Outside Black Star Palace, Traveler crossed his legs in midair with his staff floating in front of him. He looked at the heavily guarded Black Star Palace from afar, and before him was the highly alert defense fleet.

Seeing this, Traveler’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I’ve come at the right time.”

According to the information provided by the Super Star Cluster alliance, Black Star was someone who loved accepting challenges. Yet, he was not coming out, not even sending out his Lord’s Avatar to fight him. This meant that Sorokin’s information was right. Hila was being attacked at this very moment, and Black Star had to protect her with his Lord’s Avatar. He could not focus on too many fights at once.

Apostle Weapons and mechanical armies could fight multiple battles at the same time, but one could only descend onto one Lord’s Avatar at a time.

“Black Star isn’t even using his Apostle Weapons to fight me, so it looks like Sorokin guessed correctly. Black Star has taken his main army away and has been pretending to be in his base.

“Since Dragon Emperor will be the one accepting the challenge, I’ll have to quickly deal with her and force Black Star to fight me. Even if he only sends a mechanical army to fight me, I’ll still have achieved my goal and divided his attention.”

In order to be done with the battle quickly, he had to use special tactics that would not be considered inside the perimeters of sparring. He would definitely offend Black Star by doing this.

However, Traveler did not care much about it. His relationship with some Super Star Cluster Civilizations was very special, exceeding the importance of his personal interests. On the surface, he was accepting a mission and doing his job. However, the truth was that as long as this would help the Civilization he belonged to, he would do everything in his power to succeed.

The Super Star Cluster alliance hoped that the church or the federation’s mission would succeed. They wanted these Beyond Grade As to fight each other and did not want to see them united. The Beyond Grade As being united looked like it was problematic for the three Universal Civilizations but beneficial for the Super Star Clusters, but that depended on the timing of it. For now, this was not what the Super Star Cluster civilizations wanted to see.

In the eyes of the Super Star Cluster civilizations, Beyond Grade As were important tools they could make use of, but there were not enough Beyond Grade As in this era. Therefore, even if they were united, they had very limited value to these Super Star Cluster civilizations.

The Super Star Cluster alliance hoped to find a more suitable timing where the universe had more than enough Beyond Grade As. By then, they would even encourage and aid the Beyond Grade As to be united. Therefore, they did not want this opportunity to come this soon when the timing was not right.

Other than to balance the power dynamics, there was another reason the Super Star Cluster alliance wanted to do this—they were worried that if the Beyond Grade As became united too early, it would force the three Universal Civilizations to carry out another elimination, another ‘Tragedy of the Pinnacles’. If and when that happened, the three Universal Civilizations would definitely deal with the outsiders first. Therefore, the allies of the Super Star Cluster alliance would be massacred with an excuse once again, and they would be the ones suffering from it.

Traveler silently waited for a while. Finally, Ames flew out from the base.

“You want to challenge Black Star? What’s your motive?” Ames narrowed her eyes.

“It’s nothing but respect for the strong. I want to challenge those standing at the peak. There’s no motive to speak of.” Traveler remained calm.

“You’re related to what’s happening to Hila, aren’t you?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Traveler shook his head.

“Humph, chat sh*t.”

A green light flashed past Ames’ eyes, and a Force Field erupted from her body, grabbing onto numerous satellite tiles to bash onto Traveler.

Traveler remained calm and held his staff with both hands. Fog-like magic energy splashed out and turned into rune arrays of different sizes, fusing together and forming an enormous rune shield that looked as complex and exquisite as the mechanical parts of a mechanical watch, blocking the path of the satellite tiles.

Ka-cha!

Multiple satellites clashed onto the rune shield, creating cracks, but could not go further. At the same time, Ames extended her arm forward from afar, aimed at Traveler, and pulled heavily. A powerful force of absorption suddenly appeared and pulled Traveler toward her.

While being dragged through midair, energy sprayed out from Traveler’s body as he stabilized himself. He then cast a string of powerful spells instantly. Multidimensional energy turned into spells that quickly dashed past where Ames was standing but missed.

With a space ripple, she had already changed her location using Void Hyperdrive and approached Traveler’s back. She raised her brows, glared at Traveler’s back, and shot a shockwave from between her brows.

The next second, Traveler’s body was fixed in midair, and he could not move.

Force Field: Gaze of the Dragon!

The moment she locked the enemy’s movements, Ames’s long leg whipped horizontally, sending out a wave of Force Field right toward Traveler’s back.

Force Field energy that was sent out from her own body was the most powerful, and she had condensed this wave of Force Field into a thin line, rendering it dangerously sharp. It looked like she used her leg to launch a blade shockwave.

Force Field: Sweeping Blade!

Swoosh!

The blade Force Field slashed right across and actually cut Traveler in two.

However, the next moment, the two halves of Traveler suddenly shrank and turned into mojo puppets, while further away, a small puppet that looked to be made of clay appeared out of nowhere and quickly shapeshifted into Traveler.

“Puppet Replacement Spell, a simple little trick,” Traveler said calmly.

Ames, however, was slightly frowning. She had known Austin for a very long time and had some knowledge about magic.

The Puppet Replacement Spell was a little known spell of the Alchemy and Curse Branch, but it had a massive side effect. When reflected in the interface, every time someone cast the Puppet Replacement Spell, their health and energy would decrease by fifty percent, and all their attributes would also decrease by twenty percent. This was an extremely costly spell.

Due to its limited value, usually, only low-grade Mages would use it to save their own lives, while high Grade Mages had many defensive methods and would not use spells like this at all.

For example, a Beyond Grade A would have dozens of methods to dodge or block that attack earlier, and even getting hit by it would not be as horrible as the side effects of the Puppet Replacement Spell. Therefore, Ames felt that Traveler had done this for a reason.

As she observed more carefully, she realized that Traveler was strangely giving off a different vibe. He seemed to have a very faint creepy smile on his face, and she felt he became more corrupt and eviler.

“Tsk, Force Field Control is one of the most common Esper Abilities. It’s very rare for someone to be able to become a Beyond Grade A with it. You’re really talented in controlling your Esper Ability. One day, maybe you can improve this Esper Ability to its extreme form, the Super High Risk Esper Ability—Force Control. Although the difference is only one word, its meaning is a world of difference.” As Traveler gave off a different vibe, he became more talkative too.

“Something’s off.” Ames became more cautious and alert. She clenched her fist, shattering a corner of a satellite tile, and then controlled the broken pieces to fly out like a meteor rain.

Force Field: Dragon’s Breath Shooting Star Fist!

While using spells to block the attacks, Traveler was also observing a faint mark on the back of his hand. There was a faint purple evil glow inside his crystal yellow eyes.

“There’s not enough life force. More is needed…”

The two of them fought intensely outside Black Star Palace. Traveler’s way of fighting was extremely strange. He occasionally seemed to purposely get hit by Ames’ attacks. Ames showed the multiple uses of Force Field, including restraining, explosions, and slashes.

While training with Hila around the universe, Ames had improved as well. She had better control of her Esper Ability.

While the two of them were fighting, Herlous, who was watching in the watchtower, secretly commanded the fleet to leave in different directions and form an enormous encirclement.

“Everyone focus,” Herlous said with a deep voice. “Preheat the spacetime stabilization device. When I give the order, activate it and trap Traveler here.”

When the matter involved their Deputy Army Commander, no one cared about nobility anymore. Even Ames did not want to fight Traveler by herself.

It did not matter whether this was a misunderstanding; it was best to deal with Traveler first. Ames’ main goal in fighting him was to force all his attention on her so that the fleet would be able to deploy traps secretly, in case he opened a teleportation gate and escaped.

…

At the same time, the dynasty received Han Xiao’s message and started moving instantly. The Beyond Grade As who were in the dynasty’s territory received their missions, departed from their own territories, and headed toward the stargate stations.

Inside Kant’s ship, the few Beyond Grade As who had gathered urgently this time were all discussing their mission.

“The church really doesn’t learn. During the Planet Lighthouse battle more than twenty years ago, I… and Black Star taught them a lesson, and less than thirty years later, they’re here causing trouble again.” Beyoni curled his lips. A few fire sparkles jumped out between his teeth.

“This movement by them is very sudden. Their target is Hila, and we’re the only ones close by. It’s best for us to quickly head over.” Kant was serious about the matter.

Most of the dynasty’s allies were given territories in the Flickering World and were taking part in the free competition. They were too far away and would not make it in time.

Currently, the Beyond Grade As remaining in the dynasty’s territory would be able to reach the battlefield the quickest, and they were Kant’s Lord’s Avatar; Ravenlaude, who was recovering from his injury; the slacker, Beyoni; and Kohler, who had nothing to do.

“I heard Kasuyi’s doppelganger is there too. Isn’t that a little dangerous?” Kohler whispered.

Kant’s huge eyes glared at him and said, “Don’t be such a coward. With me here, what’s there to be afraid of? I can fight the entire church on my own!”

“Really?” Kohler’s face was filled with doubts.

“Of course not, but can you just let me say it?” Kant rolled his eyes. “If I were that capable, even Clotti would be my follower.”

Ravenlaude stayed silent with a conflicted expression.

Not long ago, he had been beaten up by Han Xiao, so he was not very willing to help.

However, the dynasty would give very generous rewards and merits for every reinforcement mission…

So…

Forget it, I heard the Black Star Army is in a dire situation this time. If I help him get through this, he’ll owe me a favor. Then, I can ask Black Star to get me a Universal Treasure…

Having thought of this possibility, Ravenlaude was suddenly very motivated.

…

At the same time, after the dynasty had sent out the reinforcements, the upper echelons continued paying attention to this matter.

Inside the conference room of the political building on the dynasty’s mother planet, Ruler Urranrell was watching the broadcast of the battle provided by the Black Star Army. Beside her were the remote projections of the dynasty’s upper echelons, who were also watching silently. The atmosphere was very serious.

“The church has yet to give up, and they have now assaulted our ally once again.” Urranrell looked around with a cold expression on her face. “What do you all think about this?”

The people exchanged looks. After a while, Bekorodi raised his hand and slowly said, “Your Excellency, according to the data, the church’s target is Hila, and Hila isn’t one of our Beyond Grade A allies.”

“Hila is the Black Star Army’s Deputy Army Commander, and the Black Star Army is our ally.”

“But she has personally rejected joining the dynasty… Your Excellency, I suggest drawing a clear line. Matters involving Black Star and matters Hila should be treated differently. Now that Black Star has requested help personally, and we have agreed to help because of our agreement, this means that he’s using the dynasty’s power to benefit his own faction. My thoughts are that… we can help our allies, but we can’t be used by them without any cost. Protecting Black Star is what we should do, but protecting a Beyond Grade A who isn’t our ally? I think we need to bring up the terms and not provide support without any compensation.” Bekorodi’s reasoning was logical.

“So, what ideas do you have?” Urranrell frowned slightly.

“If Black Star only gets through this with our help, I think we need to make one demand—Hila has to join the dynasty. Of course, she can remain in the Black Star Army, but she has to be the dynasty’s ally too.”

“Hmm… makes sense.” Urranrell pondered for a while. “What if Hila is killed?”

“It’s a loss to the dynasty, but there are benefits to it too. If Hila dies, Black Star will undoubtedly be on the opposite side of the church, the Meeting of the Gods will basically be completely meaningless, and the Beyond Grade As won’t be able to unite. This means that one threat is eliminated. At the same time, with a shared external enemy, it’s beneficial to building a closer relationship between the dynasty and Black Star. His loyalty will be firmer. Therefore, whether the rescue ends up successful or not, it will be beneficial for the dynasty one way or the other,” Bekorodi analyzed.

Many of the upper echelons nodded. Logically speaking, they felt that Bekorodi had analyzed it very well.

Urranrell did not express her stand on this issue. She tapped her fingers on the table, and seeing that no one else had anything to say, she said, “No matter what, provide full support to the Black Star Army first. We’ll deal with the rest later.”

“Understood.”

The remote projections disappeared one after another.

Urranrell left the conference room, and ‘Dark Lord’ Clotti, who had been waiting outside the door, draped her coat over her and followed behind.

After walking for some time, Urranrell suddenly said, “Clotti, how likely do you think it is that Hila will survive this?”

“Very unlikely,” Clotti said with a poker face.

“Even with the dynasty’s help?”

“That’s right.”

“Why?”

“The federation won’t watch and do nothing.”

“How do you know that?”

“The Mechanic Emperor told me.”

Urranrell had no response for that.

Okay, that’s one powerful and good reason. I have nothing to say about it.

“Looks like the Mechanic Emperor takes the shared battlefront of Beyond Grade As very seriously.”

Urranrell stopped in place and turned to look at Clotti.

“You’re a Beyond Grade A, too. Don’t you have any thoughts about this?”

“My identity as a member of the Crimson Dynasty comes first, the dynasty ruler’s Guard Captain comes second, and the Beyond Grade A part comes only third,” Clotti replied with a calm expression.

Urranrell shook her head and turned back around.

She stayed silent for a moment and then softly said, “You’ve spent too much time as my personal guard by my side. Go take a break from your job. Go out and kill a few Beyond Grade As before coming back. Don’t let the universe forget the name of Dark Lord.”

“Okay,” Clotti replied calmly.

…

At the same time, in Beast Ancestor’s stronghold…

“Hahaha, they’ve made their move as expected!”

Inside the palace, Gorutan laughed loudly. His lungs were so strong that his laughter formed almost solid sonic waves, causing the entire base to tremble.

Just now, he had heard from Sorokin that the information he had exposed had put Hila in a desperate situation.

As his plan succeeded and he got his revenge, Gorutan felt very satisfied.

Sorokin’s manifestation stood before him with a smile on his face. “Your Excellency Beast Ancestor, your territory isn’t far from the battlefield. Why not go watch it live?”

Hearing this, Gorutan’s laughter stopped. His sharp eyes stared right at Sorokin as he said with rage, “Are you trying to trick me again?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Sorokin quickly waved his hands.

“Humph.” Gorutan snorted. He then lifted his specially made enormous alcohol glass and gulped it down. “No matter what, I’m going to stay here to wait for the news of Hila’s death. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not trying to convince you to join the battle. The dynasty will have already sent reinforcements. If the dynasty’s reinforcements arrive, Hila might be able to escape her doom. Therefore, rather than staying here and doing nothing, it’s better to secretly provide some help.”

“What kind of bright idea do you have then?”

“Hehe, according to my estimates, the church will prioritize destroying the stargate stations when attacking Black Star’s stronghold, activate spacetime stabilization devices, and eliminate Hila’s path of retreat. Therefore, if the dynasty reinforcements want to come, they can only use the nearby stargate… Your Excellency Beast Ancestor, if the nearby stargate stations are turned off or destroyed, the dynasty’s reinforcements will have to take a detour. This way, Hila will have to remain alone for an even longer time, and the possibility of the plan succeeding will increase drastically.”

A flash of light appeared in Gorutan’s eyes. He put down the glass and said, “Hmm, what you’re saying does make sense…”

Sorokin smiled faintly.

…

In the Primeval Star River, Manison slowly opened his eyes and sent a message in the encoded secret communication channel.

“Mornisa, have you guys departed?”

“Teacher, the Multi-Dimensional Sky Opening Transportation Device has already started preheating. We can depart any time.”

“Okay.”

Manison nodded, swapped the channel, and spoke to his Apostle Weapon team.

“Keep your eyes on Beast Ancestor. He might make a move. No matter what he wants to do, stop him.”

“Understood.”

After a few more orders, Manison closed his eyes again and softly murmured, “Black Star, that’s all the help I’ll give you today. Don’t disappoint me.”