“The Interstellar Alliance and the Fenreiga Empire are now at full-scale war.

If we join forces with Fenreiga, victory will be absolute. Once that happens, this universe’s inexhaustible energy will belong to our people. High Chancellor, what is the Council’s stance?”

The man seated on the imperial throne spoke with bold confidence, the corners of his lips lifting as his golden eyes drifted toward the line of Council members awaiting the question.

The silver-haired representative of the Council rose smoothly from his seat—an acknowledgment of imperial authority, but not submission.

“Your Majesty, the Council believes this course of action is premature.”

Unlike monarchies on other worlds, Teleopea’s Council can—under certain conditions—challenge the Emperor’s will.

“Is that so?”

The Emperor showed no anger, only a lazy, narrowed gaze fixed upon the speaker.

“Tell me… how exactly is it ‘premature’?”

“A classified report from Intelligence,” the silver-haired man replied.

“It suggests the Interstellar Alliance has obtained something—and is using it to research a so-called Great Weapon. Initiating war before we understand what they have recovered is… strategically unwise.”

Under the artificial lighting, his silver hair reflected a cold, inorganic brilliance.

“With the Ultimate Weapon missing for so many cycles,” he continued,

“the Council has unanimously voted to prioritize investigation of this lead.”

The Emperor’s golden eyes narrowed in thought.

“That thing has been lost for so many years. Even we couldn’t find it.

How could a pack of weak species possibly locate it?”

“Regardless, we cannot ignore signs of its potential reappearance.

Until we confirm what the Alliance has obtained, the Council will maintain neutrality.”

“…This is the Council’s decision?”

“It is.”

The Chancellor’s voice was clear—respectful, but resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

After the meeting

The Star Emperor walked the long corridor back toward his private palace.

He said nothing, but his silence did not hide his anger over the Council’s refusal to support him.

“Your Majesty…”

Yin, his right-hand officer, could sense perfectly well that the man beside him was furious.

The Emperor’s pale golden hair shifted with each step as the entourage turned at the main intersection toward the hovering vehicle bay.

They were in a hurry, and thus failed to notice two individuals who had just entered from the other end of the hall.

“My god—why is he here today?”

One of the newcomers—marked by a streak of red-dyed hair—muttered nervously as he stared toward the Emperor’s group.

His companion stood frozen, eyes fixed on the same direction.

“Hey, why’d you freeze?”

Shi noticed immediately something was wrong with the young Teleopean beside him.

The young Teleopean’s golden eyes had turned pitch-black.

Shi’s expression tightened.

He understood instantly what this reckless brat was about to do.

Grabbing the young man’s arm, he hissed,

“Chen, have you lost your mind?!

The suppression seal on your wrist can only be removed by Mien himself.

If you attack the Emperor here—are you trying to die?!”

“That’s him—that’s him! I’m going to kill him!!!”

Chen was shaking with rage.

If not for Shi’s restraint, he would have lunged straight at the imperial entourage.

“Chen—control yourself!”

Shi tried to force him calm, but the youth only grew more agitated.

“You reckless brat!”

Shi moved without hesitation.

His slap struck so hard it knocked the taller Teleopean flat onto the floor.

He followed with a harsh kick, pinning Chen to the ground, his boot locking the younger kin in place.

“You can’t even defeat me—and you think you can kill him?!”

His voice was ice and steel.

“You rush in like this and throw your life away, and you’ll die a worthless failure. Tell me, Chen—does that avenge anything?!”

“But… he—! He—!”

“Listen.” Shi lowered his voice, but the power in it deepened.

“I understand your rage.But you must learn to use anger, not let it devour you.”

The glow in Shi’s eyes sharpened, warning and relentless, as he held the boy’s gaze.

“Control your emotions. Let reason show you the truth. Tell me—what will your impulsiveness bring you now?”

“I…”, Lying on the ground, Chen stared in the direction the Emperor’s group had gone.

It took a long time—an internal battle that left his breathing uneven—before he finally tore his gaze away.

“…I understand.”

“If you truly want revenge, retreat when you must. Withdraw when it is wise. A true warrior survives until the final strike.”

Shi released him at last, extending a hand to pull the younger Teleopean up.

“The strong,” he said quietly, “are the ones who remain alive to win in the end.”

Chen lowered his eyes, fists tightening again.

“…Yes, Teacher.”

Elsewhere

“Your Majesty? What’s wrong?”

Yin looked at the Emperor, puzzled by the man’s sudden pause and backward glance.

The Emperor did not answer.

Just for a moment…

At the very edge of his psychic field,

he had sensed a presence—

Familiar.

And yet… foreign.

His brows furrowed slightly.

A prey that escaped his grasp, long ago.

Was it only an illusion?