Chapter 541: Chapter 536 -「Did I Overdo It…?」

After twenty-four hours had passed since the last appearance of a space monster, the decision was made that the area was now secure. As a result, the entire fleet, including the Black Lotus, the Krishna, and the Antlion, received the order to return. The damaged ships—mostly A-class escort ships—had already withdrawn to the rear, so the lineup felt a bit thinner than usual, but we could still call it a triumphant return. Apparently, the remnants of the crystal lifeforms and the residual energies of the energy-based entities would be collected and processed by the Holy Vuelzarus Empire Fleet later on, and apparently, a portion of it would be allocated to us. The crystal lifeforms’s remains are valuable even in the Grakkan Empire, but I wonder if the residual energy will sell for anything… Well, for now, let’s take it back and see. Who knows, maybe we can sell it to the Imperial Space Force or some military corporation.

And so, we returned.

「Is it just me, or is security extra tight? Actually, are they guarding us, or guarding against us?」

「Well, after showing such overwhelming combat ability, this is only natural…」

Back at the research facility, there was a noticeable increase in people carrying weapons that looked like katanas strapped to their waists. There were also way more people who looked like priests or shrine maidens. I can’t shake the feeling that every single move I make is being closely observed.

「Did I overdo it…?」

「Of course you did… I mean, when the eleventh wave of crystal lifeforms appeared, you probably could’ve handled it solo with just the Krishna, right?」

「Yeah, I could’ve. Actually, as long as it wasn’t one of those ridiculously massive ones that would need extra firepower, I think I could manage.」

If I used the Maneuvering Light Wings for high-speed maneuvers and darted around with short leaps, I could have whittled them down with the Telekinetic Halo and the Graviton Cannons, slowly but surely. That massive star-sized jellyfish—the one they called the Star Eater—would’ve been difficult, though.

「How about against the Holy Vuelzarus Empire Fleet?」

「Yeah, that’s definitely impossible. Not that I have any intention of fighting them.」

The performance capabilities of the Holy Vuelzarus Empire’s combat ships are just on a whole other level. Who knows what kind of mind-boggling features they might have hidden in those ships? That technology they use to phase-shift and let attacks pass right through them—it’s completely insane. Seriously, how does that even work?

Then there’s that scary weapon, the Soul Crusher, a beam that definitely kills everything it touches, it’s scary as hell. If they fire that, it’s apparently game over, no questions asked. So yeah, I really don’t want to go up against them. I don’t even know if Krishna’s deflection shields could block it.

「So, yeah, there’s no need to be afraid. You don’t have to look at me with such wary eyes.」

I said this to the military officers, the priests, and the shrine maidens around, but in response, they either avoided eye contact, gave awkward smiles, or just looked at me with vague expressions. My poor fragile heart is going to break!

「It seems they’re treating you, Hiro-dono, as a gentle yet dangerous beast! Ha ha ha!」

For some reason, Buubo was laughing heartily. This guy… maybe I should pluck those feathers on his head and turn them into a cushion.Anyway, I know there is no winning this kind of conversation, and it’s hardly amusing, so I better change the subject.

「Speaking of which, since the Holy Vuelzarus Empire is, well, an empire, you must have someone like an Emperor, right? I haven’t heard anyone talk about a figure like that. So what’s the actual situation?」

When I asked Buubo that question, an awkward silence settled over the room. Not only was I confused, but Elma also seemed just as lost, and we exchanged glances. Is this topic some kind of taboo?

「Uh… well… about that. It’s, uh… let’s just say it’s a, um, highly… sensitive matter.」

「The fact that you’re stumbling over your words that much must mean it’s really serious, huh?」

「What exactly is your impression of me, Hiro-dono?! But yes, that’s precisely it. There are… complex reasons behind it, let’s say. Some delicate, high-level matters, if you will… So if you could keep that question to yourself, it would be much appreciated. Not just by me, but by many of my compatriots. Truly.」

「Hearing you say that only makes me even more curious…」

Buubo gave me a look that practically begged for mercy. Seriously, what on earth could this be about?