Shadows of the Deep Space

Soraya heard Su Ming's words, her expression becoming increasingly gloomy.

Su Ming noticed Soraya's unusual expression and tentatively asked.

"Commander, has something happened?"

"The supply route from the Abyss of Descent to the Federation has been cut off!"

Soraya said in a deep voice.

After hearing Soraya's words, Su Ming replied with a furrowed brow.

"That's not right, when the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country invaded our rear, didn't I report it to the Cosmic Army Headquarters long ago?"

"The Cosmic Army Headquarters can't spare any troops; a large number of forces are needed to maintain the wormhole space-time. Moreover, our route is managed by the Rain Capital, which sent troops to clear out the area afterward, but they were heavily hit, leading to the route being completely cut off."

Soraya replied angrily.

"So now we have to take a long detour through the Cosmic Army Headquarters for supplies?"

Su Ming replied with a headache.

This would mean the supply route would be extended, and the time prolonged as well.

"It's not that simple. After the wormhole space-time problem, there are wandering monsters everywhere in the Bright Star Sea. If we're not careful, the transport fleet could be sunk by these monsters."

Soraya said coldly.

"Commander, what should we do now?"

Su Ming asked heavily, truly feeling the phrase, "When it rains, it pours."

"I'll figure out a way to handle this. You may leave for now."

Soraya said in a deep voice.

"Yes!"

Hearing this, Su Ming respectfully left.

Soraya watched Su Ming's departing figure, her expression constantly changing.

...

-----------------------

The next morning.

B1 floor · Mecha Training Zone.

With his hands behind his back, Su Ming walked toward the 27th Regiment's training area, seeing General Umtu from afar, supervising the trainees.

"General Umtu."

Su Ming stepped forward to greet him.

"General Su Ming, you're here!"

Umtu replied courteously.

Su Ming glanced around but didn't see Mia, so he asked.

"Umtu, isn't Mia here?"

"How could she come? She's drunk every day. Aren't you her neighbor? You should know better than I do, right?"

Umtu looked at Su Ming with confusion.

"Haha, I thought she would have arrived early. By the way, does Mia always drink like this?"

Su Ming's expression froze momentarily, quickly changing the subject.

Yesterday, when he knocked on the door, he almost caused an incident, making him wary of doing it again.

"Not really. When she first came to the frontline, she was okay and only drank occasionally. But ever since we lost the battle at the Mining Star, she's been drinking daily."

Umtu replied with a slight pause.

Hearing this, Su Ming asked thoughtfully.

"General Umtu, has Mia always had a habit of excessive drinking?"

"That I'm not sure about; I met General Mia in the 24th Legion. At that time, we were both regular officers. I remember she was just a bit rebellious back then and didn't drink much at all."

Umtu said with a furrowed brow, recalling carefully.

"Then what happened?"

"It should have started after Alimis's sacrifice."

"Alimis?"

Hearing the name, Su Ming was taken aback. It sounded so familiar, as if he'd heard it somewhere before but couldn't recall it immediately.

"Alimis was the Legion Commander of our 24th Legion and was particularly kind to Mia."

Umtu said to Su Ming in a deep voice.

"I remember now; Alimis is the hero who guarded the Black Flame Star Defense Line a century ago, and during the Mechanical Clan's invasion, killed the V-Type Hero Level Mechanical Clan Abyssal Hunter Gairst."

Su Ming reacted immediately, recalling that he had seen her statue in the Cemetery when he was enrolled at the Imperial Court Academy.

No wonder Mia didn't take them to visit the Cemetery back then.

"That's right. The Black Flame Star Defense battle ended with Legion Commander Alimis's death and the annihilation of the 24th Legion. Only a small number of retreating surviving troops made it out. I lost this eye in that battle, and Mia's Red Angel mecha is what our Legion Commander Alimis left her."

Recalling the battle, Umtu's expression was likewise very complex.

"Sigh~"

Hearing this, Su Ming let out a slight sigh.

"However, after the reorganization of the legion, General Mia only occasionally drank and wasn't excessive. Her serious drinking problem started after she was transferred to the Xi Guang Laboratory."

Umtu explained to Su Ming.

"Xi Guang Laboratory? Did something happen there?"

Upon hearing this, Su Ming's expression grew even more grave.

"That, I don't know. I was severely injured and placed in a rehabilitation center. When I saw her again, she had already retired due to war complications. It wasn't until recently that General Mia suddenly came to me, and I was indeed very surprised. I initially thought she wouldn't return to service after retiring."

General Umtu shook his head and explained to Su Ming.

"I understand, thank you."

Su Ming expressed his gratitude.

"No need to thank me. If you have the chance, try to persuade her more. Drinking like this will ruin her health."

Umtu shook his head and replied.

"Alright, I'll be leaving then."

Su Ming nodded slightly, then turned to leave.

...

In a dim room.

Mia hugged her knees, curled up in the corner of the bed, red light occasionally flashing in her eyes.

Her fair face showed a painful expression as fragmented memories surfaced intermittently in her mind.

Mia was instantly immersed in past memories.

Black Flame Star Defense Line.