Chapter 109: In the Name of the Great Valshius Merchant Dynasty

Losel Nestmetropolis World, located on the edge of the Northern Murky Star Region within the Nakmonde Corridor, has a population of thirty billion and a tax rank of Special Class Second Tier.

In the vast depths of space, space itself seemed to warp.

Immediately after, a colossal warship, several kilometers in diameter, shaped like a carrier bearing a grand cathedral, ancient and mysterious, emerged from the Mandelbrot Point.

In the vast chamber at the front of the bridge stood a statue of the Divine Emperor, dozens of meters tall.

The entire chamber was enormous, resembling a lavish cathedral, everywhere filled with opulent and precious decorations.

Along the aisle leading to the Divine Emperor statue lay a thick, soft red carpet; dozens of banners hung from the cathedral’s dome, depicting the family’s grand history!

The walls on either side of the cathedral were adorned with painted murals, meticulously copying ancient history.

Directly beneath the Divine Emperor statue stood a tall, burly old man with snow-white hair, dressed in exquisitely ornate noble attire.

Even that cloak alone was sewn with gold thread, crafted from the pelts of creatures from dozens of star regions, woven by a master; the golden double-headed eagle shoulder insignia further emphasized his extraordinary status.

“Log of voyage report.”

A lifeless voice emerged from the communication array: “The Redeemer’s Sword, a Conqueror-class cruiser, has successfully exited the Mandelbrot Point and arrived in the Northern Murky Star Region. However, due to sub-space interference, it has deviated from its planned course.”

Listening to the lifeless mechanical report, the old man standing beneath the Divine Emperor statue slowly opened his eyes.

Turning around, his face, etched with deep wrinkles like mountain ridges, weathered by time and frost, appeared as unyielding as ancient bedrock!

On his chest hung dozens of medals.

Each one was awarded by the Empire, symbolizing his exalted status and countless contributions to the Empire!

After a brief silence, a flicker of impatience crossed his brow, yet his tone remained calm, preserving noble dignity: “How much longer until we reach Losel?”

“According to predictions… at least thirty-seven days.”

The lifeless voice continued from the communication array.

“Too long…”

Horne gazed out the viewport at the endless star river, a look of weariness appearing on his face, faintly tinged with barely perceptible concern: “Inspect the hull for damage, replenish supplies at the nearest nestmetropolis as soon as possible. Then… connect me to ‘Aluman Vila.’ I need more accurate intelligence.”

“Star message delivered.”

The cathedral-like holy chamber fell silent once more.

Watching the dimmed communication array, Horne paced anxiously beneath the Divine Emperor statue, waiting.

“Star message from Losel Nestmetropolis World—shall I connect it for you?” The communication array activated again, projecting a virtual image.

Finally receiving the communication request, Horne spoke urgently: “Connect the star message.”

“Respected Mr. Horne, have you arrived at the Losel planet yet?”

Aluman asked with evident urgency.

“I’m deeply sorry, but… we’ll likely be delayed by about a month before reaching Losel.”

Horne took a deep breath, his face filled with guilt: “But rest assured, I will reach Losel as quickly as possible. How is the situation there?”

“It’s dire… Mr. Horne.”

Aluman’s voice was heavy: “Seventeen days ago, Governor Galken Khalid… was assassinated by a cult during the Emperor’s Ascension Festival. Death has been confirmed.”

“The planetary governor was assassinated? What were the guards doing?” Horne frowned tightly—he never expected Losel’s situation to deteriorate so rapidly in just a month and a half.

He could already foresee how chaotic Losel Nestmetropolis would become without the governor’s control.

“The situation may be worse than you imagine…”

Aluman’s voice came through, laced with anxiety: “After the governor’s death, the cult immediately exploited the chaos and launched a direct assault on the nestmetropolis. Only the planetary defense forces and riot suppression units managed to hold them back at Mid-Nest.”

“Hss…”

Even Horne couldn’t help but draw a sharp breath, his brows knitting into a deep frown: “What of the governor’s family heir? Don’t they know to rally troops and resist?”

“The heirs… were all assassinated.”

Aluman said helplessly: “When the governor was killed, the entire Hadley family was purged—not a single soul survived.”

“…What about other noble families?”

Horne’s teeth were nearly grinding to dust, his voice sharp with rage: “Even if the governor’s family was wiped out, surely other families remain? Is there truly no one left?”

“Mr. Horne, you overestimate them.”

Here, Aluman could not help but grit his teeth in fury: “Upon learning of the cult’s rebellion, the nobles of Upper Nest immediately sealed off all access routes to Upper Nest.”

“Worthless! Worthless! Worthless!”

Horne’s temples throbbed with veins, his blood boiling; he took several deep breaths to avoid being literally enraged to death by those damned imperial parasites.

“Now… now, how is the situation?” He gripped the control console, forcibly suppressing his rage, forcing himself to calm down and ask.

“The Fawu Force and planetary defense troops have temporarily held back the cult, but… they won’t last much longer.” Aluman pleaded urgently: “We need your help, Mr. Horne!”

“I will reach Losel as soon as possible.”

After steadying his breath, Horne interrupted Aluman before he could continue: “Tell me… is he safe?”

This time, it was Aluman who fell silent.

The eerie silence hardened Horne’s expression, flooding him with a terrible premonition: “What happened? Aluman!”

“I’m sorry… he is missing.”

Aluman’s voice was bitter, filled with regret: “Over half a month ago, he vanished alongside a Magistrate.”

“What did you say?!”

Horne’s pupils shrank sharply; he froze, then roared like an enraged lion, fury blazing from his eyes as if ready to tear Aluman apart: “Say that again!”

After a moment’s silence, Aluman forced himself to continue: “He vanished during an investigation into cult activities in Lower Nest… his current status is unknown.”

“Who sent him?”

Horne’s voice turned icy, sharp as a blade, brimming with murderous intent; the air in the chamber seemed to drop several degrees.

“I did.”

Aluman said bitterly.

“Very well, Aluman Vila… pray to your Omnisiah. Pray that he is still alive—otherwise…”

Horne’s thunderous voice surged like an endless sea of corpses and blood, chilling Aluman’s spine even across the starlink!

“I, Horne Valshius, swear before the Divine Emperor, in the name of the great Valshius Merchant Dynasty!”

Horne’s furious voice sent shivers down the spine: “I will spare no cost—even if the Empire holds me accountable—I will exhaust every family resource to make you and Losel pay a horrific price!!!”

After ending the communication.

Horne’s face darkened, as if resolved to a grim decision; he spoke low and firm: “Immediately, in the name of the Valshius Merchant Dynasty, send a distress signal to all starfleet units, Astartes Chapters, Magistrates… any force capable of combat, stationed in surrounding star regions—no matter the cost!”

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