Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!-Chapter 1009 - 698: Expedition... and Old Lands (Part 2)

Elorin paused for a moment to let everyone digest the information, then continued: "These Seven 'Sons of the Empire' both cooperate and compete with one another, jointly maintaining the basic order at the Galaxy Center and influencing the entire human domain through the Star Alliance framework. The teams they send have always been the most powerful contenders for the Star Alliance Finals championship, not only possessing top-notch individual abilities but also backed by the technological, tactical, and logistical systems of their entire nations."

At this point, Gong Yan took over. The screen flowing before her displayed more detailed data and analysis reports: "Based on the intense work of our intelligence department during this period, combining the framework provided by Scholar Elorin and fragmented information obtained from other channels, we have conducted a preliminary analysis of the major opponents from the Galaxy Center we might encounter in this competition."

She brought up several marked files:

"The 'Radiant Star' team from the Golden Federation: The leader is rumored to be a young prince of high status from the Golden Federation, an inherently powerful Spiritual Ability User. Their mechas are renowned for luxury and formidable performance, reportedly equipped with the latest Spiritual Power Amplifier and some kind of unknown system that could influence critical moments in battle. Their tactical style is elegant yet lethal, favoring precise coordination and spiritual suppression to deal with opponents. A highly vigilant adversary, especially in complex rule or team coordination matches."

"The 'Blood Fury Battle Group' of the Flame Republic: Led by a legendary warrior nicknamed the 'Warfare Dog,' who has fought his way up from the bottom. Their mechas are modified to extremes, sacrificing part of their defense and endurance for terrifying firepower and melee bursts. Their tactics are simple and brutal but extremely effective, adept at disrupting opponent deployments with a fierce offensive at the start. Particular attention should be paid to their opening assaults and psychological intimidation."

"The 'Ghost Walker' of the Shadow Kingdom: The least intelligence, but most unsettling. They almost never appear in public, and their training and selection are completely confidential. Rumors suggest their members are proficient in various stealth, assassination, and trap-setting techniques, and their mechas might have the highest known levels of optical camouflage and spiritual cloaking technology. In any non-direct confrontation matches, they could be the biggest variable and threat."

"The 'Machine Spirit' supported by the United Forge World: This team itself might not be the strongest, but their technical support team behind them might be the most luxurious among all teams. Their mechas often carry some unheard-of experimental weapons or systems, potentially exhibiting disruptive capabilities during the competition. Attention should be paid to their equipment updates and tactical changes."

"Besides, there are some powerful forces that, while not 'Sons of the Empire,' should not be underestimated."

Gong Yan added, "For example, the 'Fist of Wealth' from the Trade Star Domain Alliance, who are adept at using various rules and commercial means to strengthen themselves; and the 'Watchmen' from the Edge Guardian Alliance, who have long battled aliens and possess extremely rich combat experience and tenacious fortitude... Our opponents are all very strong, and we cannot just focus our sight on those Sons of the Empire."

Upon personally entering the universe, one realizes how vast it is.

No matter how much confidence Gong Yan and the others have in their people, they will deeply understand those long-established powerful nations existing unknown for countless years in the universe.

If they only focus their research on them, yet end up losing to an obscure 'small country' on the roadside, that would truly be laughable.

Elorin nodded, acknowledging Gong Yan's intelligence work.

Then he looked towards Bai E, solemnly reminding: "Sir Bai E, besides these obvious opponents, in this competition, you and the New Bauhinia need to pay attention to other aspects that may be more important than defeating one or two powerful opponents."

Bai E inquired, "Such as?"

"For instance... the political and public opinion arenas."

Elorin hinted: "The Galaxy Center is the vortex of information. Everything you and your team say and do both on and off the field could be magnified and interpreted by countless media, observers, and intelligence agencies of various forces. Every newly emerging country might encounter public flattery or defamation during this process. You need to prepare counter-strategies in advance, maintaining composure."

Some words he didn't say explicitly, but everyone understood their implication.

Newly risen forces like Bai E-led Bauhinia probably pose a threat in the eyes of other national teams, who might use means beyond the competition to aid their team's victory.

Even the Seven Sons of the Empire may not want anyone to catch up with them and seize a portion of what belongs to them.

There was a brief silence in the meeting room.

The scroll of the Galaxy Center unfolded before everyone, but it was not only a glorious arena but also a field of unseen thorns and a crisis-laden dark forest.

Bai E's gaze swept over those shining names and domains on the star map, finally resting on the small light representing the 'New Bauhinia.'

His gaze was calm without a hint of wavering from the strength of opponents or complexity of the environment.

"Thanks to Scholar Elorin for the detailed introduction, and to Gong Yan and the intelligence department for their hard work."

Bai E spoke slowly, "The opponents are strong, the environment is complex, and the path ahead is difficult. But isn't that why we are here to compete, to proclaim our existence to the universe?"

He stood up, walked to the observation window, gazing at the night sky where the "Light of Dawn" ship was about to embark on their voyage.

"We are not here to meet anyone's expectations, nor to fear anyone's hostility. We represent the 'New Bauhinia,' the path and belief we chose ourselves. The competition is our platform to showcase strength, learn from the strong, forge alliances, and broaden our horizons."

He turned around, his gaze firmly sweeping over everyone present.

"Do what we ought to do. Focus on the competition, enhance our skills, and unite in cooperation. Be vigilant about external storms, remain unchanged while adapting. As for those shadows of the past and challenges of the future..."

Bai E's mouth curved into a cold and confident arc.

"What is meant to come, will come. And we are ready."

The next day, as the morning sun rose.

The "Light of Dawn" ship slowly ascended amidst the cheers and gazes of countless seeing-off citizens.

Its blue flame carved the final brilliant trajectory outside the planet's atmosphere, ultimately disappearing in the ripple of transition.

…

Kiro Lan stood on the Arbitration Place's execution department's observatory, looking at the starry night sky above her.

The cold night wind blew against her thin executor uniform, her sight followed a certain light until it completely merged into the stars.

"The lord hasn't returned yet…" Morphie's voice came from behind her, mixed with complex feelings towards Bai E and the heavy responsibility for the future.

Kiro Lan turned around, nodding, her face bearing a calmness beyond her age.

"Hmm. The lord went to find us a broader world and fundamental solutions to all threats. And we…"

She looked at the faintly lit human city below her in the night, "Must protect here, safeguard everything he left behind."

Yet the trouble is, with Bai E venturing into the stars and losing contact for a long time.

The situation of this planet, once stabilized, became unpredictable again.

First, the Bug Race…