Chapter 438: Ch
Only after the higher-ranking officials of the Empire had taken their places within the ceremonial hall did the invited foreign guests begin making their appearances.
"Announcing Empress Valoria of the Elphenim Empire, representing her Empire, a respected and long-standing Tier Three Power..."
That announcement immediately attracted the attention of many high-ranking officials of the Empire. Several welcomed Valoria warmly before tactfully approaching her and beginning conversations.
"Announcing Arch Duke Elder Grove of the Elphenim Empire, accompanying Her Majesty the Empress..."
As the Arch Duke entered not far behind Valoria, many of the individuals surrounding her also began engaging him in conversation. More specifically, most of them came from the military bloc, though the truly influential figures among the Empire’s upper echelon did not personally approach either of them. Their status was already equal to, or even higher than, that of both the Duke and the Empress.
Following them came other dignitaries.
"Announcing the Emperor of the Azura Imperium..."
The Emperor entered accompanied by his son, the First Prince Kronos, as well as the First Princess, immediately drawing the attention of many present.
And so, one after another, distinguished guests from Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three powers entered the grand hall.
Slowly, the ceremonial hall filled with people.
Within the beautifully decorated open chamber, seated upon luxurious furnishings and gathered in various groups, representatives from many Tier One and Tier Two powers conversed among themselves.
Yet despite their attempts to remain composed, hints of astonishment and surprise were clearly visible in their eyes as they observed the scale, grandeur, and influence displayed by the Celestial Void Empire during this historic occasion.
Being a power that had only recently come to the attention of the wider galaxy, the fact that they had managed to invite and gather so many leaders was astonishing in itself.
There were at least twelve Tier Three powers present, along with double or even triple that number of Tier Two powers, and hundreds of Tier One powers. More importantly, these were not insignificant factions. They were powerful organizations with long and established histories throughout the galaxy.
Such a gathering was an obvious display of the influence the Void Fleet, now the Celestial Void Empire, commanded.
Beyond that, what surprised many dignitaries even more was the Empire’s ability to transform the Holy Region, now known as the Sol Region, into such a lush and beautiful place despite historical records describing it as barren and lifeless.
"To deploy this level of force at the edge of the Sol Region in only a few months..."
Thrax, Supreme Sovereign of the United Moons of Oros, a Tier Three power, muttered thoughtfully as he spoke to Matriarch T’Kala of the Seraphina Hegemony, another Tier Three power.
As he spoke, he remembered the gigantic metallic spheres and dagger-shaped dreadnoughts he had seen around the Stargate upon his arrival.
"All of this puts us at a disadvantage for our upcoming scheduled meeting, does it not?" he continued. "Honestly, I am beginning to wonder whether we should look forward to this collaboration if it succeeds... or fear the beast we are trying to court because it may simply be too powerful for us to handle."
Matriarch T’Kala swirled the wine within her glass before taking a slow sip. "I do not know the answer to that either, Supreme Sovereign Thrax," she replied calmly.
"However, look at the positive side of things. Their strength may very well be the solution to our problems. Just as my Hegemony faces constant pressure from the DMG Coalition and the hidden powers backing them, your Empire is facing no less difficulty."
Her gaze shifted toward the gathering crowd. "We are both in situations that force us to overlook certain concerns."
A faint smile appeared on her face. "Whether we are climbing into bed with a lion or a hyena, I would much rather choose the dignified lion than the hyena whose knife I can expect in my back at any moment."
Thrax let out a low chuckle upon hearing that. "That is certainly one way to put it."
"Regardless," T’Kala continued, "the reality remains the same. We both know that this collaboration is something we need, no matter what. The only thing we can do now is hope that the price they ask from us is one our people can actually afford..."
Both rulers fell silent afterward, their eyes drifting toward the center of the ceremonial hall where the true leader of the Celestial Void Empire would soon appear.
Around them, similar conversations were taking place among dozens of rulers and dignitaries, all wondering the same thing.
What kind of terms would the Celestial Void Empire demand... and would the benefits outweigh the risks of standing beside such a rapidly rising power?
A power that itself possessed numerous enemies, many of whom coveted the very territory that now formed the heart of the Celestial Void Empire.
Whether this path would ultimately prove wise or disastrous, none of them could say for certain. Yet circumstances had forced their hands. They had little choice but to place their trust in this rapidly rising power, one that had already created landslide after landslide throughout the galaxy and shaken countless established powers to their very foundations.
And despite the uncertainty, many still looked toward the future with hope...
Meanwhile, the pre-ceremony gathering continued.
Dignitaries from countless factions exchanged conversations, introductions, and diplomatic courtesies. Though many of them came from regions separated by vast distances and belonged to entirely different civilizations, these brief exchanges revealed a surprising commonality among them.
Trouble. Suppression. Pressure from larger regional powers.
Whether economic, political, military, or covert in nature, nearly all of them had suffered under stronger forces that slowly eroded the foundations and vitality of their nations.
Some had lost territory. Some had lost influence. And others had been forced into unfavorable arrangements simply to survive.
It was perhaps this shared struggle that allowed many of them to find common ground far more quickly than expected.
Meanwhile, at the very center of the ceremonial hall, something changed. No one knew exactly when it had happened. Yet suddenly, Kallus was standing upon the central platform.
Many dignitaries only noticed him after their eyes drifted toward the stage and instinctively paused.
There he stood calmly, carrying himself with a composed and dignified bearing.
Beside him was a little girl, while two other figures stood nearby, both appearing to be around the same age as Kallus himself.
Their sudden appearance immediately attracted attention throughout the hall.
One conversation after another gradually quieted as more and more eyes turned toward the central platform. Even the rulers and leaders who had been deep in discussion found themselves shifting their focus toward the stage. Instinctively, many understood that the true ceremony was finally about to begin.
This was followed by the arrival of a middle-aged man dressed in flowing green robes. His hair was the color of fresh jade, and a solemn yet overwhelmingly powerful aura surrounded him.
The moment the leaders of the Tier Three powers sensed that aura, many of them shivered involuntarily.
A feeling of terror rose within their hearts as they realized that this middle-aged man was unquestionably beyond them in terms of power.
Once again, they were given another glimpse into the terrifying foundation of the Celestial Void Empire...
The man slowly stepped forward and raised the wooden staff in his hand.
As he did, the entire ceremonial hall fell silent.
Then, in a voice that seemed to echo far beyond the hall itself, he spoke:
"Hear us, O Heavens and Supreme Powers beyond. Bear witness to this sacred ceremony."
"As space spans infinity and the earth nurtures life, we call upon the powers beyond, upon those whose authority shapes the stars and seas, who anchor the lands and raise the mountains."
"Look upon this place."
"Grant this realm the unyielding stability of the Dragon and the eternal vitality of the Ancient Primordial Turtle."
"Let this Empire stand as a path that brings positive change to the world below and the distant heavens above. Eternal. Unshakable. Supreme."
The wooden staff struck the ground. A deep resonance spread throughout the hall. "Before the Heavens. Before the Earth. And before the Great Beyond..."
The old man’s eyes seemed to shine with ancient light as he spoke the final words.
"Foundation established."
The moment those words fell, an indescribable pressure swept across the entire ceremonial hall, causing countless hearts to tremble.
For the briefest of moments, many present instinctively realized a profound truth and mystery that the middle-aged man had laid bare as he cast one of his spells.
It was as though he had reached into the very destiny of the Void Fleet, no, the Celestial Void Empire itself, and solidified it. Strengthening its fate, suppressing instability, and granting the newborn Empire a foundation capable of enduring for ages to come...
Then, just as suddenly as the realization appeared, it vanished.
Most forgot what they had sensed almost immediately, as though the knowledge itself was not meant to be retained.
