Chapter 1050: Chapter 485: Brother Ye, I Can Still Hold On!_2

—-We can only take it one step at a time.

The space shuttle roared as it gradually broke free from the atmosphere and entered the pitch-black outer space.

Beep!

A synthetic voice followed:

“The shuttle is heading towards Space Base 6577.”

“Everything is proceeding smoothly.”

Six general-ranked experts exchanged glances and continued to remain on high alert.

By now, the scenery of outer space was clearly visible.

The surroundings of the shuttle were entirely shrouded in darkness.

Radar, their collective vision, and their spiritual powers revealed no trace of enemies.

The shuttle continued its journey.

Finally–

The shuttle’s intercom broadcasted:

“Attention generals.”

“This is the captain of the shuttle responsible for this voyage.”

“I’m reporting: we are twenty minutes away from on-time arrival at the base.”

“Let’s hope for the best.”

The broadcast ended.

The individuals aboard rose to encircle the metallic box.

“This is the most dangerous stretch of the journey,” one general remarked.

“Indeed. If ‘they’ don’t come to seize it soon, we’ll reach the protective range of the base’s defensive weaponry.”

“Which means–they *will* come!”

The logic was so straightforward that everyone clearly understood the conclusion.

The enemies would surely surge in like a violent storm.

They would give everything to snatch that metallic box!

The battle was destined to escalate rapidly right from the start.

Death was an inevitability.

But no one had an escape route!

Weapons were drawn one after another, and their spirits surged as they prepared for a fight to the death.

Time crawled by.

Shen Ye suddenly pointed outside the window and asked:

“What’s that?”

Everyone turned to look.

They spotted another shuttle racing towards them from behind at an incredible speed.

“It’s a transport shuttle,” Xiao Yurong identified.

“Could there be enemies aboard?” Shen Ye asked.

“Highly unlikely. That shuttle is loaded with mundane and heavy mechanical equipment–not valuable enough for an attack,” another general replied.

Under the gaze of all, the shuttle swiftly overtook and disappeared into the distance.

However, no one relaxed; instead, the tension intensified.

–You know the attack is coming, but you don’t know when it will strike.

That’s the most tormenting part.

Under the heavy pressure of anxiety and anticipation, the group endured what felt like an endless twenty minutes.

The intercom broadcasted again:

“Attention generals.”

“We are approaching the base.”

“That’s right, we’re about to land!”

The captain’s voice carried a note of disbelief.

Everyone looked out the window, spotting the human space base ahead.

The landing site was already prepared.

The shuttle began its descent.

Numerous soldiers stood on guard around the site, and as soon as the shuttle landed and the hatch opened, they poured in.

–The replacement of critical components must be handled immediately.

The soldiers carried the metallic box away.

Mission accomplished.

The six generals remained standing in the shuttle cabin, exchanging puzzled glances.

An S-ranked mission!

A mandatory escort task, with intelligence already compromised!

Each of them had been prepared for sacrifice.

Yet–

The mission had been completed so uneventfully and anticlimactically?

“Confirmed: mission complete.”

One general received the update and announced loudly.

Only then did the group begin to relax.

“That doesn’t add up… The intelligence was leaked, so why would those demons pass up such a golden opportunity?” another general questioned, perplexed.

Suddenly.

The intercom sounded once more:

“Emergency update incoming.”

“The transport shuttle heading to Space Base 1354 was attacked by demons just minutes ago and exploded in space.”

The group was momentarily stunned.

An elderly Vice Admiral spoke: “That can’t be right. Today’s transport shuttle to Space Base 1354 is an unmanned model packed with automated robots.”

“It was the shuttle that just overtook us.”

“–That shuttle didn’t have a single living soul aboard.”

The demons attacked that shuttle…

The group began piecing things together.

The departure times of the two shuttles had been nearly simultaneous.

And since the unmanned shuttle didn’t need to account for human endurance, its speed had been faster.

It “overtook” them from behind, rushing towards the space base–

And inadvertently caught the attention of the demons.

Taking this into account…

Had the demons mistakenly targeted the wrong shuttle?

It seemed that way!

“No matter, the mission’s complete.” One Major General grinned.

Everyone laughed.

This truly was a stroke of luck!

“Alright, everyone, you’re free to relax now–though I’m heading to play some cards. Don’t bother calling me.” The elderly general declared.

With that, he left.

The others also began dispersing.

Shen Ye lingered, nudging Xiao Yurong with his finger.

“How was it? My pick for the mission wasn’t bad, right?”

“…It was.”

“Dinner’s on you tonight,” Shen Ye quipped immediately.

Professional protocol forbade “possessing money,” making meals a top priority now.

“Alright, but I’m meeting some friends. Care to join me?” Xiao Yurong asked.

Shen Ye was about to agree but suddenly sensed something and shook his head: “No, I’m going to rest for a while. Let’s meet for dinner.”

“Alright then.”

Xiao Yurong sounded slightly disappointed.

She had intended to introduce her friends to him but was turned down.

Since dinner was still happening together, she decided to reconnect then.

“The senior officers’ lounge is that way. You can head straight there.”

She pointed in a direction.

“Got it. I’ll go take a nap.” Shen Ye replied.

Xiao Yurong wanted to say more, but he vanished in a flash.

“Running so fast… Is his life only about eating and sleeping…”

Xiao Yurong muttered furiously.

By this time, Shen Ye had already found a private rest chamber. Confirming his identity, he shut the door and sank into the couch.