--
The power source of the Demon Race's main ship looked like a miniature sun.
It radiated with intense corrosive energy, which is harmful to humans. If it weren't for them wearing these suits of metal and being informed of its nature, none of them would've dared to even think about approaching this thing.
But just as an extra security measure, because they truly can't afford to fail now that they're this close to completing the mission, the pilot employed their energy shields to protect them, making sure that it wouldn't interfere with their activities as well.
The pilots moved inside with fluidity; it's almost as if they've already known what they're supposed to do, even though this was technically their first time in here.
The reason behind this was due to the numerous simulations they experience while training mecha pilots.
Knowing that the Demon God was awake and rallying his troops to give his people and the world an ultimatum, Cedric took the initiative and plotted against them. He was already familiar with the fleet. He took some time studying it closely and memorizing where the core components were and knew where to strike to deal the greatest amount of damage.
He handed a copy of the ship's blueprint to Charles and, in extension, the army as well. They were then informed that they only have three years to prepare because the Demon God was awake and plans on bringing down the world and its people to their knees.
Since then, Charles pretty much worked non-stop, analyzing everything. He invented fighter jets and mechas based on the inspiration he got from creating his androids. He is also receiving funds to build the spaceships as well as more resources to build and invent new forms of energy weapons.
Meanwhile, the rest assessed some people that qualified as pilots for these new inventions. And during their training, they went into numerous simulations that tested their decision-making skills, wit, endurance, and resourcefulness.
One of which was the destruction of the enemy ship's power source. If anything, this simulation was the priority amongst all other simulations because of its importance.
They weren't here to simply disable that thing; they're here to destroy it without sacrificing themselves if they could help it.
The pilots spent days and nights perfecting their actions in the simulation, often opting to practice this one instead of other missions because they also knew how important it was.
That's how they were able to move with so much familiarity inside this place. Because all things considered, they've done this hundreds of times already.
But of course, simulations and simulations. It doesn't represent reality at all. There are multiple factors that could change the way it ends for them, and the simulation just doesn't have a way to let them experience and be familiar with all of them.
That's why they still made sure to be extremely careful about everything they did. Every action they took was measured and practiced to perfection to minimize variables. They have to because they only have one shot at this.
This was no longer a simulation where they could just yell 'do over' and not shoulder any form of responsibility. This was real life. This was war. And in this war, they have their duties.
"I'm done here."
"Me too!"
"Gimme a few seconds and I'll be wit'cha."
"Need another minute here."
"Boys, are you alright over there? Any ads coming?"
**
"And the ship went boom!"
Cedric chuckled while making a big gesture. He glanced at the fuming Demon God beside him and felt even more refreshed.
Obviously, they both felt the destruction of the demon fleet. Only this part of the ship remained from that large explosion, after all. It's such a negligible part of it too since it's just a throne room.
Sure, it might have some spiritual importance because this was where decisions were made and also the place where they could worship the Demon God. But in terms of actual function, it serves no purpose at all.
Without the rest of the ship, the throne room was nothing but a piece of junk. It just happened to remain intact because of Cedric's arrangements.
As expected, the Demon God's heart was heavily bleeding. The destruction of his home, because this certainly was his and his people's home, felt just as painful as losing his only son.
The worst part is that he was forced to watch as all of it happened. He was powerless to stop it; he couldn't even save the very few remaining people he had. And judging by how sinister humans were in their revenge, there was no doubt that he'd be forced to watch until only he remains of his people.
Meanwhile, Cedric was feeling great.
The explosion of the Demon Race's fleet was like the prettiest fireworks he had ever laid his eyes on.
An overwhelming sense of relief flooded his entire body. It's like an invisible burden, one that he never thought he had, was lifted from his chest all of a sudden.
The first time he felt this way was back when he finished his Hell Dive by relying on his skills alone after inheriting the eyes of the godking.
A long time passed since then. He was no longer the same person. He's been through a lot, shouldering a lot of burdens that were never his to carry but had to due to various reasons.
He thought that he wouldn't make it this far. He thought that he'd spend a huge portion of his life proving something.
But look at where he's at now...
He barely lifted a finger for this entire operation. Hell, only one of his women actually helped out this time. His people could now stand independently. Their overall strength is still weak in the grand scheme of things, but after this, they'll have time, and most importantly...
Freedom.
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"I'm thinking of officially declaring this day as a historical event for us humans. Like, turning it into an actual holiday for the following years," Cedric casually stated with a relaxed smile on his face.
"I should have enough authority over my people to get it done, right? What do you think?" Cedric continued pressing despite the Demon God's fuming anger.
In response to his questions, the Demon God released his aura, causing his throne to explode into bits. Space warped around him, and suddenly, there he stood, clad in his armor and holding a spear that looked like it was made from the spine of some extinct alien creature.
"This day will only mark the anniversary of your death, if I could help it. Your transgressions end here, human! Face me in battle if you dare!"