Lord of the Truth

Chapter 1943 Report to the Supreme Council

After several days had passed somewhere within the mid Sector 250-

Inside a colossal hall shrouded in subdued, dim lighting, there stood a towering and solemn stage shaped like a vast semicircle. The structure itself radiated an ancient authority. Above that elevated stage, numerous heads could be seen- figures seated at perfectly equal intervals, unmoving, as though carved from stone.

Although none of their facial features were visible, the clear differences in the size of their bodies, along with the uniquely shaped shadows cast by each of their heads, made one thing undeniable: they did not belong to a single race. ”Is everyone prepared?” ”I still donʼt understand why this meeting was convened over nothing more than ONE Academy leader.” ”She is not just any Academy leader... haaah~” yawn He waved lazily, clearly uninterested. ”Let her speak. Whatever she has to say.” ”Just let her appear already. Letʼs finish this quickly and move on to matters that actually deserve our attention.”

After a brief exchange of words among the thirteen individuals occupying the highest tier of the stage-an exchange heavy with obvious irritation and boredom-the person seated at the very center finally raised a finger. He pointed calmly toward the lowered central area of the platform below. ”Very well then,” he said, and something shot forth from his fingertip like a fired bullet.

Zwooo-

The central area of the platform shimmered softly, glowing as if countless grains of stardust were drifting and scattering through the air. The light intensified, and then something began to take shape...

The stardust gathered in an enchanting, almost hypnotic manner, first forming two delicate feet. From there, it continued upward, slowly sculpting legs, a torso, arms, and finally a complete body. What emerged was a breathtakingly beautiful woman holding a small sword. Her large, expressive eyes gave her an appearance reminiscent of a gentle, somewhat cute owl.

The woman immediately raised her hand in a crisp military salute. ”I offer my respects to the esteemed Supreme Council of the Stellar Academies, and I thank you for accepting my request for this long-distance meeting.” ”What is it now, Althera?” one member of the Supreme Council of the Stellar Academies spoke with evident boredom. ”It hasnʼt even been a few years since your last request for a meeting.”

Ever since the Cosmic Elder crisis -when the Stellar Academies ceased performing their duties, the plague spread across the stars, and the Behemoths began to run rampant- Althera had requested meetings time and time again. Each time, her request was approved. Each time, she voiced her grievances. And each time, once she finished speaking, the council would merely state that they would ”look into the matter” before severing the connection.

Today would likely end no differently.

Faced with that dismissive tone, Althera slowly lifted her head and let her gaze sweep across each member of the council, one by one. ”I have met the Cosmic Elder” ”What?!”

In an instant, every trace of boredom and irritation vanished, replaced entirely by shock. Some of them rose abruptly from their seats, while others leaned far forward, as if on the verge of leaping down from the stage. ”When did this happen, and how?” ”Why would he respond to you while ignoring us?” ”The Supreme Councilʼs last attempt to contact the Cosmic Elder was only hours ago and it was rejected!” ”All of these questions are irrelevant at this moment, with all due respect,” Althera said calmly as she shook her head. ”What truly matters is what occurred during that meeting.”

She then refocused her gaze on the figure seated at the center. ”He said he felt anger when the Stellar Academies abandoned their duties the moment rumors of his death began to spread. He also felt deep frustration, because he personally heard the common folk insulting him openly in the streets.”

She continued without hesitation, her tone firm. ”And I believe both of these issues fall squarely upon the Supreme Council of the Stellar Academies. You failed to compel the academies to continue fulfilling their responsibilities, and you failed to properly educate the masses. The common people knew nothing about the Cosmic Elder before-then suddenly, they were fed filthy rumors, as if he had abandoned the world to burn while he went off to mate elsewhere. Naturally, they spoke ill of him, because they were given nothing else to believe!” ”Enough of that for now,” the person at the center said, waving his hand dismissively. ”Is he... well?” ”Yes.” Althera nodded firmly, without the slightest hesitation. ”The Cosmic Elder has discovered a method to reclaim a portion of his former power and has successfully avoided the crisis of approaching death. His current state is no weaker than the strength he displayed during his battle against the Ancestor of the Space Beasts.” ”That sounds exaggerated.” ”Althera,” another voice spoke coldly, ”are you aware of the punishment for lying before us?” ”Why would I lie? And if I were to lie, would I speak on behalf of the Cosmic Elder of all people?!” Althera waved her hand sharply, her voice firm and unyielding. ”He is truly fine-alive, aware, and far from broken!” ”Then why hasnʼt he appeared? If he truly lives, why remain hidden?” ”Is it possible that he really intends to let the universe burn simply because he tasted the pleasure of mating, as the rumors claim?” ”Silence!” Althera pointed fiercely at the Supreme Council member who uttered those words, her killing intent barely restrained. ”Say one more word against the Cosmic Elder, and I will come for you personally, councilor-or do you think your seat will protect you?” ”...!!” ”Althera!” The person seated at the center of the stage finally spoke, his voice carrying unquestionable authority. At once, the entire hall fell silent. ”What did the Cosmic Elder say about the current situation? Enough theatrics. Give us the conclusion.” ”...He said that the system he created turned out to be fragile,” Althera replied slowly, each word heavy, ”and that it is no longer worthy of his support.” She lowered her gaze to the floor, anger and shame simmering within her, fully aware that she herself was part of the very system that had angered the

Cosmic Elder. ”...?!” ”Did he truly decide to abandon us?” ”What difference is there between this and him actually dying?” ”That is, assuming sheʼs telling the truth.” ”Then what are we supposed to do now? How are we meant to face the

Anti-Life forces? How are we supposed to confront the Syndicate with our current strength?” ”...” Althera clenched her teeth tightly, the tension visible in her jaw. Not a single one of them commented on the systemʼs fragility, nor on the Cosmic Elderʼs fury toward them. ”A... parallel entity managed to convince him to intervene and protect the universe. And out of generosity, the Cosmic Elder pledged that he would appear quietly to eliminate mature Space Beasts whenever they emerge, and that he would intervene openly only in cases involving the formation of massive organizations such as the Abyss of Doom. Aside from these exceptions, he stated clearly that we must take care of ourselves.” ”A parallel entity?” ”Who was it? The one who leads the Syndicate? Or was it Athena?” ”So you attended a meeting between them, yet he did not meet you personally.

That explains my question of why he agreed to to see you of all people, you just happened to be there.” ”Phew~ At least the threat posed by mature Space Beasts has been lifted, for now...” ”Thatʼs only if sheʼs telling the truth!!”

Althera let out a quiet sigh, yet a faint, almost ironic smile found its way to her lips as she recalled how she had used such a title to describe Robin-a child who had not yet reached his first millennium, yet had rendered a service to the entire universe that those old men had not managed to accomplish even a quarter of. ”I have delivered the message,” she said calmly. ”That matter is concluded. You may now act as you see fit.”

She then continued, her tone sharpening, ”Now we move on to my personal issue. Two Stellar Academies within my sector have ceased operations entirely, and the full burden of maintaining order has fallen on my shoulders alone. Even my own profits have declined to the point where I now require fifteen times my usual income simply to protect the sector. I have previously asked you-three separate times-to either find a concrete solution or supply me with Pearls from the reserves we accumulate annually for times of need. If this does not qualify as a time of need, then tell me what does? Where are those accumulated Pearls and resources? And why has not a single one of them reached me yet?” ”We will inform you should anything new arise.” One of the council members waved his hand dismissively-whoosh-stardust scattered through the air, and the connection was severed without ceremony.

Mid Sector 99 Dawnlight Academy ”...” Althera opened her eyes and fell into silence for several long moments. Her nose and lips trembled uncontrollably with suppressed rage for a few seconds, before she finally screamed, her voice echoing through the hall, ”Damn it!!!”