Chapter 374: Ch

The Imperium was facing its greatest test yet, as the Orcs had already begun invading their core territory. While the fleet’s intentions were eventually made clear, the Imperial Family was still terrified of letting such a massive force enter their space. Ultimately, they had no choice but to let them in.

Shortly after, the Azura Imperial Family announced a formal collaboration with the Void Fleet, stating they would open their markets and even procure advanced weaponry from them.

From our sources, we’ve learned that the Imperium originally gave the fleet a test to gauge their sincerity: they were tasked with recapturing a vital strategic resource point that had been seized by the Orcs.

The Void Fleet departed immediately. Only three days later, news broke of a massive mobilisation of resources toward that star system—not to fight, but to begin rebuilding the defensive installations. On the star system Void Fleet had already cleared.

And it wasn’t just that. Rumors were spreading everywhere. Some even claimed that fleets were now being allowed rights over mining celestial bodies around the Imperium, at a cost… ten percent, they said.

The article went on, blending truth with falsehood, mixed heavily with the writer’s own views to glorify the narrative.

Soon enough, more articles like it began to appear. Their content was largely the same… a small amount of truth buried under layers of exaggeration and outright lies.

But even then, many interested parties—from the lower rungs of the galaxy to the mid-tier powers—still didn’t get a clear picture of what the mysterious woman inside that powerful mech had actually said. So instead, they began making their way toward the Imperial Family of the Azura Imperium, hoping to learn the truth directly.

Meanwhile, the netizens remained focused on the overwhelming might displayed by the Void Fleet.

A few, however, started noticing inconsistencies. One of them, after watching the Minotaur leader’s broadcast on host Judy’s channel, wrote:

“Hey, I don’t know if you all noticed or not, but the Minotaurs seem to be lying about a few things. Like their claim that all the Void Fleet’s tech and ships were inherited from ancient races.

But the power they showed—and the way they completely dominated the Minotaurs—tells a very different story, doesn’t it?

And even if we assume it was inherited… are we really supposed to believe those ancient races left behind over a hundred thousand ships? And not just any ships, but all of them at least Tier-One level?

Is that even possible? If they had that kind of strength, why didn’t they use it during their war before they were annihilated?

Isn’t that just… ridiculous?”

Another user its possible commented:

“Isn’t it possible that the Fleeters actually created most of the ships in their fleet themselves… after getting their hands on that inheritance? That seems like an even bigger possibility, and it can’t just be ignored, right?”

Another user Missed point replied:

“I think you missed the point. That’s exactly what the person above is saying—that the Fleeters have their own strength and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If they can build such a massive fleet with that level of capability, then it has more to do with their own abilities than any borrowed power people keep talking about.”

“But putting that aside… don’t the Void Fleets have some serious guts? Warning multiple Tier-One powers like that—and even claiming they’ll come knocking on the doors of anyone who dares to threaten their home…”

A different user B56-2 scoffed:

“Guts? That’s not guts, that’s arrogance. So what if they’re strong? Other Tier-One powers didn’t reach their level by just sitting around. The Void Fleet will run into real trouble soon enough.”

“Didn’t they also say they’re going to establish their own empire? I’m telling you, that day isn’t far off… and neither is their reckoning.”

Another user D91f comment followed:

“They will face it, no doubt. I just got back from one of the Star Empire’s systems, and I can tell you—there’s movement everywhere. Armed forces mobilizing, massive stockpiles of supplies being gathered… materials, weapons, everything. It looks like the Star Empire is preparing for something big.”

While the galactic net churned with storms of its own, discussions about the Void Fleet grew more intense—many now tying them directly to the Star Empire’s actions.

And that wasn’t all.

Reports also began surfacing of unrest within Elfheim. Rumors claimed that the Western Archduke, in a fit of fury, had clashed with the Northern and Eastern dukes, along with several noble families—pushing the situation to the brink of an internal war.

A disaster that was only barely prevented by the intervention of the Elf Empress.

At the same time, news continued to arrive about the steady advance of the Dark Sun Empire. Alongside the legions of the Dark Angels and the Blood Wolf Empire, they had taken control of several more systems from both the Light Holy Angel Empire and the Blood Moon Empire.

Only after securing those gains did they halt their advance, choosing instead to consolidate their newly captured regions. Even so, they maintained constant pressure on both empires, leaving them with little room to act.

Just like that, another two weeks passed.

It had now been nearly two months… and in just one and a half months more, Kallus would formally establish his empire.

Amid all this, some good news finally arrived.

Kallus smiled faintly as the Empress relayed the report.

“Lady Yan Shi has achieved her objective during the diplomatic visit,” she said. “There were some obstacles at first, but in the end, she was personally invited by the Imperial Royal Family… and successfully completed the task assigned to her.”

“She managed to strike a deal with the Azura Imperium. They’ve agreed to open their markets to us, and in return, we’ll open a smaller portion of our own—mainly to expand trade variety.”

“She also negotiated tax benefits for our companies that will establish themselves within their territory.”

“And… she secured limited access for us as well. Though small, it’s still significant. Most of what they’ve allowed are lower-tier resources—primarily Tier-Two mineral-rich mining celestial bodies…” she added, a hint of regret in her voice.

Kallus chuckled softly. “That’s still a great outcome, Empress. High-grade resources are something every faction guards fiercely—they’re meant for their own use. We can’t exactly demand them.”

“And besides,” he continued, shaking his head lightly, “we don’t really need those resources. Even Tier-One materials, by our standards, are closer to Tier-Two. They’re not something we lack.” Saying that, he gestured for her to continue.

“Ah… I did feel a bit regretful,” the Red Empress admitted with a soft sigh. “But I suppose you’re right.”

She continued, “Lady Yan Shi also managed to secure a weapons supply contract from the Imperium. After presenting the prototype designs created by our Champions, the Imperial officials were quite surprised… and they agreed almost immediately.”

“However,” she added, her tone dipping slightly, “they’ve only allowed us to cover about forty percent of their total weapons demand…”

She sighed again, unable to completely hide her disappointment.

Kallus frowned for a brief moment, then his expression eased.

“That was to be expected,” he said calmly. “The last time they entrusted their entire supply to a single provider, it backfired. The supplier failed to deliver, and they paid the price for it.”

“So this time, they’re being cautious. They won’t repeat the same mistake.”

He paused, then gave a faint nod. “In a way, it’s not a bad thing. Let the newly formed companies compete and capture the rest of the market on their own. We shouldn’t try to control everything.”

“What we’ve gained already… is more than enough.”

“Right…” the Red Empress replied, though another sigh escaped her.

“Still, the people of the Imperium are quite cunning,” she added with a faint, sarcastic laugh. “They know exactly how to use a borrowed sword… all under the pretense of ’testing our sincerity.’”

Kallus’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What do you mean?”

She met his gaze and explained: “They’ve requested our assistance—not just to help fend off the Orc clans… but also to aid them in recapturing their lost mineral-rich star systems.”

Kallus was surprised as well, but he only chuckled.

“Well… that’s not a bad thing,” he said. “At least this way, they’ll get a clear sense of our power. It prevents us from having to rely on tricks or hidden moves to prove the same point.”

“It may make them cautious of us,” he continued, “but it will also make them realize what we can offer—purely in terms of strength. With our backing, many of their problems become much easier to handle.”

He smiled faintly. “And I hope they realize that sooner rather than later.”

“But…” the Red Empress pressed her lips together, clearly uneasy. “That girl… she’s far too dominating, I’m telling you. She almost made everything public.”

“We were just a bit lucky it didn’t draw too much attention toward the Imperium. Otherwise… that could’ve turned into a real problem.”

“It’s fine,” Kallus replied with a calm smile.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep