Rebirth of the Interstellar Pope <Mecha>

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Anno: "Guangdila" is not just a main planet. In the Anno era, 3,000 years ago, "Guangdila" had another significance: it was the trial site for religious traitors, known as "Guangdila Prison.

The battle on the front line had come to a halt. As Anno arrived in the helicopter, the communication equipment quickly activated. "This is General Kewei's direct subordinate; please report your identity."

"Heaven teaches Rufeite," came the confident reply from Rufeite.

"Hello, Master Tianjiao. The helipad is ready, navigation is connected, and the route is automatically set."

Following the designated path, the helicopter descended onto the helipad. As Anno and Rufeite disembarked, they surveyed the front-line deployment, which mirrored the rear support base with its uniform metal structures. Yet, there was not a single mecha in sight.

Without an officer to guide them, a navigation robot led Rufeite and Anno through the camp. Despite the battle's cessation, nearly half of the military camp was cloaked in darkness, with only a patch of light illuminating their destination.

"I may not like Kewei," Rufeite remarked, "but I have to admit he's a good general. He knows how to take care of his subordinates."

The military camp was mostly at rest; only the ground defense robots continued their operations, while a massive ionization protection net arched overhead.

"Is the energy reserve sufficient?" Anno asked.

Rufeite glanced up at the sky. "It might not be enough. That's why Kewei is well-liked by his soldiers. Life comes first, war second. We won't be mere pawns in the political game."

Rufeite's statement drew a raised eyebrow from Anno. "If it were in my time, I'd definitely recruit him for the religion."

Turning his gaze to Anno, Rufeite's dark eyes glimmered with curiosity.

While the rest of the military camp rested, Kewei remained vigilant, seated in the military control center. The navigation robot guided Rufeite and Anno through identity verification before entering the center.

Dressed in his military uniform, Kewei sat alone, rubbing his brow in evident fatigue. "Welcome."

Rufeite settled into a chair, gesturing toward Anno. "You really don't seem thrilled to say such a reluctant 'welcome.' It suggests the situation isn't good."

Kewei's expression had relaxed somewhat since their earlier meeting, yet he still retained a cold, stern demeanor. "The low-intelligence beings have mysteriously refused to cooperate. This time, the Holy See has not only sent a mecha team but also an aircraft carrier. Is it merely for the right to develop? The United Nations has provided us with misleading information. Until I have accurate intel, I won't allow my army to die in vain."

At the mention of the "United Nations," Rufeite couldn't suppress a sarcastic smile. "What instructions did they give you?"

Kewei replied, "The military is not a subordinate of the United Nations and will not heed their directives. I'll give them three days. If they don't provide an explanation by then, I'll withdraw my troops immediately."

Rufeite leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Go ahead. You can go home and sleep in bed with your wife."

Kewei's expression faltered, a hint of incredulity crossing his face at Rufeite's inappropriate remark.

Sitting beside Rufeite, Anno remained silent for a moment before asking, "Is no consultant from the United Nations coming?"

Kewei turned to Anno, showing no signs of questioning his identity or expressing any contempt. "There's a group of biological experts and an instrumentation team."