Chapter 167: Desperate Situation

In the vast, devouring darkness of space, the Baize sailed smoothly, seemingly on the verge of reaching its destination without incident. Yet, unbeknownst to anyone but themselves, they had left behind a trail of space debris along the way.

"Whew~ I doubt we'll encounter any more enemies," Angola Zuo sighed, slumping into the captain's seat. He adjusted his hat as they approached the target area.

Though no one was particularly afraid, the entire crew had been on edge throughout the journey. Venturing so deep into enemy territory, no one could predict what unexpected situations might arise. Combat itself wasn't the issue; the real danger lay in the fact that there would be no reinforcements or resupply. Despite having brought ample supplies, if they were forced into too many battles, the depletion of their resources would be a death sentence.

"Don't let your guard down just yet. The real show is about to begin," Yang Hui reminded him, patting Angola Zuo's shoulder.

"Yes, Captain."

"Captain, we're about to enter the surveillance range of the target area. Should we pull up the visuals?"

"Let's take a look."

"Yes, sir!"

As the visuals appeared on the screen, everyone gasped, and Yang Hui's expression turned dangerously grim.

"Well, well. It seems they really want us dead," Yang Hui said with a vicious sneer.

The visuals revealed the target mentioned in the intel, but it was far larger than anyone had anticipated. What they saw wasn't just a research space station or a small asteroid, but something far more daunting.

"Captain! What do we do now?"

"Turn around. Retreat. This mission is impossible."

"Yes, sir!" At Yang Hui's command, Angola Zuo and the others breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought you were going to lead us into a direct assault on the enemy's space fortress."

"Space fortress? Hah, that's their headquarters," Yang Hui retorted, shooting Angola Zuo a sharp glance.

Indeed, what they were looking at wasn't a mere space fortress—it was the headquarters of VEGAN, the Second Moon.

When Yang Hui saw the Second Moon, he almost slapped himself. How could the X-Rounder Research Institute, such a crucial facility, be located in some random corner of space? Just like the Federal Army's research institutes, it would be situated in a highly strategic location, possibly hidden but always surrounded by a significant military base. From the moment an alarm was triggered, reinforcements would arrive within five minutes.

Thus, the location of the X-Rounder Research Institute in the intel was now clear, but it was far from something the Celestial Being team could storm alone.

"What!? Damn it! Who's the bastard behind this!?"

"They're really determined to kill us."

"The Commander must be in on it—"

Whack!

"Ow! Captain, I was just sticking up for you! Why hit me?"

"Hah, you insult my brother, and I'm supposed to let it slide?"

"I didn't say anything!"

"Good. Now, stop dawdling and get us turned around!"

"Yes, sir!" XN

Beep beep beep…

"Looks like we're too late."

Just as they began executing the retreat, the E-detector sounded an alarm. The radar system lit up with enemy markers on all sides, and on the visuals, VEGAN ships emerged from their "Umbrella" systems, appearing out of thin air. They surrounded the isolated Baize like an iron barrel.

"Captain! We're surrounded!"

"I can see that. Quite the grand welcome," Yang Hui said with a cold laugh, though a hint of tension crept into his heart for the first time since arriving in this world.

"Captain, what do we do?" Angola Zuo wiped the sweat from his brow and asked.

"Finish turning around and hold position. Covertly charge the photon destroyer, bring all weapon systems online, but don't fire until I give the order." With that, Yang Hui rushed toward the Hangar.

"Yes, sir!" XN

The encirclement was complete. To break through, they would need to unleash their full firepower to tear open a gap. Moreover…

Judging by the situation, the enemy had clearly prepared for this. They had surrounded them but hadn't attacked yet, which could only mean one thing…

"Hah, trying to recruit us? That's a bit far-fetched," Yang Hui chuckled sardonically as he launched in the Dawn Gundam, taking up a position to the left of the Baize, while the Flag Gundam covered the right. The Luna Gundam had already aimed its long-range Beam Rifle, with its Funnels attached to the rifle. The small photon destroyer was locked onto the bow of the ship, awaiting Yang Hui's command.

As expected, a massive virtual projection rose from the direction of the Second Moon, featuring none other than Ezelcant, the leader of VEGAN.

"I've been waiting for you, members of Celestial Being, especially you, Mr. Yang Hui."

"So, you're Ezelcant?" Yang Hui opened a public communication channel to converse with Ezelcant while buying time to charge the Baize's photon destroyer.

"Indeed, I am Ezelcant, the leader of VEGAN."

"Well, well. How interesting. For the leader of VEGAN to appear in person, you must have something important to say. I'm a bit pressed for time, so could you get straight to the point?"

"Your reputation precedes you. I won't beat around the bush. Join us, Mr. Yang Hui, along with Mr. Graham, Ms. Yurin, and the rest of Celestial Being."

"…"

The universe fell silent once more, but only for a moment…

"Pfft~" Not just Yang Hui, but Graham, Yurin, and everyone aboard the Baize nearly burst out laughing.

"I fail to see what's so amusing," Ezelcant said to Yang Hui.

"Sorry, I was just waiting for the rest of your pitch."

"The rest?"

"Yes, the rest. Isn't there more? Like… high positions, wealth, beautiful women? Isn't that how surrenders usually go in the movies?" Yang Hui feigned confusion.

"…You must have already guessed it. Your mission was a trap. The Earth Federation betrayed you, and not just this time—many times before! Because you're too excellent, too outstanding, you've become a threat to their position. Out of envy, out of jealousy, they've come to hate you. Many want you dead, even if it means great losses for Earth! They only care about their own status and interests. Such people aren't worth fighting for!

Join us! Join VEGAN! Help us, the abandoned, return to the embrace of Eden, return to the homeland we long for. Isn't that nobler, more worthy of your efforts, than protecting the corrupt and the filthy?"

"Hah," Yang Hui responded with a cold laugh. So much for knowing my intel. This elementary-level pitch expects me to kneel and submit? What a joke!

But this was Yang Hui and Celestial Being. If it were anyone else, they might have been swayed by Ezelcant's speech.

No, perhaps forced to be swayed.

During the conversation, Yang Hui had confirmed that Ezelcant's X-Rounder abilities were extraordinarily powerful—so much so that they weren't a regression but an evolution. He was more akin to a New Human than a true X-Rounder.

While speaking, Yang Hui could sense a faint mental force attempting to invade his thoughts. It wasn't outright control or corruption, but a subtle influence aimed at subconsciously convincing him that Ezelcant's words were true, making him want to agree, respect, and even pledge loyalty.

Fortunately, the influence was minimal. Unless someone already harbored goodwill toward Ezelcant, it would have little real effect.

Even if it could influence thoughts, it would require prolonged exposure to completely alter someone's mindset.

"So… can you tell me how wanting to return home justifies the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians?" Yang Hui asked Ezelcant.

"What?"

"You want to return home, and the Federation couldn't stop you even if they tried. Why not just go back? Why hide your identity and attack ordinary people? Is this your way of returning home? Or… are you just venting your frustrations?"

"Of course not. Our very existence is a stain on the Federation. Those in power, protecting their status, wealth, and authority, would never allow us to return to Earth. We have no choice but to—"

"Then why not attack the Federal Army? Why target innocent civilians?"

"This…"

"Your goals aren't so simple, are they, Ezelcant?"

"…" At this, Ezelcant's eyes flickered, and he didn't respond immediately.

His goals were indeed far more complex, but he hadn't even shared them with his wife. Did Yang Hui… know something?

Of course, Yang Hui knew. Ezelcant's true aim wasn't merely to lead the people of VEGAN back to Earth.

His ultimate goal was far more sinister: to select the most exceptional individuals and eliminate all those he deemed unworthy, allowing only the "best" to inherit Earth.

A truly deranged plan.

"Why the silence? If you're done, I'll be on my way."

"It seems there's no other choice. I had hoped you would understand me." Ezelcant, realizing Yang Hui had no intention of surrendering, prepared to issue the order to attack.

"I do understand you…"

At these words, Ezelcant's command halted mid-air, his hand frozen in the act of signaling the assault. He thought he'd misjudged—that Yang Hui was ready to join them.

But the next moment…

"…Not a chance! Yurin! Angola! Fire!"

"Understood!" X2

With their response, two massive pink beams of energy tore through VEGAN's encirclement like a giant axe, cleaving a massive breach in the once-impenetrable iron barrel.

"Maximum speed! Break through!"

At the command, the Flag Gundam and Dawn Gundam shot toward the breach like streaks of light, ensuring the enemy couldn't seal the gap

. The Luna Gundam stayed close to the Baize, its Funnels and long-range Beam Rifle transforming it into a porcupine, firing deadly pink "spines" in all directions.

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