The soft hum of data screens filled the quiet of the Imperial Palace office. Sebas Lioncrest sat behind his black-and-gold desk, the faint gleam of his Eternal Gauntlets catching light as he tapped a pen rhythmically against a stack of reports. Around him, shelves of carefully ordered records towered, a testament to his workaholic nature.
Another report blinked into existence on his datapad this one marked with the sealed crest of the Abyss Prison Overseer. Sebas opened it with practiced ease.
The information scrolled before him is detailed surveys of the surrounding civilizations. They knew these civilizations existed, of course, but their names, structures, and inner workings had remained frustratingly opaque. The Overseers had managed to pierce that veil.
His eyes narrowed slightly.Vampires.
Unlike the dwarves, elves, or giants all of whom were organized into proper empires the vampires were scattered, disunited, and ravenous. They resembled a hive that had gone feral, consumed by hunger and instinct. Sebas recalled how humans in past wars had used proxy races, throwing lesser civilizations into the fire to exhaust stronger foes. That tactic had failed against the Golden Lion Empire. Where others expected fatigue, his people had grown stronger. But the principle had merit. A vassal front line could be useful.
He leaned back in his chair, considering. The vampires lacked anti–space-jump defenses in most of their galaxy. Only a handful of main planets were shielded. That left them vulnerable. If controlled properly, they could be turned into pawns aggressive, expendable, and pointed toward enemy civilizations.
Sebas smiled faintly. More work, yes, but work he relished.
A knock broke his thoughts.
"Enter," Sebas said.
The door opened, and Auro Purir stepped in with quiet grace. Clad in his Nano Armor Stealth Suit, the young butler carried himself with the calm precision of a man who treated every task from weaving silk to facing an enemy absolute with the same disciplined seriousness. Behind him, his wife Linie waited in the corridor, ever silent, her presence a steady shadow.
"You called for me, Master Sebas?" Auro asked.
Sebas gestured to the datapad. "Information from Abyss Prison. The vampire civilization is scattered. I intend to use them. A tool can be sharpened even if it's made of flawed iron."
Auro glanced through the lines, eyes thoughtful. "Their disunity is opportunity. If Linie and I infiltrate their main planets, we can seize the strings directly. Puppets can dance if given proper wires." His voice was calm, but there was a quiet edge of certainty there the tone of a craftsman discussing his work.
Sebas tapped his pen again, pleased. "A good suggestion. Go, then. You and Linie together. I trust your threads more than most armies."
Auro bowed. "We will not fail."
----
Later that day, Sebas stood before Empress Selene Lionheart.
The chamber radiated quiet authority shelves of strategic records, maps of galaxies suspended in holographic light, and the Empress herself in her flowing Eternal Cosmic Dress. Her presence was calm, warm, and regal, tempered by the wisdom of one who had overseen countless campaigns.
Sebas bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, Auro Purir and Linie Purir will infiltrate the vampire main planets. Their Absolute abilities are suited to such work. Yet I would suggest additional protection."
Selene rested her chin lightly upon one hand, her golden crown shimmering in the ambient light. "Wise," she murmured. "The Purirs are skilled, but vampires are not without danger. Even scattered hives can swarm when provoked."
She reviewed the roster of Overseers in her mind. Guamo Azui was capable, but limited best at restraining, not eliminating threats. Luis Willford, the Time Sword, carried great precision but was more suited to duels of endurance. Then there was Yuri Ardentis.
The Empress's lips curved in a faint smile. "Yuri. He is professional, disciplined, and perfectly suited for stealth. His Absolute, Spatial Shadow, complements the Purirs' methods. He will be their shadow's shadow."
Sebas inclined his head. "I agree. With Yuri at their side, their success is assured. Thank you, Your Majesty."
Selene lifted a cup of tea, her eyes warm despite her reserved tone. "Then it is settled. Auro, Linie, and Yuri will depart on a stealth mission. One Overseer is sufficient. More would only risk breaking subtlety."
----
In the Overseer quarters of the Abyss Prison, Yuri Ardentis sat at a simple table, cleaning the matte-black frame of his Dark Magnum Pistol. Every movement was precise, efficient, repeated so many times it seemed ritualistic. His Absolute power Spatial Shadow coiled around him like unseen mist, silent and obedient.
When the summons came, he merely nodded.
A mission. Vampires. With the Purirs.
He slid the pistol into its holster, rose, and adjusted the black and silver of his Warden uniform. His Oni Mask hung at his side, ready to be donned when needed. No speeches were required, no hesitation felt. This was work, and he treated it with the same calm as Sebas signing a document.
The triangular stealth scoutship gleamed in the palace hangar, its black hull absorbing light rather than reflecting it. Sleek and angular, it resembled a blade meant to pierce the stars. Designed for infiltration, the craft carried only thirty seats, though for this mission fewer were needed.
Two Imperial Marines stood at attention near the boarding ramp. Both were Divine-level, their duty to pilot and remain until extraction. For them, as for all, this was routine.
Auro and Linie arrived together, dressed in their respective stealth suits. Auro carried his storage of Eternal Puppets, his expression calm as always. Linie's cold professionalism balanced his warmth, a silent blade beside his careful hand.
Yuri joined them, pistol holstered, movements economical.
"Mission parameters clear," he said simply.
"Clear," Auro replied.
Linie nodded once.
They boarded without ceremony. The Marines sealed the hatch, and the hum of engines deepened. Within minutes, the scoutship lifted, sliding into the void beyond the palace shields.
Sebas watched their departure from a balcony above. The vessel cut across the horizon like a dark star, vanishing into hyperspace. It could leap from solar system to solar system in mere hours. By the next day, it would stand within vampire territory.
----
Sebas returned to his desk. The pile of reports had not diminished, and another wave of work awaited his signature. Yet his mood was not heavy. More problems meant more solutions, more chances to strengthen the Empire.
He poured himself a cup of coffee, savoring the bitter taste, and resumed his work.
Across the palace, Empress Selene gazed at the galactic maps once more. Her decision had been made. The Purirs and Yuri would succeed; she felt no doubt. To the Golden Lion Empire, even such missions were but one more task in the endless rhythm of immortality.
The Empire did not tire. It only grew stronger.