Chapter 295: 146 Empire’s Wrath_2

The battle of Ao Star, destined to be marked in the Galactic history, lasted for exactly three Galaxy Days, finally ending with the New Federation Fleet’s retreat and complete abandonment of Aurelio.

The Empire began to boast about its great victory in the Ao Star campaign.

The Empire withdrew its forces and announced a demand for compensation as high as trillions from the New Federation.

Within the Sherman Empire, there was a scene of jubilation; memorial activities began everywhere to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, preparing for grand celebrations.

…

“Lyu, what is the actual battle damage ratio?”

“Approximately 11 to 15. The New Federation’s losses are indeed much greater than Sherman’s.”

“The New Federation’s battleship capabilities are this inferior?”

Yang Ming was somewhat incredulous.

He cut himself a small piece of steak with a knife and fork, slowly brought it to his mouth, and continued to look at the projection screen in front of him.

The scenes of the ships exchanging fire were so thrilling.

Each large ship that lost its protection shield and exploded represented thousands of soldiers and billions of Federation Coins turning into ashes simultaneously.

Just the half-day attrition of the Ao Star battle’s local battlefield could directly collapse a medium-sized country like Wind.

This was the gap.

Yang Ming, who watched the events unfold from a hidden underground prison, felt a mix of emotions these past few days, as if the threat of the Valkyrie had become trivial.

The luxurious “single room” was filled with the sounds of explosions.

What impressed Yang Ming the most was the Sherman’s Empire’s regimented fleet charging straight ahead.

Dozens of warships, covered with protection shields, attacked the New Federation Fleet head-on, seemingly trying to sink them through collision.

Initially, Yang Ming could not see any tactical value in this charging method, but the charged New Federation Fleet would often fall into disarray, lose the flagship, and be encircled and annihilated by Sherman’s fleet.

“Lyu, are the people of Wind still supporting Sherman?”

“Yes, boss.”

“Delete all the posts that can be deleted,” Yang Ming frowned, “The New Federation just got hurt, they weren’t killed outright. They’re afraid to retaliate against Sherman, but can they not vent on Wind? After deleting the posts, guide the public opinion and say it’s the work of New Federation Agents.”

“Understood, boss.”

Lyu laughed again and said, “As you expected, the New Federation CIA did start large-scale operations. I have captured some valuable clues and am investigating them.”

“Yeah, stay hidden, don’t draw attention to yourself at this time.”

“You should have more confidence in your assistant,” Lyu couldn’t help but mutter, “In cyberspace, while I’m not a true deity, I have various advantages.”

Yang Ming clicked his tongue: “Hesitant on the New Federation network, but delivering heavy punches on Wind’s network, that’s quite something, Goddess.”

Lyu’s projection appeared behind Yang Ming, waved a fist at him, and quickly disappeared.

“I’m off to work, boss! You have an economic conference coming up, and later we’ll conduct the first phase of the enhancement serum test.”

Yang Ming stuffed a large piece of steak in his mouth, slowly chewing as he stared blankly at the war images on the projection screen.

The strength of Sherman was entirely evident on the front battlefield.

However, within Sherman, less than twenty worm locations were discovered, while Yang Ming vaguely sensed there were hundreds of them.

Naturally, the New Federation denied the matter, only accusing that Sherman Empire was making slanderous claims, and that the White Ghost was framing them–the worms were simply thriving and reproducing under natural conditions on those planets and such.

Surrounding a direct conflict, months or even years of negotiations and battles of discourse would ensue.

Yang Ming had to stay vigilant about these matters.

It was likely that the New Federation harbored extreme hatred for the White Ghost, and if he wanted to appear as the White Ghost later, he would need to be doubly cautious.

The economic conference soon commenced.

Second Prince Edwan and the Finance Minister presided over the meeting, with dozens of Wind officials and over a hundred business representatives attending.

Yang Ming’s holographic projection sat at the most remote corner, continuing to eat and drink.

The old man, Kolev, finally graced them with his presence, joining Yang Ming’s projection.

“My dear nephew, even in your incarceration, you manage to attend the meeting!”

Yang Ming glanced disdainfully at the old man.

Since returning from the New Federation, he had tried to meet Kolev several times;

Either Yang Ming was on Ilando Star while Kolev busied himself socializing with old ladies, or when Kolev was free, Yang Ming wasn’t on the surface.

This time was a rare meeting for both of them.

Kolev was all smiles, his wrinkles considerably less than before, and his previously messy, Einstein-style hair transformed into an elegant braid; his attire clearly was an expensive high-end costume.

“I didn’t expect you to be so busy nowadays, Uncle Haton.”

Yang Ming calmly teased, “When will the top seat of the New Industries Association be under you?”

“Perhaps another three to five years?”

Kolev squinted, smiling as he whispered while watching Prince Edwan explaining the “Wind Opportunities”:

“Have you seen the Ao Star battle video? The New Federation and Sherman are so powerful, two fleets could easily crush Wind.

“Wind is still a medium-sized country… oh, I can hardly imagine the small countries now must be trembling with fear.”

“This is the power distribution in the Milky Way.”

Yang Ming shrugged, “Small countries only have the fate of being dominated, while powerful nations can’t form a balance of power that deters each other.”

“Did you know that the White Ghost has been hailed as a hero by the people of the Sherman Empire,” Kolev seemed to be hinting at something, “but the Sherman nobility doesn’t seem to like him much.”

“That’s normal,” Yang Ming said calmly, “The White Ghost was too rude; he insulted the entire Sherman noble class, which includes tens of millions of nobles.”

“Hahahahaha!”

Kolev laughed so loudly that it drew attention from various quarters.

The old man hurriedly covered his mouth, lowered his head, and exchanged a glance with Yang Ming.

This clever old pirate was now convinced of the White Ghost’s identity.

“How’s my cousin recently?” Yang Ming asked softly.

Kolev took out a straight keyboard-like network terminal, donned a pair of headphones, and began to type, directly communicating with Yang Ming.

[She’s still active nearby and has acquired three ships.]

[I never imagined she could assist us so much… I asked Molly to select some targets, those competing with me in business while using underhanded tactics; Mimili greeted their cargo ships on my behalf.]

[Such a way of doing business is simply wonderful.]

Yang Ming felt a few black lines forming on his forehead.

My goodness, having Mimili raid the competitors’ cargo ships?

This was a path he hadn’t anticipated before.

“Molly Miss Group is mine,” Yang Ming’s voice came through Kolev’s headphones, “You move towards chemical energy, while Molly Miss moves towards high-end manufacturing.”

[I’ve known for a while. Are you planning to take complete control of this country? Becoming the uncrowned king?]

“I’m not too interested in that,” Yang Ming slightly pursed his lips.

Scenes from the Ao Star battle floated before his eyes.

The grand scenes of thousands of warships engaged in battle, maneuvering warfare around planets, left a deep impression on Yang Ming’s heart.

This was not the most intense all-out war; neither side’s Dreadnoughts participated.

Yang Ming said, “Just tell me if you need some related technology. The New Federation is in chaos right now; I might go over there to steal some locked technologies.”

Kolev was a bit surprised, “Uh, that sounds more interesting than doing business.”

“Next time, I’ll take you along if there’s a chance.”

[No thanks, I don’t want to be involved in any more fighting… but if you can let me take a look at Feinan, I wouldn’t reject a thrilling journey.]

Yang Ming looked at Kolev and lightly winked.

Kolev stretched lazily.

The two were like a synchronized spirit, both crossing one leg over the other, leaning back on their chairs, and watching the slender etiquette hostesses on the edge of the venue, absorbing the energy named youth through their eyes.

Buzz, buzz.

Yang Ming’s watch vibrated a few times.

“I have something urgent, so I’m leaving first. I’ll contact you before I set off.”

Kolev gestured, and Yang Ming’s projection vanished.

The prison’s lower level.

Yang Ming looked at Lyu’s realistic projection beside him; she seemed a bit conflicted.

“What is it?”

Lyu immediately reported, “A few moments ago, Princess Dana suddenly began to act, but something went slightly wrong… Boss, watch the footage. It’s hard for me to describe.”

Lyu’s figure disappeared, replaced by a projection screen.

The scene on the screen was in fast-forward mode.