Chapter 2179 - 1681: Letting Go

Five hours later, Star Ring City·Port No.1.

The Black Light passed multiple inspections and landed.

On the lookout of the command room.

Su Mo took a deep breath and said.

"We finally made it back."

"We did come back, but look at this scene."

Qian Chengxue gazed at the port filled with smoking ships, her expression somewhat unsettled.

Su Mo glanced around, spotting rescue medical teams and repair squads everywhere, and could not help but shake his head.

"The situation is grim. You all wait on the ship, I’ll report to Icaroya."

"Okay."

Qian Chengxue and the others nodded in agreement.

Soon enough, Su Mo walked out from the entrance and headed into the inner ring of Star Ring City.

As he was passing by the road, he saw several NCOs gathered together, smoking and chatting hoarsely.

"Do you think Lord Icaroya will accept our petition?"

"I don’t know, but I really wish Lord Icaroya would accept. I don’t think our request is unreasonable. We just want to know the truth, know what we are actually doing."

"To be honest, when Aphiel and the others died, they didn’t even know what they were doing or what the point of it all was."

"Sigh~"

...

Su Mo stopped in his tracks, glanced over, and after a long pause continued onward.

Star Ring City·Administrative Building Office.

Icaroya stood with her hands behind her back, quietly watching the holographic image of Negative God Star before her.

At this point, the project progress chart had soared to sixty-seven percent, but Icaroya was still very dissatisfied with the results.

"Too slow."

Icaroya said icily.

"Lord Icaroya, everyone below is really giving their all. Furthermore, just recently, Negative God Star experienced another upheaval, making conditions even harsher."

Green Ghost uncharacteristically defended the people below, knowing that ordinarily, he would never speak up.

"I am aware, but right now, all I care about are results."

Icaroya remained as cold as ever.

Green Ghost hesitated, somewhat tempted to speak but held back.

Of course, his change in expression did not escape Icaroya’s eyes. She directly said coldly.

"Speak directly if you have something to say. When did you start hesitating? How did I teach you?"

"You are right, Lord Icaroya, there is something I need to report."

"Speak."

"The first batch completed the task before receiving orders for the second round."

"And then?"

"They’ve started returning one by one, but the casualties are severe. According to your requirements, they need to regroup for the third round. Because too many comrades have sacrificed themselves, their spirits have suffered quite a blow, and they know the third round is basically certain death. They collectively petitioned, wanting to understand the ultimate purpose of their desperate actions. It’s not that they’re afraid to die; they just want to die knowing."

Green Ghost too went all out, speaking to Icaroya.

After listening to Green Ghost, Icaroya spoke after a long pause.

"Green Ghost, are you questioning me too?"

Green Ghost was slightly stunned, then knelt on one knee, speaking to Icaroya.

"Lord Icaroya, I mean no disrespect or intention of defying your will. Whatever you ask of me, I will absolutely do without hesitation."

"Leave."

Icaroya waved her hand and spoke coldly.

Green Ghost lowered his head and then exited.

As soon as Green Ghost left the office, he collided with a figure.

"Su Mo?"

Green Ghost was slightly stunned as well.

"I’ll handle it."

Su Mo smiled as he looked at Green Ghost coming out.

Green Ghost stiffened ever so slightly, but said nothing, simply stepping aside.

Su Mo then entered Icaroya’s office.

Icaroya saw Su Mo coming in, her icy expression softened somewhat, and asked indifferently.

"How did it go?"

"It was a bit complicated, but ultimately resolved satisfactorily. Emperor Kilmock has been eliminated by me, Krisia has taken over the Immortal Empire and quelled the rebellion. One of the main node’s ’Star Drill’ has been successfully placed. Krisia is now leading the remaining Immortal Empire forces to continue the operation."

Su Mo reported simply.

"Good."

Icaroya said deeply.

Su Mo coughed a bit, then spoke to Icaroya.

"Lord Icaroya, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about."

"Speak!"

Icaroya looked up at Su Mo.

Su Mo instantly felt immense pressure, yet he composed himself and said.

"It’s like this. On my way back, I overheard many officers and NCOs discussing petitions. They want to know the true purpose and reason for the mission."

"Do you think I could possibly tell them? You know how important this plan is. I’m not telling them to prevent all sorts of unexpected events because we can’t afford to lose! Besides, we have only one chance!"

Icaroya said coldly.

Su Mo took a deep breath and then spoke to Icaroya.

"I know you refuse to tell them to ensure the integrity of the plan. But have you considered one thing: they might not make it back this time. They just don’t want to die without knowing what they’re doing?"

"Reality is just that harsh."

"I understand reality is harsh, but given things have reached this point, why not tell them? This way, when they die, they could at least find honor, leaving no regrets. And even if it goes public, it wouldn’t all be bad or risky; they might hear it and find more motivation, unite together, and then maybe achieve unexpected outcomes. After all, sometimes mutual understanding works better than blindly executing orders. We can take on a bit more burden at worst."

Su Mo sincerely spoke to Icaroya.

Icaroya fell into contemplation; her eyes constantly changing.

Su Mo continued, "Actually, you can trust them. There’s no need for you to carry everything on your own. Speak openly, and everyone can shoulder it together!"

Icaroya listened to Su Mo’s words, becoming increasingly silent. She finally spoke.

"Call Green Ghost back here."

"Okay!"

Su Mo’s eyes brightened.

He immediately stepped out and said to Green Ghost waiting outside.

"Go on in."

Green Ghost looked at Su Mo and then entered.

Inside the office, Icaroya stood by the window, gazing at the scenery outside.

"Lord Icaroya, what are your orders."

Green Ghost asked respectfully.

"Inform everyone that I’ll be delivering a speech at Divine Grace Square in two hours. Those returning for rest may attend, and external guards should listen via the public communication channel. Tell them! I’ll give them an explanation."

Icaroya spoke softly without turning around.

Upon hearing Icaroya’s words, Green Ghost’s eyes showed disbelief.

"Is there a problem?"

Icaroya turned around to ask when she saw Green Ghost not responding for a while.

"No problem, I’ll go right away!"

Green Ghost immediately turned around and left.

...