95: Eye of God

Three months later.

Bang!

As the fleet's artillery fire poured down, the last Galaxy Beast shattered into fragments.

"Sir, this is the last Disaster Zone we are passing through. Once we cross this star sector, we will arrive at the 'Eye of God' super-large wormhole tunnel."

Inside the command starship, Gore looked at the star map and smiled.

"You've worked hard along the way, Brother Gore."

Zhang Huaiyuan said sincerely.

Along the way, he had finally witnessed the true strength of a powerful Transcendent; killing ordinary S-Class or even SS-Class Star River Beasts was as easy as slicing vegetables.

The threat posed by just one person was in no way inferior to that of a powerful fleet.

"You are too kind, Sir. This is my duty. We soldiers are fine for charging into battle, but if we really want to solve the Galaxy Beast disaster, we need someone with great wisdom like you."

Gore lowered his head slightly and said respectfully.

Having passed through multiple Disaster Zones, every time they engaged with Galaxy Beasts, the other party could always immediately analyze their abilities and weaknesses. Now, he was deeply convinced of Zhang Huaiyuan's identity as a "Galaxy Beast Research Expert."

"I will do my best."

Zhang Huaiyuan shook his head imperceptibly.

Even an S+ Class Transcendent like Gore was still unaware that the formation of the Disaster Zones was entirely artificial. Unless that mastermind behind the scenes was eliminated, it would be impossible to completely eradicate the Galaxy Beast disaster.

But based on the information currently known, this mastermind far exceeded the three major forces; resolving it would be easier said than done.

While they were chatting, the two fleets flew past the edge of the last large Disaster Zone.

The dark red starry sky suddenly opened up, becoming clear and bright.

The most eye-catching feature was the oval-shaped object pieced together from countless black tunnels. Coupled with the flickering lights of the surrounding space stations, viewed from afar, it looked as if a supreme powerhouse sleeping in the void had opened their eyes.

"Is this the Eye of God..."

Zhang Huaiyuan put on his tactical helmet and zoomed in the view.

【Super-Large Stable Wormhole Network】

Total length: 176,000 light-years.

Tributary exits: 9,372.

Current mastery: 3.32% (Cannot be manufactured).

Requirements: 1,132 items of knowledge including "Spacetime Coordinate Navigation Theory," "Hypothesis on Exogenous 'Negative Energy' Matter," etc.

"Yes, this should be the largest artificial wormhole in the Free Star Alliance... no, in all forces. When I first came here from a remote planet and saw it for the first time, it felt like the comics I read as a child had become reality."

Gore smiled and said: "From that moment on, I swore that I would definitely protect this hard-won prosperity."

"It is truly shocking."

Zhang Huaiyuan analyzed it for a moment, only to discover that it had gathered almost all complex knowledge of Energy Studies, spatial science, and more.

Just maintaining the wormhole in an open state, preventing it from being crushed and closed by gravity, involved technology and energy consumption that were unimaginable.

"Commander Gore, Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, there is a holographic communication request. It should be the garrison here."

At this moment, an adjutant suddenly said.

"Connect it."

In an instant, three light projections were cast into the command starship.

They were dressed in the military uniforms of the Free Star Alliance. In particular, the person in the lead had a tough and dignified aura, with a golden hexagram engraved on his shoulder.

"General Mours."

Gore's expression changed, and he quickly stepped forward to salute.

"Hmm."

The person in the lead nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the young man standing to the side with clear eyes and no fear, a smile spreading across his lips:

"This must be Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, right? You are indeed a man of talent. I am Mours, Commander of the 'Eye of God' military region. By the order of the Statue of Liberty, I have come to escort you to the Watcher Galaxy."

"Thank you for your trouble, General."

Zhang Huaiyuan smiled back, not surprised at all.

"The wormhole to the Watcher Galaxy is ready. Our guiding starship is waiting outside. You can depart at any time, Sir."

The man continued.

"Alright, would it be possible to wait a moment?"

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded.

"Of course, please go ahead, Sir."

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan turned around, looked at Gore who was standing to the side, and said: "It seems it is time to part ways, Brother Gore. Thank you again for your protection over the past half year."

"You are too kind, Sir. It is a pity that my military registration is at the Port of Friendship, so I have to... hmm...?"

Gore was silent for a moment. Just as he was about to bid farewell, he suddenly heard a prompt from his integrated communication device. He subconsciously looked down and was immediately stunned.

"What's wrong?"

"Uh... Sir, perhaps I will have to continue to impose on you for a while longer. See for yourself..."

The expression on Gore's face was somewhat strange as he displayed the integrated device in front of him. On it was a newly released appointment notice.

"Captain Gore has rendered meritorious service in escorting the national treasure-level Researcher, Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan. His military rank is adjusted to Lieutenant Colonel. His military registration is transferred from the original Port of Friendship First Fleet to the newly established fleet, the Wings of Freedom Second Detachment, responsible for commanding the 'Navigator' fleet to protect the personal safety of Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan."

"Nominated by: Statue of Liberty."

"Reviewed by: Statue of Liberty."

"Final confirmation: Statue of Liberty."

"Oh..."

Zhang Huaiyuan took a look and couldn't help but laugh: "This is a good thing. Congratulations, Brother Gore, you've been promoted."

"Yes..."

Gore was somewhat happy and somewhat emotional: "Sir, you are truly my lucky star. I struggled in the Port of Friendship for decades before barely becoming a Captain. In less than half a year, I have been promoted two levels."

"But as the price, you will have to continue being my personal bodyguard."

Zhang Huaiyuan joked.

"Sir, how could you say that? It is my honor," Gore lowered his head and said respectfully.

He now understood the true meaning of having someone behind the scenes to get things done.

In the past, countless promotion opportunities had been snatched by others, but now good luck had finally come to him, and it was personally approved by the Statue of Liberty!

"Sir, please allow me to make arrangements for the First Fleet to return."

"Alright, no rush."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded in agreement.

The First Fleet was one of the main fleets of the Port of Friendship, shouldering the important responsibility of guarding the Port of Friendship, so it was naturally impossible to transfer it over easily. However, having the fleet requisitioned from the Okar Family was sufficient.

After all, once they crossed the "Eye of God" wormhole, they would arrive at the core star system of the Free Star Alliance, where the safety factor was greatly improved compared to the periphery.

"Thank you."

While waiting, Zhang Huaiyuan opened the integrated device and quietly sent two words.

"You are welcome, Sir. I originally planned to arrange for a Transcendent above SS-Class from the Transcendent Association to serve as your personal bodyguard, but considering that most of those people belong to other forces and many have eccentric personalities, I was afraid they might offend you. Since I saw that you and Lieutenant Colonel Gore get along quite well, I took the liberty of arranging for him to be your personal bodyguard."

The communication prompt sounded instantly.

"Hmm... will this arrangement cause trouble for you?"

Zhang Huaiyuan pondered for a moment and continued to ask.

"Thank you for your concern, Sir. I still have that much authority. You can just treat this as a leisurely trip; I will arrange everything for you. Heart.jpg."

The communication screen flickered imperceptibly, as if expressing joy.

...