Book 10: Chapter 13: Thoughts

Robin gathered the Apostles back on the Faith under the name of a combat summary. However, perhaps because the previous battle gave them too much to think about, none of the Apostles felt like talking, and the scene fell into silence.

“I know everyone is still processing the recent battle, but space combat in outer space is a first-time experience for all of us. Even if our ideas aren’t fully developed, it’s better to brainstorm together than to figure things out alone.” Robin scanned the room and said with a smile.

“Let me start. The trouble we encountered during this exercise—perhaps the biggest issue we overlooked was that everyone neglected the role of reconnaissance. In past Quest Worlds, we could avoid most dangers just by relying on Perception, but in this world, the rules of combat are completely different. We need to place greater emphasis on battlefield reconnaissance.”

“I think this aspect could be handed over to the Gith. Our old combat habits are hard to change in a short time. The Gith are more familiar with using high-tech equipment. If we form mixed squads with them, our combat efficiency might improve significantly.” Balin pondered for a moment and then shared his thoughts.

This suggestion received approval from all the Apostles, and they didn’t dwell on the Faith’s earlier blunder in this matter.

In fact, they could tell that the Faith had neglected to scout the exercise area ahead of time because they trusted the Apostles’ combat experience too much, subconsciously overlooking that the Apostles had never engaged in space combat before.

As for the Apostles not noticing the space creatures in the exercise area, aside from assuming the Faith had cleaned the area, another reason was that they weren’t in the habit of constantly using their mecha detection equipment.

“Let me add something too. I feel we haven’t fully explored the potential of the Full-Bio-Mechanism. Perhaps the Gith have a somewhat one-sided understanding of the Full-Bio-Mechanism. These humanoid giant weapons don’t seem to have only high mobility as an advantage. If we combine them with our swapping abilities, our combat power might far exceed expectations.”

The handsome Bowei said seriously, “Additionally, we’ve overlooked another aspect. You see, this world operates on a team competition model. It’s very likely that we’re not the only Apostle team here. If… our opponents are on the enemy side, then the Star Void should provide us with a fair competitive environment. Perhaps the Jannamer biological tissue is one of those elements.”

Everyone frowned again in thought. Bowei’s meaning was clear—the enemy team might belong to the Jannamer side. That way, everyone using Jannamer biological weapons would ensure a fair level of armament.

“Hmm, Bowei’s suggestion is very timely. I think our next focus should be on training our swapping abilities rather than developing crew tactics.” Robin nodded thoughtfully. “Our abilities are more suited to individual combat, serving as the Faith’s trump card, not as expendable assets. Conventional flight tactics would limit our combat style.”

“Leader Robin, I think you should have a good talk with Captain Marx. Given our unique swapping abilities, we not only need custom-made mecha weapons but also some degree of freedom. At the very least, the initiative to decide whether to join a battle shouldn’t be controlled by them.” Huobiao said gravely.

The Apostles exchanged glances and couldn’t help but nod in agreement. In their past missions, no matter how they acted, it was always out of their own free will. But since entering this world, they always felt restricted. They were excellent warriors but not excellent soldiers.

As the discussion deepened, the atmosphere gradually grew more lively. These Apostles were all elites, and through their observations over the past days, their insights were profound, gradually refining the issues exposed by this exercise.

“Qin Lun, what are your thoughts?” Robin looked at everyone with satisfaction. Their team was temporary, and this kind of performance was already quite good. However, seeing Qin Lun holding a light drink and smiling while watching from the side, her bright eyes shifted, and she asked with a smile.

Hearing Robin’s question, the room suddenly quieted, and everyone’s gaze turned to Qin Lun.

The young man’s previous performance had indeed been impressive. Although everyone could tell that his use of Jannamer biological tissue to help Frank and the others escape was a spur-of-the-moment idea, the fact that he noticed it showed his unique way of thinking and wisdom far beyond ordinary people.

Qin Lun’s eyes flickered. He placed his drink cup on the table, showed a bright, sunny smile, shyly raised a finger, and said, “Everyone’s observational skills are excellent. Regarding the Bingren Mecha and the issues from this exercise, I have nothing to add. However, you’ve all overlooked one problem!”

The Apostles remained silent, quietly watching Qin Lun.

Qin Lun rubbed his nose, feeling somewhat bored, sighed, shook his head, and said, “You all think very thoroughly about problems, but your perspective is too narrow. Since you’ve already realized that this world is different from previous Quest Worlds, why force yourselves to adapt to the world instead of taking control of it yourselves?”

“Taking control of the world?” Apart from Frank, Qin Lun’s words made everyone else’s expressions turn strange. No matter how proud and confident they were, they had never considered such a thing. Besides, wasn’t it common sense for Apostles to adapt to Quest Worlds? Taking control of the world… that sounded a bit arrogant!

“Uh… Deputy Leader Qin Lun, your words are a bit puzzling to everyone. Could you explain in more detail?” Sawa, grateful that Qin Lun had saved her at a critical moment, stepped in to smooth things over.

“Hehe, don’t underestimate the power of us Apostles. The Star Void can change the history of native worlds and control different space-time worlds, all relying on us Apostles. What’s so strange about directing the course of a world?” Qin Lun’s face radiated a confident smile as he pointed to the warship beneath their feet. “Have you ever wondered why the Faith, or the Gith, trust us?”

“They know through the Star Projection that the Descendant Apostles have missions and would never betray their own faction.” Loben, the quieter of the two brothers, responded. “But from what we’ve seen these past few days, they seem to be still observing our strength and considering what kind of tactical arrangements to give us.”

“Yes, that’s one aspect. But there’s another. Putting aside this world’s unique combat rules, why do you always feel you must cooperate with the Gith instead of pushing the plot forward through your own actions like in previous Quest Worlds!” Qin Lun’s eyes gleamed as he asked with a smile.

“That’s impossible. Although the Star Void gave us swapping abilities, they’re completely different from previous Apostle abilities. We must rely on the Bingren Mecha and the Faith.” Bobby couldn’t help but interject. “Since we need to depend on the Gith and can’t operate independently away from the Faith, we have no choice but to cooperate with them.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Bobby’s words hit the mark. These Apostles were all elites; in any other situation, they would never hand over their fate to natives. But this world was too unique. Without the Faith, they couldn’t survive, let alone carry out any missions.

Qin Lun slightly shook his head, finally wiping the smile off his face, and said coldly, “When Kelly asked me to join this team, she told me you were all elites. But now it seems, you’re just so-so.”

Everyone frowned slightly. They all had their own pride but didn’t get angry at these words. Some were pondering the deeper meaning of Qin Lun’s words, while others calmly waited for the young man to provide an answer.

“Even if the Star Void hadn’t given us swapping abilities, and we had no equipment skills, so what?” Qin Lun didn’t make them wait long, continuing with a cold laugh. “Your combat power is improving over time, but you’ve all forgotten your experiences from the earliest worlds when you were ordinary people. You’ve lost the innovative spirit to break free from the world’s inherent influences and carve out your own path in a mission.

Your earlier discussion was very correct in analysis, but your standpoint was wrong. We came to this world not to help the Gith, but to carry out the world mission and deal with the pursuing enemy Apostles.

At first glance, the Gith and we have similar goals, but the ways to achieve them are different. It’s not about us cooperating with the Gith and becoming their strength, but about treating the Gith and the Faith as forces we can use.

Can’t leave the Faith? Don’t joke around. The Gith even gave us nuclear weapons like the Full-Bio-Mechanism. Would they begrudge us a couple of small, independent warships?”

The Apostles’ eyes gradually brightened. Qin Lun’s analysis made them see a whole new world.

“Qin Lun is right. Our combat style is different from the Gith’s. Captain Marx has been thinking about how to make us combat-ready faster and integrate into the Faith. But in reality, we don’t need to integrate into the Faith. Since we can’t learn the Gith’s flight tactics, we should stick to our own combat style.” Robin smiled in agreement.

“Yes, let Captain Marx equip us with independent warships, serving as allies rather than just a single trump card weapon in the war.” Balin said excitedly. “The Faith is the main force, and we’ll be the special forces. As long as we have autonomy, we don’t have to participate in battles step by step, and our abilities can be used to their limits.”

“Since everyone agrees with my viewpoint, I have another not-so-mature idea I’d like to discuss with everyone!” Qin Lun smiled again, waiting until everyone’s attention was back on him, then raised a finger and shook it.

“Actually, ever since entering this world, I’ve had a guess. Are the abilities the Star Void swapped for us really only realized through the Full-Bio-Mechanism?” Qin Lun said lightly.

“I don’t think so? Having all Apostles serve as pilots for the Bingren Mecha might be the Gith’s wishful thinking and have nothing to do with the Star Void. After all, the Bingren are just combat weapons, while our Apostle abilities are very diverse. Some people’s swapped abilities aren’t even related to combat.

For example, Bobby’s ability is only powerful at close range, but in combat with Jannamer, you obviously can’t get too close. Also, Sawa is a support Apostle. Having her participate in space combat that requires high-intensity neural reactions seems a bit unreasonable.”

“Qin Lun, what do you mean…” Robin and the other Apostles looked at each other, thoughtful expressions in their eyes.