Surprise Attack

While the Kunlun Empress methodically wiped out the Shadow Kill Legion, the Strong Nuclear Force Bird's Nest, five billion kilometers away, finally contracted to its limit.

Tartarus captured Fire Feather Old Ten alive, along with twelve other members of the Firebird Clan.

They had exhausted their ammunition and supplies. Apart from their stealth exosuits, they had almost nothing left.

This so-called rebellion could now be declared over.

"Bring him to me."

Tartarus was pleased. He had been afraid Firefeather would kill himself, leaving him with an awkward explanation for the boss.

In the black stillness of the True Vacuum, comets formed ring after ring, revolving in tens of thousands of concentric circles.

Firefeather and his followers were soon brought to the empty space within the innermost ring.

Every weapon on his body had been stripped away. Even the Blood Saber hidden inside him had been removed.

He looked around. Warriors resembling bird-headed gods stood on the circling comets.

Clamorous electromagnetic signals filled his sensory channels, carrying his enemies' jeers from every direction.

"Firefeather, why did you rebel? You've been plotting against us and betraying us from within. You should have died long ago! But the boss spared you and gave you wealth and status. Is this how you repay him?"

Firefeather sneered. "Spare me the judgment. The winner is king, and the loser takes the blame."

"Did you keep me alive just to humiliate me? Are you going to kill me or not? If you won't, I'll do it myself!"

He had endured for over two thousand years. Knowing he could not match Kaleidoscope, he had yielded at every turn, retreated while he could, and kept his head down.

All it had earned him was exclusion and covert attacks from Kaleidoscope's subordinates. Despite his wealth and status, he had lived