At the edge of the K-77 Star Domain, ripples spread across the void as a small fleet emerged from warp.
The silver-gray hull of the North Wind sat at the center, flanked by several Sharp Edge Class assault ships like loyal guards.
Ahead of them, a massive dark-red planet rotated slowly. Twisted atmospheric storms and mottled metallic veins were faintly visible on its surface, reflecting a dim sheen.
Designation G-717, "Red Blood Star."
"We've reached the designated coordinates." Xuanji's voice echoed across the bridge.
Almost as soon as the fleet stabilized, an encrypted communication request bearing the insignia of the Star Realm Army's 93778th Legion appeared on the main screen.
"Connect." Lin Yi stood at the center of the bridge, watching the screen with a calm gaze.
Soon, the image of a stern-faced Star Realm Army officer with sharp eyes appeared. "Commander Lin Yi, I'm Kaila, chief of operations staff at Legion Command. Time is short, so I'll get straight to the point."
"Go ahead." Lin Yi nodded slightly.
"Your unit has entered the Red Blood Star theater. We're transmitting an assigned mercenary corps' joint-operation mission. The mission is rated at Level 4 and will also be sent through the Mercenary Alliance system."
"Mission details: the East Blade Mercenary Corps must immediately organize an elite ground force and drop into the Helios Forward Base in the Crimson Plateau region of the planet's northern hemisphere. Assist the base's current garrison and hold it for at least five standard days."
The Star Realm Army officer, Kaila, spoke rapidly. As she transmitted an encrypted data packet to the North Wind, she continued:
"Because Red Blood Star is extremely close to the Kunmo Race's territory, it was already under their control before the graded battlefield was opened. The planet is home not only to