Leon refused.
His head was too small; it was already a struggle to fit all the data. The occasional bout of love and affection nearly overloaded it, leaving no room for anything else.
He had refused Screwllum, so this was unnecessary too.
Galaxy Rangers never acted for rewards; they always did as they pleased.
Having a few more tricks up her sleeve would make it easier for her to cosplay her favorites, unlike a true powerhouse like him, who was full of surprises at every turn.
Chadwick said no more.
But seeing as Herta closed her eyes, he had complied.
A few seconds later, Herta opened her eyes.
"How infuriating... Just an ordinary person with a lifespan of a few decades, yet he was able to achieve something so astounding."
There was a hint of jealousy in Herta's tone.
[Although I have defended my ground in my lifetime, with the resources the IPC commands, they will one day find the technology and methods to replicate the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse."]
"[The die is cast. From the moment the 'Imaginary Collapse Pulse' came into existence, every corner of the universe was destined to be vigilant against the threat it posed. I am powerless to turn back time, but there is at least one thing I can still do—]"
"[—to entrust the knowledge and technology I possess to someone worthy, laying the foundation for a 'deterrence system' sufficient to check the IPC's power.]"
Chadwick's last words echoed in the ears of the three who saw him off.
{[My life has reached its end. But from this moment on, I wish to become a sharp sword, forever hanging over the heads of hegemony and tyranny.]}
Unexpectedly, only Leon could hear this final sentence.
He had given all his knowledge to Herta, but he entrusted his vision to Leon alone.
Chadwick believed with absolute certainty.
That even if he himself could not achieve it, when it came to fighting hegemony and tyranny, the Galaxy Ranger before him was that very sword hanging over their heads.
sword.
"I can't believe he actually handed over his life's work to me... Did he not know that this space station has a cooperative relationship with the IPC?"
Herta was quite surprised.
"But his final wish... I suppose I must respect it."
"Then I'll just have to find a way around the IPC's spies. I swear on the name of 'Genius,' I will accomplish this for Dr. Calderon Chadwick."
Herta muttered to herself.
While she was still plotting her secret rebellion, Leon had already taken a step forward, preparing to strike with a heavy fist.
"Where are you going?"
Herta noticed his movement.
Powerless to turn back time?
Powerless? How? Isn't the solution right in front of me?
Why be vigilant against its threat, when I can just erase the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse" from existence entirely?
It's simple.
"Are you serious? That's the IPC headquarters, the place where the Amber Lord builds his wall."
Upon hearing this, Herta immediately tried to dissuade him.
"I'm serious. Turning against the IPC is one thing, but now is not the time for a fight to the death."
You should at least build up your strength first.
The Interastral Peace Corporation is one of the oldest factions in the universe. The fact that it has survived to this day and continues to grow shows how deep its foundations are.
Herta didn't think he was going there to die, but she didn't think he could win, either.
The Xianzhou Alliance is currently cooperating with the IPC. Without some true, deep-seated hatred, it would be difficult for anyone within the Alliance to support him in turning against the IPC.
"I want to do it. That's reason enough. I don't need anything else, and no obstacle can stand against that reason."
Leon saw what she was thinking and told her not to involve the Xianzhou Alliance.
"Just because others can't do it doesn't mean I can't."
"Don't be afraid of difficulties. The numbers will see you through the siege."
"I will create my own ending. Until then, no one can make an accurate judgment."
Leon was a man of his word. If he wanted to do something, he would definitely do it.
Don't say it can't be done.
I know it's hard, but this is an order.
There's nothing that can't be done. If it's him, he can do it.
"Chadwick asked you to be vigilant in the future, not to charge in headfirst like some reckless brute!"
Herta still didn't want him to go.
If he went and she didn't, wouldn't that make her seem immoral?
"So what?"
Leon didn't care at all. He was ready to fight for The Hunt, exuding the spontaneous aura of a powerhouse.
"If you are going, Mr. Leon, I can accompany you."
Screwllum mused for a moment before speaking.
This Ranger was a man of passion.
Regarding the Chadwick incident, Screwllum owed him a favor. Although Leon hadn't accepted it, in his heart, he would abide by his philosophy.
He would advance and retreat with him, no matter the circumstances.
With his identity as an Arbiter-General, Leon's impressive combat record, and the backing of a Genius Society member who was the only one in the world with a chance of solving the Anti-Organic Equation... if he was only going after the people involved with the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse" back then, and not taking on the entire IPC headquarters... then considering their statuses, even if things got a little loud, the situation probably wouldn't escalate to a point where it couldn't be peacefully resolved.
The IPC was quite willing to give face to the Genius Society and the Xianzhou Alliance. Perhaps after learning of Leon's intentions, they would proactively find some unlucky scapegoats to take the fall in exchange for settling the matter.
"I know that using influence to crush people would make me no different from them. Let's just compare pure data. Whoever has the greater source is in the right. It's that simple."
Too lazy to listen to reason.
In a world where a bunch of madmen are beating each other up, hoping for mutual understanding is impossible. Since that's the case, might as well fast-forward to a 1v1 duel to the death.
You say everyone has their difficulties, that their actions were forced.
You're right, but whoever has the higher stats is who's really right!
All units, attack! I'll bite you to death!
"Truly a pure 'Pathstrider.' Is this why 'Lan' thinks so highly of him?"
Herta watched his retreating back and murmured.
How could one describe this spirited air about him, this conviction that he would never lose to anyone?
"Seeing the youth draw his bow full, fearing neither time nor tempest?"
Herta watched him walk further and further away, having lost the will to dissuade him.
Like Screwllum, she wanted to be part of the backing that would allow him to challenge the IPC. Two Geniuses, the Xianzhou Alliance... they could definitely guarantee his safety.
But he clearly didn't want to drag anyone into this with him. He intended to take on the whole world by himself.
But the IPC was not such an easy opponent.
Not only do they have Emanators, but they also have many galaxy-class weapons.
If he goes to Qlipoth Fort to cause trouble alone, it means that whether the IPC captures or kills him, it would be considered self-defense.
In terms of public opinion and diplomacy, the Xianzhou Alliance would inherently be at a disadvantage and in the wrong.
If Leon didn't contact them now to plan something big, even if the Alliance wanted to help him later, they probably couldn't do much.
Because the IPC would have the moral high ground. Their superficial work regarding matters of the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse" was perfectly done, putting them in an invincible position from the start.
If he succeeds in causing trouble while using his Ranger persona, the IPC would surely have to swallow their pride and accept it.
If he fails and is captured by the IPC, they might use it as a pretext to make a move against the Xianzhou Alliance.
Why did Chadwick tell them to prepare for the future?
Because he knew the IPC currently has no obvious weaknesses to exploit.
Only when the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse" reappears at the hands of the IPC, using the original creator's last will, would they have a legitimate reason to act.
"'Lan' probably won't sit by and do nothing..."
Herta looked at the Phantylia that left with him, recalling the scene from the Simulated Universe.
Two Emanators, plus the precedent of Leon summoning the Aeon of The Hunt... if nothing unexpected happens, a safe retreat should be no problem.
She probably didn't need to worry too much.
"Oh, right. There's one more thing."
As Leon was walking away, he suddenly realized he was missing something crucial.
"What is it?" Herta responded, confused.
"Remember to send the IPC's location to my Jade Abacus. I don't know the way. Thanks."
Leon's words completely shattered the cool atmosphere he had so carefully crafted.
AN
Within the cloud-piercing IPC headquarters, an emergency meeting was being held.
Before a long table, the seven department heads took their seats in order.
"A message came from The Family. The cooperation regarding Chadwick has been terminated."
So said a pot-bellied, amiable-looking middle-aged man.
Taravan, head of the Material Logistics Department, one of the few Emanators of The Preservation within the Interastral Peace Corporation known to the outside world.
"Oh? Terminated? Why so suddenly? Weren't the talks going well before?"
The head of the Traditional Project Department spoke in confusion.
"Good that it's terminated. It's about time we collected on Penacony's bad debt anyway."
Oswaldo, head of the Market Development Department, whose family register was down to a single page, spoke coldly.
"You all seem to have missed the point. If it were merely a termination of cooperation, it wouldn't warrant mobilizing and gathering all seven department heads for a discussion."
The head of the Strategic Investment Department, who was also an Emanator of The Preservation, Diamond, said as much.
"Let me guess. The Eighth Arbiter-General has shown up in Penacony, hasn't he?"
Diamond guessed the gender in a second.
In truth, one could arrive at that answer with a little thought.
Question: Who would dare to provoke both The Family and the IPC at the same time, and scare The Family into hastily severing ties?
Answer: An Emanator, at the very least. Not just any Emanator, but one who is both incredibly powerful and extremely independent.
In Diamond's mind, only one such being existed.
"Correct."
Taravan nodded. "This Arbiter-General went to Penacony for some unknown reason and happened to run into Chadwick."
"All of you here know what identity this Arbiter-General operates under externally. I imagine I don't need to elaborate on what will happen next."
Taravan had all but spelled it out.
"Seriously? The IPC and the Xianzhou Alliance are partners. He's going to personally destroy that relationship and pick a fight with the IPC over a dead man?"
The head of the Talent Incentive Department said, in a tone that suggested he thought the man was insane.
"He is a Galaxy Ranger."
Taravan corrected him, implying it was best not to bring up the Xianzhou Alliance.
Leon acting under the identity of a Ranger was actually beneficial for both sides.
He avoids implicating the Xianzhou Alliance, and the IPC can also avoid getting the Xianzhou Alliance involved.
But we cannot turn against the Xianzhou Alliance.
Originally, if Leon came alone, no matter what he did, the IPC would hold the moral high ground, and the Xianzhou Alliance couldn't find fault.
But turning against him would be tantamount to pushing the fiercely protective Xianzhou Alliance into opposition, which would escalate the severity of the situation by an order of magnitude.
"Is there no possibility of cooperation or negotiation?"
The head of the Talent Incentive Department felt there must be some mutual interest between the two parties.
"None whatsoever." Taravan shut him down.
"So, what does this Arbiter-General intend to do?" Diamond asked.
If it's a small matter, the IPC could take a step back and make some sacrifices, as long as it's settled before it blows up.
Taravan spoke word by word, "Chadwick, the starting point of all this, happened to have been treated unjustly in the past."
"One can imagine why this Ranger has come."
As Taravan spoke, he shifted his gaze to the head of the Technology Development Department.
"The 'Imaginary Collapse Pulse'?"
The head of R&D knew what he meant.
After all, the IPC had specifically kept Chadwick's consciousness for this very purpose, and that project had indeed oppressed many people back in the day.
"A blood debt must be paid in blood. That is the consistent creed of the Galaxy Rangers."
Taravan said meaningfully.
"The participants of the 'Imaginary Collapse Pulse' project from back then are almost all dead now."
The head of R&D understood immediately.
"But I understand. I'll go arrange for some executioners from among the prisoners."
Taravan's meaning was clear: someone had to step up and take responsibility for this, or this Arbiter-General would likely not let it go.
It doesn't matter that the people from back then are long dead.
Whether they participated in the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse" project is irrelevant, because it's not up to them to decide—it's up to the IPC.
The IPC needs a scapegoat to close this case. So even if you're innocent, if the IPC says you're guilty, you're guilty.
Diamond asked in a rather playful tone.
"A debt dies with the debtor. Isn't that common knowledge?"
Taravan still wore a cheerful smile.
The IPC's stance was now clear.
Look, you don't even have to lift a finger. We've executed everyone connected to Chadwick, and the official criticism of the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse" was issued back then as well.
He believed this Arbiter-General was not an unreasonable person. Making a true enemy of the IPC would be a reckless and foolish act.
They had already given Chadwick an explanation. What more could he want?
The principle of "not hitting a smiling face" is something everyone should understand.
Diamond wanted to remind him that it wouldn't be that simple, but before he could finish his sentence, his expression suddenly changed.
It was the same for the other six heads. All of them simultaneously felt an immense pressure, their expressions suddenly turning grim.
"It seems our guest has arrived."
As an Emanator, Taravan naturally understood who had brought this upon them.
Without a doubt, the Eighth Arbiter-General was here.
_____
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