Authors Note-
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The Ravagers were disheartened. They had been effortlessly neutralized, and now, their opponent showcased deadly prowess. The skilled display captivated all onlookers, including Star Eagle and his crystalline alien companion.
Stakar Ogord and his attendant wore somber expressions. They understood why their subordinates looked at them this way – questioning how the enemy had stolen their unique technique. However, Stakar himself was perplexed. Condensing dozens of small light spears with such finesse was beyond his capabilities, even if he and his companions fought for their lives!
Suddenly, Ivan pointed his hand, and a barrage of light spears shot toward the lone standing crystalline alien.
"No!" Stakar roared, attempting to stand and seize the spears. But as he moved, a sense of powerlessness overcame him, and he slumped back, despair etched on his face as the spears zoomed toward his loyal comrade.
Surprisingly, the light spears didn't target the crystalline alien; instead, they sailed past its body. Stakar, relieved momentarily, watched as the spears pierced the spaceship's deck and disappeared into the vastness of space.
Now riddled with holes, the spaceship created a powerful suction force, pulling the Ravagers in. Panic ensued among the crew.
Unfazed by the suction, Ivan stood firm. With a swift hand movement, he disintegrated and reorganized the metal around the holes, sealing them. The plunderers, though fallen and shaken, were alive. Bewildered, they couldn't fathom the meaning behind Ivan's inexplicable actions.
As the ravagers grappled with their confusion, an alarm sounded from a ravager's arm equipment. Frantically, he checked a three-dimensional projection, his expression turning grave.
"Boss! Trouble! Dozens of fleets, including our archenemy, the Necrons, have surrounded us. They sneaked in while we were distracted. What do we do?"
The looter's expression shifted again as the image revealed the enemy's small ships exploding. It dawned on everyone that Ivan's seemingly random barrage of light spears had a purpose.
"These opportunists! Are they disregarding the universal rules of the dark forces?" Stakar fumed.
"Boss, they've sent a message. They don't want a fight, just our surrender... uh!" The looter faltered, turning to look at Ivan. The unspoken understanding spread among the group – surrender was not an option in this dire situation.
Turning to his incapacitated subordinates on the ground, Stakar gritted his teeth, resolved in his heart. Struggling to stand, he bowed to Ivan and said, "Your Excellency Ivan, I apologize for the past incident. I know our fate is sealed, but this raid was my intent, unrelated to my people. I request you to spare my brothers and take only my life."
"Boss, no! We will face death together; we'll fight by your side!" The ravagers protested, attempting to rise, standing behind the leader to demonstrate their loyalty. It affirmed Stakar's leadership and competence, revealing their unwavering loyalty even in dire straits.
"Your brotherhood is truly admirable. Your actions have moved me. I've decided to spare you, but punishment is inevitable. You must serve me for ten years; after that, I'll release you," declared Ivan.
Stakar looked pained and said, "I wish I could agree to your terms. Unfortunately, as you see, we're surrounded by dozens of dark forces from the universe. It's a fierce situation. I propose letting my brothers board your spaceship. I'll lead a group to create an opening, allowing you to escape. I'll find a way to delay them, giving you the time you need."
Ivan waved his hand, stopping Stakar, "Those outside are just a minor inconvenience. I can handle it easily. Decide whether you accept my conditions. Time is short, and I'm not patient."
"Alright, I agree. If I survive this, I'll serve you unconditionally for ten years, no matter the task," he agreed, resigned to his circumstances.
"Excellent. Our transaction has begun. Sign this contract with your blood," Ivan presented a contract.
Stakar, without hesitation, bit his finger, signing the contract. A spiritual light emanated from it, splitting into two and entering the foreheads of the two.
Stakar, startled by the sudden change, stood frozen. Ivan, showing no intention of waiting, directed a less injured ravager to lead the way to the spacecraft's central control room. Other ravagers, witnessing this, endured the pain and followed.
Ivan studied the surrounding spacecraft on the screen in the central control room, analyzing the forces. Suddenly, he ordered, "Jade Rabbit, Celestia, activate. Attack!"
Following the command, Celestia, without any manual control, ignited into a streak of light and soared out.
The mercenaries surrounding the Celestia spacecraft anticipated surrender when it emerged alone. Eager to seize the valuable spacecraft, they advanced. Unexpectedly, eighteen gun barrels materialized above Celestia. Simultaneously, Ivan, from Stakar's spacecraft, issued a remote command: "Jade Rabbit, attack!"
Controlled by the sophisticated AI system Jade Rabbit, Celestia's eighteen auxiliary guns targeted the most enormous spaceships. "Countdown to three seconds, three, two, one! Launch!" Jade rabbit's soft voice preceded eighteen bright silver energy blasts hurtling at the obstructing spaceships, transforming them into dazzling sparks like fireworks in the dark universe.
The sudden attack stunned all forces. Celestia, demonstrating formidable firepower, agilely evaded enemy assaults. Despite occasional hits, the protective cover deflected them. Over 200 opposing spaceships couldn't inflict harm, while the ship's shots hit precisely, suppressing the enemy forces.
The cosmic pirate leaders rallied their troops, but Celestia's prowess was unprecedented. Nimbly navigating the universe, it eluded attacks, leaving the adversaries helpless. The ravagers, led by Stakar, stared in astonishment at Celestia's incredible capabilities.
"How is this possible? It's a medium-sized spacecraft, yet it boasts such potent firepower, immense internal space, and an overpowering power system. Its speed and flexibility defy imagination. How is this achieved?" Stakar and his comrades marveled at the spectacle.
"Everything is possible!" Ivan responded mysteriously, watching the cosmic battle unfold.
Stakar and his companions, already overwhelmed, witnessed Ivan decimate their plunderers. The spacecraft dominated, grounding and subduing over 200 enemy spaceships. The display was eye-opening.
As Ivan conversed with Stakar, Celestia's main gun fired, severing an interstellar pirate fleet. Despite protective shields, the fleet disintegrated like paper, creating a dazzling display in space.
Terrified, the remaining spaceships fled, leaving the ravagers incredulous. They expected demise, but Ivan, like a deity, effortlessly repelled their enemies.
"The matter is settled; you can rest assured now," Ivan stated casually, shocking everyone.
"Thank you for saving us. According to the agreement, my life is yours. I'll serve you diligently for the next ten years. Please guide me," Stakar expressed gratitude.
Satisfied with Stakar's commitment, Ivan agreed to meet on a desolate planet in a month. They would discuss future tasks. Afterward, Ivan departed, traversing the universe without protection, boarding the Celestia spacecraft, and disappearing as a streak of light. This unconventional method left the ravagers awestruck, dissuading any unwarranted thoughts.