Extraordinary Pedigree.

Chapter 817 The Approaching War

Bridge of the Sword of Glory-class strategic cruiser.

The air in the bridge was silent and solemn, with only the constantly jumping data flow on the tactical holographic map and the faint electronic pulse sound from the control console.

This is the nerve center of the battleship, the core area for commanding a deep war, and the seat of authority for the future courtyard fleet headquarters.

The structure of the bridge presents the typical aesthetic style of heaven. The tall dome is supported by a dark gold metal frame, and the walls are engraved with intricate inscriptions, which are runes woven from information flows to ensure that the bridge's computing system will not be disturbed during the jump.

The tactical projection in the center is like a glorious sky dome floating in mid-air, reflecting the real-time situation of the external battlefield. The blue star data outlines the fleet's array, and the red spots are potential threat signals.

The control consoles are arranged in a ring around the core command position of the bridge, and multiple holographic interfaces float in the air, ready to input tactical commands at any time.

Silas stood in front of the control panel, stretched out his right hand, and gently touched the core control node of the battleship. A soft psychic energy wave spread along the metal surface, triggering the response of the machine soul.

In his consciousness, a low and deep echo gradually took shape. It was a primitive consciousness that could not be described in words. It was like the roar of a wild beast, but it also revealed a hint of sacred majesty.

Silas could feel that the "machine soul" of this Sword of Glory-class heavy cruiser was gradually awakening, and its will was like that of a bound beast, trying to recognize the commander in front of it.

"…Your number?"

Silas asked in a low voice in his consciousness, his third eye slowly opened at this moment, and the fluctuation of ether established a secret connection between his palm and the machine soul.

【Certification passed——】

The deep voice echoed in his consciousness, carrying an indescribable sense of oppression. This was not a simulated intelligent humanoid machine soul, nor did it have an anthropomorphic emotional color. Its existence was more like a manifestation of a fighting will, rational and indifferent, loyal but with a biological fanaticism.

——This is exactly how Heaven understands the ship’s machine soul.

Nemo Yegor, the supervisory angel of the lunar base outpost who had participated in the sniper battle of [Volcano King] with Xia Xiu on Europa, and one of the six chief judges, once commented on the machine soul of heaven:
"The machine soul's simulated intelligence is very dangerous, because it is not like the lineage think tank that is tied to the entire lineage. The simulated intelligent humanoid machine soul has the ability to upgrade itself, but the Kingdom of Heaven does not need this kind of existence that is extremely easy to lose control and may even betray the captain.

Machine Souls can become corrupted by Chaos, transforming their technology into something unclean and heretical to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Heaven doesn't need that kind of machine soul, we only need a machine soul that is essentially an automated system."

The machine soul of Heaven is not the "ship girl" model of the Edisi Federation, nor will it give the captain any anthropomorphic "care" or "consideration". Its existence is closer to an unruly war beast - loyal but indifferent, ferocious but controllable.

——It will not fall in love with any captain, nor will it produce so-called "personalized thinking".

It will only recognize one master and tear apart all enemies under the master's command.

[No.: T-993·Z-S04-A02——]

This is a string of rigorous and cold codes, representing its model, division, tactical function and series.

In most cases, the machine souls of heaven have no names, no symbols, only order and numbers.

Silas' heart trembled slightly. He could feel that the machine spirit was trying to identify him, trying to judge whether this new existence that had come into contact with it was worthy of its response.

The consciousness of the machine soul carries a primitive and wild fighting instinct. It is like a hunter in the starry sky, sleeping in the endless darkness, driven by a single command.

At this moment, the door of the bridge quietly opened, and the sound of the metal bulkhead separating echoed in the silent space.

Xia Xiu and Tours slowly walked onto the bridge, their footsteps clearly audible on the metal floor.

Different from the solemn atmosphere in the bridge, Xia Xiu's posture seemed particularly leisurely. He was holding a gray cat in his arms. The cat's fur was soft and its tail hung lazily on his arm. The gray cat's pupils were half closed, and it seemed to care nothing about anything happening around it.

Tours was a different story, his fox ears slightly erected, his amber pupils sweeping across the interior of the bridge, his gaze lingering for a moment on the core area where the three-eyed student and the machine spirit were fighting.

"It seems that he still needs time to adapt to the beast soul of your kingdom of heaven."

Xia Xiu's gaze fell on Silas standing in front of the holographic interface, with a slight smile on his face.

He did not rush to speak, but stood aside, quietly watching how the three-eyed student controlled this steel beast.

Silas's spiritual realm was vibrating invisibly, mixed with the machine soul's unique combat intuition and distrust of unknown commanders.

His palms were slightly warm, and sweat was dripping down his palms. Silas was no stranger to this feeling, it was a tug of war between taming and fighting, he knew where he was now - he had just stepped into the territory of the machine spirit and gained the first step of recognition, but he still had a long way to go before he could completely tame it.

"It seems that the flagship's machine spirit has not yet completely surrendered."

Xia Xiu said calmly, without any emotion in his tone. The gray cat in his arms opened its eyes and licked its paws casually. He bent down slightly, placed the cat on the side of the control panel, and let it jump to a high place, leisurely overlooking everything in the bridge.

Silas took a deep breath, slowly lowered his hand, and stopped further invading the machine soul.

The three-eyed student adjusted his breathing, raised his hand and saluted the principal and vice-principal in a standard military salute, then said:

"The Sword of Glory flagship is too big. Even if we reach an agreement with the Machine Spirit, students still need time to adapt to it."

Xia Xiu looked at his student with a hint of relief in his eyes, then raised his hand and gently patted the control panel, saying in a soft tone:

"Taming is not something that can be achieved overnight. The machine soul is the will of the battleship. Its obedience is established through repeated battles, execution of orders, and even baptism of blood and fire."

He paused, his eyes falling on Silas' forehead, where the mark of the third eye still faintly revealed some residual ether fluctuations.

"Also, to make it easier for you to control the Sword of Glory, I also brought Grey Wind with me."

Xia Xiu showed a meaningful smile and pointed at the gray cat, "It will help you communicate with the machine spirit."

Silas's eyes fell on the gray cat that was elegantly grooming its fur. His brows slightly furrowed, and he was obviously a little confused:

"Gray Wind...?"

There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. After all, in his opinion, it was difficult to connect the machine soul of the ship with this cat that looked so ordinary.

Xia Xiu raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and explained in a relaxed tone:
"This is the first machine spirit I ignited personally. Its main body is a ship called 'Ice Walker'."

When he said this, he continued with a smile on his face:
"This ship is also moored in the courtyard now. When needed, you can also apply to the courtyard's senior management to dispatch it."

“This thing…” Silas whispered, with some disbelief in his tone, “It… is also part of the machine soul?”

Xia Xiu smiled, with a meaningful tone in his voice:

“You can understand it this way, or in other words, it is a medium, a bridge to communicate with the machine soul.

Grey Wind's presence is like a bond that can help you adapt to the flagship more quickly and allow the machine spirit to become more familiar with you."

Silas was about to continue asking questions, but at this moment, the gray cat in front of him suddenly turned over, stretched its limbs lazily, and then walked to him with graceful steps, staring at him with its unique cat pupils.

It was a gaze completely different from that of ordinary creatures.

That feeling... inexplicably reminded him of the moment when the ship's machine soul collided with his spirit.

The gray cat slowly raised one paw, waved it gently in the air, and then let out a low cry.

"Meow--"

Silas subconsciously stretched out his hand and touched the cat's paw.

The next moment, he felt his palms getting slightly warm, and that strange energy fluctuation was still wandering around his fingertips, like some kind of mark, leaving a unique trace deep in his soul.

He knew that this was not only a message from Grey Wind, but also part of the will of the Sword of Glory flagship machine soul.

Silas raised his head slightly, looked at Xia Xiu, took a deep breath, and spoke in an unprecedentedly serious tone:
"……I see."

Gray Wind's tail swayed slightly, as if examining, or approving.

Then, it slowly jumped back onto the control panel and curled up into a ball, seemingly returning to its lazy and leisurely appearance.

But Silas knew that things were not that simple.

He looked down at his palm. The remaining energy fluctuation had not yet completely dissipated, and it was pulsating slightly, like a long-dormant star slowly waking up.

And in the depths of that wave, he seemed to see a huge data scene. Certain information flows belonging to the Sword of Glory slowly emerged in his consciousness through the projection of Gray Wind's machine soul.

——[Garden Flagship·Glorious Sword Class Heavy Cruiser]——

Ship length: 3 km
Ship weight: millions of tons Propulsion system: EVE particle propulsion engine, ether traction engine drive

Shield system: Heavy void shield

Armor Strength: Highly reinforced hull.

Maximum speed: Medium (compared to other heavy ships)

main weapon
Plasma Arc Cannon:

Function: High-density energy projection weapon, specially designed to penetrate the armor and shields of enemy ships.

Features: Fires high-energy plasma bombs, causing devastating damage to large ships.

Deployment: Main turrets on the bow and sides of the hull.

Shipborne missile launchers:
Function: Launches various types of missiles to suppress enemy ships or eliminate small ships.

Features:

Standard Destroyer Missile: For use against cruisers or heavy targets.

Cluster Missiles: Effective for clearing out enemy fighters or frigates.

Secondary Weapon Laser Turret:
Function: Provides medium- and short-range firepower to counter destroyers or frigates.

Deployment: Distributed on both sides of the ship, providing multi-directional defense.

Point Defense Artillery:
Function: Defense against enemy torpedoes and fighters.

Deployment: Vital areas of the ship (engines, bridge).

Shield System (Heaven):

[Void Shield★{Note: Special ether technology symbol}]

The Void Shield is a [black box technology] left by the Ivy League Gods of War. It is also one of the key defense systems currently mastered by most middle and upper-level forces. It uses high-energy plasma fields to generate an invisible energy barrier to resist enemy weapon attacks.

Features:

Absorb energy attacks: Able to withstand direct attacks from laser cannons, plasma cannons, explosive weapons, etc.

Weakened kinetic weapons: It has a certain degree of defense against physical ammunition (such as naval gun shells and railguns), but it is not as strong as the protection against high-energy weapons.

Layered protection: Warships are usually equipped with multiple layers of void shields. Even if one layer of shields is penetrated, some energy can be quickly restored through the emergency reactor.

Things to note:

Unable to resist boarding: Void shields cannot block physical contact with small ships or landing pods. Once the shield is weakened, the enemy can take advantage of the opportunity to conduct boarding.

Vulnerable to sustained attacks: Shield energy takes time to recharge, and may collapse completely if hit by high-intensity fire in a short period of time.

The void shield parameter attribute values ​​of the Sword of Glory heavy cruiser are:
Layers: 4 layers

Recovery time: 30-90 seconds (depending on the battle situation) Shield coverage: the entire ship, but the side defense is slightly weaker

Energy sources: lineage, individual power, reactor drive, can temporarily overload to increase defense.

------

——This is a true war machine, a fortress of steel and ether.

Silas' fingers curled slightly. He could clearly feel that the Sword of Glory's machine soul was still lingering on the edge of his consciousness. The unruly aura had not dissipated. The machine soul seemed to be examining, testing, and measuring whether he was really qualified to control this steel behemoth.
Xia Xiu watched this scene quietly, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and then his voice slowly rang out:

“It’s a bit counterintuitive, but part of the extraordinary technological explosion during the Ivy League War was actually deliberately spread by the gods.

They spread it in the form of black box technology, directly opening up a large part of the shield technology that was once strictly controlled by major forces on Terra.

This means that as long as they have the black box and sufficient resources, almost every force can equip their destroyers, frigates, cruisers and even battleships with this high-level shield system. "

He paused, his eyes sweeping across the tactical holographic projection in the bridge. Shield structure diagrams of various ships appeared on the screen, with ancient and advanced energy barriers flowing through them.

“In the past, Heaven’s boarding tactics mainly targeted the spectrum shield technologies of various forces.

Angels usually fly special celestial fighters or special landing craft, using the gaps in the shield to penetrate the enemy's defenses and perform "climbing tactics".

- The assault boats or landing craft will stick to the hull of the enemy ship, allowing the commandos to infiltrate the enemy ship directly from the outside and start fighting directly inside the ship.

Xia Xiu tilted his head slightly, his golden pupils reflecting the halo in the bridge, and his tone was a little playful:

"But things are different now - shield technology is becoming more balanced among all forces, and the form of war is becoming more and more retro."

He tapped the control panel lightly, and the detailed armament data of the Sword of Glory appeared on the projection interface.

On the light curtain, rows of weapon bay structures are clearly visible, and the configurations of special fighters and torpedo bays are also marked.

“The interior of this flagship is also specially designed with special fighter planes and torpedo compartments for boarding battles.

In the future, most of the onboard personnel will come from the Administration, and the permanent maintenance personnel on board will mainly be members of the Mole Science Society. "

Xia Xiu withdrew his hand, and his gaze fell back on Silas. He gave a calm and meaningful admonition in his voice:
"So, you have to remember that the extraordinary individuals responsible for boarding tactics in the future will be the Sons of the Courtyard."

His smile deepened, and he gently patted the three-eyed student on the shoulder:

"I will give you angelic bodies so that you can truly become part of the battleship.

Sometimes, I will fight alongside you.”

Silas was stunned for a moment, and his heart suddenly accelerated.

At that moment, he felt that he was not only the commander of this ship, but also part of this war, part of the courtyard, and part of the great cause of the heavenly utopia.

Xia Xiu's voice continued, his tone steady and firm, but with an irresistible sense of oppression:
“Next, I will continue to negotiate with Abnormal Capital and make them bleed more.

I will randomly create a strategic base in the courtyard, which will serve as the second strategic element and will dive with us to the astral world at depth 60."

His eyes slowly swept across the bridge and landed on Silas, with a meaningful smile on his face:

"At the same time, I will arrange the first 'Twenty-Four Saint Casting Surgery' for each of the Children of the Courtyard. This will help you become truly extraordinary individuals comparable to angels."

The light screen inside the bridge flickered, tactical data flowed with star map images, and the outline of the etheric world at a depth of 60 appeared on the screen, dark and huge.

Xia Xiu tapped the console lightly and continued:
“Illichid Empire, we must prepare for all-out war.

After going deeper into depth 60, the time distortion will become extremely serious. We may experience several years of war inside, but only two or three months have passed in the world."

He paused for a moment, and looked directly at Silas with his golden eyes:

“So, you all need to be prepared, especially you, Silas.

It's not just the machine soul that controls the flagship of the Sword of Glory. In the future, the destroyers and frigates that the Kingdom of Heaven will use to support the Courtyard will also be delivered one after another. You need to select the right people from the Sons of the Courtyard, form a fleet, and ensure that they can exert their due power on the battlefield."

Xia Xiu's tone gradually became steady, as if he was declaring some undeniable fact:
“The higher-ups in heaven are watching us, watching the courtyard.

They want to see our results, and we must deliver an opening answer sheet that satisfies them.”

Silas' fingers tightened unconsciously, looking at the principal's golden eyes, he knew that the Midnight Courtyard was about to face a real test.

As a student of Hugh Abraham, he was the first child of the courtyard to accept the trend of ordering thought...

He didn't want to disappoint the principal.

……

……