Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1673: 536: Awarding of Honors

~4 minute read · 945 words
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
Su Ming and Mia watched footage of Mo Xiu's dominant victories in the Thunder Angel mech, sparking heated debates among patrons comparing him to Su Ming's prowess. Su Ming drank heavily that night, leaving Mia tipsy as he contemplated alone on the terrace. Days later, amid grand preparations for the Federation's century-spanning celebration in Starlight Square, Su Ming arrived with his allies, reuniting with Ferion, Jone, and Admiral Alifei, who revealed the event would confer honors and appoint two new Generals, with Su Ming's name most anticipated.

“That’s right, there are two Generals, you didn’t know?”

Vice Admiral Alifei gazed at Su Ming, a touch of astonishment in his eyes.

An event this crucial draws the full focus of every General in the running.

“I’ve been really busy lately, haven’t really been keeping up.”

Su Ming replied with a light chuckle.

“Only you would show such assurance. Mo Xiu and Xinlad have been pushing their campaigns hard lately.”

Alifei warned Su Ming.

“I see.”

Su Ming answered with an easy smile.

Right then, Su Yuan dashed over, full of excitement.

“Su Ming, so you were here.”

“Oh, you finally dare to come back, aren’t you afraid of having your legs broken?”

Su Ming eyed Su Yuan and teased with a bright grin.

Su Yuan’s face froze at Su Ming’s words, and he muttered awkwardly,

“Don’t mention it, I kneeled at home for several days.”

“You had it coming, did Grandpa and the others come?”

Su Ming shot back with a laugh.

“Yes, they’re over there chatting with people.”

Su Yuan gestured toward the distance.

“Okay!”

Su Ming looked that way and nodded.

Suddenly, a stir erupted from afar, drawing Su Ming and the others’ attention.

Mo Xiu appeared in his crisp military uniform, marching in with striking poise, trailed by Luo Kui and the rest.

Congressmen and generals rushed up at once to shower him with praise.

“Lord Mo Xiu, you finally arrived!”

“This public commendation ceremony, the most brilliant rising star, is definitely none other than you.”

“Indeed, congratulations!”

“Thank you all for your compliments.”

Mo Xiu responded humbly.

“Tch, what’s so great about him? Clearly, the most formidable of the new generation should be you, this bunch keeps praising Mo Xiu.”

Su Yuan shot a glance over, griping to Su Ming.

“We’re all on the same side, what’s the point of fighting over this.”

Su Ming answered calmly.

“How can that be? It’s obviously you who’s the strongest, why should he get the glory?”

Su Yuan shot back, a bit reluctant.

“Ah well, my relationship with Mo Xiu is quite good actually. But with you all debating like this, it makes it seem like we’re enemies.”

Su Ming said smilingly.

“Alright then.”

Su Yuan sighed helplessly.

Su Ming was on the verge of speaking when he spotted Goodman chatting with two officers, clad in his Lieutenant Colonel attire.

He nearly called out to Goodman, but then a towering, brawny man in Colonel garb approached Goodman, flanked by several officers.

“Well, isn’t it Goodman? What a coincidence!”

“Maluka, is there something you need?”

Goodman asked, his brows knitting together.

“Oh, can’t I just chat without any reason?”

“Nothing for us to talk about.”

“Wow, how come you’re still a Lieutenant Colonel! After this commendation, I’ll soon be heading to Cosmic Army Headquarters for training to become a Major General. I thought we’d be promoted together, have some company, but now it seems you’ll still be a Lieutenant Colonel. Next time you see me, you’ll have to call me General, haha.”

Maluka boasted arrogantly.

“Hmph!”

Though rage boiled in Goodman, he held his tongue, aware that rank commanded respect.

Truth be told, Goodman harbored deep resentment. His war merits had outshone Maluka’s at first. Yet after his punishment and demotion, not only were his deeds slashed, but he was sidelined too. That stain made rising again a steep battle.

“Tsk, is this how you talk back to a superior? Forget it, adults shouldn’t hold grudges against juniors, I won’t argue with you, haha.”

Maluka sauntered off, smug as ever.

One of Goodman’s comrades couldn’t hold back, spat on the ground, and grumbled,

“Damn, what kind of bird is this! How can such a coward be promoted to Major General?”

“Zhou Yan, don’t conflict with him.”

Goodman cautioned his comrade.

“Alright.”

Zhou Yan and the others muttered grudgingly.

Su Ming couldn’t catch Goodman and Maluka’s words, but Goodman’s sour look told him it was no pleasant exchange.

Just then, Mia strode up in her General uniform, drawling lazily to Su Ming and the group,

“You brats are here, making me search all over!”

Su Ming and Rhein flashed smiles in greeting to Mia.

“Mia, you’re here!”

Ferion and the others spotted Mia, their faces turning a shade uneasy.

“Mia.”

“Hey, isn’t this Ferion, Jone, Alifei, long time no see.”

Mia chuckled.

“Indeed, it’s been quite a while.”

Ferion and company’s lips twitched faintly as they tried to steer clear, dodging any encounter.

“Su Ming!”

A surprised voice rang out.

Mia’s grin froze instantly, her guard up as she whipped around.

Aifulin approached, beaming with delight.

“General Aifulin, you came too.”

Su Ming greeted with a smile.

“Yes, it’s been a long time since we parted at the Abyss of Descent.”

Aifulin’s cheeks tinted pink as she spoke softly.

“Aifulin, did you take the wrong medicine today? Why are you acting all shy?”

Mia eyed Aifulin strangely.

“Mind your own business, I can act however I like!”

Aifulin’s ire flared at Mia’s jab, glaring daggers.

“Uh, calm down, both of you.”

Noticing the brewing clash, Su Ming’s face tightened—they were indeed rivals.

At that instant, a courteous voice called out.

“Lord Su Ming.”

Su Ming turned to see Long Ying drawing near, smiling in greeting.

“Miss Long Ying.”

Su Ming answered courteously.

Aifulin tensed up right away at Long Ying’s sight. While others knew little of Long Ying, she understood plenty.