And the indescribable resonance and power when Bai E activated the "Ancient Bell" satellite "Hammer of Morning Star"; the seamless integration of mecha and his own will in battle skills when facing the "Immortal" guardian...

[These manifestations cannot be explained by ordinary Spiritual Ability Users.]

A calm, objective voice, as if from the depths of Astra's own thoughts, analyzed, [His Spiritual Energy... carries a primitive, almost 'essential' aura, yet it perfectly integrates with mecha technology and combat will. The ancient existence says he has a natural 'resistance' and 'attraction' to high-dimensional 'noise' and the Bug Race, contradictory yet unified... 'Key'...]

[Every time he acts, it's accompanied by incredible miracles. The rise of Mine Star, the Karian campaign, a sword at the Star Alliance competition, the purification of Aisera... Is all this really just pure strength and luck behind it?]

Another voice, with a trace of barely noticeable, suppressed jealousy and deeper doubts, sounded, [Or is it that he himself is a kind of... 'anomaly'? A 'phenomenon' that he himself may not fully understand? The words of the Star Remnant Clan... perhaps imply that he himself is a 'carrier' or 'product' of some kind of higher-level power interference in the material universe?]

Astra unconsciously clenched his fist.

He remembered the moment he was defeated by Bai E with a single sword at the Star Alliance competition, that kind of powerlessness when the "web of destiny" was forcibly torn apart and the track of fate was rudely twisted.

It was an experience unlike any other in his career as a "Child of Destiny."

The frustration mixed with a deeper unease.

[The Golden Federation needs power, power to respond to the Bug Race, to respond to future changes.]

The first rational, calm voice continued to state, [The potential Bai E has shown and the 'ancient clues' he has accessed are of great value. Cooperation might bring us closer to those lost knowledge.]

[But he's too dangerous!] The second voice with hidden emotions retorted, with a hint of induced sharpness.

[He is not a 'tool' that can be controlled! Even the Star Remnant Clan says he is a 'Key,' but also a 'danger.' He can activate ancient technology even we can't understand, his Spiritual Energy essence is considered 'interesting' and 'evaluated' by ancient beings. Someone like him, if standing on our side, is naturally a weapon, but if... what if what he represents is some kind of 'pollution' or 'curse' from antiquity that we cannot understand? What if he... is even potentially connected to the emergence of the Bug Race, the active presence of High-dimensional Demons in some hidden way? After all, the Bug Race seems to be particularly 'focused' on him?]

This latter thought, like a poisonous vine sprouting in the dark, once produced, quickly spread.

[Think about it...] that inducing voice became clearer, as if whispering in the deep consciousness of Astra.

[Where does he come from? A previously uncharted, unknown planet. His rise is unbelievably fast. Many people around him have unclear backgrounds, yet they have extraordinary loyalty to him. The technologies he commands far exceed the norm, even touching on 'rules.' Can all this really be explained by a 'fortunate genius'? Or is he himself part of some ancient plan? Or a 'piece' planted within human beings by an enemy we have yet to understand?]

[The intelligence network of the Seven Sons of the Empire is so vast, perhaps other families have long had suspicions.]

The rational voice tried to counter, but seemed somewhat powerless, [Facing the Bug Race threat recklessly defining him as an enemy without conclusive evidence is foolish.]

[Evidence?] That enticing voice sneered.

[What evidence is needed for 'ancient hidden calamity'? The 'potential threat' itself is evidence! The words of the Star Remnant Clan are the best lead. We don't need to prove he's a Bug Race spy, only need to make others 'believe' he's possibly harmful, uncontrollable, dangerous 'aberration,' that's enough. Nipping danger in the bud, or at least... controlling him in our hands, rather than letting him grow freely and becoming an unstable factor that could threaten the Order of the Empire in the future, this is the rational choice that aligns with the interests of the Golden Federation and the 'Sons of the Empire' as a whole.]

Two thoughts fiercely clashed in Astra's mind, and the latter, which mixed personal frustration, fear of unknown power, and thoughts seemingly influenced by some suggestion, gradually gained the upper hand.

When he reopened his eyes, deep in those golden eyes, there was less pure desire for battle and curiosity, and more cold calculation and judgement.

He needed a report, a report that could explain the exploration results of the "Silent Royal Court" to the upper echelon of the Federation, while emphasizing Bai E's anomalies and potential risks, and recommend measures of "prudent control" or at least "close monitoring and isolation."

As for what chain reaction this report will cause after circulating among the Seven Sons, it's not something he can control alone.

...

Astra's report, along with part of the data and image records brought back from the "Silent Royal Court," was quickly presented to the highest levels of the Golden Federation and, as usual, shared within the limited internal intelligence and security coordination mechanisms of the "Seven Sons of the Empire."

This report was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

Bai E's "abnormal" performance in the Aisera Star System, the "special Spiritual Energy essence" and "Key" identity pointed out by ancient will in the "Silent Royal Court," combined with his previously too "legendary" rise, unclear background, and those equally doubtful in origin strong subordinates gathered around him, quickly ignited intense debate and profound vigilance in the security and intelligence departments at the high levels of the Seven Sons.

Especially, given the increasingly severe threat of the Bug Race and the faint signs of high-dimensional erosion, an individual and force that cannot be fully explained by the existing system, and seems to be associated with ancient "taboo" powers, their "uncontrollability" and "potential risk" were infinitely magnified.

Once the seed of doubt is planted, any behavior can be misinterpreted:

He fought desperately to rescue civilians on Jade Stone Star? Perhaps it was a show to win hearts and accumulate power.

He activated the "Hammer of Morning Star" to purify the main nest? Perhaps it proves he possesses dangerous and unstable taboo powers, this time it's purifying the Bug Race, next time?

He refused to fully reveal the activation methods to the Star Alliance? He must harbor bad intentions, hiding crucial secrets.

His efficiency in fighting with the Bug Race? Could it be some special connection with the Bug Race, even a disguise of a "Bug Race spy" to gain human trust?

This kind of speculation is most malicious and hardest to prove or disprove.

Although there is no conclusive evidence indicating Bai E or New Bauhinia harbor animosity towards human civilization or collusion with the Bug Race, under the guise of "preventing potential major threats," "maintaining the purity and safety of human civilization," "ensuring the Empire's leadership is not challenged by unknown factors," and other high-sounding reasons, the high-levels of the Seven Sons quickly reached a tacit understanding.

Several days later, a "special security announcement" jointly signed by the "Seven Sons of the Empire," was issued through the official channels of the Star Alliance, in encrypted form sent to all member countries and major observer forces of the Star Alliance.

The announcement used cautious wording but had a severe implication:

"... According to joint security assessments, the newly emerging 'New Bauhinia Republic' and its leader Bai E involve several unknown energy activities and ancient taboo relics association, their individual Spiritual Energy essence is questionable, behavior patterns present unpredictable risks. To ensure the overall security and stability of the Star Alliance, and prevent potential threats from spreading, the following resolutions are hereby made:

1. Temporarily revoke all competition qualifications and achievements (including the combat contribution assessments in the Aisera Star System) of 'New Bauhinia Republic' in the Star Alliance competition, relevant event records are sealed for review.

2. Suspend all procedures related to the recognition of 'New Bauhinia Republic's sovereignty, its currently enjoyed temporary rights and protection are immediately terminated.

3. Advise all member countries and affiliated forces of the Star Alliance to prudently assess interactions and cooperation with 'New Bauhinia,' and enhance relevant information monitoring and sharing.

4. The Star Alliance security council will establish a special investigation team to further examine related matters. Before the investigation conclusion is released, all parties are urged to remain restrained and avoid complicating the situation."