Chapter 26: Mastering Foreign Techniques to Subdue the Foreigners

"Then you go first, Dimiu Ge Si; your remarks are always brilliant."

"Oh, oh, you flatter me too much, Lord Anzi! Thank you for your approval! I am your servant, and I will do everything I can for any of your orders." Dimiu Ge Si said with a trembling, delighted expression and bowed deeply.

"Regarding the Star God… my opinion is that it need not be considered at all."

"Those who can link with the Star God through the light curtain are exceedingly few; at present only that young‑looking Ms. Heita, who seems closely tied to the Intellectual Star God… Moreover, aside from the Star's vague power, everyone else is insignificant."

"I see… do you think the Star God's power won't affect our Nasalik Great Tomb?"

"Impact? Hmm… these impacts are all negligible…" Dimiu Ge Si hesitated briefly before continuing.

"The effect of the Memory Star God on us is very weak, and the destructive Nanuk is the same; they cannot harm our bodies… In short, the conclusion is clear: if we can keep forging high‑grade scrolls that block mental influence, the Star God has virtually no effect on us."

"Hmm, good… are the materials for the high‑grade scrolls still sufficient?"

"The core material is human skin from adult males—but such material is abundant; the Holy Kingdom is full of men of age, Lord Anzi need not worry." When speaking of his specialty and interest, Dimiu Ge Si's tone became unusually relaxed and cheerful.

In Kesesites's impression, Dimiu Ge Si is usually of a good temper and quite gentle, but he only behaves that way toward the offspring created by the Supreme Sovereign. Otherwise, his cruelty and cold‑bloodedness are chilling.

"Do not overkill; the kingdom still needs labor."

"Lord Anzi, rest assured, we can immediately re‑harvest by using healing magic, so we need not kill the captured men; as long as we can reuse them, that's enough. Of course, this is all thanks to the excellent torture magicians."

"Hmm, magic truly is great… Very well, leave this part to you."

"The next is Kesesites."

Finally it's my turn.

"This time I also want to hear your opinion."

"Yes… Lord Anzi. It's just that…" Kesesites lowered his head very low; when meeting his master, this ground‑focused posture was the only respectful attitude he could devise. He lacked the courage to lift his head and look directly at his master's face, because when his gaze met that of the destructive Nanuk, a fleeting terror rose within him.

As a warrior forged by the Supreme Sovereign, he felt immense shame over that brief, momentary fear.

Moreover, he did not possess Dimiu Ge Si's agile mind that could devise suitable countermeasures; regarding the Star God… he racked his brain but could not think of anything.

Seeing Kesesites's slight tremor, Anzi began to sense something.

"You have no opinion?"

"…Yes, Lord Anzi, I am truly sorry; my understanding of the Star God is too shallow, please grant me—"

Kesesites's apology was cut off by the sound of a scepter striking the floor, and then Ya Erbei De's cold voice rang through the entire throne hall.

"Everyone… carries out the Supreme Sovereign's orders with gratitude. Kesesites, how dare you defy Lord Anzi's command?"

"I—"

Kesesites's defense was interrupted by Anzi's calm voice; he looked down from above, his tone bearing little emotional fluctuation.

But the flickering light in his master's hollow eye sockets seemed tinged with a vivid crimson.

"Raise your head, Kesesites; if you have something to say, speak boldly."

"I…" Kesesites swallowed a mouthful of poison, finally mustering courage to lift his head, "From the Train Group's attitude, they will travel many worlds; I think those worlds should contain more advanced technologies. In my humble opinion, if one day we could witness…"

Anzi seemed to guess what he meant and said with interest, "You mean learning? Kesesites, that word is unfamiliar coming from your mouth."

"Lord Anzi, I…"

"—Bold!"

Before Kesesites could continue, Ya Erbei De spoke out in rebuke again.

Ya Erbei De's deafening voice carried the authority of a Guardian Overseer; anger made her black wings tremble slightly, and her face grew increasingly fierce.

"Are you suggesting that other worlds possess wisdom superior to the Supreme Sovereign? Or perhaps… Kesesites, you have lost the Guardian's honor and dignity, and now you flatter those beings in the light curtain?"

That charge is not light.

Kesesites realized his slip, and the cold sweat that rose from his body instantly froze into icy beads.

But that fury was quickly cut off by the high‑pitched sound of a scepter striking the floor.

"Ya Erbei De, be quiet. I am the one questioning Kesesites; don't be so presumptuous."

"I—I am terribly sorry! Please forgive me…" Ya Erbei De bowed her head and retreated into the shadows behind Lord Anzi.

The master's gaze swung back, sharply fixed on Kesesites.

"More advanced technology? I've thought about that too… Hmm, that focus is indeed necessary," Anzi's voice carried a hint of approval, "You expressed it well, Kesesites."

"If it's learning, maintaining a lofty attitude won't work."

Anzi's flashing red eyes swept over all Guardians, and a decision was quickly made in his mind.

"I'll leave this matter to you, Kesesites… Hmm, also Sebas, the two of you will handle it together."

——

"Star looked at Hijiko in puzzlement: 'Don't those people…?'"

"Walter calmly shook his head: 'Viewing this planet from our current perspective makes one feel omniscient, but when you actually stand on that land, you realize your own insignificance and helplessness.'"

"Hijiko: 'For this expedition I wish to entrust it to you, March Seven and Dan Heng. The purpose is clear: locate the Star Core that brings disaster to the world and warps space, bring it back to the Train, and we'll handle the rest.'"

"Suddenly given such an important mission, Star subconsciously scratched his head: 'I'm suddenly a bit sleepy…'"

"Little March gently elbowed Star: 'Don't give up right away!'"

"Hijiko smiled gently beside him: 'The Train must have someone stay behind, otherwise Pam would be lonely. Moreover, we just caught a glimpse of Nanuk; if the Antimatter Legion targets us again, it'd be disastrous.'"

"You can talk with Dan Heng later about Yarilo‑VI's ecology and observation data; he's probably already compiling it. Gathering more intel before setting out won't hurt."