Proxima b.
The observation room, Academy of Sciences Underground City.
Ever since the twelve Ground-Based Laser Weapons had been destroyed, Augustus had been sending surrender requests to the enemy.
But something happened that filled him with dread.
The invaders never responded to their requests to surrender.
His decision had also cost the Proxima Centauri Civilization its last chance to resist-the Solar System Fleet had already blockaded Proxima Centauri's synchronous orbit. Now, all they could do was cling to those six hundred-odd Starships and remain huddled in this cramped underground space.
Precisely because of this, he had clearly noticed a growing resentment toward him among quite a few Lairs lately.
Bound by the deeply entrenched hierarchy, those Lairs said nothing.
But Augustus knew full well that this situation would not last.
Although the supplies stored in the Underground City were enough to sustain everyone for over a hundred years, such an oppressive environment would inevitably bring out the darkness in some people's hearts.
As his anxiety mounted, Augustus kept searching for a way out of this predicament.
That day, as usual, he arrived at the observation room early, hoping to track the invaders' movements through the few observation devices still functioning on the surface.
Augustus stared gravely at the monitor before him.
"What are these invaders trying to do?"
As he watched the densely packed red dots on the screen, a hint of confusion appeared in his six small eyes.
An Observer spoke up. "According to the data transmitted by the observation equipment, these appear to be extremely small drones."
"The invaders are probably using them to conduct a preliminary survey of our planet."
Augustus drew a deep breath.
They've already started using drones to investigate.
Who knows when they'll discover the Underground City...
The unease in his heart grew stronger.