41: Until next time

"So, the Guidance System is broken..."

Zhang Huaiyuan, having understood the situation, glanced at it and said.

"Yes, yes, yes. So, Master Zhang, can it be fixed?"

Seeing that the other party immediately identified the problem, Viscount Kane couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope in his eyes, asking cautiously.

"Yes."

After a moment of silence, a hint of hesitation flashed in Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes, but he ultimately nodded.

"Is that true!"

In an instant, joy appeared on the faces of everyone present.

Even the two Master-level Star Mechanics from the Empire had shut their mouths, no longer mocking him.

"It is, but I hope the Viscount can agree to two requests of mine."

After quickly considering the whole situation, Zhang Huaiyuan made up his mind and said.

"Speak freely. What I can do, I will definitely agree to. What I cannot, I will do my best to accomplish."

Viscount Kane's expression became serious, and he spoke without hesitation.

"Sir, you know I was originally exiled to Blackstone Star, then saved by my teacher. I owe him a great debt of gratitude. Later, my teacher was murdered and robbed by the 'Wild Wolf' mercenary group. After I joined Dark Annihilation, I originally wanted to avenge my teacher, but found that they had already left the Blackstone Star System. I hope the Viscount can help me find and kill them."

"That is natural. I have always disliked such lawless desperadoes. Mr. Zhang, rest assured, as long as they are still within Imperial territory, I will definitely find them for you."

Viscount Kane said sternly.

"Alright, the second request..."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded and continued.

"I have received much care from Dark Annihilation. I hope that after the Warp Device is repaired, you can approve taking the Dark Annihilation mercenary group with us."

"Good. Leios, send a unit to take over Dark Annihilation's defensive line and have them come over immediately, ready for transfer."

Viscount Kane breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this and immediately ordered.

He had been prepared for the other party to make exorbitant demands, but it turned out to be such a small matter.

Hmm... young, talented, knows when to advance and retreat, and is also grateful. Viscount Kane's gaze towards him grew increasingly satisfied.

"Sir, there's no time to lose. You all prepare for evacuation. Also, I need some base permissions, including the right to use the reserved energy."

Zhang Huaiyuan walked to the malfunctioning part of the Warp Device and began to work on it.

"Alright."

Although Viscount Kane didn't understand why repairing the Guidance System required base permissions or even energy usage rights, he didn't ask further, directly adjusting the other party's mining zone permissions to be second only to his own.

"Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, your rank has been adjusted to Deputy Commander of the Imperial Mining Zone."

"Thank you for your trust, Sir."

Zhang Huaiyuan listened to the prompt from the mining zone communication system, a little surprised; he hadn't expected the other party to be so straightforward.

"That's good, this should be fine then."

Zhang Huaiyuan focused his gaze on the Guidance System, thinking silently.

In fact, those two Imperial Master-level Star Mechanics were right; warp technology for medium-range and above was strictly classified Imperial knowledge, and he naturally had no opportunity to access it.

Fortunately, what was broken was the Guidance System.

To put it simply, this thing is like navigation and positioning. It transports personnel from here, along a predetermined route, through layers of folded space to a designated location.

During this process, any deviation would result in being crushed into powder by the terrifying pressure of the folded space.

"Asroth, how are the preparations?"

Zhang Huaiyuan silently communicated with his intelligent assistant.

"Master. With the entire Imperial Mining Zone's energy reserves and your assistance, I can indeed calculate the warp trajectory in real-time based on the pre-backed up data, but..."

"I know."

Zhang Huaiyuan shook his head, interrupting him.

In fact, he had made two sets of preparations.

After Viscount Kane refused to evacuate immediately, he had Asroth secretly infiltrate the system and gain partial control over the Warp Device.

He had originally planned that if the other party refused to take Dark Annihilation with them during evacuation, he would use his partial control to forcibly let Dark Annihilation and himself hitch a ride.

Of course, the best scenario was if the other party allowed it. After all, they were warping to the Adolu Family's territory, Viscount Kane's domain, and offending him would not lead to a good outcome even if they survived.

However, he didn't expect the Warp Device to be accidentally damaged.

Real-time calculation of warp routes required unimaginable computing power and could only be completed with the support of the mining zone's equipment and energy.

And Zhang Huaiyuan himself also needed to use the information fed back by Asroth during this process, relying on his extraordinary abilities to quickly provide spatial entry points, thereby reducing the computing power requirements.

In other words, during the warp, he had to stay behind and complete all these operations.

"This can be considered repayment for the kindness shown by Lord Dark and the Young Miss over the past year or so."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled in relief, then turned and said:

"Sir, I am ready here. We can depart at any time."

"Are you kidding me! This guidance device is clearly still broken. Are you trying to harm us on purpose?"

Before Viscount Kane could speak, an Imperial Star Mechanic nearby couldn't help but shriek.

"Worthless trash, shut your mouth. You don't have to go up."

Zhang Huaiyuan retorted mercilessly.

At the same time, he secretly instructed, "Asroth, during the transmission later, get rid of these two guys."

Although these two guys were useless, they held a certain status once warped back, and might vent their anger on the entire Dark Annihilation. It was better to eliminate all threats.

"Understood, Master."

"I trust you, Master Zhang."

Viscount Kane, however, maintained his composure, leading the way into the teleportation area, and smiled: "I owe you a great debt of gratitude this time. Once we return to the family's stronghold, I will personally grant the 'Dark Annihilation Legion' a galaxy for their development. Of course, if they are willing to join our Adolu Family, that would be even better."

"I understand."

Zhang Huaiyuan cupped his hands in thanks.

He knew in his heart that the other party was also subtly reminding him.

After a short wait, the sound of numerous aircraft landing echoed.

Familiar figures like Lord Dark, An Yu, Qin Mie, and Randy walked in one after another.

"Zhang Huaiyuan... thank you..."

"Brother, thanks to you, I owe you another life..."

They had already learned the full situation on the way, knowing that it was the other party who had secured their chance to live. At this moment, they couldn't help but express their gratitude repeatedly.

"You're welcome, everyone. Thank you for your care over the past year or so; it should be me thanking you."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled freely, then pointed to the teleportation area: "Hurry in, there's not much time left."

"Mr. An Lin, over here."

Viscount Kane smiled and gestured, having someone clear out an area in the core position.

"Ah... Viscount, this..."

Lord Dark was immediately somewhat overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.

"Come quickly. Speaking of which, it was your outstanding vision that allowed you to discover a genius like Master Zhang."

"Then... I shall respectfully obey."

Soon, all personnel had entered the teleportation area, and the elite troops sent to resist the SS-class monsters had all returned. As for the supplies to be taken, they had naturally already been organized and stored here.

"Zhang Huaiyuan, aren't you coming in?"

At this moment, An Yu suddenly looked up, staring fixedly at the smiling man who was looking at them, an inexplicable unease rising in her heart.

"That's right, Master Zhang, we've saved a spot for you," Viscount Kane added.

"Everyone, it was a pleasure working with you. Young Miss, I have finally lived up to my promise."

Zhang Huaiyuan, however, just maintained his smile, remaining in place without moving.

"Brother, what do you mean by this!"

Several members of Dark Destruction Legion also sensed something was wrong, their expressions changing. An Yu even had a whirlwind forming around her, about to step out.

However, even the fastest extraordinary ability was not faster than thought, as Asroth activated the device.

Instantly, an invisible spatial fluctuation flashed, and everyone vanished from their original positions.

In the bustling restricted area of the backyard, only a lonely figure remained, uttering an almost imperceptible whisper.

"Till we meet again..."