The canopy beyond the stars was closing at tremendous speed. This was [Malindo]'s second weather system; whenever unstable factors appeared beyond the stars, it switched to a simulated weather ecosystem.
Faced with this abrupt change, the citizens of the imperial capital planet could not help feeling a flicker of unease.
The Princess's temporary controls had proved remarkably effective, keeping news of the Annihilation Corps' attack confined to a very small circle.
Within [Malindo], most of the Empire's lower- and middle-ranking officials remained trapped in information cocoons... some might have vaguely guessed something, but had no way to verify it for the time being.
"What's going on? Why did the starry canopy suddenly activate?"
"I heard it's temporary maintenance or some kind of adjustment... didn't the authorities just announce it? It'll be over soon."
The canopy activated, and [Malindo], briefly plunged into darkness, welcomed light once more... artificial light.
"It's begun."
Inside the embassy, the [Zi Wei Emperor] and the [Yi Sheng Perfected Lord] sat facing each other... in a pavilion in the embassy courtyard, their expressions composed. Never mind that the Annihilation Corps had been intercepted outside the gateway—even if it descended upon the First District, they would have nothing to fear.
Unless the [Overlord Council] intended to be knocked straight down from its lofty position as a dominant power on the [fantasy side], it would have to be out of its mind to provoke one of the [Heavenly Court]'s Four Imperial Sovereigns.
In truth, there was almost no suspense to this battle. Although the [Beast King] Annihilation Corps ranked among the [Overlord Council]'s strongest fighting forces, it was ultimately only among the strongest of its expeditionary legions, not one of its truly top-tier powers. Thus, as long as the [Abriel] Empire was willing to fight, the outcome was easy