Shattered Alliance

In the vast and silent meteorite field, the metal wreckage of the starship drifted slowly. Numbered fragments of broken shrapnel gently collided with meteorites before floating silently away. The entire star field lay in ruins, a chaotic aftermath of the battle.

The front end of the Leviathan was embedded deeply into the midsection of the Alliance main ship, nearly severing it in two. The two hulls of the Alliance ship remained barely connected by a frail metal structure, drifting lifelessly outside the meteorite zone. The Leviathan, likewise, bore severe damage; from its front end to the middle section, the hull had turned black and deformed due to intense friction, exposing the metal keel beneath. The two warships, locked in this deadly embrace, floated quietly in the dark expanse of space.

Ge Xiu stood behind a massive porthole, staring intently at the pitch-black warship lingering in the distance, the dark ink reflected in his eyes. It showed no sign of moving closer, remaining motionless and silent. The heavy artillery that had once pounded the Alliance warships had been retracted into the hull, yet the deep, terrifying deterrence remained palpable, evoking fear even from afar.

At that moment, the deck below opened, and a light ship emerged from the debris, swiftly approaching. The scattered crew members, who had been forcibly pulled away from their tasks, now paused and looked towards Ge Xiu by the window. Unknowingly, the slender figure seemed to have become their anchor of hope, a reassurance amid the chaos.

Ge Xiu nodded and gave a calm command: "Bring it in."

Despite the outer hull being damaged, the deck where the ship was to land remained relatively intact. Following Ge Xiu's order, the hatch slowly opened. The streamlined light ship, as dark as its main ship, descended and landed gently. As the hatch opened, a tall young man stepped down the landing ladder. He wore a neatly tailored black uniform, equipped with a powerful impulse weapon at his waist. His straight posture and authoritative demeanor exuded a sense of discipline and formality.

He quickly located Ge Xiu among the crowd and, with an indifferent expression, addressed him: "Captain, how can I assist?"

Ge Xiu, maintaining a seemingly carefree demeanor, shrugged and smiled lazily. "Oh, good. Follow me."

As he walked towards the ship, Xiao Yi's heart raced, and he instinctively reached out to grab Ge Xiu's clothing, his face betraying panic and anxiety, with a hint of pleading in his eyes. Ge Xiu, turning his face slightly, noticed this and asked nonchalantly, "Do you think our ship can still sail?"

Xiao Yi, taken aback, looked at the battered Leviathan and shook his head hesitantly. Ge Xiu placed his hand on the back of Xiao Yi's, his thin fingers cold but unexpectedly reassuring.

With a broad smile, displaying his small white teeth, Ge Xiu said, "That's why I need to spend some military funds to get the ship repaired."

Ge Xiu spoke candidly, without lowering his voice, and Xiao Yi, visibly frightened, cast a cautious glance at the damaged ship. Ge Xiu then casually pulled his clothes free from Xiao Yi's grasp and leisurely entered the ship through the landing ladder.

The hatch closed, and the landing ladder retracted, carrying them towards the massive ship nearby. The dark main ship opened its hatch and enveloped the light ship within. The docking was complete.

Inside the main ship, the interior was vast and almost indistinguishable from the Leviathan. The cold, stainless steel walls created an empty, desolate feel, exuding a restrained and stark edge.

Ge Xiu paused as he approached the cabin's entrance. The intelligent system above cast a light blue glow, performing automatic diagnostics. "Is something wrong?" the young officer asked, noticing Ge Xiu's pause.

Ge Xiu seemed momentarily distracted, then shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing."

He crossed the threshold and followed the officer through several levels of doors until they reached the captain's room. The large, metallic door slid open smoothly, revealing the enormous virtual star map suspended between dark walls. Several uniformed men stood in the room, all equipped with the most advanced weaponry, waiting by the main seat with a mixture of admiration and awe.

At the center of the room sat Lulai Sivir, the former War God now an enemy of the Alliance. His face was stern, with high brows and deep, sharp features that conveyed an oppressive aura. Although he carried no visible weapons, his mere presence felt like an unsheathed blade.

As Lulai turned to face the newcomers, his silver-blue eyes, cold as the sky above a snow-capped mountain, locked onto Ge Xiu. The gaze held a chilling calm, as if forged in a crucible of conflict and bloodshed.

"Hello," Ge Xiu greeted, nonchalantly chewing the remaining candy in his mouth. The crisp sound echoed in the silent room, drawing curious glances.

Lulai, apparently amused, stood up and approached Ge Xiu. Extending a slender, pale hand, he introduced himself, "Lulai Sivir. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Ge Xiu tilted his head, examining Lulai before shaking his hand. His own hand was thin and cold, like a fragile insect's. "Ge Xiu," he said, then added, "You can call me Xiaoqi."

Lulai studied him, noting the contrast between his frail appearance and the sharp, almost unpredictable glint in his eyes. The boy seemed a curious mix of maturity and naivety, a combination that intrigued and unsettled.

"You did exceptionally well," Lulai remarked, recognizing Ge Xiu's achievements. "Even I would struggle to surpass what you've done."

"It's just luck," Ge Xiu shrugged, his smile sly. "If the Alliance generals are such fools, then it's their own fault."

He tilted his head innocently. "According to the conscription records, they've clearly underestimated their adversaries."

Beneath his youthful exterior, Ge Xiu's gaze held a cold, calculating edge that left no room for doubt about his capabilities. No one could afford to underestimate him.

Suddenly, a loud growl came from Ge Xiu's stomach, breaking the tension in the room. Ge Xiu's smile faltered momentarily. Lulai, with a soft chuckle, signaled for an adjutant to prepare food.

Ge Xiu coughed and quickly regained his composure, his smile turning slightly embarrassed. "My crew has been hungry for a while…"

He gave a playful, hungry look, knowing well how to leverage his situation.

In response, besides the food for Ge Xiu, a full ship of supplies was sent to the Leviathan. Ge Xiu, beaming with satisfaction, expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, sir!"

He left the captain's room with the adjutant, content with the outcome. Lulai, watching him leave, remained still, his gaze deep and contemplative, like the calm before a storm.