Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1845 - 568: The Great Retreat

A short while later, following Su Ming's assessment of the Grey Angel's condition, he guided Ilyas toward the Thunder Extreme.

Soon, Su Ming disembarked from the cockpit within the hangar, his spirit feeling significantly drained.

"Boss, are you alright? You look terribly worn out!"

Ankaga and Zhang Yi approached him, their faces etched with concern.

"I'm fine, just a little fatigued. I'm going to my quarters to rest."

A profound weariness had overtaken Su Ming's body; it seemed his prolonged engagement in combat had severely depleted both his mental and physical vitality.

"Understood, we'll escort you back to your room for a well-deserved rest,"

Ankaga responded without hesitation.

"There's no need. You should focus on the rescue and recovery operations immediately."

After conveying this, Su Ming proceeded towards the mobile platform.

...

----------------------------------

Within the Central Control Room of the Legendary Star Destroyer, Guang Xiao.

Fanluo God Emperor occupied the command chair, his expression dark and troubled.

Edrigge, the Vice Patriarch, along with Bulotto the Archbishop, Novkate the Corps Commander, Elora, Longmeilite, and others stood nearby, their heads bowed in silent anxiety, none daring to meet the God Emperor's stern gaze.

At this critical juncture, the wristband of Edrigge, the Vice Patriarch, began to vibrate ceaselessly, an endless stream of information flooding his device.

He glanced down, his aged features betraying a multitude of shifting emotions, before steeling himself to address Fanluo God Emperor.

"Lord God Emperor."

"What is it?"

Fanluo lifted his gaze, his eyes cold as they fell upon Edrigge.

"Lord God Emperor, the situation is dire. The soldiers below are in a state of extreme agitation; maintaining order is becoming increasingly difficult!"

Edrigge reported, his unease palpable.

Bulotto the Archbishop and the others looked up towards Fanluo God Emperor, noticing that it wasn't solely Edrigge's soldiers who were teetering on the edge; their own forces were also on the verge of open rebellion.

It was, however, difficult to fault the soldiers entirely for their state.

After all, the war had been a crushing defeat, resulting in horrific casualties, and the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country was lost. Now, they were effectively refugees, with Fanluo God Emperor even holding their families hostage as leverage.

The simmering resentment and dissatisfaction within everyone's hearts had long since reached its breaking point.

Were it not for their overwhelming fear of Fanluo God Emperor, a full-blown rebellion would have already erupted!

Fanluo God Emperor surveyed the gathered individuals, his voice devoid of anger or threats, speaking instead with unsettling calm.

"I comprehend your thoughts; I am aware of your grievances, and I know some of you contemplate surrender. However, understand this: even if you lay down your arms, a better future is not guaranteed! Are you oblivious to the bloodshed your actions have wrought?"

"We dare not!"

At the Emperor's pronouncements, grim expressions settled upon every face.

In truth, the God Emperor spoke with accuracy; those who had contemplated surrender had already acted upon it.

"Nevertheless, you need not fret unduly. Though we failed to achieve a breakthrough this time, it does not signify our ultimate defeat. Opportunities still abound; consider that various factions continue to lay siege to the Federation!"

"Indeed."

Bulotto the Archbishop and the others responded with solemn agreement.

At that precise moment, Yakes entered, approaching Fanluo God Emperor with a report.

"Lord God Emperor, excellent news! The Dark Star Empire has successfully breached the Black Flame Star Defense Line."

Fanluo God Emperor's crimson eyes flickered, a subtle reaction to the momentous announcement.

The commanders and the others present were struck with astonishment upon hearing this, voices rising in disbelief.

"How can that be possible?"

"We couldn't break through that formidable defense line, so how did they manage it?"

...

Yakes promptly began to elaborate on the circumstances.

"The armaments at the Black Flame Star Defense Line were sabotaged."

"Impossible! How could such a feat be accomplished?"

"It goes without saying; this must be the work of the Mechanical Clan."

"The Dark Star Emperor is truly shameless. He previously accused us of colluding with the Alien Races, yet he secretly allied himself with the Mechanical Clan. No wonder he refused to cooperate with us and chose to assault the Black Flame Star Defense Line alone!"

...

The commanders erupted in a torrent of furious curses.

"Enough! Regardless of the methods by which the Dark Star Empire breached the Black Flame Star Defense Line, this constitutes favorable news for us. It indicates the Federation is on the verge of collapse; victory from the jaws of defeat may soon be within our grasp!"

Fanluo God Emperor addressed the gathered assembly.

"Your wisdom is unparalleled, Lord God Emperor!"

All present responded in unison.

"Very well, now go and pacify your respective troops."

Fanluo God Emperor gestured dismissively.

"Yes, sir!"

The assembly dispersed with hurried steps.

Fanluo God Emperor remained seated, his fingers rapping a steady rhythm on the armrest of the command chair, lost in profound contemplation. He then raised his hand.

A holographic interface materialized, displaying the profile of Su Ming.

Fanluo God Emperor scrutinized Su Ming's documented history, his bewilderment growing with each passing moment.

The more he delved into the information, the more enigmatic Su Ming became in his eyes.

From whom did Su Ming acquire his formidable gun skills? The Holy Temple guards its gunnery secrets with extreme vigilance, and these techniques are not shared openly.

Even if a private instructor existed, who could possess the caliber to impart such profoundly advanced gun mastery to Su Ming?

The Fanluo God Emperor had long been convinced of his own peerless gunmanship, a prowess that stood unrivaled across the globe.

Yet, witnessing Su Ming’s current display, where his skills demonstrably outshone his own, left the Emperor in a state of utter bewilderment regarding Su Ming's mysterious origins.

The deeper Fanluo delved into his thoughts, the more contorted his features grew, a disquieting suspicion dawning that Su Ming might be deliberately acting to obstruct him.

....

-----------------------------------------

Federal Government · Dawn Hall.

On the holographic projection screen, scenes unfolded depicting the Sky Dome City forces in a strategic withdrawal.

Lord Farren of City watched the footage, thick veins pulsing on his forehead, particularly as he observed the Black Flame Star failing its self-destruction sequence, a sight that ignited his fury.

"Damn it all! If I discover the identity of the traitor sowing discord, I shall flay them alive!"

It was exceedingly clear, even to the dullest mind, that a treacherous element was undermining their efforts.

"Compose yourself. It might ultimately be for the best that the Black Flame Star did not detonate, given the significant number of personnel still aboard. Lord Rosaga did manage to neutralize the Black Flame Star, thus preventing the Dark Star Empire from swiftly seizing or repairing it. This averts the dire possibility of the enemy weaponizing the Black Flame Star against us and also paves the way for our eventual reclamation of the star."