Chapter 148: The Python Star System (1)

“The establishment of the garrison is complete.”

“Currently, 80% of the space battleships have been withdrawn to other dimensions in preparation for the second invasion.”

“The gate offensive seems to have weakened.”

Karlstein tapped his armrest as he listened to the incoming reports.

“Any issues during the progress?”

“No, sir.”

“I see.”

Meanwhile, Karlstein , sitting in the conference room, made eye contact with someone. A girl with a greatsword on her back.

“Mm.”

The child wiggled her body, smiling brightly. She looked like a child visiting her father’s workplace.

That person is my daddy! Daddy is so cool!

…That was the sort of vibes she gave off. She was like this even though their little family act had ended.

“…Setting that aside, what about our casualties?”

“There are none.”

“Good. We shouldn’t suffer losses in a place like this.”

“Yes. They are the elite of the Galactic Empire after all.”

“How about the invasion of the other 36 places?”

“It’s progressing smoothly as well. There was resistance in 17 out of 36 dimensions, but as you know.”

“Right. It shouldn’t have been difficult.”

Karlstein could easily guess the situation while looking at the report.

-In case of resistance, eliminate the leadership. Try to minimize civilian casualties. However, respond with force if resistance forces gather.

In fact, with the Galactic Empire’s power, it would not be difficult to conquer without any casualties to either side. But they did not proceed so leniently.

The Galactic Empire had activated dimensional warp gates using enormous resources. Time was gold, and to achieve maximum results within a limited time, minor armed conflicts were inevitable.

“The remaining 19 places accepted without resistance…”

“They must have been intimidated by the might of the Galactic Empire forces.”

Of course, that were bound to be some exceptions. Their forces were not mere thousands. What would people think when hundreds of battleships cover the sky?

They probably would not even think of resisting.

“Hmm.”

But Karlstein doubted that was the only reason.

[Integrated Dimensional Community]

Warning messages would be sent first to users of the Integrated Dimensional Community, so those with some influence would know how to behave.

It was actually surprising that 17 places resisted… though even that would have subsided if met with a retaliatory rain of bombardment.

“Were there any dimensions assigned to the World Army?”

“We initially left dimensions with users enlisted in the World Army to them. They were classified separately from the 36 dimensions.”

“Then we can assume we’ve taken about… 230 dimensions.”

“Yes.”

230 dimensions. One dimension should not be considered as just one planet. It was an enormous territorial expansion, which aligned with the reason why the Galactic Empire went to war of conquest, considering the massive bloodshed. Ȓ𝘼Ꞑ𝔬𐌱Е𝙎

However…

“How’s the outer space exploration of the conquered dimensions going?”

“About that…”

The reporter’s expression wasn’t very good. Incidentally, Karlstein was already aware of the situation from Aria’s report.

“I had hoped, but… is it as expected?”

“My apologies.”

The exploration results were not good. Space battleships sent from their side alone were limited for outer space navigation. The space environment needed to support it.

“So no Ether was found…”

Ether, a near infinite power, was an important resource for outer space navigation. Collecting natural Ether during space travel would enable further exploration.

Although exploration itself was no issue upon pouring in the Galactic Empire’s Ether…

“The efficiency would be the lowest, and it would be meaningless.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

In a way, it could be said that dimensions were ranked according to Ether.

The Galactic Empire’s 001-dimension was a special S-class dimension. It had vast Ether distributions that allowed activity in a cluster of galaxies consisting of hundreds of galaxies.

“But if there’s good news…”@@novelbin@@

“Indeed, sir. At least the planets connected by the Community had abundant Ether resources.”

Of course, those reporting did not know exactly what the [Integrated Dimensional Community] was.

“That’s certainly fortunate.”

What if they opened a dimensional warp for conquest and found a planet without Ether? It would be a massive loss for the Galactic Empire. But since they were focusing on the Community for dimensional invasion, it meant that at least one planet’s worth of Ether would be secured.

Tap tap.

Karlstein, tapping the armrest with his finger, made eye contact with Perpe, who was shyly shifting her eyes about.

“…?”

“Mm. Perpe.”

“Yu-yus!”

Perpe, startled, bit her tongue. Though her face was flushed, she knew the difference between public and private matters.

“…Go back and rest.”

“Yees…”

Perpe, who seemed to have been expecting something, left the conference room with her head down, looking dejected.

“…”

The Earth invasion force leaders in the conference room kept their mouths shut, reading the atmosphere. Though it was just a temporary role-play, they had been acting cautious because the Galactic Emperor had acknowledged her as his daughter.

This was why he sent Perpe out, as it seemed they could not fully concentrate on the meeting.

Though I wonder if this is really something to be so cautious about… But well, guess it can’t be helped.

“Let’s continue the meeting.”

After Perpe left, the meeting proceeded swiftly.

“What about the Tower of Trials?”

“Currently, exploration of all floors is complete. Combining all Towers of Trials, we can say we’ve secured territory equivalent to 30 planets. The Ether is estimated to be about 10 times that of the invaded dimensions.”

“That’s good news.”

“Indeed.”

This universe’s Earth alone was equivalent to gaining 10 dimensions.

“Perpe is a lucky charm.”

“…”

“Pardon?”

“Gasp.”

Perpe would have been overjoyed to hear that, but alas, she had long left the conference room.

However…

“…Never mind.”

Karlstein felt uncomfortable mentioning it, if only because of their oversensitive reactions.

“I misspoke. So, about the connection with other dimensions?”

“Regarding that…”

In a way, this was the most interesting part about the Towers of Trials. Clearly, these structures were connected to other dimensions; this was how Karlstein was able to send a distress(?) signal to the Galactic Empire.

But their answer was not very satisfactory.

“We speculate that the passage has been closed.”

“We’re currently researching, but with our current dimensional technology, it’s difficult to accurately assess the situation.”

“…Is that so?”

Karlstein could not help being disappointed. He felt like there might have been something to it. But since the Towers of Trials would not be running away or anything, they could research that matter slowly.

He dismissed the others and ended the meeting.

“Hmm… Aria.”

[Yes, Master]

“There doesn’t seem to be a problem in the invaded dimensions…”

[It seems the Kaiju have prepared thoroughly. A swift response is needed.]

“I knew you’d also think that way.”

Karlstein logged into the [Integrated Dimensional Community] after a long time.

-Writer: Hawahawa

-Title: the world was ruined already and now there’s gates opening

ㄴjajaja thats how life is

ㄴur in a fantasy world rite didnt u learn martial arts from the Community?

ㄴoo lol then isn’t that sweetass?

ㄴfr lmao time for a hero story bruh!

ㄴ(Hawahawa): I thought so at first too…

ㄴnot the case?

ㄴthot u had talent for martial arts too

ㄴAn S-rank hunter who learned martial arts in a fantasy world HAHAHA

ㄴ(Hawahawa): Well… It’s not that easy.

ㄴwat?

It was not just this Hawahawa person.

-Writer: BladeWind

-Title: Hunters! Please sirs, give me tips on killing Kaiju! (100 Karma)

-Content: Urgent. Pretty please.

-Writer: Mount Song Tiger Batter Up

-Title: The True Teachings of Shaolin (long post)

-Content: Dear friends,, Batter Up’s,, tasting,, corner,, is saying goodbye^^ The world,, isn’t,, easy,, I’ll leave,, the final teachings of Shaolin,, here,, May someone continue,, Shaolin’s legacy.

“So there are three for now?”

[Two more have been additionally searched.]

“Five…”

A common point among them was that Kaiju warp gates had opened in each of their worlds. The Kaiju that emerged were similar to those seen in World’s broadcasts.

Lastly…

“Still no connection?”

[Yes.]

“…”

Every user had lost connection to the Community.

It was not that unusual for a user to lose connection and never log in again. Birth and death was the natural order of things. Upon a user’s death, their connection to the Community was cut off, and naturally, they could not log in.

However…

“Is it really a coincidence?”

[Probably… not.]

“Hmm.”

Out of countless Community users, just five shared a similar situation. It might really be a coincidence, but Karlstein did not think so.

“I’d say this universe’s Earth would’ve ended up the same if not for us.”

[If that were the case, Miss Perpe would…]

“We don’t know about that.”

If one crossed to another dimension and the original one was destroyed, what would happen?

They could not be certain as no similar cases had ever been recorded.

“It wouldn’t hurt to be prepared.”

[Yes. I’ll take separate measures for Miss Perpe.]

“Alright. What’s the current situation on the Galactic Empire’s frontlines?”

[There has been a strong offensive from the enemies near the recently expanded borders, but it’s currently been suppressed.]

“I recall correctly, Maxien and Camilla were out there?”

[Yes. They’re diligently carrying out their duties.]

“Any encounters with Double Numbering or higher entities?”

[They encountered No. 79 and No. 46, but one fled and one was eliminated.]

“That’s fortunate.”

Even for them, a Double Number could be dangerous if they were not careful.

[They’ve become much stronger than before.]

“Is that so.”

That was fortunate.

“Did those Kaiju not have the ability to open gates like the ones in this dimension?”

[No. If they did, a report would have been sent to you immediately, Master.]

“Hmm…”

Karlstein let out a long sigh.

“Managing matters on a dimensional scale gives me a headache.”

[…]

Karlstein looked out the window. Although the Kaiju offensive had slowed down, there were still those that suddenly appeared by opening gates.

Of course, thanks to the Galactic Empire forces’ efforts, they were being deleted without causing any damage. Nevertheless…

“Dragging things out like this doesn’t suit me.”

[Master?]

Determination gradually burned in Karlstein’s eyes.

“Right. We should make them react in a way they can’t help but respond.”

[…?]

Karlstein made a decision.

“Aria.”

[Yes, Master.]

“Prepare.”

[For what?]

“What else could it be?”

[…]

“If we strike their leader, I’m sure they’ll crawl out on their own.”

[You don’t mean…]

“Leave the dimensional invasion to those incorporated into World.”

[What? Then what about Fallen Planet…?]

“Summon everyone. Call Maxien and Camilla too.”

[Master…]

He was going to proceed with the Single Number subjugation.

“We’re going to the Python star system.”