After spending more than ten minutes repeatedly checking all the equipment and confirming that nothing was wrong, they scanned the unidentified life-form approaching them once more.
But the result...
Still showed no change.
Even during that time, the creature had crossed nearly two light-years. In just over twelve more minutes, it would reach the fleet's location.
"Commander, what should we do? Retreat?"
"No. We haven't figured out what it is or what it wants. How can we retreat?"
The commander shot his adjutant a glare and barked loudly.
After all, this was the Garrison Fleet's primary duty. Yet they did not even know what the enemy was, had not even come face-to-face with it, and were already running away.
Would things go well for them after returning?
They might even be executed on the spot. At the end of the day, this already counted as desertion, did it not?
"Send the current situation and all the data we have detected so far to headquarters, and request support from nearby fleets!"
After pondering for a moment, the commander still chose what he considered the more prudent approach.
As this went on, time passed second by second, while the other party continued approaching the fleet at a speed that simply defied comprehension.
Finally, twelve minutes later, when the distance had become close enough for direct observation, everyone on the bridge saw the creature's true form for the first time.
Hiss.
What the hell was that thing?
There was simply no way to describe it using any known life-form in the universe.
It was essentially a massive eye combined with countless tentacles, both horrifying and utterly disgusting.
Even through the screen, they could still feel an inexplicable tremor rising from the depths of their hearts, like the instinctive terror felt by a lower