In the depths of the Naga capital, within a vast hall carved from pale crystal stone, tension settled across the chamber as a circular table of dark jade reflected the faint glow of floating projections.
Some of the seats around the table were occupied by physical presences, Nagas whose scales shimmered faintly under the hall’s light, while others appeared only as shimmering projections summoned from distant fleets and rifts across the galaxy.
The air carried the calm gravity of a council that had convened many times across centuries, yet the discussion unfolding now had drawn an attention that was unusually sharp even among such experienced leaders.
General Xeron stood near the center of the chamber with his arms loosely folded, his expression composed as he finished explaining the situation.
"All seventy-two bases previously belonging to Hollow Star," he said, his voice steady, "have been taken over by the Order of Absolute. Their headquarters on Abor has also fallen under their control."
A murmur traveled across the table. Several projections flickered slightly as the generals adjusted their posture in reaction to the news. One elder Naga whose scales had faded almost entirely to silver leaned forward and spoke with careful deliberation.
"Hollow Star’s destruction does not trouble me. That organization abandoned the Prime Universe long ago. If someone has finally dismantled their operations in this galaxy, it removes a long-standing threat."
Another general nodded in agreement.
"The removal of their relay network alone will weaken Eternal activity across the region. In that sense, the development is... beneficial."
The approval that followed reflected a sentiment shared by most present. Hollow Star had been a problem for decades, protected by an agreement with the System that had prevented direct intervention. Yet even as several generals acknowledged the strategic advantage, Xeron noticed that their attention had not relaxed.
The elder Naga lifted his gaze toward him again.
"But you would not have called this council merely to celebrate Hollow Star’s fall."
Xeron inclined his head slightly.
"That is correct."
A faint pause settled over the chamber before he continued.
"The leader of the Order of Absolute is Billion Ironhart."
Several projections shifted at the name.
"More importantly," Xeron added calmly, "he has reached the threshold of Saint ascension."
The reaction this time was immediate.
The murmuring around the table grew louder as several generals exchanged glances or whispered comments to one another. Even those who had maintained a composed posture during the earlier report now showed visible unease.
"A Saint candidate?" one general repeated slowly.
"So young?" another said, disbelief creeping into his voice.
The elder Naga leaned back in his seat, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"That development concerns me more than the destruction of Hollow Star."
Xeron did not disagree.
"During my meeting with him," he said, "I observed clear signs that the planetary essence itself has begun responding to him. If his progression continues at the current rate, his ascension may occur sooner than expected."
The hall fell into thoughtful silence. While the fall of Hollow Star removed a dangerous enemy, the emergence of a new Saint-level figure within the galaxy carried implications that none of the Naga leadership could ignore.
The elder general finally spoke again.
"What do we know about the Order of Absolute’s intentions?"
"Very little," Xeron replied. "Their organization is expanding rapidly, but their actions so far have primarily targeted Eternal allies and traitorous factions. There has been no direct hostility toward the Naga race."
A different general spoke through his projection.
"Even so, a Saint-level figure establishing influence across the galaxy changes the balance of power."
"That is true," Xeron acknowledged. "However, I did not sense hostility toward the Naga Empire. As you must have heard already, Lady Azalea is also friends with him. I suggest we wait and observe."
The elder general slowly nodded.
"Then we will observe."
Yet as the projections flickered with contemplation, it was clear that the name Billion Ironhart had already begun to echo through the highest levels of Naga power.
*******
Far across the galaxy within a heavily fortified Feran command station, the atmosphere was far less controlled.
A circle of armored tiger-like generals gathered around a central projection table where shattered reports and fragmented intelligence feeds glowed across the surface.
The Feran leadership had suffered devastating losses, and the room carried the restless anger of warriors forced to swallow humiliation.
One of the generals slammed his clawed fist against the table.
"Our people and leaders were executed in open space on Ferados itself. Entire strike teams vanished. And now the Order of Absolute controls the entire Hollow Star network."
Another general growled quietly.
"We should strike back immediately."
The suggestion drew several harsh glances from the others. A tall Feran with scarred stripes across his face shook his head.
"Strike with what forces?"
The room quieted slightly as the name hung in the air.
Sharka sat at the edge of the table without speaking, his expression unreadable as he listened to the discussion unfold.
Another general leaned forward.
"This situation did not begin with the Hollow Star bases. The Griffin families that supported our operations were also wiped out."
"That information has already been transmitted outside the galaxy," another replied. "The Griffin clans beyond the Blue Spiral will respond eventually."
A tense silence followed.
"For now," the scarred general continued, "we must stabilize our own position. Launching another confrontation with Ironhart would be reckless."
Reluctant nods spread through the room.
"We should lay low," one of them finally said.
Sharka remained silent as the decision settled across the table, though a faint glimmer of thought passed through his eyes as he studied the projected map of the galaxy.
*******
Deep within a violent ocean on a distant elemental world, a chamber of swirling water and glowing currents housed a different gathering.
Several elemental beings formed a circle within the submerged hall as streams of liquid energy flowed slowly along the walls. Their forms shifted subtly between shapes of water, wind, and flame as they discussed the news that had reached them as well.
"So it is confirmed," one of the elder elementals said. "The Order of Absolute has destroyed Hollow Star’s network in this galaxy."
Another elemental whose form shimmered with currents of lightning responded thoughtfully.
"Few organizations possess the strength to accomplish such a task."
The currents in the chamber stirred slightly as a third voice spoke.
"The name of their leader is Billion Ironhart."
The elder elemental nodded slowly.
"I have also heard that he stands on the threshold of Saint ascension."
That statement caused several of the younger elementals to shift uneasily.
"Then provoking his organization would be foolish."
"Agreed," another replied.
Their attention turned briefly toward a glowing projection floating above the water.
"There is an elemental named Aurora that serves within his order," one elemental said. "She is one of our kind, we can try to form good relationship with the order through her."
A thoughtful pause followed.
"That is true but what happened on Ferados clearly shows that the Order is against the Ferans."
The elder elemental allowed the currents around him to settle before speaking again.
"Then our course is clear. We will maintain distance from the Ferans."
The others nodded slowly.
"Let them deal with the consequences of their own conflicts."
*******
High in a remote mountain range beneath the shadow of ancient forests, a small wooden hut stood silently against the wind. Inside the dim interior, five hooded figures gathered around a low-burning fire whose orange light flickered across their concealed faces.
For several moments none of them spoke.
Finally one of the figures broke the silence.
"Hollow Star... our companion in this galaxy... is gone."
The words carried no visible grief, only a cold acknowledgment of reality.
Another figure leaned forward slightly.
"The leader of Order of Absolute is approaching Saint ascension. That is more troubling to me."
The fire crackled quietly between them.
"That makes him dangerous."
"Very dangerous," another agreed.
The first figure lifted his head slightly.
"We cannot allow him to come for us next."
A quiet murmur of agreement followed.
"What remains of Hollow Star’s forces?" one asked.
"Scattered," another replied. "But I think they are still useful."
"Then we will gather them. Merge their remnants with our own networks."
The figure nearest the fire slowly extended a gloved hand toward the flames.
"And we will call for reinforcements from outside the Blue Spiral."
A cold calm settled across the hut.
"We must move quickly," another added. "The major powers are distracted by the Crimson Zone."
"If we act now. We may eliminate Ironhart before he fully ascends."
The firelight flickered across their cloaked forms as the decision was made among them.