"Speaker, Sky Dragon Empire's warships are here. Should we attack?" Kamet Star's defense fleet commander, Major General Lanfeng, asked via comms.
"No. Signal them for talks. Don't fire—let them through," Panku replied calmly.
"General, Kamet's requesting communication," a comms officer reported to Along.
"Patch it through," Along ordered.
"I'm Major General Lanfeng, Kamet Star defense fleet commander," the major general said promptly.
"I'm Lieutenant General Makino Feilong, Gold Dragon Army Group commander of Sky Dragon Empire. What's your business?" Along replied, cool and measured.
Hearing Along's rank, Lanfeng saluted in Kamet fashion; Along returned a Sky Dragon salute. "Lieutenant General, our alliance's highest parliamentary speaker requests talks with your top leader. As a gesture of sincerity, we'll allow your warships to use our spaceport."
Damn, they're half-fled but still saving face. Along kept his thoughts private, indulging in a mental jab before responding, "Thank you. Our Majesty will arrive shortly."
"We'll await His Majesty's arrival." After the call, Along ordered some warships to monitor Kamet's fleet, others to dock at the spaceport. Black and Cyan Dragon Army Groups pressed the chase, halting only when facing Kamet's main fleet.
"Majesty, Kamet's top speaker requests negotiations," Along reported via screen.
Just a speaker? Not their chair? "Along, they only mentioned the speaker, not the chair, right?" I asked, frowning.
"They didn't say."
"Sly foxes. You didn't stop chasing their forces, did you?" I asked, seeing through their ploy.
"We paused, but I sent A-Lang and A-Bao to keep pursuing. The Space Fortress went too—should be fine," Along said.
"Good work. I'm almost there." This speaker's plan's doomed. Crafty old fox.
My warship soon landed on Kamet Star. Stepping out, I saw Along and a soldier approach. "Majesty, this is Major General Lanfeng," Along introduced.
"Greetings, Majesty Feitian. Welcome to Kamet Star," Lanfeng saluted. Clever speaker—using pleasantries to guilt me off Kamet Star.
"Thanks. The cosmos is vast, and Sky Dragon Empire loves freedom, roaming wherever we please. Heard your scenery's nice, so here we are," I said, brash. Don't try to trap me with words. Friendship with enemies is dogshit—nations deal in interests, not morals.
"Heh, right," Lanfeng forced a smile, inwardly cursing me. With his life and Kamet Star's 2 billion people in my hands, he swallowed his pride.
"Major General Lanfeng seems displeased. Perhaps we came at a bad time," I taunted, projecting arrogance to set up later haggling or outrageous demands.
Lanfeng froze, unsure how to respond. Admit he's happy? That insults his soldier's honor—failing to protect his nation and welcoming invaders. Say he's unhappy? That's open defiance. This Sky Dragon Majesty, handsome and carefree, seemed unpredictable. One wrong move, and… disaster.
"Oh, Majesty, Speaker Panku awaits you," Lanfeng dodged, relieved when I didn't press. Leading the way, he thought, Diplomacy's not my forte. If I weren't Kamet Star's second-in-command, I'd never do this.
Under Lanfeng's escort, we reached a white skyscraper. "Majesty, this is our alliance's parliamentary building. Speaker Panku's inside."
"Greetings, Majesty Feitian," an old man in a wheelchair, pushed by an aide, extended both hands as we entered. Sly bastard—not meeting me at the spaceport, sending Lanfeng instead. Framing us as invaders, Kamet unyielding, to gain leverage in talks.
He wanted the upper hand, but I'm no pushover. Instead of matching his fake smile, I shook his hand coolly. "Speaker Panku, you seem to hold quite a grudge."
"Majesty Feitian, why would you think that?" Panku asked steadily, his expression unreadable. I didn't expect to crack him with one line.
"If you didn't want to meet, no need to fake paralysis to protest. We can leave Kamet Star," I said. From the start, I noticed his wheelchair-bound legs showed creases from walking. A clear stunt to signal defiance. Panku's face flickered—80 years in politics, and he'd never met someone like me. My seeming rudeness was calculated, using my advantage to attack his position. His initial edge crumbled.
Inwardly, Panku admired this young Sky Dragon Majesty's cunning. But ignoring my provocative jab wasn't an option. In better times, he'd brush it off. Now, silence would signal resistance, with uncontrollable consequences. My words hinted I wanted him riled for an excuse to chase their chair.
"Majesty jests. How could I?" Panku deflected.
"Odd, then. Our intel clearly states Speaker Panku's robust, spry as ever," I pressed, mixing truth and bluff. Your lives are in my hands—keep answering. No respect for elders in nation-versus-nation games.
Panku's heart skipped. They investigated me? Sky Dragon planned this long ago; this war was a pretext. Who'd expect such ambition—conquering Pandora System, then hitting Kamet System with Pandora still unsecured? Only overwhelming strength explains it. What have we provoked? Panku cursed Kesa and the parliament's fools inwardly. Big talkers, first to flee. Time to shift tactics.
"Majesty overthinks. I was fine days ago, but I fell yesterday—hence the wheelchair," Panku said, feigning helplessness.
"Didn't expect that. Paralysis is a minor fix—minutes in a hospital," I said casually, shocking Panku and the Kamet entourage.
"No disabilities in your empire?" Panku asked, curious.
"None, except the dead or born feeble-minded. No incurable diseases either," I said lightly. They gaped, grasping Sky Dragon's technological might—no untreatable ailments.
Sky Dragon's medicine leapt forward, blending First Cosmos data, Flying Dragon Star's Life Source Fruit (diluted but effective), Earth's gene research, and Flying Dragon Star's life magic. It's a unique system—First Cosmos powers might not decipher it, some parts downright bizarre. We just care it works.
"Someday, Speaker Panku, visit us for treatment. Any illness, big or small, we cure. If not, come to me," I said. Pay in gold, and I'll be filthy rich—haha.
Panku shivered at my sly grin.
"Speaker Panku, you alone can't fully represent Kamet Alliance. I don't want future hassles. Let's wait for your full team," I suggested.
"Of course. We can negotiate via screen. I'll sign as Kamet's representative. But first, your forces must halt at the current frontline," Panku said.
I smiled. "Naturally, but both sides stop. I hope you come to the table sincerely. We're civilized, after all—haha." Panku nearly gagged at my "civilized" claim.
When both armies got the order, we'd seized over a quarter of Kamet's system—60-plus life planets.
I led Along, the Ousi sisters, and other generals to Kamet's parliamentary hall. A massive screen dominated the front wall.
"Majesty Feitian, please sit," Panku said, whispering to an aide. Soon, figures appeared on-screen.
"These are government officials and parliamentarians," Panku said. From the screen, they were clearly in a warship's meeting room. "Greetings, Majesty Feitian. I'm Kamet Alliance Chair Kesa," a middle-aged man in the center stood.
"Pleased to meet you. Let's begin," I said, nodding slightly.
"Majesty Feitian, we hope your nation withdraws from Kamet Alliance. This is aggression. We can discuss compensation," Kesa said brazenly.
Idiot. Panku wanted to bash his head against the wall. Never seen such stupidity. Think they're fools to be led by the nose? They're not your citizens.
I smirked, glancing at stone-faced Panku. "Chair Kesa, we won't withdraw. Aggression? Nonsense. We both know the cause. I don't like or speak platitudes. If Sky Dragon were weak, your armies would be in Pandora System now. Let's discuss practical solutions. First, hand over Pandora's Majesty Dodoka to show your sincerity. Thoughts?"
"Extortion!" "Thug! Bandit!" Their meeting room erupted. I watched coldly. The messier, the better. Why spit out what I can swallow? Unhygienic—I don't do that.
"Quiet! We're negotiating, not brawling," Kesa said, showing some leadership. Not bad.
As the room settled, Kamet's officials and parliamentarians glared like they'd devour me. What? I didn't steal your wives or daughters—chill.
"Majesty Feitian, I'd love to hand over Majesty Dodoka, but they fled after our battle began. We don't know where they are. We regret heeding Dodoka's lies, causing this avoidable conflict. On behalf of the alliance, I apologize. But for your barbaric invasion, we demand an explanation," Kesa said.
If Panku wanted to headbutt the wall earlier, now he wanted to vomit blood. Kesa started okay, but the end? Faint-worthy.
"Chair Kesa, I'll repeat: let's be realistic. We know each other's motives—no word games. When you probed us with ill intent, you prepped for attack but didn't expect our lightning breakthrough. Calling our invasion barbaric? I disagree. You escalated this war—your fault, not ours. We demand an explanation, not you. This isn't child's play. Actions have costs, especially for high-ups like you. As our saying goes, pay the master's fee," I said coolly. An apology won't erase your deeds—dream on.
Kesa and Kamet's officials were stunned. They'd never met a leader so brazen, dismissive of reputation, bordering on sophistry—yet their top commander.
Breaking the chilly silence, Panku cleared his throat. "Majesty Feitian, this was our alliance's impulsive error, costing us dearly. It doesn't erase our fault. We're open to negotiated penalties. What are your terms?"
Old man sees clearly. If Kamet still thinks it's a great power to bully, they're wrong. I planned this before your defeat—now you beg me. Sparing your nation's already generous, and you want compensation? Naive and foolish!
Panku closed his eyes in pain. No one wants to cede land—it's about dignity. But now, dignity's secondary to the 10 billion lives in occupied zones. Near retirement, he'd be the first in Kamet's history to sign a humiliating deal. How will patriotic textbooks judge me?
"Simple terms: we'll leave your capital system, but 20-plus border life planets go to us, residents relocated. This becomes a buffer zone. Plus, you'll pay 100 million tons of various resources. Non-negotiable," I said.
"Majesty Feitian, isn't that excessive? As you said, be realistic. Your terms expose our capital to your attacks. Would you accept that?" Panku countered, eerily calm.
"Alright, give us your western uninhabited life systems and surrounding areas instead. We'll take just six of the 20 life planets. If that's no good, talks end," I said, feigning pained reluctance.
The western systems, used for tourism, were far from the capital—easy to cede. Resources were trickier, equaling two years of Kamet's production. They agreed to give us several mineral planets near the western systems. We also discussed trade.
This war opened paths to other cosmic civilizations, saving time. Better, we could relocate non-Pandorans from crowded Pandora System to ease pressure.
Post-Kamet settlement, I stationed three reinforced legions from Gold Dragon Army Group—3 million troops, 360,000 warships—on Hill and Hido, the first two of six ceded planets at Pandora-Kamet's border. The Space Fortress, with two 100,000-strong armament brigades (200,000 total), stayed under Gold Dragon's command. Centrally positioned, Gold Dragon could swiftly aid Pandora System, Little Milky Way System, and our 16 western Kamet planets, including six resource ones.
Black Dragon Army Group guarded Pandora System, Cyan Dragon guarded Little Milky Way System, and Blue Dragon guarded the ceded western Sirius System. With four army groups tightly coordinated and the Space Fortress as a lethal threat, Kamet wouldn't dare misstep. Inside the fortress, a mid-sized city hummed—soldiers in casuals roamed bars and arcades. Gold Dragon's HQ moved there, saving planetary base costs and boosting security. Idle fleet officers and troops rested in rooms housing over 4 million—nearly all of Gold Dragon.
After four days of continuous jumps, I returned to Flying Dragon Star in Sky Dragon System. Dragon Clan and empire elders greeted our triumphant warriors at the spaceport. The empire basked in joy, echoed by Earth's citizens in the Milky Way.
"Sky Dragon citizens, today I declare our victory. We've proven to cosmic races we're the strongest. Our dignity is inviolable—any hostility brings regret. We love peace, striving for our nation's prosperity, but we'll never forsake force. It ensures our empire's rise, striking enemies fatally. Before celebrations, join me in a three-minute silence for the 2,163 martyrs who fell. Their blood secured our survival, proving them empire's pride."
During the silence, thousands of Palace Guard warriors carried martyrs' ashes forward. We honor these youthful faces, who gave their lives in their prime for empire's glory. They're true martyrs. Strength—greater strength—safeguards our people.
The martyrs' ashes were sent to Flying Dragon Star's highest peak, Muqiduo Peak, for the Martyrs' Cemetery. Their valor will be revered by future generations.
Six months post-celebration, I toured the palace with a Kamet parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Panku. Officially, they were "inspecting" Sky Dragon Empire—unofficially, spying to uncover how we breached their defenses so swiftly, gauging our strength.
Panku's other goal was medical treatment. Too shy to admit his legs were fine, he sought relief for age-related ailments. After hearing my boasts about Sky Dragon's medicine, he came skeptical. One hour in our treatment liquid, and all his ailments vanished—he looked younger. His officials and parliamentarians, sick or not, followed suit.
"Majesty Feitian, I never imagined your claims were true. Such advanced medical tech!" Panku marveled. "If your empire could sell it, Kamet's people would forever owe you."
Crafty as an old fox. Your people mean nothing to me—we were just at war. Post-treatment, they'll spread the word, drawing crowds to Sky Dragon. I'd be drowning in wealth. Not earning that's plain stupid.
"Hah, I'd love to, but these machines cost astronomical sums. Even we have only two. I plan to send one to Pandora System for your people's convenience. What say you, Speaker?" My ancestors mastered tai chi—good luck.
"Such a pity. Can't we co-produce them?" Panku pressed, eyeing the tech's value. With it, centuries-long life was possible—disease from organ failure, solved. Longevity's allure was unmatched.
"I wish, but we need a rare metal. Across Sky Dragon and Milky Way Systems, we've found mere ounces," I said regretfully.
"No choice then, but having some is better than none," Panku sighed, gazing at the boundless plains. "Your empire's scenery is stunning—such environmental care. Unlike our alliance's noise and dust."
Hah. With our sparse population, factories and power plants are underground. Military factories moved to dead stars. As a young nation, reforms are easier.
I smiled. "If you love our scenery, settle here."
"Hah, I'd love to, but the alliance needs me. No such luck," Panku said, shaking his head. Old fox—fears I'd invade Kamet.
"Try our specialty—steamed dragon meat," I said, serving dinosaur meat as lunch was ready in a mountaintop pavilion.
"Delicious, far better than our synthetic food," Panku praised, taking a bite.
"If you like it, eat up. Everyone, dig in!" I urged the delegation. No need—meat's aroma had them gobbling once Panku started. Hard to believe these are top officials—eating like starved beggars.
"Majesty, can we take some back?" an official asked, seeing my ease.
"Of course! Sky Dragon's hospitable—even starving ourselves, we feed guests. With heaps of dragon meat, eat till you're sick of it," I laughed.
"No dragon meat in your alliance?" I asked, curious.
"We had it, but no one knew dinosaur meat was this good. Had we known, we wouldn't have let them go extinct," an official lamented.
"Yeah, even we officials eat synthetic food. Natural food's pricey—not daily affordable," a parliamentarian mumbled, mouth full.
Hah, selling natural food will make us filthy rich. Not getting wealthy's a sin. "Don't worry—our trade treaty means you'll soon enjoy cheap, fresh natural food daily," I said, thinking, Swap your resources for cabbages. Others wage economic wars; I'll wage a veggie war. Once you're hooked, a tweak, and you're done—no food, no fighting army.
"Thank you, Majesty. We'll rely on you," Panku said, frowning as officials chimed in, sensing trouble. This young, jovial Majesty wasn't simple. Others might not grasp his ruthlessness, but Panku did—cross his interests, and he'd flip. Building a vast empire young, he was no surface fool. Panku vowed to avoid his red lines.
"Speaker Panku, always worrying for your people, even at lunch. Relax—here, we've got your back. Try this T-Rex whip—prime tonic, every man's must-have," I said, placing a piece in his bowl.
"Thanks, Majesty," Panku said, thinking, Worry? Only about your threat to the alliance.
As we feasted, my secretary, Little Nizi, whispered urgent news. Panku noticed my face shift—something big. Sure enough, I addressed the delegation, "My apologies, urgent matters call. Treat this as home, eat freely. I'll step away briefly."
I left Prime Minister Fenlanlei to host, hurrying off with Nizi. "Hope it's not alliance-related," Panku fretted.
Reader's Corner: Feitian's outsmarted Kamet, snagging planets and profits! What's the urgent news shaking the emperor? Will Panku uncover Sky Dragon's secrets, or is Feitian plotting a veggie conquest? Drop your cosmic conspiracies in the comments—fuel this dragon saga!