Chu Guang didn't personally go to the Earth's orbit to welcome Night Ten, but chose to sit in Shelter No. 404's study, watching the live broadcast on Dawn City TV Station news channel.

Firstly, that area could be considered the frontline between humans and celestial beings; going there himself would attract too much hate. Secondly, with so many players going to meet them, he didn't want to overshadow others.

As a professional mascot, Chu Guang felt he should honestly stay where he belonged, maintaining the dignity befitting the boss of a faction.

At the same time, high above.

The silver scientific research ship slowly adjusted its course, approaching the defense platform floating in Earth's orbit.

Through the cockpit glass, Night Ten could already see the familiar faces plastered against the bridge's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Of course.

He could see because he had good eyesight, unlike Jiang Xuezhou sitting next to him, who couldn't see clearly.

"Space station docking protocol is downloading..."

"Interface position locked... executing docking program!"

Jiang Xuezhou sitting in the driver's seat exchanged words with the defense platform's navigator, soon completing all preparations for space station docking.

Honestly, Night Ten was quite shocked.

Before, he had only seen such scenes in news broadcasts, never imagining he'd experience the feeling of an astronaut himself one day.

Even if it was in a game.

Even though not long ago, he played something more exciting...

Amid the anticipation from countless pairs of eyes, the connection rod extended from the front of the research ship plunged firmly into the defense platform's interface.

The whole process was smooth and without any delays, as if rehearsed beforehand.

"Did you awaken spiritual energy too?" Night Ten glanced surprisedly at Jiang Xuezhou sitting in the main driver's seat next to him, whispering.

"How could it be..." Jiang Xuezhou was slightly stunned, after a chuckle he joked, "If that were the case, I could research myself."

"Then why are you so skilled?"

Jiang Xuezhou chuckled, saying.

"Why would you ask such a stupid question? Of course, because the space station's interface is originally made using our standards."

Alright.

The truth was so plain.

Whether it was the Alliance or corporations, they had no technical accumulation in the space field; indeed, the Academy on the Wasteland was ahead of everyone else.

And way ahead of other survivor forces.

As Night Ten was feeling emotional, the VM screen on his arm suddenly lit up, followed by a line of flashing text.

[Congratulations Player "I Get Up Dozens of Times at Night" cleared "Hyperspace Drift" "Distant Colony" Event! Unlocking unique titles "Savior of Civilization" and "Pioneer Explorer"!]

Seeing this popup line, Night Ten was so amused he almost laughed out loud.

However, when he saw the next popup, he couldn't laugh anymore.

[Welcome Orion back, United Space Army comes home!]

"What the hell!"

So it's confiscated?!

Noticing Night Ten suddenly popped up from his seat, Jiang Xuezhou glanced at him puzzled.

"What's the matter with you?"

"No, nothing."

Night Ten coughed lightly, adjusting his mood.

Everyone is a descendant of the Alliance, no one is more equal than anyone else, hence trash on the Wasteland has always belonged to whoever finds it.

Except for shelters and black boxes.

However, even shelters and black boxes would be converted into rewards for players who discovered them.

As for this starship.

Not to mention that Orion's crew already recognized him as the successor, it's at least something he and Jiang Xuezhou painstakingly snatched back from celestial beings and drove home!

Though the Alliance reclaiming this starship isn't completely lacking legal basis, he felt Brother Guang wouldn't really get him in trouble like this.

At this moment, Night Ten suddenly noticed that besides titles, the mission reward was merely a bunch of reputation and contribution points with nothing else.

All of a sudden, a hint of realization surged in his mind, immediately understanding the Manager's meaning.

So that's how it is...

Brother Guang had actually tacitly allowed this starship to be used as a commendation for him, as long as he could keep it from other survivor forces.

The dog plan still loves him!

Just as Night Ten felt relieved, the research ship had already firmly anchored in the near-Earth orbit defense platform's connection module.

The cabin door docking quickly completed.

With the research ship's cabin pressure adjusted to match the platform bridge's standard, the tightly shut cabin door hissed open!

Players who had bought tickets swarmed from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the bridge cabin door. Following this, the eyes fixed at the cabin door were even less likely to move!

They saw a tall girl standing there.

Her emerald-green skin looked like the fresh buds hanging on trees in early spring, her silky smooth black hair swaying gently in the airflow.

She was wearing Orion's crew uniform, the plain white shirt and light blue casual pants not at all hiding her alluring and wild curves.

Yet in stark contrast, those speaking eyes were modestly carrying a hint of devout and holy elegance.

Though at present, this devoutness was somewhat startled.

No other reason.

Mainly because the "Ancestors" were too enthusiastic.

"!!!"

"Gaia person?!"

"So cute!!!"

"Giao! The emerald-green skin looks unexpectedly appealing."

"Is photosynthesis really possible?!"

"So big!!!"

"Damn! Night Ten didn't speak the truth!"

"Come out and take your beating!"

Though Dora could feel those eyes contained no malice or evil thoughts, she couldn't help but shrink back a bit.

Unable to withstand the enthusiasm, she attempted to speak using Alliance language saying "hello," unexpectedly making the scene's atmosphere even more lively.

Seeing all the eyes drawn solely to Dora, the little Koala left aside scratched its round metal belly, looking unsure what to do.

"Uh, I guess I'm redundant?"

Initially wanting to assist Dora, it realized the latter seemed surprisingly enjoying this feeling of being the center of attention.

Finally at this moment, two "main characters" walked out from the cockpit, giving a much-needed reprieve for the embarrassed Dora.

"Wow! You guys are such dogs—cough! Don't scare people."

Seeing Big Eyes salivating expression dripping on the ground, Night Ten nearly let loose like usual.

Thankfully, he noticed the mixed crowd's cameras in time, causing him to retract the words rushing to his mouth.

At the same time, the reporters who had been waiting energetically around the crowd all surged forward, reaching the edge of the cabin door.

One by one, the microphones instantly pointed under Night Ten's nose, without giving him and his good buddies a chance to brag, overwhelming questions bombarded like rapid-fire.

"Hello! Mr. Night Ten, your combat partners told me that not long ago your selfless act saved human civilization, do you have anything to say?"

"No, no, I just did a small work."

"Mr. Night Ten! Does your name have any special meaning?"

"Cough—it's inconvenient to say."

"Esteemed I Get Up Dozens of Times at Night Sir Hello! We are from Goblin Observation Report—"

"Screw off! Have your boss come himself!"

Seeing Night Ten overwhelmed by reporters, Jiang Xuezhou couldn't resist shrinking back a bit, sneaking out from the research ship to her mentor.

Seeing that solemn face, Jiang Xuezhou felt a bit nervous but still went over.

"Professor."

Looking at the recovered precious disciple, Yang Kai's face showed a trace of comforting smile, but soon a slight frown appeared.

"Why are you dressed like this?"

The bloated astronaut suit and round helmet clashed with the Academy's atmosphere, with the spotlight stolen by the Alliance people.

Jiang Xuezhou was silent for a moment, then removed the helmet's visor, revealing the face damaged by neutron radiation.

The scars from damaged skin and tissue growth extended from her scalp down to her neck, and could be foreseen to cover her entire body.

Seeing the once lively and beautiful face become like this, Yang Kai was struck as if by lightning, instantly stunned on the spot.

The accompanying class D researchers were also startled by this face, whispering quietly among themselves.

Awakened by those whispering voices, Yang Kai suddenly turned back fiercely glaring at the gossiping students.

Everyone immediately shut their mouths, silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to speak.

Turning to look at his apprentice, Yang Kai's Adam's apple moved, and in his usually emotionless voice, there was a slight hint of guilt and self-reproach.

"...I'm sorry you've suffered."

Unexpectedly, the master was so concerned about her, Jiang Xuezhou smiled sheepishly, and quickly put the helmet visor back down.

"It's okay, he said he doesn't mind me... cough! Besides, with technology so advanced now, I can just switch to bionic skin."

She heard that bionic skin, used in conjunction with genetic repair technology, can make one ageless, and she's been thinking about changing it for a long time.

But that thing is too avant-garde, so she hadn't made up her mind, yet now she doesn't have to hesitate.

Looking at that shy, cheerful smile, Yang Kai felt a mix of emotions.

At this moment, his gaze fell on the young man named Night Ten not far away, and suddenly thought of something.

Speaking of which...

His apprentice's partner seems to be this guy?

However, just as he was about to ask about the progress of their relationship, he suddenly noticed Qi Liu standing next to him with a smiling face, so he quickly swallowed the words back.

The academy is, after all, not a charity.

To prevent unnecessary variables and for the future of both individuals.

Some things are better asked privately...

From the moment the research ship faced off against the near-Earth orbital defense platform, McCullen was staring unblinkingly at the direction of the door on the space station.

He glanced at the "Alliance Soldier" in the center of the crowd receiving a media interview, then at the "Gaia person" with green skin, and remained silent without speaking.

He was invited here as the representative of the Eastern Empire, along with the messenger from Norton City.

Besides representing the Eastern Empire to salute the warriors saving human civilization, he also had the purpose of probing the Alliance's reality.

They needed to verify the integrity of the Orion Missile Cruiser!

And its impact on geopolitics!

Although it was regrettable not to witness that majestic warship with his own eyes, General Mccullen suddenly felt that seeing it or not seeing it didn't really matter anymore.

The Alliance had already taken on the responsibility of defending the new era and had reassembled the fractured order into a whole.

Not just that.

They have now inherited the Human Alliance Era colonies—a heritage from five light-years away.

In the face of these numerous great achievements, a missile cruiser from the Human Alliance Era is utterly unimportant, and the latter might even become a tasteless burden that is hard to discard.

Although the Alliance has never declared victory or formally announced their involvement in a competition with the Waste Land Wanderers' survivor forces, anyone can see that they've already won it all...

Emperor Salen dreams of being like that man, dominating the world's order, even the internal order of the Vellante people.

But unfortunately, even the internal order of the Vellante people was ultimately split in half by the Alliance.

Looking at the Alliance Soldier being acclaimed by Ideal City's reporters, Mccullen suddenly felt an unprecedented tiredness.

But there was also a sense of liberation.

Surpassing the Alliance is becoming nearly impossible.

Even though the Eastern Empire has abandoned the Army's historical burdens and grasped the biggest legacy of the Army, it's almost unlikely.

But fortunately, the outcome for the Vellante people is not too bad.

They haven't been left behind by the times as that ambitious man named Teil claimed, but are venturing into the new era alongside the Waste Land Wanderers.

Relaxing entirely, he turned to look at the messenger from Norton City and casually asked.

"When we return, His Majesty Sarun will certainly inquire about our thoughts, I wish to know what you think?"

That messenger seemed to be lost in thought and, hearing the voice next to him, reflexively blurted out.

"It's so big."

Mccullen: "…?"

Noticing the increasingly sharp gaze, the messenger finally realized the impropriety of his words and awkwardly changed his response.

"I mean the starship… it's so big."

Mccullen: "..."

The response left him speechless.

And just then, he heard the young man in the crowd loudly proclaim, in response to a reporter's inquiry about the starship's ownership.

"The Orion Missile Cruiser is the heritage of all humanity! It shouldn't belong to any person or any organization."

The reporter sharply asked.

"Does the organization you mentioned include the Alliance?"

Night Ten answered without hesitation.

"Of course it does!"

At this point, not waiting for the reporter to continue questioning, he quickly added.

"Therefore, I propose forming an exploration team beyond the Solar System in the name of the Sticky Community, using the Orion as the flagship to investigate external star systems, seeking more relics left by ancient civilizations! Habitable and unclaimed planets! And—other civilizations in this universe besides us!"

The reporters on the scene were in an uproar upon hearing this.

It wasn't just the many reporters; even the researchers from the Academy not far away, the representatives from the Corporate Council, the South Sea Union, and the messengers from the Eastern Empire and the New Continent Federation... all invariably displayed expressions of surprise.

Evidently, none of them expected him to make such a statement.

Including the players present at the scene.

"Damn, has Night Ten gone mad..." Debt Giant Eye widened his glasses and muttered in surprise, "He really intends to drive this thing to find the edge of the map?"

Although that guy mentioned it on the official website, he always thought it was just boasting, never expecting it to be serious.

"... I'm just curious about one thing, will the Manager agree?" The construction site kid scratched his head, his face full of confusion, "Let him drive this superweapon to the Solar System?"

This wasn't just the construction worker's confusion; it was also the confusion of other players.

"No..." Fang Chang said slowly, with interest, looking in the direction of Night Ten, "Actually, as far as I know the Manager, he would probably nod along to the flow."

The construction worker quickly looked at him.

"Why?"

"For a weapon that will never be used, turning against other Survivor Forces in the Wasteland is purely more trouble than it's worth. We do not lack the ability to destroy the world, but rebuilding our home requires trust. These ten thousand neutron missiles will only increase our trust cost with allies."

"Moreover, rather than guarding against others acquiring and using it, it would be better to throw it where no one can reach..."

Pausing for a moment, Fang Chang continued with a smile.

"I think not only the Manager thinks this way, but after discussion, the Corporate Council members will certainly reach the same conclusion."

When he said this, he couldn't help but show some admiration in his eyes as he looked at Night Ten, which had never been there before.

This kid has indeed grown.

At least, he has learned to use his brains.

Faced with those numerous eyes, whether surprised, suspicious, anxious, or caught off guard, Night Ten raised his voice and continued.

"A hundred thousand neutron torpedoes are a hassle for anyone, and whoever handles this hassle will become a new hassle. Instead of letting the mistakes of two hundred years ago continue, it's better to let this starship do something truly beneficial for humanity! This is not just my idea; it's also the heartfelt voice of the three thousand deceased crew members of the Orion!"

"We will recruit crew members from the entire Wasteland, accept the supervision of all humanity, and depart immediately after the decisive battle with the 'celestial beings' is over!"

There was a burst of applause at the scene.

This speech surprised almost everyone present, especially those guests who represented third-party forces and came to watch, as well as the reporters from Ideal City.

The senior researchers at the Academy did not speak.

But judging from their expressions, they didn't seem very opposed to the idea either.

Observing everyone's reactions on the spot, McCullen, standing on the sidelines, couldn't help but admire, even wanting to applaud for this kid.

What is meant by vision.

This is called broad vision, alright!

Elevating it directly to the height of human righteousness and the future of civilization, it's hard for anyone wanting to obstruct the plan's implementation to find a reason to speak against it.

Looking at the applauding supporters and media reporters, Night Ten also felt slightly relieved.

And at this moment, a reporter squeezed in front of him, full of confusion, and handed the microphone to him, asking.

"Excuse me… Mr. Night Ten, what exactly is the 'pioneer' civilization you mentioned? If I remember correctly, you should've returned from the Gaia planet?"

Hearing this question, Night Ten patted his forehead, cleared his throat facing the media cameras, and continued.

"This is exactly what I am going to discuss next."

The scene quieted down.

Everyone eagerly awaited his speech.

Including those players who had already read spoilers on the forum.

Night Ten's sense of vanity was greatly satisfied, and he slightly curled his lips into a smile. This feeling of having the whole world's attention on him was even cooler than a worldwide announcement!

Then, in a solemn and serious voice, he unveiled the mysterious veil that covered five light-years away…

"All along, our knowledge and understanding of the Gaia planet has serious misconceptions."

"Though it is indeed a vibrant planet, and it's true that the Hive Consciousness Entity called Gaia once dominated the planet, all these phenomena are only the tip of the iceberg of what we see."

"The truth is that a civilization far more prosperous than the United Human, countless times more prosperous, once existed on that planet. What we call 'Gaia' is merely one amongst many manifestations of their 'ecological maintenance system' left on the planet...."

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.