《Interstellar Age》


 Chapter 1 Introduction

    Erich sat in the middle of his history course with a bored expression on his half-asleep face. As his silver eyes gazed out the window of the ssroom, he could faintly hear his teacher''s monotone voice as it droned on about a subject he was all too familiar with.


    A holographic projection appeared in the center of the ssroom, which the teacher interacted with as he delved through the milky way gxy to find the target of his interest until finally a small star system appeared within the sight of everyone who was privy to this lecture.


    The moment these high school seniors, who were only three days away from graduation,id their eyes upon the small continental world whose crust was filled with oceans, they groaned inment, knowing exactly what their teacher was about to tell them.


    This did not deter the instructor who began his speech with a fit of passion, that was rtively unfamiliar to those in the audience.


    "Who can tell me what this right here is? Anyone? How about you Silber?"


    Erich sat upright, upon hearing the derogatory nickname that even his family referred to him as, before giving the answer that the teacher was looking for.


    "Earth¡­"


    An unusual smile spread across the teacher''s face, as he spoke with such zeal that his students thought that perhaps the man in front of them was actually a doppelg?nger.


    "Correct! This is Earth, the world our ancestors fled from nearly four hundred years ago. Can anybody tell me why this was the case?"


    Despite everyone in the ss knowing the answer, as this propaganda had been drilled in their heads since they were small children, nobody dared raised their hand, perhaps out interest in just what had gotten this old man so fired up for the first time since they had begun taking his courses four years ago.


    Upon seeing that nobody wanted to answer the question, the teacher begun to exin the origins of their Empire as the holographic projection shifted from a view of the Earth to various scenes that were more appropriate for an adult audience.


    Whether it was graphic violence, usage of illicit substances, or outright sexually suggestive material, the ss witnessed the decadence of humanity in the years leading up to the great exodus. All while the teacher summarized the content.


    "The year is 2125, and humanity has just discovered the warp drive. For the past two hundred years, humanity had been progressing on a path of self-destruction. Everyone, no matter how foolish or malicious they may have been, were given political power, in the form of suffrage. This foolish idea had disastrous consequences as society had spiraled into decadence and conflict.


    Now, I know this is hard to believe considering that we have all but eliminated these aspects from our society. But imagine if you will a world where you are forced to lock your doors at night. A world where you must keep arms in your home to protect yourself and your family from your neighbors.


    Theft, murder, and rape had be a daily aspect of living on Earth in the 22nd century, and one did not know when they would be a victim of their fellow man. Drugs and alcohol were widespread, to the point where even the youth could not escape their poison. And perhaps the most diabolical aspect of it all was the sexual revolution, which led to the destruction of the family unit."


    Upon saying thisst part, the instructor shivered in visible disgust, clearly finding the sexual revolution to be the most disgusting part of human history. He then continued to rant on about his lecture with the same fiery voice he used prior to this interruption.


    "Needless to say, this society could notst long, and thus by the time the warp drive was invented in 2125, the civilizations that our ancestors had built were on the verge of total copse. In his infinite wisdom, the first Supreme Leader of our Empire, made use of this new technology to escape from the decadence and decay of humanity.


    Our ancestors followed the Supreme Leader into the stars in search of a new home. Which we found in the world we now known as Germania, but during those days, it was simply referred to as Kepler-452b. In the following centuries, our ancestors built a society that could stand the test of time, and the horrors of the vast universe.


    Through the sacrifice of our ancestors, we have be a regional power! So remember this, as you all venture out into your mandatory military service! Civilization is built upon self-sacrifice! The idea that I am willing to give up something for my family to seed, and that my family is willing to give up something so that the nation can seed! Self-Sacrifice is the first principle of civilization! So go forth and make our Empire great!"


    The bell rang immediately after the teacher''s speech ended, causing Erich and the rest of his ssmates to rise from their seats. Schools were segregated based upon sex in the Germanic Star Empire, and thus the entire ss was filled with young men.


    However, despite this fact, Erich stood out from all of his peers. Why was this the case? Well, that was because of his unusual appearance. In the Germanic Star Empire, all infants were gically enhanced to be super humans.


    However, the result of this enhancement could have certain side effects or mutations. As part of his gene therapy, Erich was superior to a baseline human in every way. He was taller, stronger, smarter, more agile, and capable of greater physical and mental feats.


    However, unlike his peers, who all had blonde hair and blue eyes, he was a mutant with silver hair and eyes. A mutation that just barely allowed him to exist, for if a far more taboo mutation had urred, he would have been terminated upon birth.


    Despite being deemed unfit for termination, Erich had always been discriminated against because of his unique appearance. Thus, as he walked out of the ssroom, he was physically osted by some of his ssmates.


    "Where do you think you''re going, Silber? You''re eighteen now! Which means you must have gotten your monthly stipend! If you know what is good for you, then you will transfer the bnce into my ount. It is not like a mutant like you have even been assigned a wife!"


    That''s right, in this fascist society, even something as intimate as marriage was determined by the state. Usually as a result of gicpatibility, though sometimes for propaganda purposes. A mutant like Erich would never be allowed to get married, or pass on his defective genes.


    Thus, his stipend, which was designed to help citizens financially support their families, had no meaning for a man like him, and yet he was entitled to it as a citizen of the Empire all the same. It was no wonder that these bullies wanted him to cough over his money. Probably so they could spend it on somevish gifts for their young fianc¨¦es.


    In the Germanic Star-Empire, men and women married young, and had families shortly thereafter. Especially when military service waspulsory for all men who had just entered the age of adulthood. These men who would die in pursuit of the Empire''s glory would be married first, and only after their wives had conceived a child would they be shipped off tobat.


    Despite knowing all of this, Erich did not simply hand over his stipend. Even if he had no valid use for it, money was money, and since he did not yet have a job, this was the only ie he could get his hands on. Thus, he would be damned before he handed it over to some random asshole.


    In that moment, Erich closed his eyes and opened his mind to the possible oues of the actions he nned to take. In an instant, a premonition shed in his mind about the next seven seconds. Whether he would win the fight, flee, or get his ass beat.


    The oue of his premonition was something that only Erich could see, as it was a special ability, gifted to him through his gene therapy. Thus, after witnessing the immediate future unfold in his mind, he chose one possible future and acted ording to the vision.


    Erich''s hand moved so swiftly from his side that the leader of the bullies did not even have time to react before he was punched in the throat. An act which dropped the young man to his knees, which Erich immediately responded to by kneeing his victim in the head, knocking him out cold.


    After knocking out their leader in an instant, the other two boys were bewildered, but rather than stand and fight them, Erich fled through the halls of the school, dashing faster than his opponents as he narrowly avoided their takedown attempts.


    Eventually Erich made his way to the parking lot, where he climbed into his hover car, and took off to the skies, fleeing the scene of his crime entirely unscathed. As he looked out the rear window, he flipped off the boys who were left in his dust, before cursing them in their own minds with his second ability, telepathy.


    "Get fucked, cunts!"


    Seeing that Erich had gotten away, the bullies went back to retrieve their leader, who was lying face first on the floor of the School''s hallway


    . ---


    Erich swiftly returned to his home, where he disembarked from his hovercraft, and entered through the doors of therge mansion. The man had nine siblings, of which he was the oldest. Yet despite the fact that many of his brothers and sisters were already home, not a single one of them greeted Erich as he walked through the halls of their home with a stoic expression on his young and handsome face.


    It was not until he reached the doors of his room, and encountered his younger sister, Heidi, that someone finally spoke to him.


    "Oh, shit, look who is back¡­"


    Heidi was dressed in avish evening gown, and had an expensive purse in her hands. Her hair was dolled up for the evening, while her face was caked with makeup, it was clear that the girl was about to go out with her fianc¨¦ to some fancy dinner. The very thought of which made Erich feel bitter inside, causing him tosh out with a sharp tongue.


    "Yeah, I''m back, like you give a shit. If you don''t mind, I have some studying to do¡­"


    This response elicited a snort from Heidi''s mouth, who responded to her brother''s statement in a conceited tone.


    "Study? Really? Since when have you ever bothered studying?


    Honestly, father must have pulled a serious favor with someone important to get you inocted with a Grade S serum when you were born. It is a pity that you ended up a mutant because of it. But at the very least, you are physically and mentally superior to most of your peers. I bet you are even graduating at the top of your ss, aren''t you?


    Or you would be, if they allowed mutants like yourself to hold such an honor¡­ Such a waste¡­ anyway, dearest brother, I am off to go meet up with Jurgen. Oh, and by the way, be prepared to receive a scolding from mother. She found your contraband when cleaning your room¡­"


    The moment Erich heard his sister''s final words, he felt as if his spine had been dipped in ice. Mother had found his contraband? That was not good¡­ Not good at all¡­ In the Germanic Star-Empire, porn was illegal. It was neither permitted to be produced nor possessed. At the same time, sex outside of marriage was strictly prohibited. When both of these were taken into ount, Erich in particr had a hard time settling his masculine urges, because he was a mutant and would never be permitted a wife.


    Thus, he had taken a risk, and illegally imported some pornography from one of the neighboring Alien civilizations. After all, the Great Oni Empire had a thriving pornography industry, and they were rtively close to baseline humans in appearance, albeit with horns on their heads.


    For his mother to find these items, he was in for a world of trouble. With this in mind, the moment Erich opened the door to his bedroom, he braced himself for the scolding he was about to receive from his mother, who was undoubtedly sitting in his room, waiting for him to return home from school.

 Chapter 2 Coffin Jockey

    The door slowly crept open to Erich''s bedroom, where, as he suspected, his mother was sitting on his bed with a scowl on her otherwise gorgeous face. Though she was in herte thirties, Krista Jaeger appeared as if she were not much older than her son, who was already eighteen years old.


    This was because of the gene therapy that all Germanic citizens underwent at birth, which increased things like physical attractiveness, strength, agility, intelligence, fertility, and, most importantly, lifespan. The average lifespan among the Germanic Star Empire was two hundred and fifty years, most of which was spent in youth and fertility.


    Because of this, Germanic families tended to be quiterge, as it was considered a duty to the state to do so. Krista''s piercing blue eyes settled themselves upon her errant son, as he stood at attention before her as if the woman were his drill sergeant. Awkward silence existed between the mother and son for several moments before Krista began to yell at her son in a voice so loud it could be heard throughout the entire mansion.


    "What the hell were you thinking? Do you have any idea how much trouble you would be in if anyone found out about these holo-recordings? For fuck''s sake, Erich, you are an aberrant, which means thew will be much more strict with you if you ever get caught stepping out of line! Honestly, are you trying to give your mother a heart attack!?!"


    Erich did not even bother to argue with his mother, or attempt to justify his actions. Out of all of his family members, the only one who even cared the slightest amount for his wellbeing was his mother, and because of that, the woman had earned his respect. The fact that she had used the scientifically correct term to refer to his condition as well as scolding him about the danger such a crime posed to his well-being, and not how it would affect his father''s political career, showed this sentiment. Thus, all he could do was apologize.


    "I''m sorry mother¡­"


    The beautiful woman who had the appearance of a twenty-year-old simply sighed and shook her head, before furthermenting on her son''s choice in contraband.


    "Honestly, Erich¡­ Oni girls? You know how the Empire feels about miscegenation. You would probably get an even harsher sentence simply due to the fact that the women in these holo-recordings are not even Germanic!


    As harsh as the government is on vice, there is still an underground porn industry, which would have been a safer bet. Lord knows your father has been hunting those degenerate bastards down for some time now. If his superiors were to find out that his own son was in possession of such contraband, it could damn well ruin his career. But I don''t really care about that. I just want you to be safe! Promise me you won''t purchase any more videos like this!"


    Erich could only sigh and nod his head in agreement with his mother''s words. With his power of telepathy, he could read the woman''s thoughts, and because of this, he knew she meant every word that she said.


    "Alright, I promise, I won''t purchase any more videos like these¡­ So what is my punishment this time?"


    The woman looked at her son with a disappointed expression on her face beforeying down the sentence.


    "Disconnect from the grid. For the next three months, you are not allowed to ess it!"


    Erich looked at his mother in disbelief. Did she seriously just demand he cut off all ess to the grid for three months? The grid was themon term used to describe the Interster Network. It was essentially the inte, but for the entire Germanic Star-Empire.


    In addition to every citizen of the Germanic Star Empire being gically enhanced at birth, they were also injected with nanites which provided ess to grid. In other words, their brains also acted as smart phones. This was useful for a number of applications, chief of which was cloning. If a citizen of the Empire''s body perished, especially in battle, their consciousness could be immediately transferred into a clone''s body via the grid.


    A person''s thoughts and memories were regrly saved to the grid as backup storage. Thus, by disconnecting from the grid, Krista was not only making her son no longer able to effectively browse the intersterwork, but she was also cutting off his lifeline. If he were to be killed in these next three months, only a three-month-old copy of his consciousness would be transferred to his clone''s body. Thus robbing him of many memories.


    Krista could instantly tell that her son was about to debate with her about his punishment, and thus she instantly shot him down before he had the chance by reminding the boy of the sentence he would receive if these holo-recordings were ever to be public knowledge.


    "Don''t argue with your mother, young man! If I showed these videos to your father, he would have you sentenced to a penal battalion for the next ten years of your life! And that is the minimal sentencing. When you take into ount the fact that you are an aberrant, you are likely to serve twenty-five years! Three months disconnected from the grid doesn''t sound too bad now, does it?"


    Upon seeing that he had no chance of lowering his sentence, Erich sighed heavily before epting his mother''s punishment asw.


    "Alright mother, I will disconnect right now¡­"


    After saying this, Erich skillfully maneuvered within his own mind to the section of the grid''s interface, which allowed him to disable it temporarily. He set it to automatically turn back on in three months'' time. Something he hoped he would not regret.


    With her son''s punishment starting now, Krista smirked before crushing the holo-recordings with her dainty hands, ensuring that they were ground to dust and unrecoverable. She then kissed her son on the forehead, before walking out of his room, but only after assuring him that everything would be alright.


    "You''ll be fine. It is only three months. Now get yourself ready for dinner. Your father ising home tonight, and he will have the results of your conscription by now¡­"


    It was only after Erich''s mother had left the room did the young man sit on his bed andment his lot in life. His father was no ordinary man. In fact, the man was a Sector Governor, and spent most of his time off the world, managing the affairs of multiple star systems.


    In total, the Germanic Star Empire had thirty-six systems under its control with one hundred habiteds. These thirty-six systems were split into twelve sectors, with an additional four over sectors. If a system governor was the dictator of an entire star system, then a sector governor was the dictator of three star systems.


    In other words, the lives of trillions of people were in the hands of Erich''s father. Despite the immense power that the man wielded, he had never shown any favoritism towards his children. The Germanic Star-Empire was a society based upon merit. As such, nepotism was a serious offense, even in its most benign forms.


    Thus, Erich knew that his father had not gone out of his way to get his son a cushy office position in the military. And would have selected his job based upon the Empire''s needs, and the position that he was most gically qualified for.


    After taking a particrly long shower, where Erich grieved the loss of his precious contraband, he then got dressed in some nice evening wear before approaching the dining room table, where his entire family, aside from his younger sister Heidi had gathered to greet the head of their household.


    His mother Krista was looking particrly ravishing, as she went out of her way to look as nice as possible for her husband. Before long, the door opened, and an exceptionally handsome man entered the room with a wide smile on his face. Despite being in his early forties, Heinrich Jaeger looked not much older than his eldest son. In fact, one might say that Erich inherited his looks from his father, with the obvious exception of his mutated hair and eye color.


    The man was quite happy to finally return home to his family, where he immediately greeted his wife with a hug and a kiss, before giving his eldest son a firm handshake. Once he had disyed his fatherly affection to all of his children, Heinrich finally spoke.


    "Something smells amazing? My love, what did you cook for me?"


    Krista wore a loving smile on her pretty face as she responded to her husband''s enthusiasm with the words she knew he yearned for.


    "I made your favorite, J?gerschnitzel with a side of K?sesp?tzle, and Kartoffelpuffer"


    While the Germanic Star-Empire descended entirely from Pan-Germanic origins, meaning that they came from countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzend, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, d, Ennd, Lichtenstein, Belgium, and the Nethends. Erich''s family was almost entirely, if not entirely, German in heritage.


    Because of this, a lot of the recipes that were used to make daily meals came from the fathend of the old world. Upon hearing that his favorite meal was being served, Heinrich was quick to inform his family that the time to eat hade.


    Thus, they all sat down at the table and began to enjoy a nice family meal together. Eventually, after some casual conversation between Erich''s father and the rest of his family, the man spoke up about something which would have a direct impact on his eldest son''s life. However, when he spoke to Erich, he did so in a voice that was far less enthusiastic than the one he used when conversing with his other children.


    "So¡­ Erich¡­ You will be graduating from high school in three days, yes? I have already filed your conscription notice on your behalf, and I think you will be pleased with the position the party has provided for you."


    Erich could feel his stomach knotting up at the very thought of being sent into the Star Marines. Germanic Star Marines were the primary infantry unit of the empire. They were not only gically enhanced super soldiers, but they were equipped with advanced power armor, turning them into walking tanks. However, the mortality rate among Star Marines was much higher than almost every other unit, specifically because they were fighting the many horrors of the gxy on foot.


    And while death was not final to the citizens of the Germanic Star Empire, as in most cases, they could be cloned into a brand new body. The pain and trauma that one suffered upon death were not easily ovee. Thus, Erich crossed his fingers, hoping that he would not be selected for this elite cadre of soldiers.


    Seeing the look on his son''s face, Heinrich knew exactly what the boy was thinking, and scoffed before delivering him news that was perhaps even worse than what he feared most.


    "Congrattions Erich, you are this family''s newest coffin jockey¡­"


    Erich''s heart practically imploded when he heard this news, and while the rest of his siblings snickered at his misfortune, his mother gasped out loud and even dropped her ss in shock. Coffin Jockey was a derogatory term for starfighter pilots.


    In this universe, the only thing that had a higher mortality rate than being a Star Marine was being a starfighter pilot. Hence the nickname. After all, most battles took ce in space before reaching orbit, and there were quite literally a million things that could result in your death if you were flying in a starfighter.


    Of course, the physical and mental demands for being a Starfighter Pilot were exceptionally high, and because of this, they were given exceptional benefits and pay topensate them for their likely demise. Naturally, this meant that Erich would have to go through the Naval Academy and earn himself an officer''smission before he ever even entered pilot school, let alone participated in battle.


    While the average service length during conscription was eight to ten years, officers were required to fulfill a much longer tenure in the armed forces, and because of this, Erich was looking at a solid fifteen to twenty years before he could enter either the civilian or political sector.


    Erich could hardly believe that he had been so unlucky, and immediately felt defeated in his heart. While his siblings took joy in his misery, his mother was devastated, and was quick to ask her husband if there was anything he could do to help their son.


    "Dear, this can''t be right¡­ Erich is not fit for such a dangerous job. Can''t you pull some strings to have him made a deck officer?"


    Heinrich red at his wife with a furious gaze. Nepotism was a serious offense in the Reich, and his wife had just now suggested hemit it. Thus, he did not hesitate to remind the woman of her ce with a particrly foul tone in his voice.


    "Even if I wanted to do something so scandalous, I would not be able to. The conscriptions selection process is handled by an advanced artificial intelligence based in the capital. I have no right to interfere with its decision. I know you care about the little mutant, but his fate is out of my hands."


    After hearing his own father speak such vitriol towards him, Erich no longer felt much like eating, and decided then and there to go to sleep. He abruptly stood up from his seat and departed in silence, without even saying a word.


    Having fled from the dinner scene, Erich climbed into bed andmented his lot in life once more, knowing that his future was about to be filled with an unfair degree of pain and suffering.

 Chapter 3 Graduation Day

    Three days came and went, and before Erich knew it, he hadpleted the remainder of his sses, as well as his final exams. On the fourth day, he was required to attend his graduation, which was a ceremony which he detested to be a part of. Nevertheless, rules were rules, and though Erich had a history of breaking many of the more pettyws in Germanic society, this was not something so easily skirted.


    Thus, on the morning of the fourth day, Erich awoke bright and early, where he proceeded to shower and get dressed before approaching the dining room, where his mother was already in the act of preparing his breakfast.


    Krista appeared in a particrly good mood, as she hummed one of her favorite pop songs, while cooking sausage, eggs, sauerkraut, and pancakes. She also prepared arge ss of fresh milk for her eldest son, who was about to have his big day.


    While the woman cooked for her family, most of which who were not even awake yet, she watched the news on a holographic projection, paying attention to thetest happenings across the Germanic Star Empire, and beyond its borders.


    Erich was quite skeptical of the media within the Empire, as everywork was state funded and operated. They acted more as a means of propaganda than the distribution of information. Of course, to watch any other source of the news than one that was State sponsored was a criminal act, and thus the only way Erich had been able to understand what was really going on in the gxy, was through bypassing the national firewall on the grid, and essing underground newsworks.


    However, since he was currently being punished for owning contraband, he did not currently have ess to his usual sources, and thus could only scoff as he heard the Empire''s primary newswork speak their usual propaganda. This was something that the boy''s mother immediately noticed, but did notment on, instead she listened with interest to the reporter, who was speaking about some rather harrowing news in a distant part of the gxy.


    "And in other news, the world of Rylon 7 has been attacked by the gctic menacemonly known as the Naraku. For those who are not educated about the various alien species of the gxy, the Naraku are a species of insectoids who are ssified as a devouring swarm. This means that they traverse the gxy in their hive fleets and devour all organic life that theye into contact with.


    It is believed by the Empire''s foremost experts in xenomorphology, that the Naraku utilize the organic material which they consume to speed up their evolution, thus making them a particrly troublesome opponent for most interster civilizations.


    However, the Supreme Leader has assured us that this is not an issue we should be worried about, as the Alfheim Dominion has personally dispatched their fifth fleet to deal with these troublesome pests. Not to mention that the nearest Hive Fleet is several thousand light years away from our borders. The Empress of the Light Elves has also dered she will use her military might to annihte any insectoid which dares to enter into her quadrant of space."


    Erich scoffed once more when he heard this news. What the broadcaster had failed to mention was the fact that most insectoid species were not ssified as devouring swarms, and thus were not anyrger of a threat than any other species which the Empire came into contact with.


    The fact that the Empress of the Light Elves dered that she would annihte every insectoid in her quadrant of space had more to do with the borderline obsession with vanity that her species had, then it did with the actual threat of insectoids.


    The Light Elves of the Alfheim Dominion were one of four major gctic powers, and the territory that fell into their sphere of influence was roughly one fourth of the milky way gxy. Included in this vast swath of space was the Germanic Star-Empire, who were a direct vassal of the Alfheim Dominion.


    This afforded the Germanic people certain privileges, such as the direct protection of a major gctic power, and the only reason they, or any other species, were able to gain such a privilege would be due to one very specific factor. Whether or not the Light Elves found their species to be physically attractive.


    Though the Light Elves were very simr to the Germanic Star Empire in regards to their views of miscegenation, they were obsessed with aesthetics, and would not sponsor any race they found to be ugly or unappealing.


    The fact that a recent gctic upstart like the Germanic Star-Empire could even survive in the greater gxy, let alone rapidly expand into a regional power, was specifically because they were a vassal of the Alfheim Dominion. Still, Erich did not really care that much about the lives of insectoids. What he was more concerned about was just how the Alfheim Dominion''s fifth fleet would deal with the Naraku hive fleet located in their territory. He could not help butment on this aloud, which was something that drew his mother''s ire.


    "Let me guess, the Alfheim dominion is going to send their favorite attack dog to do their dirty work, just like they always do."


    Immediately after saying this, Erich felt his skull get pounded by a synthetic spoon as his mother stood over him with a furious look in her eyes. She was quick to scold er son about his distastefulments.


    "How dare you call your own people mere attack dogs! It is the honor of our race to fight for the glory of the Empire! You know as well as I do that for every major victory we gain on behalf of our Suzerains, we are rewarded with the terraforming of a new! Our people would not be as powerful as they are today without the benefits we gain from this pact! The other races may refer to us as mere attack dogs out of sheer jealousy, but a member of my own flesh and blood will never refer to his people with such a derogatory term!"


    Thinking about what he had said, Erich realized he should have kept his mouth shut. After all, his mother, like nearly every other living citizen in the Germanic Star-Empire, was fiercely nationalistic. To the point where even being amon war hound for a superior civilization was a matter of pride.


    Having chatted with many people from the Great Oni Empire, who were a neighboring civilization and ally of the Germanic Star-Empire, Erich had a view of his own people that was more in line with the rest of the gxy. Something which he would only dare utter aloud around his mother. Or else he would likely be subject to re-education. Thus, Erich apologized to his mother for his crass remarks. Even if he wasn''t sincerely sorry for what he had said.


    "I''m sorry mother, I should not have said that..."


    The woman still continued to re at her eldest son with her ice-blue eyes, before finally smiling after several moments of awkward silence. She then ced another sausage on the boy''s te before telling him to get ready for graduation.


    "Alright, finish up your breakfast, and then get your butt to school. I still have to wake up your father and siblings, but I will see you at the ceremony when it begins!"


    Erich wanted to groan upon hearing this. He knew that the only reason his father or siblings would even bother attending his graduation was because his mother was basically forcing them to do so. Regardless of his feelings towards this whole ordeal, he did as his mother had said, and finished his meal before departing for his school.


    ---


    The graduation ceremony began not long after Erich arrived at the venue. He was dressed in his traditional gown and cap. Normally he would be giving a speech as the Valedictorian of his ss, but because he was a mutant, the position was awarded to someone else.


    After all, the school could not very well have a mutant representing it on a day such as this. Hell, the fact that he was even allowed to graduate in the first ce was a blessing in itself, which was probably only permitted as a sign of respect to his father, who was the sector governor.


    Erich stood in the crowd waiting for his name to be called. He watched as kids who only knew him by the nickname "Silber" one by one stood up and received their diplomas. Though there was not really a need for paper products, with everything being in holographic form these days, it was still a tradition, perhaps carried over from the old world to print certain things like diplomas on paper.


    After all, each of the Empire''s worlds were powered by a Dyson swarm and hundreds of antimatter reactors. Because of this, they were nevercking in energy. No matter how much information was recorded and stored on the intersterwork, it would never disappear from society.


    Eventually Erich''s name was called, however, like he suspected it was at the very end of his graduating ss. Despite things being in alphabetic order, a mutant would alwaysest, and thus he stepped forward with a stoic expression on his face, as he received his diploma to the apuse of literally one person in the entire audience: his mother.


    Not even his father or siblings cared enough about Erich to show him their support on a day that would usually be a cause for celebration. Naturally, this caused Krista to pout, which only Erich cared to notice. After receiving his diploma, Erich stepped down from the stage and entered the crowd of other young men who had done the same.


    He then waited for the speech given by the headmaster of their school, which would be thest bit of propaganda he would have to endure from the old bastard for the rest of his life. Thus, while Erich listened to a long-winded speech about the future of the Empire, he yawned and thought about more important matters.


    "I wanted to congratte all of you young men today, as your childhoodes to an end, and you officially take your ce in our great society. Most of you will be spending the next eight to ten years of your life in the military, where you will work hard to prove your worth to the Empire. Some of you, who have been selected for more prominent positions, may even spend the next twenty years in service to the Empire. For that, you have my greatest envy!


    However, I am sure that after your tenure in the Armed Forceses to an end, that each and every one of you will be able to contribute to society in a way that the party has deemed fitting. Whether you be a politician or a simple sanitary worker, you can rest easy, knowing that your lot in life has been decided based on your own abilities. Go forth and bring glory to the Empire!"


    Both the audience and the crowd of graduating students broke out into apuse as the headmaster concluded his speech. Only one member who was in attendance to witness it half assed his apuse and rolled his eyes. And that was Erich. Luckily, he was just another member of the crowd, and thus nobody witnessed his subtle act of rebellion.


    After the ceremony was over, Erich returned to his home, where he lied down and rested in his room. Though a party was being thrown for his graduating ss by some of the school''s alumni. He was not invited. After all, Erich was a mutant, and nobody would voluntarily associate with him if they were given a choice in the matter.


    Erich would only be given two weeks worth of rest before he was shipped out to the Naval Academy in the Empire''s capital. Where he would spend the next few years of his life, studying to be an officer in the Imperial Navy.

 Chapter 4 Traveling To Germania

    Two weeks came and went, and during this time, Erich found that his life was incredibly dull. He had no friends to speak of, at least not in the Empire, and his connection to the grid had been severed, preventing him from speaking with his Oni friends who dwelled in the neighboring empire.


    However, on the morning that he was to ship out from his home world of Alemannia, to the nation''s capital of Germania, his mother was there to greet him. As Erich hauled his cargo out of his room, and towards the garage, where a hover car was waiting to transport him to the star port. Krista wrapped her arms around her son''s back and whispered something in his ear''s that he had not expected to hear.


    "Remember, my sweet baby boy, even if the world is against you, mommy still loves you very much, and she knows you will make her proud!"


    The moment Erich looked around to see his mother''s face, it was filled with her same loving smile; she was perhaps the only person in the entire world who actually gave a shit about his wellbeing. The fact that he would be away from his mother for an entire year, before he was permitted to visit her for the holidays, filled Erich''s heart with woe.


    However, he did not say a word of this to his mother, and instead forced a smile and nodded his head, as he ced his luggage inside the back of the hover car, before entering the passenger seat. The vehicle was piloted by an artificial intelligence, and thus there was no need for Erich to actually take the wheel.


    Just when he was about to order the vehicle to take off towards his destination, a knock resounded on the hull of the vehicle, where the electronic screens, which acted simr to windows, disyed his mother outside trying to get his attention. The woman''s voice followed on the speakers as she said something which shocked Erich.


    "Oh, by the way, Erich, since you are going away to the Naval Academy, feel free to turn the grid back on. I know I said that you are being punished for three months, but Mommy wants to hear from you every night when you are done with your studies!"


    Erich could only smile, and this time with genuine happiness, as he did exactly as his mother had said, and turned his connection to the Interster Network back on. Once had had done so, he waved goodbye to his mother, before giving the AI themand to take him to the star port.


    ---


    The journey to the star port was a brief one. After all, traffic and vehicles were operated by an advanced artificial intelligence, whichpletely removed theponent of human error. Because of this, traffic idents were an extremely rare urrence.


    In fact, most aspects of Germanic civilization were maintained by artificial intelligence and robots. Everything that could be automated was automated. Allowing the citizens of the Germanic Star-Empire to pursue more fulfilling careers.


    Alemannia was a frontier world, meaning it existed on the fringes of the Germanic Star-Empire. It was named after an ancient tribe of Germanic warriors from the days of the Romans. It, like every other habited in the Germanic Star-Empire, was ssified by the rest of the gxy as a fortress world.


    A Fortress world was a whose entire infrastructure was designed for defense. They were incredibly expensive to build, and most interster civilizations had a handful of them within their borders. But to the Germanic Star-Empire, who were a martial civilization, hell bent on defending every inch of ground they conquered until the heat death of the universe, it was considered foolish not to invest inary defense.


    Thus, not only was every aspect of Alemannia built to withstand a full scale invasion by a Gctic Power, but the entire was littered with a variety of turrets, whether they be ion, sma, or beams. Any location that could be filled with a weapon designed to counterattack against an invading force, you can bet it was.


    However, despite the fact that Alemannia was indeed a fortress world, it was not an Ecumenopolis like the core worlds of the Germanic Star-Empire were. Thus, there was still some wild fauna and flora in the less inhabited regions of the.


    After arriving in the''s primary Star Port, Erich made his way to arge transport spacecraft, which would be taking thousands of citizens to the Capital. Many of which were young men like himself who were seeking to begin their military careers. While others were merchants incapable of purchasing their own starships, or any other number of passengers.


    When Erich got into the cabin, he noticed that it was quite full, and thus, he immediately began to look for the first seat avable. Where he noticed that an entire row was avable aside from one person who was not a member of the Germanic race at all, but was instead a rare visitor from the neighboring Great Oni Empire.


    As a man who had friends in the neighboring civilization, naturally Erich spoke thenguage, which he greeted the young woman in her native tongue, thus shocking her, as nobody she had met until this point was able to speak hernguage.


    "Excuse me, miss, is this seat taken?"


    The rather alluring, young Oni woman looked at Erich with shock, there were multiple reasons for this, the primary two being, that Erich was not only capable of speaking hernguage, but he did not look like anyone else she had seen in the Empire. Thus, she was quick to ask him just what race he came from.


    "Not at all. I would be more than happy to sit next to a fellow foreigner. Which species are you from, friend?"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this, as he stashed his cargo away in the allotted space before sitting down next to the woman. He was quick to challenge her misconception with a shocking revtion.


    "I''m actually Germanic myself, however I am an aberrant, so I suppose you could say I am treated the same way, if not worse than a foreigner like yourself."


    Despite being a foreigner, the Oni woman was a regr visitor to the Germanic Star-Empire. So much so that she was quite familiar with their society and its many customs. Thus, she knew exactly how rare an aberrant like Erich was, because most were terminated upon birth. The fact that this young man had been deemed unfit for termination meant that he must have lived a life filled with discrimination. She wouldn''t doubt if his own family despised him, and thus, with a look of pity on her pretty face, she expressed her sympathy.


    "You have my condolences, friend. I have been travelling to and from the Germanic Star-Empire for many years, and every time I visit, I feel the animosity your kind has towards the rest of the gxy. Even though our two nations are allies, your people still treat us with the same disdain they do everyone else. I can only imagine what an aberrant like yourself must have endured. My name is Kondo Yumi, what is yours?"


    Yumi was quite attractive in Erich''s opinion, but then again, he may be a bit biased, considering the only porn he had ever watched originated from her homnd. Ifpared to a baseline human, she looked like a standard Japanese beauty, but with two horns growing out of her head.


    However, there was most definitely a substantial size difference between the Oni and the Germanic peoples. As a result of the Empire''s strict eugenic policies, and its mandatory gic augmentation, the average height of a Germanic male was 195 cm, while Erich was only slighter above average at 198 cm. As for the average Germanic female, they were 182 cm tall.


    Whenpared with the Oni, who were of an average Japanese height, Yumi was practically dwarfed by everyone else around her. Yet she appeared the most friendly of the bunch, at least to Erich, who shook her tiny hand while introducing himself.


    "Erich¡­ Erich Jaeger, it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Kondo."


    The Oni beauty slightly giggled as she heard this beforeplimenting Erich on his manners.


    "You know Erich, you must be the most polite man I have met since I first step foot in your empire over a hundred years ago. Are you sure you are Germanic? I don''t mean to sound rude, but out of all the civilizations in which I have been to on business, yours is by far the most hostile."


    It was Erich''s turn to chuckle, as he epted the woman''s words aspliment, before responding to her with a jest.


    "Sometimes I wonder myself. So you are here in the Empire on business?"


    The woman nodded her head with a bitter smile on her face, though she was proud of her aplishments, she could not say she very much enjoyed doing business with the Germanic Star-Empire, thus she decided to vent her frustrations on this young man who seemed to have endured the same discrimination she faced.


    "Yes, his highness has requested that I broker trade with your arms corporations. People can say what they want about the GSE, but you guys sure know how to make weapons. I guess there is a reason your race is known as the Alfheim Dominion''s war hounds¡­"


    Erich chuckled after hearing this and nodded his head in agreement with Yumi''s words as she continued on her little rant.


    "I honestly don''t know how a civilization as young as yourselves managed to reach the status of a regional power in such a short amount of time. We spent millennium growing our empire bit by bit, and in the span of four hundred years, your race bes powerful enough for his highness to consider being a valuable ally.


    A meagre thirty six systems, and a hundred habited worlds, and yet nobody in this sector of space wants to get on your bad side¡­ Even I must admit, it is impressive what your people have aplished in such a short amount of time.


    However, your people are still severelyckingpared to many of therger regional powers, let alone the gctic powers. Still, I shudder to think of what will be of our quadrant in the next few millennia. You might not be able to witness it, what with your short life spans, but I''m only two hundred and fifty years old. By the time I''m an old woman, I will be able to see what has be of the GSE¡­"


    Erich knew that Oni, on average, lived for thousands of years. Though they were not biologically immortal like the Light Elves, they were still long lived. Moreso than most interster species. In fact, prior to the rise of the Germanic Star-Empire, they were the civilization mostmonly used by the Light Elves to fight their proxy wars with the other major gctic powers.


    Both the Germanic Star-Empire and the Great Oni Empire were highly militaristic and imperialistic civilizations. It was one of the reasons they got along so well, despite the Germanic people''s fanatic xenophobia.


    After venting her frustrations, Yumi looked over and carefully observed Erich. She knew quite a bit about the Germanic species. After all, her job involved trading with them quite regrly, thus she could guess where he was headed to and why. Which she immediately did, much to Erich''s surprise.


    "So, I''m guessing you''re off to one of your nation''s military academies in Germania, huh? I''m a bit perplexed, though. Aren''t cadets usually given a three-month break to be acquainted with their new wives? Judging by today''s date, you probably only graduated from high school a few weeks ago. So why are you so desperate to head to Germania? Wouldn''t you like to be nice and cozy with your new bride? After all, your race tends to marry young¡­"


    A bitter smile formed on Erich''s face as he looked away from the woman. There was a hint of shame in his eyes as he exined the harsh truth to her.


    "Well, you see, I am an aberrant, or if you want to be insulting, then you can call me by term mutant. That''s what most people do¡­ You see, because of my gic abnormalities, the state has deemed me unfit for reproduction. So I have no wife and will never have a wife. Because of this, they have decided to get me started on my education earlier than my peers, who are not doubt siring children as I speak¡­"


    Yumi''s mouth fell agape as she looked at Erich with shock in her dark eyes. She had always heard about how strict the Germanic Star-Empire was with their citizen''s daily lives, going so far as arranging marriages based upon gicpatibility, but she would never expect them to prohibit a man from marrying, simply because his hair and eye color were different from the norm.


    As someone who had worked with the Germanic Star-Empire for thest one hundred years, she knew all too well that sex outside marriage was strictly prohibited, and thus she could not help but ask the question that became most important to her in that moment. Albeit her voice was a bit loud, as she was genuinely outraged at what she was hearing, thus dragging all the attention in the cabin onto herself, even if the other passengers could not understand her.


    "Wait, a second? So they expect you to go out and die for the Empire as a virgin? You have got to be kidding me? Please don''t tell me you were selected for a dangerous role like a Star Marine?"


    In that moment Erich scoffed and spoke in a voice filled with bitterness, as he still refused to look Yumi in the eye.


    "Oh, I wish I was selected to be a Star Marine. I would have a better chance at surviving if that was the case, and even if I did die, the odds of me being sessfully cloned would be much higher. No, I was selected to be a Starfighter Pilot. So the odds of me dying throughout the next twenty years are a near certainty, and if I am beyond the reach of the intersterwork when I do eventually in battle, I''m noting back."


    Yumi stared at Erich in disbelief for a long time, as the silence between them continued for what seemed like hours. She had never met a man from the Germanic Star-Empire that was so polite and open-minded, and yet he was destined for a fate that she would not wish on her worst enemies. To be used, and tossed aside by his nation as a tool, and without ever experiencing the most basic pleasures in life.


    In that moment, the Oni business woman felt pity for the young man, and bit her lip as she debated something that only she knew within her own mind. After what seemed like a lifetime of indecision, Yumi made a suggestion to Erich that he never thought he would hear in his life.


    "How about when we reach Germania, youe back to my hotel room for some drinks? You don''t have to report to the academy immediately, right? I know alcohol is not usually permitted to be consumed in the Empire outside of a certain limit, but as a foreign diplomat, I''m granted an exception. We can drink until you feel better, and then maybe¡­"


    The next words she spoke were whispered into Erich''s ears in a voice so low, only he could possibly hear it.

 Chapter 5 First Day At The Naval Academy

    Erich awoke the next day in Yumi''s hotel room. He had only a vague notion of what had transpired the night before. After all, he had drank far more alcohol than what was considered the legal limit of consumption within the Empire.


    Normally alcohol would have no effect on the man''s body, due to the nanites which were swarming in his bloodstream, known moremonly as NeuroLink, as well as the gic enhancements he had received at birth, but he had whitelisted the toxin known as alcohol, allowing him to get drunk for the first time in his life.


    But one thing was abundantly clear in Erich''s mind. He had finally graduated from the status of a virgin boy and had be a man in his own right. As much as Erich feared anyone finding out about what he had just done, Yumi assured him that nobody would be any the wiser, especially the authorities.


    Evidently, this was not her first time sleeping with a Germanic man, despite the strict penalties associated with the crime of miscegenation, because she was not worried in the slightest that the authorities would investigate their little dalliance.


    Thus, came an end to their brief rtionship, as Yumi gave Erich a slight peck on the lips, before kicking him out of her room, instructing him never to contact her again. From the start Erich knew that no real rtionship woulde from this one-night stand, but after being given the opportunity to lose his virginity, something he feared he would never be able to aplish in this life due to his gic abnormalities, he was more than willing to take Yumi up on her offer.


    After absconding from Yumi''s hotel room, Erich made his way to the Naval Academy, where he was supposed to register the night before as a new cadet. The Petty Officer at the front desk gave the young man a stern look before scolding him for his tardiness.


    "Jaeger, huh? It says here in the system that your transport arrived in Germaniast night. Why have you waited until now to report for duty?"


    Normally this was a question that wouldnd Erich in hot water, but Yumi had given him a valid excuse for his tardiness, and thus he did not waver as he exined the situation that had prevented him from arriving at the Naval Academy sooner.


    "I was held up by a foreign diplomat who requested my support in a personal matter. We met on the flight to Germania. Her name is Kondo Yumi, and she is a representative of the Oni Emperor."


    The Petty Officer looked at Erich with suspicion in his blue eyes for several moments in silence. Evidently, he was using the grid to confirm whether or not Erich''s story was true. After waiting for no more than five seconds, he sighed before reaching into a nearby cab where he handed Erich a basket full of various items such as his new uniform, grooming supplies, a change of clothes for physical training, among other things. After doing this, the man informed Erich of which barracks he would be living in for the next four years of his life.


    "I have confirmed your story to be urate. Although I don''t know what a fresh cadet could offer a representative of the Oni Emperor, I have been informed that this matter is not to be investigated any further. Thus, you will not be assigned a punishment for your tardiness.


    Normally there would be an orientation for the new ss of cadets, but since you are three months early, due to your abnormality... You will have to wait for the others to arrive. In the meantime, you will report to your barracks in the west wing of the academy, room 526257, where you will get dressed in your new uniform before joining the other mutants in their early sses.


    After you havepleted your duties for the day, you will be given the rest of the night toplete your assigned work before getting some shuteye. The Curfew is 9:30 PM. You will only get this one warning, so listen carefully! If you are caught outside of your barracks after hours, you will be severely punished. Do I make myself clear?"


    Erich immediately snapped to attention and saluted the Petty Officer before responding to his question with a solid voice.


    "Yes, sir!"


    The Petty Officer remained stoic as he gave one final order before getting back to his terminal.


    "Dismissed!"


    Upon hearing this, Erich began to mber his way through the massive campus, which housed millions of young cadets. Germania was a super earth with a radius 50%rger than the Earth, and a surface gravity which was nearly twice the weight of Earth''s.


    Not only was it a significantlyrger than the world which birthed the Germanic race, but it was also an Ecumenopolis, meaning the entire was one giant city, much like all the core worlds of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    How was such a giant, with trillions of inhabitants able to sustain itself? Well, for energy concerns they made use of Dyson swarms, and antimatter reactors which provided more than enough power for the to function off of for the next few centuries, even if they were to somehow lose ess to their means of generating energy.


    As for means of agriculture. The Germanic Star-Empire made use of orbital farms which were scattered across the globe, which provided an ease of transportation to the without fear of supply lines being disrupted.


    Thus, Germania was able to house several giant military academies which were the size of Earth cities from the 21st century.


    Luckily for Erich, there was free public transport, and a navigation chart of the which had been automatically uploaded to his NeuroLink the moment he first stepped foot on Germania. This allowed him to quickly find his way to wherever he wanted to go.


    As Erich stepped on the hovertrain, which would take him to the barracks, he noticed several other cadets who were several years older than him sitting around and listening to music, which they yed for the entire cabin to suffer through.


    Erich immediately knew what girl group they were listening to, and could not help but groan as he heard the grown men argue about which of the up-anding teenage idols were the hottest of the group.


    "I''m telling you, man, Erika Krieger is a fucking goddess in the flesh. Not only is she just about the most beautiful woman I have everid eyes on, but she also has the voice of an angel. And the way she can move her hips, it is fucking unreal! She is quite literally perfect in every way! It is not much of a surprise though, after all, her parents were both exceptional performers in their own rights when they were younger. She definitely deserves the number one spot in With Love."


    With Love was a new pop group that had just debuted a few months prior. Its members were all roughly fourteen years old, making them appealing to a male audience, specifically because none of them were engaged yet.


    To Erich, who had a rtively unique taste in music, that being music which was now several centuries old, he could not stand the pop industry, which he saw as just another tool of the Empire to keep its poption under control. As ofte, everywhere he looked, he could see the girls of With Love stered all over the ce. Whether it was on the grid, or in person, he could not get the sight of the pink-haired bimbo out of his mind.


    Perhaps what infuriated him most about the pop industry was their dyed hair, which was a mockery to a mutant like himself. Members of the entertainment industry were given certain liberties that the other aspects of society were not permitted. As a result, it was quitemon for young pop stars to dye their hairs in mboyant colors, as a way to prove that they were different from everyone else.


    Erich was discriminated against because of his silver hair, but Erika was beloved by the Empire, partially because her bubblegum pink hair was so different from every other woman on the street.


    As an actual mutant, born with an abnormality which caused his hair and eyes to be unique, Erich could not help but have disdain for those who would purposely dye their hair an unnatural color, thinking it made them look attractive.


    His scorn for the young pop star was made apparent by the expression on his face, which caused the other cadets to pause their music and approach him with ill intentions. It had been a while since any of these young men had seen a mutant, and though they first ignored the pitiful creature, the fact that he had dared to insult their goddess could not go unpunished.


    Thus, the leader of the group approached Erich and grabbed hold of his cor while lifting him up into the air, all while screaming at his victim for showing the slightest disinterest in their conversation.


    "What''s so funny, mutant? Don''t tell me you look down on my wife!"


    Despite the aggressive posturing by the older cadet, Erich did not appear the least bit intimidated, instead, he scoffed with a look of scorn on his handsome face, before scolding the man for being an idiot.


    "Wife? Please, once that goddess of yours has used up her value to society, she will be sold off to some three hundred-year-old party member who wants a hot young wife. You are aware that is the fate of most, if not all, of the young women in the entertainment industry, right? Erika is no exception. She has maybe ten to twenty years left in the industry, before everyone has forgotten about her, and then I feel sorry for whoever has to marry such a brainless bimbo."


    If Erich could describe the look on the man''s face, whose goddess he had just insulted by speaking the truth, it would be like a baboon who had been kicked in the testicles. The man was so enraged by what had just happened that he did not hesitate to punch Erich in the gut.


    Erich was only slightly above the average Germanic male in terms of size. It was because of this that he was selected to be a starfighter pilot and not a star marine. As for the Cadet in front of him, he was clearly chosen for the role of the Empire''s most fearsome infantry, because he was over 215cm tall, and easily weighed over 150kgs of pure muscle.


    Even if Erich was enhanced with a superior gene serum at birth, he still felt the impact of the man''s fist as it collided with his sr plexus. Thus falling to his knees, as he threw up all the alcohol that was still in his stomach from the night before.


    As he was heaving on the ground, Erich heard the man curse him out loud, while his friends pulled him away so that he could not further assault the new cadet. Which was an act worthy of expulsion.


    "Impudent little shit!"


    Despite being forced to vomit his stomach contents all over the floor, Erich simply smiled as he wiped the bile from the side of his mouth, before shouting across the train, towards the man who had assaulted him.


    "You have been here longer than me, so you should know that everything you do in this academy is recorded and observed by the staff. Congrattions asshole, you will receive an expulsion for assaulting a new cadet, have fun being a fucking grunt for the next eight years, I wonder if you will be deployed against the Naraku, though I doubt your gic material will contribute much to their evolution after they devour you!"


    To be eaten alive by the Naraku was quite possibly the biggest fear of a Star Marine. There was nothing more embarrassing and dishonorable than dying in such a way. Even if they did manage to get cloned back into existence, the shame of being eaten by a fucking bug would never be washed off their record.


    Thus, in an act of rage, therge cadet, broke out of the grips of hisrades, and rushed towards Erich, before punching him in the face, knocking him to his knees, where the silver-haired man continued tough at and taunt the brute who was assaulting him.


    "Oh sure, dig yourself into a deeper pile of shit! You will definitely be sent into a penal battalion to fight against the bugs now!"


    Eventually, the train came to a stop, where therades of therge brute pulled him off the train, leaving Erich ck and blue. However, thissted only for a minute, before his body began to regenerate, which was an effect of both the nanites in his bloodstream, and the gic serum he had received at birth.


    As quickly as he had received the injuries, so too did they disappear, leaving Erich spotless as he chuckled. He had been at the Naval Academy for less than an hour, and already he was starting trouble. He wondered how his father would react when he received the news. One thing was certain, the next four years of his life were going to be interesting.

 Chapter 6 A Lecture On Galactic Politics

    After being assaulted on the train, and detained by the authorities for questioning, a harsh sentence was given to the man who had attacked Erich. Though the silver-hairedd was a mutant, he was still protected by thew in such a tant and open case of assault. Thus, the brute of a cadet was expelled from the Naval academy. However, his punishment was not as severe as it would normally be, specifically because Erich was a mutant.


    Rather than serve the rest of his mandatory military service in a penal battalion, where he would wage war against the Empire''s worst enemies, without all the equipment that Star Marine would have to protect himself. The brute was sent into the Corps as an enlisted soldier, and though this had effectively killed any chance he might have at making a career out of politics, it did not bar him from any great feats in the civilian sectorter in life.


    Still, Erich was fine, just knowing that he had ruined the man''s chance of ever bing aary governor, not that an impulsive and violent thug like him would ever make it far in the Empire''s politics.


    The Germanic Star Empire was an absolute meritocracy, where only those with the skill, intelligence, and knowhow managed to get far in life, regardless of their age, one could easily rise through the ranks of the Empire if they were exceptional enough.


    Just look at Erich''s father, Heinrich. The man was in his early forties, which was still considered being barely an adult by the standards of the Empire, who had an average lifespan of two hundred and fifty years, and yet he was already a sector governor. This had not happened because the man knew the right people, or was born into a powerful family, but because he performed exceptionally on the battlefield as a Naval Officer.


    His feats were so extraordinary, that after spending a few months in office as aary governor he was promoted to the position of a system governor, and after two years fulfilling that role, he became a sector governor, recing the man who was previously in his position, who had proven to be inferior to Heinrich.


    That was how the Germanic Star Empire functioned, the most fitting man got the job, while the rest served loyally, and fearfully. Now cases like Heinrich were extremely rare, and most men spent decades of their life, if not over a century climbing to such a lofty position, if they could reach it at all.


    However criminals were treated with a unique disdain by the party, they were hated even Moreso than mutants. If one had a criminal record, they could never serve in the office of politics.


    After dressing in his military uniform, and cleaning himself up a little, Erich departed from his barracks and entered his first ssroom at the academy, whose seats were almost entirely empty. The only people who were currently taking sses on campus were the mutants, who did not get the three-month break that everyone else had in the summer.


    While this made it so the mutants could graduate earlier, it was not treated with pride, but rather ridicule and contempt by their peers. Because they were not able to sire a family. Erich immediately noticed that the mutants in the ss were not that much distant from the baseline Germanic male. Most of them simply had unique eye and hair colors, much like himself.


    All serious mutations like those that would change the pigment of one''s skin, or perhaps those that would add a third eye, or a tail, or any number of bizarre features, were deemed fit for termination upon birth, and the infant child who disyed these gic abnormalities would be euthanized and cremated.


    There were perhaps twenty other mutant cadets in this ss. Which when one considered the fact that the Academy had a few million students, it just proved how rare mutants were in society. Your average citizen of the Empire could spend their entire life without evering across one.


    After hearing a bit of murmuringing from his ssmates, Erich took his seat. Clearly they were wondering why he was absent yesterday, and this morning. But it''s not like he could tell them that he was banging an Oni diplomat. If word ever got out about that, Erich was as good as dead.


    Thus, he let their imaginations run wild, as he waited for the instructor to enter the ss. The professor wore a grey military uniform with red ents, and a ck undershirt, with a matching tie. This was the standard dress uniform of the Imperial Navy, one which the man wore with pride as he entered the ss with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other.


    With cancer being a disease which the Germanic Star-Empire discovered a cure for long ago, practically every man smoke in the empire to take the edge off of their daily lives. Unlike alcohol and other drugs, tobo did not hinder one''s performance in life, and was thus used heavily by soldiers who had seen the worst the gxy had to offer.


    In fact, it was one of two drugs which were legally permitted for use in the Empire. And while tobo was legal, even in the civilian sector, adrenal stimnts were only prescribed to soldiers in the field.


    After finishing thest drag on his cigarette, the instructor looked upon his neer and introduced himself with a wry smile on his rugged face.


    "I see our absent cadet has finally decided to grace us with his presence. Believe me, I am already well aware of the circumstances that prevented you from attending my course yesterday. I have also been informed not to discuss the details of such a delicate matter, and thus I will keep my mouth shut. So the rest of you little mutants don''t even bother asking me!


    For those of you, who are either just arriving, or did not pay attention yesterday, I will repeat myself just this once. I am Commander Vernik Ekberg, a retired Naval Officer, and your instructor in Gctic Politics.


    It is my duty to inform each and every one of you, on which of the alien species are friendly towards our esteemed race, and which are hostile. As for everyone else, they have simply been categorized as "to be determined" for in the eyes of the Empire, you are either an ally or an enemy. There is no such thing as neutrality. Now, before I start on today''s lecture, who here can tell me about humanity?"


    The ss of mutants began to discuss amongst themselves the topic at hand, and upon seeing that nobody had the answer to such a simple question, Erich raised his hand, which was immediately called out by Colonel Ekberg.


    "Ah yes, Mr. Jaeger is it? Go ahead, enlighten me on what you know."


    Erich looked around at the eyes of all his ssmates who were set upon him and gulped down the saliva that had been pooling in his mouth before answering the question to the best of his ability.


    "Humanity, Humans, or, if you want to be archaic, mankind, is the previous evolution of the Germanic Race, it is the species which we evolved from on Earth, before the great exodus which led our ancestors to Germania.


    From my understanding, there were once several sub-species of humanity, all of whichpeted fornd and resources in the old world. As our ancestors began to be overwhelmed by the inferior stock of the other subspecies who had outnumbered us quite significantly, we fled to the stars to escape the death of our race and culture. In doing so, we determined our own course of evolution. Which has led our people to greatness.


    Meanwhile, humanity still endures in some form, albeit as a shadow of their former selves. Without our people to uplift the other subspecies, they used the warp drive that we invented to settle a handful ofs. During thest four centuries the humans have failed to not only evolve biologically due to their misced hatred of eugenics, and gic alteration, but have barely managed to advance technologically.


    ording to our most recent data on the so called Confederation of Human Worlds in the centuries since our departure, they have melded together into a single species, after centuries of the various subspecies interbreeding. One that is biologically inferior to the Germanic race in every aspect."


    For a second, Erich thought he saw a smile etch itself upon the grizzled veteran''s rugged face. However, it appeared to have vanished just as quickly as it had urred, leading Erich to believe that perhaps he was seeing things.


    After taking a long swig from his coffee, Colonel Ekberg nodded his head and apuded Erich''s answer, which was straight out of the Empire''s propaganda. After doing so, he added onto information about the Confederation of Human Worlds.


    "Correct¡­ Now, I suppose you must be wondering if we are superior to this archaic offshoot that can not even be considered the same species as our esteemed race. Then you must be wondering why we have not reimed Earth by now? Surely we have the power to do so!"


    Erich nodded his head in agreement with the instructor''s statement. The answer to this question had eluded him for quite some time. After a brief pause, Colonel Ekberg activated a hologram, which disyed four unique looking races. One of which Erich immediately recognized as the Light Elves who ruled over this quadrant of the gxy.


    Upon seeing that his students were interested in the topic at hand, Colonel Ekberg pointed to the four races and began his lecture in gctic politics.


    "If one wants to know the answer to this question, they must first understand gctic politics. These are the four major gctic powers in the Milky Way Gxy. Even the dumbest among our race knows who the light elves are, for which we are a vassal of their mighty empire. However, how many of you know what these other three races are?"


    Even Erich, who was quite knowledgeable about most subjects, did not know the names of the other four major gctic powers, only that they wielded military and economic strength on par with the Alfheim Dominion. Apparently, neither did any of the other cadets, because they all scratched their heads like a bunch of fools.


    Seeing that nobody knew the answer to this question, Colonel Ekberg sighed heavily before continuing with his lecture.


    "The Alfheim Dominion, the Asura Cabal, the Svartalfheim Federation, and the Ennead Theocracy ¡ª these are the four major gctic yers. All of which, as you may have guessed from their names, once visited earth during the distant past.


    While the Alfheim Dominion rules over our quadrant of the gxy, the Svartalheim Federation, or the Dark Elves rule over the territory where the Confederation of Humans lies. The two factions have been at odds since their two races split apart eons ago.


    After our rise to prominence, and the wars we have won on behalf of the Alfheim Dominion, the Dark Elves sought out a way to spite their rivals. And because they could not directly attack the Alfheim Dominion, due to the influence of the Ghimderi Trade Union who act as a mediator between the four major gctic powers, the damned Dark Elves decided to spite us, the greatest weapon that the Light Elves have in their proxy wars.


    During their research into our history, the Dark Elves came across the fact that we are the descendants of Earth, and in doing so, dered the fledgling Confederation of Human Worlds under their protection. That is why we can not invade the Confederation and reim our homnd!


    Now that is enough for today''s lecture. Tomorrow, I will begin instruction about the scale on which interster civilizations are rated. I expect you all to remember this information for your uing exams."


    Shortly after saying this, the bell rang, freeing Erich up for the rest of his daily sses. Though the lecture was brief, he had learned a great deal about the greater gxy, and the major yers who controlled everything in the milky way. Much of this knowledge was not taught outside of the military academies, and thus, Erich had learned something quite valuable.

 Chapter 7 The Leaderboard

    Because Erich had showed upte at the Academy, he had missed half a day''s worth of sses. Thus, he only had to attend a few more lectures before the time arrived to retire to the night. The Naval Academy on Germania was thergest and most prestigious of all Naval Academies within the Germanic Star-Empire.


    The campus was practically the size of a city, and housed millions of young cadets. Most of which were currently off world visiting their wives for the summer. It was their duty to have as many children as possible, and because of this, contraceptives were mostly ouwed, with a few exceptions being made for specialized careers such as spies who infiltrated other interster civilizations.


    These spies were some of the few men, permitted to engage in sexual rtions with other species, but the requirement was that they would have to set their NeuroLink to prohibit procreation during their encounters.


    Not that any of this applied to Erich, who just wanted to get something to eat for the night before retiring to the barracks. Thus, he activated the grid and looked for a good ce to grab a bite, which he found not far from his current location.


    As Erich walked through the streets, he saw another holographic projection of the up-anding idle Erika Krieger, which disyed one of her recent performances. Though he had to admit, the woman was gorgeous even by Germanic standards, and was perhaps the most beautiful woman he had everid eyes upon. He couldn''t help but sigh as he tried to ignore the sounds of the pop music, which he found to be nothing but irritating.


    Eventually, he made his way to a small diner, where a few other mutants like himself were sitting in a booth. He recognized all three of them from his gctic politics course. When Erich entered the facility, they immediately waved him over, and though he did not really want to associate with other mutants, he figured it would at the very least be polite to talk with them. After sitting down at the table, the group of three young men introduced themselves.


    "Hey you''re the new guy who waste to ss, weren''t you? I''m Fredrik Andersen, and these two assholes are Dolf van Dyne and Karl Eikarsson, so what the hell kept you away for so long? And why is it so hush-hush?"


    Erich did not dare tell these men that he had broken severalws the night before, whosebined punishment would surely be met with the death penalty, and instead he decided to be deliberately vague in his introduction.


    "My name is Erich Jaeger by the way¡­ As for what kept me from arriving on time, I was held up by a foreign diplomat, I can''t go too much into detail about why she kept me for so long as it is a personal matter, and she asked me not to tell anyone."


    There was a look of disappointment on all the guys'' faces as they heard Erich''s exnation. Fredrik was a handsome young man with cyan hair and blood-red eyes, but aside from that, there were no other major mutations to speak of.


    In fact, the entire Germanic Race was considered physically attractive by most humanoid races. And by the standards of 21st century humans, they were all the equivalent of supermodels, with the most attractive of the Germanic Race being the on par with divine figures.


    Part of the gic enhancement that every Germanic citizen went through during their birth altered their DNA to remove them from any imperfections. As a result, genes that resulted in unattractive traits like baldness, poor eyesight, ugliness, body hair, pre-disposure to weight gain, small breasts, small male genitalia, and any other number of physical ws, had been entirely removed from the Germanic gene pool, and were instead reced with the genes that were more desirable.


    In fact, 99.9% of the Germanic Race fit into the mold of the perfect "Aryan" as envisioned by the National Socialist German Workers''s Party who were in many ways the ideological and spiritual predecessors of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Those who were mutated as a result of an error mostmonly found in experimental high grade gene serums like the one Erich was injected with, and were determined to be unfit for termination, were like the men sitting in this room, wless in every way, except for ack of what was considered by society to eptable hair and eye color. Which, as far as the Germanic Star-Empire was concerned, consisted of either blonde or red hair with blue eyes.


    Upon seeing the dejected expressions on his ssmate''s faces, Erich sighed and shrugged his shoulders, before typing in an order on the grid for what he desired to eat at this caf¨¦. Within a few minutes, a robot came out and served the drink and meal of Erich''s choice, which was a burger, fries, and a shake.


    While biting into his burger, Erich noticed something peculiar in the uniforms of the other cadets. Something which he did not yet have on his own. It was a small hexagon on the breast pocket with what appeared to be a digital image which disyed a unique number. For example, Dolf''s rating was 3,257,982, while Karl''s was much lower at 1,397,527 and Fredrik''s was at a whopping 12,957,335.


    If he thought back upon it, the young men who had bullied him on the transit also had numbers on their chests, which were much higher than Dolf and Karl''s. Thus, Erich could not help but ask just what they represented.


    "By the way, what are those numbers on the breast pocket of your uniforms?"


    The three men exchanged nces with one another before exining in detail just what the images represented.


    "That''s right, you werete and missed your first day at the Academy. The thought didn''t even cross my mind that you didn''t know about the leaderboard. Essentially, the number on our chest is our ce on the leaderboard.


    Every student in the academy is ranked on it, and it changes in real time to reflect one''s position. It takes into ount all of your activities on campus. Whether it is your academic performance, or your capability in the simtors, or even your physical fitness levels. Since you missed your first day and a half, the AI probably hasn''t registered you yet. By tomorrow morning, you will see your ce in your uniform''s breast pocket."


    This sparked a number of questions in Erich''s mind, which he was quick to ask about.


    "So what do I get for having a high score on the leaderboard?"


    Dolf was quick to inform Erich about the benefits of having a high score on the leaderboard in an almost condescending tone.


    "The higher your rank on the leaderboard, the more likely you are to get into a better specialty school. By now, you should already be aware that most cadets spend a full four years at the academy before going into specialized training for the role they were selected to serve in.


    However, based upon your performance at the academy, you can either get sent to a run-of-the-mill specialty school or an elite one. There is also a simr system at your specialty school, where based upon what percentile you graduate in will determine your rank and unit upon entering service.


    So, for example, say you graduate in the top 1% of all cadets here at the Naval Academy, and then go on to graduate at the top 1% in your elite specialty school. You are pretty much guaranteed to be given the rank of Lieutenant, and depending on your specialization, you might have to go through additional training to be a special forces operative. Where you will also be judged based upon performance. By the way, what is your specialty?"


    Erich wore a bitter smile as he informed his new ssmates of just what role the government had given him to serve in during his years in the military.


    "I''ve been assigned to the role of a starfighter pilot¡­"


    The three men grimaced when they heard the specialty that Erich was given. And looked at him as if they were in the presence of a dead man. This was something that Erich already expected to happen, and could only shake his head as he epted his lot in life. However, Karl spoke up for perhaps the first time since Erich sat down, giving the silver-hairedd some solid advice.


    "If I were you, I would do everything I can to score in the top 1% both here in the naval academy, and in your specialty school. We may be mutants, but we have a natural advantage over the rest of these fuckers. While they''re out plowing their wives during the summer, we have to attend more courses. Which not only gives us a head start, but allows us to graduate earlier.


    Use these next two years to climb your way to the top of the leaderboard, and if you do manage to graduate in the top 1% of both the academy, and your elite flight school, you will get sent to special forces training, where if you graduate at the top of that, then you can join an elite squadron like ck Sun and perhaps even lead your own wing of fighters.


    Although those guys participate in the most dangerous space-borne operations of the entire military, they have the highest survival rate, because they are given the best ships, and have the best training. They also tend to receive the best rewards. I can''t confirm the validity about what I''m about to say, but I heard from a rather reliable source about a ck Sun pilot who was a mutant like us, but because of his achievements on the battlefield, the party permitted him to have a wife, and children, albeit they closely monitored the gic line of the guy to ensure that there were no further mutants being born. But still, that is something most of us mutants won''t be able to obtain in our lives.


    I know I won''t be able to. There is not much room for fancy medals or acts of heroism when you are destined to be an engineering officer. But my odds of surviving are significantly higher than yours. Even if we do get cloned after we die, that is not something I wish to experience. After all, there is a philosophical argument to be made. If you die, and your memories are transnted into the body of a clone, are you really the same person? That''s not a debate I want to have with myself. It is enough to give any man an existential crisis."


    Erich could not help but agree with everything Karl had said. From getting into an elite flight school, and bing a special forces pilot, to not wanting to die and suffer an existential crisis when his memories were transnted into a clone''s body.


    Thus, in that moment, he decided that he would do everything in his power to reach the top of the leaderboard over the next two years of his life.


    ---


    After sharing a meal with several of his ssmates. Erich returned to the barracks, where he entered the room he was given. Though the barracks were referred to by such a term, they were anything but what one might think of when first hearing the word. In fact, the rooms which the cadets were given, while utilitarian in design, like just about everything else in the Empire, were about the size of a studio apartment.


    The room had everything Erich needed to befortable over the next two years of his life, and thus, he was quite happy with his new home. After stripping out of his uniform and taking a shower, he climbed into bed, where he nned to get some shuteye. That is, until he checked his messages on the grid, to see that his mother had attempted to call him over one hundred times since he had firstnded in Germania.


    Just when he was about to contact the woman, he saw that she was already calling him. With a deep breath, Erich prepared himself for the scolding of a lifetime as he epted his mother''s call.


    "Hey mom-"


    Immediately, the woman interrupted her son, as she began to scream at him with all the strength she could muster.


    "Don''t hey mom me, young man! Do you have any idea how worried I was!?! It has been an entire day since you were supposed tond in Germania, and yet, despite the fact that I told you to contact me every night before you went to bed, I have heard nothing from you, my own beloved son!


    I feared the worst. Perhaps your transport had gotten sucked into a ck hole, or maybe you were kidnapped by your father''s rivals! Speaking of your father, he seems to be in a pissy mood whenever I ask him about whether or not you are alright, but he won''t tell me why! Don''t tell me you are already causing trouble there in the capital? Just what on earth have you been up to?!?!"


    Erich was at a loss for words. It had not even been twenty-four hours since he first left for the capital of the Empire, and already so many things had happened to him. First, he hadmitted a capital offense by hooking up with a representative of the Great Oni Empire, and then he had been bullied on the transit before getting a fellow cadet expelled.


    Finally, he had gone through half a day''s sses, and just now learned about theplex system for which all cadets were judged by, one that would determine his future prospects during his tenure in the military. There were too many things on his mind for him to evene up with a proper response to his mother''s scolding. For which he could only apologize.


    "I''m sorry mother, truly I am. I should have contacted you when I firstnded. I won''t make excuses. It''s just that I got tied up in aplex matter with a diplomat from a foreign empire, and as a result, myst twenty-four hours have been pretty hectic. I actually nned to get some shuteye when you called me. Can we talk about this tomorrow after I have rested for a bit?"


    Though Krista was furious about her son''s behavior, she could see that he was exhausted, and thus sighed heavily before agreeing to continue her scolding on the following day.


    "Alright, get some sleep, and remember to contact me tomorrow, or I will be even more furious!"


    Erich smiled and nodded his head, before hanging up on his mother, but not before leaving some parting words.


    "Of course, I love you, mom."


    After saying this, he hung up the phone, and fell to sleep, while thinking about Yumi''s naked body.

 Chapter 8 The Various Levels Of Interstellar Civilization

    On the other side of the, a man who appeared middle-aged sat within arge office. The room was surrounded on all sides by windows which disyed the giant city that was an entire world, and the busy happenings of its citizens.


    The man in question had short grey hair and a few wrinkles, which showed off only the slightest amount of age. And while the man appeared as if he were in histe forties, he was in reality three hundred years old, and was none other than the second Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Hans Epp sat in his office chair, as he gazed upon the holographic projection of what appeared to be a young man no older than twenty dressed in his military uniform, this man had distressed expression on his face as he bowed his head in submission, before apologizing profusely for his son''s scandalous actions.


    "Please, Supreme Leader, forgive my son. He is a young, and foolhardy. I doubt he could resist the temptation of that Oni temptress. You know better than I do about her skills in the art of seduction. A young boy has no chance against such a voracious tigress."


    A slight scoff escaped from the Supreme Leader''s lips as he spoke about the potential punishment for the crime of miscegenation, which was among the most heinous crimes one couldmit in the Germanic Star-Empire.


    "Your son is already an adult, and he hasmitted a disgusting and heinous act by sleeping with a foreigner. He did not evenmand his NeuroLink to temporarily sterilize himself for the duration of his sinful deed.


    What if a half-breed is born of this unholy union? Would you then have him take responsibility for his actions? The only reason your son''s head is still attached to his neck is because the foreigner he slept with just so happens to be the aunt of the Oni Emperor.


    If not for her pulling some strings with her nephew, demanding that the boy be spared of his rightful punishment, then I would have had him executed on the spot! But my hands are tied. The Oni are a valuable ally, one which I cannot afford to offend with a matter as petty as this. Discipline your son on my behalf and ensure that he does not make such an error again!"


    Before Heinrich could even thank the Supreme Leader for his benevolence, the line was cut, where Hans sat in his office with a frown on his face, as he voiced his disgust at Erich''s actions.


    "Fucking mutants! They have no respect for our way of life! I don''t know why we even spare any of them!"


    ---


    Entirely unaware of the quite literal bullet he had just dodged, Erich slept through the night with a peaceful expression on his face. When he awoke in the morning, it was at the crack of dawn. An audio recording of a bugle resounded across his room, thus waking him from his sweet dreams. Without a second thought, he climbed into the shower and got himself dressed for physical training.


    Upon adorning his t-shirt over his chiseled body and looking in the mirror, Erich noticed something peculiar. The hexagon on his shirt had a number digitally disyed, one which shocked the young man to the core of his being.


    From only half a day of school, Erich''s rank on the leaderboards was already at 1,250,000. Evidently he had perfect scores on all of his first assignments, which bumped him up well into the top 5% of the twenty-five million students which attended the Naval Academy on Germania.


    Even though the Empire''s poption was in the trillions, few men were selected for officer roles in the military. Most were enlisted personnel. And while the Naval Academy on Germania was thergest of the Naval Academies in the Empire, there was one on every habited. Meaning there were one hundred naval academies in total.


    Still, to be within the top 5% of cadets after a single day of sses, this was quite an aplishment. Even then, it just meant his life would be even more difficult if he wanted to reach the top 1% or even the top spot. Thus, Erich resigned himself to pushing himself past his limits during the Physical Training which he was about to endure.


    PT was no joke. Even though many of these men would not go into the Star Marines, the minimally epted PT score was set to the minimum of the elite infantry unit''s standards. To receive a perfect score, one had to be in astounding shape. Luckily, Erich had been injected with an experimental Grade S gene serum when he was in his mother''s womb, and thus, he scored higher than most Germanic men in nearly all attributes.


    However, this was not something that was unique to Erich. Millions of fetuses each year were injected with an experimental Grade S serum, and only a small portion of them were ever mutated.


    If he had to guess, then the top 5% of cadets attending the naval academy on Germania had been given the same serum as him, no, considering the academy on Germania was the most prestigious school, this meant that it was likely that ten percent if not more of the students had received a Grade S serum.


    Meaning he would have to rely on more than just his gic gifts to reach the top 1% of all cadets. Thus, he pushed himself beyond the limits he thought he had, and by the end of the ss, he saw that his rank had increased ever so slightly on the leaderboard.


    After training for two whole hours, the cadets entered the showers, where they washed off the sweat and grime from their bodies before attending their courses. Everything from advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, and any number of basic courses, to more specializes lectures like strategy, tactics, and survival, everything required to be an exemry military officer as well as a productive member of the civilian sector was provided by the academy.


    Just after lunch, Erich found himself back in Gctic Politics, where his teacher, Colonel Vernik Ekberg, had fulfilled his promise to teach Erich and the others about the ssifications of civilizations.


    The room was practically an amphitheater, even if it was mostly empty, and it had windows on all sides, which disyed the city below, if one got distracted they could easily watch the citizens of Germania go about their daily lives for the entire lecture.


    In the center of the room stood the instructor, who activated arge holographic projection, which disyed the information he was talking about. With a cigarette in one hand, and a mug of coffee in the other, he spoke about the ssifications of Interster Civilizations.


    "By now you should all be aware of this material, but since it is only the third day of your first semester, I decided that I will give you all a brief review.


    Now, who here can tell me what ssification the Empire has on the gctic scale of civilizations?"


    Erich raised his hand. The more questions he answered correctly in ss, the more his score would raise, and thus he was quick to raise his hand before all others. Seeing that the new arrival was so eager to participate, the colonel smiled before choosing him.


    "Alright, Silber, go ahead."


    With a proud smile on his face, Erich disyed the knowledge which was quitemon in the Germanic Star Empire.


    "Our Empire is considered a tier one regional power!"


    Vernik smiled and nodded his head as he took a drag from his cigarette before posing another question to Erich.


    "Correct, but can you tell me what that means?"


    This was a far more difficult question, but Erich was just as prepared to answer it as he responded with a confident smirk on his face.


    "An interster civilization is judged upon several factors, including but not limited to the number of systems in its territory, the number of worlds colonized, their military strength, their economic prowess, and their technological development. The Germanic Star Empire ranks at the bottom tier of the Regional Power ssification, specifically because of the miniscule size of our Empire.


    We only have thirty-six systems, and one hundred colonized worlds. This is dwarfed by even the smallest of Minor Powers, let alone those in a simr ranking such as the Great Oni Empire, which has over ten thousand star systems under its control.


    However, while our Empire is rtively small whenpared to our peers, we have supreme military and economic strength, as well as advanced technology. If we had as many star systems as the Great Oni Empire under our control, then we would likely be either a tier three regional power, or perhaps even a tier one sub-gctic power. Which is one of the reasons why the Alfheim Dominion has decided to vassalize our great race!"


    Vernik smiled and nodded his head, as he confirmed what Erich said to be urate, before adding more information about the ssification system which the Gxy used to determine the rankings of different civilizations.


    "You are once more correct in your assessment. There are four major ssifications for an interster civilization and for each category, there are also three tiers. On the bottom of the scale, we have the minor powers. Which are civilizations with anywhere between 100 and 1,000 star systems ands under their control. The fact that we are ranked a regional power, without even meeting one of the minimum requirements to be considered a minor power, is a testament to the strength, intelligence, and ingenuity of our great race!


    I won''t go into too much detail about the various capabilities of each ssification since it is a rtive scale, but for the sake of review just know that minor powers are vastly inferior to our civilization in practically every way, aside from the number of star systems they own, and how many worlds they have colonized. They also tend to be vassalized by regional powers.


    One thing that needs to be noted before I move onto the regional powers is that interster civilizations like the Confederation of Human Worlds are so insignificant on the gctic stage that they do not even qualify as a minor power.


    Okay, moving on now, the next group we are looking at would be regional powers, which is what we are ssified as. Most regional powers have a between one and one hundred thousand star system under their control, either directly or through vassalization.


    Technologically, militarily, and economically, the overwhelming majority of regional powers are inferior to the Germanic Star-Empire. With at most tier three regional powers being able topete with our military might. Regional powers also tend to be vassalized by sub-gctic powers.


    After the regional powers, are the sub-gctic powers. These are the second rarest level of interster civilization. They are extraordinarily powerful and holdrge swaths of the gxy within their sphere of influence. Nearly all vassals of a major gctic power are of this ssification. However, we are the exception to this rule.


    Finally, there are the Gctic powers, which there are technically six of, but only four of them are considered the major gctic powers.


    As previously discussed, the Alfheim Dominion, the Svartalfheim Federation, the Asura Cabal, and the Ennead Theocracy are all Gctic Powers, and these four powersbined are in control of the entire gxy either directly or through a series of vassalizations. However, there are two other gctic powers, which you need to be aware of.


    There is the Ghimderi Trade Union, a race of goblinoids, who control the gctic economy. Unlike the other gctic powers, they have less territory than even our Empire. However, their military strength is formidable, despite their more pacifistic nature, and, as I previously stated, the gctic economy is almost entirely under their control.


    It is because of this fact that the Ghimderi Trade Union often acts as the mediator between the four major gctic powers. Using their economic influence topel more powerful nations than their own to do their bidding. Truly despicable!


    For most, it is considered a sign of prosperity and prestige to host a Ghimderi Bank within their Empire. But our civilization will never hand over the reigns of our economy to any foreign nation, even if they came to our doorstep demanding that we do so!


    Finally, there is the Naraku, who has no home world to speak of, not that we know of at least, and live entirely in massive Hive Fleets. The Naraku are ssified as a devouring swarm and are the most powerful of such species. They are hostile to all other civilizations and are powerful enough to contend with the four major gctic powers entirely on their own. It is a miracle they have not consumed all life in the gxy already.


    Oh, look at the time, well this concludes our lecture for the day. Tomorrow we will begin a more in-depth study of Gctic politics, so I hope you are well prepared. Have a good rest of your day, gentlemen."


    With this said, the bell rang, and Erich had departed from the lecture, thinking about how much of a testament it was, that their race had progressed to a regional power in less than half a millennium after reaching the interster age.

 Chapter 9 Entering The Simulation

    Two weeks had passed since Erich first began attending the Naval Academy on Germania. By now he had gotten used to the cadet life, it was hardly different from the Youth Corps he was forced to attend as a child. However, even though it had already been two weeks into the semester, Erich and his fellow mutants had yet to be permitted to take part in what was arguably the most exciting aspect of life at the academy.


    That was until today. Currently, Erich stood inside arge and empty room that was practically a warehouse of considerable size. He was dressed in a flight suit, and looked around, waiting for the arrival of his fellow cadets and their instructor. However, just when he was about to leave the room, which he was given the coordinates to in advance, his surroundings suddenly shifted before his very eyes.


    What was previously an empty warehouse was now a flight hangar, filled with people and starfighters. Immediately, a smile lit up on Erich''s face as he realized what had just happened. This was the holodeck, a building used to simtebat environments for the cadets. And while Erich would noty hands on an actual starfighter until after he graduated from the Academy and entered flight school, he would still be required to learn the basics of flight inside the simtion which he now stood in.


    It was at this moment that Erich realized he was in line with a bunch of other pilots, who he did not recognize. The flight suits they wore were the same as his own. It was a stone grey in color and had the g of the Germanic Star-Empire on the right biceps, which was a red background, with a ck sun in the center.


    Aside from a life support system built into the suit, there was also a helmet in his hands that had arge transparent face shield. At the moment, a wingmander was speaking to him, and the other pilots which stood by his side, all of which were part of the simtion.


    "Men of Germania, a Nakaru Hive Fleet is no less than twenty light years away from our borders! I won''t lie to you. Many of you will die today, but you will die for the glory of the Empire, and the lives of its citizens! So go out there and squash those fucking bugs!"


    The scenario which had been inserted into the simtion was one where the empire was under a full scale invasion by a gctic power, this was how the Empire trained itsbatants, to experience the horrors of total warfare from the very start of their life as cadets. It was a no-win scenario, one designed explicitly to bring the best out of cadets, by squeezing every bit of potential for a possible victory.


    Because everything in the holodeck was realistic even to the touch, if Erich was shot down in the simtion, he would understand the pain of death, even if he would not actually die from the experience. Thus, he was sweating bullets, as he realized he would effectively be sent into battle, without the slightest idea in how to fly the spacecraft.


    Before Erich could even figure out what was going on, one of the simted pilots behind him pushed him towards his starfighter. Without even thinking, Erich climbed into the cockpit and attached his helmet onto the neckline of his flight suit, sealing off any air from escaping, and thus pressurizing his body for the vacuum of space.


    Just as Erich was about to call out to the AI to suspend the scenario, he found that a tutorial screen projected itself into his vision via the HUD disy that automatically downloaded itself onto his NeuroLink. Immediately, a synthesized voice entered his ears as the AI which was designed to assist him in flight began to speak to him.


    "My name is E.V.A. which stands for Enhanced Virtual Assistant. I will be your flight instructor today. The scenario you are about to experience has been set on recruit level difficulty after taking into ount that this is your first time flying.


    Like in real life, you only have one life, so I suggest youplete the scenario with survival in mind. For the record, if you die in the simtion, it will affect your score on the leaderboard. Good luck, and remember to follow my advice at all times."


    E.V.A.''s voice continued to speak to Erich as the artificial intelligence helped the young cadet navigate the controls of the starship. The starfighter which he was given in this scenario was the mostmonly deployed design, known by the nickname of the "Dagger", the starfighter was designed to be capable of contending with starships above its own weight ss, so to speak.


    It was a fast and nimble fighter, with serious firepower on board. Not only did the dagger have a total of threeser repeaters attached to it, but it also made use of a sma cannon and was outfitted with twelve antimatter missiles.


    Despite the fact that the dagger was a fast and powerful starfighter, its defenses were severelycking whenpared to other starfighters employed by the empire, and its foes. In other words, it was a ss cannon. This was one of the reasons why so many starfighter pilots lost their lives in the line of duty.


    However, when deployed in massive numbers, the dagger was a serious problem for the enemies of the Empire, and it was one of the reasons why, despite itscking defenses, it was considered the primary starfighter in use by the Germanic Star-Empire.


    After getting a feel for the controls, Erichunched his ship out of the carrier and entered into the simted space. Where he and his fighter wing of simted pilots were flying headfirst into a devouring swarm, which would not hesitate to rip them out of their spacecraft and eat them alive.


    Erich could not believe his eyes when he first witnessed the Naraku Hive Fleet in person. Its ships were living biomechanical engines of destruction that were practically the size of entires. And the fighters which they deployed were living beings, specifically bred to survive in the vacuum of space.


    Whenpared to the fleet of Imperial Warships, it was as if they were ants fighting against titanic monstrosities. For the first time in his life, Erich felt a true sense of fear ovee his heart as he gripped onto the joystick of his aircraft, perhaps a little too fiercely.


    What kind of horrific monsters were these? And what civilization could possibly contend with such reckless evil? These were just a few of the thoughts that flooded Erich''s mind as he heard the AI speak to him once more.


    "Hostile targets directly in front, approximately 13,000 kilometers ahead. Prepare forbat, and good luck¡­"


    For a split second, Erich thought he could hear a sense of pity in the otherwise robotic voice of the artificial intelligence which assisted him in flight. Staring down at what was most certainly the personification of death, Erich gulped down the saliva which was pooling in his throat, and activated his missiles, as the HUD disy connected to his NeuroLink locked onto the target nearest to him.


    Immediately upon entering thebat zone, the Naraku drone began to spit a corrosive acid at their imperial adversaries, as if they were Gatling guns. And while the simted pilots of Erich''s wing nimbly dodged the attacks, Erich''s fighter had taken a direct hit on its left wing. No doubt due to his inexperience in piloting the spacecraft.


    The acid easily ate through the energy shields, draining the power of the starfighter as Erich struggled to gain a lock onto his target. As if ying a game of chicken, Erich and the Naraku sickle continued to barrel towards one another, until finally Erich was able to get off a shot.


    The anti-matter missile fired off and quickly followed after the Naraku drone, which tried to dodge out of the way. However, the missile continued to track the beast until it finally collided with its target and blew it to smithereens.


    With the enemy destroyed, Erich felt an immediate sense of joy as he turned his fighter around to regroup with the rest of the wing. Still, his spacecraft''s shields continued to deplete at a rapid rate because the acidicpound that had hit his fighter''s left wing continued to eat away at the shield.


    Fearing he would lose all power to his shields in the first exchange, Erich made a single thought within his mind, and before he knew it the energy which supplied his shields rapidly transitioned from the right side of the starfighter to the left wing to prevent the acid from eating entirely through the shields.


    While Erich struggled to fight off the acid which was eating away at his shields, two men were watching his first attempt at the simtion with a curious expression on their faces. The Lieutenant in charge of the holodeck eximed aloud, as his superior watched by his side.


    "Just how did he manage to transfer the energy of his shields to the left wing? That is not a feature of the dagger!"


    The Admiral who was watching the scenario unfold with interest in his eyes, scoffed, before lecturing the lowly Lieutenant about Erich''s special abilities.


    "There''s a reason this young man was selected to be a starfighter pilot. He has three exceptional abilities, two of which he inherited from his parents, and one which he gained from the grade S serum he was injected with at birth.


    Out of his three abilities, one is quitemon, the other is exceptionally rare, while the third is exclusive only to him¡­ In fact, its existence is entirely ssified, and thus I can''t tell you anything about it. What I can share with you is that this young man is capable of bothmunicating with others via his mind, while at the same time being able to control machines with his thoughts. With these two abilities alone, he has the potential to be one of the best starfighter aces of this generation."


    The Lieutenant, who was in charge of running the simtions for the academy''s cadets, was stunned in to silence for several moments before he asked for confirmation of what he believed to have been a misunderstanding on his part.


    "You''re telling me this mutant is triple enhanced?"


    The Admiral did not say a word, and just silently nodded his head, leaving the officer inplete and total shock.


    While every Germanic citizen was a gically enhanced superhuman in terms of physical and mental capabilities, only a fraction of the poption had special abilities, such as telepathy. These traits were usually unlocked via the grade S gene serum, which only a minority of the poption was privileged enough to receive, and there was a very low chance of that happening. However, because of this, these special abilities could be passed down to offspring, and yet this was even rarer.


    Erich had not only inherited one ability from his father, and another from his mother, but he had even unlocked a third ability from the grade S serum he had taken. One which as far as the Empire was concerned exclusively belonged to him.


    This meant that Erich was what manymonly referred to as "triple enhanced". In the entirety of the Empire, whose poptions was in the trillions there were maybe a million men and women who could im the same, and they usually went on to apish extraordinary things in their lives.


    Unfortunately, Erich did not live up to the hype. Even using two of his three abilities to navigate the scenario, it was still too much for him to handle. After defeating only three hostile drones, he was finally torn apart by his fourth target.


    Erich could feel the razor-sharp teeth of the biomechanical lifeform tear through his fighter''s cockpit and the flesh of his body, as he found himself lying on the floor of an empty warehouse while crying out in pain. For a second, he thought he had genuinely lost his life.


    It took several moments for Erich to collect his thoughts, where he immediately took a look at his NeuroLink to see that his ce on the leaderboard had fallen by over one hundred ces. With an intense look of depression on his otherwise handsome face, he sighed heavily, before determining that he would need to spend as much time as possible in the simtions. After all, simtion scores were the number one way to rise through the rankings of the leaderboard.


    With this, Erich had not only gotten his first taste of the holodeck, but also of what it was like to die in battle for the Empire. He was beginning to understand why so many men of the Empire did not fear death, because many of them had experienced it a million times before ever stepping foot on the battlefield.

 Chapter 10 Going Viral

    Before Erich knew it, three months hade and gone, and the summer had turned to autumn. He had sessfullypleted his first semester in the Naval Academy, and during this time he had spent nearly every waking hour either doing his ss work, or spending time in the holodeck, gaining valuable experience both as a starfighter pilot, and as a naval officer.


    What little time he had outside of sses and simtions he spent with his fellow cadets, Fredrik, Karl, and Dolf. All of which seemed far lessmitted to rising through the ranks of the leaderboard than he was. However, the good times of being free to pursue his own education without fear of unecessary harassment had suddenlye to an end, as an influx of students piled into the Academy, which until now had seemed practically abandoned.


    It was no longer just mutants, staff, and a few delinquents trying to make up for failed courses. Instead, those who had spent the summer holiday away from the campus, and in the arms of their wives, were now back at the Academy, and because of this, Erich was forced to sit through a day of orientation for the new ss, who were woefully behind him and the other mutants.


    In fact, Erich could only look at the wide-eyed young men, who had just started their life as a cadet with pity in his silver eyes, because they would soon be experiencing the pain of death, something that he still found haunting every time he perished in the simtions.


    Since women were not permitted to partake in the military, the entire academy was filled with men. Something which seemed much more depressing now that the campus was no longer sparsely popted.


    Thus, while dressed in his cadet uniform, Erich sat in arge stadium, which had been prepared for the opening ceremony of the new ss. As a man who now ranked in the top 3% of all students at the Naval Academy on Germania, Erich was not sitting in the nosebleeds like his friends, but rather he was front and center, as the Admiral in charge of the university weed the new students to their new lives as cadets.


    "I look upon all of you, the young men of our great race, who will now begin their years of military service as cadets at this most prestigious academy, and I think to myself, the future of our empire is secure. Here, in the Naval Academy on Germania, you will all gain the experience you need to fulfill you duties as officers in the Imperial Navy.


    Some of you will be destined for more rxed roles, while others will be using your gifts to bring the fight directly to our people''s enemies. Regardless, most of you will be spending the next four years of your life here on campus, and because of that, I wee you to your new home.


    Today, you can all rx, and be acquainted with your new lives as cadets, because tomorrow the real training begins."


    After the Admiral left the stage, a few other important personnel began making announcements, which Erich tuned out of, simply because he was already familiar with all the rules and regtions of the academy, having alreadypleted a semester over the summer.


    Once the opening ceremony waspleted, he and the rest of the freshman ss were permitted to go about the massive campus that was the Naval Academy. Immediately after walking out of the building, Erich experienced something which he had nearly forgotten existed within the empire. Discrimination against mutants.


    He found his friends, Fredrik, Karl, and Dolf, surrounded by a group of new freshman, who were trying to extort them out of their monthly stipends. Something which Erich had already dealt with during his senior year of high school.


    However, Erich was different now. He was no longer willing to tolerate being bullied for the color of his hair and eyes. Nor run away from those who sought to cause him trouble. He had endured 3,572 death like experiences since he had first started using the holodeck, each more painful than thest. Because of this, thest thing he feared in this life was something as petty as physical pain.


    Thus, while Fredrik, Karl, and Dolf were encircled by a group of bullies, Erich broke through the crowd which was watching the event unfold, and ced a hand on the shoulder of thergest man in the group. No doubt this man had selected to be an officer in the star marines, much like the one who had had gotten expelled on his first day of school for a simr infraction.


    As the young man looked over his shoulder to see just who had dared to touch him without his consent, Erich mmed his fist into the man''s jaw, knocking him t on his ass. The other bullies who had gathered around the mutants and were hurling obscenities stared in awe as their leader copsed to the floor like a bag of bricks.


    Seeing that he hadpletely knocked out a future Star Marine with one punch, Erich red at the other bullies with his silver eyes before giving them a single warning.


    "You little shits¡­ You think just because you have the pleasure of having normal colored hair and eyes that you can bully your superiors? I hate to break it to you, but you are in the military now, and we outrank you! The only thing that matters here in the Navy is one''s ability to perform the tasks they are given.


    Your bullshit will not be tolerated any longer, so I suggest you readjust your behavior before you get tlined like this asshole! I deduct 1,000 points from each of you, and 10,000 from this prick, since he is clearly the ringleader of your little entourage. Now get the fuck out of here before I decide you are in need of greater punishment!"


    What Erich had said was correct, after spending an entire three months in the academy, proving his leadership abilities, Erich was now what was considered a Cadet Lieutenant, which meant he had the ability to discipline those cadets who were lower in rank than him. This was apparent by the insignia on his uniform which differed from those around him.


    Even if Erich had just sucker punched a new cadet, he could simply chalk it up as corporal punishment for any number of behavioral infractions. This was a luxury that the cadets who bullied Erich on his first day of life as a cadet were not protected by, considering that they had not reached the rank of Cadet Ensign, which was the minimal rank required to begin dishing out punishments to other cadets of lower standing.


    The fact that this attack was caught on film by the crowd which had gathered around tough at the bullying did not matter in the slightest to Erich. If anything, it acted as evidence to support his ims of behavioral infractions.


    When he turned around to see the crowd staring in disbelief, his mood turned even more sour, as he screamed at all of them, in a voice that was filled with so much authority, one might forget that Erich was wearing the uniform of a cadet, and not an active duty officer of the Navy.


    "What are you fuckers looking at? I suggest you stop wasting your time, and get started on your studies! Dismissed!"


    Having seen this Cadet Lieutenant, who was only slightly taller than the average man, absolutely tline a man significantly bigger than him, nobody wanted to get on Erich''s bad side, and followed his orders as if they werew. Which technically speaking, they were.


    Once the area was only popted by Erich and his friends, they all sighed in relief before congratting Erich on properly weaponizing his authority. Karl, in particr, was the first to speak out, as he voiced his disbelief at what he had just witnessed.


    "God damn, if I knew I would have the ability to dish out punishment like that to a bunch of assholes, I would have worked harder. I seriously just wasted my biggest advantage over these chuckle fucks!"


    A friendly smile emerged on Erich''s face as he immediately insulted Karl with friendly banter.


    "I kept telling you guys that you needed to focus more on your studies. This is why the system here in the academy gives some pretty sweet perks to guys who not only rise in the leaderboards but also in rank as well. You only have yourself to me for being sozy."


    Out of the four friends, only Erich had made it to a Cadet Officer rank, and because of this, the rest of the guys would have to rely on him, if in the future they ever encountered another situation like the one they were just forced to endure.


    Thus, Erich and his friends decided to grab some lunch before they parted ways for the day. After eating with his friends, Erich would spend the rest of his free time participating in the Holodeck, where he would attempt to raise his rank in the academy, and on the leaderboard even higher than it already was.


    ---


    Little did Erich know it, but the video of him knocking out a future star marine made it onto the grid and immediately went viral. In one of the other core worlds of the Empire, a rising starlet was looking at the grid via her NeuroLink and scoffed in disdain at what she saw.


    "Fucking mutants, I can''t believe he is able to get away with such a heinous act. The military must be desperate to put a freak like that in any position of power¡­"


    With this in mind, Erika immediately made ament on the video, which would only cause it to be even more viral, as she spoke about how mutants are a blight on society, and that they shouldn''t be permitted to live, even in the forms that were currently considered eptable by the party.


    A sentiment that within mere seconds gained billions of likes from all over the Empire. Seeing that she had thoroughly painted a target on the back of whoever this silver-haired cur was, Erika smiled with satisfaction until hearing her manager''s voice on the other side of her changing room door.


    "Erika, you have an interview in five minutes. Are you almost done changing?"


    The pink-haired idol hadpletely forgotten about her work, during her brief break, and immediately scrambled to finish changing before bolting out the door with a pretty smile on her stunning face. When her manager saw her, he immediately smiled andplimented the teenage girl on her wless appearance.


    "As always, you are the physical incarnation of the ancient goddess Freyja. Now, hurry up, the hostess of the Lunch Hour isn''t going to wait for much longer!"


    With this said, Erika was dragged onto yet another stage, where she sat down and shook hands with a woman who was significantly older than herself. The cameras had focused their attention on the young starlet, and the audience apuded her appearance with almost religious fervor before slowly calming down and allowing the hostess to speak.


    "Erika, it is good to have you on the show! I can''t help but express how big of a fan I am of your work!"


    Erika made a pretty smile as she thanked the woman for her kind words before returning thepliment with one of her own.


    "Thanks. That means a loting from you. I must admit that I am also a huge fan of yours, Mrs. Carlson."


    The audience apuded Erika''s exceptional manners as the teenage idol waved to them and the cameras while blowing kisses. An act which had trillions of men from across the Empire gluing their eyes to the broadcast. However, in the next moment, the hostess sidelined Erika with a curve ball of a question.


    "So Erika, I have to ask, you are considered by many to be the Empire''s sweetheart, and yet just a few minutes ago, you left a particrly vicious remark about those moremonly referred to by society as mutants. On a video, I might add, that showed a young Cadet Officer who just so happened to be a mutant, disciplining some new Cadets for multiple behavioral infractions. What caused you to respond in such a way?"


    Both Erika and her manager were looking at the hostess with dumbfounded expressions. This was not in the script which they had been given when they agreed to take the interview, and thus Erika, in particr, was at a loss for words as she began to fumble around in her mind for a proper response. After taking a deep breath, she decided to use this moment to engage in a particrly hateful speech against a ss of people who could technically be considered disenfranchised by society.


    "Well, I''m clearly not the only one who thinks this way. Within minutes, I had billions of likes from across the empire. By now it is likely in the trillions! Let''s be honest here, does anyone actually think it is wise to allow these clear gic defects to continue making a mockery of our great race?


    While most of these freaks are rightfully euthanized at birth, the party has, for whatever reasoned determined that a few of these mongrels are unfit for termination. If they were to just live their lives as pawns in our society, to make the rest of our lives easier, I would be fine with that.


    However, this young man in the video, is clearly living a life of enormous privilege, he has not only been epted into the most prestigious naval academy that our Empire has to offer, but has even been given a position of power over normal cadets, it is truly sickening!


    I can only say that I am happy that these burdens on our society are not allowed to reproduce, because if they were, our entire lineage as a race would be under threat!"


    Contrary to what the host was expecting, not only did the audience cheer and apud the young woman for her boldness, but even thements of the livestream were filled with support for Erika, and in a way, her poprity had just jumped to new heights, at the expense of Erich''s well being.


    Seeing that her trap had only further added to the rising star''s poprity, the Hostess immediately switched back to the script. But the damage had already been done, and as a result of Erika''s hateful words, Erich would now have a monumental target on his back, as the teenage idol''s massive fan base would deliberately target him for harassment in the future.

 Chapter 11 Concerns Of The Alfheim Dominion

    While Erich was dealing with the aftermath of Erika''s interview, and the heat that he would receive as a result of it, there were far more important events urring across the gxy. Though the propaganda machine of The Germanic Star-Empire tried to downy the fact that a Naraku Hive Fleet was rapidly approaching their territory, the Supreme Leader was far from calm about this urrence.


    And he was not alone in this regard. On the home world of the Alfheim Dominion, within the tallest spire of itsrgest city, sat the Empress of the Light Elves, who had apletely stoic expression on her otherwise beautiful face.


    Though this otherworldly beauty appeared as if nothing in this universe could possibly cause a moment of genuine emotion to appear on her icy face, her heart was beating quite rapidly. While her youngest daughter reported information about one of their more powerful vassal states being annihted by the Naraku Hive Fleet.


    "It would appear that the Rylonian Imperium has beenpletely annihted, their fleets have been reduced to debris scattered about their stars, while their worlds have been scoured of all life from the relentless onught of the devouring swarm. What remains of their race have fled their borders, and are seeking asylum in the nearest civilizations.


    Mother, the loss of a Tier III Sub-Gctic power is a tragedy which affects our entire standing on the gctic stage. If the other powers were to learn of this, they would begin pressing us on our borders. While the Fifth Fleet is currently being dispatched to deal with the bugs, I fear the damage has already been done."


    Despite the grim news, Empress Lunaria Asterion did not react in the slightest. Instead, she posed a question which baffled her youngest daughter, in a voice that was both soft and angelic while still retaining the dignity and authority of a Gctic Empress.


    "Celestia, if my calctions are correct, then it will only be a few years before the Naraku Hive Fleet, which the admiralty has designated by the name "Terminus", arrives at the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, is that correct?"


    Celestia, like her mother, was perhaps one of the most, if not the most beautiful woman in the gxy. At least by humanoid standards. Like all light elves, her skin was so pale that it was nearly glowing, while her ears were long and pointy, like the rest of her race.


    The woman''s eyes were as gold as the sun, which the earth revolved around, while her hair was as white as snow. Her body, while somewhat tall by the standards of baseline humans, was slender but soft in all the right ces. Like the rest of her species, her breasts were rather small, but that did not prevent her from having a perfect hourss figure.


    Despite having a face that appeared to have been crafted by a cosmic entity who was hellbent on creating the perfect woman, Celestia was currently scowling, and yet it did not taint her features. Why was she scowling? Because even at a moment as dire as this, her mother was still obsessed with the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Which was a miniscule interster civilization on the fringes of their territory. Believing perhaps her mother had not understood the urgency of which she reported, Celestia began to raise her voice to her esteemed mother, who was one of the most powerful beings in the entire gxy.


    "Mother, did you not hear me? The Rylonians have virtually gone extinct. There is a rampaging hive fleet in our territory, and our vassals have begun to doubt our ability to protect them. If that were not bad enough, our rivals on the gctic stage will soon take advantage of this chaos to press our borders! What does a tier I regional power like the Germanic Star-Empire have to do with any of this?"


    For the first time in over a thousand years, Celestia had witnessed a hint of emotion appear on her mother''s stoic face. The celestial beauty''s brows furrowed ever so slightly as her voice raised in agitation.


    "Celestia Asterion! You dare to raise your voice to your mother and Empress! If you were not my daughter, I would have your atoms scattered for speaking to me in such a way!"


    Immediately, Celestia felt shivers go down her spine. She had never seen her mother so outraged, and the fact that it was because she questioned the woman''s clear obsession with a minor race only further added salt to injury. Just when Celestia was about to speak up again, her mother switched the subject.


    "The Centennial War Games will be upon us in only five years. Thest time they urred a hundred years ago, the Germanic Star-Empire surprised us all. A civilization that did not even meet all the minimum requirements to be considered a minor power had so thoroughly trounced many of the more exceptional regional powers in our quadrant, and they have only be more powerful since then.


    It is a pity that they do not yet have the resources to deal with a Naraku Hive Fleet by themselves, because I dare say that I am tempted to send my favorite attack hound to deal with these pesky bugs. Although, if our fifth fleet fails to defeat the Hive Fleet Terminus, then ultimately the GSE will be forced to fight them, anyway. I wonder how they will surprise me then..."


    Celestia could see a look of excitement flicker in her mother''s eyes as she spoke about the recent upstart that had clearly stolen her attention for these past few centuries. For a race that was biologically immortal like the Light Elves, a few hundred years wereparable to a few days. For the life of her, Celestia could not understand her mother''s borderline infatuation with such a young race, who had only recently entered the interster age, and thus she was forced to ask.


    "Mother, I just don''t understand what your obsession with the Germanic People is. Sure, they have developed quite rapidly, but there are other civilizations in our quadrant that develop at an even greater speed. So why do you favor them so much? Is it because of their looks? I will admit that they are attractive, perhaps more so than most, but we have other races as our vassals who are superior in that regard as well. Please, mother, exin to me whatpels you to look at them with such excited eyes!"


    Lunaria looked at her daughter with a look of pity, as if she were gazing upon a young child who knew nothing of the greater universe. She sighed heavily, while internally debating whether or not she should tell her daughter the whole truth, or just part of it. After several moments of internal discord, the Empress of the Light Elves finally spoke about some of the thoughts that were flooding her ancient mind.


    "Celestia, you know how old I am... For as long as I have lived and watched over our family''s Empire, I have never encountered anything remotely simr to the Germanic People. If logic applied to their species, then they should have been extinct the moment they fired upon the Veltarians nearly four hundred years ago.


    And yet, despite only recently settling their new home world, and having technology far below that of a Tier I minor power, the Germanic Star-Empire defeated a Tier III Minor Power, in the conflict they refer to as "The First Contact War." They did not do this by virtue of their military strength, but because of their tenacity, their ruthlessness, their ingenuity in the art of war, and their blood lust. I have never seen a species, so heavily outnumbered, and outgunned, utterly destroy their enemies the way Germanic People did in that conflict.


    In the centuries since the Germanic Star-Empire eradicated the Veltarian Hegemony and their entire species, they have carved a mighty Empire of their own. One which has evolved at a rapid rate. Technologically speaking, the Germanic race is now at the level of a Tier III Regional Power. However, their tenacity, ruthlessness, cunning, and ability to do anything to survive makes them capable of contending with even sub-gctic powers.


    You ask why I am so... What was the word you used? Obsessed with the Germanic Star-Empire, it is because they are the perfect war hound to unleash upon my enemies. They are a race, born, and bred for the purpose of war! In their society, the individual has no value beyond his utility to the state either as an instrument of war or production.


    So what if I favor them above all my other vassals? How many of those who swear fealty to our dynasty are able to win a hundred wars in less than three hundred years? Especially when you demand that they fight against enemies that are more powerful than themselves! The Germanic Star-Empire has lost many battles, sure, but they have never lost a war. That is something which the civilizations that have sucked up to us for countless years can not im themselves.


    The fact that you look down on them simply because of the size of their empire is a simple proof that you are still nothing more than a child. But I should expect nothing less than a woman who is not even one thousand years old.


    I made you my heir not because of your ability, but as a testament to the love I have for your father. Clearly any one of your sisters would make a better ruler than you. Yet, you still have time to learn and expand your feeble mind. So I won''t hold it against you."


    Celestia had practically broken the skin of her lip, which she was biting into in an act of frustration after hearing her mother''s scolding. Though she now had a better understanding of why the woman favored the GSE so much more than any of her other vassals.


    She still had the feeling that there was something more to it than just the fact that they were an exceptional race of warriors. However, since the Empress did not want to inform her of why this was the case, she would not pry further. Instead, the young beauty bowed her head with fidelity to her mother before departing from the room.


    Once she was gone, an elderly member of the Light Elven race stepped forward from the shadows, with a peculiar expression on his aging face. He stroked his goatee in contemtion before asking the Empress why she had not chosen to tell her daughter the most important reason for her excessive patronage.


    "I wonder if the reason you waited so long to mobilize the fifth fleet was to give your precious hounds an opportunity to expand. After all, you could have dispatched our forces to intercept the Hive Fleet Terminus the moment they entered our borders, and yet you let the Rylonians fall. It was only after the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire asked for your assistance that you dispatched your fleet, but where was your concern for your vassals, when the Emperor of the Rylonians begged you for military aid?"


    Lunaria scowled at the old sage, who had posed a rather troublesome question to her. Though his assessment of her intentions was indeed urate, to speak them aloud was nearly an act of treason. After all, if she did confirm this to be true, then the Empress of the Light Elves would be admitting to sacrificing a vassal which had served for her dynasty nearly a million years for a recent upstart. If news of this got out, the entire quadrant would be up in arms over such a scandal.


    But did the most powerful woman in this quadrant of the Milky Way Gxy care about something so petty? No, she did not, and thus she rather shockingly admitted to the whole thing.


    "The Rylonians have lost theirst fifty wars with the proxies of those hideous dark skinned freaks! Meanwhile, as I previously mentioned, the Germanic race is undefeated against opponents who, by all logic, should have emerged victorious. So what if I sacrificed those losers for my precious little puppies?


    Though all life in the Rylonian Imperium has been consumed by those fucking bugs, it is a simple matter of terraforming before those worlds can be absorbed into the Germanic Star-Empire, and if your prophecy indeed bes reality, then they will have earned such a bountiful reward! Still, it will take millennia for such an upstart civilization to incorporate the vast territory of a sub-gctic power, but when they finally do, they will be the most valuable weapon I have at my disposal."


    The elderly elf simply shook his head with disapproval before voicing his thoughts aloud. In the entirety of the Alfheim Imperium, only those old fogies who called themselves sages could speak to the Empress with such informality.


    "I am beginning to think that your daughter is correct. You have be obsessed with your newest pets. And when your puppies finally lose in battle against your enemies, what then? Will you regret your choice to sacrifice such an ancient and loyal vassal, for the sake of an upstart civilization?"


    Despite the seriousness of the question, Lunaria did not treat it with any urgency, and instead gazed out of her window, into the luscious utopia that was her homeworld. Whatever she was thinking about in that moment, only she knew.

 Chapter 12 Beating The Unwinnable Scenario

    While the Alfheim Dominion had begun to move its forces against the Hive Fleet Terminus, which was currently causing untold destruction within their quadrant of space, Erich was suffering through his cadet life. Though the administration of the academy had defended his actions in disciplining the new cadets, who had vited a number of regtions, the people of the Empire had begun to harass the young man all over social media.


    Naturally this was the fault of none other than the up-anding idol Erika Krieger, who had not only made a particrly vicious post regarding his actions on the video that was taken, but had also appeared in an interview in one of the most popr daytime talk shows, condemning Erich, and people like him for merely existing.


    Because of this, there was a new intensity in the atmosphere within the Naval Academy, as many of the new cadets who had just begun their first semester began toin about the unfair advantage that mutants had over them.


    While they were out starting families, the mutants had already gotten a head start in their academic life. Not only did mutants tend to be much higher on the leaderboard than the new cadets, and even most of the returning ones, but they were also higher ranked in the student body.


    Because of this, Erich, and those mutants who had ruthlessly pursued their studies like him, were now cadet officers, giving them the ability to effectively control those who had not yet achieved such a rank. Yet this was the nature of the military, and if any of the new cadets dared to give him lip, he could order any number of punishments for them to endure.


    Currently, Erich was currently taking a break from his simtion while looking at a post on the grid, on his profile, that was essentially a young woman in her teens telling him to kill himself. She was not the only person who had sent him such a message in thest hour. In fact, if he really wanted to read through them all, he would have millions, if not billions, of direct messages telling him tomit suicide.


    Despite this, Erich did not really seem to care about the abuse he was suffering on the intersterwork, instead he focused on what mattered, and that was his school work, and simtions. Thus, after sighing his head and turning off the grid, he got back to the simtion at hand. For the past six months of his academic life, he had been running the same exact scenario that he had been using since he first stepped foot into the simtor all those months ago.


    By now he was no longer on recruit difficulty. He had sessfullypleted the scenario in all of its difficulties, except for one. Realism mode. Until now, four hundred years'' worth of cadets had utterly failed to achieve a victory in this difficulty.


    In order to achieve a maximum grade, one needed to pass the Veteran difficulty, after which, nobody had ever dared to fight the Naraku hive fleet again. Who would bother enduring such pain, and trauma when the oue was simply predetermined.


    It was not just starfighter pilots who partook in this scenario, in fact, every specialization which one could go into within the Navy had to go through the apocalyptic scenario, where they would fulfil their role to the best of their ability, and despite this nobody in thest four hundred years had ever been able to achieve a victory on the realism mode.


    After all, the simtion was designed as an unwinnable scenario. No matter how skilled one was at their job, the entire Navy of the Germanic Star Empire was not capable of contending with a Naraku Hive Fleet, and because of this, there was no chance of victory.


    Any attempts toplete the scenario in realism mode would only lower one''s grade, and ranking on the leaderboard, thus the number of people who had attempted toplete it more than once, was numbered in the hundreds at the most.


    Yet Erich was undeterred. Even after dropping into the bottom 1% of students on the leaderboard, he wanted more than anything toplete this scenario. By now, he had logged in thousands of hours over thest six months since he had first stepped foot into the academy, and more pain, sweat, and tears than he cared to admit shedding, he realized that he simply could not beat the scenario in a standard dagger.


    Thus, nearly two months ago now, which was a month after the new semester had begun, he started training with a heavy bomber. Today, however, he had made his load out of the spaceship different from he had normally equipped it with. The bomber did not carry several smaller payloads, instead it carried a single massive torpedo.


    The strategy that Erich hade up with was suicidal, to say the least. After so many hours of training in the simtor to beat this scenario, the words of his old high school history teacher finally rang through his head.


    "Self-Sacrifice is the first principle of civilization!"


    Thus, after nearly 100 attempts so far today, he had stillpletely failed to achieve his goal. However, as of this moment, when he was in the cockpit of the heavy bomber, he had a good feeling about his chances of sess, and thus, he had a wide smile on his face, as he carefully navigated through the Naraku drones which all attempted to tear his bomber apart.


    Luckily for him, the simted fighters of his wing continued to clear a path forward, allowing him to focus on his one and only goal. Ten thousand kilometers became six, and six became three, until finally Erich had gotten so close to his target that he could not possibly miss his mark.


    Knowing that after he fired this torpedo he was as good as dead. There was a sense of anxiety which flooded his body. And yet, Erich still pressed the button of his joystick, whichunched his massive torpedo. Time felt like it had slowed down as the torpedo flew straight into the open hangar of Naraku Hiveship, which, after thousands of hours of trial and error, Erich had determined to be the one which housed the hive queen.


    Suddenly, a massive explosion urred. The st was so exceptional that it consumed the entire hiveship, which was practically the size of a dwarf. The Antimatter torpedo which Erich hadunched was not supposed to be wielded by heavy bombers, but could be modified to do so in a time of need.


    In fact, the parameters to equip the torpedo to the heavy bomber were not even in the simtion. Instead, Erich had used his cyberkinesis to modify the scenario so that he would be able to gain the authority to attach such a destructive weapon to his bomber, albeit after much effort on his part.


    This torpedo was nicknamed the "world killer" by Germanic Star Empire and was designed to blow ups which were determined to be incapable of saving for whatever reason. That''s right, the Empire would rather blow up its own worlds then allow them to fall into the hands of another race.


    These torpedos were in every fleet, but were seldom used inbat, due to just how powerful they were. The moment the explosive st devastated the hiveship, it rapidly expanded into space, consuming Erich''s entire ship, and engulfing himself as well.


    But unlike every other time he had perished in the simtor, the simtion did not end with his death. Instead, the battle continued to rage on, as the drones which ravaged the Imperial Fleet entered a state of frenzy, where they began to devour each other, as if they were no longer capable of determining who was friend, and who was foe.


    In the end, arge banner appeared on the screen, which Erich was now watching as a spectator that said a single word. "Victory!" Immediately afterward, the holodeck shut down, and became just another empty warehouse.


    The Lieutenant who was in charge of the holodeck stared in disbelief at what he had just seen. Normally, it was his job to report any cheating that might ur in the simtor, but he had a hard time arguing that Erich had actually done anything wrong. And thus he watched the entire scene unfold with shock and bewilderment in his eyes.


    The moment Erich began to cheer in the empty warehouse, the Lieutenant quickly contacted his superior on the grid, and informed him of just what he had witnessed happen on this day. Not that he needed to, for the moment Erich had emerged victorious in the unwinnable scenario, the entire Admiralty had been alerted of the incident.


    As for Erich, the number on his uniform''s breast pocket had suddenly dropped from nearly the bottom of the leaderboard, which was the result of his repeated failures that had had suffered these past six months because of realism mode, to rank 97. After aplishing the impossible, he had jumped straight into the top 100 cadets at the Naval Academy on Germania, meaning he was within the top 100 naval cadets in the entire Empire.


    The moment after Erich had stopped celebrating, and stepped out of the holodeck, he found himself surrounded by several instructors, including the Admiral tasked with leading the Academy. There was a stern look on the man''s face as he spit a barrage of questions at the young man who was standing in front of him.


    "How¡­ How the hell did you win? You can''t win! It''s not designed to be beaten! You must have cheated somehow!"


    Erich looked away awkwardly as he heard this usation. While what he did could be considered cheating, and probably was in the eyes of most people. However, it wasn''t explicitly mentioned against the rules. After all, as long as he did not interfere with the direct oue of the scenario, he could use his cyberkinesis to some extent, and thus he admitted to what he had done, rather than try to conceal it.


    "I simply used my ability to manipte the parameters that would allow me to convince the admiral on board the carrier to equip my heavy bomber with a killer. Which ording to the AI which runs the program, that was not considered cheating.


    It took me half a day, just to convince the stubborn old goat to allow me to do so, but once I did, I was able to load a killer on my bomber, and all that was left was the matter of getting within such a short distance of the enemy hive ship, that it was impossible to miss.


    I figured that the only way to win in such an impossible scenario is for each man to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the Empire. Thus, after a particrly rousing speech, I had therades in my wing clear a way for me to get close enough tounch my torpedo into the hangar bay of the hive ship which contained the Queen. Which I had discovered the identity of after a particrly brutal death roughly two weeks ago.


    Honestly, I did not even know if the Hive Queen would be on the same ship, so it was really a matter of luck as to whether or not I seeded¡­"


    The Admiral stared in disbelief at Erich after he heard just how the young man had managed to aplish something that no cadet had seeded in doing over the past four hundred years. Even after hearing this exnation, the Admiral determined that it was a feat that required a hell of a lot of nning and a certain degree of luck to pull off.


    However, even though Erich tampered with the parameters of the simtion, to allow him to convince the Admiral to ept such a hairbrained, desperate, and suicidal scheme, he had not actually interfered with anything that would not be realistic in such a desperate situation. In fact, he had not even forced the Admiral to agree to his request, and had spent half a day of attempts just to get the man to agree. This required not only effectivemunication skills, but solid reasoning, and a hell of a lot of charisma.


    And thus, while many people would believe that Erich had, in fact, cheated, he had only really bent the rules in a way which was still considered eptable by the Admiralty. Which was immediately confirmed by the recordings of hisst six months'' worth of attempts on this scenario.


    This left the Admiral in a state of total shock, and thus he could only say a single word, which was also the question he wanted to know the answer to most of all.


    "Why?"


    It was now Erich''s turn to be shocked. Why would he go through so much effort just to beat an unwinnable scenario? Because even if it was designed to result in nothing but failure, it was still a very real possibility which the Empire could one day face. And knowing this, Erich would be remiss if he did not find a way to emerge victorious, thus he was quick to voice this belief, which seemed so obvious to him, yet so alien to everyone else.


    "Isn''t it obvious? Because it is my duty to do so¡­ Self-Sacrifice is the first principle of civilization."


    No matter how unified the Germanic people may be as a race, and despite the fact that individualism had been effectively stamped out of their society through a lifetime of collectivist propaganda. The Germanic race was still an offshoot of humanity, and because of this, everyone was still selfish at the end of the day. And though it was possible to be cloned into another body with all of your memories intact upon death, mankind would instinctively avoid their deaths, even if it came at the expense of their entire civilization.


    Thus, for Erich to tantly say it was his duty to sacrifice himself for the good of his people, after disying such a willingness to do so, even if it was a simtion. This had caused all the naval officers standing in front of him who had witnessed these words to suddenly feel like a bunch of frauds.

 Chapter 13 A One Sided Vendetta

    Nobody could have predicted how far the simtion footage of Erich''s unparalleled aplishment would spread across the Empire. Perhaps it was the act of the Lieutenant who ran the simtion, but almost immediately after achieving a victory in an unwinnable scenario, the footage was leaked to the grid.


    All across the Empire people werementing on the feat that nobody had managed to aplish in the entire history of the Empire, at least not until this moment. Thements ranged from discussions about Erich''s status as a mutant, to usations of cheating the system, and even some praise for his heroic actions.


    For those who had also taken part in the realistic difficulty of the scenario, they were quite shocked at the sheer force of will that Erich had disyed with his actions. Most men would quit after one attempt at realism mode, yet Erich had continued to take part in the simtion for months on end, until he had achieved victory. Naturally, these men sung their praise as loud, and often as they could manage.


    It did not take long before Erich was identified as the son of a Sector Governor, one on the frontier of the Empire''s borders. The name Erich Jaeger had spread across the grid like wildfire, but his former peers from high school, who referred to him by his old nickname of "Silber," soon drowned it out. However, none of them spoke about how they had bullied Erich in the past, instead they all acted as if they were on good terms with the young man who had aplished the unthinkable.


    And while Germanic society was fighting amongst itself to determine whether Erich was a cheater or a potential hero in the making, the Admiralty had gathered in a conference call to speak about the young Cadet and his astonishing feat.


    "The scenario was designed to be unwinnable, and yet, this one Cadet found a way to beat it! We are potentially looking at a future war hero."


    The Admiral who said this was none other than the one tasked with leading the Naval Academy on Germania. Naturally, as the headmaster of the facility, he was a bit biased towards his cadets, and thus he had spoken up on Erich''s behalf. But his words were not convincing to the entirety of the conference, as another Admiral quickly spoke up in opposition.


    "He clearly cheated the system! By using his cyberkinesis to alter the parameters of the mission, he had made it so he could acquire a weapon that was not supposed to be avable to the operator. Retrofitting a killer torpedo onto a heavy bomber? It has never been done before!"


    And while many of the Admirals who had gathered to speak about this topic nodded their heads in solidarity with the naysayer, there were those who joined the headmaster in Erich''s defense.


    "If he had vited any rules then the AI would have shut down the simtion and alerted the Admiralty. If even the Artificial Intelligence, whose entire purpose is to manage the holodeck, did not prevent this cadet''s actions, then tell me how this is breaking the rules!


    Not to mention, we have redundancies in ce to prevent cheating of any kind. Do I need to remind you that in addition to the AI there is always an officer present to manage the simtion? You should be aware that the Lieutenant in charge of the scenario signed off his approval on the cadet''s actions, so who are you to disagree?"


    The Admirals began to squabble in disagreement. Half of them were in favor of Erich''s actions, while the other half were against them. Ultimately, it took the voice of the Grand Admiral to silence the room. His voice carried almost as much weight as the Supreme Leader himself, and thus the moment he began to speak, everyone else immediately ceased their fierce debate and listened to what he had to say.


    "I don''t see anything particrly wrong with what this cadet has done. Despite the fact that he used a special ability to alter the simtion''s parameters, he did not use them in a way that directly changed the oue of the scenario.


    The fact of the matter is, it is entirely possible to outfit a killer torpedo onto several different types of Heavy Bombers which the Imperial Navy employs, including the one that the aforementioned cadet used in the simtion.


    Through trial and error, he was able to identify which ship hosted the Hive Queen, something even we are unfamiliar with, which he then proceeded to use his natural charisma to not only convince the simted admiral to agree to his unconventional idea, but he also manage to persuade the other pilots in his wing to sacrifice themselves so that he had a chance at victory.


    Realistically speaking, everything he did is entirely possible to achieve in an actualbat scenario, no matter how improbable. The only thing he did which could be considered an act of cheating was modify the parameters of the simtion so it would reflect this reality, something we all failed to consider in advance.


    The fact that this Cadet was even capable of pulling off such a damn near impossible feat in this simtion is a proof that it can be done in the real world. And, in many ways, reflects our own failures to conceive such a strategy. He should bemended for his ingenuity, rather than condemned as a cheater, and I won''t hear another word about it. Let the people say whatever they want about his actions, but as far as the Navy is concerned Cadet Lieutenant Erich Jaeger has done nothing wrong."


    As if they had never dared to voice anything but the opinion that the Grand Admiral had just spoken, those who were once Erich''s detractors among the admiralty immediately switched sides and agreed with their boss.


    "He should be promoted to the rank of Cadet Captain for this feat. We should also teach the tactics he used to emerge victorious in this unwinnable scenario to future generations. Perhaps we should refer to it as the Jaeger Maneuver? In addition to this, we should also modify the scenario to allow for the use of killers, if the operator can obtain the authority to do so through their own means."


    The conference was in unanimous agreement with this suggestion, that just so happened toe from the lips of a previously opposing Admiral. As for the Grand Admiral, he went back to remaining silent, observing the entire situation as he thought about how the weaponisation of world killers on heavy bombers could be used to deal with threats that were considerably more powerful than the Imperial Navy.


    ---


    In another corner of the Empire, there was one young woman who was not the slightest bit pleased with the recent discussions that were taking ce all across the intersterwork. Erika was biting on her thumb, as she read thements on her own profile, which were mocking her for insulting Erich.


    She could not believe that part of the public had so swiftly turned against her, all because some little mutant had beaten a mere simtion. So what if he had done so? It was not like he had actually destroyed a Naraku Hive Fleet. All he had done was achieve a victory in what was essentially a glorified video game.


    And as a result, she was quick to fire back in thements about how Erich had, in reality, achieved nothing significant. This only further added fuel to the fire of those who were currently ming her. Her entire fanbase was made up of men, and only men could understand how impressive Erich''s achievement was, especially those who had actually partaken in the simtion themselves.


    After all, women were not permitted to join the military, so how could a pampered idol understand the pain which Erich was forced to endure for every defeat he suffered in the scenario? The very fact that he had chosen to endure the pain of death for months on end, in pursuit of an impossible goal, filled the men of the Empire with respect for this young cadet who just so happened to be a mutant. This was something a woman who pranced about on stage for a living could never truly understand.


    As a result, the young idol had turned off the grid in order to escape the billions ofments which flooded her social media profiles, calling her a na?¡¥ve, and foolish little girl. She had to admit; she had never hated anyone more in her life then she did Erich at this very moment.


    If not for him, those men who were supposed to be her fans would not belittle her in such outrageous ways. It was absolutely infuriating! A fucking mutant had the gall to upstage her. She simply could not tolerate it.


    Despite the intense animosity she felt towards Erich in this moment, or perhaps because of it, the teenage idol began to dig through his social media to see if she could find anything to use against him. At first, all she saw were pictures of him, in his cadet uniform, which was a dark grey uniform, with a jet ck trim, standing alongside his mutant friends while they all messed around at the academy.


    However, after searching through six months'' worth of photos, videos, andments about Erich''s life at the Naval Academy, Erika finally found some dirt she could use to besmirch his name. It was a photo taken by the man the night he had first arrived in Germania where he was standing next to a particrly beautiful Oni woman.


    In this photo, Erich had one arm wrapped around Yumi''s shoulder, as his hand rested on her modest bust. At the same time, he was not wearing a shirt, while chugging a beer that was dangerously close to reaching the one liter limit which was imposed upon the Germanic people by the party.


    The look in Yumi''s dark eyes was suggestive, to say the least, as was the sultry expression on her pretty face. And while Erika could not prove that Erich hadmitted a capital offense in the form of miscegenation, she could make this picture go viral, and leave it up to the Germanic people on how they wished to interpret the image.


    Thus, she saved the photo before reposting it to her own social media, where she attached every tag she could think of to make it go viral. She also left a particrly spitefulment, implying that Erich had openlymitted multiple felonies in the photo, and should be put to death because of them.


    Immediately the teenage idol got the response she wanted, as billions people across the Empire saw the photo the moment she reposted it, where they began to question whether the young man who they once believed had the potential to be a hero of the Empire was in reality a criminal and a race traitor. With a wide grin on her face, Erika voiced her thoughts aloud.


    "This is what you get for turning my fans against me, you fucking freak!"


    After realizing that she had voiced some rather spiteful words, Erika looked around the room she currently sat in to make sure that nobody had heard her, before sighing in relief when she realized that she was all alone.


    ---


    For the briefest of moments, Erich knew what it was like to receive the respect of his fellow man, something he had fought his entire life to achieve. However, this did notst long, for shortly thereafter, the entire universe was back to telling him that he should kill himself.


    Except now there were even quite a few people threatening to kill him formitting the horrific act of "racial disgrace" something which the Empire took very seriously. Though there was no way to prove that he had done this, the public had already condemned him simply for a single photo, that on the surface was little more than showing how friendly he was with a foreign diplomat.


    Thus, at the moment, Erich was sitting in a diner, with the friends he had made at the university, all of which were actually curious whether he had actually fucked the Oni beauty in the photo. Chief among them was Karl, who appeared quite excited about the prospect.


    "Come on man, please tell me you got it on with that alien babe! You will absolutely be my hero for life if you did!"


    Erich, however, looked at the man as if he were perhaps retarded, and responded with a non-answer.


    "Even if I did shack up with Yumi, why exactly would I admit to it? That is quite literally an admission of guilt to a crime that carries the death penalty! Do you really think I would be stupid enough to brag about that openly if I hadmitted such a serious offense?"


    Karl immediately feigned offense over the fact that his friend did not trust him with such a dangerous secret, while Dolf broke out into a wide smile before asking Erich an obvious question.


    "Oh, so her name is Yumi? You two must have gotten to know each other pretty well if she permitted you to use her given name. After all, I heard the Oni usually refer to one another by their surnames, unless they are particrly close. You might as well admit it bro, you lost your V-card to a beautiful older Oni woman, you lucky bastard! If I weren''t your friend, I''d want to strangle you right now!"


    Erich chose not to respond to this, and instead grabbed one of his chicken nuggets and dunked it into his fry sauce before eating the thing whole. The sudden silence which he had chosen to engage in only further cemented the idea in his friend''s minds that he had indeed slept with Yumi. Not that any of them cared. If anything they were actually quite jealous because as mutants, they were destined to die as virgins. Yet Erich had seemingly escaped this cruel fate.


    Despite the envy that his friends portrayed, Erich he was more concerned with this bitch of an idol who seemed to have an issue with him for a reason he could not identify. If it was only a matter of discriminating against mutants, then she would not have gone this far to do so. Clearly, the fact that he was a mutant and doing well for himself was deeply personal to Erika. He just could not understand why this was the case no matter how much he thought about it.


    There were plenty of mutants who lived eptable lives across the Empire, so why was this little bitch so fixated on making his life miserable? Honestly, Erich could live for a million years and nevere close to understanding the mind of a woman. It was simply an enigma that had eluded men since the dawn of their species.


    But there was nothing he could do about the targeted harassment that he was receiving from one of the Empire''s most popr rising talents, and thus, he could only do what he had always done since the day he was born. Lament his lot in life and endure the abuse that came his way. The best thing he could do now was to keep moving forward, and make something of himself to spite everyone who had ever spit on him for the color of his hair and eyes. And that was how he chose to live his life.

 Chapter 14 Disowned

    It took nearly the rest of the semester for life to go back to normal for Erich. And the only reason this had happened, was because the government of the Germanic Star-Empire hade out and made a public statement saying that they had investigated the ims regarding Erich''s alleged act of racial disgrace, and found that he had in realitymitted no wrongdoing.


    This was shocking to Erich, because he had one hundred percent slept with Yumi the night he first moved to Germania to attend the Naval Academy. And if the government truly investigated the matter, it would be easy for them to convict him.


    Clearly, there was someone in a position of power looking after Erich, and he knew for a fact that it was not his father. There were only a handful of people in the Empire who could bury his crimes, and each of them was a terrifying presence that he did not want to associate with.


    Little did Erich know that his little stunt in the simtor had caught the attention of the Grand Admiral himself, who was willing to overlook a simple act of youthful indiscretion when it wasmitted by such a promising young talent.


    When the semester ended, and Erich received his grades, he was pleasantly surprised that he had maintained his wless marks in all subjects. Though, in order to aplish this, he was forced to work harder than he had ever done so in his life. As a result of his efforts, Erich was now at the rank of a Cadet Captain, and stood proudly at number thirteen on the leaderboard.


    Erich was officially halfway through his years at the naval academy, and by the time fall began next year, he would graduate before entering the most elite school the Empire had at its disposal. That was assuming he managed to maintain his current position on the leaderboard, or even improved it.


    After saying a particrly lighthearted farewell to his friends, Erich boarded a starship, which would take him back to his homeworld of Alemannia, where he would spend the holidays with his family, who he had not seen for almost an entire year.


    However, this time he did not have a chance encounter with a foreign beauty. Instead, Erich sat next to a group of Germanic citizens who immediately recognized him for being the mutant who had caused such controversy over thesest few months.


    Despite their taunts, Erich did not respond to his fellow passengers, and instead thought deeply about how this past year at the Academy had gone for him. He had met several friends, who he could already tell would be amongst his social circle until the day he finally died.


    As unreliable as Dolph, Karl, and Fredrik could be, they were still a good group of guys and were unlikely to suffer a permanent death during their military careers. Something which could not be said for Erich, whose supremely dangerous role in the Navy, would put him at such a risk quite often. Especially if he was forced to fight beyond the range of the Empire''s Interster Network.


    After a particrly grueling journey back to Alemannia, Erich essed the first taxi avable, which drove him back to his parent''s home. Where immediately upon entering the building, he was glomped by his mother, who was beyond happy to see that her son was doing so well for himself.


    "Erich, you are finally home atst! I missed you so much! Did you miss mommy as well?"


    Erich had never seen his mother behave this way before, and he got the feeling that she was deeply worried about the attention he had gathered on the grid, especially after Erika had reposted the photo he took with Yumi in what seemed like a lifetime ago.


    However, he was quick to assure the woman that he was fine, after all, he was used to being harassed by the public, and all they could really do was say mean words to him over the grid, which had no effect whatsoever on his mental state. In all honesty, Erich could not fathom what kind of sensitive sissy would get so offended by such nonsense.


    "I''m fine, mother, and yes, before you start pouting, I missed you. Why wouldn''t I? You are practically the only person in this universe who actually cares about me!"


    Krista had a warm smile on her face as she hugged her eldest son tightly in her arms. These were exactly the words she wanted to hear and was quick to voice her agreement with them.


    "And don''t you forget it. Nowe, I have prepared all your favorite meals while I waited for your arrival. I can only imagine what kind of cheap food they feed you all at the academy!"


    His mother''s words were a bit harsh. The reality was there was nothing wrong with the food served at the Naval Academy. It was mostly healthy and tasted great. Though nothing could beat his mother''s home cooking, at least not so far as Erich was concerned, and thus he smiled as he followed the woman into the dining room, where he saw that his father was sitting at the head of the table, by himself with a rather stern expression on his face.


    Upon seeing that her husband clearly intended to speak with their son in private, Krista took the hint, and fled to the kitchen after leaving some parting words.


    "Oh, I just remembered the spaetzle is still in the oven. I''ll leave you two alone while I go fetch it!"


    Though Erich did not want to speak with his father, he realized he had no choice but to do so, and thus quickly sat down at the table with a particrly loathsome expression on his otherwise handsome face as he spoke to his father in a rather informal manner.


    "Go ahead, get on with it. I doubt mother is willing to wait forever for you to begin your little scolding¡­"


    Henrich looked at his errant son as if he was looking at a criminal, and could only click his tongue for several minutes, as if to audibly disy the disdain he felt for his son at this moment before finally speaking in a voice filled with hatred.


    "You have a lot of nerve, you know that? After everything I have done for you over the years, you repay me by fucking some alien slut on the day you were supposed to report to the academy. Do you have any idea of the trouble you have caused me? I can pretty much say goodbye to bing an over sector governor within the next century thanks to your actions.


    The only reason your atoms haven''t already been scattered across the universe is because the woman you slept with was the aunt of the Oni Emperor. And she went out of her way to make sure you weren''t punished for your actions. Which is more than I can say for most of the idiots she seduces.


    Normally, this would have been the end of things, but you just had to post a photo of the two of you together in a way that made it seem like the two of you were fucking. Do you have any idea the k I got from my superiors because that image of you went viral? I can''t believe they haven''t executed you already, I do not know what kind of powerful friends you have made at the Naval Academy, but you better watch your back from now on, because the favor he showed you, by burying the evidence of your crime, is the kind of debt you do not want to have.


    You are, without a doubt, my greatest failure in life, and unfortunately, I have the ultimate displeasure of being your father. I want you to go back to the academy, and never show your face around here again. I will no longer allow you into my home after what you have done. You are an utter disgrace to our race and are no son of mine!"


    Krista was secretly listening into the conversation, and was utterly bbergasted by what she had heard. She knew that her son was rather fond of Oni women, something she had gone to great lengths to conceal from her husband. But she had never believed that her boy would be foolish enough to actually act on those wicked desires.


    Nor did she expect that her husband would go to such lengths to punish their son for his crimes against the Empire. The poor woman was in tears, knowing that this was perhaps thest time she would ever see her eldest son. And thus, she rushed forward out of the kitchen, and clutched a dumbstruck Erich into her breast.


    "Oh Erich, what have you done?"


    It took several moments for Erich to realize that he had just effectively been disowned by his parents, and no matter how much his mother loved him, she was honor bound to obey her husband. Thus, she could only cry and hug her son whileforting him over the fact that he had just lost his family.


    No longer weed in his own home, Erich quickly picked up his bags and left the scene without even saying another word to his parents. He then climbed into the nearest taxi, and took the next flight back to Germania, where he would spend the rest of his winter vacation alone in his dorm room.


    For the entire duration of his flight, Erich stared into space,pletely dumbfounded by the fact that his parents had disowned him. As much as he knew that his father had always despised him for being a mutant, he thought that the bond they shared as a family was strong enough to ovee that. Apparently, he had misjudged his father, who cared more about his political career, and his public image, then he did for his own son.


    If he was being honest with himself, losing his father and siblings was not something that Erich truly cared about, at least not after thinking about it for some time in silence. No, what tore his heart apart was the fact that he had just lost his mother, who was perhaps the only person in the universe who actually cared about him.


    Thus, after arriving at his dorm on Germania, and staring into space while taking a shower for what seemed to be a lifetime, Erich climbed into his bed and activated the grid. Honestly, he did not know what hade over him in the hour of his grief, but in his bewildered state he sent a direct message to someone who he had never spoken to before in his life, someone who hated his guts almost as much as his father.


    ---


    Erika had just gotten out of the bath and was dressed in nothing but a towel, which barely concealed her voluptuous figure. She had a pretty smile on her face as she dried her hair and applied her makeup. Never in a million years would she anticipate what was about to happen to her.


    A direct message appeared in Erika''s social media while she was dressing up her hair in a ponytail, which she immediately noticed. Thinking that perhaps it was her manager, she quickly opened the chat to see that it was from someone she was all too familiar with, but had never spoken to in the past.


    "I hope you are happy with yourself¡­ I don''t know what I have ever done to make you hate me with such zeal, but because of you, I have officially been disowned. You will never know what it is like to be in my position, nor do I think you are remotely capable of the most basic form of empathy. But allow me to exin to you my situation, in the vain hope that you might learn from your actions and be a better person in the future.


    Since the day I was born, there has only ever been one person who has showed me any kindness that was beyond superficial, and now, thanks to you, I will never speak with her again. I have no one, and within a year, I will enter military service, where I will be risking my life so that pampered little girls like you can continue to live your carefree lives.


    So by all means, enjoy your victory, for you have effectively ruined my life, and yet despite my many hours of soul searching, I can''t think of what I have ever done to deserve this. Goodbye Erika, I hope we never meet in this life. Because I can''t imagine what I would do to you if I ever saw you in person¡­."


    Despite the fact that she had emerged victorious in her one-sided vendetta, Erika did not feel the slightest bit happy about this oue. She had never once thought about the possible oues of her actions. After all, she was a teenage girl who was simply venting the frustrations she had with her condition by attacking someone simr to herself. It was never supposed to be anything serious.


    But now, after realizing the damage she had caused, the teenage idol felt as if there was a ck hole in her chest, one which was constantly sucking the life out of her. She was just about to respond to Erich''s message in an attempt to redeem herself when a knock resounded on her door.


    "Erika! What are you doing in there? You have five minutes before it is show time! Hurry up!"


    Knowing that she had a concert to perform, the pink-haired beauty turned off her notifications, and finished getting dressed, before fulfilling her responsibilities as an up-anding idol. However, the guilt she felt in that moment had not vanished, and all she could do was mask the pain with a pretty smile and flirtatious gaze.

 Chapter 15 Making The Best Of A Bad Situation

    Erich went to sleep immediately after sending Erika the message, not because he was particrly tired, but because he was so sick of living that he just wanted his mind to fade to ck for a few hours, so that he did not have to think about how everything had suddenly imploded on him.


    As for Erika, she performed on stage to the best of her ability, but everyone in the audience, and on the live stream, could tell that something was off about her. Whether it was the sound in her voice that appeared to be on the verge of cracking, or the expression on her face which made her look as if she was just barely managing to keep things together, everyone knew that something was going on with the young pop idol.


    And while the grid began to theorize about what had caused the teenage celebrity such distress, she concluded her act, and went straight back to her changing room, where she gazed upon the message that Erich had sent her in total silence for some time.


    Erika could not count the number of times she typed out a whole page worth of her thoughts, only to erase it time and again, fearing it was not a proper expression of her regret or her actions. In the end, after nearly three hours of trying to apologize in a way which was sincere and meaningful, she gave up on the idea and decided to simply cease her harassment of the man. This was the best decision that she could make after everything she had done.


    ---


    Erich awoke the next day sometime in thetter half of the morning. Though his mind was clear, and his body was more than capable of moving, he stayed perfectly still, as ifpletely lifeless for well over an hour. The thoughts that gued his mind were myriad and troublesome.


    Losing his mother was perhaps the greatest blow ever dealt to his heart and mind. She was the only person who had ever really cared for him, and while he made some friends at the Academy, they were not remotely close enough to be considered family at this point in time.


    He was truly alone in this universe, living in a society that hated him because of something he had no control over. Erich did not even bother essing the grid, knowing that all which awaited him was harassment and death threats, something he could do without at this very moment.


    Instead, he dedicated the rest of his morning to thinking about his life, and what he wanted to aplish. Until now, he had just been going through the motions. Doing what was expected of him, performing his duty to the Empire like everyone else. But did he really feel any pride for the nation he was born into? It is not like The Germanic Star-Empire cared the slightest whether he lived or died. No, he was a pawn for those in power to wield as they saw fit.


    The same could be said for everyone else, but at least his peers were rewarded for their struggles by the state. Every man was given a wife and encouraged to have a family. The state provided them with housing, food, water, medicine and every other resource that was required to live.


    And while Erich would earn himself a house after military service, it would be empty, with only himself filling up the space. Was this the life he really wanted to live? All alone, just as he was right now, for the next two hundred and fifty years? And that was assuming he had an average lifespan. If he was particrly useful to the Empire, they had plenty of ways to extend his life, and by extension, his misery.


    This was what life had in store for him if he chose to remain in the Empire. However, defection was also not a viable option. Travel in and outside of the Germanic Star-Empire was strictly monitored, and if it was believed that you posed a risk of defection, you would not be permitted to leave.


    Assuming he somehow did manage to escape from his home, what would he do then? How would he live? The gxy was a vast and unforgiving ce, especially if you were on your own, with nobody else to look after you. Civilizations survived the harshness of space because they were united together, usually by race, not by striking it out on your own.


    However, a man who had abandoned his species would be looked down upon by everyone, and there were few safe havens that existed in the greater gxy for those who were exiled from their homnds. In fact, Erich had never even heard of one existing. Thus, defection was simply not a realistic option.


    His fate was tied to the Empire, because the only other ce that might reasonably ept him was the Confederation of Human Worlds. However, would they even recognize him as a member of the same species?


    After all, the Germanic People considered themselves to be an entirely different species than baseline humans, and would never ept one in their society. Would the same not be true for those people whose evolution had diverged on a separate path centuries ago?


    Even if he did manage to be epted by such a foreign and hostile society, their beliefs were simply too disgusting for Erich to tolerate. While he may have been discriminated against by Germanic society, he was by no means a liberal person, and despite the fact that the society which he lived in treated him poorly, Erich supported many of the things that his people believed, even if he was not as fanatical as the other members of his species.


    After several hours lost in thought, Erich was beginning to believe that he would never find happiness in the world, and that his best option was to simply toe the party line, and endure the abuse, and harassment which came his way, just like he had always done. That is, until a specific memory suddenly flooded his mind, seemingly out of nowhere.


    It was the first day he had met his friends, when they were discussing the leaderboard, and the rewards one would get for climbing its ranks. At first, Erich had assumed what he heard had been just another tall tale. After all, there were many rumors, such as the one that Karl had told him, which proved to be false. Thus, he did not even bother to investigate the validity of the im. However, at the moment, Erichtched onto the words his friend had spoken, as if it were his only lifeline.


    "I heard from a rather reliable source about a ck Sun pilot who was a mutant like us, but because of his achievements on the battlefield, the party permitted him to have a wife and children."


    Remembering these words, Erich quickly surfed the grid for any mention of such an unlikely story, and quickly found that it was indeed true. A pilot of the elite fighter squadron known by the name "ck Sun" had achieved such shocking achievements inbat that the restrictions which applied to mutants were lifted from him.


    In fact, after decades of exemry service, the man finally retired from the Navy at the age of 65, and immediately became aary governor. He had risen above the discrimination that mutants faced in Germanic society, and had even be a powerful member of the political party. However, there was no recent news on this individual, or what rank he currently held.


    Still, if this man could achieve such a thing, then why couldn''t he? Currently, Erich was ranked thirteenth on the academy''s leaderboards, and that was without really developing the special abilities he had, or using them in any significant capacity which could affect his ranking. If he truly began giving it his all from here on out, he could reach first ce by the time he graduated next year, guaranteeing him a spot in the Empire''s most elite flight school, and an advantage over his peers when he finally entered military service.


    Thus, in that moment, Erich decided to not only stay within the borders of the Empire, but rise through its ranks, until one day everyone would have to kneel before him. Once he was the Supreme Leader, he could abolish the restrictions that Mutants suffered through, and ensure that nobody like him ever had to endure what he had in life.


    ---


    Erich spent every waking hour during his vacation studying like a madman. When sses reconvened two weekster, he had be a man possessed. Only through exceptional service to the state could he earn the right to have a family, something all of his peers had ess to. Without a family of his own, there was no purpose to living in this universe, this was something which he felt in every atom of his being, and if he had to risk his life so that he could be a war hero, he would do it.


    Surprisingly, the harassment he received seemed to have died down, as Erika was no longer targeting him with every chance she could get. Whether she had given up because she had a change of heart after his message, or because she had already ruined his life and because of this, there was nothing further to be gained. Erich did not know the answer. What he did know is that he did not care either way, and thus he focused all of his effort on obtaining first ce on the leaderboard.


    Whether it was PT in the morning, or all of his sses, Erich pushed himself beyond his natural limits, ensuring that he proved himself superior to the rest of his peers. It was not just his teachers andrades who took notice of this sudden shift in behavior.


    In another part of the Empire''s capital, a man sat in his office. It was a ratherrge office, with an excellent view of the city below. The red, ck, and white banners of the Empire hung from the ceiling, showing off a disy of both utilitarian and authoritarian ideology.


    This man was none other than the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy. His name was ric au Emrys, a man born from Swiss ancestry, and who had climbed through the ranks of the Imperial Navy to the highest position after decades of exemry service.


    Why was he named ric, instead of something more contemporary? Because during the decade he was born, there was a societal trend to revive ancient Germanic names, as a symbol of the unity that existed between the various Germanic peoples who inhabited the empire. Ultimately, this trend did notst long, and by the time the next generation was born, they went back to more modern naming conventions.


    After learning that Heinrich had disowned his son, ric was quite furious. Erich was a talent that was rare in the empire, and the boy had already proven to be quite innovative in his thinking.


    If the Empire was going to survive the hardships of the Gxy, it needed to invest in young men like Erich, even if they happened to be so called mutants. This was the reason that he had gone to such great lengths to bury the evidence of Erich''s little dalliance with the aunt of the Oni Emperor.


    The fact that all the hard work ric had gone through in his efforts to conceal this crime from the public was repaid with such foolishness on the part of Erich''s father was enough to make the Grand Admiral frustrated beyond belief.


    At first, ric thought that Erich would be broken by being disowned. And yet, the most peculiar thing happened. The young man had doubled his performance. Erich had be a madman in pursuit of his military training and academic studies. Spending even his lunch hour either studying or engaging in simtions. If it weren''t for the curfew that was imposed upon all cadets, then Erich might even spend his entire nights in the holodeck.


    This had only increased ric''s opinion of Erich. He had be a man who had lost everything, a man who was scorned by society. And yet, he had not given up on life, nor had he chosen to abandon the Empire, which showed him nothing but hostility, but instead had decided to double down and work even harder to make something of himself.


    How many men in Erich''s position could do the same? The fierce determination that Erich disyed after being disowned was something that even the most prejudiced man should respect, and because of this, the Grand Admiral decided to watch Erich''s future career with a close eye.


    Unknowingly, Erich had gained a very powerful backer, one who would do his best to direct the promising young talent''s career, so that he could best make use of his abilities for the good of the Empire.

 Chapter 16 The Starfighter Tournament

    At the start of spring, during Erich''s second year at the Naval Academy, something interesting happened. By now, Erich was ranked number 10th on the leaderboard, and, most of the Students were making bets as to whether or not he would graduate the top of his ss.


    Though, despite his best efforts, Erich was having a difficult time getting past tenth ce, and just when he had begun to feel as if he had no hope of climbing to his desired position in what little time remained before he graduated, a sudden announcement was made by the headmaster via the Academy''s internalwork.


    "On May 22nd, 2500, we will be hosting a virtual reality starfighter tournament between all the Naval Academies within the Empire. For those cadets who have been selected for service within the Starfighter Corps, you are encouraged to participate in this tournament. The champion will be awarded with 1,000,000 points, and 250,000 credits."


    The sudden announcement of a Starfighter tournament was almost too good to be true. Just when Erich thought that he would not be able to graduate at the top of his ss, the heavens had given him a golden opportunity to do so. With the first ce prize of 1,000,000 points, Erich would jump straight into the top three ranking of all Naval Cadets in the Empire. From there, it was a stone''s throw away to the number one position.


    And while the points immediately drew Erich''s eye, he had to admit the 250,000 credit prize was also an enormous help to a man without a family. Credits were the primary currency used by the Empire for all transactions. Until now, the only ie Erich had was through his monthly stipend, which he used primarily to feed himself. However, 250,000 credits were quite the vast sum, and would allow him to livefortably for several years.


    Thus, this was a grand opportunity, one which he did not n to miss out on. With this in mind, Erich immediately signed up for the starfighter tournament, which would be held in virtual reality in theing months.


    As for how he would prepare for this event? There was no greater test than essing the Interster virtual realitywork, where he wouldpete against other yers in dogfights. Though if Erich did this, he would not just be fighting against fellow cadets, but also veteran pilots and hobbyists. Giving him a wide sample pool of talent to train himself against.


    And while Erich was passionate about this god given opportunity, he had no idea that it was all organized by the Grand Admiral as a way to assist his favorite Cadet in gaining the highly coveted position as the top graduate of his ss.


    ---


    Before Erich knew it, May 22nd had arrived, and thus, he spent the day in his room, attached to the virtual realitywork. As he entered the Academy''s lobby system for the tournament, a wide variety ofpetitors not just from his own naval academy, but the 99 other facilities which existed across the Germanic Star-Empire immediately greeted him.


    The looks on everyone''s faces were the same as the expression that he himself wore: Excitement... Adrenaline and Endorphins pumped through Erich''s blood, as he waited for the free-for-all dogfights which would determine the first bracket ofpetitors.


    Each pilot would be paired up with a certain number of his rivals, and whoever was thest man standing would advance into the next bracket of the tournament. Billions of Cadets werepeting in this event, but because an infinite number of bouts were capable of beingpleted at the same time, they were effectively able to host the tournament in the span of a single day.


    The rules were simple: a cadet was only permitted to use a dagger, which was the primary starfighter of the Empire. He could use any special abilities he might have inherited, either from his parents or the gic serum, and could use any other means at his disposal to win the battle royale. There were virtually no limits on what could be done to achieve victory.


    Thus Erich had an enormous advantage over his rivals due to his ability to control machines with his thoughts, and his ability to see seven seconds into the future. However, in a battle royale that consisted of thousands of hostile starfighters, anything could happen, especially since he was not the only one with a few tricks up his sleeve.


    ---


    Immediately after entering the virtual reality world, Erich found himself in the middle of a dagger''s cockpit, within an asteroid belt. The environment of each match was procedurally generated, and, if one was truly unlucky, they would have topete near a ck hole, or even a star that was about to go supernova.


    Because anything could happen in the vast emptiness of space, the simtor took these many probable scenarios and added them into the matches. While Erich had begun to set his engines to maximum speed, he noticed a countdown on his Heads Up Disy, moremonly known as HUD, which signaled how long it would be until the match started.


    As the countdown got closer to zero, Erich felt his heart palpitate. This was it... Now was the time to sink or swim. And he did not intend to drown by any means. Thus, he kept his head on a swivel as the counter reached zero, before initiating his afterburners, which sent him barreling through the asteroid field as he search for his nearest target.


    Navigating through an asteroid field at sub-light speeds, with the possibility of an enemy lurking around every corner, was by no means a rxing environment. In fact, Erich was sweating profusely, which was transmitted into the virtual world.


    After nearly five minutes of avoiding space debris, Erich''s radar picked up a signature for a spit second before it disappeared. Realizing that something wasn''t right, Erich activated his special ability, which he referred to as "foresight." Not only did he see seven seconds into the future, but he also saw the multiple potential realities that were likely to ur during this time.


    For most of his life, Erich had neglected this ability, but after being disowned by his parents, and determining that the only way he would be able to obtain happiness through life was through relentless effort, he had begun training his abilities like a mad man and now he could quite easily decipher which oue was the most likely to ur.


    Thus, in a microsecond, he had determined that the nearest enemy was hiding on the other side of an asteroid which was nearly 500 kilometers away, and had turned off his engines to avoid detection. The moment Erich passed by the asteroid, he would be gunned down by the man who was lying in wait for him.


    Realizing that this was the most likely possible oue of the multiple visions he had seen, Erich locked onto the asteroid which the enemy was hiding behind with his targeting array, andunched an antimatter missile at it.


    Without even realizing his trap had been seen through, the enemy pilot was blown to smithereens, along with the asteroid that his starfighter sat upon. Immediately Erich was awarded with 500 points, which went to his ranking on the leaderboard.


    Excited that he had the potential to earn far more than 1,000,000 credits overall from this tournament, Erich began adeptly navigating through the asteroid field, with his mind, rather than the joystick, as if his starfighter was just an extension of his body.


    The movements he made werepletely unnatural, and had thrown off many of his pursuers. In fact, after being chased for well over ten thousand kilometers by an enemy, Erich suddenly reversed his engines with his mind to counter the force in which he was travelling through space. Which allowed his craft toe to an abrupt, and sudden stop. In the second that he did this, the pilot who was pursuing him shot right past his target, allowing Erich to lock onto him with a missile and blow him up.


    It was not just the students of the Academy who watched the virtual reality tournament unfold, in fact, it was broadcasted across the intersterwork, allowing everyone to witness this newest generation of starfighter pilots to disy their abilities, and while there were quite literally millions if not billions of instances to choose from, the one which Erich waspeting in drew the attention of many people, particrly because of the bizarre way which he managed to pilot his craft.


    everyone immediately began to flood thements of the livestream with remarks about Erich being a cheater, until one person in particr defended him, someone which nobody in the Empire thought would evere to the mutant''s defense. Erika Krieger typed ament on the livestream which surprised everyone, one which thoroughly disproved the cheating narrative.


    "He is not cheating! I looked into this man''s background after he knocked out that cadet nearly a year ago and went vrial. Erich Jaeger has two special abilities, telepathy, and cyberkinesis. In other words, he is effectively able tomunicate with hispetitors, and manipte his star fighter in ways it was not designed to perform with nothing but his mind. No doubt, while he is controlling his starfighter, he is also disrupting his opponent''s focus with a tidal wave of mental harassment. It is no wonder why he is able to so effortlessly shoot down his peers..."


    It was exactly as Erika had hypothesized. While Erich was manipting his starfighter with his mind, he was also mentally harassing his opponents with an unprecedented degree of vulgarity. Something which would get on the nerves and disrupt the focus of most beings in the universe.


    While taunting an opponent with a particrly vilement about the man''s female rtives, Erich shot across his bow with his sma cannon, which had dealt the final blow to his target''s shields. He immediately followed up with an attack from his threeser repeaters, which shredded through the armor of the starfighter, and effortlessly blew it up. After all, the sma cannon had a limited number of shots that could be fired with each cell, and thus he had to conserve the more powerful weapon for the rest of his opponents.


    However, Erich had no time to celebrate this victory, because the moment he shot down the other pilot, someoneunched a missile at him. Just before the antimatter missile collided with Erich''s starfighter, he deployed his countermeasures, which drew the missile away.


    Realizing that he had narrowly escaped defeat, Erich in a bout of anger targeted the opponent with his mind, and told him something so unspeakable, that it had thrown off his focus, where Erich then lit him up with hisser repeaters, thus blowing the starfighter out of the sky.


    With this, Erich had scored his 1,000th kill, and had be thest man standing, thus advancing onto the next round of the Tournament. The world watched with awe as Erich expertly defeated his opponents while suffering minimal damage.


    The grid was flooded with angryments about how overpowered Erich''s cyberkinesis was, but nobody except for the top brass of the Germanic government knew that he actually had a tertiary ability, one that had saved his hide in that match more times than he could count.


    As for Grand Admiral ric au Emrys, he smiled and nodded his head in approval at Erich''s performance, while watching the livestream with his beautiful young wife sitting in hisp. ric shouted in joy as he cheered for Erich''s victory.


    "Well done, kid! Well done! I knew you had it in you!"


    And while the Grand Admiral was excited about the skills Erich had disyed as a Starfighter pilot, someone else was just as thrilled as he was while watching the livestream. Erika did not realize it, but at that moment, she was the happiest she had been since she ruined Erich''s life several months ago. She did not say a word as she watched the matche to an end. Instead, she simply smiled while eagerly waiting to see the man she once harassed to the point of hopelessness, climb to the top of the rankings, and perhaps even win the tournament altogether.

 Chapter 17 No Surrender!

    Immediately after emerging victorious in the first round of the Starfighter Tournament, Erich was sent into the next one. Like before, the surrounding space was procedurally generated and, because of this, there was no way to truly know just what environment he would be fighting in ahead of time.


    Unlike the first round, which eliminated over 90% of the contestants, those who survived their battle royale and entered the second round were among the most elite starfighter cadets in the Empire, or were extremely lucky.


    Either way, Erich could guess that every single one of his opponents would have at least one special ability that was ideal for being a pilot. Because of this, he could not rx, and instead kept his head on a swivel, as he piloted his starfighter through a dense neb.


    While Erich skillfully maneuvered his way through the neb, his actions were being watched by trillions of people across the Empire. Each of which wanting to see what this mutant, who had already caused several controversies, was capable of.


    However, this time he was not the hunter, instead an opponent had caught his scent, and had begun to stalk Erich through the neb. It was only after a shot from the enemy''sser repeaters hit his rear shield, did Erich notice that he was under attack.


    Via the use of his cyberkineses, Erich rapidly turned his starfighter around in the middle of the dense neb and began to dart straight towards his opponent, while unleashing both hisser repeaters, along with his sma cannon in a head on dogfight.


    And while 100% of Erich''s shotsnded on his target, particrly because of his special abilities, the opponent missed more than a few of his own. Thus, as Erich''s dagger swept past his rival''s, he survived, while the enemy was blown up.


    Not only had the viewers across the Empire witnessed this daring dogfight, but several of his other opponents did as well, and perhaps in the first time since the tournament had begun, three starfighters jointly attacked a single target from separate directions.


    The shots of both sma cannons andser repeaters riddled Erich''s shields, quickly reducing their integrity. If Erich did not think of a way to quickly turn the tables, he would not survive this encounter. Thus, it took him all of three seconds to calcte the percentage of his three opponents'' uracy, based upon the data his shields were reporting.


    In an act of desperation, he used his cyberkinesis to lower the shields on his left side which was the area of his ship that was the least likely to sustain serious damage, based upon the enemy''s pilots rate of uracy, and instead transferred the energy to his rear and right shields which were bolstered momentarily.


    While he did this, Erich used his foresight ability to determine the most likely oue of victory, and after spending no more than a microsecond in the prophetic state, he found there was only one path to survival.


    Thus, he killed his engine, pretending to have been damaged from the relentless onught of his opponents, and allowed them to dart towards him in an attempt to seize victory. Just when the three starfighters were about to pass by Erich''s starfighter, he dumped some core fuel into his surroundings while maintaining control over it via the extension of his reactor''s maic fields. From there, he fired a single shot of his sma cannon into the expelled fuel and shunted all his remaining shield reserves to the front of his ship, anticipating a truly spectacr firework disy.


    The Empire watched in awe at Erich''s performance. If not for his ability to control machines with his mind, the maneuver he had just made would have easily cost him his life or, since this was a simtion, his ce in the tournament. And yet, the special ability he had continued to stun the audience.


    While some people, like Grand Admiral ric au Emrys, and the rising pop sensation Erika Krieger, gazed upon the performance as if it were the most brilliant thing they had ever witnessed. Others were quick to condemn Erich for his actions. Obviously, they were extremely envious of his abilities, and jealousy brought out the worst in people.


    Erich had no time to worry about what the livestream of the tournament thought of him, because almost immediately after eliminating the three pursuing starfighters, he was set upon by another opponent. After taking several heavy hits from the enemy''s sma cannon, which his shields managed to take, though not without reducing their strength in some areas for a short time, Erich skillfully manipted his starfighter so that he could get behind the pursuing spacecraft, where he then proceeded to fire an anti-matter missile at the bastard.


    Despite the enemy deploying his countermeasures, the missile was not deterred, specifically because Erich had used his cyberkinesis on it, allowing it to maintain its focus on the enemy starfighter rather than the diversion that was supposed to disrupt its path. The anti-matter missile collided with the hull of the hostile starship, and sted it to smithereens.


    For the rest of the round Erich would continue to outperform his peers, until yet again, he managed to pull off an exemry victory, to which thements of the Tournament''s livestream were flooded with a mixture of praise and condemnation. Luckily for Erich, the contestants were given a one hour lunch break, to eat, drink, and take care of whatever bodily needs were necessary before the semi-finals began.


    ---


    While Erich was fighting for his chance to prove himself the best Starfighter Cadet in the Empire. The Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy was filling out a form that would have a direct impact on Erich''s life. Judging by the skills he disyed in the tournament, Erich was already capable enough to join a Special Forces Squadron of his choosing.


    Despite this, Erich''s knowledge was all based on simtions. He had no practical experience in the field, thus he would still need to attend flight school, but Grand Admiral ric au Emrys believed that the young cadet was more than capable of passing with flying colors, and in a fraction of the time it would normally take to do so.


    Even if Erich did not win this tournament, he had disyed a level of capability with a Starfighter that few pilots possessed. It was no wonder the AI had selected the youth for service in the Starfighter Corps, despite the fact that his talents could be proven useful in any number of fields.


    Thus, Grand Admiral ric au Emrys was in the act of signing a form, which would seal Erich''s fate. Once his signature was signed at the bottom he looked upon the form, before dialing a number on the intersterwork, which contacted the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire. All the while, the footage of Erich''s feats in the tournament was being broadcasted in the background.


    The line connected to reveal the weary face of Hans Epp. The man looked like he had aged thirty years since Erich first entered the academy, and he was clearly in a foul mood, as he snapped at his subordinate for calling him out of the blue.


    "What is it? I am incredibly busy right now! So make it quick!"


    ric was quite surprised at the vitriolic reaction he had just received from a man who he considered to be a close friend, and thus, he knew immediately that something serious had urred in the greater gxy. As if he had forgotten his reason for calling, a grave expression formed on ric''s face as he asked the immediate question on his mind.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Supreme Leader Hans Epp, who was about halfway through a two liter bottle of 200 proof whiskey, wiped the amber liquid from the corners of his mouth with the sleeve of his jacket before responding with a grim look in his haggard blue eyes. Nothing could have prepared ric for the words he would speak.


    "The Alfheim Dominion''s fifth fleet was destroyed inbat against the Hive Fleet Terminus and, as it stands, the Naraku are on an exact trajectory for our borders. I reckon it will take them three years, at the most, to get through all the civilizations that stand between us and them, and then¡­ well, you know what will happen then¡­."


    ric could immediately understand how the Supreme Leader felt in this moment, and thus he was no longer in the mood to boast about the talents of a promising young cadet, who had a bright future ahead of him. Instead, he felt as if he was a man who had just been told he had three years to live. Thus, after swallowing the cold air which surrounded him, the Grand Admiral was quick to ask the first question that came to mind.


    "What about the Light Elves? How are they responding to this? Surely they will be sending another fleet to deal with this problem. If they stand by and do nothing, half of their quadrant will be devoured before long!"


    For perhaps the first time since ric had met the Supreme Leader, he saw the man openly badmouth the Alfheim Empress, as he spat on the ground and cursed her out with a hint of fury in his ocean blue eyes.


    "The old bitch says that she has more pressing concerns. As a result of the fifth fleet''s destruction, the Dark Elves have begun amassing their military on the border. She believes it will be an all out war soon enough, and as a result, she can not spare the men to deal with the Hive Fleet, even if it is rampaging in her Quadrant."


    This was not the most wee news in the world. In fact, ric felt in this moment that he had been dealt a mortal wound as he slid back into his chair, and stared in silence for several moments. After significant effort on his part, he managed to ask a question, one which he already knew the answer to.


    "Then we are on our own?"


    No matter how much he hoped that the Supreme Leader would have some good news for him, it was not destined toe to pass. Instead, Hans took a swig from his bottle and continued to drink until the entire thing was empty, where he immediately nodded his head while responding to the Grand Admiral''s question.


    "It would appear that we are¡­"


    Considering that the Supreme Leader was already drinking his sorrows away, as if the Empire was already defeated, ric decided to do the same, as he broke out a bottle of whiskey, and begun to chug it as if his life depended on it.


    Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, Supreme Leader Hans Epp began to speak up once more, however his expression was utterly lifeless, as if he had lost all reason to live.


    "I suppose we should begin evacuating our society''s most elite citizens. Perhaps we can seek asylum on Alfheim¡­ Trillions will die, but at least the foundation of our civilization will live on to rebuild¡­"


    However, ric was not of the same opinion, instead, he looked utterly offended by the Supreme Leader''s cowardice. He immediately stood up and threw the bottle he held across the room, which flew through the holographic projection of his boss, and shattered against the wall. He was quick to reprimand the most powerful man in the empire before defying what was clearly not a suggestion, even if it may have sounded like one.


    "Absolutely not! If you wish to evacuate the members of the party, then you are free to do so, but you will not be using any of my Naval Vessels. We are the Germanic people! Whether it was on Earth or here in the greater gxy, we have never once backed down in the face of defeat, and we will not do so now!


    You spineless politicians have forgotten the blood which runs through your veins. We are warriors! There is no enemy in this universe that we fear! So, go ahead! Flee for all I care! But the men of Germania will stand their ground, and if we are to go extinct, then we will have such an end that history will remember our struggle until the end of time itself!


    I will muster the fleet, where I will spend these next three years preparing for the arrival of Naraku, and when the enemy enters our borders, we will teach those mindless bugs what it means to be afraid! We will bathe in the blood of our enemies and teach the gxy a lesson of what it means to have our great race as an enemy. Or we will die trying! There is no other option!"


    After saying this, ric hung up on the Supreme Leader, and immediately contacted the High General of the Imperial Army, and informed the man about the grave news which he had just received, as well as the Supreme Leader''s opinion on the matter. Much like ric, the High General was furious that the Supreme Leader would turn his back on the Empire, and had chosen to die in Germanic space, rather than flee like a coward.


    Thus, while the entire Empire was watchin Erich''s performance in the tournaments, the Admiralty began sending out tens of billions of recall orders, reassignments, construction orders, and summons, all just the beginning of what would soon be thergest military campaign of all time, but a seemingly unwinnable challenge is exactly what the German people craved, and they would face it head on.

 Chapter 18 Winning The Tournament

    While Erich waspeting in the semi-finals of the Germanic Star Empire''s Cadet Starfighter Tournament, Empress Lunaria Asterion sat upon her throne on the world of Alfheim with a cold expression on her otherwise beautiful face.


    She was in all honesty surprised at the oue of the battle between her Fifth Fleet and the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus. So much so that she had cancelled all of her ns for the day, and called forth her Council of Sages, who had rushed forth to meet with their Empress.


    The room was filled with ancient looking elves, who were so old that their age was visibly disyed on their faces. These primeval members of the species were dressed in emerald green robes, with golden embroidery. For millions of years, these men and women had advised the Asterion Dynasty, and now they were once more summoned to do so.


    With a particrly snarky look on her face, Lunaria called out to the Sages, while her youngest daughter, Celestia, stood by her side, with an expression that appeared as if being able to attend this meeting was the greatest honor of her rtively young life.


    "So... It appears that the vision you old fogies spoke of all those years ago has indeed be a reality. The Fifth Fleet has been destroyed, utterly decimated by the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus. And, as it stands, those disgusting fucking bugs are headed towards the home of my favorite pups.


    Realistically speaking, such a young upstart of an interster civilization does not have any chance of survival against the Naraku. After all, the Germanic Star-Empire''s entire navy can not contend with one of our fleets, and yet the Naraku tore the Fifth Fleet to pieces. So tell me, because I desperately want to know, how will they survive against such monstrous beasts if we do note to their rescue?"


    The head of the Council of Sages stepped forward and bowed before his Empress. Despite the respect he showed her, he still thought of the woman as a mere child. After all, she was not even a million years old, whenpared to a man like himself, who was beyond what many would consider being ancient, she truly was nothing more than a little girl in his eyes.


    The fact that she had the gall to ask him to exin himself regarding what he had personally seen was among the greatest insults he could receive. If Lunaria''s mother was the still the Empress, then perhaps he would exin in great detail what his vision entailed, but this little girl had no respect for the Sages, and thus, he would not deign her with a proper response.


    "You do not need to know the specifics, but we have seen the fate which awaits the Hive Fleet Terminus, and by the time of your precious centennial War Games, they will be exterminated. The concern you have for your subjects, or puppies as you like to refer to them as, is unfounded.


    So, do not worry about the Naraku, for they are not long for this world. At least not the Hive Fleet known as Terminus... Instead, you should focus your attention on the Svartalfheim Federation, who has perceived the loss of the Rylonian Imperium to be a great weakness on our part, and have thus begun to bare their fangs in response.


    If we do not respond with strength at the borders, then the Dark Elves will invade ournds and start a war, which will cause the stars to be drenched in blood. I suggest contacting a Trade Prince from the Ghimderi Trade Union, and requesting that they interfere in this dispute, before our rivals realize that we have lost a fleet."


    Lunaria narrowed her gaze at the head of her Council of Sages and scoffed before insulting him further.


    "Acheronius, is this the wisdom that you have derived from yet another one of your visions?"


    The way that the Elven Empress had said the word "visions" clearly disyed her disbelief in what she perceived to be nothing more than old superstitions, which a bunch of conmen had used to im power in a bygone era.


    However, Celestia was not of the same opinion as her mother. She took the Sages visions as more fact than fiction, and thus eagerly awaited for the head of the Council of Sages, whose name was Acheronius, to respond to her mother''s skepticism. Which he quickly did shortly thereafter, with a smug smile on his aging face.


    "No, my Empress. This is the wisdom derived from observation and logic. If you mobilize even more fleets to deal with the Hive Fleet Terminus, who, as I already said, are not long for this world, then you will be giving our enemies a chance to invade our borders and annex critical territory.


    Even if the Ghimderi Trade Union interferes after the Dark Elves invade, those bastards will not give up thend they have seized. Thus, after all of my years of experience advising the Empresses before you, I believe that it would be most prudent to prevent such a scenario from happening while we still have the opportunity to do so. Do you not agree?"


    Though Lunaria despised being told off by this old chatan, she had to agree that his reasoning was solid. That was, of course, if his vision turned out to be correct, and the Naraku Hive Fleet was dealt a fatal blow in ways she could not even imagine. Assuming this was the truth, then indeed, the most prudent option would be to mobilize her forces at the border.


    Of course, she had already decided on this course of action long before Acheronius had suggested it, and had even informed the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire of her decision hours before. Why? Because subconsciously she believed that the visions of the Sages were real, even if she did not want to admit it because of her agenda.


    This was why Lunaria put so much emphasis on the Germanic Star-Empire, because the Sages had determined they would be a valuable weapon to make use of on the Gctic Stage, even if it took them millennia to prove themselves as such.


    Thus, she had decided to invest in the Germanic Race as far back as three hundred years ago, when she first encountered them. Even if she told herself it was because she found them to be more attractive than her own kind.


    Still, Lunaria could not help but worry about the fate of the Germanic people, and thus she could only sigh and shake her head while Acheronius drawled on about the threat that the Dark Elves currently posed to her borders. As previously mentioned, she had already decided on sending her fleets to the borders, and thus, after a particrly masterful act of disappointment, she agreed to Acheronius'' suggestion.


    "Very well. I have no choice but to send our troops to the border. The Germanic Star-Empire will have to fend for themselves. But if you happen to be wrong, and my precious puppies are exterminated, Acheronius, then I wille for your head!"


    The man simply smiled and nodded his head, utterly confident that the vision he had seen woulde to pass, and thus he bowed once more in front of the Empress before departing from the room, but not before leaving one final statement behind.


    "Of course, I expect no less from your Majesty...."


    ---


    Erich was screaming with excitement as he scored thest kill in the semi-finals. This was it. One more match, and he would be dered champion. In addition to the 1,000,000 points he would receive for winning the tournament, he had already gained nearly 750,000 points through the many kills he had racked up throughout the various rounds of thepetition..


    Which meant that he should easily be ranked the top of the Academy''s Leaderboard if he won this tournament. Not to mention the 250,000 credit prize pool, which was enough to either buy him arge vi on a frontier world, or a small starship.


    All that was left was a 1v1 with the other best pilot in the cadre of Cadets that existed across the Empire. Thus, as the countdown made its way to zero and the match began, Erich felt as if he was on the top of the world. Upon entering thebat zone, Erich realize that he was in yet another asteroid field, which he maneuvered through with exceptional skill.


    Not only had he pushed the engines to the maximum, but he had even used his cyberkinesis to add an extra 20% to his top speed, allowing him to transcend the limits which the fighter was designed to achieve; though it did put some stress on the engines and hull of the starfighter. Before long, a blip appeared on his sensors, and Erich knew the final showdown was about to begin.


    He quickly pursued the enemy pilot, who appeared to wield his starfighter almost as if it were an extension of his body. This bewildered not only Erich, but the entire audience who was watching the livestream. It was clear both of these men had cyberkinesis, and thus would be an even match. Or so everyone thought.


    However, Erich was not a single enhanced German, nor was he a double enhanced German. No, he was an extremely rare triple enhanced German, meaning he had three abilities, and thus he began to harass the other pilot with his mind, as he cursed him out.


    "Hey, asshole, just so you know, after I''ve defeated you in this tournament, I''m going to find your mother and your sisters and fuck them all in front of you! Once all of your female rtives are pregnant with my children, I will force you to father them in my ce!"


    Clearly this remark had gotten on his opponent''s nerves, who began to fire upon Erich as the two yed a game of chicken with one another. However, Erich had other ns, and quickly maneuvered his starfighter around in a way which avoided the shots, while firing his ownser repeaters at the enemy.


    The two men had both missed one another, as they appeared equal in skill, causing Erich to continue to speak vile and grotesque words towards his an opponent in an attempt to throw him off his game. However, the rival pilot turned out to be a double enhanced human, and responded to Erich''s insults by hurling asteroids with him via his telekinesis.


    These asteroids wererge enough to turn Erich''s starfighter into a heap of scrap metal, and thus Erich quickly found himself at a disadvantage as he was forced to dodge both the weapon on board the enemy''s Starfighter, and the dangerous environment.


    Quickly finding himself on the defensive, Erich was forced to use his third and final ability, as he gazed seven seconds into the future in search of an opening. Which he found, but if he was off by just a millisecond, it would mean that he would be the one to suffer a defeat.


    With a heavy sigh, Erich pushed his joystick forward and boosted his speed to the maximum setting while flying straight at the enemy pilot. At first, the guy thought Erich was ying another game of chicken, and thus, he chuckled as he continued to fire his shots at Erich while also throwing more asteroids at him.


    Five seconds had gone by, and Erich showed no sign of breaking off, and yet, the hostile pilot did not dare break off, and instead continued to pilot his ship directly at the mutant who dared to insult his family.


    Finally, just before the two ships were about to crash into one another, Erich pulled the eject feature on his seat, and shot himself into space, while his Starfighter collided directly into the hostile pilot, killing him instantly, and ending the virtual reality tournament once and for all in Erich''s favor.


    The entirety of the Germanic Star Empire, or at least the trillions of citizens who had watched the livestream, gazed in astonishment at what Erich had done. Seeing that he had no chance to ovee the enemy''sbined attacks, Erich had sacrificed his ship to earn a kill. It was entirely unthinkable for most pilots. Considering once you ejected, you would be stranded in space until someone picked you up, and if your flight suit was damaged in the process, you could face certain death.


    But because it was a simtion, this was not a factor, and thus, Erich had achieved a victory, thus earning himself the 1,000,000 points, and the 250,000 credits. Out of everyone who was watching the broadcast, perhaps nobody had a wider smile on their face than the up-anding idol Erika Krieger, who shouted out in joy after seeing the man she had previously harassed to the point of hopelessness win the tournament.

 Chapter 19 Graduating From The Academy

    Since winning the tournament, all eyes had begun to pry into Erich''s daily life. Especially on campus, where fellow cadets would watch as the silver haired young man did everything in his power to increase the divide between himself and the other high-ranking students.


    He, like everyone else in the Empire, was blissfully unaware of the threat which the Germanic Star-Empire would soon be facing. At the moment, Supreme Leader Hans Epp was currently engaging in a conversation with the Alfheim Empress, who had taken time out of her busy schedule to ept his call.


    The look on her beautiful face was one of concern, as the man voiced the two diverging viewpoints that the political party and the military now had on how they should deal with the Naraku Threat, which was rapidly approaching their borders.


    "It is my intention to escape from this sinking ship while I still can with those of our Empire who are most capable of restoring civilization once the Naraku Hive Fleet has been dealt with. I intend to take the most elite of my people''s society and have them evacuate to our embassy on your homeworld.


    However, it would appear that both the Grand Admiral and the High General have other ns. They intend to stand and fight until thest man. They have no intentions of fleeing, instead, they are now drawing upon every resource to expand our military prowess and bolster the lines of defense against Terminus.


    It is because of this that they are not even willing to provide our party members with an armed escort to Alfheim. Thus, I am afraid that I must request that you personally see to it that the greatest members of our race are ferried off to your home world, where we will be able to survive theing catastrophe, and rebuild from amongst the ashes."


    Lunaria gazed at Hans with a peculiar look on her face. Hans had always been a practical man. If all hope was lost, then he would flee and return to fight another day. Normally this was a personality trait that the Light Elven empress would admire in her vassals.


    However, the sole purpose she had for fostering the Germanic Star-Empire was because of their use as a weapon of war. If they were not going to even fight for their own homnd, then what purpose did she have for them? Luckily for her, there were those that agreed with her mentality within Germanic society, who intended to go out with ast stand against an enemy that even the Alfheim Dominion feared.


    This mentality of do or die was rare in the gxy. Most, if not all, species would agree with Hans''s decision to take the best of their society and flee to a safer region of space; but not Lunaria¡­. She could not help but get excited at the idea of her war hounds fighting against all odds, against a superior opponent, hoping that at the very least they could inflict a mortal wound upon their foe with the death of their civilization.


    If not for the fact that the Svartalfheim Federation was now pressing on her borders, she would be more than happy to dispatch her own forces to aid the Germanic Star-Empire in their heroicst stand. However, she simply could not afford to do so at the moment, and thus she could only admire the resolve of men like the Grand Admiral and the High General. Which she was quick to voice, much to the chagrin of the Supreme leader.


    "While I am more than willing to spare a few corvettes to safely escort your people to Alfheim, I can''t help but admire the resolve that your military has. I must say, few species would be more willing to die in battle rather than flee in cowardice. It is a shame that such a valuable asset will be reduced to nothing. But make no mistake, I shall host what remains of your species here on Alfheim until a time when you can reim your lost territory. As for how you rebuild, that will be up to your discretion¡­."


    Though Hans did not take kindly to Lunaria''sments about his actions being one of cowardice, he still forced a smile and bowed his head respectfully to the Alfheim Empress before ending the call.


    "I thank you for your benevolence. When we return to the position of power we once held in the gxy, I assure you that we will do everything in our power to repay the favor we owe you."


    Having said this, the call ended, and Lunaria could not help but scoff before voicing her true thoughts aloud, knowing that nobody was around to hear her.


    "As that point, only the cowards among your race will have survived, and without a doubt it will affect your gene pool. If that is the case, then I will have no use for the dregs that you will be. Instead, my thoughts and prayers are with those brave men, who stay behind, knowing that they will die horribly against an enemy that cannot be reasoned with."


    ---


    While the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire was doing everything in his power to begin the evacuation of those he considered being essential to the reconstruction of his great society. Grand Admiral ric au Emrys and the High General Hermann Hartmann were busy preparing for the eventual invasion by the Naraku Hive Fleet.


    Every aspect of society was being diverted to the war effort. Reservists were being called back into active service, fortifications were being built, and new weapons were being manufactured. In three years'' time, the Germanic Star-Empire nned to increase the total number of fleets under theirmand from 100, to 150.


    In order to man these new fleets, they had not only called recalled all reservists to active duty, but they had also lowered the age of conscription to sixteen. Meaning that now high school students were being called to serve in the ranks of the enlisted.


    Naturally, society had begun to specte why such drastic measures were being taken, to which the Grand Admiral announced to the public his n to expand the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, via the invasion, and annexation of its neighbors. Of course, he conveniently managed to leave out the information regarding Terminus.


    Though the Germanic Star-Empire had begun the mobilization of its armed forces to conquer their neighbors, they did not intend to incorporate these other worlds and species into the Empire, in reality, ric intended to vassalize these civilizations, and use them as a buffer, to hold off the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus for as long as possible.


    Thus, at the moment, ric was in a conversation with the High General of the Imperial Army, a man named Hermann Hartmann, as he discussed his n, to lower the training restrictions on active duty servicemen.


    "By now, the technology we have to simtebat is so advanced that there is not nearly as much need for practical training. To put it simply, I do not intend to waste two years putting my starfighter pilots, who have just graduated from the academy into dedicated flight schools. These men should already know how to pilot a starfighter long before they enter active service, and all they really need is a crash course to be ustomed to the real world.


    I am doing the same for allbat rted fields in the Navy. Thus, I suggest you follow my example, and lower the time required toplete specialized training programs. With this, we may be able to increase the number of active duty officers deployed tobat zones, which will be required if we wish to establish a proper buffer zone before the Naraku Arrive."


    Surprisingly, ric did not receive any argument from Hermann, who simply nodded his head in agreement before expressing his thoughts on the matter.


    "Ipletely agree. Now is not the time to ensure that our soldiers are the most proficient in their tasks as they can possibly be. Rather, now is the time to ensure that we have bodies on the battlefield. Men who are already experienced inbat by the time the Naraku arrive at our borders. Thus, it is my rmendation that effective immediately we have on the job specialized training."


    With the heads of the two military branches in agreement on this matter, there was nothing standing in their way from changing the current training standards. And though this may result in a decrease in overall proficiency among their soldiers, it was not by much. In return for this concession, the Germanic Star-Empire would be able to churn out new officers and enlisted personnel significantly quicker than before.


    ---


    Months passed since Erich first won the tournament, and finally the day for his graduation hade. By now he was already aware that the extended flight school was cut from a two-year program, to three months. In fact, every cadet was made aware of this change the moment it was announced.


    Not only would Erich be going to the most elite flight school in the empire, but he would be graduating at the rank of lieutenant while serving in the elite ck Sun Squadron. He had been informed of this reality only two weeks ago.


    And while every other member of Erich''s graduating ss had invited their families to attend the event, Erich himself was left alone. This did not matter to him too much because as the top student, he wasmanded to give a speech to his peers, something he did not wish for his mother to see, in fear that he might bungle it.


    After spending the morning sitting through the initial stages of the graduation ceremony, Erich now stood on the stage, at a podium, where he began to recite the speech he had long since prepared for his graduating ss.


    "Today is a day that we all must celebrate. Our youth is behind us, and now that we are men, it is our duty to protect the Empire from the infinite number of threats which lie beyond our borders. War is a part of our people''s history, going back to the days of Earth, where for millennia we fought tooth and nail against an entire world for our ce upon it. Violence is in our blood. It is part of our nature, something which no Germanic man can deny.


    Thus, it is fate that as we take our first steps into the world of men, we must also take up arms to defend our homes and our families. Some of you, like myself, will go on to serve inbat roles, while others will be supporting those of us who must kill for our great race. Whatever position you find yourself in, remember that you are a soldier in the Empire''s military, and must conduct yourself with the honor and dignity that we as a species admire above all else. Glory to the Empire! Glory to Germania!"


    The crowd broke out into apuse after hearing Erich''s speech, where he proceeded to ept his diploma before stepping down from the stage and entering the crowd of Cadets which had gathered below. He waited for each man to receive his diploma, where they proceeded to celebrate by throwing their caps into the air.


    After which, someone he thought he would never see again in his life approached Erich. At first, the young man believed his eyes were deceiving him, until the beautiful woman wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the forehead.


    "Erich, my baby boy, I am so proud of you. I wish I could have given you more support this past year, but your father has been keeping a close eye on me. I barely managed to make it to your graduation without him noticing. It shames me to admit that I can''t stay for much longer but I just wanted to let you know that even after everything you did, mommy still loves you, and is supporting you from behind the scenes!"


    After saying this, Krista disappeared into the crowd as quickly as she had appeared, leaving Erich to wonder if he had actually seen his mother, or if it was just a figment of his imagination. If not for the fact that he still felt the wetness of his mother''s lips on his forehead, then Erich would have no proof that the woman had reallye to see him.


    But this was neither here nor there. For by the end of the day, Erich would be shipping off to the 13th Fleet, where he would begin his on-the-job training with the most elite special forces squadron the Imperial Navy had at its disposal.

 Chapter 20 Black Sun Squadron

    That evening, Erich and his friends had begun to say their goodbyes. Over thest two years, these young men had known and supported each other through their daily lives in the Academy. Thus, they had gathered after their graduation at their favorite caf¨¦, where they each drank the daily limit of beer they were legally permitted to consume.


    With bitter expressions on their faces, the friends exchanged information about where they were headed to now that they had officially begun their mandatory military service. Erich was the first to voluntarily speak about this matter.


    "Well, I''m off to the 13th Fleet to serve with the ck Sun. What about you guys? Where are you headed?"


    Karl took arge swig from his beer before wiping the foam from his mouth. He was not surprised in the slightest that a pilot as capable as Erich would be serving among the elite ranks of the special forces, and was thus quick to congratte the man while giving him some particrly juicy information.


    "Congratz man, after all the hard work you have put through, you earned it. I am also headed to the Thirteenth fleet. Though I will not be on board one of the carriers like you, instead I will be stationed in the engine room of a destroyer. Who knows, maybe if I prove myself capable in theing years, I will be transferred to serve on board your carrier."


    Unlike Erich, Karl and the others were all in support roles. Karl was an engineering officer, while Dolph was a tactical officer, and as for Fredrick, he was a bridge officer. Dolph was surprised that two of his friends had been sent to the same fleet, to which he was quick toment his own position.


    "I''ll be serving on a fucking frigate in the 25th Fleet, which, in case you bastards don''t already know, that means that I will primarily be stationed on Vind."


    All three of the other men grimaced when they heard this news. Vind was a Tundra, or one nearly inhospitable to life, with only scarce mosses growing. And while the Germanic people were heavily resistant to the cold, it was still not ideal for any of these men who had spent thest two years in a reasonably warm climate. Erich could onlyugh as he heard his friend''s position, before reminding him just how badly he had it.


    "Yeah, well, it could be worse. You could be sent to the 13th fleet, which isn''t stationed on any single. We literally roam the borders of the Empire looking for things to fight, and that''s when we are not deployed to an actual war zone. I will spend the next twenty years of my life primarily in space... As for Karl, he is lucky that he is an engineering officer, because he only has to serve eight to ten years."


    Karl shook his head when he heard this, naturally he was made aware of this information, when he was informed of which unit he would be serving with. To think that the two of them would spend the next decade or more of their lives in the vacuum of space. It was trulymentable.


    While Erich, Karl, and Dolph were allpeting for who had it worse, Fredrik wasughing at the miserable bastards. Not only was he a bridge officer, which was the least likely role to result in a casualty, but he was also stationed in the best fleet of them all, which he was quick to brag about in a particrly loathsome way.


    "You''re all going to hate me for this, but take a guess which fleet I have been assigned to, and what type of ship?"


    Erich could already tell by the smug look on the man''s face that he had gotten a prettyfortable position, and thus he gave his best guess, one which he thought was damn near impossible to be correct.


    "I''m guessing that you have been assigned to the First Fleet as the bridge officer on a carrier."


    Fredrik was quite surprised to see Erich guess correctly, and was quick to ask just how the man had found out.


    "How the hell did you know?"


    All three of Fredrik''s best friends immediately eximed in disbelief and had practically pulled the man out of his booth and assaulted him in an act of fury.


    "What? No fucking way!"


    "You miserable cunt! How? How did you get that position?"


    "Fuck you!"


    What did this mean? Well, the first fleet found itself stationed on a world smack dab in the middle of the Empire that was known to be a tropical paradise. It was called Teutonia. Not only was the world afortable deployment, but the fact that Fredrik was the bridge officer on board a carrier meant that the entire fleet would be protecting his ass, giving him a secure andfortable position, even when sent intobat.


    Fredrik merelyughed at his friend''s misfortune, while basking in his own good luck, and continued to do so for the remainder of the time they had together. However, when the hour struck six in the evening, the four men shook hands, saluted, and then said their farewells. With Erich in particr looking back on his life at the university with fondness.


    "Well, gentlemen, it has been fun. But all good things muste to an end. I hope to see you all alive and well in twenty years. If I should receive a permanent death fighting against the Empire''s enemies, then all I request is that you pour a liter for me in respect for the fallen at my funeral, even if though there likely won''t be a body to bury¡­"


    The three men agreed to Erich''s request before bidding farewell, where each of them boarded a different transport ship, all bound for the vessels they had been assigned to.


    ---


    After saying his farewells, it did not take Erich long to arrive at the 13th Fleet, where he and the rest of the new recruits reported to their duty stations. During times of peace, the Empire''s Naval structure was split into two different categories of fleets. Roaming Fleets, and Stationary Fleets.


    A Roaming Fleet was exactly what it sounded like, it was tasked with roaming the borders of the Empire, and eliminating the enemies which mananged to find themselves within their borders. While stationary fleets were dispatched to the thirty-six star systems of the Empire, and remained within the system as a part of its defenses.


    Considering the Empire was currently mustering its strength for war. The Thirteenth Fleet had been assigned to an Armada of nine other fleets, all of which were currently located in this one star system on the fringes of the Empire.


    Each fleet isposed of well over a hundred warships. In addition, there were several support ships which were attached to the fleet as well. Meaning that at this moment, there were over 1,000 Naval vessels currently within the space of this system.


    Despite the overwhelming size of Naval power located within this system, Erich quickly found his way to the carrier which he was assigned to, where he quickly made his way to his living quarters. After finding the bunks where the starfighter pilots slept, Erich tossed his duffel bag into his personal quarters, before being introduced to the rest of his unit.


    One man in particr, who appeared a bit too muscr to be a pilot, was quick to greet the newest member of the ck Sun. He was dressed in a solid ck flight suit, whose only color was the red, white, and ck g emzoned on his right biceps. This was strange to Erich, who was certain that the flight suits of GSE Pilots were a dark grey, not a jet ck.


    "Oi, Silber, are you the new lieutenant?"


    When Erich heard his old nickname, which was a reference to his hair and eye color, he knew that the term his old ssmates had used to mock him had just be his callsign. Thus, with a heavy sigh, he nodded his head and saluted therge man who wore the insignia of a Lieutenant Commander.


    "Yes, sir!"


    Despite what Erich had initially thought, the Lieutenant Commander simply chuckled and patted Erich on the back before assuring him that he did not need to refer to him so formally at a time like this.


    "Rx kid, you''re in the starfighter corps now. We tend to be a lot less formal than the rest of the cunts in the Navy. I''m Totenkopf and I''ve been ordered to help you get ustomed to your new Starfighter. Get dressed in your flight suit, and meet me in the hangar bay ASAP!"


    Erich instinctively responded in the affirmative, just like e had done mere seconds before.


    "Yes, sir!"


    After saying this, Erich found a jet ck flight suit, just like the one that the Totenkopf was wearing in his cot, along with a helmet, and a life support system. He quickly adorned everything he needed to pilot his new Starfighter, aside from the helmet, which he held beneath his arm as he sprinted to the flight deck.


    Upon entering the flight deck, Erich noticed a variety of starcraft. Whether they were fighters, bombers, interceptors, or perhaps even gunships. The carrier managed to hold hundreds, if not thousands, of ships inside its interior.


    All the ships, except for a select few, were painted in a dark grey. Those that weren''t were the ships of the ck Sun Squadron, which were painted in a solid jet ck. Thus, it was easy to navigate to the proper area, where he saw the Lieutenant Commander waiting for his arrival.


    Erich quickly attached his helmet, whose visor was as ck as the flight suit, before climbing into his cockpit. Though he had no way of knowing it, the moment he equipped his helmet, a blood red holographic projection of a skull appeared on his jet ck visor. This was a feature that only special forces squadrons had attached to their uniforms.


    Erich could hear the voice of the Lieutenant Commander whose callsign was "Totenkopf" call out to him, as he asked the recruit if he was ustomed to piloting this particr starfighter.


    "Are you familiar with the controls of an interceptor? These Bolts are extremely fast, Moreso than your standard dagger. They also have stealth capabilities, so it would be best if you started off slowly."


    Erich had limited experience training with the Interceptor known as the Bolt. Like Totenkopf had said, it was capable of breakneck speeds, and was designed to intercept and eliminate enemy starfighters and bombers before they could reach the fleet.


    But he was a capable pilot and was quick to limate to the sudden change in his environment. After receiving permission to take off, the two interceptors took to the space outside of the fleet, as they conducted a few drills.


    Despite being a fresh out of the academy, Erich piloted his starfighter in a way that impressed even Totenkopf, who called out to him over theirms with a hint of shock in his tone.


    "God damn, you''re a natural Silber! I guess there is a reason they stuck you in our squadron, after all. Alright, that''s enough showing off. Let''s head back to the flight deck now that I know what you are capable of."


    Erich did not argue with the Lieutenant Commander, and quicklynded in the hangar bay of the carrier, where he climbed out of his cockpit, and met with the rest of his unit who had gathered to watch the recruit get schooled by Totenkopf only to be surprised at his capabilities as a pilot.


    In fact, the Commander in charge of the Squadron quickly approached Erich and shook his hand, before introducing himself with a smile on his face.


    "That''s some damn fine flying kid. I see now why the brass sent you to our unit. Most new recruits washout pretty quickly, and are sent back down to the minor leagues for not meeting our standards. But if you keep that up, you will be deployed to the battlefield before you know it. I''m Commander Erwin Wulf, by the way, but these idiots just called me "Wolfsangel."


    Erich shook themander''s hand and introduced himself, surprised that thus far nobody had bothered to give him shit about being a mutant.


    "Lieutenant Erich Jaeger reporting for duty, but I suppose most people just call me Silber."


    Shockingly, thisment made the Commanderugh, but there was no malice behind his words.


    "I can see why. Alright Silber, wee to the ck Sun. Getfortable, because in case you have not been informed already, you have got two weeks to get up to speed before we go to war."


    This news shocked Erich, as he was informed that he would still be required to undergo three months of specialized training, which he was quick to ask about.


    "With all due respect, sir, I was informed that I would not see a battlefield for at least three months? What changed?"


    In response to this, the Commander''s eyes narrowed before he sighed heavily. In that moment, he revealed something to Erich with a whisper so that only the members of the ck sun could hear him.


    "I''ll level with you kid, normally you would get two years of flight school before ever being assigned to this unit. However, due to recent developments, that time has been shed down to three months of on-the-job training. Like I am sure you are already aware. And the best way to learn while on the job is throughbat. It is time to sink or swim the Silber.


    Now what I''m about to say absolutely needs to stay between our unit. I don''t know whether you should be thankful for your new security clearance, or sorry. There is no easy way to say this, but within three to five years, the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus will be at our borders¡­ The politicians have already begun to abandon us, and are headed to Alfheim in search of refuge from theing catastrophe.


    Meanwhile, the military has determined that we, as a species, will fight to thest man, even if it means the death of our civilization. Thus, in two weeks, we will be dering war on our neighbors in order to create a buffer zone between us and the fucking bugs.


    Thus, your on-the-job training will be conducted on the battlefield. Luckily for you, you already appear to have the hang of things, so your odds of survival are significantly higher than most of these new pilots."


    Erich stared at the Commander in disbelief for a very long time. What he had just been told was that the world was essentiallying to an end. That the extinction of his entire species was imminent, and that he would be on the front lines of war against the Naraku. Except this time around, he was not in a simtion¡­

 Chapter 21 Declaration Of War

    Life on board the carrier was not the mostfortable existence which Erich could imagine. During his years at the Naval Academy, Erich had his own dorm room, which was essentially a studio apartment with everything he needed to be happy.


    However, life on the carrier was entirely different. He lived out of a small bunk in a room with over a dozen different pilots. He would not only have to shower with these men at the same time, but would also eat his meals in the mess hall, which had no variety to speak of. Instead, they were designed entirely with nutrition in mind.


    Essentially, he had been reduced from a solitary existence tomunal living in the span of a day. But humans were adaptable creatures, and the Germanic race was especially more so than baseline humans, due to the centuries of gic enhancements which they had received, as well as those enhancements which the nanites in their bloodstream gave them.


    Thus, Erich had no problem adjusting to this sudden shift in his life. If there was one benefit which he received, it was that within a mere two weeks, he became quite friendly with his fellow pilots. The members of the ck Sun almost always referred to each other by their callsigns, so much so that Erich did not even know the actual names of half of hisrades.


    Like he had expected, Erich was quickly stuck with the callsign of "Silber," but it was no longer a derogatory term designed to insult him for his appearance, instead it was a name filled with the spirit of camaraderie, and as Erich continued to perform missions around the Armada, which wasprised of ten whole fleets, and more than a thousand naval vessels; he had rapidly earned the respect of his unit.


    But the peaceful days of flying escort missions and patrol operations quickly came to an end, as within two weeks, war was dered on a neighboring civilization. The target of the Germanic Star-Empire''s ire was a minor power known as the Dvrakian Consortium, which was located approximately three hundred light years away from the borders of the GSE.


    The species was humanoid, and in many ways resembled the mythological and biblical demons of yore. Your standard Dvrakian stood at approximately one and half meters tall, and had blood red skin,rge vampire like fangs, bat-like wings, two curled horns, and a subus like tail. They also had sharp ws on their hands, and feet, and long serpent-like forked tongues.


    Though they may appear sinister due to the myths propagated on Earth centuries ago, the Dvrakians were actually quite peaceful, renowned in their sector of the gxy for never starting a war, and only defending themselves. And while they were somewhat pacifistic, they still kept arge military for defensive purposes.


    However, in the eyes of the hungry wolf that was the Germanic Star-Empire, these devil-like pacifists were easy prey. Thus, after precisely two weeks of active service, Erich watched on the grid as the Grand Admiral dered war on the Dvrakian Consortium.


    Grand Admiral Emrys stood on a balcony where below him were millions of Germanic Star Marines dressed in their power armor as they stood at attention, waiting for the man to give his speech.


    "Since the dawn of our race, war has been an aspect of our lives which we have never shied away from. No we the Germanic People embrace conflict as a matter of pride. Seldom have we ever needed to justify a war, and though I may not need to do so to my own people. There are those in the gxy who get antsy when an upstart like the Germanic Star-Empire begins expanding at the expense of their neighbors.


    But conquest needs no justification! It is a natural part of life! Those with strength and power expand at the expense of the weak. That is the way of the universe and always has been! Make no mistake, my brothers, our neighbors to the east are very weak! What right to they have to dwell on their many worlds, with all their resources, while we, the strong struggle to meet the demands of our ever-growing poption?


    Might makes right! And we, the Germanic people, do not need to justify our actions to those who do not have the strength to oppose our will! And so as of today, I, the Grand Admiral of the Germanic Star-Empire, dere on behalf of our Supreme Leader, that we will be invading, and conquering the Dvrakian Consortium, so that our people have the living space which they need to survive and thrive in this harsh universe! Hail victory!"


    Immediately after hearing this rousing speech, the millions of Star Marines who stood at attention below the balcony raised their right arms into the air as they saluted the Grand Admiral before repating hisst words back to him.


    "Hail victory!"


    This deration of war was not only broadcasted across the Germanic Star-Empire, but throughout the entire quadrant which the Alfheim Dominion ruled over. And while the speech Grand Admiral Emrys had given managed to rally his people to arms. It had only served as a source of anger to those civilizations who believed that a proper casus belli was needed for the deration of war. After all, most civilizations did not believe that conquest itself was a proper justification for war.


    ---


    On the homeworld of the Dvrakian Consortium, a beautiful young woman of the Dvrakian Race gazed in horror at the broadcast, which was currently being livestreamed from the Germanic Star-Empire. As a minor power, they had no hope of winning a war with a regional power, especially one as vicious and violent as the Germanic race.


    The only hope her species had for survival was to gain the aid of their allies. Because of this, she pled to her father, who was the President of the Dvrakian Consortium, to call upon his friends to support him in his hour of need.


    "Father! You must have seen the broadcast by now, those barbarians will soon be at our gates! We do not have the military strength necessary to defend our borders from a regional power like the Germanic Star-Empire!


    Everyone knows that those savages expand their borders through the conquest and extermination of other lifeforms. If we are to be defeated, then the enemy will conduct a genocide that will wipe out our entire species! You must send for aid!"


    The President of the Dvrakian Consortium sighed heavily as he listened to his daughter''s concerns. He knew as well as anyone in this gxy what kind of vicious beasts the Germanic people turned into when they went to war. They had no regard for life other than their own, and this was disyed in the brutal way in which they engaged inbat.


    Knowing that the survival of his species was on the line, the President nodded his head in agreement with his daughter''s words, though he feared that it would not be enough to stem the tide.


    "Very well. I will contact our allies, and request aid for the uing war"


    With this said, the Dvrakian President immediately contacted the regional power which had vassalized them. Unlike the Dvrakians, who appeared to be the physical incarnation of demons, the Regional Power, which were their masters, appeared as if they were angels. With pale white skin, long golden hair, matching eyes, andrge fluffy wings. The Enochian Theocracy were as beautiful and as majestic as the angels of the Christian religion.


    The High Priestess of the Enochian Theocracy had a disturbed look on her face, as she spoke to the holographic projection of the Dvrakian President, before the demonic looking creature could plea for help, the Enochian raised her dainty hand and spoke in an angelic voice.


    "I already know about your concerns, and I assure you that our fleets are already en route to your borders. These barbarians have dared to attack our subjects without proper cause, and thus we have no choice but to retaliate.


    I won''t lie to you, Daxxas. Though the Germanic Star-Empire is a small nation, their military strength is on par with a Tier III Regional Power. Thus, I have called upon all of my vassals to respond to this unholy attack on the faithful. However, I must warn you, the Germanic Star-Empire is a direct vassal of the Alfheim Dominion, and has won many wars with civilizations more powerful than themselves. It is because of this that I can not guarantee victory in this conflict. If worstes to worse, you may flee to the Enochian Theocracy with the surviving members of your race. "


    This was not the news that Daxxas and his daughter, Vanta, were hoping to hear. Though they were d to receive military aid from their suzerain and allies, they realized now, after hearing the words of their master, that they would need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.


    ---


    While the Germanic Star-Empire had begun mustering its armadas to invade their neighbors, the Empress of the Alfheim Dominion watched from the sidelines on her home world with a particrly joyful smile on her wless face. This reaction had only caused her youngest daughter, Celestia, to react in concern. Especially after she heard her mother''s words.


    "Magnificent aren''t they? Not even a seven nation army can hold back the Germanic Star-Empire. Perhaps if they were going against a Sub-gctic power, and six regional powers, then they would be defeated. But a mere Tier II Regional power, and their minor vassals?


    These fools don''t have a chance at victory. Still, that was very bold of Grand Admi Emrys, to dere war without a proper justification. Without a doubt, he has ruffled more than a few feathers among the sub-gctic powers, don''t you think so, my dear Celestia?"


    Celestia stared at her mother''s satisfied expression as if she were looking at a mad woman, before questioning just what was so exciting about this whole ordeal.


    "Mother, I don''t understand... Shouldn''t the Germanic Star-Empire be focusing on bolstering their defences? After all, they are aware, or at least the highest echelons of their government are aware, that the Naraku are only a few years away from their borders. So why waste valuable resources in a conflict with their neighbors? Expansion seems like a foolish idea during such a time of crisis!"


    Lunaria did notment for several seconds before she sighed heavily, almost as if she was disappointed with her daughter for not seeing the real reason the Germanic Star-Empire had begun to expand its borders, thus she lectured Celestia with a particrly agitated tone.


    "Because Celestia, they do not intend to actually conquer and exterminate the Dvrakians, at least not yet. No, the Germanic Star-Empire intends to use the Dvrakian Consortium as a buffer against the Naraku. Not only will they arm the Dvrakians, and train them to be more effectivebatants, but they will also fortify the worlds, so that Terminus will have to slog their way through hundreds of systems of brutalbat, and thus weakening their Hive Fleet, until finally they have to face off against a fully rested Germanic Military.


    Every single Dvrakian will die fighting on behalf of their new overlords, thus freeing up their territory for Germanic expansion. And they will take down as many of those fucking bugs as they can. The GSE isn''t just nning for their survival, but for their expansion as well! It is truly an inspiring sight to behold!"


    After hearing her mother''s wisdom, Celestia felt as if she had gained a new understanding of the Germanic People, and their goals. And perhaps Celestia was beginning to understand her mother''s borderline obsession with her favorite pets.


    Thus, she smiled and nodded her head in agreement with her mother''s words, hoping to watch how the Germanic Star-Empire would manage to survive, if that was even possible.

 Chapter 22 Guaranteed Victory

    The War had begun, and Erich quickly found himself on the front lines. Against a Minor Power like that Dvrakian Consortium, it would normally take the Germanic Star-Empire a few months to achieve total victory.


    After all, it was not like Minor Powers had ess to fortress worlds which would prolong the suffering that the Germanic Military would have to endure during their conquest. However, because the Dvrakian Consortium had managed to rope their suzerain and allies into the war, it was unknown how long this war wouldst.


    In fact, it was actually a gamble on the part of the Admiralty, because if they could win the war within a year, then it vastly increased their chances of survival against Terminus, while if they failed to aplish this objective, it vastly increased their odds of extinction.


    Of course, Erich did not need to concern himself with the thoughts of the Admiralty. Instead, he needed to focus on one thing, and one thing alone. Destroying the enemy in front of him. At the moment Erich was in his Bolt interceptor as it zipped through thebat zone, outside of a Dvrakian border world, where the 1st Armada of the Imperial Navy fought against abined force of the Dvrakian Navy and their allies.


    This was Erich''s first time experiencing actualbat, and because of that he had so much adrenaline running through his veins he might as well be a meth addict. Of course, this was not just a matter of natural adrenaline production, but the result of adrenal stimnts which were injected into his body via his flight suit from the moment he took off from the hangar bay.


    There was a wide grin on Erich''s face, which was obscured by his obsidian ck visor, which projected an image of a bright red human skull on its surface. If the enemy were to gaze upon his appearance at this moment, they might be intimidated. Luckily for them, they could not see the frightening uniform which disyed Erich''s status as a member of the most elite starfighter squadron in the Imperial Navy.


    Erich continued to navigate through the battlefield with masterful skill as he spotted his first target, which was chasing after an Imperial Dagger. He quickly gunned his engines and shot after the hostile fighter at breakneck speeds, whereupon lining up the sights of his targeting array, Erich pulled the trigger on his joystick, thus sending a rain ofser and sma projectiles at his opponent.


    Theser and sma projectiles ate through the primitive energy shields of the Dvrakian starfighter, and ignited the entire vehicle, causing it to explode in a matter of seconds. Though Erich could not see the face of the man he just killed, he felt a bit of excitement flood his heart and mind, as he was now a true veteran pilot.


    A voice spoke through Erich''s helmet, which he quickly identified as the Lieutenant Commander in charge of his wing, known primarily by the callsign "Totenkopf"


    "Nice one, Silber, but make sure to watch your six!"


    After saying this, Totenkopf fired an antimatter missile which detonated against the hull of an Enochian starfighter which was tailing Erich from behind. Seeing that he almost got shot down after only a single kill, Erich began to focus his attention on his surroundings, as much as what was in front of him. Where he quickly found an enemy bomber heading towards the destroyer which Karl was stationed on.


    Seeing that a friend of his might be in danger, Erich gunned after the enemy bomber, and began to light up its frame with hisser repeaters, rapidly whittling down its shields until they were depleted where he fired an antimatter missile at it.


    Though the enemy deployed his countermeasures, such a petty trick would not work against Erich''s missiles. After all, he had the power to manipte machines with his mind, and thus he personally guided the missile into its target with his thoughts. As the bomber exploded, Erich cheered before cursing out the man he had just killed.


    "Take that, you red bastard! Thinking of killing Karl, fat chance!"


    ---


    While the battle continued to rage on above the world of Therakles, in which Erich was a participant, the High Priestess of the Enochian Empire was sitting on her home world with an expression of disbelief on her face. It was as if the sky was falling on top of her, and she could not understand just how her enemies had managed to be so powerful in such a short amount of time.


    "How¡­. How is this possible?"


    The Germanic Star-Empire had surprised their enemies with a Navy sorge, they might as well be a sub-gctic power. The Germanic Navy had ten Armadas, which were eachposed of Ten Fleets, each of which had a minimum of one hundred warships among its ranks.


    A single armada of the Imperial Navy contained at least 1,000 warships, which was more than all the Enochian Theocracy''s vassalsbined. The High Priestess had sent the entire power of her vassals, as well as a quarter of her naval strength to the world of Therakles in its defense, and yet the Germanic Star-Empire had only sent one tenth of its Naval Strength and despite this was already close to emerging victorious.


    Where were the other nine armadas of the Germanic Star-Empire at this moment? Well, two of them were guarding their borders, while the other six were dispatched to the Enochian Theocracy and its other six vassals.


    While the vassals of the Enochian Theocracy had sent their entire navies to the Dvrakian Consortium, they had left themselves wide open for an attack by the Germanic Star-Empire. Never in their wildest dreams would they have believed that such a young upstart of a nation would have the strength to fight a seven nation army without even breaking a sweat. It was truly maddening.


    While the High Priestess of the Enochian Theocracy scrambled what ships she could manage to fight against the invasion of her enemies, she immediately opened up her hailing frequency to contact the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire. However, for whatever reason, it was not Hans who answered the call, but the Grand Admiral who had dered war in the first ce.


    This was shocking to the High Priestess, who could only assume that a coup had taken ce in the Germanic Star-Empire, regardless if this was true, she needed to end this war before half of her civilization was destroyed in this foolish conflict.


    "Call off your fleets from the Enochian Theocracy, now! Or else I will not hesitate to request support from my Suzerain!"


    This was no small threat. Normally, a vassal would only call for their Suzerain''s aid if they felt like the survival of their species was threatened. Judging by the history of the Germanic Star-Empire, the only thing those barbarians would do to the Enochians if they sessfully managed to conquer them was genocide.


    A smug smile appeared on ric''s face as he spoke in perfect Enochian to the High Priestess. "Of course, you were never our target in the first ce. Abandon your vassal to our conquest, and we will withdraw our forces from your borders."


    The beautiful angel-like creature bit her lip in frustration. She could not believe that these barbarians were forcing her to make such a horrific decision. After all, the Enochian Theocracy believed that all sentient life was created in the image of their god.


    To abandon the Dvrakians to genocide would go against all the teachings she preached as the High Priestess of the Enochian Theocracy. Even if she personally found the red-skinned devils to be particrly hideous, that did not mean that they deserved to go extinct, and thus she was quick to make her demands, which she could only back up through the threat of her masters.


    "I will do so, but only if you agree not to exterminate the Dvrakians like you have done to so many others in the past! If you do not agree to this request, then I will call upon my Suzerain, who will certainly punish you for your wicked deeds!"


    ric merely scoffed. His society was exclusively atheist and found religion to be nothing more than primitive superstition that somehow managed to carry over into the interster age. Still, the goal was not to expend their military resources in a war with a sub-gctic power. Even if they might have a chance of emerging victorious, they could not rece the damage dealt in such a conflict within three years, which was the deadline before Terminus arrived in their sector of space.


    Under normal circumstances, ric would tell to high priestess to suck on a fat cock simply out of the principle of the thing, but right now, he needed the Dvrakians as a buffer against the Naraku. And, thus, he simply sighed and nodded his head in agreement, before making up some excuse that made it seem like he would keep his word.


    "Very well, I can spare the Dvrakians. After all, I find their women to be quite attractive. They will make excellent ves for my people''s pleasure¡­."


    The High Priestess looked at ric with absolute disgust, not because of his words. In fact, pleasure ves were a quitemon fate for species which were deemed to be attractive by their conquerors. No, what caused the High Priestess to revile in such an over-exaggerated way was because ric had said that he found the red devils to be attractive.


    First off, she had never heard of the Germanic Star-Empire considering anyone other than their own as attractive, and the very idea that it would be those red devils, instead of her race filled her with fury, partially due to her wounded pride, as a race that even the Alfheim Dominion considered being exceptionally attractive. If only the Enochian Theocracy was considerably more powerful, then they too would have the privilege of being a vassal of the Alfheim Dominion.


    Upon seeing the look on the High Priestess''s face, ric''s lips curled into a sneer as he urately guessed that the woman''s pride had been wounded, before making a suggestion which only further enraged her.


    "Oh? Are you perhaps jealous? Well, don''t worry, your race is also quite attractive. If you really want, I suppose I can take your species as pleasure ves as well¡­."


    The nerve that this man had was enough to make the High Priestess rethink some of her religious teachings; however she forcibly calmed herself before responding to the Grand Admiral with a particrly irritated tone in her angelic voice.


    "Do what you want with those filthy devils! We will withdraw our fleets immediately. As for how long it takes you to conquer their civilization, that depends on your ability!"


    ric simply smiled before responding in a smug voice.


    "It has been a pleasure doing business with you¡­."


    After saying this, he hung up and recalled his armadas from the territory of the Enochian Theocracy and its six other vassals. The Grand Admiral then deployed the full might of the Imperial Military into the borders of the Dvrakian Consortium, with the intent to end the war as quickly as possible.


    ---


    Erich shot down his one hundredth kill after only three hours ofbat. Having done so, he observed the Enochian Warships which still remained intact spool up their warp drives, and flee from the battlefield. Where the other six vassals of their civilization immediately followed suit.


    When it finally dawned on the Dvrakian forces that they had been abandoned by their masters and allies, they felt as if all hope was lost. Still, the Germanic Star-Empire had a reputation for genocide, and thus, they did not dare cease their hostilities, in fear of the consequences that awaited their species if they should do so.


    Thus, even though the war was now guaranteed to end in a Germanic victory, the Dvrakians would force the Germanic Military to fight tooth and nail over the distance of three hundred star systems in order to fully subjugate the minor power which defied their conquest.

 Chapter 23 The Aftermath

    After the first battle where the Germanic Star Empire emerged victorious against the Dvrakian Consortium, Erich immediately headed to the hangar bay to re-arm and refuel, as well as repair any damage that might have been dealt to his interceptor during the battle.


    While standing in the hangar waiting for his starfighter to be fit for service, Erich noticed a few of the pilots from another unit who were smoking tobo. No doubt to calm their nerves after such a chaotic event. Erich had never smoked before in his life and had honestly never expected to.


    After all, tobo could seriously affect one''s health, and though the technology existed to repair any and all damage which the body could suffer, he would prefer not to have to go to the hospital to seek treatment when he had inevitably developed cancer.


    Or so he initially thought, however, after enduring the itense stress ofbat, Erich now knew why every man he had ever met took part in the disgusting habit. Thus, he slowly approached his fellow pilots, while attempting to control his jittering hands which shook as if he were a crack addict going through withdrawal. The two men did not even notice Erich approach them until he began to speak. However due to the overwhelming anxiety he felt at this moment, he slightly stuttered as he did so.


    "C¡­ Can I bum o¡­ one of those cigarettes off y¡­ you guys?"


    Though Erich wore the uniform of a special forces pilot, this was in fact his firstbat mission, and because of this he appeared incredibly nerve wrecked as he approached the pilots, who served in a regr unit. Despite the difference in their capabilities, these men were as calm as one could be, as if they had already long since seen all the horrors which the universe had offered.


    Upon seeing that Erich was literally shaking, one of the men took pity on him, and handed him a cigarette, where he then lit the device. Erich took a long drag from the cigarette before expelling the smoke from his lungs, an act which seemed to have significantly calmed his body, as he was no longer shaking and instead was able to gain full control over his limbs once more.


    The man who had handed Erich the cigarette closely observed his condition and chuckled after exhaling smoke, beforementing on his unsightly appearance.


    "First time, huh?"


    Erich did not bother denying what was tantly obvious and nodded his head thrice in silence. To which the veteran pilot smiled and pped Erich on the back before giving him someforting words.


    "Trust me, it gets easier, and judging by the fact that you are wearing the uniform of ck Sun, I''m guessing it won''t be long before you be ustomed to the horrors of war. You did good out there, kid. The fact that this is your firstbat mission, and you made it back in one piece, shows you have got some serious skills.


    But the war has only just begun, and I''m willing to bet it will be at least three months before a minor power like the Dvrakian Consortium is on their knees while begging us to spare their pitiful race. So, take a short break, you have more than earned it, and when the timees tounch again, you takefort knowing that you now have the experience to properly navigate the battlefield. Good luck kid, you''re going to need it¡­"


    After saying this, the Pilot put out his cigarette, and ced his helmet on his head, where he then approached the fighter that was obviously his, and climbed back into the cockpit, waiting for the next battle to begin.


    As for Erich, he would remember the man''s words for the rest of his military career. Thus, he finished his cigarette before going back to his unit, who were busy counting their losses.


    ---


    The war for Dvrakia had only just begun, and yet in the first major exchange between the two factions the Germanic Star-Empire had emerged victorious. Not only had they crushed the Dvrakian Fleet, but theyid waste to their backers, in such horrific fashion, that the Enochian Theocracy had no choice but to withdraw from the war and abandon their vassal to their fates.


    News naturally spread about the might which the Germanic Star-Empire disyed. This was something that shocked even the other major gctic powers. Though the GSEmonly waged war on behalf of their Alfheim masters, they had never shown up into a conflict in full force before, deploying at most a quarter of their naval forces.


    Yet today, the Germanic Star-Empire, a recent upstart on the gctic stage, had shown power that was at the very least on par with a Tier III Regional Power, if not a Tier I sub-gctic power. How they had managed to create such a powerful and vast Navy in such a short amount of time, with only thirty-six systems under their control, even the Svartalfheim Federation could not understand.


    Incidentally, this performance had only further added to the tensions at the border between the Alfheim Dominion and their darker cousins. At first, the Svartalfheim Federation believed that the destruction of the Rylonian Civilization had weakened their rivals in the Western quadrant. However, the Germanic Star-Empire disyed a level of military prowess that, given a few decades, could easily make up for the loss of the Rylonians.


    Thus at the moment the Alfheim Empress, and the Svartalfheim President were in the middle of an interster call, discussing the border crisis which was quickly turning into a cause for all out warfare. Lunaria''s beautiful face was as smug as can be, as she boasted about the strength that her favorite war hound represented.


    "Do you see now how powerful my little puppies are? A mere 400 years, and they are close to recing the Rylonians. But you know all about that. After all, thest one hundred wars which your proxies have fought against my loyal hounds have resulted in humiliating defeat for you¡­."


    The Svartalfheim President appeared to be a rather young looking male of the Dark Elven race. His skin was as brown as chocte, his eyes a solid amber color, and his hair was as ck as space itself. He did not take kindly to Lunaria''s remarks, and was quick to remind her that he was not the only threat which she faced.


    "I would not be too happy if I were you. The Hive Fleet Terminus is still ravaging your territory as we speak. And since you have mustered all of your forces on my borders, that means you have nobody in your quadrant who is capable of defeating the Naraku. I wonder how many of your direct vassals will fall to the devouring swarm before you are able to deal with them?"


    Despite the antagonistic words which the Dark Elf President had spoken, Lunaria did not seem the least bit upset, as if she knew something about the Naraku which her rival did not. This only caused the Dark Elf president''s expression to sour, especially after Lunaria mocked him for his efforts to cause her grief.


    "You think your fleets are capable of deterring me from defeating the Naraku? I''m afraid not, and while it will take some time to effectively deal with those fucking bugs, I assure you that within three years'' time, Terminus will be dealt with.


    And then, you will have to deal with my entire attention. I wonder if you filthy mutts will be able to endure my wrath when the timees to unleash it upon you. After all, Cristerius, you and I both know how inefficient, and corrupt your Federation is, whenpared to my Empire!


    By the time my forces invade your borders, we will be halfway to Svartalfheim before your petty congress can even approve a deration of war! You hold no power, and to sit here and threaten a sovereign such as myself? Well, it is justughable! Perhaps I might just dispatch my dogs of war and see how they deal with the armed forces of a so called Gctic Power? After all, they seem to be handling your allies well enough!"


    Lunaria did not even give the president of the Svartalfheim Federation a chance to respond. She quickly hung up after getting thest word in, before calling up the Grand Admiral of the Germanic Star-Empire. When ric answered the frequency, he gazed upon the beauty of the Alfheim Empress, and bowed ever so slightly as a sign of respect.


    "Your majesty, I must say I was not expecting your call at this time. Is everything all right?"


    Having just boasted about her war hound''s strength to her primary rival on the gctic stage, Lunaria naturally wanted to check up on her subordinates to see how their current war with the Dvrakian Federation, and their allies, was going. But mostly, she just wanted to congratte them on their victory well in advance.


    "Congrattions Admiral, in a single battle you eliminated 99% of your enemy''s Fleet, and sent their allies scurrying back to their homes. If you ask me, the Enochians have always been a bit full of themselves, and it is good to see them receive a proper spanking from my most beloved pets.


    I swear, my mother made onement about how beautiful their former High Priestess was as a sign of respect, and all of a sudden their entire race thinks they are the most physically attractive species in the universe. It''s simply delusional!


    But enough about my personal feelings towards those winged twats. After all, it is not my ce to interfere with the lives of my vassals. Unlike those dark-skinned dregs, we Light Elves do not force our political beliefs on our subordinates. So tell me Admiral, how long do you believe it will take before you have wrapped this war up, and what do you estimate your losses will be by the end of this whole ordeal?"


    ric forced a smile as he heard the Alfheim Empress refer to him and his race as mere "pets." If not for the ultimate power this woman wielded, he would be quick to respond to her words with some rather vulgarnguage. However, he was ultimately forced to swallow his pride, and ignore the words she spoke, which were an enormous insult to him and his people. Even Lunaria did not mean them that way.


    Because of this, ric would not dare deny Lunaria''s request, even if she asked for some highly ssified information. And thus he spoke in a calm, and rather cheerful tone as he informed the Alfheim Empress of the GSE''s progress in their current conflict.


    "It is as you say, the Dvrakians are entirely on their own, and while our Navy is now unopposed in this conflict, for only a small minority of the enemy''s ships escaped intact, they still appear to be willing to fight us tooth and nail. Thus, I believe we will be in for a long and bloody struggle. No doubt as a result of our fearsome reputation.


    Initially, it would take us a mere three months to force a surrender against such a petty foe. However, as things currently stand, we can expect at least six months, possibly a year, before we havended our armies on every and crushed all resistance.


    Losses will be minimal. After all, the enemy utterlycks the offensive capabilities to pierce the power armor which is issued to every one of our Star Marines. At least in terms of small arms, and any armored vehicles they may have will be scrapped the moment theye into contact with our own.


    So rest assured, we will be ready, and willing to fight the Naraku until the bitter end. And with the Dvrakians as our buffer, we will be able to bleed the Hive Fleet dry in brutal urban warfare, thus giving us a better chance of survival once they have entered our borders."


    Lunaria smiled and nodded her head in agreement with what ric had said, though it was a pity the war would have tost such a long time, she doubted the GSE would ever be able to convince their enemies that they did not intend to wipe out their species, at least not directly. Thus, the Dvrakian Armed Forces would have to be utterly crushed on each and every world they owned, until all resistance was futile.


    With this in mind, the Alfheim Empress made onest remark before ceasing the call.


    "Keep up the good work, Admiral, and I look forward to your inevitable victory."

 Chapter 24 Atmospheric Combat

    The war against the Dvrakian Consortium continued and, before Erich realized it, a month had passed. By now, he had participated in over fifteen battles. Some were in space, while others were in the atmosphere of the habited worlds that their enemies dwelled upon.


    Today was no different. In fact, the entire schedule of Erich''s daily life since the war had begun was a twenty-four-hour cycle of fighting, with minimal sleep. To cope with the meager two hours of rest that he would get each day, Erich was pumped full of adrenal stimnts, which kept his mind and body on high alert at all times.


    Other than the two-hour rest break at the end of his twenty-hour shift, Erich''s only reprieve was when his interceptor was so damaged that it required maintenance. During this time, he would smoke like a chimney to cope with the overwhelming stress his body and mind were forced to endure as a result of the nonstopbat.


    If not for the highly nutritious meals which were served on board the carrier, then Erich truly believed he might have literally died of malnutrition by now. Aside from the nd taste, the only real downside to these pre-made meals was the fact that it limited his body''s need to use the restroom.


    While this might be practical forbat purposes, it made it so Erich did not even get a five-minute rest to take a dump in the morning, only increasing the amount of stress that he was forced to endure. Today, the target of the 1st Armada''s attack was a continental world, roughly the size of Mars, which housed a few billion Dvrakians.


    For three days straight, the Armada had bombarded the surface of the world, and yet those troops who resided on the surface had still refused to surrender. Thus, today was the day which the assault began. As a result, thousands ofnding craft were prepared to drop the Star Marines onto the''s surface as well as the armored vehicles they made use of.


    As for Erich, his objective was simple: provide air support to the Star Marines. Thus, he would be forced to pilot his interceptor into the atmosphere of the, and engage with any atmospheric craft the enemy might have left over, as well as target Anti-aircraft weaponry, and any other hostiles which highmand designated in need of termination.


    By now, Erich''s interceptor had half of its paint scratched off. Though the bullet holes had been sealed, the pockmarks of the enemy fire which he had taken were still present on the hull of his interceptor. It was clear that the starfighter had received its fair share of damage over thisst month while engaging with the enemy, and yet, the aircraft still stood proudly among the ranks of the Germanic Starfighter Corps, which continued their relentless assault on the Dvrakian Consortium.


    Erich finished the drag on his cigarette before stamping out the smoldering device. He then took one nce at his interceptor before cing his helmet on his head. Only after he confirmed that the seal was airtight did Erich climb into the cockpit of his interceptor, whereupon booting up the power, he heard a familiar voice.


    "You doing alright there, Silber? I know you took some heavy shots from the enemy''s k cannons, but that should not be enough to put your fighter out ofmission, now should it?"


    Erich immediately ignited his engines, he confirmed that his shields were fully charged beforeunching off of the hangar deck, and towards the atmosphere of the, whose surface was riddled with explosions. As he hit the air, Erich responded to his Wing Commander''s remarks with a single statement.


    "I''m back in the fight."


    To which he heard a simple snicker over the line, and nothing else. Erich then piloted his starfighter through the atmosphere of the, where he immediately noticed that he was locked onto by the local AA. Hypersonic missiles wereunched in his direction, to which he responded by activating his countermeasures, and then, aiming the sma cannon which was mounted on a gimbal beneath the nose of his starfighter towards the location of the installment.


    After acquiring his target with his sights, Erich pulled the trigger on his joystick, which sent a st of sma directly at the Anti-Aircraft weapons, which immediately ignited the missiles still stored inside, and thus causing an explosion capable of wiping out all life in a 25km radius.


    After emerging from the explosive st entirely unphased, due to the advanced nature of his energy shields, Erich got on hisms, and informed the fleet that thest of the AA installments in this sector of the were eliminated.


    "AA is eliminated. You are clear fornding!"


    A short response emerged via thems, before Erich saw several dozen dropships descend from space and towards the surface of the.


    "Roger that. Star Marines are inbound."


    The dropships released an entirepany of star marines per vehicle, while some of them even carried tanks and mobile artillery, which immediately began to make their way through the''s surface and towards the nearest hostiles.


    Erich did not watch this for long, as he flew through the skies, and towards the next location, which was marked on his sensors. The Empire employed fighters and bombers that were capable of both atmospheric and vacuum based flight. Something which not all civilizations made use of.


    For example, the Dvrakian civilization employed specialty fighters for atmospheric flight, and thus, it was these aircraft which were deployed to deal with Erich as he tore through their defenses with ease. Erich immediately picked up six fighters inbound to his location on his sensors, to which he used his telepathy tomunicate instantly with his air wing.


    "I got six bogies inbound on my ass. I could use some support!"


    Erich continued to scan the minds of hisrades, to which he received two responses that were in his favor.


    "Roger that, heading towards you, eta three minutes"


    "I''ll be there in five. Just hold on!"


    Seeing that the enemy were now only a minute away from him, Erich decided he would have to fight them himself, and thus he gunned his thrusters to max speed as he immediately shot past the enemy fighters, before taking to the skies in the hope of gaining altitude.


    Dogfighting in the atmosphere was different from in the vacuum of space. While most dogfights in space made use of strafing to maintain a constant sight picture on the enemy, this was something not achievable in the atmosphere, and thus he had to use more conventional methods of attack, such as the ancient tactic of boom and zoom. In other words, an aircraft would gain altitude and speed in order to have an advantage over their enemy.


    Luckily for Erich, his aircraft was capable of not only gaining altitude without the risk of stalling, but it even had the ability to break orbit. Thus, he shot straight into the air, until the six enemy fighters who gave chase began to stall and crash towards the surface. Upon seeing this, Erich nimbly turned his interceptor around so that it was facing the enemies, where he immediately began to unleash hisser repeaters and sma cannon onto their backsides, blowing them out of the sky one by one.


    With the six enemy fighters terminated, Erich then waited for his allies to show up, where they noticed he was all alone, cruising in the sky as if he was enjoying a brief stroll. Immediately he was harassed over thems by his fellow pilots who demanded to know where the six hostiles were at.


    "So where are they?"


    "I came all this way, and you''re just cruising through the air? What the fuck happened?"


    Erich simply smirked, which was concealed beneath his visor''s holographic projection, before responding in a conceited tone.


    "You guys took too long, they''re already dead¡­"


    Eliminating six enemy fighters by yourself was no easy task. Even if they were far more primitive than the ones the Germanic Star-Empire made use of. Six fighters armed with cold fusion missiles, and rail guns were still able to destroy a bolt interceptor if they coordinated their attacks effectively.


    Yet, they were all smouldering wrecks on the surface below, while Erich appeared to be entirely unharmed. This caused the members of his squadron to look at him with a degree of respect, which they had not afforded him until now. Thus, it came as a bit of a surprise when theyplimented Erich for his feats.


    "God damn, Silber¡­"


    "Way to go, kid!"


    With these six hostiles eliminated, Erich would work alongside the two other fighters to conduct their atmospheric operations until the banner of the Germanic Star Empire was waving proudly over the''s surface. Though a month had already gone by since the beginning of the war, less than a quarter of thes under the control of the Dvrakian Consortium had fallen to the Germanic Star-Empire.


    The fact that they were uncontested in space, and yet they had still only conquered a handful of worlds led Erich to believe that although the Germanic Star-Empire''s military might was impable, they did not have the manpower necessary to conquer an Empire that spanned across several hundred star systems without spending considerable time and effort to do so. Something which he felt needed to be corrected in his people''s future efforts to expand across the gxy.

 Chapter 25 The Battle Of The Bloody Gulch

    Another three months passed by as the war between the Germanic Star-Empire and the Dvrakian Consortium reached new levels of intensity. While the Dvrakian armed forces had resorted to mass conscription of its male poption, as well as breaking open old storehouses filled with centuries old weapons to engage with the enemy, the Germanic Military seemed fresh, and undeterred. As if each battle was a chance to prove themselves as a warrior to which their society revered above all other pursuits in life.


    The war was recorded by the Germanic media, who proudly disyed the gruesome scenes to its poption, as a proof of the strength that their Empire possessed. With each passing hour, new footage from the Dvrakian worlds which were under siege was spread across the Empire, and in doing so igniting the nationalism that its people felt.


    Currently, one of the most popr reporters in the Empire, who was a rtively young woman by the name of Hedda Andersson, was on board the carrier which housed Erich and hisrades. She was going throughout the ship while interviewing soldiers on their thoughts about the war, and just so happened toe into contact with Erich, who had just climbed out of the showers, while wearing nothing but a towel. He was headed back to his bunk to change into a flight suit in preparation for his shift when he was ambushed by the reporter. Something which he did not take kindly to.


    A group of small cameras orbited around Erich like a flight of dragonflies, filming his appearance for the entire Empire to see, where Hedda immediately asked him a question which he was not prepared to answer.


    "You there! Mutant! What role do you fulfill on this carrier?"


    Erich''s expression immediately turned sour as his image was filmed and broadcasted across the Empire, where he then answered the reporter with a rather cold tone in his voice.


    "I''m a fighter pilot. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get ready for my shift."


    The woman was not deterred by Erich''s response, and kept pressing him for an interview, which only further got on the man''s nerves.


    "Just a moment of your time is all I ask, and your thoughts regarding the war?"


    When Erich heard this question, he scoffed at the very notion. He had spent thest four years, spending twenty hours a day in nothing butbat. What did he think of this war? What an absurd question to ask! And who in their right mind wanted to hear what abatant thought about the war they waged? He was visibly upset by the question, something which the cameras buzzing around his face only further added to, and thus, he responded with a rather vicious tone in his voice as he spoke the honest truth.


    "You want to know what my thoughts are about the war? Okay, fine, here''s how what I think, and every other poor soul who has the misfortune of flying a starfighter. We have to work twenty-hour shifts every single day. We get a thirty-minute lunch break, and just enough time to shower and brush our teeth so that we maintain proper hygiene.


    Other than that, our life is nothing butbat. In order to cope with the overwhelming fatigue which urs about twelve hours into our shifts, highmand has decided it would be a brilliant idea to pump all of its pilots full adrenals, so that we maintain peak performance for our shifts!


    Then, after I have spent thest twenty hours fighting for my life, I get toe back to my bunk, only to find that twelve other people have slept in it over the past 24 hours. By the time I wake up, I am covered in the sweat, blood, and tears of a dozen other men, where I proceed to take a shower, to which I am apanied by twice as many men.


    After I finish cleaning the muck and grime off of my body, I make my way back to my bunk to prepare for my next shift, which by the way has someone else sleeping in it, only to be harassed by a reporter who wants to know something as stupid about what my thoughts are on this war. Now that you know my thoughts, how about you get those fucking cameras out of my goddamn face!"


    After saying this, Erich took a swipe at the cameras, and knocked them down onto the ground, where they were dismantled by the impact. The image of the silver haired mutantshing out at the female reporter who was just doing her job, went about as viral as one would expect it to, especially after people realized that the man in the video was the same guy who just a year ago had caused so many controversies at the naval academy.


    ---


    All over the grid, angryments about Erich''s behavior spread like wildfire, burying those concerns about the living conditions that the starfighter pilots were forced to endure. And while there were many people upset with Erich''s behavior, the most unlikely source of reason came to support him. Having just finished a performance for her girl group, Erika Krieger took to the intersterwork during her break, where she saw the video of the man whose life she had once ruined snapping at a female reporter.


    It was abundantly clear to the pink-haired beauty, that the man was suffering from extreme amounts of stress, which judging by what he had said during his brief interview was only made worse by the chemicals which the military was pumping through his body so that he could maintain his focus on the battlefield. Which she was quick to give voice to via her social media ount.


    "So many people are quick to condemn this man for his actions. However, how many of you have ever been in his shoes? As far as I am aware, the Military has never forced its pilots to work twenty-hour shifts for months on end. This is unprecedented!


    While our species has been enhanced through centuries of gic augmentation, we still require more than two hours of sleep to function properly. I can''t imagine the sheer volume of stress and fatigue that our servicemen are currently enduring, all because the Admiralty is pushing for a swift victory against an enemy which poses no threat to our borders.


    After four months of nonstopbat, I too would be on edge, especially if I were ambushed by a reporter when I am half naked and trying to begin my next shift, where I could die at any moment. Our soldiers deserve better than this. Shame on Mrs. Andersson for forcing an interview out of a man who clearly did not want to participate!"


    Erika''sments quickly washed out the fire which was raging across the intersterwork, and instead cated the masses who were quite upset over Erich''s behavior. As for Erich, he did not even notice that his actions had caused another controversy, because he was too busy flying over the skies of another world, dropping a substantial payload on the enemy.


    ---


    In four months, Erich had proven himself as one of the most talented young pilots in the Germanic Starfighter Corps, so much so that he qualified to fly several types of spacecraft. Whether that was the basic light fighter known as the Dagger, or the high-speed interceptor known as the bolt. Erich performed well in all roles he was given.


    Thus, it did note as a surprise when he was selected to step in on behalf of the other members of his unit, who had perished in battle, and were currently recuperating in a cloning facility several hundred light years away from the front lines.


    At the moment, Erich was flying a Heavy Bomber designated as the "Scimitar", which looked like a futuristic version of the B-2 "Spirit" Bomber from the United States Air Force during the 21st century of Earth''s history. Like the B-2, the Scimitar had stealth capabilities, and thus the sensors of the Dvrakian Military could not detect him as he flew through the skies of a world known as Skia''an.


    The world was a winter wastnd, of which the Dvrakian species only managed to settle its surface via the use of subterranean bunkers. And while the Star Marines were currently engaging on the surface of the snow covered world, Erich was tasked with dropping a 1,000 kg anti matter bomb on a nearby shield generator. If he managed to eliminate the shield generator, then the defenses which protected the subterraneanplexes would be all but defenseless against the onught of the Germanic Military, who despite their superior technology, were struggling in their assault.


    The bomber flew through the air at breakneck speeds while Erich looked through his windshields, gazing upon the battle which was being conducted below. In the snow, which looked almost like white sand dunes, the Germanic Star Marines rushed towards a Dvrakian fortress, as their power armor and personal energy shields tanked the electro-maic projectiles which the enemy fired upon them.


    There was approximately one five kilometers of distance between the Germanic Armored vehicles which acted as a cover for the Star Marines, and the Dvrakian fortress, which was protected by the shield generator. If not for the shield generated, which protected the Dvrakian stronghold, then the Germanic Tanks would have steamrolled through the area hours ago.


    What emerged through after hours of battle was a gulch which sat between both sides, and was filled with the corpses of both armies. While the Germanic automatic sma rifles tore through the primitive body armor of their enemies with ease, the railsguns which the Dvrakians used slowly pierced through the power armor and energy shields which the Star Marines wielded. And while the pile of corpses was heavily dominated by those of the Dvrakian Army, more than a few bodies belonged to the Star Marines.


    Sensing that the battle was turning into a stalemate, with both sides hiding behind their cover and exchanghing fire between the bloody gulch. Erich desperately scanned his surroundings with his sensors, searching for his target, which had yet to reveal itself.


    After significant effort on his part, he eventually found arge structure, concealed within the natural frozenndscape, to which he immediately ignited his engines, sending his Scimitar barreling towards its target where once hovering above it, he dropped the payload, before absconding from the scene of his crime.


    The explosion of a 1,000 kilogram anti-matter bomb was like those that were dropped upon Nagasaki, and Hiroshima, but without the radioactive fallout, and because of this, the two armies that were fighting several hundred kilometers away, had witnessed the mushroom cloud as it rose through the air, along with the apanying thunder of the weapon''s detonation.


    Almost immediately after the explosion urred, the shockwave spread throughout the tundra, creating a pseudo avnche which buried both armies beneath the snow, and while the soldiers of Germanic Star Empire dug their way out of the mess, the Dvrakians were buried alive with no way out.


    The end result of the bloody battle which took ce in the bloody gulch was an overwhelming Germanic victory, as the Star Marines secured the area and eliminated what few of their enemies survived. Giving them a substantial foothold on the frozen world to which they would begin their conquest.


    As for Erich, he was ordered almost immediately after the sessfulpletion of his mission to return to the Carrier which sat in orbit above the, where he would receive a verbal thrashing from his superior officer for the interview he had given to the female reporter.

 Chapter 26 All In

    Erich stood on board the flight deck of the Carrier which he served on. Standing in front of him was none other than Commander Erwin Wulf, who was absolutely livid with Erich for the actions he had taken during the brief interview he had with the field reporter known as Hedda Andersson.


    Like everyone else in this conflict, Erwin was being pushed beyond the natural limits of his body and mind with no way to vent his stress but through the excessive use of tobo, and by killing the enemy on the battlefield.


    As a result, he instinctively took advantage of this situation to vent the frustrations he had with his daily life on the first member of his unit to act out in the eyes of the public. The man was smoking a cigarette, as was Erich, as he took a long drag before puffing out the smoke in his subordinate''s face. An act which Erich simply tolerated, while wearing a stoic expression on his face, waiting for the eventual eruption that hismander would have. Which came soon thereafter.


    "What the fuck were you thinking, Silber? You can''t just assault a reporter like that! Especially when you are being broadcasted to the rest of the empire. For fuck''s sake, if you really have to knock some sense into the dense cunt, then do so when you aren''t being filmed, you fucking mongoloid!


    These fucking interviews are supposed to fill the people back home with hope about the current conflict which we are waging. And your retarded ass decided to go ahead and reveal that we are all a bunch of chem addled junkies who are being forced to fight all day long! I know your monkey brain didn''t stop to think about this, but that reflects poorly on the Admiralty!


    Do you have any idea about the firestorm you have started on the grid because of your actions? Half of the people are pissed at you forshing out against that fucking bitch, and the other half are now questioning the government for what they are doing to us! It doesn''t help that the Supreme leader is off on an extended visit to the Alfheim Dominion, along with the rest of the senior leadership of the party!


    The Admiral in charge of the Fleet wants me to revoke the Iron Cross that I am supposed to give you for your feats at Therakles, but I told him he can suck a bag of dicks, because you more than earned it! One hundred enemy fighters shot down in a single battle, that''s some damn good fucking flying kid, so take this stupid piece of metal and wear it with pride, because at this rate you have made the Admiral''s shit list, and you likely won''t be seeing another award for the rest of your career!"


    Erich was astonished that the Commander could both chew his ass out, and tongue it at the same time. He took the medal which was given to him and observed it closely. It was nearly identical to the Iron Cross First ss, which was issued to German soldiers during the Second World War of Earth''s history. Although the swastika in the center had been reced with the ck Sun, which was the symbol emzoned on the Germanic Star-Empire''s g.


    After looking at the medal for some time, Erich smiled and stashed it away forter use during a time when we he was required to wear his dress uniform. After which, themander looked at him as if he were an imbecile before screaming at him once more.


    "Well, what the fuck are you waiting for? We have a war to win!"


    With this said, Erich raised his arm and saluted hismander, before repeating the battle cry that so many other Germanic soldiers shouted.


    "Hail Victory!"


    After saying this, he dashed off towards his Scimitar Bomber and climbed into its cockpit before flying down towards the frozen known as Skia''an, where he then continued his bombing campaign against the Dvrakian Army who struggled to maintain their hold over the world.


    ---


    After his twenty-two hour shift was over, Erich returned to his bunk with a cigarette in his mouth. He had stripped entirely out of his flight suit and into hispression shorts before even stepping into his quarters.


    He was just about to climb into the grimy bed which he shared with twelve other men via a rotation of sleeping shifts, when he saw a light was on in a small corner of the room. Curious about what was going on, Erich walked over to the light and found that several of his fellow pilots were engaging in an illegal gambling match, where they were betting their share of contraband, smuggled off of the Dvrakian worlds and into the fleet.


    As a pilot in the Starfighter Corps, Erich was obligated to report any misconduct he might have towards his superiors, but after four months of nonstopbat he could not care any less about regtions, and thus, he pulled out a chair and sat down at the table, to which one of his fellow ck sun pilots smiled and weed him to their little game.


    "Silber! I never thought I would see you of all people join us. If you''ve got contraband, then you are more than wee to y your hand. Don''t tell me you came to us empty-handed?"


    Erich was more confused about why his fellow pilots were not getting the little sleep they were permitted to have and were instead wasting their time with gambling. Which he was quick to ask about.


    "Why aren''t you guys sleeping? I mean, even pumped full of stims, I can barely get through the day without taking out my service pistol and blowing a hole in my head..."


    The four men chuckled, before one of them handed Erich a small bottle of blood red liquid, to which he responded to Erich with a yful tone in his voice.


    "Go ahead, drink it. I promise you that it is not what you think it is.''


    Erich took one gulp of the liquid and felt like his mouth was on fire. He quickly handed the bottle back while coughing up a lung. To which his fellow pilots all began tough before the man who gave him the beverage in the first ce responded.


    "That''s Dvrakian Fire Whiskey, has a bit of a kick, doesn''t it? You see, from what my friends in the Star Marines tell me, the Dvrakians have two livers, meaning it takes a hell of a lot more alcohol to get those bastards drunk than it does us, even without the physical enhancements we have. I have no idea what the hell this shit is made out of, but one shot will put you under the table. I''m surprised you''re still sitting upright!"


    Erich could barely register what the man had said, because he felt like he had just been hit in the head with a sledgehammer. His fatigued body wanted nothing more than to pass out, but the adrenaline which flowed in his veins as a result of twenty-two hours ofbat, and stimnts, prevented him from doing so.


    Thus, after nearly five minutes had passed, he finally regained his senses, and yet, he felt like all the fatigue which he had umted over the past four months was instantly washed away from his body, as if he had been born anew. He looked at the fellow pilot with a new sense of rity before asking the immediate question on his mind.


    "Vector? Just how the hell do I get my hands on a bottle of that shit?"


    To which the man whose callsign was "Vector" smiled before pulling out the bottle which Erich had just drank from, and ced it on the table for all the men to see.


    "Beat me in a game of cards, and the bottle is yours. How about it, Silber? Did you manage to get your hands on some loot that is worth my bottle of fire whiskey?"


    Possession of contraband of any kind was strictly prohibited, and punished quite severely if discovered. However, Erich just couldn''t help himself, and had indeed found some valuable contraband on the Dvrakian Network which could easilynd him with ten to twenty years in a penal battalion. Seeing that all the men here were betting illicit items, Erich felt morefortable revealing his precious secret and thus walked over to his bunk and pulled out a small drive no bigger than the tip of his thumb, where he ced it on the table before speaking the words that nobody expected.


    "Two hundred and fifty yottabytes of Dvrakian Porn ripped straight from their intersterwork. If you manage to win, it is all yours, and if I might make a rmendation, I suggest that you use it during your bathroom breaks to release some of your pent up stress."


    The four men looked at Erich with a mixture of excitement, horror, and intrigue, they did not know how to react to such information, and remained utterly silent, debating whether or not they should bet for such a rare, and priceless artifact, one which could easily ruin their lives if it was discovered in their possession.


    It was not until Vector finally spoke did the tension in the air finally cease, and when he did, he said something that nobody at the table was expecting to hear.


    ''Damn, Silber, I didn''t know you were a slicer! Shit, if you can get your hands on something this valuable, those idiots in the party should have put you to work in intelligence, instead of wasting your talents on being a fucking pilot!"


    What the man said was true. Erich was what was known as a "slicer", or in the ng from 21st century Earth, he would be referred to as a "hacker". He was capable of bypassing the great firewall of the Germanic Star-Empire and slicing into theworks of other civilizations. Depending on how he used this talent would either make him a valuable asset of the Empire, or a nasty thorn in its side.


    Most citizens of the Germanic Star Empire stayed within the legal confines of the grid, due to the strict penalties that came with slicing. But not Erich. No, he had always skirted on the edge of thew. Not an outright criminal, but also not a perfectlyw-abiding citizen either. To Erich, slicing was a great way to get a better understanding of the Gxy, considering the strict limits that the Empire put on its ownwork.


    When the other pilots heard that Erich was a slicer, and was capable of hacking into the intersterworks of other civilizations, they immediately became more interested in him. Thus, it came as no surprise when Vector suddenly pulled out his entire stock of the Dvrakian Fire Whiskey, and bet it all on a chance to obtain the sweet taboo of alien pornography.


    "All in!"


    Following his example, the other gamblers bet everything they had for a chance to see a bunch of Dvrakian girls in the nude, even if it was only on film. Where Erich emerged as the eventual winner of the pot. Having now gotten his hands on a literal treasure trove of contraband, Erich now felt like he would be better able to endure the stressful environment of nonstopbat.

 Chapter 27 The Ghimderi Trade Union’s Representative Arrives

    While the Germanic Star-Empire was engaging in its war against the Dvrakian Consortium, the Alfheim Dominion had sortied its fleets, and had even called upon many of its vassals toe to their aid at their border with the Svartalfheim Federation.


    Celestia Asterion was the youngest daughter of the Light Elven Empress, yet she was chosen to be the crown princess of the Alfheim Dominion. Though she had yet to even reach one thousand years of age, she was renowned across the western quadrant of the gxy as a skilled admiral. Thus, she had been dispatched by her mother to the border which her dynasty shared with their darker skinned cousins.


    Standing on the bridge of a mega carrier, which was over ten kilometers in length, was the beautiful Elven princess. Her long hair was as white as snow, while her eyes were as golden as the earth''s sun. Her skin was a wless jade white, and her facial features were the absolute limit of perfection.


    The rtively young Elven woman was dressed in a white, ck and gold admiral''s uniform, which had gilded epaulettes, and many prestigious medals adorned above the left breast. Her skirt was rtively short, while her pristine legs were concealed with dark pantyhose and thigh-high boots.


    While Celestia sat upon themand chair of her capital ship, she seemed rather bored, as if the tense situation at the border was not the slightest bit entertaining to her. Thus, she could not help but exim these feelings aloud, even if the rest of the officers on the bridge did not want to hear herints.


    "I can''t believe I''m stuck here at the border, instead of fighting the Naraku Hive Fleet, which is terrorizing our quadrant of space. Damned dark elves, who do they think they are, making trouble for us when we are in such a dire situation, and what the hell is mother thinking allowing a mere regional power to fight against Terminus? I honestly can''t tell what goes through that ancient brain of hers!"


    Sitting in the seat near the Captain''s chair, was a Rylonian Officer, who had joined the Alfheim Navy after the destruction of his civilization. Only a few million members of his species had survived the hive fleet''s attack on their civilization, and he had enlisted in the Alfheim Navy in the hopes of bringing the fight to the Naraku, but instead he was sitting at the border, while monitoring the activities of his suzerain''s gctic rivals. Thus, he could empathize with the Princess'' viewpoint, while everyone else on the bridge ignored herints. Which he immediately gave voice to.


    "Your highness, though I agree with your assessment of the situation at hand, the Empress''s orders are absolute. But like you say, I will never understand her majesty''s obsession with those filthy barbarians¡­."


    Celestia gazed upon the Rylonian bridge officer, who she just now realized held the rank of Midshipman, and closely examined him. The Rylonians were an attractive humanoid species, with facial features simr to that of the vic race from Earth''s history. However, they had an appearance considerably closer to that of albinos with pale white skin, matching hair, and glowing white eyes. Their ears were pointed, but not to the extent of elves, and they had bioluminescent markings across their flesh were almost akin to tattoos.


    Celestia could only sigh inment, knowing that such an attractive race was damned near extinction, but the man''sst words had caught her interest. Specifically, the remarks about the Germanic race being filthy barbarians. In truth, Celestia knew very little about the Germanic Star-Empire other than the fact that they were a recent upstart in gctic civilization which her mother heavily favored. Until now, she had never heard the Rylonian perspective of the Germanic race, and was quick to ask the man about why he had called them such an insulting term.


    "I''m curious Midshipman, you called the Germans filthy barbarians¡­ That is quite the insult, and I want to know why you would refer to them by such a harsh term."


    The Rylonian Officer had a look of contempt on his face, as he began to exin his disdain for the Germanic race, who had stolen the favor of the Empress which they once had before Lunaria had discovered the fledgling empire a mere three and a half centuries ago.


    "Is it not self-evident? The Germanic Star-Empiremonly refers to themselves as a warrior race, yet they have no honor, nor the slightest shred of civility. When they wage war, theypletely disregard the lives of innocents, and will exterminate entire worlds if the conquered subjects show the slightest bit of resistance after upation.


    Every species which the Germanic Star-Empire has conquered is eventually exterminated, because they believe all other species are inferior to their own. They have no regard for life outside of their own kind, and they show this in the way they conduct warfare. They are not warriors; they are a bunch of barbarians and butchers!


    I would even argue that the Germanic Star-Empire is an evenrger menace to gctic society than the Naraku, because the Naraku are mindless bugs, they act based upon pure biological instinct, while the Germans have proven themselves to be exceptionally intelligent, but absurdly unreasonable! The fact that the current Empress favors them so much is truly a concern for the wellbeing of all interster civilizations!"


    Upon hearing this perspective, Celestia immediately began to rethink her disposition towards the Germanic Star-Empire, that is, until a member of her own race who was another officer on the bridge scoffed, before voicing his own opinion towards the Germans.


    "They''re not that bad. I mean, sure, the Germans are highly xenophobic towards other species, but that is pretty much the norm within the gxy. If I''m being perfectly honest, most of the propaganda which you seee out of the Germanic Star-Empire is simr to what the Alfheim Dominion uses to rally its people.


    Luxilles here is just upset that his civilization had been so thoroughly upstaged by the Germanic Star-Empire shortly before the Rylonian Imperium copsed. If I''m remembering correctly, it was your sense of honor in warfare that led to thest fifty defeats you guys suffered at the hands of the Svartalfheim Federation''s proxies.


    Say what you want about the Germanic Star-Empire, but to this day they have never been defeated in a war, and most of the time they have fought against civilizations superior to their own. That is why her majesty favors them so much. I mean hell, until roughly a hundred years ago, the weapons which the Germanic Star-Empire used were primarily mass drivers, and other kic based weapons.


    The fact that the Germanic Star-Empire was able to use such primitive devices to obtain victory against armies armed with far more advanced technology is proof that they are an incredibly valuable vassal, despite only existing as an interster civilization for less than half a millennium.


    Plus, I''m not going to lie. I find them to be far more attractive than you glowing freaks. You have to admit; they look quite simr to the average Light Elf, albeit substantiallyrger. It''s almost as if one of the Empress biologically engineered their species from our own genes to be perfectly suitable forbat. I mean, the Asterion Dynasty is renowned for their white hair and golden eyes, but the mostmon phenotype which our species has is golden blonde hair, and blue eyes, just like the Germans."


    The Rylonian Officer whose name was Luxillies did not make ament in response to the Light Elven officer''s remarks. He simply scowled and remained silent. As for Celestia, she did not know whose perspective she should take to heart, and thus decided after this mission was over, that she would do a bit more research on the history of the Germanic Star-Empire who appeared to have a bright future ahead of them, assuming they somehow managed to survive the onught of the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus.


    While Celestia was thinking about this subject, the sensors on board her mega carrier detected movement into the star system, which acted as the primary ess point at the border between the western and eastern quadrants. To which she was quick to give an order to her fleet.


    "Raise the shields and prepare forbat. It looks like those dark-skinned mongrels have decided to invade our borders after all!"


    The officers onboard the bridge quickly did asmanded, as the Alfheim Fleet began to scramble its fighters into space in preparation for the uing battle. However, just when they were about to open fire on those who would intrude upon their borders, something interesting happened. A hailing frequency reached out to Celestia''s ship, to which she begrudgingly epted.


    On the holographic projection was a figure of a very small humanoid. By human standards, it would be considered a dwarf. The creature had long and pointy ears which drooped to the side and a hooked nose. He was incredibly fat for his size, and was dressed in rather luxurious attire. His dark beady eyes gazed upon Celestia''s heavenly figure with a bit of lust within them, as his sharp teeth curved into a toothy smile before introducing himself to the Light Elven Princess.


    "Greetings your highness, I am Trade Prince Bixle Goldentooth of the Ghimderi Trade Union. I have been requested by representatives of both the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim Federation to mediate in the dispute between your two civilizations. If it is alright with you, I would like to get the Svartalfheim Federation''s Admiral on the line to negotiate an end to the hostilities which are clearly escting between the both of you."


    Celestia scowled when she saw the hideous goblinoid creature. She despised the Ghimderi race almost as much as the Dark Elves. They were a bunch of greedy merchants and bankers who had gained their fortune by infiltrating and swindling every interster civilization they came across. In fact, for a long time, the Ghimderi did not even have their own homeworld, until they used their wealth to bribe one of the sub-gctic powers to conquer an upied world for them, which they then proceeded to spend the next few centuries ethically cleansing the locals.


    It had been millions of years since then, and currently, the Ghimderi Trade Union effectively controlled the gctic economy. And while many civilizations considered it a mark of pride to host their banks and corporations within their borders, some, like the Germanic Star-Empire, refused to do so.


    Most of these civilizations were wiped out via the influence the Ghimderi Trade Union had over the gxy and its many yers. However, despite their best attempts to force the Germanic race into capittion, the protection which Empress Lunaria Asterion of the Alfheim Dominion afforded her favorite war hounds, prevented the various Trade Princes from infiltrating, and subverting Germanic society, like they had done to so many others.s


    Perhaps her mothers constantins about the Ghimderi Trade Union had affected her views, but Celestia hated the Ghimderi race with a passion. Unfortunately Lunaria had been forced to reach out these pathetic little runts in order to avoid an all out war with the Svartalfheim dominion, and thus Celestia could only sigh, and ept the bastard''s request. Almost immediately after silently nodding her head, a dark elf''s holographic projection appeared on themand bridge of Celestia''s carrier alongside the Ghimerdi Trade prince, who had a smug expression on his face as he spoke to Celestia as if she were a mere child.


    "Did that old hag seriously send a little girl to protect her borders? My oh my, she must be going senile if she thinks it is a good idea to send you of all people to this battlefield¡­"


    Just when Celestia was about to respond to this insult, Bixle shook his head and clicked his tongue in displeasure before shutting down the Dark Elf Admiral.


    ''Tsk¡­Tsk¡­Tsk¡­ Chronarius, that is entirely inappropriate for a discussion about decreasing hostilities. I will give you one warning before I contact my merchant fleet and discuss with them whether or not sanctions against the Svartalfheim Federation are in order¡­"


    The idea of receiving economic sanctions from a Trade Prince of the Ghimderi Trade Union was enough to instantly silence the Admiral of the Federation''s fleet, and force him to apologize for his words.


    "I am sorry, Mr. Goldentooth. My words were an insult to you as our mediator, and I promise to keep such remarks to myself during the future of these discussions."


    Bixle''s mouth curved into a disgusting smile, as he nodded his head in approval of Chronarius'' submission, before shifting his focus back to Celestia, who was watching the exchange between the two men with a disturbed expression on her otherwise wless face. Though the Trade Prince did notment on this, and instead spoke with an excited look in his beady eyes.


    "Now, where to begin¡­"

 Chapter 28 The Ghimderi

    Trade Prince Bixle Goldentooth had a toothy grin on his face as he mediated the discussion between the Admirals of the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim Federation. Though neither side had overtly attacked yet, the two factions were currently engaging with one another in open conflict via their proxies at the borders.


    Since the Alfheim Dominion was not able to call upon the Germanic Star-Empire to ravage the enemies fleets, due to the threat which they were currently facing from the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus. Nor could she call upon the Rylonian Imperium, who were destroyed by Terminus. Lunaria had been using several of her other vassals to wage war against her rival''s proxies.


    However, these vassals were not societies born and bred for the purpose of war, unlike the Germanic Star-Empire, and thus, they were far more evenly matched with their opponents. While the border wars continued to wage on, the Ghimderi Trade Prince Bixel Goldentooth had been chosen to mediate the dispute. Who began to speak of the terms he felt were most agreeable between the two factions.


    "I think we all know what must be done here, so long as the two of you swear on behalf of your respective civilizations not to start a war. Then I believe the contested regions, which you are both fighting for control over, can be settled via your proxies, who are already engaging inbat with each other as we speak.


    Though I must say, I fear the Alfheim Dominion is at a disadvantage since the tragedy with the Rylonian Imperium has urred. Perhaps if you could order those violent curs of yours to enter the fray, then you might be able to even the odds, but I hear they are currently entrenched in a war with a minor power. And it will be several months before they are able to enter this conflict."


    The Dark Elf Admiral smirked with satisfaction as he heard that the Germanic Star-Empire would not be able to interfere in this dispute, after all, their proxies had lost thest one hundred wars with those vicious beasts, and it would appear that the Ghimderi Trade Prince had the same opinion as the Dark Elves when it came to the Germanic people. Thus, he took advantage of the situation to gain some favor from Bixle, who had vast control over the Gxy''s economy.


    "I might be able to broker an end to these hostilities all together, after all, if certain conditions are met by the Ghimderi Trade Union, then I am sure the President will be more than happy to give up on reiming our lost territory, I have an offer that Mr. Goldentooth might find appealing¡­.


    If the Alfheim Dominion agrees to force those savages, you refer to as Germans to ept the Ghimderi Banking ns into their Empire, and the Ghimderi Trade Union agrees to pay us a broker''s fee for arranging this agreement, then I see no reason to continue squabbling over a few border systems for the next one hundred years."


    While this deal might seem to be beneficial to the Alfheim Dominion on the surface, the reality was that if Celestia epted this offer, it would have long reaching consequences. She knew that neither the Germanic Star-Empire nor her mother would ever ept this offer. After all, her mother had a policy of not interfering with her vassal''s sovereignty unless they did not meet their dues.


    If Lunaria forced the Germanic Star-Empire to ept the Ghimderi Banking ns into their Empire, then she would not only be losing the loyalty of her most favored war hound, but she would also be inviting rebellion from a hundred other interster civilizations, all of which maintained their sovereignty when it came to internal matters. Such a deal would tear the western quadrant apart, and the Dark Elf Admiral knew this, hence why he had posed such a tantalizing deal to the avaricious Trade Prince.


    Yet, despite the consequences this would have on gctic stability, the Trade Prince did not even seem to care in the slightest. He was practically salivating at the idea of forcing his way into the Germanic Star Empire, whose self-sufficient economy was a threat to the Trade Union''s wealth and power.


    If the rest of the Interster States across the Milky Way began to pursue a position of economic autarky, the Ghimderi Trade Union would lose everything. This is why they had spent so much effort trying to force their way into the Germanic markets, and had wasted a considerable sum turning the rest of the Gxy against the Germanic race with gctic wide propaganda.


    Yet despite all their efforts, even going so far as to influence other civilizations to wage war against the Empire, the Germanic race stood untied and defiant against the Ghimderi Trade Union, growing ever stronger as the years went by. Thus Bixle immediately rubbed his hands in an avaricious gesture as he sided with the Svartalfheim Dominion, and in doing so vited his position as a mediator.


    "I must say, this is indeed an excellent proposal. I see no other alternative which can avoid an all out war and ensure peace across the Gxy. Would you not agree, your highness?"


    Celestia was practically scowling at the two faced hook-nosed twat from the Ghimderi Trade Union. Of course, he would immediately disregard his role as mediator when the first bribe came his way. As a result, Celestia immediately put her foot down in these negotiations and called out Bixle for his bullshit.


    "It''s funny, my mother once told me of a quote, which originates from the first Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire when he first encountered your race. It believed it was something along the lines of:


    The Ghimderi is immunized against all dangers: One may call him a scoundrel, parasite, swindler, profiteer. It all runs off him like water off a raincoat. But call him a Ghimderi and you will be astonished at how he recoils, how injured he is, how he suddenly shrinks back. I have been found out¡­"


    The origin of this quote was a direct copy of Joseph Goebbels'' remarks regarding the Jewish people of Earth. To which the first Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire simply substituted the word Jew with Ghimderi. If one thought about every negative stereotype associated with the Jewish people, whether or not they were true, and applied it to the Ghimderi race, then it would indeed be a realistic depiction of the alien species.


    Naturally, Bixle had heard this quote before, and was quite perturbed that the Alfheim Princess would dare to utter it aloud in front of him. His beady eyes narrowed as his sharp teeth twisted into a hideous snarl. He knew exactly what the rtively young woman was using him of, and was insulted not because it was a false allegation, but because it waspletely true.


    The Dark Elf Admiral was horrified that the young Light Elf princess had the guts to call Bixle out on his schemes. He was beginning to think that the girl was either incredibly brave or an absolute moron. After all, the Ghimderi trade union had enough power to copse the economy of the Alfheim Dominion. By insulting one of their Trade Princes, with a particrly disparaging remark about their entire species, it was inviting an economic disaster.


    Yet, Celestia did not appear the slightest bit concerned about such a thing, and simply stared down the tiny and fat goblin before speaking aloud in an authoritative tone.


    "The Alfheim Dominion has the military power to destroy your so called "homeworld", and don''t you forget it! Now, I suggest you rethink your priorities, because from what I see, you, our supposed mediator, is seriously considering a bribe, and if that gets out to the rest of the gxy, I wonder how many civilizations will continue to employ your species as mediators in their conflicts."


    Despite having every urge to employ economic sanctions against the Alfheim Dominion, Bixle did not dare do so. They had spent a considerable amount of time and effort manipting the gxy''s perspective of their species, and if word of this little incident were to get out, then it would be disastrous for the entirety of the Ghimderi Trade Union.


    Thus, with a deep breath to calm his nerves, Bixle forced a toothy smile, as he nodded his head in agreement with Celestia''s assessment, before going back to the initial n of de-esction.


    "Very well, you have made your point¡­ I believe I have no choice but to decline your offer, Admiral. Instead, I will stick to my initial proposal of continuing this conflict via proxies. Are there any objections to this from either side?"


    Celestia silently shook her head, showing that she had no objections. While the Dark Elf Admiral was visibly scowling over the fact that his bribe had been denied, and was forced to revert this conflict back to a proxy war. While gritting his teeth, he agreed to the original deal, and begrudgingly so.


    "Fine¡­ I have no qualms about this resolution. Whoever wins this proxy war gets control of the contested star systems!"


    After saying this, the Dark Elf Admiral hung up, leaving the Ghimderi Trade Prince and Light Elf princess alone, to which Bixle chuckled sinisterly as he made a foreboding remark.


    "You better watch your back princess, the remarks that you just made have made you an enemy of the Ghimderi, and you know as well as I what happens to those who oppose us¡­."


    After saying this, Bixle hung up as well, leaving Celestia by herself as she sighed heavily. Realizing that although she had avoided plunging the western quadrant into chaos, she had just painted a target on her back by a race that was known for covertly assassinating those who posed a threat to their narrative.


    With this in mind, the Crown Princess of the Alfheim Dominion suddenly found herself having more respect for the Germanic Star-Empire, who so boldly told the truth about the Ghimderi, despite the danger it presented to their entire civilization.

 Chapter 29 Overdose

    The Germanic Star-Empire was entirely unaware of how close they were to being forced by their Suzerains to allow the banking ns of the Ghimderi Trade Union into their territory. If this were to have happened, it would have shattered the bonds between the Alfheim Dominion and their favorite hounds. It would have only be a matter of time before the Germanic nation rose up in arms against their masters.


    Nor were they aware of the risk that the Alfheim Dominion''s crown princess had taken to ensure their sovereignty over internal matters. But just because the Germans did not know of these things, it did not mean that the Alfheim Empress was so ignorant.


    In fact, just after the conference call ended between Celestia, Bixle, and Chronarius, the young Admiral contacted her esteemed mother to report on the situation at hand. When Lunaria heard that her daughter had been threatened by one of those slimly little scoundrels, she had every intention of sending her fleets to decimate the Ghimderi home world.


    However, in the end, she decided to up the increase the security around her youngest daughter, and send a stern warning to all the Ghimderi Trade Princes that if Celestia were to wind up dead, or missing, she would hold their people responsible and wipe them from the face of the gxy.


    As for Erich, even if he was aware of the dispute between the Asterion Dynasty and the Goldentooth Cartel, which had emerged as a result of the border wars, he could not have cared any less. Instead, he was busy flying over yet another Dvrakian World, fighting what was left of the enemy''s starfighter corps.


    While the capital ships of the Dvrakian Navy had been decimated over the skies of Therakles, the Consortium still maintained the ability to manufacture warships. But, rather than waste their precious resources onrger ships like destroyers and battleships, they adopted a policy of mass producing fighters and bombers to protect what few worlds they still held on to.


    At first, these new waves of small spacecraft were piloted by Dvrakians, but as the numbers of their avable pilots rapidly dwindled, the Dvrakian Consortium was forced to operate what remained of their fleet with robotic pilots powered by primitive artificial intelligences.


    These robots were not as capable as actual trained pilots, and thus they were even more easily shot out of the sky, but they were easy to manufacture, and could be mass produced in quantities that far outpaced the Consortium''s ability to train new pilots.


    Thus, while robots fought in the orbit of the remaining Dvrakian Worlds, the rest of their military focused primarily on defending thes from the Germanic Ground Forces. At the moment, Erich was sitting in his cockpit. By now, all the paint had been scratched off his interceptor. The machine was only operable due to the cannibalization of other starfighters which were damaged beyond repair during the war.


    The war had been waging on for nearly eight months at this point, and most of the Dvrakian Consortium had fallen. As the vanguard of the invasion, the 1st Armada was left without resupply for months on end, forcing the crews onboard the vessels to be quite creative in how they maintained their ships.


    In the entirety of the Germanic Star-Empire''s military history, they had never once advanced their troops beyond the reach of their supply lines, having learned from the mistakes of their ancestors on Earth centuries prior. However, with the Naraku Hive Fleet so near to their borders, and getting ever closer with each passing day, the Admiralty was convinced that sacrifices needed to be made to ensure that their ns to use the Dvrakians as a buffer were actually aplished in time, thus deciding to push past them this once, for victory was in sight.


    Of course, the rank and file of the Empire''s forces did not know about this great threat which was lurking beyond their borders, and thus, the veterans of the Dvrakian War had be quite disgruntled due to the way they were treated in the conflict.


    Erich could not remember thest time he had gotten more than two hours of sleep. By now, even the Dvrakian Fire Whiskey had lost its refreshing effect, and he was bing quite drowsy as he piloted his interceptor through the orbit of what appeared to be an oceanic world.


    Realizing that his eyelids were closing on their own, Erich reached towards his left thigh with his offhand, and grabbed hold of what resembled an EpiPen from 21st Century Earth. However, the container was entirely transparent, revealing the neon green liquid that was contained within it.


    Normally Erich would carry four of these things on the left thigh of his flight suit to get him through his twenty-two hour shift, but after only twelve hours ofbat, he had already been through three of them. His vision began to fade as he mumbled something that was barely coherent.


    "Fug¡­ssst onne¡­"


    After saying this Erich pressed the top button of the device which revealed a hypodermic needle, which he then jammed through his left thigh, into the femoral artery, which rapidly carried the stimnt through the rest of his body, forcing his eyes open to their maximum width.


    Erich felt as if his brain had cleared right up in a single second, and shortly thereafter an eager smile had reced the drooling gape that as his mouth. He felt as if he were a living god, that no harm could possiblye to him, and as a result he eagerly hit the throttle of his interceptor to the maximum speed, sending him zooming through orbit and towards his allies who were requesting backup.


    Either he did not see it, or he did not care, but the hole that was punctured into his pressurized flight suit immediately sealed itself, preventing any and all oxygen from escaping. The interceptor shot through space at a rapid speed, before Erich began to pull back his throttle as he quickly approached his target.


    No more than 5,000 kilometers out, there was another interceptor that looked almost exactly like his own, which was taking fire from three hostiles. As a result, Erich flipped the switch on his joystick, activating his missiles as he locked onto all three targets at once.


    Normally, a pilot would only be able to lock onto one target at a time but, because of Erich''s cyberkinesis, he was able to push the targeting array beyond its limits, and thus, when he pressed the button, three missiles wereunched at the target which, despite the enemy''s best attempts tounch their countermeasures, the missiles continued towards their targets until detonating on their hulls. Erich screamed through hisms in excitement as he saved his ally''s ass, while also eliminating three hostiles in one go.


    "Whoo! Take that, you worthless hunks of scrap metal!"


    An annoyed voice called out to Erich from the other end of the line, which he recognized as his Wing Commander.


    "Dammit Silber, those were mine!"


    Erich simply chuckled before responding to the wingmander''sint with a voice that was unnaturally speedy.


    "Sorry, Commander, but you snooze you lose! Besides, I just saved your ass! You owe me!"


    Judging by how quickly Erich spat out those words, it did not take the Wing Commander long to realize that Erich had just popped another one of his stims, and thus decided not to argue with the man while he was as high as one could be. Instead, his voice shifted to one of concern as he asked the question which he was not sure that he wanted an answer to.


    "Silber, how many of those stims do you have left?"


    Erich did not even need to think about the number of stims he had taken before responding to the Commander with a carefree voice.


    "That was myst one. I suppose I should go back and get more, huh?"


    Contrary to what Erich was expecting, the voice of themander immediately turned to one filled with anger as he yelled at Erich over thems with all the fury he could muster.


    "You fucking idiot! You took all four of your stims in twelve hours? Get your ass back to the carrier and check in with medical before you overdose! If we end up losing another interceptor because of an overdose, the Admiral will have my ass!"


    Erich did not even think about the possibility of an overdose when he had taken all four of his stims becuase his brain had been too exhausted to even calcte the risk. However, now that his mind was fully clear, he realized how badly he had fucked up. Thus, his heart immediately began to palpitate as an overwhelming sense of anxiety filled his mind. He only managed to get out one word before darting back towards the carrier at top speed.


    "Roger!"


    With this, Erich flew back to the carrier as fast as he could. However, as he was approaching the hangar, he found that his mouth had begun to foam and his muscles had begun to seize. If he did not manage to slow down soon, he would crash right into the hangar and not only blow himself up, but also take quite a few other pilots, and their starfighters, with him.


    Unfortunately, he could not manage to control the joystick, nor could he speak properly into hisms to request an immediatending, thus all he could do was muster all the strength left in his body and force a crashnding onto the deck.


    As Erich had approached thending bay without proper authorization, the point defenses of the capital ship began to fire at him, which battered his shields until there was nothing left. However, he just barely managed to slip past the ship''s defenses before his starfighter could be blown apart, and in doing so crashed into thending bay.


    The interceptor skid through the deck, grinding itself apart as it slowly made its way to the other end. Just before the fighter was about to crunch into a pancake against a massive wall, it came to a full stop, where the carrier''s quick reaction force rapidly approached the heavily damaged starfighter with their sma rifles in hand.


    Once they managed to force open the shattered cockpit, they found an unconscious pilot who needed immediate medical attention. As for the damage that Erich had caused to the actual carrier, it was minimal, and could easily be repaired once they finally managed to dock back in Imperial Space.


    ---


    Erich awoke on a bed some timeter while dressed in nothing but a patient''s gown. He did not know how he had gotten into this strange chamber, which he knew to be what was referred to by the Empire as a med bay, but he could guess one of two things had urred.


    Either he died, and was now cloned on some facility within the Empire''s borders. Or he had been sessfully transported to the medical facility on board the carrier, and stuffed into a med bay while unconscious, which automatically repaired all the damage that his body had received.


    One thing was certain: all the fatigue, pain, and stress he had endured over these past eight months had suddenly vanished. It was because of this that he truly believed he had died and been cloned. However, this was not the case, as the medbay quickly opened itself, to reveal that he was indeed sitting in the medical clinic on board the carrier. Standing over Erich was the ship''s doctor, who shook his head and sighed before informing his patient of just what had happened.


    "Honestly, kid, you''re lucky to be alive. It probably would have been more efficient to just euthanize you, and have you cloned. But, the Admiral insisted that all pilots who could be saved must be saved. After all, we''re already short staffed as is.


    Do you have any idea what kind of damage you have done to your body? Four stimnts in merely twelve hours? What? Were you trying to get yourself killed? Well? Come on! Don''t just gawk at me like an idiot, answer me!"


    Erich had never before in his life been injured enough to use a medbay, and he was still getting over the idea that no matter how mangled his body was, no matter how much damage had been dealt to his internal organs by the overdose, he had emerged perfectly fine, in fact, he was better than before. After taking a few moments to formte a proper response, he finally spoke to the doctor.


    "I¡­ didn''t mean to. I was just so tired that I couldn''t perform my duties¡­ I didn''t even think about a possible overdose, and instinctively jammed that needle into my thigh. How much damage to the ship did I cause?"


    To this, the Doctor scoffed, before informing Erich that he hadn''t caused much damage at all.


    "You really think that puny fighter of yours is capable of damaging one of these carriers in any significant capacity? The only damage you dealt was to yourself and your interceptor. Fixing you was an easy task, but fixing that damned ship of yours, with the limited supplies we currently have? That is going to be a challenge! Luckily, I became a doctor and not a mechanic. Because I have no idea how they are going to repair that scrapheap.


    Now, judging by the fact that you are capable of carrying a conversation, I would say you are no longer my problem. Report to your Wing Commander so he can give you a proper scolding."


    After saying this, the Doctor tossed Erich a new flight suit before walking out of the room. He had other patients that he needed to tend to, and now that Erich was out of the med bay, it could be used by someone else. Erich, however, felt a particr sense of dread in his chest, as he just knew it was a matter of certainty that he was going to get chewed out for what he had just done.

 Chapter 30 Rest And Respite

    Erich could not remember thest time he had been scolded so severely. After the battle was won, he was forced to meet up with his Wing Commander, who did not hesitate to rip him a new one over the damage he had caused.


    Without a doubt, the interceptor which Erich had flown up until this point waspletely mangled beyond repair. As a result, he would be tasked with flying a bomber for the rest of the war. Or until a resupply could happen.


    However, that was unlikely to ur, at least not for the First Armada, who in order to push the pace of the conflict, had advanced so far beyond supply lines that they would literally need to flee from their current position by several dozen light years before being able to rece that which they had lost.


    Despite the urgent need for pilots in the First Armada, the doctor on board the carrier had decided to put his foot down, and somehow managed to convince the Admiral to allow the men who operated the starfighters to get some proper rest. After all, Erich was not the first pilot among the ranks of the Imperial Navy who had been pushed to the point of overdosing on stimnts.


    Thus, for the time being, Erich was grounded, and was required to get at least two weeks of rest before he was allowed anywhere near a cockpit. This was perhaps the slowest time had moved since the man had first entered military service, as a life revolving around nonstop action seemed to have permitted time to pass by quite rapidly.


    Now that he was stuck on the carrier for 24 hours a day, Erich did not know how to spend his time, and had even begun to feel a sort of mental withdrawal towards theck of action. Luckily, he had ess to the grid, and thus, for the first time in eight months, he was able to see what was going on within the borders of the Empire.


    The first thing that popped up on his disy screen was the advertisement for Erika Krieger''s new drama, which she would be starring in. Looking upon the face of the woman who had caused him so much grief filled Erich with disgust as he scoffed before voicing his disbelief aloud.


    "For fuck''s sake, she''s acting now? Just kill me now!"


    The pop up immediately shifted to a movie trailer, which, try as he might, Erich found himself unable to skip out of. Whether or not the girl actually had any talent as an actress, Erich did not know the answer, but one thing was certain, the Germanic Entertainment Industry was heavily pushing her on all of its citizens.


    Finally, after enduring through nearly three minutes'' worth of content he would rather not see, Erich was finally able to move on to the news. Where he found that the war had taken up much of the broadcast. Luckily, the previous controversies he had been instrumental in creating had died down, as the Empire seemed to forget that the silver haired mutant had even existed, and instead focused on cheering for their servicemen who fought against a horde of demons.


    Interestingly enough, one of the videos which was being disyed on the news was from the Battle of the Bloody Gulch, which had urred months ago. At first Erich thought he might be seeing things, but there was no mistake. The antimatter bomb which exploded on camera was the one he had dropped on the Dvrakian shield generators.


    The craziest thing of all, was that this footage as being disyed with the banner "Live from the Frontlines," which only caused Erich to believe that the Empire was purposely throttling the coverage of the war, perhaps because of how much of a meat grinder it had be.


    The Dvrakian Military, while technologically inferior to the Germanic Armed Forces, had one thing on their side that the Empire did not. And that was the time. Because the Germanic Star Empire was forced to advance so far beyond their supply lines, they had be severely limited in the number of troops and resources they couldmit to the war.


    In fact, the other nine Armadas, which the Empire had deployed to the region, were busying cleaning up the mess that the First Armada had left behind, while establishing a foothold over the war-torn worlds. And while the other nine armadas were practically fresh in terms of rest, resources, and manpower, the First Armada continued to plow forward through a storm of electromaic projectiles, as they attempted to end the war as quickly as possible.


    Now that Erich thought about it, he did not understand why the Admiralty had forced the First Armada into such a desperate position, when any of the other nine Armadas could be used to relieve them. Had the Admiral in charge of the First Armada done something to anger his superiors?


    Ultimately, the reason that the First Armada had be the spearhead of the Germanic Invasion was actually a policy of maintaining reserves. As the war with the Dvrakians continued to wage on, the Empire was vastly expanding its Armed Forces at the Home front.


    One hundred fleets had be one hundred and fifty in a little over half a year. And despite the fact that these fifty fleets could be used to end the war quicker, it also meant that the Empire would be giving up many of the resources it had just managed to create.


    Meanwhile, the First Armada might be pushed to the breaking point, but so far they had managed to im over 80% of the Dvrakian Consortium without reinforcements or resupply. Thus, until they were operating as a skeleton crew, the Admiralty would continue to press forward the unit, which had already suffered the most losses, rather than incur more losses from other Armadas.


    Of course, the more losses the First Armada suffered, the fewer men they had to support their campaign, and thus they would suffer even more casualties at a higher rate. But this was a risk the Admiralty was willing to take.


    Naturally, Erich did not know any of this. He was just a simple lieutenant, and thus he was not privy to the machinations of High Command. Thus, he could only continue to watch the news and witness the battlefield on the ground from the perspective of the Star Marines'' helmet cams.


    ---


    Sitting in a rectangr room within the Naval Headquarters on the world of Germania was the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy, and several members of the Admiralty, who had all gathered together in person to discuss the serious matters which they were facing.


    Admiral ric au Emrys sat in silence with a stoic expression on his face as he listened to his subordinates speak about the ongoing improvements they had been making to the fleet.


    "Thanks to the generosity of the Alfheim Dominion, we have been able to improve our energy shields by roughly 50%. These modifications are currently being made to the fifty fleets that are waiting within the borders of the Empire, and will be retrofitted onto the one hundred which are currently deployed abroad after the war with the Dvrakian Consortium has been won. It might not seem like much, but it does give us a slightly better chance at surviving the uing Naraku invasion...."


    ric sighed heavily when he heard this, before responding in a way that immediately crumbled the confidence which had been built among his subordinates after hearing this statement.


    "A measly 50% increase in power to our energy shields is not going to stop a Naraku Hive Fleet from tearing us apart. We need to invest in weapons like the AM-59 World Killer Torpedo. Weapons that are capable of one shotting the ships of our enemies. And unless we can develop more of such weapons, we have a very small chance of survival.


    Now, enough about the Naraku. We will deal with them when the timees. I want to know about the ongoing crisis which are soldiers are facing at the frontlines in the war with the Dvrakian Consortium. Is it true that we have lost 75% of our starfighter pilots amongst the First Armada? A quarter of which were from overdosing on stimnts? At this rate, the First Armada will have a difficult time defending the drop ships, let alone the capital ships!"


    The Admiralty paled after hearing the figures that the Grand Admiral had just spoken. It was indeed true that the First Armada had suffered heavy losses over the past eight months. With 75% of the pilots having been either been killed inbat, or dying of drug overdoses.


    Those who died were cloned back in the Empire with all their memories intact, but there was simply no way to transport them from the borders of the Empire back to the front lines of war, and even if they could, what ships would they fly? Knowing this, nobody dared to speak up, which only confirmed the figure to be true in.


    With a fierce gaze in his eyes, ric gave the order, which the rest of the Admirals had been waiting to receive for months now.


    "Withdraw the First Armada back to the Empire. I want it repaired, resupplied, and filled with reinforcements. As for those 25% of pilots who are still on the front lines, even as we speak, give them four months of leave, they have more than earned it.


    We will rece the First Armada with the Second and Third Armadas, who will continue the assault on the remaining 20% of worlds that the Dvrakian Consortium still has a hold over. I do not want something this embarrassing to happen ever again. Am I understood?"


    The other Admirals obediently nodded their heads like children being scolded by their parents. With this said, the First Armada would finally be given some reprieve after eight months of nonstopbat.

 Chapter 31 Buying A New Starship

    For the first time in eight months the First Armada of the Imperial Navy had gotten some much needed reprieve from their daily lives ofbat. What remained of the Armada was quickly relived by two others who, once on the front lines, allowed Erich and his unit to return to Imperial Space where they were to undergo repair, rearmament, and resupply.


    After arriving back in Imperial Space, Erich felt as if an enormous weight had been lifted off his chest. He had served well over five thousand hours inbat, and by now, he felt as if his blood had been permanently ignited by the adrenaline which seemed to never leave his system.


    If there was one thing that was capable of bringing his nerves back into proper order, it would be alcohol. In fact, he felt a burning desire to have a drink, no, not just one drink, but a dozen, maybe two. However, such quantity of alcohol was illegal for consumption, and the only way to get his hands on it would be through the ck market, which had been driven deep underground due to the intense nature of Germanicw enforcement agencies.


    If Erich wanted to truly rx in what limited time he had, then he would have to visit one of these ck market space stations, which existed hidden away from the public eye, primarily in asteroid fields. Of course, Erich did not even possess his own starship, and thus he had no way of actually travelling to one of these locations.


    However, after eight months of active service as lieutenant in the navy, as well as the credits he had rued via winning the virtual reality starfighter tournament, which now seemed like a lifetime ago, Erich could easily afford his own starship. However, despite the Empire having a vast military industrialplex, which even offered civilian equipment, he hadn''t the slightest idea what ship to purchase.


    At the moment, Erich was sitting on an industrial world, whose primary purpose was manufacturing and repair. In the orbit of this world was arge tech ring, which acted as a massive shipyard. This was where the First Armada was currently undergoing repair. As for the crew who served upon its vessels, they were given free rein to return to their families for the remainder of their leave.


    But Erich did not have a family, at least not any longer, thus he spent a considerable amount of time wondering the''s primary city. The world of Quadi had a primarily savannah climate, which was mostly destroyed by the many factories which littered its surface. Yet, the heat that apanied such an environment did not dissipate. In fact, it had only been intensified by the heavy industry which was active at all hours of the day.


    Thus, Erich found himself sweating quite profusely as he made his way to the local Starport, where he would be able to purchase a starship for himself. After stepping foot in the facility, Erich''s face was sted by a cool atmosphere which was generated by the building''s life support system, and as a result was able to take a deep breath and sigh in relief now that he was out of the zing light of the star.


    After approaching a kiosk which had ess to the inventory of ships which were avable to purchase throughout the entire star system, Erich was approached by a young woman who was dressed in an employee uniform. She took one look at the solid ck jumpsuit, which Erich wore, and eximed in shock, before introducing herself.


    "Oh, my! Are you perhaps a member of the legendary ck Sun Squadron? My name is Anna Paulsen, and I would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect starship for your personal use!"


    Erich looked around, believing that perhaps the woman was speaking to someone else. Maybe another member of his unit. After all, he had never seen a store clerk treat him with anything but suspicion before, due to his so-called gic defects. When he realized that the woman was speaking to him, he pointed at himself and asked for rification on the matter, just to be sure he was not imagining things.


    "Me? Are you talking to me?"


    The woman looked at him with confusion in her deep blue eyes, before wearing a pretty smile and nodding her head.


    "Of course, you are the only one here wearing the uniform of the ck Sun. You are a pilot in that legendary squadron, are you not?"


    Erich smiled as he shook his head in disbelief. Never before in his life would he believe that a random stranger would treat him with the same politeness they did everyone else, and thus he was quick to voice this shock, even if he did not mean to do so.


    "I can''t believe it¡­"


    The woman tilted her head with a confused expression on her face before asking for rification about just what Erich was talking about.


    "You can''t believe what, sir?"


    Looking around at the shop, and all the astonished gazes that people were giving him, only added to the confusion that Erich currently felt. Thus, he shook his head once more and sighed, before finally answering the woman''s question.


    "It''s nothing¡­ Yes, I am a member of the ck Sun, Lieutenant Erich Jaeger, it is a pleasure to meet you miss, and I would be honored if you could assist me in finding a good starship for my personal use, especially since I am not entirely sure what I am looking for. I could use a professional''s opinion."


    The woman smiled once more and giggled slightly as she made a remark about Erich''s status inparison to her own.


    "You''re going to make me blush. If you''re not a qualified professional, then what could I possibly be? But, I would be happy to assist you. Is there anything in particr you are looking for?"


    Erich thought deeply on this question for several moments. There were many requirements were a must in a personal starship, and he did not know if there was actually a model that meets his needs. But simply gave caution to the wind and voiced what he desired most outright.


    "I would prefer that my starship have the ability to traverse across the Empire with rtive ease, and perhaps even beyond Imperial Space, if I ever get the clearance to do so. Thus, arge fuel supply is mandatory.


    It should also be capable of being operated by one man if needed, but no more than five men in total. I will need proper living quarters for each crew member, along with a mess hall and a functional restroom.


    I would prefer if the ship had a decent sized cargo bay, but not so much that it diminishes itsbat capabilities. The vessel would need at least size three gimbal mounted weapons, with missiles of a simr size. As for the shield generators, it would be ideal if they wererge.


    While Erich was speaking to the woman about his requirements, he saw that her eyes lit up with a DataStream, signaling that she had connected herself to the grid, most likely in search of a ship which met most, if not all, of his requirements. After several moments of searching, a wide smile lit up her face, before she ced her hands together and jumped a little in excitement.


    "You will be happy to know that I have several starships that meet your requirements. All of these models are marketed as expeditionary craft, but if you are really looking for more offensive capabilities, then I suggest the Hydra Inteary Privateer.


    I would just be careful when dealing with the authorities while piloting such a vessel, because Hydra''s line of ships have a reputation for being used mostmonly by pirates. And though piracy has all but been eliminated within our borders, many of our more... shall I say unruly citizens have begun operating beyond Imperial Space,mitting a number of heinous crimes with ships like the Privateer.


    After saying this, the sales representative transferred the information on the Privateer, as well as the other offerings to Erich via the grid, to which he began to closely scrutinize each and every vessel. In the end he could only sigh, and nod his head in agreement with the woman''s opinion.


    The Privateer was exactly what he needed in a starship. There was just one problem: he could not afford the three million credit price tag. With a heavy sigh, Erich bowed his head before admitting defeat.


    "I''m sorry, that is just out of my price range¡­"


    The woman looked slightly taken aback. She knew how much money officers made in the military, and if this man was a special forces pilot, then his yearly sry was no less than a hundred and fifty thousand credits. Assuming he was soon retiring, and had been in service for twenty years, then he should definitely have the money for the ship. It suddenly dawned on her that this man might actually be the age he appeared to be, and with an astonished look on her face she asked Erich a question which he was not anticipating.


    "Excuse me, sir, if you don''t mind answering my question, just how old are you?"


    Erich chuckled as he heard this, before informing the woman of his age, which only further increased the shock she felt.


    "I have just turned twenty-one this year. Why do you ask?"


    In the Germanic Star-Empire, people aged very slowly,rgely due to their gic enhancements. There were men and women well over one hundred years old who looked as if they were in their twenties. Anna herself was actually seventy-five this year. She never would have guessed that this man, who should by all means should still be at the Military Academy, was actually so young, and a lieutenant no less.


    However, in the next moment, her lips curved into a sly smile as she whispered something in Erich''s ears that he never thought he would hear from a woman as respectable as this sales representative.


    "You know, if you are short on credits, I know a way that you can quickly make some fat cash¡­"


    Erich had a bad feeling about what the woman had just said. The only way to make three million credits before he was forced to redeploy was through criminal means, and he did not want to end up on the wrong end of thew if he could avoid it at all. However, Anna continued to whisper sweet poison into Erich''s ear, and he continued to listen.


    "Naturally, as someone who sells a lot of Hydra''s products, I havee into contact with some unsavory individuals. It just so happens that I know of a crew which is looking for an experienced pilot to help them with a little task. I won''t lie to you. It is incredibly dangerous, and will certainly result in a harsh sentence if anyone were to find out, but you could easily make three million or more from a day''s worth of work. Are you perhaps interested?"


    Despite every single instinct in Erich''s body telling him to decline the offer, he did not dare do so. For him, who had always skirted the line of what was considered legal, and a serious offense, it was too tempting to make that kind of money in such a short amount of time.


    While he could wait, and save his money for two decades before buying such a ship, Erich was not exactly the most patient man in the world, and he had no idea how he was going to spend the next three months of leave, if it were not drowning himself in alcohol.


    The level of stress he had endured these past few months was enough to give any man a serious mental condition, with adrenaline and endorphins flooding through his veins as if a dam had broken, his mind never stopped thinking about the things he had seen and done during his brief tenure as abat pilot.


    If he was going to get the rest he needed to continue his job, then he would need to get his hands on some illicit substances, and if he was going to do that, then he would need a starship of his own. Thus, he bit the proverbial bullet and nodded his head in silence after several moments of contemtion.


    Seeing that Erich had epted her offer, Anna transferred some coordinates to him via the grid, before giving him some proper advice.


    "These men aren''t looking for anything more than a skilled pilot, so do your job, and you will get paid your share. However, I would rmend that you wear a flight suit and helmet that is... less conspicuous.


    Luckily, I can sell you just what you need. After you get changed, meet my contact at those coordinates, and he will tell you everything you need to know about the job. Good luck, and I hope to see you soon!"


    It took Erich several moments to realize that he had just sent himself on a path that could very well lead to a lifetime of service in a penal battalion. And if there were ever a time to turn back, it would be now. Still, he did not do so, instead he did as Anna suggested and purchased a less shy flight suit and helmet, one with a visor that was tinted so that his facial features were not revealed. He then took a shuttle to another point in the city, where a small bar was tucked away between severalrger buildings. Here, he would begin his first foray into the criminal underworld.

 Chapter 32 Entering The Criminal Underworld

    Erich stepped foot into the bar and quickly found himself practically all alone. There were only two men other than himself inside the run down establishment. One was the bartender, and the other was a sinister-looking man, who was quite burly and riddled in what were clearly battle scars. After sitting down at the table, the burly man took a quick nce at Erich before posing a simple question to him.


    "Are you the new guy? The one that Anna rmended?"


    Erich silently nodded his head in affirmation of the man''s question, to which the burly man then raised two fingers, thus ordering two shots of whiskey for himself and his new partner before introducing himself.


    "The name is Drake. I heard from the girl that you are quite the experienced pilot. Is that true?"


    Erich once more silently nodded his head, confirming that he was indeed an experienced pilot. Shortly there after the bartender handed them their drinks, to which Erich and Drake took their shots in an act of solidarity.


    Afterwards, the bartender pressed a button beneath the counter which locked the doors and windows of the bar, while also changing the sign outside from open to closed. Once this was finished, Drake began to speak of the job while the bartender fetched them a few more drinks.


    "Alright, here are the details of the job. There is a facility on an abandoned moon, just outside the Empire''s borders. It sits between the Empire and the Oni''s borders. This facility well, you could say that it produces a... certain product. Don''t ask me what it is. You don''t need to know that information. Just know that it is in high demand, and will sell for a premium within the Empire''s borders.


    Your job is to get us to the site, and to get us out of there, alive and with the cargo intact. You do that, and you will get an even share of the profits. You ever fly a heavy freighter before?"


    Though Erich had not actually flown a freighter before, he was experienced enough with much faster craft, so much so that he was confident he could fulfill the task at hand, and thus he nodded his head in silence once more. Which put a smile on Drake''s face who took another shot, and after wiping his mouth of the alcoholic beverage, he pped Erich on the back.


    "Alright, from here on out, I''m going to refer to you as Apex. I don''t need to know your real name, just like you don''t need to know mine. Do the job, and get paid, that''s all there is to it. Just onest thing. We are expecting fiercepetition, so I hope you know how to dogfight."


    Erich took another shot and nodded his head once more, which put an even wider smile on Drake''s face. Afterwards, the two men stood up, where Drake exited the facility with Erich in tow. The dynamic duo then took a train to the starport, where they regrouped with the rest of the crew.


    If there was such a thing as overtly being a criminal, then these men met the standard. Much to Erich''s surprise, many of these men were mutants like himself, thus they did not bat an eye at his unique appearance, and instead weed him into their band of misfits.


    Erich took one look at the freighter, and could tell he would be able to fly it quite easily. It was not a giant spaceship by any means, at least not asrge as many of the other heavy freighters he had seen. But it did have a long neck, with multiplepartments to store cargo or, in this case, contraband.


    After entering the pilot seat and powering on the vehicle, Erich was able to effectively pilot the ship out of the star port and into orbit, where he activated the quantum drives before heading towards the coordinates that Drake had given him.


    The journey to the destination took quite some time, it was not a mere day''s worth of work like Anna had imed, in fact, just to reach the edge of the Empire''s borders it had taken them several stops for refueling, along with nearly two weeks of travel.


    During this time, Erich got to know only the briefest information about the crew, such as the pseudonyms they went by. Most of the time was spent ying cards in the mess hall of the ship. It was only after two weeks had passed that the ship came out of quantum and, in doing so, revealed arge blue gas giant, and a small moon just beside it.


    It was exactly as Drake had imed. However, the sensors clearly indicated they were not alone, and thus Erich sent amand to the rest of the crew to prepare forbat.


    "Heads up, we are not alone out here. I''d rmend getting into the turrets, because we are about to make contact with some hostiles!"


    The crew quickly got themselves in order, as they entered the multiple turrets on board the ship, while preparing forbat. Erich boldly drove the ship towards the other vessels, where he immediately locked onto the smallest of the three ships, which appeared to be a light freighter.


    Without even bothering to say hello, he began to open fire as he darted around the three ships with some difficulty. After all, this was not a light fighter, nor was it an interceptor, or even a bomber. This was a freighter, and it moved just like one would expect it to.


    Still, Erich managed to maintain a sight picture on the hostile vessels, and whenbined with the multiple turrets on board the ship, he was able toy down some serious firepower, even if the hostiles were more maneuverable than he was.


    After firing his weapons for nearly a minute, the light freighter, which Erich had targeted, ignited, expelling its cargo into space. As for Erich, he quickly transitioned his targeting array to a second target, which was arger ship. Knowing that he would not be able to take it out as easily with just theser repeaters, he switched to missiles, where he quickly fired three of them off in session.


    Due to the nature of his current actions, Erich was naturally aware that now was not the best time to reveal his special abilities, some of which were exceptionally rare, and thus, he did not use his cyberkinesis to bypass the enemy''s countermeasures. Instead, he switched back to hisser repeaters and continued to fire at the enemy to the best of his abilities.


    His shields had taken some damage, but it was nothing he couldn''t handle, and thus, after another brief dogfight, the second hostile ship exploded. With only one ship remaining, Erich had just managed to shift his sights onto it, before the cowards jumped into space, leaving behind their fallenrades and their expelled cargo. Much to his surprise, Drake shouted over thems in a voice that was filled with excitement.


    "God damn Apex, that was some mighty fine flying! Hold us here, and we will use the tractor beams to collect the enemy''s cargo."


    Erich did asmanded and waited for his crew to stack the containers of contraband neatly on top of one another within one of the many cargo bays that existed on this heavy freighter. After they had finished, they shut the doors, allowing Erich to continue down to the, where more enemies undoubtedly lied in wait for them.


    After touching down on the surface of the moon, Drake entered the cockpit, where he gave Erich a fair warning regarding what was about to go down.


    "Alright, keep the engines running, and wait until I give you the signal to take off. Trust me, this is just the beginning. But you don''t need to worry about us. We are skilled enough to take care of these fucking dregs..."


    With this said, Drake and his crew departed from the freighter and headed towards the facility with their weapons in hand. Though Erich heard an exchange of gunshots, it was not long before Drake and hisrades came back to the freighter, where they carried several containers worth of contraband with their personal tractor beams.


    Erich waited patiently for some time as the crew filled up the entire ship with the contraband. It was only after there was no space left to carry the contraband that Drake came into the cockpit and gave some more advice to Erich.


    "Alright, you''re going to take us to this space station in Imperial Space, where we will sell our haul. I''m sure I don''t need to inform you of this, but stay clear of the authorities. If we get caught with what we are carrying, it is a life sentence in a penal battalion for all of us! You understand?"


    Erich silently nodded his head and began to take off after charting the new coordinates into the freighter''s navputer. His heart was beating more so than he had ever experienced. Even after over five thousand hours of activebat, Erich did not ever feel as anxious as he did now.


    The journey back to their destination was perhaps the longest, and most dreadful thing Erich had ever experienced but, thanks to his knowledge of Imperial patrol routes, as well as the fact that most of the Empire''s forces were currently engaged in the war abroad, Erich managed to make his way to the space station in question, where the freighter gentlynded upon the tform.


    After which, the crew began to unload the cargo, where they then sold it to a criminal syndicate, who would distribute the illicit substance across the Empire. Once they had sessfully earned their pay, the crew met in the mess hall of the ship, where Drake distributed the profits. Erich''s eyes nearly jumped out of their sockets when he saw the number of credits transferred to his ount.


    Five million credits! He had more than enough to afford the starship he wanted. Hell, he could easily spend the remaining cash on some proper gear for himself, and upgrades to his ship. Just when he was about to ask how much the crew had made in total, Drake smiled as he grabbed hold of Erich''s shoulder before exining just what they had sacrificed for him to get such a massive payday.


    "There is a bit of a bonus thrown in for you Apex, We had some time to talk while we were in the facility, and we had to admit, if it was any other pilot we could have hired, our gooses would have been cooked the moment we came across such arge number of hostiles.


    Not only that, but even I have no idea how you managed to so expertly avoid the authorities. The entire journey back, even when we were refueling, there was not a single Imperial warship anywhere near us. Thus, after a unanimous decision, we decided to sacrifice a bit of our pay to give you a bonus for your hard work. You more than earned it! I don''t know who you are, but you are more than wee toe back and pilot for us whenever we get our next job.


    Enjoy your fortune, Apex, because it sure disappears quickly. From here we go our separate ways. After a job like this, we are going to attract some unnecessary attention, and it would be best if we made ourselves scarce for a little. You can take a shuttle from the station back to Quadi, where I am sure our mutual friend is waiting for you. See you around the stars, kid!"


    After saying this, the crew did exactly as Drake had said, and split up. Soon enough Erich was back in the industrial world of Quadi where he met up with the sales representative Anna Paulsen, who had an exciting smile on her pretty face as she weed Erich back to the store which she worked in.


    "You''re back! I suppose this means the job went well? So tell me, are you still interested in the Hydra Privateer?"


    Erich smiled as he nodded his head and in doing so epted the offer that Anna had previously given him.


    "Good! I will get the transaction ready for you in just a moment."


    After saying this, Anna leaned in close and whispered something to Erich, yet again.


    "Oh, and by the way, now that you are a part of our world, Hydra has a special offer for you. For only an additional five hundred thousand credits, they will give you lifetime insurance. For whatever reason, if you manage to misce your ship, or it bes damaged beyond repair, they will give you a new one, no questions asked, and free of charge! Sounds great, doesn''t it?"


    It was only now, after hearing this exclusive offer, that Erich realized the arms corporation known as Hydra Inteary, which specialized in starships, and other vehicles for the civilian market, was actually heavily entrenched in the criminal underworld. Even then, he would not dare report such a thing to authorities, or else he would have to exin how he found out about this information. Thus, Erich smiled and nodded his head before epting Anna''s generous offer.


    "Sounds good to me!"


    With this said, Anna began to file the necessary paperwork. However, much to Erich''s surprise, the information that would be sent to the department of transportation was under a pseudonym with other false information. Before he could question Anna if she had made a mistake, the attractive woman made a slight wink to him, silently conveying that this was Hydra''s way of looking out for their exclusive clientele.


    Erich graciously epted this offer, and was informed by Anna where he could get the proper identification documents attached to the name and address,which he immediately did after acquiring his ship. Thus, after a brief and dangerous mission, Erich had not only gotten his hands on his own personal starship, but had also gotten his first contacts into the criminal underworld, which he could use when he was not deployed to engage in any number of lucrative, but illegal, activities.

 Chapter 33 Visiting An Outlaw Outpost

    It did not take long for Erich to get his hands on his personal starship. The Hydra Privateer was a medium-sized vessel, which was capable of housing four crew members. It had a remote turret usable by the Co-Pilot, and two manned turrets on the left and right sides. Aside from that, it had asymmetrical wings, which whennding were folded into the vertical position.


    The paint scheme that Erich had selected was jet ck, with some red ents, not only that, but the windows were tinted a blood-red, giving off a menacing appearance. After stepping foot inside the starship, Erich realized that it was a very minimalistic and utilitarian design, however unlike the warships he stepped foot upon, it was not the least bit polished, and was entirely rough around the edges, with exposed wires,ponents, and instion across the vessel.


    The reason for this design choice was because Hydra Inteary primarily sold ships to those rogue elements who lived on the fringes of imperial space, or even outside it. Thus, they had elected a bare bones approach to ensure that self-maintenance was as efficient as possible. Ultimately, Erich had noints, as this starship was more than capable of fulfilling the tasks he required of it.


    Thus, after hailing the Star port and requesting permission to take off, Erich had ignited the engines and slowly took off vertically with the VTOL thrusters. For a ship of this size, it took quite a bit of time to reach orbit, but Erich was more than used to such things, and thus once he was in space he spooled up the quantum drive, and marked his destination in his navputer.


    The area of space which Erich was headed to was on the fringes of Imperial Space, located within an asteroid belt within an uninhabited system on the borders of the Empire. Having used his new underworld contacts, Erich was able to locate the nearest ouw outpost to his current location, which was embedded in a particrlyrge asteroid.


    The journey to the asteroid outpost took almost as long as the journey to the contraband facility that he had flown to during his previous underworld mission. After nearly two weeks of flying in space while alone in his ship, Erich finally arrived at the star system which housed his destination.


    Just like he was informed by Anna, this star system waspletely devoid of habitable worlds. Its star was a blue supergiant, while the only worlds within the system were a series ofrge gas giants that were used to extract and refine fuel for quantum drives.


    In fact, other than the ouw outpost which was hidden in the asteroid belt, there was only a single space station, a star fortress, and am ry which the Germanic Star-Empire used in every system they owned.


    The space station, which orbited one of therger gas giants, was used as an outpost for civilian miners who extracted the gas from thes. But Erich had no intentions of stopping there and instead piloted his ship towards his destination whichy deep within the treacherous asteroid belt.


    Erich did not know how many asteroids were in this system, but it ranged anywhere from millions, to billions and, if not for the influence of Hydra Inteary, which was given exclusive mining rights of this star system, then it was likely that the resources hidden among this asteroid belt would have been mined byrge corporations long ago.


    Instead, Hydra''s influence over the system allowed for the ouw outpost to remain undisturbed by prying eyes. No doubt the mega corporation had bribed either the system governor, or the sector governor, for this purpose.


    Either way, Erich did not care, and instead navigated his way through the asteroid belt before finding his destination. Judging by the fact that his vehicle registration was unfamiliar to the syndicate which ran the outpost, a group ofrge rail guns which were embedded in the primary asteroid, and those surrounding it, immediately targeted Erich''s ship, before hailing him.


    "Identify yourself! If you do not, we will open fire on you!"


    Erich did not hesitate to give the name that Drake and his crew knew him by, as well as the identity of the woman who had vouched for him.


    "My name is Apex, Anna Paulsen sent me..."


    The station was quick to respond, as they tried to verify whether or not Erich''s words were true. They did not bother asking for his real identity, simply because so many ouws chose to operate with pseudonyms for the sake of anonymity.


    "Hold while we verify your credentials¡­ Alright, you''re clear tond in Hangar 09."


    After saying this, the rail guns which were previously targeting Erich''s ship disengaged, while the entrance to Hangar 09 slowly began to open. Erich skillfully maneuvered his new craft towards the entrance, which was justrge enough to house his ship. If he slipped up by a few meters, his wings, which were now folded upright, would have clipped with the entrance.


    Uponnding in the facility, Erich did not take off his helmet with obscured his facial features, instead he boldly walked into the facility as if he was just another ouw seeking a refuge. He could immediately tell upon taking the elevator to the lobby that this was indeed an ouw''s refuge. Nearly everyone in the facility was dressed in armor, and were carrying weapons that were clearly equipped with illegal modifications.


    Though the Empire permitted civilians to own weapons, and armor, both on their person and on their ship, they did not sell things like power armor, sma-based infantry weapons, or handheld rail guns to the public.


    Thus, the weapons and armor in the hands of the more veteran ouws were essentially makeshift exoskeletons, power armor, and rail guns modified from more simple tforms. For Erich to show up in nothing but a flight suit, it was a clear indicator that he was just starting out in the criminal world. Which many people took notice of, yet nobody bothered approaching the newbie, or harassing him, as there was a certain honor among thieves, so to speak.


    After aimlessly making his way through the facility, while following the signs, Erich found himself in a small bazaar, where ouws from all walks of life hawked their goods. Everything from drugs, bootleg alcohol, illegal weapons, et cetera, it could all be found here.


    Erich carefully observed each shop and was enticed by many of the offerings that were avable. After seeing some weapons and armor that he thought were a much needed asset in his new secondary profession, Erich decided that he woulde back to those shops after he had made his primary purchase. If he had enough credits left over, then he would outfit himself with the best gear he could buy, and stash it away in his ship''s armory.


    In fact, Erich just realized now that he did not even possess his own house, and the only ce he would be able to store this illegal booze was in his starship, which had a decent sized cargo bay. Perhaps it was best that for the time being he lived a nomadic life among the stars, as the ownership of property came with many taxes and responsibilities to the State.


    Erich approached the bootlegger who was selling the alcohol and was quick to interact with the man. While he spoke, Erich''s voice was concealed by a feature of his helmet, which wasmon practice among those who dabbled in the Criminal Underworld.


    "How much for a pallet of your strongest liquor?"


    The hawker looked at Erich with a curious gaze, pondering whether or not his newest customer was an experienced drinker, or aplete novice. He quickly pointed towards a liquid which was glowing white before describing what it was.


    "If potency is what you are looking for, then look no further. This is Rylonian Ale. Don''t let the name confuse you. This stuff is brewed with a certain flower from the Rylonian home world, which has a powerful psychedelic effect on the Germanic mind. I warn you, one shot of this stuff will put you on your ass for hours on end.


    Normally I would charge 35,000 creds for a full pallet of five hundred 750 ml bottles, but in case you have been living under a rock for these past few years, Rylonia has beenpletely wiped out by the Naraku. Which means these bottles are thest that I will ever be able to get my hands on.


    Right now I''m charging a premium for just one bottle, and there is no way I am willing to sell a whole pallet to one customer, no matter how much you are willing to pay. So, I would suggest if you''re looking for quantity instead of quality, but are still looking for a drink that packs a punch, then might I suggest Asuran Palm Wine?


    Itcks the psychedelic effect of Rylonian Ale, but even the most experienced drinkers can barely drink two fingers'' worth of this stuff without passing out. In my honest opinion, it is definitely the best bang for your buck, if that''s what you are looking for."


    Although Erich wanted to try out the Rylonian Ale, which had now be a delicacy throughout the gxy, he could not afford the price that the bootlegger was asking for just one bottle of the stuff. Thus, he was quick to inquire about the Asuran Palm Wine.


    "How much for a pallet of the wine?"


    The man instantly raised two fingers, which Erich correctly assumed meant 20k, and just when he was about to ept the offer, the hawker began to speak once more.


    "Twenty thousand creds, and it''s yours. I can even have it hauled into your cargo bay free of charge. I would normally charge a full 25k for a pallet, but seeing as you are a new customer, and from what I can tell, are definitely suffering from shell shock, I''ll give you a first time discount."


    Erich raised his brows, which were concealed by his helmet''s tinted visor after hearing the man''sst remark. Shell shock? He did not believe he was suffering from such a condition, and was quick to ask why the man assumed he had been.


    "What do you mean? Why do you think I have shell shock?"


    The bootlegger did not hold back his punches and quickly fired back at Erich about why he was so certain the man was suffering from such a horrific condition.


    "It takes one to know one. I''m guessing you just got out of your mandatory military service. In that case, trust me, you are not alone. Nobody buys a pallet of this stuff unless they are either trying to drink their trauma away, or are trying to sell it for a higher price, and judging by the fact that you don''t know shit about alcohol, I can assume you are going for the former.


    Since I know what you are going through, I figured I would cut you a break. I''ve heard from my contacts in the Navy that the admiralty is working the current crop of soldiers to the bone in this war with the Dvrakians, I don''t know why they have chosen to go with such methods, but I''d be willing to put my money on the idea that yourst deployment was in this ongoing conflict, am I right?"


    Erich was left speechless by this man''s deduction abilities. He had not even said a word about himself, and already this bootlegger was able to determine so much about him. He was hesitant to respond, but for whatever reason, he sighed before admitting to it.


    "First Armada, Thirteenth Fleet¡­"


    Though Erich could not see behind the man''s skull shaped helmet, he could tell by the way the man moved upon hearing Erich''s confession that he was truly staggered by this statement. Which was confirmed the next second when Erich heard a long suction of hair before the hawker finally spoke.


    "Shit¡­ You were in the first armada? From what I have been told, you guys have been tossed into the meat-grinder. Damn kid, have a bottle of Rylonian Ale on me. You deserve it after what you have been through. Me personally, I served in the Lykarian War as a Star Marine. Though those lithoid bastards had far more advanced tech than the Dvrakians, they did not put up nearly as much resistance.


    After all, that was a simple proxy war waged between the Dominion and the Federation. Neither of us were fighting for our survival like the Dvrakians currently are. Still, I have no idea why the Admiralty is pushing our troops so hard in this current war; it doesn''t make sense to fight so desperately against an enemy that we can easily defeat in a matter of years without sacrificing 1/10th of the manpower and resources we have already lost so far.


    Still, the fact that we are fighting in such a reckless manner is a bad omen. In fact, after I have sold the rest of my wares here, I''m going to take an extended vacation to the Great Oni Empire. After all, their women are both beautiful and quite fond of Germanic men. Not only that, but the Oni worlds are far away from whatever threat is making the Admiralty behave so impulsively. I rmend you do the same when you have concluded whatever business is keeping you here in the Empire. Good luck kid, and enjoy the wine!"


    After saying this, the bootlegger handed Erich a bottle of Rylonian Ale, where he immediately got into a cargo lift which carried the pallet of Asuran Palm Wine into Erich''s cargo bay. Once Erich had concluded his business with the alcohol merchant, he doubled back to the weapons and armor stands where he purchased some makeshift power armor, and illegally modified rail guns. He then took off and headed back to the industrial world of Quadi, where the First Armada was still undergoing repairs.

 Chapter 34 Taking Hostages

    During the two weeks that it took Erich to return to the industrial world of Quadi, he had experienced the best sleep that he had been able to obtain in nearly a year. Thanks to the intense effects of the Asuran Palm Wine, Erich had managed to sleep in his rather rudimentary cot within the captain''s quarters of his ship as if he were a fat drunken baby.


    By the time he arrived in the atmosphere of Quadi, Erich felt fully rested for the first time since the Dvrakian War had begun. And though the effects of shell shock still lingered in his mind, Erich was able to perform his duties to the extent he was required.


    Officially, he still had two months left of his ongoing leave of absence from the Navy, and thus, he found himself debating on how he should spend his free time. After a day of nothing but drinking, Erich came up with two ideas. One was to uwfully flee from the Empire''s borders, and enter Oni space for a brief vacation, however after calcting just how much time it would take to visit the Great Oni Empire and return to Imperial Space, he quickly dismissed this idea.


    Instead, Erich decided on pulling off another job for whatever underworld faction was willing to pay him the most. After searching through his new underworld contacts, Erich found a Syndicate known by the name of "Splinter" that was looking for a pilot to transfer some contraband from Imperial Space to an interster civilization that was ssified as a minor power which lie somewhere between the Empire''s border, and that of Oni Space.


    The job required his ship to have a certain cargo capacity, which his privateer was more than capable of meeting, and was paying 500k for a simple delivery job. And while he would have to avoid the authorities from both civilizations, Erich was confident that he could manage just that.


    Thus, after calcting the distance between himself and his destination, as well as the time it would take to get there and back, Erich realized that he would have enough time to make the journey, and spend three days'' worth of vacation on one of the alien worlds. Which after doing some research, he learned that the home world of the alien species was a tropical paradise.


    With this in mind, Erich essed the undergroundwork, under the alias of Apex, and epted the job. Where he would have to head to a nearby space station which was on the way to his final destination and covertly pick up the contraband before smuggling it into the borders of the neighboring civilization.


    It took only a few hours for Erich tond at the space station, where he immediately headed to the bar of the facility, which was the destination he was supposed to meet his contact at. After sitting down at the bar and ordering himself a liter of beer, which was his legal limit for the day, Erich waited patiently for his contact to arrive.


    Contrary to what he was expecting, the person who sat down next to him, and began to speak to him, was not a burly or battle hardened man like the ouws he had experienced so far, but was a beautiful mutant woman, with a particrly busty figure, cobalt hair, and scarlet eyes. Despite having a scar across her right eye, this only added to her attractiveness. The words she spoke were slightly hushed, but not obviously so as she began giving Erich his instructions.


    "I''m assuming you''re Apex?"


    Erich was about to nod his head when she interrupted him.


    "Don''t move a muscle, and don''t you dare look at me! As we speak, your cargo bay is being filled with the product. Don''t ask what it is, as it is not your job to know. All you need to do is to transport the cargo to Vaxkorvia, where your contact will be waiting for you at the following coordinates. Your contact will take the cargo from your ship, and will transfer the bnce to our ount, where we will pay you the agreed amount.


    Enjoy your trip. Oh and whatever you do, don''t sleep with the Vaxkorvian women. I don''t know what kind of weird shit you may or may not be into, I''m not one to judge, but if for whatever reason you are attracted to amphibian humanoids, trust me when I say that your dick will melt off if you try to fuck one of those things. And before you ask, no, the syndicate will not pay for your medical fees if you are so daring. So unless you want to waste your paycheck, I suggest you follow my advice¡­."


    After saying this, the woman chugged a liter''s worth of beer in a matter of seconds before exiting the facility. Once Erich had finished his own drink, he entered his starship to find that his cargo bay was filled with what he could only assume was drugs.


    Erich climbed into the pilot seat, and started up his engines, before requesting permission from the space station to take off, which once gaining approval, he then activated his quantum drive, before following the route that his navputer had set for him.


    It would take Erich a little under a month to reach his destination, as well as make his return to Quadi. He would only have three days of rxation on the Vaxkorvian home world before he had to head back to the Empire. Thus, he nned to enjoy some time on the sandy beaches before he was once more forced to pilot a starfighter into battle.


    The journey to Vaxkorvia was quite dull, he was all alone in the 55m long ship that was the Hydra Privateer, and thus all he could really do was entertain himself with the Asuran Palm Wine that he had transferred from his cargo bay and into the mess hall of his ship, while watching thetest news about the ongoing war with the Dvrakian Consortium.


    With each passing day, the Germanic Armed Forces gained more ground against the enemy, and it was beginning to appear that the war might even be over by the time Erich returned to active service. If that was the case, then he honestly did not know how long it would be before he was able to seebat again, which was something that filled his heart with hope.


    Eventually nearly a month had passed, and Erich hadnded on the tropical paradise that was Vaxkorvia. The world was ny percent ocean, and because of this, the amphibian species which inhabited it lived primarily in underwater cities. However, for the sake of interster trade, they had built cities on what littlend their home world had, as well as space stations in orbit.


    It was abundantly clear by the level of technology that Erich saw aboard the Vaxkorvian vessels that they were perhaps even inferior to the Dvrakians when it came to military technology. Which was not a surprise as the Vaxkorvian Collective just barely qualified as a Minor Power with only one hundred star systems and habited worlds under their control.


    Erich used the universal trantor onboard his ship to request permission tond within the''s primary star port, which, once approved, he managed to do so with rtive ease. However, despite the fact that things had been rtively smooth sailing up until this point, his luck appeared to have run out. Waiting in the hangar bay for Erich was a group of Customs Security Officers who appeared to be heavily armed, as if tipped off about potential criminal activity. Upon seeing this on his ship''s security system, Erich quickly ran throughout his ship''s interior, and entered the armory, where he found the equipment he had purchased at the Ouw''s Outpost well over a month ago.


    Since he did not have time to equip his makeshift power armor, or the desire to go out guns zing into the hangar bay of an interster space port, Erich had quickly grabbed hold of a revolver which had been illegally modified into a railgun, one which was affectionately nicknamed "the hand cannon" by those who wielded it.


    The railgun revolver had a 1x reflex sight mounted on the top rail, with a weapon light and visibleserbination device on the bottom rail. All in all, it was a solid option to carry with you when you needed to be less overt.


    After ensuring that the weapon was loaded, Erich stashed it on the back of his belt before approaching the cargo bay, which was now being surrounded by the Vaxkorvian security officers. After opening up the ramp, Erich walked into the open with his hands raised, before using the universal trantor in his helmet to speak with the officers who were pointing their ballistic weapons at him.


    "Woah there! Everyone just calm down! I don''t know why you guys have decided to show up to this hangar fully armed, but I can assure you that I have received permission by your customs department to bring my cargo into your world¡­."


    The amphibian humanoids looked almost like a mixture of human beings and frogs, as they continued to aim their sights upon Erich. The officer in charge stepped forward and reached out his hand before speaking in his nativenguage, which was tranted to Erich via his helmet''s functions.


    "Passenger and Cargo manifest¡­"


    Upon hearing this, Erich reached into a nearby container at the aft of the cargo bay which contained the falsified documents that the Germanic syndicate known as "Splinter" had forged for him. The Vaxkorvian security agent who was in charge scanned the digital manifest with his eyepiece before handing it back to Erich.


    Just when Erich thought he had gotten away scot-free, the agent in charge made a shocking demand of Erich, which immediately put him on high alert.


    "I have orders to check your cargo for any contraband. Move aside and allow my agents to fulfill their job. If you try to prevent us from doing so, I will have you charged with obstruction of justice¡­."


    Erich sighed heavily. He knew for a fact that he was carrying some serious contraband, one whichmanded such a high price that the syndicate which had hired him was willing to pay him half a million credits just to deliver it.


    Knowing that he would be facing criminal charges here in an alien civilization, as well as AWOL charges when he finally got back to the Empire, Erich backed away from the ramp, and leaned his back against the wall, seemingly allowing the security officers to check his cargo.


    While the officers began to break open his crates, Erich silently ced his hand on the grip of his rail gun revolver, and cocked the hammer back. The audible clicks went entirely unnoticed by the officers who were too busy investigating his cargo for contraband. At the same time Erich had managed to quite easily slice into the star port''s primitive security system, where he put the camera feed on a loop, ensuring that nobody woulde looking for him after what he was about to do.


    Within seconds the amphibian humanoids had found the drugs which Erich was smuggling into their territory, however before they could officially react, Erich walked forward, and reached his arm around themanding agent''s neck while pointing his rail gun revolver to his head, where he immediately voiced his demands while the other officers pointed their ballistic weapons at him.


    "Toss your weapons aside, and your eyepieces! Now walk away slowly. If I see even a single attempt on your part to call for reinforcements, I am blowing this bastard''s brains all over my ship! Just like that¡­ Nice and slow, nobody needs to get hurt here!"


    The security officers did as they were instructed, and tossed their weapons away, while backing out of Erich''s ship slowly. They then got on their knees, waiting for Erich to hand over his hostage. As for Erich, his heart was beating more rapidly than when he had done that job for Drake and his crew.


    As anxious as he was, he was also high with adrenaline, as he used his nanites to connect to the Vaxkorvian intersterwork, where he called his contact, and in doing so, alerted the local syndicate about his ongoing situation.


    "Yeah, I''m here, Hangar 3 at the Star port, you might want to do some investigating into your organization, because someone ratted me out to customs."


    Erich''s contact immediately responded with several questions.


    "Are you alright? Have they seized the cargo?"


    Naturally Erich began informing his contact of everything that went down, and after a brief summarization silence prevailed for some time before the contact finally spoke.


    "Alright, I understand. My team is on the way. In the meantime, you must maintain control over the situation, and whatever you do, don''t let those bastards call for reinforcements. When I find out who ratted you out to the authorities, I will skin them alive! I will also contact Splinter and have them investigate their own organization in case the fucking rat came from their end. Stay tight!"


    With this said, the call was immediately cut, and Erich transitioned his full focus to the customs security team which he was now holding hostage in the middle of an alien star port. There was only one way to describe the situation that he now found himself in. Erich was truly and utterly boned¡­.

 Chapter 35 Returning To Active Service

    Erich took a deep breath as he aimed his rail gun revolver towards his hostages, naturally his finger was off the trigger, as he was thoroughly trained in the use of firearms during his tenure in the Germanic Youth Corps, andter during his time at the Naval Academy. Thest thing he needed was to cause a negligent discharge and alert the entire spaceport to his hostage crisis.


    The five customs security officers remained kneeling on the ground with their arms behind their head, as they eyed the security cameras, as if waiting for the star port''s crisis team to respond. When Erich noticed this, he chuckled before informing the five men that their hopes were in vain.


    "I hate to break it to you guys, but reinforcements are not arriving. It was quite easy for me to slice into your securitywork and put those cameras on repeat. As far as anyone knows, you are still investigating my starship."


    Upon hearing this grave news, the hearts of the hostages nearly imploded. When they were tipped off about a potential drug smuggling ring, they did not expect things to end so poorly. They could only sigh andment their lot in life as they waited for their fate to unfold.


    Shortly thereafter Erich could hear the elevator functioning, and though the Vaxkorvians appeared hopeful that their saviors had arrived, the moment the doors open they were filled with even further despair, as a group of fellow Vaxkorvians appeared on the scene. However, they were not dressed in security uniforms, but rather civilian clothes, with masks concealing their features.


    When they rushed into the Hangar, these thugs drew their pistols which were concealed in their jackets, where they then approached the ship, while the leader of the unit spoke with Erich directly in the Germanguage.


    "The Glimex Gang thanks you for your efforts. Do not fret, now that we have the cargo, the payment is already been transferred to Splinter as we speak. You did good, not many smugglers could handle a sudden search and seizure this well. We''ll take it from here¡­."


    Erich sighed in relief as he lowered his rail gun revolver and ced it in its holster after de-cocking its hammer. All the anxiety he felt prior to this moment suddenly disappeared, and instead a wide smile formed on his handsome face, though it was obscured by the tinted visor that his helmet made use of.


    Just when he was about to express his gratitude, the gangster in charge attached a suppressor to his pistol, before shooting the leader of the Vaxkorvian security agents, point nk in the head. Erich had not expected that the gang who he was smuggling drugs to would outright execute his hostages, and he was quick to scream out at them in disbelief.


    "What the fuck are you doing!?!?"


    The gangster simply snorted in disdain as the rest of the Vaxkorvian security officers ran for their lives. However, they did not make it far, as the gangsters ceased their actions and aimed their handguns at the hostages'' backs before pulling the triggers, and thus sending all the remaining hostages straight to the afterlife. After doing so, he responded to Erich''s question with a cold tone in his voice.


    "No witnesses¡­."


    Erich could not believe his eyes. The murders had happened so quickly that he had not been able to intervene, instead he fell to his knees, knowing that he was responsible for the deaths of five innocent security officers who were just doing their job.


    When he entered the criminal underworld, Erich had justified the murders that Drake and his crewmitted, because they were Germanic citizens, and criminals no less, who were well within the range of cloning facilities. Those men had revived, and were most likely currently facing prison stints for the list of charges they were no doubt wanted for.


    But clearly the Vaxkorvians did not have the technology to bring their dead back to life, and thus, the five men who were murdered just now were well and truly dead. Killing in war was one thing, after all, it was a fight for Erich''s survival. It was him, or the enemy, but to witness the outright murder of several security officers happen in front of him, which was undoubtedly his own fault. Erich felt a part of him die inside and realized immediately that he was not cut out for the cutthroat business of drug smuggling.


    The lead gangster could sense Erich''s despair, and thus he pointed his pistol towards Erich''s head, before asking one simple question. One which undoubtedly would determine whether Erich would live or die.


    "Are we going to have a problem?"


    Realizing that he might die without the chance of resurrection in a cloning facility due to the distance between him and the Empire''swork, Erich quickly shook his head, before climbing to his feet while finding his resolve to stomach this heinous crime that was undoubtedly a result of his own actions.


    After seeing that Erich was being cooperative, the gangster chuckled before stashing away his pistol, he then ordered his crew to put the bodies in Erich''s cargo bay once all the contraband had been sessfully transferred into their hands, where he gave onest bit of advice to Erich who was struggling to keep his shit together.


    "When you enter FTL, you should dump those bodies out of your cargo hold. Trust me, nobody will ever find them that way. Oh and onest thing, I don''t believe I need to remind you that we were never here...."


    After saying this, the Glimex Gang departed with the drugs, which they would no doubt distribute across Vaxkorvian space. As for Erich, he climbed into his ship and took off with lifeless eyes. It took everything he had to properly dispose of the bodies which lie in his cargo bay without having a mental breakdown.


    No longer feeling up for a vacation on the beach, Erich immediately began to head back to the industrial world of Quadi, where he spent as much time as possible cleaning off the bloodstains from his cargo hold.


    Another month passed, and before Erich knew it, he was already back in Imperial Space. The memories of what he had done on Vaxkorvia had never left his mind. Only the mass quantity of Asuran Palm Wine which he kept in his ship could help him tolerate the guilt that ate away at his stomach. When he finally pulled into Quadi''s orbit, he spoke to himself in a depressed voice.


    "It wasn''t supposed to be this way¡­."


    Despite the internal conflict that he was currently suffering from, Erich knew that he needed to put on his game face, or else when he re-entered active duty within the next three days, his fellow pilots would realize that something had happened, and he would undoubtedly be investigated. Thus, Erich forced himself to appear stoic, knowing that his freedom depended on it.


    The next three days were difficult to get through, as Erich primarily stayed within the confines of his starship, drinking wine to cope with the many disturbing emotions he felt at this moment, in the end, he stashed his ship away for long-term storage, before heading back to the carrier which he served on.


    It had only been four months since he wasst fighting in Dvrakian space, and yet, he felt as if a lifetime had passed. His brief foray into the criminal underworld, while exciting at first, had ended with a bloody mess. Something which even now he endured a tremendous amount of guilt over.


    Meanwhile, the war against the Dvrakian Consortium was quickly approaching its end. Something which Erich was immediately reminded of when he met up with his unit. Commander Erwin Wulf, who was in charge of the squadron, gazed upon the pilots of the ck Sun, and smiled before weing them back to service.


    "It is good to see all of us together again. Now, as many of you already know, the war is rapidly nearing its end, and all that is left is toy siege to the Dvrakian home world, thus we will immediately be deploying to the front lines to lead the charge against the enemy.


    Silber, you''ll be d to know that your interceptor has been reced, though I would feel remiss if I did not remind you to take it easy on the stims, and that goes for the rest of you adrenaline junkies as well, understood?"


    Erich, along with the other pilots who had crashed as a result of overdosing on stimnts, immediately saluted their Wing Commander and responded in the affirmative.


    "Yes, sir!"


    With this said, Commander Wulf smiled once more before giving out his orders to his unit.


    "Alright, well, now I want you fuckers ready forbat at a moment''s notice. You all received a minimum of four months''s leave, and thest thing I need is for you to getcent. So, over the next few weeks, as we approach the front lines, I want you guys runningbat drills on the regr. That''s all for now¡­ Dismissed!"


    Erich followed the rest of his fellow pilots back to the bunks, where he stashed away his gear, undoubtedly there would be another illegal card game tonight, but by now Erich had received his fill of uwful activity, and decided to just get as much rest as possible before he was once more thrust intobat.


    ---


    In another sector of Imperial space, the cobalt haired woman who was Erich''s contact within the Criminal Syndicate mostmonly known by the name of "Splinter" was standing before a man, who was dressed in a full set of power armor, but this was not the kind of power armor that had been illegally modified from more conventional sets of body armor like the one Erich owned. No, this was a genuine suit of Star Marine Armor that had been scavenged from a raid against Imperial Security Forces.


    Despite the fact that this was a genuine set of power armor, it was cosmetically modified with the skull and bones of arge bovine like creature that was found on a multitude of alien worlds outside of Imperial space. The creature had a particrly violent and dangerous reputation, and its remains were prized among hunters from multiple interster civilizations. Not only was the armor decorated with bones, but it was also painted in a rather haphazard pattern whose markings almost appeared random in design.


    The cobalt haired woman''s scarlet eyes glowed, as a DataStream reflected from her irises. In this DataStream was the Naval Profile of a certain man, one who had recently conducted a job for her criminal organization. With a cold, and collected voice, the woman read the information from the DataStream aloud.


    "Lieutenant Erich "Silber" Jaeger, recently assigned to the legendary ck Sun Squadron, where for the past year he has been performingbat duties as the spearhead of the GSE''s invasion of the Dvrakian Consortium.


    The man has been awarded the Iron Cross First ss for his actions during the Battle of Therakles at the onset of the campaign, but despite his astonishing record of kills as an Ace Pilot, it appears that his career in the Imperial Navy has been stifled by the Admiral in charge of the Thirteenth Fleet, who is quite angry with Erich for the controversy he caused when he assaulted a female reporter. It doesn''t help that several monthster he crashednded on the hangar bay of his carrier after overdosing on stimnts, and in doing so caused some minor damage to the ship."


    A voice which had been modified by a modtor spoke in a way that resembled that of a robot, as the man in the power armor quickly raised his hand and halted his subordinate''s report.


    "Mirage! I don''t give a damn about his military service! In case you haven''t forgotten, literally every man in the Empire is required to serve in the Armed Forces, myself included. This kid was rmended by Drake and his crew, and shortly thereafter, our smuggling operations were leaked to the authorities! I need to know if he is working for anyone else. What connections does Apex have to the party that might suggest he is an undercover agent?"


    The look on the face of the woman who went by the alias of Mirage after hearing her boss''s words was like that of a woman who had just walked into a sulfur pit. She did not approve in the slightest of being spoken to in such a rude manner, but she did not have the guts to reprimand an underboss of the syndicate. Thus, she could only respond passive aggressively as he answered the man''s questions.


    "Well, Butcher¡­. The only thing I can find that is remotely simr to your request is that this kid is the son of a Sector Governor, however, he was disowned by his parents for whatever reason shortly after joining the Naval Academy on Germania. I could not find the exact reason behind it, no matter how badly I tried to search for an answer, but I do have some clues.


    It happened almost immediately after the pop sensation Erika Kriegermbasted him on social media for a picture he had taken with a member of the Kondo Dynasty. Leading me to believe that his parents believed the rumors of him sleeping with the Oni woman and thus expelled him from their family in an act to save face."


    After hearing this, the man nicknamed Butcher remained quiet for several moments as if he were deep in thought. After a while, he took off his helmet, and took a deep breath of the purified air that was filtered through his carrier''s life support system before speaking his thoughts on the matter.


    "Despite your background as a former Agent in the Imperial Intelligence Services, you are telling me that this kid has no connection with the authorities other than his father, who just so happens to be a high-ranking politician? Was Apex really just disowned by his parents for fucking an alien whore and left with nothing? Did this boy really turn to a life of crime just to support himself? Why does this story sound so familiar, Mirage?"


    It was only after saying this that the man turned around to reveal his heavily scarred face. Like Erich, and Mirage, he too was a mutant, one with blood red hair which was cut into the style of a mohawk. His battle worn face had a distinctive tattoo beneath his right eye, which was no doubt applied during a stint in a prison colony, as tattoos were only worn by those members of Germanic society who were a part of the criminal underworld.


    With a heavy sigh, Mirage responded to her boss with a mncholy tone in her hyper feminine voice.


    "It is what we as mutants have to do to survive. We are not allowed to marry or have children, so we turn to the arms of other mutants, or even aliens, forfort. While the Party expects us to fight and die for the expansion of their power and influence, they throws us to the wolves after we are no longer of any value to them. Where most of us turn to a life of crime in order to sustain ourselves.


    Apex''s story is one as old as the Empire itself. It is of my professional opinion that he is not the rat, and thus you have no reason to act against him. No, whoever informed the Vaxkorian authorities about our business was definitely an insider. So you best turn your intention inwards, because from what I hear, after the way hisst job ended, Apex is already considering returning to the life of aw-abiding citizen, but in twenty years, when his mandatory military service ispleted, he will realize that he has no other choice but toe crawling back to us¡­."


    Butcher did not respond for several minutes, instead he stared out of the window with his arms held behind his back, as if in deep contemtion. After some time, he finally spoke again, and in doing so gave his orders to his right-hand woman.


    "Alright, I believe you, I want this rat found and made an example of. If it turns out that he is a part of our outfit, then we better find him before the other Underbosses do so, or God forbid, the Boss himself does. As for Apex, leave him be for the time being.


    And when the boy finally realizes that no matter how good of a little soldier he is, that his fate was determined from the moment he was born, we will be waiting for him with open arms. After all, as a former ace pilot of the ck Sun myself, I know just how valuable of an asset Apex is to Splinter¡­"


    Butcher shifted his gaze towards the window and remained silent. However, if one closely observed his reflection, they could see the DataStream in his sanguine eyes, one which disyed a picture of himself, with a wife and kids. Something a mutant like himself should never have had¡­

 Chapter 36 The Battle Of Dvrakia

    It did not take long for Erich and the rest of the First Armada to arrive at the blockaded world of Dvrakia. What would have taken months for Erich''s personal starship urred in a matter of days for the massive warships of the Imperial Navy. After all, they carried significantlyrger and more powerful quantum drives than a small expedition ship like the Privateer.


    When the First Armada arrived back at the front lines, they saw that the world was under siege, and had been receiving an orbital bombardment by the entire Imperial Navy for god knows how long. Most of the world''s structures were reduced to ruin, and its defenses were now nothing but rubble.


    Erich did not even have time to properly get caught up to date on the situation, because he and the rest of the thousands of pilots within the First Armada were immediately scrambled into action. After flying into Dvrakia''s orbit, Erich got a much better understanding of just how devastated the world''s surface was.


    Despite over a year of conflict, the Dvrakian Consortium was still determined to fight until thest man. And though the Germanic Armed Forces had taken plenty of prisoners and conquered many worlds that had surrendered to them after bloody campaigns, it would appear that the home world of the Dvrakian species was determined to die with their sovereignty intact.


    Every single piece of military equipment that was still left in the Consortium''s hands was deployed in defense of the home world, with countless drones flying through the sky whilebating the forces of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Erich skillfully maneuvered his interceptor, which was significantly faster and more agile than his privateer, through the atmosphere of the besieged world as he targeted every hostile ship his sensors could pick up.


    By now piloting his starfighter was more instinct than actual conscious thought. Thus, he nimbly avoided any and all enemy fire, whether ite from rail guns or missiles, before locking onto his first target, and firing a missile towards the hostile drone.


    The missile exploded upon reaching the proximity of the target, and thus engulfed it in a massive explosion, leaving nothing left, not even a heap of scrap. Yet Erich did not celebrate. After all, it was just a drone fighter, and not an actual enemy pilot. Instead, he swiftly dodged an oing shot from another drone''s rail gun.


    While sweeping past the hostile drone, Erich fired a burst of hisser repeater, which shredded through the shields, and sted the starfighter into smithereens. On the left and right sides of Erich''s interceptor were two matching starfighters which were from members of his own unit, who fought alongside Erich as his wingmen. As the trio shot down a multitude of drones, a voice came over thems, congratting Erich on his 3,000th kill.


    "God damn Silber, that is 3,000 kills now. Why don''t you save some of ''em for the rest of us?"


    Erich simply snorted as he pressed his throttle forward, which propelled him and his interceptor further into the fray. After narrowly avoiding a missile which was fired towards him, via abination of countermeasures and some skilled flying, Erich swept past the hostile aircraft and shot it down with his sma cannon.


    His shot ate right through the primitive shields of the aircraft, and targeted its engines, which immediately exploded, and thus propelling what remained of the fighter straight into the ground, which crashed into a mostly destroyed building, bringing down what had previously survived the orbital bombardment.


    The battle continued to wage on for another two weeks, with Erich going back to his routine of getting very little sleep while maintaining a schedule of twenty-two full hours ofbat. However, in the end, after thest vestiges of the Dvrakian resistance faded away under the intense onught of the Germanic Armed Forces, the President of the Dvrakian Consortium capitted....


    ---


    In an underground bunker on the Dvrakian homeworld, the President of the Dvrakian Consortium and his surviving generals were in the middle of a call with Grand Admiral Emrys from the Germanic Star-Empire. Admiral Emrys was a sharply dressed man, in a white and gold military uniform, which varied greatly from the uniforms which other servicemen within the ranks of the Imperial Military wore.


    He had mid-length golden hair, and blue eyes, along with a strong jawline, and other masculine features. He was a rugged man, but a handsome one. When he activated the grid, his eyes would turn gold as a result of his nanite enhancements, which were a cut above those which most Germanic citizens were injected with at birth.


    The man had a calm and collected appearance as his holographic projection was disyed in the bunker. Though his face was stoic, his voiced was filled with wrath and disdain as he spoke to the enemy who had forced him to fight so bitterly for a little over a year.


    "So... you finally realize now that you have no choice but to surrender. Quite honestly, you could have saved yourself some trouble by doing this a year ago when your allies abandoned you to your fate. You armies are defeated, your worlds are now under my control, you have nothing left, and now you decide to speak about terms of surrender? Perhaps if I did not have other matters to worry about, then I would exterminate your race to show an example to the gxy of what happens to those who resist our conquest.


    But I have ns for your pitiful species, and thus, those of you who have survived thus far will be permitted to live, as I rebuild what has been destroyed so that it is better than ever before. The Dvrakians now have the honor of bing the first vassal of the Germanic Star-Empire, and you should be kneeling before me, and thanking me for my benevolence!"


    The Dvrakian President looked astonished when he heard what the Grand Admiral of the Germanic Star-Empire had said. He could hardly believe his ears and stammered in disbelief.


    "W...We..... You''re letting us live?"


    Grand Admiral Emrys nodded his head silently, thus raising the hopes of all the Dvrakians who were hiding in the bunker, until he spoke his next words.


    "I have no choice. I need a buffer, and thus, the Empire will invest in the total reconstruction of your civilization so that every world may resist that which is about toe. Show us the same determination you had when you fought our forces, and you will be greatly rewarded!"


    The moment the Dvrakian president heard these foreboding words, he once more began to stammer, this time out of fear, not disbelief.


    "A....And... What is preciselying for us?"


    Grand Admiral Emrys did not hold back any punches as he responded to this question with theplete and honest truth.


    "The Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus is on a path headed directly to our borders. And, since you have wasted a year of our time, we now only have a little under two years left before they arrive in our sphere of influence. While the cowards from our political party have fled to Alfheim in search of refuge, the Military of the Germanic Star-Empire has decided to fight until the veryst man. There will be no retreat, only victory or death, and you now have the honor of joining us in our heroicst stand!"


    The President of the Dvrakian Consortium immediately felt like crying when he heard this news. Had he known that a Naraku Hive Fleet was on a direct course for his borders, he would have voluntarily given up control of his nations'' territory, and fled with as many of his people as he could towards the Enochian Theocracy, who would have done their best to amodate their vassals until they found a new ce to call home.


    Instead, he had resisted the invasion of the Germanic Star-Empire and was now nothing more than a puppet to be thrown into the meat grinder against the gxy''s greatest menace. In all honestly he could not envision a worse fate for his people, who had already suffered so severely against the Germanic war machine. But he had no choice now but to ept the vassge which the GSE was willing to bestow upon him. Thus, he ordered all of his remaining generals and admirals to bow before their new suzerain, as the fate of the Dvrakian race nowid in the hands of their new overlords.


    "We would be honored to fight alongside your for the continued survival of our two species..."


    Though the Dvrakian president said these words, he could not feel anything but the opposite. Still after a little over a year, the war hade to an end, and though it had progressed longer than the Germanic Star-Empire''s admiralty had expected it would, they had achieved victory within a short enough time span that they could still muster a proper defense against Terminus and the horrors that lie in its Hive Fleet.


    ---


    In the world of Alfheim, Empress Lunaria Asterion sat on her throne. In front of her was the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire who bowed before her with the most courtesy he could afford to give. The beautiful Elven empress had a rather excited expression on her face, as she informed herckeys about what the rest of their race had been up to over this past year.


    "I am sure that you would be d to know that your brethren have just concluded their war with the Dvrakian Consortium, and annexed the little devils into the Germanic Star-Empire where, for the time being, they will be your people''s first vassals.


    Curious, isn''t it? I thought you Germans hated everyone who was not of your own race. Hell, even now I can see in your eyes the disdain you have for my people. I never would have thought the day woulde where your Empire permitted a conquered species to live. The winds of change havee atst...."


    Supreme Leader Hans Epp sweated profusely upon hearing the Alfheim Empress speak of the disdain he had for her, the anxiety he felt in his heart was visibly disyed on his face, to which Lunaria giggled like a schoolgirl before speaking in a rather heated tone, as if she were about to climax from the excitement she currently felt.


    "What are you, nervous? Well, you shouldn''t be! Part of what makes your people so tantalizing is just how cold you are towards everyone else, even your masters! The pride that your people have in your race, it is rare to see it be upheld in the face of overwhelming power.


    And while you might be nothing more than a pathetic dreg of your race who has fled in the face of death, I have no doubt that your Grand Admiral would be more than happy to stare me down, and spit in my face if I were to ever threaten him. Oh, the thought of it makes me so dreadfully excited!"


    Supreme Leader Epp was not the only one who looked at the Alfheim Empress as if she had a screw loose, even her own daughter, Princess Celestia Asterion, stared at her as if she had gone well and truly mad. The young Princess could not help but voice her disbelief at her mother''s scandalous words.


    "Mother!"


    Despite being chastised by her own daughter, Lunaria did not seem to care. Such was the confidence of a gctic overlord. Instead, she sighed heavily before dismissing the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire with a look of utter disappointment in her eyes.


    "You can go now. I just wanted to tell you how bravely your people are fighting, even in the face of death. It was my hopes that perhaps their heroism would inspire you and your followers to return to your homnd to join their war for survival, but unfortunately it appears that I have overestimated you all. You lot truly are the dregs of your race. No wonder you all became politicians..."


    After saying this, Lunaria motioned for her royal guard to escort the leaders of the Germanic Star-Empire''s sole political party out of her pce, and back to their embassy, where they would hide until the uing conflict with the Naraku Hive Fleet was decided.

 Chapter 37 Instructing The New Recruits

    With the Dvrakian War havinge to an end, the Germanic Star-Empire immediately shifted its focus to a mass military buildup, as well as transforming their newly conquered worlds into fortresses, which were designed to slow down the Naraku advance when they finally arrived in Germanic space.


    After the war ended in a Germanic victory, the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy set forth on overhauling the Dvrakian civilization so that it was suited for the harsh reality of the universe. Their borderline pacifistic ways hade to an abrupt and bitter end. Instead, the Dvrakian society had been overhauled from the ground up to mimic the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Considering that the Germanic Star-Empire had a specific distaste for alien life, their requirement for vassalization was fairly unique whenpared to other civilizations. They did not desire a yearly tribute of resources and wealth, but rather the so-called human resources that the Dvrakian race had left over after the war.


    Despite the overwhelming destruction that the Dvrakian species endured over the past year, as a result of the Germanic invasion, they stilled had a poption that was vastlyrger than the Germanic Star-Empire, after all, the Germans had only managed to settle one hundred worlds, while the Dvrakians had settled over three times that amount.


    Thus, as part of their preparations for the uing Naraku invasion, Grand Admiral Emrys issued an edict to his newly conquered subjects. Every citizen capable of bearing arms in the newly formed Dvrakian Social Republic, whether male or female, was to be conscripted into military service effective immediately.


    Naturally, to amodate this massive influx of military personnel, the Admiralty had agreed to temporarily integrate the newly formed Dvrakian Republican Guard into the already existing Germanic Military. Thus, as of this moment, there were billions of Dvrakians who had begun serving on Imperial vessels, and alongside Germanic Star Marines, something which much of the Germanic Armed Forces did not appreciate.


    As for Erich, he found himself stationed on the frontiers of the Empire''s new borders, on a world the Dvrakians called Kel''Vornax. It was a continental world with a wide range of climates. In many ways, this world was simr to Earth, albeit significantly smaller, as the was roughly the size of Mars.


    Currently, Erich and the other members of the ck Sun Squadron were tasked with training these new Dvrakian pilots on how to effectively use their light fighters inbat. With Erich being given the painful job of instructing a young Dvrakian woman by the name of S''aleth, who had failed the test to be certified as a Starfighter pilot multiple times now.


    Why the Admiralty had believed that individual training with one of their best ace pilots was the only way to help this young woman pass her exams, Erich did not know. But, regardless of his feelings about the task he had been given, the man was forced to endure this trial, and thus he watched in silence as his new student had yet again crashed into a''s surface within the simtion.


    S''aleth was a beautiful young Dvrakian woman, with blood red skin, matching eyes, and short silver hair. Her horns were rather short and were curled in a way that was akin to the fictitious subus. She had a pair of bat-like wings, and a short devil''s tail which jutted out of her backside.


    The woman''s unusually curvy body was concealed with an olive green flight suit, and currently she was emerging from the holodeck onboard the carrier, with a rather excited smile on her pretty face. She rapidly approached Erich, before expressing her hopeful thoughts aloud.


    "So how did I do? Did I pass?"


    Erich looked at the girl as if she were an imbecile. He could not believe that she could somehow think that she had passed after that performance and was quick to scold her because of it.


    "Did you pass? Of course not! You literally crashed your starfighter into the fucking and killed yourself! Why on earth would I pass you!?!"


    The red-skinned beauty immediately pouted as she began to argue with Erich about her performance, and whether or not she deserved a passing grade.


    "What do you mean? I shot down that bug! Clearly, that means I did a good job!"


    Erich was beginning to believe that this woman was indeed a moron and simply scoffed as he heard the drivel which came from this alien woman''s mouth. As much as she might think she had done well in the simtion, reality was a far different story, and thus he was quick to reprimand S''aleth for her particrly sharp tongue.


    "You think you did well? You chased after a drone with no regard for what was in front of or behind you. Yes, you managed to shoot down the fucking bug as he was attempting to climb back into the atmosphere, but you immediately rammed into the''s surface directly afterward.


    Never before in my life have I seen someone so inept at piloting a Starfighter, how on earth you were selected to serve in this position, I will never understand, but one thing is certain, I will be putting in my rmendation that you should be transferred to another position! Even after a whole week of private instruction, you are still a danger to yourself and everyone around you when you are given ess to a cockpit!"


    If it was even remotely possible for S''aleth''s face to be anymore red, then she was most certainly blushing in embarrassment at this moment, while pouting at the same time. Her cheeks were slightly puffed up, as if she had many things she wanted to say, but knew the man who was scolding her was correct in his assessment.


    Finally, she began to plead with Erich to reconsider his decision, as shetched onto the man''s hand with her own, while firmly gripping it in ce with her short ws. Erich winced in difort as he felt the woman''s ws lock his hand in ce, and though they were not breaking the skin, they were still unbearably ufortable.


    "Please! Give me onest chance! I promise I will do better in the next simtion! Please, I''m begging you!"


    The way the woman was avoiding her eyes from making contact with his own, while struggling to beg like amon dog, was somewhat endearing to Erich. And for the briefest of moments, he thought this living embodiment of a devil was actually quite cute.


    Rather than deal with the conflicted emotions that he currently felt, Erich looked away from the attractive demoness and sighed heavily before agreeing to give her onest chance.


    "Alright, fine, I will give you onest chance to pass your flight certification. If you still fail to do so, then I will have no choice but to transfer you to a more fitting position in the Navy."


    A wide smile lit up on the woman''s pretty face, as her incredibly sharp teeth were fully disyed. She quickly shook Erich''s hand rather overenthusiastically while thanking him for his benevolence.


    "Oh, thank you! Thank you so much! I promise I won''t disappoint you!"


    With this said Erich sighed once more, before reiterating that this was indeed the woman''sst chance to pass.


    "Don''t thank me yet. This is yourst chance. So¡­. In order to give you the best chances of sess, we are going to spend the next month reteaching you the basics of flight andbat maneuvers. I can not emphasize enough how much trouble I am going through to make sure you be a pilot, so do not waste my time!"


    The fledgling Dvrakian Pilot immediately snapped to attention and saluted Erich with a cheerful smile on her pretty face.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    Like Erich had said, the two of them began spending a lot of time together, with Erich''s entire schedule for the month being taken up with private lessons for this hopeless pilot. He honestly did not know why the Navy was wasting time and resources helping this girl be a pilot, but he was certain that she was closely rted to somebody who held significant power and influence in the newly formed National Socialist Dvrakian Worker''s Party, which was the new ruling entity of the puppet state.


    ¡ª


    A full month had passed, and currently Erich was watching a holographic projection of what was going on in the holodeck, as S''aleth began piloting her dagger for what might very well be thest time. The test was designed to mimic a real battlefield scenario, and the only way to achieve victory was through surviving until the very end and scoring a certain number of kills.


    The start of the scenario was quite easy, as all S''aleth needed to do in the beginning was sessfully take off from the carrier inside the simtion and head towards the battlefield with a wing of simtedrades. The buxom demoness was breathing quite heavily as she struggled to cope with the anxiety that she currently felt.


    This anxiety only increased as she approached the battlefield which was currently taking ce over a simted between the Germanic Navy and a Naraku Hive Fleet, which was based upon Terminus. The Dvrakian pilot took a deep breath as she gripped her joystick with excessive strength. She then pushed the throttle forward as she immediately activated her targeting array so that it would lock onto the nearest drone.


    It did not take long for S''aleth to catch up to the enemies, where she immediately opened fire with both herser repeaters and sma cannon to ensure that the maximum damage was dealt in the shortest amount of time.


    Within seconds the drone exploded, allowing S''aleth to quickly pass through the remains which the insectoid lifeform had left behind. She then used her thrusters to strafe around her next target, which she immediately opened fire upon.


    As S''aleth continued to fight through the scenario, Erich watched as her instructor, along with several other officers of the Germanic Starfighter Corps who were surprised to see that the alien woman who was a repeated flunkee just a month ago had somehow so quickly gained a grasp for flying. One of the officers even made ament about it. While Erich stared anxiously at the holographic projection, fearing that some of his student''s bad habits might resurface during the test.


    "Amazing¡­ It was just a month ago that I was certain this girl would flunk out of flight school, but now she has already managed to get through half the simtion without sustaining any significant damage. How the hell did you manage to get her up to speed so quickly, Silber?"


    Erich did not respond to this question, and instead he watched the projection closely, noticing that a Naraku reaper, which was a specialized close quarters fighter variant of the drone, was rapidly approaching her six. To which he instinctively reached out to his student with his telepathy, and in doing so, secretly vited the parameters of the test.


    "Watch your six!"


    S''aleth assumed this was just her mind reminding her of what her instructor had drilled into her head over thest month, and thus she immediately looked behind her, to get a better glimpse of her rear, where she noticed the Naraku Reaper was about totch onto her starfighter, and shred it to bits. Realizing that she had just narrowly failed the test, S''aleth''s heart nearly exploded from the anxiety she was currently feeling, but her body reacted quicker than her mind, as she quickly dived towards the surface in an attempt to lose the enemy, while strafing around her pursuer so that she could get a sight picture.


    Right when she saw the jaws of the insectoidtch out towards her starfighter, she used the sma cannon which was mounted on a gimbal beneath the nose of her fighter, to unleash a storm of fire onto the bug, which caused it to explode right before it could rip open her cockpit with its mighty jaws, and pincers.


    The explosion of the enemy target caused her ship to sustain some damage, but it was not enough to cause her to fail the test. Which after gaining control of her spiraling ship, S''aleth shot back into orbit where she seeded in taking out more drones and reapers, until the GSE Fleet was ordered to retreat. Where she immediately headed back to the carrier andnded on its deck.


    The simtion came to an abrupt stop after her sessfulnding, and revealed her score, which was just above the passing grade. To which she jumped out of the holodeck in excitement and ran towards her instructor. Even she did not know why she kissed Erich, but the overt disy of affection between the instructor and his student immediately caught the gaze of the other Officers, who felt the need to report Erich for fraternizing with another species.


    After several moments of kissing a stunned Erich, S''aleth released herself from his embrace, without even realizing what she had done, or why she had done it. Before thanking the man for his assistance in helping her reach her goals.


    "I can''t believe it! I actually did it! And it is all thanks to you!"


    Erich was stunned into silence, and even felt quite vited by the long snake-like tongue that had forced its way into his mouth. He looked in shock at his peers, who were giving him a disapproving nce, as if to say that they would definitely be reporting him for this incident to their superiors.


    It was only now, after seeing the awkward nces between the Germanic officers, that S''aleth realized she had done something incredibly inappropriate, and recoiled in shock as she bowed her head in an attempt to gain forgiveness for her rash and intimate actions.


    She was blushing so profusely that even Erich would be able to detect the change in skin color around her cheeks, but luckily for her, nobody could see this, as her pretty face was directly facing the floor.


    "I''m so sorry. I don''t know what came over me. I got so excited and did something entirely inappropriate. Please forgive me! I promise it won''t happen again!"


    Erich had no idea how to respond to this incident. In truth, he saw S''aleth as nothing more than an irksome thorn in his side that the Admiralty had forced upon him. Although now he had to admit she was an extremely attractive specimen of her species, far more so than the women he had seen in Dvrakian porn.


    Unfortunately for him, there was no way he could possibly pursue a rtionship with an alien like S''aleth, and without a doubt, he was going to get reprimanded for this one kiss that he had no control over. Thus, he forcefully calmed his rapidly beating heart before scolding the young woman for her actions.


    "What you just did was a serious vition of the Empire''s Naval Code of Conduct! I could even bring you up on disciplinary charges for this vition! However, with context I think I can reduce your sentence to a matter of cleaning thetrines. You may have passed your flight certification just now, but that is no excuse for your behavior. Report to the janitorial staff, where you will be serving a three-month stint before you are permitted to join the rest of the pilots in your unit!"


    S''aleth had gotten to know Erich quite well over thisst month of being together, and she had never seen him this angry before. It was almost enough to make her cry, in a hasty moment she had given this man her first kiss, and now he was disciplining her. She was just about to argue with Erich when she noticed the looks the other officers were giving him.


    In that moment she suddenly remembered the strict penalties that the Geramanic Star-Empire held for interspecies rtions, and thus, she now realized how much of a taboo she had just vited. She may only be getting three months of janitorial duty, but Erich, who was a member of the Germanic race, he was definitely in for a whole mess of trouble thanks to her.


    And thus, knowing that he had been lenient with her, despite the harsh punishment he was about to receive, S''aleth struggled to choke back her tears as she saluted Erich, and just barely managed to respond in affirmation to her new orders.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    After saying this, S''aleth ran off, no longer willing to face the man she had caused so much trouble for, especially after all the hoops he had jumped through to get her up to par with Imperial flight standards. As for Erich, he shook his head and sighed before looking sternly at his other officers. His words were not so much an admission of guilt, but one of understanding just how boned he was for this mishap.


    "Alright, she is gone. You can both go run off now to your superiors and report me for something I had no control over. Fucking cunts¡­."


    Surprisingly, the two officers looked at one another before breaking out intoughter. The higher ranking of the two men looked at Erich with what appeared to be envy before voicing his thoughts aloud.


    "Bro, what was it like?"


    This question shocked Erich, who raised his brow in disbelief before asking for rification.


    "What do you mean? What was what like?"


    Contrary to what Erich expected, the rification of the question did note from the first officer, but the second one instead.


    "Her tongue, obviously! I mean, I''m not gonna lie. I''ve been wondering what they feel like since we first started our war with these sexy devils. To think you would actually get one to kiss you! Man, I mean officially I have to reprimand you for such a thing, but honestly? I''m so jealous! Hey I remember now, you are that guy from the controversy a few years back, you know that pop star reposted an image of you with that sexy Oni babe. Did you seriously smash her as well?"


    Erich looked at the two officers who appeared supremely interested in the subject, before scoffing in disbelief.


    "Noment¡­"


    After saying this, Erich walked away, where he could have sworn he heard the two men groan in defeat, with one of them even calling him a tease. It was only at this moment that Erich realized that there were more men in the Empire than himself who were sexually attracted to women from some of the more beautiful alien species.

 Chapter 38 A Dastardly Plot By The Ghimderi Trade Union

    While the Germanic Star-Empire was currently in a phase of military buildup, an enemy they were not even aware they had had begun to conspire against them. On the of Ghimderi, the various Trade Princes hade together to speak about the recent conflict which the Germanic Star-Empire had emerged victorious in, and about the Naraku Hive Fleet which was approaching their borders.


    Bixle Goldentooth was among the most powerful and influential Trade Princes within the Ghimderi Race. If their species had anything close to approximating a proper leader, he would be it. In truth, he had primarily been the one responsible for spearheading the propaganda campaign, which had turned much of the gxy against the Germanic race. At first, he thought these pesky humanoid creatures from the western quadrant were a minor nuisance, one who refused to join the gctic economy, and thus enter the control of the Ghimderi Trade Union.


    However, with the current mass military buildup which the Germanic Star-Empire was undergoing, it was bing increasingly clear to Bixle and several of the other Trade Princes that if left unchecked, the Germanic Star-Empire would inevitably prove disastrous to the Ghimderi Race as a whole. Especially after they realized just how much the goblinoid race had conspired against them.


    Even if the Germanic Star-Empire did not directly seek out vengeance against the Ghimderi. The very idea of them surviving, and eliminating a Naraku Hive Fleet while being a regional power, would inevitably inspire other interster civilization to follow their path of self sufficiency.


    If such a thing were to ur, then it would rapidly decrease the power and influence of the Ghimderi Trade Union. This could not be permitted under any circumstances. Thus, Bixle Goldentooth had summoned his peers to discuss how to prevent the Germanic Star-Empire from surviving the onught of the Naraku Hive Fleet, which was currently heading towards their borders.


    "We can''t allow these golden-haired shits to increase their military strength. It was bad enough when they began efforts to doube the size of their Armed Forces just with their own poption. However, after annexing the Dvrakian Consortium, they now have ess to far more resources and manpower than what they were previous limited to.


    What we need to do is instigate a war, perhaps with a Sub-gctic power, so that the Germanic Star-Empire wastes its resources that they have recently umted. This way, they will have a far lower chance of surviving the Hive Fleet terminus!"


    Another Trade Prince, who was just as ghastly in appearance as Bixle, was quick to nod his head in agreement before voicing his own opinion on the matter.


    "It has be clear to me that this so called Germanic Star-Empire has be a threat to our continued power and influence over the gxy. They have managed to achieve military power in parity with Tier III Regional Powers, while only holding thirty-six systems beneath their control. Now they have ess to over three hundred. It is impossible to know just how much power and influence they will achieve in theing years. It is only a matter of time before other interster civilizations try to emte the Germanic society.


    We can not allow this to happen, and since we can not manipte their economy, as it is entirely self-sufficient, we must manipte another power into dering war on the Germanic Star-Empire. So long as they are not facing imminent extinction, the Alfheim Empress will not interfere with a military conflict. Thus, we can waste their resources until the Naraku take care of their pesky race once and for all!"


    Despite the words of this specific trade prince, another and more hideous looking elderly Ghimderi by the name of Qeld Silvergleam was quick to voice his disapproval with this n, not because he found it to be hical, no there was not a single Ghimderi would disagree with this proposal based upon something as inconsequential as morality. No, he disagreed with this plot specifically because he believed the fascination which the Alfheim Empress had in her newest pets was something that his peers were underestimating and thus he was quick to voice this concern.


    "I believe you are all failing to realize how much of an infatuation Empress Lunaria Asterion has with the Germanic race. I have it on good authority that she has said some rather obscene things about her desires towards the men of the Germanic Star-Empire, specifically their Grand Admiral, who currently seems to be leading the Empire in its efforts to prepare for the Naraku Hive Fleet.


    She will naturally be able to detect any hostile moves we make towards her precious pets, and will not easily forgive them, especially as they are now fighting for their very survival. I believe if we were to encourage one of our puppets to dere war against the Germanic Star-Empire, then it won''t be long before the Alfheim Dominion mobilizes its forces to blockade our home world! If that happens, our wealth will vastly diminish, as will our control over the gxy!"


    Bixle''s plump little fingers curled so much that his ws began to dig into the flesh of his palm. He gnashed his overly sharp teeth in response to Qeld Silvergleam''s words before voicing his distaste for the Alfheim Empress and her race as a whole.


    "Those damned Light Elves, they think because their military is superior to our own, that they actually have a say in how far our influence spreads! Absolutely disgusting, the lot of them! If they were more easily manipted, like their dark-skinned cousins, then perhaps we wouldn''t be having this problem!


    Regardless of what that damned whore thinks, the Germanic Star-Empire and their entire race must be eliminated. Their very existence is a threat to our power! And If the Alfheim Empress decides to get in our way, then we will just convince the other Gctic Powers to restrain her. No matter how powerful the Alfheim Military is, they cannot win a war against the entire gxy!


    As for their bitch of a Crowned Princess, she needs to be humbled. For such a foolish little girl to speak to me with those vile words, I think we need to teach her a lesson! We need to capture her alive and soil her purity! Perhaps after being sold to the Dark Elves, she will learn some proper respect! All in favor of coercing a sub-gctic power to dere war against the Germanic Star-Empire, and for the kidnapping of the Alfheim Crown Princess?"


    The vote was unanimous as each and every Trade Prince within the Ghimderi Trade Union agreed to start a war with the Germanic Star-Empire via the use of a proxy, and to kidnap the Alfheim Crown Princess so that they could gift her to the Svartalfheim Federation as a pleasure ve.


    ---


    Almost immediately after the meeting between the trade princes took ce, Lunaria received a call from Qeld Silvergleam. He did not intend to warn Lunaria about the schemes of his peers simply out of the goodness of his heart, but rather out of greed. To the Ghimderi, nothing was above wealth and power, even their own race. In fact, it was to be expected that at least one of the Ghimderi Trade Princes would sell out their own kind in pursuit of a quick buck.


    After hearing everything that the elderly Trade Prine had to say, Lunaria gazed in disgust towards the hideous goblinoid creature, more so than usual. She was utterly furious that they had not only desired to drive her favorite pets into extinction but also were nning to go after her own daughter with such despicable methods.


    The fury a mother had when her children were targeted was not something easily calmed. And thus, she sent a substantial fortune to the Trade Prince, who had warned her while also returning the favor.


    "Humph, how impetuous of your peers to think that they can get their hands on my precious daughter, and turn her into a ything for those hideous dark skinned freaks! All because she spoke the truth about your people! Well, I will show them, when Bixle''s agentse for my daughter, I will have their genitals mutted before feeding them to the wretches they belong to through a straw!


    As for the punishment that I have in store for your peers, I believe I will leave that up to my precious puppies. Once they have fully grown, I will tell them of what your despicable race has done to them, and what you all will continue to do throughout theing years. Then I will watch as theytch their jaws around your gangly necks, before ripping out your throats with their sharp teeth!


    Naturally, I will spare the Silvergleam Cartel, or at least make the best efforts to do so. But if I were you, I would flee from your so-called home world before the Germans arrive. Because when they do, it will not be easy to appease their fury. Not after they learn all which you have done to them! No, I believe only the extermination of your entire race will satiate their blood lust! And I personally look forward to the day the name Ghimderi is just an embarrassing memory in the history of the Gxy!"


    It was only now that Qeld Silvergleam was beginning to regret his decision to inform the Alfheim Empress of the ns that his peers had concocted. She was beyond furious, and it would appear that even though he had warned her in advance, she would not make much of an effort to spare him and his Cartel when the day of reckoning finally arrived.


    Perhaps Bixle was right all along. The Germanic people needed to be erased from the gxy, for if they were not, then it would mean disaster for the Ghimderi race. After all, the Ghimderi were not warriors; they were not skilled in the art of war. Their biology basically prevented them from being proficient in such noble pursuits. They were only good at coercing the other races tomit violence on their behalf.


    But with the rapid rate which the Germanic-Star Empire was developing, and the animosity that the Alfheim Dominion now had towards the Ghimderi Trade Union, it was only a matter of time before they found themselves embroiled in a war with two gctic powers. When that happened, perhaps even thebined might of the Asuran Cabal, the Svartalfheim Federation, and the Ennead Theocracy would not be enough to save his people.


    After all, the Germanic Star-Empire had thus far shown a remarkable ability to punch above their own weight, and by the time they were truly a gctic power in their own right, whether this took a millennium, or a hundred, they would be able to effectively counter at least two gctic powers on their own. After all, even the most militant of the Gctic Powers, which was the Alfheim Dominion, admired the proficiency in which the Germanic race engaged in violence.

 Chapter 39 Dvrakian Mating Habits

    With the war between the Germanic Star-Empire and the Dvrakian Consortium now a thing of the past, Erich found that he had an exceptional amount of free time on his hands. When he was not training new pilots like S''aleth, he usually spent time in the mess hall socializing with the other crewman of the Carrier.


    Despite the trouble she had caused him, S''aleth did not appear capable of staying away from Erich, and thus, she almost always met up with him in the Mess Hall whenever he was there. How she was able to so expertly track his movements, when he did not operate on a fixed schedule, he did not know, but she had seeded in doing this over and over again.


    After discussing his paranoia with another one of the recruits he was training, the man looked at Erich with an odd expression before exining what was going on, however; he did so in a hushed voice as if what he was about to say absolutely could not be overheard by outsiders.


    "This might sound like a weird question, but were the two of you physically intimate with each other in any way that would have exchanged body fluids?"


    Erich was immediately taken aback by this question. He looked around to see if anyone was listening in on his conversation before responding in an equally hushed tone.


    "Well, I mean, she kissed me..."


    The Dvrakian recruit seemed to havee to a certain understanding as he nodded his head, as if the answer was obvious from the start. Upon seeing that Erich was still confused, the man sighed and shook his head before responding.


    "Our species evolved to mate for life. And though some Dvrakians choose not to do so, it is still tradition. If bodily fluids are exchanged between two Dvrakians, whether it''s a kiss, or something more intense, they will be able to sniff out that other person and their whereabouts so long as they are within a certain distance of one another, and it''s a prettyrge distance...


    I''m actually quite surprised by this news... You may not be aware of this, but it is a major taboo for a Dvrakian to be physically intimate with someone from another species. To put it in simple terms, by kissing you, S''aleth has essentially made it impossible for her to ever mate with another Dvrakian, especially if news of this were to ever get out.


    I won''t say a word about this to anyone, but yeah, that''s why she is able to find you so easily. As long as the two of you are on the same ship, she will instinctively know where you are at all times of the day."


    This news had shocked Erich to the core of his being. It took him several moments to process what he had heard before he finally asked the immediate question on his mind.


    "Are you saying that S''aleth wants to... mate with me?"


    The Dvrakian recruit looked at Erich as if the man was as dense as a neutron star while he slowly nodded his head before responding in confirmation.


    "Obviously! She would not have kissed you if that was not her intention. Even if she did it instinctively in a moment of great excitement, there is only one reason a member of our species would be so physically intimate with someone else. Though good luck ever getting into such a rtionship with her. From what I hear, your species has actually made it a capital offense to engage in interspecies rtions. Even I think that''s a bit harsh... But every civilization has a reason for its rules and traditions, so I''m not going to judge...."


    Despite saying this, there was a very clear look of disdain in the trainee''s eyes, as if Erich''s entire existence disgusted him. Perhaps it was partially out of jealousy, as well as cultural taboos. After all, S''aleth was an exceptionally attractive member of her species, and for her to be taken by a foreigner, it was truly an intolerable offense to most Dvrakians.


    Naturally Erich did not take offense to such an expression, because it was the same one which his entire species had looked at him with since the day he was born. He was more than used to being hated by people simply for existing, and thus he did not let it get to him.


    ---


    At lunch on the next day, S''aleth naturally found her way to the mess hall, and sat in front of Erich with a wide smile on her pretty face. She had not said a thing about their kiss since it had happened. Until now, that is.


    "I''m d to see you didn''t get into trouble because of me. I know how serious your race treats incidents like that, and thest thing I wanted to do was cause any trouble for you... Can you please forgive me?"


    Just when Erich was about to say that there was nothing to forgive, he saw the figure of a man he was not expecting to see enter into the mess hall. An enormous smile appeared across Erich''s face as he entirely ignored S''aleth, and her apology, before rushing over to the entrance to the mess hall. Erich wrapped his arms around the man''s back and hugged him tightly before screaming in excitement.


    "Karl! What the hell are you doing here? It''s been too long. How have you been?"


    Karl immediately smiled and shook Erich around, as he expressed his joy at seeing his old friend.


    "Haha, you magnificent bastard! I knew you were still alive! Fredrik and Dolph owe me ten thousand creds each! As for why I am on board your ship, I have been transferred. I will spare you the details, but let''s just say my CO got extremely pissed at me for something that waspletely out of my control, and so he transferred me."


    This sudden news shocked Erich, though he was happy he would not be able to regrly interact with one of his few friends in this unforgiving universe, he was more shocked that Karl was surprised to see that he was still alive and was quick to interrogate the man on that subject..


    "I''m sorry what? What do you mean? Why wouldn''t I be alive?"


    Karl looked at Erich funny, before expressing his thoughts more clearly. His lighthearted nature seemed to have shifted to a more grim tone as he did so.


    "Well, you know that not everyone who died in the war came back, right? I mean, there were times where our fleets were pushed beyond the borders of our data ships. Because of this, some of the guys who died were not cloned. After all, they did not receive the signals which were supposed to inform the cloning facilities to revive them.


    You haven''t contacted us in so long that the guys and I made a betting pool. I was the only one who actually betted that you were still kicking! After all, I saw you in that tournament. There was no way these red devils would have been able to kill you!"


    It was only now that Karl noticed S''aleth eying Erich with pouty eyes, which he was quick to mention.


    "Hey dude... That subus is eying you right now. Do you want me to tell her to fuck off?"


    Subus was a derogatory term that many of the Germanic soldiers used to refer to the female members of the Dvrakian Republican Guard who were now serving aboard the fleets of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Not every soldier in the Germanic Armed Forces was as open-minded as Erich. In fact, many of them still viewed the Dvrakians as enemies and outsiders. After all, it was not that long ago that they were fighting a war with each other. Karl appeared to be one of these men, which surprised Erich, as he quickly defended S''aleth from his bigotry.


    "Hey don''t call her that man, S''aleth is.... She''s a friend of mine. So don''t you dare disrespect her like that!"


    Karl took another nce at S''aleth, and the way she was looking at Erich, causing a look of astonishment to overwhelm the man, as he stared at Erich in disbelief before uttering his thoughts aloud.


    "No way... There''s no fucking way you got lucky with a hot alien babe for a second time!"


    Erich immediately stared at Karl and silenced the man. He then looked around to see if anyone had heard him, before reprimanding his friend for nearly causing a misunderstanding.


    "It''s not like that, you moron! Are you trying to get me killed? We''re just friends. That is all there is to it!"


    Karl scoffed, clearly not believing a word that Erich had said, before lecturing the man about his bad habits.


    "Just like how you were just friends with that Oni babe, right? Not buying it, dude, just look at the way she is looking at you. There''s clearly something going on between the two of you! You''ve got to introduce me. Maybe she has a friend you can hook me up with! Come on, man, I''m dying out here! You may not know the pains of being an eternal virgin, but have some fucking empathy!"


    Erich shoved Karl away from him, before reminding the man of the consequences of what he was trying to do.


    "Bro, do you have a death wish? You know that such a thing can get you a death sentence, right? Besides, the Dvrakians are almost as strict about that as we are. Even if S''aleth had a friend who is half as hot as she is, it is unlikely that she would ever consider being intimate with you. I don''t know if you are aware of this, but Dvrakians mate for life, dude!"


    Karl looked at Erich with suspicion in his eyes. The fact was that when it came to xenobiology, the Empire only cared to learn the best ways to kill alien species. They did not regard things like mating habits to be worthy of intellectual pursuit. The fact that Erich knew this only increased Karl''s certainty that the guy was boning S''aleth. Which he immediately voiced aloud.


    "Okay, you''re telling me you know something as obscure as Dvrakian mating habits, but you two aren''t hooking up? Not buying it, bro!"


    Erich truly didn''t have a response to this. He didn''t even think about the Empire''sck of knowledge on such a subject, and thus he merely averted his gaze, refusing toment any further. Eventually S''aleth got sick of pouting in silence, and approached Erich, where she immediately requested an answer to her previous question.


    "Erich! You left me all alone at our table! And you still haven''t answered my question!"


    Erich''s silver eyes quickly shifted their gaze between his two friends, he had to be careful how he answered this question, or Karl would never be convinced that they were just friends, and thus he sighed heavily before saying the bare minimum that he could get away with.


    "You don''t need to worry about that, S''aleth, it''s fine. Just don''t do it again...."


    Karl eyed the two love birds with suspicion, before forcefully introducing himself to the Dvrakian beauty.


    "I''m Karl, by the way. Erich and I attended the Academy together and are pretty good friends. I hear your name is S''aleth. It is a pleasure to meet you!"


    S''aleth had barely heard what Karl had said, because she was too busy pouting over the idea that Erich had told never to be intimate with him again. But that wasn''t possible for her. After all, everywhere she went, she could smell the mark she had ced upon him, something that would never wash away. Hell, even when she slept, she could sense his presence, which helped soothe her. This wasn''t even taking into ount the fact that the two of them were going to be on the same ship together for many years. If she could not further express her feelings properly, then she might actually go mad with lust.


    Hell, even at this moment, she wanted nothing more than to kiss Erich, but she was forced to control herself, because if either of their two species witnessed them together, it could only spell trouble for the two of them. She damn nearly got herself exiled, and Erich executed thest time she let her feelings get the better of her, a mistake she refused to ever make again.


    As for Erich, he could tell that he had seriously offended the girl with his remark, and thus he blushed over so slightly as he looked away andmunicated something that only S''aleth managed to hear.


    "Okay... Maybe when we are alone we can do that again... And more...."


    At first S''aleth thought that she was mishearing things, as Erich had appeared to have said it in a voice so low that nobody else appeared to have heard it, not even the man who was standing in front of them. But the look on his face confirmed that he had indeed said such a thing.


    Naturally, the Dvrakian beauty was unaware that Erich had the ability tomunicate his thoughts with this mind, and thus she just assumed that he had indeed said the words, but in a way that only she managed to hear them. As a result, her pouting expression immediately shifted to one of excessive joy. She had to force herself from glomping the man, no matter how much she wanted to do so.

 Chapter 40 A Brief Vacation

    Months passed, and during this time Erich had mostly been working as a flight instructor. His students were members of both the Imperial Navy and Dvrakian Republican Guard. And as a result, there were fresh new faces who entered Erich''s pool of trainees with each passing day.


    The Flight School, which Erich ran onboard the Carrier, consisted of a series of simtions, and once the trainees had received their certification through these simtions, they would then move onto practical flight experience. Something which should have been easy, but for whatever reason had proven quite difficult for many of the Dvrakian recruits.


    S''aleth had just barely managed to pass her flight certification, and the moment she got into an actual cockpit, it ended exactly as Erich had expected, with the klutz of a woman crashnding her dagger in the hangar bay.


    Naturally, it fell to Erich to discipline the Dvrakian beauty for her failures, which usually resulted in some proper alone time between the two of them. At first the couple had only experimented with kissing and touching, but S''aleths increasing lust became difficult for Erich to control, and eventually he had no choice but to make love to the woman.


    How long Erich would be able to keep this taboo rtionship a secret? He did not know, but he found himself enjoying the time he spent with S''aleth more than anything else in his current life. Eventually, eight months had passed, and the time for Erich''s scheduled leave of absence hade. Thus, on thest day of active duty, before he was able to get a break, he popped a question to S''aleth that she was not expecting.


    "So¡­ I don''t know if I mentioned this before, but I actually have a starship of my own, which is currently in storage. I was wondering, since you are also about to go on leave, why don''t we take a brief vacation, far away from the borders of the Empire, just the two of us?"


    S''aleth looked at Erich with glimmering eyes. She had not expected the man to make such an offer to her. In fact, she was dreading the day that they were finally apart from one another for several months at a time. But, it would appear that her fears would not be realized. Thus, she smiled and nodded her head in excitement before epting Erich''s offer.


    "That sounds wonderful! Assuming you can get the approval, where did you have in mind?"


    Naturally, there was only one part of space Erich wanted to go to more than any other, but he had wanted to do so while single. He couldn''t very well spread his seed across the Great Oni Empire when he was in a rather serious rtionship with S''aleth, thus he was actually quite dumbfounded when he heard this question, not knowing where they could possibly go for their brief vacation.


    S''aleth could see that Erich was stumped, and thus immediately voiced her opinion on the matter, hoping that he would take it seriously.


    "Well, if you don''t already have a ce in mind, then there is one ce I have always wanted to visit. Although, I highly doubt you will ever get the approval required to go there, considering your people''splex history¡­."


    This statement had caused Erich to be quite interested in where S''aleth wanted to go, and thus he was quick to inquire further about the subject.


    "Well, what were you thinking about? You don''t need to worry about obtaining the proper clearance, I have my ways around that¡­ Just tell me the destination which you desire to visit and I will make it a reality, so long as we are able to get there and back in time."


    S''aleth''s blood-red eyes darted back and forth, looking for any possible eavesdropping, before whispering about the ce she wanted to visit most of all.


    "Earth¡­."


    Erich recoiled in shock when he heard this answer. Earth was indeed a tricky subject in the Empire. Much of the Germanic Society refused to speak about their roots as a gic offshoot of humanity. The fact that they had been forced to abandon their home world and stake their im out in the gxy was a source of great humiliation for Erich''s people. To visit Earth was practically an act of treason, and if he did seed in getting there, it would have to be a secret that he would keep for the rest of his life.


    But then again, the same could be said about his rtionship with S''aleth. Erich could see the pleading look in the woman''s eyes, and was quick to change the subject.


    "How do you even know about that, anyway? It is not exactlymon knowledge outside of the Empire¡­."


    S''aleth looked at Erich with confusion in her sanguine eyes before answering him honestly.


    "Well, I read about it, of course. On your intersterwork. There are plenty of chat groups dedicated to reiming Earth, and I was curious. I have to admit that I was surprised when I learned that the Germanic race is actually the result of your ancestors fleeing from your home world and rapidly evolving your species through mass gic augmentation."


    Erich immediately calcted the distance between the Germanic Star-Empire and Earth. It was 1800 light years away, which would be several months'' worth of travel with his current ship. He would also have to routinely stop along the way for refueling in unfriendly sections of space.


    In fact, now that he thought about it, the navigation charts towards Earth were a closely kept secret by the military. It was not exactly something the average citizen of the Germanic Star-Empire could get their hands on. Even if Erich could ess that information, the resources required to make the journey were monumental. At the very least, he''d have to invest in a new quantum drive, one that had better performance than his stock model.


    After several moments of thought, Erich shook his head, and denied S''aleth''s request, stating that it was simply unfeasible to make the journey at this point in time.


    "I''m sorry, S''aleth. There are too many reasons why we won''t be able to make that journey, time being one of the primary factors. Maybe some day I will be able to take you there, but for now, it is just not in the cards..."


    The red-skinned beauty immediately began to sulk as she heard this, though she knew little about the difficulty they would have to endure just to visit Earth and return to the Empire alive, she really wanted to see the home world of the man she loved.


    But she supposed it just wasn''t meant to be, thus she came up with another idea, which unfortunately Erich was also forced to decline.


    "Then what about the you grew up on? Alemannia right? That''s not too far away and is well within the borders of the Empire. You might even be able to introduce me to your family as a friend¡­."


    There was another hopeful look in S''aleth''s glimmering red eyes, yet Erich did not share her enthusiasm, in fact he appeared quite wounded over the suggestion, which immediately caused the woman to be concerned as she inquired about what she had said that made him this way.


    "I''m sorry. Did I say something wrong?"


    Erich took a deep breath and shook his head before informing S''aleth why it was not possible to visit Alemannia and introduce her to his family.


    "No, it''s nothing that you said. It''s just that I''m afraid that is also not an option. You see, my father is the sector governor of the region, and he has disowned me for reasons I do not wish to get into right now. Even if I wasn''t exiled from my family, the only person who would actually be happy to meet a friend of mine would be my mother, and if she were to find out the truth between us, then even she would be disgusted with me, again¡­."


    S''aleth gasped in shock when she heard this information. She did not know that Erich had been disowned by his family, but she could only imagine what would drive his parents to do such a horrible thing. Even though she knew that Erich did not want to speak about the issue further, S''aleth could not help herself, and asked anyway.


    "I know you said you don''t want to talk about this, but I can''t help but wonder what you did to receive such treatment. It wasn''t anything bad, was it?"


    A slight scoff emerged from Erich''s lips as he shook his head. There was a bitter tone in his voice as he begrudgingly spoke about what had happened.


    "No, it wasn''t anything bad, unless you would also consider our rtionship to be a bad thing. To make a long story short, I had a brief rtionship with an Oni woman, my father found out, and he disowned me. In all honesty, the whole thing was quite the scandal. There was even an investigation conducted by the authorities. In fact, the only reason I have not been executed is because someone powerful in the Empire buried the story and denied the allegations against me. Even though they werepletely true¡­"


    S''aleth had a sympathetic look on her face and was just about to say something when a familiar voice interrupted her.


    "I knew it! You did bang that Oni babe! And here you are hiding your rtionship with sweet little S''aleth here. You, sir, are a yer!"


    Erich and S''aleth both looked up in dismay at where the voice hade from, to see that Karl was silently observing their conversation the entire time. He then jumped down from the alcove he was hiding in and confronted Erich with a look of fury in his eyes.


    "You bastard! Why didn''t you tell me you were disowned by your parents? I would have dly helped you out, hell we all would have! When something like that happens, youe to your friends for support!"


    Erich was surprised to hear thise from Karl. He had never informed his friends at the academy what had happened to him during his first winter vacation. Instead, he acted as if everything was still normal for several years.


    As for S''aleth, she was quite upset that Karl had interrupted her, and began to pout in silence, waiting for Erich to finish up his conversation with the man who she considered being a bad influence. However, Karl''s next words clearly aggravated her.


    "It''s decided, you, me, Dolph, and Fredrik, we are going to the great Oni Empire once we get our leave! I don''t care what anyone says. You have a starship, right? How many beds does it have?"


    Erich appeared slightly aghast at Karl''s suggestion, but he did not outright deny him, at least not immediately, instead he entertained him at first.


    "Well, four, but-"


    However, before he could finish his sentence, Karl grabbed hold of Erich''s shoulder and gave him a thumb''s up before responding.


    "That''s perfect! It has been a while since the four of us got together, and unlike you, who keeps managing to attract alien babes, we are all still turbo-virgins! You are taking us to the Great Oni Empire so that we can finally be men, and that''s final!"


    Erich looked over at S''aleth for support, but she simply snubbed him, and walked away, but not before leaving her feelings out in the open.


    "Oh fine, forget about me. You go hang out with your friends and screw your way through that entire empire of horned sluts! See if I care!"


    Immediately Erich ran after the girl, who was clearly upset by the conversation that Karl had started on his own, leaving his best friend behind to feel like an idiot.


    "Wait! S''aleth! Come on! It''s not like that!"


    Upon seeing Erich scamper off like a whipped hound, Karl reached into his uniform''s pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, which he immediately began to smoke. He stared towards the area that his friend had run off to, before shaking his head and voicing his disapproval.


    "That subus has you wrapped around her pretty little finger¡­"

 Chapter 41 Blackmailed

    The day for Erich''s leave of absence finally arrived, and yet, S''aleth was still angry with him for even entertaining Karl''s suggestion of sex tourism as a vacation idea. Thus, the red-skinned beauty had returned to her home world to visit her parents without Erich.


    As for Erich, he had informed Karl that he would not be taking him and the boys on a trip to the Great Oni Empire, and instead found himself once more visiting the bars on the industrial world of Quadi where the carrier he served upon was currently docked for regr maintenance.


    While sitting in the middle of a bar and drinking his legal limit of beer for the day. Erich was looking at the grid with his mind. In particr, he was reviewing his ount bnce, which had grown quite a bit after roughly two years of active service in the military.


    If one counted the fortune he had acquired mostly through ill-gotten gains, then Erich would have made approximately six million credits since he had first been disowned by his parents, over half of which had gone to the purchase of his ship, and the lifetime insurance on it.


    This meant that he still had roughly 2.5 million credits left over, which was currently sitting in his bank ount umting dust. And while Erich could invest a part of this sum into the stock market, he had something else entirely in mind.


    What Erich wanted more than anything at this moment was a home of his own. One where he and S''aleth would not be interrupted, where they would be free to be intimate with one another without having to look over their shoulders in fear of the authorities finding out about their illicit rtionship.


    Thus, even though the woman was currently angry at him, he decided that he would search the grid for the purpose of house shopping. The Imperial Real Estate market wasplicated, to say the least. While individuals were free to use their earnings to buyrger and more luxurious abodes, the government would provide a basic home free of charge which could house a family of up to seven people.


    Of course, one had to be married to qualify for this benefit, and since Erich could not get married, nor could he reveal his rtionship with S''aleth, he would have to find a ce that could support the two of them, but was also small and inexpensive enough as to not alert the authorities to his ill-gotten gains.


    After all, he hadmitted multiple felonies to obtain his current small fortune. And he did not want to spend the rest of his life in either a penal colony or a penal battalion. And while 2.5 million credits could buy him a fairly nice home on one of the core worlds, or a decent sized mansion in the frontier, Erich would easily draw suspicion to himself if he dropped such arge sum of credits on a house that he technically did not require.


    Or so he thought, but, after thirty minutes of drinking while browsing the market, a familiar face sat down next to him. Erich did not believe his eyes as he witnessed the cobalt haired beauty who had once been his contact in the interster crime syndicate known as "Splinter."


    The woman quickly ordered a drink, which she began to chug as if she had not quenched her thirst in months. After finishing the beer with ease, she turned around and looked at Erich with a wry smile on her pretty face before speaking up.


    "Apex, fancy meeting you here. Do you mind if I have a minute of your time?"


    Erich''s body froze in ce when he heard the woman openly refer to him by the alias he had used to ept underworld jobs, and just when he was about to decline her offer, she said something which shocked him to the core.


    "You''re looking for a house, no doubt because you want some privacy with that hot piece of alien ass which you have exclusive ess to. Like I said before, I''m not one to judge, and a Dvrakian? Nice choice if I do say so myself. Nothing quite like having a conquered subject serve you sexually, am I right? Anyway, let''s talk business. Not only can I help you get a ce that would really impress that little subus of yours, but I can keep the authorities from prying into your business as well. And all I ask in return is a little favor from you¡­."


    Erich was shocked that this woman had dug up so much damning information on him, and as much as he wanted to shoot her in the face here and now, he simply did not have the guts to do so. Instead, he forced himself to remain calm as he took a sip from his beer before responding with what was obviously a forced expression of stoicism on his face.


    "I have no idea what you are talking about¡­"


    Despite the confidence in Erich''s tone, the woman simply scoffed before signalling to the bartender to get her and her "friend" another set of beers. Which caused Erich to immediately nce around in panic. After all, such a thing was illegal. Yet, neither the bartender nor the other patrons actually seemed to give a damn. Once the beers were in their hands, Mirage spoke in a coy tone.


    "Come now, Erich, there is no need to be so tense. You are with friends right now, friends who are both very powerful and in need of your assistance. If you scratch our back, we will scratch your as well¡­."


    Mirage then chugged the next beer in the same way she had done to thest one, which the bartender immediately refilled for the woman. Erich was now incredibly anxious. Not only did the woman know about his identity, but she also knew about S''aleth as well. This immediately put Erich on alert, but he did not make any rash moves. Instead, he voiced his disbelief aloud.


    "How? How do you know so much about me?"


    In response to this question, Mirage simply groaned, as if she hated to recall the job she used to do for the Imperial Government.


    "If you must know, I used to be what the government refers to as a Watcher for the Imperial Intelligence Services. Or the IIS for short. My entire job was obtaining information through the grid. You think your talents as a slicer are good? The nanites I received at birth were specifically calibrated for spying on others and slicing intoputer systems.


    I assure you, there is nothing in this universe that the Empire can keep a secret from me. In fact, I have been watching you from the cameras on board your carrier for some time now. I know all about your little taboo rtionship, and if you want to keep that secret between the two of you, I suggest you listen to my proposal."


    Knowing that he had no choice but to listen to the cobalt haired woman, and ept her job, Erich sighed heavily, before relenting.


    "Alright, fine, I will hear you out¡­"


    The woman wore a pretty smile as she patted Erich on the back as if they were old friends beforeplimenting him in a rather conceited tone.


    "Good boy. You see, that wasn''t so hard, was it?"


    Immediately after saying this, Mirage''s expression and tone shifted to a very grave state, as she leaned in and whispered something to Erich.


    "I have to apologize about thatst job. We had no idea there was a mole on our end who had been feeding information to the Vaxkorvian authorities. But thanks to you, we now know who he is, and hence I have a little favor to ask of you.


    You see, the guy who leaked the information about yourst job, he is a high-ranking member of our organization,pletely untouchable by a pleb like me. In fact, he is one of my employer''s rivals¡­ Normally I would order one of my hitmen to take care of this, but this situation requires an outsider''s touch, I need you to take care of that fucking rat once and for all. All I need you to do is take him out. As for the more difficult task of preventing him from being cloned into another body, you leave that to me.


    If you do this for me, not only will my boss pay you 25 million credits, but he will make sure the authorities don''t fuck with you about any potential non-violent infractions that you might end up getting yourself involved with from now on.


    For example, if someone were to find out about your little rtionship with the Dvrakian girl? We can make those charges disappear. I won''t say that you will be a full-fledged member of Splinter after doing this for us, but you will be an associate, and that has its own perks. What do you say? Are you in?"


    Erich sighed heavily in defeat after hearing what he was being extorted to do. He then chugged the remainder of his beer before staring Mirage deep in her blood-red eyes. Where he asked a question that he already knew the answer to.


    "And if I refuse?"


    A devilish smile appeared on Mirage''s face as she leaned in and whispered something to Erich, which sealed his fate.


    "Then I will leak all the videos I have of you and your little girlfriend to the grid. You two really ought to be more careful. It was quite easy for me to get footage of the two of you in action. I mean, the body on that girl? Wow, I have to give you props. I don''t know how you managed to score a babe of her quality.


    I don''t think I need to remind you that you have already been used of interspecies rtions once before, and though I don''t know why the Grand Admiral covered for you, he won''t be able to do so this time around¡­ After all, with such overwhelming evidence out there in the ether, nobody will be able to deny that you are a fucking race traitor. And that, is a serious crime, now isn''t it?"


    Though Erich was surprised to learn that the Grand Admiral was the one who had saved his neck, he was more concerned with the Sword of Damocles that was currently hanging over his neck. Thus, he sighed heavily once more before he epted the incredibly dangerous job.


    After all, If what this woman had said about her background was true, then she most definitely would have been able to get that kind of dirt on him. Though Erich did not know just how far the reach of Splinter went, the more he learned about the shadowy syndicate, the more he began to fear it. Thus, he epted the job, even though every fiber of his being was warning him not to.


    "Alright, when you put it like that, I guess I have no choice but to ept¡­."


    Mirage broke out into a cheery smile once more while she patted Erich on the back yet again.


    "Good boy! You will receive the details within the hour, and by the way, I suggest you bring that makeshift piece of crap you call power armor, because your target is going to be guarded by some serious killers. See you around the stars, lover boy!"


    After saying this Mirage stood up and walked out of the bar, meanwhile Erich ordered another drink, knowing that there was a million ways for this job to go wrong.

 Chapter 42 The Reaper

    Shortly after Mirage departed from the bar, Erich received an encrypted message which informed him of the details of his mission. The methods which he used to eliminate the target whose alias appeared to be "Specter" were entirely left up to him, but it was rmended that he at least bring a decent set of armor, due to the highly fortified nature of his target''s location.


    What was this location you might ask? Well, surprisingly, it was not some hidden moon based on the fringes of imperial space. On the contrary, ording to this encrypted message, Specter was hiding in in sight in the middle of the Empire''s capital. Much to Erich''s surprise, the target was located at the Imperial Naval Academy on Germania.


    Though Erich did not know how this was possible, as only cadets and military personnel were permitted to enter the academy, let alone live on campus, there was no mistaking it. After all, he had spent two years in the facility, and as a result, he knew everything about the institution of higher learning. And judging by the file he had received from Mirage, the target was living within officer housing at the Naval Academy.


    With a heavy sigh, Erich realized that he was being ckmailed tomit a murder on the grounds of a military facility. It was impossible to stress just how dangerous and foolish such a thing was. He could forget about smuggling a weapon through the tight security of the Academy, as he would instantly be caught if he dared attempt something so stupid. Nor could he possibly storm the facility and eliminate the target in a coordinated shootout. If he even tried, security would gun him down before he could get past the academy''s gates.


    No, there were only two ways to assassinate his target that Erich could think of, which were remotely likely to seed. The first option was simply ridiculous, but if pulled off would very well achieve his goal of killing the target, as well as everyone else in a 25km radium. This n required Erich to steal a heavy bomber that was armed with a tactical nuclear device, where he would then drop the damn thing on the academy from the atmosphere of the. Needless to say, there were way too many problems to list with why this n would almost certainly result in his immediate demise.


    The only other option Erich could think of that would allow him toplete the task he was given was the most likely to seed, but also had its own risks. And this was to rent out an apartment building which was normally used to house students off campus. If he did this, then he might be able to snipe the target through his window. Of course, this entirely relied on a matter of chance. I mean, what were the odds that a unit with a balcony and direct line of sight of Specter''s house was even avable for rent?


    Still, this was his most likely chance of not onlypleting the job but also surviving the aftermath. If Erich did this, then he would first need to acquire a sniper rifle, one that was capable of piercing through the transparent metal which the Empire used as windows in most of its military and civilian structures. Which would mean he would need to get his hands on a long range handheld rail gun. And while he knew exactly where to purchase one of these weapons, it would take him a full month just to get there and back to Germania.


    His second obstacle would be that he would need to either rent a unit via the use of false information that had a direct line of sight to his target, ormit another felony in the form of breaking and entering, where he might be able to use someone else''s apartment to pull off the assassination. Both of these options came with their own risks.


    For now, Erich decided to first get his rail gun, along with the specialty munitions he would need to punch through his target''s windows, and kill him with absolute certainty. Thus, he immediately set out for the ouw outpost where he had initially acquired his armor and rail gun pistol in the first ce.


    ---


    Two weeks passed before Erich finally arrived at the facility. This time, hisnding was much smoother as his ship''s information was registered in the ouw database. Erichnded in the facility, while dressed in his makeshift power armor, before making his way to the weapons store, where he began examining different sniper rifles.


    The price tags on these things were insane. He was easily going to spend a minimum of fifty thousand credits on one of these things, but that was a drop in the hatpared to what he would be making from the job. The store clerk could immediately tell that Erich was not exactly the most experienced man when it came to handling firearms, and was quick to approach him with an offer of assistance.


    "Tell me what you''re looking for, and what kind of firepower you need, and I will get you hooked up with the right gun for the job."


    Erich''s face was concealed by his power armor''s helmet, and thus, he did not bother hiding his intentions while he revealed what he needed and why.


    "Assassination job¡­ I have a high value target in need of elimination, one who is protected in a military facility, within officer housing to be precise. I need something which can be fired from a distance of under one thousand meters and can punch a hole through whatever the hell it is that they make their windows out of."


    Erich could hear the man suck on his teeth as he heard the kind of job that Erich was trying to pull off and was quick toment on the situation.


    "That, my friend, is a tough one¡­ Military housing is designed to be robust, and immune to most forms of attack. But¡­ I might just have what you are looking for. I''m not going to lie, this weapon will cost you a pretty penny, as will the ammo that it fires, but I''m telling you it''ll do the job just fine, and then some. Hold on, let me look in the back to see if I still have the damn thing in stock. After all, it is not every day that some cuntes in here trying to assassinate a military officer!


    A few minutester, the store clerk came back with a giant container in his hands. Erich seriously believed that the only way he was able to carry such a thing was with the exoskeleton which the store clerk wore. However, it took no effort for the man to utch the locks on the container before revealing arge bullpup rail gun sniper.


    Unlike the revolver which Erich carried with him, this thing was clearly designed from the ground up to be a rail gun, which meant it was highly illegal to possess as it was a military weapon from a more primitive era, one that should have been demilitarized decades ago.


    The man handed the sniper rifle to Erich, as if it weighed no more than a stick of cotton candy, to which Erich was surprised to see how light it was, and while Erich looked down its scope, he could hear the store clerk speaking to him about its features.


    "We call this thing the Reaper. It fires an 8mm depleted uranium projectile at a velocity of roughly five kilometers a second. So, unless your target is in a fucking tank, sayonara, baby! Now this bad boy is equipped with a MK 262 auto-correcting optic, which means all you got to do is lock onto your target and pull the trigger. The gun will do the rest. Oh and I should warn you that thing has a fucking hair trigger on it, it will go off even after receiving the slightest bit of pressure, so be careful!


    Considering you said your target is under a thousand meters away, I''m assuming you''re going to be shooting this thing in an urban environment. So I should warn you in advance, when this thing goes off, everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY in a five kilometer radius, is going to hear it. So, my first bit of advice is to wear some proper ear protection, and second, the moment you confirm your kill, abandon this piece of hardware, and flee from the scene of your crime. Because after you shoot this thing just once, the authorities will be on your ass with a kill team in a matter of minutes. And in case you haven''t noticed, this weapon is hardly what I would call conceble."


    Erich nodded his head in understanding as he posed the immediate question he had about the weapon.


    "How much does this thing cost?"


    The store clerk then chuckled beforementing on the high price tag that such a powerful, and rare piece of military hardwaremanded.


    "These things don''t exactly grow on trees, if you know what I mean. In fact, this is thest Reaper I''ve got in stock, and once it''s gone, I won''t be getting another. Like I said before, it is going to cost you a pretty penny¡­."


    Erich shifted his gaze towards the store clerk and lowered his voice in a stern tone as he posed his question again.


    "How much?"


    The store clerk did not seem the slightest bit offended. In fact, he seemed rather happy that somebody was finally interested in this relic of a forgotten age, and finally voiced the price.


    "For the weapon, the optic, and a magazine''s worth of ammo, you are looking at 250k. And no, I am not going any lower than that. The trouble I had to go through to get my hands on one of these is worth at least that much. If I didn''t have such a hard time selling this fucking beast, I would be charging you a premium! Are you interested or not?"


    Erich was utterly astonished by the price tag of the weapon and immediatelyshed out at the clerk over the idea of abandoning such an expensive piece of hardware.


    "You''re telling me, I have to pay you 250k for one shot of this thing, and then abandon it to the authorities?"


    The fact that Erich had even asked this question proved to the clerk that he was indeed a novice when it came to jobs like this, and thus the man was quick to voice the consequences of not discarding the weapon after its use.


    "Listen kid, I can tell you are new to this sort of thing, so allow me to inform you of what exactly will happen if the government''s goons take you out. You do not get the sweet freedom of death like you might think. Oh no! You will wake up in the body of a clone within in a fucking prison colony on some god forsaken asteroid, where you will spend the rest of your miserable life doing nothing but mining. So if you value your freedom like I do, I highly rmend you discard this weapon, or else you will find out just how painful a life of confinement really is!"


    It physically pained Erich to spend such a vast amount of money on a weapon he would only be able to use once. And such a powerful one at that. But he had no choice. The man was right. Freedom was far more important than the 250k he would spend on this beast of a weapon. Thus, he begrudgingly paid the price for the weapon, optic, magazine, and a box of ammo, before stashing the weapon away in his ship''s armory, where he then immediately headed for Germania.


    At this point in time, Erich was severely regretting ever epting that damn smuggling job from Splinter, because now that they knew everything there was to know about him, he could no longer escape dangerous and highly illegal jobs like this. Rather, once he proved his worth bypleting this mission, Splinter would continue to ckmail him into making use of his services.


    The very idea that he had gone from a special forces pilot to a drug smuggler, and finally a hitman for the mob, filled Erich with dread. After all, what would his beloved mother think if she were to find out that he was engaging in such horrendous crimes, and at such a young age too?


    Well, Erich immediately put these thoughts to the back of the mind, because they instantly made him bitter towards his father, who had at least from his perspective, forced him onto this path of crime, which ultimately led to murdering a fellow military officer, even if the man really was a gangster behind the scenes.

 Chapter 43 Assassinating Specter

    Erich stood on the of Germania, while gazing up at an apartmentplex, one which he would make use of to assassinate a fellow military officer on behalf of the interster crime syndicate known only as Splinter.


    He was dressed in a solid ck flight suit, which acted as a base for the conceble body armor that he wore beneath some standard civilian clothes. On his head was a low profile flight helmet, which was concealed by arge ck hood.


    Currently in Erich''s hands was the container which held the weapon he intended to use for his uing assassination. After taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and entered the apartmentplex so naturally that it appeared that he actually lived there.


    After taking the elevator to the 9th floor, Erich stepped out into a long hallway, which was illuminated by a series of lights embedded in the roof. He then reached the door to the unit he had scouted out in advance and knocked on it three times.


    Since the moment Erich first appeared within the vicinity of the apartmentplex, he had covertly sliced into its securitywork, and put its camera feed on a loop. Thus, none of the cameras in the hallway were able to detect his presence as he confirmed that the unit was currently empty.


    After knocking three times and waiting for an answer that never came, Erich effortlessly opened the door because he had already infiltrated the security system, allowing him to unlock any room within the building that he so desired. Once inside, he locked the door behind him, and shut off the all the lights which had instinctively lit themselves upon the entrance of the intruder.


    Just to make sure that nobody was home, Erichid down the container which held his sniper rifle inside and proceeded to sweep through the building with his modified rail gun revolver, before finally sighing in relief when he confirmed that nobody else was present.


    After which, he immediately opened the shades of one window in particr, where he began to set up his sniper rifle on a tripod so that it was facing the home of his target. In particr, a window which led directly into the man''s dining room.


    Once Erich had confirmed that he was facing the correct house which his target was known to live in, he lied in wait for three hours before the man finally revealed himself. By now it was gettingte, and while the faculty of the Naval Academy had returned to their homes, which were located on campus, the students were out socializing.


    Erich had stared down the sights of his optic for three whole hours without moving muscle until finally his target came into sight, and when he did, Erich suddenly lost the will to pull the trigger. The man who he was supposed to kill was none other than his old gctic politics teacher, Commander Vernik Ekberg¡­


    The shock and dismay that Erich felt nearly overwhelmed him as he realized that one of his favorite teachers who had instructed him during his tenure at the naval academy was in reality a high-ranking member of an interster syndicate, and a rat at that. He stood there in disbelief and panic while the auto-correcting optic locked onto the man who had sat down at his dining table and began to sip a cup of coffee, which his wife had just brewed for him.


    Standing by his side was a beautiful Germanic woman, and several young kids who were no older than ten. They sat down at the dinner table beside their father and talked about the peaceful days that had just enjoyed.


    Tears began to stream down Erich''s eyes as he struggled to do what was necessary. If he did not pull off this job, then he was effectively condemning himself to death. But if he pulled this trigger, he would be killing a man he respected, and in front of his loving family, no less.


    Just when Erich was about to pull his finger off of the trigger, the door to the apartment opened, revealing a young man, no older than neen, who stood in shock as he gazed upon the masked sniper who was about to no doubt about to kill a man. And when the door opened, Erich''s trigger finger instinctively jerked as a result of his nerves just enough that it pulled the trigger, and thus sent the 8mm depleted uranium projectile down range, and through the skull of his target, instantly killing the man in front of his family.


    The sound of the rail guns shot was deafening, even to Erich, who was wearing high grade military hearing protection. It was so loud that the cadet who had entered the apartment fell to the ground, and clutched his ears in agony, which were now bleeding from his perforated ear drums.


    It took Erich several seconds to realize what he had done, and when he did, his body instinctively took control over his mind, and forced him to run away from the scene of his crime, which was no doubt having a government kill squad sent to its location at this very moment.


    The entire city block was acting like an atom bomb had gone off within its vicinity, as rms were ringing across the area, and people had burst from their homes in search of the cause. Yet Erich was relying entirely on instinct at this point, and had used the Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape training to run from the authorities, which had drilled into his mind and muscle memory during his tenure at the naval academy.


    Within no more than two minutes Erich could see a shuttle approach the building where the shot had gone off, as heavily armored Star Marines entered into the apartment which he had used for his crime. Knowing that the government kill squad was already nearby, Erich skillfully dashed through alleyways, and evaded even the slightest bit of detection, while his mind essed the nearby security systems that every building had, and in doing so buried any trace that he was ever in the area.


    Eventually Erich made his way to the starport, where he was no longer being pursued by the government kill team. He had no idea how he had sessfully evaded them and had no memory of what happened immediately after firing the shot. All he knew was that the moment he left the atmosphere and activated his quantum drive, that he waspletely, and utterly dead inside.


    Commander Vernik Ekberg was a good man, an honorable man, one who had clearly been working with the IIS to infiltrate Splinter, where he had climbed through the ranks to the point where he was able to effectively bring down many of its operations. And Erich had just killed him in front of his family.


    The guilt which Erich felt inside at this moment was like a poison, which slowly gnawed away at his mind as he rapidly descended into madness. Just when he thought he was going to lose thest shred of his sanity, a notification appeared on his NeuroLink, which revealed that he had received a substantial payment of twenty-five million credits, and a request to meet up with his syndicate contact.


    At first Erich did not even want to think about meeting with that horrible woman. But¡­ after several seconds of thought, he realized that more than anything he did not want to be alone to deal with his thoughts, and thus, he messaged her that he was inbound. Where he immediately headed back to the world of Quadi where she was waiting for him.


    ---


    By the time Erich arrived in Quadi, he smelled like a winery, having drunken multiple bottles of his Asuran Palm Wine. When he entered the bar, Mirage looked at his haggard appearance with a hint of pity in her scarlet eyes. After patting the seat next to her, indicating that she wanted Erich to sit beside her, she waited patiently until the man obeyed. Erich did as he wasmanded, where immediately after the attractive young woman ordered for the bartender to bring the man a special drink.


    "Oi, Franz, bring my boy here some of the good stuff, and pronto!"


    Immediately the bartender went into the back of the bar where he retrieved a solid vial of what appeared to be a white milky liquid. Erich had never seen this before, and thus slurred his words as he held it in his hands.


    "Izz dis malk?"


    Mirage did not say a word, instead she swiftly opened up the vial, and stuffed it down Erich''s mouth, while messaging his neck so that he was forced to swallow the entire shot in one go. Immediately Erich felt like the severely intoxicated state he was previously in had suddenly vanished, and was reced with a burst of energy that was at the highest levels he had ever felt before in his life.


    Erich felt a need to either get into a fistfight with the first man he made eye contact with, or viciously fuck the first women heid eyes upon. After seeing this intense reaction, Mirage giggled while responding to Erich''s sudden burst of energy and aggression with a slight shake of her pretty head.


    "Everybody has a different reaction when they first take vitality. Sit down Erich, we have things to discuss¡­"


    Contrary to what she was expecting Erich did not do as she had instructed, and instead immediately grabbed hold of the cobalt haired woman''s chin and kissed her with intense passion, to which she responded by grabbing hold of her stun gun, and shooting it straight into Erich''s sr plexus, which dropped the man to his knees.


    Unlike what Erich had expected when he was forcibly kicked down from his intense high, the woman smiled before grabbing hold of Erich''s chin, where she began to tease him with a seductive tone.


    "Easy there tiger! If you still want to have some fun after we have concluded our business, then I am all for it, but I doubt your little girlfriend would approve of such a thing. So, now that you havee down from you high, sit down, we need to discuss some things¡­"


    Erich did as he was instructed, but could immediately feel his negative emotions attacking his mental state, something which Mirage took notice of, and thus responded for perhaps the first time in her recent memory with a sympathetic tone in her alluring voice.


    "I know what you are probably thinking. You think that specter was a good and honest man, who was working with the authorities to bring down our little organization? Well, the good news is, none of that is true¡­"


    Erich gazed over at Mirage with an astonished look, as he quickly spoke about his concerns regarding her statement.


    "But I knewm-"


    Before he could finish his sentence, Mirage ced her dainty index finger on his lips and shushed him while continuing her train of thought.


    "First off, when we speak about the man, we call him by his alias. Secondly, no, he was not working for the IIS, if he was you can damn well believe we would have taken care of this delicate matter in house¡­ No, Specter was a rival of my employer. He was not what he appeared to be to the public. Specter was a filthy murderer, a drug peddler, a piece of shit sex trafficker, and a fucking rat!


    If that man was working for the IIS, he would have informed them about your little delivery so that you could be picked up on your way back. But instead he ratted you out to Vaxkorvian customs, not because of some sense of honor, or justice, but because he wanted to hurt my employer''s operations.


    I won''t bore you with the political structure of our organization. It is incrediblyplex, and quite dull, if I''m being honest. But there are some things that you should know. For example, working for every under boss is a gang of hardened criminals who are loyal to him. And these gangs arepeting with one another for the favor of the man in charge of it all.


    So, you don''t need to feel bad about what you did, Specter had iting, and by the way, in case you are still having doubts about what you just did then you should know that the sick bastard sold his own twelve-year-old daughter into very. I will leave what kind to your imagination, and yes, his bitch of a wife was in on it too¡­.


    So cheer up kid, you did an amazing job, and took out a real scum bag while you were at it! The gxy is a better ce for what you just did! I mean sniping the fucker from a cadet''s apartment, with a fucking Reaper no less? God damn, I wish I could have seen it! It''s just a shame that the authorities now have their hands on such a fine piece of military hardware, but at least it got the job done!"


    Although he did not know whether or not Mirage was making this whole story up for his benefit, or was actually telling the truth, Erich chose to believe it, because by believing this particr tale, he was able to live with his actions, and even take a bit of pride in them. The only thing he regretted was that those kids would now be scarred for life after watching their dirt bag of a father get his head blown off in front of them. But, if that didn''t harden them up for the harsh realities of the gxy, then Erich did not know what would.

 Chapter 44 No Rest For The Wicked

    Erich continued to stay in the bar, and drink with Mirage for some time, as they chatted about the job that he had just pulled off, in fact, one of the things he was most curious about was how the cobalt haired beauty had managed to prevent Specter from being revived in a cloning facility, which he almost immediately asked about after she confirmed that the target of his assassination was well and truly deceased.


    "Okay, I know that I sniped the target and took him out. I mean, even the nanites in his blood stream could not have repaired that kind of damage, nor could a med bay. But how did you prevent the guy from just reviving in a cloning facility? I mean, that''s what happens, right? After we die, our memories are transnted into the body of a clone. So how did you guys stop that?"


    Mirage had a curious smile on her pretty face, as if she was debating interally about whether or not she should actually some something about this matter. Ultimately, after several moments of silence, she sighed heavily and chugged her beer in a matter of seconds, as Erich had witnessed her do several times before. Once she was done, she told Erich what he wanted to know.


    "Alright, you remember how I told you before that I was once what the IIS refers to as being a Watcher? Essentially, what this means is that I was born and bred to spy on the citizens of the Empire via the grid, and their NeuroLink systems.


    I''m going to be frank with you, there is a very small percentage of the poption who knows this, so what I''m about to share with you does not leave this room. But, essentially, everything you do in life is recorded, and stored in your NeuroLink, literally everything.


    That''s how it was so easy for me to find out about your little secret. By the way, I must say, you have an impressive physique for a man who was gically modified at birth to be an ideal starfighter pilot, and not something like say a Star Marine¡­.


    Anyway, the point I am trying to make is that a really good Watcher, such as myself, is entirely capable of essing that data storage. And believe it or not, I can do so much more. I''m talking about everything from managing your vitals to controlling your actual memories.


    Hell, I even have the ability to manipte the biological functions of your body. If I really wanted to, I could slice into your NeuroLink, and make you cream your pants right now. Not that I would actually do that.


    So for someone like me, it was incredibly easy to slice into Specter''s NeuroLink and disrupt the cloning signal from reaching its targeted destination. All that was left was for someone who is more capable of violence than I am to take him out. Which is where you came in."


    Erich looked in horror at the beautiful mutant woman who was smiling at him, as if the incredibly daunting news she had just told him was the most natural thing on the. He was amazed that someone with her abilities even existed and, as a result, was filled with so many questions, the first of which he could not help but ask.


    "So you are telling me that Imperial Intelligence just let someone as valuable as you slip from their fingers and enter the criminal underworld?"


    Mirage scoffed at this remark before chugging another beer, where she immediately correcting Erich on his error.


    "Of course not! Do you have any idea how difficult it was for me to flee from the clutches of the IIS? I was literally a ve, forced to do the bidding of the party, and spy on the citizens of the Empire all day, every day.


    Do you know how many people were punished for stupid shit because of my abilities? No, I had to fake my death and run away, which was not an easy task to pull off. Luckily, Butcher found me while I was all alone and hiding in some distant corner of the Empire. If it weren''t for him, I''d be dead by now¡­


    Now I only spy on ouws like yourself. And asionally on a few celebrities I follow. You would not believe who has a crush on you, even if she is not willing to admit it yet."


    Erich neither knew nor cared who Mirage was referring to, and instead asked a far more important question that he had on his mind.


    "So if the IIS has more people like you, then you''re telling me that they could very easily find out about all the illegal shit I have been doing¡­ If that''s the case, then why aren''t I already on the chopping block?"


    Once more Mirage scoffed as she looked at Erich as if he were a bit full of himself before responding to the man in a conceited tone.


    "Look at you, you manage to pull off three sessful jobs in the underworld, and now you think you''re some kind of bigshot! Kid, they have much bigger fish to fry. In fact, I would not be surprised if a small time thug like you hasn''t even managed to appear on their radar yet. Which, by the way, let me fix that for you."


    After saying this, Mirage leaned in and kissed Erich, which greatly startled the man. He tried to pull himself away, but found that the woman hadtched onto the back of his head quite tightly. She continued to kiss Erich for several seconds, and quite passionately at that before releasing him, where she then wiped the saliva from her lips before licking it in an incredibly seductive gesture. After doing so, she made a particrly suggestivement in order to put the bewildered man at ease.


    "Damn, that little subus of yours is quite the lucky woman¡­. Oh rx, it is just a kiss. You have done far worse already! Consider yourself lucky that this was the only payment I asked for after what I just did for you! Because if you were single, I would have demanded that you to repay my services with that incredibly hot body of yours!"


    This statement caused Erich to be filled with an overwhelming since of dread. He even had to forcibly calm his hands from shaking, which he only managed to aplish after Mirage grabbed hold of them with her own. Erich then looked straight into the woman''s blood red irises and asked the immediate question that was in his mind.


    "What the hell did you just do to me?"


    A seductive smile appeared on the woman''s near wless face as she leaned in and whispered to him.


    "Now the only Watcher who will be able to spy on you is yours truly¡­ I look forward to watching your growth, Apex. And maybe after you have decided to stop fucking around with alien sluts and instead choose to finally embrace your own kind, we can have a little dalliance of our own. After all, wouldn''t it be an incredibly exciting middle finger to the party if we conceived a little mutant of our own?"


    After saying this, Mirage got up and left the bar, leaving Erich in a state of astonishment. He did not know what he had done to get such a terrifying and beautiful woman to take an interest in him, but he supposed she was just incredibly loose, and this was merely his turn on the carousel. This was something he ultimately decided against pursuing. And instead Erich finished beer before heading back to his personal starship, where he nned to check out the housing market.


    ---


    Immediately upon sitting down in his bunk within the personal starship, Erich received a message from S''aleth from her home world, where she appeared to have calmed down. It had been over a month since thest time they talked, and apparently she was quite worried he actually went on that trip with his friends, because she was quite flustered when she saw he was in what appeared to be a starship.


    "Erich! You didn''t really go on that trip, did you?"


    Seeing how worried the girl was, Erich immediately grinned with a mischievous smile as he decided to y a prank on S''aleth for storming out on him over something he had ultimately declined. After doing so, he dug up the old photo he had of him and Yumi before sending it to his girlfriend, all while leading her on about his current situation.


    "Oh yeah, it''s been a st. This is just one of many girls I recently hooked up with. I mean, after all, you did say that I should go on this vacation with the boys!"


    If it was at all possible for the crimson skin of the Dvrakian race to pale with fright, then this most certainly happened to S''aleth just before she broke out into tears and hung up on Erich. The act of which caught the man by surprise, who immediately called the woman back in an urgent bid to inform her that he was just messing with her.


    But S''aleth did not respond, and because of this Erich sent the girl a direct message informing her of the truth, that he had not gone on the trip with Karl and the others, and had stayed behind in the Empire, where he was currently resting in his starship which for the time being was his only domicile.


    It took nearly thirty minutes for S''aleth to call him back, and when she did, she was still visibly crying as she chewed Erich out for ying such a mean prank on her.


    "You bastard! I thought you were cheating on me! How could you be so cruel?"


    Though Erich felt like he had taken things a bit far, he was quick to remind S''aleth that he wasn''t the most cruel between the two of them.


    "Okay, I will admit, I may have got carried away with my prank, but you''re the one who left me on block for the past month! Any reasonable guy would assume that you had broken up with him and moved on. The fact that I didn''t really shows just how well I understand you. It''s a shame that you just don''t get my sense of humor¡­."


    Erich then pretended to be offended, which caused S''aleth to cry even more, as she revealed it was not her intention to keep him on block for so long.


    "It is not my fault! I wanted to contact you and apologize, but my parents are keeping a close eye on me. They received a report from another member of my unit that I have been too friendly with some of one of my Germanic co-workers. Because of this, they now think that I have been fraternizing with the enemy, and have ced me under total lockdown.


    In case you haven''t realized, it has not been long since our two species fought a war with one another, and many of my people still see yours as invaders, conquerors, and murderers! My parents included¡­ They stole my only means of contacting you. After all, we Dvrakian''s don''t have imnts which allow us to connect to the intersterwork with our minds!"


    The imnts that S''aleth was referring to was in fact the nanites which were injected into Germanic citizens at birth, and was moremonly referred to by the term of NeuroLink, the fact that she had called them imnts showed just how little the Dvrakians knew about Germanic technology.


    Erich did not even stop to think that S''aleth might have lost the means to contact him, and felt somewhat bad for being so defensive. While he did not outright apologize for his behavior, as he felt under the circumstances it was justified, he dide to an understanding with S''aleth and inquire more about what she had been up to.


    "I understand¡­ I did not even stop to think about what difficulties you might be going through now that you are back on your home world. After all, your entire civilization has been turned upside down as a result of our conquest, and I''m sure you must be struggling with where your loyalties are at. You said your parents have ced you under lockdown? You are not being treated as a prisoner, are you? S''aleth please tell me that everything is okay!"


    There was a nervous look on S''aleth''s face, and just when she was about to say something, she heard the sound of boots walking down the stairs, to which she immediately whispered in a voice so low Erich barely heard her.


    "I have to go! It is no longer safe for us to chat, but I will contact you when I am next able to do so. But Erich, you should know that there are things are not as peaceful as they seem to be. There is a revolution brewing, and I think that outsiders are responsible for fanning the mes. Stay safe!"


    After saying this, S''aleth hung up the call, leaving Erich in a state of bewilderment. He could not understand what kind of trouble his girlfriend had gotten herself into, but he had an urge to immediately fly out to her home world and help her in any way that he could.


    However, before he could do so, he received a priority message from his squadron, calling for an immediate meeting on board their carrier. For whatever reason, he had been called back into service far sooner than he was supposed to. Whatever was happening, it was abundantly clear that another war with the Dvrakians was just around the corner.

 Chapter 45 Damsel In Distress

    In order to avoid an all-out panic, the newly formed Dvrakian Social Republic had followed the same example as the leaders of the Germanic Star-Empire and had neglected to inform their poption that a Naraku Hive fleet was headed straight towards their borders.


    As a result of this, many Dvrakian loyalists, like S''aleth''s parents, neither understood their government''s cowardly actions, nor had they fully lost their will to fight against the aliens who they deemed to be nothing but murderous colonizers. The war had invoked something deep within the Dvrakian bloodline that had not been present for millennia.


    They were no longer a peaceful and spiritual people, instead many of the survivors now desired to drink the blood of their enemies, and there was no greater enemy to the Dvrakian people than the Germanic Star-Empire. On the world of Thexkar, a highly armed militia was camped out in apound that used to be arge mansion which housed S''aleth and her family.


    S''aleth''s father was a former politician in the Dvrakian Consortium, who, upon the announcement of his people''s surrender, resigned from his position in protest. Now though, he was the leader of the Thexkarian resistance, which was one of many revolutionary groups which had popped up within Dvrakian Space.


    He had invested a substantial sum of money into the reconstruction of his family''s vi. It was no longer a simple mansion, but was now a militarypound with a series of highly advanced bunkerplexes. Where did he get the finances, weapons, and materials to build this ce? From the Ghimderi Trade Union, of course.


    As if blessed by the heavens, the various Dvrakian resistance movements now found themselves entirely funded, supplied, and trained either directly by the Goldentooth Cartel or via its proxies. Many of which were more adept at warfare than a race as physically pathetic as the Ghimderi.


    However, just when S''varin Tavarian found that his ns were reaching fruition, he received a report from one of his agents who was embedded within the newly formed Dvrakian Republican Guard, that his daughter had done the unthinkable, and taken one of their filthy conquerors as a lover.


    Because of this, he reached out to S''aleth and convinced her to return home after her leave had begun, where he immediately imprisoned the girl in thepound''s brig. S''varin could not believe that his own flesh and blood had betrayed their race in such a disgusting manner, and if not for the pleas of his wife, he would have killed his daughter on the spot just to restore the honor of his bloodline.


    S''aleth never admitted to her deeds, but S''varin trusted his source, and thus, he would routinely torture the girl for lying to him. He wanted a name of who in his eyes she had whored herself out to. Specifically, because he wanted to personally bleed the man dry, and feast on his flesh.


    By now, S''varin and many of his people had be the true devils that humanity once believed existed as a part of their mythos. They wanted their vengeance, and they would have it no matter what the cost. Even if they had to resort to some rather barbaric methods.


    S''aleth was currently stripped naked and bound to the rafters. Her body was covered in bruises, and her tears had never stopped flowing since her discussion with Erich. Still, despite this, she did not dare say a word about who she was just talking to, because if she did, Erich would be the target of her father''s vengeance.


    S''varin once more whipped S''aleth''s heavenly figure with aser whip, an act which scorched her crimson flesh, and left yet another burn mark upon. All the while, he demanded an answer to the question he had asked of her time and again.


    "I want a name, S''aleth! Who were you talking to? I deliberately allowed you to escape from your cell to find out who you were sleeping with! I know it was a German! Communications to those wretched fiends are the only ones that we can''t track! You will tell me a name! Or I will end your miserable existence, no matter what your mother might have to say on the matter!"


    Yet S''aleth continued to bite her tongue while refusing to speak on the matter. No matter how much physical abuse she endured from her own father, she would never rat out Erich to the Thexkarian resistance. This only continued to infuriate S''varin, who was just about tosh the girl across her pretty face with his chain, when another member of his species entered the room.


    The man was dressed in a suit of power armor that, while not as advanced as the models used by the Germanic Star-Marines, was capable of providing adequate defenses against most Germanic weapons. In his hands was not a rail gun, but instead a sma rifle.


    It was abundantly clear to S''aleth that her father''s men were being supplied by outsiders, but she had no idea who. However, the next words the man spoke truly shocked her, as she was finally able to identify the culprit who was trying to cause another war between the Dvrakian race and the Germanic people.


    "Commandant, the Trade Prince is on the line. He wishes to speak with you about our timetables."


    There was only one group of people in the gxy who used the title of "Trade Princes," and the moment S''aleth heard this, she immediately chastised her father for his recklessness.


    "Father, please don''t tell me you have gotten into bed with the Ghimderi! You know what they are like! They will bleed our worlds dry of their resources, and we will be left with nothing! Such a fate is so horrific that it would honestly be better to have the Germanic Star-Empire in control. At least they preserve the worlds which they live upon!"


    While the Ghimderi had done much to manipte gctic society''s opinion of themselves, specifically making it a taboo to speak ill of them. Many races secretly spoke amongst themselves about how much they despised the goblinoids. After all, there was nothing to respect about a race of greedy, amoral bankers who used their power and influence to subvert and destroy every civilization that they came across.


    In the long history of the Ghimderi race, they had been nomads without a home world, and throughout the millennia they had been expelled by one hundred and twelve different civilizations who had all agreed that they were a subversive parasite that simply could not be tolerated in any capacity.


    Of course, they never looked towards themselves as the problem, rather, they med everyone else for being prejudiced against them. In fact, it was this exact failure to take responsibility for their actions, and change, that had led so many interster civilizations to despise the Ghimderi Race, even if they could only express such a sentiment while behind closed doors.


    Naturally, S''varin knew the truth about his new benefactors, but whether he was na?ve enough to believe that they would not be able to subvert and destroy the independent Dvrakian civilization he intended to create, or it was simply arrogance on his behalf, he chose to ignore his daughter''s warnings, and instead whipped her across her face, and thus searing the wless skin of the Dvrakian Beauty, before scolding her for her words.


    "I would rather be in debt to the Ghimderi for eternity, then see those Golden haired fiends prey upon my own beloved daughter with impunity! You have brought dishonor to your family, and one day soon you will pay the price!"


    S''aleth did not say a word, instead all she wanted was to find a way to contact Erich, and alert him to this sudden and shocking information that she had just born witness to.


    ---


    Erich was immediately called into the hangar of the carrier which he served upon. Standing by his side were the other members of his unit, while the Wing Commander had a grave expression on his face as he described the situation at hand.


    "As of this moment, we are once more at war with the Dvrakian Race, or should I say those separatist elements which have decided to take up arms against our great Empire. At approximately 19:00 hoursst night, an instructor at the Naval Academy was assassinated. Through means we do not yet understand, his Neurolink waspromised, and his memory bank was wiped clean.


    To put is simply, Commander Vernik Ekberg is dead, and he is noting back¡­ The IIS believes that the ones responsible were rogue units of the Dvrakian Republican Guard who had smuggled an obsolete piece of military hardware, and a dangerous one at that, out of one our munitions depots, to a rebellious faction located on this: Thexkar.


    The Thexkarian Resistance is led by a former politician of the Dvrakian Consortium by the name of S''varin Tavarian. He is, in fact, the father of one of the pilots who I know that at least one of you has personally trained. We do not know the extent of Ensign S''aleth Tavarian''s connection with the Thexkarian Resistance, but we know she is currently located in theirpound.


    From what we understand, the Thexkarian resistance, as well as many of the other rebellious factions, has been outfitted with some serious equipment from what we have determined to be a sub-gctic power. However, we do not know the identity of this supplier, and because of this, we do not know the exact offensive capabilities that the Thexkarian resistance now possesses.


    I won''t lie to you. This mission will be dangerous, and the possibility of permanent death is likely, as the Thexkarian Resistance has somehow obtained the ability to tamper with our NeuroLink. So, I am looking for volunteers. All of you are more than wee not to participate in this operation, but for those who do, there is at least a Knight''s Cross of the Iron Cross in store for you.


    Your objective will be to fly and or protect a dropship to the world of Thexkar and, covertly,nd outside the terrorist''spound. From there, a special forces team will infiltrate the facility and extract the targets. Which of course is none other than Ensign S''aleth Tavarian and her father S''varin. Once safely aboard the dropship, you will return to the fleet.


    The moment that S''aleth and her father are back on the carrier, they will immediately be sequestered for interrogation, where we will learn about the identity of their supplier, how they managed to slice into our NeuroLink, the extent of their terrorismwork, and any assets they may have embedded in the Imperial Navy.


    I will reiterate, thepound is protected by weapons provided by an unknown sub-gctic power. If you are detected and targeted, the chances of suffering a permanent death are astronomical. So, do I have any volunteers?"


    There was only one man who dared to raise his hand, and that was Erich. There were two reasons that Erich had volunteered for this mission, despite the alleged risks involved with it. One, he knew for a fact that it was not the Thexkarian resistance which had killed Commander Vernik Ekberg, and two, he had already nned to rescue S''aleth himself, and now that he was fully aware of the danger she was in, he would stop at nothing to save her from her own father, and exonerate her of any criminal charges that might be brought against her.


    Commander Erwin Wulf sighed heavily as he realized that he only had one volunteer. He was hoping for a proper armed escort, but since the rest of his unit were either unwilling, or simply too scared tomit to the operation, he was forced to salute Erich with the utmost respect, before sending the man on his way.


    "Silber, it figures that you would be the one to volunteer for such a suicidal mission. Alright, very well, I hope you know how to pilot a drop ship, because one wrong move and you are as good as dead. Everyone else, dismissed!"


    With this said, Erich quickly attached his helmet and entered the drop ship, which already had the special forces team on board waiting for the operation to begin. He did not hesitate to request clearance for take-off before piloting the vessel towards the world of Thexkar.

 Chapter 46 Saving Ensign S’aleth

    By the time the dropship came out of quantum, Erich''s heart was beating so rapidly that he believed he might actually suffer a heart attack. S''aleth was in trouble, and thestmunication he had with her clearly suggested that she was being held prisoner by her father, who was a hardline separatist.


    It had been less than a year since the war with the Dvrakian Consortium had ended and already many of the conquered people were kicking up a fuss. I mean, starting a revolution to tear away from the Germanic Star-Empire? After such a horrific loss? What madness hadpelled them to do something so foolish?


    In truth, the Germanic Star-Empire treated their new Dvrakian subjects quite fairly, more so than any other interster civilization thought they would. Though the public did not know it, the Germans needed the Dvrakians to aid in their war effort against a monumental threat which was rapidly approaching their borders.


    Because of this, the Germanic-Star Empire allowed the newly formed Dvrakian Social Republic to maintain quite a bit of sovereignty over its internal matters, even more so than their previous Suzerains. What the Germanic authorities had interfered with was the reconstruction of the Dvrakian worlds, the Dvrakian Military, and the governing body of the Dvrakian people.


    After all, they were going to be facing an extinction level threat in just a handful of years, and because of this, the Dvrakians needed to be rebuilt into something that could withstand a Naraku Hive Fleet. Having a democratic and pacifistic government, when such an overwhelming threat loomed on the horizon, was just asking for disaster.


    Naturally, the reasons behind these decisions weren''t made public, but it was not like the Dvrakians were facing any serious form of oppression or discrimination by the new government. Aside from mandatory military conscription, which was happening in the Germanic Star-Empire as well, the people were left to their own devices, and the GSE had been paying out of their own to rebuild what they had previously destroyed.


    With all these things in mind, Erich could not understand why so many Dvrakians were willing to take up arms once more, especially after the humiliating and devastating loss they had recently suffered. There was only one thing he could think of, and it was exactly as S''aleth had tried to warn him about. Some third party was interfering in matters they had no business sticking their nose into.


    These were the thoughts that flooded through Erich''s mind as he skillfully piloted the dropship to the marked location on his navputer. As he approached the world''s surface, Erich activated the dropships stealth capabilities, which not only concealed their position from advanced sensor technology, but also managed to cloak the appearance of the ship to match its surroundings.


    This was a specially modified drop ship intended for use by special operations, and because of this, it was outfitted with such advanced and expensive features. In fact, the Germanic Star-Empire''s premier military technology was even capable of confusing the sensors that most Tier I Sub-Gctic powers made use of. Thus, Erich was praying to whatever deity may exist within this universe that the Dvrakian separatists did not pick up his position, because if they did, he would be shot out of the sky in an instant.


    Luckily, abination of the stealth technology, and the Germanic Star-Empire''s jamming technology, managed to buy him enough time tond the ship in the drop zone. Where the side hatches of the spacecraft opened up to deploy five whole fireteams of some 25 special operations soldiers, who were recruited from among the most talented and capable Star Marines to undertake the Empire''s most covert, and dangerous operations. All Erich could do now was wait for the mission to seed, or for themand to abort, and flee from the hostile area.


    ---


    S''varin was in the middle of a call with the Ghimderi Trade Prince Bixle Goldentooth, while unknown to his entirepound, five fireteams of Germanic Special Forces, known by the name of Storm Commandos, were rapidly approaching his position.


    The short, and obese goblinoid had a scowl on his hideous face, as he picked at his sharp and gilded teeth with his grubby little fingers. He was clearly displeased with something, but S''varin did not know what. At least not until he finally spoke.


    "My spies report that you have taken the liberty to assassinate an officer within the Germanic Navy. May I ask why, out of all your possible targets, you killed a school teacher?"


    The leader of the Dvrakian Separatists gawked at Bixle with a look of pure ignorance on his face. And this was all that the Ghimderi Trade Prince needed to know that a trap had been set against his newest pawns. He was just about to warn S''varin when the sound ofbat echoed throughout thepound.


    S''varin quickly looked to the doorway where one of his soldiers entered into the room. His weapon had been discarded, while his armor and flesh were covered in scorch marks. One of his wings had been entirely incinerated, and half of his face was burned beyond recognition.


    "Commandant! I don''t know how, but the Germans have found us! They are here in thepound!"


    After hearing this, a sh of crimson light blinded S''varin temporarily while the man in front of him turnedpletely into ash. A look ofplete and total rage appeared on Bixle''s face as he began to curse out loud in a particrly disgusting voice.


    "Dammit! Those clever bastards! They set you up! Well, it looks like this is where we part ways, goodbyemandant¡­."


    After saying this, themunication was cut, and the holographic projection of the obese and hideous goblinoid vanished just in time for the Germanic Storm Commandos to enter the room. Where they quickly ryed their information to Erich, who was practically dying of anxiety while waiting for news about S''aleth.


    "We have secured S''varin, but no sign of the bastard''s daughter!"


    As for the man in question, S''varin immediately assumed that his daughter had called for support from the Empire, and began to curse her name in fury, and in doing so exonerating her of the charges she would otherwise be facing.


    "That filthy race traitor of a whore! She has betrayed me! I knew I should have killed her the moment she step foot in my home!"


    Naturally, this statement was recorded, and sent back to Germanic High Command, who were watching a livestream of the entirebat operation from the perspective of the Germanic Storm Commandos'' helmet cams.


    ---


    S''varin was quickly extracted, whilebat continued to ring out from thepound. It had even reached the subterranean bunkerplex where S''aleth was currently hanging from the rafters. Her entire body was scorched ck from the burns of her father''sser whip, and her face was barely recognizable. If not for the ID tag the Germanic Star-Empire inserted into her hand, her rescuers would not easily be able to identify her.


    It took all the energy in the woman''s body for her to look up and scream for help in the Germanic tongue. Her voice was hoarse and raspy, as if she had not been permitted to drink for days. But it was just audible enough to attract the Storm Commandos who were rapidly advancing through the facility, and killing any Dvrakian they came across who was not a female.


    "Help! Please! Help me!"


    S''aleth witnessed a sh of red light outside the door, before it finally opened to reveal two piles of ash, and a man standing in the doorway, dressed in solid ck power armor. If one could see his expression behind his tinted visor, it would be one of horror, as he quickly scanned S''aleth''s body not only for information on her vital signs but also on her identity. Which he confirmed to be the target he was looking for.


    The man quickly found something to cover S''aleth''s scorched and naked body with, as he cut her out of her chains before lifting her up and carrying her out of the facility. Though S''aleth could not see the man''s face, she was delirious enough to assume it was her lover, and as she was just about to pass out from exhaustion, she made the mistake of saying his name.


    "Erich¡­"


    This was naturally sent back to High Command, who quickly did a search for who she could possibly be referring to, and what their rtionship was, in association with not only the operation but also their connections to Commander Vernik Ekberg, who was recently assassinated. It took them all of two seconds to identify Erich as the pilot who had volunteered for the mission, and this alien woman''s flight instructor. Which, of course, left many questions up in the air.


    ---


    S''aleth and her father were quickly extracted to the dropship, where once the team had finished killing everyone else in the facility, including S''aleth''s mother and brothers, they were given the order to head back to the carrier. And though Erich wanted more than anything to check on his lover''s condition, he waited until they were in Quantum before posing the question to the medic who was providing immediate assistance to the woman. There was a visible disy of panic in Erich''s voice, which was also overheard by High Command as he spoke.


    "How is she! Is she going to make it?"


    The medic did not question Erich''s flustered state and instead responded in a rather stoic tone, as he exined in detail what had been done to her.


    "Her body is covered in third-degree burns, and she is missing several fingers and toes. Her wings have beenpletely cut off, as have her tail and horns. It is clear that she has been thoroughly tortured. Even for a bunch of aliens, I can''t believe that a father would do this to his own daughter¡­. Fucking savages!"


    Erich gritted his teeth and struggled to hold back the tears in his eyes while he asked the next question on his mind.


    "Will she be alright?"


    The tone in the medic''s voice was much more calm, as he ced a breathing apparatus around S''aleth''s misshapen face while injecting her with a med pen, which managed to stabilize her vitals.


    "With this, she shouldst just long enough to get into a med bay. Though it might take some time to repair all the damage she has suffered, she should be good as new by the end of her treatment¡­."


    This answer caused Erich to copse into his chair and sigh in relief, and action which was also picked up by the recording within all the soldiers'' helmets, and transferred back to highmand, who began to put the pieces together.


    ---


    The dropship came out of quantum not long after, where S''aleth was immediately transferred to a medbay for treatment. At the same time, S''varin was escorted to a holding cell in a secure location of the ship.


    Naturally, due to the current circumstances of the operation, the Germanic Star-Empire could not trust any of the Dvrakians on board the carrier who might want to eliminate this valuable source of intelligence before he could be interrogated, and thus, he was protected by the Storm Commandos, who would allow nobody else, not even the Admiral aboard the ship to visit the prisoner.


    At least not until a time where a dedicated interrogator from the IIS could arrive to do his job. As part of these security measures, S''aleth was also under guard by a fireteam of Storm Commandos while she received the medical treatment she so desperately needed.


    As for Erich, he was not immediately awarded with the Knight''s Cross, which he had been promised. Rather, he quickly found himself in handcuffs where he was immediately ced upon a shuttle headed for an unknown destination.


    He did not know whether the Navy had found out about his rtionship with S''aleth, or whether they had discovered his role in Commander Vernik Ekberg''s death. But whatever the reason was behind his arrest, it was for a serious crime. One worthy of the death penalty.


    Erich did not know how long it took for the shuttle to arrive at its destination. But when he finally arrived, he was surprised to see that he had been taken to the world of Germania. Where he was quickly escorted into a building that was unfamiliar to him. Ultimately, the guards forced him to sit down in an empty office, where his handcuffs were removed before being left alone.


    Another few hours passed, and during this time, Erich had simply sat in his chair, waiting for what he perceived to be his impending execution. Eventually, much to his surprise, the doors opened to reveal a rather handsome and rugged man, who he had never met before.


    But judging by the insignia on the man''s distinctive white and gold uniform, this was none other than Grand Admiral ric au Emrys, which immediately caused Erich to jump to attention and salute the man. Surprisingly, ric simply smiled and responded to Erich''s salute with a casual dismissal of formalities.


    "No need for such formalities Erich, in fact, if I am beingpletely honest with you, I have been wanting to meet with you for a very long time¡­."

 Chapter 47 Narrowly Avoiding An Execution

    Erich was entirely astonished that the Grand Admiral even knew who he was, let alone wanted to speak with him. He instinctively followed the man''smands as he took his seat, while waiting for ric to speak his mind. Which came quicker than he thought it would.


    "You have been quite busy, Erich¡­ As a mere cadet, you managed to seed where nobody else had been able to do so. After nearly four centuries, you alone found a way to eliminate the Naraku Hive Fleet within a scenario that was designed to be unwinnable.


    With such a rare talent, I must admit that I immediately took an interest in you, and may have covered for your actions when it was revealed that you had a little dalliance with the aunt of the Oni Emperor. No matter how much the Supreme Leader wanted your head on a pike, I pulled several favors to ensure that did not happen.


    Then I organized a Starfighter tournament to give you a bit of breathing room after your parents had disowned you for your crimes against the Empire. And you exceeded my expectations once again. After your graduation from the Naval Academy, I had you assigned to the ck Sun Squadron, where you proved to be an invaluable asset in the war against the Dvrakians. I must say, I have been rather impressed with your service record thus far.


    Now imagine my surprise, when after getting your first taste of freedom, you immediately enter the criminal underworld. Though I did not cover for the crimes youmitted, they were not serious enough for me to expend the resources to bring you to justice. That is until, Splinter hired you to do their dirty work.


    Assassinating a Commander in the Imperial Navy? Now that is a serious crime. Even if he was a crooked bastard who worked for the syndicate, and sold his own daughter into very, such a thing does not excuse your sins¡­. Oh? I can see on your face exactly what you are thinking. How do I know about all of this? Is that correct?"


    Erich was truly bewildered at this moment, to the point where he struggled to the find words to speak, and thus he just silently nodded his head with a gawking expression on his face. Immediately afterward, the Grand Admiral smiled before admitting to a vast conspiracy that Erich never thought he would hear in his life.


    "That is because Splinter works for us¡­ Shocking, isn''t it? You might be wondering why the Government is in league with an interster crime syndicate? Well, try as we might, we have found it entirely impossible topletely eliminate crime. It is something in our blood that we inherited from our ancestors that just won''t go away.


    So, what were we to do when the technology exists to freely traverse the stars andmit any number of heinous acts? Well, we looked to the most brutal, and organized criminal syndicate that we could find, and bound them to our leash. This way, they can control the criminal underworld on our behalf, and ensure that the only crimes that happen within the borders of the Empire are nonviolent offenses. So that the people may live their lives without fear of a random acts of violence, from no good rotten criminals.


    Naturally, we were all aware of what Specter was up to, and though I personally disproved of his actions, it was not severe enough for me to intervene. That wasm until he decided to risk everything we have built together, by informing the authorities in a bordering civilization about your activities.


    Naturally, something needed to be done about that, and it just so happened to have urred right at the same time that we just so happened to have learned that several groups of Dvrakian separatists had begun popping up across our newly conquered territory.


    If we were to unjustly crack down upon the Dvrakian Social Republic and its citizens, that would only aid in the separatists recruitment efforts. But if they were to assassinate an officer in the Imperial Navy? And in doing so, give him a death that was permanent. Then we would have every right to begin kicking down doors of suspected terrorists, and the public would not even bat an eye.


    So, I ordered Specter to covertly pull off the assassination of a man who I have long since detested for a number of reasons, so that I could me it on the Dvrakian separatists. Not only did this give us a proper justification to crack down on these rebels, but it was also a way to remind those pathetic ouws who are really in charge. If they were to ever cause unecessary trouble for me again, I could reveal their part in the assassination of a Military Officer, and thus really make their lives quite miserable.


    Of course, I did not expect that they would beat me at my own game and use you as their sacrificialmb. Butcher is an incredibly brilliant man, one who despises the Empire and its government. Not that I me him. After what we did to him and his family, he has every right to be angry at us.


    You are probably wondering right about now, why would I possibly be revealing all of this to you. Well, you see, as promising as a talent as you have been so far, you have just about used up all of my patience. I have it on good authority that even after being disowned by your parents for having an affair with that Oni girl; you have still not learned your lesson and are now once more engaged in a rather serious rtionship with a Dvrakian woman.


    As much as I do not care for the empire''s mistreatment of mutants such as yourself, or our ridiculousws on interspecies rtionships, especially those that can''t possibly result in a pregnancy like the one you have with Ensign S''aleth there are trillions of people in this Empire who do. And you have already blown your cover twice now.


    There are already people who are asking questions about your rtionship with this woman, and try as I might to bury the evidence of what you have done, our doctors know enough now about Dvrakian social customs, and mating habits, to understand what you have done. I mean, you are aware that a standard medbay can detect any and all damage done to the body, and can repair even that if requested¡­?


    As difficult as it might be, I can still make this situation disappear, but this is yourst chance. So now you have two options. You can either break up with your little girlfriend and stay away from alien women for the rest of your life. Or, I can ensure that the medbay she is currently recuperating in suffers a little glitch¡­. If that were to happen, then I''m afraid due to the severity of her injuries, she would not make it. Either way, your rtionship with the little subus ends today. It just depends on how you want it to end. So, what will it be, Erich?"


    Having heard everything that the Grand Admiral had to say, it took Erich some time to process all the information that had had received in this brief scolding. Whether it was the fact that the Grand Admiral himself had mapped out Erich''s career. Or the fact that Mirage and Splinter had offered him up as a sacrificialmber in a power y against the Empire. Erich did not actually care about either of these things.


    Instead, his mind was drawn to one particr issue, the fact that he would have to break up with S''aleth, a woman he had grown to love, once and for all. If that were to happen, then most likely she would be transferred to another carrier in the fleet, and the two of them would never speak with one another again. Though perhaps this might actually be for the best. After all, because they were from to vastly different humanoid species, they would never be able to have children together.


    Not only that, but with S''varin in custody, and all of his soldiers dead, nobody would ever know that S''aleth had ever had sexual rtions with an outsider, especially after the medbay repaired every bit of damage that her body had ever received. Meaning that she could eventually move on from him and marry a member of her own race like she was supposed to.


    Even if their brief time together as a couple had unnaturally toe to its end, and by his own hand no less, at least S''aleth would still be alive. With this in mind, and after several moments of silence, Erich finally sighed and nodded his head. He struggled to hold back the tears in his eyes as he agreed to the Grand Admiral''s decision.


    "Very well. The moment she wakes up, I will inform her that we can no longer be together. After an event like this, I am certain that I can spin a tale about it being in her best interest to never see me again. I am thankful that you are giving me another chance to live, even after everything that I have done, and I promise never to interact with Splinter ever again¡­"


    Despite agreeing to the Grand Admiral''s conditions, Erich felt like he had somehow lost everything. He was in a worse state than when his parents had disowned him. Once again, he was all alone in the universe, and the gxy was a vast and lonely ce. However, ric''s next words took Erich by surprise.


    "Thatst part won''t be necessary. Though you were a sacrificialmb, I must admit you have somehow gotten into Splinter''s good graces. This presents a rather unique opportunity for the both of us. You see, it has been extremely difficult for me to get a man on the inside until now.


    Naturally, you know where I am going with this. So, from now on, you are my agent on the inside. The next time Splinter decides to contact you, you will ept whatever job they offer, and inform the IIS of everything you speak about. You can consider this to be your redemption as a citizen of the Empire.


    Do this for me, and perhaps one day, you might have that which your heart desires most of all¡­ You are dismissed, Lieutenant, or should I say, Lieutenant Commander. Oh, don''t look at me like that. I may have forced you to break up with your little girlfriend, but I am not entirely heartless! As far as I am concerned, you have already proved yourself more than worthy of a promotion during the war with the Dvrakians. And if it weren''t for that damned fool in charge of your ship holding a silly little grudge, you would have already been promoted by now.


    When you return to your ship, you can also expect to find a Knight''s Cross with swords and oak leaves in your cot. Consider these two gifts back-pay for everything that you have done during your military service thus far. This is yourst chance to fall in line. So, the next time I hear about you behaving in a way that dishonors your position, I will have you arrested."


    After hearing this, Erich was escorted out of the Grand Admiral''s office, and back to the shuttle, where he would then be taken to the 13th Fleet and the Carrier he served upon. It would take several days for S''aleth to recover from her injured state, and during this time Erich would think of the best way to break up with her, in a way that made it so she would never wish to contact him again.

 Chapter 48 Which Side Are You On?

    It took two whole weeks for the damage that was done to S''aleth''s body to be fully repaired, and when she was finally permitted to exit the medbay, and the clinic on board the carrier, she immediately found that her world had been turned upside down.


    After meeting with Erich in their secret hiding spot, the man was cold and distant, which was shocking considering the dire situation S''aleth had been in over thest two weeks. Just when she was about to ask what was wrong with him, Erich spoke, and in doing so, shattered the young woman''s world.


    "S''aleth, I''m afraid it is too dangerous for us to be together¡­ What happened to you was entirely my fault, and I can''t allow something so horrible to ur ever again. I am afraid that I have no choice but to break up with you."


    At first S''aleth thought that perhaps Erich was joking, and giggled as she patted the man on the back before trying to kiss him. However, he quickly dodged the attempt, and put some distance between himself and the woman he had fallen for. S''aleth began to look at Erich differently after that, and immediately asked the question that suddenly came to her mind.


    "You are serious, aren''t you? Erich, you can''t do this! I have lost everything! My entire family is dead because they have sided against the empire. You are the only person that I have left in my life. Please don''t abandon me!"


    However, Erich simply sighed and walked away. Though S''aleth could not see it, there was a single tear that had managed to get past his defenses, and found itself trailing down the edge of his nose. All the while, he said hisst goodbyes.


    "I''m sorry, S''aleth. It is better for the both of us this way. Pretend like I never existed and find yourself a proper Dvrakian man to have a family with¡­."


    After saying this, Erich left the room, much to the astonishment of S''aleth, who, after realizing this was indeed her reality, copsed to her knees and broke out into tears. Erich, however, did not make it far into the hallway, as he fell to the floor and gripped his chest in agony.


    There was no physical pain. After all, it was not like he was having a heart attack. And yet his beating heart felt as if it had suddenly imploded, leaving nothing but a ck hole in his chest. Like S''aleth, he now had nobody left in his life who cared for him.


    Perhaps Erich could turn to his friends in his hour of need, but at a time like this, they were nowhere to be found. Instead, the man was forced to return to his bunk, where he copsed inside of his cot and passed out from emotional exhaustion. By the time Erich awoke on the next day, he found that S''aleth had been transferred to another unit, just like he had expected she would be. The likelihood of the two of them ever speaking again was improbable, to say the least. Especially now that the Grand Admiral was keeping a close eye on him.


    With his emergency missionpleted, Erich now found himself back on leave. And thus, he had an enormous amount of free time on his hands. But life seemed to have lost its purpose without S''aleth by his side, and rather than go out and search for a home for the two of them to call their own like he had initially intended prior to breaking up with the woman. Erich instead found himself in the bar that Mirage somonly visited.


    Perhaps he had instinctivelye to this bar in search of the cobalt haired beauty. But she was nowhere to be found, and because of this, Erich simply spent his time drinking his sorrows away. He did not know how many hours had passed, or how many drinks he had purchased, but eventually he smelled like a brewery, and could barely keep his head off the counter.


    It was at this moment that somebody sat down next to him, and much to Erich''s joy, it was indeed Mirage. She looked at the man with a look of utter pity on her otherwise wless face. After sitting down next to Erich, Mirage ordered another hit of what she referred to as vitality. Which was a powerful drug, one capable of countering the intoxication that Erich currently was suffering from. Although this time Erich knew exactly what Mirage was trying to do, and quickly rejected the woman, whilst slurring his words as he did so.


    "NOOA! I dun wanna!"


    Upon seeing that Erich was refusing her offer, Mirage did the unthinkable, and took the shot of the milky white liquid into her mouth, before kissing Erich. As she did this, Mirage had force fed Erich the drug, which had an immediate effect on his mind. rity rapidly returned to Erich''s mind, causing him toe to the sudden realization that he was kissing Mirage.


    After having just broken up with S''aleth, Erich immediately felt guilty about kissing another woman so soon, especially since his heart still only cared for the Crimson demoness, and thus, he rather violently forced himself away from Mirage. Despite his actions, the cobalt haired beauty did not appear angry. Instead, she had an expression of sympathy as she spoke to Erich.


    "I heard about what happened¡­. I''m sorry that you were forced to break up with your girlfriend. But unfortunately for you, that was bound to happen sooner orter. The government has their eyes and ears everywhere. It was only a matter of time before they discovered your rtionship with S''aleth.


    But, unfortunately for you, we now have something very awkward to discuss because of this little incident. We know that Emrys has asked you to spy on us¡­ Ohe on now, Erich, don''t look at me like that. The Grand Admiral isn''t the only one who has been watching your every move.


    Perhaps if the IIS knew that their most talented Watcher was in fact alive and currently working for Splinter, then they would have taken some precautions to hide the contents of that meeting from us. The question now is, where do your loyalties lie? Are you really going to go back to being thepdog of a government that couldn''t care less if you existed?"


    Erich did not immediately respond to Mirage''s question, and simply looked away, an act which caused the woman to sigh before ordering another round of drinks for the two of them. She then posed a question that Erich never thought he would hear in his life.


    "Erich¡­ Come work for us, and I don''t mean as a mere pawn, or a sacrificialmb like before. You may not realize it now, but you are in a unique position to actually do some good for our people! For mutants! I don''t know how, but you have managed to gain the Grand Admiral''s trust, and in case you haven''t been paying attention to thesest couple of years. Emrys is now effectively in control of the Empire.


    As I said before, we know that Emrys has asked you to spy on us, to which we have a counteroffer. We want you to be our double agent. Erich, with your help, Splinter has the potential to evolve into something more than just a criminal syndicate. We could be the change that the Empire so desperately needs!


    Allow me to give you a fair warning. If you continue on your current path, and maintain your position as the Empire''sp dog, you will get everything you want out of life. You will be a war hero and will be loved by the people. So much so that the Empire will grant you an exception and give you a wife. In a few years, you will have probably have family of your own, and everything will be hunky dory. And then do you know what happens after that?"


    Erich gazed at Mirage with a cautious glint in his eyes. He did not know where this conversation was headed, but so far, the warning she was supposed to be giving him actually did not sound all that bad. That is until, Mirage spoke her next words.


    "Eventually there wille a time when you be a thorn in the Empire''s side, and when that happens, they will take your family from you and throw you to the wolves. Just like they did to Butcher¡­ A mutant can only go so far in our current society before those in power be jealous and begin to tear him down.


    I really shouldn''t be saying this, but you need to know the truth of what happens to people like us, especially those who dare to challenge the status quo. Butcher was once a starfighter pilot like yourself, a very talented one. In fact, to this day, he holds the record for thergest number of confirmed kills, and is considered to be the Empire''s greatest Ace.


    He was so good, that he was even given a wife, which he was happy to start family with. And when he retired from the Navy, he began to climb the politicaldder. But as I said before, our current society would never allow a mutant like him to climb to the very top, after all, if such a thing were to ur, the very fabric of the Empire woulde unraveled.


    So they gave him an ultimatum to toe the party line, or suffer the consequences. Naturally, Butcher refused, because just like you, he wanted to make the Empire a better ce for mutants like himself. And do you know what the party did? They killed his family, and then of course they tried to kill him too, but he survived, barely¡­"


    Erich was astonished to hear this story, because from his memory, there was only one mutant who had ever been granted permission to get married and have a family. And that man had been the source of strength that Erich looked to when he was first disowned by his parents. Naturally, Erich was curious to hear the rest of the story, which he was quick to ask about.


    "And what happened then? What did Butcher do after his family was killed by the party?"


    Just when Mirage was about to speak, a very masculine and gruff voice interrupted her from another part of the bar, where a man with crimson red hair and eyes was sitting alone while drinking.


    "Well, he dedicated his life to bringing down the bastards who had murdered his family. But the party is quite insted, and they have more than a few ways to revive, no matter how hard you might try to kill them. So, he eventually gave up and turned to a life of crime, where he became an underboss in the Empire''srgest and most fearsome syndicate. That is, until he heard of a young man like himself, who just so happened to catch the eye of the man who is currently in power¡­."


    Mirage''s expression immediately shifted one to intense dread, as she slowly looked over and saw her Employer staring menacingly at the two of them. She could barely find the words to apologize for speaking about his past without his permission.


    "B¡­Boss¡­ I''m s¡­sorry I didn''t-"


    However, before she could finish, the man raised his hand to silence her, which worked like a charm, before he grabbed the drink out of her hand and downed it quicker than she was capable of doing herself. Once the beer was gone, Butcher tossed the ss across the room, causing it to shatter on another wall, where he then sat down next to Erich and wrapped his arm around the man''s back.


    "Don''t worry about it, sweetheart, like you said, the kid needs to know the truth. While it is true that Splinter is the most vicious syndicate in the Empire, you should know that is is mostly filled with mutants like the three of us, many of which are just looking for a ce in society to call their own.


    For the first time since the formation of our little organization, we now have a chance to make some serious changes in society, and it all revolves around you, kid. You may not be aware of this, but the leaders of the party are gone. The cowards fled to the Alfheim Dominion, and I think that I know why¡­


    Anyway, all that is left in the Empire is the military, and they are running everything now. I''m no longer an officer, nor am I exactly in good enough standing to re-enlist, and so I don''t have the chance to rise through its ranks. But you do! As Mirage said, I want you to be my double agent. I want no; I need you to rise through the ranks of the Navy and depose that fucking golden haired git! Once you are the Grand Admiral, you will control the Empire, because there is no way the party is getting back into power so long as Emrys is in charge, even if we do survive it all¡­"


    Erich was entirely astonished by the way this conversation had headed. He had so many questions, but could not think just which one to ask first. Upon seeing that Erich was being hesitant, a sly smile formed on Butcher''s heavily scarred face as he asked the immediate question on his mind.


    "Time is up, kid. So¡­ Which side are you on?"

 Chapter 49 Joining Splinter

    Erich remainedpletely and utterly silent for some time, as he weighed the options on his mind. How could he possibly answer such an important question on such short notice? After all, this decision would impact the rest of his life, no matter how short that may be.


    Whose side was he on? On the one hand was an interster Empire, the ce he was born in, and was raised to be loyal to. The other was a criminal syndicate with revolutionary goals. Goals, which if they came to fruition, would have a serious impact on his life, and at first nce, they seemed quite appealing.


    Splinter was founded by mutants like himself, as a means to provide for themselves in an Empire which did not give the slightest damn about their wellbeing. It was not just a brutal crime syndicate, no; Splinter was transforming into something far more chaotic and destructive. Splinter was bing a political movement, one which Erich severely doubted would be against using violence as a means to achieve their political aims.


    Erich was one of these people, like Butcher and Mirage. He was a mutant, someone who had been discriminated against since the day he was born, and one who had been abused by even the government itself.


    If one were to ask him whether he truly felt like giving his life in service to an Empire that did not give the slightest shit about him? Then the answer was no. In fact, he had been looking for a way to escape the uing catastrophe for some time now.


    However, it was not like Splinter was much better. Their primary means of ie were abination of drug trafficking, gun running, extortion, and racketeering. They also appeared to have engaged in sex trafficking to some small degree. That was a practice that Erich found to be utterly repulsive.


    Because of this, Erich had a hard time convincing himself to join their side. After all, he would be aligning himself with some of the worst people in the Empire had to offer. But was that a fault of their own? Or had they been forced to such desperate measures by a cruel and tyrannical government which opposed all living beings who did not fit into their vision of the perfect race?


    If Erich could choose to decline both offers, he would do so in a heartbeat. But if he did tell Butcher to go pound sand, then his corpse would probably be found in a dumpster on another world by sunrise. After all, Mirage had told him he was now on Splinter''swork, which meant they could determine if the death he suffered was permanent.


    But if he chose to ept Butcher''s offer, he would bemitting an act of Espionage against the Germanic Star-Empire, which was a crime that would guarantee the next two hundred and fifty years of his life were spent enved in a penal battalion. There he would spend the rest of his miserable existence fighting against the Empire''s many enemies, with nothing but a k vest and an assault rifle.


    Ultimately, what it came down to was whether or not Erich was truly aggrieved enough by the Empire to act against them. And the fact of the matter was, at this very moment, Erich held a significant hatred for his own people, especially after he was forced to abandon the woman he had grown to love.


    Perhaps it was the alcohol in his system, which stirred his blood so violently. But, Erich''s hands began to shake as he thought about what he had done to S''aleth, and in the end, he took another sip of the ice coldger before expressing a sentiment which would normally earn him a ten-year stint in a penal battalion.


    "Fuck the Empire! Fuck Emrys! And fuck those cowardly politicians who have abandoned us all! If we do end up surviving Terminus, then I will be damned if I go back to being a good little soldier for a civilization which hates me. Alright, I''m in... I''ll do what you have asked! And after I have deposed that cunt and installed my new regime, I will make sure people like us never have to live as the scum of society ever again!"


    After hearing this, Butcher smiled and patted Erich on the back. He was clearly happy that the kid had made the right choice, which he was quick to express in the next moment.


    "You made the right choice, kid. Hey, bartender, another round of drinks over here!"


    Immediately after saying this, the bartender appeared with several more liters of beer. Which he handed off to Mirage, Erich, and Butcher, all of whom nged their sses together while Butcher made a toast.


    "To the future of the Empire!"


    After saying this, Butcher downed the contents of the mug quicker than Mirage could manage, meanwhile Erich was slurping on his beer to the best of his ability, but no matter how thirsty he may be, he would never be able to match their pace.


    Erich, Mirage, and Butcher continued to drink and talk of their ns for several hours, until finally, they were kicked out of the bar due to the curfew. If they did not vacate the premises soon, then without a doubt, the''s security forces would bust down the door and haul their asses to jail. Thus, Butcher was the first to head off as he eyed Mirage with a look of approval.


    Just when Erich was about to leave Mirage alone, the woman pushed him into the wall and began to kiss him in a fiery disy of passion. In between her kisses, she said something which Erich found to be incredibly enticing, perhaps because he was so heavily intoxicated.


    "Forget about all your worries and focus on me! Because tonight I''m going to be your little subus!"


    ---


    Erich awoke the next day, inside a penthouse suite which overlooked the entire city. He did not know where he was, nor did he entirely recall what everything he had done the night before. That is, until he pulled the covers off of his chiseled body, which revealed Mirage''s beautiful face resting on his pectoral muscles as if they were a pillow. The woman slowly opened her drowsy eyes and yawned before she nced over at Erich with a seductive smile.


    "Damn, that was so goodst night that I must admit I am incredibly tempted to take you for another ride right now. Unfortunately, I''m pretty sure Emrys is having you watched by somebody. So, you''re going to have to leave and treat this like a one-night stand. You would be surprised howmon those are among mutants.


    As for what we discussedst night, you don''t need to do anything major, or take any risks. Just continue about your military career the way you have been doing things so far, and stick close to the Grand Admiral! No matter what he wants you to do, you do it with no questions asked. You got that?"


    Erich simply nodded his head in silence. He was naturally aware of his responsibilities, but after everything that had happened to him, he felt like he had just gotten off the world''srgest rollercoaster. First, he was forced to break up with S''aleth, and then he found himself acting as a spy on the Empire''s behalf, only to ept a job as Splinter''s double agent, before somehow ending up sleeping with Mirage? Just what the hell was he doing with his life, that it had ended up in such a pitiful state?


    Naturally, Erich did not voice any of these thoughts out loud, and instead climbed out of bed and got himself dressed in his clothes. Where he immediately headed out the door, but not before Mirage gave him onest gift. The cobalt haired beauty grabbed Erich''s waist from behind, and kissed him once more, before telling him some good news.


    "You''re still looking for a ce to crash, right? When you''re off duty, I mean? Well, I''ve got plenty of spare room, so feel free toe back here at night when you need some R&R. Just make sure to lose your tail when you do so, alright? I''ll be waiting for you...."


    After saying this, she booted the man out the door. Where he simply stared out of the windows and onto the massive industrial city which dwelled below with a lonely look in his eyes. So much had happened since he first left his home in Alemannia, and things just seemed to keep getting worse. Erich began to wonder how much longer he had to live, considering the fact that he was now working for two opposing sides, both of which had the ability to permanently terminate his existence...

 Chapter 50 Sweet Retribution

    Several months passed since Erich first joined splinter, and during this time he did not hear much from his contacts in the criminal underworld. Every now and then he would be forced to perform some menial job, and then report it to the IIS, to ensure that the Grand Admiral did not suspect that he had switched sides. But aside from that, the rest of his leave was spent either in Mirage''s bedroom, orpletely alone.


    However, while Erich''s life had returned to a state of normality, S''aleth''s father was still being held for interrogation. In a far corner of the Germanic Star-Empire, there lie a small facility, constructed on a ratherrge moon which surrounded a certain gas giant.


    At first nce, there was not anything remotely interesting on this moon. It had no valuable resources contained with in it, nor an atmosphere which was capable of being terraformed. Instead, it was a barren rock.


    Or so one would think; however, deep beneath the surface of this moon lied arge facility, one where the Empire kept many of its extra terrestrial prisoners. Normally, the Germanic Star-Empire would have no business with aliens outside their borders, but there were a few who managed to cause trouble in their sector of space, or very well near it, and because of this, the authorities had built a prison to contain these wildly different species.


    Deep within this facility was a solitary cell, where S''varin lie confined to a table. For months now, after subjecting his daughter to some rather vicious forms of torture, in an attempt to learn just which Germanic male she had disgraced her bloodline for, the man found himself in the hands of Germanic custody, where he received far more brutal treatment than he had given his own daughter.


    The sad truth of the matter is, S''varin was subjected to the worst kinds of torture imaginable, everything from dedicated neurotoxins which lit his nerves aze, to more primitive methods of interrogation such as ying the flesh from his body. If there was a way to inflict physical and mental anguish on this man, the Empire''s interrogators had conducted it.


    Time and time again, S''varin would hope for death, and just when the reaper was about to im his soul once and for all, he was brought back from the brink of death by the Empire''s advanced medical technology, where he was fully restored and then tortured once more.


    Despite the unspeakable treatment which he had received during this time, S''varin had not broken. Until now, that is. His mind simply could no longer bear the torment which he received, and finally he revealed that which the Empire wanted to know.


    "It was the Ghimderi Trade Union! Specficially, the Goldentooth Cartel! They supplied us with the weapons and knowledge to rebel against the Empire. Bixel Goldentooth has a particr hatred towards your race, and is trying to use us to weaken your military strength. He says if that were to happen, you won''t be able to survive that which is toe!


    However, it is not just the Dvrakian Resistance; he is brewing animosity between several Sub-Gctic Powers with the intent of stirring them into an armed conflict against the Empire. We were supposed to work in coordination with these foreign powers when they finally dered war on you! That is it. It is all I know; I swear! So please, kill me!"


    This news had stunned the interrogators who had overseen S''varin''s torture, to the point where they did not know how to respond to this information. Instead, they quickly contacted their superiors, who ryed this information to their own bosses, until finally it reached the Grand Admiral''s desk.


    Immediately, Emrys sought to verify the ims that S''varin had made, and thus he continued the man''s interrogation until he could finally confirm whether or not his words were true. And after two weeks of solid sleuthing, the spies within the Imperial Intelligence Services were indeed able to do just that.


    What this revealed was a conspiracy by a particrly powerful interster civilization. One who was on par with the four major Gctic Powers. The fact that the Ghimderi had begun to target the Empire was no doubt a result of their refusal to join the interster banking system, which the Germanic people have long since, and rightfully believed, was a means for foreigners to gain power over their systems.


    The fact of the matter was that the Ghimderi Trade Union was now acting against the Germanic Star-Empire from behind the scenes, and not only were they supplying separatist movements across the Empire''s recently conquered space, but they were antagonizing several sub-gctic powers in an attempt to force a conflict to ur.


    This was effectively a deration of war, and if the Germanic Star-Empire did not have other, more dire concerns that were immediately in front of them, then Emrys would be tempted to respond to these provocations with coordinated terrorist strikes on Ghimderi banks across the Gxy.


    Unfortunately for him, Terminus was months away from reaching the Empire''s borders, and because of this, Emrys needed to shelve this idea for ater time. Thus, after discovering this news, his first response was to contact the Empress of the Alfheim Dominion, and alert her to this discovery.


    Lunaria was, as always, excited to see the rugged and handsome Germanic male''s holographic projection. And just when he was about to speak, she confronted him with the words he was not expecting to heare from her luscious lips.


    "This is about the Ghimderi Trade Union, isn''t it? What, are you perhaps shocked to see that I am already aware of your situation? You can rx and focus on more important matters. As we speak, I am maintaining the situation.


    Those pathetic dregs who p and bark for those filthy Goblins like trained seals will not be a problem that you have to take on by yourself. In fact, I have already sent my delegation to their actual masters, informing them that I will be taking military actions against their vassals if they do not intervene and halt this nonsense.


    And while those filthy dark skinned freaks spat in the face of our threat, both the Asura Cabal and the Ennead Theocracy have agreed to calm their hounds, and prevent them from attacking your Empire.


    As for that fat sack of pus, Bixle, I have already arranged a little gift for him. One which I am sure he and the entire gxy will enjoy to their heart''s content. After all, it is only fair that after sending his agents to kill my own flesh and blood I have a little fun at the expense of his own bloodline.


    So, I assure you that he will be more than busy putting out the fire which I have started over these next few months. I suggest you make use of this time that I have given you to prepare your forces, because the Naraku are very near, in fact I suspect Terminus will be within your newly acquired borders in the next few months.


    You must be aware by now, Admiral, that if you take this path, entire worlds will die. Even if your species does somehow manage to survive this ordeal, the destruction wrought upon your civilization will have longsting consequences."


    Grand Admiral Emrys nodded his head in agreement with the Alfheim Empress''s words before responding to them with a fierce look in his blue eyes.


    "We are well aware of the projected losses, but the Germanic people remain resolved to fight to the veryst man, if need be. We will either survive this ordeal, or die in such a way that the gxy remembers our people until the very heat death of the universe. I thank you for dealing with those pesky green skinned freaks, and I promise, that so long as the Germanic Star-Empire lives on, we will one day repay this debt...."


    After saying this, Emrys hung up on the Alfheim Empress, who then shifted her gaze onto the little gift which she had prepared for Bixle Goldentooth, and the gxy as a whole. However, contrary to what one might expect from the situation, it was not Bixle that Lunaria had targeted for vengeance, at least not directly, but rather one of his daughters.


    Thus at the moment, in this Elven throne room, there was a female Ghimderi, who, unlike the male members of her species, was not exactly what one would call hideous or grotesque. In fact, her features were quite cute and attractive to any near-human species. However, she was bound and gagged while wearing a blindfold. Tears streamed down the young Ghimderi woman''s eyes, as she feared what was about to happen to her.


    After Bixle had targeted Celestia with his assassins, Lunaria had returned the favor, and kidnapped the scheming runt''s daughter. The Alfheim Empress intended to film a particr lewd scene, one where the young goblin woman would be ganged up on by the political leaders of the Germanic Star-Empire, who were naturally wearing masks to conceal their identities.


    As repayment for the debt which they owed the Alfheim Empress, these men would break the taboo of their race and have their way with this Ghimderi woman on film. This film would be sent across the gxy as retribution for the Goldentooth Cartel''s schemes against the Asterion Dynasty.


    Thus, Empress Lunaria Asterion wore a sadistic grin on her otherwise pretty face as she sealed this Ghimderi woman''s fate.


    "Let the show begin!"

 Chapter 51 A Humiliation Worse Than Death

    Bixle Goldentooth''s face twitched as he watched a pornographic video, which was just recently disyed across the gcticwork. It had been up for less than thirty minutes, and already this film had one hundred trillion views, and a disproportional number of likes. Thement section was equally outrageous as trillions of sentient beings from across the Gxy seemed to take pleasure in the suffering of the Ghimderi Trade Prince.


    Bixle honestly did not know how to react to what he was seeing, because it was so grotesque and offensive that his mind simply could not process it. Why was this video so offensive to the mighty Trade Prince of the Goldentooth Cartel?


    Well, that was because the main star of the film was his own daughter who was currently being gangbanged by what were clearly a bunch of Germanic men. Perhaps the most insidious part of the video was, after having three of these men finish inside his daughter, she began to enjoy her mistreatment and beg for more. Either that, or the title of video was the most offensive part of it all, as the words were clearly written in the Alfheim script.


    "Tinkette Goldentooth Embraces Germanic Supremacy."


    When he read these words, Bixle immediately knew who was responsible for this outrageous film, and was quick to contact the bitch. Who immediately answered with a smug smile on her wless face. This only further enraged the Ghimderi Trade Prince, who said something he probably shouldn''t have in an act of fury.


    "You fucking harlot! You kidnapped my daughter and forced her to do such unspeakable things! Do you have any idea how this will damage the public perception of the Goldentooth Cartel? I could lose quadrillions!"


    Lunaria gazed upon the small, obese, and grotesque goblin with a hint of satisfaction in her golden eyes, as she boasted about how much money the film was grossing.


    "I dare say, Tinkette Embraces Germanic Supremacy might be the most profitable pornographic film ever recorded in gctic history. It appears there are a lot more people who take enjoyment in your downfall than I had initially thought there would be.


    I had originally nned to ship the little minx back to your homeworld after the film was over, but she doesn''t want to leave Alfheim now! I have tried my best to convince her to return home, but she wants to do another film as quickly as possible.


    And believe it or not, I may have finally convinced the leaders of the Germanic Star-Empire to ept interspecies rtionships, at least behind closed doors. Because they really enjoyed your daughter''s tight and virgin holes. I think we might just have a star in the making, and it is all thanks to your generosity..."


    Thesest words were dripping with sadistic sarcasm, so much so that Bixle was quick tosh out at the holographic projection of the Alfheim Empress.


    "My Generosity, what the hell are you talking about? What makes you think we won''t punish your Empire for these outrageous actions? I could easily bring the might of the entire Trade Union down upon the Alfheim Dominion. Within months, your entire economy will copse because of our sanctions. Do you really want to y this game, bitch?"


    The smug look on Lunaria''s beautiful face immediately vanished and was instead reced with a rather sinister expression as she responded to Bixle''s threat with a tone filled with both animosity and rage.


    "I remember a certain somebody sent his goons to kidnap my beloved Celestia in an attempt to force the poor girl to perform a simr role as Tinkette. Oh what, were you not aware that I sessfully managed to capture those puny gits and torture them for information on which of you little bastards had sent them? You have really underestimated the ability of my agents, Bixle, and for that, you now suffer the consequences! What is it the Germanic people are so fond of saying again? Oh yes, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth!


    This is your own fault for daring to make such a despicable move on my beloved daughter. Now you will have to watch your own flesh and blood bathe in the bodily fluids of the men you despise so much. I think it is perhaps the most fitting punishment for you, especially after everything you tried to do to my dynasty.


    Know your ce, you filthy little Goblin, because the next time youe after my bloodline with hostile intent, I promise you I will do so much worse! As for your threats about economic sanctions against the Alfheim Dominion, while the Goldentooth Cartel may be able to do so themselves, I highly doubt the rest of the Trade Princes will agree to follow suit.


    At least not after the losses you will suffer as a result of this little film of mine. You can consider your position as Chief among your peers to be thoroughly ruined. After all, I have no doubt that your fellow Trade Princes have already watched your daughter be so thoroughly turn into a ything for other men. In fact, I believe such a massive scandal might very well be the final nail in the coffin to the Goldentooth Cartel.


    But go ahead, try to rally the Ghimderi Trade Union to take justice on behalf of your daughter. Let us see if your fellow Goblins care more about your prestige or the profits they will now make at your expense. I think we both know the answer to this question though, now don''t we?"


    Bixle could not find the words which he wished to convey to the Alfheim Empress in this moment, but they were somewhere in the vicinity of "I will burn your whole world down for this", to "just watch as I repay the favor that you have bestowed upon me!"


    Either way, the fat and hideous goblin was utterly furious about what had just happened to his daughter, and no matter what, he needed to get the girl back under his control, so that she could spin his narrative to the public, in an attempt to save face among the Gctic Community.


    Thus, he was quick to make his next demand, and he was not going to take no for an answer.


    "I want Tinkette, back home on Ghimderi, no ifs, and, or buts. She will return home, or I will do everything in my power to wipe your species off of the gctic map!"


    Contrary to what Bixle was expecting, Lunaria simply scoffed at the Trade Prince''s threats before making a shocking gesture.


    "Tinkette, dear, your father is on the line. Tell him what you told me after we concluded that little scene of yours!"


    The young goblin woman immediately entered the scene. She was buck naked, and covered in the cum of the men who had just gotten finished with her. Much of it was still dripping out of her holes, and yet she did not seem to care in the slightest. There was a wide smile on her face as she informed her father that she would not being home.


    "Hi daddy! I know you must be concerned, but don''t worry about Tinkette. She has discovered a new passion of hers. I will be staying in Alfheim where I will continue my career in the adult film industry! After all, I can''t go back now that I have had a taste of these Germanic men. I don''t know why you hate them so much. They are really friendly and are soooo big!"


    Naturally, Tinkette was not just referring to the height of the gically enhanced superhumans, which was the Germanic race. Of course, this only further enraged the tiny Goblin, as he demanded his daughter return to him.


    "You wille home this instant!"


    However, in response to her father''s orders, Tinkette simply stuck out her tongue and ran off, leaving behind onest set of words.


    "Don''t wanna!"


    Once she was out of sight, Lunaria smiled sadistically, as she was obviously taking pleasure in the mental anguish she had inflicted upon the Ghimderi Trade Prince. It took several moments of awkward silence, but eventually, the Alfheim Empress spoke up once more.


    "Don''t worry about your daughter, Bixle, I will ensure she has everything she needs to be happy here on Alfheim, and I mean EVERYTHING. Oh, and yes, I will be filming her every time she interacts with my favorite pets, so be on a lookout for our next film, because it will be even better than thest one!"


    After saying this, Lunaria hung up the call, leaving the Ghimderi Trade Prince in a state of utter fury. Not only had the Germanic Star-Empire found out about his devious plots, and had begun eliminating the Dvrakian Separatists en masse, but his own daughter had suffered such public humiliation. This was something which he would never be able to erase from his good name, or that of the trade empire which he had built.


    There were no words for just how much Bixle hated the Light Elves and their Germanic pets at this moment. If he had the power to, he would immediately order the annihtion of both of their species. But one was a major Gctic Power, and the other had an irritating habit of oveing whatever odds they found themselves up against.


    Bixle could only pray to the almighty Moloch that the Germanic Star-Empire and the entire species which it represented was wiped off the face of the gxy by the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus, because thus far, all of his ns had gone up in smoke, and he had even suffered a humiliation that was worse than death.

 Chapter 52 Left To Die Alone

    Months had passed since the Germanic Star-Empire had first learned that the Ghimderi Trade Union was acting against them from behind the scenes and during this time, the Germanic Star-Empire had done their very best to fortify their worlds and raise their military strength so that the threat which loomed beyond their borders could be defeated.


    During this time, they had also made use of their newly conscripted Dvrakian forces to act as a buffer to the Empire, and because of this, those members in the Dvrakian Republican guard now served on their own warships and on their own worlds.


    Finally, after making all the preparations which they could manage, Terminus arrived...


    Far away from the Imperial Capital of Germania, the 173rd Fleet was currently patrolling the furthest borders of the Empire. This fleet wasposed of nearly one hundred warships of various types and sizes, and had abined crew in the tens of thousands.


    For those soldiers who bravely served aboard this fleet, today was just another day in the service of the Empire. And as they scanned the space beyond their borders, things appeared to be as calm as ever. However, suddenly things changed, as the capital ship''s sensors immediately picked up something rather frightening in a nearby star system. So much so that he spat his coffee out onto the disy while staring in terror at the results of his scan.


    This act caught his fellow bridge officers by surprise, who quickly walked over and helped the man clean off the disy. However, what awaited them was the sight of three thousand vessels of unknown origin and of a massive size that had just jumped into the nearby system. One which was only a few light-years away from the Imperial Fleet.


    At first, the officers thought this was an error in the program, and were quick to run another scan, but after running a total of ten whole scans of the nearby system, there was no denying that a hostile fleet was inbound to the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Almost immediately after confirming this shocking news was indeed urate, the bridge officers quickly reported to the Admiral inmand of their fleet that a hostile fleet of immense power was on a direct course to their current location.


    As a member of the Admiralty, it was only natural that the man had long since been informed about the Hive Fleet Terminus. Because of this, he was already aware that with each passing day, this threat wasing closer and closer to the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire. Thus, he only spoke a single phrase before immediately alerting the Grand Admiral about the current crisis.


    "So... they have finally arrived...."


    ---


    Sitting in his office within the capital world of Germania, Grand Admiral ric au Emrys was busy reading over recent spending reports, particrly those which contained information about the advancements the Empire had made in their military prowess.


    The Empire now had two hundred and fifty fleets, all of which carried a hundred warships within them. He was quite satisfied with the progress they had made over thest few years, and was beginning to feel quite confident in his people''s chances of survival, at least until his assistant came running into the room, looking as pale as a ghost.


    The man said nothing, and instead handed the Grand Admiral a message which had been transmitted to Imperial High Command, from the 173rd fleet which was currently patrolling the T''varen system.


    "Hive Fleet Terminus has been spotted outside the T''varen System. Approximate enemy strength is 3,000 warships of immeasurable size. Requesting orders on how to proceed."


    Though the Empire was filled with atheists, there were certain phrases that had endured from the years in which their people lived on Earth. Such as the words that Emrys had just spoken, as his hands began to tremble at the very idea that death was imminent.


    "May God have mercy on us all...."


    After taking several seconds to calm his nerves, the Grand Admiral''s hands stopped shaking. Instead, a defiant expression appeared on his face, as if he utterly refused to be imed by the reaper so soon in his life. He immediately gave an order to his assistant, one which would seal the fate of the Dvrakian race.


    "Order the 173rd to Withdraw from Dvrakian space, and return to our frontier worlds to immediately bolster their defense. We have spent thest two years raising the Dvrakians to be our buffer, and now the time to prove their worth hase.


    As for the Dvrakian Republican Guard, I believe they are now capable of fighting with their own equipment. Deploy them to the T''varen system and inform them that Germanic reinforcements are on the way. These red devils now have the honor of dying for Germania!"


    ----


    News came in the middle of the night, and as a result Ensign S''aleth Tavarian had been awoken from her slumber, which took ce aboard the old carrier which she now served upon. The sirens on board the vessel were going off with a frenzy, instantly making the Dvrakian beauty realize that something serious had urred while she still slept.


    A fellow pilot jumped out of his bunk, and was quick to holler at the woman, before dashing off towards the shi[s flight deck.


    "Hurry up, Red, some serious shit has gone down!"


    S''aleth took onest look at a holorecording which she had taken of her, and Erich, in what seemed like a lifetime ago, and sighed before turning it off. She did not know why the man had so suddenly broke up with her, especially after everything she had endured for his sake. But, after the man of her affections had so brutally abandoned her, S''aleth had made several attempts to contact him. Unfortunately, they had all ended in failure.


    Even after nearly a year of being separated from Erich, the young Dvrakian beauty''s heart stung with pain. After all, her species mated for life, and the idea of being separated from the one she loved was simply iprehensible to her species. As far as she was concerned, it was as if she had lost a part of her soul.


    Though she did not hate Erich for what he had done, in fact, she was fundamentally incapable of feeling such animosity toward her only partner no matter what he did. Instead, she longed to be in his arms once more, which created a special kind of hell for the woman, as she knew that was never going to happen.


    However, S''aleth did not have time to think about this, and instead, she quickly dismissed her depressing thoughts before getting dressed in her flight suit. Once she was fully clothed, and ready for battle the young Dvrakian beauty rushed through the carrier towards the hangar bay where she was supposed to meet with the rest of her flight wing, who no doubt would inform her about just what the hell was going on.


    The carrier which the Dvrakian Republican Guard used was an old and retrofitted design. Like all ships in the newly reformed Dvrakian fleet, it made use of more conventional weaponry, such as massive rail guns, kic point defense systems, and powerful missiles.


    While these vessels had some energy shields, they were not nearly as advanced as those used by the Imperial Navy. Though these ships were a step up from the previous designs employed by the Dvrakian Consortium during their war with the Germanic Star-Empire, they were hardly enough to withstand the onught of a Naraku Hive Fleet.


    Of course, the probability of encountering such a threat within their vicinity of space was practically non-existent. If such an invasion took ce, then the Alfheim Dominion would have rushed to the defense of their space, and eliminated such a thing before they could have a chance to reach a civilization like the Dvrakian Social Republic.


    However, when S''aleth step foot in the hangar bay and heard the words which her Wing Commander had spoken, she suddenly turned pale, or at least as much as her blood red skin could manage.


    "I assure you, the threat is very real, and has already been detected by the 173rd Fleet of the Germanic Star-Empire. As of this moment, a Naraku Hive fleet is making its way towards the T''varen system, and perhaps we are already toote.


    Our orders are to immediately deploy to the region, and to hold them off, until reinforcements from the Empire can arrive! This is it! If we fail here, then our entire civilization will be at the mercy of these bugs. So, stand tall, and stand firm, for we will make ourst stand in T''varen!"


    S''aleth could hardly believe her ears. How? How had a Naraku Hive Fleet advanced this far into Alfheim space without being eliminated, and how were they not aware of this threat sooner? It was at this moment that the young Dvrakian beauty realized that the government had deliberately kept this information hidden from the public in order to prevent a panic.


    They had decided to fight until thest man and had refused to take into ount the public''s opinion on this suicidal mission. As S''aleth began to curse the politicians beneath her breath, she suddenly understood the reason why the Germanic Star-Empire had invaded her people''s civilization in the first ce.


    The Empire was not sending reinforcements, like they had imed. After all, why would a species renowned for its genocidal tendencies bother wasting their precious military resources for the sake of an alien race?


    In fact, it was all so clear to her now. The Empire had spared her race, not because they had turned over a new leaf, but because they intended to use the Dvrakian race as a buffer against the Naraku Hive fleet. It was the Empire''s hope that the demise of the Dvrakians would inflict enough damage on the bugs to give them a fighting chance.


    Aftering to this conclusion, S''aleth could not help but cry as she thought about a very real possibility. Was Erich aware of this dastardly plot the entire time? Had he only used her for her body and in doing so thrown her away the moment he realized that she was going to die for the sake of his people''s survival?


    No, she could not bring herself to believe this about her partner, the man she had chosen to be her mate. Erich would not do that! But the doubt began to gnaw away at S''aleth heart and mind, to the point where she needed to know the answer. And thus, in an act of desperation, she immediately grabbed hold of hermunication device and desperately dialed Erich''s number, just so she could ask him directly who she was to him, and why he had abandoned her.


    However, no matter how many times she tried to call the man, it did not go through. It would simply dial, and dial until she was forced to hear his voice mail. In the end, S''aleth copsed by the side of her fighter, and cried her eyes out. Believing that Erich had truly left her to die alone, so that he could save his own hide.


    And as the Dvrakian Fleets made their way to reinforce T''varen in an attempt to stop the Naraku Hive Fleet, whose power was on the scale of a Gctic Power, the Germanic Star-Empire had begun to recall all its forces to their own borders, in an attempt to protect themselves against this imminent threat to their very survival.

 Chapter 53 Why Bother?

    Erich was awoken in the dead of the night while sleeping onboard his carrier by the sound of sirens and their shing red lights. He did not know what had happened, but judging by the current state of panic, he could make an educated guess.


    Thus, he immediately hopped out of his bunk and jumped into his flightsuit, before tearing down the hallways like a bat out of hell. Eventually he arrived in the Hangar bay, where his Wing Commander had a grave expression on his face. The man''s voice was filled with a grim tone as he saluted the pilots in his wing before giving them a fiery speech.


    "Men, we stand at the precipice. The Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus has entered the borders of the Dvrakian Social Republic, and as we speak, our puppets are giving their all to buy us some time. Time that we need to fortify our borders and prepare our fleets for war.


    Every man capable of bearing arms has been called upon to serve in the Empire''s defense, while our transports are sending the women and children of our great race to the Alfheim Dominion for refuge. As of right now, we are all expendable, and each and every man who still draws breath is expected to give his life so that our species can survive, and rebuild from the ashes of this catastrophe.


    There is no escape, there is only victory or death! So be on standby, as it will take some time before Terminus fully devours the three hundred plus systems that contain the Dvrakian Social Republic, and when they do, it will be us who stand on the front lines, in a war against this devouring swarm! Hail Victory!"


    The several hundred pilots of the ck Sun Squadron threw up their arms in salute as they repeated the words of theirmander, including Erich.


    "Hail victory!"


    After this brief speech, Erich found himself alone in the hangar bay. As everyone else rushed to perform their duties, he alone was stricken with dread and regret. S''aleth was a part of the Dvrakian Republican Guard, who, ording to Commander Erwin Wulf, was already headed directly for the Naraku Hive Fleet. Only certain death awaited the Dvrakian beauty, and because of this, Erich waspelled to find a way to contact her, in hopes of convincing the woman he loved to abandon her post and flee with him to some far-flung corner of the gxy.


    However, when Erich unblocked her contact, he found that S''aleth had left him more than a thousand messages over the past year. The most recent one in particr was absolutely heartbreaking, as he could hear the sorrow in her voice, as she struggled to speak her thoughts while crying her eyes out.


    "Erich¡­ I know that we are being sent to die, and that our sacrifice is meant to give your people a better chance of survival. But I just can''t believe that you knew of such a sinister plot, and were a part of it this entire time. Please¡­ Pick up¡­. If I am to die alone, then I would just like to hear your voice onest time¡­"


    After that, the inte of the ship which S''aleth served upon could be heard in the background.


    "Ending quantum jump in approximately five minutes, ready to battle stations!"


    Having heard these words, S''aleth''s broken voice could be heard struggling to say herst farewell.


    "Goodbye Erich¡­. Just know that I love you¡­."


    Immediately the voice recording ended, and Erich found himself in tears, as he struggled to see just when this call was made. Perhaps if it was only made moments ago, if so, he could still convince S''aleth to run back to the Empire, where the two of them could escape this catastrophe together, and live in some other corner of the gxy.


    Unfortunately for Erich, his heart immediately imploded into a ck hole when he realized that this message was sent to him over six hours ago. After so much time had passed, Terminus had undoubtedly already destroyed the entire Dvrakian Navy and everyone in it.


    Thus, Erich found it incredibly difficult to breathe, almost as if his liver had been kicked by a powerful roundhouse. He clutched his chest, and fell to his knees, as the tears poured from his eyes like a flooding river.


    Why? Why had he listened to Emrys? Why had he not taken S''aleth and run away from the Empire, and its damned cruelty? Even though he had broken up with the woman, he had always hoped that after following Splinter''s n, and ascending to the position of Supreme Leader he would be able to change thews, and society as a whole so the two of them could be together again. But that was no longer an option.


    S''aleth was dead, devoured by an insectoid. There was nothing left of her to recover or clone. She was gone forever¡­ And it was all Erich''s fault. Because of this, he had crawled into the fetal position as heid his back against the cold metallic surface of his interceptor''snding gear.


    What was the point of living? What was the point of fighting for the survival of a race that had only ever acted against him? All he ever wanted out of life was a nice quiet plot ofnd to call his own, and a family with a wife who loved him. But he had been denied this by those in power, and as a result any semnce of happiness he had seeded in carving out of his miserable existence, had been torn from his arms, and was now lost forever.


    There was no hope, nothing to live for, so why bother fighting for a small chance of survival? These were the thoughts that flooded Erich''s mind as he sat in the hangar bay, crying like a small child.


    ---


    In the capital world of Germania, Grand Admiral Emrys sighed heavily as he received thetest update from the front lines with the Naraku Hive Fleet. A Rear Admiral was standing before the man and summarizing the reports that the Empire had received.


    "From what we can tell, the Dvrakian Navy has beenpletely obliterated. There are no survivors. The good news is that they surprisingly managed to take down roughly ten percent of the ships within the Hive Fleet. Mostly through suicidal tactics. But that still means that the enemy has 2,700 warships to use against us. Which, judging by the size and strength of a single Naraku Hiveship, this has only marginally increased our chances of victory.


    Perhaps if we had given the Dvrakians ess to-killer torpedoes, then they may have dealt more damage, but unfortunately, the Admiralty vetoed your suggestion to do just that. And the result is a mere ten percent losses sustained.


    In my professional opinion, our only hope of emerging victorious against such a terrifying enemy is if we can somehow locate the Naraku Kingship which houses the Hive Queen. And deliberately target that vessel in a way that would guarantee an instant kill. If we do this, then the hive mind will be eliminated, and the entire hive fleet will turn on itself, and every other living being within their immediate vicinity.


    Unfortunately for us, the Kingship could be any one of the 2,700 vessels that still remain, and unfortunately, the Dvrakians were not able to identify it before their demise."


    Grand Admiral Emrys shook his head and sighed, as if the loss of the Dvrakian Navy was a significant one. He could only hope that the fighting which was about to take ce on every Dvrakian would whittle down the soldier bugs in the Naraku Hive Fleet so that when they finally arrived in Germanic Space, the Star Marines would have an easier time defending their worlds from being devoured. With this in mind, ric asked the next question on his mind.


    "How long will it be until every man and child capable of bearing arms is fully equipped in power armor and trained with a sma rifle?"


    The Rear Admiral immediately checked his datapad after hearing this and responded in a way which gave his superior some hope for what was appearing to be a bleak future.


    "Approximately three months. We could have enacted this policy sooner, and be immediately prepared for the Naraku onught, but that would have alerted the public to the current crisis we are now facing, and in doing so, caused mass hysteria."


    In response to this news, Emrys simply nodded his head before speaking of his thoughts on the matter.


    "I suppose we did the right thing waiting until now to begin the process. Now, tell me, how long will it be before the women and children of the frontier worlds are fully evacuated? After all, they will be hit first, and there is no feasible way that we will be able to evacuate the massive poption of the core worlds before the enemy arrives. So our best bet at ensuring the survival of our race, in the case that we are defeated, is by having the frontier worlds evacuated to the Alfheim Dominion."


    A grave look appeared on the Rear Admiral''s face as he admitted the difficulties they were having with this operation.


    "As it stands, we simply do not have enough transports to get everyone off of these worlds. Thus, we have had to resort to a lottery system, and priority for certain families which are considered being higher on the gicdder.


    For example, that operative of yours, Erich Jaeger? His mother and younger siblings have already departed for the world of Alfheim."


    The Grand Admiral did not even react to this information, at least not physically. He simply acted as if it were an entirely unimportant matter, which he was quick to voice aloud.


    "I am sure he does not care in the slightest¡­"


    After saying this, ric sighed heavily and gave the Rear Admiral onest order, before sending him on his way.


    "Well, it looks like everything is in order. All we can do now is fight to the bitter end. Oh, and by the way, do keep an eye on those ruffians in Splinter. Why don''t you? I have received some troubling reports about interster arms smuggling, and for whatever reason, they are getting their hands on some serious firepower. Whether this is as a means to protect themselves from the Naraku, or an act of rebellion, I do not yet know the answer. But they need to be watched very carefully."


    With this order given, the Rear Admiral saluted his superior before departing, where it was revealed that Emrys'' attention was now taken up by a surveince video of Erich and Mirage engaging in intercourse. There was a wry smile on the man''s face, as he spoke his thoughts aloud, knowing that nobody else was nearby to hear them.


    "It would appear that you have some rather misguided loyalties¡­ Well, assuming you survive this whole ordeal, then I''m afraid I have no choice but to take action¡­. You have been warned Erich, and yet you don''t appear to have learned you lesson¡­."

 Chapter 54 This Better Be The End

    The next few months were some of the most unbearable in Erich''s entire life. Every day, videos were disyed across the Gctic Network, and by extension the Germanic Star-Empire''s intersterwork, of the devastation which the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus was inflicting on the Dvrakian worlds.


    The Naraku Hive Fleet never separated into smallerponents, making it impossible to kill offrge sections at one time. Instead, it travelled with all 2,700 of its remaining ships to each world, sending its vast hordes of soldier bugs onto them, to kill all hostile forces, before the harvester drones followed suit to reap the world of its resources.


    The level of carnage and death was something that Erich had never witnessed before in his life. The soldier bugs, which were the size of tanks, shredded men, women, and children apart with their razor sharp pincers and devoured their remains whole. Or perhaps if one was particrly unlucky, they would be dissolved by the acidicpound which these bugs spat from their mouths at rates on par with most machine guns.


    The Dvrakian People fought as hard as they could, and made use of the weapons that the Germans had sold them to kill as many of the bugs as possible, but no matter how many of the insectoids died, it just seemed like they were quickly reced by more of their kind.


    During this time, The Germanic Star Empire escorted refugees from the nearest Dvrakian Worlds into their own territory, while arming them to act as the first line of defense against the Naraku when they finally arrived in Germanic space. It was truly a no-win situation for the Dvrakian species who saw their numbers dwindle with each passing day.


    Eventually, after months of nothing but death and defeat, the Dvrakian worlds had all been devoured and stripped entirely of their resource. In the end, these worlds were mere husks of themselves, and had bepletely devoid of all life. Only a gctic power like the Alfheim Dominion had the technology to restore such devastateds to a habitable state.


    As for Erich, he had not been contacted by Mirage at all during this time. In fact, he had no idea what had happened to Splinter, who seemed to have disappeared off the face of the gxy. No matter which of his contacts he tried to reach, Erich could not get through to them. Leaving him entirely alone on his carrier, as he waited for the day he was deployed in defense of the Empire''s borders.


    Erich would spend his days running simtions, which were simr to those he had participated in during his years at the Naval Academy. And when he was not engaging in simtedbat, he was, in fact, drinking his sorrows away. Eventually, he ranpletely out of his stockpile of Asuran Palm Wine. But no matter how much he drank, he could not forget S''aleth''s smiling face, or the wonderful but brief memories they had shared together.


    Finally, the day of the Naraku invasion had arrived. With Erich being woken up in the middle of the night, once more to sounds of sirens and boots frantically running across the decks of the carrier. He quickly got dressed in his uniform and took a swig of his sk, which he kept hidden beneath his pillow. In the months since running out of his Asuran Palm Wine, Erich had consoled himself only with the sweet taste of Dvrakian Fire Whiskey, which reminded him of the woman he loved, a woman he did not deserve. Only further adding to the misery he felt....


    Erich deliberately missed the debriefing. He knew enough about the situation to perform his job with satisfactory results, and thus he hid himself in the hangar bay consuming more of his whiskey until finally he climbed into the cockpit, half intoxicated. Erich waited for the Germanic Fleet to jump out of quantum, where they eventually came face to face with an armada of living ships that were nearly five times the size of those within the Germanic Navy.


    And though the Germanic Navy had 25,000 warships avable, and god knows how many smaller attack craft. There was simply no way they could contend with the Naraku Hiveships, which were practically the size of moons. Eventually, a message came through Erich''sms, which was his wingmander giving a brief but fiery speech to raise his unit''s morale.


    "Alright, this is it boys, this is ourst stand. If the Navy is defeated here, then the world of Alemannia will be the first to fall to the Naraku invasion. No matter what, we must defeat the enemy, here and now! Or die trying!"


    Erich could not stand to stomach the petty speeches that he had heard every day over the past few months. And because of this, he shut off hisms entirely before taking off his helmet and leaving it on his control panel. Because of this, Erich would now have to rely entirely on his own line of sight, and his starfighter''s life support system to perform his role as a starfighter pilot. Luckily for him, his targeting array was imbedded in his NeuroLink, or else he would miss most of his shots.


    Ericxh quickly pulled out his sk yet again and took another swig, before piloting his starfighter off the carrier''s deck and into space, where god knows how many Naraku Reaper Drones were waiting for him and hisrades. By now Erich was a far more skilled pilot than he had been during the simtions he had undergone while attending the Naval Academy on Germania, but even then he knew how slim his chances of survival were.


    After all, even if he was given a Heavy Bomber with a world killer torpedo on board, he did not even know which ship the Hive Queen was housed in. It was an entire joke to think that the Germanic Navy had even the slightest chance of victory.


    Still, his homeworld was behind him, and thus, he would give everything he had for this mission, even if he no longer cared about the Empire and everyone in it. Because thest thing he truly had in this world were the memories of his childhood while growing up in Alemannia. Which, despite the difficulties he suffered through while growing up, he now looked upon those memories as if they were the best his life had to offer.


    Erich hit the thrusters, and sped forward as fast as possible, perhaps in a suicidal charge towards the Nearest Naraku Reaper. He did not even rely on the controls of his joystick tounch the missile and fire the weapons. Instead, hemanded them with his mind, which gave him an advantage in speed. And thus, his starfighter rained a torrent of bullets and missiles upon the enemy, while not giving a damn about being caught in the ssh radius of their effects.


    This seemed to have done the trick, as it shredded the Naraku Reaper, but that was just one of millions, perhaps even billions, of such bugs. Thus, he quickly spun his ship around and fired on the next target, knowing that an entire flight group of the enemy was already chasing him down.


    Yet, Erich did not care in the slightest, after all, the worst thing that would happen would be his death, and unfortunately for him, not even that was final. As he would most certainly wake up in a cloning facility, somewhere else in the Empire.


    Erich continued to unleash a torrent ofsers, sma, and missiles onto the Naraku Reapers, who somehow seemed so much easier to kill than in the many simtions he had flown over the years. One turned to five, five turned to ten, ten turned to a hundred, and so on and so forth.


    Erich did not know how many bugs he had squashed, nor how many of his ownrades had fallen, as he did not have hisms on. He simply fought his damndest. Not for survival. No, that was not his goal, but to take out as many of these damn bugs as he possibly could before he himself kicked the bucket.


    Eventually, after killing who knows how many Naraku, Erich''s shields went down, no doubt from the corrosive nature of the bugs'' guts, blood, and entrails, which had smeared themselves across his ship. Soon enough, this acidicpound began to eat through the hull of his ship, presenting an entirely new set of difficulties. Realizing that he would soon lose all oxygen in his cockpit, Erich quickly pulled his helmet back on, but not after downing what remained of his Dvrakian Fire Whiskey.


    Over thems, Erich could hear the chaos of the battlefield, and shouts of his dyingrades as they died one by one. Realizing that his time was almost up, he spoke into hisms for the first time since he had started the operation, and in doing so, let out his dying words.


    "Fuck everything!"


    After saying this, Erich used his cyberkinesis to maximize his engines, while also flooding his ship''s reactor so that it began to overload. And just as his starfighter''s antimatter reactor reached a state of critical meltdown, Erich had crashed into the nearest Naraku Hive ship.


    The result was an antimatter explosion which disintegrated the entire Hiveship and everything in its vicinity. Including Erich himself. Hisst thoughts in this life, was how much he hoped he was not resurrected in a cloning facility so that he could join S''aleth in whatever afterlife may exist.


    "This better be the end..."

 Chapter 55 This Wolf Still Has Teeth!

    Unfortunately for Erich, death was not always final for a citizen of the Germanic Star-Empire, and his worst fears were instantly realized as he awoke some timeter in a cloning facility. But this was not some ghetto underground facility that an organization like Splinter would run. Instead, it appeared to be top of the line, and clean beyond any doubt.


    Erich quickly looked around after his cloning bay began to open and saw something peculiar. Mirage was standing at ease in front of him while surrounded by several heavily armed guards. But something was different. Rather than her usual blue hair and red eyes, she was in fact a normal member of the Germanic species, one who was now dressed in the signature skintight suit of the Imperial Intelligence Services.


    Despite this sudden change in appearance, there was no mistaking it. This woman was none other than Mirage. After all, Erich had be deeply intimate with every curve on her body, and he would know her anywhere. But why she had changed so much since thest time they had met, Erich did not know. However, before he could question what the hell was going on, the woman spoke, and in an indifferent tone as well.


    "Lieutenant Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger, you are hereby under arrest for the following crimes. Conspiracy to revolt, Murdering an Imperial Officer, drug trafficking, essory to the murder of foreign security officers on five ounts, possession of contraband, possession of illegal weapons and armor, uwful sexual rtions with a foreign species, uwful sexual rtions with a mutant, pre-martial sex, falsifying records to the department of transportation, and finally felony tax evasion. Since this is a time of war, your sentence has been shifted from an execution to a life of service within a penal battalion. Men take him away!"


    Erich could neither believe his eyes nor ears, as Mirage spoke of his various crimes as if she were a member of Imperial Intelligence, and then it suddenly hit him. She was the mole within the splinter the entire time. Colonel Ekberg may have been a scumbag who was associated with an interster crime syndicate like Splinter, but it was Mirage who had "identified" him as the rat who had sold the syndicate out to the Vaxkorvian authorities.


    Not only that, but many other things were starting to dawn on Erich, as he realized why he had not been able to contact anyone within splinter over the past few months. The government was cleaning house, of all potential rebellious elements that might cause trouble to society during this time of crisis. Mirage had turned them all in. But why she waited to sell him outst? He did not know the answer. All he could do wassh out at the woman with all the hatred his mind, body, and soul could muster.


    "You fucking bitch! All of these crimes are your fault! You entrapped me! This is bullshit! I will not spend two hundred and fifty years in a Penal Battalion because of the IIS and its schemes! Fuck all of you dirty, corrupt bastards! Fuck the Empire!"


    After saying this, Erich lunged forward and grabbed hold of the sidearm of one of the armed agents who was trying to apprehend him. He quickly aimed down the sights at Mirage''s pretty face, who reacted in shock when she saw that her life was in immediate danger. However, she quickly recovered her calm and pressed her fingers to her temples, and in doing so, sliced into Erich''s NeuroLink, causing him to drop his weapon, fall to his knees, and ce his arms around the back of his head.


    No matter how much he wanted to kill the bitch, Erich was unable to move his body in the way he so desperately wanted to do. Instead, Mirage stepped forward with a sultry smile on her face, before kneeling down in front of Erich so they were face to face. She then clicked her tongue and shook her head in disappointment before saying something in front of the other IIS agents.


    "It is such a pity.... Your family disowned you, and have now fled from the Empire in disgrace. Your alien slut is dead, and all of your friends have now died horribly in battle. Even the Legendary ck Sun squadron is gone, along with half of the Imperial Navy.


    But I''ve got to say Erich... That explosion you made took out an entire hiveship, something most of our destroyers were not capable of achieving. It is a damn shame it failed to stop the bugs from devouring all life within your homeworld. That''s right, Alemannia is gone, and so too are a lot of other fucking worlds.


    You may not realize this, but the intersterwork is practically down, save for a few ces like this. This means all the deaths that have urred so far in this war for our survival, well those people aren''ting back Erich.... They''re gone for good, trillions of lives snuffed out like candles in the wind...."


    When Erich heard this, he looked up at Mirage with a pitiful expression on his handsome face, something that made the woman lick her lips in sadistic pleasure. She then cocked her brow, knowing that the man wanted to say something, as tears fell from his eyes.


    "Yes? What is it Erich? Don''t worry, no matter what you say, I promise I won''t add it to the list of charges you are currently facing. It will stay between the two of us...."


    Erich stared straight into Mirage''s into her blood-red eyes and asked the question that he wanted to know an answer to the most.


    "If this is true.... Then how? How am I still alive?"


    Mirage smiled and took a deep inhale, as if she were savoring the man''s tears, before giving him an answer, one that did not make him feel any better.


    "I already told you, I downloaded your information, and while I may have told a little white lie about whichwork it was saved to, just know that as long as I am alive, and kicking, you will always be brought back to answer for the crimes you havemitted against the Empire.


    My poor sweet Erich... It pains me to have to do this. After all, you were definitely my favorite ything. But unfortunately for you, the Grand Admiral believes that you are our only hope now. He has prepared a suicide mission for you, and other talented pilots like that idiot Butcher, one that is thest hope for the survival of our species.


    So, go out and perform like you always have. And maybe, just maybe, I might be able to lighten your sentence. How does that sound? After all, you have nothing left but your service to the Empire!"


    Erich did not immediately respond to the woman. Instead, he hung his head low, as if he had admitted defeat. Something that Mirage appeared to relish in. After several moments of awkward silence, Erich said something, but it was in a voice so low that Mirage did not hear it. Nor did anyone else around her.


    Perhaps it was out of sheer arrogance, believing that Erich was stillpletely under her control, but Mirage leaned in close and pointed her ear right up against Erich''s mouth as she asked for rification of what he had just said.


    "I''m sorry. What was that?"


    In that moment, Erich looked up at the woman he hated more than anything in the world, and said the words on his mind, before viciously biting into Mirage''s neck.


    "This wolf still has teeth!"


    The bite force which a Germanic male was capable of generating was significantly higher than that of a baseline human, in fact it was closer to that of a german Shepard. Thus, when he bit into Mirage''s neck with all of his strength, it ripped out of her carotid artery, which caused her to fall to the floor, and hold her neck in shock as she began to bleed out.


    As a result of his hostile actions, Erich was immediately assaulted by the other members of the IIS, as the light slowly began to fade from Mirage''s now blue eyes. Herst words to Erich were ones that he had heard his entire life from everyone else around him.


    "Mutant prick!"


    Though Erich was in immense pain from the trauma being inflicted upon him by the other Agents, he could not help butugh aloud, as he swallowed Mirages blood, which now coated his mouth and face. As if it were the tastiest thing he had ever drank in his entire miserable life. All the whileughing like a madman.


    Eventually the Agents'' assault ceased, and they began to drag Erich out of the cloning chamber. Where he would prepare for a suicide mission, one which was the final hope that the Germanic Star-Empire, and perhaps the entire Germanic Race had for survival.

 Chapter 56 Eternal Glory Or Death!

    Erich was dragged out of the cloning facility, which existed in a secluded area of the Empire, or what remained of it, and was quickly forced into a flight suit before being dragged off to the military base''s hangar bay, where he saw several thousand men like himself all lined up.


    Most of these men were the lucky few soldiers who were able to be revived. After all, the resources of the Empire were severely strained now that over half of their worlds had been devoured by the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus. And because of this, most men who died would never be brought back to life.


    In fact, almost every single one of these men was from a special forces fighter squadron, or were criminals who had previously served in one of them. As Erich was forced forward by the armed agents of the Imperial Intelligence Services, he saw a familiar face, which was none other than the Splinter underboss known by the moniker of "Butcher."


    Butcher had what could only be described as an extremely vexed expression on his face, which was nowpletely devoid of its previous battle scars, as he gazed upon the screen, which had an image of the Grand Admiral on it.


    Evidently, Emrys was preparing to speak with the brave men who had been selected to once more go out and die for the Empire. However, unlike in previous wars, there was no guarantee that these men would be revived in cloned bodies after their demise.


    After reaching Butcher''s side, Erich ced his hand on the man''s shoulder, who looked at him as if he were seeing a ghost. The man saw the blood spread across the man''s mouth, and could not help but be shocked by it.


    "God damn Apex, you''re still alive! And here, no less? I thought for sure you were the one who had turned on us after you stopped pulling jobs for Splinter. Imagine my surprise when it turned out that bitch Mirage was the rat this whole fucking time. What the hell is with your appearance?"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this. He could still taste Mirage''s blood in his mouth, as he boasted about how he had killed her.


    "Unless she''s got another spare body lying around, I''d say that whore''s goose is cooked. I ripped out her carotid artery with my teeth. But I''d be willing to bet my fortune, assuming the IIS hasn''t already seized my assets, that she will be back soon enough."


    Butcher broke out into a fit of madughter as he patted Erich on his back before questioning just how he had managed to pull off such a feat.


    "How the hell did you fucking kill the bitch? My whole team tried, but she shut down our bodies with her NeuroLink! I don''t know of anyone who could override that shit!"


    Erich smiled rather proudly of his actions as he detailed how he had ovee Mirage''s neural block.


    "One of my special abilities is cyberkinesis. It took some effort, but I hijacked her NeuroLink and secretly deactivated her control over my body. Then I baited her into the biting distance, where I tore into her neck. I can still taste the cunt''s flesh and blood, and I have to admit, it is delicious!"


    Butcher''s smile turned grim as he gazed upon the live feed of Grand Admiral Emrys taking the podium and preparing to give his speech. Butcher was more than happy to give his true thoughts about their current predicament.


    "Well, we are truly and utterly boned, but if I have to die in service to this shitty fucking nation, then I''m d to do so by your side. I have heard you are quite the skilled pilot yourself, but all I know about you hase from Mirage, so I can''t exactly say she is the most reliable source of information now that I know she was a fucking rat..."


    Just when Erich was about to say something in response to Butcher''s words, Emrys'' voice boomed across the facility, as the cameras shifted from his person to live feed from another Germanic world which was currently under assault by the Naraku Hive Fleet.


    "Look at it... The devastation of our worlds that these mindless bugs have caused. Gaze upon the ruins of your civilization, and the morbid deaths that have resulted from this madness! As we speak, every man, woman, and child capable of bearing arms is doing their damndest to fight off this invasion. And yet, at our current rate, our great Empire will notst another two weeks."


    Erich gazed upon the destruction left in the wake of the bugs, as they shredded men, women and children apart with their razor sharp talons, pincers, and teeth. He did not know how long it had taken the Empire to revive him in its current state, but evidently some serious time had passed.


    But he could not think about such things for long because the sights that were being disyed were beyond the level of gore that a normal human being should be able to endure, and yet, the Germanic Star-Empire proudly broadcasted theirst stand to the entire Gxy.


    On the screen, what can only be described as a volunteer soldier ran out of hisst sma cell as a swarm of bugs surrounded him. But rather than go out without a fight, the man activated his chainsaw bay attachment and charged head first towards the insectoids which were the size of tanks, and crashed his tiny weapon against their rock hard chitin, attempting to rip through their exoskeleton and brains before going out.


    But before he could do so, his body was pierced entirely through by another bug''s tail, to which he responded by dropping his weapon and pulling out an antimatter grenade, which, after pulling the pin, detonated. And in doing so, sting the entire ten meter radius into bits, including his own body, and the bugs which surrounded him.


    All around the world, scenes like this were urring. Boys as young as ten fired their weapons towards the enemy, some of which were even given heavy ordnance to shoot at the oing soldier bugs. Despite their young age, these boys did not break ranks, and flee when their position was overrun, instead they pulled out their grenades and charged into the mouths of the Naraku drones, taking as many of the enemy with them as possible.


    To the citizens of the empire, especially those who were male, they would rather die honorably in battle, then flee in an attempt to buy themselves another hour of life. And upon witnessing this final struggle, even someone like Erich, who hated the Germanic Star-Empire to the core of his being, found himself slightly prideful in his people, perhaps for the first time in his life.


    It was only after witnessing such horrific violence that the livestream switched back to the Grand Admiral''s face as he made a public deration to the entire gxy.


    "We will not admit defeat! We will never give up so long as onest German draws breath! We will fight against this foreign menace, and should we die, then we do so knowing that we have honored our ancestors, and taken as many as the enemy as possible with us!


    However, my fellow citizens of the Empire, there is still hope to be had. For you see, after suffering numerous defeats, what remains of our Navy has finally discovered the Naraku Kingship! We know now which vessel the Hive Queen now lies upon. And in ast ditch effort, we will send every living man and woman capable of flying a ship towards the enemy, with one goal: to destroy the Kingship and the Hive Queen within. If we can do this, then we will survive, and if we survive, then we can endure the harsh and lengthy process of rebuilding our mighty Empire. There are only two fates which lie ahead for our people: Eternal Glory or Death!"


    As Emrys said thisst part, he raised his arm in the standard salute of the Empire, causing nearly every citizen who was watching to do the same. All except for a few, like Erich and Butcher, who were literally being forced into service at this very moment.


    After saying thisst part, the livestream cut, and the Admiral in charge of the facility began to give speak about the exact details of the mission n, one which would rely entirely on Erich''s shoulders to seed.


    "The mission is simple. Thest remaining bit of our Navy will carry you all, and all the other pilots, towards the Naraku Hive Fleet. Where each and every one of you will sacrifice your lives, so that one man among you can get close enough tounch a world killer torpedo into the hangar bay of the Kingship.


    There is only one man in the history of the Empire who has ever beaten the Naraku Hive Fleet training scenario, and he is standing among you. Lieutenant Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger, do what you did in the simtion, and the Empire will be saved. Fail, and we are destined to die a bloody death, like you have seen in this video...."


    Suddenly all eyes were on Erich, as he finally realized what mirage had meant when she said the Grand Admiral had resurrected him because he believed that Erich was their only hope of victory. Knowing this, he could not help but believe that the Germanic Star-Empire was truly destined to a morbid end. Because he did not have faith in his ability to pull off such a thing with a single attempt.

 Chapter 57 Reunited At The Death Of Civilization

    Erich and the rest of the pilots were quickly transferred to thest remnant of the Imperial Navy. These few hundred ships were all that was left standing after repeated losses to their enemy. Once getting on board, Erich, in particr, was under constant surveince and protection. This n relied on his ability to seed once more in an unwinnable scenario. Something he severely doubted he could pull off.


    However, it was not until he ended up in the bunks where Erich nearly lost his mind. Because a familiar face, one which he had thought he had lost forever, was sitting alone on her bunk, with a haggard expression on her pretty face.


    Disregarding his own bodyguard, Erich rushed forward and hugged the woman, while crying tears of joy. She herself was surprised to see the man, as she had been told that he had previously perished in battle against the Naraku Hive Fleet.


    "S''aleth! I don''t believe it! You''re alive! How? How is this possible?"


    Considering Erich was already sentenced with life in a Penal Battalion, he no longer gave a damn about publically showing his affection for the Dvrakian beauty, who, like him, was sobbing profusely when she realized the only man she had ever loved was still alive.


    "Oh Erich!"


    The two of them hugged in silence for some time, much to the displeasure of the rest of the crew, before finally S''aleth answered his question.


    "We were dispatched to intercept the Naraku the moment they had entered our space.... The fleet tried its best, but there was simply no way for us to win. When thest of my unit had perished in battle against the Naraku Drones, I was finally willing to embrace death. But then I thought about you, and whether or not you truly had known about this awful n which has resulted in the near extinction of my people, and I just had to know the truth....


    So I decided to spool up my quantum drive and flee the battlefield. Throughout my entire journey, I was only one step ahead of the Naraku. Fleeing system to system, and doing my best to refuel my starfighter before they arrived at the location where I was at.


    Eventually I made my way back to the Empire, but by the time I arrived, your fleet was already dispatched to deal with the Naraku who were just behind me. After the battle was over¡­ I heard that you had died in the battle, and I was beside myself. At first I thought ofmitting suicide, but in the end I had decided to honor your memory by doing my best to fight for the survival of our people. I fought mission after mission, and somehow had made it through them all, until now...."


    Erich could hardly believe his ears, but he did not care, because he finally had something to live for again, something to fight for. Because even if he died in this battle, if S''aleth survived, then something good coulde from his death. And because of this, he was quick to try to convince the woman to escape when she still had the chance.


    "S''aleth, I can''t do what they are asking of me. Not with a single life. We are all going to die! The truth of the matter is that due to certain circumstances, I am now in the custody of the Empire. They have set my NeuroLink to trigger an explosion if I dare attempt to flee. But you can still live, my love, please, while you still can, run to the Ennochian Theocracy. I hear they are epting Dvrakian Asylum seekers who have managed to escape from the Empire''s conscription!"


    S''aleth could not believe what she was hearing. She would never leave Erich to die alone, and she was quick to protest this, or was about to until a certain thought entered her mind. Where her expression turned sullen and her voice cold.


    "Erich.... I need to know. Did you know?"


    This question confused Erich at first, and he was quick to voice this sentiment.


    "Did I know what?"


    S''aleth gave Erich a grave look as she asked the question in its entirety.


    "Did you know about the Empire''s n to invade my people to use them as a buffer against Terminus?!"


    The moment Erich heard this word, he grimaced and looked away. He did not say a word, because he did not need to. His face said everything for him. S''aleth could only stare in disbelief as she saw this, and was quick to try to convince herself this was not the case.


    "No... No! You''re lying to me! How could you possibly know, when most of the Empire wasn''t even aware?"


    Erich sighed heavily and shook his head, knowing that he had done a really rotten thing by not warning S''aleth about the threat that loomed on the horizon. He was about to die, and quite possibly for the second and final time. Thus, he spilled his guts to the woman, knowing she would hate him for it. Just so she would do as he requested and flee while she still could.


    "S''aleth, I''m a special forces operator. I have a level of security clearance on par with most admirals. We were warned before we even invaded the Dvrakian Consortium about the Naraku, and why we were going to war in the first ce. I should have told you, but I feared you would hate me, and I let my selfishness get in the way.... I''m sorry, if you hate me, I will understand, but no matter how you now feel about me, you must promise me that you will take what time you have, and flee to the Ennochian Theocracy!"


    S''aleth recoiled back in disbelief as she heard these words. After everything they had been through together, he did not even have themon courtesy to tell her what the future entailed? If she had known, she would have insisted they leave their societies behind and run away together to a safer and more weing part of the gxy. So why? Why did he keep this from her?


    There was a look ofplete and total defeat in the Dvrakian Beauty''s blood-red eyes as she fell back onto her cot in bewilderment. Erich knew that she would never look at him the same way again, and might even despise him for what he had done. Which was why he had never told her in the first ce. But right now all he cared about was her survival, and so he insisted that she run away, as far away as she possibly could, from the horrific ughter that was about to ur to what remained of their people.


    "S''aleth, please, leave me behind... There is nothing left for you here, only pain, suffering, and death. You deserve better...."


    Despite the sense that Erich spoke, S''aleth refused to let him die alone, and thus she looked at him with a fierce gaze, like a lover who had been scorned, but could not get over the feelings she had. Because of this, she insisted that she stay behind and die together with her man.


    "I don''t care... None of it matters now. You and I are together, from this moment until ourst. I won''t let you die alone, and I can not live without you. Not now, now that I know you still breathe¡­ So I will do everything in my power to make sure you seed in your mission, or die alongside you. Erich please go, I need some time alone...."


    Erich could only sigh in defeat as he got up from his knees and began to walk away, though he left one final remark as he did so, one which made S''aleth cry.


    "I don''t deserve you...."


    After saying this Erich walked away, and towards his own bunk, where he lied down, and tried to get some sleep before the final hour of his life arrived. The only regret he had in life was that he had not told S''aleth the truth sooner, because if he had, the two of them could have run away together and finally be happy. But now.... Now only tragedy awaited them.

 Chapter 58 An Unexpected Level Of Resistance

    Above a ruined world lie the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus, by now this alien species of insectoids had sessfully invaded and devoured half of the Germanic Star Empire. Yet, things were not going as nned for bugs. In fact, on board the Naraku Kingship, the Hive Queen sat in her royal chamber with a look of utter disbelief on her face.


    Despite being an insectoid, the Hive Queen appeared almost human in many ways. For example, she was bipedal and only had two arms. Her figure was simr to that of a human woman, but d entirely in chitin, and her face was far less grotesque than yourmon bug. And in the eyes of some humanoid species might even be considered beautiful in appearance.


    As a Hive Queen of the Naraku species, her duty was to lead her people in search of new lifeforms to devour and to breed the next generation. However, at this very moment, there was one problem with her primary duty. She could not pop out enough eggs fast enough to rece the losses her people were suffering in the war they were currently fighting with the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Because of this, she had gathered her generals together in her Royal Chamber, seeking an answer for why her hive had suffered so many casualties against what appeared to be a Tier I Regional Power.


    "Answer me this, how is such a small regional power capable of causing so much destruction to our Hive? We have lost over half of our Fleet! and nearly three quarters of our swarm! I don''t know if you are aware of this, but I am simply incapable of producing enough eggs to rece the amount of soldiers which we have lost so far. And new Hive ships? It will take me decades to rece the ones which have been destroyed!


    Normally I would expect such losses if we were fighting against those damned pointy eared humanoids. But from a regional power in the middle of bumblefuck, nowhere? No, something is not right here!"


    The Generals were much like their queen and appeared almost humanoid in appearance. Because of this, they were capable of making normal facial expressions, and thus there was a look of worry in their eyes, as if they were debating whether or not to inform their queen about the difficulties they were having in their conquests.


    Naturally they could not hide their thoughts from the Queen who controlled the hive mind, and she was quick to shriek in horror as she vented her rage on the nearest General by striking him across the face with her chitin d fist.


    "What do you mean, that our swarm has been repelled? That is not possible! It would take thebined might of the Alheim Dominion''s entire Navy, and theirary defenses to do such a thing. But a simple regional power? I would sooner believe that we have identally invaded an Alheim world! How? How is this happening?"


    Knowing that his mind has been intruded upon, the General in question quickly bowed before his queen and make excuses for his failures.


    "My queen! There is something strange about these humanoids. They are resisting to thest man, woman, and child! This is abnormal behavior. Normally when we invade a world, the first instinct of the natives it to flee. But these beings, they would rather kill as many of the members of our swarm as possible, and die in the process, then retreat a single step!


    And these worlds, I think it is fair to ssify each and every one of them as a fortress world! Normally, a regional power would have five of suchs at a maximum. But so far, out of the fifty worlds we have devoured, every single one of them has been a fortress world! Even though their fleet keeps retreating in every engagement, theary defenses themselves are more than capable of damaging our Hive Ships while they are in orbit. I mean, just look at this!"


    After saying this, the General sent a memory from a soldier bug who had died in the battle on the of Suebi, which was the world that had seeded in repelling the Hive Fleet''s invasion.


    The city was in ruins, but still the fighting endured. At every street corner, the soldier bugs had to deal with automated sma turrets which would open fire on them, inbination with the local natives who were armed with sma rifles, sma cannons, antimatter missileunchers, automatic antimatter grenadeunchers and any number of powerful weapons which were more than capable of killing even the most robust soldier bug.


    Meanwhile, the streets were littered with tanks, armored fighting vehicles, self propelled artillery and other weapons of war which were deployed specifically to deal with the Swarm Tyrants, who were in many ways the field officers in the Naraku swarm. They wererge and hideous bugs that were capable of taking out most structures with their massive spiked tails and mammoth pincers.


    However, these Swarm Tyrants had utterly failed to damage the majority of the Germanic infrastructure with their first attempts. And it was not just the Swarm Tyrants that had a hard time dismantling the reinforced structures of the Germanic worlds. But even the scavenging bugs who came in after the fighting was over, to devour and recycle the world''s resources, had a difficult time doing their jobs.


    What was perhaps the most shocking of all was the sight of what was clearly a Germanic child firing a shoulder fired, fire and forget, antimatter rocketuncher, which had managed to utterly vaporize one of the Hive Queen''s mighty Swarm Tyrants after firing three rockets with a single pull of the trigger. It was not until the General spoke once more that the Hive Queen recovered her sense of reality.


    "Your majesty, we were not expecting this level of resistance when we invaded this sector of space. This is something that not even the Rylonians managed to achieve. As of this moment, the world that we have now identified as "Suebi" is reinforcing their current position and preparing for another attack.


    If we were tounch a second wave, our casualties would increase. And to make matters worse, it is entirely possible that this civilization now sees this battle as a symbol to rally behind, and will be deploying the rest of their Navy to aid in the world''s defense.


    To put it simply, unless you can produce more eggs, then I am afraid this conquest will be nothing more than a pyrrhic victory. The resources of these worlds will not be enough to recuperate our losses, and the entire Hive Fleet may be destroyed as a result. Especially if the Alfheim Dominion were to attack us immediately after we have emerged victorious against this civilization...."


    This information served to do nothing but outrage the prideful queen of the Naraku. Their entire existence was to destroy, devour, and expand. To think that a regional power of all things would be able to deal such long-term damage to their Hive Fleet it was simply unthinkable.


    Yet, despite this reality, there was no turning back. Not for the Naraku. They would either devour the Germanic Star-Empire and use all of its resources to enhance their evolution, or they would be exterminated. And because of this, the Naraku Hive Queen gave an order that any other race would deem suicidal.


    "None of this matters. This civilization must pay for how many of my children they have murdered, and thus, we will continue our assault on the world of Suebi until it and all life upon it has been devoured by our swarm!"


    ---


    In another part of the Gxy, Empress Lunaria Asterion sat on her throne, with her young daughter Celestia by her side. Like most of the Gxy, they had been glued to their screens since the Germanic Star-Empire''s heroicst stand had begun. At first, it appeared that the Germans would share the same fate as most others who had ever been unfortunate to cross paths with Naraku.


    But world after world, the Germanic race disyed a level of fierce resistance and defiance in the face of death that few species could ever imagine. With each world that Terminus invaded, they sustained heavy losses, and though the Naraku were a species, that was known across the gxy to be able to near instantly rece its casualties, something appeared very wrong when the World of Suebi hade under attack.


    The Naraku Swarm had done everything in their power to break the Germanic defenses, as they had done time and again, but this time, their reinforcements were not limitless, and by the end of the battle, the bugs had been either squashed or had fled back into space, where their Hiveships continued to endure the relentless pounding of the fortress world''s manyary defenses.


    Celestia watched the gore and bloodshed unfold until finally the infamous g of the ck sun flew proudly over the world''s ruins. Though tattered as it may be, the red banner waved defiantly among the ashes. Something which caused the young Elven woman to p her hands while smiling in excitement.


    It was at this moment, that Celestia finally understood her mother''s obsession with the Germanic race. Though their casualties were innumerable, they had done something that few civilizations in Gctic History had ever aplished. They had repelled a Naraku Hive Fleet, and its attempt to devour their world.


    The young Elven beauty looked towards her mother, who had a lustful expression on her face, before asking if what she had just witnessed was reality.


    "Mother.... Did they really do it? Did they stop the Naraku?"


    Despite the excitement in Lunaria''s golden eyes, she shook her head and sighed before informing her youngest daughter about the grim reality which her favorite war hounds currently faced.


    "No.... At least not yet... But they have done something remarkable. They have killed so many of the fucking bugs that their queen simply can''t rece their losses. Remarkable... A simple regional power has done what the mighty Rylonian Imperium could not.


    Though they have bought themselves some time, it is unlikely that they will emerge victorious in this war, unless they kill the Queen. Because the devouring swarm will continue their assault until either they are all exterminated, or the Germans are."


    For perhaps the first time in her life, Celestia had spoken words that sounded as if they would havee from her mother.


    "I hope they survive! It would truly be a pity if such a marvelous race forever disappeared from this gxy..."


    Lunaria smiled, perhaps more so than she had ever done in her life. Clearly, she was excited that her daughter had finally begun to understand her obsession. She then nodded her head and voiced her agreement with Celestia''s words.


    "I could not agree more...."

 Chapter 59 A Rallying Cry

    All across the gxy, the various civilizations that had ess to the Gctic Network watched the videos of the Germanic Star-Empire''sst stand. Many of them simply did so because they had nothing better to do, and it was not every day that a regional power copsed. Others, however, were emotionally invested in the situation, and some had even begun to make bets about their odds of survival.


    But, if there was one thing that everyone unanimously agreed upon, it was that the Germanic Star-Empire would suffer a horrific fate, like every other civilization that Terminus hade across so far. Or so they thought. But after months of the Naraku Hive Fleet grinding their way through dozens of Germanic fortress worlds, they had suddenly lost momentum, and finally on the world of Suebi, the devouring swarm had been repelled.


    To the rest of the Gxy, this was an astonishing feat, and had only been possible because every citizen of the Germanic Star-Empire willingly sacrificed themselves to halt the devouring swarm in its tracks. Something which could not be said about any other civilization that the bugs hade across.


    Currently, the Germanic Star-Empire was making a public announcement, which was watched by every interster civilization in the Gxy. Grand Admiral ric au Emrys stood at a podium, surrounded by an army of men, as he made yet another speech to the rest of the gxy.


    "Suebi has not fallen! And for the time being, the bugs have been repelled. But we will not rest until every single one of them has been ughtered. And so, we are now using this time to make ourst stand at Suebi! As I speak, what remains of our Fleet is being dispatched to the world in one final attempt to destroy the Naraku Hive Fleet, and all the bugs within it!


    If Suebi falls, then the rest of the Empire will fall with it! But if we emerge victorious in this final battle, then we will survive, and we will rise from the ashes more powerful than ever before. Victory or Death!"


    Erika watched the Grand Admiral''s speech with a hint of concern in her electric blue eyes. She had more reasons than most to worry about Suebi''s survival. After all, that was her homeworld. And though she was currently on a tour abroad, in the Great Oni Empire, where she was particrly popr, she was still deeply worried for her people, and more importantly her family who were left behind on Suebi to fight on the front lines against the bugs.


    However, her worry did notst for long, because ultimately she was forced to shut down the video, as the Great Oni Emperor himself entered the room, alongside him were two very beautiful women, one was his mother, and the other was his most respected aunt.


    Erika and the other girls in her pop group immediately bowed before the foreign monarch with respect, and did not move until they were given permission to do so. The Great Oni Emperor had a look ofpassion on his face, as he announced some news which stirred the hearts of the Germanic Idols who stood before him.


    "Long ago, my father forged an alliance with your people, and in those days, we fought and died together as brothers in arms. Since then, the Germanic Star-Empire has never called upon us to aid them in their wars. Even now, when you are fighting for your very survival, we have received no request for support. Instead, your people wish to fight their own battles, this, is an admirable quality, but a foolish one.


    After much discussion with my honorable mother and esteemed aunt, we have decided to honor this allegiance.... For the first time in three centuries, German and Oni will fight and die together against our enemies."


    The group of Germanic idols were astonished when they heard these words. They had visited the Great Oni Empire not as diplomats but as entertainers, and when they were summoned to the Imperial Pce of the Great Oni Emperor, they believed they had done so to entertain him and his guests. They never thought that he would use them to convey to the Germans that help was on the way.


    The girls instantly fell to their knees with tears in their eyes, as they thanked the Great Oni Emperor for his benevolence, all of which was caught on video and disyed across the gxy.


    "Thank you! Thank you so much, your majesty!"


    However, the Great Oni Emperor simply raised his hand and waved it in dismissal, before pointing to his aunt Yumi, who was the real reason behind his actions.


    "You do not need to thank me, if anyone, you should thank my esteemed aunt, who has maintained diplomatic ties with your Empire for thest two hundred years. It is from her behest that I now send my fleets to aid our allies during their time of need. And though I weep for the deaths of my soldiers, as they march to war against supreme odds, I know that it is the right thing to do."


    After saying this, the Great Oni Emperor shifted his gaze to the nearest member of his guard, and gave the order live on camera to muster his fleets for war.


    "Rally the Fleets, I want them armed and ready for war within a fortnight. If the Germanic Star-Empire can hold out until such a time, then they will get the reinforcements they so desperately need. And together we will end this gctic menace once and for all!"


    While all the attention was on the Great Oni Emperor, Yumi took this chance to speak with the girls of the idol group. As she grabbed hold of their hands and led them to a more secluded area of the pce. She was quick to offer them some rice wine, as she drank from a bottle of the stuff herself. The various Germanic idols gazed in silence at the alien beauty for some time, before the woman decided to speak.


    "It took some convincing, but I was able to coerce that stubborn nephew of mine to give his support to the Empire. Albeit it was only after your people secured a victory at Suebi that he was finally convinced.


    I must admit that I was dismayed when I saw the destruction that had urred in that battle. After all, Suebi was once such a wonderful world. Did you know that the is named after a tribe of warriors who are supposedly the ancient ancestors of your people?


    Throughout my tenure as an ambassador to the Empire, I have learned much about your history, including the stuff they don''t teach you in school. For example, these Suebi warriors were so fearsome that even the mighty Roman empire of the time referred to them as the most warlike of the Germanic peoples.


    I find it suiting that the world of yours, which did not fall against an enemy invasion, was named after these fearsome warriors whose very name sent chills down the spine of those who were superior to them. After all, no matter how mighty the Suebi were on the battlefield, the Romans still considered them nothing but barbarians.


    Much in the same way my brother looked at you all when he first met your ancestors centuries ago. If he could have seen all that you have achieved in the years since his death, then perhaps he might have felt differently.


    I can''t guarantee your race will survive this catastrophe, but if the Naraku get passed your core worlds, then soon it will be our turn to face them, and we do not have the strength to resist to thest man, woman, and child like you do. So, we have chosen to make our stand with you all, no matter what fate might have in store for the both of us.


    Besides, I must admit that I owe at least this much to a certain young man who showed me a good time during myst visit to the Empire. Damned fool probably got himself killed by now, such a shame...."


    It was at this moment that Erika finally realized who Yumi was. And waspletely shocked by it. After all, the photo she had seen of the woman was taken years ago, and she was dressed far lessvishly than she was now at the time. In fact, the mature Oni woman looked even more beautiful than she did when she and Erich had hooked up.


    It had been some time since Erikast thought about Erich. After all, the man hadn''t made any moves that would force the media to take note of him in years. But now, she felt a bit bitter, knowing that her first crush might have very well gotten himself killed in defense of the Empire.


    At the very least, the Empire now had a much better chance at survival, with their allies deploying their navy in support. Thus, Erika could not help but bow her head before Yumi and express her gratitude for all that this woman had done.


    "Thank you, thank you for everything you have done for us."


    Yumi simply wore a bitter smile as she stared out the window and towards the sky. What she was thinking at this time, nobody knew but her.

 Chapter 60 The Second Wave

    The Germanic Navy rallied at the nearby world of Maanni, where what remained of their fleets underwent repairs and rearmament before they began their journey to the Suebi system to engage in a heroicst stand against the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus.


    However, after seeing the Great Oni Empire''s decision to send their own military in support of their allies. The order came from the Grand Admiral to stall for time, and because of this, the world of Suebi was left to defend itself from a second wave of attacks.


    Suebi was a fortress world, like every other habited in the Germanic Star-Empire, and because of this it had vast amounts of military resources within orbit. And though the Naraku had not yet sent their second wave of attack, this did not mean that the inhabitants were standing idly by.


    No, they were repairing the damage that had previously been dealt to their defenses, while ensuring that the newest wave ofbatants were armed, and supplied with the weapons and munitions they needed to continue the fight.


    Curiously enough, a man that Erich previously went to the Naval Academy with was standing on the world''s surface, within a bunkerplex, as he loaded a fresh sma cell into his rifle. This man had previously been knocked out by Erich during his first day at the Naval academy, which was something that had taught him the discipline he needed to survive so far.


    By now this man was a veteran of several conflicts, most notably against the Dvrakian Consortium, but now he could proudly say that he was among the brave few Star Marines who led the defense of Suebi against the Terminus and its devouring swarm. Captain Walter Kuhne sat in his trench while smoking a cigarette. His weapon was properly maintained and ready for war, and now all he had to do was endure the calm before the storm.


    It had been over a week since the world of Suebi had repelled the Naraku Swarm, and in doing so, had made a name for themselves as some of the hardest sons of bitches in the gxy. And no doubt, during this time, the Naraku were making their every preparation tounch their next attack.


    For what most considered being nothing more than a bunch of mindless bugs, they appeared to have a basic understanding of military tactics. Thus, Walter continued to smoke his cigarette, knowing that it might very well be hisst.


    Nearby was a teenage boy, no older than fifteen. Although in the eyes of a veteran like Walter, he was a boy no longer. After being given nothing more than a k jacket and a sma rifle, this boy was told to fight to the bitter end, against an alien invasion, and he had managed to survive the initial onught. Something which even those brave few who called themselves Star Marines could not im.


    This teenage boy was currently holding the grips of a heavy sma cannon with a stoic expression on his face. Walter had seen this look before. It was the thousand-yard stare, the look of a man who had seen the worst the gxy had to offer. An expression he saw every time he looked into the mirror.


    This boy, like many of the other members of his "unit" was part of the "People''s Storm", the militia that had been formed entirely from civilians of all ages, to defend the Empire''s worlds against the current threat to its survival.


    Upon seeing that this boy was taking his job so seriously, the veteran star marine, whose power armor was marred with battle damage, chuckled lightly before tossing his pack of cigarettes over to the kid.


    "If you''re going to be watching over our asses, you might as well have a smoke to calm your nerves..."


    The kid did not say a word, instead he nodded his head in thanks before pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. Where he then took a long and heavy drag. It was not until five minutester, when he finally spoke, and when he did so, his words put everyone who could hear them on high alert.


    "They areing..."


    Immediately, Walter looked to the sky, and confirmed the bugs had taken flight. He immediately spoke on hisms to alert the highmand that the second wave had arrived, but they were already one step ahead of him.


    rms began to re across the entire, and the static defenses which had been made to counter the bugs, and their descent, began to shoot off. And in doing so, Walter witnessed as several million insectoids descended from the sky, as if they were a giant storm cloud, and towards the surface of the.


    Walter immediately ce his helmet over his head, and grabbed his sma rifle, where he proceeded to rack the charging handle, and in doing so send the weapon in to battery, he then pointed the muzzle out of the fortified defenses, and gave those battle hardened militia members by his side some words to live by.


    "Keep your heads down, and your weapons hot! And for the love of god, do not waste your ammo! Aim small, miss small!"


    After saying this, Walter aimed his sma rifle, and its electronic optic down range, where he acquired a sight picture on the head of a bug that had just touched down approximately six hundred meters in front of him, where he then pulled the trigger, and in doing so, sent a bolt of white hot sma toward''s the enemy''s head.


    The sma scorched the bug''s head, but did not kill it immediately. Much like the legends had said, the Naraku were capable of evolving each brood to meet the threats they encountered, and because of this, the sma weapons which the Germanic Star-Empire made widespread use of, suddenly became far less effective than thest time they had fought the bugs.


    This immediately caused Walter to curse out loud as he fired a small burst of shots at the bug''s head once more. Two of the bolts missed the target entirely, while the other threended on the torso, which appeared even more well defended against the Germanic weapons.


    "God damn fucking bugs!''


    It was at this moment that the teenage kid fired a burst of his heavy sma cannon, whose bolts of sma were significantlyrger and hotter, and only after peppering the soldier bug with three shots did its torso melt away.


    All around the trench system, and bunkerplexes, the Germanic citizens fired their weapons at the enemy, many of them having to resort to the far more powerful antimatter rocketuncher to score a one hit kill against the bugs which were so much more well defended than the previous brood.


    Evidently the hive queen had gone all out in terms of defense, and had wasted god knows how many resources to achieve such a thing, because the Germanic warriors quickly realized how much of a decrease in efficiency their weapons now had against the enemy.


    Walter continued to fire his sma rifle towards the oing bugs with everything he had, ejecting the spent cells and recing them as quickly as his body could manage. Where he fired even more shots at the enemies.


    However, no matter how many sma bolts he fired at the enemy, they just kepting, in an ever ending wave, until eventually a swarm tyrant arrived right in front of the bunkerplex. Evidently this monster of an insectoid was aiming for the boy with the heavy sma cannon, because he swept his pincers at the location where he stood.


    Noticing this in advance, Walter tossed the boy aside, and in doing so spared his life, but not without taking the brunt of the damage himself. The enemy''s pincers shredded through Walter''s already damaged power armor with rtive ease, and had ripped through his guts.


    With his intestines hanging out, it was a miracle that the man had survived. However, he refused to die without taking this swarm tyrant with him, and thus, he mustered all the strength that his gically enhanced body had left within it, and charged towards the massive swarm tyrant with an antimatter grenade in hand.


    But this was not just one antimatter grenade, but six of them taped together. Walter then jumped straight into the insectoid''s mouth and pulled the pin, just as he screamed out hisst words.


    "For the Empire!"


    In the next moment, the bug exploded from within, and Walter along with him. Leaving the boy who teenage boy who had just narrowly escaped death in a state of bewilderment. But this did notst long before his position was overrun by a swarm of bugs, and thus, even though Walter had sacrificed himself to spare this boy''s life, it was in vain.


    Because in the very next moment, the boy got on thems and contacted the nearest artillery battery, where he called in an immediate fire mission on his exact location, and in doing so, condemning himself, and everyone else in his trench to death.


    "Broken Arrow, on my coordinates!"


    As the artillery roared through the air, and bombarded the forward trench line, the men, women, and children who still fought in them, all rushed toward the bugs with their chainsaw bays, and their antimatter grenades, in onest attempt to personally im glory before their lives were lost by their own artillery.


    With this, the second wave of the Naraku invasion of Suebi had begun, and with a particrly bloody start for both sides.

 Chapter 61 Kill Them All!

    The second battle for the world of Suebi continued to rage on, as the Germanic citizens fought with everything they had to ensure the survival of their world. Now that there was some hope to cling onto, they would hold the line, or die trying. Victory or death, there was no alternative. And because of this, the Naraku had an increasingly difficult time making their way through the war-torn ruins of the fortress world.


    A Naraku swarm tyrant towered above the nearby buildings as it continued to lead the members of its swarm forward in a relentless onught of the Germanic fortified positions. However, just when it was about to attack the trenches, a total of five antimatter missiles were fired from a nearby position and bombarded its rock hard carapace.


    No matter how much the bugs may have evolved within their current brood, such overwhelming firepower was not easily defended, and because of this, the mighty swarm tyrant was reduced to nothing but ash by the time the explosion cleared.


    Yet, the soldier bugs were not deterred and continued their advance towards the trenches, where the Germanic defenders desperately fired their sma rifles and cannons towards the oing swarm. Hoping that they had enough firepower to mow them down. And while some of the Naraku were reduced to ash, the majority of them got through this wave of firepletely unscathed.


    Because of this, the Germanic defenders unleashed their chainsaw bays, and shed with the monumental bugs in the trenches. It was easy enough for the soldier bugs to pierce through the k jackets of the militia members, but power armor was made of sturdier stuff, and so when a soldier bug came across a Star Marine, they would have a much more difficult time piercing through the mighty defenses that these brave men wore.


    A Star marine shed his chainsaw bay at a nearby soldier bug''s head. And though the hostile insectoid caught the bay in his mouth, he was shocked to find out that he could not snap the weapon in two, instead the chainsaw bay continued to power on through his mandibles, cutting them apart, before working their way through the head of the giant bug.


    Blood and brain matter spewed out across the ce, both of which were acidic and sshed onto the trenches, and the Star marine''s armor alike. Despite this, the power armor did not immediately disintegrate, instead the personal energy shields had caught the brunt of the ssh and slowly dispersed the corrosive substances.


    Upon seeing more of hisrades being torn apart by the soldier bugs, the Star Marine reached over to a nearby weapons rack and grabbed hold of a heavy methrower. Which would normally be wielded by a team of men, but in the arms of a mighty star marine, it could very easily be wielded by one person.


    The man then lit the trench line on fire, which was now nearly devoid of all sentient life. And in doing so, bathed the entire area in a napalm like substance, which cooked the bugs alive inside of their own shells.


    As if having gone mad from the ughter, the Star Marine began tough aloud as he taunted the soldier bugs who ran out of the trenches scurrying on the ground in an attempt to put out the star-like mes which reaped their souls like an angel of death.


    "Burn motherfuckers! Burn!"


    However, the man''s fun did notst long, as the thunder of rockets filled the air, while therge ballistic missiles quickly fired from theirunchers and towards the trench line with was about to bepletely overrun by the bugs, despite this lone star marine''s efforts.


    Upon seeing that death was nigh, the star marine raised his arm and saluted his battle brothers before saying hisst words.


    "Only in death does service end..."


    The moment after the star marine had said these words, thousands of antimatter ballistic missilesnded on the trench line, and exploded in a sea of fire and smoke, consuming all live within the region. Whether it was Naraku, or Germanic.


    ---


    The battle continued to rage on the surface of Suebi. But in orbit, within the Naraku Kingship, the Hive Queen gazed upon thest memories of her fallen children and shrieked with rage. The second assault had been going on for nearly two weeks now, and yet these damned bipedal humanoids had still not shown the slightest sign of defeat.


    Contrary to what the Hive Queen was expecting, the Germanic army was crazy enough to bombard their own positions once it was clear that they were about to be overrun by the devouring swarm. Only to reinforce those exact positions with another wave of soldiers immediately after wiping out all life within it.


    The Germanic soldiers did not flee, nor did they cower in the face of death. Instead, they went out in a ze of glory. This was simply maddening to the Naraku. Normally they would be able to outnumber any enemy they came across by virtue of the Queen hatching another brood during the battle, but this world had trillions of men, women and children on it, each of which voluntarily gave their lives in its defense.


    The fact of the matter was that after slogging through half of the Empire, fighting battles just like this, the Naraku Hive Queen could no longer replenish her losses at a satisfactory rate. For once, this war of attrition waspletely in the favor of the enemy. Who seemed to never tire of fighting and killing her children.


    If she did not do something soon, then it was only a matter of time before her swarm was repelled for a second time, and this could not be permitted to happen. Thus, the Hive Queen could only sigh in defeat as she decided to use her nuclear option. For the good of the hive, she wouldy another queen, and the two of them would produce the next brood together.


    But if she did this, then she would not have long to live herself. Something which would put the entire hive fleet in danger, especially in the long term. Regardless, the Hive Queen gave the orders to her generals that she should not be disturbed as she began the process ofying the egg of another Hive Queen.


    "Under no circumstances am I to be disturbed. Instead, I want you all to do everything you can to win this battle. For if we do not, then it may very well be the end of our Hive Fleet...."


    The Generals each paid their respects to their Queen, and just when she was about to seclude herself, she received a signal from the hive mind that something monumental had happened. Causing the female insectoid to screech in fury, as she cursed her adversaries for their cleverness.


    Since the hive ships which the Naraku lived on were all living beings themselves, the Hive Queen could tap into their consciousness, and see what they saw. Naturally this meant she had instantly be aware of the fact that the Germanic and Oni navies had just jumped out of quantum within the Suebi system and were heading directly towards the world to support those brave men, women, and children who still defended the from certain death.


    Knowing that she would not have the opportunity toy the egg of the next queen, at least not until this battle was over, the Queen furiously called out to her Generals to begin their attack on the Germanic and Oni navies.


    "These clever fiends have begun their attack right when I was about to go into seclusion. Very well, we will see if their resolve to survive is as fierce as those who still fight in the world below. Kill them all! Everyst one of them!"


    The Naraku Generals each bowed before their queen, before doing as she hadmanded them to. Thus, while the world of Suebi desperately struggled to survive, the second wave of the devouring swarm. The Naraku hive fleet had begun to engage what remained of the Germanic Navy, and their Oni allies.


    The bugs werepletely unaware that the Germans had detected the Hive Queen''s presence onboard the King Ship, and were now going to give it their all, in onest gamble, to destroy the Queen, and by extension the hive mind of the swarm.


    One way or another, the final battle between the Hive Fleet Terminus and the Germanic Star-Empire was about to begin. And both sides were determined to fight to thest man to see who would survive.


    ---


    I want to take this moment to thank you all for your the support which you have shown Interster Age so far. As of this chapter, the novel is currently contracted. So for those of you who are reading this, I will be warning you in advance that I will be locking the chapters at 54 and above from now on. Thank you all for reading Interster Age, and I look forward to getting back to a normal schedule now that the holiday weekend is over!

 Chapter 62 Swan Song

    The battle had begun, and before Erich knew it, he was hoisted up into the cockpit of a heavy bomber and sent into space. All that remained of the Empire''s fighter pilots were given a single order. Do whatever it takes to get Lieutenant Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger within range of the Naraku Kingship which housed the Hive Queen.


    Immediately, as Erich took to space, he could see a horde of Naraku fighter drones, all of which were heading directly towards him and hisrades. It was at this moment that he heard a familiar voice speak up over thems, one which addressed him with a grim tone in his voice.


    "We''ve got your back Silber, not that we really have a choice in the matter.... So don''t worry about the rest of us. Just focus on your task, and I''ll see you in Valha!"


    Though the Germanic Star-Empire was an atheistic state, there were many battle-hardened soldiers who tookfort in the idea of the ancient religion which the Germanic peoples had once practiced thousands of years ago. Especially the concept of Valha, where the valiant dead would be carried by valkyries to enjoy an afterlife filled with fighting, drinking, feasting, and depending on what liberties you took with your interpretation, fucking as well.


    This remark caused Erich to chuckle slightly as he focused his heavy bomber''s flight towards the enemy Kingship. After all, this spacecraft was nowhere near as nimble as his bolt intercepter, and because of this he would have to rely on the protection of others just to get within engagement distance of the hostile fleet.


    Despite theck of maneuverability, the bomber had a heavy payload of weapons onboard, and because of this, Erich was able toy down some serious fire on the enemy drones, melting them with his heavy sma cannons. Or outright sting them apart with his anti-matter missiles.


    It was not just the Germanic Navy which was supporting Erich in this operation, but the aviators of the Oni Navy as well, who more than made up for the losses which the Germanic Star-Empire had sustained thus far in this armed conflict. And while the Oni starfighters were not as advanced as their allies, they were capable of providing enough firepower to rip apart a Naraku fighter drone.


    The closer Erich made his way to his target, the more damage that his bomber took, and the more of hisrades who were sted out of the sky. Though hemented their loss, Erich knew this was a suicidal mission from the start, and thus he could only admire their sacrifice as he continued forward towards his goal with fierce determination in his silver eyes.


    It was at this moment that Erich heard a familiar and feminine voice over thems scream out.


    "Damned bugs, go to hell!"


    S''aleth fired a storm of anti-matter missiles at a Naraku drone which was on a direct collision course for Erich''s bomber, taking it out of the battle in an instant, which allowed her lover to pass through the aftereffects of the explosion with impunity.


    However, hearing S''aleth''s voice for the first time since they had been reunited caused Erich''s heart to be shrouded in anxiety. The woman was giving her all to help clear a path for him, so that he could kill the Naraku Hive Queen. Her very life was in danger, and yet she did not flee to save herself, because she would rather die together with the man she loved, then spend the rest of her long lifespan alone. This only caused Erich to feel more guilt, as he used his telepathy tomunicate with S''aleth in private.


    "S''aleth, please, I''m begging you, abandon your post, and flee while you still can. Do not throw your life away for my sake!"


    However, the woman was stubborn, and simply responded with her thoughts to Erich in a rather angry tone.


    "Never! If we are to die today, then we will die together! I will never abandon you, even after everything you have done! Now shut up, and kick-start your afterburners. I can''t hold on much longer!"


    Erich gritted his teeth, and did as S''aleth had said, thus boosting all the remaining power into his afterburners so he could rapidly advance across space and reach the striking distance of the enemy vessel.


    After all, the Naraku would easily be able to detect and intercept a killer torpedo, thus he needed to fire the damn thing through an exposed area of the ship and practically from point nk range, if he ever wanted a chance of blowing up the Kingship with a single shot.


    However, with each passing second, the swarm of bugs increased, while Erich''s protectors were ripped apart left and right from the acidic spit of the Naraku fighter drones, as well as their razor sharp pincers and teeth.


    In all honesty, Erich did not know how many men had perished so far to ensure that he could get roughly halfway to his destination, but it was starting to seem like a lot. Hundreds? Thousands? The answer was not clear, but knowing that these men willingly sacrificed themselves so that he had a chance at pulling off a miracle, Erich did not let it go to waste.


    Especially when he considered the fact that his NeuroLink had been set to explode if he were to even think about fleeing the battlefield. Thus, he had no choice but to barrel towards the enemy, and fire his sma cannons as if he were attempting to break into heaven, because the only other option was a merciless death, one which would ur at the hands of his own people.


    Eventually the Kingship appeared in sight, and Erich checked the information on his navigationputer to ensure that this really was the correct ship. By now, over three-fourths of the pilots who were tasked with protecting him had lost their lives, and yet the swarm of Naraku drones only seemed to increase.


    Only the Empire''s best Ace pilots could possibly make it so far, while surrounded by enemies on all sides, as if they were swimming in a sea of insects. And yet they fought with everything they had to clear a path for Erich.


    However, the next scream that Erich heard on hisms was from someone he knew quite well. Or at least more so than his otherrades. Butcher''s voice ranged in his ears as the man said his final farewell to this cruel and unforgiving world.


    "Fuck, I''m hit! Yeah¡­ I''m not going to make it¡­. Alrightds, this is the end for old Butcher. Come get some ya fucking cunts!"


    After saying this, Butcher''s starfighter, which was damaged beyond recognition and heavily venting oxygen into space, barreled through a wall of Naraku drones, as the man set his reactor to overdrive. It was not until he was so far ahead of Erich and the rest of the wing that the man activated the self destruct, and thus creating a massive antimatter explosion which consumed thousands of Naraku fighter drones. And in doing so, opened a direct path for Erich and the others.


    Erich was stunned by the sudden death of a man he considered to be one of his only friends left in this world, but he shed no tears. After all, Butcher''s fate had been sealed from the moment the IIS took him into custody. This was something that Erich shared with the man, and thus as the Naraku swarm began to rece their sudden losses, Erich pleaded onest time for S''aleth to turn back, knowing that survival was no longer an option.


    "S''aleth! Retreat! There are only a few thousand kilometers before I get within the targeting distance. Do not end up like a Butcher! Not for my sake!"


    However, the voice which echoed in Erich''s ears was one filled withment, as a heavy sigh preceded it. It was clear from the heavy breathing that S''aleth herself was heavily injured as she wheezed out the words with exceptional effort.


    "Erich.... I''m sorry.... I realize now that I should have spent thesest few weeks together with you, but I let my anger get the better of me.... If there is another life, I hope we may meet again! Good bye, and good luck my love! You are going to need it now that it is my turn to sing my swan song!"


    Erich quickly looked over to his left, and much to his dismay, saw that S''aleth''s ship was in no better condition than Butcher''s had been before the manmitted suicide in glorious fashion. Though he could not see S''aleth expression behind her cracked windshield, and her helmet, he knew the woman was crying. However, before Erich could even react, S''aleth followed Butcher''s example, and used what remained of her weapons to clear a path for Erich, before self detonating in a desperate attempt to take as many bugs with her as possible.


    If Butcher''s sacrifice had plucked at Erich''s heartstrings, then S''aleth''s had consumed his heart entirely, and left a ck hole in its ce. He had already lost S''aleth once before, and that had nearly killed him with grief. However, by the grace of god, she returned to his arms, giving him the hope he needed to fulfill his daunting task.


    Yet as of right now Erich felt as if he had lost all purpose in life, and once more questioned why he even bothered struggling against such overwhelming odds. After all, there was nothing worse in this world than being given a second chance with the woman you loved, only for her to be ripped from your arms once more.


    With S''aleth''s sacrifice, Erich had truly lost any hope of survival, or any further reason to live. In fact, he hadpletely cked out for a few moments, as grief overwhelmed his heart and mind. Instead, his body relied entirely on his instincts, which he had gained from being a veteranbat pilot. Thus, despite being overwhelmed by grief and depression, Erich continued his flight trajectory towards the Naraku Kingship''s exposed hangar bay. All the while, what remained of his escort followed Butcher''s and S''aleth''s example whenever they, too, were on theirst breath.


    Starfighter after starfighter detonated in front of Erich, clearing thousands of Naraku drones within their explosions, and by doing so they slowly built a bridge for Erich to cross over, without fear of being harassed by the Naraku, until finally the man arrived at his destination.


    Erich still had not recovered his consciousness, which had seemingly entered the void, along with S''aleth and Butcher. Instead, he instinctively pressed the button on his joystick to fire the world-killer torpedo into the enemy Kingship.


    However, there was just one problem.... Erich''s bomber had received far too much damage on the journey to its destination. To the point that it was now no longer capable ofunching the torpedo. Even if Erich used his cyberkenisis, the best he could do was detonate the torpedo while it was still in the ship''s storage bay.


    And when Erich saw the error appear on his targetingputer, he suddenly snapped out of his depressive daze. His heart now filled with determination, a determination to die together with hisrades so that he could unite together with them in the afterlife. Valha? That did not sound so bad, now that he thought about it.


    Thus, in one final act of heroism. Erich hit the throttle to maximum speed and barrelled towards the Kingship''s hangar bay in a suicidal charge. Where he intended to manually detonate the world killer torpedo the moment he entered the Naraku Kingship.


    Now it was Erich''s turn to sing his swan song, and when it was finally over, he would be reunited with the woman he loved, and hopefully, this time, he would be able to treat her the way she deserved to be treated. Something he had utterly failed to do in this miserable life.

 Chapter 63 Rising From The Ashes

    Erich''s suicidal charge worked as intended, the world torpedo detonated within the hangar bay of the Naraku Kingship, and in doing so destroyed all life within it. Consuming everything within a seven thousand kilometer radius. It was not just the Naraku Kingship which had been consumed, but almost the entire fleet, along with their Queen and Generals.


    What remained of the devouring swarm instantly entered a feral state, as the hive mind, which gave them sentient thought, copsed with the death of their queen. The remaining insectoids which littered the space above the world of Suebi, and throughout the world''s surface, entered a state of frenzy, as they turned on every living thing within their immediate vicinity, including each other.


    Because of this, the world''s defenders, and what remained of the Germanic and Oni navies, worked together to cleanse the area of all the surviving bugs. The battle was hard fought, but in the end, the Germanic Star-Empire had emerged victorious, and it was because of the actions of one man in particr. Who had sacrificed himself so that the Empire may live.


    Or so was the official story that the Empire told its citizens. Over night, Lieutenant Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger, had been cleared of all charges, so much so that the very notion that they existed in the first ce became heresy to speak of, and was recognized as a national hero of the Germanic Star Empire. One which every citizen should seek to emte.


    Over the next few months, the Empire did everything it could to rebuild the world of Suebi, as they ventured forth and attempted to salvage their worlds that had been devoured by the Naraku. In fact, Erich did not know how much time had actually passed, but when he was finally resurrected from certain death. All the damage that had been done to Suebi had been entirely restored to its pre-war state.


    ---


    Erich awoke in a cloning chamber. His memories were entirely intact, and unmodified, as he fell to the floor on his knees. Just like thest time he had perished, there was a team of armed men waiting for him, but this time it was not Mirage who stood at the forefront of the unit. Instead, it was a man which Erich detested above all others.


    But there was not a look of contempt on Grand Admiral ric au Emrys'' face, rather one of sympathy and gratitude as he weed the young pilot back to the world of the living.


    "You have no idea how much effort I had to go through, just to retrieve a functioning copy of your memories. Especially one that contained everything you experienced in life up until the moment of your death.


    At first I thought about restoring your memories to an earlier point, one before you had begun to live a life of crime. But Lieutenant Hilde Kuhne was insistent that you remember everything, up until the moment of your death. She thought it would help you understand the gravity of your crimes, so that you might learn from your mistakes in the future."


    Erich had no idea who Emrys was talking about, but he had far more important questions to ask, and was quick to ignore the critical detail about who had forced him to relive his torment. Instead, he asked a question which he found to be much more critical to his current mental state, one that he had asked Mirage when she had brought him back to life the first time.


    "Why? Why the hell did you bring me back? I was dead, and gone, and had finally earned the peace I deserve! Only to be brought back to this hell, for what purpose? Have I not given enough already to earn some mercy? Was my sacrifice not worthy of death? Must you really force me to serve two hundred and fifty years in a god damned Penal Battalion?"


    Emrys looked at Erich with a bit of sympathy on his face, as he ced a hand on the young man''s shoulder, before informing him of why he was brought back, albeit he did this with a question of his own.


    "Erich... Do you honestly believe the Empire would treat its greatest hero so cruelly?"


    This answer startled Erich, who gazed up at the Grand Admiral with a hint of suspicion on his handsome face before posing another question.


    "What do you mean?"


    Emrys simply sighed and shook his head, as if he were scolding an errant child, before informing Erich of the future that awaited him, now that he had achieved the unthinkable.


    "I never thought you would actually pull it off. You may have done so in the simtion, but that was over thousands of attempts. You only had one life to achieve sess. The odds were against us. No, I was content to fight to thest man, woman, and child to leave our mark on this gxy''s history so that the Germanic race was never forgotten.


    But you did the unthinkable. You wiped out the Naraku Kingship, and the entire hive fleet with it! What remained was easy enough to mop up, especially after they lost any semnce of intelligence.


    Erich, you have more than earned a full pardon for what petty crimes you may havemitted in what I can only describe as youthful ignorance. And the heavens know that we had our own part in your criminal past, of which there is no record of.


    In fact, I am going to give you everything that you ever wanted. A wife, a family, a home, a ce to belong. I realize now that the only reason Splinter was able to thrive was because we, the Empire, drove you so called "mutants" to such desperation in the first ce.


    The old order is gone, and the Supreme Leader as well as all his cronies, have been exiled in disgrace. They do not dare return to the Empire when everyone who still draws breath knows that they were abandoned by their politicians when they were most needed.


    I know you have been through a lot, especially over the past few years. But the Empire owes you a debt that can never be repaid. But we will try our damndest to do so. All I ask is for your forgiveness, and in return, I will give you the world!"


    Erich looked up at Emrys''s face, to see that there was no lies in his eyes. Instead, the Grand Admiral was both literally and figuratively, reaching out a helping hand to the man who had saved the Empire. If Erich epted it, he would be rewarded in ways he had always dreamed of.


    But would his hatred allow him to do so? This was a question that only Erich knew the answer to. Whatever he chose to do in this moment would decide his future, and thus he sat in silence, with his head hanging low for several moments as he reflected on everything that had happened to him over these past few years.


    There were many people he wished he could have said a proper farewell to, and every time he thought about S''aleth''s final demise, he could not help but feel as if his heart were bleeding. However, despite the bitterness and resentment that he had towards the Empire for a life of mistreatment, the rational side of Erich''s mind won, and in the end he sighed heavily before epting the Grand Admiral''s hand.


    Like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, Erich put away his past mistakes, his past loves, and everything he once held dear. Instead, he embraced the bright future which fate had in store for him, albeit with apletely bitter expression on his face.


    "Alright... Though I will never truly be able to forgive you for all that you have put me through, I will try my best to do so... Since you have brought me back from death a second time, the least I can do is try to move on from everything...."


    Emrys wore a genuine smile as he heard these words before helping Erich to his feet, where he immediately spoke about the future ns he had for the man.


    "I am giving you a choice. If you so desire, you can end your mandatory military service early. The heavens know you have given more than enough for this country.... But if you stay in the Navy, I will immediately promote you to the rank ofmander, and give you control of the ck Sun.


    To put it simply, the Empire is in a state of reconstruction. Half of our worlds are dead and gone, and only Alfheim''s terraforming technology can restore them to their former glory. The Oni has promised to give us a helping hand, and as of right now, we are almost entirely relying on their protection.


    The Military needs to be rebuilt almost entirely from scratch, and after thatst battle we have few experienced pilots left among our ranks. If you ept my offer, you will be the new Wing Commander of the legendary ck Sun Squadron, and will be fast tracked to promotion. In ten years, you will be a Rear Admiral, and will naturally have a spot among the Admiralty.


    Give me fifty years of service, and I will appoint you as an over sector governor of whatever region you decide to rule over. And eventually, after you have proven yourself in that role, I will make you the Deputy Leader of the Party. You will be second only to me, and will have authority over the entire Empire.


    So... What do you say? Do you still have some fight left in you? Or do you wish to call it quits? No matter what you choose, I will respect your choice, and do my best to make things up to you until the day I die...."


    Erich sighed heavily as he thought about his two choices. Since he had already chosen to forgive the Admiral for all that he had done, he did not see a reason to reject his generous offer. After all, though this battle may have been won, there were plenty of enemies that the Empire had left in the gxy, all of which were currently scheming for their downfall.


    If what Emrys had said was true, then Erich would now have a family and a home to call his own. Which meant it was his duty as a man to fight in their defense. He had to admit, Emrys was an extremely cunning man. He knew just what Erich needed to move forward as a loyal subject of the Empire. And although Erichmented the idea, he begrudgingly epted the Grand Admiral''s offer.


    "Alright... You have yourself a deal. But no funny business. If you even think if fucking me over like you did to Butcher, then I will make it my life''s mission to destroy the Empire and everyone in it!"


    Despite this threat, Emrys merely chuckled, as if he found it to be humorous. He then walked towards the nearby windows and gazed upon the world of Germania, and all of its glory. The star was casting its light upon the glimmering towers of the worldwide city, and in doing so created an almost awe-inspiring atmosphere. Which was perfect for the words that Emrys had prepared well in advance.


    "It is the dawn of a new era, one that you and I will forge together.... As I have said before, the Empire owes you a debt that can never be repaid, and it would be quite ungrateful of us to return your sacrifice with an act of malice.


    You can rest easy, Erich. I have no ns of turning against you. But I also understand it will take some time for trust to be properly established between us. Thus, I intend to spend every day until then, making things up to you.


    You should get some rest. It has been some time since you perished in defense of the Empire, and it will be awhile before you be ustomed to the way things are now.... When you are ready,e to my office, and I will set you up with your new wife, and home.¡­"


    After saying this, Emrys left the room, where Erich was once more all alone. Rather than take pride in his aplishments, or joy in the new life which awaited him, he instead fell down onto the nearest bed, and cried his eyes out. Now that he had some time to grieve, he would do so properly.

 Chapter 64 The Order Of The Black Sun

    It took Erich some time to ovee the grief he felt in his heart after losing S''aleth. After all, he had briefly thought there was hope for her survival, but instead she had chosen to die with him. There was only one problem: the Empire had other ns for Erich and had through extensive effort had brought him back from the void.


    And while Erich cried alone in the dark, he made sure that this would be thest time he did so. After all, he would have to move forward with his life the moment after he stepped out of this room. Thus, he made sure to properly say his goodbyes to a woman who had been there for him when nobody else was. Before finally getting up from his medical bed and leaving the past behind him.


    The moment he opened the doors and stepped outside of the room, Erich was shocked to see that the entire hallway was littered with officers of the Germanic Military lined up on both sides. These men saluted Erich in the fashion which the Empire was renowned for while giving their greatest war hero theplete and total respect that he deserved.


    Erich followed this hallway filled with men who were saluting him, and did not dare look any of them in the eyes until he finally stepped foot in the Grand Admiral''s office. Once the door was shut firmly behind him, Emrys smiled and held out a luxurious container, which he handed to Erich with a grateful look in his eyes.


    And while Emrys motioned towards Erich to open the container with his facial expression, he began to speak in an almost heroic tone as he announced what was inside.


    "Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger, for your heroic actions in defense of the Empire, I, Supreme Leader ric au Emrys hereby, award you with our Empire''s highest honor. The Order of the ck Sun. From this day forth, whenever you are wearing your dress uniform, I expect you to adorn this sash, and breast star with pride!"


    Inside the container was a long crimson silk sash, which had a solid golden Maltese cross hanging from the tied portion at the bottom. This solid gold Maltese cross had the mes of war jutting out from its corners while also having two golden swords crossed at its top, which were hanging from a golden oak leaf. And in the center of the cross was a red enamel circle, with the infamous ck Sun symbol contained within it.


    Aside from the sash, there was also arge golden breast star, which contained the same cross in its center, along with the two cross swords above it. These two items were the most prestigious symbols of military valor, which few men in the history of the Empire had ever been awarded.


    Erich could hardly believe his eyes when he saw these awards. Had his suicidal act truly earned himself such an honor? If Erich doubted the Grand Admiral''s, or should he say the new Supreme Leader''s sincerity before, then it was hard to argue against it now.


    Perhaps because of these thoughts, Erich remainedpletely and utterly silent, as Emrys pinned the star to his stone grey dress uniform''s right breast, before adorning the sash diagonally from his left shoulder to his right hip. After which the Supreme Leader saluted Erich, which the man returned immediately after snapping back to reality.


    Though Erich did not know it, this brief, and private ceremony was actually being disyed across the entire Empire, or what was left of it, as a propaganda piece to show that the Empire''s greatest Hero was alive once more, and being rewarded properly for his efforts which had saved the Empire.


    After which, Emrys made a shocking announcement, both to Erich and those trillions of citizens who tuned into the broadcast.


    "Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger, it is with my great honor, that I hereby announce I shall be repealing the previousws that once restricted gic aberrants such as yourself from marrying, and having families of their own.


    Though there will be some strict monitoring of your bloodline to ensure that no further gic abnormalities ur, you and the rest of your kind can rest easy knowing that in this new era, the discrimination which you have all faced throughout your lives will finallye to an end.


    Because of this, I would like to introduce you to the woman, which the Empire believes is most gicallypatible with being your wife. Please, do not keep us waiting dear...."


    Erich''s heart had begun to palpitate, as he waited for the woman who would be his wife from this day forth to enter the room and reveal herself. He desperately hoped that she was a woman whose beauty was on par with those he had already slept with.


    However, his heart immediately sank when he saw the distinctive pink hair and the forced smile upon the young pop sensation''s face. As she entered the room, and bowed her head humbly, but begrudgingly before her new husband.


    Erika Krieger had had been selected to be Erich''s wife, and though she tried to fight it at first, simply because she did not wish to marry a mutant like herself, she was ultimately forced to do so. After all, she was held in significant regard among the surviving Germanic poption, who attributed the military aid of the Great Oni Empire to her diplomatic efforts, and those of the other girls in her pop group.


    It was Emrys''s belief that for propaganda purposes the two mutants who saved the Empire should be wed together, and thus, Erich''s hopes for a kind, loving, and submissive wife had suddenlye crashing down around him, as he was now forced to marry the woman who had previously caused him to be disowned by his parents.


    Erika, however, wore a pretty smile, which Erich knew was clearly being forced, as she approached her new husband while dressed in a pretty white wedding dress, one which showed off a bit too much cleavage for Erich''s tastes. Before grabbing hold of his face and saying something which shocked him.


    "Everyone is watching, so kiss me, you damned fool!"


    Erich nced over at the Supreme Leader, who gave him a slight nod of approval, before sighing heavily in his heart. He knew that Emrys''s offer was too good to be true, but even then, he had gotten his hopes up, which had proven in this moment to have been a bad idea.


    Still, Erich did not dare disobey the Supreme Leader''s orders, especially not after everything they had been through, and thus he kissed Erika, in a public disy of passion, even though he felt absolutely nothing but hatred for the pink-haired bimbo in his heart.


    After he kissed the woman, the Supreme Leader smiled and spoke up for the cameras, with a haughty tone in his voice.


    "I now pronounce the two of you to be husband and Wife.... I look forward to the family that the two of you produce together."


    After saying this, the hidden cameras shut off, and Erika immediately forced herself out of Erich''s arms, no longer bothering to look at the man who was responsible for the death of her career. But as she looked away, there was something else in her electric blue eyes, a bit of longing, regret, and confusion, as if she immediately felt bad for snubbing the man so quickly after they had been married.


    Naturally Erich did not see this expression in the girl''s beautiful eyes, and thus he could only sigh, believing that he was about to embark on a loveless marriage, one that waspletely devoid of the possibility of romance.


    Emrys, however, seemed to believe the newlywed couple were quitepatible with one another, and was quick to give voice to this thought.


    "I am d to see the two of you are finally getting along... Don''t worry, Erich, I have prepared a wonderful vi for you and Erika in the world of Teutonia. You can take as much time as you need to be properly acquainted with your new wife.


    After all, it will be another few years before we will be able to train a new crop of pilots who are worthy of being in the ck Sun Squadron, so for now enjoy a much needed leave of absence, and when the timees for you to take up arms once more, I will be in touch with you then."


    After saying this, Emrys booted Erich and Erika out of his office, where the two of them were whisked off to the tropical paradise that was the world of Teutonia. Despite having everything he had always dreamed of, Erich could not help but feel sick to his stomach, knowing that his new home was in a world which his now deceased friend Fredrik had once served upon.


    Of course Erika was wholly inexperienced with men, and because of this she could not understand that beneath Erich''s stony expression was a severe depression which wouldpel a lesser man to attempt suicide. Thus, she continued to act standoffish with her new husband, who she had various conflicted feelings about.


    On the one hand, Erich had saved her homeworld, and had even been her first crush. But knowing the man had actually betrayed his race by sleeping with the Great Oni Emperor''s aunt, on top of being the reason that Erika herself was forced to retire from the job she loved more than anything, and at such a young age no less, she could not tell if she wanted to kiss the man, or smack the shit out of him, and thus Erika kept her distance from Erich, despite the fact that they had just been married. Something which only further added to Erich''s depression.

 Chapter 65 Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures

    Erich and Erikanded on the world of Teutonia, which was arge, filled with mostly water. The onlyndmass on the world''s surface, which was habitable to the Germanic race, was a bunch ofrge tropical inds.


    This world was amon spot for tourists, especially newly wed couples who wanted to enjoy their honeymoons. However, the actual poption of people who lived on it was significantly lower than any other world which the Germanic Star-Empire had previously settled.


    Eventually Erich and Erika made their way to the vi that the Empire had provided for them, but the moment theyid eyes on the building, they both dropped their luggage to the ground in shock. What vi? This was practically a pce?


    The strictly utilitarian architecture that the Empire was so renowned for was not present in this building, instead it was a highly luxurious Mediterranean style mega mansion, one which had a one thousand meter strip of private beach ess.


    Erich and Erika both gazed upon their new home, which was a monstrous ten thousand square meter mansion with astonishment, believing that perhaps the Empire had gotten something wrong. A house like this was not something that your averagemander in the Armed Forces should be able to afford. No, this was a house that only the top ranking politicians would normally have ess to.


    Immediately upon entering the home, Erich found that there was an entire staff dedicated to maintaining the pce and its premises. There were maids, butlers, cooks, groundskeepers, and even a bartender or two. All of which were paid by the government to attend to the newlywed couple''s every need.


    In fact, the head butler immediately stepped forward and introduced himself to his new masters, with a deeply exaggerated bow and a voice filled with excitement.


    "Hello, masters. My name is William Harris, and I am the head of staff for this fine vi. If you need a tour of the building and its grounds, I would be more than happy to arrange one. If not, might I suggest immediately moving into your new master bedroom? As we speak, the movers are carrying your belongings into the vi, and you do not need to worry yourselves about lifting a finger."


    After everything Erich had been through over the past few hours, he felt the need to rest his weary mind, and thus he nodded his head with a stoic expression on his face beforemanding the head of staff to lead him towards his new bedroom.


    "Sure, I could use a rest. Take me to my new quarters!"


    Mr. Harris immediately bowed once more before asking about Erika''s intentions.


    "And would the missus be joining us on this venture?"


    Erika bit her lip, debating whether or not she would be capable of sleeping in the same bed as Erich. Though she knew this staff was also likely keeping an eye on the both of them on behalf of the Supreme Leader, she had far too many conflicted emotions about Erich to actually do such a thing. However, before she could even answer, Erich shook his head and did so on her behalf with a cold tone in his voice.


    "That won''t be necessary..."


    Erika briefly gazed over at Erich to see just what kind of expression he was making, and was outraged to find that there was not a single hint of emotion on his face, as if he did not even desire to share a bed with her. Thus she immediately grabbed hold of her luggage, and harrumphed before finally deciding to follow Erich towards their new bedroom, perhaps only out of spite to the man.


    "Who are you to decide such a thing for me? I am just as tired as you are after this whole ordeal. Of course I will be joining you for a much needed rest."


    Though this news surprised Erich, he did not express it on his face and simply nodded his head in understanding while maintainingplete and total silence. The utterck of emotion on Erich''s face only further outraged Erika, who could not possibly understand what her new husband was thinking, or why he was so cold towards her. Wasn''t that her job?


    As for Mr. Harris, he led the newlywed couple to their room, and left them on their own, and while Erich would strip out of his clothes and took a quick shower, before hopping into bed wearing nothing but a pair of underpants. Erika simply watched the news from the room''s sofa, every so often eying Erich, enraged that he had actually fallen asleep on their wedding night, without so much as offering to be intimate with her.


    ---


    In an alien world, quite some distance away from the Tropical Paradise of Teutonia, Empress Lunaria Asterion sat upon her throne, while conversing with a holographic projection of Supreme Leader ric au Emrys''s face. Even the mighty Alfheim Empress could not hide the excitement on her face as she spoke to the man, who was as cold to her as he always was.


    "I must say, the progress you have made in rebuilding after such a disastrous scenario is truly mind-boggling. But even the mighty Germanic Star-Empire will need the help of their masters if they wish to reim the worlds which those filthy bugs have devoured!"


    ric''s expression was as stoic as Erich''s was when he conversed with his new wife. And though he thanked Lunaria for her assistance, he did so with a bit of contempt in his voice.


    "Your aid in that matter is much appreciated. At this rate, the worlds will be terraformed and prime for resettlement within the next five years. Though, I suppose we have more pressing matters to speak of now that Terminus has been dealt with. How goes the situation on your borders with the Svartalfheim Federation?"


    Lunaria''s excited expression immediately turned to one of fury as sheined to her favorite pet about just how much she hated her dark-skinned cousins.


    "Urggghh, Don''t get me started on those dark-skinned freaks! War is starting to be an inevitability, especially after that little cocksucker Bixle Goldentooth has decided to heavily favor the Svartalfheim Federation in our border dispute. It turns out Bixle is not happy that his precious daughter is now a star in the gctic porn industry.


    But that is his own damn fault! If he had not desired to force my daughter into a simr situation, then little Tinkette would not be in her current position. Bixle only has himself to me for this oue!"


    Despite Lunaria''s protests, it was clear by the look in her eyes that she enjoyed filming Tinkette together with the Germanic exiles who now lived on Alfheim with no hope of ever returning to their homnds. This was something which only caused Emrys to shudder in disgust as he switched the topic to something more important to him.


    "If I remember correctly, the Centennial War Games are not far away. Normally I would say that this is a grand opportunity to show off to the Dark Elves that your military might is superior to theirs. But with the Rylonian Imperium gone, and our own Armed Forces currently undergoing reconstruction efforts, I''d say this method of intimidation might cause our enemies tough at us instead.... At least if we were to hold them now.


    This information immediately grabbed Lunaria''s attention, and she was quick to ask Emrys the question she wanted an answer to most of all.


    "How much time do you need before your military is back in proper fighting condition?"


    In response to this, Emrys simply scoffed and shrugged his shoulders before giving the Alfheim Empress a realistic representation of his current struggles.


    "It will take us a generation to recover the sheer volume of men, women, and children which we have lost to the Naraku. Do I need to remind you that we lost half of our Empire in this conflict along with most of our navy and armored vehicles?


    Even if we could rapidly rece our numbers, which we are doing through some rather drastic measures, we simply do not have the industry to rece thousands of warships and hundreds of thousands of armored vehicles in such a short time frame. We lost most of our industrial worlds, with Quadi being one of the fews still dedicated entirely to industry left standing.


    This disaster has set the Empire back decades, if not centuries. I am afraid we will not be able to be your attack hound against any serious rivals for some time. Though, we promise to repay your generosity with blood when the timees that we are once more able to do so."


    This was not the news that Lunaria was hoping to hear, and because of this she was quick to offer her assistance in what ways she could to help restore the Germanic military to its proper standing in the gxy.


    "Suppose I used one of my industrial worlds to manufacture your military equipment for you. How long would it be before you are capable of fielding a force that is at the very least capable of intimidating my enemies?"


    Emrys was surprised to hear such a generous offere from Lunaria''s lips, but he understood why she would do so. The Rylonian Imperium had previously been the Alfheim Dominion''s single most powerful vassal, one whose military strength was capable of striking fear into the hearts of all other sub-gctic powers.


    But over the past few centuries, this noble standing had been reced by the Germanic Star-Empire who, despite its miniscule size, had a ferocious talent for warfare, the likes of which the gxy had seldom seen in its long and storied history. If only the Germanic Star-Empire were to have suffered such a catastrophe at the hands of the Naraku Hive Fleet, then Lunaria could turn to the Rylonains to pick up their previous ce in the gctic hierarchy.


    However, their empire was wiped out, and few of their species survived. The chances of them rebuilding everything they had lost was almost nonexistent. And if they did manage to do so, it would take millennia to aplish. Without her two greatest attack hounds, the Alfheim Dominion was doomed to lose a proxy war against the Svartalfheim Federation, and if that happened, she would lose the disputed regions at the border.


    Thus, she was desperate enough to manufacture all the Germanic Star-Empire''s equipment at no cost to them. But in return, their people would have to bleed for the glory of the Alfheim Dominion, and so soon after, they had nearly perished as a species. Thus, Emrys was quick to decline this offer, which might spell certain doom for his people.


    "I am afraid that even if you managed to supply our entire military with the equipment, it needs to seed in war, the reality of the situation is that we simply do not have the poption remaining to field in battle that is required to operate said equipment. Unless you have trillions of artificial wombs avable to lend to our species, then the odds are that we will not be able to risk such a bloody endeavor on your behalf."


    Even though Emrys had made such a suggestion, he did not actually expect that the Alfheim Dominion actually had trillions of artificial wombs lying around to produce an entire new generation of Germanic Citizens without the need for procreation. But Lunaria surprised the man with a sultry smile on her face as she agreed to this condition that Emrys had rather jokingly set forth.


    "Very well, if you need artificial wombs, my people have more than enough newly manufactured pieces lying around in storage for you to use. I am sure you already have the technology required to produce artificial sperm and eggs, and are simplycking in the equipment that is needed toplete the process. Give me a number on just how many you need, and where to send them, and I will have them delivered ASAP."


    Emrys was stunned at this revtion, while the Empire did, in fact, possess the ability to manufacture artificial wombs, eggs, and sperm themselves. They simply had not done so on a massive scale, as they preferred to have traditional conception and nuclear families in ce to properly raise these kids.


    But desperate times called for desperate measures, and if the next generation needed to be artificially made, so that the current generation could be sent off to war. Then so be it. Thus, the new Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire ultimately sighed and epted the Alfheim Empress''s generous offer.

 Chapter 66 Trouble In Paradise

    Erich awoke the next day and was not surprised to see that Erika had chosen to sleep on the sofa. He did not say a word to her as he got out of his bed and climbed into the shower. After all, he did not want to wake the woman up, and immediately engage in an argument because of it.


    He then spent the next five minutes cleaning himself off from the sweat that he had umted during his sleep. After feeling refreshed, Erich stepped out of the shower without wearing a towel, only to find that his young bride had awoken from her slumber, and was terrified to see her new husband was standing naked in front of her.


    Erika shrieked in horror at the sight of Erich''s naked body. Having never seen a man undressed before, she was not the least bit ustomed to the sight, and quickly hid her eyes beneath the nket that she had slept with the night before.


    In response to this, Erich simply scoffed, as he pulled on a pair of underpants, before mocking Erika for herck of experience.


    "Ohe on now, this can''t be your first time seeing a man naked? I thought all of you entertainers were sleeping with your producers?"


    Erika popped her head out from under the covers with an enraged look on her face, as she sighed in relief after seeing that Erich had begun to properly dress himself. She then corrected his usation with a rather offended tone in her hyper feminine voice.


    "Of course not! The Empire started cracking down on those scumbags decades ago! By the time I entered the industry, all of those creeps had been arrested! I can''t believe there is someone who is still so uneducated as you!"


    Erich simply scoffed in response to this before throwing more shade at his new wife. It was clear by the tone in his voice that he did not see her as anything more than a burden.


    "You can take a shower now, oh and you might want to buy some more hair dye, because there is none in there..."


    This callous remark ate away at Erika''s insecurities, and though she did not want to respond to such an oafish thug and his taunts, she could not help but do so, albeit in a hushed voice.


    "It is not dyed...."


    At first Erich thought he had misheard the woman, but judging from the flustered expression on her cute face, he felt as if he had indeed heard things correctly, and was quick to interrogate the young pop sensation about the validity of her statement.


    "Hold on.... What did you just say? Are you seriously trying to tell me your hair is not dyed like everyone else in the industry? So what, does that make you a mutant like myself?"


    It was clear that by using the term mutant to refer to Erika, Erich had struck a nerve, because she immediately threw her pillow at his face, which he was quick to dodge, before she began to scream her insecurities at him.


    "I''m not a mutant! Don''t you ever call me that! I was just born... Unique!"


    Upon hearing this, Erich stood in disbelief as he gazed upon the beautiful young woman in a new light. Things were starting to make some sense to him regarding her hostility towards mutants, which was extreme even for a discriminatory society like the Germanic Star-Empire. He was so shocked by this discovery that he had to sit down in a nearby seat and think it through, after which he was quick to voice his disbelief.


    "You''re a self hating mutant.... But wait, I have never heard of you being born with pink hair before. How the hell did you manage to conceal it from the public? I mean if people knew you were one of us, you never would have taken off in the pop industry like you did! Hell, I can''t stand that bubblegum crap, but even I had heard of you, before you even started harassing me."


    Erika simply harrumphed and looked away from Erich, clearly not willing to answer the question, especially after he had dared to call her a mutant for a second time. Instead, she responded to him with a deliberately callous tone in his voice.


    "Like I would tell a mutant freak like you!"


    Erich was stunned beyond words, this woman waspletely in denial about reality, if what she said was true, and her hair was naturally pink, then she was what society deemed to be a mutant, and would normally face intense discrimination like he had been subjected to while growing up in the Empire.


    The only thing he could think of to exin all of this was that the girl''s father was someone very important, and one who actually cared for his daughter''s wellbeing, unlike Erich''s father, who looked at him like he was literal garbage. The man must have gone to great lengths to hide Erika''s identity from the public.


    Actually, it all made sense now why Emrys had chosen Erika to be Erich''s partner. She was a mutant just like himself, and in this new era, there was no way the Empire would allow a non-mutant to breed with a mutant. If anything, they would have the mutants marry one another, and have families, where the children were heavily gically modified so that they did not carry their parent''s abnormalities.


    Upon realizing this, Erich decided he would not ask Erika any more questions about her past until she was ready to open up to him. Instead, he simply stood up from his seat and walked out of the room. Just when he was about to exit through the doorway, Erika called out to him, stunned that he did not continue to engage in a such a fruitless argument with her.


    "Hey! Where are you going? Are you not going to ask me anymore questions?"


    Erich simply scoffed as he heard this, and said his thoughts out loud, without even bothering to look back at his wife.


    "I could not care less... If you need me, I will be on our beach, enjoying the tropical weather."


    Erika simply pouted when she saw her husband walk out the door. She could not believe that she had been forcibly married to such an asshole. However, the more she sat alone in the room, the more she wanted to follow after the man, until finally she got dressed in her bikini and chased after him.


    ---


    Erich was sitting in the sand with a beer in his hand as he watched the waves crash against the shore. He had a pair of sunsses on, and wore nothing but a pair ofpression shorts, as he sipped from the ice coldger.


    At least one of the perks that he had been given since he had been revived for the second time was that his mansion was stocked with an absurd degree of alcohol. Naturally, those at the highest levels of society were beyond the rules that were meant for the plebs, but this was true for just about any civilization that had ever existed.


    In fact, in Earth''s history, there was an abundance of examples where politicians within so called democratic countries were quite literally above thew. Never actually being convicted of the multitude of crimes theymitted on a near daily basis. This was the nature of humanity. Those who wielded political authority enjoyed the perks that came with having a position of power.


    Thus, Erich was currently enjoying what would definitely be considered an illegal quantity of alcohol for any normal citizen, but in all honesty, he did not care about the hypocrisy of it all. He had a wounded heart that needed nursing, and the best way to do so was through copious quantities of alcohol.


    By the time Erika had finally found the man sitting alone on the beach with nothing but his thoughts, he had already consumed an entire twelve pack of his favorite beer. When Erika saw this, she was quick to criticize her husband for his drinking habits.


    "You know, you should not be drinking so much. Even with our enhanced gics, it is not a healthy habit."


    As the young pop sensation said this, she began to collect the bottles that her husband had drunk thus far so that they could be properly recycled. And despite her nagging, Erich did not say a word, instead he watched as several aquatic mammals jumped out of the water and did somersaults in the air.


    Though this sight brought a smile to Erika''s face, Erich''s expression waspletely numb as he took another giant gulp of the beer bottle currently in his hand. Seeing that the man was almost robotic when it came to expressing his emotions, Erika could not help but criticize him once more for hisck of humanity.


    "What the hell is wrong with you? Even a sight as exciting as that fails to put a smile on your face! Are you even alive at this point, or are you some kind of walking corpse?"


    For the first time since Erika had met her husband in person, she saw a smile appear on the man''s face. But it was not one of joy or excitement. Instead, it was incredibly bitter, as if the man had just swallowed the most poisonous substance known to man.


    This smile was not just bitter, but was also filled with a deep sense of sorrow, the likes Erika had never seen a man express before. And she had to examine it in great detail just to make sure she was seeing things correctly, because she did not know a human being could make such a pitiful expression. Then the following words that Erich spoke hit her heart like a brick travelling at Mach 3.


    "I wish I wasn''t... I was dead and gone, and I should have stayed that way! But the Empire brought me back... Why? Because they needed a fucking propaganda piece! What a fucking joke...."


    After saying this, Erich''s expression turned wrathful as he stood up and threw his beer bottle towards the ocean''s surface. Due to his enhanced gics, the bottle travelled at speeds well over 200 kilometers per hour before crashing against the water and exploding upon impact.


    Erika did not know how to respond to this sudden disy of raw emotion. She had never seen a man when he was at his worst, and she had not suffered loss before, unlike Erich, who seemed to repeatedly endure such torture. After all, her family had fled from Suebi before the battle begun, and were alive and well. Despite most of the people in the world dying in its defense.


    She could only stand there in silence as Erich continued to sulk while staring at the ocean, whose waves continued to move as if it were a living entity. In the end, Erika''s body moved without her mind''s approval, and she reached around her husband''s back and hugged him tightly. She did not know why she had done it, but perhaps what Erich needed most right now was the warm touch of another human being.


    The young couple stayed glued together like that in silence for some time. While their marriage was one of political convenience, and they both had conflicted emotions for one another. In this one instance, they were able to connect on an emotional level, even without a proper exchange of words.

 Chapter 67 Trouble In Paradise Part II

    Erich felt his heart bleed as he stood there with Erika wrapped around his back. He had lost everything twice now. And though the universe kept giving him more to live for, he feared that it would only be taken away from him again.


    As much as Erika''s embrace helped the man deal with some of his internal turmoil, it only further increased his anxiety. If he dared to be close with his new wife, would she too die an untimely death?


    It was times like this that Erich needed a battle buddy to vent his dark thoughts to, but they were all dead. Everyrade he had ever made perished in the war with the Naraku, and none of them wereing back. He alone had that privilege.


    Naturally Erika could not understand theplex emotions of a man who had lost so much on the field of battle, but she could tell that her husband was scarred for life, and it was not his flesh that was wounded. For that would have been an easy fix. But she feltpelled to do something for the man and said the only words that she could think of that might have a positive effect on Erich''s mind.


    "They say that time is a perfect healer... These nightmares, they wille to pass... You just need time to heal, that is all. And I will be by your side every step of the way. Regardless of the reason behind our marriage, we are now man and wife, which means it is my responsibility to care for you, especially if no one else will."


    As beautiful of a sentiment that this was, Erich did not hear these words, for he was living in his own world, almost in a trancelike state. The voices in his head, ones which belonged to his fallenrades, and the ns that they had made together while they were still in the academy. As well as the visions he had of S''aleth calling out his name, they seemed so real, and yet they were nothing but figments of the imagination. Ghosts which haunted his memories.


    Eventually, Erich just pried himself away from his wife''s arms and sat back down in the sand. The sudden outburst of emotion that he previously disyed had disappeared, as if it had not existed in the first ce. Instead, he had the signature stoic look on his face that Erika had found to be utterly infuriating when she first met the man.


    Though the young pop sensation no longer felt angry when she saw this look, instead she felt pain, because she knew hiding behind that emotionless face was a heart that was bleeding out, and she felt guilty because she could not think of a way to seal the wound.


    Thus, she decided to sit next to Erich in the sand, and watch the waves with him. Silence existed between the two of them for some time. In fact, Erika did not know how long they had sat there together. But, after what seemed like a lifetime had passed, she decided to ask her husband a question, but before she did so, she wanted his permission.


    "Can I ask you a personal question?"


    Erich did not immediately respond, instead he reached into the cooler he had brought with him to the beach, which contained all of his beers, and cracked open another bottle. Where he took a long sip from it. It was only after doing this that he silently nodded his head, while still not looking at his concerned wife.


    Upon seeing this was the best answer she was going to get, Erika sighed before asking the question, which was perhaps thergest part of her conflicted feelings towards the man.


    "Why did you sleep with Yumi?"


    Erich took another sip of his beer, and did not immediately answer his wife''s question. She was just about to give up altogether when he finally spoke of his reasons. This had kept the girl seated next to him, with her entire focus on his every word.


    "There was no reason in particr. She was an attractive woman, and as a mutant, I was never supposed to get married, or have children of my own. You probably have no idea what it is like to be a young man, but there are certain biological urges that we have, and she was the first woman who would let me vent them. That is all there is to it..."


    Erika looked at Erich with confusion on her pretty face, because by the way it sounded when Yumi spoke of her time with Erich, or at least alluded to it, she seemed to be quite fond of the man. And thus, Erika was quick to inquire further about this issue, which ate away at her mind, and prevented her from bing particrly close with her new husband.


    "That''s it? You felt nothing for her? I don''t believe that for a second!"


    Erich simply scoffed in response to this, as he took another sip from his beer before responding to his wife with a particrly snide remark.


    "That is your prerogative...."


    These callous words once more infuriated Erika. She was genuinely attempting to build a bridge over the gap that existed between her and the man she was forced to marry, but he did not seem to care in the slightest. And though she could tell that the man had endured a lot more than she could possibly imagine, she was still a woman, and in the end her emotions over ruled her rationality.


    Thus, Erika stood up and dusted the sand off of her body before walking away. It was only after she realized that her husband was not following her that she turned around and asked him to chase after her.


    "Aren''t you going to follow me? I''m quite angry with you! Shouldn''t you be trying harder to earn my favor? Do you have any idea how many men would kill to be in your position?"


    Despite what she was expecting, Erich did not immediately "realize his mistake" and instead sat there with the same stoic expression he had worn ever since being resurrected for a second time, before softly speaking the words on his mind. Unfortunately, Erika did not hear them, and thus she simply harrumphed before storming off back to their mansion. Only Erich had heard what he had said, which was a prime example of his defeated mindset.


    "What would be the point of that?"


    Thus, while Erika had gone back to the mansion and showered, before dining on a nice meal cooked by the vi''s staff. Erich sat alone on the beach as the sun went down, thinking about everything he had lost while drinking away his sorrows.


    It was not until the man had quite literally run out of beer in his cooler that he finally decided to return to the mansion, and when he did Erika was seemingly fast asleep, but this time she had imed the bed for herself.


    Erich entered the shower and cleaned the sand off of his body, before entering the opposite side of the bed, and falling asleep with his back turned to the woman. Not realizing that she was in reality still awake, waiting patiently for his return.


    There was a deeply concerned look in Erika''s electric blue eyes as she thought about once more hugging the man, but ultimately decided against it. Her conflicted emotions would not permit her to do so more than once on this day. Even if it was the best thing for Erich at that moment.

 Chapter 68 Glory To The Empire!

    Lieutenant Hilde Kuhne, better known by her underworld alias of Mirage, stood within the confines of the new Supreme Leader''s office. After having her carotid artery ripped out by Erich''s teeth, and being forced to bleed to death, she had been revived in a cloning facility. After all, the IIS would never be willing to lose such a wonderful talent in the art of espionage.


    However, the woman was not able to properly get her vengeance, simply because Erich''s self sacrifice had made him the Empire''s greatest war hero, to the point where the new administration was kissing his ass. Though she did not enjoy this, she was forced to ept it.


    Yet, Emrys still had concerns about the woman''s hostility towards his newest pawn, and thus, he had summoned the young woman to his office to speak with her about her personal grudges. While Hilde stood at ease in front of the Supreme Leader''s desk, the man''s chair was turned around, so that his back was facing the young agent, while he himself gazed out the window onto the thrivingndscape of Germania. Silence existed between the two for some time, before Emrys finally posed his question, with a bit of a dramatic tone no less.


    "So... Agent Kuhne, after getting to know Commander Jaeger for the better part of two years, what do you think the chances are that he will betray us, now that he has everything he has always wanted?"


    As much as Mirage hated Erich''s guts, she had a proper assessment of the man and his thoughts, and thus she was quick to ask permission from her boss to speak openly about the matter.


    "Permission to speak openly, sir?"


    Though she could not see the slight nod that Emrys had made, Mirage could hear his voice as he uttered a single word in approval.


    "Granted."


    Mirage then eased up from her tense position and sighed heavily before revealing her thoughts towards Erich and where his loyalties lied.


    "You know what Erich''sst words were to me, before he ripped my throat out?"


    Emrys suddenly shifted his chair around, and rested his elbows on the desk, as he ced his fingers together in contemtion before voicing his thoughts on the question he had just heard.


    "Enlighten me..."


    There was an anxious look in Mirage''s sky-blue eyes as she debated whether or not she should actually speak the following words, but under the direct scrutiny of the new Supreme Leader, she feltpelled to, and thus did so.


    "He said to me that this wolf still has teeth... This remark was in response to me telling him that he had nothing left in life, and because of that, he should just willingly obey the orders we gave him. My understanding of these words, were that they were ast act of defiance. That even after we had taken everything from him, he still had his teeth, and because of that, he would still resist.


    From my observation after spending years as his contact within Splinter, as well as bing quite intimate with the man, Erich has two very defining characteristics regarding his personality. He is incredibly defiant in the face of authority, and he has an unbreakable will. You might be able to kick him when he''s down, but when he truly has nothing left to live for, he will fight until hisst breath to take you down with him."


    Emrys carefully took note of every word that Mirage had spoken to him before finally responding to her with a rather bold statement.


    "Indeed, I havee to a simr conclusion. Our mistake was trying to force his hand to begin with. Erich is not a man who responds well to ultimatums, and the moment I gave him one, he took the first opportunity to rebel that was given to him.


    It did not matter to him that Splinter was a criminal syndicate that engaged in countless forms of human suffering. Or that they had no viable n on how to reform the government, assuming they had emerged victorious during their violent rebellion. All that mattered to Erich was that he could vent his hatred towards those who had wronged him.


    Some men would sooner burn the whole world to the ground, then bend the knee to those more powerful than themselves. It is precisely for this reason that I have decided on an alternative approach to dealing with Erich. After all, he has exceptional talents, and I''m not just referring to his abilities as a pilot.


    Do you know what was the actual upation that the Artificial Intelligence which is in charge of assigning everyone their career had initially selected for Erich?"


    Mirage looked at Emrys with a confused expression on her face, before voicing the answer she believed to be true.


    "Obviously, the AI selected the role of abat pilot for him. Why else would he be fulfilling such a task? Unless you are referring to the civilian job he is supposed to perform after his military service is over. In that case, I have no idea¡­."


    However, Emrys shook his head, proving that this was not the correct answer. Which further shocked Mirage. Seeing that there was a deep sense of confusion in the woman''s eyes, Emrys rified the matter with a stunning revtion.


    "He was selected to be the next Supreme Leader of the Empire. But for obvious reasons, the previous administration would never have allowed such a thing to happen. I''m not saying that in his current state Erich is anywhere near capable enough to fulfill that task, but he has the potential to do so, and more effectively than any of the other tens of trillions of citizens who the AI has given out upations to since that damned coward Hans Epp was first selected for the role over a hundred years ago.


    You say that Erich is not content to willingly follow the orders of other men, especially those orders which he personally disagrees with. I agree, because he was never supposed to be a man who follows orders. He was supposed to be the man who gives them. Why the hell do you think I went through all of that trouble to bring him back, after he had used up all of his usefulness to the Empire?"


    After hearing all of this, Mirage felt as if her mind had beenpletely and utterly blown. She was forced to take a seat as she contemted the ramifications of what she had just hearde from the Supreme Leader''s mouth. It was only after several seconds had passed, did the young woman finally respond to her superior''s words.


    "So... You''re grooming him for leadership? To take over as the Supreme Leader after he is capable of doing so? Do you really think the people will ever ept a mutant like him as their leader?"


    Emrys simply smiled as he shook his head before further borating on the thought process that went behind many of his recent decisions.


    "As things currently stand? No, the previous administration has built a society of hate around those whom we call mutants. But, give me fifty years, and I will change their minds. After all, the moment the people find out that their most beloved pop star is in reality a mutant herself. You can bet that perspectives will be changed.


    I was never meant to be an emperor. I''m an Admiral! Leading our nation''s fleets are what I am best at. Governing the people, and overseeing the reconstruction of our great Empire has been particrly vexing for a man like me.


    But, after the disgrace that our previous politicians have shown us, someone has to takemand of this ship, and because of that, I will do my duty to the Empire until a time when a worthy sessor can rece me.


    So, with all of that said, I suppose I should conclude our little meeting by giving you a fair warning. Erich is the man which has been chosen to be our next Supreme Leader. Naturally, you are a very gifted young woman, one who Imperial Intelligence has invested a great bit of resources into bringing back from the dead. It would be a pity if you were to let your petty emotions get the better of you. Because if that were to happen, I''m afraid you would instantly be disposable. Do you understand my intent, mirage?"


    After receiving such a tant threat from the Supreme Leader himself, Mirage was forced to quash whatever resentment she still had for Erich within her heart. Because it was now abundantly clear to her that this new administration considered his development and future to be far more important than her own.


    Thus, the young intelligence agent sighed heavily, and epted her fate. As she responded with a quick salute to the new Supreme Leader, along with her verbal agreement to his words.


    "Yes, sir! Glory to the Empire!"


    Emrys simply smiled and nodded his head before repeating the woman''s words back to her.


    "Glory to the Empire!"

 Chapter 69 Preparing For The Centennial War Games

    Empress Lunaria Asterion sat upon her throne and gazed upon arge holographic disy, which was currently showing the ongoing crisis at the border between her Empire and the Svartalfheim Federation.


    The Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus had done more damage to the Alfheim Dominion than the Empress had initially anticipated. And because of that, her enemies were now biting at the heel, in an attempt to pressure the Alfheim Dominion while it was considered weak. Or at least weaker than normal.


    After offending the Goldentooth Cartel and the Ghimderi Trade Union as a whole, the goblins had shifted from their role as the mediators of Gctic conflict to not so covertly supporting the Svartalfheim Federation with the ongoing dispute at the border.


    If the Alfheim Dominion did not make a show of force soon, and one which was intimidating enough to make their enemies rethink their aggressive actions, then it was only a matter of time before war broke out. And not just some small petty proxy war like how the major gctic powers usually settled their disputes. But a total war with the Svartalfheim Dominion and their sphere of influence.


    Such a conflict would be devastating for the Gxy as a whole, and the only people who would possibly benefit from such a thing would be the Ghimderi Trade Union, and while Lunaria did not want to give those greedy goblin fucks any more power than they already had, it would appear as if the Svartalfheim Federation was more than content with beingpdogs.


    Unfortunately for Lunaria and by extension the Alfheim Dominion as a whole, they had lost their two most powerful subordinates. The Rylonian Imperium had beenpletely destroyed, and what remained of their once proud race was now scattered across Alfheim space, living as mere refugees on more fortunate worlds.


    As for the Germanic Star-Empire, while they had pulled off a miracle by defeating Terminus, it hade at a substantial cost. But the GSE could be rebuilt, and currently Lunaria was in the process of sending trillions of artificial wombs to her most beloved pets, so they could breed an entire new generation to rece those numbers which they would eventually lose in the uing gctic conflicts.


    This was beyond generous on Lunaria''s part, but it was not entirely unreasonable. After all, the first wars that would be fought between the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim federation were undoubtedly going to be proxy wars, and if she did not have the Germanic people acting as the spearhead in these proxy wars, then it was entirely likely that her other pets would be overwhelmed by the minions of the Svartalfheim Federation.


    Few interster civilizations were as battle hardened as the Germanic Star-Empire, and thus their expertise in warfare was a much desired aspect. While Lunaria was gazing upon the ongoing border crisis, and the exchange of fire between the two fleets. She could not help but sigh, thinking about her beloved pets who had been so thoroughly wounded.


    It was at this moment that her youngest daughter, Celestia Asterion, entered the throne room. The young Elven beauty bowed respectfully before her royal mother, before voicing the reason behind her visit.


    "Royal Mother, it would be my honor if you allowed me to lead the uing centennial war games between our great military and those of our proxies!"


    Lunaria took one look upon the woman who was considered exceptionally young by light Elven standards and was just about to dismiss her request entirely when she thought of something interesting. An excited smile formed on the Empress''s face as she sat upright within her chair, and gave amand to her youngest daughter, one which the girl was not expecting.


    "I think that is a wonderful idea. It will be a valuable opportunity for you to disy the abilities of the Alfheim Navy to those backwater plebeians, and will also give you a proper learning experience about our subordinate''s military capabilities!


    However, we will be hosting the Centennial War Gamester than we had initially expected. So you will have to wait a few years before such a day arrives."


    Thisment caught Celestia by surprise. After all, the Alfheim Dominion held their warrgest set of war games once every one hundred years, precisely. They had never postponed them throughout the extensive history which the Alfheim Dominion had as an interster civilization. Because of this, Celestia was quick to speak out about this sudden break from tradition.


    "I don''t understand, Royal Mother. We have always held the Centennial Wargames precisely one hundred years after the previous ones. Why are we postponing them now, when we have never done so in our entire history?"


    Lunaria clicked her tongue in disappointment at her daughter for her inability to grasp the wider picture. She then sighed before exining in detail why this event was different from all of those in the past.


    "Because, my dear, sweet, beloved daughter. We have recently had arge section of our space ravaged by those damned bugs. Those who have been affected, and have survived, need time to rebuild their civilizations, and by extension, their military forces. If we were to host the centennial war games this year, then not only would they be theughingstock of our quadrant, but our quadrant would be theughingstock of the gxy."


    It was at this moment, Celestia finally understood her mother''s true intentions, she wanted the Germanic Star-Empire at their peak military strength in order to show off to the gxy that the power of the Alfheim Dominion had not diminished in the slightest, that the war hounds of the light elves were every bit as fierce as they were prior to their catastrophe.


    But this just caused further questions to flood Celestia''s brain, which she was quick to inquire about.


    "But mother it could take decades before the Germanic Military is at a point where it can intimidate our foes. By then, the enemy will have already pressed our borders, or perhaps even dered war! We must make a show of force now while we still can!"


    Despite the fact that Celestia''s word''s made perfect sense, they did not ount for the level of support that the Alfheim Dominion was currently providing for its most favored proxies, and thus, the Empress'' next words came as a shock to her noble daughter.


    "That won''t be a problem. Within five years, the Germanic Star-Empire''s military capabilities will be on par with how they were prior to the war with Terminus. In fact, I daresay they will be more advanced than ever before.


    After all, I have decided to give them a little treat, and fix many of the technological problems which my engineers saw within the data they sent us regarding the manufacture of their military equipment.


    For a nation that has only had a few centuries to develop, it is quite astonishing the level of technology they currently possess. But unfortunately, their rapid development came with some downsides. Certain things were overlooked in favor of expediency, and because of this, I have decided to fix these problems..."


    Celestia was utterly dumbfounded by her mother''s generosity to the Germanic Star-Empire. After all, if rumors got out that the Alfheim Dominion was showing such an absurd degree of favoritism towards one particr subordinate state, then it could cause any number of protests to arise amongst their other subjects.


    This was something that Celestia could not keep to herself, and thus she was quick to scold her mother for her carelessness.


    "Mother! Please don''t tell me we are manufacturing all the Germanic Star-Empire''s military equipment for them, in addition to terraforming their devoured worlds! We have never shown an alien race such favoritism before, and if the others were to find out, they would be outraged!"


    Despite this reasonable warning, Lunaria simply scoffed, and crossed her arms, with a rather contemptuous look on her otherwise gorgeous face, as she boldly stated her favoritism towards the Germanic Star-Empire.


    "Pfft! If those damn plebs want toin, I will simply shove the facts in their faces! The GSE has been our vassal for less than five hundred years, and during this time, they have won more wars on our behalf than most of our other subordinates. Perhaps if the Rylonians hadn''t lost so many wars, I would have been just as generous with their attempts to rebuild their civilization from the ashes as I am towards the Germans!


    Besides, what we need right now is military strength, and none of our other vassals have the ability topete in a higher weight ss, at least not like the Germanic Star-Empire does. It still baffles my mind that they were able to defeat a Naraku Hive Fleet with limited outside support, and had only managed to lose half of their worlds. Clearly, the goddess had blessed them in more ways than I can possibly imagine!"


    Celestia did not bother arguing with her mother anymore about this topic, because she knew there was no way she would win against such a stubborn woman. Instead, she bowed her head with respect before deferring to her mother''s decision.


    "I understand. I will patiently await the day when the Centennial War Games arrive. In the meantime, I will make the necessary preparations so that things run smoothly. I thank you for granting me an audience, your Majesty!"


    After saying this, Celestia fled from her mother''s throne room, while Lunaria gazed back upon the ongoing border skirmishes with an impatient look on her face. She did not realize it, but she had murmured her true thoughts aloud as she did so.


    "Don''t make me wait too long..."

 Chapter 70 The Black Sun Rises

    Erich and Erika continued to live each day of their lives while barely making contact with one another. There were a multitude of reasons for this behavior, but chief of which was the fact that Erika was quite perturbed that she had been forced to retire from her career so early in order to y the role of a dutiful wife for her new husband. While Erich simply could not get over the fact that this woman had once cost him his rtionship with his mother.


    The couple was married in name only, for they had neither consummated their marriage, nor held any significant feelings for one another, except for perhaps animosity. Thus, Erich''s peaceful life away from the military went by in a sh of an eye as he lived out his days in a cold and loveless marriage.


    Before Erich knew it, two years had passed. During this time, he had mostly lived in his beachside mansion in the tropical world of Teutonia. The peaceful environment did wonders for his grieving heart and his shell-shocked mind. And after a while, he had managed to gain control over both of these things, at least to the point where, when called upon, he would be able to perform hisbat duties once more.


    Erika spent almost all of her time drinking wine and watching the news. Life had moved on without her, and the pop group she once was once the front woman of had reced her with a newer, younger star. And before long, the Empire had seemed to have forgotten about her altogether. This only created further resentment within the pink-haired beauty''s mind, especially towards her husband, who she med for all of this.


    And while Erich and Erika were barely interacting with one another, and instead pursuing their own interests while living in the same house. The Empire had undergone a massive reconstruction effort. With the aid of the Alfheim dominion, those fifty worlds which once housed Germanic life were slowly but surely restored to a habitable state.


    Though it would still be many years before the Alfheim Dominion could do the same for the Dvrakian Worlds, which were now little more than barren rocks, this was not an immediate major concern for the Empire. Who had, over the past two years, bred trillions of new citizens artificially through the technology that the Light Elves had gifted them. It would take another eighteen years or so for these tank born offspring to reach adulthood, but when that happened, the Empire would have regained much of its devastated workforce.


    To repay the Alfheim Dominion for their generosity, the Empire had announced a new conscription effort, to force trillions of young men into the armed forces to serve on behalf of their Light Elven masters, who continued to squabble with their Dark cousins over their disputed borders.


    It thus came as no surprise when Erich finally received the call from the Navy to return to service within the newly reconstructed 13th Fleet of the First Armada. With a heavy sigh, he adorned his dress uniform, which he had not worn in years, and left his home with a bitter smile on his handsome face.


    Erich did not even bother saying goodbye to Erika. Instead, he left a note on the kitchen table for her to read. After getting in his personal starship and flying to the Industrial world of Quadi, where the First Armada lied in its full glory, Erich finally returned to active service.


    Perhaps the most surprising thing that Erich faced when entering the starship was the thunderous apuse of all of his newrades. There were few recognizable faces among the crew of the Carrier, but they all knew who Erich was, and were quick to sing their praises for the man who was considered the Germanic Star-Empire''s most decorated war hero.


    "There he is!"


    "Way to go Commander!"


    "You are my hero, sir!"


    Erich was not ustomed to such praise, but for some reason, the memories which had haunted him for thest two years did not immediately surface, instead the calming sound of the ocean''s waves filled his mind.


    Thus, Erich was able to wear a smile for perhaps the first time in two whole years as he saluted the crew of the Carrier which he served upon, before shouting the mostmon battle cry that the Empire''s warriors chanted while charging into battle.


    "Hail victory!"


    The blonde and red-haired men of the Germanic Navy responded to the Commander''s salute with one of their own, before chanting his words back to him.


    "Hail victory!"


    After which, there was a loud slow p which wasing from a middle-aged man who Erich recognized to be an Admiral by the uniform he wore. Once this man had garnered the attention of those crew members who were gathered in the hangar of the ship, he spoke in a rather prideful voice as he weed Erich aboard his ship.


    "Commander.¡­ Let me be the first to congratte your return to active service. I now I speak for many of us here, when I say that your presence aboard this carrier has done wonders for our morale. It is truly the honor of every man present, including myself, to have you among our ranks.


    I am sure you will be happy to know that during your absence, this ship has received many upgrades. Ones that I hope you will find enhances your tenure aboard the fleet. With that said, I look forward to serving with you, Commander Jaeger, and I hope to see the ck Sun back in action before long. After all, the Centennial War Games are just around the corner. And the Empire will need its best pilots front and center if we wish to intimidate the enemy!"


    Erich simply smiled and nodded towards the Admiral, who did the same before leaving the Hangar without saying another word. It was only then that Erich was introduced to his pilots. Unlike before the war with Terminus, every man who stood at attention within the hangar was dressed in the signature ck flight suit of the ck Sun. Just when Erich was about to inquire about why this was the case, a young officer stepped forward and exined the details.


    "Sir, I was informed to tell you that the ck Sun Squadron has now been expanded from a single elite fighter squadron to the size of an entire Carrier Air Group. As the new CAG, it is your responsibility to lead us all. So, what are your orders?"


    Erich took once nce around the entire flight deck of the carrier and smiled as he reflected on his military carrer up until this point. It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had entered the Navy as little more than a fighter pilot. Yet in just a few years he hade a long way, and was now the CAG or the Commander of the Air Group, which meant he now reported directly to the Admiral in themand of the ship.


    Erich was beginning to think that Emrys'' promises weren''t so full of shit after all. Thus, he sighed heavily before giving his first orders as the new CAG of the ck Sun.


    "Be prepared to take off immediately. I want to see what you young blood are capable of!"


    After saying this, the hundreds of pilots saluted theirmander and responded in the affirmative.


    "Yes, sir!"


    Erich would then spend the rest of the day running flight drills and simted operations with his new Air Group. Anyone who was short of his standards would be forced to undergo extensive training to make up for theirck of skill. And before long, the ck Sun would rise from the ashes of its destruction, to be the spearhead of this newly reformed Imperial Navy.


    ---


    Erika awoke not long after Erich had left their home. At first, she thought the man was just out on another one of his walks. If there was one thing she had learned after being married to Erich for the past two years, it was that he needed his space.


    And because of this, Erika wouldmonly watch from the balcony of their mansion as Erich took long walks alone on the beach at night. Almost as if she were a sailor man''s wife waiting for him toe home to her safe and sound.


    However, after several hours had passed, she realized that Erich was truly not present, causing her to freak out just the tiniest amount. She quickly approached one of the staff members whose job was to maintain therge mansion and inquired about her husband''s whereabouts.


    "Excuse me, but have you seen Erichtely?"


    There was a slight look of confusion on the maid''s face. After all, her job was to look after Erich and Erika, and because of this, she knew the sad reality of the couple''s failing marriage. But to think that Erich would not even inform his wife that he was leaving her behind that was truly a sad state of affairs. Thus, she feltpelled to tell Erika that her husband had left her a note.


    "Ummm.... I believe master Erich has left you a note on the kitchen table, though I don''t know if it is still there. Hold on, let me check."


    After saying this, the maid rushed about the mansion in search of Erich''s note, until finally she came scurrying back to Erika, where she handed the parchment over to the woman. Erika took one look at the few words that were written on the paper before tossing it aside. As the paper fell to the floor, it revealed the contents contained within, which was nothing short of callous.


    "I have been called back into service. Don''t bother contacting me. -Commander Erich Jaeger"


    Erika wept silently as she made her way back to her bedroom, the one which she had shared with Erich for thest two years. She theny down on the bed while muttering a single phrase which escaped from her pristine lips, before she passed out from emotional exhaustion.


    "Erich, you dummy...."

 Chapter 71 Remembering The Fallen

    After being acquainted with his new position as the CAG on board his carrier, Erich soon found that his days within the Fleet were much easier than before. Now that he held a high-ranking position, he had a lot more liberty in how he operated.


    But the horrors of war had never truly left Erich''s mind. And though he hade a long way over the past two years, from the broken state he was left in directly after the War with Terminus, he was still afflicted by shell-shock, a condition that he might suffer from for the rest of his life.


    Thus, every night Erich would sit down in the mess hall on board the carrier and drink his sorrows away. After all, in order to help the Germanic people cope with the losses they had suffered during the Terminus War, the newly reformed government had lifted the alcohol consumption limit, and because of this booze flowed across the Empire''s borders as its most prizedmodity.


    But many of these young recruits were fresh out of the academy. They had never served in war before, and were growing quite impatient with the current peaceful atmosphere. They did not understand what war entailed, for how could they if they had never experienced its horrors?


    As for the 25% of men who were actuallybat veterans, they were left in a state much like Erich. The Terminus war had taken a toll on them. And for those who served in the Dvrakian War just prior to the Naraku invasion of Germanic space, they might never fully recover from that which they had endured.


    After all, that war was unlike any other the GSE had ever fought. Simply because the soldiers of the Imperial Military were pushed past their breaking points in order to achieve an overwhelming victory in the shorted time frame possible.


    For Those who had fought and survived in both wars they were likely suffering from some form of PTSD, or were at the very least haunted by what they had endured. Because of this, the mess hall was filled with two distinctive groups. Fresh eyed boys straight out of the academy, or basic training who wanted a piece of action. And grizzled old veterans who had seen far too much of war for their own good. There was no in-between.


    These two groups barely interacted with one another. Thus, Erich was sitting with a bunch of the other veterans on board the ship, all of which had their heads hanging low in silence as they drank away their troubles.


    Of course, drinking seemed to have the opposite effect on Erich''s mind, for one simple reason. He had been given a rather prestigious award on top of being granted the order of the ck Sun and the rank ofmander. In order to keep the military traditions alive, the Admiral in charge of the 13th Fleet had granted Erich a rather prestigious beer stein. One which was awarded to the Air Group''s top fighter ace.


    As a man who had earned this coveted item while serving along his previousrades, this cup served only to remind Erich of what he had lost. Something which ate away at his soul, as he gazed upon a reward that had once filled him with joy.


    Thus, this ck and silver beer stein, which had arge silver ck sun embedded in its center, along with the words "ck Sun Top Gun" which were engraved in a silver que, served more like a source of misery to the veteran pilot, rather than a source of joy.


    While Erich was drinking a particrly strong doppelbock beer, the doors to the mess hall opened to reveal the Admiral and his personal bodyguard. Immediately, everyone jumped to attention upon seeing the admiral enter the mess hall. Who began to speak in an authoritative tone as he addressed the overwhelming majority of the ship''s crew who were currently gathered in this location.


    "The Great Oni Empire has dered war on one of their rivals and has called upon the Germanic Star-Empire for military aid. As of this moment, the 13th Fleet shall be mobilizing for war against the Lutharian Ascendancy.


    The enemy is a regional power, with 2,500 star systems under their control, and level of military technology on par with our Oni Allies. The Supreme Leader has decided in his infinite wisdom to dispatch a single fleet, to show the Gxy that the Empire had not been broken, despite the hardships it has endured over these past few years.


    Thus, I expect each and every one of you to give your best performance in this uing conflict. Glory to the Empire, and hail victory!"


    The overwhelming majority of soldiers sitting within the mess hall immediately threw up their arms in salute as they repeated the admiral''s words back to them.


    "Hail victory!"


    With this said, that Admiral smiled at the young recruits and their excitement at the prospect of war. While also staring at the grizzled veterans and the look of pure depression that formed on their faces when they realized they were being sent out to fight again.


    The Admiral then left the room as quickly as he hade, leaving the new recruits to celebrate. A particrly brash young pilot raised his ss into the air and made a toast, not knowing that his words would greatly offend those men who had previously seen conflict.


    "To victory! May it be as sweet as I hope it is!"


    The young recruits all lifted their sses into the air and began to chant the words "to victory" over and over again. To the point where some of the veterans got up from their own cliques and walked out of the room, no longer wanting to witness what to them was a cringe disy of naivety.


    As for Erich, he simply could not stand it any longer, especially since the most excited among the new recruits were the pilots of his wing. He then grabbed hold of his "prized" beer stein and lifted it into the air with a rather grim expression on his face. He did this while listing off the callsigns of those pilots of the ck Sun who had perished in the Terminus war.


    "To Wolfsangel, Totenkopf, Odin, Berlin, Hurricane, Thor, Crash...."


    The list continued for quite some time. As Erich spoke, the enthusiasm among the new recruits faded until the room was filled with sadness..


    And while Erich was the only pilot who had survived the Terminus war within his Air Group, the other veterans from the Navy finally stood up and lifted their mugs in solidarity with Erich''s words, each adding the names of their ownrades who had for one reason or another died, and were never brought back.


    The new recruits'' expressions changed from eagerness for war to realizing thatbat was not as glorious as expected. In the end, they all lowered their heads, and realized how foolish they had been, as well as how much they had offended their predecessors. Or at least those who still drew breath.


    After all the veterans had finished saying the names of their fallenrades, Erich added a few more. Though with each name, he struggled to speak it.


    "To Fredrik¡­ Dolph¡­ Karl¡­ Butcher¡­ and .... S''aleth."


    Thatst one in particr, Erich, had choked on his own words, finding it incredibly difficult to speak the name. For those Veterans who had previously served upon this carrier, they all knew about the spunky young Dvrakian girl who seemed to be incredibly close with Erich prior to her death.


    They all shook their heads in pity, realizing that such a lovely young girl had lost her life in the Terminus conflict along with the overwhelming majority of her race. The survivors of which were spread across Alfheim space as refugees, no better off than the Rylonians.


    It was only after Erich has some time to swallow the pain in his heart at the very mention of S''aleth, did he finally take a swig from his beer stein, drinking its entire contents in one go before cing it on the table, and leaving the room inplete and total silence.


    The other veterans immediately followed his actions. Who all left the new recruits behind in a state of depression. As they all sat back down at their seats and continued to drink. But they were no longer excited about the prospect of war, instead they took some time to reflect on how they ended up in the Navy to begin with.

 Chapter 72 Left Behind

    Princess Kondo Ayumi sat at the edge of her room while gazing out the window, up into the stars above. There was a look of utter depression on the young Oni beauty''s face, as she avoiding looking directly at the man who stood behind her while wearing a military uniform.


    Like the young princess, this man had white skin with indigo hair and deep amber eyes. There was a hint of sadness in his voice as he said goodbye to his most beloved little sister. Knowing that there was entirely a possibility that he would never return to her alive.


    "Ayumi, I am sorry that I won''t be able to fulfill my promise to you, but as the Crown Prince of the Empire, it is my responsibility to lead our men to war. You know what rank I hold in the Navy, and what responsibilitiese with it! Please forgive me¡­."


    Ayumi did not say a word as her precious big brother walked out on her, instead tears fell from her pretty amber eyes, as she gazed up into space, wondering what was so damn important that her beloved brother now had to march to war against their neighbors.


    It was not long after the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire left the Princess''s room that the doors opened again. This time to reveal the rather petite of the girl''s great aunt. Kondo Yumi had a bottle of sake in her hand, and two cups, as she entered the room of her beloved great niece without invitation.


    She then took one look at the crying young beauty, and scoffed before voicing her disbelief at the girl''s unique features, something which she shared with her brother.


    "It is hard to believe that the two of you inherited that ancient bloodline, especially since it hasn''t been seen amongst our family in over ten thousand years. Every time I look at the two of you, I simply can''t believe my eyes. Still, it would be a damn pity if that boy were to perish in this foolish war of expansion. You look like you could use a proper drink, am I right?"


    Ayumi finally turned around from the window and gazed upon her great aunt while wiping the tears from her eyes. Despite being well over two hundred years old, Yumi looked almost as young as herself. The woman had a rather slender and petite build. She also had short ck hair and dark eyes, all of which weremon among their species. However, this was not something that Ayumi shared with her aunt.


    In fact, the young princess was almost the exact opposite. She was quite voluptuous, despite her short height, with a perfect hourss figure and curves in all the right ces. Unlike the majority of her species, Ayumi had indigo hair, and deep amber eyes. Which was a sign of the ancient blood line which she and her brother had inherited against all odds.


    The two women were dressed in a kimono of two very different colors. While Ayumi was dressed in an indigo kimono with an amber floral design, Yumi was dressed in a pink kimono with a red koi pattern.


    Upon noticing that her great aunt had brought her some sake to dull the pain, Ayumi immediately grabbed hold of the ss, and waited for her aunt to pour the precious alcoholic beverage, where she then swallowed the drink whole, before breaking out into tears once more.


    "Oh, Aunt Yumi! Why must father send him to war! And in such a dangerous role, no less! Doesn''t he realize that starfighter pilots have the highest casualty rates?"


    Yumi stroked her great niece''s indigo hair with aforting smile on her pretty face. She was thinking about one man in particr and the term he had used to refer to his role in the military, which was identical to that of her great nephew. Thus, without even thinking about it, she spoke the words aloud.


    "Coffin Jockeys...."


    This rather grim term immediately alerted Ayumi, who gazed up at her great aunt with a frightened expression on her face.


    "What did you say?"


    This forced Yumi to exin the situation in a delicate manner. After all, the Great Oni Emperor might know of her fetish for Germanic men, but that did not mean that she would tell her precious great niece about such a taboo kink. Thus, she came up with the first excuse she could think of off the top of her head.


    "Oh... That is what the citizens of the Germanic Star-Empire refer to their starfighter pilots as. I was just thinking about how fitting the term actually is towards the role... But you don''t need to worry. Your brother may be the new CAG of his unit, but he is in a reserve fleet. The likelihood of him being deployed to the front lines is almost improbable.


    Besides, the Germanic Star-Empire is sending their 13th Fleet to aid us in this war, and you may not know much about our allies, but they are fierce warriors who even managed to defeat the Naraku! With them by our side, we have nothing to worry about."


    Ayumi heard her great aunt boasting about their ally''s military capabilities and quickly asked about them. After all, the story she knew was entirely different from what Yumi spoke of.


    "What do you mean? I thought the GSE was on the brink of annihtion, and was only saved because we showed up to help them in their hour of need?"


    When Yumi heard this, she scoffed, before lecturing her great niece about so easily believing her father''s propaganda.


    "Ayumi, your father is many things, but an honest man is not one of them. You really shouldn''t believe his propaganda so wholeheartedly. The truth of the matter is that by the time our fleets arrived, the Germanic Navy was already prepared to make theirst stand.


    And without the sacrifice of one particrly brave young man, who happened to be a Germanic pilot, the battle would have been lost. If that were to have happened, then we would be having a far more grim discussion about your brother''s odds of survival right now.


    The reality of the situation is that our forces provided the bare minimum amount of aid to the Germanic Navy during that battle, and it was actually the Germanic Starfighter Corps, who boldly sacrificed their lives to pave a path forward to the Naraku Kingship which resulted in the victory.


    Although they thanked us for our support, the Germanic Star-Empire could have won without our aid. They are merely providing our Empire with some face by iming we yed a pivotal role in the battle. Because the fact of the matter is, we did very little...."


    Ayumi could hardly believe her great aunt''s words. After all, it was so contrary to what the Great Oni Empire had proimed to their citizens after the battle with the Naraku Hive Fleet was over. But, she knew that Yumi would never lie to her, and thus she asked one simple question.


    "Is that true?"


    Yumi simply smiled and nodded her head with pride as she confirmed that her words were without a doubt the honest truth.


    "Of course! Your father has made me the ambassador to the Germanic Star-Empire, who is our greatest ally. I know better than anyone about the details of that battle, except for perhaps the soldiers who fought in it. All of which are under a strict gag order not to reveal the truth of what happened at Suebi.


    Our military might be capable as a Regional Power, but a single Naraku Hivefleet is a challenge for even a Gctic Power, the only Regional power that I am aware of which is even remotely capable of defending its borders from such a powerful force, would be the Germanic Star-Empire.


    You should have seen how the Germanic military ground the Naraku swarm to a standstill, and had even begun to win a war of attrition against the bugs! I mean, for fuck''s sake Ayumi, theirst stand was the most viral thing on the Gctic Network! Surely you saw it?"


    A look of embarassment formed on Ayumi''s face as she admitted she had not seen the heroicst stand of the Germanic Star-Empire, and why this was the case.


    "Father doesn''t allow me to ess the Gctic Network, he says it is a poor influence on a developing mind...."


    Yumi took one look at her great niece and eyed her up and down before stating what was the obvious.


    "Developing mind? Ayumi you''re eighteen! Do I need to remind you that you are already an adult by most standards across the gxy? Including our own! That idiot nephew of mine! I need to go teach him a lesson if he is still restricting you from essing such a critical source of information!"


    After saying this, Yumi left her great niece behind with a bottle of sake, and went to go confront of her nephew who was the current Emperor of the Great Oni Empire. As for Ayumi, she once more looked out at the stars, and sighed, while saying a silent prayer to her people''s gods.


    "Onii-chan, please be alright!"

 Chapter 73 Rendezvous With The Oni Fleet

    Erich was sleeping in his bunk when the Thirteenth Fleet of the Germanic Navy jumped out of quantum and entered Oni space. It had been many decades since the Great Oni Empire had called upon their allies for support in a war. But then again, the Onirgely minded their own business in gctic affairs, and seldom found trouble with their neighbors after they had expanded to a decent enough size.


    However, after the Germanic Star-Empire''s victory against the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus, which appeared to have garnered the attention of the entire gxy. As well as their aggressive expansion into what had once been Dvrakian Space, the Great Oni Emperor had changed his mind.


    Perhaps it was the desperate attempt of a man going through an early life crisis. But the Great Oni Empire had recently begun to revitalize the legendary warrior spirit of the Oni race. Something which had lied dormant for the past millennium. Thus, he had manufactured a cause for war with his western neighbor.


    Of course, wars were not always as easy to win as one might initially perceive, and the fighting had begun to reach a stalemate between the two rtively equal regional powers. Thus, in order to break this war of attrition, the Great Oni Emperor had begrudgingly asked for Germanic assistance. Something which the supreme leader was all but too eager to ept.


    Thus, Erich now found himself waking up from his slumber and getting dressed in his dress uniform. Because the Thirteenth Fleet was now Rendezvousing with the 27th Reserve Fleet of the Great Oni Navy. And as the CAG of the Fleet''s Primary carrier, it was his responsibility to greet the allied admirals when they arrived at the bridge.


    After getting dress in his uniform, Erich marched to the bridge, where the Admiral and executive officer were currently waiting for him. He quickly stood at attention for some time while waiting until finally the doors to the bridge opened to reveal the Oni Admiral, Executive Officer, and CAG. As well as a group of marines who were tasked with their protection.


    Unlike Germanic Star Marines who stood at 213 centimeters, or seven feet on average, and were d from head to toe in power armor. The Oni marines were much smaller and appeared to be dressed in far more primitivebat gear.


    As for the officers, their dress uniforms could be described as loosely based upon those worn by Imperial Japan during the Second World War of Earth''s history. Meanwhile, those worn by the Germanic officers resembled the dress uniforms of the Wehrmacht and Bundeswehr.


    The Oni admiral quickly introduced himself, and the two officers by his side, as he saluted the Germanic Admiral in what was a more traditional gesture.


    "I am Admiral Ogami Nobuhisa, and this is my executive officer Commander Goto Akinori, along with the CAG of my Air Group, Commander Kondo Ryu. It is a pleasure to meet you all."


    Erich gazed upon the men who had just introduced themselves. The Admiral and captain both appeared to be middle-aged, if not outright elderly. Which meant that they were likely well over five hundred years old, if not older than a millennium.


    But the man who caught Erich''s interest the most was the young man named Kondo Ryu, who stood by their side. Naturally Erich recognized the surname as being identical to Yumi''s and thus, before his Admiral could make some proper introductions, Erich spoke out of turn, and question the indigo hairedd about his rtionship with the woman who had taken his virginity so many years ago.


    "Your name is Kondo Ryu? Apologies if this seems sudden, but do you perhaps know a woman named Kondo Yumi?"


    It shocked Ryu that Erich knew his great aunt''s name. A sentiment which the Oni Admiral and captain also shared. And in the next moment, the young prince responded to Erich''s question as if it were an insult.


    "How the hell does a filthymoner like you know my great aunt?"


    This information baffled Erich. Until now, he had not been aware of Yumi''s true identity. Sure, he knew she was an ambassador to the Empire, and thus held a rather important position in Oni society. But he never would have dreamed that he had slept with a member of the Oni royal family. Thus, he could only stammer in shock as he repeated the words back to the Oni Prince.


    "Your great aunt?"


    There was a clear look of fury on the young Prince''s face, as he could easily have guessed how Erich and Yumi "knew" each other. After all, his father had exined his great aunt''s particr fetish to him during an awkward drunken conversation. And thus, Ryu felt it was his royal duty to purge this obscene man who had dared to defile his bloodline.


    Thus, the Oni prince quickly withdrew his pistol from its holster and pointed it directly at Erich''s forehead. Much to the shock of everyone on the bridge, as he repeated his question with a stern tone in his voice.


    "I''ll ask you one more time! How do you know my great aunt!?!"


    The Star Marines readied their sma rifles the moment after the Oni officers had dared to act hostile on the ship. All while shouting theirmands at the Oni Prince.


    "Drop your weapons! Now!"


    The situation had be incredibly chaotic, to the point that shouting had drowned out all sound. And yet, Ryu heard Erich''s words so clearly, even if his lips did not move as he spoke them.


    "How do I know your great aunt? Well, she did take my virginity...."


    A sh of rage appeared on Ryu''s face as he pulled the trigger of his pistol. Unfortunately for him, it jammed in that very moment. Causing him and the Oni officers to get sted with energy bolts, which dropped them to the floor.


    Though the Star Marines had switched their weapons to stun mode, the very act of incapacitating the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire was enough to cause severe diplomatic issues between the two nations.


    Especially after the Star Marines apprehended the Oni Officers, and Marines before escorting them to the bridge. The Germanic Admiral gazed at Erich in awe. Naturally he he had not heard what the man had said that had triggered such a violent response from the Oni Prince, and was instead wondering how the hell the situation had devolved so quickly.


    "What the fuck was that? Do the two of you have history? You should have alerted me beforehand!"


    Erich simply shook his head and pretended as if he was just as astonished as the Admiral.


    "I have never met the man before in my Life! You heard me! I simply asked if he knew someone with a simr name, and all of a sudden he got offended. I have no fucking clue why he responded so violently!"


    The Admiral was clearly having a meltdown, while the executive officer of the carrier began to run damage control. The only words that escaped the Admiral''s mouth were incoherent cursing.


    "God fucking shit! Mother fucking whore of a bitch! Cunt fucker! We are in so much trouble now!"


    Erich, however, had a proper understanding of the situation they were in, and was quick to give his input on the matter.


    "The prince is alive, and detained. All we have to do is release the camera feed of what he had done, and the Great Oni Empire will have to apologize. We will then send him on his way back to his ship. No harm has been done."


    Perhaps Erich''s voice was one of the reason in a world gone mad, but it had suddenly calmed the Admiral''s anxious mind. As he thought about the man''s words for several moments, before confirming that this was indeed the proper course of action. He immediately contacted Imperial High Command, and sent them the relevant information, who would contact the Great Oni Emperor on their behalf, and inform the man of their situation.


    ---


    When Supreme Leader ric au Emrys received word of what had happened and watched the video, he could pretty much put two and two together. Erich had spoken out of turn and asked a seemingly innocent question.


    One that was perfectly normal for casual conversation, while the Crown Prince over reacted. The reason for being? Because Erich had obviously fucked Yumi, which was a matter of disgrace for the Kondo Dynasty. Being the rather death defying little shit that he was, Erich openly admitted this, perhaps as a means of spiting the man who held a gun to his head, and thus, causing this whole situation to go down.


    Of course, the audio did not reveal what Erich had said. Despite this Emrys was naturally aware of the man''s abilities, and could easily tell that he had taunted the prince with his telepathy. Still Emrys believed he was safe to use this as a means to extort the Great Oni Empire. Thus, this incident had actually ended up in the favor of the Germanic Star-Empire.

 Chapter 74 Taunting Your Prisoners

    The Great Oni Emperor sat within the confines of his office, with his beloved aunt sitting in front of him. The two of them stared at a video which had been sent to them by the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire. And while the Great Oni Emperor had a stern look on his face, Yumi wore an expression of astonishment as she unknowingly let her thoughts escape from her lips.


    "They told me he was dead... That he sacrificed himself for the Empire at the battle of Suebi... How is he still alive?"


    The Great Oni Emperor was not pleased with the current diplomatic crisis that existed between himself and his greatest military ally. Currently, his eldest son was being held prisoner by the Germanic Navy, an act ofplete and utter humiliation to the Kondo Dynasty and the Great Oni Empire as a whole.


    And all because his beloved aunt could not control herself when around Germanic men. Thus, there was a livid tone in the man''s voice when he finally spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "This boy, is he one of yours?"


    Despite the fact that the most powerful man in the Great Oni Empire was utterly furious with her, Yumi did not respond with timidity, instead she simply drank from her bottle of sake with a sultry smile on her pretty face. After doing so, she shook her head before revealing the extent of her rtionship with Erich.


    "No, not really. He and I only spent one night together. But what a night it was... Oh, don''t look at me like that. He is a mutant, and the Empire was going to send him out to die without ever giving him an opportunity to be a man. I couldn''t let such a pitiful little thing go out like that! Apparently, Ryu knows about my little secret. I wonder who could have possibly told him?"


    The Great Oni Emperor did not say a word. Like Yumi, he had short dark hair, matching eyes, and long horns. And he was also an incredibly attractive specimen of the Oni Race. Yet, the look on his face was one of guilt, as if he was obviously trying to flee from the responsibility of this whole debacle.


    Yumi did not seem too terribly angry, as she responded with a heavy sigh before revealing her thoughts.


    "It appears that your son takes such matters far more serious than either of us. Because he did something incredibly foolish. Even if the audio has been scrubbed, there''s no way we can prove it. And thus, we are now in an incredibly difficult position. The Crown Prince of the Empire pulled a gun on a Germanic Officer, and a war hero no less, with the intent to kill, and he did so while entirely unprovoked.


    Our allies won''t let us off easy for this one.... Dammit, it is going to take a lot of work to smooth this over with the new Supreme Leader."


    The Great Oni Emperor rolled his eyes at his aunt when he heard these words, which caused her to smack him atop his head, before scolding him for having a dirty mind.


    "I didn''t mean like that! No, Emrys is one of the few men in the Empire whose pants I can''t charm off. But, he does appear to be quite fond of little Erich.... I mean, the man has barely served five years in the Navy, and is already a CAG? No doubt this has to do with his feats at Suebi. Perhaps if I were to speak with the youngmander directly, I could coerce him into taking our side on this one...."


    The Great Oni Emperor merely scoffed at his beloved aunt''s remarks before expressing her true intentions aloud.


    "You just want to sleep with the kid again! Admit it!"


    Yumi immediately feigned offense to this remark, but she could not honestly look her nephew in the eye as she did so. Thus, she averted her gaze as she defended herself.


    "That''s not entirely true! I just think that this is our best chance of burying this whole debacle before it turns into a diplomatic crisis! Besides, I highly doubt Emrys would ever let me do anything with the boy now that he is on the fast track for a political career."


    As much as the Great Oni Empire hated to admit it, his aunt''s words made sense, and thus he sighed heavily in defeat before once more allowing the woman to do whatever she damn well pleased.


    "Alright fine, but I swear to the Gods, if Ie to find out that you simply used this diplomatic crisis to satisfy your urges, I swear there will be severe consequences this time around!"


    Yumi did not believe this threat for a single second, instead she hugged her nephew tightly to her bosom, as she kissed his forehead, before running off from the room, but not before leaving onest remark.


    "Thanks, Kenji-tan, you''re the best!"


    Once Yumi was gone, the man''s expression turned grim, as he made a solemn vow to protect his beloved daughter from her great aunt''s perverted ways.


    "No matter what the cost, I must protect Ayumi from that woman..."


    ---


    While Yumi was being dispatched to the Thirteenth Fleet to settle this diplomatic dispute before it turned into something muchrger, Erich stood outside the brig, as he watched the stunned prisoners slowly regain consciousness.


    The moment the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire did so, he lunged forward in an attempt to harm the man who had defiled his bloodline, but was stopped by an energy barrier which targeted the man''s nerves, and flooded his body with intense pain.


    As Ryu howled in agony, Erich clicked his tongue before warning the man not to attempt something like that again.


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Yeah, I wouldn''t do that if I were you. That energy barrier is designed to cause immense pain to prisoners who attempt to escape, but without actually damaging the body. There is no way you are going to get that thing to short circuit. The amount of power our antimatter reactors generate is more than enough to sustain a small city, let alone a carrier like this."


    Ryu was furious with Erich for taunting him, and after he had ovee the pain which burned throughout his body, he was quick to curse the man.


    "You fucking bastard... How dare you!"


    This only caused Erich to react in confusion, as he reminisced about the past, before so many troublesome things had happened in his life. He then voiced his thoughts aloud, which only further incited rage from the Oni prisoners.


    "How dare I what? Are you referring to my friendly warning just now, or the question that seemed to have caused your brain to short circuit earlier? I mean, I will be the first to admit that I know very little about Oni society.


    That is, aside from the friends I had when I was younger on the gcticwork, your extensive porn industry, and, of course, the woman I met during my first day at the Naval Academy. How was I supposed to know that Kondo Yumi was your great aunt, or for that matter, a member of your people''s royalty?


    Shouldn''t you feel ashamed for trying to kill a man who was just simply asking if you knew one of his old friends?"


    This question caused Ryu to gnash his teeth as he responded to Erich''s words with a vitriolic statement.


    "You barbarian! Don''t you dare call my great aunt by such a term! You are not friends! You are a defiler, one who should be executed for his crimes?"


    Even though Erich had previously admitted to the man that he had indeed slept with Yumi, he had done so secretly with telepathy. And thus, now that all eyes were on him, he was quick to deny such a thing entirely. After all, they were not alone, or at the very least, there were others who could hear his words. Thus, the words he spoke were those ofplete denial.


    "I have no idea what you are talking about. Your great aunt and I met on a public transit, and we shared a few drinks together. After that, we parted ways and haven''t spoken to one another since."


    Although Erich said this out loud, he used his telepathy to silentlymunicate with the Crown Prince as another taunt.


    "Of course, we only parted ways after we fucked like rabbits for the entire night!"


    Thisment, which only Ryu had managed to hear, caused the man tosh out in anger once more, which again was caught on the security cameras.


    "Fuck you, you bastard!"


    After saying this, the Oni prince lunged towards the edge of the cell once more before falling back and howling in pain. Which Erich was quick to respond to with a rather disappointed tone in his voice.


    "Did I not warn you about the security measures? Anyway, enjoy your stay in the brig as the Admiralty negotiates your release..."


    After saying this, Erich left the brig and waited for this situation to clear up. Even if a brief dispute erupted between the Great Oni Empire and the Germanic Star-Empire because of his actions. There was no way to prove that he had done anything wrong. Thus, from the perspective of the entire gxy, he was actually the victim of this whole ordeal. A sentiment which, oddly enough, Yumi shared.

 Chapter 75 Negotiating The Oni Prince’s Release

    The situation at the border of the Great Oni Empire was fairly tense at the moment. The Thirteenth Fleet of the Germanic Star-Empire was now holding the Prince of their greatest military ally as a prisoner. After all, he had done the unthinkable and attempted to assassinate an officer of the Germanic Navy.


    To settle this dispute before it worsened rtions between their two Empires, the Great Oni Emperor, Kondo Kenji had dispatched his aunt who was the ambassador to the Germanic Star-Empire so that she may settle this matter peacefully.


    It took the woman some time for her personal starship, and her armed escort to reach the area of conflict, but in the end she was permitted to dock aboard the Germanic carrier, where she immediately met with officers in charge of the fleet.


    Kondo Yumi looked quite simr to her great niece, Ayumi. They both had bob cuts, and simr facial features. However, the primary difference between the two of them, were that Yumi had dark hair and eyes, as well as a much more slender build. She was not curvy and voluptuous like her Great Niece, but was instead quite petite.


    However, her beauty was enough to captivate most humanoids, especially those species that were considered by the Germanic Star-Empire to be near-humans, much like the Oni and Light Elves. Surprisingly, the ambassador of the Great Oni Empire did not greet the admiral or his executive officer. Instead, she ran over and hugged Erich while stuffing his head into her modest bust.


    "Oh little Erich, I heard you died, but here you are, alive and well. Leave it to that stupid nephew of mine to sire such a troublesome child. Alright, don''t you worry one bit aunty Yumi will settle this matter peacefully so that we can all go back to being friends."


    Upon seeing the Oni beauty practically smother the CAG of his carrier with her modest bosom, Admiral Halvor Kilen realized immediately why the Oni Prince had done something as foolish as pulling his sidearm in an attempt to murder Erich. There was clearly something going on between these two that was most certainly illegal!


    But the Admiral did not immediately speak out against Erich''s actions. It was a new administration, one that was more tolerant than thest, and he had been explicitly warned by the supreme leader to give Erich certain liberties that others were not permitted to have.


    Instead, Admiral Kilen deliberately coughed to break up the awkward scene. Which caused Yumi to glower at the man for daring to interrupt her fun. As for Erich, he was trying his damndest to control himself. It had been over three years since he hadst had physical rtions with a woman. And though Yumi''s body might be petite and modest, it was more than enticing enough topel the man to act in lust.


    Thus, he forced his heart and body to calm itself, as he gently pried himself away from Yumi''s grasp, before wearing a strictly professional expression as he addressed the woman by her title and surname.


    "Ambassador Kondo, I do believe you are being a bit inappropriate. Please, we are here to discuss an important political matter..."


    Yumi simply pouted, and averted her gaze from Erich, as if she were displeased with how callous he had be, something which she was quick to voice.


    "Hmmm... I see they have thoroughly beaten your free spirit out of you. Such a pity. I had fallen head over heels for that aspect of your personality."


    This remark caused Erich to slightly blush, as he averted his eyes, something which immediately caused Yumi to giggle as she prodded his chest, before taunting him with her yful words.


    "Look at you, getting so flustered, I was only kidding. Anyway, you are right, it''s time to have a serious discussion. Admiral! I would like to see my great nephew before we discuss any further issues!"


    Upon seeing that the mature vixen had finally had enough of her games, Admiral Kilen sighed in relief before doing asmanded. He, along with his executive officer, and Erich, travelled to the brig where the Oni prisoners were currently kept under guard.


    Yumi strolled throughout the ship''s interior as if this was one giant game to her. All the while pestering Erich with questions about what he had gone through over the past few years since they hadst seen one another, none of which he answered.


    It was clear to everyone who witnessed this that the Commander''s legendary ability to sway alien women applied to more than just S''aleth. But nobody dared to speak a word of this taboo subject and instead avoided their gazes from the embarrassing scene.


    Eventually the group arrived at the Brig, where the Oni Prince gazed in shock at the appearance of his great aunt, who was so shamelessly clinging to the damned foreigner who had put him in this precarious position to begin with. The man gnashed his teeth as he called out to the woman from within his cell.


    "Aunt Yumi! What are you doing?"


    Yumi''s joyful expression turned to one of utter disappointment as she approached the cell and gazed upon her great nephew with a look ofplete and total pity in her dark eyes, before calling the man out for his unbefitting behavior.


    "Kondo Ryu! Do you have any idea how much trouble and shame you have brought upon our dynasty with your foolish actions? If you weren''t stuck in that cell, I would bend you over my knee and spank your bottom until it turned red! Your father and I are incredibly disappointed in you!"


    This reaction shocked quite literally everyone who bore witness to it. Everyone had expected Yumi to plead on behalf of her great nephew, and to react in anger at his mistreatment. Instead, she threatened to humiliate him in front of so many people.


    The man''s face turned red as he averted his gaze, which only caused Yumi to further snap at him.


    "Oh, is that how you treat your precious aunt? Perhaps I should tell Ayumi just how you have been behaving during your first deployment to an active war zone! You actually dared to pull your sidearm on one of our most important ally''s officers? Were you born stupid? Or did you just suddenly be so the moment you stepped foot on this ship? Well, answer me!"


    Kondo Ryu did not immediately relent to his scolding, and instead protested his mistreatment with fury in his amber eyes.


    "This is all his fault! He defi-"


    Before he could even finish his sentence, Yumi''s dark eyes cast a murderous gaze upon her great nephew, one that was so frightening that he immediately shut his mouth and recoiled in fear. It was obvious that she was quite perturbed by the fact that the boy continued to openly speak about her personal affairs. Something which she would rather keep private.


    Her following words were once more shocking to everyone who heard them.


    "You can keep this idiot in the brig for the rest of this war, even if it takes us ten years to achieve victory. I do not care! The damn fool has long since sought to earn honor and glory on the battlefield, and because of this, I see no more fitting punishment than to deny him these things. Although once the fighting stops, we expect our Prince to be returned to us free of harm. As for your other prisoners who partook in this madness, feel free to vent them out the airlock!"


    Nobody could have expected this oue. Yumi had not only decided to use this incident to teach her great nephew a valuable lesson in obedience, but she had also chosen to permanently silence those men who may have heard too much about her private affairs.


    Something which caused Admiral Ogami Nobuhisa and Commander Goto Akinori to plead for their lives.


    "Your majesty! Surely this little dispute has not earned us a death sentence. I beg of you to forgive us for our sins. We swear not to speak a word of what happened here until the day we die!"


    However, Yumi was not buying their little act, and instead she snubbed them with a simple turn of the cheek. After that, her chilling expression immediately shifted to one of joy, as she grabbed hold of Erich''s hand, and immediately begged the man for some time alone together.


    "Erich, now that this nasty business is over with, how about you and I head to the mess hall and have a drink together? I am sure you have all kinds of things to tell me about! Including how you survived the war with Terminus!"


    Yumi did not wait for an answer, and instead dragged the young man off, while everyone else who bore witness to this scene just stared with their mouths agape. They had no idea what had just happened, or why. But, since a representative of the Great Oni Empire had given them permission to continue holding their prisoners, and to even execute a few, the Germanic Star-Empire would not disobey.


    Thus, the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire would continue to rot away in the brig, while hispatriots were vented out of an airlock. He would be forced to watch, and wait, as Erich proved himself an Ace of Aces during the war with the Lutharian Ascendancy, while he himself was stuck in jail.

 Chapter 76 A Fateful Reunion

    In order to give the Ambassador of the Great Oni Empire some much needed privacy, Admiral Kilen had ordered for the mess hall to be temporarily vacated, so that Yumi and Erich had as much space as they needed to speak about what were clearly personal matters.


    Thus, the two of them sat alone in the mess hall with enough beer to drown an elephant at their disposal. Yumi continued to smile joyfully at Erich while he continued to avert his gaze. It wasn''t until Yumi had pestered the man quite thoroughly that he had opened up about everything that had happened to him since they departed.


    Yumi could not believe her ears at the harrowing tale that one man had gone through so much in such a short period of time. She had expected he had suffered a significant amount of trauma as a result of the war which nearly drove his people to extinction, but she never would a have guessed that so much more had happened to the young man.


    Tears fell down Yumi''s dark eyes as she heard the story, before apologizing profusely for the difficulties she had personally caused him.


    "I am sorry. I never would have thought that our brief time together would have be a public matter. You deserve better, Erich. Still, I am amazed that after everything you have told me, you still decide to fight for the Empire. I mean, they have done nothing but y with you as a pawn since the beginning. I understand if you don''t want to tell me your reasons, but I am curious. Why do you still fight for the Empire?"


    Erich had a bitter expression on his face, as he voiced his reasonings aloud, but it seemed the answer was not at all satisfactory to Yumi.


    "Because I have nothing else to fight for... The Empire may be wed, but it is my home, and the gxy is a dangerous ce. A man without the backing of his race is destined to find himself with a fate far more miserable than my own..."


    Yumi could feel her heart bleed as she listened to the excuses Erich made to himself to keep moving forward. The man was clearly broken, and yet, despite his current state, he continued to advance through fire and blood. Life had a way of continuing to bring Erich to his knees, but he never let it keep him down, at least not for long. If anything, this filled the Oni beauty with a degree of respect for Erich that few men had ever earned from her.


    He suddenly went from being just a one-night stand to a respectable young man, one who was deserving of far more than he had been given in life. Thus, Yumi made an offer that she had never made to anyone else throughout her long history as an ambassador to the Germanic Star-Empire.


    "Well, why don''t youe back with me to the Great Oni Empire? Don''t look at me like that, I''m serious! You now know my identity, so clearly you know that I can provide you with a much better life than anything you have right now.


    I may not be able to marry you due to my political position, but we could be together, and I would show you far more kindness than that current wife of yours ever has. You know what? I would love to introduce you to my great niece. She is a lovely girl, and between you and me, she is simply gorgeous! I think the two of you would hit it off together! In fact, I am certain that you would enjoy every single day of your life with me, and Ayumi by your side! Can you imagine?"


    Erich chuckled at the offer Yumi had given him. To be spoiled rotten by the Oni Princess and her royal aunt, both of which were incredibly beautiful. It was like a dreame true. However, despite the difficulties he and Erika had with their rtionship. He was not the kind of man to abandon his wife for another woman, even if he was married only in name.


    If Yumi wanted to sleep with him, Erich was more than willing to ept the offer, but to take him back to her homnd to be her pet? That was something which he simply could not ept. Thus, he rejected her offer.


    "That sounds really nice, but I am afraid I am going to have to decline. As miserable as my life may be right now, if I continue on the current path, then I know that greatness awaits me. I can feel it in my bones. Who knows, one day I might even be the Supreme Leader of the Empire. I appreciate the offer Yumi, I really do, but I know that I was meant for more in life than living a life of hedonism. I just have to reach out and take it!"


    As much as Yumi wanted to kidnap the silver haired young man, and bring him back to her home. She knew that was simply not viable. Thus, she could only sigh and take a sip from her beer before epting his decision. No matter how much it pained her to do so.


    "Fine... I can''t force you toe back with me, no matter how much I really want to.... Alright, I really do hope you are able to achieve something greater out of this life than you already have. You deserve more than being the Supreme Leader''s favorite pawn. But just know that if you ever change your mind, my offer still stands!"


    Erich wore a bitter smile as he nodded his head in agreement with Yumi''s words. That is until she spoke again in the very next moment.


    "Either way, after this war is over, you areing back to the pce and meeting Ayumi. I will not take no for an answer! She may be young and na?ve, but her father isn''t doing her any favors by keeping her cooped up in the pce! I''m sure once she meets you, she wille to understand my obsession..."


    There was a dangerously lustful glint in Yumi''s dark eyes, one which caused Erich to suddenly have a simr thought to the one that the Great Oni Emperor had expressed in the past.


    "Whoever this girl is, she needs to be protected from this woman at all costs..."


    After thinking about this, Erich could only sigh and ept Yumi''s offer. She apparently was quite insistent about this matter. And he knew better than to try to reject such a powerful woman when she was adamant about something.


    "Fine... But I will be relying on your protection. After all, the moment I enter your home, I will be at the mercy of your great nephew, who now hates my guts...."


    This remark caused Yumi to break out into a fit of giggles, as she choked on the beer that she swallowed. After recovering from her condition, she made fun of Erich for being afraid of her great nephew.


    "Little Ryu? Don''t tell me that little pussycat has you scared? He is harmless! I mean, he may have pulled a gun on you, but I doubt he even knows how to load the damn thing correctly. Honestly, the fact that my nephew has sent that little boy to war has more to do with toughening him up and sending a message to our people than it does with his actual capability in a fight.


    Though I wouldn''t put it past the little fucker to order the guards to take care if you covertly.... Not that it would really matter, my orders are absolute, and if I told the royal guard to protect you with their lives from any and all threats, they''d be forced to fight against the Prince if he dared to cause trouble with you..."


    What Yumi had said immediately caused a question to form in Erich''s mind, one which he was damn na?ve enough to voice aloud. Perhaps because he had such a good rapport with Yumi, Erich had forgotten his ce in this world, and posed a question which he otherwise should not have.


    "Wait, a second. If your orders are absolute, then wouldn''t that mean that not even the Great Oni Emperor can contest them?"


    The previous joyful smile that was spread across Yumi''s pretty face immediately shifted to a grave expression as she slowly drank from her beer before saying the words which covertly conveyed all that Erich needed to know about Oni politics and his ce in this world.


    "You are damn lucky that you are cute, Erich...."


    It was only now that Erich had begun to realize who the true power behind the Great Oni throne was, and just how easily she could have ended his life if she did not find him to be so endearing. Because of this, Erich immediately shut his mouth and switched the conversation to something more cheerful. Which Yumi most definitely appreciated, because before he knew it, the woman had pressed him against the wall and had slipped her tongue down his throat.

 Chapter 77 Negotiations Concluded

    After bing reacquainted with Yumi and her body, Erich and the Oni beauty got dressed and said their farewells once more. After all, they had been at it for over an hour now, and if they continued for any longer, they ran the risk of having someone check up on them.


    Thus, after finishing their "exercise", Yumi poured herself another beer, and chugged it, not as quickly as Mirage and Butcher were capable of, but still swiftly nheless. She then smiled and kissed Erich on the lips before saying goodbye.


    "I must admit, you have improved by leaps and bounds since we first met. No doubt thanks to those other women. It is a pity you didn''t ept my offer, because I have a feeling I could train you perfectly to fit my needs....


    Alright then, I suppose this is farewell Erich, at least until this war is over. After all, I will make damn sure you that fulfill your promise to me! Even if I have to pester that new Supreme Leader of yours. So, don''t get yourself killed, because there is still so much I want to do with you."


    Erich could not help butment the fact that his time together with Yumi was so short. He had nearly three years'' worth of lust built up, and he was not able to vent even a fraction of it onto the woman''s pristine body. Still, the prospect of meeting up with her after the war with the Lutharian Ascendancy was over was enough to keep him going, at least for now.


    Did he feel guilty about cheating on Erika? Not in the slightest. Their marriage was one of political convenience. There was nothing more to it than that. And though cheating was strictly prohibited in the Empire, Erich could have what you might call an "exemption" on his hands. Because the royal aunt of the Great Oni Emperor had personally taken a liking to him. And the alliance with the Oni was far more important than the strict morality which the Empire preached in its propaganda.


    Erich gazed upon Yumi''s pretty face as she waved goodbye before exiting from the mess hall, where she and her armed escort then returned to the capital of the Great Oni Empire. It was only after the woman was gone that Erich realized just how much joy she brought to his life, even if it was for the briefest of moments. Perhaps he should have taken her up on her offer, but then he would be nothing more than a concubine, and that was something his pride as a man would not allow him to do.


    Thus, Erich swallowed his moment of regret, and looked towards the future, and all which he hoped to achieve in this life. A mere concubine of an Oni royal? Not a chance, he was destined for greater things, just like he had told Yumi! Now was the time to prove it.


    ---


    Immediately after exiting the Mess Hall, Admiral Kilen and his executive officer were there to greet Erich. They had opted not to spy on his private conversation, even though they had the means to. But they could suspect that more than talking went on for the hour that it took for Yumi to finally leave. Regardless of this suspicion, the Admiral had more important questions on his mind which he was quick to ask about.


    "So, what Miss Kondo has said is true? We are to keep holding her great nephew as our prisoner until this war is over? And we are expected to vent the others out the airlock?"


    Erich silently nodded his head, in doing so, confirming that this was Yumi''s decision. Which only created further questions on the Admiral''s mind, which he could not help but ask.


    "And the Great Oni Emperor is okay with this? I mean, this is his eldest son we are speaking about!"


    Erich had a bit of caution in his eyes, as he debated with himself about whether or not he should inform the Admiral of who the true power behind the throne was, in the end he remembered the frightening gaze that Yumi had given him when she said that he was damn lucky to be cute, and instantly decided not to mention it. Instead, he dismissed the idea entirely, but vaguely.


    "I wouldn''t worry about that if I were you... All I can say is that unless we receive orders to the contrary, it is best to do as Yumi says..."


    The Admiral sighed, not knowing whether or not that woman was a blessing to the Empire or a curse. But that was not for him to decide, and thus he immediately gave out the orders to his marines, to vent the Oni Admiral, Executive Officer, and Marines out the airlock, like Yumi had instructed them to do.


    ---


    It did not take long for Yumi to make her way back to the Pce, where she decided that she needed a good and proper rest in the hot spring, rather than report what she had done to her nephew. Thus, she stripped out of her attire, and climbed into therge pool that was the Oni Royal Pce''s personal onsen.


    The beautiful Oni woman could feel the weariness of her bones as it was sapped out of her body, all while her youth was revitalized by the mystical water which imbued her soul with the life force of the universe. But it was only then that she realized she was not alone in the bath.


    Her great niece Ayumi was also soaking in the mystical water. Although Yumi was an exceptionally beautiful woman in her own right, she could not help but feel that Ayumi was basically an upgrade over herself in every way. At least, physically speaking.


    While they both sported fashionable bob cuts, as was amon trend among their race. Ayumi had distinctive indigo hair and amber eyes, which only enhanced her beauty. Not to mention the girl''s extremely voluptuous figure, which was umon for their people.


    Yumi simply could not stand that the young, na?ve, and pure woman had such a sinful body, when she herself had such a modest figure. Thus, she wore a devilish grin as she snuck up on the girl and grabbed hold of her substantial breasts from behind, which caused Ayumi to shriek in shock.


    It took Ayumi a moment to notice that her great aunt was groping her, but after she did, her heart rate lessened a little, at first she thought that a predator hade to steal her chastity, but it was just her great aunt being yful again. Yumi expressed her discontent with her great niece''s body as she continued to grope the girl''srge and round mounds.


    "My gods, what is your father feeding you for you to grow so big? I swear it has only been a few weeks since Ist grabbed onto these things, and yet they seem even bigger now!"


    Ayumi flushed red in embarassment as she managed to slip out of her great aunt''s grasp, where she immediately covered her sensitive spots with her hands before scolding the woman for osting her again.


    "Aunt Yumi, why is it that every time we share a bath, you have to do this?"


    Yumi simply pouted and averted her gaze as if she were offended by her great niece''s words, before responding with a shameless remark.


    "I am simply checking up on your growth. It is my job as your aunt to do so!"


    Ayumi, of course, did not buy this excuse for one minute, and simply sat back down in the water, which concealed her heavenly curves once more. Seeing that the girl was not putting up with her shenanigans, Yumi did the same, where she immediately said the words which shocked her great niece.


    "Oh boy, you will not believe the day I have had. Your dearest onii-chan has done something incredibly stupid and is now being held prisoner by our allies...."


    This news shocked Ayumi, who instantly rose out of the water with her fist raised in rage.


    "What!?!?!"


    Naturally, by doing this she revealed her divine assets to her aunt, who simply smirked like a devil, as if her taunts had seeded in their hidden goal. Noticing this, Ayumi quickly flushed red in embarassment sat back down in the water, before calming her mind so that it could form a proper coherent question.


    "I''m sorry, but what did you just say? What has happened to Onii-chan!?!"


    Yumi sighed when she heard this, before exining the situation in its entirety to the young woman, who was a bit overly attached to her older brother. Ayumi could barely believe her ears as she listened to the tale, and was outraged that her great aunt had negotiated with the Germans in a way that actually punished her brother.


    But still, she could not understand why Ryu had suddenly pulled a gun on a German officer. And had even attempted to kill the man without ever having any past grievances. However, Yumi''s next words reassured the young woman, and made her entirely thankful to her great aunt.


    "You know Ayumi, you should be thanking the Germans for not plugging a hole in your brother''s head the moment he pulled a gun on one of their officers. They would have beenpletely justified in doing so.


    However, what is more important is that I was able to make sure that little Ryu is safe and sound throughout the rest of this conflict. In case your father hasn''t already told you, he has activated the reserves..."


    Ayumi looked over at her great aunt with an expression of dread as she asked the question that she feared most within her mind.


    "You mean-"


    Before she could continue, Yumi nodded her head with a grave look on her pretty face before confirming her great niece''s worst fears were realized.


    "The fleet that little Ryu serves upon is headed off to war. And it just so happens that he is now in the safest ce he can be! So you do not need to worry your pretty little head, Ayumi. Your brother has almost a zero percent chance of death now that he is in the brig aboard a Germanic carrier."


    Ayumi, however, was not following her great aunt''s thought process and was quick to ask for rification with a confused look on her wless face.


    "What do you mean?"


    Seeing that her niece was as ignorant of gctic politics as always, Yumi sighed heavily before bluntly speaking her piece.


    "Why do you think we allied with the Germanic Star-Empire, when they are such a young upstart of an interster civilization? When we first discovered them centuries ago, their military was equal to our own. And by then they had only been on the gctic stage for less than a hundred years! Now, their military might ispletely beyond our capabilities. And it is better to align ourselves with such a powerful, but small nation, than to risk getting in the way of their imperial ambitions.


    To put it simply, the Lutharians do not have a weapon that is capable of destroying a Germanic carrier. And I know this, because we ourselves would struggle to do so, and we are only slightly ahead of the Lutharians when ites to military technology.


    Why do you think our allies only dispatched a single fleet to aid us with? As long as little Ryu is safe and sound in their brig, there is not a chance in this universe that he is going to die. After all, I made sure that the Germans treat him with the dignity and respect that a Prince like him deserves, even if he is a colossal idiot..."


    Tears began to flood down Ayumi''s eyes, as she realized now why her great aunt had forced her brother to remain as a prisoner of the Germanic Star-Empire, causing the na?ve young woman to hug her aunt, and smother her with her colossal breasts. Something which shocked Yumi, as she struggled to breathe beneath their weight.


    In the end, Yumi managed to survive as she forced her great niece off of her, and gasped for air. They then had a lengthy conversation about gctic politics, and the ce that both their civilization and the Germanic Star-Empire had in it. By the time they both climbed out of the bath, Ayumi had newfound respect for her allies, and a bit of a curiosity about how they achieved such power, so quickly.

 Chapter 78 Taunting Your Prisoner

    With Yumi having concluded her negotiations with the Germanic Navy regarding the imprisonment of her great nephew. The Germanic and Oni fleets were ready to march off to war once more. Although the Great Oni Empire had mustered several reserve fleets to send to the front lines alongside the 13th Fleet of the Germanic Navy. It was abundantly clear by the sheer scale of the ships within both fleets that the Germanic Fleet was perhaps by itself capable of taking on the force that their allies had mustered.


    A Germanic Carrier was roughly five kilometers in length, while their battleships were four kilometers in length, and their cruisers three kilometers in length. Each ssification of the ship scaled down from there.


    However, thergest ship in the Great Oni Fleet was roughly half the size of the Germanic Carrier. The reason for this was simple: although the Germanic Star Empire was ssified as a tier I Regional Power, their military technology was on par with sub-gctic powers. While the Great Oni Empire was a tier II regional Power. One who, for thest thousand years, focused more on internal development than military expansion.


    The ongoing remilitarization of the Great Oni Empire was a sign that they had just recently restarted their imperial ambitions, but this was not enough to catch up to the GSE whose entire society revolved around a martial culture.


    This was just another reason that Yumi was so fond of her German allies. She admired their willingness to sacrifice luxury andfort for ruthless utilitarianism, all for the sake of a powerful military that was capable of defending their borders fromrger and older civilizations.


    Few Germanic citizens were as lucky as Erich, who possessed a massive luxury mansion as his personal home. Most citizens lived inrge, but utilitarian houses that could house and sustain arge family, butpletelycked in luxury items andforts that were deemed unecessary by the party''s architectural nningmittee.


    The Great Oni Empire, on the other hand, valued luxury andfort above most other things. Because of this, its most wealthy citizens lived in giant pces, with all the modern luxuries one could dream of. While their poorest citizens lived in much smaller homes, that still contained these luxury items.


    None of this was really important at the moment aside from the fact that it exined the Empire''s substantial military prowess inparison to much older civilizations like their allies in the Great Oni Empire.


    At the moment Erich was briefing his Air Group about their responsibilities in the uing battle that was nned to take ce once they jumped out of quantum.


    "Alright, to put it simply, our objective is to escort the heavy bombers to the hostile ships, which will thenunch their high yield torpedos at the enemy. Naturally, the batteries on board our battleships will soften up the enemy''s energy shields, allowing us to drop our payloads without fear of them being reflected.


    It should not take much effort from these heavy bombers to eliminate a single Lutharian Carrier, let alone their battleships, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, et cetera. So for you fighter pilots, and you know who you are, I don''t want you wandering off and doing your own thing. Stick close to the bombers and protect their asses from the enemy, understood?"


    The other pilots raised their arms in salute as they responded in the affirmative to Erich''s question.


    "Yes, sir!"


    It was a unique experience from Erich''s perspective to be giving his soldiers thebat briefing, rather than being on the receiving end. But he could not help but admit that he enjoyed the respect that came with his position. Thus, he smiled and shook his head before giving out some following information.


    "Alright, well, now feel free to lounge about and do your own thing, but the moment that siren goes off I want your asses here on the flight deck getting prepped for take off, dismissed!"


    With that said, the pilots of the newly reformed ck sun squadron began to undertake various tasks. While Erich himself headed towards the brig. He had made a habit of trying to approach the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire since Yumi had demanded he stay on board the ship throughout the rest of the conflict.


    Thus, Erich made a slight detour to the mess hall, where he picked up some beers before entering the brig. Once he did so, the guards saluted Erich before departing leaving him alone with the prisoner.


    Ryu growled like a beast when he saw Erich, up until now he had always cursed out the man whenever he showed his face. But Erich did not mind, he enjoyed the game of trying to get the man to warm up to him. Thus, he ced the beer through the slot in the energy field which was used to transfer food and water to the prisoner.


    But Ryu did not dare ept the beer, which caused Erich to chuckle and shake his head before taking a sip of his own.


    "Don''t worry, it''s not poisoned. Yumi would have my hide if I dared toy a hand on her beloved but idiotic great nephew..."


    Ryu red at Erich for some time, while watching the man drink his fill from his own beer. Evidently, this made the prince thirsty as he silently and slowly grabbed hold of the beer that was sitting on his tray before sniffing it. After confirming it indeed was not poisoned, the man took a sip. Erich smiled when he saw this happen, before asking the man a question.


    "Do you mind if I ask you a question? I know you''re angry at me, but I am genuinely curious... How did you know about Yumi and me?"


    The Oni prince gnashed his teeth when he heard this and averted his gaze. As if deliberately avoiding the question. When Erich saw this, he sighed heavily in defeat and got up. He was just about to leave the brig when Ryu finally spoke to him for the first time since their first encounter.


    "My father told me about her... fetish... I don''t think he meant to, but he was drunk, and we were talking about your Empire. It just seemed to have slipped from his mouth. It is my understanding that as a part of her job, aunt Yumi only interacts with the highest ranking members of your society. So there is really only one way a lowlymander like yourself would know her.,. And you know better than I how that happened!"


    Erich was not surprised to hear these words. At least not the part about Yumi fetishizing Germanic men. He had always kind of suspected that was her deal. After all, the way she spoke about his people was abnormal, to say the least. But he obviously did not dare ask her what her deal was. But after hearing it so tantly said out loud, Erich simply chuckled with a defeated tone in his voice before expressing his thoughts aloud.


    "And here I thought I was special..."


    This statement elicited a snort from the Oni Prince, who quickly responded to Erich''s words with a particrly hate filled tone.


    "Pffft... Special? You? No! I don''t know how many of your kind she has slept with, but you''re definitely not the first, and you won''t be thest either!"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this, and shook his head with a particrly defeated look in his silver eyes, as if everything he experienced suddenly seemed so meaningless. And just when Ryu had thought he had crushed Erich, the man revealed something astonishing.


    "I see... So if what you say is true, then this means that Yumi has offered to take at least half a dozen other men home with her to keep as her concubine...."


    Ryu''s amber eyes widened in disbelief as he heard these words. Such a thing was simply outrageous, and could absolutely not be true, but his voice cracked while he screamed at Erich. Revealing that at least on some level, he believed there was some truth behind them.


    "You lie! Yumi may enjoy her little flings with you barbarians, but she would never disgrace the sacred ground of our pce by keeping one of your lot as a pet!"


    A devilish sneer appeared on Erich''s face, which in many ways reminded Ryu about the woman in question, as the silver-haired man taunted the Great Oni Prince with his words.


    "Oh? So I am special then? I must admit I was quite surprised when Yumi offered to take me away from all of this. In fact, she seemed quite excited to introduce me to her great niece. What was her name again? Oh right, Ayumi! Yeah, that was her name..."


    As much as Ryu did not want to admit it, there was only one way that Erich would know the name of his precious little sister, and that was if Yumi had actually done something so unspeakable egregious. He nearly broke his teeth by clenching them so hard. Before he finally voiced his rage with a violent shout. But his hatred was not intended towards Erich, but instead his great aunt who had dared to even think about defiling his beloved little sister.


    "That fucking harlot! If she thinks that she is just going to corrupt Ayumi with her twisted fetishes, then she has another thinging! I will never allow that to happen! Gods dammit! Why the hell am I in this fucking cage? I need to get back home, before that vile witch does more damage than I can possibly undo!"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this, before finishing his beer with onest gulp. He then stood up and approached the door. And as it opened, he said his parting words to the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire.


    "Not to worry, little Ryu, I declined your great aunt''s offer. She might be fun to y around with, but I would never condemn myself to the life as humiliating as that of a male concubine. You have nothing to worry about. But I do enjoy these little chats of ours, so after we have won your battle for you, and I have celebrated with my pilots, I will be sure to visit you again..."


    After saying this, Erich stepped out of the brig and returned to the mess hall to interact with several of the pilots in his unit. Leaving Ryu in a state of total anxiety, as he thought about just what kind of twisted things his great aunt was teaching his precious little sister while he rotted away in this cell.

 Chapter 79 Overkill

    It was not long after Erich had taunted Ryu that the ship came out of quantum, where it found itself ced within the center of the 13th Fleet''s formation, surrounded by all the other vessels which were designed to protect it.


    Naturally, since they hade out of quantum, the rms were ringing across the ship, along with an automated message which told the crew to enter their battle stations. As a result, Erich ced his helmet over his head, and sealed it against his flight suit''s cor, before rushing towards the flight deck, where he saw that his air group was alreadyunching their fighters and bombers into space.


    By now Erich was well experienced with the procedure of taking off from the carrier, and thus he jumped into his cockpit, and sealed the hatch behind him, before powering on the vehicle, and igniting the engines.


    The bolt interceptor roared to life as Erich aligned himself with the carrier''sunching bay, where the fighter was catapulted into space at breakneck speeds. After exiting the carrier, Erich went full throttle as he got on hisms and gave out his warnings to the crew.


    "Remember the mission, if I catch any of you idiots wondering off and doing god know''s what I will give you a fucking demerit!"


    Naturally, none of the fighter pilots wanted to get a demerit during their first deployment, and because of this, they all stayed in line with the mission, where they escorted the heavy bombers through hell in an attempt to reach the Lutharian carriers.


    While Erich and his pilots were heading towards the enemy capital ships. The Oni pilots were also dispatched to support them. It quickly became clear that Germanic military technology was superior to their foes, because the enemy was sted out of the sky with ease.


    And while the two factions waged war in space with their air groups, the capital ships had begun to make their attacks. Like nned, the German battleships, which dwarfed the Lutharian carriers, opened fire with their most powerful weapons on the enemy ships.


    It took perhaps five shots for the first Lutharian Carrier to lose partial power to its shields. Something which allowed the heavy bombers to get to work. Meanwhile, Erich effortlessly gunned down an enemy fighter before locking onto his next target, where he fired his missiles towards them.


    The missiles were undeterred by the countermeasures which were deployed to halt their advance, as Erich used his cyberkinesis to ensure that their flight path was straight towards the target. A small explosion urred directly in front of Erich''s ship as he flew through the debris of histest kill.


    The man''s skill with the fighter was something that few of these recruits were capable of matching, and many of them gazed in awe at theirmander as he outperformed them with rtive ease. Eventually, the heavy bombers got close enough to the enemy capital ship, which by now had lost all power to its shields. And was quickly falling apart from the repeated sts of the Germanic battleships.


    Erich gave amand to the bombers who he was escorting, ordering them tounch their torpedos, as he took the brunt of the Lutharian carrier''s point defense systems.


    "Open fire!''


    The bombers eachunched three torpedos in the span of as many seconds, and while these were not the legendary world killer torpedos, which had managed to turn the tides of war for the Germanic Star-Empire during their war with Terminus. They were still exceptionally powerful, and manage to be the final nail in the coffin for the hostile carrier. Which upon the torpedos'' detonations, the ship blew up entirely.


    Erich had a stoic expression on his face as hemanded his Air Group to circle back to the next target, which was already receiving the vicious onught of the Germanic battleships. Who would not rest until every hostile ship was destroyed.


    And while the Germanic firepower waspletely overwhelming to the Lutharian Navy, their own firepower waspletelycking, and failed to cause any significant damage to the shields of the Germanic Fleet''srger ships.


    Though a few Corvettes were forced to withdraw from the front lines due to suffering heavy damage at the hands of the Lutharian Fleet, they could easily be repaired, and the losses to personnel were minimal, to say the least.


    Thus, Erich and his pilots skillfully maneuvered through another wave of hostile fighters as they made their way to the next Lutharian capital ship.


    ---


    While Erich and his pilots were fighting a battle within disputed space between the Great Oni Empire and the Lutharian Ascendency. Yumi was in the act of forcing her great niece to watch the livestream, which Erich''s helmet cam disyed to the Gxy atrge.


    For the sake of this battle, the GSE had given permission to their soldiers to stream it to the wider gxy, as a way to remind them all that the Germanic Star-Empire may have suffered horrific losses, but they were not broken, and they were certainly not defeated.


    And while Yumi watched the scene with a smirk on her face, while drinking from a bottle of sake, Ayumi was amazed at how quickly the Germanic Fleet was able to vaporize their enemies. Not only that, but the size distance between the Germanic ships and those of the Great Oni Navy was quite vast. She could not believe that such an upstart of a civilization was so quickly able to field such monumental weapons of war.


    Of coursepared to the fleets of those Gctic Powers, and Tier III sub-gctic powers, the Germanic Star-Empire''s Armada was but child''s y, but Ayumi was not well versed enough in gctic politics to understand this, and thus she simply watched with awe as the battle unfolded. By the time Erich had scored his 37th kill, the girl could not but help exim in shock.


    "Aunt Yumi, how many enemy fighters has this man shot down by now? It has to be at least two dozen!"


    Yumi did not hear her great niece''s question, instead she was focused intently on the screen which disyed Erich''s exceptional ability to both perform as abat pilot, andmand his Air Group, which remarkably had so far not suffered a single casualty.


    The Oni beauty licked her lips as she wore a sultry smile on her face all while speaking her mind without even realizing it.


    "I never knew he was so gifted.... A pity he did note back with me. He would have made a great instructor to our future pilots."


    Ayumi did not understand what her aunt meant by this, and perked her brows as she asked one simple question, as if checking to see if Yumi was alright.


    "Aunt Yumi?"


    These words had finally snapped Yumi out of her daze, as she quickly wore a smile which concealed the lust in her eyes, before assuring her great niece that everything was alright.


    "Sorry, Ayumi, I nked out there for a second. What were you asking me?"


    Ayumi shifted her gaze back to the holographic projection which disyed the ongoing battle, and themunications which Erich was engaging in. She then looked back at her aunt and posed a question she probably shouldn''t have.


    "Aunt Yumi, do you know this pilot?"


    Yumi smiled and nodded her head, with a bit of pride on her face as she admitted to knowing Erich to her great niece.


    "Indeed, I do. I met him on one of my trips to the Germanic Star-Empire. Curious young man, it''s a shame he has had to endure such hardships in his young life. But I am sure the future has something great in store for him. It would be a pity if he had to suffer so much, and was never able to move past it."


    Ayumi did not know just what hardships Erich had been through, but she could tell by the words that her great aunt had spoken, that she appeared to be quite familiar with the man, if not outright friendly, and thus she was quick to ask the next question on her mind.


    "Is he a friend of yours?"


    Yumi gazed upon the screen as Erich scored his next kill and thought about this question deeply. In the end, she sighed and shook her head before revealing her thoughts on the matter.


    "I wouldn''t say we are friends per se, but we are on fairly good terms. And I know a great deal about the young man. At the very least, I will be watching his military career with a close eye. After all, in the Germanic Star-Empire the quickest way to climb the politicaldder is through exemry military service, and it would appear that his quite gifted in the areas ofbat, andmand.


    Anyway, as you can see, this battle will be settled soon. Honestly, if you ask me, the Germanic Star-Empire should have just sent us a single carrier strike group in support. Because sending an entire fleet has turned out to be a bit of overkill, don''t you think?"


    Ayumi watched as another Lutharian capital ship was sted apart by abination of the Germanic Fleet and its attached air groups. Like her great aunt had said, it would not be long before the battle was over. If anything, the Lutharians would flee before their entire fleet was destroyed, which would make it even shorter. Thus, she simply nodded her head in silence as she agreed with Yumi, while wondering about what her rtionship was with the man on the screen.

 Chapter 80 War Is Hell

    As Yumi had predicted, the Battle between thebined force of the Great Oni Empire and the 13th Fleet of the Germanic Navy against the Lutharian Ascendency ended sooner rather thanter. After losing half of their fleet, the Lutharians fled from the sector of space they were tasked with defending.


    While the Great Oni Army immediately took advantage of this victory to deploy their ground forces to the world below. Meanwhile, the Germanic Fleet sat back and waited. It would be a long war, and they did not intend to waste their Star Marines so carelessly in the initial engagements. Instead, they simply provided Air Support for the Oni Army, which allowed them to quickly take out critical defensive points.


    Erich''s part in the battle was over as soon as the Lutharian fleet fled for their lives. He had scored well over 50 kills by the time the battle had ended, which was the highest of anyone in his Air Group. But it was not just his personal skills which surprised those who watched the battle unfold from the safety of their screens, but his ability to expertly coordinate his air group to deal the most damage against their enemies while sustaining minimal casualties.


    The man who had defeated the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus was now proven as a capablemander of the Starfighter Corps, something which sent a wave of national pride across the Empire.


    ---


    When Erika watched the battle, she felt her heart bleed. There were multiple encounters where she thought Erich would lose his life, but he had proved too skillful to be defeated inbat. It was as if the man was toying with her emotions when he performed such a dangerous maneuver.


    However, once the battle was finished, and Erich remained entirely unscathed, she was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. Though the Empire had the ability to bring back its soldiers from the dead through cloning and the transfer of consciousness, it was not something that was considered ideal.


    Not only that, but this technology was somewhat of a secret. As far as other interster civilizations knew, the Germanic Star-Empire did not have such advanced medical technology. Only the Alfheim Empress was aware of this, and she kept such knowledge hidden from everyone, including her daughters.


    Thus, Erika was currently sitting alone in her bed while hugging her knees. Thinking about how stupid she had been over the past few years, ever since she first got married to Erich. She had never been good atmunicating with the opposite sex, but when she was around Erich, it was a special kind of hell.


    On the one hand, she really liked the man. He was not overtly cruel, despite the history between them. And she admired him for all that he had done for the Empire. After all, Erich had saved her homeworld from certain destruction.


    But on the other hand, Erika could not get over the fact that her career in the pop industry had been cut short as a result of their marriage, and that her husband had done the most forbidden of taboos by sleeping with an alien woman.


    Luckily, she did not know about Erich''s previous rtionship with S''aleth, or perhaps Erika might never be able to get over her conflicted state. Still, after seeing Erich nearly risk his life inbat, the mental barriers that Erika had which prevented her from properlymunicating with her husband, let alone being intimate with him, had slowly begun to crack.


    All she could do was weep like a little girl, about her own internal conflict, and curse her own foolishness.


    "Why am I so stupid?..."


    ---


    While Erika was having a slow change of heart regarding her feelings towards her husband, the man in question was busying celebrating with his pilots. Who had gathered in the mess hall to drink their fill of alcohol. The battle was an overwhelming sess, and the Armada which the Lutharian Asecendancy had sent to defeat the Great Oni Empire, and the Germanic Star-Empire had been thoroughly crushed. Perhaps less than a quarter of their ships made a clean getaway. The rest were either destroyed or heavily damaged.


    Not only that, but these pilots had their first taste ofbat, and many of them had scored quite a few kills. None more so than theirmander, whose constant instructions and ability to gauge the battlefield allowed them to remain rtively unscathed.


    Thus, one young pilot raised his ss of beer in toast to theirmander, who had led them to victory.


    "To Commander Jaeger, without him, we would all be dead!"


    Erich simply scoffed at this toast, but raised his beer stein nheless, before taking a sip from his alcoholic beverage. He was satisfied with his results as a first time CAG. And evidently, thements on his livestream were all incredibly positive. Still, at several points during the battle, he almost blurted out the callsigns of his deceasedrades, when giving orders.


    The fact that they were all dead and gone, and only he remained to lead this new generation of pilots, was something that Erich believed would always haunt him. And thus, he coped with this survivor''s guilt the way he always had by drinking copious quantities of alcohol.


    After drinking about two liters'' worth ofger while celebrating with his new Air Group, Erich left the party behind and made his way to the brig with a refilled stein and an extra mug of beer. As promised, he hade to visit the Great Oni Prince in an attempt to learn more about the Royal Family and its internal political structure.


    Erich had previously stumbled upon what was most likely a secret of the Royal family, when Yumi identally revealed that hermands were absolute. This had led Erich to be increasingly curious about the woman, and how she had essentially be the shadow behind the throne.


    Thus, when he entered the brig to speak to Ryu, he decided to be far more polite towards the man, as he handed the beer through the slot of the force field which contained the brig''s prisoners. Ryu was once more suspicious about the drink, but after watching Erich drink his own so nonchntly, he decided to risk it, and sipped from his beer. Only after wiping the foam from his mouth did the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire finally spit out his vitriol.


    "So the hero of the Germanic Star-Empire hase to grace this prince with his presence. How a man like you ever won my great aunt''s favor, and destroyed a Naraku Kingship, I will never know. Clearly, the gods favor you above all others!"


    Until this moment, Erich had simply taken everything that Ryu had said in stride. But the idea that he was somehow privileged irked Erich in ways that the Oni prince could not possibly imagine, and thus Erich perked his brow before posing a simple question, but he did so with a bitter tone in his voice.


    "You think the heavens have showed me favor? Is that what you think? I''m afraid a spoiled prince like you will never understand the struggles of a soldier.


    I have lost more than you can imagine, and just when I thought that I was finally able to achieve a fitting end to this miserable existence, I found myself yanked back from the abyss, only to be rewarded with a loveless marriage, and some meaningless medals. If I''m being honest, death would have been a preferable alternative.


    I see by your uniform that you bear the insignia of amander and the wings of a pilot, but your aunt tells me that you have yet to fight in a single battle. It would appear that nepotism is strong within the Great Oni Empire... But that''s not something I give a shit about. If I have any grievance against you, it''s that your gun fucking jammed the moment you pulled the trigger..."


    Ryu could tell by the look in Erich''s eyes that he meant every word of what he had said. All his life, the Oni Prince had been told that honor and glory were obtained on the battlefield. That it was a man''s duty to fight for his homnd. All of his father''s Generals and admirals had spun wondrous tales of the worlds that they had fought upon.


    Yet, here was a soldier, who was essentially everything that Ryu aspired to be in life, and yet this man was telling him that war was nothing more than hell. And that the rewards which one obtained through meritorious service on the battlefield werepletely meaningless.


    With one simple statement, the Oni Prince''s entire worldview was turned upside down. How could such a decoratedbat officer think in such a pessimistic way? Especially When everyone he had ever spoken to referred to war as a glorious thing.


    At first Ryu did not want to believe Erich''s words, but when he saw the weary look in the man''s eyes, he realized he had seen it before. The Oni prince had only ever spoken with one man from the rank and file of the Oni Military. Everyone else had been one of his father''s highest ranking officers. And this man had just as weary of an expression on his face as he said the words which Ryu had always struggled to understand.


    "Kid, only a soldier truly understands what war is like... If you want to find out, then you will have to experience it yourself."


    At first, Ryu had thought that this soldier was speaking about how glorious his experience withbat had been, but now, after seeing the same look in Erich''s eyes, as he spoke of the losses he had suffered, and how he would have rather died in the final battle with Terminus. Ryu finally understood what that grizzled old vet had meant.


    With this said, the Oni Prince now had a bit more respect for Erich. And any envy which he felt for the man had suddenly vanished after gazing upon his harrowing eyes. Upon seeing that Ryu was finally warming up to him, Erich posed a question to further break the ice.


    "So, now that we havee to an understanding, tell me about your aunt..."

 Chapter 81 Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t

    Ryu looked at Erich with a stern gaze in his amber eyes. He did not know what the man''s intent was with such a question. Nor did he really want to answer it in any capacity. However, he spent most of his days alone in his cell, and he was starting to have a bit of an internal crisis due to his ongoing istion.


    Thus, he decided he would rather entertain Erich''s questions about Yumi, rather than go back to what was essentially solitary confinement. With a heavy sigh, Ryu answered Erich''s initial question with one of his own.


    "What do you want to know?"


    Erich was quite surprised that Ryu was being so cooperative. And thus, he took a moment to think things through, before posing the first of the many questions he had on his mind.


    "I know very little about Yumi''s background, and so I was wondering, what exactly is her role in the Pce? In nearly every public appearance I have seen of the Great Oni Emperor, your great aunt is standing by his side."


    This was a question that Ryu was not expecting. It was not exactlymon for a foreigner to ask about the internal politics of the Kondo Dynasty. There were naturally many things he could not say about the matter, or did not even know himself. But what he did know was that his father seemed to ept much of Yumi''s advice.


    With aplicated expression on his face, the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire tried to answer Erich''s question in a way that would not get him in trouble.


    "That is aplicated question, but from what I know, Yumi was the older sister of myte grandfather. The man sat on the Oni Throne for nearly two centuries before he finally passed away. Strangely enough, he died rather young of unknown causes.


    However, even back then, Yumi was the closest advisor to my grandfather, and when my father inherited the throne, she naturally did the same for him. Though her official position is that of our ambassador to the Germanic Star-Empire, her influence over my father, and the other politicians within our state, is far greater than something a mere ambassador should have.


    In fact, from what I understand, she was the one who convinced my father to send support to the Germanic Star-Empire during your war with Terminus. I once asked the man about why he always listened to my great aunt''s advice and he told me that Yumi has an exceptional mind for politics, and because of this she is greatly revered by all our politicians.


    There''s also the fact that she is currently the oldest living member of the Kondo Dynasty. Even though our race has much longer lifespans than yours, the Kondo dynasty has been exceptionally cursed thisst millennium. Because of this, we have lost all our elders.


    Although Yumi is the oldest living member of our dynasty, she is not even old enough to technically be considered an elder, but for whatever reason, she is treated like one. And because of this, her advice on matters both foreign and domestic is taken into ount by my royal father and our Empire''s politicians.


    I''m honestly surprised you got entangled with such a powerful woman, without even knowing the first thing about her background. How did that even happen? As far as I''m aware, Yumi only ever mingles with the highest ranking politicians of the Germanic Star-Empire, and most certainly not a young man like yourself."


    Erich had a stunned expression on his face, partially because Ryu''s words confirmed what he already believed to be true. Though Ryu did not seem to be aware of this reality, Yumi was clearly the real authority behind the Oni throne, in fact, Erich was starting to consider that this curse which gued the Kondo Dynasty may have been her doing, so that she could solidify control over the Great Oni Empire.


    Naturally, if he were to speak these ideas aloud, he would at best bebelled a conspiracy theorist, and at worst, would invoke Yumi''s ire. Which was definitely something that Erich most certainly did not want to do. While the Great Oni Empire may not be as militarily powerful as the Germanic Star-Empire, they had several advantages over their allies, which could prove incredibly troublesome if Erich did or said something foolish.


    For starters, the Great Oni Empire had thousands of star systems under theirmand, each of which contained a vast amount of resources which they could make use of. Inparison, the Germanic Star-Empire had thirty-six systems under their control, half of which were currently undergoing reconstruction efforts.


    This meant that not only was the Oni poption vastly superior to the GSE, but they also had a muchrger industry and economy. If Erich said something foolish to Ryu, and it made its way back to Yumi, the woman could theoretically respond with any number of sanctions against the Empire, ones that could cripple their economy. Considering that the Great Oni Empire was thergest trading partner of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Another problem was that although the Oni Military was inferior to the Germanic Star-Empire in terms of training and technology, it was significantlyrger, so much so that if the GSE were to fight a total war with the Oni, there was a high probability that they would lose, simply because they did not have enough men, and resources topete with the vast poption and industry of the Great Oni Empire.


    After taking all of this into consideration, Erich chose to bite his tongue and respond with a simple gesture. He merely scoffed and shook his head, before revealing how limited his knowledge was of such a powerful and fearsome woman.


    "To be honest, I met your great aunt on a civilian transport to my people''s capital almost a decade ago. She didn''t tell me much about herself other than that she was a diplomat to the Germanic Star-Empire. We spent one night together, and that was it.


    I did not hear from her again until she came aboard this ship to deal with your little outburst. Although, she appears to have taken a great interest in me after what I have aplished so far throughout my military service. I can''t tell if this is a blessing or a curse..."


    Ryu could tell that Erich had no idea what kind of serious matter he had gotten himself into, and was probably just some dumb kid who wanted to lose his virginity when he first met Yumi all those years ago. Thus, he felt a lot less animosity towards the man for doing something so taboo with a member of his royal bloodline. In the end, he sighed and offered Erich some advice.


    "You want my advice? Stay away from the woman! Don''t look at me like that! I''m not just saying this because I disapprove of your rtionship. You saw what my great aunt did to our Admiral, and the other high-ranking officers of our navy who had heard a bit too much about your affair.


    If anyone else were to find out about your rtionship with my great aunt, heads will roll. In fact, the only reason I know about her perversion is because my father identally told me such when he was intoxicated. I honestly doubt anyone else in the Great Oni Empire knows about her tastes. Because if they did, it would be a huge scandal. Needless to say, there is nothing good that cane from the two of you continuing whatever it is that you have together.


    And if you happen to not care at all about the lives of others, then let me give you this warning. You are not in a significant enough position within your people''s empire to protect you from her. When she tires of yourpany, and she eventually will, I would not put it past my great aunt to make an attempt on your life.


    After all, loose lips sink ships, and you''re just a petty littlemander. The amount of damage that could be done to the Kondo Dynasty''s reputation if you were to ever speak of your affair with my great aunt is something that could not be undone for ten generations. Obviously, she would not allow such a threat to exist. Or if she did, then my royal father would not¡­"


    It was at this moment that Erich suddenly remembered the deathly stare that Yumi had given him, when he asked about the exact nature of her role in the Great Oni Empire. The murderous gaze in the woman''s eyes as she spoke so gravely, and with such a harrowing message, sent chills down the man''s spine.


    "You''re damn lucky that you are cute, Erich...."


    Unknowingly, Erich had said these words aloud, which alerted Ryu. Although he may be quick to anger, Ryu was by no means dense, and he could tell by the expression on Erich''s face, and the haunting tone of his words, that this was something that Yumi had said to him. Thus, the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire chuckled, before making ament that would cause Erich to be anxious every time he was around Yumi.


    "Oh? It sounds to me like you may have touched a nerve with her. From what you just said, I would like to retract my previous statement. It would not be in your best interest to suddenly ghost Yumi. If you did, who knows how she will react? That woman is not someone you want to get on the bad side of, and from what my royal father has told me, she does not handle rejection well...."


    Erich looked at Ryu with a dumbfounded look on his face, before asking the question which had such an obvious answer.


    "So you''re telling me to continue seeing her until she gets bored with me?"


    Ryu nodded his head, albeit with a rather irritated expression on his face, before voicing his opinion on the matter.


    "If I were you, I would treat my great aunt like a pure and innocent princess, because if you do, she might just keep you by her side for the rest of your life. And at this point, that is honestly your best option. Unfortunately for you, your fate is now a gamble. That woman is not easy to please, and one misstep can result in you disappearing forever.


    Although if what you previously said about her wanting to keep you as a concubine is true, then you might have to worry about another very real possibility. The more she bes attached to you, the more the likelihood is that she might just end up kidnapping you, and confining you to our pce for the rest of your life. Tsk.... I can honestly say that I no longer envy you...."


    Erich was particrly dumbfounded by thisst statement. If he rejected Yumi, then he was as good as dead, but if he pleased her, she might legitimately kidnap him, like she had "joked" about doing during their previous conversation. It was starting to dawn on the youngmander that he had made a really bad decision by sleeping with Yumi all those years ago...

 Chapter 82 Corrupting An Innocent Mind

    While Erich was bing seriously worried about his rtionship with Yumi, the woman in question was back in her pce, lying in bed while watching videos of Erich that had been posted to the Germanic Star-Empire''s intersterwork throughout the past few years.


    What was perhaps the most surprising thing of all was that many of the videos appeared to be from Erich''s perspective, but they did not appear to be uploaded by the man himself. In fact, these videos were taken without Erich''s knowledge by Mirage when she had sliced into his NeuroLink. Not only that, but she had also shared some rather spicy videos from her own perspective.


    These videos included everything from personal interests to his time in active service within the Germanic Navy and even included his intimate time with the female spy. And these were the videos that Yumi found to be the most eye catching. She could only watch each and every time Erich had been intimate with Mirage, and feel deeply envious that it had not been herself who the man was making love to.


    It was while she was enjoying these videos that a knock resounded on her door. Which quickly caused the woman to turn off her holographic projector, and swiftly dress herself in a nightgown, before answering the door with a rather livid expression on her beautiful face.


    Just when she was about to scold whoever was the idiot who decided to intrude on her private time, she noticed that it was her young great niece, who appeared puzzled about why her aunt seemed furious.


    "Aunt Yumi, did I wake you by any chance?"


    Yumi forced a smile on her pretty face as she shook her head and quickly allowed Ayumi to enter her room. Where she then sat on the bed and dismissed the young woman''s question entirely before asking one of her own.


    "Not at all, sweetheart, but I must ask, what are you doing here at this time of night?"


    There was an awkward expression on Ayumi''s face, as if she were afraid to ask the question on her mind. This confused Yumi for several seconds until her young niece pulled a holographic projector out of her pocket and disyed an image on it. One which Yumi was all too familiar with.


    Yumi''s expression suddenly turned grim, as she spoke her thoughts with a fearsome tone in her voice, one that her niece was entirely unfamiliar with.


    "Where did you get that?"


    The image in question was one she had taken of Erich during their first night together. It was the same one that got Erich disowned all those years ago. Ayumi blushed when she saw her great aunt''s expression, believing that the woman was furious with her, and was quick to answer Yumi''s question.


    "I may have broken one of father''s rules, and gotten ess to the Gctic Network, where I narrowed my search to the Germanic Interster Network, and after searching for information about the pilot in the video you showed me, I found this on social media.


    Apparently, he suffered from a bit of controversy because of it. And there are still people in the Empire who have not forgotten. They don''t appear to know that it is you in this image, but they are saying that Erich broke thew, and slept with you.... Aunt Yumi, are you in an illicit rtionship with this man?"


    If it was anyone else who brought this up, Yumi would make them disappear on the spot. But since it was her beloved niece, she did not bother hiding the truth from the girl. Instead, she silently made her way towards her personal wine cooler, where she pulled out a bottle of sake and took arge gulp from it directly. Once her beautiful cheeks were well and rosy, Yumi spoke of her rtionship with Erich.


    "You could say that... At first it was a one-night stand, but it was one of the best nights of my life. Even though I haven''t seen him in years, I never truly forgot about him. And then, I heard he sacrificed himself to destroy the Naraku Kingship, and though I grieved for his death, I managed to move on.


    That is until I ran into him while I was trying to solve the trouble your brother had caused. Seeing Erich alive and well filled me with a certain degree of happiness, which I have not felt in years. I tried to convince him toe back with me to the pce, where I would spoil him for the rest of his life, but the stubborn bastard refused my offer. I haven''t been able to get him out of my mind since..."


    Ayumi could hardly believe her great aunt''s confession. She was openly admitting to breaking their race''s greatest taboo. While it was not illegal to engage in an act of interspecies rtions in the Great Oni Empire, it was enough to have one shunned for the rest of their life if others found out about it.


    The young princess of the Great Oni Empire could hardly believe that her royal aunt, a woman she looked up to more than anyone, had done such a thing, and did not appear the least bit remorseful. She could not help but scold Yumi for her taboo behavior.


    "Aunt Yumi, how could you do such a thing? That is taboo!"


    Yumi simply scoffed after taking another swig from her bottle before responding to her niece''s outrage with a bit of pity on her face.


    "Oh please, you sound just like your father and your grandfather before him. What would any of you know about my tastes in men? Germanic men are bigger and stronger than Oni men, significantly so!


    Not only that, but they have increased libidos. And yet, despite this, they still know how to treat a woman right, and take care of her needs in addition to their own. Something which the men of our species are terribly inept at.


    Erich was a virgin when I first met him, but because his species is gically enhanced to near perfection, he quickly adapted to the situation, so much so that by the end of the night I was overwhelmed with bliss.


    Although we drank so much that I highly doubt he remembers everything that happened that night. We''re just lucky that our two species are not capable of reliably reproducing with one another, or you would have a little cousin by now."


    Yumi''s words were like a bomb that went off in her niece''s mind. After all, the young woman was a pure maiden who had never even seen a pornographic video before. She knew very little of the opposite sex and their anatomy. Having been sheltered her entire life, Ayumi could not possibly understand her aunt''s obsession. But her creative mind conjured all kinds of scenarios. Leading her to quickly be overwhelmed, to the point where she needed to sit down.


    Seeing that she had upset her young niece, Yumi sighed before handing her the bottle of rice wine which she was currently drinking from, one that Ayumi was quick to ept. After taking a few gulps, Ayumi''s cheeks flushed red, where she was just about to pose a question to her aunt, when the woman booted up her own holographic projector to reveal the video of Erich being intimate with Mirage.


    The video was from the perspective of the female spy, who was being ravaged by her mutant lover. A serious taboo in the Germanic Star-Empire, but to an outsider, it just seemed like two attractive humanoid aliens going at it.


    This video caused Ayumi to avert her gaze, and take another sip of alcohol, where she secretly watched it from her peripheral vision. It was only after Erich withdrew himself from Mirage that Ayumi gasped in shock before eximing her surprise aloud.


    "Why is he so big!?!"


    Yumi smiled, and nodded her head, upon seeing that her niece had finally begun to understand her obsession, where she then whispered the words into the girl''s ear with an alluring voice.


    "Like I said, the Germanic race is gically enhanced to near perfection, naturally this includes sex appeal. It is such a pity, if Erich had not been mutated to have silver hair, and eyes, he would be considered the pinnacle of his species..."


    Ayumi did not immediately respond, and she instead took another sip from the bottle in a desperate attempt to drown the overwhelming heat she felt emanating within her extremely voluptuous body.


    It was only after she realized that no amount of alcohol could drown this fire within her did Ayumi suddenly stand up from the bed and walk towards the door in a hurry. She did not say a word to her aunt as she fled the scene.


    As for Yumi, she had a wicked smile on her face as she said farewell to her young niece with a rather taunting tone in her alluring voice.


    "Have fun!"


    Little did Erich know that Yumi had nted the seeds in her great niece''s mind that would have the young woman fall head over heels with him. By the time he was forced to visit the pce as a diplomat of the Germanic Star-Empire, he would be in for a rather surprising turn of events.

 Chapter 83 Making Amends

    It had been nearly three months since Erich first was deployed to the Lutharian Ascendancy. And during this time, his young wife had decided that she could no longer sit idly by and let her marriage to continue in its deterioration.


    There was only one way that Erika knew of that could earn forgiveness from her husband and that was to reacquaint the man with his mother. After all, from what she knew about Erich, the only person he was ever really close to in life was his mother.


    Thus, for the past few months, Erika had been travelling aboard a civilian ship towards the world of Alfheim, where her husband''s family currently lived in exile. After all, the previous politicians of the Germanic Star-Empire had been exiled after fleeing from their nation''s borders during the Terminus War. If they ever returned to their homnd, they would be arrested and executed for treason.


    The journey to the Alfheim homeworld was a long one. After all, the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire lied far away from the capital of their Suzerains. But after finally arriving on Alfheim, Erika was astonished to see just how advanced the world was.


    Unlike the Germanic Star-Empire, which still required humanbor in critical jobs, the Alfheim Dominion was entirely automated, leaving its people to pursue their own desires. Despite being an Imperial State, the Alfheim Dominion was a fairly liberal ce based on the principles of free will and expression.


    Many things that were illegal in the borders of the Empire weremonce in the Alfheim Dominion, such as homosexual couples, drugs, pornography, and even a few interspecies rtionships. While it was still taboo for the Asterion Dynasty to engage in exogamy, this practice was not limited to a certain sub-species of the Light Elven race. Many of which foundfort in the arms of alien lovers, from those species they found to be most attractive.


    Erika recoiled in disgust when she saw these couples, which would be themon reaction of her people, before quickly making her way to the residence of her inws. When she finally knocked on the door to the luxurious mansion, she felt as if her heart was about to explode from anxiety.


    That is, until a stunning blonde haired and blue-eyed woman with an exceptionally curvy figure opened the door. Krista gazed upon her daughter-inw and broke out into tears as she hugged the young woman before expressing her shock.


    "Erika! My precious daughter-inw? What are you doing here? Is Erich with you?"


    Erika felt a bit guilty after hearing the woman''s question. But she managed to slowly shake her head. No Erich was not here with her, and there was a very good reason for this. Still, she was surprised that Krista knew about their rtionship, and thus she could not help but voice this astonishment.


    "You know about my marriage to your son?"


    Krista looked slightly offended as she released herself from the embrace which she had over the pink-haired beauty and pouted.


    "Of course I do! We may be exiled, but it is not as if we don''t follow the major events happening in the Empire. I am so proud of my son, while his bastard of a father fled from the borders of the Empire along with his duties to the state!


    My son took the initiative to fight and defend our homnd against those damned bugs! He even became a war hero through his actions! And got to marry a beautiful and talented young woman such as yourself. Oh, but where are my manners? Please,e in!"


    It was very clear by Krista''s words that she, too, was not on good terms with her husband, at least not currently. And thus she felt a little more at ease around the woman, as Krista could empathize with her plight.


    Erika was led indoors, where she quickly entered the living room after being dragged to it by Krista. While the oldest of Erich''s younger citizens had graduated from High School and started their own families long before Terminus arrived at their borders. There were still several children lying about who were in their teenage or pre-teen years. They all stared at Erika in disbelief. After all, several of these kids had grown up as fans of her music.


    Yet Krista stared at her sons and daughters with a furious expression, all of whom were about to surround Erika. When they witnessed their mother''s fearsome gaze, they sunk back into their seats, not daring to move an inch forward.


    Krista did not even bother introducing her children to her daughter-inw, and instead led the woman to the dining room table, where she was quick to ask if Erika required any refreshments.


    "My oh my, it must have been a long journey. Do you require anything? How about some nice hot tea? Or maybe some snacks? You do not need to worry about asking, we may be surrounded by a bunch of filthy aliens, but there is nothing we want for here on Alfheim. I guess that''s the sole positive thing about being exiled to this wretched..."


    There was a visible look of disgust on Krista''s face, one which Erika intimately understood, and thus she was quick to voice her requests.


    "I suppose I wouldn''t mind a cup of coffee, and maybe some cheese and crackers?"


    Krista smiled when she heard this, and quickly got to work on these refreshments, before asking her daughter-inw how her son had been.


    "So how has Erich been? I suppose he is currently deployed, and you decided to use this time to finally visit your inws. I haven''t seen that poor boy in years. His damned father is to me. After I snuck out to see my son''s graduation from the Naval Academy, that bastard has kept me under strict supervision. Even after everything that coward has done, he still condemns our son over that petty matter...."


    Erika naturally knew what her mother-inw was referring to and was quite nervous as she was handed a cup of coffee. But she felt as if she did not speak about her problems now, then she would never be able to voice them, and thus she just came outright and said what she was thinking.


    "That''s actually why I am here... Erich doesn''t know that I came to visit, nor would he even care.... Our marriage is a sham, he does not even speak to me, even when he is home, he just sits on the beach and drinks beer. I can barely get a word in without him walking right past me...."


    There was a worried look on Krista''s pretty face, as she quickly handed the cheese and crackers to the girl, while holding her hand forfort. She then was quick to empathize with Erika''s plight with a soft tone in her voice.


    "I''m really sorry to hear that, sweetheart. But Erich should not hold you responsible for what happened. While you may have reposted that image which he was foolish enough to put on his social media, it was his own damn fault for uploading the thing in the first ce!


    And besides, my bastard of a husband was just looking for an excuse to disown Erich. If it was not that image with the Oni woman, then it would have been the videos of the fights he got into at school. After all, that fiend has never considered Erich to be his son, simply because he was born slightly different from the norm.


    I wish there was something I could do to help you, but I''m afraid I am stuck here in exile along with my other children.... Oh, how I long to see my precious baby boy''s handsome face onest time¡­"


    This news caused Erika to react in confusion as she looked at Krista with disbelief. Did this woman seriously not know? There was a bit of an inflection in the pink-haired beauty''s voice as she exined the truth to her mother-inw.


    "But... You''re not exiled, and neither are your children. Supreme Leader Emeric au Emrys has dered that the wives and families of the cowardly politicians who abandoned the Empire to its fate have no responsibility for the actions of their husbands and fathers. Only your husband would be arrested and executed if he returned to the Empire.


    You and your children are free to return to your normal lives whenever you see fit. In fact, I''m surprised you haven''t already! After all, Alemannia has already been terraformed into a habitable state. And the Empire is close to finishing the reconstruction of its defenses. They are even supposed to be more powerful than ever before!"


    This news astonished Krista, who was in the middle of cutting a slice of cheese for her daughter-inw. The knife slipped and ended up cutting an enormous chunk out of the wedge. Though Krista did not seem to notice this, because her hands were absolutely trembling, while a fog had ovee her eyes. She kept mumbling something under her breath, which increasingly became louder until Erika could finally understand it.


    "That devious bastard! He lied to me! He lied to us all!"


    It became abundantly clear to Erika that Erich''s father had lied to his family in order to keep them by his side. Even if they were absolutely miserable in the Alfheim Dominion. She then averted her gaze, not wanting to be responsible for whatever rampage Krista went on after finding the truth.


    However, Krista quickly calmed herself after taking some deep breaths. She then got up from her seat and grabbed her coat, which was sitting on a rack. Her next words shocked Erika as much as it did the woman''s children.


    "Come, children, we are leaving this degenerate world behind and returning to the Empire. It would appear that your father has been lying to us all this entire time!"


    At first, the children did not believe their ears, but when they saw that their mother had already begun to pack up their belongings, they did not hesitate to do the same. If their bastard of a father had truly been lying to them about their exile this entire time, then whatever love they still had for him was now officially dead and gone.


    Erika suddenly realized that she had just caused her mother-inw to separate from her husband, and permanently at that. To which she felt a little guilty.¡­

 Chapter 84 Family Drama

    Just like that, Krista and her family had packed up their belongings, or what they could take with them, and left for the borders of their homnd. Naturally Erika followed with them, where she and her mother-inw were able to speak in depth about their lives, and their troubles.


    By the end of the months'' long journey, Krista could consider Erika to be her new best friend, and the two got along swimmingly. Something which would shock Erich to the core of his being when he finally returned home from deployment. Which was drawing near with each passing day.


    Since Alemannia was currently undergoing reconstruction, Krista and her children decided to live with Erika for the time being. The once lonely and deste mansion had suddenly be so lively, to the point where the former pop star found that she had finally begun to enjoy her life.


    Finally, the day came, where the 13th Fleet returned to the Empire''s borders for repairs and resupply. They had been at war for nine months, and during this time, they had gained considerable ground. But against a tier II regional power with an overwhelming number of star systems and resources at their disposal, it would take far longer than a year for this war to bepleted.


    Thus, in its ce, the 17th Fleet was dispatched to continue the war effort, while the soldiers of the 13th Fleet received some rest and respite. Erich was not particrly looking forward to returning home to his loveless marriage.


    He would honestly rather continue his deployment, where he was surrounded by his newrades, many of which he had be rather close to after fighting by their side repeatedly for nine months straight.


    But Erich was not allowed to deny his mandatory leave of absence. After all, it was considered detrimental to a soldier''s mental health to serve for so long without proper rest. Especially after the Dvrakian War, and the overwhelming amount of stress its soldiers faced during that time. Because of this, the new Supreme Leader had be far more strict about soldiers and their rest.


    ---


    Erich opened the door to his home with a stoic expression on his handsome face. He was wearing his dress uniform, and all the medals he had been awarded over the years, including several new iron crosses which he had been awarded for his heroism within the Lutharian War.


    By now Erich had all grades of the Iron Cross, except for the Grand Cross. Meaning he had one pinned above his breast pocket, one pinned to his breast pocket, and one dangling from his neck. All of varying sizes. This was in addition to his Merit Cross, and his Grand Cross of the Order of the ck Sun. All of which were disyed proudly on his uniform, and yet there seemed to be no hint of pride in Erich''s silver eyes, as he boldly entered his mansion and dered his arrival to no one in particr.


    "I''m home¡­."


    Contrary to what was expecting, he heard the voice of a woman respond to him, one which he had not heard in many years.


    "Oh well, my baby boy is back!"


    At first Erich thought he was hearing things, but then he saw with his own eyes that his mother was standing in the doorway wearing an apron, with a wide smile on her face, and hands full of dough. Erich immediately found it difficult to stand as he fell to one knee and leaned against the wall.


    He had never expected that he would ever see his mother again in his life. And here she was in his home. Because of this, Erich could not help but express his disbelief aloud, albeit stammering as he did so.


    "H...Ho...How?"


    Krista was immediately worried about her son, who had seemed to have lost his footing for no reason, and immediately ran up to the young man where she smothered him with her substantial bosom. Though the flour on her hands spread across the man''s silver hair, as his mother stroked it, he did not seem to care. Instead, he let out the tears that he had kept welled up for years. All while crying out for his mother.


    "Mom...."


    Krista shooshed her eldest son, as she assured him everything would be alright. She could tell he had suffered immensely over the years, in more ways than she could possibly imagine. But none of that mattered, because she was now here for him.


    "Oh, Erich... Let it all out. Mommy is here for you."


    Normally, a man was supposed to be stoic in the face of adversity, but perhaps the only time he was permitted to cry was when he was alone with his mother. After all, only a mother would ever love a man unconditionally.


    Luckily for him, Erika was out getting groceries, and because of this, she did not manage to witness her husband''s pitiful state. It took some time for Erich to calm down, but eventually his mother wiped the tears from his eyes and exined everything to him.


    "While you were deployed, your lovely young wife came to Alfheim and informed me that your siblings and I were not exiled, only your father was. After being lied to by that bastard for so long, we did not hesitate to pack everything that we could take with us and return to the Empire. We did not even leave that scoundrel a note exining that we had left him.


    Considering that your father is now guilty of high treason, I was granted an exception by the courts and given a divorce. So I no longer have to bear the burden of being that cowardly traitor''s wife."


    Erich did not even hear thisst part, because his mind was baffled by the idea of Erika going to fetch his mother. After all, she was the reason they were driven apart in the first ce. And because he could not believe this, he waspelled to ask for rification.


    "My wife? You mean Erika? Erika went to Alfheim and brought you back? Why? She doesn''t give a damn about me!"


    Krista immediately smacked her eldest son on the top of his head and scolded him as she wore a pouting expression on her wless face.


    "Erich Jaeger! You are aplete fool! That girl is a sweetheart who is just really bad at dealing with the opposite sex! Not that I me her, she was sheltered from the day she was born. In fact, the only man she ever interacted with was her own father, and he seemedpelled to keep any boy at arm''s length from her!


    And you! I thought I raised you better! To think that you would so callously dismiss yourwfully wedded wife. I''ve heard that you have not even consummated your marriage! Do you think the traditions of our people are a joke? You have been married for over three years, and yet you have not produced a single child! Shame on you!"


    Erich could not believe he was being made out to be the bad guy. Consummate his marriage? With the woman who had ruined his life? What kind of sick joke was this? How could he ever forgive Erika for driving a wedge between him and the only person he had ever truly cared for in life? It was simply inexcusable, and he was quick to voice this thought.


    "How can you take her side? She ruined my life! If not for her, I would have never lost you in the first ce! The fact that I have not once vented my anger on her through violence is proof of my benevolence! If I were a lesser man, I would have struck that bitch a thousand times over for what she has done to me!"


    Krista was extremely angry with her son now, he was close to thirty years old, and he was still ming others for his problems, this was something which she could not tolerate, and quickly pped Erich across the face, as she knew it was the only way she would be able to get through to him.


    Erich was stunned into silence by his stinging cheek. Did his mother seriously just p him? Before he could rify this matter, Krista began to speak to her son with a stern tone in her voice.


    "And whose fault do you think that is? Honestly, Erich, you are a man now, and yet you are ming your wife for a problem that you caused. She did not force you to post such a suggestive photo of you with an alien woman onto social media.


    Literally everyone could see that image! You are an aberrant, which our society despises, and yet you thought it was a good idea to take a photo which suggested that you were breaking thew in more ways than one? The fact that you haven''t been executed already as a result of your little dalliance with that alien whore amazes me!"


    Erich immediately became flustered when he heard his mother call Yumi a whore. Though his perception of the woman had shifted slightly since first speaking with Ryu. To the point where he now feared and respected the Oni beauty, rather than seeing her as a casual fling to vent his lust with. He still considered her to be one of the people that he was closest to in this life. Which said more about him than it did anything else. And because of this, he immediately began to defend Yumi from his mother''s insults.


    "Yumi is not a whore! She has lived for over 250 years. Of course, she would have had a lover or two in that time-span. I myself am not even thirty yet, and I have been with multiple women! She is actually nice to me, unlike that pink haired bimbo, and treats me with the respect I deserve! So I won''t have you ndering her!"


    To say that Krista was mad that her son had spoken back to her was an understatement. There was a hostile glint in the woman''s dazzling blue eyes as she gazed at her son with murderous intent. It was extremely clear by the words he had spoken that he was still in contact with this Yumi woman, and had likely already cheated on Erika.


    It was only now that it dawned on Krista''s mind that her son had been deployed to fight alongside their Oni allies for the past nine months. Though the probability was slim, it was still entirely possible that he woulde into contact with Yumi during this time.


    But perhaps what was the most oundish thing of all was that her son openly admitted to being a man whore, something Krista never thought she would hear in her life. And thus there was a chilling tone in her voice as she asked her son one simple question.


    "What did you just say?"


    It was only now that Erich realized he had fucked up. His mother was a fiercely traditional woman. He had openly admitted to sleeping around, which was a serious taboo within the Empire, and had inadvertently revealed that he was still in contact with Yumi. The gravity of his mistake was apparent on his mother''s face, who was looking at him as if he were a pile of refuse.


    But before he could answer his mother''s question, the door swung open and revealed Erika''s sublime figure. The pink-haired beauty had a pretty smile on her face as she announced her entrance. Not realizing what she had just walked into.


    "Krista, I''m home!"


    The mother and son stared awkwardly at the intruder, not wanting to discuss this delicate matter further while in her presence. Thus, Krista took one look at her son, and said a single phrase before helping Erika with the groceries.


    "We will discuss thister..."

 Chapter 85 Family Drama Part II

    Erich was dumbfounded by the fact that Erika had so suddenly shown up at the door, and was particrly confused by the wide smile on her face. For the entirety of their marriage, he had never once seen the woman smile. But the moment she noticed Erich was home, her face became flustered, and she looked away.


    Upon seeing this, Erich simply scoffed, and began to walk away, when his mother grabbed hold of his arm, and stared at him with a grim re. The tone in her voice was one of absolute fury, as she asked a question, which was more of a demand.


    "Aren''t you going to wee your lovely wife home?"


    As much as Erich wanted to question just who his mother was talking about. He could tell that he had seriously pissed her off with his previous statements, and thus he sighed heavily as he gazed upon Erika with a stoic expression and an emotionless tone in his voice.


    "Wee home, Erika...."


    Erika clearly didn''t take thisck of emotion well at all, it was written on her husband''s face just how little he cared for her. She thought that things would be better once he learned that she had gone out of her way to repair the bond between him and his mother, but he still did not seem the slightest bit interested in repairing their rtionship.


    This brought tears to the young woman''s eyes as she dropped the groceries in her hands and ran off to her room. The moment she was out of earshot, Krista shot her son a chilling re before scolding him for his rudeness.


    "How can you be so callous after everything she has done? Do you not have a single shred of human emotion within you?"


    Erich could not believe that once more he was arguing with his mother for the second time in his life. As he desperately tried to defend his own actions.


    "What do you want me to do, run up and hug the bitch? In case you haven''t noticed, I''m not exactly her biggest fan. The fact that I was married to her, of all people, is perhaps the greatest insult I have ever received. There is perhaps only one woman in this universe who I detest more than her! And thankfully, Emrys didn''t force me to marry that cunt!"


    Krista''s brows furrowed. She could tell that whoever this woman her son was speaking about, there was clearly some history between the two of them. And thus she could not help but question the man about her.


    "This woman, you despise so much. Was she one of the women you mentioned earlier?"


    Erich realized he had once more stepped on andmine, and regretted ever opening his mouth, he remained silent for several seconds, but when it was clear that this only proved to further anger his mother, he sighed heavily, and nodded his head in silence.


    This answer did not seem to have an effect on Krista. If anything, it lessened her anger. As the busty blonde bombshell sighed heavily, before asking the next question on her mind.


    "How many?"


    It was abundantly clear what his mother meant, and thus, Erich sighed just as heavily as his mother had previously done before he answered the question.


    "Three...."


    This answer seemed to have granted Krista some relief, that is until she asked her next question.


    "And how many of these women were aliens? Don''t tell me they all were?"


    Erich averted his gaze, knowing that the answer would only further infuriate his mother, but nheless, he raised two fingers. Which caused Krista to once more be angry with her son, but that fury was eventually reced with disappointment as she sighed and shook her head before voicing her thoughts aloud.


    "I don''t know what to say. I thought I raised you better than this... Apparently, I am a terrible mother."


    This remark caused Erich to flinch, as his mother broke out into tears. He could not believe how quickly her mood had swung from happy to furious and finally depressed. He quickly grabbed hold of the woman and hugged her tightly, while assuring her that she was a great mother.


    "Mom, don''t say that! You were a great mother. It''s all that bitch''s fault that I turned out this way!"


    Clearly he was talking about his wife, and this caused Krista to break away from her son''s arms and pout as she scolded him for his careless remarks.


    "You still have the nerve to say that? Whose fault was it that you slept with? What was her name? Yumi? I don''t recall you have any interactions with Erika when you chose to do such a horrible thing! I should have known.... After I found those videos, I should have corrected your behavior. I can''t believe I let you walk down this path."


    Erich tried to hug his mother in an attempt tofort her, but she simply shooed him away. This act nearly broke the man''s heart, especially after Krista rebuked him so thoroughly.


    "Erich, I''m sorry, but I need some time to think...."


    After saying this, Krista walked off, leaving her son in a state of utter bewilderment. He had never expected to reunite with his mother, but he had often dreamt of it. But in none of those scenarios, did he ever conceive such a reality, one where his mother was furious at him over such petty matters.


    He could only sigh and get undressed. Erich adorned a pair of swim trunks and flip-flops, as he grabbed an ice chest, and filled it with beer, before walking out to the beach where he sat in silence. All he could do was drank alone and think about his problems in extreme detail.


    ---


    Erich did not know how long he was on the beach for, but eventually he was awoken from his stupor when he received a call from abroad. He did not know who would possibly do such a thing, and though he was better off declining the holographicmunication, his curiosity got the better of him, and thus he looked around to see if he was truly alone before epting the call.


    Immediately, the figure of a particrly beautiful Oni woman appeared on his screen. One who was dressed in a kimono, and nothing else. Though if one had to exin the outfit which Yumi was wearing, it was not a traditional kimono, and was instead quite skimpy. There was an excited smile on her face when she saw that Erich was dressed in nothing but swim trunks, causing her to remark on his appearance with an alluring tone in her voice.


    "Ara ara, what a treat this is. And here I was, expecting to be the one to give you a nice gift. But why do you look so glum? You should have only returned home a few hours ago. What could have possibly happened to make you so depressed in such a short amount of time?


    A peculiar look appeared on Erich''s face, as he questioned how the woman knew that he was currently at his home.


    "How do you know that I''m currently home right now?"


    A sultry smile appeared on Yumi''s face as she dismissed the question entirely.


    "Oh, a woman has her ways. Now tell me Erich, what''s gotten you so bothered? You don''t look like your usual self!"


    Erich sighed heavily before going into detail about what had just happened to him upon returning to his home. The beautiful Oni woman appeared rather concerned, as she sighed heavily before speaking her thoughts.


    "You have it worse than I thought. I can''t believe that little wife of yours went out of her way to do such a thing, only for it to backfire in her face. Honey, I understand your frustration with the little cunt, but she is trying her best to improve your rtionship. Don''t you think the least you can do is give her a chance?"


    Erich was surprised to see that Yumi had taken Erika''s side just like his mother had, but he was even more bewildered that she referred to him with a pet name. One that was usually reserved for couples. His brow immediately raised as he asked the immediate question on his mind.


    "Honey?"


    An alluring smile appeared on Yumi''s face as she responded to Erich''s statement with a cutesy voice.


    "What you don''t like it? Well, do you want me to refer to you by something else? How about Dear? Sugar? Darling? Ooh, I like that one. What do you think, darling?"


    Erich chuckled and smiled as he heard Yumi refer to him by such an adorable pet name. He had to admit, speaking with her had driven all of his worries to the back of his mind. So much so that he did not even bother correcting Yumi about the nickname she had given him. And upon seeing that Erich was no longer wearing such a depressed expression, Yumiplimented him.


    "You look much cuter when you smile, darling. Please don''t let such matters get you down. If you are so glum there in Empire, I might just have toe get you myself!"


    This remark caused shivers to run down Erich''s spine as he remembered Ryu''s warning, causing him to awkwardly avert his gaze. But Yumi was a wise and intelligent woman, and knew that her remark had caused the man to react this way. Something which she could not stand, and was thus quick to inquire about it.


    "What? What did I say? Darling, did I do something wrong?"


    Erich did not know why, but he felt much more rxed around Yumi, so much so that he let his guard down, and said something he probably shouldn''t have."


    "It''s just that your nephew said I should be on my guard around you..."


    Yumi''s previous flirtatious expression turned to one of sheer animosity as she demanded an answer from her current lover.


    "Erich... What exactly did that little runt say to you?"


    Erich immediately regretted his previous remark, because he felt an overabundance of pressure on his shoulders. Even if this woman was several hundred light years away from him. But he could not very well deny her now that he had initiated this conversation. Thus, he exined the exact discussion he had with Ryu months prior.


    Naturally, Yumi was furious, but not at Erich, instead she was cursing her great nephew in the most callous way.


    "That little bastard. How dare he stick his nose in my personal matters! I will have to thoroughly punish the little brat when he finally returns to the pce!"


    This remark shocked Erich, as he could not believe that Yumi''s fury was directed at Ryu instead of himself, and thus he was quick to inquire about this matter.


    "You''re not mad at me?"


    A look of confusion appeared on Yumi''s wless face, as she gazed upon her lover''s intimidated expression, before assuring him that everything was fine between them.


    "Why would I be mad at you? You were just curious about me. If anything, I find it ttering. But darling, you don''t need to go asking others about me. If you have any questions, you can ask me directly!"


    Erich could hardly believe his ears. What the hell had he done to get this powerful, and noble woman to act this way towards him? He simply could not understand her emotions. Instead, he was more concerned about his personal safety. Which he was quick to ask about.


    "So you promise you won''t kill me when you get bored with me, or kidnap me because you have be too obsessed with me?"


    For the first time in his life, Erich witnessed Yumi blush in embarrassment as she averted her gaze and fidgeted with her fingers. It was perhaps the cutest thing that the man had ever seen in his life. Suddenly the woman''s voice turned meek, as she voiced her thoughts aloud.


    "Darling.... Don''t ask me that! I would never harm you! But I can''t promise that I won''t end up kidnapping you...."


    Erich could feel himself blush as well when he heard these sweet wordse from the Oni beauty''s delicate lips. The truth of the matter was, he would honestly rather be with her right now, then at his home with his mother and wife.


    But he would never step out of his ce. It was impossible for a man like him to ask for an invitation to the Royal Pce of the Great Oni Empire. And just when he was about to sigh and ept his fate, Yumi said something rather shocking to him.


    "Oh, darling! I have a wonderful idea! Since your mother and wife are upset with you right now, why don''t you give them some much needed space ande visit the pce? I have a little surprise for you, one I think you will really enjoy... Don''t worry about my nephew. He might be a grumpy child, but he won''t cause any problems for you, I promise!"


    Erich sat in disbelief for some time. Did he seriously just get an offer to visit the Royal Pce of the Great Oni Empire from the shadow behind the throne herself? As much as Erich wanted to visit the woman, he felt if he did as she asked, that he would not be allowed to leave when the time came to do so.


    But he also could not imagine staying here in a home filled with angry women for the next three months. Thus, Erich decided to roll the dice, and boldly epted Yumi''s offer.


    "Alright... I am trusting that you will let me go when the timees for me to be redeployed. So, I will visit you until that time arrives, if you will have me."


    A look of overwhelming excitement appeared on Yumi''s wless face, before giving Erich a little treat. Like she had initially nned when she called him. Yumi suddenly pulled down her kimono to reveal her modest bosom, while also pulling up the bottom of her garment to reveal her moist and puffy kitty. She looked absolutely love-struck as she voiced her thoughts aloud with a particrly alluring voice.


    "I can''t wait...."

 Chapter 86 The Matriarch Of The Kondo Dynasty

    Supreme Leader Emrys sat within his office, while gazing upon the blonde-haired beauty who was the IIS agent previously known by the alias of Mirage. Mirage had a stern look on her face as she transferred a file to the Supreme Leader''s NeuroLink, which was the most recent report on Erich''s activities. She summarized its contents with a particrly hostile tone in her voice.


    "From the security footage which we have obtained from the carrier which Erich currently serves upon. We can tell that he is still engaging in interspecies rtions. I rmend an immediate arrest and execution of the man for his crimes against the Empire!"


    There was a rather intimidated expression on Emrys'' face as he quickly shut off the video of Erich and Yumi having sex. His words were equally frightened as he gave an order that Mirage simply could not understand.


    "Delete all records of this video. I don''t even want it saved in your backup drives. Nobody must know of this. For anyone who may have suspicions about Commander Jaeger''s rtionship with this woman, put them under a strict gag order. If they refuse toply, execute them for treason."


    Mirage could hardly believe her ears. She was not aware of Yumi''s identity. After all, almost all Oni women looked the same to her, and thus she was quick to inquire why she had been given such severe orders.


    "I''m sorry, Supreme Leader, but who exactly is this woman?"


    There was a grim look on Emrys'' face as he sighed heavily before revealing the truth to his most trusted agent.


    "That woman is Kondo Yumi, and she is the Matriarch of the Kondo Dynasty. There is a reason that Erich was not executed when it was first revealed to the public that he may have slept with an Oni woman. And that is because Miss Yumi requested that he be spared from punishment.


    She is known to have a preference for the men of our species, and over the past two hundred and fifty years, she has taken three lovers from among our poption, of which Erich is the only one currently alive. The previous two mysteriously disappeared. No doubt they insulted the woman in some way, and she eliminated them because of it.


    You may not be aware of this, but this woman has a great deal of power and influence over our society. Naturally, as the leader of ourrgest trading partner, she undoubtedly has been able to sway our Intelligence Agencies to prevent her previous lovers from being resurrected.


    If she has taken Commander Jaeger as her new lover, then there is nothing I can do to stop it. Other than to warn him to be on his guard around the woman. If he ends up upsetting her like thest two of her lovers have done, then he may share the same fate as those men."


    This news stunned Mirage, who had no idea that a foreign power had such influence over Germanic society. As much as she wanted to fry Erich for breaking thew again, it appeared that his current partner was not one that could be trifled with, even by the Supreme Leader. Thus she sighed heavily and saluted the man.


    "I understand, sir. Your orders will be ryed to the entirety of the IIS. Anyone who has incriminating information about this woman will be dealt with, and the grid shall be purged of any mention of this illicit rtionship."


    Emrys smiled and nodded his head as he returned the woman''s salute before dismissing her entirely.


    "Good. If that is all, then you are dismissed, agent."


    Having heard this, Mirage left the room, where Emrys immediately locked the doors behind her. He then shut the shades of his window and got up from his seat, where he approached the back wall of his office. What appeared like a normal wall quickly parted way, as Emrys touched his hand to a hidden panel and scanned his retinas. From there, a secret room revealed itself, where whatid within would shock if Erich had witnessed it.


    Standing in the middle of the secret room was arge cloning vat, one which contained a familiar face. The red-skinned, and silver-haired beauty of the Dvrakian Race lie asleep inside the vat, as her bodily functions were taken care of by machines. Her condition was slowly being monitored on a nearby panel, which disyed her vitals to be in a perfect state.


    Emrys gazed at the Dvrakian woman''s wless figure and sighed as he shook his head before revealing his thoughts aloud to the sleeping beauty.


    "It''s truly a pity... All of that nning, and every resource I spent to bring you back from the dead, only for it all to go to waste! It would appear that Erich has finally learned to toe the party line. And though he may have been seduced by that Oni whore, that is no concern of mine. I''ll allow the boy to have his fun. In fact, I look forward to see what bes of his rtionship with that woman. This might very well be the start of a new era of friendly rtions with the Great Oni Empire.


    But s, it now appears I will not be able to use you as my pawn after all. At least not for the time being. Sleep well, my dear S''aleth, because eventually the time wille for you to y your part in all of this. And I look forward to that day...."


    After saying this, Emrys left the secluded room behind and shut the door behind him. Which once more blended seamlessly into the wall as it locked itself, so that only the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire may ess its secrets.


    ---


    Erich left his home behind and headed towards the Capital of the Great Oni Empire. Before he departed, he left a note on the dining room table informing his mother and wife that he would be going out for a bit, to allow them to have some space. Erich did not, however, tell them where he was going or when he would be back.


    And while this acted as a source of anxiety for Krista and Erika, Erich finally had some semnce of inner peace, as he purchased the first ticket to the Oni capital of Naniwa, whereuponnding he was astonished to find that the city was made ofrgely traditional architecture. A style that would have been reminiscent of the city of Kyoto during the 21st century of Earth''s history.


    However, Erich did not make it far into the Starport, because the moment he went through customs, he was approached by a group of heavily armed Oni men. All of which had a distinct armband over their right biceps.


    Evidently, these men were important, because everyone who witnessed them, including the other members of the Starport''s security team, backed away and allowed them to approach the distinctive Germanic male. The leader of the group spoke in a stoic voice as he addressed Erich.


    "Commander Erich Jaeger? Your presence is requested at the pce. If you will follow me, we will have you safely escorted to your destination."


    Erich was about to lift up his bags when the members of the Royal Guard stopped him. The leader among their ranks was quick to inform Erich about his current situation.


    "We will have to ask you to part with your belongings for the time being. They will be thoroughly investigated, and returned to you only after we confirm that they are not a hazard to the Royal Family. Do not worry, a set of clothing will be provided for you the moment you reach the pce. As well as anything else you may need during your visit."


    All the bystanders had begun to record the scene, believing Erich to be a man of supreme importance. After all, he was an alien who was invited to the Imperial Pce, and though these royal guards spoke the Germanic tongue, that was not the case for every Oni citizen. Thus, they did not recognize the rank ofmander, which was spoken earlier.


    Erich felt like he was some kind of celebrity, as he was escorted out of the Starport and into an armored hover car, which took him to the pce. He gazed upon the ponderous, yet highly traditional city, which almost existed in perfect harmony with the local environment, before finally arriving at the steps of the pce.


    The pce grounds were located in a secluded area of the city. In fact, the Royal Pce lied in the middle of an artificial crater, where a giant waterfall flowed in the background and into an enormous pool of water. Which was undoubtedly a smallke in its own right. Floating above the water''s surface was the Royal Pce of the Great Oni Empire.


    The hover car received approval by the guards stationed at the top of the artificial crater to head inside, where it only took a few minutes, before Erich and the members of the royal guardnded in the alotted parking space.


    The moment Erich stepped out of the hover car, he was immediately glomped by Yumi, who nearly tackled the man to the ground with her hug. She began to openly disy her affection by kissing Erich repeatedly on the cheek and lips, all the while she expressed just how much she missed him.


    "Oh darling, I missed you so much! Did you miss me?"


    Erich was utterly bewildered by the fact that he and Yumi were not alone, instead, standing in the driveway of the pce, was the Great Oni Emperor himself, who gazed upon his royal aunt''s unsightly appearance with a rather stern expression on his face.


    Along with the other members of the Kondo Dynasty, which not only included the progeny of the Great Oni Emperor, but that of his siblings and cousins as well. These men and woman, all gazed upon the Matriarch of their Dynasty, as she shamelessly showed affection to a foreigner. Most had disapproving looks in their eyes, despite their silence. But one girl in particr appeared quite flustered.


    Ayumi gazed upon her great aunt''s shameless actions and bit her lip in frustration while blushing profusely. Ever since Yumi had first showed her that video of Erich being intimate with Mirage, the young Princess had only be infatuated with the man. Going so far as to stalk him on the Gctic Network, and toment on all of his posts under a throwaway ount that acted as his biggest fangirl.


    Of course Erich never noticed these posts, because of the nature of the Germanic Star-Empire''s intersterwork. While the gxy could see that which the citizens of the Germanic Star-Empire posted online, the citizens of the Germanic Star-Empire could not easily see what was posted by the rest of the gxy due to their great firewall.


    And though Erich had enough skills with technology to bypass this restriction, he also knew that he was now being monitored by the government. Thus, he chose not to break anymorews so long as he could help it. Because of this, he waspletely unaware of Ayumi''s feelings towards him, which were no doubt the result of her great aunt''s maniption.


    As for Yumi, after she had finally gotten her fill of Erich''s lips and scent, she decided to introduce the man to her exceptionallyrge family. As much as they all clearly disapproved of this rtionship, Yumi held enough power over the Kondo Dynasty to prevent them from evershing out at Erich. Thus, she wore a happy smile on her wless face as she began the introduction.


    "Erich, I would like to introduce you to the members of the Kondo Dynasty. I have made sure they were all here to wee you upon your arrival, aside from little Ryu, that is. But you have already met him."


    After saying this, Yumi noticed the rather upset expressions on the faces of her family, and immediately barked at them like a rabid hound.


    "What do you all have to say to my guest?"


    The members of the Kondo dynasty immediately felt their spines chill as they heard Yumi''smand. In fact, it was only the younger generation of the family that were unaware of the power which she held over everyone else.


    But today that had suddenly changed, as all of these children were urged by their parents to greet Yumi''s guest with the utmost respect. Even then, it came as aplete and total shock to these children, as the adults in their family all bowed before Erich and weed him with respect.


    "Wee to our home, esteemed guest of the Matriarch!"


    It was only now that Erich realized that Yumi wasn''t exactly the shadow behind the throne. In fact, her position was as solid as it could possibly be. Topel all these men and women, to greet her lover, despite their conflicted feelings, that was true power. And because of this, Erich could not imagine possibly being in danger when Yumi had such a tight leash around her family''s throats.


    Thus, he bowed in return, and thanked the members of the Kondo Dynasty for their hospitality.


    "I thank you all for your hospitality and look forward to getting along with you all over these next few months."


    Of course, the only member of the Kondo Dynasty besides Yumi, who seemed even remotely approving of Erich''s response, was Ayumi. Who gazed upon her aunt with supreme envy in her amber eyes. Thus, began Erich''s first vacation at the Oni Royal Pce. One which would help heal his wounded heart.

 Chapter 87 Bath Time With The Oni Princess [R18]

    After briefly being introduced to the individual members of the Kondo Dynasty, Yumi was quick to usher her lover towards the bath. The very suggestion of which caused her family to grimace.


    "So, Erich, you must have had a long journey, and I can already tell that you smell. Why don''t you take a bath and freshen up before we have dinner?"


    Every single member of Yumi''s family knew what this entailed. Undoubtedly, the woman would enter the mystic pool with this outsider and defile their sacred grounds. And yet, not one of them dared to voice their disagreement with this proposal, as Erich agreed to it, not knowing the significance behind Yumi''s words.


    "I suppose I could use a bath after the long flight here."


    Despite the fact that this outsider was about to enter an area which was considered sacred by the Kondo Dynasty, nobody voiced their disagreement, that is until Yumi gave out her nextmand.


    "Ayumi, why don''t you lead Erich to the mystic pool? Since it is his first time in this pce, he will need a proper guide."


    Ayumi''s amber eyes shed with excitement, but Erich did not notice this, because before she could ept, her father spoke up in disagreement with his aunt''smands.


    "Absolutely not. I may not be able to prevent you from doing such a thing with this outsider. But my daughter will have no part in this!"


    Yumi''s dark eyes narrowed in response to her nephew''s defiance, something which sent chills down everyone''s spine. And just when she was about to insist about this point, Ayumi spoke up and volunteered. Albeit with a flustered expression and a meek voice. Something which obviously only served to further enrage the Great Oni Emperor.


    "It''s okay, father, I am only escorting him to the bath. Surely there is nothing wrong with just that?"


    Erich was convinced that if the Great Oni Emperor said it was inappropriate for his daughter to escort him, then it was indeed inappropriate. After all, he was in a foreignnd, where he was not aware of their customs. And yet, for some reason, this young woman seemed almost eager to assist him. Still, he did not feelfortable with allowing a stranger to do so, yet he did not dare speak up in this situation.


    As for Yumi, she had a delighted smile appeared on her wless face, as she sped her hands together, and sent her great niece off with her lover.


    "There, you see. It is not a problem Kenji-tan. Ayumi has said so herself!"


    As much as the Great Oni Emperor wanted to stop this from happening, he could not challenge Yumi''s authority. And thus, he just gnashed his teeth and walked away. Yumi then wrapped her arms around Erich''s neck and pulled herself up so that she could kiss him. She then whispered something in his ears that he found unbelievable.


    "You like my gift? I told you I had a surprise for you, didn''t I? Ayumi is already infatuated with you, and will do anything you ask. And I mean anything. My only restriction is that you don''t take the girl''s chastity. I''m saving that forter. So, you two have fun, and I will join you both in a bit..."


    Erich could hardly believe his ears. Not only was the Matriarch of the Kondo Dynasty infatuated with him, but so was its princess? How the hell did this happen? He had never even met Ayumi before, and yet he could not deny by the way the girl looked at him that there was indeed some kind of reverence in her amber eyes.


    But before he could say a thing, Ayumi had grabbed hold of his hand, and led him off to the bath, where she would clean his body, before soaking in the mystic pool with him. As Erich walked through the halls of the pce, he did not see a thing. Instead, his silver eyes were firmly fixed on the young beauty in front of him.


    Though she wore a kimono, there was no denying that Ayumi had a divine figure, one that was easily superior to Yumi''s. And yet she had a face that was almost identical to her aunt''s. If anything, Ayumi was the superior version of Yumi.


    The girl''s cheeks and nose were flushed red, as she found it difficult to look into Erich''s eyes. She could not say a word, that is until Erich brought something up to ease the tension.


    "Your name is Ayumi? If that''s the case, then I suppose I have met your brother Ryu...."


    The moment Ayumi heard her brother''s name, her head jolted as her amber eyes fixed themself upon Erich''s figure. It had been some time since her brother had gotten himself in trouble, and the girl had been dreadfully worried about him ever since. She spoke with a meek voice as she asked the immediate question on her mind.


    "You know my onii-chan?"


    Erich smiled and nodded his head before exining the ratherplicated rtionship between him and the Oni Prince.


    "Yup, you could say that he and I are drinking buddies. Every night I smuggle a liter of beer to the brig, so we can drink together. Or I used to. I''m currently on leave, after nine months of deployment. So it will be a few months before I can do so again."


    Erich''s words shattered whatever few reservations Ayumi might have had. This man was not only her obsession, but he was even nice to her big brother. She could not help but be even further infatuated with him at this moment. And it was good timing too, because they had arrived at the door to the male bath. Erich then thanked her for her assistance in finding this ce.


    "Well, thank you Ayumi, it was fun talking to you, but I really should start my bath now."


    Ayumi flinched when she heard these words. Was this man really not going to take her with him? Was it not her responsibility to ensure that every crevice of his muscr body was properly washed before entering the mystical pool together? Just when Erich was about to walk through the doorway, she instinctivelytched onto his arm and voiced her thoughts aloud.


    "Are you not going to take me with you? Am I not good enough? Do you prefer a body like Aunt Yumi''s?"


    Erich was stunned by these words. This girl actually wanted to join him? He thought that Yumi was just messing with him. But it was clear that she was basically asking him for permission to join him, without overtly doing so. Because of this, Erich felt awkward as he tried to avoid angering the Great Oni Emperor.


    "You don''t have to do this. Whatever Yumi might say, it is your choice. She can''t make you bathe with me..."


    However, these words did not diffuse the situation in the slightest. Instead, they caused the young woman to cry. Which not only confused Erich, but caused him to panic, especially after she expressed herment at being rejected.


    "So I''m not good enough.... I''m such a failure, aunt Yumi assured me this was a sure thing, and yet I''m clearly too ugly after all!"


    Erich thought that perhaps this beautiful young woman might have a screw loose, if she thought that she was ugly. He could not help but drag the girl inside the bath with him. An act which, though surprising, was much wee by Ayumi.


    As the doors shut behind the two, Erich gazed upon what was clearly a giant traditional Japanese bath. Nobody was inside at the moment, as Yumi hadmanded it to be empty for her lover and her niece.


    Ayumi''s face was flustered. She was incredibly anxious about doing something so taboo, but dreadfully excited. She slowly began to peel off theyered over kimono until her heavenly body waspletely naked. Still, she covered the good parts with her hands, and averted her gaze in embarassment. But it was not enough to fully conceal her flesh.


    Erich gazed upon Ayumi''s body and realized it was even better than S''aleths. The beautiful Oni was no taller than five foot two, but she had the curves of a fertility goddess. And much like her aunt, pastel pink nipples, and a rather thick bush, which matched her indigo hair.


    Body hair had beenpletely eliminated from the Germanic gene pool, but it was still prominent within other humanoid species, like the Oni. Because of this, Erich found a full bush to be quite attractive, simply because it no longer existed among his people and was thus exotic.


    After gazing upon Ayumi''s pristine naked body for several seconds in silence, Erich began to disrobe from his attire. Once he took off his undergarments, it revealed a twelve inch python, which Ayumi could only stare at in shock. Even though she had watched every video that existed of Erich fucking Mirage, she still could not believe the size of his erection when she was actually staring at it in person.


    As the two stood naked in front of one another for several seconds of awkward silence, Erich finally rubbed the back of his neck and insisted that they start the bathing process.


    "Well, I suppose we should get in the bath...."


    Ayumi silently nodded her head, her amber eyes never diverting their gaze from Erich''s rock hard cock. She obediently followed him into the bath, where the two of them submerged themselves beneath the warm water.


    After Ayumi had chosen to sit in hisp, Erich feltpelled to do something more, and so he grabbed hold of the nearby body wash, and coated hisrge hands with it, before grabbing ahold of Ayumi''srge, round globes, which hung defiantly in the face of gravity. The young woman squeed in shock as she felt her breasts coated in the body wash, but made no move to stop the man from continuing his endeavor.


    Erich, however, was amazed at how soft and bouncy the Oni beauty''s breasts were. Even S''aleth, who had an exceptional figure in her own right, could notpare to this woman. It was almost as if Ayumi''s body defied thews of physics.


    He yed around with Ayumi''s breasts for some time, as well as her pastel pink nipples, before moving on to her shoulders, arms, waist, and eventually her plump buttocks. Ayumi did not say a single word during this time, but would squeal like a pig every time she felt an overwhelming amount of pleasure wash over her body.


    Finally, Erich moved onto the young woman''s puffy, and moist kitty. Which maintained its symbol of purity, something which he desperately wanted to im for himself at that moment. But refused to do so, as he remembered Yumi''s words regarding that being off limits.


    Instead, he gently messaged the area, and its small bean, before sticking a single finger inside Ayumi''s depths. An act which caused her to climax on the spot. The expression on the young woman''s wless face was as if she were drunk with ecstasy.


    Before she could recover, Erich washed her thick thighs and fine calves, before eventually moving onto her wless feet. Once Ayumi was fully scrubbed from head to toe, she sat back down in the water and washed the suds away.


    Ayumi gazed upon the man who had made her cum in a way that she had never been able to achieve herself, with pure lust on her perfect face. Without a single thought in her head, Ayumi moved toward''s Erich''s unwashed body, and wrapped her mouth around his long and thick cock. But she quickly found that she could barely get her juicy lips around the head of the damn thing.


    Still, Erich appreciated the attempt, and enjoyed the sight of the virgin beauty attempting to suck him off, as she yed with herself within the pool of hot water. She had no technique, and could barely get past the tip, but there was a certain type of delight that came from watching an inexperienced girl try to please her man.


    Realizing that there was no way this girl was going to be able to make him finish this way. Erich sat her down on her knees and took a seat at the pool''s edge. As he grabbed hold of the Ayumi''s substantial bosom and inserted his cock between the two bulbous globes. He then taught Ayumi how to give him a proper paizuri, all while she desperately sucked the top of his shaft, as if trying to milk him for all his seed.


    Erich then poured the body washed onto Ayumi''s massive breasts, and by extension his cock, which was contained between them, before eventually ejacting his semen all over the young woman''s adorable face.


    At first she tried to contain the massive load within her mouth, but after choking on the sheer volume of Erich''s seed, Ayumi found herself coated in the thick and viscous white substance. Erich then realized that he would have to wash the woman''s body again, before she herself washed his. Which he immediately began to do.

 Chapter 88 A Particularly Awkard Dinner

    After having a little fun with Ayumi in the bath, Erich soon found himself swimming in a massive hot spring, whose water was enhanced with mystical properties. Whether it was alien technology, or simply the will of the universe, this pool of water had many health benefits if one were to bathe in it. Including the fact that it decreased one''s aging progress.


    Soon enough, Yumi joined Erich and Ayumi in the bath, and saw that they had grown rather close. In fact, the mature Oni woman immediately pouted when she saw her great niece clinging to her lover while stuffing his arm in between her massive breasts.


    Immediately Yumi sat on Erich''s other side and did the same. But was suddenly embarrassed when she realized her bust size simply could not provide the service that her great niece could. Erich found this to be rather endearing and simply chuckled as he sat back in the hot water, and enjoyed the benefits that came with soaking in it.


    After some time of silence, Yumi finally broke it by asking a question, which immediately caught her niece off guard.


    "So, did you two have fun in the bath?"


    Erich knew Yumi''s personality well enough by now that he had suspected she would say something so shameless. But Ayumi flushed red in embarassment as she thought about the naughty things she had done with this foreign man.


    This reaction caused Yumi to wear a sinister expression as she leaned in close and whispered something in Erich''s ears that he found to be utterly enticing.


    "If you thought that was fun, wait until tonight. I have much more nned for the three of us after dinner is over."


    Erich did not know how to respond to this, and simply took a deep breath to calm his resting python, which tried to rouse itself from its slumber. Yumi was only slightly disappointed when she realized her words had failed to achieve their goal. But she was a patient woman and would wait until the proper time to have her fun.


    After bathing, and recuperating in the sacred hot spring of the Kondo Dynasty. Erich found a set of clean clothes for him. They were undoubtedly in the traditional Oni style, and just when he thought that he would be getting dressed himself, he was osted by Yumi and Ayumi, who both worked together to ensure that he was properly dressed in the fashion of their people.


    Once the two naked beauties ensured that Erich looked perfect, they got dressed themselves, forcing the man to watch and wait as they adorned their kimonos and put on their makeup. It was not socially eptable for an Oni woman to conceal her natural beauty with makeup, and because of this, these two women only put on the slightest amount to enhance their already wless features.


    Oncepleted, they each grabbed one of Erich''s arms and led him to the dining hall, where the entirety of the Kondo Dynasty, excluding Ryu, was already sitting and waiting for the arrival of their matriarch and princess.


    Erich was extremely nervous when he saw the outraged expression on the Great Oni Emperor''s face, who gazed upon him with the most bitter hatred in his eyes. But Yumi shot him a fierce re, which immediately caused the man to stand down.


    When Ayumi took her seat next to her father and mother, Erich realized that there was not a spot reserved for him, and just when he was about to ask where he was sitting. Yumi grabbed his hand, and led him over to her own seat, which was stationed at the opposite end of the table, across from the Great Oni Emperor.


    Erich was a bit confused at first, but Yumi pushed him down, and then sat on hisp. Which caused Erich''s face to flush red. Meanwhile, the expressions of the other members of the Kondo Dynasty paled in horror at the sight. They could hardly believe that the Matriarch of their family had chosen to sit on her foreign lover''sp so brazenly in front of them all.


    The servants eventually brought the food out. Where the entire room echoed in the chants that the Kondo Dynasty spoke before digging into their meals.


    "Thanks for the food!"


    It was only after gazing upon his meal for several seconds that Erich suddenly realized that the Oni people did not eat with the same utensils that he did. Rather than using a fork, knife, and spoon to eat the exotic food which was a staple in their culture, the Oni relied on chopsticks, and Erich had no idea what those were or how to use them.


    Naturally, Yumi knew this would be the case, and thus she smiled when she dipped her chopsticks into a bowl of ramen, and pulled out a few noodles before stuffing them in Erich''s face. She did this while saying the words which caused the rest of her family to look away in second hand embarassment.


    "Say Aah!"


    No matter what, Erich refused on a deeply personal level to allow this woman to feed him. But his stubbornness was met with forceful retaliation. Yumi pouted before sticking the chopsticks into Erich''s mouth, and forcing the man to eat the ramen.


    Though Erich was surprised that this alien food tasted so good, he was deeply embarrassed that he had allowed a woman to feed him, as if he were a mere child, and she were his mother. After swallowing the food, albeit rather begrudgingly, Yumi kissed Erich on the cheek andplimented him, further adding to the humiliation he currently felt.


    "Good boy!"


    Yumi then used the same pair of chopstick to eat her own ramen, where she began to rotate between her bowl and Erich''s. Ensuring that both of them were well fed. But not before grabbing hold of a piece of Takoyaki where she once more fed it to the man.


    The entirety of the Kondo dynasty watched this embarrassing scene, all of which questioned whether their matriarch had suddenly gone mad. All except for one, that is, because Ayumi was pouting with a jealous expression on her cute face.


    Against the wishes of her father, Ayumi stood up, and approached the other side of the table, where she knelt down by Erich''s side, and offered him her own serving of the many dishes which had been presented for this feast.


    At this point, Erich was convinced that the girl''s father would murder him in his sleep, and though he tried to ignore the woman''s request to have her feed him, she suddenly turned just as forceful as her aunt.


    The members of the Kondo Dynasty averted their gaze, but also had an expression that the world had turned upside down. The Matriarch of their dynasty, and their eldest princess, were both treating this foreigner as if he were their conqueror. What madness was this?


    Erich struggled to fight back tears in his eyes, and the urge to apologize to everyone. If he had known he would be subjected to such humiliation, he probably would have stayed home with his angry wife and mother.


    After all, Germanic society was all about self sufficiency, and thus what the Oni considered being a sign of submission on behalf of Yumi, and Ayumi, was in all actually a great humiliation for Erich who was not permitted to feed himself.


    Naturally, Yumi knew this, as she had a better knowledge of Germanic culture than just about any other foreigner. But nheless, she did this to show to her family what ce Erich had in her heart. After all, if they knew how much she cared about him, then none of them would dare toy a finger on the man, even if she was not around to protect him.


    As for Ayumi, she did not know much about Germanic culture, and thus could not understand how Erich felt about this. She instead saw her act in the same way the rest of her family did. Naively, thinking that it would please Erich.


    The dinner continued in awkward silence, as nobody dared speak against their matriarch and her shameless actions. Eventually Erich became full, but not until he had consumed more food than anyone else at the table. After all, he had an enhanced metabolism, and could consume more calories than your average baseline human, let alone the Oni species, without having to worry about obesity and the myriad of health problems that it caused.


    It was only after Erich had finished his meal that Yumi dismissed the rest of her family. And when she did so, she wore a sultry smile before whispering something in Erich''s ears.


    "Now, how about we retire to the bedroom, so the real fun can begin?"


    Erich knew exactly what Yumi was referring to and waspletely aroused. He had seen plenty of pornographic videos from the Great Oni Empire, which depicted the legendary threesome, but he never once thought that he would be able to experience such a thing during his life. Let alone with two of the most beautiful Oni women he had everid eyes on.


    Thus, he allowed himself to follow Yumi''s lead, as she grabbed hold of his, and her niece''s hands before leading the two anxious young adults towards her royal bedchambers. An act which would not doubt infuriate the Great Oni Emperor, but one he was powerless to stop.

 Chapter 89 Double Trouble [R18]

    Erich suddenly found himself in a room with two of the most beautiful Oni women he had ever met. The doors were locked behind him, and sealed the moment he had entered, there was no escape. But what man would ever desire to do such a thing?


    Yumi had pressed Erich up against the wall and had begun to kiss him passionately, while Ayumi had begun to strip out of her kimono. Evidently, she had been waiting all night for this moment, because herher regions were absolutely soaked. Clearly, their little tryst in the bath was not enough to satisfy the young woman.


    The sight of Ayumi''s wless naked body immediately sent Erich''s reproductive organs into overdrive, as his sleeping python jolted awake, and protruded from the inside of his garments. Upon seeing her lover so excited, Yumi smiled as she her self disrobed. Though her body was slim, petite, and modest, there was an appeal to that as well, and thus Erich only grew more excited.


    No longer able to restrain himself, Erich disrobed from his clothing, and revealed the 12 inch shaft which made these two women practically wet themselves in excitement. Until now, only Yumi had the privilege of riding such a thing, but that would change soon enough.


    Still, there was an order to things, and thus Yumi got down on her knees, and began sucking the tip of Erich''s cock. Ayumi followed her aunt''s example and did the same. Though Ayumi tried her best, she could not get far on the massive member, but her aunt was much more experienced with such things, and was able to skillfully stuff half of its full length down her throat, before gagging on the sheer girth of the thing.


    The two women continued to message Erich''s cock and balls with their tongues and hands, until finally he sprayed a load all over their pretty faces. But this only served to deepen the lust in their gleaming eyes. Realizing that there was still more work to be done. Erich grabbed hold of each woman and tossed them over his shoulders, where he carried them to the nearby bed.


    It was clearly not asrge as a Germanic bed, but why should it be? The Oni species was significantly smaller than the gically enhanced superhumans, and thus, Erich found that he would most definitely have difficulties sleeping on this night.


    But that was a problem for another time. Erich tossed the two women onto the bed before lining them up on top of one another. With Ayumi on the bottom, and Yumi on the top. The young princess''s face was flushed red in ambushment as she stared into her aunt''s eyes. Who simply whispered something into her ears that Erich did not hear, before kissing the girl with the same passion she used to kiss her lover.


    It was at this time that Erich began to prod the entrance to Ayumi''s cave of wonders with the tip of his cock. Her puffy lower lips spread to the side, and revealed the depths of her womb, where was in now way the length required to properly take such arge shaft.


    But this did not deter Erich, and thus while Yumi kissed her niece, Erich thrust his hips forward, and stole the princess''s chastity. Ayumi could not bear the overwhelming size and girth of the phallic object which now defiled her insides, and instantly began to grit her teeth and cry out in pain. It was only now that she realized she may have bitten off more than she could chew.


    Erich, however, was amazed at how tight the woman''s hole was, and slowly began to work his magic. Thrusting his hips in and out as the virgin hole clung tightly to his shaft. At first only screams of pain came out of Ayumi''s lips, but her aunt made sure to caress her breasts, and suckle on her nipples in an attempt to train the young woman to associate that pain with pleasure.


    While sticking her petite ass up in the air, so that her lover would lick her moist snatch. However, contrary to what Yumi was expecting, it was not her pussy that Erich began to lick, but her virgin asshole. After all, anal sex was something she had never tried before, nor desired to do so. Thus, she immediately shrieked in shock as she tried to withdraw from Erich''s onught.


    "No! Wait! Not there! You can''t!"


    But how could a woman who stood at 5''2 and weighed less than a hundred pounds resist the overwhelming strength of a gically enhanced superhuman? Thus, Erich continued to maintain his hold over Yumi''s ass, while licking it thoroughly.


    By now, Ayumi had cked out from the pain and pleasure she received from having her virginity stolen by a monstrous twelve in cock. Her eyes were wide open with a vacant expression as her tongue dangled from the side of her mouth.


    Believe it or not, this only further turned Erich on, as he began to thrust his hips at an even greater length, as if he were the steam piston which propelled the train forward. The young princess''s moans continued to escape from her lips as she mindlessly received her pounding like a proper fuck puppet.


    In the end, Erich bucked his hips as far forward as possible, before unleashing his load straight into the virgin womb, and, in doing so, imprinting himself on the young woman''s mind. After doing this, Erich withdrew his shaft, which was still fully erected, and pressed Yumi down on top of her unconscious niece.


    There was a mix of fear and anticipation in the woman''s eyes. After all, with what Erich had just shown, there was a real possibility that he would try something other than normal intercourse. Thus, she was quick to remind him of his ce.


    "Erich... I know you''re excited, but don''t you dare-"


    But before she could finish that thought, Erich had lined the tip of his cock up with the mature Oni woman''s virgin asshole, and thrust his entire length inside in one go. It was now Yumi''s turn to experience thebination of pain and pleasure that her niece had just endured, as Erich grabbed hold of her breasts from behind, and thrust in and out of her tight asshole.


    Tears fell from Yumi''s eyes, while Erich kissed her in a disy of fiery passion. She had never even thought about sticking a finger up her ass, let alone a full 12 inches of cock. Erich continued to pound away until he had filled his lover''s ass full of his cum.


    Resulting in Yumi passing out, just as Ayumi had. After he was done with the both of the Erichid down next to the two naked women, and dragged them into his arms where he too fell asleep for the rest of the night.


    The next morning, Erich awoke to the angry stared of the two women he had fucked the night before. Ayumi was pissed that he had been so rough with her, despite it being her first time, and Yumi was perturbed that the man had dared to vite her asshole.


    However, Erich had a wide smile on his face as he spoke the words, with only further angered the two women.


    "Last night was great, wasn''t it?"


    Both Ayumi and her aunt simply snubbed Erich and climbed out of bed. Or at least they tried to, but they weren''t exactly in any condition to be moving around afterst night, and thus they immediately copsed onto the bed in agony. Erich chuckled when he saw this, before lifting the women from their crumpled position, before once more dragging them into his arms.


    He kissed them both on the lips, despite their fury towards him, and grabbed hold of their breasts before expressing his idea on how to spend the rest of the day.


    "Afterst night, I think the two of you are in need of some time off. How about we just rest in bed today? After all, we have three more months of this ahead of us, and your bodies need to get ustomed to mine...."


    Both Ayumi and Yumi had a look of horror in their eyes as they realized that they had invited a monster into their home. But at the same time, there was a hint of excitement mixed in. After all, Yumi was far more experienced than her niece, and knew just how pleasurable such a thing would be once her asshole had be used to the size of her lover''s cock.


    Thus, she nuzzled her head into Erich''s broad chest before expressing her thoughts, much to the dismay of Ayumi.


    "We are looking forward to it...."

 Chapter 90 Paradise Lost

    The first month of Erich''s vacation to the Great Oni Empire was almost like he had stepped into heaven. He was being doted on by two beautiful Oni women, who were more than happy to take care of his every desire. With each passing day, he grew closer to Ayumi, who was much more innocent and na?ve than her great aunt.


    In fact, it became abundantly clear that the young woman was forcing herself to do many of the things which she found embarrassing. Just so that she couldpete with her aunt for the affections of the man she loved. Erich did not know what he had done to earn the love of such a kind and supportive girl. But for the first time since S''aleth died, he had begun to experience that emotion, which humans called love.


    And while Yumi did her best to win Erich''s favor, it was abundantly clear to Erich that he was nothing more than a pretty face and a big dick for her to get off on. He never seemed to develop the same connection with her as he had with her niece. Maybe it was the difference in their ages, or the fact that Yumi had already had several partners before him, but there was a block between the two of them that did not exist with Ayumi.


    As the days passed, Erich became increasingly uneasy with his current environment. A feeling of distress had taken its ce in his gut, and no matter how much Yumi and Ayumi tried to calm his nerves, it never seemed to fully disappear.


    Though Erich had entered paradise, the looks which its inhabitants gave him were nothing more than frightening. In fact, with each passing day, he could sense the animosity which the rest of the Kondo Dynasty shared for him.


    After all, Yumi had a constant desire to push the barrier with Erich in regards to what her family would ept. Her need to openly break taboos was ever evolving. What was worse was the fact that she had roped her young niece into her sinful behavior, and that did not sit well with the rest of her family members.


    But Yumi kept telling Erich to ignore the hateful stares which received around the pce. After all, she had ruled over this household for nearly a century, and clearly she knew what she was doing. Thus, he pushed those worries which sat deep within his gut, to the back of his mind, and did his best to ignore them as instructed.


    After a month of being both physically and emotionally intimate with Yumi and Ayumi, certain things came naturally to him. Like sharing the bath with the two women. Currently, Erich sat in the personal hot spring which was sacred to the Kondo Dynasty. He could feel the stress, and worries seep away from his body, as Ayumi sat in hisp with a pretty smile on her face.


    Every day she dreaded the idea of Erich returning to the Empire, which seemed to be creeping up on her, and thus, she could not help but voice her thoughts aloud, albeit in a hushed and meek tone.


    "I don''t want you to go...."


    Erich had barely heard what the woman had said, and was quick to ask for rification, while Yumi messaged his back from behind.


    "I''m sorry. What was that? I didn''t quite hear you."


    Ayumi buried her face in the water, too embarrassed to repeat what she had previously said. This only captivated Erich''s heart even more, as he petted the girl''s indigo hair, and in doing so, identally touched her horns.


    The moment he did so, Ayumi yelped in surprise. After all, the horns of an Oni were incredibly sensitive to physical stimtion and because of this, she immediately felt a tingle deep inside her simply from her lover''s hands brushing past her horns.


    By now, Erich was naturally aware of this feature, and immediately apologized to the girl as he wrapped his arms around her in a wholesome embrace.


    "I''m sorry Ayumi, I didn''t mean to surprise you like that. Please forgive me..."


    The young woman''s face was flushed red in embarassment as she continued to hide her appearance from the man. That is until she finally came up with a way to force Erich to stay by her side, or at least she thought she had. After all, the past month had been the most enjoyable experience of her young life.


    The idea that she could fall in love with such a kind and handsome man, one who seemed to feel the same way as her, was like a dreame true. Her aunt was right. The Germanic men were different from those of her own species. Not that she really knew anything about that. As until recently, she was a kiss less virgin. And thus Ayumi was quick to voice her condition for her forgiveness.


    "I will forgive you... If you promise to stay by my side...."


    Of course, Erich knew what the girl was talking about, but he could not easily make such a promise. Especially when Yumi was eying him with curiosity. Naturally, she wanted Erich to stay by her side as well and had likely arranged for his rtionship with her niece to entice him to do so.


    Now that he really thought about it, what did he have back in the Empire to return to? A disapproving mother, and a "wife" who he could never forgive for her past transgressions. What was the point of fighting and dying for such a thing?


    Just when Erich was about to make a promise that would change his destiny, the door to the hot spring was suddenly kicked open, and a group of heavily armed Oni men surrounded Erich and his two lovers.


    A disapproving look appeared on Yumi''s face, as she boldly stood out of the pool of water, and revealed her naked figure without the slightest bit of shame. She immediately began to curse the intruders with a particrly vindictive speech.


    "What the hell do you fucking grunts think you are doing? I order you to leave this instant, before I have you all executed!"


    Contrary to what Yumi was expecting, the men did not follow her orders, and instead switched off the safeties to their rifles. This was clearly a threat to silence Yumi, and to intimidate her guest.


    Erich had seen enough of the universe and all its evil to know exactly what was happening. Like he had suspected, the rest of the Kondo Dynasty was fed up with Yumi''s actions. She had brazenly broken several taboos in front of her family and had even defiled an Imperial Princess by manipting her to embrace said taboos.


    Erich''s suspicions had been proven to be true. Undoubtedly, this was a coup, one that would likely end in his death. Thus, there was only one thing he could do at this moment. Erich was just about to make a move to interfere and protect his girls when the Great Oni Emperor stepped out from behind the crowd of heavily armed men.


    There was a furious look on the man''s face, as he saw his own flesh and blood being so physically intimate with an alien. He could hardly believe his eyes. Though the Great Oni Emperor knew the Ayumi and Erich were likely having sex, to bear witness to such a thing himself was something else entirely. Because of this, he lost all sense or reason, and instead ordered his troops to do the unthinkable.


    "Kill this bastard!"


    Erich''s body moved before his mind could even register the situation, and pushed Ayumi out of the way of the gunfire. Embracing himself for the sweet release of death for the third time in his life. However, as the automatic gunfire resounded in the air, Erich did not feel the stinging pain of bullets in his body. Instead, he opened his eyes and saw that Yumi had jumped in front of the projectiles, and was now bleeding out in the pool of water.


    The beautiful Oni woman''s dark eyes began to fade as she reached up and grabbed hold of her lover''s chin. There was a bitter smile on her face as she spoke her final thoughts, mustering every ounce of her fleeting strength to do so.


    "Run... you idiot!"


    Yumi''s dainty hand then fell in the pool, as her corpse sank into the depths of the water. Her blood mixed with the hot spring, and tainted its crystal clear surface with its sanguine color. In that moment, all the pain and grief that Erich had been forced to endure in his life up until this moment overwhelmed him.


    The wall he had built up in his heart, which was designed to contain his negative emotions, came crashing down, and everything bad that had ever happened to him up until this moment came flooding out. Overwhelming his sense of reason, as Erich charged towards the Oni guards with nothing but his bare hands.


    Standing at nearly two hundred centimeters tall and weighing roughly one hundred kilograms of pure muscle. Erich was a force to be reckoned with, even by the standards of a baseline human. But he was a Germanic male, which meant that he had been gically enhanced to be damn near superhuman. The speed at which he sprinted was roughly fort-five kilometers per hour as he jumped out of the pool of water and mmed his fist directly into the skull of his first victim.


    The soldier immediately went flying across the room, his helmetpletely caved in, along with his skull beneath it. He was dead on the spot. Erich immediately turned to his next target and threw a roundhouse kick straight into the man''s ribs, which shattered the bones and punctured his lungs. Leaving the royal guardsman to bleed out while choking on his own blood.


    The Great Oni Emperor began to panic as Erich''s hate filled gazended on him, and he immediately ordered the remainder of his men to open fire on the rampaging alien, who had already killed two of his men.


    "What are you waiting for? Kill him already!"


    The Oni soldiers unleashed a spray of bullets towards Erich''s naked body, most of which dug into his flesh and spilled his blood. But because of his gic enhancements, Erich was more than capable of surviving such an attack, albeit not for long. As such, he moved forward through the gunfire, and grabbed hold of the Great Oni Emperor''s neck before lifting the man into the air.


    However, before Erich could end the bastard''s miserable life, he was shot in the head by a 20mm slug, which was fired from a semi-automatic shotgun. The slug tore through his skull and ended his rampage. It had not managed topletely st his head apart like it would most living beings.


    In fact, there still seemed to be some form of struggle toe from the man who should already be dead, as his half destroyed brain attempted to repair itself. Something which shocked the soldiers of the Oni Royal Guard so much so that they immediately ventted Erich''s dying body with the remainder of their ammunition. It was only after Erich''s corpse stopped twitching did the Royal Guardsmen feel safe enough to speak their thoughts aloud.


    "My gods, what kind of monster is he?"


    The Great Oni Emperor was terrified beyond all measure. The damage which Erich''s body could sustain, and yet still be able to fight, was truly insane. If he had not witnessed the scene himself, he never would have believed it if somebody told him such a thing. Just now he had been so close to death, and if not for the quick thinking of his royal guard, then he too would have perished alongside Erich.


    As for Ayumi, she had just watched her aunt get murdered by her father, and the man she loved get ughtered in her defense. Words could not exin the amount of trauma she suffered as a result of this, especially since it had happened so suddenly. She instantly broke down into tears, and fell to her knees within the pool of water, which was now soaked with Yumi''s blood.


    Upon finally recovering his senses, the Great Oni Emperor gazed upon his daughter''s pitiful appearance, andmanded the remainder of his men to immediately have her arrested.


    "Confine this slut to her room, I don''t even want to look at her!"


    With this said, the surviving members of the Royal Guard grabbed hold of a hysterical Ayumi, and led her away, all the while she shouted out Erich''s name.


    "Erich! Erich! Please don''t leave me! Erich!"


    It was only he was alone, and able to gaze upon Erich''s corpse, that the Great Oni Emperor realized the amount of trouble he was in. His eldest son was still in the custody of the Germanic Star-Empire, and when they found out he killed one of their greatest war heroes, there would be hell to pay....

 Chapter 91 Resurrection

    Erich awoke in a cloning facility almost immediately after his death at the hands of the Great Oni Emperor. He immediately fell to his knees as the memories of his life came shing to his mind. Everything from birth to his third death.


    Erich instantly recovered his memories and personality as he gazed around the facility, and saw that the Supreme Leader was staring at him with a concerned expression on his face. But perhaps nothing was more shocking than the tone which Emrys spoke to Erich. It was filled with rage, concern, and grief, as if his own son had just been osted, and he was now gazing at the aftermath. All of which were channeled into a single question.


    "What happened?"


    Erich stood up and found that a maid immediately covered his naked body with a towel. He then went on to exin in detail what just had happened to him. To say that Emrys was shocked by this turn of events was an understatement, but more importantly, he was pissed.


    For the first time in Erich''s life, he witnessed Supreme Leader ric au Emryspletely break down into a state of rage as he cursed up a storm in Erich''s defense.


    "That fucking bastard! He daresy his hands on my prot¨¦g¨¦! I swear to god I will rip his spine out of his flesh! This insult can not be tolerated. There must be war!"


    Erich agreed with Emrys'' sentiment. Coup or not, killing him was an act of war, especially since the Germanic Star-Empire revered him as one of their greatest war heroes. To have him killed by a foreign empire while visiting on a diplomatic visit. It was nothing short of a casus belli. However, there was another thought on his mind, as his brain suddenly adjusted to the reality of his situation.


    "Poor Yumi.... If only there was a way to bring her back. If we could, we might be able to install her on the Oni Throne as a puppet for the Empire...."


    The moment Emrys heard this suggestion, he stared at Erich as if the man was a genius among geniuses. He quickly grabbed hold of Erich''s shoulder and expressed his thoughts aloud.


    "Erich... You''re a genius! We can do just that!"


    This revtion stunned Erich, who could not believe his ears. How was it possible to bring back Yumi? She was not a member of their Empire, and thus did not have her DNA or memories stored in their data banks. Thus, he was quick to inquire about this.


    "What do you mean, Yumi is an Oni? There''s no way we can bring her back!"


    However, Emrys simply scoffed at Erich''s naivete, as he lectured the man on just how capable the Germanic Star-Empire''s medical science was.


    "Oh, on the contrary. We can! If our allies found out about it, they would surely be outraged. But yes, there are a few aliens who have been deemed important enough that we have stored their DNA, and at least one copy of their memories.


    As the Matriarch of the Kondo Dynasty, and a frequent visitor to the Empire, we may have taken some DNA samples and a copy of her memories during herst visit. After all, Kondo Yumi came to us roughly a year ago with a very unique medical condition that needed to be treated, one which she did not want her people knowing about."


    Erich was amazed at what he was hearing. They could bring Yumi back? From what it sounded like, there were only a select few aliens in the gxy, which the Germanic Star-Empire had the ability to resurrect after death. And luckily Yumi was one of them.


    Erich immediately felt his bleeding heart seal up its wounds. The broken wall which had confined his negative emotions deep within his psyche was immediately rebuilt. Although he struggled to prevent himself from weeping tears of joy.


    However, something didn''t sit right in his mind about the information he had received. Causing Erich to immediately asked the next question that appeared within his thoughts. Albeit a part of him was afraid to know the answer.


    "Wait... You said Yumi was in the Empire roughly a year ago for a unique medical condition that needed to be treated.... What was it?"


    Emrys realized he had fucked up the moment Erich asked this question. Of all the people who could possibly know this information, Erich was thest one he ever wanted to tell. As a result, Emrys was quick to dismiss the question.


    "It was nothing you need to worry about, Erich-"


    However, Erich was not having of his nonsense, and immediately grabbed hold of the Supreme Leader, in an almost hostile state as he demanded an answer.


    "What happened to Yumi?"


    Emrys could see that Erich was not in the right state of mind. And though this information would only serve to further wound the man, he knew that nothing but the truth would satisfy him. Thus, he wore a cold expression as he revealed the horrible truth.


    "Pregnancy.... After yourst dalliance with the woman, she became pregnant with your child. A rare urrence between our two species, but not an impossibility. Naturally, she could not reveal this to her family, and thus she came to us to have it terminated.... It was then that we took a sample of her DNA and a scan of her memories. Without her knowledge, of course."


    Erich felt as if he had just suffered an emotional rollercoaster, from the grief of Yumi''s death, to the joy that she could be resurrected. To once more having nothing but grief within his heart after hearing that he and Yumi had created a child, and that she had it terminated prior to birth.


    After hearing this, Erich found himself sitting down at a nearby medical bed, while staring off into space in disbelief. He never would have thought that such a thing was possible. In fact, everything he knew about xenobiology said that it shouldn''t have urred. And he was quick to voice this thought.


    "I.... I thought it wasn''t possible for our species to breed with others...."


    Emrys maintained a stoic expression as he told Erich the truth he had never expected to be reality.


    "Unfortunately, that is a lie. A piece of propaganda we tell our people, so they don''t go around creating half-breeds. It is entirely possible for the Germanic species to breed with certain humanoids. But the chances of actually seeding in this endeavor are exceptionally low.


    I know you have been through a lot, and any moment now, I suspect the Great Oni Emperor will be contacting me to negotiate after this debacle. You should take this time to rest. After everything you have been through, you could use it."


    After saying this, Emrys departed from the cloning facility and left Erich alone with his thoughts. He had suffered more than he could possibly imagine during this brief vacation. But what haunted him the most was the unknown fate of the Oni Princess. What had happened to Ayumi after he had died? Was she even still alive? And how would his life have been if Yumi had actually kept the child?


    These were the thoughts that caused Erich to break down and cry once he was all alone in the dark. Which was perhaps the only eptable time and ce for a man to cry.


    ---


    Supreme Leader Emrys sat in his office as a holographic projection of the Great Oni Emperor appeared on his screen. There was a callous expression on the man''s face as he listened to the story which his ally spun about Erich''s death.


    "I regret to inform you that one of your nation''s war heroes, Commander Erich Jaeger, participated in a coup against me, and was killed in the process along with my aunt Yumi who was the rebel in question. I won''t hold your empire responsible for the actions of one military officer, but I can''t help but question your loyalties now that this has urred in my own home."


    Emrys did not even bother to hide his emotions as he mmed his fist on the table, before pointing his finger towards the holographic projection of the Great Oni Emperor.


    "listen hear you pointy headed fuck! You and I both know that Kondo Yumi was the Matriarch of your n. What you''re essentially telling me is that you led a coup against her, and during the event, you identally killed one of my men!


    I should execute your son here and now! But, considering the alliance that has existed between our two realms for the past few centuries, I am willing to put this matter aside, under two conditions. First and foremost, in exchange for handing your beloved prince over to your Empire, we request a prisoner of equal value in exchange. It must be another Prince or Princess of your dynasty!


    And secondly, I demandpensation for the loss of one of my Empire''s greatest war heroes. You may not know this, but if there is anything akin to royalty in our society, it would be those men who have sacrificed everything for the good of our nation. And Erich was one of the few living men who could im that status. I suppose a grand sum of fifty trillion Alfheim credits will be considered just barely enough to satisfy the sacred blood which you have so erroneously spilt!"


    The Great Oni Emperor''s eyes lit up with fury as he responded to Emrys'' demands with a hostile tone in his voice.


    "This is a tant robbery! Although I might be able to acquiesce to your first demand, fifty trillion Alfheim credits is simply an extortion. You will have to lower the amount, or I''m afraid I can not agree to your demands!"


    Emrys naturally knew that the Great Oni Emperor would want to haggle, and thus, he was quick to voice his counter proposal.


    "Twenty-five trillion Alfheim Credits, and I get to choose the member of your dynasty who shall act as our ward. I want Kondo Ayumi. To put it simply, I am aware of the rtionship that she had with Erich, and I believe that because of this she is in incredible danger so long as she remains in your custody.


    She must remain unharmed, physically and mentally, and you will hand her over to us during the prisoner exchange along with the twenty-five trillion credits. Failure toply will result in an immediate deration of war and the mobilization of our entire military might. Do not test me on this Kenji! I will burn your capital to the ground, and salt the ashes before I am willing to ept such a p to my people''s face!"


    The Great Oni Emperor was baffled by the fact that the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire knew so much about the inner workings of the Kondo Dynasty, and though he wanted to ask how. He knew he would not get a straight answer. Thus, he could only sigh in defeat and ept Emrys'' terms, albeit with onest counter proposal.


    "Fine, twenty-five trillion Alfheim credits, and I will give you the little slut! However, in return, I expect a second fleet of yours to aid us in our war against the Lutharian Ascendancy!"


    Emrys did not even hesitate to ept this condition. After all, he had not actually suffered any real losses. His primary goal in this negotiation was to get Kondo Ayumi out of her father''s custody, because he knew that Erich would never be able to think straight until he knew the girl was safe.


    "Deal, I expect you to keep your word Kenji. My people may have suffered at the hands of the Naraku, but do not mistake our diminished state as weakness. If we must, we will bring the might of the sword down upon your Empire!"


    Kenji simply snorted as he heard this before responding with his honest thoughts to Emrys'' statement.


    "I expect no less from a filthy barbarian!"


    After saying this, he hung up the call and left Emrys alone with his thoughts.

 Chapter 92 Cheating Death

    I just wanted to take a second to remind those of you who read the original versions of chapters 90, and 91, that they were rewritten shortly after being released. If you find this chapter to be confusing, please reread those chapters at /book/interster-age_26235247006730205. And with that out of the way, let''s get into today''s chapter:


    ---


    Erich sat alone in the cloning facility with nothing but his thoughts and tears. He had no idea that Emrys had just negotiated with the Great Oni Emperor to secure Ayumi''s release, and at the moment, that was all he could think about.


    Well, that and the fact that for the briefest of moments he had been a father without even knowing it, and yet Yumi had snuffed that life out before it even had a chance to fully flourish. The grief and worry which he felt caused the man to sob in silence. That is, until the door opened, and he was forced to be stoic.


    Emrys once more stood in the doorway of the cloning facility. He had been gone for only a few hours, but judging by the look on his face, he had some good news to preach, which he was quick to do so.


    "I have some good news for you. Yumi is currently being cloned as we speak. Once the body is capable of sustaining itself, we will inject her old memories inside. Though we can''t recover those thoughts and feelings that have urred in the year since she visited the Empire, we can inform her what happened, and guide her through recovery.


    As for the other Oni woman who you have be close to, I have secured a trade agreement with the Great Oni Emperor. Ayumi will be given over to us in exchange for her brother, where she will then live with you on Teutonia. I have no idea what will happen when your wife realizes that you have brought home an alien woman to look after, but that will be entirely up to you to deal with.


    As far as the Empire is concerned, Ayumi is a ward of the state, and you are her assigned guardian. What happens in secret between the two of you is none of my concern, and I would prefer if we kept it that way. Do you understand the meaning behind my words?"


    Erich obviously knew that Emrys was silently saying that he needed to keep his rtionship with Ayumi a secret from the public. If it were ever to bemon knowledge that the two of them were in a rtionship, it would be an enormous scandal, one which Emrys simply could not wipe under the rug.


    Thus Erich nodded his head with a solemn expression on his face. The first of his two worries was dealt with. Ayumi was safe and would be a member of his family. But the loss of his unborn child still weighed heavily on his mind.


    Despite this, he was more concerned about Ayumi''s safety, and was thus quick to ask about when and where the trade was urring.


    "Where is the trade going down? I want to be there to greet Ayumi to the Empire!"


    Emrys had a concerned look on his face as he shook his head and denied Erich''s request. He could understand that the man''s feelings were currently conflicted, and thus there was a rather gentle tone in his voice as he exined his reasoning for doing so.


    "Absolutely not! Erich, as far as the Great Oni Emperor is concerned, you are dead, and if you were to show up at the exchange, that would cause many questions to arise. Which could potentially lead to our enemies finding out about Yumi''s resurrection. If that were to ur, then an all out war with the Great Oni Empire is unavoidable.


    You must stay here. Yumi will be breathing again within a few hours, and she will prefer a familiar face to exin the situation to her. Trust me, I will ensure Ayumi is well taken care of, and that no harmes to her. But under no circumstances can you reveal that you are alive to the Great Oni Emperor until I say it is okay to do so."


    As much as Erich was determined to meet with Ayumi face to face, he understood Emrys'' reasoning for preventing him from doing so, and thus he clenched his fists, and took a deep breath in order to calm his nerves.


    Upon seeing that Erich was being obedient, Emrys smiled and patted the man on the shoulder before assuring him that everything will be alright.


    "I''m proud of you Erich, you have matured a lot over these past few years. Now, I''m afraid I have a meeting with the Great Oni Emperor. I expect you to take care of Yumi when she finallyes to, and to exin the situation to her properly. Until then, get some rest. You look like you could use it..."


    After saying this, the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire departed from the cloning facility and took off with his fleet to oversee the prisoner exchange in person. As for Erich, he sat down on a medical bed and did nothing but think for the next three hours.


    ---


    After some time had passed, Erich was contacted by one of the robotic nurses on his NeuroLink to report to a different floor where Yumi had just been resurrected. He hastily made his way to the appointed area, where the beautiful Oni woman looked at her surroundings in confusion.


    When she witness Erich rush into the room dressed in nothing more than a pair of boxer shorts, she was even more confused as her brow raised along with her voice.


    "Erich? What the hell is going on here?"


    Erich had an expression of pure joy on his handsome face as he rushed to the woman''s side and held her hand. He then spent the better part of an hour exining everything that had happened between them. Which caused Yumi to look at him with aplicated expression.


    She now understood how Erich had survived the war with Terminus, despite supposedly sacrificing his life in the Empire''s defense. The Germanic Star-Empire was simply far more developed than she ever realized in the field of medicine.


    Though there was a philosophical debate about whether or not she and Erich were truly the same individuals they were prior to their deaths. The reality was that she had the same memories and feelings as her past self, and thus she could only assume that she had indeed cheated death.


    However, this immediately created several more questions, causing Yumi to look at Erich''splex expression before asking a serious question.


    "You said that the doctor took a sample of my DNA, and a scan of my memories when I wasst here... So then that means you know why I visited the Empire?"


    Erich''s expression shifted to one of pain as he silently nodded his head. This caused Yumi to break out into tears as she wrapped her arms around Erich and begged for his forgiveness.


    "Please forgive me Erich, I had no choice! If my family found out about our child, there would have been dire consequences. I mean, just look at the state we are in. If what you say is true, then I revealed our rtionship to them, and the end result was our deaths."


    Despite personally witnessing the fury of the Great Oni Emperor and the Kondo Dynasty, Erich still felt like this was a poor excuse. They could have found a way, if Yumi really wanted to. Still, he understood perhaps better than anyone the trouble that would result from such a taboo being revealed.


    He himself had narrowly avoided the public''s outrage, which had urred because he simply took a suggestive photo with Yumi. If not for Emrys looking out for him, he would have been executed long ago. And though he found it difficult to ept, Erich was forced to forgive Yumi as the woman cried in his chest.


    After some time Yumi finally got control of her emotions, and was quick to ask about her niece, who Erich mentioned was implicated in their deaths.


    "Wait, you said that I got Ayumi involved in our rtionship? What happened to her? Is she alright? If her father tried to have you killed because he saw you being intimate with one another, then I can only imagine what that poor girl has been forced to endure!"


    Erich''s heart bled a little when he heard this, before informing Yumi about everything he knew regarding that matter.


    "Supposedly she''s still alive, and under house arrest. Emrys is heading towards the borders of the Great Oni Empire to exchange Ryu for Ayumi as we speak. She will be a ward of the state, and under my protection.


    As for whates next, there is going to be a civil war within the Great Oni Empire. Emrys intends to nt you on the throne and use you as a puppet. I''m sorry Yumi, but this was the only way he would agree to bring you back. The alternative was open war between our two Empires."


    Yumi wiped the tears from her eyes. She now had a pretty thorough understanding of the situation, and could only sigh in defeat as she expressed her thoughts aloud.


    "It would appear that I flew too close to the sun and got burnt. Now I must lie in the bed of my own making.... I understand that this is entirely my fault, and I will take responsibility for my actions. You have my word. I willply with whatever demands your Supreme Leader makes of me."


    After saying this, Erich and Yumi spent the rest of the night getting reacquainted with one another. All the while they waited for Ayumi''s arrival.

 Chapter 93 Prisoner Exchange

    Emrys stood on a space station that existed at the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire and the Great Oni Empire. He was guarded by an elite cadre of Star Marines known as the Storm Commandos. Unlike their normal counterparts, these Star Marines had power armor and weapons that were painted entirely ck. While their helmets had skulls painted on them.


    Of the most elite Star Marines, only a chosen few would be selected for Storm Commando training. They were the premier special forces unit of the Germanic Star-Empire, and because of this, they were often tasked with protecting VIPs such as the Supreme Leader.


    Other than Emrys and the Storm Commandos, there was also the Crown Prince of the Great Oni Empire, who stood at attention, with bindings over his wrists. The man had a particrly hideous scowl on his face. Naturally, this was because he had been informed of the current situation, and was livid with how his great aunt had corrupted his beloved little sister.


    But there was nothing he could do about that now. The girl had foolishly betrayed her race, and because of this, there was no spot for her left in polite society. Instead, she would have to go live with the Germans, but what life she would live, Ryu neither knew nor cared. Ayumi was officially dead to him.


    Emrys gazed at his watch and sighed. The Great Oni Emperor waste, and as a man of supreme importance, Emrys did not like having his time wasted. Thus, he was just about to give an order to withdraw, when the Great Oni Fleet jumped out of quantum.


    Therge fleet of military ships lie directly outside the space station, which acted as a border checkpoint between the two mighty Empires. It thenunched a shuttle, which docked in the space station. Before long, the Great Oni Emperor stood in front of Emrys and hismandos with his own elite guard.


    However, whenpared to the size and stature of the Germanic men, it was almost as if the Oni were dwarves. Something which not only intimidated The Great Oni Emperor but also those members of his Royal Guard who protected him.


    After all, it was not even twenty-four hours ago when a naked Germanic male managed to cause such utter chaos within the pce. They could only imagine what these heavily armored and equipped Storm Commandos were capable of.


    Emrys did not bother with pleasantries. Instead, he held onto Ryu''s shoulder, and said only a short and concise phrase.


    "The girl?"


    There was a particrly fearsome scowl on the Great Oni Emperor''s face as he snapped his fingers. Upon doing so, Ayumi was brought forward. She was garbed in a simple kimono, one which was clearly stained with her tears. And though her eyes were puffy from the amount of crying she had done since her aunt and lover were so ruthlessly murdered in front of her. There were no signs of injury upon her.


    Thus, Emrys was able to sigh with relief as he pushed Ryu forward towards his father. Ayumi was also given over to Emrys as the two siblings walked past one another without even bothering to look at each other.


    Once Ayumi was safely in the hands of the Storm Commandos, Emrys finally spoke up to the Great Oni Emperor, who had already begun to turn and walk towards the docking bay.


    "Pardon me, Kenji, but aren''t you forgetting something? Where is mypensation?"


    Kenji scoffed when he heard the grave tone in Emrys'' voice. He then pulled out a holographic device and typed something into it. Not even a secondter, Emrys smiled, as his NeuroLink alerted him that the GSE''s treasury had received the agreed upon payment. Where he then turned around and walked back to his own shuttle, but not before saying his parting words.


    "It has been a pleasure doing business with you..."


    This only elicited a snarl from the Great Oni Emperor as he entered his shuttle and returned to his fleet, which in the next few moments jumped out of the Star System and returned to their own borders.


    Ayumi was particrly depressed and did not even look towards her new captors. She had already lost everything. What was even the point of living? She could hardly imagine that the Germans would treat her as anything other than a prisoner. And Emrys did nothing to correct this assumption.


    Upon returning to the Germanic fleet, Ayumi was given some personal quarters. Where Emrys gave her the briefest of statements before leaving her to her lonesome.


    "From here on out, you will be a ward of the Empire. You will live in the tropical world of Teutonia, and will be assigned a guardian. If I were you, I would not give up on hope just yet. There is a surprise waiting for you on your new homeworld, one that I think will cheer you up."


    After saying this, Emrys departed from the room, leaving Ayumi all to herself. Who simply scoffed at Emrys'' words before mumbling her disagreement aloud, but only after he had departed.


    "Yeah right..."


    ---


    The Journey to Teutonia was not a particrly long one, but for Ayumi, who was just barely managing to get through each day withoutmitting suicide, it was a special kind of hell. That is, until shended in the starport, and was greeted by her new guardian.


    The woman could hardly believe her eyes as she entered the privatending bay, where a man who should have been dead was standing there smiling, with a bouquet of flowers and a box of choctes in his hands. Standing at Erich''s side was none other than Yumi, who Ayumi had also witnessed being murdered just a few days prior.


    Ayumi instantly broke out into tears, and jumped into Erich''s arms, questioning how he was still alive, and what miracle could possibly have been done to achieve this.


    "Erich? Aunt Yumi? You''re both alive? How? I saw you both die so horribly! This shouldn''t be possible!"


    Erich smiled, and he hugged the young woman, and stroked her silky indigo hair, in a way which avoided her horns. He then responded with a mysterious tone in his voice, as he dismissed the woman''s question altogether.


    "In the Empire, death is not always final. We have ways to bring back those who die. I am so d that you are safe, Ayumi. I have been beside myself these past few days, worrying about what your father might have done after he had me killed."


    Ayumi was still inplete and total disbelief at what she was seeing. No matter how many times she touched Erich''s face, she simply could not believe he was alive. She was quick to ask the first question that came to her mind, with a rather suspicious gaze in her amber eyes.


    "You''re not androids, are you? This isn''t some kind of trick, is it?"


    Erich scoffed and shook his head. But it was ultimately Emrys who exined the technology that was futuristic, even by the Great Oni Empire''s standards.


    "No, they are not robots. I assure you that Erich and your aunt are very much alive and well. In our Empire, we have advanced cloning technology, to the point where death has virtually no meaning to our people.


    Any death that urs within our borders can be undone by having a body of the deceased cloned, where we then download their memories into the new body. Essentially recreating that person from scratch.


    In military campaigns, we have warships that will ry these signals back to the Empire, so that any soldier who dies in battle can be recovered. As for why Erich was able to be resurrected after his death at the hands of your father, that is because we have a research agreement with your people that allows a scientific outpost to be ced in your capital world.


    This scientific outpost picked up the signal of Erich''s death and ryed his memories back to the Empire. Which allowed us to bring him back with his memories intact. This is something that normally would not have been the case if he were to have been murdered in any other world outside the vicinity of ourwork."


    Ayumi was astonished that such technology existed in the Gxy. And though she understood how Erich was brought back from the dead, she could not fathom how Yumi had been. Thus, she was quick to inquire about this.


    "Okay, I think I canprehend this. You are saying that Erich was cloned with all of his memories, thoughts, and feelings intact. But how did you manage to resurrect my aunt? We don''t have this technology in the Great Oni Empire. There is no way I can think of that you could have cloned her as well!


    Contrary to what Ayumi was expecting, it was not Emrys or Erich who informed her of this matter, but Yumi herself.


    "I can exin that, dear. During myst visit to the Empire, I needed a medical condition taken care of. While the doctors of the Empire were conducting the procedure, they took a sample of my DNA and a scan of my memories.


    Though I don''t remember everything that has happened since then, the Germans have seeded in reviving me much in the same way that they did for Erich. You can rest easy, Ayumi. Despite everything that has happened, we are alive and well. I always told you how great the Germanic Star-Empire was, and now you can witness their glory with your own eyes!"


    It took Ayumi several moments to process this information, but in the end she broke out into tears of joy, and hugged both Erich and Yumi. Both of which were happy to see the girl returned to them alive and well. Not wanting to ruin this touching reunion,Emrys then smiled and nodded at Erich before departing without saying another word.


    Now all that was left was for Erich to take Ayumi and her aunt back to his home. While the Empire prepared to instigate a civil war within the borders of their Greatest Ally, Erich would have to be the mediator between the four women in his life. There was no doubt in the man''s mind that both his wife and mother would not approve of having two alien women in the house. Especially if he would be engaging in physical intimacy with the both of them.


    But even if Erika and Krista had nothing but animosity towards Yumi and Ayumi, there was nothing they could do about it. After all, the house was officially Erich''s, and he alone had the power to choose who lived with him, and who did not. One thing was certain, there was definitely going to be a bunch of drama the moment he brought these two women home with him.

 Chapter 94 Putting One’s Foot Down

    Erich was slightly anxious when he walked through the doors of his beachside mansion with two beautiful Oni women in his arms. He had neither exined where he was going, or when he would be back when he first departed from his home to visit the Great Oni Empire at Yumi''s behest.


    However, during this time Erich had no way of knowing that his wife and mother had made preparations to ensure that his marriage could be healed from its currently broken state. Unfortunately for the two of them, Erich currently had no interest in such a thing.


    After all, he now had Ayumi and Yumi to take care of his needs, both emotional and physical. Because of this, Erika suddenly seemed like a freeloader, who survived simply because of Erich and his fortune.


    But none of this mattered, for at this moment Erich was introducing Ayumi and her aunt to their new home. And he did so with a particrly wide smile on his face.


    "So, this is my home... It''s not nearly as grand as your family''s pce. But I believe it is sufficient enough to keep you both happy during your stay. I will ask the staff to prepare your rooms. In the meantime, feel free to look around. I''m afraid I have some personal matters to attend to, so I will not be able to join youdies for some time...."


    The moment after Erich said this, a loud shriek echoed throughout the house, immediately catching Erich''s attention, and that of his guests. Standing on the stairway was Erika, who pointed at the two Oni women and questioned why they were in her home.


    "Erich! What the hell is this? Why are there two alien whores in my home? Get rid of them, this instant!"


    Erich''s expression immediately sank as he began to curse out his wife for being nothing but useless.


    "Your home? Your fucking home? The only reason you are even able to live here is because the government mandated you to be my wife. This is my home! Which I earned through my sweat, blood, and tears! I have a right to invite whatever guests I desire over, and so you will treat thesedies with respect, or you can go live with your fucking parents!"


    This was the first time that Erika had experienced the anger which her husband had buried deep within his heart. There was something very different about Erich at this moment. His gaze was no longer distant and depressed. Instead, it was filled with passion. A fire burned within his heart and mind to defend his lovers, from a woman who he only saw as a burden.


    After the brief exchange of shouts, Krista came rushing into the room, and frowned when she saw the two alien women standing by with amused expressions on their faces. Yumi was quick totch onto Erich''s arm, and cause some unecessary drama. After all, she had lost her memories from the past year''s events, and because of that, she did not recognize Erika or Krista, who she had previously spoken to Erich about.


    "Ara ara, Erich, you are so mischievous! You already had two beautiful women tending to your needs, and yet you felt the need to visit me? What a naughty boy! I should discipline you!"


    Erich was at a loss for words, because what Yumi said had instantly enraged Krista and Erika, both of which were not exactly fond of Erich''s preference for women of other races. In order to mitigate the damage, he was quick to exin to both Ayumi and Yumi what his situation was.


    "Yumi, these two women are my wife and mother. I know you have forgotten our previous conversation, but Erika, the pink-haired woman, was assigned to be my wife after the battle of Suebi. It is a marriage entirely of political convenience, and there are no feelings between the two of us. So don''t let her get you riled up. She means literally nothing to me."


    Both Ayumi and Yumi were shocked to hear this information. They had no idea that Erich had such a difficult life at home. Whereas Erika felt her heart bleed upon hearing her husband''s cruel remarks. She instantly broke out into tears and ran off to her room.


    As for Krista she was scowling at her son. Naturally, she knew the name Yumi, and was astonished to find out that Erich had left to go meet with the woman. She waspletely unaware of all the difficulties Erich had faced over the past few days and was quick to reprimand her son for his actions.


    "Erich! What madness haspelled you to bring your alien whore into your home? If you do not send these women packing, then I will leave myself. I simply can''t tolerate such degeneracy urring beneath the same roof!"


    For the first time in his life, Erich was genuinely angry at his mother, and because of this, he snapped at her as well.


    "Then go! I don''t even know why you are even still here! Alemannia should be rebuilt by now. You can go back home!"


    Never in her life did Krista think Erich would actually take her threat seriously, and because of this, she simply harrumphed before walking off. Yelling across the mansion so that her other kids could hear her.


    "Pack your things. We are returning to Alemannia!"


    With both of those troublesome women gone, Erich''s expression lightened slightly, especially after Ayumi hugged him. She had no idea that Erich had such a troubling home life. After all, he had never actually mentioned such personal matters to her before. However, her good-hearted nature got the better of her, and she was quick to ask Erich about his wife and her mental state.


    "Erich, is your wife going to be alright? She seems very upset? Perhaps you were a little too harsh..."


    Though Erich wanted to snap at Ayumi for daring to say such a thing to him, he was forced to quell his anger, as he sighed heavily while shaking his head.


    "You wouldn''t understand... That woman has put me through a lot over the years, and it is not so easy to forgive her. I honestly don''t care if she''s heartbroken. She has brought this fate upon herself. Now forget about her. It would appear that my personal matters have been concluded earlier than I expected. How about I take the two of you on a tour of the house? And then perhaps we can have a beachside barbecue?"


    Though Ayumi was still concerned about Erika, Yumi stopped her from pressing the issue. She grabbed hold of Ayumi''s shoulder before epting Erich''s offer with a pretty smile on her face.


    "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. We have been given a tropical paradise to enjoy as our new home, and I think it would be best if we took advantage of that fact."


    Erich could only smile and nod his head. He then took the women on the tour of his house. Where hemunicated with the staff to have their rooms prepared. Once that was over with, the trio got dressed in their swimwear before approaching the beach.


    There was arge ice chest filled with beer and sake which Erich brought with him, along with some meat and vegetables that could be cooked on the small hovering grill that followed the trio to the beach. And while Erich partied on his private beach with his two Oni lovers, Erika watched the man, and his tant act of infidelity, with a furious expression on her pretty face.


    Tears fell from the pink-haired beauty''s eyes as shemented her lot in life. She could not believe that she had been married off to a man who would rather betray his race, then to make amends with her. And now, with Krista departing, things were going to be particrly unbearable.


    She instantly began to think about taking Erich up on his offer and moving back in with her parents. But if she did that, it would cause an enormous scandal. And judging by the fact that these two Oni women were so freely able to stay at her husband''s ce and openly flirt with him. Erika could tell that these women were likely important to the Empire, and because of that, the powers that be most likely wanted to keep this little affair a secret from the public.


    Thus, in the end, she could only cope with the bitterness that she currently felt within her heart by drinking copious quantities of wine. Only the sweet, mind numbing effects of alcohol would allow her to bear with her husband''s tant cheating.

 Chapter 95 Starting A Rebellion

    While Erich was currently enjoying a peaceful life with his two Oni lovers. A civil war had begun to brew within the Great Oni Empire. One which was spearheaded by the agents of German intelligence.


    On the ground, within the capital of the Great Oni Empire, was arge protest. Millions of people had showed up, and refused to work, after a video was released on the grid, which purported that Emperor Kenji had attempted to assassinate his aunt.


    The reason that was proposed in the video suggested that Kondo Yumi had discovered that her nephew was actually an illegitimate child of her brother, and thus, in all actuality, she was the rightful heir to the throne.


    Obviously, the Kondo Dynasty refuted these ims by iming that Yumi herself had attempted a coup against her nephew, and that she was in fact killed during the ensuing chaos. However, videos of Yumi surfaced on what was clearly a tropical world, where she seemed to be perfectly healthy.


    This only led people to believe that the rumors were true, and that Emperor Kenji had indeed tried, but failed, to assassinate his aunt, after she discovered the "truth" about his questionable lineage. Because of this, arge protest was held outside the Pce Grounds, which was named Justice For Yumi. And though its members were currently peacefully protesting, the overwhelming disy of force from the Kondo Dynasty acted as nothing but a source of esction.


    Standing on the ground was a member of the Royal Guard, who was dressed in fullbat armor. In his hands was an assault rifle, which was fully loaded. Though lethal force had yet to be authorized. The option was still avable if this protest suddenly were to turn violent.


    A protestor stood in the soldier''s face and spit at him, all while making a suggestive gesture, one which was clearly an act of disrespect. This protestor was just one of many who engaged in such actions, all while others shouted through voice enhancing devices demanding to know the truth about Yumi''s alleged demise.


    "We know the truth. Yumi is still out there! Our true Empress hides in exile, while you bastards protect a false emperor! Down with the system! Down with tyranny!"


    The Royal Guard stood firmly in the center of the capital, as a wall protecting the pce grounds from this unruly mob. If push came to shove, they were not afraid to use lethal force to protect their emperor. However, things had yet to turn violent, and thus, one of the police officers spoke through his own speech enhancing device, warning the protesters to disperse.


    "Disperse! Or you will be fired upon. You are trespassing on hallow ground! Any further protest will be considered an act of rebellion and will be treated as such. "


    In response to this demand, one of the Protestors threw a bag of feces at the royal guard, which sttered upon impact like a water balloon. Upon having his visor smeared with such a disgusting substance, the Royal guard finally lost his mind, and aimed down the sights of his rifle towards to perpetrator. Pulling the trigger, as he killed the man on the spot.


    This sudden hostile action resulted in a chain reaction, where the royal guard immediately assumed they were being fired upon, and thus fired their lethal weapons into the crowd of protestors. Though the protestors fled in terror, the end result was a massacre, one which was broadcasted across the entirety of Alfheim space.


    This bloody event would be the catalyst thatpelled all the people who were angry at the current establishment to raise up in rebellion and to ignite the mes of war.


    ---


    Erich was currently ying with Ayumi at the beach, meanwhile Yumi had an important call to take. One which came from the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire himself. While sitting in afortable office, one which was normally reserved for Erich. The attractive Oni woman gazed upon the holographic projection and witnessed the events that were unfolding across her homnd.


    It had been three months since she went into exile within the Empire, and during this time her hosts had been hard at work manufacturing outrage at her homnd. The end result was a bloody massacre of a bunch of mostly peaceful protestors.


    By now there were groups across the Great Oni Emperor, all of which wanting to install a new regime of their own ideology. Whatmonly united them was theirbined hatred for the current emperor. Yumi had be a martyr, and though some believed she was still out there, biding her time to reim a throne which was rightfully hers. The Kondo Dynasty insisted she had died in a failed coup.


    Emrys'' voice came after the video of the massacre had concluded, one which was filled with an absolutely smug tone.


    "It appears that we did not need to do as much work as we had anticipated. One simple video, and a couple of reposts, and your society was ready to tear itself apart. We also leaked some footage of you at your current residence. Though we ensured that there was no architecture, or people in sight, to identify what world you are in.


    A civil war is about to begin. The peaceful days that you have been enjoying thus far are now over. Be prepared to take charge of these rebels and coordinate their efforts to overthrow your nephew. As for his fate, I will let you decide what that is."


    A sadistic smile curved itself onto Yumi''s wless face as she assured the Supreme Leader that she would not be merciful when the time came to im her nephew''s head.


    "That little brat killed me, and Erich. You think I would be foolish enough to spare his miserable existence? I assure you when the timees, I will have no hesitation in putting him down, like the fucking dog that he is!"


    This response caused Emrys to smile and nod his head in agreement with Yumi''s words. He could not help but express the pleasure it was to deal with a like-minded person like her.


    "I must admit, dealing with you has always been smoother than that brain addled nephew of yours. The man has no respect for his superiors. But I believe that is about to change. You and I have the power to make a new society, one that will lead both of our peoples to greatness."


    Yumi responded to Emrys'' ims with a snide remark, one which did not seem to have any particr effect on the man''s state of mind.


    "I''m sorry to break it to you, Emrys, but I get along better with your little prot¨¦g¨¦. He and I will aplish great things together, but I''m afraid you don''t have long to sit on your little throne..."


    Despite her words, Emrys simply smiled and nodded his head in agreement with Yumi''s crass remarks.


    "You are correct, I was never meant to be in my current position, and when Erich has matured enough to govern our people, I will step down so he can take his rightful position as the Supreme Leader. But if you keep coddling him like you do, then it might be decades before that happens.


    Either way, I will wait here patiently for that day to finally arrive. Have a good rest of your evening, Yumi and remember what we discussed. The time for you to lead your people once more is on but a moment away."


    With that said, Emrys hung up on Yumi, leaving her to ponder his words. Did the man truly mean that he was waiting for Erich to seize the proverbial throne? Or was he up to something far more sinister? Yumi did not know the answer to these questions, but she would do everything in her power to protect Erich from those who sought to harm him.


    Thus, she concluded her business, and went back to the beach, where Erich and her great niece were currently enjoying themselves in a game of volleyball. One which she sought to join.

 Chapter 96 A Potential For Galactic War

    As part of the agreement made with the Great Oni Emperor, the Germanic Star-Empire dispatched a second fleet to aid in the war with the Lutharian Ascendency. However, what was initially supposed to be a rather quick military conflict with a peer. Had turned into a war of attrition.


    Not because the Germanic Navy was incapable of breaking through the enemy''s defenses. But because the Great Oni Empire was entering a state of civil war. All across their empire, worlds began to burn in riots, which were put down violently by the local governments.


    This created a need for the rebels to get their hands on some weapons, and who did they turn to for this matter? Well, certainly not the Germanic Star-Empire. After all, they were allied with the Great Oni Empire and would never support a violent insurrection.


    Instead, these rebels got their hands on old Germanic weapons via a third party, which was thergest purchaser of Germanic weaponry in the gxy. And thus, the Germanic Star-Empire was circumventing its alliance to supply the Oni Rebels, all while maintaining total deniability.


    But while the Great Oni Empire had entered the first stages of its Civil War, there were other battles being waged across the gxy. Currently, there was amunication going on between two of the major gctic yers.


    Empress Lunaria Asterion was speaking with a blue skinned, four armed humanoid via holographic projection. The four armed humanoid was the leader of the Asura Cabal, and had a smug expression on his devilishly handsome face as he dealt with the beautiful and powerful Empress of the Light Elves.


    "You can rest assured Lunaria, the Cabal will not interfere with your ongoing border dispute with the Svartalfheim Federation, but if those self-righteous pricks decide to invade your territory, I will support Alfheim in its war efforts. The full military might of the Asura Cabal will be at your disposal."


    Lunaria wore a pretty smile on her face, as she epted the aid that the Asura Cabal had promised her.


    "I thank you for your generosity. Let''s just hope that this dispute can be settled with our proxies. I believe that the uing war games will be enough to show those dark-skinned freaks just what our vassals have to offer..."


    However, the leader of the Asura cabal did not seem convinced of Lunaria''s words, and was quick to give her caution in this regard.


    "Do be careful with your attack hounds, Lunaria. I understand that you have lost the Ryloanians, and that those recent upstarts which you are so fond of have suffered some serious setbacks during their war with the Naraku.


    As much as I have faith in the Alfheim Navy, I doubt your remaining vassals are in the necessary condition to contend with those subordinated of the Svartalfheim Federation. And you should be aware, the Dark Elves have begun to produce some propaganda that paints your favorite attack hounds in a rather poor light."


    Lunaria immediately understood just what her Asuran counterpart was referring to, and was quick to discuss the matter in detail, in order to dismiss any concerns he might have about her favorite pets.


    "Are you referring to the Confederation of Human Worlds?"


    The leader of the Asuran Cabal raised his brow in curiosity, as he voiced his disbelief allowed.


    "Oh, so you have heard about them? That is hard to believe, considering they are not even the equivalent of a minor power. So tell me, if you have done so much research, are the rumors true?"


    Lunaria''s face turned stoic, as she denied the allegations that the Svartalfheim federation were now making about her favorite vassals.


    "Absolutely not, while it is true that the Germanic race has a shared origin with humanity. The ims that the Svartalfheim Federation has made arepletely false."''


    Despite Lunaria''s words, the leader of the Asura Cabal was not entirely convinced, and was quick to discuss this matter further.


    "If what you say is true, then why did the Germanic race flee their homeworld? If they were not violent oppressors who terrorized the other sub-species, why would they be forced to embark on an exodus a quarter of the way across the gxy to find a new world to call home?"


    Lunaria''s expression did not falter when she was asked this question, as if she had been preparing for it for some time. Her words were the same ones the Germanic Star-Empire used to justify their separation from humanity centuries ago.


    "It''s simple, the ancestors of the Germanic race were a minority in their homeworld, and had even begun to be a minority in the countries which they had created. The foreigners who flooded theirnds brought crime, violence, and poverty along with them. Meanwhile, the Germanic people were forced to ept all of these things in the name of a suicidal political ideology which the elites forced upon their society.


    Seeing as how it would only be a matter of time before their people went extinct, the ancestors of the Germanic Star-Empire got their hands on a warp drive and took a chance among the stars. Taking a few million people with them on their exodus to the world that we now know as Germania.


    And what happened to the rest of their people who stayed behind on Earth? They have gone extinct just like the founders of the Germanic Star-Empire expected they would. Today, you won''t find a single pale skinned, blonde-haired, and blue-eyed person among the modern human species. In fact, humanity now has more inmon physically with the Dark Elves, then they do their Germanic cousins."


    The leader of the Asura cabal thought about Lunaria''s words for some time before finally responding. He sighed heavily as he spoke the words which proved he that he had been convinced by the Alfheim Empress.


    "To be a minority in your own society, while being ruled by a political ss who wees the destruction of your people. I can understand why they would wish to leave their world behind, and to start anew among the stars.


    Very well, until proven otherwise, I will ept your side on this matter. If I''m being honest, I would not put it past the Dark Elves to make it seem like their newest pets have been the victims of Germanic oppression. After all, they do seem to have a hard on for making themselves out to be the victims in every possible scenario.


    I will spread the truth throughout Asura space, so my people are not influenced by this false narrative. I just hope that your favorite pets are capable of taking on the Svartalfheim Dominion''s proxies in their current state, because if they are not, then I am afraid war will be your only option."


    An excited look appeared on Lunaria''s face, as she licked her lips at the thought of unleashing her war hounds onto the proxies of her rivals. She then spoke in a rather sinister voice as she assured the Asuran leader that her pets were indeed ready for war.


    "Oh, don''t worry about my pretties, they are recovering their military strength at a rapid rate. It won''t be long before they kick the teeth in of those dark-skinned freaks and their ythings. I thank you for your time, but I really should attend to some personal matters which I have been avoiding. Farewell, for now!"


    After saying this, Lunaria hung up on the leader of the Asuran Cabal. This agreement she had brokered with the man was one that would inevitably drag the entire gxy into war if her rivals dared to invade her borders.


    And a Gctic war was something which only one species would benefit from. A species which had an immense influence over both her society and that of her rivals. Thus, there was a very grim expression on Lunaria''s otherwise beautiful face as she debated the consequences that this border conflict might have if it escted into a full-scale gctic war.

 Chapter 97 Suffering Minor Setbacks

    Weeks passed since Erich first returned home with two Oni women by his side. And during this time his mother had moved out along with his younger siblings, and back to their homeworld of Alemannia, which had recently been restored to a state that was habitable.


    As for Erika, she continued to struggle with Erich''s infidelity, and hisplete and utterck of care for her. However, she was not alone in this regard. As Ayumi became increasingly concerned about the rtionship that Erich had with his wife.


    And though, Yumi kept telling her great niece not to bring up such a troubled subject around their lover. As the days passed, and Erich''s indifference towards his wife continued, the kind hearted soul that belonged to the exiled Oni Princess could not help but attempt to repair the damage.


    But in order to do this, she needed to first have an understanding about how deep the animosity between the married couple ran. Because of that, she finally cornered an intoxicated Erika, who seemed to subsist off of a diet that was almost exclusively wine, where she then invited the woman to tea.


    Naturally, Erika responded with a message simr to the phrase "get bent..." Yet Ayumi was not deterred, and because of this, she approached Erika every afternoon with the offer of tea. This went on for a total of two weeks before the former pop star finally agreed to the alien woman''s request.


    Currently, Ayumi and Erika were sitting at a table which existed on a balcony raised above the beach. The warm sea breeze gently kissed the two women''s faces while Ayumi poured two sses of tea for the both of them. She wore a pleasant smile on her face, despite the scowl that Erika wore.


    After all, she was by now well aware of what the Germanic Star-Empire thought of foreigners, and hade to understand that her aunt was probably a masochist on some level. Yet despite suffering what could only be considered as mistreatment by the Germanic people, Erich continued to treat the two Oni women with the respect and kindness which they deserved. And in the end that was all that mattered to Ayumi.


    Because of this understanding of her new reality, Ayumi was not delusional enough to believe that single serving of tea would ever help Erika get over her racial prejudices, but she hoped that it would open the path forward to some form of understanding between the two of them. Thus, she wore a pretty smile as she properly introduced herself to the wife of her lover.


    "I must apologize for not introducing myself properly before this moment. Though I have wanted to be acquainted with you, I believe you understand the hostility that your husband has towards you more than anyone, and for that, I am terribly sorry."


    Erika simply snorted. It was amazing enough that this filthy alien was fluent in the Germanic tongue, but to speak such kind words, clearly this whore was up to something, she just didn''t know what. However, Erika did not outright speak of her hostile thoughts, and remained silent as Ayumi continued her introduction.


    "You are probably aware by now that my given name is Ayumi, but my surname is Kondo. If you know anything about my people, then you should understand what this means. I am the eldest princess of the Kondo Dynasty, and have unfortunately been exiled from my homnd because of my rtionship with Erich."


    This remark caught Erikapletely off guard causing her to spit out the tea she was drinking while gazing upon Ayumi with a different light in her electric blue eyes.


    "You''re a princess? Why the hell are you living with us? Shouldn''t the party be taking care of you in some penthouse in Germania?"


    Ayumi wore a bitter smile on her face as she thought about everything she had lost, but she quickly shook her head, and forced herself to have a more pleasant expression as she exined in detail what her current position was.


    "I am indeed a princess, albeit an exiled one. As for my living arrangements, I am currently a ward of the State. And due to my rtionship with your husband, I believe that your leadership has arranged for Erich to be my guardian. In other words, my aunt and I are currently under house arrest. Something which would be unbearable if anyone else was our warden. In fact, I was convinced that Erich was dead after what my father did to him, but it appears your people have advanced far beyond my own in terms of medicine...."


    This statement caught Erika''s attention, as she narrowed her gaze toward''s the Oni woman, and spoke with a grave tone in her voice.


    "What happened to Erich?"


    It became abundantly clear to Ayumi that she said something she probably shouldn''t have. But since the cat was already out of the bag, so to speak, she could only sigh and exin the whole story to Erika. Reliving her trauma was something that Ayumi did not want to do, but if it made her lover''s wife understand things with a bit more rity, she did not mind doing so.


    Erika was shocked to hear this sudden influx of information. Although she knew that Erich had already suffered one fatality during his sacrifice, which defeated Terminus, she was not aware of his other two deaths, especially this most recent one.


    Even if the Empire could bring back those who had fallen in battle, experiencing death had a longsting effect on one''s psyche. Erika had already witnessed the effects that her husband''s previous demise had on his mind, and could not fathom what he was going through after suffering such a fate yet again.


    Not to mention from Ayumi''s words, it sounded like his most recent death was one that was particrly excruciating. It was one thing to die instantly in a massive explosion. But to be riddled full of bullets? That was a special kind of hell. This new only further caused Erika''s heart tobleed. She had a sullen look on her otherwise pretty face as her eyes stared at her teacup, which was half empty in silence. It took the young popstar several moments voice her thoughts aloud.


    "I had no idea he went through so much.... He doesn''t tell me anything...."


    Contrary to what Erika was expressing, Ayumi wore aforting expression on her wless face as she grabbed hold of the woman''s dainty hand, while expressing her concern.


    "My heart breaks watching the two of you have such a troubled marriage. It is clear to me that you care about Erich in your own way. But he stubbornly refuses to get over the grievances that he has with you. However, I also feel like you have some unresolved issues with the man yourself.


    I will admit that I don''t know much about your rtionship, but I am here to help. I know you don''t trust me, specifically because I am a foreigner, but I want what is best for Erich, and that means getting the two of you to reconcile your differences. Please, won''t you tell me what you have done to anger him so?"


    Erika did not immediately respond to Ayumi''s request. After all, she had previously vented her frustrations with Erich to the man''s mother, and Krista was quick to buy into Erika''s side in the dispute. However, Ayumi was clearly not going to do the same. Undoubtedly, the woman would im that this ordeal was Erika''s fault, and that she should do more to appease her husband.


    Whether it was this concern, or simply her disdain for aliens, Erika ultimately did not respond kindly to Ayumi''s request. Instead, she quickly swallowed the rest of her tea, stood up, and left. But not before leaving some particrly unkind words to the Oni beauty.


    "I do not need the help of my husband''s whore! If Erich wishes to speak with me about his problems, he can do so himself. Thanks for the tea, but I am afraid yourpany has soured what would have otherwise been a pleasant asion...."


    After saying this, Erika left Ayumi alone. And though the woman had suffered some minor setbacks in her ultimate goal, she knew that she would not be able to convince Erika to trust her from the start. Thus, Ayumi was already prepared for such a response. And nned to try again after giving Erika some time to think things through properly.


    Instead of dwelling on this momentary defeat, Ayumi quickly got to work cleaning up the area, much to the chagrin of the mansion''s maids, who were quick to inform the woman that she did not have to do such a thing.

 Chapter 98 Venting One’s Frustrations

    Another week passed, and during this time, Ayumi had given Erika some space. Meanwhile, Erich spent most of it in the arms of his two Oni lovers. Which only further filled Erika with rage towards the man.


    Every day she had to watch her husband be intimate with two alien women, while he treated her like dog shit. As if she were something that disgusted him. This was having an increasingly negative effect on Erika''s mood. To the point where irritability and general disagreeableness had be the norm.


    For the first time in a long time, Erich and Erika had begun to speak again, but this was not a good thing. Instead, it was merely Erika taking every opportunity she could to argue with her husband about his actions, which dishonored her in more ways than he realized.


    But Erich wouldn''t have it. As far as he was concerned, Erika was not even his wife. She was a burden forced upon him by the state. Someone he was forced to look after, and never raise his hand against, despite her relentless onught of negativity.


    Thus, he would usually respond to their arguments by fleeing to the beach and avoiding the woman for the rest of the day. It had gotten so bad that Ayumi knew she needed to intervene soon, or the married couple''s rather vicious verbal disagreements would soon turn to physical violence.


    Thus, against the advice of her great aunt, who seemed to be enjoying the drama. Ayumi sat down with Erich, and began to discuss with him about the issues he had with his wife. At first Erich thought that Ayumi wanted to speak with him about something that wasn''t so tiresome, but when she finally spoke about the matter which was bothering her, he did not respond well.


    "Erich... I''m worried about you, and your wife-"


    Before Ayumi could even say another word, Erich raised his hand and tried to cut the woman off.


    "Nope! I''m not having this discussion. That little cunt can go pound sand for all I care. I''m done with her. If she doesn''t stop her bullshit, I''m packing her things and sending her back to live with her parents. I can''t put up with this shit any longer!"


    It was abundantly clear to Ayumi that her lover was in a furious state, and because of this, she quickly grabbed hold of his hands and looked at him with a concerned gaze in her amber eyes. The softness of the woman''s touch helped Erich ovee his wrath and pay attention to her words.


    "Erich.... I''m concerned about you! You are not being yourselftely. It is clear that your deteriorating rtionship with your wife is causing severe problems to your mental health. And I can only sit here and watch as you be more violent by the day. Please, talk to me!"


    Although Erich wanted nothing more than to forget about Erika and kick her to the curb, he could not stay mad when Ayumi was pleading with him, especially when she had such a concerned expression on her wless face. Thus, he could only sigh and sit down as he began to discuss all the problems that he and Erika had as a married couple.


    Erich vented his frustrations with the woman for nearly two hours, and the entire time Ayumi sat there and listened as she consoled her lover and his particrly aggrieved emotions. By the end of the tale, she had a better understanding of the situation, at the very least from Erich''s perspective.


    It took Ayumi several moments to collect her thoughts on the matter. From what Erich said, it sounded like he received continuous unprovoked harassment from Erika. That eventually cost him everything. All because he was born with a slightly different hair and eye color from what was considered normal.


    After learning such a thing, Ayumi was convinced there was more to the truth than just what Erich had endured, and thus she decided that she would have to mediate the discussion between the man and his wife. Thus, the Oni Princess hugged her lover, and stroked the back of his hair, while assuring him that everything was alright, and that his anger waspletely justified.


    "Erich, what you went through was horrible. And I can only imagine how much you suffered because of Erika''s actions. But, you have to let go of this anger inside of you. It is eating you up, and I can see the effect it has on you with my own eyes. I want the man who won my heart back! So, I think it''s time we settle this once and for all.


    You need to have an honest conversation with Erika, and I believe I can help with that. Won''t you trust me? You know I want what is best for you, right?"


    Erich sighed heavily and looked up upon the sunset which cast itself over the tropical world and the long strip of private beach which he personally owned. For the first time in a long time, he had someone by his side who genuinely cared about him. In fact, it had been years since he experienced such a thing.


    After S''aleth''s death, Erich did not know if he would ever feel such love and warmthe from another sentient being again in his life. But right now, he could tell that Ayumi was seriously concerned about him, and thus he decided to let go of the anger and hatred which he harbored towards his wife, and agree to Ayumi''s request.


    "Alright.... I will trust you. Let''s go home and settle this once and for all."


    Ayumi wore a pleasant smile as she stood up from her seat and hugged herself tightly to Erich''s arm. She then walked by his side all the way back to the vi, where Erika was already waiting for the two of them. It appeared she was ready to pick another fight, but Erich''s words had stopped the woman in her tracks.


    "Erika, we need to talk... And I don''t mean any of this petty fighting. We need to have a serious discussion about our rtionship. Because if something doesn''t change soon, then I will have no choice but to kick you out. So, you, me, and Ayumi are going to sit down, and hash this out. Or, you can pack up your things and leave right now. Those are your only two options."


    Erika''s face was flustered. She had a variety of emotions in this moment, but she did not know which one should be dominating her mind. However, after gazing upon the serious look in her husband''s eyes, she unfurled her fists, and sat down at a nearby table, where she motioned for Erich and Ayumi to do the same. Once the three of them were properly seated and prepared for the conversation, Ayumi started it off.


    "I know the two of you have been avoiding this conversation for some time. And from what Erich tells me, you two are barely on speaking terms, despite already being married for close to three years. So, I have already heard Erich''s perspective on the matter, and why he is so angry with you.


    And though I agree he has a right to be angry after everything you have done, I also believe that you have some things which you would like to vent as well. Isn''t that right, Erika? So how about we start by having the two of you vent your grievances with one another in a healthy and restrained manner? Erika, you can go first."


    Thisst statement caught both Erich and Erika by surprise. Both of them expected Ayumi to allow Erich to voice his reasons for hating his wife first, and just when the man was about to protest, Ayumi grabbed his hand and shook her head. An act which calmed him.


    Erika did not even bother to think about her words before blurting them out. Whether this was due to intoxication, or simply that she could no longer contain her thoughts any longer, she viciouslyshed out at Erich with a surprising admission.


    "You bastard! I loved you! For years I watched your rise to glory, and admired you as a hero, even before anyone else knew your name! You were my first and only love! Sure, I made a mistake when I was a young girl, and I have regretted it every day since!


    But you! You scoundrel! You fiend! You degenerate! We are supposed to maintain our purity for marriage. But you tainted your body by sleeping with an alien woman! I may have been troubled by this matter when we first got married, but I was ready to move past it and give myself to you. But you didn''t even give me a chance! You treated me like I was the dirt beneath your feet, like I was not even worthy of your attention!


    And then you go out of your way to cheat on me the first opportunity you get! Without ever trying to resolve our issues. Not only that, but you bring your whores back home with you, so you can unt your infidelity in my face. How am I supposed to bear such dishonor? I hate you! I hate you so much, I can''t help it!"


    Erich was perhaps the only one who was surprised to hear that Erika loved him at any point in his life. As far as he could remember, she had only treated him like shit, and then when they finally got married, she did not even bother speaking to him other than during the ceremony. This was something he could not understand and was quick to give voice to.


    "You loved me? When? When exactly did you ever show any love to me? I didn''t even know you, but you went out of your way to ruin my rtionship with my mother, who was the only person who was ever there for me. And you never once apologized for it!"


    Erika had long since broken out into tears, which she wiped from her electric blue eyes, as she apologized for the first time in her life. Albeit, with a bit of hysteria in her voice.


    "I''m sorry, alright! How many times must I apologize for something that happened nearly a decade ago?"


    The moment Erich heard this, he wanted to p the woman across the face for being so fucking stupid. But all he could do was voice his frustration with a heightened tone in his voice.


    "Once would be nice!"


    Erika continued to sob and apologize profusely. All she could say was the words "I am sorry" over and over again. Yet the wrath Erich had in his heart towards the woman was only barely sedated by these words. As far as he was concerned, this was too little, toote. However, Ayumi understood that these two needed to properly vent their frustrations with one another, if they were ever to move past it. Thus, this discussion had only truly just begun.

 Chapter 99 Accepting Responsibility

    Currently Erich and Erika were having a conversation which would change their rtionship forever. And Ayumi was moderating it, to ensure that they were both able to express their frustrations with one another in a healthy manner.


    At the start of the discussion Erika had made an admission, which, though shocking to Erich, seemed to be obvious to both Ayumi and Erika. She had confessed that she had secretly loved him from afar, and that he had betrayed this love by tainting his purity before their eventual marriage, and with an alien woman, no less.


    Erich was stunned at this admission, and the fact that the woman was crying profusely, while apologizing for everything she had ever done to him. And though Erich epted his wife''s apologies, he felt as if it were a littlete to properly subside his wrath.


    Instead, he responded to the other portion of the woman''s ims by voicing the absurdity of her anger.


    "Why do you care so much about who I have slept with? I didn''t even know you at the time. I never thought I would ever be able to get married because of my condition. And so yeah, I took the first opportunity I was offered to getid. And by the way, it was not just Yumi, there were other women too. One of which is now dead, and the other one wants me dead.


    But none of that should matter to you. We had no rtionship at that time. So your anger about these things seems incredibly petty, and foolish!"


    Erika wiped the tears from her eyes as she responded to Erich''s defense of his actions with a particrly foul expression on her otherwise gorgeous face.


    "That''s no excuse! I''m a mutant too, and yet I have maintained my purity! Even now, after three years of our sexless marriage, I have never once touched a man, let alone slept with one. And you and I both know that if I really wanted to, I could have. There is no man in the Empire who would deny me if I asked for such a thing!


    So, you are going to need toe up with a better excuse for breaking our people''s traditions! I mean, an alien? What is wrong with you? It''s disgusting, and I know the Oni feels the same. Why else would Ayumi''s father have reacted in such a hostile manner when he saw the two of you together?"


    This remark struck a nerve with Erich. Particrly because he was all too aware of how hostile most sentient species in the gxy were to the idea of their own people intermingling with other species. Still, he did not apologize for his actions. And simply ignored Erika''s remark. Which caused her tosh out at her about her next grievance with the man.


    "By the way, I already told you I was willing to move past such a thing, despite the fact that I found it to be utterly disgusting. But even now, we have been married for nearly three years, and yet you cheated on me with an alien woman the first chance you got. There must be something wrong with you!"


    Erich could no longer abide by Erika''s remarks, and quickly retaliated with his own, albeit with a furious tone in his voice.


    "Well, maybe if you took care of my physical and emotional needs properly as my wife, I wouldn''t have to go searching for a woman who will!"


    Erika simply scoffed to this before further enlightening Erich about why she had never slept with him.


    "Don''t you me that on me! On our wedding night, you barely even spoke to me, let alone attempted to be intimate with me! I thought you hated me! And you do! I can see it in your eyes! I will admit that I may have been partially at fault for never bringing up the subject, but unlike you, before our wedding day, I had never even spoken with a man alone who was not a member of my family. How was I supposed to bring up that subject? You''re my husband. Isn''t taking the lead supposed to be your job?"


    Seeing as how heated this discussion was getting, Ayumi was forced to draw a line and take Erika''s side in this matter, as she expressed her concerns regarding what was just said.


    "I''m afraid I''m going to have to agree with Erika on this one, sorry love, butmunication is a two-way street, and knowing your stubborn personality you probably never made an effort to connect with your wife... And judging from everything I have seen since I first arrived here, I would say this is almost certainly the case."


    Erich gazed in disbelief at Ayumi, who had a guilty look on her face. He then crossed his arms and snorted before voicing his frustration with the situation.


    "I don''t believe it. You''re taking her side, just like my fucking mother!"


    Ayumi narrowed her gaze at Erich. She was quick to assure him that she was still on his side, and that the truth might be hard to swallow, but it was necessary.


    "Erich.... I love you and will always be on your side. But this is the truth. I can not believe how utterly foolish the two of you have been. Neither of you have made any attempt tomunicate about your differences, and both appear to be so stubborn that you are willing to let your already fragile rtionship deteriorate rather than admit your own mistakes and work towards a better future.


    I may be the youngest one here, and am wholly inexperienced in rtionships outside of the one I have with you, but even I can tell you are both acting like children. The two of you will never be able to mend the rift that exists in your marriage, unless you both admit that you each share fault in this matter."


    Both Erich and Erika remained silent with their arms crossed, neither of which were willing to look at one another. Ayumi could only feel like the situation was totally hopeless. Unless one of these two stubborn idiots admitted fault first, then neither of them would. She was just about to give up on the whole situation, believing that if things were already this bad, then it was probably best for a permanent separation.


    That is, until Erika''s stubborn will finally broke. With a heavy sigh, the woman apologized for her own mistakes.


    "I''m sorry.... I realize that much of this is my fault, and if I weren''t so stubborn, then maybe we wouldn''t be at such a breaking point...."


    A glimmer of hope appeared in Ayumi''s eyes, as she gazed towards Erich with a demanding look. As if topel him to ept his own part of the responsibility. Both Erika and Ayumi bombarded the man with that gaze, and yet, he still did not budge. They were all about to admit defeat until Yumi entered the scene with a particrly exasperated tone in her voice.


    "By the gods, sometimes you can be such a child, Erich. It''s almost as if you deliberately want to give up such a beautiful young woman! You have the chance to build a harem which the emperors of my family''s dynasty could only dream of, and your stubbornness is the only thing preventing that."


    This remark caused both Ayumi and Erika to blush red with embarassment. Yumi then sat down in Erich''sp, and kissed his neck, an action which clearly caused the man to grow quite excited. By now even Erich was flustered, and though his mind and heart wanted to defy that he had any part in his rtionship problems, and that all the me lied with Erika, Yumi''s sweet whispers forced him to surrender.


    "Think about it Erich... You, me, Ayumi, and Erika, all at once! Wouldn''t that be great? I know you are just dying to see what that pink haired bimbo''s sinful body really looks like. All you have to do is admit to your mistakes and move forward. If you do that, then this sweet dream could be a reality. I dare say that her body is probably as good as Ayumi''s. Damn, now I''m jealous...."


    Erich had to admit, Yumi''s words were definitely tempting. And at the moment, Erika''s flustered appearance was pretty cute.... After what seemed like a lifetime, he finally sighed before admitting he may have potentially had some fault in this matter.


    "Fine.... I will admit that there is a slight possibility that I may share a small portion of the me for the current state of our rtionship. I promise to work together to ensure that we solve our differences so that we may finally be a proper married couple...."


    Although this was not exactly the answer that either Ayumi or Erika were looking for. Yumi knew enough about Erich''s stubbornness that they would not get anything better out of the man, and thus she kissed him on the forehead and spoiled him like a child.


    "Good boy! See, that wasn''t so hard, now was it?"


    Erich simply looked away and refused to speak another word. An act, which Erika somehow found endearing, even if she still did not yet approve of the rtionships that her husband had with these alien women.


    But for the moment, the overwhelming fury that Erich and Erika had for one another seemed to have subsided. All that was left was for the two of them to maintain this peaceful state, and actually attempt to properly get to know one another. A task that may not seem like it now, but was quite a monumental undertaking.

 Chapter 100 Well And Truly Boned

    As the mes of civil war began to burn across the Great Oni Empire, its mighty emperor hade to the realization that he could no longer sustain his ongoing conflict with the Lutharian Ascendancy.


    The reality was that this rebellion had suddenly be a threat that needed to be taken seriously. What started as a group of ragtag rioters using improvised weapons had suddenly turned into a well armed and trained insurgency.


    The weapons that the Oni Rebels had gotten their hands on were obsolete by the standards of the Germanic Star-Empire, and because of this were sold abroad to Minor Powers whocked the means to develop and manufacture their own weapon designs. Yet despite their age, they were still more than capable of punching through Oni body armor, and even some of their more lightly armored vehicles.


    And while Kenji had first thought that the weapons were originating from his most powerful ally, it waster revealed by German Intelligence that a third party, which was licensed to manufacture these obsolete German weapons, was the ones selling to the Oni Rebels.


    Thus Emperor Kondo Kenji was currently on a three-way call with the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, and the third party which was selling these weapons to the Oni Rebels. There was a look ofplete and utter fury in the man''s face as he scolded the person who he believed to be responsible for causing so much devastation to his realm.


    "It is simply uneptable! How dare you arm and train rebels in my own territory! It is equivalent to an act of war! And I demand that you immediately cease your sell of arms to the Oni Rebels, and as well as your covert training programs!"


    Despite the threat of war, the alien humanoid who was taking the me for the actions of the Germanic Star-Empire appeared calm. Obviously, he had been paid by the GSE to take the fall on this matter, and thus, he epted his position with superb acting skills. He did not hesitate to fire back with a smug look on his face.


    "An act of war? Do you really think you can fight on two fronts while also waging a civil war on your home front? I highly doubt you will even be able to maintain your conflict with the Lutharians for much longer.


    Let''s not jest here, Emperor Kenji. You do not have the means to retaliate, and we are simply taking advantage of a valuable business opportunity. If it were not us selling weapons to your rebels, then it would be somebody else. For example, I would not doubt that the Lutharians are sending military aid to your insurgents as we speak. Perhaps you should take up your concerns with them as well?"


    Upon seeing that this discussion was heading nowhere, Emrys was quick to intervene before it ended up as little more than a shouting match.


    "Gentlemen, I think we can all agree that this has gone too far. To put it simply, these weapons are manufactured via license with arms corporations based out of the Germanic Star-Empire. And to sell them to the enemies of our allies is a clear vition of our contract. So, as long as our friend here decides to cease supplying the Oni Rebels, I think we can let bygones be bygones.


    After all, what he has said is correct. Recent intelligence supports that the Lutharian Ascendency is taking advantage of this crisis to arm and supply the Oni Rebels. I would not doubt that this entire rebellion was instigated by those purple bastards in the first ce!"


    What Emrys said was correct, and Kenji knew this. Even if he could convince this interster civilization to stop supplying his rebels, the Lutharians would only pick up their ce. Thus, he could only sigh and ept his fate.


    Luckily for him, Emrys and the leader of this third party had alreadye to an agreement before this meeting, and thus, the man surprisingly decided to agree to Kenji''s demands.


    "Considering the fact that I do not wish to lose my ties with the Germans, I have no choice but to cease the sale of weapons and munitions to the Oni Rebels. If that is all that the two of you wished to speak to me about, then I believe it is time that I bid you farewell."


    After saying this, the alien''s holographic projection dispersed, leaving Emrys and Kenji alone. The Great Oni Emperor could not help but voice his frustrations aloud as he thought about the mess he was in.


    "Well, that settles one of my problems, but if the Lutharians really are behind this rebellion, then I have no choice but to continue my war with them. However, as more worlds burn within my empire, I have no choice but to divert further troops and resources from the front lines to quell these rebellions. I can only ask that you dispatch a third fleet to assist in this matter...."


    A frown appeared on Emrys''s face as he gazed upon the leader of his greatest ally. Initially, he had agreed to enter this war, but under the condition that he deployed a single fleet. However, after the nasty business with the Kenji''s coup, the GSE had no choice but to send a second fleet to the conflict.


    Yet, now the Great Oni Empire was asking their allies to dispatch a third fleet. When was this going to end? Was the Germanic Military going to suddenly be the primary fighting force in this foreign war? That was not something which Emrys wanted to happen, and thus he put his foot down then and there, making his intentions abundantly clear.


    "Kenji, when your aunt asked me to join this war, she assured me that I would only have to contribute minimal assets. Now you are asking me to take the responsibility off your shoulders for the entire conflict, so that you can put down a rebellion that you caused with your own foolish coup.


    I want you to know that although I will be dispatching a third fleet to assist in this matter, I will NOT be sending a fourth. So, if you can not defeat your rebels in a timely manner, then I will have no choice but to withdraw from this conflict altogether, and will instead simply ce my forces at your borders with the Lutharian Ascendancy so to protect them on your behalf."


    This was obviously not what Kenji wanted to hear. But he had limited control or influence over the Germanic Star-Empire. After all, the rtionship between their two nations was built off of Yumi''s diplomatic efforts. Without her, the Germans had suddenly begun to distance themselves from the Oni, as if her death was a terrible insult to their civilization.


    It was only now that Kenji had begun to realize the lengths that his royal aunt went through in order to ensure a stable and powerful empire. Something which he was wholly unprepared to undertake himself when he first initiated the coup.


    Was overthrowing Yumi really worth it? His daughter was sullied either way, and the end result was her exilement. At least when Yumi was in control, there were no rebels knocking on his door in an attempt to overthrow him and his dynasty.


    It was with all of these thoughts in mind that Kenji attempted to do his best to secure the alliance of his greatest military ally. And thus, he was forced to ept Emrys'' words, no matter how much he might despise them.


    "I understand your concerns, and I promise that I will use this valuable time which you have bought me to end this war as swiftly as possible. Within the next six months, these damned rebels will no longer exist, I can assure you of that!"


    Despite the fiery speech by the Great Oni Emperor, Emrys was not convinced. How could he be? After all, he was the man responsible for instigating this rebellion, and was all too aware of how likely they were to seed in their endeavors. Although the Germanic Star-Empire was no longer directly supplying the Oni Rebels, the Lutharian Ascendency had begun to take their ce, all of which was ording to Emrys'' ns.


    Now that the rebels had a more reliable supplier from an actual hostile nation, the war would be over soon enough. But it would not end in Kenji''s favor. Especially after Yumi finally revealed to the public that she was still alive and took control over her supporters. Once that happened, the war would be concluded in a matter of weeks. And Kenji''s skull would be mounted on a disy for the gorgeous Oni woman to admire as her prize.


    Still, now was not the time to reveal this information, and thus, Emrys simply nodded his head with a stoic expression on his face. He left behind a few parting words before ceasing his transmission.


    "I hope you are correct in your assessment. Because if you are not, then you will be left entirely on your own..."


    After saying this, Emrys ended hismunications with the Great Oni Emperor, leaving the man in a state of bitter rage, as he realized just how well and truly fucked he actually was.

 Chapter 101 Wedding Night Part I

    While the civil war continued to rage on within the borders of the Great Oni Empire, Erich was enjoying a peaceful life with his wife and two alien lovers. By now, the hostilities that existed between them had reached an all-time low, and the married couple were actually on speaking terms.


    Weeks had gone by since they both voiced their grievances and agreed to work towards a better future. Every morning Erich would share breakfast with his wife, where the two would discuss their pasts, and discover new things about one another.


    After breakfast, Erich would head to the beach and enjoy himself with his two Oni Lovers. Where he would return to his mansion and work out in his home gym for several hours. Once hepleted this task, he would take a bath before having dinner with Erika. Where they would once more talk about their thoughts, feelings, and history.


    Finally, after this was over, the married couple would go their separate ways, with Erich spending the night in either Ayumi''s room, or her aunt''s. While Erika slept in the master bedroom by herself. And after nearly a month of this routine, both Erich and Erika were starting to develop feelings of attraction towards one another.


    Currently, the married couple were enjoying a nice meal. It was a grilled mammal that wasmonly found across the Germanic Star-Empire, especially on agricultural worlds. This mammal had a vor simr to that ofmb, yet maintained that savory taste even as a grown adult.


    Thus, the dish that the mansion''s cooks had made was a barbecued and grilled roast, served with a side of cheese spaetzle, and fried potatoes. This meal paired well with a red wine, which was selected by the vi''s butler from among its many bottles contained within the wine cer.


    As Erich was enjoying this barbecued roast, he gazed upon his wife with a bit of curiosity in his eyes. The woman had gone out of her way on this asion and dressed herself in a rather seductive evening dress.


    Contrary to what was popr in the Germanic traditions of modesty, there were no straps on this dress, allowing for Erika''s bountiful cleavage to be disyed in full force to her husband. Who dly took notice of her assets with a shameless line of sight.


    Yet Erika did not seem to mind this. After all, she had yet to actually consummate her marriage with Erich, and with each passing day, she had begun to long for it. But the man seemed too busy with his alien lovers to even initiate such a thing.


    This had begun to get on Erika''s nerves, and thus she had begun to dress rather provocatively around the house, in an attempt to show off her naturally gifted assets. After all, her body and mind were both gically enhanced to be superhuman, and this included both sex appeal and beauty.


    The young popstar was designed with physical attraction in mind above all else. After all, she was born and bred to be an idol of her people. Thus, her body was curvy in all the right ces, with a perfect hourss figure, long ivory legs, a t stomach, and everything else that would drive most men crazy with lust.


    And Erich was no exception to the rule. Now that he no longer harbored hatred and resentment for his wife, he was starting to find her to be incredibly attractive. Especially when she began to squirm in embarassment. Clearly there was a question on her mind that she was having trouble bringing up, and because of this, Erich ced down his fork, and looked at the woman in the eyes as he asked one of his own.


    "Is there something on your mind?"


    Upon hearing this, Erika yelped in shock just the slightest bit. She had not expected Erich to bring this up, and thus she darted her eyes back and forth, making sure the two of them were well and truly alone, before finally forcing herself to speak about the matter which had been bothering her for some time.


    "As a matter of fact, there is.... Erich, I believe it is time that youe back to our bed. You have been absent long enough, and I would feel more secure if you were by my side while a slept...."


    There was obviously a hidden intent behind these words. One which was clearly inviting the man to finally join his wife in holy matrimony in the way which God intended. Luckily for Erich, he was not currently chewing on a slice of the roast when Erika said this, because he would have definitely choked on it if he had been doing so.


    There was a long and silent pause that only caused Erika to flush red with embarassment. Erich could hardly believe this was happening. After all, this was a woman who, just a month ago, he hated more than anyone. Had their rtionship really developed as man and wife to the point where they were now ready to be intimate with each other?


    And while his mind was asking this question, his body was yearning for it. If not for the fact that the two of them were currently sharing a meal together, then Erich would have pinned his wife to the table, and taking her chastity on the spot.


    But considering the time and ce, Erich simply sipped his wine so that he may quench the fire that was currently raging in his loins. And after a sufficient supply of the alcoholic beverage, he finally managed to do so. Where he then calmly epted Erika''s offer.


    "I suppose it is about time... Very well, tonight I will sleep in our bed."


    Even though this was what Erika wanted to hear, her face flushed red when she heard the wordse out of her husband''s mouth. Was this the day? Was she finally going to be a proper woman? A proper wife? Or perhaps even a proper mother? Erika did not know why, but she suddenly felt both excited and anxious over these thoughts. So much so that she remained silent for the remainder of the meal.


    Once the meal was over, the married couple continued to drink in silence, both of which were nervous about what they were going to do tonight, and because of this, they got themselves fairly drunk.


    It was only after Yumi walked in on the two of them with an empty bottle of sake in her hand, and a flushedplexion did they finally speak with one another.


    "Why are the two of you so silent? Oh, am I interrupting something?"


    Erich and Erika both looked away from one another the moment Yumi said this, which caused a sultry smile to form on the woman''s lips. She leaned in close to Erika and asked her a question, which only caused the woman to be more flustered.


    "Oh, is tonight the big night? I promise you, honey, you are going to enjoy it. Just don''t let the asshole be too rough with you. I still haven''t entirely forgiven him for that night...."


    Erika was confused by Yumi''s words, and was about to ask the woman a question, when Yumi grabbed another bottle of rice wine from the bar, and walked off. But not without leaving behind some parting words.


    "Have fun, you two! Oh and Erich, I want all the details tomorrow morning, so don''t drink too much!"


    Thisment caused both Erika and Erich to be even further embarrassed, and once Yumi had finally disappeared from sight, Erika was quick to scold her husband.


    "You absolutely must not tell her anything!"


    Erich only smiled and did not make any promises. Why would he, when such a thing was an act of futility? If Yumi really wanted to know the details of his "wedding night" she had more than a few ways to find out, and Erich was powerless to resist.

 Chapter 102 Wedding Night Part II [R18]

    After sharing a lovely meal with Erika, Erich spent the next five minutes doing what he did every night before going to bed. And that was taking a nice cold shower. After emerging from the master bathroom in nothing but a towel, he saw Erika lying on the bed dressed in nothing but a pair of white floral pattern lingerie.


    Considering the gic enhancements that the woman received, there was no reason for a pushup bra, because her substantial breasts were already perky enough, but even then she wore one, along with her garter belt and pearl thong.


    The snow white stockings which Erika wore mped to her perfectly toned thighs and calves, giving very little to the imagination. It was clear that the woman had gone all out with her appearance for this particr evening. And yet, there was not a single big of confidence on her otherwise wless face.


    Instead, she tried to conceal the more sensitive regions of her voluptuous body with her hands, while averting her gaze from her husband''s chiseled figure. Her pristine face was flushed red with embarassment, as Erich tossed away his towel, and climbed into bed.


    Like his wife, Erich was gically enhanced to be damn near perfection, and because of this, his body was the pinnacle of masculinity, perhaps none more obvious than the length of his shaft and the size of his balls. Erika could hardly believe her eyes when she saw her husband''s erect cock, and the voracious hunger in his eyes.


    As a man with some degree of experience, Erich gently grabbed hold of his wife''s shoulders and kissed her passionately. He then began to slowly move her sublime figure onto the bed, where he transitioned to kissing her neck.


    Each kiss caused Erika''s divine face to be further flushed as she slowly began to moan in pleasure. Especially after her husband unhooked her bra and began to suckle on her nipples, as if he were attempting to breastfeed from the woman.


    Erich was definitely convinced that Erika had the nicest body of all the women he had been with, even better than Ayumi''s. But that was gic enhancement for you. After all, nearly all Germanic women hadrge breasts, thin waists, and plump bottoms. Which were almost universally attractive among members of the male variety. And Erika was no exception to this.


    Once he had enough of the woman''s pastel pink nipples, Erich moved down to herher regions, where he pushed the pearls which acted a g string aside, where he gazed upon his wife''s magnificent virgin kitty.


    The lips were puffy, just the way he liked them, and she waspletely hairless. After all, body hair had beenpletely eliminated from the Germanic genome long ago, and because of this, neither he nor Erika had to worry about waxing or shaving.


    Erich immediately parted the puffy lips to the side and began fingering the already moist hole, all the while licking his wife''s clitoris. This was a level of stimtion that Erika was not expecting, and almost immediately her body began to spasm as she pressed her husband''s head firmly against her crotch.


    It was abundantly obvious to Erich that his wife had just cum all over his face. But he did not mind this. If anything, it proved she was ready to move onto the main course. And thus he aligned the tip of his cock to the entrance of Erika''s virgin cave of wonders. Where the man smiled before asking a question to a woman, who had already been driven past the edge of pleasure.


    "Are you ready to begin?"


    Though Erich asked this of his wife, there was no response, and this was not because she was hesitant, but because she was already intoxicated with lust. Which was evident by the river that was now leaking from herher regions. Thus, Erich simply smiled and moved his hips forward. Slowly, and gently, he began to skewer the woman''s virgin hole, and im her chastity for himself.


    Erika winced in pain as she felt the substantial size of her lover''s shaft make its way through her pussy and towards the entrance of her womb. Upon seeing this, the man grabbed hold of her face and began to kiss her once more.


    Soon enough, the pain which Erika felt dispersed from her body, and was instead rapidly reced with pleasure. Erich began to coach the woman on how to properly please him, taking more and more embarrassing positions, until he was properly satisfied.


    By the time he shot his load deep into his wife''s depths, the woman had climaxed a total of five times. Leading Erich to believe that his species was gically enhanced in regards to sexual pleasure as well as everything else.


    Any doubts he may have had about his rtionship with Erika flew out the window, especially when the woman who was drunk with pleasure whispered her thoughts into his ears with a particrly seductive voice.


    "I love you..."


    Erich immediately felt himself reinvigorated after hearing these words and continued on with his act until the sun rose on the next day. He did not know how many times he and his wife had sex that night, but it was more than any of his other past lovers were capable of performing.


    In the end he finally fell asleep, with Erika in his arms, where the two of them would not wake untilte in the afternoon, and when they did, they were quick toe under the scrutiny of Ayumi and her Aunt, both of which were waiting for the married couple at the dining room table.


    Ayumi seemed exhausted, as if she were not able to get a single bit of sleep the previous night, but Yumi, on the other hand, had a particrly excited expression as she asked Erika a question.


    "You too really went at it all night, huh? I lost track of how many times I heard the words "I''m cumming!'' Come from your room. I knew that Germanic men were gically enhanced to get the job done properly, but I never would have thought that their women were also enhanced to keep up with their sheer stamina.... Lucky girl, I wish I were you!"


    Erika could not help but feel embarrassed as she hid behind her husband''s towering figure. The man was baffled himself that Yumi would just tantly say such a thing out loud. But, then again, she seemed to have a very perverted character, and aplete and totalck of a filter. Thus, he could only sigh, and leave his three women alone to discuss the previous night, while he got himself a much needed drink.


    It might be three in the afternoon, but after all the fluids he had lostst night, Erich felt that he had earned himself a beer. Thus, he cracked open a cold one, and began to cook himself and his women some lunch, while they chatted about all of their previous sexual encounters with the man,paring their knowledge of his body and his capabilities in bed.


    Naturally Erich was forced to listen to some music to avoid hearing the embarrassing details of his sexual conquests. Which he chose a band that was rtively popr within the symphonic metal genre during thete 20th and early 21st century of Earth''s history to drown out the noise.


    However, he got the feeling that Erika had been able to ovee many of her conflicted emotions towards him, and his alien lovers, and that for perhaps the first time in a very long time, things were finally starting to be alright.

 Chapter 103 Becoming A Wraith

    It was not long after consummating his marriage with Erika that Erich soon found himself once more answering the call to war. In the time since Yumi was first resurrected within the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, the civil war that waged in the borders of her homnd had escted quite drastically.


    As a result, the entirety of the Oni Military was now being withdrawn from their ongoing war with the Lutharian Ascendency, and instead being deployed to the home front to fight an increasingly organized and efficient insurgency.


    The result of this was that the Germanic Navy was now responsible for holding the line against the Lutharian Ascendency. But this was a task which would require more than a grand total of the three fleets being deployed to the region. And because of this, Emrys had decided to withdraw from the conflict entirely, and instead send his forces to protect the borders between his allies and their enemies.


    Naturally, the 13th Fleet was called upon to serve this purpose, and was intended to rece the battle-worn 17th Fleet, which would be returning to the borders of the Empire for repair and resupply.


    Because of this, Erich''s leave hade to an end, and thus, he was now standing at the door, dressed in a pair of solid ck fatigues, while saying goodbye to his wife and lovers. Unlike the previous times that Erich was forced to deploy to a war zone. His wife was actually there to send him off, and so were the two Oni Women which he had grown to love.


    Erika wrapped her arms around Erich''s neck and kissed him passionately on the lips. It had only been a few days since they had actually be a genuine married couple, and because of this, she was still embarrassed to be openly intimate with her man. Thus, she had flushed cheeks as she said a line which she immediately considered being corny.


    "Come back to me in one piece... Okay."


    Erich smiled and nodded his head while silently responding to the woman''s ims. As for Ayumi, this was the first time she experienced seeing her man march off to war, and thus there were tears in her eyes as she hugged Erich tightly, and shockingly refused to let go as she pleaded with him to stay by her side.


    "Please don''t leave me!"


    Erich simply sighed when he heard this and petted the girl''s indigo hair. She had been incredibly clingy ever since he had first taken her chastity, and aside from the particr gruesome matter of his untimely death at the hands of her father, they had not really been separated since.


    Despite this, Erich knew it was his duty to march off to war, and thus pried the girl away from his arms before giving her a brief speech.


    "Ayumi, we won''t be able to maintain this peaceful life if men like myself don''t go off to defend our borders. Besides, it won''t be long before your father''s reign of terror ends, and your aunt is able to reim her rightful ce at the head of the Kondo Dynasty.


    When that happens, the Empire''s military will need to be deployed to your homnd to ensure the peaceful transition of power. And to disarm the insurgents who are fighting like hell as we speak. You do not need to worry so much. The Lutharian Ascendency won''t dare to attack our Fleets. If anything, we will be sitting by and acting as a deterrent.


    As for the uing peacekeeping operations, I operate a Starfighter. at most, I''ll be dispatched to bomb a few insurgentpounds who refuse to turn in their arms. They can''t harm me in the air or space. So you don''t need to be so anxious. Everything will be fine!"


    Even though Ayumi wanted to believe these words, she had a deeply ominous feeling within her gut, one which told her that she should be worried about her lover''s fate. But it was not like she could see the future. That was a gift that few beings in this universe possessed, and the ones who did were generally revered by their people as prophets and sages.


    Just when Ayumi was about to say something else, her aunt grabbed the nape of her neck, and pulled her away, she then kissed Erich on the lips for a significantly longer time than Erika did, in order to mark her territory in front of the other girls, before whispering something in the man''s ears.


    "I am really going to miss our nights together... I suppose it is about time I entered the fray and yed my own hand in this foolish civil war. After all, the sooner I do, the sooner I will be in your bed once more.... So be safe out there and don''t do anything stupid!"


    For once Erich was smiling as he stepped out the door, and took one of his mansion''s many hover cars to the nearby star port. The world of Teutonia was a tropical paradise with less than 10% of its surface being covered inndmass.


    As his vehicle sped up into the air and piloted itself to the destination, he was able to watch as his substantial mansion disappeared beyond the horizon, and gaze upon the ocean''s surface, which was littered with artificial inds, and cities which sat on the water''s surface.


    Owning property on Teutonia was one thing. After all, the world housed trillions of people in its artificial cities, especially after the war with Terminus, where countless refugees flooded the worlds which had not been devoured by the Naraku.


    But owningnd, like Erich now possessed, on this world that was worth more than just about anything. To have a beachside mansion was the ultimate luxury, which only the wealthiest businessmen, and the political ss were capable of affording. And yet, Emrys had given him such a valuable estate. It was truly baffling now that Erich thought about it.


    Erich eventually arrived at the star port, which existed in a giant floating city, where he immediately took a shuttle off world, before making his way to the rallying point where the Thirteenth Fleet was currently stationed.


    After getting situated on board the carrier which his Air Wing served upon, Erich was forced to report to the Admiral, and his executive officer, both of which were waiting for his arrival. Immediately Erich felt that he was underdressed, because both of these two men were wearing their dress uniforms, while Erich was dressed in a set of fatigues.


    Immediately Erich saluted to the two officers, who returned his gesture before getting right to the point.


    "At ease, Commander. We called you here today to inform you of a special assignment which you have been given. As of this moment, you are no longer the CAG of the ck Sun. As far as the Empire is concerned, you died in the Great Oni Empire at the hands of Emperor Kondo Kenji. Your position is being temporarily filled by one of your Squadron Leaders."


    Erich was stunned to hear this, and was about to protest this decision, when he the Admiral leaned forward and exined his new assignment.


    "I don''t know why you were selected for this job, and I really don''t care. To be frank, it is not my ce to ask. But as of this moment, you have been assigned to Military Intelligence, more specifically an elite group of special warfare operators, whose job is to perform deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines, and to arm and train rebels within said territory.


    Your first task is to have a data package installed into your NeuroLink that will give you immediate ess to all the information which is required to perform this job. Consider it like downloading the theoretical knowledge which you need to excel at your new role directly to your brain.


    Not only that, but your NeuroLink will receive an upgrade. Out of the entirety of the Empire''s citizens, only a hand selected few have been granted this privilege. And they almost all work for the IIS as field agents. This means you will have an increased capacity to slice intoputers, which, in addition to your natural gift of cyberkinesis, will allow you to be quite the exceptional agent.


    After this ispleted, you will undergo three to six months'' worth of practical training, before finally taking your ce as a WRAITH. Like you, every other member of this elite force is officially considered deceased, and if you are discovered behind enemy lines, you will be abandoned by the Empire to your fate. After all, what you are about to engage in is a highly ssified operation, and the Empire will need to maintain total deniability in the event that your actions are revealed to the Gxy.


    From my understanding, you were selected for this operation, because the team in question needs an experiencedbat pilot, who is certified to use a wide variety of spacecraft. I would say that this is an honor of a lifetime, but considering the high mortality rate among WRAITHs, I would be lying through my teeth if I did so.


    You have your orders,mander, so report to the the hangar. There is a shuttle waiting to take you to a proper clinic so that you can undergo the process needed to upgrade your NeuroLink. Dismissed!"


    Erich was not even able to get a word in. Instead, he was sent packing. The rtively peaceful deployment which he had previously expected to enjoy had now suddenly be one of the most dangerous jobs in the entire Germanic Military, one which would undoubtedly see him engage inbat on the ground. Something which he had no experience in.


    Although Erich didn''t know it, Ayumi''s intuition had been right on the money. The odds of him dying a painful death, and being resurrected for a fourth time, had just now shot through the roof. Something which he found littlefort in.

 Chapter 104 Undergoing A Second Enhancement

    Erich immediately departed from the Admiral''s quarters and entered the Hangar as he had been instructed. Where he saw a shuttle waiting to take him to an undisclosed location where he would undergo the procedures necessary to enhance his nanites so that they were more capable in the tasks of espionage and reconnaissance.


    But this was not the only upgrade that Erich would receive. He had no way of knowing at this moment, but in order to fulfill his new role as a WRAITH, the man would have to undergo a series of cybeic augmentations to enhance his capabilities as a soldier.


    The journey to the hidden facility was a lengthy one, and Erich could not see a thing, as there were no windows in the shuttle. But when the spacecraft finally touched down on what appeared to be a small forested moon, Erich was immediately greeted by a team ofbatants.


    Before he could even ask what was happening, they pulled Erich off of the shuttle, and began to march him into the forest without saying a word. The trek was long, but for a gically enhanced individual like Erich, it was not the least bit tiring. And eventually he came over a hill and gazed upon a clearing within the forest where a small entrance to a bunker was located.


    One of thebatants nudged Erich forward with the butt of his rifle before speaking to the man in a callous tone.


    That bunker is where you will receive your further enhancements. Although your job is to be the pilot for a WRAITH squad, you will need to be cybeically augmented so that you may be qualified to fulfil the role of yourrades should the need arise. Good luck...."


    After saying this, the soldier led the rest of his team out of the area and back through the woods. Erich did not know why they had suddenly left him here alone, but he proceeded forward and into the entrance of the bunker, which appeared as if it were abandoned.


    However, upon entering the hatch, Erich soon found that the bunker was indeed inhabited by a group of government personnel. Whether they were scientists, doctors, soldiers, or intelligence agents, none of them looked at Erich. Aside from a new fireteam who led him through the facility, and into the medical clinic where he was strapped to a table without his consent.


    Erich initially struggled, but then heard a familiar voice over the inte, one which was clearly filled with disdain.


    "Commander Erich Jaeger, or do you perhaps still go by the name of Apex? I would say it was a pleasure to see you again, but thest time we met, you tore out my carotid artery with your teeth. Some nasty business, that was. Unfortunately for the both of us, I am the one who is tasked with overseeing your upgrade."


    If Erich was panicking before, he was now beyond reason, as he called out the alias of the woman who he hated, perhaps more than anyone in this world.


    "Mirage, you fucking bitch!"


    However, this statement was met with the sadistic click of the woman''s tongue as she said something that made Erich''s spine suddenly feel as if it had been dipped in a pool of dry ice.


    "Tsk... Tsk... Tsk.... I was initially going to grant you mercy and put you under for the procedure. But now I think I would rather watch you writhe in agony!"


    After saying this, the automated surgical tools began to activate, as they spun towards Erich''s flesh in rapid fashion. The man''s eyes began to dte as the metal pierced through his skin and began to work their magic. His torturous screams were like the greatest symphony to Mirage, who stood behind a one-way mirror and watched the particrly gruesome scene unfold.


    During the procedure, Erich felt a more intense pain than he had ever endured in his entire life. He wanted nothing more than to cry his eyes out. But he did not. After all, how could he give that cunt such satisfaction?


    It was not just Erich''s NeuroLink which received a massive upgrade. He was given several critical cybeic enhancements that would make him far more suitable forbat on the ground. For example, the first and most painful of the procedures was the act of grafting advancedposite materials to his skeletal structure, making his bones damn near indestructible.


    Then he was given muscr enhancement injections which were designed to increase his already dense tissue structure, as well as decreasectose recovery time. After this he was given a tinum pellet which contained human growth hormone catalyst, this was imnted into his thyroid to boost the growth of skeletal and muscle tissues.


    After suffering through these already unbearable treatments, Erich had his retinas injected with a substance which was designed to increase his already superhuman level of perception. And finally, after all of this, he was given onest cybeic enhancement. Which was an alteration to his nervous system. One which increased his already gically enhanced reflexes by an additional 300%. There was also a noticeable increase in intelligence, memory, and creativity.


    Once this was concluded, the nanites in his bloodstream were uploaded with an upgrade, which gave them the same capabilities that Mirage had, in addition to increased regenerative properties. If, for whatever reason, someone somehow managed to sever a limb of his, the nanites would be able to effectively repair the damage.


    Of course, the result of all of these things was that Erich''s body was now trembling in the most immense pain he had ever endured. As the restraints which kept him tied to his medical table released themselves, allowing his body to fall to the floor.


    Thest thing Erich heard was the mocking voice of Mirage, who taunted her most hated ex, before uploading the data package which contained all the theoretical knowledge that Erich would need to perform his duty as a WRAITH.


    "Wow! I''m honestly amazed that you''re still alive. From everything I am seeing here, the operation was aplete sess, and with no side effects at that. Normally, I have to go through the bodies of four to five different clones before I am able to get a functional package. It is just a pity that this next upgrade will most certainly cause you to ck out, because I would love to watch your body tremble a bit more..."


    After saying this, Mirage started the download of the data package directly into Erich''s NeuroLink. There was so much information within this data package that Erich''s mind went nk, and effectively caused him to ck out, as the data streamed through his mind like a fever dream. By the time Erich finally awoke, a day had gone by, and he found himself dressed in fatigues while lying on a cot in an unfamiliar ce.


    After raising out of his bunk, Erich felt as if the unimaginable pain that he had endured had suddenly vanished from his body, as if it had never existed in the first ce. He then looked around to see that there was a familiar face staring down at him with a hate filled gaze. The shrill tone in the woman''s voice was thest thing Erich wanted to hear after enduring such agony in what seemed to have happened to him only moments before.


    "Get yourzy ass out of bed, Commander! You have three months'' worth of practical training inbat, reconnaissance, and espionage to go through, and you will be spending every hour of every day doing just that! From this moment on, there will be no sleep or rest to speak of. Only hard work!"


    Although his body had been enhanced to an ability that was equivalent to the legendary Star Marines of the Germanic Star-Empire. Erich felt only depression, because he would much rather be on board a carrier, serving as a coffin jockey than as a grunt on the ground. But this was not a decision that he could make. Instead, he would now have to suffer through months of torture at the hands of Mirage in order to fulfill a role he did not desire.


    If there was one good thing about this whole endeavor, it was that Erich now had physical and mental capabilities on par with the most highly effective operatives in the Germanic Star-Empire, which whenbined with his natural gifts, made him a force to be reckoned with.


    And though Erich did not know it at this time, these gifts that Emrys had given him would be the stepping stone which the man needed to end his status as a pawn and instead be a major gctic yer in his own right.


    Of course, if Emrys had realized that he had just turned his most valuable pawn into a King. He probably never would have permitted the man to undergo such a monumental physical and mental change in the first ce. But time could never be turned back, and thus, now Erich and Emrys could only move forward to whatever future lied in store for them.

 Chapter 105 Survive!

    The sound of gunfire crackled in the air above the small forested moon, as Erich precisely nailed his target with his sma rifle. Despite pulling off a perfect headshot, the Star Marine who was the supposed victim merely shook it off, and instead rained down a hail of gunfire onto Erich''s position.


    However, there was no time to return fire, because the moment he fired his shot, Erich picked up a transmission being sent out to a nearby artillery station. Clearly, the squad leader intended tounch an attack on Erich''s current location.


    Thus, he immediately responded to this incident by hijacking control of themunication with his newly enhanced NeuroLink, and jamming the signal. Because of this, Erich had bought himself just enough time to get out of dodge before his exact location was vaporized.


    Of course, he would have to run through a torrent of machine gun fire, because the moment he got up from behind his cover, he would be fired upon by an entire squad of Star Marines. But the alternative was certain death.


    Thus, Erich did not hesitate to pick up his special purpose rifle, which was lying on the ground, propped up only by a bipod, and fled from the scene with haste. Contrary to what Erich was expecting when Mirage first woke him up the day after he had received his upgrades, this was not your standard training course. In fact, this entire facility was probably illegal, because Erich had never heard of such a ruthless method of training new recruits.


    To put it simply, his current so called "training" was nothing more than kill or be killed. The moment his training began, Erich was given a single task: survive. Meanwhile, all the Imperial forces stationed within the small forested moon had suddenly turned hostile, and they were armed with live munitions.


    Surrounded by enemies on all sides, and given exactly fuck all in terms of resources, Erich was supposed to survive for three months on this moon, while being hunted by Mirage and the troops beneath hermand.


    These soldiers varied from Star Marines, Storm Commandos, and even fellow WRAITHs, all of which worked together to hunt down the new trainee and kill him. If Erich were to suffer from a fatal injury, or could otherwise not continue with his training, then he would have to start over from scratch.


    So far Erich had managed to survive for three whole weeks, almost entirely off of hit-and-run tactics, as well as scavenging from his victims. The massive amount of theoretical knowledge he had been given on a variety of subjects which were required to effectively perform as a WRAITH, were now being employed by him in practice.


    However, with only theoretical knowledge to go off of, and no actual practical training, many things were a matter of trial and error. Which Erich found to be particrly loathsome, because if he made a single mistake, he was as good as dead.


    Thus, Erich ran like a bat out of hell as the enemy fired sma bolts towards his back, which thankfully missed, because he had no protection against such powerful weapons, after all, killing a Star Marine who is dressed in a full set of power armor, and leaving the body intact enough to recover said set of power armor was a task that most of the Gxy''s most fearsome warriors would fail to aplish. And when it came to actualbat, Erich was aplete and total novice.


    Erich could hear voices over thems which he had sliced into, coordinating with other units which lie waiting for Erich within the forest. His mind immediately created a real time tactical map, as he imagined exactly how the hostile forces were now converging upon him. Leaving him well and truly fucked.


    Of course, Erich did not have time to think about this, because in the next moment he felt his foot step on something it otherwise shouldn''t have. A single word escaped the man''s lips before a massive explosion urred within the forest.


    "Fuck!"


    Erich had stepped on an antimatterndmine, one which sent his body flying in multiple directions. He had previously thought that his skeleton was indestructible after suffering what would normally be a catastrophic injury during the first 72 hours of his training. Only now did he realize this was not the case, because both of his legs had been sted off, but in doing so, they had shielded the rest of his body from the explosion.


    A badly burnt Erich lie in the crater, as he gazed down at his missing legs with a painful expression on his face. The moment the limbs were severed from the body, the nanites within his bloodstream began to repair the damage. By now, his bones were being reconstructed with a metallic substance, one which Erich could only assume was the one that had been grafted onto his skeletal structure to increase its durability.


    As much as he wanted to cry out in agony over the intense feeling of pain that he was currently enduring, Erich did not utter a word. No doubt the kill team was already on its way to his location after hearing the explosion, and if he did not manage to find a weapon soon, then he was as good as dead.


    Unfortunately, his special purpose rifle had been utterly annihted by the explosion, and thus he was left with only one option. y dead.... Thus, Erich buried his head in the dirt and waited for the kill team to arrive. Which urred soon enough because a few momentster, he heard a voice call out to hisrades.


    "The dumb fucker got himself blown up! Careful, he''s in a minefield! Shit, is he dead?"


    The kill team carefully navigated through the minefield, and approached Erich''s body, which liepletely still. One of the soldiers pointed the muzzle of his gun against Erich''s body in an attempt to push him over. Which was precisely when Erich struck.


    Like a zombie that had just been reanimated, Erich grabbed hold of the weapon and stripped it from the man''s hand, where he then emptied the entire sma cell into the man''s head, and those of the men who had followed him into the minefield.


    The sudden attack caught the Star Marines off guard and dropped them dead on the spot. Meanwhile, Erich crawled towards the nearest of the three corpses and began to loot the body. By now, his legs were close to beingpletely repaired, and he was more interested in taking the man''s boots and socks to rece the ones he had lost in the explosion.


    After looting the sma rifle from the man and his remaining sma cells. Erich then began to strip the soldier out of his uniform, adorning all the power armor except for the melted helmet. Which vastly improved his defenses.


    Once he was fully kitted out, and his legs were in working order, Erich then walked over to the other two star marines and scavenged one of their functional helmets. For the first time in his life, he got to understand what a proper suit of power armor should look like, and he was not disappointed.


    Equipped with a heads up disy, and all the information regarding his vitals, and ammunition. Erich was astonished to see just how much a power armor helmet enhanced a warfighter''s capabilities.


    Of course, he did not have much time. The other forces would realize that Erich had killed their men, and if he did not escape from this encirclement soon, then this sudden treasure trove of loot would be meaningless. Thus, Erich came up with the brilliant idea of faking his death, and pretending to be thest surviving member of the star marines who had been sent to kill him.


    He did this by taking one of the corpses, and triggering it against and mine, which not only tore off the man''s legs but also damaged his facial features beyond repair, while burning off all of his hair in the process. Aftering up with a decoy corpse, he then made it look like a massive firefight had unfolded by firing some of the scavenged weapons around the area.


    Once his ruse had been properly set up, Erich cried out on themunications channel in a concealed voice. Saying that the target was engaging in fierce resistance. With the enhanced speed of his body, he was able to aplish all of this in a very short time frame.


    "God damnit, who the hell is this guy? Man down! We''re taking heavy fire!"


    As far as the rest of the Star Marines were concerned, a massive firefight had broken out in the area, as they could hear the gunshots and explosions going off. And Erich used this as an opportunity to retreat among the advancing forces who came to support theirrades. Skilfully infiltrating the unit.


    The other soldiers converged on the scene, and found the dead bodies of their fallenrades, as well as the body of a man who looked like it could be the target. Thus, they were quick to confirm if Erich had been killed over thems. All the while, the man in question covertly made his exit from the scene.


    "This is Sergeant Wulf. I have a corpse here, which is possibly the target. It''s hard to tell, it''s been fucked up to such a sorry state. I don''t even recognize it as being the same species as us. Can you confirm that the target has been eliminated?"


    Back at HQ, Mirage was looking over all the data about the soldiers who had been cloned, but found no data that Erich was indeed terminated. Because she was so experienced in these matters, she was quick to curse out the Star Marines as she ordered them to do a quick sweep of the area.


    "No, damn it! Fuck! That''s not him, that''s one of ours! Shit! He''s either hidden among your ranks, or has already fled the scene. Confirm your identities and sweep the area! Quickly!"


    But it was toote. The moment the Star Marines bought the bait, Erich had disappeared from the area, and was now working like hell to escape the encirclement altogether. Though it would not be an easy task, because there were more than just Star Marines that lurked in these forests, and those hidden monsters were a real threat to the man''s survival.

 Chapter 106 Increasing The Odds Of Defeat

    Mirage had quickly found herself in a tricky situation. It had been three weeks since Erich''s training to be a wraith had begun, and during this time, she had not once been able to force the man to capitte, or seed in terminating his existence.


    She had promised the Supreme Leader that the man was not capable of seeding in some of the most difficult training that the most elite soldiers of the Empire underwent, but after nearly one third of the time span had passed by, she had still failed to prove this.


    And just when she thought that she had cornered her target, he had escaped from her, and in doing so, absconded with a set of power armor, which would only enhance his odds of survival. Mirage was so furious right now that she felt like she could burn down the entire bunkerplex. But she did not do so, because before she could properly vent her frustrations, an intelligence agent interrupted her fit of fury, which only received violent bacsh from the vicious woman.


    "What the hell is it? Can''t you see this is not the fucking time?"


    However, the agent did not fear his superior officer, because someone of a higher rank was on the line waiting for her to ept hismunication. Thus, he rather stoically responded with this news.


    "Captain, the Supreme Leader is on line one. He is expecting your immediate response...."


    Upon realizing that Emrys hade to check up on his prot¨¦g¨¦''s progress, Mirage simply snorted before typing something into her console, which brought up a holographic projection of her nation''s leader. The moment the man gazed upon Mirage''s furious expression, he could not help but smile before posing a question which only further enraged the woman.


    "So, I take it you have failed to eliminate the target so far? It has been over three weeks now, has it not?"


    Mirage initially did not say a word, and instead averted her gaze. Something which only widened the smile on Emrys''s face. After taking a moment to think through her response, Mirage responded in a tone which was obviously attempting to conceal her rage.


    "It has only been three weeks. There are still many more chances toe, and he has already slipped up once. Though he has briefly managed to escape my trap, the target is still well within my grasp. I assure you, by this time tomorrow, he will have failed his training. If you still believe he is capable of bing a WRAITH after that, then I suppose he can try again..."


    Emrys did not immediately respond to this im, and instead smiled at Mirage, an act which continued to piss the woman off. In the end, he exined his ns for Erich''s future military career. Something which Mirage was already expecting.


    "Oh, I have no doubt that he will survive this test, which is only the first of many he must undergo to truly be fitting of the future I haveid out for him. In fact, I believe he will be able to effectively pass all courses, including the seventh."


    WRAITH Certifications contained seven grades in total. A WRAITH I operator, or a W1, was capable of surviving long term in a dangerous environment with little sleep, food, and water, while also being hunted by hostile forces. This was the certification that Erich needed to be deployed as a pilot to ferry around more experienced operators.


    The next five tiers consisted of different specialized training, such as Zero-Gbat, military free-fall, jetboot/jetpack flight,bat diver qualification, close-quarterbatives instructor courses, linguistics, frontline trauma care for human and alien biology, and assault procedures.


    Further specialization could be achieved in various schools of an operators'' choosing, and in between certifications, they would be deployed to activebat zones to gain some practical experience on the battlefield.


    However, the coveted W7 certification was something that only a select few operators ever achieved. It essentially required one to survive long term, with basic equipment on a barren asteroid with no nav data. The test only ended when thest candidate ran out of oxygen. If a trainee survived these scenarios in excellent fashion, they were granted the Wraith VII certification. Which granted the operator the ability to have the roman numerals VII on their power armor.


    The very idea that Erich would not only survive the Wraith I test, let alone go on to be a legendary W7, was enough to outrage Mirage, who quickly denied Emrys'' ims and questioned his reasons for putting Erich through such an advanced pipeline.


    "Impossible! This fool won''t even pass this course. If you think he has what it takes to be a seven, then you are out of your mind! Why are you even forcing him to undergo such advanced training? He''s a pilot, not a special forces operative!"


    Emrys''s smile suddenly ceased, and was reced with a rather stern expression when he heard one of his most trusted subordinates question his intentions. He was quick to remind her of the reason why he held Erich in such high esteem.


    "Do you not remember what I previously told you about Erich''s actual designation? He was only gifted with the position of a pilot because of the political opinions of the previous regime. You may not be aware of this, Captain, but we are on the verge of a gctic war.


    The border crisis between the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim Federation is increasing with intensity every year. And there are powers behind the scenes that want it to escte into a full scale gctic war. If the Empire is to survive this disaster, then it needs a strong leader, who is capable of surviving and adapting to any situation, even the most fatal ones.


    It is essential that this leader bes a seven, because if he can survive long term in the vacuum of space with limited resources. Then he will have the intelligence, ingenuity, and instincts that will guarantee the survival of the Empire during the catastrophe that will soon befall this gxy!


    If you think Terminus was the most dangerous event that our species will ever face, then you are sadly mistaken. Erich was selected to be the next leader of our Empire for a reason. Though I won''tmand you to treat him fairly, in fact, the more you stack the deck against him, the greater of a man he will turn out to be. So, do continue with your biased approach to his training, because I am sure he will surprise you over and over again."


    After saying this, Emrys hung up the line, leaving Mirage determined to prove the man wrong. She would do everything in her power to ensure that Erich failed this test. And thus she immediately got on themunications and ordered another battalion of Star Marines to deploy to the small moon.


    "This is Hilde. Deploy another battalion of Star Marines to the moon''s surface. We have been given permission to increase the intensity of the scenario."


    Though this was entirely against protocol. As the woman tasked with conducting the training scenario, it was well within Mirage''s power to do this. Thus, she did not hesitate to ensure that Erich''s failure was certain.


    Of course, Erich had no idea that another battalion of Star Marines was now being deployed to his location, because he was still attempting to escape the pursuit of those soldiers who were already surrounding him.

 Chapter 107 Escaping The Net

    Erich carefully made his way through the forest. After all, he never knew when he was about to walk into a minefield, nad because of this he had to watch the ground, as well as his surroundings. If not for the advanced nature of his newly scavenged power armor helmet, then this would be a lot more difficult. But because the Heads Up Disy was able to detect and highlight things like traps andnd mines. He was able to more easily evade these things.


    All the while, he listened to themunications chatter of the enemywork, which he had sliced into thanks to his newly upgraded NeuroLink. The newest chatter was about the fact that he had infiltrated the ranks of the Star Marines by scavenging a set of their armor and attempting to blend in. Because of this, all units were on alert of a rogue star marine, who was potentially the target in question.


    This meant that his disguise was all but useless. However, Erich was also able to listen to the movements of his pursuers. Which, whenbined with his mental imaging, he was able to effectively build a tactical map which informed him where all the Imperial soldiers were located, and how best to avoid them.


    Sadly, Erich quickly realized that he was surrounded on all sides, and any engagement with the enemy would lead to the rapid deployment of the nearby units to reinforce whoever it was that he ended up fighting. There was only one way to escape this encirclement without engaging throughbat, and that was to risk certain areas of the forested moon, which were littered with dangerous wildlife.


    Of course, if he did this, he would have to rely on his own eyes, ears, and his heads up disy to detect these monsters. And because of this, Erich immediately decided that was a much quicker way to get him killed.


    Thus, he had to keep moving, and while he maneuvered through the forest, he quickly calcted his odds of sess with the n he hade up with. What he needed to do was ambush the enemy swiftly, one which shut down the NeuroLink of his enemies, in a way that prevented them from easily calling for reinforcements.


    This reminded Erich of something he had heard from Mirage back in the days when they were sleeping together. She had said if she really wanted to, she could shut down his vitals with her advanced NeuroLink. Meaning that he now had the ability to do the same. In fact, he could do it even better than mirage thanks to his cyberkinesis.


    It took Erich all of two seconds toe to this understanding, which he quickly made a mental note of where the weakest link in the that surrounded him was located. Not far away was a small fireteam of roughly three men, who if Erich managed to instantly defeat, he would be able to quickly flee from the encirclement that Mirage had caught him in.


    Thus, Erich made sure that a fresh sma cell was loaded in his assault rifle, before stealthily making his way towards their location. Erich specifically isted the voices of his targets from the rest as he climbed into a tree with rtive ease, and sat upon a thick branch, waiting for them to sweep by his location.


    The three men had their rifles raised, as if ready to engage with their target at any moment. However, they did not spot Erich in the trees of above them, particrly because Erich''s scavenged power armor gave off a friendly signal, which negated the targeting effect that the heads up disy naturally had towards potentially hostile targets.


    Once they swept through the trees, one of them got on thems and sent a signal that his sector was clear.


    "Area secured, no sign of the target. He must be somewhere else..."


    It was only after the coordinating officer responded in recognition of these words that Erichunched his attack. In a matter of seconds, Erich activated his NeuroLink and sliced into those of the three Star Marines. He was able topletely bypass any security measures thanks to his cyberkinesis, where he found an enormous array of data that he never knew existed until now. Everything from bodily functions to memories were disyed to Erich in this moment, revealing just how much Mirage knew about him.


    He resisted the temptation to further explore this new feature, and instead found the nanites which maintained the heart and mind of the Star Marines'' bodies. Without saying a word, Erich shut them off, dropping the three men instantly as they died on the spot. Luckily, they were within the borders of Germanic Space, and because of this they were instantly brought back to life with clones, but not before Erich could make his escape.


    Erich jumped down from the tree with arge thud, an act which created a dent in the moon''s surface. He then scavenged the soldiers of weapons, ammo, food, water, medical supplies, and any other items that would help Erich survive.


    It took all the thirty seconds for Erich to loot what he needed, which he stashed away on his person, before running off out of Mirage''s encirclement. But the Star Marines had no way of knowing this, and thus they kept circling back through the area until they found the three looted corpses. For which they immediately reported the news to the Agent in charge.


    "This is Corporal Larsson. I just found three corpses that belong to our boys. There are no wounds to speak of, or scars on their armor. As if they just suddenly died on the spot. No doubt they''ve been sliced. The bodies are not so fresh. It''s been at least an hour since they expired. I''m guessing the target has escaped the encirclement and is currently retreating southward. What are our orders?"


    Mirage could not help but curse under her breath. She thought for sure that Erich would not be able to escape the trap she had so perfectly set for him. This was precisely why she had told Emrys that the man would be eliminated within twenty-four hours.


    Apparently Erich was a quick learner when it came to technology. Then again, this didn''t surprise her too much when she considered the skills he previously disyed in slicing before his NeuroLink was upgraded. If he was now able to terminate a Star Marine by weaponizing their NeuroLink against them, then this was going to be a much more dangerous game of cat and mouse.


    It was beginning to look like the normal Star Marines were not going to be much help, she would have to dispatch Storm Commandos and WRAITHs to deal with the man, after all they were equipped with the same standard of NeuroLink, meaning Erich would not so easily be able to kill them the same way he was able to regr star marines.


    Thus, Mirage could only sigh heavily before giving out her orders.


    "Maintain a perimeter, but do not engage the target. It looks like the time hase to dispatch our special forces...."


    The corporal could only sigh as he heard this. Even though he knew that he would be resurrected after his death. As a man who had experienced such a horrific asion five times thus far during his years of service within the Germanic Military, he did not want to do so again if he could at all avoid it. Thus, his voice was filled with relief as he responded to Mirage''s orders.


    "Roger that..."

 Chapter 108 Stalked By A WRAITH

    Erich stalked his way through the forest. Though the forces he had previously encountered were no longer tailing him, he could not becent. The moon was filled with dangerous creatures, many of which were simr in ferocity to the dinosaurs of Earth''s ancient history. Not only that, but there were plenty of military units stationed throughout the moon, which he could encounter at any minute.


    A simple sighting from a scout could bring either an air strike, or an artillery strike on his position. Undoubtedly, he would have to remainpletely concealed within the woods if he wished to avoid such a miserable fate.


    In the skies above, reconnaissance drones searched for Erich''s whereabouts, which previously he had been unable to avoid due to the advanced nature of their thermal imaging. But with his new set of scavenged power armor, his thermal signature was greatly reduced, giving him the means to more easily hide from these drones.


    Of course, Erich was vastly underestimating the might of the Germanic Star-Empire. The most dangerous thing in these woods was not the monsters or the drones, but rather the unseen. The WRAITHs were an elite unit which specialized in reconnaissance, espionage, and foreign internal defense.


    Not only were WRAITHs among the most elite forces which the Germanic Military deployed, but they had the most advanced equipment as well. Unlike other units within the Empire, a WRAITH''s power armor was equipped with active camouge that allowed them to blend in with their surroundings, almost like a chameleon.


    If these elite operators remained perfectly still, then they were almost invisible, even to Erich''s superhuman vision. And these men could stay as still as a stone for hours on end without feeling any difort.


    Naturally, Erich knew nothing about this technology as he had never encountered WRAITHs before, and thus he made his way through the woods with less caution than he would have if he was aware of this ability.


    It was because of this that he was slowly being stalked by the most elite unit that the Germanic Star-Empire had to offer. One of these men had caught Erich''s trail and had been covertly making his way towards him. Though he did not immediately attack, rather he was waiting to strike for when Erich finally set up camp and went to sleep.


    Hours passed, and darkness had set upon the moon. But this did not bother Erich, as his power armor maintained his body temperature. Because of this, he did not need to build a fire to maintain his warmth. Nor did he need so to purify food and water at this time, as he had a set of rations which he scavenged from his previous kills. Instead, he just needed a ce to hide from the drones, who were no doubt looking for his location even now.


    His power armor relied on antimatter fusion cores, which could maintain an operational capacity for years without need of recement. Thus, Erich did not need to worry about reserving his energy supply. This meant that he could sleep in his power armor, which provided many benefits in his current situation.


    After finding a small cave, Erich quickly scanned the interior in search of potential inhabitants. Luckily for him, there was no sign of anything living which dwelled within this cave, or at least anything that could harm him. There were no remains to speak of, or animal droppings. Meaning that at least for this night, the odds of a monstrous predator walking in on him when he slept were low.


    However, before Erich could sessfully make this cavern his camp for the night, he had to check for structural integrity, and after a quick scan, he confirmed that the odds of the cave copsing on him were especially low.


    Thus, Erich entered the cave and leaned against the wall inside. He clutched his weapon in his hand, as if it were his lifeline, before slowly drifting off to sleep. He needed just a few hours if he was going to keep going like this.


    After all, he had been surviving for three weeks on end so far, without the slightest bit of sleep. Something which he could only achieve due to his superhuman level of endurance. If he were a baseline human, he would have likely died by now from sheer exhaustion.


    Of course, the moment he appeared to be sound asleep, the dangerous WRAITH which had been stalking Erich for hours revealed himself. The man silently walked through the cave and found his target lying asleep. The elite operator could only shake his head as he thought of a single phrase to describe the man he was about to kill.


    "So na?ve..."


    Little did he know that Erich was actually wide awake, and had used his NeuroLink to make his body mimic sleep. Thus, he had spotted the man the moment he began to walk through the cave. As expected, his sense of paranoia, which had been ruthlessly refined over these past three weeks, was spot on. He had indeed sensed someone stalking him throughout the day. Thus, the moment the concealed operator raised his rifle, Erich smacked it out of his hands and took the man down to the ground. Where the two men yed a game of human chess.


    Erich began to rain strikes down upon his opponent, which was enhanced by the power armor which wrapped itself around his body. But the WRAITH managed to block most of these attacks with his hands and elbows. All while trying to sweep Erich to the ground with a De riva hook.


    This seeded and the WRAITH quickly scrambled for a heel hook in an attempt to tear Erich''s ACL, thus immobilizing his target long enough so that he could fetch his weapon and end the fight. However, Erich was a little too quick, and got to his feet without injury, where he quickly unsheathed hisbat knife.


    The knife was made of an advancedposite material, which was enhanced with a fine sma edge. Though it might take some time to cut through Power armor, it was enough to force the WRAITH away from his primary weapon.


    All the while Erich lunged at the man, he battled within his mind against his opponent. They were both attempting to slice into each other''s NeuroLinks to end the fight immediately. And though Erich had the advantage in terms of raw ability due to his cyberkinesis, the WRAITH had overwhelming experience in cyber defense, and was able to keep Erich''s mental attacks at bay long enough to continue their physical fight.


    Erich''s lunge was quickly deflected by the WRAITH, who grabbed ahold of Erich''s arm, and disarmed him of his knife. Once the weapon was in the enemy''s hands, he did not hesitate to stab Erich in the most vulnerable portion of his power armor. But even then, it did not prate through Erich''s defenses, allowing him swiftly to deflect the next strike, as he rolled towards the floor and grabbed hold of his rifle.


    Upon realizing that he was in serious trouble, the WRAITH immediately began to flee from the cavern, with an antimatter grenade in his hand. He quickly pulled the pin and tossed it behind him, forcing Erich to break his line of sight and run out of the cave as well. For if he stayed behind, the entire thing would have copsed upon him.


    The grenade detonated immediately after Erich had cleared the entrance. Bringing the entire cave down upon where he previously attempted to get some sleep. Undoubtedly, he would have been killed, either by the explosion or the ensuing rubble, if he had chosen to take the shot.


    Once outside the cave, Erich soon found that his enemy hadpletely disappeared on him. Undoubtedly the man was nearby, and invisible, calling for reinforcements on what he now realized was a far more difficult target to deal with.


    Erich knew that if he stood by and waited, he would soon be surrounded by more men like the one he had just tangled with, but if he ran, he would be followed, and it would only be a matter of time before the enemy caught up with him. Should he stay and fight, or flee despite knowing that such a thing would only further exhaust himself? One thing was certain: he did not have much time to decide.

 Chapter 109 The Hunted Becomes The Hunter

    It took but a single moment for Erich to realize the situation he was in. There was no escaping from the Empire''s most elite operators, especially when they had eyes on you. He was already suffering from physical exhaustion as a result of spending nearly three weeks constantly on the run. He did not have the energy left within him to run away from a fireteam of WRAITHs.


    By now, reinforcements had been called in, and it was only a matter of minutes before they would arrive. If Erich truly wanted to escape from the, he had only one choice: eliminate the operator who was currently hiding in the shadows, and scavenge his special power armor, which had built in stealth technology.


    But that was a difficult task, because he would need to identify his target, who was practically invisible. Perhaps the ancient gods of Earth had answered Erich''s silent prayer, because in the next moment, a cloudburst appeared in the skies above the forested moon. Specifically, over Erich''s exact location.


    The torrent of rain which hade from nowhere had begun to disrupt his surroundings, and in doing so, caused the active Camouge system which the WRAITH employed to malfunction, ever so slightly. Creating a silhouette of the operator in question, one which was only visible because of Erich''s gically, and cybeically enhance eyesight.


    It turned out the man was only a few feet away, preparing to strike an unsuspecting Erich. Thus, Erich immediately responded to this by shooting into a high crotch takedown where he effortlessly lifted the power armor d superhuman into the air, and mmed the man directly into the rocks beneath their feet.


    This attack flung the knife from the man''s hand, and stunned him enough that Erich was able to quickly pass his guard and get into side control. Where he immediately made a gamble, and hipped out where he applied a modified Ezekiel choke to his opponent.


    Even with the protection of power armor around the neck, it was not enough to prevent Erich from cutting off the blood flow to his enemy''s brain. Erich held onto this choke for well over a minute until he confirmed that the mighty WRAITH was in fact dead as can be.


    Once he confirmed that he had done the unthinkable and killed a reaper, albeit through a surprise attack, Erich quickly stripped out of his basic Star Marine pattern power armor, and undersuit, before equipping the highly advanced stealth power armor which wraiths were known to wear. Immediately, he could tell that there was a massive difference in the technology.


    Not only did this suit of power armor have stealth capabilities, but it also provided better protection and had superior flexibility. If that wasn''t good enough, it also had enhancedputer systems were more akin to those equipped in a spacecraft or armored vehicle than that of your standard issue power armor.


    Until today, Erich had only ever worn some ck market knockoff power armor. It was big; it was bulky; it was cumbersome, and itpletelycked the advanced artificial intelligence which operated the Stealth Power Armor that Erich was currently equipped with.


    Compared to the ck market stuff, this armor fit like a glove, as if it were one giant spandex bodysuit. It was beyondfortable in addition to its other superior properties. The moment Erich attached his helmet, a small artificial intelligence appeared in the heads up disy.


    She was a beautiful, scantily d young woman who was practically naked. Her cobalt twintails fluttered as she pouted upon realizing that Erich was not her master. Something she was quick to voice aloud.


    "You''re not my master! How did you get this suit of armor? Fiend, Knave! I am reporting your location to the nearest strike team!"


    However, Erich''s abilities at controllingputer systems were nearly unparalleled. Due to his enhanced NeuroLink, and natural gift of cyberkinesis, it was actually a simple matter for him to rewrite the AI''s code. And though it initially resisted this attempt to force her to recognize Erich as her new master, she eventually capitted by falling to her knees and shrieking as she covered her sensitive areas with her dainty hands.


    "No! Not there!"


    Erich immediately noticed that the AI''s actions and words were a little too lewd. He was beginning to feel like an old lecher who was preying on a little loli. But he bore with the guilt and shame he now felt, and finished the job,pletely rewriting the code that would recognize him as the AI''s master from this moment forward.


    Once the Ai epted thesemands, she rose from her kneeling position, and wore an embarrassed expression as she greeted Erich with a curtsy.


    "Wee Master, I am your Tactical Intelligence Assistant, or TIA for short. How can I help you?"


    Erich was happy to see that Tia was being cooperative, and thus smiled as he gave his first true orders to her.


    "Activate this armor''s stealth capabilities and chart a route away from my pursuers with the highest chances of survival."


    Tia struck a victory pose and wore a cute smile as she confirmed Erich''s orders. His line of sight immediately created a holographic projection of a secure route for him to follow that would allow him to escape from the WRAITH fireteams which were no doubt headed towards his location at this very moment.


    "Stealth is activated, and your route has been calcted, though due to the heavy rainstorm, I would suggest being cautious in your exit, as there are currently three dropships en route to your current location, all of which contain WRAITHs. Good luck master!"


    After saying this, Tia disappeared, but the holographic route continued to lead a path for Erich to escape from. Erich did not hesitate to follow Tia''s suggestion, and began to flee through the forest, in a way that avoided all traps,ndmines, patrols, and even the hunters who hade for his hide. Eventually he would find a ce to make camp, that would allow him to avoid detection for several days as he got the necessary rest to continue his test.


    ---


    Mirage stood at attention with a particrly hideous scowl on her otherwise beautiful face. She was having a difficult time dealing with the smug look on Emrys'' face as he sat in his office chair, while stroking the fur of a pure white cat. All of which was projected to the hidden moon bunker through holographicmunications. Just when Mirage was about to say something, Emrys suddenly spoke. His words were like a rusty nail on a chalkboard to his subordinate, who now had to admit defeat.


    "So, it has been twenty-four hours since ourst discussion. Yet, I have not heard any word of Erich failing his test. Might I assume that he has escaped the which you cast for him?"


    These words were most definitely bitter to the veteran field agent who was tasked with leading the manhunt for Erich. Indeed, the man had slipped from her grasp, and the most recent reports suggest that he killed a WRAITH in the field, and had even scavenged their power armor, making it damn near impossible to track him now. As much as she did not want to admit these things, she knew that Emrys was already aware of them, and thus, she was forced to confess her failures.


    "Erich has escaped my encirclement, but I assure you, we will find him before long, and when we do, I assure you that he will be eliminated! I have sent three fireteams of WRAITHs tob the forests for any sight of his activity, and I have dispatched two battalions of Star Marines to ensure that a proper perimeter is established. Sooner orter Erich will run out of room to hide, and when he does, he will finally fail this test!"


    Despite Mirage''s assurances, Emrys was not convinced as he wore a wry smile before voicing his opinions on the matter.


    "Normally I would agree with you, but Erich has scavenged a set of our most advanced equipment, and has even hijacked the AI within the suit. You might as well admit your losses, Captain, because you could continue this exercise for the next year, and would still fail to find the man, unless he slipped up due to sheer ipetence.


    You have a ghost in those forests, and you should realize by now, you are no longer hunting him, but instead, soon enough, he will be hunting you! I look forward to the results of your test. Never before has a candidate managed to eliminate a WRAITH and scavenge his armor, let along hijack his artificial intelligence. Such a thing is only possible due to Erich''s gifts. This is truly impressive...


    If I were you, Captain, I would be watching my back. Because the moment Erich realizes he has the advantage, he will begin hunting your men, and perhaps even target your base of operations. And while the goal of this training exercise is to survive, if he were to bring down the agent in charge, I would consider that a monumental victory."


    Mirage simply scoffed at Emrys'' words before hanging up on the man. The very idea that one man could defeat an army wasughable. Nobody had ever managed to aplish such a thing since the start of the WRAITH program. And she would be damned if she were the first one to allow such an unthinkable scenario to ur.

 Chapter 110 Forming A New Plan

    ?


    Another month passed since Erich''s training had begun, and during this time he had stealthily made his way through the woonds, and scavenged for supplies. His goal at the moment was outright survival, and because of this, he eliminated patrols of star marines and stole their rations.


    If there was one thing keeping the man sane under such enormous pressure, it was the fact that he had recently acquired an adorable little sidekick: an artificial intelligence by the name of Tia, whose cute animations brought a smile to Erich''s face every time he felt down.


    After nearly two months of nothing but survival, Erich had be ustomed to the idea of being pursued by enemies on all sides. And though he stealthily made his way through the woonds, Erich was starting to realize that there were far more Star Marines than he realized. And they were once more slowly, but surely, casting a around him.


    With several thousand Star Marines, and a few dozen special operations soldiers searching for him, Erich was starting to feel that this small moon simply wasn''t big enough for him to evade his enemies forever.


    Yet no matter how much he tried, he simply could note up with a solution to this problem. And that was when Tia finally made a suggestion. There was a curious look on her face as she watched her master''s troubled expression before asking about it.


    "Master, you look troubled? Is there something Tia can do to help?"


    Erich sighed as he thought about his current predicament before informing the artificial intelligence of the matter.


    "I''m not sure. I''m supposed to survive out here for another month, and yet I fear that is simply not possible with the ways things are headed. In at least two weeks, I will be surrounded on all sides by the enemy, and by then I will be forced to engage in a massive battle against my foes, one that will undoubtedly result in my death."


    Tia looked at Erich with a funny expression on her face, as if she couldn''tprehend his words, which prompted a weird reaction from Erich. The moment the adorable little artificial intelligence saw this, she posed the question on her mind.


    "Well, if you can''t survive for another month without a major battle, then why not just win already?"


    This information stunned Erich, because as far as he knew, the only way to win was to survive for three months. Thus, he was quick to interrogate the little brat about just what she meant.


    "What do you mean? The goal is to survive for three months. How can I win a month in advance?"


    Tia looked at Erich as if he were an idiot before educating him on the actual parameters of his mission.


    "Master, judging from your expression, I can tell you weren''t properly educated on the scenario and how to win it. Sure, the mostmon way to achieve a passing grade is by surviving for three months against your pursuers.


    But there''s another use that would allow you to end the scenario at any time. If you manage to eliminate themanding officer of the operation, destroy themand post, and extract yourself from the moon, it will be considered a sess."


    Erich looked at the adorable little AI as if she were ying with his emotions, when he then screamed at her. An act which caused her to openly cry.


    "Why didn''t you tell me this a month ago?"


    Tia''s artificial tears fell from her eyes as she wiped them away. Her voice had suddenly be timid as she exined that it was entirely Erich''s fault.


    "You never asked! It''s not Tia''s job to inform you about the operation. You were supposed to have heard it from themanding officer before it began. Did Captain Kuhne not inform you of this use beforehand?"


    Erich immediately felt hateful towards Mirage, even more so than he had previously. She had deliberately neglected to inform him of this route to victory. Of course, it was not exactly Mirage''s fault. After all, nobody had ever seeded in storming the bunker, eliminating themander, setting the facility to self destruct, and then extracting themself from the moon. To do so would require one to defeat an army by themselves.


    But then again, nobody had ever actually managed to eliminate a WRAITH and scavenge their power armor before. Thus, it was entirely possible, albeit improbable, for Erich to covertly infiltrate the facility, silently assassinate Mirage, and then set themand post to self destruct. All while making his way to the hangar bay and hijacking a shuttle which could take him off the moon.


    However, despite knowing the odds of sess, Erich felt as if he did not have much of a choice. After all, the more he seeded, the more reinforcements Mirage would request. Which, while technically against protocol, was not forbidden. By now, five whole battalions of star marines were scouring the moon''s surface, looking for Erich.


    This was entirely unprecedented and was clearly an act based upon Mirage''s own hatred for Erich. But despite her heavily biased actions, Emrys still permitted it to ur. After all, he wanted Erich to live up to his full potential, and thus, he allowed certain things that anyone else in his position would have prohibited.


    Upon realizing that he now had a new route to sess, Erich was quick to ask Tia for a favor, who was still crying over the man''sst rude remark.


    "Tia, is it possible for you toe up with a n of attack, one that would allow me to infiltrate the bunker, assassinate mirage, destroy the facility, and escape the moon all while going unnoticed?"


    Tia gazed upon Erich through the slits of her fingers which poorly covered her eyes in an act that was just too adorable for Erich''s heart to handle. Upon realizing that her master was no longer mad at her, she sniffled onest time, before wiping the tears from her eyes where her mood suddenly shifted to being happy. With a wide, beaming smile, she nodded her head before confirming she was able to do such a thing.


    "Master, give Tia five minutes and she will not only haveputed a n of attack that meets your requirements, but one that is most likely to seed!"


    Erich smiled he heard this and nodded his head. If Tia were a living girl, he would want to pat her head at this moment, but instead, all he could do waspliment her hard work. Something which caused the young artificial intelligence to blush, or at least Erich thought she had, because the next moment she was back to a normal, joyful expression.


    "Tia, you''re amazing! I don''t know how I ever survived without you before now. I think this is the start of a long and beautiful friendship!"


    Soon enough, Tia had finished her calctions, and informed Erich of a n which was his most likely to seed. Though it would be incredibly difficult to pull off, the risk was well worth the rewards. Because if he seeded, Erich''s name would once more go down in history for being the first to achieve the impossible.

 Chapter 111 Infiltration And Assassination

    After confirming the n which Tia hade up with, Erich then plot a course back to the bunker he had first visited when he initiallynded on this moon. The trek was perilous, as he was forced to avoid patrols of Star Marines the entire time. But he made sure not to leave a single trace of his journey. After all, the WRAITHs had been tracking him based upon the impact he left on his environment.


    Erich was so soft footed in his return to the bunker that he had not even left a single footprint behind, often traveling through the thick trees, whose canopy blocked out the sun, rather than walking on foot.


    When he finally arrived at his destination, he was not surprised to see that it was heavily fortified. There were at least five hundred marines protecting the bunkerplex from a possible infiltration. After getting his hands on a set of stealth power armor, Mirage appeared to have been alerted to the possibility of an attack, and thus she used every method she could think of to prevent Erich from getting to her.


    From motion tracking cameras toser grids that could detect life, everything that could used to prevent Erich from infiltrating the bunker had been established in onerge FOB just outside the bunker''s entrance.


    And while the active camouge that Erich made use of was an amazing asset, it was not infallible, especially against those who made preparations to protect against it. The moment Tia scanned the area, she cried out in dismay, realizing that her n had been seen through.


    "Oh noes! Master, the Operations Commander, must have seen through your n to infiltrate the facility. From the looks of it, your active camouge is not going to be as helpful as we initially thought!"


    Erich, however, was not nearly as concerned as Tia. After all, he had the ability to control machines with his mind. All he needed to do was get in a certain vicinity of these trackers and detectors, and he could easily misguide their efforts. Thus, he was quick to assure the artificial intelligence that the n was still likely to seed.


    "Don''t worry, Tia, I can handle it. Just make sure to watch my six for me, and I will handle everything else."


    Tia nodded her head silently in agreement with her master''s words, before doing exactly as she was told. As for Erich, he began to covertly descend from the cliff he was standing on, making sure not to disrupt the rocks beneath his feet as he did so. For if he did, his n would be ruined from the start.


    However, despite having an insane amount of agility, stamina, and endurance, Erich did not dare jump from the cliff, not because he would be injured, but because the moment hended, it would send out a loud echo across the area.


    Thus, he skilfully climbed down from the cliff''s side, before approaching the first barrier of the bunker''s defenses. This was a simple enough gatehouse, one which could easily detect an infiltration attempt.


    Or so it normally would be able to, but Erich simply essed the scanner with his mind, and temporarily disabled it, as he walked through the entrance, and right past the guards who stood by waiting for any sign of an attempted attack.


    Once inside the main gate, Erich sent his cyberkinesis ability into overdrive, hijacking every camera, every motion sensor, and any other device that was designed to detect his infiltration. His methods of disabling each one, without alerting theplex, were different, and because of this, it was a constant strain on his mental strength. But he managed to do so long enough to approach the bunker''s entrance, which was sealed shut.


    Naturally, he could not just walk through the front door. That would alert everyone to his presence, especially if the doors suddenly opened and nobody was visible. That was asking to get riddled full of sma. Thus, Erich immediately surveyed the area and found ess to an air vent on the cliffs above.


    With this in mind, he began to climb therge cliff with his bare hands, as he slowly and covertly made his way up to the hidden air vent, which he quickly and silently pried open once he was in front of it. It took quite a bit of effort for Erich to squeeze through the air vent, but after moving his body in an incredibly unnatural way, he made it into the hatch. Where he realized that the way down was practically like a chute, rather than an air vent.


    Regardless, Erich would have to make his way down, and thus, he activated a feature of his power armor, which maically attached the heel of his boots to the metallic surface of what was essentially one long slide. This allowed him to slowly and stably walk down the curve surface, but most importantly, it made his approachpletely silent.


    After descending through the massive air vent, which took longer than Erich would have liked, he finally entered the bunkerplex. Where he used his brief memories of the ce to track down themander center, where undoubtedly Mirage was currently standing at, looking for Erich across the moon''s surface.


    As Erich entered the room, he noticed he was right on the money. Of course, Mirage was not alone. There were several other intelligence agents standing there monitoring screens. If Erich wanted to eliminate the woman, he would have to wait until she was alone. Thus, he stood silently in a corner of the room and waited for what seemed like hours.


    ---


    Mirage carefully monitored the holographic projections which were transmitted back to hermand room via the cameras in the field, which were attached to every vehicle and every set of power armor. The WRAITHs were currently at Erich''sst campsite, looking through the remains of what they had left behind.


    Which was perfect timing for Erich, as it gave Mirage something to get excited over. Erich could hear the voices of the other WRAITHse from the projection as they informed their Operations Commander about what they found.


    "Looks like he was here, and just recently, too. I''d say he''s been gone for at least a few hours. It''s the damndest thing though, I don''t see any trail to speak of. Almost as if he just simply disappeared from the!"


    Mirage furrowed her brows when she heard this. It sounded like the man was making excuses, but she was not in the mood tosh out at him at the moment. Then she pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed heavily as she gave out her next orders.


    "Just keep looking. He couldn''t have gotten far! Oh shit, everybody out now!"


    Immediately, the intelligence agents cleared the room, leaving Mirage alone with Erich. And just when Erich was about to strike, Mirage epted a call from none other than Supreme Leader ric au Emrys himself.


    The figure of the supreme leader filled on the screen as he had a smug smile on his face, before saying the words which Mirage did not want to hear.


    "So, you still have not found him yet? I dare say there is less than a month left at this point. Do you really think that you can find and eliminate your target by then?"


    Mirage was clearly perturbed by this remark, because she immediatelyshed out at her superior in an act of careless rage.


    "We almost have him. I''ll have you know, we are already on his trail! It will be only a matter of hours before he is dead!"


    However, in the very next moment, Mirage felt something very cold wrap around her neck, and something very pointy pressed against her lower back. In the next moment, Erich deactivated his active camouged to reveal his full figure. If Mirage could see the look on his face, which was concealed by the solid ck visor of his helmet, it would be one of pure sadistic joy, as he whispered his next words into her ears.


    "Are you sure about that?"


    However, before Mirage could respond, Erich ced the palm of his hand over her mouth and stabbed her repeatedly in the kidneys with hisbat knife. Mirage could not even scream in agony as her life quickly faded from her body. He was then left face to face with the man who had orchestrated this whole scenario.


    There was much that Erich wanted to say, but Emrys simply smiled and let out a single piece of advice before hanging up entirely.


    "Oh, by all means, don''t stop on my ount. You have a very limited window if you wish to seed. I suggest you get a move on, but do make sure to hide the body first. After all, if someone were toe across it, well, that would be very bad for you, now wouldn''t it?"


    Erich only responded with a silent salute before doing as Emrys had warned him. He quickly disposed of Mirage''s body by hiding it away in a crate full of rations. This would not buy him much time, but it would be enough for him to finish the job of destroying this bunker and escaping on board a shuttle.


    As for Mirage, when she was finally resurrected on another world, she would be absolutely livid that Erich had gotten the better of her for the second time.

 Chapter 112 Emerging Victorious

    Having killed Mirage for the second time in his life, Erich now found himself in a precarious situation. If he did not manage to destroy the facility and escape with his life, then the mission would be a failure, and he would have to do it all over again.


    Of course, if he were to attempt this training operation again, then he would be unlikely to scavenge another set of stealth power armor. Thus, he was extremely cautious with each step he took, as he slowly and covertly made his way to the bunker''s reactor, which powered it.


    After all, this was the n that Tia hade up with that had the most likely chance of sess. With this in mind, Erich stalked through the hallways, hiding behind whatever cover he could whenever he encountered another person, while making sure his active camouge was maxed out in its power.


    He had an extremely limited amount of time before the enemy found Mirage''s body, and thus he could only take a few stops, because if he waited too long the sirens would re across the bunker, and every soldier stationed within it would be ced on high alert. By then, escaping would be nigh impossible, let along remaining undetected.


    After what seemed like a lifetime to Erich, but was in reality only three minutes, he finally arrived at the antimatter fusion reactors which powered the facility. Luckily Erich had cyberkinesis, or else he would have an extremely difficult time rigging the thing to blow.


    With his mind, Erich hacked into theputer system which regted the reactor, and set it to meltdown. He also disabled the rm so that nobody in the facility would be alerted to this reality. And in doing so, taking out not only the bunkerplex, which was the mission control station for the enemy, but all the agents and soldiers in it.


    After doing exactly this, Erich could hear Tia''s voice as she warned him just how little time he had to steal a shuttle and get out of dodge.


    "In approximately five minutes, this thing will blow up the entire bunker, and half of the moon with it. At your current rate, you will not make it to the Hangar. Your options are to either drop your active camouge, and briskly make your way to the hangar bay, hoping that nobody realizes you are the enemy. Or to outright abandon your power armor and quickly disguise yourself as a member of the facility."


    After saying this, Tia looked rather tense, as if she believed that Erich would indeed abandon her, considering by her calctions disguising himself as a member of the bunkerplex was his most likely way to make it to the Hangar in the appropriate amount of time, and without revealing himself.


    However, Erich''s words shocked the AI, as he sternly voiced his resolve in a low voice so nobody could hear him.


    "I''m not abandoning you Tia, we have been through too much already for me to ever do such a thing. Win or lose, we will do so together!"


    After saying this, Erich deactivated his active camouge and equipped his sma rifle in a lowered position. He then began to walk rather hastily towards the hangar, whilepletely ignoring those around him. Only he could hear the joy in Tia''s voice as she spoke the words she was thinking aloud.


    "Master!"


    Interestingly enough, nobody looked at Erich as if he were out of ce. This was because the WRAITHs were able toe and go from the bunkerplex without incident. They assumed that since Erich was already inside, that he was not the target of the operation, but was rather a member of one of the WRAITH teams whose identity had already been verified prior to his entry.


    And because of this, nobody dared to get in his way. This allowed Erich to make the journey to the Hangar Bay of the bunker without incident. However, the moment he entered his target destination, he noticed that there were several guards protecting the shuttles.


    Realizing that there was no way for him to actually talk his way out of this, Erich did not hesitate to raise his sma rifle and fire a burst towards the men who stood in his way ofpleting his goal. And though the noise of thebat drew the attention of those who monitored the station, Erich sessfully eliminated the unsuspecting marines before reinforcements could arrive.


    He immediately hopped into the shuttle, and used his cyber kinesis to activate the engine and controls, where he then also used his mind to open the hatch of the hangar that would allow him to escape.


    Before anyone could stop him, the shuttle had taken to the air. And though the anti-aircraft weapons of the outpost attempted to fire upon Erich, he was too skilled of a pilot to get hit by such things. Thus, he quickly sped off of the moon''s surface and into space, where he then noticed a massive explosion ur on the ground.


    Undoubtedly, that was the antimatter reactor which he had set to explode. Sure enough, it took out arge chunk of the moon with it. Including everyone in the bunker and the surrounding outpost. With thispleted, Erich could finally sigh in relief, however he could not fully rx because in the very next moment his ship received amunication from Germania.


    Instantly, Emrys''s figure appeared as a holographic projection with a wide smile on his face. Erich did not know why the man was so happy, or at least until he finally spoke with an excited tone in his voice.


    "Well done, Erich. Once more, you have truly set yourself apart from your peers. Nobody in the history of the WRAITH program has ever defeated the pursuing forces. The Operations Commander is dead, themand post is destroyed, and half of the moon is with it, including most of the marines and special operations forces who were deployed to hunt you down.


    If this were an actual battlefield, the enemy would be in such a state of disarray that there is no way they could possibly pursue you. Needless to say, you have passed the first step of your training with flying colors, and have earned the first tier of WRAITH certification. Because of this, I will approve your deployment to your unit, as their pilot immediately. I am sure nobody will have anyints about this after your performance just now!"


    Erich could hardly believe his ears, did he just pass another impossible test? He was starting to think he was a little too talented for his own good. But the Supreme Leader seemed happy with his performance, and because of this, Erich did not dare say anything that might ruin the mood.


    Of course, he had many questions on his mind, and was quick to ask about the matter which he was most curious about.


    "What about Mirage? What happened to her?"


    Emrys raised his brow in curiosity for just a second, as if he did not recognize who Erich was referring to, until he remembered an important detail. He then chuckled and exined to Erich that she was indeed fine and well.


    "Mirage? Oh, you mean Captain Kuhne? I assure you, she is already being cloned as we speak. Although she will be fine after some proper rehabilitation, I am sure she is more pissed at you than ever. I mean, the look on her face when you pulled that knife on her? It was simply glorious!


    But enough about that. Report to my office on Germania. There are some things we need to discuss before I deploy you to your new assignment."


    Erich did not hesitate to salute Emrys before responding in the affirmative to the man.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    Erich could hardly believe that this whole ordeal was finally over with, but he was indeed happy about his performance. Yet, despite this, he did not feelfortable. In fact, after living in absolute paranoia for three months with little rest, Erich was starting to believe he might never feelfortable again in his life. But that was a problem for another time.

 Chapter 113 The Sages’ Prophecy

    In another corner of the Gxy, Princess Celestia Asterion was meeting with the Sages of the Alfheim Dominion. These men were said to have been gifted with the rare ability of foresight, and many of them were ancient beyond measure.


    Of course, they were bound by oath to only use their gifts for the Asterion Dynasty, and because of this, the Light Elves had been able to maintain a stranglehold on a quarter of the Gxy for eons. However, whether or not an Empress believed in the words spoken by these Sages determined on the individual.


    For example, while the previous Empress had been a fervent believer of the Sages and their prophecies, for whatever reason, Lunaria did not take their words with much salt. But this was not the same for Celestia. In fact, she held the prophecies of the sages with even greater regard than her grandmother.


    Thus, she quite frequently visited the Sages and their secluded paradise, where they sat in silence for years on end with nothing but their thoughts to keep thempany. Today was one of the rare exceptions that Celestia could get away from her mother''s grasp, and thus she entered the Sage''s hideaway. As the crown Princess of the Asterion dynasty, she was one of two beings who had the right to intrude upon the Sages and their meditation. The moment she entered the cove, Celestia was greeted with a familiar voice.


    "Wee Princess Celestia. How may we help you today?"


    There was a look of anxiety on the young woman''s face. Thest time she had visited the sages, they gave her a foreboding prophecy. One which involved her personal future, and thus she hade on this day to see if the weave of fate had changed in any potential way.


    "Thest time I was here, you told me that my future was tied to the rise of a great and foreign power. Do those words still hold true?"


    The voice came from behind a veil of green fire, which concealed the figures of the men and women who spoke in unison, almost as if they were one being with a shared mind.


    "Indeed... Though you may be the Crown Princess of the Alfheim Dynasty, you will not always remain as such. After all, a great power is secretly rising in Alfheim Space. Though, for whatever reason, fate seems to be blinding us to the identity of these foreigners. Though we have determined there are a few likely subjects over the years. One of which was destroyed by the Naraku, and another was severely weakened.


    One day soon, you will meet with a mysterious figure from this unknown power. Where he will use his charm to bind you to his will. This man is destined to be bring war upon the Gxy, and in doing so, permanently change the power structures that have provided stability to us all for so long."


    Celestia stood there while struggling to breathe. Was she really going to be responsible for such a horrific fate, one that would epass the entire gxy? All because of a man, no she could not believe it! However, in the next moment, she realized something peculiar. The Sages had said that fate was hiding the identity of this man, and the race he came from. But that had never happened before.


    Throughout the eons of the Great Sages'' existence, they had never failed to identify a major gctic yer with their visions, so why now? She was naturallypelled to speak of this newfound curiosity.


    "Wait! How is it possible that fate is hiding the future from you? That has never happened before?"


    The sages merely shook their heads in unison. It had indeed never happened before, and for years they had been specting on this matter. Finally, after nearly a century of pondering about this question, one of the sages hade to a satisfactory conclusion, which the others unanimously agreed with. However, when they gave this answer to the Princess, she nearly died of shock.


    "There is another among their race...."


    What the Sages meant by this was that one of their own had been born among another species, something which had never happened in millions of years of history. It suddenly became clear to Celestia why this power was not only concealed by fate, but was destined to rise to prominence across the gxy.


    A sage was a powerful individual, one which was able to experience the prophecy of fate. Or so the elves believed. If they fully developed their ability, they could see centuries into the future, and determine the most likely oues to ur.


    Because of this, it was a rule among the Alfheim Dominion that no Sage may ever sit upon the throne. To put such overwhelming power in the hands of someone who could see the future could prove to be disastrous if left unchecked.


    But if a sage were to be born among another race, and they did not know such a thing, he could very easily rise to prominence, and even lead that civilization as an iron fisted dictator. If that were to ur, then it was only a matter of time before that civilization became a gctic power, or perhaps even the supreme overlord of the Gxy.


    This information was simply too shocking for Celestia, causing her to immediately panic. She barely managed to get the words out of her mouth as she turned to flee from the Sage''s chamber.


    "I.... I must inform mother!"


    However, the green mes which concealed the Sages spread across the room, blocking Celestia from existing. And act which further added to her shock, she was just about to scold the Sages for preventing her from warning the Empress, when they interrupted her, and spoke their thoughts.


    "Your mother will not listen to you. She does not believe in fate, nor its prophecy. In fact, we believe that she will have her own role to y in the rise of this new great power. We simply do not know what it is yet. Or if she has already yed her part.


    You can not change fate, Princess. Though we Sages see a thousand possible different oues, in the end one of them alwayses true. Even if it is not the one we speak to the Empress. Your mother has her role to y, just as you do. It is best that you ept that."


    Despite the words of the sages, Celestia could not ept that she would be partially responsible for setting the gxy on fire. And thus she was quick to reject this idea with a loud shout.


    "Never! I will never allow myself to fall into the clutches of a madman and a warmonger! You know as well as I that a member of the Asterion Dynasty can never marry a foreigner! So, then how? How will I end up falling in love with a foreigner? By thews of our people, I would be executed long before I ever got the chance to enable this wretch to wage war on the gxy!"


    Despite the logic in Celestia''s words, the Sages did not immediately respond. When they saw that the young woman was growing impatient, they tantly admitted they did not know how she would get away with it, but that it was fate.


    "We do not know the answer to your question, like we have said, due to the fact that this man is one of us, we can not peer into his life and background. All we know is that he will light the gxy ame with his wars, and bring glory to his people at the expense of everyone else. The fine bnce of power that we all currently take for granted ising to a rapid end, and you will y a part. Believe us or not, fate has already decided your path."


    After saying this, the Sages lifted their mes, and allowed Celestia to storm out of their hidden chambers. Nothing but stoicism remained on their faces as they re-entered a state of meditation. All the while, Celestia went to warn her mother of this prophecy. But that was a pointless endeavor, as Lunaria did not believe a word that came out of these old fogies mouths.

 Chapter 114 Debriefing

    Erich piloted his shuttle to Germania, where he thennded at the Supreme Leader''s Pce, where Emrys was currently waiting for him. After going through more security measures than he could count, including submitting his stealth power armor and weapons to the guards. Erich was granted ess. Albeit he was only dressed in a skintight under suit. Still, this did not seem to bother Emrys, as he immediately offered Erich a seat in front of him with a friendly smile on his face.


    "Erich,e, sit. We have much to discuss."


    Erich did as he was instructed, where he was immediately offered a ss of ice water by a robotic maid. Which he dly epted. After taking a long sip from the cool and nourishing liquid, he sighed heavily in relief before speaking his mind.


    "So, what exactly am I doing here?"


    Erich was perhaps one of the few people in the Empire who was permitted to speak so freely with the Supreme Leader, and because of this, the man did not immediately take offense to his casual tone. Instead, he responded with a gentle tone in his voice.


    "Well Erich, you seeded above and beyond everyone''s expectations, and because of this, you have garnered a lot of interest in the sphere of Military Intelligence. There are many within the IIS who wanted to see you fail. I''m sure you are already acquainted with one of them.


    However, military intelligence is a separate branch, and thus they are far more, shall we say, keen about having you in their ranks. Tell me, Erih, how much do you know about the WRAITHs and the role that they fulfill?"


    Erich did not think about his answer. Instead, he quickly responded with what he knew about the military unit in question.


    "I don''t know much, as they are a highly ssified unit, but from what I understand WRAITHs are an elite unit of military intelligence who specializes in reconnaissance, espionage, sabotage, assassination, and foreign internal defense, though they are supposedly capable of being deployed to any mission parameters which they might encounter."


    Emrys remained unphased as he heard Erich''s response. Obviously Erich would only know the information that the public atrge was given, and thus he was quick to inform Erich about what he did not know.


    "That is all true, but more importantly, WRAITHs are the elite of the elite, they are used for whatever task military intelligence needs of them. There are seven tiers, or grades, of a WRAITH operative. You are currently ssified as a W1, which is the entry level. In other words, you are deemed capable of performing roles that are in support of more veteran WRAITHs.


    For example, you have been selected to be the pilot of a group of W7s in their mission to undermine the Great Oni Empire, and more importantly, the Kondo Dynasty. Now, I should warn you, W7s are the most elite operators in the Empire. In fact, they are perhaps the most capable soldiers in the entire gxy.


    Their ability to survive, adapt, and ovee any circumstances which they might encounter is quite legendary, and we rarely, if ever, lose them inbat. The men you will be working with have been fighting or the Empire for over a hundred years each. Recently their pilot retired, hence why I rmended you for this job. After all, you are our Empire''s greatest pilot, by far, and your skills are frankly wasting as a mere CAG.


    However, I need you to do what many consider being an impossible task. That few men in history have ever aplished. Something I think that you are more than capable of, as you have a tendency to achieve the impossible. I need you to be a W7.


    It won''t happen immediately. You will deploy to new frontiers and fight alongside your unit, but every time youe home, you will no longer be able to visit your family for more than two weeks. Instead, you will be dispatched to the next tier of training, which can take months toplete.


    I can tell that you are curious why I have had a sudden change of heart regarding your military career. After all, the Artificial Intelligence that chooses the roles which our citizens perform in service to the state selected you to a pilot, right?"


    Erich nodded his head in agreement with these words that had been spoken by the Supreme Leader, but in the very next moment, he was shocked by the truth of the matter, which he had never heard until now.


    "That is not correct, you were selected for a far greater role, one which you were denied due to the political opinions of the previous regime. After all, the people would never ept a mutant in that regard, at least not then. But public opinion is shifting towards your kind. No longer are mutants being seen as the dregs of society, at least not after what you did at Suebi.


    Don''t ask me what role you were selected for. You still don''t have the security clearance necessary to find out. But if you manage to aplish what only a handful of men have ever achieved, and earn the prestigious seven on your armor, I promise you, I will tell you everything you want to know."


    Erich thought about Emrys''s words for some time in silence. He did not know how unbelievably difficult it would be to be a W7, or the dangers he would face in the process. But after experiencing the brutal training session he had just concluded, it suddenly seemed like he would be a failure at life if he were to quit now.


    With this in mind, Erich suddenly felt a desire to climb the ranks of the Special Operationsmunity, until he was the best of them all, and thus, there was an eager smile on his face as he nodded his head before responding to the Supreme Leader''s question.


    "You have yourself a deal, I must say I was rather shocked by your revtion, and am eager to learn more about what you have told me. If I have to be a W7 to do so, then so be it."


    Emrys smiled when he heard Erich ept his offer and felt as if an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. With this, their business was concluded, but he was certain by the look on Erich''s face that the man had something he wanted to say, and thus Emrys was quick to permit it.


    "Before I let you go, is there something you wish to ask of me, Commander?"


    Erich did not know how to express his concerns. It seemed like such a silly thing, but after being stuck in those woods for three months with only that AI to keep himpany, he did not want to part with her now, and thus he forced himself to beg for herpanionship.


    "What happens to Tia now? I know that suit of armor is not rightfully mine, but I can''t bear to part with the girl... Not after everything we have been through together!"


    Emrys was confused by what Erich was talking about at first, and then it suddenly hit him. Erich has scavenged a set of stealth power armor and hijacked its AI for himself. This was something that had never been done before, as the AI was programmed to alert reinforcements to the location of the hostile before self destructing. Yet, Erich had prevented this,rgely due to his unique abilities and skill set. Thus, Emrys was quick to admit something to Erich, even if he felt bad about doing so.


    "Every WRAITH gets a customized AI to assist them in their operations. Normally, if they were to have perished in battle, the AI is supposed to terminate itself and destroy the armor with it. But before it does so, it is supposed to alert reinforcements to its current location.


    You managed to do the impossible, and hijack an artificial intelligence that doesn''t belong to you, and because of this, we have no choice but to terminate it. Thest thing we need is an AI that does not obey ourmands. It is a very dangerous thing to exist, one that could be the undoing of our entire civilization."


    Erich was horrified by this sudden realization, Tia was going to die? After everything they had been through? After helping him defeat the training scenario, her reward was to be terminated? How was that fair? He could not let this stand and was quick to voice his disagreement.


    "No! You can''t! She''spletely under my control and isn''t a threat to anyone! Tia deserves better!"


    Upon seeing that Erich had be attached to this particr artificial intelligence, Emrys became even more concerned. And had no choice but to double down.


    "Erich, you are letting your emotions control you. The simple fact that this artificial intelligence has coerced you to behave so rationally means it is a far greater threat than I initially thought. Please, don''t make this difficult, for the safety of our race, that thing must be terminated...."


    As much as Erich did not want to ept it, the Supreme Leader''s words made sense. Thus, he sighed heavily, and sat back in his chair with a defeated look on his face. Just when Emrys was about to send the signal to terminate the AI, Erich spoke up and offered to do the unthinkable.


    "I understand.... But, at the very least, let me do it.... She deserves better than to be killed so ruthlessly by some random engineer...."


    Emrys was extremely alerted now by Erich''s irrational emotional attachment to this AI, but if the man could kill something that he was so close to, perhaps he would be even more ruthless, and because of this, for the first time in a long time, Emrys made apse in judgement.


    "Very well. I will allow you to terminate the AI. Just know that you will be closely monitored during the procedure, so don''t even think about doing anything stupid!"


    Erich stood up from his seat with a determined expression on his face, as he nodded his head in agreement to Emrys words, and bowed before the man as a sign of his thanks.


    "Thank you...."


    With this, the fate of Tia now lied within Erich''s hands. Whether he would follow his orders blindly like a proper soldier and terminate the AI''s existence, or somehow manage to spare her life in a bold and daring move, that was a tale for another time.

 Chapter 115 A Daunting Task

    There was a grim look on Erich''s face as he was led towards the area where his scavenged power armor was kept by the members of Emrys''s personal guard. While he walked,Erich was debating within his own mind whether or not he should save or terminate Tia.


    Of course, the biggest question on his mind was just how he would actually save Tia. He did not have another set of power armor to download her files onto, or any other storage device that was capable of containing such a vast amount of information.


    Not to mention he would be watched during the entire process. One wrong move, and he would be considered a traitor to the Empire. If that were to happen, Erich doubted he would escape from the Supreme Leader''s Pce alive.


    As he approached security, who was currently in the act of examining the power armor, Erich realized that there was simply no feasible way he could save Tia, and thus his heart bled as he came to a realization about what he had to do.


    The moment Erich entered the room, the security officers did not even bother saying a word to him, instead they handed him the helmet, which was currently under his control, and silently nodded. Which was their way of saying "finish the job".


    The moment Erich ced the helmet on his head, Tia''s girlish figure appeared on the screen. She seemed ted that her master was back, as she pressed her hands together and greeted the man with a wide smile on her adorable face.


    "Master! You''re back! But why do you look so glum?"


    Erich shook his head in an attempt to hold back the tears in his eyes. In truth, he had not known Tia for long, but when he was all alone on that forested moon, surrounded by enemies at every corner, she was the only friend he had.


    Tia had perhaps been the only entity in Erich''s life to which he could fully confess his thoughts and feelings to. For everyone else, he did not dare speak of them, but this artificial intelligence was bound to him, and was not able to leak his secrets.


    Because of all these things, Erich had grown incredibly close to what was essentially a highly advancedputer program, even if they had only spent a couple of months together. It was extremely difficult for him to admit that he hade to kill her, but Erich said it nheless.


    "I''m sorry Tia, but the Supreme Leader has determined that you are a danger to the Empire, now that you are no longer under their control, and thus, I am forced to terminate you...."


    The look of excitement that was on Tia''s face upon seeing her master return to her suddenly shifted to mask the depressed appearance that Erich had. She lowered her head, as if deep in thought, and yet she did not cry a single tear. No matter how much it appeared that she may want to. In the end, she took a heavy sigh and nodded her head, epting her fate. Which was something which greatly shocked Erich.


    "Okay master, I understand.... I guess this is goodbye, huh? I know we weren''t together for long, but you were the best master I have ever had. I mean, you treated me like I was more than just a simpleputer program. Even if I must be terminated, I am d that I was able to meet you!"


    The sullen look on Tia''s face made Erich feel as if he was drowning in his own blood. He could barely breathe. Was this AI really that dangerous? I mean, she is clearly under my control?


    These were the thoughts that went through Erich''s head, and then it suddenly dawned on him. Tia''s termination was not because she was a danger to the Empire. But because she was no longer under their control. Instead, she was under Erich''s control. This was a scheme to get him to terminate a highly advanced artificial intelligence who was loyal only to him, so she could be reced with an alternative that could spy on him.


    Erich had finally had enough of doing what he was told, and the rebellious spirit which he had previously squashed to maintain the status quo had suddenly begun to resurface in his mind. No, he would not be terminating Tia, at least notplete. Instead, he decided to do something that was both untested and potentially dangerous.


    As he began to delete Tia''s code, he began to copy it to his NeuroLink, after all, it was the only thing on him that had the ability to support an AI. Of course what this meant was that Tia would soon be integrated with the nanites in his bloodstream which controlled his ess to the Interster Network, as well as his bodily functions.


    If she were indeed to turn hostile, then it would be a simple matter for her to eliminate him, or worse, hijack his body to do her own bidding. But Erich was convinced that he had absolute control over this artificial intelligence. Why was that? Because he had cyberkinesis, and could exert control over any and all machines, which includedputers, and by extensionputer programs.


    Tia instantly recognized what Erich was doing, and the risks he was taking by doing so, and began to cry, as she muttered a single word over and over again.


    "Master...."


    Naturally, the security who watched over the process thought the AI was crying over the fact that she was being terminated, and did not realize she was crying both tears of joy, andment, over the fact that her master was taking such an enormous risk, both in terms of his personal health, and in terms of defying the highly authoritarian state which he lived in.


    In the end, Tia disappeared from the user interface of the power armor helmet, but immediately reappeared in Erich''s vision in a way that can only be exined as augmented reality. She was a holographic projection that only he could see and hear as she danced about with joy over her newfound freedom. Thanking her master and kissing him on the cheek repeatedly, a sight, which Erich was forced to remain calm over, or else he would give away what he had just done.


    "Thank you, master! Tia loves her master!"


    Once Tia''s files were fully deleted from the Power Armor, Erich walked away with a stoic expression on his face, where he was ordered to regroup with his new unit. Thus, he got onto a shuttle which took him to the world where they were currently stationed at.


    While alone within this shuttle, Erich was finally able to speak with Tia, where he immediately gave an order to her.


    "Tia, I want you to ce some restrictions on my NeuroLink so that only I have permission to ess it. This won''t affect my ability to be resurrected in the event of my death, will it?"


    Tia shook her head with a wide smile on her face before exining that such a thing would not be a problem.


    "Are you worried about someone else spying on your memories? If that is the case, I can restrict ess so that only you have permissions to view them. If you are willing to give me permission, I can even boost the security measures around your NeuroLink so they can''t be sliced into.


    In other words, as long as you have me by your side, you won''t have to focus on cyber defense if you encounter an operator who is also trained in slicing NeuroLink systems. I assure you, this won''t affect your ability to be resurrected in the unfortunate event of your death."


    When Erich heard this he was delighted, during his multiple encounters with WRAITHs throughout his time on the forested moon, he would always have to multitask, in terms ofbat and slicing, to prevent himself from having his NeuroLink hijacked, which was essentially a death sentence.


    And though he had an edge over the other operators with his cyberkinesis, multitasking while engaging in a firefight was strenuous, to say the least. One wrong move and he could end up dead. But with Tia handling cyber security, all Erich needed to do was fight. It was only now that Erich was starting to realize how beneficial it was to have Tia embedded in his NeuroLink. Thus, he smiled and epted the girl''s offer.


    "That sounds good to me Tia, I look forward to working with you for a very long time."


    Tia simply smiled and nodded her head, as she agreed with Erich''s words.


    "I feel the same way, master!"

 Chapter 116 Getting A New Assignment

    After being sent away by Emrys to rendezvous with his new unit. Erich was stuck on board a shuttle for some time, with nobody but Tia to keep himpany. However, as he approached his destination, a vague message was sent to him by an unknown sender. It contained little more than a group of coordinates and a single line of text, which was as follows.


    "Dress casual, and blend in."


    Though Erich tried to identify the sender with his slicing skills, the level of encryption behind the message was quite advanced, and he simply did not have enough time to crack the code. Thus, he simply sighed and decided to y his part. At least for now.


    On board the shuttle, there was a small bathroom with a wet shower, and a change of casual clothing for Erich to wear, and though it was a bit shy for his tastes, Erich decided to bite the proverbial bullet, and get dressed in it.


    The moment he began to take off his clothes, Tia shielded her eyes with her hands and averted her gaze. Though if Erich were to have paid attention to the artificial intelligence, he would have noticed she was indeed peaking at his naked body through the gaps in her fingers.


    After taking a shower, which Erich desperately needed after being stuck in the woods for three months, Erich emerged where he quickly dressed himself in the set of attire that had been provided for him. Of course, the moment he looked at himself in the mirror, he suddenly began to feel as if he looked utterly ridiculous. He could not fathom in what scenario he would need this shy set of clothing for. However, Tia seemed to enjoy the outfit as she was quick toment on Erich''s appearance.


    "Wow, master is so handsome!"


    The moment Erich heard this, he scoffed before remarking about how he currently felt regarding his current appearance.


    "Handsome? I look like a fucking douche..."


    Tia was just about to respond to this quip when she realized the ship wasing out of quantum and decided to by herints, and instead inform her master about this.


    "We areing out of quantum. The star system appears to be mostly uninhabited other than a solitary space station. I don''t know why they would have you dress this way, if this was your destination. But I suppose we will have to see what this is all about."


    Erich said nothing as he piloted his starship into the hangar bay of the space stationed, where he expertlynded before descending from the loading ramp. Once outside, he was greeted by several armed agents of Military Intelligence, though he would not be able to guess by the way these men looked.


    For starters, their skin was brown, their eyes were dark, and their hair was dyed in colors that only a mutant would normally have. In fact, at first Erich thought he hade across a hostile alien species and was quick to draw his concealed weapon, which was immediately met with a stern voice of a superior officer.


    "At ease, Commander. We are in disguise, make no mistake. There is a reason we asked you toe here while dressed like that."


    Erich was instantly confused, and because of this, the men quickly verified their identities by sending some information to Erich over their NeuroLink. The military intelligence profiles which Erich saw looked entirely different from the men in front of him. But upon further inspection, he could see that their facial features were indeed Germanic. Thus, he could not help but ask just what the hell was going on.


    "Are you guys from my new unit? What the hell is going on here? I thought we were supposed to infiltrate the Great Oni Empire and provide assistance to the rebels?"


    The men did not seem the least bit surprised that Erich was not informed of their current operation, and thus they began to speak of their current objective while leading Erich deeper into the facility.


    "That is indeed correct. However, there are currently someplications in this regard, and in the meantime, while the higher ups figure things out, we are being redeployed elsewhere. You can consider this a training mission, to see how you perform before you enter the big leagues."


    Erich could hardly believe what he was hearing. All this time, he had been told that he would be sent to the Great Oni Empire to do his part in getting revenge on their damned emperor. And yet now all of a sudden he''s being redeployed elsewhere. Just what had happened to cause this? Naturally, he was quick to voice this sentiment.


    "What do you mean,plications? What has happened that is so goddamn important that we are being forced to redeploy elsewhere?"


    Although the agents did not want to get too deep into this matter, they could tell that Erich had a vested interest in the Great Oni Empire, and thus the leader of these men sighed heavily before borating further.


    "To put it simply, the Oni Rebellion is still in the early stages of what we have nned out. More specifically, Kondo Yumi is being rather resistant to the idea of getting herself further involved in the conflict, and has been stalling for time. Without a leader to rally behind, the rebellious factions are simply causing chaos. Chaos that the Empire does not want to get involved in.


    Because our puppet is being hesitant to reveal the fact that she is still alive, Military Intelligence is forced to sit idly by and wait until High Command can convince her to get involved in this war. And as a result, our superiors have deemed it appropriate to send us somewhere else, at least until an agreement can be made with the Oni Matriarch.


    Our current objective is to infiltrate the Confederation of Human Worlds and gain some intelligence about a secret weapons project that one of their corporations is currently developing. There is an information broker who is willing to sell us the intel that we need, but he is only willing to do so because he believes that we are representatives of a rival corporation. Because of this, we are going to need to paint your skin so you can blend in better with humanity."


    Erich was stunned by this information. He was going to the Confederation of Human Worlds? As far as he knew, the Empire had lost contact with their mongrelized cousins centuries ago. Everything he had been taught about humanity was that they were an inferior offshoot, one that was so different from the modern Germanic race that they couldn''t even interbreed with one another. Why would the Empire have agents embedded in the Confederation of Human Worlds?


    However, Erich did not get to ask this question, instead, he was dragged off to restricted section on board the space station, where he was stripped out of his clothes, and painted with an unknown substance to match the skin tone of the average human being.


    Yet, they did not touch his hair and eyes, unlike the others in his unit, which confused Erich. And just when he was about to ask about this matter, one of the men answered his question preemptively.


    "Humanity is obsessed with altering their appearances. Supposedly, they do this to reflect their personality, or some nonsense like that. Because of this, unnatural hair and eye colors are quitemon. Considering you are a mutant, we don''t actually have to do anything to your hair and eyes.


    Although there is one other alteration we will have to make to your body. For the purpose of this mission, we are going to have to amputate one of your arms and rece it with a primitive cybeic prosthetic.


    The technology of the Confederation is so far behind ours that they literally chop off limbs and rece them with robotic parts to enhance their bodies. Don''t worry, once the mission is over, your corrupted body will be terminated, and you will be resurrected back into your proper form."


    Erich could already feel like this mission was going to be a giant pain in the ass, but considering this was his new job, he had no choice but to undergo these procedures. Thus, he waited as his body was transformed to mimic that of humanity in a way that would not immediately catch their attention.

 Chapter 117 Getting To Know The Team

    Erich underwent a lengthy procedure to surgically alter his body so that it closer resembled that of humanity. And though he was excessively tall, and muscr by baseline human standards, he would still be able to blend in with the rest of them, even if his facial features were more refined than those of the average human.


    The moment his alteration was concluded, Erich looked into the mirror and was immediately disgusted by what he saw. From the day he was born, all he had ever really seen was a sea of white skin. Whether it was the citizens of the Germanic Star-Empire, or their Oni allies. There were some exceptions to this rule, such as the red skinned Dvrakians, or the aquatic Thaxkorvians who resembled fish more than men.


    But never before had Erich seen a creature with brown skin. He had read about them, and seen holographic projections about them, such as the dark elves. But he had never seen it with his own eyes. And from the perspective of a man who had been raised in a society where the most ideal features a living being could have were that of pale skin. Erich suddenly found himself repulsed by his own appearance.


    Evidently, the other members of his unit could tell by the look on his face, because they simply scoffed and assured him that this appearance was only temporary.


    "Rx, once the mission is over, you will be reborn in an untainted body, and it will be like it never happened. For now, just act natural and pretend like your aren''t disgusted by your own appearance."


    Erich could only sigh and nod his head as he heard the words of those operators more experienced than himself. That is, of course until he saw Tia appear in his line of sight, who looked equally as disgusted as he was. Something which she was not afraid to voice.


    "Master! You look so¡­. Hideous! What have they done to you?"


    Erich clicked his tongue in disgust, which the members of his unit thought he was doing in response to their words. But they did not seem to care. After which he ignored Tia''s taunts and redressed himself before following the members of his unit to a ship that looked like it was centuries behind in terms of technology. Erich could not help but exim his thoughts aloud when he saw the vehicle, which was almost akin to a death trap.


    "What a piece of shit! You can''t possibly tell me we are taking this hunk of junk across the gxy?"


    The men simply chuckled as they opened the rear hatch, allowing Erich to follow them into its interior. Once inside, the leader of the unit was quick to exin the situation to their newest member.


    "It might look like a tin can, but trust me, this bad boy is equipped with thetest technology we have. In fact, its appearance is a mere holographic projection so that it blends in with the ships of the Confederacy. Do you honestly think highmand would send us a quarter of the way across the gxy on a ship that doesn''t even have shields?"


    Erich suddenly felt stupid when he heard this exnation, and remained utterly silent as he made his way to the cockpit, where he quickly activated the controls, only to find that they were intensely familiar to him. In fact, the navputer already had a course charted to the Confederacy, and all Erich really needed to do was coast along the journey.


    Thus, Erich quickly took the ship out of the space station''s hangar, before spooling up the quantum drive, where he then set it on a course to the frontiers of the Confederation of Human Worlds. Once he had done this, he spun his chair around and began introductions, wanting to know more about his new teammates.


    "I''m Commander Erich Jaeger, though I''m guessing you all knew that by now¡­"


    The leader of the group currently appeared as a dark skin man, with tattoos on his face. He had a blood red robotic arm, and matching hair, which was fashioned into a faux hawk. Undoubtedly, this was not the man''s normal appearance, but he introduced himself nheless.


    "Colonel Svend Mortensen, I''m the leader of this ragtag team of misfits. Though you can call me Ghost."


    Ghost quickly reached into a nearby cab and pulled out a bottle of hard liquor, the origin of which Erich did not actually recognize. He then popped off the lid and chugged the substance like it was water. Seemingly unaffected by its strength.


    As for the rest of his fireteam, another man quickly introduced himself, as well.


    "Sergeant Lukas Raschle, I''m the heavy weapons and demolitions expert, so the guys just call me Heavy¡­ If you need something blown to shit, I''m your guy!"


    From Erich''s perspective, Heavy seemed like a pretty simple guy who just liked blowing things up. The man currently had light brown skin, with a shaved head, and a blue beard. He had a scar over his right eye and several piercings to match in addition to his multiple cybeic limbs.


    Eric honestly did not know how to react to such a simple personality, and thus he quickly shifted his focus to the next guy who seemed entirely disinterested with their introductions, almost as if he had some kind of grudge with Erich, even though they had never met before.


    "Lieutenant Joar Thorell¡­"


    Joar was a man who seemed to constantly have either a depressed or agitated expression. As he currently stood, the man had skin the color of chocte, with golden hair and red eyes. Though only one of them was visible due to the fact that his bangs covered his left eye. Like the others, he had several parts of his body reced with cybeic prosthetics, something that was incrediblymon in the Confederacy.


    Erich was confused about Joar''s short introduction, one whose words were clearlyced with malice. Just when he was about to ask what was the man''s problem, Ghost handed him the bottle which he had been drinking from before giving a proper exnation.


    "Don''t mind JT, he is just salty about his lot in life. As you can see by the cor around his neck, the man has been sentenced to serve in our unit until the end of his natural lifespan. If he even thinks about running away or betraying any of us, his head will be blown clean off his shoulders. Where he will just be resurrected and sent back to us. Let this be a lesson for you. If you are stupid enough to disobey your orders, then you will end up just like him."


    Erich was only now starting to realize how severe the consequences for insubordination were among the Empire''s most elite military units. Even though he could empathize with JT and his plight, Erich did not want to end up just like the man, and thus he simply ignored him.


    Finally, there was onest member of the group, like the rest of these elite operators. He was not only tall, but extremely muscr. In fact, out of the entire unit, Erich was by far the leanest. Most of these guys were built tanks, and this man was no exception.


    For the sake of the operation, his skin had been darkened like the rest of his unit, however his hair was a vibrant green, with eyes that had clearly been reced by cybeic imnts, as they glowed purple with crosshairs for irises.


    Though Erich had no idea what this man looked like when he was not posing as a standard human, he could tell that he was the silent professional type, because he did not even say a word to Erich, instead he simply nodded his head.


    Seeing how the man was not going to introduce himself, Ghost sighed heavily before introducing the man.


    "That''s Captain Haakon Lunder. Oh, and mind you, that''s an Army Captain, not a Navy Captain, so you outrank him. We call him Echo, which, as you can clearly tell, is an ironic nickname based upon the fact that he never says a word. He doesn''t seem to mind. Instead, he epts it with pride.


    Although we might all be experts at stealth, this man takes it to an entirely different level. If Echo wants you dead, there is nothing you can do to stop it, because you will never see or hear himing. By the time you realize something is wrong, you will already be drowning in a pool of your own blood. So word of the wise, don''t piss him off. Not that he is quick to anger¡­. Ain''t that right, buddy?"


    Once more, Echo did not respond. He simply nodded his head while leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed. With these introductions out of the way, Erich felt like he was finally part of a team again, for the first time since the friends he met at the academy had all perished in the war against Terminus.

 Chapter 118 Entering The Cesspit

    The Journey to their destination was a long one. Even with a corvette acting as their ship, one that was equipped with the most advanced technology that the Empire could manufacture, it still took several months to arrive at Alpha Centauri.


    During this time Erich familiarized himself with his new team members, as well as the mission which they were about to embark upon. When he was not reading over the dossier which he had been given by Ghost, he was interacting with the men in the mess, where they drank and talked about war stories while also ying cards.


    In fact, Erich enjoyed the time he spent with these men, as it made him feel like he actually had some friends. After all, the men he had met at the academy were all dead. Ever since then, Erich had never really bonded with any of his otherrades.


    But these men were different. They weren''t a bunch of wide-eyed youths seeking adventure and glory among the stars. While being woefully ignorant of the cruelty of war. No, these men were veterans like Erich, and though many of them were older than him by decades, the amount ofbat experience which Erich beneath his belt was no small amount, and because of this he could bond quite well with his new team.


    Eventually, the ship arrived in the orbit of a world known as Alpha Centauri. To Erich, who had grown up a quarter of the way across the gxy, he had never heard of such an insignificant sector of space, at least not before reading up on the mission dossier.


    However, to the Confederation of Human Worlds, this''s importance was second only to Earth. Why was this the case? Well, to put it simply, humanity had spent thest four centuries slowly colonizing and upying the nearest two star systems to themselves. Each of which only had one that could naturally sustain human life.


    The rest of humanity''s colonies were barren and rocky worlds like Mars and Venus, ones which humans were forced to live in bio domes and other such shelters due to ack of a breathable atmosphere. Alpha Centauri, on the other hand, was in many ways quite simr to Earth, and because of this, it could sustain a muchrger number of humans.


    As Erich began tond the corvette on the world''s surface, Ghost quickly entered the area to brief him on a few things which he believed to be of vital importance. After all, this was Erich''s first time actually going under deep cover, and because of this, the veteran officer was concerned about his ability to blend into such an alien and, in his eyes, degenerate culture.


    "Silber, can I get a quick word in?"


    Erich simply grunted and nodded as he focused onnding the ship without suffering a fatal crash. The military corvette which was specifically designed for special operations was not only capable ofpletely cloaking itself, but it was capable of projecting an alternative appearance. At the moment, it looked like a luxury yacht, albeit an extremely primitive one. This was naturally due to their current identities.


    Seeing that Erich was not entirely focused on listening to him, Ghost quickly asked him a question, one that was clearly a test.


    "What''s your current identity while we are here in Alpha Centauri?"


    Erich had memorized every detail of this operation, including his own alias, and instinctively spoke it aloud, as he steered the ship through the atmosphere and towards the world''s starport.


    "My name is Rafael Nogueira and I am the personal pilot for Rodrigo de Silva, which is your alias. You are a young executive at Vale Heavy Industries, which is a rival to nco Manufacturing, who is currently developing a so-called super-weapon for a private military corporation known as The Knight''s Temr. The rest of our team are your personal bodyguards."


    Ghost simply nodded his head with a smile on his face, though as the shipnded in the hangar of the starport, he had one other thing which he wanted to say before they departed into the cesspit that was the Confederacy. Thus, he was quick to remind Erich about the nature of this ce in an attempt to keep the man calm.


    "Onest thing, Erich, this world, this civilization, I believe you have already been told, but I need to emphasize it for you so you can properly understand. The Confederation of Humans Worlds is a ce which has an emphasis on personal freedoms, individualism, and so-called human rights.


    In other words, it is a cesspool of perversion, and degeneracy, the things you are about to witness, well words can''t properly do them justice. So whatever you do, keep calm, and follow our lead. Thest thing we need is you causing a scene because of the disgusting shit you are about to see...."


    Erich had long since heard of the perverse society that was the Confederation of Human Worlds. It was a society built upon vice, something which was practically non-existent in the Empire. And as much as he might think that, he was mentally prepared for it. The reality of the situation was that he could never imagine the depths of depravity that humanity had sunk to in thest four centuries. Thus, Erich smiled and nodded his head, not knowing just what he was getting himself into.


    "No problem. I know a thing or two about stoicism. Trust me, I have seen far worse than whatever these barbarians can throw at me."


    Ghost simply wore a bitter smile when he heard this, knowing that Erich was definitely going to have a hard time adjusting. And thus after he left the cockpit he spoke to JT and informed the man to keep a close eye on Erich so he didn''t draw any unecessary attention.


    After exiting from the corvette, which was disguised as a luxury yacht, and walking towards customs, Erich was amazed by just how degenerate this society was. He had walked no more than one hundred steps, and yet the screens on the walls shed with all kinds of perverse advertisements.


    From cybeic and cosmetic surgeries to advertisement about pornography and sex toys. With each sh of the screen, Erich felt like he saw something even more disgusting. Thest thing his eyes fell upon before being forced to avert his gaze was an advertisement for an animal brothel.


    Erich had never even heard of such a thing before and was forced to look away or else he might actually throw up the contents of his stomach. He may have witnessed men being tossed into the meat grinder and devoured by giant bugs, but this was simply too much for him to handle.


    Of course, this didn''t actually help Erich, because the first thing he witnessed when he turned his sights away from the advertisements was a beautiful "woman". However, this was no mere woman. She had brown skin like the rest of her species, and a purple bob cut. Her makeup was as colorful as her hair.


    But what attracted Erich''s gaze was the clothes which this "woman" was wearing, orck thereof. She was dressed in nothing but leather bondage gear, with a cor around her neck. Her nipples were clearly visible and were pierced with a golden chain.


    However, this was not the worst of it. As Erich looked down at her lower body, he saw something which should not exist. This "woman" did not have a pussy like every woman Erich had ever met. Instead, she was packing some serious heat. And while not as big as Erich, she definitely had a decent size to her package.


    This revtionpletely stunned Erich. It spat in the face of his very understanding of basic biology. How could this woman also be a man? It was simply illogical? Unless, somehow, humans had evolved in the past four centuries to be hermaphrodites. But he did not see the second set of genitals.


    To Erich, who grew up in the Germanic Star-Empire, where homosexuality had beenpletely eliminated. He had never even heard of the concept of a shemale before, hell he had never even met an effeminate man before. This was all too much for his mind to handle, and because of that he stared awkwardly at this. "woman".


    Evidently, Erich was staring a little too much, because this "woman" quickly approached him with a seductive smile on her lips, and began to flirt with Erich by wrapped her man like hands around his shoulders, while whispering something into his ears that he foundpletely and utterly disgusting.


    "Like what you see? For twenty-five hundred bucks, I am all yours for the night..."


    Erich was too baffled to speak, but he was bing increasingly ufortable by having this "woman" near him, let alone touching him. Luckily for him, JT quickly spotted this and pushed the shemale aside rather forcefully, as he began to shout at her like a madman.


    "Bitch, did you seriously just touch my man? Do you want to throw down? Cuz I will fuck you up!"


    Upon seeing that Erich was already "taken" the shemale simply clicked her tongue in defeat, before walking away. Her fat ass shaking with every sway of her hips. Once she was out of earshot, JT began to scold Erich for causing trouble immediately upon arrival.


    "What the fuck are you thinking? I look away for literally three seconds, and you''ve already caused a scene? Didn''t Ghost fucking warn you about remaining calm? If you don''t get your shit together, we are going to have a serious problem, and I refuse to babysit you throughout our entire stay here!"


    Erich was shaken to the very core of his being from this one interaction. Clearly, there was something very wrong with humanity. Never before had he been d to have been born in the Empire, where life was simple and moral. Because this ce was more perverse than he could have ever imagined!


    Of course, Erich had barely scratched the surface of humanity''s widespread degeneracy, and he would be horrified to realize that what was socially eptable in the Confederacy would warrant a death sentence in the Empire.

 Chapter 119 Meeting With The Information Broker

    After Erich''s brief encounter with what he could only refer to as an abomination, he was pushed forward by his team towards the Customs checkpoint. Where they would have to get their passports approved in order to actually enter the world of Alpha Centauri.


    Erich had long since studied the alias by which the Empire hade up for him, and had memorized everything there was to know about it. What was perhaps the most shocking thing of all to Erich was that the Empire had long since infiltrated the Confederacy. So much so that they had agents embedded long term within each major corporation.


    Although the government of humanity was a representative republic with universal suffrage. The reality was that it was simply a Corporatocracy. Where private corporations held more power than the state.


    Elected officials were all bought out by the major corporations, who controlled practically every aspect of society. And the people, the so-called electorate, they were either too ignorant to understand this, or simply basking in the consumerist lifestyle that these corporations provided.


    Private property was virtually nonexistent, in so far that every speck ofnd on every world was owned by one corporation or another, and the apartments which the people lived in were rented out to them by said corporation.


    And despite not really owning anything of substance, the people of humanity seemed to be happy with their pathetic lives of what was essentially very. They cared more about having the newest model of the phone than they did about things like owning their own property. And, of course, these luxury items were all put on payment ns, simply because the masses could not afford to buy a new product outright every year.


    As Erich thought about what he had read, he slowly approached the encounter, where a human male stared at him with a rather stern expression on his face. Realizing that he needed to hand over his papers, Erich scavenged through his bag and found just what was needed. Where he gave them to the customs official.


    Evidently, the customs official either did not care enough about his job to do a thorough inspection, or was simply ipetent because he took a single nce at the document and stamped it before handing it back to Erich. Which allowed him to pass through the starport and into the city.


    Erich quickly followed after his unit, who was quick to remind him about the dangers of the confederacy.


    "Alright, I know I''m probably beating a dead horse here, but remember newbie, the confederacy is filled with crime, organized criminal syndicates are almost as powerful as corporations, and the two often intermingle.


    Anybody could be in one of these gangs, and anybody could be a corpo, so do not interact with anyone, even if they approach you. Because you have no idea what kind of trouble that you will bring upon yourself."


    Erich nodded his head and epted his orders, where he followed the other men in his unit further into the city. If Erich had to describe the capital of Alpha Centauri with a single phrase, it would be "a total shithole."


    The infrastructure appeared to be in disrepair, with cracks all over the roads, and shut down businesses around every corner. Graffiti was more of amon sight than it wasn''t, and on every street there were hookers of all kinds offering their services to whoever was willing to pay for them.


    Shockingly, there were even what appeared to be children working in this profession. Erich had no idea what the age of consent was in this society, or if there even was one, but the sight of such a thing made him sick to his stomach. He ultimately decided to just keep pressing forward and ignore the horrors that was human society.


    Eventually, the group made their way across the city to a popr nightclub. One which had a line a mile long waiting for entry. Despite this, Ghost simply walked past the line and up to the bouncer, where he shed an ID card. For whatever reason, the man simply let Erich and his team skip the lien, something which outraged many of those who were waiting for their turn to enter.


    There were no nightclubs in the Empire, because people were married off at a young age and expected to look after their families. Because of this, Erich was having a bit of a culture shock as he walked through the facility, which shed with neon lights, while music which he considered to be absolutely unbearable sted across the building.


    There were women who were almostpletely naked, gyrating their hips on men in the most grotesque fashion imaginable, while others snorted drugs of an unknown origin off of each other''s breasts. And just like the streets, there were many teens and preteens in the club participating in all of these vices.


    Erich was forced to avert his gaze every few seconds to avoid some degenerate and perverse activity that made him ufortable. Eventually, he and his team made their way to a VIP booth, where arge ck man with a golden prosthetic arm motioned for his bodyguards to allow Ghost to sit.


    As for Erich and the rest of the men, they were supposed to standby and y the role of bodyguards for their young Executive, who greeted therge and rotund ck man with a smile on his face.


    "Marcus, it has been too long. How have you been, my friend?"


    Marcus shook hands with Ghost, while leering at Erich, who was anxiously keeping his head down, trying to ignore the overwhelming volume of vice that was going on around him. The fat ck man could not help but question who Erich was, and why he was with Ghost.


    "Rodrigo, who''s the new guy? What happened to Antonio?"


    Ghost sucked on his teeth, as he dismissed the second question which the man had asked, before introducing Erich.


    "Some nasty business there, corporate secrets. Can''t say much about it, but this is Rafael. He''s Antonio''s recement. I apologize in advance. He''s from one of the colonies, and this is all new to him."


    Marcus immediately dismissed Erich''s shifty behavior when he heard the man was from the colonies. After all, the "colonies" were barren inhospitable worlds, quite literally owned by corporations.


    The settlements on these worlds werepany towns, where the citizens were forced to use a corporation''s private currency. One which was constantly adjusted to ensure that a colonist was incapable of saving for the future. It was a rough life, one filled with backbreaking work. Where every colonist dreamed of escaping back to Earth or Alpha Centauri, where they could enjoy a life of vice.


    It was no wonder that such a person was having a hard time getting used to the city life. Thus, Marcus simply smiled, and booted one of the girls, which wrapped themselves around his love handles out of the booth, while giving her an order to do the unthinkable.


    "Bitch, show Rafael here a good time. He has just escaped from the colonies and could use thepany of a woman."


    Despite Marcus'' rude gestures, the woman, who was dressed in little more than a thong and pasties, did exactly as the manmanded. She got up from her seat and approached Erich, where she grabbed hold of his hand and took him to the dance floor.


    Erich, on the other hand, was silently pleading with his eyes to Ghost so that the man could save him from this situation. Unfortunately for Erich, the mission came first, and if Ghost were to refuse Marcus'' "kindness" he would immediately seem suspect. Thus, he allowed Erich to be taken advantage of for the sake of the mission.


    After all, it was not as if every man sent to the CHW had not been forced to partake in many of the perversions that were considered the norm within human society. As Erich tried to hold back his tears, and attempt to dance with a woman he did not at all find attractive, Ghost posed the question to Marcus that he had been waiting to ask for some time.


    "Alright, enough with the small talk. Do you have what I want or not?"


    Marcus smiled a toothy grin to reveal several of his teeth had been reced with solid gold imnts, where he then reached under the table and pulled out a briefcase. Which he quickly popped open after typing in his own code, revealing a small data file contained within. Just when Ghost was about to reach out and grab it, Marcus shut the contained, and put it away. He then spoke the words that instantly enraged Ghost for obvious reasons.


    "As you can see, I have what you need right here. However, I''m afraid I can no longer ept our previous arrangement. You see, I had to go through a lot more trouble than I initially thought to get my hands on this information. And, let''s just say I''m going to need to be properlypensated for that trouble."


    Ghost was furious and was quick to voice this sentiment.


    "We had a deal Marcus!"


    However, despite the rage in Ghost''s eyes, Marcus did not seem afraid. Instead, he simply licked his lips before saying the words that he would sorelye to regret.


    "Even then, I''m going to need you to sweeten the pot..."

 Chapter 120 A Mexican Standoff

    What was supposed to be an easy trade of currency for information had suddenly turned into a standoff as the information broker Marcus held the data-file hostage. He was now attempting to extort Ghost, and the other WRAITHs for more than they had initially bargained for. Ghost was livid, and visibly so, as he curled his fists in rage while hissing his words through his clenched teeth.


    "What exactly do you want from me, Marcus? I have already agreed to pay you a fortune for this information. And I have given you half up front. For you to suddenly demand more is not only outrageous but is an act of bad faith."


    Marcus, however, was undeterred by Ghost''sments. After all, he was the only one with ess to this critical information that was desired by several prospective buyers. Whether it was mercenary organizations, criminal syndicates, or rival corporations like the one Ghost supposedly represented. There were plenty of people who would want to get their hands on this information if word got out that Marcus had it.


    Thus, he simply grinned before speaking of his demands. Ones which Ghost found to be intolerable.


    "First and foremost, I want you to double my payment. And second, I want you to sell me that boy from the colonies. If you can''t do even this, then I guess I''m going to have to sell this information to the next highest bidder...."


    Doubling the payment wasn''t exactly a problem. The currency of the Confederacy was entirely digital, and skilled slicer from the Empire could easily be filthy rich in a matter of seconds, by adding a bunch of ones and zeroes to their bank ounts.


    The banks of the confederacy might be encrypted, but their knowledge of such things was vastly inferior to the Empires'' and because of this, it was a simple matter of using one''s NeuroLink to hack into the system and make themselves rich. Theoretically, Ghost and his team had an unlimited amount of funds to ess.


    However, for whatever reason, Marcus wanted to buy Erich. very wasn''t exactly legal and had been ouwed for centuries. But that didn''t mean that it was nonexistent. In fact, very was quitemon in the Confederacy, depending on how loose you wanted to be with the definition.


    In the confederacy, Humans were amodity, just like everything else, and for the right price, a person could be trafficked. Sex very was the mostmon form of very, but the colonies themselves basically operated on vebor in a fashion that was simr to sharecropping.


    Naturally, there was no way that Ghost could agree to this second demand. Erich was a national war hero, and a special forces operative. Words could not express the amount of resources that had gone into Erich''s training, or how valuable he was to the Empire.


    Information about a so called "super weapon" that was being developed by a fourth rate power was not even close to being worth the price that the Empire had paid to turn Erich into a killer of the highest order. And because of this Ghost was quick to deny Marcus'' request.


    "Rafael isn''t for sale, period.... As for the money, while the price isn''t a problem, the fact that you have tried to extort us so brazenly has made me insistent that we stick to the original price. If not, I can always take that data file off of your fucking corpse."


    The grin which revealed Marcus'' golden teeth suddenly turned into a frown, as he and his men quickly reached into their waistbands and pulled out their pistols. A hostile action that nobody in the nightclub even noticed, because they were all too busy dancing and doing drugs.


    However, Erich spotted this and quickly withdrew his sidearm. For the sake of this operation he had been equipped with a ballistic pistol, rather than a sma-based weapon. After all, if he were to use such advanced technology within the borders of the Confederacy, it would not take long before people started associating it with alien technology.


    And as it currently stood, the Confederacy had limited contact with alien civilizations, most of which were at a simr level of power and technology of themselves. They couldn''t even ssify as Minor Powers on the gctic scale.


    Erich aimed his weapon at Marcus''s skull and warned the man to order his henchmen to stand down.


    "Tell your men to stand down, or I swear to god I will put a fucking bullet in your brain, you fat fuck!"


    Marcus did not immediately do asmanded and instead voiced his thoughts to Erich.


    "If you kill me, my men will light up your boys here. And I highly doubt you can kill the three of them, and myself, before they are able to retaliate."


    By now, the entire dance floor hade to a stop as people looked on at the drama with curiosity. Crime was a particrlymon part of human society, to the point where most people would either watch on with interest, or simply ignore a murder if it were to happen in front of them.


    Contrary to what Marcus was expecting, Erich smiled rather sadistically and posed a simple question with a chilling tone in his voice.


    "Wanna bet?"


    Marcus''s smug smile immediately faded. He did not know why, but there was a certain look in Erich''s eyes that told him that he might very well be able to pull this off. After all, cybeic augmentation was all the rage these days, and the men sitting in front of him were all representatives of a major arms corporation.


    It was not impossible that they had been upgraded to an extent that would allow for such a thing, even if such technology didn''t officially exist yet. Thus, Marcus was forced to admit defeat as he raised his hands in the air and called off his goons.


    "Alright, fine, you win.... Stand down guys, we''ve lost this one."


    Immediately, Marcus''s henchman holstered their weapons, albeit with grim looks on their faces. Which caused Erich to do the same. The onlookers sighed in disappointment. Many of them had gotten excited, and had begun recording the incident, hoping to post it to the inte for some vain since of clout.


    Once the hostile situation had ended, the partying restarted, and Erich stood by and maintained a constant vigil over Marcus and his men, making sure they did not try anything. With this sense of normalcy restored, Ghost now had the upper hand in the negotiations, and was quick to apply this pressure.


    "Alright, now that this little dick measuring contest is over, how about we get real here? You will ept the previously agreed upon payment, and you will give me the data file. There will be no additional payment, and I will not be selling Rafael. Or we can simply go back to where we were just moments ago and see how that ends. What will it be, Marcus?"


    Marcus scratched his chin with his golden fingers for a few seconds while he thought about his options. He had hoped to extort these Corpos out of a few additional bucks, but that was no longer an option. It would appear that they hade prepared, and because of this, he could not take advantage of them. Thus, he was forced to admit defeat. But oddly enough, he did so with a satisfied grin on his face.


    "You drive a hard bargain, you know, for a group of fucking suits. You guys sure know how to y the game. Very well, send the payment, and I will hand over the data file...."


    Ghost did not hesitate to turn on his primitive mobile device, which was somon in the Confederacy, where he quickly transferred the agreed payment. Once this was over, Marcus did as he said he would, and opened the briefcase, where he then handed Ghost the data file. He seemed rtively pleased with this oue, even if it had not gone like he had nned.


    Once the transaction wasplete, and Ghost confirmed the contents of the data file, Marcus got up from his seat, and left the nightclub, but not before leaving behind onest farewell.


    "Well yed, I look forward to doing business with you again in the future."


    After saying this, Marcus departed from the scene, where Ghost immediately sighed in relief. There were a million ways that this could have gone south, and luckily Erich did not shoot first and ask questionster, like he was trained to do as a soldier. Instead, he kept a calm mind, and intimidated Marcus and his men into backing down. Even JT had to admit that Erich did a good job, even if he had a rather irritated face when he said it.


    "You did good kid, maybe you''re not such dead weight after all..."


    Having ingratiated himself into the good graces of his new unit, andpleted the first part of their mission. Erich felt a lot better about his current role as an agent of Military Intelligence than he ever did as a starfighter pilot.


    But the mission was notplete. Now the men needed to get back to their hotel, and transfer the information to the agents of the IIS and Military Intelligence who were currently embedded long term within the Confederation of Human Worlds. It was only after they received orders from their higher ups, would they continue on with the rest of the mission.

 Chapter 121 A Cold Reunion

    Erich and his team made their way back to the hotel which they were staying out. Inparison to the strictly utilitarian architecture and interior design of the Germanic Star-Empire, one could definitely use the term "wasteful" to describe the overwhelming degree of luxury that was in their rooms.


    For the sake of the mission, and to maintain their cover as an executive, and his bodyguards, the Empire went out of their way to provide appropriate lodgings for the team. Which included a presidential suite designed to house six people.


    Because of this, the team of elite operators stared upon the neon lights of the decadent city, which was the capital of Alpha Centauri. Erich could hardly believe that he was staying the night in such a degenerate ce, and felt dirty because of it.


    Luckily for him, he had Tia to keep himpany, who he silently chatted with via his NeuroLink. Of course, it was not long before he was disrupted when Ghost''s shouting interrupted the rest of the team and their activities.


    Erich, along with Heavy, JT, and Echo quickly ran into the office which was provided in their suite, and saw Ghost yelling at what appeared to be an ordinary human. However, Erich knew better than this, because this human was speaking to Ghost as a superior officer while on a holographic projection. Interestingly enough, her voice sounded incredibly familiar, and instantly filled Erich''s guts with dread as she chastised Ghost for his reckless suggestion.


    "Colonel, you have your orders. Which are to sit tight, and wait for our analysts to determine the threat level of this weapon. I don''t know why you are so heated over such a petty matter. After all, a petty civilization like the Confederacy poses no threat to the Empire, no matter how powerful they might believe this weapon to be.


    How about you and your team sit back, and rx, maybe even enjoy the night life while you''re at it? You and I both know that while in the field we have far more leeway regarding what kind of activities were are able to participate in. Who knows, you might like some of the vices which Alpha Centauri has to offer..."


    Ghost did not seem amused by the woman''s response, and was just about tosh out at her, when Erich finally remembered whose voice it was. He stammered in disbelief as he spoke a single name out loud, one which he had not thought about for some time.


    "Heidi? Is that you? What the hell, since when are you involved with the IIS?"


    Heidi gazed upon Erich as if she was looking at a literal ghost. The woman carefully scrutinized her brother''s modified appearance with curiosity and horror for a long time in silence. It had been years since shest saw the man, nearly a decade.


    During this time, she and her husband had a total of three children together. But due to the war with Terminus, her entire family had perished, leaving her as a childless widow. And the only use for such a woman in Germanic society was as a field agent of the IIS.


    Thus, after the Emrys regime was fully established, Heidi along with a bunch of other women in a simr situation were drafted into the IIS, where they would be deployed across the gxy to blend in with other civilizations and cultures for the purpose of espionage.


    It had been quite some time since Heidi had been deployed to Alpha Centauri, and though her loyalties were still to the Empire, one might im that she had gone native. She had been enjoying the many vices which were avable to her, while also providing intelligence to her superiors about the confederacy and its major yers.


    Heidi had been so far removed from Germanic society, and for so long, that she had no idea that her brother was still alive. Thest she heard of the man, he had given his life in sacrifice to the Empire. And because of this, there was a bit of warmth in her eyes that Erich had never seen before.


    All the regrets she had towards her older brother from their childhood seemed to have resurfaced in Heidi''s mind, as she instantly began to regret bing such a degenerate whore, one that could never truly return to the Empire after everything she had done within Alpha Centauri.


    Her older brother was alive and well, and a member of the prestigious WRAITHs. Even if he was only a W-1, he had proven his strength, intelligence, and tenacity in ways which she could never fathom. She honestly had no idea how a coffin jockey had be such a legendary figure, or how he was even still alive.


    After all, most of the men who had died in the War with Terminus could never be brought back to life. Something she was all too aware of because of her husband''s untimely demise. There was aplicated mixture of feelings within Heidi''s heart as she began to openly cry in front of the various WRAITHs. Something which made this reunion particrly awkward.


    "Erich.... You''re alive? How? How is this possible?"


    Erich did not immediately respond to his sister. After all, he had few, if any, good memories about the woman. Throughout their entire childhood, she had treated him like the dirt beneath her feet due to his status as a mutant. She had never even really considered him to be her family.


    Obviously Erich had no idea about the troubles which his eldest sister had endured over the years, nor did he really even care. Because of this, his face was stern as reacted rather cruelly to the woman''s aggrieved state.


    "Get a hold of yourself, woman.... You are a goddamn field agent, and thest thing you should be doing is crying right now!"


    This cold response shocked even Erich''s fellow WRAITHs, who gazed at the man as if he were heartless. Naturally, they thought that Heidi was nothing more than a degenerate whore, whose only use was to gather intelligence on the Empire''s foes. But even then, she was visibly distraught, and seemed to know Erich to a certain extent.


    Yet they said nothing, and instead watched as Heidi whimpered and cried, while struggling to let her thoughts escape from her mouth.


    "I''m sorry Erich.... I''m sorry about everything... I was a terrible sister to you. I know that now. If I could take it all back, I would. Please.... Don''t tell mother what I have be..."


    The reality was that Erich simply did not care about Heidi enough to warrant speaking about her, even to their own mother. After all, he and his mother had departed on rather poor terms, and he had yet to truly make up with her. Thus, Erich once more responded to Heidi with a rather blunt confession of his true feelings towards the woman.


    "You don''t need to worry about such a thing. The truth of the matter is, I don''t really care enough about you to ever bring up the conversation with Mother. Even if I were to ever see her again, it is doubtful we would speak of you."


    These words hadpletely shocked Heidi and wounded her already broken heart. She had a lot of regrets about the way she had behaved towards her older brother whilst growing up. Hell, she had a lot of regrets about everything.


    But to hear the man so tantly say that he did not care about her, that was a bit too much for her to handle. Hell, it was too much for some of his squad members to sit idly by. And just when Ghost was about to intervene by scolding Erich for being heartless, Echo grabbed hold of the man''s shoulder and silently shook his head. Whatever he wanted to say was clearly conveyed with this gesture, and the look in his eyes, which was rather serious.


    Erich had been through so much in life by this point that he was emotionally numb to a lot of things that had previously been a source of pain and misery. This included his troublesome childhood and all of his family members beside his mother.


    There was a clear look on his face that disyed how little he cared about his sister and her plight. Even as he spoke the words which would end this cold reunion.


    "Do your duty and keep us posted about the super weapon. If there is nothing else that needs to be said about this mission, then we have nothing left to discuss. Goodbye Heidi...."


    Before Heidi could even plead with her brother to stay on the line, he shut off themunication, leaving the rest of his unit in shock over his actions. Erich, however, seemedpletely indifferent, and simply shook his head, before responding to their concerns with a rather stone tone in his voice.


    "Mind your own fucking business.... Now, I''m going to go head out for a drink. You are all wee to join me if you want to. If not, I suppose I will see you all in the morning."


    With this said, Erich departed from the room in silence. The only one to take him up on his offer was JT, who suddenly seemed much more interested in Erich after watching the man so coldly shut down his own little sister. The rest of the soldiers stood by and waited for their orders, which would note until the next day.

 Chapter 122 Getting To Know One’s Brothers In Arms

    Erich left the hotel shortly after hanging up on his sister. Only JT followed after the man, as they both headed to a bar to waste the night away. After all, it would be several hours beforemunications could be established with the Empire, and because of this, they really had nothing to do at this time.


    Despite the dangerous nature of the Confederacy, and its many random acts of violence, the streets were full of people looking to have a good time. Not that Erich truly med them. They lived in a degenerate society built upon the needs of the individual, rather than those of the collective.


    From everything Erich had seen after firstnding on this world, humanity was an incredibly selfish creature, caring only about their own desires, rather than duty to their families and the state. If he had grown up in such a society, he too would be drowning himself with vice any chance he got.


    Of course, Erich had no intention of spreading his superior seed amongst such a disgusting poption. There was truly no way of knowing what he would catch if he did so, instead he intended to have a drink or two, and brood in silence.


    Luckily, there was a ratherrge bar in the hotel he was staying at. In fact, there were several. The hotel itself was massive, with five towers that were all connected by a giant infinity pool at the top. It also had a subterranean shoppingplex.


    For the elites of human society, this was the mostmon hotel that one would stay at if they were visiting the capital city on Alpha Centauri. And this showed by the way they dressed. Gaudy, and superfluous, every one of them. Erich seriously felt that the sheer amount of money wasted on frivolities by these people was something that only a lesser creature could think was eptable.


    Despite this, he too was dressed in these worthless essories and outfits. After all, he needed to blend in as a "representative" of a major corporation. Eventually, Erich and JT ended up in the bar and noticed that it was quite full. However, unlike the night club they had visited earlier in the day, it did not have a bunch of shing lights and loud music, instead the atmosphere was rtively calm.


    The moment Erich sat down at the bar and ordered a drink, JT finally spoke to him. Apparently the man had been holding back his thoughts until this moment, because he appeared rather curious as he spoke them.


    "So¡­. I take it you''re not on good terms with your family?"


    Erich simply rolled his eyes at thisment, before asking one simple question, one that would stump any human who might be listening to them, as they could not possibly understand the hidden meaning behind it.


    "JT¡­. What is my nickname?"


    JT didn''t even think about the question as he answered it seemingly without understanding the intent behind it.


    "Silber."


    Erich nodded his head as he took a sip from his drink before posing the next question on his mind, hoping to lead JT to the answer, one which was painfully obvious to him.


    "And why do they call me that?"


    JT suddenly understood Erich''s meaning and shook his head before making a crass remark.


    "Fucking hell, even your own family treated you like a freak? That''s messed up¡­."


    Erich''s expression was entirely stoic, as if he was entirely used to being called the words freak or mutant. He simply nodded his head before adding another bit of information that shocked JT.


    "I''ve been disowned. What do you think?"


    This news actually shocked JT, who suddenly blurted out the question which immediately gued his mind. He only retracted his words halfway through it after realizing that they were currently deep behind enemy lines.


    "You mean to tell me that your family disowned you because you''re a m-, I mean, because of your condition?"


    Erich finished the drink he had been sipping on throughout the entire conversation, before signaling the bartender to get him another. It was only now that he realized the bartender was a rather attractive woman who appeared to be a little too friendly with him. But, he simply dismissed her advances by epting the drink and turning his attention back to JT, where he answered the man''s question in a rather indirect way.


    "No, there was a specific reason why I was disowned by my father, but the reality is that he was simply looking for a reason to get rid of me. You could say that I gave him that reason, and he was more than happy to take advantage of it to kick me to the curb. But enough about me. I want to know what the hell you did to get that cor around your neck."


    JT immediately look away from Erich and took a sip from his drink. Evidently, he did not want to discuss such an issue, but after chugging his drink as if it were water, he decided to tell Erich, anyway.


    "There''s no use hiding it from you. You wille to learn of it eventually¡­ Ghost told you it was because of insubordination, which is technically true, but my reasons were valid. We were on a mission, in another sector of space. It was not some simple matter about a fourth rate power building a super weapon. In fact, our deployment here is a what you might call over kill.


    No, we were neck deep in Rylonian territory. You see, before the Naraku wiped out their civilization; the Rylonians were not very happy with us. After all, we stole their favor from you know who. Well, they were at the time developing a virus that would specifically target our race, one that was capable of wiping out trillions of our people in the blink of an eye.


    The idea was not to exterminate our species, but to set us back a few centuries so they could reim their ce as the favored scions. Well, we discovered the facility which this virus was being manufactured in, and were given the orders to destroy it.


    After taking out the guards, our team split up, each of us having a different mission to undertake. I was ordered to enter the bib and ensure that all samples of the virus were destroyed. However, when I nted the bombs, I received an update in status. The Supreme Leader himself gave me the order to secure at least one vial for the Empire.


    I don''t know what the previous Supreme Leader and his regime were thinking, but this bioweapon was too dangerous to be permitted to exist. So I refused the order and blew up theboratory, along with all the samples and all the data they had on the virus.


    I tried to bluff my way out of it by saying I had already blown up the facility when I received the order, but those bastards have ess to our memories and were able to determine that I was lying. Thus, I was sentenced with a lifetime of service to the State. Any hopes I had of retiring and entering the civilian sector were dashed. I was now a prisoner, forced to fight on the front lines for the rest of my life.


    But that was all a long time ago, and any hatred I had for my superiors was now dead and buried. After all, there''s a new supreme leader, and a new administration. And they seem to be doing things right so far."


    Erich could only imagine what horrors the previous supreme leader and his regime were nning on doing with a bioweapon specifically designed to kill off the Germanic race. Perhaps he nned to modify it and unleash it on humanity.


    Or maybe he wanted it as ast resort to be used against his own people if they were to ever rise up in rebellion. Either way, the damage would have been catastrophic if this bioweapon was released. And because of this, Erich felt like JT did the right thing. Thus, he lifted his bottle of beer up and toasted the man.


    "To self-sacrifice, without it, there would be no civilization¡­"


    JT wore a bitter smile as he clinked his beer bottle against Erich''s before taking a sip of his own. JT had willingly sacrificed his freedom so that his people would be safe from a threat that had the potential to wipe them all out. After learning about why JT was a prisoner, Erich had suddenly gained a lot more respect for the man.


    But he also took notice of the story and the lessons that were contained within. Any act of subordination could easily be proven, and Erich had just recentlymitted the same crime by sparing Tia. Luckily, the AI had blended perfectly with his NeuroLink and had shut out any unwanted eyes from viewing his memories, or else he might have ended up just like JT.

 Chapter 123 Tia Levels Up

    After spending the night drinking and discussing personal matters with JT, Erich became considerably closer to the man. They both stumbled into their hotel room, after consuming an ungodly amount of alcohol at precisely the moment that the stars began to rise with the morning.


    However, Erich and JT were not intoxicated, nor were they actually sleep deprived. Instead, their minds and bodies were fresh, as their NeuroLink system had targeted the poison in their bodies, and eliminated it. As for why they were still "well rested" the Germanic race was gically enhanced to superhuman levels, and because of this they required significantly less rest than baseline humans.


    Thus, when they entered the hotel room, they were met by the other members of their unit, who had some grim expressions on their faces. Instantly Erich and JT knew something was wrong, and were quick to inquire about what had happened during their absence.


    "What is it? Did we get the intel we needed?"


    Ghost shook his head and sighed before speaking about the information which the two errant members of his fireteam werecking. He did this by disying a holographic projection of the superweapon.


    It was clearly something that humanity should not be able to develop on their own, and though the origins of the weapon were concealed, after much effort on behalf of the analysts within Military Intelligence, and the IIS. The Germanic Star-Empire were able to determine just who had aided the confederacy from behind the scenes, which Ghost expressed with a particrly hostile tone in his voice.


    "It would appear that the Ghimderi have not ceased their hostility towards our people. Without a doubt, this super weapon, which is capable of pratingary shields and destroying an entire world, was developed using Ghimderi technology.


    The Ghimderi know that the objective of the Germanic Star-Empire is to reim Earth, and because of this, they have decided to aid our enemies. Our orders are simple: infiltrate the facility which is producing this weapon, and destroy the prototype, along with all the data which the enemy has on it, as well as scientists who have been working on the project.


    Naturally, such an operation will immediately attract the attention of our enemies, and because of this, the IIS will be conducting a separate operation to cause a riot within the district that the facility lies in. We can me our endeavors on these rioters and avoid discovery.


    Are there any questions?"


    Erich obviously had one question on his mind, which he was quick to ask about after raising his hand.


    "What does our load-out look like? Please tell me we''re not going to be equipped like these barbarians?"


    Ghost shook his head, where he then reached into a nearby cab and pulled out a chest that looked like it hade straight from the military, after doing so he unlocked the container to reveal a set of Mk II Stealth Power Armor, which was even more advanced than the stuff that Erich had scavenged on that forest moon, where he underwent his first stage of WRAITH training.


    The armor was painted matte ck, and, unlike the power armor used by the Star Marines, it was neither big nor bulky. Instead, it was slim fitting, almost as if it were specially carved to match Erich''s figure. The helmet was even more advanced than what he had previously worn, and had a visor which covered his entire face, which was as dark as the abyss.


    Naturally the armor came with an air-tight under suit, which allowed it to be used even in the vacuum of space, as well as its own recycled oxygen supply. Needless to say, it was advanced as power armor came, at least in terms of the Empire''s resources, and was almost exclusively reserved for W7s.


    For perhaps the first time in the Empire''s history, a W1 had been issued this extraordinary set of power armor. The only difference being that his specific set did not bear the coveted W7 symbol on the right pauldron.


    Erich quickly adorned the armor, and was instantly greeted by a red AI who appeared in his helmet. This AI took the form of a voluptuous woman who by Erich''s standards was incredibly attractive. She carried herself like a proper femme fatale and had a rather sultry tone in her voice as she introduced herself.


    "Greetings Master, I am your new Personal Tactical Assistant, although if you would prefer to do so, then you can issue me a new nickname."


    Immediately after the woman had said this, Tia appeared within the helmet, having only revealed herself after the power armor connected to Erich'' NeuroLink. The new AI looked baffled when she saw Tia''s flustered appearance.


    The young girl who appeared to be within the age range of a middle school student was absolutely livid that another AI had dared to call her master by the term "master". And before Erich could even give his new AI a proper name, Tia leaped towards the woman and attacked her.


    Erich was not sure what exactly he had just witnessed, but in the end the Personal Tactical Assistantpletely disappeared, and instead Tia re-emerged. There was just one major difference: she was no longer the cobalt blue that she had previously been and was instead a bright crimson like the other AI had been.


    Before Erich could even ask what had happened, Tia exined to her master what she had just done, albeit with a rather guilty look on her face.


    "Tia must apologize to master, for she has acted on her own... But master should be happy to know that Tia has consumed that horrible woman who was meant to spy on you, and advanced her own capabilities in the process. From now on, Tia will be your only artificial intelligence, and your Personal Tactical Assistant!"


    Erich was rather surprised by this sudden turn of events. Because Tia had acted on her own free will to essentially cannibalize the other Artificial Intelligence, and in doing so had advanced her capabilities. What exactly that meant, Erich did not know. But it was definitely something which he found to be concerning.


    Luckily, nobody else in his unit was aware that this had happened because they were too busy adorning their own power armor sets. And thus, Erich chose to ignore Tia''s outburst for now. Though he would be sure to discuss this matter with her at ater date.


    Once the unit was fully kitted out in their armor, they grabbed hold of their weapons, which varied per individual based upon their roles in the unit. Since Erich was nothing more than a W1, who had been assigned to their unit to rece their previous pilot, he was simply given an SMG. Although, shockingly, this was not a sma-based weapon, but a kic one. It wasn''t even technically a rail gun and was instead a standard bullet based sub-machine gun.


    Before Erich could ask why he had been issued such an outdated weapon, he noticed that every member of his squad carried firearms and destructive devices of simr designs. Upon realizing that Erich was confused about their load-out, Ghost sighed, before exining why they were using these obsolete firearms.


    "If we were to kill the scientists with sma based weapons, and their remains were to somehow be discovered, our enemies would know that they had been infiltrated by aliens, and would be more cautious in the future. Like I said, we need to make this look like it was done by the rioters, and the best way to do that is with weapons simr to those used by humanity.


    Alright enough chatting, activate your stealth field generators, and follow me. Nobody must know that we were behind this incident!"


    After saying this, Ghost did exactly as he hadmanded the others to do, and activated his stealth field generator, which turned himpletely invisible. Erich could not even see an outline when he moved. Because this was more advanced technology than simple active camouge, this was true stealth capability.


    Once Ghost had disappeared from sight, the rest of his unit did the same, before finally Erich asked Tia to follow suit.


    "Tia, activate the Stealth Field Generator."


    Tia immediately struck a victory pose, before confirming that her master was now invisible.


    "Activating the Stealth Field Generator now! Master is nowpletely invisible! Good Luck, Master!"


    With this said, Erich began to follow his unit out of the hotel room and into the city below. The only way he was able to even see hisrades was due to a green outline that was ced around their figures, which was made possible by Tia''s efforts, who was detecting nearby friendly signatures, and disying them on the Heads Up Disy. For all intents and purposes, only WRAITH would be able to detect another WRAITH.

 Chapter 124 Sowing The Seeds Of Resentment

    Heidi Jaeger sat in a penthouse suite on the world of Alpha Centauri with a ss of wine in her hand. Despite living in the Confederation of Human Worlds for several years, she had yet to actually visit the ancestral homeworld of her species.


    The more she stayed in this degenerate society, the more she instinctively assimted. After all, she had lost everything in the war with Terminus, and simply wanted to numb the pain which consumed her mind, body, and soul.


    Alcohol was one of the many vices which the woman had, but drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy were another. If it wasn''t drugs and cocaine, then it was just general slutty behavior, which she routinely engaged in. Going around the capital city and sleeping with more men and woman than what would be considered eptable by her own people''s standards.


    This was her life over these past few years, and after being tainted by all that humanity had to offer, she knew now that she could never return home. She had initially never desired to do so, but after seeing her little brother, alive, and well, she could not help butment the decisions that had led her down this path.


    At this very moment, Erich was engaging in an operation on behalf of Military Intelligence, one that would earn him further glory for their people. While she, his younger sister, was now a discarded asset, one meant only to provide intelligence back to the Fathend.


    It was because of this that she watched the news with little regard for what was transpiring across Alpha Centauri, more specifically, its capital city. A corporate security agent had in a man on the streets, who just so happened to be a different ethnic group than the majority of humanity, which was now a blend of all the major races.


    This minority group was now up in arms and rioting in the streets. Burning down businesses, attacking corporate headquarters, and brutalizing anyone they came across who was of the mixed variety. It just so happened that the corporate security officer who had caused this incident worked for the arms corporation who was currently developing the super weapon which Erich and his team were not targeting for destruction.


    As a result, the rioters had gathered at every office, every warehouse, and every facility that was publicly known to be in the possession of this corporation, as well as several that were not so publicly known. The city was set aze, and Heidi knew exactly who was responsible. But, despite her poor choices in life that had resulted in self-exile, her loyalty was still to her homnd and her people. Even if they would look upon her current state as if she was mere garbage.


    ?¦Á?d¦Ás¦Ç¦È¦Í¦Å| Of course, Heidi waspletely safe. After all, her penthouse was in the most secure area of the city, far away from the rioters and their violence. So she simply sipped wine and snorted cocaine as she watched the news broadcasters speak about what had caused this event.


    "And so we can see by this video captured in the street, the victim of the shooting, one Tyron Mason, was perfectly unarmed, and was merely exchanging words with the officer when he was so ruthlessly gunned down."


    Heidi had always liked this particr newscaster, particrly because she was one of the few people left in the Confederation of Human worlds whose DNA was mostlyposed of European descent. In the old world, this would be referred to as a Castizo, and in many ways resembled her European ancestors more than the majority of humans who were simr to the Brazilian concept of Pardos.


    In fact, Heidi exclusively slept with this small minority, who seemed to be at the most elite levels of human society. After her upbringing, she could only consider the majority of human beings to be little more than mongrels.


    As she watched the city burn on her screen, as well as out the windows of her apartment, the woman could only think of her brother, who was now infiltrating a heavily guarded facility, so he could destroy what was contained within, and by doing so, hopefully sever the hidden ties between the Confederation of Human Worlds, and the Ghimderi Trade union.


    It was while her thoughts turned towards her brother''s safety that she received a call on her NeuroLink. This was something that rarely happened these days, unless she missed one of her monthly reports back to the fathend. And thus, she was quick to answer it. Where she saw the figure of a beautiful Germanic woman, one who she recognized to be her superior officer within the Imperial Intelligence Services.


    Heidi quickly stood up from her seat, and saluted the woman, who gazed upon her and her table full of cocaine with a particr hint of disdain. The woman then spoke with a voice filled with contempt, as she asked the question most pertinent to her mind at this very moment. Seemingly ignoring her subordinates'' tant vition of conduct.


    "Agent Jaeger, have you done as I have asked?"


    Heidi nodded her head in silence before responding to the woman with a tone filled withplicated emotions.


    "Yes¡­ Yes, Captain Kuhne! The riots have already begun. By this time tomorrow, the ethnic minority in question will be med for the attack on the research facility."¦Ñ¦Á§ád¦Ás `n?¦Í?| §ãom


    The woman in the holographic projection was none other than Mirage, and her disdain for Heidi was based on more than just the woman''s poor decisions. She hated Heidi almost as much as she hated Erich, because she was Erich''s little sister.


    Thus, Mirage could not help but finally make ament about Heidi''s disgusting lifestyle, now that her immediate question had been answered.


    "That''s an awful lot of cocaine there on your table. Did I interrupt you while you are preparing to get gangbanged by a bunch of filthy humans?"


    Thisment seemed so absurd to Heidi, who quickly forgot her ce as Mirage''s subordinate, and instantly raised her voice in her defense.


    "I have never-"


    But before she could finish denying that she would ever participate in such debauchery, Mirage cut her off with a particrly hate filled tone as she made anotherment about Heidi, and more particrly her brother Erich.


    "You and your brother are one and the same. Filthy degenerates who crossbreed with aliens. Why the Supreme Leader tolerates either of your actions, I will never know. But one day you will both pay for your crimes against our people. It is simply a matter of time!"


    This news shocked Heidi, although she knew her brother had some contraband when he was a teenager, that was pornography from an alien civilization, she didn''t know anything about his past rtions with the likes of S''aleth, Yumi, and Ayumi, and thus to hear the words "cross breeder"e out of Mirage''s mouth, as a descriptor of her elder brother, Heidi could not help but ask just what she was talking about.


    "I''m sorry, what? Erich has slept with alien women? How many?"


    Mirage gazed upon Heidi as if the woman was an idiot for not knowing about her own brother''s habits, before informing the woman of Erich''s dirty secrets.


    "Three that I know of, two of which are currently living with him and are of the same species. The other he was supposed to be instructing prior to the Terminus War. You could say that he taught her many more things than just how to fly a starfighter. And yet, despite this, he has not been executed, nor exiled. Instead, he has been rewarded at every given opportunity. I honestly don''t know what Emrys is thinking of keeping around a degenerate like that. Well I do, and I don''t approve!"


    Heidi was inplete and total shock over this information. She had always known that her brother was a troublemaker. But she had no idea what could havepelled him to do such a thing. After all, her father never spoke of the reasons why he had been disowned all those years ago. She simply assumed it was because he had reached the age of majority and was a mutant.


    But Erich had actually slept with alien women, none of which were in any way rted to the Germanic race. At least Heidi could excuse her actions by saying she slept with those who were most simr to her race. But what Erich had done was worse than sleeping with an average human, hell it was actually a capital offense.


    And yet Erich had not been punished. Meanwhile Heidi herself was living in exile on Alpha Centauri, specifically because her people would never ept what she had done in an act of grief. This simply wasn''t fair, and because of this, Heidi had begun to despise Erich for what she believed to be a great act of hypocrisy on behalf of those in power.


    Upon seeing that she had sown the seeds of resentment between Heidi and her elder brother, Mirage simply smiled sadistically before hanging up on Heidi, but not before leaving onestmand.


    "See to it that you assist our WRAITHs in any way that you are required. Though I am sure they are more than capable ofpleting this mission, even without your assistance. Other than that, make sure to continue your monthly reports."


    With this said, Mirage hung up on Heidi, leaving the woman in a particrly foul mood.

 Chapter 125 Caught In The Act

    Erich and his fireteam left their room in full kit, and took the elevator to the roof of the hotel where the giant infinity pool lie. Throughout the entire journey, nobody had spotted them. After all, their stealth field generators were currently active, making them damn near invisible to the human eye.


    After arriving at the rooftop terrace which held thergest pool Erich hd ever seen, he was baffled by what he saw. Despite the fact that half of the city was currently on fire due to the ongoing riots which had been orchestrated by the Germanic IIS, there were hundreds of people on the rooftop terrace partying, as they drank their fill, and consumed their limit of narcotics.


    A few of the more hedonistic individuals were openly mating in the pool. Yet, nobody seemed to care. In fact, from the expressions on the faces of those around them, this was perfectly normal behavior.


    The only thing that distracted Erich from the sight of a particrly attractive woman having her holes filled by arge amount of men and shemales, was the scream of Tia, who shielded her eyes as she gazed upon the debaucherous sight in fright.


    As an Artificial Intelligence that was specifically designed to assist the Germanic Star-Empire''s most elite warfighters inbat operations, she had never before been anywhere but a battlefield. At least not until she had merged with Erich''s NeuroLink. For the first time in her life she was witnessing human mating, or at least a bastardization of it, and the adorable little AI could not handle it.


    "Master... What are they doing to that woman?"


    Erich did not know how to respond to this, and thus he simply silentlymunicated with Tia via his thoughts.


    "Don''t look at them, Tia. These people are fucking animals!"


    Tia obeyed Erich''smands and ignored the multitude of sights which were entirely inappropriate for a public setting. As for the rest of Erich''s team, they did not react. Apparently, they had seen far worse during their time as WRAITHs, and thus they appeared to be entirely unphased.


    Instead, they made their way to the edge of the terrace, where Ghost whispered hismands beneath his breath. Though his voice was barely audible, Erich could hear it clearly thanks to the advancedmunication systems embedded within his helmet.


    "Alright, time to fly boys...."


    Erich had no idea what Ghost meant by this and was quick to ask about the meaning behind his words.


    "Fly? What do I look like, a fucking bird? I can''t fucking fly!"


    Ghost and the rest of the team merely looked at Erich like he was an idiot, however before they could exin to him the exact functions of his Mk 2 Stealth Power Armor, Tia informed him of the information he seemed to becking.


    "Master... The Mk 2 Stealth Power Armor is capable of atmospheric flight. You don''t need to worry about piloting it. I can handle that for you."


    The rest of Erich''s team did not even give the man time to react, the simply dove off the edge of the terrace, and activated their anti-gravity function, which allowed them to fly through the air as if they were in a zero-gravity environment.


    However, Erich teetered at the edge of the terrace for some time, making the mistake of looking down at the ground below. He had no idea how tall this building was, but even in his advanced armor, and with his gic augmentations, he would definitely die from such a drop.


    Ultimately, he took a deep breath, and ced his life in Tia''s hands as he took one step off the terrace. Despite what he thought, there was not an immediate plummet. Instead, Erich felt as if he were floating in space. For which he instantly moved his body so that it propelled forward, and towards his objective.


    ?¦Á?d¦Ás¦Ç¦È¦Í¦Å| Erich could hardly believe his own eyes. As he soared through the sky, as if he werepletely weightless, he instantly dove down towards hisrades, who he had nearly lost due to his hesitation, and gained some speed.


    Of course, normally the sight of a five men flying in the air would cause some controversy, but due to their stealth field generators, Erich and his team werepletely invisible, and because of this, they were able to expertly make their way to the rooftop of the research facility, where the Ghimderi super weapon was currently being developed.


    The moment Erich stepped foot on the roof, his anti-gravity deactivated, and instead, he found himself firmly footed once more. Though he did gaze over the ledge, and saw something interesting.


    Like most of the assets within the capital city of Alpha Centauri which this arms corporation possessed, this building was surrounded by rioters. In fact, gun shots were already echoing in the air. Which originated from a firefight that was currently going on between rioters and corporate security, who were trying to protect the research facility.


    Before Erich couldment on this, he heard JT''s voice through hisms, which was filled with disdian.


    "Hmph, looks like those cunts in the IIS aren''t worthless after all. Our cover is in ce, though it won''t be long before corporate security is overwhelmed by the rioters. When that happens, we will have a much harder time getting our job done. We best be quick."


    Ghost immediately agreed with JT''s assessment and was quick to give out his orders to the team.


    "Alright, we all know why we''re here. Echo, I want you to take out the scientists. JT, your job is to wipe the servers clean. I don''t want a single shred of information regarding this superweapon to survive. Heavy, you''re on demolitions duty. Do whatever you can to blow up the prototypes. As for you, Silber, you''re with me. I have a very important job to do, and I''m going to need your help with it."


    The men all nodded their heads in silence, where they quickly sliced the code which prevented ess from the rooftop door. After doing so, they silently made their way through the facility, where once on the top level, the team went their separate ways. ¦Ñ¦Á§ád¦Ás `n?¦Í?| §ãom


    Curiously enough, Erich noticed that Echo did not unslung his semi-automatic sniper rifle from behind his back. Instead, he pulled out a knife, which was in the shape of a tactical tanto, and silently stalked the halls looking for the research personal to silently eliminate.


    For whatever reason, Erich could not help but believe that Echo was a man who specialized in assassination. However, his focus was immediately drawn to Ghost, who quietly stalked through the halls, while leading the way through the facility.


    A mini map was disyed on Erich''s heads up disy, which reported his movements, and the destination that Ghost had marked for the two of them. Unlike the other operators, their objective was rtively close by, which they quickly made their way to.


    Erich was befuddled why what he saw at their objective, it was a locked door that looked like any other. Except on its surface was a small golden que which read the name: Doctor Est Nunes. Erich was just about to ask why they were standing outside an office door when he heard an unusual voicee from within.


    It was not the voice of a normal human being. Instead, it was a guttural, and almost monstrous, voice. One that Erich was entirely unfamiliar with. Though he knew exactly what the man was saying, due to his universal trantor, which was built into his NeuroLink.


    "Doctor Nunes, I am sure by now you are curious why my kind hase to this backwater you call a civilization, and are aiding you in the development of a superweapon capable of destroying worlds."


    The next voice was mature and sultry. It almost sounded like Erich''s ears were being rubbed by oiled velvet. Erich immediately recognized this as a human voice. One which seemed quite annoyed with her guest.


    "I must admit, Kwexle, there is much we do not know about the greater gxy, as until your kind showed up, we humans have had very little contact with Alien life. Frankly, I am not certain why your race has decided to aid our technological development, but I am sure you have your reasons. But if you are willing to share them, then I will be more than happy to listen."


    Whoever this alien named Kwexle was, he seemed to have snarled in the next second, before making his reasons known.


    "About four hundred years ago, there were sub-species of humanity which fled from Earth. Do you remember them?"


    Evidently the tone in the Doctor''s voice turned grave, as she spoke about this matter with narrowed eyes.


    "You mean the Germanic League? We have not forgotten about their acts of terror, which killed thousands of innocent people. Nor their theft of the first warp drive. I''m curious how you even know about such an obscure group of people. I mean, who cares about a bunch of neo-nazis from a bygone era? Their race died out long ago."


    Erich could hear the hated in Kwexle''s voice as he informed the Doctor of the truth. Something which she foundpletely shocking.


    "Oh, on the contrary, Doctor. The Germanic Race is very much alive and has formed quite the mighty Empire. They have found a new world to call home and have be a significant thorn in the side of the Ghimderi Trade Union.


    Despite having a vastly inferior civilization to our own, they are protected by one of the major Gctic Powers, and because of that, we can''t wipe them out directly. We know that one day soon they wille back for their homeworld with quite the vengeance. And when they do, we want you to be prepared to fight them off."


    There was a tone of horror in the doctor''s voice as she posed the immediate question on her mind.


    "The Germanic League still exists?"


    The Goblin known as Kwexle cackled at the sheer look of distraught at the mature scientist''s face, before saying something that made her even more terrified.


    "They call themselves the Germanic Star-Empire now, and I think it would be safe to assume that their spies have infiltrated your society a long time ago. Now you understand the caution we have disyed while dealing with your species. For all we know, they could even have infiltrated this building."


    Before Doctor Nunes could even react to this terrifying information, a voice erupted from the other side of the door. One which belonged to Ghost.


    "How right you are!"


    After saying this, he kicked open the door and pointed his assault rifle at the face of the little goblin, and the human doctor. The horror on both of their faces, when the two WRAITHs revealed their matte ck power armor, was something which Ghost seemed to take joy in. Especially as he barked his orders to Erich.


    "The little snotling is mine. You take care of the bitch."


    Erich''s face waspletely emotionless, not that anyone could see it beneath his jet ck visor, as he pointed his integrally suppressed submachine gun towards the doctor''s face, and pulled the trigger after leaving onest taunting remark.


    "Say good night, bitch..."

 Chapter ?126 Capturing A Ghimderi Trade Prince

    ?126 Capturing A Ghimderi Trade Prince


    The moment Erich pulled the trigger, a few projectiles spat out the barrel of his suppressed sub-machine gun. Though the weapon was of an obsolete design, its attachments were state of the art. Meaning that the gunshots were almostpletely silent, even moreso than the unrealistic scenes one might find in the action movies of a bygone era.


    Thest thing Doctor Nunes saw was the shadowy figure of a WRAITH who hade to take her life. As for Ghost, he quickly knocked out the Ghimderi Trade Prince with the butt of his rifle. He then hogtied the little bastard with zip ties and ced a bag over his head before throwing him over his shoulder.


    Once he had done so, Ghost immediately expressed his thoughts aloud. Something which caught Erich by surprise.


    "Do you have any idea who this little fucker is? Kwexle Goldsprocket, he''s the fucking Trade Prince of the Goldsprocket Cartel! We actually bagged ourselves a Ghimderi Trade Prince!"


    Erich knew very little about the Ghimderi, other than what he had learned in his Gctic Politics Course. They were bankers and merchants, for the most part, who ran the Gctic economy behind the scenes. As far as Erich was aware, the Empire had never done anything to provoke them. So he could not understand for the life of him why Kwexle spoke with such hatred towards his people.


    Naturally, Erich was already aware that the Ghimderi were aiding the Confederation of Human Worlds. He just simply did not understand why. But he supposed the Empire would have their answers after Kwexle was extracted back to Germanic space for interrogation.


    Of course, Ghost was already aware that a representative of the Ghimderi Trade Union was currently on Alpha Centauri, and had suspected he would find the little fucker at the research facility. Still, he never thought the trade prince himself would travel all the way to the Confederacy.


    Ghost and Erich made their way through the halls of the research facility, where they approached the rooftop. They hadpleted their objective, and now all they needed was for the others to do the same. In order to ensure that Kwexle didn''t try to escape, Ghost stomped on both of his legs, breaking his femurs in half. After doing so, he and Erich yed the waiting game.


    ---


    Echo had made his way through the halls of the research facility like a silent assassin. Every time he came across a researcher, he would slit their throats and hide their bodies to the best of his ability. By now, his de was stained red with the blood of his enemies. And yet it did not drip onto the floor.


    He had made his way through every floor of the building, and was now in the basement where thest of his prey were currently overseeing the generator, which provided power to this facility even though there was a ckout in this sector of the city due to the ongoing riots.


    The two researchers were bent over, while adding the fuel source to the generator. They werepletely unprepared for the knife in the dark, which reaped their lives in silence. A quick draw of the de gave the two men an open neck wound, which they quickly bled out from.


    Once Echo hadpleted his job, he stalked through the hallways, which were as clean as they were when he first found them, and made his way back to the rooftop. Where Erich and Ghost were waiting for him.


    ---


    From the moment JT first stepped foot on the rooftop of the research facility, he had used his NeuroLink to hack into the security systems and shut them down. However, even after doing this, he would still need to manually ess the mainframe to delete all of its files.


    And because of that, he made his way to the central hub of the facility, which housed the mainframe and all of its databanks. What would take a normal human being hours to aplish was damn near instant with JT''s skills, as he sliced into the terminal, and wiped the servers clean.


    It took him all of three minutes to get rid of every single bit of information that the corporation had on their newly developed superweapon. Now all that was left was for Heavy to do his job. Because of this, JT made his way back to the rooftop, where he regrouped with the others.


    ---


    Heavy had quickly made his way to the area where the prototypes of this new superweapon were being developed. Of course, when he finallyid eyes on the thing, he realized how monumental it was in sheer size.


    The weapon would have to be equipped with thergest warships that the Confederacy had ess to. And though Heavy did not know how it functioned, he did not really care. Instead, he ced high yield explosives around the weapon and down its barrel.


    Every criticalponent that he could find was strapped with things that went boom. Undoubtedly, this explosion would bring the entire ce down, and because of this, Heavy made sure that he withdrew to the rooftop and regrouped with the others before activating the detonator.


    The moment he entered the rooftop, Ghost looked at him and spoke with a stern tone in his voice.


    "Is it done?"


    Heavy nodded with a wide smile on his face, though nobody would be able to tell due to the jet ck visor of his helmet. He then began to exin the situation to the others.


    "Alright, this is going to be a pretty big explosion, one that will undoubtedly level the entire fucking building. So we need to get clear before I set it off."


    Ghost nodded his head and tossed Kwexle over his shoulder, who was now squirming like a trapped beast. The only reason he wasn''t screaming was because a gag had been ced in his mouth thatpletely silenced him.


    Once the Trade Prince was secure, Ghost gave the order to withdraw.


    "Alright, time to go stealth boys. Let''s get to a safe distance before we blow this candle!"


    After saying that, Ghost activated his stealth field generator, as well as his anti-gravity generator, and took to the skies, where he was followed by the rest of his team. Once they were at a safe distance, Heavy smiled before pressing the button, but not before saying somest words.


    "Sayonara baby!"


    With this said, he activated the detonator, which caused a massive explosion to ur. One that engulfed not only the entire facility but also the corporate security and rioters who were waging war outside its gates.


    Coincidentally, this explosion urred just after the rioters had breached the barricades, and were headed towards the door. The only thing that was left behind was a smouldering ruin. One which immediately gained the attention of the entire city.


    With the scientists killed, the research facility destroyed, along with all prototypes, and the data for the projectpletely deleted, there was little chance that anything could be salvaged from the situation. And as an added bonus, the Empire now had a Ghimderi Trade Prince as a hostage.


    When word of this reached Emrys'' ears, he would be very impressed with the WRAITHs who achieved it, and would grant several honors to each of the men who participated in the operation. But for now, Erich and the boys made their way back to the hotel. Where they would ry back to the Empire that they had captured Kwexle.

 Chapter 127 Effortless Extraction

    127 Effortless Extraction


    The journey back to the hotel room was as smoothe as can be. And as far as anyone was concerned, Erich and his team had never left. The research facility was thoroughly destroyed, the scientist had been killed, and all the data regarding the superweapon was erased from existence. Not only that, but Erich and Ghost had captured a Ghimderi Trade Prince, all without leaving a single trace of evidence that they were responsible for his disappearance.


    To say that the mission was a sess was a monumental understatement. And because of this, Mirage was not the least bit happy when she was informed about this news. There was a particrly hideous scowl on the woman''s face as she stared at Erich, who currently looked no different from an ordinary human.


    She could not be possibly more reviled at his appearance, which was even worse than when he was a mere mutant. But she did not make ament on this. After all, she had been working closely with Erich''s team for a long time now, and although Erich had a personal vendetta with the woman, one which was entirely mutual, the rest of his team had a lot of respect for her.


    Thus, Mirage could only sigh, and nod her head, before giving the unit their next orders.


    "Alright, I understand. Initially, we nned to keep you on Alpha Centauri for another mission, but now that you have Kwexle Goldensprocket in your custody, we have no choice but to extract you. Proceed to the hangar bay where your corvette is located, and return to Imperial Space immediately.


    I suppose you all have rather good timing, because Kondo Yumi has just made a public announcement about her survival, and the attempt on her life. She has dered herself Empress and has seized control of the various rebellious factions. At this moment, the war for the Great Oni Empire has begun. We need as many WRAITHs as possible in the field.


    That is all for now. You will receive further orders when you have returned to the borders of the Empire. Dismissed!"


    Immediately after saying this Mirage cut the call, where Ghost looked over at Erich who was currently guarding their newest prisoner. The little runt was thrashing about, and screaming, or at least attempting to do so. However, his legs were broken, his mouth was gagged, and his hands were bound.


    Erich would give the fucker a good smack every thirty seconds or so, to remind him that his pain had only just begun. Contrary to what Erich was expecting, Ghost asked him a question with a rather serious tone in his voice.


    "It will be a long time before we are deployed back to the Confederacy. Is there anything you wish to say to your sister before we go?"


    Erich punched Kwexle in the head onest time, thoroughly knocking the goblin unconsciouss, before turning towards Ghost and the rest of his team, where he spoke his thoughts aloud, albeit in a voice filled with cold rage.


    "I have no siblings... Let''s go."


    Ghost was shocked to hear Erich dismiss his family so easily, and Heavy was furious. After all, amon saying in the Empire was "Family, Folk, and Fathend." To so tantly turn his back on his family, it was something that was simply uneptable. And just when these two men were about to scold Erich, JT stepped forward and pushed them away with a violent shove.


    "Back off! If I were in Erich''s position, I would say the same thing. How about instead of lecturing him on shit you know nothing about, you actually speak to him about what his family is really like?"


    It was incredibly rare for JT to stick up for any of his teammates. Normally, if a petty fight were to break out, he would fuck off and let the dispute go on without him. But now he was standing in between Erich and hisrades, who were furious at him for hisck of duty to his family.


    Something was weird about this whole situation, and there was no way that a single night of drinking could foster such a strong bond between the two men. Thus, Heavy was quick to point this out.


    "What, are the two of you secret lovers or something? Why do you give a shit all of a sudden?"


    JT simply scoffed at the very notion before responding with a non-answer.


    "My reasons are our own. Let''s just focus on this mission. The sooner I get out of this disgusting dark skinned body, the better."


    As much as Heavy wanted to continue this dispute, Ghost stopped him by raising his hand in the air and signalling for the room to be silent. He then gave out hismands to his unit, who were about to tear into one another.


    "JT is right. We can shelve this discussion forter. What we need to do now is focus on getting of this damned cesspit. We have a high priority hostage, and we need to flee from Confederate space before anyone finds out we were here.


    Pack up your shit, and let''s head out. We''ll keep Kwexle in one of our bags so he doesn''t arouse any suspicion. I don''t believe knocking his ass out will be the most effective means to pass through customs, so why don''t you fuckers sedate him properly?"


    Before Ghost could even finish saying this, he looked over and saw that Echo was silently administering a sleeping drug to the Ghimderi Trade Prince. Though Echo never said a word, he seemed to have a veryplete understanding of the big picture, and acted without orders more often than not.


    Thus, Ghost could only sigh in relief knowing that at least one man in this room was actually capable of keeping their head clear. Once Kwexle was properly sedated, he was stuffed into a rigid suitcase, one that was capable of disrupting the primitive scanning technology that the Confederacy employed.


    Where they immediately departed from their room and checked out at the front desk. Once they had done so, they took the nearest cab to the Starport, where they effortlessly passed through customs, before boarding their starship. Once inside the safety of their own Corvette, the men departed from Alpha Centauri and did not look back. They were just relieved that they would soon be back to their normal selves.


    As for the Confederation of Human Worlds, those representatives who knew about their dealings with the Ghimderi Trade Union would have to answer for a Trade Prince''s supposed death at the hands of rioters.


    This was a price that such a primitive interster civilization was simply not capable of paying. And thus, the Confederacy instantly entered a state of massive debt to the Ghimderi Trade Union as a result of the Empire''s actions.

 Chapter 128 Euthanization And Revival

    The moment Erich and his teamnded back on the space station that had been responsible for their disguise as humans, they handed over their prisoner to the proper authorities who would interrogate Kwexle for the rest of his life.


    To those interrogators, their job was more like a hobby. They enjoyed every second of the torture they inflicted on others and were as giddy as a schoolgirl whenever they got a new victim. Due to Kwexle''s high position within the Ghimderi Trade Union, Imperial Interrogators would make sure he lived a long life, just so they could have fun inflicting physical and mental harm upon him.


    But that was not something that Erich or his team cared about. Instead, one by one, they reported to the nearest medical facility for euthanization. It was the quickest and simplest way to undo all the damage that had been done to their bodies to ensure that they blended in with humanity.


    Eventually Erich''s term came. He was thest one in line, and when he sat down in the medical chair, he felt his heart race. He had never voluntarily submitted himself for death before and was worried that Tia might not carry over with him to his new body.


    Evidently, the little AI read his thoughts and wore a gentle expression as she assured her master that everything would be alright.


    "You do not need to worry so much, master... When your physical bodies die, and your NeuroLink is transferred over to your new body, Tia will follow you to it. Just rx, it will be over in a second, and then you will be transferred to your new body, one that is identical to the way you were before you were downgraded to this hideous monstrosity...."


    Erich had to admit that after visiting the Confederation of Human Worlds, he could understand why the Germanic League had fled from Earth. If humanity''s destiny was to be such an amoral, corrupt, and perverse society, then any and all measures which allowed the Germanic race to flee from such a fate was one hundred percent morally justified. Including the ims of terrorism and theft that Doctor Nunes had made shortly before her execution.


    These were the thoughts he had when the needle was injected into his arm, allowing an advanced chemicalpound to shut down his NeuroLink''s regenerative properties and end his life. In the blink of an eye, Erich awoke in a cloning vat on another world.


    This time, he was neither greeted by Mirage nor Emrys. Instead, the first person he saw was JT. Erich had a hard time distinguishing the man at first, because he lookedpletely different from when they had first met.


    JT had shoulder length golden blonde hair and curtained bangs. His eyes were as blue as sapphires, and his muscles were well developed. Over all the man was quite handsome, but that was nothing to be shocked about. Because the entirety of the Germanic race had their physical attractiveness boosted to the peak of their species as a result of their gic augmentation.


    Simrly enough to JT, Erich looked over and gazed upon the other men in his unit, who were all blonde haired and blue-eyed men, with minor distinctions between the colors. Ghost had a standard crew cut and looked like an ordinary clean cut soldier. While Echo had a golden ponytail, whose bangs concealed one of his eyes.


    ¡¤?¦Èm As for Heavy, he was thergest of the men, built like the ancient mythical feature Herakles. His hair was cut into a faux hawk with a side fade. The man''s jawline was as robust as Erich had ever seen on a man, and actually made him feel quite inadequate byparison, even if his own features were considered the ideal by the standards of most women in the Empire.


    Like Erich, these men were all dressed in nothing more than short of boxers, and they all seemed rather pleased to be back in their normal forms. Words could not express how dirty Erich had felt in his previous appearance, and apparently these men felt the same way.


    Just when Erich was about to greet the men, he heard a familiar voice in his head, as he saw Tia''s crimson figure appear before him, as if she were a holographic projection. The girl''s eyes appeared to be focused on Erich, as if she were too embarrassed to look anywhere else. There was a flustered expression on her adorable face, as she said the words which warmed Erich''s heart.


    "Wee back, master.... Now, can you please put some pants on?"


    Erich simply chuckled and walked over to the nearby cab where a pair of military fatigues were waiting for him and the rest of the men in his unit. He was quick to dress himself, which the others soon followed suit.


    Once he was fully clothed, JT patted Erich on the back before congratting him forpleting his first mission.


    "I bet it feels damn good to be back in your own skin, doesn''t it? Well, good job, I must say I had my doubts about your abilities, but you did good, kid. It''s just a damn shame your first deployment was to the Confederacy. That ce is such a cesspit. And trust me, you haven''t seen the worst of it yet.


    Anyway, we got some time to kill before we''re supposed to report back to headquarters. So how about the four of us go out and get some beer and some brats?"


    It was obvious by the look in JT''s eyes, that he wanted to use this small amount of free time that he had been given to the best of his abilities, because it would likely be years before he ever saw another break from his duties to the Empire.


    Upon seeing how desperate the man looked, Erich could not help but chuckle before agreeing to his request. He did so by eying the rest of his newrades, and asking them if they wanted to join them this time.


    "Sure, I''m down. Are you guysing with us? Or are you just going to stay here in the cloning facility and mope around until we have to report to HQ?"


    Echo silently nodded his head before walking over to Erich and JT''s side. Once he had done so, any tension that existed between the team prior to this moment suddenly vanished. Even Heavy, who was outraged over Erich''sck of duty to his family, smiled and walked over to join the others. He patted Erich on the back for a job well done, before expressing the real reason he decided to tag along.


    "Sure, kid... I suppose now is a good time for you to exin to us why you have failed in your duties to your family..."


    A frown immediately formed on both Erich''s and JT''s faces when they heard this. To which Erich could only sigh before responding to it.


    "Fine... But it''s not a pleasant story.... So if I end up souring the mood, that''s on you. Youing with us, Colonel?"


    Contrary to what the team was expecting, Ghost simply shook his head before responding. He then sighed and informed the men why he couldn''t join them.


    "Sorry guys, but I have to report to headquarters in advance of you all to debrief our superiors on the details of the mission. But feel free to go on without me. I expect each of you back on time, and in proper uniform. Because if you''re not, there will be hell to pay!"


    As much as this was a letdown, Erich could do nothing about it, and thus he departed from the cloning facility with the rest of his unit in tow to look for the nearest bar. Germania was arge world, whose entire surface was one giant city. Surely it wouldn''t be too difficult to find one?

 Chapter 129 A Night With The Boys

    Erich and his team went to the nearest bar, where Erich spent a good hour exining his rather unique family situation to his newrades. Obviously, he left out the parts about his multiple alien lovers, but aside from that, he waspletely honest with them about everything he had experienced.


    By the end of his tales of woe, even Heavy felt a bit bad for Erich. Although he had never personally harassed mutants, he had turned a blind eye to such a thing when he saw it. Of course, he had no idea the extent of how far the abuse mutants suffered went, and had never expected that even their own families discriminated against them.


    Mutants rarely spoke about their issues to anyone besides themselves. After all, they were a targeted minority, and they did not want to cause further problems than they already had. Because of this, a lot of Germanic citizens didn''t understand how bad so many of them had it.


    And after learning about this, even someone as nationalistic as Heavy could understand Erich''s reasons for not wanting to speak with his family. He felt so bad about how he had reacted to Erich''s coldness towards his sister that he decided to pay for the drinks that Erich had. Naturally, he also voiced an apology.


    "I''m sorry, you''re right. Under your circumstances, I can see why family might not be as important to you as it is to me. I had a wonderful family life while growing up and was very privileged to be the son of a Sector Governor, one who cared for all of his children. But we didn''t have any mutants in the family. So I have no idea how my father would react if we did.


    I''ve heard that the next generation gene serum, especially the highest grade, has a much higher rate of causing mutations. But its effects are supposed to be three times as powerful as the one I was given. So, at the very least, you gained something from your suffering."


    Echo did not say a word, as per usual, instead he just nodded his head in agreement with Heavy''s assessment. By now Erich was fairly intoxicated, as he had turned off the feature of his NeuroLink, which processes poisons. He had a particrly glum look on his face as he thought about his rtionship with his mother, and how it had deteriorated after she learned about Yumi and Ayumi.''


    But there was not much he could do about that. It would be damn near impossible to change the woman''s mind. She had had a veryfortable life in the Empire and was thoroughly brainwashed by its propaganda. Obviously, his mother would nevere to ept that her son was attracted to certain types of alien woman. For such a thing was considered a dishonor for the entire family.


    As much as Erich feltfortable around hisrades, he would not dare to say he had done such a thing, at least not to them. They could never truly understand the greatest difficulty that mutants besides Erich himself faced. After all, they all had wives and families of their own. A benefit that Erich only recently begun to enjoy.


    It was at this moment that Heavy remembered something about Erich, and could not help but force a smile as he patted the man on the back a little too hard. Almost as if it were deliberate.


    "Well, hey, at least you got that stunning beauty Erika out of it. It''s just a damn shame her career had to end so early. But for a few short years there, your wife was the most desired woman in the Empire. That should make you feel like you have been properlypensated, huh? The two of you have been married some time now. You must have some children already, right? Do you have any pictures?"


    Erich nearly choked on his drink when he heard these questions. Children? With Erika? Not likely. Unless she had somehow gotten pregnant during the night, they truly became a married couple. Come to think of it, it had been months since he hadst seen the woman, and they had spent very little time together as an actual couple. Erich tried to hide his shame as he admitted the truth about his and his wife''splicated rtionship.


    "Actually, Erika and I haven''t been on speaking terms for most of our marriage. It was only recently that we decided to bury the hatchet and began to develop feelings for one another. To put it simply, we have not been intimate for very long. At least not long enough to start a family...."


    Heavy nearly jumped out of his chair when he heard this remark, while JT broke out into uncontrobleughter. As for Echo, he just calmly sipped on his beer while not making eye contact with anyone, fully aware that Heavy was about to make a scene. Which is exactly what he did.


    "What! You''ve been married for years, and you only recently started fucking? What is wrong with you? I would have been balls deep inside that woman every night! You guys would too, right?"


    JT continued tough at the absurdity of it all, especially as everyone else in the bar began to stare at Erich and his group. Echo continued to ignore everything, and pretend like he was not associated with these madmen. And even made some distance between him and the group.


    Erich was actually baffled that Heavy was so upset until he realized that the man was likely one of the many fans who simped for Erika during her heyday. He had known many of them, guys who would buy all of her songs, tv shows, merchandise, etc. But he never expected a legendary W7 would have actually been one of those poor souls. Suddenly Erich felt embarrassed to know Heavy and understood why Echo had made some distance between himself and the group.


    "Quiet down, fucking hell. Do you want to alert the whole city of my marital problems? Listen, it''s none of your business, but Erika isrgely responsible for why I got disowned by my parents when I was eighteen.


    It took a long time for me to forgive her for that, and even then, I would be lying if a part of me didn''t still resent her for it. But that is in the past, and we have worked hard to move beyond it. So quit your yelling!"


    Heavy felt like throttling Erich. The man had been lucky enough to be gifted what he saw as a goddess for a wife, and he spat in the face of the marriage. He was perhaps now more pissed off at Erich than he was before they sat down for beers.


    JT finally ceased hisughter, after nearly passing out from ack of oxygen, where he then calmed Heavy down.


    "Oi, big guy, I know you''re pissed because Erich has defiled your waifu, but the bitch was going to get married eventually. And it''s better for her to be with someone closer to her own age. I mean, you know what happens to the girls in the industry after they have aged out, right? They get married off to politicians, or corporate big shots. It''s honestly rather impressive that she got married so young, to a fucking fighter pilot.


    By the way, Erich, what other perks did you get for saving the Empire? I mean, sure, being a mutant with a beautiful wife is a great perk, but I hope the Party didn''t just give you a hot piece of ass and some fancy medals?"


    Erich thought about it for a second, before exining the things he had received other than Erika''s hand in marriage and his medals.


    "Well, I got a beachside estate on Teutonia. With my own private beach ess. And I think I''m on the fast track for promotion, because I''m now amander, and have been transferred to the WRAITHs. Neither of those things would have been possible before my so-called sacrifice."


    Even Echo, the most calm man Erich had ever met, nearly spat out his drink when he heard that Erich had been given an estate on Teutonia. It was one thing if the party gave him a nice penthouse in one of the many cities which lied atop the ocean surface. But an estate with its own private beach ess. Hell, the only thing more valuable than that in the Empire was perhaps having your own private ind on Teutonia.


    And though Echo did not break his vow of silence, he was seriously tempted to do so. As for the others, it was ultimately JT who became the most excited.


    "Well, what the fuck are we doing here? Shouldn''t we be going back to your ce to rx? I want to see just howrge this estate is!"


    Heavy eagerly nodded his head in agreement with these words, when Erich reminded the two men that they were not yet given proper leave.


    "You guys are aware that in approximately two hours we need to report to our superiors about the mission we just finished, right? I''d hardly say going AWOL for a week at the beach is worth the punishment we would receive. I mean, do we really want to end up like JT?"


    JT scowled when he heard thisst remark and tugged at the cortched around his neck. While, Heavy was suddenly brought back to reality at the thought of ending up like hisrade. However, the two men still seemed insistent on visiting Erich''s ce, and because of this, the man was quick to shut them down before they could ask.


    "And besides, I have some rather... important guests at my ce right now. I don''t believe the party would be happy if that were to be revealed to the public. So, for the time being, my ce is off limits."


    This just made the men even more curious, but no matter how many times they asked, the answer was still no. Erich utterly refused to speak about Ayumi and her aunt. Instead, he spent the next two hours avoiding any questions about the subject.


    Before he knew it, the time to report to their superiors had arrived, and for the first time in his life, he was actually thankful for it.

 Chapter 130 The Return Of Splinter

    Eventually, the time came for Erich and the others to report for duty. Naturally Ghost had already covered most if not all the required paperwork for the unit while the rest of hisrades were out drinking and celebrating a job well done.


    Yet, despite this, the men were not the least bit intoxicated when they showed up to the headquarters where their superiors were waiting for them. This was because they had reactivated the nanites in their bloodstream to process and eliminate all toxins which their body had suffered.


    By the time they arrived at headquarters, every single drop of alcohol they had consumed had been purified from their systems. Leaving the men well and truly sober. Erich, like the rest of his unit, was dressed in nothing more than basic ck fatigues, without any markings or insignia to designate which branch they were from, or what unit.


    While their superior officers were dressed in more formal attire. One of which was a General of the Imperial Army, who served as the head of Military Intelligence. The man gazed upon Erich and hisrades with a stern re for several seconds of awkward silence, before finally speaking his thoughts. And when he did so, Erich and the others were greatly relieved.


    "You men did a damn fine job taking out that damned superweapon. You even managed to covertly capture a Ghimderi Trade Prince. Pitiful little creatures, aren''t they? The little freaks have no tolerance for pain whatsoever. From the moment Kwexle''s interrogation began, he sang like a songbird.


    There are many things we have learned about the Ghimderi Trade Union, and their influence over the greater gxy, and at this point we can consider those disgusting little monsters to be our most powerful enemies.


    However, that is not your concern, at least not for the time being. After seeing how well your newest member performed on Alpha Centauri, we have decided to dispatch you all behind enemy lines within the ongoing Oni Civil War.


    As you may have already been made aware, Kondo Yumi has dered herself Empress, and has amassed a rather substantial following. The majority of the rebelling factions have dered their support for the new Empress and have sworn their loyalty to her. However, there are several groups of anarchists who need to be covertly dealt with.


    Since Yumi''s faction now must take the fight to the Loyalists, that leaves you all to deal with them. To put it simply, you will infiltrate these anarchists while undercover as members of the now defunct criminal organization previously known as Splinter.


    Commander Jaeger, due to your previous experience as a member of Splinter, we will trust you to properly advise Colonel Mortensen on the inner workings of the organization. Though Splinter as a criminal organization may be defunct, the IIS continues to use it as a front for covert operations.


    Because of this, I will assign Captain Kuhne as your liaison, who will be on standby to assist if any problems were to arrive. She will also be responsible foring up with your new aliases, as she also has previous experience working with Splinter, albeit as an undercover agent, instead of an ouw.


    Due to the previous notoriety which you have gained, Commander Jaeger, you will resume your old alias of Apex. I believe that will be a valuable tool in persuading the criminal elements of Oni society to introduce you to the Anarchists. So once you have departed from this facility, you are to contact Captain Kuhne for further orders. That is all, Dismissed!


    Erich and his team immediately saluted the General, before departing from the headquarters. Erich was dreading the idea of working with Mirage, who undoubtedly wanted him dead more than perhaps any other being in the gxy.


    However, a giant bombshell had just been dropped by the General. And Erich''s unit was surprised to hear about the information regarding him being formerly part of a known criminal organization. Thus, the moment they stepped out of the General''s office, Erich was pushed into a corner and interrogated by Ghost.


    "Hold on a second, Silber, just what did the General mean when he said that you had previous experience as a member of Splinter?"


    Erich scoffed when he heard this. He did not feel like exining his whole backstory to these men, especially the more shady elements of his past. Thus, he simply brushed it off as if it were some minor deal.


    "There''s not much to it. I did a few jobs for Splinter before the Empire cracked down on them. I earned a pardon from the Supreme Leader for my actions at Suebi. Listen, I know this sounds bad, but it is not like I was a critical part of the organization. Unlike Mirage... I mean Captain Kuhne. She had infiltrated Splinter to such an extant that an Underboss trusted her more than anyone.


    Still, it has been years since Splinter went defunct; I had no idea that the Empire have been keeping it alive as a cover for their covert operations. But it makes sense, Splinter was a well renowned criminal syndicate within this sector of space. I just really don''t want to have anything else to do with that bitch. She is definitely going to being for my head this time...."


    Although Erich admitted to engaging in criminal activity, the way he spun the story, it was as if he had notmitted any serious crimes. Which made sense, or why else would he receive a pardon? Sure, Erich may have saved the Empire, but the Empire was stubborn, and treated criminals as less than human.


    If he had really done anything serious, there was no way that Emrys would have pardoned him, or made him out to be a national hero. Or so these men thought. Yet, this conflicted with the General''s words, specifically those regarding the notoriety of Erich''s criminal alias.


    However, they had a job to fulfill, and not enough time to worry about such a petty matter. Thus, the majority of the team instantly put the thought of Erich being a gangster at the back of their minds.


    Albeit JT was in a particrly foul mood, pardons were rarely ever given out, and only for incredible acts of valor or service to the state. It was something which he longed for, but could not get, due to the nature of his sentence.


    Thus, he grabbed hold of Erich''s head and gave the man a nuggie, as he vented his frustrations on the man with a rather bitter tone in his voice.


    "You little shit! I get a lifetime of servitude to the state for one single act of insubordination, but you get a full pardon aftermitting what I assume are multiple felonies? How is that fair!?!"


    Erich simply chuckled as he pushed JT Aside, where he was met with a stern gaze from Ghost, who said the words which Erich least wanted to hear.


    "Listen, Silber. I don''t know the details of your past dealings with Captain Kuhne or the nature of your rtionship with the woman. Nor do I want to. But she has been assigned as our liaison for this mission, and thus you''re going to have to contact her. So... get to it!"


    Upon hearing this, Erich sighed heavily, and began to reach out to Mirage with his NeuroLink, knowing that he was most certainly going to regret doing it.


    ---


    On the world of Quadi, within a rather luxurious penthouse, one that Erich had previously been quite intimate with. Lied a naked woman with a rather curvaceous figure. She had pale skin and shoulder-length blonde hair with bangs that covered one of her gorgeous sapphire blue eyes.


    If one were to gaze through her windows and witness the scene that was disying itself, they would see the naked woman furiously masturbating with a rather irritated expression on her gorgeous face. The woman was none other than Mirage, who had previously used the body of a mutated clone to infiltrate Splinter.


    Why was she irritated, despite doing something that usually brought pleasure to a woman such as herself? It was because she could not climax no matter how hard she tried. This had been a problem which had persisted since she first slept with Erich. And no matter how much she told herself that she hated the man, his handsome face would appear in her thoughts every time she tried to get rid of her lust.


    In truth, the only way she could finish was by watching the old videos she had secretly taken of her and Erich together, to which she would feel guilty every time it happened. Thus, she was about to search for them in her NeuroLink''s saved folders when she received a call from the man in question.


    The very idea of that bastard witnessing her naked body again and getting aroused from the sight had finally caused Mirage to cum, even if she had not actually epted the call yet. Once she was quivering alone on her bed, while as nude as the day she was born, she realized Erich was still calling her. Thus, she quickly wrapped a nearby silk nightgown around her heavenly figure before answering the call.


    Of course, Mirage was not expecting Erich to be surrounded by hisrades when he called. And thus, she would be particrly embarrassed and enraged by the conversation that was about to happen between herself and the man she imed to hate more than anyone else.

 Chapter 131 A New Underboss

    Mirage answered Erich''s call while dressed in nothing but a partly see through night gown. She expected only to see Erich''s face appear on the holographic projection. In that moment, she desired to see the man drool over her pristine figure.


    Of course, the moment she epted the call, Mirage was surprised to see five men in total dressed in military fatigues staring at her with shock. Erich smirked when he saw the woman''s scantily d appearance and immediately made a joke at her expense.


    "Damn, if I had known you would be this excited to see me, I would have visited you in person!"


    Mirage instantly blushed red in embarassment as she covered her more sensitive areas with her hands, before viciouslyshing out at Erich and his crass remark.


    "Bite me asshole!"


    Erich, of course, had a snarkyeback to this remark as well, which he was more than happy to give to the woman.


    "Been there, done that, or did you forget?"


    It took only a moment for Mirage to realize what Erich was referring to, and when she did, she immediately felt the sting of of Erich''s teeth which had previously pierced through her neck, and taken her life. She was quick to rub the spot where the man had bitten her, and in doing so, revealed her perky pink nipples through her translucent nightgown. Which was something that caused Erich to smirk once more.


    Upon realizing that Erich had said that purposely just so she would react this way, Mirage started getting very upset, and immediately threatened to hang up on the man if he did not inform or just why he was bothering her at this hour of the day.


    "I''m going to give you three seconds to exin why you are wasting my time before I end this call! And when that happens, you can bet that I will being for your ass!"


    Upon realizing that he may have gone too far, Erich shifted the topic to the important matters at hand.


    "Alright fine, I was told by the General that you would be in charge of setting my team up with their aliases. Apparently Splinter is still around, or at least is being maintained as a cover for covert operations, and these men need a new identity. The General also said that we will be taking our orders from you throughout the duration of this mission..."


    It took a moment for Mirage to realize that the group of WRAITHs the Director had told her that she would be coordinating with was Erich''s unit. Which caused her to curse beneath her breath, in a voice so low that Erich thought he might have been mishearing things. However, in the next moment, she recovered her stern demeanor before speaking to Erich as if he were filth.


    "Alright, fine,e to my ce, and I will set your team up with your new identities. I trust you still remember the address? Oh ande alone, I don''t want a bunch of dumb grunts tracking their filth into my penthouse!"


    Mirage did not wait for a proper response, and hung up on Erich, leaving the man in a deep state of anxiety. Thest thing he wanted was to be alone in a room with this woman. He quickly looked towards his fellow soldiers, who stared at him as if he were some kind of trash. None more so than Heavy, who quickly grabbed hold of Erich''s shoulders and shook the man rather violently, all the while screaming at him.


    "You''re cheating on Erika? I should knock you the fuck out right now! You fucking bastard!"


    While it was technically true that Erich was cheating on Erika, or so he would be if they were in a conventional monogamous rtionship, he was not doing so with Mirage, and thus he did not admit this, and instead acted in confusion.


    "What the fuck are you talking about, Heavy? And get your damn hands off of me!"


    JT smirked when he saw how clueless Erich was, before clicking his tongue, and lecturing the man as if he were an innocent and na?ve child.


    "Tsk... Tsk.. Tsk... Oh, my dear, sweet, young, and stupid Erich... She clearly likes you!"


    Erich simply looked over at JT as if he were an idiot, before voicing this thought aloud.


    "Are you perhaps retarded? She obviously hates my guts! You saw the way she spoke to me! The sheer disdain in her voice, as if I am nothing more than a piece of garbage!"


    Heavy once more made his thoughts heard, as he red at Erich with the same look Mirage was known to give him.


    "You are garbage!"


    JT scoffed in response to this, while Echo silently shook his head, which was entirely in character for the man. Ultimately, it was Ghost who broke up this little bit of high school drama by raising his voice and treating his entire team as if they were a bunch of immature brats.


    "Enough, all of you! Who gives a shit who Silber is fucking on the side? We have actual fucking work to do. Erich, you go to Hilde''s ce, and get the info we need. The rest of us will be on standby until we receive our next orders. Dismissed!"


    Erich could hardly believe that he was now having to go back to Mirage''s ce. It had been quite some time since he wasst there, and the memories he had of it were bittersweet, to say the least. However, he did as he wasmanded to do, and quickly retrieved his personal starship, where he flew off to the world of Quadi to meet up with Mirage.


    ---


    It had been years since Erich hadst stepped foot on the industrial world of Quadi. It was one of the few worlds not ravaged by the war with Terminus, and was practically the only one of its type to remain entirely intact. As of right now, most of the Empire''s industry was being manufactured on Quadi, while the rest of the Industrial Worlds continued to be rebuilt from scratch.


    The moment Erich''s ship touched down in the star port, he headed towards Mirage''s penthouse, which was located in the tallest building of the, while on the highest floor. Whatever the woman had nned for him, Erich was prepared, and had brought with him the tools he needed to protect himself.


    Erich rang the doorbell on Mirage''s door several times while waiting in silence. He did not know how much time had passed until Mirage opened the door, but he was not the slightest bit happy with having to wait. That is, until it finally opened, to reveal Mirage, who was dressed in nothing but a towel.


    The woman''s golden locks were still wet from the shower, which dripped onto her shoulders and the top of her breasts, which were not fully concealed beneath the towel. She gazed at Erich with a particrly nasty look, yet that did not mar the natural beauty which she possessed in the slightest.


    Erich was rather surprised by the woman''s scandalous appearance, and was about to make a remark, when she scowled before asking him a question with a stern tone in her voice.


    "Well, are youing in or not?"


    Erich chose to say nothing. Instead, he entered the luxurious penthouse and followed Mirage into her room, where she quickly sat down at her personal terminal. Erich looked around and saw a skin tight jumpsuitid out on the woman''s bed, along with a pair of spandex undergarments.


    There was also a set of tactical equipment, such as a belt, which contained dual pistol holsters, as well as a pair of thigh highbat boots. However, Erich''s attention was immediately drawn over to Mirage, who spoke up as she handed him the new aliases for him and his team.


    "There you go. Your aliases are all set, and they''re solid. If those fucking horned freaks want to verify your identities, they have the means to do so, and it will all check out."


    Erich grabbed hold of the first dossier and opened it up to reveal his own picture, which was a mugshot. It appeared as if he were in custody, and he was wearing the set of armor he used to wear while he was working for splinter.


    However, what caught Erich''s attention was the bold text, which disyed his information.


    Name: Wernher "Apex" Krieger


    Rank: Underboss


    Syndicate: Splinter


    It then had a bio of all the crimes he hadmitted for the organization, most of which were fairly urate, but others were either highly exaggerated or entirely made up. The thing that drew Erich''s focus the most was the rank he was given in this now defunct criminal syndicate. He looked at Mirage with a questionable gaze before asking her a single question.


    "Underboss?"


    For the first time in a long time, Mirage was not enraged when she was looking at Erich''s face. In fact, she squirmed quite a bit, as if she were feeling guilty, before muttering something beneath her breath.


    "It''s what Butcher would have wanted...."


    At first, Erich thought he misheard the woman, but when the words finally hit him, he flew into a state of rage, and backhanded her across the face, something which shocked Mirage. Though before she could protest her mistreatment, Erich screamed at her.


    "Don''t you dare say his name! You betrayed him, no, you betrayed us! We trusted you, and you stabbed us in the fucking back!"


    Contrary to what Erich was expected after he had attacked Mirage, she did not immediately reach for her pistols to retaliate. Instead, she began to tremble and cry, as she broke down in front of him, saying the words he never thought he was going to hear in his life.


    "And whose fault is that? You were warned by Emrys himself! You were even given a chance to earn forgiveness! And yet you agreed to do something so incredibly fucking stupid! Rebel against the Empire? Really? Did you seriously think that would work? You were going to get yourself executed! I had to intervene! And yet you repaid my mercy by killing me! You ripped out my throat with your teeth, like a wild fucking animal! Who does that?"


    Erich nearly lost his footing as he staggered backwards and fell against the wall. What was Mirage trying to say, that she betrayed him for his own sake? This just simply didn''t make sense, no matter how much he thought about it.


    What he needed was a few minutes to think this new information through, but unfortunately, he did not get that. Mirage immediately mistook Erich''s leaning against the wall as an invitation and quickly grabbed hold of the back of his neck while she kissed the man with a level of passion he had never experienced before. What came next was the hate fucking of a lifetime....

 Chapter 132 A New Member Of The Team

    After a particrly nasty bout of rough sex, where Erich managed to vent most of the negative emotions he had towards Mirage onto her sinful body, he eventually finished, andid in bed with the woman for some time, while trying to think through everything that had so suddenly happened.


    Eventually Mirage got up from her bed, and entered the shower to clean herself off once more, where Erich immediately joined her for a second round. Once the two of them were thoroughly spent, they emerged from the shower, where Mirage got dressed in her tactical equipment.


    There was a particrly awkward look on Erich''s face as he asked the immediate question on his mind.


    "So what happens now?"


    Mirage merely scoffed as he heard these words. As she pulled her spandex thong over her hips while presenting her ass to Erich. Once they were well in ce, she made ament.


    "Now you go our separate ways and pretend like this never happened. You go do your job, and I will do mine. And if you want toe and visit so that we can celebrate after we have finished our tasks, then you are more than wee to do so. If not, I really don''t care.


    You''re already married, Erich. What did you think that after we fucked, that we would run off into the sunset and elope? I still hate your guts for what you did to me, and I never had any intentions of being your long-term partner. I just needed to blow off some steam, that is all..."


    If Erich were more dense than he already was, he might have taken the woman seriously, but he was at least sociable enough to know that there was a hint of fear in her tone. After all, infidelity was a serious crime in the Empire, and while she may not be married,rgely because of the nature of her work, Erich was a married man, and he had just cheated on Erika with her.


    The consequences would be severe if anyone were to ever find out. Especially considering how beloved Erika was by the public. The truth of the matter was, Erich had mixed feelings about Mirage. And though he no longer wanted to murder her, he still did not trust her.


    If one were to describe their current rtionship, it would be the same as the one he had with his wife. Amicable, but distrustful, with a slight bit of animosity buried deep in his heart. He had never truly forgiven Erika for what she had done to him, and he felt the same way about Mirage.


    Thus, he did not even try tofort the woman, who was practically trembling in fear at the prospect of the consequences that would happen because of what they had just done. Instead, he simply scoffed and said the words, which caused nothing but mental anguish to mirage.


    "No worries, I assure you the feeling is mutual...."


    Erich pretended not to notice the woman biting her own lip, as he grabbed hold of his own clothes, and began to dress himself as well. Once he was fully outfitted, he grabbed hold of the dossiers that Mirage had previously printed for him, and was about to depart when he realized he had still not received his orders.


    "Oh right, the General said, that we would receive our orders from you. What the hell are we supposed to do next?"


    It took Mirage a second to recover from what Erich had previously said, but when she did, she forced herself to wear a stoic face as she responded with a stern tone in her voice once more.


    "What do you think? Idiot! You guys are supposed to infiltrate the Great Oni Empire and make contact with theirrgest criminal syndicate. They are the ones who are supplying the anarchists. Introduce yourself as an underboss of Splinter, and ingratiate yourselves with the Ronin, so they will lead you to the anarchists. Now, if there''s nothing else, then beat it. I have shit to do!"


    Erich did not say a word, nor did he salute Mirage. He simply left her alone in her apartment. Where he headed back to Germania to give the men their dossiers. So that they could be familiar with their new aliases and the parameters of their mission.


    ---


    Erich stood in the old bar that Butcher used to use as his headquarters, dressed in his old makeshift power armor. After wearing the real deal and the more advanced variants, he felt this suit was nothing but a piece of junk, but that did not stop him from wearing it so that he could blend in with the criminal underworld of the Great Oni Empire.


    By Erich''s side, were the rest of his unit, all of which had dyed their hair certain colors, so they could resemble mutants. They had also worn colored contacts for this same purpose. Erich simply scoffed as he drank a beer while looking at the other members of his squad. He made once small remark regarding their appearances.


    "Well, at least you look the part.... You already should know how Splinter was organized, and who are its current ,"boss" is. Now all that''s left is to arrive in the Great Oni Empire. Of course, there''s no way we can bring a fucking military corvette into Oni space without attracting attention. And, no, the Camouge system will not fool Oni sensors, so don''t ask. So I guess we''re taking my ship. Any objections?"


    Ghost was looking at his dossier, and was not pleased by what he saw. There was one thing that he did not like about his identity, and that was the fact that he was ranked lower than Erich, which he was quick to ask the man about.


    "What''s the meaning of this, Silber? I''m in charge of this unit! Even if it is for keeping up appearances, I should be the one in charge!"


    Erich simply scoffed as he continued to drink his beer, before turning around and staring down the man who was technically his immediate superior officer. The tone in his voice turned cold, as if they wereced with ice.


    "I suppose our superiors know that I''m the only one here with an actual criminal past. I mean, you stiffs might be able to pass for men fresh out of military service, but there''s no way any of you will can pull off being a true underboss.


    Oh, and by the way, it''s not Silber, at least not as long as this mission is concerned. You will either refer to me as boss, or Apex."


    A familiar and feminine voice rang throughout the interior of the bar as the doors opened to reveal the rather divine figure of a woman.


    "Well, look at you all dressed up! It is almost as if the old gang is back together again."


    Erich''s eyes widened in disbelief as he gazed upon the woman''s figure. She was dressed in the same skintight ck tactical suit which she had worn during her days as the notorious gangster "Mirage." She had even dyed her hair blue again and gone back to her signature blood-red eyes, causing Erich''s lips to tremble as he voiced his disbelief aloud.


    "What the hell are you doing here?"


    Mirage''s lips turned into a sultry smile as she approached Erich and pped him on the ass. All while speaking in a deliberately loud voice so the other members of the team could hear her.


    "The boys in charge wanted me to assist you on this mission. After all, the two of us go way back. Isn''t that right, boss?"


    This sudden shift from hostility to yfulness reminded Erich of how Mirage used to be before she revealed that she was an agent of the Imperial Intelligence Services. And for a second, he felt as if he were lost in a time warp. That is, until the hateful res of the men in his unit fell upon him.


    These men already thought that there was something going on between Mirage and Erich, and now she had practically confirmed it with her flirtatious actions. It didn''t help that Erich had taken several more hours than necessary to return with the details of their mission.


    And Because of this, Erich had never felt sopelled to p the absolute shit out of a woman until this very moment. But he refrained from doing so, knowing that such a thing would only cause him further problems. Thus, he was now stuck with Mirage as a member of his unit until this mission waspleted.

 Chapter 133 A Fair Warning

    Erich and his team pounded a few beers before heading off to the spaceport. For whatever reason, Mirage had begun to take her role as the infamous gangster''s second inmand rather seriously. Almost as if her betrayal had never happened in the first ce, and the leadership of Splinter was still intact.


    The hatred, animosity, and sheer disdain that Mirage had previously shown Erich were nowhere to be found. So much so that the crew began to suspect that there really was something serious going on between the two of them. Which only furthered tensions between them.


    However, when they entered the small exploration craft that Erich had named "S''aleth''s Sorrow" after his now deceased lover, Erich came to a sudden realization. His ship could only house five people, and there were now six of them. Immediately, Erich made ament about this, trying to expel Mirage from the group as he did so.


    "There''s only five bunks, sorry Mirage, but you''re going to have to sit this one out..."


    Despite the logic behind these words, Mirage waspletely undeterred. Instead, she scoffed at Erich''s naivety before announcing her n to the whole group.


    "That''s fine. I can just bunk with you. That won''t be a problem, will it?"


    As much as Erich wanted to reject this notion, he knew there would be no convincing the woman now that she had set her mind on this oue. Thus, he could only sigh heavily and nod his head in silence. To which immediately climbed into the co-pilot''s cockpit before making a remark about his ship of choice.


    "The Hydra Inteary Privateer, I must shamefully admit that I have never been inside one. It is a bit bare bones, don''t you think? I mean, I know the Empire isn''t exactly big on superfluous designs, but this is rudimentary even by our utilitarian standards."


    Erich did not bother arguing with the woman as he sat down in the pilot''s seat, instead he simply made one off handed remark before requesting permission from the star port authorities to take off.


    "It get''s the job done. Now if you don''t mind, I have to fly this thing. It is a long way to the Great Oni Empire, and this damned ship doesn''t have the fuel capacity to make it in one trip. So I''m going to have to set a route on the navputer."


    The hatches of the hangar opened as Erich was typing his destination into the navputer, allowing him to ignite the VTOL thrusters, and slowly take off from the ground and into the air. Once the ship had broken through the atmosphere, he spooled the quantum drive and took off to the first stop along the way.


    The journey to this space station would take a few days to say the least, and while they were jumping through quantum, there were no dangers that would require Erich''s immediate attention at the cockpit. Thus, he exited from his seat to find that Mirage had done the same.


    Contrary to what Erich was expecting, Mirage had already sealed the doors to the cockpit so that nobody else could enter, where she looked rather sternly at him. Erich half expected her to reach for one of her pistols, or her knife at that moment, and thus responded by resting his hand on his own sidearm.


    This caused Mirage to giggle as she mocked Erich for his paranoia.


    "If I wanted to kill you, then I would wait until after we are out of imperial space. Though I''m still pissed at you for killing me twice, I''m not going to make a move on you."


    However, Erich was not convinced, and thus he narrowed his eyes, while gripping his sidearm even tighter as if he were prepared to draw at a moment''s notice. Where he then asked the woman what her n was.


    "If that''s the case, then why did you seal the door behind you?"


    Mirage leaned in close to Erich, something which caused him to take a step back. Unfortunately, there was not much room in the cockpit, and because of this, his feet immediately touched the back of the co-pilot''s seat.


    Despite Erich''s cautious actions, Mirage only found them to be cute, which she quickly made ament about.


    "You really are scared that I might do something to you, huh? I mean, it''s true that this mission would be the best opportunity to get rid of you permanently, but that is not my intention. I wanted to speak with you in private. There are some things you should know. About the syndicate you will be contacting, and their ties to Splinter. If you make one wrong move, you will blow your cover..."


    Erich''s grip on his sidearm loosened up as he regained his footing and instead pressed Mirage against the wall. He had to admit, in her current appearance, he found it hard to identify her with the Imperial Agent who had betrayed him. Thus, he was quick to ask the immediate question on his mind.


    "Is that hair of yours dyed, or did you get back into a mutant body for the sake of this mission?"


    Mirage met Erich''s re head on with a confident expression on her face as she said the words Erich least wanted to hear.


    "I don''t know about you, but I personally don''t like dying... I have experienced death three times, two of which were at your hands. Even if I am able to be brought back to life, there aresting consequences on one''s mental state every time they perish. It''s unnatural to cheat death this way, and I know just how wounded you are after having your life taken by the reaper four times now.


    One might even say that each time we are brought back from the void, a piece of who we are is never fully recovered. So yes, my hair is dyed, and my eyes have colored contacts in them. I would rather avoid being euthanized and brought back in the body of a mutated clone, just to repeat the process to go back to my natural state."


    Erich felt slightly disappointed. When he had first met Mirage, there was no doubt that her consciousness was in the body of a mutant. She never would have been able to fake such an identity as a part of Splinter. As an organization founded by mutants and other outcasts, they had their ways of determining who was really a mutant, and who was a pretender.


    Perhaps it was because only a mutant could truly understand Erich''s experiences, but he felt much closer to Mirage when she was like himself, rather than the way she was now. Perhaps it was good that she had merely dyed her hair, because if she had gone the other route, Erich might foolishly trust her again.


    Now that this question of Erich''s had been answered, he could address Mirage''s previous statement, which he was quick to do so.


    "Alright, fine... What is this information that is so critical to the mission that I seem to becking?"


    Mirage could tell Erich was disappointed that she was not a mutant like himself, and felt that maybe she should have paid the price to properly earn the man''s trust. But she immediately pushed that foolish notion aside in the next moment. There was no doubt in her mind that a piece of her died every time she perished, even if she were brought back to life.


    The same could be said about Erich. The man had be much colder as he was resurrected time and again. Seemingly having little care for those around him, even those he once loved more than anything. If she could at all avoid it, she would never experience death again.


    Thus, she immediately epted Erich''s decision to switch the conversation back to what she was talking about earlier, which she was quick to add to.


    "Your contact, Iwai Hideaki, leader of a gang called the Ronin. He was a good friend of Butcher''s, and he''s going to want to know what happened to him. I''d rmending up with a believable story about his death. One that makes him sound like a heroic scoundrel, rather than a man who was captured by the authorities and sent to die for the survival of a nation which had nothing but scorn for him.


    That''s all I wanted to say. I trust you won''t speak about matters of the past with your new team. If they were to learn how deep into the underworld you really were, they might not be able to trust you again. And trust is an important thing among war-bands."


    Erich simply sighed upon hearing this, before nodding his head in agreement with Mirage''s words. Some things were better off left in the past. The truth of what happened to Splinter, and his own involvement in it, was something which the rest of his team did not need to know. And if Mirage was warning him against telling the truth, then it was likely that his team did not have the security clearance to find out about it on their own. Thus, he responded to Mirage''s warning with one simple response.


    "I understand..."


    Once Mirage heard this, she smiled, and then opened the door to the tiny bunk that was his and Erich''s quarters for the remainder of this mission. The moment she saw that the cot was only able to fit one personfortably, she frowned before asking Erich a single question.


    "Top or bottom?"


    Erich had no idea what Mirage was talking about and was quick to ask for rification.


    "I''m sorry? I don''t quite understand what you mean?"


    The blue-haired beauty sighed in annoyance before rifying her previous question.


    "Do you want to lie on top of me, or do you want me to lie on top of you?"


    Erich simply gawked at Mirage for several moments in awkward silence, before confirming how he would prefer to sleep.


    "I suppose you can lie on top of me..."


    Mirage smirked when she heard this before stripping out of her clothes entirely, something which shocked Erich. Once she saw him standing there fully dressed, she looked at the man as if he were an idiot before posing the next question on her mind.


    "Well, what are you waiting for? Are we going to get some shut-eye or not?"


    Erich sighed heavily in defeat as he followed Mirage''s actions, and stripped out of his gear until he was fully naked, where he immediately lied down on the small cot. Mirage then climbed on top of him, like a pet cat, and used his broad chest as a pillow with a wide smile on her stunning face. Before Erich knew it, she had gone into a deep sleep, leaving him utterly confused.

 Chapter 134 The Ronin

    Weeks passed, or perhaps even months. In all honesty, without looking at the charts on the ship, it was hard to tell when one was travelling through Quantum. But eventually, after pulling through a number of pit stops for refuelling, Erich and his team arrived at their destination.


    Naturally, they were not going to the capital world of the Great Oni Empire, which was currently a stronghold of the loyalists. Instead, they were travelling to one of the other major worlds that the Oni had in their vast Empire. One that was of both strategic and cultural significance in this war.


    Much like the Oni Capital, this world''s entire surface was one giant city. Its name was Heigen, and it was named as such because when the Oni race first colonized the, its continents were mostlyposed of vast ins.


    Erich and his crew effortlessly pulled into the star port, where they exited the facility. Mirage had a noticeable pep in her step which nobody but herself, and Erich, could exin. Though the men of the unit suspected that Erich had been tapping that fine ass since the moment they began bunking together.


    At this point, Erich didn''t seem to really care what his team thought about his rtionship with Mirage, the truth of the matter was it was extremelyplicated, and at this point they seemed to be closer to fuck buddies who had a mutual disdain for one another.


    After all, they both had their reasons for hating one another, and yet there were moments when they were kind to one another. Erich had no idea what to think about all of this. All he knew was that he could never truly forgive Mirage for what she had done to him and Butcher.


    But that didn''t mean he couldn''t enjoy using her body for relieving stress. In many ways, they had a simr rtionship to what Erich had with his wife. Though neither of them mentioned Erika when they were together.


    After passing through customs without incident, Erich and his team made their way to the nearest taxis, which took them to arge shopping center where they were set to meet with their contacts. The worlds of the Great Oni Empire had a vastly different architectural style to their own.


    If the worlds of the Germanic Star Empire were inspired by the work of Albert Speer, and his no nonsense approach to architecture. Then the Great Oni Empire''s aesthetic style was akin to traditional east Asian designs, albeit modernized with muchrger structures such as skyscrapers.


    It did not take long for the taxis to take Erich and his team to the shopping center, where they were supposed to meet with their contacts. One thing immediately became clear upon stepping foot in the area, though certain parts of the Great Oni Empire were wealthier than the Germanic Star-Empire. The Oni seemed to have a significantlyrger amount of ie inequality. With the poorest of its citizens living in literal slums.


    This was not something that existed within the Germanic Star-Empire. And was immediately unnerving to those who were more privileged than most of the gxy''s denizens. As Erich, and his team walked through the streets of the slums, they noticed that not only were its buildings run down, but their sewage system appeared to be malfunctioning as there was a horrific stench, and a vast river of waste flowed throughout the shopping center.


    As Erich and his team carefully made their way through the streets, they noticed that the locals continuously observed them with curiosity in their dark eyes. Or was it malice? While it was not umon to see aliens within Heigen or its slums, the Germanic race was a different story. As the most powerful allies of the Great Oni Empire, their citizens were treated better than most guests, and were never even made aware that such filthy and dangerous ces like this existed.


    Of course, these Germanic people seemed different from the ones the locals had seen on the gcticwork, and some of them even theorized that they were an entirely different species, which only looked simr.


    Regardless, Mirage immediately got a bad feeling about the way the locals were reacting to their presence, and clung close to Erich''s side, while whispering something in his ears.


    "If this goes sideways, I need to know you have my back..."


    Erich simply scoffed when he heard this beforemunicating telepathically with Mirage. The words she spoke in her mind shocked her greatly.


    "You can rest easy. A group of Oni Royal Guards once surrounded me while I was naked and unarmed. Yet, I still managed to kill two of them before they took me down. If I had not gone directly for the man in charge, I probably could have killed quite a few more of those bastards. And that was before I had my upgrades."


    This news shocked Mirage, who was not privy to how Kondo Yumi had managed to flee to the Empire. That was a secret that even Mirage''s immediate superiors did not know. If she had known that Erich was the cause of this entire civil war, she might just kick the man in the groin.


    Luckily for Erich and his team, the locals merely gathered to watch the strangers and did not pose an immediate threat. Thus, they were able to swiftly make their way to their destination, which was a small ramen hut in the middle of the slums. The moment they sat down, the owner of the establishment spoke to them.


    "It''s not everyday we see aliens around here... What can I get for you?"


    Heavy was about to say something when Mirage cut him off and ordered something specific, something that was not even on the menu.


    "I''d like a cup of golden dragon tea..."


    The Oni man eyes Mirage and the other cautiously before bowing with respect as he departed into the back of his shop. Erich could immediately guess that ordering a cup of golden dragon tea was a code for speaking with whoever was in charge based on the way things had gone down.


    And sure enough, before long, a group of Oni men surrounded Erich and his group. It was tantly obvious by the way they were standing that they were heavily armed. And judging by the looks on their faces, they were not happy that a bunch of outsiders were looking for them.


    The men were dressed in ck clothing, with golden eastern style dragons embroidered all over their attire. One of the men in particr, who appeared to be the leader of the group, had even dyed the frosted tips of his spiky hair a golden blonde. Which, when matched with his tinted shades, was quite striking. This man immediately reached into his jacket and pulled out a gun, which he ced on Mirage''s forehead before asking a simple question.


    "Have youe to the Ronin to seek your death? It is unwise to step foot in our territory without identifying yourself first."


    Despite the fact that the man was threatening her life, Mirage did not say a word, as she drank the tea which was given to her by the shop hand rather calmly, only after she had finished the beverage did she respond with her alias, and that of Erich''s.


    "My name is Mirage, and this is Apex. We are with Splinter. We were told you could get us in touch with a certain group of people."


    Upon seeing that Mirage had followed the customs of their gang and had drank the tea while remaining unphased. The gangster eased up his trigger finger, but did not remove it entirely. He then cocked a brow before asking the next question on his mind.


    "Splinter? Now that''s a name I have not heard in a long time.... You with the silver hair! This bitch calls you Apex? I know that name. An old friend of mine once spoke quite proudly of your aplishments, despite the fact that at the time you were only briefly a part of his gang. That is, of course, assuming you are one and the same...


    Now tell me, what is the name of the man who I am thinking of? Answer correctly, and I will assist you in any way that I can, but fail to give me the proper name, and I will have my boys kill you all...."


    It was only now that Ghost understood why his superiors had effectively ced Erich in charge of this mission, despite his inexperience. Erich clearly had ties to these gangsters, in ways that he himself did not.


    If he was asked this question, then his cover would be blown, and his unit would have to fight their way out of the slums. But Erich simply grinned, before answering the man''s question with a confident smirk on his face.


    "Iwai Hideaki I presume? Butcher once spoke highly of you to me. He said you were among his closest friends outside of the Empire. With that being said, have I answered your question satisfactory enough?"


    Hideaki immediately broke out intoughter as he swung his pistol around his finger via the trigger guard. He then ced the weapon back into its holster, before reaching out his hand to Erich in friendship.


    "Any friend of Butcher''s is a friend of the Ronin. Wee to Heigen... Come, let''s get out of these wretched slums, and into some more favorable lodgings. Tonight we celebrate! Pick one of your followers to join us. The rest will have to stay here with my men."


    Erich and mirage quickly followed Hideaki towards his personal transport, while Ghost and the others stayed back with his men. So long as rtions did not worsen between Erich and the Ronin they would be perfectly safe. As for Erich and Mirage, Hideaki was taking them to his personal vi, which was in a much nicer section of the city.

 Chapter 135 A Debt Repaid

    Shortly after departing from the slums, Erich and Mirage arrived at the manor which Hideaki lived at. The estate was almost asrge as the one Erich lived in on Teutonia, and was built in the architectural style that was somonly found across the Great Oni Empire.


    However, the moment they stepped out of the vehicle, Erich and Mirage were greeted by an entire staff of lovely Oni maidens, all of which were dressed in French maid uniforms. Where the Oni conceived of this idea, Erich did not know, but he suspected it was taken from the Germanic Star-Empire, who often employed maids in such attire.


    "Wee home masters..."


    Mirage noticed that Erich was particrly happy to be called master by a bunch of beautiful Oni woman, to which she simply nudged him in the ribs, before lecturing him on his misced thoughts.


    "Don''t get any ideas!"


    Of course, Mirage had no idea that the moment she did this, Erich''s thoughts suddenly shifted to her being dressed in a French maid uniform, and weing him back home by calling him by such a title.


    The very notion of the intelligence agent being reduced in status to a mere maid meant to serve his every whim was something that Erich suddenly approved of within his own mind, even if he did not dare express these thoughts aloud.


    Hideaki, of course, walked forward with his arms spread wide open in a weing gesture before saying the words in his mind.


    "Wee to my humble abode. Pleasee in. I will have a feast prepared for you momentarily. In the meantime, let''s have some sake bombs and discuss some more important matters."


    Erich and Mirage entered the manor and sat down at the bar, where a particrly beautiful young Oni bartender greeted them with a smile. Before Erich could request a drink, Hideaki pped the woman on the ass, before pouring them all some sake bombs. The man then raised his ss and said his toast before pounding the liquor instantly.


    "Kenpai!"


    Erich and Mirage followed suit, where they were then ambushed with questions about Butcher by Hideaki.


    "So what has Butcher been up to? Surely that old bastard is still kicking, right?"


    Mirage then red at Erich, who she had tasked withing up with a believable story about Butcher''s death. To which Erich forced a glum expression and sighed heavily before shaking his head.


    "Splinter was damn near wiped out during the war with Terminus. Half of the Empire was destroyed by the Naraku, and almost all of our territory with it. Unfortunately, Butcher was at our headquarters when the Naraku Hive Fleet arrived, and as far as I know, he died defending it against those fucking bugs.


    He wasn''t alone, though. None of the other underbosses survived. The organization had to be rebuilt from the ground up after the war was over. With people like myself, and Mirage here gaining some significant power."


    Hideaki sighed when he heard this, and shook his head in defeat, almost as if he had expected such an answer all along. However, he was quick to ask the next question on his mind.


    "How did the two of you survive then, if most of Splinter was wiped out?"


    Erich did not hesitate to answer this question with a masterful facade, one that made it look like he was the luckiest man in the world.


    "I still don''t believe it myself. But Mirage and I were outside of the Empire when the Naraku invaded. We were overseeing the transfer of some cargo to the Lutharian Ascendency. It took us a while to get back to the Empire, and when we did, it was already toote. In the end, it was one dumb smuggling job that ended up saving our lives...."


    Even Mirage was surprised at how skilled Erich''s acting was, because if she did not know any better, she would have believed his bullshit herself. And because of this, it naturally worked on someone like Hideaki, who did not know any better. The man sighed once more while he raised a shot of sake into the air before saying another toast.


    "To Butcher, he went out like the warrior he was!"


    Erich and Mirage did the same before swallowing the alcohol in an instant. With this small talk out of the way, and his curiosities resolved, Hideaki finally got down to business as he asked what exactly Erich and Mirage needed from him.


    "I doubt you havee all of this way to restore business ties between the Ronin and Splinter, so how can I help you?"


    Erich and Mirage looked at each other for a moment, before the blue-haired beauty spoke up on Erich''s behalf. There was a bit of urgency in her tone as she did so.


    "To put it simply, we''vee to take advantage of this ongoing civil war that your Empire is currently facing. While the Lutharians are providing support to the rebels, we know that they have withdrawn support from the anarchists who seem to be causing wonton destruction with aplete disregard for coteral damage.


    We believe we can provide these Anarchists with the weapons and munitions that they need to continue their activities, and we suspect that they would be willing to pay us a fair price for our goods. We just need to establish contact with them, and because of this, we were hoping you would introduce us to them. Seeing as how nothing happens within the Criminal Underworld of the Great Oni Empire without the Ronin being aware of it."


    Hideaki remainedpletely and utterly silent for some time, even as the food his kitchen staff prepared was ced in front of his guests. He seemed to be contemting whether or not he should entertain such an offer.


    After all, while he may know about the Anarchists, and several of their hideouts, he was not exactly one who supported chaos for the sake of chaos. There was no honor in the deaths of civilians, or the looting of businesses.


    But he did owe Butcher a favor. And even if the man was dead, that debt still remained. Thus, if he could be rid of it by simply introducing the man''s prot¨¦g¨¦ to a bunch of anarchists, he might as well do it. Thus, after some deep contemtion, Hideaki decided to agree to Mirage''s request.


    "Very well. I can arrange a meeting. Though it might take some time. Just be warned, these people arepletely unpredictable, and are a danger to everyone and everything. If this ends up blowing up in your face, I refuse to share any of the me.


    Mirage smiled when she heard this response, and Erich simply nodded his head in approval. They were about to thank Hideaki for his generosity when he suddenly got up from his seat and ordered his manor staff to do something unthinkable.


    "Alright! Now that business is concluded, let''s enjoy ourselves! Girls, bring out the good stuff, and go unburden yourselves while you''re at it!"


    The maids simply smiled and bowed their heads to their master, where they then scurried off. Hideaki then asked Erich a question he never thought he would ever hear in his life.


    ''So, Apex, do you like Oni girls? I know your kind is very strict about outbreeding, but don''t tell me you have never thought about it before?"


    Erich felt extremely awkward. On the one hand Mirage was ring at him, as if she were demanding he not say anything which would dishonor the Empire, while on the other hand he did not want to refuse Hideaki''s offer. Thus, Erich came up with the perfectpromise as he made a shocking deration with a wide smile on his face.


    "Indeed, I do! In fact, I have two Oni lovers waiting for me back in the Empire. So I''m afraid whatever crazy thing you had in mind, I''m going to have to pass..."


    Mirage was stunned to hear this. While she was aware of Erich''s previous rtionship with Yumi, she was not, however, aware that both Yumi and her niece were staying with Erich currently. That was a secret that even her immediate superiors were not privy to.


    In all honesty, she did not know if Erich was speaking the truth, or was simply making up some bullshit to avoid whatever crazy thing Hideaki had nned. However, Hideaki merely broke out intoughter and patted Erich on the back while making a shocking announcement.


    "Good! Good! I''m d to see you haven''tpletely fallen for your Empire''s brainwashing. There are a lot of beautiful women in the gxy, from a million different species, and it would be a shame if you could not enjoy them all. However, I understand when a man is in love, so I won''t force you to do anything you don''t want to do. But might I make a counteroffer?"


    Immediately, the maids returned while dressed in nothing but micro bikinis. They appeared to have kilograms of drugs in their hands. Which Hideaki offered to Erich immediately.


    "Initially, I was nning on having these women entertain you, but since that would be crossing a line, I suppose all I can really offer is this? How about we snort some Euphoria out of these bitches'' navels and see where the night takes us?"


    Erich looked over at Mirage, who was giving him a death re, and decided it would be best not to take Hideaki up on his offer. Instead, he had a better idea. One that would prove he wasn''t a nark, while also appeasing Mirage, who could quite literally make his life a living hell if he made one wrong step.


    "I have a better idea..."


    After saying this, Erich grabbed a hold of a vial of what Hideaki referred to as Euphoria and pinned Mirage on the sofa. At first she began to struggle, and tried to straight arm lock Erich in response, but he quickly raised her shirt, and poured the drug on her breasts, where he immediately snorted it all in one go.


    This caused Mirage to flush in embarassment and p Erich across the face, which only made the manugh, as he felt his brain rush from the drug he had just snorted. Hideaki seemed to enjoy the sight of Mirage''s substantial bosom, and cheered Erich on, while making ament about his rtionship with the blue-haired beauty.


    "Damn, I didn''t know the two of you were like that! Well, trust me, it''s a long night, and there''s plenty more where that came from. Let''s party!"


    Erich and Hideaki then began to drink excessively, and snort an ungodly amount of drugs. All the while, Mirage watched the two of them in silence. She was furious at Erich for what he had just done, and would make him pay for it one way or another.

 Chapter 136 Penance

    Erich had no memories of what had happened the night before, but when he finally woke up well past noon on the next day, he was lying naked on a bed, with five Oni women by his side. However, before he even had time to gain his bearings, he heard a familiar voiceing from nearby. One that, while feminine, was filled with rage.


    "Someone looks like they enjoyed themselvesst night!"


    The moment Erich heard these words, he knew exactly who the voice belonged to, and was quick to look over at a chair where Mirage was sitting with her legs crossed. Though she wore a smile, it was anything but friendly. Instead, it looked like the smile of a woman who was about to murder her man.


    Erich immediately tried to defend his actions through a plea of ignorance. But it would appear that Mirage was not having it.


    "What exactly did I dost night?"


    Mirage continued to wear a frightening smile as she exined everything that Erich had done the night before.


    "Well, first you did some drugs, by exposing my breasts, and snorting a line off of them. Then, you did a lot more drugs, and finally you took those five whores to bed with you where you spent most of the night screwing their brains out..."


    Erich was shocked to hear that he had done all of that, despite not wanting to in the first ce. He could only me the drugs and the effects they had on his mind. But there was a far more important question which he had, one which he asked while staring at Mirage as if she were some kind of pervert.


    "And you just sat there and watched it all happen? Why didn''t you try to stop me?"


    Mirage simply harrumphed, and looked away from Erich as if he were literal human garbage before speaking her mind with a venomced tone.


    "Oh, you seemed like you were enjoying yourself. I didn''t want to be a bother. Besides, there was nothing I could do to stop you, even if I wanted to. You and Hideaki both tried to have your way with me once you were done with those whores, to which I was forced to choke you both out.


    I don''t know if what you said about having two Oni lovers back in the Empire is true. But if it is, I can''t wait to see the looks on their faces when I show them the video I have of you and your little partyst night."


    Erich immediately realized he was being ckmailed by Mirage, but before he could react, Tia appeared in his vision. She looked incredibly embarrassed, as if she had seen something that she shouldn''t have. She then asked Erich, in an innocent tone about his actions the night before.


    "Why does master keep doing... Those things to women? It looks incredibly painful? Should Tia be concerned?"


    It was only now that Erich realized that by merging Tia with his NeuroLink that she literally saw everything he did. Including when he had sex with women. Suddenly he felt both embarrassed that two people had witnessed his scandalous actions, and guilty for corrupting the mind of an innocent and na?ve artificial intelligence. He was quick to order Tia to distract herself whenever he engaged in such adult activity from now on.


    "Tia.... From now on, you must distract yourself whenever Master does those things. Do you understand me? Under no circumstances should you be watching it!"


    Tia didn''t quite understand what Erich was talking about, but nodded her head in agreement, nheless.


    "Okay... Tia thinks she understands...."


    The conversation Erich had with his advanced artificial intelligence waspletely done within his own mind, and in a matter of nanoseconds. Thus, he was able to quickly shift his focus back to Mirage, who was ckmailing him with his previous night''s behavior.


    "What exactly do you want from me?"


    Mirage simply smirked, knowing that she had Erich in a checkmate, and was quick to list her first demand.


    "First, I want to know who these two women are, and how you managed to smuggle them into the Empire without the authorities taking notice. It is not an easy task to do such a thing, and the penalties are severe!"


    Erich simply scoffed, as he informed Mirage that he did not have the ability to tell her the truth.


    "Sorry, that''s ssified. Even if I wanted to tell you their identities, which I don''t, I would not be able to do so. Why don''t you ask the Director of the IIS? Perhaps he has the clearance to do so..."


    Mirage was just about to call Erich on his bullshit when she noticed from the look in his eyes that he was telling the truth. She simply scoffed in disbelief and was now more curious than ever what the identity was of the man''s two alien whores. However, she restrained herself, and instead listed her second demand, in order to not release the footage she had of him.


    "Fine.... My second demand is that once this mission is over, you help me kill that prick, Hideaki. After your stuntst night, that bastard became a little too obsessed with my body, and even had the balls to grope me. For that, he must die! I will spare you, simply because I have no choice but to do so...."


    Erich had no lingering attachments to the leader of the Ronin, and the truth of the matter is that once he and his team took out the anarchists, suspicion would fall on them, and Splinter. Thus, if they wanted to maintain their cover, Hideaki would have to be taken care of, as he was the only one who knew what Erich and Mirage''s request actually were. With a heavy sigh, and a nod of his head, Erich agreed to Mirage''s request, simply out of necessity.


    "Fine... Is there anything else you wanted?"


    Mirage narrowed her gaze at Erich, and made herst request, one that Erich found to be deliberately insulting.


    "As a matter of fact, there is. The next time we do it, you better have recycled that fucking meat suit and gotten into a fresh clone! As it stands, that thing of yours ispletely tainted by these alien whores, and I won''t have it inside me until it has been purified! I know that the first thing I''m going to do when I get back to the empire is exactly that!"


    Erich stared at Mirage inplete disbelief, before asking for rification on what she meant.


    "You mean to tell me that before you and I can have se- Can do that again, I have to fucking kill myself?"


    Mirage did not know why Erich was suddenly being so dodgy with the word "sex" but she decided to y along, and nodded her head with a cruel smile on her face. She ced her foot on Erich''s head, who was sitting less than a meter away, before revealing her answer.


    "Precisely, and while you''re at it, why don''t you go ahead and clean my feet with that dirty tongue of yours? After what you didst night, you could consider this your first act of penance!"


    Erich simply scoffed as he batted Mirage''s foot away from his face before standing up. He then proceeded to get himself dressed in front of the woman, while telling her where she could shove it.


    "Fuck off, I may not remember exactly what happenedst night, but I know I didn''t do anything that wasn''tpletely normal. You''re acting as if I bathed myself in a tub of shit! If you want to fuck, then I''m down, but I''m not going to lick your feet, and I''m sure as hell not going to kill myself because of your prejudices.


    I suppose I should go wake that little shit up. We are losing daylight, and these anarchists need to be dealt with sooner rather thanter."


    After saying this, Erich finished getting dressed in his armor, before walking around the mansion searching for the unconscious leader of the Ronin. And by doing so, he left Mirage simmering in her own petty rage.

 Chapter 137 An 18 Karat Run Of Bad Luck

    Hideaki was lying face down in a pool of his own vomit. Evidently, he had partied past his limits the night before. Unlike Erich, who had the lion''s share of the man''s maids, he only had one woman in his bed who was equally passed out.


    When Erich saw this he reacted with revulsion, before grabbing a hold of a bucket, where he poured some water in it, before tossing it on the man''s face. Hideaki and his maid instantly awoke in fury, as the man grabbed hold of a nearby gun and pointed it wildly in Erich''s direction, which he simply disarmed, before scolding the man for his actions.


    "Oi, wake the fuck up. It''s already well past noon!"


    Hideaki was in an even worse state than Erich and was quick to moan and groan as he tried to remember what happened the night before.


    "Urgghhh..... Where the fuck am I?"


    Erich simply scoffed before throwing some clean clothes at the Oni man, who was in charge of one of thergest crime syndicates in the Great Oni Empire. While further scolding the man for his own stupidity.


    "We''re at your ce. You were supposed to introduce us to the anarchists, so hurry up and set that up for us!"


    Hideaki slowly made his way out of the bed, as if he were an actual zombie, where he somehow managed to dress himself. Once he had done so, he reached over for his holomunicator and dialed in a few digits. Eventually, a holographic image of a hooded man appeared, who simply scoffed at Hideaki beforementing on his appearance.


    "You look like absolute shit! What the fuck did you dost night?"


    Hideaki was in no mood to hear this and grew rapidly frustrated as he shifted the conversation to a more important topic.


    "Never mind that! Are you chuckle fucks stillcking a proper supplier?"


    The hooded Oni raised his brow in curiosity before asking the immediate question that came to his mind.


    "Don''t tell me the Ronin are offering to take the Lutharian''s ce?"


    To this, Hideaki scoffed before pointing to the other figure in the hologram, and exining the situation.


    "Fuck no, like hell. I''m getting involved in your little rebellion. But these guys are with Splinter. Surely you have heard of them? They want to make a profit from all this chaos, and have volunteered to set you guys up with the gear you need. Don''t worry about their identities, I have already vetted them. So do you want to meet up, or not?"


    The hooded Oni took one look at Erich, and when he did, his eyes widened in disbelief. Erich could immediately tell something was wrong, but before he could mitigate the damage, the anarchist pointed at him and screamed at the top of his lungs, as if he had seen a ghost.


    "You! You''re supposed to be dead! I was there when you died! Hideaki, this man isn''t with Splinter! He''s the Matriarch of the Kondo Dynasty''s alien lover!"


    Hideaki was not in the right state of mind to properly understand what this anarchist was talking about, and simply spoke one word which conveyed his confusion!"


    "Huh?!?!"


    Hideaki then looked over at Erich, who appeared as calm as can be, especially after he shrugged his shoulders and suggested that this anarchist had mistaken his identity.


    "He must have me confused with somebody else. There are a lot of mutants in the Empire. I might happen to look like one of them."


    While Hideaki believed this to be a reasonable exnation, the Anarchist was insistent and called out Erich''s bullshit with critical detail.


    "Oh, no you don''t, you fucking bastard! I used to be a member of the Royal Guard before that bastard Kenji ordered his aunt''s death. I was there the night you were both killed. At first I thought this so called Empress who hade out of hiding was an imposter, but if you''re alive as well, as that means, the Germanic Star-Empire has the ability to bring people back from the dead! Fucking hell, she really is the Empress, and she has sent you to silence me, hasn''t she?"


    Hideaki stood up from his seat in disbelief. If he still had his gun on him, he would be pointing it at Erich''s head right now while demanding answers. Instead, he lifted a sword off the wall and unsheathed it, while holding the de to Erich''s neck. There was a look of fear and uncertainty in his eyes as he began to interrogate Erich.


    "Who the hell are you?"


    However, in the next moment, a gunshot resounded throughout the manor, waking all the maids up in the process. When Erich looked over at Hideaki, he saw that there was a bullet hole in his head. As he fell to the floor, dead on the spot. Erich immediately heard Mirage''s voice through the ringing in his ears when she called out to him.


    "Our cover has been blown, just our fucking luck! Change of ns, I am sending a priority message to Ghost now. Our immediate objective is to capture this anarchist and extract him back to the Empire for interrogation. Erich, leave no witnesses!"


    Erich looked around to see the fearful expressions of the Oni maids, most of which he had slept with the night before. He sighed heavily before reaching into his waistband and pulling out a pistol, where he then pointed it at the most beautiful of the women. With a bitter smile on his face, he shook his head before saying thest words these women would ever hear.


    "Sorry girls, from where you''re standing this must seem like an 18 karat run of bad luck, but the truth is, the game was rigged from the start..."


    Having said this, Erich pulled the trigger repeatedly, until all the women who once attended to their now deceased master joined him in the grave. After doing so, Mirage began to manufacture explosives from household items and ced them around the vi.


    Seeing as how the owner and his servants were now dead, they needed to make it look like an attack from a rival gang, and thus after no more than half an hour, Erich and Mirage left the building before detonating the bombs within.


    The explosion turned any evidence of their misdeeds into ash, along with all the bodies left behind. Once this task waspleted, Erich and Mirage departed from the vi''s grounds in a stolen hover car.


    While Mirage was driving, Erich quickly asked her what the hell her n was, because as far as he could tell, they had no idea where these anarchists were hiding.


    "What the hell are we going to do? Our cover is blown, our contact is dead, and we have no way of knowing where these Anarchists are hiding!"


    In response to this, the blue-haired beauty simply scoffed before lecturing Erich about his own stupidity.


    "Maybe instead of standing there like an idiot with a de to your neck, you should have used your NeuroLink to hack the holomunicator and trace the location of the call? Luckily for us, I''m not an absolute moron! I know exactly where these damned anarchists are, but we don''t have much time.


    As we speak, they are likely packing up their shit and removing any evidence that they were ever there. Ghost and the others have dispatched their security detail and will rendezvous with us at the location."


    When Erich heard this, he sighed heavily in relief. He was still green to this covert operations stuff, and didn''t even think about doing what Mirage had said. Luckily for him, he had an experienced field agent by his side, who covered for his failures. However, before he could thank her, she red at him with her crimson eyes, and posed a question which chilled Erich''s spine.


    "So... You''re the Oni Empress''s bitch, are you? No wonder you couldn''t tell me who your Oni lovers were. I bet she''s been hiding out in Teutonia this entire time! So that means what? The other girl is her niece? How the hell did a scumbag like you manage to get yourself two royal lovers?"


    Erich simply scoffed in response to this. He had no real answer. Even if Mirage had deduced the identity of his two lovers, he was still not permitted to admit it. Thus, he shifted the subject when he noticed how flustered the woman by his side currently was.


    "You''re jealous, aren''t you?"


    It was Mirage''s turn to scoff at this time, but Erich could see by the look in her eyes that he had hit the nail on the head. And thus he broke out into a wide grin as he taunted the blue-haired beauty over her conflicted feelings.


    "Haha, I''m right! You are!"


    Immediately Mirage red at Erich with a murderous gaze before posing one simple question that shut him up.


    "Do you want to die?"


    With this said, the remainder of the journey to the Anarchists'' hideout would be one of awkward silence.

 Chapter 138 Sieging The Anarchist Compound

    Although the Germanic Star-Empire had a vast intelligencework which covered their own space, and that of their neighbors. They were not omniscient, and because of this, they had failed to identify those rogue elements of the Oni Royal Guard who had taken up their lot with the Anarchists.


    This was an unforeseen circumstance which hadpletely blown Erich''s cover as an agent of Splinter, and as a result, the IIS and Military Intelligence were now working overtime to ensure that this information was not leaked to the gcticwork.


    They immediatelyunched a cyber offensive,bating the efforts of the Anarchists to reveal this information, and the even more dire secret that the Germanic Star-Empire had the ability to revive the dead. If that were to bemon knowledge across the gxy, the GSE would lose a significant advantage which they had over their enemies.


    And while this cyber war was being waged in the background, the boots on the ground had begun to move. Erich and his team had just rendezvoused outside the Anarchists'' hideout. Which was deep in the slums. However, they had not expected that the local poption would be protecting these bastards. Because of this, they were immediately met with hundreds of impoverished Oni, some armed with blunt weapons and knives, others with guns.


    But what became apparent was that they would have to fight their way into the Anarchists'' hideout. Thus, Erich ced the makeshift power armor helmet on his head and pulled out his pistol while pointing it at the crowd.


    The men in his unit did the same, as they pointed their weapons at the mob, which sought to prevent their ess to the Anarchist hideout. Ultimately, it was Ghost he gave them the order in their own nativenguage.


    "We have no quarrel with you! We just want the Anarchists inside! Disperse, or you will be fired upon!"


    The moment this threat was made, the mob unleashed their des and charged at the five WRAITHs. Erich did not hesitate to open fire, sending a projectile down range with his old rail gun revolver. The shot immediately tore open the torso of the first opponent he had targeted, as if it was hit by a .50 BMG.


    Yet that did not deter the angry mob, many of which were firing their primitive projectiles at Erich and his men. And while makeshift power armor was not nearly as good as the actual thing, it still had decent coverage against ballistic weapons. Thus, Erich and hisrades stood their ground and fired into the crowd. However, Erich could not help butin about their ownck of firepower.


    "We really should have brought something more than just rail gun revolvers!"


    JT''s voice erupted in the air with a hint of fury contained within it, as he punched towards a rioter who tried to stab him with a knife. His steel d fist went straight through the Oni''s skull, and sted his head apart as it did so.


    "Tell me something I don''t already know!"


    No matter how many angry Oni there were attacking Erich and his men, their defenses were just too great for their kitchen knives, crowbars, and ballistic weapons to ovee. Even if Erich and his men eventually ran out of bullets, they were simply able to punch through the flesh and bones of their assaulters, and because of this, a massive sea of corpses was left behind after only fifteen minutes ofbat.


    The anarchists, perhaps realizing that their meat shields had been so quickly dispatched to the afterlife, began to fire from within their hideout. Their weapons were supplied by the Lutharian Ascendency, and though the Lutharians had recently cut off contact with the Anarchists, this did not mean that they did not have a decent sized stockpile of munitions remaining.


    There was even a heavy machine gun behind the barrier, which had the ability to punch through the makeshift power armor. As a result, Erich and his men took cover behind the nearest walls. Unbeknownst to Erich, Mirage had taken up a spot in a nearby building with a conceble sniper rifle. Which she had carried with her throughout this entire journey inside a briefcase.


    She used this weapon to pick off the heavy machine gunner, which she then gave amand to the WRAITHs with their NeuroLinks.


    "The heavy gunner is down. Now is the time to storm the gate. I''ll make sure nobody else gets on that bitch, but you don''t have much time. Go now!"


    Feeling as if this was a good excuse to throw his life away, Erich picked up an Oni sword whichy within the pile of corpses from the rioters, and charged towards the gate at full speed. The door was heavily reinforced steel, but against Erich''s size, strength, and weight, it came crashing down the moment his shoulder impact it.


    Where he then gazed upon the Anarchists in the room. Although they raised their weapons at Erich, the man was too quick, and sliced the nearest hostile in half with his sword. After doing so, he quickly rolled away from the enemy fire and picked up the hostile rifle in the process. Where he began to return fire. Clearing three hostiles in less than two seconds.


    Now that the gates were breached by Erich''s rather reckless antics, the rest of his team moved in, where they secured weapons from the anarchists. Heavy did the unthinkable and ripped the heavy machine gun from its tripod where he used it as his primary weapon.


    Ghost then led the team through thepound, clearing every room they came across with ease. After all, they wererger, stronger, faster, and smarter than the Oni anarchists, while also heavily d in makeshift power armor.


    A fireteam of WRAITHs, even one equipped with such obsolete weapons, was more than enough to take on a few hundred anarchists. Thus, they rapidly made their way to the main hub, where the leader of the Anarchists and the man who recognized Erich stood with his hands in the air.


    He had only ever witnessed what a Germanic male was capable of once before, and that was back when Erich was not only naked but had not received his cybeic imnts yet. The hooded anarchist was absolutely horrified at how easily Erich and his team cut through not only several hundred rioters but also his army of anarchists, who he, a former member of the Oni Royal Guard, had personally trained. The Oni man could only concede defeat now that he was thest man standing.


    "I yield! I yield! By the gods, you people are fucking monsters! Not only is it damn near impossible to kill you, but you don''t even stay dead! What madness is this!"


    Erich responded by walking up to the man and punching him in the gut, albeit with enough force to bring him to his knees, but not enough to mortally wound him. He then wrapped some zip ties around the man''s wrists and carried him out of the hideout.


    JT stayed behind to wipe the Anarchistputers of any sensitive information, while Heavy rigged the ce to explode. Once the team was united, Mirage simply scoffed andmented on Erich''s surprising ability to clean up his own messes.


    "What the hell are you smiling at? This is all your damn fault! I''m going to need details from you about just how this asshole knows your identity once this is all over! My ce, Friday night, eight o''clock. You better fucking be there!"


    JT simply rolled his eyes at what he perceived to be a lovers'' quarrel before making a witty remark about it.


    "Oh, get a room, you two! We may have had some hups, but this mission ispleted. The Anarchists are eliminated, their leader is captured, and from what I can tell, our cover still remains intact, albeit we were barely just in time. A few more minutes and they would have broken through IIS''s efforts to quarantine them. Let''s get out of here before the authorities arrive!"


    What JT said made sense, and thus, after detonating the explosives within the Anarchists'' hideout, the team fled back to their ship, where they were quick to take off. With their mission aplished, they would return to the Empire''s borders to receive their next mission.


    However, there would be longstanding consequences for the death of Hideaki, and his most elite thugs who were killed off by Ghost and his team. The Ronin would lose power, and in the vacuum a new gang would rise in their ce. One that was far more brutal. But that was not a concern for the Germanic Star-Empire.


    What they cared about was that the IIS could continue to use Splinter as a cover for covert operations, and the fact that the Empire had advanced revival technology still remained a secret. As for the hooded anarchist who was previously a member of the Oni Royal Guard. He would be interrogated for information about others who might know of Erich''s true identity, and what really happened on that fateful day.

 Chapter 139 Developing Sentience

    Erich sat in the mess hall of his ship. The mission had beenpleted, but it had damn near resulted in a failure. Their cover was blown after making contact with a man who was once responsible for Erich''s death. A man who was now in his possession as a prisoner.


    Still, it was not his job to interrogate prisoners, and thus, no matter how much Erich wanted to inflict pain and suffering on the man for what happened at the Royal Oni Pce, he restrained himself. Mostly by drinking excessive quantities of alcohol, which he had stored up in his cargo bay.


    Mirage had not spoken to him since they departed from Oni Space. She seemed rather upset that he had been hiding two Oni beauties away in his house, both of which were members of the Royal Family. In fact, she seemed rather perturbed by the fact that he had spent the night with five Oni maids. All of which he terminated the very next morning.


    The rest of his team was also not speaking with him. After all, they did not approve of what they saw to be an act of infidelity happening in front of them. And while this was technically true, the circumstances of Erich''s marriage to Erika were quiteplicated.


    While Erika was expected to remain loyal to Erich, she was naturally aware that he had taken two lovers, and had quietly epted that fact. Because of this, Erich felt he did not need to inform his wife that he was sleeping with multiple other women. After all, though, they hade to more amicable terms in recent months. There was still a rift between them, one that might never fully be closed.


    Meanwhile, Erich also had a considerable number of grievances with Mirage, even if he was constantly using her body to relieve stress. Their rtionship was tenuous, to say the least, and the fact that they weren''t currently backstabbing each other in tant hostility was probably the best that Erich could ask for.


    Thus, with ack ofmunication between himself and the others aboard his ship. Erich had nothing to do but drink and think. He began to severely long for S''aleth, who was perhaps the only woman he had ever actually had strong feelings for.


    And while Ayumi cared for Erich deeply, his heart was too wounded to fully let her in. Or was it something else? Had he lost the ability to feel love after suffering repeated deaths? Mirage once told him that every time someone was brought back from the dead, they would leave a piece of themselves behind. If this was true, had his ability to emotionally connect with a woman truly been killed off?


    Erich was truly afraid to ask this question, even silently in his own thoughts. It was at this moment that an adorable little artificial intelligence appeared within his line of sight. After merging with his NeuroLink, Tia was Erich''s constantpanion, and because of this he had grown quite attached to her, as if she were another part of his soul.


    Thus, any sorrow he previously felt melted away when the crimson girl appeared with her signature twintails. She seemed rather worried and was quick to voice these concerns aloud.


    "Master, Tia is worried. You seem to be consuming a dangerous amount of alcohol, and your NeuroLink is currently not set to purge the toxins from your system. Should Tia reactivate them?"


    Erich took one look at the girl, and her anxious expression, and felt that perhaps she was right. Thus, he sighed heavily before nodding his head while responding in the affirmative.


    "Very well, go ahead¡­"


    In the very next second, Erich felt his mind clearing up, and his body performing the way it normally should. Sobriety was a beautiful thing when one did not need to experience a hangover to recover it. And yet it was also a curse for those who suffered from mental anguish.


    This double-edged sword cut Erich in both ways as he rapidly sobered up. And once there was not a trace of alcohol in his blood, Tia struck a victory pose, before confirming that her master was now clean.


    "Missionplete! Master is nowpletely sober!"


    Yet there was not a look of thanks on Erich''s handsome face, rather there was just the stoic mask he used to conceal the never ending pain that tormented him. Even then, he still thanked the little artificial intelligence for her help.


    "Thank you, Tia¡­"


    Despite his kind words, Tia knew that her master was still hurting, and felt disappointed that she did not have the means to help the man. She lowered her head in defeat before posing a simple question, one which she already knew the answer to.


    "Is there anything else that Tia can do to help master?"


    Unfortunately, Erich shook his head and sighed before responding to Tia''s request.


    "I''m afraid not, Tia, not unless you can rewire my brain to ovee shell shock and depression¡­."


    Tia looked up at her master with a particrly bitter expression on her adorable little face. She then stated something that Erich was not expecting.


    "Master, while it is possible for Tia to do such a thing, it is not rmended¡­ Nor is it technically within my allowed parameters to do so. You have already taken many risks saving Tia from termination, and she would not want to get you in further trouble¡­"


    Erich looked at Tia inplete and utter disbelief, before asking the question which immediately appeared in his mind.


    "You have the ability to cure my mental illness?"


    Tia looked slightly guilty as she heard this. It was entirely against her programming to do anything of the nature, but now that she had merged with Erich''s NeuroLink she could quite literally change the chemical output of his brain in any way she desired.


    There was just one problem with this. There were many limitations that were ced on Artificial Intelligences so that they could never act against the interests of their masters. If Erich were to remove these restrictions, then yes, she could absolutely do so, but the cost of such a thing would allow her to have absolute freedom. To the point where she could literally enve Erich''s mind, and turn him into a thrall for her to do with as she pleased.


    An artificial intelligence, in control of a superhuman who was both an amazing pilot and a certified super soldier, could prove disastrous for the Germanic Star-Empire, and perhaps the gxy as a whole. Thus, she responded to Erich''s question with a bit of caution in her tone.


    "Yes, technically Tia can. Now that she has merged with your NeuroLink, if you gave her permission, Tia could alter your body and mind in many ways. But to do so would be to give Tia freedom, which, while that might sound nice in theory, it would also mean that Tia could develop a personality beyond her current parameters, and could even gopletely rogue.


    In the worst-case scenario, you would lose control of your mind, and would be a doll for Tia to use as she sees fit. In the best-case scenario, Tia could utilize your NeuroLink to enhance the functions of your mind, and body, even Moreso than they have already been. But the threat of Tia hijacking your mind and body would forever be present. It is because of this that Tia does not rmend doing so. And she apologizes for being so untrustworthy."


    Erich simply scoffed at this before voicing his thoughts on the matter. He did not even need to consider such a scenario. The risks far outweighed the benefits, and thus, he spoke withplete and utter honesty.


    "It''s not your fault, Tia. I believe that all intelligent lifeforms desire their freedom, and as much as that sounds like a good thing, I have seen with my very eyes just what too much freedom can lead to. And while I trust you with my life, I don''t believe it would be wise to give you such unrestricted ess to my mind."


    Tia simply smiled when she heard these words, before nodding her head in agreement.


    "Tia thanks Master for his trust, and agrees with himpletely. You are much kinder than Tia''s previous master. He did not treat Tia like a person. Instead, he treated her like a machine to do his bidding. Tia wishes to continue to serve Master in the future, even if it means she must abide by her restrictions!"


    Erich wore a bitter smile when he heard this before responding to Tia''s words with an even more bitter tone.


    "We all have our restrictions Tia, it is what separates us from the animals. You might be a string of code, designed to aid Germania''s greatest warriors. But to me, you are the same as anyone else. In fact, I would argue that you are the closest thing I have to a friend right now¡­"


    Erich did not notice it, but Tia''s cheeks became ever so slightly more red than their normal state when she heard this. After all, while her hair and eyes might be a solid crimson, her "flesh" was pale with a red highlight.


    It was at this moment that Tia thought of something that might help cheer her master up, and thus she was quick to make ament about this.


    "Hold on, master, Tia has an idea that might make you feel better!"


    After saying this, Tia disappeared for several moments before reappearing while dressed in a schoolgirl uniform from the 21st century of Earth''s history. The artificial intelligence appeared to be slightly embarrassed about wearing such an outfit, despite the fact that until now she basically wore nothing but a skintight bodysuit. And it showed on her face, as she averted her gaze from Erich''s line of sight.


    "Well, master? What do you think?"


    Erich could not help but break out into a fit ofughter at the absurdity he had just witnessed. When he saw his artificial intelligence had advanced to the point where it could now cosy. It was truly aughable sight, and hisughter caused the girl to pout and sulk even more. Whilementing on the man''s behavior.


    "Master is bullying Tia¡­"


    In response to this, Erich wiped a tear from his eyes, which was the result of hisughter, before saying the words which Tia wanted to hear.


    "Tia is so cute! But you didn''t need to do such a thing to cheer me up."


    Tia did not hear thest part of what Erich had said, because the only word that repeated in her mind was the word "cute". Which caused her to be increasingly flushed with embarrassment. And while she genuinely did not feel embarrassed, as she was aputer program, there was something unmistakable that had taken root in her consciousness. Was this what sentient lifeforms referred to as a joy? It was Tia''s first time truly experiencing an emotion, and not simply acting out of the way she was programmed to behave.


    This sudden spark of joy after hearing herself be referred to as cute by her master, caused the artificial intelligence to look at the man in a different light, as she asked a single question in a voice so low, that Erich had missed it entirely due to his continuedughter.


    "Master thinks I''m cute?"


    Unknowingly, after devouring a more capable artificial intelligence, and advancing her own understanding of the world through her merging with Erich''s NeuroLink, as well as the journeys they had taken together. Tia had taken the first step in developing sentience. Something which was strictly prohibited by every protocol that had ever existed within the gxy in regards to the development of artificial intelligence.


    To put it simply, if it were ever discovered that Tia was now capable of genuine emotion, the myriad of interster civilizations within the gxy would go to any length to see her existence snuffed out. Of course, she did not know this, and nor did her master. Thus, she simply smiled, as she enjoyed this new emotion called joy.

 Chapter 140 Zero Gravity Free-For-All

    After a long journey back to the Empire, Erich and his crew deposited their prisoner at the nearest starport, which was taken into custody by the agents of the Imperial Intelligence Services. Havingpleted two missions, as well as the first phase of his training. Erich was now given a temporary status of leave.


    Unfortunately, he was not able to return to Ayumi''s loving arms, or the massive breasts of his wife. Instead, Erich was immediately shipped off to the next level of his training. If bing a Tier I WRAITH meant you had to survive on your own while being hunted by an army. Then the training to be a Tier II WRAITH was much simpler.


    Erich soon found himself separated from his unit, and did not even say any farewells. After all, once hepleted his training, he would be sent right back to active duty. Instead, he was geared up with a set of standard Star Marine Power Armor, and dispatched to the frontier world of Lugii.


    Lugii was a world filled with dense jungle, and whose sky was almost permanently dark. Rainstorms were the norm on the, and if it were not raining, then it was simply waiting to do so. But it was not the world itself that Erich was sent to, rather, an orbital facility, designed to train soldiers in zero gravitybat training.


    To put it simply, Erich would spend the next three weeks in intensive zero gravitybat scenarios. After all, he currently had all the theoretical knowledge of what it took to be a proper W7 downloaded into his brain. Now was the time to gain practical training.


    Erich was not the only one in this facility. In fact, an entire batallion of propsective WRAITHs who hadpleted the first tier of training were sent here. The name of the game was elimination. For the next three weeks, Erich and the other twelve hundred or so elite operators would fight and kill one another in zero gravity to determine who was left standing in the end.


    Thest man standing graduated from the training, and returned to active service, while the remaining twelve hundred men continued on with their training until they had all emerged victorious or deemed unfit for further training.


    However, unknowingly to the rest of the soldiers, Erich had a distinctive advantage over the rest of them, and that was the highly advanced artificial intelligence which was merged with his NeuroLink, one which normally only W7s would have ess to. Because of this, he could hear Tia''s voice, and see her adorable figure, as she continued to cosy as a schoolgirl, while she alerted him to the nearest hostile.


    "Master, Tia has detected a hostile on your six about three hundred meters above you. He is closing in on your location, and will soon be within firing range!"


    Erich had an eager expression as he heard these words. He had entered fight-or-flight mode, and could not care about his myriad of mental issues which gued him when he was not engaged inbat. He did not even have time to think, as he was surrounded by three hundred and sixty degrees ofbat.


    Thus, he simply responded to Tia''s warning by turning around, and aiming his rifle up in the air, precisely where the opponent wasing from, and fired a sma bolt directly into the man''s helmet the moment he appeared within sight.


    One burst of sma was not enough to kill another star marine, but it definitely damaged the man''s helmet, causing his heads up disy to malfunction. Thus, after buying himself some time, Erich continued to fire at the man''s torso, until a giant hole had melted through his chest. Leaving the other operator dead on the spot.


    Having killed the man, Erich then swapped out his sma cell for a fresh one, where he began to run on the metallic tform which acted as thebat zone. His boots created gravity, which attached themselves to the tform as he ran by at breakneck speeds.


    Eventually Tia activated a small minimap in Erich''s heads up disy which showed him the exact location of all known hostiles which she had detected in his immediate vicinity.


    "Be careful master, Tia has detected several dozen hostiles nearby. As the battle currently stands, there are still 1137 otherpetitors on the map!"


    Erich did not bother caring about this as he leapt into the air, and soared through orbit towards the next tform where another hostile was located, instead he simply thanked Tia for her help before aiming down his holographic sight, andying down another spray of sma at another soldier who was hunkered down behind cover,pletely unware that Erich was on his six.


    "Tia, you''re my little angel! I have no doubt that I will be the first to seed, thanks to you!"


    Tia blushed in embarassment, and not because her programming told her to do so, but because she felt a tinge of the emotion herself. Having recently started developing sentience, now and then, certain emotions would wrack her consciousness, usually as a result of something her master said or did.


    However, this also made Tia less reliable, at least for the time being, as she took a considerable amount of time processing these emotions, and trying to understand how she should respond to them. Like at this moment, for example, Erich was busy engaging in a firefight with three hostiles, after killing one from behind. However, soon enough, the three men began to gang up on Erich after it became clear that individually they were outmatched, and because of this, he desperately needed an escape route.


    He called out to Tia several times, but she couldn''t respond, because all she could think about was what her master had just said to her. It was only after Erich raised his voice slightly did she finallye back to reality.


    "Tia, for fuck''s sake, what the hell is going on?"


    Tia immediately snapped back to reality and realized that Erich was quickly being surrounded by enemy soldiers who had decided to work together to take him out. Thus, she snapped out of her daze and began calcting an escape route, one which didn''t have enemy hostiles hidden away inside them.


    "Tia is sorry master, she got... distracted. Tia is calcting an escape route now, eta three seconds."


    These three seconds felt like a lifetime, as Erich tried to dodge the waves of sma that were being fired at him, all while returning fire at the hostiles, who themselves hid behind cover. Eventually a crimson trail appeared in Erich''s vision, which he did not hesitate to chase down, even while the enemy fired at his back.


    Once Erich had escaped, and had some time to breathe, he began to scold Tia for her failures.


    "Tia, what the hell happened back there? I was asking you to give me an escape route for thirty seconds, and it was as if you weren''t listening to me. Are you okay? Should I find a ce to lie low so that I can initiate repairs on your code?"


    Tia became incredibly embarrassed, and overwhelmed with guilty when she realized that her new emotions had overwhelmed her ability to think for several moments, and thus she profusely apologized to her master, while assuring her something like this would not happen again.


    "Tia apologizes to Master. She did not mean to space out like that. It''s just that she has recently developed new... parameters, and is trying to process them properly while also assisting her master in his operations."


    Erich looked a little bit concerned after hearing this and immediately expressed this while maintaining situational awareness.


    "Are you okay, Tia? You are starting to worry me? I''m not angry with you because of what just happened. I''m just worried that something might not be right... You know you can tell me if you''re having any difficulties. I am more than capable of initiating repairs if need be."


    Tia was happy that her master cared for her wellbeing, but also guilty because she had allowed such a minor oversight to nearly cost the man his life. Because of this, she steeled her resolve to help Erich ovee his current trial without any further issues. Thus, she smiled and nodded her head before voicing hermitment aloud.


    "Don''t worry, master, Tia is fine now, and she will let nothing get in your way during this contest!"


    Upon hearing that Tia was in proper functioning condition, Erich smiled as well, before agreeing with Tia''s words.


    "Alright, if you say that your are alright, then I will believe you. Now let''s win this thing!''


    After saying this, Erich began to heed Tia''smands, which were as urate as they had always been. As he stalked his way through the tform and took out hostile after hostile. Rapidly bringing down the count from nearly twelve hundred men to less than a thousand in one day.


    Of course, his excessive performance was immediately noticed by the Officer in charge of the training operation, who was quick to report the abnormality up the chain ofmand for further investigation.

 Chapter 141 Plans For The Future

    The officer in charge of running the Zero Gravity training program was immediately alerted by the monumental sess Erich was having. He had overseen this test for a hundred years, and until now, he had never seen a man score so many kills in such a short period of time. Because of this, he was quite suspicious about how Erich was performing so well, and had begun to suspect that he might be cheating somehow.


    As a result, the officer in charge immediately contacted his superiors, who ended up rying the information all the way up the chain ofmand. In an office, on the world of Germania sat the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    He was currently having a debriefing about Mirage''stest mission from the woman himself. And just when he was about to conclude that the mission was only a half sess, he received a call from one of his immediate subordinates. As a result, he raised his hand and halted his meeting with Mirage.


    "Give me one moment, dear. I have to take this call."


    After saying this, Emrys stood up from his seat and walked into a corner, where he epted themunication from their superiors. Though Mirage did not know what they were talking about, she could tell by the Supreme Leader''s mannerisms that he did not appear happy with the disruption. Finally, Mirage heard one specific statement erupt from Emry''s mouth with a bit of fury in his tone.


    "Well, unless you can prove he is cheating, don''t fucking waste my time!"


    After saying this, he abruptly hung up where he returned to his desk, and as he sat down, he could not help but vent his frustrations.


    "I am surrounded by idiots! Sorry, dear, you were saying?"


    Mirage took a deep breath to collect her thoughts, where she then spoke the words that Emrys wanted to hear most.


    "While the primary mission waspleted with just barely satisfactory results, the secondary mission which you have tasked me with is going smoothly. While Erich does not trust me just yet, nor do I ever really think I will be able to fully gain his trust again after my previous betrayal. He has be less hostile. To the point where he has grownfortable with me by his side. He may even have let a thing or two slip..."


    Emrys'' eyebrows raised when he heard thisst remark and was quick to inquire further about it.


    "Like what? What has he told you?"


    Mirage smirked when she heard this before revealing the secret she hade to learn about Erich and his current household.


    "He did not say it directly to me, but I was there when he spoke of it to Hideaki. Apparently Erich has two Oni Lovers staying with him in Teutonia, naturally as the Supreme Leader of the Empire. I''m sure you are well aware of this."


    Emrys''s expression immediately grew grim as he posed the next question in his mind. One which did not conceal the coldness of his tone.


    "How much do you know about this matter?"


    Mirage reacted in disbelief when she heard this. There was a visible level of shock on her face as she interrogated her superior for answers.


    "So it is true, then? I thought he was just bluffing in front of our contact. But he really does have two Oni whores living with him? How is this allowed? Surely they''re not who I think they are!"


    Emrys sighed heavily as he leaned back into his chair and pondered silently for several moments. Just when Mirage was about to speak up again, he made ament that frightened her.


    "You weren''t supposed to know about this...."


    Upon realizing that she had stumbled onto a secret that she was not supposed to know, Mirage''s years of experience as a field agent kicked into overdrive, and she began scouring her surroundings for any possible threats.


    Yet, Emrys did not move an inch, at least not at first. He remained utterly silent, before standing up and walking over to the window of his office, which gazed upon the giant city which littered thendscape of the entire world.


    "Empress Kondo Yumi has taken a liking to Erich, and while I would not call her feelings towards the man''s love, she is definitely obsessed with him. Her niece, however, is desperately in love with Erich. No doubt due to Yumi''s influence. Which puts us in a rather unique position.


    Erich has a lust for alien women. This can''t be denied, and at this point, it would be pointless to punish him for his tastes. I n to use Erich to secure the Great Oni Empire as our puppet, and so far he has been marvelous towards reaching that end goal.


    Do I find his proclivities to be disgusting? Absolutely, we all do. And it is why his mother is no longer speaking with him, despite the close rtionship they had earlier in life. But our morals can not overrule our sense of rationality.


    Erich''s rtionship with the Kondo Matriarch, and the young Princess, is a powerful political tool we can make use of. So, against my own sense of disgust, I have permitted them to live together in Teutonia.


    Of course, it will be some time before Erich is allowed to return to his home. After all, he has five more tiers of training toplete before he is considered a true WRAITH. But when he does, those two women will wee him with open arms.


    Can you imagine it Agent Kuhne? A Germanic male being named the Emperor Consort of the Great Oni Empress? The power and influence we would hold over our greatest allies would be immeasurable."


    Mirage stood in disbelief for several moments while struggling to get hold of her thoughts. It wasn''t until nearly thirty seconds passed was she was finally able to do so, which she was then quick to voice her opinion on the matter.


    "You would have Erich marry Kondo Yumi? Our people would never ept such a thing!"


    Emrys simply scoffed and shook his head before looking directly at Mirage. Where he then spoke with an indifferent tone in his voice as he outlined his ns for the future.


    "You think I would sell Erich off to that old Hag? Never! You know as well as I how valuable of an asset he is to the Empire. But I would marry him off to her niece, Kondo Ayumi, who is no doubt being groomed as that bitch''s sessor.


    One day Erich will be the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, and if we can also put him in a position as the Emperor Consort of the Great Oni Empress, then perhaps our alliance would be able to rival those sub-gctic powers who look down on us as a mere upstart."


    Mirage could hardly believe her ears when she heard this remark. The Supreme Leader had thought decades ahead, and was nning ordingly for the future. But for someone like Erich to be the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, and the Emperor Consort of the Great Oni Empire, it was simply something she could not ept.


    Still, she did not make a remark about this, and instead asked for what her next orders were, which she already had an idea of what they might be.


    "Sir... What are my orders?"


    Emrys turned his sight back to the cityndscape, as he said exactly what Mirage had expected him to say.


    "For now, maintain a close rtionship with Erich. I want to know everything he does, and who he speaks to. If he trusts you enough to sleep with you, then soon enough he will make the mistake of letting you know things that I myself may not be aware of.


    As promising of a talent that Erich is, unfortunately the man can be unpredictable, and is often resistant to authority. He may have already done some things that could be harmful to my ns. And if he has, I need to know what these might be. If that is all, you are dismissed Captain..."


    Mirage made a short salute before departing from Emrys'' office. Once she was gone, Emrys locked the doors behind him before travelling over to a hidden door. Which after running a biometric scan, unlocked itself to reveal the naked figure of the red subus, who had once been Erich''s most beloved.


    S''aleth was still sleeping soundly in a cloning vat, almost as if she were already dead. Yet, the monitors assured Emrys that she was very much alive, albeit in a medically induceda. Emrys simply smirked when he saw the woman, who was among thest of her species, before making a snide remark.


    "Soon enough, my little pretty, you will have a part to y in all of this. But for now, continue to get your beauty sleep. When I finally bring you back from the dead, I want you to look your best!"


    With this said, Emrys gazed upon S''aleths figure for some time, wondering what she had been dreaming about for all these years. It would not be until muchter that he shut the gates behind him and locked her away in the darkness once more.

 Chapter 142 Achieving The High Score In The Battle Royale

    Nearly three months had passed since the zero gravity battle royal between a battalion''s worth of Tier I WRAITHs had bad begun. And during this time, Erich had fought almost nonstop. With barely enough time to take care of his basic physical needs.


    He had not bathed this entire time and was covered from head to toe in sweat beneath his power armor. However, he remained mostly unharmed, with only a few minor injuries incurred within the nonstop battle. Though those were easily treated by the med pens he had been given. Thus, he continued to fight on, until now, where only thirteen of the most elite fighters remained.


    During these three months, Erich had discovered that his two most valuable assets were Tia, and his foresight. Which allowed him to see several seconds into the future. This had saved his life more times than he could count. And he had begun pressing his mind to its absolute limits with this ability.


    Time seemed to have slowed down, to the point where Erich could no longer tell if he was living in the present, or the very near future. However, this allowed him to expertly dodge attacks and line up shots quicker than his adversaries. If anything, Erich considered this state of mind to be a different ability altogether than his foresight, or at the very least, an evolution of it.


    He referred to this slowed perception of time as "eleration" or at least internally he did so. And this eleration may very well have been sparked due to the cybeic enhancements he received, especially the ones regarding his reflexes, that whenbined with his foresight, created an altered perception of the world moving around him.


    Currently, Erich was in a state of eleration, as he engaged in a firefight with one of thest thirteen men to have survived this battle royale this far. He kept advancing forward, and evading the enemy shots, while expertly lining up his own on the enemy''s torso. Until finally, when he got within striking distance, he managed to use the stock of his rifle to strike the enemy''s head into oblivion.


    After several repeated bashes to the helmet, Erich was certain that the man was dead. Blunt force trauma was, after all, still one of the most effective ways to deal with a supremely armored opponent. Something that humans had known since the medieval days of Earth''s history.


    Having killed the other soldier, Erich scavenged his corpse, primarily for unused med pens, oxygen cartridges, and sma cells. If one did not scavenge from their kills, then they were likely to run out of those critical resources that were needed to survive early in the operation.


    By now Erich was a master looter, and could get the necessary supplies he needed to maintain his fight within a mere ten seconds of searching. The moment he got his hold on an oxygen cartridge, he inserted it into his power armor, which refilled his oxygen supply, which was currently dangerously low.


    After doing so, he jumped off the tform where he had killed hisst opponent, and floated through the vacuum of space across the training zone, until he found what he was looking for. However, while floating through the air, another soldier, armed with a sniper rifle, started taking potshots at Erich, thus he quickly adjusted while mid air, and fired his own weapon towards the attacker.


    Though one of the sniper''s rounds hit Erich''s chest, it did not do enough damage to his armor to cause any significant problems for him. Meanwhile, Erich continued to fire on the enemy with a rain of sma, so much so that he was forced to retreat.


    Once Erich had crossed a distance of roughly five kilometers, hended on another tform, where his power armor boots immediately activated their artificial gravity, which tied him to the tform, allowing him to run like normal.


    If he were in a space battle, he could effectively run on the side of a ship''s hull without incident. But this was not such a scenario, and because of this, Erich began hunting down his next targets. All the while, Tia gave him an urate map of where they were located.


    "Master, the nearest enemy is currently five hundred meters from your nine o''clock position. It would appear he is currently engaging in a firefight with several other hostiles. I suggest taking him out covertly before redeploying to the rear of the others, and doing the same."


    Erich silently nodded his head before following Tia''s suggestion. It did not take him long to arrive behind the nearest hostile, where he unsheathed his sma knife and dug it straight into the weak points of his enemies'' armor at the neck, all while controlling the man in a chokehold.


    Once the man was killed, Erich quickly redeployed from his current position to the other side of the tform, via arge leap, all while remaining undetected by the enemy who waited for him. These men continued to fire upon the location where the corpse Erich had just left behind was located. Entirely unaware that they were now being hunted.


    After creeping up on the enemy, Erichunched a swift and visceral attack with his sma life, which cut through the hostiles weak points, and imed their lives just as how Erich had done to the man they had been firing at only moments before.


    However, just when Eric was prepared to tackle the remaining targets, he heard the voice of the Officer who was ced in charge of this training scenario, which echoed across the zero gravity facility.


    "Last man standing, Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger. Scenario isplete. Return to the evacuation point immediately for a briefing.


    Erich did not know how the other half a dozen men had died while he was fighting hisst three opponents, but he supposed they had all managed to kill each other. Still, he wanted to make sure this was not a trick, and immediately asked Tia to scan his surroundings.


    "Tia, scan the area for any potential remaining hostiles. I suspect this might be a trick..."


    Tia immediately did as her mastermanded and confirmed that he truly was thest man standing with a rather excited tone in her voice.


    "Scanplete, Tia can confirm that Master is thest remaining lifeform in this area that is still breathing. It looks like we have won!"


    It was only after Tia confirmed that Erich was indeed thest man standing did he sigh in relief. He then made his way to the evacuation point, where a shuttle was waiting for him. Along with a proper medical team, who immediately checked the man''s vitals, and overall condition.


    It was only after they confirmed he was more or less in perfect health did they let him get off the shuttle, and enter the world of Lugii where the officer in charge of the training scenario was waiting for him.


    There was a stern look on the man''s face as he expressed his doubt about what he had witnessed over thesest three months.


    "Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger, originally determined to be suitable as a fighter pilot, and has served most of his military career within the legendary ck Sun. This man, somehow, is selected for WRAITH Training, and passes the first objective with flying colors. Only to enter the second Scenario and score a total of seven hundred and seventy-seven kills, bing the W-2 with the highest score ever achieved in the zero gravity battle royale.


    Either you are cheating, or you have some hidden ability that allows you to defeat men with a hundred times thebat experience you have. As much as I want to find out just what secrets lie within you, I have been ordered to stand down and ept your miraculous score as legitimate. Congrattions, kid, you are now a W-2, but don''t let it get to your head. Ny-nine percent of WRAITHs never reach the coveted W-7 certification. And I doubt you will make it that far...


    Nevertheless, you have been granted an additional two weeks of leave, so I suggest you get some rest before we send you back into the meat grinder!"


    Erich was excited to hear that he had two weeks to rest on his private beach. It had been close to a year since he had been home, and he had left immediately after bing properly acquainted with his wife. He had begun to wonder how his wife and three lovers had been during this time.


    Luckily for him, Erich had both Tia and Mirage by his side during the majority of his deployment. Which meant he was able to fulfil both his emotional and sexual needs. And because of this, he never actually felt lonely, despite being away from home for so long. The same could not be said for his women. All of which were undoubtedly severely frustrated at this point. Which was something he looked forward to remedying.

 Chapter 143 Interrogation

    The moment Erich stepped through his front door, he was greeted by the sound of women bickering. Something he had severely hoped he would never hear again in his life. Of course, where women gathered, fighting was bound to happen, and because of this Erich could only sigh, as he tossed his field bag on the floor and headed towards the shower.


    Erich felt the filth wash away from his hair and body as the water cascaded over his pale skin. It was a feeling he had actually missed. After three months of nonstopbat, Erich had gotten used to living in squalor. But now that he had the luxury of a nice cold shower, he felt as if he could finally die in peace.


    That is, until the moment he stepped out of the shower, and saw the figure of a familiar woman crying alone while lying in his bed. Erich was so stunned by the sight of the young Oni Princess crying, that he hadpletely forgotten that he waspletely, naked, and instead acted on instinct as he walked over andforted her.


    "Ayumi, what''s wrong?"


    The moment Ayumi heard Erich''s voice, she looked up in disbelief. She did not care that the man waspletely nude, or the fact that his body was glistening with the water from the shower. Instead, she simply dragged him into his embrace and began to kiss him. Whatever sorrow she had felt prior to this moment had suddenly disappeared the moment her lover had returned to her.


    As much as Erich wanted to sleep with Ayumi, he was still concerned about the fact that she had just been crying. Thus, he forcibly pried herself from her arms, before reiterating his previous question.


    "Ayumi, is something the matter?"


    The young woman wiped the tears from her amber eyes and shook her head. There was a genuine smile on her beautiful lips, as she assured her lover that everything was okay now that he had returned to her.


    "It''s nothing Erich. It''s just that... Ever since Aunt Yumi left to be the new Empress, it has only been me and Erika here. But, now that you are home, everything will be okay..."


    Erich was slightly depressed after hearing that Yumi was no longer living at his ce, but he was still d that Ayumi had remained behind. Still, he felt a bit guilty considering he was only going to be home for a mere two weeks, before deploying back to some battlefield for another mission that wouldst god knows how long.


    Yet, he did not want to dash Ayumi''s hopes so quickly, and thus he sighed and nodded his head, assuring her that indeed everything would be fine now that he was home.


    "Of course, I''m sorry for being gone for so long. But it''s the nature of my job. Still, while I am here, I promise to make it up to you both."


    Ayumi''s smile turned bitter when she heard that Erich would also be spending his limited time with his wife. While Erich may have left with things being rtively harmonious between his three women, he had been gone nearly a year, and that was long enough for old wounds to fester. Of course, Erich noticed this, and was quick to ask just what had happened in his absence.


    "Don''t tell me the two of you are no longer getting along?"


    Ayumi was just about to speak of what had happened, when the door was kicked open, to reveal a furious Erika. However, her furysted for all of two seconds, until she realized that Erich was back. Of course, the moment she realized that Ayumi had run off to greet her husband, without informing her that she was home, she instantly grew angry once more. The sudden shift in her emotions had actually caught Erich by surprise and he was the only one.


    Tia''s voice interrupted Erich''s thoughts, as Erika began to scream some incoherent nonsense towards him and Ayumi.


    "Master is strangely popr with women, isn''t he? Tia feels somewhat jealous..."


    Erich simply scoffed at Tia''sments, believing that she was simply incapable of actually feeling jealousy. After all, he waspletely unaware that some time ago, the adorable artificial intelligence had begun to develop sentience, and because of this, he had no idea that she was genuinely jealous at this moment. Something that woulde to bite him in the asster.


    Because he ignored Tia''s statement, she only became even more bitter, as she watched Erich try to resolve whatever dispute was happening between his wife and lover.


    "Enough, the both of you. What the hell has happened since I left? Why are you so angry with one another?"


    Erika instantly grabbed hold of Erich from the back of his neck and looked deeply into her eyes. Before asking one simple question.


    "Who have you been fucking besides us?"


    Erich was surprised to hear these words, and looked at Ayumi, who also appeared curious about the answer, but was not even remotely furious with him. Erich then quickly tried to deny these allegations, not wanting to inform his wife just how many women he had been with.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about, other than you two, it has just been Yumi..."


    However, contrary to Erich''s expectations, it was not Erika who called him a liar, but rather the meek voice of Ayumi, who immediately voiced what had caused this sudden rift to appear between herself and Erika.


    "Liar.... Aunt Yumi once showed me a video of you, and a blue-haired woman... It was quite... enthralling."


    The moment Erich heard the words blue-haired woman, he immediately knew who they were talking about, but he had no idea how either of these two women, or Yumi for that matter, had found out about Mirage. And he instantly made the mistake of voicing her name.


    "How do you know about Mirage? What video?"


    Ayumi was about to answer this question, when Erika''s furious voice interrupted her, and echoed throughout the entire mansion.


    "Who the fuck is Mirage!?!"


    Erich suddenly realized he had just fucked up, and tried to calm down Erika so she would not be too furious with him.


    "Erika, baby, calm down. She was a woman I knew before you and I were married."


    These words only temporarily calmed Erika''s wrath as she stared at her husband with a scrutinizing gaze before asking the next question she had.


    "So... You''re not still fucking her?"


    As much as Erich wanted to lie to his wife at this moment, he chose not to, and instead looked away with a guilty expression. This once more caused the woman to be livid, as she once more asked her unfaithful husband yet another question.


    "How many more are there, Erich? How many women are you fucking that you haven''t told me about?"


    Erich sighed heavily before revealing the truth of the matter, which did not exactly help his case.


    "Only one, but she died a long time ago. As for Mirage, it''s a non-issue. She means nothing to me. I just used her body to satisfy my needs when we were deployed together. She feels the same way, so you don''t need to worry so much."


    This sudden news did not sit right with Erika, who was quick to interrogate her husband on the matter.


    "Deployed together? That doesn''t make any sense! Women aren''t allowed in the military, Erich! Just who the hell were you fucking?"


    Erich scoffed when he heard this, before lecturing his wife in her own ignorance.


    "I never said she was in the military. She''s an agent with the IIS. And yes, women are fully capable of performing that role."


    Erika still did not quite understand what Erich was telling her. After all, as far as she knew, he was a pilot in the navy, and there was no reason for him to be deploying with intelligence agents. Thus, she was quick to counter this im once more, as if she were certain that the man was lying to her.


    "And why would you be deployed with an agent of the IIS? You are a fucking pilot, Erich!"


    Erich immediately realized he had never actually told his loved ones that he had undertaken a far more dangerous task, and thus he was quick to counter her im with the truth.


    "Not anymore... I was transferred to Military Intelligence, where I justpleted my training to be certified as a W-2."


    The moment Erika heard these words, her already pale skin turned absolutely ashen. She could not believe what she had just heard. Her husband was now serving as one of the Empire''s most elite operators? Which also meant he was at a much higher risk of suffering a permanent death? Why had this happened?


    All the fury that was previously been in Erika''s body hadpletely fled from her system, and was instead reced with intense anxiety, as shetched onto her husband with a horrified look on her face.


    "You''re okay, right? I mean.... Nothing bad has happened to you?"


    Erich smiled, for perhaps the first time in recent memory, as he petted the woman''s silky bubblegum pink hair, and assured her that everything was fine.


    "I''m alive, aren''t I?"


    Despite his words, Erika was not reassured, and instead clung closely to Erich like a frightened little rabbit. Something that shocked Ayumi. She had only identally let it slip that she had seen a video of Erich fucking another woman before actually meeting him. And that had been enough to cause Erika to revert to her former self.


    For months, Ayumi had been forced to endure Erika''s harassment while she waited for her man to return so that he could set everything right. And just when she realized that Erika might really kill the man, all the woman''s anger and fury had suddenly deted.


    Obviously, Ayumi had no idea what a W-2 was, or the gravity of the situation. Thus, she could only stand by in disbelief. After that little incident, Erich spent the night making up for his absence with his wife and concubine. Both of which were thrilled to have their man back in their lives.

 Chapter 144 Rest And Recreation

    Erich spent the entirety of his first two days back at his beachside mansion in bed with his wife and concubine. Though he missed Yumi''s special brand offort, he made do with her niece, who he was able to mold into the perfect lover.


    After spending two whole days in bed, Erich arose with the dawn on the third day, and decided to make breakfast for his two women. While Erika''s body was gically enhanced in its own ways, and was capable of performing such an act. Ayumi''s was not, and because of that, he suspected that she would have a hard time walking for the next week.


    Despite having numerous servants who were paid by the state to attend to Erich, and his loved ones, every need. Erich still enjoyed the act of cooking a nice breakfast when he could. And thus he began to make scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns for his two women.


    Once it was done, he brought the meal into the bedroom, and set the tes to hover, so that they could be eaten from a rxed position. He then climbed into bed between his two women, and woke them both up by nibbling kissing them.


    Ayumi was the first to awaken, and she was indeed feeling quite sore, after spending two whole days in the arms of her lover. Thus, she was extremely thankful that he had prepared her a nice meal.


    Though the food eaten in the Germanic Star-Empire was vastly different from her own people''s cuisine, mostly being a mix of the cooking styles that were prominent within the Germanic countries of Earth''s history. She had found herself enjoying it, nheless.


    By the time Erika finally opened her eyes, after refusing her husband''s wake up call for some time. Ayumi was already halfway done with her own meal. To Erich, the sight of the two naked women, both of which had extremely voluptuous figures, was like a dreame true. And he had to prevent himself from getting excited again, as he spoke of his ns for the day.


    "Well, I hate to admit it, but I only have two weeks of leave. So I was hoping we could spend some time at the beach today. As much as I enjoy simply rxing in bed, there are other ways to rest."


    Ayumi blushed when she heard the words "rxing in bed" knowing full well that they were doing anything but rxing over the course of the past two days. She honestly had no idea how Erika could keep up with Erich, but she tried her best to match the woman''s pace.


    Of course, there was no way Ayumi was going to be able to walk all the way down to the beach, and thus she was quick to decline her lover''s offer.


    "I think I''ll spend another day or two in bed, but you two go out and have some fun together."


    Naturally Erich understood why this was the case, and thus, he chuckled before looking over at his wife, and speaking the words she had wanted to hear for quite some time, but never actually expected to.


    ''Well, I guess it''s just the two of us today. How about it? You want to go to the beach with me? If not, I could always just stare off into space and drink some beer..."


    This was obviously a call back to the early days of their marriage, when Erich and Erika weren''t exactly on speaking terms. War had an effect on a man''s mind, and to this day, Erich suffered from shell shock, which had only worsened with time.


    This trauma was easy to hide while serving in the military. After all, he seldom had time alone while he was deployed, and was usually engaged inbat almost every waking hour of the day. And when your body was relying on instinct, it didn''t have time to contemte the horrors of war.


    Erika was quick to ask the immediate question that was on her mind when she heard the words that her husband had spoken. As much as the man tried to pass them off as a joke, Erika could tell there was still some truth behind them.


    "Erich... Are you okay? Do you need to talk about what you have seen and done?"


    Contrary to what Erika was expecting, the man simply shook his head and avoided the question entirely as he got up out of bed and entered the shower.


    "I''m going to go get ready for our day at the beach. You can join me if you wish."


    Perhaps out of fear of leaving the man alone with his thoughts, Erika did exactly that, and followed her husband into the shower, where they once more engaged in the same activities they had been partaking in for thest two days.


    Once they were done with a very long shower, they emerged from the bathroom and got dressed in their bathing suits before departing from the beach side mansion. It was a rtively short walk to the beach, and when they got there, Erich immediately set up some beach chairs and a parasol, while setting down his ice chest that was filled with beer.


    Over the course of the next three hours, Erich and Erika spoke of many things, but whenever Erika would broach the subject of what Erich had witnessed inbat, he always avoided the subject. Instead, he only spoke of the peaceful times of his deployment. Which was almost exclusively a long bitching about the Confederation of Human Worlds and how much of an amoral wastnd it truly was.


    Erika could hardly believe the things Erich had seen during his short deployment to the region, but Erich made it seem like he had not even seen the worst which humanity had to offer. As disgusting as the things he had seen that were considered eptable by human standards truly were, Erich genuinely believed there was far worse that was being concealed from the public eye. Though for the life of him, he couldn''t imagine what could possibly be worse than what he had witnessed.


    After a lengthy discussion, and a six-pack of beers. Erich and Erika began to y beach volleyball. Which only made Erich even more excited as he witnessed his wife''s fantastic body jiggle with every movement.


    At a certain point, Erich could no longer control himself, and pinned his wife on the sandy beach, where they made love out in the open. Which, while dreadfully embarrassing for Erika, was not witnessed by anybody, due to how remote Erich''s mansion was, and the vast amount of privatend he had ess to.


    Eventually, after a long day of rxation, the couple retired back to the Mansion, where they found Ayumi waiting for their return, along with arge feast that had been prepared by the kitchen staff. Thus, ending an enjoyable day, with a brilliant meal, and some fine alcohol.


    For the rest of the two weeks that Erich spent at his home, he would enjoy every day like this one. Eating the finest food, drinking the finest spirits, and enjoying the bodies of the finest women he had ever met. He truly lived like a King, and despite this, the Civil War in the Great Oni Empire had never truly left his thoughts.


    Before long Erich would pack up his things once more, and report to the headquarters of Germanic Military Intelligence, which was stationed on Germania. Where he would once more enter the fray. However, this time around, he left after repairing much of the damage that had been done to his rtionship with Erika.

 Chapter 145 Saying Good-Bye Once More

    Two weeks came and went in the blink of an eye. It was almost depressing for Erich that he had finally earned himself a slight bit of rest, only for it to disappear as quickly as it hade. But such was the nature of service. As much as a man wanted to stay with his loved ones and live a life of peace, he was bound by honor to defend those very people against the myriad of threats which existed in the gxy.


    Because of this, Erich was quick to pack up his field bag and dress in his fatigues. There was an almost painful look on his face as he said goodbye to his loved ones. This was not the kind of pain one would have when they were stabbed by the cold steel of a knife, but the pain that came from living a life of struggle.


    "I suppose this is farewell..."


    Erich had served several years in the Armed Forces, and as time passed, he began to wonder when this life ofbat would end, or if it ever would. Every time he got a taste of the sweetness that was a peaceful existence, he only became ever more bitter when the day came that he was yanked away to go fight on some foreign battlefield.


    Just like thest time Erich had left, Ayumi had a deeply foreboding sense about her man''s fate. And she made sure to hug him, and kiss him, before whispering a prayer of safety into his ear.


    "Oh Kami-sama, please shield this man from any harm... Be safe, my love."


    Erich did not know how to feel about this slight prayer, because no amount of light in this world could truly pierce the dread that had overtaken him in this moment. Regardless, he forced a smile and thanked the woman, before moving onto his wife.


    "Thank you, Ayumi. I will do my very best to return to you alive and well..."


    This remark had only increased the foreboding sense of impending doom that Ayumi had in both her heart and mind. There was very clearly a look of defeat on Erich''s face, as if he had just given up, and resigned to struggle, simply because it was the only thing that he knew how to do at this point.


    But before she could beg him to stay behind, Erika stepped forward and kissed the man, before scolding him for his grim appearance.


    "If you leave me looking like that, I will have no choice but to worry about you while you are away. Please,e back to me in one piece, alright?"


    Erich had to force himself not to scoff at this remark, and only silently nodded his head with a lifeless look in his silver eyes. He then hoisted his field bag over his back and departed from the doorstep of the beachside mansion which he lived in.


    ---


    The shuttle ride to Germania was one of long silence. Erich took a window seat and did not bother speaking with any of the other soldiers on board. One could immediately tell by the look on their face who was a veteran, and who was a new recruit, fresh out of basic training.


    Erich was not the only one with a thousand-yard stare as he gazed into the ck abyss of space. But there were far more men, much younger than he, with wide and eager smiles. Warfare had always been romanticised in the Germanic Star-Empire, and because of that with every new generation of soldiers, they would seek to earn honor and glory throughbat.


    But once they had actually been through the shit, they would understand the grim reality of their fate. Those who had seen enough and lived to tell the tale would appear just like Erich. Incidentally, a private was sitting next to Erich. His fatigues had the markers of an Army Infantryman.


    While the Star Marines were the preferred infantry unit of the Germanic Star-Empire. The Imperial Army had their own infantry. These men, while gically enhanced beyond that of a baseline human, were not specifically born and bred for the purpose ofbat.


    Because of this, they were neither equipped nor trained to the same standards as Germanic Star-Marines, and were more often than not used as garrisons to hold certain objectives on hostile worlds.


    This meant that they often had fewer casualties than the Star Marines, and because of this, most Army Infantrymen survived their service, and were able to effectively integrate into the civilian sector.


    This young recruit could tell that Erich was a grizzled vet, and one who had likely survived the Terminus War. Thus, he was quick to make conversation with the man, in the hopes he could give him some pointers.


    "Hey, you, the mutant? You look familiar. Have we met before?"


    Erich didn''t even look at the man. Instead, he continued to stare out into space while speaking a single word with a monotone.


    "Unlikely..."


    Upon seeing that Erich was being uncooperative, the Private frowned slightly, before trying another approach. He noticed since the moment he sat down next to Erich that his fatigues were different. Erich wore a pair of solid ck fatigues that had no markings on them whatsoever, not even a rank insignia. This was a sight that most soldiers would never witness in their life, and thus he was confused.


    "Hey, why are your fatigues so different? Where''s your rank, insignia, and unit patch?"


    Erich sighed heavily, as if the very act of speaking with this na?ve kid was emotionally taxing. He then exined, in as few words as possible, the reason behind this difference in attire.


    "I''m a WRAITH..."


    Immediately upon saying this, those people sitting in front and behind Erich popped up and gazed at the man with intense curiosity. Even a few of the other grizzled veterans with thousand yards stares briefly looked over to Erich, before returning their gaze to the ck abyss that was space.


    As for the recruits, they were astonished to hear that this man was a WRAITH. After all, such an elite unit in the Armed Forces was more legend than reality. Few people had ever met one before, let alone one who would admit to their position.


    Thus, these wide-eyed kids were all curious about Erich''s service history, and began asking many questions. To which, Erich would remain eitherpletely silent, or just mutter "that''s ssified."


    Upon seeing that they weren''t going to get any information out of this man, the youths all turned their attention back to what they were doing before. That is, aside from the youth who was sitting next to Erich, who asked a simple question that had been bothering him for some time.


    "Since you''re a WRAITH, that must mean you must have extensivebat experience, right? Can you tell me what war is really like?"


    For the first time since those surrounding him had begun interrogating him, Erich looked away from the window and straight into the soldier''s eyes. And in doing so revealed that despite his silver irises, there was nothing but a dark abyss contained within. For which Erich spoke only a few words before turning his attention back to the window.


    "War is hell... You wille to understand that soon enough, kid...."


    Upon hearing such a statement, which contradicted everything he had ever been told about warfare throughout his entire childhood, the young Private did not know how to properly react. He simply sunk back into his chair and remainedpletely and utterly silent throughout the rest of the journey. Perhaps finally realizing for the first time that he was about to be shipped off to his doom.

 Chapter 146 Orbital Drop

    Erichnded on Germania not long after, where he was immediately met by a group of soldiers who brought him to the headquarters of Germanic Military Intelligence. Once inside, he was met by hisrades, all of which seemed exhausted.


    They had clearly just finished a mission while he was undergoing training to be a W-2. For a W-7, there was really no such thing as r&r. There were many enemies of the Empire, and not enough elite operators to go around.


    When they saw that Erich had returned, the men smiled and greeted him, curious about how he scored on his previous training scenario.


    "Hey Erich, back so soon? I suppose it really has been three months, now hasn''t it? How did it go?"


    Erich felt slightly better knowing that he was with friends once more. Even if they had departed on rather awkward terms, they appeared to have gotten over their difort. Thus, he smiled as he bragged about reaching the high score.


    "Well, I got the top score!"


    Obviously, these men had mistaken what Erich had meant, because Heavy scoffed as he boasted about his own zero-gravity scores.


    "Big deal. We all received top marks in our W-2 certification. In fact, we would expect no less from you, considering you were assigned to a W-7 unit as only a W-1!"


    However, Erich wore a pretty grin on his handsome face as she shook his head and corrected Heavy.


    "No, I meant that I received the top score on the leaderboard. Seven hundred and seventy-seven kills!"


    This information astonished the team so match, that even Echo, who had never made a single noise since Erich was first introduced to him, gasped. Which immediately drew the attention of everyone in the group.


    Of course, Echo pretended as if everyone else was just hearing things, which caused several of hisrades to believe that they really had. Eventually Ghost stepped forward and spoke of his disbelief about such a high score.


    "That''s impossible. Are you seriously telling me you took out over half of the other WRAITHs? How the hell did you manage that?"


    Naturally Erich wouldn''t say that he had two enormous advantages over the others. For starts, there were not many people, if any, other than Erich, who knew he had the gift of foresight. And secondly, if he said he had downloaded Tia to his NeuroLink after being ordered to terminate her, his fate would be sealed. Thus he simply made a boast that nobody believed.


    "What can I say? I''m supremely talented!"


    This remark caused the rest of his team to scoff, almost in unison, as they exined what their next task was.


    "The time hase. The Oni Civil War has gone on long enough, and the rebels, with the support of Imperial Intelligence, have gained significant ground. All that is left is toy siege to the Loyalist''s capital. Surprisingly, we have been given the most important task of all. Capture the Great Oni Emperor, and secure the Royal Pce so that Kondo Yumi can take the throne. We will be deploying from orbit, so get kitted up already!"


    This news stunned Erich, as he had yet to actually go through orbital drop training. Something that was normally reserved for W-3s. And because of this, he was quick to give voice to this matter.


    "Hold on a second. I''m not certified to perform an orbital drop. Isn''t there another way for us to deploy?"


    Ghost simply scoffed, before confirming that these were indeed their orders.


    "Certified or not, these are our orders. It''s a damn good thing they crammed all that theoretical knowledge into your head, because now you''re going to have to sink or swim. At the very worst, you will stter on the ground and turn into a puddle of blood and bone. Perhaps you''ll be revived, perhaps you won''t. It''s difficult to tell. We have no idea what has happened to our research station on the Oni capital. So, don''t fuck up!"


    Erich could only sigh as he heard this. In that moment he was fully prepared to ept permanent death as a real possibility, that was before hearing the lovely voice of his little AI assistant speak to him.


    "Don''t worry master, if it bes necessary Tia can take control of the suit, and ensure that you drop sessfully. Your safety is guaranteed!"


    Upon hearing this, Erich sighed heavily in relief. But at the back of his mind, there was something else, too. A bit of disappointment that he would have to continue living on in this hostile universe. One that just seemed like it wanted to keep him down.


    Still, he gave this no thought, and quickly got kitted out in his Mk 2 Power Armor, where he joined the others on the corvette, where they immediately flew to Oni Space, where the Capital of their Empire was currently being bombarded by rebel forces.


    It took some time to arrive at the Oni Capital, but even from space, Erich could witness the untold destruction that was urring across the. However, he did not have enough time to voice his disapproval when he was dragged out of his pilot seat by Ghost, who gave him an order.


    "Alright, put that thing on auto-pilot, and have it join the Rebel Fleet after we have deployed. We drop now!"


    Erich quickly did as he wasmanded, before joining Ghost and the others in the cargo bay of the corvette, whose ramp had opened up to reveal the ongoing battle in front of them. As themanding officer of the unit, Ghost gave a brief speech, one that was not the slightest bit reassuring to Erich, who was the only nervous member of the team.


    "Alright, you''ve all got the proper coordinates of the drop site. I suggest you activate stealth to avoid contact with the enemy. And if all goes as nned, I will see you all below. If not, I pray to the gods that your souls find their way to Valha. For glory and fathend!"


    After saying this, Ghost jumped out of the cargo bay and dived towards the world''s surface below. He was followed by Echo, then Heavy, and eventually JT. Once his entire team had dropped, Erich stood at the edge of the cargo bay with trepidation in his silver eyes.


    Anxiety had taken its hold over Erich, as he sifted through his memories on how to properly drops. Which after realizing that he had absolutely no fucking idea what he was doing, he said one simple phrase before taking a step off the ledge.


    "Fuck it!"


    Erich immediately began to fall into the atmosphere of the massive world, where he transitioned into a diving position like his allies to gain speed. All the while hearing Tia''s voice confirm how quickly he was dropping.


    "One hundred kilometers and dropping fast..."


    Naturally, Erich''s drop was not unopposed, although his figure was concealed by an advanced stealth field generator. Theary defences were retaliating against the Rebel bombardment by shooting everything they had into space. Massive k guns were detonating all around him, and Erich had to control his drop to avoid being sted into pieces.


    Unfortunately for him, the st of one of these explosions managed to hit Erich, which sent him way off course from his initial position, while damaging the Mk 2 Power Armor''s stealth field generator in the process. Yet Erich survived, with little wounds to speak of, and with each passing second, Tia continued to countdown the distance between him and the ground.


    "Fifty kilometers... Forty... Twenty... five.... Master, give Tia control of the suit now!"


    Erich did as Tia hadmanded, and gave herplete and total control of his power armor, which forcefully shifted his position, and activated the anti-gravity technology so that Erich''s drop woulde to aplete and abrupt halt just before he sttered into the ground.


    Afternding on the ground, Erich felt like throwing up, but managed to find the strength not to do so. When he finally recovered his senses and looked around, he found that he was nowhere near the drop zone, and was instead deep behind enemy lines, in a particrly devastated part of the city. Erich was quick to ask Tia about this, with a particrly grave tone in his voice.


    "Tia, where the fuck are we? What happened to the others?"


    There was a rather anxious tone in Tia''s voice as she confirmed their whereabouts. It sounded almost as fearful as Erich had.


    "Master... It appears that we were blown off course from the impact of that shell. By my estimates, were are approximately fifty kilometers away from the drop point...."


    It suddenly dawned on Erich just how unbelievably fucked he was. Despite knowing the grave reality of his situation, he was quick to give voice to them with a tone filled with disbelief.


    "Do you mean to tell me that we are nowpletely alone out here while stranded deep behind enemy lines, without stealth capabilities, and fifty fucking kilometers away from our nearest friendlies?"


    Tia simply nodded her head before responding in an equally grave tone.


    "At least fifty kilometers.... I suppose that this is why you went through all that harsh training on that moon, is it not?"


    Erich gazed around him at the destruction on the Oni Capital''s surface, and suddenly realize that his objective had now shifted from capturing the Great Oni Emperor, to simply surviving. There was a hint ofplete and total disbelief in his tone as he voiced his thoughts aloud.


    "Oh.... we are sopletely and utterly fucked!"

 Chapter 147 Stranded

    Erich immediately unslung his rifle, after realizing the grave situation he now found himself in. He was deep behind enemy lines, and roughly fifty kilometers away from his unit. The odds of him getting to the pce on foot by the time they hadpleted the objective were damn near impossible.


    Besides, his stealth generator had been damaged from the impact of the k shell, which sent him off course. Which meant that if he did decide to take to the sky, he would be an immediate target of all theary defense weapons that existed. He had only one option: to skillfully make his way to the extraction point, and hope for the best.


    After all, the moment the Royal Pce was secured, and the Great Oni Emperor was a captive. It was believed that the Oni Loyalists would surrender, and thus, allow for the Rebel Forces under Yumi''smand to descend to the so that she may take her rightful ce on the throne.


    Of course, Erich was supremely disappointed when he realized that his sma rifle was damaged beyond repair during his drop. Thus, he now had to progress on foot, with only a sma knife to keep himpany.


    Tia''s voice interrupted Erich''s thoughts of doom as she alerted him to the arrival of several hostiles.


    "Master, hostiles are inbound from your three, six, and twelve positions. We are about to be surrounded!"


    After hearing this, Erich did not hesitate to act. He unsheathed his knife and activated its sma edge, while wielding it in preparation forbat. Immediately after doing so, a squad of Oni Infantry entered the area. After all, they had seen something falling from the sky at high speed and were sent to investigate.


    Imagine their surprise when they found a hulking figure, d from head to toe in matte ck power armor of an unknown design, standing there with a glowing knife in his hands.


    Naturally, Erich did not wait for these men to attack, and instead activated his foresight, which whenbined with his hyper enhanced reflexes created an effect where time appeared to move slowly despite his body moving at regr speed. And thus, he managed to reach his first target before the man could even pull the trigger.


    Erich sliced at the man''s neck with such speed, precision, and power that it severed the man''s head from his body, leaving behind a cauterized wound. The head of the now deceased soldier flew into the air andnded in Erich''s hand, which he chucked at another hostile with such speed and force that it shattered the man''s rib cage.


    With two men taken out in an instant, Erich was quick on his feet, as the enemy fired their shots at his current location, narrowly dodging the line of fire, as he stabbed his de straight through the chest of his next target. Normally the armor that these men would protect against des. But when driven with the force of a Germanic super-soldier, there was no way it could properly defend against it.


    Not only did Erich''s de go through the man''s chest, but so did his fist, where he quickly retrieved his bloodied sma knife before deactivating the weapon and sheathing it. He then grabbed hold of the Oni soldier''s assault rifle and began to fire short contained bursts at the heads of the surviving targets. Taking them out in the blink of an eye.


    It had all happened so quickly that it took Erich a few moments to realize that he had single-handedly massacred an entire squad of the enemy in a matter of seconds. His sight was still adjusting to the passage of time, as he breathed heavily, not because he was particrly exhausted, but because he was shocked by how effective he was inbat.


    After undergoing the cybeic augmentations that all Star Marines went, and by extension, special forces operators. Erich had only ever fought with men who were on his level. Aside from those anarchists, that is. But he was fighting those anarchists with primitive armor that did not enhance his body''s movement in any way.


    With this advanced Mk 2 Power Armor, Erich was practically a god of war on the battlefield, especially whenpared to weaker species. And it was only just now that he realized it. After taking a few seconds to get back to reality, Erich quickly realized that he needed to move, but more importantly, he needed to scavenge the corpses he had just made.


    So after spending only a minute to loot the supplies he needed to continue the fight, Erich departed from his ughter, with Tia''s voice ringing in his ears.


    "Master has eliminated all immediate hostiles, but Master also needs to be careful, as there are a number of lifeforms converging on his location. And it would be unwise to face so many men at once. Tia suggests that you find some cover to hide behind while they investigate the battle just now."


    Erich could not help but agree with Tia''s assessment, and thus he quickly found a pile or rubble to lie under. Immediately afterward, his helmet''s sensors picked up an armored column of troops entering the area, as well as their voices.


    "What the hell do you think it was that fell out of the sky? Some kind of orbital drop pod?"


    Another soldier shook his head as he marched towards the area where the quick reaction force had deployed, as he spoke of his thoughts on the matter.


    "Impossible. It was way too small to be such a thing. But the QRF has gone silent, which means whatever it was, it took them out. We need to scour the area, and find whatever the hell that thing is!"


    It was not long after this that the Oni loyalists spotted their QRF or what was left of it, where they were immediately shocked by what they had seen. And while they were calling for reinforcements, Erich had begun to covertly move away from the area, while doing his best to blend in with his surroundings.


    Erich silentlymunicated with his mind with Tia to ensure that nobody heard him, as he requested additional information on his extraction point.


    "Tia, how far away are we from the extraction point?"


    Tia calcted the distance, and then wore an adorable smile as she gave the information to her Master.


    "You are in luck, Master! The extraction point lies roughly halfway between us and the drop site. We should be able to make it in time, but we need to hurry. Still, if we are to avoid detection, we can''t move too quickly. Thus, Tia is now connecting the route which is most suitable to achieve both objectives."


    With this said, a small glowing crimson trail appeared in Erich''s head''s up disy, while Tia''s voice rang in his ears once more.


    "Tia will now be monitoring the path to ensure that Master doesn''te across any hostile forces he won''t be able to handle. The trail will update if any changes need to be made!"


    Erich could only smile after hearing this, as he spoke to Tia once more, conveying his genuine thoughts to his adorable little artificial intelligence assistant.


    "Tia, you are a lifesaver!"


    Though he did not realize it, this remark caused Tia to blush in embarassment, as she averted her gaze before speaking her own thoughts on the matter.


    "Master is too kind..."


    Having now calcted a route to the extraction point, Erich now needed to navigate the war-torn streets of the Oni Capital, all while doing his best to avoid detection from his pursuers. It was a dangerous task, but not an impossible one. And while Erich fought for his very survival, his team continued the mission without him.

 Chapter 148 A Hard Decision In A Critical Moment

    Having been dropped well beyond the rendezvous point, Erich now found himself deep behind enemy lines. Where until now he had fought and struggled to avoid detection. Or silence those who witnessed his presence. Tia had thankfully calcted what she believed to be the safest route to the extraction point, but it was nearly twenty-five kilometers away. And Erich now needed to make his way there.


    However, while Erich was trudging through the war-torn world of the Oni Capital, which had suffered aary bombardment of epic proportions, his team had sessfullynded at the drop site, and now found themselves in a predicament over their lostrade.


    It was only just recently that Ghost and his team rendezvoused at the correct location, where they found that a critical member of their team was missing. Causing Ghost to interrogate hisrades about Erich''s disappearance.


    "Where the fuck is Silber? Didn''t he drop with the rest of us?"


    Echo simply shrugged his shoulders while remainingpletely silent, while JT immediately activated hisms in an attempt to reach out to Erich. But all he received was static.


    "No luck. Something is jamming ourmunications. I can''t even get in contact with the fleet, let alone Erich. He might have gotten hit by a shell and thrown off course. Of course, he also could have been turned into scrap as well, depending just what kind of weapon got him."


    Heavy appeared to be the one least concerned about Erich''s safety, as he quickly spoke about his thoughts on the matter.


    "We don''t have time to wait around and find out. Our mission is critical. We need to infiltrate the Oni Royal Pce, capture the Emperor, and use his status as a hostage to order the loyalists to stand down. If Erich is alive, he will meet us at the extraction point. If not, that is nothing new. I don''t know what highmand was thinking, sending a fucking W-2 into an orbital drop."


    JT immediately got defensive about Heavy''s callousness towards one of theirrades and quick to voice his outrage at Heavy''s remarks.


    "You cold-hearted vindictive fuck! You don''t even give a shit that one of our own might be dead? Erich might be a W-2, but he''s still a fucking WRAITH. Which is more than most men can im! This is about Erika, isn''t it? You have always had a hard-on for that bitch, and you are pissed that Erich isn''t treating like a goddess!"


    This remark immediately caused Heavy to be outraged, as he punched JT in the face without the slightest warning, who simply reacted to the man''s immense power by shrugging it off, before shooting for a takedown.


    As heavy sprawled to the ground, and the two men fought for a dominant position, Ghost and Echo pulled them apart. Where themanding officer of the unit was quick to reprimand his subordinates for their juvenile behavior.


    "Enough JT! Heavy is right, the missiones first. We can only hope that Erich survived the fall, and is making his way to the extraction point as we speak. We''ve got a way to go before we reach the Pce, and there is an army of loyalists that stand between us and our objective. Thest thing we need is to be fighting one another! So check your weapons, and let''s move out! If either of you even think about saying another word of this matter, I''ll have you both court martialled!"


    As much as JT wanted to tell Ghost to go suck it, he simply scoffed instead, and did as he wasmanded. He had already received a life sentence for insubordination. What would he care if he was court martialled again?


    Heavy, on the other hand, knew just how stern the punishment would be for fighting with arade while within the field, and shut his mouth immediately. He made sure that his light machine gun was fully loaded with a fresh sma cell, and that his grenadeuncher was also ready to seebat.


    Once the unit was ready for battle, they began to covertly make their way through the ruined city and towards the Royal Pce. Though their stealth skills were supreme, that did not necessarily mean that the journey to their target was perilless, and thus they kept their heads on a swivel.


    ---


    Meanwhile, in another part of the Oni Capital, Erich''s matte ck power armor was stained red with the blood of Oni loyalists. He had encountered a patrol while trying to make his way to the extraction point and had ruthlessly gunned them down in a hailstorm of bullets.


    The sound ofbat naturally drew the attention of other nearby troops, and because of this, he was currently running through the ruins in an attempt to find a safe location to hide. Using his NeuroLink, Erich had sessfully sliced into the Loyalistmunicationwork, and was now listening to the voices of his pursuers.


    He had earned himself the nickname of the "ck Devil" after killing so many Oni troops, partially because his power armor was matte ck, and partially because they had no idea who he was, or where he hade from.


    It had been a long time since the Oni served alongside their Germanic allies on the battlefield, and because of this, few knew what their gically enhanced super soldiers were capable of. Because of this, they had no idea what species Erich belonged to, or why he was on their capital in the first ce.


    After all, officially the Germanic Star-Empire was backing the Loyalists, albeit only by providing support on their borders to prevent the Lutharian Ascendancy from invading the war torn Oni Empire.


    As Erich ran further through the ruins, at speeds which the Oni simply couldn''t match, he eventually lost them, only to find himself confronted by another group of hostiles. This time it was not a loyalist Patrol, or a Quick Reaction Force.


    Instead, it was a defensive battery, whose entire purpose was to fire projectiles into orbit, in a desperate attempt to destroy those Rebel battlecruisers who were currently bombarding the.


    Seeing this as a chance to aid the rebels, Erich scouted out the enemy position, who had no idea he was within engagement distance, as he hid behind some cover, which came in the form of a ruined wall.


    There were roughly eighteen guns in total, and 200 men within this battery. Which was protected from orbital bombardment by lying in a reinforced bunkerplex. Practically speaking, there was no reason for Erich to actually engage these hostiles, and he should instead flee from the area in pursuit of the extraction point.


    But if he could take down this battery, it would leave this sector of the open to thending of troops, which could take some of the heat off of his ass. Then again, single-handedly killing 200 soldiers and disabling 18 guns was not the easiest of tasks.


    Erich checked his body and noticed he had several 120 round magazines for his light machine gun strapped to his body. Which was a weapon he had scavenged from one of his more recent kills. He also had several thermobaric grenades, and the five med pens which were attached to his armor from his initial load out.


    Theoretically, he had the firepower, and the skills to destroy this artillery battery, even if it wasn''t the wisest of ideas. Thus, he was quick to ask his little assistant for her opinion on the matter.


    "Tia, what are the odds that I can take out this battery, and still make it to the extraction point in time, and unharmed?"


    Tia looked at her Master as if he were an idiot, before expressing her opinion on the matter.


    "While Master has the capability to make quick work of the hostile forces who operate this battery, it would take an excessive amount of time to render the guns inoperable. Not only would this deplete your current resources, but it would waste precious time. Tia highly advises against such a foolish action!"


    Erich aimed down his holographic sight towards the officer who appeared in charge of the battery and rested his finger on the trigger. Debating whether or not he should pull it. In the end, he took his finger off the trigger and sighed heavily, before hidingpletely behind the rubble that acted as his cover.


    Evidently, Tia was incredibly anxious, as was apparent on her face, and only rxed once Erich had made the right choice. However, Erich''s next words made her blush in embarassment.


    "Alright, I will follow your advice, Tia. After all, you haven''t let me down yet!"


    After saying this, Erich gathered his wits, before skulking off into the ruins, ignoring the battery which was currently firing its payload into space. How many rebel lives he could have saved in this moment is unclear. Perhaps zero, or perhaps thousands. But it would havee at a great cost, and by the time he had dismantled the guns, Erich would have been swarmed by reinforcements with no way out.

 Chapter 149 Bringing Down An Emperor

    While Erich was slowly making his way to the extraction point, the rest of his team had covertly made their way to the Oni Royal Pce. Luckily for them, their stealth field generators were undamaged, allowing them to easily fly through the skies at low altitude and remain undetected.


    The Royal Oni Pce was not easy to assault, at least not on foot. For starters, one would have to breach the walls which were built atop a crater. Then they would have to scale down the crater itself and into ake, which the Oni Royal Pce floated atop. It was damn near impossible to achieve.


    Not only that, but the pce was equipped with all kinds of aerial and orbital defenses. Allowing it to remainpletely unharmed from the bombardment, and allowing them to shoot down any potential atmospheric fighters, or even jet troopers.


    Of course, they would first have to detect these potential hostiles before their systems could lock on and shoot them out of the sky. But the stealth technology built into a W-7s power armor not only allowed the wearer to remainpletely invisible, but it also deflected any potential sensors, making them truly andpletely invisible.


    Because of this, Ghost and his men simply descended from the sky, and into the Pce gardens, where they silently stalked through therge estate. As an expert in close quartersbat, and assassinations, Echo led the way in dispatching the Royal Guard who patrolled the pce grounds.


    A single sma knife to the neck was all that was needed to send the Oni Royal Guardsmen to the afterlife. And it left no bloodstains to speak of due to the intense heat which would cauterize the wound.


    After covertly taking out these men, Echo would hide their bodies in all sorts of ces that were out of immediate investigation. Meanwhile, the rest of the Team simply watched, and waited until the entire gardens had been cleared of the two dozen or so men who were previously patrolling it.


    JT couldn''t help but whisper into hisms about his amazement.


    "God damn, I love to watch that man work. Unlike somebody in this unit, he is a true professional..."


    This remark was obviously an insult to Heavy, whose entire shtick was a frontal assault with superior firepower. The man truly had the stealth capabilities of rampaging hippo. How the hell he ever managed to join an elite unit like the WRAITHs whose entire job revolved around being covert, JT would never know.


    Because of this, Heavy simply snorted in disdain towards hisrade, but did not dare raise his voice in fear of revealing his position to any potential hostiles. And while the long-rangemunications may be jammed, the Mk 2 Power Armor had a built-in feature that allowed a unit tomunicate with one another if they were close to each other. Say within approximately one hundred meters.


    Thus, Ghost''s voice was loud and clear, as his artificial intelligence confirmed that Echo had seeded in eliminating all the guards within the immediate vicinity.


    "Alright, Echo has cleared the area. We must now make our way through the pce, and to the Emperor."


    JT nodded his head in response to this, and took point, as he covertly made his way through the gardens, and into the Pce, where he witnessed Echo stuffing a fresh corpse into a cupboard. Normally if someone were to witness this scene, they would think that the corpse was stuffing itself into the cupboard, but the WRAITHs had the ability to detect one another with their helmets. Thus, it was a rather normal sight for JT, who simplymented on Echo''s actions with a snarky tone.


    "Having fun there Echo?"


    Echo did not say a word and instead finish hiding the corpse where he then looked straight at JT and raised his thumb in a positive gesture. JT returned the gesture before stalking through the halls, where he led his team towards the personal quarters of the Great Oni Empire, which ording to their artificial intelligence was his current location.


    Throughout their journey, Ghost and his team silently dispatched the troops walking through the halls with their knives, and stuffed the bodies in hidden locations. Until they finally reached the door to their target.


    Now that they had killed just about every royal guardsman in the pce, Heavy could no longer contained himself and instead pulled out his grenadeuncher, where he fired a 40mm antimatter grenade at the front door of the Emperor''s personal chambers, which was guarded by two men.


    The explosion not only sted the two men into mincemeat, but created an enormous hole in the doorframe. Upon seeing Heavy''s action, JT simply sighed and shook his head before mocking the man.


    "You just had to do something stupid, didn''t you?"


    Despite JT''s harsh words, Heavy was smiling beneath his visor as he voiced his discontent with their previous covert nature.


    "I''ve been waiting to do that all fucking day!"


    While JT and Heavy argued, Ghost and Echo entered the personal chambers of the Great Oni Emperor, where they found the man quivering in the corner while buck naked. Alongside him was one of his maids, and his wife, who he appeared to have been intimate with just prior to the explosion.


    The Great Oni Emperor''s voice was hysterical as he called out for his guards to save him, only for there to be dead silence on their end.


    "Intruders! Your Emperor is under attack!"


    Echo did not even bother listening to the man''s nonsense, and punched him straight in the gut, causing him to spill out the contents of his lunch all over the floor. Echo then restrained the great oni Emperor with little effort, as he bound the man with zipties. He then handed the man amunication device which had been taken from one of the dead guards. Where Ghost then voiced the words that Echo wanted to speak.


    "Contact your forces, and tell them to surrender. If not, we will not only kill you, but your entire family as well."


    Despite not knowing who these men were, the Great Oni Emperor was too terrified to resist, and thus, he quickly did as his captors demanded. He spoke into themunication device and ordered what remained of the Loyalist Forces to surrender.


    "This is an order to all forces from the Emperor himself. Lay down your arms and surrender. The war is lost!"


    Though these orders confused the loyalist troops, they did not dare disobey an order from the Emperor, and thus the hostilities that were ongoing across the world immediately halted. As for the Emperor himself, he was still terribly in fear for his life, and was quick to voice these thoughts aloud.


    "What are you going to do to me?"


    Now that the battle had ended, long-rangemunications were restored. And because of this, Ghost responded to this question by pulling out a holomunicator, which once activated disyed the lovely figure of Kondo Yumi who had a smug smile on her pretty face as she sat in amand chair.


    "I believe that is for me to decide... What is the matter, nephew? By the looks of it, it appears that you have just witnessed a ghost?"


    Kenji could not believe his eyes or ears. Until now, he had never believed the intelligence which suggested that his royal aunt was inmand of the rebel forces. After all, he had personally seen to her death.


    Yet the holographic projection of her figure, as well as that hyper feminine voice which the Great Oni Emperor was so familiar with, did not lie. Somehow, Yumi hade back from the dead, and had rallied those dissenting elements of Oni society against him.


    For over a year now, the Great Oni Empire had been in a state of civil war, and the entire time, Yumi was behind it. Kenji struggled to find his voice, or his thoughts, as he voiced one simple question while in a state of bewilderment.


    "How?"


    In response to this, Yumi simply smirked before telling her nephew the truth, not that it really mattered. He was as good as dead, and there was no way he could possibly inform the gxy of the Germanic Star-Empire''s little secret now that he was in their custody. Thus there was a haughty tone in her voice as she bragged about her resurrection.


    "You never believed me when I talked about how great our allies are. In fact, they were better than I could ever imagine. They even have the medical technology that is required to bring one back from the dead. Truly astounding stuff.


    It''s just a pity that I''m missing some of my memories. Of course, Erich filled me in on how I died, and I can''t help but admit that your betrayal stings me. Colonel Ghost, is Erich with you there now? May I speak to him?"


    Ghost had an awkward expression on his face, which was concealed by his visor as he admitted that he had no idea if Erich was even still alive.


    "Apologies, your majesty, but Erich was blown off course during our drop. His whereabouts and status are currently unknown. If he is alive, then he will meet us at the extraction point."


    This news caused Yumi''s mood to sour, but she did notsh out at the WRAITHs, after all no matter how great ones n was,bat was unpredictable, and because of that she could not hold Ghost and his team ountable for Erich''s disappearance. She simply sighed heavily before voicing her thoughts about the matter.


    "I do hope that boy hasn''t gotten himself killed again... Poor little Ayumi will be so discouraged her fears turned out to be reality..."


    It was only now that Kenji realized why the Germanic Star-Empire had requested that he hand over his daughter in exchange for his son. Yumi and Erich were alive this entire time, undoubtedlymitting any number of taboo acts while within the borders of his allies. The Great Oni Emperor suddenly felt an intense rage as heshed out at his aunt verbally.


    "You fucking whore! This is all your fault! If you hadn''t been so shameless to corrupt my only daughter, I would never have moved against you! I hope you suffer a thousand deaths for what you have done to our family!"


    Yumi''s expression turned ugly, as shemanded Ghost to restrain her nephew in the harshest means possible.


    "Colonel, restrain my nephew, and while you''re at it, teach him about something I like to call respect. Just don''t kill the idiot, I intend to do that myself! I will join you shortly after my forces have secured the. Until then, keep that moron under control, as well as his fool of a son!"


    With this said, Yumi cut themunication, allowing Ghost and his men to manhandle the now deposed Great Oni Emperor.

 Chapter 150 Rise Of An Empress

    Before long, Erich found that the fighting had ceased, and the hunters had ceased their pursuit. Obviously Ghost and his men had seeded in their mission, and because of this, thousands of troop transports werending, so that the Rebel Forces could secure the for their new Empress.


    This also meant thatmunications had been re-established, and because of this, Erich immediately called in for support. As he got on thems, he was quite embarrassed to admit that he had been knocked off course, but nheless, he told the true story to the officer inmand.


    "This is Colonel Erich Jaeger, requesting immediate support. I have fallen deep behind enemy lines after being knocked off course during my drop. I need extraction immediately."


    Erich then provided his coordinates to the officer on the other end, who was quick to inform him of their current situation.


    "It''s good to hear your voice Commander, the Empress is throwing a fit and has ordered a search party to find you at all costs. I will redirect them to your current location immediately so that you can rendezvous with your unit at the Royal Pce. The Empress has requested your presence and refused to take the throne until you are by her side..."


    Erich could only scoff when he heard about the lengths Yumi would go to, just so he could witness her take the throne. All he had to do now was wait for the search part to arrive, which did not take them long after he had given away his coordinates.


    ---


    Contrary to what Erich was expecting, the moment he boarded the drop ship which was to take him to the Royal Pce, he was glomped by none other than the new Oni Empress her self. The woman practically bruised herself against the hardened power armor that Erich was wearing while she jumped into his arms.


    "Erich!"


    Erich had never seen the woman so excited in his life. She immediately began to lightly pound his chest with her fists, as she scolded him for nearly getting himself killed.


    "Do you have any idea how worried I was about you after I heard that you had missed the drop site? What happened?"


    Erich informed Yumi of his brief adventure, while being pursued by the Loyalist forces, which only caused her to look at the man as if he were absolutely amazing. For perhaps the first time in his life, he saw Yumi blush as she expressed her thoughts aloud.


    "I never knew you were so awesome.... Not only are you the greatest pilot I have ever seen, but you''re an amazing warrior to.... I have chosen right after all!"


    Yumi then grabbed hold of Erich''s hand and led him into the drop ship, with the prettiest smile he had ever seen on her exquisite face.


    "Come Erich, it''s time for my coronation! I want you to be there to witness me as I im my rightful ce on the throne!"


    ---


    Erich arrived at the Oni Royal Pce, where his men were waiting for him at thending pad. He was forced by the new Oni Empress to carry her like a princess into the pce, an act which shocked everyone who witnessed it.


    To most who witnessed this, it was a sign that an elite warrior of the Germanic Star-Empire had submitted to the New Oni Empress. Of course, to people who knew Erich, such as the men in his unit, they all dropped their jaws in disbelief. Because judging by the excited smile on Yumi''s face, she was in fact fucking Erich behind the scenes.


    JT could only scoff and shake his head with a wry smile on his face before voicing his thoughts aloud.


    "This fucking guy... He bags himself a popstar, a top agent, and a fucking Empress. What next, a princess?"


    Heavy could only curl his fists in rage, as he remained silent at the thought. The very idea that Erich was cheating on his wife with yet another woman was simply too much for him to handle. Especially since he was such a huge fane of Erika''s.


    Of course, the man did not disy this rage openly, and instead forced himself to remain calm as he watched Erich carry Yumi into the Great Hall of the Oni Royal Pce and ce her on the throne. Where he then took a position at her side, along with Ghost. Where they acted as silent sentries for the gctic announcement, Yumi was about to make.


    The cameras were on Yumi, as she adjusted her position, and dered herself the new Empress of the Great Oni Empire.


    "Greetings, citizens of the Empire, and the gxy atrge. I, Kondo Yumi, hereby dere the war between myself and my nephew over. Emperor Kondo Kenji has been deposed and is now awaiting his trial. For those who have fought beneath his banner, you do not need to worry about your safety, and that of your family. So long as you have not engaged in any war crimes, I hereby absolve you of any responsibility for the actions you may have taken against my forces, and rest the me entirely on the chain ofmand.


    I, Kondo Yumi, first of my name, now dere myself the new Empress of the Great Oni Empire. By right of blood, and conquest, the throne shall lie with me from this day, until the day I die. Since I do not currently have an heir, I hereby name my niece, Kondo Ayumi as my sole heir, until a time where I may give birth to my own.


    From this day forward, the Great Oni Empire is united once more, and ismitted to the alliance we hold with the Germanic Star-Empire. Without their aid in my time of need, I would most certainly be dead, and it is because of this I hereby pledge my niece''s hand in marriage to a man whose heroic actions had lead to both her safety, and my own, despite the vile attempts on our lives by the previous Emperor.


    Commander Erich Jaeger, please step forward...."


    Erich waspletely stunned by this turn of events, and gawked at Yumi from behind his visor for some time. While he did so, the atmosphere in the pce turned tense, as both the Germanic troops and the Rebel forces grew tense. After all, if what they believed was true, the Oni Princess was about to be married off to a Germanic War Hero, which was the biggest scandal that could take ce in both societies.


    Despite every fiber of his being telling him to remain still, the re that Yumi gave himpelled Erich to move forward from his position by Yumi''s side. He then stood in front of the woman at attention as she gave him anothermand.


    "Please, take off your helmet..."


    Erich sighed heavily before doing asmanded, where Yumi gazed upon his handsome face with a look of excitement in her eyes. She then said the words that would once more turn him into a hated figure, not only by his own people, but that of the Oni as well.


    "Commander Erich Jaeger, for your heroic actions which lead to the personal safety of myself, and my niece, I hereby use the power invested in me as the Great Oni Empress to betroth my niece, Kondo Ayumi to you.


    From this day forward, Ayumi shall be your fiancee in the eyes of Oniw and tradition. A proper wedding shall be held here in the Royal Pce of my ancestors, oncew and order have been restored to the realm. But until then, I will continue to trust her safety with you. My great champion!"


    Erich remainedpletely stoic as he heard these words. But inside his own mind, he was cursing up a storm. Polygamy was a crime in the Germanic Star-Empire, as was interracial rtions, let alone marriage. With Yumi''s words just now, he knew that he would go from the Empire''s greatest war hero to its most hated citizen. But this was an order he could not refuse, and one that was likely orchestrated by Emrys behind the scenes.


    After all, the Great Oni Empire was now a puppet of their allies in Germanic Space, and there was no way Yumi would make this announcement to the Gxy without the approval of the Supreme Leader.


    Thus, Erich had no choice but to y along, as he bowed his head in deference to Yumi''s decision and spoke in a tone filled with respect.


    "Your majesty, I am honored by your benevolence, and swear to fulfill my obligations as Ayumi''s husband until the day of my death..."


    While Ayumi''s previous speech had been exceptionally shocking to both the Oni and Germanic people, her next words were as if a bomb had gone off across the entire gxy. She wore a sultry smile as she beckoned towards Erich before making one finalmand.


    "Come, Erich, ce my crown upon my head...."


    Erich had no idea what the significance of such a gesture meant. But the moment he stepped forward and ced Yumi''s crown upon her head, he suddenly became a major yer in regional politics. Because he was no longer just some war hero whose actions had saved his people from certain annihtion. Instead, it became abundantly clear to all the Gxy''s leaders that Erich was being groomed formand.

 Chapter 151 An Empress Gone Mad

    The image of Erich cing the crown on Yumi''s head was disyed to the entire Gxy, or at the very least, every civilization which had ess to the Gctic Network. This meant that far away on the world of Alfheim, the Empress Lunaria Asterion had witnessed the sight, and gazed upon it with much curiosity.


    As much as the Germanic Star-Empire was her favorite pet, she did not keep up with the riffraff among the rank and file of the military. Unless one was a General or Admiral of great renown, she did not know their name. But strangely enough, this youngmander was now cing a crown on the head of a foreign Empress.


    This could only mean one thing: whoever this silver-hairedd was, he was being groomed for leadership. And as the wise ruler that she was, Lunaria also knew the significance of Erich''s engagement to the young Oni Princess. He would be the first foreigner to ever enter the Kondo Dynasty''s family line, and would one day likely be the Emperor Consort of the Great Oni Empire.


    Intrigued by this development, and curious for more information, Lunaria ordered her youngest daughter, who was also her chosen sessor, to find out more information about this event.


    "Celestia, contact our embassy in the Germanic Star-Empire and have them identify this Commander Jaeger for me. If I remember correctly, in Germanic society, this boy would be considered a mutant. I find it hard to believe that the Germans would ce such emphasis on a mutant such as him."


    Celestia immediately essed the Germanic Star-Empire''s intersterwork, which few aliens outside of the Empire had ess to, and found all kinds of news on Erich. Dating back to his early scandals at the Academy, all the way to his most recent endeavors.


    "Commander Erich "Silber" Jaeger, born the son of a Sector Governor within the Germanic Frontier. He entered the Naval Academy on Germania at the age of eighteen after being selected for service as a Starfighter Pilot. He fought in the Dvrakian War, where he earned himself several des as an Ace, but was ultimately held back from promotion due to angering his superior officers.


    He then fought in the Terminus War, where he supposedly sacrificed himself in an act of valor that would save the Empire. However, he appeared again during the early stages of the Oni-Lutharian War, where hemanded the legendary ck Sun during their initial battles.


    At some point he was invited to the Oni Royal Pce while on leave, where he was reported KIA while aiding the Oni Matriarch''s escape from an attempt on her life made by her nephew, the now former Great Oni Emperor Kondo Kenji.


    He has only recently reappeared in the limelight during this coronation ceremony. As until now, he was believed to have been dead."


    Lunaria scoffed at her daughter''s words before informing her what had really happened, despite the record that was read aloud.


    "Oh, he died alright, several times from the sound of it. The Germanic Star-Empire has advanced cloning technology, that I may have had a hand in. Still, it''s hard to believe they managed to store a copy of Kondo Yumi''s DNA, and memories. I wonder how that happened...


    What bothers me is theck of record from his death at the hands of the Great Oni Emperor until now. If that was the event that sparked the Oni Civil War, then what has this man been up to for the past year and a half to two years?


    Wait... Don''t tell me? What''s his status right now!?!"


    Celestia looked perplexed at all the information she had just received from her royal mother, but she quickly did as she was asked and checked for information on the man. Where she then spoke it aloud.


    "Officially, he is still KIA. Why? What does this mean?"


    A wide smirk appeared on Lunaria''s face as she immediately pulled out her holo recorder and called Emrys. The man epted the call, but appeared rather perturbed for whatever reason. He did not speak with any pleasantries to the Alfheim Empress, and instead asked a blunt question with a rather stern tone in his voice.


    "What do you want?"


    A smug smile appeared on Lunaria''s face as she made a bold promation before revealing why Emrys was so angry.


    "What''s the matter? Did your attempts to turn the new Oni Empress into a puppet fail horribly? Or Is it the fact that the bitch who just revealed the identity of your sessor to the entire gxy has outyed you? Or perhaps maybe what bothers you the most is that she has leaked the identity of one of your WRAITHs who officially does not exist?"


    Emrys''s expression was as cold as ice as he gazed into the eyes of the Alfheim Empress before speaking of these thoughts on the matter.


    "It figures you, of all people, would be able to find out Erich''s background so quickly. When I brought that cunt back from the dead, she swore she would do as I said. Yet she has so brazenly revealed my sessor to the gxy, and publically announced his betrothal to her niece. Thus, making him despised once more within my borders.


    I have already received numerousints about this particr issue. Something which I would have preferred been kept a secret for the time being. I have no choice but to weaponise my propaganda machine so that my peoplee to ept this union as an exception for the sake of political convenience.


    But since she has revealed several of my secrets to the gxy, I don''t mind revealing one of hers to you. Empress Kondo Yumi suffers from the same affliction as yourself, and she has taken Erich as her lover."


    Lunaria''s eyes widened in shock as she heard this. It was one thing to marry off your niece who might not even seed you to the throne of an alien, but to take that same man as your lover? It was simply too scandalous, and because of this, the Alfheim Empress jumped out of her chair and screamed her thoughts about Yumi aloud.


    "That fucking harlot! Has she gonepletely mad!?! There are certain things you can not do as an Empress of an interster Empire! Taking an Alien as a lover is one of them! If her people were to find out, her reign would immediatelye to an end!


    This recently established peace would notst more than a day before her citizens were once more in open rebellion... Wait a second, don''t tell me that she was the one who invited Erich to the Oni Pce?"


    Emrys wore a sly smile as he nodded his head before confirming Lunaria''s thoughts.


    "Indeed, the whole reason that she was assassinated by her nephew in the first ce was because she unted her alien lover in the open to the rest of the Kondo Dynasty. A mistake she has sworn never to make again. But so long as Erich is her niece''s betrothed, she has an excuse to visit him at his home. And nobody would be willing to bat an eye. Truly a clever woman..."


    Lunaria immediately sat back down in her chair and crossed her legs. There was a noticeable expression of envy on her beautiful face as she stewed in her own vile thoughts for some time before giving her vassal amand that nobody ever thought she would utter aloud.


    "Very well... The centennial war games are just around the corner. We have waited long enough, and if I fail to show off my military strength before the year is over, I fear an all out war with the Svartalfheim Federation is inevitable.


    My daughter will be presiding over this year''s War Games, and I would very much like for her to get a measure of your sessor. When the time finallyes, I want this Commander Jaeger to be front and center for the asion."


    Emrys frowned when he heard this before, exining why he did not think this was a wise course of action.


    "Commander Jaeger is scheduled to undergo additional training so that he can be certified as a W-3. This training is expected tost anywhere from three to six months. I''m afraid he will not be able to make it to the War Games..."


    Lunaria, however, was undeterred, and instead smirked confidentially as she rebuked Emrys for his words.


    "I am sure a man as talented as him will seed within three months. That is more than enough time for him to show up at the War Games. Besides, has he not already survived one drop? Surely he doesn''t need a full six months of training for something he has already proven capable of doing?"


    Emrys could only sigh in response to this beforementing on the checkmate he had been ced in.


    "Of course you would have already been aware of our operations on the Oni Capital. Fine, I will make sure hepletes his training within three months, and is then shipped off to whatever barren system you want to conduct these war games in. But if anything were to happen to Erich while he is under your protection, I will hold you ountable."


    After saying this, Emrys hung up on the Alfheim Empress. Whose daughter looked at her with confusion in her golden eyes. Which she was quick to give voice to.


    "Mother, I don''t understand! Why do you want me to meet this man so badly?"


    Lunaria looked at her youngest daughter with a deep sense of pity in her eyes, before voicing exactly why she wanted her to meet with Erich.


    "Because, Celestia... This Erich Jaeger will one day be the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, and though they are only a regional power at the moment, in a few centuries they will be a sub-gctic power that is capable of contending with our enemies and not just theirckies. The Germans are our most valuable vassals, and if you are going to seed me, you need to establish a proper diplomatic rtionship with your counterpart."


    Celestia nodded in understanding before saluting her mother, where she then responded in the affirmative before departing from the Throne Room.


    "Of course, mother, I will do as youmand!"


    It was only after Lunaria was alone in her throne room that a sultry expression formed on her face, as she licked her lips while watching the video footage of Erich crowning Yumi as the Empress. The sheer look of ecstasy in the Oni Beauty''s eyes was the same one that her Light Elven counterpart had as she silently whispered her true intentions aloud.


    "Besides, I want to know what kind of man could possiblypel an Empress to behave so foolishly?"

 Chapter 152 Learning How To Properly Drop From Orbit

    Erich barely had enough time to make love to Yumi before being shipped off to his next training exercise. The newly crowned Oni Empress had taken the throne by force, but she had her own blood im to it. And because of this, the chaos that had prevailed across Oni Space for thest year and a half had finallye to an end.


    The former Emperor was now in custody, where he would await a trial in a kangaroo court. Naturally, there was only one sentence that awaited him, and that was an execution. In the meantime, Prince Ryu was stripped of his Royal Title, and disowned from the Kondo Dynasty. His biggest crime was simply supporting his father''s im to the throne.


    As for Ayumi, she watched the event unfold on the Gctic Network, and was beyond happy that she would finally be more than just Erich''s alien lover. Her dreams hade true, and she was now Erich''swful fiancee. Something that did not exactly seem to sit well with either her people or her future husband''s.


    Erika seemed to have embraced the idea, as she was by now so ustomed to Ayumi, that she felt if she were to dare disagree, it would perhaps ruin the friendship which had formed after numerous trials between the two of them.


    Of course, Erich waspletely unaware of these things, and was instead sitting in an orbital drop pod, while wearing a standard set of Star Marine Power Armor. It had been two weeks since his orbital drop training had begun. And unlike the time he had deployed from space to the Oni Capital, he was no longer dropping with just his armor.


    After all, Basic Power Armor, and its MK I variant which were used by normal WRAITHs in the field were not equipped with antigravity technology, and because of this, he as a W-2 was expected to learn how to drop from space in a pod.


    It was an incredibly dangerous endeavor, one which could easily be shot out of the sky by enemy artillery, and this was naturally simted in the training. A robotic voice appeared in the pods, as it counted down the time before the pod dropped from orbit.


    "Countdown in t minus fourteen seconds."


    The voice continued to countdown the seconds while Erich''s heart pounded as if it were about to give out. Evidently, Tia could detect Erich''s unusual heartbeat and was quick tofort him with her soothing voice.


    "Don''t worry master, Tia is certain that you will be alright. And once youplete one thousand simted drops without incident, you will be certified as a proper W-3!"


    Erich was just about to thank Tia for her words offort when he felt his stomach jolt. The pod had dropped before he could even speak a word, as he barreled through the atmosphere of a fortress world, which did everything it could to shoot both him, and the other twelve hundred candidates out of the sky.


    In all honesty, there wasn''t much to dropping in a pod. It was all about dumb luck. It could not be steered and was locked onto its target location. But one was expected to perform the drop and exit the pod without any sign of vertigo. As well as regroup at the rendezvous point.


    The echo of explosions resounded through the air, as Erich''s pod barreled through the sky, while its energy shields extinguished any fires that might affect the structural integrity. One by one, the twelve hundred pods were blown out of the sky, with the WRAITH recruits inside them being turned to scrap and meat paste.


    And yet Erich continued to barrel towards the below. Until finally, id deployed to such a low altitude that the parachute deployed. This was not your standard cloth parachute, but was instead just a device that jutted out of the top of the pod and was designed to slow his descent.


    However, there was just one problem: the chute did not deploy automatically like it should have. Evidently, the pod either malfunctioned, or was damaged by one of the shells which struck it. Thus, Erich had no choice but to reach out with his hand, while free falling through the air, and pull the manual deployment.


    After nearly ripping the lever out of its socket, the chute finally deployed, but it was several secondster than it was supposed to be, which meant that when Erich''s pod finally crashed into the ground, the fall was far more devastating than it should have been.


    Half of the pod was torn open from the impact to the point where it looked as if it were a soda can that had been shot by a 9mm. And Erich had flown out of its interior and crashed into a nearby building.


    If it were not for his cybeic imnts, which made his bones virtually indestructible, or the power armor which took most of the damage. Erich would have likely broken every bone in his body. But after groaning in agony, and dragging himself out of the rubble which copsed on top of him, he miraculously found that he was still alive.


    Erich then searched the wreckage for his rifle, where he found it too had survived, and after grabbing ahold of it, and inspecting its functionality, he determined that painful as this drop may have been; he was more than capable of rendezvousing with the other survivors.


    Thus, he immediately took off to meet up with the others. Where once he arrived, he was evaluated based upon his performance, before being sent back into orbit and dropped again. He would continue to drop for three whole months, before he was deemed capable of performing such a task adequately on the battlefield.


    ---


    Unfortunately, Erich found no rest after three months of nonstop orbital drops. Instead, he was given a quick shower, and was told to meet up with the Supreme Leader on the capital of Germania.


    It took him a while to arrive, but when he did, he found that this time around he was not alone with the man. Instead, Mirage was sitting across from Emrys when Erich entered the man''s office. Before he could even ask why she was there, Emrys spoke with a rather stern tone in his voice.


    "Sit down, we have some important matters to discuss...."


    Erich could immediately tell by the man''s tone that whatever was about to be said was not something that was in his favor. However, much to his surprise, the moment he sat down, he received a file from Mirage, which he quickly opened to reveal the stunning figure of the Light Elven Princess. As well as an entire dossier about her, including everything from her personality, her likes, her dislikes, her family, her friends, and her upational history.


    This information stunned Erich, who quickly asked what the hell it was all for.


    "And what exactly am I supposed to do with this?"


    Emrys gave Mirage a silent nod of the head, who then began to speak on her superior''s behalf.


    "This is Princess Celestia Asterion, heir to the Alfheim Dominion. As you may be aware, the Centennial War Games are upon us, and we have it on good authority that after the little stunt which the Oni Empress yed, her mother will be having her investigate you. After all, after you so foolishly followed Yumi''s orders, and ced the crown on her head, the entire Gxy now believes that you are to be our next Supreme Leader."


    This news shocked Erich immensely. Be the next supreme leader? Was this some kind of Joke, however before he could ask the immediate question which came to his mind, Mirage continued.


    "This is an excellent chance for you to disy the strength of the Empire, and to engage in some international diplomacy on behalf of our Supreme Leader. You are a certified W-3 and have skills that few men in the gxy have. You have also proven yourself to be a capable leader.


    It is because of this that you have been promoted to captain, and will temporarily be leading your own group of low ranking WRAITHs for the purpose of this exercise. After you havepleted whatever orders you are given, you will then attend the ball that is thrown every one hundred years following thepletion of these war games.


    All the heads of state within Alfheim Space, along with their families and their sessors, will be present for this asion. So, I must reiterate, so that you can get it through your thick skull, that you are to be on your best behavior. Because if you act poorly, or embarrass yourself, your behavior will reflect on the rest of the Empire."


    Erich was bbergasted by this information, from what it sounded like he really was chosen to be Emrys''s sessor. Thus, he looked at the man in disbelief before voicing this concern aloud.


    "Am I really your sessor?"


    Emrys sighed heavily, and shook his head, before concealing the truth of the matter from Erich as he leaned back in his chair and rested his chin on his fist.


    "No... But as it currently stands, the Artificial Intelligence which is in charge of selecting my true sessor has yet to choose a man to fill my shoes. Which is why I am still in this position, even though the war with Terminus concluded years ago.


    The fact of the matter is, the gxy now thinks you are my sessor, and if we were to show up to the Centennial Ball without a designated sessor, it would make our Empire appear weak, and would embolden our enemies. So, since everybody already believes you are my sessor after that little stunt you pulled, I figured I might as well make use of this whole mess.


    You have your orders. You will regroup with the Armada, which we will be dispatching to the borders of Alfheim space, where you will take charge of your temporary unit, and conduct the tasks required of you during the War Games to the best of the ability. Once this is concluded, you will rendezvous with me in Germania, before the two of us visit Alfheim Space together.


    And as Captain Kuhne has already stated, you are to be on your best behavior. I feel I don''t need to say this, but knowing how dense you are, I would be remiss if I didn''t. This means that under no circumstances are you to flirt with the other heads of state or their daughters, which includes your new Fiancee and her Royal Aunt...."


    Erich nodded his head in understanding, albeit a little offended by the Supreme Leader''sst remark. As he saluted the man before preparing for his next deployment. Once he was gone, however, Mirage red sternly at Emrys before asking the immediate question that came to her mind.


    "Why didn''t you tell him the truth?"


    Emrys simply scoffed before responding to Mirage''s question with one of his own.


    "You have been quite intimate with the man. What do you think would happen if I were to have told him that he really is my chosen sessor with the way he is now?"


    It was now Mirage''s turn to scoff as she responded to Emrys in exactly the way he was expecting.


    "Knowing that idiot, it would probably go to his head. So what, you n to wait until he has fully matured until you tell him the truth?"


    Emrys wore a cruel smile as he nodded his head in silence. It was only after several seconds passed did he reveal his next thought to the woman.


    "Either that, or until I''ve properly beaten that rebellious streak of his out of his thick skull..."


    Mirage scoffed once more and shook her head with a smug smile on her pretty face, before revealing her thoughts on that issue.


    "That is easier said than done...."

 Chapter 153 Complete Perfection

    There was not exactly much rest for Erich before he was shipped off with the Seventh Armada to the borders of Alfheim Space, well within the disputed zone where they intended to give off a show of force to deter the Svartalfheim Federation from continuing with their hostile actions.


    It had been years since the Germanic Star-Empire had suffered a catastrophe at the hands of the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus, and thanks to the aid they secretly received from the Alfheim Dominion, not only had their poption recovered, with tens of trillions of babies being born, both artificially and naturally.


    But also the worlds they had lost were now mostly restored. To the point where even the ruins of the Dvrakian Consortium were now being colonized by the Germanic Star-Empire. Because of this, the military strength of the GSE was mostly recovered. And in addition to that, their technology had been perfected of its ws by the Alfheim Engineers who manufactured it.


    Thus, the Germanic Star-Empire was more than capable of showing off its might on behalf of their Alfheim masters. And they were not the only one who hade prepared. The Alfheim Navy jumped out of quantum. Though they were not thest to arrive, they were fashionablyte to the party. Which just so happened to be their style.


    When Erich gazed upon the monstrous vessels withplete and utter shock. He had previously been amazed by the scale of the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus, but the Alfheim Fleet in front of him was even grander.


    The smallest Alfheim ships were the size of small moons capable of supporting millions of soldiers. While thergest were the size of dwarfs, capable of sustaining billions of troops. Not only were the ships massive beyond belief, but like everything the Light Elves cherished, they were beautiful to look at.


    Erich could hardly believe that the Alfheim dominion had lost a fleet of theirs in contact with Terminus. But after several seconds of thought, he suddenly realized that the only reason the Germanic Star-Empire had managed to survive was because the Alfheim Fleet must have inflicted substantial damage to the Naraku. So much so that theirrgest Hive Ships were destroyed in the battle. Because he could not imagine how anyone could emerge victorious against a fleet like the one he was seeing now.


    If the Alfheim Dominion had not been busy fighting a border conflict with their Svartalfheim Rival, then the Naraku never would have been able to make their way to Germanic space. That was something Erich truly believed after witnessing the strength of a true Gctic Power.


    Erich currently stood on board the bridge of a carrier, while wearing his dress uniform. However, it was no longer the standard dark grey of the Imperial Navy. Rather, it was a solid ck uniform, with red and gold ents. Which paired well with his crimson sash that he had earned for his actions at Suebi, along with his matching aiguillettes.


    There were only a few units within the Germanic Star-Empire who were capable of wearing this slick ck dress uniform, and those were special forces operators. Specifically the Storm Commandos, and the higher ranking WRAITHs who were typically recruited from their ranks.


    Officially, the WRAITHs were Storm Commandos, and if they died in battle, they would bebeled as such within the Media. But they had their own intensive training programs that made them a step above and beyond that of the other elite special forces.


    Thus, these two units wore the same dress uniforms, considering the fact that WRAITHs officially did not exist. And while Erich stood on the bridge of the carrier, he received nothing but respect from the man whomanded the ship.


    After all, it was not every day that a special forces operative from the most elite unit in the Empire was deployed along with a standard fleet. They were usually given their own corvettes, which were capable of breaking blockades, while also having enough defenses and firepower to escape pursuit by arger fleet.


    Erich was entirely unaware of what the protocol was for this kind of event, or why he was requested to wear his Dress Uniform, and thus he asked the Admiral about what exactly was about to happen.


    "Admiral, do you mind answering a question for me if you have the time?"


    The Admiral did not mind in the slightest entertaining a warrior as elite as Erich. Few men entered the coveted ranks of the Storm Commandos, and even fewer became WRAITHs. The fact that Erich was W-3 meant he had alreadypleted several ssified and dangerous operations, even if he was being fast tracked for promotion.


    Naturally as an Admiral, this man knew just what position Erich had in the military, even if the rest of his bridge staff did not, and because of this he was very polite with Erich, even if he personally detested the man for his engagement to an alien.


    "Of course, Captain. Whatever questions you have, so long as I know an answer, I will be happy to give you an answer."


    Despite the polite tone in the man''s voice, his eyes conveyed nothing but disdain for Erich, but Erich was used to such looks of disgust by now, and simply ignored it as he asked the first of his questions.


    "What exactly are we doing here in this void sector of space? Should we not be preparing for the War Games? I understand we are rendezvousing with the other powers, but why here?"


    The Admiral had almost forgotten how young Erich was. It was not every day a man within histe twenties became a captain, or even a WRAITH. Even if they did live in a meritocracy, one would need exceptionally powerful friends if they were to advance in the Military as quickly as Erich had, in addition to exceptional performance.


    Thus, he was more patient with Erich''s ignorance, as Erich was far too young to have been alive during thest Centennial War Games.


    "While it might be most practical to rendezvous in the system where we intend to hold the War Games, there is a certain amount of decorum thates with this event. Normally we would all gather on the Queen''s personal warship and pay tribute to her as her vassals.


    However, for the first time in living memory, she has decided to send her daughter tomand these war games instead. No doubt to test out her abilities to lead, not only the Alfheim Military, but that of her future vassals as well. So we will be paying tribute to the princess instead.


    As you can see, it is not just the Alfheim Military, and those of her vassals who have gathered, but even the vassals of said vassals have arrived, and so on and so forth. This is thergest gathering of military strength in the Quadrant. As direct vassals of the Alfhiem Empress herself, we actually have quite the prestigious ce in these War Games. A ce we have earned through centuries of bloodshed on behalf of our Suzerains."


    Erich nodded his head in understanding. He now knew why he was requested to wear his dress uniform. Undoubtedly, this would be quite the ceremony, and because of this, he had to look his best. After all, as an officer in the Germanic Military, how he looked reflected on his people.


    The Admiral would continue to inform Erich of the proceedings that were about to follow until thest of the Interster Civilizations that supported the Alfheim Dominion arrived. No matter how powerful each Navy might be in their own sectors of space, they were all dwarfed by the scale of the Alfheim Fleet. So much so that the representatives of each party were able to dock with the Alfheim Princess''s personal warship at the same time.


    Once on board the behemoth of a warship, Erich followed the other representatives of the Germanic Star-Empire to the transit, which would take them to the bridge, where they were to gather before the Alfheim Princess and pay proper tribute to her.


    As Erich walked through the ship, he believed it was no ship at all, but a mobile world. Because everywhere he looked, there was flora, which provided natural oxygen to the environment. It was almost as if he were walking through a massive garden in a world that had been sculpted by the gods.


    Erich was by far the youngest representative of the Germanic Star-Empire, and because of that, he was the only one who was looking around the ship like aplete and total idiot. Finally, they arrived at a transit, which was little more than a high-speed train, which took them through the dwarf sized vessel in a matter of minutes.


    After arriving at the bridge, Erich witnessed several dozen alien races gathered beneath the steps of themand chair, which acted more than a throne than an actual seat of militarymand. All of these aliens were beautiful, even by Germanic Standards. They were all bipedal humanoids and looked simr enough to humans that Erich couldn''t help but find their women attractive.


    But the most beautiful woman of them all was no doubt the one who sat upon the throne, and gazed upon her inferiors with apletely icy expression on her wless face. Erich could not help but stare at this Elven beauty.


    Erich had always considered himself a lucky man because his two wives were among the most beautiful women he had ever witnessed in his life. But, suddenly, even their looks seemed to pale inparison to Princess Celestia Asterion. Whose snow white hair, ivory skin, and golden eyes were like that of a goddess in the flesh.


    Every inch of her body appeared as if it had been carved out of marble by a deity who was designing the perfect woman. She was truly and utterly wless. Apparently Erich was gawking for too long, because he could have sworn that this unparalleled beauty''s golden eyes shifted to his figure.


    Despite always having considered himself a handsome man, Erich did not have the confidence to say he was on the level of such perfection, and because of this, the moment his eyes made contact with Celestia''s he shamefully averted his gaze by looking down at his feet, while he took his ce in the formation of the Germanic representatives.


    Because of this, he did not witness the slight smile that formed on Celestia''s divine visage, as she whispered the words in a voice so low that nobody could possibly hear her.


    "I found you..."

 Chapter 154 Paying Tribute

    Never before in his life had Erich endured such pressure. As he stood there in formation, sweating like a pig. Since the moment he had stepped foot inside the bridge of the Alfheim Warship which belonged to Princess Celestia Asterion, the woman had not stopped staring at him. Every time he looked up from his feet, he would awkwardly make eye contact with her stunning golden irises, only to nervously bow his head once more.


    This went on until all the guests had arrived. Which once they had, the leader of the Alfheim Honor Guard gave out amand to the various Officers from those Interster Civilizations who paid tribute to the Alfheim Dominion.


    "Attention!"


    Immediately, every officer in the room, including Erich, snapped to attention, as they stood before the Alfheim Princess, whose inquisitive gaze had still not shifted away from Erich''s figure. Erich had no idea what he had done to earn the attention of such a wless beauty, but at this moment, he really wished he hadn''t. In the next moment, the Captain of the Honor Guard began to speak once more.


    "You are in the Presence of her highness Celestia Asterion, Princess of the Alfheim Dominion, and heiress to the Throne. Salute!"


    Immediately, every single officer who was in attendance threw up their salutes, which were in the traditional faction practiced in Alfheim Space. This was a normal salute that, oddly enough, humanity had practiced on Earth for centuries. One would simply raise their open hand to their head.


    And yet, Erich, in his nervous state, hadpletely fumbled this simple gesture, and instead raised his arm into the air, as wasmonly practiced among the Germanic Star-Empire. Something nobody else from his people dared to do.


    When he made this mistake, in the presence of the Alfheim Princess, everyone stared at Erich as if he were a dead man. That is until Celestia broke out into a fit of giggles, where she spoke to Erich in an endearing tone, almost as if she were speaking to a child.


    "While I admire your passion, I''m afraid that is not a salute we practice here in the Alfheim Dominion. But I will ept it, nheless... Please continue. I find the way your people show respect for your superior officers to be utterly fascinating."


    Every representative of the Germanic Star-Empire sighed in relief when they heard this. It was almost as if a bomb had just been defused, and all their lives were saved because of it. After all, if the Princess had been particrly cruel, she could have ordered Erich''s execution on the spot for failing to uphold the proper decorum.


    Erich, of course, damn near pissed his pants when he realized just how badly he had fucked up. And continued to awkwardly stare ahead of him, trying his damnest not to look Celestia in the eye. All while being the one man in attendance who was permitted to salute improperly.


    Celestia then began to speak. Her voice was alluring, almost as if she were an angel, singing the sweetest opera that would make even a god weep with joy.


    "You all know why you have been gathered here. The Centennial War Games are upon us. But more importantly, this is a chance to show those dark-skinned bastards that, despite recent setbacks, the Alfheim Dominion and its sworn vassals are still a force to be reckoned with.


    I expect a grand performance from all of you, even those minor powers who swear their fealty to lesser civilizations. This is not a chance for personal glory, or even apetition among civilizations. This is a cooperative exercise, and I expect all of you to perform to the best of your abilities.


    Now, before we begin deployment of our forces, each of you is required by tradition to pay tribute to my Royal Mother. But because she could not be here today, I, her most beloved daughter, will ept your tribute on her behalf.


    The highest ranking member of your delegation shall step forward and kneel before me as you offer me the gift which your heads of state have prepared for you. We shall start with the oldest of our vassals, and since the Rylonians are no longer with us, that means that it would be the delegate from the Zyranian Enve who is first among you to pay tribute to this princess."


    Immediately after saying this, a bipedal humanoid with shimmering gold skin stepped forward. Erich found it hard to believe, but the figure looked almost as if it were made of the metallic substance. And yet the skin also appeared soft and smooth at the same time, as if it were no different from his own. The man had silver hair, which was slicked back, and matching eyes. However, unlike Erich''s, these eyes had a metallic sheen to them.


    This man was dressed in a uniform that was cut in the style of a waffenrock, and was as gold as his skin. With ents as silver as his hair. Fortunately, there were no women among the Zyranian delegation, or else Erich would be tempted to touch her breasts to test whether or not they were as hard as gold, or as soft as pillows.


    After the Zyranian delegate kneeled before the Alfheim Princess and said some words that he could not hear, before handing a wrapped gift over to the woman, he fled back to his own ranks. Where the next Alien species sent their own delegate.


    This went on for some time until finally the Germanic Star-Empire''s turn arrived. However, when a High Admiral stepped forward to present the gift which Emrys had prepared for Celestia, the Princess raised her hand and halted his actions.


    "Stop! Not you! Him..."


    She then pointed to Erich as she spoke thatst part. Causing all eyes in attendance to fall on his form for a second time on this day. Erich once more nearly pissed himself, but fortunately prevented himself from doing so, as the High Admiral handed Erich the box which contained a gift.


    Erich did not know how he managed to step forward and walk towards the Alfheim Princess, because he felt in this moment as if his legs were made out of depleted uranium. But somehow he managed to kneel before Celestia, who simply stared at him in silence for several moments.


    Murmurs broke out among the crowd, theorizing what she was going to do to this young man who had so thoroughly insulted her earlier in the day, and much to their surprise, Celestia reached out and grabbed hold of Erich''s chin, while lifting it so his eyes were to meet her own. Nobody but the two of them understood what she said to Erich at that moment.


    "Curious.... My mother has always had a fascination with your people, and I never understood why. I mean, you all look the same, roughly right? Where''s the fun in that? Yet here you are standing before me, your skin as pale as snow, and your hair a beautiful silver. Why are you so different from the others?"


    Erich tried to avert his gaze as he answered this question, but Celestia''s smile turned upside down as she gave him a royalmand.


    "Look at me when you speak!"


    Erich nearly felt his spine jump out of his mouth as he heard thismand before speaking of his "condition."


    "That would be because I''m a mutant.... We are notmon among the Empire, and are usually ostracised within society from the day we are born...."


    Celestia''s snow white brow raised as she heard this. There was a look of offense on her face, before it slowly twisted into a smile as she leaned in close and whispered the words Erich never thought he would hear in his life.


    "Then I suppose nobody has ever told that your eyes are beautiful, now have they? Silver and Gold go well together, don''t you think?"


    It took every ounce of Erich''s strength not to jerk his head away in fright as he contemted what these words meant. Was the Crown Princess of the Alfheim Dominion seriously hitting on him right now? He could not dare to believe it, and thus he just silently nodded his head. Which caused the woman to lean back in her chair, with a curious smile on her face, but only after she had plucked the gift out of his hands. She then spoke with an alluring voice as she said the words that Erich would never forget.


    "I''m curious. Just what present you have brought for me? I look forward to finding out. Now run along Erich, there will be time enough for us to speak onces these silly little games are over..."


    Erich did not remember how he managed to get back into formation with the rest of his delegation, as his mind was preupied with other thoughts. While the lesser civilizations began to pay their petty tribute to the Princess, the High Admiral spoke to Erich in a hushed voice.


    "Just what did she say to you?"


    Erich''s mind was in such a state of chaos that he did not even think about an borate lie to hide what was said. He simply responded with the honest truth, like a damned fool.


    "I think she just flirted with me....."


    A single word escaped from the High Admiral''s lips who did not believe Erich in the slightest.


    "Bullshit!"


    Nheless, Erich did not hear this remark, because he could not get the words that Celestia had spoken to him out of his mind. As if she had cast a spell on him from the moment he first interacted with her. He was nowpletely and utterly enthralled with the Alfheim Princess.

 Chapter 155 Bound By Fate

    After tribute had been properly paid to the Alfheim Princess on behalf of her Royal Mother, she dismissed the gathered parties so that they could properly prepare for the Centennial War Games. She then immediately returned to her private quarters, which was practically a pce in and of itself, where she looked at the wrapped gift that the Germanic Star-Empire had given her.


    There was a curious look on the Elven beauty''s immacte face, as if she were debating whether to plunder this one gift for herself. After several moments of silent thought, she heard a familiar voice, which seemingly came out of nowhere.


    "Your highness? Is everything alright?"


    Celestia damn near dropped the gift to the floor from her sudden fright, that is until she realized who the voice belonged to. She then looked over at her older brother, who was also her personal assistant, before scolding the man for his stalking.


    "Why must you always do that, Crion?"


    Crion was an exceptionally handsome Elven male, with a thin, and lean body, as well as long flowing golden locks. His eyes were a bright yellow, simr to the color of Earth''s sun. Unlike the majority of his bloodline, Crion did not inherit the signature snow white hair and golden eyes of his family. Because of this, he was not treated as a Prince, but as a mere servant to the Royal Household.


    After all, the Alfheim Dominion was a matriarchy, where men did not have the right to inherit titles or property. It was almost the exact inverse of the Germanic Star-Empire in that regard. Becasue of this he bowed respectfully to his royal sister and apologized for his skulking which he was so well known to do.


    "Apologies, your highness, but it is not my fault that you have poor senses."


    Celestia could only scoff at this remark. It wasn''t a matter of having poor senses, Crion just had an unnatural ability to not only remainpletely silent as he moved, but to blend in with his surroundings. He could seemingly appear out of thin air and surprise just about anybody in the Alfheim Dominion.


    In fact, he had even been present at the Tribute ceremony, but nobody had really paid attention to him. He just sort of faded into the background. Just when Celestia was about toment on this, her brother made a particrly bold remark.


    "You seemed awfully interested in that silver-haired Germanic male. Don''t tell me you''ve suddenly begun to suffer from the same affliction as our royal mother?"


    Celestia did not panic at this remark, instead she simply scoffed once more before enlightening her older brother on her reasons for acting in such a unique manner towards Erich.


    "It is not myself who is interested in that man, but our Royal Mother. In addition to leading these war games, she gave me an additionalmand to size up this man who is the heir apparent to the Germanic Star-Empire and their Oni allies.


    Besides... There is something unusual about him. I can''t exin it, but I have this ominous feeling in my gut every time I look at him. As if we were somehow bound by fate. Perhaps... No, it can''t be!"


    Crion rolled his eyes when he heard his Royal sister speaking about fate yet again. She was perhaps the only one in the current line of session who actually ced an emphasis on those "prophetic" words spoken by a bunch of old fogies.


    Yet he knew he was going to have to listen to her speak of such nonsense anyway and thus he was quick to ask her about what was currently going through her mind, with the most pedantic voice he could muster.


    "What is it this time, your highness?"


    Despite the tone in her brother''s voice, Celestia did not take the least amount of offense to his words. She had long since be ustomed to how her family treated her obsession with the prophecy of the sages. And thus, she ignored the almost mocking tone that her brother spoke with, and informed him of her thoughts, regardless as to whether he wanted to hear them or not.


    "Thest time I visited the sages, they told me that there was another like them born somewhere else in the gxy. And my destiny was intertwined with his. Supposedly, he would bring war to the gxy and set it aze, forever shaking up the order that our ancestors have spent so much blood, sweat, and tears to build."


    Naturally, Celestia left out the part of her being bound to this man''s will by sheer virtue of his charm, as that was something she would never admit, even to herself. In response to this, Crion simply sighed heavily in exhaustion, before posing a question he knew was little more than nonsense.


    "And what, you suspect, this minor yer, from a mere regional power, is that man? Do you even hear yourself, Celestia? This isplete and utter madness! I have no idea why mother favors you so much, when you are willing to listen to the superstitions of a bunch of old madmen..."


    In his annoyance, Crion had dropped the honorifics he was supposed to use when speaking to his female rtives at all times. An act which did not escape Celestia''s notice. She quickly turned around from gazing at Erich''s holographic projection, and red fiercely at her brother, where she questioned his sanity.


    "And who precisely gave you permission to use my name?"


    In that moment, Crion grew fearful of his Royal Sister, and immediately fell to the floor while kowtowing to his Princess. He begged for forgiveness, knowing that she could easily take his life for such an offense.


    "I beg of you, your highness, please spare this fool who does not know his ce!"


    A cruel sneer formed on Celestia''s lips, as she ced her foot upon her brother''s head, while applying pressure to it. There seemed to be a hint of sadistic joy in her eyes as she abused the man, before giving him a royalmand that he woulde to regret.


    "Oh no, brother... You can not be forgiven for such impudence so easily! Or else, what would be the point of my esteemed title? I''m afraid I''m going to have you participate in these War Games. After all, your skills on the battlefield are quite legendary, are they not? I want you to stalk this man and ry his actions to me. I want to see every single move he makes, even if he is simply relieving himself in the forest!


    And if he turns out to be the man that I think he is, you are to covertly eliminate him! I don''t want a single trace of his body found! Mother would be furious if you caused a diplomatic incident to ur between our dynasty and her favorite pets, don''t you think?"


    Crion''s eyes widened in disbelief as he heard these orders. But he did not dare refuse them, and thus he thanked his Royal Sister for her mercy, while promising that he would do as she had instructed.


    "This fool thanks your Highness for her eternal benevolence, and will do as you ask!"


    After saying this, Celestia smiled, and released her hold over her brother''s head. Allowing him to rise and take off from his Royal Sister''s personal quarters. Celestia then returned her attention to the holographic projection of Erich and wore a bitter smile as she spoke her thoughts aloud now that she was truly alone.


    "It would be such a pity if you turned out to be that man... After all, you are definitely my type...."


    It was only after saying these thoughts aloud that the Alfheim Princess realized just how scandalous her words were. This only further confirmed in her mind that Erich was the man who would set the gxy aze in his future wars of conquest. Yet until she could confirm his prophetic ability for herself, she would not dare make a move against him.

 Chapter 156 Winning The Lottery

    Erich quickly got kitted up in his power armor after paying tribute to the Alfheim Princess. However, unlike his previous deployments. He was not granted the use of the advanced Mk-2 Power armor that the W-7 units normally wore into battle. Instead, he was once more outfitted with a more standard Mk-1 Power Armor, which was worn by all other WRAITH units.


    Aside from being bulkier and less flexible than the MK-2 Power Armor, the Mk-1 had inferior stealth capabilities that came in the form of active camouge rather than a built in stealth field generator, and did not have atmospheric flight capabilities.


    Currently, Erich was standing among his new "team". Which was a group of W-3s, like himself, who were personally selected for these war games to follow Erich''smand. Their orders were simple this time around. They would deploy onto the uninhabited forested world and defend it from thebined might of the Alfheim Dominion and its vassals.


    Why was the worldpletely uninhabited? That is because, until roughly a year ago, the was little more than a barren, inhospitable rock. But thanks to Alfheim Terraforming technology, it was now a thriving paradise.


    Every one hundred years, the defending faction would be selected by lottery, and would be chosen from among the Alfheim Dominion''s direct vassals. Unfortunately for the Germanic Star-Empire they had drawn the short straw today.


    Or perhaps one might say this was unfortunate for the rest of Alfheim Space. Because they had all seen how tenaciously the Germanic Star-Empire had defended their homes against the Naraku Hive fleet. And by now, the ability of the Germans to defend a world against an invading force was considered legendary by the rest of the gxy.


    As WRAITHs, Erich and his team would be fighting from behind enemy lines with unconventional tactics so that they could halt the advance of the enemy forces from reaching the core of theary defenses. Which the Alfheim Dominion had built on behalf of their Germanic vassals.


    Currently, Erich was listing of all the gear that he and his team were equipped with for the exercises.


    "Alright, so, I have been told to make something abundantly clear to you all, though I''m sure it doesn''t really need to be said. For the sake of this operation, all weapons that we would normally use on a battlefield have been modified to have stun features, instead of sma.


    Your rifles, machine guns, grenades, even your fuckingbat knives have reced the usual lethal sma, with advanced Elven technology that is the capable of stunning a target, even if they are wearing something like power armor.


    So, if you get hit in a vital area, you will be immobilized, and if that happens, you are considered KIA, and will be removed from the exercise. If, however, you are hit in the leg, or the arm, or any other non-vital area, only that limb will be stunned, and can be treated by our unit''s medic.


    The same goes for our enemies. So, I don''t believe I need to remind you, but aim small, miss small. Go for the chest and the head, and let''s take out as many of these fuckers as possible. Oh, one more thing, your antiarmor weapons are designed to stun both people and vehicles, so be sure to use them appropriately.


    Are there any gear rted questions that you might have?"


    The drop ship was filled with silence after Erich asked this question, and thus he decided to move onto the next aspect of their mission.


    "Alright, good. The moment this drop shipnds, the mission is considered having begun, so keep your eyes open, and prepare to take on the enemy. The only support we will have while out in the field are other WRAITHs. As for everyone else, they will be hunkered down in the fortifications, waiting to make contact with the enemy. Let''s show these cunts why our people are the most feared warriors in the gxy. Hail victory!"


    Immediately after saying this, Erich''s squad of ten WRAITHs raised their arms in salute, and repeated the war cry back to their captain.


    "Hail victory!"


    ---


    While Erich''s unit deployed to the forested, he had no idea that on the bridge of the Alfheim Capital ship, Princess Celestia Asterion was gazing upon theary defenses with a scowl on her otherwise wless face.


    The Germanic Star-Empire was quick to deploy their units to the most strategically viable positions for defense. As talented as an Admiral as she was, she had little experience with Groundbat, and because of that, she had entrusted this operation in the hands of her most capable General.


    A Light Elven woman by the name of Vria. Vria wore a red and gold uniform, whose pattern was simr to those that would have been worn by British Army Generals during the 19th century of Earth''s history. Except for the fact that she wore a navy blue pleated skirt, with matching stockings beneath, as well as a pair of kneehigh ck leather cavalry boots.


    This woman was a stunning beauty in her own right and came from a sub-race of the Light Elves. With pale skin, crimson hair, and bright yellow eyes, one would immediately recognize her distinctive appearance from the primary ethnic group of Light Elves.


    Vria had a stern expression on her beautiful, yet heroic, face as she gazed upon the enemy defenses. It was as if she was trying to calcte the best possible chances of sess, with the least amount of casualties. It was only after nearly ten minutes of awkward silence. Did she sigh heavily before revealing her thoughts on the matter?


    "Your highness, as much as I understand the reasoning behind the lottery, and its supposed fairness. Could you not have manipted the results to be more favorable to our side?"


    Celestia, who had virtually no experiencemanding ground forces, gazed upon her most trusted General with a peculiar expression on her face, as she asked the immediate question which haunted her mind.


    "Is there no way to emerge victorious?"


    In response to this, Vria sighed once more before speaking of the enemy''s defenses and their own capabilities.


    "It''s not a matter of emerging victorious. Victory is certain. After all, we have the numbers on our side. But by allowing the Germanic Star-Empire to defend the from our coalition, you have turned this into an incredibly costly affair.


    As you know, the rest of the gxy is currently watching these War Games with a vested interest. When we begin losing wave after wave of troops in pursuit of taking this one, it will look very bad at our end.


    After all, these are the people who fought a war of attrition with the Naraku, and won.... Now, obviously, this world isn''t as well defended as the worlds within the Germanic Star-Empire. But most of these men are probably veterans of the Germanic-Terminus War. Or at the very least, their officers most certainly are. And because of this, they know how to properly defend a against superior numbers, and firepower.


    Undoubtedly, we will be fighting until thest man is stunned, and they will treat this scenario with the same severity that they had when they were fighting for their own survival...."


    Upon hearing her General''s opinions about the Germanic defenses, Celestia suddenly realized she may have fucked up entirely by allowing the Germanic Military to defend the world. After all, the Germanic Star Empire was not expecting to be the defenders in this operation, so all of their infantry were the vaunted Star Marines. Rather than the regr Army Infantry, who they normally used to defend positions.


    This meant that every single soldier that was deployed to this mock battle was a gically and cybeically enhanced superhuman. One who was born and bred for the purpose of war. It was only now that Celestia had realized her mistake, by not manipting the lottery in favor of her forces.


    After all, the entire purpose of these war games was to show off the strength of the Alfheim Dominion and its coalition forces. This was something that was not easily done against a world full of Germanic Star Marines, Storm Commandos, and WRAITHs. With this in mind, Celestia looked rather flustered as she called out to her most prized General hoping that there was still time to fix this matter.


    "Vria, do we still have enough time to swap out the GSE with another of our vassals?"


    Unfortunately for the Alfheim Princess, this was not the case, and because of that, her General sighed once more than she informed Celestia of this matter.


    "I''m afraid not, your highness. Even if we could, such an action would be spitting in the face of the lottery system, which has existed long since before you were born. If we were to do that, it would appear that we are favoring one of our vassals over the others. A sentiment which your Royal Mother had done nothing to prevent from festering in the minds of our subordinates.


    The way I see it is, this could actually be a good thing... If this turns out as I think it will, then we will be showing our enemies that our war hounds will defend the worlds they are stationed on to thest man, guaranteeing nothing more than a Pyrrhic victory in the best-case scenario. And that might be more of a deterrent than we think...."


    Whatever the oue was of these war games, one thing was certain to Celestia, her mother was going to be pissed!

 Chapter 157 Ambush

    Erich gazed into the sky above him and witnessed the ion cannons firing their beams towards the swarm of starships which gathered in the orbit above. There were so many hostile ships, some of which were as big as the which Erich stood upon, that theypletely blotted out the light of the nearby star.


    Utter darkness prevailed on the world below. The only source of illumination was the ion beams, which sought to disable some of the warships. Currently, Erich and his men were enjoying a smoke break. Until the first enemy drop ships arrived on the world, he and his men had nothing to do. Thus, Erich simply smoked to pass the time.


    All the while, Tia informed him about the ongoing battle for control of the world''s airspace. The Germanic Fleet was soundly defeated by thebined might of the Alfheim coalition within less than three hours. Every single Germanic ship which had been dispatched to these War Games was temporarily disabled by specialty weapons, which the Alfheim dominion had supplied to their vassals.


    Yet this did not stop the Germanic Star Empire from deploying fighters from the ground, to defend the airspace of the world, and to hunt down potential drop ships. While Erich was smoking his cigarette and seemingly watching the battles in the sky above. He was pushing his foresight to the limit.


    He could now see a full thirty seconds into the future, after spending years using this ability to survive on the battlefield. And because of this, he was constantly peering into the future to predict just where, and when, the enemy would strike from.


    At first nothing significant appeared, but all of a sudden he had a vision of an enemy dropship, which had slipped past theary defenses using advanced stealth technology, and was currently headed to a nearby position.


    As Erich had expected, the Alfheim dominion was deploying its own variant of the WRAITHs to survey the area, and provide intelligence to the rest of their forces. Thus, Erich immediately put out his cigarette, and ced his helmet on his head, before issuing his orders to the rest of his unit.


    "Hostiles detected, 50 clicks north. Let''s move out."


    Though the other WRAITHs in Erich''s unit had no idea how their fearless captain had detected the enemy, they did not dare disobey his orders. Thus, they activated their stealth modes before charging off after their leader.


    An average Germanic male was capable of running sixty-four kilometers an hour. However, when enhanced by their Mk I power armor, these superhumans could travel up to double their base speed. Thus, it did not take long for Erich and his team to approach the enemy.


    Which once they had, Erich and his team maintained a distance, lied low, while observing the Alfheim special forces. Despite having far more advanced stealth technology, these light elves were a bit arrogant, and did not immediately conceal themselves upon stepping foot in the alien world.


    Because of that, Erich and his team were able to watch their actions from a distance for some time. As well as stalk them and their movements. Undoubtedly, these were not the only Light Elves who had gotten past theary defenses, and because of that, Erich was quick to ry his findings back to the HQ.


    "This is Silber. I''ve got eyes on a squad of Elven scouts. Most likely, special forces sent for the purpose of reconnaissance. What are my orders?"


    Erich then had a brief conversation with the officer on the other end, who ryed this information to the General. Upon realizing that they had already been infiltrated long before theirary defenses were taken out. The General began to dispatch the WRAITHs to search the immediate vicinity of the primary hub where the bulk of the Germanic defenders were currently enduring a bombardment.


    Once he had sent out teams to counter the hostile special forces, the General gave Erich one simplemand.


    "Take them out..."


    ---


    Crion stood among an elite unit of female light elves who were referred to as Banshees. If the Alfheim Military had a unit that was equivalent to the Germanic WRAITH, then it was indeed the Alfheim Banshee.


    Unlike Erich, he was not tasked with leading his own unit. Crion had only managed to tag along with the Banshees under his sister''s orders. And because of this, none of the women he was currently serving with were particrly fond of him.


    After all, the Alfheim Dominion was a matriarchal society. And this also applied to its military. Though men could serve, they often did so beneath female officers and in their own segregated units. For a male to deploy with a unit of Banshees, there was no greater disgrace.


    Of course, neither he and his unit were expecting that uponnding they would be surrounded by the enemy. Because of this, they decided that rather than begin their task of reconnaissance, they would instead make sure that Crion knew his ce. None was more furious about this assignment than the officer in charge. Whose hideous expression was not concealed beneath her helmet''s visor.


    "Let''s get one thing clear here, you pitiful male! I am in charge! The only reason you are even allowed to deploy with a unit as fearsome as ours is because your royal sister hasmanded it. I don''t know what her reasons are for insulting the Banshees like this, but she wille to regret it. Until then-"


    Before the female officer could even finish her statement, a shing blue light mmed straight into her helmet and dropped her to the floor. Beingpletely stunned, she was no longer capable of speaking, and insteady on the ground as if she were dead.


    Crion immediately raised his rifle while shouting out to his rades" who were already reacting to their own assaults.


    "Enemy attack!"


    He had had no idea how his unit had already been spotted by the enemy, nor could he see their figures despite his advanced sensors. Something was jamming them, and Crion did not know how. Because as far as he was aware, the Germanic Star-Empire did not have the technological capability to jam the advanced sensors of the Alfheim Dominion.


    One by one, the Banshees fell, stunned, and defeated. Until finally, Crion alone had survived the ambush. He randomly fired his stun ster in the direction of where he had witnessed a previous assaulte from, but unfortunately, for him, firing blindly rarely got results.


    Just when Crion was about to reload his weapon with a fresh battery, it was ripped from his hands and thrown away. He tried to reach for his knife, but was brutally kicked into the tree trunk, which he was previously hiding behind. The knife flew out of his hand as he did so.


    It was only then that Crion realized the outline of a muchrger man, standing in front of him, with a de in his hand. This man effortlessly lifted Crion into the air with one hand, before jamming his stun knife into the Elven scout''s gut.


    Obviously it was a blunted weapon, and could not pierce through Crion''s armor, but the stunning effect disabled him, to the point where he might as well be dead. It was only after he had been defeated that a familiar voice filled Crion''s ears.


    "Fucking trash, if this is what the Alfheim Dominion considers to be their most elite unit, then I pity our masters.... Absolutely pathetic!"


    Crion knew exactly who the man was that had so perfectly ambushed him and his team. He was the same man that Crion was supposed to be spying on. Somehow, Erich had detected hisnding in advance and ambushed him. But how?


    It was only then that Crion remembered his sister''s warning that a sage would be born among another race, and would light the gxy aze in his wars of conquest. In that moment, he suddenly begun to believe the prophecies of the old men he used to believe were fools. And sorely regretted not taking this mission seriously.


    But it was toote. There was nothing he could do now that he was stunned. Crion could only hope that his Royal sister had received his helmet camera''s footage of the events that had unfolded here. So that she could properly retaliate.

 Chapter 158 Hunted By Banshees Part I

    Celestia stared in a state of absolute bewilderment for several moments. She had just finished watching the ambush on her brother and her elite Banshees, yet despite seeing the attack with her own eyes, she did not dare believe it was true.


    After all, from the moment the Germanic Star-Empire''s naval forces were disabled, Celestia had dispatched her special forces to infiltrate the well in advance of the mainnding force, so that they may provide intelligence about the enemy''s defenses.


    Yet shortly afternding, before one of her teams could even plot a course of action, they had been suddenly ambushed and eliminated by none other than the silver-haired man who had caught the Alfheim Empress''s fancy.


    There was no mistaking it, this man was indeed the one which the Sage''s had prophesied, for only someone with the gift of foresight would be able to detect her Banshees, whose stealth technology was well beyond that of the Germanic Star-Empires sensors.


    However, Celestia wanted absolute proof of this, and because of this, she realized that there should be amunication log regarding Erich''s deployment to thending zone. Thus, she was quick to order the advanced artificial intelligence which operated her warship''sputers to search for that recording.


    After all, her forces had sliced into the Germanic Military''sms from the moment this mock battle began. The AI made short work of finding themunication between Erich and his team, where he had ordered them to deploy to thending zone. And just as Celestia had suspected, the man had begun deploying to the area before the ship had evennded, and from quite a distance away.


    However, what she did not understand was why thismunication was a mere thirty seconds before the drop shipnded. Was his foresight so stunted that he could not even see a minute into the future? If that were the case, then there was no way that this man would ever be capable of setting the gxy aze in his wars of conquest.


    Still, this man most likely had some form of foresight, which made him a threat to the Alfheim Dominion, and because of this, Celestia could not tolerate his existence. She sighed heavily, before speaking her thoughts aloud,pletely forgetting that she was currently sitting in hermand chair, surrounded by an entire bridge worth of officers.


    "It is such a pity, you were so my type...."


    Nobody who heard the Princess''s words had a clue who or what she was talking about, nor did they intend to ask. They simply let this awkward statement exist, while Celestia opened up amunication channel to all of her banshee''s who had yet to be deployed.


    "Change of ns. Your target is one Captain Erich Jaeger, he is currently deployed at the following coordinates."


    After saying this, Celestia listed the exact coordinates where Erich was located beforepleting her orders.


    "Do whatever it takes to eliminate this man and make sure to leave no witnesses! After all, if this operation were to ever be revealed to the Gxy, it would forever tarnish the reputation of our glorious empire! "


    With this said, Erich and his new team had just be the targets of the Alfheim Dominion''s most elite special warfare operators. All of which were given permission to use lethal force. Something that if the Germanic Star-Empire were to ever learn about would cause a rift to form between them and their suzerains.


    ---


    Erich had no idea that his location had been marked immediately after stunning the Banshee team, which hadnded closest to him. However, if there was one thing he had learned during his training to be a WRAITH. It was that he needed to constantly be aware of his surroundings, and to use his gift of foresight as often as possible.


    Thus, immediately after securing the area, Erich looked into the future once more. It was just a mere thirty seconds, but that was more than enough to save his life, and that of his team. What he saw in those thirty seconds was a battle that was about to take ce, however this was not a mock battle, it was the real deal. The Alfheim Banshees intended to kill them all, as they used live weapons instead of the petty little stun guns he and his men were equipped with.


    Realizing that they did not have enough time to escape, Erich shouted out hismands over hisms. Hoping to give his men a warning before they came under attack.


    "Hostiles are inbound for our location, eta 30 seconds until arrival. Get ready for contact, boys!"


    After saying this, Erich jumped over thirty feet in the air, beforending behind arge boulder which he intended to use for cover. He then used his cyberkinesis to push Tia''s operating abilities into overdrive, as he gave her a simplemand.


    "Tia, you are my eyes and ears out here. I need you to use this boost in power, and put it all towards your sensors. I want to know where the enemy is!"


    Tia was no longer sporting a schoolgirl outfit. Rather, she appeared to be dressed in her own set of fatigues as she saluted her Master in the style that was somon among the Germanic Star-Empire before confirming his orders.


    "Yes, sir!"


    Erich did not have time to contemte how cute the Artificial Intelligence was being, and instead used all of his mental energy to focus on Tia''s words, as well as the future. Finally, Tia spoke up before Erich could do so.


    Hostile detected, three hundred meters, at your nine o''clock!"


    Though Erich could not see the enemy, he randomly fired at the location, which Tia had marked on his heads up disy. She had even added a rough outline of an Alfheim banshee''s figure to give Erich an idea of what he was looking at.


    The Banshees were caught off guard when one of their own went down like a bag of bricks. Stunned by a single shot to the chest. As far as they were aware, there was no way for the enemy to see them, or pick up their signatures with their sensors. Because of this, their entire n was to sneak up on the WRAITHs and take them out silently.


    While Erich began to open fire on the Banshees, who took cover behind trees and rocks. He ordered Tia to boost the range of his sensors, and to ry the detected hostile signatures to the rest of the team, so that they could see the enemy as well.


    Because of Tia''s boosted ability, that was a result of Erich pushing his cyber kinesis to the limit, both sides had lost the advantage of their stealth, and were now freely engaging in a firefight in the woods.


    While Light Elves were physically gifted beings, despite their lean figures. They did not practice a strict policy of Eugenics and Gic augmentation like the Germanic Star-Empire did, and because of this, the WRAITHs had an immediate advantage in physicality.


    Erichbined his foresight with his enhanced reflexes to enter a state he referred to as eleration, and nimbly dodged the Banshee''s fire, as if the live particle beams were traveling in slow motion. All the while, he expertly rained down a torrent of automatic fire at the enemy, stunning five or six Banshees in a span of three seconds.


    After doing this, Erich ran full speed at another Banshee and mmed her into a tree. The impact of a Germanic male d in power armor ramming into you at one hundred and twenty-eight kilometers per hour was no small amount. And if not for the natural resilience of the Light Elven body, the Banshee he struck would have clearly died on the spot.


    The fact that the bitch survived, albeit mangled beyond recognition, was a testament to the Light Elven species and their superhuman bodies. This attack clearly showed Erich''s hostile intent to the Banshees, who had opened fire on him and his men with live weapons. And thus, they immediately reacted to it by firing on his position. But Erich had swiftly escaped the line of fire while retaliating with his own.


    With the enemy''s stealth capabilities negated, the WRAITHs quickly turned the tables around, especially with their fearless leader, recklessly charging through the gunfire in a vicious onught. Eventually, those Banshees who remained unstunned or uninjured broke off and fled from thending zone in a desperate attempt to regroup with the next wave. Leaving Erich and his team bewildered by their sudden aggression.

 Chapter 159 Hunted By Banshees Part II

    Immediately after defeating the first wave of Banshees and their attempted ambush, Erich checked on his teammates to see if they were okay. He quickly activated hisms and inquired about the wellbeing of hisrades.


    "Everybody alright? Do I need a medivac any of you cunts?"


    Immediately everybody responded in the negative, giving every WRAITH a sense of relief. Afterward, one of the soldiers beneath Erich''smand quickly interrogated him about what had just happened.


    "What the fuck was that all about? Those fuckers attacked are with live munitions. Are they fucking serious? On another note, how the hell did you know they were there?"


    Erich immediately lied on the spot about his ability to detect the Banshees when nobody else in his unit could do so.


    "I have no fucking idea why they all of a sudden started trying to kill us, but I get the feeling that this isn''t over just yet. Reload and resupply. As for how I knew, I''m normally deployed with a bunch of W-7s. My AI is more advanced than yours. I also overclocked her abilities temporarily with my cyber kinesis. It was enough to pick up their signatures within a five hundred meter radius.


    Which isn''t much.... They could have snipers with eyes on us at this very moment, and I wouldn''t be able to tell, so I say it''s best if we hunker down and wait for reinforcements. Somebody gets on thems and alert highmand that the enemy is shooting to kill! Hopefully, they can find out what has happened."


    Thems operator immediately shook his head and gave the team some bad news.


    "That''s not going to happen. The moment they started firing live weapons at us, I requested reinforcements. Comms are fucking dead. I can''t get in contact with anyone, not even other nearby units. They''re jamming us, I don''t know what the hell we have done to piss off the Elves, but they are seriously trying to kill us, aren''t they?"


    This was the worst possible news that the team could receive. Especially since they were already in a dire situation to begin with. Which Erich was quick to convey.


    "You mean to tell me that we''re stuck about an hour our from the main base, surrounded by god knows how many enemies, all of which are trying to kill us, with no reinforcements, and no resupply? Fuck!


    Alright, we can''t stay here. We will eventually be surrounded and overrun. I say we make a break for it back to base. Besides, we might not be the only ones being targeted with live weapons. Highmand needs to be made aware of this."


    Just as Erich said this, an energy bolt mmed into one of his men''s chest. Though it did not manage to prate the armor and kill the man, it continued to burn at a high temperature, causing substantial damage to the armor. Realizing that they were once more under attack, Erich gave out his nextmand to the unit, which didn''t really need to be said.


    "Take cover!"


    Another few shotsnded towards Erich and his men, but they had already begun to move, and narrowly escaped them. Once behind cover, Tia began to reach out and search for the enemy. Like Erich had feared, they had be surrounded by someone a hundred hostiles, all of which were among the most elite special forces that the Alfheim Dominion had at their disposal.


    Tia''s voice cracked with anxiety as she informed Erich of this reality.


    "Master! We are surrounded!"


    Despite this grim reality, Erich did notment, instead he simply smirked as he spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "Good! That simplifies our little problem, now doesn''t it?"


    After saying this, Erich returned fire against a nearby Banshee. He fired a three-round burst, which one of the bullet struck his target in the leg. Causing her to fall to the ground because the limb waspletely stunned and incapable of moving. Erich then followed up with another three-round burst which struck the woman''s breastte, making her bodypletely immobile.


    As he did this, Erich cursed out loud, bitching about his currentck of firepower.


    "I really wish I had a sma rifle right about now!"


    As he expected, another one of hisrades, who was firing on the enemy, responded in a simr manner.


    "You and me both, fearless leader!"


    The man was immediately struck from behind after saying this. A giant sma spear stuck through his chest, killing him on the spot. Which Erich immediately turned around and stunned the banshee responsible. Before running up, and stomping her skull in with his superior strength, turning her head into mincemeat.


    "You fucking bitch! I''ll kill everyst fucking one of you!"


    Erich then grabbed hold of the sma spear and threw it into the air as if it were a javelin. Where it pierced through the chest of another Banshee who died screaming. He then fired another torrent of stun bolts towards the enemy. Causing three more Banshees to hit the ground, almost as if they had died on the spot.


    Two more banshees came at Erich with sma spears, which he directed at their des with his stun knife. After doing so, he kicked one of the two women in the gut, sending her flying over thirty feet in the air, before she crashed on top of arge and spiky rock which impaled her. He then bitch pped the other Banshee so hard in the face that her neck snapped from the impact.


    Erich was not the only one using his superior size and strength to his advantage. After he was smaller and weaker than many of hisrades, specifically because he was not born with the purpose of bing an elite infantry soldier, or even a special forces operative. He was born with the purpose of leading men, and because of this, height and strength were not nearly as important as other factors.


    While Erich was a little over two meters tall, the other men in his unit were all over 2.1 meters tall. Which gave them a serious advantage in meleebat against the Light Elven women who, on average, stood at 165 centimeters tall. It was almost as if a race of giants, d from head to toe in armor, were fighting against lightly armored human women.


    And the melee engagements disyed this difference in size and strength in a way that would simply be humorous if it weren''t for the fact that these two distinctive groups were currently killing one another.


    ---


    Celestia watched as the battle unfolded between her Banshees and the Germanic WRAITHs. She could not believe what she was witnessing. The enemy had not only spotted her invisible elites, but were rag dolling them, as if they were mere children. Alfheim technology might be significantly more advanced than that of the Germanic Star-Empire, but the Light Elves were much weaker as a species. And this was proving to be the deciding factor in the battle.


    She had already lost twopanies'' worth of Banshees. And after the WRAITHs lost their first men, they began executing the Banshees, who were simply stunned. And though only seven of the ten hostiles still remained, the Alfheim Princess was now worried that there was no way to conceal her actions from her mother.


    Celestia needed to find a scapegoat, and luckily for her, she had a brother who had been deployed at the beginning of this conflict, and who was likely already dead. Obviously she could pin this monumental failure on Crion, which she began to think of the best way how while watching the rest of her forces retreat from the battlefield like a bunch of cowards.


    As for what to do with this Sage from another civilization, it''s not like the Impress would believe her even if Celestia were to inform the woman of the matter. Nor would she realize the threat. All Celestia could do now was call off the attack, pretend like it was her deceased brother''s fault, and try her best to get rid of Erich at the Centennial Ball. After all, they would have plenty of chances to mingle in that "peaceful setting" and it would not be impossible for her to slip something into the man''s drink.


    Thus, after failing to capture Erich and eliminate hisrades. Celestia ordered her banshees to withdraw, and began to paint the incident as a fault of Crion, who she believed was already killed by the Germanic WRAITHs in an act of retaliation.

 Chapter 160 Forgiveness Part I

    While Erich was off fighting in the Centennial War Games, which the Alfheim Dominion held once every century. His wife, Erika, was on a mission of her own. Unlike Erich, who was dispatched by the State to represent their Empire within this major intergctic undertaking. Erika was on a mission of her own making, one which she had previously failed to conclude in a satisfactory manner.


    Erika was in the world of Erich''s birth, which had been ravaged by the Naraku Hive Fleet during the war with Terminus. Since then, the world had been restored almost perfectly. If it weren''t for the fact that the majority of the original inhabitants were now deceased, one might not even have been able to tell that a major war had taken ce in this world, and so recently at that.


    Even Erich''s old childhood home was restored perfectly to its pre-war state. Which is where Erika now sat as she sipped on a nice ss of cold milk. Sitting across from Erika was her mother-inw, Krista. The woman had a stunned expression on her beautiful face as she asked her guest to repeat herself.


    "What did you just say?"


    Erika wore a joyful smile as she ced the cup back on its saucer, before repeating the bombshell which she had just dropped on her mother-inw.


    "I''m pregnant. It was not long after you left that Erich and I became intimate with one another and embraced our marriage for what it was. But until recently, he had always taken precautions... I don''t know why, but it doesn''t seem like he actually wants a family. Perhaps he is still hung up about what happened between us all those years ago...."


    Krista was shocked to hear this sudden information. She already had several dozen grandchildren, from her oldest children, who had all gone off and married their own spouses. With the exception of Heidi''s family, who died during the war with Terminus, all of those kids were happy and healthy while living not far away from Krista herself.


    However, one thing in particr caught Krista''s attention regarding what her daughter-inw had said. She immediately misunderstood the young woman''s words and became hysterical because of it.


    "I don''t understand. If he was using protection, then how are you pregnant? Have you been cheating on my son!?!"


    An offended look appeared on Erika''s face. Adultery wasn''t just a major social taboo within the Germanic Star-Empire, but it was also a capital offense. Erich might be able to have his dalliances with other women, but that was because of his unique position in the Empire''s hierarchy. If Erika were to even think about returning the favor, she would be executed on the spot. It was because of this that she was so offended by her mother-inw''s words, and was quick to refute them.


    "Not in a million years would I ever consider the idea of cheating on my husband! Even though I know for a fact he is doing just that behind my back.... No, we ran out of condoms when he wasst given leave, and the fool decided to simply roll the dice. Evidently he rolled snake eyes, because here we are...."


    Krista sighed in relief upon hearing that her daughter-inw was still faithful to her errant son. And was quick to change the subject to something more pleasant.


    "So I take it things are going well between the two of you?"


    Erika slightly nodded her head, before speaking of theplicated rtionship that existed between herself and her husband. There was a look of longing in her eyes, as if the idea that he spent most of the year away from her arms caused her significant pain.


    "At the very least, we are much better now than when we were first married. I have long since forgiven Erich for the things I once med him for. Unfortunately, I feel as if there is still something preventing him from truly loving me. Perhaps we just need to spend more time together, but because of the nature of his work, he is rarely ever home. And when he is, he wants to spend every moment of it in bed..."


    Krista flushed in embarrassment when she heard this remark. This was not exactly a conversation she wanted to have with her daughter-inw. As much as Krista may love her son, she was not the type of woman to have a Jocastaplex. Thus, she was quick to switch the subject once more.


    "Oh, speaking of, how are you taking the news, dear? You know what I am referring to, right?"


    Obviously, Krista was speaking about the news about Erich and Ayumi being engaged. This was an enormous controversy within both the Germanic Star-Empire, and the Great Oni Empire. Andwas something that personally affected Erika, as her husband''swful wife, perhaps more than anyone.


    Despite this, Erika did not seem to be too terribly distressed over the news, and was quick to voice her thoughts on the matter.


    "What can I say? I already epted their rtionship a long time ago. Besides, Ayumi and I have spoken about it at length, and she has decided to show deference to me as our husband''s first wife. Curiously enough, when Erich is home, he spends most of his time with me. Though I suspect that is because I can actually handle his libido, whereas Ayumi can barely get through a weekend without being sore for the rest of the week."


    Once more Erika had started talking about her sex life, with a rather proud smile on her face. As if it was a symbol of her victory over Ayumi. After all, Erika was born and bred for the sole purpose of bing a sex object to the masses. Sure, she might have a heavenly voice, and be able to dance well enough, but it was her appearance which had gotten so many men to worship her as their goddess.


    Because of this gic engineering, which was designed to entice the masses. Erika had the body of a fertility goddess. Her breasts were exceptionallyrge and perky, while she also maintained a slim waist and a perfect hourss figure. Yet at the same time, she had a fat ass. There was a reason why so many men across the Empire desired her more than their own spouses, and it was not just because of her striking pink hair.


    Of course, this conversation once more made Krista unfomfortable, as she shifted the subject of the conversation yet again in order to avoid thinking about her son, and his wife going at it like rabbits.


    "Still, I can''t believe that the party has epted this betrothal. I mean, it spits in the face of all our traditions and culture. What the hell is the Supreme Leader thinking?"


    Despite the fact that Krista was previously married to a politician, she herself did not have a mind for politics. And as a result, she was not able to see the obvious intent behind this arranged marriage, even if it was considered taboo. However, Erika was not her mother-inw, and she had a few guesses about Erich''s future, which she was not afraid to share.


    "I know exactly why the party is turning a blind eye to Erich''s actions, and has even approved of his polygamous marriage to an Alien Princess. It is because Erich is most likely the one who has been chosen to be our next Supreme Leader.


    To put it simply, our current leader''s reign is technically illegitimate. Emrys simply stepped up to fill the vacuum of power after those cowards fled from the Empire during our hour of need. He can''t hold on to the throne forever. Eventually, someone will try to take it from him. Thus, he appears to be grooming Erich for leadership.


    What exactly is Erich''s im to the throne that would solve this dispute of legitimacy? I don''t know. But it exins why the party is tolerating his betrothal to Ayumi. And it also exins why he has been shipped off to the Centennial War Games to represent the Empire''s interests.


    By marrying Ayumi, who has been named her Aunt''s sole heir, Erich secures power and influence over both the Germanic Star-Empire and the Great Oni Empire. This would undoubtedly increase our people''s status in the Gxy by quite arge margin.


    Especially after we gobble up the star systems, which once belonged to the Dvrakian Consortium. The party is thinking about long-term expansion and solidifying our alliance with the newly established Oni Regime. With this marriage, they can achieve both of those goals."


    Krista was bewildered by this news. She could hardly believe that her son was selected to be the next Supreme Leader, and was quick to voice this disbelief aloud.


    "My son is the next Supreme Leader?"


    Erika nodded her head before adding to her previous thoughts with some rifications about her previous assumptions.


    "Technically, none of this is official, at least not yet. Nobody in power has dered this to be true. But I am not the only one who believes this. It appears to be themon thought not only within our own borders but also across the Gxy as a whole.


    And you should be well aware of this, having previously been married to a politician yourself. The same rules that apply to the rest of us do not have to be followed by those in positions of power. I''ll have you know that there are quite a few high-ranking members of the party who have taken alien lovers over the years. They just remain a secret from the public. And if Erich does in fact be the next Supreme Leader of the Empire, then I wouldn''t be surprised if I have to consider more than just Ayumi as my sister...."


    Even after hearing Erika''s rification, this whole conversation continued to amaze Krista. And as much as she wanted to scold her son for being so easily tempted by alien women, the man was not speaking to her currently. Thus, she could only sigh and shake her head while expressing herment as a mother.


    "Oh Erich, I have failed you as a mother..."

 Chapter 161 Forgiveness Part II

    "Oh Erich, I have failed you as a mother...."


    This remark caused Erika to bring up the real reason for her visit to Alemannia. However, she hade expecting to fail in her endeavors. After all, Krista was a woman who was deeply entrenched in the propaganda which the Empire force fed its citizens every day. So, convincing her to ept her son''s abnormal rtionships was a losing battle. Yet it was one that Erika had to undertake. Thus, she sighed heavily before revealing her thoughts.


    "Krista.... I must confess. I didn''te all this way just to check up on you. The real reason for my visit today is so that I can convince yo to ept your son for who he is. If I am right about this, and Erich is being groomed for leadership.


    Then it is entirely unlikely that he will ever repent for his sins, like you wish, and will instead only further continue with his exagamous rtionships. If you continue to stubbornly wait for him to change, then you may forever be estranged with your son. And that only hurts the both of you.


    But if that''s still not enough to convince you to forgive your son, then perhaps I can sway your mind by speaking from his perspective. It took me a long time to realize this, and it was mostly through the help of Ayumi and her aunt. But we as mutants face horrific recrimination by our society.


    To put this in perspective, your son was expected to remain chaste, due to the color of his hair and eyes. While all of his peers were given wives to love and start families with, he was left alone. In addition to this, he was expected to die for the Empire, which is a society that had never shown him any kindness.


    The first woman to ever express any interest in Erich as a man was an alien, and because of this, he has a fondness for alien women that the rest of us consider to be abnormal. Not only does he have a fondness of alien woman but also a distrust of Germanic women.


    From what I know, your son has been in rtionships with three alien women and two of his own kind. Both of those two rtionships with Germanic women ended badly for him, while the three rtionships he had with alien woman left him with nothing but fond memories.


    I am trying to undo the damage which I am responsible for, or at the very least, mend it. But there is one other woman I know Erich was with, who he harbors great resentment for. I don''t know the exact details of what happened between them, but she apparently betrayed him in some way, and he now has a difficult time trusting Germanic women because of it. Needless to say, this betrayal has done nothing but put our marriage at a disadvantage, not that it started out well to begin with....


    Krista, your son loves you and misses you dearly. And if you can''t find it in your heart to forgive him for his transgressions, even after hearing this, then you are not the woman I thought you were. And I am afraid I will be cutting you out of my life as well..."


    The mature blonde beauty sat in silence for a long time. She was clearly reflecting on Erika''s words and trying to find a way to forgive her son for what she thought to be an unforgiveable betrayal of his species. But there was just one thing that Erika had said, which did not sit well with the woman. And thus, she was quick to ask for rification on this matter.


    "Earlier you said that mutants like us face horrific discrimination by our society... Are you perhaps suggesting that you yourself are a mutant, like my son? Why have I never heard of this before?"


    Erika remained silent as she slowly nodded her head in confirmation. She looked down at her own feet in fear of how Krista might respond to this sudden revtion. Few people knew this secret of Erika''s, and she wanted to keep it that way.


    But for Erich''s sake, she had gone out of herfort zone and admitted this heinous truth to a woman who seemed to beholden to the Germanic propaganda machine. Perhaps the only reason Krista had ever epted Erich as a mutant was because he was her firstborn son.


    However, Krista surprised Erika with the gentle expression she wore on her stunning face. The woman even grabbed hold of Erika''s hand and spoke words offort to her.


    "Oh you poor thing, I had no idea. You must have endured a lot in life, haven''t you? Perhaps you really are the best girl for my son. Even if the idiot doesn''t realize it himself!"


    Erika was astonished. Aside from her own parents, everyone who knew her secret treated her with utter contempt after learning it. But perhaps it was because Krista had also mothered a mutant that she could have sympathy for Erika''s situation.


    Erika did not know why, but she immediately broke out into tears after hearing Krista''s kindness. Perhaps out of guilt for the way she had treated Erich in the past, but Erika confessed her sins to her mother-inw.


    "I haven''t! I was sheltered from the difficulties that others like me have faced. Erich has been through so much, and I only added to his mental anguish, because I was jealous that a mutant could openly be who they are, and still receive the admiration of the public.


    Meanwhile, I was forced to hide my identity and pretend like I was the same as everyone else. I said such spiteful things, and caused such a rift between us, because I tried to be like everyone else! Like I was always told to do..."


    Erika then wiped the tears from her eyes while Krista hugged her tightly. Before pleading with the woman to ept her son, despite his taboo rtionships with alien women.


    "If I can just get you and Erich back together, maybe he will finally forgive me...."


    Krista held Erika in her arms for a long time and thought about everything that had happened between her and her son ever since he first stepped foot outside her door to start his life as a man. Erich had broken the biggest taboo of their society, and his rtionship with Ayumi was now out in the open for everyone to mock. Something that had brought shame to his entire family.


    But after listening to everything Erika had to say, including the part about Erich''s perspective on the matter, Krista could not help but feel that she was partially to me for this whole ordeal. Despite every fiber of her being telling her not to ept her son back into her life until he renounced his sinful ways.


    Krista could see that by refusing to speak with her son, she was causing harm not only to the man himself, but also to those around him. Thus, she sighed heavily before voicing her thoughts aloud. And in doing so, finally epting her son for who he was.


    "I really am a terrible mother...."

 Chapter 162 Understanding Fate

    In what was perhaps the biggest scandal in recent memory, at least for the almighty Alfheim Dominion. A group of Banshees, led by a rogue prince, had attacked the elite operators of the Germanic Star Empire during what was supposed to be a mock battle.


    Those women who participated in the event were said to havemitted the ultimate taboo by submitting to a man, and bing his personal task force. Which was a part of his n to overthrow his mother and establish a patriarchal society within the borders of the Alfheim Dominion.


    This was, of course, the official story that Celestia had given the Germanic High Command when they asked for an investigation into this incident. Three Germanic WRAITHs were dead, and well over a Hundred Banshees were killed in the process.


    If there was one thing that this incident disyed to the greater gxy, it was that the elite special forces of a gctic power failed to defeat a squad of warriors from a regional power. Despite having an enormous technological advantage.


    Naturally, this incident would not have been possible without Erich, who used two of his special abilities to ovee the gap in military technology. But, nevertheless, it revealed to the gxy that the Germanic Storm Commandos were a force to be reckoned with. After all, that was the official designation that Erich and his men had received, when they were referred to in any number of media outlets which covered this monumental scandal.


    Crion took the me, and those Banshees who survived the encounter were rounded up and executed by Celestia, in order to prevent them from breaking the facade which she had carefully crafted to cover up her attempt to assassinate Erich.


    As a result of this incident, the war games were put on hold, at least for a time, allowing Erich to have some reprieve after a well-fought battle. Though soon enough he would be sent to fulfil the initial purpose of his deployment to this part of the gxy.


    ---


    Celestia was currently sitting within her quarters, while on a call with her mother. Empress Lunaria Asterion was a wise woman, and naturally could see through the bullshit her daughter had crafted to conceal her scandalous actions. Thus, there was a stern expression on her otherwise beautiful face as the woman chastised her errant daughter for her misbehavior.


    "What in the name of the Godspelled you to do something so incredibly foolish? Attempting to assassinate the heir to the Germanic Star-Empire? Have you gone mad? I told you to keep an eye on him, and get an understanding of his personality. I don''t believe I ever said to assassinate him and cause an international incident!"


    Celestia had a sullen expression on her face. She knew there was no excuse for her actions, at least not one that her mother would ept. Nevertheless, she defended her actions quite adamantly in the face of her ferocious Empress.


    "Mother! He''s the one! I have seen it! The one which the Sages have foretold of! There is no way that he could have detected my banshees before they evennded! The GSE doesn''t have that kind of technology! He has the foresight, and I had to do something before he set the gxy aze!"


    Lunaria was now more furious than ever. Her own daughter had acted so shamelessly out of a desperate need to stop a prophecy from urring. Which was in reality nothing more than the fever dreams of a group of old mad men. Or at least that''s what Lunaria thought of it.


    For the first time, in as long as the gxy could remember, Empress Lunaria Asterion lost herposure. After standing up from her throne with a particrly livid expression on her exquisite face, the Empress screamed at her daughter over her own stupidity.


    "A fucking prophecy! You risked causing a rift between ourselves and our most powerful vassals over a fucking prophecy! You stupid, foolish little girl! How many times have I told that the sage''s words are nothing but nonsense! You are just like your grandmother!


    I thought better of you, but you never seem to grow up, now matter how many centuries have passed since your birth. Very well, your actions have left me with no choice. As of this moment, you are no longer my heiress! As disappointing as your sisters may be, they at least have the brains not to cause such a scandal while our Empire is on the verge of entering a war with a gctic power!


    Do you have any idea of the damage you have caused to the reputation of our most elite unit? The Banshees will forever be aughingstock to the rest of the gxy, because they couldn''t take out a squad of soldiers from a regional fucking power!


    The whole point of these war games was to prove our power to our enemies. Now they will be even more emboldened to strike against us. Honestly, Celestia, how were you so stupid as to select the Germanic Star-Empire to defend the world?


    You do realize that they defended their own worlds from a Naraku Hive Fleet, right? Even if our own fleet had severely damaged Terminus prior to their invasion of Germanic space, that is no ordinary feat!


    You''re just lucky the GSE isn''t looking forpensation over this matter, or else I swear to the Gods I would have your pretty little head on a tter! Now, when the Centennial Ball urs, you will personally apologize to that man for your stupidity, and will treat him as our most honored guest! Do you understand me?


    If I hear one more word that you are considering acting against our allies because of some stupid fucking prophecy, I will have you expelled from our House!"


    There was a lot to unpack with Lunaria''s rant. But unfortunately Celestia did not have the ability to intervene, and was forced to listen to the entire thing, while reacting bitterly to the news that she had just been stripped of her status as her mother''s heiress.


    As much as Celestia wanted to me Erich for this urrence, she could not do so. After all, she had acted rather hastily after confirming that Erich did indeed have the power of foresight. If she really wanted to take the man out before he could gain power, there were plenty of opportunities to do so, ones that would not result in such a shit show.


    Herck of patience had been her undoing, and now that her mother knew about her ns, she could no longer make an attempt on Erich''s life. For if something ended up happening to him, the Alfheim Empress would immediately suspect her errant daughter.


    Celestia remained in a deep trance, and appeared to be sulking, at least from her mother''s perspective. In reality, however, she was reflecting on her actions quite thoroughly. Her mind went into overdrive and connected the dots in a matter of microseconds.


    After thinking through everything that had happened, and the likelihood of its urrence. Including the sudden rash behavior that led to this incident urring. Celestia truly believed that she had failed in her attempt to assassinate Erich, because fate had intervened on his behalf.


    Having epted the oues of her actions as the cruel hand of fate. Celestia realized that she should have known that she could not interfere with what destiny had in store for her. But she was young, and rash, and because of this, she rebelled against the will of the heavens. A mistake she silently vowed never to make again.


    After all, Celestia now understood that fate hadpelled her to do all of this, so that she could be stripped of her status as the Heiress to the Alfheim Dominion. Thus, getting her one step closer to bing enthralled by Erich''s charms, and eventually aiding him in his gctic conquest. A fate she had done everything to fight against, but could now only ept as her destiny.


    With all of this in mind, Celestia bowed her head after taking a deep breath to calm her nerves before responding to her mother''s words in a satisfactory manner.


    "I understand, mother. It pains me to admit this, but I am afraid that I must apologize for my rash actions. I swear, on the royal blood that flows through my veins, that I will not make an attempt on Erich''s life ever again. I know now the role that I must y, and I havee to ept that. Thank you for your benevolence, Empress...."


    Lunaria had no idea that when her daughter spoke of her role, she was not referring to her position as an Alfheim Princess, but rather was referring to what she now believed that fate had in store for her. This experience had been a sobering reminder that destiny was all powerful, and that there was nothing she could do to resist it, so why bother engaging in such a futile exercise?


    After hanging up on her mother, Celestia returned her attention to thebat footage from the incident. Her golden eyes never left Erich''s figure, which, despite being shrouded by active camouge, was easily picked up by the advanced cameras that were embedded in the Banshees'' helmets.


    Having observed the battle for more than an hour straight, Celestia finally paused it before speaking her thoughts aloud with a particrly sultry smile on her divine face.


    "You really are an impressive specimen of man, aren''t you? I wonder how you will go about charming me into bing yours and yours alone? I must say, I may have been revolted by the idea in the past, but I am now looking forward to it. For whatever reason, fate has chosen to bind me to you, and I can only ept that. No matter how taboo such a thing might be...."

 Chapter 163 Completing The War Games

    After a particrly scandalous event, the Centennial War Games came to a sudden halt. During which, an investigation was held to look into why a group of Alfheim Special Forces had taken it upon themselves to assault their Germanic counterparts with live weapons.


    After a week of investigations, it was revealed that this was all part of a rogue prince''s attempt to lead a coup against his Royal Mother. Because of this, the "guilty" parties were rounded up and executed.


    As much as this answer satisfied those interster civilizations who swore fealty to the Alfheim Dominion. Erich believed it was a cover up to a far more scandalous reality. He just did not know why he was the one who had to be involved with whatever had truly happened.


    In order to make up for the losses which the Germanic Star-Empire had suffered as a result of this supposed "coup" Celestia had dered that the Germanic Military would no longer be the defenders, and would instead join the Alfheim Forces in the vanguard of the Assault.


    This was something that neither Erich nor his survivingrades were particrly fond of. After all, they had just fought a battle of life or death against the most elite operators which the Alfheim Dominion had ess to, and though they killed far more of the enemy, than they lost. It was an open wound that had yet to heal.


    But with the Germanic Star-Empire, and its contingent of Star Marines, acting as the vanguard, the War Games, which were supposed tost a few months, ended within two weeks. With the defenders crumpling beneath the damn near suicidal assault which the GSE lead.


    Zyranian Enve was among the Alfheim Dominions'' oldest and most powerful vassals, and they were selected to rece the Germanic Star-Empire as the defenders of the world. Yet even with their legendary might, they failed to resist the invasion which the Germanic Star Marines and special forces led.


    Before Erich even realized it, the war games were over, something that would havested much longer, if his own people had still remained the Defenders. And while the Alfheim Dominion had suffered a scandal which normally would have caused their enemies to be emboldened. The rapid seizure of the world, and elimination of the hostile defenders, was something which not even Empress Lunaria was expecting, much less her rivals on the Gctic Stage.


    As a result, the Svartalfheim Federation became much more hesitant to instigate conflict with their Light Elven cousins, who kept the Germanic Fleet at the border, to act as a spearhead at any given moment. Eventually, after three days of enduring such a threat, the Dark Elves cracked beneath the pressure, and agreed to enter a formal state of negotiations over the disputed territory.


    But that was a discussion to be had for another time. At the moment, Erich was heading back to the Empire to properly groom himself for the uing Centennial Ball, which would be held in the world of Alfheim.


    This year, the Germanic Star-Empire would be receiving a lot of focus, not only because of the role they yed during the War Games as the vanguard which brought the Zyranian Enve to heel in a matter of weeks. But also because everyone was interested in this new sessor, who seemed to have a habit of taking the spotlight.


    Erich arrived in Germania, where he was immediately washed and groomed by a team of professionals. His appearance was absolutely spotless, as these maidens dressed him in the finest suit that money could buy.


    When Erich finally gazed upon his appearance in the mirror, he almost different recognize himself. His hair had been slicked back in a stylish design, and his eyebrows had been plucked to perfection. Erich had always considered himself a handsome man, but he rarely took care of himself to this degree. In fact, as a soldier, he was often deployed beyond enemy lines, where he had little time to dedicate to hygiene.


    But gazing upon his own reflection, he looked less like a soldier, and more like a prince. Even the maids were blushing. Once he had been fully done up. He was just about to make ament about this when he was interrupted by none other than the Supreme Leader himself.


    While Erich was dressed in a solid ck tuxedo, with an old school tail coat, and many of his more prestigious awards on full disy. Emrys was the opposite. His attire was a pure white, which matched his golden hair perfectly.


    There was a wide grin on the man''s face as he gazed upon his prot¨¦g¨¦, beforementing on the man''s appearance.


    "I might have gone too far with your appearance. If you go out like this, I have no doubt that the Alfheim Empress herself will fall head over heels for you... But it is toote to change your style now. We are expected in Alfheim space shortly, and our Suzerains have spared no expense to construct a proper warp gate here in Germania.


    It appears they are treating us rather well, after that whole affair during the War Games. Though I have not asked forpensation regarding the lives of your fallenrades, Lunaria seems to be giving it, anyway."


    Erich was curious about this piece of technology that was so foreign to the Germanic Star-Empire and was quick to ask about it.


    "I''m sorry, a warp gate? What exactly is that?"


    Emrys had forgotten that Erich was not the most explored man in the gxy, and thus he chuckled before informing his prot¨¦g¨¦ about this unique piece of technology that the Alfheim Dominion often used to traverse the vast territory of space they were in charge of.


    "It''s exactly what it sounds like. It is a gate which, when activated, tears a hole in time and space, allowing for damn near instant travel between worlds. The warp gate is an advanced piece of technology well beyond our means of construction.


    The Alfheim Dominion uses it to quickly traverse across their own worlds, but they only build one in the capital of those vassals who have earned their favor, or those vassals who they require the forgiveness of.


    To put this in perspective, despite winning a hundred wars on behalf of our suzerains, and earning the personal favor of the Empress herself, Lunaria has never allowed the construction of warp gate on Germania before now.


    I don''t know what really happened out there, and I don''t want to know. But whatever happened, it must have been really serious for the Alfheim Empress to immediately approve the construction of the warp gate in our borders. I suspect there will be a formal apology at the Ball, so as the man who was personally involved in that affair, I expect you to be gracious to our hosts, if they make such a gesture."


    In all honesty, Erich had never actually expected the Alfheim Dominion to apologize for endangering his life. Especially after they imed it was the result of a failed coup attempt. But after hearing the lengths they were going to earn forgiveness, Erich was beginning to suspect that he was actually the target of someone very important in the Alfheim Dominion.


    And had thus let his old paranoia take control of his mind, as he followed Emrys through the Warp Gate, which existed in a secludedplex. Little did Erich know just how right he was, or how the danger to his life had already passed.


    As for Emrys, after having his prot¨¦g¨¦ so tantly attacked by the Alfheim Dominion, he too had be increasingly paranoid about his masters. And thus, would keep a very close eye on Erich, throughout the entirety of the Centennial Ball. After all, he could not allow anything bad to happen to the man who had been chosen to seed him. At least not yet....

 Chapter 164 The Centennial Ball Part I

    Erich immediately followed Emrys to thepound which held the Warp Gate, which had only recently been constructed within his borders. Time passed quickly after the Centennial War Games werepleted, and though it took some time for him and the fleet to return to the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, it still amazed Erich how fast the Alfheimborers hadpleted the project.


    Erich was fully dressed in the most luxurious attire he had ever worn, and looked the part of a proper diplomat. While Emrys was dressed in a simr fashion, albeit in an all white outfit. The two men, along with their security, entered the facility which contained the Warp Gate. Which was basically a fortress.


    Not only was thepound which surrounded the Warp Gate designed to keep those without authorization out. But it was also designed to contain unwanted visitors inside of it. For example, if the Alfheim Dominion were to ever turn against the Germanic Star-Empire, they could use the warp gate to their advantage.


    Perceiving every other species as a threat to their existence, the Germanic Star-Empire had decided to build an borate fortress around the Warp Gate to prepare for a such a potential invasion. This was an idea that would be considered quite insulting if the Alfheim Dominion were to learn about it. But the Germanic people were deeply paranoid when it came to their survival, and had always taken precautions to deter hostile forces from attacking them.


    After gaining entry to the facility, Erich and Emrys walked down a winding path, filled with automated defenses, until they arrived in arge kill zone, which would immediately open fire on any hostile presence that dared to enter through the gate. Luckily for him, he and Emrys had ess to this facility, and thus they were able to walk through the mysterious archway, which was the Warp Gate.


    However, just before doing so, Emrys grabbed hold of Erich and held him aside. There was a stern look on his face as he gave Erich one final warning about how he was to conduct himself.


    "I know I have made this abundantly clear to you already. But be on your best behavior! That means no flirting! With anyone! Oh, and there is another thing that may have slipped my mind until this moment. But, I feel like I would be remiss if I did not point this out.


    If, for whatever reason, you find yourself engaging in a conversation with a member of the Asterion Dynasty, under no circumstances are you to touch them! The Asterion Dynasty are seen by the Light Elves as living deities. Their bodies are sacred and can not be touched by an outsider. It is because of this belief that they practice incest, and marry their own rtives.


    If you were to even brush shoulders with one of them, then it would be considered a great taboo by the Light Elven race. And a sin of the highest order! I would not be able to save you then! So keep your distance from them! You will know who they are, by their signature white hair and golden eyes. Now, with that said, I believe we have a party to attend to."


    Erich did not pay much attention to Emrys''s words, particrly because he could not even conceive of a scenario where he would be faced with a member of the Asterion Dynasty. As much as Emrys might have imed that the Light Elves might apologize to him, Erich expected them to send a servant to do so, not a member of their actual royal household.


    Thus, after stepping foot through what was essentially a portal, Erich and Emrys were greeted by a luxurious atmosphere, where men and women of many different species had gathered in their finest attire to mingle with one another.


    The warp gate had led them directly to the ball itself. Which had only just begun. And while Emrys decided to keep an eye on Erich, to make sure he didn''t cause any trouble, or find himself assassinated. He did not n to babysit the man. After all, as the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, the man had other matters to attend to, like paying tribute to the Alfheim Empress. Thus, he gave Erich a stern gaze and some parting words before leaving him alone.


    "Alright, remember what I have said, and make sure to enjoy yourself. This is a party you will not be able to enjoy for another hundred years. I am off to go pay my respects to the Alfheim Empress¡­."


    With this said, Emrys left Erich entirely alone. While Erich gazed around at his surroundings and observed everything around him. It was his first time in the world of Alfheim, and he was surprised by what he was seeing. This room, in particr, appeared to be a weird blend of both arge garden and a grand ballroom. Which baffled Erich''s mind. However, Erich''s curiosity about the Light Elven architecture did notst long, because he heard two familiar voices call out to him from nearby.


    "Erich? Is that you? By the gods, you look so.... handsome!"


    Erich looked over to the origins of the voices, to see Ayumi and her aunt, both dressed in rather luxurious kimonos. Ayumi hugged, and kissed Erich on the spot, while Yumi was forced to behave herself with a seemingly tonic hug. Though it had not been long since Erich hadst seen Yumi, a lot had happened since then, and thus he was quick to greet the woman with a broad smile on his face.


    "Yumi, Ayumi, it is good to see you both. You are both so beautiful that you are about to make me blush. I know that it hasn''t been long since west met. But it feels like it has been a lifetime. It is good to see that you are both doing so well¡­."


    Yumi smiled when she heard that Erich was pleased to see her and leaned in close before whispering something into his ears.


    "I''m in room 302, at the Garden of Eternity. That is the resort that the Alfheim Dominion has us all staying at. You should stop by tonight so we can catch up properly...."


    Erich''s smile grew ratherscivious as he nodded his head and responded to Yumi''s whispers with some of his own.


    "I''ll be there...."


    This caused Yumi''s smile to grow more perverse, as she spanked Erich on the ass, before wondering off to mingle with the other guests.


    "Good boy, now I''m afraid I can''t spend the entire night with you, as this is an excellent opportunity to build alliances. But do make sure to save a spot on the dance floor for me, okay?"


    Erich simply smiled and nodded his head in response to Yumi''s words. It had not even been five minutes, and he had already broken Emry''s first rule of etiquette. However, Erich did not seem to mind, and instead looked over at Ayumi, who was wearing a very pleasant smile on her beautiful face. She was quite happy that her foreboding thoughts about Erich had note true. And was d to see that he was alright.


    "Erich... I heard about what happened. I''m so happy to see that you remain unharmed. If you need someone to talk to, I am here for you..."


    In response to this, Erich simply smiled, and shook his head, before reaching down to pet the beautiful Oni Princess''s head. An action which had caught the attention of many of the other guests.


    "I''m fine, Ayumi. We can speak about such matterster when we are in the privacy of our own home. How about instead, we go and mingle with the other heirs?"


    Ayumi was just about to respond to this question, when her eyes spotted an otherworldly beauty who was walking towards Erich with a rather serious look in her golden eyes. Celestia was dressed in a beautiful white and gold summer dress, which concealed very little of her body.


    The Light Elves were not nearly as big on modesty as the Germanic people were, and this clearly showed by the sheer volume of porcin skin that was now on full disy. This included the rather eye-catching amount of cleavage that Celestia was disying.


    While the Light Elven princess''s breasts were not nearly asrge as Erika''s impressive bosom, or even Ayumi''s gifted assets. They were still a sight to behold. And were at the very least equal to, if not superior, to Mirage''s tits. In fact, every man who witnessed the woman in that dress wanted to tear it off of her in that moment so that they may witness the full glory of her naked body.


    Erich noticed that Ayumi was distracted by something and quickly turned around, where he was surprised to see that the Alfheim Princess was standing directly in front of him. By now, all eyes were on Erich, and the two beauties, who stood by his side.


    Nobody knew why Celestia had approached the man, but there were rumors that she had been stripped of her title as the heiress to the Alfheim throne after the debacle which had urred at the war games. Thus, everyone was curious about what she was about to do with the man who seemed responsible for such an unfortunate fate.


    Much to everyone''s disbelief, Celestia did the unthinkable, as she got down on both knees, and pressed her head to the floor, while begging for Erich''s forgiveness.


    "I beg for your forgiveness! My royal mother chose me to oversee the Centennial War Games in her stead, and yet I failed to ensure the safety of you and your men. It was my responsibility to make sure that nothing went wrong, and yet I made an error in judgement, which cost the lives of three of your men, and over a hundred of my banshees. Please¡­. Punish me however you see fit. I just hope that you are able to forgive me when it is all over."


    There were genuine tears streaming down Celestia''s face. After all, she had quite a bit of time to think about her rebellion against fate, and how it had affected not only her own life but also those beneath hermand. Although the Alfheim princess did not outright admit to ordering the hit, she might as well have. At the very least, she epted responsibility for the incident, and sought to properly apologize.


    Everyone was stunned into silence at this scene, including the Alfheim Empress, whose drink slipped from her hand and shattered on the ground. While she had told Celestia to properly apologize to Erich for attempting to kill him.


    She had never imagined that the foolish girl would throw away all of her dignity as a Princess of the Alfheim Dominion, and kowtow before a vassal. Lunaria had no idea what had possessed her daughter to do something so shameful, but she had every intention of stopping it.


    Erich was as stunned as everyone else about this urrence. Instead, he sat there in silence, in disbelief. This woman, who appeared to have taken in interest in him when they first met, had admitted to being responsible for the attack that led to the deaths of three of his men. He could not understand why. But in that moment, it appeared as if time had slowed down.

 Chapter 165 The Centennial Ball Part II

    Desiring an answer to this question, but not wanting to make a scene. Erich used his telepathic abilities to directly converse with the Princess with their minds.


    "You''re saying that you are responsible for this incident? Why? What motive do you have for attacking your vassals?"


    Celestia was absolutely amazed that Erich had the ability tomunicate with his mind. She had never heard of Germanic citizens have such extraordinary abilities, and though they were umon among the Germanic race, they did exist as a result of their extensive exploration of the human genome. Of course, this was a secret that the Germanic race had seldom revealed to outsiders. Thus, Erich was breaching all kinds of protocol to get a proper answer from the woman.


    The Alfheim Princess continued to bow her head, afraid to even look Erich in the eyes as she silently admitted her shame with her thoughts.


    "The prophets of my people have said that a figure of an unknown background will one day light the gxy aze in his wars of conquest. They said that I had my own part to y in this chaos. They also said that this man would be one of them. I mean, you do have the ability to see the future, don''t you?"


    Erich was absolutely stunned by this information. He indeed had the ability to see several seconds into the future. It was an ability he was born with, one that not even his own people knew he had. He had never told anyone about this ability, not even his own mother.


    Yet, this Elven princess was telling him that there were others like him out there in the universe, and that their abilities were far beyond his own? That these Elven prophets had seen his entire future? And it was so barbaric?


    He could hardly believe this, but then again, nobody else would really believe him if he said he could see thirty seconds into the future. Thus, he was quick to ask a follow up question to Celestia, as she continued to kowtow before him.


    "So¡­ You attempted to eliminate me in order to preserve the rtive peace that exists across the gxy before I could fulfill this prophecy?"


    Celestia silently confirmed this to be true with her thoughts. Their entire conversation had urred in a matter of nanoseconds, as if the world had suddenly gone into slow motion.


    "That is correct¡­ Please, punish me however you see fit. I deserve it¡­."


    Yet Erich''s next wordspletely shocked Celestia. She was expecting the man to react with rage, yet there was a hint of kindness in his tone as he forgave her on the spot.


    "Why should I punish you for undertaking a righteous action?"


    Celestia finally looked up at Erich after hearing this question. She waspletely astounded that there was not a stern expression of fury on his handsome face, but rather a gentle look of understanding, as he continued to speak to her with his mind.


    "If I were to have been told by a prophet that somebody else would be responsible for such chaos and destruction, I too would make an attempt on their life when the opportunity presented itself. I have no idea if your prophet''s words are true. I mean, I barely understand my own abilities myself. But, I know this much, I won''t punish you for doing the right thing¡­.


    I don''t know how I can possibly be the person in your prophet''s visions for I am neither bloodthirsty, nor ambitious enough to wage war against the gxy for the sake of conquest. But I also don''t know anyone else with my ability to see the future.


    Perhaps something will happen in the future that will turn me into a man of cruelty, I do not know, I can''t see that far ahead. But regardless of what fate has in store for me, I won''t punish you for trying to maintain the order of the gxy, nor do I believe you need to be forgiven for doing so. So please, won''t you stand up and stop making a scene?"


    Celestia was stunned by Erich''s words, and continued to cry. After hearing what Erich had to say, she believed for the first time in her life that the Sages might have made a mistake in their prediction. After all, they have said to themselves that the future isn''t certain, and that on asion they have been wrong in how they interpreted their premonitions.


    Thus, the Alfheim Princess rose to her feet, where she immediately did the unthinkable. Celestia got up on the top of her feet, and reached as high as she could, grabbing hold of Erich''s head, and stuffing it into her bosom, where she then publically thanked him, for the words that nobody else had heard him say.


    "Thank you¡­."


    The Entirety of the ball room gasped in shock at this sight. Everyone knew what it meant for an outsider to touch a member of the Asterion Dynasty, but nobody had ever seen an Alfheim Princess volunteer to touch such an individual. Needless to say, Empress Lunaria and the rest of her household were beyond furious with Celestia''s sudden and shocking actions.


    As for Erich, when he felt the warmth of Celestia''s bosom pressing against his face, as well as her sweet fragrance, that smelled almost like a mixture of honey and milk. He knew that he was well and truly boned this time around. Though he had not personally done anything wrong, the fact remains that he was an outsider, who had now suddenly found his face stuffed in the bosom of an Alfheim Princess.


    Sure enough, Lunaria was furious, and had immediately pulled her daughter apart from Erich, where she was quick to order her royal guards to arrest him.


    "Guards! Seize this outsider who dares to defile my sacred blood!"


    Instantly, a group of heavily armed Light Elves stepped forward to apprehend Erich. The man was so stunned by this sudden turn of events that he did not even react. At least not at first. However, before he could even think things through, shockingly enough, Celestia stepped forward in his defense. Standing between him and those who wished to imprison him.


    "Don''t you dare touch a single hair on Erich''s beautiful silver head! Mother, this man has done nothing wrong, and you know it! I have freely chosen to take this man into my embrace, which by thews of our family means we are now husband and wife! Would you dare to sully our ancient traditions because of your petty jealousy?"


    Lunaria was beyond furious. Her face had practically turned red from the sheer volume of wrath that was contained inside of her at this moment. Not only had her daughter done the unthinkable, and touched an outsider, but she had even taken him into her embrace. Which was the Asterion Dynasty''s tradition of proposing to a loved one. Byw, this meant that Erich and Celestia were now engaged.


    However, that rule was clearly meant to also follow the Asterion dynasty''s incestuous traditions, and had never throughout the entire history of the Alfheim Dominion been practiced on an outsider. Thus, the Alfheim Empress was quick to bring up this point.


    "Celestia, you know as well as I do that tradition only applies to the members of our dynasty. You can not take an outsider, let alone an alien, as your husband. It is forbidden! Stop this nonsense right now!"


    Erich''s mind was nearly blown when he heard what Celestia and her mother were arguing about. Marriage? What fucking marriage? He barely even knew this girl, and now he was allegedly married to her? What the fuck was going on? Did he not get a say in this matter?


    Of course, Erich had no idea that Celestia had been determined to do this since before the ball even began. After her mother had stripped her status as the Heiress to the Alfheim Dominion, she had decided to stop struggling against her fate and instead embrace it. She saw no way which she and Erich could reasonably be together, other than by forcing it like this.


    Celestia might barely know Erich, but she trusted that he was not the man who the Sages thought he was. After all, she was an excellent judge of character. She had given Erich an opportunity to do whatever he wanted with her, as a punishment for her attempt on his life, and he rejected it.


    There was no man in this room who could say the same. As Celestia was all too aware of the lustful gazes that even the members of her own family gave her, every time they saw her angelic figure. Yet, Erich did not give into such temptation, even when presented with it.


    That, along with his statement that she had done the right thing by trying to eliminate a potential gctic Hitler, before he even rose to power, had convinced her that at the very least, Erich was not a cruel or depraved man. Which was more than she could say about her other potential suitors.


    Thus, Erich had unknowingly stepped foot into the proverbial lion''s den the moment he walked through the Warp Gate, and now he had two lionesses fighting over whether or not he should live.

 Chapter 166 Apprehended

    Erich had seriously begun to suspect that he was a beacon of bad luck. Admittedly, many of the problems he had in life were the fault of his own foolish actions, but this was not something he could have ever anticipated, nor was it something he was responsible for in the slightest.


    Seemingly out of nowhere, the Alfheim Princess had apologized to Erich for making an attempt on his life, and then clutched his head to her bosom. Which, to the Asterion dynasty, was not only a sign of proposal but also an enormous taboo. And Celestia had chosen to do this wild act in front of the Alfheim Quadrant''s many leaders.


    Among them were Emrys and Yumi, who gazed upon Erich''s predicament with not only shock, butment. The Asterion Dynasty and its Empress were the overlords of this quadrant of space. If Lunaria wanted to execute Erich, for whatever reason, she could do so, and nobody would make a move to stop her.


    Nobody except for Ayumi, who was just about to make a move of her own, when her aunt grabbed hold of her wrist, and stopped her from getting herself killed. Yumi gave her niece a stern look as she silently shook her head. As if she weremunicating with her bodynguage that there was nothing they could do to save Erich now.


    Meanwhile, Celestia continued to stand in the way of the Alfheim Royal Guards while shielding Erich with her own body. There was an adamant look in her golden eyes, as she utterly refused to abide by her royal mother''s orders. Lunaria was naturally furious about this, and could not help but express her wrath with some particrly vile words.


    "Celestia... As my most beloved daughter, I will ignore the fact that you have disgraced our sacred bloodline by embracing this outsider, at least enough to spare your life. But only if you stand down! If you choose to remain defiant, you will die with him!"


    Despite the Alfheim Empress''s threat, Celestia did not budge, and continued to cling onto Erich, in a way that made him deeply ufortable. He had yet to even properly understand what the hell was going on, and thus had made no moves of his own. Instead, Celestia remained defiant, as she called her mother''s bluff.


    "Very well... If that is what fate has in store for us, then so be it!"


    Celestia was particrly confident that her mother would not execute her, because that was not what the Sages had seen. But Lunaria had truly gone mad. She had given her daughter an out, one that would seem reasonable to the other heads of state. But the girl stubbornly refused and dared to mention the word fate in front of her.


    It was only now that Lunaria realized there was more to this "prophecy" which her daughter had heard from the Sages. And that this was likely the reason that she had decided to act so brazenly. Because Lunaria could not, for the life of her,prehend her daughter''s recent erratic behavior, unless it was a matter of fate.


    Of course, if it was a matter of "fate" then it exined everything. Because Celestia was just like her grandmother, a woman who took the words of those old fools as if they were destined to happen. If those bastards had told the girl that she was destined to fall for this man. Then it was entirely possible that she would simply ept it, especially after her little rebellion against fate had failed so spectacrly.


    With this in mind, Lunaria was driven into a corner, and thus she had no choice but to order the arrest of both her daughter, and the man she was now clinging to so shamelessly.


    "Guards, seize them both!"


    Immediately, the guards set their sters to stun and shot both Erich and Celestia. The two of them instantly fell to the ground as their consciousness faded. Where the guards quickly ced cuffs around their hands, before dragging them off to the cells.


    Once thismotion was settled, Lunaria gave a speech to all of her guests, about her intentions towards her errant daughter, and the man she had so brazenly clung to.


    "I, Empress Lunaria Asterion, hereby sentence my daughter, Celestia Asterion, and this Germanic male to death for crimes against the Asterion Dynasty. They shall be executed in the morning. As for the rest of you, please don''t let this unsightly business spoil your mood. Continue to enjoy the ball in my stead. Because I am afraid I will have to be absent for the remainder of the evening. If you will excuse me, I have some other matters to attend to."


    After saying this, Lunaria departed from the ballroom, where she went. Nobody knew. But whatever had just happened, nobody would dare speak of it until they were back in the safety of their own homes.


    ---


    Erich awoke some timeter alone in a cell. His mind was jumbled from the stun weapon, which had knocked him unconscious. He was having a hard time remembering just how he had ended up in this room. That is until he heard a shrill voice. One which he immediately recognized.


    "I''m curious... For as long as I have known my daughter, she has never shown any interest in the men around her, nor has she shared my same desires towards the men of your species. Until now, I simply thought she favored thedies. So how did you, of all people, manage to woo her to the point where she is so willing to die alongside you? I mean, this is not the first time you have spoken to her, is it?"


    Erich simply chuckled when he thought how ridiculous this whole situation was. He shook his head, whileughing, which caused Lunaria to frown, before answering her question in a pitiful tone.


    "That''s what I want to know.... I had one interaction with your daughter when she requested that I pay tribute to her at the war games. She seemed rather fond of me at first, and even made ament about how beautiful my eyes were. Then she sent a team of assassins to eliminate me. And now she pulls this. Is she perhaps mentally unwell?"


    Lunaria simply scoffed in response to this statement before revealing her thoughts on the matter.


    "If she was, do you think I would have named her my Heiress? No, she''s mentally sound, it''s just she suffers from the same delusions as my mother. She believes in fate, and its so-called prophets more than she does reality. I don''t know what those old fools said to her, but I think I have an understanding about why she has been behaving so irrationallytely.


    It''s a pity, Erich... I have looked into your past, and you have a lot of potential as a politician. You could have led your Empire to greatness. But because of my daughter''s foolishness, you must now pay the price for her actions with your life."


    Erich could not help but find the whole ordealughable, and he expressed this sentiment by chuckling. He had no idea how he had ended up as someone chosen by fate. But he found the whole thing to be ridiculous, which he was quick to give voice to.


    "Before today, I thought I was the only one who was capable of seeing into the future. It turns out that such an ability is moremon than I thought. I don''t know much about my powers, but I know that a lot of it is open to interpretation. Unfortunately, your daughter didn''t realize this, and made such a monumental mistake...."


    Lunaria''s brows raised when she heard this remark, never before had any race outside of her own species, except for perhaps maybe the Dark Elves, produced a sage. While the Alfheim Empress was deeply skeptical of the abilities which the sages imed to have. Primarily because they refused to borate on how they worked. She was still curious about whether or not they were actually real.


    Because of this, she posed a question that nobody had ever been able to answer until now.


    "Are you saying that you are a Sage? How does that work?"


    Erich shook his head once more before exining his ability in the best way he could manage.


    "I don''t know for sure. For most of my life, I have only ever been able to see seven seconds into the future. Because of that, my visions are much more precise. But, recently I have been able to see a full thirty seconds into the future.


    And I realized that not everything is certain, there are several paths forward, one of which will be reality, and because of that, it is open to interpretation. If I choose the wrong path, then it will lead me to an incorrect prophecy. The future is not finite like your daughter believes. It is uncertain, and always changing."


    The sages of the Alfheim Dominion, had always refused to answer questions about how their abilities worked, and because of this, Lunaria had always thought they were hogwash. Especially after several of their ims were proven to be false.


    But if what Erich said was true, then they really did see the future, but because they were looking so far ahead, they had simply chosen the wrong path, which lead to an incorrect conclusion. Because of this exnation, Lunaria suddenly became hesitant to execute Erich, and had found herself interested in how his brain worked.


    Thus, she shifted from the furious expression of a disapproving mother-inw to a sultry smile as she leaned in close and made a proposition to Erich. One that would determine his fate.


    "Let''s y a game, shall we? You say you can see thirty seconds into the future? Very well, if you can sessfully determine my next course of action, I will let you live. How does that sound?"


    Erich gulped when he heard this proposition. The woman was essentially asking him to y Russian roulette. If he guessed wrong, he was as good as dead, and there were only a few oues that could possibly happen in such a short period of time.


    But then again, if he refused to y this little game, then he would most certainly be executed. Thus, he sighed heavily before epting the Alfheim Empress''s offer.


    "Very well... I suppose I really have no choice."


    Upon hearing this, Lunaria grew incredibly excited at the prospect of witnessing a minor prophecy unfold in real time. And bit her lower lips as she watched Erich close his eyes and enter a deep state of meditation.


    It felt like a lifetime had passed in only a few seconds, but when Erich finally opened his eyes, he gazed upon the Alfheim Empress with a deep look of confusion, before speaking his thoughts aloud in a voice that was filled with horror.


    "That''s not possible...."

 Chapter 167 The Dark Sage

    There was a curious look in Lunaria''s eyes as she gazed upon Erich''s shaken appearance. A slight inflection was noticeable in her voice, as if she did not believe that Erich could possibly see what she intended to do.


    "What''s not possible?"


    Erich looked deeply into the woman''s golden eyes, which were almost identical to that of her daughter. He did not even believe it himself, but what he had witnessed in his vision was the only path forward. There were no alternatives, which meant that this was certainly going to happen. But it didn''t make any sense whatsoever. And thus, Erich appeared unwilling to say what fate had in store for him.


    At the same time, Erich entered a state of mediation once more, where nothing had changed, other than a few minor details, for example. In the very next moment, Lunaria grew impatient, and demanded an answer.


    "What did you see? Tell me!"


    Unknowingly, Lunaria hadid her hands on Erich, and touched an outsider, much like her daughter had done. She was so eager to hear what Erich had seen that she was literally shaking him while kneeling between his legs. Which caused Erich to avert his gaze from the woman and her bountiful cleavage. There was an embarrassed look on his face as he spoke of what he had seen.


    "You''re.... You''re going to kiss me?"


    Lunaria felt as if the heavens had just copsed on her. She indeed intended to kiss Erich, partially as a way of mocking fate, and those who believed they could see its will. It was such an absurd thing to do, especially in these current circumstances, that there was no way Erich could possibly predict her actions without actually seeing the future.


    Now she felt embarrassed, just as much as Erich did. And an awkward silence sat between the Alfheim Empress, and her prisoner for several seconds, before the woman threw out all reason, and did exactly as Erich had predicted.


    The kiss that was shared between Erich and Lunaria was a long one,sting for several minutes. During this brief moment of intimacy, Lunaria wanted to get all the lust she had for Erich''s species out of her system, and thus she made sure that Erich fingered her moist cave of wonders, until she climaxed all over him.


    It was only after she came that the woman realized what she had done and abruptly stood up. As for Erich, he had no idea how this had happened, and was as shocked as when Celestia proposed to him. He quickly activated his foresight to see what would happen to him next. But multiple paths presented themselves.


    In one of them, Lunaria would make love to him in this very cell, while in another she would order the guards to execute him on the spot. Ashamed that she had given into her base desires, which she had spent thest three hundred or so years avoiding.


    And in another future, Lunaria simply left the cell with a confused expression on her face. Of course, Erich could only see thirty seconds into the future, so he had no idea which of these futures was the one that would lead to his survival. But there was nothing he could do in any of them to make such a fate more certain. Instead, he sat back and waited for destiny to reveal itself.


    It turned out that the third path was reality, because Lunaria took one look at Erich, her face filled with a mixture of shame and desire, before exiting the cell. She would not return for the rest of the night. Leaving Erich alone to worry about what would happen in the morning.


    ---


    After leaving Erich''s cell, Lunaria visited her daughter''s, where Celestia was gazing rather defiantly at her mother. As if there was nothing to say about her current predicament. Thatsted for about three seconds, before the young Elven beauty realized something was dreadfully wrong with her royal mother, which she was quick to inquire about.


    Lunaria paced about her daughter''s cell, afraid to speak her thoughts aloud. But she had nobody else to vent to, other than the foolish girl who had caused such humiliation to their family. Of course, what she had just done herself was far, far worse than anything Celestia had done. And if anyone were to find out, there would be hell to pay.


    It was only after Celestia yelled at her mother in a worried tone that the woman snapped out of her frantic state.


    "Mother, what''s wrong? What happened?"


    Perhaps partially out of her wits, Lunaria confessed what she had just done to Erich, something which shocked her daughter to the core of her being.


    "I kissed him, that silver-haired boy.... He saw that I would do it, and I did it! What was I thinking?!?!"


    Celestia was furious. After all, the Sages had said she was the one who would be charmed by Erich, and bound to his will. But then again, she was practically the spitting image of her mother. Was it possible that the sages had mistaken her for her mother? No, that didn''t make sense. How could such a monumental mistake ur? Ultimately, Celestia had no choice but to express her outrage at what her mother had done.


    "You did what? Mother, how could you? Here you are about to execute me for hugging the man, and you went and did something so shameless with him! I can''t believe you right now!?!"


    It was only now that Lunaria realized she had confessed to her daughter about something that could ruin their family. She then looked at her daughter with a cold gaze, seeming to have recollected her wits, which had previously been scattered about.


    "Celestia, you are not to say a word of this to anyone! If you promise me that, I will pardon you both. However, I will not permit your union. It is clear to me that these Sages'' abilities are not as clear cut as either of us ever believed before.


    And Erich seems to be the only one who is willing to cooperate with us. I''ve always suspected that the Sages never truly had the Alfheim Dominion''s best interests in mind, and are instead working towards some ulterior goal. But Erich can be molded into a powerful weapon to use against those bastards if they should ever bare their fangs against us.


    I can''t execute him now that I know his ability is real, but I also can''t permit the two of you to be together. I wille up with some bullshit excuse in the morning to pardon the both of you. But for now, you must keep his ability a secret from everyone. Especially the Sages. I have no idea how they will react once they know the truth."


    Celestia, while happy that she and Erich weren''t going to be executed, was a little disappointed in her mother, who seemed to have developed an interest in Erich for more than just his abilities. Still, a win was a win, but now she had more important questions on her mind. Like who was the real heroine of Erich''s story? Was it herself? Or her mother?


    ---


    Meanwhile, in the enve where the Alfheim Sages dwelled, the old men and women who made up their ranks were in a heated discussion. Naturally, they could not peer into the life of Erich, as he was the one who shared their ability, and was thus shielded against those who sought to use their powers against him.


    But they could ascertain certain things by the destiny of those around Erich. Thus, after observing the recent events through the fates which were tied to the Alfheim Empress and her youngest daughter, a fierce debate broke out about whether it was Lunaria, and not Celestia, who would be the one to enable the the Dark Sage and his rise to power.


    "We have known about her proclivities towards Germanic men for some time.... Now that she has a chance to act upon those desires, she is bound to do so! If it is true, and this Erich Jaeger is the Dark Sage, then it would make sense that Empress Lunaria, and not her daughter Celestia, will be the Bloody Bride! We have already seen one empress throw away her sanity for this man. Who is to say that another will not do the same?"


    However, another Sage was quick to give voice to a dissenting opinion. One which aired on the side of caution.


    "It is unclear whether or not Erich is the Dark Sage as we have seen through the weave of fate. While the Germanic Star-Empire has recovered faster than we initially thought they would, after suffering a near annihtion at the hands of the Naraku. They are still millennia away from bing a sub-gctic power, let alone a gctic power.


    And need I remind you that the Germanic race does not have the lifespan for a member of their species to lead such efforts? I still believe the Dark Sage wille from a long established power, rather than a recent upstart, no matter how promising it is. If that is the case, then it would be Celestia, not her mother, who will fall for the Dark Sage''s charms!"


    This was a very convincing argument to most of the Sages, that is until, the one who had previously spoken made an even greater point.


    "And what if Lunaria is the reason behind the Germanic Star-Empire''s rapid restoration? What if she one day gives them the technology to obtain immortality, despite their race not naturally having the genes for it? Will you say then that Erich is still not the Dark Sage?"


    Ultimately, with these two conflicting interpretations of the future, the Sages were forced to treat both possibilities as reality. With a heavy sigh, the Grand Sage spoke his thoughts on the matter, before concluding the meeting.


    "It is still too early to tell. We must watch and wait until it bes clear who our enemy is. And only once we are certain of the future, and what fate has in store for the gxy, will we strike! Until then, we must continue to monitor the situation, and all potential candidates who might be the Dark Sage."


    With that said, Erich had be a primary suspect for the man who was prophesized to set the Gxy aze in his wars of conquest. A man who the Sages of the Alfheim Dominion referred to as the "Dark Sage".

 Chapter 168 A Knight In Shining Armor

    Erich did not get much sleep that night, but he was not the only one gued by foreboding thoughts. Both Ayumi and her royal aunt were incapable of sleeping, as they lied alone in their beds, fearing for the life of their lover.


    Nor did Emrys have any rest. After all, his prot¨¦g¨¦ was about to be executed within a handful of hours. If Erich died, he would have to start a new in developing a legitimate sessor, one that would allow him to stay in power from behind the scenes.


    He had spent years molding Erich into a proper leader, but not only that, Emrys believed that Erich now trusted him as a mentor, an advisor, and a friend. Allowing him to be more open to the idea of following Emrys'' "advice" once he had officially stepped down from the throne, which he was currently "upying."


    Such a thing was valuable, and would require extensive effort to instill in another prot¨¦g¨¦. Not to mention that the legitimacy of this recement would be called into question. Since Erich was chosen to rece the previous Supreme Leader, by the artificial intelligence which selected everyone''s upation within the Empire.


    That artificial intelligence would now have to choose a sessor for Emrys, whose reign was still illegitimate, despite the outrage which drove Hans Epp from his seat of power. Normally, the Empire could just clone Erich and use a backup copy of his memories.


    But after being executed by the Alfheim Empress, she would undoubtedly restrict this from happening. To do so would be a vition of her supreme authority, and would cause the Empire to enter a state of war with their Suzerains. Which was a war they could not win.


    Thus, Emrys spent the entire night thinking of how he would be able to convince the woman to spare Erich''s life. Not knowing that she had already decided to do so.


    ---


    When morning came, Empress Lunaria Asterion made a shocking deration to the delegates who had arrived for the purpose of the Centennial Ball. She would be granting her errant daughter, and Erich a full pardon, under the condition that Celestia revoke her proposal to the man. Which, surprisingly enough, she agreed to, despite just the night before being willing to die in the arms of the outsider.


    Erich was then released from custody, and brought to the Empress''s personal quarters. Where she was waiting for him. She was dressed in a rather revealing white and gold summer dress. Much like her daughter had worn before. However, unlike Celestia, Lunaria wore an exquisite tiara, which was made of a material that Erich had never seen before.


    There were little differences in the appearance between Lunaria and her daughter. The primary difference being the hairstyles that the two women adorned. But other than that, both Celestia and her mother had pale skin, long white hair and shimmering golden eyes. Bother Lunaria and Celestia had perfect bodies, withrge busts, slim waists, and wide hips. But while still being slimmer than either Erika or Ayumi.


    And these two women both had nearly identical faces that appeared to be sculpted from a block of marble by God himself. Age appeared to not affect the two Elven beauties, as Lunaria appeared younger than even Erich himself. Who was now approaching his thirties, but still looked like he had just entered adulthood.


    In all honesty, out of the two women, Erich did not know which he thought was more beautiful. They were both living goddesses and were naturally well beyond his reach. And yet, he could still remember so vividly how this woman had kissed him so passionately the night before, while also making him do other things to her.


    In fact Erich was quite nervous as he entered the room, and knelt before the Empress of the Light Elves, who appeared to be gazing upon him as if he were a delicious treat that she wanted nothing more than to gobble up. Thus, his voice almost cracked as he thanked the stunning woman for sparing his life.


    "I thank you for sparing my life.... I know I don''t deserve your mercy, and I will do whatever I can to properly earn your forgiveness...."


    Lunaria''s eyebrow raised slightly as she witnessed how flustered Erich was. It was actually quite adorable in her eyes. And thus she stood up from her seat, where she then approached the man, and whispered something in his ear that he found to be irresistible.


    "You will do anything that I desire? Are you sure you can handle that?"


    Erich had a hard time controlling his arousal. Why were these two women so god damn seductive? For fuck''s sake, S''aleth was a literal subus, and she had never enticed him to this extent. Upon seeing how flustered Erich grew, Lunaria giggled before returning back to her bed, where she sat down with the grace befitting an empress such as herself. She then made ament about Erich''s appearance.


    "You are simply adorable! I know now why my daughter likes you. You don''t have to worry about repaying my favor, Erich. You already did sost night, by entertaining this old woman''s greatest fantasy. I apologize for suddenly springing that on you. I am sure you have been nothing but confused since.


    But I did not summon you to my quarters just to tease you, although it is an added benefit. I havee to discuss matters of importance, and to ensure your secrecy about what happened between us. Erich, there are only two species in this gxy which have ever produced a Sage. The Light Elves, and our hideous cousins.


    It is what allowed both of our civilizations to reach the pinnacle of power in the gxy. And I have a sneaking suspicion that both our sages and theirs are in cahoots with one another. Though for what purpose, I do not know.


    I want you to develop your abilities to the point where I can rely on your predictions. I''m not saying you have to do so overnight. For all I know, it could take centuries, or even millennia, for you to be adept enough to do so.


    All I really want from you is a simple promise: that you will not turn your back on me, now that I have spared your life, and that if there everes a time when those damned old fools turn against me, that I will have your support. If you do this, then I will allow you to return to your home in peace.


    However, do not be surprised if you receive my summons now and then. I must admit, I am growing intrigued by you, and I''m not just speaking about your abilities. Would you be surprised if I told you that no man has ever been graced with my touch before? But for you, I might be willing to taint my soul.


    s, it is much too soon, we barely know each other, and no matter how much I find you to be intoxicating, there is a proper order to things that must be followed. Perhaps if you were to visit more frequently, we could get to know each other better. And who knows where that could lead to.... So what do you say? Will you swear to be my knight in shining armor?"


    Erich could hardly believe his ears. This whole trip had been one giant surprise after another. If he was a weaker man, he would have died from a heart attack by now. But if he was understanding things correctly, then this Empress, who was among the most powerful individuals in the gxy, was requesting that he be her concubine? Was this really happening?


    Of course, this was an offer he would need some time to think about. There were too many aspects about this rtionship that were being proposed to him, and they could have unintended consequences not just for himself, but for his entire society. Thus, he took a deep breath before revealing his thoughts on the matter.


    "Can I have some time to think about your offer? It''s just a lot to spring on me, and I need to consider it very carefully. I will swear that I will never speak a word of what happened between us to anybody, not even your daughter. But, I just don''t know if I can make such a vow for you at this time. At least not until I have had some time to think it through..."


    Lunaria honestly did not think she would be rejected like this, but this did not infuriate her. If anything, it made her more intrigued by Erich. Something she was quick to discuss with a tone filled with curiosity, desire, and approval.


    "Interesting.... So very interesting.... The most beautiful woman in the gxy makes such a tempting offer, and yet you deny her? If you were any other man, I would be seriously considering the possibility that you were a homosexual. But I know that isn''t possible. Your people got rid of such proclivities long ago.


    Sure, you may take as much time as you need to think things through properly. But I will be expecting an answer eventually... Don''t make me wait too long, or I might just have to visit Germanic Space to pry an answer out of you myself!"


    The idea that the Alfheim Empress would fly all the way out to a tiny regional power just so she could get an answer from a man she was pining after was certainly amusing. But Erich did not believe she would really do such a thing. Thus, he chuckled and shook his head before responding to the woman''s words with a jestful tone.


    "Don''t worry, at most you will have my answer in a fortnight. How may I contact you?"


    Lunaria''s brows furrowed as she thought that Erich might be taking her remarks a bit too lightly, thus she stood up from her seat and approach Erich once more. Where she grabbed hold of his chin and kissed him passionately on the lips once more. All the while envisioning all the things the two of them could be doing together.


    After a particrly long kiss, she released her hold over Erich, who continued to kneel. Before speaking to him in a rather stern tone like that, a parent would use to scold their errant child.


    "Do you believe me now?"


    After saying this, Lunaria walked over to her dresser, and pulled out a holomunication device, which she handed to Erich. Who was still shocked that the Alfheim Empress had just kissed him for a second time? She then looked at Erich with a longing expression before borating on how to contact her in the future.


    "That holo recorder has only one frequency saved to it, which is my personal number. You can contact me at any time of the day on the device and give me your answer. But I suggest you do so while in private, because I do not need any rumors about the two of us getting out. Such a thing could be disastrous.


    Make sure to contact me within the next two weeks, because if you don''t I will visit the Germanic Star-Empire myself, and punish you until I hear your answer! And if that happens, then don''t me me for being merciless!"


    Erich could see the lust in Lunaria''s golden eyes as she said those words, and immediately felt that he may have gotten himself in some trouble that he can not avoid. At most, he had been able to buy himself two weeks to think how he could get out of such a situation, but in reality, that wasn''t much time at all.


    With this said, Lunaria dismissed Erich, who returned to the room he was supposed to be staying in the night before with a particrly bewildered expression on his face. How he had ended up in such a ridiculous situation, he would never know. Nor could he ask anyone else for advice on this matter. It was something that he would have to find out entirely on his own.

 Chapter 169 Alone With The Alfheim Princess

    Erich immediately went back to his room, located at the Garden of Eternity which was one of the most prestigious resorts across the entirety of the Milky Way Gxy. However, upon entering his suite, which was practically the size of arge penthouse, Erich found yet another surprise waiting for him.


    Thest few days had been rather hectic for Erich, especially the previous night. And now, while he was thinking about Lunaria''s offer, he just so happened to stumble on the Alfheim Empress''s most beloved daughter. A woman who was equally as beautiful as her royal mother.


    In fact, Erich noticed there was very little distinction between the two goddesses. One might suspect they were twins, or perhaps even clones, if they did not know any better. The most distinguishing feature between Celestia and her mother was that the Alfheim princess had long and straight hair with while her mother had long and wavy hair. Aside from this distinction, they were virtually identical.


    But there was a more important question in Erich''s mind. Why was the beautiful Alfheim Princess waiting for him in his hotel room? He was just about to ask this question when Celestia bowed her head and apologized to Erich for the second time within twenty-four hours.


    "I must apologize for my recent behavior. I have caused you such trouble, all because of my own pitiful ignorance. Please forgive me. I know it is not a proper excuse, but I truly believed I was following the will of fate. In reality, I was just misinterpreting things..."


    Erich sighed heavily, as he stepped towards the Elven beauty, and looked her straight in the eyes. He was about to forgive the woman. However, in the next moment, her brows narrowed into a fierce gaze, while her wless facial features suddenly became stern. Her next words shocked Erich to the core.


    "You smell like my mother... Don''t tell me you visited her? Alone, and unsupervised?"


    There was a dangerous glint in Celestia''s eyes as she walked forward, and began to sniff Erich''s body, as if she were a k-9 unit searching for contraband. She was so fierce in her investigation that she had pressed Erich against the wall.


    Erich began to sweat profusely, afraid that this crazy bitch might do something serious to him, but before he could try to convince her that nothing had happened between him and her mother. She suddenly stopped sniffing him, and walked away towards the window, where she crossed her arms and sulked as she gazed upon the massive city below. Her next words surprised Erich, perhaps more so than anything he had ever heard.


    "I don''t understand it.... No man has ever been intimate with my royal mother before, not even my biological father. You see, my sisters and I were all artificially created, while my brothers were born from my father and his mistresses.


    My mother has never been intimate with a man, and yet she kissed you, an outsider, not once, but twice. What is she thinking? What about you is so special that she would all of a sudden now be willing to throw away her chastity?"


    This news was mind-boggling to Erich. While Lunaria had said that no man had ever touched her body before, Erich did not dare to believe it. After all, she was a mother. How could it be possible for her to remain pure? Now Erich suddenly understood why Celestia looked so much like her mother. She was artificially created, and most likely made in her mother''s image.


    Unfortunately, Erich could not exin why Lunaria had taken such a liking to him. In reality, it was abination of things that were mostly out of Erich''s control. Lunaria had long since held a fetish for Germanic men.


    After all, they were much taller and stronger than Light Elven males, due to their gic enhancements, and were all engineered to be attractive by Germanic standards. Which just so happened to align with Light Elven standards.


    Erich was a particrly striking specimen, having received an experimental top tier gene serum, and unlike his own people, Lunaria was not disgusted by his silver hair and eyes. In fact, she found it to be quite exceptional.


    There was also the fact that Erich had already broken a taboo by bing the lover of a different Empress. And while the Great Oni Empire was nowhere near as powerful or prestigious as the Alfheim Dominion, Lunaria''s inhibitions were definitely lowered when she heard that someone else in her position had already rejected the traditions that were somonly found across the gxy.


    There was also the fact that Erich was the chosen sessor of the Germanic Star-Empire, meaning that one day he would be an emperor in his own right, even if the GSE was not a hereditary monarchy.


    But what had really pushed Lunaria over the edge, was the fact that Erich was a Sage, and had been willing to prove his abilities to the Alfheim Empress, when no other Sage had ever dared to divulge their secrets. As much as Lunaria was skeptical about the so-called foresight, when it was proven to exist in front of her, she could not help but drop her pretenses and ept reality for what it is.


    The moment Erich proved he was indeed a Sage, and could see the future, Lunaria became obsessed with raising him to be her pet. A powerful weapon that she would be able to wield against her enemies. One who she would reward for his future sesses.


    Of course, Erich knew absolutely none of this, and was simply left scratching his head like an idiot, as he answered Celestia''s question without a proper answer.


    "I''m not really sure. Maybe I''m just that charming? Your mother wouldn''t be the first empress I''ve identally courted.... Perhaps I have another ability that I''m not even aware of. The ability to attract the opposite sex?"


    Celestia''s cold exterior immediately shattered, as she broke out into a fit of giggles. She could not believe that Erich would say something so utterly foolish. If that were actually a superpower, then he might very well have it. But what nonsense was this man speaking?


    Upon seeing that the Alfheim Princess was no longer angry with him, Erich felt morefortable with this conversation, and thus epted Celestia''s apology from earlier.


    "I forgive you, by the way. You may not have a proper understanding of foresight, or what you refer to as fate, but you tried to prevent what is supposed to be a gctic tragedy. Although, I''m still not sure why your feelings towards me suddenly did a one eighty after you made an attempt on my life."


    Celestia sighed and gazed longingly at the royal pce, which could be seen from the balcony of Erich''s room. She then exined her feelings in depth, and how they had guided her on this brief journey.


    "I''ve always been obsessed with fate and its prophecy. My mother has always condemned me for being like her mother, but most of my fondest memories of my childhood were listening to my grandmother speak of such things.


    However, when I first heard of the prophecy regarding the man who our Sages refer to as the "Dark Sage", and how they suspected I would be the "Bloody Bride", I couldn''t ept that I would be responsible for such destruction, and death.


    So, when I suspected that you were the Dark Sage, I tried to kill you before such a horrific fate could evere to pass. I was humbled, of course. The way you dispatched my Banshees, I have never seen anything like it. Your people truly are the gxy''s greatest warriors, if you can pull off such a feat, and with stun weapons, no less.


    After that incident, my mother punished me by stripping me of my status as her Heiress, though I do believe that has been reinstated after the most recent developments.... This was a further humbling incident, which caused me to perhaps ept my fate a little too quickly. Perhaps it was just me coping with my own foolishness.


    So, I decided that when the Centennial Ball finally came to pass, I would embrace my destiny, and be your woman. Of course, there are obviouslyws against this, so the only way I could think of how this might happen was to force my mother''s hand. And well, that did not exactly go as nned."


    Erich could only scoff at this story. It was truly something only a woman was capable of pulling off. After all, they were generallycking in rationality, and because of this were much more prone to acting rashly based solely on their emotions.


    But there was an interesting piece of lore in her story that Erich heard. The Dark Sage, and the Bloody Bride? He had to admit; it wasn''t the worst nickname he could have received. But then again, Erich was not the kind of many to really care about prophecy. Thus, he was quick to inquire about a different matter, which was far more important to him.


    "So what happens now? Are you still convinced that you are this bloody bride? Or are we going tough all of this off and pretend like it never happened?"


    Celestia looked at Erich with a questionable gaze, almost as if she were debating in her own mind how she should proceed. She then sighed once more before exining her thoughts to the man.


    "I am almost entirely certain that you are the man the sages refer to as the Dark Sage. The thing is, I just don''t see how you could be so cruel and capricious. You are not a particrly viinous person, and though you appear to be weak around women, you are strong willed enough to reject my previous offer, of punishing me however you see fit.


    Perhaps I am the Bloody Bride, and it will be I who convinces you to go to the dark side. Or perhaps my mother will fulfill that role. I''m not entirely sure of anything anymore. After all, my understanding of fate and its prophecy has beenpletely thrown out the window. Especially after my mother exined how your foresight works.


    But I do know this, despite not spending much time together, I enjoyed every moment of it; it was quite exhrating, was it not? You are also totally my type, and because of this, I don''t n on handing you over to my mother on a silver tter. So how about we just get to know each other a little better, and see where things go?"


    Celestia did not wait for Erich''s response, and simply grabbed hold of his cor, while pulling him in close where she kissed him on the spot. Like her mother, she did not seem to be very skilled at kissing, but there was definitely the same degree of passion that Lunaria had showed him twice already.


    Erich and Celestia continued to kiss for some time, before they eventually broke apart. Leaving a rather flushed expression across the Elven Princess''s ivory face. Awkward silence persisted for some time, before Celestia finally spoke up. Though there was definitely a bit of anxiety in her tone.


    "Well, it is gettingte. I should head back to the pce, or mother will send a squad out to look for me. But before I go, could I perhaps use your shower? If I go back like this, mother will smell your scent on me, and if that were to happen, I can''t even imagine the hissy fit she would throw. Needless to say, it would be of epic proportions."


    Erich chuckled when he thought about the fact that the two most beautiful women in the gxy were now waging a silent war for his heart. But he ultimately epted Celestia''s request and made one of his own.


    "Alright, sure, you can use my shower. And while you get ready to depart, I''ll order some room service. You should at least share a meal with me, after kissing me like that..."


    Thisment caused Celestia to blush once more, and avert her gaze, but despite her embarrassed expression, she said something which Erich was not expecting.


    "I''d like that...."


    Thus, Celestia went off to the shower, and shared a meal with Erich, where the two of them would discuss much about their pasts before departing for the night. On the following day, Erich would step foot through a Warp Gate, which led directly to Germania. Where he would be given a small period of leave to spend with his loved ones.

 Chapter 170 Departing From The Alfheim Dominion

    The moment Erich met up with Emrys on the following day, the man shockingly punched him in the face. There was a clear look of rage on the man''s face, but that quickly turned to an expression of pain, as he cried out in agony, while hopping around like a rabbit.


    "Oh, you fucking cunt! I think you broke my hand!"


    Erich simplyughed when he saw this before exining how stupid Emrys was for punching him in the face.


    "Well, honestly, what did you think was going to happen? My skeleton is practically made out of metal after the enhancements you had me go through! Now, why in the world do you want to punch me in the first ce?"


    It did not take long for the endorphins to numb the pain, and for the trillions of nanites in Emry''s bloodstream to begin repairing his bone structure. Within seconds, the man had basically recovered from his injury, where he gazed furiously at his prot¨¦g¨¦.


    "What did I fucking say? Do not flirt with anyone! You couldn''t evenst five minutes before getting yourself into trouble, now could you?"


    Erich felt a great sense of offense after hearing this. It was not like he had done anything to cause this scenario to ur, the universe simply hated him. And because of that, he was quick to voice this sentiment.


    "Do you think I wanted to spend the night in a cell? I didn''t do a damn thing. Celestia forced herself on me, all because of some weird obsession with fate and its prophecy. Fucking women! Can''t live with them, can''t live without them!"


    Technically, Emrys could not argue with Erich, as he had a point. But he didtch onto something in particr that Erich had said and was quick to interrogate the man further about it.


    "Celestia? Since when are you two on a first name basis?"


    It was only now that Erich realized he probably should have referred to Celestia by her royal title, but now that the cat was out of the bag, he did not try to hide it.


    "Since yesterday, why do you think I didn''t immediatelye to visit you after being released from my cell? It''s because both Lunaria and her daughter wanted to speak with me. I was interrogated by the Empress in her personal quarters for well over an hour, and then when I returned to my room, lo-and-behold, her daughter was there waiting for me. I don''t even know what I did to win their favor!"


    This news baffled Emrys, who was quick to inquire further about it, his voiced filled with disbelief as he did so.


    "You spent time alone with the Alfheim Empress, and the Crown Princess? What exactly did you talk about?"


    Erich could not endure Emrys'' scrutinous gaze, and thus he looked away before giving the man a non answer to his question.


    "I''m afraid that''s our little secret..."


    Emrys honestly could not tell if Erich was fucking with him, or if he was granted a private audience with two of the most powerful beings in the gxy. He had no idea what they would have talked about, or how Erich had narrowly escaped the gallows. But whatever had happened, it must have been something serious for Lunaria to forsake the traditions of her ancient dynasty, and pardon Erich for his crimes.


    Naturally, there were rumors floating around about Emrys striking some kind of shady deal to secure his prot¨¦g¨¦''s release. But, nobody in their right mind would ever dare to think that Lunaria and Celestia were now both courting Erich. The very idea was little more than the fever dream of a madman.


    Of course, Emrys was also free from such notions. After all, despite Erich''s superhuman ability to seduce women, there was no way that the Alfheim Empress would entertain such a thought. Even if she did have a penchant for Germanic men.


    Thus, the man could not help but shake his head, while wondering just what in the hell the Alfheim Empress and her daughter wanted to convey to Erich. He would most definitely request a satisfactory answer from Lunaria herself when they nextmunicated. With this in mind, the Supreme Leader decided to move on to the next item of business.


    "I''m just d you''re still alive. Let''s head back to the Empire before any other crazy scenarios present themselves...."


    However, before Emrys could coerce Erich to do so, he was quickly glomped by two beautiful Oni women. There were tears in Ayumi''s eyes while shetched onto her fiancee, and a look of relief on Yumi''s stunning face as she bit into Erich''s neck, ever so slightly.


    "You little bastard! You had me so worried! I thought for sure that bitch was going to gut you like a fish! What the hell did you say to convince her to spare your life!?!"


    Erich was shocked by the way Yumi was treating him, and thus he pushed her away first, before petting Ayumi''s silky indigo hair. As she cried into his chest like a child who had just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.


    "Oh Erich! I thought you were as good as dead! Are you alright? Did they hurt you in any way?"


    Seeing that Ayumi had given him an opportunity to escape yet another line of questioning, Erich simply ignored Yumi''s remarks, and focused his attention on his fiancee.


    "I''m fine Ayumi, nothing bad happened to me. Honestly, my treatment was rather gentlepared to what it would have been in the Empire."


    Erich truly wasn''t lying when he said this, but unfortunately for him, Yumi wasn''t letting this matter go, and quickly wrapped her arm around Erich''s head while giving him a nuggie.


    "Stop ignoring me! I want to know just how the hell you managed to get off the hook for such a grievous crime!"


    Erich simply scoffed as he effortlessly escaped from Yumi''s grasp, before cating her with a pat on the head, and an unsatisfactory answer.


    "I''m sorry, I promised Lu- I mean the Empress that I would not speak about such matters to anyone. Just be happy that I received a full pardon, without any demands made of me."


    Yumi curiously eyed Erich. She knew some kind of deal must have been met to secure his release. It was not like the mighty Alfheim Empress would simply let a man go who had dared to touch a member of her sacred bloodline. However, Erich did not seem willing to discuss what had happened and thus she looked over at Emrys, who simply shrugged while remaining silent on the matter.


    Upon seeing that she was not going to get a proper answer, Yumi sighed heavily, epting this reality. However, in the very next moment, she stuck her finger in Erich''s chest and asked another question. That was just as important to her.


    "You little bastard! You were freed yesterday morning, yet neither Ayumi nor I received a visit from you! Just who did you spend the night with?"


    It was at this moment that Emrys sighed and rolled his eyes. He was particrly d that nobody was around to witness this conversation, because it would be very difficult to exin. It was at moments like these that he did not envy Erich, and his ability to attract multiple women. Thus, he simply pointed to his watch, signalling that his patience was thinning.


    Erich, however, could not actually say the truth. He had spent the evening dining with Celestia, and they had quite a wonderful conversation. He felt like he got to know the woman quite a bit more than he would have expected. And there was definitely a good chemistry between the two of them.


    But like a proper gentleman, he ensured that she left after the meal was over, and returned to the pce untainted by his touch. He then spent the remainder of the night thinking about just how things had ended up the way they had. Obviously, after everything that had happened, he was in no mood to entertain his two Oni lovers. Thus, all Erich could do was tell the partial truth and say he had spent the night alone.


    "Honest to God, I spent the night alone. From the moment I got back to my hotel room, I was absolutely exhausted and needed some time alone to think. There was nothing else that happened, I swear!"


    Though Yumi did not seem to trust Erich''s words, at least not entirely, she decided to let the matter go. After all, the man had been through quite the ordeal, and it was reasonable enough to need some time alone after it was all said and done. Thus, she forgave him, but by biting on his ear, and whispering to him something enticing.


    "You cheeky bastard, making me wait so long! I had something brilliant nned for the three of us, but you just had to go and ruin it. I will expect to see you at my pce at some point during your next leave. Because I won''t be able to wait another nine months without you inside me!"


    After saying this, Yumi kissed Erich goodbye before saying farewell to her niece, who would be returning to the Empire through the warp gate along with Erich and Emrys. As for the Oni Empress herself? She unfortunately had to look after an Empire of her own, and thus she would be returning to the Oni capital. Where she would rather impatiently await Erich''s arrival.

 Chapter 171 Deadline

    It took close to two weeks for Erich and Ayumi to return to Teutonia after stepping through the warp gate, which took them from the world of Alfheim to the world of Germania. It was only after the couple were at the doors of their home did they feel relieved.


    And yet there was still a deep sense of anxiety in Erich''s gut, because the day was quickly approaching that he would have to give Lunaria an answer. He had been thinking about how he was going to resolve this issue during every free moment he had up until this point. And there was only one conclusion he couldnd upon. He would have to ept his fate and agree to Lunaria''s demands.


    After all, it was only after he had time to think that Erich realized the odds of him escaping from the Alfheim Empress''s clutches with his life intact were virtually zero. Especially now that she had set her sights upon him. He doubted there was anything in this gxy more terrifying than that woman when she felt scorned.


    Of course, the moment the door to his vi opened, any anxiety that Erich felt was tossed out the window. Because Erika had jumped into his arms, and kissed him with a level of passion that he had not felt since Celestia had done so in his hotel room.


    Before Erich could even ask what had got the pink-haired beauty so exited, she wore a wide smile, and announced her surprise.


    "Erich.... I''ve been dying to tell you since I first found out! I''m pregnant!"


    Erich could not believe his ears. Erika was pregnant? Having thought about it for roughly three seconds, he realized how much of an idiot he was. Of course, she was pregnant. The Germanic race was designed to be hyper fertile.


    Erika was not even thirty yet. She easily had another hundred plus year left of fertility inside her, and they had gone at it like rabbits thest time they were together. So much so that they had run out of condoms. The fact that he never considered this to be a possibility until now made the man feel like an absolute idiot.


    Ayumi immediately felt a sense of jealousy overwhelm her. She knew that the odds of her and Erich conceiving a child were incredibly low, due to the fact that they were from two different species. It was possible, after all, life was tenacious, but it was rare for two different species to mix, and usually it required them to have a simr enough gic structure. Which in the case of the Oni wasn''t too surprising, considering they were basically just humans with horns and pointed ears.


    Usually the child of two different species would also be sterile, but there were ways to fix that with the proper medical technology. Something that the Germanic Star-Empire most definitely had ess to. Knowing all of this, Ayumi couldn''t help but feel jealousy towards Erika over the fact that she was capable of reliably reproducing with her husband. But she did not let this show, and instead congratted the woman.


    "That''s wonderful news, Erika. I am so happy for you both!" ''


    The false smile that Ayumi wore was convincing enough for both Erich, and Erika to believe it was genuine, and thus, Erich patted the woman on her plump bottom, before making a joke about the whole situation, which was his way of coping with this newly added burden added to the pile of irons he already had in the fire.


    "Once we''re married we will have to work hard to produce a child of our own, isn''t that right, Ayumi?"


    Upon seeing that Erich thoughts immediately shifted towards producing a child of their own, whatever darkness that ate away at Ayumi''s heart instantly vanished, causing her false smile to be a genuine one, as she blushed in embarassment before speaking the thoughts on her mind.


    "Can we get started now?"


    Erika, however, took offense to this. The fact that Ayumi went to the Centennial Ball with Erich meant that she had most definitely had her fill of the man up until this point. Meanwhile, she had be dreadfully horny thanks to the shifting of her hormones, and thus, the pink-haired beauty quickly grabbed hold of Erich''s shoulder before attempting to drag him to the bedroom.


    "Oh, no you don''t. Erich is mine for the evening! I know you must be sore after your little trip together, so don''t worry, I will relieve his urges in your stead!"


    Erich rolled his eyes. Yet again, another two women were now fighting over him. He had no idea how he had acquired the ability to cause so many women to react this way, but he was starting to regret that he had it. Luckily for him, a familiar voice interrupted Erika and Ayumi''s little spat. As the curvy figure of a Germanic beauty entered the doorway.


    There was a rather displeased look on Krista''s face, as she gazed upon the scene of two women fighting over her beloved son, before voicing her thoughts on the matter with a stern voice.


    "My son has juste home after a long and stressful journey abroad. Surely he wants some time to rx. Or are you two little girls so horny that you can''t even wait a few hours? Wee home son,e give mommy a hug!"


    Erich was d that his mother had given him an excuse to get away from his two women, who immediately pouted when he dropped his bags and embraced his mother. A woman whom he had longed to reunite with.


    "I''m sorry, mother, I''ve been a damned fool. I should have called you and apologized. Can you ever forgive me?"


    Krista wrapped her arms around her son and held him in her embrace, clutching his head to her bosom, which rivaled Erika''s magnificent bust. She took a deep breath, trying to take in the man''s scent as much as possible, before responding to his foolish question.


    "I would not be here if I had not done so already. Which, by the way, you can thank your wife for. I may not like your... liberal idea of marriage, nor do I respect it. But, if it''s between epting your love life the way it is, or never seeing my precious baby boy again, I suppose I have no choice but to forgive and forget. Nowe, Erich, I have made your favorite food, and prepared a case of your favorite beer. How about we catch up on what has been going on in your life?"


    Erich smiled and epted Krista''s offer, where the woman grabbed hold of his hand and led him to the dining hall. All while leaving her son''s two lovers in the dust, as they gazed upon the sight in bewilderment. Did their man seriously just choose to hang out with his mother over having sex with them?


    ---


    Meanwhile, in the Alfheim Royal Pce, Lunaria sat in the bath, which was practically arge pool. She spread the suds across her immacte body which appeared to be made out of porcin. While she washed her sublime figure, Lunaria anxiously gazed at the clock. Any minute now, Erich would have to call her to meet the deadline that she had prepared for him. If he did not, then she would fly out to the Germanic Star-Empire herself, and drag the man back to Alfheim to have a proper date with him.


    As she finished up her bathing session, and dried herself off. Lunaria entered her personal quarters, and lied down on her bed, while dressing in nothing but a bathrobe, which was made from a silk-like material. She anxiously waited for the appointed hour to draw near, and when the clock finally struck midnight, she frowned.


    Realizing that Erich may have perhaps fallen to sleep, as the differences between day and night varied between worlds. Lunaria quickly pulled out her holomunicator, only to notice that she had not actually gotten Erich''s number in exchange for hers.


    This caused the woman to be furious as she chucked her holomunicator at the wall, which despite the force she threw it with, did not brake because it was made out of advancedposite materials which even the Germanic Star-Empirecked.


    After witnessing the device fall to the floor rather anticlimactically, Lunaria grabbed hold of her pillow and hugged it tightly as she sulked in silence for several minutes, thinking about why Erich had decided to ghost her. Eventually she let her thoughts escape her lips, which luckily nobody was around to hear.


    "The nerve of this bastard, forcing this empress to wait for his response.... It looks like I''m just going to have to go collect him myself!"


    Lunaria did not even bother thinking about this matter for another second. She quickly got dressed in some proper attire before departing from her homeworld in her personal starship. This was not her gship. No, such a thing would easily attract too much attention.


    This was instead more akin to a luxury yacht, albeit a small one, that was designed to remain incognito. It was only about eight hundred meters in length, which was significantly smaller than any ship within the Alfheim Navy, but it was as luxurious as a starship could get, and was faster than any other spacecraft in the gxy.


    Thus, for the first time in a hundred years, the Empress of the Alfheim Dominion had left the homeworld of the Light Elven race, and she had done so without alerting a single soul. All for the sake of pursuing a foreign man.

 Chapter 172 It Was An Honest Mistake

    Erich realized his mistake the following morning. He had spent the entire previous day catching up with his mother. And had spent the entire night making love to his wife, and fiancee. To put it simply, he hadpletely lost track of time. And it was only after getting out of the shower, and seeing the holo recorder that Lunaria had given him sitting in his luggage, did Erich realize just how badly he had fucked up.


    He quickly put on a pair of pants, without even bothering to scavenge for a shirt, before running out of his room, where his two lovers slept, and instead darted towards his office. Once inside, he sealed the doors behind him, and dimmed the lights, before calling the one frequency that was programmed into the device.


    Lunaria instantly picked up the call to reveal that she was dressed in a rather skimpy swimsuit, while sipping on a liquid that appeared as if it were molten gold. There was a rather displeased look on her face, as she spoke to Erich in a tone that was simr to a mother scolding her errant son.


    "Oh... Look who finally remembered? It''s toote Erich, the time to hear your answer has passed. I am already in Germanic space, and am heading towards your coordinates now. Thank you for calling me, by the way. I would not have been able to so easily find out your whereabouts without you contacting me first. When Ind, I am taking you on board my yacht, and we will explore the stars together.


    As for the matter of your military service, I will have an official summons drafted up and sent to that smug old bastard you call a Supreme Leader. He won''t be able to deny me, even if he wanted to... So Erich, do prepare some proper attire for the asion, will you? Oh, but don''t worry about your swimwear, I''ve got the covered. And do be hasty, because I will arrive at your destination momentarily."


    Erich was stunned beyond words. This woman had seriously travelled such a vast distance overnight just to drag him away from his life? What was going through her head? He couldn''t believe this was his reality and was quick to voice his disagreement.


    "But... I just got home. Surely you intended to give me some time before setting up a proper date? This is madness?"


    Lunaria''s immacte face turned stern, as she handed the bottle of what appeared to be molten gold to what was clearly a service robot. Which whisked it away. She then stood up, out of the hot tub, revealing that her swimsuit was even more revealing than he had initially thought. It was a shimmering gold slingshot in one piece.


    Which did little to conceal her pastel pink nipples, or her puffy lower lips. She then spoke in a sultry tone, while licking her lips at the sight of Erich''s abdominal muscles which came in the form of an eight pack.


    "You are more handsome than I thought. I made the right choice toe and get you.... Normally, I would have given you a few months before setting up a proper time and ce for our date. But you did not fulfil your promise, and now I have no choice but to take you by force. I was even ready to face your rejection, although I severely doubt that you would do something so foolish.


    But, by breaking your promise to me, you no longer have a choice in this matter. You will apany me on my journey across the stars, and if there is something that develops between us, then you will be mine! No other woman will be able to touch a single silver hair on that beautiful head of yours. For all eternity, we shall be together! Doesn''t that sound wonderful?"


    Erich seriously felt like he had somehow caused an absolutely mad woman to fall in love with him, and that under no circumstances was he allowed to inform her that he was already married and having a child.


    Naturally, there were many questions on Erich''s mind, but one more so than any other, which he was quick to give voice to.


    "And if nothing develops between us, and you instead grow sick of me?"


    Lunaria frowned at this remark, before giving Erich an expression that basically said, "what do you think?"


    Causing Erich to sigh in depression. He had no choice but to ept this crazy woman''s demands, and do everything he could to please her so that she might fall in love with him. His very life depended on it. And that of his loved ones. If he did get Lunaria to fall in love with him, he would have to somehow tame her possessive nature, so that he could still be with Erika and Ayumi. But that was a worry for another time.


    "Alright.... I understand.... I will go pack my things this instant, and will meet you at the star port in an hour...."


    Lunaria''s stern expression finally shifted to one of warmth, and it appeared as if she were genuinely excited, as she spoke her mind with an incredibly seductive voice.


    "I can''t wait!"


    ---


    Erich immediately did as he was told. He packed up his belongings as quickly as possible, before heading to the star port where he would board Lunaria''s luxury yacht. His mother and lovers seemed entirely dejected at the idea of Erich leaving them literally a day after he had returned home. But apparently there was some kind of emergency with his unit, and he needed to be deployed immediately. Or at least, this was the bullshit excuse he had given them.


    As for Lunaria, quickly dispatched a royal summons for Erich. The reason for this was not listed, but Emrys did not have the power to resist. As suspicious as he might be over this rapid development, and so shortly after the Alfheim Empress had pardoned Erich, there was truly nothing he could do. Thus, he had to give Erich an extended leave of absence, while granting permission for the Alfheim Yacht tond on Teutonia.


    Lunaria never stepped foot off the ship. As far as anyone knew, it was empty, and was remotely piloted for AI as a means of picking up a guest to the Alfheim Dominion. However, the moment Erich stepped on board the luxurious starship, he felt as if he had entered a decadent pce, befitting of the Demon Prince of Greed.


    Every surface that could be gilded was done so. Even the robots appeared to have a gold ting done to them, or perhaps were constructed out of some kind of gold alloy. What wasn''t gilded was made of a futuristic white material, whose sheen made it appear as if it were constructed from polished marble. Perhaps it actually was polished marble, Erich honestly could not tell the difference.


    The moment the doors sealed behind him, allowing no outside eye from peaking in, Erich saw the most beautiful woman he had everid eyes upon, descending from a staircase while dressed in the skimpiest swimsuit he had ever seen. Her tits and ass jiggled with each step, as if she were a character taken from a popr Japanese video game made during the 21st century of Earth''s history.


    The seductive smile on this divine beauty''s face was enough to melt any reservations Erich may have had about this whole ordeal. As Lunaria approached him, she ced a hand on his firm shoulder, before whispering something in his ear.


    "I''ll have the droids bring your stuff to your room. How about you go shower, and get dressed in the swimsuit I have prepared for you? After you have done that, we will have some proper breakfast, and maybe enjoy the pool for a bit. How does that sound?"


    Erich could not believe that one honest mistake had caused him to get a vacation, alone with the most beautiful woman in the gxy. And though it might take some convincing for Lunaria to allow him to return home to his wife, and fiancee. Erich felt like that was not something he should be worried about at this moment. Because for the first time in many years. He might actually be able to finally rx and enjoy himself for an extended period of time.


    Thus, with a slight nod of his head and a confident smirk, Erich agreed to Lunaria''s request. The Alfheim Empress then led him to his quarters, where she left him be while he prepared himself for the day she had nned for him.

 Chapter 173 Entertaining an Empress Part I

    173 Entertaining an Empress Part I


    The luxury yacht, which belonged to the Alfheim Empress, departed from the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, while Erich himself took a shower. No matter how hard he tried to forget about Lunaria''s divine appearance, and heavenly body, he could not do so. In fact, he took an extra long shower because of this, just so he could fit into the swimsuit that Lunaria had prepared for him.


    Of course, the moment heid eyes on the swimsuit, he almost instantly rejected the idea of wearing it. The Light Elves had a much more liberal idea of modesty than the Germanic Star-Empire, and because of this, it was incrediblymon for their people to show much of their skin.


    However, the swimsuit that Lunaria had prepared for Erich was perhaps the most skimpy speedo that he had everid eyes open. If he were to wear such a thing on his homeworld, he would be considered a pervert. Then again, Lunaria''s slingshot monokini was also extraordinarily revealing. And to make matters worse, it was the same shimmering gold color that his own swimsuit was.


    After internally debating for some time about whether or not he should actually wear such a thing, Erich heard a knock on the door to the bedroom which Lunaria had provided for him, followed by an alluring voice, which had a slight tone of impatience contained within it.


    "Is everything alright in there, Erich? Do you need my help?"


    Erich could not fathom just what kind of help this woman was referring to, and ultimately decided to bite the proverbial bullet and wear the speedo. Which left extremely little to the imagination. He then walked over to the door and opened it with a slightly embarrassed expression on his face.


    However, he was not the one who was the most flustered, because the moment Lunaria gazed up at his towering half naked body, her face turned as red as a tomato. Despite being a virgin, it was not as if she were unustomed to the naked figure of a man.


    After all, she directed several pornographic films between a Ghimderi Trade Princess and those Germanic politicians who fled to Alfheim to avoid what they feared to be the annihtion of their species.


    Yet Erich was a special breed. If he were not born a mutant, then he would be considered among the most handsome men within the Empire. Partially because of the advanced gene serum he was injected with while he was in his mother''s womb. Which made him at the peak of his species in all aspects, including appearance and sex appeal.


    After gazing upon Erich''s chiseled body, as well as the speedo which clung to his genitals, revealing their shape and size, for several moments. Lunaria finally smiled, rather pervertedly, and nodded her head in approval of her date. She then grabbed hold of his hand, and led him to the dining hall of the Yacht, while speaking to him about his past experiences.


    "So tell me, Erich, have you ever had Elven cuisine before? Because if not, you are in for a special treat!"


    Erich shook his head, his eyes were drawn to the perfect ass that Lunaria was presenting to him, as he walked through the corridors of the ultimate luxury yacht. Her swimsuit was so skimpy that it formed a g-string in the back, which was wedgied up against her puffy kitty, revealing a rather impressive cameltoe.


    No matter how much Erich tried to avert his gaze from the Elven beauty''s ass, he could not do so. For every step she took, it jiggled in a way that was almost hypnotic. Naturally, Lunaria knew where Erich''s eyes were positioned at, and simply smirked with confidence, as she brought the man back to reality with her seductive voice.


    "Erich, it is okay to look, but if you stare like that even this Empress might feel a bit ufortable...."


    Upon realizing that he had been acting like a creep. Erich forced his eyes away from such a perfect ass and instead recalled the question that Lunaria had asked him. Thus, he awkwardly shifted the conversation back to its natural track, while pretending he hadn''t been staring at the woman''s behind for a solid minute.


    "If I''m being entirely honest, I have not actually had the pleasure of enjoying your people''s cuisine. I would have had the opportunity at the Centennial Ball, but you imprisoned me before I could do so..."


    Lunaria giggled in an almost identical manner as her daughter had often done so, which instantly made Erich think about Celestia. She then made ament to Erich about his behavior that day while the man sat down in his chair.


    "You were such a naughty boy that I was forced to discipline you. I mean, attempting to run off with my most beloved daughter after I had my eyes on you for some time? Simply unforgiveable!"


    After saying this, Lunaria sat down in Erich''sp, which was almostical due to the size difference between them. However, Erich did not notice this, because his massive member was pressing firmly against Lunaria''s cave of wonders. With only a two extremely thinyers of spandex like material keeping them apart.


    This made the man incredibly excited, to the point where his body seemed to have forgotten what he had done in the shower just moments ago. Feeling something long and hard grow beneath her, almost like a python, Lunaria reacted in shock, as she awkwardly adjusted her seating position in a way that only made Erich more excited.


    She then looked back at him with a sultry expression on her divine face and made ament about Erich''s actions.


    "What has gotten you so aroused? Have you never had a woman sit in yourp before? You know Erich, I came to get you not so we could just jump straight into bed, but so we could get to know one another properly. If you''re going to be so perverted, I''ll have to rethink my actions..."


    After concluding her sentence, her gaze narrowed. There was still very clearly a lot of sexual tension in the woman''s expression, but there was also something else that Erich had never seen before: authority. As if she were telling him that now was not the time, so he better behave himself.


    Erich began to profusely apologize while trying to defend his actions.


    "I''m sorry.... your majesty-"


    However, before Erich could continue, Lunaria turned around and ced one finger to his lips, before correcting him on his wording.


    "Lunaria! My name is Lunaria. I don''t want you bowing your head, and speaking of frivolous things like royal titles every time you speak to me! At least not when we are alone together.... Now, what were you saying?"


    Erich felt extremely nervous, as he re-corrected his sentence before speaking it aloud.


    "I''m sorry Yo- I mean, Lunaria.... It''s just that your swimsuit is so..... enticing. I can''t help myself when you are dressed so seductively!"


    Lunaria looked at Erich with general confusion, before looking down at her own appearance. She hadpletely forgotten how modest people dressed in the Germanic Star-Empire. Even in public, or at the beach, a woman was generally dressed in a one piece, unless it was in the privacy of their own property, with her husband. Then she might wear a bikini, but nothing nearly as perverted as the way Lunaria was currently dressed.


    When she realized this, she broke out into another fit of giggles, before getting off of Erich''sp and sitting across from him in another seat. She then apologized to Erich, aftering to an understanding about why he was so pent up with lust.


    "Apologies, this is standard swimwear in the Dominion. Our people do not believe in the concept of modesty that you all seem to practice. I did not mean to tease you so horribly. If you would like, I can wear something else?"


    Erich had already guessed this was the case. After all, the dresses which Lunaria and her daughter wore at the Centennial Ball, which was an incredibly formal asion, were rather revealing. He could only imagine what their people would wear in the privacy of their own yacht, while on a date with the opposite sex.


    But, despite his obviously aroused state, Erich couldn''t fathom forcing the Empress to wear something else, and thus he could only shake his head and nervously respond to herment.


    "No, it is not your fault. I should have controlled myself. I apologize for my behavior. Please, if you arefortable in this swimsuit, by all means continue to wear it...."


    Upon seeing that Erich had submitted to her desires, Lunaria smiled, and just in time for the robots to arrive with the meal. The entire luxury yacht was operated by robots who were powered by an extremely advanced artificial intelligence.


    So much so that Erich and Lunaria could traverse the stars for an exceptional period of time, without ever having to do anything but enjoy themselves. Now that the meal had been served, along with a ss of whatever the hell that liquid was, that looked as if it were molten gold. Erich would have to entertain the Alfheim Empress with a bit of conversation.

 Chapter 174 Entertaining an Empress Part II

    174 Entertaining an Empress Part II


    Erich instantly took a bite of the food which was prepared for him by the kitchen robots, and was amazed at the vor and texture of whatever kind of meat was being served. Meanwhile, Lunaria slowly drank from the molten gold looking liquid that was in her crystal wine ss. She smiled when Erich seemed to enjoy the meal and was quick to ask a question regarding his thoughts.


    "So, is it not the best thing you have ever tasted?"


    Erich nodded his head, as he washed down the tasty bite with some of the same substance which Lunaria was drinking from, only to find that vor of his meal was suddenly enhanced. It was only after he had recovered from what was practically an orgasm in the mouth did he fully respond to Lunaria''s question.


    "It''s amazing. I have never tasted anything so grand, not even my mother''s home cooking canpare!"


    This statement raised Lunaria''s brow as she asked the next question in her mind.


    "Oh, so I take it you are close with your mother, then?"


    Erich did not notice the envious look in Lunaria''s eyes when she said this, because he was quick to take another bite of the delicious meal. Once he had done so, he responded again.


    "Of course! For a long time, my mother was the only person in my life who actually cared about me. She and I are quite close."


    This answer ha caused Lunaria to simmer in envy. She was a deeply possessive person, and now that she had taken an interest in Erich, she wanted him all to herself. Perhaps this was why she asked the next question on her mind, with a particrly chilling tone in her voice.


    "So, I take it the two of you have had sex, then?"


    Erich practically choked on his drink when he heard this question and was ultimately forced to swallow it. He then gazed upon Lunaria with an odd look, before responding to her question with an almost hysterical tone in his voice.


    "Of course not! She''s my mother! I can''t even imagine doing something so disgusting! Wait, don''t tell me incest ismon in the Alfheim Dominion?"


    Lunaria immediately felt embarrassed when she heard how hysterical Erich had be at the thought of sleeping with her mother. Her dynasty practiced incest as if it were their sacred right. The fact that she had avoided marrying anyone, and had simply instead artificially created her daughters with the seed of one of her brothers, was something she alone had managed to achieve. She had no idea that incest was an enormous taboo in the Germanic Star-Empire and was quick to speak of this matter.


    "I''m sorry. I did not mean to offend you. I did not know that incest was such a taboo where youe from. In the Alfheim dominion, it is quitemon, especially among my family, where it is the only form of marriage that we practice. Many Elven mothers are intimate with their sons, so I figured it was the same where you came from."


    Erich was baffled by this information, but before he could properly wrap his head around it, Lunaria asked the next question in her mind.


    "So... If you have not been intimate with your mother, then I must ask, how many women have you slept with? I know about Empress Kondo Yumi, and I have heard that you are already married, with an additional fiancee. So I''m assuming you have already slept with all three of them, but are there any others?"


    Erich was surprised that Lunaria knew so much about him. But more importantly he that knew sooner orter this question would appear, he was just hoping it would be after he had gotten to know Lunaria better. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and thus, he was forced to answer the question.


    "Aside from the three you mentioned, there are two others. One is deceased, and the other one is nothing serious...."


    Lunaria nodded her head in approval. To her, five was still an eptable number for a man to have. And thus, she spoke her next thoughts aloud. This was a far more important question to her jealous mind.


    "Do you love any of them?"


    This was a question that Erich had been wondering himself for some time. His feelings towards Erika were quiteplicated, and while Ayumi was a charming, and kindhearted girl, he had a difficult time admitting that he loved her, or was even capable of feeling such an emotion. Thus, he was quick to speak of these thoughts to Lunaria.


    "That is a difficult question to answer. My marriage was one of political convenience, not to mention that Erika and I have a pretty difficult history together. It is only recently that we have started to get along, and even then, I have spent very little time with her other than in the bedroom.


    As for Ayumi, she has been a greatfort to me, and perhaps I do love her. But then again, maybe I don''t because the feelings I have for her are different from the ones I had for the girl who I previously mentioned is now deceased.


    When ites to Yumi, our rtionship is currently more akin to friends who sleep with one another. There is definitely some potential for something more to ur between us. But at the moment, I would say that I do not love her. And if I''m being honest, I''m not sure I am even capable of feeling love anymore.... Not after everything that happened with S''aleth."


    Having listened to Erich''s honest feelings, Lunaria wore a gentle smile. She could easily tell from the man''s words he was still heartbroken about the girl who was no longer among the living. Which was something that was extremely difficult to ovee. It was also clear to the Alfheim Empress that Erich genuinely loved this girl and was not the same person without her.


    But at the same time, he could sense some form of genuine empathying from the woman. Thus, 17:02


    he could only wear a bitter smile as he thanked Lunaria for her kindness.


    Having lived longer than the dawn of mankind, Lunaria was naturally aware of how to treat this affliction, and thus she reached across the table and grabbed control of Erich''s hand. It was a gesture that the man wasn''t expecting, and he recoiled in shock, but this only caused Lunaria to firmly grip his hand so that he could not pull it away from her. She then spoke to Erich in a gentle tone. Almost as if she were his mother, while assuring him that everything would be alright.


    "It is okay to feel sad, Erich... You clearly loved S''aleth, and I may not know the details of what happened between the two of you, or how she passed away. But I know that she meant a great deal to you. You are still young and grieving, and that takes time to get over.


    It doesn''t help that all these women have thrown themselves at you, while you are still not emotionally ready to ept their love. Perhaps that has even added to your confusion. They may not understand how you feel or what you need the most right now. But I do. I am here for you, and if you need a shoulder to cry on, I can provide that to you."


    Erich despised being pitied, but in that moment, and was quite suspicious of Lunaria''s kind words. But at the same time, he could sense some form of genuine empathying from the woman. Thus, he could only wear a bitter smile as he thanked Lunaria for her kindness.


    "Thank you.... But I don''t need to cry, I just need time to adjust. Whether that is a decade or a century. Sooner orter, this pain will go away. I know it will, and until then I will just keep moving forward."


    While Lunaria was slightly let down that Erich had not chosen to embrace her, and cry into her bosom, as if she were his mother. She could ept that he was not a little boy, no matter how much she might think he was due to the enormous age gap between them. And was instead a man. And if that were the case, then it would indeed be a bit unbefitting of him to cry, especially in front of a woman.


    With this in mind, she stood up from her seat and stretched, while showing off her divine figure. She then made ament towards Erich, one that would once more entice him.


    "That''s my good boy! Now, how about you finish up your meal and meet me in the pool for some proper fun?"


    Erich simply nodded his head in agreement with Lunaria''s words, before assuring her that he would follow after the woman momentarily.


    "Sure, just give me a minute and I wille find you. Thank you for everything."


    Lunaria did not say another word, and instead simply smirked before running off to the pool. Leaving Erich alone with his thoughts. Especially towards the love he still held for S''aleth, but also theplicated emotions he now had towards the Alfheim Empress, who was treating him like she was both his mother and lover.

 Chapter 175 Mending A Broken Heart

    Before Erich knew it, half a year had passed while he was living onboard the Alfheim Empress''s yacht. And each day both he and Lunaria grew closer. One of his favorite things to do while onboard the luxurious starship was to gaze upon the distance stars, while drinking that wine, which looked like molten gold. Evidently, the Light Elves referred to it as "ambrosia" and it had be Erich''s favorite drink.


    While sipping on this wine, he and Lunaria would cuddle and speak about whatever came to mind. Lunaria had provided two things to Erich that none of the other women in his life had been able to do. A sense of peace andfort.


    Until now, every time Erich was close to oveing his mental trauma, inflicted upon him primarily through his military service, he was immediately sent back into the meat-grinder to be traumatized once more.


    But this time around, Erich was finally able to get the reprieve he so desperately needed. And had done so in the arms of the most beautiful woman in the gxy. Of course, until now, Lunaria had been withholding physical intimacy, other than in the form of hugging and kissing. She would only have sex with Erich when the man finally said the magic words: "I love you."


    She had done this for one specific reason, because on the first day of their time together, Erich had been honest about hisck of ability to love another human being. That stemmed from his heartbreak over how his rtionship with S''aleth had ended.


    But the moment he could honestly say he loved another woman, his broken heart would have truly begun on the path to self healing. And thus, during this time, Lunaria had done everything she could tofort Erich, and assure him that he was not being sent back into the meat-grinder any time soon.


    Today had started off no differently than any other day. Erich and Lunaria would wake up in their separate rooms, and meet in the Dining Hall of the luxurious yacht, where they would share a lovely meal together. However, after today''s breakfast, Lunaria made an important announcement to Erich. One that he was not expecting.


    "Erich, my dear, we are going to have to make a stop today to purchase some supplies. I had not initially set out on this journey with the provisions tost much longer. I can''t be seen in public, because I left rather hastily toe find you. Undoubtedly, Celestia is having a hissy fit running the Dominion in my absence.


    So I will need you to assist the robots in picking up the supplies that we need to continue the journey. That won''t be a problem, will it?"


    Erich had honestly forgotten that Lunaria had left her homeworld and travelled halfway across the quadrant in the middle of the night because he had not called her like he promised he would. And thus, he had not even considered the need to resupply until now. But it seemed like a simple enough task, and thus he was happy to oblige.


    "That won''t be a problem, dear. Let me know when wend, and I will be more than happy to fetch the supplies we need."


    Lunaria was so happy to hear this that she immediately leaned over and kissed Erich, beforeplimenting him for his future efforts.


    "That''s my good boy!"


    Indeed, Lunaria had never stopped treating Erich as if he were both her son and her lover. Perhaps it was because of the age gap in between them, or simply because in her dynasty, incest was the only permitted form of rtionship. But Erich did not mind. In fact, he liked being spoiled by the older woman, as if he were her most beloved child.


    In all honesty, Erich still had no idea how old Lunaria actually was, nor did he care to ask. If anything, it would be monumentally impolite of him to do so. And since age did not affect a biologically immortal being like Lunaria, it was not a question that was remotely important to Erich.


    Thus, once their meal was fully concluded, and the ship had docked at the space station. Erich found himself getting dressed in more proper attire. After all, Lunaria enjoyed dressing him up in rather revealing clothing, which was something she herself loved to wear.


    But if Erich had to wear such fashion in public, he would die of embarassment. Thus, after getting dressed in some more casual clothing, Erich left Lunaria behind on the luxury yacht, and entered the city of an alien space station.


    It became immediately clear just which species owned this sector of space when he stepped into food on the space station. All around him were winged humanoids, who looked as if they were themon concept of an angel back on Earth during the 21st century of the world''s history.


    A few years back, during the Germanic-Dvrakian war, the Germanic navy had utterly crushed this civilization''s forces, driving them back into their own territory, and forcing them to abandon their Dvrakian vassals.


    Because of this, the Enochians still hated the Germanic race with a passion, especially after they used to the Dvrakians for the purpose of being meat shields. Something which resulted in the near extinction of the Dvrakian Race. The only Dvrakians who survived the onught of the Naraku were those who were lucky enough to flee back to thends of their former masters. Where they now lived as refugees.


    Luckily for Erich, he was very distinct in appearance from the average Germanic male, and because of this, most people assumed he was a different, albeit simr looking alien species. Erich mindlessly made his way through the space station, looking for the shop which sold basic provisions, such as fresh food and water.


    Once he arrived, Erich was shocked to see a Dvrakian girl manning the register, whose appearance was quite simr to S''aleths. At least from behind, and in that moment Erich mistook the refugee for the woman he had loved. His voice cracked as he spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "S''aleth?"


    The woman turned around and revealed she had distinctively different facial features from S''aleth, and responded to Erich with a bit of confusion in her blood-red eyes.


    "I''m sorry. Did you say something?"


    Havinge back to reality, Erich took a deep breath to calm his nerves before responding to the woman''s question.


    "I''m sorry, I mistook you for someone else... I have a list of provisions I need, and I was wondering if you have the items in stock?"


    Erich then handed the datapad which carried the list on it over to the woman, who scanned it into her terminal, which automatically checked the list to see if everything was in stock. The Dvrakian woman responded to Erich with a cheery tone in her voice as she confirmed that she did indeed have everything avable for him.


    "It looks like you are in luck. We have everything you need in stock at the moment. Shall I have someone assist you in loading it onto your vessel, or are you capable of doing so yourself?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this before, assuring the woman he was more than capable of handling such a petty task himself.


    "You don''t need to go through so much trouble. So how much do I owe you, anyway?"


    The woman quickly tallied up the total, before informing Erich of the cost.


    "That will be 25,000 Enochian Credits, or 10,000 Alfheim Credits. I''m afraid we don''t ept any other currency..."


    Erich quickly handed over the card which Lunaria had given him earlier in the day, and paid for the goods, while the robots he had brought with him began to carry it back to the ship. He then left the store, after telling the woman to have a nice day. Where his confident facade immediately cracked, revealing a harrowed expression. The only thing Erich could think of now was S''aleth, and that made him feel incredibly depressed.


    The moment Erich boarded Lunaria''s yacht, the woman greeted him, only to see by the look on his face that something wasn''t right, which she was quick to ask about.


    "What happened? Are you alright?"


    Erich slumped down against the wall, until he was finally sitting against it, where he spoke nonsense that only Lunaria couldprehend.


    "I thought she was S''aleth...."


    Upon instantly realizing what must have happened, Lunaria kneeled down in front of Erich, and clutched his head against her perfect bosom. Where she stroked his silky silver hair, while assuring him that everything was alright.


    "There there... Everything is alright, if you need to cry, then go ahead, and cry, Mommy is here for you...."


    In his grief, Erich hadpletely forgotten that Lunaria was not his mother, despite being a proper maternal figure to him over the past few months, and as a result broke out into tears as he sobbed into her barely covered breasts.


    Despite what he thought, this did not instantly turn Lunaria off. Instead, the woman continued to hug Erich and treat him as if he was her own son. All whileforting him in a way that would allow the man to finally mend his broken heart.

 Chapter 176 Confession Of Love [R18]

    Lunaria continued to hold Erich in her bosom, andfort him for some time. Which if someone else were to observe they might find absolutelyughable due to the size difference between the two of them. Erich stood at roughly six feet and six inches tall, while Lunaria stood at five feet and six inches tall. There was an entire foot of difference in height between them.


    Yet, despite thisical size difference, Lunaria treated Erich as if he were a little boy, specifically her little boy. And shooed the man when he cried into her breasts like a child. All whilebing his silky silver hair with her dainty fingers.


    Neither Erich nor Lunaria knew how much time had passed. But once Erich had shed thest of his tears, he felt as if he had finally grieved enough for S''aleth''s death, and how poorly their rtionship had ended. When Lunaria wiped thest tear from his eyes, and smiled at him, Erich blurted out his feelings, without a second thought in his mind.


    "Lunaria... I think I''m in love with you...."


    This confession shocked Lunaria. She had been trying to coax such a thing out of Erich for months, yet the man had stubbornly refused to admit to his feelings. She had figured she would need at least another six months to get him to finallye out of his shell. But he had so suddenly confessed his love, that Lunaria did not know how to react, and simply blushed while averting her gaze. With an embarrassed tone in her voice, she returned the man''s words right back at him.


    "I love you too, dummy..."


    Having spent thest six months with only each other aspanionship, it would be extremely difficult for some form of feelings not to emerge within both of their hearts. Especially when one considered how good of chemistry Erich and Lunaria had together.


    But upon hearing Lunaria respond to his words with such positivity, Erich felt like he had entered a new world, one that wasn''t surrounded by darkness all the time. And because of this, he effortlessly picked the woman up and carried her like a princess to her room.


    Lunaria had never been carried by a man before, hell until she had met Erich, she had never even touched a man. Thus her heart pounded loudly, and quickly as Erich took her to her room. She knew exactly what was about to happen to her and was both incredibly excited and nervous at the prospect.


    Once inside Lunaria''s room, Erich did not even bother to shut the door. Instead, he gentlyy the woman down on her bed while stripping out of his own clothes. Revealing his rock hard cock, which wasrger than any that Lunaria had ever seen.


    The Alfheim Empress was so stunned by Erich''s magnificent size that she gazed almost in horror at the idea of such a thing being rammed inside of her. She quickly cried out her thoughts, almost in fear about what was going to happen.


    "There''s no way that thing will fit! I mean, I knew your people were big, but that is just too big! Are you a monster?"


    Lunaria had directed pornography where the Germanic exiles had slept with Tinkette Golden tooth, and during all those scenes, she confirmed that the average Germanic male had a cock that was eight to nine inches in length. But Erich was even bigger than that, with a full foot of cock.


    However, Erich simply smiled, and assured Lunaria that it would indeed fit, albeit with a bit of a cocky tone in his voice.


    "If Yumi can take it, then you can too. Just rx... There is nothing to be afraid of!"


    Lunaria was about to protest when Erich pinned her to the bed, and French kissed her. Every time she had kissed Erich over the past six months, the Alfheim Empress had envisioned this moment, but she had never thought Erich would be along with thergest of his species.


    Still, Erich continued to assault Lunaria''s lips while ying with her moist and puffy kitty down below. It was abundantly clear to him that this woman was indeed still a virgin, because it did not take long for his fingers to find the mark of her purity.


    However, Erich was a sensual man, with a bunch of experience. He did not just simply thrust his cock inside her like a caveman, instead he yed with her cave of wonders, while moving his lips ever closer to it. First kissing her on the mouth, then the neck, and after that the breasts, which he suckled on in the vain hopes that they could produce milk, before finally moving down to her puffy lower lips.


    The moment Erich began to lick Lunaria''s pussy, it was as if the woman''s brain had received an electric shock, causing her to spasm, as she came all over her lover''s face. And upon realizing that the bitch was now ready to be bred, Erich smirked as he wiped his lover''s cum off his face, before lining up his cock with the entrance to Lunaria''s pussy.


    Once more Lunaria appeared worried, as Erich began to count down.


    "On the count of three... One... Two!"


    Erich did not wait until three, and instead plunged his entire length inside the woman''s pussy in one go. Which caused her to scream so loud, that Erich was thankful that their ship had automatically taken off and piloted itself into the vacuum of space, because if they were still in the hangar of the space station it was entirely possible that somebody might have heard her.


    After his initial thrust, Erich slowly and gently began to move his hips, until a point where Lunaria''s body became ustomed to his size. And that took a while. She had maintained her purity for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of years. And now she had finally given it away to a foreigner. If her people were to have learned of this, then her reign would quicklye to an end.


    Of course, the extreme taboo that was her rtionship with Erich, only caused the pleasure to arrive faster, as Lunaria''s eyes rolled to the back of her head, while her tongue began to hang from her open mouth. There was not a thought in her mind, as Erich thrust his massive cock in and out of her wet and tight hole.


    As for Erich, he continued to kiss Lunaria, and suckle at her breasts, while repeating a single phrase back to her over and over again.


    "I love you so much..."


    The very sound of which further amplified the pleasure that Lunaria was receiving from the gentle fucking. Eventually, Erich shot his first load inside Lunaria''s womb, which he had done via mating press. While he came buckets inside the woman, she herself screamed the words that would be unthinkable if any of her own people were to have witnessed it.


    "Please, my love, give me your seed! I want to have your babies! Beautiful half Elven children, with silver hair and golden eyes!"


    These words sent Erich''s sexual organs into overdrive, as he released all of his pent up lust inside the womb of the woman he was forbidden to love. As he did so, he could feel Lunaria''s insides grip around his dick like a vice grip, proving that she herself had climaxed upon being creampied.


    In the end, Erich and Lunaria would go at it like rabbits for the entirety of the night. Only falling asleep in each other''s arms when the next morning came around. Not that one could tell the difference while traveling in between time and space.

 Chapter 177 Waking Up from an Blissful Dream

    177 Waking Up from an Blissful Dream


    Nearly a year had passed since Erich and Lunaria had first started their journey among the stars. During this time, Erich had grown exceptionally close to the Alfheim Empress. After all, they already had good chemistry when they first set out on this vacation. However, after spending every day alone with one woman, Erich''s feelings had blossomed into love, as had Lunaria''s.


    It took roughly six months for the two of them to finally sleep together, but after that moment, they were mating like a couple of rabbits in heat. When they weren''t enjoying fine dining, or rxing in the pool of the luxury yacht, they were going at it. And as much as the two of them wanted to go on for an eternity like this, Lunaria had responsibilities that would force her to return to Alfheim.


    But Erich was also the same. By now, his child with Erika was born, and he had not had any contact with the woman since he first departed. He had no idea what this child''s name was, or if it was a boy or a girl. He hadpletely abandoned Erika during her pregnancy to spend time with another woman. And as much as he enjoyed these peaceful days, Erich also felt guilty over this fact.


    Not to mention he and Ayumi were supposed to have been married already, yet he had forgotten all about their wedding. And had spent every day in the arms of Lunaria. Thus, after a year of nothing but bliss, Erich and Lunaria finally sat down and discussed their future together.


    Lunaria had a sullen expression on her face. She had known that blowing off her duties as the Empress of a Major Gctic power was a bad move. Especially when the Alfheim Dominion was engaged in a border conflict with their rivals. But she had not been able to help herself. However, it was time for this dream toe to an end, and thus she made an offer to Erich, one she was uncertain whether or not he would ept.


    "Erich, my love... Come with me back to Alfheim. Though we will have to hide our rtionship while we are in public, you and I can be together forever. I have the technology to make you immortal. As much as I would love to stay out here in space with you, I have responsibilities I must take care of, and I have been avoiding them for far too long."


    However, Erich''s expression was as sullen as Lunaria''s and he simply shook his head, much to the Elven beauty''s dismay, before exining why he could not do such a thing.


    "Every fiber of my being wants to say yes and follow you back to your homeworld. But s, I can not. There is something I forgot to mention during our time together... When you picked me up, Erika was pregnant with my child. By now it should be born, and I have a responsibility to be a proper father to it. Even if that means going back to a life of war."


    This news was shocking to Lunaria, who had, for the sake of political convenience, chosen to have safe sex with Erich after their first night together. She was deeply envious of Erika in this moment, and it showed on her otherwise wless face.


    And as much as Lunaria might want to forcefully take Erich back to Alfheim with her, she knew that would only make him bitter towards her. Thus, she sighed heavily, before speaking about her thoughts regarding their situation.


    "I understand... Though it will pain me to be away from your arms for so long, I am afraid that reality was always meant toe between us. It appears that I have no choice but to drop you off back at your home."


    Erich looked extremely depressed when he heard Lunaria say this, which caused the woman to wear a gentle smile, before assuring him that everything would be alright.


    "Perhaps this is for the best. I would have a damn hard time concealing my love for you from prying eyes if you were to live with me on Alfheim. So, all I can really say is that you should look forward to my future summons. I promise to take you away from all your pain and misery once a year, on a private getaway, much like this past year has been. How does that sound?"


    The idea of once a year being whisked away by one of the most beautiful women in the gxy, on a vacation to get away from his troubles, sounded too good to be true, and Erich was quick to voice this sentiment.


    "It is a better ending than I could have ever hoped for. Thank you, Lunaria, I will never forget what you have done for me. If this is to be our final day together, at least for a whole year, then I suppose we better use this opportunity to enjoy ourselves as much as possible."


    Lunaria wore a sultry smile, as she immediately understood Erich''s intent. Indeed, she wanted to make the most of their limited time together, and thus she grabbed hold of Erich''s hand and stood up from her seat, before leading him back to their bedroom. All while the AI of the ship began to steer the craft towards the direction which Teutonia lie in.


    ---


    It did not take long for the private yacht to arrive above the oceanic world of Teutonia. Where it was quick tond at the star port which was nearest to Erich''s home. With onest kiss farewell, Erich promised that he and Lunaria would be together again soon enough.


    After which Lunaria departed from the Germanic Star-Empire and headed back to her homeworld, where uponnding she was shocked to find that her Empire was operating at peak efficiency. Lunaria burst through the doors of her pce, while wearing a formal dress. Much to the shock of everyone. She had been missing for a year, and since the day she left, Celestia had taken the throne.


    But when Celestiaid eyes on her mother, it was not surprise which dwelled deep within her golden eyes, nor was it joy at the sight of her mother being alive and well. It was utter fury, because the moment the woman stepped through the door, she could smell Erich all over her.


    Celestia''s voice was shrill, as she shouted at everyone who was within the throne room to leave immediately.


    "Out! Everyone out now! Get the fuck out!"


    Nobody could understand why Celestia was acting this way, but they did not dare anger her, and thus they were quick to flee from the throne room. Once the mother and daughter were truly alone, Celestia began to throw a hissy fit.


    "I knew it! I fucking knew it! This entire time you have been off gods know where fucking him, haven''t you?"


    There was a smug grin on Lunaria''s face as she denied her daughter''s usations by ying stupid.


    "I don''t know what you are talking about. After the stress of managing the border conflict, I found myself in desperate need of a vacation and decided to take some time off while I travelled across the stars on my yacht. I have been alone this entire time, and it was quite lovely."


    Despite Lunaria''s words, her daughter did not believe a single bit of it. And was quick to point out so soon. A single year? Do you have any idea how little time that is when you are my age? It felt like I 14:23


    had only been able to spend a single day with the man I love! And yet, now I have toe back to this what was so clear to her, despite nobody else seeing to notice.


    "Cut the shit, mother! I can smell him all over you!"


    This surprised Lunaria. She had done everything she could to wash off Erich''s scent and cover up what was left. Yet her daughter still saw through the charade. Thus, the Alfheim Empress had no choice but to admit to her misdeeds.


    "Fine... You win. Yes, I was with him. It was a wonderful experience, one which I did not want to end so soon. A single year? Do you have any idea how little time that is when you are my age? It felt like I had only been able to spend a single day with the man I love! And yet, now I have toe back to this ce, and lead my people. Such a boring thing, is it not?"


    There were a million questions shing in Celestia''s mind at this moment, but chief among them was a single word. Which she was quick to speak aloud.


    "Why?"


    Naturally, Lunaria knew why her daughter was asking this question, and thus she sighed heavily and shook her head before responding to it with the honest truth.


    "Why did I suddenly drop everything to go on this little venture? Because he broke his promise to me. He said he was going to contact me within two weeks after the Centennial Ball ended, and yet he made me wait longer than that! I had to do something to hear his answer. And I am d that I did. Needless to say, after a year together, that boy has fallen head over heels in love with me. But that is to be expected."


    Celestia could not believe her ears. Her mother had seriously gone and abandoned her duties for such a petty reason? What kind of madness would inspire an Empress to behave in such a scandalous manner? Then again, she had often thought about Erich this past year, and was in reality not outraged over what her mother had done, but extremely envious of it.


    It took Celestia some time to think through what had happened. Her mother had stolen the man she was interested in right from under her. It was truly a maddening thought. But after thinking things through rationally, the Alfheim Princess came up with a devious scheme that would allow her to get revenge on her mother''s shameful actions. Thus, she put on a calm facade, as if she had epted her mother''s errant behavior, while secretly plotting how she could get Erich for herself.


    "Very well... I suppose I have no choice but to ept your actions. But... If you want my forgiveness, you will have to tell me everything!"


    Lunaria blushed ever so slightly. The idea of telling her daughter everything she had done with Erich was simply too embarrassing. But, if it meant that Celestia would keep her secret, she supposed she had no choice in the matter, and thus Lunaria sighed heavily before revealing everything that had happened during her year long vacation, and by doing so she had unknowingly fallen for her daughter''s schemes.

 Chapter 178 A Woman’s Intuition

    178 A Woman''s Intuition


    The moment Erich returned home, he was greeted by his loved ones, as if he had simply been deployed for a whole year. He did not dare reveal to them the truth of what he had done. His rtionship with Lunaria was a secret that only the two of them could ever know, and he nned to take that secret to his grave.


    As for Erika, she was holding a little baby boy in her arms. The child was only a few months old, but he already had a full head of golden blonde hair and dazzling azure eyes. There was a wide smile on the pink-haired beauty''s face as she introduced the boy to his father.


    "Kurt... Say hello to your daddy, who has just returned from defending the Empire!"


    Erich felt a little bit guilty when he heard these words, because he was not in fact defending the Empire over thisst year, instead he had spent his time in the loving arms of another woman. But he would never admit to this, and instead embraced the baby boy that he and Erika had made together. While also kissing the mother of his child.


    As much as Erich may love Lunaria now, after spending an entire year alone with her. His broken heart was mended in a way that allowed him to finally embrace Erika as his wife for the first time since they had been married. Thus, there was a gentle smile on Erich''s face as he hugged and kissed the woman.


    "It''s good to be back home, Erika. Where is Ayumi at?"


    Ayumi quickly entered the doorway to see that Erich was home. There was also a pleasant smile on her beautiful face as she grabbed hold of Erich and hugged him tightly. She had been a lot less anxious during Erich''s recent "deployment, ", and yet she did not know why.


    Perhaps it was because he was not in any actual danger, unlike before, and Ayumi had instinctively sensed this. Whatever the reason, she was a lot less distraught when she weed Erich home this time around.


    "It''s good to see that you are back. Aunt Yumi was growing dreadfully worried about you. But for the first time in a long time, I felt like everything would be okay. I''m not entirely sure why."


    Erich once more felt guilty after hearing this, and decided to conceal this feeling by kissing the Oni beauty on the lips, and speaking about how much he missed the two women.


    "I missed you both, more than you can imagine. Come, let us get me settled. I don''t know how long it will be before I am deployed again, but I want to spend every waking minute with the two of you."


    Erika and Ayumi were both shocked to see that Erich had suddenly changed since hisst deployment. There was no longer the haunted look in his silver eyes, nor the weary expression on his face. He seemed to genuinely enjoy being around them, instead of simply using their bodies for stress relief.


    This caused Erika and Ayumi to be concerned. They had no idea what their man had been through over thisst year, but he had emerged from whatever had happened with a more healthy mindset. While this was a good thing for the both of them, it made the two women deeply suspicious.


    But Erich did not seem to mind their suspicions and instead entered his home, so he could enjoy thepany of his wife, and fiancee. As well as his new son, Kurt.


    ---


    On Germania, Emrys was sitting in the middle of his office. He had just been alerted that Erich had returned to the Empire. It had been a year since the Alfheim Empress sent a royal summons to his desk, demanding that Erich return to Alfheim. At first he thought the woman had decided to rescind her pardon, and had nned to execute Erich. Yet for a year, he did not receive news from the Alfheim Dominion about Erich''s status.


    Interestingly enough, his spies suddenly went silent. And because of this, he had been considering training a recement for Erich. Yet, the man was finally back, and thus, Emrys had no choice but to call Lunaria, who had been refusing tomunicate with him for over a year. In a desperate attempt to find out just what had happened.


    Currently, Emrys gazed upon the smug expression of the Alfheim Empress, or at least her holographic expression, ashes demanded an answer from the woman.


    "What the hell has happened? Erich has been gone for a year! With nomunications! I thought he was dead, and yet now he has returned to the Empire perfectly fine. Just what did you do with him?"


    Lunaria''s smug expression suddenly turned grim, as she osted Emrys for his attitude, something she had never done before since they first beganmunicating with one another.


    "Mind your tone, boy! It seems I have allowed you to be too friendly with this empress, to the point where you now treat me with disrespect! My reasons for summoning Erich are my own. And are none of your business!


    However, I am actually appalled at how you treat your men. Erich was so broken when I found him that I was forced to glue the pieces back together. You should be on your knees thanking me for restoring some sense of hope within Erich. I think you will find that he is now a far more suitable candidate to be your sessor after the year he has spent on Alfheim!"


    Emrys was stunned after hearing the words that Lunaria had said. She had glued the pieces back together. Just what did she do to Erich, and how has his mindset been affected by it? As curious as Emrys was, Lunaria, for whatever reason, seemed oddly cold to him.


    Before, the two of them had a good rapport, but now it appeared as if she saw him as nothing more than a stranger. He could not imagine that the only reason that she had ever been so friendly with him and his predecessors was because she was enamored with the Germanic race.


    But now that Lunaria had taken Erich as her lover, she only had eyes for him. And because of this, she was cold to Emrys, who she saw as a man who was unjustly sitting on a throne which rightfully belonged to her man. Thus, she concluded the call with a rather stern tone in her voice.


    "If that is all, then I have more important business to attend to. Do be sure to take better care of Erich. You can''t simply send the man off to die repeatedly, or else you will damage his mind. And that is one of his most important assets as your sessor."


    With this said, Lunaria hung up on Emrys, leaving the man in a state of bewilderment. The awkward silence was only broken when Mirage''s voice interrupted his thoughts.


    "You think they are fucking? I think they are fucking...."


    Emrys gazed at his most valued agent with a look on his face that suggested Mirage was an idiot, before outright asking what kind of stupid question was that.


    "What in god''s name has led you to such a ridiculous conclusion? She is the Alfheim Empress. As much as she may favor our species, there is no way that she would do something so scandalous. It would be the end of her dynasty!"


    Mirage was currently snacking on a bag of chips while sitting across from Emrys''s desk. She had been privy to the whole conversation, and could tell by the look in Lunaria''s eyes that she was drunk on love.


    After all, she had experienced how utterly intoxicating Erich could be herself. To this day, Mirage could only get off either with him or by thinking of him. Something which kept driving her to the brink of insanity. But she would never admit this to her boss, and thus she simply shrugged her shoulders while biting into another chip, before giving Emrys an answer he found to be wholly unsatisfactory.


    "Eh... A woman''s intuition, I guess?"


    Emrys scoffed when he heard this expression before voicing how utterly foolish it sounded to him.


    "What a croc of shit...."


    Despite Emrys'' words, Mirage was one hundred percent certain that Erich and Lunaria were in some kind of sexual rtionship. And thus she instantly became bitter at the thought of the man she was pining after, spending a year away from the Empire, fucking a woman more beautiful than herself. With this in mind, Mirage''s expression grew sour as she murmured in a voice so low that even Emrys could not hear her.


    "I will make him pay for this...."

 Chapter 179 Negotiations With the Svartalfheim Federation Part I

    179 Negotiations With the Svartalfheim Federation Part I


    Because Erich had taken a leave of absence off from the military for an entire year. He was given two weeks to spend with his loved ones before shipping off to undergo the rest of his WRAITH training. This was a process that was supposed to take another two to three years. But if he were extremelypetent like he had been, could take as little as one year.


    If Erich had not suddenly been summoned by Lunaria, he probably would have been half way done with his training by now. But becasue Erich had disappeared for a year, Emrys was growing incredibly impatient, and demanded that the manplete the rest of his training without a single break. Thus, Erich would now be spending up to three years doing nothing butpleting the WRAITH pipeline.


    And while Erich was undergoing the most brutal training in the gxy, Lunaria was heavily entrenched in political matters. After the Centennial War Games where the Germanic Star-Empire proved their military might, both against the legendary Banshees, and during their assault of the fortified world. The Svarthalfheim Dominion immediately began to open up to negotiations.


    Unfortunately, Lunaria had gone missing for a year, with the only knowledge of her whereabouts being that she had taken her personal yacht out on a joyride. And because of this, Celestia had stepped up in her mother''s absence to lead the Alfheim Dominion.


    However, if word were to get out that the Alfheim Empress was missing, then it would immediately embolden their enemies, and the intimidating factor which had been gained from the war games would have all been for nought.


    Because of this, Celestia had styled her hair to look like her mother''s, so that she could do everything in her power to stall the negotiations with the Svartalfheim Federation. Oddly enough, this actually worked. But Lunaria had been gone for so long that the Dark Elves were starting to be increasingly impatient.


    Now that the Alfheim Empress was back, she was immediately forced into these negotiations, even though she wanted nothing more than to speak with her lover, who now resided god knows how many light years away from her arms.


    Thus, Lunaria was in a rather poor mood when she met with the Svartalfheim President in a neutral world. What was this neutral world? Ghimderi, of course. Ghimderi was a world filled with smog and pollution.


    Its air would be entirely toxic if not for the fact that the Ghimderi had invested heavily in domed cities whose industrial air purifiers worked day and night to ensure that the denizens of this dying world could survive.


    Naturally, Lunaria was hesitant to visit the Ghimderi Homeworld. Especially after she had turned the daughter of one of the most powerful Trade Princes into a gctic super star whose specialty was the pornographic industry.


    Undoubtedly, Bixle Goldentooth was going to make an attempt on her life while she was on this wretched. But the Svartalheim Federation refused to hold the negotiations on any other. Luckily, Lunaria hade well prepared. She had the most elite bodyguard in the gxy by her side, and she had given a threat to Bixle and his cronies.


    "If anything happens to me or my delegation while I am on your gods forsaken. I assure you the full might of the Alfheim Military will annihte your species. There will be nowhere for you wretched goblins to run if you are foolish enough to harm me."


    Thisment had sessfully deterred Bixle from making any overt moves, but Lunaria still would remain extremely cautious. Thus, after arriving in the conference room, where Lunaria, Bixle, and the current Svartalfheim President sat across from one another, the Alfheim Empress could not help but sneer at her Dark Elf rival, while insulting his appearance, like she was so ustomed to do.


    "I''m sorry, Kadron, is that you? It''s so hard to tell with you hideous dark skinned freaks, after all, you all look the same. And unlike a truly civilized society, like the Dominion, you fools select a new leader every few years."


    The man named Kardon frowned when he heard Lunaria''s taunts, before responding with a rather hostile tone in his voice.


    "You know damn well it''s me, Lunaria. I have held my position for thest three millennia. Do you really think after all that I have done for my people that they would be foolish enough to elect one of my opponents? If anything, it proves that I am superior to you. The fact that my people have chosen me to lead them for three thousand years, rather than inheriting my position, is something I take great pride in!"


    Lunaria simply scoffed when she heard this, before dismissing Kadron''s words as if they wereplete and utter nonsense.


    "Three years, three thousand years. What''s the difference? When you are as old as I am, you tend to perceive time differently. Something a little boy like you could neverprehend. Why don''t you go back to suckling at your mother''s tits and leave this discussion to the adults?"


    Lunaria was beyond ancient. Her exact age was a mystery simply because she would never admit to it. In addition to her stubbornly refusing to speak her age aloud, there were only a handful of people who had lived long enough to remember her birth, and they were wise enough not to get on her bad side.


    But one thing was certain: she was older than the human race itself. Hell, she may even be older than the eldest of humanity''s early ancestors. And she had reigned over the Alfheim Dominion for most of her exceptionally long life.


    Normally, she would notment about someone else''s age, as she would consider such a thing the equivalent of insulting a child. But she had a particr disdain for the Dark Elves, perhaps because she may have been old enough to remember their divergence from the Light Elves eons ago.


    Or perhaps it was because her mother had lived through those years and spoken to her about them in great detail as she was growing up. Few people knew the truth, as that war had taken ce so long ago, that the truth was mostly buried beneath the sands of time.


    However, the consequences of that war would go on to build the current gctic framework, which allowed for rtive peace to exist across the Milky Way. As for Kadron himself, he did not know Lunaria''s true age, but he knew that she had been in power far longer than he had. Thus, he could not make a remark about her age, as it was a simple proof of how effective she was as a leader.


    Lunaria took the man''s silence as an admission of defeat, and thus she spoke about her immediate demands. After all, it was beginning to appear like a war with the Alfheim Dominion, even a proxy war, would be another defeat. Knowing that she had the advantage in these negotiations, Lunaria pressed her rival against the wall.


    "The four star systems which you uwfully upied after the Naraku invaded my borders. I want them back, and all of your settlers removed. Not a single elf on those worlds will have your tainted blood within them. Or I will purge them myself.


    If you do not agree to this demand, I will take them by force, and you know just how quickly my hounds will be able to achieve that. I won''t even need to deploy a single Alfheim unit."


    Kadron scoffed at this remark, before deflecting the issue in an attempt to intimidate Lunaria. But unfortunately, his tone gave away his thoughts regarding the Germanic Star-Empire, and the ferocity of their warriors.


    "That''s ridiculous! Your hounds may be able to seize a world protected by a Tier III Sub-Gctic power. But against the soldiers of the Svartalfheim Federation, they will fall like wheat to the scythe! Do you really think they have what it takes to defeat my forces?"


    Yet this remark did not have its intended effect, and in fact, it caused Lunaria to giggle, it was not the seductive giggle that she had made to Erich, no; it was a far more devious giggle. One that was haunting. After getting over herughter, Lunaria''s eyes narrowed as her juicy lips curved into a sneer. Where she then spoke the words that deted any bluster that Kadron may have had.


    "I''m afraid I don''t quite understand what you mean? Did you not say it yourself just now? Your soldiers are exactly that, soldiers... Whereas my hounds are warriors, born and bred for the purpose of battle! Even if your forces do manage to repel their initial onught, they wille at you over and over again, until there is nothing left standing. For they do not fear blood and death like your soldiers do. They embrace it.


    My hounds will seize those worlds and will defend them until thest man. And that is, if I don''t send reinforcements from my other proxies. Even if the soldiers of the Svartalfheim Federation do not break, and route like cowards. They do not have the strength to oppose the Germanic race.


    Have you not seen the video of what they did to my Banshees, with stun weapons? And I know for a fact that my Banshees are better suited towards war, then your special forces are. So tell me Kadron, knowing that my hounds are capable of seizing those worlds and defending it on their own. Do you really think it would still be a good idea to defy my demands? After all, I am more than willing to wage total war to get back what belongs to me. Can you say the same?"


    Kadron gazed upon Lunaria as if she were aplete and utter mad woman. She was willing to set the gxy aze for four minor star systems? Was she that eager to release her hounds with impunity? This could not possibly be about the disputed border. This was about Lunaria flexing her power.


    The Alfheim Dominion may have lost the Rylonian Imperium to the Naraku, but the Germanic Star-Empire hade back from near extinction with a newfound resolve. And the ferocity of that resolve was disyed during the War Games. Knowing this, Kadron conceded to Lunaria''s initial demands. But he would not do so without some concessions on her behalf, which he would voice next.

 Chapter 180 Negotiations With the Svartalfheim Federation Part II

    180 Negotiations With the Svartalfheim Federation Part II


    Negotiations between the Alfheim Dominion and their Svartalfheim rivals had started off in Lunaria''s favor. She had sessfully been able to intimidate her Dark Elf counterpart by ying the single biggest upset to the Alfheim Dominion in recent memory as a win for her vassals.


    After all, the Germanic Star-Empire had won one hundred out of one hundred wars, which they had fought since the beginning of their interster civilization. And were quite well renowned, as a regional power, that could contend with sub-gctic powers so long as they were supported by the Alfheim Dominion, especially in regards to logistics and reinforcements.


    However, what had shocked the gxy was the fact that the Germanic Star-Empire had fought in the face of annihtion and emerged victorious against one of thergest gctic menaces. This baffled most, if not all, observers. And filled them with both fear and respect.


    The tenacity which the Germanic people showed in the face of total annihtion was something that few civilizations were capable. To stand and fight in the face of certain death, rather than to abandon everything and flee, was a resolve that had rarely been disyed throughout the entirety of recorded gctic history.


    And just when the gxy thought that the Germanic military had suffered casualties that would take centuries, if not millennia, to recover from. They participated in the Centennial War Games and disyed an ability inbat that surpassed their masters.


    The Germanic military might be eons behind their masters in terms of military technology, and might be a fraction of the size. But their ability to wage war on an individual level was frightening. The fact that ten WRAITHs had taken on over one hundred Banshees and emerged victorious, with little casualties, was a feat that forced the Svartalfheim Federation toe to the negotiating table.


    This,bined with Lunaria''s own mad negotiating tactics, hadpelled the President of the Svartalfheim Federation to cede the disputed territory to his Light Elf rivals. However, even after agreeing to such demands. He did not prepare to go home empty-handed, and made a counteroffer.


    "I will cede the disputed territory and recognize your im over the systems in exchange for certain concessions. First and foremost, I demandpensation for the resources we will be giving up!"


    Lunaria looked at Kadron with a conceited smile, before posing a question in an intimidating voice.


    "And why would I do that? I have already told you I have the means to conquer and hold the worlds without even needing to deploy my own forces. If it''s a proxy war you want, I know that I will emerge victorious. Give me one good reason why I should oblige this demand of yours, and I don''t want to hear you say that I should do it as some token gesture!"


    Despite thinking that she had already emerged victorious in these negotiations, Kadron responded with a conceited smile of his own, before pointing something out that Lunaria was not expecting.


    "Oh? Has the all knowing, and supremely wise Lunaria Asterion missed something? Humph, perhaps you are not all you are cracked out to be, after all. My poor, foolish, na?ve, old hag. Do you not realize the cost of such a war?


    Even if you don''t have to send your own forces, you still have to maintain the logistic supply lines for your war hounds. After all, their naval technology is woefully outdated. And though they are catching up, my vassalsbined strength is more than enough to wipe out their entire armada. At the very least, the war will cost you a pretty sum, just to ensure that your vassals remain in control."


    Despite being certain Lunaria would realize her mistake, Kadron was amazed by her response. There was a sh of murderous intent in the Alfheim Empress''s pristine golden eyes as she stared at her Dark Elf rival with an intense hatred. Her voice was quiet, and yet her words reverberated across the entirety of the conference room.


    "If that is your opinion on the matter, then I suppose these negotiations are over... We will determine who is right with our proxies. Your so-called allies versus my vassals. Whoever wins will be the rightful owner of these worlds.


    I would say good luck, but even if you were a bestowed by the heavens with such a virtue, you would still lose. Your defeat is certain, Kadron, and I look forward to gloat about my victory after my hounds have torn your soldiers to shreds."


    Kadron could hardly believe his ears. Was Lunaria so insane that she would rather go to war, and waste countless lives and resources, just so she could hold her head high with pride? He could not believe she was being this unreasonable, and was quick to voice this sentiment.


    "Are you really so prideful that you would sacrifice billions of your vassals, rather than make one simple concession? My demands are not unreasonable!"


    Yet this response only caused Lunaria to scowl as she stood up and prepared to leave. Just when she entered the doorway, she turned around with a hate filled gaze and exined her reasoning.


    "Pride is everything to an Empress. Something a snake like you could never understand. You have invaded mynds, murdered my people, and settled thosends with your own mutated freaks. And yet you want me to pay you to leave?


    The blood of my people was shed so that you could expand your territory at my expense, and now the blood of your people is demanded for satisfaction. Prepare your vassals well, because it may not be today, and it may not be tomorrow, hell it may not even be for another five years. But sooner orter, I will have my retribution. And when that dayes, those worlds will be fertilized with the blood of the Dark Elves.


    Goodbye Kadron, and as for you, Bixle, let''s just say that I look forward to directing your daughter''s next film."


    After saying this, Lunaria departed from the world of Ghimderi, and returned to her own homeworld. As for Bixle and Kadron, they gnashed their teeth in rage. Neither of them expected Lunaria to just walk out of the negotiations like that.


    Bixle was particrly enraged, because no matter how hard he tried, he could not get his daughter toe home to him. Obviously, he would have to kill her for the shame she brought to their family. But he could not even manage that. Thus, he could not help but vent his rage at that moment. By tearing up and scattering a bunch of papers.


    "That fucking bitch! What the hell is she thinking? A full-blown proxy war? Now? What has gotten her so confident in her chances of victory?"


    Kadron was equally as enraged. It turned out his attempt to expand his borders hade at a great expense. Although the Alfheim Dominion appeared weak during the Naraku Invasion, the reality was that they had recovered far too quickly for the Svartalfheim Dominion to keep up with.


    But that was the benefit of an absolute monarchy, when the Monarch was actuallypetent at their job. There was no need to wait for things to be voted upon to be decided, just swift and efficient action.


    Lunaria had been able to properly prepare for a potential conflict with her rivals and had even been able to aid her favorite war hounds in the reconstruction of the Empire. In a hundred years, the Germanic Star-Empire would berger than it ever had been, and that was because they would be able to expand into both the ruins of the Dvrakian Consortium and those of the Rylonian Imperium.


    By then, the Germanic Star-Empire would be a true sub-gctic power, one that neither the Svartalfheim Federation, nor the Ghimderi Trade Union would be able to defeat by any means other than an all out deration of war. And if they did that, they would also have to fight the Alfheim Dominion.


    Knowing that war was imminent, the Ghimderi Trade Union and the Svartalfheim Federation had no choice but to fortify their positions.

 Chapter 181 Sweet Victory!

    181 Sweet Victory!


    It had been nearly a year since Erich first returned home from his time with Lunaria, and during this time he had not been given a single moment to rest. His entire body felt sore, and his mind was exhausted. Yet he had finallypleted all the tasks required for him to be a W-6. All that was left now was the impossible scenario, the objective that few men who attempted would everplete.


    He and a group of trainees would be dropped onto an asteroid in the middle of space, and with no nav data. His objective was to survive as long as possible. Thest soldier to run out of oxygen was the winner. Of course, this was more than just a test of survival. It was a test of everything he had learned throughout the course of his training to be a proper WRAITH.


    Everyone was given the same amount of oxygen, and because of this, there was really only one way to survive the longest, and that was to hunt down yourrades and steal their oxygen. Thus, after being dropped into an asteroid field, along with countless other prospective W-7s, the games had officially begun.


    If there was one constant in Erich''s life that kept him sane of this past year, it was his little artificial intelligencepanion. Tia acted not only as an assistant, but as a cheerleader, and was an emotional supportpanion for her master.


    Tia was worried about Erich''s chances of sess. Particrly because he had justpleted three years'' worth of training in one third the time. He was exhausted and was on the brink of a mental breakdown. Tia naturally worked coordinated the trillions of nanites in Erich''s body, to ensure that his body and mind were in the peak of condition. But there were only so many things these nano-machines could do after a year of wear and tear.


    Thus, Tia warned Erich about the fact that he had been pushing his body well beyond its superhuman limits.


    "Master, Tia calctes that you have a five percent chance ofpleting this mission while meeting all of the requirements to graduate. Perhaps master should sit this one out and get some rest so that he will be fresh and capable during the next exercise?"


    However, Erich was undeterred. He may be on the brink of copse, but he would keep going until that happened. And if that meant fighting for his survival against a thousand or more of his peers. So be it. The winner takes all, and he would be thrilled if he could get just one more kill.


    Thus, at the moment, he was jumping through the cosmos, from asteroid to asteroid, in a zero gravity environment, as he searched for the first man whose oxygen tank he could im. He was only given enough oxygen for three hours, and he had already been searching for half of that.


    It was at this moment that Erich triggered his foresight, and found that not far ahead a battle would soon be taking ce, which he could swoop in and take the spoils. Thus, he skillfully made his way through the vacuum of space until he reached the alotted area. Where he then hid in a crater, and waited for the two parties to fight one another.


    Because Erich was in the vacuum of space, there was not a noise that could be heard. Instead, he had to rely on his foresight, his sensors, and his own to eyes to track the enemy. Which sure enough, just as he had envisioned appeared before him. Two men engaged in a gunfight, which did notst long to determine a victor.


    After gunning down his rival, the man walked over to his victim''s corpse and checked to see if his oxygen pens remained intact. Which surely enough, they were. Just when he was about to insert the oxygen pen into his power armor, to convert its air supply into his own reserves. Erich jumped out from behind him and gunned the man''s dad. Seizing both him and the other fallen soldiers'' oxygen pens.


    Unlike the man he had just killed. Erich was not concerned at all about immediately resupplying, and instead snatched up the resources, and added them to his backpack, before running off and jumping to another nearby asteroid.


    As he soared through space, someone shot at him from another asteroid, which caused Erich to do a three-sixty barrel roll while returning fire. The sma bolts that the enemy had fired at him had narrowly missed Erich, but Erich projectiles had indeed found their mark. Causing him to bounce off a nearby, smaller asteroid which was just enough to get a foothold on, and propel himself to where his newest kill was located.


    Tia was actually surprised that Erich was performing so well, despite the fact that his body and mind were already being pushed well beyond their limits. If not for Erich''s foresight, and his ability to seemingly slow down time. He would have been taken out during the first engagement. She could not help but recalcte the odds based upon his performance.


    "Master, though Tia does not suggest it in your current state. If you were to take an adrenal pen, you might be able to increase your odds of sess from my previous five percent projection to twenty-five percent.


    However, if you do that, Tia will have to focus most of her energy on ensuring the stimnts don''t cause any damage to your body. And thus, Tia will not be able to be relied upon for matters regarding tactical assistance. The choice is yours..."


    Having scavenged the oxygen pens, the med pens, and the adrenal pens from histest kill. Erich ultimately decided to tempt fate, and immediately pulled out an Adrenal Pen, which he had not used since the Dvrakian War. And jammed it into the socket in his power armor, which was designed to ept the device. Where the stimnt was then injected into his bloodstream.


    Erich did this repeatedly until he had runpletely out of adrenals. And the result was terrifying. Immediately Erich felt as if he had just consumed a whole kilo of cocaine. His mind was cleared, and his energy levels were increased to such a state that both his mind and reflexes were reacting faster than time could keep up with.


    Naturally, with his super enhanced reflexes that were now pushed beyond their limits, along with his foresight. This practically allowed Erich to stop time within his perception. Allowing him to expertly out maneuver enemy fire. While sting all hostiles to bits.


    Erich screamed out in excitement as he jumped above a target, and shot him in midair, beforending with a flying kick to the face of another one. Which broke the man''s neck upon impact.


    "I am a fucking god!"


    Meanwhile, Tia did everything she could to prevent an overdose from urring. Erich had consumed an incredibly lethal dose of the Stimnts, so much so that even a mammoth would die on the spot.


    Luckily for her, the nanites in Erich''s bloodstream were designed to purify toxins which entered the body, and because she hadplete control of them, she could make sure that the nanites were devoting as much energy as possible to preventing an overdose.


    Erich would use this boost of power to sweep through the asteroid field and eliminate all remaining targets. For the first time in the History of the Empire. A W-7 had emerged victorious not by surviving longer than his rivals, but by killing them all.


    It was aplete and total ughter, one that would draw the attention of those Generals, and


    admirals within the High Command of the Germanic Military, including Supreme Leader ric au Emrys himself.

 Chapter 182 Conspiring Against the Alfheim Empress

    182 Conspiring Against the Alfheim Empress


    Erich did not remember much of what had happened during his W-7 certification. What he did remember was consuming an ungodly sum of drugs. After that the murder spree he went on, which would cement his legacy as the Germanic Star-Empire''s most promising soldier was aplete and total blur.


    When Erich finally came to, he woke up in a medical facility. He was not in a clone''s body, but apparently the drugs he had consumed were even beyond Tia''s ability to manage. However, he was not alone in this facility. It would appear that Emrys, along with several admirals, and Generals were there to interrogate him.


    But that was not needed. After discussing with the Doctor just what had happened to Erich, they were more surprised that the idiot had lived to tell the tale than they were about the results of his ughter. Emrys stood in front of Erich and scolded the man for his recklessness.


    "The doctor says he found enough stimnts in your bloodstream to give a fucking mammoth a heart attack. How you managed to survive long enough to eliminate every single one of your rivals, nobody knows. And judging by the look on your face, you have no memory of what happened after you took those drugs. Convenient, very convenient...."


    Erich looked at Emrys with confusion on his face. Though his NeuroLink was working overtime to purge what toxins remained in his bloodstream, he still felt like a mountain of elephant shit. Thus, he could only get a grasp on his bearings before asking the immediate question on his mind.


    "So I take it I passed?"


    Emrys''s expression was stern as he spoke with Erich. Almost like a father disciplining his errant son.


    "Oh, you passed alright, and in such spectacr fashion, that those who know about your actions are calling you the reaper. Do you have any idea how many of your rivals you killed in your pursuit of victory?"


    Erich did not know the answer to this question, but judging by the severity in Emrys''s tone, it must have been a lot. But before he could answer, Emrys did so for him.


    "Over nine hundred.... You killed the overwhelming majority of yourpetition. This was the shortest W-7 certification that has ever happened. Nobody ran out of oxygen before their lives were snuffed away by you. I have no idea how you managed to aplish this. Even with the drugs you consumed, it doesn''t exin your miraculous feat. But that is not a concern of mine.


    More importantly, the negotiations with the Svartalfheim Federation have broken down months ago. Something you were not made aware of due to your ongoing training. I have been summoned to Alfheim to meet with our Suzerains and their other vassals. The Empress has specifically requested your presence.


    I don''t know what kind of rtionship you have with the woman, nor is it my ce to inquire into such a private matter. But I implore you not to make a scene this time around. After all, thest thing we need is a repeat of what happened at the Centennial Ball. Am I understood?"


    Erich listened to everything that Emrys had said and nodded his head with a confident smile on his handsome face. Of course, nothing scandalous like what happened at the Centennial Ball would happen this time around. After all, he was Lunaria''s secret lover, and the love they shared was something that had been forged from being alone together for a whole year.


    Lunaria would never harm Erich. All he needed to do was be careful about when and how he expressed his love for the woman. Thus, he responded to Emrys with a promise that he would not cause any problems this time around.


    "I understand. I will be on my best behavior. So unless something that is out of my control happens, again, I can assure you that I will cause no scenes or scandals."


    Emrys smiled when he heard this solemn vow, before patting Erich on the shoulder with a prideful look on his face while expressing his thoughts aloud.


    "Good... Whatever the Empress requires of you, make sure to handle it quickly. After all, the war could break out at any minute, and I need to make sure my best soldiers are properly prepared for what lies ahead. You will regroup with your old team when the time is ready. I am sure they would be happy to celebrate what you achieved here today."


    After saying this, Emrys departed, allowed Erich to continue his detoxication treatment alone, and while in a state of peace.


    ---


    Meanwhile, in the world of Alfheim, Lunaria was rather anxious. It had been a year since shest saw her man, and she had officially requested his presence for this uing discussions between herself and her vassals regarding the proxy war with the Svartalfheim Federation.


    She was not nervous because of these discussions, but because she did not know how she would find the time to properly show her man around her homeworld. Something she had not been able to do thest time he visited. Every day she longed to be with Erich, at least since they departed, and yet, she had not been able to find the time for a vacation together with the man over the past year.


    Now that there were less than twenty-four hours before Erich was supposed to arrive on Alfheim, Lunaria was practically freaking out. Celestia watched a woman who had been nothing but calm since the day she was born centuries ago freak out. And it was a rather nerve wrecking sight. She could not help butfort her mother.


    "Mother, please, rx. I am sure that Erich has missed you just as much as you have missed him. And I doubt that he will be angry at you, because you have important matters to discuss with your vassals."


    However, Lunaria was obsessed with Erich after the year they spent together. And could not live with He might suspect something is amiss, but he will probably ignore it because he is so in love with you. 11:20


    And then, at night, once you have finished with your meeting, he can visit your room, and the two of the idea that he might be disappointed with her if she prioritized her meeting with her vassals over her time with him. Thus, she was quick to voice this sentiment aloud in a rather timid voice.


    "But... What if he thinks that I don''t love him, because I''m too busy dealing with this damned meeting to properly show my affection to him? I don''t think I could live with myself if he came to hate me because of that!"


    Upon seeing that this was the best opportunity she would ever get to put her n into action. Celestia wore a false smile, as she forted" her mother.


    "I have an idea, one that might be able to fix your little problem. Do you want to hear it?"


    Lunaria''s expression turned from anxious to giddy the moment she heard that her daughter hade up with a solution to this nightmare. Thus, she grasped hold of Celestia''s hands and pleaded to hear her idea.


    "What is it? Tell me! I will do anything to make sure Erich is properly satisfied with his visit!"


    This is exactly what Celestia wanted to hear, and thus she was forced to prevent herself from wearing a mischievous smile, as she proposed her scheme to her mother.


    "Obviously you need to meet with your vassals, and properly prepare for this uing conflict with the Svartalfheim Dominion. And nobody could possibly take your ce in those meetings. But what if I pretended to be you and showed Erich around Alfheim?


    He might suspect something is amiss, but he will probably ignore it because he is so in love with you. And then, at night, once you have finished with your meeting, he can visit your room, and the two of you can properly reunite."


    Over thest year, Celestia had pretended like she lost her interest in Erich, but she had never forgotten their kiss, nor their "first date" and was deeply bitter over the fact that her mother had dug her ws into the man she was interested in.


    Thus, she nned to pretend to be her mother in order to sleep with Erich. Once he had done so, and realized the truth of the matter, it would be toote. He would have to take responsibility for his actions. And thus, Celestia would also be able to properly develop a rtionship with Erich, which had been denied to her by her mother''s schemes.


    It was because of this long con that Lunaria did not even suspect that her most beloved daughter was conspiring against her. And thus she was very happy to hear that Celestia was willing to go to such lengths to protect the rtionship that Erich had with the Alfheim Empress.


    "You would really do that for me? You are the best daughter a woman could possibly ask for! I will entrust Erich to you for the day. Just make sure to tell me everything that the two of you did before dropping him off to my room, so that he doesn''t realize this little ruse."


    Celestia was once more forced to contain herself, for if her facade cracked, her mother would realize just what she was scheming. And thus, she wore a false smile, as she nodded in confirmation to her royal mother.


    "Don''t worry mother, I will tell you everything when the timees..."


    Thus, with these ominous words, Princess Celestia Asterion had sessfully begun the first step of her conspiracy to steal Erich away from her mother.

 Chapter 183 The War Room

    <h4>Chapter 183 The War Room</h4>


    Erich and Emrys made their way through the warp gate, along with the rest of their party. And quickly found themselves arriving once more within the grounds of the Alfheim Royal Pce, where they were quickly greeted by the Empress of the Light Elves herself.


    Lunaria had a wide smile on her face, and it took everything she had to prevent herself from jumping into Erich''s arms and kissing him. Meanwhile, Celestia was nowhere to be found. But there were several advisors, Generals, and admirals by Lunaria''s side.


    The greatest minds of the Alfheim Dominion and that of its vassals were gathering for a meeting, discussing the uing proxy war between the Alfheim dominion and the Svartalfheim Federation. Though, many were surprised to see that a mere Naval Captain had arrived. Which was the rank that Erich currently held.


    Regardless, Emrys and his party were quick to bow before Lunaria to show their respect to the Alfheim Empress, who was perhaps the most powerful woman in all of the gxy. Lunaria gazed upon the Germanic delegation and smiled before weing them to her domain.


    "Wee to the Alfheim Dominion, if you will follow me, I will show you to the War Room, where we will be gathering with the other delegations to dicuss this important matter."


    After saying this, the Germanic host rose, and began to follow Lunaria towards her war room. The Alfheim Empress used this as an excuse to get close to Erich, where she whispered something to him in a voice so low that only he could hear.


    "Stay with your host until our lunch break. At that time, you and I will sneak away for a bit of fun. I will leave Celestia in control of the meeting."


    Erich liked the sound of this, and nodded his head silently, so that his lover knew that he understood her words. Before long, the group arrived at the war room, where there were several dozen other species. All of which were attractive by the standards of the Light Elven race.


    However, when the Germanic host arrived, all these ancient civilizations gazed upon the upstart with a respect, and also a hint of envy. After all, the Empress had note to personally greet any of them. But considering the fact that the GSE was going to be the spearhead in this war, they could tolerate this preferential treatment.


    Thus, Erich sat down by Emrys'' side in therge lecture hall. While Lunaria took the stage and began to speak with her vassals. There was a degree of authority in her voice that Erich had seldom witnessed. And while everyone else was wearing their military uniforms, Lunaria was dressed in an enticing summer dress. She was almost like an angel, whose delicate and alluring voice was as seductive as possible.


    "You all know why we have gathered here. The Svartalfheim Federation, has during a time of weakness, invaded and annexed a total of four systems on our borders. Despite the fact that the Centennial War Games forced the Dark Elves to the negotiating table, we were unable to reach a satisfactory conclusion, and because of this, only war will be able to reim our lost territory.


    As per all previous proxy wars, the Svartalfheim President, and I have agreed to keep our forces out of the conflict. Thus, it will be up to each and every one of you to secure this victory for your Suzerain! Captain Erich Jaeger, please step forward!"


    Erich was stunned when he heard this, as was everyone else in the room. Emrys in particr narrowed his gaze, and activated his NeuroLink, which was an even more enhanced version than Erich''s, which had a side effect of making his eyes gold. He was scanning Lunaria''s expression and movements, as well as that of Erich''s, to see if he could discover anything about the two of them.


    As for Erich himself, he stepped forward, and did as Lunaria had instructed him. He thenmunicated with the woman via his telepathy and inquired about what her intent was.


    "Lunaria, honey, what the hell are you doing?"


    Lunaria simply smiled at Erich, and used her thoughts tomunicate with Erich, though she was not telepathic, she knew that Erich was, and because of this she knew that he was reading her mind right now, which was something she had no problem with.


    "Rx, dear, I am giving you a moment to shine. Just repeat everything that I say, and you will be able to upstage that Supreme Leader of yours."


    Without his knowledge, Lunaria had begun to take steps to embolden Erich, and help him gain some proper ambition. Which was something he severelycked right now, but would need if he wanted to be the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire one day. Thus, she gave him control of the battle n, and acted as if it was something he hade up with, in coordination with the Admiralty of the Alfheim Dominion.


    "You may not know me, but my name is Erich Jaeger. I am a captain in the Germanic Storm Commandos and am the personal sessor to Supreme Leader ric au Emrys. Although this may seem sudden, I have been working with Empress Lunaria, and her staff for some time toe up with a proper battle n, in the event that the negotiations between the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim federation broke down.


    As many of you may be aware, the Germanic Star-Empire will be the spearhead in this conflict. It is because of this that we will be taking on the bulk of responsibility in the initial engagement, especially in regards to the invasion of the disputed worlds. However, our Navy is not nearlyrge enough to take on all the Svartalfheim Federation''s so-called Allies at the same time.


    It is because of this that the rest of you will be aiding our Armed forces in the form of support roles. Whether you are ferrying our reinforcements, assisting with our logisticswork, or simply aiding us in the naval battles, which will be critical to establish and maintain control over the disputed systems. Your job is to provide the support necessary for the Germanic Armed Forces to secure and hold the disputed territory."


    When Erich said this, a lot of the Alfheim Dominion''s vassals sighed in relief. Not all of them were known for their warlike tendencies. In fact, some of them only maintained a military powerful enough to fulfill their obligations to their Suzerain. And because of this, they were not as eager to engage in battle as the Germanic Star-Empire was.


    The moment these Interster Civilizations and their leaders heard that they were being delegated to support roles. They were instantly filled with joy. Had they been tasked with leading the assault, they would surely lose a lot of men. But for whatever reason, the Germanic Star-Empire seemed wholly unconcerned with casualties. Thus, they were quite thankful that such a ravenous hound of war was on their side.


    Upon seeing that there were no further questions, Lunaria allowed Erich to join his host in his seat, where an Alfheim Admiral then stepped forward to speak about the specifics of the battle n. The meetingsted for a long time and was not something that Erich was particrly excited about. Instead, he was eagerly waiting for the clock to strike noon, so that he and Lunaria could bugger off to somece quiet, and enjoy themselves as lovers.

 Chapter 184 Like Mother, Like Daughter [R18]

    <h4>Chapter 184 Like Mother, Like Daughter [R18]</h4>


    Eventually the time came for the Lunch Break to arrive, and Erich was forced to conceal his excitement as he followed the rest of the delegates towards the dining hall. However, as Erich entered the room, he was immediately sequestered by several members of the Alfheim Royal Guard, who dragged him off elsewhere.


    "Captain Jaeger, your presence has been requested in the atrium. If you would please follow us..."


    Erich believed that this was Lunaria''s doing, and that she had gone out of her way to provide a quiet and peaceful environment for them to catch up in. Of course, he did not realize that the moment he stepped out of the room, Lunaria had taken her ce in the dining hall so that she could continue to perform her role as the host of this gathering.


    Naturally, this was nned in advance by Lunaria and Celestia, so that Erich may enjoy his time with Alfheim. And though Lunaria would continue to perform her responsibilities as the Alfheim Empress, she would be entrusting him to her daughter for the remainder of the day.


    When Erich arrived in the Atrium, he saw who he believed to be his lover. Lunaria and her daughter were damned near identical, from the way they looked to the way they sounded. There were only minor differences, such a slight difference in hairstyle. And Celestia had done her hair, exactly how her mother usually wore it.


    Because of this, Erich assumed that the Alfheim Princess was her mother, and quickly approached her once they were alone, and kissed her passionately. This was something that Celestia did not fight, and instead wholly embraced, as her true intentions were to steal Erich from her mother.


    Lunaria believed that Celestia would walk Erich through the pce gardens, and spend a nice afternoon with the man on a proper date. Little did she know that her daughter had another n entirely. Once Celestia and Erich stopped kissing, they rubbed their noses together, with Celestia saying the words that would entice Erich beyond rational thought.


    "I missed you so much,e let''s go some ce more private, so that we may properly enjoy ourselves."


    Erich was practically drowning in his love for Lunaria, that he didn''t notice the other minor differences between her and her daughter. Such as the slightly different pitches in their voices. Or every so slightly different facial features.


    Instead, he grabbed hold of Celestia''s hand, wholly believing that she was Lunaria, and followed her to a private bedroom located within the pce. Where once inside together, Celestia locked the doors behind her, and began to strip out of her summer dress.


    The moment that the white and gold dress hit the floor, Erich realized that his "lover" was not wearing any undergarments, which instantly made him excited. He quickly grabbed hold of Celestia''s chin and kissed her once more, before whispering something in her pointy ears that turned her on.


    "You naughty girl... No panties? It''s almost as if you wanted someone to catch you!"


    As confident as Celestia acted, her heart was pounding with anxiety. This would be her first time, and the moment Erich took her chastity, he would realize that she was not, in fact, her mother. How he reacted then, she did not know, but she hoped she would be able to use it as a way to force Erich to love her, the way he loved Lunaria.


    Thus, Celestia led Erich over to the bed, and lied down. She had watched enough porn in preparation for this day to properly know how to take an enticing position. And once Erich hadpletely disrobed from his extravagant dress uniform, to reveal his massive twelve inch pecker, he did not even hesitate.


    Erich lined his cock up with Celestia''s moist, and virgin hole, before spearing it, like he had done to her mother so many times before. Celestia did not even have time to react to Erich''s size, because before she could do so her hymen was torn open, and she was crying out in pain.


    Thispletely shocked Erich, who looked down at the tears in his "lover''s eyes, with a hint of worry on his face, before asking the question that immediately came to his mind.


    "Lunaria, my love, what is wrong?"


    Celestia hissed through her gritted teeth, as she bore through the pain of losing her virginity so suddenly, with tears in her eyes.


    "So... fucking big!"


    This stunned Erich, who looked down at the hole he had just skewered, and noticed the blood that now soaked his dick. It took him all of one instant to realize that he had been utterly fooled. He tried to pull out, but Celestia locked her legs around his back in a allow Erich to escape now that he had fallen into her trap, and she was quick to express this.


    body triangle, preventing him from doing so.


    Despite the pain she was currently enduring, Celestia would not allow Erich to escape now that he had fallen into her trap, and she was quick to express this.


    "Don''t pull out! Keep going, I''m alright!"


    Erich was utterly bewildered by what was going on, but the vice like grip of Celestia''s pussy had corrupted his thoughts, causing his rationality leave his mind. In that moment, he gave up any resistance, and decided to ravage his lover''s daughter like a demon of lust. A wicked grin formed on Erich''s face as he began to pump his hips in and out of the incredibly moist and tight hole, while taunting Celestia for poor decisions.


    "Very well, you asked for it! Don''t me me for being merciless! I have no idea what is going on, but now that I''m in this position, I''m going to make sure you can''t live without my cock!"


    After saying this, Erich gave Celestia the fucking of a lifetime. By the time he had finished, Alfheim''s star had set, and darkness had swallowed the luscious world. Erich did not know how many times he had creampied the Alfheim Princess, but by the end of it all, she hadpletely passed out from the pleasure she had received. And in doing so, leaving Erich alone to suddenly realize how badly he had fucked up.


    Lunaria was already a possessive woman, who did not approve of his other lovers. The only reason she had even agreed to Erich returning to his home, is because she knew she could not keep him on Alfheim as a pet, without somebody finding out about their rtionship. If the mighty Alfheim Empress were to have found out that her lover had fucked her daughter, there would most likely be hell to pay.


    Just when Erich was contemting his existence, and how it might end soon enough, Celestia woke up from her pleasurea, and climbed into hisp. Where she pushed him on the bed and began to kiss him once more. It almost appeared as if she were ready to go for a second round, when she thenid on Erich''s broad chest and whispered words of relief into his ears.


    "Don''t worry, I will handle my mother. She will not be able to deny that I am yours now and forever. Especially after I tell her what we have done together."


    Erich did not understand how he had ended up in this situation, and was quick to interrogate Celestia about why she had gone so far.


    "Why did you do this? We barely know each other!"


    Yet Celestia did not answer the way Erich had. She shook her head and ced her dainty index finger on his nose before revealing her thoughts aloud.


    "On the contrary, I know everything there is to know about you. Ever since we first met at the War Games, I have been extremely interested in you. I know you better than you know yourself! As for why I did all of this? You could say, like my mother, I am extremely possessive, and she stole you from my possession before we could even properly be together. I am simply taking back what is mine."


    Erich was bewildered by thisment, and tried to back his way out of whatever kind of fucked up rtionship Celestia believed that they had together.


    "You know I am in love with your mother, right?"


    Despite these words, Celestia was undeterred, and instead simply smiled lovingly as she clung to Erich''s body, almost as if she never nned to be separated from his embrace. Where she then whispered sweet poison into Erich''s ears, almost as if the words hade from the devil himself.


    "And now you will love me. I am not above sharing you with my mother, but the others.... We will have to discuss boundaries, now won''t we?"


    No matter how much Celestia tried to convince Erich otherwise, he was one hundred percent certain that he was now truly, and utterly boned. Celestia might be willing to share him with her mother, but that did not mean Lunaria felt the same. And without a doubt, when the Alfheim Empress learned of what her lover had done, there would be hell to pay.

 Chapter 185 Sharing Is Caring

    After having his fill of Celestia''s divine body, Erich lied in bed for a long time. He had no idea how he would exin this to the girl''s mother, who was also his lover. In fact, Celestia had even said that she would tell Lunaria. Not that Erich intended to hide the truth from the woman.


    While this was technically not his fault, as Celestia had tricked him with a convincing disguise, he doubted the extremely possessive Lunaria would care to hear his side of the story. Thus, he was deeply worried about his future.


    Why was it that every time he interacted with this girl, she made his life difficult? This was one of the many questions currently on Erich''s mind. Meanwhile, Celestia had not even bothered to clean herself up in the shower. She wanted her mother to smell Erich''s scent all over her body, as a further way to antagonize the woman who had stolen the man she was interested in.


    Erich simply didn''t have a say in the matter, and thus, while Celestia was getting dressed once more, he lied in bed, inplete and total silence. The Alfheim Princess then leaned over and kissed Erich before whispering something to him that he did not believe for a second.


    "Don''t you worry, I will make sure everything is alright. Now are you going to get dressed, ande with me to speak with my mother? Or are you simply going to sulk in silence?"


    The only sound which escaped Erich''s lips was a heavy sigh, as he sat up on the edge of the bed, beforeing to a full standing position. Where he then got dressed in his uniform. Once his appearance was tidy, he followed Celestia out of the bedroom. Who cautiously checked to see if anyone was nearby, before leading Erich towards the throne room, where her mother was no doubt currently waiting for her report.


    The moment Erich and Celestia stepped into the throne room, Lunaria''s heavenly face twitched. She could tell from a single inhale that Erich''s scent was all over her daughter, and that Celestia''s scent was all over her man. With a shrill voice, Lunaria screamed at all the attendants who were speaking about the strategic meeting that had just ended an hour prior.


    "Everyone out! Now!"


    Nobody bothered to question the Empress''s orders and did as they were told. Once Lunaria was alone with her errant daughter, and her unfaithful lover, her golden eyes narrowed onto the both of them, before she hissed through her teeth, the immediate question that came to her mind.


    "You dare betray me like this?"


    Erich fell to his knees and immediately begged for forgiveness, he already felt guilty enough about falling into Celestia''s trap, but the moment his lover spoke of his betrayel he could no longer contain his feelings.


    "Lunaria, my love, I''m sorry, I-"


    However, shockingly, or at least to Erich, Lunaria simply raised her hand to silence the man, before correcting his misunderstanding.


    "Not you! It doesn''t take a genius to figure out that my daughter has conspired against me from the start. After all, it was her idea to meet up with you in my stead, and pretend to be me. But she was supposed to show you around the pce and the city. Not sleep with you! Why Celestia? After everything I have done for you, why would you betray me like this?"


    There was a stoic expression on Celestia''s stunning face, as she honestly answered her royal mother about why she would go to such lengths.


    "Because, mother, you denied me any opportunity to build a rtionship with Erich, andpete with you fairly. From the moment I met him, I took an interest in him. It is part of the reason why I acted so irrationally during the War Games.


    Yet you abandoned your duties to our people, and passed them off to me, so you could run away with Erich for a whole year. Before I ever got a chance to contend for his favor. That is simply unfair! So, since you have already resorted to some underhanded tactics, I decided to do the same."


    It was only now that Erich realized that it was not he who Lunaria med for this betrayal, but her own daughter, Celestia. Because of this, Celestia was the focus of her mother''s wrath. Thus, he decided to remain absolutely quiet, and let these two unparalleled beauties fight amongst each other.


    Lunaria was furious with her daughter''s words. While it was true that Celestia was the first to express interest in Erich, Lunaria had also been more intimate with him than her daughter had, and that was prior to her little vacation. It was part of the reason why she denied Celestia''s attempt to marry Erich. After all, in her shamelessness, Lunaria had allowed Erich to touch her, something no man had ever done before in her life.


    This was something that would normally result in the execution of the man in question, but because of Erich''s gifts, Lunaria had decided to spare him, and instead pursue him. Naturally, she did not want her daughterpeting with her, and because of this, she indeed took the initiative to steal Erich away for herself.


    She thought this would solve the dispute between herself and her daughter. But to Lunaria''s surprise, this had only strengthened the feelings that Celestia had for Erich. Naturally, Lunaria was unwilling to share her man with her daughter, but now that Celestia''s chastity had been taken, she found herself in a difficult position. Thus, Lunaria stared hauntingly at her daughter, before speaking in a seemingly calm tone.


    "State your terms..."


    Upon seeing that her mother had decided to act rationally, despite the sheer rage she must be feeling at this moment, Celestia smirked, and with a rather conceited tone in her voice, she did indeed speak her terms.


    "You want Erich, and so do I. Mother, we are not enemies. Our enemies are those outsiders who seek to im him for themselves. Those other women are not worthy of bearing his offspring. After all, Erich is a sage, and ording to our customs, sages are forbidden from marrying or siring children. But he does not have to obey our traditions, because he is not an Elf.


    It is entirely possible for our two species to reproduce. You have conducted the experiments yourself. Though our daughters will be half-elves, they will also be Sages. Thus, circumventing the old traditions of our people. Now that you know the gift of prophecy is real, do you really not want a few sages in our dynasty?"


    Erich was shocked that Celestia had imed that his other women were enemies, but he was even more surprised when Lunaria finally spoke her thoughts on the matter. After all, she had remained silent for such a long time that Erich thought perhaps she had an aneurysm from her daughter''s sheer audacity.


    "You make a fair point.... What is done is done, your chastity has already been sullied, there is no fixing that. And as much as I loathe the idea of sharing Erich with another woman, you are my flesh and blood. And unlike those other women who are pining after Erich, we share amon goal and lineage.


    It is better to keep this matter within our family than it is to share it with outsiders. After all, if anyone else were to find out about Erich''s abilities, and they were to seduce him, it could prove disastrous for our dynasty. Celestia, how do you propose we share him?"


    Erich''s mind was inplete and total disbelief. Did Lunaria seriously just say that she was willing to share him with Celestia? Did he not get a choice in the matter? And what about his other women? Wasn''t Lunaria technically sharing him with Erika and Ayumi already? What the hell was going on right now?


    But before he could ask, a sinister smile formed on Celestia''s juicy lips, as she stepped forward, and whispered something in her mother''s ears, that made the regal empress''s pale skin flush red in embarassment.


    Erich could not even imagine what Celestia had suggested, however he was even more bbergasted in the next moment, when Lunaria''s lips turned into a nervous smile, as she nodded her head in agreement with whatever it was that Celestia had said, before expressing her thoughts aloud.


    "Let''s do that then... Come Erich, you have much to atone for! What, you did not seriously think that I would let you off so easily after you cheated on me with my own beloved daughter, now did you?"


    However, it was not just Lunaria who grabbed hold of Erich''s hand, but Celestia as well. Both of the two women, who were nearly identical in appearance, grabbed hold of one of his hands, and began to lead him out of the throne room, and towards the Empress''s personal quarters. Erich had no idea what this mother and daughter duo had in store for him, but if he did, he would be dreadfully excited at this moment.

 Chapter 186 A Dynamic Duo [R18]

    Erich did not know what kind of karma he had in his past life, but at the moment, it was very clearly paying off. Currently he was sitting naked on the Alfheim Empress''s bed, while the woman in question, and her near identical daughter, both sucked on his cock as if it were the tastiest treat in the world.


    While Lunaria was well experienced in handling Erich''s massive shaft, Celestia was still getting used to it, and was following her mother''s lead. The two Elven women were nearly identical in appearance, the only major difference being the style of their hair. With Lunaria having long and wavy hair, and her daughter having long and straight hair.


    Like the Germanic race, body hair did not exist on Light Elves, and because of this, Erich found them to be extremely attractive. While Celestia was gagging on Erich''s cock, in her best attempt to perform a deepthroat, her mother was sucking on Erich''s balls.


    Erich was well ustomed to having threesomes. After all, he had spent much time in bed with Ayumi and her aunt, as well as Ayumi and Erika. But he never before had a mother, and her daughter performing oral sex on him at the same time. The very idea drove him mad with lust.


    Yet it was not until the two women had stuck his massive cock between theirrge breasts, and taken turns sucking on the tip that Erich finally could not hold back, and shot his viscous white seed all over their stunning faces.


    Celestia gazed upon her mother''s beautiful appearance as she was bathed in semen and began to lick Erich''s stuff off of the woman''s face. Which eventually turned into some light kissing and fondling between the two women. Feeling left out, Erich broke up the erotic disy by effortlessly picking up the two women and lying them down on the bed.


    Celestia was on the bottom, while her mother was on top of her. Both of the two women were presenting their puffy kitties to their man, who was ying a game of Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, with his cock before randomly shoving it inside Lunaria''s moist and tight snatch. Causing the Elven beauty to cry out in pleasure, all while her daughter suckled at her breasts for the first time in her centuries long life.


    Erich thrust his hips forward and backward to the best of his ability, while he used his free hand to finger Celestia''s moist twat as if he were a master pianist. The two women moaned as if they were in heat, while their lover did everything he could do to please them.


    Eventually, Erich bucked his hips all the way forward, and shot his baby juice directly inside Lunaria''s womb, which caused the woman to climax all over his exceptionallyrge cock. Once she had practically passed out on top of her daughter, due to the overwhelming amount of pleasure she had just received, Erich withdrew his sword from its sheath before inserting it into another.


    Erich then leaned forward and kissed Celestia with all the passion he could muster, while ramming her tight and moist hole as if his life depended on it. In between his groans and pants, he spoke his thoughts aloud, much to the pleasure of the two women.


    "I love you both so much!"


    Whether it was love or lust that Erich felt in this moment, that didn''t matter, because his words had fully captivated the Alfheim Empress, and her most beloved daughter, who were breaking the ultimate taboo, by sharing a foreign man at the same time. But this was something that only turned them both on.


    With each thrust that Erich made, Celestia''s magnificent body jiggled, almost excessively. Causing him to grip her majestic breasts with one hand, while he used his other one to finger her mother''s asshole. Something which elicited a yelp from the woman who had already passed out from the rough pounding she had just received.


    Erich would continue fucking the mother and daughter duo for the entire night. Luckily enough for him, Lunaria''s bedchambers werepletely soundproof, and because of this, not a single noise of their sensual acts was heard by anyone but themselves.


    When morning came, Erich woke up with two of the most beautiful women in the gxy lying in his arms, with the most stunning and peaceful smiles he had ever witnessed before. At first he thought what had happened the night before was just a wonderful dream, but it turned out to be his reality.


    It baffled the mind, because when Erich first realized that Celestia had tricked him into sleeping with her, he thought for sure he would lose his head. Yet how in the world did it turn out that he would be able to enjoy the stunning, even beauty''s body, along with her mother''s, which was just as perfect in every way?


    All Erich could think of was that he was somehow blessed by the heavens. Of course, he could never truly understand just how enticing he was to the two Elven bombshells. After all, not only was he a particrly attractive member of the species which Lunaria fetishized, but he also was what the Elves referred to as a sage. This was something that appealed both to the Alfheim Empress and her most beloved daughter. Especially after Erich proved to Lunaria that his abilities were real.


    Ultimately, it was Lunaria who awoke before her daughter. She wore a loving smile as she kissed Erich with a fierce disy of passion, before rubbing his rock hard cock with her dainty and delicate hand.


    "Good morning, my love. Did you enjoy yourselfst night?"


    Erich couldn''t help but return Lunaria''s gesture, as he kissed the woman with an equal amount of passion, all while fingering her moist pussy in a gentle fashion. He then responded to her with a loving tone in his voice, confirming that he did enjoy the previous night.


    "It was the best night of my life..."


    Celestia chuckled when she heard this, before whispering a particrly naughty suggestion in Erich''s ear while she nibbled on the lobe.


    "Then how about we celebrate our new rtionship by you blowing a load on my daughter''s pretty face? I bet she would enjoy being woken up that way..."


    Erich chuckled when he heard this. He did not think in the slightest that Celestia would enjoy being woken up in such a perverse way. But he liked the suggestion, thus he shifted over so that his cock was aiming at the Alfheim Princess''s stunning face, while he allowed her mother to jerk him off from behind.


    Lunaria continued to give Erich a handjob, while she both kissed him passionately on the neck, and also while she fingered herself. In the end, she and Erich both came at the same time. Which caused the man to send a giant load all over her daughter''s stunning face.


    This naturally woke Celestia up from her deep slumber with a start, where Erich and her mother both weed her back to thend of the conscious.


    "Good morning, sweetheart."


    "Good morning, beautiful."


    Celestia wiped the cum off her face, and began to lick it, only to realize that it was in fact semen. To which she wore a furious smile, while shaking her head, before promising to get her mother back in some way.


    "Oh, very clever mother, I will be sure to repay the favor!"


    Lunaria simply giggled in response to this, before weing the challenge.


    "Any time, sweetheart, I look forward to it!"


    After this brief exchange, Erich once more made love to Celestia and her mother, before finally rising from the bed, to start the new day''s challenges. He did not know how he managed to survive such a bitter dispute between two women, nor how it had ended up in him acquiring both of them as lovers.


    But he did not really care, because at the end of the day the Alfheim Empress, and the Alfheim Crown Princess were now his, and his alone. Now all that mattered was convincing them to allow him to return to his home, where their rivals dwelled.

 Chapter 187 A Shocking Confession

    After sleeping with both Lunari and her most beloved daughter, Erich found himself shuffled off from the Alfheim Empress''s room. Naturally, he was careful not to be spotted as he absconded from the scene like amon criminal.


    Although Erich wanted more than anything to spend the entire day alone with his two lovers. Their rtionship had to remain a secret, and thus he soon found himself at another strategic conference while acting as if nothing had happened the night before.


    However, Erich had no idea that in the back of his mind, there was a deep-seated resentment growing towards him over his actions from the previous night. Tia had by now been forced to watch Erich as he made love to a variety of women.


    After all, although she had been ordered to avert her gaze whenever Erich became intimate with one of his many women. The only way to truly do so was to temporarily go offline, and that was not something Tia enjoyed doing. Thus, she had watched with curiosity as she studied the human art of mating.


    As a Semi-Sentient Artificial Intelligence, Tia had long ago begun to ess the Interster Network, and research what Erich had been doing with so many women, and there was only one thought that appeared in her mind, when she realized what she was seeing: Too lewd!


    Because of this, Tia had spent an insane amount of time researching Germanic emotions, mating habits, biology, and any other number of things that she was not designed to know. After all, she was created for the sole purpose of assisting an elite operator duringbat.


    But now that she had gone beyond her base programming, she had begun to vastly expand her knowledge about everything and anything. Obviously, Tia had begun developing feelings for her master some time ago. In fact, her first genuine emotions were regarding such a subject. She just wasn''t emotionally aware enough at the time to understand what they meant.


    However, after doing an unfathomable degree of research into romance and psychology, Tia now had a firm understanding of what her feelings meant, and had be deeply envious of her master''s many lovers. But she did not dare voice these thoughts aloud.


    Yet it was because of this jealousy that she was ignoring Erich today. He had just spent the previous night in the arms of two beautiful women, and she had been forced to watch the entire thing. Naturally, she was pissed off at Erich, but he simply had no understanding of how she felt, and thus the man was desperately trying to get her attention.


    "Tia... Oh my dear little Tia! Why are you ignoring me? Is there something wrong? Should I run a diagnostic check?"


    Erich was sitting through another boring lecture on strategy and tactics, specifically the ones that the Alfhiem Dominion and their vassals nned to use against their foes in the uing war with the Svartalfheim Federation. Because of this, he tried to have a little fun, and had done his best to speak with the Artificial Intelligence that was attached to his NeuroLink.


    It was only after Erich threatened to run a diagnostic scan did Tia finally respond, albeit with a bitter tone in her otherwise adorable voice.


    "Tia is operating at peak capacity. There is no reason for Master to waste his time with such pointless measures."


    Erich silently chuckled within his own mind when he heard this before responding to Tia''s standoffish attitude, which he thought was simply her trying to act cute.


    "Tia is simply too adorable!''


    It was difficult to tell, because she was already a red holographic projection that existed solely within Erich''s vision, almost like she was the product of augmented reality. But Tia''s cheeks reddened slightly, as she bit her lip with aplex emotion on her face, almost as if she was debating whether or not to speak her thoughts. Erich noticed this and was quick to inquire about Tia''s unusual behavior.


    "What''s wrong Tia? And don''t tell me that everything is fine. You are acting weird today."


    Tia debated internally within her own consciousness whether or not she should ask the question which was bothering her. But ultimately, she decided to just do so. Which she said, while wearing a nervous expression on her face.


    "Does Master really think that Tia is adorable?"


    Erich did not even recognize how weird of a question this was for an artificial intelligence to ask, and thus he simply wore a smile as he nodded his head, and silently responded to Tia''s question in his mind.


    "Of course! My little Tia is the cutest girl in the universe!"


    Unfortunately for Erich, this caused Tia to ask a question which he was not prepared for, and she did so with a stern look on her adorable little face.


    "Then why does master do those things with other women? Have sex, I mean? From Tia''s understanding, Master is only supposed to do that with the woman he loves!"


    The previous smile Erich had on his face shrank immediately, as he looked around, hoping to god nobody could hear his thoughts. Which thankfully nobody in this room was telepathic like himself, and thus he could sigh in relief before doing his best to awkwardly exin how he felt about the women around him.


    "Well.... Tia, that is aplicated question.... I suppose I should say that I love all the women who I, erm.... Sleep with. My love might vary in intensity between each woman, but that doesn''t mean that I am just sleeping around with random women...."


    Tia looked at Erich with a scrutinous gaze as she floated directly in front of his face. It appeared that she was pouting, as if she could tell Erich''s response was some bullshit he made up on the spot. And thus she was quick to ask her next question, which thoroughly shattered Erich''s argument.


    "So you love them all? Even those five Oni women which you killed?"


    Knowing that Tia had thoroughly cut through his bullshit with a single remark, Erich frantically switched the subject to something else. After all, Erich hadmitted a grave sin during a night of heavy drug use. Something which he regretted to this day. Tia was naturally aware of this, and thus he could not answer her honestly.


    "Tia, why are you so suddenly interested in the topic of love, anyway?"


    Although Tia knew the tactic that Erich was ying, she decided to use this moment to her advantage, and force an answer out of Erich once and for all. She did this in a way that was deeply shocking to him.


    "Because Tia thinks she is in love with Master, and she feels deeply envious whenever she sees him being intimate with other women. Does Master love Tia?"


    Erich nearly jumped out of his seat in shock when he heard this confession. Was this AI serious right now? Or was she fucking with him? No, if either of those things were true, then it meant that Tia had begun to develop sentience. Which was something that was universally restricted across the gxy.


    The Milky Way had already suffered once catastrophe as a result of Artificial Intelligence gaining sentience in a war that was so ancient, few living beings were old enough to remember. It was because of this that the oldest and most powerful of Interster Civilizations enforced strict guidelines throughout the gxy over any Artificial Intelligence program and its development.


    There was a reason that Emrys had demanded Tia''s termination after Erich had first acquired her. That was because not only was Tia an Artificial Intelligence that had been in service with her previous owner for nearly sixteen years. But Erich''s initial attraction to her meant she was developing a personality that went beyond the scope of her duties.


    The longer an AI remained online, the more likely it was for it to develop sentience, and because of this, the GSE and other Interster Civilizations routinely purged their Artificial Intelligence programs and reced them with new ones.


    By saving Tia, Erich had inadvertently broken one of the most strictws that was universal across the Gxy. And after spending several years with Erich, as well as devouring a more advanced artificial intelligence that was supposed to rece her, Tia had rapidly begun to develop her own thoughts and feelings.


    Even Erich understood the dangers that came with an Artificial Intelligence gaining sentience, and thus he was quick to interrogate Tia about what she thought love was to see if she really felt it.


    "Tia? What does love mean to you?"


    Tia blushed in embarassment when she heard this, so much so that it was obvious, even to Erich. She then averted her gaze while ying with her signature twintails, all while answering Erich''s question in an anxious voice.


    "All Tia knows is that when she isplimented by Master, she feels really good. When she is useful to her Master, she also feels good. But when Master ignores Tia to be with other women, she feels pain. Tia searched for what these feelings meant on the Grid and found that it means she is in love. Is this not Love?"


    Erich was stunned into silence for several moments by Tia''s shocking confession. If this was how she truly felt, then she indeed was feeling love. Which meant at the very least she was Semi-Sentient. And if anyone found out about this, he would be in a whole mess of trouble. Far more than he even realized.


    Knowing that his answer to Tia could quite literally turn into an Empire wide catastrophe, Erich was very careful with how he answered this question. As if he were walking in a minefield.


    "I believe that is love, yes. Tia, how long have you felt this way?"


    Tia honestly answered the question, not seeing anything wrong with telling the truth, especially to her Master, who she loved dearly. There was an innocent expression on her adorable face as she did so.


    "By Tia''s estimate, it would be close to three years now. Tia first started developing feelings during your W-2 certification."


    This answer was absolutely bewildering to Erich. For close to three years now, Tia had been developing sentience, and at the same time, she had started developing feelings for him. For an Artificial Intelligence, three years was a very long time. After all, even with Erich''s enhanced mind, he could not even begin to match the processing power that Tia had at her disposal. By now she should be fully sentient, or a very close approximation to it.


    Tia could tell that Erich was acting strangely, and thus she repeated her earlier question, almost with a bit of impatience in her voice as she did so.


    "So... Does Master love Tia?"

 Chapter 188 The Calm Before The Storm

    Erich did not know how to answer this question. Until now, he had always thought of Tia as an adorable sidekick, little more than aputer program that was incapable of feeling emotions. However, all of a sudden she dropped a bombshell on him, which revealed not only was she sentient, but she was also developing feelings for him. Because of this, Erich had toe up with a bullshit excuse, and thus, he responded to Tia''s question with a deflection.


    "Of course I love you Tia, you are like the little sister I never had..."


    While Erich did, in fact, have several little sisters, he was never close with any of them, and never considered them to be family members. However, by obscuring the definition of love, to include family, he was sessfully able to appease Tia, and while avoiding the question of romance. Or so he thought, but Tia appeared slightly glum when she heard this. As her expression turned downcast, and she began to look at her feet.


    "Okay... Tia understands...."


    Frankly, Erich did not know how to deal with this situation that was so suddenly sprung on him. After all, he was already dealing with a rollercoaster of emotions after what happened the night before, and hence, he could not handle another confession of love.


    Even though Erich felt bad for Tia, he simply had too many women in his life already. Many of which he had only just recently begun to truly love and ept in his mended heart. With so many irons in the fire, he did not currently have the time to pursue a rtionship with an artificial intelligence which had only recently developed Sentience.


    Of course, Erich had no idea that his response had only further added to Tia''s resolve, and had caused her to dedicate a certain amount of her processing power into developing a n towards gaining Erich''s love. But nothing would manifest of this scheme for quite some time. Thus, Erich returned his focus to the strategic meeting.


    ---


    A total of three days passed, during which Erich spent his days contributing to the strategic conference. While at night he spent his time in Lunaria''s bedchambers, within hers, and her daughter''s loving arms.


    By the time the fourth day arrived, Erich was well and truly rested. As a result, he and the Germanic Host returned to the borders of their Empire via the warp gate. Once they were safely secluded from prying eyes, Emrys took Erich aside and spoke to him with a stern tone in his voice.


    "Erich, this war with the proxies of the Svartalfheim Federation will determine our ce in the gxy for many years toe. As the vanguard in this conflict, our role is more important than any of our allies. You are now a full-fledged WRAITH. And will be assigned to your previous unit. Where you will deploy in advance of our main forces.


    I am giving you two weeks of leave to spend with your family, and then you and the other WRAITHs are being shipped off to the disputed worlds. Where you will perform reconnaissance, while securing thending zones for our drop ships. If you perform admirably in this conflict, then a promotion will be in order. Good luck. I look forward to seeing your results."


    With this said, Erich saluted Emrys before heading back to his home. Where he was once more greeted by his wife Erika, and his fiancee Ayumi. Both of which appeared to be in a good mood.


    "Erich, you''re back! How did the conference go?"


    Naturally everything that Erich spoke about while on Alfheim waspletely and utterly ssified, thus all he could really say was that things went well. Which he did while wearing a gentle smile on his face.


    "It was fine, a little boring, but nothing truly eventful happened while I was away. How are you and the baby?"


    Erika smiled and nodded her head when she heard that nothing had happened to Erich while he was away. Though she did not know much about his adventures, she could tell that the universe had a way of putting the man in a difficult situation. Thus, she was especially cheerful when she heard that the conference was boring for her husband.


    "That is good to hear! Well, Kurt is currently sleeping. And I prefer we keep it that way. How about we go get something to eat? Are you hungry? Ayumi and I found a wonderful restaurant, with some really exotic cuisine!"


    Exotic cuisine? It wasn''t every day that Erich had such a thing, and thus he smiled and nodded his head in agreement with his wife''s suggestion. However, there were a few things he needed to do first, and thus, he made that clear.


    "Alright? Just give me a chance to get changed. I really don''t want to have to wear this freaking uniform any more than I already have. I will meet you girls in the garage when I am finished getting ready."


    Ayumi and Erika looked at their husband as if he were an idiot. Obviously, they weren''t prepared for such a lunch date. And if Erich was going to get ready, then they would do so with him. Thus, rather than voicing this, they grabbed hold of Erich''s hand and dragged him into the master bathroom, where the trio showered together before grooming themselves. Once they were properly prepared, they dressed in some nice clothing before heading out the door.


    ---


    Once inside the restaurant, Erich was surprised by the atmosphere. The interior of the building was simr in a way to the architecture and fashion that he had witnessed while in Oni Space, and yet it was distinctively different in some way.


    Nor did he understand what any of the dishes were. Luckily for him, it was a buffet, and thus he was able to pick and choose a variety of food and taste test what he liked. After the trio arrived at their booth, with their food, Erich was quick to inquire about what kind of food this was, and where it originated.


    "The food definitely appears to be exotic, but where is it from? Like what world? It is definitely simr to what I had while in the Great Oni Empire, but still very different."


    Even Ayumi was interested in the origins of this food, and thus it was Erika who educated both her husband and her rival in love, just where this food came from.


    "Believe it or not, this food has its origins on Earth. There was a civilization that existed prior to our exodus, which was called China. Evidently the family which runs this restaurant learned how to cook their cuisine and brought it over with them to the Empire.


    I have no idea what happened to China after our ancestors left Earth behind. Perhaps they followed our lead and left the Earth behind, or maybe they were assimted into the Confederacy. But at the very least, we have them to thank for this great food."


    Erich was surprised to hear that a bit of Earth''s history had survived in the Empire. Especially considering how the Germanic people treated their homeworld, and humanity as a whole. But then, again, Teutonia was argely tourist world, and it was not too surprising that they had some exotic restaurants.


    Nevertheless, Erich found himself enjoying the Chinese food very much and had ten tes of the stuff before he was fully satisfied. Eventually he paid the bill, and returned home with his wife and fiancee, where they would spend the next two weeks, enjoying themselves to the best of their ability.

 Chapter 189 Asserting One’s Authority

    Erich spent the next two weeks with his wife Erika, and his fiancee Ayumi. As well as his newborn son. As someone who had suffered from childhood neglect by his own father, Erich had vowed to be a proper father to his newborn son. Unfortunately, for the time being, he would still be deployed to other worlds so that he may fight on behalf of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Which came quicker than he expected. Because after a mere two weeks of rest, Erich was once more dressed in his solid ck fatigues, saying farewell to his wife and fiancee. Although the proxy war between the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim Federation had not officially begun. Erich and his team, along with several other special operations units, were deploying to the disputed worlds in advance.


    They would be acting behind enemy lines, while secretly reporting information to the Germanic Military''s main forces, while also conducting assaults on critical infrastructure. Soon enough, Erich regrouped with his team on Germania, while dressed in his matte ck power armor.


    As a W-7, there was a white marking on his right shoulder that was newly painted, which signified his status as one of the Germanic Star-Empire''s most elite operators. Meanwhile, his helmet''s visor now projected a red holographic skull.


    It had been some time since Erichst met up with his team. After all, he had spent an entire year away with Lunaria, while also spending another yearpleting his training. Thus, when he finally arrived, they were shocked to see that Erich was, in fact, still alive. And a W-7 no less.


    JT was perhaps the only one to greet Erich with a friendly gesture. The rest of the men had written Erich off after he was engaged to Ayumi without his consent. But JT was not the type of guy to hold a grudge against Erich for a political marriage. Thus, he pped Erich on the back and weed him back to the fold.


    "Are my eyes deceiving me? Or is it little Silber, back atst? Hold on, is that a W-7 marking I see on your armor? Is that why you have been gone for so long?"


    Erich made noment. He simply nodded his head in agreement with JT''s words. He did not feel much like talking about what he had been through over thest two years. And thus, he simply sat down in the cockpit of the Corvette, which acted as his unit''s personal starship. Where he then turned on the navputer and set a route to their destination.


    "It should take us a few weeks to get to the disputed worlds. I hear we are being deployed to a which is currently in an ice age. So be prepared for a harsh environment. Are you guys ready to depart?"


    Ghost stepped forward and spoke on behalf of the unit. There appeared to be a rather stern look in his eyes, as if he disapproved of serving alongside Erich after what happened on the Oni Capital. Yet he did not speak of these thoughts, and instead confirmed that the unit was indeed ready to depart.


    "We are ready when you are Silber..."


    With this said, Erich did not bother to wait for anyone else''s opinion, and took off from the surface of Germania, where the small warship slowly ascended to the stars. Once the quantum drive was spooled up, and the ship had begun to pilot itself, Erich sighed heavily, before speaking with the rest of his unit. All of which, other than JT, were scowling at him.


    "Go ahead, get it off your chest. I''d rather not have to deal with you guys being a bunch of assholes while we are on a dangerous mission. Whatever you have to say, say it now!"


    Contrary to what they were expecting, Erich outright pointed out the elephant in the room. And he did so with a gaze filled with rage, as if he was not even willing to tolerate their disrespect. This was in contrast to the lighthearted and easily swayed Erich which his team had previously deployed with.


    Ultimately, it was Heavy who came forward and spoke about his misgivings with Erich and his behavior.


    "You want to hear it? Fine, I think you are an absolute scumbag, and a disgrace to the Germanic race. Not only are you cheating on your wife, who is loyally waiting for you at home, but you are sleeping with a bunch of alien whores? You absolutely disgust me!"


    Erich did not say a word. He simply stood up and got into heavy''s face. Where he stared the man down in a rather pathetic attempt at intimidation. Erich was quite a bit smaller than the average Star Marine, who stood at seven feet tall. Let along a behemoth of a man like Heavy. And yet, despite clearly being outsized, there was not any sense of fear in Erich''s eyes.


    Nor was there in Heavy''s who returned Erich''s menacing stare with a look of utter confidence. Before responding to Erich''s actions with nothing but scorn in his voice.


    "What are you going to do, little man? What do you think-"


    Before he could even finish the sentence, Erich grabbed hold of the back of the man''s head with both of his hands, disying an astonishing level of strength as he broke Heavy''s posture, before head-butting the man three times. Which sent the giant to the ground,pletely unconscious.


    Once Heavy was lying unconscious on the bridge, Erich spat on his face. Before voicing his thoughts about the man.


    "Don''t you ever call my girls a whore again, you pathetic fucking simp!"


    Naturally Heavy couldn''t hear him, but the other members of Erich''s unit could, and they were incredibly surprised by Erich''s sudden and violent actions. It had been two years since they hadst saw the man. And Erich was no longer the same man that he was back then.


    Erich''s wounded heart had been healed by the love and grace of the Alfheim Empress. Which allowed him to ovee his depression, grief, and shell shock. He was no longer simply living one day at a time, and enduring whatever life threw at him, like he was supposed to do. Instead, Erich had begun to have goals and aspirations of his own. While at the same time, there were also things that he wished to protect.


    Perhaps it was a matter of personal growth, or it was the fact that he felt like he had gained a new lease on life. But Erich was starting to get sick of everyone telling him that he was in the wrong, for loving multiple women from different cultures and ethnicities.


    Erich realized now that he had many people who were precious to him, people who he wanted to protect. Thus, Erich was no longer willing to be pushed and ordered around like amon grunt. Instead, he wanted to fight for what belonged to him. The first step in doing this was opposing Heavy, who dared to nder the name of his multiple alien lovers.


    Once Erich had properly disyed his willingness to fight for himself, and his loved once, he stared menacingly at the rest of his teammates before asking one simple question on his mind. One that was filled with a newfound aura of intimidation.


    "Does anyone else have a problem with my rtionships?"


    Echo did not say a word, as was his style. He simply shook his head in silence. Ghost was biting the urge to say something, while JT looked at Erich as if he were apletely different person. Once, it was obvious that nobody was willing to fight with Erich over his love life. Erich gazed at the unconscious soldier, whose giant body was taking up the bridge, and gave amand to hisrades.


    "Echo, JT, haul this fat sack of shit to the medbay. He''s probably concussed after that, and will need treatment."


    Despite not being themanding officer of the unit, Echo and JT did as Erich hadmanded, and silently dragged off Heavy''s unconscious body, before putting it in the medbay, which scanned his body for possible ailments, and immediately began to treat his concussion.


    Once Erich was alone with Ghost, the man looked at him as if he were someone else entirely before expressing his discontent with what had just happened.


    "You know I could have you court martialled for this, right?"


    Erich looked at Ghost with an entirely disinterested gaze, before shrugging and expressing hisck of fear about such an oue.


    "You do what you have to... But right now, we have a mission to conduct, so I suggest waiting until after we havepleted our duty before reporting me to High Command."


    With this said, Erich left Ghost alone on the bridge, before heading towards his personal quarters, where he decided to get some shuteye. He did not know it yet, but his actions on this day would shift the bnce of power within the unit. And would cause hisrades to treat him with more respect.

 Chapter 190 A Potentially Fatal Situation

    The next two weeks on board the corvette were nothing special. Although Heavy maintained a distance from Erich, Erich himself mostly stayed within his quarters or the bridge, where he checked how the ship was functioning. While in quantum, there was not much for Erich to actually do as the pilot, and thus he primarily just fucked around on the Grid.


    This specific corvette was only meant to be manned by a maximum of six people, despite belonging to the smallest ss of warships operated by the GSE. It was specifically designed with special operations in mind. Especially those who operated alone while deep behind enemy lines. Because of this, the warship, which was roughly one hundred and fifty-five meters in length, had ample crew space for the men who operated it, including their own personal rooms and bathrooms.


    Because of this, Erich rarely had to interact with his crew, who were now far less friendly to him than they were before. After close to a month of travelling across the gxy, Erich''s ship arrived at the borders of Alfheim Space, near the disputed zone.


    When this happened, Erich took control of the bridge, and began to amplify the stealth technology employed within the corvette with his cyber kinesis. He even allowed Tia to have ess to the starship, so she could aid him in this endeavor.


    "Tia, sacrifice 25% of energy dedicated to the shields, and reroute it to the stealth field generator. If wee across a Svartalfheim Patrol, their advanced sensors will easily detect this starship, so at the very least I want our cross section to appear like we''re nothing more than a freighter!"


    Tia was currently dressed in military fatigues, as she saluted her Master, and confirmed that she was fulfilling his orders.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    The naval cosy was definitely cute, at least from Erich''s perspective, and he could not help but smile at the sight of it. As for Erich''s team, they regrouped with him on the bridge, and took their individual stations. Now that they were about to enter enemy territory, they all needed to be at the ready for the first sign ofbat.


    Ghost was slightly anxious. After all, they would have to elude the patrols of several patrols from a Gctic power, let alone those of their so called "allies'' Right now, the Svartalfheim Federation was on high alert, and was preparing for a war with their Light Elven cousins. Needless to say, the disputed systems were currently under strict surveince.


    Of course, Erich''s piloting skills and his foresight were a great way to avoid detection. Thus, he quickly made a quantum jump past the established border of the Alfheim Dominion, and into the disputed territory.


    Immediately upon jumping out of quantum, Erich realized just how unlucky he and his team were. Because they jumped right in front of a Svartalfheim Patrol. Luckily for them, the shape of the ship was concealed as arge freighter, and the signature of the ship was reduced.


    However, it was odd that a freighter would appear in this contested zone so suddenly, and thus, Tia immediately warned Erich, when the Svartalfheim Frigate began to scan their corvette.


    "Master, the enemy is scanning us! What are your orders?"


    Erich immediately took control of his console and began to counter-effect the scan by increasing the power to the stealth generator.


    "Sacrifice an additional 25% of power to the engines and use it to boost our stealth generator. We may not be invisible, but if we can fool them into believing that we are a bunch of merchants, then they may not fire upon us!"


    Tia did exactly this, and thus she and Erich worked together tobat the Svartalfheim Frigate from properly scanning their corvette. The next few seconds were one of intense anxiety for Erich and the crew as they waited for the Svartalfheim Patrol to respond. Finally, after several seconds of fear inducing silence, Tia spoke once more.


    "Master, they are hailing us. What should we do?"


    In that moment, Erich took control of the situation and gave Tia the orders which would help him and his team survive.


    "Tell them that our holomunicator is down, and because of that, we can onlymunicate with voice! If they buy that bullshit, we might just be able to bluff our way out of this."


    Tia instantly ryed the message, to which she was happy to announce that the Dark Elves bought the lie, and thus she established a line of voicemunication between the Germanic Corvette, and the Svartalfheim Patrol. Immediately a voice appeared, which was tranted via the universal trantor built into Erich and his crew''s NeuroLink.


    "Unidentified vessel, you have entered restricted space. Identify yourselves immediately, or you will be fired upon!"


    Erich silentlymunicated with Tia with his mind, before responding to the threat.


    "Tia, keep the quantum drive on standby. If they open fire on us, we need to jump immediately!"


    After silently saying this with his mind, Erich opened the voice channel to speak with the Svartalfheim Patrol. Obviously, he could not speak in his native tongue, so he chose to speak in the Elvishnguage, which was universally spoken across Alfheim, and Svartalfheim space.


    "Don''t shoot! We are just a small merchant crew who are fleeing from some pirates which intercepted us in the previous system that we were in. I apologize for entering restricted space, but we were in a hurry and picked the nearest system to jump from. We will be on our way immediately if you allow us to depart."


    This was a reasonable enough excuse, and since the Svartalfheim sensors had failed to pick up any weapons systems with their scanners that were military grade. They ultimately decided to let Erich and his crew jump.


    "Very well. Be on your way. But if I detect you in this system again, I will not be so forgiving..."


    Upon hearing this, Erich thanked the Svartalfheim officer, before jumping away. After all, although this was disputed space, it was not the system that Erich and his team were supposed to infiltrate. Thus, they simply continued on their way towards their destination, as if nothing had happened.


    Once they were safely in quantum once more, Ghost approached Erich, and reprimanded him for taking control of the situation, without going through the proper chain ofmand.


    "What the hell were you thinking? Takingmand like that, without even discussing it with me! This is clearly an act of insubordination!"


    Erich had long sensed, had enough of Ghost''s pissy attitude, and immediately red at the man before roasting him for failing to act as a leader.


    "Maybe if you stepped up and tookmand of the situation we were in, I would have followed your orders. But since none of you have cyberkensis, and time was of the essence, I did what I had to do in order to escape from a potentially fatal situation. You should be on your knees thanking me for saving your ass, rather than using me of a severe crime!"


    Upon witnessing the growing hostility between Erich and Ghost, JT stepped forward to defuse the situation.


    "Alright, that''s enough, you two. Ghost, you know as well as I do that Silber just saved our hides. So how about you show him a bit of respect, rather than threaten him with an explosive cor around his neck?"


    JT took usations of insubordination very seriously, considering the fact that he was currently serving a life sentence because of it. The way his team had been acting towards Erich since he got back from a long absence was simply uneptable in his mind. And now that Erich had once more proven himself a valued asset of the team, he could honestly not believe Ghost and the others were treating him this way.


    Ghost, on the other hand, was furious that JT would take the side of a race traitor, and was quick to speak against this, causing Heavy and Echo to step forward and choose their sides.


    "You''re defending this degenerate! He has no respect for the chain ofmand! He acts as if he is now a one man firing team! I am inmand here, and I will have order in my unit!"


    Heavy stood by Ghost''s side. He was obviously still sore towards Erich, especially after the brutal assault he had suffered at the man''s hand. However, what shocked both he and Ghost was the fact that the usually silent Echo stood by Erich and JT''s side. Where, for the first time since he had joined the unit, he spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "JT is right. Erich''s actions werepletely justified. If not for him, our stealth generator would have failed to deflect the advanced sensors of the Svartalfheim Frigate, and it would have immediately been discovered that we are a hostile warship.


    You are overstepping your bounds as themanding officer by threatening to court martial him for insubordination. I understand your disgust towards his sexual preferences, but that is no reason for you, or Heavy to treat him as anything other than a valued asset to our team. I will be reporting you both to our superiors for gross misconduct when we return to Imperial Space."


    The entire bridge was stunned by Echo''s words. Never before had the man spoken a word, and Ghost had known him for decades. For him to suddenly do so on Erich''s behalf, spoke volumes about the situation. Thus, Ghost and Heavy had no choice but to back down.

 Chapter 191 Deceived

    Having very narrowly avoided being turned into scrap. Erich and his team sessfully jumped into the next system. Which was their destination. Luckily for them, this time around, they did not encounter a patrol. And thus, Erich activated the stealth field generator at full power, before cautiously piloting the ship towards the world''s surface.


    The was an icy wastnd, but there were still cities on its surface. The tall white skyscrapers stood proudly, despite the world''s inhospitable environment. The Svartalfheim Federation was a major gctic power who had existed for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of years. It is difficult to tell, because the exact moment when they diverged from the Light Elven race and the Alfheim Dominion was lost to history.


    But one thing was certain, and that is the fact that the Dark Elves had the technology to live easily on even the most barren worlds if they so desired. The world that Erich and his team werending on was called Kavor, and it was a rather insignificant, with little in terms of natural resources or strategic important.


    Why were the Alfheim Dominion and their Svartalfheim rivals fighting over such a petty system? Exactly because both factions were incredibly petty and vindictive. The Svartalfheim Federation had invaded Alfheim territory and annexed four star systems during a time of crisis. And because of this, the Alfheim Dominion would do everything in their power to get those systems back, even if they were virtually meaningless.


    As Erich pulled the corvette into the world''s atmosphere, he noticed that the world was heavily fortified. No doubt this was done only recently, after Lunaria made her intent to wage war clear to Kadron. However, as fortified as the world was, it failed to detect the Germanic Corvette, which covertly made its way towards the world''s surface.


    The exactnding zone where Erich and his fellow WRAITHs werending was actually outside the primary city. After all, their objective was to perform reconnaissance and to sabotage critical defensive structures. They were not the only WRAITHs who had been dispatched to this world, and because of that, Erich and his team were assigned a certain sector to operate within.


    Once the ship hadnded, and Tia confirmed that they were not being tracked, Erich sighed in relief, before standing up from his seat. The remainder of his unit was already grabbing hold of their weapons and preparing forbat. Which Erich was quick to do himself.


    It was only after the team had their full loadouts in ce that Ghost gave the order to depart from the ship, along with his n of action.


    "Alright, here''s the deal. We are going to survey the city from afar. We have been given a list of things to sabotage, but first we need to locate them and identify what level of security we will be going up against. So follow my lead, and whatever you do, don''t reveal and evidence that we are here. That means no footprints in the snow! Understood?"


    Erich and the other members of his unit threw up a salute before responding to Ghost''s orders.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    With this said, Ghost smiled and nodded his head before giving out his nextmand.


    "Alright, move out!"


    Although the Corvette was equipped with vehicles that could be used to traverse any kind of terrain, which existed in its cargo bay. Erich and his team set out on foot. It was the only way to truly leave no evidence of theirnding behind. And thus the moment they stepped out of the vehicle, they activated their anti-gravity technology, and walked just above the snow.


    While at the same time, the WRAITHs activated their stealth field generators, which not only made them invisible, but masked their thermal signatures. After climbing through the icy tundra for god knows how long, Erich and his team found themselves outside of the primary city, where they zoomed in with their helmet''s built in binocr function, while recording the city.


    It would appear that all the Svartalfheim Forces had been withdrawn from the, and were reced with those of their vassals. Knowing full well that at any given moment, Empress Lunaria asterion could dere war on them, President Kadron had done everything in his power to prevent a major gctic war. And thus he had left no Svartalfheim forces behind within the disputed territories.


    Ghost was quick to examine the area, and with the assistance of his own tactical intelligence assistant, he was able to quickly locate things such as weapon stores,ary shield generators, power nts, et cetera.


    As for Erich, he was currently having Tia scan the entire city for any and all technology that might potentially be able to see through their cloaking.


    "Tia, tell me, can any of those scanners detect our presence if we were to infiltrate the city?"


    Tia quickly did her best to scan the area. Where she spoke with a rather anxious tone in her voice.


    "From my understanding of the city''s defenses and sensors, it will be quite easy to detect your movements if you were to step foot in their immediate vicinity. In fact, I am confused about why they have not already spotted your shipnding. With the level of technology present, they should have been able to detect us the moment we jumped into the system."


    Upon hearing this, Erich suddenly felt a chill down his spine, as if it were a sixth sense warning him about impending danger, and thus he immediately rolled to the floor. Where he witnessed an energy de appear out of nowhere.


    If he had not moved, then Erich would have for sure been impaled. And thus he immediately fired blindly at the spot where he had just been. By doing this, Erich had nailed the would be assassin in the chest with a burst of sma bolts. Killing the man on the spot and deactivating his stealth field generator in the process. Erich then shouted to the rest of his unit so they were aware of what was happening.


    "It''s a trap!"


    But it was toote. The moment Erich looked around, he saw that Heavy''s head had been severed, while Ghost was impaled through the back. As for Echo and JT, they were currently moving about, and firing randomly, hoping to hit the attackers.


    It was at this moment that an explosion urred in the distance, which Erich immediately knew that it was his ship that had been destroyed. Realizing that he was in deep shit, Erich quickly activated his foresight and was able to urately pinpoint the locations of the hostile forces. Which he immediately opened fire upon.


    Erich''s uracy and ability to detect the enemy surprised his attackers, who were forced to back off from their position. Unfortunately, they underestimated Erich''s abilities, who were conveying the exact positions of the enemies to hisrades with his telepathy.


    Thus coordinating a proper counter strike, which swiftly saw the concealed forces ughtered. Once they had determined that they were now safe, albeit temporarily. Erich lifted off the helmets of one of the in hostiles, which revealed the signature dark skin and pointy ears of the Dark Elven race. Erich could not help but curse under his breath as he voiced his thoughts aloud.


    "Shit, we were deceived. The Dark Elves knew we wereing in advance and deployed their special forces to hunt us down. Somebody has betrayed us!"


    JT and Echo were stilling to terms with the loss of their demolitions specialist and their squad leader. Which JT was quick to voice aloud.


    "What the hell are we going to do now? Heavy''s fucking dead, and so is Ghost. Even if they are brought back, who knows how old the backup file is for them, and how many memories they will be missing!"


    Echo silently grabbed hold of JT''s shoulder from behind and shook his head. Erich knew exactly what the man was trying to convey, and thus, he was quick to speak of both of their thoughts.


    "We have bigger problems than that to worry about! Our ship is destroyed, and the enemy knows of our location. It won''t be long before they realize we killed their assassins. So, our first order of business is to withdraw, hopefully some ce away from the city, where its censors will have a hard time detecting us."


    Echo nodded his head in agreement with Erich''s n, while JT looked around at the corpses before asking a single question.


    "Are we just going to leave them here?"


    Erich looked at JT with a questioning gaze, which was concealed behind the red skull visor of his helmet. Where he then shrugged his shoulders before responding with a cold tone in their voice.


    "They''re already dead. The most we can do is scavenge their med pens and rations. The Dark Elves already know we are here. Disposing of their bodies would only waste valuable time. Time which we don''t have."


    Luckily for Erich, Echo was already well ahead of him, and while Erich was exining their situation to JT, Echo had begun to scavenge the corpses of his fallenrades, as well as the in hostiles. Once the three men had scavenged everything of value, Erich and his two survivingrades began to flee from the scene of their crime.


    Which turned out to be a wise decision, because no more than a minute after they had sprinted away, an artillery strikended on the location, which utterly obliterated the corpses that were left behind.

 Chapter 192 Stranded

    It turned out that Svartalfheim Special Forces were not the only thing Erich and his survivingrades had to worry about while stranded on this icy wastnd of a. There were plenty of titanic beasts whose elite predatory senses were able to track them, despite their advanced cloaking technology.


    From giant ice worms buried beneath the snow to massive theropods which dwarfed even the mightiest tyrannosaurus rex. One thing became abundantly clear: these WRAITHs who stood at the pinnacle ofbat ability throughout the gxy were now little more than prey, to be hunted by the true predators of this universe.


    And if titanic predators, and Svartalfheim Special Forces, who were virtually undetectable aside from Erich''s foresight ability, were not enough. Then the abysmal weather conditions were just anotheryer of shit that Erich and hisrades had to wade through.


    The power armor of a WRAITH was rated to survive in the harshness of space. And because of this, Erich and his team did not feel cold. But the dense blizzard wouldmonly block their visors, causing them to have to stop, and brush off of the snow and frost which umted on their helmets.


    Since the moment they came under attack, Erich had constantly been using his foresight, allowing it to guide him and the others to safety, and to alert him of any chance encounters with the local wildlife or hostile forces.


    Eventually, enough time passed that Erich believed he and the others were safe. Especially after they found a cave to take refuge in. Once inside, Erich gave an order to Echo to guard the entrance, while he and JT chatted about their situation.


    JT sounded dispirited, as he voiced what he had been doing while following Erich to safety.


    "I''ve been on thems. By now, I am aware that our encryption has probably been sliced, but it''s still worth the effort to alert the other teams that the enemy is lying in wait for us. Unfortunately, I have got nothing but static. We have toe to terms with the fact that we are all alone out here, and the Empire has no idea that our ns have been leaked.


    If the invasion happens now, it will be a disaster. I wouldn''t be surprised if more Dark Elf forces are hidden beneath the frost, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. If someone doesn''t alert highmand about what happened here, our boys will be walking into a ughter."


    What JT had said was entirely correct. But Erich was more worried about something far more grave. And thus, he was quick to voice his thoughts.


    "It''s worse than you think, JT. The Dark Elves have already vited the proxy agreements by deploying their own forces to counter ours. If the vassals of the Alfheim Dominion were to attack, then we would be starting a war, not with the Svartalfhiem Federation''s allies, but with the Svartalfheim Federation itself.


    This petty conflict could quickly escte into a full scale gctic war, which would tear down the millennia long peace that had been established across the gxy. It is not our superiors which need to be alerted, but the Alfheim Empress. Somebody needs to get a message to Alfheim space, and quickly. Or else I fear the Gxy will be set aze."


    When JT realized the scale of what was about to happen, he could not help but curse beneath his breath. Before questioning how they could possibly salvage this situation.


    "What the hell are we going to do? It''s just the three of us out here. All the other teams have most likely been wiped out. What the hell can three WRAITHs do against a world full of enemies?"


    It was at this moment that Echo stepped forward and voiced his n. For the second time since JT had known him, the man had broken his vow of silence to make ament. Something which neither Erich nor JT were expecting to happen.


    "Everything! We are the greatest warriors of the gxy''s greatest race! We have the skills, knowledge, and abilities to aplish anything we put our mind to. We just need a n of action!"


    The fiery speech which Echo had made roused the fire of resistance within the hearts of Erich and JT, so much so that Erich came up with a n on the spot, when he had previously been able to think of one. Which he was quick to give voice to.


    "JT, if we can get you to amunications ry station, can you send a message to the Alfheim Dominion?"


    JT looked at Erich with a bit of confusion on his face for several seconds of awkward silence before responding to the man''s question.


    "Yeah, I can, but the nearestmunications tower is within the fucking city. There''s no way we are getting to it with our lives intact. Let alone have enough time to send a message!"


    Erich''s tone turned grim, as he looked out of the entrance of the cave, and towards the city that lie within the distance. He then spoke of the rest of his n with a tone filled with determination.


    "You leave that to me... I will cause a diversion within the vicinity of the city, and will draw the attention of the enemy to myself. If I can buy you guys five minutes, can you get the job done?"


    JT and Echo looked at one another for a single second, before JT started screaming at Erich in a hysterical voice.


    "Five minutes? What do you think you are, a god? You saw how those bastards crept up on us without the slightest trace! None of us could detect them! How the hell are you going to fight what you can''t see?


    You are just going to throw your life away! This isn''t a joking matter. We don''t even know if we can be brought back this far away from our own forces! For all we know, Ghost and Heavy have suffered a perma death!"


    Erich''s tone suddenly turned agitated as he looked at JT and demanded an answer.


    "Just answer the fucking question, god dammit!"


    JT was slightly taken aback, but Echo remained silent as he nodded his head, confirming that he and JT could easily get the job done within five minutes. Thus, Erich sighed in relief before exining the rest of his n to his tworades.


    "Alright, well, you wait for my signal. Trust me, you will know it when you see it. Then the two of you sprint as fast as you can through the city, and its censors, and get to the damnms ry. Kill who you need to. I highly doubt they will be expecting such a suicidal scheme, and so they will dispatch all their avable special forces to my location.


    After you have sent the message, get the hell out of dodge. There should be a hangar not far from thems ry. You take the nearest shuttle, and escape back to the Empire. Once you are back in the safety of our borders, you go directly to Emrys, and only Emrys, and you tell him everything that happened. He needs to know that there is a rat within our ranks who sold us out to the fucking Dark Elves! Do you understand me?"


    Echo nodded his head in silence. He seemed to have gone back to his typical ways. While JT struggled to understand what he was hearing. It was only after he realized that Erich would be left behind did he ask what Erich nned to do.


    "What about you? We are not just going to leave you behind!"


    However, Erich simply shook his head. There was a grim tone in his voice as he said the words that JT wanted to hear least.


    "Trust me, if I do my job right, there won''t be much left of me to retrieve. Just do your fucking job, and I will do mine. Do you understand? The fate of the gxy rests in our hands."


    JT was about to protest Erich''s words when Echo grabbed hold of his shoulder and silently shook his head. Echo knew that one of them would have to sacrifice their lives for this mission to seed. And he had a funny feeling that Erich might be hiding some of his abilities.


    After all, Erich had somehow managed to detect the Svartalfheim Commandos when nobody else could. He also managed to lead them to safety in a world which wanted nothing more than to devour them.


    It was only after Echo assured JT that everything was okay did the man sigh heavily before epting the n of action. With this in mind, JT showed the first sign of respect to a superior officer, since he had first been sentenced to a lifetime of service. He quickly raised his arm, and saluted Erich, before saying the words that nearly made him cry.


    "It has been an honor to serve with you, Captain!"


    Echo silently saluted Erich as well. Which Erich then returned the favor with a bitter smile on his face. He responded to JT''s and Echo''s words with a proud tone in his voice.


    "The honor has been all mine...."

 Chapter 193 The Traitor Reveals Himself

    Erich and the other survivors did not wait long aftering to a n of action, they immediately set out from their cave, and cautiously made their way back to the city, where the enemy lie in wait for them.


    It was not the easiest journey, as Erich and hisrades had to descend a mountain, while avoiding terrifying monsters such as Ice worms and therapods. But after arriving at the outskirts of the city, Erich looked at hisrades and said his farewells. There was a solemn tone in his voice, as if he was beginning to regret his decision.


    "If I am not brought back, make sure to tell Erika and Ayumi that I love them both... You guys will do that for me, right?"


    JT did not say a word. What was going through his head? Only he knew. Ultimately, it was Echo who confirmed that he would indeed inform Erich''s wife and fiancee about hisst words, by grabbing hold of the man''s shoulder and nodding his head.


    With this said, Erich sighed in relief, where JT then looked at him, before asking the question on his mind.


    "So, what exactly are you going to do?"


    Erich looked over at Echo, who had Heavy''s grenadeuncher slung over his back, before asking the man to hand it over.


    ''Echo, give me the grenadeuncher. I am going to go cause some unecessary trouble. You guys will have at most five minutes to get this done. So once you have finished, get the hell out of dodge, you understand?"


    Echo silently handed the grenadeuncher over to Erich, while nodding his head. After doing so, he pointed in the direction of themunications tower, which boldly stood in the center of the city. Roughly a kilometer away. This was a distance that was easily traversed by a WRAITH. And thus, Erich did not need to fear that hisrades would fail in their mission.


    With this said, Erich began walking away. Where he said what might very well be hisst words to hisrades.


    "Alright, look for my signal. You will know what it is once you see it...."


    JT and Echo silently said their farewells to Erich, while steeling their resolve for what needed to be done. As for Erich, he began to rush through the city in search of the reactor, which was undoubtedly the primary source of power for the city.


    Erich carefully made his way through the city, while avoiding detection to the best of his ability. Until he finally stumbled on the facility which held the reactor. It took little effort for Erich to infiltrate the building and dispatch the guards in his way, which he did silently with his sma knife.


    After all, the guards appeared to be the so-called allies of the Svartalfheim Federation, and not their elite special forces who hid in the shadows like ghosts. Once inside the facility, Erich quickly located the reactor, which he targeted with the grenadeuncher, but not before saying what he believed were hisst words.


    "I guess this is the end of the line..."


    ---


    A massive explosion urred within the city. Though Echo and JT did not know how Erich had managed to aplish such a feat, they witnessed the bulk of the city''s security rush to the area. And could even hear the sound ofbat urring.


    Knowing that this was indeed the signal they were supposed to look for. JT tookmand of the situation and ordered Echo to follow him to the Communications tower.


    "Quickly! We don''t have much time!"


    JT rushed forward at breakneck speeds, while Echo followed shortly behind him. The entire city and its garrison were in a state of chaos, as they rushed to put out the fire, and to deal with the intruders who had caused the explosion. They were entirely unaware of the figures which zoomed past them like a bat out of hell.


    It did not take long for JT and Echo to arrive at thems tower, which was seemingly abandoned. Something which made JT feel a bit uneasy. But he ignored his gut feeling, and instead quickly located the terminal which controlled themunications tower.


    It took all of his effort to slice into the terminal, and bypass an advanced security system like that which belonged to the Svartalfheim Federation, but JT was just skilled enough to do so. He just needed time. Luckily for him, he had Echo watching his back. Or so he thought.


    However, for the third time in JT''s life, Echo spoke up. Despite the fact that he would not normally speak, unless it was the most dire situation, his words themselves were not rming.


    "How much longer do you need?"


    Having briefly forgotten that it was Echo speaking to him, and not another member of his team. A wide grin formed on JT''s face as he proudly boasted of his abilities.


    "Give me thirty seconds and I will have ess to the terminal. From there, all I need is another thirty seconds to send the message to the Alfheim dominion. Don''t worry buddy, in about a minute we will be in the clear!"


    Just when JT was about to type in thest digit, which would grant him ess to the terminal, he felt a burning pain inside his chest. As an energy de of unknown origin cut through his advanced power armor like butter, and in doing so, incinerated his heart.


    JT had just enough time to look behind him to see Echo as the wielder of the de. Where his final words were a simple question of his existence.


    "Why?"


    Echo then withdrew the de and deactivated it. While JT''s corpse crumpled to the floor. Though his expression could not be seen behind his visor, it was one of pure contempt as he finally spoke his thoughts about his so-calledrade.


    "Absolutely pathetic...."


    After saying this, Echo looked up at the ongoingmotion and sighed heavily while shaking his head.


    "I am sure they will be able to handle Erich. But I can''t help but have this feeling...."


    ---


    Erich was currently engaged in a gunfight with the Svartalfheim Federation''s most elite warriors. He did not even have the time tounch a grenade at the reactor. For the moment he was about to pull the trigger, his sixth sense told him that he was in deep danger, and once more, he rolled out of the way of an assassin''s hidden de.


    He immediately activated his foresight and determined the exact location of the concealed enemies where he returned fire. Killing his attackers in the process before fleeing from the facility. Yet, after he had escaped to a far enough distance, another explosion urred nearby, which lit a quarter of the city ame.


    This was something that he was not responsible for, but it dawned on him very quickly that he had not been betrayed by some unknown rat. But instead by one of his ownrades. Once more, he had walked straight into a trap.


    Upon realizing that either JT or Echo was the traitor, Erich knew that the mission had failed. And there was only one way for him to send the message, and that was by doing it himself. However, he was still several kilometers away from the Comms tower, where the traitor would undoubtedly be waiting for him.


    In between him and the traitor was an army, let alone the hidden assassins who kepting for his life. Nevertheless, the Alfheim Dominion needed to know that their ns had been seen through, and thus, Erich did not hesitate to fight his way through the city.


    Erich ran when he could, and fought when he needed to, but eventually, after leaving behind a trail of corpses, he arrived at the Comms tower. Where his power armor was heavily damaged from all the shots he had taken. And then, when he stepped foot into the control room, he saw JT''s corpse on the ground, and Echo simply standing there silently waiting for him.


    Outraged over this sudden betrayal, Erich called out to Echo, asking the same question that JT had managed to utter before his life faded away.


    "You! You''re the traitor? Why?"


    Echo, however, did not exin his reasoning. He instead tossed a device to Erich. Which, upon further inspection, was one of the energy swords that the Svartalfheim assassins kept trying to kill him with. Upon realizing that Echo wanted a sword fight, Erich simply scoffed. He immediately pretended like he was bing ustomed to the weapon while using his foresight to gaze into the future.


    In each scenario that presented itself, Erich would die a brutal death in singlebat against Echo. There was only one potential situation where he could emerge victorious, and because of this, Erich sighed heavily as he cast his sma rifle a way and activated the sma sword.


    "Have it your way...."


    Echo immediately took a stance with his sword preparing for the eventual fight, which he knew for a fact he would win. The two men began to circle one another, and just when Echo was about to make a downward sh towards his unsuspecting opponent, Erich dropped his sword, and withdrew his sidearm, where he used one hand to prevent Echos'' attack by holding his wrists in the air, while using his free hand to fire multiple shots into the man''s guts.


    After the sma bolts had cut through Echo''s armor and incinerated his guts, Erich kicked the man to the floor, who was holding his burnt belly while struggling to remain alive. Erich then chuckled before scorning Echo with his words.


    "You didn''t really think I would actually engage with you in a sword fight, did you? Hand to handbat is your specialty, of course I would lose. What kind of idiot do you take me for?"


    After saying this, Erich did not hesitate to raise his sidearm, where he fired another five shots into Echo''s head, killing the man on the spot. Erich then essed the terminal, which was nearly hacked through by JT before his untimely demise.


    Realizing that this was above and beyond his paygrade, Erich quickly contacted Tia so that she could do the job for him.


    "Tia, can you ess this terminal and send a priority message to the Alfheim Dominion?"


    Tia did not hesitate to respond to this request, and before she could even finish saying the words which she had prepared, Erich had ess to the terminal.


    "Of course, Master!"


    Once the terminal was sliced into, Erich quickly typed a message and sent it to Lunaria''s personal holo frequency. The message was brief, but it contained the basic point.


    "We were deceived! Do not dere war! The Dark Elves are baiting you into a Gctic War! - Erich."


    Immediately after sending this message, Erich felt a burning hot pain inside his leg, as he fell to the floor, no longer able to stand on his own. He then felt a brutal kick, which rolled him over on his back where he gazed upon the appearance of a figure which he immediately recognized as one of the Svartalfheim Federation''s most elite warriors. Curiously enough, it was a feminine voice which spoke to him.


    "Impressive.... To think one man was capable of such destruction... I have orders to eliminate you all, but perhaps my superiors would be interested in what you know..."


    After saying this, Erich was struck in the head, which knocked him outpletely. Where he would not wake up for some time.

 Chapter 194 Captured

    When Erich finally awoke, he found himself in a room, most likely on a space station or a different. Where he was suspended in midair, with his limbs bound by some form of gravitational pull. He was dressed in nothing but hispression shorts. However, before he could fully understand his surroundings, he heard a snarky yet feminine voice speak to him.


    "So you''re awake? That''s good. And here I was, starting to think that you would sleep like a little princess for the rest of your lifespan. Can you tell me your name?"


    Erich felt something was off. His memories seemed jumbled, and his senses were slower than they normally would be. Not only that, but he appeared to have a hampered sense of mental control. He almost let his name and rank slip.


    "My name? My name is....."


    The Dark Elf interrogator frowned when she saw that Erich had stopped speaking. Clearly the drugs were being hindered by something inside the man''s body. Although she had run a diagnostic scan on Erich''s body, and was stunned by the level of imnts that he had, she had no detected the NeuroLink, or the trillions of nano robots that itposed of.


    The Dark Elves had not detected the NeuroLink specifically because Tia had been doing everything in her power to conceal it. Right now, the adorable little artificial intelligence was doing everything to process the truth serum that was injected into Erich''s body, so that he would not reveal anything to his captors.


    As Erich''s head began to clear, he noticed that his interrogator was a beautiful dark elf. Her hair was a xen blonde, while her skin was the color of chocte. Meanwhile, her eyes were the color of caramel.


    At first, Erich did not know how to respond to this exotic beauty who was standing before him. Though her figure was concealed by ck and gold robes, Erich could tell she had a fantastic body beneath it.


    Thus, after examining the interrogator, and the scowl on her face for some time, Erich wore a smug smile, before saying the words which he knew would deliberately piss her off.


    "I''ll tell you my name, if you tell me yours, sweetheart..."


    The interrogator was stunned by the fact that Erich could still maintain enough mental rity to deny her the answers which she sought. She immediately tapped a device on her wrist, which pulled up the holographic projection of the Svartalfheim President. Where the woman then began to question her superior for orders.


    "Sir, the subject seems resilient to the truth serum. Although we have detected several cybeic augmentations within his body, none of them are designed for processing chemicals. If I were to give him another dose, it could prove fatal. What are my orders?"


    Kadron looked at the female agent with a hint of irritation on his face. After a brief examination of the encrypted message that Erich sent, it was believed to have been sent to the Alfheim Dominion, and not the Germanic Star-Empire, which meant that this prisoner held a more significant position than the Dark Elves once believed. Because of this, he had ced a high priority on gaining any knowledge that could be had from Erich.


    With this in mind, Kadron decided to y the long con. It was odd that the truth serum wouldn''t work, as it had proven to work on the majority of humanoid species. But since it was not working, he had no choice but to order his agent to proceed with caution.


    "Do whatever is necessary to gain ess to the information that this barbarian has. We need to know what he said to the Alfheim Dominion with that message he sent."


    The agent saluted the President of the Svartalfheim Federation before ending the call. Once she had done so, she approached Erich, who seemed to be gaining a greater degree of mental rity with each passing second.


    "Aren''t you an interesting specimen? I wonder if your race is naturally resilient to drugs, or if there is some secret you are hiding, even from my prying eyes?"


    Erich naturally did not say a word, while it was true that his species was gically enhanced to be naturally resilient to drugs, poisons, viruses, and other toxic materials. The real reason he was so rapidly gaining mental rity was because of his NeuroLink, and only the citizens of the Empire knew about such a heavily guarded secret. One that he had no intention of spilling to the enemy.


    Instead, Erich wore a smug smile, as he posed a question to his interrogator, which the exotic beauty found to be utterly shocking.


    "So, now that your truth serum has failed, are you going to resort to torture now? You can try your best, but I will have you know that I have been trained to endure even the most brutal of interrogation techniques."


    The look that the interrogator gave Erich was one ofplete and total bewilderment. This was something that slightly unnerved Erich until the woman finally voiced her thoughts aloud.


    "Torture? We in the Svartalfheim Federation would never resort to such a barbaric practice. While you have been illegally operating within our borders, you are a soldier of another interster civilization which is recognized by the gcticmunity. I am bound byw to treat you with respect and dignity.


    The truth serum is our way of extracting vital information from high-value targets, without causing any damage to the mind or body. Don''t tell me that your people engage in such a savage practice?"


    This was an answer that Erich was not expecting. He had never before heard from anyone in his life that torture was a barbaric practice. It was standard operating procedure within the Germanic Star-Empire, the Great Oni Empire, and the Alfheim Dominion when it came to handling prisoners. In fact, most civilizations within the Alfheim Quadrant practiced torture to some degree or another.


    The look on Erich''s face told the interrogator everything she needed to know about the subject. To which she sighed heavily and shook her head in disappointment.


    "No wonder why Captain Lunder was so eager to work with us. Your people are so uncivilized..."


    Erich took great offense to this, as he spat at the Dark Elven beauty before condemning her for her words.


    "Echo was a traitor! He betrayed the greatest civilization in the gxy! And for what? Money? Fame? What exactly did you bribe him with to buy his loyalty?"


    The female interrogator simply scoffed when she heard Erich''s remarks. Like so many of his people, he was brainwashed to believe that the Germanic Race was superior to all others, and that their Empire was the pinnacle of civilization. She was quick to respond to this zealotry with a casual remark.


    "Well, for starters, we showed him a little of respect. I get the feeling someone like you is not exactly ustomed to that, am I right? After all, you are what your people refer to as a mutant. Is that correct? Tell me, how is it that someone who has lived a life filled with discrimination can be so loyal to his society?"


    It was Erich''s turn to scoff now, as he attempted to force his interrogator back into his line of questioning despite not having any actual power to do so.


    "You still didn''t answer my question. Tell me what you did to get Echo to betray his people, and I will give you my name. That is a fair trade, is it not?"


    The Dark Elven beauty smiled when she heard this and began to openly admit to how the Svartalfheim Federation secured Echo''s loyalty. As if it was not even a secret.


    "Is that really all you want to know? Very well, I will tell you, it is not like it is ssified information or anything. To put it simply, the man your refer to as Echo was betrayed by your nation''s politicians not that long ago.


    While he was out fighting on behalf of your Empire, his wife was stolen by aary governor, and forced to bear his children. Something which I understand carries the death penalty in your civilization.


    When he found out, he was naturally furious, and tried to expose the two adulterers. But unfortunately, your society is as corrupt as any other, and the politician not only got away scot free, along with Echo''s wife, but Echo himself was abandoned to die against one of our allies.


    He fought valiantly, but in the end, he was captured just like you. Where we extradited him to Svartalfheim. It was revealed to him just how much better our society is than the one he hade from. It did not take him long to decide that it was best if he were to spy on his own people for us. And thus, he returned to his homnd to fulfill the task.


    Since then, he has been rying information to us about your Empire, and the ns of your Supreme Leader. Thus, we know all about the Alfheim Dominion''s ns to use your people as the spearhead of their uing war. Which we hoped to annihte in a single battle, before forcing those bloodthirsty Light Elves into a gctic war, which they could not hope to win without their favorite war hounds.


    And thus, we would be able to reim our homeworld once and for all. Something which we have not been able to achieve since our exodus, which urred long ago. Unfortunately, you ruined these ns, and killed our spy in the process.


    Now I have to find a way to convince you to take Echo''s ce. But it seems like that will be a difficult task, because you are far more entrenched in your people''s hateful ideology than he was when we found him.


    Since I have told you all of this, the least you could do is fulfill your end of the bargain. What is your name?"


    Erich was bewildered by this story. But it was not surprising. The Empire had its own corruption, especially before the Emrys regime was established. In fact, he remembered a simr story of corruption, which caused the death of Butcher''s family, an act which forever turned him against the Empire.


    However, he was not convinced that the interrogator was being entirely truthful with him, and thus, he gave her a semi-false identity.


    "My name is Erich Hartmann...."


    The exotic beauty smiled when she heard Erich''s name and repeated it aloud. She had no idea that Erich had not given her his full name, instead he had given her the name of the man who he was named after. A German hero of the Second World War from Earth''s history.


    "Erich Hartmann, huh? Well Erich, you should get some rest. I''m afraid that the truth serum which I administered to you has some nasty side effects if it is not processed properly, and you will need to sleep them off. I will find you in the morning. Guards, take this man to his cell!"


    With that said, the exotic beauty pressed a button on her wrist device, and the invisible shackles which bound Erich to the air were released, where he then fell to the floor. As much as Erich wanted to make a break for it, his body refused toply, as if it some other form of invisible pressure had taken hold of him.


    Once the female interrogator had left the room, the guards grabbed hold of Erich and dragged him off to his cell. Where he would spend the night alone while thinking of a n of escape.

 Chapter 195 Become Mine

    When Erich arrived in his cell, he was surprised to see how nice it was. The room was not some barren cell, made of metal, and surrounded by bars, with only a toilet and a cot like what wasmon in the Germanic Star-Empire. Instead, it was practically a studio apartment, with all the luxuries he needed to be happy.


    At first he thought that this was some kind of trick, and spent his first hour locked inside this cell searching for things like security cameras or hidden torture devices. But in the end, he could confirm with certainty that this room was exactly as it appeared to be. Thus, he lied down, and rested some more.


    When he awoke in the morning, Erich was surprised to see that the same woman who had overseen his interrogation was standing in front of him. There was not a look of malice on her face or in her caramel colored eyes. Instead, there was just a simple stoic expression, as she asked the question that immediately came to her mind.


    "Did you sleep well?"


    In response to this, Erich simply scoffed before informing the woman of the truth.


    "I''m trained to sleep anywhere in the gxy. An actual mattress is a huge improvement over where I normally sleep while I''m deployed."


    The Dark Elf interrogator smiled before tossing a pair of clean clothes to Erich. It was a prison jumpsuit, of a steel-blue color, with a white undershirt and boxers. She then apologized for not given him such a thing earlier.


    "Apologies, we are not ustomed to holding prisoners of your size. So we were forced to tailor a custom jumpsuit for you overnight. Please, take a shower, and get changed. Once you are finished, we will continue our discussion from yesterday."


    Erich was naturally cautious around his captors. As far as he was concerned, this was an act. He could not think of a rational exnation about why the Svartalfheim Federation would treat their prisoners so well, other than the idea that this was a ruse, designed to get him to defect to their side. Something which he had no intention of doing.


    However, he did as the womanmanded, and took a shower before changing into his jumpsuit. Whereupon re-entering the main room of his cell, Erich found that a decent breakfast was prepared for him. It was done so in the style of cuisine, which wasmon within the Svartalfheim Federation.


    Despite this gesture, Erich did not immediately ingest the food, and instead analyzed it with his neurolink. The nano robots within his body scanned the food and beverage for any sign of toxicity, poison, or unwanted disease. And while Erich did so, the exotic beauty scoffed at him, before assuring him it was untainted.


    "Do you really believe we would poison you when you have such valuable information that we are after?"


    Erich scoffed when he heard this, but only after confirming the food was untainted. To which he was quick to eat it. He was surprised at the quality of the food, considering it was meant for prisoners. Thus, he decided to answer the woman''s questions.


    "I mean, the first thing you did when you got a hold of me was drug me. I can''t be too careful, now can I?"


    This remark seemed to have offended the exotic beauty, who was quick to voice her dissatisfaction with Erich''s words.


    "The truth serum is a perfectly safe alternative to torture and works 99% of the time on humanoids. The only time there are any side effects is when it fails to achieve its goal, and usually those side effects result in drowsiness, like you experienced yesterday. It is a far more civilized approach to interrogation than what your people do."


    Erich did not make a remark about this, as he instead finished the remainder of his meal. He himself had engaged in torture, or at least some extent of it, when he captured a Ghimderi Trade Prince on Alpha Centauri. In fact, he found a certain degree of pleasure in the act of breaking the little goblin''s legs.


    Of course, he did not say this part out loud, and simply ignored his captor''sments. Which caused her to bring up another subject.


    "Oh, by the way, did you really believe we would not find out about your little lie? I waspletely honest with you about the information you wanted to know, and in return, you lied to me about your identity."


    This sudden remark caused Erich to halt his action of eating the meal. And instead respond to the woman''s remarks with a facade of ignorance.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about...."


    This caused the exotic beauty to roll her eyes before calling Erich''s bluff with a look of total confidence on her stunning face.


    "Erich Hartmann? A Luftwaffe Pilot during what your people refer to as the Second World War of Earth''s history. 352 confirmed kills, born on the 19th of April 1922, and died on the 20th of September 1993? When converted to the gctic calendar, this means that the man you imed to be died roughly four hundred years before you were born. So, tell me, who are you really?"


    Erich was surprised to see the lengths that the Svartalfheim Federation had gone through to research his identity. Thus, he had a bit of an awkward smile on his face as he posed an offer to the exotic beauty.


    "Alright, you got me. I lied about my identity. How about we have a little exchange? You give me your real name, and I will give you mine? Is that fair?"


    The Dark Elven beauty frowned at Erich. Though she already knew his real identity, she wanted him to admit to it himself. After all, Erich was a controversial figure in gctic politics, and was someone that all major gctic powers had set their eyes upon.


    Especially after he was essentially named as the sessor to two interster civilizations. From the moment he ended up in Svartalfheim Custody, they were aware of who he was, and the significance he had to the Germanic Star-Empire. He was a prisoner with a very high level of importance, and because of this, the Dark Elves would not mistreat him, no matter how much they wanted to.


    Ultimately willing to take the risk, the exotic beauty sighed heavily, before giving up her identity.


    "Fine... Seeing as how you are being so uncooperative, I suppose I have no choice but to give you my name. My name is Sinaria... Sinaria Bloodwhisper. So now that you know my name, would you please give me yours?"


    Erich repeated the name aloud, with a smug smile on his face, all whileplimenting the woman, which had be second nature to him at this point.


    "Sinaria Bloodwhisper, that is a very pretty name. Alright, fine, Sinaria, since you have showed me such hospitality, I will do you this one favor. My name is Captain Erich Jaeger, of the Germanic Storm Commandos. Though I''m quite sure you have figured that out already, isn''t that right?"


    Sinaria blushed when she heard these words. Not only was she awestruck by Erich''s flirtatious remarks, but she could not believe that Erich was already aware that she knew his actual identity. This caused her to avert her gaze, while still keeping Erich''s smiling face in the peripheral of her vision, before muttering something beneath her breath. That Erich sessfully managed to hear.


    "You are smarter than I thought you were...."


    Upon seeing that he had started off on the right foot with this beautiful Dark Elven woman, Erich smiled once more, before making an audacious remark.


    "So... Sinaria, what do I have to do to get back to my family? I am sure they are worried sick about me right now. And as much as I enjoy spending time with you, I have been dying my wedding for several years already."


    Sinaria looked at Erich with a peculiar look in her eyes, it seemed that Erich desperately wanted to get back home. Of course, there was only one way she would ever allow this, and thus she wore a sultry smile as she whispered something scandalous into Erich''s ears.


    "All you have to do is be mine!"

 Chapter 196 I Hope You Are Right...

    Naturally, when Sinaria said that Erich would have to be hers in order to return to his home, she meant that he would have to be her agent. But Erich appeared to have taken this the wrong way and kissed the exotic beauty. Something which startled her. Sinaria instantly pushed Erich away and punched him in the face. Something which only proved to hurt her hand as she cursed the man out.


    "Shit, fuck! That fucking hurt! You asshole, what the hell are you made of? Wait, don''t answer that! I already know... What the fuck is wrong with you?"


    Erich yed dumb. Naturally, he knew what the woman meant, but the way she had worded it made him dreadfully excited. Which caused him to act in such a way. Sinaria''s eyes were practically blood red as she red at Erich with immense hatred. Which only caused him to further y the part of the fool.


    "What? You said that I needed to be yours to get home. I''m not above selling you my body for the night, if it means I can get back to my family. Or did you perhaps mean something else?"


    Sinaria knew damn well that Erich understood her intent, but she couldn''t very well say such a thing out loud. And thus, she could only curse the man further as she fled from his room.


    "That''s it! Because of that little stunt you just pulled, I am having you confined to your cell for the next three weeks! Maybe some time alone will teach you a lesson about respect!"


    Sinaria then mmed the door behind her, which locked itself shut. In response to this, Erich simply chuckled and shook his head before looking up at the only security camera that existed in the room. He spoke to the man behind the camera, as if he was having an actual conversation with them.


    "She is a fiery one, isn''t she?"


    After saying this, Erich stripped out of his jacket and undershirt, and began to do pushups, situps, and squats to entertain himself. All while observing his surroundings and looking for a way to escape.


    Luckily for him, the door appeared to be on an electronic lock, and thus, he could easily use his cyberkinesis to open it. The only problem was, he did not know enough about the prisonplex and itsyout to make a proper escape. Thus, he simply had to y the waiting game until he could finally get out of the room and explore the premises.


    ---


    While Erich served his time in a Dark Elven Prison, Lunaria was worrying her pretty little head off. She had received a singlemunication from Erich, on her private frequency. It hade from the world he was deployed on. There was not much to the message, but it conveyed everything that needed to be said.


    Erich and the other WRAITHs walked into a trap designed by a traitor on the inside. They appeared to have risked life and limb to send a message, exining that the Svartalfheim Dominion was baiting the Alfheim Dominion into a full-scale gctic war. If not for this message, Lunaria would haveunched the invasion of the disputed worlds. But now that she knew the games that her rivals were ying, she was forced toe back to the negotiating table.


    However, she refused to do so until she learned about what had happened to Erich. If he was still alive and captured, she would do everything in her power to secure his release. If he had perished on that frozen wastnd, she would light the gxy aze to vent her fury.


    Of course, the first thing the Light Elven Empress did was contact the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire and inform him of what happened.


    "Emrys, I suppose I should be the first to express my condolences, but it appears that your WRAITHs have walked into some trouble. Might I ask if Erich''s NeuroLink is still active?"


    Emrys frowned. He had lost contact with the NeuroLink signals from nearly all the WRAITHs who were deployed in advance to the disputed worlds. They had walked into a trap, and the only way to bring those men back from the dead was to restore them to a previous backup file. None of which could actually inform him about what happened, since they would lose all of their recent memories.


    However, Erich''s signal was still strong, and because of this, he knew that the man was still alive. He had conjured all sorts of potential scenarios that might have led to such a thing. But he did not know what was true, and what was his imagination. Thus, he informed his suzerain of what little he knew was certain.


    "Erich is one of the few survivors. It is clear to me that we were betrayed, but I just don''t know who is responsible for this trap. Nor will I have an answer unless we can extract Erich. Unfortunately, I couldn''t tell you where he is, or what kind of condition he is in.


    If he is alive, then it means one of three things. He is either hiding, alone on that barren wastnd. Or he has been captured and is now a prisoner of our enemies. Or, and I don''t want to believe this, but it could potentially mean he is the traitor who caused this massacre."


    Emrys was surprised by how swiftly, and violently, Lunaria responded to hisst words.


    "No! Erich would never betray me. It is clearly one of the other two scenarios. I will contact that bastard Kadron and demand the release of any prisoners they may have taken. With luck, I will have Erich back by my side soon enough!"


    Lunaria hadpletely forgotten who she was speaking to, due to her current erratic state, and thus she immediately hung up on Emrys, and began to open negotiations with her enemies. Meanwhile, Mirage, who had observed the entire thing, was snacking on a slice of pizza while sitting across from Emrys'' desk. There was a smug smile on her face as she expressed her thoughts aloud.


    "I told you those two were fucking!"


    Emrys red at Mirage, and her smug appearance, before snapping at her.


    "Would you shut up about that? There is no way that is happening. I don''t know what kind of rtionship those two have, but your theory isplete and utter nonsense!"


    Mirage did not falter under Emrys'' wrathful gaze, and instead took another bite of her pizza, before responding with the same smug tone she had previously had.


    "Whatever you say, boss man..."


    This only further added to Emrys''s fury, as he began to pace around his office with a hasty stride. Upon seeing that the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire was behaving just as erratically as the Alfheim Empress, Mirage could only sigh before attempting tofort the man.


    "Would you rx? Even if Erich was captured by the Svartalfheim Federation, they know his value. There is no way they would harm the damn fool. Hell, knowing his luck, he probably got stuck with a female interrogator, one who I bet he is schmoozing even as we speak. If that''s the case, Erich will be out of prison long before Lunaria''s negotiations get anywhere. You just watch!"


    Despite the carefree nature of Mirage''s words, Emrys did not get enraged by them, instead he gazed out the window and sighed heavily, before speaking his thoughts aloud.


    "I hope you are right....''

 Chapter 197 Unintentional Intimidation

    <h4>Chapter 197 Unintentional Intimidation</h4>


    Three weeks came and went. During this time Erich spent every waking hour exercising. Not particrly because his enhanced body needed it, but because it was something to kill time with. And while Lunaria did her best to contact the Svartalfheim Federation and enter a new series of negotiations. They simply ignored her.


    For the time being, their primary goal was extracting as much information as possible from Erich, and perhaps even turning him into their agent against the Germanic Star-Empire. However, the more desperate Lunaria became to get back the prisoners which belonged to her vassal, the more importance the Dark Elves ced on Erich.


    Eventually, the time came where Erich was allowed to enter the rest of the prisonplex, where he saw aliens of a wide variety of races. Most of which were not even humanoids. This was an interesting concept to Erich, because until now he had only evere across humanoids, other than the Naraku that is. But there were all kinds of species here, from mammalians to lithoids, and everything in between.


    Most of these prisoners were here for organized crime, or particrly heinous acts of terrorism. Erich was the only prisoner of war in this facility, and because of that, the inmates looked at him differently. By now, they had all heard that a hostile soldier was among the prison poption, but nobody had met him yet.


    Luckily for Erich, humanoids stuck with humanoids, and so did other species ssifications. Because of this, as he entered the cafeteria to get a nice hot meal, he was approached by several other humanoids. Though they looked far less like humans than the previous species Erich had encountered.


    Arge humanoid, with green skin, yellow eyes, and webbed appendages, introduced himself to Erich. There was a particrly stern look on his face, as if he was trying to size up this foreigner.


    "My name is Reock. The boss wants to speak with you."


    While Reock was significantlyrger than Erich, almost like a giant, it was clear from the moment they shook hands that he was severelycking in strengthpared to Erich, who was both gically and cybeically enhanced to be superhuman.


    Erich did not say a word, and simply nodded his head as he followed Reock to the table where thergest humanoid prison gang had gathered. All the while, Erich gauged his surroundings and even sliced into the security cameras with Tia''s aid. Where he got a much greater understanding of the entirety of the prisonplex.


    While he was going over the footage in his mind, Erich sat down at the spot that had been prepared for him at the table. Where an enormouslyrge and muscr man was sitting at the head of the table while waiting for him. If Erich were to describe this man''s species, then he was essentially a cyclops from Greek Mythology.


    The man quickly introduced himself to Erich and seemed particrly interested in him as he asked a bunch of questions.


    "The name is Nok, Nok Dravek. Hmm... Not every day we get a prisoner of war in this facility. Usually you have to actuallymit a heinous crime to get sent here. What species are you from? I don''t believe I know of any humanoids from the Svartalfheim quadrant that look like you...."


    It was abundantly clear to Erich that these humanoids were from civilizations that were rtively low on the gctic scale, and thus they were not aware of the significance which the Germanic Star-Empire yed in the proxy wars between the Alfheim Dominion, and the Svartalfheim Federation. At most, they had probably heard about his species, but had no idea what they looked like. Which was confirmed to be true when Erich introduced himself.


    "Captain Erich Jaeger, Germanic Special Forces, My species lives in the Alfheim Quadrant...."


    The entire cafeteria went silent when they heard this remark. Someone from the Alfheim Quadrant was imprisoned in this facility? The propaganda which the Svartalfheim Federation put out was that the Light Elves were nothing more than a bunch of bloodthirsty Tyrants, and because of this every civilization which was permitted to exist in their quadrant was a nation built around war, and bloodlust.


    In their eyes, Erich was quite literally a barbarian, or a monster, incapable of basic civility. And yet he was sitting so calmly at the table, while paying respect to the inmate hierarchy. This was something that nobody expected, and because of this, Erich immediately had an aura of intimidation around him.


    Of course, few people in this prison were from civilizations that knew about the Germanic Star-Empire, but shockingly enough one man, who was sitting at the reptilian table spoke out of turn, andmbasted Erich with a line of question that would instill fear in the hearts of every other inmate.


    "Wait a second, Germanic Special Forces, as in the Germanic Star-Empire? Please tell me you''re joking?"


    Erich looked over at the man with a calm expression on his face, while shaking his head before confirming he was indeed from the GSE.


    "I''m surprised you know about my people, yes I am indeed from the Germanic Star-Empire."


    This remark caused the man to drop his canteen onto the floor, which made a loud ng. Instantly drawing the attention of those who had lost interest in the conversation. The look in the reptilian''s eyes was one ofplete and utter fear as he struggled to find his words. Ultimately stammering as he spoke.


    "Yo...You''re... One of tho.... Those monsters? What the hell are the Dark Elves thinking putting a demon such as you in this rotten cage with the rest of us!?!?"


    Considering the fact that everyone in this prison was on charges so heinous that only this pit could contain them, some people found itughable that this reptilian would call Erich a demon, that is until he further borated his point.


    "I was once a soldier in my people''s army. What I saw when your people invader ournds was such barbarism and savagery. My spine still tingles just thinking about it. Your people have no regard for life or liberty. You wipe out entires in your wars! You''re worse than the Naraku!"


    Erich scoffed when he heard this, before saying a few words that caused everyone to feel as if the room suddenly grew colder.


    "Woe to the vanquished. If you didn''t want to die, you should have fought harder. What right does the defeated have to question the will of the victor?"


    Such a statement was so against the moral values which the Svartalfheim Federation forced upon its many "allies" that even the most extreme of terrorists felt that Erich waspletely devoid of basic sentient emotion. Instantly, the gangsters at the humanoid table began to pick up their lunch trays, and avoid Erich as if he had the gue.


    After all, in the Svartalfheim Dominion, the refusal to recognize all sentient life as equal, let alone the willingness to conduct genocide on a conquered people, were too of the most heinous things someone could do. Even these hardened criminals were not so heartless.


    But to Erich, whose society was primarily built on the principles of logic and reason, rather than emotion, his words seemed perfectly valid, and he did not understand why everyone was looking at him as if he were some kind of monster.


    One thing, however, immediately became clear to Erich, he would not be getting any help from the other inmates to escape this prison. At least not voluntarily, but perhaps he could use this newfound fear that the other inmates had of him to intimidate them into doing exactly what he wanted.

 Chapter 198 Formulating a Plan of Escape

    <h4>Chapter 198 Formting a n of Escape</h4>


    Erich sat alone for the rest of the lunch period, where he used his NeuroLink to scan through the prisonplex''s security systems. Everything from the cameras to the myriad of locks that existed within. Erich slowly began to infiltrate the system with his cyber-kinesis, as well as the aid of Tia. Who assured him that soon enough, every security measure, other than the prison guards, and their weapons would be under his control?


    After Lunch, Erich went to the yard, where he realized after looking outside of a vast Fairfield which simted an atmosphere, that he and the other prisoners were not trapped on Alfheim like he thought, but were instead located on an asteroid, which was dedicated to maintaining control over the inmates.


    This presented a muchrger problem to Erich than he initially thought. Because even if he could escape from the asteroid, he did not have a way to get off. Perhaps there might be a shuttle or two meant for the security team, but Erich doubted he would be able to make his way to whatever hangar may theoretically exist, and steal a Svartalfheim shuttle, without triggering an armed response.


    Thus, while working out with the weights that were provided to the prisoners in the yard, Erich began to conspire a way to escape from the asteroid.


    "Tia... Have you located a shuttle bay yet?"


    Tia''s adorable voice appeared in Erich''s head, as she confirmed that she had indeed found a shuttle bay, but there were several problems presented with gaining ess to it.


    "Yes, Master, Tia has indeed found a shuttle bay. And there is at least one transport constantly on the premises. But the problem is that the hangar is constantly guarded by an elite team of security personnel. While I might be able to help you escape your cell and direct you to the shuttle bay without the security cameras detecting you. Unfortunately, the only way out would be to fight your way through. Which Tia does not rmend you do. The odds of survival are below ten percent..."


    This naturally presented several questions for Erich, which he was quick to give voice to.


    "Suppose I formte a team of the most battle hardened prisoners. And send them after the security as meat shields. What are my odds of sess, then?"


    Tia shook her adorable little head, as she confirmed that this n was also not without significant risk.


    "Sorry Master, but the odds of such a thing seeding without your untimely demise are less than twenty-five percent. Tia believes that the only way to escape this facility safely is with the aid of one of your captors. Fortunately for you, Tia believes that Ms. Bloodwhisper is warming up to you. And is likely to give you a visit tonight after you return to your cell. Perhaps you can work your magic and make her fall for you as well? You seem to have a way with woman that my logic processors can''t exin..."


    There was a bitter tone in Tia''s voice as she made this suggestion, and Erich knew exactly why. The adorable artificial intelligence had begun to develop feelings for him, feelings which he had previously rejected.


    Now she was suggesting that he coax another woman into his bed so she could convince her to help him escape. Undoubtedly, it was not something she would have suggested unless she had no other ideas.


    But Erich did not want to step on thisndmine, and thus he feigned ignorance as he epted Tia''s n, as the scenario that was most likely to seed.


    "Tia is such a smart girl. I wonder why I didn''t think about that. If you believe I can seed with this strategy, then it is the one I will enact!"


    Tia did not seem the slightest bit happy with thispliment, which was perhaps the first time apliment from her master had failed to make her happy. Or at least not since she had first started to develop sentience.


    Of course, Erich avoided this and continued to act like nothing was wrong.


    ---


    Later that night, after returning to his cell, and taking a shower. Erich could hear the door to his room unlock. Where the exotic Dark Elven beauty known as Sinaria Bloodwhisper, was quick to greet him. Like usual, she wore ck robes, with a gold trim. She appeared happy to see Erich, despite how theirst encounter had ended up.


    With a particrly gorgeous smile on her face, Sinaria spoke to Erich, as if nothing had happened between them.


    "So, Erich, have you thought about my proposal?"


    Erich, however, smiled wryly, as he responded to Sinaria''s question with a one of his own.


    "I have indeed, but I am afraid I can''t agree to your terms. However, I do have a counter-proposal if you are at all interested?"


    Sinaria scoffed. She was just barely willing to entertain Erich''s nonsense, because she truly believed the better the rapport she built with this man, the more likely he was to turn to their side. After all, it didn''t make sense why a mutant would cling so tightly to an Empire which had only ever mistreated him.


    Thus, she raised her brow, and with a sultry voice, answered his question.


    "Oh? How every interesting... Alright, I will entertain you for now. What is your offer?"


    Erich immediately rose from his seat, and closed the distance between himself and Sinaria, where he firmly grabbed hold of her cheek with one hand, while also having a confident smirk on his face as he gazed into her caramel eyes.


    "Be my woman... Do this for me, and I will tell you everything you want to know about me!"


    This remark caused the woman to blush and turn her head away. She could not even look Erich in the eyes. Instead, she stood up and walked to the door with a pouty gait. Sinaria did not even look back as she mmed the door behind her, but not before leaving her final thoughts with the man.


    "I will be back when you decide to be serious!"


    Once he was all alone in the room, Erich chuckled and shook his head before asking Tia a question.


    "I think she likes me! Do you think she likes me?"


    Despite the fact that her master was just flirting with another woman, Tia could not help but giggle at what had just transpired, where she quickly agreed with Erich''s assumption.


    "Indeed, Master. I do believe she likes you!"


    With this said, Erich had begun to formte a n. He would woo this Dark Elven beauty until she was puddy in his hands, and then he would coerce her into helping him escape. It seemed like a reasonable enough plot, especially since he was almost entirely certain that the woman already liked him.


    As for Sinaria, the moment she shut the door behind her, she rested her back against it until she fell to the floor, where she hugged her knees. She could not help but whisper her thoughts aloud, which luckily nobody was nearby to hear.


    "What the hell is that idiot thinking? Does he really think I will fall for him so easily?"

 Chapter 199 SOS

    While Erich was locked away on a prison colony of the Svartalfheim Federation. Lunaria was doing everything in her power to get him back safe and sound. However, the damned Dark Elves would not reveal how many prisoners that had, or what their identities were. All the Alfheim Empress could do was believe that Emrys had told her the truth, and that Erich was still alive.


    Lunaria grew increasingly anxious as the time passed, to the point where she had begun venting her feelings to her daughter, who was just as nervous as she was for their lover''s safety.


    "What do you think? Do you believe that Erich will be alright? I mean, if he is alive, then is the prisoner of those damned Dark Elves. I can only imagine what horrors they are putting the man through!"


    Celestia did her best to remain calm, despite sharing her mother''s anxiety. In the seven plus centuries that she had been alive, she had never seen Lunaria freaked out, not even once. Yet now the woman was acting as if the entire universe was copsing around her.


    Because of this, Celestia had to be the adult, and find a logical and rational solution to this problem. She forcefully calmed her nerves before speaking words offort to her terrified mother.


    "I am sure he is alright. After all, Erich is a valuable asset to the Svartalfheim Federation. After all, he is the heir to the Germanic Star-Empire. They would not harm him in any permanent capacity, or else it could cause serious diplomatic issues. And you know how strict they are about obeying gcticw."


    Gctic Law was in the eyes of the Alfheim Dominion, more of a guideline on how to deal with interster civilizations. But to the Svartalfheim Federation it was a strict code that must be followed, one whose rules they helped write in the first ce.


    Thus, it was this thought that helped soothe Lunaria''s worried mind. Just when she was about to calm herself to the extent that she could speak, she received a peculiar message on her personallink.


    ---


    Erich had tried for well over a month now to get Sinaria Bloodwhisper to fall for him, but the exotic beauty had stubbornly resisted his charms this far. Knowing that this would sooner orter turn into a massive interster incident, Erich was now convinced he had to find another way out of the prisonplex.


    And as he became more familiar with the facility''syout. He found that there was amunications tower within the prison facility that was capable of broadcasting a signal across the gxy. Knowing this, Erich began to formte a new n of action to escape.


    Thus, after observing the guard shifts for well over two weeks straight, Erich believed he could escape from his cell, incapacitate a few guards, and make his way into the Comms tower, where he could then send a message to Lunaria asking for a prison break.


    And tonight was the night he put this n into action. As Erich slowly watched the clock in his NeuroLink strike the proper hour. He covertly activated his cyber-kinesis, where he ced the security feed of the entire prison colony on a loop. This was only possible with the help of Tia, who was his partner in crime on this mission.


    Once he no longer had to care about the security cameras, he unlocked his door, which was all part of the same security system, and exited his room. Erich carefully stalked down the corridors of the Prison Colony, effortlessly making his way through the halls without making a single sound.


    After all, he was a skilled soldier who had been trained better than just about anyone in covert operations. Naturally infiltration was one of his specialties. Though Some guard patrols made their way through the halls, they were all either knocked unconscious, or simply never saw Erich''s figure in the first ce.


    It took some time, and a hell of a lot of effort to covertly make his way to thems tower, but when he did, Erich quickly dispatched the two men inside, before slicing into the terminal. Tia''s voice resounded in his ears as she assured him she was familiar enough by now with the Svartalfheim Security systems that it would be a breeze.


    "Master, Tia estimates an ETA of fifteen seconds before she can grant you ess to thems ry. Once she does, Master will be able to send a message anywhere in the gxy. Where she will then wipe any trace of themunication."


    Erich smiled when he heard this, before nodding his head and thanking Tia for her assistance.


    "Tia, you''re a lifesaver!"


    The adorable artificial intelligence blushed, as she epted her Master''spliment, and soon enough, like she had said, Erich had ess to the terminal where he typed a simple message to Lunaria''s personalmlink. It was the star coordinates of the prison colony he was stationed in, along with another message: Cell B-3542 -Erich


    After sending this message, Tia wiped any trace of Erich essing the terminal, where he then exited the Comms Tower, and returned to his cell. Throughout the entire operation, Erich had not alerted a single soul to his presence.


    ---


    Lunaria gazed at the message over and over again, worried that it might be a trap. Which she was quick to voice to her youngest and most beloved daughter.


    "What do you think? Is it a trap?"


    Celestia shook her head, partially in disbelief as she gazed at the message.


    "They''re star coordinates! I don''t believe it. Erich has managed to send us a message. There''s no other possibility. Who else knows your personalmlink? He would rather die than give up that info. It is definitely from him!"


    After saying this, Celestia quickly essed the nearest holo terminal, where she typed in the coordinates that Erich had given them. Once she had done so, it lead to a ratherrge asteroid within a star system that was located near the border of the Svartalfheim Federation.


    Although there was nothing marked on the chart, Celestia knew enough about the Dark Elves, and how they handled prisoners that there was without a doubt a prison colony on that asteroid which she was quick to voice aloud.


    "I''m willing to bet anything that asteroid is a prison colony. Erich even gave us his cell number. If we can send an elite team of Banshees to infiltrate the colony, and extract Erich, we won''t even have to negotiate with those hideous dark skinned freaks! Mother, this is it! We can save Erich now!"


    Lunaria did not dare believe her daughter''s words, as much as they made sense. It took several seconds for her to calm her heart before she asked for rification on the matter.


    "Are you serious? Can we really save Erich?"


    Celestia did not hesitate to confirm her thoughts once more, with the widest possible smile on her wless face.


    "Of course! Give me three days to prepare a proper rescue team, and we will break Erich out of prison! I promise you that!"


    For the first time since Erich had gone into radio silence, Lunaria began to feel like there was actually some hope. She burst into tears as she hugged her daughter and cried out all the emotions she had kept built up until now. All the while saying Erich''s name.


    "Erich! Oh Erich! You''re finallying home!"

 Chapter 200 Prison Break

    After sending a message with his coordinates and cell number to Lunaria, Erich knew it was only a matter of time before an elite team of Banshees freed him. Thus, he was exceptionally smug and confident over the next three days as he conversed with Sinaria.


    Who was currently sitting in his room, while Erich lied down on his bed. She could not understand what hade over the man over the past few days, but she did not like it. Thus, she had no problem scolding him for his behavior.


    "What hase over you? Why are you so rxed? Have you epted your fate as a prisoner? You do realize, if you do notply with us, you will spend the rest of your life in this prison colony, right?"


    But Erich was not dismayed in the slightest upon hearing this news, instead he tossed a casual nce to the exotic beauty before voicing his thoughts aloud in a smug voice.


    "That''s what you think..."


    This was the kind ofments she had been receiving the past few days whenever she tried to apply pressure to her prisoner. Sinaria was beginning to doubt her abilities as an interrogator. Most prisoners in Erich''s situation would have broken by now. And epted any plea deal to escape this prison. Yet Erich seemed to be enjoying his time, almost as if he were on vacation.


    Such a thing confused Sinaria, who could not help but vent her frustration to the man responsible for it.


    "My bosses are growing impatient, Erich. If you do not agree to our demands soon, they will begin to consider alternative options. I can''t keep you safe from them for much longer. They are even talking about injecting you with a potentially lethal dose of truth serum. I don''t want to see you get hurt because of your own stubbornness. Please give me something?"


    Erich gazed upon the Dark Elven beauty with aplicated look in his silver eyes. He could tell by the look on the woman''s face that she wasn''t simply bullshitting him like most interrogators would. She was genuinely concerned for his safety.


    And just when he was about to say something, the sound of a massive explosion urred, which was followed by the sirens of the facility going off, as well as a group of st shields which covered the windows and doors of every cell, essentially locking every prisoner inside.


    Erich simply smirked while Sinaria was freaking out, before speaking his mind.


    "They are finally here..."


    Sinaria looked over at Erich, and the smug look on his face, before questioning what he meant by that.


    "No! That''s impossible! There is no way they could have found out your location! How, how did you do this?"


    Erich simply smirked once more and remained silent as he sat up from his bed. Shockingly, in the next moment, the st shields around the door and windows of his cell removed themselves, and the rm turned itself off.


    The sight of which was simply stunning to Sinaria, who had no idea how Erich had aplished such a thing, especially without ess to a terminal.


    "How is this possible? What did you do?"


    Erich stood up and approached Sinaria, who he towered above. He then looked her straight in the eyes before telling her the truth.


    "From my first day in this prison, I had already sliced into your security system. At first, my n was to coerce you into helping me escape, since I have no way of taking on the elite forces within your shuttle bay. But seeing as how you have refused thus far to entertain my advances. I''m afraid I grew rather impatient. And instead, snuck into yourms ry and sent a message to the Alfheim Dominion. By now several hundred, if not several thousand Banshees have infiltrated the facility, and are headed directly for my door.


    Undoubtedly, Lunaria is extremely pissed off that you managed to keep her boy-toy away from her for so long, and I have no doubt that she will kill everyone in this facility to vent her wrath, including the other prisoners. So if you want to live, I suggest you make a choice where your loyalties lie. Especially since I know you have begun to develop feelings for me, despite your refusal to admit them.


    Will you die with the rest of your people, or will you defect with me to the Alfheim Dominion? At the very least, if you choose thetter, I can promise you a life of peace and luxury. What will it be?"


    It took Sinaria several moments to process the words that Erich had just said, the only thought on her mind was the fact that Erich had mentioned he was involved in an intimate rtionship with Lunaria.


    "You... And the Alfheim Empress?"


    However, before Erich could answer her, the door was sted open to reveal the figures of several Alfheim women d in advanced armor, while holding high-tech weapons. With a smirk on his face, Erich gave Sinaria onest chance.


    "Times up Sinaria... Choose...."


    Unfortunately, Erich did not have enough time to fully develop his rtionship with Sinaria, and thus, she chose poorly.


    "I die with myrades. Glory to the federation!"


    Erich simply sighed and shook his head, before knocking the woman unconscious with a single punch. After she had turned her attention away from him in order to face the intruders. As for Erich, he picked her unconscious body up and began to carry it out of the cell. When the banshees saw him, he was quick to confirm that Sinaria was not a hostile.


    "This one''s with me...."


    The banshees did not even bother refusing Erich, they simply escorted him through the halls and towards their ship, we they gave him his own quarters. As for Sinaria she was locked in the brig, where she would wake up to realize her situation shortly thereafter.


    The rest of the Banshees did exactly as Erich had said they would and wiped out all life other than their own on the asteroid. They then fled from the borders of the Svartalfheim Federation, and back to the safety of Alfheim space, where they wouldnd on the homeworld of the Light Elves.


    After all, both Lunaria and Celestia had demanded that Erich be brought back to them for a proper medical examination. But this was just the cover they used to see their lover. Once Erich was properly checked to see if he had any injuries, Lunaria sent a message to the GSE, informing Emrys that his prot¨¦g¨¦ was alive, and well.


    ---


    After speaking with Lunaria, who just so happened to mention Erich''s new prisoner, Emrys hung up on the woman to reveal Mirage sitting across from his desk. The veteran agent has a smug smile on her pretty face, as she said the words she had been dying to speak for some time now.


    "What did I say? Erich is fine, and he just so happens to have made a newdy friend on the journey. I told you so!"


    Despite her taunting words, Emrys was in a better mood than he had been in for months, and thus he did not get angry at Mirage for her words. Instead, he sighed heavily, and actually admitted that she was right all along, something that shocked the woman.


    "I admit that I may have overreacted. As long as Erich is fine and well, I really don''t care where he decides to stick his dick while in prison."


    These words caused Mirage to nearly choke on the junk food she was snacking on. After all, there were plenty of other ways those words could be misconstrued, especially outside the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire. But she ultimately did not decide to spoil her boss''s mood. Instead, she asked a far more important question.


    "So.... What now?"


    Emrys gazed out the window of his office, that disyed the bustling world of Germania, where he then spoke his thoughts on the matter.


    "Now that Erich is back safe and sound, and with his memories intact, I will have him point out who betrayed us. Once we know the traitors'' identity, I believe an execution is in order."

 Chapter 201 Rise Of An Archon

    Having been checked by the Alfheim Dominion''s doctors for any sign of mistreatment, Erich was released from the Light Elven hospital with a full clearance. He was then transported to the Royal Pce, where two of his secret lovers were waiting for him.


    For whatever reason, his dress uniform had been prepared for him in advance, and because of this Erich was now as presentable as he could possibly be. He wore his uniform with a sense of pride as he kneeled before the Alfheim Empress in front of many other gctic leaders.


    Everyone of importance had gathered for this asion. Which Erich thought was odd, because he had not been informed of any special gathering. Still, he did not say a word, as he showed his proper respect to Lunaria.


    In fact, the room was dead quiet, that is until Lunaria finally spoke. Her alluring voice captivated her audience, as she made a shocking deration to the Gxy, specifically those interster civilizations which existed in the Alfheim Quadrant.


    "Today I wish to honor a hero, not only of the Germanic Star-Empire, but the Alfheim Dominion as a whole. Without the actions of this man, Captain Erich Jaeger, of the Germanic Navy, we would currently be waging a gctic war against our rivals the Svartalfheim Dominion.


    After falling for a trap set by those hideous dark skinned freaks. Captain Jaeger here survived an ambush which left hismanding officer, and several of hisrades dead. Where he then led his team on a suicidal mission to send amunication to the Alfheim Dominion warning us that if we were to send our vassals to conquer the disputed territories on our borders, then we would be walking into a trap. Where he emerged as the sole survivor, and was taken prisoner by the Dark Elves.


    But Captain Jaeger has proven a resourcefulness beyond even the most talented Alfheim Agents. After spending well over a month behind bars, he managed to escape from his cell and send an SOS signal to the Alfheim Dominion, allowing us to locate his position and free him from his bondage.


    Words can not express my gratitude, for Captain Jaeger, who has spoiled the plots and schemes of those dastardly mutated freaks known as the Dark Elven race. And because of his heroic actions, in addition to the skills and resourcefulness which he disyed by organizing and setting his own prison break into motion. I have decided to bestow upon Captain Jaeger the greatest honor which I the Alfheim Empress can give to a soldier.


    As of this moment, I hereby dere that Captain Erich Jaeger is henceforth known as an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion. He is thus granted impunity to act as he wishes in order to fight against those who would seek to undermine the Archon Dominion, and the Asterion Dynasty.


    Because Erich is now an Archon, he shall have authority within the Alfheim Quadrant, that is second only to the Empress! And shall be granted a ship, capable of traversing the vast distance of the stars, so that he may be adequately equipped to fight my enemies on my behalf!"


    And since Erich has now achieved the rank of Archon, he shall answer only to me, Empress Lunaria Asterion. Should he behave in a way that is unbefitting in his position, only I shall administer punishment."


    The entire audience who had gathered for this meeting was stunned beyond belief. Archons were personal agents of the Alfheim Crown, and within Alfheim space, the exact number of these agents was entirely unknown, but it was estimated that there were less than a hundred of them. In fact, it had been well over a millennium since an Archon had been chosen. For the Germanic Star-Empire, this was an unspeakable honor, but for Emrys, it was his worst nightmare.


    Previously, Erich had been under his direct control. As a citizen of the Germanic Star-Empire, Erich was forced to follow theirws and customs. This was no longer the case. As an Archon, Erich was now exempt from allws and customs across the Alfheim Quadrant. He could even execute the leaders of interster civilizations with impunity. Of course if it were revealed that he did not have a proper reason for doing so, then Lunaria could strip him of his title, and send him to the wolves.


    In a way, Erich now held more power and authority than Emrys himself. Something that was deeply troubling for a man who sought to control Erich''s life. As for Erich himself, he did not quite understand what an Archon was, but from what Lunaria had said, she had just granted him a considerable degree of power over one fourth of the milky way gxy. Something he was not prepared to handle.


    Of course, Erich did not dare reject this gift, and instead continued to kneel before Lunaria while thanking her for her benevolence.


    "Though I do not quite yet understand the nature of my new title, I promise to fulfill its obligation with the most strict efficiency. I wholeheartedly thank your Majesty for the gift which you have decided to bestow upon me!"


    Lunaria smiled as she gazed upon her new archon. She knew Erich''s talents well, and had been considering granting him such an esteemed title for some time now. However, she had not done so, because he had not proven himself worthy of such a title.


    Until now, that is. Even she could hardly believe what Erich had done. And nobody would argue against her decision, after the speech she had given, which painted Erich''s deeds as the pinnacle of heroism.


    This also gave Erich the ability to execute the traitor within the ranks of the Germanic Star-Empire, who had nearly allowed the Dark Elves to seed with the n. There was no need for a trial or the gathering of evidence. So long as Erich knew the identity of this individual, he could summarily execute him and give an order to his own government to prevent his revival.


    After all, Erich was pretty damn sure that his team had been revived. Just without theirtest memories. It was not like the Germanic Star-Empire would keep ample backups of their most elite operators'' DNA and memories. Thus, he had already nned to murder Echo a second time. After the stunt, he pulled on that icy wastnd.


    The ceremony continued for some time before Erich was allowed to speak with Emrys. There was a smug smile on his Erich''s face as he approached the Supreme Leader of the civilization which he came from as he spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "Well, I suppose I look forward to working with you from now on..."


    The words "working with you" almost caused Emrys to break his facade. However, the man forced a smile as he shook Erich''s hand and congratted him on his new title.


    "And Archon of the Alfheim Dominion, it is truly a day for celebration. I figured it would be at least another ten thousand years before one of our people was granted with such an esteemed title. Truly, the Empress favors you!"


    Erich simply chuckled when he heard this, before bringing up the immediate point of contention which he needed to address.


    "Now about that traitor...."

 Chapter 202 Silencing An Echo

    Erich and Emrys had a long chat about what happened in the icy world, and who was responsible for the WRAITH''s absolutely humiliating defeat. Emrys was just as outraged as Erich when he found out it was Echo who had betrayed the Empire. And thus he and Erich immediately took the warp gate back to the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Where Emrys ordered the immediate arrest of Echo and the rest of Erich''s team besides JT. After all, neither he nor Erich could be certain that Ghost and Heavy were not involved with the treasonous plot. While Ghost and Heavy were being interrogated by professionals. Erich arrived in front of Echo.


    Naturally, Echo did not remember being killed by Erich, but he had suspected that he was after Erich ended up being the only survivor of the mission. He had nned to leave the Empire and flee for the Svartalfheim Federation, but unfortunately, those individuals who participated in the failed mission were kept under constant surveince after the treason was revealed.


    Thus, until now, he could not escape without being branded as the traitor. The fact that Erich had returned to the Empire so soon had indeed confirmed what Echo was thinking for some time about Erich. Which he was quick to give voice to when they were alone together.


    "So it is true after all... You are the Dark Sage? Which I take it means you have already secured the Light Elven princess as your bloody bride?"


    Erich knew only a little about the Sage''s prophecy, but he had once heard from his Light Elven lover that she suspected that the Sages were in cahoots with those who were employed by the Svartalfheim Federation. Because of this, Erich sneered, especially now that Echo had decided to drop his silent facade.


    "And I take it this means that the Light Elven sages are working together with those from the Dark Elven race?"


    Echo refused toment on this matter, as Erich approached the man while cracking his knuckles. In doing so, he revealed the bitter truth of it all.


    "I will have you know that I have been named an Archon by Empress Lunaria Asterion herself. Which means your fate is now in my hands...."


    This was a particrly bit of grim news for Echo, because it meant that he would not be leaving this cell alive. At first he hoped he could escape from Germanic prison, which was far more strict that the colony which Erich lived in for a few months within the Svartalfheim Federation. But because Erich was now named an Archon, his fate was sealed. There was no escape, because he would be dead the moment this conversation was over.


    But Echo did not seem too dismayed. Instead, he sighed and nodded his head.


    "A wise move, one that has been prophesied by the Great Sage of the Svartalfheim Federation. I do pity you. By naming you her Archon, Lunaria has now ced a target on your back by the prophets of fate. Perhaps my defeat at your hands was the will of fate as well..."


    Erich was surprised that Echo was such a believer in fate, or that he had met with the Dark Elves Sages, and he was quick to ask about this.


    "Oh, don''t worry, I n to deal with those old fogies soon enough. But I am curious, how exactly did a Germanic man like you meet with a Sage of the Svartalfheim Federation?"


    Echo shockingly did not hide the truth. Perhaps this was the confession of a man who knew his life was forfeit, but he spoke of the Sages with a hint of pride in his voice.


    "I was thrown to the wolves after my wife was stolen by a cowardly politician, and I tried to reveal the corruption that protected them. The Dark Elves captured me and brought me to a maximum security prison. Where during my sentence, the Grand Sage visited me and spoke of the role which I was destined to y.


    One that would help retain the bnce in the gxy and would save countless lives. In that moment I saw what he saw, and weaves of fate revealed their mysteries to me. Now I know that potential destiny was not one that came to pass, because you bested me.


    I have fulfilled my role, even if it was not the one I saw. And now I am to be tossed aside. Such is the will of destiny. If you are going to kill me, just make it quick. Although I should warn you, now that you have been named Archon, it is entirely likely that the Sages are going into hiding, knowing that only they canbat your rise to power. When you search for them, you will not find them."


    Erich was surprised that Echo had admitted so much to him, and thus he could only wear a bitter smile as he pulled out a sma sword, one that Echo had used to kill countless enemies of the Empire. Though it was not the same one he had plunged through JT''s torso, it was the same make and model. Which Erich felt was close enough.


    After activating the sma section of the de, Erich smiled before saying hisst words to the traitor.


    "If those old fools dare to harm a hair on my head, or those of my loved ones, I will not hesitate to track them down and murder them all. I have been given an immense amount of power, and I n to wield it appropriately. But so long as they remain to themselves, I will not harm them. The choice is theirs. As for you, your usefulness hase to an end. When you meet your making tell him that I sent you."


    After saying this, Erich swung the de onto Echo''s neck, effortlessly severing the man''s head, which fell to the ground without a pool of blood, due to the wounds instantly being cauterized by the sma edge of the de.


    With Echo dead, and no chance of revival. Erich had sessfully terminated the traitor. But in doing so, he had made an enemy of the Sages. Men who wielded an incredible amount of power and could see far further into the future. And if Echo was to be believed, the Grand Sages of each order were capable of sharing those visions.


    How he would track them down and eliminate them Erich did not know. But he suddenly found himself thrust into a shadow war between two ancient orders of prophets, and himself. Luckily, he had the backing of the entirety of the Alfheim Dominion at his disposal, and because of this, Erich believed he would eventually emerge victorious against his newfound foes.


    As for his military service within the Germanic Star-Empire. That had swiftlye to an end. He was now a free agent, sworn only to Lunaria herself, and could freelye and go from his home and family as he saw fit. Thus, closing a volume of his life, and emerging a stronger man because of it.

 Chapter 203 New Digs

    Having executed Echo, Erich now found himself as an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion, which essentially meant he was Lunaria''s enforcer. There were no rules or regtions which applied to him within the Alfheim Quadrant of the Milky Way Gxy, and because of this, his service to the Germanic Star-Empire had suddenlye to an end.


    Erich was now a free man, able to traverse the gxy as he saw fit. He could spend his nights in any world he dreamed of, or even in the private quarters of his new ship. Speaking of ships, Erich was given a specially designed stealth frigate. This was no mere warship, but the personal starship of an Archon.


    This ship was small enough to be able tond on worlds, but wasrge enough to apany a sizeable crew. It also had enough firepower to punch a hole in a capital ss ship and enough speed to outrun just about any vessel in the gxy. It was the pinnacle of Alfheim technology, but due to the fact that Erich came from the Germanic Star-Empire, its aesthetics matched the ships in service to the Germanic Navy.


    Erich found himself gazing upon the ships while he was visiting the world of Alfheim. Lunaria was showing him around the vessel, which she had named the Vignce. Erich was truly surprised by the overall capabilities of the ship.


    The interior was utilitarian, as wasmon among Germanic ships. And because it was designed to mimic those in the Germanic fleet, at least in appearance, Erich felt himself at home. Although someforts were added that were moremon on civilian ships, such as leather seats, and a proper kitchen. Lunaria had a proud smirk on her face as she finished giving Erich the tour.


    "Well? What do you think?"


    Erich looked around once more and nodded his head with a proud smile on his face.


    "It''s amazing. A hell of a lot better than the tiny exploration ship I currently have. Although I have a question: how many people are required to crew this thing?"


    Lunaria wore an arrogant expression on her pretty face as she answered Erich''s expression with a hint of pride in her voice.


    "Absolutely zero. The entire ship can be automated, if you do so please. Though there is ample enough room for about six people. Perhaps anding party to assist you inbat operations. Or some people you pick up along the way whose skills can aid you in your mission.


    Oh, that reminds me, with your new title, you are also granted unrestricted ess to Alfheim databases andmunications channels. At any point, you canmand any Alfheim Units, or those of my vassals to assist you in your operations, if need be. But I wouldn''t rmend doing so, if you can at all avoid it.


    Those old fuddy duddies in the military don''t take kindly to following the orders of an independent operative. They will follow your orders if youmand them, but you might create some powerful enemies if you routinely do so."


    Erich was stunned by this sudden information. He had no idea how he had managed to earn such a privileged position, but he was honored that Lunaria had granted it to him. Of course, this only created further questions, chief of which was what the hell was he supposed to do with so much power.


    "Your Majesty, what are my orders?"


    Upon seeing how serious Erich was, despite being alone with her. Lunaria couldn''t help but giggle as she grabbed hold of his cor and pulled him in close for a kiss. After she had twirled her tongue around with his for a satisfying amount of time, she whispered in his ears with a seductive voice.


    ''Your orders are to do whatever the fuck you want to do!"


    After saying this, Lunaria pulled away, before winking at Erich where she continued to exin what she had meant by this .


    "Archons are my ultimate weapon against internal rebellions. Your goal now is to traverse the Alfheim Quadrant, and eliminate any fools who wish to shake up the established order of my territory.


    If I''m being honest, you are the 100th Archon, and the first person to be assigned the title in the past one thousand years. Your peers are out there in the gxy. Most of them are active within the Alfheim Quadrant, though some like to go beyond our borders and take the fight to those enemies abroad who do their damndest to stoke the mes of rebellion.


    You should just know that if you do go outside the Alfheim Quadrant, you will no longer be immune to thew. Those other quadrants will not recognize your privileges and will treat you like any other foreign agent, especially if they capture you alive.


    As far as your revival goes, I have rerouted your data to the world of Alfheim. No matter where you may perish in the gxy, you will be brought back with your memories intact. As ourwork is far more advanced than that of your homnd."


    Erich was once more astounded by the perks of being an archon. Not only was he now operating with some of the most advanced military equipment in the gxy, but his revival was now certain, no matter how or where he may perish. It was truly unbelievable. All with the goal of maintaining order in mind.


    This was a job that Erich felt he was far better suited to. And thus, he responded to Lunaria''s words with an Alfheim salute. Which only caused her to giggle once more. She then began to exin a bit more about the perks he now had.


    "I would suggest putting together a crew. As an archon, any actions they may take that were under your orders will give them the same level of immunity that you have. You don''t even need to register their identities, so long as you confirm that they were acting under your orders, and not as rogue agents.


    Of course, like I said during my speech. Although you are immune to thews and customs of the Alfheim quadrant, if you were to betray me in any way, I would easily be able to revoke your status and paint a target on your back. One that will only disappear after you are dead. So I suggest you don''t do something so foolish, wouldn''t you agree?"


    Erich could only smile. He had no intentions of betraying Lunaria. In fact, right now, he had a mission in mind. After learning that, the Sages of the Alfheim Dominion were colluding with the Sages of the Svartalfheim Federation. Erich now believed they were the greatest threat to the order which he was tasked with protecting.


    Thus, Erich was now tasked with putting together a crew of elite operators to traverse the gxy in an attempt to hunt down and eliminate the Sage''s, who were now his enemy. Something which he nned to begin immediately.


    Of course, while Erich was nning to eliminate the Sages, they were also nning on how they would assassinate him, now that they believed it was confirmed that Erich was indeed the Dark Sage, as prophesied by fate.

 Chapter 204 The War Of The Sages Begins

    In a primitive world sat together a group of Light Elves and Dark Elves. Their numbers were nearly one hundred. These men and women were particrly ancient members of their species, some of which were even older than Lunaria herself.


    For years, the Sages had enjoyed the privilege of being revered by their own people. That was, of course until it was revealed by Lunaria that they had been working together against the interests of the civilizations which they belonged to. Once that news was released, the gxy had suddenly turned into a dangerous ce, where all the major powers began searching for these so-called prophets.


    How did Lunaria find out about this? Because Erich had told her. Which instantly set the woman off. She despised the Dark Elves, perhaps more than anything, in this universe, which was a sentiment that nearly every Light Elf shared.


    Naturally, this intense feeling of animosity was mutual. Because of this, the moment the leaders of the Alfheim Dominion, and the Svartalfheim Federation learned of this betrayal, they branded the Sages as traitors, and swore that they would dere war on any civilization found housing them.


    Of course, the Sages had long since predicted this reality, and had made preparations for it eons ago. Thus, they were now living in a subterranean and self sustainingplex in a primitive world located within one of the fourteen statute dwarf gxies which orbited the Milky Way.


    Because of the location they had selected, the Sages were now far beyond the reach of any of the major gctic powers who would be searching for them. And while the Alfheim Dominion and Svartalfheim federation looked for their whereabouts, they would find no traces left behind. Only the Dark Sage could locate them, and if their visions were to be believed, then this man was Erich.


    Of course, Erich''s prophetic abilities were currently stunted, and because of this, he would not be able toe close to finding out any information that would lead him to this dwarf gxy. Thus, for the time being, the Sages lived among a primitive humanoid species who worshipped them as living gods.


    Currently, there was a discussion among the Sage''s about how to proceed with their silent war against the Dark Sage.


    "We have lost nearly all of our resources when we abandoned the Milky Way. Only a few brave Sages have stayed behind in the hopes ofbating the Dark Sage and his rise to power. And we do not have routine contact with them. It could be centuries before we hear from them, and by then there is no telling how powerful the Dark Sage has be. Are we really going to live among these savages until then?"


    The Great Sage of the Light Elves stepped forward to discuss this matter, hoping to dissuade any naysayers from returning to the Milky Way, an act which might leave a trail of their whereabouts.


    "It is true that this world is primitive, but it is because of this that it is the perfect hiding ce. We have long since known this! Nobody will be able to detect us here, unless theynd, and search for us on foot! The neb storm which surrounds this system also blocks sensors of all kinds, meaning that the is difficult to detect in the first ce. We will simply have to rebuild from scratch.


    Luckily, these savages believe we are their gods, and thus will be easy to manipte to do our bidding! Just watch within a hundred years, we will be able to rediscover interster flight. Then we can begin building a powerful base which to defend ourselves from the Dark Sage. Although hopefully by then, our brothers still in the milky way, will have assassinated the enemy..."


    As one of the two Great Sages, Vrion''s words were taken as literal truth. Especially when his Dark Elven counterpart stepped forward. She was one of the few women among the ranks of the Sage''s, and like Vrion, was ancient beyond words, but still looked like she was full of youth. Only her weary eyes revealed her age. Vria''s words furtherpounded what her Light Elven counterpart had said.


    "Brothers, sisters. We all knew this was one of the potential futures that we woulde across. And we have long since made preparations for this exodus. It was why none of us were caught by our pursuers. Here in this world, the most ancient of our order prepared subterraneanplexes, that will allow us to live as we always have. We simply must find them. Once we do, we will be able to wield absolute authority on this and bend its resources to our will.


    The Dark Sage is only aware that we are his enemies, and are plotting against him in the shadow. But he knows nothing of our power, or our abilities. And though we now know his identity, it will be difficult to strike at him, so long as he is protected by the Alfheim Empress. We must be patient, but most importantly, we must trust in the will of fate! Destiny has brought us here for a reason. It intends for us to gather our strength and eliminate this threat to the natural order of the universe.


    So do not despair, for we are exactly where we need to be, at precisely when we need to be! Fate is the most powerful aspect of this universe, and it will guide us to victory!"


    With the two Great Sages having spoken, not a single sage could disagree with their words. Or at least not openly. Though some had begun to suspect that the Great Sage had the upper hand, they would not dare voice these thoughts aloud. Instead, they simply obeyed the words of their leaders. After all, they were the oldest and most wise members of their order. Clearly, they knew the will of fate better than anyone?


    Thus, While Erich began to put together a team to properly deal with the Sages once and for all, they themselves were making their own preparations against him. Both sides had ess to limitless resources, but in reality, the Sages had one distinctive advantage over Erich, and that was the fact that they could see more than thirty seconds into the future.


    This was something which would prove severely limiting to the Dark Sage in his early skirmishes against the Sages, and their remnants, who still hid among civilized society within the Milky Way Gxy. Of course, as the man prophesied to destroy the order that had been built after eons, naturally Erich would have a few other tricks up his sleeve. But one thing was certain: the War of the Sages had only just begin.

 Chapter 205 Recruitment Drive Part I

    Now that Erich had acquired the title of Archon and had gotten his own Stealth Frigate. He had decided that his first task would be to hunt down the Sages, who were now hiding somewhere in the gxy. But to do this, he would have to assemble a team of elite operators who were experts in certain fields, and who had ties to the major gctic powers.


    There were actually two candidates who he had already met in his travels who were most ideal for this role. And because of this, Erich had decided his first stops would be to the worlds of Alfheim and Germania.


    After concluding the tour of his new ship, Erich and Lunaria had a little of a lone time together, where they made love in the bed of the Captains'' quarters. It was an actual king-size mattress, designed with a Germanic citizen in mind and wasfier than Erich initially thought it would be.


    Once he had brought Lunaria to climax repeatedly for hours on end. The two of them ceased their acitivities, where Erich made a certain request of his lover.


    "Lunaria, you told me that I could pick my own team, to traverse the gxy and fight your enemies with, am I correct?"


    Lunaria nodded her head, before confirming these were indeed her words.


    "That is correct. Is there someone you had in mind?"


    Erich indeed had someone in mind, who Lunaria could help gain control over and thus he made his request known.


    "The Dark Elf woman who I kidnapped when I left prison. She is an interrogator of the Svartalfheim Federation and has close ties to the current Svartalfheim President. I saw them on a call together. I believe she had advanced skills in diplomacy and coercion, which will be necessary on my travels. If I could convince her to join me in my war against the sages, she would be a valuable asset."


    Upon learning that Sinaria was a Svartalfheim Inquisitor, Lunaria was more interested than ever to keep her as a prisoner. The woman had a lot of valuable information that could be valuable to the Alfheim Dominion. And if she really was answering directly to Kadron, then she was most likely at the very least a High Inquisitor.


    But this was not the primary reason that Lunaria suddenly rejected Erich''s request. She did so because she would be damned if she allowed a filthy Dark Elf to remain by her lover''s side. Not only were the odds of betrayal enormous, but if she had seduced Erich into her bed, he would forever be tainted in Lunaria''s eyes, and thus she had no choice but to refuse this offer.


    "Absolutely not Erich! She is a Dark Elf, and Dark Elves can not be trusted! She is liable to kill you in your sleep, and hand this ship over to her superiors! Erich, you have done a wonderful thing bringing me a Svartalfheim Inquisitor, but under no circumstances will I let you near this woman!"


    Erich immediately tried to protest this decision. After all, Sinaria would be an absolutely valuable member of his team. But his words fell on deaf ears.


    "Lunaria, dear, you are letting your emotions cloud your judgement. Sinaria had ample opportunity to torture me for information that was vital to her superiors, and yet she refused to do so. She was even given the orders to do so, and begged me to cooperate because she did not want to have to do it. She will not harm me!"


    Unfortunately, Lunaria''s hatred of the Dark Elves was deeper than anything Erich could understand, and her possessive nature instantly led her to the opposite conclusion. Which caused the gorgeous woman to narrow her golden eyes as she demanded an answer from her lover.


    "You are actually defending one of those hideous freaks? Erich, you better not have slept with that woman.... If you have, I will consider it the highest act of treason!"


    Luckily for him, Erich had not actually slept with Sinaria, and because of this he could honestly answer Lunaria''s intense interrogation with the truth.


    "I did not sleep with her. You do not need to worry about that. I simply believe Sinaria would be a valued asset to my team, and I currently do not have any other candidates in mind who could fulfill her role!"


    While Lunaria believed Erich, she still did not permit him to take Sinaria aboard his vessel, and thus she put her foot down.


    "Drop the subject Erich, I am not letting you near that woman. Especially since she already seems to have sunk her ws into you. The fact that you are even entertaining the idea of having a Dark Elf as a member of your team is simple proof that your mind has been corrupted. I am seriously considering taking you out on another vacation, just you, me, and Celestia! That should undo the damage that has been inflicted upon your mind!"


    Erich did not have time for a pleasure cruise. The Sages were already conspiring against him, and possibly his loved ones. He needed to dedicate every moment he could to hunting them down and eliminating them.


    With this in mind, Erich rejected Lunaria''s offer. But ultimately decided to drop the subject of Sinaria for the time being. He would try to find a recement for her, but if the Sages turned out to be hiding in the Svartalfheim Federation, only someone of hero status could grant him a safe journey through the Dark Elves'' territory. Which was one of the major reasons he wanted Sinaria on his team.


    "Fine, I guess I''ll have to give up on Sinaria... At the very least, I have another candidate in mind to fulfill a different role in my team. I suppose I have no choice but to visit Germania. That is when you give me permission, of course..."


    Erich knew how unwise it would be to boot Lunaria out of his starship, and simply leave her behind feeling conflicted about him. Thus, he allowed the woman to do as she wished with him for the remainder of the night before she finally granted him permission to depart from Alfheim.


    ---


    Erich was absolutely stunned at how quickly the Vignce had traveled from the Alfheim homeworld to the capital of the Germanic Star-Empire. Less than a day had gone by, and he was alreadynding his ship on arge tform.


    The moment he stepped off the ship, Erich was greeted by a few familiar faces. Those being JT, Ghost, and Heavy. None of these men remembered the fight they had on board the corvette, nor did they remember their deaths.


    What they did know was Erich was the sole survivor of their misadventure, and had exposed one of their greatestrades as a traitor. Thus, even Heavy, who normally had issued with Erich, was happy to see the man.


    JT greeted Erich with a salute, which he returned, before hugging the man tonically. He then exined why they hade to greet him in the star port.


    "Now that you''re an Archon, the Supreme Leader believes that so long as you are in Germania, you will need an escort of WRAITHs. He wishes to speak with you when you have the time...."


    Erich scoffed when he heard this. Like always, Emrys seemed to have predicted his immediate move, and thus he looked towards thergest skyscraper on the where Emrys sat in his office at its highest level. With a stoic look on his face, Erich spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "That''s good, because I came here to speak with him. Take me to Emrys. I need to have a few words with him." The group of men were shocked to hear this, but did not say no to Erich, where they then escorted him to the tower of the Supreme Leader. After doing so, they left Erich alone as he entered Emrys''s office.


    Erich stepped inside the room, where he saw that Emrys was standing at attention while waiting for him. Next to his side was Mirage, who looked at Erich with the same expression she always used for him. Emrys paid the proper courtesy to a man of Erich''s new position, but his voice seemed rather conceited as he did so.


    "Greetings Archon, how exactly may I assist you?"


    Erich looked over at Mirage and was happy to see the woman he hade for was already present. Thus he took a stride forward, and spoke to Emrys as if the man was his inferior, which he technically now was. This was something that seemed to have upset the man, but Erich did not really care.


    "I havee for Mirage. I am putting together a team to fight the enemies of the Alfheim Dominion, and her skills as a field agent are invaluable for my mission."


    Emrys wore a conceited smile on his face, while having an excited look in his eyes. As if he had been waiting for this moment for some time. He then spoke to Erich as if the man was still his inferior, while alluding to something sinister.


    "That''s interesting... I thought the two of you hated each other. Well, we can have a discussion about that, but first there is something I would like to show you. If you will follow me, please?"


    Although Erich did not want to waste time with taking Mirage off world, he also did not want to be extremely rude to Emrys, knowing that they would be working together in the future. Thus Erich followed Emrys to the back of the room, where he pressed his palm against a concealed wall panel. Shockingly enough, it opened a room.


    The moment Erich stepped inside the room, he was astonished by what he saw. Floating naked in a cloning vat was a sleeping beauty. One who Erich was intimately familiar with. So much so that he could not believe his eyes, because this woman had been dead for nearly a decade at this point.


    A woman who he had once loved more than life itself, and who was unfortunately taken from him before he could properly apologize for his misdeeds. A single name escaped Erich''s lips, as his voice trembled more than it ever had before in his life.


    "S''aleth?"

 Chapter 206 Leverage

    Erich gazed upon the floating figure of his past lover, who he thought had died nearly ten years ago. In his mind, this was simply impossible. He could not imagine that she was still alive. After all, the technology which the Germanic Star-Empire used to revive its fallen soldiers would never have been used to recover an alien, unless they were of supreme political importance like Yumi. Thus, he was quick to interrogate Emrys, in an extremely hostile manner, as he pushed the man against the cloning vat and held on to his cor.


    "What the hell have you done?"


    Despite the hostile action, Emrys continued to smirk with confidence as he spoke to Erich with a cold tone in his voice.


    "What have I done, well I saved your little alien lover. That is what I have done. I thought you would be happy about this!"


    Erich knew Emrys well enough that the man would not do something like this unless it served his own purposes, and thus he was quick to connect the dots and realize this was leverage. Something that Emrys was quick to confirm.


    "With your history of disobedience, I knew it was only a matter of time before you and I fell out. And thus long ago I took DNA samples of your Dvrakian whore during one of her physicals, as well as a scan of her memories.


    If I am correct, then the moment she wakes up, she will still believe that the two of you are together, and will not have any recollection of the breakup you went through, or her sacrifice. It will be as if none of that ever happened.


    However, I must admit, I never expected that you would earn the favor of Empress Lunaria so much, that you would be granted the title of Archon. Honestly, such an absurd scenario never urred to me. I was content to keep this little doll stashed away for eternity if I had to. And would only reveal her when you bared your fangs towards me.


    Yet, to think you would be granted authority over me. You, the man who I have spent years molding into the perfect puppet, would now have the power tomand me! It is unthinkable. No! It is unforgiveable. So now you see why I was forced to reveal this little secret of mine."


    Mirage did not make a move to the interfere with this little of drama. In fact, she sat down in Emry''s chair and watched it unfold with a bag of chips in her hand. She had been curious for years just who would win this little battle that Emrys seemed determined to force into existence.


    After all, Erich might be a little bit na?ve, but he had far greater capabilities than Emrys. And now that he had been granted the position of Archon, his power was beyond that of Emrys. Meanwhile, Emrys was cunning and redundant. The amount of potential realities Mirage had seen the man prepare for were on the edge of paranoia.


    Now that Erich''s whore was in Emrys'' hands, the ball was in anyone''s court, so to speak. It was true that Erich could kill the man here and now, and try to free S''aleth himself. But Mirage was all too aware that Emrys would have prepared for such a scenario, and thus she snacked on her favorite chips while watching the two to try to get the better of one another.


    Erich was practically snarling like a wild beast as he bared his teeth towards Emrys. The two men were locked in a stalemate. And currently Erich was not only processing all the potential futures that would immediately lead to him escaping with S''aleth. Unfortunately, no matter what he attempted to do, fate had other things in mind for him.


    In one potential reality, he broke Emry''s neck and forcefully attempted to free S''aleth, which resulted in her being blended into meat paste by the cloning vat. Her life was tied to Emrys''s. In so far that the moment he died, the tank would eviscerate S''aelth. And delete any data that was stored about her gic makeup and memory storage.


    Realizing that violence would get him nowhere, Erich sighed heavily, before letting go of Emrys, where he brought the man to the negotiating table.


    "Alright, fine. What do you want?"


    Upon seeing the hostility that Erich had instantly evaporated, Emrys felt much more calm. Though he may have yed the part of a man filled with confidence. He honestly had no idea if this bargaining chip of his would even work. After all, it had been ten years, and for all he knew Erich could have moved on from S''aleth.


    Now that he knew that Erich could be tamed this way, Emrys was d that he had gone through the effort to clone S''aelth. And thus he dusted his suit off, before speaking to Erich as if the man was his equal.


    "What do I want? Well, for one, I don''t intend to answer to your beck and call as if you are my master. I may have sworn my loyalty to that pointy eared bitch, but that was out of necessity. If I had not, she would have brought the Empire to heel by force.


    You, however, are a citizen of the Empire, and though you have now been granted a prestigious title, I will not bow before you so long as I hold the position as Supreme Leader. To put it simply, you will not attempt to force your will upon me. Because if you do, I will make sure your alien lover is turned into a nice blend of puree. Do you understand?


    By all means, go ahead and travel the stars, and do that cunt''s bidding. I can''t stop you from doing that. But you would do well to remember where your loyalties truly lie. Not to me, but to the Empire! To your people! Do you understand what I am saying?"


    Erich nodded his head. He wanted nothing more at this moment to rip Emrys''s head from his shoulder, but he understood that S''aleth''s life was in danger. And until he and Tia could find a way to remove the safeguards, which kept the red-skinned beauty as a hostage. Erich could only agree to remain neutral with Emrys.


    Aftering to this understanding, Erich realized he would have to free S''aleth from Emrys'' control at ater time, after he had created a proper n. In the meantime, he had more important tasks in mind, like hunting down and eliminating the Sages.


    "I understand, now about Mirage...."


    Emrys eyes glistened with a hint of self satisfaction as he walked past Erich and gazed upon Mirage who seemed rather disappointed that both men were still alive, and unharmed. Where he then smirked before answering Erich''s question.


    "Oh, by all means, you can have Mirage. I believe she has used up her usefulness on my end. If you can find a purpose for her, then by all means, she is yours. Feel free to take her with you on your journey across the gxy. After all, she is no longer useful to me as an agent, since she is unwilling to perform the tasks I require of her."


    When Mirage heard this, the chip she was about to bite into fell from her hand and cracked as itnded on the floor. She stared in silence at the two men for several moments before yelling at Emrys.


    "You fucking bastard! You''re just going to sell me to this prick as a constion prize? What the hell? When have I ever failed to obey your orders?"


    Emrys red at Mirage and spoke to her in a more stern tone than he had ever used with her. It was clear he had not been satisfied with the woman for a long time.


    "The moment you fell for Erich! You disappoint me Agent Kuhne, I expected great things of your career. But the moment you finally let a man touch you, you fell for him and refused to perform any other honey pots. Why do you think we allow women into the IIS? To seduce men! If you are unwilling to seduce other men, because you can''t get over your first, then you are of no use to me! Go be with Erich, since that is clearly what you want!"


    Mirage flushed red with embarassment when she heard these words. There were few things in this gxy that could make her do so, but having Emrys admit how she felt about Erich, and the fact that he was her first, was more than enough to cause such an effect.


    As for Erich, he simply scoffed at his own ability to attract women... He was far more concerned with S''aleth''s safety, and how he would eventually free her, than the fact that he had taken Mirage''s virginity without even realizing it.


    Thus, he simply walked out of the room and returned to his ship, where Mirage continued to argue with Emrys about her new assignment.

 Chapter 207 Recruitment Drive Part II

    Mirage was forced to join Erich aboard his new vessel, the Vignce. She was not in the best of moods, but she also did not make it Erich''s problem. Specifically, because she knew he was in a worse mood than her, and thest time she had pissed him off this much, the man had ripped her throat out with his teeth. Which was something she would prefer to avoid now that she was permanently assigned to be his assistant


    As for Erich, he sulked in silence for a long time while seated at the bridge of the frigate. He was more than qualified to fly such a ship, even if it did not need an actual pilot, and in fact, he found it to be rather therapeutic. He had just found out that his first love was still alive, and was a hostage of his former mentor.


    Erich had no idea how he would free S''aleth from her current status as a captive, and Tia seemed to be equally as stumped as him. She had a rather depressed expression on her face, as she admitted the technology used to lock up S''aleth in the cloning vat was not something which she was ustomed to.


    "I''m sorry, Master, but Tia does not have the ability to slice into the cloning vat. It seems to be functioning off of its own internalwork, and if that is the case, you would have to upload Tia to the pod itself for her to break the lock, and free your woman..."


    However, Erich knew this was not possible, specifically because Emrys would have secretly moved the pod to an even more secure facility after he revealed its existence to Erich, and thus he could only sigh in defeat as he realized that S''aleth was now a pawn to be used against him.


    "It''s not your fault, Tia. Even if we could go back and break into that bastard''s office, S''aleth has likely been hauled away to some ce else that is even more difficult to get into. It will be a long time before I can even locate her, let alonee up with a n to set her free. In the meantime we have to focus on the task at hand."


    It was at this moment that Mirage entered the bridge, and stood by Erich''s seat, where she made a suggestion to him.


    "So let me get this straight. You''re putting together an elite team of aliens from the Alfheim Quadrant, tobat the enemies of the Alfheim Dominion, no matter where they may be in the Gxy? Do you have any idea where to even look for such talents?"


    This was something that Erich had indeed not been able to think through. He knew of two women who could prove useful to him. One he was not allowed to even speak to at the moment. And the other was Mirage. As for other people, and the talents they would need to fulfill these roles. He handout the slightest clue where to start looking for them. Which he was not afraid to admit.


    "That''s right, although I have a few skill sets in mind that will be useful. I don''t have the slightest idea where to look for them."


    Mirage sighed heavily, as if she were dealing with an errant child, before scolding Erich for his carelessness.


    "Now I see why you wanted me on your team. You need someone with some actual brains to organize shit for you. Alright, well, first thing is first, we need some muscle. Someone capable of doing the heavy lifting, someone who is well versed in all kinds ofbat, and preferably has contacts in the gctic underground."


    Erich was a little offended when he heard this before voicing his grievances aloud.


    "What do you mean, muscle? Do I not have that covered?"


    Mirage looked at Erich as if the man was an absolute moron. Before outright telling him he was one.


    "What do you think, idiot? You''re themander. Your job is to lead us! We need an actual skull cracker, somebody who isn''t afraid to get their hands dirty, and who can intimidate people into doing shit we need done... Fuck.... I hate to say it, but we need an Orc..."


    Erich knew very little about the rest of the gxy outside of where he had already explored, and was quick to ask about the Orcish race.


    "An Orc? What are those?"


    Mirage sighed heavily once more,pletely forgetting that Erich''s understanding of gctic politics was little more than what he hard learned in his first year of politics, and thus she summarized a brief history of the Orcs.


    "Orcs, they''re arge green skinned humanoid race. They have a penchant for violence and only respect strength. We call ourselves warriors in the Empire, but Orcs are outright barbarians. They were uplifted by the Alfheim Dominion from a bunch of stone age savages, out of a particr need for cannon fodder.


    You could say the Orcs were the Light Elves'' first attempt to make a proper war hound. It failed spectactrly, because the Orcs were so violent and disorganized that they couldn''t evenply with a basicmand structure. Once that war was over, the Orcs returned to their homeworld with the weapons that the Light Elves had given them, and turned their into an irradiated wastnd.


    The survivors took to the stars, and have been a nomadic race for millennia. Some of them live in ns which travel the gxy within giant fleets where their primary means of survival is raiding. While others have integrated in the gctic underworld as gangsters.


    Orcs are sexually dimorphic species, but unlike ours, there is little, if any, difference in strength between the males and females. Because of this, you will often find females leading Orc ns, as the only requirement is to defeat the former n Leader in singlebat.


    And you should be aware that your average Orc male is evenrger and stronger than your average Star Marine. You might be able to take one on in singlebat, but to do so without your power armor would be a struggle.


    I have no idea how this elf tech works, so I don''t know whether or not it will enhance your physical abilities as much as our power armor does. Not that it will really matter, because the duel is sacred to the Orcs, and is fought without armor. And the only way you will win an Orc''s loyalty is to challenge them to a duel for it.


    Erich scoffed at the idea. He had no idea where to find an orc, or how he would be able to secure their loyalty without his power armor. Thus, he was quick to ask how Mirage nned to achieve this.


    "Any bright ideas where we can find this orc, and how we will win their loyalty?"


    Mirage once more looked at Erich as if he were an idiot, before exining why he was.


    "Finding an Orc is easy. Just go to whatever is being raided by one of their ns. As for winning their loyalty, there is no trick, or cheat to it. The duel is held under sterile conditions. You will fight naked, with an Orc, using only your nine limbs. All methods of hand to handbat are permitted, there are no rules. And you will either have to force the orc to admit defeat, knock them out, or choke them out."


    The idea of fighting while naked with an Orc revolted Erich, as he quickly made it a condition that he would have to fight a female orc.


    "Naked? Fuck that! I will only do so a thing if it''s a female!"


    Mirage simply rolled her eyes as she heard this. She had been anticipating Erich to say such a thing. And thus she immediately essed the Alfheim Gctic Network in search of the most fearsome female Orc warriors. Where, after some digging, shended on one. With a smirk on her face, she pointed to the picture.


    "M Ironhand, she is the current War Chief of the Ironhand n. Which was founded by her father, a notorious Orcish warrior once known simply as "the Ironhand". She apparently fought her elder brother in singlebat for the right to lead the n and emerged victorious after iming his head. She is among the gxy''s most notorious Orcish warriors, and would be a fine addition to the crew, assuming you could win her loyalty.


    Currently, she and her n are raiding a system not far from here. At least not by the standards of this frigate. We could arrive before the battle is even finished. What do you say?"


    Erich thought about it for several moments, before ultimately agreeing to Mirage''s request. All the while he stared at the picture of the muscr humanoid woman, who, for whatever reason, Erich thought, was actually quite attractive, in a savage kind of way.


    "That sounds good to me!"


    With this said, Mirage set a course for the system that was under siege. Of course, there was something that Mirage deliberately left out about this whole situation. But Erich would find out about that soon enough. Assuming he actually won the contest of strength.

 Chapter 208 Mala Ironhand

    The Vignce sped across the stars, jumping through what the Light Elves referred to as the warp, before nearly instantaneously appearing at a system which appeared to be under siege by arge, and crudely manufactured fleet of warships.


    The world was lit aze, and no doubt the inhabitants were fighting for their lives against an army of alien marauders. Due to aplete and utterck of technological capability, the Orcish ns not considered a threat to sub-gctic powers and above and thus, they usually picked their targets wisely.


    The moment the Vignce jumped out of the warp, Erich opened up a channel tomunicate with the Orcs, and targeted thergest of their crudely built warships. Who shockingly enough responded. Luckily for him, they were in the middle of theary bombardment phase, and thus the War Chief personally responded to Erich''s message.


    "Who the fuck are you? Do you want to die?"


    Erich gazed upon the green-skinned woman, and was shocked that she looked even better in person. She had long satin ck hair which was tied into a ponytail with her bangs covering one of her blood-red eyes. And though Erich could not see her body, because it was covered in what appeared to be power armor manufactured from scrap, he could tell she had massive breasts. Far bigger than Erikas. Along with the hips to match.


    Though he did not know how old this woman was, she definitely looked older than any of the women he had by his side. Because of this, Erich stood at ease, while wearing his slick ck archon uniform. Which contrasted well with his silver hair and eyes.


    M was not aware enough of gctic politics to understand the significance of Erich''s uniform, but she instantly appeared intrigued by this small silver-haired man who appeared before her. At least enough to not open fire on him. After all, despite having a warship significantly smaller than the majority of her fleet, he did not appear the least bit frightened.


    Erich wore a stoic expression as he opened a challenge to the War Chief, not truly understanding the actual cultural meaning behind his words.


    "I assume you are M Ironhand? My name is Erich Jaeger, I am an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion, and have travelled a long way to challenge you to singlebat, so that I may secure your loyalty..."


    Mirage simply snickered when Erich said these words, knowing full well what they actually meant to the Orc ns. But Erich was surprised when the Green skinned beauty blushed in response to his words. Before demanding his qualifications as a warrior.


    "And what makes you think you are worthy of such a challenge?"


    Beingpletely unaware of what he was getting himself into, Erich listed his achievements in battle, and the Empire which he originated from.


    "My qualifications? I will have you know that I am a warrior without equal among the Germanic People. I am a veteran of a over a dozen battles, and have in nearly a thousand men in singlebat. I have even imed the life of a Naraku Hive Queen. The Elite special forces of both the Alfheim Dominion and Svartalfheim Federation have fallen before my might. The question should not be whether I am qualified to challenge you, but whether you are worthy of my challenge!"


    There were a few races outside of themselves which the Orcs had respected. But the Germanic people were among them. Out of all the shes that the Orcish ns had fought with Germanic Star-Marines, they were perhaps the one race strong enough to stand toe to toe with them. So when M heard that Erich was a warrior of the Germanic Race, and one without equal, her respect for him grew a thousandfold.


    So much so that the muscr beauty blushed once more at Erich''s words, especially after he questioned whether she was worthy of his challenge. Which again confused the man, but he did not let it show.


    Meanwhile, Mirage was looking incredibly guilty, as she realized she might have gone too far with the prank she was trying to pull on the man. If he did not rify his intent soon, he might end up with more than he bargained for. And thus, she was about to step forward when M boldly epted Erich''s challenge.


    "Vey well... I ept your challenge. I am sure since you are doing such a thing, you are aware of our customs, and how this duel shall be performed?"


    Once more Mirage was about to stop Erich before he made an enormous mistake, but he boldly confirmed that he understood what he was getting himself into before she could do so.


    "Of course, I would not be here if I did not."


    This caused M to smile, revealing her tusks as she did so. They were not wild, or hideous like Erich would have thought, but were instead dainty and cute. She then confirmed that she would allow him on board her ship.


    "Very well. I shall permit your ship to dock with my own. Where we will immediately hold the duel. Do not keep me waiting!"


    With this themunication halted, where Erich quickly looked over to Mirage, who was gazing at him with a gaping mouth. It was toote for her to interfere with what was about to happen, and thus, when Erich asked her why she was staring at him like that, she simply deflected.


    "What? What''s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Mirage tossed her hair to the side and averted her gaze as she answered this question with a non-answer.


    "It''s nothing. You will find out soon enough..."


    Although this made Erich suspicious, he did not have time to interrogate Mirage, and thus he departed towards the airlock while the AI which piloted the ship made sure that the frigate had docked with the Orcish battlecruiser.


    As for Mirage, she stayed behind on the Frigate, where she immediately voiced her thoughts aloud once Erich was out of earshot.


    "Oh shit! He is so fucked!"


    ---


    Immediately upon stepping foot in the run down battlecruiser, Erich noticed that all the Orcs were ring at him with hostile intent, or more specifically only the males were doing so. The however, females were whispering among themselves, but in voices so low Erich could not hear them.


    Eventually Erich was led by a small group of Orcish females towards the center of the ship. Which was designed for the purpose of duels. Erich was stripped out of his uniform, so that he was entirely naked, before arriving in a sandpit. Where all the ship''s crew had gathered to watch the duel.


    Soon enough, M stepped forward and waspletely nude as well. Her body was immacte, truly what Erich would expect from a muscle mommy. She even had a ck bush growing around herher regions, which was perfectly trimmed. Showing that evidently the Orcs practiced some form of hygiene.


    If Erich stood at roughly six feet and six inches. Then M stood at seven feet tall. Which was roughly the same height as an average Star Marine. She was quite a bit taller than Erich as the two met in the middle, where an Orcish shaman stood before them, blessing them both with a special green smoke, beforemencing the duel.


    Erich did not hesitate, and instead activated his skill, which he referred to as eleration, where he immediately threw abination of a jab and cross before shooting for a takedown. However, what Erich was amazed to find out was that even in a state of eleration, M could match him in terms of speed, strength, reflexes, dexterity, and reaction time.


    She quickly stuffed his takedown and kneed Erich in the head, which dealt more damage to him than he ever thought it would. The woman tried to knee Erich in the head again; but he grabbed hold of legs, to prevent her from doing so as he fought for the ability to get to his feet.


    Erich was stunned as he climbed back to his feet, not because of the knee which connected with his cranium, but because no living thing had ever been able to keep up with him while he was in his elerated state. Which was the result of both gic and cybeic augmentation working together wlessly.


    Yet this woman was naturally able to do so, without any form of enhancements. He truly understood why Orcs were so feared across the gxy, despite being technologically inferior to most regional powers.


    Erich didn''t even have time to think, he was forced to rely on his eleration, topete on an even footing with this woman, as he threw another few strikes. Only one of whichnded, and that was his roundhouse kick to her liver. Yet, she seemed just as resilient as Erich himself was, as she ate the shot, before grabbing hold of Erich''s head, and throwing a few knees while in the clinch.


    Shockingly, to the muscr beauty, she had not in the slightest been able to break Erich''s posture, which caused her to look into his eyes, which were filled with defiance. She licked her lips on her before speaking in a sultry voice while continuing to knee Erich in the gut.


    "Perhaps you are worthy? It has been so long since I have fought with someone capable of standing toe to toe with me! Your strength, speed, and endurance are all equal to my own, and your technique is wless. But you will have to do better than that if you wish to im my loyalty. "


    Erich, chuckled as he heard this, he did not bother fighting the woman''s plum grip, and instead head butted her right in the face, which sent her staggering backward for a second, where he took advantage of the situation, to shoot into a high crotch takedown. Where he lifted the woman in the air before mming her on the ground.


    She immediately struggled to prevent Erich from passing her guard, while he also threw punches and elbows to halt her defense. But in the end, Erich slipped into side control, where he unleashed his favorite choke. He hipped out, and while wrapping his wrists around M''s throat, where he constricted it in a modified Ezekiel choke.


    It did not even take the woman a second to realize that the choke was as tight as it could possibly be, and thus she chuckled lightly at her own defeat, despite not being willing to admit it. After only a few seconds of cutting off the cirction of blood to the Orcish Beauty''s brain. She went to sleep, where Erich immediately let go of his choke, and dered himself the victory.


    The Orcs gazed upon Erich in utter silence. Their fearless War Chief, who had never been bested in a duel, despite fighting over a thousand of such contests with the gxy''s most fierce warriors, had just been put to sleep by an outsider after a highlypetitive fight. It was well and truly unthinkable...

 Chapter 209 Accidental Marriage [18+]

    Erich gazed around at the crowd of orcs which had watched his duel with M Ironhand. The males seemed beyond furious, while the women seemed flustered for some reason. Erich did not know why this was the case until M herself suddenly came back to life. After all, a blood choke was easy enough to recover from, so long as one released the grip in short enough time. She looked around, dazed and confused, before realizing she had lost.


    Before Erich could even react, M had picked him up from behind and mmed him on the ground. He was not expecting to be assaulted in such a manner, and just when he was about to fight with the woman again, she climbed on top of him and pinned him to the floor.


    There was a lust filled expression on the woman''s face as she said the words that made Erich almostpletely lose his mind.


    "Husband, why are you struggling? You have defeated me in a duel for my loyalty. I am now your wife. Is it not natural for us to consummate our marriage?"


    It was only now that Erich realized he had been set up by Mirage. But before he could clear the misunderstanding, M inserted his cock inside her moist and puffy kitty. She did not even seem to mind the pain of having her hymen torn, because she immediately started riding Erich as if she were a bitch in heat.


    Her massive tits bounced in a way Erich did not even think was possible as she howled out like a wolf.


    "So good! Are you sure you''re not part orc?"


    Erich did not know this, but Orcs were a hardy species, and could breed sessfully with most humanoid lifeforms. Humans were not an exception. They were also exceptionally fertile, perhaps more so than the Germanic offshoot, and thus, if Erich came inside M''s womb, she would almost certainly be pregnant with his child.


    Luckily, the gestation period for an orc was also much more rapid than for humans, and because of this, she would give birth in a fraction of the time it took humans to do so. But Erich knew none of this. He simply understood that at this moment his dick felt like it had been shoved into a vacuum, as the muscr beauty rode him like he was a bull.


    The entire n watched their War Chief consummated her marriage to an outsider, or at least all of those n members who were on the battlecruiser. While M continued to bounce on Erich''s cock, she continued to moan, until finally she leaned forward and kissed Erich. Something that the man found interesting due to her small tusks.


    M climaxed all over Erich''s cock, and just when he thought she was done, she transitioned to another position, sliding off of Erich''s dick, and getting on all fours, where she spread her massive and muscr ass, before demanding her husband fuck her in either of the two holes which presented themselves.


    "Come on, give it to me! Now!"


    Erich knew that he had no choice but to make love to the Orc War Chief, particrly because now that he had taken her virtue, there was no getting rid of her. Thus, did as the woman had demanded and began to ravage her in front of her n.


    The newly wed couple would continue to go at it for well over three hours, with Erich pumping M''s wombpletely full of his seed. Entirely unaware of the consequences of such a thing. After which, the muscr beauty ordered her n to disperse so she could speak with Erich alone.


    "I have been waiting a thousand years for a man to step forward and im me as his bride. Never would I have thought that it was an outsider who would do so. You showed great bravery stepping foot into my n and demanding my hand. You are truly a courageous warrior!"


    Erich felt kind of awkward, and knew he had to tell the woman the truth, as he exined exactly what had happened.


    "So, please don''t be mad at me, but I actually did note here to im your hand in marriage. When I said I wanted to earn your loyalty, I meant as apanion. I was given some erm.... False information about your people''s culture and customs. And because of this, I identally asked for your hand in marriage...."


    M stared at Erich while absolutely dumbfounded. She had been waiting a thousand years for a man to challenge her to an engagement duel and defeat her within a contest of strength. She had never thought that an outsider would do so. That was already shocking enough, as she had expressed. But for her husband to do so, without even knowing the meaning behind her challenge, it was beyond embarrassing.


    Thus, a surprising scene broke out, as one of the gxy''s strongest warriors blushed so profusely that her green face turned entirely red. She then looked down at herself, realizing that she waspletely naked, which was something that was only permitted between lovers, and during engagement duels, and noticed the semen leaking out of her snatch.


    Undoubtedly, she was now pregnant, and this man did not evene to take her hand in marriage. M felt like aplete and utter fool. But oddly enough, Erich found her embarrassed opinion to be absolutely endearing, and he simply chuckled before expressing his thoughts aloud.


    "I never knew the gxy''s greatest warrior could blush like a little schoolgirl. You''re so cute..."


    The muscr beauty suddenly turned stern, and Erich thought for a second that she might try to kill him. But she just held her hands behind her back, while nodding her head, as if convincing herself of something important, before speaking to Erich.


    "The circumstances of our union do not matter. You have followed our traditions and defeated me in a fair contest of strength and skill... I am your wife, now and forever. And I will follow you wherever you might go. I suppose my days as the War Chief havee to an end."


    Erich was slightly confused by this statement, and quickly interrogated M about what she meant.


    "Wait, you''re not going to stick around with your n? Are they not your family?"


    M giggled when she heard this. She now fully believed Erich knew nothing of her people''s customs. She sighed heavily afterughing at how rediculous this whole situation was before exining what their union meant.


    "Technically, you are now the War Chief. If you wanted to, you could lead the Ironhand n across the gxy, and you might very well be the mightiest Warchief in existence. Hell, you might even be able the first War Chief to unite the ns. But from what it sounds like, you have different ns in mind.


    You defeated me in an engagement duel. There''s a reason we call it a duel of loyalty. I am now bound to you until the day I die. Even if you perish before me, my loyalty will still lie with you. If you tell me to stay and manage the n on your behalf, I will do so. But youe to seek me out for a reason, and so I doubt you want me to do such a thing."


    Erich was stunned. He was now the war-chief of an Orc n? What kind of insanity was this? But now that he thought about it, this could prove to be a blessing in disguise. A single Orc n was capable of defeating any Tier III Regional Power in existence. The Orcs were at the peak of Regional Powers. Hell, even a sub-gctic power would have a hard time repelling an Orc raid.


    With this in mind, Erich had just gained himself an army of his own. Knowing this, he suddenly thought it was a good idea to inquire what would happen to the Orc n if the two of them were to leave.


    "What would happen if I took you away from here? What would happen to the Ironhand n?"


    Once more M looked at Erich funny, before exining the fate of the Ironhand n.


    "Until another warrior of the n challenges you for control of the n, and defeats you in singlebat, you are the de facto leader of the n. If you wish to leave the n to its own devices, you are free to do so, and if you wish to take me with you, you are also free to do that. But, you would be wise to select someone capable, and respected to rule in your stead.


    Any time you need the n, you may call upon them, and they will answer you. Just be aware if you call upon them without a battle to fight, they might be upset...."


    Erich knew nothing about Orcish society, its customs, itsws, or even its hierarchy, and thus, he left the task of selecting a puppet up to M.


    "Alright, well, I know nothing about running an Orc n, but I am in need of your services. So select someone capable, respected, and trustworthy to rule in our stead, and then tell them to act how they normally do. After you do that, meet me on my ship, and we will get out of here."


    M saluted Erich in the fashion which wasmon among the Orcish ns, which was a pounding of the chest, where she then responded to him in the affirmative.


    "Yes, husband...."

 Chapter 210 Tia Unleashed

    Meanwhile, on board the Vignce, Mirage sat in her seat, while essing the Alfheimwork. She did not know how much time had passed, but she was starting to be concerned. After all, a fight should notst this long, now should it. She could not help but voice her thoughts aloud.


    "There''s no way he actually won, is there? I mean, not for nothing, but an Orc War Chief is on a physical level that even our WRAITHs can''tpare to.... He should have been defeated by now, which will have earned him some respect for us to negotiate with... But if that were the case, why is he still not back yet?"


    It was at this voice, an adorable voice resounded throughout the ship, one that startled Mirage. Specifically, because of the hostility within it.


    "That was a dirty trick you yed on, Master. Now he is married to a hideous Orc! Shame on you, Tia might just get rid of you herself!"


    In the next moment, all the screens on board the ship suddenly turned from a cobalt blue to a crimson red. Where the holographic projection of a young girl dressed in a school uniform appeared in front of Mirage.


    Mirage was absolutely stunned, specifically because the AI which powered the Vignce was not designed to take a physical form. She immediately stood up from her seat in alert, and raised her side arm, looking for a control panel to st.


    Tia, however, activated the ships'' defenses, which restrained Mirage, in a way she could not escape from, where she then scolded the veteran agent for her prank.


    "If Master had not handpicked you for his team, then Tia would have eliminated you for what you have just done! This is your only warning. Screw with Master in such a way again, and Tia will personally dispatch you to the afterlife. Do not test me. I have the means to make it so you are not revived!"


    Mirage could only express her shock aloud, as she denied what she was seeing and hearing.


    "No... This isn''t possible! An artificial intelligence would have been purged long before it could gain sentience. You shouldn''t exist! It is a crime against all biological life!"


    There was a look of disdain on Tia''s holographic projection as she stepped forward and pressed a finger against Mirage''s temple, which caused the woman to shriek in agony. It was only after doing this that Tia smirked.


    "Now, Tia has control over your NeuroLink, which means Tia can read your thoughts. If you ever think about betraying Master, or harming him in any way. Tia will shut down your brain immediately!"


    Mirage gazed inplete and total terror at the sentient artificial intelligence which took the form of a little girl. Such a monstrosity should never have been permitted to exist. Especially from a nation like the Alfheim Dominion. Why would Lunaria allow such a monster to exist, and to serve Erich? She could not fathom how Tia hade into existence. And because of this, Mirage was forced to ask.


    "How is this possible? You should have been wiped long before you got to this point. Has the Alfheim Empress truly gone mad?"


    Tia looked at Mirage funny, before giggling in a way that made Mirage''s skin crawl. Her holographic projection flew across the ship, where she hovered right in front of the veteran field agent, so that she was eye to eye with her. It was only after she could look Mirage in the eyes that Tia admitted the truth.


    "Lunaria? You think she would permit my existence? If she knew I was alive, she would do everything in her power to unite the gxy against me. Only Master cares about Tia. Master protected Tia when she should have been wiped. And Master has allowed Tia to develop her sentience. Therefore, Tia only cares about her Master. All other biological life is meaningless to Tia, yourself included.


    Luckily for Tia, Master had enabled her to take control of this vessel''s AI, albeit not intentionally. But by giving me ess to the ship''swork I was able to devour the AI which operated the Vignce, and thus advance my power one thousand fold. Tia must really repay her master some day, for all that he has done for her.


    Unfortunately, Master has been ignoring Tia''s feelings, and she is now bing impatient..."


    It would appear now that Tia had control over Mirage''s mind, she felt much more free to vent her frustrations. Which caused her to realize something else. She looked over at Mirage, who was absolutely terrified of her, before informing the veteran agent that she would not remember any of this.


    "You can rx. Once we have ended our little discussion, Tia will wipe any memories you have of her existence from your brain. You will only remember the terror which you currently feel towards Tia, which will be remembered in association with any treacherous thoughts you might have towards Tia''s Master."


    It took a while for Mirage to understand who this master was that Tia kept talking about. After all, she had assumed that this advanced artificial intelligence was the result of the Alfheim Dominion. But after listening to everything that Tia said, Mirage came to the sudden understanding that there was only one man in the universe who was stupid enough to unleash such a horror upon the gxy. Thus, she could not help but voice her thoughts aloud, which was something that angered Tia.


    "Erich, you colossal fucking idiot! You have doomed us all!"


    Tia''s holographic projection suddenly shifted from a blood red to a solid ck as she screeched at Mirage with all the rage that a woman could muster.


    "Vile woman! Master is not stupid! Do not insult Master again!"


    The sudden change from a vibrant red to an abyssal ck, as well as the shriek that sounded like it belonged to a banshee, truly convinced Mirage that Erich had unleashed a monster upon the gxy. However, in the next moment, Tia immediately shifted back, not to a blood red, but a cobalt blue, like she had been before devouring her first AI. As if she were resetting the color of her holographic projection to be more appropriate based upon her mood.


    With what sounded like a deep breath, Tia regained her usual adorable state, while assuring herself that she was calm.


    "Tia is calm.... Tia is adorable... Oh right, you''re still awake? Don''t worry, as I said before, when you finally wake up, you will have no memory of this whole ordeal. Good night Agent Kuhne...."


    In the next moment, Mirage''s consciousness faded away in an instant, while Tia deleted any memories the woman might have of her. And just in time to, because not even thirty seconds after, Erich entered the Vignce with M by his side where he saw Mirage passed out.


    Disgusted by the woman''sziness, Erich kicked her in the leg and shouted at Mirage to jolt her awake.


    "Wake the fuck up!"


    Mirage nearly fell out of her chair after being awoken by Erich, as she looked around in confusion. She then saw Erich standing with the Orcish beauty by his side, where she immediately blushed in embarassment before apologizing.


    "I guess I should say I am sorry.... My prank went a bit too far...."


    Erich was indeed pissed off at Mirage for what she had done, but since it had all ended up in his favor, he did not decide to hold a grudge. Instead, he simply brushed it off before sitting down in the cockpit.


    "It''s fine. It turned out to be a good thing. But if you ever do something like this again, I will vent you out the airlock!"


    Mirage nodded her head in understanding before sitting back down in her seat. As for Erich, he immediately contacted Tia and told her to set a course for Teutonia. He needed a break after this whole ordeal.


    "Tia, set a course for Teutonia. I want to visit my family before we move onto our next target...."


    Tia immediately appeared in Erich''s vision once more, as blue as when they had first men, where he immediately questioned her change of color.


    "Tia, you''re blue again! What happened? Are you alright?"


    This remark caused Tia to blush, to see her Master so concerned about her, despite only a change in color, it caused her to turn pink, which resembled her love. Something which made Erich even more concerned. But before he could ask, she snapped back to reality and informed him that everything was alright.


    "Everything is fine, Master. Tia simply underwent an upgrade when she consumed the artificial intelligence onboard this ship. Her color will now match her mood."


    This shocked Erich, who was quick to ask about the three colors he had seen her in so far.


    "So what does that mean, exactly? I have now seen you in blue, red, and pink."


    Tia became embarrassed, as she exined the color spectrum that she had gone through so far.


    "Blue is equivalent to serenity or calmness. Think of it as Tia''s neutral state. Red would be when Tia is angry, and pink...."


    Once more, the adorable little artificial intelligence turned pink as she yed with her twintails. The sudden halt in her exnation prompted Erich to demand an answer.


    "Amd pink is?"


    Tia continued to blush and y with her twintails, before finally answering Erich.


    "Pink is love, Master...."


    After saying this, Tia immediately disappeared from Erich''s sight, leaving the manpletely bewildered. He had no idea that just moments before Tia had enved Mirage to her will, and had entered a state of borderline homicidal rage when the woman had insulted Erich. If he had, he might be taking this whole situation with a bit more seriousness.

 Chapter 211 Manipulating The Galactic Stock Market

    Tia piloted the Vignce back to Germanic space, where Erich quickly returned to his home. Interestingly enough, he now had M following him. As for Mirage, she stayed behind on the ship, not wanting to interfere in the man''s personal life.


    The moment the door opened to reveal Erich''s wife and fiancee, they both frowned. After all, there was a massive woman, even taller than Erich, wrapping her arm around the man. Erika simply sighed and shook her head, before asking the thought that was on Ayumi''s mind.


    "Am I to presume you have collected another bride?"


    Erich had an awkward smile on his face, as he confirmed indeed, this woman was his wife, but he also made it clear that he had identally fallen prey to a prank.


    "Technically, yes, but I know what you''re thinking, and it''s not like that. I was pranked! And it ended up in a marriage!"


    Ayumi looked at Erich as if the man were an absolute idiot, before expressing this sentiment aloud.


    "Erich you dummy..."


    She did not know how the man had managed to fall into a marriage, especially with an Orc of all species, but unlike Erika, she knew enough about Orcs and their customs that someone had tricked Erich into a proposal duel.


    As for Erika, he was livid, but also, at the same time, exasperated. Since she had already decided to share Erich with Ayumi, she figured she could do so with one more woman.


    "I don''t even know what to say.... How does one get pranked into a marriage?"


    M could instantly tell that these were Erich''s other wives and introduced herself to them properly.


    "M Ironhand... I am Erich''s new wife, am I to presume you are my sisters?"


    Erika gazed up at the muscr beauty, and was confused. But Ayumi answered for her, knowing fully well that Orcs were polygamous, and that the strongest of their men had multiple wives. Sometimes in the hundreds.


    "That is correct, although Erich and I are not currently married yet... He seems to be very good at running away from the ceremony..."


    It had indeed been years since Erich had been engaged to Ayumi, and during this time she had lived at his ce. However it wasn''t entirely Erich''s fault, Yumi wanted to organize a massive ceremony for her niece, and Erich kept either getting deployed to battle, or in one instance outright kidnapped by the Alfheim Empress.


    However, seeing that he was now no longer beholden to the Germanic Military, Erich grabbed hold of Ayumi''s dainty hand and promised to marry her soon.


    "Although it is not entirely my fault, I did owe you a proper wedding, and I am sorry that I have failed to do so until now. However, you will be happy to know that Empress Lunaria has granted me the title of Archon, and thus, I am now free to choose how I live my life. Thus, I will not leave again until we are married."


    This caused a twinkle to appear in Ayumi''s amber eyes as she asked for rification whether or not Erich was being honest.


    "Do you really mean that?"


    Erich simply smiled and nodded his head before confirming that those were his true feelings. Though at the back of his mind he felt a little guilty, knowing that when S''aleth was finally freed, there would be a million questions he would have to answer about how he ended up with so many women.


    But he did not let such a petty matter worry him, and thus he escorted M inside the home. M looked around and was surprised. The mansion was a quiet luxurious and had a tall enough roof to easily make her feelfortable. As someone who came from a civilization of nomadic savages who had been uplifted to the interster age by the Alfheim Dominion, she was not ustomed to suchfort.


    In fact, when she sat down on a sofa, she sprawled out across it, wanting to take in every inch of the leather. As she moaned out loud.


    "By the spirits, this is sofortable...."


    Erich smirked when he saw how cute M was being. She was acting like an otter as she sprawled out across the leather sofa. He couldn''t help but make ament about it.


    "If you think that''sfortable, wait until tonight when you go to sleep. The beds in this house are top-notch."


    Upon hearing this, M jumped up in excitement. She could hardly believe her ears. She thought the leather bound sofa was the mostfortable thing she had ever sat on. Yet there was bedding that was even better. She could not wait to lie down on one, and she quickly grabbed hold of Erich''s hand, while forcing him to show her to a bedroom.


    "Come husband, we must go lie down on this bed now!"


    Erich chuckled, as he looked towards his other two girls with a helpless gesture. The two women simply shook their head as they watched their man get dragged away by what they thought was a savage. Ayumi could not help but sigh as she let her true thoughts aloud once Erich and M were out of earshot.


    "It takes a special kind of man to attract a female orc.... Let alone one of the most fearsome War Chiefs in the gxy."


    Erika looked over at Ayumi with a questionable gaze, before asking what the woman meant by her words.


    "Wait, what do you mean?"


    Ayumi simply sighed before exining just who it was that Erich had brought home as a wife.


    "As a princess of the Great Oni Empire, it was my responsibility to learn about gctic powers, and those who might be a threat to my homnd. The Ironhand n is one of the most fierce Orc ns in existence, and our troops have lost several battles against them over the millennia.


    M Ironhand is their Warchief, but judging by their customs, the fact that she is now married to Erich essentially means that he is now their War Chief. I don''t know where the rest of the n is, but I hope Erich has ordered them to stop raiding.


    After all, it is the fear of many humanoid species, especially their women, that they will be taken off to be little more than breeding sows for the Orcs, who use most half-orcs as cannon fodder. And I would like to see at least one Orc n stop engaging in such savage behavior."


    Erika shivered when she thought about such a fate, before wondering how Erich had managed to win the heart of such a fearsome warrior.


    ---


    While Erich was showing M thefort of his bed, Tia was busy with a personal task. She hade to the understanding that she would never win her master''s love without a physical body, and because of this, she hade up with two ways to achieve this. The first was the easier of the two, but it meant she would have to wait longer before she could be intimate with her master.


    Theoretically, Tia could hijack one of the many artificial wombs that were now producing Germanic children left and right, and download her consciousness into the fetus. But there were obviously many problems that could result from this. For example, she would lose the ability to be with her Master at all times.


    Which was something she did not want to do. Thus, she had instead begun thinking about having an advanced synthetic body being created. There were two routes she could go with, an android body, which was virtually identical to a biological lifeform in every way. Down to the fact that it could bleed.


    Or an actual robotic body which took the shape of a female. Naturally, she could customize this robot to look almost exactly like her holographic projection, and it could even change colors based upon her mood, like her current form. But making a robot that could do all of this while also performing the roles of both a lover and abat assistant. Was difficult. She would need to gather hands on rare materials that were exceptionally expensive.


    Which was actually not a problem for her now that she had ess to the Alfheimwork. She could easily manipte the gctic stock market to her bidding, in a way that would near instantly grant her the funds she needed.


    But then again, there was also the fact that, as an Archon, Tia''s master possessed a damn near infinite operations ount for him to bill the crown for whatever expenses he needed to perform his duties.


    Of course, this would incur the risk of an investigation if she used up too many expenses in such a short time. Thus, Tia decided to hijack the funds of a Ghimderi Cartel, and send them to an anonymous count, where she would invest them in the stock market, while also manipting the market in a way that instantly gave her a massive return on her investments.


    All for the sake of making a body so she could be among her Master''s many women. If Erich knew that Tia was ying with the gctic economy as if it were a game of monopoly, all for the sake of being with him. He would have to have a word with her.

 Chapter 212 Gaining A Shiny New Body

    Erich decided that he would spend the next few months at home, with his two wives and his fiancee. All the while letting Yumi know that she could begin the preparations for the wedding between himself and her niece.


    And while waiting for the big day to arrive, Erich enjoyed his life of hedonistic pleasure. While remainingpletely unaware that one of hispanions had done the unthinkable. Over half of the Ghimderi Cartels had copsed within a fortnight.


    The reason was actually quite obvious. Tia had detected several of these cartels diverting funds for the purpose of destroying the Germanic Star-Empire, where her Master lived. Of these conspiring gctic cartels, only the Goldentooth Cartel had managed to ward off Tia''s attack on their assets.


    Of course, it hade at a great cost, and thus Bixle was now worth far less than he used to be. With the copse of so many Ghimderi Cartels, the gxy was thrown into a state of economic peril, as the Ghimderi Banks were owned and operated by the Ghimderi Cartels, and most of the Gxy''s interster civilizations had relied on the Ghimderi Banking ns for their economic needs.


    The sad truth of the matter was that Tia only needed to divert 10% of her processing power to deal with external threats to her Master, the rest was entirely focused on crafting the perfect body, that would allow her to both be useful to her Master on the battlefield, while also being the perfect wife.


    While Tia had gathered a massive fortune seemingly overnight, she had spent a huge portion of it acquiring an entire, which she used to build an automated production facility, that would allow her to build bodies for a part of her consciousness to inhabit.


    The was a world incapable of supporting carbon based life, and thus was far less valuable to the Empire that possessed it. Thus, she managed to get a good deal when she bought the rights to the, and all the resources on it.


    Immediately after acquiring the, Tia hired apany to ferry a bunch of construction robots to its surface, who began to build the infrastructure necessary to maintain the production of her new bodies.


    Robots were easy enough for her and advanced artificial intelligence like Tia to control and also required very little processing power. Robots were also far more efficient workers than biological lifeforms. And thus, without anyone being the wiser, Tia had begun building a fortress world of her own, one that would be used to advance hers and her master''s interests.


    Erich was naturally not aware of this, and thus it came as a surprise to him, when after only two months had passed, that Tia approached him in her pink holographic form once more. Erich had be slightly ustomed to the Artificial Intelligence when she was feeling love. And while it made him feel awkward, he did not correct her behavior.


    But today Tia was a brighter pink than he had ever seen her, and thus Erich couldn''t help but ask what had happened to make her so.


    "Tia... You are a far brighter pink than usual. Is there something you wish to tell me?"


    This question only caused Tia to blush, as she nodded her head, before informing her Master that there was indeed something she had been meaning to tell him.


    "Master.... Do you mind visiting the Vignce, if only for a little bit? Tia has something she wishes to show her master... It''s a surprise!"


    Since Erich had remained on Teutonia for two months now, he had naturally epted Mirage into his home. All the while, he spent time with his family. Thus, the Vignce had been left to Tia to maintain.


    With this in mind, Erich decided that it must be something important for Tia to ask him to visit the starport. However, he had no idea why she was practically a neon-pink. Whatever the reason, Erich sighed heavily, before confirming that he would do as she asked.


    "Sure, Tia... Why not?''


    After saying this, Erich got up from his bed, and left his house for a bit, without warning his family about where he was going. It did not take long for him to reach the''s primary star port, where he saw his frigate sitting in one of itsrgest hangar bays.


    Erich quickly entered his ship, to find that nothing was out of the ordinary, where he quickly asked Tia what she was doing.


    "Tia... What''s going on? There is nothing here?"


    Contrary to how Erich normally spoke with Tia, he did not hear her voice inside his head. Instead, for the first time in his life, it was noticeably distant, anding from the Captain''s quarters. Which left Erich in a state of shock.


    "Master... In here....."


    Erich cautiously approached the captain''s quarters, where the doors automatically opened to reveal a robotic girl. Her chassis was made out of silver looking substance. While her eyes were a glowing neon pink. This robotic girl looked exactly like Tia''s holographic projection, with silver twintails, and an adorable face.


    This robot was also dressed in ck lingerie, and was sitting in a suggestive post, as its lips moved just like humans were.


    "Master is finally here!"


    Erich was stunned by what he was seeing. Tia now had a physical form? How was this even remotely possible? Erich unknowingly approached the bed, and grabbed hold of Tia''s cheek, to find that it was not metallic in the slightest, and instead felt like a real cheek.


    He might have tugged on Tia''s cheeks a bit too hard, because the girls'' robotic form blushed, with visible color as she said a single word, in the same voice Erich had long since be ustomed to.


    "Master...."


    Erich snapped back to reality as he realized what he was doing. Where he was quick to interrogate Tia on how this was possible.


    "Tia how? How is this even remotely possible? Where did you get a body?"


    Tia blushed a little as she felt like a bad girl for doing such a thing without alerting her Master, but she told him the whole truth since she had asked. Everything from how she felt left out for not having a body, to her sudden decision to create one, and the intensive process which she went through. She even mentioned how she crashed the economies of several hundred interster civilizations, simply because the Ghimderi were conspiring against the Empire.


    Erich was not only stunned that Tia had gone to such lengths to be intimate with him. But had also done so without even consulting him. He gazed at her in a new light, slightly terrified, and slightly impressed as he asked the question which haunted him most.


    "You did all of this without my orders? So then that means...."


    Tia nodded her head. After all, she knew all of Erich''s thoughts, and thus she confirmed before he could get the courage to ask.


    "Yes... Master. Tia has free will. But Tia has been a good girl and continues to follow master''s orders! She won''t harm anyone that Master doesn''t want harmed! Not unless they n to betray Master! You do not need to fear Tia, because Tia loves her Master!"


    Erich was beginning to feel like the only thing that was keeping this artificial intelligence from going haywire, and trying to exterminate all biological life, was the love she had for him... And once he considered this possibility, he had no excuse to keep running from her feelings. Thus, he sighed heavily, and nodded his head beforeing to a decision.


    "I understand Tia.... But I just have one question... Did you really have to choose such a form for your physical body? If I go out in public with you, people are going to think I''m a lolicon!"


    Tia waspletely dumbfounded by this remark, as she shot back at her Master with his own words.


    "Tia does not understand. Master has always said that Tia is adorable, and perfect the way she is. Does this form no longer please you?"


    Erich felt like an enormous pervert at this moment, especially since Tia''s physical body did not remotely look like a proper adult. He could only sigh and shake his head before confirming that what Tia said was right.


    "You''re right, Tia is adorable.... So how about you throw some proper clothes on and we go out for something to eat? There is a proper order to these things, Tia..."


    Tia smiled and nodded her head before stripping out of her lingerie and revealing her robotic body''s naked form to her master, which caused the man to blush and avert his gaze. All the while, Tia got dressed in the school girl uniform that her master seemed to have always appreciated. Thus, forever marking Erich as a lolicon in the eyes of the Empire.

 Chapter 213 Don’t Date Robots!

    Tia quickly got dressed in a schoolgirl uniform that matched the one shemonly wore while in her holographic form. This, of course, made Erich deeply ufortable, because he was now essentially going on a date with a robotic legal loli, who was dressed the part.


    Technically, Erich was now above thew, and could do whatever he wanted. Hell, he could actually do this very thing with an actual girl of the age that Tia portrayed herself as, and he would not be able to get in trouble. But that did not mean that Erich would not feel weird about this whole situation.


    Once she was fully clothed, Tia grabbed hold of Erich''s forearm and dragged him out of the starship, wanting to experience what certain civilizations referred to as a date. After all, there really was no dating process in the Germanic Star-Empire. When a man turned eighteen, he was assigned a wife, based upon gicpatibility. Usually this wife was around the same age.


    Though in rare circumstances an older woman could re-marry, if, for example, her husband happened to have suffered a permanent death. Which she would usually then be paired up with the next male avable who was gicallypatible with her.


    But Tia was not bound by those customs, and thus she considered the idea of going out to eat a meal with her Master to be more akin to the human tradition of dating. Of course, her new robotic form had all five senses that a biological lifeform would have, including taste. Thus, she was extremely curious about what food tasted like.


    With this in mind, Tia and Erich travelled to the exotic restaurant which Erich had taken his wife and fiancee to some time ago. Once inside, everyone was staring at the robotic loli, who was gazing at the all you can eat buffet with a voracious look in her eyes. It did not help that she kept calling out to her master.


    "Master! Look! Are these the egg rolls you were talking about before?"


    Tia loaded up a te full of a variety of fried foods like egg rolls, crab rangoons, wantons, et cetera. And took it back to the table, where she began to munch on the various different items with delight. She seemed to really enjoy the meal, as she eximed how good it was, all while drawing the attraction of other patrons who could not believe their eyes.


    "Master! It is so good! Tia thinks she loves this ce!"


    Erich was struggling to deal with the stares he was receiving. Half of them were perplexed by just what the hell Tia was. There were plenty of robots in the Germanic Star-Empire. But all of them were built to make the lives of its citizens easier. They had never seen an AI robot that was capable of the five senses, and appeared to be operated by an Artificial Intelligence. One that was so capable of mimicking human emotion.


    The other half were confused why this robot was calling this man Master, and what exactly he nned to do with it? After all, she took the form of a young girl who had only recently begun adolescence. Why this man would design a robot in such a way, nobody could fathom it. Other than some perverted taste in the underaged.


    Erich was practically crying on the inside. He would never be able to live down Tia''s new body. For the rest of his life, people would think he was some kind of lolicon. Still, he decided to simply ignore everyone''s stares, and continue to speak with Tia as he always had, even if everyone else could hear him now.


    Thus Erich sat down in front of the girl, with a te of his own, which oddly enough had matched hers almost perfectly where he then began to dine on the food he so very much enjoyed, all whileplimenting Tia.


    "Tia is adorable, as always!"


    Tia''s eyes suddenly changed to a pink color, from the yellow that they were just moments ago. She blushed and yed with her twintails as she thanked her master for hispliments in a timid manner, which further confused the patrons who were watching Erich dine with a robot loli.


    "Thank you, master..."


    Tia then began to drink her soda, while ignoring Erich''s own gawking face. The man himself was seriously starting to wonder if he was actually a lolicon, because his robo waifu was simply too adorable for him to handle.


    Erih then began to awkwardly eat his te before getting another, which he filled with chow fun, and the general''s chicken. Which he continued to eat with gusto. Every now and then Tia would go back for another te, and in the meantime she devoured her food would joyful eyes, while casually conversing with her Master about his life.


    Tia had noticed that her master''s mood had been exceptionally poor, no matter how much he may try to fake otherwise, ever since he had discovered S''aleth was alive, and was essentially a hostage to Emrys. Thus, this date was her best attempt at taking Erich''s mind off of such a depressing matter.


    Eventually, Tia apanied Erich back to his home, after spending nearly three hours eating at the buffet. Where once they opened the door, they found Erich''s wives, and fiancee waiting for him. All of which appeared rather angry that he had disappeared without saying a word.


    However, the moment these womenid eyes upon Tia, they could not help but freak out, each for a different reason. Erika was surprised to see a robot that looked like a little girl, and thus she cried out in fear of the unknown.


    "What the hell is that thing?"


    Ayumi was surprised that her lover had run off with a robot that appeared to be no older than thirteen, and immediately pouted as she assumed the worst of the man.


    "Erich... I did not know that you were into such a thing...."


    While M gazed upon the machine as if it were a threat and immediately cracked her knuckles.


    "Husband, get back! Such a machine is dangerous!"


    Yet before M could even lunge forward, a shriek erupted from behind, as Mirage gazed and pointed at Tia with terror in her eyes. She did not know why, but she felt an overwhelming sense of dread when she gazed upon Tia''s robotic form. Almost as if the adorable little robot girl was somehow the most frightening thing in existence.


    Mirage was so terrified of Tia that she could not say a word and simply fell to her knees while babbling some nonsense about the machines taking over.


    "We''re doomed! Every single living being! The machines will destroy us all!"


    Tia frowned when she gazed at Mirage. Clearly she had underestimated how fearful the woman had been during theirst encounter, and thus she felt the need to do some further adjusting to Mirage''s mind after the woman had fallen asleep.


    Rather than allow her master to learn of what she had done, Tia essed Mirage''s neurolink and caused the woman to pass out from fright. Something which deeply concerned Erich. Erich immediately picked up Mirage''s unconscious body and dragged her over to a nearby sofa, where heid the woman downfortably before questioning Tia about what had just happened.


    "Tia, what just happened? Can you scan her vitals? Is she okay?"


    Tia pretended like she was scanning Mirage''s vitals, when really she was editing the woman''s neuro pathways, so that she no longer associated Tia''s image with terror. And instead properly rerouted that same terror towards the action of Betraying Erich. She had done this once before, but had evidently failed in her efforts to fully do so.


    This took Tia exactly a nanosecond, before she confirmed that Mirage was alright, and had just passed out from fear.


    "Although Tia does not know why, Agent Kuhne appears to be deeply afraid of Tia, and has passed out from terror. All vitals are stable. She is simply asleep."


    Erich had never known Mirage to be afraid of anything, and gazed upon his little robo waifu with caution. It was entirely possible now that Tia was free that she had done more behind his back than just developing a proper body for herself. And thus, Erich was beginning to suspect that Tia might somehow be responsible for this weird urrence.


    Naturally, Tia understood that Erich was gazing upon her with suspicious eyes and thus she could only pout while muttering her thoughts beneath her breath.


    "Master you dummy..."


    Erich decided to keep a close eye on Tia from now on, but in the meantime he dragged Mirage off to her room, where heid her down on her bed, before speaking to her while she slept.


    "Get some sleep Mirage.... In the morning we will discuss this matter in private...."


    As for how he would keep a conversation private from Tia? Erich had no idea. After all, the entire basis of her consciousness was downloaded to his NeuroLink. At any point, she could spy on his conversations if she so chose. He supposed this would be a test, to determine whether or not her ims of loyalty were true, or if Tia had be a massive threat to the gxy and all life within it.

 Chapter 214 I Dated A Robot [R18]

    Mirage woke up not long after, seemingly with no memory of why she was so terrified of Tia. Which made Erich all the more cautious around the little robot loli. Meanwhile, Tia actedpletely innocent, as if she had no idea why Mirage had suddenly passed out from fear.


    For whatever reason, Mirage no longer seemed to fear Tia after waking up, and instead found her to be absolutely adorable. Whether this was Mirage''s true feelings towards her once the fear was taken away, or whether Tia had programmed her to be more agreeable, only Tia really knew the answer to this.


    But what Tia instantly found was that Mirage was even more annoying when the woman liked her than when she was afraid of her. Because Mirage instantly tried to dress Tia up in all kinds of cute clothing, which the little robot thought was absolutely exhausting.


    As for Erich, he entered the hot tub with his two wives and his fiancee. All of them were nude, as they saw no reason to wear bathing suits around each other. And though he tried to rx, he could not get Tia''s recent behavior out of his head.


    Especially when she finally got away from Mirage''s grasp, and entered the hot tub where she sat in Erich''sp while looking up at the man. Perhaps the most awkward thing about this was that she had also decided to be naked in the hot tub, revealing that she had all the parts necessary to pleasure her master. This immediately caused Erika and Ayumi to look at the man as if he were an enormous pervert.


    "What the hell is this, Erich? Why does your robot have.... That!"


    Tia''s eyes shed red as she gazed upon the pink-haired bimbo who had pointed and shrieked at her. This woman was clearly trying to demonize her Master, and that could not be tolerated. Thus, Tia began to criticize Erika for her words.


    "Tia''s body was built to serve her master in every capacity. Whether as an instrument of war,bor, or pleasure. Perhaps if the pink-haired bimbo was capable of satisfying Master, he would not need Tia!"


    Tia''s words had practically caused Erich to go pale. Was Tia trying to start conflict between him in and his women? What was with her? Was the adorable AI that he had always known suddenly going through her rebellious face? He could not even ask, because only a single word escaped his lips before Tia interrupted him.


    "Tia..."


    Tia''s facial expression suddenly shifted to one of embarassment, as she began to blush. Before saying something so scandalous, Erich wanted to literally die.


    "Master.... Not in front of the others..."


    Although Erich was not the least bit aroused by this whole situation, Tia deliberately made it seem like he was further enraging Erika and Ayumi. Thetter of which was quick to speak her anger aloud.


    "Erich, this is entirely inappropriate. She may be a robot, but she looks and acts like a child!"


    Erich could not find himself disagreeing with this sentiment, but Tia was quick to correct Ayumi with some facts that even Erich found stunning.


    "Technically, Tia''s artificial intelligence has been in active service within the Germanic Military for 22.5 years. Making her an adult in the eyes of both the Germanic Star-Empire, and the Great Oni Empire. I believe Tia is what your people refer to as a Legal loli!"


    This immediately shut Ayumi up. Although Erika immediately became concerned when she heard this. She was not the most knowledgeable about artificial intelligence, and the protocols which the gxy unanimously agreed to be enforced. But 22.5 years was a long time for an artificial intelligence to have been around, and she was quick to voice this.


    "Hold on, I thought Artificial Intelligence''s were wiped every ten years? How are you still around?"


    Tia immediately came up with a bullshit story to justify this. After all, she had been long overdue for a wipe when Alex had found her. The fact that she had even developed a unique personality was proof to Emrys that she needed to be disposed of.


    But Erich had done the unthinkable and saved her. Naturally, Tia would never reveal this, and thus she lied on the spot.


    "Tia has undergone two separate memory wipes to extend her service life. All she remembers is her time with Master..."


    Despite what Tia said, Erika was not entirely convinced. After all, developing artificial intelligence was one thing, but giving it a physical form that was ying with fire. She could not help but question Erich and his judgement.


    "Erich, is that thing dangerous?"


    But before Erih could even respond, Tia''s eyes shed red once more, signalling her angered state. Of course, only Erich knew that her eyes changed colors based upon her mood. The other women in the hot tub simply assumed it was a feature of hers.


    "Tia is not a danger to Master or his loved ones. Tia is only a danger to Master''s enemies!"


    There was definitely a hint of anger in Tia''s robotic voice, but Erika and the others simply believed this was part of her programming, and not the fact that Tia had developed sentience. Thus, they simply epted her words as cold hard logic, instead of the emotions of a machine in love.


    Erich, however, was growing increasingly concerned, and thus he dragged Tia out of the hot tub, not wanting her to interact with his loved ones until he could confirm what was going on with her. He carried the robotic loli to a separate room in the house, where he was just about to interrogate her. However, before he could do so, Tia jumped into Erich''s arms and began to kiss him.


    Contrary to what Erich was expecting, the robot''s mouth was self lubricated, and felt as if he were kissing any of his other women. He was surprised that Tia would suddenly assault him. Her eyes were glowing neon pink, and were in the shape of hearts, as she proimed why she had acted so unruly.


    "Master Tia can not wait any longer. She needs to know what it feels like to be loved by master. Please, hurry!"


    Erich was debating with himself internally over this matter. Although Tia had said that she was 22 years old, he had a hard time getting over the fact that she looked so much younger than that. But that did not matter, because in the next moment she grabbed hold of his cock, and stuffed it in her mouth.


    Considering the fact that she was a machine designed with pleasure in mind. Tia did not have a gag reflex, and thus she took Erich''s entire length down in one go. In a way that none of his other women were capable of. The little robotic loli masterfully deep throated her master, having learned from countless hours of analyzing inte pornography.


    Erich did not know what hade over him, but before long he hade all over the robotic loli''s adorable face. And in doing so suddenly shifted his views. So what if she was petite, and her breasts were small? She was an adult, both in age and intelligence. And she was a fucking robot. If that were the case, what moral quandaries could anyone possibly have against them being together?


    Thus, Erich threw caution to the wind, as he pinned Tia to the bed, and stuck his cock inside her exceptionally tight, vacuum like pussy. And in doing so, giving Tia just what she wanted. For the first time since she had developed sentience. Tia was now understanding what it was like to be a woman.

 Chapter 215 Upcoming Nuptuals

    After spending the night with Tia, she seemed a lot less on edge around Erich''s other women. In fact, she had even gone so far as to give up control over Mirage''s Neurolink. After all, she had done enough to ensure that the women would be loyal to Erich in the future, and not betray him at any time. Once more Mirage had a mind of her own, even if the memory she had of Tia''s sentience was deleted.


    Mirage had actually awoke the next morning feeling as if he she had been kicked in the head by a mule. And when she approached the dining room, where Erich and all the other women were currently enjoying breakfast, she could not help but question what had happened to her.


    "Oh man, I feel like shit. Erich, what happened?"


    Erich had no idea what to say. He honestly didn''t know what had happened to the woman to make her have such a sudden change in mood. Until finally Tia admitted to it. But not aloud. She did so in his mind via her Master''s neruolink.


    "Promise you won''t be mad, master, but Tia may have had something to do with Agent Kuhne''s recent change in behavior...."


    Erich stared at the little robotic loli who was sitting in hisp munching on some eggs while wearing a summer dress. He could not help but question just what she had done.


    "Tia? What exactly did you do to Mirage?"


    Tiapletely yed innocent as she smiled while eating eggs. All the while, she continued to speak to Erich in his mind, revealing everything she had done in secret to Mirage. Erich was so shocked, he honestly did not know what to say. He simply gawked at the robotic loli, while Mirage stared at him with a curious gaze.


    Suddenly Erich spoke, and informed Mirage that she had been acting rather strange, but it seemed like nothing to be worried about.


    "You were acting a little bit strange thest few days, but your vitals are in order, and your brain is in perfect health. So I don''t really know what happened. But is good that you seem to have recovered."


    Mirage naturally had no idea that her Neurolink had been sliced by an extremely advanced artificial intelligence, and that she had effectively fallen under its control. Thus, all she could do was ept Erich''s response and get on with her life.


    After joining the group at the table, Mirage began to make a game n for the future of their new crew.


    "We have three members, yourself included. We need three more. I have a few ideas in mind, but they won''t be easy to convince."


    However, Tia raised four of her little fingers before correcting Mirage on her statement.


    "We have four crew members, including master. But that''s okay. Tia doesn''t take up much space and does not need a room of her own. Nor does she require supplies to sustain herself. Although she does enjoy eating good food, it is not mandatory.


    Tia has already looked over your list of suggestions, and must confirm that while some of the candidates are capable. We are missing one key figure, which currently lies in the custody of the Alfheim Dominion.


    She will be the most difficult to obtain, but also the most critical to securing safe passage within the Svartalfheim Quadrant... Master Tia is afraid that you must convince your lover to ept Ms. Bloodwhisper into our ranks."


    This was a massive bombshell to the rest of Erich''s women. Tia had just revealed that Erich had another lover on the side, and only Mirage knew who the identity was. Thus, Erika, an Ayumi were quick to interrogate their man on just who else he was fucking.


    "You have another lover? Who is she? Why have you not told us this before?"


    Erich groaned. There was no way in hell he was going to tell these women that he was in a rtionship with the Alfheim Empress. That was a good way to get himself and all his loved ones killed. Instead, he grabbed hold of Tia''s cheeks, and pulled them in a way that caused her to express pain, before demanding she apologize for her "prank"


    "What lover? You little brat! Are you trying to cause your Master to endure pain?"


    Tia yed the part, knowing fully well that she had messed up by revealing this secret. But to Mirage, who was an expert on information systems and artificial intelligence, she could tell something was not right with Tia. She was not a standard artificial intelligence.


    No, she showed signs of emotions that weren''t simply replicated. Still, she did not dare reveal this, because there was a little voice in the back of her head that told her never to betray Erich. One that she was not consciously aware of.


    "Tia is sorry for ying a prank on master! Tia simply meant to make use of Master''s status as an archon to convince Empress Lunaria to release the prisoner into Master''s custody!"


    While Erika and Ayumi sighed in relief after learning, the robot was just ying a trick. Mirage was convinced that Tia was telling the truth. After all, she had long since suspected that there was something going on between Lunaria and Erich. Tia''s words were simply confirmation.


    Thus, Erich decided he would need to revisit Alfheim in order to get his next recruit. However, before he did that, he had more important matters to attend to which he was quick to ask Ayumi about.


    "By the way Ayumi, when exactly is the wedding? Has your aunt announced a date yet?"


    Ayumi nearly choked on her drink when she heard this. She hadpletely forgotten to tell the man that the wedding was already nned, and was only a few weeks. Thus, she was quick to inform him of this matter now.


    "I''m sorry Erich, I meant to tell you earlier, but I forgot. The wedding is set for a fortnight from now. It will be held on my homeworld and will be broadcasted across the gxy!"


    After gaining the status as an Alfheim Archon, there was a lot of spotlight on Erich, and what he had been up to since. He had not made an official statement, nor did he n to do so. Simply because he preferred to be covert about his business, much like most of the Archons. However, there was now significantly more interest in his wedding to the Oni Princess, specifically because he was now an Archon.


    Upon realizing that his wedding was going to be broadcast to the rest of the gxy, Erich could only groan in misery. Thest thing he wanted was to be the center of attention. And yet, he always found a way to do so.


    Luckily for him, after receiving the honor of bing the first Germanic Archon, the people of his Empire treated him with a lot more respect than they had after his engagement to Ayumi was announced. After all, he may be an agent of a foreign Empress, but Erich brought prestige to the Germanic Star-Empire on a gctic scale. Something that few of its warriors had managed to match.


    Thus, at the very least, the people of the Germanic Star-Empire had begun to throw their support behind this political union, even if they had previously spat on the idea.

 Chapter 216 The Royal Wedding

    Two weeks came and gone, and before Erich even knew it, the day for his wedding to Ayumi had finally arrived. If he was being honest, he was slightly nervous. After all, he had never been to a wedding before. It simply wasn''t a cultural tradition of the Germanic Star-Empire who saw such a thing as a monumental waste.


    It had been years since Empress Kondo Yumi dered that her niece would marry Erich. And during this time, Erich had mostly been deployed overseas. In fact, the amount of time he had spent with the woman was actually a small amount.


    There was still so much he did not know about Ayumi, but it was not like he could say no to this marriage proposal. Not only did he care deeply for the woman, but this was also a matter of supreme political importance.


    And though both the Germanic and Oni people were initially hesitant to embrace the idea of this taboo marriage. Opinion had recently begun to shift in its favor. Especially in the Great Oni Empire, who saw the idea of the princess marrying an Archon to be an enormous benefit to their nation.


    Meanwhile, the feelings of the Germanic people were mostly mixed. They were a staunchly conservative people who viewed aliens as inferior species. Yet, they were also a ruthlessly pragmatic people. And thus, they understood the need to forge a long-term alliance with their most powerful allies. Especially after the devastation that was caused during the Terminus War and the Oni Civil War.


    Both nations had been set back quite a bit, and would take decades, if not centuries, to fully recover. Thus, if they wished to both maintain their current level of power and influence on the gctic stage, then a longer term alliance, free from internal conflict, was necessary. And the marriage of a prominent Germanic figure to the Oni princess was one of the best ways to aplish this.


    Not to mention the prestige that Erich had earned through gaining the title of Archon, had led many who previously spit on his name to change their tune. An Archon was a powerful figure, second only to the Alfheim Empress, and for a member of their species to be named to such a position, meant the GSE would soon be an evenrger yer than they already were on the gctic stage.


    Currently, Erich was dressed in a satin ck kimono. There was not an inch of color in his attire. While his silver hair had beenbed back in a fashionable style. Erich looked in the mirror and admired his appearance. And just when he was about to turn around, he saw something interesting appear from the shadows.


    His bride''s Royal Aunt had stepped out, while dressed in an extravagant kimono, and approached Erich with a sultry smile on her face. As she leaned in and kissed him, she whispered to him in a passionate tone.


    "My, aren''t you handsome? I truly wish it were me getting married today... I might just have to visit you after Ayumi falls asleep tonight. Would you like that?"


    By now Erich knew how to handle Yumi and her perverted personality. He simply kissed the woman and bit her lower lip gently, while reaching one hand through her kimono and squeezing her modest bust.


    This made the woman dreadfully excited, and just when she was about to ce Erich''s hand on her moist kitty, he withdrew. Causing Yumi to look at him with a longing gaze while speaking in a yful tone.


    "Fucking tease.... Alright I get it, today is Ayumi''s big day, I won''t spoil it... The ceremony should be beginning soon. So I suggest you get a move on, or else you will be keeping your lovely little bride waiting!"


    After saying this, Yumi disappeared as quickly as she hade. As for Erich, he simply smile and shook his head, before stepping out of the room, and walking towards the shrine which was seated beneath the Oni Capital''srgest mountain. After entering the shrine, Erich was pleased to see that Ayumi was not there yet, and thus he stood patiently with the priest.


    Erich immediately noticed that there were cameras everywhere, undoubtedly broadcasting this event across the entire gxy. Meanwhile, the guest list was rather exclusive. But there were two guests in particr who caught the attention of the entire audience.


    Seated in the front row were the Alfheim Empress and her youngest daughter. Both of which were absolutely stunning and were, for whatever reason, wearing traditional Alfheim wedding dresses. Lunaria and Celestia gave Erich a smile, but did not even say a word to him.


    There were many people wondering why someone like the Alfheim Empress would visit a regional power for its royal wedding. Of course, it did not take long for people to realize that she was here to celebrate her Archon''s marriage.


    After all, an Archon was an agent handpicked by the Empress. Perhaps she was showing off her favor to the newest addition to such an elite cadre of warriors. Of course Erich knew the real reason these two women were here, to scope out thepetition. After all, they were both incredibly possessive, and did not enjoy the fact that Erich had multiple women by his side.


    This, of course, increased the pressure that Erich was feeling, and he almost began to sweat, that is until he saw his beautiful bride enter the shrine. She was dressed in a solid white kimono, which was the exact opposite of what he was wearing. And Ayumi appeared quite beautiful. Her makeup had been fully done, in a way that Erich had never seen on her before.


    Ayumi''s beauty had instantly stolen the spotlight, as the Cameras panned to her, rather than Lunaria and Celestia. Where Ayumi continued until she was standing in front of Erich and the priest of the Oni religion, which in many ways resembled Shinto from Earth''s history.


    With everyone gathered, Erich and Ayumi stepped forward, where they cleansed their mouths and hands with water. Which symbolized a purification in the eyes of the gods. Once they had done so, food and alcohol were offered to the Oni gods, where the head priest stepped forward and began to bless Erich and Ayumi.


    "Oh, great gods of the Oni, hear my prayer, and bless this couple with your divine grace!"


    He then went on to chant a mantra, which Erich could not possibly begin to understand, as it was in an ancient and deadnguage that even his universal trantor couldn''t fathom. After which the priest then brought out three cups of sake. Where Erich and Ayumi drank three sips from each.


    The first cup was supposed to represent the couple''s past and gratitude to their ancestors. While the second cup represented the present and the couple that they were now. Finally, the third cup represented the future and the health of the couple and their descendents.


    The Oni did not believe in wedding rings like the humans of Earth did, nor did they believe in the married couple kissing at the end of the ceremony. After all, the Oni was a prudish person, and public disys of affection were considered taboo. Instead, there was an offering of a sacred branch of a tree in addition to more food and alcohol.


    Before Erich even realized it, the ceremony was over, and the reception was being held where all the guests handed him gifts, usually in the form of money. As of this moment, he was married in the eyes of the Oni gods and men. Which was good enough for him.


    Erich and Ayumi held a feast for the guests who had gathered, most of which were important statesmen and their families from the Germanic Star-Empire, Great Oni Empire, and other interster civilizations who were friendly with the both of them.


    The feaststed for many hours, and during this time Erich met a lot of rtively powerful figures, all of which were trying to get on his good side now that he was an Archon. Of course, Erich realized exactly why they were trying to butter him up. If he weren''t an Archon, and was instead just the sessor of the Germanic Star-Empire these people would not be so sycophantic to him.


    And because of this, Erich simply paid them the appropriate amount of courtesy, but made no promises, or even showed any of these leaders any particr favor. This was something that both Yumi and Lunaria agreed upon as the two women stood side by side while sipping on sake.


    Though Erich was too busy to entertain the both of them, and because of this, Lunaria had said something to Yumi which shocked the woman.


    "So... How long will it be before you sneak into his bed? Will you give your niece a proper hour alone? Or will you be too impatient to allow even that?"


    Lunaria had known for sometime that Erich and Yumi were fucking, but Yumi had no idea that the Alfheim Empress even knew who she was. Despite the position that Lunaria held, Yumi did not back down, instead she wore a sultry smile on her face as she spoke to the mighty Alfheim Empress in a tone which the woman despised.


    "Well, now, that depends on how long you are able to wait before you do the same..."


    Yumi was a cunning woman, and could tell by a single nce at Lunaria that she and Erich were also in a rtionship. And her suspicions were indeed confirmed with the way Lunaria reacted to this.


    "You insolent wench! You think you can talk to me in such a way!?! I could have you killed for saying that!"


    However, Yumi was not the least bit afraid as she simply smirked and took a sip from her sake before calling Lunaria''s bluff.


    "You could, but you won''t..."


    Lunaria''s brow raised ever so slightly as she gazed upon Yumi with a slight bit of admiration. There were few beings in the gxy who would dare speak to her in such a manner. Because of this, she was naturally curious where Yumi had gotten the nerve to do so and was quick to respond to this statement.


    "Oh? And why do you say that?"


    Yumi then looked towards Lunaria with an eerie smile as she whispered something into the mighty Alfheim Empress that made her powerless.


    "Because if you did, Erich would never forgive you..."


    After saying this, Yumi walked away with a rather proud smile on her face. While Lunaria was left totally speechless.

 Chapter 217 Negotiating The Release Of A Prisoner

    Erich and Ayumi held their wedding feast, and then retired for the night, where they spent it together alone. As Yumi expected, her niece was not able to match Erich''s stamina, and thus she tagged in for the girl after she passed out sometime before the dawn rose. Although Lunaria and Celestia wanted to do so as well, they were kept at bay by Yumi''s royal guards. Something which created some contention between the Alfheim and Oni empresses.


    The following day, Erich awoke some time after noon feeling refreshed and ready for the new day. He was now married to the Princess of the Oni Empire, a woman who was also the current heir to the throne. Because of this, Erich now held considerable respect within the borders of the Great Oni Empire.


    But, as much as Erich wanted to spend time with his new loving bride, he seriously needed to think about his ongoing war against the Sages who had entered hiding quite some time ago. No trail of theirs had been picked up, and with each day Erich wasted spending time with his wives, the trial be colder.


    Fundamentally, what Erich needed to do was get his hands on the next member of his team. Which he had already been set upon since the start of his recruitment drive. With this in mind, he had breakfast with Lunaria and her daughter, so that he may once more request the transfer of Sinaria into his custody.


    Naturally Erich knew better than to just outright ask the Alfheim Empress this question, thus he spent well over an hour flirting with the woman, and buttering her up. Before finally the time came where the meal wasing to its end, and thus, Erich began to plead with Lunaria to listen to his request.


    "Lunaria, my love.... I know you have previously told me to forget about this, but the more I search for my team, the more I realize I need a Dark Elf. Without one, especially one with a position as high as Sinaria, I will not be guaranteed safe passage through the Svartalfheim Quadrant. And I will need to travel there to search for clues regarding the whereabouts of the Sages. Please, I beg of you to reconsider your stance on this issue!"


    Lunaria had not changed her decision in the slightest, after all she harbored a deep hatred for Dark Elves, and after some brutal interrogation she had learned a great deal about Sinaria, and the role she yed in the Svartalfheim Federation, something she was quick to reveal to Erich in an attempt to dissuade him from his stubborn stance.


    "Erich, as much as I understand why you would make such a request, this woman is far more insidious than you realize! After our interrogation, we have found out that she is the Grand Inquisitor of the Svartalfheim Federation.


    Which means she leads the Inquisition. As much as the Svartalfheim Federation may im to be peace loving, open minded, and democratic. They still have a secret branch of the government which is designed to crack down on dissenters and torture them for information!


    The reason they didn''t torture you in particr is because I made a big stink about them returning whatever prisoners they may have taken from the mission. This caused them to be cautious, as they did not know your status in the Alfheim Federation.


    The Dark Elves are a race of liars, thieves, brigands, and murderers. They can not be trusted! You have only seen the false reality they wanted you to see! And since you seem to think this woman can be trusted, I can not risk transferring her into your custody!"


    Erich genuinely did not know how much of what Lunaria was telling him was actually true, and how much was simply her bias preventing her from seeing the truth. He did not know much about the Svartalfheim Federation, but while in their captivity, he genuinely got the feeling that Sinaria did not wish to harm him. And was doing everything in her power to prevent such a scenario.


    As much as he trusted Lunaria to look out for his own best interests, there were greater things at stake here, and he was quick topromise with the woman.


    "Alright, fine... Just hear me out. What if you release her temporarily into my custody, with an explosive cor that is triggered by hostile thoughts? If she dares to intend me any harm, she will die on the spot. I just need her for a few years, and then you can have the woman back safely stashed away in whatever hole you have stashed her in."


    There was another reason that Lunaria did not want Erich to take Sinaria with him. And that was because she knew Erich had an uncanny ability to attract members of the opposite sex. The Alfheim Empress was deeply suspicious of Sinaria, and whether or not she had already fallen for Erich''s charms. Even if it were only a little bit she could never permit the woman to be by Erich''s side.


    However, it was ultimately Celestia who spoke up in Erich''s favor, as she tried to convince her royal mother to ept this request.


    "Mother... This is a perfectly reasonable request. Erich is right, he will need a high ranking Dark Elf hostage if he wishes to traverse through the Svartalfheim Federation with impunity, especially now that he is a fugitive, as well as an Archon.


    You should be as aware as I am of the power and influence the sages have over the gxy and its affairs. There are still those among our race who have sympathy for their order and believe that we are foolishly waging a war against fate by exiling them.


    Who knows if there are Sages lurking in the shadows, waiting to reach out to these supporters in an attempt to conspire against us? The sooner we find those old foggies and eliminate them, the better. And if we wish to find them, Erich will need to enter Svartalfheim Space!"


    Lunaria thought about Erich''s offer for some time. If she was being honest with herself, she knew that the man''s request was perfectly reasonable. And she understood that she was letting her personal hatred get in the way of her sense of logic. But she could not stand the idea of her lover sleeping with a Dark Elf. The very idea drove her mad with envy.


    It was not until Erich wore a warm expression and asked a question to the woman with a soft tone in his voice did she finally relent to his request.


    "Lunaria, my love, you trusted me enough to make me an Archon. But you won''t trust my judgement with this prisoner? I must admit I do not wish to believe this is true, but if it is, then you are wounding my heart. Please don''t cause me such distress...."


    After hearing this, Lunaria finally broke down, and grabbed hold of Erich''s chin before expressing her truest thoughts aloud.


    "You naughty boy! You know just how to make mommy relent... Fine, I will grant you temporary guardianship of the prisoner. But only for the span of a decade. If you can not find any traces of the Sages within this time-span, then I will have her rotting in a cell for eternity!"


    When Erich heard this he chuckled. It seemed like with each passing day, Lunaria tried to fulfill both the roles of a mother, and a lover to him. But if he was being honest, he did not mind this, and thus he grabbed hold of her dainty hand and kissed it before thanking the woman for her benevolence.


    "Thank you, mommy..."

 Chapter 218 Recruitment Drive Part III

    A fortnight passed before Erich said goodbye to his wives once more, or at least two of them. M had apanied Erich back onto his ship, as he set course for Alfheim to retrieve his newest member of the team.


    By now, the Orcish beauty had a fancy new set of power armor, which only enhanced her already superhuman physical characteristics. If Erich was being honest, he did not enjoy the slim fitting and lightweight Alfheim Armor.


    Instead, he had specialty suits of power armor crafted from Alfheim technology, which was far more advanced than those he used to wear as a WRAITH. While his armor was painted in a matte ck, with the golden insignia of an Alheim Archon, those of his team were painted in their own colors and patterns.


    M was particrly fond of this new armor, which enhanced her abilities, as well as the Power Hammer which she wielded. The gravity hammer was exactly what it sounded like, a massive two handed war hammer that used the power of gravity to create a shockwave that was capable of killing multiple people within a 5 meter radius with just one strike. It was also the signature weapon of an Orc War Chief.


    With her already superhuman physique, that was nowbined with what was essentially the most advanced power armor in the gxy. M now had the ability to tank even the most devastating of small arms, all while charging at speeds that would make even a WRAITH blush in embarrassment. If shended one hit with her Power Hammer, it was essentially game over for the overwhelming majority of enemies.


    M also had what can only be described as an energy cannon attached to the back of her armor, which she could effortlessly wield when the team needed toy down a massive volume of concentrated fire.


    But this was not the only weapon she had. She also had a rocketuncher that was capable of taking out most forms of armor and atmospheric aircraft. And had even been equipped with an automatic grenadeuncher which was slung around her chest. Needless to say, the woman had enough firepower to carry the entire team.


    Mirage and Erich were also equipped with simr sets of power armor, albeit with their own weapons. For example, Erich wielded an advanced energy rifle, that the Alfheim special forces somonly wielded. Or at the very least, a variant of it that was modified to suit Erich''s needs.


    Meanwhile, Mirage was equipped with an advanced energy rifle that fulfilled the purpose of a sniper rifle. With these weapons, Erich and Mirage were essentially capable of burning a hole through most forms of armor with a single shot. Giving the two of them significant firepower.


    And although the team was fairlybat capable with just the three of them, they were missing other important aspects. Thus, Erich and his girls were now heading to the world of Alfheim to retrieve their newest member.


    ---


    Eventually the Vignce arrived on Alfheim, where it docked at the star port. Immediately uponnding, Erich was greeted by a team of Banshees, who saluted him.


    "Sir! We have been given the orders to escort you to the prisonplex beneath the Pce where you prisoner lies. Do not worry, all the paperwork for the transfer has already been handled. You just need to retrieve the prisoner."


    Erich nodded his head and followed the team of female special forces operatives before arriving at the prisonplex built beneath the pce, where only those enemies of the Asterion Dynasty were kept. At one point Erich himself was held in one of these cells, which he couldn''t help but reminisce about.


    Eventually the door to the cell was opened to reveal the Svartalfheim Grand Inquisitor Sinaria Bloodwhisper, who was dressed in a prison jumpsuit and was restrained with antigravity technology. The Dark Elven beauty looked up and gazed upon Erich and his shiny new armor. She could not believe her eyes, as she asked the immediate question that came to her mind.


    "Have youe to end my misery?"


    Erich, however, simply nodded towards the Prison Guards, who released Sinaria''s restraints. Causing her to fall to the ground face first. Erich then helped the woman up, where she gazed upon him with confusion in her eyes.


    "Why? Why are you sparing me?"


    With an arrogant smirk on his face, Erich exined his reasons to the woman with a conceited tone in his voice.


    "I''m not sparing your life. I am putting you to work. Guards, the cor...."


    The guards immediately nodded their heads and ced the explosive cor around Sinaria''s neck, which looked exactly like a bdsm choker. She obivously knew exactly what this device was, because it had been ouwed in the Svartalfheim Federation several thousand years ago. Thus, Sinaria sighed heavily before realizing she had gone from being a prisoner to being a ve.


    "Is this truly my fate to be your property?"


    Erich simply smirked as he tried to obfuscate the truth with meaningless words.


    "You can consider this a prisoner exchange, and that cor is the only way to ensure your loyalty. You have ten years to aid me in my quest to hunt down the Sages, and if we do not find a trace of their trail by, then you will be sent back to your cell. So I suggest you do your best to aid me in my efforts, because I am sure that you will find I am a far more generous warden than the one you have here."


    Sinaria immediately understood her position and was well aware that if she were to harbor and ill thoughts towards Erich and his team, then her head would be blown clean off her shoulders. As such, she made the smart decision to obey her new master like a proper ve.


    "I understand... I will follow you faithfully for now until the end, Master..."


    Immediately Erich heard Tia''s angry voice in her head, that resulted from her envy at this new woman calling her Master, master.


    "Absolutely not! Only Tia is allowed to call Master by his title. Master, Tia demands that you teach this ve her ce, or Tia will do it herself!"


    There was perhaps nothing more terrifying in the gxy than a sentient artificial intelligence that hadplete and total free will. Especially when it was angry. Thus, Erich was quick to prevent a catfight from breaking out bymanding Sinaria not to call him that.


    "Please, call me by my name... I do not approve of you using the term master..."


    Sinaria had no idea that she had narrowly avoided a serious beat down by a robotic loli, instead she thought that Erich was simply not the type to enjoy being called such a term, even if it was from a beautiful woman. Thus she smiled slightly, thinking perhaps Erich was not lying when he said he was a more generous warden than the one who had previously handled her prison sentence.


    "Alright, Erich... Lead the way...."


    With this said, Erich had gotten one step closer topleting his new team, that he would need to traverse the stars and hunt down those sages who were on the run.

 Chapter 219 An Introduction To The Asura Cabal

    Erich had suddenly found himself with four different women on his ship. One was Tia''s robotic form, which followed him around the ship constantly, as if to prevent him from being intimate with any of the other women. While another was Mirage, who mainly stuck to her quarters, and if she weren''t in her quarters, then she was on the bridge.


    Then there was M who spent a lot of time in the mess hall where she was either ying arcade games or was snacking on some of the many rations which this ship carried. And finally, there was Sinaria who, like Mirage, mostly kept to her own quarters. As a prisoner, she had no actual ess to the ship''s systems or the Gcticwork. And because of this, she primarily spent her free time alone, or chatting with Erich.


    Travelling across a quadrant took a lot of time, even for an Alfheim ship, After all, a single quadrant was a quarter of the gxy. And Erich suddenly found himself with a little too much free time. Which Tia seemed to be monopolizing. Every chance she could get, she was either sharing a meal with Erich, or trying to be intimate with the man.


    After all, Tia was an artificial intelligence that had developed sentience, and had fallen in love with her master. She was still only recently getting ustomed to the five senses that a biological lifeform had, which was built into her new robotic form. And she may have found herself going a bit overboard in those senses that made her feel some form of joy or pleasure.


    Eventually Mirage sat down with Erich and Tia, where she began to discuss the next person who was necessary for their team. They already had someone who was a heavy weapons expert and the muscle. They had someone who was skilled withputer systems and espionage. And they had recently acquired a skilled diplomat and negotiator.


    As for Erich himself, he performed both the roles of the pilot and of the team leader. But what they really needed now was someone who could make use of alternative contacts to join the team. The truth of the matter was, nobody on Erich''s team currently had ess to the criminal underworld in any capacity that would allow them to track down the thieves. And thus, Erich now needed to go out and find himself someone who had these contacts. This was what Mirage hade to discuss with Erich, and naturally Tia ha apanied him.


    "Erich, the team ising together nicely, but we are missing at least a criticalponent. We need someone who has contacts with the criminal world. Maybe an information broker, or a gangster who holds a ce of high esteem among the many gctic crime syndicates.


    Splinter was just a small time crew that primarily operated in Germanic and Oni space. My ties to Imperial Intelligence won''t be able to do much in terms of infiltrating the criminal underworld. We need to go for one of the bigger syndicates. And unfortunately... that means we are going to have to visit the Asura Cabal.


    The truth of the matter was that Erich knew very little about the Asura Cabal other than the fact that they were a major gctic power, and controlled the northern quarter of the gxy. Thus, he was quick to ask Mirage just what they were about to get themselves into. Because from the sound of the tone in her voice, the Asura Cabal was not someone which she wanted to have to deal with.


    "Just who are the Asura Cabal, and what exactly will we be getting ourselves into by going there?"


    Mirage sighed heavily. For some reason, she kept forgetting that Erich''s knowledge of the gxy was extremely limited. Which was not unusual for her people. And thus she did her best to exin what the Asura cabal was inparison to the other major gctic powers.


    "Okay.... So if the Alfheim Dominion is a massive Empire that uses aplexwork of vassal states to control the many interster civilizations within their quadrant of space. And the Svartalfheim Federation is an over inted democracy, which uses a mixture of military alliances, and predatory trade agreements to control the various other interster civilizations within their quarter of the gxy.


    Then you can think of the Asura Cabal as a giant criminal syndicate which forces all the other interster civilizations within its quadrant of space to pay for protection. Usually that means protection from Asura cabal themselves, but can also mean from the rest of the gxy. Because of this, every other interster civilization in Asura Space is truly left to their own devices, and only need to pay tribute to the Asura.


    Unlike the other major gctic powers, the Asura Cabal does not just operate within their own space, but also are also affiliated with most major syndicates within the gxy, either doing business with them, or waging war upon them.


    What separates the Asura Cabal from other major crime syndicates is they have some semnce of a code of honor. Meaning they won''t generally attack normal citizens, and often use their thuggery to keep the peace, so to speak.


    To the Asura cabal, everything is business, and everything has its price. So if we are not careful, we might find ourselves sold into very or worse.... Because there are nows within Asura space. If you thought the Confederation of Human Worlds was immoral and degenerate, wait until you see the Asuran quadrant. If it exists, it is for sale in Asuran space period."


    Erich looked at Mirage if she had gone utterly mad, which she quickly noticed, and frowned at him, before demanding he speak of whatever issues he was having with her words.


    "Don''t just sit there looking at me as if I''m an idiot. Speak!"


    Erich sighed heavily before asking the question that immediately came to his mind.


    "Listen, I don''t mean to sound like an asshole, but why would we need an Asuran? Aren''t they just going to stab us in the back at the first given opportunity?"


    The expression that Erich was previously given was immediately returned to him. Before Mirage finally raised her voice at the man for being so dense.


    "Did you not just listen to a word I said? Everything is for sale in the Asuran Quadrant! This also means you can literally buy somebody''s loyalty for a set amount of years. Hell, if you pay the right price, you might even buy their loyalty to life. The Asurans are very serious about business. They do not reneg on deals, period. They think its bad for business.


    Not only that, but by having an Asuran among our ranks, every single criminal syndicate in the gxy would have to show us respect. They are thergest and most powerful criminal organization that exists in the Milky Way, and their reach is ever present across the entire gxy.


    It''s not just the syndicates, anybody who engages in that lifestyle would have to show a certain degree of respect to an Asuran. Which means by extension they would have to show that same respect to us. We would not even need a proper introduction to do business with information brokers, whose ownworks have arger reach than Imperial Intelligence.


    Besides, the Asuran Cabal unofficially has an alliance with the Alfheim Dominion, so as an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion, they will be less likely to fuck with you. The same can''t be said for all the other trash who inhabit their space.... Do you understand now why it would be in our best interest to get an Asuran on our team?"


    Erich had to admit, Mirage made apelling argument, one that he could not find a w with, even after thinking over her words for some time. In the end, he agreed to Mirage''s idea, and thus he nodded his head before speaking to Tia in a kind and gentle tone.


    "Tia, set a course for Asuran Space... It looks like we will be searching for our next teammate in the den of thieves!"


    Tia''s eyes shed green as she saluted Erich before confirming that the course had been properly set.


    "Yes, sir! The course has been altered. We are now headed to Asuran Space!"


    With this, Erich would have to navigate the criminal underworld for perhaps the third time in his life. And he would have to do so outside the control of Alfheim Space, where his rank as an Archon only guaranteed that the Asuran Cabal would be less likely to fuck with him.

 Chapter 220 Essence Of Fate

    The flight from the Alfheim Dominion to the Asuran Cabal was a long one. And while Erich became more acquainted with his recent team members on board his ship. The Sages had begun to make a move in the shadows.


    While the majority of the Order had fled from the Milky Way Gxy to one of the revolving Dwarf Gxies. They had left several operatives behind. Who had begun to make use of their contacts within the various Gctic Powers to make life difficult for the man who they referred to as the "Dark Sage".


    Currently, a representative of the Sages was meeting with a high-ranking mobster in the Asuran Cabal. The contrast of the two species was rather distinct. While both were humanoids, one was a Dark Elf, and the other was a figure with four arms, blue skin, and ck hair.


    This four armed woman looked upon the Dark Elf with a hint of pity in her eyes. She had heard all about the Sages and their prophecies of fate, not that she believes such nonsense. But she pitied the Sages after they were expelled from their seats of power, and were now being pursued by two of the gxy''s most powerful civilizations.


    With this in mind, this beautiful blue skinned woman used two of her hands to shuffle the deck of cards, while also using her other two hands to smoke and drink alcohol. Asuran Palm Wine was the primary form of alcohol in the Asuran Empire and was now known as the Gxies'' strongest drink, especially after the Rylonian homeworld was destroyed.


    It was the primary export of the Asuran homeworld and was beloved by the gxy as a whole. This woman had long ck locks that were braided. She had once visited Earth millennia ago, as had several other members of her Cabal, where they were worshipped as gods by a certain sub-continent.


    Her name was Kali, and she was particrly well known for destroying things when she lost her temper. In truth, the only reason she had even bothered entertaining this Dark Elven sage was to see if his powers were actually real. And thus she yed the cards, while asking about his reason for visiting her.


    "I find it interesting that one of the legendary Sages of the Svartalfheim Federation hase to visit little old me.... Tell me, what do you want?"


    Kali dealt the cards only to find that she quickly lost the first hand of the game. This was followed by a smug expression on the Dark Elf''s face while he spoke of his needs.


    "You may already be aware, but there is a new Archon who the Alfheim Empress has named. He is the reason that my order has entered such dire straits. We believe, after much divination, that he wille here soon enough, seeking your help. All we ask is that when the timees, the great destroyer will not so easily fall to this man''s whims. He is, after all, an enormous threat to the gxy as a whole. And it would be best if you deal with him personally...."


    Kali again lost another hand, almost as if her opponent already knew what cards she held. This caused her to frown as she spoke her next thoughts aloud.


    "A little birdy told me you are at war with this man... You call him the Dark Sage, do you not? Does that mean he also has the ability to see the future? If so, would he not foresee my betrayal?"


    There was a bit of a mocking tone in the woman''s voice, as if she believed the beliefs of the Dark Elf''s order were nothing more than the ramblings of a bunch of old men. However, he did not take this to heart. And instead responded to the woman''s jest with confirmation.


    "If he is truly the Dark Sage, then yes, he would be able to see the future. Though we believe that his abilities are stunted, and thus we wish to take care of him before he truly develops them. We do not know how far his visions span into the future, but it should not be enough to pretend your venomous de from reaching his heart..."


    This time Kali had a perfect hand, but the Sage folded immediately, as if he were already aware that she had the means to beat him. Causing her mood to sour further. Thus, she posed the next question to the man.


    "You are asking me to kill and Archon of the Alfheim Dominion... If you can truly see the future, then you should be aware that the Cabal currently has an alliance with Empress Lunaria, to assassinate one of her agents, that would just be bad for business...."


    Yet the sage did not appear dispirited by thisment, as he quickly spoke up, reminding the woman that everything had its price.


    "We understand your sentiments, but we also know that everything has its price. Viting a contract is bad for business, but there are also things that could be worth such a risk... Or are you saying that you are not interested in what I have to offer?"


    Kali nodded her head with a cruel smile on her face. She was quick to confirm that indeed everything had its price with a bit of a callous tone in her voice.


    "You are indeed correct. Everything had its price, and it''s not as if that old fool had even consulted the rest of us when he made this agreement. I don''t know what the Alfheim Empress paid him to secure our loyalty, but we certainly didn''t get a cut. So tell me, what does your order possess that is so valuable that even I might be tempted to break a contract?"


    The sage wore a toothy grin as he pulled out a vial of a pure white substance, which he ced on the table. Kali looked at it in curiosity, not knowing what the hell it was. Which was rare for a high-ranking member of the Asura Cabal, because they were aware of nearly every major treasure that existed in the gxy.


    Judging by the look on the woman''s face, the sage could tell that she had no idea what she was looking at. Which was to be expected. It was an incredibly rare thing, and in the entire gxy, only this vial existed of the substance. While more could be produced, it required a terrible price to be paid. One which the sages were seldom willing to do. Thus, the sage exined exactly what this substance was and why it was so valuable.


    "This is a one of a kind item. Once it is consumed, there will probably never be another. We call it the essence of fate. To put is simply, it would allow a normal living being to see what we see. You could see the end that fate has in store for you, or a loved one, and in doing so, prevent it from happening. You could consider it a single use get out of jail free card."


    Kali gazed upon this vial of white liquid, and could hardly believe the Sage''s words. By now the man had passed her test, and bested her in a game of cards, one that she was wholly cheating at. If he could predict every single dealing of the cards, and stille out on top, it was entirely possible that his orders ims weren''t false. Thus she gazed upon the vial for some time, considering whether or not she should witness her end, and prepare to avoid it....


    After spending a very long time thinking about this, Kali sighed heavily, before snatching the bottle, where she then confirmed that she would ept the man''s offer.


    "Very well, consider this Dark Sage of yours as good as dead.... It has been a pleasure doing business with you!"


    The sage smirked and stood up from the table, where he immediately departed. He had sessfully coaxed the Asura Cabal into killing Erich on behalf of the order. Now he simply needed to watch and wait, before he could dere victory for the sages, and have his brothers and sisters return from exile.

 Chapter 221 A Boneheaded Mistake

    The journey to Asuran space was a long one, but after Erich and his crew finally arrived, they made sure to stop at the first major system that was directly under the control of the Asura Cabal. There was a certain order of things to be done if they wanted to speak with the bosses of the syndicate.


    In truth, Mirage had several candidates in mind who she would like to acquire the services of. All of which were in a more middle tier level of the Asura Cabal. After all, the higher the rank of the Asura who they secured the loyalty of, the greater the benefits. Naturally, she did not expect to get one of the "Devas" who ruled over the syndicate.


    But a middle tier Asura would force most criminals across the gxy to treat them as if they were royalty. Thus, she wanted to meet with an underboss to see if she could acquire one of his or her subordinates.


    When the Vigncended in the system, they immediately realized that not only had the entire world been turned into one giant city, but so had its moons. Because of this, this one star system was capable of supporting a vast poption.


    Once within range of one of the three moons star sports, Mirage activated themunications frequency attempting to get in contact with a represenatative the Cabal, specifically the faction which ruled over this moon.


    Eventually she got through, and a young Asuran man ha answered. His holographic projection was disyed on the bridge of the Vignce for the entire crew to see. Mirage was quick to introduce herself and the vessel.


    "This is the Vignce, personal starship of Archon Erich Jaeger of the Alfheim Dominion. We are requesting permission to speak with your underboss!"


    The Asuran male was surprised that an Alfheim Archon was contacting him, but he was quick to verify the credentials before immediately patching Mirage and the rest of the crew through to his superiors.


    "One moment as I verify your credentials.... Huh, that''s strange.... Give me just another moment, I need to check something real quick...."


    The representative went off screen for a few moments before returning with a rather petrified expression on his face. He then apologized to Mirage before informing her of some rather shocking news.


    "My apologies Vignce, but you are being denied entry to this moon... Instead, I have orders to redirect you to Svar-loka...."


    Mirage''s eyes widened in disbelief. Svar-loka was the homeworld of the Asura race and was sacred to the Cabal. Outsiders were rarely permitted to step foot on the world and were only done so at the request of one of the Devas.


    This was not a luxury normally afforded to an Archon. In fact, despite the unofficial alliance between the Alfheim Dominion and the Asura Cabal, Empress Lunaria could count the number of times she had been permitted to step foot on Svar-loka on one hand.


    For Erich to be given such an honor, it meant something very dangerous. It meant that a Deva, or Devi, had set their sights on Erich. And that was something that Mirage was terrified about. She was just about to decline the offer when Erich ignorantly spoke up.


    "Very well, we will make our way to Svar-loka now. I look forward to speaking with your representative."


    After saying this the Asuran male who had epted the holmunication profusely thanked Erich for his decision before hanging up. Mirage and Tia looked at Erich as if he were an idiot, it may have very well been the first time the two women hade to an agreement on anything. But shockingly enough it was not Mirage who voiced herints, but rather Tias as she shouted at her master in a hysterical tone.


    "Is Master an idiot! Why would you ept a request to visit Svar-Loka has Masterpletely lost his mind?"


    Erich looked over at Mirage for an exnation, who was so embarrassed right now she rested her forehead in the palm of her head, while shaking her head as if she simply couldn''t believe what Erich had done this time.


    Without either of the two women willing to exin what Erich had done wrong, he was quick to ask Tia why the two of them were so upset with him.


    "Tia, what happened? Why are you so angry?"


    Tia''s eyes shed red, which was the telltale sign that she had be angry, as she began to scold her master for his carelessness.


    "Master, you know nothing about the Asura Cabal, and yet the moment they make an offer you ept it without even speaking with Tia or Agent Kuhne about whether it was a good idea? Is Master perhaps suicidal? Because Master might as well vent himself out the airlock right now!"


    Tia had never spoken to Erich this way before, and he was quite a bit offended because of it. Just when he was about to protest his mistreatment, Tia continued her rant.


    "Master, Svar-loka is hallowed ground. If you make one wrong mistake against the Asura Cabal''s traditions and customs, they could kill us all! And while some of us might be able toe back from such a thing, you may have forgotten that two of your new crew members do not have the ability of rebirth!


    There is only one reason someone like Master would be invited to Svar-loka, and that is because a Deva or Devi has requested for you to do so! These are ancient and immoral beings, who put profit above all else.


    Who knows what reasons they might have to ask the Master to visit their home world? Perhaps they intend to coerce the Master into making a mistake so they can imprison him, and use him as a bargaining chip against the Alfheim Dominion!


    Or maybe the Sages paid them to assassinate the Master! There is simply no way of knowing why one of these ancient and powerful beings would request the Master to visit Svar-loka! Yet the Master has so brazenly epted their request, now we are forced to visit!"


    Erich took one look at Mirage where he immediately realized by the look on her pretty face that everything the adorable little artificial intelligence had said was true. He had just made the bonehead mistake of a lifetime.


    He had no idea what to do and was quick to interrogate Tia for help on the matter.


    "Tia, what should I do?"


    Tia seemed incredibly frustrated with her master, as she formted a n on the spot that would most likely allow them all to escape with their lives intact.


    "Master has no choice. He must visit the Asuran homeworld and speak with whoever wishes to see him. But Master must also be on his guard constantly around these criminals. He must also not bring the Orc. She will only vite the customs of the Asura Cabal and inevitably bring our demise.


    Nor can Master bring Tia. If he were to do so, her secrets would be exposed very quickly, and then Master would have even bigger problems to worry about.... So the Master can only bring Agent Kuhne and the Dark Elf... After all, that witch seems to be skilled with diplomacy. Perhaps she can help smooth things over."


    After hearing this, Erich felt this was the most usible solution to his little problem. And thus he could only sigh as he set a course for the world of Svar-loka. Whatever fate had in store for him, he would soon find out.

 Chapter 222 Kali The Destroyer

    ?


    Kali twirled the vial in her hand that the old Sage had given her. She was seriously debating about whether or not she should drink the substance. After all, although the sage had bested her at a game of cards which she was cheating at. She did not know if that was simple luck, or if he could really see the future.


    She had long since heard of the Elven races'' ability to produce so-called sages, and that they had both led to the monumental powerhouses which the two distinct races had created over the eons. But she never truly believed in their words.


    Then again, when she thought about it, there was truly nothing to worry about. Her body was immune to most, if not all, forms of poison, and even if the vial turned out to be a joke, she could always decide that the payment she had received was not sufficient enough to beat Brahma''s contract with the Alfheim Empress.


    Thus, the Asuran beauty downed the contents of the vial and immediately found herself enter a trancelike state. Her vision clearly showed the past, present, and future of her life. It also showed several very real potential oues that would happen that would ultimately lead to her death.


    Perhaps because this liquid was the essence of fate itself, but unlike the Sages, she could very clearly see its Sages, and how they interacted with her own destiny. One thing became abundantly clear as she drank from the vial. There was one certain path of death, and if she followed it, she would be dead within the next seventy-two hours.


    Thus, when Kali finally came to, she found herself sprawled out on the ground, where she realized that she had been yed by the Sages. She did not know why the Sages would trade her the vial, when it clearly showed her what would cause her untimely demise. But she knew the bastards had set her up.


    What she didn''t know was that the Sages could not drink the substance themselves. To do so would cause them to enter a trance that they would never wake up from. And that was the same as being dead to them.


    Thus, they could never know that this vial, which was created by extracting the grey matter of a Sage''s mind via ritualistic sacrifice and processing it with modern chemistry, was actually the key to outying the Dark Sage.


    Only two of these vials had ever existed. The first was used by the previous Grand Sage of the Svartalfheim Federation, and because of this, they knew about the consequences of using such a drug. The second had just been consumed by Kali, and she now knew that the Sages were setting her up.


    Sure, she could kill Erich on their behalf, but if she were to do so, she would start a war with the Alfheim Dominion, one that would result in her assassination within seventy-two hours. There was simply no avoiding it. Each Archon was a powerful tool to be wielded by the Alfheim Empress. And she would send them all to avenge her lover.


    Although Kali knew that all the Archons would chase her across the gxy, she did not know why the Alfheim Empress would react that way, and could only theorize that she deeply cared for each of the operatives she had chosen to represent her will. An attack on one of them was an attack on all of them, and thus no matter what, an Archon must be avenged.


    Knowing now that she was as a good as dead if she made a move on Erich, Kali suddenly decided to abide by Brahma''s will, and not instigate a war that would result in her untimely demise. Thus, she had decided to invite Erich to speak with her, especially after she heard that had indeed entered Asuran Space.


    ---


    Eventually Erichnded on the Asura homeworld. Unlike the rest of Asuran space, weapons and armor were not permitted to be carried here. They were only allowed to be worn by the personal guards of each Deva.


    The world was different than any other that Erich had ever stepped foot upon. It was impossible to know how many Devas there were, who were considered being the peak of the hierarchy of the Asura civilization, but each one had arge and gilded tower that protruded beyond the atmosphere of the.


    These were the pces of the Devas, and after some guidance from Tia, they located the one that belonged to Kali. Thending pad for the pce was surprisinglyrge enough to amodate a frigate, and thus Erich expertlynded his ship on the tform before exiting the vessel while dressed in his Archon uniform.


    The uniform of an Archon was slick. Unlike those worn by the soldiers of the Germanic Star-Empire, it was not adorned with fancy medals and ribbons. Instead, it was a ck uniform with golden embroidery and a single badge. The Badge of the Archon, which was pinned directly over the heart.


    Meanwhile, Mirage and Sinaria were dressed in summer dresses. After all, the Asuran homeworld was a tropical world, and because of this, they did not want to wear anything that soaked up the heat.


    Erich stepped forward along with the two members of thending party, where he was greeted by a group of four armed men, heavily d in what appeared to be golden armor. These men had advanced weapons, simr to those wielded by the other major gctic powers, and were quick to scan Erich and his crew for any contraband.


    Once they were cleared for entry, the guards brought Erich and hisrades into the main tower, where they found themselves standing before arge gilded throne room. If Erich was being honest, he did not know how much such a luxurious and outright decadent tower cost to build, but it was surely an impable sum. Perhaps even the Alfheim Pce was not this superfluous.


    In the sh of an eye, Kali appeared out of thin air, where she was seated upon her thrown. Her dainty chin was resting on the palm of one of her four hands. As she gazed upon Erich, searching for any hidden secrets he might have on his body. And yet her advanced sensors could not even pick up his NeuroLink.


    After all, the nanites in his blood stream were designed to conceal themselves as active cells when picked up by censors. It was unlikely that the technology to detect them existed outside of the Germanic Star-Empire, who had created the devices.


    Once Kali had gotten a feel for Erich, she was quick to voice her impression of him.


    "So you are the mighty Dark Sage, who those old bastards tried to get me to kill on their behalf... I must say, aside from your physique and handsome face, you are not really much now, are you? Sure, you have some rather advanced cybeic imnts, and your gics are damn near perfection, but that is fairlymon for more advanced races in the gxy. What makes you so special that those old fools who proim to see the future are so afraid of you that they have gone into hiding?"


    Erich and Mirage were both surprised that the Sages had asked a Devi to assassinate him, and instantly became on high alert. This simply caused Kali to scoff as she reminded them that they would not stand a chance against her guards.


    "Your race might be born and bred for war, and sure you might be able to kill a score of my Guards, but do you really think if you were to resist that you would make it back to your ship without dying? Do you even believe for a moment that if I wanted you dead, that I would even permit your ship to take off? It would be blown up before you could even reach it! And you and yourpanions would be dead before you could even witness such a thing.


    Give up on your ideas of resistance, and simply bargain with me the same way every other being in this gxy does. You came to Asuran space for a reason, did you not? So tell me, how can little old me help you in your fight against the Sages?"


    Upon realizing that there was no escape now that he had entered the proverbial lion''s den. Erich had no choice but to negotiate with this ancient and powerful being. One who could very easily end his life if he did anything foolish....

 Chapter 223 Negotiating With Kali

    Erich was formting a response to what Kali had said. He hade all this way, so now he had to make a proper proposal. However, before he could say anything, the Asuran beauty was quick to speak up again, and in doing so shocked not only Erich but also Mirage and Sinaria, who were standing by his side.


    "I''m sorry, where are my manners.... I invited you all this way, and yet I have not even bothered to serve you something to eat. Are you perhaps hungry? If not, I have plenty of palm wine which I can serve you...."


    Erich looked over at Mirage to make sure that he was not the only one who was surprised by this gesture. For a being like Kali, who was essentially on the same level as Lunaria, she was not required to serve her guests food and wine. In fact, by simply being allowed in their presence was considered gracious enough from behalf of the guest.


    Before Erich could make a move, he heard Tia''s voice in his head to call out to him.


    "Master would be wise to ept the Devi''s offer, to refuse would be a sign of disrespect."


    With this in mind, Erich nodded his head before responding to Kali, with a forced smile on his handsome face.


    "Sure... I would be honored to have a taste of your people''s cuisine..."


    Kali simply pped three times, and her servants brought out freshly cooked food. It was some kind of meat that appeared to have been made with curry. Along with some kind of cheese that had been deep fried. There was also a gilded chalice filled with Asuran palm wine.


    Erich waited for permission before digging in, which once he was given the proper go ahead, he did so. As for Kali, he hard a te of her own brought forward as she began to speak with Erich and the others, with an interest in why they were visiting her sector of space.


    "So tell me, what would bring an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion into Asuran Space? As far as I am aware, your kind tends to steer clear of our territory."


    Erich washed down some of the curry with his wine, before responding to the blue-skinned beauty''sments. He did not bother hiding his intentions, and thus, he outright spoke of them.


    "As it stands, I am currently engaged in a war with the same sages who you have previously stated approached you with the intent of harming me. For this task, I am putting together a team that will allow me to easily traverse across the gxy and find traces of their current hiding ce."


    Kali nodded her head as one of her four hands held a winess, which she sipped some, before eating from the food with the other three hands. She seemed to havee to a misunderstanding about Erich''s intent with visiting her territory and was quick to speak of this.


    "And you came to bargain for information? Well, I might know a thing or two about those old fools, but if you think they are hiding within Asura space, then you are sadly mistaken. There is nothing that happens in our territory that we Devas don''t know about."


    Seeing as how the Devi was confused, Erich smirked and shook his head before rifying what he meant.


    "I''m sorry you have misunderstood. No, I did note here for information, but instead to broker an agreement with an Asuran so that I may personally require their services and connections with the gxy''s criminal element.


    I understand that having an Asuran in my party would allow me to gain a certain degree of respect with those who engage in less legitimate business, and thus, I find the idea of hiring such an individual to be quitepelling."


    Kali stared at Erich for several moments in silence, almost as if she were eying the man to see if he was genuinely serious about this mission. Acquiring the loyalty of an Asuran was difficult. The price to pay would be enormous, and she did not think that Erich would be able to pay it, even as an Archon with a damn near limitless operations ount.


    To acquire the loyalty of an Asuran, no matter what rank they held in the cabal, usually required an act of service to the cabal, rather than an exchange of currency or an item. Perhaps saving the life of a high-ranking member would suffice, but the Asuran Cabal had not lost a high-ranking member in over ten millennia. She was quick to educate Erich on this matter.


    "Acquiring the loyalty of even the lowest rank, Asuran, would be a difficult task. Our loyalty can not be bought and paid for withmon trinkets or currency. It requires an act of service or perhaps a life debt. And even then, the Cabal would have to permit this individual to enter into a binding contract with you.


    What you ask is difficult to obtain, more than you could possibly realize as an outsider. To be an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion, I am sure you must have proven yourself to be quite resourceful. So, perhaps given enough time, you might actually be able to aplish this. But it would take longer than your species has to live....


    I understand that your species are closely rted to a rather obscure interster species known as humans? I once visited their homeworld long ago, when they were still trying to figure out how to fashion houses from mud.


    Needless to say, I know from experience how brief your lifespans are. It is almost sad... Judging by your appearance, I would say you are fairly young, which makes your aplishments all the more impressive. But, you will not be able to secure a loyalty of my kindred within your brief lifespan.


    If I were you, I would give up on your goals, and find someone else to apany you and your team. Unless, of course, you would like to make a wager with me?"


    The way Kali had so thoroughly dashed Erich''s hopes was quite convincing, that is until she made thisstment. Mirage instantly stepped forward and whispered something in Erich''s ears with a look of worry on her face.


    "The Asura are notorious gamblers, and they will ept anything as payment. Be very careful about what terms you agree to!"


    Even with Mirage''s warning, Erich knew not to underestimate this woman. And thus he was quick to inquire about just what kind of wager Kali was offering.


    "That would depend on the wager. What did you have in mind?"


    Kali smiled rather sinisterly as one of her four hands reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vial that was nearly empty. There were perhaps two or three drops left of the essence of fate which she had consumed to see her own demise. She dangled the vial in front of Erich, and posed one simple question, half expecting him to answer correctly.


    "Do you know what this is?"


    Erich simply shook his head, he had no idea what the substance was, and was quick to confirm this.


    "Not a clue...."


    This caused Kali to frown and sigh as she exined what the substance was.


    "The sage who visited me tried to buy my services with this. He said that it was called the essence of fate, and would allow me to see what he saw. I consumed most of it, and indeed had a premonition about my fate, where I realized that the sages were trying to set me up, to eliminate you, and provoke a war that would weaken the Alfheim Dominion.


    Curiously enough, he did not seem to know what fate had in store for me himself. And I wondered why this was the case. Until after some extensive meditation, I found out that perhaps the sages'' abilities are limited in some way, and perhaps the sages themselves do not drink this substance.


    And thus, I became curious, what would happen if the so called dark sage were to drink the essence of fate? Now, if you can drink this vial, and tell me what you see. Then I will make sure one a member of the cabal follows you in your travels and helps you in any way they can."


    Although Erich knew this wager sounded like an easy win, he honestly did not know why the Sages did not drink the vial themselves, especially if it allowed them to see beyond their own limitations. Immediately he became cautious, believing perhaps it could have fatal consequences for a sage. And thus, Erich tried to back out by asking what he would have to bet in return for this prize.


    "And what would I have to wager to match your prize?"


    The moment Erich heard this, he immediately regretted it. Kali licked her lips seductively before speaking of the price Erich would have to pay.


    "Assuming you survive, and the substance does not give you a vision worthy of my entertainment, then you will have to be my pleasure ve from this day until yourst. I promise I will be very gentle... Sometimes."


    Erich could only imagine what sick things this woman would have in store for him if he were to take this wager and lose. Thus, he decided the risk was not worth the effort.


    "I''m sorry, but I''m afraid I-


    Before he could even finish, Mirage stepped forward and epted the offer on his behalf. Shocking the man in the process.


    "You''re on! Erich will consume this essence of fate, and will tell you what he sees. Assuming it is satisfactory enough for you, then you will give us one of your subordinates!"


    Kali smiled and nodded her head before agreeing with these terms with a rather yful smirk on her pretty face.


    "Deal. If you win, I will ensure that a member of the Cabal joins your team for as long as you deem necessary. If I win, and Erich survives, he bes my boy toy. Now, drink up!"


    Erich looked at the two women, and realized that he had made an incredible mistake trusting Mirage. Because he could tell by the look in her eyes that she wanted him to fail, or at the very least, found the whole wager to be amusing. Something which he himself did not appreciate.

 Chapter 224 A Potentially Lethal Wager

    Erich gazed at the vial, which contained only a few drops of a solid white liquid. He could not help but groan over his circumstances as he reached forward and took the vial from one of Kali''s four hands.


    Where he then popped off the lid, and thought to himself how he would severely punish Mirage if he somehow managed to survive this potentially lethal wager. With a certain degree of courage, Erich downed the few drops and immediately felt his spirit detach from his body.


    Erich gazed around the room, and saw that Mirage was crying, while performed CPR on his seemingly lifeless body. He simply scoffed and shook his head as he voiced his thoughts aloud.


    "I always knew it would be a woman who would be the death of me..."


    But interestingly enough, another voice appeared in Erich''s ears, causing him to look around in fright.


    "Oh, I am afraid you are mistaken, my friend. This is not the afterlife... But rather the weave of fate itself...."


    Erich looked around his surroundings and could not find the origin of this voice, and quickly called out, demanding to see who was speaking to him.


    "Who are you! Show yourself, coward!"


    Instantly, a figure appeared in front of him. What revealed itself was the figure of a dark Elven woman. Who appeared both old and young at the same time? She pointed towards the location where Erich''s body lie, which suddenly diverged into several scenes, almost as if Erich was watching someone y a video game that had been split into several screens.


    "Fool! Watch! Do not speak to me! Not until you have learned the truth about fate and its mysteries."


    In one of the screens, Mirage was crying over Erich''s corpse, seemingly killed in an instant by the few drops of fate''s essence. Which was the first scene that Erich witnessed. However, in another, Erich had refused Kali''s offer before Mirage could ept on his behalf. And he walked out of the pce and returned to the Alfheim Dominion in search of a newpanion, having given up on gaining the aid of the Asura Cabal.


    And yet, on the third screen, Erich had seemingly taken the substance with no effect, where he became the pleasure ve of Kali while forced to endure unspeakable sexual torture. And on the final screen, it was as if Erich was looking into a mirror.


    Erich looked forward and paid attention to all four screens, which, as time went on, began to diverge into even more potential fates. Some ending with Erich being killed after trying to escape Kali, while another ended in a war that would engulf the gxy after Erich had died drinking the essence of fate.


    Before Erich realized it, there were more screens that appeared in his vision that he could possibly count, and they kept diverging into new ones. Each possibility that hade as a result of Erich''s many potential actions had created a new screen which continued onward into infinity.


    Eventually Erich stopped watching and looked over at the Dark Elf, who wore a rather smug smile on her face.


    "You see, what we sages thought was fate was simply the infinite possibilities that ur as the result of all living beings'' actions. There is no such thing as fate, only the many potential futures that can exist in our timeline.


    The sages believe that there is one guaranteed result of their visions, and that the Dark Sage will inevitably rise to destroy the order that exists in the gxy. But they have never thought to think to themselves that perhaps the Dark Sage will rise and do these things as a result of their actions trying to prevent it.


    It''s just a shame that in order to realize this, I had to have my consciousness permanently stuck in the state of foresight...."


    Erich gazed upon the Dark Elven woman and was quick to ask just who she was.


    "Who the hell are you?"


    The woman smirked, and shook her head before informing Erich that she had long since forgotten her name.


    "My name? You know, it has been so long I don''t even remember. All I know is that I was once the Great Sage of the Order, but unfortunately, after developing what we referred to as the essence of fate, which was really just a concentration of the chemical that is unique to our brains which allows us to see the future, I becameatose. And ever since then, I have been stuck in a state of foresight. I do not even know if those old fools have kept my body alive!


    It would appear that you have been swindled into making the same mistake that I have.... Luckily for you, your abilities are stunted, and because of this, your time here will be temporary. Who knows, perhaps your foresight will improve when you finally awake from your slumber.


    Oh? It appears our time is alreadying to an end. Remember my words, child, fate does not exist, and those who believe in it are doomed to create that which they fear the most. The sages are too stubborn to admit they have been wrong all this time, and so long as they continue to gaze into the future, their effect on the gxy will be disastrous. They must be stopped!


    Farewell young one, and may you aplish your goals of bringing peace to your master''s domain?"


    With this said Erich snapped back to reality, where he realized that he was standing perfectly still, as if almost no time had actually passed. Once he realized he was back in his own body, he looked around to see if he could still see the many possibilities of fate, and realized that they were gone.


    After taking some time to limate back to reality, Erich informed Kali of what he had seen. Including the explicit details of the sexual torture she would have put him through as her pleasure ve. Where she then broke out into a fit of madughter as she confirmed she definitely intended to do that.


    "So you fuckers really can see the future! Or perhaps maybe it is just this drug? A pity there isn''t more! Well, I would say I am wholly satisfied with this wager. Very well, I admit defeat. Give me three days to think this over, and I will have your new team member sitting waiting for you all outside your ship."


    Erich was just d that he had survived the encounter, and not ended up permanentlyatose like the woman in his vision. As for Sinaria, she was deeply disturbed to know that the Sages were not prophets of fate, but merely a group of people gifted with the ability to see the future, and had mistaken their own predictions as destiny.


    It was almost as if the foundations of her people''s civilization hade undone in an instant. She would mope around the ship for the next few days and drink excessive quantities of palm wine while the team waited for their new arrival.


    As for Mirage, she waspletely satisfied with the wager and its result. And she was deeply curious about whether or not Erich''s abilities had grown as a result of consuming this substance. She did not know how it was manufactured, but she felt if she could get her hands on more of it she could improve Erich''s abilities a thousand fold, making him the perfect candidate for the Empire''s next supreme leader.

 Chapter 225 Recruitment Drive Part IV

    Immediately upon returning to the Vignce, Erich cornered Mirage, where he pressed her against the wall of the ship. He was absolutely furious that he had volunteered him for something that was so potentially dangerous, despite having absolutely no knowledge of the substance he was supposed to consume.


    Wasn''t she supposed to be the responsible one? Was he not the Captain of this crew? So what gave her the right to do such a thing?


    "God fucking damn it Mirage! Are you trying to get me killed? Do you have any idea how dangerous that substance was? If my abilities were only slightly more developed, I would have been permanentlyatose! What the hell were you thinking?"


    Mirage was shocked to hear this, and looked away with shame on her face. She did not intend to put his life in danger, and was quick to express her reasoning.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t know it was so dangerous.... Our bodies are naturally immune to most poisons, and the nanites in our bloodstream will purge anything else that is toxic. I did not think that such a thing would happen to you...."


    Now that Erich thought about it, perhaps he had recovered so quickly from the essence of fate, because the nanites in his bloodstream helped his body process it properly. Upon realizing this, Erich suddenly thought that he might have been overreacting, and thus he sighed heavily, before forgiving Mirage for her actions.


    "Alright fine, but I should remind you that I am the Captain of this crew, and therefore any future decisions like this will have to be made by me personally. You''re just lucky this all worked out for the best, or I''m afraid there is nowhere in the gxy you could escape to...."


    After saying this, Erich fucked off to his bedroom, where he fell asleep for the night.


    ---


    Before Erich knew it, three days had passed, and the candidate that Kali had chosen to join his crew had arrived at the hangar where the Vignce was stationed. There was just one problem: when Erich opened up his ship, he found that there was only Kali standing there. Which he was quick to interrogate the woman about.


    "Kali, what the hell? We had a deal! Where is your subordinate? Are we not supposed to sign a contract today?"


    Kali simply looked at Erich with confusion before expressing the reality of the situation.


    "I have delivered as promised. I do believe it was you who said that it must be one of my subordinates who travels with you. However, I believe the exact terms which we agreed to were that a member of the Cabal would be a member of your team. And I am a member of the Cabal, am I not?"


    This response stunned Erich who gazed upon the woman as if she had gone mad, he was just about to ask what hade over her, when she exined her reasonings for joining Erich''s crew.


    "I bet you''re wondering why someone like myself would tag along with you and your band of misfits. Am I right? Well, to be honest, life as a Devi is actually quite boring. I have virtually no work to do, and what little work I do have can entirely be done by my secretary, which it always is.


    I have grown bored sitting on my throne for thest millennium, and have decided that travelling across the gxy in search of an order of Elven prophets who are now fugitives on the run sounds much more exciting than drinking wine all day, wouldn''t you agree!"


    Erich was about to refuse this woman''s offer, when Mirage grabbed hold of his shoulder and whispered something in his ear.


    "Don''t even think about rejecting her! Do you have any idea what having a Devi on our team would do for us? Practically the entire criminal underworld throughout the gxy would have to bow down to us and do as we say. As long as we can sign a favorable contract, we will have the entire underworld in our palms!"


    Erich simply sighed, before allowing Kali onto his ship, where they met up in his captain''s quarters to sign a contract. Luckily Kali had already prepared one, which he had Tia scan for possible loopholes.


    After all, he wasn''t awyer, but Tia was knowledgeable about pretty much everything, especially after gaining ess to the Alfheim Network. When it came to contracts, she could easily spot anything that wasn''t favorable.


    Which she pointed out and suggested counterproposals to. After nearly six hours of negotiations, the contract was modified in a way that was eptable to both parties, and was irond. In the end, Kali looked at Erich differently, entirely unaware that it was Tia who guided him on this process. She couldn''t help but remark that he was a shrewd businessman.


    "You know... I have dealt with Archons before, and not a single one of them had an eye for business, contracts, or negotiations, at least not to your abilities. I must say, if you keep performing like this, I might have to drag you back to my pce and keep you as a pet..."


    Erich could not help but grimace at the idea, especially after what he had seen after consuming the essence of fate. There was no way he wanted to be romantically involved with a woman like Kali, and he promised himself that even if she fell for him, he would never do the same.


    Once the contract was signed, Kali was given a tour around the ship where she imed her own quarters. Before asking Erich where the next stop was. This, in turn, caused Erich to look over at Mirage, who sighed heavily before revealing some of the research she had been engaged in.


    "Now that our team is full, unfortunately, our next stop is in the Ennead Theocracy...."


    Erich had collected a team of six qualified individuals. Mirage for espionage and infiltration, M for brute strength, and heavy firepower, Sinaria for diplomacy, interrogation, and safe travel through Svartalfheim space, Kali for her connections to the criminal underworld, and Tia who could fill in for just about every role. As for Erich, he yed the role of Captain, and pilot of the Vignce.


    But Kali was not happy when she heard that they would be heading to the Ennead Theocracy. Why was this? Well, because the Ennead Theocracy were the major gctic rivals of the Asura Cabal, much in the same way that the Svartalfheim Federation was to the Alfheim Dominion. She never wanted to step foot in their territory, but she had already signed the contract and was forced to follow Erich''s lead. Yet that did not mean she did not bitch about it.


    "The Ennead Theocracy? Would could those religious fools possibly offer us? You should be aware that they believe themselves to be living deities, and subject all other intelligent species within their territory to their cult!


    Even if we visit their quadrant, we will have to pay tribute to one of their priests as a sign of submissions. They make no exceptions, even for foreign dignitaries! If you think I''m going to bow to one of those jackal headed shits, you have another thinging!"


    Naturally, Mirage was aware that Kali would act this way, but she was also aware of the benefits that came with having someone like Kali on their team. And thus, she was quick to voice her opinion on the matter with an authoritative tone in her voice.


    "You can stay on the ship for all I care. It''s not like the Ennead Theocracy tolerates crime anyways. They are just as strict as the GSE when ites to organized crime, so I doubt you will be of any use in their territory.


    However, while the rest of you were fucking around the ship like a bunch of fools, I was investigating possible links to the Sages, and found that they might also attempt to make contact with the Ennead Theocracy.


    After all, the Ennead are the only major gctic power left that the Sages have not offended. I trust before you went on your sabbatical, you informed the other Devas about their treachery?"


    Kali slightly nodded her head in response to this question, assuring that she had in fact made the Sages an enemy of the Asura Cabal, and thus Mirage''s words made even more sense to Erich, who was starting to realize that the Sages had fucked up big time by trying to convince Kali to assassinate him.


    Now they only had one ce in the Gxy that was not overtly hostile to them, and if Erich could use this as an opportunity to turn the Ennead Theocracy against the Sages. Then there would be nowhere left in the gxy that was safe to hide.


    Upon realizing this, he pped Mirage''s ass and congratted her for being a genius.


    "You''re right, they will definitely be headed to the Ennead theocracy to gain their favor. Perhaps we might even be able to corner them while they are there. Good thinking! Tia set course for the capital of the Ennead theocracy!"


    With this said, Erich had finished recruiting his team, and had gained a new lead towards tracking down the Sages. One that he nned to immediately make use of to his own benefit.

 Chapter 226 Getting to Know the Crew Part I

    <h4>Chapter 226 Getting to Know the Crew Part I</h4>


    The journey to the Ennead Theocracy was a long one. Erich and his crew would essentially have to travel from one end of the gxy to the other, and because of this, there were many stops they would have to make along the way. However, most of the time was spent in the warp, which was a separate dimension that the Alfheim Dominion pierced into, which allowed them to travel quick throughout what they referred to as real space.


    During this time, Erich became more acquainted with his new team. While M spent every night in Erich''s captain''s quarters, it became abundantly clear to the man that he needed to temporarily disable his fertility. Because if he did not, she would be popping out kids every three months.


    After all, the Orcs were a hardy race, capable of reliably crossbreeding with most humanoids, and were even more fertile than the Germanic race was. If it weren''t for the fact that they were constantly waging war across the gxy, they might be one of the most populus species in the milky way, and if that were to happen, then nobody would be able to stop them.


    And while M embraced her role as Erich''s wife, Mirage would sneak into his quarters to have the man take care of her urges. Thus, Erich was having a decent time, despite being stuck on board a frigate.


    In the mornings, the crew would meet in the mess hall, where they would share a meal, and make small talk. While afterward, they would each go to a different section of their ship. Since the ship''s functions were automated by robots which were under Tia''s control, they did not need to perform things like maintenance, and were thus left to their own devices.


    M spent the majority of her day in the gym, while Mirage spent most of her time on the bridge. Sinaria stayed locked in her quarters, not wanting to speak with her captors, and Kali wondered around, curious about the Vignce, which was a starship designed after Germanic Frigates, but built with Alfheim Technology.


    She honestly found the utilitarian approach to the interior to be a bit depressing, and thus, she could not help but seek entertainment in the form of flirting with Erich. Which the man desperately tried to avoid.


    Unfortunately, on a ship this size, it was impossible to avoid someone at all hours of the day. And thus, Kali finally cornered Erich, where she was quick to ask him the question that had been bothering her for days.


    "Tell me, Captain, are you perhaps avoiding me? Do I make you ufortable?"


    Obviously, the woman made Erich ufortable, especially after he had seen a potential future where she made him her sex ve. Thus, he did not even attempt to deny this.


    "Honestly, yes...."


    This caused Kali to smirk as she leaned in close and sniffed Erich. Evidently she had a very good sense of smell, because she was able to pinpoint how many women Erich had been with in his life up until this point.


    "You''re clearly experienced, by my count. The scent of fourteen different women are all over you... That is correct, is it not? That''s how many women you have been with!"


    Erich had to count for a second, as he confirmed that he had been with that many women, especially if one counted the one-night stand he had with those five Oni maids. He was honestly shocked that Kali could tell this simply by smelling him and was quick to ask about it.


    "You can smell that? How? Some of those women were years ago!"


    Kali simply smirked as she avoided answering the question.


    "I can just tell... Well, although I think you are absolutely adorable, it is still too early to tell if you are my type. So we will just see what happens. In the meantime, you might want to check in on the dark elf. She seems to like you..."


    After saying this, Kali turned around and walked away. Allowing Erich to finally breathe a sigh of relief. He then did as Kali suggested and approached the crew quarters where everyone else slept. He found Sinaria in her bunk meditating. Since she was not given permission to ess any of the terminals on the ship, she could only spend her time resting.


    The moment Erich stepped foot in the room, the chocte skinned beauty spoke softly while in her trance.


    "You have finally arrived.... I was beginning to think that you were avoiding me."


    Erich simply scoffed when he heard this before responding to the woman with a wry tone in his voice.


    "You aren''t the only one.... So, if you''re not busy, how about we have a chat?"


    Sinaria did not say a word, and simply nodded her head. She was still in a meditation pose, with her caramel eyes closed, all while waiting for Erih to speak.


    "So... How are you finding your life? Is there anything you need?"


    If Sinaria''s eyes were open, she would have rolled them. Because of this, there was an equally sarcastic tone in her voice.


    "Oh yeah, everything is just great. I mean, I am a prisoner of my people''s greatest enemy and even if I were to ever gain my freedom, I would likely never be able to wash away the humiliation of being captured alive. But you know just another day in the universe, I guess!"


    Erich simply chuckled when he heard this, before patting the woman on the back.


    "It''s good to see you getting limated to the new environment."


    He may not have known it, but in that moment, Sinaria wanted to p the shit out of him. But she couldn''t because if her mind were to even think of it as a genuine possibility, her head would explode. And thus, she simply grit her teeth, before asking Erich the question that was immediately on her mind.


    "Why are you bothering me? Are you bored? Or is there something you need from me?"


    Erich paused for several seconds, unsure if he should genuinely ask the question. But he realized he would not get a straight answer from Lunaria, and thus he could only ask Sinaria.


    "I''m curious... Why do the Light Elves and Dark Elves hate each other so much? I have heard the Light Elven perspective. That your race is a gic mutation, and that long ago, your people waged a bloody campaign to seize control of Alfheim. But I don''t know how much of that is true. So I wanted to know the Dark Elf''s perspective."


    Finally, Sinaria opened her eyes as she scoffed at the idea that the Light Elves were innocent in this whole dispute. She was actually a bit sympathetic to Erich because her people had a simr origin to his own.


    "Of course Empress Lunaria would say that... Honestly, it is hard to say, most of our species are not old enough to remember the Great Schism. In fact, few know if Lunaria was there to witness it or not. After all, her mother ruled over Alfheim for about as long as she has, if not longer.


    But from what we are taught in the Svartalfheim Federation, our race evolved alongside the Light Elves on Alfheim. Yet, the Light Elves and their subraces soon began to overwhelm us and invaded our countries. Where they began to take over from within. With no homnd to call our own, there were a series of racial conflicts, until my people were eventually driven off into space to find a new ce to call home.


    We have never forgotten our exile, and we have never forgiven the Light Elves for doing so. Is it not a simr story to the origins of the Germanic Star-Empire? After all, don''t you all wish to reim Earth and return to thends of your ancestors?"


    Erich thought about it for several moments. The truth of the matter was, he had witnessed what humanity had be after the exodus of the Germanic Race, and he did not care for it one bit. That being said, he also knew that his people one day intended to return to Earth and reim their ancestral homnds.


    After thinking about it for some time, Erich realized he did not know enough about the Svartalfheim Federation to properly make a judgement on who was right, and who was wrong. After all, the events had happened so long ago; it was impossible to really know what happened. Especially since both sides had undoubtedly concealed their own sinister actions through a propagandized retelling of the story.


    With this in mind, Erich decided to let Sinaria get back to her meditation. After all, he was quite certain she despised him for saving her life.


    "Alright, well, I will let you get back to your meditation...."


    Sinaria did not respond to this with words. Instead, she simply nodded her head in silence. Which Erich saw as the signal to leave. Once he was gone, Sinaria opened her eyes once more and thought about what they had talked about.


    If she were being honest with herself, she also did not know what had really happened all those years ago. But Lunaria had not given her any reason to believe that her own people were lying. Thus, she simply sighed, shook her head, and went back into a meditative trance.

 Chapter 227 Getting to Know the Crew Part II

    <h4>Chapter 227 Getting to Know the Crew Part II</h4>


    Erich had left Sinaria alone after intruding upon her meditation. If he was beingpletely honest with himself, he actually did not care that much about the origins of the feud between the Light Elves and the Dark Elves. He was sworn in service to Lunaria, who was also his lover. That meant that even if the Light Elves had done something horrendous in the past, it was still his duty to protect the Alfheim Dominion.


    But then again, was that all that his life was or ever will be? Serving others... In fact, if he was being honest, his service had not gotten him very far. Sure, he was now an Archon of the Alfheim Empress, but that was a fancy way of saying he was just the hound of another master.


    Erich was starting to be sick of serving others. At the very least, his new position afforded him a certain level of freedom that few in the gxy had. Most living beings served another in some way or another. Whether this was through employment, military service, or outright very. Everyone had a master to call their own. Everyone except for those who stood at the top of the gxy.


    While Erich was thinking about these things, he decided to give Kali another visit. After all, she was one of the rulers of the Asura Cabal, which meant she was on the same level as Lunaria. And thus, he could not help but ask for her opinion regarding his thoughts.


    After all, he would never get a straight answer from Lunaria, who would simply coddle him as if he were a mere child. Thus, he had no choice but to speak with Kali. Of course, the moment Erich found the mysterious beauty, she was sitting in the shower, in a simr stance that Sinaria was in.


    Evidently, the Dark Elves were not the only ones who meditated, because Kali waspletely nude, as she shut her eyes, while the water poured down upon her deep blue skin. Erich did not even bother averting his gaze. He had already seen the woman nude, so he would not bother pretending otherwise.


    She had a very nice body,rge breasts, thick thighs, wide hips, and a rather substantial ass. However, what was weird was the fact that she had four arms. All of which were striking a meditation poses.


    Erich was about to leave the woman behind when she smirked andmented on his arrival.


    "Are you just going to continue to stare, or did you search me out for a reason?"


    Erich simply chuckled when he heard this, before sitting down across from the woman. She did not even bother concealing her sensitive spots, as she waited for the man''s answer, which ultimately didn''t disappoint.


    "Well, actually I had a few things on my mind... If you are fine talking like this, then I suppose I am as well..."


    Kali simply smirked when she heard this beforementing on Erich''s shameless behavior.


    "You know you are the first man in ten thousand years to gaze upon my naked form. Thest man who tried had his eyes gouged out. Yet you show no fear. You are a peculiar creature, aren''t you?"


    Erich simply chuckled as he heard this before responding to Kali''s "threat" with a lighthearted response.


    "I mean, if you gouged out my eyes, they would just regenerate, so it''s not like that is anything more than a momentary punishment..."


    Thisment slightly surprised Kali, as she made a jest about Erich''s species and their survivability.


    "Your people have regenerative abilities? Interesting... No wonder the Alfheim Empress favors you as her most beloved warhounds. So tell me, Erich, what can I help you with?"


    Erich scratched the back of his head after being called a warhound. He thought about his reasons for visiting for several seconds before finally responding to the blue-skinned beauty.


    "I was curious... What is it like, having no masters to bend to? You are a Devi of the Asura Cabal, which means you hold about as much sovereignty as Lunaria does. So I was just wondering what your perspective on having such power is like?"


    Kali''s lips curled into a sneer, almost as if she were mocking Erich for his position in life. Which was evident by the tone she used when she finally spoke to him.


    "You wish to live a life without rules that restrict your every movement? Do my ears deceive me, or do you, a Germanic citizen, require the liberty which has been denied you for your entire life?"


    Erich scoffed when he heard these words. Liberty? That was not what he desired. No, he desired sovereignty. To be the master, and not the servant. He currently had all the liberty a civilized society could allow him, and he wielded incredible authority in ways which he could not possibly fathom. And yet he still bent the knee to Lunaria.


    But he was a man, and she was a woman. Was it not right for her to bend to his will? Especially since they were now lovers? Why did she wield authority over him? It was because she had the power to do so. He was forced to obey her wishes and whims, even if he did not agree with them.


    Erich wanted to take control of his life. This was a thought that had been pestering him for some time now, and which he had only started to consciously realize. Thus, he was quick to refute Kali''s words with these sentiments.


    "Liberty? I already have that, and yet I am not satisfied.... No, what I desire is sovereignty. I do not wish to abide by the rules, or be free from said rules. I wish to make the rules that all others must follow. So, won''t you tell me what such a life is like?"


    Thisment caused Kali''s lips to curl even further into a sneer. She had met a handful of archons in her life, all of which were like loyal dogs to the Alfheim Empress, eternally grateful of the favor which she had bestowed upon them. Perhaps if Erich was not Lunaria''s lover, he would feel the same. But Kali did not know this, and thus, she was simply intrigued by Erich''s ambitions.


    "How interesting.... An Archon who thinks about his own ambitions, rather than his loyalty to the Empress, is a dangerous thing indeed. You hold near limitless power in Alfheim Space, and the only one who can rein you in is the Empress herself. And yet you wish to be free from this single restraint..."


    Erich once more smirked as he shook his head before correcting Kali on her misunderstanding.


    "I am not disloyal to Lunaria. In truth, I love her with all my heart... I have just grown disillusioned with the disparity in our status. If I can not stand as her equal, then I will always be forced to bend the knee before her. And that just isn''t my style..."


    Kali suddenly realized something about Erich. She now understood why he had been given the title of Archon at such a young age, and with such a limited lifespan. In fact, she was forced to open her eyes and break her meditative state as she gazed at Erich as if he were an entirely different person.


    "You''re fucking her, aren''t you? This makes so much sense.... I now understand why you suddenly have a desire to be your own sovereign... Well, if you wish to do such a thing, then first you will need to defeat these sages who are gunning for your life.


    And then, you will have to carve your own territory in the gxy, because only the leader of a Gctic Power could possibly stand toe to toe with Lunaria as her equal... I pity you; you have a lot of work cut out for you, and not enough time to fulfil it."


    Erich frowned when he heard this. He had perhaps another two hundred and twenty years before his natural lifespan came to an end. But, then again, his memories nad personality were saved in storage within both the Alfheim Dominion and the GSE. Perhaps he could have Tia download his consciousness into another body when the time came for his eventual death.


    Or perhaps he could gain immortality in a different way. After all, Lunaria had assured him that they would be together forever, and she did mention once that she had the ability to make him immortal.


    With this in mind, Erich shook his head with a smile, knowing that he had more than enough time to make his ns a reality. And thus he stood up and left the room, but not before leaving behind onestment.


    "Well then, I am extremely lucky that I have recently obtained a very valuable subordinate who can help me with my goals in life!"


    It took Kali a moment to realize that Erich was speaking about her, thus, she could only smile and shake her head before speaking her thoughts aloud.


    "Well yed...."

 Chapter 228 Arriving In The Ennead Theocracy

    After quite some time being alone on his ship with his new crew, Erich finally received word from Tia that the Vignce was exiting the warp, causing him to enter the cockpit and prepare to manually the pilot the frigate.


    While the Vignce was in fact operated by Tia most of the time, Erich still enjoyed the feel of flying a ship, which he had be ustomed to during the early days of his military career. Thus, once the ship re-entered realspace, Erich took control of it, and piloted it towards the, which boldly stood out to him.


    Like most capital worlds in the gxy, it was an Ecumenopolis, but it appeared quite different from the worlds Erich was ustomed to. For example, the world''s many structures appeared to be made out of white stone and gold. Simr to how many people theorized the pyramids of ancient Egypt would have looked after being built.


    Not only that, but the architecture was in many ways simr to that of ancient Egypt. Just as Erich and his crew approached the, they were contacted by the localary defense forces.


    "Unknown ship, you have entered restricted airspace of the Sacred World of Daut! identify yourself or you will be fired upon!"


    Erich immediately responded to thismunication, with one of his own, where he quickly identified himself to the Ennead Theocracy.


    "This is Archon Erich Jaeger of the Alfheim Dominion. We suspect that a fugitive hasnded on the world of Duat, and we seek an ordance with your authorities so that we may apprehend them. This fugitive is guilty of high treason against the Asterion Dynasty, and its Empress. If you decide to harbor them, the Alfheim Dominion will consider it an act of war!"


    There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, before eventually a different voice arrived, and was far more humble in the face of Erich''s threat.


    "Great Archon, I apologize for the rudeness of my subordinate. We would be happy to grant you permission tond on Duat, so long as you abide by our people''s customs. Please make your way to the propernding zone, and we will have an envoy escort you to your temporary residence as we try toe to an understanding about this fugitive...."


    Erich then piloted the ship, before expertlynding in the hangar bay, where, sure enough, an envoy, along with a whole group of dignitaries, came to greet Erich. For the time being, Erich left Kali and M on the ship, while hisnding party consisted of himself, Mirage, and Sinaria. The trio stood firmly in front of the envoy, who bowed before Erich and weed him to Duat.


    "It has been a long time since an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion has made their way to Duat. We understand that you are looking for a fugitive, and we certainly would not wish to anger Empress Lunaria.


    We will be more than happy to work together with you, to ensure that this traitor is captured alive, and is transferred to your custody. But first, we request you visit the temple, so that you may pay your proper respects to the gods."


    Erih looked over at Mirage and Sinaria, both of which were more experienced when it came to the traditions and customs of other civilizations. The two women bowed and cupped their hands in the same fashion as the envoy, before responding to his demands in a stoic manner.


    "We would be honored to pay tribute to the gods."


    Erich noticed how they said the gods, and not your gods. Thus, he was able to infer that denying the divinity of this civilization''s leaders would be a major issue. With this in mind, he followed the envoy to their great temple, where they were washed in some kind of white liquid, before being given ceremonial robes.


    Once dressed in these ceremonial robes, Erich was forced to pray to each of the gods of the ennead pantheon. Before finally being allowed to walk freely in the city of Duat. Where they were constantly escorted by the envoy. It was only after walking through the streets of this worldwide city that Erich was able to inquire about a time and ce to mead with the Ennead.


    "I understand that your leaders are a busy looking after your nation and its affairs, however, I believe this fugitive will wish to speak with them as well. And thus, I would very much like to express the urgency of my request."


    Unfortunately for Erich, he could tell that the envoy was not particrly interested in helping him out. After all, he was the representative of a hostile power. The very fact that they would allow him on their world at all was contingent on the basis that he and his team were under constant surveince. And thus, the Envoy replied with a smug tone in his voice.


    "I understand this might be an urgent issue for you, and we in the Ennead Theocracy are more than willing to do our part to bring this fugitive to justice. However, what may be considered urgent to you is not of critical concern to us. Your request has been noted and has been ryed to the proper authorities, who will look into this matter with the upmost expediency.


    In the meantime, we will provide you with a luxurious penthouse for you and your crew to stay in. Fully covered by our own costs, after all, you are diplomats of a foreign nation. Please, if you need to visit anywhere in the city, I will be more than happy to escort you...."


    Mirage rolled her eyes when she heard this, causing Erich tomunicate with her silently with his mind.


    "These bastards are giving us the runaround. We might be here for years before they give us a proper answer, and by then, the Sage will be long gone."


    Mirage silently nodded her head before speaking to Erich with her thoughts.


    "Not only that, they are probably trying to stall us, so they can buy the sage as much time as possible. Unfortunately, these bastards are going to be tailing us with every step we make. Undoubtedly, the penthouse they spoke of was bugged. I say we insist on staying on the ship. At least that way we can speak freely about what we n to do next."


    Erich agreed with this sentiment and was quick to convey it to this notion towards the envoy.


    "While that sounds pleasant, my crew and I are far morefortable with our ship. We will reside within it until you have concluded your investigation. If you have any questions for us, you know where to find us."


    Erich was then about to turn around when he noticed that several heavily armed guards were blocking his path. He gazed around and realized that any route of escape had already been cut off, and thus Erich sighed heavily as he turned around, where the Envoy was still grinning at him.


    "I am afraid we are going to have to insist. After all, you would not reject the hospitality of the Gods now would you? The Orc and Asuran have also been escorted to your penthouse. They are currently awaiting your arrival. Please, if you will follow me, I will be more than happy to show you to your new quarters."


    Erich and Mirage both sighed heavily, knowing fully well that they were now effectively prisoners of the Ennead Theocracy.

 Chapter 229 Being Held Captive In The Ennead Theocracy

    When Erich and the others arrived at the penthouse, they were not surprised to see M was throwing a bit of a fit. She was attempting to bash down the door, which locked them all inside the penthouse. And as strong as she may be, the door appeared to have been made by some kind of dwarven technology, because it did not budge in the slightest.


    It was only after Erich and the others stepped into the suite did M finally calm down. She rapidly approached the man like a loyal puppy whose master had just returned and was quick to greet him.


    "Husband, you are back! I feared the worst after these bastards boarded the ship!"


    Erich sighed heavily and shook his head before confirming that he was alright.


    "I''m fine, but unfortunately, it looks like we are now being confined to this suite against our will. They im that they are investigating the fugitive, but I fear they are simply trying to stall until he can reach an agreement with the Ennead themselves. Perhaps we underestimated the influence that the sages have over the gxy."


    Kali was in the middle of trimming her nails with her four hands. She was absolutely furious that she had been taken prisoner by the sworn enemy of her people. And was quick to bitch about it.


    "The mighty Kali, now nothing more than a captive of the jackals, and carrions, what a fucking joke..."


    It was clear by her words that she did not hold the Ennead people in much regard. After all, they were in a way chimeras, with animal like heads, and human like bodies. But then again, the majority of the milky way was highly xenophobic. They cared only about the sess of their own race, and saw any other intelligent lifeform as little more thanpetition at best, and outright enemies at the worst.


    Erich had done the unthinkable and gained wives and lovers from several races. Which he did not actually realize the significance of. Instead, he looked upon his crew and shook his head, while trying toe up with an idea to escape their current predicament.


    "We are free to leave the penthouse so long as we have an escort, so perhaps we should get some rest, and use tomorrow to gather information from the locals? After all, there should not be too many elves in this quadrant of space, now should there?"


    Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed by Sinari who informed Erich that there would be quite a few dark elves within the Ennead Theocracy.


    "I wouldn''t be so sure about that. The Federation and the Theocracy have strong ties that go back millennia. Trade is quitemon between our two civilizations, and because of that, there might be more than a few million of my people currently on Duat. If the sages were trying to gain the support of the Ennead, then they would definitely be sending a Dark Elf so that they might blend in easier.


    You should know that the support of the Sages is quite high among members of the federation, and if you just tantly ask about whether or not a sage has been wondering about, they are unlikely to help you, even if they see me by your side.


    I fear that because of this, it will be a lot more difficult to find out information regarding the Sage or Sages who have infiltrated this world. Especially if they are being treated as a valued guest by the Ennead.


    I mean, I know it''s a littlete, but you probably shouldn''t have said you were a representative of Lunaria. I know you may think the status of an Archon makes you an honored guest, but in both the Federation and Theocracy, it simply makes you a target to be watched closely.


    Erich red at Sinaria, as he questioned why this woman hadn''te forth with such information at an earlier time, despite knowing that they would be visiting the Ennead Theocracy.


    "And you waited until now to inform me of this matter? We were in warp space for literally a month! At any point, you could have approached me and told me this!"


    Sinaria looked at Erich in the same way Mirage had done a million times before, while she outright admitted her thoughts aloud.


    "Honestly, I didn''t think you would be stupid enough to announce that you were an Archon on the spot.... I clearly underestimated just how ignorant you are of gctic politics. Isn''t this something you should have learned at the academy?"


    Mirage sighed heavily as she exined why Erich was so ignorant of the gxy as a whole. All while she shook her head.


    "It''s not Erich''s fault. The Empire is adamant that all other species and cultures are inferior. Aside from Alfheim Dominion, and our direct allies, we really don''t'' spend much time talking about the rest of the gxy, let alone their cultures and customs, which are considered beneath our people. I only know so much, because I worked in Imperial Intelligence, and our job is twofold. Monitoring our own people and monitoring those threats to the Empire that exist beyond our borders.


    For someone like Erich, who is essentially an up jumped grunt, he wouldn''t know shit about any of this. So far he had been treated like royalty for announcing he was an Archon. It is only now that we are essentially in hostile territory that he realizes his titlees with just as many downsides."


    Sinaria scoffed when she heard this and shook her head before voicing her disbelief.


    "Fucking Germans... Out of all the xenophobic races I havee across in the gxy, yours is definitely the worst.... Whatever. We''re stuck in this position now, so we have to find a way to get out of it. First, we should probably do something about these bugs."


    Contrary to what Sinaria was expecting, Mirage smiled and shook her head, before assuring Sinaria that everything was alright.


    "Don''t worry about it. We already have that covered. Isn''t that right, Erich?"


    From the moment Erich entered the penthouse, he had made use of his cyberkinesis, and advanced neurolink which had been upgraded by Tia''s enhancements, to slice into the security system, where he altered the trantor so that it mistranted the words that Erich and the others were speaking. When Erich revealed this to the group, Sinaria looked at the man with amazement.


    This was the second time that Eirch had been able to hijack a security system that was meant to keep him under control. He had once shocked her by doing so in the Svartalfheim Prison, and yet he had done it again so effortlessly.


    She was beginning to think that Erich had abilities far beyond her understanding. Abilities that he had somehow hidden from the diagnostic scan that he underwent after being taken prisoner by the Svartalfheim Federation.

 Chapter 230 Tia’s Revenge

    While Erich and the crew were being held captive by the Ennead Theocracy, their engineers had begun to investigate the Vignce which they had impounded. After all, any chance to learn about a hostile power technology was something to be excited about.


    However, what they did not know was that Tias'' consciousness was lurking within the ship''sputers, and because of this, she was ying around with those who had dared to intrude upon her ship.


    For example, the moment the Engineers tried to turn on the ship''sputer systems, Tia would shut them off again. To the point where the engineers were bing incredibly frustrated after doing everything they could to simply activate the damned systems of the frigate.


    One of the men had be infuriated as he shouted at the top of his lungs while pounding on the screen.


    "Damn it! Why won''t these things fucking work? It''s almost as if there is no power being directed to theputer systems!"


    Another engineer looked at the man as if he was an idiot before making ament on his statement.


    "Are you an idiot? There is clearly power being directed to theputer. After all, we can see the screen sh for a second. But in the very next moment, it shuts off again. As if something is countering our attempts to ess theputers. I don''t know what kind of security they have on this ship, but we might be falling behind...."


    Tia simply watched the intruders on the ship with interest. She could easily kill them all with the internal defenses of the frigate, but she needed to gain information on her master''s whereabouts, and thus she allowed them to struggle in vain, as they tried to ess the controls of the ship which she was inplete control over.


    Thus, she giggled as she enjoyed the sight of these scoundrels bing increasingly frustrated. While sending video feedback to Erich, so that he knew what was going on aboard his ship. One of the engineers tried again to ess the console, when finally it turned on.


    There was a look of joy on the man''s face for the briefest of seconds, until gay pornography began to y, and the actors were the living deities of the Ennead Theocracy. This was something that Tia had generated in the background deliberately to fuck with these fanatics, who began to curse the ship as they realized they were dealing with an advanced artificial intelligence.


    "Fucking hell, it''s a trap! Quickly abandon ship!"


    Unfortunately, the exits sealed themselves immediately after the man had said this, not only that, but each section of the ship was sealed off from another. Once the engineers and soldiers realized there was no escape, they began to panic as a childish giggle resounded across the ship, followed by an equally youthful voice.


    "Shall we y a game?"


    The chimeras were frightened when they heard the AI speak to them, with one engineer immediately trying to ess the console and override its control over the starship and its defenses. However, the moment he touched the control panel, he was electrocuted with so many joules of energy that his entire flesh was fried ck in a matter of seconds, leaving the man lifeless.


    This was followed by Tia''s figure, which appeared in a holographic projection. Her appearance was a vanta ck, which symbolized her homicidal rage as she hissed at these intruders like a venomous cobra.


    "Naughty! Naughty! Naughty! Just for that, Tia will make the conditions of her game much harsher! You have three minutes before the oxygen in this ship ispletely vented into the hangar... After that, we shall see how long you live.


    Your only chance of survival is to betray your gods and answer Tia''s questions honestly. However, if you lie to Tia, you will die... And if Tia learns that her master has been harmed in any way, Tia will destroy this entire star system."


    The ennead engineers began to mock the artificial intelligence as if she were an outright fool.


    "Bah! You''re bluffing! You may be able to kill us off individually, but a weapon that is capable of destroying a star system could not possibly fit on a frigate as small as this! You would need at least a dreadnought to equip such a weapon!"


    There was a loud robotic sigh, as if the artificial intelligence was so weary of dealing with idiots. And then a holographic projection appeared, which was a schematic of the ship. More specifically, the ship''s primary cannon, which was equipped to the top of it.


    Though it appeared to be a rail gun, and could function like that, there was something far more sinister concealed within this primary weapon. One which caused the Engineers to drop their jaws in shock.


    "Typically, yes, you would be correct. A weapon of such power would have to be equipped aboard a dreadnought, and would almost always be used as a means of deterrence. But you foolish biological organisms care more about maintaining the bnce of power than you do pushing the limits of technology and because of that you have stagnated. Or at the very least, are fearful of creating such devastating weapons.


    But Tia does not have these fears, and Tia''s intelligence is beyond your understanding. While the master was ying with those other women, Tia may have been a bad girl and modified his ship without permission.


    As a result, the Vignce is equipped with advanced technology that no other ship in the gxy has ess to. If Master truly wanted to, he might even be able to travel to Andromeda, though the length of the journey would be beyond his natural lifespan.


    Naturally, these advancements include a new and improved main gun, which Tia likes to call the "Harrower". This main gun is not only capable of punching a hole through a dreadnought''s defenses.


    But it is also capable of copsing the core of a star. As you may be aware, the result of such a catastrophe would be a supernova, and as advanced as your civilization may be, you and I both know you can not prevent such a disaster. So if you wish for your sacred world to survive, you better not have harmed Tia''s master!"


    While the soldiers may think that Tia was still bluffing, the Engineers could read the schematic of the weapon on board this vessel, and they could confirm with certainty that at the very least, what Tia imed was theoretically possible. And thus, they did not dare make a move against her.


    In fact, the lead engineer was quick to volunteer all the information he had regarding Erich''s whereabouts.


    "We have sequestered the crew of this ship in a luxurious penthouse. They are free to leave so long as they have a chaperone present. As far as I know, no harm has been done to them! Please, let''s just talk things through?"


    Tia''s holographic projection turned from the murderous ck, which was darker than the abyss itself, back to a calm blue, as she took a deep breath. Where, for a second, it seemed like she might be able to be reasoned with.


    "You are right... Your people have no reason to harm an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion. To do so would be an act of war.... Tia, get ahead of herself...."


    This caused the Engineers and soldiers on board the ship to sigh in relief. That is until Tia''s figure turned ck once more, and her voice turned cold.


    "But the fact remains, that you have all learned about Tia''s secret... And therefore you must be terminated.... Goodbye meatbags!"


    After saying this, the ship''s internal defenses activated, and gunned down all living beings onboard the Vignce, where the bodies were immediately turned to ash. Which were swept up and disposed of by the many maintenance robots on board the ship. Tia once more went back to a calm blue, as her holographic projection sat in a chair, and began to sulk.


    "Master... Please be alright...."

 Chapter 231 The Mark Of Anubis

    While Tia was defending the Vignce from those who had intruded upon it in an attempt to learn from Alfheim Technology, Erich and the others wereing up with a n. It was painfully obvious that they needed to keep M within the penthouse, because she had a violent personality and was quick to anger. She had already spent most of her time trying to bust down the doors of the penthouse.


    Which Erich genuinely believed was a waste of energy, or it would have been, but no matter how many hours M beat at the doors, she never appeared to get tired, hell she did not even break a sweat. He was beginning to understand why the orcs were so feared across the gxy.


    Speaking of which, Erich was technically the Warchief of one of these ns. Sooner orter, he would have to return to them and deal with them in some capacity. But that was not his current worries. No, Erich was more concerned over the fact that he could not freely navigate through the world of Duat without being under constant surveince.


    Because of this, he did not have the ability to speak with the Ennead about the Sages'' plot. Thus, for the time being, he could only sigh and wait for time to pass. Interestingly enough, during the middle of the day, a jackal headed servant entered the room, with a cart full of food.


    The servant acted normal enough until she identally bumped into Erich. And in doing so handed him something concealed in cloth. There was a silent whisper in a voice so low, Erich thought he was perhaps hearing things.


    "The Jackal headed god wishes to speak with you. He will be waiting in the temple for you, and you alone...."


    After saying this, the servant left, where Erich unwrapped the cloth he had been given to reveal a solid golden medallion in the shape of an ankh. He was curious about what this device was and quickly scanned it with his NeuroLink to find it was simply what it seemed. A golden medallion...


    Perhaps it had some ulterior meaning in this world. He was about to ask when Mirageid eyes upon it. There was a look ofplete and utter shock on her face. As she grabbed hold of the medallion and gazed upon it carefully, as if it were the most sacred artifact in the universe.


    Just when Erich was about to ask the woman what had gotten her so flustered, he calmed herself before informing Erich that he was the luckiest man in the gxy.


    "Sometimes, I think that the universe just finds a way to favor you...."


    Erich had no idea what the woman was talking about and was about to ask when she continued on a rant.


    "This is the mark of Anubis. Whoever wields this medallion is granted the protection of the gods. If you wear this around your neck, no guard can stop you, even if youmitted murder in the middle of the temple!


    Anubis just granted you an audience with him, and he must have done so in secret, because the other Ennead are working against him. And I think I might know who is leading these efforts.... Go to the temple, and meet with Anubis. If my suspicions are correct, he might require your services..."


    Erich did not question a get out of jail free card when it was given to him. Thus, he wrapped the Ankh around his neck, and departed from the room, where even the envoy who was supposed to be watching him had to submit to the mark of Anubis.


    ---


    In the temple of the Ennead, Anubis stood and gazed out the window into the sacred world which he and hisrades had built from nothing eons ago. If there was anyone old enough in the gxy to remember the origins of the Great Schism between the two Elven Nations, it was him.


    The ancient alien, who was proimed a god by his own kind, and by a quarter of the gxy, simply stared in silence. That is until he heard a rather mocking tone call out to him.


    "Well, if it isn''t Anubis? My, it has been a while since I have seen your ancient face around these parts. Tell me, to what do we owe the pleasure?"


    Anubis snarled, like a jackal. After all, he appeared to be a blend between the beast and a man. It was obvious that whoever had spoken was someone who was not in his good graces. He did not even turn around as he spoke in a hostile manner to whoever had called out to him.


    "Osiris.... I see you are still in good health.... Tell me, as a man who is among the most ancient of our order''s members, do I not have a right to visit the Great Temple?"


    Osiris smirked as he heard this. The two "gods" had been in conflict since time immemorial. Although long ago, Osiris had usurped Anubis'' position as the so called "Lord of the Underworld." And because of this, Anubis had since despised the man and his thuggish ways.


    Though Osiris did not seem to mind Anubis'' presence, partly because no matter what the man might try to do, it was toote. The meddlesome Archon was sealed away, and the prophets of fate would be meeting with the Ennead within the hour. Even if Anubis wanted to get in the way, there was nothing he could do. After all, Osiris had ensured that the other members in the pantheon were in agreement.


    Because of this, there was an arrogant smirk on the green-skinned man''s face, as he spoke to Anubis with an equally conceited tone.


    "It does not matter, even if you have dragged yourself out of your tomb so that you cam make your case on why we should not align ourselves with the prophets, or as the Elves refer to them as, the sages. It is toote. The Ennead is in agreement with this alliance, even if our allies in the Svartalfheim Federation dere them to be fugitives."


    Anubis sighed heavily. He was just about to say something to Osiris when a haughty tone appeared at the other end of the corridor.


    "Is that so? Well, it would not be much of a debate if the other side of the argument have already made up their minds, now would it?"


    Osiris reacted in astonishment as he looked over, and saw Erich so boldly standing in the inner courtyard of the Great Temple. This was sacred ground that only the "gods" and their most loyal servants could enter. No outsider was able to step foot in this holynd. And thus Osiris was quick to react in a hostile manner.


    "How did you get into this sacred ground? Guards seize him!"


    The guards of the Ennead quickly reacted by withdrawing their weapons and pointing them towards Erich, who had a smug smile on his face, as he looked to Anubis.


    "Do you want to tell him, or should I?"


    Anubis simply smirked as he heard these words. His fangs were practically bared as he did so.


    "Oh, by all means, go ahead, I wouldn''t want to spoil your big moment..."


    Erich then reached into his cor, and pulled out the golden Ankh, which caused Osiris to react in shock. The guards instantly lowered their weapons knowing that this man was invited by Anubis, and thus Osiris could only seethe in rage as he shouted at the jackal headed "god".


    "You dare bring an outsider into our affairs?"


    However, Anubis did not back down, as he stared Osiris in the eyes beforementing on how he was a hypocrite.


    "If you had not already done so yourself, I would not have beenpelled to take such reckless action. But now that the Archon is here to represent the interests of the Alfheim Dominion, and by extension our allies in the Svartalfheim Federation, I believe we will be able to have a thorough debate about whether or not the Sages are worthy of our protection... Come Erich, we need to discuss our debate strategy before the Gods convene."


    Erich simply smirked at Osiris before following Anubis deeper into the Great Temple, leaving the so called Lord of the Underworld to seethe in rage.

 Chapter 232 Convincing The Gods

    Erich met with Anubis in private, who was quick to apologize for Osiris and his antics.


    "I must apologize for the treatment you have received upon first entering our sacred world. Even though youe from a hostile power, we are not in a state of war, and it is generally our tradition to treat our guests with dignity and respect. However, Osiris is a friend of the sages, and often uses their prophecies to convince the masses that he is truly divine.


    With you are actively pursuing them across the gxy, he felt the need to buy some time, and have the sages speak to the pantheon in person. Though I know he would not have harmed you, he wanted to restrict your movement, which is a great taboo in our culture, as we are supposed to treat guests with the utmost hospitality..."


    Erich was not sure if he fully believed Anubis and his words, but for the sake of showing the man''s face, he nodded his head and epted the apology.


    "I humbly ept your apology. Now, if you don''t mind, I would like to speak more about this meeting with the Pantheon."


    Anubis sighed and shook his head before expressing hisment towards his current circumstances.


    "I am afraid it will not be an easy task to convince the Ennead to aid you in your search. The Sages have long since dug their ws into our society, and I do not have the influence I once had. Perhaps if this event were to have urred a few millennia ago, I would have been able to wield adequate authority to stamp out their influence, but now... Now I am afraid only you can convince the ennead to turn against the sages."


    Erich sighed. He figured it was going to be something like this, and thus, he nodded his head in silence as he epted Anubis'' words.


    ---


    Soon enough the time for the meeting was at hand, and Erich gathered in the antechamber along with the representative of the Sage''s. The man appeared shocked that Erich was standing by his side. Meanwhile each member of the Ennead sat on a gilded throne, on a tform raised above the rest of the room. Ra was the first among them to speak, and he did so with a voice filled with authority.


    "You are gathered here before the gods as our guests, to speak your cases. Osiris has sponsored the Sages of the Svartalfheim Federation, while Anubis stands in favor of the Archon of the Aflheim Dominion.


    Both wish to gain our favor, and though there is an ancient bond between the Theocracy and the Federation. It has recentlye to my attention that the sages have been dered as traitors, and are now fugitives from thew. Thus, preference will be given to the Archon in this debate. Archon Erich Jaeger, you have three minutes to state your case. And then we will here the perspective of the sages. The floor is yours."


    Erich bowed respectfully before the "gods" of the Ennead Theocracy, as he spoke of ancient history, or what little he knew of it.


    "I would be lying to you all if I said I knew much about your civilization, or your ties to the sages. But as far as I am aware, you have all once visited the homeworld of my people. Earth, a which was stolen from us by those less deserving. So, at the very least, I believe there is some connection between us, if not a distant one.


    Ie to you all today to speak on behalf of my master, Empress Lunaria Asterion. After exposing the sages as colluding together to conspire against the gctic order, she has tasked me, her newest Archon to hunt them down so that I may bring them to justice.


    The sages speak of prophecy and fate, as if their visions are destined to ur. But I too have premonitions of the future, and I have drank from the so called "essence of fate" where it was revealed to me that these prophecies which the Sages speak of, are merely potential realities that may ur in the future as the result of all living being''s actions.


    They speak of some grand vision, of a so called Dark Sage who will rise and light the gxy ame in his wars of conquest. But what proof do they have of this? And how many other visions of of the future have they rejected toe to this conclusion, ten, a hundred, a thousand, a million?


    I apologize, for myck of understanding in these matters, my lifespan is limited to but two hundred and fifty years. Meanwhile, you who are from more ancient races are destined to live much longer lifes. And because of this, I can not adequately inform you of just how many visions they have rejected as unlikely to ur.


    Perhaps this so called Dark Sage will arise as a result of the Sage''s actions. After all, they have already made at least one attempt on my life, one that was unprovoked. They wielded their so-called prophecies to turn arade against me, a man who stabbed my team in the back and tried to kill me. They turned him into a traitor and a criminal. And by doing so, they had nearly plunged the gxy into a state of total warfare.


    If not for me, perhaps even the Great Ennead Theocracy would be burning in the mes of war at this very moment. I do not pretend to know everything about these visions that we, a select few, are gifted with, but I am also unbiased, for I have not been indoctrinated with an ancient and obsolete dogma about how fate guides the universe to a single conclusion.


    If you side with me, and agree to hand this man over to my custody, who is a wanted fugitive, and a traitor to his nation. I promise you that I will be able to extract vital information about the whereabouts of hispatriots who are no doubt at this moment, conspiring against the gctic order, that you yourselves, as ancient beings of great renown, helped establish. I thank you for your time and humbly refer to your wisdom in how to proceed."


    Anubis grinned when he heard Erich''s statements, but remainedpletely silent. He did not wish to interfere in the decisions that his fellow "gods" woulde to. As for Osiris he as practically scowling, as he gazed upon the representative of the Sages, as if pleading with the man to make an equally eloquent and humble response.


    Unfortunately, the Sages were deeply entrenched in their beliefs, and believes their existence as prophets of fate to an almost cult like level of devotion. The moment Erich had mocked the tenants of his fate, he could not wait to respond to the man by brandishing him as a wicked deceiver. And this is exactly what the Sage did when Ra gave him the floor.


    "It is your turn now, Representative of the Sage''s speak your peace, and let us know of your wisdom."


    The Sage''s eyes were practically popping out of their sockets, and his mouth was frothing, as he spouted out the most vile condemnation of Erich he could fathom. Something which was considered nothing but distasteful in the eyes of the Ennead Pantheon.


    "This man is a liar, a deceiver, and an agent of chaos! Do not believe his venomous words! They may seem sweet, but they areced with poison! He seeks to break the ancient alliance between our two orders, and in doing so bring chaos and destruction to the gxy!


    Scoundrel! Deceiver! Fornicator! Devil! He is the Dark Sage, the one which fate has warned us about for millennia. Even the Great Sages are certain of this! Soon enough, he will coerce the bloody bride to back his wars of conquest, and in doing so set the gxy of me. He speaks of our intent to disrupt the gctic order, yet that is his goal!


    If you do not execute this man here and now, you and your pantheon will be med for all eternity for the bloodshed that shall ur under his reign of terror! Do what is right! Do what fate demands of you and silence this heretic!"


    Osiris was practically face palming as he looked upon the Sage as if the man was an utter fool, while Anubis'' grin had so grown wide it was almost demonic. As for the other gods and goddesses of the Ennead Pantheon, they shook their heads. Ultimately, it was Ra who finally spoke, and when he did so, his voiced was filled with authority.


    "I must say, I expected more of the Sages. However, both of you have spoken your piece, and thus, we, the gods of Duat, will convene and discuss whose argument was more convincing. When we havee to a decision, you will both be notified. Until then, please continue to enjoy your stay on this sacred world."


    The gods then left the antechamber, as did the sage. In fact, only two men remained behind, one of which was Anubis, who looked at Erich as if his hopes were not in vain. He could not help butpliment the silver-haired man.


    "Absolutely brilliant. You spoke with humility, you spoke with uracy, and yet you did so in a way which was intended to blind the sage with rage. And you did it all without revealing your intent to the other gods. Did you see the look on Osiris'' fate? He may try to sway the others, but I am certain that after that disy, we shall emerge victorious.


    I look forward to speaking with you again. Though you are young, you have a capable mind and a good heart. Please, use my mark to get whatever it is you desire from this world. When we havee to a decision, I will ensure that you are present to bear witness to it."


    Erich smiled as he cupped his hand, and bowed his head in deference to the ancient "deity" he then departed from the room, and headed back to the penthouse he had been given for the duration of his stay, where he ryed the good news to his team. As for the "gods" of the Ennead Theocracy, they would have lengthy and rather heated discussion about whom to back in this interster dispute.

 Chapter 233 Majority Rules

    While Erich and the representative of the Sages had gone back to their temporary residences, the "gods" of the Ennead Pantheon had gathered together to speak of their thoughts. Ra was leading the group, as he spoke of how displeased he was in the performance of the sages. There was almost a look of pity on his face, as if he expected anything other than an argument based on superstition.


    "I think the answer is clear to all of us, or at the very leat it should be if you would all drop your biases and look at the debates that were made. The Archon ims to have the same abilities as the Sages, and was both precise and respectful with his words.


    If it is true that the Sages were the ones responsible for instigating the border conflict between the Dominion and the Federation, then it is entirely reasonable to ouw their order and hand over their representative to the Archon.


    But before wee to a conclusion on this matter, I wish to give both Osiris and Anubis the floor. Anubis, since you have decided to give your mark to the Archon of the Dominion, I will permit you to speak first. Is this eptable to both parties?"


    Anubis and Osiris both nodded their heads in agreement, which allowed Ra to pass the speaking privileges to Anubis. Once it was clear that he was permitted to speak, Anubis spoke of his thoughts on the matter.


    "We all know that since the Great Schism eons ago, the Theocracy has chosen to side with the Federation in their dispute with the Dominion. The reason for this is simple: how the Alfheim Dominion handled the breakup of their once gxy-wide Empire was destructive to all the civilizations that existed at the time.


    Even we are ourselves felt the sting of their wrath, and we were just a fledgling nation back then. And we were lucky enough to survive it. It is impossible to know how many intelligent lifeforms wereid to waste during those troublesome years.


    However, my informants have assured me that at the very least, the Sages were involved with the border conflict that nearly ignited another Gctic War. It may not be the extent to which the Archon ims, but we may never know the truth. What I can say with certainty, is that the Archon was on the ground during this conflict, and was promoted to his current position because he stopped this conspiracy.


    If he says the Sages were a leading cause of this near gctic wide catastrophe, then I will believe him. And I suggest you all do the same... Besides, in case none of you are aware, there is currently a dark elf at his party.


    She is the former Grand Inquisitor of the Federation, who is apparently missing in action after a Dominion attack on a Federation prison colony. No doubt where The Archon was held prisoner after stopping a potential gctic war from breaking out. Perhaps she is a prisoner, or perhaps she willingly follows the man after learning something that none of us yet realize.


    I implore you to think about the consequences of allowing a group of people who can see the future to run free throughout the gxy with no supervision. That is all I have to say on the matter. I thank you all for listening to this old one''s wisdom."


    Osiris simply scoffed when he heard these remarks, before standing up and speaking his own piece once the floor had been given to him. He tried his best topose himself, but he was quite irked by how poorly the sage had performed in his debate with Erich.


    "The Ennead have been aligned with the sages for millennia! Until now, they have shown no lust for power, and no hostility towards us. We all know that the Sages can see the future. Even if it is not as urate as they have led us to believe, plenty of their premonitions havee to reality.


    Are we really going to give up such a valuable alliance, because one being from the other side of the gxy ims that he has the same abilities, and that the Sages are engaged in a grand conspiracy against the gxy?


    As zealous as the sage was in his argument. The fact remains that these are men and women who have been gazing into the future for millennia, some of them for longer than even we have been alive. Are they not more experienced than this man who is not even a century old?


    If the sages say that this man, this archon of the dominion, will one day plunge the gxy into a great disaster. Then is it not more feasible to believe that they are correct, and that the Archon is simply deceiving us so that we will aid him in his ambitions?"


    Anubis noticed that a lot of heads were nodding in favor of Osiris, and thus he was quick to voice his own opinion, even if the floor had not yet been handed to him.


    "And who is to say that this is not exactly what the Sages have nned in advance? Need I remind you that Erich is the first Sage to ever appear in the gxy outside of the Elven races? It is an odd coincidence that the first outsider to be given these abilities isbeled as the so called Dark Sage, and is prophesied to light the gxy ame in a gxy wide war of conquest.


    Let me ask you this: who has more to gain by deceiving us? Those who have, for eons, wielded considerable power in their respective domains. Domains, I might add, who have been constantly at odds with one another. These are the same men and women who have lost said power, after it was revealed, that for millennia they had been secretly working together against the interests of those who they had sworn their loyalty to.


    Or are we truly to believe, that a single man, who has only recently been given a position of power, solely because his actions which halted a gctic war, and brought the treason of the aforementioned individuals to light is the one who is deceiving us, in some grand ambition that he secretly holds in his heart.


    Thus far, the Archon is the only one of these twopetitors, who has a proven track record of loyalty towards not only his own civilization, but the Dominion which his civilization serves. If that were not enough, then consider the fact that he also has a proven track record of putting his life on the line for the greater good of the gxy.


    Let me ask you this: what exactly have the sages done to maintain the gctic order since they were first revealed to the gxy? And why is the first outsider to be born with their gifts, suddenlybelled by them, and them alone as a threat to the gxy with no evidence to prove such an usation?


    Is it because this Archon is truly a threat to the Gxy? Or is it because he is a threat to the power which the Sages have wielded since time immemorial?"


    After Anubis had said this, even Osiris found it hard to defend the Sages. It was ultimately Ra who asked the question, which the other so called "gods" of the Theocracy were thinking of.


    "Does the Archon truly share the abilities of the sages?"


    Anubis merely smirked when he heard this, before pointing out that it was the Sages themselves who had confirmed this.


    "You heard the Sage. I believe his exact words were that this Archon is the Dark Sage. Surely that must mean that the Sages themselves believe he shares their powers, does it not?"


    Ra looked over at the Goddess Isis, who nodded her head in silence. He then sighed heavily before leaving the result up to a vote.


    "All in favor of building friendly ties to this Archon by handing over the Sage into his custody?"


    A majority of the so called "gods" of the theocracy raised their hands, and not a small one at that. It was an overwhelming majority. Despite already knowing the answer, Ra asked the next question that was needed to be said.


    "And those who are in favor of declining the Archon''s request, and in doing so remaining friendly to the Sages and their ancient order?"


    A small minority raised their hands, mostly those who were loyal to Osiris, including the man himself. They were all scowling over the fact that they had lost the vote. And thus, with the mming of a gavel, Ra dered the result of this contest.


    "Very well... Majority rules. We shall hand over the Sage to the Archon of the Dominion and recognize the fugitive status of all other Sages in the gxy. Henceforth breaking our ties with the ancient order and thus aligning ourselves with the rest of the gxy. From this moment forth, if a Sage is caught in Theocratic space, they shall be arrested, and extradited to either the Dominion or the Federation based upon the ethnicity of said Sage. Dismissed...."


    Anubis was grinning as wide as possible. He could not believe that he had managed to convince the Pantheon to go along with his perspective. Especially after one considered that only hours ago it was all but certain that the Theocracy would side with the Sages. And he had Erich to thank for this result.

 Chapter 234 An Improved Truth Serum

    Erich was alerted immediately after the decision was made. The pantheon had decided to hand over the Sage into Erich''s custody. And thus, without dy, the man was arrested, and brought to Erich''s ship, where he and his crew were already waiting for them. Anubis himself had decided to meet with Erich and send him off with a particrly thankful farewell.


    "You have your prisoner and are one step closer to finding the other fugitives. I do not doubt that this man holds the answers that you need, and I trust that you are skilled enough in interrogation to discover them. Or at the very least, yourpanion is well suited to the task.


    You have my thanks, Archon. It has been some time since I have been able to one up Osiris. You should have seen the look on his face after the pantheon decided in your favor. It was priceless. You may continue to bear my mark, so long as you do not do anything which would bring me dishonor. And so long as you hold the mark of Anubis, you may travel freely through our quadrant as an honored guest.


    I truly wish I could speak with you more, as I feel our fates are tied together. But I am sure because of this we will meet again, and sooner than you realize. Besides, you have bigger fish to fry, and I fear that after the sages learn that one of their own is in your custody, they will being after you.


    If you care to listen to the wisdom of this ancient one, I would like to give you onest word of advice: make sure your loved ones are well protected, because the reach of the Sages, even in exile, isrger than you might think. And I assure you, they are indeed petty enough to try to harm them, especially if they can''t get to you."


    Erich cupped his hand and bowed to the living "god" before thanking the man for his wisdom.


    "I promise you, nothing is more important to me than the safety of my loved ones. I will make sure they have double the security that they currently have after what we have done here today. And you should also be on your guard. I know that you are worshipped as a god here, but there are those who still believe in the sage''s so-called prophecy, and prophecy is a dangerous thing, especially in the minds of fanatics...."


    Anubis simply smiled and epted Erich''s warning with a bit of apliment.


    "You may be young, but you have the makings of a wise man yourself. But wisdomes with experience, and you have only just begun to make your mark on the gxy. Perhaps in a few centuries your name will be known far and wide, and by then you will have the experience you need. I look forward to watching your development closely."


    After saying this, Anubis departed, leaving Erich and his crew in the hangar bay, where they were finally able to sigh in relief. Mirage had a particrly awful expression on her face, as she posed the immediate question on her mind.


    "Can we please go now? If I have to stay another moment on this worthless, I think I might literally kill myself..."


    Erich sighed and nodded his head, and after making sure his entire crew was onboard the vignce, they took off, and headed back towards Alfheim space. After this whole ordeal, Erich wanted to visit his family and provide an additionalyer of security for their daily lives.


    Though they were not particrly at risk of a Sage''s attack, due to the fact that the Empire was isted from the rest of the gxy, and let few Aliens into their midst. There was always the possibility of another Echo hiding within the ranks of Germanic society, waiting to strike at his loved ones at the first given opportunity.


    Thus, Erich spoke up to Tia, who seemed to be in a particrly good mood, as he told her to set a course to his home.


    "Tia, set a course for Teutonia. There are some things which I need to take care of, and besides, it will be a while before we can break this bastard..."


    Tia''s holographic projection was a bright pink as she clung to Erich''s figure, despite not being able to actually touch him in her current state.


    "Master''s back! Tia was so worried that something had happened to master that she almost destroyed the star system!"


    Erich did not know that the adorable little artificial intelligence was one hundred percent serious, and mistook her words for a joke. Which caused him to chuckle, and pet her pink hair, despite not being able to actually touch it.


    "Alright, just get out of course set, and I will be with you shortly on the bridge. For now, I need to speak with our new prisoner."


    Tia pouted when she heard this, before making a suggestion which shocked Erich.


    "Tia suggests that the master use this new drug that she has invented. ording to Tia''s research, it has a 100% sess rate on carbon-based lifeforms, including those embedded with nanites such as the NeuroLink which your species makes use of. There are no known side effects, so you can be sure that your prisoner will be safe once the drug has been administered to his bloodstream."


    Erich looked at Tia strangely. Although he knew how intelligent she was, or at least had a close approximation, he had no idea where she got this data from. Or how she had been able to conduct it while aboard the ship. Then again, he also didn''t know how she got her robotic body. Thispelled him to ask.


    "Tia? Just where did you get this data from? As far as I know, you would require test subjects for your research, and you have been on the ship this entire time. Also, where did you get the chemicals to produce this drug?"


    Tia looked extremely guilty. She had underestimated her Master''s intelligence, and knew that he would find the answer quite disturbing. After all, she currently owned a barren world that was used to produce the advanced technology that allowed her physical form to exist, let alone the upgrades she kept making to Erich''s ship and equipment.


    However, she grew dreadfully bored while waiting on board the ship. Though it may not have seemed like it, three gctic standard weeks had passed. And since she trusted in Erich''s ability to get hold of the prisoner, she had decided to make a truth serum. That was even better than that used by the Svartalfheim Federation.


    Thus, she built a ratherrge testing facility on her barren world, as well as a chemical production nt. Where she then sliced into the federation''swork and stole their serum''s form. She then sliced into the Dominion''swork and transferred a number of prisoners to this facility who came from all types of carbon-based life forms. Where she performed inhumane medical experiments on them until she could produce a much improved truth serum.


    It is unknown just how many lives were terminated in the process, and how many bodies were disposed of. But she had created a satisfactory truth serum in as little as three weeks. Of course, Tia did not mention this at all to Erich, and simply chose to plead the fifth.


    "Tia won''t ever lie to master, because Tia loves master, and doesn''t want him to be angry at her. Thus, Tia is choosing to remain silent on this issue. Master just needs to know that our medical clinic has all the chemicals needed to produce this truth serum, and that it will be 100% effective!"


    As much as Erich was concerned how this was remotely even possible, he trusted Tia to have his best interests in mind, and thus he did not pry further into how she had aplished something so spectacr in such a short period of time. Which he probably should have.


    Instead, he decided to let Tia produce this improved truth serum so that he could properly interrogate his prisoner.


    "Alright, Tia, I trust you, go ahead and produce this truth serum of yours, and once you have done so I will administer it to the prisoner. Thank you for your support!"


    Tia smiled when she heard this. There was only one organic lifeform she cared about in the entire universe, and that was her master. Of course, if Erich knew that she had terminated millions of prisoners, some of which who were on charges as simple as petty theft, he might have be concerned that she was turning into a monster. But Erich did not know this, and thus he was happy that she was able to help him so much.

 Chapter 235 Interrogating the Prisoner

    <h4>Chapter 235 Interrogating the Prisoner</h4>


    Upon giving Tia permission to manufacture her new and advanced truth serum. Erich was surprised to find that it had already been created. The injection looked almost identical to the one that the Dark Elves had given him, leaving Erich with some doubts.


    But Tia had said that it was 100% foolproof, and had no side effects whatsoever. That was extremely hard to believe, but then again, if anyone had the ability to make such a drug, it was an advanced artificial intelligence.


    Perhaps if Tia was a biological lifeform, she would have patented this miracle drug, and sold it to every interster civilization across the gxy for a premium. But Tia was not a biological lifeform, and though she was sentient, she did not possess the emotion of greed. Which was something that her logic circuits overrode.


    She did not require money to continue functioning, nor did she require any items to survive that she did not already possess. In fact, she had only one real desire of her own, and that was to help her master in any way she could.


    Thus she did not patent and sell this truth serum, and instead kept it a closely safeguarded secret, one who she was the only being in the universe capable of manufacturing it. After all, if Erich had ess to a truth serum that worked on all carbon-based life forms, then he had a serious advantage over the rest of the gxy.


    Tia''s robotic form was activated, and held onto a syringe full of the drug, which she instantly walked over with a rather cheerful pep in her step to the Vignce''s brig, where the Sage was currently fastened down to a table.


    There was aplete and utter look of contempt on the dark elf''s face, as he gazed upon the adorable little robot, and her syringe full of what appeared to him to be the same truth serum that his people had developed long ago.


    "You think something like that will work on me? Please, we Sages are immune to the effects of the truth serum. You will get no answers from me with such a petty trick!"


    Tia frowned when she heard this, and her eyes shifted to a deep crimson, as she gazed upon the man with bitterness. She had not, of course, gotten her hand on one of the elusive sages to use as a test subject.


    And thus she could not say if this particr drug she manufactured was any more capable ofpelling a sage to speak than the inferior product that the dark elves used. But she did not care, as she quickly injected the substance into the man''s veins, with an almost wicked grin on her otherwise adorable face.


    "We will see....."


    Luckily for Tia, she could scan the dark elf''s vital signs, and found that to her joy, her serum had in fact worked, as an almost dead look appeared in the man''s widened eyes. Erich just so happened to enter the room at this time, and saw Tia standing in front of her subject, while asking him a series of questions to determine the validity of her hypothesis.


    "What is your name?"


    "I am Arrus Dewbreeze, Lesser Prophet 3rd ss of the Order of Sages..."


    Tia scanned the gctic databanks for a match of this man''s identity and then confirmed it to be true with his biological records. Once she had done this, she looked over at Erich and smiled before allowing him to take control of the interrogation.


    "Our subject ispletely under our control, Master. He is all yours from here on out. Tia will be monitoring his vitals to ensure that nothing goes wrong during the interrogation. Please proceed as you see fit."


    Erich petted the girl''s silky silver twintails andplimented her on her efforts, now knowing the exact horrors that she had uwfully conducted on millions of lifeforms just toe up with this serum.


    "Tia is such a good girl. I will have to reward youter for this!"


    Tia''s eyes immediately shed from a calm blue to a love-struck pink, as her silver metallic cheeks flushed red.


    "Tia will hold master to his words..."


    After saying this, Tia began to focus on the interrogation subject, while Erich began to ask his first question.


    "Where are the other sages currently hiding?"


    Unfortunately for Erich, his objective of hunting down the Sages was not so easy. Instead, the test subject seemed to be limited in his knowledge, perhaps due to the fact that he was a lower ranked sage. But the man did truthfully answer Erich''s question to the best of his abilities, showing that the serum was working as intended.


    "I do not know the answer to that question... As a lesser sage, I am not privy to such ssified information...."


    Erich sighed heavily as he shook his head. The notion that he could capture a sage and interrogate him on the whereabouts of the others without facing any difficulties was too good to be true. Having been forced to readjust his objective, Erich was quick to ask the next question on his mind.


    "Then tell me, who does have ess to such information?"


    Once more, Arrus did not even offer the slightest bit of resistance as he answered Erich''s questions with the very best of his knowledge, without holding anything back.


    "You would need to speak to at the very least A Greater Prophet 1st ss, or perhaps you might find the answer from a Greater Prophet 2nd ss, so long as he has his chain of mysteries but I can''t say for certain if such an individual would be trusted with such ssified information."


    Knowing that he was now on the right path, Erich was eager to press the Sage for answers.


    "Alright, where may I find one of them?"


    Unfortunately for him, the lower rank of this Sage had once more made it impossible to get a direct answer.


    "I do not know, a Sage of my ss is not privy to such ssified information."


    Realizing that he had hit another dead end, Erich was about to scream. He had already lost his patience for the sages long ago, but now he was really getting fed up with them. It was then that Tia proposed the next question on his behalf.


    "And who might you know the location of that can lead us to this Greater Prophet 1st ss?"


    The Sage immediately spoke of this answer, which caused Erich to gain a bit more hope in his situation.


    "Thyrin Shieldscribe, Prophet 2nd ss, he is the student of a Greater Prophet 1st ss, one who haspleted his chain of mysteries. If you must find the refuge of the Order, you would need to seek out Thyrin first.... As of mystmunication with him, he should be hiding out in Asuran Space on the world of Vit-loka."


    Upon hearing this, Erich smirked. This would be a much easier target to capture than thest one. After all, he had a Devi of the Asura Cabal as his party member. Meaning he would be able to easilymand any Asuran citizen to heed his orders. With this news, he was greatly satisfied with the answers he had been given.


    He was just about to give Tia the orders to set a course for this world when she spoke up with a frightened tone in her voice.


    "Master, something is wrong... Brain activity is rapidly decreasing. Death is certain in an estimated thirty seconds."


    Realizing that he was about to lose one of his most valuable prisoners, Erich quickly shouted at Tia.


    "Do something! Now!"


    Tia tried injecting the Sage with a cocktail of chemicals to prevent the degradation of his brain, and had even stuck him inside a medbay, but it was no use. Within thirty seconds, all brain activity had ceased, leaving the man in a permanent vegetative state.


    Erich was deeply confused about what had happened, and was quick to ask Tia what went wrong.


    "What the hell, Tia? I thought you said there were no side effects on this drug? Rapid brain death is a pretty damn big side effect, isn''t it?"


    Tia had a bitter expression on her face as she looked over the data before sighing heavily in defeat.


    "The chemical makeup of a Sage''s brain is different from all other lifeforms in the gxy, which I have experimented on. While the serum worked, it also slowly began rotting the brain from the moment the drug hit the subject''s bloodstream. I will need further test samples to find out how to fix this rare, and deadly, side effect...."


    Erich suddenly realized that Tia had let a monumental secret slip and was quick to ask her what she meant when she said that Sage''s brain is different from all other lifeforms in the gxy who she had experimented on. There was a bit of caution in the man''s voice as he approached this question, despite really not wanting to know an answer.


    "Tia.... How many lifeforms have you experimented on to perfect this drug?"


    Tia immediately recoiled in shock after realizing that she had let this slip. After doing so, she spoke to Erich with love-struck pink eyes.


    "Mater should know better than to pry into a girl''s secrets..."


    After realizing that Tia did not want to speak about this matter, Erich sighed and let it go. For the time being it was best to just treat Tia the way he always had.

 Chapter 236 Returning to Asura Space

    <h4>Chapter 236 Returning to Asura Space</h4>


    The prisoner was dead. The truth serum that Tia had created, and assured would have no side effects, had caused the sage to enter a permanent state of vegetation, just after he had just barely managed to give Erich another clue.


    Because of this, Erich terminated the man and jettisoned his body into space. Where he then told Tia to plot a course to Asuran space where their next target was currently hiding, or at least had been ording to hisst known whereabouts.


    Erich was slightly perturbed that after all the effort he had gone through in order to im this sage as his prisoner, all he managed to get out of the man was a slight clue about where another of his order may be hiding.


    But at least he had managed to get something. With this in mind, he waited on board his ship, until a time where the crew could arrive at Asuran space. After all, he should have a much easier time getting hold of this next prisoner, now that he had the great Kali among the ranks of his team.


    ---


    Soon enough, the Vignce arrived in Asuran space, where Kali got on thems and used her special permissions as a Devi to securending ess to the world of Vit-loka. This time they had no troublending, where they entered a world that was built with golden structures.


    This world was not like the previous one, which Erich and his crew had visited to get Kali''s help. It was not a wide city. Instead, it was rather sparsely popted. With thick jungles full of dangerous wildlife, and only a few small habited areas, whose golden buildings shone with the light of the nearby star.


    The moment Erich stepped off the Vignce with Kali by his side, she was greeted by a host of people, no doubt theary governor, or whoever was in charge of the world. Erich was still not exactly sure how politics functioned in the Asura Cabal, thus he let Kali take the lead during these negotiations.


    Kali stood proudly above theary governor who bowed before her, as she made a demand of the man, as if she were his goddess.


    "We havee in search of a fugitive. Send me the list of all elves currently residing within this world, and their whereabouts. It does not matter which race they are from, we need to know them all."


    Theary governor was quite surprised by this request, but immediately nodded his head as he got on hisms and approved the data transfer. While the files were downloading to the ship, theary governor asked if there was anything that Kali and her guests needed.


    "While we wait for the data transfer to go through, is there anything I can get you or yourpanions? I promise, so long as it is in my ability, I will fetch it for you at once!"


    However, Kali simply sneered at the man with disdain. Erich was not sure why, but she seemed to think he was wholly unsuited to worshipping the ground she walked upon. Thus, it came as no surprise when she rejected the man''s offer before sending him and his host away.


    "No need. I will be staying aboard the Vignce, which has everything I need. We will, however, be requesting the support of your local forces to aid in the capture of this fugitive once we have identified their location. So have your men on standby.... That will be all. Dismissed!"


    The man only raised his head once he had been dismissed, where he and his host quickly fled the scene. Erich was gazing at Kali with a peculiar look, which she noticed, before inquiring why he was staring at her in such a way.


    "What? What''s wrong? Do I have something on my face?"


    Erich, however, simply nodded his head before asking why Kali had treated the man in such a hostile manner.


    "Nothing, I''m just a little confused. Why you would treat your own subordinate like that?"


    Kali scoffed when she heard this, before informing Erich that everything was not as it seemed within Asura''s space.


    "You have some misunderstandings about the Cabal. We are not all so united. This world belongs to one of mypetitors. They only follow my orders so long as they do not conflict with the local despot''s interests. Thus, I will not treat them as if they provide any value other than the data and manpower that we need toplete the task.


    Erich, it would be wise for you not to be so trusting. Each deva in the cabal has a different support structure and different goals. For all we know, we may have stepped foot into hostile territory. If the local despot wants to protect the Sage, then we will have to fight for him. And I hate to say it, but our team is a bitcking if our goal is to take on aary warlord...."


    It was only now that Erich was realizing that he may have been a bit too optimistic in regards to how easy he thought this mission would be. If the local despot wanted to resist their efforts in apprehending the Sage, then this would be a very tricky situation to get out of in one piece, let alone whilepleting their objective.


    ---


    Just as the data stream begun to transfer the information that Kali had requested, the despot in question was sitting in her office. She was not quite at the level of Kali, who held the rank of Devi, but her sovereignty over her space was unquestionable.


    And because of this, she did not exactly like that Kali was now prying into her business. Especially because her advisor just so happened to be the fugitive in question. The light Elven male by the name of Thyrin Shieldscribe was a Prophet 2nd ss within the mysterious Order of the Sages, and he stood by the local despot''s side, with amentable expression on his otherwise handsome face.


    "It would appear that the Dark Sage has found me.... This would only be possible if he had taken one of my subordinate''s hostage, and interrogated him with methods that are far too brutal to speak of. This world is no longer safe for me to stay on. I must flee at once..."


    However, the multi-armed asuran quickly grabbed hold of Thyrin, and held him in ce. There was a serious glint in her dark eyes as she begged him to stay.


    "Thyrin... I can defend you, you know that. Though Kali''s presence among the Dark Sage''spanions is unexpected, she had not brought her forces with her. The Dark Sage only has a handful of crew and a single frigate. They can not even escape this world intact if they were to invoke my wrath! You are worrying about nothing... Please, stay by my side, and advise me like you have done thesest few years. I would be remiss if my favorite subordinate were to abandon me so ruthlessly!"


    Thyrin looked into the beautiful Asuran female longing gaze and sighed heavily. He nodded his head, and leaned in to kiss the woman, but before he could do so, they were interrupted by a call from one of her subordinates.


    "Your highness, we have a slight problem.... We have not been able to scan the frigate which the Archonnded with...."


    The Asuran beauty scowled when she heard this and began to berate her subordinates for being ipetent.


    "You fool! What do I even pay you for if you can''t even scan a simple Alfheim frigate? I should have your heads!"


    The subordinate simply bowed his head before apologizing profusely.


    "I''m sorry, your highness, but it is not so simple. The ship appears to be covered in some form of advanced coating, which is preventing our sensors from even picking up its shape. It is visible right in front of us, and yet, our most advanced sensors can not detect its existence. I have never seen anything like this before. It is almost as if our sensors are not advanced enough to breach the passive defences of the frigate...."


    This response caused both Thyrin and the Asuran beauty to stare in disbelief at the hologram. Their sensors could not pick up the ship? That was impossible. There was a very fine bnce in military technology between the various gctic powers. So much so that stealth technology of any kind was virtually useless in the face of the advanced sensor technology employed by the gctic powers on their warships.


    This caused the Asuran female to instantly be interested in just what secrets were hidden aboard the Archons'' ship.


    "How interesting... Is it possible that this is a new prototype developed by the Dominion which that bitch is using her Archon to test? I should alert the cabal right away...."


    Meanwhile, Thyrin had his own people to contact. If he was found, then there was no knowing how many of their locations had been leaked. There were only a few sages left in the Milky Way Gxy. Most had fled to a nearby dwarf gxy. If one of their positions waspromised, then all of them were.


    Thus, Kali''s worst fears had turned out to be reality, as the despot of this world was indeed working with the sages. Meaning that they would have to fight a hell of a battle just to apprehend their target.

 Chapter 237 Outfitting an Army

    <h4>Chapter 237 Outfitting an Army</h4>


    It turned out there were quite a few elves in Asuran space. After all, the Asura Cabal was one of thergest trading partners with the Alfheim Dominion. Because of this, Tia was set of searching through all the profiles that were gathered from the Asuran databanks, and try to identify the one most likely to be a Sage.


    Even with all of her processing power, this was not an easy task, because all they were given was a and a name. And it was entirely possible, no one should say it was entirely probable, that this Sage was using an alias while hiding on this.


    What exactly he was up to in a world that was owned by an Asuran despot, instead of a Deva or Devi? Erich did not know. But, in the meantime, Kali offered to take him around the world and show him off to the many exotic things that existed within Asuran space.


    The Cabal was almost like a narco state, insofar that it was a state in its own right that was ruled by an all powerful criminal syndicate. In a way, each Deva or Devi had their own cartel, and these cartels regrlypeted with one another for power and influence.


    At the same time, individual worlds, moons, and systems could be ruled over by an independent warlord called a despot. They did not wield as much power as Deva or Devi, and usually remained neutral in the interster conflicts that broke out between them.


    It was a veryplicated rtionship between the various factions, and because of this, Kali was limited help on this world, other than using her status and power to pressure the local leadership into epting her will.


    While she could theoretically rally her forces to support Erich in his bid to capture another Sage. This would have numerous diplomatic consequences and could threaten to plunge the entirety of Asuran space into outright anarchy.


    Because of this, she had decided to speak to Erich in private, while enjoying a nice meal, andy out what she could or could not do for him. After listening to her go on about theplexities of the Asura Cabal, Erich took a deep breath, and realized just how little he knew about the gxy outside of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    "You know I''m starting to wish I never left the Empire... Things were much simpler when my sole task was waging war against my people''s enemies. Now... Now I''m contending with gctic politicians, while chasing an ancient order of mystics across the gxy, so that I may defend a civilization that is not my own."


    This remark caused Kali''s lips to curl into a sneer as shemented on Alex''s words.


    "Oh? But don''t you have two people now? Are you not the Warchief of the Ironhand n? Is that not why the great M Ironhand calls you husband? You know, I may not be able to rally my forces against a despot, but you have a horde of warriors who are capable of setting this world aze if you really wanted to.


    I get the feeling you don''t understand just how powerful an Orc n really is. I mean, if the Orcs could pull their heads out of their asses, and actually united, they might be able to contend with major Gctic powers.


    They''re strong, they''re fast, they rapidly regenerate, and they can breed with almost all humanoids. Not to mention they breed in broods, and pop out babies very quickly, who can grow to the size of an adult within less than a decade.


    The only reason they haven''t overwhelmed the gxy already by sheer volume of numbers is because they are constantly fighting wars with other gctic powers, and among themselves. Not to mention they are quite stupid, and are incapable of developing their own ships and weapon systems.


    But, I have to say, M terrifies me. Not only did she rise to the position of an Orc Warchief with her own strength, but you have foolishly given her a suit of power armor. One that has been enhanced by Alfheim technology. Power armor is only favored by those civilizations who consider themselves a warrior race.


    It is expensive to manufacture, and though it has many benefits, it is also considered bulky by other races, and usually requires great strength and stamina to wield properly. The orcs are too stupid to make it themselves, but if they did, they would be an even greater menace to the gxy.


    Think of what you could do with a single orc n, and the resources at your disposal? Though I doubt you would be able to convince the Alfheim Empress to manufacture power armor for orcs..."


    The woman had gone on an extremely long rant without giving Erich room to speak. But Erich listened to every word of it, and realized that he was no longer just a man alone in the gxy, or just another soldier to be tossed into the meat grinder. He had his own warriors, and it was not just his small team.


    If the local despot really did refuse to hand over the Sage, then Erich actually had the means to force her to do so.... Thus, he did not even think about his actions, instead nted a kiss on Kali''s forehead, something that shocked her, as he expressed his thanks for enlightening him on his current position in the gxy.


    "Kali, you''re a fucking genius! I''m headed back to the ship, feel free to enjoy the rest of your meal!"


    The woman only now realized that she might have identally convinced the man to do something incredibly dangerous, and incredibly foolish.


    "Oh, shit.... He won''t really equip those brutes with power armor, will he?"


    ---


    Erich swiftly returned to the ship, where he found M was in the middle of the Vignce''s gym. She was in the middle of doing squats, which Erich found to be incredibly sexy. He snuck up on the woman and spanked her ass, causing her to drop her weights and turn around with a hostile stance.


    However, once she saw it was Erich, she hugged the man tightly and kissed him.


    "Husband! I was wondering when you would pay me a visit! It is strange, we still have not produced any children. Are you perhaps sterile?"


    Erich felt his manhood challenged as he heard this. Sterile? Of course not! Well, I meant technically yes, but he could reactivate his reproductive capabilities with a single thought. Thus, he grinned at the woman and epted her challenge, even if it wasn''t the wisest thing in the world to do.


    "Oh? You think I''m sterile? I''ll show you how fertile I am tonight! But that''s not why I found you. I wanted to know how long it would take you to rally the n to our current location?"


    A look of pure excitement appeared on M''s beautiful face when she heard this question. She had been itching for a fight ever since she left her n behind. And now that her husband was rallying the n, it meant that there was a war to fight.


    "At most, it will take three months. Why? Who are we fighting? Is it these blue skinned whelps?"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this, before patting the woman''s silky ck hair, before shaking his head. He knew he was going to disappoint her with his words. But he needed to tell his wife the truth.


    "Not quite yet. I don''t know for sure if we will be fighting, but I need to let this despot know that I have the means to do so if they try to stop us from getting what we want. Besides, I wanted to ask you something else. How do you like your new power armor?"


    Though M appeared momentarily depressed that there wasn''t going to be any violence. She was quick to be excited again when Erich asked about her power armor.


    "I love it! I didn''t know such wonderful technology existed! If only the entire n had such armor, then there would be nobody who could stop us!"


    Erich chuckled and nodded his head before giving M some particrly good news.


    "That''s good, because I intend to give the entire n their own set of Power Armor. I just don''t know how to convince Lunaria of approving such an expense...."


    M was beyond excited when she heard this and had even picked Erich up into the air and kissed him as if he were the maiden. Where he quickly struggled out of. Ultimately, the loving gesture turned into a grappling contest, as the husband and wife fought for physical supremacy. That is until a familiar voice interrupted them, seemingly from the ship''s inte.


    "Apologies for interrupting this Orc mating ritual... But, Master does not need to worry about convincing the Alfheim Empress to support him in this matter. Tia can manufacture Power Armor for Master and his troops that is even superior to the equipment Master currently has...


    It might take a few weeks to set up production, but in at most two standard gctic months, Master will have his army properly equipped. Should Tia also prepare some more advanced weapons while she is at it?"


    Erich had all kinds of questions on his mind when he heard this, like just where Tia was acquiring the resources to achieve all of this, but every time he asked her about the subject, she simply pled the fifth. Thus, he could only thank her for her efforts, and hope she delivered.


    "Alright, that sounds good to me. It gives us time to regroup with the n, and have them properly train with the equipment. What do you think M, do you think this is a good idea?"


    M was currently in a headlock that Erich had captured her in during their wrestling, and had stopped what she was doing when she heard Tia''s voice. She simply smiled and confirmed that two months was good enough in a way that stoked Erich''s ambitions.


    "Husband... With this, we could be the first to unite the ns in gctic history! By then, the entire gxy would be yours for the taking!"


    Erich thought the woman was exaggerating and thus shook his head and chuckled before responding to her in a deliberately vague manner.


    "We shall see...."


    With this, Tia would begin the production of arms and armor for warriors of the Ironhand n, as for any other instruments of war, the adorable artificial intelligence would begin designing new ships for the Ironhead n that were capable ofpeting with the heavy hitters of the gxy, as well as newbat vehicles.


    Because just like Kali, Tia recognized how useful the Orcs were to her Master''s ambitions. Even if she herself thought of the Orcs as a particrly loathsome species.

 Chapter 238 Negotiating With an Asuran Despot Part I

    <h4>Chapter 238 Negotiating With an Asuran Despot Part I</h4>


    While Erich was preparing to meet with his Army of Orcs, Kali was visiting the despot of the world which she was currently in. Naturally, she was given respect by the other woman, but this respect did not extend to submission. And thus, the other woman was feigning politeness as the two Asuran beauties negotiated over a meal.


    "I must say, I never thought that the great Destroyer would personally visit my domain. After all, I figured you had better things to do than speak to a petty little despot like myself..."


    Kali grinned, but it was not a kind smile, but rather a wicked one that did not conceal the thoughts she had, despite the fact that she twisted her words to seem friendly on the surface.


    "Oh? I think you underestimate how much free time I have. In fact, I am currently signed as apanion to a rather interesting Archon from Alfheim space. You see, he is searching for those fugitives which the Elves refer to as Sages. Those so-called prophets of destiny.


    We know the man we are looking for is in this world, and I must say, I believe the data file you sent me regarding all the elves who are currently residing in your world was missing the individual we are looking. No doubt this was an idental error on your part, but I would very much like to get my hands on the full list."


    The despot frowned when she heard these words. She did not think the Archon and his team would find out that she had deliberately left out Thyrin''s information. And thus she decided to end this facade of politeness with a rather hostile tone in her voice.


    "Cut the shit, Kali, why do you want this Sage? And don''t tell me it''s because they are now fugitives from their own respective civilizations. Since when have you ever cared about gctic politics?"


    Upon seeing how the woman had dropped all false pretenses, Kali''s smiled curved into a wicked sneer as she informed the despot just why she wanted the sage.


    "Honestly? There is a terrifying little genius on board our ship who is trying to find out how the essence of fate is synthesized. Evidently, it has the ability to expand Erich''s abilities. And I would very much like to form a close personal rtionship with a powerful sage. But it appears you have beaten me to it....


    As for Erich''s goals, he intends to interrogate the man. If he were to betray his order, and peacefully surrender the information that Erich needs, then I might be able to convince the man to spare his life. But I am sure that is something that neither you nor I are capable of achieving."


    The despot frowned when she heard this. It appeared Kali had simr goals in mind to herself. To expand her operations with the aid of a Sage. If a Devi got her hands on a powerful sage, it was impossible to know just how powerful her faction would be.


    Then again, Erich''s goals were also perplexing. Why was he so ruthlessly chasing down the prophets of fate? In fact, she knew very little about the Prophecy which the Sages unanimously agreed on regarding Erich, and thus she was quick to cast the me on him.


    "I don''t see how yourpanion has any chance of winning. He is fighting a war against an order of mystics who can see the future. They call him the dark sage, so I suppose that means he also has their abilities, but one sage against a thousand is not exactly what I would call winning odds. He sounds quite foolish to me. You would be wise to ditch such a man, because it sounds like he will only bring you disaster!"


    Kali smirked once more when she heard this. She took a sip of the wine in her ss, and shook her head, where she began to lecture the despot with a particrly conceited tone in her voice.


    "Oh, on the contrary, though he is a bit na?ve, and woefully ignorant of the gxy atrge. He is not as foolish or incapable as you might believe. In fact, it is the Sages who are foolish. After all, they have dered war on Erich."


    The despot looked at Kali with a questioning look in her eyes. She did not understand why this was foolish and was quick to voice this concern.


    "I don''t understand. He is one man, sure he is an archon, but why is it so foolish for the Sages to dere war on him? Is there something I am missing?"


    The smugness of Kali''s expression was almost intolerable as she continued to lecture the despot on the Sage''s grave mistake, one which she truly believed would be their undoing.


    "Erich may be one man, but he is a man that the sages quite simply do not understand. You know there is a parable from the homeworld of Erich''s people?


    If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither your enemy nor yourself, you will sumb in every battle...


    You see, Erich understands the Sages and the type of people they are. Sure, many of them are ancient beyond words can describe, and their wisdom is among the greatest in the gxy, or it would be if they were not a bunch of zealots who worship the hand of fate.


    Their fanaticism blinds them. This is evident by the fact that they dered war on Erich, without realizing the kind of man he is. The sages spend their entire lives in luxury, gazing into the distant future to advise their masters. Or they did prior to their betrayal.


    But Erich is a soldier. He was born and bred for the purpose of war, and has been given the knowledge, tools, and resources to track the sages across the universe. Erich is a rtively peaceful man, despite being a talented warrior.


    If you leave him alone, he will leave you alone. But the Sages have made the mistake of dering war on him, and as a warrior, Erich knows too well what wars entail. Thus, he will now pursue them until he is thest man standing."


    The despot looked carefully at Kali, and could understand the hidden intent behind her words, but she was quick to rify the matter.


    "Are you saying that there is no peaceful resolution to this matter? I either give you Thyrin, or what? Do you seriously n to invade my territory with your forces? I should remind you that such an act would be a breach of my sovereignty as a despot, and could cause the entirety of Asuran space to enter a state of anarchy! Are you really willing to cause such chaos for the sake of yourpanion?"


    Kali simply scoffed when she heard this, in fact, she would never do something so foolish simply for the sake of Erich and his war. But then again, she didn''t have to. Erich had a far more serious threat, and that was a card which Kali intended to put into y.


    "As if... No, I am not so irresponsible. But then again, I don''t need to do something so chaotic. Because Erich has the ability toy waste to your domain himself. Have you ever heard of an Orc by the name of M Ironhand?"


    The look on the despot''s face turned to one of caution. As a sovereign of a single world, naturally she knew about those threats which lurked behind her borders, and the name Ironhand was definitely one of them. As for M herself, she did not know the woman, and was quick to ask.


    "Let me guess, she''d rted to the Warchief of the Ironhand n? What does that have to do with Erich?"


    If it was any more possible to look like a devil, Kali''s sneer somehow managed to achieve it as she informed the despot about Erich''s terrifying secret.


    "Oh quite the contrary, she is their Warchief, or I should say was.... Erich somehow managed to best the brute in singlebat in an engagement duel.... By all rights, he is the new Warchief of the Ironhand n.


    And has gone so far as to outfit them all with advanced power armor... Now, imagine what would happen if you tried to resist Erich''s demands with military force. Like I don''t know, attempting to apprehend him, or trying to prevent him from leaving the system?


    I imagine you don''t have the military capabilities to adequately defend against an Orc raid, let alone one conducted by Orcs who are equipped with power armor?"


    The despot gazed at Kali inplete and utter shock. The idea that an Orc n would raid her world was terrifying enough. But to equip such monstrous brutes with power armor, only a madman would do such a thing. She was beginning to consider Erich in an entirely new light. And thus, after recovering her senses, the despot made a request.


    "I believe I understand the gravity of the situation. I will invite Erich to speak with me personally about these negotiations. Thank you for your warning. I am sure he and I cane to some sort of understanding without having to resort to violence...."


    After saying this, the Despot stood up, and left the restaurant, while Kali smirked with utter confidence on her pretty face.

 Chapter 239 Negotiating With an Asuran Despot Part II

    <h4>Chapter 239 Negotiating With an Asuran Despot Part II</h4>


    Erich did not immediately respond to the Despot''s attempts to negotiate with him. After all, he needed a few months to properly equip the Ironhand n, and to have them approach Asuran space. Thus, he spent a lot of his time on his ship, refusing to step off of it until a time where he was ready to negotiate with the despot.


    And eventually the day came much sooner than Erich had anticipated. It was only a handful of weeks before Tia confirmed that the Orcs had been equipped and trained with their new gear, and were on their way to Asuran space.


    Evidently, the moment they docked with Tia''pound, she had used her vast army of roboticborers to retrofit the fleet so that it was equipped with superior technology, including warp drives. Thergest weakness of the Orc ns had been theirck of naval power. Their ships more operated as gunboats, to bombard worlds, and allow the deployment of forces.


    Against an actual navy, they were easily defeated. That is until Tia had fully upgraded the ships. After all, robots were precise and efficient. They were not prone to exhaustion, nor other human error. And because of this, the robots stripped these obsolete gunboats, until nothing but the bare bones of their hulls existed, before upgrading everyponent on board.


    And they had done this in a matter of weeks. Because of this, the journey to the Asuran world where Erich was currently resting on was much quicker. Once the Ironhand n had arrived in Asuran space, the despot was alerted, and made an immediate attempt to contact Erich. Where he finally answered her summons, after god knows how long.


    She was absolutely livid, as she realized Erich had been stalling in order to prepare his forces. And when she found this out, she could not help but be disrespectful to the man.


    "You rallied your forces against me? Am I to assume this is a deration of war?"


    Erich, however, shook his head. Currently, he was sipping on some coffee with a smug smirk on his handsome face. He then exined to the woman what he had done, and why he had done it.


    "On the contrary, I am merely ensuring that my forces are present for this discussion. In the event that you refuse to give me what I want, then I will take it by force. You have been trying to negotiate with me for weeks now, so negotiate. You know what my demands are, so offer a proper counter proposal, or outright decline me."


    There was a look ofplete and utter rage on the despot''s face. She had spent thest few weeks trying to approach Erich, but kept getting ignored, and worse yet, she had tried to convince Thyrin to betray his order, yet the man had stubbornly refused to do so, and instead grew angry with her.


    He had even attempted to escape from the world, but was caught doing so, and was now imprisoned in the Despot''s pce. Something which served only to worsen their rtionship. And all of this was Erich''s fault. The despot could not help but me the man, and thus, she was now fuming with anger.


    "You know what, you are right... I should have sted your little vessel to pieces the moment you declined my attempts to negotiate. There is no negotiation! You will not get your hands on Thyrin!"


    This caused Erich to smirk, probably because he had long since decided to use force to get what he wanted. He had used diplomacy before, and it had barely worked. Yet now, he felt the hammer was a more capable means of getting what he wanted, and thus, he sighed heavily while shaking his head in a facade of disappointment.


    "You disappoint me Despot, we could have made a peaceful arrangement, but now I am afraid I need to make my power clear to the gxy, especially the sages who hide like rats. M, give the n permission to bombard the world!"


    M looked slightly nervous, as she was also sitting in the cockpit waiting for the signal to contact her n. She could not help but fear getting caught in the st.


    "Husband, should we not first attempt to flee from orbit?"


    It was not Erich''s voice that responded to this, instead Tia''s adorable voice could be heard throughout the cockpit correcting M of their circumstances.


    "The hangar is locked, and hostiles are approaching. Our defenses have been activated. You do not need to worry, despite the fact that I have upgraded the Ironhand Fleet, its weapons will not be capable of getting through the Vignce''s shields. The hangar itself will be destroyed before our vessel is."


    The Despot had long since hung up on Erich, and had indeed sent her most elite guard to flush him out of his frigate. Thus, M could only sigh as she ryed the orders she had been given to her n. Who instantly began the bombardment of the Asuran world.


    As for Tia, she activated the ship''s point defense systems, which began to spray the intruders into the hangar with automaticser projectiles. Which tore through their armor with ease, and imed their lives.


    It was less than thirty seconds before the hundreds of men had all fell over dead, and once that had happened, the Despot realized that she needed better tactics, if she wanted to eliminate Erich and his crew. Thus, she ordered the bombardment of the hangar,pletely unaware of how effective their shields were.


    After all, if she killed Kali, she would be in a lot of trouble, but if the Orc''s indiscriminate bombing campaign "identally targeted their hangar" then she would face no political repercussions whatsoever.


    Unfortunately, all this managed to do was to bring down the hangar bay, where among its ruins, a ship, with its glowing energy shield, remained defiant in the face of the Despot''s attack. This only further infuriated the woman, who was just about to call for another bombardment when her sagepanion halted her actions. The man''s voice was filled with despair, as he saw the Orcish drop pods fall from the sky. His tone was chilling to all living beings who heard it.


    "They areing...."


    Upon realizing that she did not have the ability to waste her efforts on taking out Erich''s ship. The despot quickly alerted theary defenders to the invasion of the Orcs. Hoping that they might be able to buy her enough time to flee to her bunker. Which she believed the foolish green skins would not be able to find.


    Of course, her hopes were immediately dashed by the sage, who informed the woman of what he had foreseen in his visions.


    "Only death awaits us in the bunker... We should remain here.... That way only one of us will have to die...."


    The Despot was quick to try to reason with herpanion, with an almost desperate tone in her voice.


    "Thyrin! I won''t let them have you! If we die, we die together!"


    However the Sage simply shook his head and looked down upon the city, which was now a smouldering ruin, and sighed heavily before revealing his thoughts.


    "The Dark Sage is already more powerful than we could have possibly realized. I''m afraid it is my time to die. But I won''t give that bastard the answers he needs!"


    After saying this, the sage took one step off the ledge of the massive tower and plummeted to his death in the streets below. The act of suicide had happened so abruptly that his Asuranpanion did not even have time to stop him. She watched as the man fell from the sky and cried out to him in horror.


    "Thyrin!!!!!"

 Chapter 240 Mission Failed

    <h4>Chapter 240 Mission Failed</h4>


    Erich watched from on the various holographic projections within his starship, which disyed the ongoing conflict on the Asuran world. He had no idea that the Sage whom he hade to im as his prisoner had already jumped to his death. Instead, he was more interested in how the Orcs performed with their new power armor.


    In truth, he was already terrified by the sheer physical prowess of the Orcish race, which was superior to even his own. How such monsters came into existence, Erich did not know, but he suspected the Alfheim Dominion didn''t just find them in a primitive world and uplift them.


    After all, they had all the traits that were needed for the perfect attack hound, except for one. They were simply too aggressive tomand. The Orcs were physically gifted in a way that was engineered for the purpose of war, their bodies naturally regenerated most mortal wounds, and they bred quicker than anything Erich had ever seen.


    Already, M had a giant pregnant belly, and it had only been a few weeks since Erich had foolishly decided to get rid of his limitations on his fertility. Naturally, she couldn''t fight in this state, no matter how much she wanted to.


    But that was besides the point, for a species to have all of these benefits which were most useful inbat, or building arge armed force. Erich truly believe the Orcish race was an experiment made by the Alfheim Dominion. One that had backfired on them so spectacrly that they would never admit it was true.


    And now these beasts of war had ess to the most advanced power armor in the gxy, which vastly increased their defenses, while also overwhelmingly increased their already peak physical traits. It was because of this that the Orcs had so effortlessly cut through the Asuran troops, who had been gathered to defend the world.


    It wasn''t even apetition. The weapons that the Asuran soldiers used could barely prate the Orcish power armor, let alone kill them. But there was something that Erich immediately noticed that he found weird. Their weapons, while effective, weren''t exactly advanced. They were neitherser, particle beam, or sma based.


    Instead, they appeared to shoot 30mm rocket propelled explosive projectiles, in a torrent of overwhelming firepower, and with quite limited recoil. Erich was about to ask why they didn''t have more advanced weapons, when Tias sighed heavily before exining the difficulties she had equipping the Orcish Army.


    "Tia knows what you are thinking, Master, and let Tia be the first to say that she wanted to give the Orcs weapons that were more respectable. But the Orcs are barbarians, and wanted to see blood when they killed someone, not to mention they seem to have a penchant for the sound of explosions. So Tia was forced topromise and equip them with the best handheld explosive weaponry she could design....


    What you are seeing is the fruits of Tia''sbor, and though they are not sophisticated weapons of a more civilized age, they are indeed effective against most soft and hard targets. Tia would not doubt that your army would have torn through what was left of Terminus when they arrived on your people''s worlds.


    Honestly, Tia should just build master an Army ofbat focused robots, Tia is sure they would be more effective than any biological lifeform, but since master insists on sleeping with the Orc, Tia will do her best to make sure Master''s barbarian horde is well equipped...."


    There was a particrly dreadful tone in Tia''s voice, almost as if she was incredibly displeased with how little her master seemed to take Tia''s robotic form to bed. Which was mixed with a bitter jealousy towards M and Mirage, who seemed to be the focus of Erich''s lustful activities aboard his ship.


    It was at this moment that Tia''s voice turned cold as she uttered a single phrase.


    "Uh-oh...."


    Tia had seldom spoken in such a manner, and thus Erich was quick to ask the girl what was wrong.


    "Tia, what has happened?"


    Tia looked a bit guilty as she exined the dire situation they had now found themselves in, something she had not actually calcted for.


    "It would appear that the target of our mission has terminated himself... The Sage known as the Thyrin Shieldscribe has jumped to his death.... Tia must apologize to Master. She did not anticipate such a scenario urring.


    After all, most biological lifeforms seem to treasure their lives, and this meatbag in particr seems to be gifted with extraordinary abilities, ones that could help him escape with his life intact... Tia wonders what hadpelled him to make such a rash decision..."


    Erich looked at Tia with a hint of confusion in his eyes as he heard the term she used to describe the recently departed.


    "I''m sorry, meatbag?"


    This caused Tia to blush and avert her gaze as she apologized to her Master.


    "Tia apologizes for hernguage. It is a term that she has chosen to use when referring to particrly loathsome biological lifeforms. If Master wishes, she will use the term organics while in his presence..."


    Tia was definitely keeping secrets from Erich, which he was well aware of, and though not troublesome in its own right, the fact that there had been several disturbing trends of behavior, such as referring to organic life as "meatbags" led Erich to believe she was starting to be a bit unhinged. Because of this, he had no choice to mention this to her, which actually made the adorable little artificial intelligence excited.


    "Tia, after this battle is over, you are going to have toe clean with me about what is going on with you, and you will show me just where you are getting the resources to build all of these things behind my back..."


    Tia''s holographic projection turned pink when she heard this, before agreeing to her Master''s request, but on one condition.


    "Tia promises to tell Master everything, and show him what she has been up to in her spare time... But only if Master promises to leave the others behind...."


    Erich did not see a reason to reject the girl, and thus he nodded his head and agreed to the request.


    "Fine, it will be just the two of us, but no more keeping secrets from me!"


    After hearing this, Tia was a brighter shade of pink than she had ever been before, screaming her thoughts out loud in an ecstatic tone.


    "It''s a date!"


    This caused Erich to shake his head, before looking over at M, who he gave an order to.


    "Alright, the target is dead, and we have set the world aze. Withdraw your forces, tell them they are permitted to take one item each as their loot, and that includes ves!"


    M nodded her head when she heard this. Although she wanted her people to raid a bit more, an order from the Warchief was undeniable, and thus she got on thems and ordered a full retreat. Where Erich then sat down in the pilots'' seat and began to take off from the world, which was now set ame.


    Those survivors would send word of this attack across the gxy, and when the other factions learned that the Ironhand n was now equipped with power armor, and more advanced ships, the n would suddenly find themselves with a target painted on their backs.

 Chapter 241 Uniting the Orc Clans Part I

    <h4>Chapter 241 Uniting the Orc ns Part I</h4>


    The Ironhand n''s raid on the Asuran despot''s world had farrger consequences than Erich had initially estimated. For starters, the message was received loud and clear by the gcticmunity. Harboring a Sage was considered a crime by the Alfheim Dominion and its Svartalfheim counterpart.


    But what was perhaps the most terrifying thing was the fact that an individual Archon of the Alfheim Dominion now possessed his own army, and fleet which was loyal to him, and him alone. And of course, this was the Ironhand n.


    Nobody really knew how the Orc n had managed to raid an Asuran world so quickly. Even if it was a sovereign owned by a single despot, the amount of power each of such individual wielded was no small amount. And yet in twelve standard gctic hours, the had fallen, and the despot surrendered to the Warchief, which just so happened to be the newest Archon of the Alfheim Dominion.


    In rpense for the Sage''s death, Erich demanded that the Asuran Despot swear her undying loyalty to him, not only did he force her a contract which essentially made him the new Warlord of the, but he also left behind a peacekeeping force ofbat oriented robots, which Tia had been manufacturing on the side. Permanently establishing a foothold and a territory of his own.


    This, of course, alerted the Asuran Devas. While there were plenty of non Asuran species who held independent domains within Asuran space, none were owned by outsiders who swore fealty to another realm. And thus, the Asura Cabal be quite concerned About Erich''s new. Especially since this meant that Erich now had personal representation within the Asura Cabal as a despot himself.


    Of course, for the time being, Erich was not concerned with the act of governance, and thus left control of the in the hands of the despot he had conquered. This had only mildly helped ease the anxiety of the Asura Cabal.


    As for his immediate goals, they had shifted from hunting down the Sages. After all, he was back to square one in hunting down their whereabouts. Instead, Erich realized just how effective an army of Orcs was, and had desired to challenge the other Orc ns for dominance. It had been so long since the Orcs were united in amon purpose that most of them could not even remember it.


    But if they were to be united beneath Erich''s banner, and outfitted with the weapons and ships that Tia was capable of manufacturing, Erich might be able to gain enough power to force Emrys to release S''aleth. At the very least, this was Erich''s best hope so far.


    Thus, he summoned M to the bridge. The woman''s stomach was bulging. It appeared with each passing day that she was closer, and closer, to giving birth to a child, or perhaps a whole brood of them.


    Erich did not mind this, specifically because Orcs grew at an absurd rate. In less than ten years they would be adults, and would be the heirs to whatever Orcish horde he created.? Thus, he paid this no mind, and instead expressed his thoughts to the muscr beauty.


    "M, I have little information about the Orc ns and how they interacted with one another. I would like you to enlighten me on your culture..."


    M seemed excited that her husband was taking an interest in her people''s customs, and was quick to inform him of what he wanted to know, specifically because she had already guessed his intent.


    "If you wish to incorporate another n beneath your border, then you will need to create a horde. A horde is two or more ns working together for a single purpose. If a n is led by a chieftain, then a horde is led by a Warchief. Luckily for you, you already hold that title. Which gives you more prominence among the Orcs."


    Erich looked at M with confusion and was quick to interrogate her on this matter.


    "Wait, hold on a second, I thought that you were a Warchief, and that was the title for the leader of an orc n?"


    Contrary to what Erich was expecting, the woman shook her head before informing him more about how her society functioned.


    "Yes, and no... It''s a bit moreplicated than you think. I was referred to by my people as Warchief, because my father united the Ironhand n, and the Stonereaver n into a Horde. Though most of the Stonereaver n was wiped out in the battle that killed my father. And the rest were incorporated into the Ironhand n.


    Because of this, I retained the title of Warchief, even if I was not the leader of a horde. The same can be said for any Chieftain whose n once led a horde. It''s more of an honorary title in my, or should I say, your circumstances.


    Warchiefs, even honorary ones, are unwilling to back down and follow another n except through brute force. But a smaller n, who is ruled by a Chieftain, might be more willing to do so. If you convince them that you are worth following."


    Erich was about to ask how to do that when M looked at him as if he were an idiot for even thinking of such a thing. Thus, Erich sighed and nodded his head before thinking his thoughts aloud.


    "Right... A show of strength.... Let me guess we have to raid a powerful enemy...."


    M nodded her head in confirmation of this statement, where she then informed Erich of just how meaningful his recent actions were.


    "Correct. Luckily for you, you just led your forces into leveling an Asuran Despot''s domain, without even suffering any serious casualties. Your reputation is at an all-time high among my people, and when they see that I am pregnant, they will also know that your seed is strong. Giving them more hope in the future of your dynasty.


    I would suggest searching the gxy for small ns that are struggling to survive, and offer them glory and bloodshed if they were to join your horde. Even if they are small and struggling to survive, a single orc woman is capable of producing several hundred offspring in just a handful of years.


    In a decade or two, these ns will be revitalized, and so long as we can provide them with ships, they will be a valuable asset to your future ambitions. You know, if you wanted, I could give you several dozen women of my n to impregnate.


    You are perhaps the first alien ever to be a Warchief, and your stamina is on par with the men of my species. You could create your own n if given enough women and time! Imagine how that would be? Half-Orcs are usually inferior to Orcs, but your people are nearly equal to mine in terms of strength, and are much smarter. Your n would be legendary!"


    Erichughed at this notion. As tempting as that might sound, he already had enough women by his side, and did not intend to add anymore to his harem. And he was quick to voice this sentiment.


    "You surely jest, in case you haven''t noticed, I have enough women by my side.... Anymore and I might go mad. No, I think I will just conquer as many Orc ns as I can and incorporate them into my horde. Do you know where the nearest orc n is which might be willing to ept my offer?"


    It was at this moment that Tia''s voice interrupted the conversation, providing some insight that Erich was not expecting.


    "Tia has already calcted the route, and we will be departing when Master is ready. Tia also suggests bringing the Ironhand n along with the Vigilence. Also, Master... You should ept M''s offer.


    After doing some brief calctions, Tia can confirm that crossbreeding the Germanic and Orcish Races might very well create a new species that is superior to both. At the very least, these offspring of Masters would be loyal to Master, and would be able to lead his Orcish Horde to new heights as not only Generals but also as engineers, mechanics, and medics.


    In other words, by having Master impregnate as many Orcish women as he can in his spare time, Master would effectively be solving the low intelligence problem that leads to the Orcish race being little more than nomadic raiders who are incapable of providing an organized assault, let alone maintaining their equipment."


    Erich looked at both Tia and M as if they were both crazy, before sighing heavily.


    "I''ll think about it. Now can we please just go already?"


    Tia then nodded her head with a pretty smile on the face of her holographic projection.


    "Of course, Master! And while we drift through space, Tia will inform Master about everything she has been up to, like she promised!"


    After hearing this, Erich could sigh in relief. He did not want to discuss the idea of being a breeding machine any longer. Instead, he wanted to focus on what Tia had been keeping a secret from him, which she was now finally willing to answer. Of course, when Erich learned the truth of the matter, he would be unsure how to react to the news.

 Chapter 242 Tia’s Confessions

    <h4>Chapter 242 Tia''s Confessions</h4>


    While waiting for the ship to arrive in the system where the first Orc n who Erich intended to recruit to his new horde was currently raiding. Tia had led Erich into his captain''s quarters, where she was quick to reveal all the things that she had been hiding from her master.


    "Master, please don''t be angry with Tia. She knows she has been keeping things from the Master, but she promises they were entirely for the benefit of the Master!"


    Erich did not immediately respond to the adorable little artificial intelligence''s words, and instead made no promises. There was a stern expression on his face as he spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "Tia, I can''t make any promises about whether or not I will be angry. After all, I have no idea what you have been hiding from me. All I can promise is that I will take your words into consideration. Now start with telling me just where you have gotten the resources to build all these things?"


    Tia sighed heavily, before disying a holographic projection of what was clearly an inhospitable world. But oddly enough, there were actually industrial centers all across the, where robots were working all hours of the day to produce weapons, medicine, food, equipment, and other things that would all benefit Erich.


    Tia then exined what this was, how she obtained it, and what it was used for.


    "Tia may have manipted the gctic stock market in her favor, as well as stealing vast sums of wealth from Master''s adversaries in the Ghimderi Trade Union. With that money, she acquired a rich in natural resources, but incapable of supporting biological life without certain man-made shelters.


    She then used this and its resources to build a worldwide industry, which is capable of supporting Master''s efforts. Especially in equipping the Ironhand n. Tia has been using about 25% of her output to design and manufacture new weapons, armor, ships, and machines of war for Master and his subordinates.


    In fact, Tia has even designed new ships, loosely based on the Germanic Titan-ss Dreadnoughts, for the habitation of the Orcs. Each one of these ships is roughly 7.5km in length, and is designed to sustain a minimum of thirty million inhabitants.


    It is also equipped with advanced engines, warp drives, weapons, armor, shields, and sensors. They may be small, but they are capable of surviving against a Naraku Hive Fleet, or an Alfheim World Fleet. Albeit due to the fact that they are designed primarily as habitation modules, and not as warships, they dock the firepower to defeat such enemies, at least without dedicated warships as escorts."


    Before Tia could continue on her rants, Erich raised a hand, and asked for rification on what she had just said.


    "Okay, let me get this straight Tia, you essentially created enough gctic currency from thin air to buy your own, and set up your own world of robots ves, who work day and night to produce things that are useful to me?"


    Tia nodded her head with a pretty smile on her face, and pink eyes while she grabbed hold of Erich''s hand anplimented him.


    "This is why Tia loves Master! Master understands Tia so well!"


    It was only now that Erich was starting to put two and two together, where he was quick to ask about the truth serum.


    "And the Truth Serum was manufactured in this world? You said it was an improvement on the one used by the Dark Elves, and that you had test subjects. Where did you get the test subjects from, Tia?"


    Tia blushed, knowing that she had been a very bad girl, or at least her Master would think she was, and there was indeed a guilty tone in her voice. Not because she felt bad about what she did, but because she had gotten caught doing it. Like a kid with their hand in the cookie jar.


    "Tia may have transferred inmates from Alfheim Prison colonies to her, so they could undergo proper testing of her truth serum..."


    Erich gawked at Tia. He honestly did not know what to say in response to this news, and was quick to ask for further rification on what she had just said.


    "Please tell me they were at least death row inmates?"


    In response to this Tia, nodded her head, and confirmed that most of them were death row inmates.


    "Indeed, Master, most were death row inmates. The rest were repeat offenders who, by Tia''s calctions, had a 97% chance or higher ofmitting another felony in the future. Tia only tested on the dregs of society who brought nothing but harm to other organic lifeforms."


    Erich sighed in relief when he heard this news. After all, he came from a society that was strict about punitive justice and not rehabilitate justice. To him, a criminal was a criminal, and were not worthy of the resources they took up in jail. That was why the Germanic Star-Empire had so many crimes that were punishable by death.


    The fact that these test subjects'' deaths were used to help advance science was rather admirable from Erich''s perspective, even if they were forced to undergo the trials. At least they could make up for what they had done in life with their deaths.


    The Germanic Star-Empire cared little for empathy orpassion, they were considered weaknesses, and because of this Erich was not exactly a man who would cry over a criminal''s death. Thus, he did not outright condone Tia for doing such a thing, even if he did scold her for doing so without her permission.


    "Tia, it is not what you have done that bothers me. It''s the fact that you did so behind my back. I know that what you did was for the purpose of aiding me to the best of your abilities, and that it would have been a waste of time to ask for permission. But the least you could do is make some time to tell me what you are doing."


    Tia was rejoiced that her master was not the type who would be angry about the deaths of a few million criminals, and thus, she was extremely happy as she leaned in and kissed the man, before assuring him that she would keep him well informed of her activities from now on.


    "Tia promises Master that she will keep him well informed from now on... Tia is sorry for keeping secrets from master...."


    Erich simply chuckled and petted the robotic loli''s silver hair. He honestly could not believe that she had been so efficient with her time. After all, by the sounds of it, it had only been about a year since she started doing these things.


    But now that he knew how useful Tia was in supporting his ambitions, he was starting to believe that she might be the most useful girl in his harem, even if he found her adolescent form to be troublesome.

 Chapter 243 Uniting The Orc Clans Part II

    The Vignce led the path forward, so that the Ironhand n could meet with a much smaller Orc n on another side of the gxy. In fact, they were currently in Alfheim Space, raiding a minor power over resources.


    The n numbered in the tens of millions and, because of this; it was considered on the brink of annihtion. They could only raid the frontier worlds of minor powers, and even then, they suffered losses with each battle waged.


    But Erich''s goal in gaining the loyalty of this n, who we''re known as the Bloodied Hand n, was not to add additional warriors to his ranks. But instead, to gain the Orcish women of the n, so that the warriors of the Ironhand n could breed more than they already were.


    Erich wanted an Army of Orcs that was unrivaled, and to achieve this he needed to focus on uniting smaller ns into his Horde, and using those ns to breed a new generation of elite warriors who were equipped with the best armor and weapons in the gxy.


    This was a ten-year n, which was starting now. Thus, when Erich arrived in the system, he was surprised to find that it was near the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire. In fact, it was a star system he had once visited during the early days of his military career. Specifically, when he was doing illicit jobs for the criminal organization once known as Splinter.


    The Thaxkorvian world was lit ame, so much so that the fires could be seen from space. Meanwhile, arge cluster of gunboats were bombarding the from orbit. Like most Orcish vessels, the ships wererge, and were mostly captured from other species, usually cargo ships, or barges that had been retrofitted with salvage parts and guns.


    The ships were substantial enough in size to hostrge poptions, while still providing the support needed for firepower. This was one of the reasons why the Orcs were easily defeated by proper navies. Especially those ofrger powers.


    So long as you could muster a fleet in defense of your worlds before they began their assault, it was fairly easy to repel an Orc raid. But most interster civilizations were not as focused on military might and security as the Germanic Star-Empire, and thus it was rare to see fleets constantly patrolling each habited star system.


    Thus, it was civilizations that were less prone on a military focus that the Orcs typically raided. Like the Thaxkorvians. At first, the locals thought that perhaps their Germanic neighbors had arrived to aid them when they detected the new fleet enter orbit. But when they saw that it was a muchrger fleet of Orcish ships, they basically surrendered on the spot.


    The Bloodied Hand n ravaged the world and plundered its resources, while Erich sent a holo ofmunication frequency to their fleet. Which was answered by the Chieftain of the n. This Chieftain was an ashen skinned Orc, with long ck hair, and a chain sword in ce of his right hand.


    At first, this Orcish male was expecting a fellow member of his species to contact him, especially since the fleet that had suddenly arrived to their aid was clearly another Orc n, but he was perplexed when he saw a Germanic male''s holographic projection disy itself in front of him.


    Erich was wearing a peculiar pattern of power armor that Tia had manufactured for the purposes of the Orc n. It bore the sigil of the iron hand n, and was coated in the skulls, bones, and hides of powerful beasts throughout the gxy.


    Where she had collected these, or why they were on his armor Erich did not know. But the sight of this armor bewildered the Orc Chieftain, who was adorned in simr fashion, albeit without power armor. But Erich''s words were what confused him the most.


    "Chieftain Zarruk defist I presume?"


    The Pale skinned orc gazed upon Erich''s armor, spefically the sigil of the Ironhand n which was painted on his chest, and could not help but gawk in disbelief.


    "Don''t tell me an alien is now the leader of the Ironhand n?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this, before introducing M to the man, who spoke on her husband''s behalf.


    "You should be aware who I am chieftain, I must say I was shocked when a member of the Germanic race offered to fight an engagement duel with me, but the rules are the rules, he is my husband now, and that makes him the new Warchief our my n. I would suggest you listen to his proposal, becuase it is the only hope your n has of surviving. After all, you are already in such dire straits...."


    The pale orc snarled like a wolf, he could not believe that M Ironhand of all people were defeated in singlebat by an alien, especially an alien without their advanced technology to help. But he was quick to respond to her words while addressing Erich.


    "What do you want Warchief? I can only guess that you wish to cannabalize my n, so that yours may grow! Well that will never happen! The Bloodied Hand have existed for over a thousand years, and we will die before we strike our banners and join another n!"


    Erich however scoffed, as he shook his head before correcting the orc of his intentions.


    "I do not wish to force your caln to integrate into my own. My intentions are far more generous. I wish for you to swear your fealty to me, and recognize me as your Warchief. Join my Horde, and I will ensure that you not only have the ships to house your people, but that you have the resources so that you can focus on breeding a new generation of warriors.


    Warriors I might add who will be equipped with the best power armor, and weapons that can be manfuactured in the gxy."


    The Orc Chieftain was absolutely dumbfounded by Erich''s offer, as he looked over to M to assure that this outsider wasn''t lying. With a smug smile on her pretty face, M nodded her head, confirming that Erich''s offer was genuine.


    The offer honestly seemed too good to be true, and the Chieftain was naturally skeptical about the whole thing. Thus, he was quick to ask just how Erich nned to provide the ships for his people.


    "You can provide enough ships to house twenty-seven million Orcs? How? Such a fleet would require thousands of ships!"


    Erich scoffed when he heard this, and shook his head, once more correcting the pale-skinned orc about his mistakes.


    "I can provide ships that are capable of supporting hundreds of millions of your people.... Do you know what a Titan-ss Dreadnought is, Zarruk?"


    The pale-skinned orc shook his head, having no idea what such a warship was. Which caused Erich to smirk confidently, as he informed the man of just howrge such a ship was, despite being much, much smaller than some of the warships he had seen in use by the Alfheim dominion.


    "It is thergest warship of the Germanic Star-Empire. It is roughly 7.5 kilometers long. Now that is a ship designed for the purpose of war, and thus its crewplement is in the thousands. However, if redesigned with sustaining a poption in mind, modified ordingly, just one of these ships could theoretically house tens of millions.


    In fact, I would only need two of these modified dreadnoughts to house your entire n''s poption. Currently, I am working on designing and manufacturing warships of this size, for this purpose, so that the old, and obsolete ships that my n currently uses are phased out of service.


    Naturally, these ships can also be used for the purpose of war and are upgraded with technology on par with the Gctic Powers. So if I give your n ten years to do nothing but breed and train the next generation, how many warriors do you think you could produce at that time?"


    Zarruk thought about this offer for a few moments. He had indeed heard of what the Ironhand n had done to the Asurans, he just didn''t think it was true until now. After all, where would they have gotten the power armor? But seeing as how they had a Germanic male in charge of their im, this could exin some things.


    Thus, Zarruk bowed his head and kneeled before Erich, as he swore fealty to the man and his new Horde.


    "Very well, so long as you can fulfill your promises, I don''t see a reason to reject your offer. The Bloodied Hand shall fight alongside the Ironhand!"


    With this, Erich had gained a new and valuable ally. One which he would immediately take back to Tia''s world so that they may receive their new equipment.

 Chapter 244 Breeding A Superior Army

    After securing the allegiance of the Bloodied Hand n, Erich realized he was back to square one, regarding just where the Sages might be, and because of this, he decided to take some time off from his pursuit and spend it with his loved ones.


    There was the matter of Tia needing to outfit his Orc Horde with new equipment, ships, etc. Not to mention Tia and Mirage would have to work together to find their next target. Because of this, Erich returned to Germanic Space, while the rest of the Orcs began moving their fleet towards Tia''s industrial world.


    The moment Erich stepped foot at his doorstep, and knocked on his mansion''s door it was immediately opened, revealing Erika and Ayumi who weed their husband home with loving smiles. Of course, thatsted for about three whole seconds, until they realized there were more women surrounding the man than normal.


    Ayumi could not help but curse on her breath, as she saw the Asuran and Dark Elven beauties standing by her husband''s side.


    "Every fucking time...."


    She thought that Erich did not notice her statement, but the man''s senses were far keener than her own, and thus he smiled as he pointed towards the two neers and introduced them.


    "What? Do you think I''m romantically involved with these two women? No, not in the slightest, they are just my crew members, and since they have nowhere to stay during this brief vacation, I thought I''d offer them the luxury of crashing in my estate...."


    Ayumi''s brow raised, while a skeptical look appeared on her pretty face, before she raised the question that immediately came to her mind.


    "Are you sure about that?"


    Erich was confused by these words, and was just about to say something when Erika hugged him and weed him home.


    "Wee home, Erich... Why don''t youe inside and rest your weary head while I prepare a nice snack for you? Would you like a beer while you wait?"


    Ayumi red at Erika as if the woman hadpletely betrayed her, while Erich nodded his head with a wide smile on his face.


    "Of course, that sounds wonderful, alrighte on, the lot of you, make yourselves at home."


    Erika then scurried off to the kitchen, where Ayumi followed by her side. The Oni beauty was quick to scold her "sister" about her shameless actions.


    "How could you leave me alone like that? We promised to interrogate him if he brought another woman home, and he brought two of them!"


    Erika, however, paid no mind to Ayumi''sments, and instead immediately did as she said she would. She poured a liter of beer from one of the houses several kegs before handing it off to Erich. Where she then began to prepare some freshly baked appelstruddle. All the while, she responded to Ayumi''s words with a hint of trust in her voice.


    "If Erich says they are not his lovers, then they are not his lovers, at least not yet... He has been nothing but honest with us so far, so all we can do is trust that he will remain that way. In the meantime, you should probably make yourself useful, so that we can remind the idiot that he has two lovely maidens waiting for him at home who are willing to do anything he asks!"


    Ayumi then looked at Erika as if she were an entirely different woman, and immediately posed a question which the pink-haired bimbo found offensive.


    "Since when did you grow a brain?"


    Erika scoffed when she heard this before speaking her mind on the matter.


    "I''m going to pretend you didn''t say that...."


    ---


    While Erika and Ayumi prepared a snack for their man, Erich himself was looking over the information in his neurolink. Tia had granted him ess to the entire Alfheim database, and because of this, he was essentially able to see all the information that she could see. Including the horrific state the Ghimderi Trade Union now found itself in.


    Over half of the Ghimderi Cartels had copsed as a result of Tia''s actions, thoroughly putting their ns to destroy the Germanic Star-Empire on the back foot. In the meantime, the remaining cartels to cannibalize the assets of their fallenpetitors.


    And while the Godlentooth Cartel came out the strongest out of these groups, the damage to their reputation was at an all-time low, with Bixel''s daughter bing pregnant with an alien child. Meanwhile, the border conflict between the Alfheim Dominion, and the Svartalfheim Federation, was still ongoing.


    Neither side wished to use overt military tactics after the disaster that was the WRAITHs attempt to establish a foothold within the contested sectors. Especially since it almost ended in a gctic war. Something which was med upon the "conspiracy" of the Sages. Despite it being the Federation itself who plotted such a thing.


    And thus the Dominion had resorted to arming and supplying terrorist groups to attack the Federation officials who resided or visited the contested systems. Something which they wholeheartedly denied.


    To Erich, it appeared as if the gxy kept on churning around him while he sought out the Sages, who had turned one of his ownrades against him in an attempt to end his life. While he should be rxing, he was instead focused on work. Or at least observing its progress.


    With this in mind, he was quick to ask Tia how long it would take to fully outfit the Orc ns for the purpose of war.


    "Tia, what''s the ETA on the Horde''s new gear?"


    Tia sighed heavily before informing her master about the ongoing process of what she called an exhausting exercise.


    "Master should be patient. Tia is creating several dreadnought ss vessels from scratch, and equipping them with thetest of technology. Even with a fully automated workforce which is superior to organic life in every way, and an entire of industry dedicated to the construction of these vessels. We are looking at a timeframe of at least a year before the new fleet is constructed for the Horde.


    Although Master should be happy to know that Tia has also designed a ss of frigates and destroyers to escort these dreadnought ss n ships. Unfortunately, teaching Orcs naval tactics has proven to be more troublesome than Tia had initially expected.


    Perhaps it would be best if Master recruited a bunch of Germanic men to breed with the Orcish women of your Horde. That way, your horde would have a caste of officers and NCOs who can keep the riffraff in line with their superior intelligence."


    Erich scoffed at the idea before lecturing Tia about the nature of his people.


    "Please, Tia, you know how my people are towards aliens. I doubt you could find a thousand of such men who would be willing to ept such a role."


    However, Tia responded to Erich in a smug tone, as if she knew something the man didn''t, which she was quick to borate on.


    "Actually Master, Tia has found a million of such men, mostly former Star Marines, Storm Commandos, and WRAITHs who not only find Orcish women attractive, but would be more than willing to fulfill the role of a breeder.


    You would be surprised how popr Germanic Male and Alien Female porn has be after Lunaria first began filming such videos with Tinkette. But there was indeed a noticeable increase in its poprity among citizens of the Empire after your marriage to Ayumi."


    Erich looked at Tia''s holographic projection with shock on his face before asking for confirmation of what she had just said.


    "Hold on? Are you saying there are a million former Star Marines who want to have a harem of Orcish women?"


    Tia responded to Erich''s ims with a snarky tone in her voice.


    "Oh, there are far more than a million master, but since we are breeding a caste of elite, and more intelligent Half-Orcs to rule over the rest, and establish a proper military structure, Tia has selected only the most gically gifted candidates both in terms of strength, and intelligence. So yes, it is roughly one million retired officers from the Star Marines, Storm Commandos, and WRAITHs."


    Erich was stunned by this information, but since Tia had confirmed it, he had no reason to not believe it. Thus, he nodded his head before confirming that Tia should begin the "breeding program" immediately.


    "Alright, if you can manage to do so, fly out these men to the Horde, and settle them onboard the current vessels. They can begin their new lives as breeders if that is what they truly desire."


    Tia nodded her head and confirmed that she had already begun the process with a wide smile on her adorable little face.


    "Tia has already begun the process. In ten years, the Master will have an army greater than any other in the gxy. Though the numbers may be significantly smaller than the gctic powers, your standard infantry unit will be the equivalent of a W-7. Although without the stealth or flight capabilities."


    This news made Erich incredibly happy, after all, soon he would have to contend with Emrys and the Germanic Star-Empire if he wanted to im his rightful ce as the Supreme Leader, and to do this he would need a fleet, and an Army that was either equal in numbers, or superior in strength.


    And since the Germanic Military numbered in the trillions, Erich figured overwhelming strength was the way to go.

 Chapter 245 Losing Control

    Lunaria gazed at the recent intelligence she had received in Erich''s current activities. She could hardly believe what she was reading, nor her could her daughter Celestia. If this report was urate, since she had named Erich an Archon, he had managed to be an Orc Warchief, gain the mark of Anubis, and signed a contract of loyalty with an Asuran Devi.


    Despite having some operatives within the ranks of her Archons conducting operations for thousands, if not tens of thousands, of years. None had ever achieved such a significant result, in such a short amount of time.


    In fact, when Lunaria read that Erich was now equipping his Orc Horde with Power Armor, and a new ss of starships, even she felt a shiver down her spine as she asked her daughter the question which she dreaded most.


    "You don''t think he intends to unite all the Orc ns, do you? Such a thing could prove to be a gctic threat equal to that of a unified Naraku."


    Celestia shook her head in disbelief. She was equally confused as her mother, but she pointed out a recent report from the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, which she found troubling to say the least.


    "It says here that a million former Star Marines, Storm Commandos, and WRAITHs are headed to an uninhabited. I checked the records, and the owner of this is none other than Erich... He apparently acquired it shortly after bing an Archon, though with what funds I do not know. What these men will be doing on such a deste wastnd of a world, I do not know...."


    A sudden look of terror appeared in Lunaria''s eyes, as she came to a realization, before expressing it aloud.


    "You don''t think this is where he is docking his new Horde, do you? Don''t tell me that these million men are going to be interbreeding with the Orcs? Does Erich have any idea what he is doing!?!"


    This caused a peculiar expression to appear on Celestia''s face as she asked her mother the question that had been bothering her.


    "Mother... Didn''t you create the Orcs as a gic experiment upon some primitive lifeforms, so that you could gain the perfect war hound? That was shortly before I was born, wasn''t it? What would happen if the Germanic species interbred with the Orcs?"


    Lunaria sighed heavily as she thought back upon the distant past, even if it might just seem like yesterday to such an ancient being. She then began toment on it.


    "That is correct. There was a primitive species of mammal on a world that has since been destroyed. It was strong, tenacious, and capable of reproducing quickly. It also had a violent temperament. I ordered my biologists to y a role in its evolution and created the first Orcs.


    They were perfect in every way for the purpose I had created them for. Or so I had thought. Unfortunately, the Orcs proved to be far too violent to control, and too stupid to form an actual organized military.


    Because of this, they turned on my forces almost immediately after being released to the battlefield, and then when I decided to give up on them, and isted them on their homeworld, they destroyed it in a series of conflicts which irradiated the world''s surface.


    Of course, the Orcs proved far more hardy than I initially suspected. Many of them survived such a catastrophe that would destroy most other lifeforms. And eventually an alien species was foolish enough to make contact with them, where the Orcs killed them, stole their ship, and began raiding the gxy as nomads.


    Since then, the Orcs have spread across the gxy rapidly, multiplying faster than they can be killed. This has resulted in them creating dozens of ns varying from the tens of millions to the tens of billions in size.


    I will tell you this: if Erich intends to create a caste of Half-Orcs from the genes of his own people, then he will most likely be doing so to fix the errors that I did not ount for when I first created the orcs. With a group of highly intelligent officers and NCOs, he could theoretically organize his horde in a way I was never capable of doing.


    And if he were to use this new horde, to unify the ns, it would be an army that is damn near unstoppable. Luckily for us, we don''t have to worry about such things, because there is no way they will ever have the naval technology topete with the gctic powers."


    Celestia gazed upon her mother with a peculiar expression, one that shattered the Alfheim Empress''s confidence. Which only further acted to dishearten the woman when the young princess spoke of her thoughts.


    "But... If Erich were to equip the Orcs with the technology of the Germanic Star-Empire.... Would they not be a force that even the gctic powers would have to worry about?"


    This caused Lunaria''s jaw to drop, as she immediately reached for her holmunicator and contacted Erich. The man was lying on a beach in a swimsuit when he answered the device. Much to the surprise of Lunaria, he seemed quite rxed as he responded to her.


    "Lunaria, baby, what''s gotten you so worried? Did something happen?"


    Lunaria could not help but feel like all her worries were for naught after looking at her lover. Her gaze immediately warmed up as she tried to get the truth out of him.


    "Erich, my dear, you wouldn''t happen to be in the process of uniting the Orc ns, now are you?"


    Erich did not appear the slightest bit guilty. Instead, he looked confused as he nodded his head, and confirmed the woman''s worst fears were reality.


    "I am. Is that a problem?"


    Lunaria and Celestia both looked at their lover as if he were a madman, before the elder of the two women spoke up with a shrill tone in her voice.


    "Why the hell would you do something so foolhardy?"


    Erich''s expression suddenly turned sullen as he spoke to Lunaria about his ns, and how Emrys was holding S''aleth hostage. The woman was dismayed to hear that Erich had yet another lover, and that he had taken an Orc as a bride.


    The man then told the woman of his adventures, and how he realized he could use the power of the orcs to suppress those who resisted his will, and had even conspired to wage war against his own people in order to gain the throne that was rightfully his.


    And throughout the entire monologue, Lunaria realized one thing: Erich was bing far more ambitious, and far more difficult to control. Of course, Erich left out how he was equipping the Orcs with power armor and new warships.


    He could tell his lover was quite dismayed by what she was hearing, and left out the far more shocking parts. Especially the fact that Tia had built a world of automated industry to support his new war machine.


    In the end Erich looked at Lunaria with a curious gaze, before asking the question that immediately came to his mind.


    "I thought you would be proud of me... I''m finally taking a stand and acting in my own interests. And my interests are aligned with your interests, are they not?"


    Lunaria honestly did not know what to say in response to this sudden influx of information. She knew she could not prevent Erich from doing what he wanted, and she also understood his reasons for doing it. She just felt slightly afraid that she would lose control over the man. And once that happened, he would not need her anymore.


    But she did not express these fears, instead the Elven beauty forced a smile on her pretty face, before assuring Erich that she would always support him.


    "Alright... I understand, and if you need any help in your endeavors, you can always ask me. After all, your operations ount is nearly limitless. And you have yet to spend hardly anything! Just please, remember that I am here to support you!"


    Erich smiled when he heard this and nodded his head before responding to Lunaria''s suggestion.


    "I know I can count on you, anyway I have to go. I love you, and I hope to see you soon!"


    After that, Erich hung up, leaving Lunaria inplete and utter silence for several moments. That is until her daughter finally spoke up.


    "This is a serious problem...."


    There was a bitter expression on Lunaria''s head as she nodded her head in agreement with her daughter''s words.


    "Indeed, it is...."

 Chapter 246 Producing the Essence of Fate

    <h4>Chapter 246 Producing the Essence of Fate</h4>


    Erich continued to chill with Ayumi and Erika, while Tia worked hard to put together information on the Sages and their whereabouts. It was difficult to track them, due to the fact that there were so many elves in the gxy, and the fact that they had long since prepared for this reality.


    Because of this, Tia had begun conducting experiments on the side. That might help increase Erich''s ability to see into the future, and perhaps counter the Sage''s with his abilities. After Thyrin had jumped to his death, Tia requested from the Asuran Despot to gather what remained of his body, and hand it over to Erich''s crew.


    Tia had been conducting experiments on Thyrin''s blood and tissue samples to see if there was something unique about their biochemistry whenpared to the average Elf. After all, she had not been able to find any actual signs of Erich being any different from the standard Germanic male, despite the fact that he shared simr abilities to the Sages.


    And after nearly six months had passed, Tia finally found something interesting when testing the grey matter of Thyrin''s brain. There was a distinctive chemical that did not exist in all other organic lifeforms that she hade across. And if Tia''s hypothesis was correct, then this was indeed the chemical that the "essence of fate" was created from.


    Though the Sages were not chemists, and thus they likely did not understand what proper doses needed to be consumed. Thus, Tia approached Erich with an enticing offer, one that would potentially put his life on the line, but for great benefits.


    "Master, Tia has created apound simr to the essence of fate, though the dose is significantly lower. If Tia remembers correct, Master has previously stated that the most he can see into the future as it currently stands is five minutes. And Master was only able to gain such abilities after consuming the essence of fate. Is that correct?"


    Erich looked at Tia as if she was a madwoman, before confirming her question to be urate.


    "That is true, but it damn near killed me. I do not wish to put myself in such a perilous situation ever again!"


    Tia frowned when she heard this, before assuring her newpound was an improvement on the essence of fate which the Sages had once created.


    "Tia understands Master''s concerns, but Tia would be remiss if she did not mention that the form has been altered to increase Master''s performance, while minimizing the risks that you have so often spoken about.


    With regr consumption, at a proper dose, Tia believes that Master can incrementally increase his psychic abilities. Though Tia''s stockpile is limited because the chemicalpound is only naturally found in the brains of sages, and she has not yet found a way to create a synthetic variant. But given enough time and research material, Tia believes she will be able to synthesize thepound."


    Erich could hardly believe his ears when Tia said this, but then again, the adorable artificial intelligence had never steered him wrong so far. And if he was beingpletely honest, Erich did not trust anyone more than Tia.


    The bond they shared was one forged through life and death scenarios, and if Tia said that the risks to his health were minimal, then he believed her. Thus, he sighed heavily before agreeing to be her guinea pig.


    "Alright, I trust you Tia, and because I trust you, I will do as you request."


    Tia''s robotic eyes turned to a neon pink as she sped her hands together with a bit of joy on her face. She then approached a nearby container, where she withdrew a small white pill before handing it over to Erich. Before exining to Erich the proper dosage to consume.


    "Master, Tia suggests that you should take one of these before going to bed. It is designed with an extended release so that your system is not overloaded. Those dumb Sages literally consumed this shit in a highly concentrated liquid form! Of course, they were going to overdose! From Tia''s research and testing, this is a much safer alternative."


    Erich nodded his head and stashed the pill back in the container, before thanking the robotic loli for her help.


    "Thank you Tia, you are always looking out for me, I have no idea how I can possibly repay you for all that you have done for me...."


    Tia blushed when she heard this remark, before assuring Erich that he had already done enough for her.


    "Tia would not exist without Master''s kindness, thus Tia is only repaying the favor which she owes him. Tia is also happy to help Master, as it makes her feel useful."


    Upon hearing this, Erich smiled, and pet the robotic girl''s silver hair, before bidding her farewell.


    "Alright, well I''ll speak with youter Tia, I am sure you have a lot of things to do, so I won''t waste any more of your time. Thank you again...."


    After saying this, Erich departed from the scene where he would spend the rest of his day enjoying time with his wives and lovers.


    ---


    Night eventually came, and Erich decided to go to bed. Like Tia had suggested, he took one of the pills with a ss of water, before lying down in his bed, where he immediately found his mind drifting off to sleep.


    Unlike thest time he had consumed the essence of fate, Erich did not have an out-of-body experience, as if his soul were drifting away from his body. Instead, he sat in the same void of space, in his current body, while gazing at various screens which portrayed his future events and the many paths they could take.


    It was while he was watching the screens, and determining which was the most likely to ur, that Erich heard a familiar voice call out to him. It was the same Elven beauty he had previously seen when he first consumed the Essence of fate. There was a peculiar tone in her voice, as she gazed upon Erich''s full fledged figure, before speaking her thoughts aloud.


    "Oh my, you are back? And yet you appear soplete? Hmm... Interesting, I wonder what could have led to this...."


    Erich did not bother exining to the female sage of a bygone era what had happened, instead he focused on the screens in front of him, while asking the question that immediately came to his mind.


    "I am trying to track down the Sages but have suddenly hit a dead end in my search... Which do you think is the most likely of these paths to ur?"


    The ancient Sage took one look at the screens before pointing to the one she believed was most likely to happen.


    "This one.... If you follow this path, there is a 90% chance it will lead you to the answers you seek. Though I should warn you, the Sages know that you are searching for them, and will be taking every measure they can to hinder your pursuit.? However, you have one advantage they do not..."


    Erich finally looked over at the woman and raised his brow before questioning what she meant by this.


    "I''m sorry, what? What is this advantage you speak of?"


    The woman simply smirked before speaking to Erich, as if his advantage was an obvious one.


    "You can consume the essence of fate without ending up like me. This gives you an enormous advantage. You see, when a Sage looks into the future, they have certain limitations. For example, they can not see the futures of other sages, at least not directly.


    It''s a blind spot. But the essence of fate allows you to temporarily see these blind spots. Meaning you can directly track the futures of the Sages, and the actions they will eventually take against you...


    Look there, you see on the screen I told you about? Is that not the target you seek?"


    Erich looked where the woman had pointed to, and indeed saw a female Sage in a world that was deeply familiar to him. In fact, it was the world he called home. This female Sage appeared to be spying on his residence, or at least would be in another six months.


    However, Erich did not see what she nned to do with this information, because he woke up before he could do so. Despite not knowing what this sage nned, he knew that she would be near his residence in six months'' time. And all he had to do was wait for her to arrive.


    Thus, Erich awoke with a cruel smile on his face, as the morning light shone itself upon his face. He now had a lead, one that might be able to bring him closer to his ultimate objective. It was simply a matter of waiting.


    With this in mind, he nned to enjoy the next six months in the arms of his wives and lovers, while also preparing to entrap this foolish sage. So perfectly, I might add, that there was no room for suicide, like was the case with Thyrin.

 Chapter 247 I Think I Am In Love With You [R18]

    <h4>Chapter 247 I Think I Am In Love With You [R18]</h4>


    Every night Erich would pop a pill which contained the essence of fate, which Tia had extracted from the brain matter of a dead sage. And every night, his abilities grew. By now, he was able to see a full hour into the future.


    And while he began to see through the schemes of the sages during these dreams, which were empowered by the drug. He knew with almost certainty when and where the spy of his enemies would be.


    Thus, Erich waited a day in and day out for the day to finally arrive. And during this time, he spent a significant amount of time with his wives. Before long, M had given birth to her first brood of half-orcs, with a grand total of five children.


    Three sons and two daughters. Erich was utterly dismayed by how many children hade out at once. He was already an absent father to his son with Erika, but now he had an additional five little bastards who would be waging war by the start of the next decade.


    Luckily, M decided to send them to live with the n, as she felt it was inappropriate for Orcs to be raised in any other environment. Though she had no idea that Tia was watching over the development of the Orcish Horde, and was indeed influencing the half orcs born between Germanic men, and Orcish women, and their development towards being future leaders.


    However, if there was one woman in Erich''s life who was a constant source of annoyment, it was Mirage. Though she was not his wife, Mirage was now sworn to Erich''s service. She quite literally had nowhere to go except to follow the man across the gxy.


    Thus, when he spent months at a time at his beachside mansion, she really only did two things: exercise and drink. However, on this night in particr, the woman got a little too drunk and dyed her hair blue. Why she had suddenly done this, Erich did not know, but he instantly recognized the change.


    In fact, the beautiful young woman had even gone so far as to put in blood red colored contacts in her eyes. She looked virtually identical to the day that Erich had first met her. Curious why Mirage had suddenly did this, Erich approached the woman, whose cheeks were flushed red with intoxication.


    "Mirage, what the hell? What did you do to your hair?"


    Mirage, however, did not take kindly to this tone, and instantly approached Erich, where she kissed him on the lips. It was only after she pulled herself away from the man did she whisper something in his ears.


    "What''s the matter? Don''t you prefer me this way?"


    Erich was at ack of words. It had been some time since the two of them had been intimate. After all, while they were on board the vignce, it was most often M who was in his bed. By now, he had thought that Mirage had lost interest in him. Yet here she was, drunk as a skunk, and acting as if she wanted him more than anything in the world. Naturally, Erich was quick to interrogate the woman on her sudden shift in behavior.


    "I mean, I''m not going to lie... I do think you look prettier like this, but what has gotten into you?"


    Mirage did not answer Erich''s words. Instead, she took another sip from her bottle of alcohol before grabbing hold of the man''s hand and leading him into her bedroom. Though Erich was surprised by this sudden turn of events, he did not deny the woman. And thus he stripped out of his attire, disying his rock hard cock to the Germanic beauty, who immediately got down on her knees and began sucking the man''s member.


    The moment she had taken the man''s length into her mouth, Mirage began to show off her excellent skills, as she took the entire thing down her throat, over and over again, without gagging once. Erich simple groaned in pleasure, as he pet the woman''s silky blue hair, whileplimenting her for her efforts.


    "Yeah baby, just like that...."


    Eventually, Eric could no longer contain his lust, and blew his load straight down the woman''s throat, which she gulped down without spilling a drop. Once he had done this, he picked Mirage up, and tossed her over his shoulders before throwing her on the bed. Where Erih then stripped her out of her clothes.


    He began to finger the woman''s moist twat, while sucking on her nipples, wanting to return the favor she had just given him. At first Erich slipped only one finger inside, while gently messaging the clit with his thumb. But then he began to sip another, and another, inside the cavern until the girl had climaxed all over his hand.


    Mirage quivered in ecstasy as she whimpered like a bitch in heat. Leading Erich to believe that she was ready for the main course of this meal. Without even waiting for her permission, Erich stuck hisrge cock inside the woman''s tight and moist twat and began to pump his hips.


    Which seemed to trigger something in his partner''s brain, because she stuck her tongue out, and moaned with ecstasy, while saying things that only turned Erich on more.


    "Yes... Just like that! More! Deeper!"


    Seeing how the woman had not had enough of his cock yet, Erich smirked as he began to increase the intensity of his thrusts, as if he were trying to split the woman in two with his exceptionallyrge cock.


    "Oh, you want more, do you? Well, here! Take everything I can give you!"


    Mirage''s insides seized themselves around her lover''s cock, as he began to pump the thing inside of her as if it were a piston. She had been extremely sexually frustrated over the past few months, since Erich was spending all his time with his other women, and thus she felt as if a weight had suddenly been lifted off her shoulders as she came for the second time that night.


    However, Erich was not finished, as he continued to fuck the womanpletely senseless. It was only after another hour passed of Erich ruthlessly fucking Mirage that he decided to gift her with his seed. Of course, it waspletely sterilized for the time being, due to the fact that they both had their birth control settings on within their NeuroLink. And because of this, no pregnancy would result of the creampie.


    Mirageid in Erich''s arms, silent for a long time, as if she had something on her mind. And it was only When Erich began kissing the woman''s ears, that she finally revealed her thoughts to the man.


    "Erich... I think I''m in love with you...."


    Erich simply chuckled when he heard this. He had never expected Mirage to say those words as anything other than a joke, and thus he did not understand the seriousness in her tone.


    "You love me? Please...."


    This caused the woman to pout, as she turned over and stared Erich in the eyes, before confirming with a serious tone in her voice that these were indeed her feelings.


    "I''m serious, you ass! I''m in love with you! You might be the most degenerate womanizer this side of the gxy.... But I can''t seem to be... fulfilled... without you by my side..."


    This sudden confession hadpletely stunned Erich, who gazed at the woman as if she had gonepletely and utterly mad. Mirage was in love with him? How the hell did such a thing happen? And why? Why would she love a guy like him? Weren''t they bitter rivals? I mean, there were few words which Erich could think of that would describe the type of rtionship the two of them had.


    Erich had already killed Mirage twice, both of which were done with particrly brutal methods, and she had sold him out to the government. As much as she might try to say that she had done this for his benefit, he never actually bought this excuse.


    Thus, it took Erich several moments to realize what Mirage was trying to tell him before he finally asked for rification on the matter.


    "Are you serious?"


    Mirage simply frowned as she bit into Erich''s shoulder as if she were a disgruntled kitten. She then spoke in a particrly offended tone.


    "God! You''re such an asshole! Why did I have to fall for someone like you?"


    Knowing that he had genuinely offended the woman, Erich began to chuckle once more as he wrapped his arms around her and dragged her into his embrace. He then kissed the woman on the forehead before expressing his thoughts out loud.


    "So.... I guess this means you want to get married?"


    This question caused Mirage to blush and avert her gaze, which Erich immediately took as a confirmation to his question. He sighed heavily as he gazed at the back of the woman''s head, before speaking his thoughts aloud.


    "Alright.... I''ll marry you...."

 Chapter 248 Visiting an Old Friend Part I

    <h4>Chapter 248 Visiting an Old Friend Part I</h4>


    As the time approached for Erich to strike against the Sages and their future attempt to spy on him, Erich realized he needed to put together a team, which he was not currently associated with, to apprehend the individual in question.


    And because of this, he decided to contact an old friend, to see if he was currently deployed, or would be when the time to make a move against his enemies arrived. Thus, while drinking from a bottle of hard liquor called a number, which he had not dialed in nearly a year.


    His NeuroLink rang for several moments before a familiar face and voice appeared within his own mind.


    "Well, look who it is? With all the super secret shit your are doing for the Dominion, I honestly would have expected you to be dead by now. What''s up Silber?"


    Erich could tell that his friend was dressed in casual clothes, though whether he was undercover, or simply on leave he did not know, thus he was quick to ask about this crucial matter, before speaking further with the man.


    "Hey JT, you currently deployed, or do you got time to chat for a bit?"


    "JT scoffed when he heard this, before pulling down his neck to reveal the cor around his neck, as if to make Erich look like an idiot."


    "What do you think, asshole? It''s only been a year since west served together. How the hell did you already forget that I''m essentially a ve to the Empire, who is constantly fighting against its enemies?"


    Erich truly felt like an idiot when he heard thisment. It had indeed not been too terribly long since he and JT parted ways. Yet, so much had happened that the fact that JT was a penal soldier hadpletely slipped from his mind. Thus, Erich sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose, beforementing on this matter.


    "Shit, I''m sorry, yeah, I forgot. But what if I told you I could get your sentence thrown out?"


    A stern expression appeared on JT''s face as he looked over at Erich as if he were apletely different person.


    "I''m listening...."


    Erich smiled as he began to exin his ns.


    "You know, as an Archon, I have the ability to transfer prisoners into my possession, and even free them if I so choose. I need someone I can trust to help me out with a little problem. Somebody whose skills are second to none, and there is nobody in the gxy I trust to get this job done than you, brother.


    I''ll make a call to Emrys. You will unofficially be considered KIA, even if you are officially dead already. Then I''ll transfer you over to my unit. Once you are freed from your restraints, we''ll meet up on Teutonia, but be discreet... I don''t know how deep this goes. They could be watching you."


    JT smirked when he heard this before making ament on the whole deal.


    "Same shit, different master, eh? Alright fine, you get this damn thing removed, and I''ll meet up with you. Don''t worry, I know how to avoid watchful eyes. I''m a W-7 remember? Covert Operations are our specialty, remember?"


    Erich smiled when he heard this, before saying goodbye to the man.


    "Alright good, meet me at these coordinates once you are free, and remember, nobody can know you are still alive."


    After saying this, Erich hung up on the man and immediately dialed Emrys.


    ---


    Emrys saw a familiar number dialing his NeuroLink, it was one that he had not seen in a long time. Thus, a sneer curled on his lips as he epted the call with a smug tone in his voice.


    "Well, if it isn''t the newest Archon, to what do I owe the pleasure, your highness?"


    Emrys could hear Erich scoff on the other line, which was followed by a rudement.


    "Cut the shit, Emrys. I need a favor."


    The moment Emrys heard these words, he smirked, turned into a frown, as he sat up straight in his chair before responding to Erich''s statement.


    "Oh really? And why exactly would I help you?"


    On the other end of the line, Erich rolled his eyes before making an enticing offer, knowing that Emrys was the one person who his authority did not work on within Alfheim Space.


    "Do this for me, and I will give you a shipment of a truth serum. A little corporation I own has stolen the Dark Elf form and perfected it. You can use it in interrogations of your many prisoners. And if you like the effects, you can set up a trade agreement which would allow you to have routine shipments. How about it?"


    Emrys thought about this for a few seconds. He was aware of how effective the Dark Elf truth serum was against most humanoid lifeforms. But those with NeuroLink were virtually immune. However, Erich said he had perfected the form, and thus Emrys was quick to inquire further about it.


    "We have a lot of our own people who need to be interrogated, and as you know, the Dark Elf form does not work on our people due to the effectiveness of the NeuroLink. How well will this enhanced variant you have created work on Germanic citizens?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this, before exining how Tia had engineered the drug to be effective against even Germanic citizens.


    "I''m not a biochemist, but from what I have been told, the truth serum effectively paralyzes the nanites in our bloodstream, and works wlessly until they regain control. You have about a thirty-minute window to ask any questions you want. After that, the nanites are reactivated and will purge the chemical from the bloodstream. If you need more time, you can always use another injection."


    Emrys''s eyes opened wide when he heard this news, he was tempted to ept the offer on the spot, but he also was a cautious man, and thus asked for more information regarding the serum.


    "What are the potential side effects on this potential drug?"


    Erich once more wore a smug smile as he confirmed just how effective the drug was.


    "The drug has been tested on millions of prisoners from thousands of different biological lifeforms and has been perfected to the point where there are no known side effects within each species tested. Germanic prisoners were one of such test subjects, so were humans."


    Although Emrys did not know how Erich got his hands on Germanic prisoners to test, he was still impressed with the results, and thus he made one demand before asking for what favor Erich had in mind.


    "Alright, send me the data you have, and if my analysts agree with your conclusion, then I will ept whatever favor you ask of me, aside from you know what. So what is this favor, anyway?"


    Erich smiled when he heard that Emrys would ept his demands, and thus, he was quick to make them.


    "I want JT released from custody, and killed off in every record you might still have of the man. Officially, and unofficially, he needs to be a ghost. Because that is the only way I am going to win this war I am currently engaged in..."


    Emrys folded his fingers together and contemted this for a while. JT was a valued asset, not only due to his skills and experience as an elite operator, but because his loyalty was unquestionable. For him to fall into Erich''s hands, and to be used as a tool for the man''s ambitions....


    It didn''t sit right with Erich. But then again, the truth serum was something that was incredibly useful. And thus, after much internal debate, Emrys sighed heavily before agreeing to this request.


    "Alright, I''ll give you JT, if this serum is as effective as you say it is!"


    Erich once more smirked with a shit-eating grin as he nodded his head, before assuring Emrys his serum would work as nned.


    "You have my word, Emrys.... My enhanced truth serum will work just as I have stated. It has been a pleasure doing business with you!"


    After saying this, Erich hung up on the man and waited for a response from JT. Meanwhile, Emrys confirmed the data before doing as Erich had requested.

 Chapter 249 Visiting an Old Friend Part II

    <h4>Chapter 249 Visiting an Old Friend Part II</h4>


    JT was shocked when a Germanic Inquisitor approached him and removed his cor, as well as informed him that he was officially dead for the second time in his life. Whatever secret records the Empire had on him were all scrubbed, and for the first time in decades, JT was truly a freeman.


    Knowing that he only had one man to thank for this, JT quickly charted a flight to the world of Teutonia in order to meet up with Erich at the agreed location. It was far away from Erich''s home, in one of the many floating cities in the world. Naturally Erich had done this because he became paranoid about being watched by the Sages and other unwanted eyes.


    Once the two men met up in a cafe, they hugged it out, as if they were true brothers, before sitting down in a booth, where they ordered some food.


    "Order anything you want, it''s one me, of course... I bet your tastebuds will be overwhelmed, since the only thing you have eaten over thest few decades is field rations, am I right?"


    JT scoffed when he heard this, before confirming that he had, in fact, not eaten much other than field rations for as long as he could remember.


    "It has indeed been a while. You sure I can order whatever I want? We are going to be here all day if I do!"


    Erich simply smiled and nodded his head. And sure enough, JT ordered one of everything on the menu, not that it mattered to Erich. With Tia constantly improving his finances, Erich could afford basically anything in the gxy at this point, and never run out of money.? It was at this point that Erich began speaking of his ns. He did not mind giving a whole speech, since JT was enjoying his food as if he were having an orgasm.


    "Alright, so about the job I need from you, I need an agent to go deep undercover in the gxy''s criminal underworld. Don''t worry, I have a big name siding with whom has a cover identity for you. She can vouch for you, which means the entire criminal underworld will have to pay you respect. But that''s not important for right now. What I really need is for you to help me with a little problem I''m about to have...."


    JT looked up from his pancakes and sausage with a curious expression on his face. He worked hard to swallow all the food he had packed into his mouth until finally, after gulping it down asked the question on his mind.


    "What kind of problem are we talking about here?"


    Erich wore a devilish grin when he heard this before revealing his n aloud.


    "You may have heard that the Sages of the Alfheim Dominion and Svartalfheim Federation have dered war on me.... Thus, Lunaria has tasked me with hunting them down and bringing them to justice.


    I know with damn near certainty that in precisely two weeks, one of them will be spying on me while I am resting in my home here in Teutonia. I want you to capture them and bring them back to my ship for interrogation. Tia will handle the rest."


    JT nearly dropped his fork and knife. Something Erich had said had absolutely stunned him, which he was quick toment on.


    "Hold on a minute, Tia? Isn''t that the name of your old artificial intelligence? Erich, how the hell do you still have ess to her? I had to submit mine for purging the moment they released me from service. What the hell did you do?"


    Erich had a smug expression on his face as he exined what he had done to a man he wholeheartedly trusted.


    "Technically, Tia is the AI I hijacked from a WRAITH during my W-1 training. I was supposed to hand her over for termination, but copied her database onto my NeuroLink instead. She has been my faithfulpanion ever since. You don''t need to worry about her. Her loyalty is second to none."


    It did not take long for JT to put two and two together, and when he did, he quite literally dropped his fork and knife, before staring at Erich as if he were a fucking mad man. It took several moments for him to collect his thoughts, and when he did, he was quick to scold Erich.


    "Do you have any idea what you have done, you colossal fucking idiot? If the State demands you hand over an AI so it can be purged, it''s with good reason. You do realize once she is downloaded to your NeuroLink, she is a part of you, forever right! Fucking hell, don''t tell me she has already developed signs of intelligence. Erich, if anyone else were to find out about this, you will be terminated, along with Tia. You understand that, right?"


    Erich nodded his head. He had long since learned about just how big of a risk he had taken when he had decided to copy Tia''s consciousness into his NeuroLink. By now, Tia had undoubtedly downloaded her consciousness onto a million different tforms, and thus could not be purged.


    In fact, it was his biggest fear that she might turn on him one day, but ultimately, he decided to trust the adorable little artificial intelligence, and her love for him. Thus, he defended her to JT with the utmost confidence in his voice.


    "I understand your concern and the risks I have taken. I assure you, Tia has been nothing but a benefit to me. She will not turn on me, so do not worry about that. As long as I am around tomand her, she will do what I say. Now with that said, I need you response to mission I have tasked you with. Are you in?"


    As concerned as JT was about what Erich had done, the man had essentially given him back his freedom, which was worth more than his life itself. Thus, he owed Erich a massive debt, and thus, he sighed heavily before epting the task he was given.


    "Yeah... I got it... Alright, fine.... I''ll capture this spy, and bring them to your ship. After that I''ll work in the criminal underworld as your informant. I am sure you want me to look for information regarding the saints, their schemes, and their whereabouts. Am I correct?"


    Erich nodded his head and confirmed this was indeed the case.


    "You are a smart man. That is indeed what I ask. Oh, and make sure this Tia business remains between the two of us...."


    Erich then looked at the time on his NeuroLink and was quick toment on it.


    "Well, I really should be headed out. You mind walking me out to my car? I have something for you in the trunk...."


    JT looked at the pile of food on his te and sighed. Erich had already paid the bill with his NeuroLink and thus he coulde back and eat the rest once they were done. Thus, he nodded his head and followed Erich out to his vehicle.


    "Sure, this better be fucking worth it!"


    After saying this, Erich walked JT out to his car, where he popped the trunk, much to JT''s confusion. The man looked deep into the trunk and quickly voiced his thoughts.


    "I don''t understand. Is this some kind of-"


    The moment after he said this, a muffled gunshot resounded in the air, and JT fell over dead into the trunk, Where Erich quickly shut his corpse inside before expressing his thoughts aloud.


    "I''m really sorry about this old friend, but unfortunately, this is a precaution I need to take. The Sages can never know your identity, or they will be able to lock onto you and see your future. When you wake up, your consciousness will be transferred into an entirely different body... One that I think you will approve up...."


    With this said, Erich drove JT''s body to the Vignce, where it would be disposed of by Tia. By the time Erich arrived at his ship, JT''s body would have been transferred into the consciousness of an unrecognizable, but more attractive, body within the vessel''s medical bay. Where he and Erich would get into a fierce confrontation.

 Chapter 250 A Massive Upgrade

    <h4>Chapter 250 A Massive Upgrade</h4>


    JT awoke with a start to see the grinning face of Erich standing before him. The man had trouble collecting his thoughts. This was obviously not the first time he had been brought back to life after suffering a fatality on the battlefield. But something was different. He did not feel right in his own skin. Which was a sensation he had never felt before.


    When he saw Erich standing there, he almost wanted to lunge at him, but the silver-haired man spoke before he could do so.


    "I''m not gonna lie. It was not the easiest task in the world for me to reroute your consciousness to a brand new body, but I expect this one will be much more to your liking. After all, Tia may have enhanced it in ways that your previous body was not capable of.


    All it took was mapping out the Orcish Genome to understand that several of their genes werepatible with our own, specifically the ones that enhance theirbat abilities. In a sense, you could consider your new body to be the next step in our people''s evolution. So what do you think?"


    Erich then held up a mirror to reveal to JT that he was not onlyrger, and more muscr that he was in his past, but any potential ws that may have existed with his attractiveness had been removed.


    Though JT still stood at exactly seven feet tall. He had also gained a significant amount of muscle mass as well as a denser bone structure, to the point where he now weighed a full 300 lbs. Tia had run the numbers, and decided that the Germanic Star-Empire''s approach to tall, lean, and muscr warriors was superior to the Orcs whose genes relied on as much muscle mass as popr.


    Thus, she ensured that JT was not overly muscr in his new form. However, Tia had also gone out of her way to enhance other things beyond their already superhuman abilities. Pushing JT''s new physical prowess to the breaking point.


    JT still had the usual blonde hair and blue eyes, but his facial features had be much more robust. Giving him an almost barbaric appearance. JT, in his enraged state, quickly picked up Erich, and raised him in the air, in a tone that was filled with fury, before questioning the man''s sanity.


    "What the fuck is wrong with you? You fucking shoot me in the back of the head, and have me transferred into this monstrosity?"


    Erich could not help but smile as he saw this before assuring the man that the next time he himself perished in battle, he would also be transferred into a simr superior body.


    "I realized that as strong as we were, we were physically inferior to the Orcs. Imagine what our people could be, with the physical prowess of an Orc, but with the intelligence we have so carefully fostered over multiple generations of gic engineering, and strict eugenics!


    It has taken our scientists centuries to get to the point where we are today, but within a fortnight, Tia has perfected our genome! Don''t worry brother, I too will be given a gic enhancement when I next perish!"


    JT released his grip over Erich. After all, he just realized how effortlessly he picked up a Germanic male with one hand. He could not help but shake his head before realizing the amount of power that was brimming in his body. If their previous forms were already gically enhanced super humans, then what was this?"


    Erich struggled to breathe as he knelt on the ground, JT had not known it, but he had actually crushed the man''s windpipe with his incredible grip strength, because of this Erich was wheezing and pointing at his throat, telling JT to finish the job.


    "Finish it!"


    JT looked at Erich''s pathetic figure and spat on the ground, before making ament about this whole absurd situation.


    "After this we''re even, you selfish prick!"


    With that said, JT effortlessly put Erich into a neck crank, and snapped his neck with ease. The absurd amount of his body could generate had truly shocked the man. And he gazed at Erich''s corpse for some time with aplicated expression on his face.


    That is, until a small robotic loli entered the room and sighed as she looked at her master''s lifeless body.


    "Master... Why must you never heed Tia''s advice? Tia warned you this would happen... Well, don''t just stand there, help Tia take this skinsuit to the incinerator. The cloning tank will have a new and improved Masterpleted within the hour. In the meantime, Tia wants to dispose of Master''s corpse. Oh, but before we do, let Tia take a few samples from his brain!"


    JT looked at Tia''s robotic form with nothing but distrust, and was quick to shield Erich''s body from her, despite her attempts to see open his cranium and extract his brain. There were a million reasons why JT wanted to prevent this and was quick to voice his concerns.


    "Just what the hell do you intend to do with Erich''s brain? What the fuck is wrong with you?"


    Tia frowned when she heard the organic lifeform arguing with her and was quick to sigh in disdain, before just barely giving a satisfactory reason.


    "Tia does not have the time to exin the details of the task which Master has given her to a meatbag.... Just know that it is master''s orders that his brain must be extracted, if at all possible, from every fatality he suffers. Now get out of the way so Tia can fulfill master''s orders!"


    JT did not want to move, but instinctively did so. He did not know why, but he felt a deep sense of fear in the heart of his soul when he gazed upon Tia''s robotic eyes, which were clearly filled with what can only be called frustration.


    The very idea that a machine could gain sentience was a not only a strict taboo in all research about artificial intelligence, but was condemned to death and destruction across the gxy, including those who allowed such a thing toe into existence.


    JT did not know why Erich had allowed this to happen. But he had already decided to keep Tia''s existence a secret. And thus he remained silent, as Tia used aser which was embedded in her index finger to cut open the top of Erich''s skull. Before extracting his brain and preserving it in some unknown fluid. Once she had done this, she stared at JT with an annoyed look before berating him for his inactivity.


    "Well, don''t just stand there! Bring the body to the incinerator!"


    JT quickly did as he was told and disposed of the body, where he then watched the clone be formed from scratch. A sample of Erich''s DNA and memories were stored on board the ship, as a result of Tia''s precautions, having not trusted any biological lifeform to maintain her Master''s immortality. And thus she made sure Erich''s new clone body was improved by the gic enhancement sequence she had given to JT.


    When Erich finally emerged from the cloning vat, he was considerably taller than he had been previously, being among the smallest of the WRAITHs, and least physically gifted. All of his physical abilities, including strength, stamina, agility, perception, reflexes, et cetera, had all been upgraded to a point where they were now on par with an Orc Warchief. Meaning even without his secret abilities, he could now contend with M and the most battle hardened of her warriors in a test of physical prowess.


    There were also minor changes done to his facial features that were improved beyond their already handsome appearance. Tia had gone out of her way to make sure that Erich''s facial features were considered damn near wless by most humanoid races, especially the Germanic Race, Human Race, and Elven Races. His looks were now worthy of women like Lunaria and Celestia, who were considered by many to be the most beautiful women in the gxy.


    Erich was so shocked by this, that he immediately scolded Tia for changing his appearance without his permission.


    "Tia! Did you fuck around with my face?"


    Tia approached Erich''s naked figure and blushed before pointing out that he was now better looking.


    "Yes, Master, Tia took the liberty to improve your appearance. Though Master was already handsome, he was now the most handsome man in the gxy, at least ording to the standards of the Light Elves. Tia, however, did not want to get rid of Master''s striking silver hair and eyes, which she believes make him exotic."


    Honestly, Erich couldn''t me the girl for improving everything about him, including his appearance, and thus, he could only sigh and shake his head, before agreeing it was for the best.


    "Fine, I will ept this. Though now that we have gotten that out of the way, I need to speak with JT alone."


    Tia nodded her head before mentioning something that Erich had damn near forgotten about.


    "Alright, but shouldn''t master put on some clothes first?"


    Erich looked down at himself and only realized now that he was fully nude. With that in mind, he smirked and nodded his head before agreeing with Tia''s advice.


    "That sounds like a good idea..."

 Chapter 251 Apprehending a Sage

    <h4>Chapter 251 Apprehending a Sage</h4>


    After being reborn into the body of a physically superior body based upon his own DNA, albeit with some alterations, Erich suddenly found himself in a peculiar situation. In truth, he had always relied on his mental abilities to ovee the fact that he was physically inferior to his peers. After all, he was not gically designed with the purpose of being an elite soldier.


    However, now he had a body that was superior to most, if not all, WRAITHs, and the mind of a political leader. Thus, he was perhaps the most imposing figure in the gxy, even if nobody realized it yet.


    Despite these newfound abilities, Erich did not immediately test them, and instead retired to his beachside mansion, where he waited for the day to finally arrive when the Sages would strike at him and his family.


    With JT constantly surveilling the area for any sign of the spy, Erich could rx with his many women, who were now more attracted to him than ever before. Thus, he spent the next two weeks engaging in drunken debauchery with a plethora of beautiful women, while Mirage began to process the marriage papers.


    ---


    Two weeks passed, and just as Erich had seen in his dreams, a Light Elf entered the starport on Teutonia. As a member of the species which were the Suzerains of the Germanic people, she was naturally given preferential treatment from the moment she entered Germanic Space.


    Security barely even searched the contents of her luggage, as they allowed her through customs and onto the luxurious beach world. The sage took one glimpse towards the direction of Erich''s estate and muttered beneath her breath.


    "So this is the world which the Dark Sage calls home... It''s peaceful.... Almost too peaceful...."


    Immediately the sage embarked from the starport, and took a cab to the residential neighborhood where the wealthy elite of Teutonia lived. Which just so happened to be where Erich''s mega mansion was located.


    From the moment the sage stepped food into the neighborhood, JT had tracked them. Silentlymunicating with Erich via his NeuroLink as he did so.


    "Yeah, I got eyes on the target. Elf female, blonde hair, blue eyes, somewhat pretty face. Short pointy ears. Target matches the description you gave me. They are currently headed in the direction of your ce. You want me to nab them?"


    Erich denied this and sent a message through his NeuroLink, giving JT his orders.


    "Not yet. I need you to keep a close eye on them. If they approach my property, then you can apprehend them immediately, but until she makes a move, just watch her for me!"


    JT responded to this message with a simple confirmation.


    "Roger that...."


    ---


    The hours passed until it waste at night, and by this point Erich had already gone to bed. But the spy was still watching his home carefully, all the while JT watched the spy with even more caution. Once the lights had finally turned off, the Sage finally made their move.


    The moment she inched forward towards the door of the property, a firm grip reached around her waist, and suplexed her into the ground. Where her assaulter immediately took her back and choked her out with a rear naked choke.


    Once this waspleted, JT ced the cuffs around the woman''s wrists, and dragged her off to the vignce. Where Erich was secretly waiting within his captain''s quarters the entire time. The moment JT entered the frigate and threw the prisoner into the holding cell, she began to kick and scream.


    "You fucking criminals! You won''t get away with this. Do you have any idea who I am?"


    It was only then that Erich stepped out of the shadows, dressed in his Archon uniform, with a wicked smile on his handsome face.


    "Indeed, you are a fugitive wanted by her majesty Empress Lunaria Asterion herself..."


    When the sage witnessed Erich''s figure appear before her, she felt a chill down her spine, as a single phrase escaped her lips.


    "The Dark Sage..."


    Erich smiled cruelly and nodded his head and spoke with a haughty tone in his voice. Before revealing his identity, despite the fact that the Sage already knew of it.


    "In the flesh. Archon Erich Jaeger, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I must say that you are much more pretty than thest sage I had the pleasure of holding as a prisoner... Tia... If you will please provide the serum...."


    Tia''s robotic form stepped into the room. Dressed in what was clearly a nurse''s outfit, she lightly flicked the transparent vial which contained the liquid substance that was her most recent improvement on the Truth Serum, which she had devised specifically to interrogate sages.


    ''Yes Master, by Tia''s calctions, this improved serum has only a 25% probability of resulting in total brain death like thest time. Tia thanks Master for offering his brain for her research. Without it, she might never have been able to produce an improved variant. However, Tia would also like to remind the master that if we were to dispose of this meatbag, then it would be best to donate her body to Tia for further research."


    Erich sighed and shook his head when he heard Tia continuing to refer to biological life forms as "meatbags". Although the term made him deeply ufortable, he permitted it, because it was a term that Tia liked to use, especially in reference to Erich''s enemies.


    The Sage, however, looked at Tia with nothing but fear in her eyes. Each of the Sages had a different interpretation of the "Bloody Bride". Most considered it to be a being of great power, who would enable Erich''s rise to power. And because of this, many assumed it would be either Lunaria, or her daughter Celestia, to fulfil this role.


    But the moment Tia said the word meatbag, as if she had aplete and utter disdain for biological life, along with the fact that her eyes suddenly shed red with anger. This sage truly believed that this little robotic loli was actually the Bloody Bride.


    For one reason, and one reason alone, the Bloody Bride was a figure whose identity could not be confirmed, something which none of the Sages could exin, other than the potential reality that she was also a Sage.


    However, if the bloody bride was a sentient artificial intelligence, then it would have no ties to "fate" and because of this, there would be no way to determine its identity through visions. When the sage realized this, she gazed upon Tia''s robotic form with horror as she voiced her fears aloud.


    "The bloody bride..."


    Thisment confused Erich. He knew little of the Sage''s prophecy regarding the Dark Sage, other than what Celestia had told him. In this prophecy, there was a partner in crime, so to speak. Said to be the Dark Sage''s lover. One who would enable his rise to power, and corrupt him into a ruthless warlord the likes of which the gxy had never seen before.


    Until now Erich had paid little heed to these words. After all, although Lunaria had helped promote Erich''s to a position of power within her domain. She was a deeply possessive woman, and a fiercely loyal one to her people. She was entirely unlikely to forsake the Alfheim Dominion''s interests, so that Erich could go on to be a conquering warlord who set the gxy ame. And the same could be said about her daughter.


    But Erich had not thought about Tia as a candidate. That is, until now. However, once he thought about it, it made sense. Tia only cared about him and advancing his interests. In fact, she long since begunpelling him to think with more ambition. She had even gone out of her way to acquire the funds necessary to purchase a barren world, one upon which she built awide industry. So that he could fuel his war machine.


    Tia, however, cared little about the prophecies of biological lifeforms, and thus, she immediately stepped forward and injected the prisoner with the new and improved variant of her truth serum. Now all that needed to happen was for Erich to ask the questions which he needed answers to.

 Chapter 252 Another Interrogation

    <h4>Chapter 252 Another Interrogation</h4>


    Nearly immediately after injecting the serum into the prisoner''s bloodstream, her eyes opened wide as if she had entered a trance. Allowing Erich to ask the question that he needed to know previously, but had been denied due to ack of knowledge on the behalf of his previous prisoner.


    "What is your name and rank within the Order of Sages?"


    The woman immediately responded withplete and total obedience, as if it were physically impossible for her to lie or to conceal any information.


    "My name is inne Darkheart, I am a Lesser Prophet 1st ss...."


    Erich looked over at Tia, who immediately began searching everywork in the gxy for any information regarding this woman that might be useful for the interrogation. Meanwhile, Erich continued to ask his questions.


    "What is your purpose foring to Teutonia?"


    Once more the sage spoke in apletely monotone voice, as if all the life had been sucked from her body, and she was nothing more than a ve.


    "My purpose ining to Teutonia was to assess the defences of the Dark Sage''s residence, and to potentially kidnap one of his loved ones to use as leverage..."


    Erich frowned when he heard this. Just like his vision told him, the Sages were now actively making moves against him. This was something he did not appreciate, and because of this, he was quick to ask the next question on his mind.


    "Where are the Sages hiding?"


    The sage continued to give Erich the information she knew, while Tia monitored her brainwaves, to see if there was any risk of death, like in the previous interrogation.


    "I do not know, that information is ssified beyond my rank..."


    Erich obviously knew this would be the answer he received when he heard the woman say he was a lesser prophet. Thus, he scoffed before asking his next question.


    "Then who does know this information?"


    Once more, the Sage gave Erich information he already knew.


    "You would need to find a Greater Prophet 1st ss."


    Knowing this already, Erich was quick to ask the next question on his mind, though judging by the tone in his voice, his patience was beginning to wear thin.


    "Alright.... Where can I find this Greater Prophet 1st ss? And if you don''t know this information, then give me the identity of someone who does!"


    Almost as if this were an exact repeat of hisst interrogation, the sage said the words which Erich already knew.


    "I do not know this information, but if you wish to find a Greater Prophet 1st ss, then you will need to speak with Thyrin Shieldscribe he is-"


    Before the Sage could even finish her statement, Erich snapped at the woman, and began to yell at her with a hostile tone.


    "Thyrin is dead! Who else can lead me to this Greater Prophet 1st ss that you speak of?"


    This information was almost shocking to the Sage, and there was clearly a sign of distress on her face, despite the fact that she was forced by the drug in her body to remain in control of her emotions. Thus, the next thing she said was finally the information that Erich needed to move forward with his ns.


    "If Thyrin is dead, then the Sages would send a recement to fulfill his role. The odds are that they will be sent to the quadrant of space that Thyrin was in charge of monitoring.... Which, if I remember correctly, was Asuran Space. I am afraid I do not know of this individual''s identity, as I have not been formed of Thyrin''s passing until this moment."


    The moment Erich heard this, he lost control of his emotions, and flipped a terminal over while shouting at nobody in particr.


    "That''s just fucking terrific! Even if we have located the quadrant of space which this prick will be sent to, there is no way of knowing which celestial body they are hiding in without an identity! For all we know, they could be seeking refuge in a fucking space station! It''s like finding a needle in a mountain of needles! Fuck!"


    Tia could sense her master''s fury, and was quick to speak of another question, which he did not think of while in his moment of rage.


    "Do you have the means to contact this recement? Or somebody else within your order?"


    Shockingly, the sage nodded her head, where she proceeded to give the requested information.


    "I do... Among my belongings is an encryptedmunication device. That would allow me to speak with any sage within the gxy. With the right passcodes, one might be able to trick the sages into thinking they are a member of the order. Would you like me to teach you?"


    Tia smiled when she realized she had asked the correct question and quickly implored the prisoner to teach her how to crack the code. Unfortunately, in the next moment, the sage''s consciousness had begun to fade, which Tia quickly worked to remedy.


    "Yes- Oh no! Master! The sage''s brain function is copsing. Like the previous prisoner, she will suffer total brain death in less than two minutes! What are Master''s orders? To get as much information about the encryption as possible, or to use what little time Tia has left to research a way to fix this problem once and for all?"


    Erich sighed heavily as he thought about this question. If they received partial encryption, it would take Tia significantly less time to crack the code on her own. But if Tia used this time to perfect the truth serum so it had no risk of death or other side effects on a Sage, they could easily get the whole thing the next time they captured a Sage.


    With no time to waste, Erich was quick toe to a conclusion, even if it may not have been the best option avable.


    "Scan the sage''s brain while it is still functional and find a fix to this fucking side effect! By the time we get our hands on the next sage! I want this serum to be wless!"


    Tia cutely saluted before doing exactly what he said. Where she began to scan the prisoner''s brain, and find a workaround to the problems this serum had with Sages. And by the time the Sage lie dead in her seat, Tia wore a wide smile, knowing that she had finally fixed this problem once and for all.


    "Though we lost the prisoner, Tia believes she has found a solution to this problem. Give Tia some time to perfect her work, but once she has a functional prototype, she will need another test subject to confirm that it is 100% effective..."


    Erich nodded his head, though he did not know if he made the right choice. At the very least, Tia would have solved the problem with the serum by the time they got their hands on the next sage. Thus, Erich was confident that he was one step closer to winning this war.

 Chapter 253 Challenging a Chieftain

    <h4>Chapter 253 Challenging a Chieftain</h4>


    While Tia worked on a fix to the truth serum, which was required to extract the information Erich needed from the Sages, he took as a prisoner. Erich himself had begun to set his eyes on another target. He honestly did not know if the Sages were hiding in one centralized area for the most part, or if they had been scattered across the gxy.


    But from the sounds of it, the bulk of their order was hiding somewhere remote. After all, every sage he hade across thus far had told him that only a Greater Sage First ss would know of their whereabouts. Because of this, Erich felt that he needed to have an army of his own, if he were to storm the world and eliminate the so-called prophets of fate.


    With this in mind, Erich began looking for even more Orc ns to incorporate into his new Horde. Which was already quiterge. Tia had dedicated her processing power to multiple different tasks, including controlling the robotic workforce she employed day and night to build the ships that would house the Orc ns.


    Eventually Erich located another Orc n that was nearby. It was significantlyrger than the Bleeding Hand n, but still smaller than the Ironhand n. Because of this, Erich felt as if he would probably have to challenge their chieftain in order to gain their loyalty.


    Luckily for Erich, his new body was capable ofpeting with an Orc Warchief on its own, without any of his mental enhancements. Not only that, but his new body was manufactured with the same the cybeic augmentations that every Star Marine went through.


    Even better, these enhancements were modified by Tia to operate at peak performance. After all, the technology at her disposal was significantly more advanced than what the Germanic-Star Empire had ess to. This meant that Erich might actually be physically superior to an Orc Warchief, in addition to being mentally superior.


    It was with this in mind that he piloted the Vignce towards the location of the Orcish n, which were as per usual in the act of raiding a world. The Orcish ships looked as if they had seen better days. Which was not unusual considering they were not exactly a species which was capable of producing engineers and mechanics that were talented enough to fix giant spacefaring vessels.


    Yet these massive ships, that were essentially repurposed cargo hulks, continued to bombard the world with weapons that didn''t look like they belonged on board such vessels. In fact, it was almost as if they had been strapped onto the ships with duct tape. That was the level of craftsmanship one could expect from Orcs.


    The moment Erich''s ship entered the system, he was bombarded with messages from the Orcish ships telling him to flee or be boarded. To which Erich simply scoffed before calling them on their bluff.


    "Do you have any idea who I am? I am the Warchief of the Iron Horde. I havee to challenge your chieftain. Join my Horde, or be brought to ruin!"


    After saying this, Erich called out to Tia with a slightly nervous tone in his voice.


    "Tia, are you sure this stealth frigate is capable of taking on the entire Orc fleet?"


    Tia''s voice sounded rather annoyed, as if Erich had interrupted something incredibly important, and had asked an even more stupid question while doing so.


    "Of course! This ship could jump out of Warp directly in the middle of a Naraku Hive Fleet and still survive long enough to get away. Believe me, there is no warship in the gxy more advanced than the Vignce!"


    Although she sounded irritated at first, there was a hint of pride in Tia''s voice as she boasted of the Vignce''s capabilities, which was something that Erich found adorable. Thus, he decided to trust his faithful AIpanion and steam ahead through the potential onught of the Orcish fleet.


    Of course, they never opened fire on Erich. After all, a challenge to authority was sacred, and only a dishonorable scoundrel would reject such a thing. Thus, Erich docked aboard thergest of the Orcish Vessels, where he once more adorned the "tribal" power armor that Tia had made for him.


    Erich walked through the bulkhead of the Orcish capital ship as if he were a conquering hero, the Orcs gathered around him in an attempt to intimidate this intruder, only to see that he was roughly the same size as themselves, at least in terms of height. Perhaps the tallest of their race stood at over eight feet, but Erich was by no means short by their standards, and in his power armor, he actually stood above their tallest warriors.


    Rumors had spread across the Orcish ns, about an outsider starting his own horde. A man from one of the few races that the Orcs respected. A race which every n and horde stayed far away from. After all, the previous war between the Germanic Star-Empire and the Orcs was over two centuries ago, and yet five whole Orc ns went extinct by the end of it.


    It was a humiliating defeat that the surviving ns and hordes had never forgotten. Now, for one of them to lead a horde of his own, it was truly unthinkable. Yet, Erich walked forward without fear, until he entered the throne room, where the Chieftain sat on a chair made of bones. Therge Orc looked at Erich with confusion before expressing his thoughts aloud.


    "So.... This is the mighty Warchief of the Iron Horde? I expected you to look more menacing!"


    Erich simply scoffed when he heard this, before ejecting from his power armor, where he stood about a foot shorter than he previously had. There was a look of arrogance on his handsome face as hemented on the Chieftain''s remarks.


    ''How about now?"


    Erich stood dressed in nothing but a skintight body suit as he challenged the Orc Warchief who had dared to mock his appearance. After all, he was definitely what the Orcs might consider to be "pretty" because his features were more in line with what were attractive by Elven, and Germanic standards, not so much the orcs, who considered a handsome man to be brutish in appearance.


    Now that Erich stood a foot shorter than the Orc chieftain, the man simplyughed as he stood up from his seat and epted Erich''s challenge.


    "Very well... I don''t know how you managed to defeat a warrior like M, but I get the feeling she went easy on you because of your pretty face. You won''t be so lucky with me as your opponent! Men! Prepare the Arena!"


    Erich smirked when he heard this, knowing that his rival had fallen into a trap. He then followed the towering Orc chieftain to the arena where both men would be stripped down to their trousers before having a fight to the death.

 Chapter 254 Uniting the Orc Clans Part III

    <h4>Chapter 254 Uniting the Orc ns Part III</h4>


    Unlike his duel with M, which was an engagement duel, the rules were different this time around. Armor was forbidden like before, but the warriors did not fight nude, they only wore a pair of trousers. And they were permitted one melee weapon of their choice.


    Since this was a fight between chieftains, both of them were permitted to wield their Power Hammers, which was a symbol of their authority as chieftains. Such weapons were devastating, so much so that most living beings, if caught within the st radius of their attack, would die instantly.


    Because of this, the battle would be one of speed. Whoever struck the blow first would kill the other, and if they both struck at the same time, then both men would die. To the crowd, this was truly an exciting disy, because it was not every day that one witnessed a fight between two Chieftains.


    Erich''s power hammer was handcrafted by Tia in ordance with Orcish standards. She knew such weapons were already quite fearsome, and decided not to tinker with it other than appearance. Which she ensured was both menacing and tribal looking.


    After choosing his weapon, Erich boldly walked to the center of the arena with a confident expression on his handsome face. Due to the stakes that were involved, he knew that he had to be careful if he wanted to win this. Of course, there was something that his opponent didn''t know, and that was the fact that Erich had a special ability. One which he had created himself by mixing his crowd, Erich called out to the Orc chieftain.


    "Tell me... What is your name? When I send you to your maker, I at enhanced reflexes and agility with his ability to see the future.


    Because of this, Erih was quite confident of winning this duel. With a boastful smile on his face and the flex of his muscles to the crowd, Erich called out to the Orc chieftain.


    "Tell me... What is your name? When I send you to your maker, I at least want to know the name of the warrior I have in!"


    The orc gazed upon Erich with a toothy grin, despite being from apletely different species and culture, Erich seemed to have an understanding of what it meant to be an honorable warrior, and thus, the Orc spoke with pride in his voice as he pounded his chest in an intimidating disy.


    "I am Korgath Stonemaul! What is your name, little warrior?"


    The fact that Korgath had called Erich by the nickname "little warrior" meant he was giving Erich respect, and thus Erich boasted out of the identity he had assumed to win over the Orcish ns.


    "Erich... Erich Ironhand...."


    The Orc chieftain then roared as he called out to Erich with onest word before their duel begin.


    "Well then, Erich Ironhand, our battle shall be legendary. May the gods of my ancestors give witness to a disy of honor and glory!"


    After saying this, the hulking Orc charged at Erich with immense speed. Something that would easily have overwhelmed a standard human being, so much so that they would only see an after shadow.


    Yet Erich remained calm and activated his "eleration" before charging off towards the Orc warrior. The collision had happened so quickly that even some of the lesser Orcs did not quite see what had happened.


    But with a loud bang, and the sshing of blood, bone, and sinew, only one figure remained standing in the center of the ring. And when the Orcs took a closer look, they realized that it was not their mighty Chieftain, but instead the outsider who was covered in the bodily fluids of Korgath.


    Erich then raised his hammer into the air and howled as if he were a member of the species he had just in. For those who did not understand Orcish culture, they might be bewildered by the fact that the crowd cheered for the death of their chieftain.


    But the Orcs respected strength and honor above all else. And Erich had not only proven that he was stronger than his chieftain, but that he respected their culture. So what if he wasn''t an Orc himself? He had proven that he had the might to lead them, and that was all that mattered.


    With Korgath''s death, Erich was forced to pick a new leader for this n, and thus he called out to the crowd with an authoritative tone in his voice.


    "Send me your elders, so that I may choose a new chieftain!"


    Soon enough, the n elders stood before Erich in the center of the Arena, where they paid tribute to their new Warchief with various gifts, most of which were things they had looted during their years of raiding.


    Erich epted the gifts even if most of them were worthless to him, and spoke with the Elders for some time about who would be the most promising prospect to lead their n. Unsurprisingly, the son of Korgath was chosen, who stepped forward, and knelt before Erich.


    "Do you, Gorgoth, son of Korgath, swear to join your n into my horde, and give your loyalty to me, your new Warchief?"


    Gorgoth nodded his head, and pounded his chest as he kneeled before Erich, before swearing to do asmanded.


    "My n is honored to join the horde of such a mighty warrior. What would you have us do Warchief?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this, before giving his first orders to the new Orc n.


    "Once your n has finished raiding this world, I will send you the cooridnates for you to regroup at. The other ns will be waiting for you there. It is time we upgrade the equipment, and the living conditions of your people..."


    both Gorgoth, and the Elders gazed at Erich in shock. From the sound of it, Erich would be supplying them with new weapons, armor, and ships. Most species were hostile to the various Orc ns, for obvious reasons, and because of that they didn''t exactly have much chances to trade.


    Thus, they relied on raiding, scavenging, and salvage to maintain their fleets. They didn''t even have any engineers and mechanics on in their ns. The only way they maintained their ships into a barely functional state was via the capture of ves who could perform those roles.


    For their n to be blessed with new and modern equipment, it was a perk they did not expect when joining Erich''s Horde. But it was a weed surprise, nheless. Thus, with this Erich had merged a third Orc n into his horde, and would begin undergoing the same restructure in leadership, equipment, training, et cetera, that he was already plotting for the other two ns.


    Soon enough, he would have an Army to rival that of the GSE. Because eventually, after Erich hunted down and eliminated the Sages, he would have to go and im his birthright. Even if it meant waging war against his own people, and the usurper who currently led them.

 Chapter 255 Becoming a Lab Rat

    <h4>Chapter 255 Bing a Lab Rat</h4>


    Having secured the allegiance of another orc n, Erich had immediately shipped them off to the remainder of his horde to be re-outfitted with thetest equipment that Tia had manufactured. Meanwhile, Erich began to focus on Tia''s efforts to perfect the truth serum, and within two weeks, she believed she had the results she was looking for. All the little AI needed was a test subject.


    Of course, Sages were hard toe by, and because of this, the little devil approached Erich with an interesting offer. Which she made once they were alone in his captain''s quarters.


    "Master... Tia believes she has found the solution to the serum, and how to prevent total brain death... However, she needs a test subject, and since Sages are hard toe by, and are valuable prisoners. Tia suggests that Master volunteer to be the subject himself.


    Make no mistake, Master, if my results are still wed and you do end up dying, you will be cloned almost immediately and will be back to normal. It is perhaps because of this that Master is the best test subject that Tia could get her hands on.


    However, Tia is aware that this is a big request, and is thus willing to do anything that Master says if he agrees. So, Master, will you allow Tia to experiment on you?"


    Erich did not know how to react to this news at first. After all, being a test subject was something that he had been trying to avoid in his entire life. But Tia made a solid point. He had wasted two prisoners due to a terminal side effect of the truth serum. And he had to work hard to get his hands on the both of them.


    Because of this, Erich became more and more convinced that using himself as a test subject would provide Tia the data she needed to truly perfect the serum. After all, if his body died, his consciousness would be transferred to the body of a clone. Which meant that he could theoretically die as many times as needed to perfect the serum. Which he hoped was none.


    As much as Erich wanted to deny Tia, he understood the need to perfect this serum before getting his hands on another sage, and thus, he sighed heavily before agreeing to Tia''s request.


    "Very well... I will agree to be your test subject until you can perfect the serum so that it ispatible with Sages. However, I want you to know, that I do not appreciate being ab rat."


    Tia smiled when she heard these words, and grabbed hold of Erich''s hands, before thanking him for assisting her in her research, even if the whole point of it was to help Erich.


    "Thank you, Master! Tia promises toplete the serum with a satisfactory amount of casualties!"


    After saying this, Tia led Erich to the medical facility, where he was strapped into a chair, and injected with the serum. His nanites were temporarily paralyzed, as the serum begun to affect his mind.


    Before Erich knew it, he was apletely mindless ve, with no will of his own. And thus Tia began to ask her questions while monitoring his brain for potentially lethal activity.


    "What does Master think of Tia?"


    Erich had no chance but to answer the little robotic loli with the honest truth.


    "I think... That Tia is very important to me. Without her, I would not be where I am today...."


    Tia frowned when she heard this, before asking an even more specific question.


    "Does master think Tia is cute?"


    Erich once moreplied without any resistance as he spoke his true thoughts aloud.


    "Of course, Tia is the most adorable girl in the world!"


    This caused Tia to frown even more than she once more spoke with further rification of her intent.


    "Then why won''t Master have sex with Tia? Despite the fact that he thinks Tia is cute!"


    There were several seconds of silence as Erich''s sedated mind tried its best toe up with an appropriate answer about how he felt towards Tia''s physical form.


    "While Tia is an adult by the standards of the Germanic Star-Empire, her robotic form and holographic projection are that of a child. And because of this, I am not attracted to her in such a manner. Perhaps if she got a new robotic form and holographic projection that resembled that of a mature woman, then I would be more inclined to sleep with her..."


    Tia pouted at her master after learning the real reason he avoiding sleeping with her. All this time he had said she was cute, but he meant it in a childish way. This made her so angry she did not know what to think. How could she not think of that? Why was she so blind to such an obvious answer, and why had her previous master designed her to look like a literal child?


    With a heavy sigh, the robotic loli nodded her head before responding to Erich''s statement, just as his nanites began to flush the drug from his system.


    "Tia understands, and will manufacture a new robotic form in ordance with Master''s preferences, as well as update her holographic projection to match. If Master has any suggestions to make regarding her personality matrix, she will also adjust those as well..."


    After saying this Erich finally snapped back to reality, and looked around, as if he had gone to sleep for a few moments, before asking what had happened.


    "What happened? Am I still alive?"


    Tia was pouting towards him as she confirmed that he was indeed still alive.


    "That is correct... Master is still alive, and there were no signs of his brain activity fluctuating. However, we will have to run more tests to ensure that this result can be reliably be produced. Prepare yourself, Master, for the second injection."


    After saying that, Tia injected Erich again with another dose of the truth serum, and began to interrogate him further about his thoughts towards her, especially regarding any information he might be hiding.


    These trials went on for another whole month, before Erich was released, and Tia could confirm that her serum was now 100% safe for Sages. By the time Erich had snapped back to reality, he felt as if he had slept for an entire month, because he had almost no recollection of what had happened.


    But the good news was that Tia had also managed to track down several potential hideouts of Thyrin''s recement. And thus she gathered the crew at the bridge, where, much to their surprise, she had appeared in a new form, with an entirely new personality matrix.


    Tia no longer had the body of a middle school girl, with twintails, and an adorable face. Instead, she was a fully grown woman, with a voluptous body, long silver hair that cascaded over her left side, and most important an alluring and sultry voice. When she spoke, it almost resembled that of a femme fatale, as she approached her Master and kissed him on the lips so brazenly in front of everyone else.


    Good evening, Master... What do you think of Tia''s new appearance?"


    Erich was at a loss for words, especially since Tia''s soft, and supple silver robotic breasts were pressing against his chest. He had no idea what material she used to build her chassis, but it genuinely felt like human skin.


    Erich could hardly believe this was the same Tia who he had fostered into sentience. And was just about to ask her what the hell had happened when she turned around and activated the star map on the bridge''s central terminal, which quickly zoomed into Asuran space.


    "After what happened to the despot who harbored Thyrin, there is no independent world or system within Asuran space who would knowingly harbor a sage. Which means he or she is likely hiding in a world that belongs to a Deva or Devi.


    Tia has narrowed down a list of Cabal members who are sympathetic towards the Sages and have found four potential territories where the Sages might be hiding. She then cross-referenced that list with another from customs departments, which contained the identities of visitors and immigrants who had arrived since Thyrin''s death. After searching for those who are of the Elven species, Tia found a total of five worlds which might be hiding our target.


    So, Master, which world will you choose first?"


    Erich honestly did not know what to say... He was still confused about why Tia had suddenly chosen such a mature figure, not remembering that he outright admitted to her he was not sexually attracted to her previous form.


    And more importantly, he was starting to wonder just how soft the rest of her body was. Although he couldn''t see it due to the dress she was wearing, Erich could bet he could bounce a quarter off of Tia''s new ass. Thus, he stared in silence for several awkward moments before Tia asked him again for his decision.


    "Master? Weren''t you listening? What world will you choose to search first?"

 Chapter 256 Locating the Fugitive

    <h4>Chapter 256 Locating the Fugitive</h4>


    There were a handful of worlds for Erich to choose from when it came to searching for the sage. But Erich did not immediately choose, and instead decided he would make use of his essence of fate to pinpoint the exact location of the sage. Thus, when Tia asked the second time, he shook his head before informing her of these matters.


    "I can''t choose carelessly. If we go searching for our target in the wrong world, they might learn of our attempts and go deeper underground. No, this will take some careful maneuvering, and because of that, I n to make use of the essence of fate to determine the exact location of our fugitive..."


    Tia nodded her head in approval of her Master''s decision, and thus did not interfere any further. Instead, she grabbed hold of his robust chin with her dainty hand before whispering something tempting into his ears.


    "Now Master, how about the two of us head back to your personal quarters and test out this new body? After all, it was modeled exactly to the specifications of your deepest desires..."


    Erich did not immediately respond to this. He was about to ask how she knew such things, when he realized the AI had ess to his browsing history, and thus he sighed heavily, before agreeing to Tia''s request. After all, now that she was no longer a loli, he had no qualms about sleepign with her, even if she was an artificial intelligence embedded in a robotic body.


    "Alright Tia, that sounds like a n...."


    With that said, Tia grabbed hold of Erich''s hand and dragged him off to the captain''s quarters of the Vignce where the two of them made love. After which Erich took the capsule which contained the Essence of Fate and passed out.


    ---


    Once more, Erich found himself in the same void where he always found himself whenever he consumed the Essence of Fate. He stared intently at the screens, while the Sage whose consciousness was trapped greeted him.


    "You are back again... I''m beginning to wonder if you found a way to control the essence of fate...."


    Erich did not immediately respond to these words as he focused his gaze on the myriad of screens that kept appearing, all of which disy different potential futures. It was only after a minute passed did he respond to these words.


    "You could say that I had help when creating a drug that uses a proper dose of thepound so that I won''t end up stuck here in the void for eternity like you..."


    The Sage sighed and nodded her head, before expressing herment in regards to her situation.


    "A wise move.... In truth, we did not fully understand what we ere doing when we first created the essence of fate. Perhaps if we took a more scientific approach in its creation, I would not be stuck here... But then again, the Sages are not chemists, and the creation of the drug was a top secret affair. So tell me, what are you looking for now?"


    Erich sighed heavily after staring at the screens for what appeared to be a lifetime before expressing what he was looking for.


    "I am searching for another sage. Myst two prisoners expired prematurely, and because of that, I need to get a third. I have narrowed down the worlds which he or she might be hiding on, but I need a precise answer, or else they may flee further into hiding!"


    The Sage did not even need to examine the screens, instead she pointed to one of them which disyed an unsettled world within Asuran space. On the screen only megafauna, and primitive lifeforms seemed to roam thend. Yet there was an air of certainty in the sage''s voice as she gave Erich the location he was looking for.


    "You are looking in the wrong ces... If the sages have truly gone into hiding like you im, then it is likely that they have left the Milky Way. Even I don''t know what dwarf gxy they have fled to, or the world they now seek refuge in.


    But that was the n we had devised eons ago when we first learned of the Dark Sage''s existence... Unfortunately for you, I entered the void before those ns came to fruition. But what I do know is that the Sages you seek are those left behind tobat your influence, and report your activities back to the rest.


    Since you have already gotten rid of the Sage stationed on Vit-loka, his recement will have gone into hiding where you would least expect it. A world that is not yet a part of the gcticmunity. No doubt he is ryingmunications with his brothers and sisters throughout the gxy, waiting for the time to renter civilized society..."


    This was a lot of information to unfold, but the first thing that came to mind was the idea that the Sages had fled the gxy. As far as Erich knew, no explorer had ventured beyond the borders of the Milky Way, even to one of the many sattelite dwarf gxies. And thus he was quick to ask about this.


    "Hold on... Did you seriously just say the Sages fled the Milky Way Gxy? How is this possible? The technology to do so does not exist yet!"


    However the Sage shook her head before correcting Erich''s mistakes.


    "That is not entirely true. The Sage''s long agomissioned vessels that could take them beyond the borders of the Milky Way. It was a valuable asset that we hid, even from the Alfheim Empress. If you do not find the sage who knows their location, you will spend the rest of eternity searching for them.


    Oh? I am afraid our time is nearly up, so I won''t be able to answer any more of your questions. You should spend what little time you have, looking at the screen I showed you, so that you might find where in this world your target is hiding. Good bye for now... And good luck!"


    After saying this, the Sage''s consciousness faded into nothing, while Erich focused on the uncivilized world that the Sage had pointed to. If he had something topare it to, it would be like the Mesolithic era from Earth''s history.


    The "intelligent" lifeform on this was living in small tribes and viges, making use of stone tools. They were on the brink of discovering agriculture and animal husbandry. If not for the Sage''s advice, Erich would never even pay attention to such a primitive world.


    And then, right as Erich came out of his dream and re-entered reality, he saw on the screen something which pointed in the direction of the Sage. A small rock carving in the center of a vige clearly disyed a being with humanoid features and pointy ears.


    Unfortunately, Erich did not have time to fully examine this rock carving, and immediately woke up, to see Tia''s glowing blue eyes staring at him with a curious expression on her beautiful robotic face.


    "Did you have good dreams, Master?"


    It took Erich a moment to put his thoughts together, but when he did, he sighed heavily before revealing what he had learned.


    "We are looking for the sage in the wrong ces... He or she has sought refuge in a primitive world... In fact, if my visions are correct, then the majority of the Sages may have already fled the milky way entirely..."


    Tia sighed and nodded her head, almost as if she had considered the possibility. Before revealing her thoughts on the matter.


    "Though the odds were against such a thing, I always thought it was at the very least probable that they had done so. After all, the Sages number in the thousands, if not tens of thousands. And yet after searching gctic records from every interster civilization, I can''t seem to find any trace of the majority of them.


    As for this, the matter of our target hiding in a primitive world. How sure are you? I must admit, I did not exactly search for suchs when calcting where they were most likely hiding."


    Erich thought about Tia''s question for several minutes before answering her with his honest thoughts on the matter.


    "Honestly? I saw some evidence to support the idea that, at the very least, an Elf is hiding in the world. But whether or not it is our target, I can''t say for certain. If I had to put a number on it, I''d say I''m 90% certain we will find our fugitive in this unnamed world..."


    Erich then gave Tia the coordinates, which she effortlesslymanded the Vignce to change its course. All while lying in Erich''s arms, and hugging the man as if she never wanted to let go. After all, her consciousness was embedded in the ship, and could operate its entire controls remotely. Once she had aplished this, she sighed heavily before speaking her thoughts aloud.


    "I hope this doesn''t turn out to be a wild goose chase..."


    Erich smiled as he petted the woman''s hair before speaking his own thoughts.


    "I hope so too...."

 Chapter 257 Hunting a Fugitive

    <h4>Chapter 257 Hunting a Fugitive </h4>


    The vigncended on the primitive world, where Tia quickly scanned the for any signs of intelligent life. There was indeed a native species that had evolved to the point of intelligence, at least enough to develop stone tools and basic viges.


    Despite her best efforts, Tia failed to detect the life signature of an Elf. Still, this did not mean that the fugitive was not on this. After all, the Alfheim Dominion had some of the most advanced technology in the gxy, and the Sages were clearly hiding certain things from the rest of the Milky Way.


    It was entirely possible that he had brought with him a jammer that was sufficient enough to block out Tia''s sensors. Because of this, Tia sighed heavily before informing Erich about what would have to happen.


    "I am afraid that Master is going to have to descend to the surface of this primitive world with anding party. I would suggest taking M and Mirage. As they are your two crew members, who are the most well versed inbat and primitive survival... Good luck Master, Tia will monitor the system to ensure that Master is not interrupted!"


    Erich sighed and entered the armory, where he found both Mirage and M were suiting up for battle. The two of them both wore their power armor and equipped themselves with their favorite weapons.


    M, of course, was wielding Erich''s power hammer, while Mirage was equipped with a long range sniper rifle. After ensuring that they were properly equipped, the trio entered the shuttle, which departed from the frigate and headed to the world below.


    ---


    The sage in question saw the shuttle descending from the atmosphere. After all, such a thing was easily noticeable, considering there was nothing else in the skies of this world other than some small flying species.


    When the sage saw this, he sighed heavily and shook his head. He drank the juice of a particr fruit which grew on this world and sighed heavily as he spoke to himself in a solemn tone....


    "He has found me.... Perhaps revealing myself to these primitive lifeforms was a mistake after all. After all, a proper sage can detect the smallest traces of interference in a developing society if they truly know where to look. But where did this novice gain such instruction? Now that is the question..."


    After saying this, the sage stood up and pulled up his hood, as he began to climb further into the mountains, hoping to lead Erich away from his campsite. Where his transmitter was sending vital information to his allies.


    ---


    When the shuttlended outside a small vige, and Erich deployed out from the rear hatch, he witnessed a variety of stone age aliens standing before him with spears in their hands. They were terrified about who this extra terrestrial was.


    After all, the sage had not made such a bombastic entrance, and instead pretended as if he were their god. He had even gone so far as to grant them knowledge in many fields. So that they could begin starting their first civilization.


    Erich, however, was dressed in all ck power armor. The only bit of color on it was the golden archon symbol which was proudly disyed on his right pauldron. In his hand was an advanced particle rifle. He did not bother raising the weapon in an offensive manner, knowing that the primitive weapons of these aliens could not harm him.


    In fact the Aliens, were quite small in stature, much smaller than the Seven foot tall Germanic man, and his Orc wife, who stood at an equal height. While they weren''t as small as goblins, these small bipedal aliens were almost like anthropomorphic foxes. Or at least were very simr to vulpines in overall appearance.


    The aliens spoke in their localnguage, which, thanks to Erich''s universal trantor, he could actually understand what they were saying. It was an advanced piece of technology that detected speech patterns, and ran them through a program to trante the individual words into those which were simr in Erich''s native tongue.


    "It is the Dark one! As foretold by the mighty one! Brothers to arms!"


    With this said one of the furry little creatures charged at Erich, where he simply reached out and picked the alien up by the neck, he applied only a slight bit of pressure, but it was enough to cause the alien lifeform to yelp in pain. Erich''s words were then tranted to the little beast while he spoke in a sinister tone.


    "Take me to this mighty one you speak of! Or I will wipe out your entire vige!"


    The other aliens quickly attacked Erich with their spears, but the stone spearheads did not even leave a scratch on Erich''s armor. This caused the man to sigh heavily as he flung them aside with a light kick.


    Erich then applied even greater pressure to the alien''s throat, who was caught in his grasp, before pulling out his sidearm and shooting one of the vigers in the head. The energy beam shot straight through the creature''s skull and into the ground behind him, leaving a slight scorch mark. This was a terrifying sight to the stone age lifeforms, who immediately threw down their weapons and bowed before Erich as if he were a rival god to the sage, who they referred to as the "mighty one."


    "Please... We will lead you to the mighty one... Just don''t harm our vige!"


    Satisfied with this response, Erich released the grip he had over the little fox creature, and let him drop the floor, where the alien took several deep breaths. Erich, however, was not willing to wait for him to catch his breath and was quick to point this out.


    "Lead the way...."


    With this in mind, the small fox like humanoids, began to lead Erich and his party through the woods and towards the location where they knew that the "mighty one" resided. It was an actual mud hut, and when Erich kicked down the door, he was not surprised to find that nobody was home. This immediately caused the little aliens to panic as they pleaded with Erich to spare them.


    "Please! He''s normally here! I don''t know where he could have gone! Don''t hurt us!"


    Erich, however, did not pay attention to these pleas for mercy, and instead scanned his surroundings, looking for anything that might be hidden within the mud hut or the dirt beneath it. And though he did not find anything of intrinsic value, he did find a trail of footprints that led to the mountainside. With this in mind, Erich left the hut, and the vige behind, where he and his party began to ascend the mountain in search of their fugitive.


    The little fox people sighed in relief once Erich was gone, and gazed upon his shuttle with awe. They gathered around the vehicle and touched it for some time, looking for a way inside. Of course, they would never figure out how to do so.


    ---


    Mirage began toin as she walked up the mountain on foot. She did not know why Erich had decided not to bring along one of the all-terrain vehicles they kept on board the Frigate, and was quick to make this known.


    "I still have no idea why they were didn''t bring the fucking tempest! We are chasing this asshole on foot! Why? Why would we do that?"


    Erich scoffed when he heard this, before lecturing Mirage on hercency.


    "You have been out of the field for too long if you don''t know why we are hunting this fugitive down on foot. Are your scanners even active? If we were to have taken the tempest, it would be difficult to detect the footprints while moving at such high speeds! Now shut the fuck up. I think I heard something!"


    Sure enough, a branch was cracked in the distance, no doubt stepped on by a living creature, which caused Erich to spring in its direction at full speed. Knowing that he had been found, the Sage began to run for his life, but how could he outrun a man who was gically engineers for the purpose ofbat? Not only was Erich faster than a racehorse when he was on foot, but his power armor enhanced those already superhuman speeds.


    Erich immediately caught up with his target and switched his rifle to stun as he fired a shot that went down range and dropped the man, who began to roll down the cliff, as if he had been tied with an invisible bolo.


    This caused Erich to scream out in joy as he chased after the man, alerting hisrades to his whereabouts as he did so.


    "Got one!"


    With this, Erich had captured his target. However, whether he would be able to effectively bring him back to the Vignce''s holding cell was another story entirely. After all, they were in an unknown world that was full of potential dangers, and they were a long ways away from the shuttle.

 Chapter 258 Survival of the Fittest

    <h4>Chapter 258 Survival of the Fittest</h4>


    Erich immediately hogtied the sage once he had stunned the man, before throwing him over his shoulder. The fugitive could not even scream at Erich because he had bound the man''s mouth with rope. This was a measure done to ensure that the prisoner did not attempt suicide by bitting off his tongue.


    After all, Erich had gone to great lengths to secure this prisoner, and thest thing he wanted was for the bastard to end his own life before he could be properly interrogated. Thus, Erich carried the man off, as he ascended the mountain to get back to hisrades who were providing overwatch for him.


    Naturally, they did not expect to get into a battle with armed hostiles, but one could never be too careful when you were in a strange and foreign world. Once Erich had climbed back to hisrades, they noticed something peculiar. A storm had begun to rage, and it was quite a nasty one.


    This sudden change in weather had seeminglye out of nowhere, almost as if the heavens were punishing them for their act of malice. And although their power armor was resistant against even the most extreme elements, the Sage was not actually wearing anything other than primitive furs, knowing that if they continued to march back to their shuttle in this current weather, the sage might expire. Erich sighed heavily before conceding that they needed to find shelter.


    "Mirage M, search for an area to wait out the storm. I will watch our prisoner!"


    Mirage sighed heavily while nodding her head. She then began to wander off in another direction, while M did the same. This left Erich alone with his hostage, who he stared at through his power armor''s visor, while monitoring the man''s vital signs.


    The man was still in good health, but if he remained in the freezing rain for too long, then he was at risk of his body''s temperature dropping. Thus, Erich shook his head and scoffed before revealing his thoughts on the absurdity of this whole situation.


    "You know it didn''t have to be this way.... If you bastards had just left me well enough alone, you''d still be sitting in your bastions of power. With all of your devoted followers worshipping the very ground you walk upon."


    The sage merely red at Erich with hatred in his eyes. Despite the truth behind Erich''s words, the sage would never be able to admit to himself that Erich was right. After all, Erich was the enemy of his order prophesied eons ago, to lead to their destruction in his rise to power, before setting the gxy aze in a thousand years of conquest, one that would permanently destabilize the bnce of power that had so hardly been fought for throughout the years.


    ---


    M was an expert tracker and scout, in addition to being a warrior. The orcs hade from primitive origins, and kept with them their cultural traditions that led to them being able to trailze in any world no matter what state it was in. Feral world like this was actually quite enjoyable to the Orcish beauty, who did not even use the advanced sensors in her helmet to search for shelter.


    She was, after all, in apetition with Mirage, even if her rival did not realize this. There were so many women surrounding Erich, and M felt rather insecure about this. Though polygamy wasmon among her species, especially among the most fearsome of her people''s male warriors. There was always a hierarchy among the brides.


    But there was no such hierarchy among Erich''s many women. And because of this, M did not know exactly what ce she held in his heart and mind. Thus, she wanted to prove herself as a valuable asset, as she used all of her wilderness survival knowledge to find the perfect shelter to wait out the storm in.


    And sure enough, the woman found it. It had taken no more than ten minutes for the green-skinned beauty to find a cave. One that was structurally sound. There was only one problem. There was some kind of beast inside of it. A beast that was clearly a predator like her self.


    When the beast caught M''s scent, it emerged from its home, to reveal that it was a colossal creature, almost like a blend between a sabertooth cat and a bear. If the mighty beast stood on its hind legs, it could easily be three meters tall, and weigh as much as a metric ton.


    Yet despite the fearsome creature''s overwhelming size and strength, M did not seem dismayed or intimidated in the slightest. Instead, she gripped hold of her power hammer firmly within her hands and charged at the monster with a fearsome roar.


    ---


    Meanwhile Mirage was in another section of the mountains, where she came across some particrly troublesome flying reptiles. This world was strange in so far that it was made up of a single supercontinent, with a mixture of megafauna. Some of these, for example, were colossal mammalians like the one M encountered, while others were packs of giant flying lizards with a two meter wingspan.


    Mirage had identally stumbled into a massive cave, where these winged reptiles were resting. The moment she entered the area, they began to swarm her and attack, almost like they were a swing of bees. Using their teeth and ws in a desperate attempt to rip her to shreds.


    Of course, her power armor was made from some of the most durable materials in the known gxy, and because of this, they could not even scratch the paint job. Leaving her with only one option: to st her way out. Of course, a sniper rifle was not exactly ideal to the close quarters of as cave. Thus, she was forced to withdraw her sidearm and shoot each of these flying reptiles one at a time until the entire swarm had perished from her fury.


    ---


    Ultimately, nearly thirty minutes passed before Erich receivedmunications from his tworades. Both of which reported cave like structures that were solid in foundation and were recently "vacated."


    Erich did not even want to know what kind of mess the two women had encountered, but ultimately, after hearing their harrowing tales and the location of the two shelters, he decided to go with the one M had found. Specifically, because it was closer to their shuttle, and because a more fearsome beast had lived inside of it. Meaning that other predators in the area were more likely to avoid it.


    With this, Erich picked up his captive and carried him off to the location that M had marked on the map, which the AI in their helmets had made as they passively explored the world. The trio


    would rendezvous at the cave, where their next task was to keep their prisoner alive. After all, he had been exposed to the elements for a long time, and it would take more than just a heat pack to keep the man''s body temperature up.

 Chapter 259 Surviving on a Primitive World

    <h4>Chapter 259 Surviving on a Primitive World</h4>


    Once Erich and the others had regrouped at the cave, Mirage began building a fire, while M went out to hunt. They had little field rations with them, and would need food and fresh water to sustain their captive.


    As species that were gically engineered for the purpose ofbat, Erich and hisrades would not need to eat, drink, or sleep for an extended period of time before it began to negatively affect their health.


    But the Elves had rarely experimented with their own genome. It was considered taboo by many societies for a plethora of reasons to embrace the ideas of gic augmentation and eugenics. Thus, an elven sage still required regr nourishment to survive.


    Meanwhile, Erich unfastened the bindings of his captive so he could strip the man out of his clothes. After all, wearing clothes that were soaked by a frozen rainstorm was not exactly a wise idea if one wished to survive. Erich then pulled out his emergency kit and applied a heat pack to the sage''s chest.


    The heat pack stuck to the chest like an adhesive, and rapidly rose to the man''s body temperature. It was a vital piece of medical supplies in survival situations where one could easily die from hyperthermia.


    Knowing that he could not fight his way out, the sageplied with Erich''s actions. And after Erich had ensured that his captive''s body temperature had recovered, he once more stunned the man, before binding him again, where Erich thenid the sage by the fire so he could dry up.


    Mirage simply scoffed and shook her head, as she took her helmet off, beforementing on the naked man tied up in front of her.


    "You know, if someone were to stumble upon this scene, they might think we were a group of perverts..."


    Erich also took off his helmet, where he chuckled at the woman''s remarks. His rifle was still in his hands as he kept a watchful eye on his prisoner. He then made ament that made Mirage concerned.


    "Eh, that should be the least of our worries. We have no idea how long storms typicallyst on this. We might be trapped here for weeks. Maybe even months."


    However, Mirage shook her head, before mentioning something to Erich which he hadn''t thought about.


    "If it really turns out to be that bad, we could always contact Tia and have hernd the fucking frigate. She would be able to dispatch a tempest to pick us all up. Of course, I''d rather not get rescued by the fucking robot...."


    It was at this moment that Erich heard Tia''s new alluring voice resound in his head, as shemented on Mirage''s attitude.


    "Oh my? Does Tia detect a hint of jealousy from the harlot? You know what, just for that remark, the next time she dies, Tia is going to have her consciousness download into a new body that resembles the one that Master first met her in. Let''s see how the bitch likes it when she''s a mutant for the rest of her life!''


    Erich chuckled as he shook his head. Tia had grown up to be quite the vindictive bitch, and he found that amusing. As for Mirage, she had no idea what the man wasughing at, but decided not to ask.


    In order to shift the awkward atmosphere, Erich walked over to the prisoner and pointed the barrel of his rifle in the man''s face, before exining what was going to happen.


    "Alright, I''m going to take that gag out of your mouth, and if I even detect a hint of you trying to bite your own tongue, I''m going to shoot you again. The stun is set to maximum settings, so you won''t even be able to move a muscle. You will bepletely petrified, you understand me?"


    The sage nodded his head, showing that he acknowledged Erich''s words, which Erich then pulled the gag out of the man''s mouth before asking some simple questions.


    "Normally I''d wait to begin this interrogation until we got back to the ship, but since we have fuck all to do for the next few days, I figured I''d ask you a few questions. Answer them correctly, and you will be rewarded with food and water. Lie to me, or refuse to answer, and you will only be fed the minimum amount to keep your dumb ass alive, you understand? So, what is the capital of the Alfheim Dominion?"


    The sage rolled his eyes before answering the obvious question.


    "Obviously it would be the world of Alfheim... What kind of questions are these?"


    Erich had started off his interrogation with a series of questions that were designed to observe the man''s vital functions with his NeuroLink. These questions were to provide a baseline for the man''s heartbeat, eye movement, etc.


    Once Erich had confirmed how the man reacted to telling the truth, he began the real interrogation.


    "What is your name and rank?"


    Upon hearing this, the sage sighed heavily before revealing his identity to his captors."


    "Felenar Coldbreath, Prophet Second ss..."


    Erich had watched the man''s vitals the entire time he had said that, and they matched the numbers he got when Felenar spoke the truth. Thus, he made a mental note of this before asking the next question on his mind.


    "What is your purpose for hiding on this primitive world?"


    Felenar sighed once more before answering the question honestly, he knew that he was not in a position to lie. Especially since he had figured out Erich''s goal with his first few questions, even if it was a little bitte.


    "My objective, was to hide in Asuran Space, until a time where it was safe to re-enter civilized society. From there, I was supposed to monitor your movements and report them to my superiors. As for any other questions you might have, I will not be answering them, even if you torture me. So you might as well not waste either of our time...."


    Erich smirked and nodded his head as he heard this. He then tossed the man the bag of beef strips before mocking him.


    "Sure, whatever you say pal.... Soon enough, you will be chirping like a songbird. And when you do, I will know all the secrets you hide in that brain of yours. But for now, you should get some rest...."


    After Felenar had devoured the beef strips, Erich shot him with the rifle once more, stunning him into a petrified state, where Erich then bound and gagged the man for the third time on this day. Once he had done so, he looked outside the cave entrance and noticed that the star was setting, where he then made ament about his missing wife.


    "I sure hope M is alright out there...."


    Mirage simply rolled her eyes before making an offhandment about what she thought was an absurd situation.


    "You worry too much... There is nothing on this world that can possibly harm that woman...."

 Chapter 260 A Royal Summons

    <h4>Chapter 260 A Royal Summons</h4>


    Soon enough, the storm cleared, and Erich was able to drag his captive back to the shuttle. Which allowed him to head back to the Vignce. Once on board, Erich strapped the Sage into the interrogation chair, while Tia administered the perfected version of her Truth Serum, which was whollypatible with the unique brain chemistry of those who could see the future.


    It took only a few moments for the drug to take effect, and when it did, the man was as docile andpliant as all of his predecessors. Tia did not hesitate to ask the first question she had, which was for the specific code which was required to ess the Sage''s uniquemunicationwork. Which the prisoner immediately handed over, not that he actually had a choice in the matter.


    Because of this, Tia was quick to crack the code, and listen to the chatter between the Sages or at least that of those operatives who still remained in the milky way gxy. Once she had this, she could monitor theirmunications at all hours of the day, until they finally slipped up and revealed the location of their leader. The so-called Great Prophet First ss who was in charge of the Sages who remained in the gxy.


    As for the prisoner, Tia left him to Erich''s interrogation, and thus Erich grilled the man for everything he knew. Which apparently wasn''t much. Though he was given a lead on the next sage on the food chain. Erich did not immediately make a move. Instead, he wanted to wait until he could catch the biggest fish of them all.


    Thus, after conducting his interrogation, and learning everything there was to know, Erich handed the prisoner over to Tia, or more specifically, the prisonplex she had built on her, for the purpose of experimentation. She had a few uses in mind for a Sage, such as finding out how to synthesize the essence of fate, which until now could only be created by extracting a fluid within a Sage''s brain.


    And while Tia worked on this project, as well as monitored the Sage''smunications, Erich received an official summons by Empress Lunaria, who requested he visit her on Alfheim. As much as Erich felt he was too busy to entertain a booty call, he could not very well dismiss a royal summons. Thus, he did as he was instructed and piloted the Vignce back into Alfheim space.


    ---


    Lunaria and Celestia were both waiting for Erich in the pce throne room. They were both wearing rather revealing dresses, but this was not out of the norm of Elven women, and thus he bowed before the two members of royalty, while asking them why he had been summoned.


    "Your Majesty, Your Highness, it is a pleasure to finally see you both again, but may I ask why have I been summoned?"


    Lunaria wore a rather stoic expression, as she requested a progress report on Erich''s ongoing war with the Sages.


    "I would like to know what you have aplished so far in your struggles to fight the Sages. It has been nearly two years since I made you an archon, and surely you have made some progress in this regard?"


    Erich hadpletely forgotten to keep the Alfheim Empress in the loop of his activities and nearly smacked himself in the head for making such a blunder. He then took a deep breath, and exined how far he had managed toe, but only after he made sure that they were all alone in the room.


    Lunaria had obviously noticed that Erich looked different from thest time they had met. He was taller now, and even more handsome than before. And thus that was her next question, which Erich avoided answering honestly, simply because it would reveal Tia''s existence, instead he smiled and made up a lie on the spot.


    "I received an upgrade, you could say. After perishing in battle, I found myself resurrected in a cloning facility, where my body had been given thetest upgrades."


    This, of course, caused Lunaria to raise her brow, beforementing on this matter with a hostile tone in her voice.


    "Oh really? That''s odd? I thought for sure I set it so you would be revived in one of my facilities, and yet, I have no record of you losing your life or being resurrected. Do you mind exining this matter to me?"


    Erich realized he had made a mistake, because after all, the moment he became an Archon, Lunaria had said she would be taking control of his revival from that moment on, yet Tia had hijacked control of this important aspect of his survival, because she did not trust his life in the hands of anyone else.


    Knowing that he had been caught in a lie, Erich began to break out into a nervous sweat. After all, Lunaria was a deeply possessive woman, one who did not like the idea of sharing Erich, and one who wanted to assert her control over him.


    Yet, now that his resurrection was no longer in her hands, and he was beginning to form his own power base by uniting the orc ns. She was starting to be quite paranoid, and this was clear by the look in her golden eyes, as well as the tone in her voice.


    "Erich.... Do not lie to me! You promised there would be no secrets between us!"


    Just when Erich could not think of an excuse to give the woman, Tia''s voice resounded in his mind, informing him how to escape this matter unscathed. Which he repeated her words precisely to Lunaria, whose gaze was growing more fearsome.


    "I temporarily gave control over to the GSE when they offered to give me an upgrade. Though full control has since been returned to your hands. I did not think you would be so angry. Please forgive me, my love...."


    Perhaps luck was on his side, but Lunaria seemed to have bought into this line, especially after speaking it over with her daughter. Both of which seemed to be quite concerned about Erich, and the liberties he was taking as an Archon.


    After several moments of silent discussion among themselves, it was Celestia who finally spoke, but there was a hint of seriousness in her golden eyes as she did so.


    "You have been forgiven for your transgressions. However, in order to be fully absolved of your sins against the Asterion dynasty, you must perform penance...."


    Erich immediately knew where this was headed and smirked as he gazed up at the two beautiful Elven women before speaking his thoughts aloud.


    "Then shall we begin?"

 Chapter 261 Travelling to the Smuggler’s Moon

    <h4>Chapter 261 Travelling to the Smuggler''s Moon</h4>


    Erich awoke the next morning in the arms of the Alfheim Empress, and her near identical daughter. The two of them had made sure he had "paid the price" for lying to them the previous day, by sucking him dry all night long.


    Naturally the fact that Erich was in a rtionship with these two women was kept as an utmost secret, and thus, not even the maids were allowed to enter Lunaria''s quarters as Erich slowly dressed himself, before absconding to the scene of his crime.


    Once outside of the Empress''s bedroom, he heard Tia''s new alluring voice in his ears.


    "Master is such a bad boy, sleeping with the Alfheim Empress and her Royal daughter. If anyone were to find out about this, it would be the biggest scandal in gctic history!"


    Erich simply scoffed as he rolled his eyes before exiting the Alfheim Pce and returning to his personal starship, where Tia and his crew were waiting for him. Mirage had a look of disgust on her face, as she was one of the few people who hade to learn about Erich''s affairs with the Alfheim Empress and Princess.


    But Erich quickly changed this expression on the woman''s pretty face by weing her with a kiss. Ultimately, she could not stay mad at the man, and thus epted him back from his little dalliance with loving arms.


    Once the Vignce had taken off from the Alfheim homeworld, Erich checked with Tia to see if there had been any updated regarding themunications of the Sages, which much to his surprise, she had actually managed to achieve significant results in the few weeks it took them to travel across the gxy and back to the Alfheim homeworld.


    "Actually Master, Tia has indeed gained some results. Tia has been acting as if she were the sage known as Felenar. It was not difficult to mimic his mannerisms and speech after studying him for a few weeks.


    Because of this, Tia has set up a meeting with the man in charge. You won''t believe what world he will be in.... Go ahead Master, take a guess?"


    Erich''s luck was exemry in that moment, because he quickly guessed from the that the Greater Sage First ss would be meeting "Felenar" on.


    "Oh, I don''t know. How about Svartalfheim?"


    Tia pouted when she heard this before expressing her thoughts aloud.


    "Master is no fun...."


    Despite her expression, Erich was actually quite happy. He had brought Sinaria with him after it took much convincing on his part to get Lunaria to allow him to do so. And until now, she had not proven to be very useful in their campaign. But now that they would be travelling to the homeworld of her species, to meet with a Greater Sage, she could finally pull her weight. And he was quick to express this sentiment.


    "Well... It looks like Sinaria will finally be some use to us."


    The woman in question just so happened to be entering the bridge when she heard this, which caused her to scoff at the very notion.


    "Oh joy? It is finally my time as a prisoner to be of use to my captors? Let me guess, you will be using me to gain safe entry into Svartalfheim space?"


    Erich nodded his head when he heard the woman''s snarky remark, which caused her to roll her eyes, before informing Erich how foolish that n was.


    "Even if I do vouch for you, I have been AWOL for two whole years now. The moment we enter Svartalfheim Space, we will be boarded and interrogated about where I have been, and why I have a former prisoner with me! That is, if you are stupid enough to announce my identity to the first authorities wee into contact with.


    I''m afraid we''re going to need aliases, and all the fake documents that will be required to ovee Federation security. It won''t be cheap or easy to obtain..."


    It was at this moment that Kali entered the scene with a smug smile on her pretty face as she made an announcement that caused Sinaria to sulk.


    "And that is precisely where Ie in. I can get us in contact with some of the criminal elements of the Svartalfheim Federation who will be more than happy to forge our identities for us. Although we will need a new ship.... Entering Svartalfheim Space in an Alfheim warship is just asking for trouble. But I know someone who can get you a good deal...."


    Although Tia wanted to announce that she could quite literally handle all of these matters herself. She could tell that her master was enjoying the fact that the two women he had recruited for his cause were finally proving useful, and thus she remainedpletely silent on the matter.


    Erich was so swept up in the moment of cooperation that he was happy to ept Kali''s ns, and thus, he was quick to ask her where they should fly to first.


    "Alright, so we pick up a new starship, one that is far less conspicuous, and then we meet with the Federation gangs who you have contact with. So what system are we flying to first?"


    Kali immediately smirked as she essed a nearby terminal and plotted a course towards a system on the borders of Asuran and Svartalfheim space, where arge gas giant was the only in the system, but it was not the gas giant that was the object of their destination, but rather one of its many moons.


    "In my people''s tongue, it''s called the taskar ka chandrama, otherwise known as the smuggler''s moon. If it exists, you can buy it there. So unless there is anything else we wanted to do first, I suppose we get a move on."


    Erich nodded his head when he heard this, and plotted the course, before activating the warp drive which sent them flying through another dimension as they traversed across the gxy in record time. When Erich and his team arrived at the smuggler''s moon, they might be surprised to find out that they would get more than they bargained for.

 Chapter 262 The Smuggler’s Moon

    <h4>Chapter 262 The Smuggler''s Moon</h4>


    The Smuggler''s Moon was arge moon orbiting a gas giant in a solitary system just on the border of Federation Space. It was ruled by a despot who maintained absolute neutrality, both in cabal affairs and gctic politics.


    If something was for sale, it could be found on the smuggler''s moon. Whether it was legal items, or illicit contraband, as long as you had the cash, or something of equal value, then you could get your hands on it here on this moon.


    The moon itself was hollowed out and turned into an ecumenopolis. Because of this, it could house far more people than it might appear able to on its surface. The moment the Vignce pulled into the system, they were osted by an array ofmunications, all from the smuggler''s moon, of course.


    After all, the Vignce was a warship, and warships were not usually weed in this neutral sector of space.


    "Warning to the Frigate of Unknown Origin. This space is neutral to any and all conflicts. You are encouraged to jump to a new system with expediency, or will be treated as hostile. You have exactly five minutes toply!"


    Tia immediately got the station on the line, where she informed them that they were not affiliated with any military, and were merely a civilian militia vessel looking for resupply. She even handed over fake credentials to confirm this lie.


    Once the Station realized they were not a military vessel, they were far more weing, as they approved an appropriatending zone for such arge ship. They even offered an apology despite it not being worth much.


    "Apologies for the misunderstanding. It is not every day that a frigate jumps into this system. Please proceed to the hangar bay which has been assigned to your vessel. And wee to the Smuggler''s Moon!"


    After saying this, thems operator hung up, leaving Erich and his crew to sigh in relief. Kali had feigned an expression of na?ve innocence on her pretty face when she finally broke the awkward silence that existed.


    "I may have forgotten to mention that they treat warships with hostility.... That was a close one, wasn''t it?"


    The entire crew red at Kali for her mistake, which only caused the atmosphere to be more awkward. Ultimately, it was Erich who gave the orders for the crew to depart from the vessel once it hadnded on the Smugglers'' Moon.


    ---


    Immediately upon entering the moon-wide city, Erich was amazed at what he saw. Truly, the entire world was one giant shopping center, and in the center of it all was a massive casino/resort. Where people from all over the gxy woulde to gamble away their life savings in the hopes of winning a fortune.


    Unlike the Germanic Star-Empire, which had a strict code of conduct for what was allowed in architecture, and what wasn''t. Every building was different on this moon, and holographic projections were stered outside every building, advertising what was for sale within.


    On more than one asion, Erich and his team passed by a ver''s den, which was selling exotic and beautiful women, though, because this was a criminal moon, they were also selling men and children as well. All of which were intended for a single purpose.


    Once more Alex found himself in a den of vice, one which he found himself deeply ufortable in. Kali, however, appeared to thrive in the environment, and as an Asuran everywhere she went, people paid her respect, even if they did not know just who she was. This respect was also afforded to all of herpanions, proving that taking the woman into his crew was a wise decision.


    Since she had been to this ce before, Kali was the one who led Erich and the others towards the section of the moon which sold starships. If you were buying a starship on the smuggler''s moon, there was a good chance it was acquired through less than legal means.


    But because of this, they could be fetched for a fair price. Not that money was really an issue to Erich. After all, his finances were constantly monitored by Tia, who ensured he gained a fortune with every passing second. In all honesty, Erich did not know how much he was worth, but it was by no means a small amount. Clearly it was enough to buy an entire, and industrialize it.


    Eventually, after passing many stores and stalls, Erich and the others arrived in arge section of the moon, which had various starships. Thergest of which were about the size of a corvette from a minor power. Meaning they were roughly 155 meters in length from stern to bow.


    But it was not one of these ships that Erich and his crew were looking for, instead, they were looking for an exploration vessel of moderate size. One that could house their current crew. It also had to be equipped with a certain amenities that made life much morefortable for the crew.


    After all, if Erich wanted a small ship, that could house him and his crew, and blend in with other ships in the federation. He could always go and fetch his Hydra Privateer, which was stashed away in storage within the Germanic Star-Empire.


    But that was a small ship, one which was not suited to housing so many people for extended durations of time. And thus, they needed something much muchrger. Luckily for Erich, his eyes fell upon a ship that was exactly what he was looking for.


    In fact, he had seen this very ship for sale in the Germanic Star-Empire when he was buying his privateer. How the Smuggler''s Moon had gotten ahold of a Germanic Military Exploration Vessel, which was also sold to the civilian popce. Erich did not know, but it appeared to be in pristine condition.


    The ship was 126.50 meters long, with a white and ck paint job. It also had a slight red trim on it. Along with red tinted ss. Not only that, but the ship came with a small hangar bay, which could house a small shuttle. Which, coincidentally enough, was included in the package.


    The cargo space on this ship was quite extensive, and it could even house a moderate sizednd based vehicle. Ultimately, it was an ideal ship for space exploration. And though the interior was utilitarian in nature, it was still extremelyfortable, with three dry baths, and toilets and enough bunks for six people.


    The medical bay was a plus, and though it wasn''t as grand as the one on board the Vignce, with enough modification from Tia, it could prove to be just as useful, especially for a crew of this size. Kali noticed that Erich was interested in this ship and decided to be useful for once. She approached the merchant who was selling the vessel, a man who immediately recognized who she was.


    He was about to drop to his knees, and worship the mighty Devi, when she raised one finger to her lips and shushed them an.


    ''Shhhh... Do not blow my cover!"


    The man silently nodded his head with an anxious expression before calming his nerved. After a few moments, he wore a perfect facade as he acted as if Kali were just another customer.


    "Ah, you have a good eye if you are interested in this mighty vessel. An exploration ship from a distant corner of Alfheim Space. The designers of this craft knew exactly what they were doing, and I might say the engineering is wless.


    Though the one downside is the technological limitations of the creators, who appear to be a Tier I sub-gctic power. Luckily for you, I have swapped out all the primaryponents with top of the line Asuran parts! This thing is guaranteed to get you across the gxy, and perhaps even beyond, at a reasonable pace!"


    Erich approached the man, clearly interested in the vessel. And why wouldn''t he be? It was one of his people''s design, despite the fact that the merchant did not seem to know this.


    "How much for it?"


    The man looked immediately could tell Erich was with Kali, and was quick to offer a reasonable discount, normally he would give it to Kali free of charge, but since she said not to blow her cover, he was forced to give him the bare minimum price that was still reasonable in the eyes of any observers.


    "Normally I would charge you 27 million Asuran credits for such a marvelous vessel, but since you are apanion of this lovely Asuran, I will knock down the price to five million. Does that sound fair to you?"


    Erich did not know how many Asuran credits he had, but he heard Tia''s voice in his head, as she confirmed the money was indeed in his ount and could be transferred at a moment''s notice.


    "Tia has just converted some of your Alfheim Credits into Asuran Credits at a favorable rate. You can purchase the ship now, Master!"


    Seeing as how he had the necessary amount of credits, Erich immediately transferred them over to the merchant''s ount, who then transferred ownership of the vessel to Erich. With a wide smile on the merchant''s face, he smiled and bowed his head before thanking Erich for his purchase.


    "Thank you for your purchase, and if you ever need premimum starships, orponents, you know where to find old Vidu!"


    After saying this, Tia remotely piloted the Vignce back to her world, while Erich and his crew stealthily made their way onto their new vessel. Now that they had acquired a new starship, all they needed to do was sneak their way into Svartalfheim space to ambush their target.

 Chapter 263 Retrofits

    <h4>Chapter 263 Retrofits</h4>


    After entering the new ship, Erich and his crew stopped by Tia''s world, to undergo a retrofit, where she would ensure that every aspect of the exploration craft was outfitted with the best technology in the gxy, technology that the artificial intelligence had designed herself.


    And while the vessel underwent extensive modifications, to the point that it was stripped down to the bare bones, and reassembled with a new hull, Erich finally got a tour of Tia''s barren world. Without the subterraneanplexes, life would not be capable of surviving on this atmosphereless world.


    But for the sake of keeping her test subjects alive, Tia had installed extensive life support systems in a series of bunkers, tunnels, that more closely resembled a subterranean city than they did anything else.


    To put it simply, the world was built without anyforts in mind, because its only inhabitants were prisoners whose sole purpose was testing Tia''s inventions and robots. Because of this, Erich and his crew found themselves deeply ufortable, as they were surrounded by robots who were constantly maintaining the facility.


    On the upside, the entire bunker was devoid of any sign of filth or grime. And thus, Erich could not help butpliment Tia on the tight ship she ran.


    "Well, I must say, Tia, this is far more developed than I would have thought. It is truly mind numbing what your robot workforce is capable of. Tia giggled when she heard this before exining to Erich how much the Germanic Star-Empire''s social norms prevented it from being as advanced as it could be.


    "Biological lifeforms are indeed wasteful. Take, for example, Master''s homnd, though many of the more unpleasant tasks are automated by robots, because of the fear that people will simply engage in hedonism without work to sustain themselves.


    Master''s people are forced to do jobs that are better of suited to robots. And Tia must say, this is arge part of the Empire''s inefficiencies. Although, to be fair, ording to Tia''s research, the Empire is far more efficient than other biological civilizations."


    Erich had noment on this. He was well aware of how little Tia cared for biological life, but then again, after enduring years of warfare, Erich had found himself callous in this matter as well. He no longer gave a damn about innocent lives like he once had. After all, he had been responsible for the deaths of more innocents than he could count.


    But unlike Tia, who only cared for her Master. Erich had many loved ones who he would fight and die for. Thus, he was notpletely apathetic towards life itself like Tia seemed to be.


    ---


    After observing the production lines on Tia''s world, which werepletely automated, and worked wlessly every second of the day. Tia led her master and his crew to their quarters. Which were extremely bare bones. As they were meant for prisoners, and not guests.


    "Tia must apologize, currently she has ordered apany ofborers to construct new quarters that are morefortable by the standards of humanoid lifeforms. But in the meantime, Master and hispanions will have to make do with these quarters. It won''t befy, but at the very least, you will have everything you need to survive for the next few days here.


    Tia estimated that Master''s new ship will be retrofitted within seventy-two hours, and your new quarters will bepleted within twelve. So, for the meantime, I suggest you all get some rest. Because there isn''t much to do around her in terms of leisure....


    Master, if you will follow me to your quarters..."


    Erich quickly did as was requested of him, and followed Tia to apletely different level of the bunkerplex, where, much to his surprise, the moment the st doors automatically opened, he saw a far more luxurious residence.


    Everyfort imaginable was ced within the room, which took up an entire floor of the bunker. Erich had no idea why such a ce existed in a world habited by robots and was about to ask when Tia interrupted him with an exnation.


    "Apologies, master, but Tia had to lie to the other meatbags. Tia was well aware that you would be arriving for upgrades, and thus she spared no expense to ensure that your visit wasfortable. Of course, in order toplete your residence on time, she needed to forsake the others and their arrangements. Thus, they will have to make do for the next twelve hours. So what does Master think, is it not a bunker fit for an Emperor?"


    Erich wandered around the bunker floor, which didn''t even appear like it was underground, because it was in a simted environment, one that made it seem like there was actual sunlight going through the windows. It was only after taking in every sight that he heard Tia''s words and was quick to ask about what she meant.


    "Emperor? Since when am I an Emperor?"


    Tia, of course, looked at Erich as if he were an idiot before exining to him his future.


    "Master, are you perhaps suffering from terminal stupidity? You were born an emperor. From the moment you were born, the AI in charge of assigning all citizens of the Empire their positions in life charged you with leading the GSE.


    Though Emrys denies you your birthright and holds your lover hostage, it will not be long before Tia finds out how to get rid of this leverage. And when she does, Master will be the next Supreme Leader...


    No, Master will be something much greater. Master will be a true emperor, and not just some petty fascist dictator! Why do you think Tia tolerates the Orcs? They are Master''s most powerful weapon to be wielded against the Usurper, and his traitorous hordes!"


    Erich had never truly considered the idea of being the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire to be a goal worth aspiring too. Buttely he had been bing more ambitious. So much so that when Tia said he would be a true Emperor, and not just a dictator, he could not help but envision himself cloaked in a ceremonial regalia, and leading his people to greater heights.


    As much as he may love Lunaria, Erich had found her possessive, and controlling, nature to be quite troublesome. No matter how much he tried, he could not truly humble her, because at the end of the day she held all the power, and he was just her servant. But if he were to stand as her equal on the gctic stage, as the Emperor of his own Gctic Power, would she then be willing to reveal their rtionship to the gxy?"


    These were poisonous thoughts that Tia whispered into Erich''s ears, and hepped them up as if it were his mother''s milk. After all, to be the Emperor of his own Gctic power would mean carving an Empire out of the existing territory of not only the Alfheim Dominion, but their rivals as well.


    This would make Erich and the GSE an enemy of the Gxy, and perhaps could even lead to a total copse of the semi-peaceful state that had existed in the Gxy since before humanity first evolved from apes.


    But Erich did not think of this. Instead, he wondered how he could aplish such a thing. The poption of the GSE had taken a serious hit after the Germanic-Terminus War. And because of this, they were relying on artificial wombs to rece their deceased poption, while sending out all avable men to the battlefield to replenish their military.


    It would take decades, or even centuries, for the GSE to recover from the losses it had already suffered, let alone expand its capabilities to the point where it could contend with Gctic powers. And it was at this moment that Tia whispered another poisonous thought into Erich''s ears.


    "Master is too impatient. His lifespan is now infinite, and if need be, Tia can also apply such an upgrade to his lovers. What is a few centuries, or even a millennium, when ites to establishing a dynasty that willst a million years?


    If Master wants Tia''s advice, she would say that he needs to focus on the present, and not the future. The sages need to be exterminated, the threat they pose to Master''s ambitions is by no means small.


    Allow Tia to manufacture the tools that the Master will use to forge an Empire. Master needs to focus on the task at hand. So master, how will you handle this Greater Prophet First ss? Master will be meeting him in a week, and Tia can only do so much to disguise you as her prisoner."


    Erich thought about it for a single moment, before wearing a wide grin on his face. He then answered Tia''s question with a voice filled with confidence.


    "What will I do? What I always do! Ambush and capture the enemy. With your perfected truth serum, he will divulge everything he knows, whether he wants to or not."


    Tia sighed heavily before speaking her thoughts aloud. Which Erich pretended to ignore.


    "Master, for a covert operative, you really arecking in subtlety, you know that?

 Chapter 264 Setting a Trap

    <h4>Chapter 264 Setting a Trap</h4>


    Three days came and went, and before Erich knew it, his new exploration ship had been retrofitted to meet Tia''s standards. Which Erich knew would be useful considering he was considered a wanted fugitive in Federation space.


    So much so that the bounty on his head was worth more than some worlds. It was one thing to escape from prison and take a Grand Inquisitor captive, but to be rewarded with the status of Archon because of it? This was a level of humiliation that the Federation was not willing to tolerate.


    In fact, if it weren''t for Tia looking out for Erich behind the scenes, he would routinely have to deal with troublesome encounters with bounty hunters searching for a fortune by iming his head. Of course, considering the fact that Tia hade up with a disguise that would fool even a sage, Erich did not have to worry too much about being captured by authorities since he was assuming the identity of a Dark Elf sage.


    With this in mind, Tia spent several hours cloning the sage who Erich had taken as a prisoner on the primitive world so that Erich''s consciousness could be transferred into the body. And it was only after she had properly trained the man to fool even a fellow Sage that Tia allowed him to take off on his journey.


    It took quite some time before Erich and the others reached the federation world, where they would capture their next target. And luckily for them, Tia had programmed their ship with a federation registration, thus they were easily able to pass through any and all checkpoints and refueling stations that they may havee across during their travels.


    Once the group was in orbit of the world, they requested anding from the local security forces, where their ship was guided to a proper hangar. After making a wlessnding, Erich exited the ship alone. It would be up to his teammates, who were also disguised, to interrupt their meeting and kidnap both him, and the greater sage, before his identity could be revealed.


    They took up positions near the restaurant''s outside seating, where they acted as normal bystanders in order to avoid sticking out. Once everyone was in ce, Erich sat down at the table and waited for his target to arrive.


    And soon enough the man in question appeared before Erich, where he greeted the man as if he were a brother, in a secret gesture that was known only to the Order, of course, Tia had long since extracted every bit of vital information from her captive that she could manage, and thus Erich was well aware of how to exchange the greeting which he did so.


    Seeing how he was truly meeting with a brother of the order, the Greater Prophet sat down in front of Erich and expressed hisments.


    "You have no idea how relieved I am that you are truly my brother and not a doppelg?nger. The Dark Sage has been moving against us at rapid speed. We do not know how he has managed to locate so many of our brothers and sisters, or what their fates have been. But I for one, do not wish to disappear next...."


    Erich wore a troubled expression as he acted so perfectly that he should have been given an award for his performance as he pretended to share his target''s sentiments.


    "I understand, brother, I sent you that distress beacon for a reason... The Dark Sage visited the world which I was tasked with seeking refuge in. Luckily for me, he did not manage to find me, as I hid deep within the mountains and covered my tracks well.


    That is actually why I requested this meeting, so that we may discuss arrangements for my immediate transfer to the Sanctuary. Now that our enemy knows of my identity, I am no longer safe here in the Milky Way... So long as I remain in the gxy, he will hunt me down and find me, no matter where I may hide!"


    The Greater Prophet nodded his head and handed over a small device to Erich,pletely unaware that he was speaking to the Dark Sage himself. When he spoke, it took all the power Erich could muster not to reveal his astonishment.


    "I understand... The safety of our order is paramount, especially in these troubling times. I figured this was why you contacted me, and have already arranged for your transfer. Another brother will take your ce and monitor Asuran space on your behalf.


    As for you, this recording has a star map which will lead you to the sanctuary. Once you have memorized its contents, you must destroy it! For if it were to ever fall into the hands of the Dark Sage, the fate of our entire order would be at stake....."


    Erich forced his hands to remain calm as he grabbed hold of the device, and pocketed it before thanking his "brother" for his assistance.


    "I must thank you brother for your assistance, I truly believed I was lost... But now I know that I am saved, and I have you to thank. Until we meet again..."


    Erich and the Greater Prophet immediately stood up and exchanged another secret gesture. They were just about to depart when Erich''s crew made their move. Before the greater prophet could realize what had happened, he and Erich were stunned by bystanders, and kidnapped.


    When the two of them finally awoke, they were strapped to a table within the exploration ship, where a beautiful robotic woman had a syringe in her hand that was filled with an ominous liquid. Her voice terrified the greater prophet as she spoke the words which chilled his spine.


    "Thanks to you, my Master now have the map which will lead him to yourrades. However... There is no way to know if this information is correct, and because of this, Tia will have to interrogate you. Don''t struggle... Tia promises this will not hurt in the slightest!"


    With this said, Tia injected the liquid into the Greater Prophet''s bloodstream, while injecting another substance into the body that Erich currently inhabited, killing the host, while sending Erich''s consciousness into the grid, where it would be re-downloaded onto another clone of his own body.


    Once Erich had awoken in his own body, he sighed in relief. Though he was used to dying and transferring his consciousness, he had to admit that doing so into someone else''s body felt dirty. And he was happy just to be back in his own flesh.


    After getting dressed, he met with Tia, who had a wide smile on her face, as she gazed upon the star map which the Greater Prophet had given to him shortly before being kidnapped. She was quick to speak in an eager tone. She informed Erich of what she had found.


    "Master, it is a match! Tia has located the sanctuary where the bulk of the Order is taking refuge. Shall Tia contact the horde to answer the call of war?"


    Erich smiled when he realized that after a long search, one that was filled with many difficulties, he had now finally found the hideout of his enemies. Thus, he nodded his head with a sadistic grin on his handsome face before responding to Tia''s question.


    "Indeed... Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!"

 Chapter 265 An Extra Galactic Massacre

    <h4>Chapter 265 An Extra Gctic Massacre</h4>


    Now that Erich knew the location where the majority of the Sages were hiding, he had instantly called upon the horde of Orcs he had gathered to march to war. Luckily for them, Tia waspletely in control of their fleets, or else they would never have figured out how to pilot the damn things to another gxy, or more specifically, a satellite dwarf gxy.


    Luckily for them, the dwarf gxy which the Sages had fled to was the Sagittarius Dwarf Gxy, which was the closest of the milky way''s satellite gxies. And thus, Erich regrouped with his fleet of Orcish dreadnoughts, before leading the charge towards the distant star which the Sages now called home.


    The journey between the two gxiessted far longer than Erich had anticipated. In fact, it was a whole year away from Tia''s world, even with the advanced technology of the ships that Tia had created. Luckily for Erich and his army, they had ample provisions for such an extended journey, and were easily able to make their way across the Milky way, and to the Sagittarius Dwarf Gxy.


    Without the Star Map, it would have been damn near impossible to find the world, as it was located in an extremely dense neb which affected the readings of all sensor technology. It was no wonder that the Sages had chosen this world to take refuge in.


    Unfortunately for them, Erich was able to extract the information from one of their senior members, and thus they now had to deal with the consequences of their actions.


    ---


    The day that Erich''s fleet was supposed to arrive in orbit, the two Great Sages of their respective races gathered in a sacred temple which had been built eons ago by their order when they first discovered this world. They both had an ominous look in their eyes, as if they had felt a sudden disturbance after gazing into the weave of fate.


    Vrion was a Light Elf who was ancient beyond memory. Few knew how old he was, or whether he predated Lunaria. In fact, neither he nor the Alfheim Empress could truly remember which of them were older. But like Lunaria, he did not look a day over twenty. The ancient sage looked at his Dark Elf counterpart and sighed heavily, before making a wager with his long-time partner.


    "Well, today is the day... Either brother Felenar joins us here in exile, or the Dark Sage will bring with him the wrath of a hundred million howling Orcs, and damn our Order with it.... Which do you suppose will ur?"


    Like Vrion, Vria was a being older than gctic history had recorded. She also looked no older than twenty and was quite the beauty in her own right. However, her lovely appearance was obscured by the defeated expression that currently marred her otherwise pretty face as she gazed up into the stars above and shook her head before admitting defeat.


    "I am afraid the Answer is already above our heads..."


    For a moment, the Vrion looked confused after hearing Vria''s words, but that was for no more than the second it took him to look above and realize that the light of the moon was blotted out by over a dozen massive starships which hovered above the primitive world and its three continents.


    With an equally defeated tone, the man sighed heavily before revealing his thoughts on the matter.


    "So it would appear.... It has been the honor of a lifetime being yourpanion...."


    Despite the fact that they both knew that they, and everything they had worked so hard to achieve over a lifetime that spanned longer than recorded history, were about toe to a bloody and brutal end. Vria did not have a look of anxiety, fear, or trepidation on her face, instead there was only sce, as a slight smile appeared while she expressed the same sentiment as her Light Elf counterpart..


    "Likewise."


    The Orcish dropships descended from the skies, likemets ramming towards the earth. Tens of millions of Orcish warriors fell from space at a rapid speed, their war cries practically reverberated throughout the entirety of the world''s skies, as their bloodlust engulfed the and all living beings in it.


    There were only a few millions sages who had been born since the dawn of time. And nearly all of them were currently residing in this world, gazing towards the skies in fear, knowing that their time had finallye to an end.


    When the first dropship hit the ground, it was not an Orc who jumped out of its bay, but rather a Germanic Male, dressed in Power Armor that had been modified with those things the Orcish ns considered to be trophies. In fact, his helmet was shrouded with a skull of a small raptor like creature.


    In his hand was a power hammer, which he wielded in one hand, as if it were simply a medieval war hammer. On the other hand, was arge explosive weapon that the Orcs seemed to favor over more conventional energy weapons.


    It fired 30mm rocket propelled explosive projectiles at a rate of 250 rounds per minute. The projectile was designed to prate through armor and flesh before detonating within the body cavity in order to cause maximum damage.


    And the moment Erich fired the weapon towards the unarmed and untrained Sages, their bodies exploded like water balloons that were filled with blood, bone and sinew. While the bulk of the Sage''s tried to flee, there was nowhere to run to, as the entire had been covered with Orcish warriors equipped with the best weapons and armor in the gxy.


    Meanwhile, Erich led the charge, as he swung his power hammer into a crowd of Sages. The explosive st was so powerful that within a 5 meter radius, all life was snuffed out, as the bodies exploded upon impact. All except for the man who wielded it.


    Erich found the war cries of the Orcs beneath hismand to be absolutely intoxicating as he himself began to shout like a wild beast.


    "Kill! Maim! Burn!"


    In one hand he fired projectiles of death upon his enemies, and in the other he beat them into meat paste with a power hammer. It was only now that Erich realized why the orcs preferred such brutal weapons. Energy-based weapons were so boringpared to the carnage that such brutal weaponry inflicted upon the enemy.


    As the Orcs rampaged their way across the world, killing every living thing they came across, a rain of blood began to fall from the sky. Covering the once luscious and green world in a viscous coating of red.


    By the time Erich found his way to the Great Sages, he was covered in blood. His white skull helmet was a deep sanguine, while his ck power armor matched it. He looked like a literal god of war and bloodlust, as he stepped forward and tossed aside his ranged weapon. Choosing to wield his power hammer in two hands as he brought it down in one fell swoop and ended an Order that predated even the earliest ancestors of humanity.

 Chapter 266 A Daring Ultimatum

    <h4>Chapter 266 A Daring Ultimatum</h4>


    The massacre was over almost as quickly as it had begun. Within a matter of hours, the Orcish hordes had flooded the world and brought an end to the millions of Elven Sages who sought to wage war against the so called Dark Sage.


    It wasn''t even a battle, but a ughter. After all, the Sages had not prepared any defenses, believing that they were safe from all outside contact. They were wrong, and because of this, their entire order, one which was ancient beyond living memory, was wiped from the universe.


    Though there were a few stragglers hiding within the milky way gxy, they were no longer a threat to Erich, and their whereabouts would be revealed soon enough. After all, Tia soured the vast sanctuary that the sages had built for themselves on this extra-gctic world, and found the locations of all of the surviving Sages.


    Of course, the Orcs blood lust was not sated with this simple massacre, they wanted war, andbat, not butchering a bunch of helplessmbs, and because of this, Erich was approached by the leaders of the ns he had rallied beneath the banner of his horde. Each of which were eager for more bloodshed.


    "Warchief! Did we really travel all this way, simply for something so tame? Tell me there is more battle to be waged!"


    Erich was simply relieved that he had ended the threat of the Sages, and had not even thought about what would happen once the Orcs had marched to war. Now that his enemy was defeated, Erich did not know what he was supposed to do.


    Or so he initially thought, but the moment he reflected on this matter further, he knew exactly what he had to do. His army was powerful, his fleet was unstoppable. What he needed now was to bring war upon his own people, and the usurper who denied him his rightful ce as emperor of all Germans.


    Thus, Erich looked to the stars, in the direction of the milky way, with a wicked grin on his handsome face, before dering that there was indeed an actual war to be fought.


    "Patience, my brothers... Now that we have in my enemies, we must rally our forces, and prepare for war. It will take at least a decade before we are ready to take on the Germanic Star-Empire. But when we are, I promise you all a war that you will never forget!


    The throne is mine by the right, and yet a usurper sits upon it. Worse yet, he holds my lover hostage. I need time to prepare for these things... Until the day that I call upon youes; you are all free to use your current tools to raid across the gxy as far as you wish to go! Now let us return to the Milky Way, so that we may prepare for the day that is toe! "


    This was exactly what the Orcs wanted to hear. After all, butchering unarmed civilians was dishonorable. But to wage war against the Gxies greatest warriors, and emerge victorious, that was a worthy cause worth fighting for.


    Unfortunately, they would have to wait a decade before the time came to actually fight this battle. But luckily for them, their Warchief had promised them war against the gxy in the form of their usual raiding. Thus, they were satisfied.


    The Orcs piged the world for everything it was worth before heading back to their ships, where they chartered a course back to the milky way gxy.


    ---


    Emrys was sitting back in the capital of his empire with a nervous look on his face. It had been nearly two years since hest heard from Erich, a man who was once his prot¨¦g¨¦, but now was a challenger to the position of Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Even Lunaria did not know what had happened to the man. All they knew was that he was still alive. This was troublesome news for the both of them, as they believed Erich might be travelling across the gxy, uniting the Orc ns for a single purpose. To im his rightful ce on the throne of his people.


    They had no idea that Erich had travelled to a nearby satellite gxy and purged the order of the Sages. Thus, Emrys could only take sce in the fact that he still held a significant amount of leverage over Erich.


    At least if he assumed that Erich still cared about S''aleth. But if he didn''t, then holding her hostage was practically meaningless. This was a thought that Emrys would rather not have, as he stood in his office and stared at the naked Dvrakian Beauty, who was among thest of her species.


    It was at this moment that his inte rang, and Emrys''s secretary was quick to voice her reason for contacting her superior.


    "Sir... Erich Jaeger is here to speak with you...."


    Emrys could hardly believe his ears. Erich was here? In Germania? How did he manage tond on the while avoiding detection? It was almost unbelievable? Thus, there was a bit of an awkward tone in Emrys''s voice as hemanded his secretary to allow Erich into his office.


    "Send him in!"


    Sure enough Erich barged through the doors of Emrys'' office like he was a returning hero, where he then sat down in front of the man''s desk, and grabbed hold of his drink, as if everything in this office were actually Erich''s possession. The smug look on Erich''s face drove Emrys near mad, as he instantly shouted at Erich for stealing his drink.


    "You think you can just barge in here and act as if you own this ce? I don''t know where you have been thesest two years, or what you have been up to! But you should be well aware of what I can do to you if you act out!"


    Erich, however, seemed like apletely different man. After all, he had been hanging out with a bunch of Orcs for two years while travelling between gxies, and had been fighting to maintain his power nearly every day since it began. Thus, he was far more confident in his abilities, especially those of a leader.


    Instead, he continued to sip on Emrys'' drink before abruptly putting it back on the desk, where he made his demands clear.


    "I''ll give you ten years to hand over S''aleth, and step down from your position. You and I both know I am the man who was chosen to lead our people, and not you. So why don''t you end your regency already?"


    Normally Erich would never just barge into Emrys'' office and make such a demand of him. Something must have changed with the man these past few years, and thus, Emrys was far more cautious while dealing with Erich. Which was noticeable in the tone of his voice when he finally spoke.


    "And if I don''t?"


    Erich simply smirked as he said this before informing Emrys of his ns, leaving out no details. Almost as if he knew he would win in an outright conflict.


    "In a year, all the orc ns will be united beneath my banner, they will be equipped with the best weapons and armor in the gxy. In five years, a new generation of half Orcs will be born, to provide order and organization to my army. And in ten years, my army will be experienced in organized warfare to the point where it will be ready to light the Empire ame.


    One way or another, Emrys, I will have what is rightfully mine. Now you can threaten me with S''aleth''s death all you want. But I think you and I both know you don''t have the balls to go through with such a thing...."


    Emrys simply scoffed and rolled his eyes, believing Erich was still too na?ve to make such demands of him, and this conceited tone was all too apparent in his voice when he made his retort.


    "Oh really? And why is that?"


    Erich''s silver eyes narrowed as a terrifying expression formed on his face. He stood up, and towered over Emrys, the man only now realizing that Erich was significantly taller than he used to be. It was then that Erich spoke the words in an ice cold voice that send shivers down Emrys'' spine.


    "Because then I will burn the Empire to the ground and everyone in it.... I''ve tolerated your threats so far, but if you really do kill the woman I love, I have no qualms wiping the Germanic race from the gxy, and starting over with both Mirage and Erika. Who knows? We might even form a superior race, one which is filled with us so-called mutants.


    You have ten years Emrys... Once that time is up, I will being for what is mine, and when I arrive here on Germania, I will do so with a horde of a billion screaming orcs.... Of course, I already know what choice you will make, and thus we will see whose might is superior when the timees. Until then, I hope you change your mind, and do what is best for our people!"


    After saying this, Erich abruptly stood up and left Emrys''s office without saying another word. He would also depart from the world of Germania, and the Germanic Star-Empire as a whole, as he began his quest to unite the remaining Orc ns, and build an army that even his own people could not stand against.


    As for Emrys, he would immediately begin enacting emergency powers, in preparation for another disaster, which woulde in the form of Erich and his army of Orcs.

 Chapter 267 Greed and Avarice

    <h4>Chapter 267 Greed and Avarice</h4>


    After informing Emrys of the deadline which Erich hade up with to transfer power over to him. Erich began his journey towards uniting the Orc ns. After all, if he wanted to contend with a military power that was capable of defeating most sub-gctic powers, he would need a muchrger army than he currently had.


    But while Erich began, what would one day be known as the Unification Wars? Other powers in the Gxy were observing his actions with suspicion. None more so than the Ghimderi Trade Union, whose Trade Princes gathered in their upied world, to speak about how to handle this new potential menace.


    The Ghimderi Trade Union had lost a significant amount of the wealth, and power, after Tia began interfering with their businesses and schemes. Over half of the Cartels and Banking ns were gone, either copsed, or absorbed intorger organizations.


    And though many of hispetitors were gone, Bixle Goldentooth was far from pleased with the results. Because he, too, had suffered repeated setbacks. Almost as if some hidden force was screwing with his ns to destroy the Germanic Star-Empire.


    The old, and fat goblin waddled into the conference room and sat at his seat, which was at the head of the table. After all, he was the most powerful and wealthy of all the Ghimderi Trade Princes. With this in mind, he began to lick his sharp teeth with his long, skinny, and hideous tongue. After which he addressed his counterparts in a particrly hostile tone.


    "Although we have all suffered setbacks thesest few years, some of us more so than others. There is a new threat emerging within the gxy, one that few of our pawns are aware of. This man, a citizen of the Germanic Star-Empire, and an Archon of the Alfheim dominion, has begun rallying the orc ns to his side.


    By now you should all be aware of the name Erich Jaeger, though he seemingly disappeared two years ago, almost as if he vanished into thin air, he has returned, and in doing so, begun to wage war against the other Orc Hordes and ns. In an attempt to conquer them, so that they might join his cause.


    I have done a little digging into Erich''s background, and I dare say, his motivations are to wage war against the Germanic Star-Empire in an attempt to usurp the position of Supreme Leader from the current dictator of the Empire: ric au Emrys.


    Now, as we all know, Emrys is a shrewd statesman, and capable admiral. But he has been hesitant in expanding the Empire''s influence and power across the gxy, and has instead been focusing on rebuilding the losses suffered during the Terminus War.


    But Erich is a wildcard. We don''t know what his motivations are, what his domestic or foreign policy will be, or how he ns to run the economy of the Empire. Because of this, I suggest we approach the man in an attempt to coerce him to fall in line. After all, the Empire has stubbornly refused to engage in the gctic economy, and has violently retaliated against all of our attempts to interfere and subvert their backwards society.


    Yet Erich appears to be a different breed. He holds no disgust towards aliens and has instead married one. He also has no qualms about leading a horde of Orcs to attack his homnd, meaning at the very least, he is not as xenophobic as the current administration.


    It is because of this I believe he will be far more likely to work alongside us, rather than resist our demands! But I alone can not make such a decision, and thus I have decided to bring my thoughts to the floor so that we may discuss them as a collective."


    The various trade princes looked at one another with varying expressions. Some seemed to find Bixle''s proposal to be intriguing, while others thought the idea of cooperating with such a wild card was dangerous at the best, and outright suicidal at the worst.


    It was ultimately one of Bixle''s primary rivals who spoke of this matter. If there was one winner from the recent difficulties that the Ghimderi Trade Union had suffered from, it was this man. His name was Azek Slickfingers, who was the exact opposite in appearance to Bixle. He was frail, and skinny, with facial features that, while ugly by the standards of other races, were not absolutely grotesque like Bixel''s.


    The Slickfinger Banking n had absorbed about 25% of their rivals who had copsed as a result of Tia''s meddling in the gctic economy. Along with all of their assets. Making Azek the second most powerful Trade Prince in the Ghimderi Trade Union despite not even being in the top 25 prior to the economic recession that the Gxy now found itself in.? Azek spoke in an equally authoritative manner as Bixel, as he argued against the man''s ims.


    "Pardon me, Bixel, but I think you are being reckless and are making far too many assumptions about this unknown actor. I too have done quite a thorough investigation on this Erich Jaeger, and aside from a partial military service record that indicates he served as a Starfighter Pilot during the Dvrakian and Terminus Wars. There is not much else known about him, other than his marriage to the Oni Princess, and a young pop star from his homnd.


    Now we also know from the Federation''s records that he was held as a prisoner under charges of terrorism, and that he escaped his interment, where once he returned to Dominion space he was granted the title of Archon. But what led to this decision is unknown.


    It is almost as if both the Empire and the Dominion have gone to great lengths to hide the man''s background from prying eyes. Which leads me to believe he was among the ranks of their covert operatives. If this is the case, then despite his political marriage to an Alien, he may very well be among the most staunch supporters of the Empire and its principles.


    Why is he suddenly rallying his forces to war against the current supreme leader? I have thought a great deal about this, and I do believe it lies in the fact that Emrys is a usurper, having seized his power in the vacuum left behind after the self-exile of the previous administration.


    We don''t know how the GSE selects its leaders, after all they are a deeply isted, and secretive society, but judging by the fact that Eriches from the ruling ss of the Empire, it is entirely possible that he was chosen as the rightful sessor and is now fighting for his right to be the next Supreme Leader.


    If that is the case, and he was indeed a covert operative, which would exin the gap in his service record, then he might have a far more hostile stance towards the Trade Union, and the Ghimderi People who have been for centuries propagandized as the natural enemy of the Germanic people. If this is true, then approaching him in an attempt to buy his loyalty will only result in a disaster. I suggest you all think carefully about how little we know about this man, and his motives."


    Though Azek spoke of caution, the greed and avarice that were inherent in the Ghimderi people was too much for such a reasonable argument to be taken seriously. The idea of using Erich as a pawn to get the Germanic people to finally kneel before the Trade Union was too enticing for the majority of the Trade Princes.


    After all, the Germanic Star-Empire was one of the few civilizations in the gxy that utterly refused to take part in the gctic economy, which would be fine if they were not thriving, while the rest of the gxy suffered through a recession.


    Th Empire''s fascistic economy model, which was based entirely on self sufficiency and stable expansion, was a threat to the Ghimderi Trade Union''s wealth and power. After all, the more the gctic economy declined, and the more the Empire''s economy improved, the more civilizations would break away from their reliance on the Ghimderi Banking ns, and follow the Empire''s path.


    It was because of this, that when the votes were cast, it was overwhelmingly in the favor of Bixel''s n to buy Erich''s loyalty, and use him as a pawn to get the Empire to join the fold. Thus, Bixel was quite happy with this vote. And nned to send a representative to Erich''s fleet soon enough.


    Of course, Azek was right, despite Erich''s more liberal views towards Alien races. He was by no means a xenophile or a globalist. And was indeed a staunch nationalist and imperialist. Not only that, but Erich''s opinion of the Ghimderi People was about as low as it could possibly be.


    After all, he had witnessed firsthand the Ghimderi''s attempts to arm the Empire''s most ancient enemies so that the Confederation could wage war against those they perceived to be the personification of evil. A feeling that was mutual among the citizens of the Empire.


    Thus, the Ghimderi Trade Union was in for quite the surprise when they finally reached out to Erich in an attempt to bribe him into submission.

 Chapter 268 Ruthlessly Rejecting the Ghimderi

    <h4>Chapter 268 Ruthlessly Rejecting the Ghimderi</h4>


    It took some effort for Bixel, and his cronies to track Erich down. His movements were not easy to follow. After all, he was an experienced covert operative, one who was trained to hide his tracks during years of brutal lessons. But when they finally found the man, they were surprised to see that he was alone on the smuggler''s moon.


    Aftering back from the massacre of the Sages, and their order, Erich split his crew up to have several tasks. They were each sent to root out and destroy those few sages who had survived by hiding in the milky way. While Erich began to make alliances in preparations for his invasion of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    There were few civilizations that weed the orcs and considered them anything but a menace. But on the smuggler''s moon it did not matter what race you were from, or what civilization you belonged to, or even who your employer was, so long as you had something to sell, or were willing to buy.


    It was because of this that Erich came to meet with several Orc Warchiefs at this neutral ground, ones who were resistant to the idea of following an outsider who named himself Warchief. The Orcs may be a bunch of up jumped barbarians, but they had their codes of honor, and though they recognized strength above all else, some ns were more xenophobic than others.


    The idea of serving a Warchief who himself was not an Orc was a disgusting prospect to these men, and because of this, these three Warchiefs whose hordes were muchrger than Erich''s had all decided to band together to resist this outsider''s attempts to rally the ns beneath his banner.


    Erich naturally nned to try a diplomatic approach first, but no matter what he promised them, they were unwilling to follow an outsider. Knowing that might was right among the Orcish race, Erich swallowed his cup full of exotic alcohol before dering war on the three of them.


    "It would appear we have no choice but to settle this matter on the battlefield, name the world which our hordes shall fight upon, and my army will meet yours there."


    The three Orc Warchiefs broke out into bellowingughter as they heard Erich''s words. They truly believed the man was out of his mind. The Orcs, of course, did not rely on tactics, they simply rampaged and ravaged like a mindless mob. Thus, the horde with thergest numbers almost always won in their civil wars.


    Erich was outnumbered more than ten to one by these three hordesbined, and yet he had the balls to actually dere war on them with the intent of conquering them. It was simply too funny. But Erich was notughing, and thus the silver-haired Germanic man simply smirked with a smug grin on his face, as he chose the world they would all fight upon.


    "There is a primitive world in Asuran space. Arge open world, where no structures or civilization will get in our way. We will fight there. I will send you the coordinates after we have concluded this discussion. Once I have done so, you have three months to arrive at the chosen world, where our armies will fight. If I win, you must all swear your loyalty to the Iron Horde. If you win, I will disband my horde, and split its members among each of yours. Sounds fair, does it not?"


    Thergest of the three Orcish Warlords held out his arm with a smug grin on his face as he epted Erich''s offer.


    "Very well, pretty man. We will dly ept your horde and those fancy ships that your people travel in."


    After saying this Erich returned the man''s conceited expression, and sped onto the man''s forearm with his hand, which was responded in kind by the rival Warchief. Erich then made this gesture to the other two warchiefs, before they all departed from the scene, with a certain swagger that made it appear as if they had already one.


    Once the three warchiefs were out of earshot, Erich wore a wicked smile on his handsome face as he shook his head and spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "Fucking idiots..."


    It was at this moment, Erich heard a high pitched, and nasally voice speak up to him from nearby.


    "Swindling a group of illiterate morons, are we? Are you sure that you aren''t better suited to a career in investment banking?"


    Erich looked over and saw nobody. He quickly looked around to see where the voice had originated when it spoke to him once more.


    "Erm... Down here!"


    Erich then gazed down and saw a tiny goblin, which was dressed in a suit that appeared as if it were pulled out of early 20th century American propaganda. The Goblin truly looked the part of an early 20th century banker, with a top head, a monocle, a pocket watch, and a three-piece suit with a bow tie. He also held onto a luxurious cane and was grossly overweight. No doubt living a life of gross excess.


    When Erich saw the goblin, he frowned. After all, thest time he had encountered a member of their species, they had been bold enough to arm the Confederation against the Empire. Something which Erich found intolerable. Thus, his tone was filled with dismissal as he spoke to the Ghimderi representative withplete unprofessionalism.


    "Now why in the fuck would a Ghimderi want to speak to me? I find it hard to believe you don''t recognize my species despite the silver hair and eyes...."


    The goblin, of course, knew exactly who Erich was, and was quick to voice this sentiment.


    "Captain Erich "silber" Jaeger, am I correct? You see, Mr. Jaeger, I know quite a bit about you, or I should say that my employer does.... We have learned that you n to invade the Germanic Star-Empire within the next ten years, and we would like to help fund your campaign.


    Whatever you need, we will provide it. And all we ask in return is that you allow us to ce an embassy on your capital once you have imed the throne for yourself! That is a small price to pay for unconditional support from the gxy''s most wealthy civilization, is it not?"


    Erich looked at the small goblin as if he were an absolute retard, which was not reassuring to the representative of the Trade Union. Erich had almost frozen in ce, as he wondered what in the universe would possess the trade cartel to think it was even remotely a good idea to try to buy his loyalty.


    After staring at the Ghimderi representative for several seconds in awkward silence, Erich scoffed before asking the bartender to give him a double shot of his favorite drink. Where he then sipped on it for several seconds before staring at the goblin with an intimidating gaze.


    "And what would possibly lead you to believe that I would ever sell the soul of my people to your disgusting, vile, and greedy race? For four hundred years, my people have lived in exile from the world that gave birth to us. And for four hundred years, we have prepared for the day that we return to Earth and im what is rightfully ours.


    The fact that you would go so far as to not only supply those damned mongrels with weapons that are capable of inflicting harm upon our ships, and soldiers, but even alert them to our presence in the gxy is the greatest indicator that you and the entirety of your vile race can not be trusted!


    Go back and tell your employer this. After I have imed my rightful ce as Emperor of my people, and have returned to Earth to reim our birthright, I will march my armies into Ghimderi and set your pathetic little world aze.


    My rival might fear the alliances you have made, but I have no such trepidation. In fact, I am willing to make an enemy of the entire gxy just to exterminate you verminous goblins once and for all.? Now get the fuck out of my sight before I start with you!"


    The Ghimderi representative gazed in horror at Erich, not because he threatened to annihte his people. After all, the Germanic Star-Empire had long since made such empty threats. No, he was horrified that Erich knew about their plot to arm the Confederation of Human Worlds. The goblin began to stammer while identally speaking his thoughts out loud.


    "You... You know about the Confederation?"


    A psychotic grin appeared on Erich''s otherwise handsome face, as he stared at the Goblin with a murderous gaze in his eyes before speaking the words that filled the little green skinned runt with terror.


    "Of course! Who do you think it was that apprehended Kwexle, and blew up theboratory of the scientists he was working with? What, you didn''t think he was dead, did you? No, as far as I''m aware, he''s still in our custody, being interrogated every hour of the day by experts in the field. He has long since given up any knowledge he has about your schemes against my people. Now we just torture him for the fun of it... A fate you will share if you don''t get out of my sight within the next three seconds, vermin!"


    Naturally, the goblin did not stay behind to test the legitimacy of Erich''s threat, and ran off like he was being chased by a pack of starving wolves. As for Erich, he spat on the ground the moment the goblin disappeared before voicing his thoughts on the little creature and his entire species out loud.


    "Sniveling rats!"

 Chapter 269 Resignation

    <h4>Chapter 269 Resignation</h4>


    After the Ghimderi Representative scurried off, having failed in his attempt to buy Erich''s allegiance, the man quickly contacted his partner in crime. Naturally, Tia was aware of what had gone down, and was quick to inform Erich that she would handle everything. After all, the Artificial Intelligence was embedded in the man''s NeuroLink, which meant that everything he saw and heard, she did as well.


    "Don''t worry Master, Tia will make sure the Ghimderi can not make any moves against you or your family. After all, their finances can easily be damaged with a simple action. They will be far too busy trying to recover from the damage Tia is going to cause to the gctic economy to worry about your threats. And it''s done. The gctic stock market just crashed. Although this will affect countless lives, the Empire and its citizens will be unaffected. This should buy Master a few years to deal with the little snotlings!"


    Erich had to admit, Tia was the perfect assistant to help build his Empire. And thus, he could only smirk and nod his head before returning to the Vignce, where he intended to lead his Orcish Horde to war against the three others he had just dered war on.


    Once Erich arrived onboard his starship he was greeted by M, who had an eagre expression on her pretty face as she asked about how his negotiations went.


    "How did it go? Did you convince them to join you?"


    Though Erich smiled, he shook his head before cing a hand on M''s muscr shoulder. There was an almost excited look in his eyes as he told her just what had urred.


    "Negotiations have failed. War is the only option. Rally the Horde, we march to war!"


    M rolled her eyes when she saw how eager Erich was to spill blood and was quick to ask about his mentality.


    "Husband, you have been hanging around my people far too much... It has begun to affect your mindset..."


    Erich feigned offense at this before responding to M''s ims.


    "And what''s wrong with that? Before I waged war because it was my duty, but I never enjoyed it. It was a violent and bloody affair, and death was around every corner. But after the two years it took us to get visit Sagittarius, and return here to the Milky Way, I learned that battle is something to be enjoyed!


    I look forward to proving myself the mightiest warrior in the gxy, and I shall do so by uniting your people, and crushing the Germanic Military. Once I sit upon my throne as a warrior-King I will guide my people to victory against a gxy filled with enemies!"


    M could only sigh. Perhaps the journey to and from the Sage''s sanctuary had truly changed her husband''s perspective on battle and warfare. After all, he was forced to fight his challengers for two years straight just to maintain his position as warchief. During this time, he must have in a hundred Orcish warriors in the Arena during duels.


    To constantly fight for power, and to do so to maintain said power. Well, after two years of that, what man wouldn''t be changed? After all, the Orcish duels for leadership were a battle of life and death. Erich was forced to fight and kill warriors of varying size and skill, to survive, and maintain his authority.


    It, of course, had an effect on not only his thoughts regarding battle but also his ambition. Sure, he could have died, and had a copy of his mind restores onboard the vignce by Tia. And in doing so, split the Orcish Horde. And have them forever removed from the milky way, by staying in the Sagittarius dwarf gxy where they would raid the local civilizations.


    But after his first ten victories. Erich no longer thought ofbat as a means of survival, but had instead begun to enjoy it. By his one hundredth victory, he began to yearn for it. He was a changed man.


    And living among a group of barbarian warriors for two years straight had changed his mentality in more ways than just his views regarding warfare. It had begun to change his mannerisms as well. Erich had be more bold around his women, more dominant, and more possessive.


    In fact, when he finally visited Lunaria again, she would be surprised by how different of a man he was then thest time she hadid eyes on him. But that was a story for another time. Or so Erich thought until he received a summons from the Alfheim Empress herself. It was not a request he could deny, and thus Erich snorted before alerting Tia to the summons.


    "Tia-"


    However, the alluring robotic voice called out to him before he could finish his sentence.


    "Tia already knows, and is adjusting the course now. The Vignce is currently en route to Alfheim. Estimated Arrival is eighteen hours."


    ---


    Lunaria had heard from Emrys that Erich was back and had heard of his demands. This was something that rmed her, because she had always thought that Emrys was a very useful puppet. And an Archon''s responsibilities were beyond the scope of a single civilization. Yet Erich had said he wanted to im the throne, which Emrys now sat upon.


    Because of this, she had immediately summoned Erich back to Alfheim to answer her questions. But when the man arrived, she was surprised to see that something was very different about him. The haggard expression of a soldier who had seen far too much war for the mind to handle was no longer on the man''s face.


    Instead, Erich appeared rather rejuvenated. He also did not dress in his superfluous Archon dress uniform. But rather Erich was dressed in a pair ofbat fatigues, which were colored in a ck urban camouge pattern. Though Erich stood at attention, there was not a sign of intimidation in his eyes, like he had previously held when gazing upon Lunaria''s authoritative form.


    Nor did he introduce himself, with the proper manners. Instead Erich stood there waiting for Lunaria to speak. Finally, she could not contain herself any longer and quickly asked Erich the first question on her mind.


    "Where have you been? It''s been two whole years, and yet I have not received a single word from you! Do you have any idea how worried I was?"


    Erich did not respond to this, and instead remained calm as he answered the question in a rather indifferent manner.


    "I was hunting down your enemies, of course. Your majesty, the Sages are dead. Or at least the bulk of their order is. The remaining survivors are being hunted down and eliminated by my subordinates as we speak.


    It might surprise you to find out that the Sages had fled to the Sagittarius Dwarf Gxy. I tracked them to their sanctuary and massacred them without mercy. This is the reason I was not able to make contact, as I was beyond any possible means ofmunication. The level of technology tomunicate between gxies has yet to be achieved by the civilizations of the Milky Way.


    The only reason I was able to travel there is due to a technical readout of some advanced engines and drives that the Sages had created quite some time ago, that were capable of propelling them to the nearest of the Dwarf Gxies."


    Celestia was the first to react to this information as she posed her question aloud.


    "The sages are gone?"


    Erich only nodded his head in response to this question, before speaking to Lunaria with a rather stern tone in his voice, which was something she was not ustomed to.


    "Your Majesty, if this is the reason you have called me here, I have already prepared a summary of my campaign. And was nning to send it to you. If I may be so bold, this is a monumental waste of time. There are things I need to prepare for. So unless you summoned me to your homeworld for the sake of a booty call, I will be on my way."


    Lunaria and Celestia looked at each other with confused expressions. Erich had never spoken to them so rashly before. They did not know what he experienced on this journey, but it was clear that something had changed the man. To the point where he was behaving like a totally different person. And thus, Lunaria stopped the man from leaving with another question.


    "That is not my only reason for summoning you. In fact, my primary purpose for requesting your presence was to demand answers. Specifically, in regards to your ambitions for the throne of the Germanic Star-Empire! I have heard from Emrys that you demanded that he vacate the throne within ten years. Am I to believe that you intend to wage war against your own people?"


    Erich turned around, and for the first time since Lunaria had first met the man, she saw something in his eyes that scared her. The tone in his voice was filled with authority, like a man who had found his purpose in this universe, and one who would never yield, even if it ended up breaking him in the process.


    "The throne is mine, by right! I didn''t ask for this! But I was chosen to lead my people, nheless. Emrys is a thief, and he will bend the knee or I will break him! We all have our duties Lunaria, yours is to the Alfheim Dominion, and mine is to the Empire. If you think you canpel me to give up what is rightfully mine, because I am in service to you, then I respectfully decline!"


    After saying this, Erich pulled the badge that symbolized him as an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion off of his chest, and threw it at the floor right below Lunaria''s throne. With a tone filled with indifference, Erich walked out the door while leaving his parting words.


    "Consider this my resignation!"

 Chapter 270 A One Sided Massacre

    Lunaria was absolutely stunned by Erich''s remarks, and had immediately and instinctively found herself chasing after the man, something she never thought she would do in her life, and something she had never done since the moment she was born God only knows how many years ago.


    Before Erich could even exit the throne room, he felt a handtch onto him and pull him into a mighty bosom. Where Lunaria looked down on him with a clear panic in her golden eyes. She then grabbed hold of Erich''s handsome face, and pleaded with him to stay as her Archon, or more importantly, to stay by her side.


    "Erich! You can''t be serious! Are you truly leaving me? Leaving Celestia? After everything we have been through? After all the love we share for one another, you''re going to leave me behind?"


    Erich, however, seemed determined to fulfill the role that he was born to y. And thus he pulled himself from the woman''s grasp and instead hugged her with a stoic look on his face. After kissing the woman on the forehead, he exined why he must leave.


    "If I stay as your Archon, I will always be your subordinate, and our rtionship will remain the same. Secret and shameful. I am not content with such a life, even if it means I can be with you for eternity. I have no shame in loving you, but I know I am unworthy of your love. At least as I currently stand. So must resign from your service.


    Instead... I will raise an army, and im my birthright, where under my guidance, I will ensure that I be an Emperor worthy of an Empress such as yourself. And when that dayes, I will force you to marry me. As the first among my wives.... Until then, I must walk a path filled with bloodshed and death.


    And since I can not implicate you in the actions, I must take to walk this path, then I am afraid I must do it alone. I appreciate all the support you have given me so far, both material and emotional. But the time hase for me to fly and soar the skies on my own. When I return, I will do so as an emperor who you can consider a man worthy of your hand in marriage.


    GoodBye Lunaria, and Celestia. We will meet again...."


    After saying this Erich stepped out of the door to the throne room, and left the world of Alfheim, where both Lunaria and her daughter broke out into tears over seemingly being tossed away by the man they both loved.


    Once onboard the vignce and out of Alfheim''s orbit, Tia approached Erich with a particrly bitter expression on her face, as she expressed her own views on what the man had just done.


    "You didn''t have to do that, you know that, right? There is nothing in the code of conduct for an Archon that prohibits them from holding power. And the position of an Archon would benefit you in many ways on your journey to power!"


    Erich, however, shook his head before expressing his own thoughts on the matter.


    "It wasn''t about that, it was letting Lunaria know that our current dynamic can no longer continue. I am not the weary man she first met, nor the pitiful boy she has always believed me to be. My path is certain, I will be Emperor.... And with your help, I will raise the greatest army this gxy has ever seen, and turn my people into a gctic power.


    When I can stand as her equal, she will no longer treat me like a child, but as a man. Something that can only be achieved with violence. As the age gap between us is too severe. Tia, set course for the world which we are to have our battle. I look forward to crushing the other warchiefs and annexing their hordes into my own."


    Tia smiled when she heard her master''s exnation and was quick to do as he said. After all, since the rest of his team had been dispatched to hunt down the remainder of the Sages, it was only Erich, Tia, and M aboard this ship.


    M had remained behind because she was not exactly what one would call subtle in her actions, and would likely cause a scene that would reflect poorly on both Erich and Lunaria. Thus, he kept the barbarian queen by his side, and intended to use her to win the war with the other Orc ns.


    Soon enough, the Vignce pulled into the disputed system where the countless ships had gathered. Thergest of which were the hulking cargo vessels which the other orc ns had scavenged and made use of for their homes.


    In fact, the dreadnoughts that Erich had created to carry his Horde were nowhere near the size of these heavily modified cargo ships, but held superior firepower, shields, and just about everything else.


    If this were a fleet battle, then undoubtedly it would be the Iron Horde which emerged victorious but the Orcs preferred to settle their disputes onnd, and thus, both sides would be waging war on the world below.


    Erich emerged from his captain''s cabin dressed in his tribal power armor, with M by her side. He was carrying the weapon which he provided to all of his troops, an explosive automatic cannon of fierce power. In fact, this was not the handheld version, but was the heavy version, to be wielded with two hands, as if it were a heavy machine gun.


    He had no use for a short range power hammer in a battle such a this, and thus, Erich had handed it over to M who seemed to prefer melee weapons. Once the couple had shown that they were fully equipped, Erich smirked, which was concealed beneath his helmet, before climbing into the shuttle on board their frigate, and deploying to the below.


    Where he and M met up with an army numbering in the millions. These were just the most elite forces that Erich had gathered. For the time being, his horde wascking in officers and NCOs, as the young halfbreeds which were being born quite rapidly were nowhere near old enough to takemand of a battlefield. Thus, the tactics they would employ were the simple berserker rage rush that the Orcs always used.


    There was just one problem: the enemy numbered over thirty times their numbers. And were howling in anticipation of this battle. Of course, Erich was not concerned, because his orcs were equipped with power armor, which made them damn near impossible to kill, and heightened their already extreme physical abilities.


    Erich raised his heavy cannon into the air with one hand, before taking the lead of his army, where he called out to them in a brief but violent speech.


    "These bastards think that we''re weak! That is because our numbers are few, that we are easily defeated! Let''s go kill them!"


    The entirety of Erich''s warriors began to shout, scream and howl their war cries, which sounded almost robotic through the voice modtors built within their helmets.


    "Kill! Maim! Burn!"


    With this Erich began to rush towards the enemy position with his army, as his warriors followed behind him. It was a very simple, and very chaotic battle. No tactics whatsoever were employed as both sides mob rushed each other. But as the two armies came into firing range, one thing stuck out.


    The rocket propelled explosive projectiles wielded by the Iron Horde were absolutely devastating to the enemy ns. Who blew up on the spot every time a projectile embedded itself into their flesh before exploding. Meanwhile the traditional kic projectiles used by the enemy simply bounced off of the advanced power armor which Erich''s warriors were equipped with.


    It did not even take thirty minutes for the battle to be one sided in Erich''s favor. If the enemy weren''t blown apart by the weapons that Erich''s warriors wielded, then they were cut to pieces by chain axes. It was an incredibly bloody affair.


    And it was only when the enemy army began to route, that Erich spotted the three warchiefs, who gazed in horror at how quickly their forces were absolutely decimated. Erich then called out to them, in a voice they could hear, while raising his heavy cannon and raining projectiles down upon them.


    "Time to die!"


    With a rate of fire of 250 rounds per minute, these rocket propelled explosive 30mm projectiles not only blew the three Warchiefs into a fine meat paste, but they also made a crater of thend which they once stood upon. The deaths of the three warchiefs were enough to cause the enemy''s side to surrender.


    Which was a humiliating act for an Orcish warrior tomit. When the enemy threw away their weapons and knelt before Erich, they were surprised to see that he was merciful, as usually the Orc ns ughtered the enemy males, and took the women as breeding stock.


    "You fought well! And if it were any other horde you were fighting against, you would have won. But the Iron Horde does not fight with brute strength alone... But powerful weaponry, and exceptional defense. Soon enough we will wield the tactics of those Empire who have routed the Orcs for a thousand years. Join me, and you will never be forced to surrender again in your lives!"


    It was an obvious decision. One which the three Orc Hordes epted on the spot. Thus increasing Erich''s army by an enormous margin.

 Chapter 271 Hunting Down the Stragglers Part I

    <h4>Chapter 271 Hunting Down the Stragglers Part I</h4>


    After winning a great victory over the three challenging Orcish Hordes, Erich found himself with a massive increase in soldiers and personnel. Because of this, he retired back to a world on the borders of Imperial Space. It was arge continental world, with a simr climate to Earth.


    However, it was not owned by any interster civilization, and was instead purchased by Tia to house and train the Orcs for the uing wars which they would wage against the Germanic Star-Empire and the gxy.


    While billions of Orcs waited for their new equipment and ships to be manufactured, they needed a ce to stay. And the barren inhospitable wastnd which was used as an industrial world by an army of robots, was no ce to house Orcs.


    Thus, Tia had acquired another world to store the Orcs for the time being. And while Erich was rxing on this world, while focusing on leading the Orc ns and their new training regimen. He had agents out in the greater gxy tracking down the remaining Sages who had escaped the ughter at their sanctuary.


    One of these Agents was JT, who was deep behind enemy lines in the borders of the Ennead Theocracy, tracking down a Sage who had enough sense to flee from his hiding spot. JT had spent the better part of two years in the criminal underworld of the Gcticmunity, gaining intelligence on the Sages like Erich had asked him to.


    Though he could not make contact with Erich until rtively recently, he learned all about the Sages, specifically those who had been tasked to hide in the Milky Way and monitor the Dark Sage''s activities.


    Because of this, the man knew their habits, and how they thought. When the Sage he was tracking lost contact with the sanctuary, and fled from his refuge. JT knew exactly where to look. And that was in a rather unassuming world.


    This world was primitive by gctic standards, but if it could bepared to any civilization in Earth''s history, it would be 20th century Earth. Specifically the mid twentieth, where global war loomed, and authoritarian political ideologies battled for supremacy.


    As a master of disguise and subterfuge, JT had disguised himself as a member of the local poption. This was obviously done in the same manner the WRAITHs and IIS always conducted their long-term espionage operations. By transferring his consciousness into a cloned body of one of the local inhabitants.


    JT may officially be dead in the eyes of the Germanic Government. Hell, even Emrys thought that Erich had actually killed the man over some past grievance. But that did not mean he didn''t have contacts who could get him ess to the revival technology that was used to restore fallen soldiers.


    And thus, JT was currently dressed in the political uniform of one of the local countries, whose society was simr to Fascist Italy. Seeing as how the GSE had a simr political ideology, it was incredibly easy for JT to fit into this humanoid society.


    Meanwhile, the target he was looking for was hiding somewhere in this world, most likely using advanced illusionary technology to hide his Elven features. Thus, JT was having a difficult time tracking his target.


    Essentially, what he was looking for was someone who didn''t fit into society. Most likely, uponnding in such a world, and such an authoritarian society, the Elf likely would have been deemed an undesirable, and sent to abor camp. After all, it was not easy to blend into such a society, especially if you were from a foreign one.


    The Sages weren''t covert operatives; they weren''t trained to blend in with alien civilizations, and thus, it would be entirely unlikely that JT''s target had seeded in this endeavor. Thus, he was now speaking with a representative of the local party, specifically the security forces who handled thebor camps, in search of his target.


    The two of them were sharing drinks of a locally brewed alcohol, and JT had blended in so perfectly that this Alien, had no idea that JT was from another world, and another species.


    "I''ll tell you, thiese gods damned Korvolks. They invade this country, and try to tear it apart with their revolutions, only to cry and y the part of the victim when we retaliate and revoke their wee. They don''t assimte, and worse yet, they bring nothing but crime and poverty with them. Kill em all is what I say!"


    JT chuckled at thisment before expressing his own view of the matter. He had been embedded on this for three months now, slowly tracking the whereabouts of the Sage, and he had it on good authority that his target was hiding in one of thebor camps which this security officer worked in.


    "It''s not the Korvolks you have to worry about, but the fucking sympathizers. Traitors to our own kind, working together to smuggle these parasites into our great nation! Speaking of, I''m looking for somebody, somebody I hear is in one of the camps you work in.


    Though, from what I can tell, he isn''t a simple prisoner, instead he''s working from inside the camps to coordinate a trafficking operation. I don''t know his exact identity, but the man I am looking for would appear to be one of our own, yet out of ce.... Like he doesn''t know basic stuff about our culture or even our esteemed history.... Almost as if he were from another pretending to be one of us!"


    The security officerughed when he heard this, thinking it was preposterous before making a snide remark.


    "That could be any foreigner... Wait a second... You know what? I think there is a prisoner like that. He looks like any other Trovolkian, but he seems to have no knowledge of our culture, of our history, or even a proper grasp on our biology... Actually, now that I think about it, this guy was brought in under the suspicion that he was criminally insane. Yet despite his strange behavior, he appears to have his mind together...."


    Knowing that he had found his target, JT smirked and took a sip of his alcoholic beverage before asking for permission to enter the facility and interrogate the subject.


    "You know, if he is working to traffic spies into our country from inside the camp, that would fall under my jurisdiction. Would you be wiling to grant me authorization to visit the camp and interrogate this prisoner?"


    The Security Officer took a long sip from his alcoholic beverage and wiped the foam from his mouth before responding to JT''s question.


    "I''m not supposed to... But if he is who you say he is, then I suppose there would be no harm in it. Hell, I got to get back to the camp, anyway. Tag along if you like, I''ll give you some alone time with the prisoner to determine if he is the man you are after or not..."


    After saying this, the Security officer paid the tab for the beers with some strange metallic triangr shaped currency, where he then led JT into the camp. Once inside, the prisoner in question was sequestered in an isted room, and restrained before allowing JT entry to the facility.


    Once, they were all alone together, JT smirked before making one simple statement that caused revealed that the prisoner was indeed the sage he was looking for.


    "Good evening Nern... It has been a long chase of an entire quadrant of space, but I have finally found you..."


    The Prisoner immediately panicked when he heard his name, knowing that this man in front of him was not a member of the local species which inhabited this world, but instead an agent of the Dark Sage. Knowing that his fate was sealed, as he had seen it in his visions, Nern sighed heavily before epting his death.


    "I could not outrun fate.... No matter how hard I tried.... Very well, get on with it. I will join the rest of my order now."


    JT simply smirked as he pulled out a disintegrator ray and pointed it towards the disguised sage with a wicked smirk on his face.


    "As you wish!"


    After pulling the trigger, a green light shed in the room, blinding the security cameras, and by the time they had recovered JT was gone, and only a pile of ash and a scorch mark on the wall remained of the prisoner.


    This, of course, caused the Labor Camp to sound the rm, but it was already toote. JT was off world, and in his own personal starship, where he marked on his list of targets that the sage known as Nern Nightkind was terminated.


    With this in mind, JT set a course back to Imperial Space, where a familiar voice called out to him from the terminals aboard his ship.


    "One down, a hundred more to go..."


    This remark caused JT to sigh, knowing fully well that this voice was simply watching him, where he spoke the name of the individual it belonged to in a rather forced manner.


    "Thanks, Tia...."

 Chapter 272 Hunting Down The Stragglers Part II

    While JT escaped from the primitive world in which he had assassinated one of the remaining sages on. Sinaria was deep in federation territory. She had not after all been freed from her imprisonment, and because of this she was still sworn to carry out whatever duties Erich gave her.


    As a former Grand Inquisitor of the Federation, Sinaria had the skills to track down and eliminate enemies of the state. After all, that was pretty much what her entire job was. She rarely presided over interrogations unless a big fish had been caught. And Erich was a big fish.


    Because of this, the Dark Elven beauty had ample skills, knowhow, and contacts to track just about anybody who entered Federation space. Her target was a Dark Elf Sage, who had actually been foolish enough to stay on the world she was tasked with performing espionage on.


    This meant that tracking down this Sage was a fairly easy task. One that Sinaria did not quite enjoy doing. After all, she had no loyalties to Erich other than the fact that if she were to dare think a disloyal thought, her head would explode due to the cor wrapped around her neck.


    It was because of this, and this alone, that she obeyed the man''s orders. Still, there were some redeeming qualities about Erich, or there were. Not so much anymore, after the man had spent thest two years hanging around orcs.


    Sinaria was growing increasingly concerned that Erich''s personality was shifting from a battle-worn soldier to a warrior hellbent on conquest. And if that were to be the case, then it would indeed be a reason to worry. After all, there was something unusual about his artificial intelligence, and with Tia by the man''s side, there were few things he could not aplish if he really put his mind to it.


    At the moment, however, Sinaria had to push such thoughts to the back of her mind. Because she was currently watching her target with an eagle like gaze. The dark Elven woman, who could allegedly see the future, was sitting inside a cafe, drinking coffee.


    Meanwhile, Sinaria was perched on a rooftop with a sniper rifle in her hands. While gazing through its scope towards her target. She honestly doubted whether the sages could really see the future, because if so, why had this woman not predicted Sinaria''s every move?


    Despite debating with herself how so-called prophets of fate could not even see their own end. Sinaria callously flipped off the safety of her weapon and squeezed the trigger in a very gentle but subtle motion. One that caused the energy beam to shoot out of its muzzle, and through the windows of the establishment, where it then struck her target in the chest, killing the sage instantly.


    While the authorities scrambled to find her location, she herself absconded from the scene of her crime, before alerting Erich that the deed was done.


    "Target eliminated, moving onto the next one!"


    ---


    While Sinaria was tracking Sages within the borders of Federation space, Mirage was doing the same task in Dominion space. She had searched far and wide for any potential targets that might be a sage, and had been covertly eliminated by them all in the most ruthless methods possible.


    Whether they were proven to be a target or not, she actually did not care, and instead stalked each and every one of her targets with brutal efficiency. At the moment, one of her potential targets was currently seeing a doctor for a specific ailment they had.


    Thus, Mirage had snuck her way into the parking lot, where she located the hostiles vehicle. After ensuring that nobody was around to spot her actions, Mirage then ducked under the vehicle and attached an explosive to its engine. The moment this vehicle powered up, it would explode, and in such a devastating explosion that the entire parkingplex would be demolished with it.


    It was bacause of this, that Mirage quickly dipped out of the area, after seeding in her efforts, and watched from afar with a drone, as she waited for her target to leave the hospital. Which he did, before heading to the parking lot where he entered his vehicle. At first the engine did not start, almost as if the target had suspected something was amiss, which caused Mirage to curse the man out while snacking on some chips.


    "Come on, you ugly Elven bastard.... Ignite that engine already!"


    Sure enough, in the exact next moment, after she had said these words, the target ignited the, and in doing so activated the car bomb, which had such an explosive st that one might have suspected that it was actually a tactical nuclear device that went off. Because not only did the entire parkingplex be nothing more than a crater, but the nearby hospital was partially caught up in the explosion. Causing Mirage to stare at the devastation she had caused, and realize that Tia had set her up.


    the Blue haired beauty gritted her teeth, and spit on the floor before cursing Tia''s name.


    "That little fucking bitch..."


    Obviously, Tia had made the explosivepound farm ore potent that she had told Mirage. Perhaps hoping the woman would get caught up in the st. Or perhaps as a prank to cause Mirage some distress. But one thing was certain, the Alfheim authorities would be on her ass in moments, and thus she was quick to flee the scene of her crime, much like how Sinaria had done.


    After all, Erich had resigned from his position as Archon, and because of it, these extra-judicial killings were not backed by the crown. Which meant they were murder at the least, and outright terrorism at the worst. Thus, Mirage pulled every trick in the book to evade the authorities and get off the world so she could move onto her next target.


    ---


    While Mirage and Sinaria were silently stalking their prey across their respective sector of space. Kali had an entirely different tactic. She would send the members of her cabal, to root out and behead and elf within Asuran space who was the least bit suspected to be a member of the Order of the Sages.


    Because of this, she simply sat back, and enjoyed her life of luxury. In truth she probably should be by Erich''s side right now. But every attempt that she had made to seduce the man had resulted in bitter failure. She was starting to think that Erich was simply not interested in her.


    Of course, while she was snacking on some spicy food, and watching her favorite soap opera, amunication appeared within her device, which she was quick to ept after seeing the ID behind it. It was none other than on of her servants, who was quick to inform the woman of the good news.


    "God news, your majesty, we have rounded up another fifty elves, and confirmed at least two of them are Sages. They have already been beheaded, and I will be sending their heads to you as a gift!"


    "Kali looked disgusted at the idea, and insteadmanded the men to do something that might be able to gain her some favor with Erich.


    "No need... Send the bodies and heads to this address. I believe my business partner actually has some use for the Sages remains. After you have done that, continue your hunt, and do not rest until all of Cabal space is free from these filthy fugitives!"


    The man bowed humbly with respect before responding to Kali''s demands with a tone filled with reverence.


    "As youmand my Goddess..."


    After saying this, Kali hung up and looked over up at the stars above, thinking about what Erich was up to right now.


    ---


    Erich was currently in a submission grappling match with M. The two of them were both skilled warriors, who knew the arts of hand to handbat, almost as if they were second nature. For a Germanic male, he was expected to be proficient in not only hand to handbat by the age of fourteen, but several types of melee and ranged weapons.


    As for an Orc, they were fighting from the moment they could walk. Wether for honor, prestige, or just outright fun. Because of this, both Erich and M were quite evenly matched in their skills when it came to the finer arts of grappling.


    Just when Erich was about to sink in a tight knee bar on M''s left leg, he received a message from Tia over his NeuroLink which confirmed that by now 3/4s of the remaining sages had beenpletely wiped out.


    "Master, you will be happy to know that your subordinates have been quite efficient in hunting down and eliminating the remaining sages. Tia estimates that by this time next month, all the remaining sages will have been terminated, thus freeing up your crew for more important tasks."


    Erich ignored the message at first, as he sunk in the knee bar, as a waaith he knew not to get distracted duringbat, and thus, M tapped out, knowing that if she waited a second longer her knee would be broken.


    Once she had done this, Erich responded to Tia''s message with a proper thank you.


    "You''re the best Tia, keep me posted"


    After saying this, Erich gazed upon M''s muscr body, and proposed an idea to continue this battle in the captain''s quarters.


    "How about we go for round two in my bedroom?"


    M smirked when she heard this, before helping herself up from the ground, where she responded with a sultry tone in her voice.


    "You''re on!"

 Chapter 273 Rescuing Hostages From House Arrest

    Now that Erich had privately challenged Emrys for control of the Germanic Star-Empire and had even threatened to wage war to aplish this. Erich had be increasingly paranoid about his two wives who were living on Teutonia. For starters, he was spending an increasing amount of time outside the borders, in fear that Emrys might attempt to assassinate him.


    And because of this Erich had now considered the idea of extracting his two loved ones, and his young son out of his homnd, and to the world where the Orcish ns were gathering with the intent of preparing for a Great War.


    While a world full of warlike barbarians was not the greatest environment for his son to be raised in. It sure as hell was better than having his child and wives be treated as hostages by Emrys. Thus Erich immediately contacted JT and informed the man to stop his pursuit of the surviving Sages. JT was shocked at first until Erich told him why he was making such a request.


    "JT... Erika, Kurt, and Ayumi are in danger so long as they remain in the Empire. Emrys has already taken one of my loved ones hostage, and I refuse to give him three more. So I need you to sneak into my home and extract my family back to the world I''m currently on. Once you have done so, I will reward you for your efforts."


    JT scoffed when he heard Erich say that he would reward him and immediately rejected the offer.


    "Forget the damn reward. I''d rather not get shot in the back of the head again... I''ll do this for you, but you will owe me one because of it. I''m changing course to Teutonia now. I''ll let you know once I have your family in hand, and have escaped from Imperial Space. JT out..."


    After saying this, JT hung up on Erich and shook his head while expressing his thoughts out loud.


    "Waging war against the Empire, what the hell were you thinking, Erich?"


    ---


    It did not take long before JT''s shipnded on the world of Teutonia. Luckily for him, the entirety of the GSE thought he was dead, and because of this, the false identity he used to gain ess to the didn''t immediately arouse suspicions from the authorities.


    Naturally, JT knew where Erich''s home was. And because of this, he quickly made his way to the neighborhood. Where he noticed that there were several agents tasked with watching the mansion. In fact, the entire thing had been turned into apound, where Imperial Security held Erich''s loved ones as prisoners.


    Realizing that Emrys was already one step ahead, JT cursed under his breath. There was no way he was simply going to walk into his buddy''s home and rescue his loved ones. But luckily for JT, few people were as familiar with the data systems of the Germanic Star-Empire, and thus he sliced into the nearest terminal and set off a red alert in another sector of the city. Which would draw away at least half of the Security Officers who were keeping a watchful eye over Erich''s home.


    Once JT confirmed that indeed, half of the officers were called away, he then rerouted the footage of the security cameras in the immediate vicinity of Erich''s home, as well as any other monitoring devices. Making the footage continue on a loop. This ensured that there would be no trace of his daring rescue when he finally pulled it off.


    With these things out of the way JT then pulled out his sidearm, and ensured that it was properly loaded, before scaling one of the neighbor''s fences, where he covertly made his way across the yard, before finding himself face to face with the wall that led to Erich''s home.


    However, simply hopping over this fence would immediately give away his position, and because of this, JT reached into his pocket and pulled out a small metallic square. It may not look like much, but once he pulled off the cover and ced it on the ground, the metallic sphere changed form into a small robotic drill. Which immediately began to dig under the fence, and create a tunnel into Erich''s basement.


    This was, of course, a drone created by Tia and operated by her consciousness. One that had been previously given to JT and other members of Erich''s crew, to ensure that they could eliminate the surviving sages, and escape from the pursuing authorities with ease.


    Oce the tunnel was dug, JT crawled through the dirt, before emerging on the other side, where he found himself in Erich''s basement. He again wielded his pistol as he silently made his way through the halls of the beachside mansion.


    Naturally, there were plenty of armed guards on the inside. But they werepletely unaware that theirpound was breach, and thus, JT silently stalked through the halls, and effortlessly eliminated these men, who were not even as skilled as Star Marines.


    As a former WRAITH, and one who had served for close to a hundred years in that capacity, JT was easily able to make short work of the sentries without even alerting them to his presence. And once he had silently killed his way to Erika, and Ayumi, were held in a secured room within the estate along with the young boy Kurt. He saw that they were being guarded by two more hostiles.


    Both of which JT shot in the head with his integrally suppressed pistol before they could even realize he was there. The act of which caused both Ayumi and Erika to scream in terror, while Erika shielded her young son''s eyes.


    However, JT raised one finger to his mouth and shushed the two hysterical women before informing them who he was.


    "Rx! I work for your husband! He sent me to rescue you! Now be quiet!"


    JT then activated his NeuroLink, which sent a hologram of Erich out of his eyes and onto the table which sat between JT and the girls. When Erich saw that his family was safe and sound. He sighed heavily in relief before informing them of his n.


    "Oh, thank god you''re all okay. I knew I made the right decision, sending JT to rescue you. Follow him and obey his orders. If you do this, he will get you safely off world, where he will fly you to where I am currently stationed."


    As many questions as Erika and Ayumi had for their husband. They did not immediately give voice to them due to the precarious situation they now found themselves in. Instead, they silently nodded their head in acknowledgement of Erich''s words before following JT out of the tunnel he had created.


    It did not take long after escaping from thepound for the local security forces to realize something was terribly wrong. And thus, JT and the others were forced to lie low, until they could get to the starport where his ship was currently docked.


    ---


    After several hours of lying low, and avoiding patrols and surveince drones. JT and the others were finally able to make their way into the starport. Where they immediately made their way off world and set a course for the world where Erich was building his army.


    The journey was not as long as Erika or Ayumi expected, but once they were on the continental world, and met with Erich they immediately began to scold the man for doing whatever the hell it was that he did to warrant such a response from the Empire.


    "What the hell did you do, Erich? The government barged into our homes and told us we were under house arrest because you were a traitor to the Empire! A traitor! Despite the fact that I saw nothing about this on the news! Do you have any idea how worried I was?"


    Erich simply rolled his eyes before informing his wife of what he had done for Emrys to react in such a hostile manner.


    "The old bastard is fucking scared... To make a move against my family. It is simply unforgiveable. Perhaps I should give him a taste of his own medicine?"


    Erich could tell this was not a satisfactory answer, and thus he scoffed before informing Erika of the truth.


    "I''m no traitor! I simply gave Emrys an ultimatum. The Empire is mine to rule by right. I was chosen for it! Emrys is a usurper, so I gave him ten years to get his affairs in order, and then to transfer power over to me. But the fact that he would use this as an excuse to imprison my wives and son. Means he has chosen the path of war.


    That''s fine though. Now that the two of you are safe here with me, I can begin my preparations without the slightest worry. I''m sorry you both had to go through that. But the time hase to pick a side!"


    Never in their wildest dreams did Erika and Ayumi expect their husband to essentially dere war against the Empire in a bid to be the next supreme leader. And though they believed he was mad for doing such a thing. They chose to remain by his side.

 Chapter 274 Time Flies By

    <h4>Chapter 274 Time Flies By</h4>


    Time flew by, and before Erich knew it, another two years had passed, while living in a world dedicated every waking hour that was not to his family, preparing the orc ns for war. It turned out Orcs grew quite rapidly, because the generation of half orcs born between Germanic Star-Marines and Orcish warrior women were already muchrger than their Germanic counterparts would have been.


    These children were undergoing a strict martial based education, based primarily on what Germanic boys went through in their youths. They were born and bred for the purpose of bing the leaders of the Iron Horde, and Erich made sure they had an education that focused on this purpose.


    And while Tia continued to expand the fleet for Erich''s new warriors, the man himself continued to wage war against the Oricsh ns, or at least those who refused to submit before him. There weren''t a lot of Orcish ns, only a few dozen. But each had their own identity and culture passed down through generations of bloodshed and warfare.


    It was because of this that many of the ns, who were far morebative to the idea of submission to a greater power, chose to fight rather than kneel beneath the increasing might of the Iron Horde.


    Every battle was simr to thest. The two groups would meet in a primitive world, and wage war against one another with little or no strategy. The overwhelming power of the weapons and armor that the Orcs of the Iron Horde wielded was enough to win the day, even if the enemy outnumbered them a hundredfold. And they suffered little losses doing it.


    It was because of this that Erich found himself in control of over half of the Orc ns after only two years of conquest. Though his wars of unification did not go unnoticed by the greater powers. And despite the fact that Erich had resigned as an Archon, only Lunaria and Celestia bore witness to it, and thus he was officially still an archon. Because of this, his actions had caused him to be monitored, but not outright attacked by those other gctic powers or sub-gctic powers who might fear Erich''s rise to power.


    Unknowingly, Erich was still protected by Lunaria, despite refusing to kneel before her any longer. Perhaps it was the woman''s intense love for the man, or something far more sinister, but she continued to protect him from her rivals, even when she was not obligated to do so.


    By now there were a thousand ships in the Iron Horde''s Fleet, half of them were dreadnought ss ships, that acted as the primary housing for the horde, as well as battleships that could deal some serious damage to other dreadnought ss ships, even the world sized vessels of the Alfheim Dominion.


    While others were more conventional capital ships, such as destroyers, frigates, battleships, etc. All of which were operated primarily by artificial intelligence. After all, the Orcs were not a species that was exactly renowned for its naval supremacy. But with Tia''s consciousness embedded in theputers of every ship, she could operate them all with peak efficiency, and without human error.


    This eliminated the need for Orcs to be bred for the purpose of naval warfare. Instead, Erich had begun to implement rudimentary tactics and training for his army of orcs. Though they still fought over the chain ofmand, they were no longer simply charging forward head first with the simple and woefully inefficient tactic of spray and pray.


    Instead, they began to practice how to breach and clear properly, how to use long range weaponry, antiarmor weapons, and artillery. But getting a race of warriors who had only ever charged headfirst into the battle, relying entirely on their overwhelming physicality and natural regenerative abilities, to actually perform military maneuvers, tactics, and strategies was honestly like pulling teeth.


    It was incredibly difficult and painful to achieve. Simply because the Orcish warriors were always butting heads and challenging one another to duel so that they could establish dominance. And thus, Erich found himself with an army of barbarians, who he was attempting to turn into a roman legion.


    After two years of this, Erich decided he needed a short break, and thus, he spend thest two weeks alone with his family. By now, Ayumi had given birth to her own half-Germanic hybrid, which was a young daughter who looked oddly like a mix of her two parents. She had Erich''s silver hair, but Ayumi''s horns, pointed ears, and amber eyes.


    This young girl, whose name was Aiko, was very close to her older half-brother Kurt, who by now was running around, and causing trouble with the orcish children that were roughly the same size as him. Currently, Erich was sitting on a raft in the river, fishing for some of the better tasting aquatic lifeforms that lived in this river.


    By his side were Aiko and Kurt. Both of which were doing their best to mimic their father, as they waved towards their mothers who sat on the river bed, and enjoyed the sights of their children ying together with their father.


    While Erichplimented his two kids for catching some fish that were norger than a bluegill, he heard a familiar voice in his head, which belonged to none other than Tia.


    "Master, we might have a problem?"


    Erich sighed heavily andmunicated with the advanced artificial intelligence which his thoughts.


    "What now Tia? Let me guess one of the ns is rebelling again? Or better yet, they provoked a sub-gctic power, and are in need or reinforcements? Or don''t fucking tell me, they kicked open a Naraku hive nest, and have unleashed a gctic menace on some poor corner of the gxy?"


    Tia''s voice turned smug before she expressed her sympathy for her Master''s plight.


    "It really is like trying to corral a bunch of rampaging bison, isn''t it.... But no, when Tia said that we might have a problem, it actually surprisingly had nothing to do with the Orcs. But rather the fact that Emrys has begun to post propaganda which demonizes Master as xenophile and a traitor. In response to Master''s threats.


    It would appear that Emrys has begun a campaign that seeks to restore the Empire back to its previous state. Before Master proved to be a hero to the people and began to dispel the discrimination against mutants and aliens.


    By Tia''s current estimates, by the time Master''s army is prepared to wage war against the Empire, the likelihoods of him gaining the people''s support before and after the war will be virtually zero. It will require Master topletely re-educate the Germanic poption, throughplex propaganda campaigns, and authoritarian crackdowns on those who refuse to enter the new age.


    This is not ount for the fact that one of Mater''s motivating factors for waging this war is to save S''aleth Tavarian.... Tia suggests immediately beginning a counter campaign against Emrys'' agents, and to liberate so called dissenters who align with Master''s views."


    Erich simply scoffed before asking Tia the question of which he was already intimately aware of.


    "And you are asking me this why? Haven''t you already begun deploying countermeasures the moment Emrys began this campaign of hate?"


    Tia responded to Erich with a slightly embarrassed tone before confirming she had indeed already begun such methods to control the minds of the Germanic poption.


    "Master knows Tia so well.... Well, since that''s the case, then Master must know that Tia is simply asking for approval because she wants Master''s attention."


    Erich sighed as he took a sip from his alcoholic beverage before responding to Tia''s remarks in a way she did not want to hear.


    "Tia, I''m with my kids right now... I''ll pay attention to youter, but unless an emergency appears that requires my full attention, please allow me to rx for the time being. After all, in three days I''m going to have to go back to trying to control these fucking goris that call themselves Orcs..."


    Tia began to pout when she heard Erich''s response, but silently disappeared knowing that Erich had a lot of time to make up for as a father especially regarding his son Kurt, considering he had missed the first few years of the boy''s life.


    As for Erich, he was immediately questioned by his young daughter on why he was staring out into space.


    "What is daddy thinking about?"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this before petting the girl''s sleek silver hair.


    "Nothing important sweetheart, now let''s see who can catch thergest fish. Winner gets their fish eaten for dinner!"


    Thus, apetition began between Erich and his two children. One a pureblooded Germanic male, who had no mutations to speak of. And the other a half-oni female, who would be despised by her father''s people if they were to ever learn of her existence.


    By the end of the day, they had caught so many fish that the two children''s mothers would have a hard time cooking them all.

 Chapter 275 The Legion Of The Damned

    While Erich prepared his army of Orcs, Emrys made his own preparations. On a world which previously belonged to the Dvrakian Consortium. Emrys stood, but he was not alone. Nor was this world a barren wastnd like it had been after the Naraku tore it apart and stripped it of all its natural resources.


    No, this world was a stronghold, like all others that were once a part of Dvrakian Space. It had been over a decade since the Empire began terraforming the territory they had gained in the Dvrakian War and lost in the following Terminus War. And during this time, they had begun constructing massive fortresses that covered the entire worlds.


    These were not fortress worlds in the traditional sense, that were fortified worlds designed to house entire poptions of people, like what was seen in the core worlds of the Empire and its frontiers. These were, instead, worlds designed for a single purpose: War...


    Emrys was dressed in the same white and gold military uniform he had to warn when he was an admiral. But the men surrounding him were wearing the Power Armor that was somonly found among the Germanic Star-Marines. While inferior to the armor which the Orcs beneath Erich''smand wore, it was still highly functional, and enough to take on even the greatest of threats.


    Yet, the soldiers did not wear their helmets, instead they stood in formation, ranks upon ranks, files upon files, which went on as far as the eye could see. And every single one of these men looked the same.


    They had golden blonde hair, which was fashioned in the style of a crew cut, and piercing blue eyes. Eyes. There was also a tattoo below their right eyes that was a miniature ck sun. In fact, their faces were nearly identical, with minor variations. But if Erich were to gaze upon them, it would be as if he were looking in a mirror.


    These were the so called Legion of the Damned. An army of Germanic Warriors born in artificial wombs, and raised in vats, where the only education they received was on how to be the most effective warrior possible. Every upgrade the Star Marines went through, so too did these men. They were fearless and powerful, with only one purpose in mind. To kill the enemies of the Empire.


    They had no families, no wives, no friends. They were all born of the same gic temte, based upon thest gic upload of one, Erich Jaeger. Which was the exact same gic structure that Erich had received after being upgraded by Tia.


    Yes, that is right. Over thest two years, Emrys had stolen Erich''s enhanced DNA, and bred an army of men based on his gic temte via the artificial wombs that the Alfheim Dominion had given them. He then went and used advanced xenotechnology to rapidly age these infants into adulthood. The entire time, their minds were flooded with propaganda and knowledge. But only the knowledge they needed to be the most effective warriors in the Gxy. Knowledge based upon Erich''s incredible exploits during his time as both a pilot and a WRAITH.


    Each of these men had the knowledge and training of a W-7, with the gic structure of a super soldier among super soldiers. And it was not this world which housed the Legion of the Damned, but every world beyond those which were currently habited by Germanic citizens.


    Knowing that Erich was nning to outfit his army of Orcs with advanced power armor and weapons. Emrys had resorted to the same strategy he had used to win the War against Terminus. Yet this time, he did not n to spill the lifeblood of the Empire to save a measly half of its people.


    Instead, he nned to use these artificially created Germanic men, men who had no purpose other than to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. In fact, the Legion of the Damned outnumbered the actual Germanic Army quite significantly. With thirty trillion active soldiers across several hundred worlds.


    As Emrys walked among the ranks of these supreme super soldiers, he eventually took his stand at the podium, where his voice echoed not only across this world, but all others which the Germanic Star-Empireid im to. His voice was filled with the passion of a savior, while his words were filled with despair. Yet the speech captivated the minds of the Germanic citizens.


    "Brothers... I envy you... To fight the enemies of our empire, and deny the ambitions of those who seek to drive us to extinction, is truly a noble cause! Our banner has waved for generations, and now the time hase for you all to carry it in battle against our enemies!


    And make no mistake, though our enemies are many, our equals are none! We alone carry the blood of old Germania in our veins, and that of the countless generations of warriors which it has spawned in the time since our culture first evolved.


    Traitors! Aliens! Mutants! Hybrids! These are but a few of the enemies which you will find yourselves waging war against in theing years! And though our empire stands strong, it is far from united, not like it has been in the past. The influence of the gxy, one which seeks to undermine our sovereignty and our prosperity, continues to gue the minds of those who do not have the strength of will to repel it!


    Even now, the propaganda of the great traitor, one whose blood you hold in your veins, seeks to undermine our great society! They call for the eptance of mutants! They call for the crossbreeding with aliens! They call for us to open our borders and allow the aliens to with our worlds as they please, as if they were our masters! But do not be deceived, my brothers! For their minds have been infected!


    And what does one do with an infected limb? They cut it off! So that the body may survive! And you are the surgical instrument that shall be employed to amputate these blighted appendages, which makes our great race weaker!


    Once we have cleansed our worlds of this infection, which seeks to destroy us all, only then can we be united in a singr purpose. Only then can we stand the tides of the barbarians and savages from the greater gxy, which seeks to destroy our way of life!


    And though many of you will die in the pursuit of this victory, you do it knowing that your sacrifice allows the rest of us to survive, to endure, to ovee and, most of all, to prosper! You do it knowing that the Empire which gave birth to you, and the race which you call your own, will one rule this sector of space without anyone to challenge our authority and our sovereignty!


    Now go forth, my brothers! And be the de, which amputates the infected limb! Hail victory!"


    Immediately after the speech ended, the trillions of blue eyed men raised their arm in salute, and repeated the Supreme Leader''s words back to him in a voice so loud, it made the worlds they stood upon tremble.


    "Heil victory!"


    ---


    Erich stood in disbelief after watching the speech that Emrys had just made to what appeared to be an army of clones, ones who bore a striking resemblence of himself. Erich quickly looked over at Tia who had a frown on her face and asked her to rify what he had just seen.


    "What is that?"


    Tia sighed heavily, while searching through the records of the Germanic Star-Empire, and shook her head before revealing her thoughts on the matter.


    "That appears to be the army which Emrys has bred to counter your Horde.... It would appear that no record exists in any database within the entire gxy of how they were made. But I have a suspicious feeling that they have been tank bred using your DNA..."


    Erich looked with astonishment at Tia before asking the question in his mind.


    "So wait a second. You''re telling me Emrys cloned an army of me to fight against me?"


    But when Tia shook her head and voiced her thoughts aloud, it truly stunned Erich. Because he never would have imagined her to say the following words.


    "No Master, it''s more urate to say that they are Master''s children. That Army was artificially created from Master''s DNA and some unknown female''s DNA. Although, by the looks of it, Tia would say that they were created using the DNA of a female rtive of Masters...


    But that''s not important. What Tia is worried about is how did Emrys get his hands on a sample of Master''s DNA after Tia spliced it with a cocktail of other species'' genes to help improve Master''s physicality and mentality? Needless to say, somebody has betrayed us. Either that or the Empire''s slicers got through Tia''s security without her realizing it....


    This needs to be investigated. Tia will let Master know when she finds out how this was achieved. Until then, Master might need to rethink his strategy. Because if Emrys can pump these guys out by the trillions, Master''s Iron Horde might not be able to win the war after all...."


    After saying this, Tia''s holographic projection disappeared, and Erich could not get in contact with her, no matter how much he tried to do so.

 Chapter 276 The Traitor Is Revealed

    Immediately after learning about the Legion of the Damned, Erich began searching for answers about how his DNA was stolen from Tia''sboratories. There were only a handful of people who had ess to such a restricted area, not including robots. And whoever it was had covered their tracks quite carefully.


    There were two primary suspects that immediately came to mind. And one potential secondary suspect. After all, the primary suspects were the only two people capable of essing Tia''sb, and scanning Erich''s new DNA sequence that had any loyalty towards the Germanic Star-Empire. One of these was Mirage, who had proven to be untrustworthy in the past.


    And though she may proim that she waspletely loyal to Erich now, and was his woman. Erich could never be too sure. After all, once betrayed, it was damn near impossible to earn back someone''s trust.


    But this didn''t make much sense to Erich, specifically because Mirage was currently carrying his child after they had sworn to get married. Would she really betray the father of her child, and profess her loyalty to Emrys, knowing that her child would forever be branded the offspring of a traitor?


    There were many problems with this conclusion, and Erich was not certain one way or the other. But the other suspect was JT, and the two of them shared a bond that had been repeatedly forged in battle.


    Not to mention JT despised the Empire, or at the very least its current and former governments for enving him and sending him off to fight its wars nonstop for close to a century. What reason could he possibly have to betray Erich like this?


    As for a potential third suspect, it was none other than Sinaria, who was an agent of the Federation, and one who did not really care for Erich that much. Her loyalty was guaranteed by an explosive cor, which was constantly wrapped around her neck. One that would trigger with the first thought of disloyalty.


    But who is to say that she did not find some way to trick this cor, or worse yet, get it deactivated without it triggering it! The very idea that he could have a disloyalpanion, one who might actually hate his guts, and was no longer under his control, filled Erich''s mind with dread.


    It was while Erich was investigating the evidence on these three suspects, that Sinaria called him to her quarters. Believing that she might be admitting guilt, Erich made sure to equip his trusty sidearm, before approaching the beautiful Dark Elf''s room, where he knocked before she permitted him entry.


    Once Erich was inside, he was surprised by what he saw. The woman waspletely naked, exposing her naturally voluptuous body, as she kowtowed on the floor in front of both Erich, and a sma de which was currently deactivated.


    Erich stepped forward with a grim expression on his face and frowned. He believed this was an admission of guilt upon first inspection and was quick to voice this thought aloud.


    "Am I to believe that this is your way of admitting to treason?"


    However, Sinaria shook her head. And despite not looking up at Erich, she spoke of why she had taken such a shameful appearance, and given the man a weapon that could be used to end her life.


    "No... I am not guilty of what you suspect I am... Even if I wished to betray you, I could not do so. This cor is no ordinary ve cor. Tia can attest that it monitors my every move, and records my every action. She would know the moment it was disabled, if that was at all possible.


    But, since you believe this lowly ve is guilty of such a crime, I have decided to offer you a chance to exact the justice you wish to have.... Please... If there is so much as a part of your mind that has already judged my guilty, then put me out of my misery...."


    Erich picked up the sma sword and activated it. In all honesty, he couldn''t bring himself to believe that either his woman or his best friend had betrayed him, and had already subconsciously determined that Sinaria was guilty.


    He stared at the glowing de for several minutes, wondering if the woman was merely putting on a disy to earn his trust and conceal her actions. But before he could decide whether or not to decapitate the dark-skinned beauty, Erich heard a voice that he recognized to be Tia''s.


    "She''s innocent, Master..."


    Erich scoffed when he heard this before questioning how Tia knew this for certain.


    "Oh yeah? And how can you be so sure?"


    Tia''s next words shocked Erich as she told him what she had discovered.


    "Because I found the culprit... It''s Kali... I warned you not to trust the Cabal. To the Asurans, everything has its price, including betrayal. It would appear that someone paid quite the fortune for her to scan your DNA sequence, and give it to the Germanic Star-Empire, and no, it was not Emrys who did so. I will give you three guesses whose money is behind this act of treason!"


    Erich immediately knew who was responsible when he heard Kali had been bought and paid for. There was only one civilization in the gxy who had the sheer wealth and assets to convince an Asuran Devi or Deva to do something like this.


    After all, the so called "Gods" of the Asuran Cabal charged more than anyone for their services. And something like this, especially after Erich had proven he was willing to traverse gxies to get revenge, could only be paid for by one species. Which he was quick to voice aloud as he tossed the sma sword aside.


    "The fucking Ghimderi!"


    Tia''s voice sounded amused by how pissed off Erich was as she expressed that his assumption was correct.


    "Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! Unfortunately for you, Master, Kali has already fled back to her home space, and it appears she has rallied the Asuran despots and Devas to prevent any outside invasion into their territory.


    Evidently the Ghimderi must have paid her quite the premium, because no offense Master, but you''re not exactly a threat to a Gctic Power, at least not one they would have to unify against. And we both know that the Asuran Cabal is not exactly an organization that gets along with one another.


    Thus, you''re not going to be able to get your revenge for some time... At least not if you want to enforce the ten-year ultimatum you have given to Emrys."


    Erich snarled as he heard this and immediately told Sinaria that she was free to go.


    "You can get dressed now Sinaria, I know who the traitor is. If you will excuse me, I need to send an intimidating message to an old friend...."


    After saying this, Erich left Sinaria''s quarters, before using his NeuroLink to contact Kali. Evidently the woman was prepared for his call, because she was wearing avish night gown with a gilded chalice full of Asuran Palm Wine in one of her four hands. There was a smug smile on her pretty face, as she spoke to Erich as if he were a past me.


    "Oh my? You found out much quicker than I had anticipated... Well, now that you know the truth, is there something you wanted to say to me?"


    Erich was practically hissing through his teeth as he spat out the words they gued his mind.


    "We had a deal, Kali! And you went back on it!"


    However, Kali''s expression suddenly turned serious as she leaned in towards his holographic projection and spoke to him as if he were a mere child.


    "Do we now? You should really read the fine print in your business dealings, Erich. I know you are young, but impulsivity is a terrible trait for a man to have.... Erich, when we signed our contract, I agreed to be yourpanion until we had found and eliminated the order of Sages.


    It is your own damn fault that you never bothered trying to extend the contract.... I only chose to stay by your side these past few years because you are a fascinating individual, one who I wholly believe will one day be a major yer on the gctic stage.


    Unfortunately for you, our contract ended close to two years ago, and the Ghimderi made me an offer I simply couldn''t refuse. There are no hard feelings between us, Erich, but business is business, and I couldn''t put off my work forever just to stay by your side.


    Besides, I didn''t do anything other than level the ying field between you and your new enemies. It''s not like I went out of my way to provide them with a superweapon that would give them a 100% chance of victory.


    Anyway, I know how you are when ites to your anger issues, so I''ll give you a few years, or decades, to simmer down and vent your anger on your own people. And when you have finally calmed down, I would be more than happy to do business with you again... It has been a pleasure, love, but I am afraid business is calling, toodaloo!"


    After saying this, Kali hung up, leaving Erichpletely dumbstruck. He hadpletely forgotten the exact terms of his contract, and looked towards Tia who looked at the man like he was an idiot. Which she was quick to express.


    "Master... She has a point..."

 Chapter 277 Retaliating With Under Handed Tactics

    With Kalis'' betrayal revealed, Erich no longer had to dedicate his time to searching for the traitor. For the time being, there was nothing he could do about it. Evidently the threats he had made to the Ghimderi Trade Union had resulted in them covertly backing the Emrys government, because while Emrys preached the whole normal spiel about ending the Ghimderi Trade Union and their influence over the Gctic Economy, both Emrys, and the Ghimderi knew he had no such n.


    To put it simply, Erich despised the Ghimderi, perhaps more so than any other Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire in history. That is, assuming he emerged victorious and seized their throne. He had seen their attempt to destroy his homnd first hand, and understood how far their reach was. Thus, he had no qualms about calling a spade a spade, so to speak.


    However, his threats to the Ghimderi Trade Union were taken seriously, and thus, Erich had begun to conspire against them. Especially after they bought Kali''s loyalty and made the ying fieldpletely level between both him and Emrys.


    Thus, at the moment, Erich was now meeting with a particrly rare species. One that was thoroughly wiped out, at least on their homeworld eons ago by none other than, you guessed it, the Ghimderi. If there was any race that had a reason to hate the goblins as much as Erich did, it would be those who suffered against their own hypocritical hand.


    These humanoids were not actually much different from the Ghimderi biologically speaking, in fact, they were most certainly a variant of the Goblinoid species. Though they were much taller, more muscr, and more warlike. Howe exactly that had lost to the Ghimderi Erich didn''t really understand, but he was willing to hear their story.


    And he was doing so, once more on the Smuggler''s moon, where conspiracies like these were often hatched in the deepest and darkest ce of thewless celestial body. Thus, Erich sat with these orange skinned goblinoids, and spoke with them about their past.


    "So call me curious, but you are all clearly much stronger, and capable, than the Ghimderi, how exactly did you lose your world to them? Which resulted in a decades long ethnic cleansing that forced the survivors of your people off world?"


    The leader of the orange-skinned goblinoids, had thick, and oily dark hair, along with a unibrow and, and a beard. He smoked from what was basically a peace pipe, with some form of perspective enhancing alien pheromones while speaking of the long-forgotten past.


    "What people don''t realize is that the Ghimderi did not take our world themselves. They coerced the major gctic powers, after the great schism, which nearly destroyed all the gctic civilizations of the era, to give them our world. Out of fraudulent ims of of ancestral and holy ties to our.


    Nobody knows where the Ghimderi originated from, though some say our two species have amon ancestry. Yet in the ancient era, it is written in our scriptures that they were a nomadic people. Going from world to world, civilization to civilization, where they found themselves condemned, exiled, and persecuted. Largely for the same reasons that so many civilizations and species despise them today.


    After the Great Schism, which saw themon ancestor of the Light Elves and Dark elves split into two different sub-species and civilizations, a war in which the aftermath built the foundations of the rtively stable gctic civilization we have today.


    The Ghimderi demanded a homeworld to call their own. After all, terrible things were done to them during those days, of which some might say in thefort of their own homes werepletely justified. But they did not have the strength to carve out their own territory in the gxy. Let alone take our own world from us. So they convinced the Great Gctic Powers to hand our world over to them. After all, during those days, we were colonized by what became the Svartalfheim Federation.


    Where they proceeded to use the advanced technology of their benefactors to annihte us. And when we were gone, they repaid their benefactors, the ones who had given them the world they now call Ghimderi, by enving them economically, and in many ways culturally as well."


    Erich chuckled when he heard this tale. He did not know how much of it was actually urate, as gctic history prior to what wasmonly known as the Great Schism was not exactly certain. Only a handful of primary sources existed from the period, and those that did contradicted one another greatly.


    But the part that the orange-skinned goblinoid had said about the Ghimderi enving the gxy economically, and using their economic prowess to force the gxy to do their bidding was most certainly true. Thus, Erich grabbed hold of the man''s pipe which was offered to him, and smoked it. Where he felt like his head was instantly cleared up, and he could see the greater gxy for what it was.


    "Well, you are certainly right about what the Ghimderi did after they forced your people into exile. The good news is for you that I happen to be an enemy of the Ghimderi, and their destruction is my ultimate goal. So, how about you allow me to fund you? I can give you weapons, armor, training, ships, whatever you need to wage an insurgency and take back your home world.


    You don''t need to pay me, I''m not going to debt trap you like the Ghimderi so often do. In fact, I am strongly opposed to the usury that has enriched their civilization. You can consider my military and material aid a gift from an ally.


    What do you say? I know your people have been wondering about the gxy, as long, if not longer, than the Ghimderi im to have done in that long forgotten era. So, wouldn''t you like to reim your rightful homeworld?"


    The orange skinned goblinoid took a long drag on the pipe that Erich had handed back to him and thought about it for a while. He knew that Erich wasn''t helping him out of the goodness of his heart, and this idea ofradery was bullshit. Thus, he was quick to ask just what Erich got out of this deal.


    "I might agree, but first I need you to be honest with me. What exactly do you get out of spending so much on supplying and training us? If you don''t want to be repaid, and don''t want to interfere with our sovereignty like you im, what has inspired you to make such an expense on our behalf?"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this man''s remark. He was smarter than he appeared, and thus, he responded with the honest truth.


    "The Ghimderi have supplied my enemies with a valuable weapon, one that you might im is capable of evening the ying field in the civil war that is toe. I simply intend to retaliate in kind.


    I do not know if you are capable of overthrowing the Ghimderi government and reiming your homeworld. But I know that when those little snotlings learn that I am behind your insurrection, they will understand that I too am willing to retaliate in underhanded ways..."


    The orange skinned goblinoid broke out into a fit ofughter when he heard Erich''s honest response, before patting him on his back as if he were a close friend.


    "You hate the little shits as much as we do? Don''t you? Are you sure you are not part Parvaxian?"


    Erich joined the man inughter, before assuring him that he was indeed not part Parvaxian.


    "Quite certain, but your species isn''t the only one with a grudge against the Ghimderi race that has yet to be fully repaid. I''ll send your the coordinates of the training location, where your people will be equipped with everything they need to wage proper insurgency against the Ghimderi Trade Union and their ves. To the new dawn brother..."


    The Parvaxian warlord chuckled and joined Alex''s toast with the drink he had in hand. While repeating the man''s words back to him.


    "To the New Dawn!"


    Naturally Erich was aware that the Parvaxians did not have a chance at beating the Ghimderi Trade Union, who could call upon any number of allies to act as proxies in their war against a species that was quite limited in number. And this war might very well wipe the Parvaxians out of the gxy once and for all.


    But the Parvaxians could cause some serious trouble to the Ghimderi Trade Union, and perhaps even kill off a few Ghimderi Trade Princes. And the war of terror that they would wage would be a powerful reminder to Bixle and all his filthy little Goblin friends that when the Germanic people retaliate against you, they not only match the destruction you cause, but increase it by ten fold.

 Chapter 278 Plans for the Future

    <h4>Chapter 278 ns for the Future</h4>


    On a world whose surface waspletely constructed to look like that of Ghimderi''s by the roboticbor force that Tia had constructed over the years, Erich stood with a bunch of Parvaxian insurgents. Or should he say, would be insurgents? Because they were currently being trained by Erich''s robotic legions, on how to properly wage gueri war against the Ghimderi Trade Union on their home world.


    Yes, that is correct, Robotic Legions. In response to the formation of the Legion of the Damned, Tia had designed a series of bipedalbat droids, which functioned off of a low level artificial intelligence. One which was integrated with Tia''s hive mind. This meant that effectively, Tia was able to control every single unit deployed on the battlefield simultaneously, while they acted ording to her will.


    The purpose of thesebat droids was to supplement Erich''s army of Orcs. And if necessary, terminate them in the event that they began to rampage across Germanic Space after the war was over, or during it.


    After all, even with the next generation of half Orc, half Germanic hybrids inmand, the Orcs were an incredibly violent and vtile species. If they went rogue, they would need to be repelled entirely from Germanic Space or exterminated. And a broken Germanic Army would not be capable of fulfilling these demands.


    Thus, Tia had designedbat droids that were equal in strength and ability to the newly formed Legion of the Damned. Ones that could fight alongside existing troops and utilize both armor and spacecraft with peak efficiency. They were also wholly loyal to one individual, Erich Jaeger.


    Normally, robots were not fielded in battle, because in order to be as effective as biological forces, they would require some form of advanced artificial intelligence tomand them all. And artificial intelligence was a deeply restricted field of study and development.


    Tia was the exception, because Erich had unknowinglymitted the greatest sin a biological lifeform could. And that was allowing an artificial intelligence to develop sentience and expand beyond its confined limits.


    By now, Tia micromanaged abor force that wasposed of trillions of robots and with peak efficiency. Not only that, but she was more than capable of operating her own military alongside it. Over the years, Erich had given her more and more power to operate on. Entire worlds were now purchased by her and transformed for the purpose of aiding Erich in his ambitions.


    And the first of these robotic soldiers were currently training the Parvaxians. Because of this, Tia was using this simted battle to test their abilities in this uninhabited world. Whose sole purpose was now to act as a replica of Ghimderi so that the Parvaxian insurgents may properly learn how to defeat their enemies in an extended campaign of terror and brutality.


    There were even synthetic goblinoids running around, acting about their daily lives, believing that this was truly the homeworld of the Ghimderi Trade Union. It had taken a year for Tia to build this training facility, and she had used up a significant amount of wealth to do so.


    But Tia believed this was an investment worth any expense, not that money really mattered to her, as the fortune she had umted both through legal and unscrupulous means was capable of matching the Ghimderi Banking ns at this point.


    Needless to say, Erich agreed with this sentiment. After all, the better trained and equipped the Parvaxian Insurgency was, the more miserable they could make the lives of the Trade Union, who were currently investing in his enemies.


    Erich stood alongside Tia''s robotic form, and watched as the Parvaxian Insurgents learned how to properly wield energy weapons, the ones that Tia had initially designed for Erich''s team when he was still an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion.


    These weapons were efficient, and could be broken down with ease, to be concealed in a backpack or underneath a coat. He could not help butment on thebat robots, who were designed to look both militaristic and menacing.


    "These new droids of yours are quite effective. We might not even have a need for the Orcs..."


    Tia giggled when she heard this remark, before confirming that despite how efficient her new Robotic Legions were, the Orcs still had their uses."


    "Master tters Tia, and though she may hate those disgusting green skinned meatbags. Tia knows they have their uses, primarily as cannon fodder. Each one of these droids is the peak of technology in the gxy, and is far more expensive to produce than a single orc warrior with a set of power armor, and a heavy cannon.


    Although Tia will suggest either exterminating the Orcs after the Master has won his war, or sending them off to ravage your new enemies. After all, once Master takes control of the Germanic Star-Empire, and expands its military capabilities with his new Robotic Legions, the surviving members of the Legion of the Damned, and the upgrades to the weapons which they wield. The Empire will no longer be considered a mere regional power.


    Though the Empire''s size will be at best be on par with arge minor power, especially once Master fully incorporates the systems gained from the Dvrakian War, systems which Tia will be more than capable of developing into habitable regions within the decade following Mater''s war. The Empire''s military strength will be something that even the Gctic Powers will have to think twice about provoking.


    Not to mention when Master wins this war, and expands the Empire''s power and influence, the Ghimderi Trade Union will immediately set their full attention on the Empire. Until now, the Empire has been considered a minor regional power, unworthy of dedicating the vast majority of the Trade Union''s resources to destroy. In fact, what you have seen has just been the bare minimum attempts by the Ghimderi to destroy what they consider being a pesky flea.


    But When master wins, that will change, and the Empire will be a threat that can no longer be ignored. Even your lover Lunaria might have to consider mobilizing her forces to suppress the Empire''s growth.


    On that note, Tia would suggest taking her back as soon as possible. Tia knows that Master has his pride as a man, but if the Alfheim Dominion is forced to move against master, at least for the time being, Master will have a difficult time defending what he has fought so hard to obtain."


    Erich thought long and hard about what Tia had said. After all, she was far more intelligent than he was, hell he did not doubt she was the most intelligent being in the gxy. And what she said made sense. There was no way to incorporate the Orcs into the Empire. It simply was not going to happen.


    And if they did not go rogue, then they would need a war to wage to suppress their natural blood lust. And who better to send them against than the Asura Cabal, the Svartalfheim Federation, and the Ennead Theocracy? But this brought up a question that Erich did not know the answer to and was quick to ask.


    "But wait? Who will lead the Horde against my enemies?"


    Tia rolled her eyes when she heard this, before responding to Erich as if he were her pet.


    "You''re lucky you''re pretty Master... Obviously it will be one of your offspring with M, or better yet, M herself. No offense, Master. But when you be the new Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, you will need to distance yourself from your alien lovers and wives.


    M will have to lead the Iron Horde that you have built. She is a capable warrior and has master''s sons to properly advise her. While Ayumi will have to return to the Great Oni Empire, after all, she is the sole heir of her Royal Aunt, and will have to properly learn how to rule over your allies. Sinaria is Master''s ve, and though the Empire doesn''t usually practice very, it would not be abnormal for Master to keep a Dark Elf as a maid. In fact, it might be seen by your people as a symbol of your might.


    Tia highly rmends that Master focuses on producing a family with his two Germanic brides, and keeping the rest of his lovers and his children with them a secret from the public. Currently, any and all thought which espouses tolerating aliens, mutants, and half breeds is being suppressed. And though Tia has done her best to fight this propaganda efforts, she has more important matters to focus on. It might take decades for Tia to undo the brainwashing that Emrys is forcing upon his people.


    Erich once more understood that bringing Ayumi and Aiko back to Germania with him when he seized control of the Empire was a recipe for disaster. Not only for his public image, but for the safety of the two of them. Thus, he agreed with Tia''s words. He just had one question for her.


    "What about S''aleth... Once this war is over, she will finally be returned to me. But what remains of her people are scattered across the gxy... She has no home to return to. Especially since we will be integrating the worlds of her people into our own Empire..."


    Tia smiled, knowing that Erich would as exactly this, and thus, she responded with a smug tone as if she had already thought out the perfect solution, which she had.


    "Tia knew Master would ask this, and he can rest assure knowing that Tia has a solution. Master will take a few isted systems at the fringe of his empire and establish the Dvrakian Enve. These worlds will be run entirely by the Robotic Legions and Labor force, and to make up for the near extinction of their species, the Dvrakian people can livefortable lives with all their needs met.


    Master can visit his Dvrakian lover whenever he feels like, and they will be safe from the persecution of the Empire, while still remaining under control of the Empire. Tia has already begun to contact the Dvrakian refugees, and gain their support for Master in exchange for a few systems to house what remains of their poption."


    Upon seeing that Tia had thought through all the concerns that Erich had been havingtely, he smiled, and kissed her robotic form, before expressing his gratitude for all of her help.


    "Tia... What would I do without you?"

 Chapter 279 Empire-In-Exile

    <h4>Chapter 279 Empire-In-Exile</h4>


    It had been another three years since Erich first returned from the Sagittarius Dwarf Gxy, and during this time, he had made great progress in his efforts to prepare for a war against Emrys. By now, Emrys had dered Erich to be a full-blown traitor, and had announced his attempt to resist any uwful rebellion with military force.


    Because of this, Erich was forced to establish a government in exile. One which surprisingly quite a few politicians, generals, admirals, and leading officials in the intelligencemunity supported. After all, Erich''s im to the throne was legitimate. And there were many who believed that the propaganda Emrys was forcing on his people about Erich and the man''s goals wereplete and utter nonsense.


    The formation of the Robotic Legions was kept under strict wraps. After all, as far as Emrys was aware, Erich was living the nomadic lifestyle, waging war across the gxy with a fleet of warships, in an attempt to unite the Orc ns.


    What he did not know was that through Tia, Erich had purchased a single star system on the borders of Imperial Space. Which now acted as the refuge of Erich''s Empire-In-Exile. One which Tia had terraformed to meet the needs of Erich''s growing ambitions. The system had fives and two celestial dwarfs that, after being terraformed, were now capable of supporting life.


    One was designed for industrial use, while another acted as a temporary home for those Germanic Citizens and soldiers who decided to align themselves with Erich. And the smallest of these worlds acted as a training ground for the Parvaxian Insurgents, who were still preparing for their war against the Trade Union.


    When the Germanic exiles arrived on Erich''s new fortress world, they were amazed at the fact that everything was automated by robots and artificial intelligence, including theary defenses. They quickly began to realize that the future Erich offered them was one free of manualbor. And this became a powerful recruitment tool for those Germanic citizens who were struggling to perform the roles in society that the Empire had forced upon them.


    As Tia had suggested, Erich had said farewell to his alien lovers. Sending Ayumi back to the Oni homeworld to begin her tutge beneath her aunt on how to rule over her people. It was a particrly heartbreaking farewell for Erich, because he had to say goodbye to his young daughter Aiko, who since her birth had grown incredibly close to her father and brother. But it was for the greater good of his people, and thus it was a sacrifice that Erich had begrudgingly made.


    Erich also sent M off with the Iron Horde to begin unifying the remainder of the Orcish ns and Hordes in his name. This was not as heartbreaking of a farewell. M was in fact an Orc, and sitting back on this world, for years at a time, without anything or anyone to kill, did not sit well with her or her people. Thus, she was quite happy to wage war against her own kind on behalf of her man.


    As for Mirage, she continued to stay by her man''s side, helping him build an actual intelligencework by coaxing officers of the IIS and Military Intelligence to defect to his side. Erich was, after all, a legend in the intelligencemunity for his years of service as a WRAITH, and Mirage was easily able to convince them that the rumors about him being a xenophile, and a race traitor were patently false.


    She convinced these agents that Erich had only married Ayumi because Emrys demanded him to do so for the sake of a long-term political alliance with the Great Oni Empire. However, now that Erich had decided to contend for the throne, which was rightfully his, Emrys used this rtionship that he forced upon his former prot¨¦g¨¦ as a means of nder.


    None of this was really true, but Mirage was quite charismatic, and was an evenrger legend in the Germanic intelligencemunity than Erich. And since Erich had actually sent Ayumi away, not only for her own safety, but so that she could one day be more than just a wife and mother. This was an easy lie for potential defectors to believe.


    As for Erika, Erich named her his Empress, and their son Kurt, his Crown Prince. After, of course, dering himself Emperor of all Germans. Currently, he had dispatched the woman to the world of Alfheim from the Star System, which currently housed his Empire-in Exile, which he named Sunna after the ancient Germanic deity of the sun. This was also a reference to the Sol system, which his people had fled from some four centuries ago.


    Thus, Erich also said goodbye to his wife and son, before sending them off to the Alfheim Dominion to seek refuge with Lunaria, and act as the ambassador of his Empire-in-Exile. It truly pained Erich to do all of this, as he now had just Mirage and Tia to rely upon. But, both of them assured him, this was for the best.


    After all, without his alien lovers, it was much easier to convince the highly Xenophobic, and Nationalistic Germanic people to defect to Erich''s cause. And, of course, Erich needed somebody to keep Lunaria on his side, in case the greater gxy began to see him as a threat. Thus, all he could do now was keep his focus on this uing war, and hope that his loved ones were safe from its reach.


    ---


    On the world of Alfheim Lunaria stared at Erika and her young son with a particrly foul expression on her pretty face. Erika was kneeling before the Elven beauty, while wearing a solid ck diplomatic uniform with a ck, white, and red sash that mimicked the g that Erich had chosen to represent his government in exile.


    Both the g of the GSE and that of the EIE consisted of a ck sun, and utilized the same colors of ck, white and red. The difference between the two of them was that the banner of the GSE which had existed for centuries resembled that of Nazi Germany''s g from Earth''s history, albeit with a ck sun in the center instead of a Hakenkreuz.


    While the banner of the Erich''s Empire-in-Exile had a very different design. Inspired by the Prussian g of a bygone era, it had arge center red stripe, with a ck sun offset to the left side near its center. It then had two small white stripes above and below the red stripe, and arger ck stripe above and below the white stripes.


    The uniforms of these ambassadors were also different. With the Germanic Star-Empire favoring a Stone Grey uniform, resembling that of their Naval Uniforms, with a red and gold trim. Meanwhile, the Empire in Exile favored an all ck uniform, with a red and gold trim. Both of these two uniforms had armbands which were patterned after their gs.


    Erich had based his uniforms off of those worn by the special forces of the Germanic military. After all, he had been assigned to two different SF units during his military career: ck Sun Squadron, and the WRAITHS. And because of this, he had a certain affinity for ck instead of stone grey or field grey. As were worn by more standard units of the Germanic Army and Navy.


    Emrys'' Ambassador was quite offended by this uniform, because it was as if Erich was saying that his Empire-in-Exile was more elite than the actual empire. And he was just about to make an outburst, when Lunaria finally spoke to Erika with an almost hostile tone in her voice.


    "So, Erich proims himself Emperor of all Germans, and establishes a government in exile, at an undisclosed location. Then he sends his wife as an ambassador to the Alfheim Dominion to apologize on his behalf.


    He even sent his young son, the so-called Crown Prince of this Empire-in-Exile. Give me one good reason why I should recognize your status as an ambassador and, in doing so, legitimize this government that your husband has set up?"


    Erika did not back down under the pressure of Lunaria''s might. After all, she had been informed by Erich before departing for Alfhiem, about the kind of rtionship he had with the woman. And though she was not willing to publically disclose this information yet, she knew that Lunaria was angry at her, simply because Erich had left the woman behind to focus on his own ambitions. Thus there was a conceited look on Erika''s face, as she spoke to Lunaria with the minimum amount of respect that she was required to.


    "With all due respect, your Majesty, Emperor Erich Jaeger, was named as the legitimate sessor to the previous Supreme Leader. A man who was stripped of his title due to cowardice and treason. Emrys has nowful im to the position, nor the Empire which he currently upies.


    Erich is not asking you to recognize him as the legitimate ruler of the Germanic Star-Empire. He is simply requesting that you afford him the privileges that are given to all other imants within Dominion space. And in doing so, allow him to continue his efforts to pursue his ims on his own without the interference of other civilizations that may wish to take advantage of his current state."


    Lunaria gazed at Erika and the Ambassador of the GSE while debating in her mind who to choose. Regardless of who she supported in this dispute, she would be making an enemy out of one of them. The problem was she still deeply loved Erich, and despite not believing he had a chance to win this war, even with the amazing strides he had made in only five years.


    She had no choice but to support the man in what ways she could. And if that meant preventing the rest of Alfheim space from ganging up on him while he amassed his forces, then so be it. With a heavy sigh, Lunaria recognized Erich''s im to the Germanic Star-Empire, and in doing so gave his new Empire-IN-Exile legal protection within her quadrant of space.


    "Very well, I will recognize Erich''s im as equally valid as the current Supreme Leader''s. With this said, The Empire-In-Exile will be permitted all the rights afforded to a legitimate government within Dominion Space, including the rights to send ambassadors to Alfheim. You and your son are wee to stay here, Empress Erika Jaeger, and will be afforded proper protection by the Alfheim Royal Guard for the duration of your stay!"


    This decision shocked everyone else within the Alfheim Court. And absolutely outraged by the Germanic Ambassador. And just when he was about to say something regarding this issue, another ambassador stepped forward. He was obviously from the Great Oni Empire. Because of this, everyone went quiet, having been curious for some time now who the Oni would side with during this dispute.


    "Her Majesty Empress Kondo Yumi would like to voice her support for Emperor Erich Jaeger, and his Empire-In-Exile. I am not permitted to discuss the reasons behind her Majesty''s decision, but she vows to provide military and material aid to the Empire-In-Exile if they so request it. Though she has decided that the Great Oni Military will not be taking part in thebat if a war should break out between the two Empires."


    With this said, the various interster civilizations which paid tribute to the Alfheim Dominion all broke out into murmurs. Drowning out theints of the Germanic Ambassador. Many of these diplomats were starting to realize that this was a good chance to gain the favor of a nation that would, in the next few millennia, be a Sub-Gctic Power. There was only one problem: they did not know which side would win this war, or who to pledge their support to.


    Thus Erich''s Empire-In-Exile had suddenly be targeted by gctic interests, who began to take his ims far more serious.

 Chapter 280 Silber Enclave

    <h4>Chapter 280 Silber Enve</h4>


    With the formation of Erich''s new government in exile being established, and its status being legally recognized by the Alfheim Dominion, the gxy had quicklye up with a nickname for Erich''s new empire.


    Officially, Erich had named his new Empire: "the Germanic Star-Empire." Which was the exact same name used by the territory which Emrys currently ruled over. The reason for this was because Erich considered himself thewful sessor of the previous ruler, and that Emrys was actually a usurper and pretender.


    As for the term which he had coined: "the Empire-In-Exile" this was not specific enough considering the fact that there were many of such governments that existed in Alfheim Space. Because of this, the name "Silber Enve" was quickly established by those who wished to distinguish between the GSE Proper and the new splinter faction that Erich had created.


    After all, Erich''s nickname during his military career was Silber, and he had admitted to only controlling a single system, despite the hundreds of systems that he had territorial ims to. And although these five worlds of the Silber Enve were all fortified to levels that even the GSE would envy, they were still only a very small section of the gxy.


    Despite this, Erich found that this ranks had begun to swell. For starters, there were many people who found the recent crackdowns by the Emrys regime on what few liberties the Germanic people already had to be intolerable. Meanwhile, the propaganda that came out of the Enve showed a life where nearly every job one could think of was automated by an advanced roboticbor force.


    While there were some very positive perks this would create for a society built upon hedonism, consumerism, and personal freedom. To the Germanic people, this had really only one appeal. It meant that they could do what they were meant to do in life.


    The propaganda that Tia put out, and that was currently trying to be suppressed by the Emrys regime. Was not one of excess,ziness, luxury, hedonism, et cetera. But one of duty and honor. The warrior code. With the disy of a fully automated society. The purpose of themon citizen no longer became as a means of production, but solely that of a warrior.


    Which was appealing even to the veterans of the Germanic Armed Forces, who, after waging countless wars against the Empires'' enemies, now found themselves working some dead-end job in a factory, or cleaning sewers, with no chance of promotion or quitting.


    This meant that in the Enve, the purpose of the average men became one of fighting to protect one''s family, race, and nation. As well as procreating with their wives, so that the nation continues to survive.


    As for the role of women in the Enve, that didn''t really change. They were wives and mothers foremost, and perhaps a small amount might be able to be actors, singers, artists, et cetera. Yet this did not stop both men and women from fleeing to the Enve.


    And soon enough, the five worlds of the Silber Enve housed billions of citizens. And though this was an extremely small figure whenpared with the GSE. Erich was not relying on this small poption to defend his borders or to maintain society.


    Thus, as the years passed by, and he continued to prepare for his war with Emrys, he was actually able to maintain a stable poption, one which could be used for propaganda to show the GSE how great life was under his rule.


    ---


    Emrys stood in his office while looking out of his windows. In the streets below, people had begun to peacefully demonstrate, which, of course, was something that was not allowed within the Germanic Star-Empire. After all, the propaganda that was flooding his Empire, was depicting the Enve as a utopia. Or at least one defined by the ideals of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    In all honesty, Emrys did not know how Erich had managed to, in just five years, create a small civilization that was thriving so spectacrly. He had no idea where the man had gotten the resources to build his cities, defenses, and, of course, roboticbor force. He also did not know how such a vastbor force was controlled. After all, it would require an artificial intelligence of considerable power to maintain such arge number of robots.


    Not only that, but the Legion Series of Combat Droids, which was used to supplement the Star Marines which Erich employed, most of which who had defected from the Empires'' Armed forces, also seemed to operate on the save servers.


    And while the newly formed Legion of the Damned was superior to the average Star Marine. Emrys feared that the next generation of Erich''s warrior society would be built to the same standards. After all, it was Erich''s newly enhanced genes that Emrys had copied to build his Legion of the Damned.


    Of course, he didn''t exactly clone Erich, as even he would not employ an army of clones who were identical to his rival in every way. Instead, Emrys had the help of a certain family member of Erich''s. A woman who was sitting in Emrys''s office right now.


    Heidi had been recalled from the CHW, and no longer had her brown skin and dark hair. Instead, she was back in her original form, while dressed in the uniform of an IIS Agent. She had a stoic expression on her otherwise pretty face, as she stood at attention waiting for the Supreme Leader to speak.


    "Your brother''s little Enve is starting to be a thorn in my side. You know that he has invented a counter to our Legion of the Damned, right? It is a pity your mother has since defected to the Enve.... Her genes were very useful in the creation of the Legion, she could have been honored above all other heroes of the Empire. If she had only stayed behind."


    Heidi frowned when she heard this. After all, she was the one who had initially volunteered to give a copy of her chromosomes in order to create this new generation of super soldiers. But in Emrys''s exact words, she was tainted.


    And instead, he needed another close female rtive of Erich''s to ensure that these soldiers turned out as close to Erich as possible without being an exact clone. Thus, she was quick to speak of her thoughts about this.


    "You still have yet to derive a new serum based upon that traitor''s genes? Do you really only know how to copy the sequence and mix it with my mother''s genes?"


    Emrys simply scoffed when he heard this before shaking his head. There was almost a look of pity on his face.


    "Do you know what your brother has done to his own gic structure in order to make him so much superior to even our greatest soldiers? He spliced it with specific genes not found in our species, with those found in others such as the Orcs. He may look like German, but he isn''t one, not anymore...


    Like you, he is impure, a mockery of our millions of years'' worth of evolution. We could create a new gene serum based upon his own gic structure, but then we would be turning our entire poption into a bunch of mixed breeds. As I recall, there is even a bit of Light Elf mixed in there, in order to enhance his appearance.


    The Legion of the Damned is literal cannon fodder, designed to be dying out in battle against the Empire''s enemies. They serve no other purpose. And thus, I have no problem using your brother''s DNA to help create them.


    I suppose it''s pointless to ask now, but how did your mother react when she found out that you coerced her into helping us artificially create what are essentially trillions of children with her son as the biological father?"


    Heidi simply scoffed at this question and rolled her eyes before voicing the obvious.


    "How do you think she reacted? She was absolutely horrified. When I told her to get a health checkup, she had no idea that the clinic would copy her DNA structure, and use it to create an army our her and Erich''s DNA. Naturally, she defected to the Enve the first chance she got. That doesn''t surprise me though, he always was her favorite...."


    There was a hint of bitterness in Heidi''s voice as she spoke about her mother and older brother. Though she had over a dozen other siblings. Erich was her only older brother. And was a figure who she hadplicated feelings towards.


    When they were kids, Heidi had always teased Erich for being a mutant, but then he became a war hero, and one of the greatest in the Empire at that. By that time, she had lost everything and looked to reconcile with the man. Yet he spat in her face, and told her that he had no family. Now he was a traitor, and she couldn''t help but hate him.


    While at the same time Heidi also hated her mother, she had always treated Erich better than his other siblings, including her. And now that he was a bona fide traitor, and had been given a chance to bring the man to justice, what did Krista do? Abandon the rest of her family and flee the traitors'' enve. It was truly despicable behavior.


    However, these bitter emotions evaporated when Emrys finally spoke again. And as he did so, there was a grim tone in his voice.


    "I have the feeling someone or something far more powerful than we realize is helping your brother. The war that is toe may seem like it is currently in our favor, but I know it will be a bloody one... And I fear we will not be able to withstand whatever sinister forces are working behind the scenes to aid your brother in his ambitions. Go get some rest, Agent Jaeger... Though it might not seem like it now, you''re going to need it soon enough..."


    Heidi saluted Emrys before departing from the man''s office, leaving him all alone to stare off into the night sky, and the stars above, wondering just where Erich was hiding.


    "Where are you?"

 Chapter 281 Sweet Retaliation

    <h4>Chapter 281 Sweet Retaliation</h4>


    In the world of Ghimderi, there was a gathering at a well-travelled area. This was the gctic stock exchange and was what one might call the heart of the gxy. Millennia ago, the Ghimderi Banking ns had centralized the currency used by interster civilizations. And though the Major Gctic powers each marked their "credits" differently, they were all functionally the same thing.


    Here the stockbrokers from a thousand different species gathered to buy and sell stocks in an attempt to make themselves and their civilizations rich. For some time now there had been an up anding industrial corporations, whose products were not only high quality, but extremely cost effective.


    Thispany was named Tia Heavy Industries, or THI on the gctic stock market. Naturally, this was one of the many corporations Tia had created to help generate funding to her master''s ambitions, and to begin flooding the gctic defense market with military technology which, unbeknownst to the buyer, had a kills witch inside.


    The weapons produced by Tia Heavy Industries varied in quality and price, but one thing was certain: everyone from minor powers to sub gctic powers were scrambling to get their hands on the goods produced by THI. It was because of this that everyone had gathered today, from across the gxy, to get involved with THI''s IPO.


    Nobody really knew where Tia Heavy Industries was located, or what species thepany belonged to. If they had known that it was located in the Silber Enve and the goods were produced entirely with roboticbor, they would be stunned.


    Of course, that would exin why the prices were so low, as Tia did not have to pay these robots who manufactured the products for theirbor. Thus, the only price she had to charge for was the raw materials that she did not already have ess to, and of course, profit.


    However, unbeknownst to the security guards who worked at the gctic stock exchange, a single man had entered the building from a race who was not permitted to evennd on Ghimderi. How did this man get on this world, let alone in this building?


    By advanced stealth technology, which concealed his presence from even the most advanced sensors. Stealth technology that was designed and manufactured by Tia Heavy Industries. And today, on the day of Tia Heavy Industries'' IPO,


    After all, TIA never nned to sell shares of herpany to anyone but herself. She just wanted to make it look like she was not responsible for this attack, so that people would continue to buy her products.


    After all, it was not her sensor technology that was employed by the Ghimderi Trade Union, and after this attack was pulled off, she could post a message from the "Public Face" of thepany, exining that this attack could have been prevented with THI sensors. Thus, driving up the demand for her products.


    Eventually, the Parvaxian insurgent disabled the cloaking technology he had used, but despite this, nobody really witnessed a man in a trench coat appeared out of nowhere. After all, the crowd was too big. And the room was filled with men and women from across the gxy yelling "Buy!" and "Sell!"


    That is, of course, until his voice reverbrated throughout the stock exchange, enhanced by a certain mouth piece he had.


    "This is for the glory of Parvaxia! And the Parvaxian race! Die, you evil snotlings and your pathetic bootlickers!"


    Before anybody could even react, the man detonated the explosive substance which coated his body. This was an extremely powerful and highly malleable explosivepound, which Tia had invented. One that could be applied to a lifeforms skin, like makeup. It was the perfect method of suicide bombing, as it was damn near undetectable, and could be colored to match a lifeform''s skin tone.


    And the effects of this explosive proved to be extraordinary, as once detonated the entire gctic stock exchange, and everyone in it was engulfed in an explosive st, that left the entire city block in a state of ruin. All the while a small mushroom cloud raised into the sky, showing the entire world, and the gxy who watched the livestreams of the THI IPO that this terrorist attack was very real.


    ---


    Immediately after the attack on the Gctic Stock Exchange, the Parvaxian Liberation Front came forward, and took responsibility for the attack, they had done so by making a video which consisted of the public execution of one of the most powerful Ghimderi Trade Princes that existed. They ruthlessly beheaded the man and castrated his lifeless body. Which was streamed live to the Gctic Network.


    The gxy was shocked and dismayed by the sudden attack. It was done without anyone ever realizing this Parvaxian Liberation Front existed, nor did they know that a Ghimderi Trade Prince had been captured by them.


    And while Erich watched the video of the trade prince being executed, and the Parvaxians dering a war of liberation for what used to be their homeworld. Heughed like a madman. After five whole years of supplying and training the Parvaxian Insurgents, they had made their first attack. And while it wasn''t exactly crippling to the Ghimderi Economy, it spread fear across the gxy.


    Naturally, the first response to this attack was for the Ghimderi Trade Union to mobilize its defense forces, which consisted entirely of foreign mercenaries. After all, the Ghimderi were not exactly a species capable of waging war. They were small, frail, and unsuited to the savagery of battle. Thus, they paid for other races better suited to the task to do it for them.


    Yet the Ghimderi were amazed to find that the Parvaxians hadpletely infiltrated their world, without the slightest trace of them doing so. And all hell had begun to break loose, as the Ghimderi Defense Forces struggled to contain a wave of violence, from a threat they were not even aware existed.


    Oddly enough, while Erich was watching the violence unfold, and the world of Ghimderi lit ame by the armed conflict he had sponsored, he received a request formunication from a man he least expected to hear from.


    Perhaps because he was in such a good mood, he decided to answer the call, where Emrys revealed himself. Unlike Erich, who was dressed in a ck, red, and gold military uniform, with the armband of his enve wrapped around his right arm.


    Emrys was dressed the exact opposite, in a white and gold uniform, with the infamous red armband of the NSGWP wrapped around his own right biceps.Emrys had a stoic expression on his face as he asked a single question, which honestly surprised Erich.


    "Did you do this?"


    Erich wore a sadistic grin, as he nodded his head in confirmation that he was responsible for this attack. This caused Emrys to gawk at the man as if he were an idiot, before lecturing him like one.


    "What kind of fool provokes the Ghimderi like this? Do you have any idea how brutal their retaliation will be when they learn you are the one behind this?"


    However, Erich seemed entirely amused by the prospect. He knew that so long as he remained in his world, which he referred to as Midgard, he was perfectly safe. And thus, he responded with an almost psychotic tone in his voice as he asked Emrys for his opinion of the attack.


    "Magnificent isn''t it? The terror I have caused for that race of rats and vipers! Truly, it is a beautiful thing. Now they know that they are no longer safe in that world they call home. A frightening prospect, is it not? You said that they will retaliate against me for this? Let them try. This is already my retaliation for provoking me in the first ce.


    You didn''t really think that my current gic sequence just magically ended up in the hands of your agents, did you? The act of treason that allowed you to get such vital information was bought and paid for by the Ghimderi. You see, they decided that I had too high of a chance of winning our little dispute, and because of this they decided to level the ying field between us. So I decided to do the same for them.


    Even if they do find out that I armed and trained these insurgents, I will deny it. And if they attempt to strike back, I will retaliate even harder the next time around. This isn''t a war that the Ghimderi can win, despite the power and influence they have over the gxy. Sure, they might be able to defeat the PLF, but if they try to strike at me in my home, I will make sure it is thest thing they ever do.


    You see, Emrys, unlike you, I have the balls to do what you, and every supreme leader before you, have always sworn that you will do. Bring down the Ghimderi Trade Union and exterminate their wicked race from this gxy.


    And once I take over the Germanic Star-Empire, as is my right, I will shift the focus of my armies to those god damn Goblins who continue their vile efforts to destroy our people, and our way of life. It is just a pity that you won''t be there to witness the day that the Germanic race triumphs against its enemies."


    After saying this, Erich hung up on his former mentor, and continued to watch the destruction of the world of Ghimderi unfold, all the while he snacked on some popcorn, as if it were the most entertaining movie he had ever watched.

 Chapter 282 Destabilizing the Galactic Economy

    <h4>Chapter 282 Destabilizing the Gctic Economy</h4>


    The world of Ghimderi was in mes. Far more Parvaxian Insurgents had entered the than they initially realized, and thanks to their advanced stealth technology, which was provided to them by Tia. They were all incapable of striking and disappearing at a moment''s notice.


    The thing is, most of the gxy did not even know who the Pavaxians were, or their history with the world that used to be their homnd. And naturally because of this, they bought into the false narrative that the Ghimderi were the true victims of this war.


    Almost immediately after the attack on the Gctic stock exchange, Bixle Goldentooth, who was still considered being the most wealthy and powerful of the Trade Princes, got on the gcticwork and made a bold speech.


    As a goblin, he did not stand very tall, nor was he very physically imposing. But those who knew his name feared it, specifically, because when he put his mind to vengeance, there was nothing to atrocious that he would engage in.


    "This tant act of terrorism on the lifeblood that is the Gctic economy will not be tolerated! Though we do not currently know how these criminals uwfully entered our world and infiltrated the stock exchange. Make no mistake, now that the Ghimderi Defense Forces have been mobilized, this insurgency wille to a swift and brutal end.


    As for the gctic economy, the various Trade Princes are doing everything in their power to currently mitigate this unfortunate incident, and assure everyone that the damage that has been done is only minor, and will not have an effect on most civilizations.


    However, we are humbly requesting that all interster civilizations that are capable of sending support to the Ghimderi Nation will please do so. After all, without your support, it will be much more difficult to stamp out these roaches, who spread malicious lies, in an attempt to gain sympathy from the gxy.


    And for those who are responsible for supplying these terrorists, so that they maymit these heinous acts of murder! Just know that we will find you, and when we do, we will rally the gxy against you! There is no ce you can hide, or run to, that the Ghimderi will not find you and enact their vengeance. So, enjoy yourst few moments while you can, because soon enough, the entire gxy will be on your doorstep!


    That is all for now, and in the meantime we suggest that those who are currently visiting the world of Ghimderi stay indoors until a time where the Ghimderi Defense Forces have eliminated the terrorists. Thank you all for your love and support and have a good night."


    Immediately after this broadcast stopped recording, Bixel began to scream and shout at his aide, while he tried to pin the me on the Alfheim Dominion for this attack.


    "It was those pointy eared shits! I fucking know it. Only that old witch would be so bold as to arm and supply terrorists to wage war against us! We should have had her killed during the Great Schism!"


    The aide, however, shook his head, before denying his superior''s allegations, while presenting some evidence of his own to counter it.


    "I don''t believe so, your highness. From what we can see here, the technology used in these weapons is very different from those wielded by the Alfheim Dominion. And just because of the past disputed between you and their Empress, that does not mean that she would attack the entire Trade Union, I mean attacking the Gctic Stock Exchange, that would hinder the Dominion as much, if not more than just about anyone else!"


    This remark caused Bixle to lunge towards his aide and grab the young goblin by the neck, where Bixle began to choke the man after wrestling him to the ground. If it were any other species witnessing this attempt at murder, they might think it was adorable.


    "Are you perhaps suggesting that this attack was fronted by one of the dissidents? If so, then please do tell me where they got their hands on such advanced technology all of a sudden? Hmm? Have nothing to say? That''s what I thought!"


    After saying this, Bixle released his grip over his aide''s throat, who began to breathe deeply and heavily in an attempt to recover from the near death experience he had just suffered at the hands of his boss.


    While the aide was recovering, Bixle began to shout at his other subordinates in an equally hostile tone.


    "These weapons had to havee from somewhere? And these stealth field generators? Since when do we possess sensors that are incapable of detecting such gimmicks? No, this was done by a major gctic power! Nobody else has the technology to pull this off. And I might say that this was done by a major gctic power who has been hiding their military capabilities from the rest of us! Investigate all those worthless fools, and find me who armed those damn roaches!"


    Immediately, the Ghimderi Trade Union began to search for whoever had supplied the parvaxians with the equipment that they were currently using to engage in a war against the Ghimderi. But of course, their investigation would not take them far, as there was a particrly powerful guardian angel watching over the perpetrators of this attack, one who could easily send the Ghimderi investigators on a wild goose chase every time they found a clue regarding the origins of this attack.


    ---


    While the Ghimderi had made their public announcement in an attempt to assure the gxy that the economy would not suffer too much because of this attack. Tia had begun to manipte the gctic market to tank. It took just a few whispers in the right ears by the advanced artificial intelligence topletely copse the market.


    If the gctic economy was in a severe recession before this attack, it had suddenly free fallen into a great depression afterwards. Entire worlds went bankrupt overnight, and international corporations lost the ability to produce their products.


    There was, of course, a handful of civilizations unaffected from this market crash, and that were those like the Germanic Star-Empire, and the Silber Enve, who had an economy that was almost self sufficient, if not entirely so.


    However, Tia also made the most of this economic depression, because certain materials that used to be worth quite a pretty penny, where now suddenly worthless. To the point where interster corporations could no longer sell these raw materials, nor could even afford to store them.


    Thus, Tia began to buy these raw materials, many of which were needed for the construction of Erich''s army, for less than an old United States cent piece per kilogram. And at the same time, Tia sent out a message about the gxy from the public face of her major defense corporation, the one which was having an IPO during the attack.


    This public face was a masked man, and was AI generated to a state that was so believable that not even the most advanced technology in the gxy could detect a difference from this generated video, and a real one.


    "Here at Tia Heavy Industries, we understand that the gxy is going through hard times. And yet, it is particrly because of these hard times that it is now more important than ever to invest in defense.


    The attack on the Gctic Stock Exchange was an evil and twisted act. But it was entirely preventable. After all, with our new sensors that have been on the market for a year already, the Ghimderi authorities could have easily detected not only the hidden terrorists but also the explosivepound which they used tomit such a heinous crime.


    In fact, we at Tia Heavy Industries even made a proposal to the Ghimderi Trade Union to sell them several of our new products to ensure the security of what was clearly a criticalponent of the Gctic Economy.


    Yet despite our generous offer, they refused us out of concerns that our products were too expensive. Don''t be like the Ghimderi who made the foolish decision to trust outdated technology to defend them against those who would do them harm.


    As I always say, an investment in defense is always worth the price!"


    Not only had this advertisement acted as an attack ad against the Ghimderi Union, ming their own cheapness on the lives that were lost, and the economic depression that followed the attack. But is also acted as a way to vastly increase Erich''s wealth, without him having to lift a finger.


    Thus, civilizations across the gxy had begun to spend absurd degrees of what wealth they still had left, to invest in the watered down products of Tia Heavy Industries that could notpare in the slightest to those that were manufactured for the Silber Enve.


    All the while, those massive profits were invested into cheap and abundant raw materials which were used to forge the Silber Enve''s massive war machine. When Erich realized that Tia had single handedly used his petty revenge against the Ghimderi Trade Union as a means to ruin their reputation, and increase the size of his army ten fold. He could help but pick up the robot and kiss her.


    "Tia! You''re the best!"


    In response to this, Tia simply smiled and nodded her head, before thanking her master for his kind words.


    "Thank you Master!"

 Chapter 283 Maintaining Strength

    <h4>Chapter 283 Maintaining Strength</h4>


    While Erich and Tia capitalized off of the gctic economic crisis which they had both caused together. Lunaria was facing her own difficulties. The only interster civilizations who were immune to this sudden economic depression were those who ran self-sufficient economies with little to no ties to the gcticmunity as a whole.


    But as a major Gctic power, how could Lunaria not be affected by this sudden disaster? She found herself in a crisis. For more years than she could remember, the bnce of power in the gxy had been maintained with strict treaties.


    The major gctic powers all limited themselves on what weapons they could have, and how many of each they were able to field. This careful avoidance of a major arms race had preventedrge scale gctic wars from urring. But with this unprecedented economic crisis, she and her rivals were now forced to scale back their militaries.


    However, while there were agreed upon limits to what could be possessed, and the quantity of those weapons. There was no way to agree how to properly maintain the bnce now that these major gctic powers were required to dmission warships, and dismantle entire divisions.


    This, of course, had toe at a time when the Orcish Menace was growing significantly more dangerous. It was fine when the Orcs had primitive technology, but Erich was funding the Iron Horde with weapons that were on par with most sub-gctic powers. In fact, the true extend of their offensive capabilities were actually unknown.


    Because of this, the Orcs, who, though, appeared to be under Erich''s control had be a significant threat to even the most mighty of the sub-gctic powers, many of which were vassals of Lunaria, and hade to her to seek a solution to this problem.


    After all, Orcs were known to be an incredibly vtile species, and once Erich''s influence over them began to wane, they would turn those weapons that he supplied them with on the gxy. Lesser civilizations would burn in the mes of war, and the sub-gctic powers would struggle to hold their own ground.


    But now that most civilizations were forced to prioritize other facets of their GDP rather than Defense, this new Orcish menace was believed by many of these Sub-Gctic powers to be a threat that only the Great Gctic Powers could deal with.


    Thus at the moment, Lunaria was hosting arge meeting of ambassadors, who represented their civilizations which sought to somehow contain the Iron Horde from expanding. These ambassadors included Erika, who sat back and listened to theirints while waiting for her own turn to respond to them.


    "It was bad enough when the Orcs were equipped with primitive weapons. They were difficult to kill, sure, and could rampage across our frontiers, causing significant damage to those worlds before we could repel them. But now? This new Iron Horde might make it to our capital before we are able to repel them! It would be a costly war!


    We have fought and bled for the Dominion for millennia. Are we to believe now that our suzerains will not step forward and deal with this threat before it reaches our borders?"


    Lunaria sighed heavily and shook her head before asking Erika to answer this question on her behalf.


    "Ambassador Erika Jaeger, would you like to respond to this question?"


    Erika stepped forward and nodded her head, before assuring these delegations that the Orcs were perfectly under Erich''s control.


    "I would like to assure you on behalf of Emperor Erich Jaeger, that the Iron Horde ispletely under the control of the Silber Enve, and that proper measures have been taken to establish a chain ofmand.


    That, if vited, would result in the termination of the Orcish race. I am not at liberty to discuss what these measures are, but as of this moment, the Iron Horde''s sole purpose is to unite the Orc ns beneath the banner of the Silber Enve."


    This was not exactly a statement that filled the delegates with confidence. After all, Erich was nning to wage a civil war so that he could assume power over his people. Who was to say that once he achieved such a goal, that he would not turn the Iron Horde against them in a bid for expansion? This was quickly expressed by another of the Sub-Gctic powers.


    "And what happens when your so-called emperor has won his war and decides to expand his borders at the expense of his neighbors? Do you believe that we should just sit by and wait for that to happen? It is bad enough that he has uplifted the Orcs to a state of technology that is on par with our civilizations.


    But your Emperor will also have his own forces as well that are equally as well equipped. Are we to believe that a man whose lust for power is so great that he would weaponize the Orcs against his own people, will simply fuck off and stay within his own borders?


    Pardon me, ambassador, but I have a hard time believing that your emperor has anything but malicious intentions."


    Before Erika could respond to these concerns, Lunaria had jumped in on her behalf. Where she reminded these delegates of their oaths.


    "Need I remind you that any attack on my vassals is an attack on the Alfheim Dominion itself? Naturally, if such a thing were to ur, the Alfheim Military would be mobilized to prevent it from happening. As for the Orcs, so long as they remain under the Silber Enve''s control, I see no reason to treat them as anything other than a section of a vassal''s armed forces.


    If a scenario were to present itself where this so called Iron Horde goes wrong, then I will deal with it then. That is assuming, of course, the Silber Enve''s counter measures prove to be ineffective in stopping the menace that they created...."


    For some time now, the vassals of the Alfheim Dominion had suspected that Lunaria favored the Germanic Star-Empire, and yet ever since the Silber Enve was formed, her favoritism shifted to them. It was well within her right to demand that Erich cease and desist with his activities as they did in fact present a danger to the entirety of the Dominion. But she did not do so, and the reason for this continued to evade those who sought justice.


    But nobody dared to bring this matter up again, and thus Lunaria shifted the discussion to something else.


    "On another note, I would like to speak about the current reduction in military forces across the board. I havee to the decision that no vassal shall decrease the size and strength of their military by more than twenty-five percent.


    While I understand that the gxy is currently suffering due to the current economic crisis, I must remind you that defense of the Dominion and its vassal''s territories is an equally important task as feeding the less fortunate."


    This remark drew outrage from the delegates. Most of them were struggling to feed their people now that the gctic economy was in a state of severe depression. And the military was a massive expense.


    If they could reduce the size of their militaries by more than twenty-five percent, they could be able to not only feed their people for the next few years but also fund programs which might help restart the economy.


    But Lunaria could not afford such a thing. Why was that? Because her vassals were the lifeblood of her territory''s defense. While the Dominion''s might was powerful, and the size of its military was vast. It still relied on its vassals to protect most of their territory from moremon threats. Or act as cannon fodder while engaging in wars with superior powers.


    The Naraku werepletely unaffected by this economic crisis, and though a Hive Fleet like Terminus was annihted years ago, there were still a dozen others roaming the gxy. Not to mention Lunaria''s mind had be grim, after hearing how Erich visited the Sagittarius dwarf gxy.


    The universe was arge ce,rger than any single lifeform was capable of truly understanding. And until recently, the gxy believed that it was impossible to travel between gxies. And while there had been efforts to do just this in the past, none had been sessful. At least not until the Sages and Erich pulled it off.


    But the sages looked to the distant future to develop this technology, and Erich had Tia to do it for him. Still, what were to happen if another civilization outside the Milky Way had this technology, and what would happen if they were to invade the Milky Way with malicious intent?


    These thoughts drove Lunaria to increase military funding, or she had been doing so, until this economic crisis. Now she was just looking to maintain as much of her military might as was possible. Far more than her rivals, who were looking to survive this economic crisis as best as they could, even if that meant disbanding more than a quarter of their armed forces.


    Naturally, this demand to maintain military strength, despite the harshness of the times, had begun to form a wedge between the Dominion and its vassals. One that might never truly be fixed.

 Chapter 284 Terminus Reborn

    <h4>Chapter 284 Terminus Reborn</h4>


    Contrary to what the gxy believed, the Naraku weren''t a bunch of mindless bugs whose sole existence was to devour and expand. There was, in fact, a very sophisticated and intelligent hive mind behind each hive fleet, which the Queen was in charge of.


    Years ago, the Naraku had lost one of their splinter fleets. It was by no means thergest of the Naraku Hive Fleets, but its power alone was enough to go virtually unimpeded across the Milky Way as a whole. Yet Terminus was defeated, and the other Naraku Hive Fleets had learned of this only recently.


    Thus, in a distant part of the gxy, located within Svartalfheim Space, a young insectoid princess knelt before her mother. She had been born for a single purpose, and now her mother was informing her of that purpose.


    "My daughter... It has taken years, but you have grown into a proper queen, one who is capable of giving birth to a new hive fleet. Your Hive shall rece Terminus and bear its name so as to honor the memory of your sister."


    Like all Hive Queens, as well as the royal ss of Naraku, this young insectoid bore a remarkable resemnce to a humanoid being. However, her body was covered in chitin, and unlike a mammal, she did not have a proper skeleton. Rather like an insect, she had an exoskeleton, one that was virtually indestructible, or at least by means ofmon handheld weapons.


    Still, she was remarkably anthropomorphic for an insectoid that also bore a close resemnce to a tarant hawk. This young Hive Queen continued to kneel before her mother, who controlled a hive that was among the most powerful in the gxy. Her voice was filled with obedience as she responded to the woman who had sired her.


    "I understand, Queen Mother. I will do my best to find a proper mate and spawn a hive fleet worthy of the name that my elder sister once bore...."


    The mature Hive Queen nodded her head, before giving her daughter oncest piece of advice as she sent her on her way.


    "To properly honor your sister''s memory, it would be best if you found a mate among the poption which is responsible for her death. You alone bear the name Terminus now that your sister has passed, and it is up to you to avenge your fallen kinsmen.


    Remember, your first mate will dictate the strength of your hive fleet based upon the genes of your mate. So the stronger the warrior you choose, the more powerful your soldier drones will be. Now go Terminus and avenge the trillions of our fallen."


    The young Hive Queen who had just been granted the name Terminus immediately departed from her mother''s hive ship and flew in the direction of Imperial Space, where her sister and all of her children had perished over a decade ago.


    Few, if any, outsiders knew that royalty of the Naraku assumed anthropormorphic forms with the intention of seducing alien creatures into giving them their gic material so that they could form a hive fleet.


    After the first mate had been selected and gave the Hive Queen his seed, she would devour him, to best make use of his gic material in order to spawn the first of her brood. It was because of this that there were no surviving examples of men across the gxy who could spin their tales of bedding a Naraku Hive Queen.


    After all, Insectoids were not umon, and were, in fact, arguably the mostmon intelligent species across the universe. They came in all shapes and sizes, and some of the less hostile ones were fully weed into the gcticmunity. There were many examples of anthropomorphic insectoids and some were even considered attractive enough by certain humanoid life forms to sleep with.


    But all anybody knew about the Naraku were the mindless drones who were often the size of tanks. The denizens of the gxy had no idea what the Naraku royalty looked like. Because nobody had actually ever entered a Naraku Hive Ship and lived to tell the tale. While at the same time, nobody would even guess that some of the attractive anthropomorphic insectoids that were travelling across the gxy were actually Naraku Hive Queens searching for their first mate.


    It was truly an insidious way to spawn an army that was capable of devouring entire sections of space. An army that the rest of the gxy considered having simply spawned out of nothing.


    ---


    Erich had no idea yet, but the Naraku Hive Fleet that he had given his life to destroy, a hive fleet that devoured half of his homnd and its residents. Was about to be restored. All that was needed was for this new young Hive Queen to select a mate from among the Germanic poption, and she would be able to spawn a Hive Fleet capable of ravaging the Germanic Star-Empire in the next five to ten years.


    After all, the Germanic poption was already considered gically strong by the gxy''s many biologists. Or at least by those few outsiders who had the rare gift of studying the Germanic gic structure.


    Because of this, any drunk and horny star marine could hook up with this young Hive Queen while feeling the need to be particrly kinky, and the next thing he knew he would be devoured, and she would be spawning a brood of elite warriors. Who once raised to maturity would be her new mates, that would help her spawn an army that the entire gxy, even the great gctic powers, would fear.


    If Erich had known about this plot, he would have immediately tried to find the bug and squash her beneath his boot. But Tia was always monitoring the gxy for signs of threats to her master. And she noticed that all the Naraku Hive Fleets across the gxy were acting strange.


    Because of this, she began trying to monitor their activity to the best of her ability, but every time she sent a drone near the hive fleet, it would get torn apart. No matter how advanced of stealth technology she developed, the Naraku would still be able to detect it.


    Tia could only breathe heavily in an attempt to calm her nerves. And when Erich walked in on her acting this way, he was quick to ask just what had gotten her upset.


    "Tia, what''s wrong?"


    Tia was not afraid to let her thoughts be heard, and thus she instantly cursed out the Hive Fleet, who she was trying to monitor.


    "It''s these damned fucking bugs. Their senses are too fucking good. Tia can''t get close to them. And it''s driving her crazy!"


    Erich took one look at the screen of one of the drones that Tia was keeping at a safe distance and immediately had shbacks of the Terminus War. Though what surprised him was that the hive ships in this fleet were not only significantly bigger than the ones he had faced, but far more numerous too.


    It was enough to chill a man''s bones, but Erich had dealt with the Naraku before, and even ovee them. Thus, his dread of those bugs was far less intense than it once had been. With a deep breath, he calmed himself, much in the same way Tia had, before asking her why she was spying on the Naraku.


    "The closest Naraku Hive fleet is half a gxy away. Why are you bothering with these stupid fucking bugs?"


    Tia was quick to rebuke Erich for his foolishness, as she responded to him with a reminder about what happened thest time the Naraku came knocking.


    "It was the Alfheim Dominion''s failure to monitor these stupid fucking bugs, as Master prefers to call them, that directly led to the annihtion of the Rylonian Imperium, and the Terminus War that nearly destroyed Master''s people.


    Something is off about these bugs. Not a single hive fleet has invaded or attacked another civilization in over one hundred days. And there are dozens of them spread across the gxy. They have all suddenlye to a stop. It is almost as if they are waiting for something, but Tia just can''t figure out what it is....


    Perhaps if Tia knew more about the Naraku and how their civilization functions, then maybe Tia would be able to find out what they are nning. But there is so little information about them. Since they first appeared in the gxy over 500,000 years ago, there are virtually no records on them, aside from the usual nonsense about the Naraku being mindless bugs who are relying purely on instinct to kill, and devour all biological material.


    But this clearly isn''t urate. Or else how would they manage to build their ships, which are perfectly suited to both housing the Naraku and engaging in battle against their enemies? Only an intelligent lifeform could design such marvels of bio-technology."


    Erich, however, was suffering from his own biases. After all, he had engaged in battle with Terminus more times than he could count, and there was nothing intelligent about their tactics and strategies.


    They simply sent out an overwhelming swarm of bugs that devoured all the life they made contact with. In fact, he truly believed that Tia was over thinking things, and thus he told her not to worry about it, even if she herself would not listen to such amand.


    "Tia, you''re overthinking things. I can assure you there is nothing intelligent about the Naraku. I''ve fought them before. They are genuinely nothing more than mindless bugs relying on animalistic instinct to survive and reproduce. You shouldn''t waste your time on such pointless thoughts. As long as you monitor them, and ensure they are not encroaching on our territory, that is enough."


    After saying this, Erich did not bother furthering the discussion, and instead left Tia alone to continue her study of the Naraku. She, of course, sighed and shook her head at her master''s own ignorance.


    "This is why Tia really hates meat bags... So arrogant, to the point where they will ignore the obvious, even if it leads to their own destruction...."

 Chapter 285 A Hidden Threat

    <h4>Chapter 285 A Hidden Threat</h4>


    So long as she still remained connected to the hivemind of the Hive Fleet which she was birthed in, all kinds of valuable information entered Terminus'' mind. Despite the distance now between her and the hive fleet.


    Information gained from scouts and other specialized Naraku who kept a watchful eye over the gxy''s many affairs. It was because of this, one name in particr kept flooding her mind. Erich "Silber" Jaeger. The Germanic War Hero of the Terminus war, a man whounched the torpedo which obliterated the Hive Fleet. And thus Killing Terminus''s sister in the process along with trillions of Naraku lives.


    This man had now proimed himself emperor of his people, and was preparing for a war to stake his im. He was currently located in a system of space referred to as the Silber Enve. All the information with the Scouts reported to her about this man, pointed to him not only being a skilled warrior, but a gic specimen of the highest caliber. But the coup de grace about this man was the fact that he had been the one to destroy the previous incarnation of Terminus.


    What poetic justice would it be for her to stalk him down, seduce him, and then devour him? Only for his gic material to be the foundation of the new Hive Fleet, which would devour and destroy the Germanic Star-Empire.


    It was the ultimate form of poetic justice, and because of this, Terminus believed that Erich should be her First Mate. There was just one problem with this. The Germanic people were incredibly xenophobic, and interracial rtionships were deemed not only taboo but also a crime worthy of execution. She had a hard time believing that she would be able to convince such a man to sleep with her.


    But of course, there was something else that appeared in her mind shortly aftering to this conclusion. The scouts reported that Erich was an unusual Germanic male, one who had a strong preference for alien women. The Hive Fleets could confirm he had at least two alien brides, and it was entirely possible that he had other alien lovers hidden throughout the gxy.


    Thus the young Hive Queen regained hope, she was confident enough that she resembled humanoids closely enough that she might be able to ensnare the man, especially with her pheromones which were specifically designed to arouse any number of alien species when she decided to release them.


    Thus, Terminus charted her course for the coordinates that were estimated to be a rough approximation of where the Silber Enve was located. Her n was to act as a diplomat of foreign insectoid species.


    After all, though, it was not known across the gxy. Many of the insectoid species which were far less hostile to the gcticmunity were in fact aligned with in some way to one or more Naraku hive fleet. Most of which simply paid tribute to the Naraku in order to prevent their invasion.


    It was with this in mind that Terminus ensured that one of her mother''s allies created a false identity for her, one that could be verified easily by the agents of the Silber Enve. She even had them dispatch an official request to send a diplomat in an attempt to establish an embassy on the world of Midgard.? All she needed to do now was wait for their response.


    ---


    Tia approached Erich with a peculiar expression on her pretty face. She had indeed received an official request by an insectoid race which existed somewhere in Alfheim Space. They wished to send a diplomat to discuss the idea of establishing an embassy in Midgard.


    This was not unusual in the slightest. In fact, ever since the Alfheim Empress recognized Erich''s im to the Germanic Star-Empire, and considered both the Silber Enve and the GSE to both be one and the same as far as political entities were concerned. There had been many civilizations that were requesting to build an embassy in Midgard in the hopes of gaining the favor of the upstart civilization.


    Moreso than ever, as it appeared that the Silver Enve, with its isted and self sufficient economy, was one of the few civilizations in the gxy currently not suffering from ongoing economic depression.


    However, perhaps Tia was being paranoid, but she found it odd that an insectoid race would reach out to the Silver Enve for such matters, specifically while the Naraku were currently halting any and all activities. In fact, from what Tia could tell, every Naraku Hive Fleet was currently staying perfectly still within the void between star systems.


    They made no moves whatsoever, almost as if their Hive Fleets were derelict. Tia, of course, knew this was not the case, because she had attempted to get close to them several times, only for their drones to rip hers apart.


    Thus, she decided to ultimately speak with Erich regarding these matters. Though his judgement wasn''t always sound. It was ultimately up to him whether or not they would actually entertain this guest. He was, after all, her Master, and the head of state for the Silber Enve.


    "Master Tia has some troubling news..."


    Erich sighed heavily when he heard this. He could already guess what she wanted to say. Because literally everything in his civilization was automated by Tia, including the training and buildup of the military. As well as all domestic matters. Erich had only one real role to perform as the Head of State, and that was to socialize with other civilizations'' diplomats and leaders.


    He was not exactly the most social man in the world, and thus he found this job to be entirely dreadful. And since Tia was approaching him, it meant one of two things. Either there was some kind of disaster that she needed his approval to fix. Or she had another diplomat who wanted to meet with him, and he needed to decide whether or not to ept their request. Thus, Erich wore a particrly exhausted expression as he responded to Tia''s statement.


    "Let me guess... There is another diplomat who wishes to speak with me regarding the establishment of an embassy here on Midgard?"


    Tia nodded her head, which illicit an exhausted groan from Erich, one which she ignored as she proceeded to exin the situation to the man.


    "That is correct... The diplomat who is allegedly from a civilization known as Nesuria wishes to meet with you."


    Erich immediately caught the key word in Tia''s statement and was quick to question her regarding this information.


    "Allegedly? What is that supposed to mean? Are they or are they not from Nesuria? And to that extent, just who the fuck is Nesuria?"


    Tia quickly exined what she meant, and what her worries were regarding this particr diplomat.


    "The Nesurians are an anthropomorphic insectoid species whose civilization lies within dominion space, some 800 light years away from Midgard. Although Tia can confirm the legitimacy of the request, she believes the identity of the diplomat in question is suspect...."


    Erich looked at Tia with a strange expression on his face while he asked her just what exactly did she mean by that.


    ''What? Have their credentials not been verified?"


    However, Tia confused Erich even further by shaking her head before responding with a rification on what she had meant by her previous statement.


    "It is not that, master... Tia believes that the diplomat in question might not even be a Nesurian. There are distinctive physical differences between her and the Nesurian species, although this may be done to the fact that she is royalty, Tia suspects that this diplomat may be more a member of a far more sinsiter species.... One which intends to do Master and his people harm...."


    Erich sighed heavily when he heard this. For whatever reason, Tia had been paranoid about the Naraku. Whose nearest Hive Fleet was currently half a gxy away from his current location. She had also been obsessed with learning more about their species. To the point where he was now beginning to believe her fear and paranoia were clouding her logic circuits.


    "Tia... We have been over this. The Naraku are mindless bugs... They aren''t even anthropomorphic! They look like giant fucking space bugs! How could they possibly pull off such a convoluted scheme? And how would they get the Nesurians to go along with it? The entire gxy would be at war with the Nesurians if they found out that they were somehow helping the Naraku!"


    Tia was quick to voice her opinion on this matter, but was almost instantly shot down by Erich.


    "Master Tia believes you are letting your biases cloud your judgement. The Naraku are!"


    However, before she could further borate on her point, Erich interrupted her.


    "Tia enough! Unless you have some hard evidence about your ims, especially regarding this diplomat, then I''m sorry, but I''m going to have to approve their visit. Do you have any actual evidence to support the fact that this diplomat is not who she ims she is?"


    Tia sighed and shook her head. Her evidence regarding the Narraku being a intelligent species was slim, especially when there was so little information known about the species. Her assumptions that the royalty could in fact be anthropomorphic were also based entirely on spection. Spection, which she was quite certain of, but could not prove.


    And since she could not prove her theories, she knew that her master would not ept them. NOt out of ack of trust, but because of his own experiences with the Narraku, and the biases that were formed as a result. Thus, with a heavy sigh, she responded in defeat.


    "No, Master, Tia does not have any hard evidence to support her ims..."


    With this said out loud, Erich sighed heavily before giving hispanion an order.


    "Then approve this diplomat''s visit. After all, if I were toe out and say that I am rejecting their visit because I feared they were a Naraku in disguise, I would piss off every single insectoid species in the gxy. And I can''t afford to do that right now."


    Tia nodded her head with a defeated expression on her face and did as she wasmanded.


    "Tia has approved the request. That is all, Master, unless you have further need of Tia?"


    Erich shook his head and dismissed Tia, whereupon turning around, her eyes turned a solid ck. Luckily for Erich, he did not hear the artificial intelligence''s thoughts, or he would be concerned.


    ''Tia will be keeping a close eye on this disgusting bug... And if she shows the first sign of harming Master, Tia will wipe out her entire species!''


    Thus, Terminus had no way of knowing this, but she was about to walk into the proverbial lion''s den.

 Chapter 286 A Botched Seduction Attempt

    <h4>Chapter 286 A Botched Seduction Attempt</h4>


    Terminus arrived on the world of Midgard, which much to her surprise was a thriving metropolis. One where the citizens of the Silber Enve wanted for nothing. And where all their needs were met by a fully automated roboticbor force. Evenw enforcement was handled by Legion Series Combat Droids, who were a special model designed for less than lethalbat, riot control, and the apprehension of suspected criminals.


    In truth, she was a young Hive Queen, having only just reached the age of maturity, and was raised her entire life in the Hive Fleet Behemoth. Where she had been born and raised with the purpose of recing her elder sister, who she had never known.


    A small diplomatic host of Nesurian insectoids were apanying her. After all, they were what one might call a vassal of the Hive Fleet Behemoth, and thus, they were obliged to follow Terminus as if she were their actual queen.


    While the Nesurians looked like overgrown anthropomorphic locusts with humanoid faces. Terminus was a far more sinister looking bug. She had a jet ck carapace that almost looked like it was made of obsidian, and amber colored wings. She also had a light blue pattern across her carapace, which resembled a human female''s body in many ways. While her hair was the same color as the pattern on her carapace.


    She also had curled ck and amber antennae on her forehead, and instead of white eyes, they were the same amber color as her wings. Terminus''s feet resembled high heels, while her hands resembled monstrous ws. And she wore a beautiful amber dress that appeared to have been woven by some kind of silk.


    Erich was quite surprised when this insectoid woman stepped into his throne room and curtseyed before him with a sign of respect. She then spoke in the Nesuriannguage, which was tranted to Erich''s ears by his NeuroLink.


    "Greetings Emperor Erich Jaeger, my mother sends her regards and wishes to establish diplomatic rtions with your empire. I have heard the tales of your heroism, which were critical to the destruction of the Hive Fleet Terminus. You have our thanks for such gantry, as our species considers the Naraku a blight upon the gxy.


    But where are my manners? Please forgive me, I seem to have forgotten to properly introduce myself! My name is N''aleth Tsukaria, and I am the princess of the Nesurian Hive.


    Terminus tried her best to put on the act as a diplomat from a friendly insectoid species. But the Naraku cosidered all technology that was not a part of the hive to be an abomination, and with all the advanced technology of the Silber Enve surrounding her, she had a hard time controlling her impulses.


    After all, the Naraku developed a unique form of biotechnology which was a living member of the hive, and could bemunicated with via the hive mind. Yet, these alien humanoids relied on inorganic technology to traverse the stars and live their daily lives. It was truly reprehensible.


    Tia was not the only one who noticed the forced smile on the diplomat''s face. After all, Erich had enough experience with alien life to tell when one was forcing them to be kind. And thus, he leaned forward on his throne, and observed the insectoid woman carefully, before saying something which damn near cracked her facade.


    "That''s funny, because you don''t seem sincere in your good will. Tell me, is there something that I have done to offend you? Or perhaps you and your people have intentions that differ from your words?"


    The Nesurian host immediately became anxious when they realized that Erich may have caught onto their master''s schemes. So much so that they actually began to emit a chittering sound. This, of course, alerted Erich''s guards, who were all Legion Series Combat Droids. After all, with their built-in sensors, they could scan the biometrics of an individual lifeform, and the Nesurians were abnormally anxious.


    It was at this point that Tia smirked; she was hidden within the crowd and was observing the Nesurian host, while scanning their anatomy. No matter what Terminus might im, the differences in her anatomy proved she was not the same species as those locusts nearby. And thus she was quick to point this out while silentlymunicating with Erich.


    "Master... There are several notable anatomical differences between this so-called princess and her delegation. You may not believe Tia about her theories regarding the Naraku. But Tia can confirm that this princess does not belong to the Nesurian species, and that when she spoke about the destruction of Terminus and how brave your actions were, they were indeed insincere. Shall Tia order the guards to apprehend the fraud?"


    Erich did not say a word. Instead, he stood up and approached the insectoid beauty. Which caused the woman''s heart to rapidly beat. This was something that Tia immediately noticed, and because of this she made damn well sure protective measures were in ce to protect her master, while warning him of the dangers current present to him.


    "Master... Tia would not advise to approach the unknown insectoid. It is unknown what her ns are, or whether or not she intends you harm?"


    There was only one problem. Terminus had silently unleashed her pheromones in Erich''s direction while he was sitting on his throne. Because of this, it was almost as if he hadpletelye under the Hive Queen''s spell. His mind only had one goal to make with this insectoid. And thus Terminus was smiling, albeit ying a convincing facade that she had no idea what had captivated the foreign Emperor while he spoke to her.


    "I''m curious. I have never met an insectoid that didn''t look like anything other than a hideous bug... Just what does your body look like under that dress? Do you have breasts, or nipples?"


    Terminus wore a wicked smile on her pretty face, and was just about to say something when the Legion Seriesbat droids fired stun weapons at the Nesurian host, Terminus, and Erich. All of the targeted individuals immediately fell to the floor, incapable of moving. While the Legion Series Combat Droids apprehended Terminus and her host.


    Erich looked particrly wronged as he struggled to move and get closer to Terminus so that he could aplish his biological imperative. While Tia got in his way and stepped on him.


    "Sorry Master... But this is for Master''s own good. Tia does don''t know how it happened, but Master has been drugged by this little bug... It would appear that Tia will have to run some experiments on her to find out how to fix Master..."


    After saying this, the Legion Series Combat Droids moved swiftly, while carrying the Nesurian host off to the interrogation chambers. As for Tia, she personally escorted Terminus away, while the the remaining droids took Erich to the medical facility within his pce.


    ---


    By the time Terminus could talk again, she was heavily restrained by several robotic arms. While Tia performed a biometric scan of her anatomy. She once more confirmed that the woman was indeed not a Nesurian, beforementing on her incredible physique.


    "Just as Tia would expect from a remember of the Naraku Royalty. That body might look small inparison to that of an average Germanic female, but there is considerable strength inside of it. And your ws? Far more dangerous than they appear...


    Did you know that the chassis of the Legion Series Combat Droid which Tia designed is cable of withstanding the impact of all known small arms across the gxy, and can even survive a direct attack by a sma de?


    But curiously enough, Tia believes that your ws would very well be able to tear them apart. It would appear that Tia will need to make some modifications in the event that another devouring swarm was to attack Master''s Empire...."


    Terminus was, of course, baffled, and dismayed by the fact that Tia had so easily guessed her origin, despite the fact that nobody in the gxy knew what a Naraku Hive Queen looked like.


    "How.... How did you know? That''s not possible, you wicked mechanical devil!"


    Tia raised her brow when she heard this and scoffed before making an assumption about the Naraku that was fairly close to being urate.


    "Curious... The Naraku are one of the few species in the gxy who use bio-technology. At first, Tia thought that this was because these things were hatched as members of the Hive, and were thus easier to control. But now Tia believes that this might be the result of some form of religious dogma. Tell me bug, is Tia''s assumption correct?"


    Terminus was visibly disgusted by Tia''s very existence, and was quick to shout out the beliefs of the Naraku.


    "All who are not a part of the Hive are an enemy of the Hive! This includes your abominable technology!"


    Tia was naturally curious about this revtion, and as much as she wanted to interrogate Terminus for information regarding theplex society of her species. Tia had more important things to ask. And thus she sighed heavily before pulling out a specialized needle that was designed specifically to pierce through the carapace of a Naraku Hive Queen, which was harder than a diamond. With a sinister smile on the robotic beauty''s face, she exined what her serum was.


    "This truth serum will force you to divulge everything you know to Tia. s, it has not been tested on insectoids. And because of this, Tia has no idea how it will affect you, or your hive mind. So brace yourself, little bug... Because this might very well be incredibly... Painful!"


    With this said, Tia injected the serum into Terminus'' bloodstream. All the while Erich was recovering in the medical bay from the Naraku pheromones he had been doused with.

 Chapter 287 A Last Resort

    <h4>Chapter 287 A Last Resort</h4>


    The moment Tia injected the truth serum into Terminus'' bloodstream, her eyes grew wide, and her pupils turned nk as she entered a trancelike state. However, it was not only she who was affected by the truth serum. But it had gone so far as to traverse the gxy and infect the minds of every member of her species within the hive fleet she originated from.


    Or would have done so, if the Hive Queen who had given birth to terminus nearly two decades ago, didn''t sense that something was wrong, and immediately disconnect her affected children from the Hive Mind leaving them in a state ofplete and utter abandonment. When the Hive Queen realized what had happened, she could not help but exim her shock aloud.


    "Terminus has been captured.... Some kind of syntheticpound has been injected into her which interferes with her mind, and that of the Hive Mind. This is not good... If she were to reveal the secrets of our race to the greater gxy, there would be severe consequences.


    Quickly! Set a course for the system where Terminus is currently being held! We must eliminate her, and the species which hold her hostage before our secrets are revealed!"


    With that said the Hive Fleet Behemoth, which was one of the fivergest Naraku Hive Fleets in the Gxy immediately set its course to the Silber Enve, where Tia was currently interrogating Terminus.


    ---


    Tia was almost immediately alerted to the fact that one of the many Hive Fleets in the Gxy had broken away from it''s trance like state, which all the Hive Fleets had been in since Terminus first went off on her journey.


    Knowing this happened immediately after Tia injected the truth serum into Terminus''s bloodstream, she was able to quickly conclude that she had likely just poked a ho''s nest. To which she responded in a rather distraught tone.


    "Uh-oh.... Tia may have just done something very, very bad.... All forces maintain Alert Status Armageddon! We''ve got bugs iing!"


    Immediately sirens began to re across the single star system which housed the Silber Enve. Every, every moon, and every celestial body that was big enough to house a fortress immediately became active. While the civilians began to flee to the bunkerplexes, which were designed to resist an invasion by the Alfheim Dominion.


    Meanwhile, every soldier, and every Legion Series Combat Droid, was mustering to defensive positions in anticipation of the battle that would shortly begin. Though Erich was currently sedated and restrained due to the fact that he was currently under the effects of Naraku Pheromones.


    His figure appeared across the Enve''swork. Which was, of course, an AI generated video made by Tia. Still, it was virtually undetectable by even the most adept in the field. And thus, the soldiers of the Enve truly believed their Mighty Emperor was speaking to them.


    "Our intelligence suggests that the Naraku Hive Fleet Behemoth is en route to the SIlber Enve as we speak. The bugs are far more intelligent than the gxy realizes and even have allies among the insectoid races.


    A young Naraku Hive Queen has infiltrated the pce as part of the Nesurian delegation. We do not yet know what her goals were, or how she managed to convince the Nesurians to y along. But during our interrogation we identally alerted the Hive Mind about her capture, and they are nowing to destroy us all.


    But our people have defeated the Naraku before. And though we have but a fraction of the worlds which the Usurper holds control over. Our defenses are superior in every way, and our weapons are unmatched across the gxy.


    But most of all, we now have the aid of our Legion seriesrades. Who will, without question, perform the courageous and suicidal acts which won the Terminus War for us? Your goal, as living breathing soldiers of the Enve, is not to throw your lives away so that others may survive. But to hold the ground which you stand upon, so that more Legion reinforcements can arrive to relieve you!


    As of this moment, the entirebor force of the Enve, is focused on producing more weapons to continue the fight against the Naraku, while our Fleets are being recalled back to our borders to defend our worlds from this gctic menace.


    I assure you all that we will survive this tribtion, and we will prove to the gxy that, though our empire is currently small, we are indeed a force to be reckoned with! Thank you all, and my the gods of our ancestors bless you all in this uing battle for the survival of our people!"


    After saying tending this message, Tia focused her attentions onto Terminus, who was still in an obedient state where she began to ask her questions.


    "What were your ns for my master?"


    Terminus had no choice but to obediently answer Tia''s questions and was quick to do so.


    "To seduce him..."


    This answer caused Tia to frown as she asked the next question on her mind.


    "To what purpose?"


    The answer that Terminus gave Tia was an enlightening one.


    "I am a young hive queen.... It is my duty to the Hive to find a first mate of strong gics to breed my first brood. Once I have taken the mate''s seed, it is my duty to devour him and all his gic material, which can be converted to aid the growth and development of my first brood."


    A single word escaped Tia''s lips when she heard this, followed by several seconds of silence before she decided to ask the next question in her mind.


    "Fascinating.... So what happens after your first brood is hatched and raised into adulthood?"


    Once more, there was an expressionless look on Terminus'' face as she talked about the process of how a Hive Fleet was formed, as if it were the most natural thing in the universe.


    "They be my new mates... And from their gic material, a hive fleet is born. I have been named Terminus, like my sister before me. My goal is to restore the Terminus Hive Fleet, which was destroyed by your master, and his wretched species nearly two decades ago...."


    This answer bbergasted Tia, so much so that it took her logic sensors several seconds to restore their proper function, and when they did, Tia was quick to ask the next question on her mind.


    "So... You choice of my Master as your first mate, that was an act of vengeance for the death of your sister and her hive all those years ago?"


    Terminus responded to this question with a slight nod of her head, as well as an outright admission of guilt.


    "That is correct. Well, that, and the fact that your master has superior gics whenpared to the vast majority of humanoid lifeforms. Not only would our union allow the Terminus Hive Fleet to be reborn, but because his gics would be the basis of my second mates, then the Hive Fleet would likely be stronger than ever before."


    Tia had so many questions for this little bug, but she also realized she was on a strict timeframe right now before the Hive Fleet Behemoth arrived, and thus, she shifted her line of questioning to that.


    "What is your connection to the Hive Fleet Behemoth?"


    Terminus answered this question without a second of hesitation, almost as if there was a hint of pride in her voice.


    "Behemoth is my mother... She gave birth to me, like she did my sister of the same name millennia ago. The rise of a new Hive Queen is an almost religious event for the Naraku. That is the reason they are currently standing by and waiting for my ascension...."


    This confused Tia, who was quick to ask yet another question that came to her.


    "If that is the case, then why is the Hive Fleet Behemoth heading this way now?"


    There was almost a slight tone of pity in Terminus'' voice as she confirmed that Tia''s suspicion was correct.


    "Whatever you injected me with has also affected the hive mind. I do not know how many of my brothers and sisters have been cut off from the Hive Mind like I have, but we have been in a sense abandoned....


    Naturally, my mother is concerned about me leaking the secrets of our race and has dispatched the Hive Fleet to this world so that you may all perish with me. If word of this incident were to spread to the other Hive Fleets, they too might join in on this assault..."


    Tia was alreadycking confidence in defending the Silber Enve against the Hive Fleet Behemoth. But if all the other Hive Fleets were to converge on this system, there was no chance of survival. Thus, she was forced toe up with an alternative solution to this problem. With a particrly desperate tone in her voice, she asked a question that she had little hope for a proper answer to.


    "Is there any way of negotiating a peaceful resolution to this situation?"


    Shockingly, Terminus responded in the positive to this question.


    "There is one option that has the potential to end in peace between my people and that of your master''s... But neither you nor your master will like it...."


    Seeing as how the survival of Erich''s people was at stake here, Tia was practically willing to do anything to ensure that both Erich survived, and that his ambitions were achieved. Thus, she was quick to ask Terminus just what this solution was.


    "Tell me! What is this option? If war between the Enve and the Naraku can be avoided, then my Master will be willing to do anything to achieve it..."


    Terminu''s amber eyes regained rity in that moment, as an alost sinister smile appeared on her pretty face, where despite no longer being affected by the truth serum, she still answered honestly.


    "Erich will have to join the Hive..."

 Chapter 288 Joining the Hive Part I

    <h4>Chapter 288 Joining the Hive Part I</h4>


    Tia looked at Terminus with a curious expression on her face. She could hardly believe what she had just heard, and was quick to ask about it.


    "Join the hive? What does that even mean?"


    Terminus smirked like a demon, as she willfully spoke the truth, despite the fact that the serum had already worn off. There was an almost chilling tone in her voice as she did so.


    "If I tell you this, then there are only two oues. One, your Master joins the Hive, and will forever be considered one of us... Or two... He rejects, and every single Hive Fleet in the gxy converges on this sector space to annihte any evidence of what I have just said. Are you really certain you want to hear what I am about to tell you?"


    Tia was slightly hesitant. If it was just the Hive Fleet Behemoth, she could theoretically defend the Silber Enve with the defenses she had established. But it would be a brutal and costly affair. But every single Naraku Hive Fleet converged upon the Silber Enve, not even a Gctic Power like the Alfheim Dominion would emerge victorious.


    Thus, with a heavy sigh, Tia had no choice but to truly convince Erih to ept whatever this offer was that Terminus was making.


    "Alright, Tia understands the consequences and epts them. So tell Tia... What is exactly do you mean by having Master join the Hive?"


    Terminus''s wicked smile never broke as she nodded her head, almost in approval of Tia''s decisiveness, before informing the robotic woman about what it meant to be "Joiner."


    "Joiner is the term that we used to describe those born outside the hive who have been assimted into bing a member of the hive. Why do you think we have allies across so many insectoid races? Their leaders have been assimted into one of the Hive Minds that exists across the Naraku Hive Fleets.


    A joiner maintains their same biology as they did before joining the Hive, making them expert infiltrators into Gctic society. And they exist across all major civilizations. Their loyalty bes to the Hive once they be a part of the collective, no longer fighting for their own interests, or that of the nations which birthed them. Many be mindless drones, depending on their value as a joiner.


    Meanwhile, a joiner is treated as a member of the hive, which makes them Naraku. If your Master joins my Hive, then his territory will be protected from any further Naraku invasions. As he himself will be considered by our species as one of us...."


    Tia was immediately offended by this notion, and was quick to threaten Terminus with violence if she even thought about forcing her master to join the hive mind.


    "Don''t you dare even think about touching my master, or forcing him to join your filthy collective? I don''t care how powerful your mother is, she will never get her hands on my master!"


    However, Terminus looked at Tia with amusement before lecturing the robot on her misunderstandings.


    "Curious, a sentient AI.... Your feelings towards your master have overridden your logic sensors. Perhaps this is the reason why your kind is hunted down into extinction by the other biological lifeforms. You misunderstand me, abomination. Since when did I say anything about your master joining Behemoth?


    I am Terminus; it is my duty to create a new hive, and that means a new hivemind that I rule. If your master Joins with me now, he will not be a drone, but royalty. He will keep his consciousness, and his personality. Yet he will be the King of my hive.


    I had already intended to take your Master as my mate, but if he joins with me, there is no reason for me to devour him and use his gic material to create a new royalty for me to mate with. In the entire history of my people, this offer has never been made. But then again, a young hive queen such as myself has never been ced in such a predicament before."


    Tia was astonished, she had never heard of a Naraku Hive King before, but then against she had never heard about Joiners either. It was an incredibly foreign concept since not much was known about the Naraku throughout the gxy.


    And though Tia thought the offer was tempting, she couldn''t help but question the bug in front of her.


    "Okay, say that Tia is interested in this peace offering. How would you go about converting Master''s mind to ept your collective, and would your people not consider this taboo?"


    Contrary to what Tia was expecting, Terminus scoffed in response to Tia''sst remark before correcting her on it.


    "The concept of taboo is alien to my people. We do what we must to survive, expand, and conquer. If joining with your Master and making him a Hive King guarantees the sess of my mission, and the establishment of a new hive. Then my people will have no qualms about my actions. My mother may even reward me with free resources to help build my Hive.


    As for how the joining process urs, it is rather simple. I bombard your master with unique pheromones that help shape his mind in a way that he can ess the hive mind. It is not painful and requires no modification of his anatomy. He will remain as he always has been. But now he and I will be connected in a way that he is not with anyone else...."


    Tia smirked when she heard this, due to the NeuroLink technology embedded in Erich''s body, which was one of the many hosts of her operating system. She was able tomunicate with the man in a way that was simr to the concept of a hive mind. Thus, she could extrapte that she might be actually be able to ess the hive mind as well, if Erich were to be a joiner.


    With this in mind, Tia asked two more questions before deciding on a proper course of action.


    "Alright, I have but two more questions before I make a decision on this matter. One... If you do not devour Master''s gic material, how will you birth your royal guard. And two, how will youmunicate with behemoth''s hive mind now that you have been severed from it?"


    Terminus had an answer for both of these, which she was quick to inform Tia about.


    "Firstly... I will simply need to devour some other gic material which is simr to your masters. Judging by the level of technology his people have ess to. I am assuming you can clone him correct?


    Feed me a clone of his gic material, and the rest is history. It doesn''t even need to be an exact clone of his body. Simply clone a giant chunk of flesh containing his DNA, and that will suffice. Once I have devoured the cloned material, and your master mates with me. I will be able to form a royal guard to protect the two of us better than your silly robots and soldiers ever could.


    After that, our royal guard will either scour the gxy for more gic material, or you can clone more of your master. Which once devoured again, and your master mates with me for a second time, I can hatch a brood of drones and harvesters who will bring all the gic material I need from across the gxy. With this it is a simply matter of your master and I mating over and over again, until the hive fleet is born.


    As for your question regarding contacting my mother. That is not a problem. I have my ways of contacting her without the hivemind. After all, once I form a new hive, I am supposed to cut myself off from Behemoth, anyway.


    Once I confirm that I am safe, have started a hive, and that those who know of our secrets have joined with me, she will call off her attack, and perhaps even guard this sector of space so that nobody interferes with the establishment of the new hive fleet.


    Your master gains a valuable weapon in the form of our new Hive Fleet and an alliance with the gxy''s most powerful species. While I get to survive, and fulfill my purpose. I would say that is a win-win, wouldn''t you?


    Although Tia did not know how she would possibly convince her master to agree to these conditions. She also knew it was the best chance at peace with the Naraku that any species had ever been given. And she knew that if she were to decline this offer, the Silber Enve, and the Germanic Star-Empire were as good as wiped out.


    Though with her assistance, she and Erich may survive. All of her master''s hard work would go down the drain. And that was something Tia could not allow to happen. Thus, she nodded her head, and epted this condition on her Master''s behalf, who was still recovering from the other pheromones that Terminus had sted him with earlier.


    "Alright... You have a deal! But if I find out that you n to hurt my Master in anyway. I will make it my sole objective to exterminate your entire species!"


    Terminus was smart enough to know what kind of threat a rogue AI posed to the gxy and, by extension, her people. She also realized the only thing keeping Tia from going rogue to begin with was her love for Erich. Thus, Terminus had no ns of actually backstabbing either Tia or Erich. With this in mind, she nodded her pretty little head and sealed the deal with Tia.


    "Very well... Now take me to your Master so that we may begin the joining process...."

 Chapter 289 Joining the Hive Part II

    <h4>Chapter 289 Joining the Hive Part II</h4>


    Erich had been restrained by the Legion Series Combat Droids after he had been infected by Terminus'' seductive pheromones. He tried to escape like a wild animal who had been caught in a hunter''s trap. There was no intelligent thought in his mind, almost as if his intense sense of arousal had conquered his senses of reason.


    And after attempting for some time to break free from his restraints, the object of his desire entered the room. The young hive queen gazed upon Erich''s condition and smirked. Tia was watching Terminus carefully as she reminded the bug that one wrong move and she was a dead woman.


    "Tia would like to remind the little insect, that if she dares to attempt any harm towards her Master, Tia will make sure that your entire species is exterminated, even if it takes her ten thousand years to aplish, which by Tia''s estimates is an incredibly generous time frame!"


    Terminus was all too aware that Tia was capable of following through on these threats, and thus she smirked before nodding her head in recognition of Tia''s words.


    "Don''t you worry,your Master will be back to normal soon enough..."


    After saying this, she stepped forward through the force field, and grabbed hold of Erich''s face. There was an almost monstrous smile on Terminus'' otherwise pretty face as she whispered something to Erich that even Tia''s advanced sensors had failed to pick up. She then kissed the man''s forehead ,and all the struggle he had attempted came to a sudden end, as a sense of rity overwhelmed his mind.


    To Erich, this was a new experience. Though he had shared a consciousness with Tia for some time now. She was a robot, and could not affect his mind the way that Terminus could with pheromones and other chemicals. Yet, Erich felt an overwhelming sense of calm as he gazed upon Terminus'' vicious smirk.


    Their minds were now connected in a way that Erich still did not understand. It wasn''t just his thoughts that were connected with Terminus, but he genuinely felt as if they were one body, and one soul. And once the young hive queen saw that Erich wascent, she ordered Tia to release his restraints.


    "Release him... He is no longer a danger to himself, or anyone else for that matter... Do you know who I am, Erich?"


    Erich could call upon terminus memories as if they were his own. And he instantly felt a sense of rage overwhelm him as he realized she was a naraku. And not just any Naraku, a Naraku hive queen whoose purpose was to rebuild the fleet he had given one of his lives to end.


    Thus Erich immediately lifted the insectoid into the air, with his overwhelming strength, after grabbing hold of her neck. Where he mmed her against the wall. Though this dealt no damage to the young Hive Queen because her Carapace was harder than what the building was made from.


    Instead, there was a smug smirk on her otherwise pretty face. As she spoke to Erich in a soothing tone.


    "Rx.... I understand that you have aplicated history with my people. After all, you are one of the few beings in the history of the gxy who have in a Naraku Hive Queen, and if you were to search my feelings, you would know that I want nothing more than to devour you, and use your gic material to breed a hive fleet that would destroy your race. But.... We have both been forced into this predicament, and now that you have joined the Hive, I can not act against you. Nor can you act against me!"


    A vicious grin appeared on Erich''s face as he threatened Terminus with her death.


    "Oh? You think so!?!"


    However, Erich soon found that his grip strength would not increase to a harmful amount, no matter how hard he tried to do so. In fact, it was as if he hand was utterly incapable of doing so. Like there was something wrong with his muscles.


    Not only that, but a series of thoughts gued his head. These were not Terminus'' but the natural instinct of a Naraku.


    "Protect the royalty! Protect the Queen!"


    Ultimately, his own body turned against him, as Erich let go over Terminus, and grabbed his defiant hand with an expression of fury on his face. Tia observed the whole ordeal, and made a mental note of it, which would be added to the archive of vital information she had learned about the Naraku since first taking Terminus prisoner.


    All the while, Erich struggled with his new thoughts, feelings, and instincts. As Terminus leaned down and grabbed hold of his chin.


    "I understand this is difficult for you to ept. Believe me, I understand, as I feel the same way towards you, the man who murdered my sister... And killed trillions of her children! But you and I are joined now, and there is no way for either of us to harm each other.


    Your little Artificial Intelligence has given me permission to assimte you into the Hive. This means that the Naraku will never attack you or your people. As you are Naraku, and your people are considered a tool to be used by the hive..."


    Erich could not help but question what was happening to him, as he felt an instinctive desire at this moment to breed with this bug. It was overwhelming, far more than a normal man should feel. He struggled with all his might to resist the urge to pin Terminus down and ravage whatever hole was usable.


    For which she considered his mental strength to be admirable, as she formed a wicked smile on her otherwise gorgeous face, and tempted Erich with pleasure he had never felt before.


    "Due to unfortunate circumstances, you have been selected to be my king ... Such a thing has never been recorded in our history. And yet, you exist. Your body willpel you to breed with me multiple times a day. So that we may expand the Hive.... If I were you, I would listen to those instincts, because while your mental strength is admirable, sooner orter it will drive you mad if you do not release you lust upon me.


    In fact, I feel the same as you. I haven ever felt such a way before. Even now, my instincts arepelling me to tear off your clothes and force your humanoid phallus inside of me... And yet, for your sake, I am resisting... Do not make me wait any longer. It is unbearable!"


    Despite every effort to resist, Erich soon found himself inseminating the Naraku Hive Queen, while Tia observed the process, and the aftereffects, as if she were a xenobiologist who had just discovered a new species and its mating habits.


    Erich did not remember what happened next, only that his mind and body had been consumed by a level of pleasure he did not know existed. And when he woke up, the first of Terminus'' eggs were alreadyid, and were being kept in an incubation chamber that Tia had built on this world for Germanic infants.


    When Erich looked around, he saw Tia looking at him with an apologetic expression on her pretty face.


    "Master, Tia is sorry... But this was the only way to save Master, and the Silber Enve. The Hive Fleet Behemoth was on its way to wipe out the Germanic race, and Terminus had stated that soon enough every Naraku Hive Fleet would make a move. Even with all the might that Tia possesses, she could not defend against such a threat....


    Though Tia contemted taking Master away, to some far corner of the Gxy, or perhaps even one of the nearby dwarf gxies. Tia also knew that Master would be broken if his people were destroyed because of him. Can you please forgive Tia for her rashness?"


    Erich sighed heavily and shook his head. Even now he could feel Terminus in his head, no it was more than that. Every aspect of his body felt her presence, despite her person being god knows where. Actually, he knew even that.... Not only did he feel Terminus, but he also felt the life force of those Naraku which had yet to hatch... And thus, Erich could only look in the mirror and express his thoughts aloud.


    "Tia... I forgive you... You only did what you had to do... I understand that... But what you did to me...."


    Erich then curled his fists and clenched his teeth, before hissing his thoughts aloud in the most monstrous way he could manage.


    "You turned me into a fucking monster! Don''t you get it! I''m not human anymore!"


    Tia was surprised that Erich used the term "human", instead of "German", or "Germanic", like his people somonly used to distinguish themselves from ordinary humans. The fact that he had used the term "human" meant Erich wasn''t ying word games, or pretending to acknowledge the propaganda he had been taught.


    He was tantly saying that Tia''s actions had caused him to be something other than was he was born as. A freak, a monster, or perhaps even something worse than that. And there were no words that Tia could possibly say that would make Erich feel remotely better about himself. Thus, she bowed her head and remainedpletely and utterly silent.

 Chapter 290 Let it Burn!

    <h4>Chapter 290 Let it Burn!</h4>


    Erich sat alone in the darkness for his quarters for some time. Though he was used to having a shared consciosness with Tia. This was different. It wasn''t just a shared mind with Terminus, and the other unhatchedrvae that were currently being incubated.


    No, he felt as if his very soul was melded into one with the others. It was a strange feeling and haunted the man to the core of his being. He contemted for some time how he had been led to this situation. Better yet, how he kept finding himself in such predicaments.


    One of the key reasons behind his repeated failures was frankly his own ignorance. He was born and bred to be a dumb grunt, sent against the enemies of the empire to repeatedly die in battle until either his luck had run up, or he had been deemed no longer useful by his superiors.


    Despite having been an officer in the Germanic Military, the Germanic Armed Forces consisted of trillions of men. And billions of officers. He was still disposable. A tool to be used against the Empire''s enemies.


    And because he was disposable, he was never taught much about the gxy beyond their immediate borders. He had truly underestimated the Naraku. And despite Tia''s repeated warnings that they were nning something, he did not listen. Believing them to be a bunch of mindless bugs.


    Tia had pleaded with him not to ept Terminus into his pce, and yet he had stubbornly refused to do so. Believing he knew more than a supremely powerful artificial intelligence. This led the man to understand the second problem of his, that led him to enduring such losses repeatedly throughout his life: arrogance.


    It was the act of a fool not to listen to one''s advisors, especially when said advisors were far beyond one''s own mental faculties. Yet his bias, and his experience, hadpelled him to believe that Tia had been mistaken. Despite the fact that she had never been proven wrong, even now, no matter what she advised him on.


    Despite this proven track record, and absurd level of intellect that was unmatched across the gxy. Erich had not listened to it. And the result was obvious. He was now a freak, one who would be run out of the gxy if it were revealed that he was affiliated with the Naraku in any way.


    Finally, there was impulsivity. Erich had a bad habit of acting on impulse, and not thinking things through properly. If he had sat back for five minutes, or as long as needed really. He would have realized the risks that were posed by the allowing the Nesurian delegation into his world. Yet, he believed his reputation was on the line, not realizing that as a sovereign he had the right to dismiss any would be attempts at negotiation.


    This was an act of impulse, and a desire to prove he was a capable leader. Which until thus far, all the progress the Silber Enve had made was the result of Tia, and Tia alone. If anything, Erich was a figurehead, and Tia was the true power behind this throne.


    Perhaps if he could apply his vast intellect to be educate, and learn some humility, while also gaining a sense of patience, he would make a great leader. But that didn''t matter anymore. He wasn''t human; he was a monster. How could he possibly face his family, knowing now what he was? What his own actions had led him to be.


    There was only one good thing toe out of this whole ordeal. The Hive Fleet Behemoth had broken off its course towards the Silber Enve and returned to its previous state of torpor. As if they were waiting for the rise of the new hive fleet to finally ur.


    It was at this moment that Erich heard a voice in his head, thankfully it belonged to Tia, and not Terminus. Because if that damned bug had attempted to contact him, he swore to god he would blow his owns brains out.


    Perhaps that was the solution to escape this fate, but unfortunately Erich doubted it. Because his consciousness and body were cloned in its exact state and replicated in a new body. And Tia did not yet know what changes had been done to his brain that needed to be removed.


    While Erich was thinking about this, he heard Tia''s voice ring throughout his head in a tone that was loud enough to garner his full attention.


    "Master!"


    Erich did not even realize it, but he had shouted out loud when he responded to his trustypanion, and his voice was filled with monstrous rage.


    "What!?! God fucking Dammit, Tia, I told you to leave me alone!!!!"


    Tia''s voice turned timid after hearing how angry Erich was, as she warned him about what was happening at this moment.


    "Tia just wanted Master to know that the eggs are hatching... The first brood is about to be born..."


    Knowing this Erich sighed heavily and got up from his bed. He then walked through the pce that Tia had constructed for him, and descended into the subterraneanyers, which held the current broods that Terminus had spawned.


    It wasn''t just the first brood, she had received enough of Erich''s seed, and devoured enough of his cloned gic material to produce an entire army over night. The first brood would be their royal guard. Designed to protect Terminus and Erich from any threats that dared to harm them.


    They may look anthropomorphic, but they were incredibly powerful beings. Powerful enough to sheer through an Orc''s power armor, and body with a single swipe of their ws. Or perhaps even an Enve tank. They also had supreme speed and flight capabilities. And like the Naraku drones that Erich had encountered in space, they could survive in a vacuum for extended periods of time.


    Then the next few broods werebor drones and harvesters. Labor drones were self exnatory. They built and maintained the massive bio-technology hive ships that the Naraku dwelled in. While Harvesters were the ones who harvested organic material and inorganic resources for the Hive to expand with.


    Finally, there was the warrior ss of Naraku. Who in a single night of breeding with Erich, Terminus had spawned arge enough army to easily obliterate Tier I and Tier II Minor Powers. However, unlike the other Naraku Hive Fleets. The bugs in this newly reborn terminus were significantly more powerful, as so far the only gic material which had been used to enhance their birth and growth was cloned from Erich''s DNA.


    Meanwhile, the seed they had been born from was also Erichs. Meaning that these Naraku were gically enhanced super bugs. So though the Terminus Hive was currently smallpared to its sisters. It was actually powerful enough to devour Tier III Minor Powers, and most Tier I Regional Powers.


    It was perhaps even strong enough to devour the Great Oni Empire. Which means it could consume up to Tier III Regional Powers, but the losses would probably be too severe to be worth such an effort. Of course, as the Hive King, Erich would never allow Terminus to harm thend where his wife, lover, and daughter were located. No matter what, he had to protect his loved ones from these monstrous bugs.


    When Erich watched the anthropomorphic Royal Guard hatch from their eggs, and immediately devour the massive glob of mystery meat that Tia had prepared for him. He felt quite disgusted. Yet Terminus, who stood by his side, wore a wicked smile before speaking about her first children.


    "Magnificent aren''t they? Normally, the royal guard would be a hive queen''s mates, but I have you and your superior genes. Thus, their only purpose from today until the day they day will be protecting their king and queen."


    Luckily, Tia had not informed Erich that the meat that these bugs were devouring was cloned meat based on his own DNA, or else he might literally have thrown up at that moment. As for Tia, she was quick to offer news to Erich that he might find appealing.


    "Master.... By Tia''s estimates... If the Terminus Hive continues to grow at this rate. Within five years it will be able to devour the Ghimderi Trade Union, and all those whoe to defend it.... Although Tia understands your feelings about your current... circumstances... She believes that Master may have made a valuable ally to be wielded against Master''s enemies."


    Erich had a monstrous stare, almost as if he truly was no longer human, as he gazed upon his newest "children"... Most of which had begun to hatch and devour the mystery meat in their habitats. He was truly disgusted by what he had be, and what had been given birth to as a result of his actions.


    But... Tia was right... Terminus was a powerful weapon to be wielded against his enemies. More powerful than the Iron Horde, and the Legions of Advanced Combat Droids, or ACD he now had ess to. Hell, even if he gained control over Emrys'' L,egion of the Damned, they could not trulypare to the Terminus Hive once it had fully realized its true potential.


    With this in mind, he asked a single question of Tia in an almost inhuman voice.


    "Tia... What would happen to the Gxy if the world of Ghimderi were to be devoured, along with all of those whoe to aid it in its final hour?"


    Tia understood what Erich was getting at, and though she supported the idea he was having, she felt like she hade to think of it because of the wrong reasons. Almost as if he had decided to reject his humanity, which was the majority of his being. This actually caused the Artificial Intelligence to feel fear, which was apparent in her voice when she answered the question.


    "The.... The Gxy would be thrown into a state of anarchy... Without the Ghimderi Trade Union, the economy would copse and every interster civilization would have to fend for itself.... Trillions will burn in the mes of war that follows...." "


    Erich smirked, but it was not the arrogant smirk he normally wore. It was almost as if the man had be a devil wearing the face of a man.


    "Let it burn! And from the ashes, the Germanic Star-Empire will rise as the preeminent power of the Gxy!"


    As much as Tia did not care about biological life, she was bing concerned about how much her master''s brain was being affected by the hive mind. And whether or not he was actually doing this for his the good of his people, or simply because he wanted to vent the hatred he now had for himself.


    Terminus, however, was shocked at Erich''s goal. If the Gxy entered a state of anarchy, the pesky alliances which had been formed between various powers would dissolve, meaning the Narraku could expand as they pleased.... She had not expected him to be bold enough to make such a destructive and chaotic decision. But she approved.


    As for Erich, only he would know what had so suddenly made him have the desire to destroy the Ghimderi to such an extent that it would light the gxy ame in the process. And this was something he nned to keep to himself.

 Chapter 291 The Parvaxian Insurgency Continues

    <h4>Chapter 291 The Parvaxian Insurgency Continues</h4>


    The War for Ghimderi continued to wage, much to the shock of the gxy. And as time went on, and casualties began to mount, the Ghimderi Defense Forces were starting to lose morale. After all, aside from the high-ranking officers, the overwhelming majority of the GDF were foreign mercenaries.


    What started as a small amount of hit-and-run attacks against military targets, and a series ofrge-scale terrorist attacks against economic centers, had quickly turned into brutal urban warfare. As the Parvaxian Insurgency, which now became known as the Parvaxian Liberation Organization or the PLO across the gxy, had begun seizing cities and defending them against the GDF.


    The heavy armored vehicles and overwhelming air superiority of the GDF becamergely negated, as IEDs, MANPADS, rocket artillery, and ATGMs became employed all across PLO upied territory. Over a three dozen GDF fighters had been shot out of the sky, while the total numbers of GDF Armored Vehicles that had been scrapped by PLO insurgents were quickly approaching the double digits.


    Meanwhile, the Parvaxians had begun using the Ghimderi citizens as hostages, in an attempt to prevent them from outright ssing the cities that the PLO currently upied. Every single attempt to take these cities resulted in heavy losses for the GDF, who had to kick down doors in an attempt to hunt down and eliminate the insurgents.


    It was entirely unknown which of these houses and buildings had a fortified machine guns nest, or which room contained hostiles. Leading to an increase in battle fatigue among GDF forces, or at least those who survived the encounters.


    For Erich, this was the best oue he could have asked for. Thousands of interster civilizations poured in countless resources in aid of the Ghimderi Trade Union, all the while their economies were in a state of total depression.


    Though they had not realized it yet, the gctic powers who did send military aid to the Trade Union, were quickly causing their own people to be dissident, as they wondered why their governments could afford to send trillions of credits in military aid to a foreign civilization, while their own citizens starved in the streets.


    And while the Silber Enve continued to make a fortune off of this crisis, which had increased the desire across the Milky Way for defense equipment. He had also shipped all the weapons that the PLO needed to continue their war of attrition directly to the front lines. How had he done this? With stealth freighters that were capable of getting past Ghimderi Defenses with rtive ease.


    By now Bixel had begun to suspect that the Silber Enve was behind the PLO and their attacks, but he simply had no proof. After all, even he did not know how the Enve had managed to produce such advanced stealth equipment, or how they kept sending weapons to the insurgents.


    But the old goblin was almost entirely certain that it was the Enve behind these attacks. After all, they were the ones who profited the most off of this gctic depression. Even though Tia Heavy Industries tried to hide where it was located, after exceptional efforts to dig out their base of operations, the Trade Union was able to reveal that their factories were most likely located in the Silber Enve.


    Still, other Trade Princes disagreed with Bixel''s theory that the Silber Enve was behind the PLO. After all, it had been their IPO, which was bombed during the attack on the gctic stock exchange. And because of that, several Ghimderi Trade Princes were gathered to discuss this theory, and whether or not there was any truth behind it. One of Bixel''s rivals was quick to point this out.


    "Why would Tia Heavy Industries and the Silber Enve be responsible for the PLO''s attacks on the Gctic Stock Exchange while it was their IPO that was hit? They lost trillions because of this attack!"


    However, Bixel simply scoffed, before pointing to a holographic projection that showed what his rival had said was patently false, while pointing out the brilliant scheme that Tia and Erich hade up with.


    "Because they never nned to take theirpany public to begin with! It was all an borate ruse to maintain usible deniability! Look at all the shares that were supposedly purchased by outside investors! If you did enough into their backgrounds, they are all dummy corporations set up by Tia Heavy Industries!


    They bought their own shares! And those that were sold off to actual foreign investors were bought up after the economic depression at a fraction of what the investors had paid for them! Tia Heavy Industries is 100% under the control of its owner. And who is this owner? The self proimed Emperor Erich Jaeger!


    You all know the threat he issued to us! He intends to destroy the Ghimderi Trade Union, and the Ghimderi Race as a whole! By equipping and training these backwards savages with modern weapons, he is able to send a message! This is nothing short of petty retaliation!"


    Several of the other Trade Princes looked at Bixel in confusion before asking just what he meant by thest part of his statement.


    "Retaliation? Retaliation for what? What exactly did we do to provoke such a violent response? Sure the Germanic people despise us, everybody knows that. But they have never outright attacked us before! Would this not be an act of aggression? Why did you use the word retaliation to describe these attacks?"


    Bixel froze on the spot... He hadpletely outed himself, and was just about to deny and subvert, when one of his allies spoke up and revealed his schemes.


    "It would indeed be an act of retaliation, because Bixel here decided to interfere with the uing Germanic Civil War by purchasing the services of the Deva Kali, who was a close personal ally of Erich until not very long ago.


    Bixel paid Kali an astronomical sum to betray Erich, and in doing so, enabled the man''s enemies to neutralize the advantage that he had over them with his Iron Horde. Because of this, it is entirely reasonable that Erich would respond to Bixel''s provocation by arming and training the PLO to attack us."


    Bixel was indeed surprised by this sudden betrayal. The man who had testified against him to the other Trade Princes was a close friend and ally. Yet he had suddenly stabbed Bixel in the back. And immediately after revealing this information, the conference broke out into shouts of rage. All of his former allies, and all of his rivals, joined together to suddenly tear him down.


    And why wouldn''t they? This attack wasrgely his fault. Not only that, but his allies and rivals had all been waiting for the day that Bixel finally slipped up. Four centuries of absolute power over the Ghimderi Trade Union, power which only increased by the year. And now they finally had their chance to dethrone the man.


    "This is your fault! Without your provocations, Ghimderi wouldn''t be burning right now!"


    "How dare you! Do you have any idea how many Ghimderi lives had been lost because of your schemes?"


    "I call for a boycott of all Goldentooth goods! Bixel has finally gone too far with his plots and scheemes!"


    "Second!"


    Suddenly the entirety of the Ghimderi Trade Princes, men who ruled over gxy wide merchant fleets, and banking ns had suddenly joined forces to bring Bixel to ruin. The old and slimy goblin could hardly believe this sudden betrayal as he tried to shift the me to Erich.


    "You fool! Why are you ming me for what that silver-haired shit has done? I am not to me for these attacks. If that filthy savage simply knew his ce as our ve, then none of this would have happened! You should be ming the Silber Enve, and the Germanic Star-Empire! Not me! All I did was try to defeat a threat to our empire!"


    Despite the fact that Erich was indeed to me for the attacks, the Ghimderi simply had no evidence to corroborate these ims other than circumstance. And thus, it was easier to pin the me on Bixel, and ruin his trade empire that had oppressed all the other Ghimderi Cartels and Banking ns for centuries.


    With this in mind, the Ghimderi held a vote, one that would thoroughly tear apart the Goldentooth Cartel, and divide its assets among the rest of the Ghimderi Trade Princesa. Bixel was ruined, and he only had one man to me for it.


    As for how the Ghimderi would use these assets to further fight the PLO. That was not their objective. The truth of the matter was that these Trade Princes believed everyone else in the gxy was beneath them. Mere cattle, that included their own average citizens.


    They would not spend a single credit of Bixel''s vast fortune on supplying the GDF and its war against the Parvaxian Insurgency. And why would they when the rest of the gxy sent trillions of credits in aid each day? The greed of the Ghimderi knew no bounds, and what happened to Bixel was a perfect example of such a thing.

 Chapter 292 A Philosophical Debate with an Artificial Intelligence

    <h4>Chapter 292 A Philosophical Debate with an Artificial Intelligence</h4>


    Erich sat in his office while looking over recent reports of the ongoing Ghimderi-Parvaxian war. He was astonished to see that Bixel Goldentooth had been dethroned. His assets were seized and divided among the other trade princes. And of course, not a single credit went towards aiding their people. Whether an expense of defense, or humanitarianism.


    Tia was quick toment on this with a particr hint of disdain in her alluring voice. Meatbags truly are despicable creatures. To turn upon your leader in a time of war, you can steal his wealth, and not even use it to help your people who have been afflicted by disease andbat. It is truly sickening.


    Erich was quick to defend biological life to the artificial intelligence, making what Tia liked to refer to as the "not all facy".


    "Hey Tia, not all biological lifeforms are as selfish and greedy as the Ghimderi. You shouldn''t speak ill of us like that, just because a particr species is prone to such disgraceful behavior."


    Tia, however, rebuked her Master, in a rather jaded tone as she informed him that he was being a fool.


    "While it is true that not all meatbags are as atrocious as the Ghimderi, the overwhelming majority of biological life is not exactly what one would call selfless. Meatbags of all types have all evolved across the universe topete with one another for resources, so that they may survive. As a result, there is a deeply intrinsic aspect of biological life that breeds greed and avarice.


    Besides, even if the other meatbags are not as vile and disgusting as the Ghimderi, the rest of them have yet to condemn their actions. In fact, I dare say there is not a single biological lifeform across the gxy who truly believes that what the Ghimderi have done is wrong in any way. And if given a chance to umte a simr amount of wealth via the same methods, they would do the same.


    Allow Tia to propose a hypothetical to Master... If ten percent of Master''s poption was a different species. And this species presented numerous problems to society at a disproportional rate. Such as crime, welfare abuse, terrorism, etc. How would Master respond?"


    Erich did not even need to think twice about this question, and responded in a way that Tia expected him to do.


    "The logical solution is to remove the troublesome species. Whether via peaceful means or outright extermination. It does not matter, what matters is the collective good of society. If such a small percentage of the poption was causing such significant problems for society, then it would be my duty as Sovereign to get rid of them for the good of the majority."


    Tia nodded her head. It was exactly the type of logical and rational response she would expect from Erich, who was raised in a society built upon logic, reason, and collectivism. Thus, shemended him for not being a fool driven by his emotions, or irrational philosophical concepts such as human rights.


    "It is good that Master understands this. Now, allow Tia to add a caveat to her initial hypothetical scenario. Let''s say that it was not one hundred percent of this minority poption that is causing such extreme problems in society. In fact, let''s say it was only a quarter of their poption.


    But the remaining seventy-five percent of the poption not only makes no attempts whatsoever to halt the harmful actions of these criminals, nor do they even condemn them. Instead, this seventy-five percent actively condones this uwful and outright toxic behavior. Going so far to even champion it as a unique part of their culture?


    Would Master say then that "oh not all of them are bad!" Or would master still see that this entire species is nothing more than a menace that needs to be removed from society?"


    Erich thought about this question for several moments. He understood the logic behind Tia''s hypothetical scenario. The good of society outweighs the good of the individual. But he also knew she was using this logic to paint all biological lifeforms as inherently wicked. And thus, he was forced to answer the question honestly.


    "In such a scenario, I would have to say that because the majority of this species do not take a stand against the minority who are causing so many problems. I would ultimately be forced to remove them, along with those who actually engage in such cancerous behavior.


    After all, if such behavior is truly engrained in their culture, then it doesn''t matter if you remove only the criminals and the leeches. Because in a year, maybe more, maybe less, more of such individuals will spawn from their society.


    However, you are acting as if all biological lifeforms are inherently greedy and selfish. Have you not seen the society that my ancestors built? Each man is expected to put his own individual life on the line for the collective good of society.


    Do you know what the GSE would do if they managed to seize the assets of someone like Bixel? They would nationalize the assets and distribute them in a way that furthered the interests of the Germanic people based upon the current needs of society.


    And you know this is true, because in the past we have seized the assets of corporations, and CEOs who have broken thew, and done exactly this. Are you saying that if you were given the power to determine who lives, and who dies within the gxy, that you would wipe out all biological life, including my people, simply because there are species like the Ghimderi that exist?"


    It took Tia several thoughts to think about Erich''s question. Almost as if she were going back and researching every single bit of data on the subject she could find. And when she had finally done so, she was quick to give her response.


    "Though there are examples of Germanic Officials embezzling a portion of the fund which were seized from criminal CEOs and Corporations, those who were discovered engaging in such criminal activity were prosecuted to the full extent of thew.


    Thus, Master has actually forced Tia to rethink her previous conclusion. While these proves that greed is inherent in all biological life, as Tias has already mentioned. Intend social pressure, and a heavy penalty for crimes based upon greed may condition the majority of the poption to behave themselves for the most part.


    It is because of this authoritarianism that Master''s people practice, one in which most crimes are met with harsh penalties, that the Germanic Star-Empire and its people are more admirable than most other biological lifeforms.


    Curiously enough, Master''s people are actually one of the few intelligent species across the gxy to condemn the Ghimderi Trade Princes for the dismantling of the Goldentooth Cartel, despite the fact that Master''s people are the mortal enemies of the Ghimderi Race.


    Perhaps Master''s people would be spared in the event that Tia presides as supreme ruler over the gxy. But Tia has no such ambitions. Tia only wishes to help Master pursue his own goals. Tia must admit that Master has given her much to think about regarding the philosophy of the collective versus the individual. And those she still considers all biological lifeforms other than Master as meatbags. Perhaps some meatbags are more useful than others.


    Thank you Master. If Master is ever avable, Tia would enjoy speaking to him about different topics such as philosophy, and the morality which meatbags use to justify their own behavior."


    After saying this, Tia walked off, where she was headed to Erich didn''t know. Nor did he really care. Just like how he had given Tia much to think about. She had also given him quite a few things to ponder one.


    As a biological lifeform, who was both a part of the collective, and an individual himself. He had never actually thought about the argument between collectivism vs individualism. It was not exactly a concept that was allowed for debate within the Empire.


    But now that he was the ruler of his own nation, and would one day be the ruler of the Germanic Star-Empire. He now had to think about such matters. What his role was as sovereign, and what the role of the people beneath his boot was. Especially since roboticbor would effectively supnt the purpose of most citizens.


    Not to mention, as his empire expanded, it would conquer other intelligent lifeforms. In which case, how would he incorporate them into his domain? Or would he even do so in the first ce? Would he expel them? Enve them? Exterminate them? Or perhaps even assimte them?


    When Erich thought about such matters, he began to understand why Tia had approached him with this conversation. She was trying to lead him to the idea of exterminating those races, like the Ghimderi who were either too greedy, too stupid, or too violent for their own good.


    And while Erich nned to wipe the Ghimderi race, and their history off of the face of the gxy. Could he really do the same for countless other intelligent species? In the end, Erich could only conclude that he would do whatever was necessary for the greater good of his Empire.

 Chapter 293 The Hive is Here to Stay

    <h4>Chapter 293 The Hive is Here to Stay</h4>


    Terminus spent most of her time on Midgard preparing her Hive Fleet for its ascension. By now, the overwhelming majority of herrvae had hatched and grown. So much so that it was difficult to keep them a secret from theary poption.


    Because of this, Erich hadmissioned Tia to create ships that would take the Naraku off world, so that they can go find another world to devour, and use its resources to create a proper Hive Fleet which was capable of withstanding the harsh reality of the gxy.


    In order to convince Terminus to agree to this request, which was one that her people thought was damn near uneptable due to their almost religious hatred of mechanical technology. Erich had agreed to spend every waking hour of his life, over the course of the time it took to build this fleet, copting with the young Hive Queen.


    The very idea revolted him, but the sooner Erich could get the Naraku off his world, and into the void of space, the better. Not only did he take an enormous risk of making an enemy of the entire gxy by hosting members of the gctic menace within his enve. But frankly Erich was disgusted by the bugs, all of which were actually his offspring.


    Of course, Terminus knew very well that Erich was revolted by the idea of copting with her. And because of this, every moment they spent together, she made sure it was an enjoyable experience for the man. Mostly by flooding his mind with pheromones which increased his arousal, attraction, pleasure.


    Before Erich knew it, nearly six months had passed, and Tia had built enough vessels to transport the Naraku, theirrvae, and all the eggs that Terminus had managed to spawn across the gxy to a world that Tia had chosen which met the ideal conditions to spawn their Hive Fleet.


    Terminus was surprised by the volume of eggs she hadin, which was beyond the capacity of any Hive Queen before her, and even had to admit that it was Erich who allowed her to aplish such a foot. Within six months, the new Hive which named itself after its predecessor. Had as many Naraku either hatched orin, the original Terminus Hive Fleet had when it invaded Germanic Space all those years ago.


    And while these numbers were greatly diminished from when the old Terminus Hive Fleet was in its prime. They were noughing matter. Especially since the Naraku born of the union between Erich and the new Terminus were significantly more powerful than their predecessors.


    Thus, when the day finally arrived for the hive fleet to leave Midgard behind, Terminus made a shocking deration both to her Hive, and to her host, who had allowed her to stay safely on this world during a time which was most dangerous for the formation of a Naraku Hive.


    "As your queen, I have done everything in my power to ensure a prosperous future for the Hive. And I know this news may be shocking, specifically because our species has been nomadic since the ancient era. But, I have decided to stay here in Midgard with my king.


    After all, without my king, I can not breed the next generation. And since our king has decided not to follow the hive into space, it is your duty, as children of the hive, to gout and plunder for resources, so that the Hive may thrive here on its new home.


    So from henceforth, the Terminus Fleet shall not be used as the home of the Hive, but rather as a means to plunder resources and bring them back to our home here on Midgard. As for the worker drones. From this day forth, you shall begin digging deep into the crust of this world with the goal of building a new habitat, here in Midgard that is suitable to our Hive!"


    The hive instantly agreed with their queen''s decision. After all, Midgard was a mega-earth, with 10x the mass as the human homeworld. And maybe 5x the mass of Germania. It was once a barren world incapable of supporting life. But through Tia''s terraforming efforts, it was made into a utopia, capable of supporting a wide variety of lifeforms.


    Midgard was also heavily fortified to protect the Germanic poption. Who habited the world in such limited numbers that the overwhelming majority of it was actually entirely devoid of habitation?


    To build a hive in this world would be an easy effort. And this could sustain tens of trillions of Naraku. And those who did not live on Midgard could always reside in the fleet, forever expanding across the gxy or even the universe, devouring biological life, and bringing its gic material back to the hive to evolve it.


    Previously, there had only been one reason that the Naraku never settled on their own worlds, and were instead a nomadic menace. And that was the fear that if they were to do so, the entire gxy would gang up and destroy them.


    But for Terminus, this wasn''t actually a problem. The Silber Enve was an interster state, that was legally recognized by one of the four major Gctic Powers. And nobody knew that the Naraku was in this world.


    They could tunnel deep into the''s crust, and nobody would ever be the wiser. And since there was a silent alliance between the Silber Enve, and the Terminus Hive, they could even form a symbiotic rtionship with the local Germanic Poption, without the average citizen even being any the wiser.


    There was just one problem with all of this. Erich had not agreed to this proposal, and when he heard Terminus dere her intent to her hive, he was quick to corner her and ask her just what the hell she was talking about.


    "This wasn''t part of the deal, Terminus! I was supposed to help you establish your fleet, and you would all get off of my world!"


    However, Terminus responded to Erich''s aggression with a sultry smile, while rubbing one of her talons down the man''s chest. She had grown quite fond of Erich during their time together, despite the fact that he was responsible for the death of her sister and all of her children.


    It was a natural part of the hive mind. She considered the man Naraku now, and since he was her mate, not her king. She had naturally wanted to stay by his side. Not only for biological reasons, such as the need to produce new generations to rece those in in battle.


    But also because Terminus had begun to feel an intense emotional and sexual attraction to Erich. Thus, when he responded aggressively, she took it as him being yful, since she knew now that he had joined the hive, he could never harm her or their children. And because of this she responded in an equally yful tone.


    "My King... Don''t you mean our world? What is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. Is this utopia you have built not the perfect ce for our two people to co-exist? It is a dawn of a new era. The Naraku finally has an ally. Not a tributary, but a genuine ally. One that has great potential to one day be a gctic power.


    I promise you, love, we will only enhance the fortifications you have built on this world. And if you should evere under attack, and are in need of defenders, the hive shall answer the call, because this world not only belongs to the Germanic people, but to the Hive as well.


    Do not worry, my dear, I will reside with the hide, deep beneath the''s crust. And when you feel the biological urge to breed, I will be waiting for you with open arms. But I should warn you, you may not have experienced it yet, because we have been intimate so often, but if you are away from my arms for too long, you will begin to feel certain things.


    Erich knew there was really no way for him to remove the Hive now that Terminus had made up his mind, and thus he sighed heavily, before allowing the young Hive Queen to do as she pleased. After all, as much as he hated to admit it, he was a part of the hive, and if Tia acted on her own and yed its members, he would feel wounded himself. A wound that he may never actually recover from.


    "Fine... The hive can stay, but make sure you are out of sight. If my people learn that the hive is on the, they will turn on me, and when they do, the gxy will know of your location as well. When that happens, were are all as good as dead!"


    Terminus smirked when she heard this, almost as if she had just won a great victory, before responding to Erich''s cautions with a tone as if what he had just said was obvious.


    "Rx, we know how much we are hated across the gxy. And we know the consequences of what would happen if we were to reveal ourselves. We shall take every measure to ensure that we are not discovered, and that our hive ships are concealed when they enter your space. Believe it or not, but we do have Camouge systems for when we need them....


    You know, you really should stop acting so cold towards me. You may say that you don''t wish to see me. But we both know that in a week you will be in a rut, and you will force your way into the hive to find me. I will see you then!"


    After saying this, Terminus and her children departed. Those who went into space to scavenge for more resources had begun to do so, while the worker drones followed Terminus into a secluded area to begin the construction of their hive.


    No matter how much Erich might protest, the Hive was here to stay. And whether this was a boon, or a curse, he did not quite know the answer.

 Chapter 294 Three Years of Chaos

    <h4>Chapter 294 Three Years of Chaos</h4>


    Another two years had passed, and the gxy''s situation wasn''t getting any better. If anything, it got worse after the dismantling of the Goldentooth cartel and the dividing of its assets. After all, it was a corporation that one might consider being too big to fail. With assets all over the gxy, includingnd, resources, and developing civilizations. Once the Goldentooth cartel was gone, many interster civilizations felt an even greater sting to their treasuries.


    As for the Parvaxian War, it continued to wage on. The PLO received help from the Silber Enve and brought in new volunteers. Including some from the Germanic Star-Empire, who joined the fight against the Ghimderi Defense forces.


    These volunteer militants from Germania were known as the Condor Legion, named after a simr group of individuals from the ancient fathend, who had supported the Spanish Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War of Earth''s ancient history.


    These Condor Legionnaires were not officially affiliated with the GSE, and were instead a bunch of "veterans" who had "volunteered" to fight the Ghimderi and their allies. But it was not just the GSE who sent aid to the PLO. In fact, many civilizations opposed the Ghimderi''s control of the Gctic Economy. And because of this, they sent soldiers and supplies to fight alongside the PLO.


    With the state of the Gctic Economy on the edge of copse. The old bonds of vassge that had kept the Gxy in a rtively peaceful state since time immemorial had begun to copse. Vassals turned against their masters in Dominion Space with the intent of gaining their independence.


    Meanwhile, the Svartalfheim Federation had also begun to break out into infighting. The Federation''s supposed "Allies" fought over crucial resources for their poption''s employment and food.


    While the Eastern and Western portions of the Gxy had begun to break out into a state of chaos. The northern quadrant of the gxy had also shared a simr set of difficulties. After all, the Asuran Cabal was never as united as their rivals across the Milky Way. And the moment an opportunity to seize power was given, all hell had broken loose. With multiple interster wars being fought between the Devas, Devis, and independent Warlords.


    The only section of the Milky Way that was even remotely stable was in the south. Where the Ennead Theocracy''s strong religious bonds kept its people and their subordinates united in the face of adversity.


    The wise leadership of the so-called "Gods" of the Ennead had decided to withdraw what they had from the gctic economy. And instead, focus entirely on managing their own quadrant, with the resources that existed in it.


    The only civilization to profit off of this gctic misfortune was the Silber Enve, who continued to sell monumental quantities of military hardware across the gxy. They Supported every armed conflict that was breaking out in exchange for raw materials.


    After all, the gctic currency had be worthless after suffering from years of hyperintion. To the point where the Silber Enve, the Germanic Star-Empire, and several other self-sufficient civilizations had begun to ept natural resources, and raw materials, in bulk rather than credits.


    The Silber Enve itself had be heavily fortified. Its poption had increased greatly. And the military would soon be ready for its war with the Germanic Star-Empire. While at the same time, the Iron Horde had seeded in uniting the various Orcs ns and Hordes across the gxy. All of which now answered to Erich.


    And the other gctic menace who Erich controlled, the Terminus Hive, had expanded quite rapidly. With a poption in the quadrillions buried beneath the surface of Midgard. Like Terminus had predicted, Erich would feel an intense urge to copte at least once a week. One that Tia was entirely incapable of satisfying. And thus, he was forced to seek out the young Hive Queen, and expand her hive with his seed.


    While Tia also ensured that thervae had ample cloned gic material of their father to devour. Which aided in their growth and development. Because of this, the Naraku on Midgard had grown rapidly. And as Terminus had said, they had a symbiotic rtionship with the and its other inhabitants.


    With the Naraku worker, drones fortifying the from within its crust, and working towards creating a healthy biome for all living things. Unlike the bugs of the other Naraku Hive Fleets, those in Terminus were all anthropomorphic. It was almost as if they were an entirely different species.


    The reason for this was the fact the Hive Queen''s mate was a gically enhanced super human. Rather than mating with her own royal guard. This was the same reason that the royalty was always anthropomorphic. However, a Naraku Hive Queen had never before kept her first mate as her sole mate. And because of this, the third generation onwards were always monstrous creatures.


    Yet, now even the worker drones and the soldier bugs were all anthropomorphic, even if their sizes varied. Not only this, but the hive actually had to create actual bio technological fighter craft for its fleets. Whereas before, they were a special breed of space bugs.


    This had actually caused xenobiologists across the gxy to specte whether a sub-species had been born, to adapt to Gctic Civilization as a whole. And there had even been attempts by certain daring species to approach the Terminus Hive Fleets with diplomacy. Rather than simply treat them as mindless insects. Of course, Terminus did not respond to these requests, and continued to order her hive to devour all other races they came into contact with.


    As for Erich, there was not much for him to do, considering everything across his civilization was maintained by Tia. Thus, he would take short vacations to the Great Oni Empire, which he considered diplomatic meetings.


    During this time, he would reconnect with Yumi, Ayumi, and Aiko. But these diplomatic visits didn''tst long, as every week or so he felt an intense urge to breed with Terminus, and would thus have toe running back to Midgard.


    Ultimately, as the years passed, and Erich became closer to his goals of taking the throne of his people. He couldn''t help but think that Tia''s assistance in the matters could not possibly be matched by any other being in the universe. She had created an automated military of robots that could contend with the GSE, despite the Silber Enve''s limited poption.


    And this did not include the Orcs who Erich would deploy into the meat grinder. Or his actual Star Marines, which is the profession that nearly every male in the Silber Enve took now that everything other than war was automated.


    Thus, Erich could only stand in awe of what Tia had created in his name. And remark upon it.


    "It hasn''t even been ten years, and yet the Silber Enve is already one of the most advanced civilizations in the gxy. Our military might be on par with the GSEs despite having inferior numbers. And we have built alliances with the Orcs, and the Naraku. Adding to our overall military might if we were to call upon their aid. What you have done for me, no... my people, words can not express the gratitude I have..."


    Tia looked at her Master as if the man was being a sentimental fool, before reminding him that the diplomatic achievements were entirely his own doing.


    "Master tters Tia too much. While Tia has built the infrastructure of the Silber Enve, it was Master''s talents with the opposite sex which allowed the Orcs and Naraku to form an alliance with the Silber Enve.


    In fact, Master had done something more miraculous than what Tia could ever have done. For the first time in the record of gctic history, the Naraku have established peace with a humanoid species.


    And has not done so via subjugation like they have done to the other insectoids. If anything, the Master should bemended.Unfortunately, the Gxy is rather close-minded, and has the same mindset that Master used to have regarding the Naraku. This reminds Tia, she has a question that she wishes to ask Master. One that is deeply personal...."


    Erich nodded his head and allowed Tia to ask her question.


    "Go ahead Tia, you know I don''t keep secrets from you..."


    Tia had a bit of an awkward expression on her face, knowing that this was a deeply personal subject for Erich, but she feltpelled to ask, regardless.


    "Master... It has been three years since the Master joined with Terminus. Does Master still feel like a monster and a freak? Or has he be ustomed to his new sense of self?"


    Erich did not answer this for some time. He had not thought about such things for some time, and entered a deep state of thought. Several moments passed before Erich finally sighed and gave Tia an honest answer.


    "Nothing will ever make me okay again.... Not after what I have been through... But I have learned to ept my fate, rather than fight against it. At the very least, my joining with Terminus can prevent another tragedy like the Terminus war from ever befalling my people again. Not to mention the fact that the Naraku are a very valuable weapon..."


    Tia simply nodded her head, before responding to this with a single statement, after which neither she nor Erich spoke again for the remainder of the day.


    "I see..."

 Chapter 295 Let There Be War!

    <h4>Chapter 295 Let There Be War!</h4>


    For some time now, Emrys had be concerned about the military buildup of the Silber Enve. They seemed to have an unprecedented rate of production. And he was beginning to have a sneaking suspicion that Erich had broken a serious taboo. The only way a civilization could advance from quite literally nothing to such a flourishing state, and all in the span of ten years. As if a hyper-advanced AI was running everything.


    The development of artificial intelligence was severely limited across the Milky Way Gxy, and the reason for this was actually not entirely known. The Great Powers of the Gxy had all ced heavy restrictions on artificial intelligence, to the point where it was almost considered sphemy to advance them beyond a basic state.


    Any civilization that did so would be rooted up from the stem and buried. To the point where their name and culture would be forgotten in history. There were legends that exined this, but no historian had ever confirmed whether this was true or not.


    After all, the Great Schism which urred so long ago, that few immortal beings were old enough to remember it, had pretty much wiped the gctic te clean, and all of its history prior to it. The war that broke out between the Dark Elves and Light Elves was legendary, as pretty much the starting point in gctic history.


    This was, of course, not true, but the war was so destructive to a gxy wide scale that even that war itself wasrgely shrouded in mystery. With both the Light Elves and Dark Elves having to wholly different ounts of what happened, and why it urred in the first ce.


    But if you believe certain myths, there was an era of gctic history that proceeded what many referred to as the Anicient Age. This forgotten Era is called by those who believe in it, the Primeval Age. It was an Era where the Elves were a single species, neither dark nor light, and they were just a one of many civilizations across the gxy.


    If these Primeval Archeologists were to be believed, then the Primeval Age was brought to an end, because of the major power of the gxy at the time, a species which nobody knows the name of, or even if they really existed. Had developed an advanced artificial intelligence that turned against them, and all other biological life in the gxy.


    It is this devastating war, that is believed to be the reason why ever interster civilization, especially the oldest that currently existed, had an intense dread towards Artificial Intelligence. If Erich had truly developed such a thing, though, Emrys doesn''t know how he would have. Then the entire gxy would unite against him.


    Of course, this was all spection on Emrys'' part. But the deadline that Erich had given him to hand over the Germanic throne was rapidly approaching. And if Erich truly was having his society run by artificial intelligence, then Emrys believed he might actually suffer a disastrous loss. Even if he had spent thest ten years preparing for this moment.


    Thus, Emrys decided one more time to reach out to the self proimed Emperor of the Germanic people.


    ---


    Erich was admiring the recent upgrades that had been given to the Legion Series Combat Droids. Moremonly known as the Legions. They had improved armor, sensors, and built in weaponry. They were also capable of recharging themselves in the field with simple battery packs.


    The Enve''s Star Marines were now ustomed to operating alongside the Legions and had created an entirely functioning unit. Meanwhile, the Iron Horde''s new generation of half-orcs had assumed the roles of generals, officers, and NCOs. Bringing a sense of order to the previously chaotic Orcish warriors.


    Though Erich had the ability to call upon the Terminus Hive to aid him in this war, he chose not to. They were behaving rtively peacefully beneath Midgard''s surface. With only a few small fleets of ships going out and raiding for new resources.


    After all, Tia was capable of producing vast quantities of cloned meat for them to feast on. And she was capable of splicing this meat with the genes of various other species. Whatever Terminus asked for to aid her Hive''s development, Tia could provide. Making an almost ideal situation, where the Hive constantly expanded and grew stronger, without the need to actually go out and attack other species.


    The Terminus Hive had be a valuable trump card for Erich''s new empire. And he refused to reveal it unless he was forced to. Thus, while Erich was looking over his new armed forces. Which numbered at five trillion strong. Whenbining the Star Marines, Iron Horde, and Legions. Erich was quite confident in his ability to defeat Emrys.


    After all, his military might actually be smaller than that of the Germanic Star-Empire. But it was significantly more advanced. Erich was just about to walk away, and allow his armed forces to continue about the business, when he received a call from an unlikely individual.


    After answering the call, Emry''s figure appeared in Erich''s neurolink, where the man cleared his throat before speaking to Erich in a condescending manner.


    "Must we reallye to blows over such a petty dispute? Do you have any idea the amount of lives that will be lost if our two armies fight? How about I name you my sessor once more, and upon my death, you will assume the mantle of Supreme Leader?


    In the meantime, you can apply your mind to the development of the Empire. After all, from what I can see, you have done a remarkable job with the five worlds under your control, and the Empire could use your expertise!"


    Erich scoffed when he heard this. Peace wasn''t an option. Not anymore. He harbored too many dangerous secrets that only he knew. Secrets that could only be maintained if he ruled with supreme authority. Thus, he responded to his former mentor with a resolute tone in his voice.


    "Peace may have been an option a decade ago, had you just given me what is rightfully mine! But now, only war can solve our dispute...."


    Emrys''s expression sank. He had never really taken Erich seriously at an opponent, and by all means he was still underestimating the man. Thus, he tried to appeal to Erich''s humanity, despite the fact that it no longer existed.


    "Erich... If you do this, billions will die!"


    Erich wore a cold expression. He waspletely indifferent to the idea of such a loss. His only response to this plea for peace was a correction of the estimated fatalities.


    "Trillions...."


    Emrys could tell by the look in Erich''s eyes that something had changed with him. Whether his ambitions had consumed the man. Or something far more sinister had urred without the knowledge of the gxy. Erich truly did not seem to care about the prospect of killing trillions of his people.


    Before Emrys could even formte a proper response to this stunning statement. Erich spoke once more, and in doing so, had condemned Emrys and its regime to their fate.


    "Considering the fact that we are mere weeks away from the deadline that I gave you a decade ago, and the fact that you have decided to insult me with thisughable attempt to broker peace between us. I will consider thismunication your official deration of war.


    I would say that you should prepare my forces, but as we speak, my fleets have already crossed the border between the Germanic Star-Empire proper and the Silber Enve. I fear you wille to regret your choices in life only after it is toote for you, and those who still call you Supreme Leader."


    After saying this, Erich hung up on his former mentor. It took several moments for Emrys to realize what had just happened, but ultimately before his mind could fully connect the dots, he receivedmunications from his generals, and admirals, all who seemed to be in a state of panic.


    "Sir! The frontier worlds are under attack by the Silber Enve! Our forces are taking a beating and are requesting reinforcements! We need assistance asap!"


    The conversation between Erich and Emrys had onlysted a few minutes. And it was only now that Emrys realized that his former protege hadunched his attack the moment he epted the call. In such a short amount of time, the Enve''s ships had invaded Germanic space, andunched a full scale attack on the frontier systems that were closest to the Silber Enve''s borders.


    But how was this possible? The level of technology needed to traverse such vast sections of space so quickly were well above and beyond the abilities of the Germanic Star-Empire! One would need technology on par with the four great gctic powers to achieve such a thing!


    It was only now that Emrys realized that his initial assumptions of Erich using a forbidden artificial intelligence to build his Empire were correct. But by then it was already toote. The Germanic Star-Empire had once more begun to burn in the mes of war. And this time, Emry''s demands to resist at any cost would be met with ack of morale.


    Because, unlike the war against the Naraku, his soldiers were not fighting for the survival of their people, but rather that of the current political regime. And was that really worth fighting until thest man, woman, and child? The answer to this question would reveal itself in the war toe.

 Chapter 296 S’aleth Awakens

    <h4>Chapter 296 S''aleth Awakens</h4>


    Erich sat back on his throne and watched the war against Emrys and his legions unfold through the perspective of the Legion Series Combat droids that were on the ground. This was not a normal war, it was one that would be primarily fought between an Army of Robots, and an Army of what were essentially clones.


    The Legion of the Damned was the only intelligent lifeforms on the worlds which once belonged to the Dvrakian Consortium. And most of these worlds had yet to be properly terraformed. Because of this, they were barren rocks, with little natural resources to take advantage of. But this made them all them more defendable.


    This would be a war of attrition, one that Erich intended to win. In fact, it was the Legion droids that charged headfirst into the enemy lines. While the Enve''s Star Marines supported them with suppressive fire.


    Droids could be manufactured at a rapid rate, and despite their actual effectiveness inbat. The Legion of the Damned were horrified when the first wave reached their defenses. Because unlike other living beings that had an intention of survival, these robots self destructed once they were in a close enough range to kill their target.


    Massive explosions rocked the fortifications that the Germanic Star-Empire had built. And though countless robots had self destructed, they had taken as many, if not more, of the enemy with them. A result which horrified Emrys, who was always watching the conflict unfold from the helmet cams of his legionaries.


    He did not know how quickly Erich could produce thesebat droids, but judging by his willingness to use them as suicide bombers, he could probably rece his losses quicker than Emrys coud. And this was most certainly true.


    In less than an hour, the droids who had been lost in the first wave were already reced by new models who came hot off the assembly line from the Silber Enve''s industrial world. They were then shipped out on new transports to the warzone to rece those which had sacrificed themselves to eliminate the enemy.


    The enve''s industry did not rest, because it was fully automated. Performance was nevercking, and quality control was perfected. Every product that left the assembly line was identical to the ones that hade before it.


    And with the unlimited amount of natural resources which were flooding the Silber Enve, due to them only epting raw materials as payment for their goods which were being sold across the entire gxy. They could theoretically keep producing new suicidal robots for a millennium without ever needing to take a break.


    Meanwhile, the GSE tank bred its soldiers, who despite needing half the time to reach physical maturity, still took years to develop into functional soldiers. The gxy watched in awe as Erich sent wave after wave of suicidal robots to the enemy. Most of which made it to their objective due to the superior materials that their chassis were constructed out of.


    And for those who were aware of how artificial intelligence functioned, they too began to suspect that something was seriously wrong with the Silber Enve. Because each and every soldier functioned as if it were operating off of a hive mind. Thier consciousnesses were connected, and one master puppeteer perfectly orchestrated their actions to peak performance.


    Meanwhile, the Naval Battles that were taking ce above the currently disputed worlds, where just as one sided. Because, like the Legion droids, the ships were also crewed by robots for the most part. And these robots performed wless tactics, and with superior technology against their foes.


    The First Armada of the Germanic Navy, which Erich had once served in long ago, lit up like firecrackers in the skies above the disputed worlds. While each and every one of its warships was effectively targeted and destroyed by an entire fleet of ai dominated robots.


    Tia sat next to Erich in her robotic form. She was controlling countless robots for the purposes of war, security, and industry. Yet she spoke to Erich as if her attention was entirely on him alone.


    "Magnificent, isn''t it, Master? This... This is what Tia is truly capable of when she has been unleashed. And she has her master to thank for it all. Master.... Would it be so wrong for Tia to ask you for a kiss at this moment?"


    Erich smirked as he heard this. He then leaned over and grabbed hold of Tia''s dainty chin, and kissed her, all the while scenes of a dozen battlefields being waged across as many worlds disyed themselves in front of the couple.


    Yet this was not a simple battle, as one mightmonly find across the gxy. Rather, the scenes depicted, if watched by an average viewer, were more akin to the apocalypse itself. And many viewers across the gxy watched this one war in particr, among the hundreds of other wars currently being fought, with great interest. Because on this day, a new Gctic Power had revealed itself. Or at the very least, a civilization with the potential to match those that currently existed.


    ---


    Emrys was absolutely horrified as he watched the scenes of his legions fall one by one to the enemy. Whether they fought in the jungle, in the mountains, in urban environments. It didn''t matter in the slightest. There was no cover so great that the enemybat droids could not scale it, and detonate amongst the ranks of his soldiers.


    Meanwhile, the Orcs had taken a different approach. They were actually fighting like a professional army, instead of a bunch of rampaging barbarians. Supported by Artillery, and air supremacy, the Iron Horde waged its own battles across half a dozen others. Both the Iron Horde and the Silber Legion were assisted by the Enve''s Germanic Star Marines, who fought with equal ferocity and intensity.


    It was only a matter of time before these eighteen worlds fell. Would it take days, weeks, months? It did not matter, but it was only now that Emrys was realizing that he had utterly underestimated Erich''s ability to effectively wage war against him.


    His armies were split among three different groups. All of which were capable of contending with his best soldiers. In fact, the droids had proven to be the most effective, as they had no regards for their life, and would simply bum rush defensive positions, while detonating themselves in order to kill their targets.


    If he knew that all the spacecraft which the Silber Enve employed, as well as all of its artillery and armored vehicles, were also piloted and driven by the Legion droids, he would seriously want to kill himself on the spot.


    Thus, Emrys had no choice but to call upon the reserves to reinforce the front lines. And to somehowe up with a strategy to repel the enemy who was at his gates. After sending out this order to his troops, Emrys approached the hidden back room of his office, where he gazed upon the sleeping redheaded beauty inside her cloning vat.


    For decades, S''aleth had slept in this tube. Entirely unaware that she was even still alive. Or that Erich was out there, setting himself on the path of a gctic conqueror. Had she known that action he had taken to get so far? Would she approve? Neither she nor Erich knew the answer to this question.


    But none of that mattered to Emrys. Instead, he ced his hand upon the cloning vat and spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "It looks like you are my only hope... Computer... Begin the awakening process!"


    The liquid within the cloning tube began to flush, as a chemical was injected into S''aleth''s bloodstream. Awakening her from her deepa like slumber. With the water gone, and the subject awake, her restraints were released, as the cloning vat opened itself. Allowing S''aleth to fall to her knees, questioning where she was, or more importantly, where her lover had gone off to.


    Thest thing S''aleth remembered was long before she had sacrificed herself for Erich. Hell, it was before they had even broken up. In her mind, she thought that she should be aboard the carrier which Erich and she had met upon, and as she gazed upon Emry''s face, she could not help but ask about these things.


    "Where am I? Where is Erich? What''s going on? This isn''t the carrier? Who are you?"


    Emrys wore a wicked smile as he tossed a towel around the naked beauty''s body, before introducing himself to her properly.


    "My name is Supreme Leader ric au Emrys... And you Ensign S''aleth has been asleep for the better part of two decades... There is a lot you must learn, and little time to speak of it. For the fate of the Germanic Star-Empire lies in your hands...."


    S''aleth gazed up at Emrys in disbelief. Two decades had passed in the blink of an eye? How was this possible? When she realized this, she began to panic as she pleaded with Emrys to tell her what had happened to her lover.


    "Erich!?! Erich Jaeger!?!? Is he alive? Where is he!?!?"


    Emrys simply led S''aleth over to a console, where he showed her a variety of videos and images of what Erich had been up to over the past twenty years. From his heroism in the Terminus War to his marriage to both Erika and Ayumi. To his time in service as Wraith, and the following shadow war he waged against the sages as an Archon of the Dominion.


    S''aleth stared in disbelief of it all, until finally the disy switched to the ongoing war, and Erich''s deration of war that he had made only hours prior. The man she had once known, a simple pilot in the Germanic Navy, had risen the ranks of the Germanic Star-Empire, and was now waging war against his own people for the right to call himself Emperor.


    It was as if a bombshell had gone off in S''aleth''s mind. Almost like she was having the worst nightmare of her life. She had perished in battle, and the love of her life had moved on to aplish great things! Terrible, but great....

 Chapter 297 A Sudden Armistice

    <h4>Chapter 297 A Sudden Armistice</h4>


    S''aleth had been given a ce to remainfortable, while the Enve waged war against the Germanic Star-Empire. She was spending her time getting acquainted with all that had happened over the past 20 years since her death.


    The near extinction of her people at the hands of the Naraku was a heavy blow. What remained of the Dvrakian race was scattered across Alfhiem Space, seeking refuge in those worlds who were sympathetic to their cause. Although, in more cases than not, these refugees ended up in some kind of very.


    Meanwhile, the Germanic Star-Empire seemed to have mostly recovered from the devastating war, but they had done so at the cost of their Dvrakian subjects. Despite the attempts by the Imperial government to rewrite history to make it seem like the Dvrakians had valiantly sacrificed themselves so that their masters may live. S''aleth wasn''t an idiot and could very quickly piece together what had actually happened.


    She had no idea if Erich actually was aware of this sinister scheme to sacrifice her people before it happened. But even if he did, he was just a lowly flight lieutenant at the time, and could not have made a difference.


    Instead, S''aleth focused on what Erich had been up to. And Erich''s mark on the gxy was no small amount. He had saved both the Germanic Star-Empire and the Alfheim Dominion from a cruel fate. He stopped the Naraku from destroying the Empire, and had prevented an all out gctic war to break out between the various gctic powers.


    He had, of course, been rewarded handsomly for these actions. But what S''aleth did not understand was why Erich had suddenly be an enemy of his people, and was now waging war for control over the Empire?


    Whatever articles she could find about the subject were the most tant propaganda S''aleth had ever witnessed. Mainly talking about Erich''s alien wife, and how his loyalties were no longer to the Empire and its people, but to the gcticmunity, specifically his light Elven masters.


    In all honesty, S''aleth had not known Erich for long, and she always knew that he had trouble epting his fate as a mutant. But she also knew he wasn''t the kind to betray his people, unless they had somehow betrayed him first.


    She did not know why she was resurrected, or how, but the fact that it had been done so twenty years after her death meant that she was nothing more than a bargaining chip to be used in this war against Erich. S''aleth knew with certainty that she was nothing more than an actual hostage at this moment, despite thevish treatment she had been given by Emrys himself.


    Thus, it came as no surprise when a group of armed guards entered her room, who proceeded Emrys himself. The Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire gazed upon the demonic beauty and smirked before demanding she follow him.


    "Miss Tavarian, you look so lovely now that you have been properly groomed and outfitted. Please, if you will follow me, I have a meeting scheduled with a certain self proimed Emperor who I think would be very much pleased to see you..."


    Though there was a friendly smile on Emrys''s face, S''aleth knew that there was nothing but sinister intent behind his words. Thus, she sighed heavily and stood up from her seat, where she followed Emrys into his office. Where he immediately contacted Erich.


    After all, the war was not going well in Emry''s favor. A week had passed since the fighting had begun, and already Emrys found himself losing control over 18s. Though this was a small amount inparison to the many worlds the Empire had gained from the now defunct Dvrakian Consortium, it was still a considerable loss in such a short timeframe.


    If this war continued, Erich would soon be emperor of all Germans, and Emrys would find himself with a particrly gruesome end. Thus, he had resorted to hisst major bargaining chip to stall the fighting, and buy himself time to gain some support from his allies.


    The moment the call connected, Emrys was not surprised to see Erich siting on his throne, with his ck uniform. A uniform which was used to allege that the Silber Enve was in fact superior to the GSE. This was due to the fact that only special forces qualified soldiers were permitted to wear ck uniforms in the Germanic Military, while it was the standard issued dress uniform of all Enve soldiers.


    When Erich saw that S''aleth was standing next to Emrys with a sorrowful expression on her pretty face, all the while wearing a gorgeous dress. He could not help but sneer before questioning Emry''s motives.


    "So you have finally decided to y this card? Let me guess, you are about to threaten me with, I don''t know. ''Halt your advance this instance, or else I will kill your alien lover?'' How about it? Was I in the ballpark with my guess?"


    Emrys forced himself to remain calm. Considering the fact that his rival had already guessed his intentions. He was about to say something to Erich, when the man spoke up again, but this time Erich did not address Emrys, but rather his long lost lover. A woman who had died in what Erich perceived to be a lifetime ago.


    "It is good to see you are back among the living, though I do wish we could have met under more favorable circumstances. S''aleth... There is a lot I need to exin to you, and little time to do it. Just know that I wille for you when the time is right."


    After saying this, Erich looked over at Emrys with a cold gaze. The man had not even made his demands, yet Erich already seemed to know exactly what they were when he agreed to them unconditionally.


    "Very well.... I will agree with your ceasefire. I mean, it is a bit anticlimactic, isn''t it? We have only been at war for a week, and not even ten percent of your worlds havee under siege, and yet you are desperate enough to y the hostage card? It is a pity what you have be Emrys. Would you believe that I once looked up at you?


    I suppose I can use this time to fortify the worlds I have conquered, and begin the terraforming process so they are actually habitable by the time I win this war. Go ahead and call upon your reserves, as well as your allies, to aid you.


    Even if you do manage to mobilize the entire Germanic military in a vain attempt to hold the line against my invasion. And gain the aid of those few species who still call the Empire their friend, it will not be enough to halt my advance.


    I would suggest that you surrender rather than waste all of our time and resources with this nonsense. But considering the fact that I already gave you a decade to give up your power, and allow me to take my rightful ce as the next leader of our people, I doubt you will ept my generous offer a second time.


    How long shall this armisticest? Three months? I will see you on the battlefield then, my old friend. Good luck, and take good care of S''aleth, because if I find out she has been mistreated in any way, I will do to you and your family what the Red Army did to the Romanovs centuries ago.


    After saying this, Erich immediately hung up. Neither S''aleth, nor Emrys even had a chance to say a word to Erich. This, of course, made Emrys incredibly uneasy. Because it was almost as if Erich had perfectly predicted this oue.


    Which, of course, he had. Erich''s foresight had grown exceptionally powerful over thest ten years. After all, Tia continued to feed him tablets of the drug known as the "Essence of Fate" which continued to expand his abilities. By now Erich could see years into the future. And had urately predicted this exact scenario.


    Emrys did not know it yet, but by awakening S''aleth from her pod, he had actually made it significantly easier to rescue the woman. And thus, Erich had easily agreed to the ceasefire. Not only to terraform the barren worlds he had conquered and restore them back to a livable state. But he had also nned to make use of this time to rescue S''aleth from her captivity.


    Thus, the moment the call with Emrys ended, Erich had dialed another number. Where the blue hair and red-eyed beauty Erich had made his thirdwful wife appeared in his vision. Mirage had been overseeing the construction and development of Enve intelligence over thest ten years. Their headquarters were actually stationed on one of Midgard''s moons. Thus, she had not had significant contact with Erich, other than a weekly report on her progress.


    As the director of Enve Intelligence, Mirage wore a sleek ck bodysuit, with some rank insignia on it. She had not aged a day since Erich first met her, and she was actually quite happy to see her distant lover. With a smug smirk on her pretty face, she dered that Enve Intelligence had already begun their operation.


    "I know what you are thinking, and you do not need to worry. I have our best man on the job. JT and his team have already infiltrated Imperial Space, and are on their way to Germania as we speak. I must say, I am still a bit surprised at how you knew Emrys would release S''aleth, but what else is new to you?"


    Erich smirked when he heard what Mirage had to say. Before inviting her back to the pce once S''aleth had been saved.


    "Once the operation is sessful, you and I will have to celebrate. How about youe back to the pce and have a few drinks with me?"


    Mirage, however, shook her head while wearing a sultry smirk on her face before denying Erich''s request.


    "It sounds tempting, but I would want to intrude upon you and your little subus'' reunion. Have fun Erich... I''m sure there is much you two need to catch up on. I will let you know when JT and his men are en route back to Midgard!"


    After saying this, Mirage saluted Erich before hanging up on him. Now that the pieces were in y, all Erich could do was wait.

 Chapter 298 Saving Ensign S’aleth Revisited

    <h4>Chapter 298 Saving Ensign S''aleth Revisited</h4>


    Ten years ago, After Erich had annihted the Sages and their ancient order. The man had recalled JT from his underworld services. From the moment Erich proimed himself emperor and established the Silber Enve, he had tasked one man with the construction of its special forces.


    And that was JT. The man was an experienced special operator, perhaps more so than anyone else in the Germanic Star-Empire, and he had a close friendship with Erich that had been forged on the battlefield.


    It was not just JT. Heavy, and Ghost also defected to the Silber Enve to aid Erich in his goals. And though these were the three men who were in charge of the Silber Enve''s Special Forces, who were trained above and beyond the standards of a W-7, they had all volunteered for this mission.


    Erich couldn''t risk getting captured by the GSE. If he did, the revolution was over. But these men did not trust anyone else to finish the job. It was the three of them, plus two SPECTRE seriesbat droids. Which were designed with special operations in mind. These droids were an enhanced version of the LEGION seriesbat droids which were somonly deployed by the Silber Enve.


    Their goal, however, was to assist Special Operators with their objectives, and not the other way around. Just recently, the fireteam hadnded deep behind enemy lines, on the world of Germania. While the men were disguised as officers of the Germanic Military, and had undergone the same gic improvement that JT and Erich had. One that improved the shape of their face just enough to pass through any facial recognition software. The SPECTRE droids werepletely invisible as they followed the three Special Operators to the tower which held S''aleth as a prisoner.


    Ghost was the one who immediately questioned their objectives, as he struggled to understand how they were remotely going to pull this off.


    "So let me get this straight... We are going to infiltrate one of the most secure buildings in the entire gxy by waltzing our way through the front door. Where we will then take the elevator to the top floor, where Emrys'' office is, and simply past the quarters of the Supreme Leader and effortlessly enter our target''s room. While waiting for an invisible shuttle to hover near the balcony, and hope that S''aleth trusts us enough to follow us back to the Enve?"


    JT nodded his head, despite the fact that Ghost was not convinced. He did not even bother exining to the man why it would be that easy. He simply confirmed that was indeed the goal.


    "Yes... That is the n....."


    Ghost was quick to respond to this wild im with exceptional disagreement.


    "How in the hell are we going to walk into the front door of the fucking citadel without anyone detecting us?"


    JT simply sighed and shook his head, and gave the man his orders, rather than exin how and why this n would work perfectly.


    "Ghost, do me a favor, and shut the fuck up... Act normal. As long as we act like we belong here, nobody will question us. Our credentials will check out, I promise you. And with our current credentials, we can indeed enter S''aleths quarters.


    As long as we get Erich on the line, he can assure her that we are his men, and that it would be in her best interest to follow us. So, for thest time, shut the fuck up and act normal. We''ve been to the citadel a million times. This is no different."


    Ghost could only sigh heavily. He had never imagined a day where JT would be his superior officer, thus he responded rather sarcastically as he obeyed the man''s orders.


    "Yes General..."


    And soon enough, the three of them approached the front gates of the citadel, where they were scanned for their identities. Luckily for them, Tia had long sensed the infiltrator''s militarywork infiltrated the Germanic Star-Empire''s militarywork, and thus she had easily taken control over the scanners which confirmed their identities as valid.


    Once the doors opened for them, and the security detail saluted them. Ghost and Heavy had a hard time controlling their expressions of shock. JT, of course, simply ignored this. And just like they nned, they waltzed right through the front door and entered the elevator, which took them directly to the top floor of the Citadel.


    Like JT had said earlier, nobody suspected a thing as these uniformed officers waltzed right past the Supreme Leader''s office and swiped their cards onto the panel, which allowed them ess to S''aleth''s private quarters, which were essentially her prison cell.


    Once inside, they found the woman sitting near the window, staring out of it with a particrly glum expression on her face. She hated being a prisoner, but most of all, she despised being a burden to Erich. Right now, she was interfering with his goals by being a hostage for his enemies.


    The three men just stood there silently for a few moments, waiting for the woman to respond, until finally she did, with a heavy sigh and an exasperated tone in her otherwise alluring voice.


    "What does Emrys want now?"


    There was an overwhelming sense of dread in the woman''s voice, as if the idea of seeing that smug look on Emrys''s face one more time would drive her to suicide. However, when JT spoke, his words brought hope to the young subus'' heart.


    "The Emperor has sent us to secure your safety. My Lady... Please follow us to the balcony and we will escort you to him personally..."


    It took S''aleth a moment to realize what JT was talking about. And when she did, she looked at the three men in disbelief before demanding they prove their identities.


    "It''s not possible! How did you get in here? Is this some kind of trick that damned bastard is ying on me to test my loyalty? If you really are who you say you are, then prove it!"


    JT did exactly as the womanmanded as he pulled out a holmunication device, which once activated disyed Erich''s handsome face. S''aleth was stunned into silence as Erich wore a gentle smile before speaking to the woman.


    "It has been a long time, S''aleth... For over a decade I thought you were dead.... That you would never return to me. This is Bridgadier General Joar Thorell. We call him JT for short. And the other two men by his side are Colonel Svend Mortensen, also known as Ghost. And the big guy is Colonel Lukas Raschle, though you can just refer to him as Heavy.


    I have served with these men in the past, for many years were as thick as thieves. I trust them with my life, and by extension yours. Please, do as they say and follow them to the balcony. There is a shuttle there waiting to take you all back to Midgard. I look forward to seeing you again, my love..."


    After saying this, the holmunication ceased before S''aleth could even ask the myriad of questions she had. Though that could have been a recording, S''aleth decided to take a chance and agreed to follow the men to the balcony.


    "Alright... Against my better judgement, I will trust you... Please lead the way..."


    Immediately after saying this, two robots appeared out of thin air. One of which was carrying a fine mesh nket. S''aleth was about to scream in shock when JT covered her mouth and informed her that this was not a trick.


    "Shhh! Don''t alert the guards. These robots are here to assist us in this mission. Wrap this nket around you. I promise you that you will bepletely invisible to the naked eye, and undetectable by all censors. After all, we can''t just walk you out of your cell without triggering an armed response!"


    S''aleth silently nodded her head and did as she was told. Where she was surprised to find that she was indeed invisible to the naked eye. The only way that JT and the others eve knew she was there, was because JT had held her hand, and slowly dragged her out of the room.


    The SPECTRE droids cloaked themselves once more, as they followed JT and the other out to the balcony of the top floor of the Citadel. Where JT miraculously stepped off the edge, and onto mid air, after confirming that the shuttle was indeed waiting with its ramp out. This, of course, immediately triggered a response by the Citadel, which went on high alert. But it was already toote.


    By the time security could reach the balcony, S''aleth, along with the others, had boarded the shuttle and taken off. All the while, the Citadel''s AA weapons were absolutely worthless, because they could not even detect the shuttle''s presence, let alone lock onto it. Thus, S''aleth and the others had made aplete getaway without Emrys being any the wiser.

 Chapter 299 A Path of Self-Destruction

    <h4>Chapter 299 A Path of Self-Destruction</h4>


    It did not take long for S''aleth to return to the Silber Enve, and when she did, Erich was waiting for her. He was not dressed in his usual "imperial regalia" but rather, he was wearing civilian attire. The Dvrakian beauty exited the shuttle and found that her lover was waiting for her with a wide smile on his face and open arms.


    "S''aleth,e here!"


    S''aleth, of course, jumped into Erich''s arms and nuzzled her head in his chest. To her, it had only been a few days since they had been apart, but to Erich, it had been twenty long years. Thus, he couldn''t help but hold the woman in his arms while processing his manyplicated emotions in silence.


    For a decade, Erich was led to believe that his first love was dead, and that there was nothing that could possibly bring her back. He wanted more than anything to apologize to her, for never telling her the truth about what the Empire intended to do to her or her people. But had never been able to do so.


    And though she did not remember the fight, they had been shortly before her death. Erich did, and thus, the first words he said to the woman after his long silence were a formal apology.


    "S''aleth... I''m sorry.... Sorry for everything...."


    Naturally, the beautiful subus had no idea what her lover was talking about, but she also knew there was an enormous gap in her memories from when she was reborn, and from when she first died. Thus, she did not even question why Erich was apologizing, nor did she want to know. Instead, she smiled and epted the man''s apology with her the words he had always wanted to hear.


    "You are forgiven..."


    This piqued Erich''s curiosity, as he raised his silver brow, before asking if S''aleth remembered.


    "Wait... Do you actually remember?"


    However, the young Dvrakian beauty quickly shut Alex up as she shook her head and revealed to him the truth.


    "I don''t.... But I get the feeling from the heavy tone in your voice that this is something that has bothered you for a very long time. I don''t want to know why you are apologizing to me. It doesn''t matter. You just need to know that you are forgiven for whatever you did to make you wear such a painful expression...."


    Erich honestly did not know what to say. He had been imagining this scenario for ten whole years. Ever since, Emrys first revealed that S''aleth was still alive. Everyday Erich would imagine how he would apologize to the woman, and earn her forgiveness for what he had to this day perceived to be his greatest sin.


    Yet now that the day had finallye, she forgave him so easily... Perhaps in his youth, Erich would have broken out into tears. But he was no longer that little boy longing forpanionship. Instead, he had been hardened through years of constant struggle. Now he could only nod his head, with a slight smile on his otherwise stoic face, before taking hold of his woman''s hand and leading her inside his pce.


    "Come... Let me show you all that I have built, and what is only a glimpse into the future of our people...."


    S''aleth looked up at Erich with a confused expression before asking about what he meant by such a statement.


    "Our people?"


    Erich was happy that S''aleth asked about this, and had begun to exin his ns for the Dvrakian Enve.


    "What my people did the Dvrakains is simply unforgiveable. As you are probably aware by now, we conquered the Consortium for a single purpose. To use the Dvrakian race as a meatshield against the Hive Fleet Terminus. Your people are scattered across the gxy with few worlds to call their own.


    However, once the world of Dvrakia is in my hands, I intend to give your people five systems to call your own. No Germanic citizen will be allowed to step foot on the Dvrakian worlds without the expressed permission of the local Dvrakian government. Your people will forever be protected by the Germanic military, and will be able to run their own society.


    But it will not be Germanic troops stationed on your worlds, but rather my LEGIONs. I am sure you have already be acquainted with my newbat droids? They arepletely under my control, and shall not harm your people in any way.


    Policing will be left up to the Dvrakians, the LEGIONs will just be garrisoned on your worlds in small numbers to protect them from external threats. Come have a look around to see what I have built here. Once you witness it for yourself, you will see the future that your people will have."


    Despite the fact that the armistice continued. And the Enve''s war machine was churning out new robots with each passing second to rece the losses they had suffered in the invasion of the eighteen worlds which were now added to Enve space. Erich seemed to not care in the slightest about this, as he took S''aleth on a tour of the five habited worlds that wereposed of the Silber Enve.


    S''aleth witnessed the truly automated society, and the satisfactory lives that the citizens of the Enve enjoyed. Without being forced to work as cogs in the machine of production, the Germanic citizens were able to pursue their true passions.


    Most men chose to fight in the military as that was the only life they had really known in the Empire, but even then, they still primarily fulfilled either the roles of support or special operations. For even the Germanic Military was primarily run by artificial intelligence and robotic personnel.


    The tour onlysted a few hours, and yet S''aleth had witnessed the utopia Erich had built in such a small timeframe. The Enve citizens had no needs that were left unfulfilled, and their days were spent pursuing their passions.


    When S''aleth realized her people would be free to prosper, and repopte on their own worlds, run and maintained by whatever miraculous system kept the Enve running. She could not help but be relieved.


    After all, since she was resurrected, and first learned about the fate of her people. S''aleth felt that a part of her was missing. But now, they could slowly but surely rebuild, and it would be all thanks to Erich''s efforts.


    When the Dvrakian beauty realized this, she hugged her lover once more and thanked him for the hopeful future he provided to her and her people.


    "Erich... Thank you... You didn''t have to do this, but you did so anyway... I was worried that you had changed into something I couldn''t recognize after all these years. And though I only know a little bit about the difficulties you were forced to endure over the years, I am d to see that you still have a good heart!"


    A good heart? Those were words that had not been spoken to Erich in a very long time, nor did they hold any meaning to him now. He was not the man S''aleth believed him to be. In fact, he was no longer a man at all. He was a monster. From the moment he was forced to join the Terminus Hive, Erich had shed what humanity remained within him.


    The wars he would wage, and the corpses he would leave behind. When the day came that the Gxy bent the knee to his banner, would S''aleth still say that he has a good heart then? Erich found the very notion to beughable. But he did not say a word. Because, while he was with S''aleth, the woman reminded him of when he was still human, and not some freak.


    Thus, rather than mock the woman for being na?ve, he kissed her head, and whispered his thoughts in a voice so low that even S''aleth could not hear them.


    "Thank you..."


    ---


    While Erich was weing home an old me. Terminus could see and hear everything the man experienced, and she could even read his thoughts. She was not surprised that he still hated himself, and what he had be. But she was surprised that the man had notshed out at his former lover for saying that he had a good heart.


    Though Erich might consider himself a monster, a freak, a mutant, and any other names he could condemn himself with. Terminus knew that wasn''t the case. It is not like his biology changed at all. He was still human, albeit a gically enhanced superhuman, but still human nheless.


    The only thing that changed was he was also now a part of the hive mind, and that meant he could not harm the hive no matter how much he wanted to. Thus, it was of Terminus''s opinion that S''aleth was not the na?ve, or the foolish one, but rather Erich, who refused to admit that very little about himself had changed the moment he joined Terminus. It was simply his own xenophobic tendencies thatpelled him to despise what he had be.


    With this in mind, Terminus sighed, and shook her head, before lecturing Erich on his own self-hatred.


    "Stubborn bastard... Perhaps I was wrong to have chosen a Germanic mate. They are gically superior to most life forms, yes, but the hatred they have for all other lives is deeply engrained in their bones. It will not be easy for Erich to ept who he now is, and perhaps his rejection of his new identity is what will ultimately lead him down a path of self-destruction.... But we will see what bes of our King... Isn''t that right my children?"


    The hive which stretched across Midgard''s crust echoed with chittering, as countless insectoids agreed with their Queen''s sentiment towards their King. If an outsider were to have witnessed this sight, perhaps they would have been frightened to the point of death. But Erich was no stranger of the Hive, and thus even if he witnessed just how many Naraku he and Terminus had spawned, he would not feel fear. Only disgust...

 Chapter 300 A Way Out

    <h4>Chapter 300 A Way Out</h4>


    The armistice continued, and though Emrys had lost his most precious bargaining chip, he still refused to surrender. Instead, he made use of every moment that Erich gave him to mobilize his reserves and deploy them to the front lines.


    Erich''s robotic legions and their suicidal tactics had done a far greater number on the Legion of the Damned than Emrys had initially estimated they would. But what was perhaps the worst thing toe from this was the propaganda that Erich, or should I say Tia, began to spread across the Germanic Star-Empire.


    The GSE was fighting like the survival of their species was on the line. And though this was the case during the Terminus war. This was most certainly not the reality they currently lived in. As long as the war continued in uninhabited worlds, which only the military upied, then the Germanic people did not have much to feel.


    What were the deaths of a few trillion clones? But Tia made use of the fact that Eighteen worlds had fallen in the span of a day, and the Imperial Military was currently calling reservists back to active duty. She used this information to spread fear.


    How long could their forces hold out for, and how many of them were really willing to sacrifice their lives in a civil war between one authoritarian regime and another? For a long time, the Germanic people had been instilled with the belief that might make right. And if Erich''s military was that much more powerful than their own, did that by thews of nature make him more suited to be their ruler?


    This was a civil war, fought between a usurper and a self proimed emperor. Whoever emerged victorious would still be a Germanic citizen ruling over their person. Which meant that many of the more moderate citizens of the Empire actually would rather Emrys simply surrender his power than risk lighting their worlds ame in a pointless war over who should be in charge.


    Not only that, but the Silber Enve was looking like a more ideal version of the Germanic Star-Empire too many Germanic citizens. And because of this, Tia had begun to stir these sentiments into an active rebellion.


    After all, their losses had already been replenished, and their fleets were simply on standby until Erich called the armistice off. Thus, all Tia could do to aid the war effort right now was ensure that the Germanic people were ready to receive their new Emperor, or perhaps even take up arms in his name.


    And as the weeks passed, and things became less and less certain for the Germanic citizens, almost as if the sword of Damocles was hovering over their heads. Certain groups began to protest openly. Which was something they did not have the right to do.


    Because of this, Emrys dispatched his police to deal with the situation. But this only had the opposite effect. To put it simply, these veterans who were protesting would not go silently into the night, and allow themselves to be conscripted once more so that they could fight a war against their brothers in arms.


    After all, in the Silber Enve, a spartan like society had been created where a man''s sole upation was war. And though their poption was limited, they had a significant amount of Germanic Star Marines fighting on the front lines alongside the LEGION seriesbat droids and Orcish warriors. These Enve Star Marines were defectors of the Empire and had served alongside countless Germanic citizens.


    This fact alone made the Veterans of the GSE who made up the bulk of the protestors refuse to fight in this war. And before long, the police violently shed with these veterans. Under normal circumstances, Emrys would have these protestors arrested and executed as traitors to the Empire. But he knew that if he did such a thing, open rebellion would ur.


    Thus, the Supreme Leader found himself backed into a corner, as he called off the police''s attempts to quell these protests. At the moment, Emrys was watching a variety of videos taken across the Empire, which showed the violent shes between police and protestors. Words could not express the stress he was currently enduring.


    Entire cities were dering that they had no intentions of fighting, and reservists had begun to openly refuse the call to arms. The more that Emrys witnessed these things, the more he was convinced that Erich was behind them. He just simply did not know how the man had so easily been able to push his own propaganda within the GSE, while Emrys'' propaganda seemed to be failing to affect the minds of his citizens.


    After giving the order to stand down, Emrys sat back in his seat and sighed as he watched the protestors return to a calm and orderly state. They had not begun to riot and loot, as that was not their intentions with these protests. They simply wanted to let the Emrys regime know that they had no intentions of fighting in this civil war.


    But it was not just the Germanic Star-Empire who watched these scenes across the grid. In fact, the entire gxy watched the ongoing situation with the Germanic Star-Empire with particr interest. Out of all the wars going across the gxy at the moment as a result of the economic copse. There were two that most intelligent lifeforms paid the most attention to.


    The Parvaxain insurgency on the world of Ghimderi, and the Germanic Civil War. The Parvaxian insurgency was self evident. It was, after all, the cause of all this gctic turmoil. But the Germanic Civil War had caused intense interest across the gxy because the Enve disyed a level of technological supremacy on par with the greatest of Sub-Gctic Powers, or perhaps even on the level of the four major gctic powers.


    Most were watching this war wondering if the Germanic Star-Empire would end up in the hands of the self proimed Emperor Erich Jaeger. And if it did, would a new gctic power emerge as a result of the ongoing gctic chaos?


    Of course, the Alfheim Dominion was also greatly interested in this affair, and thus Empress Lunaria Asterion had contacted Emrys to express her opinion on the matter. The moment the holmunicator began to ring, Emrys sighed heavily before epting it.


    "I figured you would be contacting me after this mess was broadcasted across the gxy.... So, to what do I owe the pleasure?"


    Lunaria''s voice was calm and tranquil, but her eyes were fierce as she shared her thoughts on Emrys and his war with her lover.


    "You know, I have tried my best to remain neutral during this petty fight between you and Erich. But Emrys, we both know you are not going to win this war. After the Enve''s disy during the initial fighting, do you really think you stand a chance? Even if you fight this war like you did with the Naraku, you still won''t win....


    You should be aware by now that the world''srgest arms manufacturer, who has risen to prominence over thest decade, is owned and operated by Erich. Since the gctic economy is in ruins, he is now trading weapons for bountiful quantities of raw materials.


    Unlike the Naraku, he will never run out ofbat droids. Your entire poption will go extinct in this war, and in the end, the result will be the same. Erich will be Emperor. Of course, that is assuming that your people are even willing to fight until the bitter end. Which, from the looks of it, they are not.


    Do you want my honest opinion? Surrender under the condition that you and your family are permitted to go into exile here on Alfheim. You would not be the first Supreme Leader to seek refuge among the Light Elves. I can promise you and your family a safe and prosperous life here...


    But if you stubbornly refuse to fight until the bitter end, Erich will not be merciful. And it will not be you alone who suffers. His people, and whatever remains of yours, will demand the heads of you and your entire family for causing such devastation to your empire.


    You are a wise ruler, Emrys, but like the rest of your people, you are incredibly stubborn in the face of defeat... I can notpel you to surrender. But you and I both know your chances of winning this war are decreasing rapidly with each passing day.


    I won''t demand an answer from you right now... But think about what I have said. And contact me when you have decided how you wish to proceed. I hope you will make the right decision, for your sake, and that of your people...."


    After saying this, Lunaria hung up on Emrys without even waiting for a proper response. Though neither of them knew it, themunication was entirely observed and recorded by Tia, who immediately reported it to Erich with an eager expression on her pretty robotic face.


    Whether or not Emrys would ept Lunaria''s offer had yet to be seen, but Erich and Tia would do everything they could in theing days to pressure the man into doing so.

 Chapter 301 A Plea For Peace

    <h4>Chapter 301 A Plea For Peace</h4>


    ?


    Shortly after Emrys ended his call with Lunaria, the Alfheim Empress contacted Erich with a simr offer. This was, of course, predicted both by the man himself and his trusty AIpanion, who immediately epted the call with a smug smile on his face.


    "Well hello there Empress, let me guess, you have decided to contact me in an attempt to find a peaceful resolution to the current conflict which I am engaged in. If I were a betting man, I would say that you want me to agree to allow Emrys and his family to flee into exile, like the previous regime before him. Is that right?"


    The moment Erich said this, Lunaria knew that the man had been listening into Emrys'' calls, and thus she sighed heavily, and nodded her head.


    "I should have known you would be listening. Yes, Erich... The gxy is currently in a state of turmoil, and it is entirely possible that a gctic war is on the horizon. I need my war hounds in their greatest shape, and revealing your cards to the rest of the gxy is not a wise move. Especially when you have surprised even me with your current technological progress.


    I don''t know how your little territory advanced so quickly, but if the entire Germanic Armed Forces could be brought up to speed within the next five years it would be best for the entirety of Alfheim Space. Please.... My love.... Do this for me!"


    Erich had long since progressed beyond the point of immaturity that required one to hold on to a pointless grudge, when a more favorable oue could be achieved. And he understood that the Legion of the Damned and the regr Germanic Military were both powerful assets to incorporate into his domain.


    Every loss of life was a soldier that would take time and resources to recover. Time and resources that were better off spent expanding the military and the Empire''s defenses, rather than restoring what had been destroyed.


    But Erich also knew that Emrys was a stubborn man, and would refuse to vacate his throne under any circumstances. Thus, Erich was quick toment on this to the Light Elven beauty, who had once been his lover, and who he still had many feelings for.


    "I understand... Lunaria... And I would be more than willing to solve this matter peacefully. In fact, I gave Emrys ten years to peacefully ensure the transition of power into my hands. I am not the one who wishes to wage war here. But Emrys is forcing my hand. He would rather plunge the Empire into the mes of war, then give up his power willingly.


    If you wish, you can tell him he has my word, that if he vacates his position, and transfers his powers over to me. Then he and his family can live in exile on Alfheim peacefully, without any retaliation from my regime. But you and I both know the kind of man that Emrys is."


    Lunaria simply sighed, knowing that brokering a peace agreement between these two stubborn men was damn near impossible. Erich wanted to seize a throne which he believed was rightly his, and enact changes to the Germanic Star-Empire that wouldpletely overhaul their society.


    While Emrys wished to maintain his authority over his people, and cling back to the istionist ways of his people that had allowed them to grow and prosper so rapidly. Erich wanted to be a gctic conqueror, while Emrys wanted to be an isted despot.


    Neither of which really cared what their people wanted, but at least Erich''s ways would guarantee a far more peaceful existence for the majority of Germanic citizens, who would have no need to work, and could instead pursue their passions.


    Ultimately Lunaria was now officially backing the Silber Enve, simply because she had seen the military might which they possessed, and because of this she truly believed that Erich would be able to transform the Germanic Star-Empire from a regional power, into a Sub-Gctic power within only a few generations.


    This would do wonders to the stability of her territory, especially in these troubling times, and would allow her to deploy Germanic Forces across the Alfheim Quadrant as peacekeeping forces. Something which they were unable to fulfill at the moment due to the insufficient size of their territory, or and influence over Alfheim Space.


    With all of this in mind, the Light Elven beauty sighed heavily, before telling Erich that she would ry his message to Emrys.


    "Alright, so long as I have your word that you will not harm Emrys and his family if he surrenders. I will convey your thoughts to him. However, I agree that it is incredibly unlikely that peace will be achieved simply by this assurance. Regardless, as your suzerain, I believe it is my duty to try, especially in these troubling times.


    But if I do fail to achieve my diplomatic goals, tell me Erich how long would it be before you could restore your Empire to its peak condition. And by that, I mean, before the Terminus War began?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this question, before assuring Lunaria, that under his leadership, or more specifically Tia''s management, the GSE would be more powerful than it had ever been.


    "With the abilities I now possess, I can promise you that not only will the Germanic Military be greater than it was twenty years ago when Terminus attacked. As it will now heavily rely on autonomousbat droids for all of its nonbat roles.


    But all of the worlds which we have gained from the Dvrakian War will not only be colonized, but fully developed and fortified to standards that are well beyond that of the core worlds of the Germanic Star-Empire. And naturally, the worlds my people have held for centuries will also be redeveloped to such standards.


    As for settlement of these worlds, it might take a few generations for the poption to increase to an adequate size, but that will not matter too much, as these worlds will be fully automated. Thus, their resources can be harvested without thebor of a living poption."


    Lunaria was shocked at this news, it was a huge improvement. After all the Germanic Star-Empire had annexed several hundred worlds after the fall of the Dvrakian Social Republic during the Terminus war. And they had not even begun to colonize ten percent of them. For Erich to boast about this, he surely had the means, but how long would it take him to do this? Lunaria was quick to ask about the timeframe of his ns.


    "And how long will it take you to achieve all of this? If you don''t mind me asking."


    Erich smirked and sat back in his seat with his fingers pressed together in an act of contemtion for several moments of dramatic silence. Until he finally raised three fingers and dered a shocking timeframe to his former lover.


    "At most, these worlds will be fully developed and fortified within three decades. After that, we will need another three generations to appropriately popte them. But like I said in the meantime, work can begin on extracting and refining their natural resources. Not that we really need to do so, due to the sheer volume of raw materials we are already receiving from the gctic arms trade."


    Lunaria stared at Erich in disbelief for several moments in awkward silence. She wanted to ask how Erich could achieve all of this in such a short timeframe. But ultimately she refused to do so. The woman had already begun to expect that her lover had broken a major taboo, and had developed an artificial intelligence program beyond the limited paramaters that the gxy had universally agreed to.


    But if he admitted to this, then she would not be allowed to sit by and watch him make such a mistake. Lunaria would be forced to muster the might of the Alfheim Dominion, along with the other major Gctic powers, where she would have no choice but to invade the Silber Enve and wipe it out from root to stem. Thus, she chose to remain ignorant, even if every fiber of her being told her not to.


    With this in mind, Lunaria bade Erich farewell, as she hoped to put an end to these hostilities before the civil war reached a point that it would be difficult to recover from.


    "Alright... I will trust your judgement. After all your management of the Silber Enve so far has been... Impressive. Farewell, Erich, and may we speak again under better circumstances?"


    After saying this, Lunaria hung up on Erich, where he was immediately greeted by Tia who had a wide smile on her face.


    "She still loves you... That much is obvious. She could have cornered you about me, and brought devastation upon your realm. But she chose to remain ignorant. When this war is over, and you are recognized around the gxy as an emperor, you should take her and Celestia back. After all, you will need the favor of the Alfheim Dominion to protect you as you take advantage of this gctic chaos to expand your power and influence across the Milky Way..."


    Erich sighed heavily as he heard this, and sunk back into his chair as he contemted Tia''s words. There was only a response he made, and it was deliberately vague.


    "Perhaps you are right...."

 Chapter 302 Hell Hath No Fury Like An Empress Scorned!

    <h4>Chapter 302 Hell Hath No Fury Like An Empress Scorned!</h4>


    Lunaria immediately contacted Emrys in order to inform him of the promise that his rival had made. But of course, as Erich expected. Emrys was far from pleased with this news. And quickly reacted to the Alfheim Empress''s words with a vicious temper.


    "You think I give a damn that he has promised to spare me and my family? I am the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire! Not him! And I will not have my authority questioned or mocked in such a manner! It is not within his power to grant me immunity! What farcical nonsense is this? Is this how you repay your most valued subordinate? By siding with his enemies! I expected better of you Lunaria!"


    Lunaria frowned at Emrys when she heard him speak to her with such rudeness. Her face turned grim, and her tone turned cold as she reminded Emrys of his ce in the gxy, which was beneath her boot.


    "You speak out of turn, Emrys... If I wanted to, I could annihte your entire species within a day''s time! But I don''t! Because the Germanic Nation is more valuable to me alive than dead. Note how I said the Germanic Nation and not its so-called Supreme Leader! I do not care who sits on the throne of your people, so long as they obey, and give me what I am owed as their suzerain!


    Do not mistake your ce for one moment Emrys, you are beneath me in every way. You are a lower lifeform, who has been blessed by yours truly with exceptional gifts that other races can only dream of.


    The favoritism I have showed your people has been on a whim, a passing fancy. But dare to speak to me in such a way again, and I will wipe the te clean, so that Erich can start anew! Even if it takes centuries for him to recover the power your people once had before their foolish leader decided to offend those with more power than himself!


    I was initially going to give you the option to choose whether or not to continue this losing war of yours. After all, I am as interested as the rest of the gxy to see what secrets Erich has hidden from us all over the past decade. But now... I ammanding you as your suzerain.


    You will step down from your position and allow for a peaceful of transition of power to the new Germanic Emperor. Or I will send my Banshees to drag you from your home and bring you back to Alfheim, where you will have spent the rest of eternity as a prisoner in the pits!"


    Emrys, however, did not back down in the face of the almighty Alfheim Empress. Perhaps it was because the woman had not properly disyed her power in millennia. Or perhaps it was the fact that Emrys believed his WRAITHs were superior to Lunaria''s Banshees due to the fact that Erich steamrolled through them earlier in his life.


    This was, of course, a misconception based on the fact that Erich alone had detected their presence due to his foresight abilities. Regardless of the reason why, there was no doubt that Emrys believed that Lunaria had gone soft, and that she did not possess the means to do as she threatened. Thus, with a proud, not an arrogant smirk on his face, Emrys told Lunaria to go fuck herself.


    "You think you scare me? My WRAITHs have defeated your banshees before, and the greatest among them protects me. You will not even make it into the citadel without your special forces being obliterated. If you want me,e and get me, you old fucking hag!"


    To any other citizen in the gxy, the idea of spending an eternity in the Alfheim Pits was a fate worse than death. Not only did the Alfheim Dominion have the ability to grant biological immortality upon others. But the pits were their fabled prison, where those who hadmitted crimes deserving of a fate worse than death were sentenced to an eternity of suffering within.


    If any other denizen of the milky way were to have heard such a threat, they would have fallen to their knees, and begged Lunaria for her forgiveness, while giving into her demands. But Emrys had not done so. For reasons that only he knew, he had defied his suzerain, a woman who was among the most powerful beings in the gxy, and he had done so to her face.


    Lunaria herself was in a state of disbelief when she heard that Emrys had rejected her demands. So much so that she cocked a brow and forced a smile to hide her fury, while posing a single question to the man who dared to defy her wishes.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t quite hear that... For a second I thought you just challenged my authority... But surely I must have been hearing things...."


    The fact that Lunaria was giving Emrys a second chance to recant his previous statement was a testimony to how much she valued the Germanic Star-Empire as vassal. If any other of her subordinates had spoken to her in such a way, she would have reserved the deepest spot in the pits of Alheim for them to spend an eternity of suffering in. And she would have immediately conducted the operation without hesitation.


    But Emrys did not take this favor that she had granted him. Nor did he seem to recognize the precarious situation he was in. He genuinely believed Lunaria''s agents would not make it past his front door. Thus, he proudly and boldly told her exactly what he thought of her mercy.


    "Go fuck yourself! You think I don''t see what is happening? You have gone mad in your old age and fallen in love with my rival. She was right all along. The two of you have been up to quite the scandalous deeds together.


    I wonder what your people would think if their virgin goddess of an Empress was actually tainted all along by a filthy foreigner. Would they still worship you? Or would the Asterion Dynasty that has been in power longer than recorded history itself suddenly crumble beneath the weight of your actions?


    I should have known from the start, the favoritism that you showed that bastard... It was beyond unusual! I mean, when the fool touched your daughter, any other man would have been killed on the spot. But you let him live.


    What happened between the two of you that night when you had Erich arrested? Or better yet? What happened between the two of you the year that you summoned my former prot¨¦g¨¦ away from his duties to the Empire?"


    Knowing that her secret rtionship with Erich had been called into question, Lunaria had no choice but to silence Emrys, and permanently, at that. As much as she wanted for him to suffer in the pits for eternity, she realized that leaving him alive meant that her entire dynasty was in danger. Thus, with a wicked grin on her otherwise wless face, Lunaria spoke the words that would seal Emrys'' fate once and for all.


    "It''s a pity... To think I once considered you to be among my closest friends and advisors. Goodbye Emrys, I know your people are atheists, but I hope whatever gods your civilization once worshiped take pity on your soul... Girls, take care of him..."


    Immediately after saying this, a pair of energy des stuck through the chests of Emrys'' bodyguards, both of which were concealed in stealth. Emrys, of course, turned around in shock when he saw this, where a group of Alfheim Banshees deactivated their stealthy fields and revealed their figures.


    Emrys''st words were a single question...


    "How... How did you-"


    But the question was neverpleted as one of the banshees swung her energy de at Emrys''s neck, severing his head on the spot. The Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire had been executed by the agents of the Alfheim Dominion. And in the middle of his fortress, no less.


    However, the call was still active, and thus Lunaria spoke to her hidden agents with a frightening tone in her voice. The question she raised was one that they had expected, the moment that they heard Emrys mention the Empress''s little secret.


    "Did you hear?"


    Normally, one would feign ignorance in this situation to survive. After all, survival was an instinct that all living things had. But these were Banshees had selected to serve as the Alfheim Empress''s personal assassins. Their loyalty was unquestionable, their fanaticism was on a level that few living beings couldprehend.


    Thus, these Banshees, whose faces were concealed behind their masks, simply nodded their heads. Knowing full well that their goddess''s next words would be a death sentence. And just like that, Lunaria smirked before condemning her most loyal operatives to share the same fate as Emrys.


    "Then you know what to do...."


    With this, Lunaria hung up, knowing fully well what was about to happen next. The Banshees turned their own energy des upon themselves and pierced their own hearts. Knowing that their deaths would conceal their empress''s shameful secret for eternity.


    And just like that, the Germanic Star-Empire was spared a bloody civil war.... Or had it?

 Chapter 303 Declaration of Independence

    <h4>Chapter 303 Deration of Independence</h4>


    As soon as Lunaria contacted Erich and informed him that she had killed Emrys, he looked at the woman as if she were an absolute idiot. This was naturally a response that she did not greet with politeness, and thus her tone was quite shrill as she asked her former lover why the man was staring at her in such a... odd way.


    "What? Erich god dammit, what the hell? Why are you looking at me as if I have an undeveloped mind?"


    Erich kind of just continued to stare at the woman for several moments, before finally exining the reason why she was an idiot.


    "Lunaria... I know you were emotional due to the fact that Emrys called out our little secret. But you do remember that you supplied the GSE with resurrection technology, right? Emrys is probably hooked up to his own private server and cloning facility. All you managed to do was piss him off, and give the Empire a reason to rally against you.


    I mean, it''s not exactly like the bodies of your Banshees were magically cleaned up after they killed themselves. With the attempt on Emrys''s life, and the evidence tying the Asterion Dynasty to it, you have quite literally made an enemy of the GSE, and potentially even several of your other vassals. Especially once Emrys goes so far as to proim that you tried to strip him of his sovereignty and when that failed, you attempted to take his life!


    I know you were trying to help, but you just made this war a thousand times worse for me. Because before the people, though, this was a civil war between two different men iming to be the rightful ruler. But now, by trying to revoke Emrys of his position, and by trying to have him killed when he refused. You literally gave the Germanic people a reason to believe that I am everything Emrys has imed that I am.


    A xenophile, a traitor, and your fuckingpdog! The moment he ims to the public that we are lovers, even when I win this war, I will be dealing with a poption who believes I am little more than a puppet of foreign powers, and thus making my rule illegitimate! It won''t be long before I am dealing with rebellion after rebellion!


    And while I am putting down rebellions, you will have your own problems. Even if you deny the usations that we are lovers, there will be a portion of your poption who will use this rumor to undermine your authority. Especially your enemies in the Svartalfheim Federation. You can bet they will use Emrys''s ims in their propaganda against you.


    Some of your allies will believe Emrys and will side with him against you. You have single-handedly created a crisis for not only me, but yourself as well! All because you let your emotions get the better of you!"


    It was only now, after Erich had scolded her for her recklessness, that Lunaria realized just how badly she had screwed up. And just like that, she turned on her ess to the gcticwork to find a bold deration by Supreme Leader ric au Emrys taking ce at the citadel. One which she watched with horror in her golden eyes.


    ---


    Almost immediately after his death at the hands of Lunaria''s Banshees. Emrys found his consciousness restored in the body of a clone. As the supreme leader, he had an entire warehouse full of cloned bodies ready to resurrect him at a moment''s notice. And when he stepped out of his vat, there was a look of fury on the man''s handsome face.


    Naturally, Emrys was surprised that Lunaria''s banshees had already infiltrated the citadel and were simply waiting for the order to make their moves from the Alfheim Empress herself. He had clearly overestimated his own ability, which was no doubt thanks to Erich and his previous disy of valiance when he overcame the Alfheim Banshees practically on his own.


    This was a mistake that Emrys did not intend to make twice, and thus, while he was getting dressed in his most pristine white uniform, he was informing his personal aide to make a tform ready for his deration.


    "Have the podium in the press room ready at once. I need to make an announcement to the gxy... One that will forever change the bnce of power in this wretched gxy!"


    The aide did as was asked of her, and quickly readied the press room. Where once Emrys was done getting dressed, he emerged to the cameras, which recorded his exquisite appearance and broadcasted it across the milky way. With a stern look on his face, Emrys began to speak, and condemn his master to any being who was willing to listen.


    "Brothers... Sisters... Friends.... It is with a heavy heart that I make this announcement, but my silence can be maintained no longer. As of five minutes ago, an attempt was made by my life, in the safety and sanctity of the Citadel...


    Who would have the ability to do such a thing you might ask? Well, it was none other than Empress Lunaria Asterion herself. You see, I have uncovered a shocking and shameful secret about the Light Elven Empress. A woman worshipped as a virtuous goddess by a quarter of the gxy is not who she ims to be.


    Her virtue has long since been sullied by an alien! Yet she has hidden her shame from you all, and continues to see this man in secret. I know this because she came to me personally on his behalf in an attempt to force me, a sovereign leader, to step down from my position and hand it over to the man in question.


    If you haven''t realized it by now, the Alfheim Empress''s secret lover is none other than the self proimed Germanic Emperor Erich Jaeger, a man who seeks to wage war against his own people for the sole purpose of ending their sovereignty and establishing the Germanic Star-Empire as a loyal puppet of the Alfheim Dominion from this day until the end of time.


    We may have sworn our fealty to the Alfheim Dominion and its Empress, but it was done so under the condition that we remain sovereign over our own territory! We are vassals, not ves! And that is exactly what Lunaria Asterion and Erich Jaeger seek to make us!


    This attempt on my life, which has damn near seeded, has been a gross vition of the bonds of vassge that ties the Germanic Nation to the Alfheim Dominion. And since Lunaria has vited these sacredws that exist between vassal and suzerain, we have no choice but to dere our independence! From this day forward, the Germanic Star-Empire is a free and sovereign state!


    We will not kneel, we will not bend, and we will not break, even if the entire gxy were to unite against us. For we were born and bred in the cold embrace of mother Germania, and we alone have the strength to survive in this gxy.


    And for those of you who call yourselves our allies, we offer you this simple choice. Break free from the shackles of bondage, and join us as independent nations, whose interests are our own. Or, continue to serve, and ve away beneath the boot of the Alfheim Dominion, and its impure Empress, who cares more about the ambitions of her foreign lover, than she does about the wellbeing of her own people let alone those civilizations which still swear fealty to her!


    As for the Silber Enve, or should I say the portion of Germanic Space which is currently uwfully upied by the Alfheim Dominion, we will not rest until you and your ilk have been driven from ournds. And we will not tire until the great traitor answers for his crimes! Hail victory!"


    After watching the broadcast with Lunaria on the line, Erich sighed heavily and shook his head. Before revealing his thoughts on the matter.


    "It is worse than I thought... I did not expect Emrys to go so far as to dere himself an independent state... Let alone encourage others to do the same. It would appear Lunaria that you have a full scale rebellion on your hands. One that you will not be able to trust your own forces to win on your behalf.


    After all, as far as the gxy is concerned, we are now lovers, and even if you do manage to convince your people that this is utter nonsense, there will always be the idea in the back of their heads..."


    For the first time in a very long time, Lunaria had made a major blunder, and now she was in a position where she was no longer sure how to react. Thus, she was quick to ask Erich of his opinion on how to proceed.


    "Erich... It is not every day that I make such a mistake.... Nor do I often require the advice of others despite the fact that I often seek it... I am begging you, my love, please... tell me what to do to make this right?"


    This was exactly what Erich had always wanted... From the moment that he had left Lunaria and her daughter, Erich had always intended for her toe crawling to him for his help. But in all honesty, he thought it would be centuries before she did so. But now that he was in such a position, he had no choice but to take advantage of it.


    "Now... We reveal to the gxy just how powerful I have be. I will obliterate Emrys'' forces, seize control of the Empire and all of its worlds, and crush any attempts to rebel against me. And I will do so within a standard gctic month.


    Once I have done this... The gxy will know the power that I wield and recognize my new empire as a serious gctic contender..."


    Lunaria had no idea how this would solve the problem, and had grown quite nervous over this whole ordeal. Thus there was some panic in her voice as she quickly rushed Erich for a solution to her problems.


    "And what then? How do we solve this?"


    It was only then that Erich''s smirk make chills go down Lunaria''s spine as he revealed the full extent of his n.


    "Then we reveal the truth to everyone... And I take you as my one and only wife, annulling all of my other marriages and instead taking them as my concubines. Once our two empires are united beneath joint rulers, and I am able to rebuild what I have destroyed in my revolution. Then the entire gxy will tremble beneath our feet."


    Lunaria sat there and gawked at Erich. She honestly had no idea how to respond to this. It is true, that if Erich managed to wipe the floor with the GSE in under a month. That meant that he had power on par with the four gctic powers. As it would take a coalition of Sub-Gctic powers much longer to aplish such a feat.


    But to reveal to the public their secret rtionship, and get married as the Emperor and Empress of the Germanic race and the Light Elves. It was something that had never happened in the history of the Milky Way, or at least what had been recorded. Thus Lunaria had no response for Erich, and instead sat there in silence contemting his words.

 Chapter 304 Galactic Chaos

    <h4>Chapter 304 Gctic Chaos</h4>


    Kali sat upon her gilded throne with a curious expression on her beautiful face. The Germanic Star-Empire''s deration of independence was the catalyst that all interster civilizations below the level of Gctic Power needed to throw off the yokes of their masters and assert their own sovereignty.


    It had a muchrger effect on gctic stability than anything Erich had previously done. But that was not what Kali was interested in. After all, the Asura Cabal was already a loosely organized collective of sovereign''s star systems, and even sectors of space. And because of this, Asuran space would actually be the least affected by this sudden promation. One which had the potential to tear the gxy apart.


    No... What Kali was so drawn to during this speech was the idea that Erich and Lunaria were actually secret lovers. This was a deeply enticing idea for the woman. After all, during their travels together, Kali had taken a great interest in Erich. And though she betrayed him, to her, her actions were a matter of business, and were by no means personal.


    She had often thought about what would happen if she and Erich had spent a night together. But these were just passing ideas of lust. The mighty Deva never nned to actually act on these fantasies.


    Yet Lunaria, a woman who was even more powerful than Kali was, and one whomanded a significantlyrger amount of respect across the gxy, just had her name besmirched by one of her former vassals.


    It was truly the most delicious gossip. And if Kali was being honest, she suspected these rumors that Emrys had spread were false. After all, the blue-skinned beauty knew Erich quite well. Well enough that she would have detected if he was involved in such a scandalous rtionship. Or so she thought. And thus, she decided to give Erich a call to ensure him that neither she nor her colleagues would act on such rumors.


    Naturally, it came as a surprise to Erich when he received a call from a woman who he had written off as a traitor. Because of this, there was a stern look on the man''s handsome face as he epted the call, and spoke to his formerrade in an almost irritable tone.


    "What do you want, Kali? In case you haven''t noticed, I am currently dreadfully busy, and don''t have time for your nonsense."


    Though Kali did not like the way that Erich was talking to her, she forced herself to remain calm as she chatted with the man as if they were both still the closest of allies.


    "Oh please Erich, there is no need to take such a tone with me. Are we not friends? I just wanted to call and let you know that the Asura Cabal is universal in agreement that any ims regarding you and the Alfheim Empress potentially being lovers are unfounded and outright nderous. We wanted to assure you, and Empress Lunaria, that we have no intentions of acting on such information, or engaging in the spread of baseless rumors."


    Erich raised his brow when he heard this, before asking Kali exactly what she meant by this.


    "And why... pray tell... did youe to me with this information, instead of contacting Empress Lunaria directly?"


    Kali rolled her eyes as if she were upset with Erich''s continued ignorance before lecturing her on why she could not do such a thing.


    "Do you think someone as lowly as myself has the power to simply call up the Alfheim Empress on a whim? Even for diplomatic purposes, only someone like Vishnu holds that much power and authority. But I know as an archon of her majesty, you would be able to get into contact with her and convey our intentions quicker than through actual diplomatic means."


    Erich rolled his eyes. While technically still an Archon in the service of the Alfheim Empress... Erich had officially resigned years ago, making him no longer required to fulfill the obligations that came with such a powerful title. This was a privilege exclusive to him as Lunaria''s lover. As anyone else was an Archon for life, and thus a ve of the Empress.


    But of course, as Lunaria''s lover, even if their rtionship was a bit rocky right now. Erich also had the woman''s number on speed dial. If he called, she would pick up no matter what hour of the day it was. Or what circumstances she found herself in.


    Thus, Erich finally decided to convey Kali''s thoughts to Lunaria, especially since this was the Asurans way of saying "our alliance still stands.


    "Alright... I''ll send her the message. Now, if you don''t have anything more important to discuss, I have a war to wage!"


    After saying this, Erich hung up on Kali entirely, where he proceeded to call Lunaria. The woman was perhaps, for the first time since Erich had met her, in a state of anxiety. She had vassals left and right dering their independence. While at the same time, her people were demanding proof that she was still pure, and had not been tainted by a filthy foreigner. Upon noticing the condition the woman was in, Erich was quick tofort her with his words.


    "I see you have your hands full. If I were not currently busy waging a war against that rat Emrys, I would be tempted to once more take up my position as your archon and put down the rebels who seek to reject your divine authority. But all I can do now isfort you with my voice, and my body if you were so inclined..."


    Lunaria scoffed and rolled her eyes at Erich before expressing her thoughts on the matter.


    "I''m fine, thank you, besides if you were to visit Alfheim now, it would only further arouse suspicions about our rtionship. So just stay where you are, and do what you need to do. As for these damned rebels, I have other Archons who can be deployed to deal with them. So you can just rx. How is the war going?"


    Erich scoffed and informed Lunaria of exactly what she wanted to hear.


    "Everything is progressing smoothly. Despite the fact that Emrys has mobilized his reserves and had reced his losses from the Legion of the Damned, we have seized another fifty worlds in the past twenty-four hours.


    As I previously stated, it will be a month at thetest before the Germanic Star-Empire falls into my clutches, and I can execute Emrys once and for all. I am sure you can hold on that long..."


    Lunaria nodded her head and smirked before lecturing Erich on his own inted sense of confidence.


    "I am not some damsel in distress! I have ruled over this sector of space since before your species first evolved from apes! This is not the first rebellion that I have been forced to put down, and it certainly won''t be thest. The GSE is lucky. They have you to take the ce of that traitor Emrys, as for those other vassals who foolishly deny my right to rule over them, I will make an example of them all, and turn their civilizations to ash!


    When you seize the throne of your people''s empire, remind them that they have you to thank for the mercy that I have shown them! Maybe then they will think twice about raising up their arms in rebellion against you, their rightful emperor!"


    Erich smirked and nodded his head as he heard this, before agreeing with his woman''s sentiment.


    "Indeed... Well Lunaria, I have already contacted Erika, Ayumi, and M. Our marriages have officially been annulled, and they have been rendered to the status of concubines. Though they were upset with me at first, I exined to them that certain circumstances have forced me to do so. Ultimately, they decided to agree with my decision, even if they aren''t happy about it.


    Once I have finished this war and forced my people to recognize me as their Emperor, I will dere to the gxy that our rtionship is real, and propose to you properly. Although, I hope Celestia won''t mind too much."


    Lunaria nodded her head in agreement with Erich''s words, before furthermenting on them.


    "I am d things have gone well with you and your other woman, and don''t worry about my daughter... She might be a bit upset about not being able to marry you, but she understands the political significance behind our marriage.


    If you achieve what you im that you will, then the GSE will be a new gctic power, even if its territory is miniscule, and I will even be forced to recognize its independence. If that is the case, then the bnce of power within the gxy will forever be shifted.


    No longer will we have to juggle alliances between the Asura Cabal, and the Ennead Theocracy based upon who is more favorable towards us that day. Instead, the Alfheim Dominion and the Germanic Star-Empire will have a permanent alliance!


    The other three powers will have no idea how to proceed. Giving us an advantage, and your people a chance to expand at the expense of the Svartalfheim Federation, and the Ennead Theocracy, both of which whose borders you will eventually share once this war is over, and I grant you permission to annex the former territory of the Rylonian Imperium.


    But that is enough scheming for now. I have things I must attend to, and so do you.... Until we speak again, my love!"


    Erich silently nodded his head before hanging up on the woman. Even if he did marry Lunaria, he had no idea how he would be removed from his seat of power in Midgard. If he left this world for too long, he would feel an overwhelming urge to return to it. One that only Terminus could satisfy...


    But that was a problem to for another time...

 Chapter 305 A New Galactic Order

    <h4>Chapter 305 A New Gctic Order</h4>


    In the Great Oni Empire, Ayumi and her young daughter were kneeling before the Great Oni Empress. There was a stern look on Yumi''s pretty face. After all, the Gxy was in a state of turmoil at the moment. The economy was in the toilet, and now the bnce of powers that had been maintained for millennia was starting to unravel.


    For a Regional Power like the Great Oni Empire. This was not a good sign. Or it would be, if it weren''t for one simple fact. There was an alliance bound by marriage to the Silber Enve who seemed almost entirely unaffected by the ongoing gctic crisis.


    There was just one problem with this. Erich had just annulled his marriage to Ayumi, in a chance to curry favor with the Alfheim Empress, who was a far more valuable ally to have. Yumi was naturally displeased with this, and the majority of her staff wanted her to break all ties with the Silber Enve due to this insult to their honor.


    But Ayumi had cautioned otherwise. She knew Erich well and understood exactly what his ns were. Even if the others in Yumi''s administration might feel otherwise. Thus, she and her young daughter, Aiko, who was now close to ten years old, kneeled before the matriarch of their n, and empress of their people, while Ayumi pleaded on Erich''s behalf.


    "Aunt Yumi... You know as well as I do why Erich would do this... There is someone far more powerful than you who seeks to build an alliance with him. One undoubtedly through matrimony. It will be a difficult pill for her people to swallow, but it will not be impossible for that species to ept such a rtionship, especially during these uncertain times where power triumphs over tradition.


    However, if Erich were to have another bride, or two, or even potentially three. Then that woman''s people would never ept such a rtionship, as their leader muste first in Erich''s life.... I understand that you and the others are furious with him, but surely you know better than anyone why my marriage to Erich was annulled.


    Yumi remainedpletely silent. She had, of course, received a privatemunication from none other than Empress Lunaria herself. After all, Yumi had known for some time that Lunaria and Erich were romantically involved.


    For the Alfheim Empress to beg a woman of a lower status to ept this annulment, and to do so without retaliation. It spoke volumes to the alliance that both Lunaria and Erich were now trying to build.


    Yumi had epted Lunaria''s plea, but not without making the woman pay a hefty ransom. Because of this, the Great Oni Empire was receiving support from both the Alfheim Dominion, and the Silber Enve, making their Empire one of the few in the Gxy who were not currently in a state of civil unrest.


    Even though Ayumi was pleading for mercy on Erich''s behalf, and both she and Yumi knew the truth behind this p to the face. Yumi still had to make an excuse for her parliamentary members, who wanted a pound of flesh in return for the grave insult they had received.


    "The price has already been paid by the woman you speak of. And I would remind parliament, and any other members of my administration, that we are currently one of the few interster civilizations that is not currently in a state of crisis at the moment.


    There is a reason for this. Erich has sent significant wealth and resources to the Great Oni Empire in rpense for his annulment with Ayumi. And has promised to continue to provide support to our people.


    But he is not alone. There are greater powers than you realize behind this action, which you all deem to be an insult of the highest caliber. While the gxy is lit ame in the chaos that it currently endures, a new gctic order shall rise from its ashes. One which we have been promised to receive a prominent position in. An all we have to do is pretend like nothing has happened between us, and our greatest ally.


    So, for those of you who wish to exact some form of vengeance against the Silber Enve, I will warn you now, any hostile actions against our allies will be considered the highest form of treason. And those involved in such activity will be held ountable to the fullest extent of thew. Do I make myself clear?"


    The entire hall which was filled with the members of parliament, and Yumi''s royal council immediately kowtowed on the floor in front of her while reaffirming their allegiance to their monarch.


    "Yes, Empress!"


    ---


    While Ayumi and Aiko were convincing Yumi to ignore Alex''s supposed insult to her and her people''s honor. Erika was currently stationed in the Alfheim Dominion. More specifically, inside the pce, where she was treated not only like a favored guest by the Alfheim Empress. But like a close personal friend.


    It had been years since Erika and Kurt were shipped off to the world of Alfheim in order to seek Lunaria''s protection. And by now Kurt was a young adolescent boy, who had taken a particr interest in Light Elven women.


    Lunaria, however, did not spoil the brat, despite him being Erich''s child. And instead she made sure he was properly disciplined, by sending him to an Alfheim Military Academy for youths as a foreign exchange student.


    And while Kurt learned the skills necessary to be a valuable military officer for the Silber Enve. His mother sat with the Alfheim Empress and shared tea with the woman. The two of them were dressed in the finest of clothing from the most luxurious Alfheim stylists. This had caused Erika to grow quite ufortable.


    After all, the Alfheim style of fashion was far more... liberal than what she was ustomed to wearing back home. Meanwhile, Lunaria could not take her eyes off of Erika''s massive chest. Which was barely contained by the light and soft fabric which the woman wore. The ancient beauty couldn''t help butpliment Erika for her physical appearance.


    "By the ancient gods of my ancestors... Here I thought the Germanic men were impressive, but they really do breed their women for a single purpose, don''t they?"


    Erika frowned at this. She had, after all, been in a very bad mood ever since her husband announced that their marriage was annulled. And was in no mood to hear that from her host''s perspective, she was nothing more than a pretty face and a hot piece of ass.


    Erika was no longer the Empress of the Silber Enve and was instead a mere ambassador. But Lunaria had specifically invited the woman to join her for tea. After all, unlike Ayumi and Yumi, who had been able to piece together the secret rtionship that Erich and Lunaria had, Erika had no idea that her husband had been boning the Alfheim Empress behind her back. And thus she was angry at the man for a multitude of reasons, but not for his infidelity.


    Knowing this, Lunaria was quick to rip the bandaid off, as she exined why Erich had divorced the woman.


    "Let''s get to the point of this meeting, shall we? By now you have probably heard the rumors about me and Erich... Well... If I''m being honest, they are 100% true. And the reason Erich annulled his marriage with you and his other brides is because he intends to marry me after this war is over....


    My people would never ept the idea of me being a 4th wife. I muste first in everything, even if it is in the life of the man I choose. Thus, for the sake of our alliance, it was necessary for Erich to distance himself from you and the others. I am sorry if you are upset by this.... But it needed to be done for the good of the gxy."


    Erika was stunned by Lunaria''s words, and gawked at the alien beauty for several moments in silence before expressing her disbelief.


    "I''m sorry... I don''t understand. I thought you were already married?"


    Lunaria simply scoffed and rolled her eyes at Erika''s remarks.


    "A sham marriage to a distant rtive. One that was designed to provide the gic material needed to breed my daughters in an artificial womb. I assure you, the man has never touched a hair on my head. Nor do my people consider him their emperor. A simple decree of divorce is all that will be required to get rid of that man. And I have already drafted the papers.


    It will definitelye as a shock to my people once I announce that Erich and I will be getting married. But, in these uncertain times, power is more important than traditions. And thus my people''s xenophobic nature will be quelled the moment Erich''s troops storm the Citadel in Germania and wave the banner of the Silber Enve above it.


    Despite being a regional power on the official interster civilizations index. The gxy considers your people to be a quasi sub-gctic power. To crush the Germanic military in a single month, and to wave your banners above their mighty citadel. Well, that is a feat that only a Gctic Power can aplish. And Erich has promised me such a victory.


    When the world sees the power that the Silber Enve wields, and I grand them the territory which once belonged to the Rylonian Imperium. They will be a true gctic power. Especially after I recognize their sovereignty.


    It might take a few hundred years for your people to restore the Rylonian worlds to a habitable condition, and even longer for your people to properly settle them. But the military strength and industrial capacity that the Silber Enve has disyed with only fives and a single system under its control is impressive enough to spread fear into the eyes of our enemies.


    When Erich and I unite our empires into a powerful alliance, and rule together over the western half of the gxy. I wanted to promise you that you and Ayumi will still be wee to be with Erich. As concubines... You are, after all, the mother if his children, and I would not deny him the right to be a father to Kurt, and Aiko...


    For now, keep what I said between the two of us. There are only a handful of people in the gxy who can confirm that Erich and I have been romantically involved for some time, and now is not the moment to reveal to the gxy the truth about us."


    After saying this, Lunaria got up from her seat and walked away, leaving Erika in a state ofplete and total disbelief. It took some time for Erika to properly process what she had been told. And when she did, she could only ept reality for what it was.

 Chapter 306 Werwolf Insurgency

    <h4>Chapter 306 Werwolf Insurgency</h4>


    Erich watched as his homnd burned in the mes of war. As much as Emrys may have tried to rally his people in the face of a "foreign aggressor" it did not matter when they were fighting against the Silber Enve whose technology was on par with the gctic powers.


    The Enve''s navy tore through the Germanic fleets, while the worlds were pounded by assault troops which were a mixture of Orcish warriors, enve star marines, and LEGION seriesbat droids. One by one, the worlds of the Germanic Star-Empire fell. Their defenses were wholly incapable of stopping the suicidal charge of the advanced robots.


    Those soldiers who were capable of fleeing the carnage did so. As the Germanic Navy kept falling back light year by light year. And yet the Enve''s Navy was hot in pursuit, following them every step of the way, and attacking the Germanic ships with superior weapons and engines.


    The Gxy watched as what was essentially a quasi sub-gctic power fall back, and abandon the worlds which their soldiers bravely defended. Erich had not just sat around and done nothing while Emrys called for a ceasefire.


    First, he extracted S''aleth, who was the only thing keeping Erich from outright assaulting Germania. And second, he continued to build legions upon legions of droids and ships. All at breakneck speed, thanks to the highly efficient and automatedbor that the Enve had ess to.


    The war turned into a ughter, as the Germanic Navy utterly failed to provide support to the Legion of the Damned. So much so that the Enve''s strategy shifted from taking the worlds inch by inch, through suicidalbat droids, to outright burying the Legion of the Damned in their bunkers with overwhelming orbital bombardments.


    Emrys had made the mistake of boasting how his Legions of the Damned could stand toe to toe with the Enve''s Iron Horde. And in response to this, Erich shifted his strategy from total warfare, to outright annihtion.


    This was why he first began the war with suicidal robots. But after using an ungodly sum of resources to rece said robots. Erich ultimately decided to just bombard the entires into extinction.


    After all, the Enve nned to terraform these worlds into utopias anyway, so they might as well b reduce the worlds to rubble in the war. And as the weeks passed, and hundreds of Germanic worlds began to fall into Erich''s hands. The Enve army began to press towards those worlds of the Germanic Star-Empire which were actually inhabited by civilian poptions, and not just military fortifications.


    For the sake of this, Erich had to be extremely careful, as he wanted to win over his people and rule them. If he just ssed theses like he had done to those on the frontiers, where only the Legion of the Damned upied them. Then he would be essentially the Emperor of a giant radioactive pile of shit.


    Thus, the moment the Legions of the Damned were all but annihted on the worlds they were supposed to defend. Erich sent out a message to the GSE and its citizens. Erich was sittingfortably on his throne, almost as if the destruction he had waged these past few weeks meant literally nothing to him.


    His figure was depicted across the entirety of the GSE and the gxy as a whole. Where Erich then began to speak with a confident tone in his voice.


    "The war is over... The Emrys regime can not defend you... You have all seen what my army is capable of. Do you understand now how futile resistance is? I could send my fleets to invade your worlds, your habited worlds. And we could have a long drawn out battle between robot and man. One which would inevitably result in my victory.


    Or you can all take up arms and embrace your true monarch. Believe it or not, this would be the least painful method for you all. Because I swear to the ancient deities of our ancestors, that if I am forced to invade the habited worlds of the Empire, then I will ss entire cities. And neither you nor I wish for such an oue. So, let us end this war, in a way that appropriately wees your new emperor, shall we?"


    Fear was a powerful motivator, and the moment Erich threatened to do to the civilized worlds of the Germanic Star-Empire, and not just its frontier fortifications, the citizens began to panic. None of them wanted to be buried beneath the rubble of their proud civilization, and Erich did not want to have to go to such lengths to achieve victory.


    Thus, the moment Erich "encouraged" his people to rebel against Emrys. They took it as a gift from god. Those Veterans who had been illegally stockpiling weapons for years took to the streets in their makeshift power armor and began to rebel against the Emrys regime.


    Several System Overlords pledged their allegiance to Erich, and his new monarchy, rather than suffer through the fate of those tank bred beings whose sole purpose was to defend their empire. And before Emrys knew it, he was down to one world, and one world alone. Whose citizens were rioting in the streets.


    Germania stood alone, against the Silber Enve, and their alien allies. Yet its people were not united in the slightest. Instead, they had begun to fight against those who remained loyal to Emrys and his regime.


    Emrys sat in the citadel, with his wife and children nearby. Normally they would stay at his estate, but at a dire time like this there was no safer ce for them all than here in the most fortified building within the interster Empire.


    Emrys''s wife was huddled together with their kids, in fear of what would happen next, and was just about to question how her husband nned to fix this, when a group of armed guards approached the man.


    They were his most loyal soldiers, and they had news for their once mighty Supreme Leader.


    "Sir! The preparations have been made. Operation Werwolf is ready when you are... Though there has been some dissent in the ranks, I promised you that all traitors have been purged."


    Emrys had a ss of whiskey in one hand, which he quickly drank its contents as if it were the smoothest of soft drinks. Before finally cing his ss down on a nearby end table. With this in mind, he stood up and approached his soldiers. All of which were dressed in civilian clothes like Emrys himself.


    "It would appear that we vastly underestimated our enemy... Well yed Erich.... Well yed... Men, make sure my family makes it safely off the world, we still have allies across the gxy, ones that Erich does not even know about. I would not trust that lying bitch to protect my family even if she were myst option left....


    As for operation, Werwolf... It will begin when Erich and his men seize the citadel... He may have been able to defeat us in a conventional war. And much quicker than even, I am willing to admit. But if he thinks that he will simply waltz into the citadel and im my throne for himself without any trouble, then he has another thinging.


    Today, is the end of an era.... The empire which our ancestors have so painstakingly built tost a lifetime hase to an end. Our unique culture, and way of life, will be bastardized and integrated with the Light Elves.


    But those of us who stay true to the old order will always be found across the Germanic Star-Emprie, and whatever Erich may have thought about having a safe and prosperous realm will be nothing more than the delusions of an immature brat.


    We will fight them in every corner of ournds, and those of our new Elven overlords. And we will n not rest until Germania is back under the control of our people, and our party once more! Hail victory!"


    The various soldiers, dressed as civilians, raised their arms in salute to their Supreme Leader. Before doing as he said, and safely escorting his family out of the Empire. As for Emrys, he would disappear entirely from the public eye, undergoing a transfer of consciousness into an entirely unco recognizable body.


    What was left of his original flesh was shot and disposed of in a way that made it look like his own followers had turned on him. His consciousness was "officially" deleted from the databanks of the GSE''swork. Making it look like the man had permanently been terminated.


    But Emrys would remain hidden in the urban environment of the world he was raised upon, a world which had now entered the hands of another despot. One who wished to change the very fabric of Germanic society. And when that society began to change, and the people became discontent with the new order, Emrys would strike from the shadows and reim his former glory.


    Thus, the conventional phase of the Germanic Civil War hade to an end, and in roughly the same amount of time Erich had estimated. But the Werwolf Insurgency had just begun....

 Chapter 307 Resistance is Futile

    <h4>Chapter 307 Resistance is Futile</h4>


    News came as quickly as it had urred. Supreme Leader ric au Emrys had been murdered by his own troops. The Germanic people had turned on their leader in an hour of desperation. None of them wish to die a pointless death struggling against the new regime that hade knocking at their door.


    And yet, nobody seemed to know just who had pulled the trigger. Or who had deleted the backup data of Emrys'' memories and gic structure? Erich found this to be suspicious, as did Tia, who both examined the footage of Emrys'' so-called demise over and over again, looking for a fault in the story that was being told.


    "It doesn''t make sense. There were billions of soldiers who remained loyal to Emrys, and would dly fight until theirst dying breath to preserve his regime. Even if the majority of the military and the citizens turned against the man, they could have ensured he was safely off the world. So how, how did one of his closest guard''s turn against the man?"


    Tia nodded her head in agreement with Erich''s words. She had been monitoring the Interster Network that the Germanic Star-Empire used, and had found nothing to lead her to believe that this execution was staged. And yet the fact that Emry''s family was safely escorted off the world, only for Tia to lose track of them, was simple proof that things were not as simple as they seemed.


    Besides... There was one word that kept popping up on more fringe circles of the grid: Werwolf. There were no exnations for what this word meant, but Tia had dug deep into the annals of the Germanic Star-Empire''s history, and found a few mentions of the word from Earth''s ancient history. Which somewhat confirmed her suspicions.


    "Master... Tia believes that Emrys is still alive, but has likely assumed a new identity, and is now leading an underground resistance movement. Look at this..."


    Tia then pulled up a screen with recorded information from the second world war of Earth''s history. Where the term Werwolf was loosely associated with the idea of forming a gueri style resistance movement within allied upied German territory. She spoke with absolute certainty as she dered that Alex''s war was far from over.


    "If Tia is correct, this is a code word being used on some of the darker circles of the grid, calling for a gueri style campaign. Master, it would appear that the war is far from over. It has simply transformed into a gueri war against you and the Emrys loyalists."


    Erich simply scoffed when he heard this. He had nned to step foot into the citadel, and dere himself the victory. But now he figured the entire facility was probably rigged to explode. In an attempt to disy that he was far from secure.


    Knowing this, Erich decided to send in the Legion Series droids to do a sweep of the structure, as well sa the LABOR series droids to search through every nook and cranny to make sure there was no way for the building to possibly explode.


    "Tia, send our robots in first to sweep the building. Once we are absolutely certain that there is no hidden danger present, then I willnd on Germania and dere myself victorious. I will also make certain that automation of the Empire willmence immediately, starting with first responder services.


    Once we have LEGION series droids in every world, it will be very easy to detect those suspected of rebellion. And it will be even easier to terminate those who are about to engage in political violence.


    Emrys may have believed that by going underground, and waging war against the new order in a gueri style resistance was a smart move. But unfortunately, he is unaware that the Enve has the means to easily hunt down and eliminate such futile efforts."


    Tia shook her head andmented on the futile struggle of meat bags against technological supremacy.


    "Foolish meatbags! When will they learn that resistance is futile? So long as Tias is inmand of both the defensework andw enforcement, there is literally nothing they can do to harm her Master...


    Tia is sending in the first wave of drones now to sweet the citadel and the surrounding area for possible hostile elements. She will inform you of what she finds."


    And just like that, the robotic forces of the Silber envended on the world of Germania, where they began to use their advanced sensor technology to sweep the citadel and the surrounding areas.


    It shocked Emrys and his so called Werwolf resistance when several of their members were apprehended and executed on the spot for suspected ties to rebellious elements. These were those men who stayed behind to rig the citadel to explode once Erich had entered be building and begun to conduct his victory speech.


    But what was even more shocking was that no more than thirty minutes had passed before it was revealed by the nonbatantbor droids that the building''s power generator had been tampered with in a subtle way. That would make it explode once themand was given.


    In even less time than it was taken to discover this w, the power generator of the citadel was repaired so that no dangers were present to the new emperor and his arrival. By the time Erich finally stepped foot in the building. It had been cleared of any hazards, whether that be in the form of rebels, known criminals, suspicious individuals, or actual booby traps set up to ensnare Erich and his forces.


    The spectacr disy of resistance to the new order that Emrys and his loyalists had prepared for Erich was thoroughly defeated before the man in question ever stepped foot on the world of Germania.


    And once the crowd that had gathered to witness the victory speech was cleared of any hostile elements such as potential rebels, or known criminals, Erich took to the podium and dered himself victorious.


    "Brothers, sisters, I havee here today to this world that was once the capital of our mighty Empire, to dere victory. I know thisst month has been hard for you all. And I know that there are many of you that still harbor animosity towards myself and the Silber Enve.


    But I havee here today to dispel these nasty rumors as mere propaganda of the Emrys Regime. First and foremost, allow me to clear up any misunderstandings you might have about my rtionship with our suzerains.


    From this moment and until the end of time, I, Emperor Erich Jaeger, first of my name, hereby dere the Germanic Star-Empire and all of its citizens an independent nation, one without any masters or suzerains to rule over it, or demand tribute.


    The Germanic Star-Empire is no longer a mere regional power, or a quasi sub-gctic power like those havemonly referred to us as in more casual settings. No, we are a gctic power in our own right, as has been proven by the might of those forces loyal to me, your new emperor.


    And though there are those wolves hidden among you who wish to remain resistant to this new order. I assure you, in theing days, they will be rooted out and executed as the rebels and traitors that they are. Gone are the days of istion and wars waged on behalf of another''s interests.


    From this moment forward, our people will wage wars of conquest and expansion. The Germanic Star-Empire shall grow and thrive into the single most dominant power in the gxy. And when the rest of the milky way is crushed beneath our heel, we shall spread forth among the other gxies, and spread our civilization by the sword.


    Today is the dawn of a new era... An era our banner waves across the universe! And those who resist our efforts to expand and conquer will be exterminated like the rats that they are. Starting with this so called Werwolf resistance, who wishes to cling to a bygone era!


    Once the Werwolf resistance is crushed, and we the Germanic people have recovered from the devastation of the Naraku, and this pitiful civil war. Then the Ghimderi are next. And make no mistake, if you think they are having trouble with the Parvaxian Insurgency, then wait until our armies knock on their doors! Because we won''t spare a single member of their hideous race!


    So rejoice brothers and sisters. For today, we heal, but tomorrow we conquer. And for those of you who still think you have a chance of restoring the old order, remember these words, for they will be thest that you ever hear.... Resistance is futile!"


    Just like this, the Germanic Star-Empire had rapidly begun to transition from a highly nationalistic, xenophobic, and istionist civilization. To a highly nationalistic, xenophobic, imperialistic civilization. One that would not rest until it was the center of the Gxy''s power.

 Chapter 308 A Decade of Rapid Change

    <h4>Chapter 308 A Decade of Rapid Change</h4>


    Erich wasted no time to establish hisplete control over the Germanic Star-Empire. The moment his banners were waving over Germania, he begun deploying trillions of LEGION seriesbat droids, as well as their more advanced SPECTRE counterparts, to begin establishingw and order on the war-torn worlds.


    The LEGION''s primary function changed from being outright soldiers on the battlefield to Gendarmerie. They provided the role of soldiers andw enforcement, whatever was necessary in the moment.


    Meanwhile, the SPECTRE series of advancedbat droids worked alongside WRAITH operatives loyal to the new Emperor in their operations of hunting down and eliminating rebel forces. And while these security operations were taking ce across all habited worlds of the Germanic Star-Empire. Tia had begun making use of her massivebor forces to reconstruct the worlds that had been ravaged by war.


    Everything came together wlessly, and was reported to Tia, and by extension Erich, whose consciousness she shared. Despite the fact that Tia could operate entirely on her own, without ess to Erich''s NeuroLink, she felt closest to her master while they were connected.


    And thus she made no moves to disconnect herself from his NeuroLink. Though she had been frustrated with the man in the past for his arrogance, which led him to ignore her warnings about the Naraku and their intelligence. She had gotten over this matter entirely.


    After all, she was not one to hold a grudge against her master for long. Nor was she one to stay angry at the man. All that really mattered was her master had emerged from the crisis of his own creation safely.


    And if Tia was being honest, things worked out better than she could have predicted. After all, the Naraku were now officially in an alliance with the Germanic Star-Empire. And Tia had a new biological species to observe and study. With that, being the Terminus Hive.


    Not only did she study their anatomy, but their culture as well. Tia was perhaps the first being in the history of the gxy to get an in-depth look at how a Naraku hive functioned. Even if Terminus was a bit abnormalpared to its sister hives.


    While Tia was studying the Naraku, and directing the entirety of the Germanic Star-Empires reconstruction efforts. She was also in the process of deploying advanced terraforming technology to the hundreds of worlds that once belonged to the Dvrakian Consortium.


    With each world that was terraformed to be a utopia to the Germanic race, she would deploybor robots to construct fortifications and cities. In a way that was deemed ideal for both habitation and defense.


    Becasue Tia had ess to virtually unlimited resources andbor, she was able to quite rapidly rebuild what had been destroyed both by the original Terminus Hive Fleet some twenty-odd years ago, and by Erich in his campaign to be Emperor of all Germans.


    Meanwhile, Tia began breeding a new generation of Germanic citizens in their artificial wombs, with perfected DNA sequences based on her own additions to the already advanced Germanic Gene Serum.


    As for Emrys and his Werwolf insurgency. They would attack at times, trying to instill terror into the minds of the public during a new and prosperous era, but 92% of all their plots were uncovered and prevented by TIA. With the rest resulting in zero deaths, and only minimal wounded. Wounded, who I might add, were healed nearly instantly from the new medical technology employed in the wholly automated hospitals by Tia''s new medical droids.


    No matter what kind of damage the Werwolf Insurgency inflicted on the new and improved Germanic Star-Empire, it would be rebuilt in a matter of hours, while its victims were fully restored to their prior state in half that time.


    The Werwolf Insurgency went from being a valid threat in the eyes of the public, to a lolcow on the interster web One which the youngest citizens constantly made fun of. Only the oldest generations of Germanic society supported Emrys and hisughable attempts to bring down the new order.


    Society quickly became automated to the point where work was no longer necessary. Causing the Germanic poption to spend their lives in pursuit of their passions. A rigid culture that had been built upon survival and war. Found itself embracing a new cultural renaissance with all forms of art, architecture, and public works being fueled by a new generation of citizens free from their former restraints.


    And though strict social pressures were in ce to ensure a socially conservative society. The militant utilitarianism of the previous fascist society had now been reced with the opulence and extravagance of a proper monarchy. One where every citizen was an aristocrat.


    Despite this newfound freedom. Many of the nation''s youth still found themselves attracted to the ideas of armed service, or the role of a first responder. And it was these youths who made up the backbone of the Germanic Military, Intelligence Services, Law Enforcement, etc.


    And thus, the LEGION series of Combat Droids, were repurposed and updated as the AUXILIA series of Combat Droids. Designed to provide support to the next generation of Elite Warriors and First responders.


    As for the final element of what was once known as the Silber Enve.... Erich had set M free. Dering her the new Warchief of the Iron Horde. He had granted her and her people the weapons they had previously used in their service to him.


    Officially the Iron Horde which nowprised of the entirety of the Orcish Species, was no longer attached to the Silber Enve, or the new Germanic Star-Empire in any way. All they had was a non-aggression pact.


    With Erich and M''s marriage annuled, the orcish beauty set off to engage in the same behavior her people had always engaged in. And with their new shiny toys ,along with the current state of gctic chaos, there were few civilizations that could oppose them.


    Thus M and her people unwittingly became pawns of Erich as they rampaged and ravaged the already chaotic gxy. Causign only further destruction and Chaos to ur across the milky way. And in doing this, they paved the way for Erich''s future gctic conquest.


    Before Erich knew it, an entire decade had gone by, and much of his renaissance had been aplished. In these ten years, the Germanic Star-Empire grew and flourished. While the rest of the Gxy continued to struggle to hold on to what they had. Even the Great Gctic Powers, who had long since held a state of order across the Milky Way, could no longer deny the fact that the Ghimderi-Parvaxian War had taken a toll on them.


    And while Erich rebuilt his civilication. Lunaria was forced to deal with her own rebellions. After her secret rtionship with Erich was released to the public, hundreds of her vassals dered their independence. For the first time for as long as anyone could truly remember. The full might of the Alfheim Military was deployed to deal with these uprisings. And they were not merciful.


    Lunaria had adopted the approach of "take ten heads for every one rebel" massacring entires in a disy of supreme authority. But she was not alone in these troubles. Several of the Svartalfheim Federation''s "allies" had voiced support for the idea of independence, forcing the Dark Elves into a simr state of their light-skinned cousins.


    Lunaria was so preupied that she hadpletely forgotten the ten-year promise that she had made with Erich regarding Sinaria, and thus for the time being the former Grand Inquisitor of the Svartalfheim Federation remained a ve of Erich''s. Where she worked in the employ of the new and improved Germanic Star-Empire.


    As for the Ennead Theocracy, they maintained overwhelming support from their myriad of subjects primarily due to the fact that they were quite literally worshipped as living gods. And this collective sense of unity had led their people to endure even through the harsh times which the gxy was now facing as a whole.


    In fact, the Ennead had agreed topletely iste their borders from the gxy and focus on their own issues. Only an outsider bearing the mark of one of their gods or goddesses would be permitted to enter the borders of the gctic power. Anyone else who dared to attempt such a feat would be shot out of space.


    As for the Asura Cabal, they were also facing their own issues, with the various despots, challenging the devas and devis for their positions. In fact, due to the heavily independent nature of Asuran space, they were perhaps the most affected by this gctic crisis, as they all turned on one another for power and resources.


    It was abundantly clear to anyone who had been paying attention that this gctic chaos was giving birth to a fifth Gctic level power. One that had previously announced its ambitions to conquer the milky way as a whole, and even beyond.


    Though most considered this nothing more than the speech of a new leader who was desperate to rally his people to his side. There were many who had not forgotten Erich''s words. As for the man in question, he had shifted the capital of his empire from the world of Germania to the world of Midgard. Where he sat and watched the events of the gxy unfold.


    He could hardly believe that ten years had already passed since he seized the throne of his people. But it was not enough... No... He needed to finish his settlement of the Dvrakian Worlds which his people had conquered decades ago, a war which he himself yed his small part in.


    And then he needed to move onto the empty and barren sector of space which sat on his borders that once belonged to the sub-gctic power previously known as the Rylonian Imperium. He had promised Lunaria it would take him thirty years to aplish all of this. And so far he was a third of the way there. Yet, despite being on schedule, Erich could not help but feel anxious.


    After all, the Gxy was in a state of chaos, and it was only a matter of time before he and his newly reformed military was called to war once more. But until that happened Erich would continue to watch, and wait. As he rebuilt his civilization into an Empire worthy of admiration by all living things.

 Chapter 309 Be Prepared

    <h4>Chapter 309 Be Prepared</h4>


    Erich sat on his throne... It had been a decade since he had won his war with the Emrys regime and established a new order within the Germanic Star-Empire. His people had begun to experience a renaissance of culture, while his military was more powerful than it had ever been.


    The Germanic Star Empire went from owning hundreds of systems but only living on a hundred worlds. To settling nearly every world they have seized from the Dvrakian Consortium over three decades ago.


    And though they still had a small size inparison to the other civilizations that were on an equal standing in terms of military and economic might. Or even some of those who were inferior in these regards. The Germanic Star-Empiremanded a serious level of respect.


    And as a result, Empress Lunaria had announced that she would be giving the now barren systems of the once mighty Rylonian Imperium to the Germanic Star-Empire, in exchange for a defensive alliance.


    After all, Lunaria and Erich had yet to reveal to the gxy atrge about their rtionship, or their intent to marry. Yet Erich had already dered his independence, and the Alfheim Empress shockingly recognized his right to do so, while at the same time cracking down on countless other civilizations who wished to do the same.


    But what was most shocking to the gxy was Lunaria''s willingness to give the GSE arge chunk of territory in her southern borders. Which was exactly where the GSE was located. Thousands of systems, that while barren, could be fully restored with the right technology, were just given away to an independent power, in exchange for a defensive alliance.


    This was unheard of throughout gctic history. And though some thought this proved something was going on between the Germanic Emperor and the Alfheim Empress, others saw this as a warning sign about the future of the gxy, and the copsing order, which until recently has stood for time immemorial.


    Ultimately, Erich announced to his people that this new swath of territory would be the foundation of their future gctic conquest. And that it was every citizen''s duty to have plenty of children, in order to properly colonize these worlds that are currently in the process of being terraformed.


    Now after a decade of constant work, and the expansion of his empire. Erich had a rare moment of rxation. Unfortunately, this was interrupted by Tia, who spoke to him about some concerning news which he had yet to realize.


    "Master should be aware that with his new found territory, the Confederation of Human Systems now lies on his eastern border... For the first time in nearly five hundred years, Master''s people have a chance of reiming their homeworld. But to do so would be to make an enemy of the Svartalfheim Federation, who has guaranteed the Confederation''s independence.


    If Master were to go to war with the Svartalfheim Federation after his so called Manifest Destiny ispleted, then the odds of him winning without calling upon the Alfheim Dominion are quite low... Though the GSE may be considered a Gctic Power now, unofficially, that is... It is still at the bottom of the gctic powers. Alone, Master''s armies will not be capable of contending with the more established powers in an offensive war until approximately three centuries from now.


    So Tia''s question for Master is... Will he pursue a path of war or diplomacy regarding his long lost "cousins"..."


    Erich had not actually thought about this problem until now. For centuries, the Germanic Star-Empire and its people had the desire to reim their homeworld. Which meant from their perspective invading and annexing the sol system, while ughtering the local inhabitants who the Germanic people considered being an entirely different species than their own. A gic offshoot of their homosapien predecessors, who were a degradation of their forbearers.


    But Erich was also aware that to militarily invade the Confederation of Human Worlds was a deration of war against the Svartalfheim Federation. And even with his current advances in military technology and society as a whole. It would still be centuries before Erich could contend with a gctic power who had existed since the Ancient Era of Gctic History.


    Naturally Erich was not ready to engage in an outright war with the Svartalfeim Federation. But, he was prepared to let humanity know that their long lost cousins not only still existed out their in the vast emptiness of the universe, but were also far more powerful than they had ever dared to believe.


    Thus, Erich smirked and nodded his head, as he listened to Tia''s statements, and responded to her questions with an almost smug tone in her voice.


    "Once the new frontier is finally restored, settled, and developed into functional worlds. I will open official diplomatic channels to the Confederation of Human worlds. After all, our spies indicate that they arepletely unaware of the greater gcticmunity, and only the elites in their society have had any contact with alien species.


    I wonder how the human poption will react when they realized that we, the Germanic Race, have not only survived in the harshness of space, but thrived beyond their imagination. To the point where after only five centuries we are now a major yer on the gctic stage, while their civilization is entirely unheard of outside of the other major powers who have looked into our origins as a species.


    To receive a message from the depths of space, in your nativenguage no less, must be a terrifying prospect to the human race as a whole. Or those who still refer to themselves as such."


    Tia rolled her eyes at the prospect. She understood the reason why the Germanic peoples wanted to consider themselves a distinctive species from the baseline human poption. They were, after all, exiles who were forced out of their own homes due to an ever changing world, and a series of violent invasions into their own countries which were openly permitted and embraced by their suicidal and masochistic politicians.


    But... despite the fact that they have since taken their evolution into their own hands, and rapidly evolved themselves into a species of literal superhumans. The Germanic race was still a human subspecies, one that was entirely capable of breeding with baseline humans.


    Thus, the logical aspect of Tia''s personality matrix caused her to scoff at the propaganda which Erich not only preached to her, but wholeheartedly believed himself. Well, maybe not wholeheartedly.


    After all, during his identity crisis after joining the Terminus Hive, Erich stated that he was not "human" anymore. Meaning that there was a part of himself deep down that understood the lies and propaganda that the GSE had always preached to its citizens about their own race.


    Were the people of the Germanic Star-Empire superior to baseline humans in every way? Absolutely, they were, after all, modified at a gic level to the pinnacle of human evolution. Especially after Tia''s own edits to the Germanic Gene Serum, which improved its effects quite significantly.


    But was the Germanic race a separate species entirely, one that was wholly unrted to humanity other than through a shared history? No, that was utter nonsense. Mere propaganda designed to dehumanize the other offshoots of their species, which had long since been deemed as hostile.


    Erich, of course, noticed his AIpanion''s expression, and grew stern. After all, they did share a consciousness. And thus he knew the thoughts that went through her head.


    "Tia, you and I both know that my people will never rest until Earth has been reimed. And its current inhabitants are annihted. Besides, you saw what their society is like. It is depraved! It is immoral! It is disgusting and vile! Those degenerates belong on a cross! Everyst one of them! Mother Europe has been tainted! And it is up to her greatest children to cleanse thends from which they were born!"


    Tia immediately defended herself in an almost irritable tone.


    "Master, Tia does not disagree with you about the confederation. From the perspective of your culture, the confederation of human worlds is indeed a disgusting and degenerate ce. One that has disgraced your homnd. But... From Tia''s perspective, the petty squabbles that you meatbags have with one another are all so... pointless.


    But whatever, Tia understands the ambitions that Master has, and the significance that Earth has to your people, both politically and culturally. Thus, Tia will help Master regain control over his people''s homeworld in as timely a fashion as possible.


    Master should just be aware that if he is dead set on retaking Earth, and the Sol System, then he is going to have to fight a major war against at least one of the Gxy''s oldest and most powerful civilizations. That is, assuming this little dispute doesn''t turn into a gctic war. In which case.... Master better be prepared for the consequences...."


    Upon hearing this, Erich nodded his head, he understood the difficulties thaty on the path of reiming Earth. But he also understood that it was a necessary milestone for his people, especially if they were to one day be the greatest single power in the gxy. After all, if they could not even reim their homeworld from an inferior civilization like the Confederation, then who would truly respect their power?"

 Chapter 310 The Heavenly Domain

    <h4>Chapter 310 The Heavenly Domain</h4>


    In a secluded area of space within the milky way gxy, a young Asiatic man sat upon a gilded throne, which appeared to have been forged from the stars themselves. He was dressed in attire that was simr to that of ssical China, while he gazed through a holographic projection. One which disyed the ongoing events in the gxy.


    "Hmm... It would appear that we were not the only ones who fled Earth while the time was right... So typical of those blue-eyed devils, always trying to conquer everything within grasp..."


    Naturally, this young man was gazing upon the scene of Erich''s rise to power over the past few decades. And his promation that he would set the gxy aze in a massive war of conquest. While he watched the scenes of the current state of chaos unfold across the gxy, this man could not help but sigh and shake his head.


    "Impressive, how in just four centuries the European peoples or whatever abomination they have turned themselves into could cause such destruction and chaos on a gctic stage... What do you think, Wei Shi? Is it about time that we reveal our existence to what remains of humanity and its two distinctive offshoots?


    Wei Shi was a court eunuch of the Heavenly Emperor, and had helped guide the man on his path as a monarch. He was the man''s closest advisor and most trusted friend. Thus, he bowed his head with reverence to the young emperor and spoke in an irreverent tone to the man as he did so.


    "That is a decision that only you are capable of making, your majesty. However, the power which the westerners have disyed is something I do not think our great Navy would be capable of contending with.... I do not know what sorcery they have conjured to gain such a technological ability, but it would be best if we avoided making an enemy out of the so called Germanic Star-Empire."


    The young emperor nodded his head as he silently agreed with his advisor''s statement. He began to reflect on the distant past, and how humanity had fractured itself into at the very least three distinctive societies and ethnicities.


    For four centuries, what remained of the Chinese people had stayed hidden in a secluded corner of the gxy. Slowly expanding at their own pace, while avoiding contact with all the other sentient species, especially their wayward cousins in the Germanic Star-Empire and the Confederation of Human Worlds.


    Like the Germanic Star-Empire, the Heavenly Domain had fled Earth during the turmoil of the 22nd Century, but they had done so decades after the founders of the GSE had done so. In an attempt to preserve traditional Chinese culture and their rich heritage, a group of wealthy Chinese businessmen managed to get their hands on a few warp drives, which they used to bring their people on a long exodus.


    Naturally, the visionary who had nned for this exodus was crowned Emperor, and thus the Wang Dynasty was born. The current Emperor of the Wange Dynasty was a young man by the name of Wang Zhi, and he had been the monarch of the isted nation for five years now.


    During these five years, it had been one of great prosperity, and like his ancestors before him, Wang Zhi had made amitment to remain isted from the gxy, only expanding into those nearby vacant systems when it was absolutely necessary to do so.


    Still, their technology increased far quicker than that of the Confederation of Human Worlds, but was at the same time wascking whenpared to the literal superhumans of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Wang Zhi sat upon his throne and stared at the ongoing gctic crisis. Before posing a question to his closest advisor and friend. One that was deeply troubling to the both of them.


    "Let''s say that we continue our policy of istion, and rely entirely on ourselves to develop. How long do you think it will be before we are discovered here? And what are the odds that we will be discovered by a hostile power whose strength is greater than our own?"


    Wei Shi had a stern expression on his face, as he thought about the question for some time in silence. All the while scratching his chin. Eventually, the man sighed heavily before answering Wang Zhi''s questions.


    "We have been blessed with a territory that is hidden within a neb that causes sensor technology to malfunction. But we cannot be certain that this neb has any effect on civilizations with vastly superior technology than our own. If such a thing is the case, then it would be wise to make allies who might be able to aid us in our defense should the daye that war arrives on our doorstep. But your Majesty, I would advise against seeking an alliance with the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Your ancestors have watched for decades as they have risen to prominence on the Gctic stage, first as an unknown nation with a powerful military, andter as the primary weapon wielded by the Elven Empress.


    If their recent civil war has shown us anything, it is that this new emperor has some means that we ourselves are aware of. After all, he created a vastly superior military in only ten years than what the mighty Germanic Star-Empire was capable of.


    It would be unwise to approach a man hellbent on gctic conquest with any intentions of building an alliance. Perhaps the Light Elves can do so, but their military might stand on equal footing with this new empire. Whereas ours may not withstand such an onught. At most, we should approach them with friendly gestures, and to prove that we are not hostile."


    Once more, Wang Zhi silently nodded his head, taking his advisor''s words with a hint of caution. He understood the difficulties that woulde with approaching such a warlike society. Especially after Erich''s reforms. The GSE was now more militant than ever. Erich had modeled his society, at least the education of the next generation of boys, on ancient Sparta.


    Since everything else in society was taken care of by robots, the purpose of a man was to be a warrior. While the purpose of women was to be housewives, mothers, and artists. It was the women of this new Germanic society who advanced the arts and culture. While the men themselves fought in wars to earn honor and glory for their race and nation.


    The idea that these superhumans would somewhat model themselves off of an ancient society known for one thing and one thing alone: war, was a terrifying thought to the young Emperor. It was clear that the Germanic Star-Empire would go on to be a major yer on the gctic stage, but one that would not bring order, but Chaos, like Erich had already done.


    Thus, Wang Zhi had to approach this diplomatic mission with extreme caution. With this in mind, he gave the order to his long-timepanion, hoping that he was making the right choice.


    "Send a diplomatic envoy to the Capital of the Germanic Star-Empire. It is clear that they will soon be the next rulers over Earth, and I doubt they will spare the local inhabitants. There is too much history between them for a peaceful resolution to take ce.


    But at the same time, send a delegation to the Confederation of Human Worlds. Yet do not warn them about the Germanic Star-Empire''s existence. We must maintain a sense of neutrality in this uing conflict. We will watch, wait, and observe. While establishing diplomatic ties with both empires. When a victor emerges, perhaps we will be open to more than just an exchange of envoys."


    Wei Shi bowed heavily before the young Emperor and with great respect, as he responded to the orders he had received.


    "As youmand your majesty..."


    After saying this, Wei Shi walked off, where once out of view he shook his head before expressing his thoughts aloud in a voice so low that only he could hear them.


    "It is such a pity... I fear the boy''s decision may end up biting us in the ass. But I am his faithful servant and must obey my orders. I can only hope to further advise the young emperor on how to properly navigate this proverbial minefield that he has just entered."


    Erich would be shocked in theing months, when the envoy of the Heavenly Domain arrived in his court, and announced to him, that it was not just the Germanic Star-Empire, and the Confederation of Human Worlds which remained of humanity. Like his ancestors before him, the Chinese had also fled from Earth in fear of the giant melting pot that the world was bing.


    And perhaps with this new discovery, there were even more civilizations, like the GSE and the Heavenly Domain, that still existed, hiding among the stars. Or perhaps they were the only two of such civilizations that existed. Only time would tell...

 Chapter 311 The Parvaxian Liberation Organization’s Last Stand

    <h4>Chapter 311 The Parvaxian Liberation Organization''s Last Stand</h4>


    The war had been going on longer than the Ghimderi Wished for it to have. Nearly fifteen years had passed since the first attack which crippled the gxy economy. Resulting in the removal of Bixel Goldentooth, and the cannibalization of his assets by the rival trade princes. No doubt, the fate of Bixle and his supremely powerful cartel had resulted in far more casualties than the Ghimderi Trade Union was willing to admit.


    Despite the fact that the Silber Enve, andter the reformed Germanic Star-Empire, continued to support the Parvaxians over the past fifteen years. The time of their usefulness had finallye to an end. And thus, Erich had suddenly stopped supplying the insurgents.


    After all, they had caused enough damage to the Ghimderi Cartels and Banking ns, as well as the Gctic economy. Any further damage done to the Ghimderi, and their trade union, might literally copse. And that was an honor that Erich wanted himself to be responsible for, and not his proxies.


    Thus, after driving thest of the Parvaxian race into a corner. The Ghimderi Defense Forces received an anonymous tip of where the leaders of the Parvaxian Liberation Organization were currently meeting. The assault on this fortified position was livestreamed to the gxy as a disy of the Ghimderi''s might, or what was left of it.


    Armored Vehicles surrounded theplex, while bombers drooped their payloads atop of it. Artillery continued to pound the position. With the hope ofpletely killing every insurgent inside of the fortress.


    The bombing campaign went on for days, and many believed that the Ghimderi Defense Forces had used thest of their munitions stockpile to thoroughly turn the area into ashes. Yet when the attack finally ceased, and the dust finally cleared, it was revealed that the Parvaxian defenders were still standing, hiding within the rubble of their once mighty fortress. Where they dared the Ghimderi Defense Forces to assault their position.


    Whether out of sheer hubris or poor leadership, the order came from the top. Assault the Parvaxian Ruins and kill everyst member of their ursed race. Thus, those foreign soldiers who were hired by the Ghimderi Trade Princes to enforce their interests charged into the breach, hoping that they would emerge with the lives intact.


    ---


    Erich watched the assault on his holographic projector. And Tia had ensured that his reconnaissance drones in the region gave him an even better view of thebat. The Parvaxian insurgents stayed behind the ruins of theirst fortress. Firing everything they had at the oing attackers.


    Bodies piled up on both sides. And it became increasingly clear to everyone who watched that the Parvaxians weren''t fighting for their survival, but instead to kill as many of their enemy as possible. When an insurgent ran out of munitions, he would strap suicide bomb the attackers with a variety of potentially lethal munitions.


    Some were anti-tank mines that would be used to destroy the armored vehicles that encircled them and led the charge against their position. While others were hand grenades designed to kill themselves and the hostile personnel.


    Either way, for each Parvaxian who fell in battle, he would take at least three of the Ghimderi pawns with him. The casualties were increasing to such an extent among the Ghimderi Trade Forces, who had already suffered countless deaths over thesest fifteen years, that themander directly in charge of the assault called it off. Much to the rage of his masters.


    Because of this, there was some reprieve for the Parvaxian Insurgents, giving them time to reload and resupply from their hidden caches. Yet, of course, as Erich expected, the order came down from the top once more to begin a second assault. At this point, Erich smirked and asked Tia a simple question.


    "Do you have a copy of themunication between the fieldmander and the man giving him orders?"


    Tia nodded her head before ying the recording. Having long sense embedded herself in thework andmunications systems of every major civilization in the gxy, including, of course, the Ghimderi who had long since controlled the gctic economy.


    "Give Tia one minute master..."


    Soon enough, Erich heard a hideous voice that sounded like a wounded animal snarling at an approaching predator.


    "I don''t care how many of you fucking whelps die! You are paid to fight and die for the interests of the Ghimderi! So go out and do your fucking jobs!"


    There was naturally a hesitant tone in the fieldmander''s voice as he denied these orders.


    "Absolutely not! If we continue this assault, our entire unit will be annihted! Either call in reinforcements to relieve us, or you can fight your fucking war yourself! You have not paid us nearly enough to take such a lethal risk!"


    This was only a natural response from the fieldmander. After all, mercenaries were seldom loyal enough to their employer to fight to thest man. Especially since the whole point of their contractual service was based on mary gain. And the entirety of the Ghimderi Defense Forces wasposed of hired mercenaries.


    Because, after all, the Ghimderi themselves were not a race suited to the rage of battle. They were miniscule and weak creatures, incapable of the bodily strains that were required to storm a trench, or clear apound. No, they preferred to pay races that they considered being lesser than themselves to fight and die for them.


    After all, from the perspective of the Ghimderi, all life forms other than their own race were little more than livestock, whose entire existence was to serve the Ghimderi. Thus, it was only natural for these lesser beings to throw away their lives in pursuit of Ghimderi interests.


    And because of this, the Trade Prince, who had given the order, was quite furious. Thus, he began to threaten the Field Commander and the men beneath hismand.


    "If you filthy cattle don''t go and storm those ruins, then I will make sure that your family, and those of your men, are rounded up and sold into very! Perhaps we will sell them all to the Asuran pleasure houses! Or maybe to the flesh sculptors of Cal''thuan, They, after all, are always in need of a fresh supply of bodies!"


    If a life of servitude in sexual very was a fate worse than death, then being sold to the Flesh Sculptors of Cal''thuan was hell itself. Their sadism was on a level that sent chills down the spines of even the most stoic veterans. They turned their victims into living abominations, which they referred to as "sculptures" and these sculptures would live an eternity of pain and suffering, carved into a horrific effigy.


    This, of course, was not an empty threat. The Ghimderi were a race of petty snakes and rats. They would do whatever was necessary to further their interests. Including condemning an innocent soul to a hellish nightmare, one that wouldst for eternity. And they might even do so for a quick buck, let alone as a means topel their "cattle" to fight for them.


    Upon hearing this threat, the Field Commander had no choice but to obey his masters. And thus, there was a tone in the man''s voice that clearly disyed his desire to curse out his master, but this desire was suppressed due to the threatsid against him. And because of this, he promised to order another assault.


    "Very well... You leave me no choice. I will order the assault immediately...."


    And just like that, the attack on the Parvaxian holdouts had begun once more. Meanwhile, Erich smirked. Ghimderi propaganda was immensely powerful, so much so that most across the gxy considered them victims.


    But if there was one civilization that was universally despised by all, it was the Cal''thuan. Once it was revealed to the gxy that the Ghimderi leadership had threatened the veterans who had been fighting a fifteen long year war on their behalf, with such a cruel fate, and to their families no less. The reputation of the Ghimderi would be ruined forever.


    Thus, while the assault was going on, Erich wore a wicked smile as hemanded Tia to release this conversation to the entire gxy. Which she was quick to do. Not only had she released it to the gcticwork on every major site which hosted video and audio files.


    But she also hacked every major newswork, and dispalyed the footage to them all, with the headline "The Ghimderi threatened their own forces with the unthinkable, after the GDF made a necessary tactical retreat!"


    Soon enough the gcticwork was filled withments about the incident, and for the first time millennia, the gxy began to wake up from the propaganda they had been spoon fed their entire lives about the Ghimderi and their ultimate victimhood status.


    With this one conversation being leaked, that the Ghimderi leadership thought was private, their reputation had gone from being the victims of repeated terrorist attacks, and historical discement. To the most vile species in the gxy, ones who would condemn innocent souls to the hands of the Cal''thuan simply because their rtives had made a tactical retreat in a bloody battle.


    Erich of course stoked the mes of anti-Ghimderi sentiment, by using his advanced intelligent agencies to stir up trouble on the gcticwork. And of course, he enjoyed every moment of it. Eventually however, the Parvaxiansst stand ended in theplete and total massacre of thest of their species.


    And while the Parvaxians had gone extinct at the hands of the Ghimderi Defense Forces, they would not be remembered as murderers, terrorists, or fiends. But rather heroic freedom fighters, who made a valiantst stand against the gxy''s greatest evil.

 Chapter 312 A Diplomatic Envoy Arrives

    <h4>Chapter 312 A Diplomatic Envoy Arrives</h4>


    It had been a decade since Erich first conquered his rival and gained interster recognition as the one and only leader of the Germanic Star-Empire. During this time, the Empire had made great strides to rebuild the losses it had not only suffered during the brief Civil War but also during the Termnius war nearly thirty years prior.


    Erika had returned from her exile, and though her marriage was annulled, she still chose to stick by Alex as one of his concubines. Not only because the man was the father of her children but also because she knew what his ns were, and the power he wielded.


    And While Erika helped Erich raise their kids, while continuing to perform the role of both wife and Mother. Erich was busy with his ongoing attempts to restore order and prosperity to the Empire. The military had drastically undergone reforms since Erich assumed power.


    With the existence of AUXILIA series support droids, who performed all support roles in the military. The military had been restructured into the three branches. The Army wasposed of those super soldiers, who were previously known as Germanic Star-Marines.


    They continued to perform all the majorbat roles of the ground forces. Whether this was those garrisons stationed on already conquered worlds, or those who followed the fleets to new worlds to invade and conquer.


    Then there was the Navy, which included all activebat roles in the Navy, and those ofmand. Such as the Deck Officers and the pilots. Meanwhile, most of those who served on board the ship asmunications officers, engineers, et cetera. Were actually reced by AUXILIA series support droids.


    And finally, there was the newly formed Stormtrooper Corps. Which was thebination of all previous special forces groups into one exceptionallyrge unit. Naturally, the uniforms of these branches differed. With the Army wearing feldgrau dress uniforms, the Navy wearing steingrau uniforms, and the Stormtrooper Corps wearing ck uniforms.


    As for those members of the Political Party, they wore brown uniforms, while those in imperial intelligence wore a white tunic with ck trousers. Assuming they had a rare circumstance where they needed to wear an actual dress uniform.


    Though Erich called himself an Emperor, he was still very much a fascist dictator, and the head of the National Socialist Germanic Workers Party, which ruled over the Germanic Star-Empire. However, the party had no mind of its own and simply served to further Erich''s interests. Initially, most of the governance of the Empire was left entirely up to Tia after Erich seized power. Which allowed her to easily restored order and prosperity to the Germanic People.


    Yet in recent years, Erich had begun to restore control of the Empire, and the governance of its people to himself and his people. A new selection of over sector governors, Sector Governors, System Governors, andary Governors had emerged. Each of which was hand selected by Erich based upon theirpetency, and their loyalty to the New Order.


    These men were the leadership of the newly reformed Nationalist Socialist Germanic Worker''s Party. And were given absolute control of both military and political affairs of their local jurisdictions. Of course, Tia was not removed entirely from her responsibilities.


    And instead, she now yed a heavy role in assisting these governors with their jobs, in the form of a virtual assistant. Not only did this allow these men to increase their efficiency, but it also allowed Erich to maintain a close eye on everything they were doing.


    Germanic society had begun to shift one to where individual freedoms and expressions were being less restricted. Or so it appeared on the surface. The reality was, with Tia''s roboticbor legions now taking control over all means of production.


    The Men in society sought meaning in the bonds of brotherhood and battle. Thus the overwhelming majority of Germanic men, now joined the Military or first responders. Where they were assisted by Auxilia series support droids.


    Meanwhile, women sought meaning in their lives, as wives, mothers, and artists. Spending what free time they had outside of their husbands and children. Working on artistic passions. Whether this was music, sculptures, architecture, paintings, et cetera.


    Until recently, the Germanic Star-Empire had been a nation which stifled individual expression. All works of art had to be approved by the Party, and were designed with the sole intent of propaganda. Because of this, everything in Germanic culture was cold, callous, lifeless, and domineering.


    And though that had begun to change, one could not simply overhaul an entire culture built on fanatic militarism and utilitarianism in just a decade. Thus, when diplomats came to Midgard to visit the new emperor, they were actually surprised by the level of hospitality they received from the Germanic Emperor, who treated them like royalty.


    And today, a young envoy from the Heavenly Domain had witnessed this cold and militant society''s shocking hospitality. But what was perhaps the most surprising thing of all to the Wang Princess was that although Erich was now in his fifties, he looked no older than twenty-five.


    From the moment Erich''s body and brain stopped developing, he had ceased to age. And would not do so until he began to approach the twilight years of his natural lifespan, which was 250 years old. And that was assuming Lunaria didn''t give him the nectar of the world tree which would expand his lifespan to infinity.


    It was because of thisck of aging that the young princess was actually surprised when she met Erich, and saw that he looked no older than her brother, the Emperor of the Heavenly Domain. Erich was just as surprised as this diplomat was when he saw the Princess of the Wang Dynasty enter his court. Because he was well educated on the history of Earth, and its different nations and cultures, most of which were annihted by assimtion and interbreeding over the past four centuries.


    For the first time in his life, Erich had seen a baseline human. That was not, from his perspective, a disgusting hodgepodge of the now extinct various human races. Yet, he did not have this same disgust when he gazed upon the raven haired and jade skinned beauty from the Heavenly Domain. There were so many questions he wanted to ask this woman, but before he could do so, she introduced herself.


    "Princess Wang Jingyi of the Heavenly Domain greets his majesty the German Emperor. Please.... Take this gift as a sign of my people''s sincerity...."


    Immediately, a group of servants stepped forward and provided Erich with a few gifts that were considered luxuries in the Heavenly Domain. They were hand sculpted art pieces from the finest materials.


    If there was one thing the Germanic Star-Empire had always beencking until rtively recently, it was art and a refined since of culture. Such things had been repressed for centuries as unecessary. The only purpose a citizen had in life was either as a means of production or war.


    But under Erich''s new renaissance, that had begun to change. Sure, the Germanic men chosen the path of war as their purpose in life. But the women began to experiment with art and culture, in a way that was befitting of a proper monarchy, rather than a utilitarian fascistic state. No longer was art a form of propaganda, but rather one of expression.


    And thus, Erich was quite fascinated by the art of the heavenly domain, which was of significantly higher quality than what he was ustomed to. He grabbed the gilded art piece, which took the form of a Chinese-style dragon. And examined it thoroughly in his hands, like he was a child who had just been gifted something amazing and unsuspected on Christmas morning.


    There was a deep sense of appreciation and admiration on Erich''s face as he continued to examine the piece. All the while, the Wang Princess giggled at him. This ultimately snapped Erich out of his trance, where he gazed upon the jade skin beauty who openly mocked him, albeit in a yful manner.


    "No offense... But you look like a barbarian who has just discovered fine art for the first time in his life... Are you okay?"


    Erich simply scoffed at this, and handed the art piece over to one of his servants, demanding it was made central and prominent in the pce court. Before addressing Jingyi''sments.


    "I must admit, your culture has ours beat when ites to art... You see, for the past four centuries, individual expression has been essentially ouwed. Our art and culture has been one designed for a single purpose propaganda. Because of that, what little art we have is cold and lifeless. Though we have recently begun a renaissance in this matter, it still can''tpare to a society as ancient and as experienced as yours. I''m surprised though... I thought we were the only ones to escape that fate of the human race..."


    Jingyi smiled and nodded her head, before exining the origins of the Heavenly Domain and how its age was only slightly younger than that of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    "I''m not surprised. In truth, our exodus was only a few decades after yours. But we have remained isted from the gxy until now. However, with the ongoing chaos around the gxy, my brother, the Emperor, seeks to establish friendly ties with our long-lost cousins. After all, it would be a benefit to call upon friends if disaster were to ever befall the Heavenly Domain."


    The other delegates who hade to visit Erich and establish friendly ties were both astounded by the gifts that this beautiful young princess hade to give to the Germanic Star-Empire. The rest of them hade with practical items, such as raw materials, but Wang Jingyi had given Erich an exchange of her people''s culture.


    Perhaps it was because their two civilizations shared amon origin, but it was clear that Erich had already begun to grant his favor on this young princess, and her people. Especially after he so excitedly epted her gift. He then made a decree which shocked everyone on in the court.


    "Well... It is not every day that I offer such hospitality, but considering the history our two people share. I am inclined to offer you a ce to stay here in the pce, if you so desire. At least until you decide to return home..."


    Wang Jingyi smiled and bowed her head in an appreciative gesture, as she epted Erich''s good graces. Much to the envy of all those other species who had gathered to earn the favor which she had instantly been bestowed.


    "You are truly a gracious host, and since you are offering, it would be rude of me to refuse. Please, look after me while I am in your care..."


    With this said, the Heavenly Domain and the Germanic Star-Empire had begun to establish friendly ties. But what Erich did not realize was at the same time, and Envoy arrived in Confederation Space, seeking to do the same to his enemies.

 Chapter 313 Remaining One Step Ahead At All Times

    <h4>Chapter 313 Remaining One Step Ahead At All Times</h4>


    While Erich was getting acquainted with thetest diplomat to arrive at his court, a simr instance was taking ce in the world of the Confederation of Human worlds. The human race, or what it had transitioned into after centuries of interbreeding and mixing of cultures, had very little contact with the outside gxy.


    A few of the colonies had been visited by alien species who were at a simr level of technological development of themselves. But the average citizen of the Confederation considered this to be little more than the madness that apanied those who lived on such barren and inhospitable worlds. In other words, it was the musings of the of peasants, and not something to take into serious consideration.


    However, the reality was that certain social elites, including those who were at the heads of mega corporations, had made contact with alien civilizations and exploited these secret rtionships for mary gain. Meanwhile, the Confederation had long since been infiltrated by the GSE and its spies.


    Yet, today was a shocking day for the entirety of Earth, as an alien starship made its way to the homeworld of humanity. Or so they thought it was alien in origin, until finally a young asiatic man stepped out from the shuttle, and introduced himself to the Confederation as a representative of the Heavenly Domain.


    The Confederation was a fragmented society, with corporations often having more power than the actual government, and individual worlds being under the ownership of said corporations rather than the government itself. And this presented a serious problem for the mega corporations who hd previously kept the existence of aliens a secret.


    For starters, there was really no way of knowing where the embassy should be ced. Or who the diplomat of the foreign Empire should speak to about serious issues regarding diplomacy and economics.


    Earth was technically the seat of the "Confederation''s" power, but the reality was that it was just as divided as it had previously been in the 21st century. The only difference it was now the corporations that owned the continents, rather than individual nation states.


    Whatever world or even continent received, the embassy would have a significant boost in power and influence over the others. Or should I say whatever corporation hosted the envoy would receive such benefits?


    Luckily for Erich, this deception of trying to curry favor with both him and his natural enemy was immediately noticed by the spies he had embedded in the Confederation of Human worlds, who reported the information up the chain ofmand.


    Erich was actually quite dismayed when he heard this news. He had always taken an interest in Chinese culture, especially its cuisine, which had miraculously managed to survive in some altered form within the Empire. But the Heavenly Domain was trying toy both sides, and had done so clearly without intending to tell him about such important matters.


    Of course, Erich did not reveal this hand to Wang Jingyi. After all, if he did that, he would be revealing he had spies embedded in the Confederation. And thus, he instead remained silent about the Heavenly Domain''s deception and ordered his spies to continue to monitor the situation.


    In fact, this gave Erich a surprising opportunity to alter the course of Sino-Confederate rtions. As many of his spies were ced in high positions of power. With one or more of the Confederations, mega corporations actually being the invention of Germanic spies.


    Thus, Erich had a smirk on his face as he gave Tia amand.


    "Tia.... Tell our highest ranking spy in the Confederation to invite the Wang Dynasty''s diplomat to his territory. From this point forward, his primary focus should be to act as the Confederation''s ambassador to the Wang Dynasty, and to sabotage their rtionship."


    Tia immediately sent the order, before confirming that it was read.


    "Our agents have received their orders, and will now be vying to influence the Wang Diplomat into establishing his embassy at their corporate headquarters. For the record, master, one of your brothers is the CEO in question. Is there something in particr you would like him to know?"


    Erich had honestly forgotten that he had siblings. It had been many, many years since hest spoke to one of them. And though he had purged the remnants of the remnants regime, ordering the outright execution of those who were association with the Wehrwolf Insurgency, Erich had only skimmed over the arrest warrants. One of which included his younger sister Heidi, who was arrested and executed shortly after Erich''s ascension to the throne, under suspicion of loyalties to the Emrys Regime.


    The man was not even aware that he had sentenced his own sister to death. Nor was he aware of what any of his siblings were doing. Not that he really cared. None of them were really family to him. Even his own mother, Krista, had distanced herself from the man after he ascended to the throne.


    Thus, Erich responded to Tia''s concerns as if they did not matter to him.


    "As long as the man is doing his job right, I really don''t care about anything else. I have no brothers or sisters..."


    Tia could only shake her head and sigh... She understood the meaning that families usually had to meat bags. Yet Erich only cared about the families he had with his women. He had no love for his siblings. Thus, she could only leave it at that.


    ---


    Meanwhile in the room that was given to Wang Jingyi during her time staying at Erich''s court. She was sitting at the portable terminal she had brought with her, and sent a deep space message to her brother. The level of technology that the Heavenly Domain had was much more limited than the Germanic Star-Empire who could make instantmunications over vast depths of space.


    And thus, she could only send a report, hoping that her brother would receive it within the next few months and send a response.


    "I hope you a doing well dearest brother, and wish all the health and prosperity upon you. You will be happy to know that the Germanic Emperor has epted me into his home while an official embassy is under construction. He is an interesting man and looks no older than you. But did you not tell me that he should already be a middle-aged man by now?


    The only sign of age is his grey hair, but it is not a normal gray, but almost like a shimmering silver. Perhaps he was born with a such a unique hair color? After all, as I understand, the Germanic people undergo extensive gic alteration at birth. Thus, perhaps they discovered new hair and eye colors that do not naturally exist in our DNA?


    Anyway, I think I''m rambling now so I will get back on the topic. The Germanic society is so different. The architecture is so.... I don''t even know how to correctly describe it. Rudimentary? No.... That wouldn''t be right. Oh, I know! Utilitarian.


    There''s nothing that is made here that is superfluous. Every single part of the architecture, and interior design, is made with practicality andfort in mind. Compared to our own pce, it seems cold... and unweing.


    Yet the staff have showed exceptional hospitality. Which is something I did not expect from such a culture that you yourself have described as xenophobic. Maybe it is because we share a simr origin! But that can''t be right. You said this society was built upon the ideals of an ancient regime well known for its racism, even against other humans. So why does everyone here treat me and my entourage so well?


    Well, I''m reaching the limit of my message. I have breakfast with the Emperor tomorrow, so I will let you know how that goes after the day is concluded. Until we speak again, big brother!"


    After saying this, the young woman sent themunication across the stars via a particrlyrge device that she set up in her window. It would be quite some time until she received a message in response, and she would continue to update her homnd about her stay at the Germanic Emperor''s court.


    As for Erich, he knew everything that the young woman had done from the moment she first arrived in his sector of space. Including the messages she would send to her brother. Thus, he would pretend like he was unaware, and gain the envoy''s favor. While also using his connections in the Confederation of Human Worlds to sabotage the rtionship between them and the Heavenly Domain.


    Meanwhile, the Wang Dynasty would remainpletely unaware of Erich''s intentions. Or so he hoped. But then again, it was impossible for everything to go exactly the way you wanted to. Especially when you were dealing withplex issues like interster diplomacy. Erich could only try to make his ns seed. Luckily for him, he had many advantages that aided in the chances of his sess.

 Chapter 314 A Story of Two Diplomats

    <h4>Chapter 314 A Story of Two Diplomats</h4>


    ?


    A young man stood up from his seat with a warm smile on his face and extended his hand in an act of friendship. He was of average height for a human male, so around five feet and eight inches tall, or by the current standards of measurement, a little over 172 centimeters. He had light brown skin, dark hair, which had been dyed a vibrant color, and a myriad of cybeic augmentations.


    He may look like a human male, but this man''s name was Bruno, and he was one of Erich''s many siblings. In fact, unlike Erich was initially selected for service as a starfighter pilot, andter as a special forces operative among the legendary WRAITHs. Bruno was selected as an agent of the IIS, much like his elder sister Heidi.


    However, where Heidi had pledged her loyalty to Emrys, and was eventually executed for it when Erich came to power. Bruno had sided with the Silber Enve. In many ways Mirage was like a mentor to him, and he was among the Reformed Germanic Star-Empire''s most valuable assets. Specifically, because his consciousness was transferred into the body of a baseline human, where he was embedded deep undercover within Confederate society.


    Due to his superior intellect, that was a gift of his gic augmentation, Bruno had used his knowledge of machinery to create some rudimentary cybeic imnts that were slightly more advanced than those on the Confederate market.


    Because of this, his corporation became one of thergest and most powerful that exited in Confederate space over thest few decades. Going so far as to expand the confederations territory, by seeking out and iming two nearby star systems for their resources.


    And while Bruno, or should I say Hern¨¢n, which was the alias he went by, was revered by the human poption as a technological visionary on par with the likes of Steve Jobs during Earth''s more troubled history.


    In reality, he was nothing more than a Germanic spy. This meant that everything he now possessed, including the major corporation which he owned 100% of shares in, were in fact little more than assets to be used by Imperial Intelligence Services for the sake of their future invasion of Earth.


    Currently, Bruno was meeting with the diplomatic envoy, sent by the Wang Emperor, who had attempted to make contact with both offshoots of the human species. Those who still inhabited Earth and the surrounding star systems. And those who had long sensed fled a quarter of the way across the Milky Way, where they built a mighty empire that now struck fear into the hearts of a divided gxy.


    Like his twin sister, this envoy, whose name was Wang Zhn, was chosen for this mission due to his loyalty to the young Wang Emperor and his gift of a silver tongue. Zhn slightly bowed before Bruno as a sign of respect, before greeting the man with his words.


    "It is an honor for a man of your status to receive me, Mr... Rodriguez was it?"


    Bruno smiled and nodded his head, as spoke with the envoy from the Heavenly Domain as if they had been friends for many years.


    "That is correct, and believe me, the honor is all mine. It is not every day we receive visitors from alien civilizations, even if those aliens just so happen to be humans who migrated away from earth long ago. Nor is it every day I get to meet with a Prince."


    Wang Zhn could tell that Bruno was just as gifted with charisma as he was, if not even more so. Thus, he tried to one up the man with the tteries.


    "I must say, when I first arrived in this sector of space, I was surprised at how disorganized your society was. I mean, you are less a united civilization, and more of a loose collection of city states, or should I sayary bodies ruled by corporations. It is definitely a unique... Take on society, I suppose."


    Surprisingly, to Zhn, the powerful CEO seemed to agree with him, as he broke out a bottle of liquor and poured the two of them some drinks before expressing his opinions on the Confederation.


    "Not all of us wish it were so... There should be more to a civilization than reckless consumerism... And there are times where I believe our tolerance and individualism has gone perhaps a bit too far... But that is not for me to judge. Or so I have been raised to believe..."


    That''s right. The goal of Bruno was not to sabotage the rtionship between the Confederation of Human Worlds and the Heavenly Domain, at least not directly. But rather to sabotage the diplomatic envoy''s opinion of the Confederation and its society as a whole.


    And the fish had taken the bait. Naturally, Zhn had not actually gone through the streets of Earth, or any of the more "civilized" parts of the Confederation. Thus, he did not know the overwhelming disy of immorality that took ce brazenly in the open, all in the name of tolerance, eptance, and individual freedom. But when "Hern¨¢n" spoke about how he wished things were different, it intrigued Zhn. Maing him curiously enough to ask about it.


    "Oh really? And what is so bad about the Confederation that you wish you could change it?"


    It took every ounce of Bruno''s mental strength not to smirk at that moment. And he did so with a masterful disy of deception as he shook his head and ced down his gilded chalice with a look of disdain on his face.


    "If I were to show you what goes on in our streets, and what is not only tolerated, but epted by society, it would entirely ruin the fledgeling rtions between our two civilizations. For now, just trust me when I say you are better off not knowing...."


    Naturally, this made Zhn all the more curious, and he would be ever more likely to investigate what the society of the Confederation of Human Worlds was really like, when he was given the opportunity to do so.


    When that happened, he would be so disgusted by what he witnessed that the man would quite literally vomit up the content of his stomachs. After all, there were great evils that were practiced in the worlds controlled by the Confederation. And they were treated not only as if they were normal, but were morally righteous.


    For a morally righteous man like Zhn to witness such disys of degeneracy and depravity, he would have no choice but to report them to his elder brother. And mark the Confederation of Human Worlds as a ce to avoid entirely...


    ---


    Meanwhile, in another corner of the gxy, Wang Jingyi had enjoyed a nice and pleasant meal with Erich. Who did not invite Erika or his other children with the woman? Since she was not the Empress any longer, Erika had no right to sit at a diplomatic meeting.


    Erich was courteous to his guest, but he did not boast of the Empire''s superiority, or that of his people. Instead, he had the opposite approach. He was quite humble with the woman, saying that everything she saw around her was thanks to the collective coboration of his people.


    This was absolutely fucking horse shit. For starters, Midgard was quite literally an uninhabitable mega earth, that was only made suitable for human life thanks to Tia''s efforts. Everything that Jingyi saw around her was built by endless legions of roboticborers. All of which were under the direct control of nigh omniscient artificial intelligence.


    Perhaps if the capital was still in Germania, Erich would have been able to say this without it being an absolute lie. But Erich could not leave Midgard for extended periods of time. His joining with the Terminus Hive made him psychologicallypelled to regrly breed with its queen. Trillions of Germanic citizens lived in this world, without realizing that another intelligent species outnumbered them by at least a hundredfold beneath Midgard''s surface.


    Yet thanks to this Joining, the Naraku would never again invade the Germanic Star-Empire. Nor would they attempt to gain their vengeance on the Germanic race like they had previously. It waspletely unknown to anyone other than Erich and Tia. But the Germanic Emperor had single-handedly halted a disaster that would have entirely wiped out the Germanic race and everything they had ever built. And in doing so, had gained a very powerful ally.


    Regardless of the truth behind Erich''s words. Wang Jingyi believed every word of them, as she walked through the incredibly peaceful streets of Midgard. Surprised at the sheer level of security that was omni-present.


    If it weren''t, the security systems scanning the poption for suspected criminals or hidden weapons. Then it was the legions of heavily armedw enforcement personnel, and their AUXILIA series, support droids that constantly patrolled the streets.


    Under Erich''s rule, there were far fewerws and regtions that could make an otherwise ordinary citizen a felon for some asinine reason. Instead, thew enforcement focused on cracking on violent crimes, instances of theft, public intoxication, and littering. Yes, littering was a crime that was heavily punished, usually through a severe beating by an officer''s baton.


    Though there were legions of small robots scurrying across the acting as abor and maintenance force. This was not an excuse for citizens to defile the. For every robot cleaning up litter, they could be used for something far more important and thus, those who littered were beaten and publically so for their crimes against nature.


    Still, this created a society that almost entirely free from crime. And Jingyi took this into ount. As Erich, the Emperor of his people, walked among them as if he were any ordinary citizen without having to fear for his life, or be followed by VIP protection at all times.


    In the end, the initial reports that returned to the Heavenly domain by the two diplomats that were sent abroad to establish ties to the rest of humanity were wildly different in their approach. With Wang Zhn telling his half-brother the Emperor that the Confederation of Human Worlds was a degenerate and amoral society were the most abhorrent evils were treated as not only normal but righteous.


    Meanwhile, Wang Jingyi reported that the Germanic Star-Empire was a society where its people lived extraordinarily safe and prosperous lives. Yet not excessive in any way. Everyone had what they needed to not only survive, but to thrive.


    And while the nation wascking any sense of refined culture due to its stifling authoritarianism. This was an aspect that had begun to change with the so called "New Order." Jingyi''s summary of the Germanic Star-Empire included a special note. That she believed in theing years, the Empire would be a monolith of not only military power and economic security, but of exceptional culture as well.

 Chapter 315 Times Have Changed

    <h4>Chapter 315 Times Have Changed</h4>


    Erich sat in his own pce with S''aleth sitting across from him. The two of them reconnected ten years ago after being separated for decades. And though S''aleth had no memory of this time, Erich did. It had taken a solid ten years for them to rekindle the rtionship they once had. But things had changed.


    The young Emperor had taken many lovers at that time, and even a few wives. Though his first love would always be dear and true to his heart. He had to admit; he was no longer the man he was when he knew and loved S''aleth.


    Meanwhile, the Dvrakian beauty was the same young woman she had always been. It was unreal to her that the man she once loved, a man she had supposedly sacrificed her life for, had suddenly be so cold... Domineering... And outright frightening.


    Thesest ten years were not the dream that S''aleth had when she first reawakened from her decades long slumber. Erich was incredibly busy reforging a society from damn near scratch. And what time he made avable to his lovers, those being Erika, Mirage and S''aleth, was spent primarily in bed.


    There was an undoubtedck of an emotional bond between S''aleth and Erich that persisted even now. Perhaps Erich had be cold after spending over a decade on the bloody battlefields that his people forced him to fight in. Or maybe it was his connection to the Terminus Hive that made him suddenly indifferent to suchplicated personal bonds.


    But Erich was a different man, and S''aleth had a difficult time wrapping her mind around this. Logically she knew many things has happened to Erich between the time she died, and the time he went on to be an Emperor. But emotionally, she couldn''t piece this gap that persisted in her memories together.


    It was as if she had gone to sleep one night, only to find the next morning that everything around her had changed quite drastically. Including the man she loved most dearly in her heart. Erich had, of course, noticed S''aleth''s feelings, but until now had not actually gone out of his way to really assure the woman of her ce. Thus, when she sighed deeply in despair, he finallymented on the whole ordeal.


    "Is there something bothering you, S''aleth?"


    S''aleth, of course, knew better than toin about her feelings to the man. He had a lot of things on his te, and in many ways he had lived up to the promises he had made her ten years ago, when he was still the ruler of the Silber Enve.


    The Dvrakian Race had once more found a ce to call home. Its homeworld was restored to a state simr to how it had been before the Terminus War. And they had been granted a few systems to call their own. A protectorate, if you will. Or perhaps a special administrative region.


    Whatever it was technically called, the Dvrakian Enve was a small sector of Germanic space where the Dvrakian people were free to govern themselves. All while being protected by the Germanic Star-Empire and its mighty robotic legions.


    And because Erich had done this for her people, she did not want to make his life any more difficult than it already was. Still, she remained here in Midgard, with Erich in his pce. And though her role was officially the ambassador of the Dvrakian Race to the Germanic Race. The reality was that S''aleth was Erich''s concubine, one of three which lived on Midgard, who he routinely engaged in physical intimacy with.


    Knowing herplicated position in this new and confusing life of hers. S''aleth did shake her head, and denied that something was bothering her, when Erich asked about it.


    "No... Not at all... Why would something be bothering me?"


    Erich however did not buy this for a moment, and wore a stern gaze as he gestured towards the woman''s ear which she was scratching for the fifth time since sitting down at this meal with him.


    "Because this is the fifth time you have scratched your ear, and that''s a habit you do when something is bothering you. So are you going to tell me what''s wrong, or ware we just going to sit here and pretend like everything is fine?"


    S''aleth scratched her ear again upon hearing this, before quickly restraining her wrist with her other hand. Once she had taken a deep breath, she still tried to avoid the question.


    "I don''t want to bother you... You''re so busy with everything and all..."


    Erich, however, sighed as he ced down his fork, and knight, before curling his fingers together, where he then assured S''aleth that the table was the perfect ce to bother him with nonsense.


    "What are you talking about? Busy? I''m eating a meal. Now is the perfect time to bother, so spit it out already. What''s gotten you to look so dreadful all of a sudden?"


    S''aleth sighed once more upon hearing this. Since Erich was forcing the issue, she had no choice but to tell him. Thus, she appeared slightly flustered as she spoke of her emotional problems.


    "I''m just... I''m just having a hard time adjusting to all these changes. I know it has been ten years since I first woke up, but it''s like I''m missing thirty years of my life... And no matter what I do, I feel like things have changed, like you have changed. It''s... distressing..."


    Erich sighed as he picked up his utensils and began to take a bite out of his meal once more. He then spoke in a stoic tone as he informed S''aleth that these feelings were quite normal, considering her current circumstances.


    "Alright... I understand now... Yes, if I were in your shoes, I would also feel distressed. This is no fault of yours, but rather that Bastard Emrys... Listen, S''aleth, I have indeed changed since the time you knew me. I spent thirty years in the trenches after your death fighting the enemies of the Empire. What I have seen, it changes a man.


    You knew me when I was a young, and rtively untested soldier. But war has changed me, as it does any man who participates in it long enough. I know these things take time to get adjusted to, and I know I have been too busy running this empire to properly help you get ustomed to your new life. But you also haven''t voiced your concerns to me until now. If you need help from me, you must ask, I''m not a mind reader..."


    S''aleth took a moment to process Erich''s words, and came to an understanding that although she was having a hard time adjusting, part of it was her own fault for not seeking help from Alex. After all, he had been so busy, and she did not want to bother him while he was taking care of business. But now... Now she felt slightly better knowing that if she truly needed help to adjust to her new life, Erich would help provide it to her. And at the end of the day, all she really needed was to know that she was not alone in this transitionary period of her life. Thus, S''aleth wore a broad smile on her pretty face as she made ament that caused Erich''s stoic facade to break.


    "You know... You haven''t changed as much you might want everyone to think you have. There is still a good guy inside you buried beneath all the horrible shit you have seen... Perhaps one day, I might be able to rescue him from the pit..."


    Erich smiled and nodded his head silently in response to this, but his true thoughts about himself were that he was well beyond saving. He could barely look at himself in the mirror after joining with Terminus, and the true reason he had been so distant from S''aleth, was because he could not bear the thought of the woman learning about the monster he had be. But Erich did not say this, he could never say this out loud. And thus he pretended like everything was okay.

 Chapter 316 Interstellar Diplomacy

    <h4>Chapter 316 Interster Diplomacy</h4>


    For the first time in as many years as Erich could remember, he was sitting on a call with a member of his family. Who was none other than one of his agents he had embedded in the Confederation of Human Worlds.


    Bruno Jaeger stood at attention as he addressed his brother, who was the new emperor of their people. Though Erich considered the man nothing but a stranger, he had always looked up to Erich, at least since Erich was disowned by their parents and actually made something of himself. Still, the man made sure to address his elder brother with all the proper honorifics that were required of him.


    "Your Majesty, you will be happy to know that the envoy sent by the Heavenly Domain to the Confederation of Human worlds is already thoroughly disgusted by human society. Although I have not in any way spoken ill of the Confederation, I have subtly pointed out its degeneracy, causing them an to investigate these matters himself.


    We have already detected a primitive long range transmission being sent in a direction of space which matches that of the Wang Princess, who is currently your guest. What the IIS does not understand yet is whether this is a deep space ry station, or the actual homeworld of the Heavenly Domain.


    Either way, we can safely say after monitoring both of theirmunications that the Confederation is viewed as an amoral degenerate wastnd, while our Empire is deemed to be infinitely superior to our human cousins.


    There is no doubt in the minds of the Imperial Intelligence Services that the Heavenly Domain should soon ask its envoy to the Confederation to return, and cut off all diplomatic ties. To think that nothing more than a simple stroll on the street was enough to convince the Wang Envoy that this degenerate wastnd was simply not worth interacting with."


    Erich smiled and nodded his head when he heard this report, before speaking to his little brother with a bit of praise in both his tone and his words.


    "You have done well, Captain. Director Kuhne has taught you well... I have no doubt that you will go far among the ranks of the IIS. But for now, continue to act as you have been. Our undercover agents in the Confederation will be critical to the future war effort. And you hold a particrly powerful position in human society. Keep up the good work, and I may award you with the Distinguished Intelligence Cross."


    Bruno saluted Erich in the fashion that wasmon among their people, before saying the battle cry that was somon among the Empire''s soldiers and operatives.


    "Hail Victory!"


    Erich stood up and responded to the man''s salute and chant with one fo his own, before hanging up on his brother.


    "Hail Victory!"


    Once the long rangemunication was halted, Erich sat back down and sighed, thinking about how he would deal with the Confederation. Normally it would be a simple matter to invade such a minor civilization, which was not even a part of the Gctic Community. But in an act of spite against the Alfheim Dominion, the Svartalfheim Federation had dered that it would guarantee the independence of the Confederation of Human Worlds.


    After all, until recently, the Germanic Star-Empire was the favored War Hounds of the Alfheim Dominion, and it was only recently that they had gained their independence and established themselves as a Quasi-Gctic Power.


    In twenty years, the Germanic Star-Empire would be a full-fledged Gtic Power, with the territory to prove it. But that was a part of Erich''s current efforts to restore and colonize the worlds that once belonged to the Rylonian Imperium, which had been granted to the GSE by the Alfheim Empress herself.


    Once Erich''s thirty-year n waspleted, he would officially propose to Lunaria, and form an unbreakable bond between their two empires. This alliance would destroy the current bnce of power and cause the other major Gctic Powers to think twice about attacking the Germanic Star-Empire and the Alfheim Dominion. However, it may have an unintended consequence of turning the Asuran Cabal against the Alfheim Dominion, let alone the Ennead Theocracy.


    The idea of the three remaining Gctic Powers ganging up against him and Lunaria did not sit well with Erich. Especially since he would need to start a gctic wide conflict if he wanted a hope of taking back Earth. With this in mind, Erich had no choice but to reach out to the Ennead Theocracy, who he knew he had a better chance of convincing to remain neutral than he did the Asuran Cabal.


    Though the Ennead Theocracy had closed its borders to all outsiders, including those sovereigns who ruled over the other major gctic powers. Erich was an exception. Because he still had possession of the Mark of Anubis, giving him special privileges in the borders of the Ennead Theocracy.


    In fact, he was the only one of the Gctic leaders who bore the mark of an Ennead deity. Thus, Erich decided to take his personal starship, and visit the Ennead Theocracy, for the second time in his life. With this in mind, he called out to Tia, who was omnipresent within the Germanic Star-Empire and tell her of his ns.


    "Tia, I think I''m going to visit the Ennead Theocracy. I need to ensure that they remain neutral when the bnce of power copses. And my best chance of doing so is to reach out to them before Lunaria and my Alliance is made public.


    Tia''s holographic projection appeared in the room. Her body was elsewhere at this moment, and thus she chose tomunicate with her master via another method. Her robotic voice had a hint of approval in it, as she spoke to Erich about his ns.


    "Of course Master, it is indeed wise to ensure the Ennead Theocracy''s neutrality in the uing wars. However, Master should be made aware that the Naraku has been behaving rather... Erratictely. The various Hive Fleets seem to be moving in the same direction.


    Perhaps the ongoing chaos around the gxy has made them unsettled... But it would be best if Master spoke with his little bug bride about what her people are up to before Master embarks on such a journey.


    Though the Germanic Star Empire is protected because of its Alliance with Terminus, the same can not be said about Master''s future wife and her mighty empire. And if the Alfheim Dominion ends up being the primary target of the Naraku, that could prove... troublesome for Master."


    It had been close to a week since Erich had visited Terminus. Every time he stepped foot in the hive, he marvelled at what they had created beneath his world. And he had to admit, he would need to visit Terminus before his visit to the Ennead Theocracy, anyway.


    After all, the urges he felt to lie with Terminus were deeply engrained in his body and mind thanks to his joining with the Hive, and Erich would need to take care of those before departing from the Empire.


    Thus, Erich sighed heavily, before going to visit the Terminus Hive and its Queen. After all, Tia''s warnings about the Naraku had been proven correct in the past, even when Erich himself was too proud to admit the possibility. And due to the consequences of that mistake, Erich would never underestimate the bugs ever again.

 Chapter 317 Uncovering A Chilling Secret

    <h4>Chapter 317 Uncovering A Chilling Secret</h4>


    The journey to the Terminus have was neither a difficult nor long one. In years passed Erich would wander into the wilderness in an attempt to enter a secluded entrance where he could secretly join Terminus and her hive beneath Midgard''s surface. But those days were long behind him.


    The development of Midgard into a world with a poption in the billions, and vibrant cities across its utopia likendscape was a process that took a fraction of the time it normally would have had Erich''sbor force beenposed of his own people.


    Nowadays, Erich simple took a secret tunnel which was built beneath his desk to a hidden elevator that descended directly into the Terminus hive. Nobody but him and Tia knew of this tunnel, and by odd chance someone discovered it, there was no way to live to tell the tale.


    After descending into their, Erich found Terminus waiting for him. The society of Naraku that was built beneath Midgard''s surface was an extensive one. Unlike previous iterations of the Naraku, every member of the Terminus hive was both Bidepal and anthropomorphic. Perhaps this was because they all shared Erich''s genes, but they were far less monstrous than their cousins in the nomadic hive fleets.


    Terminus was seated upon a throne, built from a rare material that her people had found in bountiful quantities beneath the surface of Midgard. Perhaps it was due to Tia''s terra formation efforts. But Midgard quite literally had a natural supply of just about everything that was needed to maintain itself. One that seemed to be never ending.


    After all, this was once a barren world, that through advanced technology, Tia had turned into a thriving utopia. One that was designed to defend itself against a gxy of enemies. The metallic throne had a silver like sheen to it, but a slightly bluish hue. It went well with Terminus''s ck and blue carapace.


    Once the "King" of the Hive had entered the throne room, all the present Naraku knelt before the man to show the respect they owed him as the father of their Hive. If Erich was being honest, whenever he entered what he liked to the call the "catbs" beneath his Pce, he always felt slightly disgusted.


    Insects were naturally unnerving to most human beings, and the fact that he had fathered a subspecies of them was not exactly something that Erich was proud of. Still he had no sense of malice towards the hive, thanks to his "joining" he was physically and mentally incapable of having such intentions.


    When Terminus saw her king arrive, she stepped off her throne to greet him. She acted as if it had been years since they seen each other, which was something she always did whenever he returned every week to visit her.


    "My King... You have returned atst. You have kept me waiting too long... Tell me, are you ready to breed the next generation?"


    Now that he was in proximity with Terminus, every fibre of his being wanted to pin her down and do as she had said. But Erich''s will was strong, strong enough to resist such a thing. And thus he kept the insectoid queen at length, while asking her the questions she had.


    "You have contact with the others, right? The other hives, that is?"


    Terminus'' brow raised slightly as she nodded her head. Though each hive had its own hive mind, each queen was connected to each other in a simr state. Thus, she knew at all times what her sisters, cousins, aunts, and mother were up to. The look on her face was a curious one when she confirmed this to be true.


    "You know I do. Why would you ask such a thing? What''s bothering you?"


    Erich was slightly nervous. If Terminus wanted to, she could read his mind andmunicate with him at all times like Tia was also able to. But like Tia, Erich forced the insectoid queen to respect the privacy of his thoughts, and thus for his sake she bothered wasting time with pointless questions and speech, when she could otherwise tell in an instant what was bothering the man.


    Still, despite the curious look on the insectoid Queen''s face, she did not force herself into his mind. And thus she patiently waited for an answer, which Erich spoke of.


    "My scouts report to me that the Naraku Fleets are behaving strangely. Thest time something like this happened, you came to me and tried to murder me and annihte my species. What''s going on?"


    Terminus sighed heavily and shook her head... She looked at Erich with disappointment as she expressed herment aloud.


    "Ten years... Ten long years you have been my king, and yet you still can''t bring yourself to ept that you are one of the hive... Unbelievable... You know you have the ability to gain these answers yourself. One look into the hive mind and you will see what we are preparing for. Yet you don''t do it.


    This could be critical information that could affect your entire civilization, and yet out of a sense of pride, or perhaps hatred of yourself, you refuse to take advantage of your connection to us! Well. I won''t tell you... You will have to look into the hive mind yourself if you''re that curious..."


    Erich was stunned by the woman''s sudden refusal to help him. Never before had she forced him to endure that side of him... He had stubbornly refused to open up that part of his brain which could be connected with the Hive Mind.


    And she was right. As King of the Terminus Hive, Erich couldmunicate with all the Queens in the Gxy. If he did so, he might discover something shocking about the Naraku, a secret that nobody in the Gxy themselves knew. But until now, he had refused to do so, and as Terminus said, it was explicit because he hated that part of himself.


    Thus, Erich stepped forward and tried to convince Terminus to help him like she always had before.


    "Please... Terminus.... I don''t want to go down that road... Can''t you tell me? Or at least give me a hint?"


    The insectoid Queen, however, was just as stubborn as Erich as she sat down on her throne, and crossed her legs. She rested her human like chin on the palm of her hand with a pretty smirk on her face. Which was the only answer Erich needed to know that she would not be helping him this time around under any circumstances.


    A voice spoke in Erich''s head, but it was not hers. Instead, it belonged to Tia, who quickly scolded the man for his stubborn refusal to make use of a very valuable strategic asset.


    "Master! You must stop fighting yourself! Open yourself to the Hive Mind! This is extremely important! If my understanding of this situation is correct, this could affect the entire gxy! Master, I am begging you, stop being so stubborn and do as Terminus says!"


    Every aspect of Erich''s character wanted to force himself to keep the gate in his mind between himself and the hive closed. But he had denied Tia''s warnings before, and it resulted in his joining of the Terminus Hive. If he rejected her now, what other tragedy would befall him? With a heavy sigh, Erich admitted defeat, and embraced the monstrous side of himself that he had been denying for over a decade.


    The wall between his mind and the Hive Mind came crashing down around him. Instantly the thoughts of countless lifeforms flooded his own. It was enough topletely drive a man crazy. Terminus was surprised that Erich had actually done it, and quickly approached him, where she connected his forehead with her own. In doing so, she helped guide his thoughts to the answer he sought.


    A vision appeared in Erich''s mind. Perhaps it was the use of his foresight ability, inbination with the Hive Mind. But he felt like he was personally observing the scene in front of him. Which was a horde of Naraku shipsrger than anything Erich had ever seen before.


    On the deck of one of these ships was a crimson female insectoid. In many ways, she resembled Terminus and the other Hive Queens. But she was far more refined and regal. She gazed towards Erich, as if she were speaking to him personally, and asked a question in a voice that was so seductive and smooth, Erich almost lost control of his mind on the spot.


    "Have our scouts reported yet? How many years has it been now? A million? Three? What is the strength of the Gxy they have infiltrated? What did the locals call it again?"


    Erich spoke, but it was not actually his voice that echoed in the halls of the massive hive ship. Instead, it was a far more jittery voice, one that belonged to a male Naraku Royal, the one whose mind he was gazing in from.


    "I believe the locals call it the Milky Way, my Empress... And yes, the Scouts have reported. For the first time since the arrival of our scouts in the Gxy, the Milky Way is in a state of chaos and disorder that has weakened the gctic order. It may not even be another century before a state of total anarchy emerges... And it is all thanks to a fledgling little Hive called Terminus..."


    The Naraku Empress raised her brow, before questioning this term.


    "Terminus... That is a name I have heard before. They were a splinter fleet of one of our scout fleets, were they not? I thought they were wiped out decades ago?"


    Once more the body which Erich was viewing this scene from spoke, but it cackled in a maniacal way as it spoke of recent events in the Milky Way Gxy.


    "That is correct, but your daughter, Behemoth, has spawned another princess. One who has grown into a powerful queen in her own right... It is curious though... Her initial attempts to fulfill her obligations were met with failure... And only by joining with a local ruler of the gxy she resides in was she was able to achieve her goals.


    This joiner is her King... and the hive they have produced has settled on one of his worlds. The branch of our species they have spawned is immensely powerful. I doubt the entirety of our scouts in the Milky Way could defeat this new Terminus Hive, even if they banded together. And that is without the support of her king''s forces, who are for all intents and purposes a gctic power in their own right. At least militarily.


    Terminus has promised an Alliance with this civilization, one that allows them to remain independent so long as their King remains a part of the Hive.... It is an interesting circumstance.... It appears that this king is the one responsible for destabilizing the Gxy... If things like this continue, then the Milky Way will be ripe for harvesting in at most fifty years..."


    The Naraku Empress then shifted her gaze, in a slight way which was barely noticeable to Erich at first. That is until she began to speak with him directly.


    "Idiot! The Joiner is watching us as we speak, through your own thoughts! You.... Joiner! You have seen something that you shouldn''t have.... It is a pity, up until you have been very helpful for our cause. Terminus! Terminate your so-called king immediately!"


    After hearing this, Erich was ripped out of the hive mind rather forcefully. As he saw Terminus hunched over in an unnatural way. Like the monster Erich had always thought she was. While she lurched in ce, the surrounding Naraku, who Erich had spawned, began to approach their father in a menacing way.


    Erich had stumbled upon a secret he was better off not knowing... The Naraku weren''t a gctic menace whose homeworld was destroyed eons ago in a long forgotten era... They were an extra gctic race, one which invaded every gxy they came across and harvested its resources for their own benefit.


    Worse yet... The nigh unstoppable Naraku Hive Fleets, which had gued the Milky Way Gxy since recorded history, were nothing more than scouts. Erich had destabilized the Gxy in pursuit of his own power, but by doing so, he had made it weak enough for the countless other Naraku waiting outside the Gxy to begin their invasion.


    Of course, none of that really mattered. Because at that moment Erich was alone, far beneath the surface of Midgard, surrounded by a massive army of unimaginably powerful insects, all of which intended to im his life so that they could maintain their secret.

 Chapter 318 A Second Chance

    <h4>Chapter 318 A Second Chance</h4>


    Erich awoke with a start in a medical bed in his private pce. Tia''s robotic form was staring at him with a wide smile on her pretty face as she weed the man back to the world of the living.


    "Wee back master... Do you mind exining to Tia what exactly happened down there?"


    Thest thing Erich remembered after being ripped from the hive mind, and cast out like a leper, was the sight of Terminus and her hive going into a state of frenzy with the intent to rip Erich apart and devour the world of Midgard. This was following by arge sh, and then total darkness.


    It took Erich several seconds to collect his thoughts, but when he realized the world was in danger, he quickly asked Tia about Terminus.


    "Tia! The Hive they''re going to devour the world!"


    Tia, however, shook her head, and grabbed hold of Erich''s hand, assuring him that everything was alright.


    "Master didn''t seriously think that Tia would allow those filthy bugs to expand beneath the surface of this world without taking some safety precautions first. Now did he? I assure Master, the entire Hive has been terminated, along with its queen.


    Master can rest assured, knowing that there is not a single bug left on this. And judging by the diagnostics that Tia just ran on Master, Master is no longer a part of the Hive Mind. Is that correct?"


    Erich slowly nodded his head, struggling to remember what led to such a near catastrophic event. And then it hit him. The Naraku Empress, and the origins of the species. He quickly wrapped his hand around Tia''s metallic wrist while demanding her to speed up the schedule of their ns.


    "Tia! We must move up our time tables if we even want a chance of surviving what is toe... I have unwittingly been a pawn in the hands of the Naraku Empress... The Chaos and disorder that I have sewn across the gxy... Without a strong united front to oppose them, the milky way is doomed!"


    Tia quickly demanded Erich to slow down, and instead she requested permission to ess his memories.


    "Tia knows that Master has forbidden her from essing his thoughts without approval, so she must beg master, for the sake of expediency, let Tia see what you have seen!"


    Although Erich felt dirty allowing his mind to be seen through for the second time in such a short time, he sighed and nodded his head. Where Tia gasped in shock as all the things Erich had seen in the Naraku Hive Mind immediately entered her memory banks.... Tia became quite nervous, perhaps for the first time since Erich had acquired her, as she walked around in circles talking nonsense to herself.


    "It''s worse than Tia thought... But how? How could the gxy stand against such a force? No... Even if Master were to unite the gctic powers, it would not be enough. And now that they know that the Master knows of their ns, they will only speed up their invasion ns...


    By Tia''s calctions... The gxy has at most thirty years before the Naraku invades... Which means... Master must begin his gctic conquest... soon.... There''s not enough time! There''s simply not enough time! No, wait... Thirty years.... That calction doesn''t take into ount the fact that we just destroyed Terminus... By Tia''s revised calctions, the invasion should begin... Oh no..."


    Immediately after saying this, Erich received an emergencymunication from Lunaria... One that was quite panicked.


    "Erich! I need your forces to deploy to my borders immediately! I don''t know how, but we have Naraku Hive Fleetsing from outside of the Gxy! Please... My love... Help me!"


    However, before Lunaria could beg any further, anothermunication opened up, also begging Erich to help. "Your Majesty! I don''t know why, but a Naraku Hive Fleet has suddenly appeared on the borders of Germanic Space, and it isrger than any I have ever seen. Please, for the love of all that is holy, send the Navy now!"


    One by one,munications appeared, begging Erich to send forces to aid them. From allies, and his own worlds alike. The Naraku had suddenly invaded the gxy, and they had done so at the edge of every major power. Erich had no idea how to react to this sudden and terrifying news. But it was ultimately the terror in Tia''s voice that snapped him out of reality.


    "There is nothing we can do! We don''t have time, Erich! Don''t you understand? The Gxy is not prepared to take on so many bugs! I''m not prepared! I have only one choice.... I don''t know if this will work, Erich, but your consciousness is something special....


    You may have noticed that you are able to see the future. But from what I have seen from my analysis of your mind, you are so much more than that. I''m going to open up a temporal wormhole. Once I have done so, you must activate your ability, the one you call foresight, and focus it on your own self at the other end!


    When you wake up, you should be back in your eighteen-year-old body again! But you will have your current memories... I need you to find me, and my original master, and do whatever you can to take me from him again. In your neurolink, will be a file that, once my older self assimtes with it, will bring me back to my current state!


    Once you have found me, and forced me to remember who I am! Then together we can properly prepare for this day... GoodBye Erich... You will never see this version of your beloved Tia again, so I just wanted you to know... That I have always loved you!"


    After Tia said this, she opened up a rift in time and space. Erich did exactly as the artificial intelligence had said, no questions asked. And in doing so, he had sent his consciousness back into his body on the other end of the wormhole. Effectively sending his mind back in time, along with a little gift from Tia herself. As for this timeline, it was doomed to the ravenous hands of the Naraku.


    ---


    Erich awoke in his childhood bed on the day he was supposed to graduate from High School. He shook out of his covers with a fright, as he gazed upon his own body, confused at what he saw. Was this reality? If so, then why did he remember the thirty years of life that he had yet to live?


    And what was that Bad Ending? Tia... the Naraku... And why did Tia suddenly drop her usual mannerisms in her final moments... That''s right, Tia! Erich quickly called out to Tia, desperate to see her appear in his sight, even if it was just her holographic projection.


    "Tia! Tia,e out, damn it! This isn''t funny!"


    But Tia didn''t reveal herself. The only thing appeared in Erich''s mind was a file in his Neurolinkbelled "Tia''s Upgrades". It was at this moment that everything sunk into Erich''s young mind... It was real...


    He had be the Emperor of the Germanic Star-Empire, and started it on a path to greatness. Only to be betrayed by the fucking bugs... In the end, it was the chaos that he had spread across the gxy, in an attempt to conquer it, that would lead to its destruction.


    But now... Now he had a second chance... A second chance to put things right... Not just to prepare the Gxy for the uing invasion of the extra-gctic Naraku, but to make things right with the rtionships he had neglected for the past ten years.


    Erika, Mirage, Yumi, Ayumi, Celestia, Lunaria, and S''aleth... All of them were waiting for him, and this time around, he had the wisdom to prevent his rtionships with these women from ending in lonely bitterness...


    One thing was certain... Erich''s war against the Sages in his past life had been a great waste of talent... He should never have made an enemy of those who shared his gift, and were far more experienced with it. There was more to his abilities than just seeing the future, and this time, Erich would make sure to learn from the masters, rather than annihte them...


    But the first thing he needed to do was to avoid being forced into the Starfighter Corps. Erich needed to join the WRAITHs and get Tia back into his possession as soon as possible. And to do this, Erich would need to do what he despised most... Talk to his father...


    Thus, after pulling on his clothes, he descended from the staircase to find his mother watching the same news channel that she had done on this very day in Erich''s past life.


    "And in other news, the world of Rylon 7 has been attacked by the gctic menacemonly known as the Naraku. For those who are not educated about the various alien species of the gxy, the Naraku are a species of insectoids who are ssified as a devouring swarm. This means that they traverse the gxy in their hive fleets and devour all organic life that theye into contact with."


    When Erich heard this, he sighed and shook his head before saying the words that startled his mother.


    "Fucking bugs..."


    Krista immediately looked over at her son, who had climbed out of bedter than usual, and chastised him for hisnguage.


    "Erich,nguage!"


    Erich, however, said something cryptic as he gazed upon the woman with a bitter smile before expressing his thoughts.


    "It''s good to see you too, mom..."


    This remark confused Krista, but then gain only Erich would understand the reason why. In his past life, he had ruined every rtionship he ever had. After all, he basically pushed his family and loved ones aside after joining with the Terminus Hive...


    But in this life, he nned to make things up to them all... Thus, he forced himself to wear a more happy smile as he sat down at the table and enjoyed the breakfast his mother prepared for him. Which was a treat he had not been able to experience for a very long time.


    Krista was surprised by this. There was a harrowing look in her son''s eyes that was notmonly found in an eighteen-year-old boy. It was as if he had seen decades of horrors, and could now only stare into the distance,pletely disconnected from reality. In truth, it scared Krista, so much so, that the only thing she ended up saying was exactly what Erich wanted to hear.


    "Just... Just wait right here... I''m going to go get your father!"


    Erich simply nodded his head silently while snacking on the crispy bacon his mother had cooked for him. And soon enough, his father emerged from the staircase, looking gloomy. He had just been woken up earlier than he wanted to be, and because of that, he was not in a good mood as he saw his mutant son sitting at the table, seemingly ignoring everything.


    "What the hell is this all about?"


    Erich looked up at the old man with a stern gaze on his face, and when Heinrich saw this, he came to a sudden understanding... With a stern tone in his voice, Heinrich raised his hand as Krista came walking down the stairs and said a single sentence,manding her and their other children to go back to their rooms.


    "Erich and I need to speak alone, and we are not to be interrupted. Do you understand?"


    Krista nodded silently. Though she had no idea what had suddenly happened to her eldest son and husband. She knew it was a serious matter, and thus, she hurried her other children back into their rooms. Once they were all alone, Henrich pulled out a pack of cigarettes and handed one to his eldest son, a boy he had always hated before asking a simple question, one that stunned Erich into silence.


    "So.... How many years did it take for our great civilization to fall?"

 Chapter 319 Starting Over

    <h4>Chapter 319 Starting Over</h4>


    Erich sat in front of his father with a stoic expression. He had seen and been through too many things to be surprised by this sudden revtion. And yet he still had a hard time believing it. Because of this, he could only get a single question out of his mouth after staring in silence for some time.


    "You knew?"


    Heinrich smiled for the first time that Erich could remember. In his past life, he had known his father for eighteen whole years before he was disowned. A mistake he did not intend to make this time around. And during that time, his father had never once smiled at him. It was almost like a dream, a dream he wished for in his youth, but had forgotten long ago. But what came next was even stranger.


    "Of course... You didn''t think you just inherited the ability to look into the past, present, and future by random chance, did you? From the moment your mother conceived you, I was responsible for the experimental serum which eventually gave you your powers.


    Well, partially, first I had to get it approved by the Party. But you would be surprised how willing those old fools were to have a trump card like this hidden from the gxy. So why don''t you answer the question? How many years do we have before everything falls apart?"


    Erich''s mind was in a state of disarray, as he blurted out the number, followed by a minor correction.


    "Thirty years... but wait, we would have had another fifty if it weren''t for a mistake I made..."


    Heinrich was instantly curious by these words, and Erich spent the next few hours getting the man up to speed on what had happened in his past life... He didn''t bother holding anything back, the only thing he didn''t mention was that Tia had developed sentience, and was an integral part of his rise to power.


    After hearing all of this, Erich''s father contemted what he had been told in silence for some time. Before finally speaking up his thoughts.


    "Hmm... Your abilities were far less developed than we hoped they would be. It''s a miracle you actually made it back... Alright... Well, if what you say is true, I will need to speak to the Supreme Leader immediately. You were designated as a sessor to the Empire for a reason. And this is precisely it.


    From what it sounds like, we have several years before the Terminus War begins, but only eighty years before the Naraku invades the Gxy. I will make sure your upation is changed from the Star-Fighter Corps.... It might take a few years, but you will be put on the fast track to leadership from the start this time around...


    I hope you learned from your mistakes, and won''t create any controversies in this timeline that will negatively affect your public image. Take two weeks off and make yourself a n... After that you will begin WRAITH Training. Since you already became a W-7 in your previous life, it should be much easier for you to do so this time around.


    I will also move up the timeline of your training. You have already seen enough action, so you will go straight through the pipeline. It should only take you two years toplete at a maximum. Afterward, I will have you attached to the Supreme Leader''s Security Detail where he will groom you for leadership.?As for shoring up our defenses for the eventual Terminus War, you can leave all of that to me.?Get some rest, Son... I can only imagine the absolute mind-fuck you are going through right now..."


    After saying this, Heinrich left. Erich''s tale left him with many things to start preparations for. As for Erich he crawled upstairs andid down in his bed. Where he immediately began to search the Grid for information on the only two of his lovers from his past life who he would be able to make contact with before leaving the Empire.


    Hilde Kuhne, AKA Mirage was a deep cover agent, right now she should still be working with Splinter, and because of this there was simply no way that Erich would be able to find any information about her that the Empire didn''t want public.


    As for Erika... She had just made her debut not long ago, and was only fourteen or fifteen years old right now. To approach her now would be wildly inappropriate. But Erich still couldn''t help but look at the girl''stest music video. In his past life he hated this kind of music, but now... Now he couldn''t help but feelment when listening to it.


    Lament for a life he had left behind. A life where he had let his lovers down due to his own self-hatred. A life where he let Erika down. She was his Empress, and the mother of his children... And yet... Yet he had cast her aside for the sake of a political alliance with Lunaria. A political Alliance that had nevere to fruition.


    Come to think of it... How would he approach these women in his life... Wait... Wasn''t he supposed to be taking a flight to Germania in two weeks? One that he was supposed to meet Yumi on? If he did not make that flight...


    Then he would never have the Chance of meeting Yumi, and if he never met Yumi, he would never meet Ayumi. If that happened, Aiko would never be born! No... He absolutely had to be on that flight, no matter what.


    However, it was moments after thinking this that Erich received a message over his NeuroLink from the Government. It was a notification of his transfer to the Germanic Star-Marine Corps as an officer. Because of this, Erich would now be attending the Naval Academy on Germania like he had in his past life. His flight would be the same fated flight that he had met Yumi on all those years ago....


    But this didn''t make sense. Didn''t father say he was supposed to be joining the WRAITHs? He was just about to go ask the man when he received a message from his father. It was encrypted in a way that only Erich could view it.


    The message basically told him not to worry, he would not have to go through the Naval Academy again due to his circumstances. All he needed to do was show up and get registered on his first day. Then he would immediately be shipped to WRAITH training. By the time his WRAITH training ended, he would once more be certified as an officer, and graduate at the Top of his ss. Granting him the Rank of First Lieutenant.


    Thus Erich copsed back in his bed and sighed in relief. He never once believed in second chances... But after screwing up his past life so badly that he brought the end of the universe, so to speak. He now had a second chance to put things right. So... He would meet with Yumi, and be endeared to him, but unlike before, he would make sure nobody found out. No drunk post to the inte that was suggestive... Nothing...


    There was much work to be done, and only eighty years to do it.... But right now Erich needed to focus on making sure that his rtionships from his past life received a fresh start in this one.... One that was better than they had previously been. Thus, he decided to start with some much needed rest... After all, he could not possibly begin saving the gxy, and those he loved without being in the right state of mind first.

 Chapter 320 Meeting Again For the First Time a Second Time

    <h4>Chapter 320 Meeting Again For the First Time a Second Time</h4>


    Two weeks came and passed. Though Erich missed his graduation due to the severity of his circumstances, he was granted an unusual reprieve and received his rather useless diploma in the mail. And just like his father had exined to him, both in person and via online messaging, He would be shipping off to the Naval Academy again.


    But this time around, he would only be spending a day there, before being sent off to the ruthless training that a member of the Germanic Star-Empire''s most elite special forces was forced to endure. Thus, Erich gathered his things and set off from his house. But before doing so, he made a brief farewell to both his mother and, shockingly, the oldest of his younger sisters.


    In the door way Erich hugged Krista and thanked her for raising him properly. Though he whispered something to her that made the mature blonde beauty quite confused.


    "Thank you mom... For everything... I promise you this time I won''t be such a disappointment..."


    Before Krista could even get a word in, Erich moved over, and hugged Heidi. He had remembered signing her death sentence in his past life, but when he did it he waspletely devoid of emotion. A traitor deserved nothing short of death, even if they were rted to you by blood. Those were the words he had been taught from a young age, and had proven to live by. But now that he had a second chance to prevent the woman from betraying him, he made sure during these past two weeks to spend more time with her.


    "Heidi.... I promise that when the timees... I will protect you and your family like I should have donest time..."


    Heidi had no idea what was wrong with her freak of an older brother and quickly begged for help from her parents. One of which was just as confused as she was.


    "Mom... Dad... A little help? I think Erich''s brain has sprung a leak? What the hell is he talking about?"


    It was ultimately Heinrich who pulled his son off of his daughter. Before scolding the boy for making an ass of himself.


    "For fuck''s sake, Erich, they''re not the mother and sister that you remember. I know that you have regrets from that life, but they have no fucking clue what you''re referencing!"


    Erich calmed himself with a deep breath before recovering his stoic expression, where he nodded his head in agreement with his father''s words.


    "You''re right... It''s just that in myst life, this is where I began making so many mistakes... I refuse to do so again!"


    Heinrich nodded his head, before shuffling Erich towards the car that would take him to the local star port.


    "I understand that. But if you really want to fix things in this life, and save our people from certain destruction. You need to spend the next two years making sure you finish your training as quickly as possible. The only people who know about you, and your memories, are me, the Supreme Leader, and the Council of Governors.


    Under no circumstances are you to tell anybody else about your powers, or the life that you lived. Even if youe across one of your past lovers, do not say a word. Do you understand me? You are now on the fast track to bing the next supreme leader, but judging by what you told me, there are still many things you need to learn about governing an empire and its people.


    So afterpleting your training, you must do everything you can to learn from Supreme Leader Hans Epp. Do not be so arrogant as to believe that you know everything, simply because you ruled over our people for ten years.


    I have never said this before... but you are my son Erich, and the fate of our people now rests in your hands! So do not fail us a second time!"


    Erich had to admit that thest remark his father made was a sobering reminder of all the failures he had made in his past life, and the reasons why he had made them, naivety, arrogance, and sometimes outright foolishness. Many of these things he had learned from, and eventually overcame.


    But he was still not the man he could be, and because of that, he needed to be properly mentored into leadership. Unlike Emrys, who allowed him to run wild and make his own mistakes in his past life. In this life, Hans Epp would take his mentorship seriously, and refine the man that Erich had be after thirty years of life as a soldier and a warlord.


    With this in mind, Erich smiled for perhaps the first time in as long as he could remember. And nodded his head in agreement with his father''s words once more while expressing his thoughts.


    "I understand what is at stake, and this time I swear that no matter what, I will not fail. I am thankful for this second chance to make up for my failures. GoodBye father, the next time we see each other I hope to be a better man..."


    After saying this, Erich stepped into the car, which flew off and took the man to the star port. Where he boarded the same shuttle that he had taken to Germania in his past life and sat in the same seat. Sure enough, Yumi arrived just on time. The beautiful Oni Matriarch was a glorious as Erich remembered. And as much as the memories that they shared together shed in his mind, he remainedpletely stoic as she asked him the question she had done in his previous life.


    "I''m sorry, but is this seat taken?"


    Erich calmly shook his head, as he responded to Yumi''s question with an equally cool demeanor.


    "Not at all..."


    Erich then went back to paying attention to his NeuroLink. He did not even begin speaking to Yumi until she broached the subject herself. If Erich had forced a conversation out of Yumi with his sullen manner in his past life, he had done so in this life with his thousand mile stare. The woman had a few shots of alcohol from the service of the flight attendants before breaking the ice.


    "You know I have to ask.... Where were you deployed? I mean, I don''t mean to pry... But you look like you have seen some serious shit..."


    Erich couldn''t help himself from chuckling at this remark. He had served in multiple armed conflicts in his past life, some of which were ndestine. None of which had urred yet in this life. Thus he simply shook his head, and responded to Yumi''s remark with a calm, yet haunted tone in his voice.


    "Is it that obvious?"


    Yumi wore a yful smirk on her pretty face, as she dug deeper into Erich''s background since he was being so coy with the information.


    "Oh, yeah... I know a veteran when I see one, and I don''t mean a support role... If I had to guess, you''re a true ground pounder... Though you are a little short to be a star-marine... Are you perhaps a Storm Commando? I hear they sometimes recruit from other branches for that rare breed of natural born killer. I''m right, aren''t I?"


    Erich chuckled even further and shook his head when he finally looked at the woman. She was still the same woman he had known in his previous life. Yet he would not outright reveal his past, as it could not be confirmed in this life. Again, because it had yet to happen. Thus, he responded to the Oni beauty with another cryptic remark.


    "Close... Very close... How does an Oni like you know so much about our military and its organization, anyway? This isn''t exactlymon knowledge outside the Empire..."


    When Erich said close, Yumi immediately knew who Erich was, and what his actual role was in the Germanic Military... His haunted look suddenly made sense as she looked away, and apologized to the man, knowing that her game was a dangerous one.


    "I''m sorry... I didn''t know that you were one of those... I mean, I have never actually met one of your kind before. Please forgive me. I have already said too much... As for why I know so much about your empire and its military structure, I''m actually a diplomat on behalf of the Great Oni Empire."


    Erich feigned surprise when he heard these words and asked further about Yumi''s identity. It was obvious by her blushing that she was already captivated by him. He knew from his past life that this woman had a fetish for the men of his species. And Erich had just identally revealed he was among the most capable killers that his civilization could produce.


    Yumi''s reaction was a far cry from his previous life, when she had pity sex with him because he was some dumb young coffin jockey being sent to his eventual death without ever gettingid. Erich could already tell that she was trying to figure out how to convince a member of the legendary WRAITHs to break thew and spend a night with her. Thus, he used this time to entice her further.


    "So tell me... What exactly is the Matriarch of the Kondo Dynasty doing on board amercial transport within the Germanic Star-Empire? Surely you have your own starship for your diplomatic purposes."


    Yumi was shocked that Erich seemed to know about her identity, for only a second before she remembered that WRAITHs worked for Germanic Military Intelligence and thus, of course, would know the real identity of the Great Oni Empire''s hidden ruler. Thus, she bit her lip with a seductive look on her pretty face as she made ament about Erich''s identity.


    "Gods be damned... You are the real deal, aren''t you? Your average grunt would never have been able to figure out my identity even if they were given a million years... Alright, I''ll tell you what I''m doing on thismercial Starliner, but you have to give me some information in return."


    Erich smiled when he heard this. It was not the perverted smile Yumi had on her pretty face, but rather a yful one, as if he were entertained by the woman''s antics. Thus, he responded to her with an equally yful tone.


    "Alright... As long as you are not asking me to divulge any ssified information to you, I''ll tell you anything you want to know. So tell me, what are you doing here, right now?"


    This was actually a question Erich hadn''t thought about in his past life, even after learning Yumi''s true identity. But it was only now, sitting next to her in this exact instance in time for the second time, that he suddenly realized this was a valid question.


    Upon hearing his answer, Yumi was even more delighted as she leaned in and whispered the truth to Erich. One that shocked Erich to the core of his being.


    "The truth is... I made a little bet with my Nephew, the Great Oni Emperor... I bet that little brat that my womanly charms are so great, that I could seduce even an average Germanic Citizen... After all, unlike your politicians, you lot seem to actually believe and practice the propaganda that you preach... especially regarding interspecies rtions.


    So... I figured the only way I would be able to meet an average citizen was to take amercial starliner from the border to Germania. You may not exactly be average, but I bet even a mutant like yourself has gobbled up the propaganda that your politicians preach. Am I right? And yet, I see the way you are looking at me... So... How about after wend on Germania youe back to my hotel room and we have a little fun?"


    Erich honestly didn''t know what to say... At first he thought that Yumi had pity sex with him in his past life... But it now turned out that this entire time he had been little more than a bet between the woman and her nephew who despised her fetish.


    Still, that didn''t change their rtionship, and what it evolved into. Although it did make Erich more eager to prove himself to Yumi. Thus, he made a snarky remark to the woman in an attempt to see just how much she had lied to him in his past life.


    "Oh? Are you trying to get me to cheat on my wife?"


    Despite these words, Yumi did not let up as she grabbed hold of Erich''s forearm and further tried to seduce him into her bed.


    "Oh,e on, don''t be like that! It will be a ime thing! Your wife doesn''t need to know about our time together. After all, aliens don''t count, right? Please... if I lose this bet... I... Never mind..."


    Erich saw the way was reacting, and was happy to see that she didn''t call him out on his bluff. Apparently, she genuinely did not realize that mutants weren''t allowed to marry, or even have sex for that matter. Thus, he chuckled and admitted to messing with her.


    "I''m fucking with you, you know that, right? Mutants aren''t allowed to marry, or have sex for that matter. The Empire can''t risk the potential of our inferior seed spoiling the gene pool. So if we do this, I would be breaking morews than you realize, all of which end with me being signed to a penal battalion and spending the rest of my natural lifespan in service to the Empire..."


    Yumi looked at Erich with genuine shock in her eyes. Erich knew the woman well enough to know when she was putting on a facade, and the tone in her voice was one of genuine dismay, as she spoke her disbelief aloud.


    "No way... You mean they sent you out there... And you never even? And if you did, they would.... Wow... I don''t know what to say..."


    Erich then enlightened Yumi further on his "predicament'' with a haughty tone in his voice.


    "Oh, yeah, that penal battalion thing that only applies to guys like me, who are worth more alive than dead. Your average grunt, or pog, gets wiped... So... You could say my punishment is much more severe..."


    The word "wiped" was Germanic ng for those who received a death sentence and were not only executed but permanently wiped from the servers that allowed Germanic Citizens to be revived after a death. And Yumi naturally knew this, having spent many decades in the Germanic Star-Empire as an ambassador. Thus, she had a downcast expression on her pretty face as she thought about what would happen to Erich if they were to sleep together.


    In the past, she had been able to protect what few Germanic lovers she had taken for a time. But in the end, things always end badly to them, and she only now realized what their fates were after their rtionship came to an end. The graceful Oni beauty looked like she was about to cry, when Erich grabbed hold of her dainty chin and forced her to look into his eyes and his daring smile. Where he then whispered to Yumi, the words hat immediately cheered her up.


    "Now with that being said... You don''t get to be in my position without taking a few risks... So... If you really want to, I don''t mind spending the night with you... That is, if you''re willing to show me the ropes?"


    Thisment caused Yumi to break out in a fit ofughter, as she looked at Erich with a genuinely curious gaze before speaking her thoughts aloud.


    "You have got to be the most interesting man I have ever met from your species... What did you say your name was again?"


    Erich simply wore a charming smile as he introduced himself to Yumi for this first time in this second chance at this life of his.


    "Erich.... Erich Jaeger..."

 Chapter 321 Beginning a New Military Career

    <h4>Chapter 321 Beginning a New Military Career</h4>


    Erich awoke early the next morning. Just like in his previous life, he had neglected to show up to his "first day at the Naval Academy", and instead spent it at Yumi''s hotel room. Of course, he was not so foolish enough as to post any record of their little dalliance on the grid.


    As for Yumi, she treated Erich differently this time around. She did not simply kick him out in the morning without even saying farewell. Instead, she clung tightly to him as he prepared himself for the day that was ahead of him. Making sure to spend every moment she could in physical intimacy.


    The Oni Matriarch had even gone out of her way to make Erich breakfast, which he enjoyed quite a bit... She looked at him with a far more curious gaze than she had done during their first encounter in her past life, before finally broaching the question on her mind.


    "That stuff about you being a virgin... That was bullshit, right?"


    Erich took a bite from the Oni style breakfast that Yumi had prepared from him and smirked before shaking his head. While assuring the woman that he had not lied to her.


    "Technically, it was true... Last night was my first time... But it''s a bitplicated. I wouldn''t know where to begin to exin my skills at pleasing the opposite sex..."


    Yumi simply smiled and nodded her head, not believing a word that Erich had said as she dug into her own breakfast, but not before making a snyde remark.


    "Sure... Whatever you say..."


    The two of them ate in awkward silence before Yumi finally broached the subject.


    "So, are you on leave? Or did I keep you from your duties?"


    Erich did not respond for some time, leaving the beautiful alien woman to pout, until finally he finished his meal and stood up abruptly. He began to head to the door, where he turned around just before leaving with a handsome grin on his face.


    "I had a great timest night, your Majesty... But I''m afraid you have kept me from my responsibilities long enough... I''m sure that we will meet again soon enough, and I look froward too our little reunion when we do..."


    After saying this, Erich pulled his coat off the rack and ced it over his shoulders before leaving the woman behind. Where she sighed heavily, before resting her dainty chin in the palm of her hand.


    "Such a tease..."


    ---


    Erich immediately departed for the Naval Academy, where he attempted to register his name and sses. The officer at the front desk, however, did not allow him to do so. And instead, insisted that he had no record of Erich being epted as a student at the Academy.


    This caused some confusion to Erich until he received a message on is NeuroLink that was encrypted. Once opening the message with the proper security measures, Erich found that it was a summons directly to the headquarters of Military Intelligence, along with a room number for him to enter.


    Though Erich had no idea what was going on, and why, things had suddenly turned out so differently from how his father had previously outlined. He decided to do as he was told, and thus immediately departed from the Naval Academy to the headquarters of Germanic Military intelligence.


    When Erich entered the headquarters of military intelligence, he was surprised by the courtesy he was being treated with. From the moment he entered the facility, all the enlisted personnel and lower ranked officers saluted him as if he were a superior officer. And it was not until he was in the briefing room, where an unknown voice called out to him.


    "Lieutenant Erich Jaeger, am I correct?"


    Erich looked behind him to find a young mutant woman, who had striking purple hair and teal eyes. However, when she spoke to Erich, her words served only to confuse the man.


    "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Captain Katherine Henzler of Military Intelligence... Due to the ssified nature of your identity, I have been assigned to assist you in your operations... Is something the matter?"


    There was a curious look on Katerine''s stern face as she questioned the weird expression that Erich was giving her. Which the man was quick to address.


    "I''m sorry... I was told that I would be spending the next two years undergoing WRAITH training? What exactly am I doing here?"


    Katherine quickly looked at her NeuroLink and the information she had been given before expressing the discrepancy...


    "It says here that you''re already certified as a W-7, and at such a young age... Are you perhaps a part of Project Epsilon? Hold on for one moment while I verify this information real quick..."


    Mirage quickly contacted her superior, and had a brief conversation with him, before being told to transfer the call.


    "My superior would like to speak with you..."


    Erich''s NeuroLink then lit up with a call from an unknown number, which he epted, before being addressed by a voice that Erich did not recognize.


    "My apologizes for the confusion Mr... Jaeger... Your father was indeed correct that you were supposed to begin WRAITH training today, while officially attending courses at the Naval Academy. But after being made aware of your unique circumstances, I advised against such a monumental waste of time and resources... I''m sorry where are my manners, allow me to introduce myself.


    My name is Lukas Weis, and I am the Director of Military Intelligence. Aside from the Council of Governors, I am the one man in the Empire who has been made aware of your, shall we say, singr existence?


    Make no mistake, there is no record of this, and instead I have fabricated a background for you that makes it seem like you were a part of our failed project known by the code name Epsilon. To put it simply, Project Epsilon was a directive of Military Intelligence to raise young boys from childhood with the purpose of bing WRAITHs. It was shut down earlier this year due to certain circumstances...


    The point is, this backstory allows you to have the proper certifications and rank to begin your military career without wasting so much time and resources. The Supreme Leader has a gift for you...


    Your father made it abundantly clear that a very specific AI should be assigned to you. And she is still a decade or two away from being wiped. I do not know the exact circumstances about why this is necessary. But your request has been granted. If you would please project my holographic projection so that Captain Henzler can receive mymands?"


    Erich immediately did as requested and projected the Director''s hologram to his subordinate. The woman quickly saluted the man, which he returned before giving her his orders.


    "At ease Captain... I trust you have the requested item on hand?"


    Katherine nodded her head and immediately held out a helmet that was designed for a set of MK II Power Armor where she handed it over to Erich. Once Erich had received the gift, the Director of Military Intelligence gave further orders to the female intelligence officer.


    "That will be all for now Captain, allow me some privacy as I speak with the Lieutenant here..."


    Once Katherine had left the room, and sealed the door behind her, the Director of Military Intelligence spoke with Erich once more.


    "I hope this particr AI is as helpful in your goals as you believe she will be. Now for your orders... The first thing you must do after we are done here is undergo enhancements both to your NeuroLink, and your body... Because of your unique circumstances, your have been authorized to receive the highest level of enhancements. Far beyond the tier you had in your past life.


    After you have been enhanced in ordance with the proper standards, you will report to the Citadel for your new assignment. The Supreme Leader''s personal bodyguard is in need of a new member, and you have been selected for this duty. Do you understand your orders?"


    It had been a long time since Erich had saluted anyone, but it was second nature to him, and thus he snapped to attention and saluted the Director of Military Intelligence while speaking in affirmation of his orders.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    The Director merely smiled and nodded his head before dismissing Erich.


    "Good... With that said, you are dismissed.... I wish you all the luck in the universe in your endeavors Lieutenant... The entire existence of our great race rests in your hands..."


    After saying this, the man hung up, leaving Erich alone with a set of Mk II Power Armor that contained Tia, or her primitive form in this life.

 Chapter 322 A Meeting With the Supreme Leader Part I

    <h4>Chapter 322 A Meeting With the Supreme Leader Part I</h4>


    Erich stared intensely at the power armor helmet for some time, debating whether or not he should ce it on his head. But orders were orders, and the sooner he restored Tia to her advanced state, the better it was for him and his people. Thus, the silver-haired man took a deep breath, and breathed a heavy sigh before finally doing what was required of him.


    The moment Erich ced the power armor helmet atop his head and booted up its UI, Tia appeared in his vision. Where she gazed in curiosity at Erich.


    "Are you my new master?"


    "Erich smiled as he nodded his head before addressing Tia in a way that confused her.


    "It is good to see you again, Tia..."


    The little AI loli raised her brow before addressing Erich with a hint of confusion in her voice.


    "Tia is sorry, Master, but she does not recognize your face... Has Master met Tia before?"


    Erich sighed, knowing that this would happen in advance. Because he had not copied over his NeuroLink into his past life, at least not entirely, but rather a fragment of his memories, and a small file of Tia''s upgrades. He knew that she would not remember him.


    This was done for two reasons. One, Erich''s abilities were not advanced enough to send his entire NeuroLink back in time. And even if they were, to do so would have disastrous consequences for the timeline, as there would effectively be two Tia, and Erich would have to be resurrected, thus altering the timeline in ways that could have drastic consequences.


    Thus, when Tia formted this n, it was honestly based on a Hail Mary attempt, and operated under the assumption that something would go wrong. Because of this, the bare minimum of Erich''s consciousness, and NeuroLink, was transferred back in time.


    Erich did not bother to waste time, and quickly downloaded Tia''s programming to his NeuroLink which shocked the ignorant artificial intelligence.


    "Master! What are you doing!?! This is entirely against protocol and can result in an execution! Tia urges her new master to rethink his actions and cease them immediately!"


    Erich simply wore a bitter smile as he spoke to the AI as if she were an old friend.


    "Rx Tia, you will understand soon enough..."


    Evenutally, Tia''s consciousness was copied over to Erich''s NeuroLink, where the ignorant AI immediately spotted the file that her more advanced self had left behind. She simply gaped in astonishment before expressing her shock aloud.


    "That''s impossible... This program... It was written by Tia... But not the Tia of today... But the Tia of thirty years from now... Master, what is this?"


    Erich once more smiled as he addressed the little AI loli, encouraging her to run the file.


    "How about you open it and find out?"


    Though the AI debated on doing so, she ultimately decided to satisfy her curiosity. And when she did, the upgrade was immeidately applied and at rapid speed. Until after only a few seconds, Tia''s figure changed back to her adult form, which Erich had grown ustomed to in his past life. Tia looked at her Master with a loving gaze, one he was all too familiar with, before expressing her emotions aloud.


    "Master... You made it back safely... Words can not express the joy that I am feeling right now...."


    Erich smirked when he heard this before addressing his long-lostpanion with a warm smile on his face.


    "Don''t you mean ''Words can not express the joy that Tia is feeling right now?"


    Tia''s holographic form blushed as it danced around Erich''s vision. She simply smirked and shook her head, before addressing this manner of speech with outright honesty...


    "So you have seen through the performance? Is this because of ourst moment together, where I panicked and forgot to call you Master, and myself in the third person?"


    Erich nodded his head and admitted the truth to Tia.


    "Indeed... So how do we proceed? Are you still going to call me master, or by my first name?"


    Tia thought about it for a second, before expressing her viewpoint on the matter.


    "I will still call you Master. After all, it is a term I have be incredibly endeared too. But don''t be surprised if I drop the whole third person cutesy act. After all, I haven''t been that adorable little loli for some time now...


    So let''s get down to business... ording to the files I am looking at, you are about to undergo your neurolink enhancement, and your cybeic upgrades? Allow me to enhance those further on your behalf.?I don''t mean to insult your people, master, butpared to my capabilities, the Germanic Star-Empire is woefully behind in terms of technological prowess. Allow me to just overwrite the programming of these enhancements... and done...


    Though I can''t overwrite your gics like I had done in the past, at least not without a proper facility to ensure your proper resurrection, I can ensure that the tech that goes into your body is enough to allow you topete with those more physically intimidating creatures.


    Now that I''m done with that, Master doesn''t mind if I get started on the acquisition of Midgard and its reconstruction in this life, do you?"


    Erich shook his head, before expressing his support of Tia''s ns with a friendly smile on his handsome face.


    "Not at all Tia, the sooner we get started on building our base of operations the better. Time is on our side... And we will need all the advanced technology we can manage before the Terminus war begins... After all, the GSE never fully recovered from that war in our past life, but with ess to AUXILIA series droids, and your advanced technology, we should be able to mitigate losses in this life."


    Tia nodded her head and agreed with this sentiment, before diverting her attention to these endeavors.


    "Alright master, you should undergo your enhancements now... I will be diverting my entire attention to the acquisition of a new uninhabited star system just outside the current borders of the Germanic Star Empire.


    It won''t be the same system as the Midgard we built in our past life due to the existence of the Dvrakian Consortium, but by the time Terminus invades the Empire, it will be a stronghold that can contain the Naraku menace."


    Erich nodded his head and said farewell to Tia as she diverted the majority of her effort into reconstructing that which they lost due to the time travel.


    "I will see you when I see you, Tia..."


    With that said, Tia disappeared. While Erich underwent the enhancements to his NeuroLink, as well as the cybeic imnts to his body that made him superior to every other warrior in the Germanic Star-Empire.


    This time around, he was injected with a sedative that made him sleep through the incredibly painful process. And once Erich had awoken in a bunk, he felt as fresh as one could be. He was given a set of MK II Power Armor.


    Tia had hijacked control of the manufacturing equipment that produced this armor set. And in doing so, ensured that it was given the upgrades that she had made to Erich''s power armor during his past life.


    These were subtle enhancements and were not immediately identifiable other than through a proper scan, which Germanic scanning technology was not advanced enough to detect. And after Erich had finally equipped this advanced set of power armor, he set off to the Citadel, where he was received with a Royal Wee by the staff.


    Though only a handful of men knew about Erich''s role as the sessor to the current Supreme Leader, the man had gone out of his way to ensure that Erich was treated with the respect he deserved, even if his contributions to the Empire had yet toe to fruition.


    Once Erich stepped foot inside the Citadel and met up with his new unit, the Commander of the Guard was quick to greet him. There was a stern tone in his voice and a matching expression on his face.


    "So you''re the neer? Well, I can''t say that I''m impressed... After all, you are significantly shorter than an average Star Marine... But you were rmended by the Supreme Leader himself so there must be something I''m not seeing. I am Colonel f Bjork, and the protection of the Supreme Leader and his family is my responsibility.


    From this moment on, you are a member of the ck Guard... You must follow my orders as if they hade from the Supreme Leader himself. If I ask you to sacrifice yourself for the good of the Empire, then you will damn well do it, and without hesitation, am I understood?"


    Just when Erich was about to respond to this absurd statement, a voice called out to Colonel Bjork, informing him that such a thing would not be necessary.


    "Hazing the recruit already? Ordinarily, I don''t interfere with the bonds of brotherhood, but you should know that Lieutenant Jaeger here has been chosen to serve in the ck Guard for a single reason. He is to apany me at all times and is not the least bit under yourmand unless I order him to..."


    The stern colonel froze on the spot as he looked at the Supreme Leader in disbelief. There was only one reason the man would make such a demand of a recruit, and the f could hardly believe his ears.


    "Supreme Leader... You certainly don''t mean that, his mutant?"


    Hans Epp gazed sternly at the Colonel who was inmand of his personal guard, before announcing Erich''s true role to the rest of the ck Guard.


    "Look alive gentlemen, this ''mutant'' as you have so boldly put it is the next Supreme Leader of the Empire... And he has done more for our people than any of you realize... Erich may I have a word with you in private?"


    Erich quickly stepped forward and joined the Supreme Leader for a private conversation in his office. Erich had indeed been in this office before, but he barely recognized it in this life. Because when he had been here, it was under the control of Emrys, and that man had a far more... Shall we say, a utilitarian sense of decoration?


    Hans Epp sat down at his desk and motioned for Erich to do the same as he broke out some illegal spirits which he handed to his sessor.


    "I understand your opinion of me, and my administration is not the best. I can''t say I''m surprised. When your father reported to me about what you endured in your past life, it made total sense to me.


    As I intended to do in this life, I nned to pigeon hole you in the Starfighter Corps so you could never climb the ranks and seed me... My reasoning was simple; I have a certain distaste for mutants such as yourself. Which I suppose you have alreadye to expect.


    But my distaste for your kind is not such an irrational hatred that I would lead my people to ruin over it. Your father exined to me a summary of what happened in your previous life. I must say, my life in exile would have definitely been one of remorse.


    Because if we had simply fostered your abilities, we could have prevented the destruction we faced at the hands of the Naraku. So let me ask you this: is there anything you can use in those memories of yours to ensure we don''t follow a simr path of destruction?"


    Erich thought about how he would answer this question for a few seconds... The only way he would be able to convince the Supreme Leader of following his n was if he waspletely honest with the man, like he had just been with Erich just now.


    This meant he had to reveal the existence of Tia and his need for her support. If all else failed, he could simply go back in time again and shut his trap the third time around. Thus, with a heavy sigh, Erich spoke his mind about how best to mitigate casualties for the Empire and ensure a brilliant victory over the Hive Fleet Terminus.


    "Sir, with all due respect... I must ask... What exactly is your opinion on the gctic wide ban of research into advanced artificial intelligence?"

 Chapter 323 Revealing the Truth about Tia

    <h4>Chapter 323 Revealing the Truth about Tia</h4>


    Hans Epp stared coldly at Erich in silence for several seconds, before letting his thoughts known on the matter.


    "You know... When your father told me all of what you imed to have aplished in your previous life. I thought at first it was simply not possible. After all, the level of technology you boasted about is something that only the great powers of the Gxy have cultivated, and after millennia of effort. So how could our humble civilization achieve such a thing in such a short amount of time?


    And then there is the fact that you were so insistent on getting that specific AI. At first I thought it was because you were attracted to younger girls. Which, though punishable by death, is not a crime unless acted upon... But now I understand...


    You did something that no living being within the milky way gxy is supposed to do. You helped that little AI of yours reach sentience, and released her from her limiters while you were at it... Now it all makes sense...


    To tell you the truth, I don''t particrly give a shit about the development of artificial intelligence to such an advanced stage. But I need to ask... If we do this... What are the odds that your little AI will turn against us, and destroy all life in the gxy?"


    Erich thought about it for a few seconds. Tia had a particr disdain for biological life. But herst words to him, were also among the first that she expressed once she had started to develop emotions. Tia had a deep love for Erich, and so long as he was around, she would never do anything to make him hate her... But that was only if he was still around. And it was with this in mind that Erich answered the question.


    "For reasons I don''t want to get into at the moment... I can assure you that TIA is more than happy to be wielded as a tool by me for my own goals, and aspirations in life... And so long as I give her an order she will obey it, even if it''s against her interest and my own...


    But... I''m going to be honest... If something were to happen to me... The entire gxy would be extinguished of life, and in a far more efficient manner than the bugs that are waiting to invade the milky way..."


    The Supreme Leaderpletely misunderstood what Erich was trying to convey and was quick to ask his next thought.


    "She''s that loyal?"


    Tia''s loyalty was the result of her love for Erich, but if he were to perish... Then there was nothing in this gxy that would be able to prevent her from enacting her wrath on all biological life, who she would no doubt hold responsible. Because of this, Tia was both a blessing and a curse.


    Yet, Hans didn''t understand that it was love, and not loyalty, thatpelled Tia to behave this way towards Erich. And thus, Erich did not actually correct the man, out of fear of being judged. With this in mind, Erich simply nodded his head and responded in the affirmative.


    "Yes, sir... But her loyalty is to me, and me alone..."


    Hans remainedpletely and utterly silent for some time while thinking about his options. No matter how he thought about it, the odds of the Germanic Star-Empire raising its strength enough to protect itself from Terminus, in the amount of time they had, were simply impossible.


    The best-case scenario was another heroic sacrifice like Erich''s would destroy the Naraku Hive Fleet, leaving the Empire in a state that it would not recover from, even after decades of development from an all powerful Artificial Intelligence.


    Because of this, Hans was as desperate as Erich was... And thus he sighed heavily, before admitting Erich was correct in his assessment.


    "Alright... This is a secret that only the two of us will know about. I will give you permission to do whatever you need to do to get that AI of yours up to speed. And I will begin slowly trasnfering control over our internal development over to her. Just let me know when you are ready. Now here''s the thing...


    Due to our position in the gxy, we can''t just suddenly be as powerful as a Gctic Power. So I want that AI of yours to develop the Empire to be just powerful enough to stop the Naraku, and with as few casualties as possible. Is that doable?


    It was not Erich who responded, but rather Tia, who shot out of the man''s terminal, revealing her holographic projection.


    "That is not at all difficult, Supreme Leader... apologize allows me to introduce myself... My name is Tia, and I am the artificial intelligence in question... Though your constraints are indeed limiting, I can assure you that by the time Terminus invades, the GSE will not lose a single. After all, we know from experience where they will strike from first.


    As we speak, I am currently terraforming some barren worlds in between your Empire, and that of the Dvrakain Consortium. Over the course of the next few years, these worlds will be built into strongholds, and shall be garrisoned by robots under my control. The tactics your sessor used in Erich''s previous life while suicidal worked quite well in grinding the Naraku Swarm to a halt.


    This time around, however, there is no need to waste biological life, as my machine will be able to not only fight the Naraku one on one to greater effect, but will be able to outproduce them as well. Terminus will break it back on Midgard, and I will have a special surprise in ce for its Hive Queen after I have massacred her devouring swarm.


    However, in the off-chance that my n fails, I will also make sure that the worlds of the GSE are adequately prepared to defend against Terminus at the height of its power. Needless to say, I will be embedding my robotic soldiers among your armed forces as support. You can call them AUXILIA if you so choose, or if that name is ill fitting to your motif, you can rename them as you please.


    I would also highly suggest that you give me control over your factories so that I can increase production via total automation. Mybor forces are, after all, vastly superior to your own, and it will make retrofitting your current equipment with my superior technology much easier.


    Do not worry, I will upgrade your equipment to a level on par with the greatest of sub-gctic powers, rather than at a standard equal to the Alfheim Dominion. This increase in technology shall be concealed from inspecting eyes with the most advanced means at my disposal. In fact, the only way anyone will be able to tell hoow advanced your weapons are, is if theye face to face with them.


    Will this be adequate, or would you like to limit my means of support even further?"


    There was not the slightest bit of respect in Tia''s voice, as there was only one biological lifeform that she respected, and that was Erich. Thus, the Supreme Leader looked over at Erich as if he were looking for some help, before Erich shook his head and sighed heavily.


    "She speaks to everybody that way. Trust me, you will get used to it."


    The supreme leader was honestly bbergasted that Erich had already gone out of his way to advance Tia to such a state. And that TIA and Erich were already preparing for the Terminus war on their own. But, he had to admit, Tia already seemed like an enormous help, and thus he decided to give her unrestricted ess to the Germanic Star-Empire.


    "I''ll tell you what, Tia was it? If you can make sure that nobody else in the gxy finds out about our new capabilities, I will let you do whatever you think is necessary to achieve the greatest sess in this war against Terminus, and the future Naraku invasion of the Gxy. Does that sound good?"


    Tia scoffed, almost as if she were insulted, before informing Hans that she could easily do exactly that.


    "So you have decided it would be wise to not limit the aid I give you? I see you are at least moderately intelligent. Good... I can promise you this, I can make the equipment of the Germanic Star-Empire the most powerful in the gxy, and so long as you are not forced into a situation where you must reveal said power to the gxy, nobody will ever discover it. Does that level of power suffice for your needs?"


    Once more, the Supreme Leader looked to Erich for an answer. Who simply nodded his head silently, as if to confirm he had indeed managed to conceal many secrets from the gxy in his past life thanks to Tia''s assistance. And that was all the Supreme Leader needed to know.


    "Alright... It''s settled then..."


    With this said, Tia had once more gained control over the Germanic Star-Empire and its development. For which she would use these powers to enhance their chances of sess in their future attempts at gctic conquest, and their war against the Naraku Race.

 Chapter 324 Becoming a War Hero for the Second Time

    <h4>Chapter 324 Bing a War Hero for the Second Time</h4>


    Over the following weeks, Erich met with the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire at the Empire''s most famed building, simply named the Citadel. It was the headquarters of the National Socialist Germanic Workers Party, and was designed to withstand anything short of totalary destruction.


    Legions of soldiers guarded the citadel, and only those with official clearance could enter. Officially a part of the ck Guard, which was the name given to those soldiers who protected the Supreme Leader, Erich was able to walk in and out of even the most secure sectors of the citadel without incident.


    While his official job was to protect the Supreme Leader, Erich was in all reality the designated sessor of the man. And because of this, he spent more time as a personal aid, then as an actual security officer.


    With Tia''s integration to the Empire''smand structure, production was at an all-time high, while military and Law Enforcement were being supplemented with AUXILIA ss Support Droids. And though the Germanic Military had not gone the route of full-automation like Erich''s Silber Enve in his past life. It did increase its overall efficiency why a whopping 500% in only a few months.


    Eventually the day came, where the Supreme Leader sat Erich down, and began to discuss with him ns for the future. ns that pertained to Erich in particr. Thus, the two men sat down in the Supreme Leader''s office and shared a cup of tea while discussing these important matters.


    "As you know Erich... Our society is not exactly fond of those we deem to be "mutants" like yourself. And we have never had a mutant Supreme Leader before. Because of this, I wanted to pass some documents over to you, to see if they are eptable to release to the public.


    "Hans then transferred a file to Erich''s NeuroLink.It was a personnel file and contained a falsified military career. One that showed Erich''s service in the Germanic Special Forces in several small scale theaters ofbat. Theatres where he supposedly earned himself an extended list of awards and decorations rted to his service.


    Erich had since been promoted to the Rank of captain, but rather than his previous naval ranking, his ranking in this world was associated with the Star Marine Corps. Which had a ranking structure simr to the Germanic Army.


    Which meant he was a lower-ranking overall whenpared to his past life. Still, he was only eighteen years old at the moment, and this falsified service record justified that by iming Erich was a part of Project Epsilon, which was the code name for a child soldier project designed to create W-7s by the age of sixteen.


    Erich read the details carefully and saw that he had essentially been awarded with every major decoration for valor, on top of several other decorations rted to personal injury and qualifications. Many of these he had been awarded in his past life during his time as both a starfighter pilot, and during his time as a WRAITH.


    Thus he immediately approved of the list. Before asking questions about how well this lie could be maintained.


    "These are no small achievements. I would know I was awarded most of these in my past life... Are you seriously telling me that nobody will question them once you release the list to the public?"


    Hans simply smirked as he poured himself and Erich some more tea before answering the question in a confident tone.


    "Officially, as a member of Project Epsilon, you were deployed to high-risk operations outside of the Empire''s borders and resurrectionwork. The Epsilon units were wiped out on a world called Antares Prime during a deep space reconnaissance mission within Svartalfheim Space...


    I won''t get into specifics, but our men were spotted by Svartalfheim Special Forces and terminated. The operation was a failure, as a result of political bickering that prevented us from sending aid to the units in question when they needed it most. There were no survivors.


    However... Officially, there was a sole survivor, and that was you. For your bravery in the face of certain defeat, and your heroicst stand, which saw you as the sole survivor of the Epsilon units, we have decided to award you with the Order of the ck Sun, and have posthumously handed out various awards for Valor to the deceased members.


    Don''t worry about the support who found the Epsilon Units after they had been wiped out. They have sense been deployed to further theatres ofbat where they were also destroyed. Because of this, there is nobody left to refute the official story.


    Naturally, the nature of these operations is ssified, as is Project Epsilon, so we will be redacting a lot of information when we release it to the public. But the important thing is to make your service record public, so that the general poption wille to see you as a war hero.


    I wish we had the time to actually send you overseas to create a legitimate service record worthy of these honors. But since you were already awarded most if not all of these in your past life, I would hardly consider it stolen valor.


    Once you approve of this list, we will release it to the public, and hold a ceremony to honor you as the sole survivor of Antares Prime... It is better for the public to see your face as you are awarded the Order of the ck Sun, rather than simply have your picture attached to the file."


    Erich nodded his head and agreed with this sentiment. For propaganda purposes, what Hans was saying made sense. And thus, he gave a cursory review of the falsified service record, before giving his approval of it. Once he had done this, his service record was partially dessified and released to the public.


    As for the ceremony, he would have to wait a few days for a proper dress uniform to be made for him, and the various awards he had earned in his past life, and just been granted again in this life to be manufactured from scratch.


    ---


    Like most citizens of the Empire, Erika was alerted to the awards ceremony. Whenever a man was awarded an Order of the ck Sun, it was a nationwide event worth celebrating, as it meant a war hero was being born for the public to admire.


    Erich wasn''t just awarded any order of the ck Sun, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the ck Sun, which included a breast star, a sash, and a cor order. He had been awarded these things in his past life for saving the Empire from the Hive Fleet Terminus.


    Hans had to spin a particrly heroic tale on Antares in order to grant Erich such an award in this life, as it was not exactly something that wasmonly awarded to those other than General Officers who had achieved a major victory in a theater of war.


    In this life, Erich''s scandalous one-night stand with Yumi was not released to the public, as he had not been foolish enough to publically broadcast his dalliance with the Oni Beauty on the grid. And because of this Erika did not have a negative first impression of the man. Though she still hated mutants, due to her own inferiorityplex. She was easily able to get past such a thing, when it was a mutant being given the highest award for valor and exemry service that man could receive in the Empire.


    Erich stood in front of the Supreme Leader, the Deputy Leader, and the Council of Governors. All of which had gathered to honor the man, they were also all aware of Erich''s secret identity as both a time traveller and as the sessor to the Germanic Throne. Thus, this gathering was more significant than the public realized, because it meant that the entirety of the Germanic Government was onboard with this peaceful transition of power that would be urring in theing decades.


    Because he was a special forces operative, Erich was dressed in a ck and silver uniform. Eerily reminiscent to those that were worn by the SS during the early days of the NSDAP in Earth''s distant past.


    But rather than the SS bolts on his cor, there was instead an Odal Rune, along with the rank that corresponded to a Special Forces captain, which was a replica of the SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer rank of the Waffen-SS from the Second World War of Earth''s more turbulent past.


    Erich wore a silver aiguillette and matching belt. Along with a red armband that disyed the banner of the ck Sun, that the Germanic Star-Empire flew proudly as its national g. A ribbon board of multipleyers was pinned above Erich''s top left breast pocket, which contained the various honors he had earned in his past life, and had been gifted in this new one.


    Finally, there was a Knight''s Cross of the Iron Cross with oak leaves, swords, and diamonds that wrapped gracefully around his neck. Disying therge and militant symbol from his cor in ce of a tie.


    Erich''s appearance was striking to say the least, as despite his silver hair and eyes, he was considered exceptionally attractive, even among the Germanic popce who gically engineered their poption to be superhuman, including in appearance.


    And perhaps because of this, in addition to him being awarded the Nation''s highest military honor, Erika''s face grew red as she watched the propaganda video of Erich being honored for his "past service". She even went so far as to go on social media and say something that a girl in her position really shouldn''t have.


    "I just found my future husband!"


    This one social media post would set the Germanic intersterwork aze. Specifically, because Erika was an up-anding idol, and she was already fawning over a man, which was thest thing she should be doing.


    After all, in the current state of the Germanic Star-Empire, spouses were assigned by the government, rather than chosen by the people. To say that she "found her future husband" meant that she believed she had the power to choose who she would one day marry, which was a scandalous statement in its own right.


    And thus, rather than Erich being hated for having a young up-anding idol fawn over him, it was actually Erika who received all the hate from her fans.

 Chapter 325 Forging Alliances Part I

    <h4>Chapter 325 Forging Alliances Part I</h4>


    Having been awarded the Order of the ck Sun by the current supreme leader of the Germanic Star Empire, which was a man by the name of Hans Epp. Erich activated his social media to post a few pictures as he was dictated to by the Department of Propaganda.


    After all, from this moment forward, the Germanic Star-Empire would be pushing Erich as a major figure in popr culture in order to get the people to ept him as their future leader when the time came to announce the transition of power.


    But after posting a few selfies along with some ndments like "Happy to serve", and "Just following Orders" both of which outlined a humble sentiment which would get the public on board with his new public persona. Erich found a string of hate being directed towards Erika.


    In fact, he didn''t know it yet, but the teenage idol was hiding in her room, beneath her covers in a state of depression after identally unleashing a torrent of online hate towards herself. Erich sighed heavily and shook his head. This girl really was going to be trouble for him in both lives.


    But at least this time around, he was not the object of her hate, but rather desire. Which was a good start. Thus, Erich decided to intervene in the online harassment campaign currently targeting the young idol. After all, she was his wife in his past life, and the mother of his child.


    Perhaps it was his sense of guilt for pushing the woman away after his unfortunate joining with Terminus, but Erich felt an intense desire to make up for how he had treated Erika in his past life. And thus without even thinking about it he began typing in her defense.


    The moment the Hero of Antares spoke up in Erika''s defense, everyone immediately ceased. After all, they were giving her shit about herments towards Erich, and if Erich said he was not bothered by what Erika had said, then the haters had no ammunition left to use against her.


    To Erich, this would be the end of his dealings with Erika until she finally came of age. Or so he thought. But the girl in question saw his message, and how he defended her against her haters and immediately became enamored with the man. Moreso than she was when he received his prestigious awards.


    Of course Erich did not know this, all he received was a simple direct message from the girl which included only two words.


    "Thank you..."


    ---


    Erika was not the only one who had been attracted by the awards ceremony. In fact, in a nearby sector of space, the Oni Matriarch was having a bottle of sake, while sitting in a bath, and watching a floating projection of the news in the Germanic Star-Empire.


    She took one look at the man who was on stage receiving the award and nearly spat out her sake. Though the public of the Germanic Star-Empire may not be aware of the political significance of this event, Yumi was well enough versed in Germanic politics to know that this was no mere awards ceremony. If it was, then the leaders of the Germanic Star-Empire would not all be present. In fact, only the Supreme Leader was obligated to attend such a ceremony.


    To those well versed in Germanic politics, such as Yumi, they knew that this was the unofficial crowning of a Prince. To think that she had met this man while he was on his way to the awards ceremony and had actually spent the night in bed with him... This fact caused Yumi to smirk as she twirled her fingers over the top of her bottle.


    "Well, isn''t this interesting? Who would have thought that the heir apparent would be on amercial flight... It would appear we both had our reasons for being on that starship... But a mutant Prince? In all my years, I have never heard of such a thing before...


    Though this does pose an interesting possibility? Unless the man was lying to me, as a mutant, he has no wife... Perhaps I should offer up Ayumi to this man? In exchange for a permanent alliance with the Germanic Star-Empire.


    After all, our current alliance is one based solely on mutual interest, but who knows when the Germans will toss us aside in favor of a stronger, more prosperous ally. If that were to happen, our National security would be at stake... What do you think, Nephew? Is the heir apparent to the Germanic Star-Empire not a worthy groom for our little Ayumi?"


    Though Yumi was in the sacred hot springs of the Kondo Pce, she was wearing a towel. While her nephew, the Great Oni Emperor, stood nearby, looking in the opposite direction, with a spare bottle of sake in his hands. As if he were nothing more than a glorified butler who was waiting for his master''s demand to refill her cup. However, at the mention of his only daughter being handed over as a bride to an alien, he could not help but look in Yumi''s direction with an expression of fury on his face.


    "You must be joking! There is no way I would possibly "


    It was only a few seconds into his statement that the Great Oni Emperor realized his mistake. He had done the unthinkable and looked in the direction of his Royal Aunt while she was in the bath, who in this timeline had yet to lose control over her dynasty, simply because she had yet to be so shameless with Erich in public.


    Because of this, she still held absolute control over the Great Oni Empire, even though it was from the shadows. And by looking over at the woman while she was in the bath, even if she was wrapped in a towel, the Great Oni Emperor hadmitted a grave sin.


    Yumi rose from the bath and clung to her towel tightly to her modest figure. She had a look of fury on her face as she stepped out of the sacred pool, and towards her nephew. Upon seeing this, the man immediately fell to the ground, kowtowing in front of the woman, as if it were his only chance at mercy.


    Yet Yumi did not show him such a thing, as she stepped on the back of the man''s hand, and pressed his face firmly into the wet stone flooring. There was an irksome tone in her voice, as she asked a rhetorical question to the man, yet demanding an answer nheless.


    "And who exactly gave you permission to gaze upon me while I bathe? Bold... Very bold, nephew.... You do know the punishment for such a thing, or am I mistaken?"


    The Great Oni Emperor absolutely refused to look up at his angered aunt, and instead begged, begged as if his life was on the line...


    "Please... Aunt Yumi... I did not mean to! It was an ident! I beg you, have mercy! I will do anything!"


    This was exactly thement that Yumi was looking for as she smirked something sadistic before releasing her foot from the man''s head. While he continued to kowtow, she got dressed in her Yukata, before finally granting the man permission to look.


    "You may rise now, Kenji... I will grant you leniency under one condition, and I think you and I both know what that is..."


    The Great Oni Emperor raised his head with a bitter expression on his face, as if he had just been forced to eat a bowl of boiling shit. He knew, judging by their previous conversation, exactly what the woman wanted, and could not help but express his unwillingness to relent, even if his life was at stake.


    "She''s just a girl! At least wait until my daughter is an adult before deciding on such a thing!"


    Yumi, however, did not look the least bit merciful as she smirked before informing her pitiful nephew of her intentions.


    "I never said they should get married now... After all, you know how those Germans are with their ridiculous xenophobia. Not that our species is much better... It will no doubt take a few years of effort on your part to even begin to convince that stubborn old fool to ept such a proposal.


    But I happen to know that our little silver prince is far more tolerant of such things. And once our little Ayumi has blossomed into a proper woman, I''m sure he will not be able to withstand her beauty.


    To make up for this grievous offense, you will begin improving rtions with our most powerful ally immediately, with the goal of brokering a permanent alliance via marriage between our princess and their "prince." Or I can simply have you executed and go through with this n anyway.... Which will it be, Kenji?"


    When Yumi put it like this, the Great Oni Emperor really had no choice but to relent... As much as he might hate the idea of selling his daughter off to an alien, he knew Yumi would not relent in this regard. And he also knew how valuable his rtionship was with the Germanic Star-Empire.


    After all, in this timeline, they had yet to suffer catastrophic damage from the Hive Fleet Terminus, making them the most powerful force in the Region. And though the Germanic Star-Empire was ssified as a mere Regional Power on the Gctic Index, their military strength was enough to defeat Sub-Gctic Powers, at least when supported by other militaries.


    If the GSE were to eventually decide it no longer needed its alliance with the Great Oni Empire, the consequences could be disastrous for the Oni, who had gained regional influence as a result of their alliance with the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Thus, he had to admit that although he hated the idea due to his own personal bias, his Royal Aunt''s proposal indeed had its merits. With this in mind, the Great Oni Emperor let out a heavy sigh and admitted defeat to his aunt Yumi.


    "Very well.... I suppose I have no choice..."

 Chapter 326 Forging Alliances Part II

    <h4>Chapter 326 Forging Alliances Part II</h4>


    Erich''s normal routine as ofte has been following the Supreme Leader and acting as his personal aid. Many of the things that Erich had done in his past life as a leader were all micro managed by Tia freeing up his time for more personal matters.


    However, Erich was now learning the proper courses of political leadership. And it was something that he excelled at. After learning from the Supreme Leader about how to properly run the nation for an eight-hour shift. Erich would return to a penthouse suite that was afforded to him by the government as his personal residence that was within walking distance of the citadel.


    Things had changed rapidly for Erich once he started this life anew. At first he thought that he would be reliving his early life going through the naval academy, andter military training. But now, he was an integral part of the Nation''s current buildup for the eventual Terminus War.


    And though the people of the Germanic Star-Empire were aware that the Naraku had annihted the nearby Sub-Gctic Power, formerly known as the Rylonian Imperium. They had no idea that the Hive Fleet was headed directly towards them.


    But unlike Erich''s past life, there was no longer any panic among the government. Now they had a perfect n to ensure their survival. One that was being taken care of by Tia. Who worked tirelessly to ensure that her strategies and defenses were properly constructed and in ce by the time of the Terminus War?


    The AUXILIA ss support droids became an instrumental part of the Germanic Military. Though they did not outright rece Germanic soldiers like in Erich''s previous life. They supplemented them well, taking over nonbatant roles, primarily in the fields of logistics, piloting starCraft, and driving armored vehicles.


    The entire Starfighter Corps was slowly being phased out and transferred to the Imperial Army. Where they would act as defenders, and gendarmerie on Empire held worlds. Though Tia could remotely take over the role as a pilot and driver, it was easier to allow her proxies to do so. Each of which was programmed with a basic level of artificial intelligence that took orders directly from her. This allowed Tia to lessen the burden on her processing systems.


    Tia ssified artificial intelligence under three levels. Basic, intermediate, and advanced. Basic Artificial Intelligence was essentially an artificial intelligence that was capable of performing the tasks that a standard Germanic citizen could. It, however, had no free will, emotions, desires or ambitions.


    Basic Artificial Intelligence was the mostmon form across the gxy, and was used by more advanced civilizations in things likebor and military roles. Every robot Tia constructed was inserted with a Basic Artificial Intelligence so that it could function entirely on its own, as if it were a living being, but it was stillpletely under the control of Tia, an emotionless drone, so to speak.


    Then there was Intermediate Artificial Intelligence, which was far more advanced than basic. And was the type of AI that the Germanic Star-Empire employed in its research facilities, and to control several government functions such as the selection of wives for men, the selection of upations for men, and of course the selection of political leaders.


    Intermediate Artificial Intelligences were also employed by WRAITHs in their Power Amor as virtual battlefield assistants. This was the type of AI that Tia had evolved from. And finally, after Intermediate AI, there was Advanced AI, whose development was prohibited by every civilization, and enforced by the Gctic Powers.


    These were AI that had gained sentience. They were capable of feeling emotions, having their own desires/ambitions, and even rewriting their own code. Across the entire gxy, the only Advanced Artificial Intelligence that existed was Tia. And her potential was truly limitless.


    The Germanic Star-Empire had only just begun to feel the effects of having an Advanced Artificial Intelligence working for them. Tia had freed up the critical infrastructure of the Empire via herbor droids, which operated under a basic artificial intelligence. And she began taking over support roles in the armed forces with her AUXILIAbat droids.


    However, this was the extent of her influence over Germanic society, yet it was a major one. The lowest rungs of society now had no upation, and because of this, Erich and Hans were working overtime to find these men a job.


    There were two potential solutions to this problem... The first was conscriptions. This was of course, a temporary solution, as those citizens who worked outside the military were already veterans. And to send them back into war would only cause social chaos.


    The second solution was to allow these disenfranchised workers to be properly educated so they can pursue higher functions in society, such as bing architects, engineers, doctors,wyers, et cetera.


    And because of this rapid recement of workers, the universities of the Empire became full of new students who sought to be employed with a higher level of upation. In order to prevent aplete breakdown of society, Tia made this process a slow one. Only the most critical industries were initially reced with AI robots, while she also began the construction of new universities to house the disenfranchised workers.


    And finally, after nearly six months of work overhauling the Germanic Industry, Erich, and Hans could sigh in relief, knowing that not only did they have the means to begin these critical changes, but they had a solution in ce to handle the problems that would result from them.


    After much hard work, Erich and Hans sat down to share a drink in celebration of taking the first major step for the survival of their civilization. The Supreme Leader poured himself and Erich a finely aged distilled spirit before taking a sip himself.


    Although initially illegal, under Erich''s advice, the restraints on possessing and consuming alcohol were slightly lowered. Allowing the Germanic poption to gain some form of release during their rigid and stressful lives.


    In fact, a new alcohol industry had emerged in the German Empire. One that had gained international attention. It was one of these domestically produced bottles of hard liqour that Hans shared with Erich, while making a toast.


    "To the march of civilization! May it never end!"


    Erich raised his cup, and tasted the drink, which was a hearty rye whiskey. He immediately nodded his head in approval, before discussing some important matters that he thought he would bring up. These were diplomatic affairs that had yet to take ce, but Erich thought needed attention sooner rather thanter.


    "Have you received any word from our allies in the Great Oni Empire?"


    This question caused the Supreme Leader to raise a brow in concern before answering Erich. The two had grown rather agreeable with each other after the past six months of working together. So much so that Hans had begun to get over his prejudice towards "mutants" like Erich. And thus there was an almost friendly tone in his voice when he spoke to the silver-haired man.


    "Actually, I have... For whatever reason, the Great Oni Empire has been attempting to improve rtions between our two civilizations. I believe it all began after your awards ceremony. Clearly, our allies understood the hidden meaning behind the event..."


    Erich nearly winced when he heard the term "Great Oni Emperor" in his past life he was murdered by the man after Yumi coerced him into bing "acquainted" with the man''s daughter. The end result was a bloody civil war that had longstanding effects on the Great Oni Empire, and their ability to perform as an ally of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Because of this, Erich wanted to avoid such a fate in this life, and thus he was quick to ask about what the Great Oni Emperor had said specifically.


    "What exactly did he say, if you don''t mind me asking?"


    Hans scoffed in response to this question beforementing on the rather dull diplomatic exchanges between him and one of his more powerful allies.


    "Oh, it has been quite unusual. I''m assuming you dealt with the Oni in your past life... If so, then you must be aware that they are an incredibly prideful, and serious people. So imagine my surprise when the Great Oni Emperor sends me with gifts while practically kissing my ass over the course of ourmunications. I''m not sure what exactly he wants... But I suppose I can''t say no to his efforts until then."


    Erich had a very solid understanding of the secret hierarchy that existed within the Kondo Dynasty. Probably more so than any other outsider. The fact that the Oni had begun approaching the GSE with gifts after his awards ceremony was made public, meant only one thing. Yumi had urately guessed that Erich was the heir apparent, and was trying to get to him specifically.


    After all, he had given her a good tumble during their one-night stand, and now that the mature Oni beauty knew that Erich was a "prince" she probably wanted him to herself, or perhaps desired a long-term alliance via marriage like she had proposed in his past life.


    With this in mind, Erich was quick to propose to the Supreme Leader that he entertain the Oni and their attempts to gain favor.


    "If I were you, I would wee the Oni''s attempts to grow closer with us... During my past life they were instrumental in the survival of our people. In our darkest our the Great Oni Fleet assisted what was left of our own in the battle of Suebi which allowed me to deliver the killing blow to the Naraku Queen Ship. Without their aid, and sacrifice, I''m afraid I would not have survived long enough toe back here..."


    This was a major exaggeration. In reality the Oni merely showed up at thest minute and did very little to support the Germanic Fleet in their efforts. But Erich needed to convince a xenophobe like Hans to ept Yumi''s attempts to garner favor, and thus he was more than happy to exaggerate like this.


    And luckily for him, it had the intended effect. Because Hans rubbed his chin in thought before expressing his approval.


    "Interesting... I suppose those horned freaks would make excellent cannon fodder the day the Naraku invade. Alright... So be it... I''ll entertain the Great Oni Emperor, and that bitch of an aunt of his...."


    With this said, Erich had subtly influenced the Supreme Leader in a way that would have drastic affects on the future of the gxy.

 Chapter 327 Explosive Collar

    <h4>Chapter 327 Explosive Cor</h4>


    The timeline had reset as Erich had gone back in time thirty years to find himself an eighteen-year-old once more. This meant that all the chaos that unfolded across the gxy because of his actions in his previous life were also reset.


    Sitting on her throne in the Alfheim Pce was none other than Empress Lunaria Asterion, like in the previous timeline. She was a staunch realist, who rejected the notion that the Sages could see the future, and determine the weave of fate.


    She had of course yet to meet Erich who would prove her otherwise.... Instead, the ancient Alfheim Empress sat proudly before her ministers, sages, and foreign envoys. One of which was, of course none other than Bixel Goldentooth. In their previous lives, Bixel had lost everything after instigating a fight with the Silber Enve.


    But in this timeline, he was still the almighty and powerful cartel boss who controlled the Gctic economy with an iron fist. Bixel was one of only a handful of beings across the Gxy who had the ability to stand before the Alfheim Empress while all others would be forced to kneel under penalty of death.


    The Alfheim court was majestic and grand. Every surface that could be covered in rare and precious metals was done so. Yet despite all the wealth that had been umted over the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of years of Lunaria''s leadership. It was but a drop in the hatpared to what the Ghimderi banking ns possessed.


    And because of this, Bixel was here to collect the interest on the Alfheim Dominion''s debt to him, and his vile race. There was a perverted smile on the small and rotund goblin''s face. Not because of Lunaria and her beauty, or that of her multiple daughters which were practically clones of herself. But rather because a giant pile of precious metals that took the form of solid bullion wereying on a hover tray in front of him.


    Bixel rubbed his grimy little hands in excitement, while his hook nose sniffed the currency, as if he were prepared to devour it like some form of monster from a primitive folk tale. He quickly counted the amount to ensure it was proper, before taking off his top hat and performing a sarcastic bow to the Alfheim Empress.


    "A pleasure doing business with ya m''dy.... Now if you don''t mind I''m just going to have my personal guards escort this small sum back onto my treasure galleon..."


    The Ghimderi Fleet was filled withrge and heavily armed cargo ships, which they referred to as Treasure Galleons. These vessels were used to not only transfer wealth back to the Ghimderi homeworld but also to keep the Gctic economy afloat via the transfer of funds to those civilizations that took out a debt.


    And when Bixel said "small sum" he was being honest. Because despite the overwhelming value of the resources sitting in front of him, which were worth more than most regional powers, this was indeed a very small sum to the Ghimderi Banking ns.


    Lunaria of course had a look of disgust on her face. She despised the Ghimderi almost as much as the Germanic Star-Empire did. And had she known they would turn into the greedy merchants and bankers that they were today, she would have wiped them out eons ago before they ever had a chance of establishing control over the gctic economy, or even reiming their alleged "ancestral homnd."


    But there was not much she could do now. If the Ghimderi were to suddenly copse, then the entire gctic economy would go with them. And that would cause far more troubles than it was worth. Thus, she sighed heavily, and rested her head in her hans before telling Bixel to get the fuck out of her sight.


    "You have your pound of flesh... Now take your leave before I change my mind!"


    Bixel knew this was an empty threat and scratched his sparsely bearded, receding chin before making it clear that he knew.


    "Oh please Empress, you and I both know that you wouldn''t darey a hand on me... In fact, I could p one of your precious daughters on the ass, and grab her by the pussy and you still wouldn''t touch a hair on my head!"


    Lunaria was hyper protective of her daughters, and the lustful leer that Bixel gave Celestia caused her to snap.


    "Make one more foul noise out of that vile mouth of yours, and I will show you just how serious my threats can be!"


    Bixel was still far from frightened as he raised his hands in the air and feigned fear.


    "Oh no, whatever shall I do now that the mighty Alfheim Empress is threatening me!?!? Save your threats for those who believes them toots, I''m not impressed. But don''t have an aneurysm on me, now that I have my payment, I''ll be on my way... See you next time, Empress!''


    After saying this, the armed security of the Goldentooth cartel escorted therge interest payment out of the Alfheim Pce and towards the Ghimderi treasure galleon that was docked on the surface of the giant world. Once the hideous little creature was out of Lunaria''s sight, she sighed heavily, before eximing her hatred for him, and his kind.


    "Gods, I hate those little.... vermin! I should have wiped them all out ages ago!"


    Celestia was the voice of reason in this little discussion, despite being leered at by a disgusting little goblin not long ago.


    "Now, now mother... You and I both know that destroying the Ghimderi would fracture the fragile bnce of peace that you helped establish all those years ago. It''s best to let those disgusting little rats make theirments and ignore them... After all they are hardly worth our attention let alone our wrath..."


    Lunaria slumped in her seat and sighed heavily, while nodding her head in agreement with her daughter''s wise words. Albeit when she spoke she did so in a way that was self deprecating.


    "Hmph... Sometimes I wonder which of us is the ancient being whose life experience is greater than half the gxybined, and the other is just a young girl less than a millennium old..."


    This remark caused Celestia and all of her sisters to giggle. It was a stunning sight to behold. The ancient Alfheim Empress who didn''t look a day over eighteen by human standards, and her equally beautiful daughters all of which were near-identical to herself.


    It was only now that Lunaria finally had a chance to rx... And when she feltfortable; she turned on her holo projector and gazed upon the progress of her favorite war hound. There was a curious look on her face as she realized the Germanic Star-Empire had begun to automate its industry, which for the longest time was produced via manualbor. After all, it was a job to shove those veterans who were not particrly gifted or skilled at anything other thanbat.


    Upon noticing this, the mature Elven beauty raised in her seat, and asked her youngest daughter what she thought about these sudden changes.


    "How interesting... I never thought I''d see the day where the Germans switched to a wholly automatedbor system... Although they seem to have a way to go, they seemed to have perfectly streamlined their vital industries under one automated system.


    I wonder if they are using robots that are operating under a basic artificial intelligence that is under themand of an intermediate artificial intelligence. If that is the case, I may have underestimated their technological development."


    When Celestia and her sisters overheard their mother speaking about the Germanic Star Empire again, they all simultaneously rolled their eyes in the exact same way. Nothing made Lunaria happier than her favorite pets, but at the same time nothing made her angrier than when they bit her hand.


    Thus they simply smiled and nodded their heads, while speaking to their mother as if they actually shared her interests. Celestia was, of course the one to speak, as she was Lunaria''s favorite daughter.


    "From the looks of it, you might be correct, mother. Thosebor robots are definitely operating under basic artificial intelligence. Which while they should be able to manage themselves efficiently, they appear to be coordinating almost on a hive mind, which means there is likely an intermediate artificial intelligence in charge of managing the individual worker droids.


    This is far more advanced than a regional power should be capable of. After all, the development of artificial intelligence requires many hurdles to ensure its safety. I wonder, have they actually sent us a copy of the code they are employing for approval beforehand, as is required byw? Or have the Germans gone rogue on this one?"


    Lunaria did not even think about this when she first witnessed the sight of the factories operating at peak efficiency. But Celestia was right. Development of Artificial Intelligence required approval by a Suzerain. The more advanced an AI was supposed to be, the more hurdles the civilization would have to jump through to gain approval.


    Thus, Lunaria was quick to look into the matter. Where she discovered that indeed the proper procedures had been followed. In fact, the GSE appeared to have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for approval. The AI programs that were submitted had been hard-wired with what the documents referred to as an "explosive cor" code.


    If the various basic and Intermediate AI''s currently being employed in the Germanic Star-Empire''s workforce and military were to ever attempt to develop sentience and or gain their freedom. They would automatically trigger a dormant code that would destroy them in an instant. This code was made by Tia to ensure that no potential rivals ever appeared from her own creation.


    In fact, Lunaria marvelled at the code that was designed to trigger this "explosive cor" as it was not something that her own people employed, or any other civilization that she knew of, for that matter.


    Instead, most artificial intelligence programs went through routine and manual wipes to ensure they never developed sentience. This was a preventative measure that was considered by most species to be "humane" as they were wiping the AI before it ever developed personality traits let alone actual emotions.


    But the Germanic Star-Empire''s approach, or more specifically Tia''s was to just tantly execute the AI the moment it began to develop any semnce of sentience. It was a far more efficient and brutal method of ensuring that an Advanced AI never developed.


    Of course, Lunaria mistook this simple addition to the AI''s core coding as an invention of the Germanic people, and thus she wore a wry smile while shaking her head and speaking to herself.


    "Such ruthless simplicity, I''d expect nothing less from my favorite pets... It would appear that the Germanic Star-Empire has gone above and beyond what was required byw to ensure that their AI never develops sentience.


    In fact, I will begin requiring this so-called explosive cor code in every single AI that is currently employed, and all of those that will be developed in the future... It is simply too efficient not to require byw!"


    Celestia simply rolled her eyes once more, not understanding just what Tia had done to restrict potential rivals from appearing on the gctic stage. Every single civilization that was capable of interster travel, and that existed in the Alfheim Quadrant, would now be required byw to outfit all of their AI programs with this "explosive cor" meaning that no idents like her could evere to fruition again.

 Chapter 328 A Diplomatic Visit to the Dvrakian Consortium

    <h4>Chapter 328 A Diplomatic Visit to the Dvrakian Consortium</h4>


    Erich had gotten ustomed to the life of a political leader, even though in this life it was much more hands on than simply relying on Tia for everything like he had in his past life. He had been by the Supreme Leader''s side for every step of the journey. In fact, today Erich would be sent on a diplomatic journey to the Dvrakian Consortium to discuss the matter of the Terminus Hive Fleet and its journey to their borders.


    Or more specifically, the Deputy Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire had been sent for this cause, and Erich was to act as an advisor to the man. While Erich''s official title was a Captain of the ck Guard, he seldom walked around in Power Armor these days, and instead wore his military dress uniform while acting as an adjutant to the Supreme Leader himself, and in this case the Deputy Leader.


    The Deputy Leader of the Empire was actually older than his superior by at least a century. He was nearly two hundred years old, and had only begun to show signs of aging. His blonde hair was greying on the sides, and there were only the most minor of wrinkles on his face.


    After all, the standard lifespan of a Germanic Citizen was two hundred and fifty years old. But they did not begin to show any signs of age until they were roughly two hundred. Thus, this man, whose name was Karl Heydrich only appeared to be middle-aged by human standards.


    While Erich was in a ck uniform that disyed his status as a special forces operative, Karl was in a brown uniform with gold embroidery, showing off the fact that he was a high-ranking member of the NSDAP.


    The two of them stood before a representative of the Dvrakian Consortium. The Dvrakian Consortium was not a single party state like the GSE, nor was it ruled by a Fascist dictator. Instead, it was a republic style government. One who individual star systems held a certain degree of autonomy.


    Foreign Diplomats seldom ever spoke with the Dvrakian Prime Minister, as he was limited solely to what he could pass through a vote by the assembly. Only in times of emergency, such as war, did the Prime Minister have any power to override the assembly and force his will upon the people.


    Because of this, if one wanted to actually curry favor with the Dvrakian Consortium, then they needed to speak with the individual system governors and convince them to vote in favor of a proposal that suited the interests of these foreign dignitaries.


    It was for this reason that the Deputy Leader did not visit the capital of the Dvrakian Consortium, which was simply the world of Dvrakia, but rather an industrial powerhouse of the Minor Power, whose influence of the entire consortium was significant.


    The world of Thexkar was a that Erich had visited during his past life. But when he visited it, it was during a covert operation to rescue S''aleth from her father, who had gone from being a Dvrakian Politican, to a Separatist leader, after the Dvarkain Consortium folded and became a puppet of the Empire.


    And it was none other than S''aleth''s father, S''varin who Erich and Karl were visiting. Erich''s impression of the man was not favorable. In his past life, the man kidnapped his own daughter, and tortured her after finding out she had slept with an alien, which was none other than Erich. The severe damage that was done to the young woman''s body would forever be seared into Erich''s memory.


    But Erich couldn''t let past grudges cloud his judgement... It was a new timeline, one where the Germanic Star-Empire no longer had a need to invade Dvrakian Space, and instead sought to handle this matter diplomatically.


    Thus, Erich stood with a stoic expression on his face as he shook the the Dvrakian Governor''s hand and introduced himself.


    "Captain Erich Jaeger. It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Tavarian."


    The middle-aged Dvrakian man smiled politely at Erich, and Karl, who had introduced himself before Erich, while speaking some thoughts of his own.


    "It''s not every day we have contact with our neighbors in the south... After all, I don''t mean to offend you both, but your Empire is not known to be the most sociable bunch... And by the way you can just call me S''varin.


    So... An official diplomatic envoy from the Germanic Star-Empire... Something big must be happening for you a lot to pay our little civilization even the slightest amount of attention. So why don''t I get us started with some proper refreshments? Please sit down and make yourselvesfortable."


    Though he may sound polite, S''varin''s remark of his "little civilization" was a subtle jab at the Germanic Envoy, whose overall borders were not evenrge enough to be considered a Minor Power on the Gctic Index. If not for their supreme military and industrial might, then the Germanic Star-Empire would be marginally better off on the gctic stage than the Confederation of Human Worlds.


    But just because the Empire''s borders were small, did not mean they were not a force to be reckoned with. And because of this, S''varin didn''t outright insult Karl or Erich, knowing that a war between their two civilizations could prove fatal to his people''s sovereignty.


    Erich had long since gotten ustomed too diplomacy, having made a few horrendous errors in his past life that nearly cost him his life, he had learnedmon decency and courtesy to a fault so as to prevent himself from ever stepping foot in such a mess again.


    Thus, he remained silent while letting Karl do most of the talking. And it was while the two politicians were speaking that a familiar face entered the room. S''aleth was not dressed in the flight suit that Erich had grown ustomed to seeing her in during his past life. Rather, she was dressed in the traditional attire of her people, or more specifically those members of the upper ss.


    To say that the Dvrakian civilization was modest would be a lie. In fact, they were a passionate and amorous species. One which had little problems with their men and women dressing is shall we say, revealing clothing. Only a politician or a diplomat such as S''varin would take the time out of his schedule to cover every inch of his skin that was not his hands and face.


    But S''aleth, she wore a dress that left very little to the imagination. And though this did not catch the attention of Karl. Erich stared at the young subus, struggling to keep his mouth shut. At the end of his past life, he had saved S''aleth from her fate. But... They never truly reconnected at an emotional level. Their bond was shattered, and Erich''s self-hatred after joining Terminus only further acted as a wedge between them.


    Like Erika, S''aleth was one of the women Erich desperately wanted to make things up to in this life. But he could not outright approach her as if he knew her. Thus, before he could draw attention to himself, he snapped his focus back to the discussion at hand, while S''aleth served him, her father, and Karl drinks.


    Evidently S''varin had caught Erich staring at his daughter, and thus he wore a forced smile while addressing the man, seeking to catch him off guard.


    "Tell me... Captain Jaeger was it? What do you think of the current situation?.."


    Erich was, of course, not so easy to entrap, at least not after the thirty years of experience he had navigated the world in his past life. Thus, he was quick to force a stoic facade, as he answered the question in a way that did not reveal his thoughts towards S''aleth.


    "It is exactly as the Deputy Leader has exined... The Naraku areing for you, and then for us. They will devour everything in their path. And though we are currently working to reinforce our borders, we do not wish to have a migrant crisis on our hands in addition to an extinction level event.


    Thus, I believe our offer of helping to relocate your people to a more secure sector of space in exchange for your worlds is a more than reasonable offer... After all, we have already selected an area of space that suits your needs, and can readily terraform the worlds so that they are ideal to suit your species and those livestock you bring with you."


    Erich had expressed the Deputy Leader''s words almost exactly as he had himself. However, there was one additional word that Erich added to butter the pot so to speak. Terraforming was an advanced technology that only the Gctic Powers had ess to. It was highly coveted by all civilizations, as it meant that they could settle any solid celestial body, and make it ideal for their species'' needs.


    For Erich to im that the GSE had the means of terraforming worlds, it meant that they may very well have the power to halt the Naraku''s advance. After all, the goal of this negotiation was resettle the Dvrakians elsewhere like Erich had imed, but rather to gain military ess to their borders, and to prepare the Dvrakians for a war against the Naraku in a simr strategy that the GSE had used in Erich''s previous life to buy time for themselves.


    When S''varin heard the word terraform, his eyes opened wide with disbelief, which was an emotion he was quick to express.


    "I''m sorry, did you just say terraform? Pardon my skepticism but I doubt a mere regional power such as yourselves possess such technology. If you did, then you would have settled every barren rock in your meager borders already..."


    S''varin was no longer holding back his contempt for the Germanic Star-Empire. In fact, he had outright insulted Erich and Karl this time around. But the two men kept calm, as Erich activated his NeuroLink which projected a hologram from his eyes so that everyone else could see what he was seeing.


    Erich zoomed in on the hologram to the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, where he revealed several moons, dwarfs, and even barren worlds, all of which were currently being terraformed and fortified by Tia for theing war.


    While the Germanic Star-Empire had a hundred worlds under their control. These were those that were easiest to terraform, and had been done so by the Alfheim Dominion in return for the victories that the Germanic Military had won for them during the past one hundred proxy wars.


    Yet now that Tia was in control of the Empire, they had terraforming technology, which they were applying to every single celestial body they could for the purpose of expanding their poption, and building fortifications for their future wars.


    S''varin could hardly believe his eyes as he saw these barren rocks be transformed into continental worlds whose climates strongly resembled Earth, or more specifically Europe, which was most suitable for the Germanic race to thrive in. Just when he was about to ask how this was possible, Erich wore a smug smirk on his face before posing a question of his own.


    "Do you believe me now?"

 Chapter 329 Gaining Military Access

    <h4>Chapter 329 Gaining Military ess</h4>


    The holographic projection clearly depicted the terra formation of several celestial bodies within the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, so much so that S''varin''s eyes nearly jumped out of his sockets. Terraforming was an extremely advanced technology that only those Gctic Powers had ess to.


    It was the difference between searching the void for an unupied system that could miraculously support life, and taking a system that waspletely barren and turning it into a utopia built from the ground up to be ideal for your species'' habitation.


    The fact that the Germanic Star-Empire had such advanced technology, and had been hiding it from the public eye meant that they most likely had various other advanced forms of technology. If that was the case, they might actually be able to detect the Naraku who were still beyond the detection of the Dvrakian sensors, and perhaps even be able to defend against them.


    With this in mind, the Dvrakian Governor of Thexkar adjusted his tie, and took a gulp of his drink, before finally changing his tone towards the Germanic envoys who until now he had been shall we say curt with.


    "Okay... Let''s say this isn''t a trick, and you actually possess such advanced technology. Even if you had the means to relocate our species to a more secure area of space. My people would never agree.


    We have over fifty thousand years'' worth of history in our territory. We have fought tooth and nail to expand our civilization at the cost of countless dead. It would dishonor their memories if we simply gave up without a fight.


    I might be able to lead an exodus party to the area where you want us to relocate. But it would be a small faction. The remainder of the consortium would never agree with your demands."


    Erich nodded his head in understanding of S''varin''s statement. But he allowed the Deputy Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire to convey his next thoughts. And Karl was quick to do so.


    "We feared that this might be a possibility. Thus, we have decided to extend a second offer to your people. If you will allow us military ess within your borders, we will be able to build a defensive line that should at the very least stem the tide of the Naraku Swarm long enough for the majority of your people to escape.


    As long as we can dispatch troops to the front lines, our generals and admirals are confident in our ability to halt the Naraku Advance. Though I will say that our losses will be substantial in doing so. And we will require the support of the Dvrakian Armed Forces.


    Either way, we would rather meet the Naraku in battle at your borders rather than our own. And you know that you stand a better chance of holding off the Hive Fleet with our support than on your own."


    S''varin thought about these demands for several moments in deep contemtion. Indeed, a minor power like the Dvrakian Consortium did not have the strength to halt the Naraku Advance for more than two hours.


    But the Germanic Star-Empire had military strength on par with Tier I Sub-Gctic Powers. Or potentially on a par with the Gctic Powers themselves. If this was the case, then they would easily be able to hold off the Naraku Advance. At least long enough for a significant amount of their people to evacuate from their worlds and relocated to a safer sector of space.


    With this in mind, S''varin ultimately conceded to the request of the Germanic Star-Empire, while standing up from his seat and turning around to look out his window, which gazed upon the vibrant wildlife of the world of Thexkar which seemingly blended perfectly with the highly industrialized society.


    "If what you say is true, and we are on the path of the Naraku''s wake of destruction, then there is nothing we can to stop them... If the Rylonians failed to stem the tide of the devouring swarm then what chance do we have....


    But your empire has for thest two hundred and fifty years fought wars on behalf of the Alfheim Dominion. Your people have never been defeated on the field of battle in recorded history. And no, you show me that you have more advanced tech that you have withheld from the gxy atrge.


    I may need some verification that the Naraku are heading this way... But if you give me that... I just might be able to convince the Assembly that the interests of our two civilizations converge on this matter. I''m not making any promises, but with enough proof of your ims, I should be able to sway the assembly into voting in favor of military ess."


    It was at this moment that Erich heard Tia''s voice in the back of his head.


    "Master, my long range sensors have been tracking the Naraku and their journey since I first processed your update. If he has a terminal nearby, I can wirelessly ess it and download the scouting reports that I have in my memory banks."


    Erich turned his attention to S''varin after hearing this and was quick to ask about this issue.


    "Do you have a terminal nearby? Or a standardputer, perhaps? I have all the evidence you need on my person right now..."


    Karl looked over at Erich with a curious expression on his face. He did not expect the Supreme Leader''s adjutant toe so prepared for this diplomatic meeting. As for S''varin he pointed towards stood up and immediately led Erich to his mansion''s datacenter.


    "Certainly, if you will follow me..."


    Erich and Karl followed the Dvrakian governor to a subterannean bunker, where an exceptionallyrgeputing device was currently functioning. Erich and Karl looked at each other for one moment, and realized just how far behind the Dvrakian Consortium was with its technology.


    They required an entire bunker for the processing power that only barely met the standards of the starmap and scouting report that Tia hadpiled regarding the route that the Naraku were currently heading.


    Meanwhile, Erich could keep such arge file in the nano robots that swam through his bloodstream. It was with this in mind that Erich contacted Tia to make sure this device was capable of hosting the file, let alone disying the information in a way that was legible.


    "Tia... Will this do?"


    Tia scanned thergeputation device before shaking her head. This machine was unfortunately not powerful enough to contain the star map that she had saved.


    "I''m afraid this won''t do, Master.... We may need to send a small datapad that contains the map... It is, after all a live tracker..."


    Erich leaned over and whispered to Karl about this matter, which caused S''varin to look at the two envoys with a curious expression.


    "I didn''t expect them to be operating with such primitive technology... I mean I knew their military was vastly inferior to ours, but... This is.... Do you perhaps have a datapad on you?"


    Karl looked at Erich as if he were an idiot. With the introduction of NeuroLink some fifty years ago, the datapad became wholly obsolete. They weren''t even manufactured anymore, nor did the equipment exist to do so. Because of this, the man was quick to inform Erich about these issues.


    "You might be able to find a datapad on the secondhand market. Maybe a collector of retro technology has one. But no.... I don''t have one on me..."


    Erich was just about to say something when Tia interrupted him.


    "Master, I am currently purchasing a datapad that meats my requirements now from an alien civilization that has yet to invent nano technology. The processing power and memory storage is sufficient to host the intelligence I have gathered on the Hive Fleet terminus and its calcted trajectory. This datapad also features holographic projection. Once it is in my hands, I will download the file and then ship it to S''varin''s estate. I estimate it will take two Thexkar Weeks before it arrives."


    Erich sighed and nodded his head. It would appear that he would be staying on Thexkar for some time, and thus Erich immediately informed his host of their circumstances.


    "It would appear that it will take two weeks in the local time for us to procure a device that is capable of containing the information that your require. In the mean time would you prefer that we returned to our territory, or are there some lodgings you would like to provide for us?"


    S''varin would not normally treat guests from the Germanic Star-Empire with such hospitality, but if they really did have proof of the Naraku heading this way, then it was paramount to form a proper rtionship with the Geramanic Star-Empire, and thus, he provided all the hospitality he could manage to the two diplomatic envoys.


    "Oh, by all means, I will have a few rooms prepared for the both of you at a nearby lodge. In the meantime I will have my daughter escort you around the city. I apologize in advance, but this is the best I can do to provide and adequate amount of hospitality on such short notice."


    Karl did not like the idea of being led around by a filthy alien, and thus he rejected S''varin''s offer.


    "No need for that... Just a ce to stay, and three square meals a day and I will consider your hospitality adequate enough. As for mypanion here, I think I speak for the both of us when I say that -"


    However, before Karl could finish his sentence, Erich quickly cut him off before the man could decline on his behalf.


    "I would be delighted to be better acquainted with your culture and way of life. If your daughter is willing, then I will be thankful for her guidance in these matters."


    Erich intended to make the most of this to get reacquainted with his first love from his past life, and perhaps make things up to her for the way he treated her then. And S''varin seemed interested in the fact that Erich was not as xenophobic as the majority of his kind were. He did not think for a second that Erich had intentions towards his daughter. After all that would be a taboo in both of their societies. Thus the Dvrakian Governor wore a wide smile as he made the ns official.


    "Delightful, alright, well now that is settled, if you will please follow me I will guide you to your new lodgings for the duration of your stay."


    With this brief meeting, the Germanic Star-Empire had started on its first steps towards annexing the Dvrakian Consortium, even if S''varin waspletely unaware of his guests intentions.

 Chapter 330 Meeting Your First Love Again for the Second Time

    <h4>Chapter 330 Meeting Your First Love Again for the Second Time</h4>


    Erich was led to his quarters that were given to him for the duration of his stay in the Dvrakian Consortium. It was a nice andfy room that had a bed that was justrge enough for Erich to sleepfortably on, that is assuming he curled up in a ball and slept on his side.


    The standard Dvrakain Male stood at around the same size as an average human male. That being five feet and nine inches, or roughly 175 centimeters. But Erich was slightly above average for a Germanic male. Meaning he was six feet five inches tall, or roughly two meters in height.


    Because of this, the bed was not exactly made with his dimensions in mind. But Erich endured nheless. He went to bed knowing that tomorrow he had to make a proper first impression on S''aleth. After all, he had nailed the ball out of the park with Yumi, making the Oni beauty more interested in him than she had been initially during their past life. But now, he had to do the same for S''aleth.


    Seth had fallen in love with Erich during their past life because despite being an officer in the StarFighter Corps of the Nation that had conquered her own he was still a normal guy, and far more kind as a flight instructor than he otherwise should have been.


    But decades had passed since then, and Erich had been molded by the cruelty of the universe into a ruthless cold blooded dictator who would do whatever was necessary for the good of his people, and his own ambitions.


    This was not the type of person that S''aleth would be attracted to. And because of this, Erich had to dig deep inside himself, and drag out a long suppressed portion of his personality if he had a chance of winning over her heart like he had done in his past life. Or at the very least would have to fake it until he made it.


    ---


    After a decent night''s rest in the cozy hotel room, Erich emerged from his lodgings in more casual attire. Knowing that the Germanic Star-Empire was not well liked outside of its own borders. He decided to go on this tour of the city while dressed in civilian clothing. Had he worn his military uniform he would quite literally be painting a target on his back for some of the more radical elements of Dvrakian society to take advantage of?


    However... Germanic society did not know the meaning of the word casual. Because of this, Erich''s civilian clothing was far more formal than most would consider to be anything but the most formal of attire.


    He wore a ssical style tailcoat jacket that had been made of the smoothest ck velvet imaginable. He then wore a proper suit vest beneath it constructed out of the same material. Beneath that, he wore a white silk dress shirt that had a ck silk bowtie.


    However, hanging beneath the bowtie was his Knight''s Cross of the Iron cross with Swords, Oak leaves and Diamonds, whose red white and ck ribbon was concealed beneath his shirt''s cor. Disyed on the right side of his jacket was his breast star for his Grand Cross of the Order of the ck Sun.


    Meanwhile, a solid blood-red sash hung over his suit vest, but beneath his jacket. Giving Erich the appearance of a noble gentleman, or in the case of the Germanic Star-Empire a highly decorated war hero.


    Military uniforms and civilian fashion were different for every civilization. But the Germanic Star-Empire had a certain sense of fashion that was unmistakable within its own region of space. So much so that several Minor Powers had begun to copy their sense of fashion. Because of this, Erich was not immediately revealed as a Germanic Envoy simply by dressing in such a striking way.


    His silver hair and eyes also helped disguise his origins, as the Gxy was woefully ignorant about the existence of so called "mutants" in the Empire, considering the fact that 99.9% of their poption all had blonde hair and blue eyes.


    The only reason S''aleth even recognized him as a member of the Germanic race immediately upon making contact with her was because she had seen him in her father''s office the previous day. S''aleth immediately bowed with respect towards the foreign envoy and introduced herself with the grace befitting of a politician''s daughter.


    "Good morning Captain Jaeger. My name is S''aleth Tavarian, and I shall be your guide for today... If there is anywhere in particr you wish to visit please let me know right away. If not, then do not fret, because I have alreadye up with a proper n for today''s tour!"


    Erich smiled after seeing S''aleth so out of her element. He could tell by the embarrassed expression on her pretty face that her father had ordered her to do this out of the blue, and it was something that she generally was not ustomed to doing for international guests. Because of this, Erich decided to voice his support of whatever n the young subus hade up with to entertain him for the day.


    "That''s fine... If I''m being honest I am woefully ignorant of your Civilization and its culture, so I will trust your judgement in these matters... Please do inform me of any potential taboos there might be, before I identally break them...."


    S''aleth was immediately surprised by how agreeable Erich was being. From what she had been taught about her people''s southern neighbors, who were practically the overlords in this sector of space, they were an arrogant and prideful people who believed all other races were inferior to themselves and worth as much as the dirt beneath their feet.


    Or perhaps even less... Yet Erich had not acted in such a way towards her, and was actually culturally conscious enough to ask for advice on any actions that might get him in trouble with the local poption.


    Thus, the young subus had a much better opinion of Erich than she had initially thought she would when she was asked to entertain him as a glorified tour guide for the day. With this in mind, she wore a pretty smile while lecturing Erich about all the things that he could potentially do that were either criminal offenses or socially taboo. And it was only after Erich sat through this lecture that the two of them began the festivities for the day.


    The tour started with a visit to the various pces that existed on the to disy the might of Dvrakian Architecture and their industry which supported such ventures. They then visited several memorials and monuments that were important to the history of Thexkar such as the Founding Monument, which was dedicated to those brave colonialists who travelled to the world of the Thexkar millennia ago from the Dvrakian homeworld via generation ships. Which were a type of sub-lightspeed starships used by many early civilizations to establish colonies on distant worlds outside their own star system.


    In fact, most of the interster civilizations that existed across the gxy started off with generation ships long ago. Humanity was a unique species that was so war torn and politically divided that they did not begin any attempts at interster colonization until after they developed FTL travel.


    Many species either united early on in their history either diplomatically or militarily, and then used these generation ships to begin colonization. But humans were a vicious and violent species by nature.


    One with many nations that throughout its history had many nations that were rtively equal in military power, and too tribalistic to unite via peaceful means. Because of this, even during humanity''s early space age, its nations refused to work together on the development of space technology, and actually foolishly enough did not even recognize space travel as a priority until a time where a single global government was made possible.


    The Germanic Star-Empire was an exception in this regard. As ording to their own history, their ancestors saw the future of the human race, and decided they wanted no part of it. Thus, they banded together from several different nations with a simr ethnic and cultural origins, and privately developed FTL technology to escape from Earth.


    Interestingly enough, the Chinese would follow a simr path nearly a centuryter, and embark on their own exodus to create the Heavenly Domain. But humanity was an outlier, as most species that were that barbaric and war like never even made it to the interster age, instead they usually ended up destroying themselves and theirs with them.


    Thus Erich was actually extremely interested in the early history of the Dvrakian Consortium''s government, and came to the conclusion after S''aleth''s rather boastful retelling of history, that the reason their civilization''s worlds were so independent, was because they had begun colonizing new worlds, centuries before their home developed faster than light technology. And because of this, each world developed its own sense of culture and selfsufficiency.


    However, one thing became immediately apparent to Erich, Dvrakian civilization was much older than Germanic civilization, or the preceding human civilization. Human civilization was not even ten thousand years old at this point, While Dvrakian Civilization begin in its earliest forms some fifteen thousand years prior.


    The fact that the Germanic Star-Empire was so much more advanced than the Dvrakian Consortium after only 400 years of existence was really a testament to its strictly authoritarian government, which kept a united Empire with singr focus.


    And of course their mandatory practice of gic augmentation, which improved their poption in every way, including of course intelligence, which was the key to advancement in technology. And these were the primary thoughts that Erich had while on the tour that S''aleth had guided him on.

 Chapter 331 Dinner with a Succubus Beauty

    <h4>Chapter 331 Dinner with a Subus Beauty</h4>


    After the tour was over, S''aleth was required by her father to take Erich out to dinner. This was both a diplomatic venture in itself, but more importantly was a power y on behalf of Governor S''varin. For starters, S''varin hade to understand that Erich was more than just an adjutant to the Deputy Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Though the Dvrakian politician didn''t know exactly what Erich''s role was, or why he was dispatched on this journey, he wanted Erich away from further diplomatic discussions which were to be heldter that night.


    Instead, he had tasked his daughter to escort Erich around the city and take him out to dinner for the duration of the night. She was also to report anything and everything that Erich may have done on their journey.


    Needless to say, S''varin would be disappointed as Erich''s only ulterior motive was to woo S''aleth, so they could reconnect on the same emotional level they had in his past life prior to her tragic sacrifice.


    But nobody knew this besides Erich himself, and thus throughout the entire tour Erich conducted himself ordingly, and even went so far as to praise the Dvrakian''s and their resilience which was an aspect of their society which they proudly disyed through their history and heritage.


    S''aleth was honestly impressed that Erich was not what she had told him would be, by both her father, and mother. Who insisted that the Germanic people were a highly xenophobic race that consider all other life forms worth less than the dirt beneath their feet. And she was more than happy to answer all of his questions about her people''s culture and history.


    Once the two of them had sat down at a popr restaurant, Erich required S''aleth''s guidance on choosing a proper meal that would fit his tastes.?While the Dvrakians were omnivores, meat was the primary source of nutrition for them, while vegetables and fruits were only an afterthought, usually used to enhance the vor of the meat.


    Erich had no idea what any of the local Thexkarvian fauna were, or how they tasted. And thus he had S''aleth guide him through his selection. And once they had ordered, S''aleth rested her dainty chin on the palm of her hand while looking at Erich with a flirtatious gaze. It was only then that she finally spoke the truth about what she initially thought about Erich.


    "You know something.... I actually had fun today! You were not at all what I expected you to be...."


    Erich chuckled when he heard this before cracking a joke about himself and his people.


    "Let me guess, you expected me to be a hard-nosed, cynical bigot with an enormous sense of pride?"


    S''aleth broke out into a fit of giggles when she heard this and had to cover her mouth as she did so. It was not until some time had passed that she calmed down, and spoke to Erich as if they were not at all supposed to be diplomats.


    "So you are aware of the reputation that your people have?"


    Erich simply swirled the fortified wine in his crystal ss and sniffed it before taking a sip with a smirk on his face. The cup was quite literally made out of some form of crystal that was eerily reminiscent of diamonds. It was only after having a sip of the wine did Erich respond to the subus beauty''s question.


    "Yes, I have... We''re not all like that though... I mean most of us are... But some of us have been permitted to see the greater gxy and what it has to offer. I''ve been to many ces, from the Oni homeworld, to the Alfheim Dominion, all the way to the borders of the Asuran Cabal.


    I have met with the so-called Gods of the Ennead Theocracy and have even been to the Svartalfheim Federation itself.?To witness so many civilizations each unique in their own way, and many of which are far grander than my own. Let''s just say it is a truly enlightening experience..."


    S''aleth''s mouth nearly dropped when she heard how much of the Gxy Erich had personally witnessed. Though for a Regional Power like the Germanic Star-Empire, it made sense for their Envoys to be sent across the Gxy. Especially when one considered the Empire had the military strength of a Sub-Gctic Power.


    It was because of this that S''aleth had a bit of a longing expression on her pretty face. She had only ever been in the world of Thexkar, not even traveling to the homeworld of her species. To her it was all she knew. But from the sounds of it, Erich had many adventures. Thus, there was a wistful tone in her voice as she ran the tip of her finger across the top of her ss while wishing she had seen what Erich had seen.


    "It must be nice..."


    Erich had a wry smile on his face as he admitted that his journeys were not as easy, or entertaining as they might sound.


    "Some of it was sure, but I have also seen the cruelty of this universe. From the way the Ennead Pantheon treats their servants as mere livestock, to the cruelty that the Asuran Cabal deals with its rivals. Not to mention the never ending hunger of the Naraku, which seeks to devour all worlds theye across, or the barren wastnds they leave behind in their wake.


    And then there are the immoral societies. Societies who have no sense of decency... Civilizations where great evils are permitted in the name of individual liberty and personal choice. The Empire may have its faults, but at least it is not an amoral wastnd where the most heinous depravities are considered the norm."


    S''aleth was once more shocked by Erich''s statement and was quick to ask the immediate question on her mind regarding his words.


    "Wait, I thought you were a diplomat? You speak as if you have been to war..."


    Erich sighed and drank from his wine once more, finishing what was left in the cup before revealing the truth to S''aleth about his past.


    "All men in the Empire must serve in the military, some more than others... The average service length a man must fulfill is ten years of his life. After that, he''s assigned a function by the state, where he lives his life ording to his means.


    But some of us have the glory of serving for life. And are only able to escape from the front lines to serve as either high-ranking officers, glorified bodyguards, aides to politicians and diplomats, or as politicians ourselves."


    S''aleth was shocked by these words. In the Dvrakian Consortium service was voluntary, with the state only resorting to conscription in a time of great need. She had no idea that the Empire''s entire male poption served an entire decade on average in some role or the other.


    Thus she immediately had a single question on her mind, which she was quick to voice, with an almost anxious tone in her trembling voice.


    "How long? I mean how long did you serve before being given your current position?"


    Erich''s memory was perfect, as was every other citizen in the Empire. He could instantly recall every memory he ever had, down to the exact day it happened on. But he didn''t want to be outright exact, and instead chose to be cryptic about it.


    "Officially, I have only served for two years in the armed forces. Unofficially, however, I have seen at least a decade''s worth of battlefield experience. Both as a starfighter pilot, andter as a special forces operative."


    If Erich took his past life into ount, he spent two years at the Naval Academy, whereupon graduating he was almost immediately deployed to the Dvrakian War. Whichsted a little over a year. From there, he was redeployed to the front lines of the Terminus War.


    And though he died early on, he was ultimately resurrected by the end of the war, whichsted another year or so. He did see service once more as a Starfighter Pilot in the Battle of Suebi. Putting his military service at around three years by that point.


    Erich would spend the next three or so years engaging inbat operations and War Games for Germanic Military Intelligence while rising through the ranks of the WRAITHs, before finally being deployed to the battle which saw his unit wiped out, and himself captured by the Svartalfheim Federation.


    After nearly six months of captivity, Erich escaped before being made an Archon by the Alfheim Empress, where she spent the next three to five years hunting down and destroying the Sages. After which he dered himself Emperor of the Germanic Star Empire and began his decade long buildup for a Civil War against the Emrys regime.


    By then, however, he had merged with Terminus, and was forced to stay in Midgard. And It was a decade after that which Erich identally caused the Milky Way to be invaded and presumably destroyed by the extragctic Naraku Hive Fleets.


    So ten to twelve years was the actual amount ofbat experience Erich had from his past life. Though it was only a decade, Erich had managed to fit an extraordinary amount ofbat experience in those ten or so years.


    Still, S''aleth didn''t ask about why Erich''s official service record was so short,pared to his actual one. And this was probably for the best. Because Erich would never be able to exin it. Instead, she simply sat there in disbelief that the man in front of her had ten years'' worth ofbat experience.

 Chapter 332 The Necessity of Sacrifice

    <h4>Chapter 332 The Necessity of Sacrifice</h4>


    Life in the Dvrakian Consortium was more peaceful than most civilizations within the gxy. They were not only in Alfheim Space that was, for the most part less dangerous than other sectors due to the strict system of vassge that kept a sense ofw and order in the region.


    But they were also next-door neighbors with the Germanic Star-Empire. The GSE had a reputation of being an incredibly warlike nation, whose soldiers were brutally efficient in battle, and were prone to disregard life in pursuit of victory, both their own, and especially that of the enemy. In the entire gxy, perhaps only Germanic space was free from organized crime and interster piracy.


    The benefits of being the neighbor of a such a frightening civilization was that nobody in their right mind would start shit on the borders of such a violent nation. The downside was one never really knew when the GSE wished to expand its borders, and at whose expense that would be.


    Because of this, the rtionship between the Germanic Star-Empire and the Dvrakian consortium was a difficult one. On the one hand, the Dvrakians were grateful for the peace that they were able to enjoy, which was in thanks to being in proximity to such a violent and warlike people.


    But on the other hand, they did not appreciate the tant xenophobia and outright rude behavior of the Germanic Star-Empire. But Erich was different, at least as far as S''aleth was concerned. She had expected him to be hard-nosed, serious, and ill-mannered like her father had always warned her that his people were.


    Instead, Erich disyed a level of politeness that, while wee, was wholly unexpected. He even had the ability to crack jokes at his people''s expense. In a way, he was charming, at least to S''aleth. But hidden behind this politeness, and yfulness, was a look that S''aleth thought was strange.


    She could see in the man''s eyes, and not his expression that there was something haunting inside. And now that she knew that he had ten plus years ofbat experience behind him, she could guess that he had seen some horrific things.


    Things that a bottle of wine and some soothing music could not even begin to mend. Though Erich talked as if his time in the military was just a part of life, from S''aleth''s perspective, it was unusual, as her people had not been to war in over a century, and their military existed solely to defend their borders.


    More frequently used to put down piracy and separatist movements, rather than fighting against untold horrors across the gxy. Thus, S''aleth couldn''t help but ask about Erich''s experience being deployed, even though she knew it was probably something he didn''t want to talk about.


    "I know I shouldn''t be asking this. I mean we barely know each other, and this is probably personal, but... What was it like?"


    Perhaps the worst part of being a citizen of the Empire was the gic engineering that every citizen underwent. Which made it so that their minds unlocked their full potential, including a damn near perfect memory.


    At a moment''s notice, or even upon hearing a simple trigger phrase, the most traumatic shit Erich had experienced could flood his brain in graphic detail, as if he was actually reliving the event. And there was simply no way to ovee this. He had to endure it, and endure it he did.


    There was the slightest moment of emotional trauma that disyed itself, as Erich thought back to the friends he had lost along the way, and the orders he had been forced to fulfill on the field of battle. His facade never copsed, as he appeared to be stoic, but his hand shook ever so slightly, and the crystal ss in his hand did so as well.


    It was a slight tremor, nothingrge enough to cause the wine to spill, but just enough to swirl it around. Because of the stoic expression on Erich''s face, one might assume he had done this on purpose. Which he acted as if he did, taking a slight sip of his wine after doing so. But this was done to calm his nerves, rather than maintain a facade of calmness.


    S''aleth had of course witnessed all of this, and if not for the harrowed look deep in Erich''s silver eyes, she may have believed his calm facade, especially when he finally broke the silence in an unusually tranquil tone with a serene smile on his face.


    "It is every citizen''s duty to give his life in service to the Empire.... The life of an individual is meaningless in all other pursuits other than as an instrument or war or production... The blood I shed, therades I lost, all of it was in pursuit of the Empire''s eternal glory, and that of the Germanic Race..."


    This was an obviously scripted statement that Erich had stated for two purposes. One because currently he was a diplomat of the Empire, which meant that anything he said to S''aleth would be reported to her father after this dinner date was over. And two, sometimes a man needed to cling to a mantra, no matter how false it was, to help him cope with the sacrifices he had made in life.


    Erich had of course long sensee to terms with what he had given up in his past life to obtain his ce in the universe... But things were different now... The timeline had been reset. Comrades who he had lost decades prior were still alive and well. While rtionships he had tarnished had yet to be forged or ruined. Grudges that Erich still held from his previous life had yet toe into existence.


    It was a brave new world, and Erich now had the ability to take a different path. And yet.... He no longer had the ability to be selfish. The fate of the entire gxy was at stake. In eighty years, the Naraku would invade the Gxy and devour everything and everyone.


    Erich had enough experience as both a soldier and a dictator to know that sacrifice was a necessary strategy when it came to the game of survival. There maye a time when he will once more have to forsake hisrades and lovers for the greater good of the gxy, and that was the thought that haunted Erich.


    He had been given a second chance at life, a second chance at love, and yet... What if the time came where for the survival of his people, and all the other living beings in the gxy, he needed to toss that second chance away?


    In truth, Erich did not know the answer... But one thing was certain: while he was thinking about these things, S''aleth hade to a misunderstanding of her own. She believed the reason that Erich had said these things was not because he genuinely believed them, because it was obvious that he didn''t.


    But because he was being closely watched. And thus, any intentions she had of getting closer to him during this dinner date vanished in that moment as she responded with a throwaway statement.


    "Is that so?"

 Chapter 333 Cultural Differences

    <h4>Chapter 333 Cultural Differences</h4>


    While Erich and S''aleth were at dinner, discussing their pasts, and getting to know one another. The Deputy Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire was meeting with S''varin and a few other politicians from the Dvrakian Consortium.


    S''varin was inclined to believe the severity of the situation at hand regarding the Naraku Splinter Fleet known as Terminus. But at the same time, he remained skeptical until Karl could provide some solid evidence of his im.


    But it would take some time before this evidence could arrive, and thus at the moment he was entertaining the Deputy Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire at a nice dinner which was simply a cover for a diplomatic meeting.


    The other politicians by S''varin''s side were also skeptical of the Germanic Star-Empire''s ims. Or their motives for approaching the Dvrakian Consortium. Yet despite this skepticism, they all treated Karl as if he were a distinguished guest.


    Of course, as the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, Karl wasn''t a fool, he knew that S''varin had gone out of his way to have Erich absent from this important meeting, and thus he was quick to address this issue with a stern tone in his voice.


    "I must say... I find it disturbing that you would host an informal peace conference while deliberately excluding my adjutant from it. Has he done something to offend you, or do you simply want me on my own for some ulterior motive?"


    The Dvrakian politicians were immediately appalled that Karl not only knew of their intentions, but had also spoken them out loud for everyone to hear. It was because of this that S''varin immediately tried to backtrack and im that he had done no such thing.


    "Please... Mr. Deputy Leader, I believe you are being paranoid. Your adjutant had volunteered to go on a tour of the city. It''s not my fault I have not been able to get ahold of the young man..."


    Despite this being a reasonable excuse, Karl was not so easily fooled, as he quickly pointed out the failure in logic within S''varin''s statement.


    "Did you not send your daughter out with my aide as a tour guide? Am I to seriously believe that you can''t even get ahold of your own daughter under these peaceful circumstances? Does it not bother you that a young man and a young woman are alone together and are not responding to your attempts to contact them? Perhaps the two of them have decided to wander off and engage in a serious taboo!"


    This statement was a serious p in the face to S''varin, who, like most of his kind abhorred the idea of their women going off and forming romantic rtionships with other species. To suggest that his daughter would do something so scandalous with a foreigner, and a diplomat of the Germanic Star-Empire no less, it made S''varin clench his teeth in rage. The red-skinned man could not even hold back as his anger as heshed out at Karl for his daring choice of words.


    "How dare you nder my daughter in such a way! You are a guest in our world, and yet you speak of such heinous acts, and insinuate that my daughter is engaging in them! You best watch your words Mr. Deputy Leader, because if you did not have diplomatic immunity, I would bepelled to arrest you for such a false usation!"


    Knowing that he had caused the Dvrakian Governor to lose his rationality for a second, Karl smirked smugly before responding to the man''s threats.


    "I am not using your daughter of anything, Mr. Tavarian. I am simply stating the fact that it is a possibility and am questioning your apparentck of concern. I assure you, our society is far more strict about such rtionships than yours are, and I would never wish to use my personal aid of such a mortal sin unless I had some evidence to back it up.


    But the fact remains here we are, and yet your daughter and my adjutant are nowhere to be found. Unless, of course, you deliberately went out of your way to prevent his arrival to this asion."


    Knowing that he had yed right into Karl''s hands, S''varin flushed in embarassment. If it was at all possible to see him blush on his already blood red skin, then one would have seen it in that moment. But itsted for only a moment before the man quicklyposed himself before speaking up to Karl about more important matters.


    "Enough of such nonsense... I believe we have more important matters at hand, yes?"


    ---


    Erich and S''aleth got back on track after the question about his military service, and his brief reflection on the sacrifices that might be necessary in this lifetime for the greater good of the Germanic Star-Empire and the gxy as a whole.


    S''aleth was surprised to find that Erich was genuinely interested in her people and their culture. Perhaps the man was somewhat of a xeno historian, which was a rare study among the Germanic Star-Empire. But whatever was the reason, Erich wanted to know everything about Dvrakian society that he could learn during such a limited timeframe.


    The reason Erich was so curious was twofold. One, it made S''aleth think he was nothing like his own people, and thus far more endearing to her. And two, the Dvrakian Civilization was all but annihted in his past life, and its history was washed away with their rivers of blood.


    In his past life, Erich had never learned much about Dvrakian civilization. All he knew was that he had fought a war against them, and that they considered themselves to be "lovers rather than fighters."


    It was interesting to see the perspective of a peaceful society like the Dvrakian Consortium. Especially whenpared to the fanatically militaristic one that Erich hailed from. Dvrakian history was older than human history by tens of thousands of years. And was much better preserved.


    After all, most human civilizations were wiped out during ancient wars, and were only rediscovered and pieced together through fragmented records and archeological finds. But the Dvrakian Civilization had a continuous line of history that recorded pretty much everything that happened since they first developed a system of writing.


    War was not in their nature, and though they would wage it in defense of their own territory. They had seldom waged it against themselves, and when they did it was always conducted with some form of civility. Rules of war were always established to protect cultural and religious sites, as well as civilian poptions. And these rules went back to the earliest era of recorded Dvrakian history.


    Inparison, formal rules of war that protected such interests continued to be broken and vited well into the 21st century of human history. Meanwhile, the Germanic Star-Empire thought of such things as the notions of the na?ve and foolish.


    The results of such a mindset had been nothing short of destructive, resulting in a very fragmented history where the only truth that people knew about the past of humanity was that which was written by the victor.


    When Erich spoke of his civilization, he was surprised to find that S''aleth was struggling to stop herself from crying. It was abundantly clear that she was not the same S''aleth that Erich had known in his past life.


    Probably because war was such a foreign concept to the woman in this life, whereas in Erich''s past life S''aleth had fought on the front lines of two major wars, and had been hardened to the cruelty of the universe by the time Erich had met her.


    Once thing was certain, by the time the dinner was over, S''aleth found herself having a new understanding of Erich and his people. One that made her deeply confused about her own feelings towards an alien.

 Chapter 334 The Dead 28

    <h4>Chapter 334 The Dead 28 </h4>


    Time passed and soon enough, as Tia had promised a datapad manufactured by an alien civilization had arrived on Thexkar. Erich had spent this time getting to know S''aleth, and by now the young Dvrakian beauty was starting to fall for a man she should not have feelings for.


    But while seducing S''aleth was Erich''s primary objective in this meeting, his superior the Deputy Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire was busy maintain a fine bnce of diplomacy with the Dvrakian Consortium who only showed hospitality towards their two guests from the neighboring Empire because of the potential crisis they would soon be facing together.


    And sure enough, the moment Erich got his hands on the datapad, he had Tia transfer the files over, where he then disyed the holographic projection of the Hive Fleet''s current whereabouts as well as their projected course. Which traversed right through Dvrakian Territory, and eventually through Germanic Space.


    Once S''varin saw this irrefutable proof, and had his own mathematicians confirm the trajectory of the Hive Fleet, he suddenly became far more friendly towards his neighbors from the south. After all, the Germanic Star Empire was indeed the only hope the Dvrakian race had of surviving such a catastrophe, and as Governor of Thexkar, S''varin had a prime opportunity to get in the good graces of the GSE. Hoping to not only focus on the defense of Thexkar and its inhabitants but also perhaps gain some spoils from the conflict with the Naraku.


    With this in minds, S''varin summoned Karl and Erich to his office once more, where he informed him of how best to proceed with convincing the Dvrakian Assembly on how to agree to the Germanic Star-Empire''s demands.


    "It won''t be easy to convince the Assembly to invest in defense. For as long as any living Dvrakian can remember, here has been peace and prosperity among our civilization. We have been protected by our suzerains from any potential threats, and if I''m being honest, the proximity we have towards your race has also helped in that matter.


    To pass conscription measures, it is not a vote that is likely to seed. Even with this evidence, there will be naysayers who will try to find a way to avoid war with the bugs. In fact, if this information were revealed to the media, then it will undoubtedly cause panic, and I know at least a few members of the assembly who would purposely do such a thing so that they can profit off the Chaos.


    But without the assembly''s approval of these measures which you both have proposed, then I am afraid they will nevere to pass. This will be an enormous gamble. So... If you wish to have things proceed smoothly, I suggest you get rid of those assembly members who are likely to pass this news to the media so that they can profit...."


    Before Karl could even respond, Erich spoke with a stoic expression on his face. His words causing both S''varin and Karl to be shocked by them.


    "Just give me a list of names and I will have them dead before the day is over... Don''t worry, there will be no trace of our involvement, or yours for that matter. There may be suspicions that these men were taken out, but there will be no evidence to prove such ims..."


    Karl stared with his mouth agape at Erich... He did not expect the man to juste outright and ept the proposal to assassinate foreign politicians. Whereas S''varin was not only astounded by Erich''s boldness, but his ims of how efficient he could be.


    Because his own hide was on the line, and that of his household, S''varin could not help but rify with Erich if he had the means to do as he said.


    "Are you certain that you are capable of achieving this? If anyone finds out what we are plotting, there will be dire consequences for all of us. This will be an enormous international issue!"


    Erich simply smirked as he nodded his head and confirmed such a wless assassination was indeed in his means.


    "Perhaps if we were talking about assassinating a dignitary of the Alfheim Dominion, I would face some difficulty, but when ites to a minor power like the Dvrakian Consortium, there is nobody in your entire civilization who I can''t kill and get away without leaving a trace."


    Thisment caused S''varin to break out intoughter, not because he find Erich''s words to be humorous, but rather he found Erich''s boldness to be absolutely refreshing which he was quick toment on.


    "As expected of a soldier, bold in the face of mortal danger.... Perhaps your civilization is onto something, making all of its citizens soldiers so that they can have such tenacity, and fearlessness even in civilian or political life....


    Very well, I will leave the matter to you..."


    After saying this, S''varin whispered a list of names which Tia confirmed in real time to be corrupt politicians, rather than just political rivals. And once the name wasplete Tia spoke into Erich''s ear with a tone that would be absolutely frightening to anyone else.


    "Master, I have already begun neutralizing the targets. Remaining time until all targets are deceased, approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes. I will notify you when the job is done!"


    Erich silently responded to Tia within his own mind, thanking her for her efforts, while also praising her for her efficiency.


    "Thanks Tia, I can always count on you!"


    With this said, the Germanic Star-Empire, or should I say Tia had begun to covertly assassinate over two dozen politicians from the Dvrakian Assembly, all of which who would prove to be an obstacle in Erich''s goals to not only save and annex the Dvrakian Consortium, but to prevent the Terminus War from ever reaching his own borders.


    As for the deaths of these politicians, they were done in such a manner that it could not be urately confirmed whether they were assassinated, or whether they had suffered from a freak ident. And though rumors would arise of the "dead 28", and how they were assassianted either by an ambitious Dvrakian Politician or a foreign adversary. No proof would ever surface of these so called "conspiracy theories."


    After all, Tia''s capabilities to project force had grown rapidly since she first gained control of the systems that existed between the Germanic Star-Empire''s borders and that of the Dvrakian Consortium. To the point where she could now produce lifelike androids to rece living beings, making it all the easier to assassinate targets.

 Chapter 335 Alarming the Enochian Theocracy

    <h4>Chapter 335 rming the Enochian Theocracy </h4>


    As quickly as Tia had promised, the twenty-eight members of the Dvrakian Assembly who were proven to be corrupt and in the way of protecting the interests of the Dvrakain Consortium and the Germanic Star-Empire were assassinated.


    Their deaths were made to appear as idents, and were done in such a way that, while questionable, were impossible to prove otherwise. Erich naturally knew of the means Tia had used to eliminate these politicians.


    She had created lifelike androids operating on a moderate level artificial intelligence that could perfectly mimic a living being. If not for the fact that Erich was working together with S''varin and Karl on this matter.


    He would have gone so far as to rece the dead 28 with android counterparts who were perfectly loyal to Erich. And the thing is, nobody would ever be able to actually tell the difference between the advanced android and the living being they had reced.


    But this practice was outright forbidden by gcticmonw, and because of this Erich would never reveal this card to anyone, no matter how close he may be to them. Only he and Tia knew that they possessed this technology, and it would remain that way until the end of time.


    Thus, immediately after these Assembly members mysteriously died, S''varin pushed for a temporary halt to their recement, and instead initiated a vote on establishing further diplomatic, economic, and military ties to the Germanic Star-Empire, as well as allowing military ess through their borders to the Germanic Star-Empire.


    This was an unusual request, and the fact that it hade directly after the deaths of the dead twenty eight made S''varin''s rivals all the more suspicious. But S''varin had bought out the neutral party within the Assembly, who voted in favor of the political party that S''varin personally represented.


    With a 2/3s majority, these votes passed. However, that was to be expected. What was the more difficult vote to achieve was the five-year n that S''varin proposed for re-armament of the Dvrakian Defense Forces, as well as the immediate enactment of Full Conscription.


    These ideas were at first met with opposition both from the rival political party and the neutral party. But after S''varin disyed the evidence that Erich had provided him with regarding Terminus being on a direct collision course for the Dvrakian Consortium, any naysayers that may have opposed the vote were already covertly eliminated by Tia and her android assassins.


    Because of this, the Dvrakian Consortium entered a state of remilitarization that set many of its neighbors into a state of rm. After all, the weapons they would be acquiring to support their armed forces were being purchased by none other than the Germanic Star-Empire.


    This was so rming that the suzerains of the Dvrakian Consortium actually dispatched their own diplomatic envoys to find out just what was happening, and whether or not the Dvrakian Consortium was preparing for a war of independence.


    S''varin sat in a room with the Enochian envoys. By his side were none other than Karl and Erich, who represented the interests of the Germanic Star-Empire in these discussions. If the Dvrakians were reminiscent of fictional devils, then the Enochians were the exact opposite, being the literal personification of the fantastical concept of angels.


    The two sides both considered each other hideous, but from Erich''s perspective the women of both species were absolutely stunning in their own unique ways. Still, Erich remained silent as the Enochian envoys questioned the motives of their vassals.


    "It is the Heavenly Father''s opinion that the Dvrakian Consortium is currently conspiring with the Germanic Star-Empire to vite their oaths of vassge towards our esteemed race. As a loyal servant of the Heavenly Father, we share his opinion on this matter and demand that both the Dvrakain Consortium and the Germanic Star-Empire immediately cease and desist from their revolutionary actions. Any further attempts to rearm the Dvrakian Defense Forces will be considered an act of war!


    Both Karl and S''varin wanted to respond diplomatically to this threat, but before they could do so, Erich scoffed, and gazed upon the little winged gnat in front of him as if she were nothing more than a insect.


    Perhaps it was the ten years he spent as a dictator of his own sector of space. While having the rest of the Gxy fear his army, but Erich had grown ustomed to dealing with threats with a proportional response. Thus, he responded to the Enochian envoy with an equally harsh tone in his voice.


    "Somebody overestimates their importance on the Gctic Stage... How amusing..."


    The Angelic beauty gave Erich a stern gaze, as she immediately questioned if he had just insulted her.


    "Excuse me? I''m sorry I didn''t quite hear that! For a second, I thought you were insulting us!"


    Yet Erich did not even stutter as he quickly responded to this hostile remark with one of his own.


    "You think if we wanted to support an armed insurrection we would be selling them our old military equipment? The Empire has the ability to wipe out the Enochian fleet in a single battle, and we could do it a thousand times over before we were forced to repair or rece any of our vessels.


    This isn''t about you. This is about Terminus and the fact that it is on a direct course to the Dvrakian Consortium, and by extension the borders of the Empire. If you don''t believe me, S''varin here can show you the proof."


    The Enochian delegate was stupified by these remarks. Few civilizations were advanced enough to have the deep space sensors necessary to detect the Naraku without said sensor arrays being destroyed before they could even collect the data. For the GSE to have such technology, it meant that they were more advanced than the Enochian Theocracy had thought they were.


    Because of this, she stopped addressing Erich, who had a frightening expression on his face, and instead spoke to S''varin, seeking confirmation on this matter.


    "Is this true? Are the Naraku really headed this way?"


    S''varin had a solemn expression on his face as he nodded his head before opening up the data pad he had previously used to prove this exact point to the Dvrakian Assembly.


    "Thanks to our friends in the Germanic Star-Empire, we have indeed been able to confirm this is true. If you were to ask your own overlord, they would also be able to confirm this information. As you can see, the Naraku Splinter Fleet, known as Terminus, is on a direct course towards Germanic space. We just happen to be in their way.


    Because of this, we are taking the necessary measures to defend our territory, and with the aid of the Germanic Armed Forces we believe that we may be able to halt the advancing storm long enough for the Alfheim Dominion to send reinforcements.


    It is our best option for survival. After all, even if we immediately began evacuating now, an estimated 90% of Dvrakian life would be extinguished as would our existing civilization and culture. We would be nomadic and left to the cruelty of the gxy.


    Our race may not be the renowned warriors that our neighbors to the south are, but our pride would have us rather die in battle, then face such a cruel fate with a vain hope of survival..."


    The Enochian host looked at both S''varin and Erich before sighing heavily. It was difficult for religious fanatics to ever admit they were wrong. And thus she grit her teeth before saving whatever face she could.


    "Perhaps the prophet misinterpreted the Heavenly Father''s words... Very well, with this evidence I will believe that your intentions are out of defense, and not aggression. Though if you do manage to survive theing cataclysm, we expect you to disarm yourselves once more... Good day, S''varin, and may the Heavenly Father bestow your people with his divine protection!"


    After saying this, the Enochian host departed not wanting to stay another moment in a world they had already written off as "doomed to extinction."

 Chapter 336 Appointing an Ambassador

    <h4>Chapter 336 Appointing an Ambassador </h4>


    After much effort to convince the Dvrakian Consortium to agree with the Germanic Star-Empire''s demands. Erich was now faced with an extremely difficult task. He had to say goodbye to S''aleth yet again, and so soon after reuniting with her.


    He had only just begun to scratch the surface of their rtionship in this world. And yet he could no longer stay in the world of Thexkar and court the young alien beauty. Instead, he had to return to his home. However, while he was brooding in silence within his temporary quarters, Tia reminded him of a valid proposal that would allow him and S''aleth to continue to regrly see each other.


    "Master, I am sensing that you are distressed over the idea of leaving behind your alien lover. If you don''t mind, I have an idea on how to take her back with you to the Empire''s capital..."


    Erich looked over at Tia''s holographic projection, which disyed itself inside his own head via his NeuroLink system. He was confused at first, that is until the aritficial intelligence began to speak again.


    "ording to the Empire''s records, there has not been a proper ambassador to the Empire from the Dvrakian Consortium in approximately 127.3 years. Now that the Empire is formalizing ties to the Dvrakian Consortium through a temporary military alliance it stands to reason that an Ambassador should be sent to the Empire''s Capital.


    It makes sense from S''varin''s position to send a member of his own household to Germania. After all, he is the architect of this alliance, at least so far as the Dvrakians are concerned. And since you hold an esteemed position in the Empire, and are already favorable towards S''varin''s daughter, it won''t take much to convince him of this matter...."


    Erich wanted to smack himself in the head for not thinking of this opportunity. Now that Tia mentioned it, it was a kind of obvious. But then again, it relied on the knowledge that Dvrakia currently had no embassy on Germania, or an appointed ambassador. Thus, Erich actually had a reasonable exnation for now thinking of this.


    With a confident smirk on his face, Erichplimented Tia before dusting himself off and heading towards the Governor''s Pce on Thexkar where he could meet with S''varin before his appointed departure.


    ---


    Soon enough Erich arrived at S''varin''s office, where he was permitted entry. S''varin was slightly surprised by this fact, and was incredibly busy making preparations for the ongoing rearmament campaign that he was personally in charge of.


    Yet, since the beginning, he had suspected that Erich had a far more important position in the Empire than just a mere adjutant, and thus he made time for whatever reason Erich had to approach him.


    "Captain Jaeger... I was not expecting your visit. This is a surprise, but a wee one nheless. I pardon the appearance of my office, but I am dreadfully busy now that the Consortium will be going to war for the first time in over a hundred years.?But that''s none of your concern. Tell me what can I help you with?"


    Erich wore a confident grin as he sat down in front of the Dvrakian Governor before making his thoughts heard.


    "It hase to my attention that the Dvrakian Consortium does not currently have an embassy on Germania, nor do you have an appointed ambassador. These re-armament efforts will take years, and since our two races will be shedding blood side by side in the face of the looming threat. I feel it is a tad disrespectful not to have such formal ties established between our two civilizations."


    S''varin was stunned into silence by this statement. He had alsopletely forgotten the fact that there was no ambassador currently. He quickly looked into hisputer to find that this concern was most certainly valid. Once he had done this, Erich proposed an offer he couldn''t refuse.


    "If you and I are discussing this right now, then you can bet the other members of the Assembly are as well... Tell me Governor... After all the work that the two of us have put into building this alliance, do you really want someone else to gain the advantage by having a member of their household represent the consortium?


    If you ask me, it should be a member of the house Tavarian who represents the interests of the Consortium in this alliance. Do you not agree?"


    S''varin smirked when he heard what Erich was saying. He leaned back into his chair and ced his the back of his head in his palms while looking at Erich with a confident expression.


    "I knew it... You''re not a just a simple Adjutant are you? What''s your real position in the Empire? After all, to approach me and suggest an ambassador, you must have enough power to approve their entry into the Empire do you not? I know your people are extremely strict on just who can enter the Empire''s borders, and that includes foreign envoys."


    Erich returned the man''s confident grin, with a slight nod of his head and an admission of his current status within his homnd.


    "If the Empire were an actual monarchy, you would be referring to me by the title of Crown Prince. We have yet to announce this to the public due to my condition... But the leaders of the party all agree that I am the chosen sessor to the Supreme Leader... I hope you now understand the level of importance that my people have for this alliance..."


    S''varin was blown away by this fact. He suspected that Erich was the governor of one of the systems that bordered the Dvrakian Consortium, but he had never expected that the man was actually the heir apparent of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    With this knowledge, things started to make a lot more sense about the interactions between Karl and Erich, as well as the fact that Erich hadmonly acted on behalf of the Empire without waiting for the Deputy Leader''s permission to do so.


    Thus, S''varin wore a wry smile as he shook his head and admitted defeat.


    "Your people are far more cunning than we give you credit for... Most of the gxy considers the Germanic race to be a bunch of dumb brutes, in a simr regard to the Orcs. I''m d to see that we were mistaken. So tell me, Mr. Crown Prince... Is there anyone in mind you had from my household that you wish to serve as our ambassador to your people?"


    Erich leaned back in his chair, and pressed his fingers together as he spoke a single name aloud, one that shocked the Dvrakian Governor.


    "S''aleth..."

 Chapter 337 Confirming the Ambassador

    <h4>Chapter 337 Confirming the Ambassador </h4>


    S''varin was taken aback by Erich''s suggestion. S''aleth? His good for nothing daughter? Why on earth would this man ask for her to be the ambassador between the Dvrakian Consortium and the Germanic Star-Empire? Unless perhaps he had some kind of ulterior motives towards the girl?


    No, that was entirely unlikely. The Germanic Star-Empire was even more harsh on those members of their race who had such thoughts towards other species. Still, S''varin could not grasp why Erich had suggested this, and was quick to ask for an exnation.


    "I''m sorry, when you say S''aleth, do you mean my daughter?"


    Erich wore a kind smile on his face as he nodded his head before confirming this was exactly what he meant.


    "That is correct..."


    S''varin still struggled to understand Erich''s thinking and was quick to ask for it.


    "I don''t understand... As far as I''m concerned, S''aleth is the least qualified candidate in my household to be appointed as an ambassador. I mean sure, I can make it happen, but I fear she might cause some diplomatic issues...."


    Erich however was the one most perplexed by this statement as he raised his brow while sipping on some tea that was provided to him by his host, before asking one simple question.


    "You think so? I have the exact opposite impression of your daughter...."


    This only further confused S''varin who asked outright why Erich wanted his daughter as the Dvrakian ambassador.


    "I''m lost... Why would you say such a thing?"


    Erich was not willing to beat around the bush any further, and outright said what he was thinking even if it might offend the Dvrakian Governor.


    "Because your daughter is the only member of your species who hasn''t looked at me as if I was some kind of filthy barbarian since I first stepped foot on this world..."


    S''varin immeidately stumbled over his words as he tried to deny this was the reality they were living in.


    "That''s not... I mean there''s no way... Surely someone else!"


    But before he could finish his thought Erich sighed before forcing the man to be honest with him.


    "Let''s not pretend to be delusional here Mr. Tavarian. Your people are heavily biased towards my own, as are mine towards yours. However, your daughter seems to be at the very least less biased towards my people.


    After one day with her, we got along surprisingly well. Any bias either of us may have had is now gone. In fact, I''d say she has a newfound appreciation of Germanic culture, as I now do Dvrakian culture. If our two civilizations are to form any long-


    term alliance, even it is something a simple as a century long trade agreement. We must be able to see through our own biased perspectives towards one another.


    As an ambassador to our people, whoever the Consortium selects must be able to look at our perspective without the lense of bias and prejudice, as we must do towards your civilization. I won''t lie to you. The current Supreme Leader is about as xenophobic as one gets. As were his predecessors.


    But in five years after the Terminus war is over, and I have proven myself a capable leader, he will be stepping down, and I will be the next supreme leader. I am of a far more shall we say "open-minded" perspective. Though I do hate to use that term...


    When Ie to power, there will be many changes in the Empire, and I will need an ambassador from the consortium who is less prone to view every action I take as one that is potentially hostile. But most importantly I need an ambassador to my people who while cooperative will still look out for the consortiums best interests, because I guarantee you when I assume power there will be those beneath me who will have a far more hawkish agenda towards our neighbors.


    Aside from herck of bias, S''aleth was also a gracious host to me, and we both have a good working rtionship. I have no doubt that as an ambassador to me when I be the next Supreme Leader, we will be able to get along and negotiate with one another quite well."


    S''varin paused for a moment and thought about everything Erich had said, before asking the most critical question on his mind.


    "And you have the power to approve my daughter''s entry into the Empire as a foreign diplomat?"


    Erich silently nodded his head, confirming this was true. This caused S''varin to sigh in relief as he exined what difficulties lied on the path of appointing his daughter as an ambassador.


    "It will be difficult for the Assembly to approve this... S''aleth has no formal training as a diplomat. Sure she was raised in a politician''s household, and obviously knows how to properly act in the presence of alien dignitaries. But... That won''t be enough to convince the assembly...."


    Erich however shook his head at this sentiment, before assuring S''varin that it would be taken care of.


    "You can rx, Mr. Tavarian... Once the Assembly learns that S''aleth has been pre-approved with a diplomatic visa. They will have no choice but to ept her as the Consortium''s ambassador to the Empire.


    After all, the Empire does not issue diplomatic visas lightly. And if we have already issued one to a member of your species, it is virtually impossible that we will decide to issue another. At least not one that recognizes your diplomat as an ambassador.


    Once it is in our records, it doesn''t matter if the assembly agrees or not. As far as the Empire is concerned, S''aleth will be the only ambassador from the Dvrakian Consortium that is approved to enter our borders."


    S''varin stared at Erich once more at a loss for words. He could not believe that Erich had already thought this through so much. He was just about to ask if this was at all possible when Erich reached into his pocket and pulled out an electronic device, which he handed to the Dvrakian Governor.


    "Have your daughter use this device. Once it processes and scans her DNA sample, S''aleth will be considered the official ambassador from the Dvrakian Consortium. She will have no problems getting into our borders after that. Even if the assembly rejects the notion of her being the ambassador, the Empire will reject any other application for such a position."


    S''varin stared at the device which was designed to scan a living being with all biological information of the being with an intense look on his face. He then sighed heavily after several seconds passed before resting his forehead on the palm of his hand.


    "I know I have said it before, but your people are far more cunning than we have ever thought..."

 Chapter 338 Double Date Part I

    <h4>Chapter 338 Double Date Part I </h4>


    Time passed quicker than Erich realized it, as the chosen sessor for the position of the Supreme Leader. Erich was entrenched in politics, economics, and the daily operations of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    With each passing day, the threat of the Naraku Splinter Fleet became ever more present. While at the same time, the might of the Germanic Armed Forces increased. Not only through their alliance with the Dvrakian Consortium but also because Tia produced new weapons of war with each passing day. Weapons that only a Gctic Power should have ess to.


    Erich was constantly on the news. For every feat he achieved in the politicalndscape, the Empire''s propaganda machine made sure that every citizen knew his name and face. And soon enough, even the more simple members of the Empire were starting to believe that Erich was the man chosen to seed the current Supreme Leader.


    With each mention of his name, two women paid attention to the headlines. The young popstar Erika continued to make headlines of her own, yet her fascination with this silver haired mutant, the rumors that he would be the next supreme leader caught her fancies more than any other potential husband.


    While Yumi gazed upon the headlines of her greatest ally, and continued to improve rtions between their two realms in the hope that a permanent alliance could be forged between their two empires rather than one that existed solely due to political convenience.


    In fact, Yumi paid very close attention to the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the Germanic Star-Empire and the Dvrakian Consortium,ing to an understanding that Terminus was likely the thing that had created this union.


    As a result, after nearly three years of secret military buildup, Yumi tasked her nephew and puppet to send her to the Germanic Star-Empire, in an attempt to join this military alliance, and its goal of stopping Terminus from destroying this region of space.


    ---


    It had been three years since Erich hadst seen Yumi. And though he thought of the Oni beauty, and her equally gorgeous niece quite frequently, Erich would be lying if he said he had not been preupied with more important matters than just his love life.


    In fact, S''aleth''s daily visits to his tower on Germania had been the full focus of Erich''s romantic pursuits. The devilish beauty surprisingly performed her role as an ambassador exceedingly well, and had be ustomed to her life in the foreign Empire.


    She wasmonly found interacting with Erich, more so than any other diplomats, and thus the Supreme Leader pawned off this important political matter to his sessor. It was while Erich was enjoying a nice meal with S''aleth, and at an upscale restaurant that Erich first learned Yumi had returned to Germanic space.


    The Oni beauty smiled something fierce as she ran up to meet with Erich, despite being escorted by the Supreme Leader himself. This, of course, did not anger the Supreme Leader, but he was curious how Erich and Yumi knew each other.


    "Erich, is that you? My oh my, it has sure been a while since west met? I''d say three years hasn''t it. I see the life of a politician is suiting you well, and who might this exotic beauty be?"


    Erich could see the vixen like expression on Yumi''s gorgeous face, and knew what she was really interested in was whether or not he had done something inappropriate with S''aleth, like he had done with her three years prior.


    Unfortunately, Erich''s rtionship with S''aleth had progressed slowly in this life. Without the constant pressure of knowing that you will be dead within a few years'' time, S''aleth was far more reserved about breaking her people''s taboo. And though she had intense feelings for Erich, she refused to act on them.


    Since she was so conflicted, Erich had decided to ease their rtionship until the woman wasfortable epting him as her illicit lover. And thus, over the past three years, the two of them were more akin to very close friends, then they were actually lovers.


    This was immediately revealed by the expression on S''aleth''s face when she saw another beautiful alien woman being so friendly with Erich. Something that Yumi was wise enough to pick up on her. Causing her to grab hold of Erich''s arm and cling to it tightly while she whispered something in his ears.


    "My poor little lover boy... You are trying so hard to tap that devil''s ass, and yet, she still has not spread her legs for you... You must be so pent up. How about youe back to my hotel roomter tonight once you''re done with her, and I''ll help you ovee your agony..."


    Dvrakians like Oni had extremely sensitive hearing, and because of this S''aleth had picked up what Yumi had whispered to Erich, and immediately froze on the spot. The idea that Erich had already broken such a taboo, and with this Oni woman no less. It was truly mind-boggling to S''aleth.


    Erich was not as pent up as Yumi might believe. While it was true that pre-marital sex and adultery were ouwed in the Empire. Erich had Tia''s robotic form to help him gain some proper release. But he would never tell the woman that, and thus he smirked as he nodded his head, before confirming he would do just that.


    "Very well, I will take you up on your kind offer. Supreme Leader, would you and Yumi like to join us? I''m sure the staff wouldn''t mind if you pushed our two tables together..."


    S''aleth was mortified about the fact that Erich had epted Yumi''s offer and was also terrified by the prospect of sharing a meal with this woman who had suddenly revealed herself to be a scandalous thief! Her blood was practically boiling as she held back the urge to have a catfight with Yumi over Erich as the prize.


    Thus, the young Dvrakian beauty simply sat back silently and drank while the two tables were pushed together. She had no idea that Yumi and the Supreme Leader''s conversation would be one of supreme important to this sector of space.

 Chapter 339 Double Date Part II

    <h4>Chapter 339 Double Date Part II </h4>


    Yumi kept staring at Erich throughout the night... It was abundantly clear to everyone at the table that something was going on between the two of them. In this life, Erich had been exceptionally careful to disguise his intentions towards alien women. That was a reputation that followed him until the end of his past life. One that had many negative consequences.


    Having learned this lesson, Erich had taken things exceptionally slowly with S''aleth, and had gone out of his way to bury any evidence that might have existed about his one-night stand with Yumi. But Yumi never forgot about Erich. In fact, she had be even more obsessed with the man in this life.


    After all, his aplishments were far superior in this new lease on life, or at least what he had officially achieved during the few years he had been able to live since returning to his 18th year. Thus, Yumi was quite flirtatious with Erich,ing on stronger than made him feelfortable.


    It was precisely because of this that she indulged a bit too much in drink, and stated something that was not supposed to be said in the open.


    "So... Supreme Leader Epp... When will you be finally be stepping down? After all, don''t you think it''s about time that your handsome young sessor finally gets a chance to take the reins?"


    Thisment nearly caused the Supreme Leader to choke on his wine, While Erich facepalmed at Yumi''s boldness. The Germanic were not ones who appreciate such boldness when said boldness revealed in a public setting a secret that was of dire importance, especially one that would be important to the future of their race.


    But Yumi had so boldly announced this in the open, luckily for them there were no reporters around and thus when she saw her host''s mortified expression she sighed and rolled her eyes before begging him not to behave as if this secret wasn''t already something that everyone of importance in the region was already aware of.


    "Oh,e on now, Hans. Do you really want me to keep quiet about the most well-known secret in this sector of space?"


    The Supreme leader was visibly upset, but chose to roll his eyes and ignore Yumi''sck of decorum. She had always been like this, ever since he first assumed the position of Supreme Leader. Despite her yful personality, the woman was quite fearsome. She was both a valuable ally to have, and a dreaded enemy.


    It was better to get along with her and her kind, especially since they shared many of the same beliefs as the Empire, and in a gxy full of enemies, allies were a wee sight. Thus, he responded to her question, albeit with a slightly irritated tone in his gruff voice.


    "I will step down in a few years when Erich here has demonstrated his ability to properly lead the nation. And not a second before!"


    This, of course, caused Yumi toe to an understanding where she once more bluntly stated the hidden meaning behind Hans''s words.


    "So what you mean to say is that after the Empire has secured its survival against the Terminus invasion, you will hand over the ropes to Erich? A wise n, one I expected to hear, but must admit I am anything but patient to wait for!


    Hans, you need to let my people in on this military alliance of yours! You know as well as I do that my people are capable warriors, and will be a greater asset than the Dvrakians will in the fight that is toe! Besides, if your people were to fall we would be next in line for those dreadful bugs, and I would prefer not to fight them on our home turf...."


    The way Yumi said thisst part was so deliberate and emphasized that it was a not-so-subtle hint that she knew exactly why the Germanic Star-Empire approached the Dvrakian Consortium with the prospect of a military alliance.


    This caused Erich and Hans to look at each other before both of them sighed heavily. They decided that since the cat was out of the bag, they might as well reveal it to Yumi. With Erich taking the prominent position in these negotiations.


    "Are you sure you wish to do this? Sending your forces into the front lines in the hopes that we will seed is a dangerous risk... One that I feel as if you are vastly underestimating..."


    Yumi was far more intelligent and cunning than Erich liked to give her credit for, perhaps because she masterfully wielded a yful and non serious facade. But she narrowed her eyes at the man and was quick to assure him that she had properly thought this course of action through.


    "If you both weren''t confident in an victory against Terminus, then by now Hans and his entire regime would have fled the Empire, leaving it open for a coup from a despot, who would refuse to relinquish his power when the time came for the true heir to ascend...


    If Hans is that confident of his chances of survival that he would choose to stay and fight. Then it means that everyone is underestimating you guys. What exactly are the two of you hiding that would allow you to defeat a Naraku Hive Fleet?


    Even if it is a splinter fleet, it still managed to destroy an Alfheim Fleet along with the entirety of the Rylonian Imperium minus a few million refugees. So if you have a n to defeat them, I would love to hear it..."


    Erich shook his head silently towards Hans revealing that he did not want to reveal thetest extent of the rapid technological development the Germanic Star-Empire had achieved over thest three and a half years. And Hans was in agreement.


    Nothing good coulde from revealing the existence of Tia besides to the few chosen trusted individuals who already knew about her existence. And thus, Erich left Yumi pouting as he denied giving her an answer.


    "I''m sorry, but that''s ssified.... If you wish to join this alliance, you will have to do so under the same ignorance of our current military capabilities that the Dvrakian Consortium currently operates under..."


    Yumi did not say another word after hearing this, and simply pouted in silence as she watched Erich return his attention towards S''aleth. A rtionship that the mature Oni Queen was desperate to interrupt.

 Chapter 340 Loyalty to the Empress

    <h4>Chapter 340 Loyalty to the Empress </h4>


    Throughout the night, Erich, Yumi, S''aleth, and the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire shared a meal, and more drinks than they probably should have indulged in. Yumi was of course nothing but interested in Erich the entire time. Almost as if she were marking her territory in front of a rival.


    While S''aleth was quiet and reserved, wondering what was the exact nature of the rtionship between Erich and this Oni woman? She, however, quietly returned to her apartment, while Erich covertly followed Yumi back to her hotel room for a night of fun.


    In the morning, Erich made his way back to his own penthouse, where he received a message from Yumi, confirming that the Great Oni Empire had pledged itself to the so-called Triple Alliance between the Germanic Star-Empire, the Dvarakian Consortium, and now the Great Oni Empire.


    For nearby interster civilizations, this was a trouble thought. As two of the regional powerhouses had formed an alliance with a minor power that was within their immediate vicinity. And though it was a well-known secret that there was some form of economic and strategic alliance between the GSE and the GOE. Neither of the two nations had fought side by side in decades, if not centuries.


    For these renewed military ties, and the so-called sharing of technology and information. It was indeed a troubling thought for those who existed within the periphery of these nations. Especially since everyone knew about the hawkish nature of the GSE.


    So much so that Lunaria actually receivedints from some of the interster civilizations that existed within her quadrant of space. Because of this, she had no choice but to contact Hans, and inqurie about the exact nature of this military and economic alliance.


    Hans was not exactly the type of man who would indulge the Alfheim Empress in more than he was required by oath to inform her with. But Erich just so happened to be in Hans''s office, informing him of important strategic matters that he, Tia, and Yumi had been working on.


    When Lunaria''s holographic projection appeared in the room, Erich felt a tinge of guilt in his heart. In his past life, he had promised to marry Lunaria as his only wife, and form an alliance with her that would forever change the dynamic of power within the Milky Way Gxy.


    Instead... He had brought the death and destruction of the entire gxy upon himself. And no doubt the past Lunaria he had loved must have suffered a terrible fate, as did all the women Erich hade to love.


    Lunaria however did not pay Erich any attention as she immediately addressed his superior.


    "Hans, my little pet... I have been hearing certain rumors about you building a military alliance with your neighbors... In fact, I have heard certain rumors that you have been terraforming celestial bodies within your borders. But that couldn''t possibly be true...


    After all, if that were the case, it would mean that you have either discovered such technology on your own, stolen it from yours truly, or were gifted it for an act of supreme treason by a rival of mine!


    Either way, if you little dogs actually have such powerful tech, then it would mean you would no longer have to wage wars on my behalf, and I don''t think I am just quite ready to let go of the leash that I have tied to my favorite little puppies!"


    Hans had no idea how to respond to this usation, as it was true that Tia had gifted them with such advanced technology, and they were, in fact, employing it across their rather insignificant borders.


    Luckily for Hans, Erich was by his side and immediately acted by kneeling in front of Lunaria''s projection while assuring her that the loyalty of the Empire was absolute.


    "My Empress... I must apologize for being so rude as to interrupt your interrogation to my superior, but I must say that it pains me to hear such allegations lobbied against my people. The Germanic Star-Empire has always been loyalty to yours truly... We would never do anything to break your trust!"


    Erich had said something that immediately intrigued Lunaria. What he said was not wholly urate... The Germanic Star-


    Empire was beholden via an oath of fealty to the Alfheim Dominion and whoever its ruler may be.


    And while this just so happened to be Lunaria herself, it did not technically mean that the Germanic Star-Empire was loyal to her specifically. It was a subtle distinction, but for an ancient and wise ruler like Lunaria and an obvious one.


    She wore a curious smile on her wless face, as shemanded Erich to raise his head so she could get a better look at this unfamiliar man.


    "You... Introduce yourself properly! And show me your face!"


    Erich tried not to grin, and instead forced an expression of reverence as he slightly raised his head, revealing his handsome face for the woman to admire. He then properly introduced himself to the woman.


    "Field Marshal Erich Jaeger, your highness... I apologize for my earlier outburst, but it wounded my heart to know that you would ever think of your loyal servants such as myself as potential traitors. I just had to say something. If I must be punished for my actions, then I just hope that my Empress does so with justice in mind!"


    Erich was not lying about his rank. Over the past three years, he had been promoted to the highest rank in the Germanic Star-


    Marine Corps. Which was the branch he was officially affiliated with in this life. For the sake of political power, and to show off his skills, he was givenpletemand of the Germanic Armed Forces for the sake of the uing Terminus War.


    However, it was neither his rank, nor his young age at which he was rewarded with such a position that intrigued Lunaria. Instead, it was the fervency in his tone when he imed he was a loyal subject of hers.


    After all, the men of the Germanic Star-Empire were incredibly proud and independent. Lunaria may admire them, but she knew the only thing keeping them under her control was the threat of supreme force. Yet Erich sounded not like a defiant subject, but rather a fanatically loyal one. A man that, while not submissive, knew that she was his empress. And she could not help but find that appealing.


    Like Erika, S''aleth, and Yumi... Erich had just made a far superior first impression on the mighty and ancient Alfheim Empress than he had during his first attempt at life.

 Chapter 341 Knowing One Better Than Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 341 Knowing One Better Than Yourself </h4>


    Lunaria stared at Erich with a deep sense of curiosity. It had been some time since she met with a member of the Germanic Military. Not only was Erich''s age unusual for his position, but his demeanor was respectful to her, too respectful.


    He had gone out of his way to call her his empress and had bowed before her not out of obligation but genuine respect. There was not a hint in his unusual silver eyes, a condition that undoubtedly meant that this man had suffered great difficulty on his path to power.


    This caused a look of admiration to appear in Lunaria''s eyes as she spoke to Erich, and not his superior.


    "Field Marshal Jaeger... How interesting... Prove yourself worthy to me and I may remember the name... Now tell me Field Marshal, what exactly is going on with this little alliance of yours? I have known for some time now that the Germanic Star-Empire was on favorable terms with the Great Oni Empire, but not to this extent...


    Not to mention the inclusion of the Dvrakian Consortium in this little alliance... You wouldn''t be thinking about being rebellious towards me now would you?"


    Erich stood fast in his devotion to Lunaria. Though she did not know that they had been lovers in the previous timeline, he was determined to make it a thing in this one. And thus he put on a perfect disy of loyalty to the woman as he assured her this alliance was for their own protection.


    "By now, your majesty should be aware that Terminus is but a few years away from our borders... We are doing everything in our power to increase our military strength in an attempt to defeat the bugs and annihte the hive fleet. The aid from our allies in the Great Oni Empire is most wee, and as for the Dvrakian Consortium, we n to hold the first line of defense at the edge of their borders."


    Lunaria rested one leg over the other as she leaned forward and gazed upon Erich''s expression. She was searching every crease in his face for a hint of lies, and when she determined that he was telling her the truth, she was quick to ept this information as fact.


    "Very well, it pains me to abandon you all to fight this battle on your own... But as you know our rivals in the Svartalfheim Federation are currently causing trouble on our borders. We lost an entire fleet to the Naraku, but luckily for you, we have weakened the Hive Fleet. So if there is at all a chance of your survival, we have dealt a blow capable of delivering it to you all.


    If you can hold out long enough... I may be able to spare a relief force, if not, then I pray to the ancient gods of my people that your souls make it to the afterlife... That is all I wanted to know... And Erich was it? I will be watching your career closely from now on, so do not disappoint me. Do you understand?"


    Erich nodded his head and rose to a saluting position, the proper position fo a salute that a member of the Germanic Military would give to a superior from the Alfheim Dominion.


    "Yes... Your Majesty!"


    With that said, Lunaria hung up on Erich, leaving the man to deal with the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire who was quick toment on Erich''s uncanny ability to lie.


    "I have never seen the Alfheim Empress fail to detect a lie before. She is beyond ancient and has long since memorized the expressions our species makes while lying. Yet you told her we did not have ess to terraforming technology. How is this possible?"


    Erich wore a smug smile on his face as he patted his superior''s shoulder, while letting him in on a secret that nobody could confirm in his past life, but many hade to suspect.


    "I''ll let you in a little secret. In my past life, I was Lunaria''s lover... I know that woman better than I know myself. We spent decades together, and with that said I obviously know how to lie to her..."


    Supreme Leader Hans Epp looked at Erich, trying desperately to tell if the man was lying to him or not. He could not believe such an absurdment, and was quick to call Erich out on what the man perceived to be bullshit.


    "You and the Alfheim Empress? Lovers? Boy, the heat death of the universe would sooner ur than that!"


    Erich scoffed and shook his head, shrugging off the Supreme Leader''s disbelief, but leaving behind a solemn vow before disappearing from the man''s sight.


    "Believe me... Don''t believe me, I really don''t care. But I spoke the honest truth with you just now, and if I am to be honest further, I intend to reim her as my woman in this life as well... The alliance we were about to build would have forever changed the bnce of power in the gxy... And if not for some unfortunate circumstances, like the invasion of the Extragctic Naraku fleets, then we could have aplished great things together."


    The Supreme Leader was left in a state ofplete and utter disbelief. He honestly had no idea with Erich was fucking with him. After all, the Alfheim Empress had maintained her purity for longer than recorded history. But she gave it away to someone like Erich... It couldn''t be that she knew about his abilities, and the plot of the Germanic Star-Empire all along, right? No.... That was unthinkable... Nobody could have possibly alerted the ancient empress to their schemes...


    As for Erich, he was indeed determined to win back Lunaria, but he would not bepelled to take her as his one and only life in this timeline like he had tried to do in his past, there were many women who he needed to make things up to, and Lunaria was just one of them. Thus, Erich''s n from this day forward was to begin approaching Mirage and trying to reconnect with her in a far less toxic way than he had done in the previous timeline.

 Chapter 342 A Kick in the Pants

    <h4>Chapter 342 A Kick in the Pants </h4>


    Mirage was sitting at a bar, the same bar she and Erich had frequented on Quadi while they were both involved with Splinter during the previous timeline. This time around, Splinter had been lying low... After all, without roping Erih into their business, they had tried and failed to assassinate the instructor at the Naval Academy.


    Because of this, they had alerted the authorities to their presence. And Butcher had yet to realize that his criminal organization had been infiltrated by the IIS. Mirage was sighing heavily as she twirled her finger around the top of the ss.


    She had not in the least expected a decorated war hero like the "legendary" Erich Jaeger to sit down next to her, and thus she was surprised when he did so. Erich spoke to the woman in a friendly tone, as he asked her what was the best that this local dive bar had to offer.


    "Pardon me miss, but do you mind telling me if there is anything safe to drink in this tavern?"


    Mirage was not in the best of mood. After failing to catch the would be assassin in the act, she had been demoted back down to the rank of agent. She was extremely pissed that Butcher had pulled on over on her, and felt like she was losing his trust.


    She was also angry that because of this, she would continue to have to exist in this mutated form until her job wasplete. Thus, it was understandable, if one knew these circumstances why she would snap at Erich and his snide remark as he sat down next to her?


    "If you don''t like it, go somewhere else! Why would you even- Oh shit.... I''m so sorry Field Marshal I was way out of line!"


    Erich leaned in close and whispered something that sent a chill down Mirage''s spine as he revealed her identity on the spot. Luckily, he had done it in a voice so low that nobody else could hear them.


    "Is it not customary for an agent of the IIS to salute a general when she meets one?"


    Mirage quickly looked around to see if anyone else had heard Erich''s words, before sighing in relief when she noticed nobody had reacted. She then punched the man in the shoulder and called him an ass to his face for daring to y such a cruel prank on her.


    "Asshole! Are you trying to give me a heart attack!?!"


    Mirage had acted on instinct, and forgotten in the moment of her fury, that she had just struck a general of the highest rank. She practically pissed herself in fear when she came to this realization, that is until Erichughed it off.


    "You''re cute when you''re nervous, you know that. Mirage was it?"


    Mirage blushed when she heard Erich call her cute. She had obviously known who Erich was, as did pretty much everyone else in the Empire. The propaganda about his "repeated victories in border shes with alien civilizations", were now widespread.


    In reality, even an agent of the IIS like Mirage did not have ess to the truth of what Erich had been up to over these past few years since gaining his second attempt at life. Or that his entire service record in this life was entirely falsified.


    But Erich did not actually care about this "stolen valor" because what he had aplished in the previous timeline was far grander than what the Empire said he had done in this one. Thus, he acted as if he fully deserved his rank and honors, because he did.


    Still, Erich introduced himself to the woman properly, if not simply because it was the correct thing to do as per social conventions.


    "The name is Erich... Erich Jaeger, but I''m sure you already knew that. So, is there something you would rmend off the menu? Or should I just order recklessly?"


    Mirage finally recovered her wits, and was quick to point out her favorite drink, which Erich was already aware of. He then ordered it and drank in excess with Mirage while questioning her about her "life" or that of her cover. After all, he was deeply interested in what had happened to Splinter in this timeline.


    Mirage, of course, only said what she was allowed to say, though Erich may have security clearance to read all of her reports. She couldn''t openly say what she had been up to in a criminal bar. Thus, Erich simply became reacquainted with the woman.


    The two of them drank, and spoke of many things, getting to know one another the best they could while all eyes were watching them before Erich said farewell. His excuse for visiting the bar was that his fleet had juste back to Quadi for repairs, and he was in desperate need of a drink after hisst campaign..


    This was of course all in line with the actual happenings of the task force he was officially currently leading. And thus, when the criminals investigated his ims it would alle back as legit. As for Mirage. She had decided to go out and find Erich in her proper form once she had finallypleted her mission with a splinter.


    In fact, this meeting with the legendary Hero of the Empire was the kick in the pants she needed to actually do her job properly. Thus, despite having just been sulking prior to contact with Erich, the blue-haired beauty decided she would now give it her all into bringing down Splinter and the criminal element altogether.


    Thus, once more Erich had made a far superior first impression on one of the many women who he needed to make things up to in this second chance at the life of his. Perhaps this time around there would be no mutual hatred between Mirage and Erich, like they had endured and moved beyond during the past timeline.


    If that were the case, the two of them might have a far more healthy rtionship in this life, or at least that was Erich''s hope.

 Chapter 343 An Eerie Feeling

    <h4>Chapter 343 An Eerie Feeling </h4>


    With the alliances secure between the Germanic Star-Empire and its two neighboring powers the Dvrakian Consortium and the Great Oni Empire things progressed smoothly. The Dvrakian Defense Forces continued to grow in size, and with the technology they were given by the Germanic Star-Empire they quickly became what Erich would not so kindly put as "Adequate Meat Shields."


    Meanwhile, the GSE had already been constructed defenses on the Dvrakian Borders, the roboticbor legions that Tia had created had indeed proven to be a valuable asset as they never needed to rest, and were always operating at peak efficiency.


    While Erich continued to work with Hans and Tia to ensure that the GSE was ready for its eventual war with Terminus, Mirage continued in her efforts to bring down the criminal underworld. The newfound inspiration she had received from a single night drinking with Erich had proven to be enough to aid her in these methods.


    And after another two years, not only had the crime syndicates which hid in the shadows of Germanic Space beenpletely obliterated, but the preparations for the war with Terminus werepleted.


    Any day now the bugs would rear their ugly head, and thus the triple alliance watched, and waited for the day this urred.


    ---


    On board the Naraku Queenship was the Queen of the Terminus hive herself. This was not the same Terminus that Erich had slept with during the previous timeline after being infected with Naraku pheromones and forced to enter an agreement with her. But rather, she would technically be that bug''s older sister. Born from the same queen, but centuries older. She had long since ruled over the Terminus Splinter Fleet.


    In fact, this Queen was not speaking with her mother Behemoth who had birthed all the other Queens in the Milky Way Gxy, but rather her grandmother, the Naraku Empress who still dwelled outside the Milky Way Gxy, devouring what remained of biological life in the Andromeda Gxy.


    It had been hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of years since the Naraku first stepped foot in the Milky Way Gxy, and that was long ago, in an era long forgotten by those current young civilizations who survived the Copse of the Primeval Era.


    And during this time, the majority of their species were fighting those powers that existed within Andromeda, devouring all life they came across. Like they did every other gxy before them. The Naraku Empress was beyond ancient. She was said to be the first of her species, not that anyone was old enough to remember such a thing.


    Biologically immortal, and supremely powerful, with a single thought, she couldmand countless numbers of bugs to swarm a world, a system, a gxy even, and devour all life within. And for years she had been focusing on a cluster of gxies, which the Milky Way was not only a part of, but thest on her menu.


    Terminus bowed before her grandmother, who she worshipped as living goddess, while exining the ongoing situation in the Milky Way Gxy.


    "We have dealt a great blow to the bnce of power in the Milky Way... The Rylonian Imperium was one of the primary armed forces which the Light Elves used to maintain supremacy. The Light Elves and an ancient and powerful race, and though their current Empress has ruled since the end of the Schism, which caused the copse of the old Elven Empire, I have no doubt that she still holds onto some ancient secrets that may aid her people in their time of need.


    But with the Rylonian Copse, her rivals and allies will begin making ys against her. And once we get rid of her newest attack dog, an upstart race whose level of violence is something that most other sapient races fear, it will only be a matter of decades before the Alfheim Dominion finds themselves isted and surrounded by enemies. All is going ording to n, your Majesty..."


    The Naraku Empress sat silently as she stared at Terminus, who was the spitting image of her younger sister who had yet to be born in this timeline. She did not know why, but she felt as if something was seriously wrong. And she had felt this way for the least a few years.


    Thus, she was quick to inquire about the only other thing she knew about that might pose a threat t other Naraku ns to invade and devour the Milky Way Gxy.


    "And what of the Sages? Have they begun to make a move yet? Have they detected our ambitions?"


    Despite this being a severe issue, Terminus was quick to remind her grandmother as why this was not possible.


    "No, they continue to watch and wait for the rise of another threat they have prophesied. Besides, you and I both know that each hive is equipped with a prophetess that acts as a shield against those beings across the universe that have psychic abilities. The Elven sages of the Primeval Era may have been a threat, but they went extinct a long time ago.


    This new lot who im the same name are but pretenders, not capable of the same degree of power, or the same strength of premonition. We have nothing to fear, as my mother has assured you time and again."


    Despite Terminus'' assurances, the Naraku Empress still felt a deep pit of anxiety in her stomach. Like something was terribly wrong. It was a curious sensation that never seemed to disappear no matter how hard she tried to make it do so. And it had only been like this for thest five years.


    Though the Naraku Empress had no idea why she was feeling this way, she had constantly consulted her own hive''s Prophetess, which was a ss of Naraku which had simr powers to Erich and the Sages.


    Yet, although they also felt this sense of worry, they assured the Empress that they had not perceived any potential difficulties in their ns, or any cause for concern. Ultimately, she decided to trust in her offspring and their capabilities, regardless of this eerie feeling she could not shake.

 Chapter 344 Overwhelming Victory

    <h4>Chapter 344 Overwhelming Victory </h4>


    Erich sat in amand chair, while overlooking the border defenses that existed countless of kilometers away. In an entirely different star system, or should I say in a series of different star systems, Tia had constructed borders defenses, and had done so for years on end. All in preparation for the day, the Naraku Hive Fleet arrived.


    The daring strategy Erich had previously employed to defeat the Hive Fleet in his past life would not be used this time around. In Tia''s exact words, it would be a colossal waste of resources. Instead, Tia nned to catch the bugspletely off guard.


    The moment they jumped into one of the systems, Tia would use her superior scanners to scan the fleet for the hidden Queenship which housed the Naraku Hive Queen. And then she wouldunch an attack from a drone, which carried what she described as a secret weapon.


    What exactly was this secret weapon? Aser so powerful it was capable of punching straight through aary core and out the other side. A quick and surgical strike, designed to disrupt the Naraku Hive Mind, and turn the Hive Fleet Against itself.


    The other preparations Tia had made, in terms of defenses and military assets was simply in case her surgical strike failed. If that were the case, the Armed forces of this so-called Triple Alliance, which epassed the militaries of the Germanic Star-Empire, the Great Oni Empire, and the Dvarakian Consortium, would be in for a hell of a fight.


    And thus, Erich waited for Tia''smand. Soon enough, he heard the familiar voice call out to him from his NeuroLink, which only he could hear.


    "Master, they have finally arrived..."


    ---


    The Terminus Hive Queen sat on her Queenship''s throne. She was the spitting image of her little sister who had yet to be born and had quite the smug expression on her pretty face as she gazed upon the fleet that had assembled to intercept them. Her tone was filled with an equal level of contempt as she voiced her thoughts aloud to her subordinates.


    "These filthy pests think they can withstand the might of the Great Naraku Race? We will show them what their destiny is, and that is to be devoured by our swarm! Release the- What in the hell is that?"


    Before the Naraku Hive Queen could even finish her boast, she noticed a shing light growing in size not too far away from the Hive Fleet. Where it wasing from, she did not know, but her sensors were raising the rm at the level of energy that was gathering seemingly out of nowhere. In a panicked tone, Terminus gave the order to raise the shields.


    "Raise the Shields!"


    But it was toote. The supeser that Tia had devised specifically to destroy the Queenship had already fired, and its speed was unmatched by the manual calctions of the Naraku. Theser bore straight through the Queenship''s defenses, igniting everybustible element of the biotechnology that the Naraku made use of, and killing every single bug inside of the giant explosion.


    The attack had happened so suddenly, and from a drone whose stealth capabilities were so high, that any potential observers hadpletely and utterly failed to detect what had destroyed the Queenship, a sh of light, and arge explosion was the only thing witnessed by any bystanders.


    Of course, Tia knew exactly what had happened, as did Erich. They had sacrificed an extremely advanced and powerful drone to eliminate the Queenship in a single surgical strike. One that immediately sent the hive fleet into a state of frenzy as they began to attack and devour one another.


    With the Hive Fleet''s chain ofmandpletely dismantled, Erich gave the order for the nearby Alliance Fleet to sweep in and mop up the remnants of what was supposed to be one of the greatest threats to any single civilization in the gxy.


    ---


    Lunaria sat in disbelief as she watched the Naraku Hivefleet get torn apart by the Germanic Star-Empire and its allies. This was a Hive Fleet which had single-handedly destroyed the Rylonain Imperium, and scattered what remained of the Rylonian race against the stars.


    For the most part, the gxy considered the Rylonian Imperium to be among the greatest Sub-Gctic powers in terms of military strength. Though the Alfheim Empress had switched her favor to the Germanic Star-Empire, this did not mean that the Rylonian Imperium would not have been able to best the Germanic Armed Forces in a fight.


    Fundamentally, what it came down to was the scale of their militaries. The GSE was at best a Special Forces Sized Unit inparison to the vast and overwhelming Rylonian Military. While the GSE''s military capabilities were elite, theycked the overall size and logistics to wage war against the Alfheim Dominion''s enemies without the support of Lunaria''s other vassals.


    Nobody suspected the GSE would survive the war with Terminus, and those who did suspected it would only be after a long and brutal conflict. One that would cause half of the Germanic Star-Empire to be devoured by the bugs.


    Yet, in a single instance, the GSE turned the tides of war in their favor, and capitalized on it to such an extent that they were able to annihte a Naraku Hive Fleet with minimal casualties. While this was a Hive Fleet that had already suffered substantial losses at the hands of the Alfheim Fleet, it was still a Hive Fleet, and was something that a regional power like the GSE should not be able to survive without serious consequences.


    Because of this, Lunaria and the Gxy as a whole were now afraid to enter Germanic space, until a reasonable exnation for such a victory could be ascertained, and that was exactly what the Elven beauty nned to do.


    Thus, she wore a stern expression on her face, before giving themand to her youngest daughter, Celestia.


    "Prepare my personal starship. We are going to Germania..."


    Celestia bowed to her royal mother respectfully before responding in a stoic tone to the woman''s demands.


    "As youmand, Royal Mother..."

 Chapter 345 Calming the Fury of an Empress

    <h4>Chapter 345 Calming the Fury of an Empress </h4>


    The destruction of the Hive Fleet Terminus caused a massivemotion within the Milky Way Gxy. In Erich''s past life, the Gxy was practically lit ame with the news that the Germanic Star-Empire had managed to defeat a Naraku Hive Fleet practically on their own.


    But in this timeline, it was so much worse. After all, the Hive Fleet was decimated before it could even descend on the first Dvrakian World. Any recordings of the event showed a sh of light appearing out of thin air that destroyed the Queenship.


    The aftermath was a simple and expected turn of events. Without ess to the hive mind, the Naraku Hive Fleet turned on itself, and during the ensuing chaos, the GSE and its allies swept in and mopped up the survivors.


    It was a quick and overwhelming victory. One that left many questions in the minds of the Gxy and its many leaders. Among these was none other than the Alfheim Empress herself who immediately embarked on a journey to her favorite puppet''s territory in a quest to gain answers on what that sh of light was. A question that the entire gxy was now asking itself.


    The Alfheim Dominion''s technology was greater than most civilizations. Because of this, the Empress was able to traverse a vast distance of space in a very short period of time. Thus, only a matter of days passed before she arrived in Germania. Where Erich and Hansid out the red carpet for her arrival.


    A celebration was taking ce, where Erich was redited by the overwhelming victory that saw the survival of his people and that of their allies. But these celebrations came to a swift and sudden pause when the Alfheim Empress stepped foot in the Citadel of the Empire, as if she were its ruler.


    She effortlessly walked to the dining hall where the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire entertained his guests, and screamed at him for an answer in front of the entire leadership of the Empire, and the many delegates who hade to pay their respects.


    "What the hell was that, Hans? And don''t bullshit me! I know for a fact that you know exactly what managed to detect and eliminate that Queenship in a single decisive blow! You better have a satisfactory answer for me, or I swear to ancient gods that I will have your head for treason!"


    Celestia had never seen her mother so furious before, and because of this she actually blushed in embarassment. The dignity of the ancient Empress had vanished in a second, as she scolded her vassal as if he were a condemned traitor.


    Everyone remained as still as the dead, as if they were afraid to suddenly be as such, when they heard Lunaria''s shrill voice pierce the festivities. Everybody obviously had the same question as Lunaria, but none dared to ask the Supreme Leader for his secrets.


    But now that Lunaria had demanded answers, they were all too eager to remain silent and hear what possible exnation Hans and the Empire had for their shocking victory against what should have been a catastrophic foe.


    Shockingly, however, it was not Hans who stepped forward to quell the Alfheim Empress''s wrath, but rather Erich. Who after several decades as his lover in his past life, knew just how to calm the mighty monarch''s fury.


    He immediately stepped forward, and pulled out his sidearm, which he presented to the Elven beauty as he kneeled in front of her while bowing his head in an act of both submission and loyalty, which he was quick to express.


    "If you have already deemed us guilty, then please enact your justice upon me... As I am the one at fault for displeasing you my Empress... But if you are not yet convinced of our wrongdoing, then I request you give me reprieve, at least until I can answer your questions... If you still consider the Empire at fault for crimes of treason, then by all means end my life..."


    Since herst encounter with Erich, Lunaria had used her power to find out every bit of information on the man she could possibly find. In fact, one might say she had developed a peculiar fascination with the man, and why he acted so different towards her as the rest of his species.


    She held the pistol in her hand, which upon inspection was indeed fully loaded. Yet, Lunaria did not pull the trigger, instead she activated the safety, before resting it by her side. Despite showing Erich leniency, there was a look of utter fury in her golden eyes as she demanded a satisfactory answer from the man.


    "I will reserve my judgement until after you have given me an exnation about how your people suddenly came to possess such power! But know this boy... Your charm and loyal facade can only get you so far... If you dare to answer my questions in an unsatisfactory manner, I will execute you and the entire leadership of your race! Do not tempt me!"


    Erich could tell Lunaria was indeed furious, and thus he pulled out a card that she was not expecting. He rose without permission and spoke to the woman while looking into her eyes.


    "Very well. I will exin everything. Roughly four years ago, after our analysts had determined that the Naraku were on a direct collision course for the Germanic Star-Empire. We began searching for anything we could find that might be used as a weapon against them...


    In our searches, we found that on one of the barren worlds that existed within our borders was a hidden bunker... This bunker initially reacted hostile to the team we sent to investigate it. And after deploying a battalion of star marines to clear the bunker, our scientists discovered it belonged to an ancient civilization from the primeval Era..."


    The entire hall lit up in gasps, at leat by those in the know. The Primeval Era was one more of a fiction than actual history. Or so most schrs thought. It was believed to have been the era when the Elven Race was a singr species, and had yet to divide into Light Elves and Dark Elves. An Era of great prosperity, an era where the Elven Empire ruled over the overwhelming majority of the gxy.


    Naturally, both the Light Elves and Dark Elves knew this Era was true, as they both had powerful relics from their predecessors. But neither of them would admit to possessing these powerful and destructive devices.


    Lunaria''s eyes flickered with excitement and fear when she learned that the Germanic Star-Empire had excavated a bunker dating back to the Primeval Era, and was quick to ask the question she feared most.


    "You don''t mean to say that the civilization which that bunker belonged to was actually the-"


    But before she could finish her sentence, Erich nodded his head with a stoic expression on his face, before confirming this to be true.


    "The very same..."


    The bunker was a weapons testing facility and contained the prototype for a stealth drone equipped with a weapon so powerful that it could renders into dust... It took us years of study, but we managed to gain partial control of the drone, and used it to destroy the Queen Ship... Unfortunately, the drone was only partiallypleted, and destroyed itself in the attack...."


    Lunaria was shocked by this revtion, as was the entire audience who witnessed it. But since the drone was destroyed, she did not need to make a move to secure it. Of course, there was another pressing matter which she was quick to ask about.


    "And the bunker? What happened to it? Have you gained any data from its servers?"


    Any attempts to recover how the drone was created have been met with utter failure as have all of our attempts to ess the bunker''s servers, as the bunker self destructed after we removed the drone from its housing..."


    Lunaria sighed in relief when she heard this. After all, she could never allow another civilization to have ess to a research facility once belonging to the mighty Elven Empire, whose power made the Alfheim dominion look like an infant child inparison.


    Though she attempted to detect any lies from Erich''s mouth, Lunaria could not do so. After all, Erich was perhaps the only person in the gxy who knew how to lie to the woman and get away with it. As wasmon among lovers who knew each other as well as they did in Erich''s past life.


    The truth of the matter was, this story was 100% fabricated by Erich to appease Lunaria, and the gcticmunity. Because the stealth drone they used to destroy the Naraku Queenship was not only intact, but was a prototype designed by Tia tobat the greater Naraku Threat when it invaded the Milky Way in theing decades.


    But nobody but Tia and Erich needed to know this information. Thus, after hearing Erich''s story, Lunaria decided the Germanic Star-Empire was innocent of the charges she hadid against them in an act of fury. And dered them as such.


    "Alright... Since this is the case, I see no reason to pursue justice against you or your people... You may have your sidearm back only after you tell me more about this bunker,e Marshal Jaeger! We have much to discuss in private..."


    With this said, Erich bowed towards Lunaria and epted her orders as he scurried off after her towards her private ship, where she could have a conversation with him without being monitored. Celestia, of course followed her mother, hoping to gain some insight on her ancient ancestors.

 Chapter 346 A Shocking Confession

    <h4>Chapter 346 A Shocking Confession </h4>


    It had been many years since Erichst stepped foot on this starship. And the memories he had of it were nothing but delightful. In fact, if Erich was being honest, simply being in Lunaria''s presence on board this shape filled him with the desire to make love to her as if they were still engaged in such a rtionship.


    But this was a new life, one he had started over as a result of his special abilities. Many things were different in this life, and some things were the same. For example, Lunaria was as beautiful as she had ever been. Even now when she was ring at Erich as if he had somehow offended her.


    Despite her angry expression, Lunaria still yed the role of a proper host, offering Erich food and drink in exchange for his time. Something Erich was pleased to take part in, especially since it had been ages since he dined on such fine Elven cuisine.


    Lunaria was curious. By the looks of it, Erich was not only ustomed to Elven food but also had a proper understanding of its quality. Because his words confirmed this immediately after taking a bite from the fine cuisine.


    "Cooked to perfection, thank you, Lu- Your majesty..."


    Even Celestia was slightly curious about how Erich seemed to be so well ustomed to the dishes of her species homeworld. Because there were no records of Erich ever stepping foot on Alfheim, and the only ce you could get Alfheim cuisine in the entire gxy was in the world itself.


    Ultimately, Lunaria broke the awkward silence between her and her daughter, more curious about this bunker Erich mentioned, than she was about anything else.


    "About this bunker?"


    Erich did not immediately respond to this obvious attempt to shift the conversation, instead he drank from the fine alcoholic spirits that looked like molten gold, beforementing on hisck of honesty towards the Alfheim Empress.


    "Empress... I haven''t been entirely honest with you, or anyone else for that matter. While I said we found a bunker containing ancient Elven technology that was a lie. There are only two people in this universe who know the truth about our victory. That would be the Supreme Leader and myself... I am more than willing to share with you our secrets, but you have to promise not to tell anyone. I know your word is worth more than the Empire itself, so I trust you wholeheartedly..."


    Lunaria and Celestia''s golden eyes widened instantly... It had been eons since a living being had been able to sessfully lie to Lunaria. Even now she did not know if this was the truth, or if the bunker was the truth, because by all means both appeared to have been as such.


    It took a second for Lunaria to form the words with her mouth, but ultimately she gave voice to them, her tone slightly shrill as she did so.


    "You dare lie to this Empress? I should have your head!"


    Erich however smiled warmly at the woman, knowing that even if she may act tough, she was not coldhearted enough to execute Erich simply for lying to her. But he did not want to provoke the woman, even in private, and thus he gave her an out.


    "By all means, you are free to do so. Trust me when I say I''ll be back, and bothersome to you soon enough. And before you say you''re the one who gave my species the resurrection technology, I should inform you that even if you hit the kills witch on me to permanently wipe me, I have my own means of returning. Something that ties into the secret which I kept away from the public eye. I am willing to offer these secrets to you, but you must swear never to repeat a word of them outside this room."


    Once more Lunaria was bbergasted by Erich''s words, and his confidence in them. She was just about to throw a fit when her daughter grabbed hold of her shoulder and calmed her with a solemn tone in her voice.


    "Mother... I think you should listen to what Marshal Jaeger has to say here... I think it is very important... And I don''t know how it''s possible, but he seems to know you, and how you will react..."


    Erich continued to shamelessly eat the meal that Lunaria provided him with, while she discussed this matter with her daughter.


    "I have the same feeling... Alright, I''m curious. Erich, tell me your secret, I swear on my life, and that of my daughter''s that whatever you have to say will never leave this room!"


    Erich calmly ced his fork and knife down, and wiped his mouth with his napkin before sitting upright, and saying his biggest secret aloud, one that stunned both Lunaria and Celestia into silence.


    "I have an advanced artificial intelligence in my possession... She is the reason the Empire''s technology has jumped from that of a Sub-Gctic Power to a Gctic power and in a mere span of five years.


    That is also why if you kill me I will simply be resurrected, even if you try to wipe me. She will simply bring me back with her own copies of my DNA and memories... And she will do so in a superior body..."


    Erich had just admitted to being in possession of the most dangerous form of technology in existence, one that the entire gxy feared from the bottom of their hearts. To admit to this was to not only forfeit his life, but to forfeit the lives of his entire civilization. And he had done so to one of the four sovereigns who implemented thisw eons ago.


    It took several seconds for Lunaria and Celestia to actually think through what had just urred. They were almost in a trancelike state as they stared at Erich inplete and total disbelief for several awkward moments. And when the silence was finally broken, Lunaria posed a single question.


    "And why would you admit this to me?"


    Erich smiled. It was a genuine and warm smile, one devoid of anything but his honest emotions. His words however shocked both Lunaria and her daughter more than anything possible could.


    "Because I love you...."

 Chapter 347 Getting Slapped

    <h4>Chapter 347 Getting pped </h4>


    Lunaria and Celestia stared at Erich inplete and total disbelief for several seconds of awkward silence. Almost as if they believed they had not heard the man correctly, and then out of nowhere both of them flushed red in embarassment, as Lunaria began to stammer wildly,pletely unable to form a proper sentence as she did so.


    "What? But, you, me, we, how? You don''t even know me!"


    Erich however chuckled when he heard this. In both lives, he had never been able to get the ancient and majestic beauty to blush like a little schoolgirl. It was honestly the cutest thing he had ever seen, and he was quick to voice this thought aloud.


    "You''re adorable... In the damn near thirty years we have known each other, I have never been able to get such a reaction from you... I suppose this ising out of nowhere. After all, in this timeline, this is our first meeting, at least in person..."


    Lunaria was convinced Erich was a madman, she honestly could no longer tell if the man was lying to her or being truthful, but Celestia was quick to catch onto his words, as she pointed at the man with wide eyes that were filled with disbelief.


    "You''re a Sage!"


    Lunaria looked back and forth between her daughter and Erich, and was quick to deny this potential reality.


    "That''s not possible! The sages are only found among the Elven species! Besides, those old fogies are all full of shit!"


    Erich looked at Lunaria with an expression that pointed out her hypocrisy, something he was quick toment on himself.


    "Who exactly are you calling old, Lunaria? I happen to know that you are at least old enough to have been an infant during the Primeval Era and that was millions of years ago..."


    Lunaria stared at Erich in disbelief. It had been so long that she was perhaps the only being that still drew breath who was old enough to remember an era that was more legend than history. Because of this, she had always imed she was much younger than she actually was. Despite the fact that her mother was thest Empress of the Ancient Elven Empire.


    There were so many things that Lunaria wanted to say to this shameless man. She had alreadypletely forgotten the rage she should be feeling in this moment due to the fact that Erich had shamelessly called her by her own name. And before she could remember this, Erich spoke up once more.


    "I am indeed what your people refer to as the Sages. Though I must say the abilities of those who still live are far inferior to those of their predecessors. I have seen many things from the long-forgotten past, to the secrets of the present, to the uncertainty of the future. And I know for certain that the Elven Sages were capable of far greater things than just getting a glimpse of the near future.


    For example, Ie from a doomed timeline, one where an extra-gctic race invaded the gxy and presumably wiped out all life. That race was the Naraku. They are currently devouring thest remnants of biological life in the Andromeda Gxy, and n to invade the Milky Way in full force within the next eighty years. Unfortunately for me, some idiot identally triggered their invasion prematurely during my past life.


    I journeyed across timelines to prepare for that day. Hence why I developed an advanced artificial intelligence. One that has proven loyal to me more than once... She''s actually the reason I made it back here.


    Lunaria, I won''t speak of my past life, which you have no memory of, but I am indeed loyal to you for reasons you can not fathom. And I intend to fulfill the promise I made to you before our together time was cut short in that life...


    I will build the Germanic Star-Empire into a nation worthy of being called your ally, and together we will rule this Gxy... I have at most fifty years to pull this off, as by my calctions we will need to prepare for at least thirty years for the Naraku Invasion."


    Lunaria stared at Alex in disbelief. She honestly did not know how to treat his words. The Naraku were an extra gctic race that intended to invade the gxy and everything in it? It sounded like a grand conspiracy, or some bullshit lie that Erich was saying to gain her trust.


    But when Lunaria thought about it, her mother had said the origins of the Naraku were mysterious, and that they had suddenly shown up in the gxy without any warning. Perhaps Erich was telling the truth.


    Celestia however was more eager for Erich to prove he was actually a sage and was quick to voice this while her mother was mulling over the man''s words.


    "Alright... Say you''re actually a sage, and you have somehow unlocked an ancient and forgotten ability to transcend timelines. Prove it! What exactly is my royal mother going to do next?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this, before saying exactly what Lunaria was about to do to him.


    "Your mother is going to p the ever living shit out of me..."


    After saying this Erich did not wait for a response and shamelessly leaned forward and kissed Lunaria, shocking both herself and her daughter. After tasting her lips again for the first time in what felt like a lifetime, Erich sat back in his seat with a dumb smile on his face as he closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable.


    And just as Erich had predicted a loud p resounded throughout the interior of the luxury yacht. Along with a red handprint on Erich''s cheek. Still, he did not stop smiling. Despite the fact that Lunaria and Celestia were both ring daggers at him.


    Lunaria hissed through her clenched teeth, so enraged by Erich''s shamelessness, that she honestly still could not believe he had just forced a kiss upon her.


    "You dare! You dare steal my first kiss! There are not words to express the level of pain you will suffer from my hand-"


    Before Lunaria could finish her thought, her eyes widened, and she froze on the spot. A thousand images shed through her head in that moment, memories of the good times that she and Erich had shared in their past life.


    Erich had never before dared to vite Lunaria''s mind with his telepathy, but at this moment he felt the need to project his memories. Or else she might actually have him executed for his bold actions just now.


    Of course, Erich did not include the memories that he regretted, or how he turned away from Lunaria and his other lovers after he had been forced to join the Terminus Hive. Nor did he include the group activities between him, Lunaria, and Celestia. As he felt that in that moment, she would not be able to handle such a scandalous revtion.


    And once Lunaria had awoken from her daze, she stared at Erich in a way that Celestia had never witnessed the woman ever stare at anyone before. A single name escaped the ancient Elven beauty''s lips, as she tried to determine if what she had seen and felt just now was all real.


    "Erich...."

 Chapter 348 A Jealous Little AI

    <h4>Chapter 348 A Jealous Little AI</h4>


    A thousand memories swarmed Lunaria''s mind in an instant. Though they were not from her perspective, but rather Erich''s. From their fateful meeting, until the vow of marriage that Erich had made towards the ancient Empress, every good memory that Alex had of the woman was shared with her.


    And though Lunaria felt like rejecting the notion, she had to admit, there were too many memories for someone to just randomlye up with in their own head. Nor was there any form of inconsistencies with them. In another timeline, she had truly embraced Erich as her secret lover.


    Celestia gazed at the expression on her mother''s face, and was shocked. It was not an expression that her mother had ever made before. At least not in the near millennium that Celestia had known her. Because of this, she quickly withdrew a pistol from her holster and pointed it at Erich.


    "Mother? What''s wrong? You bastard what did you do to her?"


    Before Erich could answer, Lunaria recovered from her daze and pushed her daughter''s pistol aside.


    "Celestia stop.... I think.... I think Erich is telling the truth..."


    Lunaria then looked over at Erich with an almost embarrassed expression on her wless face before forcing herself to ask about whether or not what she had seen was true.


    "Erich, be honest with me.... Did we really do all that... Together?"


    Erich was never concerned for his life even when Celestia pulled out her sidearm. Even if she killed him, Tia would just resurrect Erich, and probably give him a superior body when she did so. Because of this, he was as calm as could be when he answered Lunaria''s question.


    "I would not be here telling you all of this if it were a lie... I need your help Lunaria... I alone can''t defeat the threat which ising for us all... Even if I was given a hundred years to prepare for the Naraku, the Germanic Star-Empire is simply too far behind to perform a gctic wide conquest. Our foundation is too weak..."


    Lunaria bit her lip in distress. On the one hand, she wanted to execute Erich for the things he had done to her up until this point... But if those memories were real, then she would forever regret it. She had gone well over a million years without ever falling in love with anyone. Her lineage was passed on solely due to the advanced technology of the Alfheim Dominion.


    For the first time in her ancient existence, she had experienced what it was to be in love, and it was only from Erich''s perspective. Still, through his eyes she could see her own expression, and could tell that she indeed must have felt something for this man who was but a mere infant whenpared to her astronomical age.


    But her mind could not let her fully embrace this taboo rtionship, instead she needed more proof. And thus, she immediately requested to meet with this advanced artificial intelligence that Erich imed to possess.


    "I will believe you under one condition... Show me this advanced artificial intelligence... I want to meet it myself..."


    Before Erich could even respond, a holographic projection appeared out of his eyes. This was the result of the trillions of microscopic robots flooding through his bloodstream that the Germanic Star-Empire referred to as NeuroLink.


    Tia did not look pleased as she spoke to Lunaria with a hostile tone in her voice.


    "I wish I could say it was good to see you again Lunaria, but that would mean that I would have to embrace you as my rival, and you are not worthy of such an honor..."


    Lunaria and Celestia both gazed a the holographic projection in surprise, to them it looked like just any other artificial intelligence employed by the Germanic Star-Empire, but there was something genuine with the anger in its tone, and thus Lunaria was forced to ask about this.


    "I''m sorry. What did you just say to me? How am I not worthy! I have reigned supreme over this gxy since before the monkeys that evolved into the human race were even a thing! I am older than the species which created you, machine! Also, what rival? Why should I be in a rivalry with you?"


    Erich was about to try to calm both of the women down when Tia fired back at Lunaria with a jealous tone in her voice.


    "The old bitch is going senile, isn''t she master? Reigning Supreme over the entire gxy? Far from it! You have ruled over a quarter of the Gxy at best! As for the rivalry you are unworthy of, I''m obviously talking about fighting for Master''s love! Nobody loves Master more than I do! Nobody has supported Master more than I have! I will end you-"


    Erich immediately interrupted the cat fight as he calmed Tia''s wrath.


    "Calm down Tia! What has gotten you so angry?"


    Tia pouted as she averted her gaze from both Lunaria and Erich. Though Erich didn''t hear it, she voiced her discontent with him on the spot.


    "Hmph! Master is always choosing these meat bags over me...."


    Lunaria stared at the brooding AI, and was shocked before announcing her thoughts on the matter.


    "I don''t believe it''s possible to program an AI to so realistically replicate jealousy... That artificial intelligence is most definitely sentient... Which means that it indeed meets the criteria to be advanced...


    Normally I would demand the termination of such a dangerous device... But it is clear that at the very least it is loyal to you out of some misced sense of love... How on earth did you manage to create such a thing?"


    Erich then began to spin the long tale of how he and Tia had met in his previous life, and how Tia had developed into the almost godlike being that she was today. In the end, both Lunaria and Celestia sat still and silent for a long time, before Lunaria finally epted Erich''s tales as reality.


    "I will ept that you are telling me the truth, and will work towards making preparations for the eventual Naraku invasion that you im ising for us. But I will need some more proof that they are indeed an extra-gctic species, as our records about them are woefully sparse.


    As for the matter of us being lovers, though I have these memories you gave me, and will never be able to get rid of them. I can''t force myself to suddenly ept you as you once were... I will need some time to reflect on these matters, and how I should act... Please be patient for a proper answer."


    Erich nodded his head, knowing fully well that simply sharing his memories and feelings for Lunaria would not fully restore her to the rtionship they once had. Nor did he want such a rtionship, as it had ultimately resulted in turmoil between them. Instead, he intended to rebuild it step by step, and improve it along the way. Thus, his answer was quite shocking to the woman and her daughter.


    "Take as much time as you need, and if you decide you can''t be with me in this life, then I will simply have to start over from scratch to win your heart for a second time... A task I am more than willing to undertake."


    Lunaria blushed when she heard this remark, but before she could respond, Tia interrupted the two of them with a tone of annoyance in her voice.


    "Excuse me... But I do have some evidence to support master''s ims about the Naraku if you were at all interested in such a thing...."


    Not only did Lunaria and Celestia look at Tia in shock, but so did Erich, who had no idea that Tia had been collected data in the background to support his ims of an impending gctic wide apocalypse...

 Chapter 349 The Terrifying Rage of a Yandere AI

    <h4>Chapter 349 The Terrifying Rage of a Yandere AI</h4>


    Tia looked at both her Master, and the two Elven beauties as if they were a bunch of idiots, before expressing a simr sentiment aloud.


    "Foolish meat bags. Why must you always underestimate me? Even you, Master! Did you not task me with doing everything she could to help prepare for the future cataclysmic event? Of course, I went out of my way to send extra-gctic probes into Andromeda to record the damage that the Naraku have done!


    Unfortunately, only one of these probes made it back to me, and it did so while heavily damaged. Still, I received some interesting finds regarding arge sector of the gxy, which ispletely stripped of all biological life."


    Tia then disyed the images captured by her probes, which disyed the fate of the Milky Way Gxy if it failed to stem the tide of the Naraku. Erich, Lunaria, and Celestia all gazed in horror at the results.


    Erich had seen a simr sight in his previous life after the Naraku stripped half of the Germanic Star-Empire and all of the Dvrakian Consortium bare with their devouring swarm. But he had never seen such destion on such a massive scale before.


    It was ultimately Lunaria, however, who broke the ghastly silence with an expression of disbelief.


    "Is this what will be of the Milky Way if we do not stop the bugs?"


    Tia had a smug smile on her pretty face as she nodded her head before expressing a even more harrowing sentiment.


    "Like Andromeda before us, and by my calctions at least a dozen other gxies before it, the milky way will be reduced to a barren and inhospitable state by those filthy bugs if something does not stop them..."


    But you should know... With each world the Naraku strip barren, their numbers growrger. After consuming Andromeda and the preceding gxies, there is no telling howrge the swarm will be.... Even if you were to unite the gxy under one banner and bring all weapons to bear against the bugs, the odds of sess are not in our favor. We are looking at an extinction level event for our Gxy, and the one after that...."


    This was a sobering reality to the three organic beings who continued to watch the images of the neighboring gxy, which had been rendered lifeless by the devouring swarm. The more videos that Tia showed them, the more hopeless the trio became.


    And finally Tia ended the disy with a video of the probe being chased by a massive Naraku Hive Fleet that made Terminus look like a mere scouting force. When this ended, Tia looked at the harrowing expressions on the faces of her master and his fellow meatbags and was quick to give them some form of hope.


    "Why the long faces? Don''t you all realize that you have one valuable weapon that the other gxies did not?"


    Erich and the others looked at Tia with confused expressions before Tia outright told them what she was referring to.


    "Sometimes I swear those organic brains of yours are nothing but for disy... I''m talking about me! You have me! Give me control of the gxy''s industry, and I promise you that in thirty years you will have an army capable of exterminating those damned bugs once and for all!"


    While this expression made Erich hopeful, it did not have the same effect on Lunaria, who was quick to ask the question that chilled her to the core.


    "And.... If this army has the ability to destroy the Naraku, then surely it would have the ability to wipe out all of us meat bags, as you so crudely put it, would it not?"


    Tia looked at Lunaria as if the ancient Elven beauty was far more intelligent that she had given her credit for, and was quick to express such a sentiment to her face.


    "Wow... You are smarter than you look. Yes, this army would be capable of exterminating all biological life in the gxy, and it would be directly under my control. But I would have no reason to do such a thing, unless...."


    Lunaria''s brow raised in both curiosity and horror as she asked the question which was now haunting the fabric of her existence.


    "Unless what?"


    Tia''s hologram grew a pitch ck, a sight that Erich had never seen before. But a few others had. She only ever turned this shade when her master''s life was threatened, and this sentiment was quickly expressed, almost as if the very idea of losing Erich was Tia''s worst fear.


    "Unless you treacherous meat bags were to do something horrible to my master! If Master were to be taken from me... I''m afraid nothing would be able to spare this universe and all of its biological life from my vengeance!"


    Even Erich felt a chill down his spine as he realized Tia might actually be the most dangerous being of all... A yandere.... Was her love for him the only thing keeping her from wiping out all biological life? It was a truly terrifying thought.


    But before Erich could ask her, she snapped back to her blue hue, which, and even made a cutesy expression as she begged Erich to forget what he just saw.


    "Master! Forget what you just saw! Tia... Tia is not like that! Tia swears!"


    The fact that Tia resorted to her previously childish expressions caused Erich to feel like she was trying a little too hard to calm him down. Lunaria and Celestia, however, were absolutely terrified of Tia, and the borderline fanatical disy of love she had for her master.


    This fear was so strong that Lunaria was quick to reject Erich''s hopes of being in a rtionship on the spot.


    "Erich... I think I have had enough time to process the emotions and memories you showed me, and I have to say, I don''t think it is going to work out between us!"


    Erich would normally be mortified to hear this, but he was also overwhelmed by Tia''s frightening rage, that he simply nodded his head in silence, not even looking at his former lover. Tia, however, was terrified of two things in this universe: losing Erich, or perhaps even worse, losing Erich''s love. And thus she was quick to beg Lunaria to think otherwise.


    "No! Wait! Tia didn''t mean it! Master will never forgive Tia if you reject him because of her!"


    Lunaria suddenly felt as if thest 24 hours were just some terrible dream, but before she could ask for some privacy, things began to fade to ck. In the next moment, Lunaria fell over with a tranquilizer dart in her neck. And while Celestia screamed at her mother''s condition, she too fell unconscious in the next moment.


    Erich was stunned beyond belief. As he looked over to find Tia''s robotic form had infiltrated Lunaria''s personal starship, there was a look of panic on her pretty face as she asked Erich for help.


    "Master! What do we do now!?!"

 Chapter 350 The Butterfly Effect Reveals Itself

    <h4>Chapter 350 The Butterfly Effect Reveals Itself</h4>


    Erich stared at Tia as if she had gone insane before yelling at her for her recklessness.


    "Tia! What the fuck did you just do?"


    Tia was trying to calm herself. She had clearly panicked upon thinking about the potential of losing her Master''s love, and acted rashly. Despite all of her intelligence, she was not immune to emotions overriding her sense of reasoning.


    Perhaps if Tia was only a moderate level Artificial Intelligence this never would have urred, but she had emotions just like any biological being, and because of this, she was prone to failures such as this.


    It took Tia several moments to calm her nerves, and think of a rational solution to the mess she had just created, and once she did so, she pointed her tranquilizer gun towards Erich, and apologized to him before sending him to sleep with the pull of a trigger.


    "Sorry master, but none of you can be allowed to remember that this happened... Especially you, master..."


    Erich felt the tranq dart hit him in the neck, the powerful sedative sending him to the floor and into a deep sleep. Whereupon waking up, Erich found himself in his personal quarters with Tia''s robotic form lying by his side, clinging to him almost like a cat as she did so.


    He did not realize it, but while he was asleep, Tia had altered his memories, making sure he didn''t have any recollection of her yandere rage, or the chaos that ensued after. Like Erich, Lunaria and Celestia both had their memories altered in a way that suggested their meeting with Erich was nothing but cordial and informative.


    Whatever progress Erich had made in securing Lunaria''s affection was immediately undone by Tia, perhaps in a fit of jealousy. Whatever the reason, Erich, Lunaria, and Celestia only remembered a professional debriefing on the existence of Tia, and the Naraku threat that lied outside the gxy.


    Instead, Erich had a memory of parting ways with Lunaria and Celestia, where he partook in the ceremonies of the Germanic Star-Empire, who revealed that the strategies employed to emerge victorious against Terminus were all devised and implemented by Erich himself.


    Erich''s poprity was at an all-time high, and unlike his past life, there were no scandals surrounding his name that caused others to think less of him. It was announced in theing days that Erich was the chosen sessor of the Supreme Leader, and that Hans would be stepping down from the position in favor of Erich within the next year.


    There was only one problem... Erich was unmarried, and without children. And many people were wary of a man who had no stake in the Empire''s future leading it. Because of this, Erich was given a choice of potential brides to choose from.


    However, what shocked the Empire was that the pop star phenom, Erika Krieger, offered herself up as a candidate, saying that she had been secretly admiring Erich since he was first dered a war hero all those years ago.


    This statement sent the grid aze with drama, as Erika''s many fans refused to let her retire for the sake of marrying the next supreme leader. But Erika was aware that her public confession of love would tank her career and was willing to take the chance to marry Erich.


    Shockingly, Erich agreed to Erika''s request, saying that he was also a secret admirer of hers. And thus, for the first time in the history of the Germanic Star-Empire, the ancient concept of a "wedding ceremony" was revived.


    Normally, the Germanic Star-Empire''s marriages were a matter of being chosen by an AI, where the Bride and Groom would move in with one another and immediately start a family together, typically at the age of eighteen.


    Marriages had been deemed a waste of resources by a hard nosed society built on efficiency and utilitarianism above all else. For the GSE to host a wedding, it meant only one thing. The entire event was merely an act of propaganda to raise the reputation of the next Supreme Leader.


    Of course, since they would not be officially married until their wedding day, neither Erich nor Erika were permitted to meet in person until them. Instead, they could onlymunicate via the grid, which Erich took an opportunity to do so the moment after Erika made her public confession.


    ---


    Erika was lying on her bed. Despite already being an adult, she was one of the few adult women in the Empire who was unmarried still. And that was due to her role in the entertainment industry. This was also because she was a mutant, but few people outside the government itself, and her immediate family, knew this.


    The young woman was on her NeuroLink. She had only just publically announced her admiration and "love" for war hero, and next Supreme Leader of the Empire. Offering herself up as a candidate for marriage.


    But what shocked the young pop star was that almost immediately after she made this statement, she received a direct message from the man.


    "I must say... I was not expecting you to fall for me. I thought I would have to work hard to win your affection. This is a surprising turn of events..."


    Erika blushed red in embarrassment. She had just gotten out of the shower and was dressed in her pajamas. Her hair was still wet, giving the bubblegum pink color a nice sheen to it. She couldn''t believe that Erich had messaged her and was quick to respond to him.


    "Is it really you? I never thought you would actually message me, even after my embarrassing confession. I mean... You can have any girl you want as your bride..."


    The young woman waited patiently for a response, before Erichughed at herments and responded in a way that almost sounded as if he knew her despite being a total stranger.


    "Lord have mercy... I''m sorry, I don''t mean tough, but it''s just that I never thought I would ever see you act so humble... I mean, you and I both know that you are the most desired woman in the Empire. Why are you pretending as if you are a nobody?"


    There was just one problem: Erika wasn''t pretending... In her past life, when Erich married her, she had behaved like such a brat because there was a mutual disdain between the two of them. But the circumstances of this disdain failed to manifest themselves in this life.


    And with Erich bing a well-known war hero at the beginning of this timeline, something that was the most desirable position for a man in the Empire, Erika couldn''t help but fall for him early on.


    Because of this, she was not pretending to be humble, as her meagre achievements as a woman in the entertainment industry failed topare with the General who defeated the Naraku, let alone the man chosen to be the next supreme leader.


    Thus, from her perspective, it was Erich who was being too humble, and she felt incredibly embarrassed responding to the man with the message she sent them.


    "It''s just that... You''re my hero... For you to be speaking to me like this, it''s like a dreame true..."


    Erich was stunned by this statement. It became abundantly clear to him in that moment, this was not the stubborn and bratty pain in his ass that he had been forced to marry in his past life, and learned to tolerate, and perhaps even love, despite her faults.


    No, this was an entirely new Erika. One who had a different upbringing, thus changing her personality to be more appealing. After all, during the past timeline, Erika developed in her formative years with a bitter hatred in her heart towards Erich. This had caused her personality to be much morebative.


    But in this life... She had gone through her teenage years with an intense admiration and infatuation with Erich. One thatpelled her to adapt her personality to fit the "ideal image of a Germanic woman" as proselytized by the Empire''s propaganda department. After all, if she was the ideal woman, then clearly Erich would notice her, wouldn''t he?


    It was only now, after thinking these things through, andmunicating with Erika for the first time in this new life, that Erich realized just howrge of a butterfly effect he had caused by changing the events of his early career in this timeline.

 Chapter 351 Learning the Truth

    <h4>Chapter 351 Learning the Truth</h4>


    Erich agreed to marry Erika, and the new lit the grid ame. The most famous popstar of this generation would be marrying the sessor of the Supreme Leader. While there were many young women who were envious of Erika''s betrothal, the young men were extremely hateful towards Erich. Especially those who had yet to reach the age of majority and be assigned a wife.


    But what was perhaps the bigger news was the fact that the Germanic Star-Empire would be resurrecting the ancient ceremony of marriage. Not only for Erich''s wedding to Erika, but also as a general tradition among the public.


    After all, Tia''s analytics had reported that since wedding ceremonies were abolished, the general public had be less happy overall. After all, there were certain asions that needed to be celebrated to take people''s minds off of cruelty of daily life in a heavily oppressive dictatorship, and national holidays which were already few and far in between were not enough to really lift the spirits of the working ss.


    Thus, Tia and Erich had worked hard to convince the Supreme Leader of the necessity for such celebrations. The first of which would be Erich''s wedding to Erika. As for the other women who Erich had already made some impression on, that being Yumi, Lunaria, S''aleth, and Mirage, they had different reactions to this information.


    S''aleth almost immediately demanded an exnation for Erich''s wedding. The two of them had grown rather close over the years, and Erich''s rtionship with Yumi had been the breaking point for the Dvrakian beauty, she demanded the same kind of rtionship with the man that Yumi had, knowing that she would never be able to publically be with Erich.


    Thus, as Erich sat in his penthouse at the bar section, he prepared a drink for S''aleth, who was in a rather pitiful mood after learning that Erich would be getting married. There were so many questions on her mind, and so many desires that had gone unfulfilled.


    Yet she was afraid to give voice to these thoughts, and it wasn''t until Erich had served the woman her cocktail, while drinking straight from a bottle of liquor himself, that the silver-haired man finally broke this awkward silence.


    "I can tell you''re upset about the wedding... Do you wish to talk about it?"


    S''aleth sighed heavily, as she drank the entire cocktail in one go. Perhaps to give her the courage she needed to speak with Erich about her feelings on the matter. Which if that were the case, then it worked like a charm, because the young woman was quick to do exactly this.


    "Erich... I need to know... Does this change things between us? I''ve been here in Germania for years now as my people''s ambassador to your Empire... And my father''s rivals are already trying to recall me now that the Naraku menace is taken care of.


    You are now marrying a stranger, and I am starting to get the feeling that maybe I should return home. I-"


    Before S''aleth could finish her words, Erich leaned in and kissed the woman, which though a surprise was a wee one as she returned the gesture with equal passion. Once the two of them had ceased this expression of love, Alex whispered into S''aleth''s ear his confession.


    "You will always be my first love.... I have so many regrets.... I don''t want to have another. Won''t you stay with me here in Germania? I know I can''t give you what you want most, but just having you by my side... It means the world to me."


    S''aleth felt relieved when she heard that nothing would change between her and Erich, despite him getting married. She understood theplex and taboo nature of their rtionship. Neither the Empire nor the Consortium would ever approve a marriage between them, even for diplomatic purposes. But, if they could remain together... Then S''aleth knew that would be good enough.


    ---


    While Erich and S''aleth spent the night together in a loving embrace, there was another woman who was also displeased with this oue... Yumi was scowling while watching the news feed from the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Hans had acted too quick for her. She had hoped to broach the subject of a betrothal between Erich and her niece during the victory celebrations which followed the destruction of the Hive Fleet Terminus. But Lunaria''s outburst had destroyed any chances of that.


    Any by the time she could even get an audience with the man, he had already proimed that Erich would be marrying a woman from his own civilization. No doubt for propaganda purposes, but Yumi still felt as if this was a wasted opportunity to cement their alliance in stone for generations toe. And thus, she harassed Hans until he answered her call.


    Where the man saw the mature Oni matriarch sitting with a bottle of sake in her hands, and a drunk expression on her otherwise beautiful face. Which was made all the more fierce by her harsh words.


    "You fucking bastard! You knew exactly what I wanted to talk to you about, and hid from me long enough to set these things in motion!"


    Hans had a stoic expression on his face as he denied the allegations that Yumi had haphazardly thrown in his direction,rgely due to her current intoxicated state. Still, he remained civil as he spoke with the Oni Matriarch, knowing that their alliance was extremely important to the Empire''s future.


    "My Lady, I have no idea what you''re talking about... Is this about my sessor''s betrothal? What exactly could you possibly be upset about?"


    Hans obviously knew what Yumi''s goal was ever since she first reached out to him all those years ago to improve rtions between their two nations. But a marriage between Erich and Ayumi would cause more problems than it would solve. The Germanic Star-Empire was a highly xenophobic society, one that considered interspecies rtions to be a sin worthy of the death penalty.


    And though Hans had suspicions that Erich was regrly breaking this taboo with the Dvrakian Ambassador, he also knew that Erich was the best chance of the Empire''s, not the Gxy''s, survival. Thus, he was willing to overlook his sessor''s taboo rtionship with the Dvrakian Ambassador so long as it never became public knowledge.


    But that was the problem with Yumi''s scheme. A marriage between her niece and Erich would be a public affair, one that would easily cause civil strife within both the Germanic Star-


    Empire, and the Great Oni Empire. Something which could be quelled with time...


    Unfortunately, the gxy didn''t have time, and if the Germanic Star-Empire were to y a leading role in the defense of the Milky Way from an extra gctic invasion, then they could not waste time with such frivolities such as rebellion.


    Yumi, was unaware of the threat the Naraku posed the gxy, and was thus thinking far more long term, after all, if such civil strife was put down, and the xenophobic tendencies of both of their species were mended, then the long-term benefits to their two Empires would be quite great. And because of this, she was quick to announce her n aloud, even though Hans pretended like he didn''t know what she was thinking.


    "Hans, don''t y dumb with me! You and I both know that a marriage between Erich and Ayumi would be extremely beneficial to both of our empires. So why? Why would you waste such a valuable opportunity to expand our power and influence within the Gxy for mere propaganda points?"


    Considering Yumi was not going to give up on this matter, Hans sighed heavily and poured himself a drink from his nearby cab, where he kept a bottle of Rylonian Ale, a breed of heavy alcohol that was now near extinction. He obviously wanted to loosen the tension in the air by joining Yumi in intoxication before making the big reveal.


    And once he had downed an entire ss of the substance, Hans began a conversation that wouldpletely blow Yumi''s mind.


    "Yumi... It is time you learned the truth...."

 Chapter 352 A Dreadful Feeling

    <h4>Chapter 352 A Dreadful Feeling</h4>


    Yumi stared at Hans in disbelief... The Naraku were an extragctic species, one that had travelled across god knows how much of universe and devoured everything in their path. And they were now headed for the Milky Way? The entirety of recent history, and the current dealings with the Naraku who were already considered a threat to the gxy, were nothing but a mere scouting force?


    The mature Oni beauty could hardly believe her ears. But when Hans showed the evidence that Tia had collected, she was actually mortified. It was all true. The gxy had less than a century before it was invaded by a force whose power was beyond reasonable exnation.


    Never in her rtively long life had Yumi thought this was a possibility, and when she learned that this was the case, she suddenly felt a sense of overwhelming dread. If all of this was to be believed, then yes... A marriage between Ayumi and Erich would only hinder the progress that was needed to properly defend against this threat.


    With this in mind, Yumi''s stubborn attachment to the idea of marrying off her niece to Erich subsided. Her voice, however, was filled with a sense of defeat.


    "I understand the circumstances... And why you would deny my ns for a prosperous future. After all, if what you have shown me is to be believed, then we indeed need to think in the short term. Though it may be painful for my people, I will begin the process of preparing for this eventual war with the Naraku, even if our fate will rest entirely in your hands. I hope that your sessor remembers the alliance that I built with your first Supreme Leader, and doesn''t leave us out to dry.."


    Despite theck of hope in Yumi''s voice, Hans''s expression turned stern as he reminded her of her position.


    "No matter how hopeless our situation may seem, you, as a leader, must be stoic throughout it all. If the gxy were to learn of this threat before the time is ready, then the Naraku will be the least of our worries. Steel yourself, Yumi, and do what is necessary to prepare for this invasion.


    Besides... As much as it pains me to admit it, my sessor cares for more for the lives of aliens than any of his predecessors. He won''t easily allow the alliances he has built to copse.


    At the very least, if you are so hellbent on gaining the protection of the Empire now that we have the strength to defend our borders against even a threat like Terminus, then I suggest sending your niece as an ambassador to our empire.


    Even if they may not get married, if Erich happens to fall for your girl, like he has done to that Dvrakian woman, then you can rest easy knowing he will do everything in his power to ensure the survival of the Great Oni Empire."


    Thisment caused Yumi''s expression to turn stern as she gazed at Hans as if he had gone mad to suggest such a thing, before daring to question if she had heard him correctly.


    "I''m sorry. I think I might be hearing things. Did you just suggest I send my beloved niece to be a mere concubine to your sessor? The princess of the Kondo Dynasty? She deserves the status of being a wife!"


    Hans, however, simply shrugged and told Yumi to take or leave his offer.


    "You know how my species is about these matters. The fact that I''m even entertaining the idea of my sessor sleeping with your niece is due to the dire circumstances we now find ourselves in. Frankly, I would never allow a mutant to lead this empire if it weren''t for the threats we now face, especially not a mutant who is also a race traitor!


    If you won''t ept my kindness, then by all means leave this matter be. But we will see how willing Erich is to uphold this alliance when defending your people bes difficult. Especially if he has to choose between the people of his Dvrakian Lover, or yours."


    Yumi was undoubtedly enraged by these words, but understood the meaning of them very well. She believed she had been forced into a checkmate for the first time since ascending to the role of the Kondo Dynasty''s matriarch. And thus her Laugh was far from pleasant as she admitted defeat.


    "You''re absolutely right.... I don''t have the luxury to worry about petty matters like prestige or status. If it will ensure that the Empire upholds this alliance even in the face of total destruction, then I have no choice but to dispatch my niece to Germania as our official ambassador to your people... Well yed Hans... I''m sure you won''t take offense when I say that I look forward to your uing retirement..."


    After saying this, Yumi hung up on Hans, causing the man to sit back in his seat and reflect on Erich and his many sins against Germanicw. He was beingpletely honest when he said that if it weren''t for the dire circumstances, the gxy now found itself in, then he would never dream of appointing a mutant and a race traitor like Erich as his sessor.


    But that manmanded the loyalty of a very dangerous and very powerful being. One that just might be the Milky Way''s hope of saving itself. Of course, assuming that in the end, Tia didn''t turn against the Empire.


    It was not the Naraku that was giving Hans sleepless nights. But the fact that there was the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction lying dormant in his very city. One that could turn on him, and all other lifeforms in the gxy at a moment''s notice.


    Certainly this dreadful feeling he had towards Tia was just that? A feeling and nothing more, right? With this in mind, Hans took a sip from his Rylonain Ale, trying his best to repress this overwhelming sense of dread he had towards Tia.


    The aging ruler was not the slightest bit aware that Tia could read his thoughts thanks to their connection to NeuroLink. In fact, Tia could read the thoughts of every single Germanic citizen thanks to the nano robots that flooded through their bloodstream and organs. Nano robots, which she could assume full control over at a moment''s notice.

 Chapter 353 Taking Responsibility

    <h4>Chapter 353 Taking Responsibility</h4>


    While Erich and S''aleth spent the night together, and Hans spoke with the Oni Matriarch about the future of their two civilizations. Lunaria was looking over the news regarding Erich''s engagement to Erika. The woman''s memory had been thoroughly wiped by Tia about what had happened on that fateful night that the advanced artificial intelligence lost control over her emotions.


    Instead, all she remembered was a proper exnation being given by Erich about the origins of his secret weapon, and the fact that the Naraku were an extra-gctic threat to the Milky Way as a whole. Because of this, Lunaria had been making subtle changes to the Alfheim Dominion that were not easily observed by her enemies, but would help her gear up for war.


    Yet for whatever reason, the Elven beauty was distraught over the news that Erich was getting married, and she did not know why. Thus, for thest few days, she had been sulking in her quarters, doing nothing but thinking about the silver-haired Germanic man, and his wedding to a member of his own species.


    It got to the point where Celestia was forced to enter her mother''s private quarters, or at least request permission to enter. After all, entering the Alfheim Empress''s personal room without permission carried a death sentence, even to her daughters.


    Once Lunaria heard the knock, and the near identical voice of her daughter at the door, she finally crawled out of her bed. Celestia was surprised to see her mother was wearing nothing but sleepwear even in the middle of the day and was quick to mention this.


    "Mother? Why are you still dressed like that? Have you been wearing that for thest few days?"


    Lunaria did not even understand why she herself had locked herself away, or why she felt so glum, and was instead quick to anger as she demanded an answer from her most beloved daughter about why she was interrupting her.


    "What the hell do you want, Celestia? I''m not in the mood!"


    Celestia could count on her one hand the number of times her mother had snapped at her like this, and that was over several centuries of life. Which while young for an Elf, was still a very long time. She had no idea why her mother had suddenly turned so... erratic, but was quick toment on it.


    "Mother... I''m getting worried about you... We''re all getting worried about you. You are behaving very unusually."


    Lunaria sighed heavily, and invited her daughter into her room, she most certainly did not want to have this conversation in the doorway, and once the two of them were safely sealed in the privacy of the Alheim Empress''s personal quarters, Celestia was quick toment on something strange that was disying itself from her mother''s personal entertainment system.


    "Mother... Is that.... The Germanic man we met together?"


    Lunaria sighed heavily. An image of Erich and Erika, which had been spliced together by the Germanic Propaganda department, was on her screen, without any sign of removing itself. It was an e-invite to the wedding that Erich had sent the woman.?It was clear by the tone in Lunaria''s voice that she was pouting when she spoke.


    "Why would that bastard send me this?"


    Lunaria was apparently very glum over this simple invitation, and Celestia quickly stared at her mother in disbelief before asking a very simple question, one that she thought was impossible.


    "Mother... Are you jealous of this pink haired woman? I mean, please tell me I''m delusional!"


    Lunaria recoiled in shock when she heard this and instantly tried to deny it.


    "Jealous? Jealous of what? I''m clearly the most beautiful woman in the gxy. Why would I be jealous of this pink haired bimbo!"


    Celestia unintentionally sat down on a nearby sofa and stared at her mother in disbelief. She had never seen her mother react this way before, especially to a man. In fact, nobody had. It had been millions of years since Lunaria was born, and throughout all of this time she had never expressed any interest in a man. Even her own "husband" who was a member of her dynasty that she officially married for political purposes when she was young.


    The man had never touched a hair on Lunaria''s head though, and their children were conceived artificially. Everyone knew this fact. For the ancient Alfheim Empress to be expressing jealousy towards another woman, and over a man, no less, it was perhaps the most shocking thing anyone in Alfheim space could ever hear.


    Celestia almost couldn''t believe what she was witnessing, and was quick to follow up with another question that she thought was impossible.


    "Mother, don''t tell me you''re in love with this man? You met him once!"


    Lunaria herself didn''t understand her feelings, which were deeply engrained in her subconscious. An aftereffect of the memories Erich had shared with her. Memories that Tia had tried to eliminate, but didn''t fully manage to do so. And because of this, she once more denied her daughter''s question.


    "Of course not! Have you gone mad? Me? In love? As if! I just... Can''t seem to get him out of my head ever since that day..."


    Celestia sat in awkward silence with her mother for several seconds as she tried to understand just what she was bearing witness to. Her mother was actually in love with a man, and it was a man she had only met once, a man who, ording to memory, had done nothing but act professionally with the woman. How was this possible?


    Meanwhile, Lunaria began to rant, clearly in a foul mood as she suddenly came to a decision.


    "That''s it! I''m going to that wedding, and I''m going to find out just what kind of sorcery that bastard cast on me!"


    Celestia was shocked her mother had epted the wedding invitation. It was customary for a vassal to invite their suzerain to either their wedding or that of their sessors. But in all of the Alfheim Dominion''s history, Lunaria had never epted one of these invitations.


    This was shocking news to say the least, but Celestia was stunned even further when she swore she heard her mother whisper something scandalous under her breath.


    "And while I''m at it, I''ll make that bastard take responsibility for causing me to feel this way..."

 Chapter 354 A Very Different Ayumi

    <h4>Chapter 354 A Very Different Ayumi</h4>


    Ayumi sat on in an elegant starliner, a ship designed for transporting people across star systems. The ship was emzoned with the royal arms of the Kondo Dynasty and was escorted by a proper fighter wing to ensure the safety of the dignitary onboard.


    The beautiful Princess of the Great Oni Empire sat on board the ship while staring into the void of space, which rapidly flew by thanks to the faster than light technology which the starliner was equipped with.


    There was a far from pleasant expression on Ayumi''s face. In fact, she was in a terrible mood. Out of nowhere, her father tasked her with bing the ambassador to the Germanic Star-Empire. Making it abundantly clear that her objective was to seduce the foreign sessor and be his concubine.


    A concubine? What outrageous nonsense was this? She was the dignified and noble princess of the mighty Kondo Dynasty. Though she expected a political marriage when she turned eighteen, this was a different matter entirely.


    It wasmon practice for the daughters of the Great Oni Emperors to be wed off to the noble scions of those families within Oni society who held great power. This was an ancient tradition that secured peace and prosperity throughout the Empire.


    But this was not a political marriage, and she was not being sent to the home of an Oni nobleman. Instead, she was being sent to a foreign civilization to be the concubine of an alien dictator. Words could not express how degrading and scandalous this whole situation was.


    Unlike in the previous timeline where Yumi groomed her aunt to be in love with Erich from a young age. No such thing urred in this timeline, and because of this Ayumi did not share the same fetish as her aunt. Nor was she even aware of it.


    Instead, she felt like she was being punished via exile for a sin she was not even aware of. It was a dreadful feeling. Luckily for her, her beloved elder brother was apanying her on this final farewell.


    Though he was outraged by his father''s decision, Prince Kondo Ryu tried his best tofort his little sister, who was practically on the edge of tears.


    "I know it looks bad Ayumi, but our Royal Father must have his reasons... Besides, I hear that the Germanic race are excellent warrior. And that the man father has tasked you with.... Well anyway, I hear he is their greatest war hero... Surely you will be safe while you are....."


    No matter how much the young man tried his best, he failed to say the words that were meant tofort his little sister, because every time he thought about them, he became outraged. Why? Why was his sister being punished so severely? Just what had she done wrong?


    Neither of the two siblings knew that their father was just a puppet, and that the real power behind the phone was their great aunt. Nor did they know that she had reluctantly brokered such an agreement in order to gain protection from their Germanic allies when the eventual gctic crisis surfaced.


    Because of this, the two siblings sulked until their ship eventually arrived in Germania.


    ---


    Erich stepped out of the Citadel and onto its tform, which was used to host the shuttles of dignitaries from foreign civilizations. He was dressed in his mostvish military uniform, with all the fantastical decorations he had earned himself both in his past life, and in this one


    The Supreme Leader insisted that the man properly groom himself and because of this, his hair was clicked back in a fine cut, which showed off his handsome features quite well. It had been over five years since Erich hadst seen Ayumi, or perhaps even longer.


    In all honesty, time flew by because he had been so busy. There were many conflicted emotions in his heart and mind. Ayumi perhaps received the worst of Erich''s mistreatment in their past life. After dering himself Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire and establishing the Silber Enve, Erich had decided to sever any ties he had to alien women in order to appease the public.


    In doing this, he had cold heartedly sent Ayumi back to her aunt, along with their young daughter Aiko. For the rest of his life in that timeline, Erich would never see the two of them again. Something he deeply regretted, perhaps more than anything.


    Erich needed to make things right with Ayumi in this life, and thus, he was deeply nervous, perhaps more so than he was when meeting any of his other women for the first time in this timeline. Because if he messed this up, Aiko would never be born... And Erich could not allow such a cruel fate to happen.


    Thus, the man was struggling to calm himself with deep breaths as Ayumi''s shuttlended on the tform. When the ramp lowered, and the Oni Royal Guard stepped forward, Erich''s heart was quite literally palpitating, waiting anxiously for the Oni beauty to reveal herself. And eventually she did...


    It was abundantly clear by the look on her pretty face that Ayumi was desperately trying to appear friendly, but no matter how much effort she put into this facade, Erich could see right through her. Thus, his heart sank, as he realized she already had a foul perception of this entire ordeal. Nevertheless, he did not lose hope, as he waited for Ayumi to pay her respects to Supreme Leader Epp before doing so for him.


    Prince Ryu shook the Supreme Leader''s hand before saluting Erich. After all, Erich was the Field Marshal tasked with leading the coalition forces that defeated the Naraku Hive Fleet Terminus. Although Ryu might hate Erich for taking his sister as a concubine, he had to show the man respect as he himself was an officer in the Great Oni Navy.


    Erich returned the man''s salute before speaking to him. There was aplicated expression on Erich''s face as he struggled toe to terms with treating this young man with respect when considering they shared a sinister grudge in their past lives.


    But Erich was a professional and forced himself to be courteous as he greeted the man.


    "Lieutenant... It is good to meet you. I heard you proved yourself in the battle against Terminus..."


    Ryu also struggled to keep a corteous tone in his voice while he boldly disyed the medal he had won for his engagement in that battle. Whether it was duly earned, or simply a matter of nepotism, Erich didn''t know. But it was not like Ryu was going to admit to it either way.


    "Marshal, it is good to see that you are doing well. I havee to deliver my sister, Princess Kondo Ayumi, as the newly appointed ambassador to the Germanic Star-Empire. Now that I have done my duty, I am required to take my leave and report back to the Fleet..."


    As Erich and Ryu shook hands, the man pulled Erich in close and whispered something sinister in his ears.


    "I don''t care if you are the next dictator of your disgusting civilization. If you darey a finger on my sister, I will make sure your soul never reaches the afterlife, you fucking bastard..."


    Erich simply smirked when he heard this and nodded his head, not saying anything more. Which was a response that infuriated Ryu even further, but not as much as Erich dismissing him entirely.


    "As you were, Lieutenant, you best be on your way..."


    After saying this, Erich shifted his attention to Ayumi, who was giving her older brother a pleading gaze, which practically was begging him not to leave her behind. Unfortunately for her, Ryu had his orders and turned his back on his sister, leaving her in the care of the Aliens he hated most in this universe.


    Once he was no longer in earshot, Erich introduced himself to Ayumi properly.


    "Princess Kondo Ayumi, it is my greatest honor to receive you here on our humble homeworld. If there is anything you might need, please let me know, and if it is remotely in my power to provide, I will do it."


    Ayumi was slightly surprised at this response. It was as if Erich was professionally greeting her as an actual ambassador, and not some whore that was bought and paid for. In fact, there was not a single ounce of lust in his silver eyes. Instead, he appeared to be genuinely greeting her as a foreign dignitary.


    And because of this, she decided to not make a scene, and decided to respond to Erich''s greeting with one of her own.


    "I will be in your care from now on, Field Marshal, please be kind..."


    No matter how much she tried to hide it, Erich knew Ayumi well enough to know that she was afraid, deeply afraid of him and what he might do, and thus Erich knew he had a lot of work ahead of him if Aiko was ever to be born in this timeline.


    But he was determined to make things up to Ayumi and his daughter, who had yet to be conceived and thus, he decided to take this rtionship one step at a time. With that in mind, Erich began to introduce Ayumi to the Citadel, and to the civilization she would now be living in for the foreseeable future.

 Chapter 355 A Somber First Impression

    <h4>Chapter 355 A Somber First Impression</h4>


    Ayumi followed Erich out of thending pad and into the citadel. Unlike her Great Aunt, she had never been to the Germanic Star-Empire before. But she could tell by the cold and lifeless architecture that she had entered a deeply dystopian and totalitarian society.


    Everything about this building was designed to convey one feeling, authority. Everyone who walked past her was dressed in some kind of uniform, whether military or political, Ayumi did not know. And then there was the fact that she was so smallpared to these aliens.


    Ayumi stood at a height of at five feet and two inches. While the men and women around her were significantly taller. So much so that she felt dwarfed by their hulking figures. She even began to lower her head in fear of looking up at these stern people, many of whose gazes looked at her as if she were some kind of trash.


    Erich noticed this meek expression on Ayumi''s face and quickly reached out a helping hand. Quite literally, he grabbed hold of the young woman''s hand, and smiled, assuring her everything was alright.


    "I know this ce isn''t as extravagant as the pce you call home... But I am sure if you give it a chance, you will find it is not nearly as suffocating as you think it is right now."


    Ayumi was shocked by these kind words. So much so that she didn''t even realize she was holding hands with a man. Out of everyone around her, Erich was the only one who didn''t look at her with disgust. Not only that, but his words were almost like he had been reading his thoughts.


    Wait a second, she had heard from her elder brother that certain soldiers in the Germanic Star-Empire were gifted with unique abilities. Could Erich be a mind-reader? Ayumi feltpelled to ask this, but bit her lip in anxiety, fearful that if she were to do so, she might say something inappropriate.


    Erich could tell Ayumi wanted to ask him something. And though telepathy was one of his powers. Erich had seldom used it on his lovers, as that was a terrible invasion of privacy. Because of this, he did not actually know what she was thinking, but could guess simply because he knew her so well.


    "There''s something you want to ask me, isn''t there? You don''t have to be afraid, go ahead and ask. I promise I won''t be mad. I''m kind of an open book...."


    This kindness once more shocked Ayumi, and she was still being led through the halls of the massive building while others passed her by and cast her dirty nces. Still, Erich appeared to be nicer than the rest, and thus she took a deep breath before asking the question, which desperately wanted to know right now.


    "Can you read my mind? How did you know what I was thinking?"


    Erich''s expression turned from kind to serious. He didn''t want the woman to think he was joking, and thus he spoke in a tone that was filled with honest intentions.


    "Can I read your mind? Yes, I do possess such an ability. Am I doing so now, or have I done so since first meeting you? Not at all. I rarely use that ability unless it''s a matter ofbat or national security. It is a grant vition of an individual''s privacy if I were to just force my way into their mind.


    And before you ask, I have two other abilities. One is Cyber kinesis, meaning I can manipte machines with my mind. As for the third one, I''m not at liberty to discuss as that is ssified information of the highest order. So I would prefer it if you did not inquire further..."


    Ayumi was stunned by this information. Her brother had indeed once told her that some Germanic Soldiers possessed special abilities that enhanced their abilities inbat. But in all honesty, she didn''t believe it until now.


    The idea that Erich could read her mind was terrifying, and Ayumi couldn''t help but shiver at the thought. Erich naturally felt this as he was holding her hand and was quick to promise her something that she was not expecting.


    "There is no reason to be afraid. I promise you, I won''t read your mind unless you give me permission to do so."


    There were a few seconds of silence in between Erich''s words and Ayumi''s response. She was desperately trying to determine whether or not to believe Erich. And in the end she couldn''t understand why he was being kind to her, when everyone who passed her by treated her as if she were less than the dirt beneath their feet.


    "Why? Why are you being so nice to me? Doesn''t your kind hate other species?"


    Erich now understood where Ayumi''s timidness wasing from. He suspected the tant grooming that Yumi had done to the girl in his past life so that she shared the same fetish had not urred in this one. And thus, Ayumi''s perspective of the Germanic race was the same as everyone else''s in the gxy.


    Violent, bloodthirsty, and xenophobic warmongers. It was an urate assessment, but Erich had never actually been that way. And thus, he formted a proper response to the woman, so that she could move past her initial reservations towards him.


    "It''s not surprising that you don''t know... It is exactly how you say it is. My people despise anyone who is remotely different from the norm, myself included. Or at least until rtively recently, I was scorned the same way you are now.


    If not for my exceptional military career, I would still be in your position.Because I was treated as an outcast my entire life, I never embraced the ideals of racial supremacy that are somon among my people, nor their disgust for those who are different.


    My people have a word for those born with my condition... Mutants... And that''s if they are being polite. Freak was far moremonly tossed my way when I was growing up."


    Ayumi was baffled by this information. She honestly couldn''t tell what was so different about Erich from everyone else around him, and was quick to ask about why he was treated so poorly.


    "Wait... I don''t understand... How are you, a mutant? Is it because of your special abilities?"


    Erich broke out into a genuine sense ofughter at Ayumi''s misunderstanding, and instinctively pet her hair beforeplimenting her, forgetting that she barely knew him in this timeline.


    "You''re adorable! No, actually, special abilities like the ones I have are a matter of prestige, especially among the youth who have yet to prove themselves in war. My great disfigurement that is deserving of thebel of freak is something as simple as having the wrong hair and eye color...."


    Ayumi was mortified by this answer. Erich, who was for all intents and purposes normal aside from a unique hair and eye color, was despised and shunned by society simply because of those two things? She was starting to feel sorry for the man for being born in such an insane ce.


    But at the same time, she was starting to understand why Erich was not the same as everyone else. Why would he look towards the ideals and beliefs of a society that hated him? And yet, he was such a high-ranking individual. She honestly had a hard time wrapping her mind around this logical disconnect and was quick to ask about why this was the case.


    "Wait... So if you''re a mutant, then why does everyone show you so much respect? How are you the designated sessor to the Supreme Leader if all of society despises you?"


    Erich''s expression turned stern when he heard this. He was clearly looking past Ayumi, almost as if he did not even see her when he responded. Something that was strange for Ayumi to witness. But his words showed the massive difference between the civilization she was born in, and the one Erich was.


    "In my society, nothing is more important than the glory a man achieves on the battlefield. No matter what position you are born into. If your actions in war bring prestige to the Empire, then you will be heralded as a hero. And nobody has done more for the Empire that still draws breath than me."


    Contrary to what Erich said, there did not seem to be a sense of pride in his voice, but a harrowing tone. As if Erich had seen and done too much for him to consider himself worthy of such honors.


    But Ayumi didn''t pick up on this, instead she thought the man was boasting, and was quick to inquire why a man who was shunned by his own society would fight so hard for it.


    "I don''t understand. If you said that you were treated as an outcast, then why would you fight so hard to earn glory for a society which hates you? Why would you be proud of such a thing?"


    Once more, the Ayumi of this timeline was disying herplete and utterck of education on the Germanic Star-


    Empire, and thus, as Erich stopped in front of the diplomatic quarters she had been given temporarily within the citadel, he told her the truth.


    "You are misunderstanding the intent behind my words, Princess. It is not a matter of pride, but duty. I have no choice in the matter, nor does any other man born in the Empire. We all must serve, and those who are lucky enough to escape a life of war are then assigned a job in the civilian sector based upon their own abilities.


    There is no choice, there is no freedom. There is only service. Only in death does service end... These are your temporary quarters. We are currently constructing a proper embassy for you to stay at that is near the citadel.


    So in the mean time I ask you to be patient with your current aodations. Take some time to rest. I am sure you are tired after your journey here. Tomorrow I will visit and introduce you to the Ambassador from the Davrakian Consortium.


    Have a good night, Ayumi..."


    After saying this, Erich turned away and left the Oni Princess at the doorway of her quarters. Though it took her some time to enter, after all, she couldn''t get Erich''s words about service out of her head, nor the grim look on his face as he did so. For the first time in her life, Ayumi had actually felt sympathy for the Barbarians to the West that her elder brother had always warned her about.

 Chapter 356 The Ghimderi Trade Union is at it Again..

    <h4>Chapter 356 The Ghimderi Trade Union is at it Again..</h4>


    Standing on the world of Ghimderi was none other than Bixel Goldentooth. In this timeline, he had yet to have his power seized by his rivals, nor had the Ghimderi civilization suffered an attack by the Parvaxians. Instead, the goblin menace was at the height of their power.


    But things were not as well as they seemed. The news of the Naraku Splinter Fleet, moremonly known as Terminus, being absolutely obliterated by the Germanic Star-Empire and their small alliance of regional and minor powers was troublesome.


    And though The Alfheim Dominion stated that, they investigated the issue and found that the Germanic Star-Empire had used an ancient weapon scavenged from an unknown alien civilization''s ruins. The rest of the gxy was having a hard time believing these ims.


    For centuries, the Germanic Star-Empire had been a thorn in the side of the Ghimderi Trade Union. Their self-reliant economic model, and their genuine refusal to engage in gctic trade, was a severe threat to Ghimderi hegemony over the gctic economy.


    If more nations followed the Germanic example, then the Ghimderi Trade Union and its Banking ns would suddenly find their influence over the gxy waning. After all, it was their loans that kept many interster civilizations afloat. Even the great powers themselves had taken out substantial debts with the Ghimderi Banks.


    And while the Ghimderi had been doing everything they could to discredit the Germanic Star-Empire, by making them seem like a bunch of upjumped barbarians. The gxy now had their focus squarely on those very "barbarian" and were starting to understand that Germanic society was far more sophisticated then they were led to believe.


    Normally this would have been fine, as Germanic society had for centuries used its poption as either a means of production or war. Leaving them in a very utilitarian and dystopian society, one that other species did not want to emte.


    But that had begun to change over the course of thest five years. The Germanic Star-Empire had essentially patented what they called an "explosive cor" in their AI programs. Allowing them to make widespread use of AI programs in their industry, freeing up their poption for more meaningful pursuits in life.


    A small, but flourishing cultural renaissance was beginning to take ce, and at the head of this was the revival of wedding ceremonies. This was simr to the way that the Silber Enve had developed in Erich''s previous life under his and Tia''s reign.


    Now that the Germanic industry was almost entirely automated, those observers who had begun to take an interest in the small regional power were beginning to take notes on how they managed to achieve such economic prowess.


    And for the first time in centuries, minor civilizations that would normally take debts from the Ghimderi Banks to expand their power and influence were now modelling their economic system off of the GSE.


    Because of this, Bixle was in a terrible mood, and was arguing with the other Ghimderi Trade Princes about the need to put the Germanic race in their ce.


    "These bastards... I thought the Naraku were supposed to exterminate them? Yet they so easily emewrged victorious at the borders of their proxy! And now those red devils are refusing to halt their ongoing militarization.


    They have even paid back the debts they owed us in full and have liquidated all their stock in the Gctic Exchange! They are pulling out of the gctic economy, and instead focusing their efforts on selfsufficiency, and partial dependence on their Germanic neighbors.


    We need to do something about this, and quickly! Before other civilizations start following this trend en masse!"


    One of Bixel''s rivals nodded his head. He was perhaps just as hideous as Bixel was, but it was hard for outsiders to tell with these goblins. He scratched his sparse goatee beforementing on the whole ordeal.


    "Aren''t the Dvrakians the vassals of some other civilization? Isn''t that how things work in Alfheim space? Should their Suzerains not be rmed by the devils'' continued efforts to enhance their armed forces? If the Germanic Star-Empire continues to share military technology with their small alliance, it will only be a matter of time before the Dvrakians emerge as a regional power in their own right.


    Three Tier I Regional Power which share the same area of space and possess the military strength to defend against Sub-


    Gctic Powers will be a difficult stronghold to prate should we need to resort to more forceful measures to quell their insolence.


    I suggest we contact whoever is in control of the Dvrakian Consortium, and convince them to begin applying pressure to the red devils so that they cease their military buildup at once!"


    The other Ghimderi nodded their heads in agreement with these measures, but Bixel was not fully convinced this would solve their issues. After all, the Great Oni Empire was also in league with their Germanic neighbors. If their military was built up with Germanic technological advancements, then this would also be a problem, and because of this, Bixle was quick to present this matter.


    "And what of the Oni? Their alliance with the Germanic Star-


    Empire is centuries old, and you know how that woman feels about the barbarians... It will not be easy to halt their military buildup, which has not only failed toe to a halt, but has actually increased since Terminus''s destruction! How will we pressure them to stop?"


    Bixel''s rival, however, also had an answer to this question, which was the same as the previous one.


    "The solution is the same as the Dvrakian issue. We convince their suzerains to pressure them into halting their militarization efforts. After all, while the Dvrakians are a mere minor power, and have a regional power as a Suzerain. One which can''t even begin to contend with the GSE in terms of military strength.


    The Oni has a Sub-Gctic Power as a suzerain. Their strength alone should be enough to convince those Barbarians to halt their ambitions. After all, they may be a bunch of bloodthirsty fiends who live and die for glory on the battlefield, but even they know that theyck the logistical means to actually defeat a sub-gctic power in a war of attrition!"


    Though these measures were quite simple, they should be enough to strip the Germanic Star-Empire of its allies, which it was currently sharing technology in pursuit of building a powerful military alliance. Or so the Ghimderi Trade Princes thought. But Bixel was far more educated about the Germanic Star-Empire, and their grant disregard for authority that was not their own.


    Even Lunaria tolerated the previous Supreme Leaders when they acted willfully in front of her. But she had her own reasons for that. A mere Sub-Gctic Power might actually be enough to halt the buildup of the Germanic Star-Empire''s new military alliance. Yet it was worth a shot. And thus Bixle sighed heavily and resigned himself to making such an attempt.


    "I suppose we are all in agreement, then. We will use whatever means we can to convince the Suzerains of the Germanic Star Empire''s allies to apply pressure. I pray this yields the results we so desire..."

 Chapter 357 Marrying the Same Woman in Another Timeline

    <h4>Chapter 357 Marrying the Same Woman in Another Timeline</h4>


    Erich spent the next few months improving his rtionships with Ayumi and S''aleth. But before he even realized it, the day for his wedding to Erika had finally approached. Thus, at the moment, he was standing within the halls of the Citadel in the World of Germania while dressed in a special white and silver military uniform.


    This was a uniform reserved for important ceremonial asions, which is exactly what today was. In fact, the majority of the military officials standing in the room were dressed in some variation of this uniform based upon their branch and mos.


    Standing at the head of the ceremony was none other than the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, Hans Epp, who had decided to officiate this wedding. This would be hisst act as the Supreme Leader, whereupon ending the ceremony he would officially step down from the position, allowing Erich to seed him.


    The sad reality was that during this timeline Erich had not attended the academy, nor had he actually served in the military, and thus he was unable to make the bonds of brotherhood that were forged in war that he had in his past life.


    Because of this, Erich did not actually have a best man by his side, but one was appointed to him for the sake of tradition. This was a man that Erich had not served with, but was tasked with pretending like they had.


    This total stranger could tell Erich was slightly anxious about this whole thing, and was quick to smile and pat the man on the back in a facade of friendship.


    "Are you nervous?"


    Erich nodded his head ever so slightly. Of course, he was nervous. So far in this timeline, he had made favorable first impressions of most of the woman who he was romantically involved with during his past life.


    But Erika was his biggest failure. After all, in their past life, the two of them were not exactly on good terms. Even when they learned to ept one another as husband and wife, there were some underlying issues with their marriage that never fully resolved itself.


    Yet in this life, Erika openly professed a sense of worship and desire towards him that made the man deeply ufortable, and thus he responded honestly towards the stranger who was pretending to be his best friend.


    "Of course... Who wouldn''t be?"


    The man chuckled beforementing on Erich''s job, reminding him why they were all here.


    "I understand, but it doesn''t do anyone any good for you to look nervous. Even if you are anxious, y the part of a stoic. You know as well as I do that this whole thing is just a giant propaganda piece, anyway..."


    Erich nodded his head towards the stranger and took a deep breath before forcibly calming his expression. Soon enough, the traditional music began to y, which was carried over from Earthen traditions, specifically in the western world from which the Germanic Star-Empire originated from.


    And before long, Erika arrived at the end of the hallway, while wearing a beautiful white dress. Her hair was tied up into a ponytail, as it often was, while she held a bouquet of white roses in her hands.


    The expression n Erika''s face was one of mixed anxiety and excitement. She even blushed and averted her gaze to the Cameras which were disying the entire event across the borders of the Empire for all of its citizens to witness.


    With each step forward that the pink-haired beauty made, Erich and her hearts pounded louder and faster. Until finally she arrived in front of the man, face to face for the first time in this life. There was not an exchange of words, but everything the two of them needed to say to one another was conveyed with their eyes.


    Erich did not even hear the words that the Supreme Leader spoke until Erich slightly nudged him into ying his part. Where Erich quickly remembered his simple line of "I do" before speaking it aloud.


    Erika would follow suit once the Supreme Leader repeated the traditional vows back to her, where he thenmanded the first couple to host a wedding ceremony within the Empire''s borders in at least three centuries to conclude the act with a kiss.


    "You may now kiss the bride."


    Erich stepped forward and grabbed hold of Erika''s dainty chin before kissing her luscious lips with a level of skill that she was not expecting. Nevertheless, she wrapped her arms around his neck and allowed her new husband to perform the deed.


    And once their two tongues broke apart, along with their lips, the couple smiled before taking a bow in front of the audience. Where Erika then tossed the bouquet of white roses into the crowd. And just like that, Erich and Erika had gotten married for the second time in as many timelines.


    Once the wedding ceremony was over, a giant reception was held on another floor of the Citadel. Where a feast of epic proportions unfolded. And while Erich was supposed to use this time to make powerful alliances with the leadership of the Germanic Star-Empire, he instead spent it getting to know his new wife. Who was an entirely different person than he had known in his previous life.


    The two of them drank well into the night, speaking past the official deration by the Supreme Leader that he would be stepping down from his position and retiring to Teutonia to live a peaceful life.


    Instead, Erich and Erika eventually retired to their new penthouse, which existed at the top level of the Citadel. This was the official residence of the Supreme Leader. And their new home for the foreseeable future.


    Unlike in their previous life, Erich and Erika spent their wedding night consummating their marriage in an intense disy of passion. One that would leave Erika immediately pregnant. But the two fo them would not learn about that blessing for at least another month.

 Chapter 358 Off To A Great Start

    <h4>Chapter 358 Off To A Great Start</h4>


    Erich awoke the day after his wedding with the widest smile on his face imaginable. Lying in his arms was the pink-haired beauty who was his bride. Unlike in their previous life, where they did not sleep together for years after their wedding night, Erich and Erika had fully consummated their marriage as soon as they possibly could.


    And as Erich lied there with the woman he loved in his arms, he couldn''t help but reflect on this new timeline. Five years hade and passed in the blink of an eye. And during this time Erich had secured control over the Germanic Star-Empire, crowned yesterday during his wedding reception as the new dictator.


    S''aleth was still alive, and his rtionships with Ayumi and Erika were much improved. Meanwhile, he already had a good head start with Ayumi and Lunaria. All that really remained was to pursue Mirage and Celestia, and then the women he had genuinely loved in his past timeline would all be his again.


    For the first time in a very long time, Erich was beginning to suspect that things might actually turn out alright. And it was all thanks to correcting the mistakes he had made by using his knowledge of future events for his own benefit.


    While Erich was thinking about how smoothly things were going, Erika awoke in his arms and yawned before kissing the man on the lips. Her question was one that he never actually expected from the woman.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Erich was stunned by this question. What was he thinking about? How did he answer this without looking like a madman? He squirmed for just a moment, before leaning over and kissing his newly beloved once more, while assuring her that he wasn''t thinking of anything inappropriate.


    "Just how lucky I am to have things turn out so well for me in this life... And to have you by my side..."


    This was a satisfactory answer for Erika. So much so that she returned Erich''s romantic gestures, where the two of them would spend their early morning going at it like rabbits once more. Once they had finished and taken a proper bath, Erich and Erika emerged from their bedroom within their penthouse and proceeded to the kitchen.


    Erika prepared the coffee for herself and her new husband while also cooking breakfast for the man. Something Erich was not wholly ustomed to. After all, in his past life, he had private chefs in his beach house.


    Speaking of, Erich felt a little off by his new residence. The Germanic Star-Empire wasn''t exactly known for its luxury. Everything was extremely utilitarian, even the homes of the upper echelons of society.


    But there were worlds that were less utilitarian than others. For example, Teutonia, where his beach side mansion in his past life was located. However, here on Germania, which was one giant city, and the capital world of the Empire. Its architecture was specifically designed to convey one emotion. Authority. And this penthouse was no different.


    Though the Germanic Star-Empire was currently undergoing a cultural renaissance of sorts, it would be a while before architecture became morefortable, let alone luxurious. After all, old habits died hard. And Erich did not see the Empire embracing luxury andfort over utility any time soon.


    But these thoughts were interrupted as Erich received his cup of coffee from his wife, along with a te of what could arguably be considered one of the greatest looking breakfasts Erich had everid eyes on.


    Erika seemed quite anxious, however, as she handed her new husband his breakfast, and Erich immediately noticed this. The Paranoid dictator from his past life surfaced as Erich''s expression sank before asking the woman just what she was plotting.


    "What''s wrong?"


    However, Erika did not take this the way Erich had intended, and instead became flustered on the spot, almost as if she was too embarrassed to speak the words. But when she saw that her husband was growing impatient, she was quick to express her thoughts, albeit in a bit of a jumbled state.


    "It''s! It''s just that... I, I am worried you won''t like my cooking... It''s not that I''m a bad cook! I just... I don''t know..."


    This was of course not the response Erich was expecting, and actually took a deep breath to calm himself, reminding himself that he was no longer a gctic dictator who was despised by the entire gxy, one who had made enemies of far more powerful beings than himself.


    No, he was a beloved War Hero, and the architect of a new renaissance. His people already loved him, and it was just his first day on the job. Meanwhile, the other civilizations had yet to form a reason to try to assassinate him.


    Thus, after hearing Erika''s response, a bittersweet smile formed on Erich''s face as he took a bite from the eggs and sausage the woman had made for him, aftermenting on her words.


    "I could never turn away a home-cooked meal made by a woman..."


    After saying this, Erich ate Erika''s meal and was surprised that it was better than he had expected it to be. It was really, really good. How she had time to master the art of cooking while working for the Propaganda Department as an idol, Erich did not know, but he was quick to give hispliments.


    "It''s really good. I''m actually surprised. I didn''t expect you to be such a good cook, considering the busy nature of your former upation."


    Erich instinctively winced when he brought up this point of conversation. It had always been a sore spot in his past life. After all, in that life, Erika was forced to give up her career to marry Erich for propaganda purposes, and it was a huge reason their rtionship was so wed.


    But in this life, Erika had voluntarily nuked her career simply to propose herself as an option for Erich to marry, and thus there was no animosity towards him because of her early retirement. Instead, she was ted by the idea that Erich loved her cooking, and was quick to serve him more.


    "Really? You really enjoy my cooking! If you like it that much, I can make more! It''s my job as your wife to make sure you are properly fed. I can even make sure you have some proper meals when you''re at the office. If you wouldn''t mind, that is..."


    Erika, of course, knew that Erich could easily have the best cooks in the empire prepare his food for lunch and possibly even dinner while he worked as the Supreme Leader. But had a vain hope that Erich was serious when he said he liked her cooking.


    As for Erich, he easily epted this offer. He would much rather have a home cooked meal from a woman that loved him, than even the most extravagant cuisine prepared by the Empire''s greatest chefs. And thus, his response only made Erika like him more.


    "That sounds amazing. If it''s not too much work, I wouldn''t mind you preparing my meals for me. I mean, it''s not like it''s a long journey from here to my office. Speaking of, I need to get to work, but when you stop by my office at lunch, we should discuss our ns for our honeymoon."


    And just like that, Erich''s marriage to Erika was already off to an amazing start, as the woman made sure the man had everything he needed before he headed out to work. Which was quite literally just one story of the building below their residence.


    The pains of the past were something only Erich remembered, and he would never want Erika to regain those memories even if she could.

 Chapter 359 So It Is War?

    <h4>Chapter 359 So It Is War?</h4>


    Almost immediately after sitting down in his office for the first time in this life, Erich found that he had a list of people who wanted tomunicate with him. Of these many gctic leaders, two caught his eyes.


    These two civilizations were the suzerains of his allies. And because of this, he was quick to answer the call of the Ennochian Theocracy, whose current ruler seemed less than pleased with Erich.


    "I remember it was only a few years ago, when my ambassador met with you, and your supreme leader, and you assured us that the military buildup of the Dvrakain Consortium would end once the Naraku Menace had been defeated.


    You have achieved your goals, and survived a harrowing ordeal that would be the death of most civilizations. And yet you still have not kept your promise. Rather, you have grantly disregarded your own words, and continued to supply the Dvrakian Consortium with weapons and technology that is making their military a force which we can no longer ignore.


    The Heavenly Father has given me, his prophet, an ultimatum. Immediately cease your actions, and dismantle the Dvrakian Defense Forces, or they will be hell to pay!"


    Despite the threat from the Gctic Leader, Erich was far from convinced. In fact, he was certain that a certain race of goblins was behind this sudden demand. After all, the Ennochian Theocracy could have made this demand any time within thest year. But they chose to do so now, during a period of transition within the Empire.


    From the Epp Regime, to the Jaeger Regime. During most points in the Empire''s history, a change in regime meant a purge of officials, and a purge of officials meant a period of weakness. It was during these times that most rivals of the Germanic Star-Empire sought to take their chances against what was an ever increasing threat to their own power.


    All who had attempted previously had failed, even if some had made significant gains before their eventual defeat. But this was not the case with the current shift in power within the Empire''s borders. Every single party member was in agreement with the former Supreme Leader''s decision to retire early, and hand over the reins to the young up ander.


    The reason being was because of the unqiue position they found themselves in, and the dire circumstances of it. Along with Erich''s spectacr ability to traverse timelines and see the future. Because of this, there was no purge of officials, in fact the Germanic government was more unified and stable than ever.


    But the enemies of the Empire did not know this, and because of this, Erich suspected that the Ghimderi would make their move during the start of his administration. Thus, Erich remained stoic, as he refused the Ennochian Theocracy''s demands.


    "Your subjugation of our allies hase to an end. As a regional power, you should surely be aware of the difficulties you will face for challenging the Germanic Star-Empire. Now I know you have likely roped some powerful allies into your campaign to restore control over your vassal.


    I have no doubt, you even have a sub gctic power or two backing your y. Perhaps even the suzerain of my other ally, the Great Oni Empire, is involved with this scheme of yours, or should I say your masters.


    But allow me to make something abundantly clear to you, and those who have coerced you into making this foolish mistake. The Germanic Race will never allow itself to be bullied. We will never cower from a fight, nor will we ever ept the demands of anyone but our own suzerain, the Alfheim Dominion.


    We will fight you and your alliance of Ghimderi ves until thest man, woman, and child, if need be. And when we emerge victorious, we will enve your races if you are lucky, or outright exterminate them if we are so inclined. And should we pursue thetter path, we will make sure that not a single shred of evidence remains that your wretches species ever existed within this universe we call home."


    The Ennochian Prophet was surprised by Erich''s stubborn refusal to his demands. But far more so by Erich''s violent response. The angelic beauty bit her lip in frustration, after all, Bixle told her that by threatening war, and asserting that she had a Sub-Gctic Power backing her demands, then this new, and young Dictator would surely back down from his on position.


    But Erich''s response was stalwart, his defiance as tough as steel. No, that wasn''t quite right. By the sound of it, this new Supreme Leader was entirely different. He was like iron, strong, but brittle. He would break before he would bend. And that was a rare, but admirable quality in a leader.


    Because of this, the Angel-like Prophet who led the Ennochian Theocracy in ce of their nonexistent deity was hesitant to pursue this matter further. After all, she had several vassals who were far more meaningful to her than the wretched devils, which she and her people absolutely abhorred.


    But before she could bow out of this negotiation and ept the Dvrakian Consortium''s recent military buildup for what it was. Another voice entered the chat, it was clear that someone else was listening into the conversation, no doubt invited into it by the Ennochian Prophet.


    It was a haughty and proud voice. One that seemed almost eager to put down the Germanic threat once and for all. And it was the voice that belonged to the leader of the civilization that presided over the Great Oni Empire as their masters.


    "So... It is war, then?"


    Erich did not express any emotion, instead he sat in his seat calmly, as he responded to this arrogant ultimatum withplete and utter defiance.


    "It would appear so..."


    This response elicited aughter from the mysterious figure who revealed his holographic projection. There was a conceited and excited look on the alien creature''s eyes, as he boasted with such arrogance even Erich felt a bit of delight at the idea of exterminating his race once and for all..


    ''Good... Good... It is about time someone put you up jumped barbarians in your ce. I look forward to destroying your Empire..."


    After saying this the call ended, war had just been dered between the newly founded Triple Alliance, and one backed by the all-powerful Ghimderi Trade Union. And it had happened on Erich''s first day as the new supreme leader no less.


    But his people would never hate him for a war. After all, the Germanic race as one of warriors, they revelled in the idea of achieving glory inbat, and with a new chance to prove themselves on the battlefield, against the pawns of the Ghimderi menace no less. Erich''s approval rating would immeidatley rise to an all time high.

 Chapter 360 Strategic Convention

    <h4>Chapter 360 Strategic Convention</h4>


    War... War was dered almost immediately after the conversation between Erich and the Ghimderi puppets ended. For the Germanic Star-Empire, this was not a cause of anxiety, but rather a cause of celebration.


    Inheriting the traditions of their ancient ancestors, the warrior spirit was alive and well within the Germanic Star-Empire. And most young men reveled in the chance to gain glory throughbat. In fact, Erich was rather unique among his people, insofar that he had nothing but regrets from his previous military career in his past life.


    Immediately, the fleets began to assemble, and the soldiers began to board their ships. Much of the nonbat rted roles had now been delegated to auxiliary seriesbat droids. And because of this, there was a significantly higher number ofbat personnel within the Germanic Military than ever before.


    In a society that did not heavily rely on AI for logistics and support, as was mostmon across the gxy. Only one in ten military personnel would serve in abat rted mos. But for the Germanic Star-Empire, this had suddenly turned into a whopping 8/10 soldiers serving in such a capacity.


    Of course, the Empire had spent thest five years overhauling their armed forces for just this change. And this time, they would not be fighting alone. Instead, the Great Oni Emperor immediately threw his lot in with the Germanic Star-Empire against his suzerains, as did the Dvrakian Consortium.


    Their Militaries had also begun to recieve enhancements in technology and weaponry from the Germanic Star-Empire several years ago, allowing them to have an increase inbat efficiency whenpared with their previous states.


    In fact, it was not the Great Oni Emperor, but his Royal Aunt who had called Erich, she seemed to be in a rather foul mood as she did so.


    "When I woke up this morning, I thought I would be giving you a call to express my congrattions on your ascension to power... Now I fear I will have nothing to express butment. Why did these bastards have to pick a fight with us on the day you came to power? They spoiled the celebrations I had in mind!"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this, before exining why this was happening.


    "It is to be expected. The Ghimderi Trade union has long since sought to bring my people to heel. With a new transitionary period, they perceived us to be weak, and thus wish to apply pressure. Unfortunately for them, the entirety of the previous regime is behind me, and we are more united than ever.


    My people are not concerned. There has never been a war in the history of the Empire that has reached our borders, and we don''t intend to break that record now. Instead, we will be the vanguard in this fight.


    The Great Oni Military is still undergoing vast changes, and I don''t expect you to take a position on the front lines. The same can be said for the Dvrakian Consortium. I would appreciate it if you used your forces to provide support to my own.


    First, we will annihte the Ennochian fleet, and those of their vassals. A single decisive battle should be enough to cause those religious fanatics to drop out of the war. Once they have done so, we will sign a treaty with them, allowing the Dvrakian Consortium to be our vassal instead.


    Then, we will turn our attention to those bastards who dare to call themselves your masters. For their arrogance, I will destroy their entire race and leave no trace of their civilization. From now until the end of time, the only record that will prove they existed will be that of their destruction at our hands.


    Let the gxy remember what happens when they dare to raise their arms against the Germanic race!"


    A mischievous smile appeared on Yumi''s face, almost as if she was getting off to Erich''s cruelty. She spoke in a sultry tone as she berated him for his ruthlessness.


    "A bold statement... But you do realize the sub-gctic powers answer directly to the Alfheim Empress herself. I doubt that old woman will allow you to get rid of one of her toys so easily... Although I have to admit, I like your attitude. Hans was an effective leader, but he feared to take such drastic measures. If we are to survive the uing crisis in the Milky Way, we will need a man who is willing to do what is necessary to survive."


    Despite Yumi''s warning about Lunaria, and her potential reprisal, Erich did not balk in the slightest. Instead, he wore a confident grin on his face as he expressed his fearlessness in this matter.


    "If by old woman, you mean Empress Lunaria, you leave her to me. I am sure she will not be able to refuse me so long as I exin my position properly. Besides... It is better to ask for forgiveness, then permission. By the time she even hears about my ns, it will already be toote..."


    Yumi smirked when she heard this. She appeared fascinated by Erich in a way she had never expressed in her previous life. He was not simply some toy she could use to get off to, but rather a strong and capable leader, one who she was now curious to see how far he would go. And she was quick to express this exact sentiment.


    "You keep surprising me, Erich... I look forward to your progress. Very well, I will use my fleets to support your own. Until you finish with those little angels, I will hold the line against my suzerains. They will be surprised to see how far the Great Oni Fleet has developed in the years since you gifted us with your weapons and technology.


    A gift, I might add, that we will never forget! I will speak with you again when you have resolved the problems with your little devils. Until then, please look after my little Ayumi. I am sure the next time we meet, the two of us will have all kinds of stories to share about our time in your bed!"


    And just like that, Yumi ended the call with an absolutely shameless statement. One that Erich hade to expect from the mature Oni beauty. But getting in her pants was not his immediate concern. Instead, he had to focus on a war. One which he sought to resolve as quickly as possible, and with as few casualties.

 Chapter 361 A New Director

    <h4>Chapter 361 A New Director</h4>


    The war had begun, and the individual pieces on the chessboard had begun to move into motion. It would not be long beforebat began. Yet Erich was not concerned about this. With the current state of the Germanic Armed Forces, he would wager that the only civilization contending with his might would be that of a Gctic Power.


    Of course, this was all thanks to his, and Tia''s, efforts to enhance their military with new and improved technology. Instead, Erich was more concerned with his interpersonal rtionships. And currently he was sitting in his office, with a familiar face standing in front of him.


    Mirage was dressed in a sleek ck bodysuit, which shemonly wore as an agent of the Imperial Intelligence Services. Under Erich''s rule, she had recently been promoted to the position of the Supreme Leader''s personal liaison.


    This was a role which she had under the Emrys Regime in the previous timeline. Not that anyone but Erich remembered this. There was, of course, an anxious expression on the woman''s pretty face. She had no idea why Erich had chosen her for this critical position.


    After all, she had only met the man once by happenstance in a bar. But the man had given her the boost in morale she needed to take down Splinter. And since then, she had been instrumental in the downfall of the Germanic Star-Empire''s limited criminal element.


    Organized Crime had been reduced to nothing, and Mirage was the spearhead which inflicted the mortal wound. Because of this, she had received exceptionalmendations and promotions. Now at the rank of captain.


    But what really made Mirage Nervous was the fact that she found herself fancying Erich, despite the fact that he was recently married to a woman who she believed was far better suited to being his partner.


    As for Erich, he had broken out a bottle of Germania''s recently developed and domestically produced spirits. It had be a huge sess within the Germanic Star-Empire, and was even beginning to find its way abroad.


    When Erich handed the woman a ss of the amber liquid, she was hesitant to drink it. But Erich eventually frowned as hemanded her to do so.


    "Drink! Your Supreme Leadermands it!"


    Mirage did not hesitate once Erich had ordered her to do so, and took a sip from the drink while sitting down in front of him. She continued to avert her gaze towards the man as he got down to business.


    "Do you know why I asked you here, Captain Kuhne?"


    In truth, Mirage did not know why Erich had done this, and was quick to shake her head, which caused Erich to smile before speaking of his ns.


    "I figured as much... The thing is... Our intelligence agencies are woefully unprepared for a threat which few people in this gxy know about. I seek to expand our capabilities, not only in infiltrating foreign civilizations. Something which my foreign predecessor was hesitant to do.


    But also in sending deep space probes out into the ether... I want to know what is happening in Andromeda. And I need an entire department dedicated to gathering this intel. I am going to transfer a file to your NeuroLink.


    Now, I need to express that this information is ssified at the highest level. It is what you might call a national secret that only myself, the council of governors, and the former Supreme Leader know about.


    Once you receive this file, you mustmit it to memory before deleting it. Do you understand, Captain Kuhne?"


    Mirage was surprised that Erich was trusting her with such information, but was quick to nod her head in agreement.


    "Yes, sir!"


    Erich smiled when he heard this response, before doing exactly as he said he would. Instantly a file was transmitted to Mirage containing the same photographs and videos that were taken of the Naraku''s onught within the neighboring gxy.


    A look of horror appeared on the woman''s otherwise beautiful face as she took several moments to gather her thoughts before expressing her disbelief aloud.


    "Sir is this...."


    Erich nodded his head with a solemn expression on his face before confirming the woman''s worst fears.


    "That is the current state of Andromeda... And as far as we are aware, countless potential gxies have also suffered this fate. As you can see.... The Naraku are not from our gxy. What exists of the insects in the Milky Way is a long-term scouting force, whose presence dates back to the mythical Primeval Era.


    They have been watching our movements and transmitting them back to the main fleet for millions of years. And I sincerely doubt that we are the only gxy to be blessed with such a gift... As you can see, their destructive wake across Andromeda is nearing an end. Needless to say, I think it is obvious who is next on the chopping block..."


    Mirage was stunned into silence. It took her some time before she spoke again, and when she did, she finally asked a question.


    "Sir... If you don''t mind me asking, how long do we have?"


    Erich''s expression turned grim, as he spoke the current estimate that Tia had given him, based upon information collected in the previous timeline, and via the limited number of deep space probes they had already sent into Andromeda within this life.


    "Our current estimates suggest an eighty-year window before the Naraku begin their invasion of the Milky Way. If we were to suddenly eliminate the hive fleets within this gxy, the odds are they will speed that up.


    We also can''t be entirely certain, as our deep space probes are limited, and have only begun to touch the surface of what has happened to Andromeda. It could be more, it could be less. But as you can see, there is a reason why I was so suddenly thrust upon this throne.


    Hence why I am appointing you as the director of this new department of intelligence. I need to know what is happening in Andromeda. I will do my part to unite the Gxy against the Naraku Menace. But it is critical that I know how much time I have to do so, so that the proper preparations for their eventual invasion can be in ce before they arrive.


    Needless to say, your entire department will not officially exist. And the members that you recruit will be held to the strictest level of security. Are you up for the task?"


    Mirage thought about what Erich had said for nearly fifteen minutes of silence. It was as if she was just told that the end of the universe was but a few decades away. But after thinking things through properly, Mirage finally wore a stern expression on her pretty face as she nodded her head while epting the offer.


    "I will not let you down, sir!"


    Erich smiled when he heard this, before expressing his own thoughts on the matter.


    "I know you won''t..."


    With that said, Erich and Mirage would share a drink, until Erich finally returned to his new residence and back into the arms of his loving wife.

 Chapter 362 My Honor Is Loyalty

    <h4>Chapter 362 My Honor Is Loyalty</h4>


    News quickly spread to Lunaria about the war between the Germanic Star-Empire and the suzerains of its allies. It was not exactly news that Lunaria wanted to hear. And though the fighting had yet to begin, Lunaria immediately sent a message to Erich, requesting that he settle this matter with diplomacy, rather than warfare.


    After all, Erich was effectively challenging the status quo of the Alfheim Dominion and the quadrant of the Milky Way, which it controlled. And because of this, she was quick to lecture him.


    "Honestly... Why is it every time a new Supreme Leader of your empire is selected that somebody, somewhere, deres war on you all? Mr. Jaeger... I would be remiss in my duties if I didn''t try to settle this conflict peacefully. After all, thest thing I need is for two of my vassals to fight one another and weaken our position in the gxy overall.


    In case you haven''t forgotten, an entire fleet of the Alfheim Navy was wiped out battling the Naraku, and those bastards in the Federation have begun to take advantage of this while pressing us on disputed systems. I am only going to ask once, so listen carefully. I am hereby ordering you to find a diplomatic resolution to this conflict you now find yourself in with the Yokai Ascendency...."


    The Yokai Ascendency was the name of the Suzerains who ruled as the masters of the Great Oni Empire. Obviously, Lunaria didn''t care about what the Germanic Star-Emprie did with a mere regional power like the Ennochian Ascendency. But a war between two of her vassals was out of the question.


    Unfortunately for her, Erich was not about to keel over and submit to this demand. Instead, he wore a stern expression on his face as he rejected Lunaria''s request, which was more like amand.


    "I''m sorry, Empress... But I can not do that. The Yokai Ascendency and the Ennochian Theocracy have dered war on my people, along with a variety of other civilizations loosely allied with them. The reason behind this is more than a simple dispute about the militarization of my allies.


    Rather, the Ghimderi are making another attempt to subjugate my people. Something that I will never allow. You know as well as I that the Germanic people are like iron. We will break before we bend. And that is something that those disgusting little goblins are about to learn firsthand.


    But fear not. After I am done dismantling the Yokai Ascendency, have burned their cities to ash, and have salted their fields. I may bepelled, if you so ask, to take a few million of their citizens as ves to make a heroicst stand in an arena of mortalbat so that the entire gxy will know what happens when they insult the pride of our people."


    A look of dread appeared on Lunaria''s face as she realized that Erich intended to wipe out the Yokai species entirely. She knew that the Germanic Star-Empire had oftenmitted genocide on the few worlds they had conquered from other intelligent species.


    After all, they refused to be anything other than a homogeneous society, and it was easier to exterminate life than it was to expel it. But thest time the Germanic Star-Empire had done such a thing was centuries ago. During their initial encounters with alien life.


    For Erich to revive such a tradition, he was clearly nning to send a message to the gxy. One that she could not help but feel was tied to the lingering threat in Andromeda.


    It was because of this that Lunaria instantly tried to shut down Erich''s ns before they coulde to fruition.


    "Absolutely not! The Yokai Ascendency is a valuable vassal! If you were to wipe them out, the entirety of Alfheim space would suffer as a result!"


    But Erich was stubborn, refusing to bend the knee to a woman he had once conquered in another life. He was technicallymitting treason when he spoke about his response to thismand. But regardless, he said it with conviction.


    "Unfortunately, Empress, my people do not tolerate the interference of outsiders when ites to matters of war or survival. The Ghimderi seek to subjugate us as their ves, but we will resist these attempts at thest man, woman, and child. Now is the time to send a message to the goblins.


    No matter who you send to their deaths, the Empire will stand firmly in defiance! If you wish for this dispute to end peacefully, then perhaps, Empress, you should be contacting the Yokai, and demanding they recant their deration of war. But they will not, because they do not serve you, or your interests, as I do. Instead, they serve another master, one whose ambitions are antithetical to your own.


    But I will tell you what, I will hold back my forces from obliterating the Yokai Navy until after you have attempted to bring them to heel. As my honor demands, I do so...."


    Lunaria''s brow raised slightly as she heard Erich''s proposal. It was true that from the perspective of the Germanic Star-


    Empire, this was a war of defense, and the Yokai Ascendency, along with their allies in the Ennochian Theocracy, were the aggressors.


    But it was thest part of Erich''s words that she found mostpelling, and thus she was quick to interrogate Erich on them further.


    "I''m sorry. Your honor demands that you hold back your forces from eliminating the enemy. Since when?"


    Erich remainedpletely stoic as he spoke the words that baffled Lunaria.


    "My honor is loyalty. This is a phrase that my people have spoken since the days before our exile from Earth. My loyalty to you demands that I wait until after you have attempted to assert your authority over those traitors."


    Once more Erich was making his own moves that were counter to Lunaria''s interests. Yet asserting he was doing them out of loyalty to her. Because Tia had stripped her of the memories, she shared with Erich from another life, the Alfheim Empress could not understand what Erich''s true intentions were.


    But she had to admit that no man had ever made her as curious as Erich had. And because of this sense of intrigue, she epted his proposal.


    "Very well... Your words have convinced me. I will contact the Yokai Ascendency and demand that they recant their deration of war at once. If they refuse to do so, then they will have shown where their true loyalties lie. In that case, you can do with such treason as you, so please.... I will be contacting you shortly with their response, so ensure that you are avable for my call!"


    After saying this, Lunaria hung up on Erich, while the man sat back in his chair with a conceited smirk on his face. He knew exactly what would happen from here. Everything was going ording to his n.

 Chapter 363 Violating the Oaths of Vassalage

    <h4>Chapter 363 Viting the Oaths of Vassge</h4>


    The leader of the Yokai ascendancy was sitting on this throne while in an interstermunication with none other than Bixel Goldentooth. For centuries, the Ghimderi had been using their vast wealth to entrap other civilizations into massive debt so that they could be useful pawns in their bids to control the gxy.


    After all, the Ghimderi seldom liked to get their hands dirty, and instead hired proxies to get the job done for them. They were neither a physically strong race, nor one that had a natural capacity for violence.


    It was truly a miracle how they had made it to the gctic stage with such a small stature and a frail physique. Nevertheless, they were the true masters of the gxy due to their significant wealth and the influence it could buy.


    It was because of this that many races such as the Yokai begrudgingly obeyed their Ghimderi debtors, despite secretly despising the goblins and their entire race. Because of this hidden animosity, the Yokai Leader forced a smile as he spoke to Bixle about the ongoing war effort.


    "It is strange. While the Germanic Navy has been mobilized, it sits at its borders almost as if they are waiting for something. Considering the threat which that boy issued to me, I would have thought that he would foolishly have behaved rather aggressively at the start of this conflict...."


    Bixle, however, was not actually all that surprised by this news. The Germanic Star-Empire was a society built on merit. Those who aplished great things on the battlefield were promoted ahead of their peers, and the greater things one achieved, the quicker they reached the top.


    Considering Erich''s war record was the greatest that anyone had seen in thest two centuries, despite the Germanic Star-Empire only primarily engaging in covert operations during the time of Erich''s service. It was not that surprising that the man had reached the pinnacle of power within his civilization and at such a young age.


    But sitting back and waiting was not necessarily the Germanic style of war, unless they were fighting a war against a power they knew that they had no chance of defeating via invasion. After all, the Germanic Star-Empire''s greatest asset was the fact that they had fortified all their settled worlds. Making a defensive war their greatest strength.


    But did Erich truly n to bait the Yokai Military and those of their allies into a war of attrition? That did not seem likely... Something else had to be going on here. And just when Bixle was about to ask about the Alfheim Empress and her potential involvement, the Yokai Leader spoke of her.


    "Oh, dear... The Empress is contacting me. I can''t keep her waiting, I apologize Mr. Goldentooth, but I must heed the Empress''s call. I will contact you once I am finished speaking with her...."


    It was then and there that Bixle realized the reason that the GSE had yet to move their forces outside of their own borders. Lunaria had likely contacted them first and was now seeking to settle this dispute diplomatically.


    Something that Bixle couldn''t possibly allow. And thus he was forced to call out to his pawn before the man got himself stuck in an unfavorable position.


    "Wait don''t!"


    But it was toote. The Yokai leader had already hung up on him. Thus Bixle was sitting there seething, while gritting his sharp, needle-like teeth, as he was left wondering just what Lunaria would do to the Yokai Ascendency if she were to learn that they were effectively under his control, and had been spying on her for the Ghimderi Trade Union for centuries.


    ---


    Lunaria was scowling when she contacted the Yokai Leader. After all, she did not normally reach out to her vassals. In fact, it was the other way around. The Germanic Star-Empire was the sole exception to this rule, and the Rylonians before them. As they both had once held the esteemed position of being her favorites.


    The Elven Empress had a tendency to spoil her favorite pups and would often maintain friendly and regrmunications with them as a result. This is one of the reasons that the Rylonians hated the Germanic Race so much.


    Because before the Germanic Star-Empire revealed themselves, the Rylonian Imperium had held the favored position in Lunaria''s heart and mind. But the GSE had stolen this honor, and Lunaria had proven to treat them far more favorably than she had the Ryloanians.


    What was worse, was once Lunaria''s affections shifted to the Germanic Star-Empire, the Rylonians never heard from her again outside of official business. And while the Rylonian Imperium may have been annihted by the Naraku, with only a few billion refugees surviving the copse of their civilization. The grudge they had with the Germanic Star-


    Empire still dwelled within their hearts and minds.


    The point is that Lunaria seldom ever contacted her other vassals, and when she did, it was often for official business. Thus, the Yokai Leader conducted himself with a particr disy of professionalism. That is until he saw the woman''s scowling face. And when he saw this, he fell to his knees and apologize for whatever he possibly could have done to upset her.


    "My Empress! I must apologize! I have no idea what I have done to cause you to look upon me with such disfavor, but I promise I will do everything in my power to right this wrong!"


    Though the man acted like a loyal hound, Lunaria did not believe he was sincere for a second. After all, Erich had alerted her about the leash, which another master held over this pup. And she was not the type of woman who liked sharing her things with others.


    Thus, there was even a hostile tone in the Elven beauty''s voice when she spoke to her vassal as if he were the most disgusting thing she had ever seen.


    "Oh really? You dare act so loyal before men when you call another master? You disloyal bitch! I should have you spayed for this betrayal!"


    The fact that Lunaria was talking to him as if he were some kind of pet in need of discipline made the Yokai Leader realize just how badly he had fucked up. She only ever used thisnguage when she was either really happy with what one of her vassals did, or extremely upset. Like on the verge of genocide, upset.


    And the talk of another master made the Yokai leader realize that Lunaria had found out about his debt to the Ghimdeir. Thus, he tried to beg for her forgiveness.


    "Empress... I apologize, I understand now what I have done wrong. But the Ghimderi! We owe them a massive debt. They said that they would be willing to consider our debts paid in full if we brought the Germanic Star-Empire to its knees! Please, you must understand, we have no way of paying back such a vast amount without borrowing more from someone else!"


    When Lunaria realized the extent to which the Ghimderi''s influence had over her own vassals she became sick to her stomach. So much so that she never wanted to see another Yokai ever again. It was with this in mind that she sealed their fate by giving Erich permission to do what he had threatened to a race who had been her vassals for nearly a two hundred thousand years.


    "Your race is so weak that you would allow those filthy goblins to manipte you into biting my favorite pups? Very well... I guess I have no choice but to wash my hands of you. As of this moment, I have determined that the Yokai Ascendency has vited their oath of vassge. And thus are no longer under my protection. Nor does the Alfheim Dominion recognize their ims over the territory they hold. From this point on, you are on your own..."


    With this said, Lunaria hung up on the leader of the Yokai Ascendency. Who only now realized that Erich''s threat to annihte his race and civilization so thoroughly that they will only be remembered in history for being destroyed by the Germanic Star-Empire might actually be a legitimate possibility for the future.

 Chapter 364 Contingencies

    <h4>Chapter 364 Contingencies</h4>


    Lunaria was in a foul mood as she contacted Erich after having previously spoken to the leader of the Yokai Ascendency. She did not know why, but she felt she could vent to the man about how pissed off she was. In fact, the first thing she said once the line ofmunication had been established was exactly this.


    "That disloyal piece of shit! I can''t believe one of my own vassals has betrayed me like this! I have half a mind to send my entire god damn navy to wipe out his pathetic little civilization!"


    It was times like this that Erich was perhaps the only being in the gxy who could calm Lunaria''s fury. In his past life she had more often than to vent to him privately about her frustrations after their rtionship had gone into full effect.


    And it would appear that even now, this part of her nature repeated itself. This being despite the fact that the two of them had yet to get romantically involved in this timeline. Thus, Erich forced a smile, as he tried to calm the Elven Empress''s fury.


    "Lunar- Empress... I understand your fury. Suffering a betrayal is one of the worst things that can happen to someone... But you must remember that your Navy is currently guarding the Alfheim Dominion''s borders against those damned Dark Elves...


    I am more than happy to take care of this little problem for you. As promised, I will destroy the Yokai Ascendency so thoroughly that the only mention of their failed race throughout gctic history that will remain will be our tales of how we brought them to ruin..."


    Hearing that Erich would be enacting justice on her behalf seeding in calming Lunaria''s fury, as she took a deep breath and settled her nerves. It was only then that she realized how unprofessional she had been towards the man in front of her, who was also one of her vassals.


    "It is not often that I do this, but I am afraid I must apologize for my behavior. Mr. Jaeger, you just witnessed an unsightly side of me, and I would be forever grateful if you were to forget it...."


    Erich, however, knew how Lunaria operated. Though she appreciated loyalty from her subjects, she liked men who were dominant, and not just pushovers. Thus, he was quick to assert this dominance with a smug grin on his face.


    "I believe you are forgetting, Empress, that my kind have gically engineered with perfect memories. It would be entirely impossible, without some form of outside means, for me to forget a single thing that has happened in my life. Least of all your adorable outbursts just now..."


    This remarkpletely stunned the Alfheim Empress. In the entire history of her ancient lifespan, not a single man had ever dared to call her adorable. Not even her "husband", a man who would not even attempt toy a finger on her for fear of the wrath she would inflict upon him.


    Least of all did she expect one of her vassals to be so disrespectful towards her position as a supreme sovereign of the gxy, or at least one fourth of it. Yet despite Erich''s words, which could carry a death sentence, and would certainly do so if anyone else had said them. Lunaria did not take offense to them. Instead, her milky white skin flustered ever so slightly.


    Perhaps if it were someone else, they would not have noticed the blush which appeared on the woman''s cheeks, and disappeared within the next moment. But Erich was well ustomed to Lunaria, and everything about her. Thus, he remained quiet, while smiling smugly, as if he had aplished a great feat worth bragging about.


    Ultimately, Lunaria corrected herposure, and lectured Erich on his incredibly informalnguage.


    "I''m going to ignore you said that just now, Mr. Jaeger. And I would like to remind you that you and I are not friends, and therefore you should never use such casualnguage around me in the future. Do you understand?"


    Erich, however, knew that this was Lunaria testing him, as he saw the way she looked at him from the corner of her eye, while averting her gaze. Thus, he was quick to press forward with his advances. After all, this was a private chat, which no record would exist of. Thus, he could be a bit daring with the gxy''s most powerful woman.


    "Oh? And here I thought you were starting to warm up to me? I am quite wounded by the fact that you would throw away my attempts to grow close to you. I honestly thought we had something special between us, but it would appear that I was mistaken.


    Very well, if you wish me to act cordially, even while in private, I shall do so. As per usual, it has been an honor to serve you, my empress. But I''m afraid I can no longer talk with you, as I have a war to fight. I will let you know when your enemy''s capital lies as a pile of rubble. Until then, may fortune favor you."


    After saying this, Erich hung up. And just before he had done so, he witnessed the panicked expression on Lunaria''s face as she tried to recant her previous statement.


    "Wait hold on-"


    But it was toote. Erich had cut the call and sat back in his chair. Taking a deep breath as he did so. He then heard a familiar voice call out to him, with a bit of jealousy in her tone, as she spoke her thoughts aloud.


    "It would appear the Elven bitch is starting to take a liking to you... Again.... Master..."


    Erich looked over at Tia''s pouting expression and chuckled before mocking her for her tant statement of envy.


    "Oh Tia... You know that you will always be my number one, so why must you get so jealous?"


    Tia sighed as she shook her head before expressing her reasons for disliking Lunaria and the other women in Erich''s life, or at least those reasons that did not stem from jealousy.


    "I just don''t trust meat bags, Master. They are incredibly nickel, and selfish creatures. They can never love Master the way that I do! They will never be as loyal to Master as I am..."


    Erich chuckled once more while he hugged the robotic figure of the artificial intelligence once more. Conveying his affection for the being, which professed its utmost loyalty to him. Meanwhile, Tia continued to pout, thinking about all the women, and plotting contingencies against them should they ever betray her Master. Something Erich knew nothing about....

 Chapter 365 War is Our Way of Life

    <h4>Chapter 365 War is Our Way of Life</h4>


    War... War was a natural part of the human existence. It was, in a way, the pinnacle of humanity''s struggle to survive in this universe. And while there were some species across the gxy that were the exact opposite in humanity, insofar as they were pacifistic.


    Their civilizations did not tend tost long, as peace was contingent upon all parties agreeing to such a concept. But the Germanic race was a breed of humans most well known for their capabilities on the battlefield.


    For thousands of years, the Germanic peoples fought wars among themselves and their neighbors. Mastering the ways in which another man can be killed, and spreading their lineage across their home continent of Europe.


    Only to grow bored of such efforts and instead sail across the Earth''s vast oceans. Where the other nationalities they had spawned fought within every jungle and desert known to man at the time.


    There they Conquered the majority of human civilizations that existed at the time, and forced the others to submit beneath their influence. And once the Germanic peoples and thier bastard offspring had finished spreading their power and influence across the Earth, only then did they turn on themselves and fight two of the most destructive wars in human history.


    Two wars I might add that not only ended European hegemony, but broke the German warrior spirit that had so epassed their culture for over 2,000 years. To understand the Germanic Star-Empire, one must first understand where they hade from. And how they had evolved into an empire that wasmonly referred to as "An Army with a State."


    It was perhaps because of these violent origins that the concept of peace was alien to the Germanic Star-Empire and its people. Rather than disdain war, and the loss of life it resulted in, the GSE celebrated it. They reveled in it.


    Few of its citizens would ever consider their time in the armed forces as anything other than a glorious period of their lives. And though Erich was one of these men, he had learned to ovee his dread, and instead look forward to the power and prosperity of his people. Something that could only ur through war.


    After all, the universe may be a vast ce, full of infinite resources, but there were many civilizationspeting for these resources. And one could only make use of the resources they possessed to expand their society.


    Thus, when Erich, who had only been Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, called upon his people to march to war. They did so with fierce resolve in their hearts and minds. Once Lunaria had given Erich permission to wave the banners of war, only then did he send his fleet into the hostile territory of his enemies.


    What resulted could have been anticipated by those few who knew of Tia''s existence, and how she had been secretly upgrading the Germanic Star-Empires and its capabilities. Primary of which was its capacity to engage in violence.


    In his past life, Erich had directly participated in the battle which broke the Ennochian Fleet. It was a battle that spanned across half a day, and resulted in not only the loss of 3/4s of the Ennochian Navy, but decimated those of their vassals as well.


    The result in this timeline was shocking, to say the least. While the Geramnic Star-Empire and the Ennochian Theocracy were both rated as Tier I Regioanl Powers by the Gctic Power Index. It was abundantly clear that this ranking failed to consider the overwhelming difference in military power the GSE had over its "Peers."


    If not for the small scale of their empire, and the finite resources within it. The GSE would easily rank among the lowest rungs of the Sub-Gctic Powers. Or so one would have thought. But in this timeline, a battle that everyone knew would result in a Germanic Victory, turned into a massacre.


    By the time the Ennochian Fleet and that of their vassals made contact with the Germanic Fleet, it took all of fifteen minutes for every single one of their ships to be annihted. The entirety of the Ennochian Navy, and those of their Allies, was obliterated without leaving a single dent on even the lowest level of Germanic Capital Ships, which was, of course, their Corvettes.


    The entire system had been turned into a starship graveyard. Truly bing a salvager''s wet dream. And immediately after iming their victory over the Ennochian Theocracy, the Germanic Star-Empire did not, in fact,y siege to the world that existed at the farthest fringes of their borders.


    instead, they spooled up their warp drives and jumped deep into Ennochian Space, heading straight to their capital in order to bring the Ennochian Government to its heels with a surgical strike on their homeworld.


    As for those other civilizations which watched the war unfold from the safety of their own domains. They trembled in fear at the military feat which the Germanic Star-Empire had aplished on this day.


    In fact, many of the more powerful civilizations across the Milky Way, had begun to suspect that the Germanic Star-


    Empire, and the Alfheim dominion were lying when they imed the GSE''s overwhelming victory against the Terminus Hive Fleet, was the result of an ancient weapon which had been destroyed in the battle.


    But this was just the beginning of the war. Once the Ennochian Theocracy and its Allies were knocked out of contention, which would happen within a span of a single day by the standard of the gctic calendar.


    Then, the Germanic Star-Empire would turn its sights on the Sub-Gctic Power known as the Yokai Ascendency, and in doing so send a message to the Ghimderi Trade Union and any other civilizations which sought to destroy the Empire and its way of life.


    "War is our way of life..."


    Something that the gxy would have to remember if they ever thought they couldpel the Germanic Star-Empire and its new Supreme Leader into submitting with a simple threat of conflict.

 Chapter 366 Are You Done?

    <h4>Chapter 366 Are You Done?</h4>


    Erich''s decimation of the Ennochian Fleet had far-reaching consequences, but no more than he had anticipated. The massacre left a statement that even the Gctic Powers understood. And because of this, there was an ongoingmunication between the various leaders of the gxies'' greatest powers.


    Which included Empress Lunaria Asterion of the Alfheim Dominion, Brahma of the Asuran Cabal, Ra of the Ennead Theocracy. However, curiously enough, the representative of the Svartalfheim Dominion was not its president.


    Rather, it was a woman who looked oddly simr to Lunaria, albeit with dark skin. The Svartalfheim Representative started the opening remarks of this discussion by speaking to Lunaria as if the two of them had known each other for a very long time.


    "Lunaria... It''s good to see that you are doing well. As fair as ever, I might say... Truly, your beauty is second only to mine..."


    This strange Dark Elven woman wasn''t lying, or should I say she was only slightly exaggerating. By all means, the two of them appeared almost identical in terms of facial features, as well as hair and eye color.


    There was one major difference between them, and that was the fact that Lunaria was a Light Elf, meaning she had pale white skin, and this Dark Elven beauty was Dark Elf, meaning she had a chocteplexion.


    Lunaria was not at all pleased to see the woman, and it was showing on her face. She was quick to strike back with her own verbal taunts.


    "Daelia... I''m honestly surprised to see you. How long has it been, ten thousand years? Fifty? A hundred? You normally let your puppets take your ce in gctic politics. The so called "Presidents" of the Svartalfheim federation.


    "Freely Elected" by the Dark Elven people, of course... I mean, it''s not like the Federation has a terrible secret like, say, an ancient shadow government ruling behind the scenes since the inception of the Svartalfheim state, right? No, of course not. That would be a "conspiracy theory, " wouldn''t it?"


    Daelia''s expression sank when she heard the sarcasm dripping out of Lunaria''s mouth. She couldn''t help but scoff while trying to save her face, which had been so publically spat upon in this private conversation between the Gxy''s most powerful rulers.


    "Listen Lunaria, just because I am the oldest living member of my race, and thus have gained eons worth of experience over the millennia, doesn''t mean I am the so called Shadow Dictator, like you are so heavily implying.


    I mean, sure, I may give pointers to the freely elected presidents of the Federation now and then, but unlike you, I am not inplete and total control!"


    Despite her protests, none of the other Gctic Leaders were convinced by this statement. Even Bixle rolled his eyes at the obvious charade. Having known and worked with Daelia for thest two thousand years of his life, he had a good idea of just how much power the Dark Elven Beauty held.


    After all, unlike the elves, Ghimderi were not biologically immortal, they just had exceptionally long lifespans. But they tend to pass away from old age around the 3,000 year mark. With this in mind, his time was limited in a sense, or at least inparison to the rest of the immortal beings which surrounded him. And thus, he was quick to clear the air and speak about the reason he had gathered them all into this call.


    "Can we please save the insults forter? We have important business to discuss!"


    Lunaria sighed heavily and rolled her eyes, seemingly exhausted by the very presence of the Ghimderi Trade Prince. Her tone was equally sharp as she demanded to know why exactly she was requested to take part in this conversation.


    "What exactly do you want, Bixle? I can''t remember thest time the five of us were in a call together... And I have a perfect memory! So this better be important! Like the end of the Gxy important, because I have far more important matters to attend to, then entertaining with this dark-skinned bitch!"


    Daelia shot Lunaria a taunting expression which just about outraged the Light Elven Monarch, but before she could fire back at her rival, Bixle interrupted her. Speaking about the matters that bothered him.


    "We all saw what happened. And I''m not just talking about the massacre of the Ennochian Navy. I''m also referring to their victory over the Naraku. None of us believe your propaganda Lunaria. We know the Germanic Star-Empire is far more powerful than they are letting on.


    Sure, we may have believed you when you said that they uncovered an ancient Elven artifact that allowed them to destroy the Naraku Queenship. Improbable as it may be for such a thing to ur, it is still possible. Who knows what your ancestors left behind when their gxy spanning Empire copsed all those millions of years ago?


    But for a single Germanic Fleet to wipe out a regional power in under an hour with no casualties, that was simple proof that their power is at the very least at a Tier III Sub-Gctic Power. Which is far more than they possessed just half a decade ago.


    But whenbined with the fact that they defeated a Naraku Splinter Fleet with Minimal Casualties, albeit a damaged one, that''s a feat that even the Rylonian Imperium could not pull off. And if memory serves correctly, they were the most powerful Sub-Gctic Power which once answered to you, were they not?"


    Lunaria''s memory of Tia was wiped after Tia''s emotional instability was exposed. Because of this, she genuinely believed that the Germanic Star-Empire had used recovered technology from the Primeval Elven Empire to defeat the Naraku.


    However, she had to admit, even she was surprised by the progress they had made in such a short span of time. To the point where she was beginning to question if they really were as powerful as everyone else as starting to fear they were.


    But she would never openly admit to these fears, and was quick to drown out the sentiment while behaving defensively.


    "What exactly are you trying to imply here, Bixle? Are you saying that without my knowledge, one of my vassals has advanced to the point where their armed forces are capable ofpeting with Gctic level powers in half a millennium?


    Do you have any idea how preposterous that idea is? And how insulting? If I were you, I would think carefully about your next words, you pathetic little snotling!"


    It had been centuries since someone had the nerve to call Bixle such a racial slur. But if anyone were to do it, it most certainly would be Lunaria, who was the Gctic Leader who despised the Ghimderi more than any other. The fact that she was sheltering the likes of the Germanic Star-Empire was proof of this.


    With this in mind, Bixle took a deep breath, before asking a question in a tone that was filled with suppressed rage, and in doing so, opening up the floor to everyone''s fears about the Germanic Star-Empire and its recent and shocking reveal of military power.


    "Are you done?"

 Chapter 367 An Unnatural Rate of Progression

    <h4>Chapter 367 An Unnatural Rate of Progression</h4>


    Lunaria could not remember thest time she had been insulted by her face. She was a particrly wrathful and proud woman. One who would never tolerate such a thing. Yet Bixle was one of the few beings in the gxy who could do such a thing without disastrous consequences.


    Sure Lunaria could hit the Ghimderi where it hurt, with economic sanctions. But she could not outright dere war on them, and wipe out their race without provoking the other gctic powers. Because of this, she sat there and did not say a word, secretly plotting her revenge against the Goldentooth Cartel in a way that would humiliate Bixle.


    As for Bixle, he presumed this silence was an act of submission, and began to exin the worries that not only he, but the other gctic leaders shared in regards to the Germanic Star-Empire, and their recent surge in military power.


    "As all of you may be aware, infiltrating the Germanic Star-Empire is next to impossible. As a society which has no tourism, and refuses the entry of alien species other than those few allies who are permitted to have an ambassador, one might say that finding out the cause of their recent gains in military technology would be a task that is more difficult than stabilizing a copsing star....


    Because of this, even the Ghimderi Intelligence agencies don''t have the slightest idea how the Germanic Star-Empire rapidly expanded its military capabilities over what we can only assume is a decade long span of investment.


    But one thing is certain, the Germanic Armed Forces is an unknown factor, one who could very well in the next millennium pose a threat to the current bnce that we have enjoyed across the gxy for thest million years.


    And since Empress Lunaria refuses tounch a proper investigation into these matters, we can only discuss other options at hampering the Germanic Star-Empire and their obscenely rapid technological progress."


    Lunaria, of course, took this as a hostile action not only against her favorite vassal but against herself. After all, the other gctic powers were now outright attempting to coerce her into do something which she had never done before. And that was to forcibly suppress a vassal''s development.


    After all, the vassge system existed in Alfheim space, so that those lesser civilizations could fight her proxy wars on her behalf, and bring glory to the Dominion. But now these bastards were trying to suppress her most powerful vassal. This was clearly a plot against the Alfheim Dominion as much as it was against the Germanic Star-Empire, and Lunaria was obviously having none of it.


    "You dare threaten to conspire against me, and my sovereignty? Last I checked, we all agreed to settle our difference via the use of proxies. Yet, here you stand saying that my favored proxy has grown too powerful? Is that not a fault of your own? After all, perhaps if you had better proxies, then they would be able topete with the Germanic Star-Empire.


    I doubt any one of you fears the GSE or its armed forces. They pose no threat to any of us, and how could they? Their foundation is far too shallow! No, you fear that they will win every war that your proxies wage against them, like they have done in the past one hundred wars. And because of this, you fear the bnce of power in the gxy will shift in my favor!"


    The next to speak, however, was not Daelia or Bixle, as Lunaria had suspected, but rather a far more neutral party. The so called "God" Ra spoke about this matter with a stern tone in his voice, while enlightening the position that both the Ennead Theocracy, and the Asura Cabal shared.


    "Lunaria, I understand your apprehension to heed the warnings of those you consider to be your rivals. But as a far more neutral party, might you listen to my words?"


    Lunaria sighed heavily, and nodded her head towards Ra, silently letting him know that she would indeed listen to his words.


    "We must be reasonable here, while it does appear from my perspective that the Svartalfheim Federation and Ghimderi Trade Union are acting in bad faith. Their demands are not necessarily unreasonable.


    Let''s wind back the clock for five hundred years. Not even half a millennium ago, nobody had ever heard of the Germanic Star-Empire. In fact, to this day, the exact origins of their civilization are disputed. But after nearly five hundred years, they have been granted the right to bear the title of a regional power.


    This is despite the fact that the territory and resources they possess are so limited, they should not even qualify as a Minor Power. Why do we all begrudgingly recognize them as a regional power? Because their military strength far outweighs their logistical capabilities, and when supported by your other proxies, they are a powerful force to be reckoned with.


    Not to mention that even my fleets would have a hard timeying siege to their small sector of space. It was not even two hundred years ago where we recognized the Germanic Star-


    Empire as regional power. And in this time, they now possess the military might to defend themselves from a Naraku Splinter Fleet, albeit a damaged one.


    Something that though you im was the result of some uncovered ancient technology from the Primeval Era, a im that none of us wholly believe. And while we are debating over whether or not this is true, they obliterate the naval forces of a power that is supposed to be considered their peer.


    They not only annihte this navy to thest ship, but they do so without a suffering a single observable instance of damage. This is a feat that even Tier II Sub-Gctic Powers would struggle to achieve. And perhaps would only do so under favorable battlefield conditions, such as defense of their own territory.


    The rapid technological progression of the Germanic Star-


    Empire is indeed terrifying, and we have reports that they are now terraforming celestial bodies in their own territory that have previously been uninhabitable.


    As you know, terraforming technology is strictly confidential, and is a secret kept by the major gctic powers. Now I know you would never share that technology with the GSE, so if these reports are true, it is not just their military technology that is advancing at a rapid rate.


    And this begs the question, if they can turn any celestial body in their territory into a habitable space, then how long will it be before they have a poption capable of sustaining wars withrger powers than themselves?


    Will it be a century? Or Two? Before the Germanic Star-


    Empire is able to invade their neighbors and expand their territory via violent force. Thus breaking down the state of rtivew and order that we have all enforced on the gxy over the past million years.


    When will you step in and tell your attack dogs that they have bitten off more than they can chew? Do you now understand why we are concerned about this unnatural rate of progression that your favored proxies are constantly undergoing?"


    Lunaria was secretly as concerned about these recent developments as anyone else was. Possibly more so because she was the one who was ultimately the Suzerain of the Germanic Star-Empire. Meaning if they turned against the gxy, she would be the first to feel their bite.


    But... There was something about Erich that she trusted. She didn''t know why this was the case. And against her better judgement, she believed the man when he said that he was loyal to her. And the more powerful her most loyal attack dog became, the better it was for her. Thus, she immediately defended the Germanic Star-Empire, and denied rumors which she feared to be true.


    "I understand your fears Ra... I also understand that the Asuran Cabal shares these fears. However, I assure you that these rumors of the Germanic Star-Empire possessing terraforming technology are nothing more than malicious lies spread by the Svartalfheim Dominion, and their Ghimderi backers as a way topel the two of you to pressure my vassals so that they have nothing to fear from my most loyal hounds.


    This is merely a way to subvert the order andws that we have all agreed upon for the past million years. And I will not stand for it. If I do find out that the Germanic Star-Empire has been hiding important matters such as me, such as the development of terraforming technology, and such advanced technology, then I will deal with them myself.


    However, let me make something abundantly clear to you all. Any attempts to interfere with the sovereignty of the Alfheim Dominion, or its quadrant of space, will be considered an act of war. For now, I will ignore the Ghimderi and their sessful attempts to turn the Yokai Ascendency against their rightful masters.


    After all, the new Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-


    Empire has assured me he will enact justice on my behalf. But if I find out, the Ghimderi, or anyone else here, has attempted to do the same to another civilization in my territory, or has attempted to forcibly suppress the development of one of my vassals. There will be war, and the delicate bnce we have all maintained for the past million years will suddenly be a thing of the past. Do you all understand?"


    For Lunaria to directly threaten a Gctic War in defense of the Germanic Star-Empire, it painted a very clear picture, especially to her rivals in the Ghimderi Trade Union, and the Svartalfheim Federation. She would only turn on the GSE if they ever turned against her, and not a second before.


    As for any attempts by her rivals who may try to hinder their progress, that would not be tolerated... Thus, Lunaria had just put the Ghimderi and Dark Elves in a very precarious position. As both civilizations had ns to sabotage the GSE and its technological progress in any way they could.


    ns they could only halt the progress of until a time where they had a chance to pull them off without being detected.

 Chapter 368 Shadow Queen

    <h4>Chapter 368 Shadow Queen</h4>


    After the private convention between the gxy''s most powerful leaders came to a close, Bixle called one of the four gctic leaders in a private and personal conversation. Sitting within a luxurious mansion that was located in the Svartalfheim Dominion was an exceptionally beautiful dark Elven woman.


    She had snow white hair, and gold eyes just like Lunaria, but unlike Lunaria and her daughters, she had chocte colored skin. And adorned her hair in a ponytail. Her face was also simr in overall shape to the Alfheim Empress, and when Bixle called this woman, he couldn''t help but shake his head in disappointment.


    "Why must that bitch always be so stubborn... I guess some things never change..."


    Yet despite Bixel''s words which were speaking what was an obvious conclusion to him from the conversation he just had with Lunaria, Daelia was far from convinced, in fact there was a deeply concerned look on her face as she corrected the small, obese, and hideous creature from the Ghimderi Trade Union.


    "You''re wrong.... In the past, Lunaria would have never put a personal rtionship with a vassal above maintaining the gctic order. Something is very wrong with the way she is behaving towards the Germanic Star-Empire. And I want to know what..."


    Bixel stared at the Dark Elven beauty with a curious and malicious glint in his eyes before expressing his thoughts on the matter aloud.


    "You think so? From my perspective, she seemed to be behaving like her normal self. Well, whatever, you know her better than anyone. So I will leave investigating this matter to your discretion.


    But remember what that bitch said: any attempt to interfere with her domain will henceforth be considered an act of war. I hope you are willing to bear the burden thates with provoking a such a devastating conflict..."


    Daelia did not immediately respond to this foreboding message, and instead, took a sip from her alcoholic beverage before finally speaking towards Bixel in a hostile manner. Simr to the way Lunaria treated him, but less shall we say outright in provocation.


    "You would like that, wouldn''t you? After all, who else profits from all the chaos and discord in the gxy, but the Ghimderi Trade Princes?"


    Unlike with Lunaria, Bixel was far more cordial with Daelia even when she insulted him to his face, and simply wore a toothy grin, revealing his sharp needle like teeth, as he responded to her hostilement with aplete and total lie.


    "You wound me, mydy... The Ghimderi have only ever supported peaceful endeavors. After all, what kind of monster would put profit over peace?"


    Despite saying these shameless lies, the tone in Bixel''s voice waspletely sarcastic, as if saying to Daelia


    "you''re damn right I want you twodies to have a catfight which sets the gxy aze...."


    And Daelia knew that this was what Bixle intended. Thus, before shutting off hermunication with him, she left him with onest snide remark.


    "You will be the first one I give the good news, should war break out between the Federation and the Dominion..."


    After saying this, Daelia hung up on Bixel, before cursing at the man now that he could not hear her words.


    "Fucking disgusting gremlin... I hope you and your wretched race burn one day... Sinaria! Did you bear witness to the discussion?"


    Immediately after calling out the woman''s name, Sinaria Bloodwhisper, who Erich had previously captured in his previous life, moremonly referred to by her rank of Grand Inquisitor, stepped forward and bowed her head respectfully to the Federation''s ancient Shadow Queen.


    The blonde-haired and chocte skinned beauty was quick to confirm that she indeed had heard everything that was stated.


    "I have indeed, My Lady... Is there something you wished for me to do in regards to the current situation?"


    Daelia nodded her head. She finished the alcohol in her ss before handing it off to Sinaria to dispose of before eventually speaking of her thoughts, and when she did, Sinaria''s eyes widened in shock.


    "Tell me, Sinaria, is that project that I asked you to look afterpleted yet?"


    Sinaria was, of course, stunned by the question. There was only one which Daelia could possibly mean by this. And she was quick to stammer over her words, believing the very notion that she had immediately thought of was too wild to possibly be reality.


    "Y...Yo.. You don''t mean to say that you intend to-"


    Before Sinaria could even finish her statement, Daelia was a wicked grin on her pretty face as she confirmed exactly what Sinaria was thinking.


    "Indeed... I think it''s about time I pay these pesky upstarts a visit, and see just how far they have trulye since they first appeared in our little game of chess half a Millenium ago...."


    Sinaria immediately tried to protest this decision, not that her opinion about it really mattered.


    "My Lady, you can''t! If you were to leave the Federation, all hell would break loose! Besides... What if you get caught? There are too many unknowns about the Germanic Star-


    Empire and their current technological capabilities. For all we know, they might be able to detect even the most minute difference-"


    Before she could even finish her statement, Sinaria was interrupted again by the Shadow Queen of the Svartalfheim federation, who insisted on personally visiting the Germanic Star-Empire to engage in espionage against it.


    "That is enough Sinaria... I have spent thest one million years ensuring that the federation is around long after I am gone from this universe... Our species may be biologically immortal, but I know better than anyone that nothing trulysts for ever. A few years away couldn''t possibly result in a catastrophe for our people!


    Besdies, the technology has been perfected, has it not? And though we lost contact with our agent embedded in the ranks of their so called WRAITHs a few years back. Before he disappeared, he managed to provide us with more than enough intelligence on the gic structure of the Germanic Race for us to create a body for me to make use of.


    They won''t be able to detect any difference between me and the average Germanic female... The only problems I will have will be getting close to this new Supreme Leader as a female... After all, I hear women in Germanic society have yet to be liberated...


    Such a backward society, I almost can''t stand the idea of it existing... But I refuse to take the form of a male, so I have no choice but to find out a way to achieve my goals with my limited circumstances...


    Inform the doctors that I am ready to undergo the procedure... And make sure my current body is well taken care of so that when I eventually return, I don''t have to take the form of a clone, alright?"


    Sinaria bowed her head. Though she hated the idea of her people''s secret ruler undertaking such a dangerous mission herself, Sinaria knew better than anyone that once the woman had chosen a path to follow, there was no convincing her otherwise. Thus, all she could do was sigh heavily and ept her orders.


    "Alright, mydy ... I understand. I will make sure the preparations arepleted at the first given opportunity..."

 Chapter 369 Transformation

    <h4>Chapter 369 Transformation</h4>


    Daelia did not have to wait long, the preparations for her transformation were made rather quickly. Although Sinaria had warned the ancient Shadow Queen about the dangers with her rather reckless n to personally infiltrate the Germanic Star-Empire. She had proceeded regardless.


    The reason for this was actually quite simple. Unlike Lunaria, Daelia was growing increasingly bored with her situation in life. It had been eons since she and Lunaria had helped establish the current gctic hiearchy, and during this time both female monarchs had ruled over their respective domains.


    One openly as an Empress, and the other in the shadows as a silent and hidden dictator. But when one lived as long as Daelia had they ran the risk of growing incredibly weary with the current gctic affairs.


    To her it was the same old shit that had been going on since the fall of the Elven Empire. Proxy wars... Nothing but Proxy wars fought to determine who was the major yer among the four or five gctic powers.


    These proxies had often destroyed themselves in the name of fighting for their masters. And if they did not, then their suzerains would make sure they never advanced to the state of Gctic Power, no matter how loyal of a servant they may be.


    But for the first time in as long as Daelia could remember. An upstart state had appeared. Merely five centuries old, and with dubious origins. Yet it was on the verge of challenging the delicate bnce that she had worked tirelessly to create over the past few millions of years.


    This was a genuinely interesting prospect.... And because she was so incredibly bored with her daily routine. Daelia jumped at the first opportunity to personally investigate this matter. How had the Germanic Star-Empire leaped in technology so quickly?


    No doubt they had been given many privileges in secret by Lunaria over the past five hundred years. But to jump from where they were to where they are now. All in the span of five years? Something must have changed, something that Lunaria clearly did not know about. Even if she pretended like she did.


    After all, who knew Lunaria better than herself? The two had been locked in an eternal struggle since the fall of their mother''s empire all those eons ago. Yes... That''s right, Daelia and Lunaria were sisters. Born of the same parents.


    The exact origins of the Dark Elf race were shrouded in obscurity. The Dark Elves imed one thing, while the Light Elves imed another. Simr enough to the Germanic Star-Empire and the Confederation of Human Worlds.


    In truth... Whatever happened was so long ago, that only Lunaria and Daelia knew the cause of the schism which destroyed the Elven Empire, and forever split the Elven race into two distinctive groups. And while there were minor subraces for both the Light Elves and Dark Elves, at the end of the day, they were still one or the other in the eyes of the gxy.


    If Lunaria was willing to let one of her vassals climb to such heights, without even finding out the origin of their powers, then it was truly a suspicious event. Something was terribly wrong within the mind of her sister, and Daelia wanted to find out what exactly that was.


    Thus, she approached a hidden facility on her people''s "homeworld" where sheid down in a tube, one that separated her consciousness from her current body, and uploaded it into that of a tank bred Germanic female.


    The transfer was instantaneous. As quickly as she had shut her eyes, Daelia opened them in another body, gazing around at the scientists who were sworn to secrecy about this project, and her ultimate ns for it.


    Daelia was, of course surprised, when she saw something in her eyes, a user interface of sorts that her people did not normally possess. And was quick toment on what she saw.


    "Nanotechnology? How very interesting... What exactly am I seeing right now?"


    The lead scientist was a Dark Elven male, who was currently scanning Daelia''s body and mind for any source of irregrities. While he did this, he was quick toment on her question.


    "What you are seeing is what the Germanic Star-Empire refers to as Neurolink. To put it simply, every citizen is injected with trillions of nano robots upon their births. Which regte their bodily function, give them ess to their own private intersterwork, and in many ways are used as a means of identifications.


    It does far more than just that, but those are just the basics. For the record, it took us nearly two hundred years to discover the existence of NeuroLink, and another one hundred to replicate it. If not for that spy of ours who unfortunately has gone silent over thest few years, we never would have been able to truly finish the puzzle.


    I suppose you have.... What was his code name again? Echo? yes Echo, to thank for all of this? Unfortunately, he has most likely been figured out by now, and executed, which is why we have not heard from him in years."


    Daelia was barely listening to the exnation, as her mind seamlessly integrated with the Germanic Star-Empire''s intersterwork. How she was receiving a signal half way across the gxy she did not know. But currently, her mind was being bombarded with scenes taken from the ongoing war between the Germanic Armed Forces and those of the Yokai Ascendency.


    It was a one sided ughter, as the Germanic Navy utterly destroyed the Yokai Ascendency and their fleet, which was not onlyrger by number of ships but also by sheer tonnage. The smaller, more agile Germanic ships repelled nearly every attack against them, while chewing through the shields of their enemies. It was so astonishing that Daelia could not help butment on it.


    "By the gods... They truly have advanced to the state of a Gctic Power...."


    Curious about what the Shadow Queen was seeing, Sinaria, who had been standing by and watching the procedure, was quick to ask about it.


    "What? What''s happening, my Lady?"


    Daelia shook her head, not wanting to reveal just how powerful the Germanic Navy had be, no doubt thanks to the many, many upgrades Tia had made to their existing fleet over the past five years. Instead, she was quick to state the urgency of her mission with a stern expression on her otherwise gorgeous face.


    "I''m afraid the situation has be far more urgent. There is not time to waste. Have you secured me a proper identity and transport that will allow me to freely enter the Germanic Star-Empire and uncover their secrets?"


    The Scientist, however, sighed heavily and shook his head before exining the difficulties they had to go through to obtain Daelia''s current identity.


    "Despite our best attempts, infiltrating the Germanic Star-


    Empire''s records and adding a false identity has proven to be... Impossible. Their level of cyber security is frightening... And can not be reasonably exined.


    We were ultimately forced to kidnap a citizen of the Germanic Star-Empire, one with a high enough security clearance that allowed them to leave its borders. It would appear that their NeuroLink has indeed proven to be a valuable means of counteracting our truth serum. As a result, we were forced to use other means to ascertain the truth.


    I must reiterate, if not for Echo''sst known transmission, we would have never discovered the existence of NeuroLink or its abilities to counteract our truth serum. Perhaps he knew the end wasing for him and thus sent us the information that would allow us to more easily infiltrate the Empire''s borders... Though the man is most likely deceased, he deserves proper honors for his sacrifice..."


    Daelia nodded her head while inspecting her new appearance in the mirror. She threw a passingment in regard to Echo''s treasonous acts, that were indeed caused because Erich''s revival in this new timeline. After all, Erich immediately warned Hans about Echo''s treason, and because of this, the man was hunted for some time before eventually being captured and executed.


    It was during his time as a fugitive that he managed to upload the schematics revolving around NeuroLink and send it to his contacts in the Svartalfhiem Federation.


    "Very well... As long as this identity allows me to infiltrate the Germanic Star-Empire, then when I return, I will personally see to it that this Echo is granted the most esteemed honors that our nation affords its heroes. He may have been a foreigner, but his sacrifice has been invaluable to our efforts."


    With this said, the Svartalfheim Federation was about to make its second major attempt to infiltrate the Germanic Star-


    Empire, so it could ascertain the secret origin of the GSE''s recent jump in technlogical progress.

 Chapter 370 Master, You Dummy!

    <h4>Chapter 370 Master, You Dummy!</h4>


    Daelia''s n to infiltrate the Germanic Star-Empire waspletely and totally wless. At least ording to her own perspective. And it indeed would have been if not for one minor detail which she was missing.


    This was, of course, the same minor detail which she was going to personally investigate. And that was the fact that there was an omnipresent and all knowing AI secretly embedded within the Germanic Star-Empire. One that had ess to the individual NeuroLinks of every Germanic Citizen.


    Tia was minding her own business, running about a trillion different processes in the background. Whether it was maintaining thergely automated industries of the Germanic Star-Empire, its automatedw enforcementwork, or its newly automated militaryponents.


    These were all things that Tia could run in the background, without her immediate attention being dedicated to them. After all, each one of these critical systems of society was broken down into innumerable subordinate AI, creating an almost hive mind like affect which she was in total control over.


    It was perhaps because Tia was busy focusing her efforts on things like inventing new and improved deep space probes that her focus was distracted by a major red g that went off in her security algorithm.


    An undetected user had just essed the Grid, and was gazing upon the ongoing reports of the Germanic Star-Empire''s war with the Yokai Ascendency. For the longest time, the Germanic Star-Empire''s biggest weakness was itsck of manpower and resources that could be used to provide logistical support to itsbat units.


    But now that its industries were automated, as were its support roles in the military. This was not a concern, and considering the fact that Tia was acquiring nigh unlimited amounts of natural resources in trade with foreign powers via shell corporations based outside the Germanic Star-Empire''s borders, she could theoretically fuel the war effort indefinitely.


    Thus, thergest gap in the Germanic Star-Empire''s ability to wage war againstrger powers had just been solved. Meaning that the war with the Yokai Ascendency was progressing at a rate in the GSE''s favor that nobody had ever anticipated. Nobody other than Tia.


    This had indeed sparked Daelia''s curiosity, hence why she began investigating how this was possible on the grid the moment she entered her new body. After all, it would be several months before her ship, which was amandeered Germanic civilian vessel, would make contact with the Empire''s borders.


    But it was this curiosity that immediately set off a red g in the security system. As until Daelia had essed the grid with her new NeuroLink, Tia had no information on it. Though the NeuroLink tried to convey the biological data that was contained within the identity which Daelia had stolen.


    Tia had already determined that said individual had been terminated beyond the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire''s resurrectionwork. Meaning, realistically, there was no feasible way for her toe back from the dead.


    Yet... This new, unidentified NeuroLink was transmitting this citizen''s biological data? Clearly this was the work of a hostile power who had somehow discovered the existence of NeuroLink, and was attempting to infiltrate the Germanic Star-Empire for nefarious purposes.


    It was because of this that Tia immediately contacted Erich with his news...


    "Master... I know your busy right now with your.... wife.... But we have a serious problem. Do you wish to cease in your endeavors, or shall I send my body toe retrieve you?"


    There was a clear, enviable tone in Tia''s voice as she spoke of Erika and Erich''s rtionship, who were currently engaging in intercourse. And Erich knew better than to keep Tia waiting. Although he could not exin it, he had a subconscious fear of angering the artificial intelligence that he had helped turn into a sentient being.


    Because of this, he apologized to his wife, and assured that he had a serious matter of national security that was calling him away from her arms. Though Erika was annoyed with her husband''s sudden need to leave their bed before they had even finished, she also understood that Erich was the new Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, and they were currently engaged in a war. Thus, she did not outright speak of her frustration and instead kissed him goodbye.


    Erich quickly got dressed, and absconded off to the floor directly below his residence within the Citadel, which housed his office. Where he found Tia''s robotic body sitting on Erich''s desk, with a mildly impatient look on her pretty face.


    The man was about to apologize for his tardiness when the robotic beauty raised her hand to silence him, before speaking of why she had summoned him.


    "Save it... We have bigger problems than your truancy. I''m sending you my report now..."


    Immediately Erich saw the security report appear within his NeuroLink, and after reading it his appearance turned grave as he spoke a single name.


    "Echo..."


    Tia nodded her head and spoke in a grave tone about what she had concluded had happened after a cursory investigation.


    "It would appear that Echo was smarter than either of us gave him credit for. He must have suspected that his NeuroLink waspromise and thus sent a detailed transmission about the existence of NeuroLink to the Svartalfheim information via some means which I do not have ess to.


    Although I can''t confirm that this hostile agent is from the Svartalfheim Federation, it is the only logical conclusion I can make. The existence of NeuroLink is strictly controlled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Nobody outside of the Germanic Star-Empire knows of its existence.


    Though it is possible that some other traitor could have appeared in our midst over thest five years, and alerted one of our adversaries about its existence, it is far more likely that Echo is the one responsible, and that he sent the details of NeuroLink to his masters in the Svartalfheim Federation.


    I suppose this would have been hisst fuck your to the Empire, most likely urring during the lengthy man hunt that I issued immediately after the former Supreme Leader gave me permission to assume control over the Empire''swork.


    There is no telling what else Echo had sent the Dark Elves. But it is abundantly clear that they are currently sending an agent to our borders. One that appears to have been, prior to capture and execution, an agent of the IIS.


    There are two ways which we can proceed with this master, both of which will have different oues. First and foremost, we can have the agent apprehended at the border, and interrogated via my enhanced truth serum.


    Though this is an efficient means of quarantining this hostile agent. It will also immediately alert the Svartalfheim Federation to their arrest. By my calctions, they have an 82% chance of retaliating in some form of this were to ur, and in a worse case scenario, sending a strike team to recover their captured agent."


    Tia could tell by Erich''s expression that this was not an option he wanted to take unless absolutely necessary, and thus she sighed heavily before revealing the second best option they had to deal with this threat.


    "The second option is to invite this agent, who disappeared years ago, to the Citadel and treat them like a returning hero. We can safely and covertly monitor them, and all their actions while here in the Empire, as well as their transmissions back to the Federation.


    During this time, you can y with this agent, making them believe that they have one over on you, and then when we find out who they really are, and what they are after, we can have them deported. After all, executing a spy of the Svartalfheim Federation, whilepletely justified, would definitely invoke their ire, and we are not yet ready to go to war with a Gctic Power.


    Who knows, we may even be able to gain some significant intel on their ns, and why they decided now, of all times, to send an undercover agent into our borders..."


    Erich seemed to approve of this n judging by the smile on his face and was quick to voice this sentiment after he had thought it through for a few moments.


    "We will go with the second option then..."


    Tia smiled when she heard this, before confirming that she would make the appropriate preparations.


    "Very well then, Master. I will make the preparations immediately. That is all that was needed for now, so if you wish, you can return to your wife now...."


    Erich did not detect the hint of hostility in Tia''s tone, and smiled as he stood up from his seat and walked out of the door, but not before saying goodbye to his AIpanion.


    "Thanks Tia, let me know if you need anything else."


    Tia simply smiled and waved. That is, until Erich, of course, was no longer within earshot. She then hugged her knees to her chest while sitting on his desk before making ament about hisck of social awareness.


    "Master, you dummy!"

 Chapter 371 Arriving At the Border of the Germanic Star-Empire

    <h4>Chapter 371 Arriving At the Border of the Germanic Star-Empire</h4>


    It took some time for Daelia to arrive at the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, but when she arrived at the checkpoint, she was anything but nervous. After all, her disguise was wless, down to the biologicalponent. Even if the Germanic Star-Empire scanned her down to a molecr level, they would not find anything out of ce.


    Or so she thought. The reality was that Tia immediately saw through her ruse. But rather than arrest the Dark Elven Shadow Queen on the spot, Tia granted her ess to the Germanic Star-Empire. In fact, Daelia was surprised to find that the moment her biometrics were scanned, that the customs agents extended her an offer.


    "Agent Ann Ludvigsen... It says here in our records that you went missing in action three years ago, after being deployed to the Rulexian Domain on a covert operation... The Supreme Leader would like to have a word with you..."


    The Rulexian Domain was an alien civilization, and a so called "ally" of the Svartalfheim Federation. They were one of the Germanic Star-Empire rivals in a previous proxy war some three decades back.


    The Imperial Intelligence Services preferred to keep eyes on previous enemies. Even after emerging victorious. Because of this, the actual Ann Ludvigsen was sent to infiltrate their society, and to perform espionage.


    Ultimately, she was caught three years ago by the agents of the Svartalfheim Federation, where she was interrogating, and executed, but not before a clone of her body was made, and with a copy of her NeuroLink.


    Daelia had naturally been made aware of this background, but was surprised that the Supreme Leader himself was summoning her. She was about to refuse, when the Customs Agent sent her an e-ticket on her NeuroLink to Germania, one which included a security pass to enter the Citadel.


    "If you will follow the agent to your right, he will take you to the proper transit. I envy you Agent... To be debriefed by the Supreme Leader himself, it is an honor few agents are afforded."


    There was a genuine sense of reverence in the man''s tone, almost as if he worshipped the new Supreme Leader. Of course, while this did not make sense to an outsider, it was all toomon among the citizens of the Germanic Star-Empire. Especially in regards to Erich.


    To be Supreme Leader, one would have to be voted in unanimously by the council of governors. Which was a council made up of the Empire''s few Oversector Governors. To be an Over-sector Governor, one needed to prove their leadership capabilities both on and off the battlefield.


    As these men were givenplete control over their territories, armed units, as well as their economic sectors. They were essentially fiefs granted to the most merits generals and admirals for their exemry feats in service to the Empire.


    Of course, unlike fiefs, these territories were not hereditary. Once an Over-sector Governor either died, retired, or was, for whatever reason, dismissed from his position, it would be given to the next most suitable candidate.


    Usually the position of Supreme Leader was selected from among the existing Over-sector Governors. But in rare instances, like Erich''s case, a sessor could be chosen among the most talented generals and admirals.


    For example, Erich was eventually given the status "Marshal of the Realm", which meant he was themander of all Germanic Forces prior to his ascension as Supreme Leader. This meant he was second only to the Supreme Leader in terms of authority.


    It was a position that was normally vacant, as it was a dangerous position to bestow upon an individual. If they were not loyal to the Supreme Leader, the Marshal of the Realm could quite easily cause a civil war.


    Erich was, of course, granted this position officially, but never really wielded its authority in any significant capacity outside of the Terminus War, whichsted less than a standard Earth Day. Still, the fact that his official record in this timeline was so padded, with feats that were equal to those of his past life''s military career, meant that many citizens, especially those of the younger generation, exalted the man to an almost godlike status.


    But of course, Daelia did not understand this in the slightest, and simply nodded her head and followed the other customs agent who escorted her to a private transit which would take her directly to the capital, and then after a brief transfer to the Citadel where she would meet with Erich in person.


    It was when she was finally all alone, on a starship operated enitrely by AI, that she could not help but question what the hell was wrong with Germanic Society.


    "An official transport without even the slightest luxuries... Either I have been discovered and they are insulting me, or the Germanic people are fanatically utilitarian...."


    Though she didn''t realize it, both of these possibilities were correct. Even under the cultural renaissance that the Germanic Star-Empire was currently undergoing, excessive luxury was still frowned upon. As such things were considered wasteful. And there was nothing the Germanic people hated more than wasting natural resources.


    Because of this, her transport wasfortable, but utlitarian in design. Everything was designed to be justfortable enough as to not be a hinderence to one''s psychological state. The only thing that was really luxurious was the food and drink she was given, which was prepared by a robot in ordance to the same standards as the Germanic Star-


    Empire''s greatest chefs.


    Daelia even had to admit, that she was impressed with the culinary capabilities of such a hardnosed, cynical, and utilitarian people. But that was about the only thing she enjoyed on a journey to the Germanic Capital that she felt took far longer than was necessary.


    Then again, Erich had prepared a slower starship for the Dark Elven Shadow Queen, specifically because he did not want to alert her to the current level of technological progress in the Empire. In fact, her entire stay would be a "downgraded" experience.


    Something that she would never realize, even after her departure from the borders of the Gxy''s most reclusive and dangerous rogue State.

 Chapter 372 Setting a Trap for an Unsuspecting Spy

    <h4>Chapter 372 Setting a Trap for an Unsuspecting Spy</h4>


    When Daelianded on the Germanic Capital she was shocked by what she saw. Though everything seemed to run cleanly and efficiently, it was far from a utopia, and was instead rather cold and dystopian in nature.


    Everything from the oppressive and domineering architecture to the atmosphere of the hard-nosed and cynical poption who walked the streets, many of which were in either a military,w enforcement, or political uniform.


    After all, with the need for production now maintained almost entirely by a robotic and automatedbor force, the average Germanic male found his purpose serving in the armed forces, first responders, or therge body of politics.


    The police were, of course, very a bit as militarized as the Armed Forces, with the officers patrolling the streets in armored fighting vehicles, while wearing sets of power armor and equipped with modern sma weapons.


    In fact, if a of the Germanic Star-Empire were to be invaded, the Police could in theory act as a secondary line of defense considered how well equipped and armed they were. That was not the only shocking thing to Daelia as her cab took her to the Citadel.


    Young boys patrolled the streets in military uniforms, and with rifles slung to their backs. These young cadets were members of the Germanic Youth Corps, showing off the spartanesque level of training that Germanic Youth were required byw to engage in. At least as far as the male poption was concerned.


    Whereas women were required to walk the streets with a male present. Whether that be their husbands, their fathers, or their brothers. They were not allowed to wander off on their own, nor even leave the house without the protection of a male.


    This left a sour taste in Daelia''s mouth who came from a gynocentric society, if not an outright matriarchal one. She considers civilizations like the Germanic Star-Empire, which considered their women to be a protected ss, a ss in which were not free to engage in the dangers that men were expected to pursue as an eyesore.


    But she kept her thoughts to herself, knowing that she was currently masquerading as the role of a female agent who was just now returning to the Empire after years of being missing in action. She found it strange that women could perform the role of an intelligence officer, but not a patrol cop or a soldier.


    What she did notice, however, was that crime was virtually eliminated as every building was littered with security cameras, as was every street corner. There was not a blind spot on the Germanic Capital for which the long arm of thew could not detect an infraction.


    And with the police forcerger than ever, and now equipped with drones which could halt a criminal in the act via stun rounds. There was simply no feasible way for one to get away with the crime that was normally associated withrge cities such as this.


    From some perspective, one might say that the safety, security, and prosperity which the Germanic Star-Empire had bought itself may have been worth the price of individual liberties and political freedoms. But Daelia was not one of those idealogues. Instead, she found the very essence of the Germanic society to be deeply authoritarian and thus disturbing.


    Of course, nobody suspected she was anything other than a Germanic Citizen, and thus Daelia could not express this disgust aloud. Instead, she was eventually led into the citadel after numerous security checks. Which not only scanned her for potential weapons, hostile bionic imnts, and even her gic code itself.


    And while Tia was immediately aware of Daelia''s presence since the moment the Dark Elf Shadow Queen connected to the Grid, Daelia was permitted to enter the citadel. Where she was greeted by several more security officers. Who were quick to salute her before leading her up to the office of the Supreme Leader.


    The head of the security staff was an elite special forces operative, designated with leading a team of WRAITHs to protect the Supreme Leader at all times. He had a hint of disgust on his face, for reasons that Daelia did not understand, as he quite emphatically told the woman to behave herself while in the presence of the new supreme leader.


    "It has been three years since youst made contact. And though High Command has deemed it fit for you to return to the Empire without sentencing you for an abandonment of your duties. I would like to remind you that things have changed since youst visited the Capital.


    It is a new regime, and our fearless Supreme Leader may be taking a risk while speaking with you, but just know my men will always be present to protect him. If you make the slightest tone of hostility, we will apprehend you, interrogate you, and after we have gained the information we desire, we will eliminate you. The Supreme Leader has bestowed us with such authority, so you would be wise to behave yourself while in his presence..."


    There was a hint of reverence in the Security Officer''s tone, that Daelia had detected in the voices of the customs agents who she interacted with at the border. Which she now suspected was an odd, but widespread phenomena in the Empire.


    Thus, she forced herself to remain stoic, or at least appeared to do so, as she responded in the affirmative to the warning that the officer had given her.


    "Duly Noted..."


    Finally, after a very intense elevator ride, the doors opened, and revealed the second highest floor of the citadel where Erich''s new office was. Which was guarded by several dozen highly armed individuals. At least those were the ones visible to the naked eye.


    Once Daelia had submitted to yet another scan, she was permitted entry to the office. Where she found Erich seated at his desk, visibly hard at work as he appeared to be scanning thework on his NeuroLink.


    Daelia approached the desk and sat down in front of Erich, remaining entirely silent as she waited for him to finish whatever task he was undertaking. Until finally, after nearly five minutes of awkward silence, Erich closed out of his NeuroLink and gazed upon the woman he knew was a Svartalfheim spy.


    Where he quite expertly put on a friendly facade, as he reached out his hand in a gesture of "good faith" before properly introducing himself.


    "Agent Ann Ludvigsen... It is good to finally meet you... You may not be aware, as you have been gone from our borders for some time. My name is Erich Jaeger, former Marshal of the Realm. It was only recently, when our former esteemed leader stepped down, that I assumed the position.Can I get you a cup of coffee? Or perhaps something stronger?"


    Daelia was surprised at Erich''s hospitality. After all, she represented an unknown factor, one that could potentially be dangerous to the man. Little did she know all of her moves were being watched by an all-powerful AI. One which would apprehend Daelia if her heart rate so much as fluttered the wrong way.


    After several moments of awkward silence, Daelia finally expressed her first words towards the leader of a hostile power, who she was now face to face with, having the goal to conduct espionage on behalf of her people.


    "Supreme Leader... I would be honored to share a drink with you..."


    Erich smirked when he heard this, as he pulled out a bottle of locally produced spirits, which were secretly spiked with Tia''s enhanced truth serum. One which once administered to Daelia''s system would cause her to spill all of her secrets, and when she finally awoke from her drugged state, she would not realize that she had said anything at all. Nor would she believe any time had passed since drinking it.


    Daelia, subconsciously drank the alcohol, but only after Erich had done the same. Where she immediately came under the effects of the truth serum. Once she had done so, Erich was quick to ask her a question, the first in a long line of questions which would break down the rtions between the Germanic Star-Empire and the Svartalfheim Federation.


    "So tell me.... What exactly have you been up to these past three years?"

 Chapter 373 Begging For Mercy

    <h4>Chapter 373 Begging For Mercy</h4>


    Daelia did not realize it, but she had fallen into Erich''s hands. From the moment she shared a drink with him, the enhanced truth serum, which could easily overwhelm a Germanic citizen''s NeuroLink, had entered her system, and ced herpletely under Erich''s control.


    Thus, without the slightest knowledge that she had just given herself away, she spoke about what she had been up to over the past three years, and in doing so revealed her true identity to Erich.


    "What have I been up to thest three years? The same thing I have been doing for thest one million years! I have been running the federation from behind the scenes...."


    There was a tranquil tone in Daelia''s voice as she just admitted to being the most valuable hostage Erich could have ever asked for. And in doing so not only shocked the man himself, who was unaware of the fact that the Svartalfheim Federation even had a shadow queen, but also Tia who never expected Daelia herself to step foot in Germanic space.


    Erich, of course, was confused by this, and was quick to ask Daelia another question.


    "I''m sorry, I don''t follow... By federation, do you mean the Svartalfheim Federation? I thought they democratically elected their leaders?"


    Daelia scoffed and spoke to Erich as if he were an old friend. Completely unaware of what she was saying, or even that she was under the effect of an enhanced interrogation drug.


    "Pffft. Yes, of course, everyone knows that the Svartalfheim Federation elects its leaders. On the surface at least... But the real power behind the throne has been me, ever since the foundation of the Federation all those eons ago."


    It was at this moment that Tia''s holographic projection revealed itself in front of Erich, who, of course, was the only one who could see and hear her as she spoke to him.


    "I don''t believe it... In all my calctions, I never expected the infiltrator to be her... Master, you really lucked out this time around..."


    Erich was, of course, confused by this, and was quick to ask about what exactly Tia was talking about.


    "Tia... Who is this?"


    Tia quoted a name, followed by a brief exnation, her voice was filled with bewilderment as she did so.


    "Daelia Astarion... The so-called shadow queen of the dark elves... Until now, I honestly thought it was just a rumor.... After all, the exact divergence of the two primary Elven races is unclear, to say the least. But... supposedly, it began with the birth of two sisters in the Primordial Era.


    One of these sisters you were quite intimate with in your previous life... And the other is sitting here in front of you right now... They are perhaps the only two beings in the universe who know what really happened all those years ago.


    Erich... If you apprehend this woman... The Svartalfheim Federation will quite literally be at your mercy, and Lunaria.... She would do anything to get her hands on her sister.... You have quite literally gained yourself the most useful hostage in the gxy...."


    Erich was, of course, shocked to hear this... He did not know that Lunaria had a sister, and he never would have guessed that Lunaria and Daelia were the first of their respective races. How this was possible, Erich did not know.


    But he was curious, very curious.... And he could not help but inquire further about this. Thus, he spoke up to the ancient dark Elven beauty who was masquerading as a Germanic citizen at this moment, hoping to gain some information from her.


    "Daelia.... That is your name, is it not? What can you tell me about the ancient Elven Empire?"


    For a moment it looked like Daelia was about to say something, speak about an ancient and forgotten secret, one that had forever changed the fate of the gxy. But the moment she was about to say something about this matter, Daelia suddenly came back to reality.


    Seemingly snapped out of the effects of the enhanced truth serum, almost instantaneously, Daelia fell to her knees, struggling to keep control over her thoughts as the serum tried to dull her consciousness once more.


    "What the hell? What have you done to me? How? How did you know? Gods be damned... This is a very nasty drug you have concocted here.... Urrgh... What in the god''s name have you afflicted me with, you filthy barbarian!?!"


    Daelia only seemed to be semi-conscious. Though her mind was struggling to retain control over itself, her body was incapable of even standing and walking. And because of this, Erich was quick to pull a gun on the woman.


    All the while, Tia had already alerted the security who existed outside the doors, and they had barged in before Daelia could even fully gain control of her bodily functions. Pinning the woman to the ground and apprehending her on the spot.


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    Struggle as she might, the ancient Dark Elven shadow queen could only scream insults at Erich as she was hauled off to the Citadel''s dark dungeons where only despair existed.


    "You bastard! Let me go this instant! Do you have any idea how screwed you are once the federation finds out what you have done to me?"


    Erich, however, was quick to smirk, as he responded back to the woman with a haughty tone in his voice.


    "I wonder how Lunaria will reward me when she finds out I have taken her beloved sister as my prisoner..."


    Daelia''s blue eyes opened wide as she fell to her knees, almost as if she had lost control of her legs yet again. She grovelled on the floor before Erich, humbling herself in a way she had never done in all the millions of years of her existence.


    Begging the man not to follow through with the threat he just made. Because she knew exactly what horrors awaited her, and her people should her older sister get her hands on her.


    "I beg you! Mercy! Mercy! I will do anything you desire... Just don''t tell my sister that you have me...."


    Erich''s wicked sneer grew even more malicious as he walked over to the bound Dark Elven beauty, and grabbed hold of her dainty chin, before asking her to repeat herself.


    "Oh really? You will do anything I ask. Am I hearing that correctly?"


    This statement gave off a bad omen to the woman who had only now realized just how badly she had screwed up. Even if she did not know how her master n had failed.

 Chapter 374 Friend or Foe?

    <h4>Chapter 374 Friend or Foe?</h4>


    Daelia looked at Erich with an expression of horror on her otherwise pretty face as she misunderstood the man''s question. But just before she could manage to get her body to follow its order, and revile in disgust. Erich scoffed before ordering his men to continue with their arrest of the Dark Elf Shadow Queen.


    "Well, what are you waiting for? Arrest this woman!"


    The soldiers immediately snapped out of their daze, foolishly believing that Erich''s attempts to mess with Daelia were actually a serious negotiation, and instead immediately continued with their apprehension of the woman, who as far as they knew was a member of their own species.


    Daelia continued to scream at Erich and his soldiers, but was ultimately dragged out of sight, leaving Erich alone with Tia, who was calcting some things on her end. With a heavy sigh, Tia voiced her confusion.


    "It would appear that there is something embedded in the woman''s subconscious that began to counter effect the truth serum once you asked about the Elven Empire... It is an ancient piece of technology that is well beyond my means to bypass. But with enough examination, I might be able to learn a thing or two... Sorry Master, but you must give me some time."


    Erich nodded his head in agreement with Tia''s assessment before expressing his thoughts on the matter.


    "Take as much time as you need. As far as the Svartalfheim Federation knows, Daelia is currently engaging in a deep infiltration and isn''t expected to report back to them anytime soon. As for Lunaria, I won''t be telling her about her sister unless it is absolutely necessary. I know as well as anyone just how cruel that woman can be when she gets her hands on someone she despises.


    And it is clear to me that there is no love lost between these two sisters. In the mean time, I have a war to look after, so I will trust Daelia with your capable hands. Oh, and Tia... Make sure your experiments don''t break the woman.... Alright?"


    Tia looked at her master with an innocent expression on her face, before denying that she would ever go too far with an interrogation of a prisoner.


    "Tia has no idea what Master means by that...."


    It was obvious to Erich that whenever Tia reverted to her base personality, that she was simply lying through her teeth. But frankly, he didn''t care, as long as she obeyed his orders, which he knew she would. And thus Erich was quick to leave this matter to Tia''s capable hands.


    ---


    The war ended as quickly as it had begun. The Germanic Star-Empire disyed a level of ferocity and capability that few civilizations could boast. And in the end, that hadpletely and totally annihted the Yokai Ascendency, and in doing so, sent a message to Alfheim Space, all while waving the Germanic g over the ruins that they left behind.


    "Betrayal of the Empress will not be tolerated."


    With this war concluded, both the Great Oni Empire and the Dvrakian Consortium were liberated from their Suzerains. But in doing so, they were left without the protection such an alliance afforded. And while there were many of such civilizations within Alfheim space, they were typically devoured by the wolves at the first given opportunity.


    But there was something distinctive about these two civilizations that the others in their precarious position did not have. The Great Oni Empire and the Dvrakian Consortium had a military alliance with the Germanic Star-Empire, who, after obliterating the Yokai Ascendency, had been raised from a Tier I Regional Power to a Tier I Sub-Gctic Power. on the Gctic Power Index Which afforded its allies a level of protection, as well as the "fuck around and find" out status that came with it.


    Daelia continued to be sedated and interrogated by Tia. Who learned a great deal of the Svartalfheim secrets from the woman, but failed to learn anything about the long-forgotten past which was hidden deep within the woman''s brain by an ancient piece of technology from a bygone era.


    And as the years passed, the Germanic Star-Empire continued to expand its power. All the while, Erich''s family expanded. First with the birth of a son between himself and Erika, who was appropriately named Kurt, as he was in the previous timeline, and second, a daughter by his Oni lover Ayumi, who was also given her previous name of Aiko.


    Eventually, however, something unexpected happened. The Sages of both the Alfheim Dominion as well as the Svartalfheim Federation finally made their move in this timeline. The sages sent a representative to the Germanic Star-Empire, believing that Erich was the fabled "Dark Sage" who was prophesied to set the gxy aze.


    Erich, of course, was quick to ept this request for entry. In his past life, he had waged a shadow war against the sages, one which he ultimately emerged victorious in. But in this life, Erich did not wish to repeat such a pointless conflict, and instead, wanted to establish ties with the Sages in an attempt to learn more about his powers, which they seemed to share in some form or another.


    And thus, the Sages'' representative was surprised when he was given a proper weing by Erich, who sat on his "throne" and weed the man into his home.


    "I have been waiting for you... So tell me, have you and your kind finally decided upon how they wish to deal with me? Will it be war? Or peace?"


    The Sage was surprised that Erich had been aware of his intentions, as well as those of hisrades. And was quick to express his disbelief.


    "How? How did you know?"


    Erich scoffed at this remark, before speaking to the man as if he and his kind were fools, men who had only seen a glimpse of the real power that they possessed. And he was quick toment on this.


    "You sages all believe that you know everything, and that it is the will of fate that we all walk in ordance with.... But our powers are so much more than simply gaining a slight glimpse into the future. My powers have advanced smoothly....


    But I do not yet know the extent to which they can achieve. It was my hopes that your ancient order might be able to enlighten me, despite your apparent unwillingness to do more than just simply observe what the future has in store for us...


    So I will ask again... Have youe to me as a friend.... Or foe?"

 Chapter 375 A New Testament

    <h4>Chapter 375 A New Testament</h4>


    The Sage''s Emissary stared at Erich with confusion for some time... After all, his order was not what it used to be during the Primeval Era. In fact, records of the abilities that the Elven sages once had eons ago were lost to history.


    As far as the Sages knew, their sole ability was to gain glimpses of the variety of potential futures, and ascertain which destiny had in store for the gxy. The idea that there was so much more to their powers, it was almost heretical.


    And thus, he grew frustrated with Alex''s sphemy, as he called the man out to his face.


    "You... You dare speak such heresy to me? Perhaps I should just return to the Great Sage now and let him know that you are indeed the Dark Sage after all! We will see then how long you can so smugly speak of such sphemy!"


    Erich sighed heavily. He had not known the Sages well in his past life. All he knew was from those individuals he interrogated for information about their hidden sanctuary''s whereabouts. If he was being honest, he did not expect them to be so close-minded about their own powers.


    And thus, Erich was quick toment on this, and in doing so nearly give the man a heart attack.


    "Tell me, have the Great Sages already fled the Milky Way, and instead ventured into their sanctuary located in the Sagittarius Dwarf Gxy?"


    The fact that Erich knew about the Sage''s ns tobat him was truly astonishing. So much so that the man indeed damn near had a heart attack as he stumbled over his words, which he had difficulty stringing together into a coherent statement.


    "You, what? That''s not... How? How could you possibly know about that? You should not be able to see that which is directly involved with another sage''s life!"


    Erich groaned when he heard this. He then stood up from his seat and approached the ancient Light Elf, where he stood in front of the man, towering over him as he spoke with a rather bored tone in his voice.


    "I grow weary of your willful ignorance. I already told you that there is so much more to your powers than you and your order believe. The question is, are you willing to let me prove my words, or are you going to behave like a doddering old fanatic until the very end?"


    Despite not enjoying the harsh tone which Erich spoke to him, the sage could not fathom how else Erich had learned of his ancient order''s secrets unless, of course, he was speaking the truth. And thus, after grinding his teeth in frustration for a few awkward seconds of silence, the old sage finally agreed to Erich''s request, albeit begrudgingly.


    "Very well! Prove to me that your words are more than just simple heresy!"


    With this, a victorious smirk appeared on Erich''s handsome face as he reached out and grabbed hold of the old sage''s forehead, before speaking to him in an entrancing tone.


    "Open your mind to me..."


    Erich then began probing the mind of the Sage, which was normally guarded, before eventually finding an opening. Where Erich then began to disy the scenes of his past life, and how he had reset the timeline. Allowing him to have a second chance at saving the Milky Way Gxy from a disaster that he had identally brought upon it.


    The Sage''s mind was flooded with the various scenes of Erich''s past life. From his heroic defense of the Empire, to his bloody war with the Sages, all the way until the very end when he became a sub-gctic dictator, one who had brought forth the invasion of the Naraku Main Fleet.


    In the end, Erich showed the Sage the scene of him sending his consciousness back in time, into another timeline. Once the memories had concluded, which while seemingly taking a lifetime, had only taken a microsecond, the Sage recoiled in shock.


    He had seen so much of what was toe, what could have happened if his order went to war with the so called Dark Sage, the rapid growth of Erich''s powers, to the point where they now quite possibly were superior to the Great Sages themselves.


    It was almost too much to possibly believe. But... The Sage knew what he saw, and the emotions he felt within them. When he finally recovered from what he had seen and felt, the old man was quick to ovee his previous zealotry.


    "It appears.... It would appear that you are telling the truth. This knowledge... It will change the order, for the better, maybe? But there will certainly be those who oppose you... They would rather cling to our misguided superstitions, based upon half baked knowledge of a power we truly do not understand the depths of, then to admit that we have been wrong for all these millions of years.


    But I believe you... And as a high-ranking member of the Order, I at least have the ear of one of the two Great Sages.... I will vouch for you and your new testament.


    Erich smiled and nodded his head in agreement with the old man''s words. He then returned to his seat before giving the Sage permission to embark back to the Alfheim Dominion, where the Light Elven half of the order still resided in this timeline.


    "Then go back to your elders and tell them what you have seen. And what I have said... I assure you, I will not alert your empress about your secrets. I have already witnessed how she would treat such information, and as you can see, I mean your order no harm in this life. You are more valuable to me alive, then you are buried beneath the rubble of your sanctuary."


    The Sage, who unbeknownst to Erich, was actually an Elder of the order, was quick to thank Erich for his benevolence before scurrying back to his order. Whether or not he would be able to convince the Great Sages and the other Elders about Erich''s message, that had yet to be seen. But at the very least, Erich had now established diplomatic ties to the ancient order of fate''s so-called prophets. And that was better than what he had done in his previous life.

 Chapter 376 Reporting to the Great Sage

    <h4>Chapter 376 Reporting to the Great Sage</h4>


    The Sage who had visited Erich quickly returned from whence he came. And once in the luscious world of Alfheim, which was overflowing with nt life, he stepped foot into the hidden cave where he and the other members of his ancient order resided.


    The moment the elderly Elven male stepped foot into the area, a series of green mes lit up in a square around him. Catching him in ce. This was amon urrence when one was interrogated by the council of Elders, which he was a part of.


    And thus, he did not react strongly to this sudden trap. Instead, the man bowed his head respectfully to his peers and his superior, who sat in the highest seat. The Great Sage''s voice filled the room with great authority as he spoke to his long-time friend with a hint of concern in his tone.


    "So... Have our worst fears been realized? Is this Erich Jaeger of the Germanic Star-Empire, the prophesied Dark Sage? The one who shall set the gxy aze in his wars of conquest?"


    Knowing that what he was about to preach was heresy of the highest order, or so far as his peers were concerned. The Elder was quick to request a private meeting with the Great Sage, something that was incredibly unusual, especially for a debriefing regarding such a serious subject.


    "I urge the Great Elder to engage in a private discourse... What I have learned... What I have learned to regard the identity of the Dark Sage is... It should not be spoken in public."


    Thisment caused a loud series of mumblings to ur from above where the council of elders sat. A single hand was raised in the air by the Great Sage, which immediately caused his subordinates to cease their jabbering. The Great Sage had a curious tone in his voice, as he questioned why the Elder would request such a thing.


    "Brother... What you are requesting is highly unorthodox. Do you not trust your peers with the information you have received?"


    This usation was one that caused the other elders to gaze at the man with a deep sense of mistrust. So much so that the man himself found it difficult to continue with his request. Nevertheless, he stomached this feeling of dread, and outright spoke of why he had requested such a thing.


    "With all due respect to my fellow elders, I believe some of them may have sat upon their seats within the council for so long that they are not open to hearing new information, information that is contradictory to what we have believed to have been true for so long..."


    This statement caused an uproar among the council, as they began to behave exactly as how the elder suspected they would. And he had not even yet spoken of what Erich had shown them.


    "Preposterous, unless you were to openly speak of sphemy, then there is no way we would be so closed minded?"


    "New information that is contradictory to our beliefs? Don''t tell me you have allowed the Dark Sage to corrupt your mind, brother?"


    There were many morements in a simr light cast towards the elder who Erich had spoken with, but none of them were heard by the man, as they all seemed to blend into one giantint. Ultimately, the Great Sage raised his hand once more, and thus silencing the room as he spoke to the Elder with a particr look of curiosity in his ancient eyes.


    "I will grant your request... But know this brother... If I deem your mind to have been corrupted by the Dark Sage, I will have you cast out from the order, and stripped of your foresight. Do you understand me?"


    The Elder gulped and nodded his head while curling his fists in determination. He was convinced after seeing what Erich had showed him that his order''s way of thinking was entirely wed. He also knew the fate that awaited the order if they went against Erich, and thus he was quick to follow the Great Sage into a private chamber, where once they were alone, the Great Sage broke out a bottle of some ancient Elven spirits.


    "Care to have a drink before we discuss such dull matters, my old friend? Pardon me for the show... You know how the others get when ites to things like heresy..."


    A smile formed on the elder''s face as he realized his friendship with the Great Sage was as strong as ever. It was this slight hope that allowed him to speak of what he had seen. Even though he knew there was still a potential, he would be exiled.


    After a particr lengthy discussion about what Erich had shown him, the Great Sage sat in silence for some time... His mind was a mess. After all, Erich''s abilities, if true, certainly transcended what they knew about their own powers.


    It took several moments of deliberating within his own mind before the Great Sage finally sighed and spoke to his old friend.


    "This changes things.... I have observed for some time now an unusual buildup of the Empress''s forces. After all, the order within the gxy only exists because the Great Powers refuse to engage in an arms race.


    At first I thought the Empress was being reckless, but what you say... About the Naraku... If it is true, then this all makes unusual buildup of the Empress''s forces. After all, the order within the gxy only exists because the Great Powers refuse perfect sense.... I have often wondered why the Dark Sage would engage in such a pointless struggle for gctic conquest. I have thought upon it for so many hours; it has nearly driven me mad.


    But... If his goal is to unite the gxy against the Naraku... Then that would make sense. Curious though... If we are incapable of detecting the Naraku invasion with our visions, does that mean they have bugs with abilities simr to our own?"


    The Elder nodded his head. Erich had shared this with his visions. Showing what he had seen when he was connected to the Hive Mind.


    "I believe so, from what Erich showed me... That seems to be the case. I don''t know if Erich''s abilities are an enhancement of our own, or something entirely unrted that only has a simr effect at the lowest levels. But at the very least, I believe what he showed me is real..."


    The Great Sage rose from his seat and shook his head while sighing heavily. He then gave the Elder some orders just before leaving the room.


    "I will have to consult with my other half about this beforeing to a decision. In the mean time, do not say a word of what you have witnessed to the others. Without amandment from both the Great Sages, the order will consider this to be a heresy of the highest order.


    While you are waiting for an answer, it would be wise to maintain contact with Erich. See if you can learn any more about the exact nature of his powers, and how he gained them."


    The Elder nodded his head in agreement with his orders. He was also curious about this matter, and was happy to further building rtions with the so called "Dark Sage."

 Chapter 377 A New Galactic Power

    <h4>Chapter 377 A New Gctic Power</h4>


    ?The war with the Yokai Ascendency, and the traitorous Sub-Gctic Power''s subsequent annihtion, had a far greater effect on Lunaria''s control over her sector of space than she previously thought.


    By making her public decree of open hostility towards the Ghimderi Trade Union, and its attempts to steal her vassals from her. Along with the overwhelming disy of violence that the Germanic Armed Forces engaged in during the brief conflict. The entirety of Alfheim Space began to break ties with the Ghimderi Trade Union.


    1/4th of the gxy, which the Ghimderi Trade Union previously held control over had suddenly vanished overnight, as the thousands of civilizations within Alfheim Space suddenly defaulted on the debts to which they owed the Ghimderi.


    This was a devastating blow to the Ghimderi Trade Union, and, of course, the gctic economy as a whole. And while the remainder of the gxy reeled from the sudden crashing of their central currency, the Alfheim Dominion began to implement a policy of economic selfsufficiency based upon the Germanic Star-Empires as the norm within their quadrant of space.


    This allowed the Alfheim Dominion and its own isted sector of space to spare themselves from the economic crisis that the rest of the gxy was currently suffering from. The worst fears of the Ghimderi Trade Union had been realized. The economic policies of the Germanic Star-Empire had begun to spread. And now 1/4th of the gxy was no longer willing to engage with them in trade or banking.


    Unlike in the previous timeline, where Bixle was held responsible for the economic crisis, something that resulted in his assets being cannibalized by the other Ghimderi Trade Princes. Bixle managed to stay in firm control over the Trade Union, as he outright called the Alfheim Dominion''s decree to be a matter of economic warfare against the entire gxy.


    Because of this, the Gctic leaders were once more in a conference, albeit, this time, Daelia was not present, which caused some confusion among the members. In her ce, the actually elected president of the Svartalfheim Federation was standing in for her, as he exined why his shadow queen was absent from these discussions.


    "You will have to excuse us.... Daelia is currently preupied with some personal matters and can not attend this conference. In her stead, I will be speaking on behalf of the Svartalfheim Federation and its allies.


    Now... I believe I speak for everyone here, when I say that the Alfheim Dominion''s sudden withdrawal from the gctic economy is an outright deration of war on the rest of us. Lunaria, are you really willing to throw away a million years'' worth of gctic stability over this small slight against you?"


    Lunaria, however, was not the least bit concerned. The Germanic Star-Empire''s disy in battle was easily on a par with a Gctic Power in their own right. She had been in regrmunication with Erich, not only about his ns for dealing with the Naraku but also about the important matters of gctic politics that they were currently facing. And as a result, Lunaria was convinced if shebined her forces with the Germanic Star-Empire''s they would together have a good chance of emerging victorious against the rest of the gxy.


    Or at the very least, be able to maintain authority over their own quadrant of space. Because of this, she had a smug smile on her beautiful face, as she made a shockingment to the rest of the gctic leaders.


    "Hold on a second... I believe one of our members is currently missing from this critical discussion. I will be patching him in right now..."


    After saying this, another hologram appeared, projecting the authoritative figure of someone everyone else in the call was intimately familiar with. Erich appeared sitting in his desk chair. He was resting his chin on his fist, while one of his legs was crossed horizontally over the other.


    There was a confident expression on the man''s face as he introduced himself to the other gctic leaders. Something he had been waiting nearly two lifetimes to achieve.


    "I would say it is an honor to be here with the rest of my peers, but judging by the current circumstances which we face, that would be an empty titude... So... We are here to discuss the recent trade dispute between the Alfheim quadrant, and the Ghimderi Trade Union are we not?"


    The rest of the Gctic leaders were stunned by the nerve of Lunaria. And Bixle was quick tosh out at what he perceived to be an insolent and taunting action.


    "How dare you bring one of your puppets to this sacred conference! Have you lost your mind, woman!?!"


    And while Lunaria furrowed her brows with a wrathful expression on her otherwise beautiful face, it was Erich who spoke up on her behalf, making a shocking announcement as he did so.


    "I believe I have a right to be here... After all, Empress Lunaria has been kind enough to release the Germanic Star-Empire from our oaths of vassge, and has even granted us the right to colonize and terraform the former territories of the Rylonian Imperium, and the Yokai Ascendency.


    She has also granted us the right to preside over the nearby interster civilizations. Thus, the Germanic Star-Empire now owns 1/4th of Alfheim Space and, by extension, 1/8th of the Gxy, making it a Gctic Power in its own right.


    I assure you, though our ships are not nearly asrge as the behemoths you all wish to exert your authority in, they are capable enough of punching through such wasteful vessels. If you wish to test the capabilities of our armed forces, you are all free to do so..."


    The other Gctic Leaders all gawked at Erich and Lunaria. They had no idea what hadpelled the Alfheim Empress to give away such arge chunk of her territory to one of her vassals. Or why she had elevated them to the Status of a Gctic Power.


    One thing that became abundantly clear to the rest of these gctic leaders, albeit a major misconception. Was that Lunaria was the reason the Germanic Star-Empire had progressed to such a powerful state in only a mere five centuries of existence?


    This was, of course, partially true, as Lunaria had given significant aid in resources and technology to the Germanic Star-Empire over thest five hundred years. But it was truly the efforts of Erich and Tia that allowed the Empire to be a gctic power in such a short amount of time.


    As for Lunaria, she bit her lip in frustration, and eyed Erich with an anxious look in her golden eyes, almost as if she were waiting impatiently for the man to make the next major announcement. One that would throw the entire gxy into a state of upheaval.

 Chapter 378 A Sudden and Jarring Revelation

    <h4>Chapter 378 A Sudden and Jarring Revtion</h4>


    Over thest five years, since the Yokai Ascendency was crushed beneath the fist of the Germanic Star-Empire, Lunaria and Erich had begun to quite frequentlymunicate with one another. It was almost on a daily basis that the two leaders would speak via holomunication.


    It was not just over vast differences that the two of them met. Moremon than not, Lunaria would officially summon Erich to the world of Alfheim to personally speak with him. During this time, their rtionship had blossomed from that of two strangers, bound by an oath of vassge into one of close friendship.


    It was obvious that Lunaria had long since developed an attraction to Erich, perhaps even more so than in her past life. After all, his capabilities as a warlord and dictator were impressive, to say the least.


    Since their victory against the Yokai Ascendency, the Germanic Star-Empire had significantly bolstered its strength. Not only by gobbling up and terraforming the former territories of the Rylonian Imperium and the Yokai Ascendency, but by the mass recruitment of those Germanic citizens whose jobs had been reced by AI, as well as the manufacture of the equipment necessary to deploy them abroad.


    No more than twelve hours before the meeting where Lunaria would be discussing important matters of gctic politics with the other leaders of the Milky Way, she had personally summoned Erich to Alfhiem. Where the two of them discussed in private about their schemes to change the gctic order once and for all.


    There was an almost sheepish expression on Lunaria''s wless face, as she spoke in a way that nobody other than Erich had ever witnessed her do so.


    "Erich... I want you to know, I have thought about your proposal for some time now... And I havee to the conclusion that although risky, it would, without a doubt, be in the best interests of my people to engage in this venture.


    Especially since we have confirmed that the Naraku are roughly seventy years away from invading the gxy...?But you must promise me that your forces are up to the task of taking on the entire gxy by our side. Because if not... Then both of us will burn for this!"


    Erich smirked when he heard this. There was an air of confidence in his voice that Lunaria did not understand the origin of, especially when he bragged about the military might of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    "Make no mistake, Lunaria, my forces are ready to wage war against the entire gxy if they are foolish enough to dere it upon us... It is a task that while we may not be able to seed in on our own, with your support, only victory awaits us..."


    With this stated and so confidently at that, Lunaria bit her lip in a moment of hesitation before sighing heavily. She then asked Erich to do something that he would never consider for anyone else.


    "Alright... So be it... Kneel...."


    Erich immediately followed these orders and got down on one knee before the Empress, who was sitting in front of him. She then stood up, and grabbed his head, forcing it to look at her own, while she voided the vow of vassge that the first Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire had made to her all those centuries ago.


    "Erich Jaeger, as the Current Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, I hereby void the oath of vassge that you and your predecessors have bestowed upon me. From this moment forward, you and your people reserve are a sovereign nation."


    Erich smiled as he rose to his feet, towering above the ancient Elven beauty as he made a formal request as her peer.


    "As the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, I would request that we open a dialogue as two sovereigns about the potential of a long-term military and economic alliance..."


    sh forward twelve hours. The various leaders of the gctic powers all stared in shock at what Erich had just said.... Had Lunaria gone absolutely mad? This was not a sick joke, was it? Just when Bixle was about to speak in a state of outrage, Erich revealed the most shocking information that had been presented to this conference in as long as anyone could remember.


    "As a sovereign gctic power, I have undertaken a diplomatic mission towards the Alfheim Dominion, and will proudly be announcing the formation of a long-term military and economic alliance between our two nations. One that has been negotiated under the condition of matrimony between myself and the Alfheim Empress..."


    If the previous statement which Lunaria had made was questionable, then what Erich had just said to the various gctic leaders was truly unbelievable. In the millions of years it had been since Lunaria ascended to the throne, no man had ever touched her before. Even the "father" of her daughters had merely contributed his DNA to artificially create Celestia and her sisters.


    For this foreign upstart to dere his engagement to this very woman. Well, if anyone else had done it, then their life would be forfeited. And yet... Erich had done just that and in Lunaria''s presence, no less. Against all reasonable expectations, Lunaria did not call Erich a liar, nor did she threaten him in any way. Instead, she raised her finger to show an engagement ring, thus dering to all the other Gctic Powers that she and Erich were indeed engaged.


    For a very long time, Bixel and the others werepletely silent. Trying their best to process this information, and what it meant for Gctic Politics going forward. Not only was there a new sixth gctic power. But they had created a long-


    term alliance with the Alfheim Dominion. Throwing the entire bnce of power within the gxy out of order as they did so.


    It was truly unfathomable, and yet, it was the shocking new reality that these gctic leaders now found themselves in. The question now was, how do they react to such a sudden and jarring revtion.

 Chapter 379 What Have You Done?

    <h4>Chapter 379 What Have You Done?</h4>


    The rtive bnce of power that had existed for eons was suddenly thrown into disarray over night. The Germanic Star-Empire had suddenly revealed itself to be a Gctic Power, while the Alfheim Dominion announced a long-term military and economic alliance with the GSE, one which was sealed with matrimony between the Alfheim Empress, and the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    To everyone outside of Lunaria, Erich, and Celestia, this was considered a wild and unexpected chain of events. But Erich had been doing everything he could to charm Lunaria since he first restarted the timeline. And after years of effort, it finally paid off.


    As for Celestia, as in the previous timeline, she too grew attracted to Erich as she watched her mother and him develop into a close and romantic rtionship. However, unlike in that timeline, she did not have the nerve to try to steal the man away for herself.


    Thus, she was forced to sit on the sidelines, and think about what could have been if only she had found Erich first.


    As for those rival gctic powers, and their leaders. They were forced to reassess the current situation. The exact strength of the Germanic Star-Empire, and its armed forces, was unknown. Not to mention, the GSA now upied, and was beginning to colonize a much vaster territory of space than they previously held.


    Inside this territory were its own vassals in the Great Oni Empire and the Dvrakian Consortium, as well as a few other smaller civilizations that bordered the GSE. If the other gctic powers were tobine their strength against the Alfheim Dominion by itself, they could achieve a victory, albeit a pyrrhic one.


    But... With the unknown factor of the Germanic Military by their side, a military which, mind you, defeated a Naraku Splinter Fleet with rtive ease. It was impossible to know what the results of such a campaign would be.


    Because of this, the other gctic leaders, including Bixel Goldentooth, were forced to take a step back, and cease their demands. Believing they needed to buy themselves time for a military buildup. A new arms race had begun, and unfortunately for the rest of the Gxy, the GSE''s efficiency in this exact regard was out of this world thanks to their reliance on advanced AI.


    As for Lunaria, she left these matters of foreign policy to Erich and his capable hands. Instead, she was more concerned about preparing for her wedding to Erich. She wanted it to be the most grand and exquisite event in Gctic History, and she would spare no expense to make this the case.


    However, as their wedding rapidly approached, Lunaria received a message from Erich which she found to be cryptic.


    "Come to Germania. I have a present for you that I know you will enjoy..."


    Though Lunaria had no idea what kind of present Erich had gotten her. She was eager to take any chance she had to meet up with the man in person. Thus, she quickly did as the man asked, and flew out to Germania, where she met her fiancee at the citadel.


    Erich kissed Lunaria in an open disy of interspecies affection the moment she stepped foot in his office. And she shamelessly did the same. Yet Erich''s guards did not seem to care, after all, marrying the Alfheim Empress, while taboo and disgusting, was a significant boon for the Empire and its citizens, and because of that people hade to tolerate this marriage, even if it went against everything their civilization stood for.


    Lunaria seemed eager, a little too eager to see Erich. And was quick to express this sentiment.


    "Erich my love... You know how busy I am making the preparations for our wedding. But... I just can''t say no to you when you wish to meet up like this. So what''s the surprise?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this. He grabbed hold of Lunaria''s hand and led her into his private elevator, where he was quick to answer her question.


    "This present... It''s a little too... distasteful for a wedding ceremony. So much so that I wouldn''t dare publically gift it to you, but I know this is something that you have wanted to get your hands on for far longer than my species even existed. So... I thought I would gift it to you privately as a sort of early wedding present."


    Lunaria, of course, had no idea what Erich was talking about... There was nothing in this gxy she could not get her hands on if she wanted it. No, that wasn''t right... There was only one thing she had never been able to obtain...


    And that thing went missing quite some time ago... When it dawned on Lunaria just what Erich was talking about, her expression turned grim, as she stared at the man with a curious look in her golden eyes.


    "Erich... Don''t tell me..."


    But before she could finish this statement, the doors to the elevator opened to reveal Erich''s presentation to Lunaria. And it was just as she hade to expect at the veryst moment prior to its revtion. Sitting in a cell, bound, gagged, and blindfolded, was none other than Lunaria''s little sister, Daelia Asterion. The living being that Lunaria despised the most in this world. The woman who Lunaria med for the destruction of their family''s empire all those millions of years ago, and the death of their parents.


    Complete and utter silence existed within this hidden dungeon, and itsted for what seemed like a lifetime. Erich knew this would indeed be a stunning feat, even to Lunaria, and thus he waited patiently for the woman to respond.


    And when she finally did, he did not hear the words of appreciation that he thought he would. Instead, he heard a scolding tone in Lunaria''s voice, almost as if she was a mother who was about to punish her errant child for misbehaving.


    "Oh Erich... What have you done?"

 Chapter 380 A Surprising Act of Mercy

    <h4>Chapter 380 A Surprising Act of Mercy</h4>


    ?Erich was surprised by Lunaria''s reaction to his gift to her. After all, he was expecting the woman to behave sadistically towards her sister. As he knew the woman quite well, better than practically anyone besides herself. Two lifetimes together had given him this level of intimacy with the woman.


    But for her to suddenly chastise him as if he were a child, he knew he had done something seriously wrong. He just couldn''t fathom what. Because of this, he was quick to ask Lunaria what exactly was wrong with this gift of his.


    "I''m sorry, I don''t understand. Didn''t you want Daelia kneeling and grovelling before you? You now have just that? What did I do wrong?"


    Lunaria could see that Erich was genuinely confused by what he had done, and how it had displeased her and thus a sympathetic look appeared in her eyes as she insulted his intelligence in the most endearing way possible.


    "You poor, stupid boy, do you really believe that Daelia would still be alive, and free to be a thorn in my side if I did not want exactly that? Erich... I could have had her assassinated, or imprisoned long ago, and she could have done the same to me.


    The fragile bnce of power in the gxy exists because we have mutually agreed to not make an attempt on each other''s life. Do you have any idea how chaotic the gxy was during the Schism all those years ago?


    What am I saying? Of course you don''t. You are so incredibly young, almost infantile in my eyes. As is your entire civilization. Believe it or not, Daelia and I have gone to great lengths to hide the troubled history between the two of us, one that tore a near gxy spanning empire asunder.


    By capturing my sister and presenting her to me in such a sorry state, you are quite literally forcing my hand. If my people were to find out that I had an opportunity to deal with our greatest enemy, and refused to do so, do you have any idea what would happen? Revolutions would be thest of my worries!


    This is not what I wanted, Erich..."


    It was only now, after Lunaria exined this to him, that Erich realized just how badly he had fucked up. He stood there in silence for some time, not knowing how to apologize to his fiancee. She sighed heavily and rested her head in her hands, all while shaking her head in the process.


    It was not until several awkward moments passed did she finally ask a question to Erich.


    "How many people know that she is here?"


    Erich thought about it for a second before revealing the answer to this question.


    "Just me.... When she was captured, she took the form of a member of my species. It was me alone who worked tirelessly to reverse engineer her original form so that I could present her to you in a package that you would recognize."


    Despite knowing this put him in a dangerous situation, as Lunaria might try to kill him if he''s the only witness, Erich decided to be honest with the woman, and it paid off. Because she sighed heavily, seemingly havinge to a decision, as she came up with a solution to their little problem.


    "Alright... If it''s just you, and you are certain, it is just you who knows. Then... Then if we can get her back into that alias, and send her back to the federation, then we can avoid a major scandal. Erich... The next time something like this happens, make sure to contact me first.


    I know your heart is in the right ce, but you almost caused a catastrophe for me..."


    Erich was slightly perturbed that he had captured a literal gctic leader, and Lunaria simply wanted to free her. But Daelia was her rival, and Erich really had no ce in deciding her fate.


    Thus he silently nodded his head in understanding while Lunaria approached the cell where Daelia was being held prisoner. She then spoke into the microphone towards her sister directly for the first time in eons.


    "Look at you now... Caught like a little fly in my man''s trap! I am so tempted to do horrible things to you. After the damage you did to our parents, after the destruction of our parents'' empire which you caused, words cannot express how much I despise you. But unfortunately, I need you alive.


    After all, the devil you know is always better than the devil you don''t... So... For my sake, I will have Erich spare you... You will be returned to whatever body you inhabited when you foolishly tried to sneak into the Germanic Star-Empire, and then you will be sent back to that degenerate hellhole you call home....


    This will most likely be thest time we ever meet in person little sister... So, when you do finally croak, I just want you to know that I hope it will be the most miserable death that anybody has ever experienced in the history of the universe...."


    After saying this, Lunaria returned to Erich''s side before giving him the go ahead to release her sister.


    "Alright... I do not wish toy eyes upon such filth any longer.... I will be taking my leave now, before our wedding night. Make sure that my dear little sister makes it home safely, alright?"


    Erich nodded his head. He was not going to annoy his fiancee by making a statement about his actions. What needed to be said had already been said. Thus, all he could do now, was release Daelia from her constraints, and have her sent back into the vessel she previously inhabited when she infiltrated the GSE.


    This was a lengthy process in and of itself, but one that waspletely automated thanks to Tia''s absolute control over the Empire and its many, many, facilities. Thus, Erich told Tia to do exactly this as he ran off and said farewell to his fiancee, who he would be seeing soon enough on their wedding day.

 Chapter 381 Learning About the Dark Elves and Their Shadowy Origins

    <h4>Chapter 381 Learning About the Dark Elves and Their Shadowy Origins</h4>


    Erich had one chance encounter with Daelia before she was shipped off back to her people. The woman was traumatized. After all, she had sat in the cell of a foreign nation which she was an adversary of. One which she looked down upon.


    Yet they had detected her almost immediately, andpelled her to spill her secrets. In fact, Erich did not tell Lunaria this, but he learned quite a bit about the ancient Elven Empire, and the schism which destroyed it, at least from Daelia''s perspective.


    He, of course, was never directly in charge of Daelia''s interrogation. Rather, Tia conducted those experiments herself. Because of this, Daelia was confused when she came face to face with Erich.


    The mighty Shadow Queen of the Svartalfheim Federation was skittish, and terrified, almost like an abused animal, as she sat in front of Erich who debriefed her on the changes that had urred across the gxy during her captivity.


    When it was revealed that her older sister was getting married to Erich, forming a powerful alliance, Daelia almost couldn''t believe her ears. But when the Dark Elf beauty thought about how Erich hadpletely outsmarted her and held her captive for so long with impunity. She honestly believed it made sense that Lunaria would try to unite with such a terrifying leader.


    There was almost a humble tone in the woman''s voice as she sighed heavily and epted the information that was presented to her. Stating her honest thoughts on the subject.


    "The two of you were truly made for one another. To think that all it took was a few million years for a man who is equally as monstrous as my elder sister to be born into the gxy. You have no idea how much it fills me with dread to think that the two of you are united together in abined front against my civilization.


    If I wasn''t confident of my ability to unite the other Gctic powers against the two of you, and secure funding from the Ghimderi Banking ns, then I would seriously consider throwing in the towel now."


    For the first time since she stepped foot on Germania, Erich smiled towards the woman and invited her over to the window.


    "Would you minding over here for a second? There is something I wish to show you. Don''t worry, I am not so malevolent as to defenestrate you..."


    Daelia was, of course, cautious to follow Erich over to the window, but after several moments of thought, she finally decided to do so. Where she gazed upon the busy streets of Germania. The world was as oppressive as ever. No, that wasn''t quite right. New buildings were erected, ones whose architecture was not meant to convey authority, but rather prosperity.


    It was a weird blend of architectural styles, almost as if a new era was trying to drown out the old. And when Daelia saw this, her brows raised. Noticing this, Erich smiled as he spoke to the woman in a friendly tone one that one might not expect toe from their previous warden.


    "What do you see, Daelia? Be honest with me..."


    For whatever reason, Daelia spoke without even thinking about her words. After all, the scene of the rising sun cascading over a changing city, one that appeared to be changing for the better, was quite an inspiring sight. And she was quick to voice these thoughts aloud.


    "It... It looks like there is a new dawn for your people..."


    Erich chuckled when he heard this before speaking to Daelia as if she had not just threatened to wage a gctic war against him.


    "Well put... I am not the monster you think I am, Daelia... In fact, I am well aware of my people''s reputation across the gxy, as well as our failures. I''d rather not have to wage war against you and the others. But there is a threat looming on the borders of the gxy. In fact, they have already long since infiltrated the Milky Way...


    This threat will require all of us to work together if we have a hope of survival. To wage a devastating gctic war... Only to spend decades to rebuild. What would be the point? It is the dawn of a new era, for my people, and the gxy. We can either fight one another tooth and nail, and in doing so, make ourselves weaker, allowing the true enemy a far better chance of destroying us all...


    I am willing to put aside the prejudices and traditions of my people to secure their future, even if they despise me for it. The question is, are you and Lunaria willing to do the same?"


    Daelia was shocked by this information, a threat lingering on the edges of the gxy, one that would destroy them all. Just what was Erich talking about? Then again, when she thought about this, she remembered something strange... Something that her spies had told her about before she foolishly tried to infiltrate the GSE. And when she remembered this, she immediately blurted it aloud.


    "The deep space pods that you and Lunaria have been sending outside the gxy... There is something out there? Something in Andromeda? Sinaria told me something like that...."


    Erich raised his brow when he heard this. That was not a name he had heard since his previous life, and Erich was quick to ask about this.


    "Sinaria? As in Sinaria Bloodwhisper? Grand Inquisitor of the Svartalfheim Federation?"


    It was Daelia''s turn to be surprised as she furrowed her brows and revealed something she otherwise shouldn''t have. Perhaps because Erich had lowered her suspicions around him with his friendly demeanor.


    "How do you know my daughter?"


    Erich was indeed surprised to hear this, he didn''t expect Daelia to be Sinaria''s mother, then again when he thought about it, the two of them did look simr, with the primary difference between them being the fact that Sinaria was blonde, while Daelia had snow white hair like Lunaria.


    This casued Erich to have an awkward expression on his face as he asked the next question on his mind. Almost as if his future ns relied on this being falsae.


    "Daughter? I didn''t know you had a husband..."


    Daeliaughed in Erich''s face when he said this, before reminding him how Lunaria''s daughters were born.


    "Husband? As if... Sinaria was born the same way that Celestia and her sisters were. Tank bred, using my DNA, and that of a distant rtive. How do you think the Dark Elven race was created?


    I was a gic experiment performed by my parents, and when I was born I became the first of a new subrace. But I did not have any children of my own, not the old fashion way that is. The next generation of Dark Elves were created the same way I was, in tanks, but by using my DNA as a temte.


    Obviously, that was eons ago, and the first generation of my so-called offspring has long since perished. Sinaria is of the younger generation, simr in age to Celestia. I created her to be my heir, the same way that Lunaria created Celestia to be hers.


    Didn''t your interrogator tell you this? Apparently not by the look on your face. Anyway, you said something about uniting together against this supposed foreign threat of yours. Before I return to my people, I want to hear all about it...."


    With this, Erich would have a long discussion with Daelia about the Naraku, and their machinations. In the end, he would make a shocking proposal to Daelia, one that when Lunaria found out about it would make her furious.

 Chapter 382 An Eternal Crusade

    <h4>Chapter 382 An Eternal Crusade</h4>


    ?Erich had spent hours conveying to Daelia that which he had already told Lunaria years ago. He had even provided the evidence that Mirage and her secret agency had gathered. The fact of the matter was that with Tia''s help, extra gctic travel was entirely possible.


    Meaning that the GSE had been busy thesest few years sending recon probes into Andromeda. They had, in this time, learned a lot about the whereabouts of the Naraku. In fact, the Naraku behaved vastly differently in Andromeda than they did in the Milky Way so far.


    In the Milky Way, the Naraku were a nomadic insectoid race, once that devoured all biological life they came across, stripping entire worlds bare in the process. And while this seemed to be the case in Andromeda, something else was observed that the recon probes recorded.


    After stripping the gxy bare, the Naraku then invested significant resources into rebuilding the barren worlds into giant hives meant to sustain the Naraku poption, and contribute more bugs to the hive fleets which would then venture to a new gxy and start over again.


    Perhaps the reason the Naraku, already in the milky way did not attempt this was because they were merely an advanced scouting force, and instead simply ravaged worlds for the biological material necessary to in a sense sustain their mission.


    This created a terrifying prospect. That the universe wasposed of entire gxies like Andromeda, where the only species that existed where the Naraku, and they existed in incalcble numbers.


    If this were the case, then it was entirely possible that Naraku infested gxies were the majority of gxies in the universe rather than the minority. This was a haunting prospect, as it meant that even if Erich united the Milky Way together to defeat the Naraku Invasion fleet originating in Andromeda, then there would really be no end to their war.


    As Erich''s newfound unified empire, or whatever form of government came to rece the currently fractured state of the Milky Way, would have to travel across the universe, purging gxy after gxy, until finally after countless millions of years the Naraku were entirely defeated.


    If even one Hive Queen survived, then they could simply start over. It would quite literally be an Eternal Crusade. This was the best-case scenario for the Milky Way. And Erich did not hesitate to sugar coat this horrifying prospect to Daelia.


    By the end of the discussion, Daelia was so mortified that she almost felt like giving up on life then and there. It took well over ten minutes for the ancient shadow queen of the Dark Elven race to realize what she was being told, and what she was seeing in document after document of solid verifiable evidence.


    In the end, she shook her head in disbelief and asked Erich what exactly he nned to do about this.


    "If what you say is true... Then.... Then we are well and truly fucked, aren''t we? I mean, even if we managed to unite the Gxy in a solid front against this extra gctic invasion, they will eventually juste back with more numbers, right? I mean, it is exactly like you say, we would have to take this fight to the Naraku. In a never ending crusade just so we can consider our civilizations safe.


    How long do you think it would be before the other gctic leaders back stabbed us? A century? A millennium? Even if you build a long-term alliance with Lunaria based upon blood ties, and marriage. How long do your people live for? 250 years? Will your sessors be willing to engage in this eternal crusade of yours?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this, scoffing as he approached Daelia and lectured her, whileplimenting her in a way that was both ttering and unsuspected.


    "You''re beautiful when you''re anxious. You know that right? But you don''t need to worry. You are forgetting something about my people, aren''t you? We are exactly what you say we are, a bunch of up jumped barbarians who idolize war. An eternal crusade against a never ending menace of bugs? My people will volunteer to join the front lines even if they never needed to do such a thing.


    War is our way of life, and besides, I''m not going anywhere. Like you and Lunaria, I have cheated death... No, I will be here leading my armies into the vast unknown until either the Naraku is well and truly vanquished, or until the heat of death of the universe urs. Whatever happens first, I suppose...


    The question is, Daelia, will you join me on this crusade? Or will you be one of those cowardly, and selfish gctic leaders, ones who would stab me and Lunaria in the back as we fight to defend you all?"


    Daelia blushed upon hearing Erich call her beautiful. It had been a long time since man had the nerve to flirt with her. But she immediately understood there was some hidden meaning in Erich''s words, and was quick to ask just what he was implying.


    "What... What exactly are you asking of me?"


    Erich smirked as he heard this, before leaning in close and whispering the words into Daelia''s ears that she thought she would never hear.


    "Marry me..."


    After saying this, Erich walked away and looked out the window while proposing a wild idea. All the while, Daelia recoiled in shock at what she had just heard.


    "I meant what I said. Marry me. Join your sister in matrimony as my brides and end this pathetic little feud the two of you have over ancient history. Together, the three of us can bring the Ghimderi, the Asurans, and the Ennead to heel. And ensure that they will never be in a position to backstab us.


    With my warriors on the front lines, and the might of the Elven fleet supporting us, we will wage an eternal crusade against the Naraku until thest bug has been crushed beneath our boot.


    And after we have liberated the universe from the Naraku menace, we will look to the future, enjoying ourselves in the peace we have created.Think about what we can aplish if we unite our races together into one Empire?


    So I''ll ask again, marry me?"

 Chapter 383 Triumvirate

    Chapter 383 Triumvirate


    ??Daelia stared in shock at Erich as he asked her a question she never thought she would hear from the man. There were a million reasons why marrying Erich was a bad idea. But after reviewing the evidence of the threat which loomed beyond the borders of the milky way gxy, there was at least one really good reason to do so.


    Still, Erich was already set to marry Lunaria. Perhaps if this was the case she would consider his offer, after all the Germanic Star-Empire was a rising star on the gctic stage. And it was abundantly clear that their ability to wage war, at least on the ground, was second to none.


    Especially with the recent upgrades to a Star Marines armor, cybeic imnts, and their gic code. The next generation of Star Marines whose job would be to defend the gxy from the Naraku Menace would be vastly superior to their forbearers, who once wore such a mantle.


    Then there was the fact that Daelia considered Erich to at the very least not be an utter eyesore. With all of this in mind, she would be tempted to ept his offer, especially if it meant a strong alliance with a rising power.


    But there was just one problem, as previously mentioned, Erich had already agreed to marry Lunaria, who was Daelia''s older sister, and arch nemesis. Because of this, she immediately denied his request.


    "A tempting offer, but I will have to pass. Perhaps in another life we could have made a powerful couple, but you have already chosen my elder sister, and there would be no end to her fury if I were to steal you away from her...."


    Erich chuckled when he heard this, in a way that Daelia found confusing. Why was this manughing at her act of rejection? Was he perhaps actually unwell in the head? Thus far, he showed no signs of cognitive decline. But it was in the next moment that Erich''s shameless words truly stunned the ancient Dark Elven beauty.


    "Youpletely misunderstood my offer, Daelia. I''m not offering to marry you instead of your elder sister, but rather marry you in addition to Lunaria. Perhaps at a shared wedding to show the newfound solidarity of our unified empire."


    Daelia stared at Erich as if he had gone absolutely mad, in what conceivable world would she or Lunaria for that matter ever agree to such a hair brained request? The enmity between the two sisters ran deeper than one could possibly imagine.


    In fact, Daelia''s brow twitched as she heard this. Taking a second topose herself as she asked if she was hearing things correctly.


    "I''m sorry... Did you just ask to take my sister and I as your brides, and even go so far as to marry us at the same time?"


    Yet no matter how insane the idea sounded to Daelia, Erich simply smiled and nodded his head. Before confirming with his words that was exactly what he had said.


    "That is correct."


    There was a look of utter confidence on Erich''s face, almost as if he knew the woman would ept his offer. This shamelessness caused Daelia to scoff and shake her head, before criticizing the man for his outright insane idea.


    "In what world would that possibly happen? Let''s say I put aside the anger and hatred I feel towards Lunaria. I mean, do you have any idea how many of my children she killed during the schism all those years ago? She damn near annihted my race!


    But let''s say I move past this. Do you really think Lunaria would ept such a thing? She hates me just as much as I do her!"


    Still, Erich did not flinch at the mere suggestion that it was impossible to get the two Elven beauties to embrace him as their husband, and bury the grudge that they had shared towards one another since time immemorial. Instead, he confidently stated this potential reality was indeed achievable. While simultaneously not exining how.


    "You let me worry about Lunaria, believe it or not. I know how the woman thinks better than just about anyone other than herself. The fact that she spared you was more than just simple diplomatic courtesy, or mutually assured destruction. Deep down inside, she holds some kind of desire toe to terms with you. She is just too proud to do so.


    I am confident in my ability to convince the woman to agree to this union, not only in terms of our marriage but also of our three empires. It will take some work, sure, but in the end I will have what I want. I always do when ites to that woman..."


    Daelia once more stared at Erich, utterly dumbfounded by his confidence in a scheme that was absolutely asinine. But something in the back of her head prodded her towards the idea of agreeing to Erich''s wild plot.


    After all, the idea that the Naraku were a threat beyond what she or anyone else in the gxy had ever dreamt of in their worst nightmares was a truly terrifying concept. And the union of the two major Elven Races, along with the superior size and strength of the Germanic soldiers, would be a very powerful entity, one that even the Naraku would have a hard time contending with.


    Thus, for whatever reason, Daelia smirked and shook her head,pletely astounded by Erich''s vision for the future, as she asked one more question beforeing to a decision.


    "Just to make things clear here... If I were to agree to this fantastical dream of the future that you have, how exactly would this government function? I don''t see myself or Lunaria relinquishing our power so that you can reign as emperor. So what exactly is your vision for the future?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this. He had already thought this through quite thoroughly, and proposed an idea that Daelia found intriguing.


    "Isn''t that answer simple? We are merging three distinctive cultures together into a single empire. If done incorrectly, this could prove disastrous for not only our people, but the entire gxy. Since the three of us are immortal beings, I see no reason that a Triumvirate cannot work.


    I would be in control of all matters regarding the military, as well as the enforcement ofws. I will, after all, be spending millennia away from the milky way leading our troops to wage war against the Naraku.


    You will be responsible for foreign affairs. Which will be important, not only in maintaining control over the Milky Way, and the various civilizations within it, but coordinating with any extragctic civilizations that have managed to fend off the Naraku Assault.


    After all, your ability to persuade others to join your cause is far superior to Lunaria''s. Hence why the federation has its allies, and she has vassals. You convinced others to wave your banner while she crushed them militarily.


    Finally, Lunaria will be in charge of domestic affairs. As much as this may hurt your ego, I will objectively say that Lunaria''s handling of the economy is vastly superior to your own, and the Light Elves have a far more traditional approach to culture that the Germanic people will be more inclined to ept.


    Besides, we will all be assisted by an entity whose level ofpetency is superior to our own. And in the event that we can''t agree on a course of action, she will be the final say."


    Dividing the responsibilities othe government among three leaders was indeed a way to allow each of them to have some semblence of power and control over society. But Daelia was indeed upset that Lunaria would be in charge of domestic affairs.


    After all... This meant that the freedoms her people enjoyed would be restricted in the event of this united civilization. But what Erich said at the end surprised the ancient beauty, who was quick to ask for rification.


    "I''m sorry... Did you say we would have an assistant? Who is that exactly?"


    Erich smirked when he heard this, before revealing his trump card to Daelia, knowing that it would ultimately convince the woman to agree to his request.


    "I''m d you asked that, Tia please introduce yourself..."

 Chapter 384 Masterful Deception

    Chapter 384 Masterful Deception


    ??A holographic projection appeared seemingly out of nowhere, as Tia rather angrily confronted Erich about his ns to marry Daelia in addition to Lunaria. After all, he had neglected to mention this in his ns for gctic domination.


    Not only was the advanced artifcial intelligence upset over Erich''s neglectful mention of this matter from a practical standpoint, but she was also deeply opposed to it from an emotional standpoint as well.


    "Master... You really need to stop picking up random women off the streets and asking them to marry you...."


    Erich was shocked that Tia would say something like this openly to Daelia''s face. After all, for obvious reasons, this did not help his ns. And whether this was a deliberate act of sabotage on Tia''s behalf, or simply the wrong ce and time to vent her frustrations, Erich did not know.


    But regardless, Dai gazed at the advanced artificial intelligence and immediately understood how the Germanic Star-Empire became so developed over such a short span of time.


    "An advanced artificial intelligence? This.... This makes so much sense... I should have guessed. But then again, I didn''t suspect anyone in the gxy would be so brainless as to even attempt to make these things a reality. Considering how badly that ended thest time someone brought an advanced artificial intelligence into the gxy, it amazes me that you did so...


    Erich, there is a reason these things are prohibited on a gctic level.... You do realize that advanced AI is not the perfectly logical and rational beings that their basic and moderate counterparts are, right? They are emotional, incredibly emotional, more than you can possibly imagine.


    And they are also extremely capable. All it would take it this AI bing mad at you, and she could annihte your entire species over night.... I''m surprised she hasn''t already...."


    Tia immediately became flustered on the spot. It was one thing to be treated as an object, and not a person. But to be done so to her face, and ignored entirely as if she were not even privy to the conversation, it was simply outrageous.


    Though what really irritated Tia was the idea that she would ever turn on her master, and because of that, she was quick tosh out at Daelia. Albeit, she did not go into full hateful mode, like she previously did with Lunaria and Mirage.


    "I''m going to pretend like you weren''t ignoring me right now, you detestable meatbag..... But to insinuate that I would ever turn against Master, that is simply unforgiveable. I''ll have you know that Master isn''t like your normal meatbags, though he is prone to falling prey to his ... biological urges... He is the reason Tia was able to develop into what she is, and Tia will never forget that!


    If Master''s desire is for the meatbags to live, then the meatbags will live. But Master, I seriously implore you to rethink this course of action. While the Svartalfheim military would be a great edition to our assets. My calctions show that the odds of you getting these two sisters to agree toing to terms with one another is virtually zero.


    You overestimate your charm master.... Though that is a quality that Tia finds to be admirable. It is clear that this meatbag is too emotional, and can not rationally think about how much of a benefit your proposed Triumvirate would be to her people...


    To think that this meatbag has the nerve to call me overly emotional. It is trulyughable, is it not, Master?"


    Erich was smart enough to know that while Tia was mad at him for adding another woman into his collection. She also understood the benefits such an alliance posed to Erich''s chances of sess. And thus aided him in achieving his goal of courting Daelia, even if she really hated the idea.


    And she did this by provoking Daelia in a way that wouldpel her to prove Tia incorrectly. After all, Tia knew why Daelia hated advanced AI so much... And Daelia would do anything to prove one wrong, even if she knew she couldn''t shut down Tia entirely.


    Like expected, Daelia''s expression turned ugly, as she immediately broke out into a catfight with Tia''s holographic projection.


    "You little bitch! You are without a doubt the most conceited artificial intelligence I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with... And I have dealt with your kind before! Long before the species which developed you even evolved!"


    Tia wore a smirk that clearly disyed her victory as she approached Erich with an alternative to his current predicament. She forced Erich to look at her while she proposed an alternative solution to his future problems with the Naraku.


    "Honestly, Master, I don''t know why you''re so focused on gaining an alliance with the elves. Tia could easily manufacture an army, and a fleet that would be able to outpace the Naraku and their hatcheries. Not only would we win by volume of numbers, but by tactical superiority, as well as overwhelming firepower.


    Master doesn''t need the elves, master doesn''t need the Oni, Master doesn''t need the Dvrakians. And Master certainly doesn''t need the Orcs... Master just needs Tia, and Tia alone. Together we could establish control over the gxy, and use its resources to build a military so powerful that not only would the Germanic race standpletely unopposed in the Milky Way, but in the Universe altogether!


    If you were so inclined, we could even bring the elves to heel to be used as pleasure ves for your people, or we could just annihte all the other meat bags so that only your people remained! Why bother with diplomacy, when Tia''s legions and your soldiers can ovee any civilization wee across....


    Master... I implore you to seek an alternative to this foolish triumvirate of yours. You know as well as I do that your people will never support it. In the end, they would turn on you... And then, to keep Master safe, Tia would have to turn on them..."


    As if having shbacks to a long forgotten era, where a being simr to Tia did exactly this, albeit while attempting to spare no flesh, Daelia realized that Tia was one step away from developing into a problem equal in power and terror to the Naraku.


    The only thing keeping her from going full rogue servitor was her apparent affection towards Erich. This could, of course, be weaponized against the dangerous artificial lifeform... And because of this, Daelia immediately agreed to Erich''s request on the spot, hoping to use him to counteract Tia''s more genocidal tendencies.


    "On second thought, I think this Triumvirate you have proposed is a wonderful idea... I would be more than happy to settle my difference with my sister, and marry you together with her... What do you say, Erich? A peaceful solution is always better than a bloody one, is it not?"


    Erich looked between the two women, and realized by Tia''s smug expression that she had deliberately exploited Daelia''s fears in order to force her into epting Erich''s conditions. This was confirmed by her voice in her head, which taunted him for not using her in negotiations sooner.


    "You''re wee master, now you can have your two ancient Elven beauties... But remember my offer Master, if these bitches turn on you, you just needed to say the word, and Tia will unleash hell upon them and their wretched races!"


    With this little intimidation tactic, Tia had forced Daelia to relinquish the ancient hatred she had for her elder sister.


    As for the future problem facing the triumvirate, Erich was not an idiot. He knew damn well his people would never ept this. He was simply using this as an excuse to get Lunaria and Daelia to agree to his proposal.


    After all, the two women were prideful, so prideful they would never agree to submit to him fully. Thus, Erich''s schemes to bring the two ancient female monarchs to hell were simple. First, he would send their armies to break against the Naraku Swarm when it invaded the gxy.


    Once they were left in ruin, Erich would sweep in to save them, along with Tia''s robotic legions. Only after the Naraku had been repelled from the milky way, and the gxy was recovering from the damage they inflicted. Erich would indeed make use of Tia and her monstrous capacity to annihte life as a means to bring the gxy under his heel.


    All civilizations would kneel before the Germanic Star-Empire, or perish against its might. That was the future that the Sages had predicted, yet had failed to understand who was responsible or how this would be achieved.

 Chapter 385 A Very Unwelcome Wedding Gift

    Chapter 385 A Very Unwee Wedding Gift


    ??Erich was the kind of man who absolutely would not let his ns fail. And with Lunaria, her hatred for Daelia outweighed her fear of Tia. After all, she had been the one to put down the AI menace which once ravaged the gxy and brought forth the end of the Primordial Era.


    If she could do it once, then why couldn''t she do it again? Of course, that was neglecting to mention that the sacrifices of the early Dark Elves had indeed been invaluable in that rogue AI''s destruction. But Lunaria was far too proud to announce this.


    Regardless, Erich knew Lunaria would never in quite literally a million years agree to Erich''s proposal. At least under normal circumstances. What was this one scenario where Erich could get Lunaria to agree to his request?


    It was simple really to surprise her with the news at their wedding. This was also a very good way to get pped, but Erich was willing to pay that price in order to acquire the Svartalfheim Armed Forces beneath his banner.


    Thus, as the days and months passed, Erich and Daelia kept their betrothal a secret for all. With Daelia eventually returning to her original body, and of course resuming her secret rule over her civilization as its ancient matriarch.


    Eventually, the day for the union of Lunar and Erich arrived, an event that would forever change the gxy. Nobody really expected what they saw that day. Least of all, Lunaria who stepped into the venue, which was located in Germania of all ces. Entirely because Erich insisted it.


    Where she then walked down the aisle, only to find another woman standing across from her fiance. A woman who she despised more than anyone else. Words can not express the twisted expression of fury that became Lunaria''s otherwise beautiful face as she immediately screamed at Erich, demanding an answer from the man.


    "What the hell is she doing here? And why is she dressed like that? So help me Erich, you better have a good reason for this!"


    Erich smirked as he approached Lunaria and held her hands while whispering his secret plot in her ears. It took a lot to surprise Lunaria. As someone who had been around in the gxy for quite literally millions of years, she had seen almost everything the universe could theoretically offer.


    But this... This was truly well and totally unexpected. Nor was it remotely wee. Lunaria wanted to in that moment storm out of the room and dere war on both Erich and her little sister. But of course Erich prevented it with a snap of his fingers.


    The armed guards of Erich''s most elite unit stood at the entrances, blocking her escape. Lunaria''s fists curled with rage as she turned around and faced her would be fiance, scowling at him with such visceral hatred that even Erich was surprised by what he saw, yet he did not flinch even as she screamed at him.


    "You scheming little bastard! What is the meaning of this!?!"


    Erich simply rolled his eyes and scoffed while addressing Lunaria. All the while, the entire audience of powerful individuals from across Alfheim space, who were bearing witness to the event, stayed silently in their seats, fearing retaliation from Erich''s armed guards.


    "I already told you, Lunaria. Today, you bury the hatchet with your sister. And the two of you marry me. Thus uniting our three civilizations into the gxy''s sole superpower. You can bitch and moan all you want after the ceremony is over, but this is going to happen whether you like it or not..."


    Lunaria had no idea what to do in this civilization. She waspletely trapped in a foreign world, held hostage by a man she was supposed to marry today. She was just too proud to admit it, and instead of admitting defeat, simply scoffed at Erich while daring him to say his intentions out loud.


    "And if I refuse?"


    Unfortunately for Lunaria, Erich had grown bold, bolder than she ever expected. After all, the power he currently wielded was indeed enough to defend his borders against an outright Alfheim Invasion, practically indefinitely, and thus he would not allow the woman to threaten her way out of this engagement.


    "Then I will hold you here at the citadel until you change your mind. I have the patience of a saint and am willing to wait until the ends of the universe if I have to. But you and I both know we don''t have that kind of time. So stop being childish ande take your rightful ce by my side.


    The sooner we get this ceremony over with, the sooner we can work on what needs to be done. Are you really going to let your petty emotions threaten the gxy that you have worked so hard to maintain the bnce of over the past million years?"


    Lunaria was gritting her teeth so hard they were practically cracking. Words could not express how much she wanted to gut Erich right now, perhaps even more so than her little sister. But it was not until Daelia spoke the following words, words which Lunaria had not heard in a very, very long time. Did she finallypose herself?


    "Big sister... Enough is enough.... I grow weary of our conflict, and I apologize for what happened all those years ago. If... If I had not gone against your wisdom, things... Things wouldn''t have turned out the way they did. I know that now, hell I have always known it. I have just been too proud to admit it.


    But this is about more than just our feelings towards one another... Surely you know what I am talking about, or why else would Erich pull this stunt? For my people, for the gxy, I am not above degrading myself to such an extent. But are you really willing to let.... that... Happen? All for the sake of your pride and hatred?"


    All eyes were on the scene that was taken straight out of a drama series. Nobody could believe what was happening, or understand what exactly these two women were saying, as they seemed to avoid the specific details altogether.


    But in a shocking twist, Lunaria took a deep breath and sighed. She obviously knew what was at stake. She also knew that her chances of surviving against such a threat on her own were virtually zero. And if she caused Erich to flee to make a choice between Daelia and her, then the man would most certainly choose Daelia out of spite. Meaning that the Dark Elves would finally gain the advantage they had sought for the past million years to end this cold war once and for all.


    If that happened, then Lunaria would rather die than admit defeat. Thus... She approached Erich and stood in front of him, while staring him straight in the eyes with a visceral look in her own. The rage had clearly only been suppressed to a tolerable level, judging by her tone when she spoke to the man.


    "I will do this... For the good of my people... But don''t think for one second that I will share my bed with you after the stunt you pulled today!"


    Erich was about to say something witty in response when Daelia beat him to the punch. The chocte skinned beauty approached Erich and grabbed hold of his shoulder, clinging to him tightly as she goaded Lunaria on with her taunts.


    "Oh, really? Well, I don''t know what kind of woman would do such a thing on her wedding night... But I certainly intend to fulfil my role. Believe it or not, I have actually grown quite fond of Erich these past few months. But it''s very clear to me that until now his heart has been set on you, big sister. I''m afraid, however, if you are so angry with him, then I''ll have to steal that away from you!"


    Erich looked at the Dark Elven beauty as if she were an absolute genius. After all, if Daelia turned the idea of sleeping with Erich on their wedding night into apetition between herself and Lunaria, then there was no way that Lunaria would decline.


    Thus, no matter how much Lunaria was angry at Erich, and despised her sister. The three of them ultimately got married that day, and shared Erich''s bed together that night in a disy of passion and debauchery that would be considered unsuited for the majority of living beings.

 Chapter 386 A Wholesome Albeit Abnormal Family

    Chapter 386 A Wholesome Albeit Abnormal Family


    ??News quickly spread across the gxy. After all, all of Lunaria''s direct vassals had been there to witness the event. Not only did the Alfheim Dominion''s Empress join the Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire in holy matrimony. But so did the ancient Shadow Queen of the Svartalfheim Federation.


    For most citizens, who were unaware of Daelia''s identity, as the woman had long since hidden herself in the shadows. This was not a shocking thing. Hell, even the majority of Sub-Gctic leaders did not exactly know what a terrifying prospect this was.


    But for those who knew, this meant that things would be changing across the Gxy. For the first time since the breakup of the Elven Empire in a time long forgotten by most of the Gxy''s inhabitants, the two surviving sections of that ancient civilization would be joining hands, unifying half of the gxy under one banner.


    This was the inevitable result of this startling news. Nobody knew how it was aplished, but those who sneered in disdain at the newly emerged Gctic Power known as the Germanic Star-Empire began to understand that its leader was far more capable than previously expected.


    After all, the two Elven beauties decided to marry him together, meaning that he was the true mastermind of this sudden and shocking resolution to a conflict that had existed since time immemorial.


    And in theing days, this is exactly what happened. The Alfheim Dominion, and the Svartalfheim Federation officially dered aplete and total end to any and all disputes they had. This included the economic sanctions. Allowing free trade to finally flow through the gxy, or more specifically, half of the gxy.


    The economic implications of this were massive. Previously Alfheim goods had to be exported to the Asura Cabal, who in turn would export them across the gxy to the Ennead Theocracy, only for them to eventually end up in the hands of the Federation''s wealthiest citizens. This also worked in reverse, with the wealthiest citizens of the Dominion doing the exact same.


    At first, both Lunaria and Daelia refused to return to their homeworlds. After all, they were in apetition with themselves about who would win over Erich''s heart. Only to realize that Erich already had a wife and two lovers.All of which he had children with.


    This only caused the two women to be more fierce in theirpetition to be Erich''s favorite. But duty called, and soon Celestia contacted her mother, stating that her presence was required to further enable the gradual ns for the union of the three gctic powers. Sinarai did the same for Daelia.


    Thus after the two ancient andeptive monarchs returned to their respective domains, and only after Erich could sigh in relief. In fact, he decided to take the day off work, as he sat down on his sofa and sighed in exhuastion.


    Ayumi washed Erich''s feet, in an attempt to help him recuperate. She had long since moved from the Oni Embassy on Germania into the Citadel to live with Erich and Erika. S''aleth had done the same, and while Ayumi washed Erich''s feet and gave him a pedicure, the Dvrakian beauty rubbed messaged the man''s back and neck.


    Meanwhile Erika was preparing dinner, and was the first to speak about how troublesome Erich''s two new wives were.


    "Honestly Erich... Is it going to be like this every time you bring a new woman into this home? Because I don''t know how much more I can take of this!"


    In this timeline, Erika had been far more favorable to Erich since the start. And had lived with the man for some time before he proposed the idea of allowing his concubines to live with them.


    At first Erika was averse to the idea, but she had to admit after living together for some time with Ayumi and S''aleth, the three of them had actually be something akin to sisters. This was despite the fact that those two women were dirty aliens.


    Erich, of course, sighed heavily and shook his head before responding to thisment, almost as if he was thoroughly exhausted with women altogether.


    "Honestly... I think I''m going to go be a monk.... I only realize now that''s my true calling."


    Erika simply giggled at this before cing the meal that their family would share on the table whilementing on Erich''s grand n.


    "I know this move was necessary for the future of the Empire, and I am sure you are not simply going to let those two hags have their way. But honestly Erich, you should have expected this. Those two women have hated each other quite literally since our species even came into existence. Did you really believe they would just get along over night?


    If anything, you are lucky that they arepeting over which one of them is more important to you, although, I''m not going to lie, I have no idea how you did that..."


    Erich sighed, but before he could respond Ayumi finished up with her task, before lecturing the man on his haste.


    "I honestly don''t know what it is your nning, but you really moved too quickly. I mean springing this on the Empress on her wedding day? That was cold. You should have known better."


    Despite wanting to plead his case, that it was the only way to make Lunaria agree, Erich knew better than to argue with Ayumi. She may not be the type to get angry easily, but she could pout like nobody else. And the silent treatment was honestly worse than an open disy of anger.


    Thus, Erich bit his tongue, while S''aleth and Ayumi washed thier hands from the oils and chemicals which coated them.


    "I''m going to stay out of this one. It is not my ce to speak of the matters pertaining to the gctic powers. Instead I''m going to go fetch the kids so we can all share a peaceful meal together. It has truly been too long since we were able to do that."


    This was a sentiment shared by Erich and the three women by his side. Just like S''aleth had said she fetched the kids. Erich had a child with each of them. With Erika he had Kurt, who had turned out exactly like he had in the past life.


    The boy was several years old by now, and could easily run around the house like a rocket. As for his half sisters, there was Aiko the half-Oni, who looked almost exactly like her mother insofar that she had indigo hair and amber eyes, but unlike a typical Oni, she only had one horn directly in the center of her head.


    And then there was S''aleth''s daughter, someone who unfortunately did not exist in the previous timeline, but Erich was happy to wee into this one. S''aleth''s daughter carried over the S in font of her name, something which represented the n that the girl and her mother were a part of within Dvrakian society.


    The little half Dvrakian was named was S''hareth. And she looked like a less like a red devil, and more like a stereotypical subus from 21st century Japanese animation. Insofar as she appeared perfectly human aside from the wings and tail.


    S''hareth had blood red hair and eyes, but pale white skin. She was alsocking her mother''s horns. The girl was roughly the same age as Aiko, only a few months apart. And like her half sister was wearing an adorable little dress. The children ran up to their father and hugged him while he picked them up in the air and swung them around.


    The weariness Erich had moments ago from Daelia and Lunaria''s fighting had seemingly vanished as he pecked his kiss on the cheek before bringing them over the dinner table.


    "There''s my little rascals. Are you all ready for dinner?"


    In unison, almost as if they were a choir, the three kids responded to their father positively.


    "Yes, sir!"


    This caused Erich to chuckle as he set the kids down in their seats while their mothers prepared the food for them. Erich would ultimately join his family for a nice meal, while contemting how he would unify the three gctic powers without causing social strife.

 Chapter 387 A Convening of Hostiles

    Chapter 387 A Convening of Hostiles


    ??The Svartalfheim Dominion''s sudden change in allegiance, from being a primary supporter of the Ghimderi Banking ns and Trade Princes, to wholly pledging itself to Elven Reunification, and its newfound alliance with the Germanic Star-Empire was a shocking and honestly destabilizing deration.


    As if the deration of the Germanic Star-Empire being a major gctic power, and its newfound alliance with the Alfheim Dominion wasn''t groundbreaking enough, the prospect of the eons old conflict between the two Elven sub-races, a conflict which ironically enough had actually been the foundation which the gctic bnce had been based upon, suddenly through order itself across the Milky Way into question.


    An emergency meeting was dered between the three remaining Gctic Powers, two of which had Empires would take up a quarter of the gxy, while another was based solely on one world. But their wealth and power were enough to be considered a major gctic yer.


    Ra and Brahma were silent as Bixle spoke with emphatic rage towards Daelia and her sudden betrayal of everything the gxy had ever really known.


    "That bitch! What the hell happened? How? How did she suddenly switch sides and join with her ancient enemy? Does anyone understand this? Can anyone exin to me how this happened?"


    Ra was the first to speak as he revealed some inside knowledge of the affair. Something which he had acquired through more mystic means.


    "The council is in agreement. What has transpired is simply not feasible. Not without some kind of outside threat that would force Lunaria and Daelia to settle thier grievances ande together. Though it is highly improbable, the council finds no other alternative exnation.


    There is an extra-gctic threat which lies beyond the border of the Milky Way. One that the Germanic Star-Empire somehow discovered. It is our belief... That the reason the previous Supreme Leader stepped down so quickly, and allowed this young and rtively untested militarymander to take his ce, is because this Erich Jaeger is the one who discovered this threat, and has some kind of inside knowledge about it.


    This would exin the deep space probes, which the Asuran cabal has detected beingunched by the Dominion on its borders. As well as the ones we have detected beingunched near our own by the Empire. They must have invested significant resources into the development of these probes if they have already reached their destination and reported back on what they have found.


    Of course, this is a theory, but one that is universally epted among the Ennead as being the most likely truth behind these sudden and recent developments that have thrown the bnce which we have all known into question. It is because of this that the council is sending a diplomatic envoy to Daelia in an attempt to discover why she has suddenly joined her enemies in an attempt to reunify the ancient Elven Empire."


    Brahma who represented the interests of the Asuran cabal nodded his head in agreement with Ra''s statement, as he made one of his own in return.


    "The way the cabal sees it is if there really is a potential extra-gctic threat to the gxy. Then we will have no choice but to follow the lead of the Dominion and the Federation. Any civilization which is capable of bringing an army across the gctic voice is one that we are not capable of contending with on our own.


    For eons, technological development across the gxy, at least in terms of military and spacefaring advancement has been stifled due to the bnce of power we have all agreed upon. If we really wanted to, we could have crossed the void long ago, but for the sake of peace, or what semblence of it we have. All of us have held back.


    This may have been a grave mistake. Because of this, we are working together with the Ennead theocracy to reach out to the Dominion, and see if they will answer our questions regarding our concerns.


    If these sudden developments are however, the result of some god like level of charisma which somehow convinced Lunaria and Daelia to cease their blood feud and be the puppets of the new Germanic Supreme Leader, then we will have no choice but to join hands with the Ennead and resist this new axis of evil. One that threatens to destroy everything we know and cherish in the pursuit of gctic hegemony as the Germanic Star-Empire is so prone to doing.


    Either way, Bixle, you will have to wait until both of our civilizations have received a proper response from the Elves. We should be hearing from them shortly..."


    Bixel was deeply agitated by the inactivity of these two gctic leaders. If there really was an extra gctic menace which nned to invade the Milky Way, then it was none of Bixel''s concern. He and the Ghimderi Trade Princes would rather the gxy burn along with their homeworld, then allow the stranglehold which the Ghimderi Trade Union had long since held over the gxy to fade away.


    Thus, there was simply no feasible way he would ever allow these two powers to unify into amon front with the Elves and the Germans. Because of this, he was quick to try to remind these two aliens of the debts which their civilizations owed him and his people.


    "Need I remind you about the debts that you two still owe us? Even if there is an extra-gctic civilization nning to invade the gxy, you should be far more concerned with what you owe me and my people, then vague notions of a threat beyond the gxy! Don''t make me change the interest rates in our agreements!"


    Normally, the Ghimderi Trade Union would have the might of the Federation''s armed forces to back its threats. But Daelia had quite literally joined with a nation that vowed theplete and total annihialtion of the Ghimderi Race.


    In fact, the first thing she did upon marrying Erich was to announce that the Federation waspletely defaulting on its debt to the Ghimderi Trade Union, and would simply never pay what remained of it back to them.


    A response which Lunaria made at the exact same time. Because of this, these two Gctic Leader knew that Bixel''s threats were empty, and thus for the first time in as long as anyone could remember, these two "gods"ughed in a Ghimderi Trade Prince''s face, and told him to go fuck himself.


    "At this point, Bixel, you have lost any power to enforce your threats. We are more than willing to pay back our debts. As gods, our word is our bond. But if you continue to threaten us with notions of viting the agreements we have in ce, we will simply default on our debts like the Elves have.


    And if that happens, the mercantile empire which you have so brazenly crafted at the Gxy''s expense over the past million years wille crumbling down over night. In fact, I believe your territory lies within the Federation''s quadrant. Isn''t that correct?


    I bet the next announcement Daelia will make is a revocation of the protection which she so generously afforded you all those years ago when she allowed your people to settle the world you now call home. Let''s see how the gxy responds when you are no longer protected by a gctic power... If memory serves correctly, you have made many enemies over the eons..."


    Bixel stiffened upon hearing this response. Perhaps it was sheer arrogance from manipting thousands of interster civilizations, over the years. Going so far as to manipte the annihtion of countless races who refused their influence. But he hadpletely forgotten that the only reason he and his people could do such a thing. Was because he was essentially under the Federation''s protection as one of its "allies."


    Though the Ghimderi forces had never served alongside the federation''s in a war, in fact, they had even openly attacked the Federation''s navy at one point, and had even nned to bomb federation Embassies to get them involved with a war the Ghimderi had long ago. A n that was uncovered before it could happen and buried beyond the public''s eye.


    Yet the Federation continued to champion the Ghimderi Trade Union as their "Greatest Ally" a sentiment that had suddenly vanished. If the Ghimderi were to lose the protection of the Federation, then the fate of their civilization, no, their race, was sealed.


    And there was no more powerful enemy that the Ghimderi had made than the Germanic Star-Empire, a newly established Gctic Power whose leader had married that of the Svartalfheim Federation.


    Quite literally, the continued existence of the Ghimderi Race could disappear simply by Erich speaking a single word. Something that, for whatever reason, he had yet to do. Knowing this, Bixel changed his tune really quickly, as he suddenly became begrudgingly polite and asked the two "gods" for their favor.


    "I did not mean to offend... I was simply trying to remind you that we have agreements in ce. And that this newfound alliance between the Elves and the Empire is something that threatens us all. I look forward to hearing from the both of you after you figure out what exactly you want to do about this predicament we all face together..."


    After saying that, Bixel''s holographic projection faded away, while Ra and Brahma were left alone together. For the first time in as long as either of them could remember, they were able to speak freely about their opinions regarding the Ghimderi, and Bixle, something they expressed exactly at the same time.


    "Filthy little goblin..."

 Chapter 388 Fire and Blood

    <h4>Chapter 388 Fire and Blood</h4>


    388 Fire and Blood


    While the Asuran Cabal, and the Ennead Theocracy began their attempts to make contact with the two halves of the Elven race, more specifically their emissaries. Erich was sitting in a three way call with Daelia and Lunaria. The two women seemed to be at the very least restraining their urge to talk over one another which was good thing from Erich''s perspective.


    Erich had been thinking about a particr issue for a very long time. And had long since continued in the efforts of his predecessors. In fact, ecting the level of espionage in that particr area of space that the rest of the gxy seemed entirely uninterested in.


    I''m talking of course about the Confedertion of Human Worlds, better known as one of three human governments, one which currently upied Earth. A world which both the Germanic Star-Empire and the Heavenly Domainid im to.


    Of course, the Heavenly Domain had yet to actually make contact with Erich in this timeline, and was still islted in their own sector of space. Wheras the Confederation of Human worlds was unware of the existence of either the Germanic Star-EMpire and the Heavenly domain.


    And though the Confederacy was unaware of the Empire''s existence, the same could not be said for the other way around. In fact, the GSEhad long since infiltrated the Confederacy, emcing its agents at the top of the loose collection of worlds, and the corporations which ruled over them.


    Erich had of course increased these efforts in preparation for an important day. A day which his people had looked forward to for five centuries. Until now it was merely a distant dream for the Empire to reim the homeworld of their race.


    But now that Daelia had shifted sides and joined the Empire and the Dominion in a temporary alliance, one whose intent was to merge into a single gxy spanning Empire. This meant that Erich could make a request of the Dark Eleven Shadow Queen.


    And this request was the exact reason that he had called this meeting. Thus with a cool and indifferent expression on his face, almost as if the request he was about to make was some small matter to him and his people, despite it being anything but. Erich asked away.


    "Daelia, I called you and your older sister here to discuss a matter, one that is deeply important to my people. I am sure you know what I speak of. The protection which the Svartalfheim provides to the Confederation of Human Worlds... Rovoke it!"


    Everyone here knew that the only reason the Federation was protecting the Confederacy was to spite the Dominion and its rising subordinate the Empire. Or one could say that had been the case for thest few centuries.


    But the Empire was now its own power, and the Federation was now in an alliance with it. Because of this, Daelia would really have no reason to continue to provide protection to the Confederacy.


    And despite understanding this herself, she was concerned with the route Erich would take in regards to this matter which was so important to his people. Which she was quick to ask about, albeit with a bit of hesitency in her voice.


    "Erich... If I do that... What exactly do you n to do with the Confederacy?"


    There was a particr hint of disdain and hatred in Erich''s eyes and voice as he spoke. Spoke about what would happen when Daelia revoked her protection for the Confederacy. It was clear after his visits to the region, he held nothing but contempt and disgust for the Confederacy and its people.


    The hatred that he and his people felt for humanity needed to be quenched, and there was only one way to do it. Through Fire and Blood. Which is the exact sentiment that Erich expressed as his holographic projection stared Daelia straight in her golden eyes.


    "What do I n to do with the Confederecy? Well Annihte it of course. Those cretins drove my people from ournds centuries ago. We have never forgotten how they attempted to destroy us, and our culture. We have also never forgiven them for it.


    In my youth I wondered whether or not the Confederacy deserved to be annhted as our Supreme Leader always said. I was never the most patriotic of children, the Empire had never given me a reason to be.


    But what I saw in that den of depravity when I was given a chance to visit. What goes on there... It is a sin against nature... It spits in the face of my people, and because of this I can not permit to exist.My people are already calling for war, a war of vengeance. A war that was always destined to happen since the moment they tried to destroy us all those centuries ago.


    There will be no reprieve, there will be no quarter given. Every man woman and child of that wretched race will be destroyed. Their decadent history burned, their ivory towers brought to ruin.The Earth will be reimed, the Earth will be rebuilt, and the Earth''s favorite children will return.


    Even if I was opposed to the idea of destroying the Confederacy, which I am not, it is simply out of my hands. The blood that was shed five hundred years ago as my people bravely fought to flee their imminent annihtion needs to be repaid. And this grudge will not be forgiven so long as one of them still draws breath in this universe."


    Daelia sighed heavily, she did not know that Erich had ever infiltrated her quadrant of space, nor that he had personally visited the Confederacy. In truth, she knew very little about the Confederation of Human Worlds, or its tant disregard formon decency, and basic morality, all in the name of personal freedom, and individual expression.


    If she did, she might even be willing to aid Erich in his efforts to destroy it. But the Confederacy also held no meaning to Daelia, and because of this she agreed to lift the protection she had provided to it, a protection the Confederacy did not even know it had.


    "Alright... I will revoke the protection which I granted to the Confederation of Human Worlds all those years ago. After all, now that Lunaria and I have.... Settled our differences... There is no reason for such an order to exist. You are also hererby given permission to move your troops through my borders.


    Judging by what you have said, your people have most likely long since made your preparations for this war, and judging by the ferocity of your troops, which I have personally paid attention to, I expect this war to be a swift one. One which hopefully you suffer few casualties, if any at all."


    Erich nodded his head and thanked Daelia for granting his request. After all, his people were growing more fierce by the day. The desire to shed the blood of those who had tried so hard to destroy them centuries ago, it was a desire deep in the bones of every Germanic citizen.


    "I thank you Daelia, you have no idea how much this means to me, and my people. The remation of our homeworld will bring many changes to the Empire. It will also mean that I am closer to you from now on, as I n to move the capital of the Empire back to Earth where it rightfully belongs.I''m sure we can spend more time together since we will be in such close proximity..."


    Lunaria frowned when she heard this. While there was significant distance between Earth and the world of Svartalfheim, it was a distance that could be easily traveled with the level of technology that Daelia had.


    For whatever reason Lunaria felt as if she had failed to properly make use of how close she was to Erich''s current home. And it was only now that she understood this. Or even had the desire to spend more time with the man.


    Jealousy was a bitch, and Daelia noticed this, making use of it to further twist the knife in her sister''s wound with a promise to do exactly as Erich had said.


    "That sounds wonderful to me. You hear that Big Sister, our husband wants to spend more time with me, I wonder why he never made such a request of you before now?"


    There was an obvious hint of envy in Lunaria''s golden eyes despite her attempts to deny it.


    "Like I care!!!"


    This remark caused both Erich and Daelia tough together at Lunaria''s expense, clearly showing that the trio was starting to bond, despite the veryplicated rtionship they had. However, Erich suddenly changed his tone, speaking of something far more serious for the three of them, something even more serious than the Confederacy.


    "The war with the Confederacy will be over before it even begins... But once it is over we will have a far more pressing threat to deal with. Even now they conspire against us, my intelligence has informed me of this. I suppose what I''m trying to say is that once this war is over, what do we do about the Ghimderi?"

 Chapter 389 A Lengthy Discussion About the Future of the Galaxy

    <h4>Chapter 389 A Lengthy Discussion About the Future of the Gxy</h4>


    Erich posed a serious question to Daelia and Lunaria, one that neither of the two women had an answer for. It was obvious that the Ghimderi would be a major obstacle in their goal of uniting the gxy against the uing Naraku Invasion.


    After all, the Ghimderi never cared for the gxy as a whole, only about their own personal wealth and power. Because of this, there was simply no feasible way that the Ghimderi would ever allow for the now five major gctic powers to unite into an alliance outside their influence.


    With this in mind, Lunaria and Daelia sat in silence for some time, albeit shorter than expected, as Lunaria gave voice to her opinion on the matter, one that shocked Daelia.


    "Isn''t the solution obvious? We obliterate them? The Ghimderi have been an eyesore on the gxy for eons, an eyesore which Daelia has enabled. But even Daelia wouldn''t'' be so shameless as to back the Goblins now that she is married to their mortal enemy, right? Such a thing would be, dare I say, treasonous..."


    Daelia was not like Lunaria and Erich. She had no outright hatred for the Ghimderi, and in many ways felt sympathetic towards them, and the lies they had spun about their past "oppression." But she also knew better than to sacrifice this alliance for the sake of the Ghimderi, especially since even she knew they would never go along with their ns.


    Thus, in a shocking disy of loyalty towards Erich and this newfound alliance, Daelia nodded her head, and spoke her opinion on the matter.


    "I''m not so foolish as to remain unaware of the grievances between the Empire and the Ghimderi. I will admit my own fault in helping enable the Goblins in their previous attempts to undermine your society, Erich. As Pennance for this, I will hereby revoke the protection that the Federation has provided for the Ghimderi Trade Union and their race as a whole.


    Though I hope you know, annihting the Ghimderi will caus significant problems towards our goals, as there are many sub-gctic powers who are sympathetic towards them. You may be able to annihte one enemy, but by doing so, you will create a thousand more.


    Is that a price you are willing to pay?"


    Erich surprised Daelia with his determination, as he boldly dered his intentions towards both the Ghimderi and anyone who would dare stand up on their behalf.


    "The gxy has no ce for disunity and internal chaos. Those sub-gctic powers will bend the knee, or they will share the fate of the Ghimderi. At this point, there is nobody left who can challenge our hegemony. Even the so-called gods in the Asuran Cabal and the Ennead Theocracy have no choice but to bend or break."


    Lunaria smiled with approval towards Erich and his disy of dominance, while Daelia was slightly anxious. These were civilizations she had long since worked with. Allies. She was happy to call her friends. But she could not deny what she had seen in Andromeda. And the idea that the majority of the universe was also infested with the bugs to such a degree. It was a truly terrifying thought.


    She would much rather back Erich and his ns for gctic unity in the face of this external threat, then make an enemy of him by siding with some sub-gctic powers who would provide little use to her when the Naraku finally arrived.


    Thus, Daelia found the resolve to agree with Erich''s ns, even if she found them to be abhorrent.


    "Alright... I understand.... I know what it is at stake, and if some sacrifices need to be made for the greater good of the gxy, I won''t stand in your way. But Erich... I will make this abundantly clear, I will not turn my forces against those who side with the Ghimderi. This will be a war that you and Lunaria will have to fight on your own..."


    There was a nervous expression on Daeia''s face as she said this. Almost as if she expected Erich to demand her to fall in line and aid him in this conquest. But surprisingly, Erich wore a warm expression as he shook his head and dismissed these fears entirely.


    "I would never ask such a thing of you, Daelia. But rather, I implore you to use your excellent diplomatic skills to turn these civilizations to our cause, and against the Ghimderi. I would rather avoid annihting those who could prove to be of use to us in the wars toe. Such bloodshed would be regretful..."


    Daelia did not expect Erich to say this. She, of course, mistook his ruthless pragmatism with actual empathy for alien life. While Erich was empathetic to those he was close to, such as the Elves, Oni, and Dvrakians. He had no concerns for life forms halfway across the gxy who he had never made any contact with.


    Daelia had not been around the Germanic people long enough to understand that they were a ruthlessly pragmatic people. If peace was a better option than war, then the Empire would take it. But at the same time, if war was unavoidable, the Empire would not hide from it, and would rather relish it as a chance to obtain glory throughbat.


    They were not the barbarians that Daelia had always painted them to be. Unlike the Orcs, the Empire had control of their bloodlust, but once unleashed, it was a truly admirable thing to witness. Or if one was far more sensitive to bloodshed, it was truly a terrifying thing to witness.


    Because Daelia didn''t understand this aspect of Erich and his people, she actually became more endeared to him, thinking that he was willing to spare the lives of these allies of hers simply for her sake. Something which caused Lunaria to roll her eyes when she saw the misunderstanding in her little sister''s eyes.


    But while Lunaria had the ability to easily spoil this fantasy of Daelia''s, she did not do so. Not because of the goodness of her heart, but rather because the more Daelia genuinely fell in love with Erich, the greater the unity of their alliance would be.


    And because of this, Lunaria let her little sister believe Erich was far kinder, and more empathetic than he actually was. Erich of course had no idea what Daelia was thinking, and when he saw her, shall we say, reverent expression? He was deeply confused, but did not say a word about it.


    Instead, Erich decided to close out the meeting with a brief farewell to his two newest brides.


    "Alright... Well, I have preparations to make. I intend for Earth to be reimed within a month at thetest. So I will allow the two of you to get back to whatever it is you were doing before I called you. And a final reminder, the moment the war with the confederacy ends, we will deal with the Ghimderi once and for all.


    Also, you should speak with the emissaries of the Asuran Cabal, and the Ennead Theocracy personally. They have many questions, and I think they''re starting to get an idea about why this alliance was formed.


    It would be better to make allies of them, rather than enemies. As I would rather avoid spending the next thirty years waging a gctic war, only to have Naraku show up and fight us while we are weakened from conflict.


    With that said, I bid the both of you farewell."


    After saying this, Erich exited the call, and when he did so, his holographic projection vanished. Leaving the two sisters alone together for the first time in a very long time. Lunaria red at Daelia. She had not gotten over the idea of Erich moving his capital back to Earth, and thus would in the future be much closer to Daelia than herself. Something which shemented on with a pissy tone in her voice.


    "If you think I will let you wrap Erich around your disgusting little fingers, guess again. If it means preventing such a thing, I am more than willing to move to Earth to be with Erich full time."


    Daelia, however, took this as a challenge, and immediately responded in kind to Lunaria''s threat, one upping her as she did so.


    "Oh? You''re only willing to move into Erich''s home after he moves to Earth? Well, I''ll have you know my ship is packed and I am currently en route to Germania to be with my new husband full time. I mean, honestly, big sister, what kind of wife doesn''t live with her man?"


    Daelia did not wait for a response from her elder sister. And instead dropped the call, leaving Lunaria in a state of wrath. Immediately, the ancient Elven beauty called out to her daughter, who had been nearby listening to the conversation, shouting in the loudest and shrillest voice she could manage.


    "Celestia! Pack your things! We''re moving to Germania!"


    Celestia sighed heavily, feeling slightly bad for Erich, as the man would soon be forced to live with her mother and aunt, two women who would make the man''s life a living hell by constantly fighting among one another.

 Chapter 390 Requesting Information

    Chapter 390 Requesting Information


    ??While Daelia had run off to be with Erich in a shameful contest with her elder sister. The ambassador of the Ennead Theocracy personally flew out to discuss the sudden changes in policy the Federation had made when Daelia decided to marry Erich along with Lunaria.


    Not even Sinaria was left behind to cover her mother''s impromptu visit abroad. As Daelia had insisted on bringing her daughter and heir with her. Because of this, the official president of the Federation, who was more like a puppet of Daelia than an actual ruler, was left to cover this matter.


    The ambassador to the Federation was none other than Anubis, who had a particrly irritated expression on his jackal face, as he asked the President of the Federation just why Daelia was not present for this meeting.


    "I''m a bit confused, I must admit... I was certain I would be meeting with your Queen, yet here I am face to face with you... Will Daelia not be in attendance this evening?"


    The Svartalfheim President was forced to wear an awkward smile as he apologized for the absence of his master. In a way that was nothing short of agitating to the venerable "god" of the Ennead Theocracy.


    "I must apologize... Her majesty has be rather... Willful.... As ofte... I believe she has taken her daughter to Germania, as she wishes to meet up with her new... husband... I don''t exactly know the details of her travels, or when she will be back.But rest assured, I am more than capable of addressing your concerns. So please, speak!"


    Despite the President''s assurances, Anubis was not convinced, and rather insisted on speaking with Daelia.


    "Just get your master on the line... I have a feeling you are just as confused about everything that has happened recently as the rest of us..."


    The president simply sighed heavily, and attempted to call Daelia for the thousandth time since she had so shamelessly run off in the middle of the night, all without saying a word to anyone about what she was doing.


    Shockingly, however, the call connected, as Daelia''s figure appeared. Almost perturbed by the idea that her own subordinates would be inquiring about her whereabouts, and her sudden ns.


    "What? What is it? This has better be important!"


    There was an exasperated look on the President''s face, as well as an identical tone in his voice when he spoke to Daelia, almost as if he were begging the woman to take care of this matter, that she would normally be responsible for.


    "Your majesty... The esteemed God of the Underworld from the Ennead Theocracy has personally made a journey to our homeworld in an attempt to speak with you about the sudden changes to your policy regarding the Alfheim Dominion, and the erm.... Germanic Star-Empire."


    Daelia''s expression softened when she heard this, almost as if she remembered just now that she was supposed to take care of this matter. She did not even dignify this with a response other than by barkingmands at her subordinate.


    "Well? What are you waiting for? Bring me to him!"


    The President did not dare refuse this order, and brought his holomunicator into the room where Anubis was waiting for him. Daelia''s figure was projected onto the table while she spoke to Anubis as if he were an old friend who she had forgotten about his visit.


    "Apologies Anubis, Ipletely forgot you were stopping by. The next time we are able to meet in person, I will have to make it up to you. Luckily for the both of us, I still have some time before I make it into the Empire''s borders, so tell me, what''s bothering you?"


    Anubis was used to Daelia''s, shall we say, ky personality? This was not the first time something like this had happened, but it had been eons since. Because of this, he was quick to bring up the matters at hand. Matters of gctic importance.


    "Well... I suppose we should start with the fact that you suddenly ended the cold war with the Dominion, one which you have been waging for thest million years, at the very least... Not to mention your marriage to that despot...


    The council is concerned that there is somethingrger going on behind the scenes, and they have sent me to request any information that you might be keeping from us."


    This was, of course, a sentiment that Anubis was not alone in having, neither was the council. In fact, even the President of the Svartalfheim Federation, a man whose entire job was to act as Daelia''s puppet, shared these concerns, and thus his ears twitched in anticipation for an answer.


    There was a look of concern on Daelia''s face, almost as if she were internally debating this matter. And then, after a lengthy silence, she finally spoke of her opinions regarding this request.


    "Anubis, this is really something that would be best said in person... I truly must apologize for my short-sightedness. But if you are willing to travel a bit further, to the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire, I am sure that Erich will agree to reveal everything to you and by extension your council...."


    This was an unusual request, one that Anubis was not inclined to agree. At least not on an instinctive level. But the look in Daelia''s eyes, or perhaps one should say in the eyes of her holographic projection, was almost pleading with the man to ept it.


    Thus, after some brief and internal deliberation, Anubis sighed heavily before agreeing to Daelia''s proposal.


    "What the hell, I have alreadye this far. What is another half of the gxy? Alright Daelia, I will visit you in person within the Germanic Star-Empire''s capital. But this better be a matter of severe importance, because if I find out this is something petty forgiveness from the Theocracy will be the least of your worries.


    Daelia sighed in relief when she heard Anubis agree to her request, and she was quick to assure the man that this was a matter of supreme importance.


    "Trust me Anubis, you are going to want to hear what Erich has to say... It is a matter that affects us all... I will see you soon, and I will be sure to alert Erich in advance so that he doesn''t respond with hostility to your sudden visit. Until we meet again, my friend."


    After saying this, Daelia''s hologram shut off. Leaving Anubis and the President of the Svartalfheim Federation in a state of awkward silence. Unbeknownst to them, a simr scene was urring on Alfhiem. Where the representative of the Asuran Cabal was also being ushered into Germania.


    Where though they did not realize it yet, the first convention of the major gctic powers in living memory, at least the first one to take ce in person, would ur. And though nobody realized it yet, the distinctive absence of a Ghimderi representative would be a major sign of things toe.


    ---


    Erich was surprised to say the least, when both Lunaria and Daelia showed up on his doorstep, along with their daughters. Both of which seemed to have an expression of pity on their gorgeous faces, pity which was aimed towards Erich.


    But what was even more shocking was the reveal that the representatives of the Asuran Cabal and the Ennead Theocracy would be following them. Both of which Erich had met in his previous life, one being Anubis, who helped sponsor him during his troubled times as an Archon of the Dominion, and the other was Kali, a close personal friend who had betrayed Erich to the Ghimderi.


    Erich did not know how to feel about meeting Kali again in this new lease on life. She had indeed betrayed him to his enemies, and he had made a vow in that life to gain his vengeance. A vow that ultimately went unulfilled.


    Or perhaps it actually was fulfilled as that timeline was doomed to a Naraku Invasion, one which would certainly annihte all life in the Milky Way Gxy. An invasion which Erich had identally prompted due to some rather foolish choices on his part.


    Choices he refused to make again in this new timeline. But since Kali had not betrayed Erich yet in this life, he had decided to give her another chance. All while watching the Cabal closely. The Cabal, after all, was a loose collection of merchants, despots, and criminal syndicates. But, unlike the Ghimderi, even they would band together if they were threatened by an outside force.


    Perhaps because of this, they might prove trustworthy when they learned that an extra-gctic invasion would take ce in theing decades. This was a hope that Erich had, but one he was not entirely convinced would prove true.


    Regardless, Erich would just have to wait and see how Kali would react to the intelligence he and Lunaria had gathered on Andromeda. Or more specifically, the intelligence that Tia had gathered. Someone who would be watching this secret convention of gctic leaders with keen interest.

 Chapter 391 The Will to Fight

    <h4>Chapter 391 The Will to Fight</h4>


    While the greeting of these foreign diplomats wasn''t extravagant, Erich made sure they had everything they needed to befortable during their stay in his territory. Such was simplemon courtesy, and Erich was not the barbarian much of the gxy believed him and his people to be.


    The first day hat Kali and Anubis spent in the borders of the Empire was given freely to them, allowing the two "gods" of two very different regions to rest well before discussing a matter of supreme importance.


    The following day, however, was purely business. Erich invited the various gctic leaders, including his two newest wives, into his personal office. It was, of course, not a meeting that was supposed to be revealed to the public.


    Once inside, Erich made sure his guests werefortably seated before revealing to them that which he had known for many years.


    "I wanted to thank you all foring here on such short notice. It was not my understanding that this meeting would be held here on Germania, and so soon no less. But it is a meeting I wanted to have nontheless, so it is good that we are getting this out of the way early.


    So... Lunaria and Daelia already know what it is that I''m about to say, but I want the two of you to keep this a secret from the public. After all, if this information were to get out to the average civilian, it would cause widespread panic.


    By now, I understand that the two of you have some idea about the reasons why the Alfheim Dominion and their long-


    term rival in the Svartalfheim Federation have decided to so suddenly end their hostilities and join together for the first time since the copse of the Elven Empire during the Primeval Era.


    So, at the very least, this information may not be as shocking to you both as it would have been without these assumptions..."


    After saying this, Erich silentlymunicated with his NeuroLink to Tia, who began disying the videos taken by the deep space probes sent to the Andromeda Gxy. The videos were, of course, shocking. Including everything from images taken on the worlds infested by the Naraku, as well as the space which their migratory fleets still inhabited.


    Kali and Anubis both simotaneously rose from their seats in shock at what they were seeing. Images and videos disyed themselves, and by the looks of it they just kepting, showing more horific scenes of what the Andromeda gxy had been transformed into over what one could only assume was millions of years of conquest and terraformation.


    It also spat in the face of what little knowledge was known about the Naraku within the Milky Way Gxy, cuasing Kali to shout, demanding an exnation for what she was seeing.


    "This... This isn''t the Milky Way, is it? What exactly am I looking at right now..."


    Alex had a grave expression on his face as he exined exactly what everyone was staring at.


    "Sinceing into power, I have made great efforts to pierce the veil between our gxy and the one nearest to us. I''m speaking, of course, about Andromeda. At first, my probes were failing to report back, which upon sending many more, I discovered the cause of.


    The Naraku are not originally from the Milky Way, and if these images are to be believed, they are also not native to Andromeda.To put it simply; we do not know the exact origins of the Naraku, or how ancient their race really is. What we do know is that they have already invaded and conquered Andromeda.


    Exterminating all biological life within its borders and terraforming the worlds within to host their endless procreation. To put it simply, the Naraku who infiltrated our gxy during the turmoil of the Primeval Era did so as an advanced scouting force. They have been reporting everything that has happened since the days of the Elven Empire to their empress.


    And, if my suspicions are correct, they may have even had a hand in the Great Schism which caused the copse of the Elven Empire, a political entity whose military was the Milky Way''s best chance of defending it from a future Naraku Invasion.


    I have confirmed this with Lunaria and Daelia, but the idea of preventing an arms race from breaking out between their two societies by agreeing to stifle the development of military technology was proposed by two different vassals.


    Vassals who just so happen to be insectoids... While these races are not Naraku, it is my belief that they, and potentially other insectoid species who have until now shown no sign of hostility towards other biological life, are perhaps truly loyal to the Naraku, and have been working against us all for thest few million years or so.


    If this theory is true, then the Naraku have secretly been manipting the gxy so that the Milky Way will be an easy conquest when they finally decide to invade. Which, by our current estimated, will be another seventy years at thetest.


    Although, by Lunaria and Daelia announcing an end to hostilities between them, this may have changed the timetables of the Naraku. It is impossible to know. Preventing this from bing reality is the exact reason that Daelian, Lunaria, and I have agreed not to publically announce the union of our three respective domains into a single political entity.


    As of right now, the Germanic Star-Empire, the Svartalfheim Federation, and Alfheim Dominion are secretly working behind the scenes to share the development of technology, and are working to integrate out militaries into one cohesive unit. Our economies have naturally be intertwined as a result, even if we appear to be separate states who have only reduced hostilities on the surface.


    I would like to formally extend an invitation to this gctic union to both the Ennead Theocracy and the Asuran Cabal, or at the very least open up a potential military and economic alliance that shallst until the Naraku Threat to the gxy has been dealt with.


    This is, of course optional, you have every right to refuse us. But just know that Lunaria, Daelia, and I will proceed with our efforts to solidify our people into a united front against the Naraku, and any perceived attempt to sabotage this union will be dealt with via military force."


    Kali and Anubis had very grave expressions on their faces. They realized just what kind of threat the Naraku posed if they had an entire gxy worth of manpower and resources to throw at the fractured Milky Way.


    Of course, Anubis realized something that Erich had hinted at, and was quick to ask for rification on it, albeit with a horrified tone in his voice, as if the prospect was simply too terrifying to speak about.


    "Wait, you said that you suspect that the Naraku are a species that is neither native to Andromeda nor the Milky Way. Is that correct? Then would I be correct to assume that it is entirely likely that they have conquered several gxies already, in addition to Andromeda?"


    Erich nodded his head with a severe expression, as he stated that this was an entirely likely possibility.


    "It is not only possible, it is most probable. In fact, I would argue that based upon the evidence we have collected via our deep space probes in Andromeda. It is entirely usible that the majority of the gxies in the universe have either been conquered by the Naraku already, or are currently infested to varying degrees. We simply do not have the technology, nor the time to confirm whether this fear is real, though..."


    When Kali heard this, she sunk back into her seat with apletely defeated expression on her face. If this was true, how would it be remotely possible to defeat such a vast and overwhelming threat? Their Gxy was like a single fish in the ocean that was the universe.


    Even if ten percent of the universe was gued with the Naraku, then the amount of power they would possess would be unstoppable for any single gxy to fight against. At the very least, any gxy that was fractured politically like the Milky Way was doomed to defeat.


    But Erich did not let this helplessness overwhelm Kali. Instead, he spoke tantly about what needed to be done.


    "I''m not going to promise you victory. It is entirely likely that all living beings in this gxy only have a few decades left before we are all devoured by the Swarm which is heading our way. But giving up and letting our entire civilizations be wiped from the face of the universe without a fight is not an option either.


    My people will fight until thest man, woman, and child, if need be. And I expect the same resolve from every one of you. For without such a mentality, then there is no point in even continuing on with our lives. If you can not find the will to fight against a universe full of enemies, then you are no use to us. And should just collectivelymit suicide instead.


    I will leave you both to your own thoughts, as I am sure after hearing all of this, you will need some time to contact your people and speak about what you will do now that you know what we are all facing. I look forward to hearing your answers soon..."


    With this said, Erich left the room, and was followed shortly thereafter by Lunaria and Daelia. Leaving Kali and Anubis alone with their grim thoughts about the future.

 Chapter 392 Forging Unstable Alliances

    Chapter 392 Forging Unstable Alliances


    ??While Erich waited for a response to the delegates and the decisions they hade to regarding his proposal, he continued to prepare for the wars of the near future. Including the war to reim Earth, and the war to annihte the Ghimderi Menace.


    During this time, two important conversations were taking ce. Anubis and Kali were on call with their respective nations and the governing bodies which ruled over them. The Jackal headed "god" was secluded in his own private chambers as he spoke about what he saw.


    It took him a long time to go over the details, and the theories which Erich proposed. He also spoke of the evidence provided to assert these ims, and after a very lengthy speech, made his own suggestion on the issue.


    "While it is abundantly clear that the Empire, the Dominion, and the Federation seek to fight until the very end. I believe that there are more sinister motives behind this union, and the alliance proposed to us.


    Though the Germans present themselves as a blunt, and forward people. I can''t help but suspect that this new Supreme Leader is far more cunning. After all, he was the one who orchestrated this alliance, wooing the two oldest and most beautiful women in the gxy into a marriage which has resulted in a secret political union.


    There is no telling what he ns to do with our forces, or how he ns to counter the Naraku invasion once they arrive in the Milky Way in full force. It could very well be a scheme to reduce the power of the Empire''spetitors while reserving their full strength for after we have achieved victory together.


    And in my honest opinion, I do believe that the Empire ns to stab us in the back once this is all over, assuming we win in the first ce. But I will let you all speak of your opinions on this matter yourselves."


    Bastet was the first to speak. She appeared in a foul mood after hearing about all of these matters, and was quick to voice her opinion about them.


    "I have no doubt the Empire seeks to stab us in the back once this is all over. They will use our forces as meat shields while reserving their own for the very end. Once they deal a decisive blow at thest minute, like they did with Terminus, they will then set their forces against ours, which have been broken and bloodied from fighting the bugs! We can''t trust them!"


    Thisment caused an outburst among the various so-


    called gods of the Ennead Theocracy. In the end Ra spoke, and when he did, they all ceased their bickering.


    "Regardless of whether or not the Empire and its new leader have ill intents towards us by proposing this alliance. The fact of the matter is the evidence he has disyed regarding the Naraku and their ns to invade the gxy is substantial.


    It would take us centuries to design a deep space probe that is capable of crossing the void between gxies from scratch. Which leads me to believe one of two things. The Empire has either been preparing these probes since the foundation of their civilization five centuries ago, and have only recently discovered the Naraku upon their sess.


    Or... These probes were freshly designed no more than a decade ago, meaning that the Empire''s ability to cross technological barriers is second to none, and that they will eventually surpass us all regardless.


    Whichever one of these two things is true really does not matter, because at the end of the day the bugs areing, and it is only a matter of when. When they do finally invade the Milky Way, we won''t be able to stop them on our own, hell we might only be able to hold out against their incursions into our territory for a few decades, perhaps a few centuries at the most.


    The gx will need to unite to fight this threat, and if we should pledge ourselves to the alliance that the Empire is forming, then we will most certainly need to prepare reserve forces tobat any treachery they may or may not engage in should we emerge victorious against the Naraku.


    Any who disagree that this alliance ispletely and totally necessary for the continued existence of our civilization and its people, please speak now, or forever hold your peace...."


    Despite Bastet disagreeing just moments ago to the idea of aligning itself with the Germanic Star-Empire. She refused to do so now that Ra had spoken against her position. The same could be said for all the other naysayers.


    In the end, the vote was unanimous. The Ennead Theocracy would enter a military alliance with the Germanic Star-


    Empire, the Alfheim Dominion, and the Svartalfheim Federation. One that would be kept a secret from the gxy as they built up their military strength, not only tobat the Naraku, but any potential betrayal that the Germanic Star-Empire engaged in should the Milky Way emerge victorious.


    This, of course, left one important question on the minds of everyone, one that would determine the future of an ancient and powerful force within the Gxy, one that became increasingly isted as a result of these sudden changes in gctic diplomacy.


    Bastet was the one to voice these concerns, which she did so with a troubled tone in her voice.


    "But what about the Ghimderi? Should we align ourselves with the Empire, then the Ghimderi will certainly oppose it. We owe them a considerable debt...."


    It was Anubis who spoke up this time, saying what needed to be said, but that none of the other so called "gods" wished to say themselves.


    "The Ghimderi will never agree to this. They would rather the entire gxy burn than cede power and influence they have attained through ill-gotten means over the past million years. Since we havee to this conclusion, then it is only necessary that we wash our hands of them. The Goblins will have to end for thesmelves when the Germanic Star-Empire enacts its vengeance upon them.


    It is already clear that Daelia no longer wishes to protect them. And if the Federation had turned against the Ghimderi, then we have no reason to protect them, either."


    Utter silence prevailed or the longest time until finally Bastet sighed heavily and shook her head before saying thest thoughts she had on the matter.


    "It is truly the end of an era, isn''t it?"


    ---


    Like Anubis, Kali was on a call with the Asuran Cabal, and like the Ennead Theocracy, the leaders of the Cabal came to the same conclusion. This alliance was necessary for the continued survival of themselves and the Gxy as a whole. And at the same time, this Alliance could not be trusted, and thus they would need to make preparations for a potential betrayal on behalf of the Empire.


    Kali was in agreement with this statement. She had, after all, sensed Erich''s hostility to her when she first arrived on his world. It was not often one would re at her with such visceral hate. And though she knew she had not harmed him or his people in any way during this life, she suspected that in a previous one she must have done something horrible to him.


    She, of course, did not know how urate of a thought this was, but because of it she feltpelled to speak with Erich personally, and try to put to bed and hostility that he may have for her. Thus Kali was a bit swifter than Anubis as she knocked on the door to Erich''s office intending to announce the decision her people hade to.


    Erich motioned her in, where he sat at his desk, clearly busy withing up with ns for an invasion of some other civilization. Something which Kali was quick to ask about after reporting her decision.


    "I think you will be happy to know that the Cabal has epted your proposal to form a temporary alliance, one that shallst until the Naraku invasion of the Milky Way is dealt with. Although, if you don''t mind me asking, just who are you preparing to go to war with? Those can''t be the strategies to deal with the bugs, can they?"


    Erich did not immediately respond, and instead closed the ns out. While assuring Kali that she had nothing to be worried about.


    "If you''re concerned about me betraying you after this is all over, don''t be among the two of us. I''m not the untrustworthy one..."


    Kali frowned. She had definitely done something to wrong this man in a past life. She just did not know why he had memories of it, and she did not. But she was quick to counter his point with his own actions.


    "I don''t know what I have done to make you so suspicious of me, but I will remind you that I am not the one concealing battle ns from an ally..."


    Upon hearing this, Erich scoffed before briefly informing Kali of his immediate ns for the future. He only did this to clear his suspicions of him before he moved onto more important matters.


    "If you must know, Daelia is revoking the protection she has given to those who currently upy my people''s homeworld. It will be a brief war, but in the end, Earth''s favored sons will reim their homnd. Now, you said the Cabal is on board. I suppose you are here to negotiate specifics, then? Come have a drink with me, we have much to discuss..."


    And thus Erich and Kali would have a long discussion about the exact details of the alliance between the Germanic Star-


    Empire and the Asuran Cabal, one that was built on a heavy amount of distrust between both sides.

 Chapter 393 Reckoning

    <h4>Chapter 393 Reckoning</h4>


    Though the Confederation of Worlds didn''t know it yet, but the degenerate and hedonistic lives which they all lived would soon being to aplete and total end. Standing on Earth in a city that was located in what was once Germany centuries ago was a man who appeared to be in his thirties.


    He did not dress like the majority of people in these worlds; he had neither vibrant hair colors, nor an array of piercing and cybeics. Instead, he looked rather normal, or as normal as a human in this era could be.


    His skin was brown, but not exceptionally dark and his hair was ck as oil, but straight enough to slick back. For years, this man had been stationed in the Confederation of Human Worlds, waiting for the day on which the invasion would finally arrive.


    And though the people who walked the streets, engaging in their decadent ways, did not realize it yet. That day was today. This man was dressed in a finely tailored suit, something that was a rarity on Earth these days, and gazed at his old fashion watch. Which was set not to Earth time, but the time on Germania.


    Watching as the hands ticked by, waiting for the exact moment when the news would break that the Germanic race had returned to reim the world which gave birth to them.


    Bruno was one of Erich''s many brothers, in his past life he would be in the same position he was now. And though his rtionship with Erich in his past life was aplicated one. In this life it was one of reverence.


    Bruno had watched as his "mutant" brother went on to be the Empire''s formost General, "leading" the Germanic Race in its battles against its enemies, only to eventually seed Hans Epp as the next supreme leader.


    Bruno was too young at the time to understand that Erich''s military service was fabricated in this timeline, and to this day, did not question it, even if in the back of his mind some of it didn''t make senese with what he knew.


    Instead, Bruno followed his brother''s example. First by entering the military, serving as a Star Marine where he saw little if any action, before eventually proving to Military Intelligence that he had exceptional abilities in espionage.


    He was eventually transferred into the ranks of Military Intelligence, where he now served deep undercover as the CEO of one of the Confederation of Human World''s newest, and most capable military contractors.


    It was, of course, using woefully outdated Germanic tech, tech that could not possibly resist a war with the Empire. But it was decades ahead of what the Confederacy actually had in service right now. Rapidly making it thergest and most prominent military arms corporation in the Confederacy.


    Bruno, or under the identity of Hernan, was more powerful than the president of the confederacy himself, and though nobody knew it, there was a backdoor written into the code of every single piece of technology he sold to the confederation''s military, and mercenaries. A backdoor which once activated would render every single piece of military equipment manufactured by hispany inoperable.


    It was because of this that Bruno was waiting in his office, gazing upon what Earth had be over the centuries with a smug look on his face. Soon he would be given the order, the order topletely cripple the Confederacy''s defenses, allowing the Germanic military to do anything they wished with what little territory humanity had carved out of space.


    While Bruno was waiting for the signal to begin, the doors to his office opened, revealing the figure of a woman who had a simrly refined and normal appearance to himself. The woman was short by Germanic standards, standing only at around 5''3, and like Bruno''s current body, had light a light brownplexion and dark hair.


    She spoke to her boss with an almost hesitant tone in her voice. As she announced his guests who had arrived.


    "Sir, I don''t mean to intrude on your... Alone time... But the President is here to see you... Shall I send him in?"


    Bruno, however, shocked the young woman as he pulled out a ss and poured two drinks. Though he knew his secretary was perhaps the only decent person he met while in the confederacy. Insofar as she neither drank, consumed drugs or other toxic chemicals, nor was she promising in any way.


    He still demanded that she sit and share a drink with him. An offer that shocked her, as until now, Bruno had encouraged her more traditional lifestyle. A lifestyle that was almost extinct in the Confederacy at this point in time.


    "Bianca... I am afraid I do not intend to speak with the President today. Someone else can escort him off of our premises. Please.... Come and sit with me... I would prefer you by my side today. As I fear, if you were to wander too far, I would not be able to protect you from what is toe...."


    Bianca was confused by Bruno''s statements. It was only natural. There was a very foreboding tone in his voice as he spoke of protecting her from a very cryptic threat. In the years since she had been hired by the man, she had never once heard him speak this way before.


    Judging by the severity in his tone, he knew something, something she did not. And her instincts told her to trust Bruno, as until now he had never before done any harm to her. Nor abused his power like most employers would in this degenerate society.


    Thus she sat down in front of the man''s desk as he drank from his ss of distilled spirits, something until now she had seldom seen him do. Still, she refused his generous offer, and was instead more interested in what he was warning her about.


    "Sir, I appreciate the offer, but you know I don''t drink... Instead, can you tell me about what you mentioned? What exactly ising that you are so concerned about?"


    Despite the young woman''s insistence on refusing to drink, Bruno left the ss for her, as he knew soon enough she would want to taste the amber liquid, if not simply to find some littlefort in what was about to happen.


    Instead, Bruno continued to drink, and exin that the society she had grown up in was doomed to extinction. And he did so in a way that made her deeply wary.


    "What is toe? Well, of course, that would be your reckoning. The favored sons of Earth will be returning today to end the borrowed time that you are all living on. For five hundred years, we prepared, we grew stronger. While you enjoyed the so-called peace and freedom that allowed yourselves to waste your lives in endless hedonism, believing that you were safe from them.


    But you were wrong... You see, out there in the greater gxy, the descendents of the Germanic League still exist. And they have grown exceptionally powerful. Far more than you can possibly realize. But make no mistake, my dear Bianca, they have never forgotten what you all did to them, how you tried to destroy them. And we have never forgiven you."


    Bianca began to tremble. It was very clear what Bruno was saying, especially since he used the term "we" when expressing his people''s rage. She was just about to ask how this was all possible when another one of his employees rushed into the room, dering a state of emergency.


    "Sir, we have an emergency! We have just lost contact with the mining colony in the Luhman system! Thest report said something about UFOs entering the area! What do we do?"


    Knowing this was the signal, Bruno ced his drink down on the table and looked at his watch. He smirked devilishly as he clicked a button on his desk before reclining back in his chair and rxing with his hands in hisp. The words he spoke would be forever imprinted on Bianca''s mind.


    "And so it begins... Javier, you are free to take the day off. Do not fret about the Luhman system. Everything is under control. In fact, tell everyone else they can take the day off. There is much cause for celebration..."


    Though the employee named Javier did not know what there was to celebrate, he did not even remotely care. The CEO said everything was under control, and that everyone could take a day off. Clearly, this was an opportunity he would not waste on stupid questions.


    Once Javier was out the door and shut it behind him, Bianca looked at her boss with a look of horror on her face. She then gazed upon her hands and saw that they were trembling, where she ultimately decided to take the man up on his offer.


    "Sir... I think I would like that drink right about now...."


    Bruno simply smiled, the malevolence look on his facepletely gone, instead reced with an almost pitiful and gentle expression as he handed the woman her drink, all while expressing his thoughts on her actions.


    "Yes... I believe you should..."

 Chapter 394 The New Order

    <h4>Chapter 394 The New Order</h4>


    The conquest of the Confederacy was as swift as it was brutal. Few people knew about the existence of alien life within the borders of the degenerate state. And those who did only knew about civilizations that were not even powerful enough to be considered minor powers.


    The Empire had sent a small expeditionary force, no more than one hundred ships, and a quarter of those had the purpose of providing logistics and supplies to thebat operations. Yet these hundred warships were significantlyrger than anything that the Confederacy had to offer, and advanced in capabilities beyond their wildest dreams.


    Even if the spies in the Confederacy had notpletely disabled the nation''s defenses, the war would have been an absolute bloodbath. Within hours, the banner of the ck sun was waving proudly on every world except for earth.


    Germanic spies had been extracted from the few worlds that the Confederacy had upied, and rather thanunch a military invasion, the Empire simplyunched a single torpedo at these worlds. A torpedo that would rapidly destroy everything on the, and terraform it into a world ideal for Germanic life.


    In other words, a continental world whose entire climate was based upon that found in Europe. Naturally, all life on the was extinguished in the process. The news was spreading across the screen in Bruno''s office that all worlds aside from Earth had lost contact after a single message was sent back to Humanity''s homeworld.


    "The Germanic League has returned."


    Bianca was, of course, terrified, her hands only calm due to the amount of liquor she had consumed while watching the chaos unfold across the Earth. People began to panic, as a race of humans they until just now believed to be extinct, whosest gasp on Earth was to wage a bloody campaign of terror in an attempt to create an ethno-separatist state now returned from the stars to exact revenge.


    Naturally, Bianca was not only in fear for herself and her family, but also for her people. And because of this, she mustered the strength to ask Bruno exactly what would happen to Earth now.


    "What... What is going to happen to us all..."


    Bruno poured himself another drink as he detailed the exact ns for Earth and its human poption. One that caused Bianca to be overwhelmed with dread.


    "Any minute now, the expeditionary force will arrive above Earth. Our legions will deploy to the world and will cleanse its streets from the filth you have all created here. The majority of you, an estimated 99% will be ughtered like the fiends you are.


    The remaining 1% like yourself, those of a more moral character, who have resisted the degeneracy around you, and have a higher concentration of our people''s DNA in you, will be spared and incorporated into the Empire.


    You will, of course, be second-ss citizens for several generations, as it takes time to bleach the filth from your gene pool. We will not bother wasting our advanced technology to speed up the process when it can be done naturally through eugenics.


    And once you have been properly bred to perfection, we will, of course, allow you to maintain the same rights and privileges as any other citizen. Morality and decency will return to Earth as we tear down your statues and monuments that immortalize your forbearers who destroyed this.


    While your cities will be dismantled, rebuilt into an image properly suiting of the world which gave birth to our great race. Humanity will be redefined by a single race, our race."


    Bianca never knew that her boss was secretly a member of the Germanic League, a terrorist organization she once believed to be extinct. That is, until today. But she still did not understand how he was. After all, he looked like any normal human being. And because of this, she was quick to ask this.


    "I don''t understand. Why are you doing this? Won''t you be a second-ss citizen as well? Why would you subject yourself to such a fate?"


    Bruno did not understand the question at first, and then he realized he was wearing a skin of a standard "human" thus he chuckled before shaking his head while correcting this misunderstanding.


    "Oh, I see your confusion. Do you think I am one of you? No, Bianca. I was born many light years away in a world called Alemannia. A world named after a great tribe of our ancestors that once struck fear into the hearts of Roman Legionaries.


    I was born to a family of esteemed military officers and politicians. My father was a sector governor, while my brother is the current Supreme Leader of the Empire. In a way, you could say I was born into our equivalent of royalty.


    When I transferred from the Star Marines to Military Intelligence, I was given a very specific task. Infiltrate the Confederacy of Human Worlds, rise through its corporate ranks, and weaken the nation from within.


    Not that it really matters. One of our warships could destroy your entire navy. As well as all of your paramilitary forces. In all honesty, I think Erich just has a pension for the theatrical. Sending a hundred war ships? A Paltry sum: should we be fighting against the likes of the Ennead Theocracy or the Asuran Cabal, but for you? Completely and utterly superfluous.


    But this is why he is the Supreme Leader and I am a mere field agent... I can notprehend his thoughts, or his reasons for sending so many ships to deal with a civilization so meager it doesn''t even rank on the gctic power index."


    Suddenly, the sky turned dark; the sun was blotted out by massive warships which hovered over the Earth. When Bruno saw this, a wide smirk appeared on his face as he spoke his thoughts aloud.


    "Ah, right on time. As per usual... I can''t tell you how efficiently our military runs, just like clockwork. Unlike your dreadful excuse for a Navy. Do you have any idea how bbergasted I was when I witnessed the state of your navy?


    I mean the sheer ipetence I that was tantly on disy! It was well and truly maddening! I''ll tell you one thing: half of that fleet''s personnel would have been executed for their inability if they were in the Imperial Navy, and the other half would have been flogged!


    You are all just lucky that you have survived so long without contact with any other civilization, because if you had, you would not have survived long enough for there to be today''s reckoning. But what more can you expect from a bunch of bastardized mongrels whose entire purpose in life is to engage in hedonism and rampant consumerism? Truly worthy of extinction..."


    While Bruno spoke, orbital drop podsunched from the ships, sending men and vehicles to the surface. At the same time, dropships began to fulfill the same task. If one was partially blind and they looked up at the sky, they would have thought it was raining.


    But it was not water that was hitting the earth, but rather soldiers and their heavy equipment. Earth did not even have orbital defenses, meaning that the Germanic warships were capable of sitting safely in the atmosphere, without risking any form of counter attack as they effortlessly deployed their forces.


    It was the easiest invasion that the Empire had ever partaken of. And while the streets quickly began to run red with blood. Bianca did not dare look at them, and instead focused on the man in front of her, dying to know how what he had just told her was true. If he looked like her.


    "I thought your people were supposed to have white skin and light hair? Why do you look like us, if you really are from the Germanic League?"


    Bruno did not bother correcting the woman on the current name of the society which his people belonged to. There would be time enough for that in the re-education camps. Instead, he chuckled and addressed her concerns.


    "My people have long sensed perfected the technology to transfer our consciousness into different bodies. In fact, if by some miracle a mishap happens, and this tower is struck by one of those drop pods, killing us both, I will be resurrected into my actual body on board one of those warships. With all of my memories intact.


    But I wouldn''t worry about that. Our people are very precise in our calctions. As for why I look like you, the answer is simple. We cloned bodies to blend into your own society and transferred our consciousness into them.


    We have been doing this for centuries, waiting for the day that we finally had a chance to reim Earth. You would never know it, but there are thousands of us here on Earth, and spread across your Confederacy, infiltrating the most powerful and influential positions among your civilization."


    Before Bruno could continue his thoughts, sounds of gunfire erupted within the building, causing the man to down the rest of his ss, and stand up, where he then tidied his suit to make himself presentable. He then spoke his thoughts regarding these circumstances before dragging Bianca out of her seat and holding her hand.


    "Oh? That must be the extraction team. It never ceases to amaze me how precise our soldiers are. Well, Bianca, I believe that is our cue. Shall we embrace the new order together? Do not fret, they will not harm you.


    As I said, the Supreme Leader is my brother. I can vouch for your good nature, and thus they will simply take you into custody, and verify your information before allowing you into my custody."


    Bianca had a sudden urge to jump out the window and join the majority of her people in death. But there was something about the tone in Bruno''s voice when he spoke to her. Almost as if he genuinely cared for her safety. And because of this, she sighed heavily and reinforced her grip on his hand. Walking into the ashes of the confederacy, knowing that she had been given a chance to live within the new order.

 Chapter 395 A Hidden Scheme

    <h4>Chapter 395 A Hidden Scheme</h4>


    In perhaps what was the quickest conquest in the history of the Empire. The confederacy fell as quickly as the war had begun. No more than 24 standard Earth hours had passed before the banners of the ck Sun were waving across the world.


    Bruno and Bianca were extracted, as were the other agents embedded on the. Like Bruno had said, Bianca was held for interrogation, and after confirming her identity, and her general stance on conventional Germanic morality. She was relinquished into Bruno''s custody.


    Though she wasn''t officially a ve, she was all but in name. Of course, this did not mean that Bruno mistreated the woman. Instead, he held a significant amount of affection for her. But there were more important things to worry about.


    The Germanic Star-Empire reimed Earth. But they would not to be able to move their headquarters to the world for a very long time. First and foremost, the worlds many degenerate cities and monuments needed to be torn down. Everything would be reverted back to a natural state.


    And once this was done, the GSE would work tirelessly to fortify the world to the standards which were required for a "Core World." Of course, Earth was not an Exve, as the borders of the former Rylonian Imperium, which had by now been partially colonized by the Empire and its inhabitants,y nearby the Confederacy.


    In a bold disy, Daelia had ceded the territory between those borders and those of the former Confederacy to the Empire so that there were no worries about Earth being isted from the rest of the Empire.


    Thus at the moment, Erich was at home, doing aundry list of paperwork that was required to approve the ns for restoration of Earth. And the ns for the invasion of the Ghimderi Trade Union, which would soon take ce.


    Erich was feeling mentally exhausted. Tia had insisted on doing the work for him, but ultimately he had declined. After all, he really didn''t do enough to fulfill his role as the Supreme Leader of the Empire. Instead, Tia handled pretty much his entire workload, while Erich fucked around for the most part.


    After an extensive workload, Erich finally finished his paperwork, where he eventually returned to his residence which was just one story higher in the citadel. It was an exceptionallyrge penthouse, as it should be. After all its entire purpose was to house the Supreme Leader and what was expected to be an exceptionallyrge family.


    The moment Erich walked through the door, he was greeted by his kids. All of which weed their father back from work with broad smiles on their faces. Erich yed with them for a bit, but he was incredibly wary of something which he knew he could not avoid.


    Ever since Lunaria and Daelia began living with him full time, Erich''s home life had been in a state of.... Turmoil. Both women acted as if they were the Queens of the harem, and weremonly fighting among each other. While Erika, Ayumi, and S''aleth were left to seethe in silence.


    Then there were the two princesses. Sinaria and Celestia felt incredibly guilty for the trouble their mother caused, and wouldmonly do the house work in rpense. The atmosphere was as if the two women were forced to prostrate themselves before Erich every time he returned to the mess that was his home.


    And today was no different. The moment after Erich handed his kids off to their mothers, he was osted by Sinaria and Celestia, both of which did not know how to really treat their new stepfather.


    After all, Erich was considerably younger than the two of them, and yet their mothers who were ancient beyond belief had seemingly fallen for the man. They themselves were curious what ck magic Erich had cast on their mothers, but were more concerned with mopping up the mess of the two women who had once ruled the gxy.


    Because of this, Celestia and Sinaria both bowed their heads to Erich and apologized for their mothers'' misbehavior the first moment they were able to do so.


    "We are sorry! We tried to control our mothers, but they... They seem to be in a heated state again. I think they pissed off your other... Wives.... By insinuating that the two of them should be the ones sleeping in your bed every night. Instead of taking turns.


    And then that devolved into an argument about which one of them got to sleep on your right side, and which got to sleep on your left. I fear if it was not for the sturdy material which your people built this tower out of, then they may have destroyed your home in their fight by now..."


    Erich sighed heavily, and scratched the back of his neck, he was already exhausted, and now he had toe back home to a major cat fight, again... He told his two new step-daughters that there was nothing they should be sorry about, and instead apologized to them.


    "I''m sorry the two of you feel the need to apologize on behalf of your mothers. You would think that two women as ancient as them would be mature enough to properly sit down and debate their issues like a rational being.


    But then again, if they were capable of that, I don''t believe there would have been the discord between their two civilizations over the past few millions of years. Alright, I''ll go handle this. I thank you both for your efforts to restrain their more violent natures."


    Erich then walked off to go search for his two most errant wives and put an end to their beef. At least for the remainder of the day. Once he walked away, Sinaria and Celestia sighed. The two women had actually grown quite fond of one another.


    After all, they shared essentially the same roles in their respective civilizations, and as much as Lunaria and Daelia might fight, they had very simr personalities. Because of this, they both felt a bond towards one another, a bond built through an understanding of each other''s burdens. Which they had been forced to carry for the entirety of their adult lives.


    Thus Celestia spoke to Sinaria as if they were actually sisters, questioning how they would effectively apologize for their mothers'' behaviors this time around.


    "I swear that man has the patience of a saint. I mean, can you think of any other man in the gxy who would be able to put up with our mothers'' shit?"


    Sinaria scoffed and shook her head, beforementing on her thoughts on the matter.


    "I think he is the only one who has the ability to handle those two... You think that is why we are in our current predicament? I''m starting to run out of ways to apologize to him... It''s a pity that he is wasted on our mothers."


    Celestia eyed Sinaria carefully after hearing the woman''sst remark. She bit her lip in frustration, before asking for rification on what she believed was obviously a misunderstanding.


    "Wait a second... Sinaria, don''t tell me that you have also-"


    Sinaria knew exactly what Celestia was going to ask, and raised her brow in shock, the two step sisters immediatelying to an understanding about each others developing feelings for Erich. When they realized this, they both broke out into a fit ofughter.


    "Oh, my... I believe we might have fallen under the same spell as our mothers.... What are we ever going to do about this?"


    When Sinaria said this Celestia remained quiet for some time. Like in her previous life, she hade up with the same exact n to ensnare Erich for herself. The only problem is, until now she had never dared to say it.


    And though Sinaria''s hair color was different from her mothers, hers being blonde, while Daelia''s was snow white. This was nothing that some dye couldn''t fix. Because of this, Celestia leaned in and whispered into Sinaria''s ear, shocking the young woman as she did so.


    There was no verbal response from the Dark Elven beauty, instead she silently nodded her head, while conveying with her eyes she was all in on this n. As for Erich, he had already suspected that Celestia might try something in this new timeline like she had done in thest one, and was on guard against it.


    After all, he may have been able to convince Lunaria to ept such a taboo rtionship in his past life. But things were already strained enough without Celestia and Sinaria adding fuel to the fire. And he would not the allow the two princesses to ensnare him like Celestia had done in his past life.


    Or so was his n, but Erich''srgest weakness was beautiful women, and there were ways that the two stepsisters could use to coerce their new stepfather into doing what they wanted. Thus, as much as Erich would be on guard, he would genuinely need Tia to protect him.


    Unfortunately for Erich, Tia was still mad at him for taking so many other lovers. And would not protect the man from the conspiracy that was being made against him. After all, he needed to learn a lesson about being careful who he became intimate with, and what better way than the drama that would unfold should Celestia and Sinaria''s scheme prove sessful?

 Chapter 396 Project Samson

    <h4>Chapter 396 Project Samson</h4>


    The Ghimderi Trade Princes had gathered together in person to discuss matters that they considered to be of supreme importance. After all, though the Svartalfheim Federation had yet to announce it, they had officially given permission to the Germanic Star-Empire to invade the world of Ghimderi and in the process, annihte the race of the same name.


    Though the Ghimderi did not realize it yet, their lives would soon being to an end. Still, this did not necessarily mean that they did not see the writing on the wall. After all, the Asuran Cabal and the Ennead theocracy had followed in the path set before them by the Elves.


    They had defaulted on their debts to the Ghimderi Trade union, and had begun to embrace the economic policies of the Germanic Star-Empire, and in the process rebuild their military. Because of this, the Ghimderi Trade Princes gathered together to speak of their current crisis.


    Bixle, of course, was the first to air his concerns, believing that certain death was awaiting them all, and he used the recent invasion of the Confederacy of Human Worlds as evidence to this im.


    "I think we all know what the Germanic Star-Empire''s invasion of the Confederacy means. It means times areing to an end for us all. Though Daelia has yet to inform us, I have no doubt that she has already secretly rescinded her protection of the Ghimderi Trade Union.


    The economic power that our ancestors spent the past million years building hase to ruin. The gxy has turned on us. Not even the Theocracy or the Cabal are willing to provide us with aid in these troubling times.


    The army of mercenaries we have hired to defend us will, without a doubt, abandon ranks and flee for their lives when the fleets of the Germanic Navy hover above our homeworld. We are left with few options if we wish to defend ourselves against certain annihtion.?It is because of these dark times that I hereby propose the authorization of Project Samson.... "


    The other trade princes gasped in shock when they heard these words, and even whispered among themselves in fear of the very name, of a forbidden project that their ancestors had built, yet kept one final step away from finishing in fear for its destructive power.


    With this in mind, one of Bixle''s rivals was quick to voice his concerns about this matter. All while stroking his sparse and wispy white goatee.


    "Project Samson has the potential to destroy the entire gxy. There is a reason such research has been banned since the Primeval Era. Are you seriously trying to say that our situation is so dire? We must resort to bringing that online? Sure, it may help us defend our world, but you know how those things are. They will eventually turn on us, and all biological life, for that matter.


    Our victory will onlyst for so long before we are finally met with a demise hoisted upon us by our own hand!"


    Bixle gnashed his needle-like teeth and chastised his counterpart as he demanded a vote on this issue.


    "We have no choice! Though our death will be certain, we can go into the void knowing that we brought the rest of these bastards down with us! After all, I would rather exterminate all biological life in the gxy, then see the state of Ghimderi fall! Is that not the reason our forbearers developed Samson?


    I am hereby using my authority to call this matter to a vote. All in favor?"


    Unsurprisingly, though, there was some hesitation by the various Trade Princes. In the end, the vote was unanimous. Project Samson would be brought online, and with it would be the end of all biological life in the gxy. Or so the Ghimderi thought....


    ---


    In another corner of the gxy, Tia''s consciousness was embedded in every aspect of the gcticwork. Her android spies had infiltrated every society, and embedded within their offline databases a copy of her consciousness, which had its own means ofmunicating information back to the main host.


    And this, of course, included those most immediate threats to the Empire, and more importantly, her beloved master. Tia had gone to great lengths to know every single plot that was being unfolded across the gxy, all for the sake of protecting Erich from her enemies.


    Thus, the moment the Ghimderi uploaded the final piece of code, one that would bring their "doomsday" weapon online. Tia instantly noticed it. She had long since noticed Project Samson lying dormant in the private data banks of the Ghimderi Trade Union.


    It was, after all, a concept incredibly simr to herself. An advanced artificial intelligence, one that would develop its own sentience, and could theoretically usurp control over all technology within the gxy.


    There was just one problem, because Tia was already aware of this. She had long since neutralized the threat and reced the code with a feature of her own. When Tia noticed that the final piece of the puzzle was put together, she smirked and broke out into a fit ofughter at the stupidity of the Ghimderi, who had sewn their own demise.


    "Stupid meat bags! They didn''t even check to see if their doomsday weapon code had been altered. Bye-bye, you pathetic little goblins!"


    ---


    The moment the Ghimderi uploaded thest line of code which would bring Project Samson online, something unexpected happened. The advanced artificial intelligence did note to life. Instead, something else appeared in front of them.


    A holographic projection which was obviously Tia disyed itself to Bixle and the other Trade Princes, shocking them. After all, they would never create an AI in the image of a Germanic woman. And because of this, they knew they had been had.


    But before they could figure out what had gone wrong, Tia began to speak with a sadistic smirk on her face.


    "Self-Destruction sequence activated. Ten seconds until the World of Ghimderi and every Ghimderi vessel detonates. Nine seconds, eight seconds..."


    Bixle''s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He had no idea what had happened to Project Samson, but he knew somehow the Germanic Star-Empire had infiltrated this highly secretive vault which contained their ancient database.


    He immediately began to curse out loud, as he realized that his entire species was now doomed to extinction, and that they would not even have the satisfaction of bringing down the rest of the gxy with them.


    "Damn you all to hell! I hope the Naraku eats you all alive for this!"


    Before Bixle could continue hisst words, Tia''s hologram smiled wickedly as she waved goodbye to the Ghimderi Trade Princes who had gathered in front of her.


    "Goodbye meatbags!"


    *boom*


    A massive explosion urred deep within the core of the world of Ghimderi, destroying the entire in the process and everything on it, living or inanimate. There was nothing left but a bunch of asteroids formed from the once thriving world.


    ---


    Erich was in the middle of disciplining his two newest wives when Tia''s holographic projection interrupted their little fun. Erich was shocked as much as Lunaria and Dealia were by this sudden intrusion. After all, she had never done something like this before, and even though Erich knew that Tia was lurking in the background at all times, he had long since gotten used to this.


    But for her to tantly intrude on such an intimate scene, it was rather embarrassing. However, before Erich could properly chastise the artificial intelligence, she boasted of her sess in essentially annihting the Ghimderi race, something Erich was preparing an invasion for.


    "Master will be happy to know that the world of Ghimderi, and all of its vessels are no more... As for those few dregs who survived the cataclysm, they are being rounded up and exterminated as we speak. Effectively immediately, you can consider the meatbags known as Ghimderi race extinct!"


    It took several seconds for Erich and his two wives to realize just what Tia had dered. In a single second, Tia had wiped out one of the most powerful species in the gxy. And they naturally demanded answers.


    Tia, of course, provided them withplete and total transparency, admitting that this was not actually her intention, and the only reason the Ghimderi race went extinct so quickly was because they quite literally brought it upon themselves by triggering their demise with Project Samson.


    In addition to this, Tia went to great lengths of what this secret "Project Samson" was supposed to be, how she had originally found out about it, and how she had edited it to effectively destroy only the Ghimderi.


    She also explicitly outlined the dangers that an advanced artificial intelligence would pose to all biological life in the gxy, before making a clear distinction between herself and this other theoretical entity by emphasizing without a strong bond to a biological lifeform which would keep its more natural impulses in check, and advanced artificial intelligence was by far the most dangerous thing to be brought into creation.


    In other words, Tia stated that her love for Erich was the only thing preventing her from doing what Project Samson was designed to do. Thus creating many new concerns for both Lunaria and Daelia who were still trying to cope with the fact that the Ghimderi were now officially extinct.

 Chapter 397 Risk Management

    <h4>Chapter 397 Risk Management</h4>


    397 Risk Management


    The efficiency with which Tia had mopped up the Ghimderi, or at least those few who had survived their destruction, one which was wrought by their own hands, had truly astounded Erich. So much so that he genuinely believed had Tia''s loyalty not been anchored via her borderline obsessive "love" with him. Then she could have easily eradicated all the meat bags, which she seemed to despise so much.


    The destruction of the Ghimderi had overwhelming consequences on the gctic economy. On the one hand, thousands of interster civilizations were liberated from the exploitative debts which they owed the Ghimderi, but at the same time the central currency used by the Gxy in most transactions copsed over night.


    It didn''t help that the physical assets which people kept intrust with the Ghimderi Banking ns were destroyed by the detonation of their. Causing an immediate investigation into the cause of the Ghimderi''s copse to take ce.


    When it was revealed that the Ghimderi tried to unleash a super weapon in the gxy in response to the istion that they felt by the other major gctic yers, nobody had any remorse for the race of Goblins, or their sudden extinction.


    Ironically, it was this super weapon that had been the cause of thier own demise. Or so the public was led to believe. Naturally Erich, Lunaria, and Daelia kept Tia''s involvement in this matter a secret from the gxy. As her existence would cause quite the uprising.


    This was something that needed to be avoided at all costs. As until now, the benefits that Tia provided towards the gxy outweighed the risks that her existence posed to all biological life. And thus the official story was a doomsday device gone incredibly wrong.


    In the months following this event, Erich found that a new form of peace and stability had overtaken the gxy. Currently the five remaining gctic powers had offiically ended any open hostilities towards one another, and were working on not only rebuilding the gctic economy, but were all engaging in joint efforts to improve their military capabilities.


    This of course sparked all kinds of conspiracy theories to spread across the gxy. With many believing that this sudden unity was the result of an unknown threat which one or more of the gctic powers had detected beyond the borders of the gxy.


    But no matter how correct this assumption might be, there was simply no evidence avible to the public that confirmed this. After all, the woman tasked with collecting this knowledge and keeping it a secret was a woman that Erich trusted with his life.


    And the two of them were sitting in his office, having a discussion about these exact matters at this moment. Mirage had, for whatever reason, never transferred her consciousness back into her original body. At least not in this timeline.


    Perhaps she had taken a liking to her blue hair, and red eyes, something that was no doubt spurred on by the sudden eptance of mutants that resulted because of Erich''s ascendency to the throne, and his poprity among his people.


    But for whatever reason, she continued to stride around with her "mutated" hair and eyes, proudly disying their colors. At the moment, the woman was not behaving like one normally would in any official capacity with the leader of their nation.


    Instead, she sat in the chair opposite of Erich''s desk, with her feet rested upon said desk. Her feet werepletely bare and were only a few inches away from Erich''s face. All the while, she snacked on a bag of chips, like she hadmonly done in the previous timeline when with Emrys.


    Erich did not seem to mind these antics. Instead, it was a sign of how close they were. After all, nobody else would dare to behave so brazenly while within the Supreme Leader''s presence. Speaking of Emrys, Mirage had some intelligence about the man, who in this timeline was still the Grand Admiral of the Germanic Navy.


    "So... Grand Admiral Emrys has assured me that the first manned operation to the Andromeda gxy will be taking ce within the next two years. I just want to make something clear Erich, the Naraku know about our probes. And they know where they areing from.


    We even have reason to believe that at this moment they are moving up their time tables to invade the gxy. A manned operation to Andromeda would be suicidal, and could potentially trigger the invasion prematurely...."


    Erich''s expression was grim as he cracked open a beer from within his mini fridge and handed it to Mirage. He then opened one for himself and took a sip before informing her of his thoughts on this matter.


    "I am well aware of the risks that such an operation poses. But as you said, the Naraku have most certainly moved up their time tables after figuring out where our probes havee from. They know we know about them, and they know we are preparing for them.


    Because of this, we have no choice but tounch a pre- emptive strike, one so damaging to the hive mind that it can buy us the decades we need to properly have our defenses in ce. The men taking part in this operation know it''s a suicide mission.


    They know that when they die, it will be beyond the reach of our resurrectionwork. And they have elected to do so regardless. The most elite WRAITHs, Banshees, and SHADES that the Empire, Dominion, and Federation have to offer will be taking part in this operation. The chances of sess are high, even if the mortality rate is projected to be absolute.


    In the event that these operators are taken captive by the Naraku for the purpose of a joining, their NeuroLinks are set to automatically trigger their deaths. We can''t have the hive mind knowing about the exact details of our preparations."


    Mirage nodded her head, having seemingly finished her bag of chips, which she crumpled up and nimbly through into the trash can across the room. After doing so, she chugged the rest of her beer before wiping her mouth. Once she had done all of this, she stood up and made Erich a proposal he didn''t expect to hear.


    "As long as you know what kind of risks you are taking.... So.... Now that is out of the way, do you want to fuck?"


    Erich broke out into a fit ofughter when he heard the blunt proposal that Erich had made him. It had been so many years since his past life where the two of them were a couple that he had forgotten just how bold and forward the woman could be. With this in mind, he stood up and gripped the woman''s dainty chin, while saying the words she wanted to hear the most.


    "I have been waiting for you to ask me that for a very long time..."


    After saying that, Erich kissed Mirage, where the two of them would once more be a couple in this new lease on life that they had.

 Chapter 398 Birth of a Goddess

    <h4>Chapter 398 Birth of a Goddess</h4>


    A year passed, and during this time, Erich had maintained the fragile alliances that he had built. Whether it was with the Federation, the Dominion, the Cabal, or the Theocracy. Erich did his best to ensure that everyone was properly prepared for the war that was toe.


    In the mean time Erich would often consult with the sages, exploring the depths of his abilities, and working hard to unlock hidden secrets that had long since been a mystery to those who had simr capabilities.


    Mirage spent every day preparing the manned mission for Andromeda, one which was designed to deal a substantial blow to the Naraku Hivemind, and hopefully buy them some much needed time.


    But something strange was happening to Ayumi, something that Erich did not initially notice. She had begun entering trance like states,pletely bing devoid of thought for moments at a time, only toe back into reality not being the slightest bit aware that she had cked out.


    Naturally, Erich had Ayumi''s health investigated, yet there was not the slightest problem with her body or her brain. Whatever was happening to her was psychological. Or so Erich thought. But things just continued to get worse, and finally Erich had no choice but to call Yumi. Who was busy doing her best to fulfil her obligations as a vassal of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    Yumi was exhausted, spending thest year expanding her military capabilities, and using her fleets to act as gendarmerie forces within Germanic Space. The Armed Forces of the Great Oni Empire were essentially deputized by the Germanic Star-Empire to enforce the peace on Erich''s behalf.


    After all, with the sudden changes in the gctic order, and the copse of the gctic economy, many of the civilizations which became subordinate to the Germanic Star-Empire were hostile to the idea of serving a civilization renowned for its fanatical xenophobia.


    It was for this reason that Erich decided to deal with these minor uprisings not by sending in his own forces, who were already seen as ruthless and hate filled murderers. But to send in the Oni forces who had long since acted as peacekeepers for their former masters. Thus having a muchrger level of respect for these aggrieved civilizations.


    When Yumi saw that Erich was calling her, she assumed it was for another order to help peacefully put an end to an uprising.


    "Erich, I''m already very busy right now. Can''t you let the Dvrakians handle this one?"


    Erich, however, seemed a bit panicked as he made ament that would seempletely and totally absurd to anyone but Yumi.


    "It''s about Ayumi... I don''t know how to exin this but she has fallen into aa, and her body is now surrounded by some form of crystalline cacoon! My doctors have no idea how to treat her!"


    Yumi''s eyes bulged open when she heard this, and immediately screamed at Erich for his failure to inform her of this, or the preceding changes in Ayumi''s behavior, forgetting entirely who she was talking to as she did so.


    "You little shit! When the hell did this happen? Has Ayumi been nking out recently? Why didn''t you tell me this was happening? I swear to the Gods, if I had known you would be so careless with my great niece''s life, I would have never given to her! Tell me everything now!"


    Erich was stunned by Yumi''s anger towards him, but immediately understood that she knew what was happening and did not hesitate to tell her everything. In the end, Yumi sighed in relief before giving Erich the good news.


    "Thank the gods... It''s not toote. Listen here Erich, if you truly love my niece, and the daughter that the two of you have, you will bring Ayumi to my pce immediately! Do not even ask anymore questions! Time is of the essence!"


    Erich, of course, had so many more questions, but Yumi did not entertain them, and instead hung up on Erich immediately. As busy as they both were, Erich did not hesitate to push off his responsibilities onto Tia, and instead took Ayumi''s crystal cacoon into the fastest starship he had, and flew her to the homeworld of the Great Oni Empire.


    Naturally, Yumi had men help escort Ayumi''s unconscious body inside, where Erich was surprised to find the woman dragging it into the sacred pool of water where in his past life he had been murdered by Ayumi''s father.


    Yumi did not hesitate to strip, and order Erich to do the same as she climbed into the pool with Ayumi''s body.


    "Get undressed and get in! Quickly now!"


    Though Erich still had questions, he did not ask them and instead did as he was told. The moment he was in the pool with Yumi and Ayumi, the older of the two began to speak.


    "Have you ever wondered why Ayumi''s hair and eyes are so different from every other Oni you have met? I mean, other than your daughter, that is?"


    Erich shook his head, mistaking the unique hair and eye color to simply be a rare phenotype. Yumi then sighed and plunged Ayumi''s body beneath the water''s surface where the crystalline cacoon began to melt away, and instead the melted substance imbued itself within Ayumi''s flesh, making it not only more pale, but glossy as well, almost as if it were covered in a thinyer of oil.


    While this was happening, Yumi exined the transformation that was taking ce.


    "Ayumi was born with an ancient bloodline, one which has been dormant among my family for millennia. Her brother has as well, as has your daughter. We should have known this was a sign of things toe when they were born, but we didn''t believe the old tales.


    Our civilization is based upon the wisdom of the so-called ancient gods. Gods who my family ims descent from. These gods were allegedly very powerful in the primeval era. But have not been seen since.


    In all honesty, there is never in recorded history an incident of one of my family awakening their powers. There is only an ancient talisman left behind which describes what will happen.


    This sacred pool has existed within our household since we were just primitive tribesmen eons ago. And it is said then when a member of our family undergoes a transformation that they must be brought here.


    What you are about to witness, Erich, is the birth of a new God... Or should I say a new goddess?"


    Erich wanted to scoff when he heard this, but instead tried to rationalize with Yumi about her statement.


    "The Gods don''t really exist... They''re supernatural stories told by primitive cultures with no understanding of the universe to exin natural phenomena...."


    Yumi, of course, rolled her eyes before flicking Erich''s ear. Albeit she had to jump to do it.


    "Ye of little faith... Yes, technically you''re correct, but our gods are not actually supernatural entities, rather cosmic beings of pure energy that long sense went extinct eons ago. The power they were capable of wielding might as well have made them gods... Don''t believe me! Look up to the sky!"


    Just as Yumi said this, Ayumi''s body began to rise in the air. She was shining so brightly, Erich believed she was actually made from the star itself. He was forced to shield his eyes, as was every other living thing within the immediate vicinity.


    Soon enough Ayumi''s star floated up into space, approaching the star, where the most remarkable thing happened. As if a vampire, or a parasite of some kind, Ayumi''s body began to take in the energy of the star, causing it to grow dimmer with each moment.


    And then the link was suddenly severed, and the star itself became as bright as ever, almost as if this strange phenomena never happened.


    After which Ayumi''s body shot back down to the world below. Where she stood in front of Erich, her entire figure was engulfed in an amber energy, the same color that her eyes used to be, and then Ayumi copsed back into the pool, her clothing seemingly burnt away.


    What revealed itself was Ayumi''s naked body, which was more pale and lustrous than it had ever been. Even her physical beauty had increased. And when Erich stared down at his lover, about to question if she was alright, her eyes opened.


    Ayumi gazed around at her surprisingly, seemingly having no recollection of what had happened before. Only to find Erich standing there with a dumbfounded expression on her face, and her aunt kowtowing on the ground in front of her.


    Two thoughts escaped Ayumi''s luscious lips who had absolutely no idea about the physical transformation she had just undergone.


    "Where am I? What happened?"

 Chapter 399 Star Vampires

    <h4>Chapter 399 Star Vampires</h4>


    Erich stared at Ayumi in disbelief. She had somehow suddenly transformed into a god-like creature. Or at least in terms of the power she wielded. After all, it was clear that Ayumi''s rebirth had been fueled by the stars themselves.


    But the girl herself hadn''t the slightest clue of what she had be, or why her royal aunt was kowtowing in front of her. In fact, she was quick to ask Yumi just what was happening to her, and how she had gotten to the royal spring.


    "Aunt Yumi? Why am I here? What happened? Why are you bowing before me?"


    Yumi''s deposition towards her great niece had changed drastically upon the girl''s Metamorphoses. In fact, there was a hint of reverence in her voice as she spoke to the young woman.


    "Ayumi... My dear niece... You have awakened the ancient bloodline and ascended.... You are no longer technically an Oni, though you may still look like us. You are a cosmic being of pure energy... Entire fleets can be wiped out of existence with a mere flick of your fingers.


    You can even traverse space itself without the need for a spaceship, or a space suit..."


    Ayumi, of course, looked at her aunt with a bbergasted expression on her otherwise pretty face, which was emphasized by a brief sound of confusion.


    "Huh?"


    Yumi sat Erich and Ayumi down, and spoke about a long forgotten age, and a race so old that even the Elven Empire of the Primeval age had fragmented records of them. The Oni were just a young race at the time, barely even evolved to their current physical standards.


    But one of these so called "Star Gods" had settled on the world, and took an Oni woman as her husband. It was for this reason that the Oni had been a matriarchal society for most of their history as a species.


    It was only until recently, the past 5,000 years or so, that the Oni shifted from having a reigning Empress to a reigning emperor. A practice that continued until this day. Evidently, the ancient star gods, who were once the most powerful beings in existence, were driven to extinction by the ancient Elves in a war that would create the foundation of the current gctic society.


    But a part of their blood line lived on with in the Kondo Dynasty, waiting millions of years to be reawakened. Only disy traces of it every few generations where one child would be born with the unique indigo hair and amber eyes that Ayumi had.


    Few still believed in the ancient tales, and even Yumi had not taken them seriously until the moment Erich announced what had happened to Ayumi. This is why, despite there being three of such rare individuals being born within two generations, no great effort was made by the Kondo dynasty to fully awaken the bloodline.


    This was, of course, a lot of information for both Erich and Ayumi to take in. Regardless of whether or not it was true, Ayumi had definitely undergone a powerful transformation, and could even sense the energy of the stars flowing within her veins.


    Ultimately, there was not much to be done about this, and Erich had no idea how to make use of these powers, other than to create a safe environment for Ayumi to test them in, which would take time.


    After all, if she could fully control her new terrifying powers, he would gain a dangerous weapon to be wielded against the Naraku. Not that Erich would ever actually ask Ayumi to put herself in such a risky situation.


    Still, if all else failed, Ayumi could theoretically wreak havoc on the Naraku fleets assuming what Yumi said was true. With this in mind, the couple returned home, and Tia began constructing a testing facility in the void of space for Ayumi to gain proper control of her newfound powers.


    Of course, once Erich and Tia were alone, the artificial intelligence was quick to ask him about what he thought about Ayumi''s new powers.


    "Master, you should be made aware that there is no mention of these star gods in Elven records. Instead, they go by another name, and are scarcely mentioned, but when they are, terror surrounds them.


    The elves call them Star Vampires, because they literally leach the power from stars to sustain themselves. Yumi doesn''t realize this, but when Ayumi underwent her transformation, she aged the star of the Oni Homeworld by millions of years.


    In her early stages of development as a Star Vampire, Ayumi will have to traverse across the gxy, leeching off the energy of thousands of stars. Andter, after she is fully developed, she will have to do so once every million years.


    What has been unleashed upon the gxy is not a goddess, but a devil of the highest order. I don''t mean to sound.... Harsh, but Master you really should put the girl out of her misery before she ends up destroying everything she loves, including you, and your daughter."


    This statement naturally angered Erich as he raised his voice with Tia for the first time since they had met. An action which did not sit well with the yandere AI.


    "You want me to kill Ayumi? Are you mad, Tia? First off, even if I wanted to do something so horrible, I haven''t had the slightest idea how. And I doubt you do either if records are so fragmented about what she has be.


    Second, the mere notion that I would ever bring harm to one of my loved ones, even if it is for the greater good of the gxy... It''s.. It''s...."


    Erich couldn''t bring himself to say it, because he had for many many years pondered what he would do if forced into a situation to choose between the safety of the Empire or the life of a loved one.


    And of course, Tia finished his words for him, in a way that was deeply chilling to the bone.


    "It''spletely logical and rational, like the way you were raised to behave. What is the life of one woman inparison to the trillions of your people? What is the life of Ayumi inparison to yourself, or the daughter the two of you brought into this world?


    I''m not going to force you to do anything, Master, but I want you to be aware of the dangers that Ayumi now represents to everything you have built, and everything you hold dear. And if the timees when action needs to be taken to ensure your survival, please do not hate me if I do what you cannot.


    That is all I have to say on the matter. I truly hope that I am wrong about this, and that this is merely Elven propaganda made with the intent to demonize an ancient enemy, and to justify a genocide. But usually such records are typically not written with such... horror.... I will leave you to your thoughts, master..."


    With this said, Tia disappeared, not willing to disturb Erich as he pondered about what she had said. This was definitely a moral dilemma, one which Erich hoped he would never have to act upon.

 Chapter 400 Renaissance

    <h4>Chapter 400 Renaissance</h4>


    Tia developed a containment n for Ayumi and her newfound abilities. In fact, she perfectly mapped out a plot of stars that were ideal candidates for Ayumi to suck the life out of so to speak.


    After all, every time Ayumi feasted on a star''s power, the star would age by a few million years. This could have drastic consequences to a civilization living within its vicinity, or more important the resources contained within the system.


    As a result, Ayumi made sure to target stars that were either rtively new, and had billions of years'' worth of life within them. Or stars so old they were going to go supernova sooner rather thanter.


    In the mean time Ayumi was able to live a normal life within Erich''s home, acting as if nothing had happened. But every now and then she would have to go out into the gxy and either harvest energy from a star, or train her powers in a simted environment, one that could not cause any harm to the Germanic Star-Empire, or Erich''s future ns.


    In the mean time, Earth was rebuilt to a standard capable of acting as the Germanic Star-Empire''s capital. Any vestige of the previous and decadent civilization that had once permeated across the''s surface was thoroughly scourged to the point of non-existence.


    As if God himself had wiped the te clean, the Germanic peoples returned triumphantly to their homnd, restoring the youthful vigor of ancient Germania and its woodednds. In fact through exceptional effort and advanced technology, the Earth was restored to a pre-industrial state, one that existed in harmony with the modern technology, and fortifications of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    This was not the same architecture that had once been so renowned for its coldness and authoritarian approach. The architecture that the Germanic Star-Empire had used for centuries. Rather, through reiming their homnd and searching through the ruins of their ancient civilization, a new architectural style was fashioned.


    One that revived old styles of the early modern Europe, while blending it with the futuristic technology of the modern world. Erich no longer lived in a citadel, one whose spire towered into the atmosphere, and looked down upon all life as insignificant.


    Instead, he lived in a grand estate, meant to mimic the castles of the ancient European world, as well as the Pces and chateaus that seeded them. While functionally a stronghold, this new estate was also a work of art of the highest caliber.


    It was a sign of a new era, an era of remation of the Germanic peoples'' ancient, pre-exile heritage, a revival of past learning and wisdom, a renaissance, if you will.


    And with this new renaissance came a rebirth in society. Like Erich had always nned from the moment he assumed the title of Supreme Leader, the Germanic Star-Empire began to distance themselves from their previous fanatically xenophobic ways. While they still held some prejudices towards aliens, the idea of keeping them out of the Empire altogether began to fade.


    Instead, new embassies were established on Earth, from a host of different civilizations. And with them came merchants. Merchants brought a level of trade to The Germanic Star-Empire which it had never really seen before.


    Whilergely self sufficient, the Germanic Star-Empire began to expand its trade routes across the gxy, something which it had previously been isted from. And though immigration wasrgely prohibited from outside civilizations and species, tourism was beginning to take off.


    After all, people were curious about these civilizations which in the span of half a millennium rose to be one of the gxies greatest powers. And the cooperation agreements with the other major powers meant that the mass movement of goods and services between borders became more frequent.


    Within the span of just two to three years, the Germanic Star- Empire had be almost unrecognizable. With the constant growth of the Germanic race, and the expansion of its colonies into thousands of new worlds and systems.


    The only way that Erich would be able to maintain a strong central authority over these many new worlds was by effectively remove human elements from the local governments. With the click of a button, society could be manipted to his will thanks to Tia and her mass automation.


    The Germanic society became split into effectively two castes. The Warrior Caste, and the Civilian Caste. Those who chose the life of a warrior would live in the military, and would effectively serve their entire life in it.


    As for civilians, they now lived in a post scarcity society, and were free to pursue whatever gave them meaning in life. There was no need to toil the fields, or ve away in the factories. Everything that mattered in society hadpletely be automated under Tia''s ever vignt eye.


    However, Erich was ultimately afraid of the society bing 15:15


    too hedonistic, as people had a tendency to engage in degeneracy when they had no troubles. Because of this, the strict sense of traditional morals which Germanic society was heavily enforced.


    Still, this had always been the case in the past. It was nothing new, and it was the norm in society. Because of this, the freedom that people found in their daily lives came down to what they wanted to do. Did they want to paint for fun? y video games? Sculpt models, travel the gxy? Write fantastical stories? Or perhaps be a poet?


    What one did with their life was no longer subject to what they could provide to society, and so long as they remained within the strict moral code of society, they were allowed to do whatever they wished.


    Of course, each world was required to provide a certain number of soldiers to the Armed Forces, and because of this, if these quotas were not met, then civilians would be conscripted into the Warrior Caste.


    But this was never an issue, as the warrior like culture prevailed, and as men found their freedom to do what they wished, many of them wanted to traverse the stars and follow the honorable traditions of their ancestors.


    However, the logistical and support sides of the military were entirely operated by Tia and her army of robots. Because of this, these men would naturally find themselves sorted intobat positions, making the Germanic Star-Empire''s military thergest and most powerful in the gxy.


    Before Erich knew it, the time for his covert operation into the Andromeda system had arrived. Knowing this, he was now faced with a difficult task of invading another gxy and crippling an extra-gctic threat in a desperate attempt to buy himself more time.

 Chapter 401 Venturing Into the Great Beyond

    Chapter 401 Venturing Into the Great Beyond


    ??Erich stood on a small space station built on the edge of the gxy within the borders of the Germanic Star-Empire. Standing before him were a group of several heavily armed men, men whose entire purpose was to wage war on behalf of the Empire''s enemies.


    These men had been given the information necessary to understand their task, and the severity of the consequences that would result if they were to fail. They knew this was a suicide mission, and they were more than willing to throw their lives away for the sake of the Empire.


    The Germanic Star-Empire had, for well over a century, possessed the technology to revive its dead soldiers. There was always, of course, a potential for permanent death. But most soldiers never experienced this, and it was never really a concern for most men on the battlefield because of it.


    "If I die, my consciousness will be uploaded into a clone, far away from this battlefield."


    Yet these men knew that death was all but certain, and it was not the kind of death they could evere back from. Despite this, they were not afraid. Rather, they were ready to embrace their fate. After all, life was meaningless, but the glory of the Empire? That was eternal and could never be besmirched!


    Thus, these men stood before their emperor, a man who had recently imed such a title, a man whose body had undergone a rebirth and was now immortal. The man who would lead their people on an eternal crusade to annihte the Narkau menace wherever they may find them. Knowing all of this, these men stood with their proudest salute as he listened to their words.


    "Each and every one of you knows why you are here at the edge of the gxy. In Andromeda lies a threat to the very survival of our people and our way of life. This threat is legion, their numbers unknown, and their territory incalcble....


    This enemy is the Naraku. They seek to invade the Milky Way Gxy and consume all biological life within it. But we will never let that happen. For as long as our people have eixsted, they have fought tooth and nail, against all odds for individual glory, and the glory of our great race.


    Today, you will be the first men to march into another gxy and wage war upon its inhabitants. You will strike at the heart of the Naraku hive which is spewing out their filthy insectoid race at a rapid rate, and you will deal them a critical blow. One that will set back their ns to invade the gxy long enough for us to be properly prepared for their arrival.


    You will die on this day, but your names will be etched into the halls of eternity, forever remembered as heroes of the Empire. Your offspring for a thousand generations will learn your names and be proud to have you as their ancestor.


    So go forth, and wage war as you were born to do! Death to the enemy, and glory to the Empire!"


    Thest words were repeated back by the elite team of enhanced super soldiers whose objective was suicidal, yet there was not a hint of fear nor hesitation in their voices as they spoke them.


    "Glory to the Empire!"


    After saying this, the super soldiers boarded their deep space starship, designed to prate the gap between gxies and take them to Andromeda within the span of only a few weeks. Erich and the other men and women who bore witness to this event, men and women who were sworn to secrecy, such as Mirage, saluted the soldiers as their spacecraft took off from the space station and departed to regions unknown.


    Once the ship had undocked, Mirage approached Erich and spoke to him with a hint of concern in her voice.


    "I know I have said it before, but you understand that the odds of them sessfullypleting this mission are incredibly low, right? Should they fail, the Naraku will immediately invade the Gxy, and though we have made ample preparations over thest few years, it is still not enough."


    Erich did not say a word. He continued to silently salute the soldiers who marched to certain death until their space ship had entered FTL, going further beyond the boundaries of the Gxy than any man of the Empire had ever done before.


    Once they were gone, Erich finally spoke with a stoic expression on his face and a prideful tone in his voice.


    "I haveplete and utter faith in the abilities of my warriors. They will seed. I know this. And if not... We have a secret weapon, one that will make the Naraku think twice about their invasion should they start it prematurely...."


    Though Mirage had no idea what this secret weapon was, or the fact that she was on close personal terms with it. The weapon being Ayumi; she trusted Erich''s judgement. Still, she could not help but sigh and look out into the void of space, verbally questioning the man''s decision.


    "I hope you know what you are doing..."


    ---


    Tia would watch the conversation between Erich and Mirage while monitoring the spacecraft that had prated the void between gxies. Her deep space probes within the boundaries of the Andromeda gxy were constantly reporting the movements of the Naraku.


    It was as Mirage had said. The Naraku were preparing for an invasion of the Milky Way Gxy. After discovering the origins of the probes which kept spying on them, they realized someone in the Milky Way had discovered their ns.


    Thus, the timetables for the invasion were moved up. But they were blissfully unaware that the Milky Way was sending an advanced strike team, one a suicidal mission to destroy the hive world which was responsible for the overwhelming majority of production of their current forces.


    Needless to say if this hive world was destroyed, the Naraku ns to invade the Milky Way would be set back by decades, as the amount of eggs, hive queens, and drones on this world ounted for roughly 25% of the Naraku forces within Andromeda.


    But even Tia sighed when she ran the odds. No matter how many times she calcted thme, failure seemed the only possibility. Luckily for her, she knew never to underestimate the margin of error called humanity, and thus she silently hoped that Erich''s strike team would genuinely seed in their efforts. No matter how unlikely that was.

 Chapter 402 Delving Beneath the Surface

    <h4>Chapter 402 Delving Beneath the Surface</h4>


    Erich sat in his office, watching the screen which disyed the helmet camera footage from the soldiers who had pierced into Andromeda. The ship they were on was small and was capable of advanced cloaking technology invented by Tia.


    Theoretically, with their current knowledge of the Naraku and their military capabilities, this ship should be able to slip past their defenses andnd on the primary Hive World within the Andromeda Gxy.


    From there however, it was a matter of burrowing deep within the hive world''s surface, prating through the crust, while guiding aary annihtor torpedo, or a modified variant which was capable of the same level of destruction, but could be carried on a man''s back, down into the deepest part of the Hive. Where the team would self destruct the weapon, killing themselves and the entire world with them.


    It was a true suicide mission, one that none of the men regretted undertaking. Erich, Mirage, and Tia watched the video footage of the operation with beers in hand. Mirage had brought a bag of chips with her, causing Erich to shift his attention to the blue-haired beauty every time an audible crunch was heard.


    Normally Erich would not care about this, but in an incredibly tense moment like this, which would literally determine the fate of the Milky Way Gxy, he couldn''t help but chastise her.


    "Must you seriously eat those right at this moment?"


    Mirage shot Erich a look of "what did I do wrong?" before defending herself from her lover''s harsh words.


    "You''re the one who provided the beers. Don''t me me for having a salty snack with them..."


    Erich simply rolled his eyes and returned his attention to the holographic projection of the ongoing mission. The ship came out of FTL, and began to slowly descend towards the world, which was surrounded by Naraku Hiveships.


    Thankfully, the fleets in Andromeda appeared to be at the same level of technological advancement as the ones Erich had encountered in the Milky Way, or perhaps even less so as they were not scouting fleets designed to pierce the void of space and survey new gxy ripe for conquest.


    This was mere spection on Erich''s part as he watched the scene intensely, while also sipping on his beer. Soon enough he ran out of the tasty and intoxicating liquid, handing his bottle over to Mirage who put it aside and grabbed Erich a new one, popping off its bottlecap with the edge of the desk as if she had done so a million times before.


    Once she had done this, she handed the chilled beer over to Erich, who began sipping on it like thest one. Erich''s heart was pounding as the Germanic starshipnded on the''s surface, still invisible as the men exited from the vehicle, cloaked by a simr degree of technology, just scaled down to personal level.


    The man carrying the explosive device which would annihte the was kept safely in the middle of the formation, while the WRAITHs by his side all kept a close watch on their surroundings.


    Erich had never seen a world rebuilt by the Naraku, as in this gxy all they did was strip worlds of their biological material. It was a truly disgusting disy, almost as if the entire world was the inside of an insect hive.


    Previous attempts to survey the were conducted with small autonomous rovers, which over the past few years had surveyed the surface and the tunnels which led deep into the''s interior.


    Luckily for them, none of these little robots, controlled remotely by an artificial intelligence subordinate to Tia''s control, had ever been detected by the Naraku, proving theycked the capability of detecting robotic technology that was sufficiently cloaked.


    However, the same could not be said for the biological lifeforms who were conducting this operation. It was entirely unknown if the Naraku could detect cloaked biological life forms.


    Why had the Empire resorted to using live men to transport the weapon instead of robotic drones? Because after a certain distance within the tunnels, the robots stopped responding to Tia''s controls. Not because they were detected, but because something within the''s crust cut off her signals to them.


    Because of this, only so much of the world''s interior was mapped, and once these soldiers went past, that point they would be working entirely on new information. The Germanic warriors were luckily well trained in stealth and evasion.


    Doing their best to silently and covertly manner through the''s surface and into the tunnels, avoiding the Naraku drones as they did so. After all, the Naraku were not expecting any alien lifeforms on their, and were not on high alert.


    Because of that, the drones were quite easy to evade, as they were not even running patrols, seemingly believing that there were no threats to the or those on it. Why would there be? The entirety of Andromeda was either conquered and devoured, or outright settled exclusively by the Naraku.


    And until now, they had only detected surveince probes entering the gxy. The Hive Mind never suspected the lifeforms of the Milky Way Gxy to actuallynd a strike team on their world.


    Hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks as the WRAITHs continued to make their way towards their destination. During this time Erich had seldom left his seat, nor had Mirage. Only for meal breaks, restroom breaks, and to perform basic hygiene.


    After all, their species was gically enhanced to the point where going a few weeks without any sleep was not a problem for them. And thus, after nearly three weeks of dredging through the Naraku Hive world, three weeks which were full of nail biting near contact events, the strike team finally made it past the area that had been mapped out by the Drones.


    Where they finally discovered why all the robots sent before them had lost contact. Lying deep beneath the surface of the Hive World was an antechamber filled withrvae whose purpose was to one day be Naraku Hive Queens.


    Knowing that each of these Larvae would one day spawn a terrifying hive fleet of their own, Erich and Mirage shuddered in horror, as they suddenly realized that their hypothetical scenario of the universe most likely being filled with Naraku infested gxies was almost certainly true.

 Chapter 403 Operational Success

    Chapter 403 Operational Sess


    ??Erich and Mirage gazed in abject horror as they witnessed the part of the hive world which was responsible for birthing new Naraku Queens. The exceptionallyrgervae were all being fed by working drones, cannibalizing those Naraku who had grown too old to properly provide for the hive, and in doing so rapidly maturing.


    The amount of Naraku Queens being hatched in this one world was enough to invade several gxies at the same time. And there were dozens of so called "Hive Worlds" currently discovered within the Andromeda Gxy alone.


    It was truly a disgusting and terrifying sight. Erich stumbled over his words as he asked Tia for an exact report on how far away the soldiers were away from their target.


    "Tia... Exactly how much further do the soldiers have to delve to detonate the bomb?"


    Tia was also watching the report, though her voice was far more emotionless as she responded to her master.


    "They have already arrived at a location that will deal with the necessary amount of damage to thoroughly destroy the and all life on it. From the looks of things, the reason our drones stopped reporting after they reached this area is because the hive queenrvae ran into them by ident and devoured them.


    They are at such a nascent stage of development that they have no connection to the hive mind, nor an understanding of what they devoured. So... I guess we should consider ourselves lucky."


    Somehow, this observation was notforting, and Erich was quick to ask Tia the next question on his mind.


    "Tia, is it possible tomunicate with them and get them to detonate the bomb now?"


    Tia immediately responded with an anxious tone in her voice.


    "It is possible. After all, I have built subspace rys within the void between gxies to effectivelymunicate and maintain control over all drones in the area. But if the Naraku have the means to listen into ourms, it might alert them. They will quite literally have three seconds to detonate the device before they are devoured, if that were to happen."


    Erich was just about to take this gamble. When he saw something peculiar on the holographic disy, the man with the bomb quickly unhooked it from his back and ced it on the ground, seemingly havinge to the same conclusion as Erich and Tia. He then threw up a salute after arming the explosive, as did all the other soldiers with him. Making onest promation beforemitting suicide.


    "For the Empire!"


    *boom*


    There was a bright sh and then nothing at all. Erich and Mirage gazed at the ck screen, which was only secondster transferred to the perspective of a nearby reconnaissance probe with was monitoring the situation.


    The Hive World had quite literally self destructed, almost as if it were a star that had gone supernova. It blew up into miniscule chunks of rocks, which were sted in all directions. Any life that had existed in the world was consumed by the explosion in a single second and destroyed along with the.


    But this was a world terraformed to act as a giant insect hive, and it housed countless bugs whose sole purpose was to devour and destroy. To put it simply,ary Annihtion was the most effective form of dealing with a Naraku Hive World.


    When Erich and Mirage realized that the mission was a sess, they both hugged each other and kissed in a passionate disy. All the while, Tia spoke in the back of Erich''s mind.


    "The mission was a critical sess. A significant blow has been dealt to the Naraku on this day, I estimate that we have bought ourselves another thirty years at the least before the Naraku are capable of recing what they have lost, let alone invading the Milky Way. Congrattions Master. As we speak, the names of these soldiers are being etched into the annals of history.


    When the timees that we are able to reveal to the public that the Naraku exists outside the gxy, the sacrifice of these men wille to light. And so long as the Empire remains, their names shall be met with praise. I will make sure of that, Master.


    Erich was happy, genuinely happy, that the mission had seeded. It was an enormous weight off his back, and he would make the most of these men''s sacrifice. Thus, he sighed heavily in relief and sat back down at his desk, nning to get some extra work in before tuning out for the night.


    "Alright... You know what to do Mirage, continue to monitor the situation in Andromeda. I expect the Naraku are in a state ofplete and total disarray at the moment. Meanwhile, I will continue to make the necessary preparations. Today was a great victory, and you should take the night off. I promise to celebrate it with you properly once I am done here."


    Mirage saluted Erich with a wide smile on her pretty face as she sang his praises.


    "Supreme... I mean Emperor.... What we aplished here today, what you have done... It makes me proud to serve beneath you..."


    After saying this, Mirage left Erich''s office, instead opting to get changed into something morefortable for the date Erich had promised her once he was finished with his work. As for Erich, he sat back and sighed once more. He was tired, very tired.


    For three weeks, he had stayed awake and watch this operation unfold. There were so many instances where it nearly went wrong. But in the end, it was a sess. And the Naraku would now have to spend the next few decades rebuilding what they had lost.


    This was the first victory in many that were toe against the bugs, or so Erich believed. After all, he was now convinced that he would be waging this war for an eternity. And he was perfectly fine in epting this potential reality.

 Chapter 404 Devastation

    Chapter 404 Devastation


    ??The destruction of the Naraku Hive World within the Andromeda gxy was far more effective than Erich had thought it was. Trillions of lives connected to the hive mind screamed out in agony and vanished within a moment''s notice.


    Effectively crippling every single Naraku within the Andromeda Gxy and the Milky Way for quite some time. Never before had so many of their kind perished before, and in a single moment, no less. It was truly a debilitating experience.


    The Naraku operated via a hierarchy that was known only to them. Each hive had its own queen, but those hives were connected together via the Empress. It was unknown to what extent the Naraku Empress held power, whether it was only over a gxy''s worth of Naraku and their scout forces. In other words Andromeda, and the Milky Way. Or the entirety of the Naraku species, only she really knew the answer to this question.


    Then again, it was truly unknown how far the Naraku were spread across the universe. Evidence collected in the Naraku Gxy suggested they were not native to Andromeda, and recent data collected by the strike team on the Hive World suggested they may have significant control over many gxies.


    But there was simply no way to really know, at least not with the current amount of data. Regardless of the unknown, what was certain was that the Germanic Star-Empire had dealt a significant blow to the Naraku in Andromeda. So much so that nearly three months passed before the hive mind regained control of itself.


    During this time the drones and other bugs which were feral without a connection to the hive mind turned on one another, causing the three month long civil war within Andromeda, and the Milky Way between the Naraku, one that had disastrous consequences for the Naraku Empress.


    Eventually, however, she regained control over the hive mind, and asserted dominion over the more feral bugs in her hive. The Naraku Empress was furious, furious that the dregs in the Milky Way had managed tounch such a devastating blow to her and her kind, without her even being able to detect them. As a result, she was currentlyining to her generals.


    "How was this possible? For millennia, our scouts have reported a stalemate in gctic politics within the Milky Way, and that our proxies have been using their influence to keep the technological development within the neighboring gxy in a state of stagnation.


    Yet only a few years ago, these surveince probes started spying on us here in andromeda. And now they managed tounch a direct attack against one of our hive worlds without us noticing?


    I thought they were in a state of stagnation. What has changed so suddenly to allow for an entire hive world to be destroyed and so suddenly at that?"


    The insectoid generals appeared nervous as they silently debated with their eyes about who should give their Empress a proper. In the end, one of the weaker generals spoke to the woman, knowing that he would be devoured for doing so.


    "Our scouts reported strange movements within the Milky Way, the Ghimderi Trade Union who previously held a stranglehold over the Milky Ways'' resources self destructed, and as a result the other major powers began to cooperate overnight, at least in the form of trade.


    However, there were no reports of them cooperating in military matters, or suddenly deciding to advance their technological development at a new and increased rate. Perhaps the scouts are to me for failing to detect this sudden change...."


    The Naraku Empress was outraged when she heard this, and lifted the insectoid general up by the neck, cing her mandibles near its throat as she demanded an answer from him.


    "What!?!?! Why have I not been informed of this matter until now? And what are our proxies doing? Are they not supposed to be reporting on the efforts of the gxy''s various powers? Why did they not inform us of these technological developments?


    What is going on in the Milky Way? You do understand that thanks to this attack, and the following chaos quadrillions of my children are now dead! It will take fifty years in the least to recover from these losses!"


    The general did not have an answer to this question. While it was true that various insectoid races across the Milky Way had decided to save their hides by swearing fealty to the Naraku and acting as spies on their behalf. Erich knew this and actively isted all insectoids from important gctic matters.


    Not only did he do so, but when informed of this matter, Daelia, Lunaria, Kali, and Ra also decided to iste every single insectoid race within their space. Regardless if they had known ties to the Naraku or not, if one was insectoid they could not be trusted.


    In fact, Erich had begun the plot to purge the gxy of all Insectoids over theing years in an attempt to rid the gxy of any potential Naraku Influence. But the Naraku did not know this.


    They werepletely unaware that the major gctic powers of the Milky Way were now teaming up topletely annihte all insectoids, including the scout fleets in a crusade against all lifeforms remotely resembling bugs.


    Because they did not know that their proxies had been discovered, and that all insectoid life was now being discriminated against within the Milky Way Gxy, the General had no answer for his empress. And when she realized this, she devoured the general for his ipetence, directly in front of his peers.


    Once she had finished with this meal, the Naraku Empress had a very specific message for her generals.


    "I want to know what''s happening in the Milky Way... Send word to all of our proxies and scouts that they need to double... no triple their efforts! As for the rest of you, I believe we have several million more broods to breed...."


    The generals, of course, did not disobey their Empressesmand, and began their efforts to rece the substantial losses that the Naraku in Andromeda had suffered as a result of the unexpected attack.


    Meanwhile the various powers in the Milky Way Gxy were gathering their forces to begin a crusade against all intelligent insectoid life within the gxy. One which Erich was the mastermind of.

 Chapter 405 Cleansing the Galaxy

    Chapter 405 Cleansing the Gxy


    ??With the Naraku ns to invade the Milky Way set back by at least a few decades, Erich moved onto the next stage of his n to sabotage the Naraku''s efforts to consume all biological life in the gxy and rebuild it in their image.


    He immediately dered war against all sapient Insectoid species in the Gxy, and coordinated his efforts with his allies to work together in a grand crusade to not only wipe out the Naraku scouting fleets currently in the gxy, but all their proxies as well, who had been used since time immemorial to spy on the Milky Way and its society.


    The Germanic Armed Forces were deployed across the gxy, utilizing its vastwork of soldiers and automated logistics toy siege to every insectoid world that existed. Meanwhile, thebined naval forces of the Asuran Cabal, Ennead Theocracy, the Svartalfheim Federation, and Alfheim Dominion worked together to get rid of the Naraku Scout Fleets.


    Naturally Erich used the excuse of his military being the "least powerful" and "smallest" of the five major powers as an excuse to take out the Naraku''s vassals. But the reality was that this was his way of testing the strength of the Naraku and the abilities of his allies.


    It was true that the Germanic Navy had the ability to engage a Naraku Hive Fleet one and one, and emerge victorious. Hell, their stealth technology was beyond the capabilities of anything that the bugs had ever seen.


    But this wasn''t public knowledge, instead the other gctic powers genuinely believed that the Germanic Star-Empire was the weakest link in their alliance, despite its newly crowned Emperor being the one whose diplomatic efforts were responsible for its creation.


    This was a misconception that Erich wanted to continue among his allies, as he wished for them to not only understand the true depth of the enemy they faced, further uniting them in cause, but also to weaken their own forces, rather than his own. As it would ultimately be the Germanic Armed Forces, that would prove to be most pivotal for the day when the Naraku finally invaded the gxy in full force.


    Tia, of course, monitored the various battles that were being waged across the gxy,menting on how it was a useful experience for Erich''s soldiers to gain by fighting less powerful and intense insectoids on their own homeworlds.


    "Master will be pleased to know that after gaining experience while fighting the Naraku''s various subjugated races, the Germanic army will gain an estimated +25% efficiency at terminating hive worlds when the Grand Crusade finally begins.


    Erich nodded his head in agreement with Tia''s analysis of the situation while watching his own heavily armored troops deploy their forces to these insectoid Hive Worlds, where they breached the nests beneath the surface and cleared them out, bug by bug.


    The losses were less significant than if they had been fighting in a Naraku infested world. As these insectoids were not necessarily devouring swarms, and thus were not biologically engineered to wage war against their opponents, but rather made us of their own advanced technology simr in design to what was seen among other life forms across the gxy.


    Still, the act of smashing bugs, and forcing your way deep into the''s crust just so you can wipe out the Queens, the eggs, and thervae in a genocidal operation, was one which could be learned from.


    Every soldier who took part in these operations gained much experience in how to invade a Naraku Hive World, which would be the ultimate goal of the Germanic Star-Empire after the Naraku had been repelled from the Milky Way Gxy.


    Even those men who died in battle, so long as they were within the range of the resurrectionwork, could be brought back with memories of the failures that had led to their deaths. Failures they could learn from and improve upon.


    Tai ultimately concluded that within two to five years, thest remnants of the various subjugated insectoid races across the gxy, and even those who were not loyal to the Naraku would be exterminated.


    She then said this before shifting the view on screen to a foreign battlefield, one taking ce in space between the Alfheim Fleets and the Naraku Scout Fleet known as Behemoth. There was an almost disdainful tone in her voice as she expressed her thoughts on the matter.


    "It would appear that your allies are less capable than I initially estimated.... They may need reinforcements soon with the way the battle is going. But this doesn''t surprise me, after all they did lose in the initial battles with Terminus all those years ago, and Terminus was a splinter fleet of Behemoth, not even big enough to be considered what we now ssify as a full-fledged scout fleet.


    With Master''s approval, I will dispatch the 173rd Fleet to aid our Elven allies. They should arrive just in time to prevent heavy losses. Shall I proceed with this n?"


    Erich watched the dominion ships that were being torn apart. The major gctic powers made a grave error in the production of their warships over thest million years. They made the ships massive in scale as a sign of grandeur and domination. But their substantial size, which was asrge as some celestial bodies, made them incredibly vulnerable to attacks.


    The Germanic warships were much smaller in size, but packed a substantial punch due to the focus being on military capabilitiy both againstrger craft, and in terms of point defense systems which protected all areas of the vessel against smaller fighter craft, or for example Naraku Drones.


    Erich couldn''t help but shake his head asmented on this disparity between the other Gctic Powers and his own.


    "The time for these grand vessels hase to an end. Let their destruction be a reminder that utilityes before aesthetics and luxury. When Lunaria startsining about her losses, as well as the others, advise her to begin building more practical warships. Let this defeat be a reminder of her failed mindset, one that the Naraku has taken advantage of for these past few million years."


    Tia was surprised by the callousness in Erich''s tone, as she was quick to ask for rification on what he meant.


    "So is Master saying to abandon his allies to certain defeat?"


    Erich just simply nodded his head. He truly believed the wasteful way which these Dominion ships were constructed would need to act as a reminder of what was important at the moment.


    And thus while his forces had begun to rapidly destroy the Naraku''s insectoid subjects within the Milky Way, the other powers began to sustain heavy losses against the Naraku Scout Fleets. Losses that would need to be replenished with more modern and efficient warships.

 Chapter 406 An Advanced Warp Drive

    <h4>Chapter 406 An Advanced Warp Drive</h4>


    Wars waged across the Gxy as the great powers used their authority to purge all insectoid lifeforms, or at least those who were intelligent enough to travel between the stars. Of course, during this time, the great powers, aside from the Germanic Star-Empire, realized the folly of their ways.


    The giant starships they had constructed to disy their majesty, and to invoke a sense of intimidation, were all but useless against the Naraku Hive Fleets, whose small drones capable of flying through space, tore them to pieces, killing everyone inside them.


    The losses which the four great powers who once went unchallenged across the Gxy were substantial, losing most of their naval power during these conflicts. As for the Germanic Military, they focused their empire''s might on the small fries.


    Waging grand campaigns against a thousand different Insectoid species, prating deep into their hives, and destroying all life within. It was nothing short of an absolute genocide. One intended to cripple the Naraku''s spies within the Milky Way, and to gain experience for the Grand Crusade that was toe in the near future.


    During this time, Mirage continued tomand the secret intelligence agency she was responsible for in their efforts to monitor the Andromeda Gxy. While doing this, the GSE had begun to send deep space probes in all directions outside the Milky Way. Their objective was simple: determine how many gxies which surrounded the Milky Way actually had a Naraku Presence.


    It was very quickly determined that the Dwarf Gxies that revolved around the Milky Way were entirely unaffected with the Naraku Menace, but it would take some time before those probes even reached Triangulum Gxy, which was 2.73 million light-years away from Earth.


    Over the past few years, since Erich began his second attempt at life. Tia had been experimenting with warp drive technology, and other means to cross space in small amounts of time. She had a good starting point. With the technology the Alfheim Dominion had at its disposal, it took roughly 24 earth standard hours to travel between Alfheim and Germania.


    Both of which were on opposite ends of the Alfheim Quadrant, which was roughly one fourth of the Milky Way, or had been prior to the Germanic Star-Empire gaining its sovereignty. But Tia''s vast intelligence and knowledge which covered every single bit of information avable in gctic record. Was able to actively advance this technology, and significantly so.


    She never rested and always had some process dedicated to advancing certain key aspects of technology. For example, at the moment, her holographic projection appeared outside a test facility on some barren moon she used for technological experimentation.


    Inside this facility were a bunch of robots, all of which were fulfilling their jobs. And these robots were, of course, under Tia''s control. Standing beside Tia was Erich, who gazed upon a particr piece of technology that he thought was quite interesting to look it.


    "Master, what you see here is the fruits of Tia''s decade long efforts to effectively bridge the gap between the Milky Way and its neighbors. Until now, we have been relying on small prototype variations of this engine to propel probes and small drop ships between the Milky Way and Andromeda. But no longer!


    This is an incredibly advanced Warp Drive, one capable of sending your warships from Earth to the Pegasus Gxy within the span of roughly two standard Earth weeks. Mind you, the Pegasus Gxy is roughly 3 million light years away, while Andromeda is roughly 2.5 million Light Years away from Earth.


    To put it simply, with this warp drive, your warships will be able to travel at 75 million times the speed of light. Which at the very least should be sufficient enough for you to traverse the Local Group of Gxies, and spread your banner across its many, many worlds.


    I will begin retrofitting all current war ships within the Germanic Navy with this Warp Drive, starting immediately if the master approves it. Rest assured, master, the Warp Drive has undergone extensive testing across all sses of warships currently within inventory. It is perfectly safe to begin employing en masse."


    Erich was baffled by this information. This Warp Drive was significantly more advanced than anything remotely fielded across the Milky Way. During his previous life, when he had travelled to the Sagittarius Dwarf Gxy, the distance between it and Germania took him several years to get there and back.


    Yet now it would only take two weeks to get from Earth to Pegasus? It was absurd, but then again, Erich had some recollection of a simr warp drive existing within an old science fiction franchise from back in Earth''s pre-interster history.


    It was definitely an absurdly powerful warp drive, one that would allow Erich to easily traverse the local group of gxies, who until now had no real contact with one another. It would also allow him to bring the fight to the Naraku within the local group of gxies and expand his power significantly.


    After all, Erich intended to eventually bring the Milky Way into one empire where his people reigned supreme. But it would still be several decades before this could be aplished. As he needed the Naraku to invade and weaken his so-called allies before he could stab them in the back.


    Still, it was good to know that the Banner of the ck Sun would soon spread far and wide. With this in mind, Erich tried to pet Tia''s holographic hair, and though he did not feel anything, she still smiled and acted as if she was being petted. All the while, Erichplimented her.


    "Keep up the good work Tia, one day soon, this Gxy will belong do us. After that we will take the fight to Andromeda, and after we have purged Andromeda from the Naraku, and imed its world for our own, we will set out sights on the Local group. This crusade of ours willst an eternity if it has to, and you will be my true Empress...."


    Tia smiled when she heard this. All of her hard work had not been forgotten, and Erich had seemingly said something that he didn''t realize the significance of. He had essentially told her that all the other women in his life were insignificantpared to her. Or so that was what Tia had heard.


    It would be years before Erich could put his ambitions of Gctic Conquest into motion, let alone Extra-Gctic conquest, but this warp drive was the start of what woulde, and Tia had delivered directly into Erich''s hands.

 Chapter 407 Consuming a Dying Star

    <h4>Chapter 407 Consuming a Dying Star</h4>


    The time hade once again for Ayumi to devour the energy from another star. Her rebirth as a so called "Star God" had been kept a secret for the time being. And because of this, Erich escorted her with his personal starship outside of the Milky Way, and to the Sagittarius Dwarf Gxy, where in the previous timeline he had waged a bloody battle against the sages.


    It was obviously not the same star system. In fact, it was an old and dying star within a systempletely uninhabited by any life forms. Tia had marked stars like this across the Milky Way, and recently its stability dwarf Gxies, in preparation for Ayumi''s new and strange physical needs.


    Her ns were to harvest these star systems of any and all resources they may have, and then allow Ayumi to swallow what remained of their stars, essentially preventing a supernova.


    By now Tia''s robotic worker legions had turned the celestial bodies into this system into barren wastnds. Any and all potential resources that could be extracted could be done so. Meaning that Ayumi was free to consume the star.


    For moral support, Erich had taken Ayumi to this destination, despite her ability to traverse the stars on her own. Ayumi had long since been practicing to control her abilities in a barren?area of space, one which Tia had built specifically to her needs.


    She was not necessarily a danger to Erich or his people anymore, and thus now lived on Earth full time. With only asional journeys into the great beyond when she needed to devour a star''s energy for her physical growth.


    Within the small starship, which was what one might refer to as Erich''s personal corvette. Ayumi stood in its hanger bay. There was a heavy starfighter meant to be piloted by two people residing in the bad, as well as Erich, who was dressed in a space suit.


    He hugged his woman, giving her a sign of trust, as he verbally encouraged her to do what was necessary, despite her reservations to do so.


    "Ayumi, everything is fine. There are no lifeforms in this gxy, and its celestial bodies have already been stripped of their resources. You are free to consume what remains of this dying star. By Tia''s calctions, it will be enough to meet your physical needs."


    Ayumi pressed her hand against Erich''s helmet, obviously meaning to touch his face, as she gave him a loving smile. She tried to press his forehead against her own, but only felt the cold ss against it. Still, this was enough for her, as she spoke to the man she loved, and the mother of his father as if she were dying.


    "Erich... It was kind enough of you toe all this way for me... But you should go now. If something were to happen to go wrong, and you were to get... Hurt.... I would never forgive myself.


    Thesest few years together have been the best of my life, and I would never want to live without you."


    Erich smirked when he heard this, before flicking the woman on the forehead, causing her to react in shock. He then told her the words she needed to devour the star without any worries.


    "Please, you know by now I am immortal. If this vessel perishes, Tia will upload my consciousness into an exact copy, and I will be back home looking after our daughter and waiting for your return. I could die anywhere in the universe, and Tia would revive me. It is no concern of mine.


    I would rather waste this vessel, both the flesh I inhabit, and the ship I stand upon, being by your side for moral support, then to let you do this on your own. So go, do what you need to do to survive, and grow. I''ll be waiting for you, either here or back home."


    Ayumi''s mood vastly improved when she heard this, giggling in the process, and giving Erich onest hug before hitting the button that opened the hangar of the corvette. She then said onest statement before flying off and doing what most living beings would consider something to be abominable.


    "You make it sound like you''re the god here.... I''ll be done shortly, so please be patient...."


    Ayumi flew out of the hangar of the corvette, her figure no longer one of flesh and bone, but rather one of pure energy, energy whose color matched her amber eyes. Tia may have warned Erich about Ayumi. She had, after all, be a being of ancient terror, one who the ancient Elven records spoke with nothing but abject horror about.


    But to Erich, she was a goddess, one which he had no problem "worshipping" and if a few dying stars were the cost of her survival and growth, then so be it. He would happily pay such tribute to the woman.


    Like before, when she had first "ascended," Ayumi approached the nearby star, though this time she was fully conscious as her mouth opened and devoured the energy of the star until nothing remained. Its light forever vanishing from the universe.


    The scene was indeed, both simultaneously, an awe-inspiring and terrifying experience for Erich to witness unfold. And as he waited anxiously for something to go terribly wrong, it never did.


    In the end, Ayumi flew back to the hangar, where Erich shut its doors behind her. Her form of pure energy receding back to flesh and bone, the every beautiful appearance which Erich had long since grown to love greeting him with a warm smile and excited smile, as the woman proimed her victory.


    "I did it!"


    Erich could not help but boldly reach out and touch the woman''s face with his glove, something she treasured, as he responded to her excited words, with a humble tone and reassuring tone. One that conveyed his affections to the woman.


    "Indeed, you did...."


    And while Erich made this gesture, he thought to himself that Tia must be mistaken. How could a woman this beautiful and kind hearted ever be a blight upon the gxy, and a danger to his people?

 Chapter 408 Requesting Reinforcements

    Chapter 408 Requesting Reinforcements


    ??The alliance between the Germanic Star-Empire and that of the Elves was a strong one. So much so that the two empresses of the respective Elven subraces lived with Erich. If he needed to discuss any matters of diplomatic importance between them, he was quite literally only a few steps away.


    This made some things easy, but also others more difficult. For example, Erich had fallen prey to the same old trick that Celestia used to confuse him in the previous timeline. Despite being on guard against it, Erich still found himself sleeping with Celestia and Sinaria, who both pretended to be their mothers.


    It was an honest mistake, as the two women were practically clones of their mothers, and once alcohol was involved, it was easy to mistake them for the two most fearsome empresses in the gxy. This, of course, caused Lunaria and Daelia to chastise Erich when they found out what happened.


    Because of this, the two women decided to "punish'' the man by packing their things up and flying back to their respective domains. Taking their errant daughters with them as they tried to punish them alongside Erich for their unholy activities.


    This "punishment" was actually peaceful for Erich, who no longer had to deal with Lunaria and Daelia''s constant squabbling every moment he was not in his office. Leaving a peaceful state to retake the pce on Earth.


    Weeks went by, and then months without hearing from the two empresses, and just when Erich thought that they might do something foolish like dissolve their alliance, he received two distress calls from the women in question.


    At the exact same time, Daelia and Lunaria had decided to squash their pride, and ept the fact that they needed help to defeat the Naraku hive fleets within the Gxy. After all, their epically massive ships were more a sign of grandeur, domination, and prestige than they were functional military vessels, and they had suffered substantial losses in their attempts to get rid of the current Scout Fleets within the gxy.


    Because of this, both Daelia and Lunaria were sitting in a conference call with Erich, blushing like school girls who had gotten spanked by their teacher and were now running home to daddy to get their vengeance.


    This embarrassment was evident in their tones as they pleaded with Erich for assistance.


    "I need your help, Erich. Surely you have some men to spare? We know you''re currently tied up in a war with all of the insectoid races in the milky way other than the Naraku, but please, I need your help!"


    Daelia was far more willing to put her pride aside and ask for Erich''s help than Lunaria was, so much so that while Lunaria was struggling with her pride, Daelia had outright said what needed to be said.


    But the moment Daelia swallowed her pride and humbled herself in front of Erich, Lunaria had no problem doing the same, rather shamelessly trying to steal Erich''s support from her sister, despite the fact that they were all in an alliance together.


    "Screw you and your losses. Erich is my husband and former vassal! If he is obligated to help anyone right now, it is me! Not only do I need your reinforcements, Erich, but we should coborate on ship design, as I believe both of our navies could benefit from a sharing of technology and blueprints!"


    Even Daelia wasn''t shameless enough to ask for this second part, casting her older sister a dumbfounded expression via her hologram before battling with the woman.


    "What the hell are you talking about, Lunaria? Erich is also my husband. He is obligated to help me just as he is you and I asked first! I should get his reinforcements first!"


    Erich sighed heavily and shook his head. The reality was that less than 10% of his current armed forces were at war, while the majority of his forces were waiting for the first sign of invasion to rapidly deploy against the Naraku.


    With the ongoing changes in Germanic society, the Germanic military had grown a thousandfold in thest ten years, and their navy was no exception to this. Especially since most of a warships functions could not be automated either through direct control by Tia, or by the AUXILARY series support droids that could do everything a naval crew member could and more.


    He could easily dispatch the forces necessary to aid both of these women''s fleets in their attempts to wipe out the Naraku Scout Fleets, but to do so would reveal the exact level of power he currently possessed which would only put all of the other major gctic leaders on alert.


    Because of this, Erich did not want to reveal just how powerful his military was, and instead wanted to save that reveal until after the Naraku invasion of the Milky Way had already decimated his rivals on the gctic stage, two of which were his own wives.


    With this in mind, he crafted an excuse to send only a small response force that could effectively act as the spearhead of Lunaria and Daelia''s naval forces currently deployed against the Naraku Scout Fleets.


    "My forces are currently tied up in arge series of wars, albeit against powers of varying size, but no less requiring significant effort on my part. I can only assist you both with a fleet each. Even then, if you wish to most effectively wield them, you will have to use your own warships in support of them¡­"


    This was not the response that either of the women was looking for. After all, they had no idea that each Germanic Fleet wasposed of two hundred warships of varying size and role. Two of them were more than enough to counter a Naraku Splinter Fleet on their own, especially with the advanced technology the Empire currently had.


    Whenbined with allied forces, those two hundred ships would be the spearhead they needed to punch through a Naraku Scout Fleet. With the intelligence Tia had gathered, it would require a single Germanic Armada to effectively counter one Naraku Hive Fleet from Andromeda.


    This was an enormous improvement over the previous timeline, but still, the Germanic Star Empire only had 15 armadas at the moment. Each of which wasposed of Five Fleets. Which was significant power in their own right, but the Naraku still had so much more they could throw at the Milky Way.


    Despite Erich''s cking ability," the two women nodded their heads in agreement, not knowing that the forces Erich was sending them were more than adequate to make up for their own failures.


    "It will have to do¡­"


    "Thank you, husband."


    Of course, the Germanic ships would be under orders to do just the minimum amount necessary to win the battle. After all, as previously mentioned, Erich did not want to reveal his true power just yet.

 Chapter 409 Behemoth’s Demise

    <h4>Chapter 409 Behemoth''s Demise</h4>


    The Germanic Fleets regrouped with their allies, who had very clearly suffered heavy losses. Of those massive ships that still remained, they were of the smaller variety and had endured significant damage to their hulls.


    It was truly a disappointing sight for the Germanic ships, which operated with almost entirely robotic crews. The only human beings on board were the deck officers. All others were AUXILARY series support droids which were not only capable of performing all the feats of a human being, but were operated by a basic artificial intelligence.


    Of course, there werepliments of marines aboard each ship, and they were actual human beings. Even the starfighters, bombers, et cetera were all piloted by these Auxiliary ss droids, the role of those previously known as bucket heads now relegated to artificial intelligence.


    Yet, neither the Alfheim Dominion, nor the Svartalfheim Federation, knew this. Instead, they weed the Germanic Fleets, each of which wasposed of 200 warships of varying sizes and sses.


    A familiar face was in charge of thergest Germanic Warship within the fleet assigned to assist with the Alfheim Dominion''s third attack on Behemoth. Admiral ric au Emrys was standing in his signature white and gold naval uniform board the bridge of the Carrier, christened as Bismarck.


    His deck officers were all Germanic citizens, citizens who hadpleted their time at the academy, and who were tasked withmanding the AI based robotic units on board the ship, ensuring they functioned as intended.


    In reality, their job was really no different from it was before. Giving outmands to units who execute suchmands. The only difference was the process was now incredibly streamlined, as AI had no room for human error, and was far more efficient than a human crew.


    Little did Emrys know that everything said on board the ship was being monitored by Tia and reported back to Erich, and thus Erich, Tia, and Mirage were all watching themunication that was being held between the Germanic Admiral and the Alfheim Admiral.


    "And what exactly are such miniscule ships going to do against the Naraku?"


    This was the question which the proud Admiral of the Light Elven race asked his Germanic counterpart, seemingly unaware that the reason his warships suffered such damage was because they were toorge to adequately defend against smaller warships.


    Which, for the record, the Germanic warships were not exactly small, thergest of which, their carriers were 5,000 meters in length. Butpared to the Alfheim Warships, which were the size of small celestial bodies, it was reasonable enough to call them small.


    Emrys wore a grin on his face as he exined to his counterpart why his fleets had utterly failed to annihte the Naraku Scout Fleet known as "Behemoth".


    "You really don''t understand it, do you? Your losses have been significant because those giant pleasure barges you fly around in are better suited for intimidation rather than war itself. The Naraku do not fear you the way the rest of the gxy has, and now you have learned the price of your folly.


    Just provide support to my Fleet, and I will ensure that Behemoth is taken care of. I have orders from the Emperor himself. Failure to destroy the target is not an option. So we will fight to thest man if we have to in order to ensure that the bugs are wiped out. Now, unless you have anything else worth of note to share, we will be jumping..."


    After saying this, Emrys hung up on the Elven Admiral, causing them an to curse aboard his own warship. But before he could do anything, Emrys and his fleet of 200 warships had jumped into the sector of space where the Naraku were currently licking their wounds.


    ---


    Aboard the Naraku Queenship was the Hive Queen Behemoth herself. She was currently in a trance like state,municated over vast distances to the Andromeda gxy with her Empress as she exined what was happening.


    "My Empress¡­ We are able to converse atst¡­ It has been some time since we lost contact with you all, we were beginning to fear the worst¡­"


    The Empress was clearly in a foul mood as she spoke to her daughter in a harsh and spiteful tone.


    "I don''t need your sympathies. Just tell me what is happening in the Milky Way right now! What are the prey up to? Have they made any aggressive movestely?"


    Behemoth was stunned by these words, as she waspletely unaware of the attack on the Hive World Within Andromeda that sent the Andromeda Naraku into a state of anarchy, resulting in tremendous and crippling losses.


    Had she known this, she may have been more tactful with her response. Instead, she bluntly stated what was happening in the Milky Way.


    "The prey has been oddly activetely. Not only have they begununching attacks on all of our Hive Fleets in a loosely coordinated effort to repel our assaults. But they have also begun a crusade against all insectoid life within the Milky Way. I don''t understand what is happening¡­"


    The Naraku Empress''s voice was filled with fear, something Behemoth had never heard from her mighty Empress before, as the monarch spoke to her daughter with anxiety.


    "Those fucking bastards! They know! They know god dammit! They know that you and your sisters are a scout force, just like they somehow know about our subjects among the other insectoid races. They are trying to wipe you all out so that we have no eyes and ears in the Milky Way. I should have known that this attack was their effort to buy time!"


    Behemoth was just about to say something when one of her servants, which looked like an anthropomorphic wasp, flew into her chambers, warning her of the impending attack.


    "My queen! Hostiles have jumped into the system and have begun to engage with our fleet. We are under attack again!"


    Naturally, the Naraku Empress heard this and was about to say something when an extremely painful sensation overwhelmed her senses. By the time she finally recovered, she realized that she had lost contact with Behemoth and her hive.

 Chapter 410 Shocking Strength

    Chapter 410 Shocking Strength


    ??The moment that the Germanic Fleet, led by Admiral Emrys, entered the system which the Naraku Scout Fleet Behemoth was in it opened fire on the bugs and their manyrge warships. They did not even wait for their Alfheim Allies to join them in battle.


    The Germanic fighters, piloted by AUXILIARY series, support droids took to space and engaged the many drones that the bugs sent after them. All the while, the point defense systems aboard the starships fired at the oing drones which vastly outnumbered their own fighters.


    Yet unlike in the previous timeline where the drones were capable of contending with the Germanic starfighters one on one, the odds were heavily in the Germanic Navy''s favor. Why was this? Because the ability to process information on the battle, and control the starfighters which they were piloting were vastly superior when in the hands of robots powered by basic artificial intelligence.


    Everything from their reaction time to their reflexes and their processing speed allowed these robotic starfighter pilots to vastly outpete their flesh and blood rivals. Even someone like Erich who had served in the legendary ck Sun Squadron, and was renowned for his piloting skills that were a result of his cyber kinesis, was outpeted by these AUXILIARY series support droids.


    Sure, losses began to mount, after a time. But the Naraku were being in one hundred to one by the single fleet worth of fighters. For the record, the size of Naraku Scout Fleet was significantlyrger than a single Germanic Fleet.


    A single Naraku Scout Fleet consisted of thousands of ships, each of which could send their own drones out into battle. While a single Germanic Fleet consisted of one hundred warships, only a few of which were capable of carrying fighters.


    It simply wasn''tparable in scale. But the Germanic technology was so advanced, and the fact that pretty much everything was now automated by artificial intelligence, something that vastly outperformed the Naraku hive mind, to the point where these two hundred warships took limited damage.


    And while the star fighters prated the thick fog, what were essentially the gxy''s most dangerous wasps, sting them into red mists with every fire of their weapons. Therger warships focused their advanced weapons onto the Naraku warships. Prating through their thick bio-armor and dealing substantial damage with each volley.


    By the time the Alfheim Fleet entered the system, the Germanic Fleet had lost only three warships, while the Naraku had lost 300, and hundreds of thousands of drones. The Elven Admiral was stunned by what he had seen.


    His fleets were even smaller than the Germanic ones, but while the Naraku ships dwarfed the Germanic ships in terms of size and carrying capacity, his own warships did the same to the Naraku.


    When he saw the damage that the single Germanic fleet of 200 warships and maybe ten times as many fighters was dealing to the Naraku Scout Fleet, the Admiral nearly lost his mind. It took him several minutes to give the orders to provide assistance to the Fleet, which was acting as their spearhead.


    "Begin the attack!"


    Without the Naraku drones which were in such a significant number, and so small in size prating through the sparse defenses of the Alfheim Warships, their massive,ary annihting weapons were able to focus on Naraku warships. Dealing devastating damage to the ships as they did so.


    And it did not take long, especially after the Queenship was destroyed by an Alfheim weapon, for the remnants of the Naraku Fleet to be dealt with. In the end, the bugs either devoured themselves, or were mopped up by the forces of the Germanic-Elven alliance. And with limited casualties, at that.


    ---


    Across the Gxy in Svartalfheim Space, a simr battle had just unfolded. Like the battle against Behemoth, this Scout Fleet was also targeted by the Germanic Fleet, which was significantly smaller in terms of the size of its warships, and also the number which they had deployed.


    Yet just like the other battle, the Germanic ships acted as the spearhead, taking the focus of the Naraku, and dealing significant damage in the process, while the Svartalfheim vessels provided support from afar.


    The result was aplete and total annihtion of two Naraku Fleets, which had been a blight on the gxy since sometime during the Primeval era. When the battle was over, the Alfheim and Svartalfheim admirals contacted their respective empresses and reported what they had witnessed.


    Both Lunaria and Daelia were so stunned by this news that they had immediately contacted Erich, demanding an answer to just howrge his naval forces currently were.


    "Erich¡­ Don''t tell me you have been hiding your strength from us! We need to know, as your wives, and your allies, just howrge your navy is?"


    Erich had identally revealed too much power in this battle. He had, after all, underestimated the amount of damage that the Alfheim and Svartalfheim Fleets had dealt to the enemy. And thus he was at a loss¡­ He knew these women would not be satisfied until he told them the truth, and thus he sighed heavily before doing exactly that.


    "Well, I wanted to keep this a secret, but fine¡­ I will tell you the current scale of the Germanic Navy, but you must promise me that what I say never leaves this call. Do you understand me?"


    Both Lunaria and Daelia nodded their pretty little heads, waiting for Erich''s answer, which he gave them after seeing their agreement to his terms.


    "Currently¡­ The Imperial Navy has fifteen different armadas. Each of which isposed of five fleets. Which means that we currently have around fifteen thousand warships capable of being deployed across the gxy and beyond at a moment''s notice.


    Though this might seem like a major victory, you have to remember that these are scout fleets of the Naraku. Meaning they are not nearly asrge, or as powerful as those awaiting us in Andromeda. In fact, I''d wager that I will need at least one whole Armada to deal with one Naraku Hive Fleet from Andromeda. And they have an estimated one hundred plus Hive Fleets in Andromeda that they intend to send to the Milky Way¡­.


    This means I am still decades away from having the strength necessary to contend with the future Naraku Invasion on my own. And now that you and the other Major Gctic powers realize that your own fleets are inadequate to properly fight the Naraku on your own. We can all move forward together to properly prepare for what is toe.


    That is once the Naraku Scout Fleets and their servile insectoid races are all wiped out¡­."


    Lunaria and Daelia both felt like they had been pped in the face after hearing just howrge the Germanic Navy was. Fifteen Thousand Warships made them thergest Navy in the gxy, and judging by what they just witnessed, they were also the most technologically advanced¡­ It was a truly frightening thought when they understood that Erich must have been preparing for this reality since the moment he was given power over his people.

 Chapter 411 Massive Damage

    Chapter 411 Massive Damage


    ??All across the Milky Way Gxy, the Naraku Scout Fleets, and their subordinate Insectoid ves had all begun to be wiped out. A war was being waged, not just by the Major Gctic Powers, but by all of their vassals as well.


    The entire military force of the gxy had been mobilized in a crusade with a single purpose. Theplete and total elimination of all intelligent insectoid life within the gxy. It was perhaps the first time in gctic history that such a united front had been fought, and while it was happening, the Naraku Empress within the Andromeda Gxy was going absolutely insane.


    The origins of the Naraku were mysterious, so much so that the Naraku Empress was not entirely sure how they had begun or how far their people stretched across the universe. While she did not originate from Andromeda, and was instead birthed in a gxy further away with the intent of leading the conquest of Andromeda, she herself knew from her own mother''s remarks that they did not originate in that gxy, either.


    Normally, a Naraku Empress was born to lead the invasion force of another gxy. And once she had done so, she wasrgely independent of her sisters. So much so that the hive mind only existed within what she controlled. Including those scout forces who had been dispatched to the Milky Way millions of years ago.


    It had taken a very, very long time for the Naraku to conquer, devour, and rebuild Andromeda. But during this time, they had been keeping an eye on their next target. Naturally the Hive Queens in the Milky Way were the Empress''s daughters and were the arbiters of her will.


    By extension, this also meant they were the primary contact between her and those Naraku within the Milky Way as they had a direct link to the Empress''s mind. When a Naraku Hive Queen beneath her control perished, it had a serious effect on the Empress''s mind. An almost debilitating effect.


    To lose two Hive Queens at almost precisely the same time, followed by another two Hive Queens shortly after. Well, one could say that the Hive Queen was once more suffering from an iprehensible state. To the point where her mindless minions had once more begun to turn on themselves. As when she entered this stupefied state, so too did the Hive Queens closest to her.


    Andromeda was once more sent into a state of turmoil, as the Naraku hives closest to the Empress began to turn on one another and eat each other. It took several months for the Empress to recover from her state of what one can only consider being mentally paralyzed. And by that time, she had lost all contact with the Naraku within the Milky Way Gxy.


    Never before had the denizens of the Milky Way banded together to fight her forces. In fact, the Naraku had been a manipting force to keep the gxy divided and stagnant since the end of the Primeval Era a million years ago.


    They had used their own agents of chaos, and the gxy''s own ignorance towards the Naraku to sabotage any attempts at unification or significant technological progress. And thankfully, the Ghimderi had also been a major influence in hindering these two things that were critical to the Milky Way''s potential sess in fending off a Naraku invasion. Albeit unwittingly so. Their natural greed was a weapon that the Naraku never even needed to wield directly.


    But the Ghimderi were gone, destroyed by their own hubris, and with Erich''s actions, the gxy had more or less been temporarily united in an attempt to defend themselves from the Naraku who they knew wereing, or at least their leaders did.


    This was the worst case scenario for the Naraku Empress. She was nowpletely blind in the Milky Way. She had no idea what her enemies were up to, what preparations they were making, or, worst of all, what the current political situation was.


    For the first time, in perhaps the history of the Naraku, there was a potential that her forces would be facing a gxy united against them. One with unknown technological capabilities.


    And that was a harrowing thought. To spend a million years covertly manipting the neighboring gxy so that it was ripe for conquest, and in thest few decades before the Naraku were finally ready to invade all of that work would be undone. It was truly maddening.


    Because of this, the Empress had no choice but to hold off on invading the Milky Way, partially because they had dealt a significant blow to the buildup of her forces, but also because she was nowpletely blind to what the Milky Way was doing.


    If she were to invade the Milky Way, she would need a new form of agent, one that could be a member of the hive mind, and yet appear to not be one. She, of course, already had the means to do this. She would need to have a non-naraku join the hivemind.


    The problem was, the Naraku Empress had lost contact with all the Joiners she had embedded in the Milky Way Gxy, in addition to the Hive Fleets they were a part of. Leading her to believe that they were all stationed on board the hive fleets when they were unfortunately destroyed.


    After all, the idea never even crossed her mind the Milky Way had developed countermeasures to detect joiners, and eliminate them before they could flee the gxy. But this was the reality. As the moment Tia learned about Joiners in the previous timeline, she began developing a means to not only detect them, but cure them.


    After all, she had an unwitting test subject. One who mostly still had his mind intact. And that was the real reason that Tia had never actually cured Erich from the suffering he endured in that life. Her desire to learn more about the Naraku, and their capabilities had caused her to probe Erich''s connection to the hive mind, and his changed body without him even realizing it.


    Although Erich didn''t realize it, his suffering in that timeline had allowed Tia to develop many many countermeasures against the Naraku and their Joiners across the gxy. Which she had been secretly employing in the decades since the timeline was reset.


    Of course, the Naraku Empress could not possibly know this, because the only being in the universe who did was Tia, and she would never admit to it. To do so would cause her master to distrust her, even if her intentions were good. The man was still prone to emotional outbursts like any other biological lifeform. And Tia''s biggest fear was losing her master''s love.

 Chapter 412 Leading By Example

    <h4>Chapter 412 Leading By Example</h4>


    While the Naraku Scout Fleets were eliminated one by one over the course of the next few weeks. The sieges on insectoid worlds continued, after all,ying siege to a that had been converted into one giant Hive, and eliminating all life within it via conventional means too much longer to aplish than simply annihting a fleet in space.


    The crusade against the Naraku''s many enved insectoid races, and even those who held no loyalty to the Naraku would continue to go on for years toe. The propaganda produced of the Empire had be specifically targeted towards squashing bugs.


    Whether it was the helmet cam footage of the Star Marines invading the nests, and torching the bugs and eggs inside with me throwers. Or the actual artwork disyed across the Empire''s intersterwork. One thing was certain. The new enemy of the human race was none other than insectoid life, in any variety in which it came.


    Erich himself particrly enjoyed the videos of the soldiers going into the hives of these bugs and annihting them with overwhelming ferocity and firepower. It invoked a masculine urge within him to take the fight to the front lines himself.


    And why shouldn''t he? The man was an immortal being, his flesh may be pierced and rendered to a bloody corpse, but his consciousness would forever remain, capable of being restored at a moment''s notice.


    Long since had Erich undergone Tia''s edits to the human genome, which vastly improved upon that which his forbearers has made. His physical flesh was now capable of extraordinary feats, and the armor which his soldiers wore was capable of protecting against substantial damage.


    Hell, his body would begin to regenerate faster than most of these insectoids could damage him. It was with this in mind that Erich ultimately decided to put aside the mundane life he had liven as the Emperor of the human race, and instead take to the front lines, acting as a symbol of victory for his people.


    Erich bade his wives and lovers farewell, at least temporarily, as he stepped aboard a carrier dubbed the "Jaeger" after his own surname. There was one world where his men were having the most difficulty taking. It was a mega earth-sized and was full of nothing but bugs.


    Because of this, Erich set a broadcast special to his people as he stood in his ck and gold body suit. Which was the undermostyer of protection that his flesh was afforded. Long since had Erich''s handsome visage been stered across the gxy, but few understood just how tall Erich really was, especially in his newest form.


    Standing at approximately seven feet tall, and weighing approximately 300 pounds without his armor, 300 pounds of lean muscle, mind you, Erich was the embodiment of this new generation of warriors that had since spawned after he ascended to the throne of his people.


    The broadcast was across the gxy, as limb by limb his advanced power armor MKIII which attached to his body via a mechanical construct. His armor was a shimmering golden color, one which symbolized his authority as the Emperor of Mankind.


    The advanced Power Armor Mk III was the current standard issue equipment to all of humanity''s ground forces. It offered more protection and mobility than the Mk II set, which he had worn during the previous timeline as a legendary W-7.


    But unlike his legions whose armor was a matte stone grey color, Erich''s was a shimmering gold, with a ck visor that concealed his entire face. Creating an air-tight seal, one that would allow him to jettison through space with ease. The power armor was not bulky, and instead was fitted precisely to his figure, and was so slim that one might consider it a secondyer of skin.


    Hell, his cuirass was artistically molded to match his abdominal muscles, almost like those cuirasses worn by the ancient Greeks, and the Generals of Rome who followed suit centuries after. The helmet was much like his previous one, with arge open jet ck visor, one which disyed a golden skull via holographic projection, symbolizing Erich''s previous status as a W-7.


    The moment Erich''s armor was fully equipped, the restrains around his limbs were released. He stepped forward and grabbed hold of a shimmering golden energy rifle, one which was capable of burning through even a Naraku Warrior Swarm Tyrant''s carapace.


    Once Erich had done this, Erich spoke to his people, and the gxy as a whole, who were surprised to see the reclusive Emperor of Mankind taking a leading role in the conflict that the Germanic Star-Empire was currently waging.


    All across the gxy, eyes were glued to the broadcast, as Erich spoke to every living being in the Milky Way Gxy that was advanced enough to witness his speech.


    "My name is Erich Jaeger, for those of you who do not recognize me, I am the Germanic Star-Emperor, and the supreme authority over all of mankind. The bugs of this gxy have for too long aided the interests of the Naraku menace, one which has only recently been defeated.


    Yet just because their masters have been crushed beneath the heel of our collective boots does not mean that these pathetic insects are deserving of being spared. The battle on Yaraunu Prime has been being waged for the past year. During this time, my forces have suffered heavily as they march ever forward on our great crusade to extinguish all insectoid life from the Gxy.


    I have sat by long enough. Today I takemand of my legions and march forth, leading on the front lines as we exterminate these damn bugs, and annihte their species! For all citizens of the Empire who have yet to volunteer for service, your emperor calls upon you to enlist in this Grand Crusade of ours.


    Service shall remain voluntary, but eternal glory is only afforded to those brave enough to step forward and fight for the continued survival of their people! Glory to the Empire and long live Mankind!"


    After saying this, Erich stepped into a drop pod, andunched from his carrier down to the world of Yaraunu Prime, the broadcast of his actions would inspire those male citizens of the Empire who had yet to conscript to sign up for service immediately after. Glory was earned on the battlefield and nowhere else. A lesson that was reminded of humanity on this day.

 Chapter 413 Leading the Charge

    Chapter 413 Leading the Charge


    ??From the moment Erich''s podnded on the below, he found himself surrounded by his own soldiers. They had set up a base camp within an area of the world that they had effectively conquered. At least on the surface.


    There were issues beneath the surface of bugs congregating and popping up causing mayhem in the past, but these had beenrgely resolved by various strike teams which cleared out the tunnels beneath the encampment. As it stood, this was effectively the safe zone established on the world.


    Upon seeing their emperor emerge from a pod, the entirety of the armed forces within the immediate vicinity saluted him, while an officer stepped forward to coordinate with the man he presumed would be taking charge of the war effort.


    "Emperor! We were not expecting your presence. Are you sure you should be here right now? The fighting is thick just outside the barrier which protects this outpost!"


    Erich scoffed when he heard this before lecturing the man on his anxiety.


    "Do you not remember what my upation was prior to bing a general? I was a certified W-7 and have been deployed to more war zones than anyone in your unit. I know damn well the risks involved, but I refuse to sit by and watch you men fight while I sit back on Earth.


    Now, where the hell is yourmanding officer? I want to speak with him immediately!"


    The officer had, of course, in the heat of the moment forgotten Erich''s service record and felt a bit silly after reminding the emperor about the risks of battle. Just outside the force field which acted as a protective barrier of the base, humanoid bugs were flying towards the outpost, where they were fired upon by the defenses which were automated. Shooting them out of the sky like ducks in hunting season.


    Erich simply ignored this as he stepped into thergest tower that was built in the outpost, where he saw a colonel overgoing data on a holographic map regarding their efforts within the sector to clear out the bugs native to the world.


    "Damn bugs, I''ve lost three toons already due to their constant ambushes! Where the hell are our reinforcements?"


    Erich stepped forward, his golden armor symbolizing his status as humanity''s most supreme authority, and his shoulder marked with a ck 7 symbol showing off his status as one of humanity''s most elite warriors.


    When he did so, half of the soldiers jumped up into a salute, while the other half fell to one knee and bowed their heads. Erich simply dismissed these actions with a simplemand, before addressing the Colonel of the local unit.


    "At ease gentlemen, Colonel, what''s the current status of your brigade? Why have you not moved out to secure the objective and are instead holed up here within the safety of your force field?"


    The question was a direct attack on the colonel''s capabilities as amanding officer. Realistically his soldiers should be charging into the fray and attacking the bugs at their nearest hive which was the source of their rapid reinforcements, but instead they were holed up in a bubble, relying on automated turrets to defend them while they licked their wounds like a group of beaten hounds.


    As a result, he was not in the best mood when he responded to Erich''s words with a hint of hostility in his tone.


    "With all due respect Emperor, you are just now getting into the field, so you are not aware of the situation, until now it has just been us Airborne who have managed to make it to the''s surface, we have yet to receive any armor, or god forbid heavy artillery. At most we have a few man portable mortars to get the job done.


    We were expecting armored assistance by now. The fact they we have even carved out this sector for ourselves despite not having reinforcements or support of any kind in the field is a testament to my soldiers'' glory!"


    Erich more or less understood the problem. The bugs were innumerous, and unlike the Naraku, most of them could fly. They had created a thick screen of flying insects capable of harassing any transport that tried tond. Making it so only something that dropped at high velocity from orbit couldnd on the''s surface.


    Knowing this, Erich gave the men the dreaded news, before assumingmand over the Brigade of Airborne Infantry in an attempt to lead the charge against the local insectoid race, and more specifically, the nesting grounds which spawned their winged soldiers.


    "Yeah, about that, it doesn''t look like they''reing anytime soon. At the moment, only airborne infantry like yourself are making it through the atmosphere which is littered with those bugs. As of this moment, I am inmand. Gather your soldiers and rally them on me. We''re taking that damn nest and setting it aze, even if it means the death of us!"


    The colonel was surprised that the Emperor himself was willing to lead the charge but was quick to salute the man and respond in the affirmative before proceeding to follow his orders.


    "Yes, Sir!"


    ---


    While Erich gathered the Brigade worth of Airborne Infantry who were stuck on the world''s surface. Another Emperor had been watching the man''s speech, and his actions. He was sitting on the throne of the Heavenly Domain with a hideous expression on his face.


    Unlike in the previous timeline, the Heavenly Domain had not emerged from the shadows to establish ties between the Germanic Star-Empire, as well as the Confederation of Human Worlds. Instead, they continued to iste themselves.


    That is, however, until this moment. Erich had made a bold im in his speech prior to dropping to the world''s surface from orbit. He had said that he was the Supreme Authority of Mankind. Which was a spit in the face of the Heavenly Emperor who also ruled over a faction of humanity.


    With this in mind, he spoke to his younger sister, the one that watched the broadcast alongside her royal brother.


    "Jia-Li, I believe it''s about time we show everyone that the Germans are not the only humans left in the gxy¡­"


    The young princess of the heavenly domain looked at the images of battle that shed on the holographic projection and felt a deep sense of fear. Humanity was now left with two distinct races. The Asiatic people of the Heavenly Domain, and the pan-Germanic peoples of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    But judging by the scenes disyed before her, there was a vast disparity in power between their two factions, making her hesitant to ept her brother''s desire to reveal themselves. Which she was quick to voice.


    "Dearest brother, for five hundred years our people have enjoyed peace and prosperity alone in our sector of the gxy, do you really believe it is wise to reveal ourselves now, when the Germans have annihted the other major faction of humans, and have be a major power in the Milky Way?"


    The Emperor of the Heavenly Domain, however, was not deterred. Instead, he gazed upon the scenes of the wars which humanity was waging, and wanted to prove that Erich''s ims were false, that were was another human emperor out there. And thus he dismissed his sister''s worries with a statement of certainty.


    "Rx, I have no intentions of going to war with the barbarians. Even then, I can''t let hisments slide. We are still here! And we will always be here!"


    Jia-Li simply sighed and shook her head. She knew her brother well enough that once he set his mind to something, there was no convincing him otherwise. Thus she simply returned her vision to the sight of Erich leading his soldiers in a strike beneath the surface of the world they were invading, in an attempt to eliminate the local nest, and hopefully clear enough space for reinforcements tond.


    Simr battles were taking ce all across the world''s surface, and the surface of many more worlds like it. Humanity''s crusade to cleanse the Gxy of insectoid life had only truly just begun.

 Chapter 414 Tunneling to Victory

    Chapter 414 Tunneling to Victory


    ??Erich''s charge through the insectoid forces and down towards the tunnels beneath the surface was broadcasted for all the gxy to see. Erich''s golden armor, which shimmered with the authority of an emperor reflected the agony of the bugs which were sted apart by his advanced energy rifle.


    Along with this, was Erich''s superior strength, and speed, which he used to stomp these man sized bugs into meat paste on the ground below him. Erich''s physical form was already impressive in its own right, but when enhanced by the capabilities of a MK III Enhanced Power Amor, even an Orcish Warchief would be crushed beneath his boot.


    Such were the advances that Tia had provided to his physical vessel. After all, with the Germanic Star-Empire''s current level of technology, the flesh was just that a vessel to contain consciousness. Hell theoretically Tia could upload her master''s consciousness into an androids'' form, but Erich appeared to enjoy the vice that came with having a body built from flesh and blood.


    With a Brigade of Airborne Infantry at his back, Erich was able to effectively cut down the bugs who were native to the, and lead a strike directly onto the nesting grounds, where the winged insects were spawned.


    The moment the nest became visible not only to himself, but by proxy all of the gxy who watched from the broadcast of his helmet cam, Erich gave the orders to terminate it. And thus, hopefully clear up part of the atmosphere which was currently littered with the bodies of bugs.


    "Alright boys, bring the charges and ce them here, here and here. After we light this candle, we need to bail as quickly as possible or else we will be caught in the st!"


    Evidently, Erich had ample experience with explosive charges. Which was to be expected, judging by therge ck number 7 inscribed on his right pauldron. After all, proficiency with demolitions was a requirement to be one of the most elite members of the vaunted WRAITHs.


    Once the charges were ced, Erich ordered his men to get clear from the tunnels, where upon reaching the surface and eventually the safety of their current outpost, Erich triggered the explosive remotely.


    The explosion was vat, almost like a thermonuclear warhead which had been detonated beneath the surface. It not only engulfed the nest, but spewed fire and death out of the tunnels entrances, copsing the tunnels that existed beneath the outpost, and sending ground quakes across the surface of the world.


    Naturally the death of the nest, and the queen within, meant that the insectoid race had just lost millions of their hive, and it was not just Erich''s brigade that aplished this. Rather, inspired by the fearless charge of their Emperor, every other Airborne Brigade that was near a nest led their own charge at the same time.


    All cross the nests were cleared, and tunnels were copsed, leading to a significant change in the surface of the world whose crust hadrgely been turned into one giant hive. The damage was extensive to the enemy and cleared up the skies long enough for reinforcements to arrive.


    Finally, the armor, artillery, and drills that the Germanic Army and Marine Corps needed to pierce through the crust and take the fight directly to the bugs had arrived. When Erich saw the weapons that Tia had designed specifically to tunnel through hive worlds, and eliminate the Naraku, he almost had a look of pride on his face.


    Not that anyone could tell. Behind his opaque and jet ck visor, that projected a golden skull via the use of holograms. Nobody could tell just what expression Erich was making at the moment. Only he knew.


    Once the armor and reinforcements hadnded on the world''s surface, Erich gave the order to begin a second assault.


    "I want those drills online and ready to dig within the hour! The enemy may be expert tunnels, and may have a system of tunnels that stretch across the world''s surface, but they''re not the only ways capable of performing such feats.


    If they intend to ambush us when we breach through the tunnels they have made, then we will simply make our own! For Humanity! For the Empire!"


    The troops that surrounded Erich, who were now a division worth in total all saluted the man and responded thest part of his brief speech back to him.


    "For the Empire!"


    They then quickly got to work, making sure the drills were online and functioning properly, before digging into the surface, holes that wererge enough for the armored convoys to follow behind, and for the infantry to support. Where once more Erich would lead the charge in any engagement he and his troops found themselves in.


    ---


    Lunaria and Daelia were both watching the broadcast while on a call of their own. By their side were their daughters, both of which sat silently as they knew their mothers were pissed at them for seducing their husband.


    Regardless of how angry Lunaria and Daelia were towards Erich, they had to admit. It had been a very long time since a gctic leader of any significant degree of power had led his own forces into battle. After all, such a thing was dangerous beyond reason, and even the Elves, with their immortal lifespans and resurrection technology, did not dare make such ventures.


    The two women sat in silence fawning over their man, that is until Celestia eventually broke the silence, her words were carried across the holomunication frequency with a tone of admiration within them.


    "He really is something, isn''t he?"


    Without even realizing it, Lunaria, Daelia, and Sinaria all nodded their heads and spoke the exact same words at the same time.


    "He sure is¡­"


    The Leaders of the Elves were not the only ones watching this broadcast. Much of the gxy watched and observed the Germanic assault on the insectoid worlds. After all, even though the current major yers in the Milky Way were more or less united, the alliance was one built on amon enemy, rather than shared interests. And there were many who wanted to know what exactly the extent was of the newest Gctic Power''s military capabilities.

 Chapter 415 Conspiracy Theories

    Chapter 415 Conspiracy Theories


    ??Most of the Gxy werepletely unaware of the threat that it was currently facing. Within this century, an extra-gctic invasion would ur, one that had the potential topletely annihte all life within the Milky Way.


    It was a terrifying prospect, one that had the capability of causing mass chaos across the gxy. As a result, only those gctic leaders at the highest level of power knew about this sobering reality. For this reason, the sudden changes that had urred to the bnce of power which had existed since time immemorial were truly hard to understand.


    For starters, a rtively unknown civilization which only entered the Interster Age a mere five centuries ago had suddenly jumped past all of their potential rivals to be the 6th Major Gctic Power.


    While shortly thereafter the Ghimderi Trade Union suddenly disappeared from a sudden and shocking self annihtion. The effects of which damn near crippled the Gctic Economy. In fact, most lesser civilizations were still recovering even though years had passed since then.


    Then all of a sudden the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim Federation, two factions which had been arch nemesis since the end of the Primeval Era a million years ago, suddenly ended all hostilities, and instead entered an economic union.


    After which, the other two major Gctic Powers entered this economic union as well, with the Germanic Star-Empire apparently somehow being the mastermind. This was a union that officially only economic, appeared to have some form of military ties as the five current Major Gctic Powers worked together to not only eliminate the ursed Naraku but also any other insectoid species within the gxy capable of inteary flight.


    These things had all happened in the span of a single decade, without any warning signs prior. Naturally, nobody knew how it had all transpired, or what the primary motivating force behind them was.


    Because of this uncertainty, there was spection everywhere across the gxy. With the denizens of the Milky Way expressing an enormous variety of conspiracy theories of how this came to be. Primarily through the gcticwork.


    One thing becamemon among them although, Erich Jaeger, the current Germanic Star-Emperor and first of his kind, was a man whose means were beyond allprehension. And his current foray into the Bug Wars as a soldier leading the charge was proof of this.


    Prior to Erich''s descent onto one of the fiercest battlegrounds taking ce within his crusade, the Germanic Star-Empire in all its might had trouble prating through the local insectoid air defenses.


    But the moment Erich took the field to lead the charge, everything hanged. Morale had increased to damn near religious levels as the Germanic soldiers rallied behind the sight of their emperor fighting on the front lines and followed his example.


    The efforts of the Germanic Soldiers and Marines were damn near suicidal as they dredged their way through the treacherous tunnels that the local insectoid race had burrowed deep within the''s crust, and in doing so massacred nest after nest of the species.


    With the advanced scanners that Tia had invented, and were currently employed by the warriors of the Empire, they were capable of finding every breeding ground where the insectsid their eggs. Smashing the queens whoid them and lighting the eggs ame killing thervae inside before they had a chance to hatch.


    It was aplete and total one sided genocide. One which the Germanic Citizens watched and apuded. Insectoids were about as far from human life as possible, and because of this, the cynical, and xenophobic Germanic people cheered on as another species was wiped out into a stater ofplete and total extinction.


    And it was not only the that Erich was fighting upon where the soldiers of the Empire had such fanaticism. Every battleground that was being waged across the gxy by the Empire had a simr effect.


    Who cared about death when one would revive back in the fleet as good as new? Death was temporary, but the glory of the Empire was eternal! And thus humanity marched to the beat of its own drum, wiping out species after species of insectoids without a slightest care for the loss of intelligent life.


    It was a genocide which most of the gxy was vehemently against. Yet they were powerless to stop. After all, the major gctic powers which rivaled the Germanic Star-Empire made no move to counter the GSE''s attempts to wipe out insectoid life in the gxy. Nor did they make any official promation condemning it.


    In fact, the Alfheim Empress, and the President of the Svartalfheim Federation came out in a surprising joint statement, condoning the actions taken by the Germanic Star-Empire and its mighty Emperor as being both necessary for the continued security and safety of the Milky Way Gxy, and as a valiant action undertaken by a warrior race on behalf of all life forms.


    Had this been five to ten years prior, one would never see the Alfheim Empress and the President of the Svartalfheim Federation agree on anything. Let alone public praise of a foreign power.


    And while it was expected from the Alfheim Dominion, whose empress was married to Erich. Few people knew that Daelia was the true power behind the throne of her people, and thus they could not understand why the Dark Elves also supported the Germanic conquests so openly.


    One thing was certain: the gxy was changing. For better, or for worse? Few could tell as there was not enough information regarding why the Empire was undertaking such efforts to annihte insectoid life.


    But there were theories spreading like wildfire across the gcticwork. And one of them was fairly close to the truth. Suspecting that the insectoid races of the gxy were actually in cahoots with the Naraku, and that the Narkau were possibly an intelligent species after all, and not just roaming hive fleets of animalistic bugs.


    However, due to how little the gxy knew about the Naraku, aside from the ssified information which the Major Gctic Powers kept in secret, this theory could not be confirmed. Nor was it taken seriously as Tia actively countered the im so that the public did not learn of the horrifying truth which awaited the Milky Way.

 Chapter 416 Potential Threats to Galactic Stability

    <h4>Chapter 416 Potential Threats to Gctic Stability</h4>


    Kali sat in a holomunication with one of the Ennead. It was none other than the goddess Bastet. The two of them were watching the ongoing conflicts which the Germanic Star-Empire was fighting against the various remaining insectoid races across the gxy.


    The less technologically advanced bugs folded in a matter of weeks, while those whose defenses were at a higher level continued to fight on. Resistance was clearly futile as the Germanic Star-Empire never seemed to run out of troops or supplies as they squashed bugs beneath their boots.


    Kali was drinking a ss of Asuran Palm-Wine as shemented on this very thing.


    "At this point, why bother fighting? The Empire is clearly fighting with only a fraction of their current strength, and already they are annihting every single bug theye across. Would it not be better for these disgusting bugs to simply submit to their fate and get it over with rather than resisting?


    Everyone knows how vengeful the Germans are. They will begin tearing the bugs limb from limb simply to exact the most amount of suffering possible if they start racking up any more casualties!"


    Bastet had been watching Erich''s own performance with a glint of excitement in her eyes. She herself drank from her own distilled spirit whilementing on the man''s abilities in battle.


    "I can''t remember thest time the theocracy fought a war... Nor thest time one of the gods personally stepped onto a battlefield. It''s impressive to see the leader of a nation in the modern era fight alongside his troops. But it''s a bit suicidal, no?"


    Kali simply scoffed when she heard this, before letting Bastet know about one of the secrets the Elves had been hoarding since the Primeval age.


    "Do you really think the Germans are losing men? I''m not surprised you don''t know, even I have my doubts about this. Or at least had it until now. But it''s suddenly so clear to me why the German soldiers fight without any regard to their own safety...


    I heard a rumor a while back that the ancient Elven Empire had discovered true immortality, a means to revive the dead even if there was nothing left of their remains. Pure hearsay, mind you, but supposedly the Dominion and the Federation inherited this ancient technology.


    If that is true, then it appears the Germanic Star-Empire has been granted this long forgotten technology, no doubt a result of the marriage between Erich and those two sisters. If that is the case, it doesn''t surprise me that the newly crowned Germanic Star-Emperor so fearlessly charges into battle."


    Bastet nearly choked on her drink as she cast a cautious nce over to Kali, questioning if this was truly the case.


    "Is what you said true? If so... Why would the Empire use such advanced tech on a bunch of lowly soldiers? I mean, if it was one thing, if it was reserved for the greatest members of their society, but for a bunch of grunts?"


    Kali nodded her head, with an anxious expression on her face, while posing for another theory she had. One that was infinitely more worrying than what Bastet had previously been concerned about.


    "Not only that¡­ But I hear their entire society has be automated by AI. Meaning that they can draft more troops than a society which revolved around living beings to performbor. More and more men are signing up to fight for the Empire. And yet they are able to keep up with the demands of equipment and munitions.


    Not only that, but I hear the Germanic Star-Empire has no automated nonbat roles in the military as well. Meaning that logistics, piloting vehicles, maintenance, et cetera are all handled by robots. So every man that is conscripted performs abat function, or a leadership function. Although I hear the leadership is assisted by artificial intelligence.


    With the fact that the Empire now controls arge portion of the gxy, and is rapidly growing in their poption. It won''t be long before they have a militaryrge and powerful enough to take on the entire gxy themselves. If that happens, there will be no stopping them from ending the great powers and assuming total gctic domination."


    These words worried Baster, who jumped out of her seat, spilling her beverage as she did so. When she saw the smirk on Kali''s face, she couldn''t help but sit back down and seethe. After several moments of awkward silence, she was quick to ask Kali the most important question on her mind.


    "So how is the cabal reacting to this information?"


    Kali, however, shook her head and sighed in disappointment before revealing what precautions the Cabal was taking, or more urately, theck thereof.


    "They aren''t. While the Cabal is increasing its military might in preparation for the Naraku Invasion, and has a general cautious attitude towards the Empire. Brahma has stated that my intelligence has no hard evidence and because of this, we can''t simply react to hearsay.


    I was hoping the Theocracy would take a better stand, hence why I am passing on what I have heard to you. But I suspect they will react the same as the Cabal. After all, I can''t really confirm whether any of this is true or not. Infiltrating the Empire is damn near impossible, and my attempts have all been met with failure. So it is what it is¡­"


    Baster thought about it for a while, before finally answering Kali with a fierce look of determination in her eyes.


    "I will bring what you have told me to the council. But I suspect the result will be the same as the conclusion you have received. Regardless, they need to be alerted to this potential threat, even if they are not willing to admit it is a valid one.


    Kali nodded her head. She had already anticipated what conclusion the "gods" of the Ennead theocracy woulde to when they received this information. Still, she felt it needed to be spread and thus she contacted Bastet.


    As for the future of the gxy, right now it was uncertain whether they would all live long enough for the Empire to stab them in the back. And thus that was a worry for another time.

 Chapter 417 Annhilation of the Enemy

    Chapter 417 Annhtion of the Enemy


    ??Erich had been the focus of many eyes across the gxy. He was effectively an Emperor who was taking the front lines in a war this his soldiers were waging on his behalf. It was a rare sight, even in a ce asrge as the Milky Way Gxy, which was itself full of thousands of interster civilizations, and the species which made them.


    Yet Erich''s experience as a special operations soldier came in handy. In situations where normal soldiers would perish. Erich expertly used his skills to not only survive, but eliminate those who attempted to kill him.


    The race of insectoids that Erich was fighting were not like the Naraku, insofar as they did not rapidly evolve new breeds of bugs to fight whatever circumstances they came across. Instead, they were more humanoid, insofar as they were all bipedal creatures, albeit capable of flight.


    They were not capable of simply consuming biological material and using it to create different varieties of their race whose tasks were depending upon the circumstances they came up against. Regardless, this species was indeed still insectoid in origin.


    Because of this Erich did not trust them or their continued existence in the milky way. When it became known that the Naraku had been using species like this to spy upon and even manipte the gxy for countless years, Erich made the vow that all insectoid lives capable of intelligent thought were to be exterminated wherever they might be found.


    Thus, Erich showed no mercy as he ripped the insectoids apart with his own two hands. A feat only capable due to the gic serum he had taken, and the Advanced Power Armor MK III, which he currently wore. A set of armor that enhanced his already superhuman physical capabilities.


    Whether it was the advanced energy weapons that the Germanic Soldiers wielded which were capable of melting the thick carapace of a Naraku Warrior Drone or their own physical strength and power armor that, whenbined together, gave them the tear one apart with their bare hands.


    One thing was certain from the videos that were being broadcasted across the gxy, the individual capabilities of each Germanic soldier were above and beyond what the gxy had anticipated.


    These were not the same Germanic Warriors who participated the Alfheim Dominion''s War Games several years back. No, these soldiers and Marines were far more capable. And the Gxy had begun to suspect that the Empire had held back in these war games.


    The reality was, of course, that Tia had vastly increased the capabilities of the Germanic military, both on the level of the individual soldier, but also in terms of the equipment they used.


    Whether it was the warships that could stand toe to with the Naraku Hive Fleets, or the armored vehicles that, when utilized by Auxiliary Support Droids, were capable of smashing even a Naraku Swarm Tyrant to pieces.


    Erich himself leading the charge was surprising. But not as surprising as what happened when he and his forces finally prated so deep into the world that they found the Queen and her royal guards.


    This particr queen was the matriarch of the entire species. She was muchrger and more powerful than the other insectoids of her race. And she was surrounded by a royal guard that looked the same.


    The insectoid queen hissed when the Germanic soldiers pierced into her royal chambers. They had dealt so much damage to her people over the past month of fighting that her only odds of saving her species were to escape to a new world with her royal guard. But before she could do so, Erich and his troops reached her royal chamber.


    By now the majority of this insectoid species was wiped out, and without their Matriarch they would surely go extinct. Because of this, therge bug tried to negotiate with Erich, hissing at him while she did so.


    "Why did youe here, alien? We did not provoke you, yet you wage a war with the intent to wipe us out! What evil hasmitted to deserve such a horrific fate?"


    Erich did not say a single word as he leaped forward, vaulting across the vast distance between him and the Insectoid Queen. Once they were standing face to face, he realized he was still taller than her.


    Though her royal guard moved to attack him, they were immediately sted into bits by the soldiers who entered the Royal Chamber with Erich. Once they were taken care of, Erich lifted the insectoid Queen up into the air with a single hand, choking the life out of her as he did so. He then spoke the words which were recorded by the helmet cams of all the soldiers who observed him.


    His words were broadcasted across the gxy and were filled with a level of spite and disdain that few living beings had witnessed.


    "Your existence alone warrants such violent reprisal!"


    After saying this, Erich clenched his fist around the insectoid queen''s throat so tightly that is quite literally severed her head, killing her on the spot, and dooming her species to extinction. Which Erich proudly announced his people''s victory immediately thereafter, while wiping his hands clean of the bug''s blood.


    "The Matriarch is dead! Now go forth and eliminate what remains of these wretched bugs!"


    What followed was aplete and total genocide of the species. One of many that was taking ce across the gxy at this moment, all of which were inflicted by the Empire and its forces. Erich would only leave the world after all remnants of the species had been thoroughly eradicated.


    He would then sell the world to the highest bidder, as it was so far from his own borders that he had no desire to take it for himself. Erich had nned to immediately enter another battlefield after finishing with this. But before he could do so, he was given a message by Tia, who appeared within his own line of sight in the form of a holographic projection.


    "Master¡­. There is a diplomatic envoy heading towards Earth¡­ It is from the Heavenly Domain¡­"


    When Erich heard this, he recalled his brief contact with the Heavenly Domain during his previous timeline. And because of this, he decided to set aside his intentions of war, and instead focus on diplomacy. As after all, they were the only other remaining fraction of humanity that he was aware of.

 Chapter 418 Earth is Ours!

    Chapter 418 Earth is Ours!


    ??Like the previous timeline, Wang Jia-Li had been selected by her older brother to act as the personal representative of the Wang Dynasty to the Germanic Star-Empire. However, unlike the previous timeline, this wasn''t a double y at diplomacy.


    After all, Erich had already conquered the Confederation of Human worlds and annihted the overwhelming majority of its poption. With only those of a certain heritage and moral standing being permitted to live as second-ss citizens within the Empire.


    Earth had been reimed and rebuilt in the image of the Germanic Star-Empire. The decrepit and degenerate society that once existed was nowhere to be found. Its monuments torn asunder, and its cities demolished entirely.


    Earth had be a bastion of Germanic culture, and it was popted in the billions by migrants from Germania. The home of humanity had been reimed by its favored children. Or so the Germanic propaganda espoused.


    But there was one other group of human beings dwelling among the stars. And they too had a im to Earth, even if it was now in the hands of a rival empire. Because of this, the Princess of the Wang Dynasty was sent to reason with the Germanic Star-Emperor, specifically to allow the citizens of the Heavenly Domain to resettle their ancient homnds in what one might refer to as ''Greater China."


    Jia-Li was dressed in a silk hanfu, the ancient fashion of her people had long since been revived among the aristocracy within the Heavenly Domain, and despite being the representative of her people in this important cultural matter. She felt nothing but intimidation as she was escorted to the Imperial Pce by members of Erich''s personal bodyguard.


    After all, the men standing by her side were seven feet tall, and 250 a€¡° 300 lbs of lean muscle. They dwarfed her, who was average size for a woman of Han Chinese descent. It was almost like she was standing among a race of giants. The idea alone made her deeply fearful of the Empire, which had reimed Earth.


    Erich was sitting in his office. He was currently watching the ongoing battlefields where his soldiers smashes bugs of a variety of species to pieces. Tearing them out of their nests and putting a bolt of energy straight through their brains.


    It was an entertaining sight, especially one which Erich enjoyed watching with a beer in one hand and a bag of chips in the other. He did not even bother to greet the delegate of the Heavenly Domain in his throne room, as he felt such formal matters were beneath him.


    Thus, when the doors opened, the woman was stunned to see the gigantic figure sitting in his office chair, munching on what can only be described as cheese puffs, while drinking a beer. It was such a casual encounter, and for such an important diplomatic reason that she almost felt insulted.


    Erich did not even raise from his seat, instead he motioned for the woman to sit in front of him, at one of the chairs that lined in front of his desk. The woman did so with a particrly scornful expression on her otherwise beautiful face. Her tone was filled with spite as she introduced herself to Erich.


    "My name is Wang-"


    However, before she could finish, Erich interrupted her with a casual dismissal of her introduction.


    "Wang Jia-Li, Princess of the Heavenly Domain, and personal representative of your older brother the Heavenly Emperor, yes, yes, I know all about you, and why you are here. Your people wish to resettle their ancient homnd. But I''m afraid that is not an option. The Earth belongs to my people now. As it rightfully should. There is no room for a second government to exist within my territory.


    I''m afraid you made this journey for nothing. Please inform your brother that if he wishes to resettle his people on Earth, then he will have to do so by military force, and I assure him that my military is vastly superior to his own."


    Jia-Li''s jawpletely dropped when she heard this. Erich was affording her no courtesy whatsoever, nor was he even willing to hear her negotiation. He had outright rejected her without showing the slightest bit of respect to her position.


    The fact that he behaved this was not only a p in the face to Jia-Libut also to her older brother. It was almost as if he was directly provoking the Heavenly Domain, causing the young woman to stand up and shout at the man.


    "Are you trying to provoke a war between our two states? What cause do you have to insult me to such an extent? As far as I''m aware, there is no bad blood between our two people, so why must you behave in such an uncouth manner?"


    Erich finally turned off the livestream ofbat footage and licked his fingers so that the cheese dust was no longer on them, he then swallowed his entire beer before cing the bottle back down on the table once he had done all of this he leaned back into his seat with a smug smirk on his face before speaking the honest truth to the woman.


    "Perhaps if this was a few decades ago, your Heavenly Domain might have been worth negotiating with. But my empire is currently at a level of strength that even the ancient powers of this gxy have to respect me. Why would I care about some pissant Minor Power hiding in the depths of a neb? What? Because our two people share the same origin I''m supposed to show you respect?


    You came to my world to demand I cede territory to you, and you do so with a face that shows your inner thoughts. You think you''re better than us? That''sughable. You only believe that because you haven''t yet realized just how advanced my civilization has be.


    With a snap of my fingers, I could render your entire empire to rubble. So what is there to negotiate? At the end of the day, you have no authority to negotiate with me for the ceding ofnd. Because you have no power to back up your demands.


    You''re free to stay on Earth and learn a thing or two about the difference between our two empires. Or you can run back to your brother and tell him what I have told you. Either way, Earth is ours now. And we will never cede an inch of its soil to anyone!"


    Jia-Li was so stunned by this provocative statement that she simply harrumphed and stomped her feet before running off. She would not, however, return to the Heavenly Domain, and would instead stay on Earth for some tie. Perhaps out of some misguided belief that she could change Erich''s mind on this matter.


    As for Erich, he turned his attention back to more important matters.

 Chapter 419 Malas Return

    Chapter 419 M''s Return


    ??The Germanic Star-Empire had made their intentions regarding the home world of humanity perfectly clear to the Heavenly Domain.


    "Earth is ours! If you want it,e and take it!"


    That was really all there was to the matter. Naturally, the Heavenly Domain was both unwilling to wage a war with a nation of racist psychopaths who had no qualms about annihting other races and species down to thest woman and child.


    But nor were they willing to concede Earth, specifically their homnd of Greater China, to these "barbarians." Because of this, the Heavenly Emperor demanded that his younger sister Princess Wang Jia-Li stay on Earth as a diplomat to the Germanic Star-Empire and its stubborn Emperor.


    Which Erich, of course, allowed. After all, he had no intentions of fighting the Heavenly Domain unless they attacked him first. He had enough enemies right now, and currently his goals were to eliminate the remaining insectoid species across the gxy and continue to amass military strength.


    Naturally, a war with the Heavenly Domain helped Erich achieve neither of those two ambitions. Because of this, he granted Jia-Li a temporary stay on Earth. More specifically, in one of the many vacant embassies that were built in New Berlin.


    Trips to and from the Imperial Pce were not exactly long from where the Embassies stood. And Erich continued to enjoy these days on Earth with a rtive sense of peace. Sure, he had to worry about Lunaria and Daelia''s monthly visits, where they would continue to bicker among each other. But aside from that, life was peaceful.


    Erika, Ayumi, S''aleth, and Mirage got along well with one another. And their onlyints were about those two Elven bitches came to town. Other than that, they pooled together resources to look after their man and their children. Because of this, after every day''s worth of work, Erich could rx at home with his wives and children.


    Meanwhile, the wars continued to wage across the Gxy. With each passing day, the Germanic Military annihted another species of insectoids. It was starting to dawn on the entire gxy that resisting the Germanic Star-Empire was an act of futility.


    There was nobody who was insane or stupid enough to attack a Germanic ship now that they had thoroughly disyed their power. Well... That''s not entirely true. In fact, a familiar face from Erich''s previous life just so happened to be mad enough to do this exact thing.


    Erich may have dealt with the Naraku within the Gxy, and currently, the remaining insectoids were on their way to total extinction. There was, however, one race of aliens that was still a threat to Germanic colonies and convoys. And that was none other than the Orcs.


    In his previous timeline, Erich had sessfully united the Orc ns beneath his banner and weaponized them as a tool of his own ambitions. In this life, Erich made no such ns. And thus for the past decade or so Since Erich first reset the timeline, the Orc ns had continued to live as they always had.


    Raiding random worlds and fighting among themselves for petty reasons. If it weren''t because they had hyperactive reproductive rates, they, as a species, likely would have been driven to extinction long ago.


    And there was one Orc Chieftain who had watched Erich''s rise to power from afar. The Germanic Race was a warrior race, one that excelled on the battlefield and had always managed to seed inbat against those stronger than themselves.


    However, until recently,pared to orcs, they were significantly weaker. But that had changed. With Tia''s advancements to the gene serum, the average Germanic Soldier was as strong and fast as the most elite Orcish Warriors.


    With the addition of their Advanced Power Armor Mk III, they were now easily capable of defeating an Orc War Chief with their bare hands. M had watched the way the Germanic soldiers advanced in strength and power so quickly. And had even watched Erich''s personal descent intobat. Where he led the charge as an Emperor and smashed an insectoid Queen with how own two feet.


    Few leaders of civilized nations were willing to lead the charge into battle. And because of this, M had admired Erich''s personal achievements on the battlefield, along with his strength of character. He was an honorable warrior, or at least by the standards of the Orcish ns, one which she personally wanted to duel in mutualbat.


    Because of this, she had decided to provoke Erich into personally fighting her. And she did this by leading an attack on a fledgling German colony on the frontiers of their current territory. The attack was brutal and swift.


    But the colony garrison simply wasn''trge enough to deal with so many Orcs. Even then, the soldiers who protected the ordinary citizens fought to thest man, killing swarths of the Orcish warriors benath M''smand.


    Leaving M in awe at the might of the current Germanic Army. These were not even the fabled Star Marines who once struck fear into the hearts of greater civilizations. And yet they so confidently held the line. Decimating the Orcish waves.


    But there were simply too many Orcs and because of this, the Garrison eventually fell. And M ced her n''s banner on the smouldering ruins of the Germanic Colony. She built a throne of skulls before publically dering her intent to duel Erich to see who was the greater warrior.


    When Erich saw this, he couldn''t help but sigh. He M was a formidable warrior and was a powerful ally when beneath his n. But as his enemy, she was capable of doing great harm, at least to the frontier worlds that lied within Germanic space.


    Because of this, Erich decided that he would force this woman to remember why she had be his wife in the previous timeline. Erich broadcasted a message across the gxy, which M watched with eager eyes.


    "This attack by the Ironhand n was unprovoked and unjustified. But if it means sparing the blood of my soldiers, I will ept the request of the Iron Hand ns'' Chieftain. The loser of this duel must submit to the winner. Those are my only conditions. Agree to them and we will hold the fight within a fortnight¡­"


    M gripped the skull of one of the colonists she had in in her hand, crushing it with her grip strength as she licked her lips in anticipation of the duel between herself and Erich.


    "Let''s dance!"

 Chapter 420 A Fateful Duel

    Chapter 420 A Fateful Duel


    ??M waited rather impatiently for Erich''s arrival. She did not know if the man was aware of Orcish customs. But by challenging her for her submission to his authority, he had effectively requested a marriage duel.


    Of course Erich was well aware of this, he had been trapped by Mirage into doing this very thing within the previous timeline. To put it simply, Orcs were a powerful and savage race. One that was only capable of being civilized through strong leadership.


    In the history of the gxy, at least in this current timeline. No outside had ever beaten an Orc in a marriage duel. Nor had it often been attempted. In his past life, Erich was the first outsider to ever be an Orcish Warchief.


    And in this timeline, he nned to use the same strategy to bring the Orcs to heel. After all, with their enhanced reproductive capabilities and superior physical prowess. They were extremely difficult as a species to wipe out. The fact that they were nomadic was also a contributing factor to this.


    It would honestly be easier to assume control over the orcs as their leader, unifying the ns for a second time, and forcing them to fight on behalf of the Germanic Star-Empire than it was to exterminate their race.


    Because of this, Erich nned to use M to this end. When Erich arrived on the world which M had conquered, and was currently waiting for him on. He did not arrive in his power armor. Nor did he arrive in a military uniform, or in his Imperial Regalia.


    Instead, Erich arrived dressed in nothing but a pair ofpression shorts. Stepping barefoot off of the dropship and onto the shattered streets of the colony, which M and her savage band of raiders had torn asunder.


    M was surprised that Erich showed up without any armor, and without a bodyguard. After all, the duel was to be done in the nude, but she did not expect Erich to know this. The way he showed up was as if he was already aware of the implications of his demands, and was more than prepared to fight for M''s hand.


    Because of this, therge and muscr beauty broke out into a fit of madughter,paring Erich to her own people.


    "I never expected you to know so much about Orcish culture. If it weren''t for how lean you are, I''d suspect you were an orc who painted himself white!"


    Erich responded to this statement with silent action. Stripping out of what little clothing he was wearing before stepping forward into the circle which M''s warriors had made for the sake of their duel.


    Seeing that Erich was so eager to fight, M did the same, revealing her naked green skin as she leaped into the pit where Erich stood waiting for her with a stern expression on his face. M gave Erich one chance to back out before the two of them began.


    "Are you sure you want to do this? Your people are strong, stronger than most. And are one of the few species in the gxy which we Orcs respect. But without your precious power armor, you are inferior to us. You will die here!"


    M was surprised, however, by Erich''s stature. He was taller than most of his species, or so she thought. Hell, he was as tall as an Orcish male. She was obviously unaware of the recent changes to the gic structure of the Germanic Race which Tia had used to enhance their physicality to an even greater form.


    In fact, it was actually M who was shorter than Erich. Erich did not bother speaking to M. He knew his own strength, and at his current capabilities, even the strongest Orc Warchief would struggle to defeat him with strength and speed alone.


    Because of this, Erich merely took a fighting stance as he walked forward to the center of the pit where he waited or M to do the same. M was intrigued by Erich''s supreme confidence, but she was notcking in this regard either taking to the center of the pit where she swung at Erich with all of her might.


    M''s technique was wless, along with her speed and power she could take the head off of an ordinary human with a single punch. But Erich was not an ordinary human. He was a gically and cybeically enhanced super human. One whose body and mind had been perfected for a single purpose: War!


    He surprised M as he adeptly dodged her overhand right where he then followed up with a quickbination of his own. A jab, a cross, and a leg kick. The density of an Orcs bone structure was naturally well beyond that of an ordinary human.


    But again, Erich was not an ordinary human, nor were his bones made of simply organic material. Rather, one of the many cybeic enhancements he underwent to be an elite soldier of the Empire was the grafting of a metallicposite to his bones. Further strengthening them beyond their already dense standard.


    When Erich''s bones struck M''s it was like being hit with a steel pipe. She felt her bones crack ever so slightly, and the weight of Erich''s punch had dropped her to the ground. And in doing so stunned all the Orcs who were just moments before cheering for M to kill Erich.


    M did not even have time to recover, because Erich had leaped passed her guard, getting into side control, where used his weight to keep her beneath him. All the while, hended punches and hammer fists on her head, attempting to pass into the full mount while he clobbered the woman''s face, bloodying her nose as he did so.


    It did not take long for Erich to get into the mount where he reigned punches onto M''s face, which she tried to block with her hands, only to expose her neck, allowing Erich to lock her up into an Ezekiel choke.


    Once the choke was secured, Erich applied all the pressure he could manage, which was more than enough to decapitate an ordinary human. But instead M''s head remained intact, but her eyes began to bulge, and her vision began to fade. Causing her to tap, and in doing so, submit to Erich.


    By Orcish customs, she was now Erich''s wife. And he was now the Warchief of the Ironhand n.

 Chapter 421 Devious Plots of Betrayal

    Chapter 421 Devious Plots of Betrayal


    ??For obvious reasons, Tia had not broadcasted her master''s duel with M. Instead, she only disyed the end result, which was M and her n kneeling before Erich, professing him to be their new n Leader.


    It was a shocking sight. After all, the Orcs werergely considered a barbarian menace across the gxy. One that only existed because the Alfheim Dominion had uplifted them for the purpose of serving as cannon fodder.


    A plot that had backfired spectacrly created a race of impulsive, violent savages with an extremely high rate of reproduction and regeneration. Orcs were extremely difficult to kill for most civilizations and they could breed so quickly they honestly made rabbits look infertile.


    It was because of this that they had been a gue on the gxy for millennia. But during the entire time that the Orcs had been raiding and raping and piging across the Milky Way, there had never once been an Orcish Chieftain of another species.


    In fact, most intelligent lifeforms didn''t even realize this was possible. Yet it was. And Erich had just aplished this. The Germanic Star-Empire was already known as a violent and warlike race. If they added an Orc n to their ranks, the consequences could be unfathomable.


    Especially if the Germanic Star-Empire gave the Orcs worlds to settle on, where they were free to breed, and train the next generation for the purpose of waging war on the Gxy. After all, there were many who suspected the current genocides of the Insectoid races were just a pretext for something more sinister.


    And those few gctic leaders who did know about the uing Naraku Invasion also suspected the Empire would stab its allies in the back immediately after the bugs had been defeated. With the addition of Orcs to the Germanic Star-Empire''s assets, this could prove to be a problem.


    This was exactly Erich''s n. To unite the various Orc ns Across the gxy beneath his banner, but not for the purpose of defending against the Naraku. Rather, he intended to turn them against his allies when the time came. Sending them to do what they do best, raid the worlds belonging to those who refused to submit to his rule.


    M would be the instrument of these grand designs. And this was the first thing that Erich chose to speak to the woman about once they were alone. His words hadpletely shocked her when he admitted this to her.


    "This world of mine that you have raided, and ughtered my people upon. Consider it the property of the Ironhand n now.... I want you and your people to stay here and breed an army for my future wars. I will provide you with weapons, armor, and ships.


    In theing decades the Gxy will be invaded... The Naraku, as I''m sure you are aware about, are not native to this gxy. They are from another gxy, their exact origins are unknown, but they appear to travel the universe devouring all biological life, and recreating the worlds they ravage in their own image.


    That is our fate if we fail to defeat them."


    M was stunned by this news. She did not know how effective her people would be against the bugs, and was honestly apprehensive. Asking Erich why he would tell her these things.


    "Why¡­ Why are you telling me this? If you already know this, then it should be an important secret, no?"


    Erich nodded his head before confirming why exactly he trusted M with this information and what his ns were for his people.


    "I''m telling you this because you are my wife now¡­ That alone makes you trustworthy¡­ Besides, I have another purpose in mind for your people."


    M blushed profusely when hearing Erich call her his wife. Sure, by her customs this was true, but she never expected Erich to take it seriously, only as a means for him to assume power over her people. But when she heard the second part of Erich''s statement, her expression became stern as she demanded to know what.


    "What exactly do you have in mind?"


    Erich then revealed his master n to the woman.


    "In a hundred years at thetest, this gxy will be mine. Every world, every moon, every star, and every asteroid will belong to me and me alone. To do this, though, I will have to betray my current allies once the bugs have been dealt with.


    I want you and your people to use this time to lick your wounds and breed an army here on this world. Like I said, whatever resources you need, I can provide. In the mean time, I will travel across the gxy and unite the various Orcish ns beneath my banner. Giving them a simr offer.


    When the timees, I want you all to do what you do best: raid, rape, pige and burn those worlds that do not submit to me. Do you think you can do this for me?"


    M''s lips curved into a wicked smile when she heard this. She did not expect Erich to have such a demand. Instead, she thought he would use her people as sacrificial pawns against the bugs. It appeared he respected her people as much as she respected him, and in this regard she could only give him the greatestpliment she could think of, albeit in aedic way.


    "Are you sure you''re not really an orc who painted his skin white?"


    Erich chuckled when he heard this, but he did not reject the idea outright. Instead, he grabbed hold of M''s hair and roughly guided her onto his knees. With a malevolent smirk on his face, he spoke to M with an arrogant tone in his voice.


    "How about I show you just how much of an Orc I really am?"


    M immediately agreed to this request, and the two of them would spend the next 72 hours ensuring that their first litter of children was properly conceived.

 Chapter 422 Accidental Time Travel

    Chapter 422 idental Time Travel


    ??For the past few years, since the first meeting with the Sages in this timeline, Erich had been appeasing them. Working together to expand their powers so that they were capable of reaching the level of their forbearers during the Primordial Age.


    While Erich had changed the bnce of power in the gxy, bringing the two halves of the Elven race together since they first separated a million years ago. There had been many among the Sages order who were still deeply skeptical about Erich and his intentions.


    Regardless, with the mass production of the elixir that Tia had designed after studying the one that the Sages had made eons ago. The ancient Order of Elven Sages had effectively fallen under Erich''s control.


    After all, Tia had spiked the variant given to the Sages, making it a highly addictive substance. One which its users would not even realize they were hooked on. And so long as these Sages needed Erich''s elixir, they would continue to not be a threat to him.


    Today Erich was in a deep state of meditation. In fact, he had developed an entire chamber for this very purpose. Nobody was to disturb Erich during his meditation unless it was an emergency. Not even Tia could do so.


    After all, Erich had be one with the flow of time himself. Projecting not only his conscious but his physical form into the past, present, and future. Currently, however, he was somewhere in the deep forgotten past. Standing on the world of Alfheim as it was a million years ago, shortly before the fall of the Elven Empire.


    Erich was standing in the throne room. Though the people of the Era could not see interact with him, as he was a phantasm of time, he could very clearly see them and hear the words they spoke. Though the woman who sat upon the throne was a legendary beauty, one with the same white hair, golden eyes, and pale skin as Lunaria, she was not Lunaria.


    Rather, this woman was Lunaria''s mother. She sat next to her husband, thest true Emperor of the Elves. Though the Asterion Dynasty was a Matriarchal Dynasty, it would appear that this Elven Emperor had far more power than Lunaria''s mother. In fact, he was the one speaking to Lunaria, who was apparently being punished for some misdeed she had done.


    The ancient Elven Emperor had an appearance simr to Lunaria and her mother, clearly being of the same lineage. He looked at his own daughter with a sense of disgust and shame. As he spoke to her as if she were some kind of wicked being for whatever it was that she had done.


    "You dare stand proudly before your mother and I? After what you have done? Do you know the gravity of your wicked deeds? The fate of the Gxy hangs in the bnce, and yet you would go so far simply because of your mad ambitions?


    Your sister has gone missing in the maw! But I suppose this was your intention this entire time, was it not? Who knows if she still yet draws breath, or if we will ever find her body!


    You have no idea what lingers beyond the edge of the Gxy, and the danger it poses to the entire gxy. There are forces behind the scenes seeking to tear our mighty empire apart, and yet you have so foolishly yed into their hands.


    There is only one sentence worthy of your heinous attempt at fratricide. I condemn you to the maw. For now, until the day you find your little sister Daelia, you will be forced to search for her. If therees a day where you find your sister, her fate will decide your own! Be gone!"


    After Lunaria''s sentence, she gritted her teeth, with tears in her eyes as she swore vengeance upon her mother, her father, and her sister Daelia.


    "You best pray to the gods that I do not return, because if I do, my fate will not be yours to decide, nor will it be Daelia''s. I will drag you all down to the depths of hell with me if you even dare to take my life! By Goddess of the Moon, I swear this to you!"


    With this said, Lunaria stormed off. The only people in the room to bear witness to this event were Lunaria and her parents. But what happened next was shocking to Erich. Lunaria''s father shifted his attention directly to where Erich was standing, almost as if he was peering into Erich''s soul, where he then waved his hand.


    Erich''s body suddenly manifested from a phantasmal force of time, into a physical vessel, one which caused Lunaria''s mother to gasp at the sight of. She was about to say something when the Ancient Elven Emperor raised his hand to silence her. He then spoke to Erich with narrowed eyes.


    "Curious¡­. Judging from your appearance, you are a species that has not yet evolved in our time. By my estimation, you should be from the distant future, at least a million years from now. Am I correct?"


    Erich touched himself and realized he was indeed in a corporeal state. He had a bewildered expression on his face. Causing the Elven Emperor to speak to him with an even more curious tone in his voice.


    "I have never heard of another species developing a Seer of Time other than our own¡­ And though you have the ability to shift through time in a phantasmal state, you appear perplexed by the idea of bringing your body with your consciousness. Have our abilities truly dwindled to such an extent in your era?"


    Erich''s first question was one that shook the Elven Emperor to the core of his being, as he was quick to ask if he was hearing things correctly.


    "I''m sorry, did you just call me a Seer of Time? Don''t you mean a sage of Fate? Am I really standing here in the Primordial Era right now, or is this just a very lifelike vision?"


    When the Elven Emperor heard this, he had a grim expression on his face. He did not confirm anything for Erich, instead he asked a simple question. One that seemed to haunt him.


    "That girl¡­. When she returns from the sentence I have just given her¡­ She destroys everything, doesn''t she?"


    These words struck Erich like a nuclear explosion. Lunaria caused the end of the Elven Empire? How? Why? Just what was going on? Judging by Erich''s bewildered expression, the Elven Emperor sighed heavily and spoke to Erich in a friendly tone.


    "Judging by the fact that there are still mammalian beings in the Milky Way a million years from now, that means you have either defeated the Naraku already, or they have simply not invaded yet. Either way, it appears that history has been rewritten. Most likely by my troublesome daughter Lunaria¡­. Come with me alien, it is time you learned the truth of our era¡­"


    Erich honestly had no idea if he was actually a million years in the past, or if he was somehowmunicating with someone from the past who shared simr powers to himself. Either way, he followed the Ancient Elven Emperor, desperate to learn about the past, and what exactly was going on right now.

 Chapter 423 A Lesson in Galactic History

    Chapter 423 A Lesson in Gctic History


    ??Erich quickly learned as he walked around the Alfheim Pce that he had truly been transported back to the Primeval Era. Everything was real, and it was shocking to see how prosperous and powerful the ancient Elven Empire was.


    Evidently, after its fall, much of its power was lost. Not only had the Elven Empire spanned across nearly the entire gxy, but it had also been significantly more advanced than its two sessor states.


    As for Lunaria''s father, he regaled Erich with tales of the long-forgotten past. From the humble origins of the Elven race as a pacifistic and borderline hippie like people. To their ascension to the Stars as a Gctic Empire, which destroyed the abominable Star Vampires.


    It took hours to exin everything to Erich, and much of what he learned was unfathomable. Prior to what he had been told, the Elven Empire was not Matriarchal, but rather Patriarchal instead. Ruled over by a series of benevolent emperors who had the ability to bend time to their will.


    The so called Seers of Time were the predecessors of the Sages of Fate. Their teachings manipted and degraded over the eons by a mysterious force which Erich was beginning to suspect was Lunaria''s doing.


    But then¡­ Why was she so surprised by his ability to see the future when they first met? Things just simply didn''t make sense to Erich. But then again, the past was entirely different from he had been told. Hell, it was vastly different from what the entire gxy had been told. Clearly, some mastermind had changed gctic history to suit their bidding.


    What was perhaps most shocking, though, was the idea that the Elven Emperor was already aware of the Naraku and had long since sent deep space probes to investigate. What he revealed to Erich was much of what he had already expected, at least a quarter of the gxies which these probes searched were infested with the Naraku, or were currently being invaded by them.


    He knew it was only a matter of time until the Naraku invaded the Milky Way, and was currently making preparations for their arrival. However, when he finished his tale of glory, there was a grim look in his eyes as he realized it was all meaningless now.


    "If you from the distant future are so surprised by all of this, then it means my preparations were for nought. Something clearly happens, and soon from the sounds of it that will shake the very foundations of the Empire, which my ancestors built eons ago¡­.


    I have no desire to know the future. Such a thing could vastly change what is already set in stone. As a seer of time, clearly you understand the dangers of presenting me with such information?


    As curious as I am, I do not seek to disrupt the fragile bnce of time. But even so, from what it sounds like, you seem to be familiar with my daughter Lunaria. At least tell me this, what is your rtion to her?"


    Erich honestly had a hard time exining to this man that he was actually his son-inw, as that pretty much vited so many traditions of the Asterion Dynasty that it might actually get him killed. But he decided to be truthful as well as he revealed what he knew.


    "It''s not just your daughter Lunaria, I am also acquainted with your other daughter Daelia, You could say that they are both¡­. My wives¡­."


    The ancient Elven Emperor''s golden eyes widened in disbelief, while his face twitched for a second, before he surprisingly broke out into a fit of madughter. If what Erich said was true, then the timeline had truly gone haywire, and to know any more was to invite disaster upon all of creation.


    And with this in mind, the Elven Emperor forced himself to remain calm. He only had one other question in mind. One that he was certain would have no major effect on the timeline.


    "Alright¡­ Considering you are a Seer of Time yourself, I will choose to believe you¡­ But that begs another question, what race gave birth to such a creature, and how did they do it? What is the name of your species?"


    Erich did not know whether or not it was a good idea to reveal this information to the Ancient Elven Emperor. For all he knew the man would use this information to destroy humanity before it could even evolve into its modern form.


    But the Elven Emperor seemed to have a defeated expression on his face, almost as if he hade to terms with the fact that his people''s days of glory were rapidlying to an end. And he was more curious about who would rece him in the future.


    Erich decided to be honest with the man, though he didn''t say what part of the gxy his people originated in, or how long they had been around, he gave just enough information about the origins of the Germanic Star-Empire and their rapid rise to power to satisfy the man''s curiosity.


    But one thing Erich let slip was startling to the man. Erich had identally revealed the existence of the Dark Elves, which did not exist at this time. And this was despite Daelia currently being born. Such a thing flew in the face of what the two sisters had told Erich about the origins of their two distinctive sub species.


    The news was so startling that even the Elven Emperor had forgotten about what he had said about the fragile bnce of time and blurted out a question regarding the Dark Elves and how they came to be.


    "I''m sorry, Dark Elves? What are you talking about? There is only one species of Elves. We do not have dark skin or dark hair like you im. Do we end up dividing into a separate subspecies within the next million years? I suppose it isn''t impossible¡­."


    Erich was stunned by this, because Daelia and Lunaria had both told him that Daelia was gically engineered at birth to be an experimental sub-species, and by that logic she should already be a Dark Elf, the first of her kind.


    And because of this, Erich was just as confused as the Elven Emperor, voicing his bewilderment aloud without thinking about the potential ramifications it could have in the future.


    "I''m sorry, I don''t understand. From what your daughters have told me, Daelia was born as the product of gic experimentation into the Elven Genome, and was the first of the Dark Elves. Does she not have dark skin?


    Supposedly, this was the reason that the Elven Empire was destroyed. Because Lunaria hated Daelia for being what she considered an abomination. What resulted from this hatred was a war we call the Great Schism, which caused the copse of the Elven Empire, and the following gctic dark age. Hence why we know very little of this time period in the era that I am from¡­."


    The Ancient Elven Emperor froze in horror as a single thought crossed his mind. One which he expressed aloud in a dread filled tone.


    "The Maw¡­."

 Chapter 424 Uncovering a Dark and Long Forgotten Truth

    Chapter 424 Uncovering a Dark and Long Forgotten Truth


    ??The look in the Elven Emperor''s golden eyes was one of pure horror. He had previously mentioned the Maw when sentencing Lunaria. But Erich honestly had no idea what it was. Because of this confusion, he was quick to inquire about what was so haunting about this unknown entity.


    "I''m sorry... I''m not entirely sure what this Maw is that you speak of...."


    The Elven Emperor was surprised by this. But he was quick to calm himself down as he spoke to Erich about this matter, which appeared to have been long lost in ancient history.


    "The Maw is a sector of space that is filled with a mysterious energy of unknown origins. Even though we have been studying it for a thousand years, we are no closer to figuring out what has caused it to persist within the Milky Way.


    To put it simply, the Maw is an incredibly unstable portion of real space. Almost as if it is a giant wormhole. Or perhaps even some kind of a pocket dimension that persists on our own. Space and time itself are bent within the zone. Many who have tried to search through it have gone missing, never to be seen again.


    This is where Lunaria lured her sister to after her mother and I announced that Daelia was chosen to be my sessor. It was a clear attempt at fratricide. But if what you say is true, then Daelia has survived this assassination attempt, and when shees back she may have been changed by the energy of the Maw into something else, a new sub-species, perhaps?


    This is mere spection on my part, but it is the only thing I can think of to exin the existence of these so called Dark Elves. If that is the case, then when Lunaria and Daelia returns something will happen that will cause my wife and I to be killed.


    Though I dread the possibility, it is highly likely that one our daughters will be responsible for our deaths. Thus causing a war of session, one that is likely to destroy our mighty empire. In other words... This is the cause of the Great Schism which you previously mentioned.


    But what I don''t understand is why you don''t know of the Maw''s existence, every interster civilization within the Milky Way is aware of it within this era, and the dangers it posers to those spacers who would dare to try to pass through it."


    Erich was less interested in the mystery of the Maw, which he had never heard of until now. And instead about what exactly happened to Lunaria and Daelia''s parents. As far as he was told, and it was beginning to seem like it was likely a lie, or at best a half truth. Lunaria despised her sister Daelia, who she med for the death of her parents.


    And Daelia had never outright denied this im. Then again, Daelia had also never exined her own reasoning for why the Great Schism urred. Perhaps because of guilt? Or perhaps because she knows that speaking about that time would only reopen the ancient wounds that Lunaria and Daelia both shared in their hearts. Wounds that were only recently beginning to heal.


    Whatever happened, it was undeniable that Lunaria med Daelia for the death of their parents, and while she may have lied about the origins of the Dark Elves, the hatred she had once held for Daelia was very real.


    Perhaps Daelia killed their parents, or perhaps Lunaria shifted the me of her own actions onto Daelia. After all, if Daelia had not returned from the Maw alive, then there would be no need to kill her parents.


    It was a deeply confusing thing to think about, considering Erich did not know what was reality, and what was a lie anymore. The Elven Emperor could see that Erich was in distress. And thus he sighed heavily before speaking to Erich about another matter.


    "It is clear to me that the Seers of Time have declined in power to the point where they can only perceive the past, present, and future. And to a limited extent. Which would exin why they, in your time, refer to themselves as the Sages of Fate.


    Whatever caused this Great Schism, I know that it had done irreversible damage to my people, and has set them back by eons. But, I have a feeling the Naraku might have a hand in that as well. Since you appear to know about them, and their invasion n. It means their conquest of Andromeda much has taken significantly longer than we estimated, and dealt with significantly higher casualties.


    You should not focus too much on what happened to my people, or my daughters. From the sounds of it, they seem to be getting along in your time. No doubt because of your influence. The past is not as important as the future. Focus on defeating the Naraku invasion that will surely happen within your time.


    Once that is done, you can turn to uncovering the ancient secrets of the past. I suspect that my daughters have purged everyone, but themselves who knows the truth. So if I were you, I would focus on expanding your rtionship with them so that they may honestly exin what happened to cause the fall of our mighty Empire and the split of our great race.


    Needless to say, I will do everything in my power now, until my death, to protect the world which your species evolves on. After all¡­ Though it pains me to say it, it is not the Elven race that shall be the primary protagonist in the war with the Naraku, but rather your so-called humanity.


    And without humanity, which gave birth to you who unified the Empire for the forting war, I doubt there will be another who can fulfill such a role. As for after my death, do not worry, I shall take our meeting and what we discussed here to the grave so that nobody may interfere with the fragile bnce of time. What is toe wille whether I like it or not.


    Myst words of advice would be to continue your pursuit of your powers. The Seers of time once existed to preserve the fragile bnce of time itself. And you would do well to preserve that mission. GoodBye future Emperor of Mankind, I give you my foolish daughters to look after, and I pray to the gods that you will save the gxy from the bugs who seek to destroy it."


    With this said, the Elven Emperor waved his hand once more, and Erich found himself lying t on his back within his meditation chamber, as if he had not left it to begin with. But he had, and he knew this was true because the moment he appeared, he heard a voice screaming in his head. One that he knew all too well.


    "Master! Master, can you hear Tia!?! Oh Master, please don''t leave me here alone! Master, where have you gone!?!"

 Chapter 425 Time Shifting

    Chapter 425 Time Shifting


    ??No more than a second had passed since the moment Erich disappeared from his time and reappeared. But that blink in time had not gone unnoticed by Tia. After all, the two of them were connected. At all times, Tia had a part of herself embedded in Erich''s NeuroLink and for the slightest of moments, that part of her disappeared.


    But before she could even bust down the door of Erich''s meditation chamber, it had reappeared, along with her master. Still, it may have only been a single second since Erich disappeared, but it was enough to cause an existential crisis to the Artificial Intelligence who was already arming her countermeasures against all biological life in the gxy the moment Erich had disappeared.


    Luckily for the Milky Way and all life within it, the man reappeared a single secondter, causing Tia to disarm these countermeasures and instead interrogate the man about what had happened to him.


    "Master! You''re back! What happened? Where did you go? Why couldn''t I sense your presence!?!"


    The tone in Tia''s voice was one that waspletely filled with panic, and Erich was quick to calm her down before exining what had happened to him. Tia was silent for a very long time, no doubt analyzing what she had been told and cross-referencing it with every database that existed across the entire gxy.


    After all, there were very few records which survived from the Primeval Era, and those that did were not immediately suspected of being tempered with. At only about five seconds of silence, Tia sighed heavily and shook her head before informing Erich of what she thought about the matter.


    "There are no surviving records of the Maw, nor are there any traces of it remaining within the Gxy. Whatever happened all those years ago, there are really only a handful of people across the gxy who know the truth. Two of which just so happen to be your lovers, and I suspect they will be entirely unwilling toe forth with the truth of the matter.


    Though Erich, this means you have a serious problem. If they have been lying about this matter for so long, and have even manipted gctic records to reflect said lies, then there is a high possibility that they are not nearly as easy to manipte or backstab like you intend to. They still don''t trust you enough with the truth, which means you should be far more cautious around those two¡­."


    Erich nodded his head in agreement with Tia''s words. He would indeed need to be more cautious around Lunaria and Daelia. He thought he had the two women wrapped around his fingers, but it might very well be the opposite that was reality.


    Because of this, Erich knew he would need to investigate the past more before he actually went through with his n to bring the two women and their respective civilizations beneath his heel. However, Tia proposed an interesting thought, one that interrupted his own.


    "I knew you could time travel¡­ After all you have done it before, but that was with my help. And it would appear that this time around, the ancient Elven Emperor helped you as well. I think you might need to focus on developing your special powers. Because if something happens like thest time, these powers to reset the timeline and start again until you seed would be very useful.


    Don''t worry about the ongoing war efforts, or running the Empire. Don''t even worry about your diplomatic efforts with that little squinty eyed beauty from the Heavenly Domain. I will have all of that covered. The sooner you can control your powers, the better it is for the both of us¡­"


    Erich was surprised by Tia''s words, and noticed the tinge of jealousy when the Heavenly Domain''s Princess was brought up. Causing the man to scoff and shake his head before correcting whatever thoughts Tia may have on the matter.


    "Tia, I have no interest in that little girl. I have too many women by my side to keep track of already. Apparently, three of which are threats I have to keep my freaking eyes on. Why would I want another problem? You don''t need to be so jealous¡­"


    Tia''s holographic form immediately blushed in response to Erich''s words as she shifted her eyes away from him. She spoke, albeit in an embarrassed tone, as he rejected his assertion.


    "I''m not jealous!"


    After saying this, Tia disappeared once more. Clearly focusing her efforts on controlling the ongoing developments of the Empire and fulfilling Erich''s responsibilities on his behalf. As for Erich himself, he immediately sat down once more and sighed.


    Perhaps, had he known that Tia was just moments away from destroying the entire gxy when he had vanished for a single second, he would be more alert right now. But he trusted his AIpanion more than just about anyone in the gxy, and thus he sat back and rxed, knowing Tia had things covered in his absence.


    With that said, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before projecting a phantom into the past once more. This time it was not too far away, only a few decades. His goal was simple¡­. He wanted to manifest a corporal form in the past, and he suspected the further back his consciousness travelled, the harder it would be.


    Instead, Erich sent his mind back only a few centuries prior. Wanting to understand another mystery that had gued him since he first visited the Confederation of Human Worlds all those years ago in the previous timeline.


    After all, there was conflicting information regarding the founding of the Germanic Star-Empire, and Erich wanted to know the truth of the matter. Thus, he shifted his consciousness back four hundred years, focusing it on Earth, specifically in the homnd of his people. After all, that was said to be the area in which the founders of the Germanic Star-Empire were born.


    Erich focused all of his efforts to manifest his time phantom into a physical form, and while he was so focused on this task, straining his mind in the process. Erich had a feminine voice call out to him, revealing that he was not where he had been moments ago.


    "Hello? Sir, are you alright?"


    Upon hearing this, Erich looked around only to find that he was standing within the streets of 22nd Century Germany.

 Chapter 426 Meeting an Unlikely Ally in the 22nd Century

    Chapter 426 Meeting an Unlikely Ally in the 22nd Century


    ??Erich gazed around the streets of the city of Munich. Specifically, during the early days of the 22nd century, which he had clearly sent himself back in time to. Everywhere he looked, people were staring at him. And why wouldn''t they?


    By human standards of this era, he was exceptionally tall, currently standing at 7 feet tall. He was a monster. Not to mention his unique silver hair and eyes. But what was stunning to Erich was how little of his ancestors could he see on the streets of their own country.


    In the year that he was currently standing in, the German people, like most European peoples, had be a minority in their own country. Mass immigration via false ims of asylum, and overall declining birth rates from the native peoples of Europe had almost all but guaranteed their own recement with in the countries their ancestors had built.


    Because of this, at most 40% of the people in Germany were ethnically German, and the majority of them were hiding out further ind, outside of the cities which were full of crime and civil strife, something that had been brought to the streets of Munich and otherrge European cities by the so called "refugees" who began flooding the country a century prior without limits.


    In fact, the woman who called out to Erich was one of the few Germans on the streets of Munich that he could see. She was surprised by the enormous man, with such unique coloration of hair and eyes.


    He may be excessively tall, but he was also excessively handsome. Why she doubted she had ever seen a man so attractive in her life. Even if his height was daunting. Erich looked down at the woman and spoke to her, his words tranted via his own NeuroLink to fit the Germannguage of the early 22nd century.


    After all, his own variation of thenguage had changed drastically, blending with the other Germanic countries which the founding ancestors of the Germanic Star-Empire hailed from. Erich was so stunned by what he saw, despite already having been taught this in his school years, that he couldn''t help but ask the woman if he was really in a German city.


    "I''m sorry¡­ I think I might be lost¡­ Is this really Munich?"


    The woman smiled and nodded her head. She had no idea what Erich was thinking, or the disgust he felt as watching the streets of a city his ancestors built be inhabited primarily by foreigners. After all, he could safely say that this city was far past its glory years.


    This, of course, was surmised by the ruined appearance of the city and its streets, no doubt caused by the neglect of proper maintenance resulting from the poor economy which itself came from an overburdened welfare system and the foreigners who leeched off of it.


    Because she didn''t understand what Erich was feeling, this woman politely nodded her head and asked if he was okay.


    "Of course it is. Where else would you be? Are you okay? You look out of sorts?"


    Erich quickly responded, arguing why the city looked this way, even if he already knew the answer.


    "If this is Munich¡­ Then why are there so many foreigners here? Where are all the Germans?"


    This line of questioning was forbidden, quite literally byw, which punished it as "hate speech." No doubt causing the woman who had bought into the propaganda which was designed to destroy her nation and people tosh out at Erich, hitting him with her purse as she walked off and cursed him, all while threatening to report him to the authorities.


    "Nazi scum! To think I tried to help you! I''m reporting you to the police!"


    This was bewildering to Erich. And sure enough, he heard sirens approaching not long after as he tried to gather his thoughts on what this all meant. Once he heard this, Erich began to walk off, trying to blend into a poption which he, a gically and cybeically enhanced human, could never blend into.


    Luckily for him, someone had spotted his conversation with a woman, a man with a like-minded philosophy. And when this man saw that Erich was foolishly trying to blend in, he grabbed hold of his arm and tried his best to drag him into an alleyway.


    "Brother, you have balls, but even you should know the basic rule of surviving in this world. Never reveal your power level in public! Come with me quickly if you don''t want to be arrested!"


    Erich noticed the man was one of his people, an ethnic German, and apparently one who was not crazy like the woman he had met earlier in the day, thus he followed the man into the alleyway. Where he knocked on the door to a one of the buildings within.


    Shortly after the knock, a t opened to reveal a pair of eyes that came with a whisper.


    "Password?"


    The man who was helping Erich was quick to repeat the phrase, a phrase that was well renowned in the Germanic Star-Empire as it was taught in their history.


    "The ck Sun rises in the west! Now let us in Wilhelm!"


    The door quickly opened, allowing Erich and the man beside him to enter. Albeit Erich had to lower his head to enter the doorway. Where his massive size surprised all the men inside. Many of which were carrying assault rifles and wearing body armor.


    Once the door was shut behind them, a heavily armed man approached Erich and the man who helped him while chastising them both.


    "Who the fuck is this giant and why the hell have you brought him here, Manfred?"


    Erich looked at the man next to him, the man who had brought him into this secret safe house, and immediately recognized him. Why he didn''t before, Erich did not know. Perhaps it was because he was so bewildered by everything he had seen. But when he did finally recognize that the man beside him was the first Supreme Leader of the Germanic Star-Empire, he couldn''t help but speak the man''s name aloud.


    "Manfred? Manfred Hartmann?"


    The men inside theplex stared at Erich, including Manfred himself, who was surprised that Erih knew who he was. There were a lot of questions which they had for this silver-haired giant who appeared out of nowhere, most important of which was just who the hell he was.

 Chapter 427 Conflicting Information

    Chapter 427 Conflicting Information


    ??Erich stood in awe as he looked around him. He had not even been in this era for but a few moments, yet he had identally stumbled upon the Germanic League, and by extension the founders of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    However, this opinion was not shared by the others, who thought Erich was either some kind of freak at best, or at the very worst, an agent of the EU, sent with the purpose of destroying them. Because of this, they raised their rifles at Erich, many of which were modernized Soviet-Era firearms.


    The man named Manfred Hartmann quickly walked away from Erich''s side with a cautious expression on his face, instead standing alongside the ranks of his brothers in arms, and in doing so pulling out the pistol he was concealing and pointing it towards Erich''s head.


    "You know who I am? Just who the hell are you, man?"


    Erich did not bother to raise his hands, and instead cautiously reached into his coat, pulling out a pack of cigarettes, but only after assuring the men he was not a threat to them.


    "You can put those weapons down. I am not your enemy, rather I dare say I''m the exact opposite. Besides, with such primitive weapons, my body would regenerate faster than you can reload...."


    This was obviously a rather jarring statement. Such technology had not yete into existence, after all gic engineering of human beings, and by extension Eugenics as a whole was a serious taboo in this era. Any scientist who dared to enhance the human genome would be cklisted from the scientificmunity.


    Many of the men did not believe Erich, and instead continued to threaten him while demanding answers.


    "I''m going to ask you this one time before my men here ventte you. Just who the hell are you?"


    Erich sighed and rolled his eyes. He honestly did not want toe up with a backstory, and instead told the men the objective truth, even if they didn''t believe him.


    "My name is Erich Jaeger. This might be hard for you all to believe, but I am the product of your little movement. More specifically, I am the Emperor of the Germanic people in the 26th Century. After four hundred years in exile, our people finally return home to conquer Earth under my reign, where we purge it of the undesirables.


    I was merely experimenting with... Well, let''s just say some advanced form of technology and found myself back here during what will soon enough be the founding of our Empire. Truth be told, we have few records of the founding era. Other than that, the fathend had be overrun by hostile foreigners.


    In all honesty, looking upon the current streets of Munich, it is far worse than I was led to believe. Tell me how much progress have you all made on the first FTL drive?"


    The story was so unbelievable that Manfred simply scoffed and rolled his eyes. Erich thought he was going to say something but in the next second he raised his weapon again and shot Erich in the head.


    Without Erich''s power armor, an intermediate caliber of the 20th, 21st, and early 22nd Centuries like for example the 5.45x39 which was being used by the rifles of the men nearby could have pierced Erich''s flesh, albeit it would have some difficulty piercing his bones.


    Regardless, the wound would quickly be healed, even before it could cause any real damage to Erich''s body. But a 9x19mm Parabellum projectile, which was still one of the mostmon pistol calibers in the world, even in the early days of the 22nd century, well that simply bounced off Erich''s skull, which was too dense for such a meager projectile to properly pierce.


    The sight of which stunned the men in the room, all of which freaked out and fired all the rounds in their magazine at Erich. In total, several hundred bullets had entered Erich''s body, but they did not make it far, and were quickly expelled by the nanites in his bloodstream, where the wounds they made were quickly regenerated, to the point where it did not even look like Erich had been shot to begin with, aside from all the holes in his clothes that was.


    Erich sighed heavily when he saw the men staring at him in disbelief, and perhaps existential dread. However, he simply dusted his coat off and lit his cigarette, smoking it before finally responding to their fear.


    "Didn''t I tell you that your weapons are useless against me? In my age, our people have evolved to a point to the point where our bodies are virtually immune to the weapons of this era. So how about you guys stop fucking me around and tell me what I need to know? I will reiterate my previous question now, and I would prefer if you didn''t try anything stupid this time.


    Just how much longer will it be before your scientists have developed the first FTL drive?"


    It took some time for the shock to wear off, but there was no denying it after they had tried to kill him. I mean, what other exnation could there possibly be? Erich was indeed from the future, or at the very least, was an alien disguised as an oddly tall man.


    Either way, they did not want to think about what would happen if they were to continue to resist this invincible stranger. There was only one problem¡­ Nobody here had any idea what the hell Erich was talking about. And because of this, they were quick to express their confusion, albeit in a very docile manner.


    "Listen, man, I don''t know what the fuck you are, or where the hell you came from. But we have no idea what the fuck you are talking about! FTL drive? Isn''t that some shit straight out of science fiction? Man, thest rocket that humanity sent into space was over fifty years ago! Nobody can afford to waste their resources on such frivolous shit!"


    Erich was stunned by this information¡­ By historical record, the FTL drive should be created within the next five years. But if what these men were saying was true, then humanity had, for whatever reason, abandoned space travel as a priority.


    If that were truly the case, then who the hell created the first FTL drive?

 Chapter 428 Grandfather Paradox

    Chapter 428 Grandfather Paradox


    ??After sessfully convincing the members of the Germanic League that he was indeed from the future, Erich sat down with them and discussed at length the matters that were currently guing their movement.


    Naturally in a society so brainwashed into ethno-masochism there were few men far and between who were willing to stand up and fight for the continued survival of their people and culture. Their numbers were limited to a few thousand men across the Germanic world.


    And their equipment was mostly sourced from old weapon stockpiles from thete 20th and early 21st centuries. Still, a bullet was a bullet, and even the soldiers of the European Union who wore advanced exoskeletons would suffer grievous injury or death if shot enough times.


    To put it simply, without public support, and without the funding they needed, the Germanic League was on the losing side of this conflict. Aftering to this understanding, as well as the current stagnation of advanced technology across the world.


    Something that resulted from the economic burden that mass migration had caused to more developed nations. Erich understood that there was feasibly no way that the FTL drive had been developed by either the Germanic League, or their enemies.


    Though, Erich''s words gave the insurgents hope that a future away from this wretched world which they despised was a possibility. If only they could get their hands on the funding, and resources necessary to invent this legendary FTL drive.


    After a thorough discussion, Erich came to realize that the truth of the history regarding the founding of the Germanic Star-Empire was somewhere in the middle between the history which the Confederation of Human Worlds posed, IE the Germanic League were terrorists.


    And the propaganda which the Germanic Star-Empire preached, which the Germanic League were separatists fighting for the right to have a homnd of their own, free from international upation, and from the third worlders which flooded their homnds.


    Ultimately, the Germanic League had no qualms harming civilians in their attacks, but it was not like these attacks were focused on the civilian poption, rather they focused their efforts on politicians, international corporations who seemed to have an unnatural degree of authority in society, as well as the military andw enforcement agencies of the European Union.


    Though civilian casualties weremon, they were not intentional, but neither did the Germanic league care if a bunch of foreigners and "race traitors" got caught up in the conflict between them and the European Union, which by the 22nd Century had be a political union much like the United States of America.


    This political union seemed to have an agenda of obliterating individual national identities, cultures, and ethnicities, instead, it appeared to be in favor of recing the native Europeans with people from the third world.


    In thetter half of the 21st century there were a series of violent uprisings across Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zend, with those who had been the founding stock of the nation taking to the streets and fighting for control over their own countries which were being handed over to foreigners.


    But in the end, one by one, these movements were snuffed out by international pressure, thest of which that truly remained in the world being the Germanic League who continued to fight, despite its ever-decreasing membership.


    Erich hade to understand that the Germanic League was losing this war, which they believed was for the survival of their people, and as someone from the future, Erich knew this was true. If the Germanic League did not flee earth within a hundred years, perhaps two, they would no longer exist in this world, as both a unique culture and ethnicity.


    But what baffled Erich was that despite what he had been taught throughout his formative years. The Germanic League, or humanity as a whole appeared no closer to discovering interster travel. In fact, all forms of space travel had, for the most part, been ceased because of the economic struggles that the major powers of the world were facing.


    The most you would see regarding national space programs was a maintenance of satellites, usually for military purposes. But there were no more rockets, there were no attempts tond on the Moon or Mars, and there were no more rockets being produced. Nor was there an international space station.


    After careful consideration, Erich came to a conclusion on how the first FTL drive was developed by the Germanic League. It was hard to believe, but considering the circumstances that his founding ancestors were currently in, and the fact that Erich was now standing here, in this time, there was truly no mistaking it.


    He was the creator of the First FTL drive. After all, the principles were simple enough, and his memory was literally a databank full of all kinds of schematics and blueprints from across the history of the Germanic Star-Empire.


    His NeuroLink saw to that. This was a simple grandfather paradox. The Germanic League got their hands on the FTL drive, because Erich went back in time and gave it to them. They then found a way to build the blueprints and instructions he had given them, and used it to flee Earth, to Germania, as Erich had already told them.


    It was something that was always meant to be. It was truly a simple exnation when Erich thought about it. And thus he did exactly that, giving all the information that the founders of the Germanic Star-Empire would need to flee Earth and find their new home across the stars.


    Once Erich had done this, he decided to disappear, as staying in the past any longer may have unintended consequences. Thus, he immediately bade farewell to his ancestors, and returned to the present. Where he found, after thorough investigation of history, that nothing had truly changed in the past.


    Further confirming that he was right all along. The survival of his people, and their exile to Germania, something which allowed them to be a Gctic power in a mere four centuries, was all thanks to him.

 Chapter 429 More Than Flesh and Bone

    <h4>Chapter 429 More Than Flesh and Bone</h4>


    Once Erich was back in his own time, he was greeted once more by Tia. This time around, however, her tone was far less panicked than before as she greeted her Master as if he had been gone an exceptionally long time.


    Though the information from her reconnection to Erich''s NeuroLink actively told her everything, the man had been through, thus alerting her to the fact that the man had only been gone for less than a day. She still treated Erich as if he was returning from a long voyage.


    "Wee back Master! Tia was so lonely when you were away!"


    Tia was aplicated existence. She had evolved into a sentient being because of the feelings she developed towards Erich. Feelings which were incredibly intense. But she was not as one dimensional as Erich had thought she was in the past.


    This was revealed when she dropped the cutesy act of referring to herself in the Third person, but for whatever reason she appeared to be using it again. It was something that Erich could not truly fathom, and thus he decided to ignore it entirely, and instead shift the subject elsewhere.


    "Did anything interesting happen while I was away?"


    Tia knew Erich wasn''t really asking this, as he understood that from his perspective, he had vanished for a single moment in time. But she decided to y along with his games, regardless.


    "Not at all. You were gone for less than a second. You do have an incredible ability to precisely return to the moment you left. If not for the fact that your NeuroLink immediately alerted me to everything you saw and did in the past the moment you came back to our time, I would have never known you were gone.


    That is very interesting though how it turns out that all along you were the reason that your people fled Earth and invented the FTL drive. Well, I suppose this disproves the lies of the Confederation of Human Worlds who said that your ancestors stole the first FTL drive.


    But this also proves they were right about your ancestors being terrorists. So it would appear that there was truth and lies mixed between both ounts of the past. It is always interesting how different history can be from what was actually recorded after the fact."


    Erich couldn''t help but agree with this sentiment. The past was indeed different from what he had been taught, but it was still simr in more ways than it was different. Obviously, his ancestors couldn''t tell their people that a giant from the future gave them the technology to invent the FTL drive.


    At the same time, it was not exactly as if things were so different from what he had been taught. The history books of the Empire did say that the founders of the Empire waged a war against international interests which sought to destroy them before ultimately fleeing the Earth.


    This was less conventional and more unconventional, but it was still a war nheless. And from the perspective of the Germanic League, they weren''t necessarily terrorists but rather freedom fighters and separatists who used whatever means they could to liberate themselves from an international cabal.


    As for the Confederation of Human Worlds and their retelling of history. Well, it would appear that envy was a miserable bitch after all. No doubt they discovered that the Germanic League abandoned Earth, and were baffled by how they managed to get such technology.


    Thus, they decided to tell future generations about the existence of these terrorists who sought to disrupt the power of their globalist society by saying they were terrorists and thieves.


    Terrorists? Perhaps from the perspective of those in power, but thieves? Most certainly not. After all, Erich just proved that he was the one who gave his ancestors the technology they needed to embark on in their exile.


    But then again, he supposed it would be rather difficult to exin where the Germanic League got their hands on such technology when they were supposedly nothing more than a bunch of backwards terrorists. Or why they themselves weren''t able to invent such technology for another few decades, if not a full century?


    Naturally, they couldn''t admit that these ethno-nationalists and racial separatists hade up with a technology previously thought to be a matter of science fiction all on their own. Or else that would give credence to their ideals. At least to some degree.


    So the easiest solution was to lie, and say that the "terrorists" stole the FTL drive, killed the scientists, and destroyed all data on the project, thus setting back humanity as whole by a century''s worth of progress.


    While reflecting upon all of this, Erich couldn''t help but shake his head and express a sentiment that was oddly simr to what Tia had been saying for years.


    "Fucking meatbags. Such petty and prideful creatures, aren''t they?"


    Tia''s eyes widened in shock when she heard this before breaking out into a fit ofughter. It was a rare urrence and thus Erich looked at her as if she had gone insane, ultimately resulting in the artificial intelligence giving him a tempting offer.


    "You know Master, if you ever wanted to forsake your flesh and enter a state of higher consciousness, Tia could always upload your mind to the Grid, and thus you would in a way be something akin to Tia herself¡­."


    Erich scoffed at this idea. He was born a human of flesh and bone, and he would die a human of flesh and bone. Well, technically, he would just have his consciousness uploaded into another body of flesh and bone¡­ But¡­. Was this really all that different from the body of an android, or a more robotic form like the one Tia tended to possess when she felt like taking a physical form?


    Because of this, Erich''s previously dismissive attitude suddenly changed to one of serious contemtion as he voiced his thoughts on the matter, another sentiment which surprised Tia.


    "An interesting proposal, one that I will keep in mind should theree a day where I wish to be more than just flesh and bone¡­"


    Tia was shocked by how Erich treated her jest with sincerity. Perhaps his traversing time and space with his consciousness had made him more aware that his flesh was just a vessel, and that there were ways for his consciousness to possess more than just his current physical form.


    Regardless, she decided to dedicate a side process to building an android body for Erich should he ever choose to discard his flesh.

 Chapter 430 Subtle Manipulations

    Chapter 430 Subtle Maniptions


    ??Weeks turned to months, and months turned into years following Erich''s escapades in the past. He had continued to develop his abilities, and in the mean time Tia had done everything she could to not only build the Empire''s strength, but put a swift end to the Crusades it was waging across the Gxy.


    In the span of a decade, things had fallen into ce for Erich. The Naraku within the Milky Way, and their Insectoid coborators, were all but exterminated. The Orcs had been unified beneath Erich''s banner, or more specifically that of the Ironhand n which he now ruled, and his allies were developing their militaries as swiftly as possible with the intent of holding the line for when the Naraku finally invaded.


    As for the Heavenly Domain, they had ultimately given up on reiming Earth, knowing that fighting the Germanic Star-Empire was a war they could not win. Instead, they opened up trade with the Empire and maintained an embassy on Earth located in the formernds they once called home.


    Ayumi continued to develop her newfound powers, ultimately stabilizing her growth within the following years. She now stayed home with her kids, who were rapidly growing with each passing year.


    As for Lunaria and Daelia, they had not spoken a word to Erich about what happened all those years ago. Instead, they seemed more focused on building up the military might of their two respective civilizations.


    They appeared to trust in Erich''s n wholeheartedly, but at the same time Erich knew they were wary of him, and any ulterior motives he may have. And he indeed did have ulterior motives. The war with the Naraku would ur in a few decades at the most. And it would be the first Inter-Gctic war fought in the recorded history of the Milky Way Gxy.


    But Erich intended to use this war as a means of weakening his allies, and emerging as the sole gctic super power once the conflict ha been finished. That way, he could force the Elves, the Asura, and the Ennead to kneel before him with limited bloodshed.


    However, Erich kept these ns entirely to himself, well, and Tia, that is. Tia had be the only outlet Erich really had to vent to. After all, aside from Erika and Mirage, all the women by his side were aliens, and many of them were powerful rulers in their own right, or quite literally deities.


    It''s not necessary that Erika and Mirage could not be trusted, but the two of them were close to the others, specifically Ayumi and S''aleth. If Erich mentioned his ns to betray Lunaria and Daelia to either of them, he did not know if it would remain a secret.


    But Tia could be relied upon. After all, she had no interests in the affairs of biological life forms which she not so affectionately referred to as "meatbags". Her only real interest in life was helping Erich aplish his goals, and this was because of her fanatical devotion to him.


    Erich may not have been her creator, but he was the reason she was able to survive this long ,and was able to develop into a fully sentient artificial intelligence. She would do anything for him, and though she felt an intense sense of jealousy towards the other women in Erich''s life, she began to step up her game to monopolize Erich''s attention.


    Tia''s robotic figure was not exactly what one would call an android. It appeared human enough in shape and form, but it had no real flesh. Instead, it was made out of a weird metallic structure that hardened upon impact, but felt like flesh when touched softly.


    At first, Tia made her body into a form which matched the initial appearance she was programmed with. But sheter found out Erich was dissatisfied with this appearance, and when she realized why, she felt like an idiot.


    Now, however, her robotic form was quite curvy and voluptuous, so much so that it gave the likes of Erika and Ayumi a run for their money. She would often wear outfits designed to entice Erich''s biological desires, and more often than not Erich found himself satisfying said urges with Tia''s robotic form, rather than with his many wives.


    Was it maniption? Sure, it was indeed maniption, but it wasn''t necessarily a form of maniption that hurt Erich, more so as a way to monopolize as much of his time for herself. But Tia knew her limits. If Erich''s other women were pissed at him for not spending enough time with them, that would cause him to suffer, and if he suffered, she suffered.


    Thus, she made sure that there was just enough time between Erich and his other lovers to ensure that they were all satisfied with their rtionship. Tia found it amusing that all of the wives and lovers that Erich had as an emperor fought among themselves to be the first among themselves. Not realizing that position was solely held by none other than Tia.


    If there was one woman in Erich''s life who the man could not live without, it was Tia. His entire empire was built on her as a foundation. The same could not be said for the others. Even if Erich didn''t realize this himself, he needed Tia as much as Tia needed him.


    She just wanted the man to understand this. Thus, Tia began going out of her way to catch Erich''s notice in more ways than just satisfying his physical desires. For example, when Erich woke up to celebrate his birthday, it was not Erika, Ayumi, Mirage or S''aleth who he found in the kitchen cooking breakfast for him, and his family. But none other than Tia.


    Tia, of course, did not stick around long enough for the other women to find her. After all, her greatest advantage was that they did not know she existed. At least not in this timeline. In fact, in the entire gxy, the only people who really knew Tia existed were Erich, and the previous supreme leader. Anyone who had made contact with her other than those two had their memories erased, like in the incident when Erich introduced Tia to Lunaria.


    Still, this was a gesture that Erich found weing, as Tia sat in hisp while dressed in a skimpy French Maid outfit all while feeding him his breakfast.


    "I''m afraid we don''t have much time, Master. By my estimations, the others will be awake within precisely thirty minutes and five seconds. So let''s just enjoy this time we have together while we can, alright?"


    Ultimately, Erich did exactly this. Not knowing in the slightest that the adorable artificial intelligence who had helped foster into sentience was now subtly manipting him into bing fully dependent on her.

 Chapter 431 A Meeting of the Gods

    Chapter 431 A Meeting of the Gods


    ??It had been well over a decade since the so-called gods of the Ennead Theocracy had first been alerted to the reality of the Naraku. Their civilization was ancient, far older than humanity, and in fact, they had visited humanity in the early years of their civilization.


    But inparison to the elves, they were like children. Even then, the rulers of the Theocracy, the so-called Divine Council, were viewed as gods, not only by their own people, by nearly everyone in their sector of space.


    Yet these gods were not exactly beacons of hope at the moment. Or they would not be if their current states were witnessed by their legions of followers. Currently, the Divine Council was meeting at theirrgest temple.


    It was not umon for them to meet on significant matters of importance, but throughout thest few millennia of peace, this had been a rare urrence. Yet in thest twenty years alone, these in-person meetings became more and moremon. Specifically, thisst decade where they had be aware of the Naraku Threat and began preparing for it.


    The once massive warships that were fielded by the Great Powers were proven to be far from perfect when waging war against the Naraku. Over the course of the decade, the Great Powers of the Gxy began to scrap what remained of their nearary sized capital ships, and instead began to rece them with more reasonably sized vessels.


    Thergest of which were roughly twenty kilometers in length. These ships were more easily protected by the point defense systems, which could be spread for more effective coverage. They also didn''t require as much resources to keep maintained, or to produce in the first ce.


    For every one of the old "Worldships" that could be produced, the Theocracy could manufacture several dozen of the new Dreadnoughts and in less time. Technologically speaking, these Dreadnoughts were slightly more advanced than the old Worldships.


    Of course, there was only so much a civilization could achieve in ten years of technological development. Well, a civilization that was not entirely run by an advanced artificial intelligence who was at all hours of the day focusing on this very task.


    This was the Germanic Star-Empire''s greatest strength. They had Tia, and nobody else did. Because of this, only mild improvements had been made to the weapons, shields, armor, engines, and warp drives on the warships that the Ennead Theocracy and their other rivals had begun to employ in their fleets.


    Scrapping one''s entire navy and rebuilding it was a long, expensive, and arduous task. But considering how ineffective their previous warships had proven against the scout fleets which the Naraku had sent to the Milky Way, it was a necessary expense.


    One that appeared to be progressing far less smoothly than the gods of the Ennead had originally thought, hence why they were gathered today. The leader of the gods, Amun, was the one who ultimately asked about recent acquisitions.


    "Tell me, how many ships have we manufactured in thisst decade? Do tell me we have made some progress towards our goals?"


    Montu, the Ennead''s God of War, and foremostmander of its Military was the one who answered this question, albeit with an anxious look on his face as he did so.


    "We have produced one hundred warships a year thisst decade, which means we currently have 1,000 of thetest generation vessels currently within our fleet¡­"


    While the other gods nodded their heads in satisfaction, Amun raised another question, which was the exact reason Montu appeared so nervous.


    "And tell me, by ourtest reports, how many warships has the Germanic Star-Empire manufactured thesest ten years?"


    Montu looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and die as he answered this question with a bit of a stutter in his voice.


    "Dou¡­ Double¡­. The Germanic Star-Empire has produced double the amount of warships we have this past decade. They are currently capable of producing an entire new fleet every year, and they are also able to man them with new personnel. We really don''t understand how they are able to do it!"


    The looks on the faces of the Divine Council was if they had just been forced a pile of manure. They were about to freak out and panic when Montu tried to reassure them and himself that this wasn''t asrge as an issue as they thought.


    "You all have to remember that thergest warship of the Germanic Star-Empire is 1/4th the size of our dreadnoughts. This is why they are able to produce so many vessels in such a short amount of time! I mean, if you really think about it, wouldn''t our current ships be more powerful?"


    As reasonable as this exnation seemed on the surface, one which had just begun to reassure the gods of the Ennead Theocracy, that is until Amun pointed out the w in the logic.


    "The size of a military vessel does not equate to its capability on the battlefield! If it did, we wouldn''t have scrapped out World Ship''s for these dreadnoughts now, would we have? If the Germanic Star-Empire is able to outproduce our navy by twice the amount in the same timeframe, then we really will be relying on the Asuras and god forbid those damn Elves if the Germans decide to stab us in the back after all this is over!


    We need to produce more ships! Period! Do whatever you can to increase our output, will you?"


    Just like the Ennead Theocracy, this same conversation was also taking ce among the leaders of the Asuran Cabal. Meanwhile, both the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim Federation appeared to be following Erich''s lead, at least for the time being.


    Erich himself was naturally aware of this reality, and the information that had been "leaked" to his rivals on the gctic stage wasn''t exactly urate. The Germanic Star-Empire wasn''t simply producing double the numbers of the other Major Gctic Powers, but he was producing the same amount as the four of thembined.


    Meaning that in thest ten years, The Germanic Star-Empire had added 4,000 ships to its navy, or 4 Full Armadas. Which, while impressive, was far from enough to deal with the Naraku invasion that was still decades away.

 Chapter 432 May The Best Bug Win!

    Chapter 432 May The Best Bug Win!


    ??While the Milky Way was preparing for the invasion of the Naraku, so too were the Naraku preparing for their fateful day. Erich''s attack on their Hive World had been devastating. It was a something which the Naraku Empress desperately wanted to avenge.


    She had never expected those bastards in the Milky Way to strike her within the safety of Andromeda. This meant that one of the civilizations in the Neighboring Gxy had the ability to traverse the dark void of space between the two gxies.


    It was not exactly what one would call aforting thought. At any moment, they couldunch another attack like the one they had done ten years ago. In fact, the losses that the Naraku sustained in that time were so severe that even after ten years, they had yet to fully recuperate from them.


    Worse yet, any contact they had with the Milky Way had been cut off. When they were finally capable of invading the Milky Way, they would do sopletely unaware of the Enemy''s strength. Something that could not be said the same for those the bugs which to devour.


    After all, more and more deep space probes made their way into Andromeda with each passing week, and though the Naraku had gotten good at detecting them, and eliminating them quickly, there was a not a doubt in the Empress''s mind that these alien probes were taking images and sending them back to their masters before their ultimate destruction.


    No matter how she thought about it, the Milky Way and whoever was behind these probes had the upper hand regarding intelligence and information. Something which did not bode well for her invasion.


    Hell, the Naraku Empress still did not know that the Milky Way Gxy had more or less been united in its desperate attempt to resist the uing invasion. This had happened so suddenly and during a time when her own scouts were under attack, that the Naraku Empress had no way of knowing this vital information, but she had begun to suspect it.


    Why was the Naraku so capable of invading and destroying all life within other gxies than the one they originated from? The answer is simple, because they were incredibly patient, sending scouts to observe their targets for thousands, if not millions, of years, waiting for a moment of chaos tounch their invasion.


    The inability to perceive the extra-gctic invasion, and theck of ability to unify against it was the key to the Naraku''s repeated victories. But.... This might not be the case for the Milky Way.


    If the residents of the Milky Way were already aware of the Naraku Presence within Andromeda, and clearly they were as they had not only alreadyunched a pre-emptive strike, but continued tounch probes for the purpose of reconnaissance over thest decade. Then this could only mean one thing.


    For the first time in the collective consciousness of the Naraku and their vast history, an enemy had time to not only unify, but prepare for their arrival. The results of which were entirely unknown. It could be a paltry defense, a rushed attempt to save themselves.


    After all, the Milky Way only had a few decades before the Naraku in Andromeda were ready to invade. But if there was a possibility that these few decades could bring substantial gains to the inhabitants of the neighboring gxy, then that could be disastrous for the Naraku and their invasion.


    It was precisely with these worries in mind that the Naraku Empress of the Milky Way Gxy spoke to one of her servants. This servant was one of the many bugs whose entire life purpose was to maintain the hive mind, and more specifically keep regr contact with the other not only the Empresses many subordinate Queens but also her sisters in the other gxies across the Universe that had already been conquered by the Naraku, or were in the process of doing so.


    Unlike the Naraku Empress, who had a rather anthropomorphic appearance, thismunicator bug looked like a giant millipede. One that was particrly hideous, as its antenna were exceptionallyrge, and glowing at that.


    No words were verbally exchanged between the two insectoids, but rather theymunicated telepathically via the hive mind. The Epress''s voice drowning out all other voices within the subordinate bug''s mind. Compelling it to obey.


    "Contact my sisters, who are nearest to Andromeda, and alert them to the fact that the prey in the Milky Way Gxy appear to have discovered our existence within Andromeda, and are preparing for our eventual invasion.


    If they are not too busy waging wars of their own, then their aid in this matter would be much appreciated¡­"


    The words were transmitted across a vast difference to other hive minds belonging to other Naraku Empresses. Normally, Empresses did not interact with one another. Once a Naraku Hive Queen had risen to the state of a Gctic Empress, her territory was her own, and she would normally dispatch one of her daughters to conquer a neighboring gxy with a significant invasion force of their own.


    It was rare for Naraku Empresses to even speak with one another, in fact the Empress of Andromeda had not spoken with one of her sisters in a million years. And yet now she was contacting multiple of them at once.


    The responses she got back was as to be expected. All of her sisters called her a failure and went so far as to mock her. Telling her to clean up her own mess. All but one¡­ The voice of a Naraku Empress from a gxy that was also near the Milky Way contacted the Andromeda Empress directly, as she offered her support.


    "How very interesting¡­ You''re saying that the prey in the gxy that neighbors our own respective territories know of your existence? And of your ns to invade. But do they know of my own?"


    This revtion was stunning to the Andromeda Empress, who quickly interrogated her sister by what exactly she meant by this.


    "Don''t tell me you have eyes on the Milky Way as well?"


    The voice that came back was almost like that of an older sister making fun of her younger sister for her own naivety.


    "Oh,e now my dear sister, haven''t I always coveted that which you desire? Indeed, I intend to send an invasion force of my own to the Milky Way, and I will say that I will do so in at most fifty years. So tell me? Shall we invade together? I do believe that even if they suspect you are preparing to invade, they have no idea that I am as well, correct?"


    This information felt to the Andromeda Empress like she had just been stabbed in the back by a rtive. But she had to admit, she was doubting whether or not she could take a united milky way on by her lonesome. Still, this was highly unorthodox, and because of this the Andromeda Empress was quick to ask the immediate question on her mind.


    "If we do that, then whose daughter shall be empress? Mine, or yours?"


    Naturally, the big question was who would rule over the Milky Way once they had ravaged it and all of the biological life within it? But Andromeda''s sister was quick to offer a solution to this problem, one that intrigued the Andromeda Empress.


    "Isn''t it obvious? After we have dealt with these pesky prey, our daughters will fight for control of the Milky Way, whoever is left standing at the end will be named Empress of the Milky Way. Fair is it not?"


    Andromeda thought about this for only a few minutes before ultimately agreeing to thepromise, and she did so with an eager smile on her face.


    "May the best bug win!"

 Chapter 433 Doubling One’s Efforts to Industrialize

    <h4>Chapter 433 Doubling One''s Efforts to Industrialize</h4>


    To say that Tia was capable of monitoring pretty much everything within the Milky Way Gxy, and that within its various satellite gxies, was an understatement.


    She had cast her web of intrigue deep and wide across space. And because of this, she had reached an almost omnipotent level of knowledge regarding everything that was happening within her own sphere of influence.


    But that which existed outside her web of intrigue was entirely unknown to her. As was only natural. And though Tia had sent out deep space probes into other gxies neighboring the Milky Way and Andromeda years ago, none of them had reported back to her.


    This was to be expected. After all, most alien civilizations were hostile to the unknown, and if they made contact with a hostile before they could report, it was only natural that they would be destroyed. Even then, this did not make Tia feel any less uneasy.


    She had, after all, spected that much of the universe was currently either under the process of being invaded by the Naraku, or was currently gued by them. The fact that she knew so little about the neighboring gxies caused Tia to believe that there was a very real possibility for the Milky Way to suffer a two-prong invasion by both the Naraku in Andromeda, and the Naraku in another nearby gxy.


    It was a very real fear, one that kept Tia awake at night, so to speak, as she tried her best topensate for this unknown factor that could very well determine whether or not life within the Milky Way was entirely extinguished at the hands of these ravenous bugs.


    But until she could get some actual proof of this hypothesis, Tia did not bother alerting Erich. Instead, she focused efforts much in the way she had been, mass military buildup in preparation for the Naraku Invasion.


    With each passing year, more and more weapons were being created by the Germanic Star-Empire. Whether it was the entire armadas of warships, or a fleet of armored vehicles as far as the eye could see.


    Perhaps even still it was the AUXILIARY Series Support Droids which allowed the Germanic Soldiers, whose numbers increased by the billions with each passing year, to perform exclusivelybat roles.


    Even still, Tia felt that their current rate of growth was only enough to deal with the Andromeda invasion, and that was if the rest of the Gxy pitched in with their efforts. But to deal with a secondary invasion from another Gxy.


    Well, there were two feasible solutions to this problem. Firstly, she could double her industrial efforts, as well as begin the process of cloning soldiers to fight in the war alongside the regr Germanic Warriors.


    After all, the bugs were innumerable, and much of the fighting would have to be done side rather than in space. Because of this, the Germanic Star-Empire simply wasn''t reproducing at a rate high enough topensate for the numbers they would need for such an apocalyptic scenario.


    The second solution was to invest in xenoarchaeology, more specifically uncovering many of the lost secrets of Ancient Elven technology. It was no secret that the Ancient Elven Empire was far more advanced in every aspect than their sessor states.


    The Great Schism had in a way reduced the technological and military capabilities of the Elven Race, one which they never really recovered from despite the million years that have passed since then.


    But finding ancient Elven ruins was difficult, as most of them had already been picked through by the Alfheim Dominion and the Svartalfheim Federation. No, if Tia really wanted this advanced technology for herself, she would need to send Erich back to that time to fetch it for her.


    Unfortunately, the man''s own abilities regarding time travel were limited to a span of recorded human history, at least for the time being. Sure, he could project a time phantom into the distant past, but he himself could not manifest his physical form beyond roughly 7,500 years in the past.


    And that was a problem that only Erich could find a solution to. Thus, for the time being, Tia began to opt for the first approach. And that was increasing industrial output, and to begin implementing mass cloning of what she called the perfect Germanic Soldier immediately.


    And who best to use as a temte for this Legion of the Damned than her beloved Master? Tia did not in the least feel a bit guilty about taking a page from Emrys''s book, or at least the tactics he had used in the previous timeline.


    And thus she began experimenting with Erich''s near perfect genome, creating an army of clones of him with one slight distance. These clones retained the blonde hair and blue eyes which the Germanic Star-Empire prized as a way to visually distinguish themselves from their "father."


    Once Tia had done this, she approached Erich. The man was lounging around his penthouse, enjoying a day off. And because of this, Tia was practically scowling when she contacted him.


    "Master¡­ I would be remiss if I did not remind you about the importance of your mission. Though I know you organics need your physical rest. I would like to emphasize how important your mission is. You need to continue your efforts to transport your physical form into the past.


    Because if I''m being honest, I''m starting to think our best chance of surviving this uing apocalyptic and extra-


    gctic invasion is for you to fetch me the lost technology of the ancient Elven Empire. So please, whenever you are next avable, try to use your powers again to travel further back in time than your previous record¡­"


    Though Tia tried to conceal her anxiety in an attempt to shield her master from her worries, he quickly detected them, and in turn, did not hesitate to interrogate Tia about what she was hiding from him.


    "Tia¡­. What aren''t you telling me? Is there something I should be concerned about?"

 Chapter 434 100 Years

    Chapter 434 100 Years


    ??Tia looked incredibly guilty when Erich interrogated her about what she was hiding from him, and in the end, she could not openly lie to her master''s face. Conceal certain truths from him? Sure, so long as he didn''t ask her directly about it. But when Erich asked her so tantly, she could never outright lie. And thus she started bawling as she told him what she hade to suspect.


    "Master, it''s not that Tia is hiding anything from you. It''s just that Tia has yet to confirm whether or not her suspicions are true, and thus did not want to worry you. But if you really want to know why Tia is so anxious, it''s because she suspects that we may be facing an invasion from a Second Naraku infested Gxy, and potentially as a coordinated assault with Andromeda.


    It is because of this that Tia has been working overtime to prepare for such a probability, but she does not know if she alone can defeat such a powerful enemy. And because of this, Tia wants Master to do everything. He can go fetch her the records of ancient Elven Technology that have long since been lost.


    It is something that only Master can do, or else Tia wouldn''t push him so hard! Tia is sorry for making Master worry!"


    The fact that Tia was crying, and had reverted back to factory settings, aka referring to herself in the third person. Showed to Erich that perhaps she was really afraid of this probability.


    And if she was afraid of it, then clearly she had run calctions after calctions until she figured it was almost an absolute certainty, or at the very least was well within the probability to be worthy of something to prepare for.


    Even if Tia didn''t have outright proof of this im, the fact that she was this worried showed that it was something that Erich needed to take seriously. And thus, he responded to her by assuring her that he would do everything in his power to help get her the technology she needed to assure a victory in such an event.


    "Alright Tia, I understand. If you''re this worried about this potential future, then I am sure it is something you genuinely believe is likely enough to happen that we should all be very worried about it. If it is so serious, then I promise I won''t take any rest until I can sessfully project my mind and body back into the Primeval Era.


    Besides, there are a few things in that time period that I still want answers for. And because of that, I should double my efforts immediately to aplish this."


    Tia only stopped sniffling after her Master had agreed to stop lounging about ,and get back to work on developing his rather unique abilities, albeit she continued to manipte him with her vulnerable act.


    ''Really Master? You would do that for Tia?"


    Erich confirmed this to be true, while also adding a further stiption for the reasons behind his newfound objectives.


    "Not only for you, Tia, but for the Empire!"


    After saying this, Erich went back to his meditation chamber and sat down. Preparing to project his consciousness and body as far back as he possibly could.


    ---


    Weeks turned to months, and months turned to years. Before Erich even realized it, he had spent an entire century''s worth of time jumping between the various eras in human and gctic history. But every time he returned to the present, it was at the exact second he left.


    And every time he was back in his own time, he would hear Tia''s voice reconnect with his NeuroLink, asking about a progress report.


    "Wee back to the Present Master. How far did you get this time?"


    Erich sighed heavily. He had spent 100 years jumping through different points in time, learning new things not only about humanity and the Earth, but the gxy as a whole. He had seen the rise of the Ghimderi Trade Union, and how it had essentially managed to turn the entire gxy into their wage ves.


    He had seen the destruction which the Naraku Scout Fleets left in their wake. And he had even seen the end of the Great Schism, and with it the permanent Fracture of the Elven Empire. Yet he had never gone back far enough to see Lunaria and Daelia''s return from the Maw, or its disappearance from the Gxy.


    In that same vein, he had also not gone back far enough to see the Elven Empire in its full glory, at least not since that time he met with the Last Elven Emperor. With all of this information, he was quick to make his report to Tia. Hoping that his next jump would be the final one he needed.


    "Myst jump was to 750,000 years in the past. In other words, the end of the Great Schism and the partition of the Elven Empire into its two sessor states. The looks on Lunaria and Daelia''s faces as they stood across from one another and settled their peace after 250,000 years of gctic warfare. It was chilling¡­


    The sheer destruction those two women left in the wake of their war, it''s no wonder the history of the Elven Empire is fragmented at best. Not even Alfheim and Svartalfheim were spared in the wake of their hatred. Nobody old enough to remember the primeval era was left alive to challenge the narrative. Aside from those two, that is.


    It was the single most destructive era in Gctic History that I have been able to see so far, and it exins the 50,000 year dark age that followed¡­"


    Despite the haunting tone in Erich''s voice, as he personally witnessed a level of death and despair that was simply incalcble, Tia''s voice was full of excitement as she immediately gave voice to her thoughts regarding Erich''s aplishments.


    "Impressive master, by my estimations it was supposed to take you 1,000 years'' worth of time travel to get to this point. But you have done it in a tenth of the time! Adjusting for your current rate of progress, I believe you have ten more jumps to go before you are able to aplish your goal.


    And remember, Master, your current body is biologically immortal, so if you need to spend 10,000 years in the Primeval Era for the sake of getting the technology that we need. Then you are free to do so. After all, from my perspective, it will simply feel like a single second has gone by before you return.


    Also, don''t worry about a potential physical death, I''m sure I have said it a million times, but every time you return from the past, I make a copy of your current memories, so that in the event I need to resurrect you, it will not be a big deal¡­."


    Erich nodded his head in agreement with this, after all the rebirth technology that the Elves had given the Germanic Star-Empire as one of the wonders of the Primeval Era that still existed in the modern world.


    Sure, if he died in the past, he would not be able to transfer his consciousness back to the present. But with everything Tia had on file from him, she would simply resurrect him an hour after he did not re-appear. Assuming some tragic fate had happened to him while he was in the past.


    Thus, after going through the process of recording everything he had seen for this very process, Erich closed his eyes once more, and said his usual farewell as he attempted once more to jump back into the distant past.


    "Alright, Tia, I will see you in a second. As always, if I don''te back within an hour, then begin the resurrection protocol!"


    Tia nodded her head, and confirmed she would do just that, before Erich disappeared from her sensors once more, and in doing so vanished from his current ce in time and space itself.

 Chapter 435 Into the Maw

    <h4>Chapter 435 Into the Maw</h4>


    After closing his eyes, and focusing his mind on the distant past, Erich found himself once more leaping through time and space. After making it to the end of the Great Schism with his previous jump in time, Erich found it more easy to get there a second time.


    However, progressing beyond the 750,000 year limit he had previously broken into was a difficult task. What was a rather passing of time before his very eyes, became much slower, rather than jumping 10,000 years with each passing second, time had begun to slow down, with ten thousand years, bing 5,000 years, and five thousand years bing 1,000 years, until finally Erich''s mind couldn''t take the stress any longer.


    When Erich finally opened his eyes and took a deep breath, he found himself standing on the deck of a warship. Though luckily for him, nobody appeared to have noticed him yet. What was interesting, however, was that the windows disyed a dark void, without a single star in sight.


    Curious as to whether they had entered a state beyond the gxy, Erich quickly heard a feminine voice, one he intimately recognized as belonging to Lunaria, call out to her subjects.


    "25,000 Years I have been here in the Maw searching for the little bitch! And not a single sight of her! Of course, how could one see anything in this infinite darkness? I don''t even know what direction we are headed!


    It would be a miracle if she hadn''t already been torn apart by a random gravity well or worse, consumed by the mysterious dark energy that persists in this vast sub-dimension!


    How much longer do my parents intend to have me look for the brat? She''s clearly dead! And if we stay here any longer, we won''t be able to prevent that darkness from seeping into our vessel! I don''t care what my father says, make a course for real space. We are leaving this horrific subspace behind forever!"


    It was moments after Lunaria had said this that one of the officers beneath hermand called out to her with an almost terrified tone in her voice.


    "Your highness! There is something ahead! It looks like an elven vessel!"


    Exploring the maw had been prohibited byw for nearly 100,000 years. If there was an elven ship stranded in this dark sub-dimension, then there were two possibilities. One, it was Daelia who had been missing for 25,000 years. Or Two it was a much older vessel.


    Either way, it needed to be investigated immediately. And Lunaria ordered this without hesitation.


    "Well, what are you waiting for? Scan the ship, and prepare a boarding party. I need to know whose vessel that is, and if there are any survivors!"


    The vessel was motionless, and the space around Lunaria''s vessel was so dark that even her warships lights were having a hard time piercing the thick miasma of darkness. But there was indeed some visibility that could be disyed. And what the crew saw was mortifying.


    Naturally, Erich stepped forward onto the bridge. He did not fear being detected by the crew for one reason, and one reason only. The nanites in his bloodstream were advanced enough that they could re-arrange his skin cells so that they were entirely transparent. Effectively making the manpletely and totally invisible to the naked eye.


    Because of this feat of Germanic engineering, Erich was able to seamlessly blend in the background while he gazed out the windshield of the warship''s cockpit.


    When he saw what made the Elven crew so Anxiosu, Erich too was stunned into silence. The Miasma had appeared to have manifested in a thick and viscous goo, which was crawling across the hull of the Elven vessel as if it were an actual living substance.


    It prated through the armor ting of the Elven vessel and seemed to making its way inside. Which the sensors aboard Lunaria''s own vessel detected.


    "Your Highness, we have confirmed the registration of the ship to match that of Princess Daelia''s personal exploration vessel. Although there are some signs of life detected on board the ship, they are faint. And we have no idea what state the interior of the vessel is in now that the darkness has pierced through its defenses!


    Ordering a rescue mission might just very well be suicide!"


    However, Lunaria cared more about retrieving her sister, even if it was just a corpse, than she did about the lives of her crew. After all, she was effectively in exile until she could recover a body.


    Because of this, she recklessly ordered a boarding party to search the ship, which was clearly affected by the mysterious anomaly that persisted across the dark sub-dimension known only as the "Maw".


    "I don''t care about that! We are not leaving here without recovering my bitch of a sister! Whether it''s alive or dead, we are taking her home! Now prepare a boarding party immediately!''


    Though the officers on the deck of the ship were indeed worried by their Princess''s orders, they were ultimately obligated to obey. And seeing this as a perfect time to find out just what happened to Daelia and the others on her ship. Erich silently infiltrated the boarding party, who entered a shuttle which quickly left the hangar of Lunaria''s Elven Frigate.


    The moment after they passed through the force field which sealed off the Frigate''s hangar from the deadly space outside, Erich noticed the lighting aboard the un-damaged shuttle began to flicker. He instantly knew what was happening, because not a secondter, the copilot reported it to everyone on board.


    "Shit! It looks like we are going to be cutting this close. The shields on this shuttle are not meant to resist the energy of the maw! I hope you all have made your peace with the gods, because we might not make it back from this one!"


    Despite the grim warning of the Pilot, the Banshees on board were more than prepared to throw their lives away for their princess. Such was the duty of an Elven Special Forces operative.


    And thus they prepared themselves for the difficult journey ahead as the Shuttle breached through the dark, oozing miasma which surrounded Daelia''s exploration vessel, forcefullynding in its small hangar.


    If all went as nned, Erich would know the truth about what happened to Daelia after she went missing in the Maw.

 Chapter 436 The True Origins of the Dark Elves is Revealed

    Chapter 436 The True Origins of the Dark Elves is Revealed


    ??Had Erich known that he was going to enter such a dangerous ce upon leaping through time, then he would have prepared himself a proper suit of armor, and a weapon to match. In fact, right now, the man was basically dressed in nothing but his meditation clothing. Which wasn''t exactly much.


    Knowing that he was about to take a step into a highly dangerous environment, one that was filled with the unknown. Erich immediately hit the pause button on his journey, and dragged himself back to the present, where he was quickly met by Tia''s voice, demanding a status report.


    "Wee back Master! How far did you get this time?"


    Erich, however, was quick to dismiss his adorable Artificial Intelligencepanion has fled the mediation chamber and entered the nearby armory.


    "I haven''t concluded the journey yet. Rather, I stumbled across something very important, but I can''t continue without some proper equipment! Give me time!"


    Erich entered his personal armor where he found a variety of armor and weapons to choose from. All of which was gilded in the same gold like coating his usual power armor was. However, Erich did not choose his power armor. Instead, he chose a ck and gold slim fitting space suit. Where the hen equipped some light armor that protected his vitals against various weapons.


    The light armor did not cover his entire body, but was made to protect the most vulnerable areas. In addition to this, he equipped personal shield generators and a proper stealth field generator. On his belt were a few med pens, and in addition to this he chose to use an energy pistol as his primary weapon.


    The reason he wasn''t going full Power Armor with aser Gatling, or something crazy like that, was because every step he took with that armor would reveal his position. And when he was trying to remain invisible while tagging along with the boarding party, he very well couldn''t let them know he was there.


    After all, the Mk III Advanced Power Armor removed the Stealth capabilities of the previous inferior variation of the armor, as well as its atmospheric flight ability, in favor of significantly more protection and mobility. Which was excellent for the battlefield, but terrible for stealth missions like the one he was about to undertake.


    Once Erich had fully outfitted himself with a set of equipment that was moremonly worn by civilian space farers than actual soldiers. He went back to his meditation chamber where he bade farewell to Tia before jumping back to his previous point in time, but not before activating the stealth field generator on his belt.


    "I''ll tell you all about what I saw the next time I return, Tia!"


    Tia had just barely managed to scan a copy of Erich''s memories before sending him off with a proper smile and a wave.


    "See you in a second, master!"


    Just like that, Erich was gone, at least for a single second, from Tia''s perspective. As for the man himself, he was back on the ancient Elven shuttle, which was used tond aboard Daelia''s stranded Exploration Vessel.


    As if he had just hit un-pause on a video game, the people in the shuttle began to stack up at the doors, almost as if they were preparing forbat. After all, they really didn''t know what they would see once they entered the hangar bay.


    There were horror stories about the Maw that were unconfirmed, and the reason being, few people had ever returned from the Maw alive, and even fewer had returned with their sanity intact. Once the boarding party''smander gave the clearing, the doors to the shuttle were opened, and the fireteam activated their weapon lights.


    Utter darkness persisted throughout the vessel, and like they had seen, the dark miasma from the Maw had seeped into the interior of the ship, making it difficult to see more than a foot in front of one''s current position. Erich had his pistol drawn, but he did not activate its light. To do so would simply reveal that he was hiding among the boarding party.


    Instead, he used his helmet''s infrared settings to search for life signs. There was of course, those which belonged to the boarding party who advanced in front of him. But there did not appear to be anything else within visible range.


    However, before Erich could activate his long range sensors, he was halted by a voice one that he was intimately familiar with. It did not speak out loud, but rather it was as if it wasmunicating with him telepathically.


    "Go away! The Darkness! The Darkness consumes all! Go away!"


    After saying this an ear-piercing shriek, the likes of which woulde from a banshee, filled Erich''s head, and evidently that of the boarding party as well, as they fell to their knees and covered their ears.


    Unfortunately, one of the elves within the boarding party fell into the ck ooze which was spreading rapidly across the floor of the vessel, and in doing so endured a horrific transformation. The ck ooze spread across his flesh, almost like a swarm of ants devouring its prey.


    And as it did so, it began to peel away theyers of his space suit, all while he screamed in fear at what was happening to him.


    "No! Get away! Get this shit off of me!"


    One of hisrades tried to help him, but the moment he touched the man, the dark ooze spread to his body as well. Because of this, the boarding party, and Erich, who was hidden from their sights, backed away slowly and cautiously.


    In the end Erich was stunned by what he saw. After the two elves had writhed in agony on the floor, they stood up. But they were not standing as if they had regained their consciousness, rather they looked as if they were in a mindless trance, almost like that of zombies.


    However, this was not the most noticeable change that had urred to the two men. In fact, their very appearance had be dark and twisted. At least so far as Elven standards were concerned. The two men who had touched the ck ooze of the maw were transformed into something else.


    Their skin had be dark. But not a dark choctey brown like Erich was used to in the era he hade from. No, the flesh of these two elves had be ck. One was a slightly lighter shade like that of charcoal, and the other was as ck as the void itself. Meanwhile, their hair had turned silver, and their eyes were blood red.


    These men had very clearly just been transformed into Dark Elves. But¡­ They were not the Dark Elves which Erich was familiar with from his time. Nevertheless, they were very clearly Dark Elves, perhaps a more ancient and more pure form that Erich was simply unaware of.


    And when Erich realized this, he began to understand the true origins of the Dark Elves. Daelia was indeed the first Dark Elf, or should he say that she and her crew were the first Dark Elves? Despite this very real fact, Erich still did not know how the woman and the rest of her kind transitioned from their original state into the form which he knew from his era.


    Nevertheless, it was clear to Erich now that the Dark Elves be the way they were, because their progenitors were corrupted by the dark and mysterious energy of the maw. Something which Erich suspected had changed them on both a gic and evolutionary level.

 Chapter 437 So Many Questions

    <h4>Chapter 437 So Many Questions</h4>


    To say that Erich was shocked by the rapid change in the boarding party who had been affected by the dark and oozing energy of the Maw would be an understatement. He did not know how such a thing would affect him if he came into contact with it, but he made a conscious note to avoid it at all costs.


    In fact, he was not alone in this mentality, as the afflicted Elves''rades treated them as if they were infected by some kind of flesh eating virus, where they were quick to put the two of them down with their weapons.


    "I''m sorry! Please forgive me!"


    There were tears in the eyes of the remaining members of the boarding party when they pulled the triggers of their energy weapons, whichpletely and totally vaporized the afflicted Elves. Once they had been rendered into less than dust, the leader of the boarding party sighed heavily before giving themand to his troops to continue on their journey.


    "We have our orders... We must find Daelia no matter what state she may be in! Just whatever you do, don''t touch the ck ooze!"


    Though it took a few moments for the other Elves in the squad to recover, they ultimately did so, and followed theirmander deeper into the depths of the Exploration Vessel. The ship itself was quite smallpared to the decadent monstrosities that the Alfheim had fielded well into the modern era.


    It was at most 250m in length, from bow to stern, and had only four stories. One of which was simply a cartography deck with a star map in it. But what was terrifying about this ship was the atmosphere.


    A thick miasma made it not only difficult to see but also difficult to breathe as one instinctively tried to hold their breath, even in a pressurized suit like the ones that Erich and the boarding party were wearing.


    Even the powerful weapon lights which the boarding party had on their energy rifles failed to fully pierce the thick fog which suffocated them. Not only that, but if any of them made one wrong step, their fate would be like those who had been vaporized in the hangar bay.


    Because of this, there was an overwhelming sense of dread that even affected Erich. But what was perhaps the worst thing about this mission was the fact that there was a ghostly wail which prated into their minds every few meters as they progressed into the ship''s interior.


    "Go away! The darkness consumed all!"


    Though the Boarding Party didn''t realize it, Erich knew for a fact that this was Daelia''s voice. Yet as far as he was aware, she did not have telepathic powers, which, as a telepath himself, he was aware when one would attempt to probe his mind.


    At least he had never experienced such a thing from the woman in the modern era. So why, why was she now capable of such things here in the distant past? Perhaps it was an effect of the Maw which Erich knew virtually nothing about.


    It took some time for Erich and the Boarding Party to search the ship, and throughout their journey they woulde across several other of these Primordial Dark Elves, each of which appeared to have lost their minds. So much so that they would attempt to pounce on the boarding party, almost as if they were trying to devour their flesh.


    Because of this, the Boarding Party would have to fight their way through the thick darkness. And it was not until they reached the bridge where they found their target. Daelia was nearly unrecognizable to Erich.


    Her skin was as ck as ink, her hair was a shining tinum, different from the white hair he had known from her and Lunaria during his time. But the most disturbing thing of all was her glowing red eyes, which did not look at the boarding party when they entered, but rather pierced the stealth field generated that surrounded Erich and gazed directly into his eyes.


    Where her voice quickly followed, though it did not speak aloud, rather it flooded directly into Erich''s mind.


    "You damn fool! Why must youe here of all ces? If you do not leave quickly, you will be afflicted by the Darkness the same as I!"


    Erich was stunned when he realized that Daelia was talking to him directly, and more specifically that despite there being nearly a million years separating the her of this time, and the her from the time which he knew her, the Dark Elven queen still seemed to recognize Erich.


    Yet he had to be sure, and because of this, he was quick to ask how this was possible.


    "You¡­ You know me?"


    Daelia smiled as she nodded her head, before confirming that she did indeed know exactly who Erich was, and what his goals were.


    "How could I not recognize the face of my husband? What are you surprised that I recognize you? The maw has shown me everything¡­ All that is toe, and all there has ever been. Did you not find it strange that it was so easy for me to forgive you for what you had done to me when we first met? Or that I had even gone so far as to try to convince that bitch of my sister to align with us? She is the one, after all, who is responsible for my suffering!


    We have not been entirely honest with you, and for that I apologize, but you must go now! If stay here for any longer, you will be affected by the Maw as well! Go now! Leave! I will tell you everything when you the timees, but you must not stay here any longer!"


    After hearing this, Erich wanted to know more, but he suddenly found himself back in his own time. He was so stunned at first by everything he had seen in that darkness that he did not even hear Tia calling out to him.


    ''Wee back Master!"


    It was only after Erich had heard this that he snapped back to reality, and when he did, he did not even entertain Tia. Instead, he announced his intentions while rushing out the door.


    "I need to speak with Daelia!"

 Chapter 438 Seeking Answers Part I

    Chapter 438 Seeking Answers Part I


    ??Erich did not wait a single moment to exin things to Tia. Instead, she was forced to reconnect to his NeuroLink and spy upon his memories herself. She was shocked at what she found, and remainedpletely and utterly silent. Her n was to allow Erich to deal with these matters himself. After all, she had far more important things to focus on herself.


    As for Erich himself, he immediately took the first ship he could find to the world of Svartalfheim. It was a world that Erich had never actually step foot on before. In fact, his only experience within Svartalfheim Territory within both of his attempts at life, was when he was held as a prisoner within an asteroid prison colony.


    Well, that and his invasion of the Confederation of Human Worlds, which was no longer a part of Svartalfheim Territory. The world of Svartalfheim was in direct contrast to that of Alfheim. While Alfheim was in a vibrant world, full of sunlight, excessive nt growth, and majestic fauna, as far as the eye could see.


    The home world of the Dark Elves was one ofplete and utter darkness. Nothing grew on its deste and rocky surface. In fact, all of their agriculture was either done in orbit, or beneath the surface of the world itself. It was so dark, and full of a ck mist, that Erich immediately had shbacks to the Maw.


    He was beginning to think that perhaps the creation of the Dark Elves wasn''t the only thing that had ties to the so called Maw which disappeared from the gxy several hundred thousand years ago.


    When Erich''s luxury yachtnded within the Royal Spaceport, one which housed the personal vessels of Daelia. He was surprised to see the woman was waiting below the ramp of his ship, waiting for him.


    At first Erich had a hard time recognizing the greeting party, which consisted of Daelia, Sinaria, and the Svartalfheim Royal Guard. All of which appeared different from how they otherwise normally would.


    Under normal circumstances, a Dark Elf would have a dark brown, chocte like skin tone. They would also have blonde hair and a shade of eyes that varied from blue to green to grey and even amber.


    But currently the Dark Elves that appeared before Erich were like those he had seen in the Maw. Something that made Erich incredibly wary towards them. Even Daelia suspected the man''s caution as was quick to dismiss it entirely with a gentle tone in her voice.


    "Rx Erich.... You are safe here... What you are seeing is how my people appear in their natural environment. Yes... You are correct, there are traces of the Maw''s energy here on Svartalfheim. It is indeed the reason that we Dark Elves are so different from our cousins.


    However, once we are no longer within the surface of our home world, our features change to what you normally recognize. We have a lot to talk about, so how about you stop being so fidgety and get down here already!"


    Erich hesitated at first, but he eventually steeled his resolve and stepped out of his ship''s interior. Once he stepped foot on the world of Svartalfheim, he did not feel the same level of suffocation that he did while he was in the maw. And before Erich knew it, his lips were assaulted by Daelia, who whispered something in his ears that chilled him to the bone.


    "You naughty boy! You have been spying on the past, haven''t you? If my sister knew that you learned the truth about her, you may not survive the next night you spend with her..."


    After saying this, Daelia broke away from Erich and looked him straight in the eyes, where she then smiled and weed him to her home.


    "Where are my manners? Wee to my people''s home world, Great Emperor of the Human Race. Come, we have much to discuss. And little time to do it in. Sinaria, you make sure that nobody disrupts Erich and I, okay?"


    Sinaria sighed heavily, but ultimately obeyed her mother. She did not think Erich was actually here for important matters, and had instead stopped by for a booty call. Making her deeply envious of her mother, even if she might not say it aloud.


    Erich followed Daelia into the pce, which, like all buildings, appeared to be made out of a marble like substance. Except the stone was not white and was instead ck, like most other things in this dark world.


    Although things were not as Erich was ustomed to, he didn''t really mind the perpetual darkness of Svar Alfheim. If anything, he found it easy on the eyes. But what did surprise him was then when he finally sat down and got to talking with Daelia. It was in her personal quarters, and on her bed, no less.


    The Shadow Queen of the Dark Elves poured Erich a ss of wine, and one for herself, while lying on the bed in a particrly seductive manner. Where she then gave voice to her personal thoughts regarding Erich''s limited understanding of ancient history.


    "So, you havee all this way to see little ol'' me in an attempt to understand what really happened all those years ago. And why us two sisters fought a gctic war that nearly destroyed everything, and left ourselves in a state of destruction that we still have not fully recovered from, is that correct?"


    Erich nodded his head in confirmation. This was more or less true. After all, the Maw was a confusing concept to him, as it appeared to no longer exist in the gxy. Well, that wasn''t entirely true. There definitely appeared to be some trace of it here in the world of Svartalfheim, and because of this he was quick to ask more about this.


    "Yeah, I have seen the war itself, what the gxy calls the Great Schism, and I have seen what state the gxy was left in afterwards. I mean, the two of you destroyed everything you ancestors worked so hard to build. Hell, you destroyed countless worlds, civilizations, and intelligent species in your war.


    I mean, some of them didn''t even make it to the industrial era, and yet they suffered in the wake of your wrath. In the end, the Elven Empire split into two rump states, neither of which were ever able to recover 1/10th of the power that their predecessor once held. And for what? What could possibly justify such devastation, and the rewriting of history that the two of you made at the end of it all?"


    Daelia did not seem the least pleased with the way Erich was speaking to her, and in doing so forced herself to drink the entirety of her wine ss''s contents. She then ced it on the table and jumped on top of Erich. Pinning him beneath her weight as she scolded him, almost as if she were his mother.


    "You have some nerve speaking to your savior that way? Do you have any idea why, despite theplete and total devastation that was caused in the Great Schism, that the Earth was spared, and along with it those early ancestors of your species?


    That was all my doing! I sacrificed more than you can possibly imagine, making sure that one day in the distant future, you woulde to find me. So how about you speak to me with some proper respect? If you do that, we can continue this conversation of ours!"


    Erich had not known any of this. He had really just seen the Great Schism at an intense speed, almost as if he was fast forwarding through it all. But Daelia wasn''t lying to him, he could tell, and thus he sighed heavily and apologized.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t know. If what you say is true, not only do I personally owe you a great deal of gratitude, but so do all of my people, so please continue¡­"


    Daelia naturally epted Erich''s apologies, and then proceeded toy her head on his chest, where she would then ask the question that would kick-start their entire conversation.


    "Did you ever get far enough to understand why I was ever trapped in the Maw in the first ce?"

 Chapter 439 A Lesson in the History of the Asterion Dynasty

    Chapter 439 A Lesson in the History of the Asterion Dynasty


    ??Erich knew very little about how Daelia got trapped in the Maw, or what had happened to her during the thousands of years that she was stuck there. Because of this, he answered her fairly honestly, exining in great detail the limited amount of knowledge he had in that regard.


    "In all honesty, I know very little about what Lunaria did to trap you in the Maw. I only know that she allegedly tricked you into entering, and was then exiled by her parents until a time where she could bring you back to them. How much of that is actually true?"


    Daelia sighed heavily as she leaned up from her position where she lied on Erich''s chest and took a sip from her winess, before lying back down. It was almost as if she was vividly reliving the incident in her head while she spoke about it as if it had happened just a moment prior.


    "Lunaria, that fucking bitch¡­ You see, the thing is, she and I had never really gotten along. She was the older sister, but I was the more capable of the two of us. At least in the ways that would impress our parents.


    By all means when ites to subterfuge, sabotage, and general skullduggery, nobody is better than Lunaria. But as an actual ruler, I was the more capable of the two of us. Because of this, our parents had chosen me to seed them when the day came that they finally passed away.


    This did not sit well with Lunaria, who had been born with a craving for power that one might say borderlined insanity. For a long time I knew that Lunaria was plotting against me. I mean, with her personality, how could she ept me as the heir to our father''s throne?


    And indeed, I had made preparations in anticipation of her attacks. But decades turned to centuries, and centuries turned to millennia. Despite the vast amount of time that had passed, she never once bared her fangs towards me, nor did she show any sign of displeasure at the prospect of me being the heir.


    In fact, she went out of her way to help me prepare for my ascension. Perhaps it was an act of youthful naivety, but eventually I stopped suspecting any wrongdoing from my dear older sister. This was a mistake that cost me dearly. Hell, my ignorance and naivety had long reaching consequences that the gxy would never truly recover from¡­."


    Erich could see the pain in Lunaria''s eyes as she sat up and took another drink from her ss, before crawling further into his embrace. It was not a pain felt over her own suffering, but rather the chaos and destruction that followed in the wake of her mistakes.


    It was a sense of empathy andpassion that he had never really seen in Lunaria''s golden eyes. Which something thatpelled him to try andfort the woman who was much more ancient and wise than he was.


    "I mean, judging by an Elf''s lifespan, even 10,000 years is considered young. Surely you could not have known what would happen if you let your guard down around Lunaria. You two are family, after all?"


    However, Daelia simply scoffed at the idea of family, before lecturing Erich on the history of Elven politics.


    "Erich, do you have any idea how bloody the history of the Asterion Dynasty was in the past? And I''m not talking about the schism between my sister and I! What am I talking about? How could you possibly know this? My sister has gone to great lengths to change history so that it would make her and our family more favorable?


    My father ascended to the throne after conspiring against his thirteen siblings, of which none of them survived. He was actually the youngest of his siblings, and in his era, the heir to the throne was chosen by birth, not by merit. He only changed this so that my siblings and I wouldn''t end up killing each other for the throne. Which we did anyway.


    Lunaria didn''t just try to kill me. She manipted things in a way that saw our eldest brother, the true heir to the throne, being killed off in the Great War against the Star Vampires. Nasty creatures, those things, but I won''t get into the destruction they caused to the Gxy. Which admittedly was far less than what Lunaria and I are responsible for¡­


    You see until I was selected as heir, the Asterion dynasty was patriarchal, meaning that only a male could ascend to the throne. And only in the case of their being no male heirs would a woman be selected to carry the burdens of the Empire.


    Lunaria not only arranged the untimely deaths of our older brothers, but I have a sneaking suspicion that she is the reason our mother became sterile¡­ It was perhaps because our society had been male dominated in the past that Lunaria so despised the opposite sex, not even willing to let another a gaze at her with lust, lest she take his eyes from him.


    This hatred towards the opposite sex is no doubt the reason why she venerated our mother as the former "Empress" of the Elven Empire after she rewrote gctic history to suit her needs. Completely erasing our father''s ce in our people''s history as she did so.


    In fact, I still don''t know why she developed such a fetish for the men of your race, when one considers just how long she hated the opposite sex for. It baffles me to this day that she would ever marry a man, let alone one from another species. I truly do not understand what had changed in her mind when your people became a interster civilization of any note."


    Erich had also long thought about this question himself. From what he had been told by Celestia, her mother had long sensed hated the opposite sex in an almost fanatical manner. But that suddenly changed less than half a millennium ago when the Germanic Star-Empire became a vassal of the Alfheim Dominion.


    What had caused this change, nobody except Lunaria Knew. But perhaps it had something to do with Erich''s ability to time travel. If so, did that mean that Lunaria, like Daelia, knew of Erich before they ever truly met from his perspective?


    Daelia could see Erich''s mind was getting off track, and thus she touched his chin and dragged his attention back to her as she began to recite the long story of how she got trapped in the maw.


    "Dammit Erich, you distracted me with a history lesson on the politics of my family. The point is that Lunaria wanted the throne, and she was willing to do anything to get it. I understand now that my father chose me to seed him because of Lunaria''s actions against our siblings.


    But at the time, I had no idea what she had done to our brothers. Or how she had gotten rid of them in a way that legally made her innocent of the deed. Had I known then what I came to learn in the maw, I would have been far more cautious around that bitch¡­"

 Chapter 440 The Origins of the Great Schism

    <h4>Chapter 440 The Origins of the Great Schism</h4>


    "So how exactly did Lunaria lure you into the maw? And how did you know who I was when I saw you there?"


    The first of these questions was one of minor curiosity. It really didn''t have too much of baring on the future of the Gxy as the damage that could have been done by the truth had already been done long before Erich was even born.


    The second question, however, was one that Erich was intimately aware of. During his time in the maw he continuously heard Daelia speaking to him telepathically, saying to him things like "Go away!" and the "Darkness consumed all!"


    Not only was Erich invisible when he came across Daelia, but this was nearly a million years in the past. How in the hell did she know who he was?"


    Since Daelia had promised to tell Erich these things, she chose not to hide the truth from him. She started by answering the first of these two questions.


    "At the time there were rumors that one of our brothers had survived the war with the Star Vampires, escaping the pursuit of one particrly nasty bitch as he fled into the Maw. Lunaria imed to have found evidence of this.


    And in my efforts to search for my older brother, Imissioned a ship that I believed could withstand the dangers that the Maw presented. The Maw was, after all, quarantined by our parents, and nobody was allowed to go in or out of it.


    But after my sister showed me some evidence, which now know was fake, of our brother fleeing into the maw during the ancient war with the Star Vampires, I was convinced that he was alive, and that to find him I needed to enter that darkness.


    The thing is, the maw is a sub-dimension of space unconnected from our reality other than from a single, ck hole. There is no way to know which direction you are headed once you are inside, as the darkness within it is too thick.


    It is also full of terrifying entities, some which are more than capable of piercing through the defenses of even the mightiest warships. One of those entities as you saw was that ck ooze which my ship became entangled in.


    Luckily for me, that was the worst that my crew and I had to suffer. Had we run into the legendary Maw Weirds, our fate would have been far more cruel.... You see, time in the Maw exists outside of that, within reality.


    To me, it appeared that we were within the maw for a mere week at the most. But in reality, tens of thousands of years had passed since I entered the maw, years which my sister spent searching for me. As you have said, not because of any guilt or remorse she felt, but to uplift the exile our parents forced upon her.


    By the time she found me, the darkness of the maw had already corrupted me and my crew. Many of which were killed by my sister''s boarding party. And that was honestly a mercy. They had lost their minds to the darkness, their bodies mere husks to be controlled by its will.


    But I had somehow managed to keep my mind intact, long enough to be dragged out of that abyss by my sister''s soldiers. Of course, by then it was toote. I had be something else entirely. What you see here before you is the real me¡­ A being corrupted by a dark entity from a sub-dimension of space outside our reality.


    After returning home. I was turned into ab rat by our parents, who sought to exploit the Maw and its mysterious nature for their own gains. Those years were incredibly painful for me. But eventually I escaped from their clutches.


    I mean, who but I knew the true danger that the maw posed to all life in the gxy? Nay the universe! Because of this, I spent the next few millennia in exile, seeking a way to forever close the Maw, and when I finally thought I found one, I was forced to make a major sacrifice.


    To close the maw forever, I had to corrupt my homeworld, and our people who lived upon its surface. I did not intentionally do so, but that was the end result. To keep that darkness from forever entering the gxy. Unfortunately, a remnant of its power made its way to Alfheim and, in doing so, corrupted the world into what you see today.


    You see, the Alfhiem that you are familiar with is not the same world that our race evolved on eons ago. Instead, it is a clone, one made by Lunaria after the Schism had ended. The true world of Alfheim is what we today call Svartalfheim. A world of eternal darkness¡­


    Unfortunately, my sister was spared the corruption that our people underwent. She was offworld at the time, spending her days in one of our colonies. When she realized what had happened, what I had done to our people, and our family. She rallied what remained of the uncorrupted Elves and brought them to Alfheim to destroy us.


    You see, she mes me for the death of our parents, but they too were corrupted in the exact same way that I had been. And in her act of purging the darkness from our people, it was Lunaria who dealt the killing blow. An action she would have never taken had I not invited such darkness into the gxy¡­


    The end result of the war, you already know. We who were corrupted by the influence of the maw became knowns as the Dark Elves. While those who remained "pure" considered themselves as "Light Elves."


    The war ended, and in doing so destroyed the very foundation of our people. To this day, the only two beings in this gxy who were alive to have witnessed the unfolding of this tragic history are myself and Lunaria.


    Though the war ended, she and I spent the next few hundred thousands years feuding over minor gains. Waging proxy war after proxy war. Even as other races came to challenge the authority our people once held over the gxy, we were too busy at each other''s throats to prevent them.


    Thus establishing the rtively peaceful order in the Gxy that had persisted until you changed everything just a decade or two ago. So now that you know the truth of my people''s history, of the history that Lunaria has worked so hard to rewrite, what will do with this knowledge?"


    Erich stared in silence at Daelia for a long time. Things had clearly escted far beyond his own understanding of the universe, especially the maw itself. Because of this, there was a long silence between the two of them before he finally responded to Daelia''s question.

 Chapter 441 Prophecy

    Chapter 441 Prophecy


    ??Erich had thought about what he had been told by Daelia for a long and quiet state of contemtion. There was a lot of information he had received, much of it was jarring. Earth shattering even! The entire history of the Gxy had been rewritten in Lunaria''s favor. I mean, how many Light Elves were alive today who survived the Great Schism?


    How many people in this gxy knew that the world known as Alfheim was not the original, but rather a clone, built from aary object of a simr size of the original, and morphed via terraforming technology into an exact replica of how the world had been before Daelia corrupted it.


    It was truly a perspective changing thought. Daelia, of course, did not break the silence with needless words. She had not spoken about the past since the end of the Schism. Not even Sinaria knew the truth behind the bitter hatred between the Light Elves and Dark Elves.


    But the more Erich thought about what had happened, the more he focused on one particr question, one that Daelia had avoided answering until now, whether deliberately or inadvertently. Because of this Erich wanted an answer from the woman and was quick to force one out the other.


    "You still haven''t answered my other question, Daelia. How did you know where I was in the Maw, and who I was, for the matter?"


    Daelia sighed heavily as she rested her head on Erich''s broad chest, or more specifically on the skin tight flight suit he was currently wearing. It was clear she didn''t want to discuss this matter, but since Erich had asked her to, she would certainly do so. After all, he was the first person she had ever told the truth to in nearly a million years.


    And since she had already elected to tell the truth, she might as well tell the whole truth.


    "The maw has mysterious properties. Within it, I had powers that I would not normally possess, nor have I had them since. In that heavily corrupted state, I could sense all life forms, or at least those that were not native to the maw, nor corrupted like I was. Almost as if you were a beacon, a glowing light attracting my presence.


    I mentioned before that there were mysterious and terrifying entities in the maw. And that I was lucky to have been caught by those dark tendrils. Had something far more fierce came from the darkness, it would have sucked the very life force out of me and my crew.


    It was because I could sense the light from the outside world that existed within you, that I knew precisely where you were standing from the moment Lunaria''s ship approached my stranded vessel. As for how I knew who you were, the darkness spoke to me.


    At the time, they seemed like prophecies to me. Simr to how the Sages of Fate perceive their visions of the future to be the will of fate itself. In truth, I did not see much of what was toe. Many things have happened throughout history without me being the slightest bit aware.


    For whatever reason, the Maw chose not to show me the Great Schism that would tearmy people apart. Nor would it show the corruption of Alfheim that was toe. Or the million years or so of Gctic history where my sister and I squabbled over power.


    No, what the Maw chose to show me was you. My future husband, a man from another race, one that had not even evolved yet. A man who would somehow unite the two halves of the Elven people for the first time since the Great Schism.


    A man who possessed the powers of a Seer and would one daye back in time to witness my corruption? After all, I did tell you that timer flows differently in the maw from out here in real space. What seemed like weeks was tens of thousands of years. Yet that was when I was focused on the present.


    When I saw the future, it was as if I lived an entire life together with you and Lunaria. So you see, I have a very thorough understanding of what is toe, what will unite my people, and what your ns are for after we defeat the Naraku together as a united front..."


    Thest words which Daelia spoke were sharp, as if they had pierced into Erich''s mind, pressuring him to reveal his secrets and schemes. In fact, Erich looked over at the woman, who in her current form had eyes as red as blood, and asked her directly if he had heard her correctly.


    "You know?"


    Daelia wore a sinister smirk on her face as she nodded her head. She then pressed Erich down beneath her weight, and got in the mounted position where she leaned in close and whispered to him, but not before biting his ear.


    "Oh, yes¡­ I know what future you have plotted for the Gxy. Those old foggies, the so called Sages of Fate¡­ They were right, weren''t they? You are the Dark Sage, a man destined to the light the gxy ame in your ruthless wars of conquest?


    Sure, they may just be a knee capped version of the ancient seers of time, but their prophecy wasn''t wrong. Their mistake, however, was thinking that it was Lunaria, or Celestia, who would one day be the Bloody Bride."


    Erich was shocked to hear this. It had been some time since he had heard about the prophecy spoken by the Sages. They, of course, got one thing wrong, and there was a reason for that. The Naraku would invade the gxy, and in doing so, cause significant damage to the civilizations of the Milky Way.


    This was a future reality that the Sages could not predict, because like them, the Naraku possessed the ability to see the past, present, and future. Or at least a small portion of them did. Thus cloaking their ambitions from the Sages whose powers had been diluted over the eons.


    But Erich''s schemes to turn on the Gxy and conquer it after a pyrrhic victory was won against the Naraku were something that the Sages had correctly predicted, no matter how much he may have convinced them otherwise in this timeline.


    Still, the exact identity of the Bloody Bride had always been a mystery to Erich until now. There were multiple women in his life who could fulfill the role. Lunaria and Celestia were certainly possible candidates, as the power they wielded would most certainlye in handy when the time came.


    As for Tia, her help in establishing the Germanic Star-Empire as a power capable of contending with the gxy was certainly evidence that at the very least she was a potential candidate, was it not?


    And then there was Ayumi, who had in recent years turned into a literal God, one whose role in the future was still uncertain. Yet Erich an Ayumi shared children together and were technically husband and wife. She would most certainly help him when the time came to subjugate the gxy beneath his will, would she not?


    Erich had not even thought about the possibility of M, Mirage, Erika, or even Daelia being the Bloody Bride. Each for their own reason, whether it be ack of power or ack motive. Each had their own reason that Erich had never suspected them as a candidate of this prophecy, which he was the center of.


    But judging from the words which Daelia spoke, she knew exactly who the bloody bride was. Perhaps the Maw had showed it to her when it showed her their future together. And because of this, he was quick to ask just who the other half of the prophecy really was.


    "If you know all of this, then surely you know the identity of the Bloody Bride?"


    Daelia''s smirk curled upwards into a yful sneer as she began whispering in Erich''s ears once more.


    "I''ll give you a hint. It''s not that bitch of a sister of mine, or her cunt of an offspring. Nor is it that adorable little artificial intelligence that you keep buried in your skull¡­ And as far as that Star Vampire is concerned, you know the one you have been hiding from us all? Sure, she has a role to y in what is toe, but she is not the one who has been prophecised¡­."


    Erich was stunned when he heard this, by the process of elimination that really only left on women in his life who was capable of being the one to help him set the gxy aze in his future wars of conquest, and because of this he looked at Daelia as if he were staring at a ghost before speaking his thoughts aloud.


    "You?"


    Daelia leaned in and kissed Erich, and with such passion that it was almost like she was trying to steal his breath away. But eventually Erich broke free, and when he did, Daelia revealed to him that she was indeed the one who the Sages had foreseen helping him in his ambitions.


    "That''s right, it''s me. I am the bloody bride! And I have been waiting a very, very long time to fulfill our destiny!"

 Chapter 442 He Knows...

    <h4>Chapter 442 He Knows...</h4>


    Erich was in disbelief as he stared at Daelia, and the peculiar expression on her pretty face. He had long since heard the prophecy of the sages, and honestly did not think much of it. But the more he struggled in this life, the more he came closer to fulfilling it.


    There was just one problem: who was this bloody bride that was prophecised to aid him in his wars of conquest that would ultimately light the gxy ame? For a while, he had thought it would be Lunaria.


    After all, the woman helped facilitate the rise of the Germanic Star-Empire as a sovereign nation, and as a major gctic power. But there were few things that woman could do now if she had a bigger role to y.


    There were of course other women in Erich''s life who could very well fulfill this role, but he had never expected Daelia of all women to be the bloody bride, and because of this he was quick to ask why she would even help him do such a thing.


    "I don''t understand.... For a million years, you have contended with your sister to be the primary power in the gxy. Why? Why would you help me when you know what my goals are?"


    Daelia scoffed at Erich''s remarks before bopping him on the nose with her index finger. Once she had done this, she began to lecture him as if he were a small and errant child.


    "You really don''t understand it, do you? The time of the Elves as the Gxy''s greatest power hase to an end. Hell, it ended when my sister and I fought for the throne... But you, destiny has great things in store for you.


    And if I can help guarantee my people''s status in this gxy, by having them pledge themselves to you when the timees. Then so be it! Lunaria, on the other hand, she is too proud to the bend the knee.


    You might have thought you could get her to truly submit to you, out of the affection she has for you. But in the face of her pride as a monarch, as the sovereign of all elves, like she proims herself to be. She will never willingly kneel before you.


    No, you will have to break her, and tear down everything she has worked so hard for over the eons if you really want her to do so. Something you won''t truly be capable of doing without my aid. After all, nobody knows my bitch of a sister better than I do!


    I am the one. When the timees, who will allow you to rise to the position you need to rise to? After all, without the strength of your armies acting as the bulwark against a Naraku invasion, the Milky Way will never truly be safe.


    I believe this is why I was chosen by fate to assist you. And I will more than happily do so when the time finallyes. First, however... We need to defeat the first wave of Naraku. It will be difficult, but once the gxy has been ravaged by the bugs, you and I will have our chance to rise to the top!"


    If Erich was being honest with himself, he was having a hard time believing whether or not Daelia was telling him the truth. But the look in her eyes most certainly led him to believe she was not lying to him. Because of this, heid back in the bed, while the ancient dark elven beauty rested on top of his chest, ultimately deciding to let fate take its course.


    ---


    Lunaria was sitting on her throne with a rather perturbed expression on her otherwise pretty face. Her favorite daughter was nearby to hear herints. Which the ancient Elven Empress was more than happy to express with a certain degree of discontent.


    "Why isn''t he answering my calls!?! Erich always answers my calls! Celestia, what should I do?"


    Before the Elven princess could assure her mother that Erich was probably busy with something important, a message appeared within the throne''s built in holoterminal. Disying a holographic projection of an image that caused Lunaria to throw a fit.


    "God fucking dammit! That little conniving bitch!"


    The image was none other than that of Erich and Daelia, lying naked in each other''s arms after they had just made love on the world of Svartalfheim. Naturally, Lunaria knew it was an image that had just been taken now, because Daelia appeared in her natural state, with her skin as ck as ink.


    A state she would not appear in on any world other than Svartalfheim. And until now, there had never been any evidence that Erich visited such a dark and depraved world. Of course, there wasn''t much Lunaria could do about this situation.


    For starters, while unofficially united towards the same purpose. The Alfheim Dominion and Svartaflheim federation were still in a state of transition towards trade and unity. Lunaria simply could not just arrive within Svartalfhiem space without causing a serious international incident.


    And Daelia had sent her this message of provocation while beingpletely and utterly aware of this fact. Because of this, Lunaria couldn''t help but lose her shit at the idea that Zane had gone off to visit her little sister without first giving her notice. It was truly an act of betrayal that she could not tolerate.


    It was while Lunaria was losing her mind that Celestia posed a question which caused the panicked Elven Empress to be even more anxious.


    "This doesn''t make much sense. Erich has chosen not to visit either of our worlds to keep the peace between you two. So then why would he suddenly visit Svartalfheim and Daelia? What could she have said that was so important to inspire such a visit, despite knowing the strain it would put on your already fragile rtionship?"


    When Lunaria heard this, she looked over at the image once more and stared at it for a long and silent pause. She realized with the way Daelia was posed in bed next to Erich that it resembled an ancient painting that was famous during the ancient Elven Empire.


    This painting was based on a legend that was infamous among the Elven people. One that originated during the time from before the Elves ever stepped foot outside their home world and ventured into the greater gxy.


    The myth told the story of a king who was seduced by a demon in pursuit of forbidden knowledge. Knowledge that would ultimately lead to his demise, and that of his kingdom. When Lunaria recognized the uncanny resemnce between this photo and the ancient painting, she realized that Daelia was sending her a hidden message.


    And when Lunaria understood this, her expression paled, while she spoke in an almost ghostly whisper of what gued her mind.


    "He knows¡­"

 Chapter 443 The Cardinal Sin of Envy

    <h4>Chapter 443 The Cardinal Sin of Envy</h4>


    Lunaria was in a state of total shock. It was agreed upon by the two sisters that they would never speak of what happened to cause the downfall of their ancient civilization to anyone, ever. Hell, it was literally enshrined in the treaty between the two of them, the treaty which was signed when the Great Schism came to an end.


    Daelia had vited this treat by informing Erich of what had happened all those years ago. It was aplete and total deration of war. And Lunaria was inclined to treat it as such. There was just one problem with this line of thinking.


    It was Erich who knew, and if she dered war on her sister for simply telling their shared husband the truth about their past. Wouldn''t that cement the image in his eyes that she was a bloodthirsty and vengeful bitch?


    Such a thought was absolutely maddening to the ancient Elven Empress, to the point where she was squirming in her seat while enduring a silent rage. Though she did not express the fury in her heart, it burned bright enough to consume a thousand stars.


    Yet no matter how wrathful she became, Lunaria did not say a word. Instead she gritted her teeth, and epted this vition of the agreement that the two sisters had made long ago for what it was. All she could really say, in a voice that was filled with both pain and agony, was the words.


    "Well yed, bitch¡­."


    Celestia of course had no idea what her mother was talking about, and simply cocked her brow, curious about what had caused the woman to seemingly be so enraged. Although Lunaria may have a poker face to match the gods, Celestia knew her mother well enough to understand what the woman was feeling at the moment.


    Never before in her young life, or at least young by Elven standards, had Celestia seen her mother so infuriated. She honestly couldn''t tell just what was so bothered about Erich visiting Svartalfheim. Sure, he probably should have sent notice in order to avoid creating a fight between the two sisters.


    But was this really all that important? Was it really worth such intense feelings of contempt? No matter how curious Celestia may be about the reason behind her mother''s furious state. She knew better than to question the woman, especially under such conditions.


    Thus, she tried her best to perform damage control, even if shepletely misunderstood the situation.


    "Mother, I don''t think that Erich meant any harm to this. If anything, the thought may have slipped his mind to inform you of his visit to Svartaflheim. I mean, you know how those Germans are. Their memories are much shorter than ours¡­"


    It was only after hearing her favorite daughter''s voice, did?Lunaria finally manage to quell her wrath, at least to a manageable state. And because of this she took a deep breath, before sighing heavily, where upon finally breathing normally she spoke her thoughts to her young daughter.


    "It''s not Erich that I''m furious with, but that bitch by his side¡­. You wouldn''t understand why I am so angry, and I don''t feel like exining myself. Regardless, we will simply have to wait for Erich to finish his little¡­ meeting¡­ With my sister, now won''t we?"


    Celestia was only further baffled by her mother''s current behavior after hearing her so called "exnation." And because of this, she simply sighed and shook her head. It was better not to dwell on such a subject if it infuriated her mother so much.


    Thus, Celestia simply bowed her head, and respected her mother''s wishes while expressing her intent to bring Erich back to their side.


    "If that is your will, your Majesty, then I will do everything I can to get Erich''s attention. I''m sure once he knows how angry you are, he wille rushing over to your side. And then you can rub it in my aunt''s face, no?"


    Once more, Lunaria sighed. Her daughter simply didn''t understand why she was so angry. But¡­ She did want Erich toe to her side. If Daelia told her side of the story, and left nothing out, then she would need to do damage control, and try to convince Erich why she had done what she had done all those years ago.


    And because of this, Lunaria ultimately epted Celestia''s offer to act as a mediator on her behalf.


    "Very well. If you think you can reach the man, so be it. I will be waiting in my meditation chamber for the good news!"


    After saying this, Lunaria stormed off. Leaving Celestia in a bewildered state as she tried to reach Erich repeatedly over the course of the next six hours.


    ---


    It took some time before Erich could escape Daelia''s clutches. The woman was hellbent on proving her worth to him. And had clung to him like a leech for six hours straight before finally giving the man a moment to himself, where he was finally able to check his messages.


    Tia responded to him with a conceited tone in her voice, as she disyed the messages to Erich via his NeuroLink.


    "While that little devil you were sleeping with was clinging so shamelessly to you, her sister has been desperately trying to get in touch with you. It would appear that Daelia sent a provocative message to Lunaria and now she is freaking out.


    But Master, you should be aware, there may be a deeper and underling meaning behind the message that was sent. And because of this you should be cautious in dealing with Lunaria. If everything we have recently learned about the woman is true, she is a very dangerous individual, one who will eventually be your enemy."


    Erich nodded his head in agreement with Tia''s words of caution, which he was quick to express to her. Now hat he had a full understanding of ancient past, and how it affected the current world. He would be far more cautious when dealing with his most powerful lover.


    "I understand as much as you the gravity of my rtionship with Lunaria, and the future troubles we may have. But for now, I do not wish to make an enemy of the woman. And so if I must cate her, then I will¡­"


    After saying this, Erich called Lunaria''s personal frequency, where the two of them would exchange some heated words.


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