Just as Mingna was adapting to her current identity, the assignments arrived.
[Main Mission 1]: Assist the Rusty Star Nation and Supernova Technology Corporation in repelling attacks from the Ynun Star Nation and Flaorse.
[Mission Reward]: ....
[Main Mission 2]: Assist the Rusty Star Nation and Supernova Technology Corporation in conquering the Ynun Star Nation and Flaorse.
[Mission Reward]: ....
[Side Mission 1]: ....
[Side Mission 2]: ....
"..."
A sequence of missions appeared: two primary storylines and fourteen supplementary quests.
Mingna had long grown accustomed to these mission distributions.
Most of the mission worlds she experienced featured an extensive array of tasks. She had even endured single worlds boasting ten main storylines plus over 100 side quests, making two main and fourteen side missions seem relatively sparse.
The only peculiar detail was that this assignment was designated as a real-world mission.
Hyperdimensional Space usually only announced two or three missions within the actual world setting. The sheer volume of tasks this time was somewhat surprising.
But that was the extent of the anomaly.
Mingna was still highly familiar with the Rusty Star Nation. At least many foundational elements remained consistent, such as the structure of their military fleets.
When Mingna was last present, the Rusty Star Nation operated with only a single fleet. Now, she had somehow attained the position of military command over the Fourth Fleet.
The title "military commander" in this context referred to Archon Commander.
All high-ranking officers could be generally termed "military commander," but specifying the legion made the rank distinct. The Fourth Military Commander was the Archon Commander of the Fourth Fleet, holding the absolute highest military authority within the Rusty Star Nation.
Above her rank, second only to the King, there was no one else.
Mingna subsequently utilized the main computer terminal to gather further intelligence on the current state of the Rusty Star Nation.
Indeed, the situation was drastically different from when she departed.
Previously, its three immediate neighbors—the Dragon Star Nation, the Multi-Mind Star Nation, and the Obsidian Shield—had all been subjugated by the Rusty Star Nation. One could truly say the era had undergone a massive transformation.
Mingna distinctly recalled visiting the Obsidian Shield herself at one point.
And now, the Supernova Technology Corporation had expanded into a colossal entity with a market valuation reaching several quadrillions.
Mingna was historically an elder within the Supernova Technology Corporation. She remembered what a struggling fledgling enterprise Supernova Technology Corporation had been initially. Even when Luna took control, Mingna hadn't believed the corporation could achieve such significant development.
But she admitted she had severely underestimated Luna.
The Supernova Technology Corporation was now exponentially stronger than it had ever been.
What astonished Mingna most was that Giotto had actually ascended to the position of King, an event that nearly caused her jaw to drop.
"This world is truly chaotic."
She was intimately aware of the type of individual Giotto was. In her estimation, that man would have been much better off simply remaining inert.
There was surprisingly little intelligence regarding Toma K.
After a brief moment of personal reflection, Mingna began studying the current conflict between these two star nations and two corporations.
Seeing Luna use a mere 2000 ships to successfully repel the enemy's initial wave of attacks, Mingna couldn't help but admire its strategic brilliance.
She had always perceived Luna strictly as a businesswoman and a scholar, never imagining she possessed the capacity to be such a shrewd military commander.
At this juncture, Mingna even entertained the thought that Luna might possess a "Divine" quality similar to her own.
Yet, she had interacted with Luna, and that individual lacked the distinct "Divine" aura.
The so-called aura was a specific, innate sensation.
All Divines possess a unique magnetic field. When one stood present, their brethren would instantly recognize their kind.
"The current phase still favors the enemy, because the Rusty Star Nation's ship production cannot maintain pace."
"Moreover, these troops are proving exceptionally challenging to coalesce into a cohesive, powerful fighting force."
"Based on the present circumstances, if Luna is truly directing command, there remain a few slim chances for victory."
"But the crucial element is that Luna cannot manage everything alone."
"So, I was summoned?"
Mingna had previously undertaken missions accompanying Giotto and Toma K, thus she was aware of their critical importance.
Now, receiving another mission intrinsically linked to them immediately elevated her appraisal of both individuals to a new altitude.
Of course, this was not an evaluation of their inherent capabilities!
"Unfortunately, I failed to uncover their core secrets during the last assignment."
"Originally, that mission was supposed to result in my deletion upon failure, but the assignment was canceled outright. Their secret must be unusually profound."
A flicker of genuine curiosity sparked within Mingna.
But she understood the boundaries of her mandate—what she could and could not investigate—so this burgeoning curiosity remained hidden deep within her heart.
Just as she was processing the data streams.
The reporting officer who had just finished his briefing returned.
He addressed Mingna: "This upcoming operation requires the simultaneous deployment of all five fleets. Because the enemy has consolidated its forces into a single massive fleet, our five fleets must engage that same consolidated target."
"Miss CEO's second message requested coordinated cooperation between the five fleets."
"Strategos, should we establish contact with the Strategos of the other fleets?"
Mingna did not consider this issue.
"This is Miss CEO's request, so it definitely needs to be implemented."
"Set up a Tachyon communication conference."
The five fleets weren't actually that far apart; the furthest was only 14 light-years.
Tachyon communication technology's speed hadn't changed for tens of thousands of years, still 2600 times the speed of light. This was the limit of Tachyon, or rather, the maximum velocity Tachyon could reach under the influence of three-dimensional space.
14 light-years. The maximum delay for the five fleets was roughly 94 hours, which wasn't excessively long.
The Tachyon communication conference convened four days later.
When the strategists of the five major fleets were all projected into the center of the conference table, everyone's expressions were strikingly peculiar.
Because they instantly recognized it.
Everyone present was a "Divine"!
The "Divine" aura was overwhelmingly potent.
That specific aura, born from crawling out of piles of corpses, was something ordinary beings simply couldn't emulate.
How many times can an ordinary person experience life and death in a lifetime?
How many times can even a seasoned soldier experience life and death in a lifetime?
One hundred times?
One thousand times?
These figures were far too negligible in the eyes of the "Divine."
In fact, it's more accurate to say the aura was remarkably subtle. Aura wasn't just some indescribable, ineffable quality.
It manifested in a person's very demeanor, their gestures, and their minute expressions.
"Divines" were mostly characterized by being confident yet inherently wary. These two traits were something even "Divines" couldn't eradicate; they were deeply ingrained into the very core of their being. Some referred to this intrinsic quality as "godhood."
"I never anticipated that a single plan could gather five Divines."
One Divine spoke first.
He introduced himself: "I am J. You can also call me Hector."
Hector, the figure corresponding to the Jack of Clubs in poker.
Legend suggests that poker cards are an ancient form of playing cards, divided into four suits. The three letters J, Q, K correspond to twelve historical figures depicted on the twelve face cards.
No one knew if these historical figures were factual personages or merely ancient legends.
Currently, very few individuals engaged in the game, but they were numerous within Hyperdimensional Space.
Another First Strategos also introduced herself: "Chio!"
Like Mingna, she was female. She appeared more conventionally human than Mingna, if one disregarded the ram horns sprouting from her head and the wings on her back. Mingna was certain she had undergone bloodline modification, and it appeared to be a demonic bloodline.
Bloodlines in Hyperdimensional Space were actually another class of gene pool. They possessed the capability to render the singular entity strength of a lifeform exceptionally powerful.
Then the others also revealed their names, Mingna included.
However, Mingna deliberately withheld her true name. This was an extremely perilous action. Though they stood on a united front for this mission, if they encountered each other again in a subsequent assignment, the one whose true name was known might become entangled in inexplicable schemes.
After introductions, a brief silence descended.
Mingna understood that if this silence continued, the meeting would drag on unnecessarily, because speaking first implied taking responsibility and being perceived as the core leader.
If one were leading a contingent of weaker individuals, becoming the core was certainly advantageous.
But here, they were all powerful entities, and being the core often meant occupying the vanguard; one needed to be at the absolute forefront.
And Mingna was confident in her knowledge; she knew enough to contend with these other Divines.
"This is a military exchange. Let's first announce the primary objectives. I believe our Main Missions are identical."
"I trust everyone will refrain from concealing too much information regarding this. I know everyone is exceptionally cautious, but at least some relevant data must be disclosed. This is critically important."
Mingna reminded them gently.
The caution exhibited by the Divines was almost innate. Even if they were administered truth serums, their subconscious would still manage to deceive the interrogator.
Everyone's reported aliases were clearly false; the missions themselves were subject to manipulation, and subsequent actions could easily devolve into internal division.
"This is precisely why I dislike undertaking group missions."
Third Strategos Fit complained, then straightforwardly transmitted his mission data into the conference for everyone to review.
However, Mingna perceived the absurdity of this plan at a single glance.
[Main Mission]: Lead the army to resolve internal conflicts within the Rusty Star Nation, suppress insurrectionists, and locate the Grand Steward.
But thankfully, it provided some crucial context.
If Fit's Main Mission concerned internal disputes, that strongly suggested the true threat was external—war. Suppression inherently meant conflict.
Based on this single piece of information, Mingna largely confirmed that their assigned missions were, in fact, identical.
Mingna did not dwell on this realization.
"What I'm stating is that there is no need for concealment."
"Because the Rusty Star Nation currently has only one singular objective: the complete elimination of Flaorse and the Ynun Star Nation."
"These constitute my two Main Missions!"
She stated her core objectives directly, and it was the absolute truth.
Just as she realized that fabricating her own Main Mission would be instantly recognized by the others, presenting a false objective would render the entire conference pointless.
Seeing Mingna reveal her true objective, the expressions of the other Divines subtly shifted.
Clearly, they had not anticipated Mingna disclosing the genuine mission.
"There's no need to present your individual objectives. Since you know mine, the ensuing strategy will revolve around this mission. That's fine, correct?"
Mingna was asserting her leadership role.
The other four Divines recognized this immediately.
They were present to assist.
"Understood," Fifth Strategos Niza stated indifferently: "A war-themed mission, and set in the real world. This poses no challenge for us."
"Strategy is for the weaker parties. Since five Divines have finally convened, why don't we each fight independently and see who completes the mission first, earning bonus points?"
Niza resembled a snowman. Mingna wasn't sure of her bloodline, but it appeared to render her potentially sensitive to heat.
However, appearances from individuals like these were often deceiving.
Hearing Niza, the other Divines were somewhat inclined to agree.
Divines were inherently solitary entities; they operated at 100% efficiency when alone.
If they cooperated, they risked becoming overly cautious, reluctant to reveal too many crucial trump cards.
But Mingna could not permit these individuals to act separately.
"There are five Divines this time, meaning this mission carries a Five-Divine difficulty rating."
"Furthermore, we were summoned to gather and confer, which strongly implies the mission requires all five of us to complete it jointly."
"If you wish to invite death, I will not obstruct you. Perhaps you believe you can bypass the assignment entirely, thereby ensuring your safety."
"I suspect you haven't checked your status bars."
The other four Divines all glanced at their status displays, their faces stiffening simultaneously.
[Mission Skip Voucher Cannot Be Utilized]
The glaring notification instantly made the usually composed Niza unable to contain her irritation: "Damn it, isn't this blatantly trying to get us killed?"
Generally, such a restriction signaled extremely high difficulty.
Five Divines, deployed in a real-world, high-difficulty scenario—these stacked modifiers meant no one would underestimate the danger.
Mingna herself hadn't actually checked her status bar, but her prior mission experience confirmed that this assignment was mandatory.
Hyperdimensional Space was established by some entity of Human Civilization. Mingna knew that Giotto and Toma K were significant figures monitored by the Federation, and since this mission directly involved them, it had to be a mandatory, assigned directive, not one distributed randomly.
"Then we can proceed to discuss the next steps."
No one raised an objection when Mingna spoke this time.
She paused briefly before continuing: "This mission lacks a clear final objective and has no defined timeline."
"But based on available intelligence, the two star nations and two corporations have already engaged in open warfare, and both sides have sustained casualties."
"Currently, the enemy retains the advantage, primarily because their counterpart is a virus corporation, and the Rusty Star Nation has already been infiltrated by the virus."
"Supernova Technology Corporation CEO Luna has managed to halt some of the enemy's offensive momentum, and this brief window of opportunity is when our intervention is required."
"The only internal threat to the star nation is this virus. The standing military certainly cannot be deployed internally. Therefore, our directive is to proceed to the front lines to engage the threat."
"That's all preamble. The critical factor is the methodology of engagement?"
"Actually, I have formulated a reasonably effective plan: feint, intercept, and recapture."
Mingna outlined her three-step strategic proposal.
"Based on troop analysis, at this specific moment, whether on the primary front or deep within the Ynun Star Nation, troop deployment is insufficient for decisive action."
"Thus, we could deploy one fleet to the Ynun Star Nation to conduct targeted harassment attacks. The Ynun Star Nation would be largely incapable of effectively countering us. A second fleet would intercept all communications and deploy deception protocols around the M36 star cluster and the Ynun Star Nation passage, blocking accurate information transfer between the two belligerent parties."
"Our objective is to induce anxiety along the M36 star cluster front line, forcing the M36 star cluster to consider or order a strategic withdrawal. The remaining three fleets would then seize that moment to recapture the M36 star cluster."
It was a simple, rudimentary deployment plan.
It could be argued it lacked refinement.
Mingna herself felt the plan sounded somewhat forced as she articulated it.
However, she didn't require an elaborate interstellar maneuver. Eliciting a reaction was the immediate necessity, as she fully anticipated the individuals present were unlikely to adhere strictly to her proposed strategy.
"Alright, the plan is satisfactory. Let us proceed according to it," Chio tossed a strand of her waist-length black hair.
This was not praise; it was subtle mockery.
Mingna paid it no mind.
She intended to use her subsequent actions to compel these Divines to submit to her direction, at least for the duration of this specific mission.
These Divines likely couldn't conceive that this environment was her absolute home ground.
The conference thus concluded.
The major fleets began their transit toward the conflict zones.
This movement would consume a considerable amount of time.
After terminating the conference, Mingna immediately commenced composing a confidential message.
Although she had been situated here previously, times had radically changed. Her advantage was not solely based on knowing the terrain, but on the strategic assets she could mobilize.
She knew Luna personally, which meant she could bypass standard protocols and directly request materials and logistical support from CEO Luna without reservation.
Even though the mandate was for "everyone working together."
Human motives, however, were inherently complex. Mingna's sole justification for assuming leadership was mission completion. As for the survival of her teammates afterward, that remained an entirely separate calculation.
Unity did not negate underlying intrigue or potential self-interest!
...
Supernova Technology Corporation Headquarters.
Luna had summoned five Divines, but that was nearly 200 years ago.
She had been so preoccupied that she almost forgot about it, until Mingna's message arrived.
Upon seeing the message, Luna sighed again: "This is what normal people do. When faced with uncertainty, they consult someone knowledgeable. On the other hand…"
Giotto rarely sought her counsel.
In fact, Giotto used to ask occasionally, but his old habits resurfaced, and he became mired in trivial matters.
When a stubborn person makes an error, they are highly unlikely to permit assistance in solving their self-created problems. Instead, they will stubbornly work through it in isolation, which often left Luna quite speechless.
If not for Giotto's peculiar nature, Luna would have long since employed every possible means to guide him back on track.
This was just a minor personal grievance.
After all, Ayla was always at Luna's side previously; the contrast was simply too extreme, falling from a definitive positive 100 to a resounding negative 100.
After Luna received the intelligence, she directly transmitted her already prepared strategy to Mingna.
Then she resumed handling the virus situation.
Luna did not intend to overly concern herself with the five major fleets. Since the Divines were mobilized, she would let them execute their designated roles.
Luna exited her office, intending to head to the conference room. As she proceeded down the corridor, she noticed an approaching figure.
Luna momentarily wondered if she was hallucinating.
Because the person approaching was Toma K, who had been missing for a significant duration.
Toma K displayed no outward joy or sorrow, looking somewhat melancholic; clearly, something significant had afflicted him.
He walked directly toward Luna.
Luna greeted him: "Long time no see, Director Toma K."
"Long time no see… For us, not seeing each other for centuries or millennia is quite commonplace. You seem somewhat displeased by my departure."
The moment Toma K spoke, Luna felt a subtle shift in unease.
While he hadn't been an overtly cheerful child previously, he was always clearly cognizant of his own capabilities, resulting in speech that was typically gentle and conflict-avoidant.
This had been his established way of life.
But now, that single sentence carried a sharp, almost cutting tone, laced with an undercurrent of aggression.
"I suspect I am not the only one."
Luna was not one to be easily intimidated. She met Toma K's gaze directly.
"It started erupting around the time of the Flaorse incident. And I, as the director, managed to avoid sharing any of that pressure."
"This is my responsibility, if viewed solely from the perspective of the Rusty Star Nation in this dimension."
His words held a touch of the ineffable, yet felt strangely allegorical.
Luna couldn't immediately decipher the meaning.
As she began to feel slightly impatient, Toma K stated: "Actually, I intend to depart Rusty."
"My dream is to live as an ordinary person alongside the one I cherish, until the day I finally grow weary."
"When I took her away, in that instant, I genuinely believed that love could triumph over everything."
He then let out a chuckle.
It was a laugh of resignation, a sound filled with deep anger and hatred.
"Reality proves that my power remains futile. What is ignored does not simply cease to exist."
"Luna, you possess great intellect, but I must inform you: everything you strive for is ultimately meaningless."
"Trust me, allowing Flaorse to destroy Rusty now is far preferable to Rusty annihilating Flaorse."
"After this, I still will not assist you, because… it has become unnecessary!"
With that, he walked past Luna and strode away.
Luna was momentarily deflated.
Hearing these pronouncements, Luna paused in thought, then her pupils instantly dilated.
She understood the ordeal Toma K must have faced.
Toma K expressed a desire to leave Rusty, so why hadn't he departed? The only logical conclusion was that his beloved person was gone.
Betrayal?
Luna dismissed the idea; that princess possessed no inherent power and no longer commanded any external backing. Therefore, Toma K was her only point of reliance.
That left only death.
What had claimed her life?
In fact, Toma K had already alluded to it.
"What is overlooked doesn't cease to exist!"
What had Toma K overlooked?
He and Giotto must have returned to Human Civilization bearing some specific mission, and over the years, both had intentionally or unintentionally tried to disregard this assignment.
Toma K wasn't leaving Rusty; what he was abandoning were his personal constraints.
However.
The shackles binding him had never vanished; they persisted eternally.
When he remained passive, the shackles wouldn't react. But the moment he attempted action, the shackles, for the first time, asserted their presence upon Toma K.
That Civilization was constantly observing.
This was not a non-interventionist stance.
Toma K's heart was numb; his own outcome no longer held significance for him. He knew he couldn't fight back, so he would simply await his fate.
Why hadn't he chosen self-termination?
Presumably, he was prohibited from committing suicide.
This reminded Luna of an old adage: The evader will inevitably face retribution!
This didn't just apply to evaders like Toma K, but to all who sought to sidestep their responsibilities and assigned duties.
The punisher wasn't a specific agent, but rather fate itself.
Evaders are rarely successful individuals; thus, unjust fate often descends upon them via the most direct route, and moreover, evaders lack the capability to resist it effectively.
Undoubtedly, the moment Toma K decided to abandon the Rusty Star Nation, he had become inherently weakened. This led to everything that followed—perhaps not even orchestrated by that Civilization, but rather the inevitable result of fate intersecting with his personal fragility.
"It seems that Civilization is already expressing displeasure. I wonder how much longer they will exercise restraint."
Luna couldn't ascertain their tolerance limit.
If they waited until Civilization lost its patience entirely, the "Curse of the Weak" would be unleashed upon all of Human Civilization.
She allowed these thoughts merely to cross her mind, then resolutely continued her pace toward the meeting.
And behind the departing Luna, the slowly walking Toma K now turned his head. From his expression and his eyes, absolutely nothing could be discerned. His gaze didn't seem to focus on any specific point within this space; he simply stared vacantly ahead.
Until someone called out to him.
"Director Toma K, it truly has been an extensive period of time."
Toma K turned his head. It was a high-ranking corporate executive. He responded only with hand gestures to acknowledge the other party, not uttering a single word, and slowly walked away.
The executive found this behavior peculiar. Toma K hadn't been like this before; at the very least, he used to offer a warm greeting to everyone.
He watched Toma K's retreating figure.
He wondered if it was just his imagination, but he consistently felt there was an additional presence behind Toma K—faint and almost imperceptible.
"Perhaps I've been overworking recently. Even with eternal existence, one shouldn't be subjected to this kind of torment!"
He dismissed the feeling, then checked his watch, hurrying toward the conference room.
The CEO strongly disliked tardiness.
After he entered, the recent, secondary discussion about the virus commenced.
But this meeting's focus on the virus was merely a minor subplot. The main concern revolved around the simultaneous deployment of the five great fleets.
Revolving around this critical matter, Luna required the full mobilization of both the Rusty Star Nation and Supernova Technology Corporation. The strategic situation was slated to undergo a critical shift in the next 1500 years.