"What was bound to come has finally arrived."
Alekde took a deep breath and said in a deep voice.
"Damn it, this bunch of bastards really knows how to pick their timing. When others arenât fighting, they donât show up!"
Gabres cursed irritably.
"Itâs normal. The Mechanical Clan never fights losing battles; they only strike when youâre at your weakest. But this time, it seems theyâve acted a bit too early."
Sigurd said, somewhat puzzled.
"Enough, no point in saying anything more. Sound the full combat alert, everyone prepare for battle!"
Commander Alekde directly issued the order.
"Yes!"
Gabres and the others responded solemnly.
...
Inside the Thunder Extreme central control.
The piercing alarm continued to blare, while the edges of the Scanning Deviceâs screen were filled with dense red dots.
Timi reported to Su Ming.
"Lord Su Ming, the Mechanical Clan has arrived. Commander Alekde has issued the full combat order."
"Troubles never come alone, do they?"
Su Ming said, frowning deeply.
"Oh, thank goodness the Dark Star Empire changed course; otherwise, fighting halfway would mean battling the Mechanical Clan too, and that would be trouble."
Rhein and the others said with relief.
"Donât relax just yet; the current situation isnât much better."
Celeste told Rhein and the others.
Su Ming turned to Celeste and said,
"Celeste, help me estimate how long until they reach the battlefield."
"About an hour or so."
Celeste calculated briefly and replied.
Hearing this, Su Mingâs expression shifted, then he raised his hand to send a message to Dr. Blakes.
"Doctor, is the modification of Ilyas complete?"
"Five hours. Iâll have someone send it to you once itâs done."
Dr. Blakes quickly replied.
After reading the message, Su Ming replied directly to Blakes,
"No need, Iâll get it myself!"
"Alright!"
Blakes replied.
Su Ming then turned to Timi and said,
"Timi, have Li Menghan bring the Sunshine to pick me up!"
"Okay!"
Timi responded immediately.
Su Ming stood up and said to Rhein,
"Iâm leaving this to you. Iâll return once Iâve picked up the Mecha!"
"Yes!"
Rhein and the others responded immediately.
Su Ming hurried toward the mobile platform, intending to personally retrieve the Mecha to avoid any issues on the way back.
Besides, the Third Planet is very close to Earth Flame Star, so it wouldnât take much time for a round trip.
A few moments later, inside the Doomed Light Central Control Room.
Li Menghan saw Su Ming come in and quickly stood to greet him.
"Lord Su Ming."
"Full speed ahead back to the Third Planet!"
Su Ming instructed Li Menghan.
"Yes."
Li Menghan then operated the Sunshine, retreating backward.
At that moment, the operation screen popped up with a communication request from Blackthorn Fortress.
Li Menghan turned to look at Su Ming and said,
"My lord, we have a communication request from Blackthorn Fortress."
"Answer it."
Su Ming wasnât too surprised.
After all, during wartime, the Sunshine changing course might look like desertion.
Swish!
Admiral Visadoâs virtual image suddenly appeared, and he gave a quick salute upon seeing Su Ming.
"Admiral Su Ming, where are you heading? The enemy is about to reach the battlefield."
"Iâm heading back to the Third Planet to retrieve the modified Mecha; Iâll return shortly. Lower the power of the Curvature Interference Device number 6."
Su Ming said concisely to Admiral Visado.
Admiral Visado turned to look at Commander Alekde.
Commander Alekde nodded slightly.
"Yes!"
Admiral Visado responded immediately.
As the power of the number 6 Curvature Interference Device decreased,
the Sunshine immediately activated its Superluminal Flight Device, entered Subspace, and vanished.
...
Federation Administrative Building·Dawn Hall.
A virtual communication request popped up on the Council platformâs virtual projection interface.
Long Bai waved a hand and answered it.
Alekdeâs virtual image suddenly appeared, and he respectfully addressed Long Bai.
"Lord Long Bai, the Mechanical Clanâs army is pressing against the Earth Flame Star defense line and is about to launch an attack!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the Council Chamber erupted, with numerous councilors discussing in succession.
"Are you kidding? The Mechanical Clan is launching an attack so soon!"
"Theyâre here too quickly!"
"What should we do?"
...
At this moment, Long Bai spoke coldly,
"Silence!"
The noisy council chamber instantly quieted down.
Long Bai looked at Alekde and said in a deep voice,
"The defense line of Earth Flame Star is entrusted to you. Make sure to defeat the invading enemy."
"Yes, I will not fail this mission!"
Commander Alekde saluted and then cut off the communication.
At this point, all the forces and defensive weapons on the Earth Flame Star defense line went into combat readiness.
Curse-filled voices rang continuously in the public communication channel.
"The Mechanical Clan, these guys are really despicable, always picking the perfect time to attack!"
"Doesnât matter, weâre all ready for battle anyway; itâs a perfect chance to take them down!"
"Exactly, a fightâs a fight no matter who itâs against!"
"Letâs take them down!"
...
Inside Erosion Sun Fortress.
The virtual image of the Earth Flame Star defense line was presented before Elorazad and others.
Fadale reporting somewhat helplessly to Elorazad Deputy Clan Leader.
"Lord Elorazad, the situation doesnât look good! The defensive forces and weapon deployment on Earth Flame Star are stronger than on Cui Lan Star; it might be tough to attack."
"Hmph, thatâs simple. Pamie!"
Elorazad turned to Pamie and spoke.
"What do you need?"
Pamie replied coldly.
"Isnât it time you show what youâve got?"
"You want me to attack the defense line? Donât you think thatâs ridiculous?"
"Stop pretending with me. I know your fortress can incapacitate weapons over a large area. Stop hiding it and incapacitate the weapons on Earth Flame Star for me."
Elorazad commanded Pamie with authority.
Although they were both Deputy Clan Leaders, Elorazad considered himself to have evolved to the Emperor Level, and Pamie wasnât qualified to compare with him.
"Got it."
Pamie, although frustrated, conceded.
"Hurry up, if you hold up the Clan Leaderâs plans, youâll face the consequences."
Elorazad showed no politeness to Pamie.
"Hmph, no need for your reminder."
Pamie snorted coldly in response.
...