Chapter 280 Mist planet. {2}

Words : 1071 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

Rex reached out and flicked through the images, scanning each one carefully until his finger froze over a particular video feed. The footage was grainy, obscured by the thick mist that blanketed the planet's surface. But through the haze, something massive loomed. Dim red lights pulsed through the fog, shifting as the shape moved. It was hard to make out any clear details, but there was no mistaking its sheer scale. Whatever it was, it was huge. "Hold on... what is that?" Rex asked while enlarging the screen. Cleo's eyes narrowed as she analyzed the footage. "I don't have enough data to determine its exact nature, but I can tell you one thing... it's not a native creature. Judging by its structure and movement patterns, it's an artificial construct. A machine." She swiped through additional images, revealing different angles of the hulking figure obscured by mist. Each frame offered a slightly clearer view, but the creature or machine remained enigmatic, its purpose and capabilities a mystery. Rex exhaled slowly while running a hand through his hair. "Great. Just what we need... another mystery threat in an already dangerous place." He leaned back against Cleo's lap while staring at the ceiling in thought before glancing at her again. "What about the native creatures? You mentioned them before. If we're heading there, I'd rather not go in blind. Learned my lesson the hard way with that Tier 4 bastard." Cleo's fingers stilled for a moment as she pulled up yet another set of data files. The screens shifted, displaying a series of biological scans and environmental readings. The images were unsettling, vaguely humanoid shapes with elongated limbs, glowing eyes, and skin that seemed to shimmer like the mist itself. "That," she murmured, her voice low and measured, "is where things get even more complicated." Rex raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Complicated how?" Cleo zoomed in on one of the scans, highlighting a peculiar energy signature emanating from the creatures. "The native lifeforms on the Mist Planet are... unique. They're not just predators or territorial beasts. They're symbiotic with the planet's environment, drawing energy directly from the mist. Their biology is intertwined with the planet's ecosystem in ways I've never seen before. And if provoked..." She trailed off, her gaze distant, as if recalling something she'd rather forget. Rex sat up fully now, his expression serious. "If provoked, what?" Cleo met his eyes, her golden irises gleaming with an intensity that sent a chill down his spine. "If provoked, they become something else entirely. They merge with the mist, becoming nearly invisible, and their strength increases exponentially. They're not just dangerous; they're unpredictable." "And if we're going to the Mist Planet, we'll need to be prepared for more than just a machine lurking in the fog." Rex leaned back while letting out a low whistle. "So, let me get this straight. We've got a planet covered in mist that's basically alive, native creatures that can turn into nightmare fuel at the drop of a hat, and a giant mystery machine that might be a war asset from your people. Did I miss anything?" Cleo's lips twitched with the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners. "Not to mention the possibility of other factions already being there, drawn by the same technology." Cleo's expression turned smug, her golden eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Each convoy is commanded by a Tyrant-Class Heavy Infantry unit, supported by 200 to 300 Aegis units for security. Pirates won't stand a chance, not with that level of firepower." Rex let out a low chuckle while shaking his head. "Tyrants, huh? Last time I checked, they weren't exactly the diplomatic type... Are you sure they're the best choice for handling trade negotiations?" At that, Cleo flicked his forehead with a sharp, deliberate motion. "Ow—what was that for?" Rex winced while rubbing the spot where her finger had struck. Cleo's gaze was sharp, her golden eyes piercing through his feigned innocence. "Don't act like you don't know," she said, her voice cool but tinged with amusement. "You think I wouldn't figure out that you installed the Rex Virus into them?" Rex immediately averted his eyes, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Cough, cough—I have no idea what you're talking about." Cleo smirked since she was clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Nice try," she said while leaning in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "These new Tyrant units have that virus embedded in their code. So don't act surprised." Rex let out a defeated sigh while raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But still... do you have any footage of one of these 'successful' trade negotiations? I want to see how well they're actually doing." Cleo's smirk widened, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief. "Of course," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "Let's take a look, shall we?" With a wave of her hand, a new holo-screen flickered to life, its surface shimmering with the promise of having something entertaining on it. The holo-screen shimmered into existence while casting a soft glow across the room. The footage was crisp and clear, showing a bustling spaceport teeming with activity. Massive cargo ships loomed in the background, their hulls gleaming under the harsh artificial light of the docking bay. Workers in exosuits moved with mechanical precision, loading and unloading crates onto conveyor belts that snaked through the port like metallic veins. But the focal point of the scene was impossible to miss, a towering Tyrant-Class Heavy Infantry unit with its hulking frame clad in matte-black armor that seemed to absorb the light around it. The unit stood at the center of the port, its presence commanding immediate attention. Rex leaned forward, his drowsiness forgotten as he watched the scene unfold. "Alright, let's see how this plays out." The camera zoomed in on the Tyrant as a group of traders approached. Their leader was a wiry man with a sharp suit and a sharper smile. He gestured animatedly, clearly trying to negotiate terms. The Tyrant's response was immediate, with a deep, synthesized voice rumbling through the feed, cutting through the noise of the port. [Terms non-negotiable. Payment upfront. No exceptions.]

Chapter 280 Mist planet. {2}

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