Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 3 - 3 3 The Third Planet

3: Chapter 3: The Third Planet 3: Chapter 3: The Third Planet “No, I’m not hungry; I’m heading to rest.”

Su Ming suppressed the urge within him and responded; he turned around casually from the dining table and headed toward the staircase.

Shortly after, Su Ming returned to his bedroom, stretched out on the mattress, and gazed silently at the ceiling, his mind whirling with thoughts.

He remained puzzled about the reason for his arrival in this realm.

Furthermore, recalling memories from his prior life proved difficult for him.

Once he integrated Su Ming’s recollections, an odd sensation arose as if no time travel had occurred; instead, he simply was Su Ming.

Memories of the past felt vividly real, blending seamlessly with the illusory.

After quite some time…

Su Ming let out a resigned sigh and murmured,

“Ah, whatever is here stays; I’ll just embrace it.”

Helplessly, he had no choice but to embrace this fact.

Sitting upright, he inspected his physique once more and whispered to himself,

“What’s next?

This frame is excessively plump, standing at 175 cm tall yet carrying a hefty 185 pounds, with body fat likely hovering near 30%.

For an ideal build, dropping to 135 pounds is essential, which requires shedding 50 pounds.

To shed it quickly without damage to health, a minimum of 120 days is needed, so I must…”

Su Ming collapsed back onto the bed, contemplating as slumber overtook him.

….

The following morning.

Within the opulent sitting room, Zhao Ning directed Chen Hui,

“Head to the kitchen and watch over it; once the supplies get here…”

“Uh-huh.”

Chen Hui answered with respect.

Just then, Su Ming, clad in baggy athletic clothes, walked by and called out to Zhao Ning.

“Mother!”

“Son?

Up already?

Heading out so early in the day?”

Zhao Ning inquired, astonished, remembering Su Ming’s habit of sleeping in late.

“Jogging!”

Su Ming answered briefly, then dashed off jogging.

Exiting the residence, he crossed the petite garden and quickly arrived at the paved pathway.

Su Ming looked back at his dwelling; a standalone villa that ranked highly even among the rich neighborhoods.

A faint smile appeared on Su Ming’s lips, and he pivoted to continue his jog.

Right now, he found himself in the Old Galaxy·Federation·Third Planet·Thirteenth District.

The Third Planet served as the central world of the Old Federation, accommodating three grand metropolises on the surface along with sixteen zones.

These three cities consisted of the enormous urban centers erected on the planet’s exterior.

The sixteen districts encompassed the sixteen primary underground governance sectors.

As a Class 5 habitable star (note: habitable planets range from Class 1 to 7, Earth as Class 6), the Third Planet endured severe weather; surface heat soared to 60°C during peaks, occasionally surpassing that.

In winter, temperatures plunged to -23°C, and extremes hit -70°C.

The exterior had become unfit for prolonged habitation, prompting most governance areas to develop below ground.

Right now, Su Ming exited the gates of the upscale neighborhood, where several gossiping women spotted him and began discussing.

“Isn’t that the Su family’s chubby kid?”

“Yeah, that’s him.

Word is, he attempted suicide by hanging recently, and it stirred up a fuss.”

“Hehe, such an embarrassment.

With Zhao Ning so clever, how did she end up with such a dim-witted boy.”

“Who can say.”

…

Su Ming paid no mind to the strange stares from passersby, maintaining a steady pace as he ran.

He passed by immense metal skyscrapers and lively plazas, deeply reflecting on this universe.

This society showed a twisted yet progressive development.

Besides its Main Star, the Old Federation controlled numerous Direct Stars and Resource Planets.

Naturally, beyond the Old Federation existed two dominant entities: the Empire·Dark Star·Belonka from the First New Galaxy and the Divine Authority Country·Apocalypse·Saint Lox in the Second New Galaxy.

Both powers surpassed the Old Federation in might, placing the Federation at a disadvantage.

Yet, these weren’t the gravest dangers.

The true perils came from two cosmic Alien Races: the silicon-based Mechanical Clan and the immortal Chilami.

From his assimilated memories and collected knowledge, the Old Federation had fiercely battled these races for hundreds of years.

Their survival proved incredibly tough.

Extinction could strike without warning.

Luckily, the Old Federation shared this dire fate with the Dark Star Empire and the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country.

Thus, despite their conflicts, the trio forged a fragile alliance against outer foes.

Sigh~

Su Ming ascended a massive elevated walkway, resting against the barrier while breathing heavily.

Raising his gaze afar, enormous structures loomed prominently amid a jumble of scattered edifices.

Broad avenues wound through the metropolis like flowing bands, skyways linking zones overhead, and hover vehicles zipped like shooting stars.

A brilliant grin lit up Su Ming’s features, his gaze alight with thrill.

He tilted his head skyward, beholding a pure azure expanse and a vivid sun blazing overhead.

Certainly, Su Ming fully understood the Thirteenth District formed a vast subterranean metropolis, the visible sky a simulated display, and the sun a crafted illusion.

The Thirteenth District split into Upper and Lower sections.

Currently in the Upper section, home to wealthier inhabitants, everything appeared quite pleasant.

However, reality differed sharply.

The Lower section revealed the harsh truth.

The Old Federation boasted 32 billion citizens total, 5.2 billion on the Main Star·Third Planet, the Thirteenth District holding 210 million, with merely 10 million in the Upper; the majority crammed the Lower and fringes.

The Lower brimmed with overcrowding, antiquated setups, and dire shortages; denizens fought relentlessly for mere existence.

Notably, the Old Federation’s core lay in the parliament, three City Lords, and sixteen district overseers.

While the parliament shaped key policies for the Old Federation, it held no direct sway over the three cities and sixteen districts.

Regions operated with broad independence and strong local authority.

As such, a district’s state hinged mostly on its overseer’s leadership.

…

One hour passed.

Su Ming returned home, soaked in perspiration.

Zhao Ning approached with worry as he entered.

“My boy, feeling exhausted?”

“Not too bad.”

Su Ming answered, still huffing.

He sensed utter fatigue; his form lacked any strength.

He aimed for a two-hour run, yet managed just one, including pauses.

No alternative existed; he’d build up endurance step by step.

“After such exertion, you’re surely famished, aren’t you?

Breakfast awaits, including those greens you desired.”

Zhao Ning guided Su Ming to the dining area.

Before long, Su Ming settled at the table, a dish of verdant veggies before him—roughly seven or eight pieces.

Using chopsticks, Su Ming sampled one; its flavor proved ordinary.

Moreover, post-workout, his hunger waned, so he consumed only a handful and quit.