When the video finished playing, everyone was left with mixed emotions—relief, shock, melancholy, and a sense of loss, to name a few.

However, everyone’s attitude toward Lin Xinghai had changed to some extent. Even Elder Wei was no exception; he had become even more cordial.

After the engineering department completed its inspection and shipped away the important components, Elder Wei invited everyone to the Upper Level District to rest and settle the mission’s rewards. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Of course, no one had any objections. Wasn’t this reward what they had worked so hard for?

After the Three Major Mercenary Corps briefly got themselves in order, they headed to the Upper Level District, led by a squad of soldiers.

As for Elder Wei and the others, they had already left. Although the great battle was over, the post-war efforts were still the absolute top priority, with a mountain of problems waiting to be addressed.

As Lin Xinghai and the others walked down the road, looking at the collapsed buildings and injured civilians on both sides, their hearts grew quite heavy.

Fortunately, this was a war they had prepared for, and it had only lasted for half an hour, so the destruction wasn’t too extensive.

Moreover, Elder Wei had already made thorough arrangements for the recovery effort.

The 100,000 Attack Drones and 20,000 combat robots that had played a crucial role in the battle were not withdrawn after the fighting ended. Instead, they remained dispersed throughout the Shelter to maintain order. With their presence, the Star Shield Shelter would not descend into chaos.

Relief supplies, which had been prepared in advance, were being distributed in massive quantities. All injured individuals received prompt and proper medical treatment.

Those whose homes had been destroyed were gathered and placed in temporary housing, with the promise of receiving new houses within a month at the latest.

Furthermore, all victims were to receive a substantial compensation payment.

Of course, Elder Wei planned to bill all of it to Gibson.

Thanks to this series of measures, order within the Shelter was quickly restored.

Of course, this alone was not enough. The trauma of war needed an outlet, and in this situation, the Morgan Conglomerate was naturally pulled out to serve that purpose.

Not only were their crimes announced one by one, but their captured members were also paraded through the streets for public shaming.

These people naturally became the target for the Shelter residents’ pent-up anger. While the Military Department forbade killing the Morgan Conglomerate members, anything short of threatening their lives was permitted.

This included spitting on them and throwing worn-out shoes and smelly socks.

Once the residents had vented most of their anger, the Shelter’s leadership brought them some good news, publicly announcing the successful acquisition of the Geothermal Energy Extractor.

They also announced that the Shelter would undergo a large-scale expansion, which would create a massive number of jobs.

The expansion would also bring many additional benefits. For example, with more space came more housing, which would naturally cause housing prices to fall. Additionally, several new farms would be built, with food prices projected to drop by 50% within six months.

This string of good news naturally washed away the gloom left by the war.

Anyone with half a brain could understand that with this Geothermal Energy Extractor and no shortage of manpower, the Star Shield Shelter’s development would enter the fast lane. The days ahead were bound to get better and better.

With enough time, it was even possible that the Star Shield Shelter could grow from a medium-sized shelter into a large-scale base.

Lin Xinghai and his group observed these developments as they went. While they were happy for the Star Shield Shelter, they also felt a faint sense of pride.

After all, a great deal of the credit belonged to them.

If they hadn’t successfully brought back those critical components, the Geothermal Energy Extractor would not be running, and all this talk of development would be just that—talk.

Soon, the group arrived at the Upper Level District, near the administration building.

The area had been converted into a temporary military camp. Squads of soldiers bustled in and out, managing affairs from all over the Shelter.

After entering the camp, Lin Xinghai and his group were first led to the medical corps’ station.

The most advanced medical equipment in the entire Shelter had been temporarily requisitioned and brought here. All wounded soldiers received the best possible treatment immediately. Since the Three Major Mercenary Corps had been temporarily conscripted for this battle, they were also entitled to the same care.

Many injured Mercenaries were taken by medics for treatment, while Lin Xinghai and the others found an empty spot to sit down, rest, and wait.

They also understood that the Shelter’s upper echelons were no less busy now than they were during the war, so they were all prepared for a possibly long wait.

But to their surprise, they had barely sat down when someone from the Shelter’s leadership arrived—and it was an acquaintance, Zhang Yue.

After capturing Gibson alive and reporting back, Zhang Yue hadn’t even had a chance to rest when he heard from Elder Wei about the incredible feat the Three Major Mercenary Corps had accomplished. He was, to say the least, astonished.

So, as the officer with the most contact with the various mercenary corps, he was the natural choice to be sent over to liaise with them and distribute the rewards.

"Thank you all for your hard work," Zhang Yue said with a smile. "Because you successfully brought back the critical components, your reward Points will be doubled."

"Furthermore, the Military Department will be awarding each of the Three Major Mercenary Corps a Third-Class Merit Medal."

Hearing this, the three corps leaders—Song Yao, Qin Wenbo, and Fang Tianhe—couldn’t hide their excitement.

For them, the Points were secondary; the Third-Class Merit Medal was the most important thing.

For Mercenary Corps like theirs, this award was practically a get-out-of-jail-free card.

As long as they didn’t make any major mistakes, even the Mercenary Guild would have to show them some deference.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zhang Yue began to distribute the Points.

The Geothermal Energy Extractor was so vital to the Star Shield Shelter that the Points awarded were extremely generous.

Even the most ordinary mercenary received a guaranteed minimum of 10,000 Points. Depending on individual performance, the actual amount ranged from 10,000 to 30,000 Points.

As for the Mecha Pilots, the rewards started at 100,000 Points. Key pilots like Fang Tianhe and Qin Wenbo received as much as 200,000 Points.

Song Yao, the Blood Qi Realm expert, received 300,000 Points.

As for Lin Xinghai, he received an astronomical 1,000,000 Points.

Much to everyone’s envy.

Of course, while envious, everyone had to admit that Lin Xinghai deserved it.

After the rewards were distributed, Zhang Yue took his leave.

Members of the Three Major Mercenary Corps who were injured could remain for free treatment, while the rest were free to leave.

Lin Xinghai had originally planned to head straight back to the Star Shield District to check on Liu Miaomiao, but Song Yao and Qin Wenbo insisted on dragging him to a victory celebration.

Lin Xinghai felt a bit resigned, but seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces, he didn’t have the heart to spoil their fun. He could only use his wrist-computer to send Liu Miaomiao a message letting her know he was safe.

Then, swept up by the enthusiastic crowd, he headed toward the Mercenary Guild in the Middle Level District.