Unexpected news came from the frontline. The entire floating bases and the Cerulean Defense Force had received the news but were still in the middle of confirmation and verification.
“The merfolk king has been slain.”
That was what was written in the report. Using the communication device that could quickly send news, the intelligence division processed the news as time passed.
But it became a new problem. The centralized power was now spread out and fragmented, causing additional problems for the Cerulean Defense Force.
Although they had gained more momentum in the battle but they coincidentally caused additional problems to themselves by eliminating the head first.
It was actually the resistance of the once bigger merfolk kingdom, now divided by different ideals as well as might.
“It is confirmed that the merfolk king has been slain. We have the most precious thing to legitimize the rule of the king, the trident.
“Apparently, it is not only the symbol of rule but also something like a Transcendent Heritage left behind by some powerful figure but now it is in our hands.”
An intelligence officer spoke during the meeting to discuss the news. In that room, there was a long rectangular table with quite a lot of chairs. The officer was standing while showing the information through a projector which could perfectly replicate the view of the multipurpose monitor.
The people who sat down were important figures in the Cerulean Defense Force, so they listened to make sure that they did not miss anything crucial.
“Where did you get this information?” one of the people who sat down asked.
“From the frontline directly. Every merfolk went crazy the moment they laid eyes on the trident as if possessed. At least we can assume that the trident is extremely important to them.” The standing officer said while swiping to the next thing which was a video.
In it, there was actually the situation in the frontline where the transcendent strike groups had to attack the merfolk with less their enemy’s number. Despite that, they were not afraid and even excited. They showed the trident in front of the merfolk and the merfolk went crazy after laying their eyes on it.
“Then we should use it to maximize the effort on those in the frontline.” Another one suggested.
“It is currently being used by the strongest transcendent. You all know what that means, right?” the standing officer said with a slight smile.
All of the people in the room realized that the loot of the battle belonged to the victor and clearly, he was worthy of possessing such an item.
“Isn’t it a waste to leave the trident on him?”
The standing intelligence officer looked at the one who spoke and knew that it would be hard to persuade some people.
“But only he can utilize the power that resides in that trident. Other than the merfolk king, only he could use it to its fullest potential.” The officer said with conviction while also showing the sitting people the videos of the Trident being used by Long Wu in action.
Their eyes were drawn by the way the trident was used and its effect on the sea area.
-
The next step was harder since the remaining forces of the merfolk had scattered following the death of the merfolk king.
It was closer to cleaning up rather than occupation. It was because the merfolk had positioned themselves to the best resources and accessibility when they built their home bases.
Therefore, finding the base of the merfolk became the main priority rather than occupying a random location. This was done to fulfill the main objective of the Star Battle.
That was why the transcendent strike groups were spread out in a sweeping manner; it was to better detect the merfolk base as well as covering the ground needed to not leave anything.
And with that, time passed.
One month, three months, six months.
During the time that passed, the territory that the Cerulean Defense Force had occupied increased to 30%. But unfortunately, they could not see any sign of land anywhere they went. They still held a little hope that there would at least be a small island but seeing the situation, they accepted the word waterworld.
Six months had turned into one year since the start of the Star Battle. It was Year One Hundred and Twenty-One of the Father God Calendar.
The Cerulean Defense Force moved unhindered since the merfolk were now divided which made things easier for them to conquer the merfolk bases and territory.
Now, they had occupied more than half of the merfolk bases and territory. There were some small disturbances caused by the merfolk but now they could not shake the current Cerulean Defense Force.
The people in the frontline realized that they had passed the most dangerous phase and had entered the end of the Star Battle.
Most of the transcendents now had some experience battling merfolk on the ships and the seawater. The older generation was also gaining some new experience battling the merfolk and even more so for the new generations of the transcendents.
“Well, the momentum of the battle belongs to us.” Tatsumi said while his strike groups followed the older generation.
He looked into the distance where there was nothing on the horizon but azure water and blue sky.
Tatsumi knew that the tide of battle had turned in their favor. But he still went to the frontline to make sure that any variables were snuffed out at the slightest sign of appearing.
He even got some new skills to show since the battle honed his battle instinct and technique. If it were that way for him, then everyone who had followed him was the same.
The strike groups that Tatsumi led were of the new generation of transcendent and needed some tempering which they had done. Now, they could fight quite well.
Of course, along with the tempering came casualties. There were some that Tatsumi sighed helplessly. In every war and battle, there were always casualties occurring that he could not prevent.
All he could do was to reduce the casualties to as low as possible. His influence helped with that as many more survived the battle and were tempered.
“Are you thinking about something?”
Tatsumi frowned but relaxed when he knew who was talking. He breathed in before turning his head to the source of the voice.
“Just some trivial stuff.” Tatsumi replied while looking at Ame.
“You keep standing on the deck, so I was starting to worry.” Ame said while sensing Tatsumi’s condition with her mind power.
“You don’t need to. I am just thinking about the way we live so far and the casualties in this battle.” Tatsumi quickly said to make things clear.
“Do you hope to reduce the casualties or even make it so that there are no casualties at all?” Ame then went to his side and looked at the place Tatsumi had set his sight on.
Tatsumi let her as he breathed out the air from his lungs, perhaps also letting out his concern and thought.
The two stood together in silence, only being accompanied by the sound of waves created by the ship.
“Well, now that we have some time to relax, why don’t we contact those at the rear?” Tatsumi suggested.
Ame nodded in agreement.
Tatsumi then used his wristwatch to contact his family who were participating in the rear. He had done this so many times that he was used to the application on it and knew every single function it had.
Then a holographic picture rose from the rectangular wristwatch as a figure of someone appeared and looked surprised.
“Father!” It was actually Ivana.
Ame got closer to Tatsumi when the hologram picture appeared so that she could also be seen.
“How are you faring?” Tatsumi asked.
“I am doing well. I am currently distributing the intelligence about the presence of the merfolk around the newly established territory. Why the sudden contact?”
“I just want to know about your condition. At least there is no need for you to do the battle there. Just make sure that you are eating fine and are in good health. You know what I am talking about.”
Tatsumi said that because mental health was as important as physical health. He knew it well because of his experience with Chi You.
“Father, I can take care of myself quite well.” Ivana protested but she felt warmth at the mention of his care.
“But thanks. Father, I know that you are busy on the frontline so I hope that this communication does not disturb your duty.”
“No, not at all. You'd better be well otherwise I will see to it that you are healthy in a physical and mental sense.” Tatsumi said with a firm tone.
“Yes, I’ll try. Father, do you have any new intelligence regarding the Star Battle or from the Father God?” Ivana asked this every time she got contacted by Tatsumi.
She had known that her father was an important figure which handled the intelligence from sources that even current science could not explain.
That was why she was eager for any intelligence coming from her father.
“Nothing. It means that we must handle this ourselves. Being spoon-fed with intelligence from the Father God is not necessarily good for our development. That is why we will be able to handle this Star Battle.” Tatsumi said with a hint of admiration.
“Why are you so fixated on the Father God?” Ivana asked something that was on her mind.
“Because He is the beginning for the human race. At least, many clues point to that.” Tatsumi said.
What he had said was not without basis. Even with the beginning of the planet in sight, Tatsumi could see that the Father God was the one who initiated the human race's appearance in the first place.
At least, so many things were pointing out that way so some people made a hypothesis that the Father God was somehow involved in the appearance of the human race. There were many versions of this but one thing was for sure that the Father God was responsible for the human race’s appearance on the Cerulean Planet.
“Does that mean He is the origin of us all?”
“No, it means that He is involved with the appearance of the human race. There are still a lot of things we don’t know and only after some time that it is revealed. One thing is for sure that the Father God wants us to develop in a good direction.”
Tatsumi then had another small talk with Ivana before he ended the communication.
Then he contacted Charlene and also talked with her. They talked about the overall movement of the merfolk and their remaining territory.
Then it was Tetsuya’s turn.
“Hmm….Father and Mother.” Tetsuya was doing a light exercise when his wristwatch sent a notice of communication.
“It is good that you are training eagerly.” Tatsumi said with a nod and a smile.
“Don’t forget to eat and drink properly.” Ame added since she was by Tatsumi’s side.
“Of course, Mother. After all, nutrition is one of the things that shapes our body and health.” Tetsuya replied with vigor.
Despite his rugged breath, Tatsumi and Ame could see that Tetsuya was actually quite spirited.
“How is your condition in the rear?” Tatsumi asked.
Tatsumi knew that his son was at the rear, being with the security that guarded the flow of supplies to the frontline. That was why he asked this and Tetsuya knew what concerned his father.
“It is secure with the flow of logistics coming uninterrupted. I also get some resources for safeguarding the supplies necessary for the frontline. Then I also need to do some patrolling around the floating base to make sure that there is no merfolk presence.” Tetsuya replied.
“Good. Don’t overexert yourself and keep your eyes peeled for any sign of the merfolk's appearance. They will likely do one desperate thing and it is going to be nasty.” Tatsumi said before he added.
“And don’t do something reckless.”
“Father, I am not reckless.” Tetsuya said with irritation.
“You are.” Both Tatsumi and Ame said at the same time which caused Tetsuya to almost cough due to frustration.
'Am I really reckless?' Tetsuya thought but he assumed that it was necessary.
“Anyway, stay alert and you are not alone. Other transcendents are much stronger than you, so depend on them if possible.” Tatsumi advised.
“Alright.”
Then it was the talk between mother and son as Ame reminded Tetsuya about many things which caused Tetsuya to almost scream but he held it for his own sake.
Otherwise, his gentle mother would turn out like a speech monster. He’d rather avoid that situation at all. As for why he knew about this, well he did make a mistake in the past that cost him dearly.
“Yes. I will, Mother. Don’t worry about me and focus on your mission on the frontline.” Tetsuya said with a heartfelt respect.
He knew that his parents were active on the frontline, helping the more senior transcendents to attack the merfolk while they formed an encirclement. He only felt proud at that fact and even wanted to be like them.
That was why he pursued the path of transcendent from the start.
Then the connection was terminated and Tatsumi went into deep thought.
‘The situation is to our advantage. But it doesn’t mean that the rest will be smooth.
‘Furthermore, there is no information regarding the separate faction in the merfolk civilization due to the communication problem in the Star Battle. What can be assured is that each faction moved separately which eased our conquest.’
This information was what Charlene had said to him previously. She deduced that the factions moved independently and only cared for their own interest.
“We need to end this battle quickly. Otherwise, too much blood will be shed needlessly.” Tatsumi murmured while looking at the horizon.
“Don’t burden yourself so much. There is still me.” Ame said, reminding Tatsumi that he was not alone.
Tatsumi nodded helplessly. Who made him teach Ame all sorts of things?
“Of course.”
-
The merfolk were unfortunate that they had lost their great king during the Star Battle. Worse, the Star Battle would not end just because the king was eliminated.
They knew the rules but the faction that was suppressed under the might of the king and the Trident became free from the fetter that prevented their spread.
Without it, those factions vie for the supreme position of leading the entire merfolk despite being in the middle of the glorious and risky Star Battle.
In fact, most of the factions already realized that they were losing the Star Battle with the death of their king and just wanted to survive by surrendering to the other side.
But some merfolk were not satisfied with this decision at all. To them, it was a betrayal of their race. One faction was formed to oppose the other, already pessimistic factions.
To the other factions, this one was reckless and did not know the situation well. So they just need to guide this faction to the enemy and let the enemy take care of them.
This way, the competition would be reduced while the fools of that one faction deal with the enemy if possible, two matters being taken care of by one’s action.
As expected, there was one less faction after a month had passed. But it did not improve the condition of the merfolk as a whole.
Dian and the others looked at the other side of the Planet Master Space, where he could see the opponent.
He had the appearance of the Core Race, the merfolk but with bulging muscles in his limbs. His hands were clenched as he saw the event happening right on his planet.
“Argh! Damn it all! They messed up big time.” He screamed with frustration.
Dian, on the other hand, realized just how broken the effect of the Fortunate effect was. It meant that his race’s luck was overwhelming enough to cause misfortune to their enemy. Add the fact that the undead element changed in a drastic way which caused the Undead Race to learn more about it and feel that this was a breakthrough to the higher level, Dian knew that luck was an important factor for the majority of things.
Of course, he did not want to rely on such things. Steady effort was the right way to build a robust foundation on which you could build everything else.
“Just accept the fact. Your race is divided right now.” Dian said flatly.
He honestly did not want to hear nonsense scream, nor did he want to hear pitiful noise from his opponent, even if his opponent was a Planet Master just like himself.
“I know that your race is extremely lucky! How can I not see that!?”
Dian cocked his head to the side, wondering what kind of sentence his opponent would utter.
“You are one lucky bastard!”
That was the last word Dian could hear before the opponent just managed things on his end.
“Um, do you think that he is frustrated or terrified?” Frie asked Dian.
“Both maybe? After all, he has seen it with his own eyes. But I believe he still does not intend to surrender until the end. That’s a good thing.” Dian slightly smiled while putting his right hand on his right cheek.
“Why do you only let the humans and the dwarves participate?” Leif asked.
“To temper them. They need to develop more methods of using their environment otherwise they would be defeated by the weakness they cannot perceive. That is not something I can tolerate. Furthermore, I want to stabilize the situation in the Cerulean Planet by using the other races. That’s why I don’t send them to participate in this Star Battle despite some of the members of the races wanting it.” Dian explained.
The explanation was enough for them since they knew that Dian was the one who cared the most for his race.