Chapter 602: The Black Baron

Outside the planet Dagobah, the planet-killer ship was rapidly approaching Dagobah.

Two particle engines were spewing sparks furiously; the entire warship flew through the atmosphere at sublight speed, only slowing down after exiting the atmosphere, then swiftly heading toward the space vessel.

Eighty oscillation missile launchers were frantically firing missiles downward, leaving the entire planet Dagobah in ruins.

“This damn madman.” Crew members inside the ship pressed buttons, slowly rising from the ground to evade the sudden attack.

“That annoying Black Baron—we were once allies, yet he’s trying to kill us.” Ao was piloting the space vessel skyward, but at this moment, the ship had already taken three oscillation missile hits; its hull shook violently.

“Lord Clark, has His Majesty sent word?”

“His Majesty ordered us to retreat first,” Clark strode out of the space vessel. “You continue operating the space vessel to leave this place—I’ll deal with this damn planet-killer.”

“Yes.”

Operators nodded one after another, gazing at Clark with hopeful eyes.

Though they had no confidence Clark could defeat the planet-killer, his displayed strength was formidable, and they hoped he would draw the planet-killer’s attention, preventing their already damaged space vessel from suffering further harm.

Clark flew out of the space vessel; two superheated laser beams shot from his eyes, striking the planet-killer. The immense shockwave and heat instantly melted its outer armor, then continued seeping into its internal systems.

Black Baron sat inside the space vessel, watching the screen before him; his masked face revealed no expression.

“We’re in trouble!” A soldier sprinted up to Black Baron, shouting, “Two laser beams suddenly melted through our deck and are now burning toward our power system—if they succeed, we won’t be able to leave this planet!”

When the computer scanned the planet-killer’s damage, he immediately pulled up the scan image—and froze in shock.

Two thin but extremely hot laser beams were continuously melting the planet-killer’s steel, targeting the power system. Had the power system’s protective shielding not been so thick, it would have failed long ago.

Even so, he felt urgent pressure.

Although the spacecraft had backup power systems, all systems shared the same core—if that core was destroyed, they could declare themselves beyond repair.

But in this planet’s environment, where could they find tools for repair or replacement?

“Under attack?” Black Baron’s hidden brow furrowed; he activated the holographic projection and saw a flying figure emitting lasers from his eyes, while his body moved swiftly to dodge their counterattacks.

“Use sublight speed.”

Instantly, Black Baron issued the order.

“Sublight speed inside the planet?” The soldier blinked. Though they’d used sublight speed entering the atmosphere, their velocity had steadily decreased—because sublight speed inside a planet placed unbearable strain on the planet-killer; any misstep could cause a catastrophic collision.

“Do you want to get your ass burned by lasers?” Black Baron snapped.

This was already his best option. If he didn’t use sublight speed, he was certain that flying bastard would chase them down—and they’d die far worse. Better to use sublight speed now, shake him off, then figure out the rest later.

“Yes.” After the reminder, the soldier understood. He turned and rushed off to relay Black Baron’s order.

“Just a little longer,” Clark’s lips curled into a smile. “Just a bit more—then I’ll break their power system.”

The powerful superheated laser beams erupted from Superman’s eyes with even greater ferocity; the rate of steel melting accelerated sharply.

BOOM!

Particle beams erupted from behind; the planet-killer vanished from Superman Clark’s sight, while his superheated lasers struck empty space.

“Interesting.” Superman Clark’s smile widened. “Race me? I’ve never lost.”

“Wait here—I’ll be right back.”

Superman Clark’s form flashed away, turning into a streak of red light as he pursued.

“Should we wait here?”

“Probably not—if the planet-killer returns, we’ll…”

Before the space vessel’s operators finished speaking, a flash of fire appeared in the distance—Superman Clark’s figure reappeared on the screen.

“Did we succeed?” An unrealistic hope suddenly sprang up in the operator’s mind, swelling uncontrollably until even he was startled by it; he shook his head. “Impossible.”

He knew the planet-killer’s specs: sublight speed inside a planet, faster-than-light speed outside. No ordinary space vessel could catch it—let alone a human.

“Nothing serious—just destroyed their engines, forcing them to crash-land. His Majesty is impatient; he needs this unwelcome Black Baron to pressure Master Yoda into accelerating Luke’s training.” Superman Clark walked in and gave orders. “We leave now. Wait for His Majesty in outer space, and await his command.”

“Yes.”

…

An explosion—both the main engine and the backup engine were utterly destroyed.

Black Baron stepped out wearing his mask; his trembling body betrayed his fury. “We’re finished now,” a soldier stared at the plummeting planet-killer, his face filled with despair.

Without engines, the planet-killer would crash directly into the ground—imagine the colossal explosion that would follow.

In that terrifying blast, survival was nearly impossible.

“Get out of my way,” Black Baron slapped the soldier aside and walked toward the hatch.

“Wait—we can parachute!” The soldier finally snapped to, scrambling after Black Baron. He didn’t care if they could escape this damn planet—he only wanted to save his life for now, then worry about leaving later. As long as things weren’t settled, there was still hope. (To be continued.)