Chapter 155

This happened shortly after Kait exposed Divin's scheme that had infested his planet and, with the Federation's help, drove out their fleet.

A small fleet belonging to Divin had appeared in a certain sector outside the Federation's sphere of influence.

At the center was a single large ship with a magnificent design. Surrounding it were several escort ships.

The large ship had no crew. It was being towed by the surrounding escort ships for a single purpose.

"Fleet Commander. Are we really going through with this?"

"We have no choice. It's a royal decree."

A crew member aboard one of the escort ships voiced dissatisfaction to the captain of that ship—who was also the commander of the entire fleet.

The Fleet Commander shared the sentiment but made no move to reverse the operation. This decision had been made independently of his own will or emotions.

"......It can't be helped. The Re-Eden Plan has been scrapped. Sadly, our long-cherished wish and the Federation's ethics could not coexist. His Majesty chose to prioritize the lives and future of our billion Divin citizens over fulfilling that wish."

"But we had come so far with everything going so well... It's frustrating."

"Say no more. The one who must feel the most regret is His Highness, who led this plan until now. And yet, without showing that regret, he lent us that royal ship. We must not betray that will."

"Forgive my rudeness. Please forget what I said."

The Fleet Commander's words carried a tone meant to convince himself more than anyone. The crew who had joined the conversation, and even those who hadn't, said no more despite their frustration. They could sense the gravity with which their revered Emperor had issued the order.

The target planet came into view. A blue world that, just by looking at it, stirred a nostalgic longing—so similar to their long-lost mother planet.

"That... That must never be discovered by the Federation."

Whether the crew heard the Fleet Commander's mutter or not was unclear.

Once they were close enough to the planet, the fleet came to a halt. Centered around the luxurious ship known as the royal ship, they formed a battle formation.

"Royal ship, deploy main cannon."

"Deploying main cannon."

The front of the royal ship opened to reveal a massive gun barrel.

"All ships, connect energy lines to the royal ship."

"Understood. Initiating energy line connection."

From the surrounding fleet, pipe-like conduits extended toward the royal ship. As ordered, energy began to flow through these pipes and accumulate in the single ship.

"What's the internal energy pressure of the royal ship?"

"Three... two... one until max capacity. We've reached the limit!"

The crew member reported, but the Fleet Commander gave no reply. Energy continued to accumulate through the pipes, and the armor of the royal ship began to change color.

"Fleet Commander!?"

"Not yet! Keep charging until the brink of collapse, not just the standard limit!"

"That's insane! The royal ship has its own core! We'll all be blown away before we can fire!"

"We're doing it anyway... for the future of Divin!"

The Fleet Commander had excluded their own lives from consideration.

The crew understood this, yet strangely, no panic ensued. Each one reaffirmed their resolve and returned to their stations.

Not because of the Emperor's orders or personal ambition. Divin had lost their rights as Federation citizens, their mother planet, and had become a wandering species. If this operation failed, there would be no future. Even if the ship exploded and they died, this one strike had to succeed.

"Fleet Commander! Now's the time!"

"Fire—!!"

A blinding light was released from the royal ship's turret. It advanced toward the blue planet, curiously slow.

As it touched the planet's atmosphere, the light spread as if to envelop the entire world. The royal ship began to emit eerie vibrations, but the light from the cannon did not fade.

The light spread over the massive planet's surface like a consuming wave, and then vanished without a trace—along with the planet itself. The royal ship's turret ceased fire at the same moment, likely having reached its limit. A small explosion erupted from the turret.

"We did it...!"

No one knew who whispered it. The blue planet had vanished without a single fragment. The Emperor's order had been flawlessly executed. Now, the billion citizens of Divin had a future. A thread-thin chance, but a chance nonetheless.

The Fleet Commander looked upon the royal ship that had fulfilled its reckless mission. Its once-pure white armor had turned mottled with reddish-brown from heat and energy interference. The turret continued to explode. Should they wait for it to sink or destroy it themselves? It was a valuable ship—perhaps it was worth salvaging.

Just then, a transmission reached the Fleet Commander's ship. It was from the Supreme General, directly under the Emperor. Everyone stood at attention, waiting for the video feed to connect.

'Viscount Ramzalk. How did it go?'

"Sir! The operation was a success. I will now submit the video log—please review it."

'...Hmm, splendid. Any damage?'

"The royal ship we borrowed has suffered moderate damage. Other than that, nothing significant."

Since they had supplied energy to the royal ship, their own fuel reserves had dropped considerably. However, as long as the core was operational, fuel could be replenished with time. Neither the Fleet Commander nor the crew saw it as a problem.

Then, the Supreme General's expression darkened. The brown wings on his back trembled slightly.

"Is something wrong, sir?"

'Yes. It's difficult to say this to a Viscount who has just completed a major task...'

"Please don't worry about it, sir. Under the banner of Divin, we will never refuse any mission. This is another mission, correct?"

When Ramzalk said this, the Supreme General allowed a slight smile. But he quickly returned to a stern expression and sent the fleet their next destination.

'Indeed. I want you to head to His Highness immediately.'

"To His Highness? What happened?"

'He seems to have been intercepted by a Federation fleet. He is currently being pursued.'

"What!? But His Highness's ship isn't a royal ship, is it...?"

'Correct. He is using a high-performance vessel, but unfortunately, it does not compare to a royal ship. Can you use the royal ship?'

Ramzalk turned his gaze to the royal ship. Impossible—it had been pushed too far.

Perhaps it was a mistake to use it so recklessly for perfection. No, regrets come later.

"I hate to say it, but it's impossible. The turret continues to suffer small explosions. We can either wait for it to sink or destroy it ourselves."

'Understood. In that case, abandon the royal ship. Head to His Highness immediately and assist in his escape.'

"Understood."

'Forgive me... Viscount.'

The transmission from the Supreme General ended. A moment of silence followed.

An apology had been offered. If it were just to help the prince escape, there would be no need to apologize. Ramzalk and his subordinates understood what that apology truly meant.

"To think we'd end up fighting back-to-back battles to protect Divin's future..."

"......Yes. The Fleet Commander is truly lucky."

Smiles spread among the crew.

The mission assigned to this fleet was clear: charge into the enemy fleet to buy time for the prince to escape, and be annihilated. After the prince's escape, prevent any pursuit by obscuring his route. Distract, decoy, and fight until they were sunk.

"It may be rude to say, but the Federation folks are pathetic. Swayed by the wingless ones, they've lost sight of their cause."

"Indeed. We must be the ones to open their eyes."

Their morale was high. It was not mere bravado. If their opponent wasn't Di-Kigaia Zarmos, helping the prince escape would be easy. They were certain of it.

Seeing the brave resolve of his subordinates, Ramzalk smiled.

"Alright, let's move. As long as His Highness is safe, Divin still has a future."

"Understood!"

***

They never realized it.

That near the blue planet, on a small satellite, a handful of its inhabitants had remained behind to carry out some work.

And that they had burned the image of the alien ship that destroyed their mother planet into their memories.

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