This Is Really Not Mechanical Ascension Chapter 1294

[ … words ]

“If that’s really the case, it wouldn’t hurt to try reaching out to them,” spoke the X Level Life Form seated in the front row.

Within the Empire, there are numerous interests worth scheming over, high-quality mineral resources, exclusive operating rights, such a large consumer market—just taking a tiny bit could make them a fortune.

Not to mention some proprietary technologies; many interesting things from the Empire are not even for sale outside.

This is also the sole significance the message holds for them.

Li Ming’s gaze flickered, sweeping briefly over Ettore without a word.

The group discussed the Empire’s matters for a while longer before gradually logging off one by one.

After logging off, Li Ming immediately sent a message to Anduin.

Within a few minutes, there was a response—

“Ettore claims his information comes from the Empire’s Second Prince; a friend’s son-in-law is a core advisor, who had once subtly hinted that the related actions are tied to whether he can inherit the Holy Emperor’s throne…”

“But the conclusion of ’selecting an inheritor’ is not backed by any evidence; it’s merely his own speculation.”

Li Ming’s eyes gleamed sharply; although it’s just Ettore Da’s guess.

But based on information he’s received from various sources, this speculation is indeed very likely to be true.

“Is Adam really about to die?” Li Ming muttered, feeling as though the situation before him was like seeing flowers in a fog, difficult to decipher.

As energy particles surged around him, they gradually enveloped him.

……

The Empire Sixteenth Armed Patrol Fleet Base, located in the Empire Sixteenth Star Zone, is responsible for the security of over ten star clusters within its borders.

In the reception room, Abel frowned, his knuckles tapping ceaselessly on the table before him, his face showing signs of anxiety, wanting to get up several times, yet suppressing the urge.

After over twenty more minutes had passed, he seemed finally unable to endure it any longer and suddenly stood up.

“Wait for a while…” came a deep voice from behind, as a pair of large hands pressed down on his shoulders, forcibly pushing him back into the seat.

Behind him stood a life form clad in heavy armor, whose countenance was stern and composed.

“It’s one thing for him to come seeking you, but it’s a whole other thing for you to go seeking him.”

Lethes, not just a counselor but also a bodyguard, was a confidant from some Planet Governor.

Abel sighed, “I understand, but you know the situation at this base as well as I do; he might already have been killed.”

“Even if he’s been killed, you just have to endure,” Lethes shook his head, “The lesson from the Sixth Prince is still fresh in our memory; a misstep and you’ll end up like him.”

Abel’s expression changed slightly, recalling his brother, who ended up in such a state in just half a month.

Was he not cautious?

Perhaps not; he had met him before, definitely not a reckless person, yet ended up disgraced.

He calmed his thoughts and continued to wait; who knows how much time passed before the door of the lounge was finally knocked on, with a virtual screen popping up on the inside, displaying a rather corpulent human clad in standard armor.

“Who is it?” Abel asked in a deep voice, though slightly startled.

“General Kopel sent me to deliver something,” came the low reply.

“Come in.” Abel nodded at last, and the door was pushed open as the person wheeled in a serving cart.

“Your Highness… General Kopel specially instructed to take good care of you…” The person grinned fawningly, placing a tray from the cart in front of Abel.

Upon opening, it revealed a golden, glittering fish.

Abel’s expression changed subtly as he slowly said, “Here, it’s very safe.”

The person’s fawning look subsided, becoming somewhat anxious and uneasy, then looked at Lethes behind Abel.

“He’s one of us, you can be at ease,” Abel explained.

But the person didn’t speak or say anything, just stared blankly at Lethes.

Hesitating slightly, Abel finally said, “Lethes, step outside for a moment.”

“Your Highness!” Lethes’s expression changed, his tone grave.

“Leave,” Abel’s voice grew heavier.

Lethes frowned deeply but didn’t speak a second time, directly leaving the lounge.

Seeing Lethes leave, the person’s expression relaxed a bit.

Abel asked, “What’s your name?”

“Camilo…” he replied in a low voice.

“My people tell me you know a lot of things?” Abel’s eyes slightly narrowed.

Camilo’s throat bobbed, eyes showing clear fear, “Your Highness, do you really want to ask?”

“Speak, according to the records, in just six months, this base has consumed 500 billion in various resources, which is very wrong,” Abel said solemnly.

He had been at the base for over ten days, and whether officers high or low, many were even willing to face memory screening devices voluntarily.

This gave him quite a headache, and he dared not act too rashly, only slowly waiting.

Then, just three days ago, someone approached his guard, renewing his hope.

Having secretly negotiated with them for several days, they finally agreed to take the risk to meet him.

“…There’s a chain of interests…” Camilo’s expression showed fear and panic.

Abel’s demeanor turned stern, “Explain carefully…”

“…One bullet, unfired, is worth five Star Coins, once fired, it’s worthless; an enemy can be killed with one shot, ten shots, or even a hundred shots, Your Highness, how do you choose?” Camilo stared intently at Abel.

Abel silently clenched his fists, the issue was troublesome here; this was no longer just a leader’s problem.

A bullet wasn’t just a bullet—it could be a physical shell, or an additional damaged warship.

“You don’t need to ask me, those unfired bullets must have somewhere to go…” Abel said in a deep voice.