Chapter 69 Just Partners 14
Unlike the astonished Zhou Kai, Ren Yi was not surprised at all, and even felt a sense of "as expected" and "finally here." Lando's inhuman aura was too obvious; having experienced so many worlds, Ren Yi could easily discern his abnormality. Combining this with the background of this world, making some guesses wasn't difficult. The pursuit of power is human instinct, but some people always stray from the right path. Even his alternate account had destroyed numerous laboratory hideouts back then.
Lando also noticed Ren Yi's calm demeanor, and his smile gradually widened. "I'm really growing to like you more and more."
It seemed that since even his tail was exposed, he simply stopped trying to hide it. His smile looked so perverted that it was impossible to associate it with the "like" that normal people define.
Ren did nothing, his expression remained unchanged, and Yi said, "..."
Forget it, I won't reason with a madman.
There's really no reasoning with a madman.
Lando is no longer just a tail; his body has begun to mutate, swelling and elongating in a way that is definitely not human.
Ren Yi stopped Zhou Kai, who was about to seize the opportunity to attack. Lando was clearly outmatched by the mutant genes. Only a truly insane person would fight a mutant bare-handed.
Because of the tacit understanding they had developed along the way, Zhou Kai instinctively chose to obey Ren Yi's instructions.
Once inside the mecha's cockpit, he realized what was happening and hurriedly explained, "'Galaxy' is a private mecha; others..." He couldn't start it.
Before he could finish his sentence, he made a sound as if his neck was being choked.
[Fingerprint authentication successful]
[Iris verification successful]
Welcome back
The synthesized electronic voice echoed in the small space, leaving Zhou Kai feeling dazed and momentarily wondering if he was hallucinating. But looking at the illuminated control panel, he vaguely remembered asking a question a few minutes earlier.
"Is it inside?"
Is what you're looking for inside?
Zhou Kai suddenly realized that he hadn't asked the other person what they were looking for the whole way.
Ren Yi quickly adjusted the mecha, restored the default settings, and frowned as he looked at Zhou Kai, who was still standing there like a block of wood. "What are you all standing there for?! Go connect the sensors!"
Are you suggesting he pilot the mechs?!
Given that his physique has now dropped to C-level, he probably wouldn't be able to control the mecha for more than a couple of steps before collapsing.
Zhou Kai: "...Oh."
His mind was still blank, and he could only manage to utter this one word, but he could already feel his voice trembling.
A galaxy! That's a galaxy!!
In his entire life... no, in all his lifetimes combined, he never imagined that one day he would become the pilot of "Star River".
Zhou Kai felt incredibly lucky to have received this mission. Not only did he find his regular partner, but he also had the opportunity to board "Star River"! Not only did he board it, but he was currently in the cockpit of "Star River," preparing to pilot this legendary mecha.
In front of the control panel, Zhou Kai stretched and clenched his hands several times to stop them from shaking.
Feeling his chest pounding more and more intensely, Zhou Kai knew he was getting a little too excited, but at this moment, there was really no way to adjust his mood.
Having gone through this ordeal, he wouldn't have lost out even if he died on this sealed-off planet!
No, that won't do!
He couldn't let "Galaxy" be disgraced!
Ren Yi couldn't quite grasp Zhou Kai's jubilant, even somewhat delirious, mood. To be honest, he didn't think the current situation was very optimistic. As Zhou Kai had previously stated, "Star River" was a personal mecha, meaning many of its functions were custom-designed to suit the pilot. Ren Yi was worried about Zhou Kai being forced into this role. Furthermore, based on Ren Yi's observations along the way, Zhou Kai's fighting style was probably incompatible with the smaller mecha. If Zhou Kai were to use "Star River" like a heavy mecha… the image was too much for Ren Yi to bear; just thinking about it made his eyes hurt.
But no matter what, having mechs is better than not having them.
Ren Yi composed himself and began to give Zhou Kai a simple explanation of the "Star River's" configuration: "The Star River is a balanced, agile mecha. You can think of it as an upgraded version of the 'Meteor.' The mecha's defense isn't outstanding; it mainly relies on the materials used in its body... Because it sacrifices some defense, its firepower is higher than that of a regular agile mecha. The left side is..."
Even though he was mentally prepared, Zhou Kai still felt a little dizzy after hearing the detailed explanation.
In fact, Ren Yi didn't need to explain in such detail.
You know, that's a "galaxy"!
Although it's not one of those basic mechs that military academy students have to learn to operate during their military academy years, memorize its performance by heart, and draw its key points for exams every year, which mech pilot hasn't analyzed the configuration of "Star River"? Which one hasn't fantasized about one day sitting in the cockpit of "Star River"?
Zhou Kai never imagined that his dream would come true.
Even in a daydream, you wouldn't dare do that!
Ren Yi couldn't empathize with the mix of surprise and disbelief, but as he talked to Zhou Kai, he couldn't help but feel grateful. Lando had really treated the "collectibles" very well. Ren Yi had just done a quick check and found that not only had the damage been repaired, but the energy was also full.
Otherwise, he would really have to think carefully about how the two of them could get away today.
Ren Yi looked at Lando, who had completely transformed into a non-human form, and couldn't help but wonder if the other party had any sense left. Seeing his carefully maintained mecha being used by the enemy, any normal person would probably be furious by now.
However, after observing the other party for a moment, Ren Yi felt only excitement.
Ren Yi: "..."
Forgot, this isn't a normal person at all.
Lando even stood still for a while, whether assessing the enemy or deliberately giving them time to adapt was unclear. If it were a normal mutant, Ren Yi would guess the former, but with this one in front of him, Ren Yi really couldn't be sure what its mindset was.
However, his patience didn't last long, and he quickly assumed a stance of gathering power. Ren Yi had already predicted the direction of the attack the instant he noticed the change in his posture.
However……
"Bang—"
It wasn't the sound of the mech being attacked, but rather that Zhou Kai misjudged the force of his backward movement and crashed into the wall.
Ren Yi: "..."
What was he worried about just now? Using "Galaxy" as a heavy mech?
This is worse than a heavy armored mech. (smiling emoji)
Although there was some delay, the Alliance garrison near Rodeix did receive Zhou Kai's distress signal.
However, just as Zhou Kai had guessed, not long after the "γnt731 alien incident," the first reaction of the garrison upon receiving the signal was that it was the same kind of alien that had already been dissected at the research institute.
Regardless, such alien species capable of interfering with communications are extremely dangerous, especially since it intercepted a distress signal from the military. Sending personnel to land on the blockade planet requires multiple levels of approval, but sending drones to reconnoiter the planet's interior is now of paramount importance.
When the drone transmitted the footage back, almost no one could believe their eyes. The unusual gathering of strange creatures, which should have attracted attention, failed to spark any discussion; everyone's attention was drawn to the footage on the other side.
The adjutant, standing a step behind the legion commander, rubbed his eyes several times before finally exclaiming in disbelief, "Star River?!"
—A moving, battle-ready "galaxy".
To be honest, at this point they were more suspicious that the alien species had evolved.
They evolved to the point where they could deceive the eye.
Someone asked uncertainly, "Is this some kind of new mutant?"
Everyone had similar guesses, but no one answered. Even if there was only a one in a trillion chance, they hoped that what they were seeing was the truth.
The legion commander, however, was more composed. He watched the footage transmitted from the drone several times and concluded that "the one piloting 'Star River' is not the marshal."
There was a brief silence in the meeting room. To be honest, everyone was mentally prepared for this, but deep down there was always a faint hope that something might happen. Maybe a miracle would occur.
In the ensuing silence, it was the legion commander who spoke first—
"Ying Jing".
"arrive."
"Myron Chapman."
"arrive."
"Xing Qian".
"arrive."
...
He called out the names of several people in the meeting room, and those whose names were called stood up in response.
"Lead the team to assemble within five minutes."
After issuing the order, the legion commander paused for a moment, looked around, and said firmly in a deep voice, "We're going to bring 'Star River' home."
"yes!"
The resounding, unanimous response was tinged with a subtle sob.
Just as there are good and bad mechs, and differences in physical abilities among humans, there are also hierarchical divisions among alien species.
Lower-level alien species have limited adaptability to their environment. Apart from the protective eggs, the hatched individuals cannot leave the planet of their birth. The alien species Ren Yi encountered when rescuing people earlier were these weaklings. However, slightly more advanced alien species can survive in the cosmic environment for a short period of time. This ability allows them to find a new habitat after exhausting the resources of a planet. The alien species at the top of the food chain can move freely in space; this last type is collectively referred to as the "King Species."
The hybrid genes fused with Lando's genes are clearly the last one.
This is also the reason why this group dared to set up their base on the blockade planet. Even if the lure failed and the aliens revolted, other aliens would never dare to approach the vicinity of the base because of the oppression of the King race—that was the "territory" of the King race.
However, it's clear that this naturally strong alien gene is also constantly eroding aspects of humanity. Lando's initial attacks still showed signs of planning, but gradually, instinct gained the upper hand. Fortunately, after the initial awkwardness, Zhou Kai gradually became familiar with the "Galaxy" operation, avoiding the embarrassing wall-crashing maneuvers of the beginning, and even gradually showing his advantage as time went on.
However, this period of time did not last long. Just as Zhou Kai was about to press his advantage, a command suddenly appeared in front of him: [Retreat].
Without a moment's hesitation, Zhou Kai activated the thrusters, changed direction, and retreated rapidly.
Almost the instant he left, an ion cannon slammed into the spot, the shockwave sending the mech flying hundreds of meters away. Before it even hit the ground, the shadow burst out from the dust. The mech, still suspended in mid-air and unable to adjust its position, was slammed directly to the ground. At the same time as the damage report came, a warning that it was locked onto by an ion cannon also appeared.
This is the downside of fighting on someone else's home turf.
Once the other side reacts, a one-on-one fight will turn into a group brawl.
Zhou Kai made a judgment almost instantly, dodging the second ion cannon shot, and then tried to close the distance with the base again.
They dare not use heavy weapons as long as the distance is close enough.
Ren Yi could guess Zhou Kai's thoughts behind this move, but he wasn't so optimistic.
Judging from the fact that the first ion cannon shot almost landed between "Star River" and Lando, it's clear that this group doesn't seem to care about the casualties of their own people.
Ren Yi: "Move the battlefield upwards and leave the blockade planet."
This is not difficult. Although the base is trying its best to stop it, Lando, who is almost completely mutant, does not have this awareness. The outer space is the battlefield of the royal race. This is an instinct engraved in its genes. It is happy to bring its prey to its territory.
However, there are Alliance troops stationed outside the blockade. Although the identity of the suddenly appearing "Star River" may be questionable, given Lando's current completely mutant state, as long as "it" dares to show itself, it will definitely be the first target to kill. Then it will be the one that gets ganged up on.
The system is in a hurry [Host!!]
With the current physical condition of the host in this disguise, he simply cannot withstand the pressure of fighting in a space environment.
Ren Yi was aware of this problem and decisively let go, saying, "[I'll be counting on you then.]"
Ren Yi felt that it wasn't a big problem. After getting used to "Star River", Zhou Kai should be able to handle it on his own. At worst, he would take a few more beatings, but he could hold out until the Alliance garrison arrived. In any case, it wouldn't affect the outcome.
The system wasn't worried about that; it was concerned about the host's physical condition. Ren Yi, however, was more concerned about another issue: [How far along is the fusion process?]
System [83.]
Because it was constantly monitoring the host's situation, the system's integration with that fragment was not fast.
Hearing the system's reply, Ren Yi's last bit of worry disappeared.
While directing Zhou Kai's actions, he reassured the system, "Don't worry, it can hold out until the fusion is complete."
They came to this world specifically for this fragment of the system. Once they get the fragment, their disguises aren't that important.
system[……]
I feel like I've been convinced, but something still seems off.
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