Sky-cracking Rider-Chapter 1253 - 1220: The Choice

"Is it really that exaggerated?"

Chen Shan looked completely bewildered, having been forcefully given the call sign "rookie," and now it seemed it was entirely accurate.

Not to mention going to the battlefield to kill, he hadn't even killed a chicken before, so how could he realize the seriousness of his father and Chen Xiao'er's predictions about the situation.

"Xiao Fei is right; you must carefully consider this. From now on, it seems the era of peace is about to end."

Uncle Chen Haiqing, who had experienced war, could naturally keenly perceive the changing situation.

Chen Fei said to the S-Class Space Ability User sitting at the same table, "Mr. Brown, please leave a 'Space-Time Seed' inside the villa."

"Alright, no problem."

Heseman Brown could condense a 'Space-Time Seed' daily, used for precise location in conjunction with "Space Transmission." When used appropriately, it could even break through dimensional planes, in a way similar to "Longinus." However, 'Space-Time Seeds' are one-time use; after consumption, you'd have to set up another new 'Space-Time Seed' to transmit to the same place again, whereas "Longinus" can be used repeatedly in pairs, not relying on the S-Class Psi Skill, and can maintain a connection as long as energy supply is sustained.

He went to the spacious living room center, and using his hands, he crafted a silver "small flower" the size of a quail egg that constantly bloomed and dissipated. With his hands apart, the silver "small flower" became invisible, intangible, and unable to be seen or physically touched.

Accurately speaking, after leaving the hands of the S-Class Space Ability User, the 'Space-Time Seed' went directly into a sub-phase state, standing by to respond to Heseman Brown's Psi Skill.

In space rules, physical distance doesn't hold much significance; even across dimensional planes, this S-Class Space Ability User could immediately connect with the 'Space-Time Seed' he once placed, illuminating as if nearby.

"Hey, Xiao Fei, what are you doing with this?"

The elder sister, Chen Meizhen, somewhat couldn't understand Chen Fei's actions.

Shen Fei, however, had guessed it was likely similar in intent to the Bracelet-Type Spatial Alchemical Storage Magical Artifact given to her by Chen Fei, a means of safeguarding close ones.

It's just that there aren't more Spatial Alchemical Storage Devices available right now, so the "Space-Time Seed" was used as a substitute.

"Everyone remember this!" Chen Fei raised his index finger solemnly and said, "In case of an emergency, please return here immediately to gather. Mr. Brown will take you to safety. I hope we won't have to use this 'Space-Time Seed,' as it signifies the worst-case scenario."

This was a way to provide the Chen Family with another chance for survival, though Chen Fei was willing to see such a situation.

"Xiao Fei, you've put a lot of thought into this."

Chen Haiqing nodded to Chen Fei, then turned to his younger son and seriously asked, "Little Shan, have you made your decision? If you choose to give up becoming a Sky Knight, I'll go speak on your behalf. No one will forcefully enlist you at this point."

Currently, Chen Shan's status is still that of a commoner, not even in the reserves. As long as he isn't registered as active-duty personnel, Chen Haiqing could still use his face to gain some leniency.

But once registered as an active-duty Sky Knight, it wouldn't matter if he was the chairman of National Defense Star, even the commander-in-chief of a war zone would be ineffective. A deserter on the battlefield would be executed without delay.

Avoiding national defense duties will have very serious consequences.

Chen Shan straightened his back, stood tall, and said loudly with determination, "Dad! I want to become a Sky Knight! I've spent so much time and effort, endured so much hardship, all to become a Sky Knight, right? Not going to the battlefield and not participating in war—what kind of Sky Knight would that be?"

"Good! Since you've decided, never regret it. The Chen family's word is their bond!" Regardless of Chen Shan's choice, be it a warrior or a coward, Chen Haiqing would support his son unwaveringly.

Of course, Chen Haiqing hoped his younger son could bravely face challenges. Since ancient times, who hasn't died? Why return wrapped in horsehide, even if Little Shanzi met an untimely end on the battlefield, leaving no remains, he'd have no regrets.

Though seemingly cold-hearted, the old father was prepared mentally to armor up and head into battle. An old steed in the stable still aspires to gallop far; an old hero's valor remains undiminished. He wanted those parasitic species to know that Chen Haiqing still wielded a sword sharp as ever.

Chen Shan, filled with passion, exclaimed, "If you're afraid of death, you're not part of the Chen Family!"

His father's past accomplishments, he could certainly match, if not surpass, proving each generation of heroes outdid the last.

Chen Fei said, "Uncle, try to get Little Shan transferred to my team later on; I'll keep an eye on him, reducing potential danger."

This could be considered special care within permissible rules.

Yet if it came to a critical moment requiring a desperate fight, even the cousin would have to be driven to the frontline, fighting tirelessly against enemies. For the collective interests of Blue Star human civilization, individuals, families, even entire cities and lands, would seem trivial. When sacrifices were needed, they had to be made.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do!"

Chen Haiqing looked at Chen Fei approvingly, thinking this was indeed a good suggestion.

With a cousin's care, inexperienced Chen Shan wouldn't casually be sent into battle, facing unforeseen vast risks.

"Huh? Chen Xiao'er, your subordinates, what does that mean?"

Chen Shan looked puzzled at his father and Chen Fei, feeling something seemed off.

After all, he had been fully focused on preparing for Sky Knight tryouts, knowing very little about external news. Even if his father knew something, he hadn't leaked it to the family.

Recent news reports almost brushed against Chen Fei's edges, but without naming names, it wouldn't immediately point to him.

"Cannon fodder, in the literal sense!"

Chen Fei spread his hands.

Not just Chen Shan, even other Sky Knights, coming over, would still be cannon fodder.

Sky Knights had considerable combat abilities, yet compared to Chen Fei's Airship Battle Group, they couldn't hold a candle to it—not even ranking at the top.

A single Sky Knight could face ten Tactical Jets head-on, but what if the opponent had a hundred, a thousand, even more?

Chen Fei lacked nothing but Tactical Jets, allowing him to expand enemy ratios to 10,000:1. This wasn't fair combat but unilateral trampling.

Falling into Chen Fei's combat sequence, Chen Shan would be cannon fodder, with no room for objection.

"Hurry and eat. Everyone will get busy soon." Chen Haiqing glared back at his younger son, ready to argue with Chen Fei, and continued, "Xiao Fei, go where you need to without wasting time on Little Shan. I mean, both of you!"

With two "Feis," Chen Fei and Shen Fei, same pronunciation, different characters.

Chen Fei and Shen Fei exchanged glances.

"I'm going back to Socotra Island; how about you?"

"I'm returning to the Northern Weapons Industry Group headquarters!"

As Uncle Chen Haiqing said, the large digital intelligent construct "Cybertrom" had suddenly been destroyed; many people and organizations had to act accordingly. Even if they did nothing now, they had to get ready actively.

The sovereigns' immediate response was a full-scale war mobilization. National Defense Star was going to receive a massive wave of orders, and the Northern Weapons Industry Group would also be about to get orders to the brim.