Encrypted message sent, a double beep signaling the completion, a not-so-long wait would follow. A wait was necessary, anticipating a significant shift in the Bermuda Star Galaxy.

Assessing the military strength of the Flaming Fleet, it could only be considered minor skirmishing. Kexiao seemed to be on a string of defeats without rhythm, but one couldn't miss that the soldiers more resembled cannon fodder at the front lines.

In the grand scheme of war, this force didn't even qualify as cannon fodder, utterly lacking any standing to contend. Compared to a super fleet of tens of millions, they weren't enough to be a snack for the imperial army.

In short, the Flaming Fleet could currently only spar with medium-to-large fleets. Against a super fleet, they were but a lump of meat, tasteless to the palate yet a pity to discard - non-threatening to anyone.

However, when this seemingly insignificant armed force was thrown into boiling water at the right time, in the most appropriate manner, the resulting chemical reaction might cause a tidal wave of shock.

If the dual star situation was likened to boiling water, then Feng Yi's presence was akin to chemical fuel - with or without him, the outcome would be starkly different. Kexiao's sense of agency might also tilt slightly as a result; of course, in the Flaming Fleet, Feng Yi was more like a stabilizing sea needle.

Even though John was astute with people and strategic, his temperament was inevitably shaped by his upbringing. After all, he was a former rebel fighter leader, strongly militant and hot-tempered, with a violence born deep in his bones that wasn't easily changed.

Truth be told, many soldiers feared him. Except for himself and Elder John, he didn't regard anyone else highly. The respect for the elder came from his profound knowledge and emotional ties built from continual battles against the resistance, while the respect for himself stemmed from leading the resistance toward a rebuilt hope and the camaraderie formed through numerous battles side by side. John had changed a lot, but he still showed indifference to the maintenance of military hierarchy.

Dammit… wasn't there anything that didn't require his worry? The thought gave Feng Yi a headache. Fortunately, in terms of execution, no one surpassed John, so Feng Yi could rest a thousand times assured having sent the message.

What remained was to wait, and he was sure it wouldn't be long. Although he couldn't yet discern what Kexiao was really planning, he was certain that the man wasn't foolish enough to keep losing. He must be brewing some major action. So Feng Yi pulled out Eggy, deciding to have Eggy report on the situation at any moment.

——

Located in the northern part of Icebird Planet, the Border Outer City was known for its economic decline and desolate streets as an outermost city of the planet. The already not-so-good public security of Icebird was even more prominent here; signs of mafia activity were common, requiring substantial protection money from anyone seeking to make a living.

Of course, due to economic factors, the cost of living in this city was also the lowest on Icebird Planet, be it rent or various goods.

Inside a certain city block, to be exact, within a dim shop with no sign, this bearded man had rented a room. At this moment, he was observing his lifeless self in the mirror...

Hugo - a name gradually fading from people's sight. He once was a pilot of God's Thorn, driving the formidable Mecha from the glorious God's Thorn Legion. But all these ended with that battle like bubbles in the wind, insignificant.

Concerning the end, his life could hardly be called perfect, right? After all, Hugo's dream was the battlefield, the fight, honoring his ancestors and the country that raised him with his own honors. He was the federation's most loyal sentinel, the peoples' most distinguished protector. But with the loss of his legs, it all ended. How he wished to pilot a Mecha into battle once more!

Looking at his pale face in the mirror, Hugo let out a deep sigh...

Not far from the door, a noisy commotion of a brawl erupted. This was already the seventh such fight today; Hugo was used to it. He casually picked up the phone and dialed the police station number...

If the seventh outdoor fight of the day was frequent, then this was Hugo's twelfth call to the police station, met only with an automated 'please wait' and then a disconnect. Such was the helpless state of affair in Border Outer City. Despite cheap rent, security was chaotic.

The fight ended before long, the victor trampling the barely breathing body of the loser, then bringing a stick down viciously upon the defeated's head... soon, the figures lying on the ground were unresponsive.

Deadly brawls were common in this district, and Hugo knew he had no power to intervene; he could only repeatedly seek help from the police by phone.

It was not until after the fight ended that Hugo, thinking all was over, began to wheel himself out of his room to close the shop door. Unfortunately, it wasn't over. The group not only hadn't left but seemed raring to go, and as soon as they saw Hugo, they staggered over, encircling him in the center as if they found a new plaything.

What hadn't Hugo, the elite God's Thorn soldier, seen? A super special forces king who once stood above the rest of the world, he would have no fear in this situation if it weren't for his lost legs. Even if each thug had an extra gun, what could they do? But now, all he could do was keep calm, since calm was all he could afford. Even the sharp point of God's Thorn seemed dull in that moment.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.