Chapter 527: Dawariki

"Now I will briefly discuss the expedition."

Sui Bian, seeing that the OriginalBodies had stopped "roaring", began to command:

"Rus, Kelakesi, Magnus, Conrad, Helusi, Feilusi, Peturabo, Motarian, Dawariki."

From each of your legions, select the ten most elite battalions to form an elite expeditionary force; I will also dispatch half of the Imperial Guard and the Solar Support Troops to accompany you.

Rus, you will serve as the commander of this campaign.

"Yes, father."

The nine OriginalBodies called upon all responded in unison.

Among these nine OriginalBodies, five are newly created, and three are the "elder generation".

As for Conrad Koz, or rather Conrad who has taken the Sui surname, he is somewhat of an outlier, since this Midnight Ghost is the oldest, over four hundred and nearly five hundred years old.

The main reason is that Conrad has never rebelled from start to finish, so there is no need to "purify" his physical body and spiritual soul.

However, in terms of prestige and status, the commander position cannot be given to Conrad, but the Midnight Ghost and the Midnight Lord can, through this expedition, earn enough merit and also foster relations with the other eight legions and OriginalBodies.

As for Dawariki…

This "young" OriginalBody, who has already begun growing a sideburn beard identical to Rus's and whose physique resembles Rus's, is an OriginalBody of the Second Legion that, like Sui Meng, once vanished from the history of the Zero Three Empire.

Although Dawariki, like Sui Meng, excels at charging into battle, the difference is that this OriginalBody, imbued with a distinctly "Russian" accent, and the Second Legion are far more rigid and pedantic than any OriginalBody or legion.

During the early stage of the Great Expedition, the Zero Three Empire found that, aside from the Elite Warriors and Fire Lizards who were willing to maintain good relations with the Second Legion, all other legions harbored considerable contradictions and conflicts with the Second Legion.

Moreover, among all legions, the Whisperers are the most antagonistic toward the Second Legion; if not for the Zero Three Emperor's pressure and the admonitions of other legions, a violent clash could have erupted during the expedition, potentially even a civil war.

Because the Second Legion, whenever it occupies a planet or star system, propagates values such as "equality for all", "rule of law", "integrity", and "friendliness".

This approach, like the Whisperers' practice of building grand temples at every conquered site to extol the Emperor, the OriginalBodies, and the Astate, severely hampers expedition efficiency.

However, the Zero Three Emperor not only harbors no blame, but vigorously supports the Second Legion's methods, hoping all OriginalBodies can learn from the Second Legion.

Thus, before the Perfect City was destroyed by the Elite Warriors, the Second Legion actually topped the Whisperers' "hate list".

Eventually, when the Second Legion attacked one of the alien mother planets, it failed to anticipate—indeed could not have anticipated—that the alien race, heavily empowered by chaotic forces, possessed extreme resistance to projectile and energy weapons, with only melee capable of inflicting damage, plunging them into a perilous situation.

The Second Legion sent out a rescue request.

But the nearest Whisperers, Devourers, and the Emperor's Son Legion not only failed to respond, they ignored the plea.

When the farthest legions—the Elite Warriors and Fire Lizards spanning half a galaxy—received support, the Second Legion, including its OriginalBodies, had already been overwhelmed by hidden god‑chosen, champion chaotic alien races, and even faced three great demons that had stepped into the material universe, resulting in total annihilation.

By the time Robert Kiriman and the Fire Dragon Lord Wokan arrived on that planet with their respective Honor Guards, the chaotic traces had long vanished, leaving only a field of corpses and nothing else.

When the two OriginalBodies unearthed their brother's shattered corpse from the sea of corpses, Robert and Wokan—normally not easily swayed by emotion—suddenly erupted in fury, instantly intending to accuse the Emperor for the three legions' disregard of the Second Legion's plea, which led to its destruction.

Although, for the sake of Imperial stability and the smooth implementation of various plans, the Zero Three Emperor chose to downplay the incident, the rift between legions grew ever wider, until the Helusi Rebellion erupted, by which point the fissure was irreparable.

This is Dawariki's history before rebirth.

However, Dawariki, having learned all this from his father (Sui Bian), is rather easy‑going and never bothered about the old incident of Loga, Angelong, and Feilusi ignoring the plea for aid.

Dawariki also used his own G‑gland to gradually expand the "Scythe‑Hammerer" legion, whose size even slightly exceeds that of the contemporary "Trap‑Formers".

Moreover, in terms of collective combat capability, the Scythe‑Hammerer is also among the top of all newly formed legions.

"And also."

At this point, Sui Bian continued: "Before the expeditionary force is fully assembled and ready, I will first dispatch half of the Imperial Guard and the Solar Support Troops to Sanosche to support the task forces of Constantine and Leon Kennedy, among others."

The expeditionary force must also first gather at Sanosche; once all personnel are assembled, I will open a Spiritual Energy portal for you, allowing the expeditionary force to head straight to the Eye of Fear."

Speaking, Sui Bian turned his gaze to Magnus, who still sported neat short red hair and a clean‑shaven beard, and instructed:

"You and your Honor Guard should also advance with the Imperial Guard; leave the battalion assembly to your deputy, and to deal with the Wokan and Fire Lizards altered by interdimensional fragments, you will need Tuthmos's Spiritual Energy assistance."

"Understood, father."

Magnus raised no objection; moreover, even if he enjoys secluding himself in the library to study Spiritual Energy, spells, and the cosmos, it is undeniable that he is an OriginalBody, naturally wishing to personally confront the fallen chaotic "Hall" brother whose body has swollen to nine meters.

"Hmm," Sui Bian replied lightly, "Robert, during the expedition you will have the authority to mobilize all Imperial resources and troops; do everything you can to cooperate with the expeditionary force led by Rus."

Feilusi, the Forge Star Region must also supply the expeditionary force with sufficient weapons, ammunition, and equipment, and additionally provide strategic weapons capable of executing extermination orders.

Alpharis, Omega, you both and your Hydra shall assist the Imperial Intelligence, Supervision, and Legal Departments, strengthening surveillance and control within the Empire.

According to my conjecture, once the expedition officially begins, the Empire will see a massive emergence of so‑called "Reincarnators", and we must not allow these beings, corrupted by evil gods, to endanger society.

Furthermore, I will have NuoWa and the Ghost agents cooperate with your Hydra operations, after all… I dislike "cockroaches" running rampant."

"Yes, father."

The OriginalBodies whose names Sui Bian mentioned, though their eyes held a hint of regret at being unable to partake in the expedition and earn merit, all promptly agreed.

"Rog, Shengjilesi, Sui Meng, the three of you will continue to be responsible for the expedition against the Tai Luo Insect Race, seeking the source of their existence."

"John, Leon, Angelong, Chahatai, Loga, your task is the simplest yet heaviest: to strengthen vigilance over all star sectors and realms, and to ensure the safety of the multiversal territories our Empire has entered."

"Besides the rather troublesome Reincarnators, there remains the possibility that evil gods or demons could again stir up interdimensional storms."

"Yes, father."

The remaining OriginalBodies also responded in unison.

Having finished the instructions.

Sui Bian's expression softened slightly, and he smiled faintly: "Children, if this expedition proceeds smoothly, then nothing will be able to easily shake the foundation of our Human Empire, and…

I have absolute confidence in you. Very well, go about your duties, especially Constantine and Leon, who still require support."

"Yes!"

At the end of his words, the OriginalBodies all puffed out their chests, stood upright, and then one by one their holographic projections faded away.

Soon.

The Meditation Hall regained its tranquility.

The Imperial Guard stationed everywhere remained silent throughout; whatever the OriginalBodies and their father said was buried deep within their hearts, never to be disclosed outward.

At this moment, Sui Bian also sat back on the golden throne, eyes half‑closed, preparing to rest briefly, while the two AI secretaries did not disturb their boss.

For a long while.

Sui Bian seemed to recall something, opened his eyes, gazed at the golden‑tiled ceiling, and said: "Right, convey the news of the interdimensional expedition to Artemis, and have her select the most elite thousand from all the Gray Knights, merge them into Rus and others' expedition main force, and together rush to the Zero Three Universe."

"Alright."

The White Queen directly relayed Sui Bian's intention to Artemis, who was recently returning to Earth and enjoying a holiday due to the Empire's founding.

Only a few seconds passed.

The White Queen's pupils flashed a blue light, then said: "Your Majesty, Lady Artemis, like the previous Shengjilesi, holds even more vehement opposing opinions; she is now hurrying to the Meditation Hall. May I receive her audience?"

"Accept." Sui Bian raised his right hand and waved.

"Alright."

After speaking with the White Queen, Sui Bian was no longer in the previously "lazy", "relaxed" state.

As for Artemis holding strong opposition, it is only natural, since most of this hunting goddess's close relatives have fallen or perished after venturing into the interdimensional realm.

Therefore, using the Fearful Eye to breach the interdimensional expedition, in Artemis's view, would certainly be a "repeat of past mistakes".

Not long after.

A solid‑wood door, plated with a layer of gold and inlaid with various jade and gemstones, opened wide.

"Step! Step!"

The low‑heeled shoes stepped on the outer floor tiles, and the rhythmic clatter echoed into the Meditation Hall.

When the newcomer entered the Meditation Hall and his feet rested on the red sound‑dampening carpet, the clatter abruptly ceased.

Artemis appeared wearing a black fitted dress that perfectly traced her curves, contrasting sharply with her waist‑length hair that was golden‑white.

It seems that even though Artemis was quite displeased by the expedition notice, her face showing anger, she still took time to dress carefully before arriving at the Empire's palace Meditation Hall.

She walked onto the platform of the golden throne.

She stopped a short distance in front of the golden throne.

"Your Majesty." Artemis forced herself to hold back her emotions, no longer playing around as before, and admonished directly: "I have already asked Ran Min to select a thousand elites, but I personally do not approve entering the interdimensional realm; my father, brothers and sisters are cautionary examples."

"I may not mind my own death, but those children cannot be sacrificed; once we lose those elites, the foundation of our Human Empire will shake…"

"Therefore, I earnestly request Your Majesty to rescind the order."

The current Artemis already regards herself as a member of humanity, even once thought herself a god, and deep down harbors a rather childish, low‑level contempt for humans and all living beings.

Of course, not only her—Hephestus, the divine soldiers, Hera, Persephone and the Underworld lord Hades also feel uneasy about their former divine status because they reside within the Human Empire, and they try as much as possible to blend into society as humans.

At this moment.

Artemis finished her admonition at a rapid pace, but seeing Sui Bian still maintain a calm demeanor, she gradually became rational…

Indeed, this emperor‑turned‑god who was forced onto the throne never fights an unprepared battle.

Moreover, Sui Bian's current strength is something Artemis cannot probe; perhaps Sui Bian's soul projection in the interdimensional realm already can contend with all the evil gods?

And the reason the earlier emotions were so intense ultimately stemmed from the similarity between the plan to lead troops into the interdimensional realm and her father Zeus.

When Artemis realized she had slipped, she immediately raised her right hand to her chest, bowed deeply to Sui Bian, and said:

"Please forgive my excessive words earlier; once Ran Min finishes the selection, our Gray Knights will accompany the expedition force to the Zero Three Universe."

Sui Bian, seeing Artemis's admonition and her self‑relief, did not mind much, lightly nodded, "Anything else?"

"Nothing, I have to go now."

Artemis turned and left; within moments, her figure vanished from the Meditation Hall.

Mainly because the two have known each other for two hundred years, their tacit understanding is unmatched, and since Artemis harbors intense hatred toward evil gods and demons, confirming that Sui Bian is "unafraid with backing", she naturally wishes to fully prepare to breach the interdimensional realm to avenge her father and relatives.

He gazed out at the Meditation Hall's closing doors.

Sui Bian also closed his eyes, using Psychic Gaze to observe Earth and the near‑Earth orbit of the Terra Shield.

He "saw" the elite guard fleet composed of the Lord of Honor and Moonlight Goddess‑class ships, sailing via warp drive to the Terra Shield.

He also "saw" Magnus leading the Honor Guard boarding the elite guard fleet; Sui Bian, at the edge of the Terra Shield's gravitational field, opened a Spiritual Energy space gate so the fleet could instantly reach Sanosche.

———————

…

The surface of Sanosche.

After Hades continuously expended divine power (Spiritual Energy), they finally brought Leon, Lin Hong and Rom's party from beneath the surface to the surface.

However, because the fire lizard's raid and chaotic Spiritual Energy interference, the task force still suffered some losses.

And the fallen OriginalBody Wokan, dissatisfied with the prey's escape, led tens of thousands of offspring and countless chaotic demons to the surface as well…

(End of chapter)