Within the headquarters of the Ashen Vortex Sect, the recording of Adrian's slaughter replayed continuously across a massive projection, the scene looping over and over as Ignis, Pyros, and Asteria sat in silence, watching every moment with sharp, calculating gazes.
The footage captured the complete collapse of an invading force, the effortless elimination of two Peak Rule Stage cultivators, and the overwhelming disparity between expectation and reality. Despite the magnitude of what was being displayed, none of them reacted with visible shock or disbelief, their expressions instead carrying a cold, analytical detachment as they evaluated what they were seeing.
The silence stretched for several more seconds before it broke.
Asteria was the first to speak, her tone calm, though laced with a faint edge of disdain. "So this is what gives him the confidence to stand against us?" She gestured toward the projection with one hand. "Does he truly believe that possessing this level of speed is enough to challenge us?"
Ignis let out a low laugh, his tone carrying both amusement and contempt as he replied, "Look at those so-called Peak Rule Stage cultivators being cut down in a single strike." He shook his head slowly. "If that is all it takes to kill them, then they never deserved that title in the first place." His gaze lingered on the moment where Adrian's blade severed through his opponent, his expression sharpening slightly as he continued, "Pathetic."
Pyros observed the same scene with a more measured expression, his voice calm as he interjected, "Not everyone is like us, Ignis. Different races possess different physical limits, and not all cultivators prioritize the same aspects of strength." He paused, allowing his words to settle. "You're judging them based on our standards."
Ignis shrugged dismissively, leaning back in his chair. "That may be true, but there are countless body arts across the universe capable of pushing physical capabilities beyond such limits." He waved one hand toward the projection. "The fact that they failed to cultivate even that much only proves how much of their lives they wasted."
"They spent millions of years accumulating authority," Pyros said. "But they neglected everything else."
"Exactly," Ignis said. "Which makes them failures."
Pyros gave a faint nod, acknowledging the point. "True, it's not difficult to acquire a body art capable of enhancing physical speed to that level." His eyes tracked Adrian's form as it flickered across the battlefield. "If Adrian has reached this point, then it's likely he obtained something of high quality from whatever Major Sect he was discarded from."
Asteria's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of curiosity crossing her features. "Do you think he still has connections there?"
"Doubtful," Pyros replied. "If he did, he would have revealed them by now. Discarded disciples rarely maintain ties."
At that, Ignis's expression darkened slightly, his voice lowering as he spoke with a cold certainty. "If he truly believes that this speed makes him invincible within this galaxy, then he is in for a harsh awakening. When we face him on the battlefield, I will personally ensure that he understands his place."
Asteria's lips curved faintly, her eyes reflecting the same cold intent. "I would pay to see that." The idea of crushing Adrian, of stripping away the confidence he displayed so openly, clearly held a certain appeal to her, and the anticipation of that moment lingered silently between them.
"You'll have your chance," Ignis said.
Pyros allowed the moment to pass before redirecting the conversation. "We will deal with him when the time comes. He will pay for what he has done." His gaze shifted away from the projection, focusing instead on the two beside him. "For now, pushing aside this minor variable, there are more pressing matters that require our attention."
Both Ignis and Asteria turned toward him, their focus sharpening as Pyros continued, "Nightshade, Morwenna, and Balthazar have already begun absorbing the minor sects across the galaxy. Their progress is steady. If we do not accelerate our own efforts, we will fall behind in the preparation phase, and we will lose strategic advantage before the war even begins."
Ignis's jaw tightened fractionally, "We've already sent emissaries to dozens of sects."
"Emissaries move slowly," Pyros said. "They negotiate, compromise, and they waste time."
Asteria crossed her arms slightly, "So what are you suggesting?"
Pyros leaned forward, "Rather than relying solely on emissaries and announcements, it would be far more efficient for us to approach these minor sects directly." His eyes moved between them. "A personal visit from one of us would significantly increase the speed of submission. Few would dare to refuse when confronted directly."
Ignis's expression shifted instantly, a predatory smile forming on his face as he understood the implication. "That sounds efficient." His voice carried anticipation. "Who would dare refuse if I stood before them personally?"
The answer, in truth, was no one.
Pyros gave a slight nod. "Yes, but there are conditions." His tone sharpened. "Do not target sects that have already pledged themselves to the other three. We are still in the preparation phase. If we provoke open conflict too early, before our internal structure is stabilized, we risk creating a situation we cannot control."
Pyros continued, as he laid out the reasoning in full. "At this stage, the minor sects are submitting under pressure rather than loyalty. If we attempt to force them too aggressively without proper integration, they will not fight with full commitment when the war begins. Worse, such instability could lead to internal betrayal or even outright mutiny during critical moments."
Ignis's smile faded slightly. "You think they would betray us?"
"I think they would do whatever ensures their survival," Pyros said flatly. "If they believe we cannot protect them, they will turn on us without hesitation."
Asteria's eyes narrowed slightly, "So we don't just take them." Her voice carried understanding. "We bind them properly."
"Exactly," Pyros replied. "We must establish proper UNI-Contracts with these sects, binding them through structured agreements while offering enough benefits to ensure compliance without resistance. If they see value in aligning with us, they will follow orders without hesitation when the war begins."
"Benefits," Ignis repeated, his tone skeptical. "You want us to reward them for submission?"
"I want us to ensure their loyalty," Pyros said. "There's a difference between conquered territory and stable allies."
Asteria nodded slightly, "Resources, Protection, and Access to our markets."
"All of that," Pyros confirmed. "Enough to make them dependent on us, but not enough to make them threats."
Ignis gave a short nod in agreement, accepting the strategy. "Fine. We do it your way." His gaze flicked briefly toward the projection of Adrian before returning forward, "But when the war starts…" His voice lowered. "I'll deal with him myself."
The projection looped again. Adrian floated amidst corpses, his blade dripping crimson.
Pyros said nothing, merely inclining his head in acknowledgment.
…
Across the Andromeda Galaxy, similar discussions were taking place within the other three strongest sects. Each of the four strongest powers began consolidating their influence, absorbing minor sects, securing alliances, and strengthening their foundations in preparation for the inevitable galactic war.
In effect, the galaxy had entered a brief yet critical phase of stillness, not as a sign of peace, but as the calm before an unprecedented storm. It was a period of preparation, a moment where every faction gathered strength, knowing that when the next phase began, it would no longer be a series of isolated conflicts.
It would be a war for absolute supremacy.