Cultivator vs. Galaxy: Rebirth in a World of Mechas-Chapter 65: CH It was just that exciting

The reaction only made the 24 dissenting councilors squirm harder in their seats, their faces burning with humiliation—not just from their failed stance in the vote, but now from being openly pitied or mocked.

Finally, the Grand Admirals, snapping out of their combat-fueled trance, noticed the shift in atmosphere.

Realizing the scene they’d caused, they all let out a synchronized cough, trying—and failing—to casually cover up the raw excitement they’d displayed.

It was a bit embarrassing, yes. But what could they say?

It was just that exciting.

"As for the remaining matters," said the Goddess of Judgment, her tone returning to calm authority, "they are fully detailed in the written proposal. That data has already been distributed to each of you. You’ll have time to review and come to terms with the clauses in full."

She paused, then added, "Many of the additional points concern trade agreements and future technology transfers. However, those are part of a later phase—and must be discussed directly with Mr. Velhart himself when the time comes."

The council nodded in agreement. Everyone understood the pacing. Some matters were too sensitive, too critical, to rush.

Then the Goddess of Judgment turned. Her steps were slow, deliberate, as she approached the section where the 24 dissenting members sat, still grouped together in silence. Though she spoke to the entire room, her gaze fell heavily on them—and they felt the weight of it like a hammer on the spine.

"Let me make this clear," she said. Her voice, though not raised, felt like it echoed in every corner of the grand chamber.

"I expect every leader in this hall to keep what occurred here today confidential. This is a matter of national security. It must not be leaked. Not spoken of. Not even hinted at—for at least several months."

Her tone sharpened. "I know you are respected figures. I believe you are loyal. But for the record, and for the sake of formality—you are all under increased internal surveillance, effective immediately. Some of you will be monitored more than others. This is not personal. It is precaution."

"Should even a scrap of information be leaked—no matter how insignificant it may seem—you will face the full wrath of the Federation. You will be hunted. No protection. No trial. No mercy."

She stopped speaking. But her silence hit harder than her words. Her eyes, sharp as blades, locked onto the faces of the 24. Not in accusation—but in warning.

The room held its breath.

The rest of the council remained still.

The God-Pilots, Celestial Designers, and Grand Admirals offered no reaction. They didn’t need to. Their loyalty was known, their purpose already locked on the tasks ahead.

As for others who may have entertained the idea of sharing details, even momentarily—they crushed those thoughts the instant they heard her warning. No one in their right mind would challenge the Federation after that declaration.

Even among the 24 dissenters, most trembled quietly and cast those thoughts out of their minds entirely. Though one or two hesitated... it lasted less than a second.

Their eyes flickered with indecision, but then hardened into resolve. Whatever they had decided, only they knew—and the rest of the chamber remained unaware.

Meanwhile, the Goddess of Judgment shifted her attention toward one specific figure.

Her gaze locked onto Grand Admiral John Watcher.

"Grand Admiral John," she said firmly, "the results are now official. You may proceed to inform Mr. Velhart that all of his conditions have been accepted. And more than that—because his demands were modest—we, the Federation, have chosen to offer additional honors and opportunities."

She narrowed her eyes just slightly. "Make sure to emphasize this point. He needs to understand this wasn’t just a transaction—it was a gesture. A show of goodwill and intent."

Her tone softened a hair—but still carried unmistakable authority. "Also express that the Federation looks forward to potential future cooperation—though this does not need to be rushed. Make sure your message reflects confidence, not desperation. We are not desperate. We have more than enough on our plate already."

She turned to the Celestial Designers, who were already nodding in agreement.

One of them stepped forward and spoke: "Indeed. While we’d welcome more technology, what we’ve already received will take decades to fully absorb, reverse-engineer, and rebuild upon. The depth of Tier-7 technology alone will consume generations of research. So yes, we’re not currently in urgent need of additional breakthroughs."

The Goddess of Judgment nodded approvingly, then looked back at Admiral Watcher.

"You heard them. You know how to shape the message. Keep it clear. Keep it respectful. But let him know that his contributions are seen, and appreciated—without overstating our position."

She straightened her stance once more. "As for everything else—Mr. Velhart is free to pursue his interests within Federation space, provided he abides by all laws and protocols. However," she added, "I would ask you to mention, unofficially, that the Federation would be grateful if he chose to offer assistance at the warfront or in active combat zones. His support could relieve substantial pressure on our forces."

She let those words settle for a moment before finishing: "Such help is not demanded. But it would be appreciated—and remembered."

Grand Admiral John Watcher nodded in full understanding as the Goddess of Judgment finished speaking. He had listened patiently, calmly—acknowledging every word with small, deliberate gestures. His eyes held steady, focused.

He understood not just her instructions, but the unspoken intent behind them.

"I will relay your message, exactly as you’ve asked," he said, his voice low and resolute.

The Goddess gave one final nod. "Then that concludes what I needed you to know."

She raised her Judgment Hammer. With a resounding crack, she slammed it down upon the council table.

"This council session is adjourned," she declared.

"It has fulfilled the purpose for which it was summoned. Now, return to your duties. Complete what must be done. We will reconvene at the next regular council meeting."

And with that, the three Goddesses—Wisdom, War, and Judgment—stood from their thrones.

Their towering, radiant forms began to dissolve into light, their holographic projections flickering out one by one, leaving silence in their wake.

Around the chamber, movement resumed.

The God-Pilots, first to react, withdrew their formidable presence from the hall—vanishing as if melting out of space itself, their wills no longer manifested in the chamber.

The Celestial Designers followed, pulling back their field of influence. Though less overwhelming than the God-Pilots, they too held power on a transcendent level. Many of them hurried from the chamber, rubbing their hands together with eager anticipation.

Their eyes sparkled like children given a new toy—as if they couldn’t wait to get back to their labs and tear into the mysteries of Tier-7 technology. What made it different from Tier-6? What secrets did it hold? They were itching to find out.

As for the Grand Admirals—their exit was less subtle.

They departed the chamber radiating barely-contained battle fever, grins stretched across their faces. Visions of future campaigns, upgraded fleets, and obliterated enemies played in their minds like a living dream. They were ready. They wanted war. And now, they had the weapons to win it.

Many council members left in good spirits. Confident. Energized.

But not all.

Some left with gloom in their hearts, their minds churning with quiet resentment or desperate schemes. A few—even now—began forming dangerous thoughts, convinced they could slip past the gaze of the Goddesses, avoid detection, and rewrite their place in this new power structure.

They were wrong. Delusion would soon lead them to ruin. And what awaited them wasn’t just punishment—it was tribulation.

It would be a tribulation unlike any these individuals had ever faced—one they would never wish upon themselves, had they any sense. Yet, blinded by arrogance and emboldened by past deceptions that had gone unnoticed—or so they believed—they overestimated their ability to remain hidden.

Their delusion was rooted in old victories. Secret manipulations. Past schemes that had escaped exposure.

What they didn’t realize was this: the Goddesses had known all along.

Wisdom, War, and Judgment—they had long been aware of these traitorous seeds growing in the shadows of the Federation. But until now, they had stayed their hand.

Why?

Because striking too soon could have destabilized the Federation from within. It could have triggered a chain reaction, emboldening others who were already harboring thoughts of rebellion. And in these fragile times, internal strife was a gift their enemies would exploit without hesitation.

A civil fracture would invite a direct and devastating blow from beyond the borders—from those who watched and waited for weakness. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

But that was then.

Now, the landscape was changing. Not instantly, but soon. Very soon, they would have the means, the leverage, and most importantly, the focus to act decisively.

To cleanse the inner rot.

To ensure that, if these individuals dared take another step in the wrong direction—if they even tried to ignite rebellion—they would be crushed without mercy.

Though the Goddesses could not see every path the future held, they were no strangers to strategic foresight.