118: I believe the empire needs highly skilled individuals like you.

In short, after Kelaifu's series of probes and Xi Hai's selective revelations, Xi Hai's image in Kelaifu's eyes became this: no backing, but possessing technology and strength—most importantly, he had no strings attached and could run away at any time.

As for Kelaifu's view on Xi Hai's technology, setting aside the carrier-based aircraft, he was genuinely tempted the moment he learned that the opponent's curvature technology "could reach one-quarter of the speed of light, and with some extra resources, it could reach one-third."

While this speed wasn't fast, the ability to enter jumps anytime, anywhere without restriction—at a time when warfare had regressed back to Warship duels—would undoubtedly greatly strengthen the Empire's military power.

After a brief moment of thought, he made a decision—he couldn't let this kid run off to someone else; he had to trick him into coming back first.

"I think the Empire is in need of high-level talent like you," he said.

"Moreover, now that you and The Consortium have become mortal enemies, only the Empire can provide you with shelter."

"Would you consider serving the Empire?"

Seeing the invitation from the other side, Xi Hai sighed inwardly: Finally! It was worth all the time I spent bickering with him!

But when it came down to it, he wasn't in a rush: "What exactly does serving the Empire entail?"

Kelaifu thought for a moment, weighed the value against the cost, and said: "There are two options. First, cooperate secretly with the Empire as an independent organization. The Empire won't publicly acknowledge you, but we will provide cover for you in the grand scheme of things and send supplies to you irregularly."

"In return, you will need to complete some shady tasks that the Empire throws your way."

"Of course, I strongly recommend you choose the second option—that is, swear allegiance to His Majesty the Emperor and serve the Empire as an Imperial subject."

"Whether it's a position, resources, or even a fief,"

"I can secure it for you."

"The Empire will not mistreat those who have made contributions, and certainly won't mistreat those who are useful."

In his eyes, if a position and a few star sectors could be exchanged for technology capable of overturning the current mode of warfare, it would be an absolute steal.

After all, the Empire's scale was so massive that it didn't care about the former at all. Countless parasites clung to the Empire, sucking its blood, and countless disasters erupted within it, yet when spread across those vast star systems, it all seemed insignificant.

"Deal," Xi Hai replied readily.

Kelaifu nodded with satisfaction.

"A wise choice."

"A star sector, a position—I can even promise you the right to develop freely."

"But in return, newly developed technology and produced Warships must be supplied to the Empire first."

"A specialist will draft the specific agreement later."

"For now, we need to discuss how to resolve the trouble left behind in Ursa Major V12.22."

"Regardless, since we've arrived, this place shouldn't be left to The Consortium."

"By the way, are there any survivors in Ursa Major V12.22?"

Xi Hai thought about the overwhelming Swarm, pondered for a moment, and replied: "I suppose... there shouldn't be any left."

Hearing this answer, Kelaifu was slightly surprised, but then satisfied—this was even better; no need to beat around the bush, he could just declare sovereignty directly.

He said:

"First, in the 'Order Restoration and Civilization Restart Treaty,' there is a clause:"

"As long as there isn't a single living person inside Ursa Major V12.22, you have the right to claim sovereignty over this place and join the Order Alliance."

"For now, just send a few people out to declare sovereignty, and you can handle the follow-up matters with the Imperial Ministry of Commerce."

Xi Hai: ...

Uh, how am I supposed to tell him about the bugs?

"Holy crap! You old geezer! Why is it you?"

Indeed, given the special status of these two—one a Lieutenant General and the other the son of a Lieutenant General—Xi Hai had ordered his men to lock Gould and Gulac in the same Calileon.

However, when he saw Gould in uniform being escorted to the next cell, Gulac couldn't believe it. Once he confirmed he hadn't seen wrong, he let out a sharp shriek.

"???"

"WTF?"

Looking at the guy yelling on the other side of the window, Gould was also stunned on the spot: Hey, wait? Isn't this kid dead? How is he alive again?

The two just stared at each other, until Gulac broke the silence and asked:

"How is Ursa Major V12.22 right now?"

Gould had a face full of black lines:

"I don't know. I was stopped before I even went in."

"You, on the other hand, likely know more than I do."

"Do you know where these people came from?"

Gulac recalled for a moment and said:

"We were initially attacked by those lunatics from the Saints."

"They used a terrifyingly high-yield disintegration bomb to blow up the void, and then a whole bunch of bug-like things emerged."

"We barely managed to break out, and then we were ambushed."

"Commander Erot and the rest of the Defense Force... I reckon they've already pledged their loyalty to the Marshal."

Suddenly, Gould felt a headache coming on—an inexplicable fleet, bugs, Imperial guys; he always had the feeling of being set up by capital.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

At this moment, two soldiers walked over, knocked on the door frame, and said:

"Gould, Gulac—those are your names, right?"

"Someone wants to interrogate you. Come with us."

(The author needs to travel back to school over the next two days. I will try to post extra updates if I have time, but please excuse the absence for now.)

(Also, I've been a bit stuck writing these chapters; looking at the outline, I don't know how to start.)

(To the big donors, I'm very sorry; my speed is still too slow.)