My Children’s Gifts Give Me 1000x Returns!

(ARC 4: COSMIC DOMAIN & THE STARLIGHT BEACON)

A month had passed since the Grand Feast of Ascension.

Under the coordinated efforts of the five elemental spires, the Sterling Empire had transformed into a well-oiled cosmic powerhouse. The fourteen adamantite mines in the Northern Core operated at peak efficiency, churning out thousands of tons of high-grade spatial alloys daily. Combined with the steady stream of interstellar traders flowing through the Sterling Starlight Gate, the empire's wealth and prestige in Sector 7 stood unquestioned.

Inside the quiet, sunlit study of the Floating Cloud Island, Gabriel sat behind his large mahogany desk, reviewing the latest cultivation reports of the Pentagon Corps.

Sitting across from him was Evelyn, quietly arranging fresh spirit-blossoms in a porcelain vase. Her presence brought a serene, soothing warmth to the room that Gabriel cherished above all else.

BZ—ZZZ-T!

Without warning, the spatial atmosphere inside the study vibrated!

A blinding ray of silver-and-crimson cosmic light burst through the ceiling, solidifying into a three-foot-tall, glowing holographic scroll floating above Gabriel's desk. The scroll bore the ancient, towering crest of a golden sun eclipsed by a crown of stars—the imperial seal of the Central Galactic Court.

Evelyn set her vase down, her dark eyes narrowing with subtle concern. "A direct transmission from the Central Galaxy?"

Gabriel raised his hand, touching the glowing seal with a thread of his Peak Void Sovereign Qi.

The scroll unrolled automatically, projecting a booming, robotic voice that resonated with cold, ancient arrogance across the room:

[DECREE OF THE CENTRAL GALACTIC COURT]

"To the newly emerged Sovereign Master of Sector 7, Gabriel Sterling:

Your realm's sudden ascension and total annihilation of the Vorathian Armada have breached the ancient territorial balance of the Mid-Rim Quadrants.

By order of the Grand Primordial Council, you are summoned to the Imperial Capital World of Aethelgard to attend the Centennial Sovereign Assembly in thirty days. You shall present your domain's registration credentials, pay the required Realm Ascension Tribute, and submit to the sovereignty audit.

Failure to appear shall result in your realm being designated a 'Rogue Cosmic Faction' and targeted for total planetary pacification."

The holographic scroll dissolved into silver ash, leaving a small, hovering spatial coordinate marker pointing directly toward the core of the galaxy.

Silence filled the study for a brief moment.

Evelyn walked around the desk, placing her hand gently on Gabriel’s shoulder. Her dark eyes flashed with an icy, protective fire.

"Pacification?" Evelyn whispered softly, her tone laced with cool disdain. "They send a summons treating our home like a vassal state before even knowing who we are."

Gabriel leaned back in his leather armchair, pulling Evelyn down to sit comfortably on his lap. He wrapped his broad arms around her waist, resting his chin against her shoulder with a soft, confident chuckle.

"It is the natural reflex of ancient empires, Evelyn," Gabriel said smoothly, his dark golden dragon pupils burning with a terrifying, world-conquering dominance. "When a new power rises, they try to shackle it before it grows too large to control."

"And what will you do, Gabriel?" Evelyn asked, resting her hand against his cheek, looking into his eyes with complete, unshakeable trust.

"We go to Aethelgard," Gabriel smiled, leaning in to press a warm, lingering kiss against her soft lips. "Not as petitioners paying tribute... but as sovereigns claiming our seat at the high table."

An hour later, inside the grand council chamber of the palace...

Ethan and Elena stood before the strategic table, alongside Lord Harrison, General Ignatius, and the five spire commanders.

Ethan’s dark eyes flared with a scorching golden dragon heat as he read the Central Galactic decree. He rested his hand on his wooden spear shaft, a sharp, eager grin spreading across his face.

"A sovereignty audit? They want us to pay a 'Realm Ascension Tribute' just because our world got stronger?" Ethan laughed, shaking his head. "They really don't know who they're talking to."

Elena stood beside him, her azure blade resting quietly at her side. "Aethelgard is the heart of the Central Galaxy. It's protected by ancient arrays and hosted by the seven Primordial Clans. Going there means stepping directly into the lion's den."

Gabriel stood at the head of the throne platform, flanked by Evelyn. His voice echoed through the hall like a thunderclap:

"Ethan, Elena—prepare the Sterling Sovereign. You two shall accompany Evelyn and me to Aethelgard."

"What about the home realm, My Lord?" General Ignatius asked, stepping forward with his fist over his heart.

"Lord Harrison and General Ignatius shall oversee planetary defense alongside Malakor," Gabriel commanded smoothly. "The Celestial Canopy will remain locked in Battle Domain Mode during our absence. No external fleet enters Sector 7 without my explicit pass."

"BY YOUR COMMAND, SOVEREIGN MASTER!" the council shouted in unison, bowing deeply.

Gabriel looked out through the high windows toward the distant stars, his dark golden dragon pupils shining with absolute, cosmic authority.

The Central Galactic Empire thought they were summoning a new vassal.

They were about to welcome their new ruler.