The next few days passed in a blur. Their mission could change the direction of the war, giving Zecia a final chance to turn things around. There couldn’t be any mistakes. Zac was going in and out of meetings, going over the latest intelligence and ironing out the details of their mission. Unfortunately, information about the Imperial Graveyard remained sparse.
The only thing they’d been able to confirm was that Iz was correct. The spatial turbulence in the region was rising to the point they could measure it on their conquered worlds. The changes went beyond the randomness of an unstable region, and it wasn’t limited to the Imperial Graveyard. There was a similar phenomenon currently taking place in the Million Gates Territory, giving them a hint of what to expect.
The storms had become fiercer, and the number of Spatial Tears leading to Mystic Realms and remnants was increasing. Similar things were happening throughout Zecia, although not at as great frequency. It was still enough to further weaken their fractured defense against the Kan’Tanu’s offensive.
Instead of throwing their lives away on the frontlines, many sought opportunities in these newly-emerged realms. It was difficult to say whether these people hoped to find the resources needed to fight back or to escape Zecia before they were caught and implanted with a Heart Curse.
The whole situation left Zac bitter and frustrated. Luckily, he had found an outlet in the relentless sparring sessions with his companions. Those who’d trained in the Ensolus Ruins needed to get used to their newfound strength, and Zac needed to better understand the gains Ogras, Kruta, and Catheya had gained during their tutelage off-world.
“How is it?” Zac asked as he sat down next to Kruta, who was watching Joanna fight back against the ice age Catheya had conjured.
“I don’t know what to say,” Kruta said after a pause. “I thought you were the exception to the rule. How are there so many little monsters on the frontier, in one little D-grade faction less than 20 years old? Just what kind of providence are you carrying?”
“Hard times birth strong men,” Zac said. “For better or worse, our home got integrated at the perfect time. Zecia didn’t fully understand it back then, but the whole sector had already entered a golden era from fate gathering. If they’d better seized the opportunity, our situation might not have looked as grim as it does.”
“You know, you could ask for passage from the Tayns if things don’t work out,” Kruta offered. “Your tribe has no real connection to Zecia, right? You just got integrated. Master’s ship can easily fit your two planets. Even if you don’t join the Tayns, you can have them relocate your tribe to a better region.”
“It’s your decision. Remember, things come and go. There is no point in complaining about fault or injustice when the steppes are on fire. You just need to find a path to survival before it all goes up in smoke.”
“I know,” Zac sighed. “I’ll do what I can, but I’m not going down with the ship.”
“I’m guessing it’s time?” Kruta asked, getting an affirmative nod. “Well, your people are as ready as they’ll be. I can’t believe I let you drag me into another harebrained adventure.”
“Our memories might be partly sealed, but we both know you were the one who dragged me into the mess with the Imperials,” Zac scoffed.
“Hey, I just brought you an opportunity,” Kruta said with a haughty look. “You were the one who brought the trouble. And you’ve just kept prodding the imperials since.”
“It was just the one princeling,” Zac smiled.
“You’d be treated a hero if you ever visited my homeland,” Kruta grinned. “Officially, you’d be a fugitive, of course.”
“Of course,” Zac smiled. “Did you hear anything back home?”
“Not much,” Kruta grunted. “I didn’t even get the chance to say hello to my fiancées before Master came and whisked me away. But I heard from some of the others that dozens of empires are preparing for war. It’s like a mind plague is spreading through the Cosmos.”
“Conflict is Heaven’s Mandate,” Ogras said as he stepped out of the shadow. “Which faction doesn’t have a few old enemies or targets they wouldn’t mind wiping out? Civilization is a thin veneer atop the law of the jungle.”
“The pillar’s ascent is like a rock thrown into a calm pond,” Zac agreed. “The ripples will spread from the top to the bottom, setting the universe afire.”
“You two seem awfully calm, considering,” Kruta said with a raised brow.
“What can we do?” Ogras snickered. “When the steppes are burning, you don’t raise your hands at the Heavens. You take advantage of the chaos and loot what you can. We can find reasons and assign blame after the dust has settled.”
“No wonder you hid in the shadows the whole time we stayed in the Perennial Vastness,” Kruta laughed. “But you’re right. This is a rare opportunity. Those who survive the chaos will have a chance to rise beyond their station, and ancient lines will be redrawn.”
“Let’s get ready to meet our guests,” Zac said. “Whether there’ll be anything to loot depends on our cooperation going smoothly.”
The orders were sent out, and the team assembled before the teleporter, along with the reinforced defensive perimeter. Zac would be lying if he said he wasn’t worried as he waited for the teleporter to come alive. Kator hadn’t thrown any last-minute demands his way, but the whole Kavriel Continent had been sealed.
It was impossible to contact anyone but Kator since two days ago. Even the Mercantile System was sealed off. A few inquiries indicated this was not solely directed at them. The whole Kavriel Province had gone dark, shutting off all communication with the outside world. According to Kator, it was a safety precaution to prevent any accidents. Zac wouldn’t trust the Reaver as far as he could throw him, but they were caught between a rock and a hard place.
The Undead Empire was still needed to bring the [Epiclesis Bell] into the Zurbor sector, at which point Zac would lure it a final time to bring it to the Great Wall. Kator already had people ready to call the bell away at the smallest signs of betrayal. All their planning and preparation would be for nothing. He wouldn’t get the final seal, Zecia would be doomed, and Vilari would have to fend for herself.
This was what it was like to make a deal with the devil. Zac only prayed his preparations were enough to counter any schemes coming his way.
The array eventually activated, and Zac exhaled when the energy density failed to trigger any alarms. However, Zac’s eyes hardened upon seeing the three people who had appeared on the teleporter.
“So this is the place you prefer over the Abyssal—”
“Stop. Where is Tavza?” Zac asked, having already taken out his axe. The reaction spread like wildfire through the ranks, and the trio would be blown to kingdom come in case they made any sudden move.
“What kind of reception is this?” Kator scoffed, seemingly oblivious to the threat to his life. “And don’t mention that foolish girl. She went and had a deviation. Now, she’s no good to anyone. She’ll join the other squad, but it’s up to the Heavens if she’ll be back in shape in time for the mission. This is why you don’t bring pampered aristocrats when there’s work to be done.”
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“What a weird coincidence,” Zac said with an even voice. “Tavza is out and is replaced by another one of your subordinates.”
“I couldn’t have written a better script myself,” Kator laughed and threw over a Communication Crystal. “See for yourself.”
Zac scanned the contents, his frown deepening upon hearing Laz Tem’Zul mostly confirming the situation.
“You forgot to mention you’d already reassigned her before she was wounded.”
“Does it matter? The foolish girl couldn’t take such a small setback and harmed our undertaking. So now, you’re stuck with us. Take it or leave it.”
Catheya didn’t say anything, but Zac could sense how she tensed up to his side. The story was very similar to how Kator had manipulated events before the Perennial Vastness. Had Kator done the same against Tavza? A combination of angering her by the reassignment and some hidden trap to make her cultivation go out of control.
Zac hesitated a moment before waving his hand.
“Good choice,” Kator said as the army lowered their weapons, his gaze passing through the smaller group standing behind Zac. “Is this everything you’re bringing to the table? Fifty people, most of them non-combat personnel?”
A tremendous wave of Killing Intent billowed out, putting the whole base camp under pressure. Only two appeared oblivious to the mental attack—Joanna and Ogras. Kruta and Catheya had no problem dealing with it, though only after flames and ice appeared on their bodies. The rest were forced a step back, even Emily, who could break into Middle Hegemony at any time.
“You two are not bad,” Kator said, looking back and forth between Joanna and Ogras. He studiously ignored Kruta, who shot him a baleful look. “Interested in Awakening? Death would be a suitable addition to your paths, and our Phalanx values strength over anything else. Revenants face far less suppression with us than in the other camps.”
“I’ll keep young lord’s offer in mind in case things don’t work out in this life,” Ogras smiled while Joanna stoically ignored him.
“Enough,” Zac said. “Our goal is to infiltrate, not battle. Adding a regular company of soldiers will only increase our danger without providing tangible benefits.”
It was true that Zac’s contribution didn’t look like much compared to the vast resources the Undead Empire had poured into the plan. Zac had decided to bring the bare minimum, manning the Yphelion with a skeleton crew of talents taken from every department of his army. From pilots to healers and engineers, they had just enough to cover their bases without bringing too many people into such a danger zone.
The only real combat force was the sealbearers: Ogras, Emily, Joanna, Carl, Rhuger, Ra’Klid, Janos, and Bubbur. Even if he added Catheya and Kruta, their force wasn’t enough to make much of a splash in the Imperial Graveyard. Still, they were the strongest people he had, and everyone was armed to the teeth.
Zac didn’t expect there to be much fighting. They were mostly there in hopes of finding the final piece of the seal, and on the off-chance Zac needed a full cycle to activate the Foreign Gods. In addition, Zac brought Galau, Jaol, and Ibtep. The three wouldn’t be much use in a fight, except Galau if he got the chance to bring out his weapons of mass destruction. However, all three had unique skill sets that would be a great help to their mission.
Jaol had long since replaced his Technocrat bodyparts and stepped into Early Hegemony the proper way. He also had more experience in traversing the Eternal Storm than the rest combined, and he was a navigator to boot. Galau had spent years in the Centurion Lighthouse, and his expertise could prove critical when they finally found the Foreign Gods. As for Ibtep… Well, it remained to be seen if his experiment would work out like he believed.
“I thought some time on the frontlines would toughen you up, but you’re still this softhearted,” Kator snickered, looking around. “Where’s your other half?”
“He’s training,” Zac lied, not worried the least that Kator could see through Esmeralda’s shroud around the shrine in his chest.
“Oh?” Kator said, looking down at Zac with his towering stature. “And he’s fine with that? You’re fine with that?”
“What does it matter? You were the one who wanted him to stay behind.”
“Since when have you cared about the wants of the empire?” Kator laughed. “If I were a betting man, that boy’ll pop up sooner or later.”
“You’re free to check the Yphelion before we set out.”
“It’s fine. You have your ideas, and I have mine,” Kator said, leaning closer for a whisper. “Did you know that you have a shocking bounty on your head? One large enough to make even me consider taking a risk and breaking the oaths.”
“Eternal Clan?”
“No, it’s all of us,” Kator said, the creaking of his bones sounding like laughter. “Not everyone is enthused by the idea of the missing bloodline coming home. For Draugr to rise, someone else must fall.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“It’s a reminder and a warning,” Kator said. “I don’t mind your selfishness—in fact, I prefer it to the false righteousness you often see. I am just as selfish. I’ll strike the moment the value of your head eclipses the value of our mission. So you better do everything in your power to ensure success. With the graveyard and the pillar.”
“You don’t have to play these games,” Zac said, turning away. “Transfer us to the twelfth.”
A Cosmic Vessel Picked them up and dropped them off at another battlefront a few minutes later. Not wanting to give Kator any chances to play any more tricks, he ushered everyone through the Battlefront Array. Zac couldn’t stop himself from grimacing when the array activated. Even with the battlefront having been upgraded to Middle D-grade, the cost of ferrying over Kator was enough to make his stomach ache.
Between his level and belonging to another faction, Kator cost almost 1 million Faction Merit to send into the Zurbor sector. His two peak Middle Hegemons added another 250,000. It paled before the 4.3 million Faction Merit they’d spent resetting, splitting, and fusing battlefronts to shift their targets to those closest to the Imperial Graveyard. Still, Kator insisting on joining them early cost him as much as claiming multiple D-grade worlds would have.
“What’s with that look?” Kator laughed. “Do you know how much we’ve paid to fulfill our side of the agreement? Can it compare to what you stand to earn if we succeed?”
Zac rolled his eyes and led the group to a huge warehouse with powerful isolation. He took out the massive block of metal from his Spatial Ring the moment they entered, and it slowly began unfurling into a Cosmic Vessel.
“How long?”
“Six hours. We should reach our destination in another ten.”
“Just ten?” Kator asked. “Our tacticians estimated a Late D-grade Iliex Yphelion would require twelve to fourteen hours from the deadzone’s edge. You should know the timing is important.”
Zac glanced at Kator, not the least surprised he knew of his ship’s origin. The small redesigns might have been enough to obscure his Cosmic Vessel’s models and make when dealing with the local factions. But how could the outsiders not realize his fleets were made by the Creators? The Iliex Golems were recognized as some of the best System-affiliated shipwrights even in the heartlands.
“My Yphelion’s performance is slightly above average thanks to using special components, and we stumbled onto a planet that had drifted closer to the wall.”
The deadzone was a defensive measure by the Kan’Tanu, where they had drained all planets in the vicinity of the wall. There was barely any spirituality, making most vessels stick out like a sore thumb on their approach. It made their mission far more dangerous, to the point Zac wouldn’t have dared attempt his plan with any vessel but the Yphelion.
Six hours later, the Cosmic Vessel had fully unfurled, showcasing the upgraded version of his personal Cosmic Vessel. The sleek design resembling a catamaran was mostly unchanged, and it was only 50 meters longer than the Middle D-grade version. The most noticeable difference to its outside appearance was its propulsion.
Six ten-meter-wide crystals covered in engravings and teeming with Spatial Energy were released through special chutes, forming a powerful spatial field around the vessel. They only remained visible for a minute before disappearing in a flash, having entered a subspace directly connected to the vessel. The Yphelion suddenly appeared almost illusory, like it only had one foot in their current dimension.
It was accurate, in a sense. The Yphelion utilized constant dimensional phasing. It greatly increased the ship’s speed while also making it harder to spot with tracking arrays or similar methods. Adding its other means of camouflage, the Yphelion could move unnoticed and unhindered almost anywhere on the frontier.
C-grade arrays still had a chance of picking it up, especially a powerful one like the Great Wall of Resolution. However, the Yphelion should be able to get very close without raising the automated alarm, which was key to their plan.
“Let’s go,” Zac said, and the expedition members were teleported into the ship one after another.
The Yphelion left the Kan’Tanu world behind, turning into a streak as it set course for the Imperial Graveyard. The route was already plotted and the scanners indicated everything was in order. And yet, trouble quickly arrived. Zac barely had time to install his crew before Kator started throwing his weight around.
“You want to perform a full sweep?” Zac asked with a raised brow.
“Of course,” Kator calmly said. “Didn’t you tell me to?”
“Fine, do whatever you want,” Zac said, barely managing to finish the sentence after a deep thump interrupted him halfway.
Unfortunately, Kator saw right through his guise. A dangerous aura immediately began radiating from the Reaver’s hulking body.
“You, what are you up to?”
“I’m having a minor breakthrough,” Zac grunted as Faith Energy came flooding out of his heart. “Go, do your sweep. Have fun.”
Zac turned around to leave, but a heavy hand on his shoulder kept him in place.
“Do you take me for a fool?”