Planet Master

The Rift that appeared near the Cerulean Planet became a new discussion topic among the people. Now, they realized that the Star Battle this time was different. Other civilizations waited for them there in another space.

General mobilization was going on as every single one of the civilians and the military of the Hinon Federation was doing their best to fuel the effort of winning the Star Battle as always.

“Get going. To your position!”

The military was especially busy. They were moving their supplies and weaponry to the transport spaceships to be delivered to the places that needed the presence of the military.

The units were also called to their positions since the Star Battle was no different from going to war.

That was why everyone became tense and ready to act according to their position.

Then the Space Elevator became busy with traffic since the fleet of spaceships had gathered in space around the Cerulean Planet.

There was a meeting going on between the captains of the spaceship fleet.

“It is a pleasure to meet you all in this situation, everyone.”

The leader of all the spaceship fleets was holding the meeting via hologram projections in the real world. The other captains straightened their backs, and their eyes were on the projection.

“Then since we are all here, let’s start the important meeting by reporting the fleet’s readiness.”

The leader said while glancing at everyone, sweeping his gaze toward all of the captains present.

“My fleet and I are ready to serve.” A woman who wore the captain's attire with a hat and short hair replied concisely.

The leader nodded and remembered that she was the captain of the reconnaissance fleet. Then he looked at the next person. A middle-aged man with a mustache.

“My fleet and I are ready to crush the enemy of the Federation. Just give me the order.” The middle-aged man said with confidence. His eyes looked sharp as he said the last part.

“Good. You will be in charge of gaining new territories in another space’s galaxy. We all are counting on you.” The leader nodded his head.

This caused the middle-aged man to be excited inwardly. His fleet was responsible for being the pioneer as well as the vanguard that charged at the enemy’s fleet.

One by one, the leader called the captains of the fleet and their readiness caused the leader to be comforted and glad. This was the fleet of the Federation. There were also numerous different races, and the captain and the human leader were glad and touched by the scene.

Despite differences in races, they were all united to do the same thing and under the Federation’s order.

“My fleet and I are ready to safeguard the territory of the Federation.” The Birdman captain spoke.

“My fleet and I are ready to do our best to support the effort of the Federation’s fleet.” A Lizardfolk spoke.

One by one, the fleet captains spoke up. The leader took a deep breath as he felt the excitement building up. Then, after everyone was called, he returned to solemnity.

“As informed, we are going to a different galaxy than our own. This Star Battle is the one where we will surely meet different civilizations. The victory condition is also changing so we need to do our best not to lose and win spectacularly.” The leader said passionately.

The other captains nodded with solemnity. They also knew how important this Star Battle was to their civilization. Losing might not necessarily make their races go extinct but stagnation in their technology and transcendent progress was no different than death anyway.

So, they would fight this Star Battle with their all.

“I might be speaking a lot here, but now, the most important thing is that you all can do your best and try to win while also minimizing casualties. Now, go. Prepare to go to the galaxy beyond the Rift.” The leader ordered the other captains to go to the Rift along with the fleets they led.

“Yes, sir!” the captains all replied with excitement as the hologram projection stopped.

-

The Federation fleet, as expected, entered the Rift one by one. The Quantum Communication channel kept on receiving news about their situation in real time as the fleet saw a life planet on the other side of the Rift.

“According to the intel, this will be our crucial capital in this galaxy. Don’t ever lose it since it means we are retreating to our space and will be declared to be defeated.” The leader murmured. He had briefly informed the other captains about this, and they also knew that the planet in front of them would serve as the capital of their Federation in the galaxy.

The planet was just like the Cerulean Planet, filled with life as the sensors of the spaceship had detected advanced lifeforms there.

“Leader, our sensors have detected the life on the planet. It will make a good capital planet for us. It is as if this was all arranged.” The adjutant said to the leader who was sitting on his chair.

“Build all the necessary buildings and facilities there as soon as possible! Sweep through the star system of this space. Report all the abnormalities to me.” The leader said.

“Yes, sir!”

The pioneer fleet came and then landed on the planet. They immediately built cities on the planet on several of the continents there. They also got additional resources, which made them capable of producing more spaceships as well as the auxiliary tools for civilization to thrive.

In just twenty-four hours, several large cities were built along with the basic defensive buildings, anti-space turrets, as well as the Spaceport and Spaceship Manufacturing Facilities.

In the Geostationary Orbit, several Satellite Fortresses were built.

[Name: Satellite Fortress

Rank: T4

Description: A satellite which is designed for planetary defense. It is filled with double helix cannons as well as X-Ray guns. This is the pinnacle of a planetary defense facility with thick armor and self-sustained capability, gaining energy from the void surrounding it as well as the light from the star.

Further Possible Technology: Astral Barrier, Superluminal Launcher]

These were the first defensive structures for the planetary defense against the enemy fleets. With the Satellite Fortress’ support, the Federation fleets could even decimate the enemy’s fleet easily. But this was a precautionary move since the civilization did not know what kind of enemy they would face.

As the Rift flickered with light, the spaceships of the Federation appeared one after another. The emblem of the fleet was that of the entire map of the Cerulean Planet, signaling the origin of the fleet.

They then stationed themselves around the capital planet, surrounding it in a tight formation.

Dian and Chikara had discussed as to how the Galaxy on Fire mode would began and this was the result of numerous talks.

Then next came the biological spaceships of the Gling. After the mechanical spaceship came, they appeared without disturbing the existing formation and formed an outer formation from the capital planet.

The Overlord Spaceship, which contained the Queen, was also coming to ease the Hive Mind operation to be within the same space.

“Your Majesty, the fleets have arrived at the capital planet.”

The Queen oversaw the entire Gling so she knew that what her right-hand adjutant said was true, so she nodded, and her closed eyes opened.

The capital was where numerous races would live together, including her race so she needed to be careful. But from this planet onward, the new planet her race could find would belong to her and her race. Therefore, she exerted great effort to bring so many of her military and production units to the Star Battle.

Other than her race, the Dwarf, the Elf, the Merfolk, the Birdman, the Giant, the Lizardfolk, the Rodent as well as the Crustacean were all coming to the capital planet.

“According to the Metamorphic God, this Star Battle will be a long one to be fought. Might as well use it to gather all the resources available and plunder it.” The Queen said with certainty.

“Connection from the Second Life detected. Do you wish to connect it to your mental space?” the right-hand informed the Queen.

“Accept it.” The Queen replied with a serious face.

Then the face of the leader of the entire Federation Fleet appeared in her mental space.

“Your Majesty.” The leader saluted respectfully.

“No need to beat around the bush. Speak.”

“You and your race will become the sharpest spear that will encounter natural civilization as well as the potential enemy civilization. But I ask you that until the direct order is given, do not attack them. This is the first priority.” The leader said before he continued.

“Then, when we have fully controlled our territory in this galaxy and you have also established your territory, you will be given some autonomy to rule over your race. You can act within your territory freely and can request for reinforcement when situation becomes dire in your defensive battle. But offensive actions must be reported to me directly.”

The Queen thought about it and understood the reason. The offensive must be reported because it would help if her race had the support of the Federation.

As for defensive battles, unless absolutely necessary, she would not ask for the Federation’s help. After all, the incoming enemies were potential resources for her race.

-

“Now that the family members are here, let’s start the briefing.” In his house, Tatsumi had gathered his immediate family members and even connected to the Second Life to be together with the people from the orphanage.

He, Ame and Charlene were in charge of telling the others. Even Tabitha only deferred to him, so she only showed her presence.

Then the Star Chart of the new world appeared projected from the hologram in three-dimensional form. This data was actually transferred from Dian to Tatsumi immediately after the Star Battle had begun.

Chen Fei, Nene, and even Tatsumi’s biological parents were watching with interest. The Star Chart showed the star systems in the galaxy that they did not even know the place of in terms of their universe.

Tatsumi then used a pointing stick to indicate the location of the Capital Planet in the galaxy.

“According to the Star Chart given by the Father God, this place is the Capital Planet.”

It was at the edge of the galaxy’s arm; the Capital Planet’s star system was located there. From there, the star systems were diverse, and several were available to explore.

All of them knew that the Federation actually received intelligence from Tatsumi so he was qualified to give or restrict people from knowing this.

“Then the Federation plans to keep expanding as much as possible. Therefore, we need every manpower, every race has a chance to contribute now so don’t lose to them.” Tatsumi then swept the stick, tracing it to the center of the galaxy.

“Hmm, that is the first step of the plan.” Charlene chuckled before saying. Everyone realized that was just the opening move by the Federation.

“The second step after expansion is actually exerting influence on the native civilization. Making them our allies is paramount.” Ame said as she developed the galaxy Star Chart projection where there were possible civilizations on those star systems’ planets.

“Question. What should we do to pull the native civilizations into our side?” Chen Fei asked.

“Good question. We need to educate them, of course.” Tatsumi grinned. He knew that this topic was coming, so he was prepared.

“Educate them in what capacity, you might ask?” Charlene interjected. She continued, “Educate them in the knowledge of the Federation’s Technology and Transcendent Tree. That might make them know that we mean no harm and even make their civilizations benefit.”

“Even in the worst-case scenario where they betray us, it will be even better as we have justification to cause trouble.” Ame smiled ‘kindly’, but everyone who knew her well already felt that this woman meant it.

Everyone inhaled sharply at the simple words that she used. Just how confident she was when she said that? Probably so confident that the Federation would do exactly that.

But when they looked at Charlene, they realized that she too was in for it.

The look on both women was like someone who was up to no good.

“Ahem.” Tatsumi feigned coughing before he steered the topic back to the general plan the Federation had.

“Let’s continue, shall we? The second step is the filter with which we can classify the inhabitant civilization’s tendency. This is important since we need to profit off them somehow but not too much. The friendly civilizations with abundant resources are a priority to be allied with.” Tatsumi added while the Federation’s territory in the galaxy’s arm spread inward toward the center of the galaxy while befriending some inhabitant civilizations and eradicating others in conflict.

But then several hostile civilizations came to obstruct the development of the Federation’s territory.

At this point, Tatsumi said, “The third step is to race against time and them. The winning condition for the Federation has not been set since flexibility on the site might change our approach to the victory condition, but for now, barring any extraordinary circumstances, we will adopt the Scientific victory. Meaning, we have to develop the pinnacle of our current technology.

“According to the standard that the Father God has given, we are at late T4 Technology Tree. Reaching the pinnacle actually needs to be done during this Star Battle. This is both an opportunity and a challenge. The higher-ups of the Federation have acted with this in mind. So don’t be surprised if suddenly we have changed our victory objective.”

Everyone nodded in understanding. The most lagging behind right now was actually their technological side. Even the Transcendent Tree was improving much faster than the Technology Tree.

“But shouldn’t we use the Transcendent Tree and achieve a Transcendence victory condition, someone might ask,” Charlene said.

“Well, it is the challenge for us since the Transcendence victory meant we are relying on the Transcendent side for victory which for some people might become too easy. We want to be victorious despite the difficulty to prove to the deities in the God’s Domain that we are their beloved children can win despite the difficulties.” Charlene added.

This caused the others to think. Easier victory might bring them increased productivity as well as the continuous development of the Technology and Transcendent Tree but what lies in difficulty could actually be a path to greater heights.

“Despite the protest from the departed ones, who previously all agreed on the Transcendence victory condition, they admit that they are old-fashioned and should just give suggestions and leave the decision to the future generation,” Tatsumi said with forced laughter.

Only he knew how hectic it was when the Federation’s people chose the Scientific victory. It looked like education played a large part in that. But for the departed ones, Tatsumi could hear their complaints but decisively advised them to learn from the next generation, and they shut up.

Because that was the deal; they had given their past knowledge to the advantage of the present living sentient races in exchange for being taught by the very one they, the departed ones, taught. That was the model and the system that worked here.

The Zipper Model, which could benefit everyone or could capsize everyone who followed the wrong ones. That was why a correct understanding of knowledge was a must. Even Tatsumi had to discern which one was correct and which one was misleading and harmful.

“So we start with Abyssal Difficulty in terms I understand.” Chen Fei commented.

“We like to challenge our limits; that’s all and good. Just don’t fail.” Ame stared at Chen Fei seriously, which made him shiver.

“Abyss Difficulty, that sounds right. Nevertheless, we must do our utmost in our respective duty and not shirk on it.” Tatsumi nodded in agreement, which caused his three wives to look at him.

Ame had the look that meant business. Tatsumi looked at her with a pleading look which made her raise the corner of her mouth.

Charlene thought about something as she looked at Tatsumi, a teasing look and a sweet smile on her face.

Tabitha, on the other hand, looked at him blankly. She could not believe that Tatsumi would use a game reference for the civilization’s difficulty. But then again, there was the Abyss Trial, so might as well let go and lighten the burden of thought.

“You are right, Dear.” Charlene said.

“Our husband will not shirk his duty, right?” Ame looked at him once again.

“He surely will not.” Tabitha added.

Tatsumi realized what they were referring to and could not help but shake his head and quickly said, “I will do it later, promise.”

Seeing his serious face and the way he shook his head, the three did not pursue the matter further.

-

Dian looked at the Special Star Chart, which was lit up when his civilization’s unit entered the galaxy through the Rift. The Capital Planet was at the edge of the galaxy’s arm and they had to move deeper into the center of the galaxy.

This was what the Federation had decided on for their general plan. Dian would not dampen their enthusiastic endeavor. He also looked at Tatsumi, Ame, and Charlene and he chuckled.

"Looks like he needs to do the duty as a leader of the household,” Dian smirked crookedly when he thought about it, but then his expression returned to the serious one he almost wore every time.

“This is the beginning phase of the Star Battle Special Mode. The others are on their station watching over the process of converting potential into strength.” Dian calculated quickly in his mind and then found that there were two inhabitant civilizations on the way to the center of the galaxy.

“This should prove to be the first hurdle.” Dian could not help but see the actions of his races.