CHAPTER 37: CH 37 I WAS THINKING THE SAME

Elsa nodded, arms still crossed, but her expression had grown more serious.

"Though... this will definitely draw some attention our way. Especially from people with the same rank and authority as him," she said, her tone measured. "But I guess that’s fine. Once we get the recognition, and the right hands are involved..."

She turned to William, her eyes sharper now, focused.

"Then we can finally move on. Start making decisions without restraints. We’re not worried that our actions might cause ripples that could disrupt the balance of the Human Federation."

She continued, "The waves we’ll inevitably create won’t have any negative effects—nor will our goodwill be met with backlash from those in higher authority after our donation."

She then turned around as thinking of some event that she had seen alongside William through the eras, she couldn’t help but add. "After all, even the most structured systems can harbor corruption, and the Federation is no exception."

Then with a sigh she added, "But now, with your decision to donate a practical, early-stage version of Tier-7 technology, we have an effective counter to such corrupt individuals. Not that we fear them—we have the strength to handle it—but knowing you, you’d rather avoid causing major upheaval within the Federation at this stage."

William’s gaze flicked to her, then to Ascendency, then back to the endless stretch of ships on the screen.

His smile remained.

"Exactly. That’s the whole point."

There was a brief silence between them.

Then Elsa spoke again, her voice tinged with confusion."I can feel it..." she said softly. "They’re scared of us. I don’t know why—but even from here, I can feel it. It’s not just apprehension—it’s real fear."

Reaching across the vast stretch of space, he encompassed the entire Nova Star System—and beyond.

William’s expression didn’t change, but his gaze sharpened as he turned his divine senses outward. Reaching across the vast stretch of space, he encompassed the entire Nova Star System—and beyond.

He.. he felt it too.

Emotional fluctuations rippling across the minds of thousands—no, hundreds of thousands—of soldiers within the White Tiger Legion. The same subtle tremble that had once touched Admiral Kevin’s fleet. Even Kevin himself. Though at the time, perhaps it had been masked by the chaos of battle, their adrenaline, and Kevin’s own willpower flooding into his command.

But the White Tiger Legion wasn’t mid-battle. They were calm. Organized. Unthreatened. And yet... afraid.

William exhaled through his nose, slowly. His gaze remained locked on the stars ahead.

"They’re not afraid of us, Elsa," he said casually, almost as if stating a fact rather than an opinion. "They’re afraid of Ragnarok. Of what it represents. And because we’re linked to it... they fear us too."

He glanced at her."It makes sense. We’re unknowns. And people always fear the unknown."

Elsa nodded slowly, absorbing his words. Then, after a moment of reflection, she looked at him again."But... don’t you think that kind of fear could become a hurdle for us? Maybe even something dangerous?"

William chuckled lightly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"It could be, yes," he admitted. "But it won’t be. Not really."

He turned back to the stars, voice calm and resolute.

"This fear... it’s a one-time thing."

And continued, "Think of it as a first impression," he said. "One we’re giving directly to the top brass of the Federation. It’s a message—not just to him, but to every authority figure within their ranks. They need to understand who they’re dealing with. That we won’t be pushed around. That if they ever try to force our hand, the consequences will be far beyond what they can handle."

Elsa tilted her head slightly, realization dawning in her eyes. "So that’s why you didn’t mask the ambient mana Ragnarök was absorbing... You allowed it to flow freely around our ship, releasing waves of pure pressure—to let the system function at full capacity and emit that oppressive aura. In other words, you wanted them to feel a glimpse of our strength. A warning in the form of power."

William nodded. "Exactly, Elsa. You got it." He paused briefly, his gaze still calm, and so was his voice, and sure. "And now?" He continued. "Now they know. And they’ll remember. That’s why they won’t dare try it."

He paused briefly, then turned to look at Elsa, the smile still lingering on his face—unchanged, steady, just like before.

"And even in their fear... I can feel something else. Relief. Many among them—especially in Kevin’s fleet—they’re relieved that we’ve somehow become a part of the Federation."

Elsa blinked at that.

William gave a soft smile.

"Because deep down, they realize—if we weren’t with them, we might’ve stood against them. And that’s a future none of them want to imagine."

Then he turned again, his gaze shifting to the White Tiger Legion stationed in front of his ship.

Elsa followed his gaze as he looked toward the docking corridor that would lead to the Oblivion’s incoming shuttle.

"You really want to integrate into them?" she asked.

William paused."I thought we already discussed this," he said, his voice calm.

Elsa nodded and replied gently, "I know. And I haven’t forgotten—if that’s what you’re thinking. I just wanted your confirmation, William."

"Is that so..." he murmured, then paused again before speaking plainly.

"Yes. I do want to integrate with them. But I have no intention of seizing control over the entire Federation. We’ve already ruled galaxies and even universes in eras past. What I want now is simple—to help humanity here, go with the flow, and see where it leads us as we support their growth."

Elsa then asked softly, "By helping humanity, we’ll also be helping the Federation. And that will only strengthen its power. Are you truly okay with that? After all, you’ll be the one responsible for their growth... while they’ll be the ones reaping the benefits."

She already knew the answer—and the reason she was smiling.

"I know," William replied with a calm smile, his tone showing he truly didn’t mind. "Let them reap the benefits. It’s not like the Federation is corrupt or anything. In fact, I’d say it’s a well-balanced force. They understand humanity’s nature better than most. That’s why they developed systems—like the Mechs—to give humanity a way to channel conflict, to fight amongst themselves without completely destroying each other."

He glanced out thoughtfully.

"Without the restrictions on warships across the various nations within the Federation, things would’ve spiraled long ago. But they planned for this. And honestly, I respect them for it. The Federation’s rules are generally followed, and that alone makes it better than most. So no—I don’t mind if they benefit from my efforts to help humanity. It’s not like they’ll ever outrun me anyway." He grinned.

Elsa chuckled."That... is indeed the case."

And just like that, Elsa and William went on to discuss many things between them—deep thoughts, quiet plans, and shared visions. Even Ascendency joined the conversation at times, something both of them appreciated.

While William and Elsa continued their conversation, the White Tiger Legion finally joined up with Kevin’s research fleet. Without delay, they began assisting in the repairs that the research teams had already started on their own—but with the White Tiger Legion’s support, the process became far smoother and significantly faster.

Then, just moments later, Ascendency intercepted a transmission coming from Oblivion—the flagship of the White Tiger Legion and the personal ship of Grand Admiral John Watcher.

"Master," Ascendency said, her tone clear and composed. "We’ve received a transmission from the marked flagship of the White Tiger Legion. Shall I proceed and accept the message?"

Elsa, with a hint of surprise in her voice, remarked, "Looks like they’ve finally reached out to us. I can’t help but say—it’s much earlier than I expected."

"I was thinking the same," William replied, nodding.

He turned to Ascendency and said, "Go ahead, Ascendency. Let’s see what the Grand Admiral of the Federation looks like."

Ascendency executed the command without delay. In the command bridge of the Ragnarök, a rectangular holographic screen materialized. On it stood a middle-aged man with neatly kept black hair and sharp black eyes—eyes that reflected the experience of a general who had fought and led in countless battles.

This man was none other than one of the Grand Admirals of the Federation—a Tier-1 authority figure with galactic-level influence. His presence alone indicated power, prestige, and a reputation that resonated throughout the Human Federation. Very few held such a rank, and even fewer commanded the respect he did.

He appeared to be standing on the command deck of the Oblivion. His posture was upright, composed, and dignified.

He was the first to speak.

"Good day to you, Mr. William," he began, his voice calm and measured. "Allow me to thank you, on behalf of the Federation, for your timely intervention and the rescue of one of our fleets—and the soldiers aboard. We are truly grateful."