Ch-8 The Fleet

During this time, the shipyards were operating at maximum capacity. The fleet had grown exponentially, producing eight new Antares-Class Battleships. These ships, while not as advanced as the original two—crafted with Dark Matter-powered systems and enhanced materials—were still formidable.

Each of the new battleships was equipped with:

Antimatter Engines for powerful propulsion.

Super Light-Speed Drives, enabling travel at speeds far beyond conventional FTL (faster-than-light) systems.

Although these systems couldn't match the capabilities of the Dark Matter Generators and Engines, they were far superior to those used in battleships of similar classes across known space.

As I reviewed the new additions to his fleet, a sense of pride and purpose-filled me. The Antares-Class Battleships, with their sleek designs and cutting-edge systems, stood as a testament to the progress his crew had achieved in just a month.

I knew the path ahead was still long and fraught with challenges, but with each passing day, my plans gained momentum. The fleet, my knowledge, and my vision were all growing stronger—laying the foundation for the empire I intended to build.

With eight Antares-Class Battleships now operational, in addition to the Obliterator Dreadnought and the two original battleships—renamed the Super Antares-Class Battleships—I now commanded a fleet of 11 warships.

I had 15 days left to complete my mission, and I calculated that the two internal shipyards of the Dreadnought could produce four more Antares-Class Battleships within that time. That would bring my total fleet to 15 ships. As the thought of my fleet heading toward Earth flickered in my mind, I shook myself from this daydream. I refocused on the task at hand: learning and absorbing as much knowledge as possible in the limited time remaining. I knew that once the deadline passed, my responsibilities would only grow more demanding.

Time flowed relentlessly, and soon two weeks had passed. From the command center of the Dreadnought, I watched through the high-quality holographic interface, which provided a 360-degree external and internal view of the fleet. The 15th Antares-Class Battleship emerged majestically from the massive gates on the lower section of the Dreadnought. As it moved into open space, its antimatter power generator roared to life, followed by the activation of its Super Light-Speed Drive. The ship smoothly moved into formation, joining the fleet.

Now, the fleet stood fully assembled:

At the center was the Obliterator Dreadnought, a massive behemoth of power and technology.

At the lead were the two Super Antares-Class Battleships, their upgraded systems shining as a beacon of Kallus's growing strength.

On either side of the Dreadnought, in perfect symmetry, were the 12 Antares-Class Battleships, six on each flank.

As the final ship took its place, Kallus heard a soft ding—the sound of a mission notification. The system revealed that his mission was complete, and the unknown reward for the first mission was now visible.

The rewards were:

Supreme God Body

Photographic Memory

Curious and eager, I accepted the rewards. Almost instantly, a surge of immense energy engulfed my body. A barrier materialized around me, forming a five-meter protective shield to contain the chaotic energy and prevent destruction.

What felt like hours passed as I endured the transformation. my body adjusted to the energy coursing through me, every cell rejuvenated and strengthened. When the process finally ended, I felt profoundly different.

I felt my affinity with Dark Matter had grown exponentially. I could now sense, control, and even absorb it in quantifiable amounts.

My body felt incredibly powerful, as if I had transcended mortal limits.

My memory had become perfect, recalling everything I had learned during my deep sleep sessions with crystal-clear clarity.

Testing my newfound abilities, I spoke aloud, "Red Queen, what's happening to me?"

The Red Queen's voice answered with measured calm, "Master, this is a complete enhancement of your body, bestowed by the Supreme Being. However, you must exercise caution. The Supreme Being advises you to familiarize yourself with your new form and refrain from actively absorbing Dark Matter until you complete the next mission. For now, allow your body to absorb it passively."

I nodded, processing her words. Though my newfound power was exhilarating, I knew better than to rush into using abilities I didn't yet fully understand. A faint smile played on my lips as I glanced at the fleet assembled before me.

I adjusted my thoughts and asked, "How much time has passed since I began assimilating the Supreme God Body?"

The Red Queen's calm voice replied, "It has been five hours, Master."

My eyes widened in shock. I sighed and shook my head. "Five hours… That's longer than I expected," I murmured. Turning to the Red Queen, I added, "Have the ship captains, commanders, and other key personnel assemble in the main hangar. I have an important announcement to make."

The Red Queen nodded. Closing her eyes briefly, she interfaced with the ship's systems and said, "They have been informed, Master. They will be teleported to the main hangar using the Obliterator's transportation system."

I nodded in acknowledgment, marveling once more at the incredible technologies integrated into my flagship by the Supreme Being. The teleportation system, along with its countless other features, never ceased to amaze me. Though his R&D department worked tirelessly, understanding and replicating these technologies would still take an enormous amount of time and effort.

Pushing these thoughts aside, I leaned back in my command chair, allowing myself a brief moment of calm. Within two or three minutes, a notification arrived, confirming that the preparations were complete. I nodded, stood up, and with a thought, teleported directly to the main hangar.

There, standing in perfect formation, were the 10,000 crew members and key personnel of the fleet. I was, dressed in my Fleet Supreme Commander uniform, and stepped onto the raised platform. My commanding presence drew the attention of everyone present.

Clearing my throat, I began, "Everyone, first of all, let me thank you for the hard work and dedication you've shown over the past month and a half. Your efforts are truly commendable, and for that, you have my utmost respect."

I paused, letting my words sink in before continuing, "The main reason I have gathered you here today is to announce that our fleet is now complete. It is time to give it a name—a name that will carry the weight of our ambitions and the legacy we intend to create."

Kallus's voice grew firmer, filled with resolve. "From this moment forward, we shall be known as the Void Fleet, and in time, we will establish the Void Empire. This fleet is just the beginning. It is the first and main fleet, but as we continue to grow and multiply, so too will our might and influence."

A wave of exhilaration swept through the hangar as the crew cheered, their voices echoing in unison. The significance of this moment was not lost on them.

I raised a hand, signaling for silence. "Now," I continued, "in 12 hours, we will leave this place and embark on the next phase of our journey. I expect every ship to be fully prepared for any eventuality. Ensure that the fleet is in peak condition and remember: our shipyards will continue to produce ships until we reach our target of 20 vessels."

Straightening my posture, I saluted, placing a hand over my chest. "For the Void Empire!"

The crew responded in unison, their voices booming with loyalty and determination, "For the Void Empire!"

With that, I stepped down from the platform, my heart filled with pride and anticipation. The Void Fleet was ready, and a new chapter in my journey was about to unfold.