With this final synthesis, a rush of pure, condensed power flooded Neo’s core, pushing his attribute stats past the monumental threshold of 500 points.

​Neo felt stronger than ever before. Now equipped with an absolute, invincible shield, there was absolutely nothing left on this vessel capable of stopping him from hijacking it.

​Within a matter of hours, he and Noir swept through the upper decks and easily captured the three corporate women, including Director Sharon.

​Standing on the central bridge, Neo broadcasted a cold, authoritative message to all 10,000 crew members, announcing that the Bonnel 2.0 now belonged entirely to the Zenith Empire. He gave them a simple choice: those who wished to remain employed had to swear absolute loyalty to the empire, while those who disagreed were entirely free to leave unharmed.

​Once the announcement echoed through the ship, the crew was split down the middle.

Half of the 10,000 crew members chose to abandon the ship for various personal and corporate reasons, while the remaining half decided to stay and serve their new master. Among those who pledged their loyalty, about 70 to 80 were powerful Type 7 and Type 8 Beyonders.

​Neo was highly satisfied with the results.

​Under his direct command, the massive corporate dreadnought changed its course and sailed back toward the orbit of his newly renamed home world: Zenith Core. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

​Upon arrival, Neo immediately ordered Ghost to integrate the Bonnel 2.0 into its own mainframe control, completely locking down the ship’s systems to ensure it could never be hacked or stolen back by the Byzon Company.

​Just as Neo was preparing to descend back to the planet’s surface, a massive, square shaped holographic interface violently manifested right before his eyes, blocking his path.

​Neo’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as the live video feed stabilized, revealing a tall, imposing man dressed in a sharp black suit staring directly back at him.

The man in the hologram adjusted the cuffs of his pristine black suit, his expression one of calm, corporate calculation.

Unlike Kahn’s loud and brutish arrogance, this man projected a terrifying, quiet authority.

​"Greetings, Neo Godson. Or do you prefer ’Emperor Zenith’ now?"

The man’s voice was smooth, cultured, as if everything was under his absolute control.

"I am the President of the Byzon Company. I must admit, the loss of the Bonnel 2.0 and Mr. Kahn is a regrettable margin of error. However, we are businessmen first and foremost. We know exactly who we are dealing with."

​Neo’s dark eyes narrowed.

​The President offered a polite, utterly merciless smile.

"You have made quite waves with your Sovereign Corporation back on Earth. An impressive portfolio for someone your age. It would be a terrible shame if anything were to disrupt your success... or the peaceful lives of your beloved mother, Amelia Godson, and your sweet little sister, Nina.

Space is vast, Neo, but Earth is incredibly small. I trust you will think very carefully about your next move."

​With a soft hum, the holographic feed cut out.

​Neo stood calm. Internally, however a wave of anger washed over him.

He truly had not expected the Byzon Company or the Rothschild intelligence network connect his cosmic identity to his Earth family this early in the game.

​Still, Neo did not dwell on the surprise, nor did he allow panic to take root in his mind.

The threat was clear, and his priority instantly changed. Earth was no longer a safe haven for his loved ones.

​It was time to bring them here.

​Without hesitating, Neo tapped the communication device integrated into his wrist. The channel encrypted itself instantly, reaching across the void to connect with his most trusted operative back on Earth.

​The holographic interface flickered back to life, replacing the corporate President with the breathtaking visage of Zestia.

She was currently deep within the oceanic trenches, overseeing the underwater Mana Stone mining operations.

​"Neo?! She said in surprise. "Are you finally coming back?"

Ignoring her surprise, he went to business.

​"Zestia, halt your current operations immediately. The Byzon Company has discovered my identity and targeted my family.."

​"Huh?" Zestia’s instantly became serious. She didn’t know what he had done to attract Byzon Company’s attention, but she knew he was ally.

And it was her duty to take care of his family.

​"Understood," she replied without a second of hesitation.

​"Good. There’s only you whom I can trust right now. I need you to secure my mother, and my sister right now. Extract them from their current location and prepare them for immediate off-world transit. Bring them to the Blue Slime Planet."

​"Blue Slime again? Anyway, consider it done. I will personally escort them. If anyone from the Byzon Company even looks in their direction, I will ensure they are erased from existence before they can draw a breath. Your family will be safe."

The moment the call with Neo ended, Zestia called Uncle Leon for faster help.

The call connected quickly.

​"Uncle Leon, please drop whatever you are doing right now. Go to the location I’m sending. Secure Neo’s family and prepare for off-world extraction. They are in trouble."

​On the other end of the line, Leo chuckled.

"Well, hello to you too, niece. Take a breath. Is he the same young man I help in acquiring the trade license?"

"Yes." she replied.

"Then do not worry so much. I will keep your boyfriend’s family perfectly safe. No pesky hit squad is getting past me."

​"This is not a joke, Uncle. They are in mortal danger." Zestia snapped angrily.

​Leon’s playful demeanor vanished instantly. "Understood, my niece. I am moving out."

​Zestia didn’t stay idle. She boarded onto her aero and took off in the sky.

But just a little while later, the worst possible news came.

​Uncle Leon called and said,

​"Zestia, we have a massive problem. I just breached the mansion. But they are already gone. Someone took them away before I could even reach the door."

​Zestia’s blood ran cold.

"That’s a bad news. Very bad news."