150: Heading to the Iron Dome Galaxy

The Free Star Alliance Embassy in the Star Dome Empire.

Zhang Huaiyuan sat upright in the main seat of the reception hall, a trace of lingering astonishment still visible in his eyes.

He recalled his conversation with the Emperor of the Star Dome Empire not long ago.

The other party was actually willing to share the entire empire's resources with him.

Of course, what he found most incredible was that, according to Emperor Luo, there was a Time Chamber within the 7th Relic under his control. The flow of time inside was a hundred times faster than the outside world.

In other words, a hundred years inside was only one year in the outside world.

He would have ample time to study those advanced knowledge systems and master all the relic items he had obtained!

However, the only pity was that this Time Chamber required special energy crystals to activate, and as of today, only half a crystal remained.

Zhang Huaiyuan conservatively estimated that this was at least a Level 3 advanced knowledge rule, or even higher; they had no means to replicate it at all.

This was the only chance.

Because of this.

Emperor Luo suggested handling worldly affairs first and making full preparations before entering.

"Once the Star Dome Empire finishes consolidating the data, and the Statue of Liberty delivers all the relic items that can be collected, it should be about time to start. However, before that..."

Zhang Huaiyuan gently tapped his left wrist: "Asroth, have the staff members here come over."

"As you command, Master."

The light screen flickered slightly, and a moment later, a man dressed in the style of the Free Star Alliance walked in with a respectful expression.

"Your Excellency."

"Hmm... how did the investigation I ordered you to conduct go?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the fief of the Adolu Family you are looking for is in the Iron Dome Galaxy, located in the southwest direction of the empire, about 1.77 million light-years away from here. This is the most convenient route to the Iron Dome Galaxy."

The man tapped his integrated device, and a star map projection appeared, showing a connecting line marked with dense transit routes and precautions; it was clear that a lot of thought had been put into its preparation.

"Not bad, you've put in the effort."

Zhang Huaiyuan glanced at it, copied the star map into his own integrated device, and smiled: "What is your name?"

"Your Excellency, my name is Aulier, and I am your loyal supporter."

Upon hearing this, the man's expression became excited.

As an ambassador stationed in the empire, his days had not been easy.

Especially during the previous civil unrest in the Star Alliance, his existence seemed even more awkward.

On one hand, he had to maintain the dignity of the Star Alliance, but on the other hand, many of the empire's officials and nobles did not give him any face at all, often leaving him in a dilemma.

It wasn't until a while ago, when the gentleman before him successfully recovered the Star Alliance and received the recognition and warm invitation of the Imperial Emperor, that the embassy's status suddenly rose.

"Keep up the good work; the Star Alliance will not treat any contributor unfairly."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled and offered a few words of encouragement, then continued to ask: "By the way, how is the news regarding the 'Dark Annihilation' mercenary group that I asked you to investigate?"

"Reporting, Head of State." Aulier bowed respectfully once more and reported the investigation results one by one: "At first, I couldn't find this name in the registry of the Mercenary Corps Association in the Iron Dome Galaxy. Later, with the help of a friend from the authorities, I discovered that there was a matching name registered under the Interstellar Hunter Association, and the owner's name is 'An Lin'. I am not sure if this is the 'Dark Annihilation' you are looking for."

"An Lin... That's right, I remember Master Dark was called by that name. But why would they switch their affiliation to the Interstellar Hunter Association?"

Zhang Huaiyuan frowned slightly.

He had wandered on Blackstone Star for five years, so he naturally knew the difference.

The biggest difference between the Mercenary Corps Association and the Interstellar Hunter Association was that the former generally undertook large-scale missions, which were more dangerous and offered higher rewards.

The latter generally focused on individuals or single squads, undertaking small tasks such as "exploration," "treasure hunting," or "short-distance escort," and the rewards were smaller.

With the scale of "Dark Annihilation," relying solely on those small tasks would never be enough to sustain them.

"Your Excellency, according to a friend of mine in the imperial government... that mercenary group seems to have offended vice president 'Diels' of the Imperial Star Mechanic Association, and they have been having a hard time."

Aulier said with some hesitation.

Zhang Huaiyuan's face sank immediately.

He suddenly recalled those precarious days when he first arrived in this world.

Regardless of whether the other party acted out of utilitarianism or other reasons, objectively, they had indeed brought him out of a dangerous situation.

More importantly, during his time with "Dark Annihilation," he had felt warmth for the first time.

Reis, who shouted every day about taking him to the Queen Hotel for a soak...

Saide, who warmly invited him to watch the underground boxing matches...

A group of nutritionists who always opposed him under the guise of "health"...

And the young lady who looked indifferent but took extraordinary care of him... Come to think of it, the "Miracle Algorithm" that allowed him to rise quickly was initially bought by her at an auction, out of unconditional trust, and given to him after she purchased that machine wreckage.

Although, in terms of quantifying gratitude, since parting ways on Blackstone Star, he had risked almost certain death to teleport them away, which could be considered repaid.

However... even so, it did not change the fact that these people were his only friends in this world.

He had thought that with Viscount Kane's care, they would be living well, but unexpectedly...

"What exactly happened?"

He raised his head, looking directly at Aulier below, his tone carrying a faint hint of anger.

"Please forgive me, Your Excellency... I am not clear on the specific reasons... Diels is a vice president of the Star Mechanic Association with a lofty status; the friends I know dare not inquire about his secrets casually."

Aulier apologized repeatedly.

"I understand. You may go back to work now."

Zhang Huaiyuan waved his hand with a detached expression and tapped his left wrist: "Asroth, help me contact the intelligent lifeform."

He originally did not intend to trouble the other party too much; after all, as an intelligent lifeform belonging to the Star Dome Empire, he needed to avoid suspicion.

But at this moment, he could not care about that much.

A moment later, two rays of light lit up on the light screen on his left wrist.

"Your Excellency Zhang Huaiyuan, what are your orders?"

A calm voice with a hint of respect rang out.

"intelligent lifeform, there are two things I need to trouble you with."

"You don't have to be so polite, Your Excellency. The Emperor has instructed that any request you have should be met as much as possible."

"Hmm... The first thing is, can you help me find out why Diels, the vice president of the Star Mechanic Association, is targeting 'Dark Annihilation'?"

Zhang Huaiyuan said quickly.

"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency... I have it. Huh... Your Excellency, come to think of it, this matter is actually related to you."

The intelligent lifeform flickered slightly with light: "When you helped the people of Blackstone Star escape, two accompanying Master-level Star Mechanics died on the way. One of them was Diels's offspring. He blamed this on you and took his anger out on Viscount Kane and 'Dark Annihilation'..."

As the intelligent lifeform narrated, Zhang Huaiyuan suddenly realized the truth.

"So it was my fault after all..."

His expression became uncertain, and after a long while, he let out a long sigh and said indifferently: "The second thing, intelligent lifeform, send me to the Iron Dome Galaxy in the fastest way possible."

...