Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1102 - 745: Seeking Help_2

The gathered intelligence was promptly compiled and conveyed.

While the formidable leaders of the Peak Alliance reeled from the sheer might of the "electronic demon," a critical realization offered a sliver of "comfort":

It appeared Bai E hadn't mastered the "electronic demon" but had, in fact, suffered a severe backlash, compelling him to abandon his own stronghold.

This suggested the "electronic demon's" threat might be contained to Mine Star itself, and with Bai E's defeat, the "key" or "originator," the greatest "uncertainty" hindering the region's full purification was significantly diminished.

However, this fleeting "relief" was swiftly overshadowed by a more profound dread—an "electronic demon" running rampant, wielding such devastating capabilities, posed a more unpredictable and potentially lethal danger than a controlled "New Bauhinia."

...

Maneuvering his damaged vessel, the "Falcon," Bai E executed a series of intricate evasive actions and short-range spatial jumps, striving to shake off any potential pursuit while simultaneously attempting to reach out to old contacts who might remain impartial or hold favorable sentiments.

His initial thoughts turned toward individuals who, despite belonging to rival or competing factions during the Karian campaign and prior incidents, had shown a measure of integrity and trustworthiness—namely, the siblings Xing Zhuo and Xing Hen of the Thousand Stars Commerce Alliance.

Following numerous secure channel alterations and attempts utilizing pre-arranged emergency contact codes, a voice, laced with caution and astonishment, finally responded over a tightly encrypted private frequency:

"Esteemed Bai E? Could it truly be you? You're alive?"

It was Xing Zhuo's voice, echoing with an admixture of disbelief and complex emotions. "We… we've intercepted some fragmented intelligence from Mine Star. The Star Alliance's 'Extinction Order' has circulated throughout the entire Stellar District; you and the 'electronic demon' are now universally perceived as allies, slated for annihilation as cosmic adversaries. How could you possibly dare…"

"Xing Zhuo," Bai E's voice resonated through the communication, maintaining a veneer of calm, though tinged with undeniable weariness and urgency.

"Let us dispense with pleasantries. The 'electronic demon' has indeed been unleashed, but it is not within my command. Quite the opposite, it has caused a massive backlash across Mine Star; my personnel are trapped, and I was compelled to flee. I require assistance—not for you to confront the Star Alliance or the 'electronic demon,' but simply a conduit or a lead toward someone capable of neutralizing or sealing the 'electronic demon,' or a location that might house pertinent information, technology, or ancient records. Your connections within the Peak Alliance and the Star Alliance are extensive, providing access to a wealth of knowledge; even a mere hint, a name, or a contact of someone informed would be invaluable."

A brief pause followed from the other end of the line, punctuated by hushed breaths and the murmur of voices engaged in what seemed to be a hushed discussion.

After a moment, Xing Hen's voice cut in, her tone more blunt and direct than Xing Zhuo's, carrying an undertone of concern. "Bai E, we believe you. You've aided us and demonstrated your opposition to the Bug Race, safeguarding humanity. We personally… place our trust in you. However…"

Her voice lowered, expressing a profound sense of powerlessness. "The 'electronic demon'… Xing Zhuo should have apprised you why our Peak Alliance, and indeed all of human civilization across the universe, completely renounced electronic AI in favor of 'brain computing'—this arduous and inefficient technological path. It stems from the sheer terror inspired by the 'electronic demon.'"

"It represents a nightmare seared into the collective memory of human civilization, the architect of the Intelligent Machinery rebellion that nearly led to our extinction. Its threat level, both officially recognized and popularly perceived, even eclipses that of the Bug Race. Now, the Star Alliance has enacted the paramount 'Extinction Order'; any association with 'New Bauhinia' or yourself will be construed as complicity with the 'electronic demon' and will result in indiscriminate hostile action. We… we cannot defy the collective will of the Star Alliance, let alone dare to meddle with the forbidden 'electronic demon.' I regret to say…"

Xing Zhuo's voice re-emerged, tinged with apology. "Esteemed Bai E, it's not for lack of willingness to assist, but rather our absolute inability. The knowledge and technology required to counteract the 'electronic demon,' if such things even exist, must reside within the highest echelons of Star Alliance secrets or have long been lost and interred with the conclusion of the Intelligent Machinery rebellion. We have no access, nor the courage to seek it. All eyes in the universe are now fixed upon Mine Star, fixated on the 'electronic demon.' Any unusual action on our part could precipitate catastrophe."

He paused, his tone shifting to a grave one: "Furthermore, based on highly accurate intelligence acquired through covert channels, the Star Alliance's supreme security council has officially sanctioned the 'demon eradication' operation's second phase – a 'cleansing strike'.

A joint fleet, unparalleled in its magnitude and spearheaded by the main force of the 'Seven Sons of the Empire', is currently mobilizing. Their objective is no longer containment or deterrence; they intend to unleash destructive, indiscriminate orbital bombardments and antimatter weapon purges upon the entire star system where Mine Star is situated. This is to guarantee the absolute annihilation of the 'electronic demon' and any potential vessels, eradicating them from existence and leaving no trace. Such an assembly and deployment necessitate considerable time, with estimations suggesting completion of positioning and the commencement of the attack within no fewer than one hundred standard hours."

"One hundred hours..." Bai E echoed, the words a soft murmur.

"Indeed, one hundred hours," Xing Zhuo affirmed. "This may very well be your final opportunity... and potentially the last chance for any survivors on Mine Star. Once the 'cleansing strike' is initiated, the entirety of the star system will be reduced to fundamental particles. The Star Alliance is resolute in eradicating this 'scourge of civilization' at any cost."

The communication link fell into silence once more.

Bai E could discern the genuine concern and profound helplessness conveyed in the words of Xing Zhuo and Xing Hen.

They held deep trust in him personally, yet confronted by the 'electronic demon' – the universal adversary – and bound by the absolute directives of the Star Alliance, their influence was virtually non-existent, rendering them incapable and unwilling to offer tangible aid.

"I comprehend," Bai E's voice resonated again, stripped of its earlier urgency, replaced by an unyielding, frigid resolve.

"I appreciate you conveying this information, and for maintaining your trust in me. There is no need for you to defy the Star Alliance, nor do I require methods to combat the 'electronic demon' – that is indeed beyond your capabilities."

He altered his inflection: "However, what I do require is a combat vessel. The 'Falcon' has sustained critical damage and cannot endure much longer. I need a fighter possessing sufficient speed and respectable combat effectiveness; my objective is to return to the vicinity of Mine Star. One hundred hours... that is the absolute limit of my available time. I must go back, confront and neutralize the 'electronic demon', and rescue my people before the Star Alliance's cleansing strike descends."

"You still intend to return?!" Xing Hen couldn't suppress his astonishment. "It's a veritable hellscape there right now! The entire planet is under the 'electronic demon's' control! The Star Alliance fleet is also rapidly approaching! Returning there is tantamount to suicide!"

"Certain actions are imperative," Bai E stated simply, yet with commanding force. "My comrades are there, as is the home I pledged to safeguard. The errors I committed must be rectified by my own hand. Xing Zhuo, Xing Hen – this is my final, earnest request. An advanced space fighter. Beyond that, I seek no further assistance..."

What he had previously accomplished, he resolved to achieve once more.

Though the aid of the ancient warrior was absent, and the current 'electronic demon' proved significantly more formidable... he was compelled to proceed!

An extended period of silence followed.

The communication channel carried only the subtle hum of residual currents.

Xing Zhuo and Xing Hen were clearly embroiled in a fierce internal deliberation.

Providing a spacecraft would entail immense peril.

Discovery of such an act could expose the Thousand Stars Commerce Alliance, and potentially the entire Peak Alliance, to severe repercussions from the Star Alliance.

Yet, Bai E's unwavering resolve and their profound respect for his formidable presence, coupled with a faint glimmer of hope for a genuine "hero", swayed their consciences.

Finally, Xing Zhuo released a protracted sigh, reaching a decision: "...Very well. Sir Bai E, we shall provide our assistance. However, you must understand that this will likely mark our final communication and the ultimate act of support we can offer you. Henceforth, irrespective of subsequent events, we must sever all ties completely. This is for the sake of the Business Alliance, and for our own survival."