The day the Explorer returned, the entire imperial capital erupted in excitement.
As the spacecraft pierced the atmosphere, it streaked across the sky with a long tail of fire, like a meteor flying backward.
The ground command center was packed with people. The technicians stared at the data on their screens, barely daring to breathe.
When the parachutes deployed and the spacecraft landed steadily in the designated landing zone, deafening cheers erupted in the control room.
For this historic moment, the Emperor personally came to the landing site to welcome them.
He stood at the very front of the crowd, dressed in the golden ceremonial robes he rarely wore. Behind him stood the five core ministers and a row of armed honor guards.
The area was packed with reporters and onlookers, countless cameras aimed at the still-smoking spacecraft.
The hatch opened, and five goblins crawled out one after another.
They wore bulky spacesuits. Every one of them looked pale and unsteady on their feet, but their eyes shone with frightening brightness.
After an entire month of space travel, the little goblins had lost quite a bit of weight, but they were still in high spirits.
Grim walked at the front.
He was the captain, the person in overall charge of the spacecraft, and the most experienced astronaut among them.
The moment he landed, his legs gave out and he nearly dropped to his knees. An assistant beside him caught him.
After steadying himself, he removed his helmet and gulped down the air from the ground. His eyes instantly reddened.
Nothing feels better than having your feet on solid ground.
"We're back," he said hoarsely.
The Emperor stepped forward and shook his hand. "Welcome home."
Camera flashes crackled nonstop.
Next came the grand welcoming ceremony. The five astronauts were ushered into