Chapter 149 Encounter

In the upper district of the Black Ark, inside a dimly lit room.

Hongji Empire's Kahn gravely asked the artificial intelligence, Black Universe, who was covered in tubes, "How do you feel?"

"Don't worry, Father, I won't lose control again," Black Universe replied hoarsely.

Kahn was silent for a few seconds, then finally spoke, "Don't feel guilty about what happened before. No one blames you. You'll always be our pride. If it weren't for your sacrifice, the Hongji Empire would have ceased to exist long ago. Our only mistake was underestimating the power of the negative energy crystal fragments. That's not a power we can touch, at least not for now."

"I understand, Father. I won't use it again. I'll seal it away forever. I just want to see Jialan live a happy life."

"Yes, I understand."

"But Father, I still have to remind you of something. Although the Federation has extended a hand of friendship to us, the most unpredictable thing in this world is the human heart. Don't trust them completely."

"Don't worry, I'm well aware of the current situation. Although Su Mo and the others are good, they can't represent the Federation. I also know what those people want. Within a tolerable red line, I'll give them enough benefits to exchange for protection. Of course, if they ask for too much, I'm not without preparations."

Kahn replied in a deep voice.

"Okay, and one more thing, don't tell Jialan about these troublesome things."

"I know."

"Father, there's one more thing: pay extra attention to that person named Su Mo. His strength is abnormal. The Federation has only entered this world for a few years, yet he can pilot the Gluttony mecha to that extent. Even at our peak, few of us could pilot the Gluttony to that level."

"I have a good impression of Su Mo. As for what you said, I'll keep it in mind."

"Okay."

...

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The next morning, Su Mo woke up early. He washed up and checked his phone.

Sun Duo Xiang hadn't sent him any messages, which meant they hadn't returned yet. It seemed they really were hooked on scavenging.

After thinking for a moment, Su Mo decided to return to the GT Department.

Although Mo Bake had given him a vacation, he still had to show his face. With that in mind, Su Mo headed toward Hangar G12.

Soon after, Su Mo arrived at Hangar G12.

Mo Bake was, as usual, lecturing all the team members.

"I've told you so many times, my orders are absolute justice! Everyone must obey unconditionally! It'll save your lives at critical moments. Of course, you don't have to admire me too much..."

...

Listening to Mo Bake's bragging, Su Mo felt a strange sense of familiarity. This guy was still so amusing.

At this moment, Zhao Bo and the others noticed Su Mo's arrival and turned their heads excitedly to look at him, ignoring Mo Bake completely.

"What are you doing? Where are you all looking? Can't you see I'm giving you a lecture?"

Mo Bake sensed something was wrong and scolded them in annoyance.

But when Mo Bake turned his head and looked over, his expression immediately changed 180 degrees. With a flattering smile, he rushed toward Su Mo.

"Oh, Su Mo, why are you here so early? Have you had breakfast? Should I have these brats get you something to eat?"

Looking at the smarmy Mo Bake, Su Mo felt very uncomfortable. He said helplessly, "Commander Mo Bake, can't you be normal?"

"What do you mean? I'm being perfectly normal."

Mo Bake was practically fawning over him.

Su Mo couldn't take it anymore.

"Please, just be normal."

Just as Su Mo and Mo Bake were talking, a series of footsteps suddenly approached.

Standing to the side, Ke Lie Fu coughed loudly.

*cough cough*

Unfortunately, Mo Bake seemed not to hear it, continuing to rub his hands together and smile ingratiatingly at Su Mo.

"I'm perfectly normal. My admiration for Master Su Mo is from the bottom of my heart. Please accept my knees..."

"Cough cough!"

Ke Lie Fu coughed even harder.

Mo Bake turned his head in annoyance and said to Ke Lie Fu, "If you're not feeling well, go to the hospital. Don't keep coughing next to me, interrupting my train of thought."

Ke Lie Fu looked helpless.

"Mo Bake."

A stern voice rang out.

Mo Bake shuddered, his expression changing drastically as he turned his head to see Fei Ge Er walking over with several subordinates.

"General Fei Ge Er."

Mo Bake's tongue was practically tripping over itself.

Seeing Fei Ge Er's sudden arrival, Su Mo was also surprised. He quickly greeted, "General Fei Ge Er, what brings you here?"

Fei Ge Er turned to Su Mo, a hint of a smile on his face.

"I came specifically to find you. The rewards from above have been issued."

"Ah, what rewards?"

Su Mo was also a bit surprised.

"What else could it be? It's recognition for everything you did at the Zhi Gu Planet Fortress. And thanks to your warning, the Black Ark narrowly avoided the Twilight Fortress's fatal blow."

Fei Ge Er said with a great deal of emotion.

"Oh."

Su Mo didn't seem to care much.

On the other hand, Mo Bake asked excitedly, "General Fei Ge Er, do I get a share? Su Mo's mecha was provided by me."

"We'll make a note of it for you as well."

Although Fei Ge Er was a little annoyed by Mo Bake, he still replied fairly. Indeed, Mo Bake had lent his mecha to Su Mo, which had played some role.

"Thank you so much."

Mo Bake was overjoyed.

At this moment, Fei Ge Er's expression turned solemn, and he called out in a deep voice, "Su Mo!"

"Here!"

Su Mo stood up straight and responded very seriously.

"Lieutenant Su Mo, due to your warning in the Dun Ke Ye Burial Starry Sky, and your outstanding performance at the Zhi Gu Planet Fortress, you have made outstanding contributions to the Federation. I now, on behalf of the Federal Government, formally announce that, effective today, you are promoted from Lieutenant to Major, skipping two ranks! At the same time, you are awarded a Second-Class Federal Merit Medal."

Fei Ge Er announced formally.

"Thank you, Sir!"

Su Mo accepted without much change in expression.

Then, Fei Ge Er handed Su Mo a brand-new white uniform and a platinum-gold medal of honor.

Su Mo solemnly accepted them.

Fei Ge Er raised his hand and patted Su Mo's shoulder, saying, "Actually, based on your performance this time, I think you deserve a First-Class Federal Merit Medal. It's just a pity that your qualifications are still a little lacking. Also, First-Class Merit Medals require the approval of the Dragon Cry Council Speaker, so it's a shame."

"It's nothing. I think it's fine."

Su Mo smiled and replied, not caring about such things.

"Alright, I'm leaving."

"Farewell, General Fei Ge Er."

"Oh, there's something I almost forgot to tell you."

Fei Ge Er suddenly remembered as he was about to leave.

"What is it?"

Su Mo looked at Fei Ge Er curiously.

"Go to the GT Department's core area later. There's something to discuss."

Fei Ge Er instructed.

"Okay, I understand."

Su Mo nodded.

After Fei Ge Er had walked away, Mo Bake congratulated him with an excited expression.

"Congratulations, Commander Su Mo, on your promotion to Major, becoming the fastest-promoted officer in history! Truly unprecedented..."

Su Mo didn't care at all. He sighed and said, "Whatever."

"Commander Su Mo, you may not know this, but military rank promotions are very difficult! They're not just given out randomly. Your two-rank skip is super amazing. Don't let our positions being similar fool you, there's a big difference. My rank is one I already had, something I painstakingly accumulated a long time ago. But it's normal for Commander Su Mo not to care. With your current status, you'll be promoted easily in the future."

"Hey, don't talk nonsense. It's not like I look down on it."

Su Mo felt like he was almost being led astray by this guy.

"I'm not talking nonsense. It's true. You're a formal substitute member. You have to know that formal substitute members are at least Major Generals. Your rank hasn't reached that level yet. The reason they didn't give you the rank of Major General is because your qualifications and experience aren't enough. But your path is already paved. Even if you do nothing, you can get promoted while lying down. If someone else wants to get promoted, they have to go through all kinds of assessments, not only making contributions and accumulating seniority, but also currying favor."

Mo Bake said enviously.

"You're exaggerating."

Su Mo was speechless.

"It's not an exaggeration at all. I'm telling the truth. So even though you're a Major now, with your substitute status, even those Major Generals on the outside have to give you some face."

Mo Bake said confidently.

"Alright, Commander Mo Bake, I have to go to the GT Department's core area."

Su Mo coughed and said.

"Just call me Xiao Mo. You're the Commander. Also, do whatever you want. You don't have to tell me."

Mo Bake fawned shamelessly.

Su Mo couldn't stand it anymore. He waved to Ke Lie Fu and the others.

"Everyone, I'm leaving."

Ke Lie Fu took the lead and shouted in unison, "Farewell, Commander!"

Su Mo was momentarily stunned, only then realizing that his identity seemed to have really changed. But he didn't say anything more and walked straight toward the GT Department's core area.

After a long while, Su Mo arrived at the entrance of Area G3.

It was heavily guarded, with rows of Generation II Black Steel Mecha standing on both sides.

At this moment, Su Mo saw Qian Chengxue standing quietly at the entrance, seemingly waiting for a long time.

He quickly quickened his pace and walked up to her.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to pick you up. Otherwise, it's hard to get in."

A bright smile appeared on Qian Chengxue's fair face, indicating she was in a very good mood.

Su Mo was stunned for a moment.

"What's wrong?"

Qian Chengxue asked, puzzled, seeing Su Mo standing there in a daze.

"Cough cough, it's nothing. Let's go in."

Su Mo snapped back to reality and coughed to cover up his embarrassment.

"Let me introduce you. This is Area G3, the activity area for formal members. Logically, we can't come here without permission, but the higher-ups have made a special exception for you and me, allowing us to enter and exit this area at any time."

Qian Chengxue led Su Mo inside.

The guard officers saluted respectfully.

"Why the exception for us?"

"Because we have mecha here. If they don't make it convenient for us, how can we get to our mecha?"

"Wait, are you saying that my Gluttony mecha has also been sent here?"

Su Mo asked in surprise. Actually, he had been thinking about one thing recently. Jialan had said she would give him the Gluttony, but there had been no news for a long time. He was too embarrassed to ask, but it turned out it was here.

"That's right. All Generation IV mecha are usually housed here for maintenance. Look over there."

Qian Chengxue led Su Mo along, pointing to the side.

A heavily damaged Generation IV bio-mecha, Gangkesi, was secured with fixed restraints, and repairmen were busy working on it.

Looking further to the side, the Generation IV bio-mecha, Crimson Apostle, stood next to it, also undergoing major repairs.

Continuing to look ahead, one could see Dark Warrior, Dark Calamity Apostle, and Silver Wing mecha.

The rows of mecha created a shocking visual impact.

Su Mo couldn't help but take a deep breath. The GT Department's foundation was even more substantial than he had imagined.

"Where's my mecha?"

"It's at the very front. I'll take you to see it."

Qian Chengxue led Su Mo forward.

Soon, Su Mo saw the battered Generation IV bio-mecha, Gluttony, in a separate mecha bay. Compared to when he first saw it, the damage to the Generation IV bio-mecha, Gluttony, was now even more appalling.

"Um, it's strange. I see the other bio-mecha are all being repaired, but not mine, and it doesn't even have fixed restraints?"

Su Mo asked Qian Chengxue with some confusion.

Qian Chengxue turned to Su Mo and patiently explained, "It's like this. This Gluttony mecha was given to you by Jialan and the others. It's your personal asset. Theoretically, all maintenance costs must be paid by you, and you have to find the maintenance personnel yourself. You even have to pay an expensive docking fee."

"You're kidding, right?"

Su Mo was speechless.

Seeing Su Mo's strong reaction, Qian Chengxue almost laughed. She coughed and said to Su Mo, "Of course, there's another option."

"What option?"

"You can choose to have the Generation IV bio-mecha, Gluttony, serve in the military and participate in all combat missions. In that case, the GT Department would be responsible for all repairs and maintenance. And if the mecha is unfortunately damaged during a mission, the GT Department will provide some compensation. You need to make a choice."

Qian Chengxue explained to Su Mo. In fact, a large part of the reason they specifically asked Su Mo to come was for this matter.

The higher-ups very much hoped that Su Mo would have the Gluttony mecha serve in the military. They had already seen the extent of its power. Another reason was that if Su Mo chose to have the mecha serve in the military, the higher-ups wouldn't have to arrange another Generation IV bio-mecha for Su Mo, freeing up a spot for someone else.

Su Mo said to Qian Chengxue with a wry smile, "Do you think I have a choice?"

"Actually, there's no difference, because you're the one using it in the end. It's just that, nominally, you can't refuse to use the Gluttony mecha to carry out missions. And if you're no longer in the GT Department or you retire, you can still take it away. The Gluttony mecha will always belong to you. And with the service certificate, it actually proves that this mecha is yours privately, avoiding future disputes. You know, so far no one has ever privately registered a Generation IV bio-mecha license. You'll probably be the first to try it."

Qian Chengxue was very open-minded.

"What you said makes sense. Then let it serve."

Su Mo wasn't a rigid person. Anyway, he was the one using it, so he wouldn't be at a disadvantage.

"Okay, I'll report it later and have them repair your mecha as soon as possible."

Qian Chengxue nodded in agreement.

"Okay."

Su Mo trusted Qian Chengxue very much. If serving in the military wasn't a good thing, Qian Chengxue would definitely have reminded him.

"There's something else important I need to tell you."

Qian Chengxue suddenly looked at Su Mo with a serious expression.

"What is it?"

"Lord Spader wants to see you."

Qian Chengxue said to Su Mo very solemnly.

"Spader, that name sounds familiar."

Su Mo couldn't remember for a moment.

"Su Mo, listen to me. Spader is the current leader of the GT Department, and also the Vice President of the Federation Council. And before the Federation was even established, he was the President of the E Country Council. Whether in terms of identity or strength, he's very terrifying. When you go in to chat with him, you must be especially careful. Don't say the wrong thing."

Qian Chengxue said with some concern.

Seeing Qian Chengxue so nervous, Su Mo felt a warmth in his heart. He said to Qian Chengxue, "Don't worry, I'll try to say as little as possible."

"Okay, come with me."

Qian Chengxue felt a little relieved after hearing Su Mo's reply.

Then, Su Mo followed Qian Chengxue to the entrance of Area G2.

It was even more heavily guarded here, with two Generation III standard mecha guarding the gate.

As Su Mo and Qian Chengxue approached, the leading captain immediately reached out to stop them and said to Qian Chengxue in a hoarse voice, "Commander Qian Chengxue, Lord Spader will only see Major Su Mo alone. Please wait outside."

Qian Chengxue turned to Su Mo and whispered, "Go in, I'll wait for you here."

"Don't worry, it'll be fine."

Su Mo replied with a smile, then walked into Area G2 alone.

Speaking of which, it was Su Mo's first time entering such a high-level area. Area G2 was the GT Department's core office area, and basically all the GT Department's orders were issued from here.

Along the way, he could see clerical staff wearing high-ranking military uniforms walking around busily.

Everyone's face was serious and tense.

Su Mo looked around. Area GT2 had rows of simple offices. There were no fancy decorations, giving it a solemn sense of oppression.

"Are you Lord Su Mo?"

Suddenly, a timid voice rang out beside him.

Su Mo turned his head to see a short girl wearing glasses and carrying a pile of files, looking at him nervously.

"I am. And you are?"

"I'm Antali, a clerical assistant in the core area of the GT Department. Please come with me. I'll take you to see Lord Spader."

Antali said nervously. She was just a newbie, and she didn't expect to be receiving such a big figure on her first day of work. Anyone who could be summoned personally by Lord Spader was either rich or powerful. She was afraid of not receiving him well and being complained about. That would be the end of her.

"Okay, thank you."

Su Mo could see that Antali was very nervous. He was a little puzzled. Was he that scary?

Antali led Su Mo forward nervously.

Su Mo looked around curiously and asked, "Antali, do you usually have few visitors here?"

Antali turned her head nervously and replied, "I don't know either. I've only been working here for a few days."

Just then, as they passed a corner, Antali was so busy answering Su Mo's question that she bumped into a figure, staggering back and falling to the ground.

Su Mo was slightly stunned and looked up to see a tall, golden-haired girl wearing a white tracksuit and white sports shorts, with an heroic and arrogant appearance, looking coldly at Antali on the ground.

Seeing the girl in front of her, Antali quickly got up and bowed to apologize, her face turning white with fear. Hai Mo was known in the GT Department for being difficult to get along with.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Commander Hai Mo."

"When did the people in the GT Department's eyesight get so bad? Can't you look where you're going?"

Hai Mo said without giving any face. She was already in a very bad mood, and she didn't expect that even walking down the street could make things worse.

Su Mo frowned slightly. This woman was unusually overbearing. Antali had already apologized, but she still wouldn't let it go. Moreover, Antali was mostly answering his questions, so she didn't notice the person coming around the corner.

"Antali didn't do it on purpose, and she's already apologized. That's enough."

"Who are you? Who gave you the right to speak?"

Hai Mo was already in a very irritable mood. Someone actually dared to lecture her. Hai Mo had declared that as long as she was around, Qian Chengxue would never touch the Crimson Apostle mecha. As a result, Qian Chengxue shined brightly with Gangkesi during the Rampage event, and Spader had even given her his own mecha. Later, she continued to make contributions with the Silver Wing mecha. It was practically a slap in the face. She had even gone to see Spader about it, but to no avail.

Su Mo replied calmly, "I'm stating a fact. And when people collide, it's not just one person's fault. It's the responsibility of both parties. In a sense, you're also responsible."

Hearing Su Mo's words, Hai Mo was instantly enraged, as if someone had stepped on her tail.

She swept her leg towards Su Mo with a sharp kick.

Su Mo raised his left hand and steadily caught Hai Mo's attack.

Hai Mo was stunned for a moment. She subconsciously wanted to pull back her slender, white leg, but Su Mo's hand held it tightly, no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn't budge, like a vise clamped tightly.

Her face immediately darkened, and then she used her left leg for leverage. Her entire body sprang up and turned, kicking her other slender, white leg towards Su Mo's head.

As a result, Su Mo raised his right hand and easily caught Hai Mo's other leg attack, then pushed forward and let go.

Then Su Mo realized, that wasn't right!

He was about to reach out to catch her.

As a result, Hai Mo fell straight to the ground on her bottom.

Seeing this, Su Mo thought to himself that things were going to get bad.

At this moment, Hai Mo's entire face turned red. She immediately got up in shame and anger to deal with Su Mo.

Seeing Hai Mo coming again, Su Mo warned, "You better not come at me again, otherwise you'll fall on your butt again in a moment. There are so many people coming and going here. You don't want to become the center of attention, do you?"

Hai Mo's body stiffened, stopping her attack. Her proud face turned red and then green. She knew very well that she had lost in hand-to-hand combat.

At this time, Antali was almost scared to death. She quickly tried to smooth things over.

"Both of you, please don't fight... It's all my fault."

Seeing that Hai Mo didn't continue to attack, Su Mo secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This unreasonable girl had finally calmed down. But he had to say, the leg strength of this woman was really fierce. An average person would probably have their head knocked off. What a pity, such beautiful, long, white legs.

Bah bah, what am I thinking?

Su Mo couldn't help but despise himself.

"Dare to tell me who you are?"

Hai Mo glared at Su Mo and asked.

"My name is Su Mo. If you have a problem with that, you can come find me anytime."

Although Su Mo didn't like to cause trouble, he wasn't afraid of it either.

Hearing Su Mo's name, Hai Mo was slightly stunned. During her recovery period, the name she had heard the most was Su Mo.

Hai Mo had even watched the combat footage of Su Mo piloting the Gluttony mecha.

Seeing that Hai Mo didn't react, Su Mo turned to Antali and said, "We should go now. We shouldn't keep Lord Spader waiting too long."

"Yes, yes..."

Antali quickly and flusteredly replied.

ps: There's a meeting today, so I won't be able to add more updates. I'll continue to add updates tomorrow, please forgive me!

ps: Thank you to Alliance Leader Yu Luo Fan Chen Rao Qing Meng for the 110,000 donations, thank you very much!