While staring at the man in golden armor before him, Mark clearly understood that this was an ultimatum. He had two choices: surrender to what was called the Imperium Caelestis… or wait for death.
"I can't make that decision," Mark said, his voice quiet but firm. "Only Lord Morgan, the city master, can decide that. I'm just a hunter… working at the Lighthouse."
The man in front of him stared for a moment before replying coldly, "My men will take you back to the Lighthouse. You'd better convince those stubborn ones there. But remember… if you try anything foolish—you will all die together."
Without waiting for a response, the man turned and walked out of the room, leaving Mark still engulfed in confusion. The soldiers quickly escorted him out and led him back to the surface.
---
Elsewhere, new orders were being given.
"Let Kahn, Osk, and Mark go to the Lighthouse together," Kenthelion, the Emperor, said in a deep, steady voice. "Send a shuttle to take them."
He glanced briefly at Captain Gloriana before adding, "Also keep an eye on that so-called 'Church of the Lord of Shadow and Light'. If anything suspicious happens… execute them on the spot."
"Understood, Your Majesty. Is there anything else?" Captain Gloriana asked respectfully.
Kenthelion slowly shook his head. "No… but try not to use lethal methods unless absolutely necessary. We still need the population."
With that, the Emperor rose from his seat and walked away, leaving behind a room filled with tension and silent vigilance among his troops.
Of course, these non-lethal methods only apply to those from the Star Wars universe.
The people at the Lighthouse wouldn't survive even a few shocks from standard-issue electro-batons.
"Captain Mark, what's the situation?"
As soon as Mark stepped down from the shuttle, Ran Bing and Mo Cheng rushed over to meet him, worry clear in their eyes.
"I have to return to the Lighthouse. Things have gotten... complicated."
Mark's serious expression said more than his words—whatever had happened, it was no small matter.
"What happened?"
Ran Bing didn't get the chance to finish her question before Mark gently patted her on the shoulder.
"Mo Cheng, help take care of Ran Bing. When the time comes, the people on that ship said they'll take us out of here."
With those parting words, Mark boarded the shuttle alongside Kahn Osk and a squad of Iron Warrior Space Marines.
---
Meanwhile, back at the Lighthouse control room, a woman seated at the command console suddenly stood up.
"Wait, hasn't Captain Mark returned already?" she asked, clearly concerned.
"Commander Jing Nan, we've received no signal from Captain Mark," a soldier quickly reported.
"Keep searching."
"Understood. Systems are clear."
Just then, a static burst and the sound of an explosion came over the radio. Moments later, Mark's voice came through the communicator.
"This is Mark. Something happened during the Hunter mission."
His voice was calm, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.
"What happened? What did you encounter out there?"
Commander Jing Nan stood upright, tension in her voice.
"It's complicated. I'll explain everything, but first I'm requesting permission to open the landing apron."
"Why do you need the landing pad opened?"
Jing Nan asked, visibly confused.
"I've returned to the Lighthouse with an unknown force. Their leader wishes to negotiate with us."
"What?!"
"There's no time to explain. They've requested to meet Lord Morgan directly."
"Understood. I'll report it immediately."