ocean-life Chapter 150: The Python Star System (3)
Chapter 150: The Python Star System (3)
“Haha, you’re still as hot-tempered as ever.”
Despite the old man’s cheeky response, Leira’s stern expression did not soften.
Why I oughta...
“Stop, stop! My joke went too far. You know I didn’t mean it that way.”
Only then did Leira’s intensity subside a little.
Frrsh-
But even that brief burst of intensity was enough to reduce several office furnishings to ash, even though they were custom-made using extremely heat-resistant materials.
“Whew, really now. I can’t even fool around. I almost turned to ashes over one joke.”
“...”
Despite his attempts to lighten the mood, Leira’s eyes still looked as if she was facing an enemy, making the old man lick his lips nervously.
“Hmm. It’s nothing else. You participated in the Lüpir assault operation, didn’t you?”
A hint of tension appeared on the old man’s face.
The Lüpir Star System Assault Operation. Even now, he broke out in cold sweat when remembering that horrific, hellish day.
“Single Numbers aren’t just designated for being strong. Of course, there’s no disagreement that they’re unbelievably strong, but...”
“There’s something beyond that.”
“Indeed. They have the power to overturn even conceptual laws. Even thinking about it now, the Single Number subjugation was a miracle.”
“Don’t forget that it was His Majesty who brought about that miracle.”
“I’m not trying to deny that.”
“...So what do you want to say?”
The old man paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. The matter he was about to bring up was delicate to speak about openly.
“Those in Fallen Planet or the Hero Council of Salvation probably know to some extent. There are quite a few who hold dual positions, after all.”
“What’s the matter that you’re beating around the bush like this?”
“After His Majesty killed No.6, he took that power.”
“...”
No.6 Delroa, a Single Number that possessed the absurd ability to twist causality. That power alone was enough to give the Galactic Empire nightmares.
“But you know, taking Delroa’s power wasn’t His Majesty’s intention. You know that too, don’t you? That in a way, what happened then was just an accident?”
“...”
“It would be truly optimistic to predict that such luck will come again.”
As the old man continued speaking, Leira’s face gradually became serious. She had some idea about his opinion regarding His Majesty’s well-being.
***
The Galactic Empire’s preparations for the subjugation of Single Number No.9 Kameria were proceeding smoothly.
Needless to say, an enormous amount of Ether resources were being consumed. Ether was essentially the foundation that kept the Galactic Empire running. Ꞧά????ȱ₿Èṥ
“Aria. The preparations?”
[They are complete.]
However, a considerable amount of Karma had been stockpiled from the Integrated Dimensional Community. Karma was the raw material that formed the basis of Ether.
Thanks to that, the current Ether supply of the Galactic Empire was barely enough to carry out the subjugation operation.
“Finally.”
Karlstein had no choice but to step up, despite the interference from the previous Emperor. The massive No.6 Delroa had begun its own advance.
“Today, we bring down a new Single Number.”
Determination set on every face.
“For the Galactic Empire.”
***
Rumble-
A faint vibration was felt as the ship shook.
Although they opened a path with Nova, due to the unique terrain of the Python star system and the astral wave interference characteristic of Single Numbers, they could not completely clear out the thralls.
To maintain the path for the Galactic Empire to advance, some of the over one million fleet and several heroes specialized in mass combat were clearing out the remaining thralls.
Boom-
But this was the Single Number’s battlefield.
Probably by now, the others were engaged in a bloody battle against the immortal Kaiju army, all to open a path for those gathered here on the Imperial ship.
Although they expected Kameira to be the easiest Single Number to tackle, a Single Number was a formidable enemy nonetheless.
In fact, due to Kameira’s characteristic of granting immortality to all monsters, it might be the most troublesome opponent for the 2nd Army tasked with maintaining the path and shaping the battlefield.
Boom-
So there could not be no repercussions.
Countless must be dying right now.
Even so, they could not stop. Even if they cleared out the thralls, it was only temporary. They had to quickly finish off the Single Number’s main body before the endlessly reviving and multiplying thralls filled the gap created by Nova.
In a way, it was basically a race against time.
“Hoo...”
Karlstein closed the report window showing the numerical tallies. It was to relieve the mental burden in preparation for the Single Number battle.
[There are no unusual occurrences at present.]
In any case, Aria would inform him of any problem. Her unwavering voice provided comfort.
So for now, I’ll do what I can.
“Leira.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Leira responded awkwardly upon being called to the captain’s quarters.
“...”
Karlstein tapped the table before him as he observed Leira.
“Sit down.”
She strangely avoided eye contact, which made Karlstein furrow his brow.
“Is there perhaps a problem?”
“...”
Known as the Fire Witch, she was an ability user capable of an entire planet with Ether. She was one of the important forces that could suppress the Kaijus’ ultra-regeneration trait.
“N-no, it’s nothing.”
Yet for some reason, she could not make proper eye contact, causing Karlstein’s eyebrow to twitch. Loyal as she was, Leira’s reluctance to speak indicated some kind of problem.
Karlstein deemed it necessary to find out what it /genesisforsaken