Intergalactic conquest with an AI

Meanwhile, the destroyers continued their relentless assault. Volley after volley of explosive rounds and lasers rained down on the beast, tearing through its flesh and lighting up the battlefield. The creature's roars grew louder, more painful, each one echoing across the ocean like a shockwave.

And yet, the beast fought back with ferocity. Its eight heads thrashed and coiled, its movements desperate and wild. This wasn't just a battle for survival anymore; it was a battle for dominance.

From the skies above, Rex hovered, watching the chaos unfold. His eyes, burning with silver light, scanned the battlefield. The rage that had consumed him moments ago was still there, but now it was tempered by something else.

But as the creature's roars grew louder, something gnawed at the edge of his mind. For now, the fleet was holding its ground, but Rex had learned one painful truth during his time fighting the beast: Tier 4 beasts weren't just monsters. They were forces of nature. And nature, when cornered, always struck back with devastating fury.

"Mini Cleo," Rex muttered, tightening his grip on his claymore as his wings flared with light. "Scan the surroundings while I go to the main ships to see who is helping us."

"Understood, Master!" Mini Cleo chirped, summoning a small holographic screen in front of her. Her tiny hands moved with incredible speed as she analyzed data and relayed commands, her voice maintaining its usual playful yet efficient tone.

Rex flew toward the human carrier, his wings leaving trails of silver light in the sky. As he neared the flagship, his immense figure cast a shadow over the deck, and the sheer heat radiating from his body created a haze of steam around him.

His naked form, now standing at six meters tall, was etched with golden tech marks that pulsed faintly with residual energy. Hot fumes rose from his glowing body, making him look more like a divine warrior than a man.

As Rex landed on the deck with a heavy thud, the platform trembled beneath his weight. The crew stared in awe, their mouths agape, some even dropping their tools as they beheld the giant figure.

"Who's this guy?" Rex asked, his deep voice resonating like celestial thunder, as he turned his gaze toward the silver-haired man standing confidently in front of him.

Mini Cleo popped up on his HUD, her holographic form pointing to the figure. "Master! That's Professor Oscar! According to the database, he's part of the Human Empire's upper ranks and one of the chief engineers responsible for their advanced technology."

"Oh, yes, I remember now," Rex said with a nod. He slowly knelt down to bring himself closer to eye level, the ground beneath him creaking slightly under his weight. Despite his attempt to appear humble, his towering frame and radiant energy made him seem anything but humble.

"Professor Oscar," Rex said, his voice calm but commanding, "it's been a long time."

Oscar, ever composed, saluted with a smile, his silver hair still whipping in the strong winds. "Ah, Sir Rex! What an honor to meet you again on such a glorious day!" His tone was filled with genuine delight, as if he were greeting an old friend at a tea party rather than standing on the frontlines of a battlefield.

Rex glanced around the deck. "Where are Cleo and the others?" he asked, concern lacing his thunderous voice.

Oscar adjusted his glasses and smiled warmly. "They're safe and sound, resting in their quarters inside the carrier. Rest assured, Sir Rex, they are unharmed."

Rex let out a soft sigh of relief, the tension in his massive shoulders easing slightly. "That's good," he said. He shifted, revealing Ys's battered and unconscious form in his arms. Her body was still glowing faintly from the egg's healing properties, but her wounds were severe, and her breathing was shallow.

"Please, Professor," Rex said, his voice softening. "Help me take her to a medical tank. She needs immediate treatment, possibly tons of food and minerals, though I'm not entirely sure what she really eats. You'll have to ask her when she wakes up."

Oscar's cheerful demeanor dimmed as he stepped forward, his eyes widening in shock at the sight of Ys's injuries. "By the stars! Those wounds are dreadful!" He quickly tapped on the device strapped to his wrist, inputting commands with precision.

"Fear not, Sir Rex! The medical team is on its way as we speak. We'll do everything in our power to save her!"

As he spoke, the carrier's alarms briefly sounded, signaling the approach of the medical team. "They'll be here shortly," Oscar added, his tone firm. "You should rest as well, Sir Rex. Your body has been pushed far beyond its limits."

Rex shook his head, his glowing eyes narrowing as he turned to glance back over his shoulder. The destroyers continued their relentless bombardment of the Tier 4 beast, their combined firepower illuminating the ocean below. But despite the constant assault, Rex's instincts screamed at him.

"While I appreciate the offer, I can't rest yet," Rex said, his voice low but filled with resolve. "There's something... wrong. That beast, it's not done. It's not in its last breath." His silver aura flickered faintly, his grip on Yan tightening protectively.

Oscar's brows furrowed as he followed Rex's gaze. "You believe it's holding back?"

Rex nodded, his expression grim. "Yes. It feels like it's waiting for something... something we haven't seen yet."

Oscar frowned, his mind racing. "Hmm... A Tier 4 beast is no simple creature, that's for certain. If your instincts are telling you this, Sir Rex, then I won't disregard them."

As Rex stood tall once more, holding Ys close, his silver aura flared brighter. "I won't let it hurt anyone," he muttered. "Not Cleo. Not the fleet. Not anyone."

Oscar adjusted his glasses, a determined smirk forming on his lips. "Well, Sir Rex, if it does have a trick up its sleeve, then let it come. Between you and the might of the New Human Empire, we'll show this beast exactly what it means to challenge humanity."

The medical team finally arrived, rushing to take Ys to the medical bay. As they worked quickly to secure her, the battlefield raged on in the distance, the creature's roars echoing louder and more furious with each passing moment.

And though the destroyers' firepower seemed relentless, the tension in the air was palpable. Everyone could feel it; the beast wasn't done. The real fight was only just beginning.

"Master! Multiple energy levels detected beneath the ocean!" Mini Cleo's voice chimed urgently, her holographic form flickering on Rex's HUD as a map appeared, covered in ominous red marks. "The energy readings range from Tier 1 to Tier 2 peak beasts!"

"Shit! I knew it!" Rex growled, gripping his plasma claymore as it materialized in his hands, the blade crackling with volatile energy. "Professor! Get inside now! Things are about to get ugly!"

From the depths of the ocean, shadows began to emerge. At first, they were indistinct blurs beneath the surface, but within seconds, the water exploded with motion. Massive maritime beasts, sleek and alien, burst forth into the air, their aquatic forms defying logic as they propelled themselves skyward.

Rex's eyes widened as the creatures took flight. "What the hell!? They can fly!? Who's ever heard of a damn fish that could fly!?" He shouted in disbelief, his grip tightening on his weapon as he prepared to take off and intercept them.

But before he could move, a familiar voice rang out in his mind. "Wait, Rex."

His eyes flickered with surprise. "Cleo? What are you doing here? What about your body?" Rex asked, his tone edged with confusion. He knew Cleo could only project herself in one place at a time unless she gave specific consent for Mini Cleo to stay with him.

"Don't worry," Cleo replied, her voice firm but calm. "My body is fine. It's recharging as we speak. But I'd worry more about you right now. Why, for the love of all things holy, did you push your body to its absolute limits? How many times have I told you not to do that!?"

This was the first time Rex had ever heard Cleo nag him like this, and the unexpected scolding almost made him smile. Almost.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Rex responded, his voice steady but resigned. "Cleo, there was no other option. You know that. Check my memories if you want; you'll see why I did it. I regret nothing."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

His gaze turned back toward the incoming swarm of beasts, their numbers growing by the second. "But I don't have time for this right now. I need to deal with those creatures before they rip apart the destroyers. We can talk about this later."

"Wait," Cleo said again, her voice sharper this time, cutting through Rex's focus.

Rex paused, mid-step. "What now?"

"Let the humans handle those creatures," Cleo said, her tone firm with certainty. "They're not as weak as you think. In fact, I'm impressed by how quickly they've adapted to the new technologies. Give them a chance to prove themselves, Rex."

Rex raised an eyebrow, staring at her holographic form as it appeared on his palm, glowing faintly against the backdrop of chaos. "And what do you suggest we do?"

A faint smile played on Cleo's lips as she looked up at him. "While they handle the small fry, you and I are going after something bigger."

Meanwhile, on the command bridge of the flagship carrier, the tension was palpable. Lilla stood in the captain's seat, exuding calm authority despite the chaos unfolding outside.

"Saintess! Bad news!" a communications officer called out, his voice frantic. "Destroyer Two and Destroyer Three are under attack from unknown enemies! They're requesting immediate aerial support!"

Lilla remained composed, her golden hair swaying as she tilted her head slightly. "Do not panic, officer," she said with her voice steady and resolute. "Deploy the Imperial Wings. Show those beasts the might of our fighters."

"Yes, Saintess!" the officer responded, his tone instantly steadier as he relayed the order. "Imperial Wings! Turn on your engines! May the glory and might of the Angel guide your path!"