"Boss, you're still so sneaky," Meng Jiang blurted. This guy—dog's mouth, no ivory.
"Sneaky? That's called strategic brilliance. Ever read a book?" I shot back, feigning disappointment. "Boss, you only finished fourth grade," he muttered, thinking I wouldn't hear.
"What was that? Think you're on my level?" Along smacked his head. "You're a fourth-grader too, huh? No wonder you're hyping the boss—you're gilding your own face."
Meng Jiang shook his head. "Hah, I'm higher—I dropped out in fifth grade."
"Unbelievable. Sky Dragon Empire's top generals, and our peak education's pre-elementary? Pathetic. To boost your military skills, how about military academy?" I teased. These slackers? School's worse than death.
Sure enough, they wilted, whining, "Majesty, Boss, you're like our father! Don't torture us with that. A genius like you—school's an insult to your intellect. History proves geniuses thrive in chaos, not classrooms. Never seen—"
I cut them off, dizzy. Didn't expect this eloquence. "Enough. We attack now. Keep yapping, and we'll skip the war."
"Majesty, the enemy's massing forces," a scout warship's commander reported via screen. "Roughly how many? Good for a surprise attack?" I asked.
"Reporting, Majesty: about one million warships, still gathering. Their defenses are prepped," he answered professionally.
"Along, A-Bao, each take two legions and 'visit' our friends around here. 'Greet' them warmly—we're hospitable Yanhuang folk. Regroup here in 24 hours. Clear?" I ordered.
"Crystal," they replied, grasping my intent. They'd ambush aid routes, gobbling soft targets to stall enemy assembly. Our legions split three ways, hitting different reinforcements. In 24 hours, ambushes wiped out over 300,000 enemy warships.
I was studying Pandora System's star map and their updated defense grid—tweaked post-last defeat to thwart us—when Xiaohe, my secretary and aide, approached. "Majesty, Pandora's rebel leader requests urgent talks."
"Oh? Bring them in." Rebels here? Sounds like ancient times.
"Greetings, esteemed Majesty. I'm Weizhou, Pandora System's rebel leader. We seek cooperation with your forces," a middle-aged man said, stepping forward. Shockingly, he didn't resemble the four-armed, three-eyed Pandorans we fought.
"You look like us, not Pandorans. Aren't you from here?" I asked, catching him off guard. He paused, then clarified, "We're from this system, but not Pandoran. This system had many races before Pandorans unified it, naming it after themselves. Looking different, we've faced their exclusion and oppression."
"I see. I get your intent, but what's your bargaining chip?" I asked, curious.
"If you attack head-on, you'll take heavy losses. But with us striking from behind, it'd be easier, no?" He had a point—war's losses are inevitable, but this was a golden chance. Only a fool would pass. Still, no free lunch.
"You want something in return," I said coolly, eyeing him.
"Yes. Post-war, we want to form our own nation, offering you maximum trade and production benefits," he said, his gaze steady with unyielding resolve.
"No," I said firmly, crushing their hopes.
"Why, Your Excellency?" he asked, stunned. Their offer was tempting, but far from enough for us.
"You know why we're here with an army? Invasion—call it vengeance too, not some noble crusade," I said, clenching my fist. Weizhou paled, their expressions radiating despair. They knew our might—Pandorans couldn't handle us, let alone them. In another era, they'd be ethnic heroes. I admired their defiance.
Glancing at him, I continued, "Don't be so grim—it's not what you think."
"Then what? Still invading us?" he asked, hopeful yet agitated.
"First, try our Sky Dragon Empire's prized Green Wine," I said, raising my glass. He sipped instinctively, but his mood soured the taste. Wasted my fine wine.
"You rebel against Pandorans for their endless wars and the卑贱 life under their rule. But their unification of the system? You could accept that, right?" I asked.
"Yes. Under them, citizens are tiered. Besides the rich, Pandorans are supreme; others are slaves. We're barely fed—upper or lower meals," Weizhou said, his pain revealing deep hatred.
"Here's the deal: in the cosmos, the weak are ruled—it's common. So you don't mind us, do you? You fear we're another empire like Pandora, jumping from one firepit to another." He nodded, my words hitting their core worry. Joke's on them—I've studied Pandorans for over a year. I'm not invincible, so I never fight unprepared.
"I promise, in Sky Dragon Empire's name, you'll have equal status and treatment as us—except Pandorans, our sworn enemies," I declared. Weizhou's eyes lit up. From boarding, he'd observed us, noting soldiers' respect for me. A revered emperor doesn't make empty vows—my word is iron.
"You know your situation. Even if you unify, you're sandwiched between us and Kamet. Ignoring us, would Kamet let you grow? You've seen their schemes. With Pandora's poor resources, could you develop fast, even undisturbed?" I pressed. He froze—they'd been fighting, not planning.
Weizhou scratched his head, sheepish. "We rarely thought about that. Post-unification, Pandorans seized mines. Resources are theirs—we can't scout. Our funds come from smuggling or Kamet trade."
"No wonder you're clueless. Fact: your resources last ten years—without war, which is impossible," I stated.
"Can I ask something?" Weizhou ventured, puzzled. "Go ahead," I smiled.
"If it's so bad here, why bother?" Sharp—for a leader. "What do you think?"
"I get it," he said.
"Everything has a purpose. You might think it's compassion—maybe I have some, but not now. Compassion's a luxury I can't afford. We want your manpower. Clear?" I said.
"You're using us as cannon fodder?" Weizhou snapped, angry. "Thought you were enlightened—worse than them."
"Hah, don't get mad. Initially, I planned to wipe you out," I admitted.
"What?" His jaw dropped.
"Don't worry. Seeing you, I changed my mind. You're like us, not Pandorans, so I'm inviting you to join the empire. Cannon fodder? Too harsh. Fodder has no rights—you'll enjoy all we do. Fighting's for national honor, for your fate. Only our people fight for their homeland. In our empire, no slaves, no fodder," I said, locking eyes.
Weizhou stared back, then said, "I trust you, my Majesty. You'll keep your word." He knelt, pledging allegiance. I lifted him. "Go, disband your rebels. Post-victory, they'll be Pandora's first native fleet."
"Yes, my Emperor!" Weizhou saluted, thrilled.
"Go. We'll meet soon," I said, patting his shoulder.
"Majesty, was that all true?" Meng Jiang whispered after Weizhou left, unusually serious.
I glanced at him, curious—he's usually brash. "Which part? I'd say 99% true."
"You said equal treatment—does that mean…" he trailed off.
"Hah, got it. You're wondering if we'll give them life pills?" I turned to him.
"Yeah," he nodded.
"Your vision's sharpening. Yes, equal treatment, but not everything. Giving them our strength wouldn't help—it'd harm them. Match strength to roles. Their bodies can't handle our pills. Flying Dragon Star's humans are a tiny cosmic fraction—high potential, low impact. Life pill control is critical. If we gave them out per conquest, the cosmos would be overrun with old monsters.
"Our 2.2 billion natives are our cosmic conquest capital. Save pills for dire needs. With sixteen planets and two systems, our population's thin, but life pills ensure our genes pass on naturally—no need for more. Others will see it as our race's trait. In ten years, we'll hit 4 billion. With our physiques and tech, we won't be invincible, but untouchable," I explained.
"What if they learn about the pills and rebel?" Meng Jiang worried.
"Too clever for your own good," I chuckled. "We'll give them Flying Dragon Divine Pills—without life essence. They'll live longer, not like us. If they intermarry, dual cultivation during… intimacy will match our lifespan. Living proof we're fair."
"Boss, you're unreal. Predicting this far? I'm half-convinced you're psychic," Meng Jiang said, eyes gleaming, giving me chills. What's that look?
"If their strength lags, won't it weaken our forces?" he pressed.
"You're thinking like a legion commander now. How about governing this system post-conquest?" I teased. "No way, Boss—your schemes are too wicked," he dodged, wary.
"They're weaker but usable. Place them right, and they'll shine. Focus our troops on armaments—strengthen that unit. We'll develop advanced gear. A legion's current armaments are overkill—1,000 suits max. They're battle-turning blades, not warship tools. As legions grow, we can't find enough elite troops otherwise," I clarified.
"Got it," Meng Jiang nodded.
"Boss, we smoked another batch!" A-Bao's booming voice blared on-screen. "Careful—we're on their turf. They've got reinforcements; we don't. No reckless one-for-ones," I warned, fearing his victory-high.
"Got it, Boss. We used ambushes—those dummies never saw us on their routes. No reaction, like target practice. Too fun!" A-Bao grinned.
Pandora Star
"Majesty, we've got reports—all bad," Anla'e said, approaching Dodoka by the grand window.
"Read them," Dodoka steadied himself. Some truths must be faced—evasion solves nothing. Since the war began, he'd learned the enemy's warships outclassed his—far beyond a mere gap. Bigger, tougher, fiercer—the trifecta of superior ships. The thought stung.
"Yes, Majesty. Six of our mustered legions were ambushed at star route exits. Save a few escapees, they're gone," Anla'e reported, awestruck. This dragon-emblemed race was unstoppable, their strategies flawless, leaving no hope. Anla'e yearned to see the mind behind such losses.
Despite urging calm, Dodoka trembled. Six legions—700,000 warships—vanished. With eight legions tied to Kamet's border, only a dozen remained mobile. Losing six at once? The second defense's 1.2 million warships and eight legions stood little chance. Even damaging the enemy would be minimal.
Anla'e, sensing Dodoka's turmoil, added, "We must pair legions for transit. A single legion can't match them, especially in ambushes."
Dodoka, resigned, agreed. "It's our only path. Maybe the empire's hope lies in these ships. Even if they fail, paired legions can dent the enemy, easing our front." He knew the invaders, deep in his system, lacked spare ships—each loss hurt. But Pandora bled worse. Post-war rebuilding? Unthinkable. "Proceed," he ordered.
"Meng Jiang, take your legion to the rear. Eat lone targets, divert larger groups—don't disrupt our formation," I instructed.
After he left, I opened Xue'er's comm. Her stunning figure filled the screen. "Darling Xue'er, I miss you so much."
"Hubby, I miss you too. Be careful—you brought so few troops, I'm worried," she said, eyes warm. God, her sweetness could kill me. "Babe, I'd fight you 300 rounds right now."
"Pervert. You didn't call for nothing, did you?" She flicked her bangs.
I grinned. "Wife, you're the match of the cosmos' most dashing, charming, beloved Emperor Makino Feitian. Sharp as a whip—two brushes indeed. Nailed it."
Xue'er pouted, teasing, "Praising me or yourself? 'Two brushes'? So crude. I'm a lady."
That sultry glance floored me, drool forming. After years, she knew my thoughts. Blushing, she got serious. "Enough, Feitian. Save it for home. You're commanding—what do you need?"
Snapping from my daydream, I wiped my mouth. "Xue'er, send the other legions. Leave A-Lang, A-Hu, and Wenbo's three legions, plus six reserves, at home. Reserves can garrison main legions' posts. Double up on key zones."
"Hubby, trouble? Why so many legions?" she asked, concerned.
"No big deal—just trickier than expected. Homefront, stay sharp. I left A-Hu's Silver Dragon Legion to back you. Trust is tricky—emperors must doubt even allies. A ruler's curse," I sighed.
"You sound like an old man with all this brooding," she teased, rolling her eyes. Even mad, she's breathtaking.
"Oh, Xue'er, the locals surrendered. Once we take this, the system's ours. Forty billion people—terrifying. If Pandorans had our production, their fleet numbers would tire us out. They barely arm natives—Pandorans don't trust them. A gift for us."
Xue'er beamed but warned, "Don't forget Kamet's alliance next door. Our analysis—you know their strategy. If we take Pandora, they'll move. We must seize it fast, prep for a fight, though peace is ideal."
"Wife, you're brilliant. Good call. If we push too hard, Pandorans might let Kamet in, pinning us. With a wife like you, what more could I want?" I praised.
"Stop with the sappy lines," she blushed, still shy despite our years.
Reader's Corner: Feitian's snagged the rebels and ambushed Pandora's fleets! Will Kamet crash the party, or can Xue'er's reinforcements seal the deal? Drop your cosmic schemes in the comments—fuel this dragon conquest!