A Chemist's Interstellar Saga

Chapter 245: The Empire Of Eden
Chapter 245: The Empire Of Eden

In the vast expanse of the universe, six warships emblazoned with the crest of the Empire of Eden stood guard at the edges of their territory.

The moment they detected unidentified vessels approaching, they swiftly shifted into defensive formations, ready for whatever might come.

A voice boomed through the cosmos, carried by a powerful loudspeaker. ”This is the military of the Empire of Eden. Attention! You are entering restricted space belonging to the Empire of Eden, which poses a risk to flight safety. Identify yourselves, state your nationality, and explain your purpose!”

Immediately, the approaching warship halted in its tracks. The Empire of Eden’s forces then initiated a request for a communication link with the unknown ship.

Inside the control room of the Alliance warship, the crew established a connection, and soon enough, an officer from the Empire of Eden appeared on the screen.

”Greetings, you are in the active space of the Empire of Eden, which is considered a threat to flight safety. Please declare your nationality, identity, and reason for travel,” the officer repeated firmly.

”Hello, Empire of Eden military. We are warships from the Alliance of the Stars, en route to participate in the 367th Freshman Mecha Competition. Requesting permission to proceed,” replied Sykes, his tone measured and professional.

The officer from the Empire of Eden nodded politely. ”Understood. Please transmit your identification and travel documents for verification.”

”One moment,” Sykes responded, quickly sending over a holographic document bearing the seal of the Empire of Nolan along with his own Alliance ID.

After a brief pause, the officer completed his checks. He offered a respectful salute, saying, ”All documents are in order. You may proceed. Safe travels.”

Sykes returned the salute with a firm nod. ”Thank you.”

With that, the Empire of Eden’s warships parted, creating a clear path for the Alliance vessels to continue their journey, seamlessly crossing into the Empire’s space.

In the lounge of the Alliance warship, a group of students, all representing the Alliance, sat wide-eyed, peering out the windows at the foreign warships surrounding them. For many, it was their first time in another nation’s territory, and the mix of awe and curiosity was palpable.

”This is incredible! It finally feels like we’re actual soldiers,” Elio said, lifting his head with pride, his excitement spilling over.

It was the first time he had officially crossed into another country’s space, and he was filled with the same pride a rookie soldier might feel on their first day in uniform.

Drexel, catching Elio’s enthusiasm, rolled his eyes and muttered, ”Can you try to act like you’ve been here before? We’re going to be soldiers soon anyway.”

Elio shot back with a glare. ”But we’re not soldiers yet, are we? This is different!”

Their playful banter drew a few chuckles from Arix and the others, lightening the mood in the room.

Just then, the lounge door slid open, and Sykes walked in with purpose.

”Alright, team, we’ve officially arrived in the Empire of Eden,” Sykes began, his voice carrying a tone of both authority and excitement. ”The competition kicks off in two days. Before then, I’m going to brief you on our opponents.”

He tapped a control, and a large screen lit up in the lounge, ready to display the intel.

Elio and Drexel quickly stopped their joking around and joined everyone else in seriously listening to Sykes.

”These files were obtained through special channels, so I expect you all to keep them confidential. Understood?” Sykes said sternly, his eyes scanning the thirteen students.

”Understood!” the young men responded enthusiastically.

”Good. Let’s start with the Empire of Eden. The leader of their mecha team this time is an Omega, as I’m sure you’ve heard.” As Sykes spoke, he brought up a photo of a young man on the screen.

The young man in the photo had delicate, feminine features, an extraordinarily beautiful face, and a gentle, harmless look. He looked like someone who needed protection, making it hard for anyone to feel any threat from him.

”Wow, he’s so... pretty? Even though he’s a guy, I think I could fall for him,” Elio said, clearly infatuated with the delicate and gentle appearance of the Omega, despite knowing he was a boy.

The other students, too, were somewhat captivated by the Omega’s beauty, expressing their admiration.

Just as everyone was absorbed in the Omega’s appearance, Sykes’s cold laughter broke the silence.

”Are you all thinking that since this weak-looking Omega is leading the Empire of Eden’s mecha team, you’ve already won?” Sykes narrowed his eyes dangerously, staring at the group of students, who seemed to be thinking with their hormones rather than their brains.

Although Sykes’s words were harsh, they hit the mark. Most of the students, though silent, had a look of disdain in their eyes.

Sykes noticed their dismissive expressions but, having been a hothead in his youth, understood their mindset. However, a little reality check was necessary.

Sykes suddenly turned his gaze to Arix. Then he asked the group, ”Do you think Arix is good-looking?”

Arix was surprised. ’What does this have to do with me?’

”Of course! My sister’s beauty is unmatched in the entire galaxy,” Drexel was the first to loudly affirm.

”Exactly! I agree! Arix is the prettiest here,” Elio added without considering anyone else’s feelings.

The other students nodded in agreement.

Cirilla and Deanna didn’t feel jealous; instead, they exchanged mischievous looks with Arix, clearly enjoying the situation.

Arix looked at them, mouth agape. ’Why am I being dragged into this?’

”How many of you can actually beat her?” Sykes cut through the compliments with an icy tone.

The entire lounge fell silent in an instant.

After half a year of intense training together, all the students knew one thing very clearly: Arix might have the softest face, but she was the fiercest fighter. No one present could claim they hadn’t been beaten—both physically and mentally—by Arix at some point.

Even Drexel, the strongest among them, usually only managed to fight Arix to a draw.

Thinking about this, the students swallowed nervously. They were starting to understand what Admiral Sykes was getting at.

Suddenly, all the students glanced at Arix, then back at the young man in the photo.

The next time they looked at the photo, there was no trace of underestimation in their eyes. Instead, their gazes were filled with seriousness and respect.