Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1725 - 545: The Eve (Part 2)

Otaine declared to Su Ming.

"That’s right, as long as we can do it, we will never refuse!"

Jikol chimed in right after.

Hearing their words, Su Ming spoke directly to Otaine and the rest.

"Alright, then I’ll be straightforward. Truth is, my visit to the Land of Lost this time is to seek your cooperation and aid."

"Sir, if you need any assistance, just say the word."

Otaine and Jikol gazed at Su Ming and responded.

"Here’s the situation: the Dark Star Empire is on the verge of all-out war with the Federation. The Dark Star Emperor is mustering forces for a personal campaign. With the Dark Star Empire weakened inside right now, I hope you two seize the chance to strike at them."

A smile crossed Su Ming’s face as he told Otaine and Jikol.

His original scheme had been to win over the Holy Army alone, yet circumstances shifted. The Dark Star Empire’s idiots had clashed with the Land of Lost, so now he aimed to rally the whole Land of Lost to the Federation’s side.

"No problem at all—our Holy Army has been itching to hit the Dark Star Empire for ages!"

Jikol accepted Su Ming’s proposal without a second thought.

Otaine’s expression filled with doubt the moment he heard Su Ming. Sure, the Dark Star Empire was short on soldiers and had struck first, but launching an assault meant the Emperor would surely crush the Land of Lost in revenge later.

"Lord Otaine?"

Su Ming saw Otaine holding back and asked with a grin.

"Lord Su Ming, it’s not that we refuse to strike the Dark Star Empire, but shouldn’t there be some assurance first?"

Otaine drew a deep breath before replying.

Otaine’s reluctance made perfect sense—it was a gamble with their entire future.

"No issue there. On behalf of the Federation Government, I guarantee the Federation will safeguard the Land of Lost!"

Su Ming fully grasped Otaine and the others’ worries.

A smile appeared on Otaine’s face after Su Ming’s words.

"Sir Su Ming, don’t take this the wrong way, but we’re all outlaws here and can’t rely on the Federation Government’s word alone."

"So, what are you suggesting?"

Su Ming inquired calmly.

"We trust only you, Lord Su Ming. What if we three become sworn brothers? If that suits you."

Otaine proposed, beaming widely.

Should Su Ming accept sworn brotherhood, the Land of Lost would bind itself to him personally.

Otaine’s idea caught Su Ming off guard at first, but upon reflection, it seemed fine.

From their arena fights, Otaine and Jikol struck him as fiercely loyal types—worth forging a deep bond with.

"Of course, no problem—it’s my honor."

Su Ming grinned back at Otaine.

"Wonderful! Let’s drink and seal our brotherhood!"

Otaine exclaimed in delight as Su Ming consented.

Su Ming lifted a cup of potent liquor, smiling as he spoke.

"No problem, then by age, I ought to call you elder brothers."

"No, no—our brotherhood follows strength, not years. Su Ming, you’re the eldest brother, I’m second, Jikol third!"

Otaine replied cheerfully.

"Isn’t that a little off?"

Su Ming hesitated briefly.

"Nothing off about it—in the Land of Lost, strength rules supreme!"

Otaine affirmed boldly.

"Alright!"

Su Ming agreed with a nod.

The trio rose, glasses in hand.

"I, Otaine, alongside Su Ming and Jikol, pledge brotherhood today. We share blessings and trials alike, sealed by this drink! Never to betray one another!"

Otaine proclaimed with fervor.

"Never betray each other!"

Su Ming and Jikol shouted in unison.

They emptied their glasses in a single gulp!

"Elder brother!"

Otaine and Jikol hailed Su Ming together.

"Second brother, third brother—from this day, we’re family!"

Su Ming answered smilingly.

"Yes! Elder brother, what’s our next step? When do we strike the Dark Star Empire?"

Otaine pressed eagerly.

"Hold steady for now; the moment isn’t ripe to attack. Wait till the Dark Star Empire and Federation clash fully, then strike."

Su Ming instructed Otaine and the others.

Though Dark Star Empire’s troops were stretched thin currently, an early move by the Land of Lost could draw the Emperor’s wrath upon their return.

Yet striking later, amid the heat of battle, would pin the Dark Star Empire in a brutal two-front war.

"Understood. So, do we target the Dark Star Empire’s Main Star?"

Jikol questioned.

"No, conquering the Main Star of the Dark Star Empire is no simple task. Simply assault the Energy Core·Heart of the Sky Base and the production planets in the rear to free your enslaved relatives and fellow countrymen."

Su Ming outlined a strategy that was remarkably forgiving and matched perfectly with the convictions of Jikol and his companions.

"No problem, we guarantee to complete the mission!"

Su Ming’s words filled Jikol and the others with burning excitement.

Rescuing their oppressed kin and compatriots was precisely what they craved, forging a true win-win outcome.

"Alright, then it’s settled!"

Su Ming brought the discussion to a swift and decisive close.

Otaine, beaming with a wide smile, turned to Su Ming.

"Elder brother, since you’re here in the Land of Lost, why not stay a few extra days and let the brothers host you properly?"

"Yeah!"

Jikol enthusiastically joined in.

"Second brother, third brother! I have plenty of matters demanding my attention, so I won’t linger. I’ll depart shortly."

Su Ming courteously refused the offer.

"Alright, enough words—let’s drink!"