Building Interstellar Empire With Universal Synthesis
Chapter 106: The Grand Banquet
The Trial World was evacuated as quickly as possible.
The elven warriors were also recalled by Neo to keep up his alternate persona.
After synthesizing with the Inquisitor, he became even stronger, with his base stats now standing at around 300 each.
Still, he knew it was not enough to challenge the administration and the other faction leaders. He had to restrain himself.
He also ordered the Ghost to depart after the strengthened elves were safely on board.
However, before it could initiate the warp drive, a terrifying, massive palm appeared before them.
[ Warning! High-level interference detected. ]
Elena, Clark, and the others were stupefied by the giant palm. Their spaceship was half the size of a moon, yet this palm was significantly larger than that.
Neo’s eyes narrowed, while Noir’s expression turned grim.
"They are the administrators! I need to hide."
Neo gave a nod, understanding her demonic essence could easily be detected by higher powers. She was as strong as them, but for his sake, she wanted to avoid trouble as much as she could.
Neo’s eyes remained fixated on the massive palm.
Soon, a thunderous voice echoed through the cosmos.
"Faction Leader Zenith. We apologize for the disturbance! But we are currently investigating the case of the participants’ disappearances, and it is a matter of the utmost importance. Please be cooperative and follow us. There will be a special banquet for the other faction leaders, and you are invited."
"What a bother," Neo replied, feigning annoyance. "Very well, I will attend this banquet."
"Thank you!"
With that, the massive palm disappeared, turning into a giant luminous arrow indicating the direction the ship needed to go.
"Follow it, Ghost!" Neo ordered, finding no other choice.
"Understood, Master!" the ship responded.
Elena leaned closer, her face etched with worry. "Neo, you should have refused. This could be a trap. There will be high-level Beyonders there."
Neo sighed. "We have no other choice, Elena. If I had refused, I would be one of their prime suspects."
"The Emperor is right," Clark added after pulling his gaze away from the main monitor.
The Ghost followed the massive luminous arrow through the vast expanse of space.
Soon, a breathtaking planet came into view.
It was not a natural world, but a colossal, artificial sphere constructed entirely from gleaming silver metal and glowing blue energy circuits.
This was the Administrator Planet, the absolute center of authority for the Gourd trial.
As the moon-sized Ghost approached the designated orbital dock, several escort vessels immediately surrounded them.
"Welcome, Emperor Zenith," a polite, synthetic voice transmitted through the ship’s comms.
"As your Zenith Empire has officially ranked within the top five factions, you have been granted Priority Access Level One. Please proceed to the VIP landing bay."
Neo stood at the bridge, arms crossed. He wore a regal, dark military uniform adorned with subtle gold accents, perfectly fitting his persona as Emperor Zenith.
Elena, dressed in silver flowing gown, stood beside him as his partner.
"It seems our performance in the trial bought us some prestige," Neo said, offering Elena a reassuring glance.
"Let us hope it does not buy us unwanted attention, Neo," Elena replied softly.
The Ghost docked flawlessly. When the heavy metallic ramp lowered, a delegation of high-ranking administrators was already waiting to receive them.
They were flanked by incredibly powerful, heavily armored guards whose auras easily reached the peak of Type 6.
"Emperor Zenith, My Lady. It is an honor. Please, step into the celestial carriage. We will take you directly to the Grand Banquet Hall."
Unlike the other faction leaders who were seen walking or taking standard transports, Neo and Elena were ushered into a luxurious, hovering carriage pulled by four mechanical beasts made of pure light.
The ride offered them a brief look at the towering crystal skyscrapers and floating gardens of the capital city.
Within minutes, they arrived at the grand venue.
The doors of the banquet hall were towering, forged from pure adamantite and engraved with ancient runes.
As the doors slowly opened, dozens of powerful auras washed over them.
"Announcing the arrival of Emperor Zenith, leader of the Zenith Empire!" a herald shouted, echoing through the grand hall.
The entire room went quiet for a second.
There were 80 of the most powerful and ruthless Faction Leaders in the Galactic Sector present.
These were the elite of the elite, rulers of star systems and immortal dynasties.
King Vane of the Crimson Kings, Lord Garrick of the Iron Lords, the Kraken of the Sea Monster Empire, and the Solar Saint from the Saint Lands were already present.
Upon seeing Zenith’s face, they were surprised. He was young, far too young.
And under his leadership, the Zenith Empire had reached the top five.
What could be more surprising than this?
Neo was not directed to the crowded lower tables.
Instead, a host gracefully guided him and Elena up a flight of crystalline stairs to the elevated VIP terrace. Here, the tables were carved from rare starlight jade, and the seating offered a commanding view of the entire hall.
The Kraken, King Vane, Lord Garrick, and the Solar Saint were already seated there.
For some reason, Neo’s presence among these exalted beings came as an insult to their prestige.
How could they endure a mere human’s presence as equal to theirs?
Neo could feel the displeasure in the air. And yet, he took his seat with unwavering grace.
The Kraken leaned forward and said, "Zenith, I am Kraken. You have made quite a commotion back in the trial. You have proved elves are not some sniveling pussies after all."
"Tch," King Vane clicked his tongue. He did not comment, as if Neo was completely unworthy of his attention.
Suddenly, the Solar Saint’s eyes flashed with a dangerous golden light. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂
"Why do I smell a demon in here? Who is the rat in disguise?"
Lord Garrick laughed, pointing his eyes at Neo.
"Must be that one, honourable Saint. I had a feeling something was wrong. I mean, how can a human ever be so capable?"