Near-Earth orbit defense platform, central control bridge, heads almost sticking out of the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Holy crap!"

"Starship!!!"

"Damn... Night Ten really brought that thing back?!"

"Tsk, still calling him a buddy!"

"Exactly! Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river—"

"I heard he even brought back a Gaia person!"

"Excited!"

"Excited about what? What's it got to do with you?"

"Come on! Can't I be curious about what they look like?"

"Hey, Wasteland OL could be renamed, might as well call it Starry Sky OL in the open beta."

"Shh! Don't let the dog plan hear that!"

The folks squeezed in front of the window are all players from the alliance.

Some are from the Burning Corps, others from different corps, or even wandering players who haven't joined any.

Welcoming the return of the Orion Missile Cruiser is a recent timed event on the server, open to anyone who signs up.

Of course.

This kind of timed event, once launched, it was almost expected that everyone would sign up.

However, the bridge space of only a few hundred square meters is evidently not enough for so many people.

Moreover, standing in the "audience seats" are not just alliance folks, but representatives from various survivor forces from the wasteland, like the Academy, enterprises, the South Sea Union, even the Eastern Legion, and so on.

The saying goes solo happiness is not as good as collective happiness, what's the point of admiring such a big starship behind closed doors?

Night Ten isn't the only one eager to show off; Chu Guang has the same need.

Standing behind a crowd of players, watching the dense crowd squeezed by the window, Fang Chang couldn't help but comment.

"I can almost imagine that guy's smirk that's hard to hide."

"Hahaha, well, we really got shown up by this guy." Old White laughed, patting Fang Chang on the shoulder and casting his gaze toward the deep universe.

From here, gazing toward the geosynchronous orbit, you can't actually see that starship.

But that familiar face seemed to have already flown up in front of them.

He could almost hear that guy's reckless laughter.

Maybe this is spiritual energy too.

Standing at the side, Edge Shoveling sighed and said.

"Didn't expect... you guys collectively busted, and finally relied on the most unreliable guy to turn the tide."

"Unreliable is not the word," Wild Wind touched his nose, smiled faintly and said, "Normally, Fang Chang makes decisions, let alone him, Old White and I habitually slack off."

"Hahaha, seems about right." Old White laughed and said.

This time Fang Chang seemed a bit embarrassed, lightly coughed and said.

"Actually, I'm not surprised he turned the tide, this kid's luck isn't ordinary... remember the Iron Heart last time? It was a similar situation, in the end, he was the only one who survived."

Spring Water Commander whistled, teasingly said.

"Just luck?"

Fang Chang shrugged.

"Of course, and perception."

Old White: "Hahahaha, humorous!"

While the group was bantering, several little D-grade from the Academy were looking at this noisy bunch with disdain, yet dared not say anything.

For no other reason.

Their martial virtue was too strong, and their reputation on the wasteland was formidable.

However, although direct confrontation was daunting, it didn't stop them from complaining a bit behind their backs.

"Do these folks expect to see the starship in geosynchronous orbit with just their naked eyes?"

"Stupid wasteland wanderers, hehe."

"But on the other hand... I heard some among them have mastered spiritual energy, able to communicate with fellows five light years away?"

"Bull," a D-grade researcher chuckled, glancing sideways at the E-grade colleague nearby, "you believe whatever others say?"

The little E-grade hesitated, scratching the back of his head.

"Then... what about the Morphogenesis Field? The upper management has already decided to research it, surely it's not nonsense too?"

"That sounds a bit more reliable."

"...Aren't they all the same thing?"

"..."

Apart from complaining that the refuge residents of the Alliance were blocking the entire floor-to-ceiling window, some researchers also had expressions full of envy.

The envy was not entirely directed at that starship but also towards the "Near-Earth Orbital Defense Platform" itself.

While the Academy holds countless technologies leftover from the pre-war era, very few can be realized in reality, most are stored in databases.

The reason is mainly because most creations of the Prosperity Epoch relied on an overwhelming and complex industrial chain, which the Wasteland clearly lacks in density and complexity.

In fact, not even the Academy, nor the Alliance, nor enterprises could easily replicate the prosperity of the Human Alliance Era.

However, the Alliance did achieve something other entities have not.

It used the legacy of the Prosperity Epoch to create a different kind of prosperity.

If Prosperous Jiyuan City belonged to the Utopia of people of the old era, the new era undoubtedly belongs to the Utopia of the Waste Land Wanderers.

They created a future of their own for the Waste Land Wanderers...

Unlike those straightforward "Little D Grade" researchers, Yang Kai, as a B-level researcher, seemed much more composed.

Due to work, he frequently traveled between the territories of the Alliance and the Academy, including the special zones of the Science Committee, and as such, was used to these players' behaviors.

Looking at Yang Kai's expressionless face, the man standing beside him chuckled softly and said.

"Congratulations, your apprentice is safe... and conservatively estimated, she'll probably be promoted to B-level this time."

It's rare to nurture a B-level researcher before retirement.

After all, researchers at the Academy usually retire at 50.

Even for someone like Yang Kai, who is considered to be young and promising, it took nearly 20 years to rise from apprentice to B-level, not to mention the students he taught.

Yet nobody expected that an unexpected event occurred when no one was paying attention.

A small E-level researcher skyrocketed to C-level at an unbelievable speed and soon after faced major events like the "Mortal Serum" and "Orion Missile Cruiser."

Looking back at the Academy's history spanning a century and a half, such a situation is unprecedented.

"As long as she's alright." Yang Kai responded to his colleague's congratulations with a reserved expression.

The man laughed and said.

"Yes, as long as she's alright."

Yang Kai gave him a glance, said nothing, but began contemplating.

This person had an extraordinary identity as the head of one of the four departments of the Academy—the Investigation Department, Qi Liu!

Though not a researcher in the Investigation Department, in the hierarchical Academy, A-level is the highest ranking besides the Chief Technical Officer and the Conclusive Professor's authority.

Only the heads of the four departments and retired heads hold this level!

Although based on his resume, Yang Kai already meets the qualifications for promotion to quasi-A-level, or A- level.

But even as quasi-A-level, there's still quite a difference in authority and status compared to true A-level.

However, compared to Yang Kai's restraint, Qi Liu didn't display any arrogance, but was unexpectedly amiable.

Yang Kai was momentarily indecisive, unsure of what this big shot was really up to.

Qi Liu, still smiling peacefully, suddenly shifted the topic and said.

"Speaking of which, there's a rumor at the Academy recently, and I wonder if Mr. Yang has heard of it."

Yang Kai was slightly stunned and cautiously replied.

"I've been on assignments for the Alliance lately, so I'm not too clear on the happenings back home... I'd appreciate any hints from Mr. Qi."

Qi Liu raised his eyebrows slightly in surprise, then continued smiling.

"It's just a rumor, I was casually saying it, so don't take it too seriously..."

He paused and then continued.

"There's a rumor that our esteemed Conclusive Professor had a conversation with our Chief Technical Officer, proposing to establish an independent department on the foundation of the four major divisions, responsible for researching theories of void and dimensions, and precursor civilization departures from this universe, then merging related projects of the Morphogenesis Field into it."

Yang Kai was astounded, widening his eyes.

His shock was not entirely because of the rumor but because this rumor came from Qi Liu himself...

Could this still be called a rumor?!

Above the four directors is the Chief Technical Officer, who else could have told him besides the Chief Technical Officer personally?!

Seeing Director Qi with a meaningful smile, Yang Kai was speechless.

Creating history might not just be his apprentice's feat, maybe he could also share a little of it and inadvertently make some history himself...

"Usually, the quasi-A-level serves as a reserve director for the four divisions. The promotion process typically involves being placed in a deputy role for training and waiting for the retiring director to take over... Though this newly formed department can't quite use the traditional approach."

"Our deputy director at the Investigation Department is quite interested, yet I'm waiting for him to hand over work. If I take him away, who'll take over? Moreover, the precursor civilization's relics aren't quite the same as the Human Alliance Era's legacy... None of us have seen what spiritual energy looks like, have we? I can't quite rightfully approach the other directors and say that this work should be ours."

"So I recommended you to the organization... Your research team is probably the closest to the 'Morphogenesis Field' project."

Qi Liu spoke with a smile, gently patting the stunned Yang Kai on the shoulder.

"Congratulations in advance, Director Yang... if nothing unexpected happens, the four divisions will become five!"

...

Just when Yang Kai was too shocked to speak, Jiang Xuezhou on the Orion Missile Cruiser was nervously sneezing nonstop.

Seeing her sniffle incessantly, Night Ten wanted to take off her helmet and wipe her face but feared she'd hit him, so he could only empathetically hand her a tissue.

"Are you catching a cold?"

Jiang Xuezhou vigorously shook her head, turned around to blow her nose, then looked back at him seriously.

"Night Ten..."

Feeling the serious gaze through the black visor of the helmet, Night Ten paused slightly and said.

"What's wrong?"

Jiang Xuezhou hesitated for a moment and whispered.

"Once we're off the ship, could you say you're the captain... or maybe we switch, and I pass the captaincy to you."

Night Ten exclaimed in confusion.

"Why?"

Jiang Xuezhou whispered.

"Didn't you say you'd take this ship to the edge of the universe... I'm worried when we go back, my mentor will find out I'm the captain and take this ship from me."

Pfft—

Night Ten almost choked on his own spit, coughed lightly, and said.

"I doubt the Academy would be so petty."

Previously, he mocked the Academy for being narrow-minded, and Jiang Xuezhou got upset with him, so why is she self-deprecating now?

Alright.

Things were indeed different before.

Previously, they had nothing, but now they actually possess a starship!

The Academy most covets this kind of thing.

Seeing Jiang Xuezhou looking so nervous, Night Ten couldn't help but feel that this game is ridiculously realistic, even the stubborn parts are so authentic.

Although the Academy's pride often reacts as sharply as a stepped-on tail to some Waste Land Wanderers' mockery, when facing real matters, they have some awareness of their own bad habits.

"That's a starship! A United Space Army missile cruiser! And an intact one at that! Do you know what this means?"

"What does it mean..." Night Ten whispered nervously, "The ship is so wrecked, can they really use it as a colony ship..."

"Hard to say," Jiang Xuezhou said seriously, "Its hyperspace engine still works, and it's the only usable hyperspace engine in the Solar System."

That serious expression warmed Night Ten's heart.

It's clear she considered this place their future little home, and her elbow unwittingly leaned towards him, no longer constantly flaunting the Academy's rules.

Speaking of which, does this count as conquering successfully?

"I'm speaking seriously, why are you grinning!"

Seeing Night Ten suddenly raise the corners of his mouth, Jiang Xuezhou raised her eyebrows, annoyed, and pinched his side.

"Haha, I just think your anxious look is kind of cute..."

Seeing Jiang Xuezhou about to blow up in a second, Night Ten decisively stopped teasing and, half seriously, continued.

"Then we don't go back? Run away together?"

Night Ten sensed the hand pinching his side pause.

Standing before him, Xuezhou was silent for a moment, murmuring quietly.

"...it's not impossible."

It's just...

Not saying goodbye to her family indeed feels somewhat regretful.

And doing so might trouble her mentor.

Although the bond at the Academy is weak, with no significant teaching gratitude, the relationship between mentors and students is more of mutual use and accomplishment; her mentor has actually treated her decently, and at least spared her life.

Seeing her struggling expression, Night Ten smiled and reached out to touch her perfectly round helmet.

"I'm grateful you consider me like this... but I won't let you make such a difficult choice."

Thinking handing over the captaincy would solve the problem is overly naive.

Jokingly speaking, the Academy's coveted items might also catch Brother Guang's eye.

Jiang Xuezhou lifted her head to look at him, her eyes half surprised, half moved.

"Night Ten..."

Night Ten smiled at her.

"Don't worry, we'll leave with everyone's blessings... leave it to me."

The Alliance will not allow the Academy to possess this starship; Jiang Xuezhou's idea is purely unnecessary.

Conversely, the Academy and enterprises cannot allow the Alliance to solely possess such superspec weapons, especially those capable of flexible maneuvers between the solar system and other star systems.

Trust has its boundaries, and such superspec weapons have exceeded those boundaries.

No one can guarantee that those hundred thousand hovering overhead won't be aimed at them.

Thus, this starship has a space to be maneuvered.

Before returning from South Gate Two, Night Ten had already thought of how to handle this issue in his mind.

While announcing the discovery on Gaia planet and the secrets of the Pioneer civilization, he will simultaneously propose gathering volunteers from the Wasteland to ride the Orion to other star systems outside the solar system in search of traces of the Pioneer civilization.

This plan will be announced as he steps onto Earth and will be implemented immediately after resolving the celestial beings' crisis!

Under the guise of exploring the remnants of the Pioneer civilization, volunteers from all sides will jointly pilot the Orion to places outside the solar system — the best idea he can think of besides dismantling this starship, and the most reliable sounding idea.

After all, keeping such superspec weapons in the solar system is a hidden danger; any party obtaining it will make all other parties tense. Rather than raising trust costs among parties, it's better to throw it out for exploration.

Moreover, it will be an exploration under the public supervision of all parties.

They will regularly report routes and findings to scientific institutions on Earth while also receiving technical assistance from the latter; this is a win-win choice for all parties.

For all major Survivor Forces, they can ensure this ship remains under the overall control of human civilization while gaining more data on outer planets and traces of the Pioneer civilization through exploration of extraterrestrial worlds.

And, as time goes by, when the aerospace industry capacity of human civilization develops, such superspec forces will naturally fade away, becoming less superspec.

Jiang Xuezhou nodded emphatically at Night Ten's confident expression and boarded the research ship holding his hand.

Dora and little Koala also followed behind them, each with different emotions, taking their seats.

Meanwhile, in the browsing room of Shelter No. 404.

Looking at the research ship slowly approaching the near-Earth orbit defense platform on the holographic screen, Chu Guang couldn't help but smile slightly.

Actually, for a moment, he was wondering if Night Ten would play a little trick and elope directly with his girlfriend.

After all, this guy seriously discussed the technical feasibility of eloping on the forum, with someone under the ID [Professor Yang the Thunder Law King] even coming up with many clever yet silly ideas.

But it seems this kid isn't stupid; he obediently sailed the ship back.

Actually, this guy really didn't need to worry; Chu isn't a parent, who takes everything except pots, pans, and dishes.

Even though he has been talking about harvesting leeks since the server opened, he hasn't really snatched treasures from players; at most, when everyone was poor, he settled "dungeon rewards" that players couldn't use at all into silver coin as task props.

But did anyone really lose out?

In fact, no one lost out.

The Alliance has never treated anyone badly who contributed strength to the Alliance.

It was like this before, and now it's the same.

At this moment, Chu Guang suddenly thought of something, put down his teacup, and said with a smile.

"Xiao Qi, speaking of welcoming people empty-handed, is it not good?"

Seated on the pen stand, Xiao Qi paused.

"Eh, preparing gifts now? But... will it be too late?"

Chu Guang gave a mysterious smile.

"What I mean is, why don't you send out a worldwide announcement, something like a hidden mission completion, world BOSS kill, and by the way welcome Orion to the ranks, United Space Army returning home."

No other meaning.

He just wanted to tease Night Ten, send a flag to scare this kid.

And also help reduce this kid's hatred.

Most of the show-off was done by him alone, the official forum almost turned into a bargain site these two days, with all posts shouting "slash once", as if not nerfing this guy would make the game unplayable.

"Oh——"

Xiao Qi, seeing the meaningful smile from his master, understood and dragged his voice long with a playful laugh.

"Cool cool cool... indeed, master is such a mischief-maker!"

Seeing the quick understanding of Xiao Qi, Chu Guang smiled and nodded, with approval in his eyes.

True to form, it's his Xiao Qi!

"Don't forget to send a limited title and reputation reward to cheer him up."

They are already granted the starship, let's not discuss money with the mission rewards.

That's too worldly!

Of course, not to mention the starship.

If that guy truly has a revelation, he would naturally think of how to keep it.

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