Chapter 2396

2396 - The Coming Invasions

"..."

Robin continued staring at the horizon in silence.

Over the past hours, the space beasts' attacks had intensified at times and calmed at others, but the Imperial Guard handled everything without faltering.

Even a young space beast thrust its head through the Gate and began attacking randomly, but the massive arrays around the area halted the assault—the planet's solid ground held firm, and most importantly, the envoys of the Cosmic Academies on the Other Side lured the beast away after only two attacks, and apparently, they finished it off quietly.

But strangely, before those epic scenes, Robin showed no reaction... His eyes were vacant as he gazed toward the horizon.

His head tilted slightly to one side, his eyes weary, exhausted.

The web grew more tangled, and every day a new variable emerged.

The entire Universe was in a pitiful state, and somehow he had to resolve this crisis before the Executioner returned with her Support after ten thousand years.

"Your Majesty..."

Enemies and conspirators had existed since before the Cycle began, and their offspring ruled the Universe today.

And the only person he could trust as an ally, the All-seeing God, there was a strong possibility he was the reason behind his wife's death.

The situation is hopeless, and the only person he can trust is himself.

Only himself.

His followers? His sons, his army, and his allies—each and every one of them depends on him.

Whether it's providing weapons, techniques, funds, or even a safe environment to mature in… everything falls on his shoulders.

"Your Majesty…"

"Hmm?" Robin snapped out of his daze and glanced around, then straightened up slightly in his seat. "What news?"

Shadow Sword bowed once more, deeply, before speaking: "The transfer of equipment and the Royal Soul Masters to the Savage Behemoth's Galaxy has already begun as Your Majesty requested, and we await further orders."

"Mm," Robin nodded. "Set up multiple layers of shielding and defenses with all available resources. The Savage Galaxy is the strongest fortress against Helmor's advance and our confirmed border on the western flank. Even with Zavarus and his sons and army pushing toward Medium 106, the galaxy must remain protected. Also, send a Squadron of Note Fleets there as an additional layer of protection—this will reassure Zavarus and prompt him to take more of his army toward Medium 106."

Then he gestured, "And if they need support in Middle 106 or 107, they won't need vehicles or heavy equipment support, but rather experts. We can send them through the Great Space Gates, and even if they need Pearls, we can send those through the Great Space Gates as well by filling several rings." Then he nodded, "With this, the support for the Savage in his mission is complete."

"Your command, Your Majesty." The Shadow Sword bowed slightly, "What about the other Gate?"

"It is a Gate toward Kiryān the Conqueror, opening in the heart of his galaxy in Middle Sector 115." Robin stated, "The Gate is large enough for fleets and entire armies to pass through." Then he continued after a slight pause, "He must receive at least 200 Note-4 fleets, with a minimum of several fast support vehicles and a Phantom Shadow. I also want a number of trap, defense, and support Arrays. Purchase everything through the designated channel and send it there... Helmor must not reach the heart of that galaxy." Then he showed a small smile, "At least until Hedrick finishes and goes to help."

"Understood, His Majesty!" The Shadow Sword nodded seriously, already beginning to draw plans within his head.

"..." Robin turned toward the Shadow Sword, "You are a Numbered Shadow Sword, correct?"

"Yes!" The Shadow Sword gave a full bow, "Your orders."

"Hmm, not orders, but a request." Robin showed a small smile. "These are the first two Behemoths to submit to me completely, and they are in a trial witnessed by the entire Universe. I must take a bold step so that everyone says: this is what happens to those who cooperate with Robin Burton—they gain power, wealth, and honor, even the Behemoth of Destruction stands helpless before them. I don't want them to say: this is what happens to Robin Burton's allies... destroyed before they even declare their allegiance."

Then he tilted his head slightly. "Do you understand me?"

"...!" The Shadow Sword felt a tremor run through his entire body, then spoke while looking at the ground, his eyes wide open, "The entire Universe will speak of nothing but the amount of Support the two receive. This is a promise from the Shadow Swords."

"Good." Robin nodded, then turned his gaze forward without another word.

"I take my leave, Your Majesty." The Shadow Sword swallowed hard and fled.

Now he had to think of a way to Support the *Behemoths*.

Who in the entire Universe was qualified to speak of such a thing?!

Perhaps only the Syndicate, and them!

This was a massive new test for the True Beginning Empire, and apparently, there was no room for failure.

"Heh~" Robin sighed, his expression grim.

Thinking about everything happening around him grew bleak, and all paths seemed dark.

He massaged his forehead for a few seconds, then turned toward Sakaar, "Do you need help?"

"Ugh..."

*Crack* *Crack*

Sakaar wasn't unconscious, but he wasn't in the same strange state he had fallen into at the beginning of his transformation either.

His limbs were no longer broken in a horrifying position—they had all returned to their proper place—but he was still sitting there, gripping the armrest of his chair tightly and suffering in silence, trying not to ruin the atmosphere around Robin or interrupt his conversation with the Shadow Sword.

"..." Robin waited a moment to hear a response, but heard only low groans, so he spoke again, "If you can hear me, nod."

"Ughh..." Sakaar spat out blood, then nodded.

"Alright, that's good enough." Robin looked ahead, "I can clearly see that the chaos in your body has calmed down and the additions you received have become evident. You're in the final stage now—the stabilization stage—so I won't wait until you finish to speak. I'll talk now, sorry, but I need to return to start my research."

"Mmm!!" Sakaar nodded again with difficulty.

He could feel his bones shattering into tiny fractures and something entering into them, then fusing back together.

Robin gathered his thoughts, "...In truth, Sakaar, I don't need the Demon Army for my upcoming campaigns."

"Gah?!"