The night before.
All the Deathbirth Society ships stationed near Crystal Island received the same orders.
"...Eliminate or drive away the target? How could this be?"
After reading the message on his phone, the squadron commander shot to his feet, his eyes full of disbelief.
The Deathbirth Society never initiated conflicts, and the other party was very likely from the Radiant Holy Church. One wrong move could spark a war.
Although the two sides were far apart, that possibility was not zero.
"...The other party may be a Paladin of the Radiant Holy Church and has shown no hostility. Why launch an attack?"
Squadron Commander Gilbert sent his questions.
The message traveled at the speed of light, soon reaching the Deathbirth Society Headquarters-the enormous artificial celestial body suspended high in the sky.
A reply arrived a little over ten seconds later, appearing on Gilbert's phone screen.
"Calculations and assessments indicate that this individual is in an extremely unstable mental state and possesses or carries an extraordinarily terrifying power or item. The individual is highly likely to become a new source of Death Plague.
If this Death Plague emerges, it will likely be more dangerous than any existing Death Plague variant, perhaps even approaching the Death Plague Prototype and upsetting the balance of the Death Plague Sea..."
Attached to the message was a video lasting a little over ten seconds. It showed the Nightmare Star, recorded only a short while earlier.
Because the Burning Giant's Heart had beaten, the Nightmare Star's Twilight Veil had briefly failed, leaving it visible for a time, during which it happened to be observed.
A strange creature with long limbs and black fur could be seen leaping out of the cabin. It plunged both arms into its chest cavity and hurriedly jumped into the sea.
The