After five hours, the data transfer from the other side was completed. The transfer of information about humans only required about two hours, but it was intentionally extended by including filler and other white noise to conclude simultaneously with the other side’s transfer. This delay was a deliberate strategy to ensure that the other side wouldn’t cut off their data transfer once they realized that all of their information had been received.This approach also explained why both sides sent data in a format that could only be fully read once the entire transfer was complete. This was to prevent either side from analyzing the information in real time and drawing conclusions about the other’s capabilities before the full data had been exchanged.Everyone with access to the information began sifting through it at their maximum speed, which was determined by the AI’s processing capabilities. This race to analyze the data quickly aimed to provide an edge over the other side.Once Nova h
Aron paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to gather his thoughts and process the information he had just absorbed. The weight of what he had learned required a moment of reflection before he could continue reading.Although much of the information appeared legitimate, Aron remained cautious. He didn't consider it the absolute truth, knowing that the data from humanity's side also contained skewed details—while not outright lies, certain aspects were deliberately vague or not fully explained. This understanding made him approach the other side's information with a critical mindset.But the absolute truth of the information wasn’t what mattered most. What truly mattered was that the other side expected them to believe it. Aron knew they would act based on this information. From the information he had already reviewed, it became clear that the other side likely consisted of the so-called opportunists that were included in the information hoping to strike it rich. This led Aron to s
“Since there is a limit on how quickly we can transfer information through our current means of communication, we are two hours away from completing the transmission. It should take about another twelve hours for it to arrive, but since they can review it as they start receiving it, we expect answers within twenty-four hours,” Niwildan replied calmly, deliberately infusing his tone with a sense of defeat and hopelessness.“Good. Tell them that we expect an answer by then, or we will choose one for you, and you won’t like what we decide,” Xalthar said, cutting the call abruptly. He ensured his smug expression was the last thing the other side saw.He appeared untroubled, confident that the other side wouldn’t have enough time to mount any significant response. With no immediate threats to worry about, Xalthar was at ease, certain of the outcome.“Arrogance. The cause of many peoples, armies, and empires’ downfall,” Niwildan remarked, continuing to rest in his chair. They had effectivel
Before the front doors of the breach pods opened, all of the pods that had successfully penetrated the ship simultaneously launched small, specialized disks toward the openings they had created. The disks powered up in perfect unison the moment they were thrown, activating immediately upon contact with the surface.Each disk emitted a localized electromagnetic field, disrupting nearby sensors and alarms, while also generating a stable environment for the soldiers to enter. Along with this, the disks continuously mapped the surrounding areas, providing the team with valuable intel. The corridor ahead now lay momentarily exposed, granting them a brief window of opportunity to advance before the ship's systems could react.As the disks operated, they transmitted real-time data between each other and the designated receivers, constructing a comprehensive map of the ship's interior within a range of several kilometers.Ismail Maylander watched as the map updated in his implants, seamlessly
[A/N: All of Xalthar's thoughts and communications go through humanity's language filter to avoid further complicating the situation.]If looks could kill, thousands might have perished under Xalthar's gaze alone. But for him, he didn’t need his eyes to end lives—his hands were more than capable. The proof of this lay before him: three bodies sprawled on the ground, broken and lifeless, resembling smashed dolls. Their mangled forms were a testament to Xalthar's brutal strength and his readiness to expel and express his feelings through sheer violence.More than twenty minutes had passed since the surprise attack, and the new vice-captain's plan to flush out the infiltrators was proving ineffective. Over eighty kilometers of the ship's surrounding outer area had been completely overtaken, and the alarming part was that they hadn’t even seen how it happened. Every soldier, slave, or armed crew member sent to confront the enemy went completely dark, as if the opposing forces were walking
“I’m going to use every means of torture known in existence before I allow you to die,” Xalthar's voice echoed ominously from his chair, a chilling promise that was muffled by the soundproof insulation of the room and thus unheard by those in the control room below.While Quorani's measures to seal off the passages had bought him a temporary reprieve, they had inadvertently sealed Xalthar's fate as well. The closures not only trapped the invaders but also cut off Xalthar’s only viable escape route—the gates through which he had planned to flee. As a result, Xalthar was now bound to share the same grim fate as the rest of the ship's occupants, his power and position rendered irrelevant against the encroaching threat since he could kill only a few thousand of them before they manage to kill him.Amidst his fury at his sealed fate, Xalthar recognized that with no escape route remaining, his only viable option was to do everything in his power to save himself. His previous dilemma was now
As the AI began sorting through the flood of requests for the star system's coordinates, ensuring only those who promised aid within the set timeframe were considered, Xalthar’s communicator buzzed. The heads of his organization were contacting him with remarkable speed, a clear sign they were far from pleased with his recent actions.Despite this, Xalthar remained unfazed. His circuit-like veins, once pulsing with anger, shifted color to a calmer hue as he accepted the call without hesitation. He showed no signs of concern, confident that he wasn’t going to be on hot waters by the end of the conversation with him."WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE?!" The voice on the other end wasted no time, launching straight into the core of the matter. There was no greeting, no room for Xalthar to show the customary respect as the caller was not just his superior in rank as the leader of the organization but also in strength, two levels beyond Sage. If it came down to it, he could easily crush Xalthar
Xalthar sat in silence while waiting for the AI to receive and filter the requests to ensure they met his criteria. During this time, he was informed that the insulation had effectively halted the enemy forces on the outside. This was confirmed by the surveillance system, which displayed the enemy forces as a blob on the other side of the insulation, visible through the spectrum.Anyone in their situation would have likely tried to find alternative means to bypass the insulation. However, upon arrival and after one of them placed a hand on it, they quickly realized that breaching it within a short time frame was nearly impossible. This realization led them to cease their efforts, or at least that was Xalthar's impression from his point of view.Quorani, watching the feed near a screen that displayed all the areas under their control, felt a chill run down his spine. Even though the enemy forces were stalled and unable to advance, they were equally trapped in this confined space, unabl