Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1849 - 568: The Great Retreat (Part 5)

VI-type Fortress Level Chilami·Kagsamo

Within the expansive, flesh-lined great hall.

Vice Clan Leader Komih, Elder Oshim, Remwaco, and Milk were convened.

"Lord Komih, what is our next move? Adimo has been apprehended," Milk voiced, his tone laced with fury. Though Adimo lacked intelligence, he shared the closest bond with Milk.

"Allow me to contemplate," Komih responded, clearly distressed.

At that precise instant, the very fabric of space nearby shimmered and warped.

Komih and the others recoiled in shock, whereupon the VI-type Star Lord Level Chilami Hirog Clan Leader materialized from thin air.

"Clan Leader!" Omshi and the rest bowed in deference.

"Hmm," the Hirog Clan Leader acknowledged with a guttural rasp.

Immediately, Komih prostrated himself before the Hirog Clan Leader, confessing his failings.

"Clan Leader, this is due to my incompetence. The Federation proved too formidable; their reinforcements were relentless. Not only did we fail to breach their defenses, but we also sustained grievous losses. Elder Kagsamo was critically wounded, and Elder Adimo was taken captive. I accept any penalty you deem fit."

"I comprehend. This is not your failing. The Federation has always been powerful; they were merely concealing their true might!" the Hirog Clan Leader declared, his voice raspy.

"My gratitude, Clan Leader," Komih replied, relief evident in his voice.

The Hirog Clan Leader surveyed the surroundings, his hoarse voice inquiring, "Where is Lisi? Did it not arrive?"

"No, I did not observe its presence. Had it been here, the outcome might not have been so calamitous," Komih answered, a hint of vexation creeping in.

Just then, a small, jellyfish-like Chilami drifted into the chamber.

Komih extended his left claw, and the ethereal creature alighted upon it. After perusing the information relayed by the Chilami, Komih reported to the Hirog Clan Leader.

"Clan Leader, the Federation has begun to pull back its defensive perimeter. The forces at the Nether Moon Star Defense Line are executing a large-scale withdrawal. Shall we commence pursuit immediately?"

"Negative. The Federation’s strength exceeds your assessment; a hasty advance would prove fruitless. Let others exhaust their efforts first," the Hirog Clan Leader instructed, his voice still rough.

"Understood!" Komih responded with utmost respect.

At that moment, a wave of icy blue frigidity permeated the hall, and the figure of Vice Clan Leader Irene Liss emerged from its depths.

Upon seeing Irene Liss, Komih confronted her, annoyance boiling within him. "Irene Liss, the conflict has concluded, and you arrive only now!"

"So what?" Irene Liss retorted icily.

"You!" Vice Clan Leader Komih's anger flared. Had the Hirog Clan Leader not been present, he would not have let this slight pass so easily.

The Hirog Clan Leader turned his gaze towards Irene Liss, noting her diminished aura, and inquired with evident perplexity, "Irene Liss, have you sustained injuries?"

Komih and the others exchanged bewildered glances at the Hirog Clan Leader’s question. Could Irene Liss possibly be wounded? Despite their animosity towards her, none doubted her formidable capabilities. Even Komih, now ascended to the Emperor Level, would not dare underestimate Irene Liss.

"Affirmative, I encountered Admiral Su Ming of the Federation en route and suffered injury at his hands," Irene Liss stated flatly.

The reality was that Irene Liss's delayed arrival was partly due to her origin power being depleted by Ilyas, compelling her to seek refuge to recover and stabilize her wounds.

"How is that possible? How could Su Ming possibly be your match? Clan Leader, do not heed her assertions," Komih declared, utterly unconvinced by Irene Liss’s account.

"Believe it or not, the choice is yours!" Irene Liss offered no further explanation.

"Komih, cease. It is true that Irene Liss is injured, but enlighten me, how did you come to be defeated by the Federation’s Admiral Su Ming?" the Hirog Clan Leader pressed Irene Liss.

Confronted by the Hirog Clan Leader’s query, Irene Liss’s mind flashed back to those eyes, and a flicker of terror crossed her usually impassive pupils—a presence far more dreadful than even the Hirog Clan Leader.

"Irene Liss?" Sensing the subtle shift in Irene Liss’s demeanor, the Hirog Clan Leader inquired again, his tone now grave.

"It was nothing; I was merely caught off guard by an ambush," Irene Liss ultimately decided to omit the true nature of her encounter.

"Is that so?" The Hirog Clan Leader harbored a persistent feeling that something was amiss.

"Yes," Irene Liss’s composure returned, and she replied with her characteristic coldness.

"Hmm, exercise caution in the coming engagement, and do not treat any human lightly." Seeing Irene Liss’s resolute demeanor, the Hirog Clan Leader decided not to probe further.

"Understood," Irene Liss responded coolly.

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Within the Star Destroyer·Thunder Extreme Central Control Room.

Su Ming occupied the command chair, his gaze fixed upon the recording of Black Flame Star’s subjugation, his brow deeply furrowed.

At that moment, Celeste appeared at his side, a cheerful smile gracing her features as she observed Su Ming. "Su Ming, what troubles you?"

"It's nothing, I'm just re-examining the intelligence regarding the downfall of the Black Flame Star Defense Line."

"What's so intriguing about that?"

"The swift collapse of this defense line was due to the sudden malfunction of its defensive armaments. The ultimate culprit behind it all is Pamie!"

Su Ming declared with a grave tone.

"Precisely!"

"This Pamie is incredibly dangerous; mechanical weaponry becomes completely useless in its proximity almost immediately. How could anyone possibly fight against such a threat?"

"Alas, there's little I can do either; during combat, even a momentary lapse in weapon functionality can spell disaster. Without Pamie, the Federation might have harbored some hope against the Mechanical Clan, but with it present, all hope is lost," Celeste responded, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Is there truly no method to counteract it?"

"What countermeasures can we possibly devise? Human technological advancements have only progressed so far; how could they possibly stand against something like that?"

"Then how did we manage to deal with it during previous expeditions? Back then, we didn't even possess Biological Mechas," Su Ming inquired.

"Well, nothing of this nature occurred previously because we had the assistance of a mechanical ally that kept Pamie in check," Celeste explained to Su Ming.

"I understand now."

"So, the most viable solution is to enlist the aid of that mechanical friend."

"The issue is, we've been unable to establish contact. Both President Dragon White and I have made attempts, but there has been no response," Su Ming stated with a sense of futility.

"Simply because it doesn't respond to you doesn't mean it won't respond to me! I am the chosen one; it will undoubtedly answer my call," Celeste declared with unwavering confidence, placing her hands on her hips.

"Go on, go on…"

Su Ming's lips twitched slightly as he waved a dismissive hand.

"Come now, you should place a little more trust in me. Allow me to make an attempt later, won't you?" Celeste pleaded with Su Ming.

"We shall see," Su Ming replied with a sigh.