For humanity, burn the stars.

At Qin Heling's request, the modified "Explorer II" research vessel was officially renamed and its ownership was transferred to him.

Standing in front of the control panel, Qin Heling smiled with satisfaction.

With this "Noah's Ark," we can finally set sail...

Next, he will leave the 'Sisma Union' system where the Republic is located and go to other places to find space for survival and development.

There's no way to develop here; he has to go to another star system.

As for where he was going, Qin Heling already had a plan in mind.

That was a fragmented star system adjacent to the "Sisma Union," torn apart into a spiral arm between two star systems.

Most of the stars were already dim, and the area was surrounded by a fragmented asteroid belt, making it far from an ideal location according to common sense.

However, Qin Heling still chose to develop his career there.

In the game "Star Ocean", there are several starting difficulty levels to choose from.

One of them is the Star Federation's pioneering ship, and the broken star system called "Felix" is an optional starting location.

Aside from some indigenous people, only space pirates and the like would set up bases there to hide in the planetary belt.

Although this "Noah's Ark" was small, its technology was quite advanced, and such obstacles had no effect on it.

Conversely, they can use the planetary belt as a natural barrier to avoid potential early threats from outer space.

Of course, Qin Heling didn't choose 'Felix' solely because of these factors.

As the starting area, that shattered star field contains several habitable planets.

Although the remaining resources are not many, they are enough to support the exploration of more distant star systems.

More importantly, as the place where players first set foot in the starry sea, they can encounter the prototypes of future development directions such as "psychic energy" and "beast taming".

The space pirates roaming the area and the scattered primitive civilizations all provide opportunities to learn these special technologies.

Although the galaxy is small and fragmented, there are no powerful empires or coalitions within it.

Overall, it's a fairly well-rounded location.

His distance from the federal government also gave him the opportunity to avoid escalating the conflict.

-----------------

The next day, the loading of supplies for "Noah's Ark" entered its final stage.

Qin Heling stood beside the gangway, the list slowly scrolling on the screen in his hand.

Food, water, basic metals, energy, medical supplies...

Soon, all entries were displayed as green "Ready".

Qin Heling nodded to the executive officer who had come to see him off, expressing his gratitude.

This time, the white-haired human executive in the main seat came to bid him farewell.

This old man named Mu Qing's ancestors were also of the yellow race from China, as can perhaps be inferred from his name.

Perhaps for this reason, he took great care of Qin Heling.

Amidst the pleasantries and farewells, Qin Heling was preparing to turn around, board the ship, and leave the Federation.

But at that moment, he suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps behind him.

"Mr. Qin!"

He turned around and saw Adela jogging through the passage, her long golden hair fluttering slightly behind her as she ran.

She stopped in front of Qin Heling, her breathing slightly rapid.

Her azure eyes stared directly at him, her gaze bright, as if she had made up her mind.

Taking a deep breath and calming her breathing, Adela spoke to Qin Heling:

Please let me go with you.

Qin Heling paused for a moment, then frowned slightly.

Because the journey would be very dangerous, he didn't want innocent people to get involved.

Seeing Qin Heling's expression, Adela spoke again:

"As you embark on this unknown journey, you may one day need medical assistance."

"Moreover, for long-term exploration, it is necessary to constantly monitor various physiological indicators."

But in fact, Qin Heling does not need a medical specialist.

He is able to use the repair bay himself and can reasonably maintain his various indicators during the flight.

He had no interest in Miss Adela regarding matters such as biological reproduction.

However, after a slight hesitation, Qin Heling also felt that it might be a good idea to let her join.

Since the cloning chambers will be used extensively in the future, having someone to help during the cloning process would alleviate some of his burden.

At the same time, having manpower can indeed make things much more convenient, including the management of hydroponic containers and other aspects.

After all, this is no longer a game; there are no one-click operations or simplified interfaces.

In the game, many operations have been simplified so that players can control the entire faction even if they are alone.

But reality is quite different.

In addition to making decisions, he also needs to ensure that his will is carried out.

Qin Heling did not respond to Adela, but turned to look at the executive officer Mu Qing beside him and asked him:

"Your citizens are about to be abducted by me, aren't you going to stop them?"

Mu Qing smiled and looked at the somewhat flustered Adela, saying:

"Our citizens have the right to choose their own future, and this is something we have always strived for."

"Or rather, I am gratified that they have the courage to embark on pioneering endeavors."

Mu Qing seemed to remember something and said to Qin Heling:

"In fact, you can recruit people who share the same ideals."

"I believe there are courageous people in the Federation who are willing to go together."

However, Qin Heling shook his head repeatedly, showing no interest in the matter.

"Let's forget about it, that would only lead them into an abyss of no return."

He fears that if a mixed-race person wants to come over, he might be accused of racial discrimination if he refuses.

In fact, it's perfectly fine for mixed-race humans to live well here in the Federation.

Qin Heling turned her head and asked Adela again for confirmation:

"Once you get on this ship, there's no going back."

"Once we leave, we won't be returning to the Federation for a very long time."

"I will not give you special treatment just because you are a woman. On the contrary, you will need to perform your duties as a medical specialist without any protection."

Qin Heling paused, looking into Adela's eyes, hoping she would back down.

"Just as I said, ahead lies an abyss from which the slightest misstep will lead to utter ruin."

"When faced with danger, we may have to take up arms, and we may lose our lives."

"When there is no hope, we can only rely on ourselves to get through it."

"Now, you have one last chance to return to a peaceful daily life."

In response to Qin Heling's question, Adela straightened up and gave a standard federal salute.

"Medical Specialist Adela Chloe has volunteered to join the ship 'Noah's Ark' as its onboard medical specialist and life sciences advisor."

"I understand the risks of navigation and am willing to assume the corresponding responsibilities."

Qin Heling looked at her, sensing her determination, and sighed inwardly.

"In that case, welcome to the team."

"From now on, we are comrades-in-arms fighting side by side."

What ultimately made Qin Heling make a decision was the gleam of something called "ideal" shining in the other person's eyes.

This peaceful federation, which promotes freedom and democracy, is undoubtedly a breeding ground for idealists.

She may not understand the cruelty and bloodshed of revenge, but she yearns for the continuation of civilization's glory and is willing to devote herself to it with that passion.

Idealists may be a little naive, but they should not be looked down upon.

Qin Heling and Adela boarded the "Noah's Ark" one after the other, and the spaceship slowly rose into the air under Mu Qing's watchful gaze.

Next, they will travel through hyperspace to the edge of the galaxy, and then continue their journey into an uncertain future, with no one knowing their fate.

After a barely audible sigh, came the executive officer's final words:

"May the stars illuminate your path, Mr. Qin."

"The Federation will always stand behind our fellow human beings."