“But the resources of a planet are limited—especially mana, which comes from the universe itself,” Tyler pointed out. “If the planet was cut off from the larger cosmic flow of mana, then there are only so many possibilities.”

He paused, organizing his thoughts. “Either the remaining mana on that planet has been used as a conduit to sustain the device, array, or runes ensuring its concealment and protection… or after millions of years, it has simply been consumed.”

He glanced around the room before adding, “And as for lifeforms on that planet? If they once thrived, their numbers would have dwindled after millennia of captivity. Even if they somehow managed to absorb what little mana remained, their evolutionary path would have stagnated—completely cut off from the natural order of growth.”

“With a limited amount of mana—the very lifeblood of evolution and the foundation for growth—” Tyler continued, “any lifeforms on that planet would have been severely hindered. Without a steady influx of mana, their development would have stagnated, if not completely regressed.”

The others nodded at his theory, finding it sound.

“That certainly could be the case,” Emma said, deep in thought. “Whatever the truth may be, it’s not up to us to decide—especially when we have little to no information about the unknown planet’s situation.”

She paused before continuing, “But one thing is certain: this planet is hidden within the Regal Star System, the central part of this locked and isolated region. We already know the historical importance and richness of this sector—or at least, what it used to be millions of years ago.”

The Red Empress spoke next, her tone resolute. “Be that as it may, it is not our place to speculate about what lies inside. However, this situation is important enough to be brought to the Imperial Commander’s attention. Though not urgent, he must be informed. I will personally see to that and leave it to him to decide how to proceed.”

She looked around the room, receiving nods of agreement from everyone before turning toward the projection of Admiral Will Quentin and Researcher Jobs.

“You should return as soon as possible,” she instructed. “Remaining in the Regal Star System any longer serves no purpose, as we can’t uncover anything further at this time.”

Listening to the Red Empress’s orders, both Admiral Will Quentin and Chief Researcher Jobs could only nod in acceptance. What she said was undeniably true—everything they could uncover with their current resources had already been found.

Breaking through the veil surrounding the unknown planet was beyond their fleet’s technological capabilities—at least, for now. Only the flagship possessed the advanced systems that might have a chance at breaching it.

With that understanding, both men responded in unison, “As per your command, Empress. We will begin preparations to depart immediately.”

The Red Empress nodded. “You are dismissed.” She waved her hand, disconnecting the holographic feed as the projections of Admiral Will Quentin and Chief Researcher Jobs faded from sight.

Turning to the others, she continued, “You may all return to your stations and continue with your duties. As for this matter, I will leave it in the hands of the Imperial Commander, whom I will notify shortly.”

Her gaze then shifted to Imperial Chief Engineer Tyler. “Meanwhile, Tyler, you should accelerate your efforts in researching the vast pile of technologies already stored in the Obliterator’s databanks.”

“Additionally, focus on developing the requested array of technologies as per the given orders. Our current technological framework is proving limited in situations where mana is a factor… and we cannot afford such limitations.”

“Roger that, Empress,” Tyler acknowledged. “However, there is a problem. While I can indeed re-research and recalibrate our existing technologies at an accelerated pace as per your orders, the issue lies with the mana factor.”

He paused, emphasizing the word “mana” before continuing, “Right now, we are not in a situation where mana is present for us to experiment with. Without a proper source, developing and upgrading our existing technology to integrate mana-based systems will be extremely difficult… if not outright impossible.”

“Roger that, Empress,” Tyler acknowledged. “However, there is a problem. While I can indeed re-research and recalibrate our existing technologies at an accelerated pace as per your orders, the issue lies with the mana factor.”

He paused, emphasizing the word “mana” before continuing, “Right now, we are not in a situation where mana is present for us to experiment with. Without a proper source, developing and upgrading our existing technology to integrate mana-based systems will be extremely difficult… if not outright impossible.”

The Empress frowned upon hearing that but chose not to comment. Tyler was right. Without mana, they couldn’t even begin to experiment with its applications, let alone integrate it into their technology.

She let out a quiet sigh but nodded in acceptance of Tyler’s request. “I will notify the Imperial Commander of your request along with my report. However, until further resources are provided, you should focus on accelerating the re-research and refinement of our existing technologies.”

Tyler nodded in acknowledgment and saluted without saying another word.

“You are dismissed, Tyler.”

In the next moment, Tyler was teleported out of the secondary command chamber. Soon after, Admiral Ezra, having already issued his orders, departed as well—leaving only Emma behind.

But not for long.

As soon as the Fleet Admiral disappeared, the Red Empress shifted her gaze toward Emma, her expression unreadable.

“Emma had Minister Evan notified of the developments and instructed him to accelerate the expansion of mining and the refining of alloys and minerals.”

As Emma observed the Empress issuing orders, their gazes met. Emma gave a firm nod in acknowledgment before preparing to teleport directly to Minister Evan’s office.

However, just as she was about to leave, the Empress stopped her.

“Ah, one more thing, Emma. Have the Imperial Guard ready. It won’t be long before he returns after hearing this. Understood?”

Emma gave a nod and said, “Understood, Empress. I will have them ready.’ With that, she departed to carry out her task.”

And just like that, the room fell silent as only the Empress remained. She sighed, gazing at the feed displaying the Regal Star System map. With one last glance at it, she too disappeared from the room—this time teleporting directly toward Earth, to Indra Province, one of the major cities where Kallus’ family home was located…

Meanwhile, back at Varshaka—also known as the Eternal Storm City—on Street No. 10, at Kallus’ residence, it was around 9 or 10 AM. In the morning light, Kallus, along with his family, had just finished a simple breakfast and was now watching a TV show together with Luna and Fairn. Seated comfortably on the couch, they were engrossed in a sci-fi anime.

“The story followed a powerful figure from an advanced civilization who was on a secret diplomatic mission to negotiate with another powerful space-faring empire.”

“However, his journey was ambushed by an enemy civilization, despite the mission being classified. As events unfolded, he realized that this was a scheme orchestrated by his enemies back in his own empire—designed to lure him away and seize control of his flagship, which he had deliberately left behind to avoid drawing attention to his mission. In the end, betrayed and outmaneuvered, he died with deep regret.”

ChatGPT said:

Just as they were about to start the next episode, their viewing was suddenly interrupted.

Without warning, the Red Empress appeared—teleporting directly into the room in all her regal glory. Her arrival was so abrupt and imposing that Luna, caught completely off guard, let out a startled scream.

“AAAAH! G-Ghost! Ghost!!” she shrieked, practically jumping out of her seat in shock.

Fairn, momentarily stunned—though only briefly—turned to see the Red Empress standing there, her presence radiating undeniable authority. However, after a mere glance, he practically ignored her, shifting his focus back to the next episode of the anime playing before him. Clearly, he was unbothered, completely hooked by the unfolding plot.

Meanwhile, Kallus simply raised an eyebrow, clearly he too unbothered by empress’s presence here, while the Empress herself remained expressionless—though an amused glint flickered in her eyes as she observed Lunna’s exaggerated reaction.

At the same time, from the kitchen, the sound of rushing footsteps echoed. My mother and father, who had been washing the dishes, came running out after hearing Luna’s startled shout. My mother, half-worried and half-scolding, immediately fixed her gaze on me.

“Son, why are you scaring your little sister—especially in the morning? Hmm?”

She was just about to continue her lecture when she entered the living room—and stopped dead in her tracks. Her words caught in her throat as her eyes landed on the figure of the Red Empress.

For a moment, silence filled the room. Her expression shifted from confusion to sheer disbelief, struggling to make sense of what she was seeing.

Meanwhile, my father, far less subtle, let out a surprised “Huh?” as he, too, took in the Empress’s presence.

[A/N:

Hey everyone, the author here!

I just want to take a moment to thank all of you for supporting me throughout these past months. I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way, and I may have disappointed some of you. For that, I sincerely apologize.

But next month will be different—I’ll be giving my 200% effort for the upcoming chapters! I know I promised the Space Ark and battles a while ago, and I’m sorry for the delay. The current plot development was important and needed to be integrated now rather than later.

That said, I truly appreciate all of you sticking with me. A special thanks to Just2causechaos, Derek_6017, blank69, Kaishepard28, XBVoid, John_Dixon, Shallow Thoughts, Tommy_andrades, and many others for your continued support on this journey!

Let’s keep moving forward together! 🚀🔥]

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep