404: Energy Pulse Missile

Inside the Command Room, a light blue information screen slowly unfolded before Li Yang, clearly displaying the holographic images of the Ensi Civilization's home planet's tragic state, sent back by the reconnaissance Squad.

Large areas of land were covered in charred ruins; only the outline of one surviving city remained on the ground, like a lone boat swaying precariously in a stormy sea.

“Only one city left…”

Captain Li Yang's fingertip gently traced the city marked “Last Stronghold” on the screen, his voice tinged with melancholy.

From three planets to a solitary city, the demise of this second-level civilization occurred almost in an instant. If not for that distress signal, perhaps even this last spark would have been extinguished in the universe.

“Indeed.”

Pal, standing beside him, gazed at the sporadic defensive gunfire flickering in the image, his tone grave.

“The rogue artificial intelligence’s cleanup speed far exceeded expectations. According to data from the probes, if the artificial intelligence launches an attack, they are expected to last a maximum of 72 hours. If we had arrived any later…”

He didn't finish, but the implication was clear.

Li Yang remained silent for a moment, his gaze suddenly sharpening.

“Pal, immediately send an encrypted communication to the Guard Division stationed in This Galaxy Cluster.”

“Yes!”

Pal immediately stepped forward, his finger poised over the communication panel.

“Have them allocate and transmit three energy pulse missiles.”

Li Yang’s voice was steady and firm, carrying an undeniable resolve.

“Understood!”

Pal quickly sent the message to the Guard Division.

Energy pulse missiles, in the Empire's weapon hierarchy, are actually considered lower-grade equipment, with a very clear purpose—to precisely paralyze the intelligent systems of lower-level civilizations.

Its core principle is to interfere with and destroy the operating programs of electronic devices through specific band energy pulses, without causing substantial harm to biological organisms. It is a typical example of “intelligent cleanup, biologically harmless,” but it can only target some lower-level civilizations. For more advanced civilizations, this thing is just a firecracker, only good for making noise.

It is precisely because of this that galaxy-class starships, like Li Yang's, would never include them in their regular weapon reserves.

The combat objectives of such starships are often large-scale, intergalactic conflicts, and they are equipped with weapons capable of direct destructive strikes. Energy pulse missiles are, for them, like using a dagger against a battleship, with extremely low practicality.

Therefore, to requisition such equipment, one can only apply for a transfer from the Guard Division stationed in This Galaxy Cluster, as the Guard Division's job is to maintain Galaxy security and stability, and they naturally stock such weapons specifically for lower-level civilizations.

Of course, there isn't only one way to deal with this out-of-control artificial intelligence.

Theoretically, as long as its core body—the device hosting the artificial intelligence—can be locked onto, a targeted attack can be launched via the intelligent computer to directly erase it.

But the problem is that within the scope of three planets, finding its core device is like finding a grain of dust in a vast sea of stars. It's time-consuming and laborious, not to mention it might give it time to counterattack or relocate.

In comparison, a full-area coverage with energy pulse missiles is more efficient and direct.

This “total cleanup” may seem simple and crude, but it can cut off the artificial intelligence's control over all devices in the shortest possible time, stemming the spread of the crisis at its root.

After making his decision, Li Yang immediately informed the reconnaissance Squad on the planet via encrypted communication.

“Notify the remaining Ensi Civilization that in ten minutes, we will initiate an energy pulse strike. Instruct all living organisms to stay away from densely packed electronic equipment areas and await orders in open ground.”

The command was clear and concise, without any hesitation... Above the shattered city, the lingering smoke of battle hung in the air. Amidst the broken walls and ruins, the reconnaissance Squad stood opposite the Ensi Civilization's highest Decision Maker.

The Decision Maker’s robe was stained with dust, his face etched with the fatigue of days of struggle, yet his spine remained straight.

“Is that so…”

After hearing the decision relayed by the reconnaissance Squad, he paused slightly, then let out a heavy sigh, raising a hand to wipe his face, revealing a mix of relief and bitterness.

“That would be wonderful. To be honest, we also considered initiating an electromagnetic pulse counterattack at first.”

He looked towards the remains of the defense towers in the distance, controlled by the artificial intelligence, his voice heavy.

“But that thing was too cunning; it silently infiltrated the launch system. In the end, those large defense systems that should have protected us all became mere decorations.”

An Imperial Soldier, hearing this, couldn't help but curl his lips into a self-deprecating smile as he spread his hands.

“Don't worry, since the Empire has intervened, the subsequent cleanup will certainly be swift.”

He paused, deliberately put on a stern face, then instantly broke character.

“As for after the artificial intelligence is eliminated… the reconstruction of your city and the continuation of your civilization, these things will require more of your own effort.”

He shrugged, his tone carrying the frankness typical of a Soldier.

“After all, I'm just a Soldier; how would I know if the Empire will send further support? Maybe they'll see you have a good foundation and lend a hand?”

The Decision Maker looked at the ease in the Soldier's eyes, then at his ravaged homeland behind him. His tense shoulders finally relaxed a little, and he nodded deeply to the Squad.

“Regardless, thank you… for appearing when we were about to give up.”

The wind swept through the broken window frames, carrying dust and a faint, new light.

Moments later, the starship weapon bay's alarm light turned from red to green. The Guard Division's transmission beam cut a light blue arc inside the bay, and three silver-gray energy pulse missiles settled steadily onto the launch rails.

“Captain Li Yang.”

Pal's military boots clattered crisply on the metal floor.

“The energy pulse missiles have been calibrated, and the warhead fuses are synchronized and locked, ready for launch command at any time.”

Li Yang's fingertip lightly tapped the holographic star map on the control panel; the coordinates of the three planets rippled in the blue light.

“Prepare to launch.”

His voice was steady, his gaze sweeping over the energy parameters flickering on the screen.

“Allocate by priority—one for the main planet, one for each of the two colony planets, ensuring the pulse wave covers all intelligent core areas.”

“Yes!”

As Pal turned, the command on the operational panel had already flowed to the launch unit.

The starship's side hatches slowly slid open, revealing the bottomless cosmic backdrop. The thrusters at the tail ends of the three missiles suddenly ignited with an orange-red glow, like three meteors breaking free, whistling out along their predetermined trajectories.

The foremost missile headed directly for the main planet—that planet shrouded in purple clouds was now rapidly expanding in view. As the missile pierced the atmosphere, it created a faint purple fiery tail. In just a few seconds, it streaked with a long trail of light, first plunging towards the area in the center of the continental plate that was flickering with abnormal energy signals.

The missile, trailing a faint purple fiery tail, pierced the atmosphere and suddenly detonated high in the sky.

There was no earth-shattering roar, only a visible ripple of energy expanding outwards from the explosion point, like ripples caused by a giant stone thrown into a deep sea, silent yet swift.

The first to be affected was the mechanical legion near the explosion.

As those combat robots advanced over broken bricks and rubble, the moment the energy ripple swept over them, the red indicator lights on their chests hissed and went out. The hydraulic rods at their joints suddenly lost power, and they crashed to the ground with a clang, their metal casings colliding with the ground with a dull thud.

The unmanned armored vehicle patrolling the street stopped abruptly in the middle of the road, its window screens instantly going black.

The surveillance drones hovering in the air, as if their bones had been pulled out, spun and plummeted towards the rooftops, shattering into pieces on impact.

The energy ripple continued to spread, sweeping over the surviving Ensi Civilization city.

In the underground Command Room where the Decision Maker was located, the communicator suddenly emitted a burst of harsh static, then fell silent.

Just as everyone's hearts tightened, a Soldier responsible for monitoring suddenly rushed in from outside, his voice trembling with excitement.

“They're gone! All the mechanical legions outside are gone!”

“A powerful pulse hit! The robots that were attacking the East Gate just now… they're all motionless!”

A long-suppressed cheer erupted in the Command Room.

Someone slammed a table, others hugged their companions with red eyes, and the Decision Maker stood up, gripping the edge of the table, looking out the window—the streets, once ablaze with fire, were now eerily quiet.

Outside the city, the menacing steel creations lay twisted and broken on the ground, like piles of discarded scrap metal.

“It's over… it's really over…”

He murmured, his voice thick with a choked sob.

At the same time, energy ripples successively bloomed over the other two colony planets.

In the planets' mines, the frantically excavating robotic arms all dropped in unison. The conveyor belts screeched to a halt, and the raised dust slowly settled in the sunlight. The defense towers lost power, their cannons, once aimed at the sky, drooped limply, and the display screens on the towers went completely dark.

Li Yang stood in the starship's command cabin, watching the synchronized footage of the three planets on the screen—stalled machinery, silent streets, and energy curves returning to normal.

He raised his hand to signal.

“Conduct another comprehensive scan; don't miss any corner.”

The starship's scanning beam, like a fine net, slowly covered every inch of the three planets.

A moment later, Pal reported.

“Reporting, Captain Li Yang, no active intelligent signals detected. All mechanical units are paralyzed, and the target artificial intelligence has been completely annihilated.”

Li Yang looked at the planet's surface on the screen, gradually revealing the dawn, and let out a soft sigh.

The energy ripples had long dissipated into the atmosphere, but the planets once shrouded by intelligent rebellion had finally, at this moment, regained the tranquility belonging to life.

After completing the rescue strike on the Ensi Civilization, the reconnaissance Squad's landing craft smoothly entered the starship's bay door.

The Team Members removed their battle armor, bringing with them the scent of gunpowder, and came to the Command Room, saluting Li Yang.

“Reporting, Captain Li Yang, the intelligent threat on all three planets has been confirmed as completely cleared. The Ensi Civilization's Decision Maker asked us to convey their hope that the Empire can assist them in rebuilding their homeland and restoring civil order.”

Li Yang nodded, tapping his fingertip on the control panel.

“I will compile the reconstruction matters into a report and submit it to the relevant departments of the administrative center for overall handling. This is not within our Fleet's scope of responsibility.”

He looked up at the Team Members, his gaze filled with approval.

“However, your swift response and proper handling of this operation are commendable.”

“Yes!”

The Team Members responded in unison, their faces showing a mix of fatigue and relief.

With the rescue mission complete, Li Yang no longer delayed and turned to Pal to give an order.

“Set course for return to This Galaxy Cluster's administrative center.”

The starship slowly departed from the W1 Galaxy. From the initial planet procurement to the distress signal, and now to resolving the artificial intelligence crisis, this journey had already been delayed by half the original planned time. It was indeed time to return to the correct course.

Hours later, the starship docked steadily at the administrative center’s spaceport.

The hatch opened, and Li Yang, in his crisp military dress uniform, carrying the compiled action report, walked directly through the busy spaceport hall towards Ou Ben's office.

Ou Ben, as the highest Person in Charge of This Galaxy Cluster's administrative center, although his authority was not as great as Li Yang's two combined positions, according to regulations, he was considered Li Yang's direct superior.

This journey, from the unexpected acquisition of a habitable planet to the temporary relief of the Ensi Civilization, involved many twists and turns that needed to be reported in person… “Oh? I see.”

Ou Ben listened to Li Yang’s report, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk, then looked up with an expression of praise, his tone full of sincerity.

“Thanks to Secretary Li's decisive action, otherwise the Ensi Civilization would truly have been completely erased from the star map.”

He didn't mention the delay in the itinerary at all, as if that minor delay was not worth mentioning compared to the achievement of saving a civilization.

Li Yang nodded slightly, his tone calm.

“It was merely a small effort; any Imperial Fleet would have done the same.”

He changed the subject, his expression becoming a bit more serious.

“However, there is one matter I need to trouble you with—please coordinate with the civil affairs, infrastructure, and technology departments as soon as possible to send personnel to assist the Ensi Civilization in rebuilding. They are, after all, a subordinate civilization of the Empire. Our failure to detect the crisis in time and provide immediate assistance was already our dereliction of duty; there must be no further lapses in subsequent support.”

“You are right, you have thought of everything.”

Ou Ben quickly nodded in agreement, a hint of shame on his face.

Indeed, the Ensi Civilization's distress signal went undetected for so long, indicating oversight in the administrative center's monitoring system and blind spots in the Guard Division's patrols. This responsibility could not be shirked, no matter what.

He picked up the communicator on the desk, his tone decisive.

“I will convene a meeting of relevant department Persons in Charge immediately to strive to finalize an aid plan today and have the advance team depart within three days.”

Seeing his resolute attitude, Li Yang said no more.

After all, the Ensi Civilization's crisis was resolved, and although the subsequent reconstruction would be complicated, it now had a clear direction. The rest was simply to implement it step by step… After handling the follow-up matters for the Ensi Civilization, Li Yang quickly returned to his post, redirecting his energy to his complex duties.

Time flowed like a Galaxy, and three months passed in the blink of an eye.

During this period, the construction project of Blue Star Two had been fully completed.

This new planet, bearing the important task of population diversion, successfully accommodated a large number of residents from Blue Star and Mars, significantly alleviating the crowded living pressure.

At the same time, the carefully planned ecological scenic areas and interstellar ports on the planet attracted a continuous stream of tourists. starships coming and going traced streaks of light outside the atmosphere, filling this nascent world with vitality.