“… So long as you join as an ally, you can state any conditions.”
“Not interested.”
The Pope paused, expressionless. “The reason you insist on following Black Star, is it because of your own personal feelings?”
“Nothing to do with you.”
The Pope nodded. “My offer will stand. If you happen to have a change in heart, the Arcane Church will forever welcome you with open arms.”
He then ended the communication.
Looking at the darkened screen, Hila could not help but frown.
The Arcane Church’s Pope had personally appeared, which meant that he had more sincerity than the Crimson Dynasty. However, this could be because of their relationship as enemies, which would require him to step up if he wanted to poach her.
If it was an ordinary Beyond Grade A that had received such a treatment, they would likely have accepted it on the spot. However, she would not consider leaving the Black Star Army for the time being. Thus, no matter how good the offer, she did not hesitate to refuse.
…
On the other end, there was a fleet of spaceships making their way toward the Black Star stronghold in the Emerald Star Cluster.
The insignia of the fleet represented a small mercenary group, but it actually carried several Beyond Grade A combatants from the Arcane Church.
‘Child of Light’ Sagman glanced at his communicator. “The Pope’s intentions have been conveyed. The poaching has failed. We can begin our operation.”
The Arcane Church had long prepared both plans. During this time, the Beyond Grade As had assembled, and if the Pope failed to persuade her, they would strike and eliminate Hila, preventing any mishaps in the future.
“The situation now is beneficial to us, as both the dynasty and Black Star have yet to discover that we have assembled. It’s best to do a quick battle and make no mistakes like before,” Taylor said.
In the past, it would have taken the Beyond Grade As a long time to gather because of the different Star Fields, so any action would have been discovered a long time ago. However, because a large number of them were in the Flickering World, they were close to each other, facilitating their actions. Before their enemy discovered them, they could take action whilst they were unaware.
“It’s best to shift Hila away from the stronghold. Otherwise, the allies of the dynasty can quickly support her through the stargate.”
“Then we’ll leave this job to you, Tolaen. You go provoke Hila and draw her out. The further the better,” Sagman said.
Tolaen paused for a while, his heart unwilling. In the end, he gritted his teeth and said, “Let me try.”
“Well, if Hila does not accept the challenge, we will first destroy the stronghold’s stargate. It’s a pity that Sun Hunter will not be able to participate in that activity. Taylor, you’re a Mage with more flexible means. Destroying the stargate will be left to you and me.” Sagman hesitated, before continuing in a deep tone. “As for the Lord’s Avatar of Black Star that will be beside Hila…”
At this moment, the doppelganger of Kasuyi, which had always been silent, said, “I’ll hold him off.”
The Arcane Church had brought out enough benefits to allow Kasuyi to participate in this operation. However, he did not like the act of besieging others or bullying newcomers, so he merely sent a doppelganger over as insurance.
“Alright, we have no guarantee of beating Black Star’s avatar. Only you will be able to suppress him.” Sagman nodded.
“It’s a pity that His Excellency Wuornos could not appear as well, or else killing Hila would only be a matter of seconds,” ‘Desolate Beast’ Mercer muttered.
“Stop imagining things. Wuornos will never leave the Temple of God. He will not involve himself in vulgar mortal affairs.” Taylor shook his head.
The six of them present were ‘Child of Light’ Sagman, ‘World Gate’ Taylor, ‘Desolate Beast’ Mercer, ‘Red Devil’ Tolaen, a doppelganger of Kasuyi, and a Lord’s Avatar of a Mechanic.
The nature of Kasuyi’s doppelganger was similar to the Lord’s Avatar of the Mechanic class, which carried a part of the body’s combat power. It could not be compared to the quasi-Beyond Grade A doppelganger ability of EsGod.
Such a lineup just to deal with Hila, this was truly overkill.
However, the difference between this and the battle at Planet Lighthouse was that the allies from the dynasty were missing, and Black Star’s true body would also not be present, which meant the absence of the Spacetime Amber. The Arcane Church thought that this situation was favorable, not to mention that their target was Hila, who was easier to deal with than the cockroach that was Black Star.
Kasuyi’s doppelganger turned his head away to look out of the porthole, declining to continue the conversation with the rest.
“Manison, you probably wouldn’t make a move right… If Hila dies, Black Star will certainly go crazy… Hehe, such a difficult choice this time.
“You’re not suitable to act, and I understand, so let me take your place in this show.
“With me around, she will not die.”
Chapter 1045 - Undercurrents
1045 Undercurrents
The Federation of Light’s territory in the free competition zone was in another Star Cluster.A fleet was hovering in space, with the total number of battleships amounting to two million. Among them, the largest flagship was the Eternal Light. Two humongous mechanical rings circled around the entire fleet, one horizontally positioned and one vertically positioned, perpendicular to each other.
These two mechanical rings, which were larger than the stargate itself, were the strategic Universal Treasure of the Federation of Light, the Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device.
The components of the mechanical rings were intricate, and a large number of mechanical ships were being connected to each section of the ring for debugging and maintenance work.
On the bridge of the flagship, the gathered Beyond Grade A members of the Federation of Light stood in a row, looking at the scene outside.
“To actually utilize such strategic equipment, it seems like the federation’s upper echelons really value the action this time.” A muscular green-skinned man sighed. On his head was a purple runic turban that glittered constantly.
This person was Womre, with the moniker ‘Energy Soul’. He was a pugilist based in the federation and was adept at energy-based attacks. As a Beyond Grade A descendant race, he possessed unique racial talents that gave him superior skills. Standing with his hands behind his back, he gave off the bearing of a grandmaster.
“This matter concerns the unlocking of the Ten Thousand Deity Scepter’s seal, so it is worth them investing the huge resources to activate the Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device,” Hades said. “The Arcane Church will definitely make some sort of move. When they begin to stall Black Star’s avatar, we’ll activate the teleporter to appear directly in the battlefield.”
“That’s right,” the commander explained. “We also have another Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device in the fleet, so once we grab Hila, we’ll be able to teleport back, and the operation will be a success.”
The Federation of Light was different from the Arcane Church; their objective was to capture Hila so as to force Black Star to unseal the Ten Thousand Deity Scepter. Because of their Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device, they had a natural advantage in allowing them the ability to escape the battle once they obtained their target.
The Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device was able to send someone away but could not bring them back, so the fleet equipped itself with a second set of teleporters, along with a self-destruct device. Once the teleportation was completed, it would destroy itself, preventing others from taking it and studying the technology.
If they could unseal the Ten Thousand Deity Scepter, paying the cost of a Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device was acceptable to the federation. While
expensive to build, a Universal Civilization did not lack money, and it was not difficult to build them if one had the relevant technology. They had quite a number of Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Devices lying in their warehouse, acting as a deterrent to other civilizations.
“It’s easier said than done. While the fleet has brought along another set of teleporters, it takes a lot of time for it to be arranged and charged, and there will definitely be disturbances during this period,” one of them in a mechanical suit said. His name was Jackornitz, a Beyond Grade A Mechanical Pugilist of the Federation of Light.
“Thus, the reason we’re bringing this fleet along. There are a lot of unmanned ships within this fleet, which will speed up the deployment of the transmitter, and it will help to protect the transmitter from interference. There’s also the mechanical army of Her Excellency Mornisa to aid us, enough to allow us to retreat,” Hades replied.
“Yep.” A machine by the side nodded. This was her Lord’s Avatar, and she also brought along a mechanical troop, which was the best candidate to block off the enemy’s path. She would not feel regret even if all of them were completely destroyed.
“Don’t forget, Black Star is a Virtual Mechanic and can invade our fleet’s controls.”
“Romo and I will be responsible for the virtual defense remotely, and the main artificial intelligence of the federation will also invest the majority of its computing power into the firewall. While Black Star is a pinnacle Beyond Grade A Super, he can’t break through our defense while being distracted by the fighting,” Mornisa explained.
The Romo mentioned by her was a Beyond Grade A Virtual Mechanic from the federation, responsible for guarding the quantum network and the main intelligence network of the federation. He was not participating in this operation, but he would provide some form of remote assistance.
“It’s a pity that the Mechanic Emperor is not planning to take part in this operation. If he were in charge, we would not have to be afraid of the Virtual Intrusion of Black Star at all.” Hades sighed.
At this moment, Sierron, who was standing with his arms crossed in the center of all the people, snorted before indifferently speaking. “Humph, Manison refuses to come, and Oulou is also in the Central Galaxy, so I have to lead this team. I don’t care about the rest, just leave Black Star to me. If there’s anyone from the Arcane Church who tries to stop us, I’ll deal with the strongest too.”
‘Star Shatterer’ Sierron, a pinnacle level Beyond Grade A Pugilist, was the head of the federation team for this operation, and he was also a member of The Ancient Ones.
On the other side, a multi-faceted crystal was suspended in midair, its body shining with a deep blue color. It sent out mental fluctuations. “The task of capturing Hila can be left to me.”
This was a crystal life form called Crystal Soul. It was a Beyond Grade A Psychic.
The Federation was sending seven Beyond Grade As this time—’Energy Soul’ Womre, ‘Lone Ranger’ Jackornitz, ‘Mechanic Empress’ Mornisa, Hades, Crystal Soul, ‘Star Shatterer’ Sierron, and ‘Defender’ Romo, who was providing remote assistance.
This lineup was stronger, with one additional participant compared to the Arcane Church.
…
In the Garu Star Cluster within the Flickering World, Sorokin stood at one of the branch offices of the Limitless Financial Group, overlooking the dense comet trails in space. These were the trajectories left by the spaceships coming and leaving the area.
This place was an interstellar transit station, located in the territory of the Black Star Army. Not far away was one of the stargate transportation hubs, so it was very prosperous and led to the surroundings of Black Star Palace.
Sorokin squinted and muttered to himself, “A good show should begin soon.”
As the middleman who was responsible for the sending of messages to the federation and the church, he knew how they would act when Hila’s data was given to them. There was a high probability of both civilizations taking action.
As he admired the scenery, he began to hypothesize the possible scenarios.
“The federation has the Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device, which gives them the initiative. It is likely they will lurk behind and move later, waiting for the Arcane Church to first make a move. The Mechanic Emperor is likely not participating in this operation, so it is likely that Sierron will be the one at the helm. As for the church’s side, whether it’s Kasuyi or Sun Hunter that’s leading, they will most likely be paddling and not really moving for real… Heh, the Meeting of the Gods really affected quite a few people this time, Black Star.”
Just as he was speculating, a magic transportation door lit up in his room, and someone walked out. The person stood behind Sorokin and waved his hand, casually destroying the door.
Feeling the magical fluctuations, Sorokin turned around, and a superficial smile surfaced.
“Your Excellency Traveler.”
The person was a humanoid creature, with a gray complexion and no nose. He had yellow, crystal eyes, with vertical slit-like pupils, messy gray hair, and a gold ring. He only had three fingers on each hand, with one holding onto a staff that was twisted like a branch. He wore a gold headband with a brown hooded robe.
The Traveler, a Beyond Grade A mage, spent most of his time travelling around the secondary dimensions, and he did not appear in the outside world often. On the surface, he was a neutral Beyond Grade A, but he actually maintained a secret relationship with multiple Super Star Cluster level civilizations. He was also present during the Meeting of the Gods, albeit remaining taciturn and almost non-existent.
“The Super Star Cluster Alliance has employed me to aid you.” The Traveler looked at Sorokin with interest. “This is interesting. What sort of deal have you reached with them, to actually have them send me to challenge Black Star?”
“There are some matters that are currently happening, and if my predictions are correct, the federation and the church will appear in the next few days to attack Hila. During that time, I hope you will be able to go to Black Star Palace and announce that you wish to challenge Black Star.” Sorokin blandly smiled.
He had secretly contacted the Star Cluster alliance and revealed some bits of news, reaching a new deal to interfere in the process.
“Ah, so what you mean is…”
“That’s right. Go up for a challenge, and if Black Star spars with you, he will have to split his attention, which will cause the strength of his consciousness to drop, reducing the aid he can provide Hila. If he does not agree to the spar, it will mean that his true body is not in the camp, which means you will fight against Ames. I heard that he has a close relationship with Ames, which will leave him torn as to whom he should help first… No matter what, he will be restricted.”
Traveler quietly listened before speaking up. “You seem to be very clear that this operation will be a success. What benefits will you obtain?”
“Hila’s existence is a threat, and I believe the majority of Beyond Grade As do not wish to see such a character growing.” Sorokin laughed. “Furthermore, even if she joins an alliance, she will definitely choose the Crimson Dynasty. Thus, this poses a danger to the other two universal civilizations.”
“It doesn’t just stop there, right?” Traveler refuted. “You even dragged the Super Star Clusters into the mess. You definitely have bigger objectives.”
“Haha, alright, there’s no harm in telling you.” Sorokin narrowed his eyes. “Do you think the other two are kicking up such a big fuss over such one Hila? No, Hila is merely a catalyst. The bigger reason is the Meeting of the Gods that took place not long ago.”
“Oh?” Traveler’s eyes flickered.
“Think about it, the federation and the church sending their Beyond Grade As to do such a thing… once they succeed, how will Black Star respond? Both civilizations are trying to promote infighting among Beyond Grade As. If successful, then the Meeting of the Gods will only exist in name…” Sorok
in’s mouth twisted up. “But I dare to boldly guess that the aim of the federation and the church is to leave just one or two of the Beyond Grade A allies alive from this operation, using this grudge to fuel their hatred.”
Traveler frowned. “It can’t be, right? The situation isn’t that bad.”
“Who knows? Throughout my long lifespan, I’ve awoken to a fact… that you should never believe you’re irreplaceable to the Universal Civilizations.”
Traveler stared at him before slowly saying, “Then, what about you? You’re also a member of the Beyond Grade As, but you’re not on the same front as them.”
“Aren’t you the same?”
“I’m justified, but you’re a true neutral.”
“Hehe, if I really have to give a reason, it’s just that I don’t like the idea of having an individual rule supreme. I’m a businessman, and I believe in having a collective entity. I believe only in the market.”
Sorokin revealed an insincere smile.
“No matter how strong a Beyond Grade A is, they are still an individual. Only the diversification of civilizations will be able to make the cold universe flourish. Civilization is the cornerstone of society itself, the protagonist of the universe. Individuals outside these specifications are merely dispensable parts of our interstellar society. Getting rid of them might even make the world more peaceful and prosperous.
“The Beyond Grade As have too many privileges. If you do not know how to be satisfied with what you have, you will reach out to places that you should not touch, causing new turmoil in the universe. I don’t want to see this, so the fewer Beyond Grade As in the universe, the better.”
Traveler was a little surprised. “I always thought you only knew how to make money. To think you had such a side.”
“You can think of me as a warden, responsible for the balance of the universe.”
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