Chapter 2181 - 1683: Reunion (Second Update)

"The Federation’s elite troops mostly participated."

Wang Hai briefly explained the situation to Su Mo.

"What’s the situation now?"

Upon hearing this, Su Mo asked.

When Wang Hai and others heard Su Mo’s words, their expressions became stiff, and everyone fell silent.

Seeing this, Su Mo’s heart sank, and the smile on his face gradually faded.

The atmosphere instantly became heavy and oppressive.

At this point, Wang Hai calmly said to Su Mo, "Nearly half were sacrificed, and the number of casualties is countless."

Although Su Mo was already mentally prepared, his heart skipped a beat; he didn’t expect it to be so tragic.

Seeing Su Mo silent and slightly disheartened, Wang Hai turned to console him.

"Su Mo, don’t think too much about it. Since we decided to join the Star Ring City’s summons, we were prepared for sacrifice. There’s a saying that death and the battlefield are the best refuges for soldiers. Moreover, we know what we’re doing now; everything is worth it."

"Mm."

Su Mo took a deep breath, barely managing to show a trace of a smile.

"Let’s not talk about that. Are you free?"

Wang Hai asked Su Mo.

"I am."

Su Mo replied neatly.

"Then let’s get together. We’ve just completed the second round of tasks, and we’re in a rest period now. The third round of tasks hasn’t been arranged yet, so we have some time. Otherwise, who knows if we’ll come back alive next time on a mission."

"Sure!"

Su Mo agreed without hesitation.

"Alright, then let’s prepare, meet aboard the Star Destroyer Phantom Flower."

Wang Hai was also very pleased when Su Mo agreed.

"Has the Star Destroyer Phantom Flower been dispatched here as well?"

Su Mo was also a bit surprised.

"Yes!"

"Great, no problem."

Su Mo nodded.

....

Several hours later.

Su Mo arrived at Dock 3, and from a distance, he saw the parked Star Destroyer Phantom Flower, though the entire ship looked battered and scarred.

It showed that this ship had undergone many baptismal fires in battles.

At this moment, numerous Federation mechanics were working overtime to carry out maintenance.

Su Mo walked towards the main entrance of the Phantom Flower and bumped into several Federation officers, who recognized Su Mo at first glance.

Each of them greeted him cheerfully with a salute.

"Lord Su Mo! You’ve arrived."

...

"Mm, thank you all for your hard work."

Su Mo responded with a smile to each officer.

Just then, a rather pleasantly surprised voice rang out.

"Su Mo!"

Su Mo turned his head and was quite shocked too, as he said.

"Lin Ming!"

Lin Ming walked up, extended his strong hands to Su Mo for a tight hug, and said very happily.

"I didn’t expect us to meet again someday."

"Don’t say it like that, but why are you here? I recall you weren’t part of the official Star Ring City unit; I thought you had returned to the Lin Family."

Su Mo asked curiously amidst his excitement.

"I was stationed on Ceres before, then retreated to the Revalclus Base. I was supposed to return to Earth Star, but due to various reasons, I gave up and joined the Federation unit."

Lin Ming briefly explained the situation to Su Mo.

Listening to Lin Ming’s words, Su Mo roughly guessed the reason.

With Lin Ming’s character, he couldn’t possibly watch his comrades go through life and death following Star Ring City to the Negative God Star, while he returned to Earth Star to hide in the rear.

Of course, Lin Ming knew that he was choosing a path of no return, but he still went forward resolutely.

"Does Father know about this?"

Su Mo pondered and asked.

"He doesn’t know. I decided it temporarily. But I entrusted someone to send a message back, and I believe Father will understand my decision."

Lin Ming’s expression grew increasingly somber.

Su Mo looked at the silent Lin Ming and said with a smile.

"Rest assured, Father will be proud of you!"

Lin Ming’s firm face showed some emotion as he said.

"Really?"

Su Mo solemnly nodded in response to this half-brother.

"Definitely!"

"Mm, but I’m sad I can’t be with them, hoping they’re alright."

"You don’t need to worry about them. If nothing happens, they should have evacuated with Lady Goli."

"That’s great, let’s not talk here; let’s get on the ship!"

Lin Ming, hearing Su Mo’s words, showed a bright smile.

"Alright!"

Su Mo nodded.

Soon after, Su Mo and Lin Ming boarded the Phantom Flower while chatting.

Quickly, they arrived at the central lounge of the Phantom Flower.

Countless tables were set up here, and many Federation officers and soldiers had already entered, making the place very lively.

Some even came with IV drips.

At this moment, Tia saw Su Mo and Lin Ming, smiled slightly, and led people over.

"Hey, isn’t this Lord Su Mo? It’s truly a rare sight!"

"Lady Tia."

Su Mo turned to look, smiled and responded, feeling very happy to see old friends here.

"Just call me Tia; there’s no need for ’Lady.’ When was the last time we ate together; it must be years ago."

Tia asked with a smile.

"A long time ago, it’s a bit blurry."

"If you can’t remember, prepare to be penalized later. We aren’t leaving until we’re drunk tonight."

"No problem."

Su Mo replied heartily.

"Lord Su Mo....."

At this moment, Jiang Hanqiu, beside Tia, suddenly called out.

"Jiang Hanqiu, what’s up?"

Su Mo noticed Jiang Hanqiu seemed to have something to discuss.

"Lord Su Mo, Xiao Wen and the others look like they’re with you; are they in Star Ring City?"

"Yes, I’ve notified them; they will be here shortly."

"Really."

Jiang Hanqiu couldn’t help showing a bright smile.

Tia turned to Jiang Hanqiu with a smile, "You go fetch them."

"Okay, I’ll head over first."

Jiang Hanqiu hurriedly left.

Watching Jiang Hanqiu’s back, Tia said to Su Mo, "Since you took Xiao Wen and the others from the Federation, Jiang Hanqiu hardly sees them anymore."

"My fault, my fault."

Su Mo apologized with a bitter smile.

At this time, Wang Hai also came over and said to Su Mo and the others.

"Let’s not stand here chatting; most people are here; let’s get started!"

"Alright."

Su Mo nodded in agreement.

Then Su Mo and the others headed for the main table, and along the way, many Federation officers warmly greeted Su Mo.

Su Mo waved in response to each familiar face.

He also noticed there were many missing among the crowd, and on several empty tables were tableware set, but no one sat.

Those empty spots must be for the fallen comrades.

Very soon, everyone was seated at the main table, and Tia stood up, raising her hand to quiet everyone.

The spacious lounge instantly became silent.