Chapter 913: Heading to Sanpimu Star (1)

Aisha led Rui En through a series of corridors, arriving at a large laboratory.

Inside, it was filled with equipment Rui En did not recognize, and over a dozen technicians were working.

In the center of the room was a massive spherical device, made of a composite of crystal and metal, with energy flowing inside it.

"What is this?"

Rui En could not help but ask.

"Part of a Psionic Resonance Amplifier. Your Task is to assist us in monitoring energy fluctuations, especially patterns similar to those you reported previously."

Aisha pointed to a workstation, which had advanced monitoring equipment on it.

"These devices are much more sensitive than the ones you used in the communications department. We need you to record all anomalous readings, especially those coming from the northwest."

Rui En sat at the designated position and began to familiarize himself with the new equipment.

These devices were indeed advanced, capable of detecting and analyzing various forms of energy, including psionic fluctuations.

"Why do you need me? You surely have more professional technicians."

Doctor Aisha's Third Eye flickered slightly.

"Because you noticed patterns that others ignored. Sometimes, fresh eyes can see things that experts miss."

After working for several hours, Rui En began to understand what they were monitoring.

The laboratory's equipment was tracking a specific energy trail, unrelated to the defense systems of Sanpimu Star itself; it was more like... searching for something.

At lunch time, Doctor Aisha took Rui En to a private break area.

Only project team members were here, and Rui En noticed they included members of various races; there were not only military personnel, but also scientists and engineers.

Rui En could not help but ask Doctor Aisha.

"Can you tell me what exactly is going on, sir? What am I monitoring?"

Doctor Aisha said after a moment of contemplation.

"You know that Sanpimu Star has a Psionic Amplifier Array, right?"

"I've heard the rumors."

"They aren't rumors; the array is real, and it is more powerful than most people imagine. But we aren't testing it; we are... protecting it."

"Protecting it from what threat?"

"Possible external interference. The Canaan Star Alliance is not the only threat."

Rui En remembered the anomalous readings he had detected and spoke up in surprise.

"Those energy fluctuations... is someone scanning the array?"

"Possibly, or it could be energy leakage from the array itself. That is what we need to determine."

During the afternoon's work, Rui En was more focused on his Task.

The new equipment did indeed provide more data, and he was able to pinpoint the source of the energy fluctuations more precisely.

Just as it was nearing shift-change time, a mobilization alarm sounded, notifying all personnel to return to their posts.

"What's going on?"

Rui En asked Aisha as she passed by.

Doctor Aisha checked her Data Pad, shook her head, and replied.

"I don't know. It's not a drill. Return to your post, Corporal. Monitor for any anomalies."

Rui En sat in front of the monitoring equipment and noticed that the energy readings were rising.

It was not the faint fluctuations he had been tracking, but some stronger energy source that was activating.

The voice of Major Leisi came through the Communication Device.

"All units, enter Level Three alert status. Unauthorized space activity detected. This is not a drill. Repeat, all units enter Level Three alert status."

Lion and the Mortarion Fleet

Lion stood before the observation window, looking at the distant star cluster.

"Forty-seven standard hours until we reach the jump exit."

A deep voice came from behind.

Lion did not turn around, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

"Punctual to the point of being boring, Mortarion. Can't you let the navigator make a mistake once in a while to add a little element of surprise?"

Mortarion walked to Lion's side and replied in a serious tone.

"War does not need surprises, only victory. The Feng Qi Xing Alliance thinks Sanpimu Star is impregnable; we will prove them wrong."

Lion chuckled.

"Always so serious, brother. Remember what little sister said about you last time? 'Brother Mortarion's face is like a frozen stone'."

At the mention of Yingxin's name, Mortarion's serious expression softened slightly, and a trace of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"And that girl is like an uncontrolled energy storm. Father said she caused trouble again last week."

"What was it this time? Blew up the lab? Or turned the garden into a swamp?"

"She crossbred your Gryphon and my Two-headed Dog."

Mortarion said expressionlessly.

Lion's eyes widened, and he said in surprise.

"What? She succeeded? Father strictly forbade..."

Mortarion shook his head, cutting off what Lion was about to say.

"She didn't succeed, but she certainly tried. She locked the two poor animals in the lab for three days and fed them an 'Affinity Potion' she concocted herself. The result was the Gryphon went half-bald, the Two-headed Dog grew feathers, and the lab was covered in slime."

Lion could not help but burst into laughter.

"My god! Where did she get the idea?"

Mortarion shook his head, a trace of helplessness appearing in his eyes.

"It is said she dreamt it. Father was so angry he forbade her from entering the laboratory for a month. But you know our little sister; the very next day, she built a makeshift laboratory using kitchen equipment and nearly blew the kitchen to pieces."

"Is she alright?"

"Not a scratch. A moment before the explosion, she somehow sensed the danger and hid in the walk-in freezer. When she came out, she was even carrying the ice cream she had made, sharing it with all the guards and telling them not to tell Father."

Speaking of this, Mortarion could not help but raise the corners of his mouth.

"Father found out in the end, but seeing her covered in chocolate with that innocent look on her face, he could only tell the other brothers to keep an eye on her."

Lion shook his head with a smile and said helplessly.

"So whimsical at only nine years old; it is hard to imagine what she will be like when she grows up."

"I hope that by then, we will have created a better world for her."

Mortarion's expression turned serious again, his gaze shifting to the starry sky outside the observation window.

"Sanpimu Star is the key. Take it, and the southern defense line of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance will collapse."

Lion nodded, returning to the main topic.

"Intelligence indicates that the defenses there are indeed formidable. Orbital Defense Platforms, a Planetary Shield, and that legendary Psionic Amplifier Array."

Mortarion turned and walked toward the strategic table, where a holographic projection lit up, displaying a detailed model of Sanpimu Star.

"That is why we must come in person; conventional fleets cannot breach defenses of this level."

Lion followed behind, analyzing the holographic projection, and asked Mortarion.

"Your plan?"

Mortarion waved his hand to enlarge the projection and began to speak.

"A frontal assault to draw attention, while simultaneously dispatching a special operations team to infiltrate the surface, locate, and destroy the Shield Generator. Once the shield fails, the Capital Ship fleet can directly attack the Orbital Defense System."

Lion pondered for a moment before saying.

"The risk is high. Shall I lead the special operations team?"

Mortarion nodded and said.

"Yes, I will be responsible for the frontal assault."

As the two were discussing, an emergency signal sounded from the Communication Device.

Mortarion connected, and an anxious voice came through.

"Lord Mortarion, Lord Lion, an... accident has occurred in Cargo Bay C-4. Your attention is required."

Lion and Mortarion exchanged a look, and Mortarion asked.

"What kind of accident?"