Shadows of the Deep Space

"That's right."

...

The many generals said cheerfully.

The better the results of the city examination, the happier they were, as it meant a large number of talents would join the army in the future.

However, Su Ming's expression grew increasingly gloomy.

"That's great, let's begin archiving and start the handover one by one now!"

Zhou Jing said to everyone with a smile.

"Okay!"

Alifei and the others responded in unison.

At this moment, an abrupt voice suddenly sounded.

"Wait!"

Everyone in the conference hall was stunned and turned to look at Su Ming, who had stood up.

Zhou Jing looked at Su Ming, puzzled, and asked.

"General Su Ming, is there a problem?"

"Everyone, don't you feel there's something wrong with this year's city exam results?"

Su Ming said steadily.

These words were like a thunderclap, stunning everyone present, who looked at Su Ming in disbelief.

"Did I hear that right?"

"There are issues with the results?"

...

Zhou Jing repressed the astonishment in his heart, took a deep breath, and then asked.

"General Su Ming, why did you suddenly say such a thing?"

"Haven't you noticed? The students did too well this time, didn't they? Just take the Thirteenth District that I invigilated; in previous years, it was considered good if more than twenty students got into the external school of the Imperial Court Academy, but this year there were over seventy!"

Su Ming said, his brows tightly knit.

Upon hearing Su Ming's words, Alifei and the others started discussing.

"Yeah, there seems to be more top students this year?"

"Could this year's students simply be better?"

"Isn't it normal to have more? The exam is under our control, there's absolutely no way for cheating!"

...

"How can you say there's no way for cheating? What if they've defected to the Mechanical Sect and received so-called blessings?"

Su Ming directly retorted.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jing bristled, extremely alarmed, and questioned Su Ming.

"General Su Ming, this is no joking matter, do you have any evidence? This could concern the fairness of the entire city exam, and could potentially lead to the whole test being invalidated for retesting!"

"Evidence? Isn't it simple to get evidence? Just check those students with high scores, aren't their usual school performances clear? Moreover, this issue isn't just about the invalidation of the city exam; if these cheating students joined the Mechanical Sect, once they enter the major high-level colleges, they could infiltrate major military groups and Federation Government agencies. So if this is confirmed, they all must be captured and eliminated!"

Su Ming said coldly.

After hearing Su Ming's words, Alifei and the others felt a chill run down their spines and said.

"Su Ming is right. If these cheating students indeed belong to the Mechanical Sect, it would be disastrous!"

"This matter must be thoroughly investigated!"

...

Zhou Jing's facial muscles twitched continuously as he spoke to Su Ming.

"General Su Ming, this matter is too significant for me to decide on my own! Perhaps you should consult Vice City Lord Okens, as the annual city exam is his responsibility."

"Fine! But I hope everyone here can keep today's matter confidential and not let it spread, to prevent the enemy from reacting prematurely."

Su Ming also understood that he was indeed making things difficult for Zhou Jing.

"Understood!"

Alifei and the others nodded solemnly in agreement.

After giving his instructions, Su Ming turned and left.

...

Federation Government Administrative Building.

In the long corridor, Su Ming hurried toward the Deputy City Lord's office.

As a result, when he reached the corner, he ran straight into Vice City Lord Okens.

"Vice City Lord Okens!"

Su Ming's eyes lit up as he spoke.

"Su Ming!"

Okens called out happily upon seeing Su Ming.

"Lord Okens, I have an important matter to discuss with you."

Su Ming immediately said to Okens.

"Coincidentally, I also have something important to discuss with you."

Okens said in return.

Su Ming was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised, and asked.

"Lord Okens, you know about it?"

"Of course, I know."

Okens replied matter-of-factly.

"Oh, that's good."

"Su Ming, since you know everything, hurry and prepare."

"Prepare to arrest people?"

Hearing this, Su Ming was also a bit surprised, not expecting Okens to be so decisive and ruthless.

"Arrest people, arrest who?"

Okens looked at Su Ming, dumbfounded.

"Then what did you say prepare, prepare for what?"

Su Ming also looked at Okens in shock.

"Of course, it's to mobilize troops and go support the wormhole space-time!"

Okens replied blankly.

"Huh? What's happening?"

When Su Ming heard Okens' words, he almost jumped up.

He had just returned from the front line on leave to recuperate; what's going on?

"Stop, you say first! What's happening on your side? Who are you capturing?"

Okens took a deep breath and asked.

"The city exam was infiltrated by the Mechanical Sect, and suddenly many students with excellent grades appeared. Once these students enter the High-level College, they will spread like a virus to the Federation Military Department and vital institutions."

Su Ming said to Okens.

"What did you say? Then this city exam will be invalid?"

Okens exploded like a cat whose tail had been stepped on!

"Not only invalid, but these students also need to be captured. Furthermore, last year's city exam must be reviewed to confirm if there were any students infiltrated by the Mechanical Sect."

Su Ming said with difficulty.

"My heart."

Okens clutched his chest, speaking painfully.

"Lord Okens, please hold your pain; what's wrong with the wormhole space-time over there?"

Su Ming asked in confusion.

"Over there, the No. 4 Curvature Interference Device was tampered with, causing a monstrous tide invasion. Now a suspected VI Type unidentified creature has broken in, and they are asking the Federation to dispatch troops and top combat forces for support."

Okens said helplessly.

"A VI type monster...."

Hearing Okens' words, Su Ming couldn't stop twitching his mouth.

"That's why I thought to ask for your help."

Okens sighed and said.

"Thank you very much."

Su Ming replied half amused and half helpless, as Vice City Lord Okens really thought highly of him.

At this moment, Secretary Nan Ying rushed over, and upon seeing Okens, she immediately called out.

"Lord Okens, urgent military situation."

Okens' face changed slightly as he asked.

"What happened?"

"Due to the monstrous tide at wormhole space-time, there's also abnormal activity from the monsters at both the Mist Star Sea and Abyss of Descent, and now both sides have sent warning information."

Secretary Nan Ying reported anxiously.

When Su Ming heard Secretary Nan Ying's words, his expression became very intriguing? Is this what they mean by misfortunes never come singly?

Okens turned pale, but he still waved his hand at Nan Ying and said.

"I'm aware of this, you may go!"

"Yes."

Secretary Nan Ying breathed a sigh of relief and quickly left.

Su Ming cautiously asked.

"Lord Okens, what do we do now?"

"Let's go, visit Lord City Master."

Okens said as his expression kept changing.

"Alright!"

Su Ming nodded.

...

Before long, Su Ming and Vice City Lord Okens arrived outside Lord Gakels' office.

The two guards wearing Third Generation Exoskeleton Armor saluted Okens and Su Ming.

"Lord Okens, General!"

Okens and Su Ming responded with slight nods, then reached out to knock on the slightly ajar door.

Inside, a conversation was heard.

Gakels was hoarse as he spoke to a plain-looking man in gray overalls and glasses.

"Deldor, just speak your mind."

"Lord Gakels, Lord Farren! Our intelligence department just received classified information that the Dark Star Empire is mobilizing a significant force, preparing to reinforce the Siloke Star Sea, seemingly intending to reclaim the lost Danube Star Sea."

"Hmph, courting death, I'm not afraid of them, if they want a fight, I'll accompany them to the end."

Farren exploded upon hearing the news; he hadn't even settled his score with the Dark Star Empire, and now these guys dared to come looking for trouble.

If they wanted a fight, it was just right; he could avenge his deceased son.

"Calm down."

Gakels persuaded Farren.

"Hmph!"

Farren snorted coldly, suppressing his inner fury.

"According to our undercover information, Heavenly Revelation Divine Country is also preparing to launch a strong attack on the Tidal Star Sea."

Deldor continued to report.

Hearing Deldor's words, Gakels' expression also became grim; it was truly one wave after another.

"Those two old dogs must be colluding."

Farren angrily cursed.

Outside the door, Su Ming and Vice City Lord Okens exchanged glances.

"Lord Okens, perhaps you should go in alone, I'll stay outside."

Su Ming said in a low, very awkward voice to Okens.

Going in now would be like throwing himself into the line of fire?