Chapter 233 Trust. (4)

Words : 1078 Updated : Oct 5th, 2025

The avatar of Cleo appeared as a shimmering, semi-transparent figure, her form still retaining the elegance and authority she commanded in the physical world. The hologram's golden hues flickered against the backdrop of the void, making her appear almost divine. She raised one hand, pointing her finger directly at the closest Revenant vessel, one of the hulking monstrosities of jagged crystals and dark metal, looming ominously near the station. The Cleopatra's primary cannons began to shift and rotate, their massive barrels aligning with the hostile vessel. The sound of the ship's internal mechanisms humming to life reverberated across the void as the weapon systems locked onto their target. Cleo's voice echoed, both in the command room and across the communication network of her fleet. It was calm and absolute, yet carried a weight that demanded obedience. "Fire." The Cleopatra's main cannon unleashed its fury. A blinding beam of energy erupted from the barrel, cutting through the darkness of space like a lance of molten fire. The sheer power of the shot illuminated the battlefield, momentarily overpowering even the glow of the trading station's lights. The beam struck the Revenant vessel dead-on, slamming into its shields with a cataclysmic force. For a brief moment, the vessel's crystalline barrier shimmered, struggling to hold against the overwhelming assault. But it wasn't enough. The energy beam pierced through the shields and tore into the hull, igniting a chain reaction within the ship's core. The hostile vessel erupted in a massive explosion, shards of crystal and debris scattering across the void. The shockwave rippled outward, causing smaller Revenant vessels nearby to falter and adjust their positions. On the Cleopatra, Cleo's holographic avatar lowered her hand, her expression neutral as she surveyed the aftermath of the strike. The destroyed Revenant vessel had created a gap in their formation, a gap she intended to exploit. "System, relay the updated battle map to all fleet units," Cleo commanded. "Order all carriers to deploy heavy bombers through the opening. Prioritize their engines." [Orders acknowledged. Heavy bombers deploying.] Cleo's consciousness returned to her physical body, her eyes opening as she sat on the throne. She tapped her fingers against the armrest, her mind already racing through potential countermeasures in case the Revenant fleet retaliated. "Great Rock, the heavy transport ships are under attack. One of them has already been destroyed, and the remaining ones have lost their engines. Should we send reinforcements?" A revenant golem officer asked, his voice calm yet tinged with urgency. "Hmph," the Great Rock grunted dismissively, his towering crystalline form radiating an aura of authority. "There is no need for you to panic. Tell them to overload their cores and take as many enemy fighters with them as they can. Their sacrifice will not be in vain." The Great Rock's words carried no sympathy, no hesitation. To him, the lives of their soldiers were mere resources, expendable, and easily replaced. After all, billions of golems could be produced from the next conquered world. "Understood, Great Rock," the officer said while bowing slightly. He held a glowing crystal in his hand and prepared to transmit the self-destruct orders to the stranded transports. Now, she was no longer just a rising figure. She was a symbol. A saintess. A divinity in the eyes of her followers. Inside the command room, her presence was treated as sacred. Her throne, veiled in alien silk to preserve her "divine purity," was surrounded by several priestesses. These women, sworn virgins consecrated to the "Goddess of the White Light," chanted softly, their prayers filling the room with an ethereal hum. From behind the veil, Lilla finally spoke, her voice calm yet commanding. "Hold fire for now. Let them come to us. Position the destroyers to flank their main vessels. If they focus on our flagship, we'll take their center while our pincers close around them. And ensure no one questions our divine mission. There is no room for hesitation." The officer bowed deeply once again. "Yes, Saintess. Your will shall be done." As the officers relayed her commands, Lilla leaned back on her throne, her fingers tracing the edges of the silk draped over her lap. The battle ahead would be difficult, but it would also be a statement. Her lips curled into a faint smile. "This is no longer just a battle," she whispered to herself. "This is a demonstration of faith." Outside, the main carrier and its accompanying destroyers began shifting into position, their weapons systems primed and ready. The Revenant fleet loomed ahead, a menacing wall of crystalline vessels preparing to unleash their fury. But Lilla's forces were undeterred. The faithful did not fear death. They feared failure, and they would not fail their saintess. The Revenant fleet and Lilla's fleet shifted their formations, both adjusting to gain the upper hand while delivering relentless volleys of turret fire across the void. The stars were painted with the glow of plasma bolts, energy blasts, and streaks of burning debris as both fleets sent out their fighters to clash in the chaos of the battlefield. The Revenant fighters, jagged and erratic in their movements, darted through the void like angry hornets, aiming to sabotage the destroyers. Meanwhile, Lilla's fighters, sleek, fast, and disciplined, moved to defend their ships, their movements guided by faith in their goddess and orders from their commanders. "Red Wing Leader to squad." The commanding voice cut through the squad's comms. "Our mission is to defend the second destroyer. Bring upon them the divine punishment in the name of the Goddess!" "Understood, Red Leader!" the squad members replied in unison as their formation split into groups of three, each maneuvering to intercept the incoming Revenant fighters. Among them was Erik, the youngest and newest member of the squad, his fingers trembling slightly as they gripped the controls of his fighter. This was his first live battle, and he could feel the weight of it pressing down on his chest. "Young Erik!" Red Leader's voice broke through his thoughts, firm yet teasing. "I hope you're ready for your first live battle! Try not to die out there, or your father'll kill me! Just follow my lead and back me up. Got it?" Erik took a deep breath and forced a laugh, trying to sound braver than he felt. "Understood! I'll always follow your butt, sir!"

Chapter 233 Trust. (4)

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