At the same time, a stream of information flowed into her consciousness along the connection: the basic manipulation methods of "star dome," the uses of some of the Sacred Coding it contained, and... a top-level distress signal transmission authority. As long as she willed it, no matter where she was, as long as it was within the known Universe, this signal would reach the core of the Merlot Heavenly Court with the highest priority!
Artoria gripped the hilt tightly, feeling the vast power and heavy promise contained within. She looked up at Hexi, the last trace of unease in her eyes fading, replaced by a sense of clarity and determination.
"Thank you, Teacher. Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you... Angels." She held "star dome" horizontally in front of her chest and performed a standard sword salute. Although her movements were a bit unfamiliar, her expression was extremely solemn. "I will keep this kindness and sentiment in my heart, Artoria. What this sword protects is not just me, but everything I cherish and the future I yearn for."
She didn't say any grand words, but this simple promise made Hexi and the others nod slightly. What they valued was precisely this clarity and sincerity in Artoria.
"Good." A satisfied smile appeared on Hexi's face. "The sword has been gifted to you; how you use it is entirely up to you. However, for now, you will likely have to stay here for a while longer. Outside, because of a certain senior's 'big move,' things are quite lively. Until you have enough power to protect yourself, or the situation becomes clear, the Silver Moon Observatory remains the safest place for you."
Artoria nodded in understanding. She understood the principle that possessing a treasure is a crime; furthermore, what she was holding was not just a "treasure," but practically an "Imperial Seal." Keeping a low profile and focusing on development was the way to go.
"Alright, the gift has been delivered, and it's time for us to go." Hexi looked at Flowing Moon and Silent Sea. "There are still some 'troublesome matters' that need to be dealt with."
Flowing Moon nodded to Artoria, and Silent Sea smiled again. The three figures flashed and disappeared from the viewing platform.
Artoria held "star dome," feeling the reassuring pulse coming from it, and remained silent for a long time. Minerva's projection leaned over gently; although they couldn't physically embrace, the soul link allowed them to communicate their feelings.
"With it, things... will be much safer in the future," Minerva said softly.
"Hmm." Artoria nodded, clutching "star dome" tightly to her chest as if holding the most precious treasure in the entire World, and also holding a heavy responsibility. "It's just that the path ahead... seems even harder to see clearly."
But regardless, she was no longer the visitor from another World who could only passively accept protection. In her hand, she had a sword. Behind her, were a million Angels.
Merlot Heavenly Court, the secret "Dawn" meeting chamber.
It lacked the grandeur of the royal court and was more like a strategic war room. Keisha sat at the head of the table, with Hexi sitting on her left. Below them, Flowing Moon, Blazing Wind, Star Whisper, Judgment, and Silent Sea, the five Ancient Legion Commanders who had just returned, sat in order. Apart from them, no other Angels were present.
"Everyone is here." Keisha's voice rang out calmly, breaking the silence in the room. "Let's talk about how we should digest this 'gift' and how we should proceed on the path ahead."
Her gaze swept over the five people below and finally landed on Flowing Moon, with a hint of imperceptible scrutiny.
Flowing Moon's expression remained unchanged as she calmly met Keisha's gaze. "Your Majesty, the top priority is reorganization and pacification. Over 1.27 million warriors have returned suddenly; although morale is high, the organizational structure is chaotic, ideologies are inconsistent, and there is a need for integration with the new generation. I suggest conducting initial reorganization based on original legions or similar combat tactics to restore the basic command system. At the same time, we should immediately launch basic popularization and adaptive training of new knowledge so that the warriors can quickly understand what we are fighting for, and... what kind of power we will master."
"I agree with Flowing Moon's view." Blazing Wind's voice was like her name, carrying a scorching aura. "But reorganization and training alone are not enough. A million-strong army is assembled, consuming huge resources every day; staying put for too long easily leads to laziness and will also give the outside World the wrong signal. I believe we should use combat as training and use deterrence to promote stability."
"Combat? Against whom?" Star Whisper's cold voice rang out as she adjusted her non-existent glasses. "Karl and Morgana are like frightened birds, hiding away. Lieyang is cautiously watching. Other god-level civilizations are silent as cicadas. Initiating a war now would be unjustifiable, easily giving others an excuse to criticize us, placing us in the position of 'bullying the weak' and 'destroying the existing order,' which contradicts your 'Justice' philosophy, Your Majesty."
"Hmph, what kind of bullshit 'Justice' is that!" Judgment Knight snorted coldly, hugging her greatsword, her brows filled with undiminished murderous aura. "Thirty thousand years ago, when we were hacking demons, driving away beast bodies, and annihilating triangular bodies, we didn't have so many scruples! Whoever doesn't submit, we beat them until they do! Now that we have absolute power, it's the perfect time to drag those rats hiding in the gutters—that God of Death Karl, that Demon Queen—out and crush them to death! Once and for all, eliminating future troubles! This is the greatest justice for the 'Angels'!"
"Judgment, times have changed." Silent Sea spoke gently, her voice like flowing water, smoothing out the gunpowder-like atmosphere in the air. "Pure destruction cannot bring eternal peace; it will only sow more seeds of hatred. We now have new goals and a new path; what we need is not just power, but also wisdom, and... planning for the future. War can be a means, but it should not be the end. Your Majesty, Heavenly Base King, I believe the top priority should be to use this deterrence to redefine the order with the gods, and to buy time and space for us to digest new knowledge and explore new paths."
The few Legion Commanders expressed their own opinions, and the differences in their philosophies were clearly visible. Flowing Moon was pragmatic, Blazing Wind was bellicose, Star Whisper emphasized strategy, Judgment advocated killing, and Silent Sea preferred a gentle approach. This precisely reflected the views of different factions within the Ancient Angels.
Keisha listened quietly without interrupting. Hexi also propped up her chin, watching the few old generals argue with great interest, as if watching an interesting debate.
After everyone had expressed their views, Keisha spoke slowly. Her voice was not loud, but it instantly suppressed all arguments. "Are you all done?"
The meeting chamber fell silent.
"Flowing Moon's suggestion of reorganization and training is the foundation; proceed immediately. Blazing Wind's suggestion of using combat to promote stability has its merits, but the targets must be clear, and there must be no indiscriminate killing. Star Whisper's deep concerns are exactly what Hexi and I worry about. Judgment's heart is commendable, but her methods are too cruel and not the way to long-term peace and stability. Silent Sea's suggestion of buying time and space is the current priority."
She paused, her gaze becoming as sharp as a knife. "The deterrence of the return of the million-strong army has already been achieved. Next, what we need to do is not rush to use it to crush anyone, but to let it become the most powerful bargaining chip in our hands, paving the way for the transformation of the Angel Civilization."
"First," Keisha held up a finger. "Externally, issue a formal announcement. The return of the Ancient Legions of the Angel Civilization is to cope with potential future crises and to protect the peace and stability of the known Universe, not targeting any specific civilization. However, any attempt to take advantage of the Angel's transformation to provoke, sabotage, or endanger the safety of the Angels and their allies will be regarded as a declaration of war against the Angels and will inevitably lead to a devastating blow. The wording will be drafted by Hexi; it must be tough, but also leave room for maneuver."
"Second," the second finger went up. "Internally, accelerate the analysis and application of new knowledge. Use the 'Guixu Barrier' as a Base to establish the highest-level research and training center. Flowing Moon, you are responsible for coordinating defense and internal reorganization and training. Star Whisper, you will coordinate with Hexi and be responsible for the initial screening, classification, and adaptive transformation of new knowledge, prioritizing its application in the military and defense fields. Remember, proceed step by step to ensure safety and stability."
"Third," Keisha's gaze turned to Hexi. "As for the trip to Earth, the plan remains unchanged, but the method is adjusted. The dummy will be prepared as originally planned, and the 'fall' drama will proceed as usual. However, the true form will not participate directly. Hexi, you will carry the backup sensor of 'star dome' and sit in command at the 'Guixu Barrier.' I, in my true form, after the 'fall,' will observe from the shadows and coordinate the overall situation. At the same time, dispatch an elite Ancient Angel squad, led by... Judgment, to secretly infiltrate the Chi Wu Star System and lie in wait. On one hand, secretly protect Yan and the Super Seminary on Earth; on the other hand, if Karl and Morgana really make any moves, or if the situation changes, you can strike with thunderous force at any time to control the situation."
Judgment's eyes lit up, and her grip on the sword tightened slightly; she was clearly very satisfied with this arrangement.
"Fourth," Keisha looked at Silent Sea and Blazing Wind. "Silent Sea, you are responsible for communication and coordination with the new generation of Angels. Appropriately disclose some information to them, especially the direction of the new path, to stabilize morale and bridge the generation gap. Blazing Wind, you are responsible for 'friendly visits' and deterrent patrols to other major civilizations in the known Universe. Targets: Lieyang, the Iren Civilization, and several other top god-making civilizations with main god-level entities. No need to take action, just show presence and convey the message: The Angels are still powerful, and even more powerful. However, we have no intention of active expansion for the time being, provided they behave themselves."
Each instruction was clear and explicit, considering both the current deterrent situation and planning for long-term development. It had both tough tactics and gentle strategies, utilizing the advantages of the million-strong army's return to the extreme, while avoiding falling into a full-scale war too early or causing excessive panic.
After listening, the few Legion Commanders showed expressions of conviction. Even the most bellicose Judgment understood that Keisha's arrangement was more comprehensive and effective. The Queen was still that same Queen; seemingly bound by "Justice," but once the shackles were undone, her methods and courage were enough to make any opponent tremble.
"As for Artoria..." Keisha said finally, with a hint of imperceptible softness in her tone. "She has accepted 'star dome,' and her status is now different. Her safety is listed as the highest priority of the civilization. Her growth is the sole responsibility of Hexi. The knowledge she brought is the spark of the civilization's future and must not be lost. She herself is the Guardian of this spark and... one of the possible guides. Do you understand?"
"Understood!" the five Legion Commanders replied in unison. They had all seen the tip of the iceberg of that "gift" and knew its value well. The importance attached to Artoria was no longer just because of her contributions, but because she was a key node connecting the "present" and the "future."
"Then," Keisha stood up, her supreme majesty radiating naturally. "Perform your respective duties and take action. Let the known Universe see what kind of posture the Angels, with some shackles undone, will use to face this new era."
"Yes! Your Majesty!" Everyone received the order solemnly.
A storm sweeping through the known Universe had just begun. And at the center of the storm, the Angel Civilization had already sharpened its dusty sword, adjusted its course, and was slowly setting sail towards that unknown new era full of hope and challenges.
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