“Senator Chela, your original proposal was to increase troops in Andromeda.”

Compared to a developing Norton, it was obvious that the three perfect planets in Andromeda were far more valuable. The security of humanity’s main residential areas had to be maximized. However, the Zago broodmother was capable of surviving in space, and when powerful enough, could even perform spatial jumps. The vastness of space was their best home, and it was impossible for humanity to wipe them out.

The protection of Norton was quite thorough, but it was still discovered by the Zago.

The human senators were all furiously arguing—this was a politician’s favorite pastime, a chance to show their strength in debate. The representatives of the Kaidians, on the other hand, remained as silent as ever. Defeated four hundred years ago, the Kaidians had always abided by the principle of preserving their right to survive while obeying human orders. During the reign of General Thompson, the Kaidians were humanity’s most reliable fighting force, especially after the advent of powered armor. The Kaidians played a huge role in battles against the Zago, as Kaidians were innately gifted with the eighth brain region, allowing them to form combat power first and pay a bloody price in battle. It was then that true friendship was forged between humans and Kaidians. After a century of transition, Kaidians mainly resided on Mars and in Andromeda, with impressive military strength. But no matter what changed among humans, the Kaidians steadfastly upheld their principle of never intervening in human internal disputes for any reason, and as long as there was an external enemy, the Kaidians would always charge to the front lines. This was their oath to that greatest man.

“Order! Order! Our top priority is to immediately send troops to Sagittarius and rescue our compatriots trapped there. The vote begins now!” Speaker Allenton struck the gavel and said.

“Send troops!” The representatives from Earth raised their hands.

“Send troops!” The representatives from the Moon and the Ivantians did the same.

“Send troops.” The Kaidians never objected when there was no dispute among humans.

The final resolution: the Eighth Army Group of the Human Space Force and the Third Legion of the Kaidians would be dispatched to Sagittarius to eliminate the bugs.

The Supreme Federation’s decision was immediately broadcast to all human planets. Bug-killing became the hottest topic!

But from the time the order was issued to the time the legions set out, it would take time. Meanwhile, space patrols were being strengthened. The attack on Norton was not a big deal; it was still under development, with few people there. The most important thing was that the solar system and Andromeda must not be attacked. In their battles with humans, the Zago had not only evolved their combat abilities, but their tactics had also become more cunning, such as feints and diversions.

These were all lessons written in blood. Ensuring the safety of human settlements was the top priority.

By the time reinforcements arrived, there wouldn’t even be a trace of Brian Carter left. There was nothing in the warehouse but food and daily necessities—hardly any weapons. In fact, under the current circumstances, even if there were weapons, they’d be useless. Against the Zago, Brian Carter was just a dish—a small appetizer at that.

There was only one choice: escape!

Escape deeper into the mine, which meant Brian Carter would have to endure five times Earth’s gravity. But Brian Carter would rather cough up blood and die than become a morsel stuck in the Zago’s teeth.

“Hurry up, stop packing!”

Brian Carter urged Black Charcoal, who was still packing things up. This guy, with a little plastic surgery on Earth, might actually make a good butler.

Chapter 3: Survival in Desperation

Brian Carter still took the items and put them into his own spatial crystal. This was another flagship product of FFC, now found in every household as a daily necessity. His was the only valuable gift his old man had ever given him. Strangely, the old man hadn’t traded it for booze.

The alarm blared even louder. The Zago had already broken through the last line of defense and were heading for the center.

Brian Carter and Black Charcoal sprinted toward the mine… Damn, this guy was usually clumsy, but when it came to running for his life, he was even faster than Brian Carter.

Brian Carter took off at full speed, gritting his teeth as he dashed into the mine. The moment he entered, the fivefold gravity pressed down on him, nearly suffocating him. It was definitely uncomfortable, but Brian Carter considered himself fit enough to handle it for a short time. No matter what, he had to avoid the Zago.

The mine was built for robots, so it was obviously not well constructed. Brian Carter descended the entrance with Black Charcoal and headed inside. He had already shut down the mine’s operations—light and heat sources would attract the Zago’s attention. Now, all he could do was pray.

After a while, Brian Carter felt his brain start to swell and his vision blur. Black Charcoal stood by helplessly—this was beyond its ability to help. Watching the flustered Black Charcoal, Brian Carter couldn’t help but smile wryly. “Here’s your last order: live well.”

Looks like he wouldn’t have to wait for the bugs—he was about to meet his maker. His nose and ears began to bleed from the pressure.

His consciousness started to fade. Maybe, at the very end, Brian Carter thought of the old man—his only family. The old man always said he was counting on him for support in old age, but now Brian Carter was going first.

“Old man, drink a little less,” Brian Carter muttered.

His mind grew even fuzzier. But just as Brian Carter was about to lose control, his body, driven by survival instinct, suddenly activated the Blade Technique. Brian Carter didn’t do anything consciously—he couldn’t even move at this point.