Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

The technology of the Abyss Roar also originates from a more advanced civilization system. Without the Federation's knowledge base, could you repair it?

Xiao Ce, all your achievements are built on the foundation laid by the Federation!

"When you drink water, remember its source. By handing over 80% of the resources, you are both atonement and making amends!"

"Remembering the source of the water we drink?"

Xiao Ce seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world, and the sarcasm at the corner of his mouth became even more obvious!

"Commander Lin Wei, what a fine 'gratitude for the source of one's blessings'! Then let me ask you, did the Yangxing Council send this fleet across the star sea to express gratitude or to plunder?"

In your plans, is there even a trace of regard for me as a pioneering hero?

Rather than the respect due to a fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered?

He didn't wait for Lin Wei's reply, his gaze sharp as lightning as he looked at Strucker, whose face was ashen.

"Commander Strucker, you keep talking about the Federation's kindness, so I'll settle accounts with you clearly!"

"Yang Xing's so-called investment at the time, converted into standard resource units, did not exceed 1000 million spirit crystals."

Xiao Ce's voice was clear and cold, each number like a heavy hammer blow to the hearts of everyone in Yangxing!

"And the ten percent of resources that I promised to provide, based solely on the currently discovered reserves of the main Arctic mineral vein, is worth more than 100 billion spirit crystals!"

A thousandfold return!

This does not include mineral deposits in other areas of the planet, the incremental mining capacity over the next century, the potential value of the Abyss Roar technology, and the massive productivity generated after integrating this world!

A thousandfold return, Strucker, tell me, in the entire history of the Yangxing Federation's expansion, has there ever been an investment with such a return?

Isn't this considered 'Siyuan'?

Isn't this considered 'repayment'?

You greedily demand 80%?

Do you think I'm weak and easily bullied, or has the appetite of your Yangxing Council grown so large that even the universe can't fill it?

The virtual space was deathly silent.

The commotion on the bridge of the Yuanwang-class destroyer completely subsided!

All that remained was the cold hum of the instruments and the heavy breathing of the officers.

Dr. Sorenson broke out in a cold sweat. As a scientist, he knew that the numbers Xiao Ce had reported were not unfounded, and might even be conservative!

A thousandfold return...

This is incredibly profitable!

The Yangxing Council's demand for 80% appears utterly absurd and greedy given the enormous scale of the claim!

Strucker's lips moved as if he wanted to refute, but he couldn't find a more compelling argument.

Xiao Ce used stark numbers to tear down their facade of moral blackmail.

Xiao Ce gave his opponent no chance to breathe!

His voice suddenly rose, carrying a confidence that seemed to overlook the galaxy and an unquestionable decisiveness:

"I know,"

You're still fantasizing about relying on that pitiful number of backup coordinates and spending decades or even centuries...

Like a headless fly, I stumbled aimlessly through the sea of ​​stars, and finally arrived here.

"And then crush this king with your so-called 'Federal Steel Torrent'?"

He let out a disdainful snort: "Naive!"

"I, the King, can crush the main force of the Star Hyenas at their peak, possessing the Abyss Roar."

It was done in a desperate situation where I had nothing and was considered an outcast by you!

At that time, I had no time to prepare, no secure rear, and no warships to repair!

And now?

A brilliant light flashed in Xiao Ce's eyes.

He suddenly spread his arms wide, and the light barrier of the Star Network Hub behind him suddenly lit up, with countless streams of data surging and roaring, as if the power of the entire planet was gathering behind him:

"The Abyss Roar will be fully repaired within a few months, and its power in its complete form will be far greater than that of the original wreckage!"

In my hands, the Star Network Mechanism can unleash power far beyond your imagination!

The Night Owl Legion is undergoing integration and training; they will be an ironclad army fighting to protect their homeland!

The resources of the entire planet will be at my disposal!

His gaze, like a tangible sword, pierced through the hologram and struck at Strucker's soul:

"Strucker, the time I give you is the time I will become powerful!"

While you have been lost, wasting your time, and struggling in the warp for decades, I, the King, am here, using the entire planet as my foundation, the Star Network Hub as my brain, and the Abyssal Roar as my spear, to develop with all my might!

Decades later, when your exhausted, poorly supplied, and possibly mostly wiped-out 'expeditionary force' finally stumbles and staggers to your destination...

Xiao Ce's voice turned icy cold, each word like a knife:

"What you are facing is not a colony waiting to be taken over!"

Instead, it is a highly integrated, heavily armed, technologically advanced, and ready-to-fight interstellar fortress!

A powerful legion completely under my control!

The Abyss Roar's cannons will be fully charged and lock onto your bridge! And you...

He paused, a cruel smile curving his lips:

"This will become the first regular Yangxing fleet to be captured by me!"

Your warships, your technology, and your soldiers will all become stepping stones for me to reach a wider galaxy!

This is not a threat.

Xiao Ce slowly rose to his feet, and the throne vanished behind him.

He stood alone in the eerie blue light of the Star Network Hub, his figure seemingly merging with the entire planet, exuding a terrifying aura of dominance.

He extended a finger, pointing at Strucker, and also seemingly at the fleet deep within the void:

"This strategic simulation is based on the cold reality of the shifting balance of power, time costs, and logistical support between the two sides!"

It is what I, the King, have given you...

The final, and only, piece of advice!

"We're trading 10% of our resources for a powerful, stable partner who could potentially form an alliance with Yangxing on an equal footing in the future."

or..."

Xiao Ce issued a stern ultimatum!

"Sever this last link and leave your fleet adrift in the dark sea of ​​stars!"

Like headless flies, they gamble on an attack that has a slim chance of failure decades later!

Then, you will become my prisoner!

"The choice is in your hands."

Condition, 10%!

constant!

Now, give me an answer!

Xiao Ce's words swept through the entire virtual space like a cosmic storm, and also swept through every corner of the "Yuanwang" ship.

That powerful confidence, cold logic, naked display of strength, and unquestionable ultimatum created an unprecedented mental shockwave.

Strucker's face was ashen.

Dr. Sorenson, who was behind him, instinctively took a half step back.

Lin Wei pursed her lips tightly, her eyes filled with immense shock and disbelief.

Model, who had just recovered from the information overload, opened his mouth wide, but could no longer utter any roar!

Only endless fear remains!

That was the fear of the terrifying future that Xiao Ce had depicted, a future that was almost certain to become reality!

One in ten! War or prisoner!

Xiao Ce didn't present a choice, but rather a judgment on the fate of the Yangxing Fleet!

They clearly had no choice!

Strucker's face turned from ashen to pale, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

He had been through countless battles and faced numerous ferocious enemies, but he had never felt such a pure sense of oppression based on the cold logic of reality.

Xiao Ce didn't roar or threaten; he simply used a stark comparison of strength and the advantage of time to depict a path leading to destruction or humiliation for them.

He opened his mouth, his Adam's apple bobbing laboriously a few times before he managed to utter a dry sound:

"Lord Xiao... Xiao Ce."

This time, he subconsciously changed the way he addressed people, even using honorifics.

"This...this matter is of great importance and far exceeds the authority of this commander. I...I am not authorized to make the final decision."

This needs to be reported to the Supreme Council of Yangxing and to the Lord of Yangxing immediately!

Xiao Ce sat upright on the throne, his expression showing no surprise, as if he had already anticipated the other party's reaction.

He nodded slightly, his gaze cold and unreadable, and calmly spoke:

"Alright. I understand that the bureaucratic system requires reporting at every level. But remember, this is the last time."

His voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a sharp edge that seemed to cut through everything:

"One day. I will only give you one day."

The next, and final, contact I hope to hear is your confirmation of acceptance of the terms, as well as the specific arrangements for the subsequent handover.

If the message that comes is contrary to my requirements, even by the slightest deviation…

Xiao Ce's gaze swept over Strucker, Sorenson, Lin Wei, and Model, who was immobilized by an invisible force. Everyone whose gaze touched him felt a chill deep in their souls.

"...Then, this last thread that connects us, and that links your fleet to the coordinates of this star system, will be completely severed."

The Yangxing Federation will forever lose its place in this star system. Your fleet will be adrift in eternal voyages, awaiting my judgment someday in the future.

"Don't try any tricks, any delays, or any overconfident negotiation skills."

One day from now, according to the current astrological time, I will reopen this channel. I hope that by then, you will come with reason.

After speaking, Xiao Ce didn't even wait for Strucker's response. He casually waved his hand as if brushing away a speck of dust.

Hum...!

The entire holographic projection space, along with the images of the four members of the Structural Fleet, instantly distorted and disintegrated as if thrown into a shredder, turning into countless shimmering points of light that completely disappeared into the azure light barrier of the Starlink Hub.

The immense pressure that had gripped the hearts of all the officers on the "Yuanwang" ship vanished suddenly, leaving behind only a deeper sense of fear and bewilderment.

Communication was completely cut off! Decisive and swift, leaving no room for compromise.

Inside the bridge of the "Yuanwang" ship, a deathly silence lasted for a full ten seconds!

The silence was broken by a series of heavy, suppressed breaths and the alarm tone indicating the end of the alarm.

"Bastard! How dare he! How dare he humiliate the Federation like this! Humiliate us!"

Model finally broke free from the aftershocks of the information overload and slammed his fist into the virtual control panel in a fit of rage!

Although it only hit the air, its furious posture caused the surrounding officers to turn their heads and give way.

"He's too confident...and too scary."

Dr. Sorenson's face remained pale. He pushed up his glasses, and behind the lenses, his eyes were filled with unprecedented solemnity and a hint of... awe?

"He has a firm grasp on our lifeline. Time... He has a time advantage that we cannot match."

He's right. Decades later, we might indeed arrive at an impregnable fortress…

Commander Lin Wei took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart.

Then he looked at the commander-in-chief, whose face was as gloomy as the calm before a storm:

“Commander Strucker, what do we do now? His conditions are too harsh, but the time limit and consequences he gave are even more serious.”

Strucker slowly sat back in the conductor's chair, as if he had used up all his strength.

He closed his eyes, then abruptly opened them a few seconds later, his eyes revealing only the decisiveness and exhaustion of a soldier:

"Immediately! Record all the minutes of the holographic meeting, including every word of Xiao Ce's ultimatum, the detailed analysis of the environment he presented, and the data characteristics of the information suppression he exerted... everything!"

Packed and marked "Top Secret - Highest Urgency," it was sent directly to the Lord of Yangxing and the core decision-making circle of the Supreme Council at the fastest speed via a hypersonic communication array!

His voice was slightly hoarse:

"At the same time, I am attaching my personal emergency assessment report: Xiao Ce's control over the Star Network Hub far exceeds expectations, and his personal will is the will of the planet."

The repair progress of the Abyss Roar may be accelerated. Its integrated 'Night Owl Legion' fighting spirit and home-field advantage are immeasurable. Our forced expedition carries a risk level of: Cataclysmic (S+), with an estimated success rate of less than 5%.

Accepting a 10% share of resources, though a poor choice, may be the only viable option to avoid the annihilation of the fleet and the complete loss of the star system's coordinates.

The decision shall be made by the Supreme Council… no, by the Lord of Yangxing!

"Yes! Commander!"

The communications officer's voice trembled as his hands flew across the keyboard.

The news, like a blood-stained alarm, instantly shattered the surface calm maintained in the dome hall of the Supreme Council of Yangxing Mother Planet.

When Xiao Ce's ultimatum and Strucker's heavy and desperate assessment report were projected onto the huge star map!

The entire hall erupted in chaos, the flames of anger nearly burning through the simulated starry sky in the dome.

"Arrogant! Utterly arrogant! Who does he think he is?!"

A traitor who seized control of the Star Pivot dares to issue an ultimatum to the great Yang Star?!

One-tenth?! Is he giving alms to a beggar?!

Congressman Carlton, representing the military-industrial complex, roared again, his obese body trembling with rage as he pointed at Xiao Ce's cold holographic image!

"This is the most vicious provocation against the very foundation of the Federation!"

accept?

Absolutely impossible!

This is encouraging all ambitious people on the fringes of the world to follow suit!

Must fight!

We must crush him at all costs! Let the entire universe see the consequences of betraying Yangxing!

"Carlton! Open your eyes and look at Strucker's report!"

Representative Marian's voice was sharp and slightly urgent as she spoke:

"Catastrophic risk! Less than a 5% success rate!"

This is not the kind of colony rebellion we're used to!

Xiao Ce has already gained momentum!

He has the Star Hub, the Abyss, and time!

What do we have?

A fleet that may lose most of its troops en route and take decades to reach its exhausted army!

To die?