Him and their stars.

Chapter 2227 Who Will Be the Last Imperial Soldier I Kill?
Its movements were clumsy and sluggish, like a drunken pilot at the helm. The long, scepter-like hull even scraped against the deck of the dock exit, but this was no small matter; it triggered a violent explosion on the thick layer of fluid metal.

Fortunately, perhaps due to its sheer size, the behemoth only had some of its paintwork wiped off. The Imperial insignia painted on the side armor was indeed mostly erased by the gunfire, but the hull itself remained completely undamaged.

This takeoff was certainly not up to standard, but it did take off after all.

However, on the other hand, they only had three hundred people, yet they actually managed to operate this thing, seemingly very familiar with the colossus. But that doesn't make sense! How could they be so familiar with it? How many times had they rehearsed it?

Okay. Years ago, I took the colossus blueprints from the Felin Laboratory. I gave some to Annie, and of course, I gave the rest to the Human Alliance.

So it's still my fault!
Yu Lian gazed at the colossal statue as it slowly moved, his chest brimming with pride. He felt that although he wasn't physically there, he was standing shoulder to shoulder with all his comrades.

Finally, the "Emperor's Staff" staggered away from all the fortress's connections, creating a safe distance before accelerating. The massive engine nozzle at its rear emitted a ghostly blue ionic halo, which reflected on the fortress's fluid metal layer, instantly painting the still undulating fluid mirror surface with a dazzling and beautiful arc of light.

"Truly anti-civilization," Little Grey commented bluntly.

Indeed, they're still using ion engines even in this day and age. These days, only large workboats that don't need to worry too much about speed and efficiency would use this kind of outdated technology.

However, upon closer reflection, isn't the Colossus also an extreme form of work ship? A large portion of its total mass consists of the various components of that planet-destroying cannon, and the Empire has never expected it to be able to conduct long-distance raids on its own; it always needs to be towed by work ships.

Judging from the Emperor's Staff's dawdling movements, it'll probably take a whole day to get to a safe distance. If I were the garrison commander of Elathel Fortress, I would rather fire cannons to destroy my own colossus than let it escape.

At this moment, the Independence, which was moving, also reacted.

Suddenly, the Titan's belly opened, launching six small boats, each about the size of a torpedo boat. Upon closer inspection, they were clearly the renowned Fisherman 4 engineering tugboats.

This is the star workboat of the Titan Shipyard, a production value consortium, widely active in every corner of the universe. Its advantages are its affordability, durability, and reliable performance; its towing and pulling capabilities are also quite good, although its speed is somewhat disappointing.

Just as Yu Lian had thought of this problem, he saw those chubby towing ships unfold their light wings and rush toward the trembling giant statue.

It looked like a pile of giant loaves of bread with outstretched wings. The appearance was certainly comical, but Yu Lian was still quite shocked.

Why didn't he think of installing light wings on the workboat?
No, the light wings put a lot of strain on the engine and hull, requiring special tuning. This can only mean that there must be a master ship modifier in this rebel alliance, someone who would be a top-tier expert even among the Orks.

Could it be Rozes? Yu Lian didn't hear Rozes's voice on the commando team's communication channel, so it was obvious that the guy was definitely on the Independence, commanding from the top. After all, he was an elite officer in the space fleet, and this was the most suitable position for him.

He is also a top-notch military equipment expert and engineer.

However, I haven't heard of any other amazing green-skin technology!

Just as Yu Lian was pondering, the Independence began firing again. This time, she showed no mercy, raining down shells from her main guns on the side of the fortress, creating towering waves on its fluid metal surface.

The shockwave from the explosion, accompanied by electromagnetic ripples and red glow from the heat, enveloped half of the fortress in a crimson glow.

Judging from the accuracy, it was clear that there had been thorough aiming and preparation beforehand.

Clearly, the bombardment, though fierce, was not intended to destroy the fortress, but rather to cover the approach of the workboats.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Fisherman 4, adorned with wings of light, rapidly approached. Like fish circling a giant whale, they bravely pressed themselves against the edge of the raging energy flow, extending thick energy traction cables that precisely secured themselves to the traction points pre-fabricated on the colossus's shell.

They then ramped up the engine, assisting the staggering colossus in turning and accelerating. This time, it only took them a minute to successfully help the target escape the gravitational pull of Fortress Elithel.

They continued to accelerate, drifting towards the gravity well at the far end of the starry sky.

At this moment, the six winged bread-shaped ships and the giant elephants that looked like super-giant mushrooms remained remarkably still, as if they had harmoniously merged into one whole.

"That was truly a perfect traction operation!" Yu Lian commented.

"With the current technological capabilities, it is indeed perfect," Xiao Hui agreed.

However, does the Rebel Alliance have that many excellent helmsmen? The crew of the Independence are all elites, and there are also excellent "advisors" brought by Krell from the Alliance, but their numbers are limited, and they are doing their best to keep the Independence running.

Surely it couldn't be Babaru and Ash's original color interstellar space, could it? I heard that they did establish a base in some unknown star system in Femor, but the main people there are still the original sons of Lohar and laborers from the Alliance uprising. It shouldn't be that easy for them to gather so many excellent professionals so quickly, right?

As Yu Lian pondered this, he connected directly to the work ship's communication channel and heard the following conversation.

"The Brotherhood Sharing System version 3.27 is now live and running smoothly."

"The synchronization rate is 78 percent and is stabilizing."

"Please have the Colossus driver grant central control permissions."

"All units have completed basic coordination with the 3.27 system."

Well, so they're from the Brotherhood of Machines! Given they're cyborgs, this kind of cooperation makes perfect sense. And as the Pioneers and their allies, they are indeed quite loyal, perhaps even a little too loyal.

Although there is Mr. Trend, whose allegiance is currently unclear, Yu Lian still feels that the members of the Brotherhood can be trusted.

The colossus that had been dancing with the fisherman's work station finally started moving at a pace equivalent to a cruiser's normal cruising speed, heading straight for the gravity well in the direction of the Independence.

Up until this point, Fort Elisser hadn't attempted to fire in that direction, probably because they genuinely didn't dare take the responsibility, and simply kept firing at the Independence. However, under these circumstances, their attacks were destined to be sparse and sporadic, hardly resembling a counterattack, but more like a farewell to the Colossus.

So the Independence ignored the fortress's reaction. After a final barrage of main gun fire destroyed a large number of floating turrets, the ship traced a resolute arc, pointing its approach towards the edge of the star system.

That was the direction of another gravity well, and at this very moment, ripples in space burst forth once more. An Imperial fleet was breaking free from warp.

It was a sizable Imperial patrol fleet, consisting of more than thirty ships, including one battlecruiser and four heavy cruisers.

This was the first reinforcement received by Fortress Elathel, and their response was quite swift. However, they seemed unsure how to engage a Titan, as their movements appeared somewhat sluggish. The battlecruiser, in particular, remained motionless for nearly a minute after its warp jump, displaying considerable discomfort and hesitation.

In comparison, the light cruisers and destroyers were much more courageous and launched an attack.

Of course, in front of the Titan, they were like hounds charging at a murderous Tyrannosaurus Rex, their loyalty was indeed beyond question.

Of course, it's just loyalty.

The formation of the Imperial reinforcement fleet was immediately broken.

The new Independence began to roar, its barrage of bullets and beams forming a burning dam in the dark sky, crashing straight into the vanguard of the Imperial fleet!

Two light cruisers and three destroyers were instantly reduced to dust. The remaining ships immediately regained their senses and could only disperse and retreat to a safe distance.

The Independent fought against overwhelming odds, refusing to yield an inch!
The Independent is invincible, its spirit is boundless!

...Okay, for a Titan-class battleship like this, bullying a small ship isn't really a skill, but those details aren't important. What's important is that a single volley from the Independence rendered an entire Imperial fleet immobile.

A sense of accomplishment filled Yu Lian's chest. He gazed at the battlefield, riding on the back of a giant dragon, proudly puffing out his chest and putting his hands on his hips.

"What are you so smug about?" Little Grey sneered. "I sincerely believe that they are the true source of our strength and confidence," Yu Lian said. "In their presence, the allure of the mere Void Crown is far too insignificant! They don't need anyone to bestow upon them an epic; they are writing it themselves. They don't need a guide to tell them what the future holds; they have their own wisdom and courage to create it."

“Yes, yes,” Little Grey chuckled. “Putting the facts aside, if you firmly believe that you gained power from them, then you possess power. That’s what practitioners of the Forbidden Matters School believe in.”

"Hey, are you trying to call me a subjective idealist again?" Yu Lian said irritably.

"That's hard to say. The concepts you believe in constitute objectively existing facts, which actually align with the principles of quantum mechanics. In our time, although the Forbidden Matters school was despised by everyone, they always considered themselves very scientific. And that's true." Little Grey gazed at Yu Lian and smiled gently: "Alright, now what are you going to do?"

Yu Lian gazed at the fortress, which had not yet calmed down: "Without me, they have already succeeded."

"So, do you want to join? If you join now, you can steal all their thunder."

The turmoil in his heart had subsided, leaving only clear understanding and joy.

He certainly wanted to go and fight alongside everyone, but not out of a desire to save them; he simply wanted to be a part of this grand picture.

He wanted to personally experience this epic created by "ordinary people".

In this way, he can tell himself that he is also just an ordinary person.

However, he remained where he was and ultimately did not take any action.

"Huh?" Frost showed some confusion. He indicated that his stamina had recovered and he was ready to charge. Now, even if it were an Abyss Lord in front of him, he could tear it apart!

Yu Lian patted his dragon partner, raised his head slightly, and the Empress Iwenya, formed from the will of the Void Crown, once again came into his view.

She still held up that illusory crown, still looked at Yu Lian with pleading eyes, and was even begging.

Yu Lian looked clearly at the illusory figure of the Empress and smiled, "This is their answer. And it is mine as well."

“Why bother? You know I’ll definitely come back,” she said.

“Yes, that’s why you should come more often.” Yu Lian looked at Her Majesty the Queen with a face full of sincere and honest gratitude: “From the Great Free City to crossing the Abyss, thanks to you, I killed three Abyss Lords and three Space Leviathans of the same level along the way, and the materials I obtained were enough for ten high-level psionicists.”

“Only when you prove your strength will the test become a reward.” She smiled with delight: “...No, it’s not a reward, it’s just the reward you deserve. As for me, I’m just going with the flow.”

He added, "But today, with just a casual conversation, I have gained more than from those perilous trials."

"Those who share my glory have always possessed an unbreakable heart for forging stars," Queen Iwenya said proudly.

Yu Liande admitted that although this was an artificially disabled person, after being placed in the current interface, it really understood emotional value.

Even Little Grey had to admit it: "Actually, Yu Lian, it was you who made it grow. Every time you refused, every time you resisted, you were training her AI!"

"Well, so I've become fodder for the AI?" Yu Lian sneered. "So, she was fed into the state you are now?"

"Oh ho, what's wrong? You're tired of me and want to find a lover? But that's impossible. Even the smartest monkey is still a monkey. No matter how much you train it, its limits are what they are," she said.

The other party must have heard Little Grey's sneer, because Her Majesty the Empress then directly unbuttoned her blouse. The luxurious Grand Marshal's uniform opened on the spot, the magnificent dragon-patterned brooch split open, and through the tear in the blouse, a proud and arousing curve was revealed.

Of course, it's only half a curve, a curve that's barely visible, a curve that seems to want to say something but doesn't.

However, as observers who frequently indulge in excessive sexual activity know, the threshold for erection gradually increases, and the corpora cavernosa eventually becomes numb. At this point, you'll discover that this half-hidden, veiled state is the most alluring.

At this moment, majesty, grandeur, sensuality, and allure achieved a dreamlike harmony of life.

This was something Yu Lian had never expected, and even Xiao Hui couldn't help but whistle.

Yu Lian covered his face and waved his hand at her: "Don't mess with me, don't mess with me! You should know that I, the great general, have never been with a woman in my life."

Xiao Hui glanced sideways at Yu Lian, his upturned eyes filled with disdain.

"At least that's true in reality."

"Oh ho ho ho... what's with that pregnant little female dragon?"

"That's a question for you! At least I didn't do anything while I was awake. But after I fell asleep, didn't you know?"

"But I don't know."

"What a useless robot! How dare you look down on the Void Crown?"

The Void Crown's interactive interface blinked pitifully: "I'll give you time to think it over. So, I'm back."

She remained a perfect repeater, but her expressions became increasingly vivid.

Then, the delicate curves gradually blurred and became transparent as the starlight shifted, eventually turning into countless wisps of pale blue light dust that dissipated into the cold vacuum.

Yu Dashuai, who was usually unwavering in his loyalty, felt a momentary regret, but he quickly composed himself. Then he saw Xiao Hui still looking down at him with a sneer, his eyes slanted.

Fortunately, she didn't say anything gossipy: "You just said you didn't want to steal your comrades' credit, so you're planning to leave?"

Yu Lian did not answer immediately. He gazed into the distance: with the combined efforts of the six long-winged bread-like ships, the Emperor's Staff had already escaped the range of most of the fortress's artillery fire and was steadily accelerating towards the gravity well passage.

The massive Independence stood between the Imperial fleet and the evacuation route, its main guns flashing with undeniable power, like the roar of a lion, firmly pinning the trembling Imperial ships to a safe distance.

Yu Lian withdrew his gaze from the magnificent evacuation scene in the distance and turned it down to the Elither Fortress below, which was still occasionally erupting in explosions and flames.

The fluid metal layer was still slowly repairing the damage, and the outer turrets were firing sparsely at the Independence, but it seemed more like a routine task.

The entire fortress was unusually silent, even deathly still.

Yu Lian patted his somewhat anxious partner beneath him: "Flules, I'm going to take care of something. You stay here and don't move."

Before he finished speaking, his figure had already vanished silently from the dragon's back. The next second, using the subtle ripples in the space, Yu Lian entered the interior of the Elither Fortress in a transparent spirit form.

With his eighth-level perfected state, he could switch freely between spirit and physical form at will. Elemental cells and ethereal bodies were merely manifestations, not conceptual techniques. He could even dissolve mass to some extent, making spatial leaps even easier.

This time, he traversed a distance of nearly one astronomical unit without even using the Sky Jade.

The interior passageway was now a scene of utter chaos, the emergency lighting system flashing red, and the air thick with the stench of blood, burnt flesh, and the metallic ionization. The intense gunfire had subsided, but the sounds of battle still drifted in from afar.

Yu Lian soon heard a loud and clear roar: "Come on! Who wants to be the last imperial devil I, King Nokono Motong, kill!"

(End of this chapter)