As the battle peaked, someone pointed out the insignia on the approaching fleet—it was the mark of Vulcan.
Rodgraim's sharp eyes narrowed upon seeing the powerful Vulcan fleet.
There was an A-class flagship, three A-class frigates, and ten C-class fire frigates—only Vulcan's main fleet could have such a fleet.
Rodgraim furrowed his brow.
Is the commotion here drawing the attention of Lord Vulcan? he thought.
Though the Aether Dominion could easily escape an encirclement, the same was not true for the White Night.
Nebryx and dozens of Titans were stationed aboard; losing the ship would deal a significant blow to Rodgraim's operations.
Uncertainty gripped him.
He had no idea whether Lord Vulcan considered him a friend or foe.
Before Rodgraim could come up with a plan, the oppressive silence was broken by the deafening roar of artillery fire.
The Vulcan fleet opened fire and showered the dark elf fleet with a storm of missiles and laser blasts in disorder.
The ships of the dark elves already crippled due to their flagship were floundering like headless flies.
Against this overwhelming fire power and superior numbers, they had no chance whatever.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
One ship after another was destroyed, crashing in fiery flames.
The dark elf captain gazed down upon his fleeing fleet, their destruction appalling.
His fury boiled over.
"Curse you, Vulcan scum! What are you doing? Do you want to provoke a war with the Dark Night Empire?"
But before he could react any further, his attention snapped to the shadows forming on the ground in front of him.
Massive figures loomed—Titans.
When the mechs got closer, their pilots came out, weapons drawn.
Guns pointed directly to the captain, and the weight of impending death washed over him.
His pride and arrogance melted away because he realized that his position was hopeless.
Meanwhile, the rest of the dark elf ships fell in quick succession.
The fleet having now taken a decisive advantage over Vulcan sent a signal message to Rodgraim, wishing that the friendly intentions were clear.
Rodgraim, thus interpreting their actions, relaxed himself by instruction.
He ordered Aether Dominion and White Night to return to the dock.
As the hatches were opened, Rodgraim stepped out of the Aether Dominion.
To coincide with this moment, Vulcan's flagship descends.
The hatch of the Vulcan flagship opens, and out walks Lord Vulcan himself, marching straight toward Rodgraim.
He stretches out a hand toward him and says, "Thanks for helping us defeat these thugs. On behalf of Vulcan, I thank you."
Rodgraim hesitated only for a second before shaking his hand.
He silently observed the man's demeanor.
From the events that took place, Rodgraim knew from the look of it that the dark elf fleet had probably come to steal the Zerg altar core hidden on board the White Night.
Now, however, this was not the time to say so.
Lord Vulcan turned to face the crowd of alien races in the dock.
"Everyone," he declared,
"I apologize for the unfair treatment you have suffered."
"As Lord of Vulcan, I promise that all losses incurred here will be compensated. Those ships damaged in this fight shall receive free repairs, and every person shall receive a fair amount of star coins as reparation. I hope you will continue to support Vulcan's trade and industry."
The crowd murmured in excitement at his words.
Promising reparations appeased the anger within those who lost some or other thing.
Rodgraim turned her attention to Lord Vulcan, nodding silently to acknowledge the man's clever strategy.
Restoring goodwill among customers with money was a delicate way of ensuring that Vulcan would hold its reputation and influence intact.
Reputation and word of mouth were hardwrought treasure for a craftsman's planet like Vulcan.
After addressing the crowd, Lord Vulcan turned back to Rodgraim .
"Honored guest," he said, presenting a card, "as a token of our gratitude, please accept this membership card from the Craftsmen Association."
"This secondary card grants you a 50% discount at any dock affiliated with the association.
Additionally, we will provide free maintenance for your ships and mechs. I hope this gesture meets your satisfaction."
Rodgraim nodded, knowing well what the card meant.
A 50% discount on fleet maintenance could potentially save him at least a million star coins—a very kind gesture indeed.
Lord Vulcan's eyes narrowed as he looked}-