Chapter 240: The Honeymoon Period between Ghost and Empire
On his way back, Yang Ming did not encounter any resistance.
The empire's fleet did not make any blocking moves. Official live broadcast rooms across the country and tens of billions of online viewers watched Yang Ming's mecha drill into a 100-meter-long transport ship and then jump away.
The reason why the Dongfeng ship was not shown directly was that people were worried that its aggressive shape would irritate the imperial military.
When Grace was being interviewed, Yang Ming was wearing headphones, listening to the rhythmic and passionate minor tune. He twisted his strong waist unscrupulously releasing his masculine charm and walked to his captain's seat.
"The Captain has arrived... eh?"
026, who was wearing a tight combat uniform, tilted his head and looked at Boss Yang's back. He couldn't help but mutter to the assistant who was a life-size projection beside him:
"I haven't seen the boss for a few days. Why is the boss so flirty all of a sudden?"
If necessary, 026 will drive the Red Ghost mecha to support Yang Ming.
Ritsu smiled, "He's always like this when he's happy."
"Uh," 026 blinked, "Did I miss it during the live broadcast? Why is the boss so happy?"
"There was a clip edited during the final boss battle," Lu reminded. "The live broadcast also has a delay setting. It doesn't show the footage directly. A clip was deleted."
"Then why is the boss so happy?"
Lu raised his hand to support his forehead, and for a moment he was unable to speak: "It's probably because I have made substantial progress with Catherine's captain."
"That's it?" 026 tilted his head and said, "I never saw my boss this excited when he was in love before."
Lu analyzed it carefully: "Rather than saying that the boss feels relaxed and happy now because of Captain Catherine, it is better to say that the relationship between White Ghost and the imperial officials has entered a honeymoon period."
026 was a little confused: "What do you mean?"
Lu smiled and said:
"Now the imperial authorities feel that they have tamed the white ghost named Hanton, which is a glorious victory for the imperial star.
"As for the boss, he feels that he has gained some of the trust of the empire, so the pressure from the Valkyrie has been greatly reduced. What the boss is most worried about is that the Valkyrie will join forces with the empire.
"We set out from Luofeng to look for opportunities within the empire, and everything has been going smoothly so far. We encountered several minor crises, but they were all resolved safely.
"Right now, the imperial officials think that White Ghost is nothing special, and the boss thinks that these old guys in the empire are a bunch of trash, so on the surface, the relationship has entered a honeymoon period."
026 was a little hesitant to respond: "Lv, is your analysis so... so realistic?"
"Hehe, the boss can't hear you again!"
"Boss! I want to report it!"
"Good for you! I have simulated touch on the Dongfeng!"
026 crossed his arms and dodged quickly. Lu raised his two claws that were shaking like seaweed and launched an An Lushan-like attack on 026.
Yang Ming was also filled with emotion when he saw the two of them making a scene in the corner.
They have a really good relationship.
"Stop making trouble! Hahaha! Lu, stop tickling me! I surrender!"
Lu pinched his waist and snorted, "I can't cure you yet!"
"Okay, let's get down to business," 026 sat down on the sofa and asked quietly, "So when do you think we can go back to Luofeng? I kind of miss the snack street over there."
“That’s hard to say.”
Lu sat back down next to 026, swaying his feet gently.
She said slowly, "There are several irreconcilable conflicts between the boss and the empire. When these hidden mines are triggered, the boss is likely to abandon the empire directly."
026 was confused: "What's the hidden mine?"
Lu smiled and said, "Luofeng and Dark Star are now a system. The outer shell is the medium-sized country of Luofeng Empire, and the inner shell is Dark Star constructed by the mechanical thinking body, which is an intelligent mechanical system that can be easily commanded by the boss alone.
"Luofeng is developing rapidly now. The three small countries surrounding Luofeng have already taken control of the military and political circles. They can be annexed by Luofeng at any time in the form of an alliance.
“Although the boss doesn’t care whether the Luofeng Empire is a subsidiary of the Sherman Empire, don’t forget that the boss’s close friend and partner, Edwang, is bent on seeking independent reforms for Luofeng.
"Do you think the Empire will allow the largest tribute-paying country to become substantially independent? This is the first major contradiction."
026 frowned and said, "The Sherman Empire's national strength is hundreds of times that of Luo Feng. There is absolutely no chance of winning."
"Yes," Lu chuckled, "Even if the technological level can catch up with the level of the Heavenly Star Circle in a short period of time, the population is still a fatal flaw. It will take at least a dozen breeding cycles, or hundreds of years, for Luofeng to have a population of more than 10 billion. This is also based on the premise that the social economy can always remain in a state that is neither too good nor too bad, and the citizens of Luofeng can maintain a strong desire to have children."
“How can we be independent?”
"Expand the alliance, find allies, and cooperate with the empire in the name of the alliance," Lu said calmly, "If we don't rely on war to seek independence, then Luo Feng's relationship with the Sherman Empire will inevitably be deformed in the future. Let's see what the boss chooses at that time."
026 analyzed it carefully for a while: "This hidden mine shouldn't be triggered in a short time, right?"
"It can't be said to be a short time. Probably as long as the boss passes the second assessment, Luo Feng will be able to form an alliance with a population of more than 20 billion."
Lu casually clicked on a star map of Luo Feng, enlarged the map, ignored the vast uninhabited planets, and marked more than 30 small and medium-sized countries.
Lu said softly:
“The Dabic model has been recognized as the most efficient model for conquering these small polities.
"Look at this corner of the Milky Way. These thirty-six countries that are relatively close to Luofeng are all the targets of Luofeng Alliance's expansion.
“You can find any excuse, such as regional unity in response to insect infestations.
"Of course, if Luo Feng wants to maintain its position as the leader, it is not enough to just control the military and politics of these small countries. Luo Feng's technology companies have already established advantages in the region and can share some technology patents. Dark Star will also continue to improve Luo Feng's technology level to maintain its leading position.
"Such an overall union only needs to be stable for more than fifty years to truly establish a large political system."
"But," 026 was a little skeptical, "If we continue to use the Dabichi model and have mechanical thinking bodies replace humans, it's okay if there are only a few people, but if there are too many people... the intelligence departments of powerful countries are not just sitting there doing nothing, they will definitely find out."
"No plan is perfect. This is what we have to face. We just need to calculate the risks and benefits."
Lu said solemnly:
"For the boss's goal, the best option is to quickly establish a force that can influence the human structure in the galaxy.
"Of course, the boss came to the empire to run his business for another important goal. He also wanted to see if he could get into the center of power in the empire.
“But it is too difficult to enter the center of power in the empire. We cannot get in touch with the imperial star at all, and we cannot use various means.
"I studied the great nobles who rose to prominence in the empire over the past thousand years and discovered that this is not a goal that can be achieved through individual efforts. Instead, it requires the efforts of an entire family. Behind the great nobles are families with complex relationships.
"The boss's honeymoon period with the empire is only due to the widespread influence that White Ghost has previously created. This is another hidden mine."
"What?"
Lu laughed and said, "When the empire issues an order to the boss that goes against the boss's interests, the boss may not necessarily execute it. In fact, if the empire's order makes the boss unhappy, the boss may even spit in their face a few times."
"I believe this," 026 said with a sigh, "Our boss is only suitable to be a leader, not an employee."
Lu muttered quietly: "I hope the honeymoon period between the boss and the Empire can last a little longer. I just set up ten servers on Yaha Star recently, and it cost a lot of money."
026 suddenly said, "I thought of another question... The boss had to cooperate with the Empire officials because of the pressure from the Valkyrie. If the boss uses the Empire to kill the Valkyrie, he will probably just leave."
"The Valkyrie is indeed a headache for the boss. I don't know where this guy is hiding."
Lu clicked his tongue, and the projection flickered gently before disappearing.
"I'll look it up online, maybe I can find some clues... Remember to change into a maid outfit when you deliver lunch to your boss!"
"Why change? The boss is looking for a new boss lady. In his eyes, I am nothing but a piece of wood."
026 complained somewhat depressedly.
…
Why hasn’t this damn guy returned to the team yet?
Catherine folded her arms, leaning against the corner of the road leading to and from the training center, staring at the passing vehicles and people.
The insect extermination battle two days ago made Catherine famous, and the title of the Empire's Golden Goddess of War was very well-known on the Internet.
The main purpose of the Empire's live broadcast of the war was indeed achieved - to show the public that the Empire not only has a white ghost, but also has many powerful warriors. It's just that these warriors are usually responsible for protecting the Imperial Star and the Imperial Star Circle, and they are not active on camera.
In order to ensure the quality of the live broadcast, each member of the combat team brought a tiny camera device.
Although that scene was edited out of the final broadcast;
But this cannot change the fact that I was taken advantage of by that guy!
Catherine has been getting angrier and angrier these past two days.
Her first kiss was gone!
There was no big bed covered with flower petals, no psychedelic and romantic aurora, and not even the embellishment of morning glow and sunset. She was wearing heavy protective armor, and even the ends of her hair were stained with the queen's Zerg blood!
This bastard, she must do it today!
"Wait for me here?"
Yang Ming's voice suddenly sounded behind him.
Catherine turned around and was about to swing her fist, but a bunch of carefully decorated flowers stopped her fist in the corner.
Behind the flowers is Yang Ming’s smiling face.
Catherine was stunned for a moment, frowned and said, "Are you a face-changing robot? Why did you change your face again?"
The Yang Ming who appeared in front of her at this moment had the face of Captain Hunton.
Yang Ming smiled and said:
"It's convenient for action. Last time, I participated in the battle in the image of Hui Saka, and everyone misunderstood.
"I thought about it carefully and decided to just use the original appearance.
"This way, Hui Saka can be active outside the base and occasionally go to the TV station to make some extra money. The cost of the mechanical body is too expensive."
Yang Ming held the flowers in both hands and handed them to Catherine. "This is for you. Are they beautiful?"
“It’s okay…”
Catherine looked away.
The anger that had been building up for the past two days somehow cooled down, and he accepted the bunch of flowers for no apparent reason.
She bent her head and sniffed.
It smells really good.
"Why don't you lower the visor a little?" Yang Ming gestured on his face, "Why do you have to be imprisoned by the mask?"
"This is discipline," Catherine raised her hand and tapped her forehead. The visor immediately began to shrink and became the size of a mask. "How about this?"
"Very good," Yang Ming said with a smile, "Let's go, Director Ruiwa must have been waiting for me for a long time, right?"
"How do you know?"
Yang Ming wondered, "You are waiting for me here, aren't you just going to tip me off?"
Catherine snorted coldly: "I wanted to ambush you and teach you a lesson... It was broadcast live nationwide at the time!"
Yang Ming's eyes lit up: "Is it okay not to broadcast live? Hmm? I didn't expect you to be so open-minded."
Catherine kicked him in anger, and Yang Ming quickly retreated, relying on the vector thrusters on the soles of his feet to barely avoid Catherine's attack.
The two chased and fought on the side of the road.
Miraculously, the bouquet of flowers that Catherine was holding remained intact until Yang Ming entered Director Riva's office.
In the office with multiple barriers activated, Director Riva's expression was a little gloomy.
"Hanton," Director Riva said, "First of all, thank you for your great contribution in this operation. We sorted out all the video footage and found that if you hadn't taken action, more than half of the three spearhead teams would have been killed."
"Captain Catherine and the others are all excellent," Yang Ming praised. "It's such a waste for the Empire to keep the Super Reformers in the Imperial Star Circle."
"The Super Modifiers are not stable," Riva said calmly, "The Empire doesn't just have the task of killing insects. There are many other places where Super Modifiers are needed."
Yang Ming smiled and said, "Including sniping New Federation agents, or participating in foreign wars?"
"Yes, you are now also a super-modified person," Riva reminded , pushing a metal box in front of Yang Ming, "This is the reward decided by the higher-ups to give you."
Yang Ming opened the lid of the box and saw the medal inside. He couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.
The Imperial Royal Knight Medal is a rare item in the Imperial camp in the game "Abyss". After players obtain this medal, they can enjoy some of the welfare benefits of the lowest-level nobles in the Empire.
Usually, one must make great contributions to the empire in order to receive royal grants.
"Royal Knight," Yang Ming said with a smile, "Very good."
Director Riva said calmly: "Next, I want to talk to you about some issues that you may mind."
"No, I know what you want," Yang Ming raised a finger, and the finger detached by itself, ejecting the chip inside.
Yang Ming placed the chip in front of Director Riva: "This is the design drawing of the Ghost Mecha."
Director Riva immediately narrowed his eyes and smiled.
Yang Ming smiled and said:
“The Empire is actually at the forefront of the galaxy in terms of mecha design, but in this battle I found that the combination of cyborgs and mechas is still a little lacking.
“At that time, hundreds of mechas were used for fire support at the surface landing point, and most of the Empire’s carrier-based mechas would become slow and clumsy on the surface.
"I must remind you that this mecha is designed based on the limits of my physical strength and is not suitable for others. I deleted most of the control structures to give the mecha high mobility, sacrificing long-range firepower in exchange for more energy battery slots.
"However, some of the sensors in the blueprints may be of great help to you."
Director Riva asked, "Did you find this in the ancient ruins?"
Yang Ming rubbed his nose, leaned forward slowly, and said mysteriously: "Director, have you ever heard of a civilized name?"
"What name?"
"Faya."
Director Riva frowned slightly: "I have heard of it, but it is an imperial secret. How do you know?"
Yang Ming did not answer, but said: "Regarding the Ligui mecha, everything I can give you is in this chip. The Red Ghost mecha is an ordinary long-range firepower mecha design. If you improve it, perhaps a small number of super modifiers with strong enough strength can also use it."
"Thank you anyway."
Director Riva pressed a button on the table, and a secret door opened. A robot only about one meter tall came over holding a tray.
“Because it is quite special, there will be no public ceremony.
“This is a certificate of nobility and proof of imperial honor. From now on, you are a true baron of the empire.
"Of course, this is not a hereditary title, but it is a first among the Super Reformers."
Yang Ming sighed softly.
Then he frowned and said, "If I don't hand over the design drawings of the Ghost, you're not going to give them to me?"
"How could that be?" Director Riva said with a smile. "The title of baron in the empire is very valuable. Besides, Hanton, I can give you a week's vacation... You need to go see your parents."
Yang Ming understood what he meant .
Director Riva added: "Catherine will accompany you throughout the process, which can be regarded as a kind of supervision."
"I understand." Yang Ming nodded, stood up and saluted Director Ruiwa, "Thank you for the reminder!"
Director Riva said in a gentle voice: "Although the road to becoming a super-changer is cruel, the super-changers are actually a warm big family. Go back and have a rest. Catherine actually likes some little girl's things, such as hairpins, scarves and other small gifts. It would be even better if they have crystal elements."
Yang Ming: The warm family of a perverted murderer.
Why does it feel like this middle-aged lady is... assisting?
