Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Xagai Swarm

After consulting with the upper echelons of the Star Spirit Empire, Ayl decided not to return for the time being. He had descended to the mortal realm precisely to confront the forces of the Dark God among mortals, not to sip tea in the divine realm. The Golden Fleet had already been dispatched to various sectors to apprehend high-profile criminals, while also cracking down on potential cult organizations within each empire.

Pride of Ottalis had departed from Midgard, and the Empire’s leaders did not linger there to disturb Ayl. However, they did send two young Executors to Midgard to follow Ayl alongside Artanis. These two were none other than Selendis, Artanis’s disciple, and Vorazun, granddaughter of Raszagal. They represented the Light and Dark Templar, respectively, and stood as the new generation’s paragons within the Empire. The Council of Light and Shadow had intentionally fostered them as candidates for the next High Priest of Light and Shadow.

For now, Ayl resided temporarily in Midgard, awaiting the next alignment of the Nine Stars, while the Dark God’s forces began to spread terror across the universe.

In a remote corner of the galaxy lived a race named the Shagai, who devotedly worshipped the Blind God of Madness, Azathoth—a fact that naturally drew the attention of the Star Spirit Empire.

“How is the situation? Can it be confirmed that the Shagai are involved with an evil deity?” Commander Fenix suppressed his discomfort as he gazed at the projection displaying the Shagai.

As the current fleet commander of the Star Spirit Empire, Fenix had personally boarded the Pride of Ottalis upon learning of the mission to eradicate cults. Now, he had arrived at the Empire’s first target location.

“There is a ninety percent probability, Commander. We’ve analyzed the temples established by the Shagai. Although the god they worship resembles themselves, our phase technicians have deciphered their language and script, learning the deity’s name and their doctrine,” the adjutant immediately reported.

“In that case, have any High Templar been sent to investigate dark energies?” Fenix nodded, shifting his gaze from the Shagai’s appearance.

These insectoid Shagai were diminutive, only the size of a fist. They lacked eyelids, their segmented tendrils writhing in a strange rhythm; ten legs were covered in black, luminous filaments, their lower bodies folded up, and almost circular wings bore triangular scales.

To be honest, upon seeing their appearance, Fenix was certain they were thralls of a dark god—for it was rare for a race to so completely embody chaos and evil.

“What do the Seers say?” Fenix looked to the star map, which now marked the territory of the Shagai—only a single solar system, a feeble alien empire previously unworthy of the Empire’s notice.

“The Seers have not responded; they’re occupied with divination,” replied Adjutant Randolph. “Commander, the Templar have sent a signal. They sensed an evil presence at the temple—without a doubt, a shrine to a dark god.”

“Very well—have them withdraw immediately. Adjutant, prepare to initiate a psionic broadcast.” Fenix nodded, stepping over to the bridge and gazing down at Shagai below.

The investigation team consisted of two Light Templar. Ever since Artanis had directly perceived the aura of an evil god, he had shared the sensation through the Khala, enabling all Light Templar to master this skill. Protected by the Khala, Light Templar were better equipped to face evil deities without succumbing to chaotic influences. Thus, Fenix had not dispatched the stealthier Dark Templar.

Once the Templar had returned to the ship, Fenix activated the psionic broadcast towards the planet: “Shagai swarm, you must cease worshipping the dark god, or we will take whatever measures are necessary.”

Following Ayl’s directive, the Star Spirit Empire had urgently revised the Dawu Code, for laws suited to peacetime had no place in this era of darkness. The Empire needed to annihilate those who venerated evil gods.

But as the Empire’s ultimatum resounded over Shagai, the swarm paid it no heed. Since their Great Seer had received a divine oracle days before, they had gathered in the temple plaza, praying without end.

“...O great King of Chaos, your servant beseeches your grace. May your power shroud this universe...” The Shagai emitted their distinctive hissing, praying fervently to their god. Naturally, Fenix would not stand idly by.

After three ignored warnings, Fenix prepared to use force to eradicate the fanatical cultists. At that moment, however, the sensors blared an alarm.

“Warning! Massive spatial fluctuations detected! Warning! Detection of evil god energy signatures! Calculating... Calculation complete: demigod-level energy detected!” The Pride of Ottalis’s alarm interrupted Fenix’s command.

“What’s happening?” Fenix turned to the star array; the projection marked the source of the energy—high orbit above Shagai.

“Evacuate the orbital path immediately. Maintain a safe distance. All hands, prepare main batteries.” Seeing how close the anomaly was to the fleet, Fenix ordered a tactical withdrawal to establish a defensive line.

Meanwhile, the Shagai felt the presence of their god and prayed with frenzied devotion. Their prayers triggered a crimson beam from the temple, shooting into the cosmic void, striking the very spot where the spatial disturbance had appeared.

The scarlet beam, answering the dark god’s call, tore open a spatial rift. The area around Shagai had long been locked down by the Golden Fleet—had Fenix not wished for a direct confrontation, the dark god would never have crossed over.

When the true form of the dark god appeared before Fenix, even his seasoned composure faltered, and he drew a sharp breath.

It was rust-red all over, with only mound-like spherical protrusions distinguishing its form—a living planet, yet unlike any other, for embedded within its surface was a gigantic eye composed of a sea of molten iron.

But that was not the most shocking part for Fenix. What stunned him was that this dark god was identical to a member of the Celestial Host recorded in the archives.

As the evil god arrived, countless corrupted hymns resounded from its form—a sound reminiscent of Midgard’s air raid sirens. Such a colossal planet, so close to Shagai, could only spell catastrophe.

Shagai collided directly with the god’s body. The resulting explosion was dazzling even in the emptiness of space. Fenix did not need to look further to know that Shagai was finished.