140: The new leader of the Covenant

February, Year 3947 of the freedom calendar.

Under the mediation of the Statue of Liberty, the twelve powerful forces that had been in a long-standing stalemate in the "Navigation Star System," along with the Supreme Research Institute, finally agreed to sit down for a meeting.

At this moment, on a reception planet within the Dawn Star Sector of the "Navigation Star System."

"Everyone."

An elderly man with a steady temperament was the first to speak.

"On behalf of the Supreme Research Institute, I wish to state our position: we do not wish to participate in the internal strife of the Star Alliance, nor will we support any faction in any way. Regardless of the circumstances, the Research Institute's latest weapons must never be used against our own compatriots."

"Heh... Mr. Stan, you make it sound so simple. Do you dare to say that Zhang Huaiyuan in the Northern District isn't from your Research Institute? You haven't given him any support? He's already occupied nearly 500,000 light-years of territory, which is more than even I have."

A Regent sneered:

"Don't tell me that those fleets, comparable to the 'Wings of God,' were developed by him alone."

"Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan is indeed from my Research Institute."

Stan's expression remained unchanged, but a flash of undisguised admiration crossed his eyes.

"Back on Mawei Star, I was the one who personally reviewed his admission. Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan is the most outstanding genius I have ever seen. If it's him, perhaps he really could achieve such a thing."

"I can testify to this; Mr. Zhang is indeed an excellent Scholar."

Kolen, the Chief Regent of Mawei Star, nodded with a light smile.

He had once thought of letting his daughter spend some time with the man to see if things would work out. Although it didn't happen, there was at least a sense of friendship on the surface.

The Regent who spoke earlier snorted coldly upon hearing this but said no more.

"These are all minor matters. He's just a mere Researcher; if he doesn't know his place, we can just wipe him out."

At this moment, a majestic voice rang out, and everyone's eyes instinctively turned toward it.

They saw a rugged man, standing at least 2.5 meters tall with loose hair, speaking with a look of disdain.

His face was obscured as if behind a layer of mist, making it hard to see clearly, except for a pair of exceptionally deep eyes. Accidentally meeting his gaze felt like staring into a bottomless abyss, leaving one's entire body suppressed.

He was the Marshal of the Star Alliance's primary main force, the "Deep Dive Eye," and one of the few 3S-Class Transcendents.

He looked toward the light and shadow in the center and said in a deep voice:

"Compared to this, Statue of Liberty, what is your purpose for gathering us here?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of everyone present became serious.

Logically, the Statue of Liberty only needed to maintain the smooth daily operation of the Star Alliance and should not suddenly interfere in the wars between various factions.

"Since the departure of His Excellency the Head seven years ago and the subsequent internal strife of the Star Alliance, you have all been busy fighting each other. This has caused two Death-level Disaster Zones to spiral out of control, over 100 large-scale Disaster Zones to spread, and the Cataclysm-level Disaster Zones that were originally suppressed to flare up again."

The Statue of Liberty's calm voice rang out.

"This has resulted in the destruction of twelve star sectors and the deaths of over a trillion sentient beings."

"Furthermore, the armies of the Star Dome Empire and the Orr Empire are watching like tigers eyeing their prey. The Star Alliance's share in the distribution rights for Public Star Sectors and relic exploration has been encroached upon by forty percent."

"According to my deductions, if this continues, the Star Alliance will decline in 39 years and be completely annexed by the other two great empires in 112 years. We need a new leader to lead the Star Alliance back to glory."

As the voice faded, the hall fell into an eerie silence.

Everyone's eyes flickered, but no one spoke.

This was a truth everyone understood, but... there was only one position for a leader, and there were twelve of them qualified to compete for it.

Even the two Marshals, who were the strongest on paper, were only slightly superior to the others.

Instead of that, it was better for each to take a piece of territory and rule as their own king.

—This was the thought of several of the slightly weaker individuals.

"Your Excellency Liberty, in that case, why don't you give me your full support?"

Suddenly, the Marshal of the "Deep Dive Eye" spoke again, his eyes burning as he looked toward the center.

"I am the strongest in the Star Alliance after the former Head, with distinguished military merits. In terms of both reason and logic, this position should be inherited by me. I swear that if I become the Head, I will personally lead the army to sweep through the Disaster Zones within our borders and restore the Star Alliance..."

"Bullshit!"

Before he could finish, another man with an equally imposing aura sneered: "Since when did you become the strongest? You just joined the military a few years before me and scrounged up the title of the First Legion. In terms of strength and merit, my 'Blade of Flowing Light' is superior."

"If you're going to put it that way, my 'Blue Mountain Star System' provides over 40 percent of the energy supply for the entire Star Alliance. In terms of contribution, I might not be unsuitable either."

Another Regent followed up with a rebuttal.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall became tense, as if they might come to blows at any moment.

"There is no need for further argument, everyone."

The calm voice came from the central light and shadow again: "After the most rigorous calculations and deductions, the result for the most suitable candidate for the Star Alliance Head has been determined."

"What!"

"Who is it?"

As soon as this was said, everyone stopped arguing and looked at the light and shadow with shocked faces.

The Statue of Liberty had always been neutral; their earlier remarks were just somewhat joking.

After all, after losing the Head's restrictions, the Statue of Liberty could theoretically forcibly take control of the vast majority of weapons and equipment, including entire fleets.

Whoever gained its assistance would basically be guaranteed an infinite advantage.

For a time, their expressions were uncertain as they discreetly sized up the people around them.

The Marshals of the two great legions, as well as several Regents of wealthy star systems, suddenly had looks of joy and anticipation in their eyes.

Stirring music sounded from the light and shadow, and the Statue of Liberty's voice became rhythmic and expressive:

"As confirmed by the Statue of Liberty, the most suitable candidate for the Star Alliance Head is the former Chief Researcher of the Supreme Research Institute, His Excellency 'Zhang Huaiyuan.' He will lead the entire Free Star Alliance back to prosperity and freedom."

"Who did you say, Zhang Huaiyuan?! The one over at the Port of Friendship?"

Everyone almost doubted if there was something wrong with their ears.

"Yes, that very Excellency. I hope everyone can work together to assist our new Head."

The Statue of Liberty confirmed again with a certain tone, as if stating a trivial matter.

"Next, His Excellency Zhang Huaiyuan will personally greet you all."

Just as the words fell.

Warp fluctuations appeared, and an illusory figure slowly solidified from nothingness...