readease Chapter 336 336: The Battle Is About to Begin
Chapter 336 336: The Battle Is About to Begin
"These works of art are breathtaking," Rowan said with genuine admiration. "They reflect the wisdom and creativity of your people."
"Thank you for your kind words," Taren replied. "We have always done our best to preserve and develop our cultural traditions."
"You've succeeded," Rowan said sincerely. "This model of balancing culture and technology should serve as an example for other civilizations."
After the tour, they returned to the Giant Axe Arena's command center on Blue Crystal Star. The structure was modern, yet its design blended seamlessly with the traditional architecture of the Blue Crystal people.
"Today's visit has been incredibly enlightening," Rowan said to the Flame Emperor. "Your governance here truly sets a standard."
"What are your impressions?" the Flame Emperor asked.
"First, respect," Rowan said after a moment of thought. "You didn't treat the Blue Crystal people as conquered subjects, but as partners. That respect is the foundation of your success."
"Second, patience," he continued. "Over a thousand years, you guided their development step by step. No rushing, no forcing unnatural growth."
"Third, fairness. A fifty-fifty profit share is rare in the universe. Most powerful factions would claim a far larger portion."
"And finally, vision," Rowan said. "You chose long-term cooperation over short-term gain. A thriving partner is far more valuable than an oppressed subordinate."
The Flame Emperor smiled, clearly pleased. "Your observations are accurate. That is indeed our philosophy."
"I understand now why the Giant Axe Arena is one of the five great powers," Rowan said thoughtfully. "This approach not only brings prosperity, it wins trust and builds a stable foundation."
"True power does not come from fear, but from recognition," the Flame Emperor replied. "When people accept your values and actions, that is when authority becomes unshakable."
Rowan nodded, then asked, "Do the forces planning to attack Blue Crystal Star understand what this place really is?"
"They might. Or they might not," the Flame Emperor said calmly. "But even if they do, it won't matter. To them, this is just a rich target, not a living civilization."
"That difference in mindset is everything," Rowan said quietly. "They see only resources, not people."
"Exactly," the Flame Emperor said. "That's why we must protect this world. Not just for the Blue Crystals, but for what they represent."
Rowan exhaled slowly. "Then this battle is about more than resources. It's about ideals."
"Yes," the Flame Emperor confirmed. "The outcome will shape not only this planet's future, but the development model of the entire region."
That night, the sky above Blue Crystal Star shimmered with soft blue light, a fusion of starlight and crystal energy. Rowan stood alone on the observation platform, gazing into the vastness.
The planet stirred something deep within him.
It reminded him of Earth.
Back home, change was unfolding just as rapidly. And protecting Earth would take far more than one person.
The next morning.
Sunlight filtered through the planet's blue-tinted atmosphere, casting a dreamlike glow over the land. Inside the command center, Rowan was enjoying a traditional Blue Crystal breakfast, still immersed in the wonder of the previous day.
Then the alarms shattered the calm.
A piercing siren echoed throughout the facility. Red warning lights flashed as every display screen lit up with urgent data from the outer monitoring stations.
"Flame Emperor, emergency!" a technician shouted. "Station Seven has detected a large number of unidentified vessels approaching the system boundary. Estimated count exceeds three hundred!"
Rowan froze, his utensils suspended midair. His heartbeat surged.
They had arrived.
The Flame Emperor instantly shifted into combat mode, his expression turning cold and focused. "Two days earlier than expected. Initiate Level One combat readiness. Alert all defensive installations."
"Yes, sir!"
"Display enemy fleet details."
The main screen flickered to life, revealing a massive armada advancing toward the system. Warships of countless designs filled the void, representing multiple factions united under a single goal.
"Silver Moon-class ships from the Silver-Blue Empire… Thunder God-class heavy cruisers from the Thunder Legion… and the Mechanical Race's Iron Fortress vessels," the Flame Emperor said, identifying them one by one. "A full coalition."
"Enemy vanguard will arrive in six hours. Main fleet in eight," an analyst reported.
"When will our reinforcements arrive?" the Flame Emperor asked.
"According to plan, Venerable Blackcloud and Venerable Thunderstrike should arrive in four hours," the communications officer said, hesitating.
"But?"
"We just received word. Venerable Blackcloud's fleet was ambushed en route. Their arrival may be delayed."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
"Ambushed? That's no coincidence," the Flame Emperor said darkly.
Rowan stepped forward. "Could our plans have been leaked?"
The Flame Emperor glanced at him, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Your instincts are sharp. Yes, the timing is too precise."
"What do we do now?"
"If they want a quick victory, we'll give them a fight," the Flame Emperor said, his voice blazing with resolve. "Evacuate all civilians to underground shelters. Activate the planetary shield."
"Yes, sir!"
"Prepare the interception fleet. We will meet them in space. The battle must not reach the surface."
In the following hours, the entire system mobilized. Warships launched from hidden bases, defenses activated, and soldiers took their positions with flawless efficiency.
On the surface, the Blue Crystal people calmly entered shelters under government coordination. Though concern lingered in their expressions, their trust held firm.
"Rowan," the Flame Emperor said, approaching him, "you'll remain aboard the Voidbreaker. It has the best defenses and observation systems."
"I understand," Rowan said. "What are our chances?"
"To be honest, not great," the Flame Emperor admitted. "Their numbers exceed expectations, and they came prepared."
"Our strength?"
"Three Immortals, including myself. Based on your earlier analysis, the enemy likely has three or four."
Rowan nodded, though unease gnawed at him.
As time passed, the enemy fleet drew closer. Soon, both sides could clearly see one another.
"Enemy fleet is dispersing formation. They're attempting to encircle the system," a scout reported.
"As expected," the Flame Emperor said. "They want to cut off our escape and concentrate their forces."
"Our response?"
"We strike first."
The Voidbreaker rose into space, joining dozens of allied warships. Their sleek forms gleamed under the blue starlight, each one radiating power despite being outnumbered.
"Enemy within attack range!"
"Prepare for battle."
The two fleets faced each other across the void. Hundreds of ships formed opposing lines, tension so thick it felt suffocating.
"So this is interstellar war," Rowan whispered.
Then several figures emerged from the enemy fleet, moving freely through space without protection.
"Immortals detected!"
The Flame Emperor stepped out into the void, joined by two others.
Three against many.
Rowan watched through the observation system, his breath unsteady.
"Let's count them," the Flame Emperor said calmly.
But as the enemy revealed their full strength, even he faltered.
"One… two… three… eight… nine… ten."
Ten Immortals.
Shock rippled through the command.
"That's impossible!" the Flame Emperor said, anger rising. "Even for a system like this, ten Immortals is excessive!"
Rowan felt his heart drop.
Three versus ten.
The gap was overwhelming.
"Have we fallen into a trap?" an officer asked.
The Flame Emperor fell silent, then spoke slowly.
"Our operation was completely exposed. They knew we would come. They knew our strength."
"You mean…"
"There is a traitor among us."
The words struck like lightning.
Rowan's mind raced. The early attack, the delayed reinforcements, the overwhelming enemy numbers. It all fit together.
"This is not the time to assign blame," the Flame Emperor said firmly. "We face reality. Three against ten. We have no advantage."
"Should we retreat?"
"Retreat?" the Flame Emperor let out a cold laugh. "Do you think they would let us? And if we leave, what happens to this world?"
Silence answered him.
"Then we fight," another Immortal declared. "Even if we fall, we will make them pay."
"Agreed," the third added. "We do not run."
Across the void, the ten enemy Immortals advanced, their presence pressing down like a tidal wave.
"Flame Emperor of the Giant Axe Arena," one of them called out, his voice echoing through space. "Surrender. Hand over control of Blue Crystal Star, and we may spare you."
"Surrender?" the Flame Emperor replied with disdain. "You're not worthy of the word."
"Then die with it."
At that instant, all ten attacked.
Energy, law-based power, and mental force surged forward in a terrifying convergence.
The battle had begun.
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