Chapter 38 Setting Sail

Ascending the gangway, Han Feng followed Sun Fei and Fran into the cargo hold of the Taurus-class transport ship. The thick scent of industry filled the air, and inside, the crew bustled about their tasks with practiced efficiency. Though artificial intelligence operated the central control systems, a ship required many hands to ensure safe passage. The trust in artificial intelligence had waned considerably since the infamous AI rebellion in history—humans, broadly defined to include all intelligent beings, now imposed strict limits on AI’s ability to learn autonomously.

Now, artificial intelligence was used only as an auxiliary tool. Gone were the days when humanity entrusted everything to machines. The rebellion had taught them that, ultimately, they could only truly rely on themselves. Technology served as a supplement, not a crutch, and humanity began to focus more on developing their own potential.

Research revealed that the human body held limitless possibilities. Through relentless study and development, humanity discovered untapped potential within their genetic chains and cells. The mastery of psychonic energy emerged from these studies, giving rise to the superhuman.

Of course, this focus on self-development did not mean abandoning technology—a civilization that forsakes science only sinks backward. Progress in science and technology remained relentless; true advancement lay in diversified growth and the pursuit of self-improvement. Research into artificial intelligence continued, but humanity now placed heavy restrictions on its core logic, determined to prevent another catastrophe.

Sun Fei personally guided Han Feng and Tifa through the ship’s various sections and facilities—a gesture of respect for their strength. Though they were only two, both were Class D superhumans. In the Bear Hunter Squad, only Captain Mitchel Fran and Vice Captain Yordan Pires held Class D status; the rest were Class E or elite ordinary warriors.

Mitchel Fran walked alongside, listening to Sun Fei’s introductions, but his eyes frequently lingered on Tifa, sometimes deliberately, sometimes by accident. Sun Fei and Han Feng, both keen observers, noticed Fran’s predatory gaze. As a longtime partner, Sun Fei was well aware of Fran’s notorious reputation for lechery and always rebuffed his advances without hesitation. Now, seeing his gaze, she could only sneer inwardly.

Han Feng, unfamiliar with Fran’s character, nevertheless caught the look and shot him a cold glance, the warning in his eyes unmistakable. Fran, noticing Han Feng’s response, withdrew somewhat, smiling and nodding as if nothing had happened.

Only Tifa was oblivious, lost in her excitement and curiosity about the spaceship.

“Captain, all preparations complete. Shall we depart?” Vice Captain Xing Jun hurried to report as Sun Fei and the others entered the central control room.

“Prepare for launch.” Sun Fei nodded, stepping to the captain’s console and gesturing. A three-dimensional star map appeared, suspended in mid-air.

“Set destination—Central Star Region of the Dragon Soar Republic, the capital star. Avoid any systems with a safety level of 0.4 or below.” Sun Fei stood tall, issuing commands with a cool grace and refined beauty that lent her an undeniable charm.

“Course plotted. We cannot avoid the Soltis and Marilla systems; their safety level is 0.3,” intoned the ship’s AI, Alpha, in a mechanical voice.

“Run diagnostics.”

“Diagnostics underway. Control system normal. Engine system normal. Fuel supply module normal. Energy generation module normal. Shield energy sufficient. Armor nanite repair module normal.”

“Launch.”

With Sun Fei’s command, the Taurus-class transport’s engines roared to life. Han Feng, anticipating turbulence from the self-checks, had already led Tifa to a nearby seat. The ship’s ascent would be rough, as the engines needed full power to overcome planetary gravity and mass.

The ship shuddered as it lifted, soon soaring skyward, breaking free from Soltis One’s atmosphere and entering the endless expanse of space.

“Adjusting jump trajectory.”

“Jump engine online.”

“Jumping.”

A powerful force pressed them into their seats as the ship plunged into a tunnel of space and time, streaks of black and silver particles flashing past the hull.

Minutes later—

“Jump engine offline. Switching to ordinary flight. Estimated travel time: twenty-four hours.” Each jump consumed vast amounts of fuel and energy. Afterward, the ship replenished energy cells and fuel, and nanite-level repairs and maintenance were performed on the jump engine to prevent malfunctions that could leave the ship lost amid the chaos of spacetime.

Once the ship stabilized, Tifa was nearly beside herself, eager to press her face to the window. Outside lay the boundless sea of stars, countless suns blazing with dazzling light, planets revolving slowly around their stars, forming systems, constellations, and regions.

“Captain, why is that planet so dark red?” Tifa suddenly pointed to a planet with a deep red hue and asked in wonder.

“Because its core temperature exceeds standard levels—its surface is covered with magma,” Fran interjected before Han Feng could answer.

“Oh, thank you,” Tifa replied, nodding politely.

“Miss Tifa, is this your first time in space? If you’d like, I could be your guide and explain the basics of the cosmos,” Fran offered, flashing what he believed was a charming smile. He was confident in his appearance.

Sun Fei’s indifference had irked Fran. He didn’t particularly care for her, but long journeys without feminine company were dull, and he sought amusement. Sun Fei was the only true beauty on the ship, but despite all his efforts, she remained unmoved. Her status and background were formidable, and business people had broad horizons. Coupled with his less-than-stellar reputation, winning her over was a challenge. Just as he was stewing over this, an angelic girl appeared—one seemingly ignorant of the universe. Fran thought this must surely be providence.

So much for Sun Fei.

“No, thank you,” Tifa declined.

“Then may I invite you to join me for a meal or a drink? There’s an excellent bartender in the dining hall—the drinks are superb,” Fran persisted.

“No, I’m not hungry, thank you,” Tifa refused again. Her intuition warned her against the blond man; she wanted no further contact.

Fran’s expression soured. Rarely was he so bluntly rebuffed; Sun Fei had done so, and now this newcomer followed suit.

“Captain, I’m a bit hungry. Shall we get something to eat and have a drink?” Tifa promptly turned to Han Feng and said.