Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Now that they have repaired Hatu One and developed a way to escape the Chaotic Nebula, who wouldn't be tempted? The launch of the starship was such a significant event that it couldn't be hidden. How could just the people from Zone One and Zone Three possibly fend off the countless individuals from Black Porcelain Star who wanted to escape?
"What do you suggest we do?" Koqi asked, irritation evident in his voice.
His good mood had barely lasted when Yao Zhengqi poured cold water on it, leaving him feeling frustrated. Yet, what Yao said was true, which only added to his annoyance without an outlet.
"I have two suggestions. One is to break through with overwhelming force," Yao continued. "Hatu One is a satellite-class starship with formidable weaponry. When it launches, it can easily clear any obstacles with its powerful weapons."
However, this method had a significant risk. If the starship's firepower was too great, it might disturb the magnetic field of Black Porcelain Star, causing the calculated counterforce system to misalign with the original strength of Black Porcelain Star, making it impossible to escape.
"And what's the other method?" Koqi asked.
"The second option is to unite a group of powerful figures and grant them quotas for leaving, allowing them to escort us as we launch the starship."
Upon hearing this, Koqi exploded with anger. "Why should we? I've spent over twenty years fixing this starship; why should those who haven't contributed anything get a share?"
"Koqi, my thoughts are similar to yours. I don't want to give away quotas for no reason either. But sometimes circumstances force us to compromise," Yao Zhengqi advised.
"That won't do! That guy Max previously made things difficult for me when I wanted to trade for some silver ore. And then there's that scoundrel Lei Dao, who refused to give me anything despite having several escort ships in hand. Now he wants to board my starship? No way!"
Yao Zhengqi listened calmly, but he couldn't help but frown slightly when he heard Koqi refer to "my starship."
Despite his reluctance, after completing the calculations for launch, Koqi ultimately had to agree to Yao Zhengqi's joint plan. Most of those who could survive crossing the Chaotic Nebula and reach Black Porcelain Star were mid- to high-level martial artists, so most of the high combat power on Black Porcelain Star came from outside.
Those from outside were generally not keen on staying on Black Porcelain Star.
After repairs and modifications, Hatu One could accommodate a maximum of twenty thousand people. The special forces in Zone Three numbered over three thousand, and over the years, many had built families on Black Porcelain Star, expanding that number to over five thousand.
If relatives and friends were included, it would likely reach around ten thousand.
Initially, Koqi had negotiated for a certain quota, but over the past twenty years of continuous effort, that quota had increased significantly. By now, Koqi should have around seven or eight thousand quotas in hand.
With both sides combined, there wouldn't be many quotas left.
After careful calculations by the research team, they finally squeezed out five thousand quotas.
The five thousand slots available were indeed a drop in the bucket for the several hundred thousand inhabitants of Black Porcelain Star. When selecting skilled individuals for collaboration, they had to sift through candidates repeatedly. The criteria were strict: high combat capability, low burden, good character, and most importantly, they couldn't be loose-lipped about secrets.
After three days of intense deliberation, the two finally narrowed it down to two thousand experts and discreetly contacted each one. Initially, they did not reveal that the starship had been repaired and was capable of traversing the chaotic nebula. As a result, only a little over a thousand of the carefully selected experts showed up. However, this was within their expectations.
Each of the more than two thousand individuals was given at most one slot to leave, allowing them to fight alongside the special operations team and others during the starship's ascent, protecting it as it took off. While these individuals were shocked by the opportunity presented to them, they were not so easily swayed. After all, this was a life-or-death situation; one misstep could cost them their lives.
They sought to negotiate for more slots and benefits. Koqi was not one to indulge them; he firmly told them that one slot was the bottom line. If they were unwilling to accept it, there were plenty of others who would. This effectively subdued them.
Subsequent negotiations went much smoother as a result. However, some individuals were lone wolves who did not want slots but preferred to exchange for other things; others felt that the slots were too few and wanted to trade their possessions for more slots. Yao Zhengqi was not so inflexible; as long as the items offered in exchange were of suitable value, he would do his best to accommodate their requests.
Once arrangements were finalized, they began packing their belongings and preparing for battle, awaiting the starship's ascent defense mission scheduled for half a month later. The special operations team also made combat arrangements. For many years, the Mingguang Team had served as reserves for the special operations team, but this time they were assigned early to board the ship.
Wang Jin felt that this special treatment was due to his status as the Wang family's only heir. He pulled his teammates from Mingguang Team and confronted Yao Zhengqi with his dissatisfaction. "Team Yao, our Mingguang Team's strength is no less than anyone in the special operations team! Why aren't we assigned combat missions?"
The unique training environment of Black Porcelain Star had allowed Mingguang Team members to reach extraordinary levels over twenty years. Particularly Lin Yao's physical skills had become so refined that she surpassed even Yao Zhengqi, the top fighter in the special operations team; her level had become indistinguishable.
"Why weren't you assigned combat missions? I had you board early to ensure safety aboard the ship—doesn't that count as a combat mission?" Yao Zhengqi questioned.
"But—" Wang Jin attempted to retort but was cut off.
"But what? I have carefully considered each of your assignments; every task is crucial. I hope you don't underestimate these missions and let your guard down. With so many outsiders around, there might be one or two spies or infiltrators among them. Don't let your negligence allow them to seize control of the starship!"
"How is that even possible? If someone can seize control of the starship right under my nose, I might as well end my life to atone for it!"
With that thought, she snapped, "What are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be preparing defenses and setting up contingencies?"
As she watched Wang Jin being dismissed by Yao Zhengqi in just a few exchanges, Lin Yao smiled and prepared to leave as well.
However, just as she stood up, she was called back. "Lin Yao, stay for a moment."
Lin Yao paused and waited for the members of the Mingguang team to leave before Yao Zhengqi spoke again. "Do you know why I kept you here?"
"I don't know."
Having observed Yao Zhengqi's strategic prowess over the past twenty years, she felt he was a born commander; compared to him, she still had a long way to go. Nevertheless, Yao Zhengqi had taught her a great deal over the years.
Comment 0 Comment Count