CHAPTER 61: The First Contact of the Starlight Envoy
(ARC 4: COSMIC DOMAIN & THE STARLIGHT BEACON)
The outer boundary of the Sterling Celestial Canopy shimmered like a net of liquid gold against the pitch-black void of Sector 7.
Three sleek, pearlescent vessels shaped like crystalline stingrays drifted to a complete halt ten thousand miles outside the planetary shield. These were the diplomatic star-ships of the Gilded Trade Federation, led by their flagship, The Starlight Sovereign.
Inside the observation bridge of The Starlight Sovereign, Arbiter Vael stood near the grand crystal viewport, his sapphire skin glittering under the ambient light of the ship's consoles. Beside him, six crystalline honor guards held silver staff-conduits, their eyes fixed on the massive planetary shield ahead.
"Arbiter," a junior officer reported, his crystal voice trembling slightly. "Our scanners cannot penetrate the golden barrier. The energy density... it matches that of an established High-Tier Cosmic Domain! Furthermore, we have detected no orbital defense batteries because..."
The officer paused, swallowing hard.
"...because the barrier itself is the defense battery. If we attempt an unauthorized spatial jump, the canopy's spatial distortion will shred our hulls in less than a second."
Arbiter Vael smoothed his silk robes, his expression composed yet intensely alert. "We are not invaders, Lieutenant. We are merchants and envoys. Broadcast our highest-grade peaceful diplomatic frequency and request an audience with the ruler of this realm."
BZ—ZZZ-T!
Before the broadcast array could complete its transmission, a ripple formed in the vacuum of space directly fifty yards ahead of the lead trade vessel.
Out from the blue-and-gold spatial ripple stepped three figures.
At the center stood Gabriel, wearing his dark dragon-silk coat. He floated in the airless void with absolute, effortless ease, his Peak Void Sovereign aura suppressed so smoothly that he appeared like a serene, divine spirit. On his right stood Ethan, resting his wooden spear shaft over his broad shoulder, his Imperial Sovereign Dragon-Physique radiating a faint, warm golden light. On his left stood Elena, her hand resting lightly on her azure sword hilt, her spatial perception locked onto every corner of the trade fleet.
Behind them, the shadow beneath Gabriel’s feet stretched into the void, where Malakor hovered like an icy violet phantom.
Inside the bridge of The Starlight Sovereign, Arbiter Vael’s eyes widened in sheer, breathless awe!
"They... they walked straight through the planetary shield into the vacuum without an environmental array or space vessel?!" Vael gasped, his crystalline fingers tightening around his staff. "A Peak Void Sovereign... and two dragon-physique heirs!"
Vael immediately pressed the communications rune on his console, projecting his voice into the vacuum via harmonic spatial resonance.
"Honored Sovereign of the Ascended Realm!" Vael bowed deeply toward the viewport, his honor guards instantly dropping to one knee behind him. "I am Arbiter Vael of the Gilded Trade Federation. We come in peace and deep respect, seeking to establish formal diplomatic and commercial relations with your esteemed House!"
Gabriel’s dark golden dragon pupils scanned the three crystalline ships. His voice echoed directly inside the minds of everyone aboard the Federation fleet, calm, deep, and regal:
"I am Gabriel Sterling, Sovereign Clan Master of the Sterling Empire," Gabriel declared smoothly. "You arrive at the border of a realm that has just cleansed its skies of conquerors. State your intent, Arbiter."
Arbiter Vael stepped closer to the viewport, holding up a glowing white-jade crystal scroll.
"Sovereign Sterling! The Gilded Trade Federation recognizes the absolute sovereignty of House Sterling over this sector!" Vael stated with utmost sincerity. "We know the Vorathian Empire treated this world with treachery. We offer open trade routes, access to Sector 7’s central star markets, and cosmic intelligence regarding the remaining warlord factions—in exchange for peaceful commerce and alliance with your ascended world!"
Ethan looked over at Elena with a subtle, mischievous grin. "See? I told you. When you smash three thousand dreadnoughts, people suddenly become very polite."
Elena smiled faintly, adjusting her sword sash. "Polite merchants are better than arrogant invaders, Ethan. But let's see what their market has to offer first."
Gabriel looked at Arbiter Vael, a quiet, emperor-level smile playing on his lips. With a simple flick of his fingers, the golden canopy behind him parted, opening a grand, three-mile-wide spatial gateway leading directly down toward the Floating Cloud Island.
"Enter, Arbiter Vael," Gabriel commanded softly. "Welcome to the Sterling Empire."