Chapter 817 Leaving
A week later, the nanomachines had finally spread to all the Xor’Vak in Seraphina’s faction. They were gathered in a massive meeting room, with Seraphina seated at the head, addressing every member who was present and listening intently to her instructions.
“Yes, Princess,” they answered in unison as the meeting concluded. Some individuals logged out to carry out their orders, while a few who were seated near Seraphina stayed behind.
“Princess, I don’t need to return and tie up loose ends. I can leave them to my son and remain here to assist you,” said a man seated closest to Seraphina. His voice carried the weight of his age and experience, though his appearance showed no sign of how old he truly was.
“Then you can come to my side when you’re finished,” Seraphina replied, not urging him to go back and complete his handover. She knew he had already accounted for his responsibilities, and trying to convince him otherwise might suggest she doubted his ability to keep his word.
“Thank you, Princess. I will join you as soon as possible,” he said, then logged out to finalize his tasks.
After he departed, other members presented their own requests. Some asked how they would return once their loose ends were resolved, and they, too, logged out upon receiving answers. Soon, Seraphina was left alone. She raised her head and glanced at the empty chairs, a silent indication that she was lost in thought.
Imperial citizens tuned in to a live broadcast of the ships’ departure, eager to see how the wormhole technology functioned. This broadcast was made possible after physics researchers requested permission from the empire to observe the event, hoping to learn something new from the phenomenon. Their request was approved, and the empire decided to share the event with its citizens, piquing widespread curiosity as many had only seen such technology in movies or heard about it in stories.
As the departure time approached, more than half the empire’s population watched as the lead ships of each civilization''s fleet began releasing waves that shimmered like heat mirages. The waves intensified, causing the ships to momentarily vanish from sight as the space around them rippled. The ripples spread outward like the disturbance of still water struck by a stone, bending light in their wake until the wormhole opened wide.
The ships in formation wasted no time, moving swiftly into the wormhole. Moments later, it closed, and space returned to its usual calm. With the disappearance of the former enemy fleets, the empire collectively breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that the looming threat at the solar system''s edge was finally gone.
However, they all knew this departure was only temporary. The visitors were expected to return within six months, bringing the materials required for the barter trade. This initial departure was just the beginning, marking the start of what would become the first official trade exchange involving mana stones.
Among the viewers was Seraphina. She watched as the fleet she had arrived with disappeared, leaving her behind—a reality she never thought possible. When she came to the empire, she was full of confidence, certain she would return with the fleet and full of glory. But now, she has come to accept that reality often brings outcomes we never imagined.
At least she didn’t have much to worry about, as staying behind offered her equal, if not greater, benefits than she would have gained by returning to their territory. She now had access to what could only be described as unlimited mana stones. Surprisingly, this privilege wasn’t reserved for her alone—the emperor had also granted similar access to all her subordinates. He declared them his subordinates now, explaining that their strength would make them far more valuable to him than if they were left without reaching their full potential.
As a result, they were all currently in intensive training, absorbing mana stones, with only a small number of rotating shifts to ensure she was well looked after and faced no problems. This arrangement will allow her to proceed smoothly until the required materials arrive. For now, she chose to focus on assimilating knowledge while waiting. Once everything was in place, she, too, planned to immerse herself fully in training.