Chapter 20: The Terrifying 31st Star Region, Section 5

Preparations were in full swing. When they heard that it was Black Hair personally leading the team, almost all the newcomers showed expressions of disbelief.
“Never risk wealth in dangerous situations”—this was an ancient rule in Huaguo, and it applied equally in this world as well. These newcomers couldn’t understand why such a leader would be willing to go to the front lines and fight alongside them. Shouldn’t he be in charge of everything on the Death Star? Dangerous tasks were meant for fighters like them. No matter how hard they tried to figure it out, they couldn’t imagine how such a leader could exist in this world.
One thing was certain, however: they suddenly felt a sense of warmth. Perhaps for those who often faced death, only such a leader could gain their recognition?
Of course, this didn’t include the members of the Beth and Li Cha families.
The warriors sent by these two families were nothing but children. Though they possessed a lot of combat knowledge, their childish nature couldn’t be ignored. Upon hearing the news, their only reaction wasn’t gratitude but excitement.
A new planet… exploring it… According to their elders, exploring was a fascinating experience, with all sorts of strange creatures appearing. You could play around with them however you wanted—even blowing them to pieces with a rocket launcher would go unpunished. Could there be anything more fun than destruction in a noble family?
The girls from the Beth family glanced at each other and suddenly cheered, rushing excitedly to their weapon rooms.
At that moment, Black Hair, as the leader, wasn’t in his own room…
On the Death Star, a thousand meters underground, in the Gatherers’ Den…
Staring at a protrusion on the wall, Black Hair was somewhat excited. It showed externally, causing his lips to tremble slightly.
That was the Monkey’s modification chamber.
Some time had passed since the Monkey was brought in. According to Hei, most of the repairs were already done. All that remained was repairing the most crucial human part—the brain. Black Hair came here today to witness this moment firsthand.
After all, the human brain is the most delicate organ; no tissue can compare to its fragility. While it might not be a big deal in front of Hei, it was different for Black Hair.

As the saying goes, concern brings chaos. In this world, Black Hair might not care about anything, but when it comes to his former companion, he simply cannot maintain a calm mindset. After countless years apart, a companion who should have died long ago suddenly appears before him—Black Hair is determined not to lose him again under any circumstances. If necessary, he would even be willing to sacrifice himself in place of Monkey, to avoid enduring further suffering here.

“Black Hair, your emotions are very unstable. Do you need me to adjust them for you as well? Don’t worry, it’s a very pleasant process. I’ll reregulate your hormone secretion.” Core’s voice suddenly rang out in the room, tinged with a hint of mockery.

“Hmph.” Black Hair didn’t respond. He simply stared quietly at the protrusion on the wall.

“How much time remains?”

“Hmm, almost done. We’ll carry out the final step now. But I must warn you, Black Hair—this isn’t a pleasant sight. If I were you, I wouldn’t want to see this.” Core’s voice suddenly grew serious as he offered what he thought was a kind reminder.

“It doesn’t matter. I must stay here. Core, start it.” Black Hair showed no gratitude at all.

“Alright, I hope you won’t resent this.”

As Core sighed helplessly, the wall suddenly began to writhe violently. The protrusion stretched out, its outer shell cracking to reveal pale red flesh beneath. Purple-red veins spread across it like a spiderweb, stretching and contracting with the movement, looking extremely grotesque. Right in front of Black Hair, the flesh writhed faster and faster, its color fading until, with a soft “pop,” it burst open.

Revealing a sphere as transparent as crystal.

Black Hair’s pupils contracted sharply…

Monkey. He finally saw him. At that moment, his companion who had fought alongside him countless times floated quietly at the center of the sphere, eyes closed. His body, damaged from being forcibly pulled apart, had fully recovered to its original state—though it appeared somewhat pale under the room’s light. An unknown liquid inside the sphere gently enveloped him, like a mother’s womb.

“The body has healed well. At least on the outside.” Black Hair nodded after examining it carefully several times before finally speaking.

Perhaps this was praise enough for him, but Core was clearly dissatisfied.

“Is it just that the repair is good? Blackhair, you really are picky. Well, let me tell you—I invested a lot for your ‘brother’. I used half of the Wanderer’s energy reserves. His physique was almost completely rebuilt. Whether it’s muscle strength or the nervous system, it far exceeds current human standards. In terms of pure strength, it even surpasses the famous Lan Giants. His speed is comparable to Liu Xiang’s. Even his vision and hearing are on par with those of elves. I’m not exaggerating, Blackhair—just in terms of physical condition, I think he’s already surpassed you.”
“That’s great. Ku, I’m grateful.” Blackhair replied briefly, his gaze never leaving the figure inside the sphere.
Undoubtedly, more concerned about what was happening to the figure in the sphere than Ku’s boasts, Blackhair paid no attention to Ku’s self-praise. So when his attempts to impress him failed, Ku could only sigh and activate the final procedure.
A beam of light descended from the top of the sphere, precisely targeting the monkey’s head. Immediately afterward, countless tiny, almost invisible tentacles stretched out from all directions. In just one instant, the monkey’s skull was torn off.
His heart clenched. Though he knew it was a necessary part of the treatment, Blackhair still felt dizzy.
To be honest, he was used to bloodshed as a warrior. Yet witnessing his companion’s skull being torn off was still hard for him to accept. But whether he accepted it or not, the Wanderer’s methods continued to unfold before his eyes.
The tentacles wrapped around and writhed. As the light turned blue, the monkey’s brain was completely separated and floated weightlessly above. Immediately, countless tentacles rushed into his skull. Bright red blood splattered everywhere, only to be broken down into colorless, transparent substances by the liquid inside the sphere.
It was like a precise surgical operation, though the process was somewhat eerie. When the monkey’s brain returned to its original state, Blackhair finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Two hours—the entire repair process took two hours. Unnoticed, Blackhair’s entire body was drenched in sweat. His body seemed to have lost all strength, and he slumped softly in a corner of the room, his eyes fixed on the figure in the sphere. After a long while, he gave a faint bitter smile.
“What’s the result?”
“Can’t you see for yourself?” Ku was displeased by Blackhair’s skeptical tone and snorted disdainfully.
“Bang!” The sphere shattered. The mysterious liquid gushed out and spilled across the floor. Soon after, the monkey finally opened his eyes.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw black hair. At first, he was clearly stunned, but his expression immediately turned into ecstasy.
“Head!!!!”
“Monkey!!” Black Hair shuddered violently and leaped up, rushing at that figure. The two embraced each other directly, overwhelmed with excitement.
So many years… so many years…
No one could remember clearly anymore. Yet no amount of time could dilute their deep friendship. Did they still remember fighting together, singing together? Training together, having picnics together? Staying by each other’s side through life and death time and again? Did they still remember the vows they made under the starry sky!?
“I… you…” Tears streamed down his cheeks as Monkey choked up, unable to speak. He held Black Hair tightly, pressing hard as if trying to engrave the other person deep in his heart. The terrifying force even caused Black Hair’s bones to creak.
“You… I…” Black Hair was the same. His whole body trembled violently. Even if the air was squeezed out of his lungs, even if his body hurt unbearably, he was willing to endure it. His companion separated for countless years, his friend who could be relied on through life and death, had returned.
The joy was beyond description.
Perhaps in this world, they had lost what they once fought for. But that didn’t mean their friendship had faded. The years spent together through thick and thin left only one thought in both men’s minds now—drink until drunk!!
On a starry night, by the lake. A picturesque scene, with a gentle breeze.
No matter how beautiful the scenery, it couldn’t dilute their strong friendship. That night, Black Hair indulged himself for the first time, drinking and singing heartily with Monkey. Everything around them seemed to fade away as the two talked about the past, their passion surging. Countless wine bottles were scattered everywhere. Eventually, both fell into a deep sleep…
Yet from start to finish, they never mentioned what had happened in this world.
The next day, a massive fleet rose from the ground, piercing the sky. Hundreds of warships, along with nearly a thousand mechs—almost all of Black Hair’s assets. Just the tremors from their simultaneous takeoff shook the entire planet. Everyone eagerly awaited the Blood Wolf Force’s first expedition.
On the flagship, everything was as usual. But today, people were shocked to see another figure by Black Hair’s side.
It was a young man who also preferred wearing black clothes and had a stern expression. Like their leader, this young man also had… thick, pitch-black hair.