In Juxia City, on the top floor of the Angel International Building, in that meeting room with a minimalist style that nonetheless exuded an unquestionable weight, the atmosphere was vastly different from when Artoria had first arrived. Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the city was still bustling, but the air inside was so heavy it felt like it could be wrung out like water.
At one end of the long, high-strength alloy conference table sat three guests representing Earth.
Leading them was Elder Huang, an old man with a vigorous spirit and calm gaze, wearing a crisp Zhongshan suit. Although he possessed no Super Gene, the demeanor of one long accustomed to high positions and the composure born of weathering storms naturally made him the anchor for his side. He represented the attitude and will of one of the oldest civilizations on this land.
To Elder Huang's left was Du Kao, the former Nuo Xing God of War, now the person in charge of the Super Seminary on Earth and a general in the Chinese Military. He wore a dark green general's service uniform, his face resolute, his sharp eyes holding a hint of imperceptible complexity. He represented the technology and power of the Deno Remnants, as well as the Military core currently dealing with interstellar threats on Earth.
To Elder Huang's right was Reina. She had changed out of her signature black armor and was wearing a simple silver-gray training outfit, her long red hair tied up casually. Her brows were slightly furrowed, and she appeared somewhat irritable and impatient, yet she still forced herself to maintain her composure and sat upright. She represented the "presence" and "support" of the Lieyang Civilization on Earth, although this right of representation was itself fraught with subtlety.
At the other end of the conference table was originally Angel Yan's seat. But at this moment, Yan was not sitting in the main seat. Sitting in the main seat was Artoria, who looked calm and wore the "star dome" at her waist. She had changed into a more formal silver-white outfit with subtle Angel patterns, her expression focused, her gaze clear, as she listened quietly. Minerva sat quietly slightly behind her, like the perfect shadow. Angel Yan sat in the secondary seat to Artoria's right, her posture still carrying that signature languor, but her eyes were sharper than usual, observing every subtle change in the expressions of the three people opposite her. Captain Zhui Feng stood solemnly inside the entrance of the meeting room, like a silent statue.
The negotiation, or rather, the formal contact, had been going on for some time.
Elder Huang and Du Kao had expounded on Earth's perspective regarding the current situation, expressing their determination to face the threats of the Demons and Taotie, and also tactfully raised their concerns about "interstellar forces intervening too much in Earth's internal affairs." They thanked the Angel Civilization for their previous attention and warnings to Earth, but between the lines, a core message was revealed: Earth's problems should be solved primarily by Earthlings relying on their own strength, under the leadership of Earthlings. What they needed was "limited, equal, and sovereign-respecting" cooperation and assistance, not "protection" or "supervision" from some higher civilization.
This stood in fundamental disagreement with the stance initially brought by Angel Yan, which implied that "Angels reserve the right to intervene when necessary."
Angel Yan also clearly stated the Angels' position once again: based on the "order of justice," Angels have a responsibility to protect the kind and weak in the Known Universe from being harmed by evil. The threat of the Demons and Taotie to Earth is real, and with the convergence of multiple forces such as Lieyang, Styx, and the Super Seminary, the situation on Earth is exceptionally complex and dangerous. The Angels are willing to provide intelligence support, technical exchanges, and even limited Military aid, but the premise is that Earth must accept the Angels' "risk assessment" and "correction when necessary" to ensure that the situation does not develop in the worst direction, such as large-scale civilization extinction or Demons taking control of Earth.
In other words, the Angels could provide help, but it must be done according to the Angels' "rules," and they would retain the right to "manage."
The two sides were locked in a tug-of-war between "sovereign independence" and "order maintenance," "self-led" and "external supervision." Elder Huang was soft on the outside but sharp on the inside, Du Kao argued on the basis of reason, and Reina occasionally interjected with a confrontational tone. Yan maintained that slightly scrutinizing calmness throughout, her words sharp, yielding not an inch.
Artoria had been listening quietly without interjecting. Her gaze moved slowly across the faces of Elder Huang, Du Kao, and Reina. She could see in Elder Huang's eyes the tenacity of an ancient civilization and the resolution to protect his home; she could see in the depths of Du Kao's eyes his obsession with "Nuo Xing glory" and "Deno's dying wish," as well as that deeply hidden resistance and distrust toward "relying on external forces," and even... a trace of instinctive repulsion toward the Angels' "high and mighty" attitude. Reina was much simpler: irritable, annoyed, feeling that the Angels were "too much trouble," but she didn't seem to have a strong personal inclination regarding whether Earth accepted protection or not.
As the argument continued, an inexplicable, familiar, and suffocating sense of déjà vu slowly welled up in Artoria's heart. She recalled the plot in the "original work." On another timeline, there seemed to have been a similar meeting that took place on the giant gorge or a similar occasion. The King of Angels arrived in person, offering protection, and the Earth side (or rather, the side represented by Du Kao), also based on dignity, sovereignty, and considerations for the future, ultimately... refused.
And then?
Then came the Tianhe Battle, the sacrifice of countless soldiers and ordinary citizens, the blood of Angel Warriors spilled across the sky, the bitter struggle of that left-wing guardian Angel Yan, the hasty growth of the Power of the Galaxy Ge Xiaolun in a desperate situation, the sneers of Demons, the ravages of Taotie... until the end, when Holy Keisha "fell" at the Emerald Star, the Angel Civilization fell into turmoil, and Earth completely degenerated into a Shura field for the war of gods, with lives devastated...
Apart from Earth itself, weren't the ones who sacrificed the most those Angels who came with the belief in "justice," but because of the Earth side's "refusal" and the complex situation, had to intervene in a more difficult and passive way, and ultimately bled out?
Du Kao... was he also like in the "original work," deeply convinced that as long as the "Power of the Galaxy" Ge Xiaolun was on Earth, the Angels would not truly sit by and watch Earth be destroyed? So that was why he had the confidence to refuse "protection," attempting to "utilize" the Angels' power to the maximum extent while maintaining independence, and simultaneously achieve the revival of Deno and the rise of Earth?
Using the Angels' sacrifice to trade for Earth's nirvana and the growth of the Power of the Galaxy?
This thought was like an ice pick, making Artoria's heart shrink slightly. Her hand on her lap tightened unconsciously. Minerva seemed to sense it and gently held her hand under the table, transmitting silent warmth.
Artoria took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the emotions surging in her heart. History had already changed; she was here, the Angel Legion had returned, Karl had suffered heavy damage, Suma Li had been erased... the future might not necessarily head down that worst path. But this negotiation before her, this familiar and unpleasant trajectory...
Just at this moment, Du Kao seemed to have made his final closing statement. He straightened his back, his gaze swept over Yan, and finally landed on Artoria's face, his tone heavy and firm:
"In summary, we thank the Angel Civilization for their good intentions. But we insist that the fate of Earth must be in the hands of Earthlings themselves. We can accept support from allies, but we cannot accept vassal-like 'protection' or'supervision.' We have the confidence and the determination to rely on the strength of our own people, as well as the friends we have chosen, to defend our home and meet future challenges. As for the threats of the Demons and Taotie... we already have contingency plans, and we believe that justice may be late, but it will never be absent."
As the voice fell, there was silence in the meeting room. Elder Huang nodded slightly, indicating agreement. Reina pursed her lips and said nothing. Angel Yan's brows raised imperceptibly, her red lips parted slightly, as if she were preparing to make a final, more forceful statement or declaration.
However, before Yan could speak.
"Yan."
A calm, clear, yet undeniably interrupting voice rang out.
It was Artoria.
Everyone's gaze instantly focused on her. A trace of inquiry flashed in Elder Huang's eyes, Du Kao frowned slightly, and Reina revealed a curious expression. Captain Zhui Feng remained standing solemnly, but his gaze was focused on Artoria.
Yan stopped speaking and turned to look at Artoria, her eyes filled with inquiry but without displeasure. Before setting off, Queen Keisha had indeed given a secret order: if Artoria intervened in the negotiations, her opinion was to be prioritized. This was a respect for the status of the "Star Vault Steward" and also a test of Artoria's judgment.
Artoria met everyone's gaze and slowly stood up. Her movements were not fast, but they carried a peculiar sense of rhythm. She did not look at Du Kao, nor did she look at Elder Huang, but instead cast her gaze toward the vast sky outside the window, as if seeing through the clouds, seeing those shadows about to descend, and also seeing that golden blood that might be spilled.
"Yan," she spoke again, her voice still calm but seemingly carrying the weight of a thousand jin, "Since the Earth side has clearly expressed their wishes—to refuse the Angels' protection and insist on dealing with it independently—then I think our conversation today can end here."
Her gaze returned to the room, sweeping over Elder Huang, Du Kao, and Reina, her eyes clear but conveying an indescribable sense of detachment and calmness:
"The Angels' 'order of justice' has never been a shackle imposed on others. We respect the right of every civilization to choose its own path, even if that path is full of thorns and may even lead to destruction. This is one of the cornerstones of 'justice'."
"Since Earth has chosen to face it independently, then the Angels will naturally respect this choice. We will not force upon you the 'protection' you do not need."
"But likewise," Artoria's tone turned slightly cold, carrying a trace of formulaic indifference, "Based on the responsibility of the 'order of justice' to maintain basic peace in the Known Universe, the Angels will continue to closely monitor the situation on Earth. Regarding large-scale, indiscriminate attacks by evil forces such as Demons and Taotie against Earth, if their actions seriously violate the most basic life ethics and cosmic conventions, the Angels still reserve the right to take necessary actions. This has nothing to do with 'protection,' but is the Angels' principled stance against 'evil,' regardless of whether Earth accepts it or not."
"As for other forms of cooperation and exchange..." Artoria shook her head lightly, "Given that there is a fundamental disagreement on basic positions, I'm afraid it would be difficult to go any deeper. We won't disturb you any further."
After speaking, she nodded slightly to Yan: "Sister Yan, let's go."
No anger, no accusations, no holding back. Only a calm statement and a decisive departure.
A trace of surprise flashed in Angel Yan's eyes, then immediately turned into deep appreciation and a hint of a smile. She stood up neatly and bowed slightly to Artoria: "Yes, I will follow your opinion." She didn't even look at Du Kao and the others again, her posture already indicating everything—after Artoria's statement, the representative of the Angel side for this negotiation had already changed.
"Zhui Feng, prepare to leave." Yan ordered Captain Zhui Feng at the door.
"Yes!"
Artoria took Minerva's hand, turned around, and walked straight out of the meeting room. Yan followed closely behind, and Captain Zhui Feng opened the door and stepped aside to let them pass.
The whole process was smooth and fluid; from the moment Artoria spoke to their impending departure, it was only a few dozen seconds. Decisive, resolute, without the slightest hesitation, it completely disrupted the rhythm that Du Kao and the others had anticipated.
"Wait!" Du Kao couldn't help but speak up. His expression was somewhat ugly; he clearly hadn't expected that Artoria, who looked young and whom they had implicitly regarded as an "Angel vassal" or a "special guest," would terminate the negotiation so decisively, and in such a way that almost amounted to "drawing a line." This was completely different from the script he had anticipated, where the Angels might continue to apply pressure, bargain, or even eventually make concessions helplessly.
Elder Huang also raised his hand, as if wanting to say something.
But Artoria's footsteps paused slightly without turning back. Her voice came calmly:
"As for Earth's path, please take care of yourselves. May your choices truly be able to bring about the future you desire."
"As for us," she turned her face slightly, revealing half of her calm countenance, her gaze seemingly penetrating the walls and seeing something more profound, "The Angels also have the Angels' path."
After speaking, she did not linger any longer. Together with Minerva, Yan, and Zhui Feng, her figure disappeared outside the meeting room door, the sound of footsteps quickly fading away, leaving the room in dead silence, and the three Earth representatives with expressions of astonishment, heaviness, and a trace of confusion after their plans were disrupted.
Du Kao's expression sank completely, and his hand on the table tightened slightly. Elder Huang leaned back slowly against the chair, took a deep breath, his gaze complex. Reina looked at the door, then at Du Kao and Elder Huang, and suddenly "chortled" with a laugh, carrying a bit of schadenfreude and a bit of indescribable meaning:
"Well, the negotiation has collapsed. They aren't playing with you anymore. Is it quiet now?"
Quiet? Du Kao looked out the window at that seemingly calm blue sky. He knew that some things had already changed from the moment that black-haired girl calmly said "end here." The Angels' protection was no longer within reach, and the future storm... seemed to have become even more unpredictable.
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