Chapter 907: A Wise Choice

On the bridge of the *Raven*, Corax looked at Shadow Star outside the main observation window.

The fighting on the planet's surface had subsided, and the wreckage of warships floating in space was being towed and collected.

Tech-marines were analyzing data acquired from the Feng Qi Xing Alliance ships.

Company Commander Sairuoluo stood at Corax's side.

"Casualty report."

Corax spoke.

Sairuoluo pulled up a data pad and reported.

"11 brothers killed in action, 15 severely wounded, 45 lightly wounded. One Dreadnought-class Light Cruiser is severely damaged and requires a major overhaul at the shipyard. Two frigates are total losses, and three are heavily damaged. The gene-seed has been recovered."

Corax closed his eyes to mourn the fallen Anya Shouwei for three minutes.

"The Feng Qi Xing Alliance will not let this go; their investment here far exceeds expectations. The secrets on Shadow Star are more important than we imagined."

Sairuoluo nodded in agreement.

"From the data acquired, they were conducting research on psychic biological weapons here. The Maw of Darkness was merely an accidentally leaked byproduct."

Corax turned to the holographic projection table, looked at the rotating projection of Shadow Star, and said slowly.

"The two native races on this planet, the Shadowborn and the Symbiote. They are both victims and potential threats."

"What do you mean?"

Corax's fingers tapped the projection, zooming in to display the territories of the Shadowborn and the Symbiote Buluo.

"I want the Shadowborn and the Symbiote to formally submit to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance and accept our laws and administration. This will both protect these races and ensure that the resources of Shadow Star are not abused."

"But if they refuse..."

"Then Shadow Star will no longer need native races. I have already purged the Shu, and I do not mind adding two more."

The order was issued.

One Anya Shouwei squad was sent to the Shadowborn territory, and another to the Symbiote Buluo, to summon the two Elders for talks.

Shadowborn Elder Kalibo passed through the territory that once belonged to the Shu under the "escort" of the Anya Shouwei.

He saw a ruin in the Shu territory; the former Shu had completely vanished from the planet.

The situation for the old Symbiote Priest was similar.

The fluorescent fungi on his back constantly changed colors.

The two were brought to a temporarily constructed camp.

Corax stood in the center, surrounded by heavily armed Anya Shouwei.

Corax signaled for the two to sit and spoke.

"Please sit; it is necessary for us to discuss the future of Shadow Star."

The two Elders sat down cautiously, waiting for Corax to decide their ultimate fate.

"First, let me confirm the current situation: the Shu have been purged due to their stupidity. The Feng Qi Xing Alliance's invasion fleet has been defeated, but the threat has not yet been lifted."

Corax pulled up a holographic projection showing the warships floating in space.

Kalibo cautiously emitted sound waves.

"Great... Metal Giant. The Shadowborn thank you for clearing the darkness underground and... the threat of the Shu."

He wisely did not mention those compatriots who were killed by mistake.

The old Priest's fungi emitted a soft light.

"The Symbiote Buluo is equally grateful. May I ask what plans you have for the... future of Shadow Star?"

"There are two choices. One, you attempt to be independent and face the Feng Qi Xing Alliance fleet that will inevitably return. Given your current level of technology, the result is self-evident."

The camp was silent, save for the slight hum of Power Armor servo systems.

"Two, you submit to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance and accept the jurisdiction of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. They will establish bases on Shadow Star and extract resources, but they will allow you the right to survive and maintain your cultural traditions."

Kalibo's tentacles trembled slightly, and he asked hesitantly.

"This... Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. What is their relationship to you?"

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is a force founded by my father to liberate all humanity. Although you are not human, if you submit, the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance will ensure you are treated fairly."

The old Priest's light flickered uncertainly.

"We do not have the choice to refuse, do we?"

Corax did not answer immediately, but instead pulled up a holographic projection showing the main guns of the Anya Shouwei fleet aiming at an uninhabited area on the planet's surface.

An energy beam descended from the sky, vaporizing a mountain peak.

"I did not purge the Shu because they posed much of a threat, but because they made the wrong choice. I hope you are wiser."

The two Elders reached a consensus immediately.

"The Shadowborn choose to submit; we accept the jurisdiction of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

"The Symbiote Buluo is the same; we are willing to cooperate with the work of the new administrators."

"A wise choice. The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance's advance team will arrive in seventy-two hours. At that time, you will need to formally sign a surrender agreement and begin cooperating with their work."

Corax stood up, signaling the end of the meeting.

"Remember, your survival depends on the degree of your cooperation. Do not repeat the mistakes of the Shu."

"Yes! Please rest assured."

Seventy-two hours later, three Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance ships arrived in the orbit of Shadow Star.

Corax met with the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance's advance team on the *Raven*.

The advance team Captain was a middle-aged woman named Alisha Wolun.

Wolun saluted respectfully and spoke.

"Lord Corax, following the will of the Emperor, we will responsibly manage Shadow Star and respect the rights and interests of the native races."

"This planet is rich in mineral resources and can be mined for a long time."

"Understood, my lord. We will mine the planet's resources reasonably and will not risk destroying it. The War Hounds Legion will be responsible for the planet's defense and order hereafter."

After a simple handover ceremony, the team from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance landed on the planet's surface.

At the same time, the representatives of the Shadowborn and the Symbiote were brought to the pre-prepared signing location.

Corax and Warren stood in the center, with the two race Elders on either side.

Warren spoke first.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance promises to protect the safety of Shadow Star and its native races, respect your culture and traditions, and share the benefits of resource development fairly. In return, we require you to abide by the Star Alliance laws and cooperate with resource development and research work."

She unfolded an exquisite Scroll.

"This is the formal agreement, detailing the rights and obligations of both parties."

Kalibo stepped forward first, using a tentacle to leave a biological imprint on a special sensor plate.

"The Shadowborn accept these conditions and submit to the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

The old Priest stepped forward next, the fungal cluster on his back emitting a specific light pattern that was recorded by an instrument.

"The Symbiote Buluo likewise accepts, and we are willing to coexist peacefully with our new administrators."

Corax witnessed the entire ceremony and spoke last.

"Remember today's choice. Peacefully coexist, prosper together. Should there be betrayal, the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance will not forgive again."

After the ceremony ended, the two Elders were visibly relieved.

Although they had lost complete autonomy, at least their races were able to survive, and their cultures were able to be preserved.

Warren walked toward them, revealing a friendly smile.

"Let us begin our work. First, I need to understand the ecological characteristics of Shadow Star and your survival needs."

Corax nodded slightly and turned to walk toward the waiting Thunderhawk Gunship.

The engines roared, and the Thunderhawk soared into the air, flying toward the fleet in orbit.

Returning to the Bridge of the Raven, Corax took one last look at Shadow Star and gave the order.

"Set the course, next target!"

"Yes! Father!"