Chapter 331: Celestial Maneuvers

Song Yuanting’s gaze faltered under Du Qiu’s scrutiny. “Umm, I’ve also operated the simulation system. It really does feel unreal,” he admitted.

“Alright, for the sake of real combat, I approve a live drill. The target will be selected by the Astronomy Institute—it’s to intercept a meteor barreling straight toward Earth.”

At the news, Song Yuanting broke into a grin. “Great! I’ll organize this exercise to ensure we perform at our best.”

“What’s there to grin about? While the drill is necessary, the Defense Department’s formulation of a Solar System defense plan is far more critical,” Du Qiu countered.

“Yes, Boss. I understand. While maintaining regular training, the Defense Department will expedite the Solar System defense plan.”

“Hmm. Since we’re on high alert, we must focus on real combat. Our Wyvern Fighter units will join with the AI machines and patrol beyond the Kuiper Belt, along the edge of the Solar System. The entire logistics plan must be set up as well.”

Song Yuanting nodded immediately. “Patrolling in the Kuiper Belt will undoubtedly sharpen our pilots.”

He added, “I’ve heard that region is peppered with asteroids and meteors. Flying there is a real test of skill.”

Shaking his head, Du Qiu remarked, “For Wyvern Fighter pilots, boldness and meticulousness in tracking enemy aircraft are what matter most. Precision in flying is secondary.”

“All these Wyvern Fighters have been upgraded with Quantum Brains and Quantum Communication. Even if their flying skills are a bit lacking, the AI assistance prevents collisions with meteors or asteroids.”

“By the way, I’ve dispatched a squadron of 10 Wyvern Fighters in an AI formation to pursue Meteor Oumuamua. Remember to assign a Megalith Transport Ship for backup.”

With the breakthrough in Quantum Brain development, outer space vessels like warships and transport ships are among the first to be upgraded. These Quantum Brains have essentially reached a strong level of artificial intelligence, their computing power even surpassing that of Star Ocean’s earlier systems.

However, Du Qiu had carefully marked the levels of these Quantum Brains deep in their core systems.

After a moment’s thought, Song Yuanting suggested, “Boss, since the Defense Department is now on high alert, could we reorganize our transport fleet into a full fleet to carry out the backup mission? It would be a great way to train our team.”

Du Qiu paused briefly. “I like the idea, but I recall the Defense Department only has 8 transport ships. How many personnel can that actually train?”

Following the establishment of the Defense Department, Du Qiu had allocated 8 operational transport ships for its military supply missions to scout and set up defense systems.

Previously, Dream Technology’s main task was to establish as many Mars Living Bases as possible to ensure more Earthlings could survive the great glacial catastrophe.

Consequently, a large number of transport ships were assigned to Martian Real Estate and other construction projects, leaving the Defense Department with only a few.

Song Yuanting explained, “Boss, one advantage of our transport ships is their capacity. We’ve globally recruited a group, some of whom have already passed Security Department screenings.”

He continued, “Using the transport ships as space warships and equipping them with simulators will serve as ideal training. This backup mission doubles as long-distance training, allowing these recruits to rotate shifts.”

Du Qiu nodded in agreement. “Not bad, that’s a solid plan. Also, I’ve recruited mid-level players including commanders of Dream World space warships, space fighter pilots, and mech warriors.”

“Prepare accordingly. Train these folks to become true warriors. Once confirmed that the light spot is an invading fleet, we’re in for a big battle.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Song Yuanting added, “I know this game—my son is a high-ranking space warship commander in it. Originally, I wouldn’t allow him to play, but he insisted he could learn from it. I tried it myself, and sure enough, it’s educational—so I let him continue.”

Du Qiu chuckled. “How old is your son? Quite a talent, it seems! The military roles in this game are low-tier versions of our simulated training programs in the Defense Department.”

He continued, “Continual gameplay helps accumulate knowledge and develop the necessary skills. That’s precisely why I recruited these players.”

Song Yuanting smiled. “My son is 18, and he’s about to apply for admission to Dream Technology University.”

“Hmm, perhaps we should also consider establishing a military academy to train our own officers. Look into that,” Du Qiu instructed.

“Yes, Boss.”

“Alright, that’s all for now.”

“Umm, Boss, I…” Song Yuanting hesitated to speak.

“What is it?”

Gritting his teeth, Song Yuanting said, “For this backup mission, I want to personally lead the transport fleet. Is that possible?”

Even though this space fleet is composed solely of transport ships, it marks humanity’s first complete space fleet, and the ships are armed with defensive weapons.

This is an opportunity Song Yuanting was reluctant to hand over to a few foreign deputies.

“Oh, you’re the Defense Minister—it’s within your prerogative. You can decide whether to lead it yourself or appoint someone else as the commander,” Du Qiu replied.

After speaking, Du Qiu ended the call.

Du Qiu wasn’t about to concern himself with Song Yuanting’s inner thoughts; his priority was a powerful fleet in his grasp.

Right now, he needed to slip into sleep. Earlier, among the Soldier Units that had entered the Dreamland alien civilization space fleet, there was concern about being discovered.

In a flash, he longed to extract technology-related data on space warships and combat records from the alien fleet network.

Even if the Dreamland alien civilization’s space warships were too advanced to replicate, there was still much to learn from them.

Most importantly, Du Qiu was convinced that within the network’s data center lay the most valuable records of past fleet battles.

Currently, Dream Technology was still a novice in this field. Not only had they never experienced space fleet battles, even space fighter duels were untested.

After signaling Star Ocean, he decreed that no one should disturb him during sleep.

Du Qiu rested his head on a Crystal Pillow and fell asleep five minutes later.

After once again traversing endless darkness, Du Qiu indeed observed the appearance of a new White Vortex. Clearly, his earlier command to the Soldier Units to activate their physical upload switch had worked flawlessly.

Without overthinking, Du Qiu chose the Soldier Unit’s White Vortex and plunged into it.

Upon witnessing the dazzling stars, Du Qiu wasted no time and descended immediately.

“Soldier 5220123118, the Master has arrived!”

Barely had Du Qiu sensed the Soldier Unit’s status when he heard its voice, “Master, what are your orders this time?”

Before Du Qiu could respond, the Soldier Unit’s sensor system transmitted a massive explosion sound!

“What happened? Why is there an explosion?”

Du Qiu recalled that just last night, the fleet had begun departing from that resource-rich planet—meaning the fleet was already in space.

The Soldier Unit’s sensor system could detect explosions in space, which implied the blast occurred on the transport ship.

“Master, the fleet has engaged the enemy. We’re currently fighting. The explosion was caused by enemy fire hitting our ship, but we haven’t sunk yet,” the Soldier Unit reported.

The answer chilled Du Qiu. It seemed the fleet was at a disadvantage, with even the transport ship coming under enemy attack.

Keep in mind that the integrated production base and this Soldier Unit were aboard that very transport ship. If it were destroyed by these so-called enemies, wouldn’t that sever our ties with the alien civilization entirely?

Yet, a surge of determination soon filled him!

This was likely the prime moment to roam the fleet’s network. At this point, every artificial intelligence onboard was zeroed in on the battle with the enemy.