[Indestructible]
[Unshakable as a Mountain]
After gathering all the ships together, Kaito created 20 massive shields in one go, enveloping all the ships and granting them maximum protection.
Space jumping away was now impossible. It would take time, and the enemy would likely abandon their encirclement plan and attack immediately to intercept.
Since they were already intercepted and couldn't escape far, the surrounding enemy ships could just catch up.
So, it was better to put up shields and let them enjoy what's called "Art is Explosion".
Well, having Kaito witness it would also be a great story.
They could brag about it later, even for generations!
Seeing the five fleets protected by his 20 layers of super-large Jade Shields, Kaito was very satisfied with his work.
Not just because of the shields, but because there was a huge silhouette of him on them.
As for the reason, let's just say those who know, know.
"Well, it's about time to prepare."
Thousands of original rock cubes spun around Kaito. After they dispersed and merged into space, everything returned to calm, as if nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, the rebel forces were confused.
'Why had the New Emperor jumped out again? Did he really think he alone could destroy the over a hundred ships they had already revealed?'
'Not only were they widely dispersed, but there were also many hidden ships nearby!'
'Thousands more were rushing at full speed!'
If they weren't so wary of the New Emperor's true strength, they wouldn't have gone to such lengths.
Wasn't this overkill?
Using over ten thousand ships just to take out a thousand, or to counter a larger fleet.
After all, war wouldn't end quickly. If Kaito had brought fifty thousand ships, they would have sent even more reinforcements.
"Fellow lords, what do you think the New Emperor is doing?"
In the rebel conference, each lord observed the scene from their respective planets, issuing commands to their fleet generals and commanders.
But Kaito had come out again, this time doing nothing, not even actively attacking the hundred-plus ships. This made many rebel lords suspicious.
"Hehe, maybe he's planning to surrender but can't find us?"
"Hahahaha, don't be ridiculous. From what we've seen, the New Emperor would never do that."
"Exactly. But his actions are indeed strange. Maybe he's charging a big move, trying to annihilate us in one go? Look what he did before, putting a huge shield on his five fleets."
"My chief technician is still analyzing the strength of that shield. Honestly, this ability is unbelievable."
"Tch, you tech-types don't understand, don't talk nonsense. It's clearly a magical shield created by the New Emperor. But I must admit... even our strongest mages couldn't do this."
"Yes... a magical shield that can surround five fleets... that would require all our mages to work together to cast a super-large magical shield, and whether it would succeed is questionable. It would need countless mages in magic circles to maintain it."
"The New Emperor does have some skill. But what is he trying to do now... I think he's waiting for us to show ourselves, then release a super-large area-of-effect spell to wipe us out."
"Makes sense. That would explain why he put that shield on his fleets."
"This New Emperor... might be stronger than Gid!"
While the lords debated, the tech-type lords were speechless, while the magic-type lords were amazed by Kaito's strength.
This magical shield technique truly made him the number one in the universe!
Even their strongest mage, who could cast a shield enveloping a single battleship, was considered very strong.
And don't forget, it wasn't just about enveloping a battleship; the shield's defensive strength had to surpass an energy shield!
Otherwise, why bother with Kaito's magical shield? Wasn't it better to just have the ships divert all power to their energy shields?
Therefore, these magic-type lords were terrified and starting to have second thoughts.
This magical shield technique truly terrified them.
As mages, they deeply understood that such a feat was impossible for an ordinary person!
"Enough, don't let fear of the enemy weaken your resolve!"
"Yes, you magic-types may be scared, but don't forget, our tech-type weapons are also not to be underestimated!"
"The New Emperor is just one person. No matter how strong he is, what if we attack him from a longer range?"
"Hahahaha! Even if the New Emperor is strong, he can't possibly withstand the simultaneous attack of over ten thousand ships! Especially since many of them have planet-destroying cannons!!"
"Tch, even Gid would have to retreat. The New Emperor can't possibly defend against it!"
"Hahaha, exactly! Let's proceed with the original plan! But this time, we'll stay a bit farther away, attacking from within firing range!"
Even they would grieve the loss of their ships.
Since the New Emperor was performing so well and seemed about to unleash a big move to wipe them out, they couldn't just rush in and throw away their ships!
Even losing one ship would cause a lord great pain for a long time.
The fact that they had to pay so much tribute each year meant they couldn't grow wealthy!
On the surface, they retained autonomy, and if they faced an attack they couldn't repel, reinforcements would be sent. But wasn't that just a slightly gentler form of colonization?
They retained autonomy simply because there were too many planets, and they didn't have enough people. Also, with the uncertainties of living creatures' nature, no one could guarantee the absolute loyalty of those sent to rule.
As for attacks, they couldn't complain. They did follow through on their promises.
And back when Gid was alive, there were hardly any space pirates. As soon as they appeared, Gid would excitedly go and wipe them out.
Over time, Gid lost interest, leaving the remaining space pirates to struggle and hide.
But the issue of annual tribute was what hurt their interests!!
Before their star systems and planets were discovered, they controlled all resources, their technology and civilization rapidly advanced, and they dreamed of conquering other star systems.
But what happened after they were discovered and large fleets were sent?
Well...
Technology stagnated significantly. From building ten ships a year, they could suddenly only build five. One could see how much they were being drained.
Although they knew this was to curb their development, prevent them from growing too large and harboring dissent, and maintain peace in the universe,
over time, they couldn't stay content. Having been drained for so many years, it would be strange if they didn't rebel!
Who would want to give up almost half of what was rightfully theirs, unconditionally and without compensation?!!