Chapter 286

Ke Luo Empire

western border

a desolate and impoverished star region

the fringes of civilization

the end of order

the massive fleet of the Iron Curtain Civilization

shifting black clouds

the lone dim red dwarf star

over fifty million black, angular warships brimming with a cold, murderous aura

a stern, massive attack formation

flagship "Iron Throne"

on the bridge

the supreme ruler of the Iron Curtain Civilization

the man honored as Grand Marshal

on the holographic star map

the star system emitting a faint blue glow

his objective for this campaign

a civilization named Zeta, a Second-level Civilization

"How is the situation of the Zeta Civilization?"

"Report, Grand Marshal!"

An aide stepped forward, bowed, and reported: "According to our latest reconnaissance intel, the Zeta Civilization has discovered our assembly."

They are urgently mobilizing their 'Guardian' fleet of fewer than 100,000 old warships, establishing a defense line on the outskirts of their home star system.

a futile attempt to stop a chariot

The Grand Marshal spat out four words, his tone full of contempt.

"Their technology level is still at the stage of regular energy shields and laser cannons, etc."

Any one of our warships can easily destroy an entire enemy formation.

"Yes, Grand Marshal."

The aide's tone was fawning: "This war for us is nothing but an easy hunt."

We will soon be able to incorporate that planet rich in Void Crystal into our great territory.

Void Crystal

This is an extremely rare strategic resource that can greatly boost space engine efficiency.

It is precisely because of this resource that this remote Second-level Civilization has come into the view of the Iron Curtain Civilization.

"Issue my order,"

The Grand Marshal slowly rose from his Iron Throne, his tall figure casting a huge shadow under the bridge lights.

"All troops enter final space jump preparation, preparing to launch a total attack on the Zeta star system."

"I want to end this boring war within a day."

"I want to make Zeta star a latest trophy offered to the great Kolor Empire of our Iron Curtain Civilization."

"Yes! Grand Marshal!"

…… → exclude

Meanwhile, in an asteroid belt tens of light-years away from the Iron Curtain fleet.

A fleet of only ten thousand ships, all gleaming with a warm golden hue, lies hidden in wait.

They are precisely the second-generation Ghost Fleet dispatched by Qin Hao.

On the flagship's bridge, a holographic image identical to the Beten Empire's diplomatic envoy Bilong hovered silently above the command seat.

It is the AI Bilong after further upgrades and optimization.

In its logic core, it stores not only all tactical styles and behavior patterns of the Beten Empire, but Qin Hao also implanted a new action program concerning liberation and aid.

"The target fleet has entered the final stage of attack preparation."

The emotionless voice of AI Bilong sounded in the bridge.

"The 'Tiger Skin as a Banner' plan, phase one, officially begins."

"All fleets, target the Zeta star system."

"Advance!"

In the next second, ten thousand golden ghost warships silently tore through space.

They did not choose to appear directly in the Zeta star system, but rather in an extremely precise and high-profile manner,

appeared at the rear flank of the Zeta Civilization's Guardian fleet.

The star system of the Zeta Civilization.

In a flagship, the leader looked at the star map, where a huge red blot representing the Iron Curtain fleet was steadily approaching.

His face was filled with worry.

Beside him were all the military high-ranking officials of the Zeta Civilization.

Everyone's face showed a similar expression.

They clearly knew that with their civilization's strength, it was impossible to resist the Iron Curtain Civilization's fleet.

This war was doomed from the start.

All they could do now was defend their civilization's last dignity with their lives and blood.

"Leader... the Iron Curtain Civilization's fleet has entered the final jump countdown."

An officer's voice trembled.

"We... really have to fight them? We have no chance of winning."

"If we don't fight, must we kneel like our ancestors and become their slaves?"

The leader's voice, though aged, was filled with indisputable authority.

"We Zeta people can be destroyed, but must never be enslaved!"

"Pass my order! All Guardian fleets prepare for battle! Even if we fight until the last warship, the last person, we will not retreat half a step!"

Yes!

Just when the whole Zeta civilization was steeped in a tragic, heroic mood, ready to perish together with the enemy,

The flagship's radar system suddenly emitted a piercing alarm!

"Alarm! Alarm! Massive spatial jump signal detected! Right behind our fleet!"

"What?!"

The leader and all the officers were startled.

Wasn't the Iron Curtain civilization's fleet still on the opposite side of the galaxy?

Could they have a special force that has already maneuvered behind us?

It's over!

A deep despair rose in everyone's hearts.

However, when the fleet's holographic image appeared on the main screen, everyone was stunned.

It wasn't the Iron Curtain civilization's black warships brimming with killing intent.

It was the Bittern fleet, and they showed no hostility.

Just as all Zeta people felt confused and bewildered,

A gentle yet haughty voice came through the public channel into their flagship's bridge.

"Greetings, friends from the Zeta civilization."

AI Bilong's hologram appeared before the leader.

"I am Bilong, envoy of the Bittern Empire; we have heard your cry for freedom."

AI Bilong's voice was full of a sense of justice.

"The Bittern Empire has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Milky Way Galaxy, opposing all forms of hegemony and aggression."

"We have witnessed the Iron Curtain civilization's atrocities. We cannot stand by while a peace‑loving civilization is destroyed by a power."

"Now, on behalf of the great Bittern Empire, I offer you our assistance."

AI Bilong's words instantly illuminated the despair in every Zeta person's heart.

"Assistance?"

The leader was a little baffled, not knowing why they had come or what their purpose was.

Nevertheless, he respectfully replied, "You... you mean you are willing to help us resist the Iron Curtain civilization?"

"Of course."

AI Bilong modestly nodded.

"However, your fleet is too backward. Your weapons are too primitive."

"To more effectively resist the invaders, we will provide a comprehensive, free upgrade to your fleet."

After AI Bilong finished speaking, he gave the leader no time to consider and acted immediately.

Hundreds of transport ships loaded with various advanced weapons and equipment detached from the fleet and flew toward the Zeta civilization's fleet.

There was the "Phase Decomposition Cannon" that can easily tear through Third-level Civilization warship shields.

There was the "Spatial Folding Shield Generator" that greatly boosts shield strength.

There were even a few simplified "Spatial Energy Engines".

Each of these technologies is something the Zeta civilization could only dream of obtaining.

And now the Bittern Empire is giving them away for free as if they were trash.

The leader and all the officers behind him stared dumbfounded, their minds blank.

Happiness arrived far too suddenly.

"Is... is all this really true?"

The leader muttered to himself, even doubting whether his extreme despair had caused a hallucination.

"It is indeed true."

AI Bilong's voice sounded again.

"Now accept our gift and arm yourselves."

"Then together, we will give the forthcoming invaders an unforgettable 'surprise'."

"Let them know that justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent."

AI Bilong's words were full of incitement.

The Zeta civilization's warriors, after undergoing a massive shift from despair to ecstatic joy, had their morale instantly ignited!

They gazed at the sci‑fi high‑tech weapons and the golden fleet that descended like divine weapons, and courage and hope resurfaced in their hearts.

"For freedom!"

"For the Zeta civilization!"

"Together with the great Bittern Empire, eradicate the invaders!"