The two chatted for a while about the tribal distribution and resource reserves in the plane of the gods.

Malcador detailed everything from the conservative attitudes of those races to the wavering positions of several emerging tribes.

Martin listened quietly, occasionally asking a question, and his fingertips moved across several key star ports on the star map.

"I understand the general situation." After Malcador finished speaking, Martin nodded and his gaze returned to the direction of the Matrix Galaxy.

"Whether we resist or wait and see, the initiative is ultimately in our hands."

He raised his hand and called up the coordinates of a fleet.

"First, take the wounded to the reef zone for a brief rest, and then return to the Gods' Plane. I give you permission to contact me at any time."

Malcador replied, "Yes."

"Also," Martin added, "have the Intelligence Department keep a close eye on the tribes in the Gods Plane that are acting ambiguously. Report any unusual movements from them immediately."

"Understood." Malcador bowed in response and turned to leave the command room when he was stopped by Martin again.

"For the six lost legions, report the names to the Logistics Department and their compensation will be doubled."

Martin's voice deepened. "Their families will be properly resettled by the Empire."

Malcador's eyes flashed with warmth, and he nodded heavily: "I will do it immediately."

The door of the command room slowly closed, and Martin stood alone in front of the porthole, looking at the deep starry sky outside the reef belt.

Although the indifference of the gods was expected, it also made the road ahead of this war more difficult.

On the star map, the light spots representing the special fleet have gathered around the matrix main star, like a circle of cold iron rings.

Martin's fingertips tapped lightly on the windowsill, and a sharp light gradually gathered in his eyes.

"Since no one is willing to take the first step, let's just wait and see who gets anxious."

Martin then contacted Eric in his mind.

"Take all dragon knight corps and transport fleets and immediately head to the small and medium-sized planes outside the Matrix Galaxy."

"Your Majesty, what mission?" Eric's voice was concise and clear, resonating with the sound of metal armor.

"Plunder the population and strategic materials, and prioritize controlling energy veins and habitable planets."

Martin's fingertips circled several weak star regions on the star map.

"No need to linger, focus on a quick attack. I've sent you the coordinates. Report the results to me in three days."

Eric was silent for a moment, obviously planning his route quickly.

"Understood. The dragon flames will burn through the defenses of those planes, ensuring that all supplies are transported back."

The moment the communication was cut off, the transport fleet on the edge of the reef belt began to adjust its formation.

More than a hundred ships were lined up like silver fish, and the dragon knights' mounts were giant dragons with wingspans exceeding a kilometer.

It was roaring loudly, shaking the void, and its dragon scales were shining coldly and hard under the starlight.

At this time, Malcador received the message and returned to the command room.

"Your Majesty, will plundering small and medium-sized planes provoke greater resistance?"

"Resistance?"

Martin sneered.

"The core combat power of the Matrix Galaxy is concentrated on the main star. These small and medium-sized planes are nothing more than lambs to be slaughtered."

He looked at the planets on the star map that were marked as "rich in resources."

"We need population to replenish our troops and energy to support our fleet. Since they are unwilling to voluntarily submit, we can only 'borrow' it in this way."

The giant dragon spread its wings first, and rushed out of the fleet with the dragon knight in the form of streams of light.

Inside Eric's flagship bridge, he looked at the constantly refreshing small and medium-sized plane defense data on the screen, a bloodthirsty arc rising at the corner of his mouth.

"Let those vassals of the Matrix Galaxy see who is the true master of this starry sky."

The transport fleet followed closely behind, the lights of the jump engines flickering across the reef belt.

Martin looked in the direction they disappeared, expecting Eric and the others to bring good news.

In the following days, the reef belt became the eye of the storm - Martin's fleet was stationed there, and the forces in the surrounding star fields remained on hold.

Even the artillery fire from the main star of the Matrix Galaxy has been restrained a lot, and a strange calm permeates the void.

But this calmness was obviously not in line with the wishes of the old emperor of the Matrix Galaxy.

The four galaxy-level golden Behemoths were like swords hanging overhead, tightly restraining the main force of the special-class fleet.

He had no time to spare and could only dispatch his Gundam mechas to try to open a breakthrough from other places.

Inside the eldest prince's palace, the atmosphere was suffocatingly oppressive.

Ever since he was pushed onto the puppet throne, he has had to endure this absurd court meeting every day.

The regents sent by the old emperor bowed their heads and kowtowed in unison, their voices piercing his heart like needles.

"Everyone, please stand."

The eldest prince's voice was slightly stiff, and his eyes swept over the expressionless ministers who held the throne.

I had already cursed in my heart - being stared at by these people every day made me feel suffocated even to breathe.

The leading regent stepped forward, his tone as cold as iron.

"Your Majesty, reports indicate that the Second Special Fleet has openly rebelled and returned to the Matrix Galaxy Imperial Capital. This act of rebellion must be suppressed immediately and brought to justice!"

The eldest prince's grip on the armrest of the dragon throne suddenly tightened, and his knuckles turned white.

Of course he knew the movements of the Second Fleet. Not only did he know it, but everyone present knew it. The eldest prince originally thought that the Second Special Fleet was his people, but he didn't expect that it was the old emperor's people.

"This matter...will be discussed later."

He suppressed his anger and tried to delay, "The fighting in the reef zone has not yet been resolved. Rashly dividing our forces may lead to unexpected changes."

"Your Majesty, this is wrong."

Another regent minister immediately retorted, his tone carrying an unquestionable pressure.

"The Qiyuan Empire's code stipulates that any ship that rebels will be punished. If we allow the Second Fleet to return to the Matrix Galaxy, it will shake the morale of the army and make it difficult for the officers and soldiers to explain themselves."

These words were like a blunt knife, cutting the eldest prince's heart.

He looked at the contempt and desire for control in these people's eyes, and suddenly realized that the so-called "becoming emperor" was just to make him a more decent prisoner.

The sunlight outside the palace shone through the portholes, casting cold spots of light on the golden brick floor.

The eldest prince lowered his eyelids to hide the hostility in his eyes.

"Since that's the case, I will follow your wishes. Order the Third and Fifth Mecha Corps to proceed immediately."

The regents bowed their heads in satisfaction and accepted the order. When they turned around and left, the sound of their footsteps echoed in the empty palace, as if they were beating the rhythm for this puppet show.

The eldest prince sat alone on the dragon throne, looking at the empty hall, and suddenly laughed softly - he wanted to see whether these "loyal dogs" sent by the old emperor could stop the hidden chess pieces he had laid.