Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!-Chapter 945 - 664: Preparations for the Expedition

Victor and the miners on the vehicle were already watching with their mouths agape, their fear long replaced by unparalleled awe.

They knew that the man named Bai E was powerful, and that mechas were formidable.

But witnessing firsthand how one person and one mecha, like thunder sweeping through a hole, instantly destroyed an armed pirate base, the visual and mental impact was indescribable.

Especially the young miners who followed along, they were trembling with excitement, their eyes filled with fervor and reverence as they looked at the blue-and-white mecha.

"What are you standing around for?" Catherine leapt out from the back of the vehicle, lowering her voice to Victor, "Take people to control the surrendered pirates, confiscate weapons, and tally the numbers. I'll take a look at their leader."

The battle lasted only one or two minutes from start to finish.

The power of the Blood Claw Pirate Group in the Black Steel Mine had crumbled completely.

Subsequent cleanup operations quickly commenced.

Under the intimidation of the mecha, the surrendering pirates were concentrated and contained.

Catherine found the severely injured but not dead Split Claw and conducted a brief interrogation.

Victor organized the miners to start counting materials and sealing warehouses.

Bai E did not leave the mecha but maintained vigilance. The commotion here couldn't be hidden from the forces of the other mines.

Meanwhile, he used the mecha's scanning system to meticulously explore the entire mining area, especially the underground parts.

Sure enough, under the original sheds, he discovered a concealed elevator shaft leading to an underground space about half the size of a football field.

Inside were two small transport ships, some maintenance equipment, an ammunition and weapons depot, and a seemingly advanced communications terminal.

More importantly, from both Split Claw's mouth and some encrypted data disks found in the underground space, Catherine deciphered critical information.

"The main force of the Blood Claw Pirate Group isn't here." Catherine reported to Bai E, her eyes shimmering with excitement, "Split Claw is just the head of the mine guard. Most of Blood Claw's ships and elite forces, led by their leader Blood Claw himself, have gone to the battle for Salvador's legacy!"

"Salvador's legacy?"

"Yes. After Salvador's death, the vast wealth he left behind, secret base, starship fleet, and some unknown technological data became a coveted prize for countless pirates and forces. Though independent, the Blood Claw Pirate Group also wants a share.

Their leader has joined forces with two other medium-sized pirate groups and is heading to a place called 'Reef Star Domain,' where a secret treasure trove of Salvador is believed to be, holding part of his rare mineral plunder and several modified performance warships from his early raids."

Catherine paused, then continued, "Split Claw confessed that before their leader left, he issued orders for him to safeguard the mine, continue producing ore in exchange for supplies, and keep an eye on news from 'Reef Star Domain.' If the leader succeeds, he would send someone back to mobilize more resources and manpower. Right now, the battle there is probably in full swing, communication is difficult, and Split Claw hasn't received any definite news for a while." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

This legacy, Bai E needed as well.

Moreover, could he let others have the fruits of his own battle?

"Is the location of 'Reef Star Domain,' along with Blood Claw leader's specific action routes, known competitor intelligence in the data disks?"

"There's a general star map coordinate and Blood Claw's own action plans. As for competitors, Split Claw doesn't know much, only mentioning that besides the two collaborating pirate groups, there may be other well-known pirate groups like 'Black Flag' and 'Star Breaker' eyeing it, and even... possibly some agents from the Peak Alliance secretly participating."

Catherine's tone was grave, "The risks are high, but so are the rewards."

"Risks coexist with opportunities. We need to quickly acquire a large amount of resources. Taking down this mine is just the first step. If we can seize the legacy, only then will we truly have the capital to develop Mine Star."

Bai E made a decision: "Once we finish cleaning up here and consolidate our forces, the next target is 'Reef Star Domain,' to seize Salvador's legacy!"

At that moment, a group of miners, looking more downtrodden than those from the basic mining area, huddled together and came before the mecha.

They looked up at the towering steel giant and suddenly all knelt down together.

"My Lord!" The leading miner's voice was hoarse but clear, "You killed Blood Claw's scoundrels and saved us. Our lives aren't worth much, but from today onward, everyone in this mine, as long as you don't mind, we are willing to serve you as our master and follow you! We just beg you... to give our children a hope!"

Behind them, more miners—from both Black Steel Mine's slaves, the young and strong from the basic mining area who followed, even those forced into wrongdoing among the surrendered pirates, now showing regret—slowly gathered around, all silently watching.

In their gaze, there was the relief of surviving a disaster, confusion about the future, but more importantly, a primal sense of attachment and anticipation generated when seeing powerful forces bring order and hope.

Victor looked at this scene with excitement, and Catherine was slightly moved.

Bai E stepped out from the mecha, landing in front of the leading miner, reaching out to help him up.

His gaze swept over the kneeling crowd, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable strength: "Rise up, I'm not here to be a slave master. The Blood Claw Pirates have been eradicated. From today, Black Steel Mine abolishes slavery. All willing to stay will be distributed according to labor, to build together. We will establish order, restore production, and improve lives. Those willing to leave can receive basic supplies and depart. Those willing to stay will become members of the 'New Bauhinia.'"