After the discussion with the gathered forces things moved fast as all of them rushed back to their homes to arrange for the all out assault.
Next day, we were gathered inside the central control room of Kaalseris, a place built for war planning at the highest level. The room was vast, circular, and filled with layered projections that floated in the air, shifting and updating constantly. There were lots of Nagas working around. Seeing their control room I realized the one I had back Abor needed some upgrades.
At the center of it all was the galaxy itself.
The Blue Spiral rotated slowly in front of us, divided clearly into the seven sectors we had announced the previous day. Each section blinked faintly, marked with the symbol of whoever would be leading it.
Below that, more detailed projections hovered, each one zoomed into specific regions. Rift locations were marked with distinct symbols, their intensity and activity level shown through color and motion. Some pulsed violently, others flickered as if already destabilizing.
I sat at the central console, with my summons around me. Aurora stood to my right, arms folded, her eyes scanning the projections. Ash remained slightly behind, already processing streams of information. Silver hovered near one of the side displays, while Lyrate leaned casually against the edge of the table, totally uninterested in the activity going on. Knight as usual stood in the shadows.
Ragnar was the only one missing.
He had already left for Ferados.
Azalea and Xeron stood across from us, both focused. I leaned back slightly and looked at the main projection.
"Let’s start," I said.
Xeron nodded, but Azalea stepped forward first.
"The first concern is movement," she said, her voice steady as she gestured toward the map. "Between Kaalseris and the seven sectors."
A new layer appeared over the projection, lines forming across the galaxy, connecting key points.
"Teleportation networks are already in place," she continued. "Many of these existed long before this operation, maintained by the Naga race and allied systems. However, we have expanded them."
The lines grew denser.
"New nodes are being established as we speak. Priority routes have already been secured for rapid deployment."
She looked at me briefly.
"You will be able to move between sectors instantly if required."
I nodded.
"Sounds good."
She shifted to the next projection.
"For real-time updates," she said, "we have reached out to multiple intelligence networks."
Several symbols appeared across the galaxy.
"Independent organizations, scouting divisions, and information guilds are all working under our command for this operation. They are operating continuously."
A faint pause.
"Reports will be relayed directly here and to your assigned sectors."
Ash spoke for the first time, his voice calm.
"I will integrate their data streams and filter anything relevant. You will not be dealing with noise."
Azalea nodded slightly and continued.
"The next concern... is response."
The room grew quieter.
"From the Eternals."
The projections shifted again, showing known activity zones, potential breach points, and areas where resistance was expected.
"We are assuming retaliation," she said. "Especially once we begin simultaneous strikes."
Xeron stepped in.
"We have prepared for that," he said. "Reserve forces are already positioned."
Several markers lit up across the map.
"Upper Transcendents," he continued. "Held back specifically for rapid response. If any region faces unexpected resistance, they will be deployed immediately."
Aurora’s gaze sharpened slightly.
"And if a Saint appears?" she asked.
"Then," Xeron said, looking directly at us, "we rely on you."
I leaned forward slightly.
"Fair enough," I said.
Lyrate let out a soft breath.
"Looks like things are about to get interesting," Lyrate said with a faint smile, then tilted her head slightly. "But have you discussed our financial requirements with them?"
Silver let out a low chuckle from the side.
"Finally," he said, clearly pleased that someone had brought it up.
Azalea looked at all of us.
"Yes," she replied. "Everything has been covered. Monetary compensation, resource allocation, territorial access, and information exchange, every term has been clearly defined."
She gestured lightly toward one of the side projections.
"Formal agreements have already been signed with each race. Primus has started receiving payments as well."
Her tone didn’t change, but there was a firmness behind her words now.
"And if any of them go back on their commitments," she added, "you are not required to assist them with their rifts or operations. Beyond that... any action you take will be left to your discretion."
I let out a small chuckle.
"That’s very thorough of Primus," I said.
We continued discussing the finer details of the operation, going over timelines, contingencies, and coordination between sectors. By the time everything was aligned, the final decision was made.
Three days later.
That was when it would begin.
After the meeting ended, I left with my summons and returned to our guest suite. The atmosphere there was completely different from the control room—lighter, more relaxed, but with an undercurrent of anticipation that none of us could ignore.
We gathered in the main hall, taking our seats casually.
"So," I said, leaning back slightly, "is everyone excited for the operation?"
"Very much," Lyrate replied instantly, a faint smile forming on her lips. "And I do hope there is some retaliation from the Eternals... and these so-called ruling races. It would be nice to have some fun."
Silver chuckled softly, clearly in agreement.
Ash, however, looked thoughtful.
"Do you think they will retaliate?" he asked, his eyes settling on me.
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "They will."
I leaned forward slightly.
"There was an envoy controlling Hollow Star. We haven’t heard from him yet. And I don’t believe for a second that something like that operates without oversight."
My gaze shifted briefly to the side.
"There is someone above them. Someone responsible for this galaxy from the Eternal side. And after what we did with the Grade 3 rifts... they won’t stay silent."
Aurora smiled faintly.
"And after that gathering yesterday," she added, "the traitors would have already passed on everything."
I nodded.
"So yes," I said calmly, "expect a strong response."
There was no fear in the room, only readiness.
"Anyway," I stretched slightly, letting the tension ease from my shoulders, "we have one more goal with this operation."
My tone shifted just a little.
"And I would say that goal is even more important than dealing with the rifts."
Knight spoke next.
"It’s a good plan," he said, raising his hand.
A violet token appeared in his palm. The moment it formed, the room’s attention shifted toward it.
"Yes," I nodded.
There was a quiet understanding between all of us now. A small smile appeared on more than one face as they looked at the token.
Silver tilted his head slightly.
"And what happens," he asked, "once you complete what you’re planning?"
I pulled out a similar violet token of my own, spinning it slowly between my fingers. The glow reflected faintly across my hand.
"Well," I said calmly, "then I take control of the Blue Spiral Galaxy."
"Dealing with the Grade 3 rifts..." I continued, glancing at the token, "...is just the front."
I looked up.
"What really matters is...."
A faint smile formed.
"Is finishing this plan."