"To announce our arrival to the surrounding powers, I think hosting a reception is a feasible method," said Kalia.

"Be specific," Yang Ying replied, shutting off the television and placing the remote control aside.

"Send invitations to the leaders of all the surrounding mercenary factions, large and small. Most importantly, we must invite Isaac, the leader of the Giant Mercenary Group. This will help us integrate into the local power structure."

"The location?"

"Tentatively set for the Seven Star Crown Hotel in Gray Harbor," Kalia stated. "Gray Harbor is a neutral city with many social engagements. As the best hotel in Gray Harbor, the Crown Hotel is perfectly accustomed to such gatherings, offering the most comprehensive and meticulous service."

Yang Ying rested his chin in his hand, considering the matter.

"In that case, this guest list isn't enough. Invite more people—socialites, for instance—and make the event grander."

"No problem at all," Kalia answered immediately.

"What if the leader of the Giant Mercenary Group doesn't attend? Wouldn't this reception backfire, hindering our integration into the local power circles?" Katerina inquired, her voice gentle.

Yang Ying and Kalia exchanged a glance, seeing the same thought reflected in the other's eyes, and they both broke into laughter.

"You two seem to have a solution ready. Don't keep me in suspense; tell me quickly," Katerina chuckled coyly.

"This is the ultimate scenario of refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. If Isaac refuses to come, it means he is publicly slighting us. Then, we won't need to be polite with the Giant Mercenary Group; we'll go straight to their doorstep, eliminate them, and assume their position among the surrounding factions. That, too, is a way for us to integrate," Yang Ying said with a smile. The tens of thousands of personnel belonging to the Giant Mercenary Group seemed no great obstacle to him and Kalia.

"Sir, you are absolutely right. Furthermore, I personally believe eliminating the Giant Mercenary Group outright is preferable. After all, emerging powers are always subject to oppression from established ones. Directly replacing them would be a permanent solution, saving us considerable trouble in the future."

Yang Ying shook his head. "Don't always think about taking what belongs to others. We have better options for ourselves."

"Yes, Sir," Kalia acknowledged.

Yang Ying continued, "If the Giant Mercenary Group shows us goodwill, then we shall coexist peacefully with them."

"As you command," Kalia bowed. "Regarding the timing of the reception, I propose next week. What do you think?"

"Giving them some time to prepare is good," Yang Ying nodded. "That way, if any variables arise, we can respond before the event. Leave the matter of sending invitations to your people. If there are any scheduling issues, consult with Katerina."

"Understood," Kalia concluded the communication.

Two days later, the reception was in full swing of meticulous arrangements. To Kalia's disappointment, Isaac, the leader of the Giant Mercenary Group, had happily agreed to attend the gathering.

That afternoon, a variable emerged.

A sudden piece of news shattered the base's tranquility. A Protoss Observer, dispatched to survey the asteroid belt and gather intelligence, returned with crucial data: it had discovered a guerrilla warship belonging to the Ancient Legion.

Judging from the transmitted images, it was a medium-sized warship, concealed within a cluster of asteroids, approximately a day's journey from the base.

In terms of technological capability, the Ancient Legion was not far behind the solar system's humans. Statistics indicated that battleships of equal class fighting one-on-one resulted in a roughly fifty-fifty outcome.

Clearly, this advanced warship from the Ancient Legion was in a completely different league from the obsolete vessels scattered throughout the asteroid belt; it could easily take on two of the older, larger battleships.

Not to mention that the Ape-men held a significant advantage in ace fighter pilots. These aces were mostly high-grade Ape-men, possessing incredibly sharp battlefield intuition. Unless they were overwhelmed by sheer numbers, only Psionics stood a chance against them in one-on-one dogfights.

It would not be surprising if a medium-class warship like this carried one or two ace pilots.

To engage or not to engage—that was the question.

After Yang Ying discussed the situation with his staff, he proposed that since the need to wage war against the Giant Mercenary Group had vanished, the Teran Mercenary Group required another suitable target to demonstrate its strength and establish greater deterrence (commonly known as making a name for itself).

The previous engagement against the Shark Pirates hadn't been enough for such a display. That battle had been one-sided, brief, and concluded too quickly. Many local factions barely understood what happened, only that a newly arrived company named Teran Corporation had a mercenary group under its banner that had won a fight against a contingent of the Shark Pirates' fleet.

The newly discovered medium warship of the Ancient Legion presented a far better target.

Small factions in the asteroid belt would perish instantly upon encountering it. Medium factions might win, but they would suffer crippling losses. Only major powers could approach the engagement with absolute confidence.

Furthermore, the government had issued a colossal bounty through the Mercenary Alliance two days prior, hiring mercenary groups to eliminate the Ancient Legion guerrilla fleet—news that had spread across the solar system. For two days now, not a single mercenary group in the asteroid belt had claimed a victory, which was certainly an embarrassment for the major factions.

"The intensity of the search for the Ancient Legion has greatly increased among the major mercenary groups. Smaller and medium factions are also conducting reconnaissance to the extent they are capable. Therefore, if we are the first to score a victory, we can seize the initiative," Yang Ying stated during an internal meeting.

"But Sir, didn't you previously mention avoiding being at the center of controversy?" Kalia questioned.

Yang Ying shook his head. "The situation changes with time. If, in the long run, the benefits of an action outweigh the drawbacks, it should be pursued. I have two reasons." He held up one finger. "First, the Ancient Legion is the great enemy of humanity. Destroying them is the paramount moral cause in current human society. Even among the pirate factions, no one will gossip about this, much less unite to oppose us for it."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Yang Ying raised his second finger. "Second, we restore the honor of the Mercenary Alliance. We can use this opportunity to establish a connection with them, saving us a series of efforts down the line and allowing us to formally integrate into the mercenary community."

Kalia remarked, "In that case, the value of the reception is significantly diminished."

Yang Ying nodded. "The reception will proceed. It's an opportunity for us to become familiar faces among the surrounding powers. While its impact won't be as great as initially envisioned, it still serves a necessary purpose to hold once."

"I understand," Kalia accepted the reasoning.

At this point, Lilia raised another question: "How should we explain to the outside world the process by which we located the Ancient Legion's guerrilla warship?"

"A good question," Yang Ying smiled. "Regarding this, let's pool our ideas and figure out a way."