In the vast, boundless sea of stars, a massive starship journeyed through the glittering cosmos.

In the tranquil lounge, a figure lay on his back atop a soft bed, his breathing even and calm.

The moment a frantic vibration erupted, the man shot up like a startled bird. Realizing where he was, he ran a hand through his red hair and sat up straight.

He immediately looked toward the Intelligent Brain that had been incessantly disturbing his sleep.

He had set it not to go off while he was sleeping unless it was an emergency. His sleep was incredibly light, so much so that the slightest sound would startle him awake.

Arthur White immediately activated the Intelligent Brain and saw dozens of messages frantically flooding his screen.

The first was about the Xenobeast Tide erupting on Planet B36. As he continued reading, his brows furrowed so tightly they could have crushed a fly.

After scanning all the information, he pondered for a moment before sending several sets of coordinates to his contact.

He rose from his seat and began to pace by his bed. After a while, he made a call to a secure number.

He didn’t have to wait long. Soon, a refined-looking man appeared before him. It was daytime on the other end, a stark contrast to the dimly lit cabin.

"Luke, it’s been a long time since you contacted me," Quentin Ford said slowly, caressing the smooth ring on his finger.

Arthur White’s expression was respectful and serious. He wasted no words and got straight to the point. "Sir, there’s a problem on Planet B36."

"The research into Mecha adapted for Beta performance may have been exposed. However, the military is unlikely to get involved for now. They’ll probably wait until the Xenobeast Tide is completely over before they start cleaning house."

He told Quentin Ford about the Xenobeast Tide and the multiple Wormholes that had opened on Planet B36. Quentin Ford listened in silence, finally letting out a sigh.

"Time is not on our side."

Arthur White thought so as well. The scale of this Xenobeast Tide was far beyond what Planet B36 could suppress. There was nothing to be done.

Quentin Ford turned the ring on his thumb as he asked, "Are the people all evacuated?"

He was referring to James Jarvis.

Arthur White nodded. "I’ve already sent the coordinates for the fallback planet. It looks like he has evacuated safely."

Quentin Ford leaned back in his chair. "Good."

"Also, Sir, the research center reported an intruder. They sent over a few photos. They’re spread too thin over there right now and want our help to see if the military has already been watching them."

Quentin Ford raised an eyebrow as Arthur White transmitted several photos to him.

They weren’t photos of a person’s face, but of a Mecha. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"This isn’t a standard-issue military Mecha. It’s privately customized. Judging by its flight speed, the components, like the thrusters, are all the latest models," Arthur White explained, pulling up a video of the Mecha.

If Miles Sherman were here, he would have clearly recognized it as a video recorded during his earlier clash with the Beta Mecha.

"Looking at this equipment, this is likely no ordinary Alpha. The cost is exorbitant; an ordinary person could never afford it. Even the military wouldn’t equip a regular Alpha with a Mecha like this."

"The Beta pilot emphasized that when he got close to this Alpha, his own link to the Mecha became unstable and would disconnect. He suspects the Alpha’s spiritual power can sever the spiritual power link."

First, the Mecha model, and now a specific spiritual power ability. By gradually narrowing the scope like this, it would be easier to arrive at an answer.

When Quentin Ford heard about this spiritual power ability, he tilted his head slightly and tapped his fingers on the desk. ’This ability... it seems familiar.’

"There are also a few more photos of Mecha," Arthur White said, sending over several images that were somewhat blurry compared to the video. "It should be the same group."

These were the photos captured when Chase Shaw and the others broke through the main gate and escaped.

Although blurry, it was still possible to see that, aside from one very common Mecha model, the rest were instantly recognizable as the same type as the one from before—all basically the latest models.

"I need to confirm something," Quentin Ford said.

Arthur White hadn’t expected Quentin Ford to be able to identify a likely candidate so quickly. He had thought it would take more time.

"Once I’ve confirmed it, I’ll explain in detail," Quentin Ford said. The appearance of these Mecha was unfamiliar to him, but that didn’t matter. He recognized the spiritual power ability. It was uncommon, and he was certain he had heard about it recently.

’Someone I remember, appearing on Planet B36... that’s enough to get my attention.’

There was a moment of silence between them before Quentin Ford continued, "Luke, since things are like this, come back and help me for now."

The matter of acquiring the Energy Mine had been forcibly halted due to the incident on Planet B36. But Arthur White was a rare talent; it would be a waste to leave him idle.

"First, go to Valora for me and check on the progress there. We can’t afford any more mistakes on that front," Quentin Ford said softly. ’A cunning rabbit has three burrows. Planet B36 is compromised; the other planets cannot fall into trouble as well.’

Arthur White dipped his chin and replied, "Understood."

Seeing his subordinate’s demeanor, Quentin Ford smiled again. "But there’s no rush. You can rest for a few days before you go. A short delay won’t matter."

Arthur White looked up at Quentin Ford. "Sir, your ideal is the dream I have dedicated my life to achieving. Every day delayed is a day lost."

"It’s because of people like you that I must constantly remind myself that I cannot fall," Quentin Ford remarked with feeling. "Go on, then. But remember, nothing can be rushed. Haste leads to mistakes. We have been laying our plans for many years. Rest assured, none of our efforts will be in vain."

Arthur White looked at the mature, refined man on the communication screen. ’Who would have thought?’ he mused. ’A man like him was once just an orphan on Gorbog in his teens, leading us to snatch food, as frenzied as a pack of hyenas.’

Time is like a merciless carving knife, slowly sculpting people into the image they desire.

The communication ended. Arthur White rubbed the back of his neck and opened the cabin door. Throughout the entire Starship, only a few dozen robots were at work; not a single person was in sight.

He sat down in the control room, changed the destination to the coordinates for Valora, then leaned back and gazed out at the vast, dark universe...

*

Meanwhile, Quentin Ford narrowed his eyes, deep in thought about this spiritual power. Finally, he summoned Justin Lewis and asked, "Justin, do you remember who it was with the ability to block spiritual power? You might have mentioned it to me before."

Suddenly summoned to answer such a question, Justin Lewis only had to think for a moment before replying uncertainly, "Are you referring to Miles Sherman, sir?"

’After all, Miles’s ability isn’t blocking spiritual power; it’s nullification. There’s a slight difference.’

Quentin Ford was a little surprised. "The winning team from the Federal Military Academy competition?"

Justin Lewis affirmed.

As the one who had directly helped Director Quinn smooth things over, Quentin Ford remembered that the squad members had been sent to Exilion. ’Could it be such a coincidence?’

He paused. "Go find any photos of the Mecha they use."

’All it would take is a comparison, and the answer would be clear.’