85: Mindset change

Meanwhile, amidst a grand welcoming ceremony, the wanderer ii command ship slowly sailed into the inspection port.

"Respected Researcher, I am the commander-in-chief here, Varian."

The man at the lead was all smiles. He walked quickly to the ship's exit and reached out his hand enthusiastically, saying, "Your arrival brings great honor to the entire Port of Friendship. On behalf of all the starport garrison troops, I extend my highest greetings to you."

"Researcher, I am the captain of the Third Fleet of the Port of Friendship..."

"Researcher, I am the legion commander of the Starport Defense Force..."

After confirming the other party's identity, a group of high-ranking officials stepped forward one after another.

"You are all too kind. I am just an ordinary Researcher."

Zhang Huaiyuan, who had just stepped off the starship, replied somewhat awkwardly.

Having been in this world for so many years, he had never seen such a spectacle.

An existence like Varian should not have a lower status than Viscount Kane of the Blackstone Star mining area.

"You are too modest. The Star Alliance's growth to its current level relies heavily on Researchers like you who promote technological development and contribute silently."

Varian glanced at Zhang Huaiyuan calmly, his smile becoming even more sincere: "I have booked a private room on the top floor of the 'Doria' Entertainment Center in the Port of Friendship. I wonder if you would do me the honor of joining us so we may fulfill our duties as hosts."

"That's right, Researcher. I've heard that true masters always carry the heart of an apprentice. Seeing you today, I finally truly understand the meaning of that phrase."

The others complimented him without reservation, and the anxiety in their hearts was set at ease.

For them, it was great that the newcomer was a Researcher. Such people usually don't stay for long, and they wouldn't try to find ways to demand benefits like those greedy inspectors.

"This..."

Zhang Huaiyuan spoke with some hesitation.

While it is said that one should not strike a smiling face, he really didn't want to waste time on useless socializing.

"Zhang Huaiyuan is entrusted with an important mission for the Star Alliance. Colonel Varian, I order you to immediately select an elite unit to escort Zhang Huaiyuan safely to the Watcher Galaxy."

At this moment, the communication devices suddenly lit up simultaneously, and the voice of Statue of Liberty came through.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression became solemn, and they quickly replied: "As you command, Your Excellency Goddess."

"Researcher, since you are on an important mission, I will have to invite you to dine another time. Please, this way."

A look of perfectly measured regret appeared on Varian's face as he summoned a small transport ship and motioned for everyone to board.

After passing through several micro-stable wormholes, they docked on a platform at a starport command center.

"Researcher, the Galaxy Beast disaster is severe now, and many stable wormhole tunnels have been destroyed. The Watcher Galaxy is in the core area of the Star Alliance, more than 1 million light-years away from here."

Varian opened a star map and pointed to one of the routes: "This is the safest path currently. Along the way, you only need to pass through twelve small Disaster Zones, seven medium Disaster Zones, and three large Disaster Zones to reach the 'Eye of God' super-large wormhole tunnel. It is guarded by an entire Star Alliance legion and has not yet been destroyed. You can quickly reach the Watcher Galaxy by utilizing this wormhole."

"Three large Disaster Zones?"

Zhang Huaiyuan was slightly taken aback.

He suddenly remembered his encounter on Blackstone Star.

Just a single newly born large Disaster Zone had left all the forces in the entire Blackstone Star System helpless. If not for the ultra-long-range positioning warp system, they would likely have been wiped out.

Of course, a large part of the reason was that the Blackstone Star System was close to the lair of the Galaxy Beasts to the north, causing a constant stream of monsters. Plus, Viscount Kane had only brought a small elite unit, so their combat strength was severely insufficient.

"Sir, do not worry."

As if seeing through Zhang Huaiyuan's concerns, Varian smiled: "After all, this is the interior of the Star Alliance. Except for those Cataclysm-level Disaster Zones where the fighting is still intense, most of the Galaxy Beast Kings in large and death-level Disaster Zones have already been slain by experts dispatched by the Star Alliance. It's just that the coverage area of large and above Disaster Zones is too vast, and it will take quite some time to completely clear them."

"Those scattered ordinary Galaxy Beasts cannot stir up any Wind and Waves against a well-organized fleet."

"I see."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded, that made sense.

"Gore."

Seeing this, Varian softly called out into his communicator. Soon, a man wearing a black combat suit with a cold temperament flew up from the starship docked below.

"Lord Varian." The man nodded slightly.

"Hmm..." Varian reached out and pointed to Zhang Huaiyuan at his side, introducing him: "This is an important scientific research expert of the Star Alliance, and Statue of Liberty personally ordered that he be safely escorted to the Watcher Galaxy. You will lead the First Fleet of the Port of Friendship to be responsible for his protection. Ensure his safety at all costs. Do you understand?"

"I understand."

Gore, who had been indifferent at first, couldn't help but look serious after hearing it was a direct order from Statue of Liberty, and his gaze towards Zhang Huaiyuan also carried a hint of respect.

Seeing how young the other party was, he had originally thought he was just some nepotistic hire. He hadn't expected him to be a talent personally verified by Statue of Liberty; he must truly have real skills.

"Sir, Gore is one of the top three experts in the Port of Friendship, and he possesses extensive experience in command and combat." Varian turned to introduce him.

"Thank you for your trouble." Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes flashed, and he calmly sized up the other person.

【Gore】 Classification: Carbon-based lifeform. Ability: Blade Soul — Special-type extraordinary, can quickly master the usage techniques of most blade-type weapons, and can unleash unimaginable, terrifying power when using such weapons. Ability Level: Transcendence Level. extraordinary level: S+. Favorability: 10 (He thinks you are a capable person). Strategy Suggestion: He comes from a civilian background and hates nepotism the most. Show your abilities as much as possible to increase his recognition. Luck Value: 22.

"It's actually a Transcendence Level ability." Zhang Huaiyuan narrowed his eyes slightly. This should be the strongest human he had seen with his own eyes so far.

"You're welcome, it's just part of my duty. I will go assemble the fleet personnel now." Gore bowed, turned around, and flew back to the fleet docked below.

Soon, a uniform roar sounded, and thousands of starships started their engines simultaneously and flew into the sky. This was a full-strength large fleet, composed of 10 medium fleets, totaling 2,430 ships. A charm unique to technological civilization emerged, which was magnificent.

"By the way... Statue of Liberty, is being this high-profile really okay... What if the Star Alliance high-level officials discover my identity..." Watching this scene, Zhang Huaiyuan felt full of security but also somewhat apprehensive.

"Sir, please rest assured. Discovering talent for the Star Alliance is one of my responsibilities. Your identity arrangement is seamless; even if high-level officials notice it, they will only be delighted that the Star Alliance has gained another top-tier talent." Statue of Liberty said matter-of-factly.

"Uh... but isn't this kind of spectacle for a 'specially invited national treasure-level scientific research expert' a bit excessive..."

"Sir, you seem to have not yet recognized your own abilities." Statue of Liberty's voice suddenly became solemn: "The advanced algorithms you study, or the perfect application on the extraordinary spectrum, or the research into high-level servers—any one of these, if even a small portion of the results were displayed, would be enough to make you an honored guest of any faction."

"Even that Star Vault Supercomputer, which is not as good as Asroth, would respectfully grant you the status of a top-tier imperial Researcher if it knew of your achievements, and even the emperor of the empire would personally meet and reward you."

"In other words, even setting aside personal feelings, your current treatment is what you deserve."

"This..." Zhang Huaiyuan was stunned.

Only then did he realize that, without him even noticing, he was no longer that apprentice Star Mechanic who needed to rely on 'Rainbow Laser' to bluff people. Instead, he was a top-tier Researcher worthy of respect from any faction.