685: Chapter 685 Kova's Madness

Without needing much thought, it was clear that Liam and Lu Dongni must have already confessed everything, thoroughly exposing their long-term collusion with Speaker Luo Wen, embezzlement of military funds, acceptance of bribes, and provision of armed protection for the corrupt group.

What made his heart even heavier was that such a large-scale, high-specification joint operation would definitely not be targeted only at the Guard Division.

At the Administrative Center, everyone in the same boat as them was likely already surrounded by the Inspection Team at this moment.

Looking at the Security Assurance Division starships surrounding them layer by layer in the starry sky, Kova's face was so dark it looked like it could drip water. He slammed his hand onto the desk, his tone full of violence and resentment.

“Hmph! Arrest us? This is our Guard Division's station, our territory. It's not the place for people from the Inspection Team to come and act wildly!”

As soon as these words were spoken, Haran's expression beside him changed drastically. His already tense face instantly turned pale, and he snapped his head up to look at Kova, his eyes filled with shock and terror, his voice unable to stop trembling.

“You... do you mean you're planning to... resist them head-on?”

From beginning to end, Haran had never thought about an armed confrontation.

Although he knew his guilt was heavy, he also understood that the Empire's Inspection Team represented central authority, backed by the military and judicial power of the entire Empire.

All he was thinking about now was whether he could actively cooperate and confess for leniency. Even if the sentence was heavy, at least he could save his life, and perhaps fewer Family members would be implicated.

But he never expected that Kova's thoughts would be so extreme.

To actually intend to openly resist the Inspection Team with arms—this was a major crime equivalent to rebellion!

Seeing this, Kova did not restrain himself; instead, he lowered his voice, his eyes crazed and burning, his tone carrying the desperation of someone burning their bridges.

“What else can we do? You and I know better than anyone that our embezzlement of military funds, taking bribes, and acting as the armed muscle for Rowan's group of corrupt officials—every single case is a capital offense! Even if we confess, even if the sentence is reduced by double or tenfold, we still won't escape the death penalty in the end! You know this better than I do!”

He took a step forward, pressing both hands on the desk. His previous gravity and regret had vanished, replaced by a near-manic excitement and ambition, as if he had seen another way out.

“Trust me, as long as we assemble all the forces at the station, stop this Security Assurance Division fleet, and control the situation, we can immediately take a starship and break out of the Galaxy, escaping the Empire's jurisdiction! The Universe is vast and boundless, and there are as many exile Star Domains as there are hairs on a cow. No matter how strong the Empire is, it's impossible for them to find us precisely in the vast sea of stars!

With our abilities and the resources in our hands, we can find any uncivilized low-level civilization and easily take control. At that time, we will still be high and mighty rulers, being our own local emperors. It’s ten thousand times better than being captured here and waiting for judgment!”

Watching Kova's eyes turn red and his expression twist, completely losing his reason, Haran felt a chill down his spine. He involuntarily backed away a few steps, distancing himself from him.

He finally understood that this partner he had worked with for many years had gone completely mad in this desperate situation.

Resisting the Inspection Team, betraying the Empire, and fleeing to the outer domains—every one of these was a dead end. Not only was it impossible to gain a chance at life, it would only lead to a more thorough death, and even his Family would be completely implicated.

Haran's face was pale, and only fear and retreat remained in his heart. He knew very well that following Kova down this dark path would only result in being smashed to pieces and falling into eternal damnation.

Just as Kova was looking crazed and plotting an armed rebellion, the office door was pushed open in a panic. A trusted subordinate rushed in, face pale and gasping for breath, not even bothering with basic knocking etiquette, his voice trembling as he reported urgently.

“This is bad! Outside... the Security Assurance Division troops outside have officially announced... they say they are following the mandatory orders of The 33rd Inspection Team. They've come specifically to our Guard Division station to execute the arrest of you, the Deputy Commander, and several Advanced officers. They also hold official arrest warrants and demand our immediate cooperation!”

He thought this news would throw the General Commander into a panic, but he never expected that after hearing it, Kova's face would show no sign of panic or gravity. Instead, the corners of his mouth curled up, revealing a cold and crazed smile.

“Good, very good.”

He slowly straightened up, his body emitting a fierce aura of someone burning their bridges. Since the other party had already laid everything out, there was no need for him to hide anything anymore.

Before anyone could react, Kova suddenly looked up, his tone as sharp as a knife, as he barked orders at his subordinate.

“Pass down my order! The entire Guard Division is to immediately enter Level 1 combat readiness! All turrets are to be charged, starships are to launch, and defense shields are to be fully deployed! From now on, if any Security Assurance Division personnel, warships, or combat units dare to enter our station's airspace or land within the station's perimeter without my personal permission, all officers and soldiers are to open fire immediately without needing to ask or give warning. Hit them back hard!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the trusted subordinate was completely stunned, freezing in place with a look of disbelief.

He even wondered if he had heard correctly.

That was the Security Assurance Division directly under the Inspection Team, the elite troops of the Empire's center, well-equipped and strictly disciplined, with the entire Empire standing behind them.

They were just a Galaxy Cluster-level Guard Division, and they were actually going to take the initiative to open fire and resist?

This wasn't resistance; it was blatant rebellion, it was seeking death!

The subordinate opened his mouth, wanting to say a few words of persuasion, but seeing Kova's bloodshot, paranoid, and completely irrational eyes, the words at the tip of his tongue were forced back down.

“What are you still standing there for?! Didn't you hear my order?!”

Seeing him frozen, Kova's face suddenly darkened, and he shouted sternly, the violence in his voice making one's heart tremble.

The subordinate shuddered and didn't dare to hesitate any longer, quickly bowing in response.

“...Yes! I will go and convey the order immediately!”

After speaking, he hurriedly turned and exited the office with frantic steps to execute the command that made his heart skip a beat.

Dead silence returned to the office once more.

Beside him, Deputy Commander Haran stood in place, his face turning from blue to white, his expression extremely complex as his heart fell into a violent struggle.

He knew very well that once fire was opened, the nature of the situation would completely change.

From a serious crime of corruption, it would escalate directly to armed rebellion and opposing the Empire. At that time, not only would they surely die, but their entire families would be implicated and purged, and countless innocent officers and soldiers at the station would also lose their lives for nothing.

Haran's fists were tightly clenched, his fingertips turning white. His gaze repeatedly shifted between Kova's crazed profile and the Security Assurance Division fleet waiting in formation outside the window. He constantly weighed the options in his heart, and a bold and risky idea was quietly taking shape in his mind.