Xiaomei sat in a bathtub, leaning back with a smile on her face. "Oh, hello again. Have you been enjoying the story so far? Where we last left off, the Eden's Zero had to clash against Jigan King and his crew in the Fiertia. Shiki and his friends were able to rescue Homura, retain the Black Moon Star shard they obtained, and escape from Justice as well. They also ended up bringing Blair Elfin with them, the dangerous Therion. Before we continue to that part of the story, things are going to take a shift today. We are going to be diving into a very important group that also lies in the center of this story."
"Hm?" Xiaomei blinks. "Why am I in a bath, you wonder? It's simple. I have guests coming. I have to look my best for them." She giggles and stands up. "They're right outside the door, actually. You'll be meeting these guests along with me. I wonder if you'll like them or not…anyway, let's meet them. I'll be drying off in the meantime."
.
.
Alexei Alexandrite brought a group of five people, including himself, to the planet of Mildian. He was a tall man with spiky blue hair, blue eyes and a formal suit for his attire. His expression remained stoic and neutral, it was what he was known for within his group. Tracking this planet down was a hassle, but it would very much be worth the trouble. "So this is the planet of Mildian…" Alexei had his arms crossed behind his back while looking around. It was more…colorful than he was expecting. But their destination was right in front of them: the Temple of Knowledge.
"That should be it up ahead." That voice came from Hubert Ozwell. A man with short blue hair, blue eyes, and he wore glasses. His outfit consisted of attire that was somewhat similar to the Interstellar Union Army's, yet he was not a part of that group. "That is where the Time Oracle awaits."
"Do you really think she can answer any of our questions?" This came from a female with long emerald hair with blue tips. Her eyes were yellow and she had a bit of a punkish outfit going on. This was X. She didn't tell anyone her real name and simply demanded they call her that. "I'm gonna be pissed if I was dragged out of the ship for nothing." And based on her posture, she was lazy as well.
"Don't worry. I think this will be well worth the trip." Vanessa Viscard said. This woman tied her long red hair back into a neat ponytail. She wore a labcoat, a black shirt and pencil skirt, stockings, and heels. "Anyone who finds this planet doesn't come out empty handed, and I'm certain that we won't be either."
"My only warning is to phrase your questions carefully. Who knows what she is and isn't allowed to tell us." Hubert said while adjusting his glasses.
"Who cares?" The last member of this group was Marshall Izumi. He also had yellow eyes, along with short black hair that reached down to his neck. There was a sword attached to his hip as well. "We're going in, right, Danchou?" His attention turned to Alexei, who nodded in response.
"Indeed." Alexei's reply was short. He began walking to the front doors of the Temple of Knowledge. However, before opening them, he noticed the note. "Hold on. It appears that there is a single rule we must follow before stepping inside. All visitors must remove their footwear."
"We have to go in barefoot?" X raised a brow. "That's weird. Why?"
"It just appears to be the rules. There is no greater reason." Hubert said while taking off his boots.
"Ugh." X rolled her eyes and started to remove her shoes.
"Hm…" Vanessa was stuck on something. "Do I have to remove my stockings as well…?"
"Absolutely. Better safe than sorry," Marshall said with a bit of a perverted smile. "Don't want to go breaking the rules now."
"I know you have ulterior movements when you say that, but you're probably right." Vanessa shrugged her shoulders. There was no room for error. It would be unfortunate to make it all the way here, only to be kicked out at the front door.
"Is everyone prepared? I'm opening the door." Alexei used both hands to push open the doors to the Temple of Knowledge. The moment they stepped inside, the scenery surprised them. They saw a woman sitting on a chair in the 'center' of the room. "Hm?"
"Hello, crew of the Galactic Fleet." Xiaomei had one leg crossed over the other, smiling towards her five guests. "My name is Xiaomei. It is a pleasure to meet all of you."
"…This is her?" X raised a skeptical brow. "This is the woman we had to spend days hunting down? The one who supposedly knows everything that happens?"
Xiaomei's lips were curved up into an amused smile. X's doubt was humorous. "That's right, Exene Benavente. I am the one known as the Time Oracle."
X's eyes widened when Xiaomei used her real name. She didn't tell anyone her real name, but this woman knew it off the bat. "H-How did you-!?"
"Snrk…" Marshall couldn't help but chuckle. "Exene? X? Isn't that a little too on the nose?"
"SHUT UP!" X shouted, a bit annoyed and flustered that Xiaomei called her out.
"I suppose your powers truly are nothing to sneeze at." Hubert remarked.
"Indeed, Hubert Ozwell." Xiaomei nodded slowly. "I've seen it all. Countless outcomes across countless timelines. That being said, while I know what happens, I cannot tell you the outcome of any event that hasn't happened. After all, it isn't concrete. I also cannot tell you the location of Mother, because I myself do not know. That was the cost of my abilities."
"For near omnipotence, I would say that is a decent trade." Alexei didn't sound impressed, but he was.
"Honestly, I'm jealous." Vanessa shifted her weight onto one leg. "You know the outcome of every decision a person makes? Or even a random variable?"
"That is correct, Alexei Alexandrite…and Vanessa Viscard." Xiaomei says. "But I couldn't tell you which one you'll experience yourself. Take for example: a fork in the road. You are presented with a choice. When you make that decision, there is a world where you made the other decision. But the person who made that other choice may not be you at the end of the road."
Hubert looked extremely intrigued by this. "I see. You have all of this knowledge, and it isn't a burden to you at all? Your mental fortitude is incredible."
"True…she must be pretty wise at least." X crossed her arms.
"Okay, that's all good and everything." Marshall interrupted with a yawn. "But just tell us how we can ask you a question. We're running on a tight schedule here."
"Oh, you don't need to worry about that, Marshall Izumi." Xiaomei understood Marshall's hurry, but she was able to wave it off. "Time works differently on this planet than any other. When you leave this planet, you will do so at the exact time you arrived. No matter how much time you spend on this planet, you will always leave at the same time."
"Wait, what the hell? Are you serious?" Marshall blinked a few times, shocked at this revelation. "We can spend as much time as we need to? That's cool."
"That's right." Xiaomei nodded. "But you do raise a good point. I should explain properly." She then stood up from her chair and began to take a few steps forward. "You are free to ask me any question you want. I've already told you the type of question that I cannot provide. The severity of your question will determine how much payment I require to answer it."
"Uh…payment?" X started to dig in her pockets. "I didn't know we'd have to pay anything coming in here."
"Don't be ridiculous. This woman has seen nearly every event in the universe. I do not think money holds any value to her." Hubert surmised.
"Now, ask your questions." Xiaomei waited patiently. It was always interesting to see what sort of knowledge her visitors sought.
"I will go first." Alexei cleared his throat. Unlike everyone else's expressions, his had not changed a single time. "This universe is incomplete. Human and Androids will never be able to find peace, or coexist, because they are flawed beings. As you are no doubt aware, the Black Moon Star has made itself known. My question is simple. I know that there is a piece of that star in the Aoi Cosmos. And I wish to know where it is. I will use the power of the Black Moon to change this universe."
"Now for me." Vanessa had an eager smile on her lips. "My question is a simple one as well. Is there a limit to what a Therion can consume in our vast universe?" It was carefully worded. If Xiaomei truly knew everything, it would answer the question all the same. Most scientist enjoyed the trial and error part of their craft…but when the opporutinty to skip the test and get the answer was in front of her, Vanessa just had to take it.
"Oooh…what very intriguing questions from the both of you! You both have high ambitions, but that's expected." Xiaomei practically bounced with excitement. She then tapped her chin with her index finger. "Calculating the changes these questions specifically have to the universe, I would have to rank them together as a 25."
"25 out of what…?" X mumbled.
"So, how do we pay exactly?" Hubert asked. Xiaomei wasn't going to answer their questions unless they went with her ideas.
"That's very simple." Xiaomei wagged a finger. In the next instant…the crew of the Galactic Fleet started to fall from the floor.
"What the hell!?" X gasped.
"Hm?" Alexei remained calm as they all fell. But their landing was safe, and they soon landed in the center of an arena. There was an audience in the stands, already roaring with delight at what was about to come.
Xiaomei appeared in the commentator's seat, her smile having a bit of a different feeling to it. "Welcome to the Mildian Battle Coliseum!" She exclaimed. "The rules are quite simple! If you want me to answer your questions, the five of you must engage in a series of one on one battles! You cannot work in a team, but you are free to use weapons if you must. In fact, I encourage you to do so!" Was she panting a bit from anticipation? No…of course not. She's not drooling either….not at all.
"…Is it just me, or did her vibe just change?" X questioned.
"I understand." Hubert pushed his glasses up. "This is how she seeks excitement. She knows the outcome of everything, yet not a specific one. When you know everything, unpredictably is rare. This must be how she fills that void. I bet she wants to see what we can do for ourselves."
"So we must engage in trivial battles to get the answers to our questions?" Alexei let out a quiet sigh. "So be it."
"I like this! Lighten up, Danchou!" Marshall had a confident grin. "We know how strong we are! If she plans on throwing anyone at us, we'll crush them flat! This is what I've been waiting for!"
"Ugh." X slumped over. "I didn't sign up to fight." She sat down in a cross legged position. "I'm not going first, but I'll go before the boss."
"I suppose I'll go first to test the waters." Hubert had his arms crossed behind his back, taking a few steps forward into the center of the arena. He looked to Xiaomei and nodded. "Give me my opponent."
"Of course!" The Time Oracle nodded and raised her hand. The gate on the far end of the arena began to open up. An older man with red and blue hair stepped out. His clothes were stained with oil in numerous places. "This man is the greatest mechanic in the Aoi Cosmos: Spade Magnes!"
Spade Magnes slowly walked forward, a gloved hand rubbing the back of his neck. "So, you're my opponent, are you?"
"Oh. Now this is a surprise. What is someone like you doing here?" Hubert paused for a split second, before holding his left hand out. "Actually, I don't care to know. You're just a stepping stone in the grand scheme of things."
That sort of remark did get under Spade's skin. It would get under anyone's skin. "You're an arrogant brat, aren't you? I'll teach you to respect your elders." The title of greatest mechanic wasn't one handed out so easily. He proved his worthy by creating a gigantic gattling gun within mere seconds, fitting within both hands. "I'll make sure all of these bullets are ether based so it won't hurt that badly."
Hubert stared at Spade for a moment, before his gaze slowly shifted to a curious and eager Xiaomei. "Xiaomei. You've seen every outcome of this battle for yourself, correct?"
"Yes." Xiaomei gave a frantic nod. But whichever one was about to play out, she didn't know.
"I intend to end this battle in no less than a minute. 30 seconds at most, 10 seconds at least. What do you think it will be?" Hubert asked this careful question.
Xiaomei's eyes widened and she began to noticeably drool now. Hubert was asking her to make a bet?! She'd seen every possibly outcome of this fight, but she had to choose one!? Never did Xiaomei have this kind of agency before. It was uncertain. The exact kind of thing she craved deep in her core! That excitement was building and her cheeks flushed red, hearts formed in her eyes, and she began to pant heavily. "20 seconds! No! 4 seconds…! 10…!" That calm composure she had completely shattered.
"What in the…" X's eyes widened in shock. Xiaomei was so calm until a few minutes. She completely broke that! "Is she getting off to this…?"
"Oh my…" Vanessa covered her mouth.
"Begin! Begin!" Xiaomei didn't want to waste a single second beginning the battle. She absolutely needed to see the outcome of all of this.
Spade was even more annoyed at how Hubert got Xiaomei on his side! Now he absolutely had to beat this snot nosed brat. "I'll show you!" The gattling gun began to whirr to fire. But before the gun actually fired, it simply stopped. "What…?!" Only did it stop, but blue lines started to appear along the gun. It soon gained arms and legs, towering over the very person who created it. "What the hell is this!?"
There were blue lines on Hubert's left hand. He activated his Ether Gear. "This battle was over the moment it began. My Ether Gear, Commander, allows me to assume control over any and all inanimate objects no matter their side. Fire."
"Wait…!?" Spade was backing away as his own gun took aim and started to prepare to fire. There was nothing he could do as he was pelted and betrayed by the machine of his own creation! Spade Magnes fell onto the ground, defeated.
"Hm. 5 seconds." Hubert said. "Was that sufficient enough for you, Xiaomei!"
"Hah…hah! That was wonderful! The winner is Hubert Ozwell!" Xiaomei was both hungry and aroused at the same time. The mixture of her expressions was clear on her face, even as her chest heaved up and down from her heavy breathing. "I said 10 seconds, but I was wrong! It was exhilarating!" Never did she have the chance to have any agency. Even if her guess was wrong, she was extremely glad she got to experience this chance. "It was so exhilarating, I've never felt that way before…!"
"Um…." X looked uncomfortable. Whatever she thought about Xiaomei was instantly proven wrong. "Did she…is she…?"
"Do you really want to know?" Vanessa looked at X, who shook her head.
"As expected of Hubert. A swift performance." Alexei just nodded in response to Hubert's victory.
"Even though it was short, I got to see Hubert's Ether Gear in action…!" That's what Xiaomei was also looking for. She was even squirming a bit.
"Anyway, who is up next?" Hubert simply chose not to acknowledge Xiaomei's behavior and turned to the others. Somehow, Xiaomei didn't hate that.
"I'll go next." Marshall said while licking his lips. "It's been a while since I've gotten stretch. Put me in!" He wasn't taking no for an answer and stepped into the center of the arena.
"I get to see Marshall Izumi in action next? This is really a good day!" Xiaomei was still panting in excitement, but she had more than enough sense to keep the little tournament going. Once Spade was removed from the arena, the next person stepped forward. "From the newly liberated planet of Iceberg, here comes Diamond Ice!"
Diamond was a woman with pale white skin, light blue hair and eyes. Despite coming from a planet that was entirely ice, her attire was relatively light. Like she was dressing for the summer. She moved a hand through her hair and stared at Marshall with disdain. "Ugh. You're my opponent?"
"Heh…" Marshall gave Diamond a once over, his yellow eyes briefly flashing pink. "This might be worth it after all."
"Begin!" Xiaomei said.
Diamond threw her hand forward. While there were no ether lines that appeared on her body, she was still capable of sending numerous shards of sharp ice in Marshall's direction. These shards of ice were capable of piercing and stabbing into her opponent. Marshall gripped the hilt of his sheathed sword and began to sprint forward, slashing through the shards of ice with ease while approaching Diamond. "Is that all you got!?"
"Hmph." Diamond stepped on the ground. Just before Marshall could swing at her, he was encased within a thick glacier of ice that rose from the ground. "Is that it?"
Marshall was completely frozen over. But it wasn't for long. His yellow eyes turned red and the arena began to vibrate slightly. The ice surrounding him started to crack and suddenly shattered. It happened so fast, Diamond had no time to react. Marshall's Rage fueled his movements, and he swung his sword down and a massive shockwave exploded outward.
"GAAAAH!" Diamond cried out as she was consumed by the shockwave, tumbling along the ground before she came to a halt on her back, noticeably bruised. She grimaced, but when she looked up, Marshall already loomed over her with his pink eyes and menacing expression. "W-Whoa…hey! You win! I give!" Diamond said as Marshall began to reach out to her shirt.
"Marshall. That's enough." Alexei had a commanding tone. "Now isn't the time for you to indulge in your desires."
That seemed to snap Marshall out of whatever trance he was in. "It's over already? That sucks."
"The winner is Marshall!" Despite this, Xiaomei was still excited. Her expression didn't falter at all. "Marshall Izumi, bearer of the cursed Ether Gear: The Seven Sins. We saw Pride, Lust, and Rage…I was hoping to see the rest of them, but I suppose that's for later in the story." That was a shame, but she was extremely happy to have seen it in the first place. She absolutely wasn't complaining about this in the first place.
"Alright." Marshall's eyes were yellow once again now. "Who's next?"
X stood up slowly. She couldn't procrastinate any longer. "Fine…I'll go. Just to get this over with."
"You're up next, Exene? I'm very eager to see you in battle!" Xiaomei said with her unchanging, euphoric/hungry expression.
"Don't use my full name, and don't say that while looking at me like that." X shuddered. Xiaomei was just starting to worry her now. Regardless, X took Marshall's place. Green ether lines appeared on her hand, focused specifically around her palm. The hilt of a sword appeared and she slowly pulled it out from her palm. The sword she summoned was pitch black in appearance, giving off a horrible aura.
"Then let us meet your next opponent! Club Strong, the strongest man you'll find!" Xiaomei grinned while the third opponent stepped into the fray. Club Strong was a large, muscular man who towered a full seven feet. In his hand was a gigantic stone club and he towered over X. "Begin!"
"I don't really feel good hitting a lady. But I…" Club Strong was about to get into position, but it was already over. X was behind him. "Huh?" And then, several slash marks appeared on Club Strong's body and he just….collapsed on the spot, his eyes pure white.
"There. I'm done." X said with a yawn. The thing about lazy people, is that they will often find the quickest and easiest solution to any problem faced in front of them. X was no exception to that rule, so she made quick work of the task in front of her.
"AHH!" Xiaomei gasped. "It was so fast, I barely saw it! The Demon Blade truly is a power like no other!" Of course she wanted to see even more, but the glimpses she did catch were more than enough. "The winner is Exene!"
"Eugh…I told you to stop calling me that!" X shuddered at Xiaomei's words and her tone. "I feel defiled…"
"Now then, I suppose I'm up next?" Vanessa hummed while stepping forward. "I'll try to make this entertaining, but I can't promise it will be."
"Yours is a power I've been extremely eager to witness, Vanessa!" Xiaomei balled her hands into little fists, pumping them into the air.
Vanessa's opponent…..was completely unable to even touch her. It was over just as fast as the others, but there was a different air to it. Vanessa was standing on top of a man who tried to attack her, her foot pressed firmly against his chest. As much as they struggled and tried to fight against her, nothing they did made contact. It was as though their attacks just phased right through her. "Don't bother trying. The Veil makes it impossible for anyone to touch me." Vanessa had red ether lines visible from her chest.
"T-This isn't…" The man tried to struggle and attack in vain, but nothing was happening. He didn't understand…
"It was a valiant effort. But we're just leagues ahead of you." Vanessa said with a smile, before finishing her foe off by stepping on their head, crushing them into the ground for a KO.
"Yes! Yes!" Xiaomei cheered. It wasn't like she was rooting for one specific side, but seeing the Galactic Fleet and their abilities firsthand made it really hard for her not to be even a little bit biased. The audience was eating it up too, based on the raucous applause from them. "Vanessa is the victor!"
"I suppose that just leaves me, then." Alexei was the last one to step forward, arms folded behind his back.
"That's right! Alexei, you are the last one to battle…" Xiaomei's face was only growing a deeper shade of red, and her salivating did not end. "The Ruler of Space…you could say I'm nearly desperate to see it in action." The final opponent was going to make their way through the rising gate as well.
"Is that so?" Alexei raised a brow. "Then watch closely. For I am going to imprint upon you, something that your timeless memory will never forget."
Just hearing those words alone nearly made Xiaomei yelp with excitement. All of the outcomes…which one would she see today? "Introducing the final opponent…!"
A purple android slowly walked forward. It was rather simple in appearance, its only defining feature the purple armor that it wore. "It is nice to see you again, Master."
"Model W?" Alexei raised a curious brow. "Or is this some sort of replica? I made this android a long time ago, as a mirror image of myself. Yet it turned greedy and began to lust for power. It was incomplete due to its emotion, and I soon saw the flaws of myself within it. I soon abandoned it once I realized it was flawed. If it were not for that machine, I would not be the person I am now…so I can at least thank you for that, even if I hold no attachment to that creation anymore."
This seemed to annoy the Model W replica. "After everything I've done for you, you still refuse to acknowledge me!?
Purple ether lines appeared on Alexei's face, moving in vertical lines from his forehead, down to his eyes. "That is correct. Because you were flawed from the very beginning. I care not if you are the real one or not, I will dispose of you posthaste. I have bigger things to concern myself with."
"And…let the final round begin!" Xiaomei exclaimed.
The Model W replica was about to charge forward, but there was no need. In the next instant, he was suddenly pulled…into Alexei's fist. The man's fist drove right through the chest of the android, surprising everyone who wasn't familiar with Alexei's powers. "W-What…?"
"Watch closely, Time Oracle." Alexei said calmly, not taking his eyes off Xiaomei for a single second. "Spacial Rend." Space itself attacked the Model W replica, tearing it apart limb from limb within the blink of an eye. Within seconds of the battle starting, it was already over. That was the running trend with this group of fight that sought answers. But when Alexei did it, there was a commanding presence that loomed over the coliseum in the process.
"INCREDBILE!" The hearts in Xiaomei's eyes practically became her pupils. That was the peak of the action and it was beyond words. "Alexei is the winner! Everyone has one in a landslide!" There was a loud applause, yet the only one who seemed into it was just Marshall and Vanessa.
.
Everything happened so fast. Suddenly, the group of the Galactic Fleet were back in the Temple of Knowledge. Xiaomei was in her seat, one leg crossed over the other with a satisfied, unapologetic smile. "Thank you all for that wonderful showcase of your abilities."
"You're….welcome?" X wasn't sure how to react to that. It was still a bit odd to her how Xiaomei could flip between calm and composed to…that….in the blink of an eye.
"You've satisfied the conditions, so I will answer your questions." Xiaomei looked to Vanessa first. "It is as you asked, Vanessa. There is nothing in the universe that a Therion cannot consume. It has no limits."
"Hehe…" Vanessa's eyes lit up with a twinkle. "Thank you very much, Xiaomei."
The Time Oracle then turned to Alexei. "And to answer your question, Alexei. There is indeed a piece of the Black Moon Star within the Aoi Cosmos. It has fallen into the hands of the Midi Orbital Gate."
"Midi has it hands on it?" Hubert had a pensive look on his face. "Ever since the Aoi War two years ago, security of that planet has tightened considerably. If it were a matter of getting onto the planet that would be a different story."
"But we just have to attack their front door." Marshall said with a laugh. "That's easy for us!"
"Finally. That was a lot of work just to get two questions answered. God damn." X groaned and was already making her way to the door.
"Thank you for your services." Alexei gave Xiaomei a slight, respectful bow. Just as he and the others were about to leave, he stopped. Something began to bother him and it showed on his usually stoic expression.
"Something buggin' you, Danchou?" Marshall asked.
"….I have another question, if you don't mind." Alexei slowly turned back to Xiaomei.
"All of you have left me in such a good mood, I'll answer your next question for free." Xiaomei had a wide smile.
"…What world are we in?" Alexei asked. His question made everyone look at him strangely.
"Uh, did the trip back here shake your brain?" X said while raising a skeptical brow. "We're on Mildian."
"That's not what he asked, though…" Hubert was also a little skeptical. "In…as opposed to on?"
"For quite some time, I've noticed that the world around me has changed ever so slightly, every so often." Alexei explained. "Time and space are inseparable. You cannot have one without the other, they are linked together. There have been times when I noticed the shifts in the world. The greatest change, however…happened just over two years ago. I believe it was shortly before Drakken Joe was detained. And again, shortly after the destruction of Nero 66. I cannot displace this discrepancy for any reason."
"I see. So you wish to know where you are, and not what caused it? I understand." Xiaomei nodded. "This is World No. 367."
"Huh?" The crew of the Galactic Fleet stared at Xiaomei in stunned silence. That didn't make any sense! And despise that, Alexei had a dissatisfied expression on his face. That answer didn't sate his curiosity In fact, that number seemed far too high for the specific sensation he felt in the past. "….I have to rephrase my question. What Universe are we in?"
"Oh, that's what you meant. This is Universe 3." Xiaomei clarified.
"Universe 3….." Alexei mumbled.
"Universe 3?" Vanessa blinked. Alexei seemed to be the only one who understood what this meant. The others couldn't wrap their heads around it.
"That explains everything. Thank you. We will truly be leaving now. Come along, everyone." Alexei said while starting to leave for real. The others stewed in confusion, yet there was one person who remained. It was Hubert.
"Before I go, I have one question for you. A simple one." Hubert looked over his shoulder.
"You put me in the best mood, so I'll happily answer any of your questions." Xiaomei leaned forward while looking at Hubert. "What is it you wish to know?"
"What are Alexei and Vanessa planning?" Hubert pushed his glasses up. "I know Alexei intends to change the universe, and Vanessa has some sort of scheme hidden up her sleeve. I don't doubt that both of them intend to follow through on their plans, I simply wish to know the truth."
"Is that all you wanted to know? You are a very straightforward individual." Xiaomei crossed one leg over the other. "I'll tell you, then."
.
Outside of the Temple of Knowledge, Alexei and the others were putting their shoes back on. Marshall leaned into X's ear to whisper something. "So, do you think we edged her on, or that she actually got something out of it?"
"I don't want to talk about what happened." X shook her head. "I feel like I need to take a shower."
"I'd say it worked out for everyone involved. The time Oracle got what she wanted, as did we. Everyone won." Vanessa smiled. Hubert emerged from the temple shortly after the others. When he did, Vanessa tossed him a teasing look. "Oh, was she playing favorites?"
"Nothing of the sort.' Hubert spoke firmly.
"We have our next destination. Midi's Orbital Gate." Alexei said while making his way to the starship. "Everyone, assume your positions when we return. This will be a swift mission that will mark the beginning of our plot."
"Yes, sir!"
.
.
Midi's Orbital Gate was a massive defensive structure that nearly encircled the entirety of the planet Midi. The shard of the Black Moon Star that they obtained was being researched by a few android and human scientists. "The amount of ether this thing gives off is incredible…" One of the researchers said.
"We could power the entire Orbital Gate with this thing alone. Imagine if we found more?" Another one said. "I'm trying to figure out where those four black rays are leading to. Somewhere out in the cosmos?"
"Perhaps it's trying to find other parts of itself?" One of the humans suggested. There was so little they knew about the Black Moon Star, but they had plenty of time to figure it out. Or so they thought….
"Sir!" A security guard approached the leading officer in charge of the Orbital Gate's defenses. "A small merchant ship is requesting entry into Midi!"
The commander was a human. He crossed his arms and looked ahead. It was as the guard reported: a small ship slowly approaching the planet. "Give them clearance. We've more important things to deal with at the moment. I'm curious about this star…"
Alexei was standing at the bridge of the Galactic Cruiser, which was disguised as the small merchant ship. Once they were granted entry, he issued the order. "Vanessa. Drop the veil."
"As you wish!" Vanessa snapped her fingers and deactivated her Ether Gear. There was a reason Xiaomei referred to the group as the crew of the Galactic Fleet, and not the Galactic Cruiser. Vanessa's Veil was so potent, it was capable of hiding, and revealing a massive war fleet with the Galactic Cruiser at the helm. "The Galactic Fleet is prepared to strike!"
This breach of security made the Orbital Gate's alarm system blare suddenly catching everyone's attention. "What the? Where did that fleet come from!?" The commander shook his head. "Everyone, get into position! We're under attack!"
"Our assault on Midi's Orbital Gate has begun." Alexei told his crew calmly. The Galactic Crew was a mix of humans and androids, all of them following Alexei's instructions to perfection. "Kill anyone who stands in our way. We will not stop until we obtain the Black Moon Star that is here. Am I understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Let's do this!" Marshall was commanding his own ship in the massive fleet. "I've been waiting all day!"
"Do I even have to do anything?" X yawned. She had her own ship as well, yet made one of the androids pilot it.
"I'll open the way." Hubert adjusted his glasses while his Commander Ether Gear activated. Several unmanned ships were under Hubert's control, turning into fully functional Knight Gear models. While the Orbital Gate struggled to muster a defense, these remote controlled Knight Gears flew forward, slashing through the straggling first defensive line.
"Isn't this so exciting?" Vanessa spoke to Alexei while clapping her hands together. "We're finally going to begin changing the universe. It all starts with the sacrifice of Midi."
Alexei stared ahead at the coming conflict, watching the numerous explosions take place in space. His expression did not change. There was no smile, no eagerness…only vacant stare ahead that carried determination. "This imperfect universe will soon be changed by my hand. I will erase the flaws of this universe."
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"Alexei Alexandrite is a man with great ambition." Xiaomei says, giving a smile along with her words. "A man who wants to change the very universe itself. Aren't you curious as to what he means by that? There is no doubt you'll find out soon. After all…Alexei and the Galactic Fleet will be the biggest obstacle to Shiki and his friends in this story. I've seen numerous outcomes to this story as well. One in which Alexei fails to secure the power of the Black Moon…and one in which he succeeds. Which, I wonder, will be the one that comes to pass? Do not forget, that the future is always subject to change. I'm just as eager as the rest of you to see how this turns out! Now, let us not delay and further. The opening act of this story is now over. Things are really about to pick up now."