Chapter 1664: Chapter 1111: Succession Ceremony
"So, you haven’t been back for long either?"
Duanmu Huai took a sip of black tea and looked at Dada Niel, who nodded.
"Yes, my Lord, I have now completely regained control of this planet. My elder brothers... have forgotten the glory our ancestors once had, indulging in tedious court disputes, which is precisely why this planet could not develop. So, I must reclaim everything, and then set foot on the path our ancestors once walked."
"That’s excellent. The tribunal supports human expansion at any time."
Duanmu Huai nodded, but soon, he changed his tone.
"But are there really no issues with this planet? You should know what I mean. Actually, from the tribunal’s perspective, such planets can easily breed heretics and aliens..."
"You can be assured of this."
Upon hearing Duanmu Huai’s response, Dada Niel smiled.
"Our ancestors once left ancient teachings that any Psychic is a Child of Demons and will bring disaster to our nation. So on this planet, once a Psychic is discovered, they are immediately executed. As for Alien Creatures, I have searched the entire planet and found no similar cases, the only issue being the small resisting force caused by my elder brother’s previous oppressive rule, which is hardly a threat."
Indeed, Dada Niel can now be considered to have spanned the galaxy, dealing with a world at the level of World War I. Not to mention the resistance forces, even the regular army isn’t his opponent, which is quite normal.
"Hmm, that’s good."
After this, naturally, came the ceremonial investiture.
The investiture ceremony itself was nothing special, basically no different from a king’s coronation ceremony. Just like a king would appear on stage under the gaze of countless eyes and be crowned by a religious leader to confirm royal authority, Duanmu Huai’s task was similar to that of a religious leader.
Just like now.
Standing on the gigantic platform, Duanmu Huai faced a magnificent and grand high wall behind him. At first glance, this wall seemed like an ordinary wall, but upon closer inspection, one would notice the high Gothic script that once belonged to the Human Empire engraved upon it. It was the sign of the Merchant Voyager—trade charter. Originally, this should have been signed by The Emperor, permitted by the High Lord Council, and then issued.
But now... let’s keep it simple.
Otherwise, what can be done? Could we summon the spirits on the spot?
Duanmu Huai pulled back his thoughts and looked ahead. Dada Niel was seen walking slowly toward him, adorned in elegant clothing and surrounded by his subjects below the platform. He was wearing not the king’s robe but an elegant Nobleman’s attire, similar to what Duanmu Huai initially saw him in—which Dada Niel said was the outfit worn by his ancestors during their days as Merchant Voyagers. Since he was to set foot on the same path as his ancestors, naturally he should wear the same attire.
As he approached the podium, Dada Niel appeared somewhat nervous, stretching out his hand to refuse the offer of support from his subordinates. Then, he took a deep breath, looked up at Duanmu Huai, and, step by step, climbed the stairs in silence until he was before Duanmu Huai, where he knelt on one knee.
Quite capable, indeed.
Seeing Dada Niel before him, Duanmu Huai said nothing outwardly but nodded internally. He wanted to test Dada Niel’s true nature, so when Dada Niel arrived below the platform, Duanmu Huai released a slight Fearful Aura. Although it wouldn’t directly claim Dada Niel’s life, for someone with weak willpower, it would make them buckle and kneel.
Duanmu Huai had already decided that if Dada Niel couldn’t withstand even this level of Fearful Aura, then he had no place as a Merchant Voyager and should simply return home to farm.
After all, this Garden Planet is quite large.
Thinking of this, Duanmu Huai refocused his thoughts, looking at the man kneeling before him, he began to speak.
"In the name of the tribunal, I—Grand Judge Duanmu Huai of the Tribunal—hereby appoint Dardaniel Felix, based on the true content of this document, as the holder of this trade charter, and confer upon this person the grand mission of human resurgence..."
While speaking, Duanmu Huai took out a parchment scroll stamped with the seals of the tribunal and the Eagle Seal.
"I hope you can inherit the legacy, become a paragon among humans, and stay resilient in adversity, forging a path through darkness. Unite and reclaim lost glory. Banish endless demons, seize the reins of destiny, and pave the path through thorns. After enduring hardship, accomplish greatness."
At this point, Duanmu Huai extended his hand.
"In the name of humanity."
"In the name of humanity."
Though Dada Niel remained composed, a hint of excitement did emerge in his voice, after all, this marked the beginning of his dream’s realization.
At this moment, he was truly a Merchant Voyager!
Dada Niel took the charter from Duanmu Huai’s hands, then turned to face his subjects below the platform, raising it high as cheers surged to the heavens.
"I truly owe it to your assistance, Great Judge."
After the ceremony concluded, Dada Niel returned to his original Merchant Voyager manner before Duanmu Huai, cheerfully expressing his gratitude to him.
"No need to be polite. As I said, it is the tribunal’s duty. I hope you walk the right path. After all, the work of a Merchant Voyager is not easy."
"Certainly, I am aware of this. So, if in the future, there is anything I need from the tribunal... please continue to assist me..."
At this moment, Dada Niel completely resembled not the ruler of one planet or even several, but rather an enthusiastic shopkeeper.
The girls had little to say about his reaction, remaining silent.
"What do you plan to do next?"
"My elder brother’s previous oppressive rule on this planet made life unbearable for the people, so I plan to first let the populace experience the abilities of a Merchant Voyager. I have integrated resources from numerous worlds and intend to conduct a comprehensive upgrade of this planet, allowing these primitive people living in backward societies to appreciate the advancement and convenience of technological civilization. By then, I believe the people on this planet will understand and support my ideas... After all, they currently don’t even know what a Merchant Voyager is."
"Then work hard."
Upon hearing this, Duanmu Huai chuckled. He disliked land management for this reason. Just take a look at Dada Niel. Governing a planet isn’t that easy; for Dada Niel, this is somewhat akin to working abroad to become prosperous before returning home with wealth, planning to build roads, factories, schools, and more to uplift his old impoverished hometown... To be honest, such things tire Duanmu Huai even at the thought, let alone actually doing them.
He still preferred the tribunal’s work, which only required enforcement without considering anything else.
"Your Majesty!"
While the two were chatting, suddenly, the tightly closed door was pushed open, and a guard ran in.
"Your Majesty! Urgent military news...!"
"What happened?! Why are you so flustered!"
Upon seeing the Guard, Dardaniel’s expression immediately became serious as he stared at him and asked coldly.
"There’s an urgent military report!"
"Urgent military news?"
Hearing the Guard’s words, Dardaniel frowned and intended to leave. However, at this moment, Duanmu Huai raised a hand to stop him.
"Wait, I’d like to hear what’s happening on this planet."
"This... alright."
Seeing the expression on Duanmu Huai’s face that seemed to say, "Share your troubles and let everyone be happy," Dardaniel was speechless for a moment, but knowing Duanmu Huai’s personality, he didn’t say much and just glared at the Guard.
"Speak quickly!"
"Well... just now, news came from the front line that the First Legion responsible for suppressing the rebellion suffered heavy losses and has already retreated to the Royal City!"
"What?"
Upon hearing this, Dardaniel’s eyebrows arched.
"How is that possible? The First Legion is my Guard Squad!"
"But, but the intelligence we received says just that. It’s said the rebels used some peculiar and strange trick to lure the First Legion into the Silent Forest, then a large group of Demon Beasts suddenly appeared, annihilating nearly half of the caught-off-guard First Legion..."
"The First Legion is?"
Duanmu Huai looked at Dardaniel, whose expression turned serious as he gazed at Duanmu Huai.
"The First Legion is my Battleship Guard, equipped with regular interstellar armament, logically speaking, a mere rebel force shouldn’t be able to match them!"
"That’s quite interesting."
Hearing Dardaniel’s explanation, Duanmu Huai smiled slightly. Although in many movies, there’s a plot where high civilization aliens attack Earth, despite their advanced technology, they are ultimately defeated by Earthlings, that storyline is purely for narrative convenience, not standing up to scrutiny.
Take the World War where Martians attacked; the ones defeating the Martians weren’t Earth’s weapons, but Earth’s viruses. Yet, how on earth could Martians already capable of interstellar travel not understand how to prevent viral infection! What kind of nonsensical tech tree is this? Is it even possible?
Technological disparity is crushing; realistically, Earthlings wouldn’t stand a chance against aliens.
Like when Europe went for colonies, did either the Native Americans or tribes ever defeat the steam-powered Westerners?
Winning is out of the question; even drawing a match wasn’t possible. You’re still using warhorses, while they’ve already got machine guns; how could you ever win? If such a minor tech disparity still results in such a rout, then in interstellar travels, aliens obliterating a civilization stuck on its own planet without any doubt.
Even though Dardaniel’s Battleship Guard was not as strong as Astarte or the Star Realm Army, could they still fumble against an army of World War standards? It’s like expecting Astarte to arm wrestle a three-year-old and end up losing.
Is that possible? Unless that kid is an Evil God’s Kin... eh?
Could it really be?
"Looks like this planet truly is a hidden dragon and crouching tiger."
A planet’s civilization with just World War standards defeating an interstellar regular army?
This is... really quite interesting.
Thinking of this, Duanmu Huai stood up.
"I want to take a look at them."
"Of course, no problem, please follow me... Where is the First Legion now?"
"In the camp, sir!"
When Duanmu Huai and others arrived at the camp, it was already a mess, with soldiers covered in injuries, moral low, and the groans of the wounded, making it a less than pleasant scene. Seeing this, Dardaniel’s face turned even paler, the elation at his investiture ceremony now nowhere to be found.
"Get Sam to see me immediately!"
Shortly thereafter, a tall and burly man dressed in Star Warrior gear appeared in front of Duanmu Huai and Dardaniel, the latter also covered in wounds, looking quite battered.
"What exactly happened?"
Looking at his subordinate in this state, Dardaniel couldn’t even summon anger, instead filled with puzzlement.
"The opponents are only of a lowly civilization, how could you be beaten like this?"
"Sir, these guys are not ordinary rebels!"
In response to Dardaniel’s inquiry, Sam quickly replied.
"They can wield Magic!"
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Duanmu Huai became intrigued.
This... is really interesting now.