After resting for the night, the next day Ed led the other four aboard the destroyer they had arrived on, then joined Lin Fan and set off with the 101st Task Force Fleet.
"Commander, how do you plan to make contact with the Oakes Empire for this mission?"
Inside the flagship of the 101st Task Force Fleet, Liang Xue looked at Lin Fan and asked.
Indeed, this mission was not as simple as it appeared. After all, there was no dialogue mechanism between the Federation and the Oakes Empire, leaving them with no way to make contact.
If the fleet headed straight for Jupiter, they might be turned into sieves by the Oakes Empire's defenders the moment they appeared, without even getting a chance to speak.
Therefore, how they made contact was the key to this mission.
"We don't need to go to Jupiter. Have all fleets proceed to Sector 498."
"Sector 498?"
Liang Xue brought up the Star Chart of the Asteroid Belt and moved it to Sector 498. It was roughly 4 AU from Mars Base, located midway between Mars and Jupiter.
But Sector 498 was no pleasant place. It was where the Fourth Fleet frequently exchanged fire with Oakes Empire fleets.
It was somewhat like the border between the two sides.
"That's right, we're going there. Precisely because it's an area of frequent small-scale clashes, we'll have an easier time encountering their fleets there."
Liang Xue was somewhat confused. What did going there have to do with today's mission?
In that region, both sides opened fire the moment they met. There was no communication whatsoever.
Even if they encountered an enemy fleet and sent them a message, the other side would not pay any attention. They would just bombard them outright, wouldn't they?
"I know what you're thinking. Let me ask you this: if you were fighting someone and they had gone berserk, what would you do to make them calm down and listen to you?"
"Subdue them directly, or display an absolute difference in strength so they understand that fighting you will lead to no good outcome. You mean...?"
"Mm, you finally understand?"
Lin Fan watched Liang Xue's suddenly enlightened expression and nodded in satisfaction.
The girl had a solid foundation, but like Emma, she was too rigid. That was why she could only be an adjutant.
If she wanted to become a commander, she still needed plenty of training. Looking at Liang Xue, Lin Fan could not help thinking so.
"Sector 498 is somewhat similar to Sector 279, where we fought before. The terrain is complicated and unsuitable for large fleets to pass through. That's why every clash between the two sides involves only small-scale fleets. Don't you think it's perfect for our fleet?"
"Maybe."
"All right, there are still 4 AU to go. At our speed of 3,000 kilometers per second, it'll take nearly forty hours to arrive. I'm going to the captain's quarters to sleep for a while. I'll leave things here to you."
With that, Lin Fan stood and headed out of the bridge, leaving Liang Xue staring blankly after him.
"Commander, you're leaving just after we set sail?"
"Sigh, precisely because we just set sail. On the way to Sector 498, at least the first 2 AU will be safe. Once we reach the latter half, I won't have time to rest, so I need to conserve my energy. All right, I'll relieve you in eighteen hours."
Lin Fan stopped, turned back to explain, then left.
All right, that did make some sense.
After all, if all their energy was spent on the first half of the journey, and something really happened later, it would be bad if the commander made a wrong decision due to fatigue.
Liang Xue could only console herself like that.
If Lin Fan had known what Liang Xue was imagining, he definitely would have said she was overthinking it. He was only going to sleep for a while—no, train for a while—because his Evasion Command ability was about to level up.
After all, Lin Fan's Evasion Command was only at C rank. Raising it to B rank would improve his overall capabilities considerably.
The journey remained uneventful. The fleet had already traveled 2 AU, and Lin Fan opened his eyes in the captain's quarters.
Ding. Congratulations, Host. Your Evasion Command ability has improved and is now rank B. Reward granted: 2% Brain Development.
Ding. Congratulations, Host. Your Mech Command ability has improved and is now rank A. Reward granted: 2% Brain Development.
Ding. Congratulations, Host. All your abilities have reached rank B or above. You have become a second-rate commander. Hidden reward granted: Mech Piloting ability. The Personal Abilities panel has also been unlocked.
"System, open the status panel."
Host: Lin Fan Strength: 350 Agility: 350 Reaction: 350 Stamina: 350 Mentality: 350 Intelligence: 380 The above attributes range from 50 to 100 for ordinary people. Lifespan: 500 years Brain Development: 24% Command Abilities: Artillery Command (B), Evasion Command (B), Formation Command (A), Mech Command (B). Personal Ability: Mech Piloting (B) Mission 1: Destroy a cumulative total of 500 Oakes Civilization warships. Current progress: 208/500. (Reward upon completion: Energy Shield Technology) Mission 2: Raise military rank to at least Major General. (Reward upon completion: Basic Gene Enhancement Serum Technology)
With the additional 4% Brain Development, Lin Fan instantly felt his mind grow clearer and his thoughts become faster.
"Mm, very good. I've finally surpassed that girl Liang Xue. Having a System yet possessing lower Brain Development than an ordinary person is absolutely intolerable."
However, before Lin Fan could celebrate, a massive amount of information suddenly began flooding into his brain. He felt as though his head was about to explode.
Only then did he remember that the System had rewarded him with a new ability: Mech Piloting.
Whenever a new ability merged into his body, because it was turning something from nonexistent into existent, the System would directly pour a huge amount of information into Lin Fan's brain.
The sensation was truly intense. Since he had not experienced it for over a year, Lin Fan had nearly forgotten about it.
As for why upgrading existing abilities did not cause this? That was because the System had not helped Lin Fan upgrade them. He had improved through constant virtual training, so there was no need for the System to impart anything.
Three minutes later, after receiving all the information and reviewing the piloting data in his mind, Lin Fan was certain that his current Mech Piloting ability could at least rival that of an elite Federation mech pilot.
Still, he was a commander. What did he need Mech Piloting for?
Ding. As the Host's thinking is very dangerous, the System will provide a special explanation. This is a Commander System, not a Fleet Commander System. Please do not confuse the two.
Ding. Does the Host believe that a commander of mech forces is not a commander? That they do not require Mech Piloting ability?
"All right, you're completely right. My mistake!"
Lin Fan shook his head and spoke helplessly, though he admitted that the System's words were entirely correct.
Besides, having such a skill was better than not having it. There were no downsides anyway.
After settling everything, Lin Fan returned to the bridge and walked over to Liang Xue, who was sitting in the captain's seat. But what did he see?
Lin Fan widened his eyes at the scene before him.
Liang Xue had opened a virtual panel and was drawing something. As she drew, a faint smile appeared on her face!
But that smile was simply too stunning, making Lin Fan think of a line from an ancient poem: all the beauties of the six palaces lost their color!
Following Liang Xue's gaze, he saw what she was drawing.
Lin Fan's face instantly darkened.
Before you continue