Tulazo has already divulged many secrets, including the movents of the lowa after their betrayal and their gradual division, but Sandora and I still have many questions, starting with the most critical one: they accompanied Big Sister on the expedition, but even with Lin Xue’s help, she cannot fully recall the events of that day, so no one knows exactly what happened on the day of the lowa’s betrayal. It seems that countless events took place within that short period— the Sky Zone Emperor found the Void Creatures, the Void Creatures turned everything upside down in their efforts to protect the world, the Sky Zone Emperor and her deputy officer, Prophet Reiji, were caught in the aftermath and perished together, the lowa betrayed, all these events occurred within those few days (the last few days of the century-long expedition), and now seem to be the entanglent point of many events today. If those things hadn’t happened, my life would have taken a completely different path— perhaps I would still be drifting in the Void right now, as it’s said that Void Creatures love sleeping in their infancy, yawning for seventy to eighty thousand years.
In the eyes of ordinary people, these events coming together may not an much. Most people would focus on the events themselves, not how they "co together" like this; but I do not think so. Once this matter involves oneself as a Void Creature, it becos complex. Through multiple exchanges with Father God, I’ve co to understand a principle: any event related to Void Creatures, and displaying entanglent, must never be analyzed in isolation. They will inevitably, at so point, beco critical points in the occurrence and outcos of countless events. Therefore, I am very curious about what exactly happened on the day the lowa decided to defect, and how they confird that the Empire had collapsed.
This last question is particularly important because the primary reason the lowa dared to defect was because they confird they wouldn’t be hunted down. They were already aware of the happenings within the Empire’s borders.
Tulazo’s answer was simple: "We learned everything from the Emperor."
He ant the Emperor back in those days was the Sky Zone Emperor, which involves Big Sister’s past life.
"The Emperor trusted us... greatly," Tulazo’s face looked quite awkward, "We had followed her for countless years and were even granted the authority to execute the Extermination Order on behalf of the Imperial Army. Before the catastrophe, the Emperor had expressed a hint of her worries to us— but she didn’t clarify what was going to happen at that ti, rely reminding us to preserve all kinds of knowledge and strengthen our ho defenses. During the last expedition, the Emperor said she was going to et a ’God who hadn’t awakened yet’ and never returned, only transmitting a piece of information, which inford us of what had happened within the Empire’s borders. She announced that her plan had failed, the Empire had collapsed, and asked us to spread this ssage throughout the Sky Zone, urging all clans to flee imdiately."
"What a wasted effort," even Lilina couldn’t help but express disdain, "Damn it, she urged you to flee before dying, and this is what you did? Is this sothing a human would do? Even I wouldn’t have done this."
"Honestly, do you regret what you did back then?" I also felt furious, but rembering that Big Sister had said that the matters of the past were in the past and she wasn’t inclined to pursue them emotionally, I temporarily suppressed the anger, just looking into Tulazo’s eyes, trying to find even a hint of remorse: this old man was an anomaly among the lowa, and I believed he could still be saved.
"Regret? Maybe," Tulazo smiled self-deprecatingly, "But if General Vanna were able to turn back ti to when it all happened, I would still make the sa decision: return to the mother star with the fleet and take away everything we could, severing all ties with the Empire from then on, never again loyal to anyone. We would no longer be anyone’s servants, and if it takes doing it multiple tis, we would do it multiple tis."
Even Sandora was montarily at a loss for words: what a blunt statent from the old man!
"I know this question might have saved my life depending on the answer," Tulazo looked at us, "but I won’t flatter anyone, even half a sentence, just to survive. That’s what you taught back then, and it’s sothing I’ll always uphold. If it’s done, it’s done, there’s nothing to hide. lowa was once saved by the Empire in ancient tis, you pulled us back from the edge of the Abyss, and so the lowa people were unwaveringly loyal to the Empire for tens of millions of years, following orders, but that loyalty has been paid back in full. We’ve been treated as cannon fodder and servants long enough, so we should be granted freedom. If you won’t give it, we’ll take it, even if it ans extinction. This spirit was also given to us by you. I think compared to those fleets and weapons, this is the real wealth the Empire gave to the lowa people."
Lin Xue spread her hands: "But you’re still cooperating and answering our questions, aren’t you?"
"Because there’s no need to hide, I betrayed, and I don’t plan to surrender. I’m telling you all this, and I’m not going to hide it. Dying openly at least leaves fewer regrets—I’ve held these words in for tens of thousands of years, and I never imagined I’d have the chance to say them before my forr masters. Now I’ve said what I never dared to say before the General, I have no regrets."
I winked at Sandora and discussed in a spiritual connection: "How do you think we should deal with this stubborn old man?"
"He’s committed a capital cri, but inexplicably, it’s hard to proceed," Sandora’s voice also sounded conflicted, "If it were the old , I would’ve executed him without considering the reasons first, but now... why do I feel like I might be the villain here?"
"Not just you, I feel the sa way too... These old unresolved issues are becoming more daunting as they’re revisited. My view is... this old man can stay; even if a trial is necessary, let’s wait until the lowa’s troubles are resolved. Speaking of, is there a way to spare lives under your Extermination Order?"
"...There’s never been a sparing of lives before, but since this Extermination Order hasn’t started yet, if you’re willing to grant clency to so, it wouldn’t affect anything," Sandora rolled her eyes at a bit helplessly, "But this is unprecedented— the scope of the Extermination Order has been modified for the first ti after its range was determined."
"Do you think this might be a bit unserious?"
"I’ve never been serious with you around..."
I was montarily stunned, feeling at a loss for words...
Nonetheless, it’s still too early to consider the clency issues related to the Extermination Order. Sandora and I are rely entertaining the idea. Any definitive conclusion on how to handle the lowa needs serious deliberation, as it concerns the survival of a large number of lives. Even with imnse authority at hand, it cannot be treated lightly. As for now, I believe it is unnecessary to pursue this old man’s problem temporarily—we have more important matters to attend to.
So, I changed the topic: "Alright, let’s not discuss this for now. I think Tulazo can serve as one of our breakthroughs in this world, at least knowing the military habits of the lowa people. However, do you think he’s trustworthy?"
This ti Sandora seriously contemplated for a few seconds, then nodded resolutely: "My spiritual detection detects nothing wrong. I can ascertain that he’s not deceiving us. He should be a minority within the Rebel Army, and such people, once recruited, often hold significant value. Also, according to my observations, persuading him isn’t very difficult."
I nodded, turned around, and looked at Tulazo. He was now calmly sitting on the chair, his expression neither happy nor sad, showing no concern about the outco awaiting him, just as he said: there was nothing more to regret in this life.
"Tulazo, are you willing to cooperate with us?" I asked straightforwardly, "To take down Barrian and the Radicals."
Tulazo was taken aback; this question was definitely beyond his expectations. However, being a smart person, he quickly understood my aning: "You’re actually asking this? Isn’t it imdiate execution?"
"New Empire, different rules," I smiled, "Now, we’re waiting for your answer. I can candidly tell you: the Extermination Order won’t be rescinded. The lowa people remain enemies of the Empire. But I’ve modified the scope of the Extermination Order, so now only the Radicals will be eradicated. It serves as your last chance... Judging by appearances, you might also want to help the Slave Races of these worlds, which aligns with our motives. Under this premise, how about working together once?"
Tulazo looked at us with surprise, until he was sure I wasn’t lying: "I never thought you’d say such a thing, very unexpected, if back then... However, now I no longer pledge allegiance to anyone. I am indeed opposed to Barrian and view those brainwashed into madn Radicals as mortal enemies, but I don’t see how I could participate with you in carrying out an Extermination Order against my fellow kin; don’t you think this... is unimaginable?"
I thought about it, and it’s true: I’m actually inviting Tulazo to participate in a massacre against his own kind—although it doesn’t sound good, that’s essentially what it is, isn’t it? Although the lowa people have already split into two factions (judging by Tulazo’s current miserable situation, it seems the Conservative faction of lowa is probably just an empty shell), they are still seen as one race in the eyes of the Empire... This is where internal conflicts among the people and external conflicts are irreconcilable. With my political literacy, I probably can’t solve such complex and advanced matters.
"I’m not asking you to be loyal," Miss Lin still wanted to make an effort, "just to assist. We’re not expecting the lowa people to regain their loyalty to the Empire, but this ti, we’re asking you to fight for your beliefs—at the very least, you can save these slave races from your compatriots’ wrong actions, which would also make ands for the radicals led by Barrian. We don’t need you to personally confront your compatriots; we just hope that when the Imperial Army acts, you and your Conservative faction can keep a low profile, which will give the Imperial Army a reason not to target you. Additionally, we hope you can help release those slave races; I think you know how to quickly release their control. None of these should be beyond your limits, right?"
Lilina added an essential sentence: "Besides, this is the only way to preserve roots for your own race. You will certainly be brought down by the boss’s army, but if you can get so people to co over, maybe the Extermination Order could be slightly relaxed. Isn’t that right, boss?"
I patted Lilina’s head. Her proposal should have a greater impact on Tulazo.
"An amnesty under the Extermination Order?" Tulazo raised his eyebrows, seemingly finally wavering, "If it’s just standing aside and helping free the slave races... Although it betrays Barrian, this is what the Conservative faction has always been doing."
"So, is the agreent established?" I couldn’t help but let out a sigh; talking to this stubborn old man was tiring.
"Basically... established," Tulazo said with deep aning, "I know that, after this is all over, I will still face judgnt. No matter the cause or the future stance, at least in terms of treason, the Conservative faction and the Radicals are guilty alike. So, our cooperation will probably only last until then. For this brief period, we are standing together temporarily."
Sandora nodded in satisfaction: "Very well. But there is one question to confirm: can the Conservative faction you ntion be as reliable as you? Will anyone defect to Barrian? And what is the actual strength of the Conservative faction?"
"I can guarantee the reliability of the Conservative faction," Tulazo nodded with great confidence, "After knowing the details, they will understand what to do, and nobody will be loyal to Barrian—that tyrant. The things he did to his compatriots were ten tis more brutal than the Empire’s thods back when they sent us to the battlefield. As for the strength of the Conservative faction..."
Tulazo’s expression changed quickly, and his tone suddenly weakened: "Including , there are a total of sixteen people; the other fifteen are locked in prison by Barrian..."
: "..." Everyone: "..."
"Are you kidding us, old man?" Lilina yelled, jumping up.
"Nowadays, there are indeed only this many Conservatives on the surface," Tulazo revealed a sly smile, "Soone has to step up to protect others, to divert Barrian’s attention from those hidden Conservatives. The actual number of Conservatives is a secret, but I can assure you: it’s not many, but definitely not too few. Moreover, we have certain influence within the army: although all the troops are in Barrian’s hands, if the Imperial Army really does launch an attack, I am confident that I can turn a portion of the Conservatives to our side. Barrian doesn’t have the capability to brainwash and reform everyone; most of the old generals who defected with us back then and their subordinates... he can’t take action against them; he can only marginalize them, just like ."
We now had to trust Tulazo’s confidence. As for his reliability, with Sandora’s perception and Lin Xue’s prediction as dual guarantees, there shouldn’t be any issues—and honestly, with the Imperial Army pressing on and the borders about to be completely sealed, even if sothing went wrong with Tulazo, it wouldn’t affect the big picture; at most, we would have to take so detours, so there’s no need to worry.
Seeing us finally finish the serious business, Qianqian, who had been playing alone for a while, was pleased and stood up, taking a breath: "Phew, you guys finally finished talking, how boring..."
Tulazo’s mouth twitched: "... This... I’ve actually wanted to ask for a long ti, what happened to General Vanna? Why does she look now..."
He was too embarrassed to say the latter half of the sentence, but I could understand the old master’s thoughts. During the lengthy half-hour negotiation, Qianqian was bored and played alone on the side; she laid out a newspaper and was playing cards against herself using her natural talent for schizophrenia, now with her face covered with little notes... I didn’t understand the purpose of those notes at all...
I couldn’t imagine what Vanna was like back then, but she definitely wasn’t so absent-minded. Tulazo surely felt a mix of emotions seeing a once mighty and commanding general beco such a fool.
"Died once, part of the intelligence was eaten by him." Lin Xue sighed, nudging her chin towards .
"Uh..." Tulazo was taken aback, "General Reiji, you also seem a bit..."
"Also died once, part of the emotional intelligence was eaten by him." Lin Xue sighed again, nudging her chin towards .
: "...Feels completely irrefutable."
Afterward, we roughly exchanged opinions and intelligence—though mainly to get intelligence from Tulazo. First, we confird the list of races serving as the lowa people’s Slave Army in those dozen worlds and the location of their respective mother stars, as well as the number of lowa Regular Army—regarding which, the intelligence was probably not very accurate; Tulazo had been marginalized from the political core for a thousand years, so even if he retained so intelligence networks, he would not have much military intelligence, and what he gave us was just an approximate figure.
About those slave races, knowing that the vast majority of the slave army was also controlled by mind-altering drugs, Sandora ca up with a relatively special thod to temporarily remove these shackles, which was to have Tulazo deploy resonance crystals in places where these slave races gathered. When war broke out, Sandora could "broadcast" her mind control through the power of the resonance crystals to suppress the activities of the Slave Army. Of course, this does not fundantally solve their brainwashing effects, but we only need the Slave Army to be suppressed until the war ends; the rest can be resolved slowly post-war. I believe that without a target for loyalty, the brainwashing symptoms of the Slave Army will be easier to treat.
Resonance crystals can be disguised as ordinary ghost energy crystals, and most of the small devices used by the lowa people also use ghost energy crystals as their energy source, so Tulazo is confident that he can spread these crystals throughout the lowa Empire quickly.
Next, we need to find out what exactly Barrian did to the Anu Lili race—our instincts tell every one of us that this issue is quite important, more so than adding up all of lowa’s slave units. Sandora decided to assign a few imperial agents to assist Tulazo, making use of Tulazo’s intelligence network and the high qualifications of the imperial agents to see if they could infiltrate Barrian’s palace. He takes large batches of people from three slave supply star systems every day, keeping numbers consistent with the growth rate of these slave races, so we are not worried about not being able to find those taken away once infiltrated into the enemy’s headquarters.
"Finally, I have one more thing to say, but it’s solely my guess, and not necessarily accurate," Tulazo said, seeing that we were about to leave, he hesitated several tis before finally speaking up, "it’s about a potential trump card that might exist under Barrian." (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welco to vote for it on Qidian (qidian). Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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