Chapter 272: Half of the Covenant Has Fallen! Amnesty and Raiding by Imperial Decree!
At this moment, Mann had already led his team to the rear of the Faceless Beast patrol unit. He slowly drew his chainsword, and in the instant that its gleaming blade flashed through the air, one of the Faceless Beasts was instantly reduced to pieces.
Before the rest of the beasts could react or even let out a roar, the other Astartes warriors had already unsheathed their blades and swiftly slaughtered the entire patrol.
With the Covenant ground patrols dealt with, drop pods carrying more Astartes warriors descended above the outpost and palace complex.
Only then did Mann reorganize his raiding squad and retreat back into the forest.
His next mission was to continue reconnaissance, stealth operations, and the assassination of nearby Faceless Beast sentries, as well as the capture of high-value targets. As for the assault on the Prophet Command Center, that task was left to these newly deployed reinforcements.
…
Universal Metropolis — Ideal City — Headquarters of the Myriad Worlds Base!
At that moment, Li Ang had already received the latest updates from the integrated Covenant battlefield.
He turned his attention to the central control console before him, closely monitoring the progress of territorial acquisition across the battlefield.
AI Loki was in charge of gathering and analyzing all front-line combat data. After compiling the results, the information was continuously updated onto the star map in real-time.
As of now, the Universal Coalition had occupied 57% of the entire Covenant domain. Half of the Covenant's territory had already fallen into the hands of the Universal Megacorporation.
To think — not long ago, the coalition only controlled less than 20% of the territory. The reason for such rapid expansion within just a couple of months was due in large part to the "Recycler's" legitimate authority and the support from the Elites.
At their current rate of advancement, it wouldn't be long before the coalition achieved full territorial integration.
Li Ang understood that this war for the unification of the Covenant had to be fought. No amount of coercion, bribery, or deception would be effective. Without brute force paving the way, the Covenant would never submit to the dominion of the megacorp.
"Boss."
Lucy, standing behind Li Ang , stepped forward to report: "There's new progress on Morgan Blackhand's side. Through a surprise operation, they've successfully captured the core leadership of the UNSC."
"This includes the current Admiral Terrence and ONI Commander-in-Chief Margaret, among others!"
Upon hearing that these major figures had become prisoners of the megacorp, Li Ang 's mood immediately brightened. "Nicely done. Morgan's efficiency is impressive."
Ever since Li Ang had reassigned Morgan Blackhand to Reach, placing him in charge of a series of operations across Earth and Reach, he hadn't paid much attention to Earth's situation.
He only cared about results—not permission slips.
Unexpectedly, Morgan had met all his objectives and more. In just a few months, he had successfully infiltrated the region with a large number of operatives and captured so many top UNSC officials.
It was practically a clean sweep of the UNSC's core leadership.
"Morgan did very well. Now the only task left is to locate the teleportation gate."
Lucy nodded gently, then added, "I've uploaded all the operational data to the central console for your review."
Once she finished, Li Ang began reviewing the detailed operation files compiled by Lucy, analyzing how best to deal with the captured UNSC leadership.
It didn't take long for Li Ang to fully understand the strategic planning and execution of Morgan's operation.
For Li Ang , evaluating a department or an operation team was based on two things: their final results, and the quality of their operational planning.
In his view, both process and outcome mattered.
The process revealed the team's habitual mindset and capacity for independent decision-making. Granting them a high degree of autonomy was the only way to truly assess their limits and operational style.
Take Alex, Rita, and Cage, for example. When they were captured by the rebel faction, they calmly collected intel, adapted to the situation, and then launched a surprise assault. Their infiltration of the enemy's command center and rapid target elimination was as clean and efficient as it gets—an absolute masterclass in execution.
As for Morgan Blackhand's raid on UNSC headquarters, the two central pillars of his success could be summed up in one word—intelligence.
During this period, Morgan had persistently requested reconnaissance devices and top-tier hacking teams from the megacorp's logistics department. He practically saturated the UNSC's intel network with operatives.
Bribery, assassination, coercion—he used every tactic available, all for the singular goal of gathering information.
It was only after thoroughly investigating the high-level UNSC conference that Morgan was able to orchestrate such a decisive and devastating ambush.
Li Ang held Morgan's calm, explosive precision in high regard.
After all, whether it's war or strategic operations, it all comes down to playing the infinite game of information asymmetry.
New variables arise constantly in this world. Whoever can identify or predict those variables first can use them to seize the advantage and shape the outcome.
Though Morgan didn't have some god-like foresight or the ability to perfectly predict the future, his methodical approach still allowed him to deliver outstanding results.
Li Ang was quite satisfied with Morgan Blackhand's performance. His big-picture thinking and execution were steady and reliable—hallmarks of a high-level leader.
At this stage, Li Ang had essentially handed over full responsibility for Earth and Reach to Morgan, while he himself focused on unifying the Covenant.
His goal was to complete the integration by the end of the year, and to explore and uncover more ancient ruins and Forerunner knowledge hubs.
After all, in the Halo universe, there was no shortage of powerful equipment—like the Mantle's Approach battleship, a top-tier weapon platform even across multiversal sci-fi settings.
Of course, Li Ang also remained prepared for the worst regarding the unification of humanity.
Even now, there were still factions within the human rebels that had yet to submit to the Universal Megacorp. They continued to cling to their ideals of independence and personal freedom.
To these unruly, unambitious rebels, Li Ang gave only two chances—just like he did during previous amnesty negotiations.
Both sides would first sit down and negotiate peacefully, and the terms offered would be in line with the megacorp's standard benefits.
But if these rebels overreached, or refused to cooperate, Li Ang would invoke the "third strike" rule—no more mercy. Even if he wasn't eager for slaughter, he would not hesitate to completely annihilate them.
His fleets and vast reserve forces weren't just meant for alien threats. They were more than capable of exterminating these human parasites too.
The previously decimated rebel faction served as a perfect example.
Although Captain Robert Watts chose to surrender at a critical moment, he would not receive any generous amnesty benefits. Instead, he'd face judgment—most likely a prison sentence.
His future would depend on how he behaved afterward, and only then would Li Ang consider assigning him new duties.
If the conflict escalated again and larger rebel groups emerged, Li Ang would continue to dispatch more troops, pushing toward the Eridanus system.
If they couldn't be broken, they'd be crushed.
That was Li Ang 's stance on rebels: if they obeyed and aligned with the megacorp, they'd be provided with food, shelter, and decent positions.
But if they persisted in chasing their revolutionary dreams, then they'd be exterminated to the last man.
However, for the rebels who had already submitted to the Universal Megacorp, Li Ang wasn't about to let them freeload.
Now that the Elites had been formally integrated into the Universal Coalition and were throwing themselves into the fight against the remaining Prophets and Faceless Beasts, the former human rebels had work to do too.
While Li Ang hadn't yet granted these rebels official status, he had issued them "Raiding Permits."
Led by the rebel faction, human forces had begun using the megacorp's name to raid UNSC outposts, seize colonial stockpiles, and occupy new territories.
Waging war required powerful equipment, and Li Ang took this opportunity to "sell" the megacorp's decommissioned modular gear and vast stockpiles of exoskeletons to the rebels.
The transaction currency was either megacorp-issued credit points or rare minerals.
These credit points were the current currency system of the megacorp.
They were earned through labor, completing various tasks, occasional prize draws, or asset settlements.
Most rebels naturally opted to use their credit points to "freeload" advanced gear, then used that gear to conquer new lands.
On the surface, it looked like the rebels were mooching off the megacorp.
But in reality, the megacorp expended nothing, while the rebels—eager to fight—helped expand its sphere of influence for free.
No matter the universe or environment, as long as there was business to be done, Li Ang would always bring the style of a megacorp to its fullest expression.
At that moment, Li Ang skimmed past the content on the holographic display and turned his attention to the list of captured personnel from the latest operation.
Seeing familiar names like Terrence and Margaret Parangosky, Li Ang fell into contemplative silence.
Terrence was the Fleet Admiral of the UNSC—a top-ranking military figure within the human government. His strategic vision and unwavering will made him an ideal candidate for recruitment as a high-ranking commander under the megacorp.
Then there was Margaret Parangosky. In Li Ang 's memory, she was nothing short of a ruthless operator.
Born on the Moon and joining the UNSC Navy at just twenty-two, she was a prodigy from an elite background, much like Robert before her.
Blessed with a privileged upbringing and elite education, she had long been mingling with the highest echelons of human society. This exposure forged in her a sharp mind and an iron will.
In truth, the ONI division of two decades ago didn't hold nearly as much sway within the UNSC as it does today.
Back then, ONI was losing control of escalating insurgencies and fumbling critical operations, leading to widespread disappointment among its superiors.
Just as ONI was on the verge of being restructured—or even disbanded—it was Margaret herself who led a team into the most dangerous insurgent zone: Onyx.
Soon after, thanks to a series of decisive actions orchestrated by Margaret, the once volatile Onyx was pacified. Order returned, and everything appeared calm once more.
And yet, curiously, the entire Onyx pacification campaign was sealed away as top-secret within ONI's archives. Every trace of the operation was wiped clean by a military-grade Smart AI.
As if the mission had never happened at all.
It didn't take a genius to deduce the truth: Margaret had relied on a brutal and bloody crackdown to claw her way to the top, using the Onyx operation as her stepping stone to seize control of a faltering ONI.
She built her power on a mountain of corpses—many likely rebels, but perhaps innocent civilians too.
Still, her lightning-quick, ruthless methods proved immediately effective. The insurgency on Onyx vanished without a trace, and the higher-ups were quite pleased with the outcome.
That hidden operation spoke volumes about Margaret's methods. So long as she achieved her goals, she had no qualms about using any means necessary, no matter how ruthless or unspeakable.
Within the UNSC, Margaret had been labeled one of the most dangerous figures in the leadership ranks.
But there was no denying her exceptional competence.
For example, the ONI-led Spartan-II augmentation program had been personally approved and spearheaded by her. To ensure its success, she even authorized the abduction of seventy-five children.
In her view, sacrificing a handful of lives to stabilize countless colonies was a foolproof trade—worth the risk, even if it meant tarnishing her own reputation.
Though Margaret's tactics were underhanded, her moral compass nearly non-existent, and she had a knack for making enemies even among her own ranks, she was exactly the kind of efficient, hard-nosed subordinate high-level leaders preferred.
Beyond her professional capabilities, she also made for the perfect scapegoat.
After all, if leadership ever made a grave misstep, blaming it on a random underling wouldn't satisfy the public's outrage.
But sacrificing someone like Margaret? That would do the trick every time. In other words, having someone like her was akin to possessing a ready-made political lightning rod. Used wisely, she was the perfect tool for deflecting blame from the top.
Just like Zhang Tang under Emperor Wu of Han, or Lai Junchen under Empress Wu Zetian—these ruthless enforcers all served the same purpose: doing the dirty work for their superiors and taking the fall when necessary.
And someone as relentless and results-oriented as Margaret, with no fear of offending others, was perfectly to Li Ang 's taste.
Li Ang kept his eyes on the list of UNSC senior personnel. After a moment of thought, he decided to select a group of capable, pragmatic individuals to continue serving him.
After all, those in power almost always had skeletons in their closets. A little blood on their hands wasn't a deal-breaker—what mattered was whether they could meet the leader's needs.
Top talents like Terrence and Margaret were leagues apart from the corrupt parasites infesting the UNSC's upper and middle ranks.
Soon, Li Ang mentally assigned Margaret a new role: Director of the Megacorp's Internal Intelligence Bureau. As for Alex, he would oversee the External Intelligence Division.
The External Intelligence Division focused on gathering intel from outside the corporation, while the Internal Intelligence Bureau handled oversight within. Though their functions were similar, their targets differed.
Naturally, External Intelligence was a cushy position.
It offered a safe work environment, dealt mainly with information gathering, and came with excellent opportunities for promotions and raises.
Every time the Megacorp annexed a new universe, the External Intelligence staff would be handsomely rewarded.
In contrast, Internal Intelligence staff had to constantly police their own people. It was an unpopular job with fewer perks.
But from Li Ang 's perspective, the Internal Intelligence Bureau needed a hardliner who wasn't afraid to make enemies. He couldn't bring himself to waste a loyal confidant on such a role.
This post was made for someone like Margaret.
As for Terrence, Andrew, and the other UNSC naval officers, they brought a wealth of experience in naval warfare—particularly in orbital assault, planetary landings, and interstellar battles.
They were textbook naval professionals.
Coincidentally, the Megacorp had been focusing heavily on expanding its navy in recent years. But the rapid growth had outpaced its talent pipeline.
The UNSC, on the other hand, had no shortage of naval commanders. This was the perfect opportunity to fill the Megacorp's naval talent gap quickly and efficiently.
As for how to make these people loyal and integrate them into the Megacorp, Li Ang decided to handle it himself and bring them into the fold personally.
"Notify Morgan Blackhand—tell him to escort these high-ranking UNSC officers to the city of Saegudos immediately. I'll cross the Stargate myself and interrogate them," Li Ang ordered.
"Understood, boss," Lucy replied with a nod.
When it came to manipulating minds and making people work for him, Li Ang was a true master at the highest level. As for whether his subordinates were genuinely loyal to him, he honestly didn't care.
The only thing Li Ang had done over the years within the Megacorp was to build a fair platform and offer a viable path for advancement.
Rather than relying on any single employee's loyalty, he preferred to count on the universal human drive for self-interest.
The Megacorp Li Ang meticulously crafted was a massive and precise machine of equivalent exchange. Anyone foolish enough to betray him and start their own venture would quickly find the numbers didn't add up.
Only by sticking with the Megacorp could one maximize benefits and minimize risks. That's why Li Ang was so confident that every employee would remain loyal to him.
The real foundation of their loyalty to the Megacorp and to Li Ang himself wasn't some abstract concept—it was the innate human instinct to seek benefit and avoid harm, hardcoded into their genes.
Once his thoughts settled and the pressing matters were dealt with, Li Ang refocused his attention on the control panel, continuing to monitor the progress of the Covenant's unification.
Just then, Lucy received a new message from Morgan Blackhand after forwarding his last orders.
"Boss, 70% of the UNSC Earth Defense Fleet's captains have chosen to surrender and are requesting to join the Megacorp. The remaining 30% are still on the fence."
"Morgan is currently leading a team to take control of Earth's fleet. I've already sent you the intel on the surrendered UNSC ships."
It turned out that after the core leaders of the UNSC had been captured by the Megacorp, the morale of the Earth Defense Forces—which was already wavering due to information warfare—completely collapsed.
For the average soldiers, watching their Fleet Admiral get captured shattered any remaining will to resist.
Morgan Blackhand took the opportunity to reiterate the terms of surrender, and many of the Defense Forces opted to defect.
However, the situation on Earth remained volatile.
With the leadership in disarray, it was natural for many naval captains to feel disheartened.
But if a new leader were to emerge and take charge, the UNSC might very well rally and resume its resistance.
That's why Morgan Blackhand was racing to the Solar System to receive the UNSC fleet—before anyone had time to regroup or rethink.
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