Chapter Sixty: Shadows of Doubt

Chapter Sixty: Shadows of Suspicion

Beyond the blue planet, a small battleship was docked just outside its orbit. The planet remained the same, yet the vessel was no longer the one that had originally landed here.

Its hull bore camouflage patterns of metal, marred by traces of damage. A dozen battered engineering robots were busying themselves with repairs and patchwork.

Remembering the perilous journey, Liu Shaoyu still felt a flutter of unease in his heart. Unlike his previous trip, when three had traveled together, this time Liu Shaoyu’s solo voyage had been far from smooth. Cosmic storms… asteroid uprisings… interception maneuvers… Liu Shaoyu had traversed nearly every major hazard of the desolate star sector.

It had been—exhilarating, to say the least!

But fortunately, he had arrived at his destination in the end. Although… this nearly retired battleship was still in a sorry state.

Awakening from a dream, Liu Shaoyu could not shake his growing sense of unease. Why had Shen Qingyi become like that? The question haunted him throughout his journey. Thus… only the one who tied the knot can untie it. To find answers, he had to return here.

After all, Shen Qingyi would need a long time yet to recover. In the meantime, everything would change. By then, perhaps all would fall into a reactive state.

Approaching the planet, Liu Shaoyu was conducting a final interstellar call with Wang Weifu. Once he entered, he would be isolated and unassisted once again.

“I’m already on the way. Monkey and Ru Yuan will escort her safely, no problems.” Liu Shaoyu spoke slowly; he had great confidence in these two.

“Mm. The Shen family has made all preparations. As soon as she returns, her body will be replaced. No need to worry.” Wang Weifu’s voice came through the video, hesitating as if he had more to say.

“If there’s something, just say it,” Liu Shaoyu prompted, reading the expression easily. He had calmed down now, his face returning to its peaceful smile.

“Well… remember the gigantic mecha I mentioned last time?” Wang Weifu mused.

“I remember. Has there been progress?” Liu Shaoyu immediately recalled their conversation before his departure. He had always been deeply interested in this matter.

“We’ve made preliminary progress. There’s already a simulation model. But… there’s a problem with the power source.”

“A problem with the power source?” Unfamiliar with the technicalities, Liu Shaoyu could only ask, waiting for Wang Weifu to elaborate.

“Yes, the power source. You know—whether it’s ships, mechas, or your current armor, all require energy drives. Traditionally, that’s nuclear power. Your armor uses a miniature nuclear reactor.”

Liu Shaoyu understood this much. The energy drives of interstellar battleships also relied on nuclear reactors—the differences were only in scale and the type of nuclear material used.

He nodded, signaling Wang Weifu to continue. At least for now, he had nothing to add.

“As for the gigantic mecha, we’ve temporarily named it ‘Epoch.’ The power source for Epoch must be sufficient for its massive size, while ensuring internal weight and volume remain streamlined. If the nuclear reactor is too large, it defeats the purpose.”

“So what you’re saying is, the energy reactors used in starships can’t be adapted for… Epoch?” Liu Shaoyu finally pinpointed the issue.

“Exactly. The purpose behind Epoch’s design dictates strict requirements for its internal structure and components. We need to find a material that’s compact yet packs immense energy, and use multiple small reactors for synchronized power delivery. This will ensure the prototype—and future models—have adequate endurance.” Wang Weifu finally revealed the crux of their conversation. Why only a small crux? Because Liu Shaoyu immediately thought of something.

Small volume! High energy! Wasn’t that exactly the specialty of the desolate star sector—ice ore?

“You mean you need ice ore?” Liu Shaoyu asked tentatively.

“You see, that’s why I call you clever!” Wang Weifu’s face broke into a smile, as if a mountain of ice ore had appeared before him.

“Also, the intel I received from the Shen family states… the place where Shen Qingyi’s accident occurred was a planet discovered by cosmic pirates, rumored to possess vast reserves of ice ore. The Shen family bought the coordinates at great expense, which led to Shen Qingyi’s mission. But… the Shen family is curious about the outcome and hopes you can uncover the reason. And if you’re able to bring back any ice ore, they’re willing to purchase it at a premium.” Wang Weifu had become an excellent negotiator.

Truthfully, even without the Shen family’s request, Liu Shaoyu would investigate the truth. No matter the reason, he owed Shen Qingyi too much. As for the ice ore, Liu Shaoyu had little familiarity with the Shen family Wang Weifu mentioned. If not for Shen Qingyi, he’d have no desire to be entangled with such a clan.

“I’ll do my best to look for ice ore. We’ll discuss specifics once I find something.” Liu Shaoyu replied.

Naturally, he would search, whatever the reason. But whether to sell, and how, would be decided once it was in his hands. Without absolute certainty, Liu Shaoyu would never make rash promises; that was his principle.

After the call ended, Liu Shaoyu lay back in his seat, hands behind his head, letting out a long breath.

There were many matters, and many points of suspicion—that much he could confirm. But what were the suspicions? It was a tangled mess.

From Wang Weifu, he’d learned the Shen family had bought the planet’s coordinates. If the planet itself wasn’t the cause, then those who sold the coordinates must be suspect. Following the thread… there must be clues.

But was it the planet itself, after all? Liu Shaoyu stared at the blue planet through the light screen, brows tightly furrowed. No matter how he looked at it, it seemed a place rife with trouble.

He sent his thoughts via a brief message to Wang Weifu, asking him to investigate those sellers. If possible, it was best to detain them first. For if they truly were responsible… the matter would be even more complicated.

Having made arrangements, Liu Shaoyu piloted the ship toward the asteroid.

“Liu Shaoyu returns once more.” He gazed at the blue expanse before him, speaking inwardly.

The ship pierced through layer upon layer of atmosphere, finally appearing in the same sky from which he had departed last time.

Deprived of assistance, he had to rely solely on himself. Thus, Liu Shaoyu resolved not to leave the ship lightly this time.

The vessel glided into rugged hills. No signs of life appeared. Perhaps his previous choice to land had drawn trouble. Liu Shaoyu couldn’t help but feel his decision this time was wise.

But… life teaches us not to be too pleased with ourselves, or else one ends up like Liu Shaoyu…

“No one ever told me… there are flying creatures in the desolate star sector…” Liu Shaoyu’s eyes nearly bulged out. For right before him—a creature was indeed flying.

Dark brown skin, massive body, outstretched wings, a terrifying head, and sharp spikes covering its entire form. That was the being before Liu Shaoyu. Ever since entering the desolate star sector, he’d continually encountered monsters… It made him marvel—the creatures of the Milky Way and even the Fengtower System were truly friendly by comparison. Unlike this one, whose hostility was evident at a glance.

The proof—one wing swipe came straight at him.

Liu Shaoyu quickly veered aside, barely avoiding the strike, though the powerful air current sent his modest battleship swaying uncontrollably.

“Ascend!” Liu Shaoyu shouted urgently.

At the helm was Thomas… Liu Shaoyu felt assigning these tedious tasks to him was a stroke of genius.

Yes, Thomas. Liu Shaoyu truly felt Thomas had a life of his own.

The beast, having missed its prey, grew agitated, now seeing its target climbing higher.

With a sudden flap of its wings, it charged straight at Liu Shaoyu’s battleship.

“Not good!” Liu Shaoyu exclaimed.

To the reader:

Today’s bonus update for twenty votes—I’ve been slow with the writing lately, distracted by watching games. Please recommend! Please add to your collection!