Premeditation

Fifteen light-years from Shi Gan Star, on a settled planet within an inhabited star system.

Jiong Wu appeared some distance from an inconspicuous building. Concealed by the surrounding structures and the night, he observed the unremarkable manor-like building. Beside him stood a middle-aged man—Tu Er, who had come as reinforcements. He was a brawny humanoid with sinewy, dragon-like muscles, demonic patterns crisscrossing his skin like ravines, and deep black eyes like ink.

"If the intelligence is reliable, White Star Civilization's secret base should be here."

Jiong Wu did not look away, his voice carrying an eerie note.

"White Star Civilization destroyed Demon Flame Civilization. We all know that. Those scientists all vanished, and there's a high chance they fell into White Star Civilization's hands. The beginning of our conflict with Thunder God Civilization also pointed toward White Star Civilization. They thought they could control the situation, but they nearly failed."

"Now that the Devil Flame King is missing, those scientists are our last hope for technology. If that's the case, we can't use destructive weapons here. We can only force our way in."

"Should we investigate their exact strength one more time?" Jiong Wu asked hesitantly.

Tu Er shook his head, looking arrogant. "No need. Of the three civilizations involved in the technological struggle, we're the strongest, Thunder God Civilization comes next, and White Star Civilization is the weakest. We can take them."

"I'm afraid..." Jiong Wu still hesitated. He had a bad feeling about this.

"There's nothing to be afraid of. Just listen to me." Tu Er cut him off dismissively. "Catch them off guard. Our targets are those researchers."

Jiong Wu could not argue and could only keep that uneasy feeling to himself. Tu Er ranked one level above him and was stronger as well.

"Move."

At the