While Blade Wolf and Sabertooth were talking, a mechanical servant approached from behind.
"My lord, the Dark Universe Jump is almost complete. We expect to return to the material universe in five minutes."
Blade Wolf nodded, and the mechanical servant continued, "My lord, the ruler of this star system has requested to speak with you."
"He says he has already pledged allegiance to the Empire and paid all the required taxes for this year."
"If you require it, he can submit a second payment."
Blade Wolf listened without expression and said nothing.
The mechanical servant understood perfectly. It blocked the transmission and acted as though it had heard nothing.
Beside him, Sabertooth studied the star chart. "The larger planet has a total population of twelve billion. Eighty percent are extensively modified Mechanical Modders."
"It shows excessive thermal fluctuations. We can confirm that this is their core industrial planet."
"The smaller planet has a population of four billion. Judging by its architectural style, it is an administrative planet inhabited by the ruling class."
Blade Wolf said, "We have two bombs."
Sabertooth paused. "Didn't His Highness the Holy Son mean for us to bomb one and spare the other?"
Blade Wolf said casually, "I believe His Highness meant to bomb them one at a time, rather than together, to put sufficient pressure on them."
"Why else would he have us bring two bombs?"
"Besides, this place has already paid taxes to the decaying Second Empire."
"Its resources are limited, and its location is extremely awkward. It doesn't even qualify for a protective garrison."
Sabertooth nodded slightly, indicating that he had no objections.
Just then, warning alarms sounded throughout the ship, accompanied by a slight tremor.
The Jump Deck along the ship's side gradually retracted. Through the Bridge's enormous viewport, everyone saw two