Chapter 419: The Negotiations!

*tap* Zhao Tian, Artoria Evelyne, Zarek Talon and Sorion Kalen were walking through the space of the ark.

As they walked, the ambient lights of the ark illuminated their path, casting a warm glow on their faces

Zhao Tian's blue eyes wandered around in amusement looking at the interior of the futuristic ark and Artoria Eveylne found it cute seeing his curious eyes.

Leaning to him, she uttered in a low voice "Are you curious about this ark?"

Zhao Tian glanced at her and nodded his head "Yeah..."

With a smile, Artoria Evelyne replied "Well, it is nothing much... they run on High astral stone in the main chamber and the astral energy is the power source."

"Ebon Luohe star ranks top among other High Stars in futuristic technologies like this... even better than Elven Star."

Upon hearing this, Zarek Talon raised his chest proudly and turned his head to look at Zhao Tian with a smile on his face.

Artoria Evelyne continued "But in terms of creating powerful artifacts... no one can best Elven Star."

=-= Zarek Talon smile dimmed but he had to admit that what she said was true.

He again took a quick glimpse at Artoria Evelyne and let out a deep sigh in his heart.

The reason he is obeying her commands even though he is standing on the epitome of power in High Stars is simply because that woman is from... Astral Realm.

So he couldn't refuse her order when she asked them to go and capture a new star that had recently ascended.

Naturally, they were excited because a Star's ascension is so rare, that the number of stars known with that status can be counted with fingers.

She also informed them to meet 'Zhao Tian' of this new High star and offer peaceful negotiations with him.

And he also came with one of the biggest arks he had to show his dominance and frighten the people of this star a little...

However, they didn't expect the 'person' herself to give an appearance.

"With such a leap in status comes both opportunity and danger. There are many in the cosmos who would see this star's newfound strength as a threat. It is in light of this that I have come to offer... a proposition."

With a nod, Zhao Tian asked "Let me hear them, Mr.Zarek Talon."

Sorion Kalen gripped his palm in anger because, since the beginning, Zhao Tian had not shown any respect to his Emperor but as his gaze swept over to the woman beside him, he sighed in his heart.

Zarek Talon also felt it strange being called by his name but looking at Artoria, he just... gave up.

'Whatever...'

He continued "My star, Ebon Luohe, has existed as a high star for millennia. We have faced the trials and tribulations that come with such power, and we have emerged stronger for it."

"But we understand that a newly ascended star, such as your star, is vulnerable. Without the proper guidance and protection, it could easily fall prey to those who would exploit or destroy it."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "I offer your star a partnership. Under the banner of Ebon Luohe, your star would receive the protection and guidance it needs to thrive in this new position."

"In return, we would take a portion of your star's resources—minerals, energy, and other assets that are abundant here but rare in the universe. In exchange, we would bring to your star the advancements of Ebon Luohe: technology, knowledge, and power far beyond anything you could imagine."

"You speak of protection," Zhao Tian said slowly, his eyes locked on Zarek Talon's. "Yet you also speak of taking our resources."

"How can we be certain that this partnership will not simply reduce Earth to a vassal state, drained of its lifeblood for the benefit of another?"

Zarek's smile widened slightly, as if he had anticipated the question and as he was about to speak, a loud voice echoed through the ark.

"Father!!!"

Eh?

Zarek Talon's face darkened upon hearing the scream and Sorion Kalen, who was beside him spoke "Seems like the Young lady has woken up from her slumber, Your Highness."

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!