The countdown had been underway for a considerable amount of time. Galaxies across the cosmos had made their preparations and watched the countdown above the solar stars of their respective galaxies. The countdown originated from the Galactic Alliance Base of each galaxy, a planet that housed the alliance members. Due to the influence of their solar stars, the time of each galaxy was synchronized, except for special places.

Every major power knew phase one was only the beginning. However, Arslan didn’t see it that way. He wanted to complete phase one as quickly as possible to gain a head start for phase two. That’s why he decided not to focus on defending a planet but to take the offensive instead. As the countdown reached zero, he turned his attention to the spaceships occupied by his team members. After assigning everyone to a planet, there were some questions, but he made it clear that this was the strategy they would pursue. He couldn’t take them with him because he knew that the worlds under the Empire needed protection.

Everyone has their journey, and experience is the only way one could understand if their current Path is the right one. Including him.

Arslan hovered in space with the help of Mana. Magic was really miraculous for these effects, as just hovering in space with Innate Energy through a Path would have too many deviations and require time to research. Time was not enough for anyone, even him, a being who could outlive worlds even as Mortal. The red particle regulated his existence forcefully so that they functioned with utmost efficiency and power. He didn’t see the part of the equation in the red world. If he could get his hands on it, the advancement on the Empire’s Paths, especially concerning people with Innate Talents who require an absurd amount of lifespans, would be significant.

He changed his focus towards the space above the sun. There were only seconds left before the competition officially could start. Focusing on his royal seal, he asked Angel, “Find me the stars under our control that will be instantly attacked and the worlds these forces will protect. Make sure that they are hostile to us from the beginning.”

Arslan wanted to protect and counter attack right after. Having a clear conscience was always better, as he didn’t believe there wouldn’t be innocents who would die. In his eyes, even those who are fighting for their lands are innocent. He can only do his best so that those who die by him will belong to forces that target his empire. He waited as the time reduced to thirty seconds. He focused on Eren, as he would be his only companion in phase one. He was not sure how long this would last, but the opportunity for a bond was there. As a Dao Cultivator, he was sure that he would not die on him. He also wanted to broaden his horizons. After all, he would have children, and he wanted to stay up to date in case they choose different paths in life.

“Give me your hand,” Arslan said to Eren. Eren, whose attention was on the countdown, reeled back, unconsciously extending his hand. He watched as Arslan, with his large hands, held his wrists and felt an extension to his Existence. Focusing on it, he heard an emotionless voice, “Prince Eren. You have been given Tier 3 access to the Luvi Empire’s network. Do you accept?”

Upon hearing the word Prince and Tier 3, he grew emotional and tried not to give away his feelings when he answered, “Yes.” He checked his left wrist and looked at the mark of a silver crown. His father also had it, until it was taken. Erdem wanted his son to have it, as it was a symbol that represented his values, beliefs, and the privilege of being born to the royal bloodline. It was only now that their hopes were answered.

While Eren was on an emotional trip, Arslan received a message with some of the world coordinates, then heard the voice of Angel, “I have sent you the coordinates. The first one should be the most advantageous for an attack, since they want to attack some of the stars under the Luvi planets that are used for resources and cultivation.”

“I got it.” Arslan noticed that only five seconds were left. He focused on his seal, and to his left, a spaceship appeared. The airlock opened, and he sent his voice even though they were in outer space, “Follow me.”

He went inside the airlock and saw Eternal Selena appearing. He nodded towards her and looked back to see Eren arrive as well. After the airlock finished the procedures, Arslan entered the coordinates that Angel had sent. Then he watched as the countdown reached zero, the four spaceships heading for the four different Luvi worlds. He commanded, “Go to the first location, just outside of Eternal’s range.”

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***

Luvi Galaxy was the only galaxy that had the name of a power named after it. This resulted in envy and competition, however it was hard for the other forces to try to change it. Worlds of the Luvi Empire surrounded the sun, the Inner Ring of the galaxy. Although these worlds were not surrounding the sun in a tight circle, there were some creatures that occupied those places. Even with their Demigods, they couldn’t get rid of them, as they had the home advantage. However, there were some stars under Luvi that were left alone and yearly visited to repel these creatures off of these stars.

One particular force, with great ambition, opened a wormhole directly towards this region of space. As the spaceship passed through it, the crew inside made out of the best mortals they could raise, there was an exciting air around them. All of them clenched their hands into fists, trying to not get affected by their ambition. However, there was a man at these people’s back who had the most relaxed look he could give. This was his first competition he joined as protector, as he was…occupied in a strange place when he first entered. And after a couple of thousand years, he became Eternal, and used his power to break out. Ever since, he had the time of his life. And since he got a unique Path, he believed he was one of the most powerful Eternal out there.

However, the moment the ship passed the wormhole, he opened his right eye and saw a large man beside him. Noting that this stranger was only mortal, he couldn’t figure out where this strange man came from. His gaze was unnerving as he looked like assessing the people around them, his eyes flickering as it judged their worth.

However, when the strange man looked down at him from high up, he wanted to open his other eyes and give a piece of his mind, right when he noticed a smirk. Not good, he activated all of his powers to defend and save as many people as possible. He could only watch as the strange man created a domain around the spaceship, then released his Innate Energy around everything inside this domain, stealing their momentum. With the tap of his foot, he moved through the mortals, breaking their necks and sending his Innate Energy towards their Mind Spark, annihilating.

All of this happened so fast that Eternal could only save the one in charge, who was the king of a kingdom in this galaxy. He could hardly believe why he even saved him. The one who attacked was only mortal, and he couldn’t interfere with the mortal’s fights. He felt a headache coming.

***

Arslan withdrew his hands from the face of his last victim. After confirming his death, like the rest, he dropped him like trash. Then, he returned his gaze towards the protector of this team and asked, “Is this your first?”

He saw as the Eternal smiled bitterly. He knew what he had to do, but he was unwilling. This was his first time, and he could bet he had failed spectacularly. Only a minute had passed since the countdown reached zero, yet the team under his protection had already perished. Worst of all, these thirty mortals were the only ones who were on the attack. His clones that protected the other groups that were not on this attack held pity. It wouldn’t be long before their complete and utter defeat. However, he had one final card that could make it better. Better for him, that is.

He willed his mind energy towards the king and entered his Mind Spark, commanding, “Bow and surrender!”

Right after, before Arslan could even understand, he watched as the mortal bowed and uttered, “We, the Wales Kingdom, surrender!”

Arslan watched this with a poker face, but inside he was speechless. He watched as the Eternal clapped. “Congratulations, younger brother. You are really powerful.” He looked towards the king under his…protection and commanded again, “You can activate the surrender protocol now. Don’t make your new Emperor wait!”

The King’s face twitched and he helplessly surrendered through the InnatePad. He couldn’t even cry due to the training he had undergone. His wives and concubines would tear him apart when they learn that he would be under someone else’s command. As for the ancestors, they could only accept their luck.

The Eternal directly withdrew his mind energy from the Mind Spark after he heard his inner thoughts.

“I will be going then.” He popped a treasure and teleported without even looking back. He had to reach the base of the alliance before anything befell him.

Arslan watched all this with bemusement. His plans for Domination had failed. He could only take it out on this King.