Chapter 268 Human civil war.

Words : 1036 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

This confirmed her suspicions. That world. That ancient, ruined planet lost in swirling clouds and forgotten history. It was connected to her people. Somehow, in some way, the remnants of Kaelzar technology still slumbered there. Her mind raced with possibilities, but she forced herself to focus. That mystery would have to wait. Right now, she had something more immediate to uncover. Her gaze dropped to the small, unassuming memory device in her hand. "Now... let's see what secrets you hold," she murmured. With steady hands, she inserted the device into the scanner, then leaned back, watching as the data began to decrypt. Cleo stood motionless as hundreds of holo-screens flickered to life around her, their blue glow illuminating her face like a constellation of cold, digital stars. Her sharp eyes darted from one display to another, scanning rapidly as data flooded in. But as she watched, screen after screen shifted from blue to red, the legacy of a system ravaged by time and decay. "Tsk. Is everything here corrupted?" She muttered, frustration lacing her voice. More and more red filled her vision, the corrupted files mocking her with their inaccessibility. Then a flash of green light appeared. Her eyes widened while her fingers moved instantly to zoom in on the single uncorrupted data file. Her heart quickened as she began to parse the contents. "Let's see... just a specter drone... rapid-fire laser turrets, target acquisition systems, self-repair modules." She exhaled, tilting her head. "Well, at least it's better than my current combat drones." She was about to keep searching when something else caught her eye. Another green screen. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly opened it. The moment she saw what was inside, her breath hitched. Her pupils dilated. "This is... this is it!" Every other screen around her vanished as she focused entirely on this one. The room seemed to fade away, the hum of machinery dulling to a distant murmur. Whatever was in this file... it was something far beyond simple drones or weaponry. It was something important. Something game-changing. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire@@@@ Meanwhile, on the other side of the galaxy, another storm was brewing. For nearly two years, Lilla's power had grown unchecked. Both politically and militarily, her influence had reached a level where the Human Senate could no longer turn a blind eye. She had become too strong, too independent. And with Madame Rose, her most powerful ally, having disappeared without a trace, the Senate saw their opportunity. A secret meeting had been called. The room was dimly lit, filled with the murmurs of politicians and high-ranking military officials. The air was thick with tension, a silent war waged in the space between their words. A man cleared his throat while standing at the head of the table. His cold, calculating gaze swept over the gathered officials, his presence commanding the room. "So, the situation is clear. We can no longer allow Lilla to continue unchecked. She is a threat to the stability of our newborn empire. It is time to remove her." His voice was firm, absolute, leaving no room for dissent. "Is everyone in favor of this plan?" "Because it is not fun if she does not fight back!" His wild grin stretched across his face as he slammed a fist on the table, the impact echoing like a thunderclap. "I was born a hunter. What is the thrill in slaughtering prey that does not struggle? I want her to feel the walls closing in, to fight desperately for her life, to crawl before me as her fate becomes inescapable!" His voice dropped lower, filled with something primal, something that made the blood run cold. "Even a rabbit, when cornered, will bite. And that is what I live for. A worthy hunt. A prey that refuses to die easily." His eyes flickered toward the far end of the room. A young maid stood there, frozen in horror, her trembling hands clutching the tray she had been carrying. Her breath came in short gasps, her legs locked in place as fear paralyzed her. The general's grin widened, his teeth gleaming like a predator's. "Speaking of prey..." He raised the gun and pulled the trigger. The shot was instant. The maid barely had time to scream before the bullet pierced her skull, her body crumpling lifelessly to the ground. A silence more deafening than the gunfire filled the room. The general took a step forward, nudging the maid's body with the tip of his boot before leaning down and speaking directly into the communicator she had been carrying. "That is two of your spies down, Saintess." His voice was mocking, taunting. "I hope you are listening. Prepare yourself. Clean your neck for me. I will mount your head where everyone can see it." Inside the temple, the air was heavy with tension. Lilla sat in complete silence, her expression unreadable as the transmission played out. The counsil scheming. The general's madness. The cold executions. Every word had reached her ears, yet she had not spoken once. Across from her, one of the priestesses turned off the communicator, her fingers trembling slightly. "Saintess... should we call the paladins?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. Lilla closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply. {Cleo was right....She had been right all along.} A deep sadness settled in her chest, but it did not last long. It hardened into something else. Something unshakable. She opened her beautiful gray eyes. "There is no need to call the paladins," she said, standing up as several priestesses moved to her side, already preparing for what was to come. "Inform the High Inquisitor," she commanded, her voice calm but firm. "The time has come." Two of the priestesses immediately bowed and left the chamber. Others moved to her side, swiftly unfastening the ceremonial robes she wore. They replaced them with something far more fitting. A sleek, pristine suit of white power armor. Lilla's expression remained steady as the final pieces were secured, the armor humming softly as it came to life. "The first Holy Crusade begins now."

Chapter 268 Human civil war.

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