Chapter 589 Diversion
"They're fast. Faster than Kingfisher. Those dummy Space Vessels we left behind near that Star System are being destroyed in quick succession. Do you think they shot those down or...?"
Nysia pointed at a panel that showed the readings of the small Space Vessels that we powered up and left alone to serve as decoys. Although they're already out of our range, we produced something that worked like a life monitor and connected it to that panel.
It's a common tactic to detect pursuers. However, it actually doesn't use Space Vessels as decoys since they're valuable no matter their sizes. Unfortunately, we lacked the exact equipment for that so we had to improvise through the use of our past life's experience.
Using my collection of Space Vessels in my Necklace, I scattered them in a wide area to give us an idea of where they would come from. Certainly, the organization wouldn't let us be for destroying a World they owned.
I could only provide for this tactic once though… I pretty much used up most of the Space Vessels we looted, leaving behind only around twenty of them.
In any case, Nysia's doubt wasn't wrong.
Although our pursuers could shoot those in front of them down, their progress was so quick that it was close to being absurd.
Is their Space Vessel specialized in speed and firepower?
Are we dealing with one or a fleet of them?
Finding answers to those questions would be difficult unless we see them for ourselves.
At the moment, even though they had yet to be detected by our radar scans, they'd catch up before we reached the World of Tree Spirits if their pace remained the same.
"No matter. Just continue on our way, Nysia. At the very least, there should be a Rank 4 Transcendent among our pursuers. They wouldn't dare send another Rank 3 Transcendent when in their eyes, we managed to defeat those peak Rank 3 Transcendents even while being suppressed by the World's Will."
I said as I took my eyes off that panel. I did expect this situation when I let Nysia use our Chaotic Energy reserves.
Even though I was also a little concerned about Alwyn and Remilia's status in that Transcendent World, the situation before us had to be resolved first.
What we have to do next is to adjust our next move a little. It'll still be manageable but our return to Earth would probably be delayed by a day or two since we have to take a detour.
In this vast Chaotic Space, unless they're a high-rank Sage expert who could partially use their abundant Source Energy and attainment in their merged Pathways to scan a World Zone, chasing a lone Space Vessel would be like looking for a needle in a haystack as long as we removed our traces.
Minutes later, after discussing the next step with Yuko and Nysia, I went to pick up Zerina, Dannae, and Irja.
The same as we did during our encounter with the Exploration Fleet from Samsara, what we need are stealth skills. Unfortunately, Erin's Shadow-mastery couldn't be used here.
It'll only be Zerina's Imbued Tool, the Void Cape, and my Inherent Skill, Void Concealment.
Dannae and Irja's role is to use the Amplification Skill and Totem alongside Zerina to conceal the Space Vessel's tracks.
Next, my role is to create baits and diversions in the Chaotic Space. To throw them off our trail and send them to another location.
Naturally, I have to temporarily leave the Kingfisher. I will be using a small Space Vessel concealed by my Inherent Skill to return to them.
Maybe it'll take me a day to accomplish that. Furthermore, in case I failed to return early, I already prepared in the event I entered combat. I'll be sending them a message through Interdimensional Call or the communication crystal before engaging.
"Alright. I'll be returning soon. Nysia let Sofiel take the wheel when you feel exhausted and Yuko, I'll leave everyone to you."
After making my preparations, I was set to go.
"Yes, husband."
"Careful, Dai-kun. We won't go back to Earth without you."
Looking at them, it looks like they're finally getting the hang of setting aside their worry for me and just believing that I will accomplish what I set out to do.
This is better. We've already experienced despair in our past lives, and even though we also got affected by our new life, it's only a matter of time before we stop worrying for each other over every little setback.
Our adventure will always be wrought in danger. Being a worrywart will just hinder us. We better reserve that feeling for when it's actually inevitable to feel that way.
"Understood. You all know me. I'll be missing you a lot so… returning will be my number one priority after the task."
Upon saying that, I made a round to get a kiss from all of them. A little takeaway for me to boost my motivation. Then, I took the panel to predict when our pursuer would show up.
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Upon flying out of the Kingfisher, I watched them turn and then disappear from my sight as Zerina's Void Cape activated.
I erased the traces of Source Energy that they left behind before flying in another direction using another Space Vessel that specialized in speed.
Three hours later, I flew out of the Space Vessel that I put on autopilot to continue traversing its current path and floated in the vast Chaotic Space.
That's the tenth one.
By changing space vessels every few minutes, I created the decoys.
However, that's not enough…
I was hoping not to enter combat, however, it's probably impossible considering their speed.
Using another hour, I swam through the boundless Chaotic Space before stopping.
I took one last look at the panel before throwing it away. It's not needed anymore.
Turning my head in a certain direction, a fearless smile flashed upon my lips.
There, I could see the dot-like image of a speedy Space Vessel cutting through the treacherous Chaotic Space growing larger and larger.
"Well then, I should prepare a welcome party."
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