Chapter 453: Forty-eight Hours

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t by your side when you needed me the most.” Xia Fei showed an apologetic expression as he began.

Avril hurriedly shook her head, tossing her flaxen blonde hair to the back of her head. She tried her best to look happier. “I’m proud of what you did in the insectoid territory on behalf of the Panhuman Alliance. You mustn’t be distracted by me. There are still plenty of people out there who need you, too.”

Xia Fei was momentarily silent. He could not recall when Avril had become so considerate and well-behaved.

The more Avril was like this, the more Xia Fei was at a loss on what to say. Thus, he asked a few things regarding her and her family. The Starlink Corporation was already facing bankruptcy due to the invasion of the insectoids. The interplanetary internet had been crippled in the Alliance territory, and the only means of communication now depended on the Black Bat radar that Quantum Holdings produced. However, due to the limited availability of this new type of radar, not every ship had it equipped at the moment.

The decline of Avril family’s business was more or less a result of Xia Fei, since the super long range communication device he created had changed the status quo of communications technology across the Alliance, reducing their dependency on the interplanetary internet. Xia Fei felt somewhat guilty about that.

What made Xia Fei angriest was still the Na’vi people fishing in troubled waters. If Avril wanted to seek refuge with the Na’vi, she would have to pay an exorbitant overhead fee, in addition to the transfer of Star Link Corporation’s core technology and their research and development team. They were practically asking for the Jian family’s livelihood!

Apparently, Quantum Holdings was also asked to give up the blueprints for both the Black Bat radar and energy-shield booster, or else they would be chased away from Na’vi territory.

Xia Fei had yet to contact Charlie, Uncle Porter, and the others; Avril had only cursorily learned these matters via her conversations with Andre. Given that the relationship Avril and Xia Fei shared was now known by every Alliance citizen, it was normal for Andre to check in with Xia Fei’s girlfriend every now and then.

Xia Fei trusted that Andre would not exchange Quantum Holdings’ core technology for temporary safety. Even if he did, Xia Fei would not comment on the matter, either. Men would often make crazy moves when pushed to the brink. Xia Fei had always lived by the principle that it was necessary to be harsh to the enemy but tolerant with friends.

However, hoping to gain Xia Fei’s trust and befriending the man was not an easy matter. Andre, Qin Mang, Porter, and the others were people whom Xia Fei had been through thick and thin; he had no need for those friends who only had sweet words. He had always been someone who judged people by their actions.

The greed of the Na’vi left a distasteful feeling in Xia Fei’s mouth. He tried his best to restrain himself while in front of Avril, so the fierceness in his eyes disappeared in a flash.

“What’s your current situation?” Xia Fei asked.

Avril sighed. “The Na’vi’s demands aren’t exactly impossible to accept. I’m fine with handing over Starlink Corporation’s critical data in exchange for the safety of the common folk, but those hateful beings actually refused to take in any of the refugees who can’t pay their overhead fee.

“That is why we have no choice but to continue escorting the civilian ships forward, leaving the Na’vi territory to venture out in the vast, unknown space. Tens of millions of civilian spaceships only having our fleet as their protector worries me a lot, and in order for Starlink Corporation’s First Fleet to accommodate even more civilians, we’ve actually scuttled a portion of our firepower systems, so our combat strength is half of what it used to be. We don’t have sufficient ammunition and food reserves, either. Because I’m on the Horizon, which is the capital ship of our fleet, we’ve got plenty more stored than the civilian ships, and there isn’t any issue as of yet, but I heard rumors of starvation beginning to set in on the civilian fleet that has been cobbled together in the last minute.”

Avril was evidently feeling very frustrated while relating all these, her kind-heartedness loathed seeing such cruelty. Her personality was such that it made her unsuitable to be a warrior, but seeing a kind- and pure-hearted girl like Avril touched Xia Fei greatly.

Xia Fei lit a cigarette and silently took a few puffs.

“Avril, though I can’t tell you why, I think it’s best if all of you stop moving.”

Avril blinked. “I don’t wish to head into the unknown space, either, but the Na’vi fleets are right behind us, watching. If we stop, they’ll begin firing!”

Xia Fei gnashed his teeth as he thought to himself, ‘Pointing guns at the innocent civilians? I see you, Na’vi.’

“The fleet ought to be able to gather some valuables, right?”

Avril thought about it. “It’s possible, but there won’t be much. After all, the rich are already staying in the Na’vi territory, and it’s only the poor who are being told to leave.”

Xia Fei nodded. “Contact the Na’vi and exchange what valuables you have for food and medicine supplies. Money and riches aren’t things you can take to your grave. Nothing is more important than life.

“I believe given how greedy the Na’vi are, they won’t give up on this chance to profit greatly. The point is, try to stay in the Na’vi territory first. Don’t risk the unknown just yet. Decide after forty-eight hours have passed.”

“Why forty-eight hours?”

Xia Fei answered, “The insectoids might be seeing an upheaval. The emperor of the Golden Tent is already dead, and his successor may not be interested in continuing this war. We’ll know after forty-eight hours.”

Avril’s eyes glinted when she heard this news, excitedly asking, “The emperor of the Golden Tent is dead? Were you the one who killed him?”

Xia Fei nodded, appearing completely at ease as he did.

Avril suddenly thought that the very average-looking Xia Fei had turned very dashing. The insectoids had sent the Panhuman Alliance scrambling like headless chickens, resulting in billions of citizens leaving their homes, yet Xia Fei was able to kill their emperor after infiltrating deep into their territory all by himself!

What dazzled Avril even more was that humble attitude Xia Fei was exuding. He had killed one of the rulers in this universe, yet he was still as plain as ever, seemingly having only done what he ought to have done.

Avril gazed upon Xia Fei with admiration, which in turn actually made the latter feel somewhat embarrassed.

“I…” Xia Fei hesitantly said.

Avril nodded. “You still have important matters to do; I understand.”

Xia Fei was momentarily rendered speechless by Avril’s concern, so all he could do was mumble a word of thanks.

“Go on with your business, then. Men are meant to achieve great things; don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

Avril smiled sweetly. Her voice was even sweeter.

Turning off the screen, Xia Fei exhaled.

Furball had been sprawled on the sofa, watching Xia Fei and Avril talk. Seeing the screen turn off, Furball suddenly felt utterly bored and pouted his lips as he decided to resume sleeping.

Pod was zooming around in circles, his two arms raised high as he excitedly cried, “Master’s great, and master’s girlfriend is very cute, too!”

Xia Fei lightly knocked on Pod’s metal head. “What are you so excited for? Go and brew me some tea. I want a Biluochun.”

“Understood, master!” Pod immediately saluted Xia Fei and sped off.

“I never would’ve imagined that the Alliance would be in such a bad state. The Na’vi are simply too detestable!” Phantom barked angrily.

Xia Fei smashed his fist on the command console, ruthlessly seething. “I’ll remember this moment for now. When I get back, I’ll be sure to look for them and get everything back!”

……

Westwind defense line.

Tai’s judgment was absolutely correct; the three hundred insectoid fleets charging the left flank was merely a feint. They maintained a distance and merely exchanged long range artillery fire with Inclair’s fleet. The insectoids held numerical advantage and also were able to have their capital ships as their main force. Meanwhile, the Alliance had their asteroid fortresses, of which the firepower was weaker than that of a capital ship, though they were far more resilient in terms of defense.

The insectoid fleets were given instructions to impede rather than to assault, which was why they did not go all out.

*Kaboom!*

A Caladari Company Tier 2 Raven battleship had been targeted by a concentrated fire from the insectoids, instantly turning into a ball of flame. The sound of a huge explosion ensued. An Ivory-class insectoid battleship on the other side had also been destroyed.

Both sides exchanged fire. The insectoids had their capital ships, while the Alliance had their fortresses. If one side destroyed a warship, the other would retaliate instantly. On average, a warship was being destroyed every minute.

The Alliance had fewer warships, so if this were to continue, they would no doubt end up being the first to get wiped out by the enemies. The moment their mobile fleets were to fall, the remaining fortress asteroids would just become immobile targets for the enemies, easily destroyed one by one!

Therefore, while the situation appeared as if they were evenly matched, the Alliance’s side was actually dire straits!

Admiral Inclair had already called for assistance from the headquarters several times, but the answer he got had been to keep holding the formation. Helpless, the left flank of this frontline could only grit their teeth and continue their exchange of fire with the enemy insectoids.

The capital ship, Freedom. Panhuman Alliance’s War Command Center.

“Marshall, we’ve got an emergency communication request from Xia Fei!” A communications officer urgently reported. Due to Pod secretly sneaking videos of Xia Fei’s battle with the insectoids as well as his day-to-day life behind enemy lines, everyone knew of the man’s name, and his exploits had been hailed as legends among the common folks.

“At this time?” Tai tossed the electronic stylus in his hand as he responded. “Connect him.”

The screen switched on, and Tai and Xia Fei locked eyes with each other. Williams was behind Tai, watching the battlefield unfold with his staff officers. The man raised his head and gave Xia Fei a slight nod as greeting before continuing with his work.

“Congratulations on still being alive, though I’m living on borrowed time here,” Tai said.

Xia Fei said, “General, I only wish to know just one thing: Can the Westwind defense line hold for forty-eight hours?”

Xia Fei’s voice was not loud, but it vaguely gave off an irresistible dignity. Tai clearly remembered that, the last time he met Xia Fei, the young man was still unable to resist his aura, yet now he could tell that they were evenly matched, that there was a sternness to his voice.

Tai asked, “So what if we can, and what if we can’t?”

Xia Fei replied, “There are some things that may be decided in the next forty-eight hours, so it’s best if the military does what they can to hold off the insectoids’ attacks.”

“Are you giving me an order?”

“I wouldn’t dare. I’m merely offering some well-meaning advice.”

“What’s going to happen in forty-eight hours?”

“Something good, perhaps, or something even worse.”

Tai burst out laughing. “The situation is already dire enough, even if it’s made worse, I doubt it will matter. Relax. The Alliance Military isn’t just put together with paper and glue. We won’t fall so easily.”

Xia Fei nodded. “I believe you.”

Turning off the screen, Tai was stunned for several seconds before he frowned and resumed taking command and organizing the battlefield, looking as if nothing had happened.

“Why didn’t you just tell General Tai directly that Uti’s dead?” Phantom asked.

Xia Fei shook his head. “Tai and his men are currently in the middle of an intense battle. Giving him too much hope may very easily cause him to lose his cool, perhaps even attack too aggressively.”

“That’s why you gave him just that bit of hope?”

“Precisely,” Xia Fei said.

This was when Pod came with a tray of tea. “Master, your Biluochun is ready.”

“Send it over to the cultivation room. I wanna take a look and find out what’s inside this mysterious metal case that the insectoids got from Venal Galaxy,” Xia Fei said. “It’d be great if it’s truly some superweapon that I could be put to use immediately.”