Chapter 79 – 76- In the Cover of Darkness-3

He paused, letting his words settle before continuing. “The Minotaur’s are not weak. If they were, we would have swallowed them long ago. To claim whatever lies within the Forbidden Space, we will have to compete with them—whether through strength, strategy, or both.”

“But that is for later,” the Emperor continued, his voice steady and resolute. “For now, they hold the advantage—both in familiarity with the region and in making the first move. However, we are not without our own strengths. If we all agree that whatever lies within the Forbidden Space is valuable enough for the Minotaur’s to move in secret, then it is valuable enough for us as well. We shall act—discreetly.”

His gaze shifted toward Archduke Virex, the direct commander of the empire’s naval forces.

“Deploy the Arch Fleet. Have them move covertly toward the regions closest to the Forbidden Space. Secrecy is paramount—ensure that our movements remain unnoticed. And once in position, they will wait for further orders.”

A heavy silence settled over the chamber.

Deploying the Arch Fleet was no simple decision. Just like the Minotaur’s’ 7th Light Fleet, it was a unique and specialized force, one of the Genome Empire’s most powerful naval divisions. Unlike other fleets, which could be thrown into battle without a second thought, the Arch Fleet was an elite force—deploying it recklessly would be akin to sending lambs to the slaughter.

Yet, while many were surprised by the Emperor’s decisive action, they were not opposed to it. In fact, they had expected nothing less. Sending any lesser fleet would only lead to disaster.

If the 7th Light Fleet was the Minotaur’s’ prized force, then the Arch Fleet was their absolute counter, one that they had full confidence in—not because of ancient inheritance, but because of their own superior technology and strategic brilliance.

The Emperor’s eyes gleamed with determination as he concluded:

“And when the time to strike comes… we will hit the Minotaur’s hard—so hard that they won’t know how to react, much less counter us.”

While the Genome Empire moved in secret, preparing their response to the Minotaurs’ covert actions, the Minotaur Empire remained unaware—for now, at least. However, far from these two rival powers, within the vast dominion of the Asura Empire, events were unfolding quite differently.

Rare metals and ores, mystical spiritual plants, and vast reserves of dense mana zones made it a highly coveted sector, one that various powers had long sought to claim.

Deep within Asura territory, in their core star system, lay a region unlike any other—the Asura Primus System. This system was unique, both in its sheer abundance of resources and its unparalleled spiritual energy.

Rare metals and ores, mystical spiritual plants, and vast reserves of dense mana zones made it a highly coveted sector, one that various powers had long sought to claim.

However, that is a story for another time—for now, let us focus on the heart of the Asura Empire.

At the center of this vast dominion stood a colossal planet, far larger than Earth—even two to three times the size of Minotaur Prime and Genome Prime combined. Why this is significant will soon become clear, so remember this detail well.

This planet was known as Imperious Prime.

At its heart stood a magnificent palace, its grand architecture bathed in an eternal azure glow. Within its deepest chambers, in the Throne Room, the empire’s most powerful figures had gathered.

Seated in this chamber were the empire’s core ministers, the Supreme Elders—former emperors of the Asura Empire—and the heads of the Nine Noble Knight Families.

Seated upon his throne of azure, clad in the Imperial Robes of Asura, Emperor Alaric Azura exuded an air of majesty and authority. His piercing gaze swept across the gathered ministers, Supreme Elders, and the Nine Noble Knight Family Heads assembled before him in the grand hall.

“The Minotaur Empire is making its move toward the Forbidden Space,” he declared, his voice carrying weight and certainty. “As for their purpose… well—”

He paused, his sharp eyes lingering on each individual present, ensuring their full attention.

Then, with a nod, he continued, “Before summoning you all here, I sought the Grand Seer…”

“The Grand Seer has spoken,” Emperor Alaric Azura said solemnly, his gaze heavy with the weight of prophecy. “Those who march toward the Forbidden Space with their own agendas will find no good end. For them, only destruction awaits.”

He let his words settle before continuing, his tone even graver.

“He warned that if we so much as take a step toward the Forbidden Zone, no matter our intentions, our fate will shatter like fragile glass—irreversible, inevitable.”

A hush fell over the hall.

“Yet, if we remain where we are, focusing solely on our own developments and resisting the allure of the unknown, we may yet secure a future that benefits both our empire and our people.”

He exhaled slowly, then added, “But even that future remains uncertain… for the path of prosperity is fragile, and the alternative—the path of no return—may come swiftly if we misstep.”

The weight of the Emperor’s words settled heavily upon the room, causing almost everyone present to grow forlorn. But it was not because they doubted the Grand Seer’s prophecy—far from it.

They believed him. They always had.

The Grand Seer had never been wrong before. His visions had shaped the course of the Azure Empire for generations. Yet this time, it was different. This time, there was no clear path forward.

It was this uncertainty that unsettled them.

A heavy silence filled the chamber until Supreme Elder Varion Azura finally spoke, his voice low yet charged with emotion.

“Why?” he asked. “Why would even the Grand Seer speak of such doom? Why does even he remain uncertain?”

His words echoed the unspoken thoughts of everyone present.

Prophecies of great calamities were not unheard of, but in all previous instances, the Grand Seer had always foreseen a way forward, a path of survival or victory.

The Azure Empire, though the youngest among the great powers in this region, had not only endured but thrived. Their continued rise was not just a result of their military prowess or the advantages granted by their unique bloodline—though both played a significant role. The Grand Seer had been just as crucial to their survival and expansion.

As rulers of the empire, they understood the rarity and importance of a true Seer. Such individuals were exceedingly scarce, and to possess one as gifted as theirs was a privilege few could claim.

Yet now, even he stood at the edge of uncertainty.

A troubling omen, indeed.

As the Supreme Elder’s words lingered in the air, all eyes instinctively turned toward the Emperor, waiting for his response.

Emperor Alaric sighed, his gaze heavy as he looked at the Supreme Elder.

“Why do you ask, huh? We are all forgetting something important here.”

He paused, letting his words settle before continuing.

“Before I say anything further, remember this—our Grand Seer is indeed powerful, but he is not supreme. Even he has his limits.”

The room remained silent as the weight of his words sank in.

“He told me that whatever exists within the Forbidden Space is far beyond him. If he tries to forcefully peer into it, he will suffer. In the worst case, he might even die from the backlash. And that isn’t even the real problem.”

The Emperor’s expression darkened, his tone grave.

“If that… thing… were to notice him, it would not just be the Seer who is doomed, but for all of us and our entire empire would be in danger as well.”

And as for what it is… even he does not know!”

Lord Renald Solvaris of the Seventh Knight Family, Solvaris, stepped forward, his voice firm.

“So, what should we do, Emperor?”

Before the Emperor could respond, Lady Beyna Kaleoris of the Sixth Knight Family spoke instead, her tone sharp as she cut in above Lord Renald.

“What we can do is follow the Seer’s advice. Or…” she paused, her last words dripping with sarcasm, “we can just leave from here.”

Her words hung in the air, their weight felt by all.

Renald Solvaris frowned, frustration lacing his voice.

“Leave?” he scoffed. “Abandon the foundation and empire that our forefathers built? Just like that?”

Lady Beyna Kaleoris Lord Renald Solvaris scoffed, her gaze narrowing at Lord Renald Solvaris.

“Then why are you asking such an obvious question?” she said, her voice laced with irritation.

Seeing the two begin their war of words, Emperor Alaric slammed his hand on the table, his aura surging. The sheer force of his presence stunned them both, snapping them out of their argument. As they returned to reality from their verbal battle, they snorted and looked away from each other.

Emperor Alaric, noticing their expressions, let out a small sigh before clearing his throat. “We will do as the Seer has advised,” he declared.

“We will not move toward the Forbidden Land. However, we will reinforce the regions near it with defense fleets and deploy the 2nd Azure Fleet as a precaution. As for what fate has in store for us… we will leave it to fate and wait.”

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