Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1653: 532: Ruins (2)

Wreckage is being recovered in increasing amounts, yet the eager cheers of the crew continue to ring out across the open communications channel.

“I’ve salvaged a Fourth Generation Mecha·Dragon Guard!”

…

“Damn, how are you lot so fortunate?”

…

“Listen closely, everyone! The quality and quantity of your findings will determine your bonus, and there is absolutely no limit to the rewards!”

Onite declared to his subordinates.

Fueled by the promise of bonuses, the soldiers threw themselves into the search with renewed intensity.

Meanwhile, hidden within the dense white mist, a sophisticated spherical mechanical scout—featuring two sets of golden wings and a gem-like sensor eye—methodically combed the battlefield for valuable materials.

Just then, a squadron of Green Wing Mechas soared past in the distance.

The scout immediately locked its electronic eye onto the passing machines, triggering a series of visual prompts.

“Warning: Third Generation Mecha·Green Wings identified!”

…

The scout instantly entered stealth mode, activated its long-range optical arrays, and scanned the path the mechas had originated from, quickly resolving the image of the Sunshine.

“Federal Level 5 Battleship located. Commencing data transmission.”

……

——————————————–

Deep within the heart of the ruins, hidden inside a vast power chamber.

Massive energy cables descended from the metal ceiling, a thousand meters above, converging onto a four-sided platform in the center.

Emanating from the base of this structure were seven dark, claw-like energy tethers, which held a mysterious device suspended by three rotating rings, where a flickering cluster of black metal sparks burned.

At that moment, a mechanical sphere adorned with metal wings sped toward the platform, its synthetic voice cutting through the stillness.

“Master Esifal!”

The black metal flames flared violently at the call, signaling the awakening of Deputy Clan Leader Esifal, whose voice dripped with malice.

“What is the meaning of this? I explicitly ordered not to be disturbed!”

“Master Esifal, a Federation Level 5 Ship has been detected.”

“A Federation vessel in this region? How?”

“Status unknown!”

“No matter. Capture it and refine it for fuel. My assimilation with the Grey Angel is nearing completion. Once I evolve, I shall ensure that old fool Herares meets his end upon my return.”

Esifal spat out the words with venomous intent.

It was no secret why the Deputy Clan Leader harbored such hatred for the Mechanical Clan Leader; the latter held Esifal’s spark captive, which not only stifled its evolution but crippled its true potential in Cultivation.

Moreover, having been used as a tool to test the Federation, Esifal had nearly perished in the Mist Star Sea.

Yet, that very failure allowed it to shatter a portion of its spark, fuse with the Grey Angel, and carve out a path for rebirth.

“Understood!”

The mechanical sphere bowed and retreated.

In the hangar bay, dozens of Puppet Mechas flickered to life, their optical sensors glowing with a sinister crimson hue.

…

Out in the void of space.

Onite led his team in the Fourth Generation Mecha·Thunder Guard, arriving at a sector littered with heavy wreckage.

The space was jammed with the remnants of mangled mechas.

“Look at this, an abundance of advanced mecha parts!”

“We’ve struck gold!”

…..

The exhilarated soldiers maneuvered their units to begin the salvage operation.

Lurking amidst the debris was a sixty-meter tall mechanical terror: the V-type Puppet Mecha·Night Demon. Emblazoned with a twisted black sigil on its chest and armed with dual super particle light sabers, it lay in wait alongside a swarm of mechanical insects and lesser puppet mechas, treating the salvage crew like prey entering a slaughterhouse.

Onite’s men drifted deeper into the trap, oblivious to the impending massacre.

Onite flew past a discarded Green Wing Mecha, initially paying no heed to it.

However, a sudden chill prompted him to stop, his grin vanishing as he doubled back to inspect the unit.

He noted that the propulsion system had been surgically removed, with the power plant and fuel cells missing, surrounded by discarded components drifting in the vacuum.

Quickly checking nearby wrecks, he realized the pattern was universal. Panic surged through him as he opened a secure channel.

“Boss!”

“Report, Onite.”

Su Ming responded, his voice taut with concern.

“Something is wrong, Boss. I’ve found numerous wrecks that appear to have been professionally dismantled.”

Onite relayed the discovery.

“Dismantled? By human hands?”

Su Ming’s voice turned grave.

“It doesn't look like human work—it bears all the signs of advanced mechanical engineering techniques!”

Onite replied with certainty.

“Cease all operations and regroup at once!”

Su Ming issued the command without hesitation.

Across the starry battlefield, the search formations immediately abandoned their task and rallied toward the Sunshine.

Seeing the prey retreating, the V-type Puppet Mecha·Night Demon triggered its combat protocols, its electronic eyes flashing with new data.

“Warning: Target combatants are withdrawing.”

“Warning: Initial ambush failed.”

“Initiating revised combat sequence: Annihilate all targets!”

…

With its new protocol locked, the Night Demon burst from its concealment along with a cloud of mechanical insects, spiraling toward the retreating fleet.

“Oh gods, move! Move!”

Onite and his team looked back in horror as they pushed their engines to the limit!

Inside the central control room of the Sunshine, the proximity sensors blared a deafening alarm. Crimson markers swarmed the edges of the radar, warning of the incoming threat.