Hearing this, all of Black's lingering doubts vanished. This response was the Mu Fan he recognized.

That potent mix of determination and ferocity that surfaced amid his madness.

From start to finish, Mu Fan had remained utterly unchanged!

Thus, within the confines of the virtual space, Black let out a hearty laugh, "Here it comes!"

The primary deck of the Dawn Battleship abruptly split open. In the next instant, a metallic long box, thirteen meters in length and one meter wide, was extended horizontally by a mechanical arm. The form of this metal container...

It was precisely the metal long box in which Flame Rain Frost Blue had first appeared before Mu Fan!

However, its exterior had been subtly altered through mechanical enhancements, transforming the original metal enclosure into something more akin to a weapon case. It now bore distinct attachment latches and a noticeable metal shoulder strap affixed to both ends.

The mechanical arm continued its extension, causing the weapon case's orientation to slowly tilt towards the black silhouette standing calmly in the void. Once the angle was precisely aligned, the mechanical arm suddenly morphed into a colossal crossbow!

Pale white orbs materialized at the tips of the crossbow, a faint energy conduit binding them as it drew back.

Without a whisper, only a subtle shimmer pulsed across the deck's expanse, the weapon case transformed into a swift arrow, piercing the cosmic veil.

Shura's right hand unfurled, then snapped outwards.

The projectile was snatched in mid-air and flung aside, the metallic case tracing an elegant arc before settling diagonally behind.

His crimson cloak billowed like stardust, momentarily enveloping and solidifying… then completely obscuring the long weapon case.

Compared to Shura's twenty-meter imposing frame, the spear now resembled a sheathed sword.

Just as Mu Fan prepared to pivot towards the void, a potent signal wave intruded upon their communication channel.

"—Roar!"

Near the deck where the weapon case had departed, a chasm ten times its size ripped open. Enormous metallic wings unfurled, and the head of a colossal mechanical dragon – Evil Wing – emerged from the dark abyss.

Its origin was clearly foreign, yet its form unmistakable: the mechanical behemoth, Evil Wing!

Mu Fan's irises flickered with uncertainty; he had not summoned Evil Wing, and considering its power against the Saint Luo Clan, it faced immense peril.

Therefore, Evil Wing's sudden appearance was quite unforeseen.

"Did you summon Evil Wing? You must understand the dangers ahead are no less than what we faced with Zeg," Mu Fan inquired sternly.

"No, it acted on its own volition. It stated that previously, it could only detect arcane energy signatures across the universe, useful for identifying energy crystals and ancient sites. However, in recent days, after absorbing vast quantities of ultra-pure high crystal stones and enduring relentless high-intensity combat… it has evolved! A new ability has awakened… it can now trace familiar wave patterns based on known energy emanations!"

"It detected peculiar gravitational fluctuations within that weapon case."

"It requests to join you in the search!"

As Black concluded his explanation, Mu Fan's pupils pulsed with intense light.

This was an unexpectedly fortunate turn of events!