321: Surrender of the Planet

“Report, no life signs detected within the target area.”

A Soldier on the starship reported to Pal through the communication device.

The voice echoed in the silent conference room, sounding exceptionally clear.

“Proceed to the next step.”

Pal gave the order without hesitation, his expression stern.

“Yes!”

A crisp, decisive reply came from the other end of the communication. Subsequently, the starship slowly adjusted its direction, emitting a low hum, and gradually departed from above the city, which had already become ruins.

All that remained was endless silence and sorrow.

Seeing this, the hearts of everyone in the conference hall were once again raised high, as if clutched tightly by an invisible hand.

“Proceed to the next step? Could it be another massacre?”

This terrifying thought flashed rapidly through everyone's minds, like a cold electric current, instantly spreading throughout their bodies, causing them to tremble involuntarily.

Immediately, everyone silently prayed in their hearts, their lips slightly moving, their eyes filled with fear and supplication. Those silent prayers seemed to be their only lifeline at this moment.

“Oh heavens, please don't let it be our city, please…”

Their gazes were fixed on the light screen, their eyes filled with terror and helplessness, as if disaster would befall everything they cherished the moment they looked away.

The massive starship slowly sailed into space, its enormous hull cutting through the atmosphere, leaving a long, dazzling tail flame.

In the boundless cosmos, it exuded a chilling aura.

With a low mechanical roar, the starship's hatch slowly opened, and a massive muzzle extended out from within. The cold metallic surface gleamed with a cruel luster, sending shivers down one's spine.

“Target confirmed, fire!”

A cold command emanated from inside the starship, devoid of any emotion, as if deciding on a trivial matter rather than the survival of countless lives.

As this firing order was given, the huge muzzle began to slowly gather energy. First, a faint blue glow appeared at the muzzle, then the blue light grew brighter and stronger, gradually forming a massive energy sphere.

The energy sphere continuously rotated and compressed, emitting sizzling electrical sounds, accumulating destructive power.

Before long, a thick energy laser, like an enraged dragon, roared out from the muzzle and blasted directly towards the territory of the Black Country.

The moment the energy laser struck, it was as if the entire world held its breath.

First, a blinding flash of light, followed by the ground shaking violently and fracturing, with massive cracks spreading rapidly like a spiderweb.

The powerful energy spread outwards from the laser's impact point like a tsunami. Wherever it went, everything was instantly vaporized; mountains were leveled, and cities were reduced to dust in an instant.

The entire territory of the Black Country was enveloped by this terrifying energy.

Then, an earth-shattering explosion occurred. The sound was deafening, like the death knell of the world.

Powerful sound waves spread out from the epicenter of the explosion. Wherever they passed, the air was instantly compressed, forming intense shockwaves.

This colossal roar even reached the distant United Federation Building, allowing everyone there to clearly hear the explosion.

Everyone felt the ground beneath their feet tremble slightly.

After the blinding light and shockwaves of the explosion gradually dissipated, looking at the light screen, the place where the Black Country once existed had completely vanished.

The once vast continental plate, under the bombardment of the energy laser, was utterly erased from the world map, replaced by a vast ocean.

The seawater surged and churned, with thick mist rising from its surface—formed by the high temperature of the explosion meeting the seawater—making this sea area appear even more mysterious and terrifying.

Seeing this, the people in the conference hall could no longer bear the immense pressure, which felt like Mount Tai pressing down on them.

Their legs seemed to instantly lose all strength, their knees buckled, and they all collapsed to the ground.

Some stared blankly at the light screen, their eyes hollow, as if their souls had been ripped away by the horrific scene. Others clutched their heads, groaning in pain, seemingly trying to escape the cruel reality before them in this way. Still others simply fainted, perhaps finding temporary oblivion from all this horror in unconsciousness.

The entire conference hall was filled with an aura of despair and fear, as if it too had become a living hell.

“Alright, those annoying fellows have been dealt with.”

Pal turned slightly, his sharp gaze, like a keen blade, swept over the gathered crowd.

“Now, it’s time to properly discuss your matters.”

His voice was low and powerful, echoing in the silent conference hall, carrying an irresistible authority.

Seeing this, those who were trembling with fear immediately forced themselves to regain their composure, as if struck by an electric current.

They tried to straighten their backs, attempting to show submission before Pal, but their slightly trembling legs betrayed the deep fear in their hearts.

“Your Excellency, we are willing to submit to you.”

One Decision Maker said timidly, with a hint of flattery in his voice, which also contained a subtle tremor.

Pal frowned slightly and corrected him.

“Not submit to me, but submit to the Empire.”

A hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes, emphasizing the unquestionable supremacy of the Empire.

“Yes, yes, yes, submit to the Empire.”

Everyone immediately responded in unison, their voices filled with trepidation and reverence, fearing that they might accidentally offend this powerful being from an alien civilization.

“Since that's the case, then you all go back and prepare.”

Pal nodded slightly, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.

“Remember to appease your people. Resisting the Empire is a great crime!”

His tone seemed calm, yet it seemed to conceal endless deterrence, sending shivers down one's spine.

“Yes, yes, we understand, we understand.”

Everyone nodded profusely, indicating that they understood Pal's meaning, their expressions flustered, fearing that Pal might utter another stern word.

Seeing that these people had clearly expressed their submission, Pal said no more, turned, and strode out of the conference hall.

His figure gradually disappeared at the doorway, and his footsteps faded into the distance.

After Pal had completely left, a palpable, invisible pressure instantly dissipated.

Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief, collapsing to the ground as if the strength supporting their bodies had been drained away.

“That really scared me to death.”

One person clutched his chest, saying with lingering fear.

“I thought he was going to act against us…”

The look of terror on his face had not yet completely faded.

“Who wouldn't say that…”

Another person was filled with emotion, his eyes still retaining the shock of the recent scene.

“Such a huge continent, just gone, like that.”

Everyone exchanged glances, understanding in their hearts that they had just walked through the gates of hell. The feeling of surviving such a catastrophe left them both relieved and terrified…