A million Ancient Angels awakened from all corners of the Universe, responding to the 'kindling' call, and gathered at the Merlot Heavenly Court!
This news was like dropping an information bomb with a mass exceeding that of a star into the calm known Universe.
The shockwaves it triggered swept through the highest levels of all civilizations capable of space travel, and even god-level civilizations, in an incredibly short time, traveling faster than light through dark information ripples, special observation methods of advanced civilizations, and ubiquitous interstellar intelligence networks.
What it brought first was a deathly silence, and beneath that silence, a chill that almost froze the soul, accompanied by unbelievable horror.
Styx Galaxy, Death Song Academy.
This place was forever shrouded in an atmosphere of tranquility, gloom, and a rich scent mixed with death and knowledge.
The skull-like architectural style, floating candles, and silently moving Void servants formed the main keynote of this place.
However, at this moment, that eternal tranquility was broken.
It was not broken by sound, but by an invisible, almost solidified sense of trepidation.
On the highest observation deck, the God of Death Karl, the top scholar of the known Universe and the most inscrutable Phantom Body, was quietly'standing' before a massive star map depicting countless galaxies and Void rifts.
On his eternal, calm face that seemed indifferent to everything, a rare and extremely subtle ripple appeared.
That ripple was not fear, but a deep mixture of astonishment, contemplation, and a hint of... interest, as if his cognition had been challenged?
Before him, on the real-time updated cosmic energy situation map projected directly by the great clock, the region representing the Angel Nebula was currently covered by a dense, impenetrable, brilliant golden light symbolizing the aggregation of ultra-high-intensity holy energy.
The intensity and density of that light, as well as the ancient and violent individual energy characteristics contained within it, made even Karl, who was well-informed and had even studied the Ultimate Fear, feel a slight data overload.
'One million two hundred seventy-five thousand three hundred and six...' Karl recited the number accurately calculated by the great clock in a low voice, his tone still flat, but his speaking speed was half a beat slower than usual, 'The average individual energy level exceeds the standard of active high-ranking Guardian Angels by 17.3%...
Detected over three thousand energy signatures matching records of known Ancient Angels hero units... including but not limited to: former Left-Wing Guardian Flowing Moon, former Flame Wind Legion Commander Blazing Wind, former first-generation research officer Star Whisper, Judgment Knight, and Watcher Silent Sea...'
As he read out each name, the invisible chill in the vast hall seemed to grow heavier.
For an ancient being like Karl, these names were not unfamiliar symbols.
They were living history, war legends that once made the entire Universe tremble, the 'past' that had long been sealed by time and believed to have fallen, retired, or perished.
And now, the 'past' had returned collectively in such a barbaric and magnificent manner, declaring that they had not gone far.
Snow, Karl's most loyal follower, stood respectfully below with his head bowed, not daring to even breathe loudly.
He could feel the stormy waves currently rising within the eternally calm thoughts of My Lord Karl.
He did not even dare to imagine what would happen if the Merlot Heavenly Court, possessing such terrifying power, turned its spear toward the Styx Galaxy...
'Keisha...' Karl's gaze shifted from the star map into the void, as if piercing through endless space to see the King of Gods sitting on the throne, 'Are you finally... no longer satisfied with using the chains of the order of justice to bind yourself and the entire Angel Civilization?'
His voice was very soft, as if he were talking to himself, or speaking to some unseen existence.
'Such a scale, such a rapid assembly... the 'kindling' protocol... Heh, even this has been activated.'
Deep in Karl's eyes, data streams surged like a galaxy, performing frantic deductions, 'Not because of an external invasion, not because of internal rebellion... but to 'protect the future' and'start a new era'?'
The information he received was limited, and the Angel Civilization's public explanation of this matter was vague, but the great clock, combining various fragments of information, could still analyze some clues.
The call issued by Flowing Moon through the 'kindling' channel, although encrypted, was not untraceable, especially for Karl, who possessed the great clock.
'A new path... the 'hope' that is enough to make these sleeping ancient warriors return without hesitation...'
Karl chewed on these words in a low voice, his Phantom Body seeming to fluctuate slightly, 'The Void? No, it doesn't look like it.
The Void brings more fear and unknown, rather than the 'hope' that makes Angels so fanatically firm.
Is it... a new technological breakthrough? A 'key' sufficient to overturn the existing landscape and allow the Angel Civilization to advance further?'
He thought of the recent unusual energy fluctuations in the Angel Nebula, thought of certain research trends of Heavenly Base King Hexi that were deliberately covered up, and thought of that tightly protected visitor from another world...
'Artoria...' Karl slowly uttered a name.
The great clock did not have many records of this name, but every time it appeared, it seemed to be accompanied by some subtle changes in the Angel Nebula.
Especially recently, the 'protection' level that the Merlot Heavenly Court gave her and her special partner had been raised to an almost exaggerated degree.
'Is it the variable you brought?' Karl's gaze seemed to pierce through the endless void, falling in the direction of the Silver Moon Observatory, 'Knowledge from another world? A gift that transcends the era? Interesting... truly interesting.'
He turned around and looked at Snow, who was trembling in silence below, his tone returning to its usual flatness, but the meaning contained within it made Snow tremble involuntarily.
'Notify the Gluttony King Shi Hao that the 'purification' operation against Earth in the Chi Wu Star System is postponed indefinitely.
All fleets that have already departed are to turn to the third hidden zone at the edge of the Styx Galaxy and wait for orders.
Without my explicit instructions, no unauthorized movements are allowed.'
'Additionally,' Karl paused, adding,'Strengthen the observation of the periphery of the Angel Nebula, especially the energy monitoring of the 'Guixu Barrier'.
I need to know what exactly they want to do by gathering such a massive force.
Also, raise the priority of tracking Demon One to the highest level.
Before we figure out the Angels' intentions, do not let her... cause too much trouble again.'
'Yes, My Lord Karl.' Snow bowed deeply and quickly withdrew to convey the orders.
In the vast hall, only Karl remained once again.
He cast his gaze back to that brilliant golden, heart-palpitating light region on the star map, muttering to himself, as if with a hint of unspeakable anticipation and... vigilance:
'Holy Keisha... you have unlocked the first link of the chain. So, next, are you going to wield this sealed sharp sword and strike at all existences that do not submit to the 'order of justice', or... point it toward that deeper unknown?
It seems the calmness of the known Universe is really coming to an end. That's fine... chaos is the best catalyst for evolution. I just hope this fire doesn't burn too quickly; if it's too fast... it won't be fun.'
Demon One, hidden in the asteroid belt of a remote galaxy.
Unlike the deathly silence of the Death Song Academy, the main control hall of Demon One was currently filled with irritable swearing and panic that had almost solidified into substance.
'Damn it, that bitch!!! Keisha, that old hag! What the hell does she want to do?! Huh?!'
Morgana, or rather Morganas true name, the Demon King, kicked over the expensive command console made from the bones of an unknown star beast without any regard for her image, spitting out a series of profanities from her scarlet lips that were enough to extinguish a star.
Her full chest heaved violently, and in her eyes, painted with heavy smoky makeup, erupted flames mixed with anger, fear, and a hint of disbelief.
On the huge tactical screen in front of her, the magnificent scene of a million Ancient Angels gathering outside the Merlot Heavenly Court was being displayed in the most intuitive way.
Those dense Angel light spots, emitting an ancient aura that made even her feel heart-palpitating.
'Over a million! Over a million old antiques from the ancient era! Has Keisha gone crazy?! She dug all these old undead out of their graves; does she want to plow through the known Universe?! Bitch! It must be that little bitch's doing! That little slut from another world named Artoria! She must have given Keisha some hellish thing, making this old aunt think she's got it again! That she can turn back the clock and do a legion crush!'
Ato, Morgana's most loyal warrior, stood like a solid sculpture on the side, his head bowed, not daring to reply.
He could feel the Queen's almost explosive rage, and beneath the rage, that hint of... lingering fear that was hard to hide.
Yes, lingering fear. No matter how arrogant Morgana was, or how much she called herself the embodiment of 'free falling,' she knew what a million Ancient Angels meant.
That was not just a number; that was an absolute military force capable of crushing the existing power of the Demon Civilization a hundred times over without even breaking a sweat!
Just picking out a few veteran Legion Commanders from inside would probably be enough to give the current Demon One a hard time! Not to mention that there were also people like Flowing Moon and Blazing Wind, the gods of slaughter who were already feared during the Angry Sea Era!
Karl! That pervert Karl must know something! Damn it, he didn't even give me a heads-up! He only knows how to hide in the shadows and scheme!
Morgana turned her anger toward Karl again, although she knew that Karl was likely also caught off guard.
Queen, calm down... Ato finally spoke, biting the bullet, his voice dry. The urgent matter is... what should we do? Should we still follow the original plan and wait for Queen Keisha on Earth?
Wait for her ass! Morgana roared, her spit almost spraying onto the screen. Go to our deaths?! I used to think that if I caught her alone, with that pervert Karl helping in the shadows, I might be able to ambush her! But now? She has over a million Ancient Angels who lived from the ancient times trailing behind her! If I show my face now, believe me, she won't even need to lift a finger; with just a wave of her hand, this bunch of old relics could chew Demon One and everyone on it to bits!
She paced anxiously back and forth in the main control hall, her high heels clicking crisply and rapidly against the floor, mimicking her frantic heartbeat.
Retreat! Retreat! Notify all lurking units on Earth to enter the deepest level of silence! Without my personal order, even if the sky falls, they are not allowed to expose themselves! Demon One, activate the highest level stealth protocol, reduce energy output to the minimum, and drift to the most godforsaken corner like a real meteorite!
Morgana issued the order while almost screaming. She was afraid; she was truly afraid. This move by Queen Keisha was completely beyond her expectations and had completely disrupted all her plans. Sniping Queen Keisha on Earth, spreading the ideology of fallen freedom—all of that had to take a backseat now! Preserving her life and the hard-earned foundation of the Demon civilization was the top priority!
Queen Keisha... what the hell do you want? After giving the order, Morgana slumped onto the only intact sofa, rubbing her throbbing temples, her eyes filled with confusion and deep wariness. Creating such a massive spectacle just to deal with me? Impossible... then... is there really a bigger scheme? A new path? Hope? What exactly could make this old aunt spend such a huge fortune?
She looked at the suffocating golden light region on the screen and, for the first time, felt a waver in the 'fallen freedom' she had always insisted on. In the face of absolute power, any ideology seemed pale and powerless. Especially when that power was not only strong but also wrapped in the magnificent cloak of the 'order of justice'.
Karl... you must know something... Morgana muttered to herself, a dark glint flashing in her eyes. It seems it's time to find you, that pervert, and 'have a good talk'. However... I have to ensure my own safety first. Damn, this Universe is getting harder and harder to survive in!
Lieyang Star, Cloud Heaven Court.
The atmosphere here was different from the eerie, deathly silence of the Styx Galaxy and the irritable panic of the demons; it was filled with a sense of gravity, solemnity, and an indescribable... tension.
In the Cloud Heaven Hall, Reina was not present; she was still 'lingering' on Earth, experiencing her 'main god training'. At this moment, the one sitting in command of Lieyang and handling government affairs was General.
General stood straight as a pine, his face resolute, wearing the traditional magnificent battle robe of Lieyang. He stood in the center of the hall, looking up at the huge star map on the dome that displayed the real-time situation of the major forces in the known Universe. His gaze was locked firmly onto that dazzling, brilliant gold in the Angel Nebula.
Behind him were the civil and military officials of the Lieyang civilization, all holding their breath, not daring to make a sound. The news of the return of a million Ancient Angels was like a heavy hammer, striking hard at the heart of every Lieyang person. Lieyang prided itself on being a top-tier god-making civilization in the known Universe, possessing Sunlight and having a deep foundation. But even the proudest Lieyang person had to admit at this moment that, facing an Angel legion of such scale and quality, Lieyang... was not enough. Far from enough.
One million two hundred and seventy thousand... an old official said with a dry voice, breaking the silence, and all are elites who survived the ancient bloody battles... This power is enough to sweep across the vast majority of civilizations in the known Universe in a short time. Even our Lieyang...
He didn't continue, but the meaning was already clear. Although Lieyang's Sunlight was powerful, it was unknown how much effect the technology of driving stellar energy could have when facing an Ancient Angel legion of such quantity and quality. Moreover, the terrifying mobilization ability and hidden foundation displayed by the Angel Civilization made Lieyang's long-standing pride seem somewhat ridiculous.
General was silent, his fingers unconsciously rubbing together inside his sleeves. He was thinking, weighing. How should Lieyang conduct itself?
Regent, another official in charge of intelligence stepped out and said in a deep voice, According to the information we currently have, this large-scale assembly of Angels does not seem to be aimed at any specific civilization. Its public reason is to 'protect the future of civilization' and 'open a new era'. But what it specifically refers to is still unclear. There is unconfirmed news saying it might be related to the recent secret research of Heavenly Base King Hexi, and that visitor from another world.
Visitor from another world... Artoria... General slowly repeated the name. Lieyang naturally had paid attention to this young girl who suddenly appeared in the Angel Nebula and received double attention from Queen Keisha and Hexi, but they knew very little.
What movements are there from Karl and Morgana? General asked.
The Styx Galaxy has ordered the Taotie fleet to stop advancing toward the Chi Wu Star System and switch to silent standby. The whereabouts of Demon One are a mystery, but it can be confirmed that it has left its original lurking area, and its stealth level has been raised to the highest. Both have shown high vigilance and... an evasive posture, the intelligence official replied.
General nodded. Even Karl, who was best at causing trouble, and Morgana, who feared nothing in heaven or Earth, had chickened out and chosen to avoid the sharp edge, which in itself spoke volumes.
We, Lieyang, have always had dealings with the Angel Civilization, and our relationship is acceptable. Although Queen Keisha promotes the 'order of justice', she is still polite to Lieyang, General said slowly, his voice steady, carrying the calmness a decision-maker should have. The Angel's sudden movement this time has an unclear purpose, but in the short term, it should not be aimed at Lieyang. However, the reappearance of a million Ancient Angels will definitely cause a drastic change in the pattern of the Universe. We, Lieyang, must observe and must defend.
He turned around, his gaze sweeping over the officials in the hall: Pass the order, the entire Lieyang army is to enter a level two alert state. All border outposts and interstellar fortresses are to raise their alert level. Strengthen dynamic monitoring of the Angel Nebula and the 'Guixu Barrier'. However, without my order, no one is allowed to have any provocative or snooping actions toward the Angels and their affiliated forces!
Yes! The officials replied in unison.
In addition, General paused and added, In my name, send an official congratulatory letter to the Merlot Heavenly Court. Congratulate Queen Holy Keisha on adding another strong army to her command, and that the Angel Civilization intimidates the Universe. The tone should be respectful, but not sycophantic. At the same time... inquire about the situation of Sunlight Reina on Earth, and politely indicate that if the situation on Earth changes, Lieyang is willing to fulfill its duties as an ally and provide necessary assistance.
This was a probe, and also a show of goodwill. Lieyang needed to know the attitude of the Angels toward Earth, the Super Seminary, and Reina. At the same time, it also needed to position itself correctly in front of this giant ship of the Angels that had suddenly become even more powerful.
Also, General's gaze became profound, Send more people to collect all information about that 'Artoria' in the most secretive way possible. I want to know who she really is, where she comes from, and why she can cause such... Earth-shattering changes.
Understood!
The officials accepted the order and left, leaving only General alone in the hall. He looked up at the star map again; that brilliant gold representing the Angels was so dazzling, so... oppressive.
A million Ancient Angels... General muttered to himself, complex emotions flashing in his eyes, Queen Keisha, are you going to... completely break the existing balance? A new era... what kind of era is it exactly? What role should I, Lieyang, play in this new era?
He felt a long-lost pressure. It was a sense of oppression from a higher-level power that he had rarely felt since the destruction of Deno and the dormancy of Lieyang. Lieyang's sun seemed, at this moment, to appear no longer so unique, so... supreme.
The entire known Universe seemed to hold its breath at this moment. All eyes, whether overt or covert, were focused on the star region shrouded in golden light, focused on the Merlot Heavenly Court, and focused on the Queen who sat on the throne, having just shown the whole Universe what kind of terrible hand she held—Holy Keisha.
The Angel's position as hegemon had never been displayed before the gods as clearly, as indisputably, and as... heart-palpitatingly as it was at this moment.
And all of this was only because the chains of self-restraint seemed to... have loosened a crack. The sleeping volcano had awakened.
------------------------------
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! If the fanfiction has you hooked and you can't wait to see what happens next, you can unlock 30 or more chapters in advance over on my patreon: patreon.com/FTLGenBen
Also every bit of support means the world to me so if you're loving the ride, don't forget to drop a Power Stone, Thanks.