Chapter 102: Departure
Hearing Berg’s description of that mysterious mecha, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but want to bear witness to the overwhelming presence of the SS-Class mecha, but Lin Yuan was met with disappointment as Dave was currently carrying out the final touches and adjustments, it still couldn't be directly started up at this point in time. Lin Yuan had to suppress the excitement down at the bottom of his heart and temporarily focus his thoughts on the matter of “finding two dads ASAP".
Rosen and Ling Yu had been drawn into the Isville Cosmic Wormhole— of which is the largest cosmic wormhole currently known to mankind. The entirety of the wormhole spans a good several galaxies, and the vortex formed by the airflow inside of it was akin to a complex labyrinth. If one was in a situation where they didn’t make thorough preparations, recklessly marching in would mean only a high probability of being swept away in a cosmic sandstorm to a strange distant planet, thereby losing one’s way.
Berg would naturally never allow a few children to brave such great danger.
As he left Cepheus, Berg conveniently took along a copy of a star atlas of the entire universe as currently recognized by man— it was a realistic 3D simulated star atlas that marked all galaxies in the vicinity of the Isville Cosmic Wormhole in detail, each planet was represented by a flashing dot with varying colors as if an abundance of bright diamonds were sprinkled onto a pitch-blank canopy.
Lin Yuan looked at the magnificent sight of the star atlas in front of him, and couldn't help wondering: "There're so many planets, where should we even begin to look for them?"
In fact, this was also the question that gave Berg the biggest headache. The Isville Cosmic Wormhole is complex and rarely consistent. There are countless exits leading to different galaxies. It is impossible to determine exactly which galaxy Rosen and Ling Yu went to. However, from the location of Black Dragon’s wreckage as well as the nearby terrain of the galaxy, they can roughly infer the direction of Rosen and Ling Yu's space jump after breaking through the wormhole.
Berg pondered for a moment before zooming in on a galaxy marked in light green on the simulated star atlas—
A great number of the fixed stars in this unknown galaxy are arranged in a shape similar to that of a peacock with its tail fanned out, the stars themselves are also surrounded by hundreds of asteroids. It looked as if green diamonds had been scattered to no end on the glistening star atlas simulation, seemingly like a cultured man-made work of art.
Berg pointed to one of the starfields and said: "According to the location of the mech fragments we found, after Rosen and Ling Yu broke through the wormhole, the direction of their jump should be facing towards this area—"
Caesar asked in astonishment: "Is that Pavo?"
Berg nodded, "That it is."
Caesar's level of mastery in the astronomy field is even greater than that of his own. This was the fruit born of His Majesty Trand's grooming from a young age. Berg looked back at Caesar and said with a slight smile: "With Caesar here, at the very least I don’t think you’ll lose your way. Start heading to bed and get some shut-eye. You shall set off early tomorrow morning, take this star atlas with you, and should you run into any difficulties, get in touch with me."
The four nodded prudently and turned back to their prepared rooms to rest.
***
The conditions of the underground military bases are far from good, the rooms used for sleep are very simple and crude as well, with two single beds put up in a small narrow room, it was like a rudimentary spaceship cabin.
In the dead of night, Lin Yuan stared at the ceiling all wide-eyed, his mind was in shambles, and he couldn’t feel an ounce of fatigue.
Caesar noticed that the little monster on the bed next to him had been tossing and turning, unable to sleep, and seemed to be very restless. He couldn't help but get up and make his way towards his bedside, he squeezed into the quilt and reached out to lightly wrap him in his embrace, asking with a low voice: "What are you thinking about? Are you still not asleep yet?"
Lin Yuan looked up at Caesar and spoke from his heart: "I was thinking, there were so many galaxies surrounding the wormhole. How could they know for sure that they are in Pavo? Should we look in the wrong place, wouldn’t we be wasting a lot of time…"
Caesar rubbed Lin Yuan’s head with a smile, explaining patiently: “Uncle Berg and I aren’t just pulling things out of a hat. The mech fragments of the Replica Black Dragon were found near Pavo and although there are other galaxies surrounding it, the other galaxies around Pavo don’t have any planets suitable for human habitation. Further south is the Triangulum Australe, which is the encampment of the Federation’s Falcon Legion. With the Marshal and General Ling Yu’s cautiousness, they wouldn’t space jump directly into the mouth of the Federation. With that being said, the greatest possibility is still Pavo… We ought to go there first and check it out."
Lin Yuan nodded before coming to a sudden realization, he couldn't help but ask: "It seems like you know these galaxies surprisingly well?"
Caesar said: "Mn, I learned some astronomy here and there as a kid."
Lin Yuan couldn’t help but sigh in admiration: “You really are something serious, you learned this when you were a kid? When I was a kid, I only knew how to play with mechs online.”
Being praised by Xiao Yuan put him in a good mood, Caesar couldn't help but to lift his chin up and gently land a kiss on his lips, saying softly, "Okay, get some rest, we gotta get going when morning comes."
Lin Yuan nodded and imitated Caesar’s actions. He kissed his lips gently and smiled, saying: "Good night."
Having said that, he naturally found a comfortable position in Caesar's arms, closed his eyes, and prepared to sleep.
Probably because having Caesar at his side would put him wonderfully at ease, Lin Yuan soon fell asleep.
In the world of his dreams, he returned to that aqua-blue planet. The sea breeze tousled his hair. His nose seemed to pick up the slight saltiness of the seawater scent. Lin Yuan dreamed that his four-year-old self was picking up shells on the beach and playing in casual clothes, his dad sat not too far away with a smile on his face as he watched him.
The warm childhood memories of being with his dad made Lin Yuan unable to help a smile growing on his face as he slept.
Caesar looked down at Lin Yuan—
The young man breathed evenly from within his embrace, the corners of his mouths tugged into a smiling expression, his body exuded the good smell of a shower gel. When holding him tightly in his arms, that comfortably warm feeling is like holding a space heater in the cold winter of the twelfth lunar month, enough to make a man as happy as he could be.
—Lin Yuan, do you know what a happy thing it is for me to have you?
***
The next morning, after the four people woke up, Berg sent someone to present them with a brand-new military uniform, personally tailored.
The dark green military uniform is not the same dark blue as the military academy school uniform. As the official dress of the Hydra Legion soldiers, not only are they several times more exquisite than those of the cadet uniform in terms of tailoring and workmanship, but even the materials are several grades higher. The golden stars on the shoulders and the badge with the serpentine totem engraved on the chest shone brightly under the lighting. The plethora of small details on this military uniform set displayed the elegant integrity of one serving the Emperor.
The four youths wore the well-ironed military uniforms on their bodies, which immediately gave the feeling of putting on another skin.
Putting it side by side with the simple clothing of the cadets, it was if the four of them suddenly gained ten years in donning such a formal military uniform after joining the legion.
As the four of them exchange gazes between each other, no one could even recognize one another.
Berg looked at the four lanky young boys in front of him, he couldn't help give a small smile, saying: "This morning, Drew will send a fleet to continue patrolling and searching near the Isville Cosmic Wormhole, you will all act the part as Hydra Legion soldiers, mix into the fleet, and as soon as the fleet leaves the surveillance area of Naomi Star, you will immediately follow the route towards Pavo from within the wormhole."
Berg paused and added: "This fleet is actually composed of the Personal Guard Battalion’s soldiers, Drew’s most trusted that he keeps at his side. Each of them is the Hydra Legion’s cream of the crop, in case they encounter danger en route, they will protect you."
Berg looked back to Lin Yuan, he handed Lin Yuan the badge signifying the rank of a commander and said: “I can’t accompany you in the days ahead. If we are to find your two fathers as quickly as possible, everyone in this fleet from this point on will be under your command."
Although the sheer size of the fleet is lacking, they were all personally selected by General Drew and the trustworthiness of any single one of them is worth more than a hundred others.
Such an elite team was actually sent to protect them, Lin Yuan was immediately overwhelmed from the unexpected favor. Moreover, letting him act in part as the commander, he felt that he had neither the worthiness nor the skill to command those senior officers.
Looking at the badge handed over by Berg, Lin Yuan hesitated a bit and said: "Is this really alright? I have absolutely zero experience being a commander…"
Caesar swiveled his head around and looked at Lin Yuan and said in earnest: "Hold it right there. The main purpose of this whole venture is to find your fathers, a fleet must always have a supreme commander, and you are the most suitable candidate."
Brian also threw in: "That’s just how it is, sink or swim, Lin Yuan is a student of the Command Department. Could you still be afraid? Rest assured, Caesar’s head is on the line too. Father sent Lieutenant Colonel Ian to accompany us. He has an abundance of experience."
Actually, Lin Yuan was not afraid but felt that he was young and had a nearly blank resume to show for it, he had no qualifications to rank as a commander.
However, since Berg placed such trust in him, it wouldn’t be good for Lin Yuan to throw in the towel.
Somewhat taken aback, he accepted the proffered badge from Berg and stood at attention. Lin Yuan paid a standard military salute to Berg and said with a firm gaze: " Wang Shu, you can rest assured that I will definitely complete this mission!"
—He was deserving of being Ling Yu's flesh and blood son. The demeanor of such a soldier who is upstanding and discerning when receiving the orders of a superior was just like a mirror-image of Ling Yu in his younger years.
Berg couldn't help letting a smile slip past his lips, he nodded and said: "Take care of yourself on the road, I’ll look forward to everyone’s safe return, as quickly as you can now."
***
After all preparations were made, Lin Yuan, Caesar, Brian, Snow, plus the Dark Night Legion’s Lieutenant Colonel Zhou Yi and Lieutenant Colonel Fornt changed into the uniforms of the Hydra Legion. Under the identity of Hydra Legion soldiers, they weaseled their way into the patrol fleet Drew dispatched through the chaos.
When the first light of the morning shone to Naomi Star, the people finally left this beautiful aquamarine planet and set off in the direction of Pavo, taking with them the S-Class mech Suzaku and White Feather to start the hunt for the whereabouts of Marshal Rosen and General Ling Yu.
It was a new type of warship, which was large enough to accommodate hundreds of passengers, it’s interior was very expansive and not only did it have a spacious hall, kitchen, bathing facilities, it even had a separate lounge dedicated to the commander.
The soldiers of the Hydra Legion were performing their duties neat and orderly. Lin Yuan, who was temporarily instated as their commander, was far too embarrassed to just waltz into the commander's room to relax and was forced to stand on the bridge with Caesar, looking at the scenery the universe had to offer through the porthole.
It was at this moment that Lieutenant Colonel Ian, who was sent to accompany them by Drew, suddenly walked on the bridge and saluted Lin Yuan, saying: "Commander, there is an airflow abnormality forming up ahead. It may be that the Isville Cosmic Wormhole is about to undergo a spatial shock. Please direct the warship’s navigation route.
The image detected by the sensor in real-time was immediately projected on the projection screen in front of him. Sure enough, a formidable airflow vortex appeared near the cosmic wormhole at the forefront, and it was shown to be gradually spreading out. Its momentum seemed to be racing towards them like a bloodthirsty tsunami looming over them.
Lin Yuan couldn't help frowning—
Spatial shocks above a level 6 inside the cosmic wormhole would have a devastating lethality. Their force would be great enough to destroy all warships and mechs that enter it. Should they encounter this kind of powerful cosmic energy, everyone here would have a high likelihood of losing their life.
Although there are many cases of a successful escape from the wormhole and despite this path being the optimal route to Pavo, and even if Lin Yuan is anxious to find his fathers…
No matter what, it is impossible for Lin Yuan to impulsively take such a risk in order to prioritize time.
Not to mention that hundreds of people throughout the entire fleet were watching him, there was Caesar, the sole heir to the Empire’s throne beside him, as well as his brother Snow, Brian, his Master, Dr. Fornt, and so on…
The lives of these people may be unjustly cut short because of one single lapse in decision-making.
It was only at this moment that Lin Yuan realized how much mental pressure he held as the commander. With just one innocuous route change, it was necessary to think over innumerable details, not to mention on the ever-changing battlefield.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but admire his own fathers even more.
Although he has already been temporarily appointed as the commander of this small fleet, Lin Yuan did not dare to make decisions without authorization. After all, he has no experience and the theoretical knowledge learned in school isn’t a one size fits all.
Lin Yuan carefully observed the movement of the airflow. He then pointed to a route on the simulated star atlas. He turned back to Lieutenant Colonel Ian and said: "Altogether, there are three transition routes to Pavo. This is the closest. However, since there are signs of spatial shocks ahead, we shouldn't take great risks. Between the other two routes, the one on the left is closer to the Triangulum Australe. If by any chance we run into the Federation’s hostile forces, it will cause unnecessary trouble. I think it would be better to divert to the constellation of Apus and employ the third option to make the jump. What do you think?"
Lieutenant Colonel Ian froze for a moment— he didn't expect this young boy to be so modest and staid. To top it all off, he didn’t even act in a condescending manner or an impulsive one at that from being given the title of commander at such a young age. The sincere smile on his face also gave people the feeling of “being respected”.
As an elder, the discomfort of being ordered around by this youngster quickly disappeared. Lieutenant Colonel Ian smiled gently and gave a military salute to the teenager in front of him, saying: "Commander, what you’ve said is very reasonable, we will immediately employ the third option, diverting to Apus."
Lin Yuan politely returned a military salute in kind and said: "Lieutenant Colonel Ian, good work, it’s been tough."
Ian nodded with a smile and turned to leave.
It wasn't until Lieutenant Colonel Ian left that Lin Yuan looked back at Caesar and smiled a bit embarrassedly, saying: "It feels a bit weird to be called Commander… Was my decision correct?"
—The appearance of this little guy as he carefully analyzed and issued the order just now was just that. Although he at the age of eighteen looks very soft and immature, he was born with a temperament distinctive to that of high-ranking military officers— that temperament comes from his two fathers at the very base of his being.
Lin Yuan has an amiable disposition, yet his eyes are completely firm and calm, such a thing will make many people more than happy to receive his commands.
Caesar resisted the urge to ruthlessly kiss his little monster and said with a smile: "You’ve done well, have a bit more confidence in yourself… Don't forget, you are the son of the Marshal and General Ling Yu."
Lin Yuan smiled, lowered his voice, and leaned closer to Caesar's ear and said: "It’s because I am their son that I am even more worried… They’re so talented and amazing, I am afraid that I will bring them shame…"
Caesar couldn't help holding his hand and say softly: "Never in a million years… In your eyes, your fathers are the untouchable existences that always fall just out of reach, but you too will be that same pride for them."
Lin Yuan looked up at Caesar and asked seriously: "Will I? I'm afraid that when the moment comes for my dad to see me, he will be disappointed…"
Facing Lin Yuan’s gleaming eyes, Caesar held back a smile and said: "How could that be possible? Your dad most certainly likes you more than you could ever know."
Such a lively and cheerful darling of a son, even with General Ling Yu's cold and proud personality, wouldn’t he also be quite fond?
—How could he be disappointed?
***
Pavo, an unknown planet.
Rosen took Black Dragon to look for energy, Ling Yu stayed behind in the cave by himself. Here, he continues to draw a detailed star atlas route.
In the past few days, Rosen has found quite a few caves with those strange energy stones. After the Black Dragon continuously absorbs energy and converts light energy, the internal energy reserve of the mech has reached 60%.
At this rate, they can leave here in ten days max.
Although the pace they are running at is already more than he could ask for, Ling Yu still feels very uneasy.
He rushed to save Rosen at the time, it was an instinctive reaction that was undertaken without an ounce of thought given. After seeing that Rosen was drawn into the wormhole, his body acted on its own and piloted the mech over… if he and Rosen had actually been buried alive as the result of an impulse, wouldn’t it bring His Majesty’s entire plan to ruin?
Thinking about it now, Ling Yu also felt that he was really too reckless and crazed at the time.
But……
If he had the option to do it all over again, he would still make this choice.
Looking on helplessly as Rosen runs into danger, it was impossible to look the other way with a cool head.
This instinctive reaction also constantly served as a reminder to him of the special weight Rosen held in his heart. The weight is so heavy that it could even make him bring another life to this world…
Ling Yu leaned over with the intent to add a spot of light to the star atlas. In wake of this leaning motion, there was a sudden churning in his stomach, Ling Yu immediately went to the depths of the cave and puked as if his life depended on it.
In the morning, he didn't eat much at all. Despite retching for a long time, nothing came out. The cramping feeling in his stomach forced him to vomit over and over again for what felt like days. He was simply mentally and physically exhausted.
He didn’t know how long had gone by before his strong nausea gradually subsided. Ling Yu’s complexion paled as he stood up, his slender fingers gently moved across his still flat abdomen, slightly furrowing his brows together.