Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1763: 552: Return Voyage (Part 2)

“General Su Ming, your words are too kind.”

A collective of voices rose as everyone stood in acknowledgment.

“Very well, I shall take my leave now. Farewell!”

Su Ming turned, preparing to depart.

At that precise moment, An Ruoxue swiftly rose from her seat and called out.

“Su Ming, allow me to escort you out.”

“An excellent idea.”

Su Ming and An Ruoxue exited the conference room in each other’s company.

… Navigating the quiet, cool corridor, An Ruoxue walked alongside Su Ming and remarked with a touch of melancholy.

“The most beautiful moments are always fleeting; it seems you are departing once more in the blink of an eye.”

“Sometimes, parting is merely a precursor to a more magnificent reunion,” Su Ming stated with composed tranquility.

“Is that truly so?”

“Indeed, Ruoxue, come with me. I have procured a gift for you.”

“Oh? What manner of gift might it be?”

An Ruoxue expressed a degree of surprise.

“You shall discover its nature momentarily,” Su Ming replied with a gentle smile.

“Very well.”

Despite her burgeoning curiosity, An Ruoxue refrained from further inquiries.

Before long, Su Ming guided An Ruoxue to the docking bay where the Thunder Extreme was moored.

There, they observed the Fake VI Generation Mecha·Demon Hunter and the Fake VI Generation Mecha·Light Judge being disembarked from the Thunder Extreme and positioned in an adjacent open space.

Even though the cockpits of these two formidable mechas had sustained damage, they continued to radiate a potent, awe-inspiring aura.

“Two Fake VI Generation Mechas?” An Ruoxue exclaimed in astonishment.

“Precisely. These two are designated for you,” Su Ming confirmed with a smile.

He had previously contemplated bringing one back to Rhein, but after careful consideration, he opted to bequeath both to An Ruoxue. The dire circumstances facing the Old King’s Army and the Divine Word Legion stemmed from a deficit of Advanced Mechas, making them a far greater necessity here.

“My gratitude. I too have a token of appreciation for you,” An Ruoxue responded without hesitation, recognizing the critical need for superior armaments at this juncture.

“And what gift might that be?” Su Ming inquired, a flicker of surprise darting across his features.

“Kindly close your eyes,” An Ruoxue instructed, a bright smile illuminating her face.

“Understood.”

Su Ming, perplexed by the requirement of closed eyes for a gift, nonetheless complied.

Suddenly, Su Ming felt a delicate touch upon his lips. His body gave a slight tremor, and he instinctively pulled back, his eyes snapping open to meet An Ruoxue’s gaze. A wry expression settled on his face as he remarked.

“That was quite unexpected, catching me off guard.”

“Haha, success!” An Ruoxue declared with a triumphant grin, her hands clasped behind her back.

Su Ming let out a sigh, responding with feigned exasperation.

“Enough of these jests. Take good care of yourself.”

“You as well. Ensure you remain alive,” An Ruoxue replied, her gaze lingering on Su Ming.

“Very well, farewell!”

After exchanging final goodbyes with An Ruoxue, Su Ming turned and departed.

Observing Su Ming’s receding figure, a profound sadness welled within An Ruoxue, yet her visage remained adorned with a radiant smile.

… Some time later, within the Thunder Extreme’s Central Control Room.

Su Ming entered the command center.

Timi and the other crew members offered respectful greetings.

“Lord Su Ming, all preparations are complete; we are primed for departure.”

“Proceed with the departure sequence. We will disengage from Holy Shadow Fortress,” Su Ming commanded, settling into the captain’s chair and issuing the return order without delay.

“Acknowledged!”

Timi promptly initiated the sequence, disengaging the Star Destroyer·Thunder Extreme from its moorings. The reverse propulsion systems then engaged, allowing the massive vessel to commence its slow exit from Holy Shadow Fortress.

Swiftly, the Thunder Extreme cleared the fortress and emerged into the immense expanse of the starry sky.

At this juncture, Timi respectfully posed a question.

“Lord Su Ming, which trajectory shall we adopt for our return journey to the Federation?”

Su Ming gestured, bringing up the Star Map and examining it with deliberation. The last time An Ruoxue had facilitated his return to the Federation, it had involved a lengthy, circuitous route spanning nearly half a year. However, that journey was undertaken aboard a Level 5 Ship; the Thunder Extreme, with its superior speed, could complete the return in approximately 15 days. Yet, time was a critical factor for Su Ming at this moment. He turned to address Timi.

“Timi, what is the estimated travel time for a direct return to the Federation?”

“Four days! However, this route carries inherent risks, as it necessitates passage through the defenses of the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country. Fortunately, their forces have recently been redeployed, leaving strategic vulnerabilities,” Timi elucidated.

“In that case, we shall opt for the direct path. Commence the maneuver!” Su Ming decisively issued the order.

“Affirmative. Activate the superluminal flight device. Destination: Federation!” Timi relayed the command.

The Thunder Extreme immediately engaged its superluminal flight capabilities, vanishing into the Subspace.

… —————————— Within the Federation Administrative Building Office in Starlight City.

Long Bai was seated at his desk, engrossed in the review of official documents.

Yun Rou stood attentively nearby.

At that moment, the office door swung open, and Ferion entered with haste. He retrieved a document and presented it to Long Bai, reporting.

“Sir, enclosed is the most recent combat report from the three primary defense lines.”

Long Bai accepted the report and began to peruse it, his expression growing progressively colder with each passing page.

Ferion addressed Long Bai with gravity.

“Lord Long Bai, the current situation is far from encouraging. Today’s casualty figures have surpassed yesterday’s by a factor of 1.5, and the numbers continue to escalate.”

“I am aware. You are dismissed,” Long Bai stated with frigid composure.

“Understood!”

Ferion exited the office.

Long Bai then addressed Yun Rou, stating,

“Yun Rou, you are to stand guard outside. From this moment on, no one is permitted to enter unless I specifically summon you.”

“Understood!”

Yun Rou departed with respect, sealing the office door behind her.

Long Bai rose and turned, engaging a concealed switch on the bookshelf.

Ka!

The bookshelf, along with the adjacent wall, split open, unveiling a descending stairway.

Long Bai descended with a frosty demeanor, and the bookshelf and wall smoothly realigned.

…

Within the Xi Guang Laboratory - Second Underground Floor.

Dr. Blakes stood rigidly in an unoccupied chamber.

Ka!

Just then, the room's wall fractured, and Long Bai emerged from the opening.

Without preamble, Blakes guided Long Bai from the chamber, proceeding towards the dark containment unit housing the VI-type Heroic Level Chilami Brooklyn, the Deputy Clan Leader.