When did he first think of becoming stronger? Perhaps it was the moment he discovered his own latent power, Nianli.

After speaking with Kalia, the thought of gaining strength in Yang Ying’s heart had not diminished; if anything, it had only grown more resolute.

The next morning, Yang Ying received messages from Wen Yang and Master Pang Qian, informing him that they had returned to the Seventh Fleet in space and he shouldn't worry.

Furthermore, the Mayor and the military representative finally appeared on television to issue a formal war alert to the public. This same message was broadcast simultaneously across all channels throughout Titan's Light, reaching every citizen not asleep in the city.

During the broadcast, the Mayor first assured the public that the military was fully capable of protecting ordinary citizens and urged everyone not to panic.

He then laid out the arrangements for the city's evacuation: citizens had the free choice to leave or stay. All citizens wishing to evacuate could board military transport vessels for free within ten days, with one departure scheduled daily. The destination for these transports was several colonies situated in Jupiter's orbit.

The first batch of transport ships was already waiting at Titan's Light’s spaceport.

After the broadcast concluded, Yang Ying could feel the audible gasps of the populace throughout the city, as if the entire metropolis had suddenly been enveloped in unease and dread.

Just then, the door to his quarters opened as if by magic.

“Kalia!” Yang Ying turned around. “Can’t you enter like a normal person?”

Kalia materialized, first snapping a crisp salute. “That is because, Officer, you are the great hero and celebrity of Titan’s Light. Your admirers and reporters frequent the vicinity of this residence. The last time I entered normally, a reporter cornered me with endless questions, and it took considerable effort to break free. Thus, caution is always advisable.”

“It’s much better than it was a month ago,” Yang Ying waved a dismissive hand. “Never mind that for now. Any new developments outside?”

“Regarding the municipal war alert, all I can report is that the entire city has fallen into a state of panic.” Kalia removed his mask, revealing a shock of blonde hair and a face that seemed permanently fixed in a warm, gentle smile. However, Yang Ying knew this was merely the professional veneer of a secret agent.

“How is the second phase of the Tran Project progressing?”

“Exactly as anticipated in the plan. Military specialists have already approached Tom to purchase three precision machining plants owned by the Tran Corporation for logistical support purposes.”

As previously established, during the Battle of Titan's Light, many corporations and enterprises, from top to bottom, had been wiped out, leaving countless industries unclaimed—assets that would normally be seized by the government. However, Yang Ying had set his sights on three medium-sized machining plants, instructing Kalia to use his access to the government mainframe to alter records and place them under the purview of the Tran Corporation.

In current society, automation was highly advanced; a medium-sized machining plant required only a few dozen personnel to manage the control panels.

Ghost Agents were not merely capable of appearing and disappearing at will; espionage was their core profession. Under their meticulous efforts, every step of the operation was flawless, leaving no trace should any inquiry be launched.

Upon completion of the first phase of the Tran Project, a previously nonexistent entity—the Tran Corporation—had officially established itself on Titan's Light!

Now, the second phase was set to commence. Yang Ying, much like Master Pang Qian, had sensed the looming shadow of war early on, so his planning had accounted for hostilities extending even to Saturn’s orbit.

If conflict erupted, the machining plants now assigned to the Tran Corporation were strategically positioned near the front lines. This geographical advantage made them highly attractive targets for military acquisition regarding logistical support.

The Ghost Agent think tank had extensively studied military operational procedures using data gathered from various public case files. To consolidate resources efficiently, the military would first purchase these machining plants and immediately convert them into armories to supply the front lines.

Yang Ying had always believed that concealing the existence of the various weapons housed within his Zhangzhong Xingji (Palm-Sized Galaxy) was impossible if the Tran Corporation remained situated on Titan's Light.

Too many people here; secrets were easily exposed. How could one possibly keep track of monthly procurements and shipments while simultaneously concealing other, greater assets?

Therefore, the Tran Corporation needed a justifiable reason to relocate, and the military acquisition provided the perfect opportunity.

Leveraging this sale, the Tran Corporation could legitimately request a tract of land within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter to construct new facilities, funding the construction with the proceeds from selling the machining plants.

The vast asteroid belt contained countless resource-rich asteroids—an ocean of ore and a holy ground for industry. Under normal circumstances, securing a permit to build factories there was exceedingly difficult.

The advantages of the asteroid belt were immense: proximity to raw materials, coupled with superior concealment. One could even relocate the factories and airfields from the Floating Continent there and easily keep them hidden.

The crystal ore found on the Floating Continent appeared, at least for the time being, to be a non-renewable resource. By utilizing common metallic ores, the consumption of crystal ore could be drastically reduced.

Consequently, from the very beginning of his planning, Yang Ying had targeted the asteroid belt. The first phase was merely about granting the Tran Corporation a legitimate origin and securing initial operating capital.

The specific implementation of the Tran Project had been handed over to Kalia for management. These matters were well within his capabilities to handle, leaving Yang Ying simply to await good news.

He reviewed the evacuation schedule once more. This withdrawal was not mandatory; citizens who wished to remain were free to do so. Given that Titan's Light was constructed with facilities like reinforced bunkers, the lives of citizens would still be reasonably protected during wartime.

Yang Ying turned to Kalia. “In that case, you two should stay a few extra days. Once these matters are settled, you can leave via one of the military transports. I expect results within ten days.”

“As you command, Officer.” Kalia dissolved back into nothingness and departed through the door.

Yang Ying checked the time. The first batch of transport ships was scheduled to depart sharply at 6:00 PM. That gave him nearly ten hours, yet he had no intention of boarding those transports. The moment he received Master Pang Qian’s message yesterday, he had already secured a seat on a civilian flight bound for the long-absent Earth.

“My flight leaves in two hours; I should be heading out now.”

Yang Ying stored his light-saber and laser pistol in the Floating Continent, packing only a few changes of clothes in his luggage. He applied a light disguise—sunglasses, a scarf, and a hat—as being recognized now, as a celebrity, could lead to complications.

Titan's Light spaceport was not large and was already thronged with crowds.

Yang Ying took a closer look and noticed that most people were there for civilian flights. All tickets for vessels heading into the inner asteroid belt had sold out. Many hoping to board were clustered near the ticket counters, waiting for cancellations, presumably believing even Jupiter’s orbit was unsafe and seeking refuge further inside the solar system.

Ignoring them, Yang Ying proceeded directly through security and boarded his flight to Earth.