Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1093 - 741: Nemesis of the Universe (Part 2)
Previously on Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!...
The indescribable resonance and power that surged forth when Bai E activated the "Ancient Bell" satellite, the "Hammer of Morning Star"; the flawless fusion of mecha and his spirit during combat skills when confronting the "Immortal" guardian...
[These phenomena cannot be explained by ordinary Spiritual Ability Users.]
A calm, objective voice, seeming to emanate from the very core of Astra's consciousness, offered an analysis: [His Spiritual Energy... possesses a primal, almost 'essential' aura, yet it harmonizes perfectly with mecha technology and combat will. The ancient entity noted his innate 'resistance' and 'attraction' to high-dimensional 'noise' and the Bug Race, a contradiction unified... A 'Key'...]
[Incredible miracles accompany his every action. The ascent of Mine Star, the Karian campaign, a decisive sword strike at the Star Alliance competition, the purification of Aisera... Could all these truly be attributed solely to sheer strength and good fortune?]
Another voice, tinged with a subtle, suppressed jealousy and deeper suspicion, interjected: [Or is he himself a kind of... 'anomaly'? A 'phenomenon' that he himself might not fully grasp? The pronouncements of the Star Remnant Clan... perhaps suggest that he is a 'vessel' or an 'outcome' resulting from some higher form of power interfering within the material universe?]
Astra unconsciously tightened his fist.
He recalled the instant he was overcome by Bai E's single sword strike at the Star Alliance competition, the profound sense of powerlessness as the "web of destiny" felt forcibly ripped apart and the predetermined path rudely contorted.
It was an unparalleled experience in his entire career as a "Child of Destiny."
Frustration mingled with a profound sense of unease.
[The Golden Federation requires strength, power to counter the Bug Race and to face impending changes.]
The initial rational, composed voice continued its assertion, [The latent potential demonstrated by Bai E and the 'ancient insights' he has accessed hold immense value. Collaboration might lead us closer to recovering that lost knowledge.]
[But he is excessively perilous!] The second voice, veiled with emotion, retorted, its tone sharpening with what seemed like induced urgency.
[He is not a controllable 'tool'! Even the Star Remnant Clan identified him as a 'Key,' yet also a 'danger.' He can activate ancient technologies beyond our comprehension. His Spiritual Energy's essence is deemed 'intriguing' and 'assessed' by ancient entities. Such an individual, if aligned with us, is undeniably a weapon. But what if... what if he represents some form of 'corruption' or an ancient 'curse' that we cannot comprehend? What if he... is even potentially linked, in some concealed manner, to the emergence of the Bug Race or the active presence of High-dimensional Demons? After all, the Bug Race appears unusually 'focused' on him?]
This latter thought, like a venomous tendril growing in the shadows, rapidly unfurled once conceived.
[Consider it...] that persuasive voice grew clearer, as if whispering directly into the depths of Astra's consciousness.
[From whence does he originate? An uncharted, unknown planet. His ascent is staggeringly swift. Many individuals in his immediate circle possess obscure backgrounds, yet exhibit extraordinary loyalty to him. The technologies he wields far surpass conventional understanding, even bordering on manipulating 'rules.' Can all this truly be explained away as the work of a 'gifted prodigy'? Or is he himself an integral part of some ancient scheme? Or perhaps a 'piece' strategically placed within humanity by an adversary we have yet to identify?]
[The intelligence network of the Seven Sons of the Empire is vast; perhaps other factions have long harbored similar suspicions.]
The rational voice attempted a rebuttal, yet its strength seemed diminished, [To recklessly label him an enemy in the face of the Bug Race threat, without conclusive proof, is sheer folly.]
[Proof?] That insidious voice scoffed.
[What evidence is necessary for an 'ancient, hidden calamity'? The mere 'potential threat' serves as evidence! The words of the Star Remnant Clan constitute the most potent lead. We need not prove he is a Bug Race operative; we merely need to persuade others that he is a potentially harmful, uncontrollable, and dangerous 'aberration.' That is sufficient. Nip the danger in the bud, or at the very least... ensure he is under our control, rather than allowing him to mature freely and become an unstable element that could jeopardize the Empire's Order in the future. This is the rational course of action, aligning with the collective interests of the Golden Federation and the 'Sons of the Empire.']
Two opposing currents of thought warred fiercely within Astra's mind, and the latter, a potent mix of personal resentment, fear of the unknown, and inclinations seemingly swayed by external suggestion, began to decisively gain dominance.
Upon reopening his eyes, the golden depths held less of pure desire for battle and curiosity, replaced by cold calculation and keen judgment.
He required a comprehensive report detailing the exploration findings of the "Silent Royal Court" for the Federation's upper echelons. This report needed to highlight Bai E's anomalies and potential risks, recommending "prudent control" or, at the very least, "close monitoring and isolation."
The subsequent chain reaction among the Seven Sons was beyond his sole control.
...
Astra's findings, accompanied by selected data and visual records from the "Silent Royal Court," were swiftly presented to the highest authorities of the Golden Federation. As per protocol, this information was then disseminated through the restricted internal intelligence and security coordination network of the "Seven Sons of the Empire."
This report created a significant stir, much like a boulder dropped into a placid lake.
Bai E's "abnormal" performance within the Aisera Star System, the "special Spiritual Energy essence" and "Key" identity revealed by an ancient will in the "Silent Royal Court," coupled with his previously "legendary" ascent, obscure background, and the equally questionable origins of his formidable subordinates, ignited fervent debate and profound vigilance among the security and intelligence sectors of the Seven Sons' leadership.
Moreover, the escalating threat from the Bug Race and the subtle indications of high-dimensional erosion amplified the "uncontrollability" and "potential risk" associated with any individual or force that defied complete explanation by the established system, especially one seemingly linked to ancient, "taboo" powers.
Once doubt takes root, every action can be misconstrued:
His fierce efforts to rescue civilians on Jade Stone Star? It could be a calculated performance to garner support and consolidate power.
His activation of the "Hammer of Morning Star" to cleanse the main nest? This might demonstrate possession of dangerous and volatile taboo abilities. Today, it purifies the Bug Race; tomorrow, who knows?
His refusal to fully disclose activation methods to the Star Alliance? This suggests ulterior motives, a deliberate withholding of critical secrets.
His remarkable efficiency against the Bug Race? Could this indicate a peculiar connection to the Bug Race, perhaps even a deceptive ploy as a "Bug Race spy" to earn human trust?
Such malicious speculation is exceedingly difficult to confirm or refute.
Despite the absence of definitive proof of animosity from Bai E or the New Bauhinia towards human civilization, or any collusion with the Bug Race, under the guise of "preventing potential major threats," "upholding the purity and safety of human civilization," and "ensuring the Empire's leadership remains unchallenged by unknown factors," the high-level echelons of the Seven Sons reached a swift, unspoken consensus.
Several days later, a "special security announcement," jointly sanctioned by the "Seven Sons of the Empire," was officially disseminated through the Star Alliance's public channels. This announcement was transmitted in encrypted form to all member nations and major observer organizations within the Star Alliance.
The statement employed careful language but carried a weighty implication:
"...As per joint security assessments, the nascent 'New Bauhinia Republic' and its leader, Bai E, are associated with several unidentified energy activities and ancient taboo relics. The individual's Spiritual Energy essence raises concerns, and their behavioral patterns exhibit unpredictable risks. To safeguard the overall security and stability of the Star Alliance and to preempt the proliferation of potential threats, the following resolutions are hereby enacted:
1. All competitive qualifications and accrued achievements (including combat contributions in the Aisera Star System) of the 'New Bauhinia Republic' within the Star Alliance competitions are temporarily revoked. Related event records shall be sealed pending review.
2. All proceedings concerning the recognition of the 'New Bauhinia Republic's' sovereignty are suspended. Its currently enjoyed provisional rights and protections are immediately terminated.
3. All member nations and affiliated forces of the Star Alliance are advised to exercise caution in assessing interactions and collaborations with the 'New Bauhinia,' and to bolster relevant information monitoring and data sharing.
4. The Star Alliance Security Council shall establish a dedicated investigative team to conduct a thorough examination of related matters. All parties are strongly urged to maintain restraint and avoid exacerbating the situation until the investigation's conclusion is announced."