Shadow of Deep Space

Chapter 532 Sorry

"Everyone else, follow me!"

Su Ming, Rhine and others flew towards the Light Shuttle, and then entered the interior through a large damaged hole on the surface of the ship.

The interior of the ship was dark and silent. All facilities had stopped working. Only the dim emergency lights were still working. Various damaged objects were floating around.

Su Ming and others explored further inside, constantly destroying some of the partition doors that were lowered.

But the situation became increasingly bizarre. Not only did they not find any living people along the way, they didn't even see a dead body.

"Boss, do you feel that this ship is strange?"

Ankajia asked, feeling a little uneasy.

Normally, even if a ship was blown to pieces, there would be at least some bodies left behind. However, the Light Shuttle was well preserved overall, but no bodies were seen.

"Indeed, everyone be careful."

Su Ming reminded in a deep voice.

"it is good!"

Everyone responded one after another.

Su Ming and others continued to go deeper and soon arrived at the transit hall.

The dim transit hall was empty except for some flashing emergency lights, and the entire ship looked like a ghost ship.

Su Ming controlled the mecha to stop and asked Xiao Hui in a deep voice.

"Xiao Hui, can you sense living people?"

After listening to Su Ming's words, Xiao Hui showed a very confused expression on his face, and then shook his head.

When Su Ming saw Xiao Hui shaking his head, his heart suddenly skipped a beat and a very bad premonition came to his mind, but he still spoke calmly.

"Search separately. Ankajia, take a team to the central control room, and Rhine, take a team to search the living area."

"Yes!"

Rhine and others replied seriously.

“No matter if the search yields any results or not, we will all gather here in the end!”

Su Ming instructed everyone.

"understand!"

Rhine and others immediately led the team to search.

"I hope nothing happens."

Su Ming muttered something, then controlled Ilinias to wait on the spot, temporarily cutting off the mental connection. Biological mechas are not like pure mechanical mechas, and it is still very easy to damage the body if driven for a long time.

Time passed little by little, and several hours went by in the blink of an eye.

Rhine took the lead in leading the team to retreat.

"How is it? Did you find anyone alive?"

Although Su Ming didn't hold out much hope, he still asked.

"No, this ship is particularly strange. Not only did we not find any living people, we didn't even see a single body. It feels like it disappeared out of thin air."

Rhine said with a bit of fear in his heart.

At this time, Hamiu brought the team back and said to Su Ming.

"Boss, I checked the hangar as well. Although I found some mechas, they were all empty."

"I see."

Su Ming nodded slightly and replied.

Soon Ankajia also led the team to retreat.

"Ankajia, what's the situation in the central control room?"

Su Ming asked with a serious expression.

"We didn't find any living people or monsters in the central control room. I wanted to try to read the log, but I couldn't start the console."

Ankajia explained to Su Ming.

"Let's go to the central control room."

Su Ming controlled Ilinya to lead Rhine and others away.

Soon they arrived at the outer hall of the central control room. Because Ilinias was too large, they could not enter the central control room.

Su Ming opened the cockpit, floated out with Celis and Xiao Hui, and then gave instructions to Hamiu.

"Hamu, you stay here and keep an eye on my mecha!"

"Yes!"

Hamiu replied in a deep voice.

Su Ming then took Rhine and others into the central control room of the Light Shuttle.

The huge central control room was in a mess, with chairs lying all over the place. Apart from that, the operating console and other equipment were not damaged, and the overall layout was not destroyed. Everything was still the same as I remembered.

Su Ming said as he took Celis to the control panel.

“Celis, check it out!”

"The control console is not damaged, but there is no power. There must be a problem with the main power source."

Celis scanned the console and said.

"Where's the backup power supply?"

Su Ming asked immediately.

"The backup power supply must have been exhausted. For such a large ship, the backup power supply can't last long."

Celis said to Su Ming.

Su Ming turned his head and looked at Lai Yin and gave instructions.

"Rhine, have the mechanic connect the mecha's energy source to the control console with a wire."

"it is good."

Rhine immediately went to make arrangements.

Su Ming stood there quietly waiting.

Soon they used lines to connect the console to the V-generation pure mechanical mecha, the Gray Hunter Messenger. Although Rhine's mecha could not supply the entire ship, it was still easy to supply a control room in a short period of time.

Celis then floated above the console and extended a thin metal wire to pierce into the console.

Swish!
The console started up immediately, and a holographic operating screen appeared.

Celis quickly input commands, and pop-up windows appeared one after another. Soon the ship log was called out and then projected in front of Su Ming.

Su Ming reached out and flipped the diary, and saw the record on it.

10 hours on July 2th.

The Light Shuttle followed the troops to support the GS03 mining site, where it was ambushed by the Dark Star Empire and a fierce battle broke out between the two sides.

Eventually the federal ship was defeated and tried to break out, but was unfortunately targeted by the Vampire. It had no choice but to risk leaving its route and entering the fog, but unexpectedly the Vampire also followed in.

10 hours on July 2th.

The Light Shuttle lost its direction in the Misty Star Sea under the pursuit of the Vampire. But even so, the Vampire of the Dark Star Empire still chased us and continued to attack!
10 hours on July 2th.

The power unit of the Light Shuttle was hit by the Vampire, causing serious damage.

10 hours on July 2th.

The Light Shuttle and the Vampire were attacked by unknown creatures, and they had no choice but to reach a temporary ceasefire.

10 hours on July 2th.

The unknown monster kept wandering around hunting, and all the people who went out to fight did not return.

October 10, 2:23

The unknown monster began to attack the ship, and the Light Shuttle was on the verge of sinking.

October 10, 3:0

Colonel Lin Chuyu resolutely drove the biological mecha and led the unidentified creature away alone.

Su Ming fell silent when he saw this log. He could imagine how lonely, desperate and determined she was at that time.

Rhine and the others looked at each other, not knowing what to say. They might not be able to survive if they hid in the ship, and there would be no hope of survival if they lured the monster away. You have to know that Lin Chuyu was driving a biological mecha.

After a few minutes of silence, Su Ming reached out and continued to pull down the log.

10 hours on July 3th.

The Light Shuttle and the Vampire escaped the monsters' pursuit, but we were completely lost.
Su Ming continued to flip through the pages, but the rest was blank.

“Celis, is the data damaged? Why is there no data at the end?”

"The data was not damaged, it was the backup power supply that ran out of power. The voice recorded by the black box was mentioned, but no one's voice was heard after 8 o'clock."

Celis explained to Su Ming.

After listening to Celis's words, Su Ming turned and said to Ankajia.

"Ankajia, take a team to the Vampire's central control room."

"it is good!"

Ankajia quickly turned around and left with his men.

After Su Ming finished arranging things, he stood there quietly, flipping through the diary over and over again, his expression becoming increasingly gloomy.

Rhine and others stood nearby, not daring to say a word.

After a long time, Su Ming's colonial armor received a remote communication from Ankajia.

"Boss, the power plant of the Vampire was not damaged, but the central control room was destroyed and no valuable clues were found."

Ankajia reported to Su Ming.

"I know, come back!"

Su Ming replied in a deep voice.

"Yes!"

Ankaja responded quickly.

At this time, Rhine spoke hesitantly.

"Boss, please accept my condolences!"

Su Ming didn't say anything, he just turned around and floated out silently.

Seeing this, Rhine and others hurriedly followed and left the central control room.

Soon after.

Su Ming and his companions came to the living area. They parked the mecha at the main passage of the living area and had Hamiu and others guard it.

Su Ming activated the gravity assist of the colonial armor and walked in alone, while Rhine and others followed quietly behind him.

Soon he arrived at Lin Chuyu's door and pushed open the half-open door.

The room was in a mess, with scattered furniture and daily necessities floating everywhere.

Then Su Ming walked in alone.

At this time, when Rhine and others behind him were about to follow in, Su Ming spoke hoarsely.

"Rhine, go to other rooms and collect the belongings of the other sacrificed companions. Take them back to the Federation and return them to the families of the deceased so that they can have something to remember."

"it is good!"

Rhine immediately took his people away, leaving only Elu and Angel.

Su Ming stood in the room and looked around.

At this moment, he saw a small broken photo frame floating on the desk, so he walked over and picked up the photo frame.

There was a photo in the frame. In the photo, Su Ming, Lin Chuyu and An Ruoxue were sitting on the star wall.

Su Ming opened the photo frame, took the photo down, and carefully put it away. Then he walked to the closet and opened the door.

There were only a few sets of clothes in the closet, one of which was the Royal Court Academy uniform.

Su Ming became more and more silent as he looked at these clothes.

At this time, Ailu walked to Su Ming's side and spoke softly.

"Let's do it."

"Ah."

Su Ming nodded slightly and replied.

Elu and Angie then began to pack up some relics of more commemorative significance.

Su Ming watched Ai Lu and the other person sorting out the relics. He felt more and more melancholy and couldn't help but turn his head away.

At this moment, a blue diary floated past him.

Su Ming reached out and took the blue diary.

This is a natural paper diary that is in very good condition.

Su Ming opened the first page of the diary, on which Lin Chuyu's name was written delicately.

Su Ming was in a trance for a moment, and then he opened the second page of the diary.

April 4606th, 8 Old Era.

Today is my 6th birthday. My mother bought me a beautiful dress and made me a lot of delicious food. I was very happy! But what made me happiest was that my father came back and brought me a special gift, a diary. My father told me that although he couldn't be with me, I could record all the happy things and tell him later.
April 4607th, 9 Old Era.

Today is a gloomy day. Many guests came to my house and brought bad news. My father disappeared in the foggy sea of ​​stars. My mother cried very sadly. I felt so helpless and uncomfortable.

April 4607th, 9 Old Era.

I was awakened by a nightmare at night. When I walked out of the room to look for my mother, I saw her sitting alone in the living room crying silently.
April 4607th, 12 Old Era.

Since my father left, my mother has been crying every day and in a daze. In order not to be reminded of the past, she took me away from the Starlight City and returned to District 13 to settle down. My mother used her savings to open a flower shop. Although my mother has regained her spirits, every night when it is quiet, I can still see her crying silently while holding my father's photo. At that moment, I secretly vowed to study hard, become strong, and go to the misty sea of ​​stars to find my father.
In the year 4616 of the Old Era, I was admitted to the Mint Intermediate College in District and was selected as a special trainee. This brought me one step closer to being admitted to the Imperial Court College. My mother was very happy and personally prepared a table of delicious food for me.

April 4618th, 5 Old Era.

I was studying in the library when suddenly Teacher Chen Yi came to me and told me that Su Ming, a student in Mecha Class 3, had hanged himself because of a love letter incident.

I was very shocked when I heard the news.

Although I have no impression of Su Ming, have never had any contact with him, and have never received his love letter, fortunately he was rescued in time.

Year 4618 of the Old Era.
Today is a bad day. Chirami invaded District 13. The school was in chaos and there were monsters everywhere! I was very scared, but I kept telling myself to overcome it. If I was afraid now, I would not be able to go to the Misty Star Sea to find my father. So I risked my life to go to the training room and drove the training plane to help. As a result, I met Su Ming. However, this time, he didn't seem as fragile as I thought. We fought side by side.

Year 4618 of the Old Era.
Due to Chirami's invasion, the school suspended classes. In order not to fall behind in my studies, I took the Skyrail to the Heavy Assault Club.

As a result, my cell phone and wallet were stolen, but fortunately I met Su Ming, who kindly reminded me and helped me seek help from the patrolling security guard.

Later, in order not to delay training, I borrowed some money from him, but I didn't expect that he also wanted to go to the rebuilding club.

We went there together, but unexpectedly we met Gu Meng in the club, and there was only one training device left.

Su Ming and Gu Meng had a conflict. I originally wanted to persuade him, but I didn't expect Su Ming to be so tough.

I didn't quite understand why such a strong person would commit suicide? Was he murdered?
June 6th of the Old Era.

My mother woke me up early in the morning. Although she didn't put any pressure on me, I could see the expectation in her eyes.

I will definitely not let her down in this city exam.

The city exam began soon, but what I didn’t expect was that this time the city exam was reformed. The parliament sent the Royal Court to take over, and many cheaters were taken away.

But what disturbs me most is that professional examinations are also being reformed.

We used the latest simulation chamber to enter the battle to defend the Earth Flame Star.

During the exam, I met Su Ming again. He was very smart and rational. I really wanted to bring him into the team, but the people in my team disagreed.

Later, in the hangar of the interstellar airport, I saw classmate Su Ming again. At that time, he had a conflict with Li Fubai and his mecha was taken away. I wanted to help him, but I knew it was impossible because Li Fubai would not agree, and it might anger Li Fubai and harm him. In the end, I chose my dream between conscience and dream. At that time, I wanted to say sorry to him, but when I looked back and saw his cold eyes, I couldn't speak and could only turn around silently.
After the city exam, I thought we would never meet again. But we met again on the subway in the City of Stars. Maybe this is fate. It's amazing.

April 4621th, 7 Old Era.

late at night.

The Misty Star Sea was attacked and asked for help from the Space Army Headquarters.

When I heard the news, I was very happy. I knew the opportunity had come and I finally had the chance to fulfill my dream.

That night I tossed and turned and suffered from insomnia for the first time.

I don’t know why, but Su Ming’s figure kept appearing in my mind, so I got up, walked to the desk and opened my diary.

I know that this time I go to the Misty Star Sea, I may never come back.

I am not afraid of death, and my determination to find my father remains strong. But every time I think of Su Ming, my determination begins to waver.

For a moment, I even wanted to give up my dream and respond to Su Ming.

I sat at my desk all night, and when the day broke, the bright sunlight shone on me.

In the end, between family and love, I chose family, and I hope I won't regret it.

If there is another chance in this life, I really want to say something to Su Ming.

I'm sorry, I love you.

Su Ming flipped through the diary, looking at every detail recorded by Lin Chuyu, and his expression became increasingly silent.

I don’t know how long it took, but Rhine and others came in to report.

"Boss, we have almost collected all the relics."

Su Ming did not answer Rhine and the others, but stood there in silence, with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

Seeing this, Rhine and others stood quietly by, and the atmosphere in the room became very depressing.

After a long time, a loud voice broke the silence.

At this time, Zhang Yi's voice was heard in the communication channel.

"Boss, something's happening. I saw a figure flashing in the fog. It seems like we're being targeted!"

"Hold on, we'll be there soon."

Su Ming slowly raised his bracelet and spoke hoarsely.

"Yes!"

Zhang Yi replied nervously.

"Rhine, let's go!" Su Ming immediately took Rhine and others out of the room and ran towards the mecha parking area.

Outer starry sky.

Zhang Yi and others were operating the mecha, looking at the white fog in the distance with tense nerves, not daring to be distracted at all.

Fortunately, there are fog lights, so if the other party rushes over, he should appear normally.

At this time, Su Ming drove Ilinias and rushed out of the Light Shuttle with Rhine and others, and quickly flew to Zhang Yi's side.

"Where's the monster?"

Su Ming asked in a deep voice.

"Inside the white fog, but it moves so fast that I can't see it clearly."

Zhang Yi didn't know where to point.

Su Ming and others observed the white fog in the distance, but saw nothing.

"Zhang Yi, are you dazzled?"

Ankaja tried to ask.

"How is it possible? All these brothers saw it."

Zhang Yi said with a dark face.

Su Ming asked Xiao Hui directly.

"Xiao Hui, is there anything in the fog?"

"Squeak!"

Xiao Hui immediately pointed to a cloud of mist and kept squeaking.

Su Ming immediately looked over and saw a huge figure flash by. His eyes suddenly became fierce, and then he said to Rhine and others.

"Rhine, all of you go back to the Light Shuttle. I'm going to kill that guy."

"Ah, boss, don't you want us to help you?"

"No, I'll take Xiao Hui up alone. It'll be easier to fight there and we won't get lost as easily."

"it is good!"

Rhine and others controlled the mechas and flew towards the Light Shuttle.

Su Ming controlled Ilinias, turned into a stream of light and rushed towards the white mist, then dived into it.

For a moment, visibility was reduced to blood.

"No, I can't see clearly at all."

Celis kept shaking her head and replied.

At this time, a huge figure passed by Ilinias's right side. Su Ming instinctively controlled the mecha to turn around and look over, but he didn't see even a ghost.

"Xiao Hui, help me!"

Su Ming said in a deep voice.

"Squeak!"

Xiao Hui then stretched out his little paw and pointed in a direction.

Su Ming controlled Ilinias's power to burst out and rushed forward according to Xiao Hui's instructions.

"Squeak!"

Xiao Hui kept stretching out his claws and changing directions.

Su Ming also adjusted the flight direction of the mecha.

Within a few minutes, Su Ming suddenly saw a blurry and huge figure in the white mist. His eyes suddenly became stern, and he raised the Dragon-based Spear in his hand and rushed forward like a stream of light.

When Su Ming got close, a monster with a head of white smoke and unclear appearance appeared in his sight. It was a thousand meters tall, made entirely of white tissue covered with jacaranda patterns, shaped like a human row, with three pairs of white wings and restrained strength.

Su Ming suddenly stabbed at him with a gun.

In an instant, an invisible stance barrier emerged out of thin air.

click!
The Dragon-based Spear pierced the invisible stance barrier, causing the entire barrier to twist but not break.

Su Ming's eyelids jumped suddenly. From the strength of the stance barrier, he could infer that this guy was definitely a Type VI hero or above.

At this moment, the unknown monster in front of him suddenly flapped its wings and an invisible impact swept across.

Su Ming controlled Ilinias to activate the AT stance coat, and the entire mecha was blown away.

When he stabilized the machine, the monster had disappeared without a trace.
"Little Gray, where is it?"

Su Ming looked around vigilantly.

"Squeak!"

Xiao Hui then shouted.

"What are you talking about? Pointing at directions?"

Su Ming asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"You are stupid, Xiao Hui said it ran away."

Celis said to Su Ming.

"Ran?"

Su Ming's face suddenly turned very ugly, and he kept looking at the fog in the distance.

"Forget it, let's go back. After all, this is the Misty Star Sea, the opponent's home court, which is very disadvantageous to us."

Seeing that Su Ming was in a bad mood, Celis sighed and tried to persuade him.

Su Ming was silent for a while, and finally chose to give up unwillingly.

"I see."

Celis was right. The Misty Star Sea was the opponent's home turf. Fighting the opponent in the mist was no different from a blind fight. Moreover, he was driving a biological mecha. If the opponent didn't fight him head-on, he would be easily exhausted to death.

"Ah."

Celis’s virtual image nodded in response.

Su Ming controlled Ilinias and flew towards the Light Shuttle.

A moment later, Su Ming controlled Ilinias to board the Light Shuttle and return to the hangar.

After parking the mecha, he opened the cockpit and floated down.

"Boss, how's it going?"

Rhine and others came forward and asked.

"Run away."

Su Ming said calmly.

"So, Boss, what should we do next? Continue searching or return?"

Rhine immediately asked.

"Return, let's go to the central control room."

After a few seconds of silence, Su Ming led the Rhine people towards the central control room.

Although he hoped more than anyone else that Lin Chuyu was still alive, his mind told him that she was already dead.

Central control room.

Su Ming and others walked in, and Li Menghan and others greeted them respectfully.

"Master Su Ming, you are back."

"Well, prepare to return."

Su Ming said to Li Menghan.

"it is good!"

Li Menghan and others immediately took action and started the propulsion device.

Su Ming carried Xiao Hui to the command chair and sat down. Xiao Hui stretched out his little paw and pointed in a direction.

The Falling Light began to turn around and headed in the direction that Little Gray pointed.

Su Ming sat silently in the command chair, flipping through the diary from time to time.

Rhine and others stood by, everyone was silent, and the atmosphere was extremely depressing.

At this time, Su Ming broke the silence and said.

"Rhine, you don't have to stand here with me. You've worked hard on this voyage. I'll be watching over you here. Go and have a rest."

"It's okay. We're not tired."

Rhine replied with a forced smile.

Just as they were talking, suddenly a huge figure rushed past the bow of the Fallen Light.

"Ah, what is that?"

Li Menghan and others were immediately shocked.

Su Ming said with a gloomy expression.

"That's a Type VI monster. I didn't expect this guy to come again. The energy barrier maintains maximum power output!"

"Yes!"

Li Menghan and others quickly took action.

"Xiao Hui, where is that guy?"

Su Ming asked.

"Squeak!"

Xiao Hui shook his head and shouted.

"Xiao Hui, said that guy flew away."

Celis translated.

"Running away again?"

"Yes!"

"Never mind, speed up!"

Su Ming frowned and immediately gave the order.

"Yes!"

Li Menghan nodded in response.

As a result, the Fallen Light had been sailing forward for less than ten minutes when Xiao Hui suddenly squeaked, and the next second the unidentified monster flew past the Fallen Light again.

Just as Su Ming was about to head to the hangar, the other party disappeared without a trace again.

Li Menghan and others looked at Su Ming.

"Sir, what should we do now?"

"Keep sailing."

Su Ming said with a changing expression.

"Yes!"

Li Menghan nodded in response.

A moment later, Little Gray squeaked again, and the monster flew past the ship again.

"Boss, is this guy sick? He keeps wandering around in front of us."

"Yeah, and they won't attack us either?"

Rhine and others said in confusion.

Su Ming's expression changed for a moment, and he obviously felt something was wrong, then he spoke.

“Celis, do you think the other party is trying to trick us into chasing it?”

"Now that you put it that way, it seems to be true."

Celis said in surprise.

"Xiao Hui, which direction did it fly?"

Su Ming asked.

"Squeak!"

Xiao Hui pointed in a direction.

Su Ming turned and said to Li Menghan.

"Adjust the navigation defense line and chase in the direction pointed by Little Gray."

"Huh? Yes."

Li Menghan showed a look of shock on her face, but she immediately followed Su Ming's instructions.

Rhine and others looked at Su Ming in dumbfoundedness and asked.

"Boss, isn't this too risky? What if this is a trap?"

"There is a chance of a trap, but it's not very high! If the other party was hostile, they would have attacked us long ago. Also, I attacked it in the fog before, but it didn't fight back."

Su Ming explained to Rhine and others.

"True, but where exactly is it leading us?"

Rhine and others nodded and said.

"I don't know about that, but it will be revealed soon!"

Su Ming replied in a deep voice.

"Ok!"

Rhine and others nodded in response.

Time passed little by little, and the Falling Light continued to sail in the direction where the monster had fled. The monster no longer appeared frequently, and only suddenly appeared when it was necessary to change the direction of the course.

Su Ming and others became more and more certain that the other party was guiding them to a certain place.

However, due to the influence of the white fog, Su Ming and others only felt that the ship was sailing in the white fog and had no way to judge the changes in the surrounding environment.

As for Xiao Hui, although he could see clearly, he had no way of telling Su Ming directly where the ship was flying to or whether there were any changes.

In fact, the Fallen Light was flying towards the center of a foggy vortex, getting closer and closer.

When the Fallen Light approached the center of the vortex to a certain distance, Xiao Hui suddenly reacted very strongly and screamed loudly.

"Squeak!"

“Celis, what is Little Gray saying?”

Su Ming immediately became alert.

"It seems to be saying there's a hole in front! Oh my god, a hole!"

Celis shouted in panic while translating.

Su Ming and the others were also shocked. They just wanted to control the Fallen Light to stop, but the Fallen Light was instantly pulled by a strong force and suddenly sailed forward and plunged into the hole.

Suddenly, the Light of Destruction began to vibrate violently.

"Fuck!"

Rhine and others shouted out loud.

"Hold on!"

Su Ming spoke calmly.

Fortunately, the vibration did not last long and the ship soon returned to stability.

"Oh my god, what is this place?"

Li Menghan looked at the image displayed by the optical device and spoke in shock.

When Su Ming and others heard Li Menghan's words, they all raised their heads and looked over.

The white fog around the Fallen Light became very light, visibility increased significantly, and even the limitations of equipment such as scanning devices became smaller, able to cover a small area.

At this time, in front of the Fallen Light, there were a number of broken mechas, mechanical flying insects and other wreckage floating, and in the distance, the wreckage of a sunken ship could be seen.

"We have come to an ancient battlefield?"

Rhine said in astonishment.

"Ship fly forward a little, I will identify the coded models and ships of those mechas!"

Celis spoke immediately.

"it is good!"

Li Menghan immediately followed Celis's instructions.

Celis scanned the mechas along the way and identified the sunken ships ahead.

"Oh my god, these mechas belong to the Federation Army, and the sunken ship is the former First Legion Level 5 Battleship Skyline! This is the site of the Red Light Battle."

Celis’s virtual image showed an extremely shocked expression.

"The Battle of Red Light? Wasn't that the battle where the Grey Angel was sunk?"

Su Ming suddenly reacted.

"Boss, you are mistaken, right? Aren't the Grey Angels in the Federation?"

Rhine and others asked in confusion.

"That one is a new one. The original one sank."

Su Ming said to Rhine and others.

"what!"

When Rhine and others heard this, they were all dumbfounded.

(End of this chapter)