Legacy of the Void Fleet

That belonged to the Star Empire.

Out of an estimated 24 total star systems, 20 were granted to the Empire.

Their holdings included:

Over 30% of the spiritual resources, divine flora, and medicinal-grade herbs.

Over 30% of all raw materials—metals, crystal veins, sacred stones, and advanced catalysts.

Nearly all  life planets.

Nearly all life-bearing planets in the galaxy were classified into three tiers:

Tier-3 planets—like Earth—had the most basic living conditions. They possessed natural resources and environments that could support life but were relatively common.

The mana and elemental energies on these planets were present, but of low quality and density.

As a result, individuals born on Tier-3 worlds rarely had the opportunity to reach higher cultivation realms.

These planets typically lacked advanced spiritual plants, rare alloys, or other high-grade resources.

Tier-2 planets, in contrast, were larger and hosted more powerful natural laws.

On these worlds, individuals at or above the Master Rank could remain and even begin shaping their own inner worlds, though with certain restrictions.

They couldn't fully unleash the power of their inner worlds externally, as the planet's own laws and will would resist destructive forces. However, the energy on these planets—mana, elemental power, and spiritual essence—was much purer than on Tier-3 worlds.

Tier-2 planets also featured diverse resources: spirit plants of various grades, rare materials, and even some exotic alloys. While not in overwhelming abundance, these resources could be found with effort across the galaxy.

Tier-1 planets were at a completely different level—colossal in size and incomparable in richness.

Their natural energy was both pure and abundant, and their spiritual plants, rare materials, and natural treasures were present in massive quantities.

The laws of these planets were powerful, often bordering on the divine, and their influence extended to the very genetics of those born there.

While a Tier-3 planet might barely produce a single Heaven-grade talent, Tier-2 planets could yield ten times as many Divine-grade talents.

And though Celestial-grade or Ancient-grade talents were extremely rare—perhaps 0.000000000001% in tier-2 planets. Tier-1 planets could give rise to them with relative ease. In fact, the chance of an Ancient-grade talent being born on a Tier-1 planet could be as high as 2%.

According to the available data, the Holy Region possessed at least ten Tier-1 planets. Even after offering one each to the Forgers Guild and the Alchemist Association, they still retained eight such planetary treasures.

But this bounty came with a cost and a burden.

The Star Empire would:

Bear full responsibility for securing the Holy Region.

Maintain military garrisons, orbital defense platforms, and warp-gate stability across its 20 systems.

Handle all logistics: mining, harvesting, processing, and delivery of the promised shares to the Alchemy Association and Forger Guild—at its own expense.

They would be the stewards, not just rulers.

They would harvest, distribute, defend, and in time—monetize what others had merely claimed.

And the Star Emperor agreed to their terms without hesitation. First, he had little choice—the terms were overwhelmingly favorable. Second, it was clear that all four powers before him were investing heavily in the rise of the Star Empire.

Their support wasn't just goodwill—it was a calculated bet.

By gaining access to the Holy Region's vast resources, the Star Empire would be empowered to evolve into a Tier-1 Super State. And those who supported them now would benefit later by maintaining close and friendly ties with a rising galactic power.

Later that day…

The leaders of the five powers—the Alchemy Association, the Forger Guild, the Dark Elven Empire, the Mountain Dwarf Clan, and the Star Empire—had finally concluded their marathon negotiations over the Holy Region. After a full galactic day of debate and compromise, they'd reached a satisfactory agreement. Everyone was content. Smiles were exchanged. Small talk followed.

Empress Velryss of the Dark Elven Empire was the first to rise, her tone calm and regal.

"I believe it's time I return. I left without formal notice, and while I trust in my council, my absence may soon raise questions. Preparations for our deployment to the Holy Region must begin immediately."

She bowed slightly to the others and turned to leave.

Supreme Elder Moegrin of the Mountain Dwarf Clan wasn't far behind.

"I too shall take my leave. Our ancestral halls await my return, and our warriors will be eager to hear of our place in this new venture."

The others nodded, voicing their own intent to depart in the coming hours.

But then…

A sharp chime broke the calm. The Star Emperor's personal comm device blinked rapidly—an emergency alert.

The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

Duke Fredrik… again? he thought.

Turning to the others, he offered a slight smile. "Gentlemen, if you will excuse me for a moment—an urgent matter has arrived from one of my subordinates."

"Of course, Star Emperor," said the Forger Guildmaster. "Please. We'll wait."

The Emperor stood, stepped away from the round table, and with a subtle gesture, a privacy barrier shimmered into existence around him—cutting off any possible spying or eavesdropping.

Only then did he accept the call.

A holographic figure materialized. Duke Fleximy, one of his trusted commanders, bowed quickly.

"Your Majesty… we have an emergency. One that you must hear immediately."

The Emperor remained composed. "Speak, Duke. For you to call me during such a meeting, it must be urgent indeed."

Fleximy didn't hesitate.

(Flashback: Half an hour earlier…)

Duke Fleximy had been in high spirits. He was preparing his personal army for deployment to the Holy Region, already assembling some of the most talented young elites of his domain. The excitement of establishing dominance in a new frontier filled him with pride.

But then he received a sudden, high-priority transmission from Earl Verion Flambron.

Surprised—but still optimistic—he answered.

The moment the connection stabilized, Earl Verion's face appeared, grim.

"Duke, we have a problem."

Fleximy's smile faded instantly. "Go on."

"The Minotaur's—those I had allowed to stay within my estate—caused a commotion just moments ago. They urgently requested an audience, disturbing my subordinates in the process. I granted it, curious what had stirred them so.""They came running," he continued, "and breathlessly informed me that another unknown power has appeared in the Holy Region—one they hadn't anticipated in the slightest."

"

The Earl's voice dropped, laced with disbelief. "They even claimed that the fleet they had sent—one of their pinnacle scouting and conquest fleets, meant to secure total control over the Holy Region—was ambushed and completely annihilated. Only one individual is believed to have escaped… and they suspect it was the unknown force itself that deliberately let that person go."

Fleximy froze. "What? Their fleet was destroyed? By whom? Did they say which power was responsible? Who it belongs to? Or did those brutes fail to uncover even that much?"

Earl Verion answered, his voice noticeably heavy—clearly displeased by the situation."It's just as you might expect, Duke. Those brutes failed to uncover any real details. However, they did manage to glimpse the one leading the opposing fleet. He confronted the surviving Minotaur… and declared that he belonged to the human race."

"…Humans?" Fleximy blinked, confused. "That race?" He frowned deeply, shaking his head. "How could it be them? That lowly race? No… something doesn't add up. Did you confirm if this was true, or were those brutes just guessing?"

Earl Verion nodded slowly, his expression grim."Yes, Duke. I confirmed it—again and again. I didn't believe it myself at first… and honestly, who would? It sounds absurd."

"Indeed!" Duke Fleximy snapped, clearly irritated.

Verion continued, "And there's more. According to the Minotaur's, the fleet that attacked them was undoubtedly human—small in number, no more than a thousand ships—but astonishingly advanced. Their technology surpassed even Tier-2 standards. The Minotaur's now believe this force may have inherited the legacy of some ancient power that once ruled the Holy Region."

The Duke scoffed, rising slightly in his seat, eyebrows raised in disbelief."Do you believe that, Earl?"

Verion exhaled."Not one bit, Duke. I believe they're hiding something from us. But at the same time… the idea that humans could have developed to this level without some kind of inherited legacy? That, too, feels just as absurd. So perhaps… there's some truth in their story."

For a moment, Fleximy was stunned silent. Then, his face darkened.

"Damn those beast-headed fools! Can they not do anything properly?!"

He took a breath. "And you're sure? Are they sure?"

"They are, Duke. That's exactly what they told me," Earl Verion replied firmly.

Duke Fleximy exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples."What a headache this is… damn it."He cursed under his breath, then composed himself with visible effort."Alright. I'll inform the Emperor immediately—though I'd rather not. But now that I know, I have no choice."

His eyes narrowed, voice laced with cold fury."Damn those brutes… If they cause one more problem, I swear—I'll personally wipe their entire race off the map."

Back in the private chamber, Duke Fleximy's projection bowed once again.

"That is all, my Emperor. I felt you needed to know immediately."