Everyone present looked at one another, at a loss for words. Some even felt a pang of sympathy, thinking Commander Yu had started talking nonsense because of the president's passing.
Of course, the awkward silence lasted less than a second.
Captain Nemo said solemnly, "A-anyway, we need to confirm the exact location of Pirate City first. Even in the worst-case scenario, we can at least get supplies here."
Everyone nodded.
Colonel Singer analyzed the situation seriously. "Before that, we also need to figure out where Pirate City stands in this war. Our country is in a far from pleasant state right now."
Colonel Romanova said, "We can't rule out a personal grudge, either."
The "personal grudge" in question was, of course, the "Snake-Slaying Operation."
As the Commonwealth's representative in that operation, Yu Lian had probably earned himself the title of "Scourge of the Galactic Pirates." His reputation among criminals was likely already so notorious it had turned black with purple.
Who knew what ties the underworld bosses of the Abyss Nebula had with the pirate kings of the Cross Nebula?
"They shouldn't go looking for trouble," Fifi said with a smile. "The reason these people have survived to this day isn't because they have overwhelming strength, but because they know how to adapt. And, of course, because they've had more than their share of good luck..."
"Good luck?" Annie couldn't help staring at her in surprise.
Yu Lian explained, "A group of explorers and smugglers stumbling upon an ancient space city when they were at the end of their rope, then successfully gaining access to part of it—that's more than just good luck. There's no doubt that, in that era, they were the chosen of the Spirit of the Universe."
Indeed, the strange and mysterious fortress hidden in the Abyss