Meanwhile, as the revival of the fertile lands began, 12 Federation Fleets were looming closer to the Zenith Planet at full speed.

​Three Titan-class and 90 dreadnaught-class ships traversed through space using Warp Drive technology. Aboard those ships were about 300,000 Federation Soldiers and 5,000 Beyonders.

​Just like Commander Erdogan, each fleet was led by a Commander. They were all given strict orders by the Supreme Council to obliterate the rebel Neo Godson’s foundation. In truth, they wanted that Dominator Core because they knew its absolute value in the times to come.

​"Father, why is this Dominator Core so crucial to the Federation? Why would our mighty military need to traverse the stars just to retrieve it? I do not understand," said Vanitus, the son of Commander Musa.

​Commander Musa turned away from the glass viewing port, looking at his son’s clueless face.

​His son, Vanitus Musa, was twenty years old and yet had not learned the true nature of the universe. Thus, Musa had dragged him out of his sheltered greenhouse.

He placed a firm hand on Vanitus’s shoulder, then began explaining.

​"The universe is a terrifyingly complex structure, my son. Whatever you learned from those academy textbooks is complete trash. Discard it all and listen closely.

​"Long ago, Earth was a primitive rock run by corrupt politicians and warmongers. They had no idea they were caged, completely blind to the true nature of the cosmos. There existed an entirely different dimensional layer that was unknown to us.

​"Then, one day, that cage shattered. The Universal Network known as Diva finally connected us to the true universe. We learned of the existence of higher civilizations. We saw alien races wielding absolute supernatural power, and cosmic entities so massive they could swallow entire suns.

​"We adapted. We learned. We developed as one united Earth. For a brief moment, we thought we were free. But that freedom was an illusion. A galactic conqueror known as BALA descended upon us with overwhelming, unstoppable force.

​"The result? We were hopelessly crushed. Earth became nothing more than another subordinate globe, enslaved under their immense cosmic regime.

​"However, a decade ago, Diva announced a universal reshuffling of the powers ruling the cosmos. It released the Beyonder Cores and the Dominator Cores.

​"You already know that Beyonders are mystical beings granted the freedom to roam the universe. But that is merely the tip of the iceberg. Beyonders are actually meant to be conquered. They are designed to be subjugated by Dominators to forge a sovereign Domain.

​"We do not know why, but the Supreme System essentially wants every Dominator to wage war against one another.

​"Nevertheless, this Dominator Game has become our only key to breaking free from the shackles of BALA. For that, we desperately needed a Dominator Core. We searched the stars for years and found absolutely nothing, until the day we discovered Neo Godson."

Vanitus swallowed hard,

"So, we are basically stealing his core to save ourselves?"

​"Yes, he is a necessary sacrifice. If humanity is to ever survive the reign of BALA, we absolutely need a Dominator. Neo Godson is a criminal, a rogue element who escaped our jurisdiction. Taking his core is an act of supreme justice for Earth."

Just then, a navigation officer shouted from his terminal:

​"Commander! We are exiting Warp Space. Entering Zenith’s orbital perimeter right now!"

​The massive viewport at the front of the bridge distorted, swirling with chaotic colors of warp space.

Then, the starry darkness of the physical universe welcomed them back.

​Commander Musa stepped forward, fully expecting to see a barren and disorganized rebel base hiding in the dirt.

However, the sight that greeted him made his blood run completely cold.

​Zenith was not barren world at all. It looked like heavily fortified fortress world.

​"What in the universe is that barrier?" Vanitus gasped, noticing the planetary perception barrier.

​"Scan it immediately!" Musa ordered to his subordinates.

​"Scanning... Commander, the energy readings are completely off the charts. It is a dual-layer planetary shield. The magical density is categorized as Unquantifiable."

​Musa clenched his fists to calm his own nerves.

"Do not panic. We have 3 Titan-class warships and 90 dreadnaughts. There is no shield in existence that can withstand concentrated orbital bombardment from a fleet of this size. Signal the entire armada. Prepare the main cannons!"

---

​Deep within the grand Imperial Palace on Zenith, the situation was entirely different.

​Neo sat effortlessly on his towering black throne. The grand hall was quiet.

​Suddenly, a massive holographic interface materialized directly in the center of the room.

​[ Alert: Hostile Federation Armada Detected in High Orbit. ]

[ Fleet Composition: 3 Titan-Class, 90 Dreadnaught-Class. ]

[ Enemy Combatants: 300,000 Federation Soldiers, 5,000 Beyonders. ]

[ Threat Level: Mid. ]

​Rose, who was currently reviewing agricultural trade routes on her datapad, looked up at the glowing red numbers.

Her face instantly drained of all color.

"Huh! Three hundred thousand soldiers?

Neo, they brought an entire extermination fleet! We just started building our farming infrastructure! We do not have the manpower or the economy to fight a war of this massive scale!"

"Fufufu...." Noir entered with her usual melodic laugh.

​"Little Minister, you still think like a fragile mortal businesswoman. Numbers mean absolutely nothing in the face of absolute, crushing power."

She looked at Neo’s face, "Darling, Should I destroy them all?"

​In response, Neo stood up calmly

​"Vaelar," Neo called out domineeringly.

​The elven warrior commander stepped forward instantly, slamming the butt of his shield against the ether-granite floor.

"Awaiting your command, My Emperor!"

Neo ordered coldly:

​"Mobilize the elite Beyonder Legions. Take the vanguard as well. I want absolutely no prisoners taken today."

​"As you wish!"

​Neo then turned his piercing gaze toward the massive giant dwarf standing near the towering archway.

"Ragnar. Is our new toy ready?"

​Ragnar grinned, "Yes, your imperial majesty. The core of engine are fully enhanced with the Void Particles you provided! And now the Titan-Class ship ’Ghost’ is starving for a slaughter!"

Neo smiled darkly.

"Good. Let those Federation Fleets know the price of targeting the Zenith Empire."