Chapter 16: orbital bombardment

After discovering that an unknown entity capable of controlling minds existed on the planet designated as "Dead Silence," Li Mingze made a decisive choice—abandon the planet.

Although the planet had potential for terraformation, he wasn't willing to take the risk, especially when it could cost the lives of his Empire's citizens. The shadow in the final frames of the recovered video filled him with unease, reinforcing his decision.

Once the Orbital Drop Troopers swiftly rescued the remaining untainted survivors, Li Mingze issued the order: orbital bombardment

But rather than having an imperial officer execute the command, he had a more calculated plan—Monica would do it herself. If she pressed the button, her people would have no lingering resentment toward the Empire. They would have no choice but to rely on him.

"Monica, you've seen the video. You understand… what remains on that planet are no longer your people." Li Mingze placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"But… but they…" Monica hesitated, her voice trembling. It was difficult—she was about to condemn tens of thousands of her own kind to oblivion.

"They've been turned into monsters! That planet is lost. You know the danger they pose. We must eliminate this threat before it spreads!" Li Mingze's voice hardened.

Monica clenched her teeth and slammed her head against the cold metal wall several times before finally making her decision. If the planet had to be purified… she would be the one to do it.

She stepped toward the control panel, her fingers trembling as they hovered over the button.

Above Dead Silence, twenty light cruisers and thirty bombardment craft floated silently in formation, awaiting orders.

The moment Monica pressed the button, confirmations rang through the comms:

"Corvette A001—received orbital bombardment confirmation. Commencing in five seconds."

"Corvette A002—received orbital bombardment confirmation. Commencing in five seconds."

"Corvette A020—"

One by one, the ships' lower hatches opened. Twenty thousand high-yield fusion bunker-buster warheads descended like a storm, their fiery tails streaking across the void.

Inside the command bridge…

"Commander, all targeted volcanoes and seismic fault lines will be impacted within thirty seconds. Estimated results: activation of 99.98% of planetary volcanoes, a global magnitude-12 earthquake, and a 230-meter-high tsunami. Fusion detonation shockwaves will envelop the planet within fifty minutes. In thirty-two hours, the surface will be buried in molten rock, and the oceans will boil away."

"Projected biological eradication rate: 99.9997%."

Li Mingze nodded. Beside him, Monica shed silent tears. Her homeworld was dying at her hands. The traces of her civilization were vanishing into flames. From this day forth, her people had no choice but to belong to the Empire.

Thirty seconds later, a brilliant chain of explosions illuminated the planet from orbit. Gigantic shockwaves rippled across its surface, tearing open colossal fissures, each spewing molten fire. Landmasses shattered, magma surged, and walls of water swallowed entire continents.

A vision of armageddon.

The bridge fell into a heavy silence. Even seasoned officers had trouble comprehending the sheer finality of what they had just done.

Then—

A deep, deafening roar echoed through everyone's minds.

A surge of unfiltered rage and hatred.

On the dying planet below, a massive tendril—thicker than a skyscraper—thrashed violently before being swallowed by lava.

Li Mingze's blood ran cold.

Something on that planet had just sent a mental broadcast to the ships in orbit.

A creature powerful enough to reach their minds from the surface?!

Thank god they had burned the world before it could mature.

Breaking the silence, Li Mingze's voice rang through the bridge:

"Once the surface cools, deploy drones en masse. I want complete confirmation that nothing survives. We've exhausted two years' worth of nuclear stockpiles—we won't get another chance. Any anomalies? Destroy them on sight. No reports, just elimination."

Without another word, he turned and left the bridge, stepping into his cryo-chamber.

Empire's Capital, Qingzhuan Palace

Li Mingze removed his consciousness transfer helmet and climbed out of the immersion pod. Despite his composure in battle, the memory of that human farm turned his stomach.

It hadn't felt so bad in the substitute body. But back in his real one, the horror hit in full.

Ten Days Later

"Your Majesty, as per your orders, the Dead Silence system has been classified as a 3A Death Zone. No unauthorized entry permitted. Automated sentry stations are being established on the planet."

"Furthermore, our scientists have fully decrypted the Sleep Learning Device. Mass production has begun, with an improved model set to deploy in seven days across the Sithian colonies. In one month, it will reach the entire Empire."

"This new version allows citizens to enter an accelerated learning space while sleeping—doubling subjective time. Learning efficiency has increased by 500%. Soon, the Empire will see an unprecedented surge in scientific talent!"

For the first time since the Dead Silence incident, Li Mingze allowed himself a smile. The Sleep Learning Device wasn't just a technological breakthrough—it was a paradigm shift.

It meant that by the time a citizen reached sixteen years old, they could have completed their education from elementary school to doctorate level.

At sixteen, they could become fully independent citizens.

This would accelerate colonization beyond imagination.

It would also revolutionize the military.

Training new soldiers had once taken years. Now, they could be combat-ready in months.

The Empire's power was about to explode.