"Report the decryption progress of the intercepted interstellar encrypted communications."
"Sergeant Major, based on the interstellar communication data streams intercepted and monitored by Miss Cortana and the shipboard analytical AIs... analysis indicates that within this unknown sector we have reached, three major cosmic empires currently exhibit the highest frequency and mention rate."
"The Kree Empire, originating from the Large Magellanic Cloud. The Skrull Empire, whose sphere of influence spans the Andromeda Galaxy. And the Shi'ar Empire, entrenched within the Shi'ar galaxy and continuing its expansion."
"Wait... the decryption efficiency is that fast?"
As he listened to the report, John nodded from time to time. But the more he heard, the more something felt off. The Empire's AI servitor technology had advanced rapidly—but this detailed and precise so quickly?
He lifted his head. Blue light shimmered from his visor as he looked toward the graceful, faintly glowing data spirit at his side.
"This?" Cortana shrugged lightly. "Using the shipboard language databases for parsing, we discovered that besides a certain form of universal common tongue, a large number of alien slang terms appear in the interstellar communications. And—interestingly—we even found traces of English and Latin language roots among them."
She tilted her head.
"For some reason—maybe related to the 'Transfer Event'—our naval technicians seem to possess an almost instinctive familiarity with those otherwise completely alien languages."
"Besides, we're not intercepting classified cipher texts or military private codes. These are open communications. I only needed a general understanding of the interstellar situation. The decryption difficulty wasn't high."
"And once we started piecing things together by inference... the process accelerated. Hah... I'm almost jealous. I wonder if I've evolved too."
Resting her chin in her hand, the blue data-formed beauty blinked her luminous, vividly expressive eyes at the Sergeant Major with a teasing hint of allure.
"Unknown passive evolution is not something worth envying," the Sergeant Major replied bluntly.
"You're so boring! Sometimes I really wonder—between the two of us, who's more human? Who's more machine?"
Ignoring the cyber-spirit's complaint, John murmured to himself.
"...Even cognition is evolving? No—rather than evolution, it feels more like assimilation. This universe is accommodating us. Assimilating us. The Sea of Lost Memory we crossed must indeed be extraordinary."
As he recorded various changes and hypotheses brought about by the Transfer Event in his private log, he signaled the analysts to continue.
"Xandar—known as the most inclusive planet in the Milky Way. Guarded by the powerful Nova Corps, specialists in defensive warfare. They have repelled multiple invasions by the Kree Empire. The diplomatic exchanges between the Kree and Xandarians appear publicly hostile—verbal sparring is frequent."
"Knowhere—designated a 'mining city.' A site producing certain special materials. Residence of the cosmic Collector. An interstellar exchange hub. Bounty guild gathering point. Black market. Auction center. A fencing ground for outlaws and space pirates. The Collector issues bounties and acquires artifacts across the universe."
"Sakaar—called the 'cosmic junkyard.' Gladiatorial arenas featuring Champion Battles. Advertising for wagering and betting operations."
"An interstellar Ravager faction recently reinstated and ceremonially honored a formerly expelled senior member."
"Guardians of the Galaxy—recently rising small-scale bounty group. Active recruitment advertisements."
"A certain interstellar humanitarian organization is once again filing complaints and appeals. The Dark Order under the 'Mad Titan' has slaughtered half the life in multiple star systems. Slaughtered—and yet only half? Why not exterminate entirely? To let hatred persist and fester?"
...
"Among all communications, the Kree and Skrull appear most frequently. They remain in an ongoing state of war. Even with the Shi'ar Empire acting intermittently as mediator, the Kree and Skrull have fought for hundreds of thousands of years."
"However, it appears the Skrull Empire has been defeated in this prolonged war. Their military strength has suffered catastrophic damage. Their homeworld destroyed. Their tribes scattered. They have begun wandering interstellar space as refugees."
"...And the Shi'ar Empire plays peacemaker once again?"
As servitor AIs and analysts filtered and categorized information extracted from countless chaotic public transmissions, the data was gradually consolidated, inferred, and structured into a coherent strategic map.
Before the Sergeant Major and his officers, the outline of a vast yet chaotic, war-torn super-civilized universe became significantly clearer.
"Sergeant Major, in light of this, we may need to adjust our diplomatic strategy. Given our current scale, 'gunboat diplomacy' against such massive interstellar empires may prove insufficient."
Their fleet was formidable under most circumstances—but the dominant powers of this universe clearly did not fall within the category of 'most.'
These cosmic empires were far from weak. Warp-capable starships, robotics and cybernetic control systems, genetic engineering, psionic technologies, energy weaponry, combat exoskeletons—these were merely the foundational standards for a universal empire.
Their massive fleet formations alone—regardless of individual ship quality—could overwhelm a detached force like John's through sheer numbers.
Their scale was simply too small.
"I propose we adopt a model similar to the so-called Dark Order or Guardians of the Galaxy. For now, we present ourselves as a large interstellar mercenary conglomerate. Alternatively—the Divine Empress Order."
"Agreed. But I would add that we must comply with interstellar procedural norms here. Only then can we legally purchase suitable planets, conduct bulk commodity trade through established powers, and potentially acquire their factories and technologies. We could even hire local personnel at scale. The black market is too expensive and unstable. It offers no sustainable guarantee."
"Exactly. None of us know how long we will remain cut off from the Empire."
The staff officers exchanged views, refining the plan under servitor-assisted adjustments. A new external strategy gradually took shape.
The Sergeant Major considered briefly. Solely intercepting and monitoring communications offered a narrow perspective. Direct contact with indigenous powers was inevitable. Strategies could always be revised as needed.
He nodded.
"Draft and refine your cover plan. Inform all ship captains, company commanders, generals, and legion leaders. Soon, I may assign them mercenary bounty operations. They are to prepare accordingly."
"Yes, Sergeant Major!" ×N
Standing before his command station, arms crossed over his chest, John paused while staring at the dozens of holographic displays before him.
"Record."
"Update log. Demon Inquisitor Chapter senior commander, John—117, and attached strike fleet cluster—'Transfer Event.' Unknown sector classification updated from 'Unexplored' to 'High-Development Tier-One Multiverse Containing Multiple Advanced Interstellar Civilizations.'"
John drew a deep breath.
"Unlock all shipboard arsenals."
Sergeant Major: John—117. Identity verification passed.Request to lift First-Level Security Lock on Demon Inquisitor 117th Strike Cruiser Fleet. Reviewing.
Beep.
"Sergeant Major, secondary confirmation required. Do you authorize activation of planet-destroyer-class and above fleet-wide armament restrictions? Remove all weapons threshold and classification limitations?"
"Yes."
Security lock disengaged.
A faint hum of servo systems resonated through the command deck. Red indicator lights illuminated one after another. The icon signifying full removal of fleet armament restrictions flared to life. Lines of data streamed across the Sergeant Major's visor. Meanwhile, personnel engaged in their duties noticed the change on the central control display.
"John, looks like you're preparing for something big," Cortana materialized with a soft hum, eyes bright with anticipation.
"Powerful enemies surround us, and we have only dozens of ships. Caution—and full commitment—are necessary..."
He did not finish the sentence.
Cortana understood.
He was already prepared to die.
If matters proved irredeemable, he would not allow the enemy to seize even a fragment of valuable Imperial property. Before total annihilation, he would drag as many foes down with him as possible.
A subtle expression flickered across Cortana's face before she nodded.
"I have to say—you're the perfect soldier. Shame I don't have a medal to award you."
"Your company is reward enough."
Stepping down from the command dais, John delivered the line in his usual cool tone—a perfectly straight shot. Unfortunately for him, Cortana was neither an innocent girl nor a tsundere.
"You just realized that?" she shot back lightly. Then, shifting instantly into professional mode, she expanded multiple data charts before him. "If we intend to contact local civilizations, based on probability modeling, I recommend—"
She highlighted a file.
"The Guardians of the Galaxy. A significant portion of their recruitment advertisements are written in English. Through them, you might be able to locate the Solar System."
After two seconds of thought, the Sergeant Major nodded and beckoned his staff officers.
"Have intelligence initiate contact with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Their communication frequency is openly listed in their recruitment broadcasts."
"Knowhere—the Collector's territory. He favors rare artifacts. Send contact inquiries there as well."
"Sakaar's gladiatorial arena—the so-called 'cosmic junkyard.' Similar to a betting coliseum. Dispatch a team carrying gold... hm. Is gold even viable currency here? We do not possess this universe's legal tender."
"Proceed to the black market first. Exchange goods for currency. Sell something."
"Sir, we are not Rogue Traders. The warehouses and transport ships do not carry commercial goods..."
"Cyclonic torpedoes. Atmospheric incineration torpedoes."
The Sergeant Major's visor shifted slightly as he spoke calmly.
"...What?"
The upright and conscientious Imperial Navy staff officers froze in confusion. That was a great deal of information to process.
Reselling military-grade ordnance?
By Selene above—that was a capital offense worthy of exterminating one's entire bloodline.
The bridge fell silent.
Everyone exchanged glances, wondering if they had misheard. Was Sergeant Major John—117 some corrupt profiteer?
Should they collectively apprehend this lawbreaking superior on the spot?
"Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Older-model cyclonic torpedoes and atmospheric incineration torpedoes are exterminatus-grade planetary destruction tools. In space combat, their effectiveness is significantly reduced."
Ignoring the dubious looks directed at him, John's posture remained immovable—like a marble statue.
He was not selling antimatter bombs, black hole warheads, or solar flare devices. The issue was not overly serious.
"Our forces require currency and bargaining chips. We require vast quantities of high-nutrition resources."
The Sergeant Major remained utterly composed.
"Prepare accordingly. Establish contact guides. I will personally travel to Knowhere's black market and Xandar's Nova auction. We will sell one unit at each location."
"Uh... John, I hate to dampen your enthusiasm, but..."
Cortana glanced left and right, sensing something subtly off. She slowly raised a hand.
"If you bring exterminatus-grade fireworks into someone else's backyard for trade negotiations, are you absolutely sure they won't treat you like a terrorist and eject you immediately?"
"..."
"Low probability of failure."
...
Flames flickered in the void.
"Fortune..."
"This is your opportunity."
Withdrawing her gaze from the layered, kaleidoscopic inner sea of multiverses, Selene looked through a high-dimensional observational veil like stained glass and focused upon Earth-199999, which—for now—remained largely stable and peaceful.
Truthfully, Selene was quite satisfied with Sergeant Major John—117.
Though she herself was somewhat indiscriminate in her affections and satisfied with many individuals, that was beside the point.
After being bathed in the primordial essence of a newly born multiverse, they would all benefit greatly. Transformation would not end after one or two cycles.
"Hmph. The Marvel style..."
Step by step. Advancement tier by tier. In the Sacred Selene Empire, military rank generally corresponded to personal power—imperfect, perhaps, but functional.
Compared to Marvel's tendency toward abrupt, chaotic ascensions—where one might suddenly be chosen by fate and leap skyward overnight—the Empire's system was undeniably more demanding.
Drug addicts accidentally gaining superhuman strength from the wrong substance. Car thieves awakening as dark heroes after stealing the wrong artifact. Robbers stumbling into experimental sites and acquiring powers—such occurrences were nearly nonexistent within the Empire.
It was difficult to say which approach was superior. Each had advantages and flaws.
The former yielded rapid results but resembled breeding venomous creatures—vast disparity between upper and lower limits.
Selene's method resembled standardized, orderly refinement—stable, predictable, forged through relentless tempering. The overall lower bound was extraordinarily high.
"Perhaps... it is time to upgrade my legion again."
"It is time to loosen certain restrictions."
—
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