The Empire begins with the Fourth Scourge.

Chapter 2779 Temporary Alliance
2778, Temporary Alliance
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"The Protoss are a great race with a brilliant civilization. But don't overestimate their moral standards, because not everyone is as upright as Phoenix. I think their eventual decision to leave this galaxy was a win-win situation." — Thrawn, Fourth Reich Marshal, speaking of the Protoss in his autobiography in his later years.
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On the battlefield of Metaron, a seemingly tiny golden fighter jet is confronting a massive Imperial fleet.

"This is Admiral Misro Nurudo Thron of the Galactic Empire. Who are you, powerful warrior? Where do you come from? And who is Orega?" Thron faced the screen with his head held high, asking the question with neither humility nor arrogance.

“Orega is a despicable traitor, a criminal who abuses mind control. He has committed serious crimes and must be arrested and brought to justice.” Phoenix’s voice echoed like thunder, majestic and deep, full of power.

Thron thought for a moment and said, "Our mission is to hunt down the Empire's traitor, Demetrius Zarin. He's in league with this Orega, and Zarin is my primary target."

“I’m telling you this very clearly, General Thron. This Demetrius Zarin you speak of has been turned into his servant by Orega through mind control. The real Zarin is dead,” Phoenix said.

“But in my opinion, he is still alive. I must bring him back to the heart of the Empire, dead or alive.” Thrall stared at the golden-armored warrior in the hologram, his tone calm and firm, unwavering despite the warrior’s power.

“Then our goals are aligned, General.” Phoenix slowly raised his right arm, golden energy flowing across his armor, and a psionic blade shot out from his gauntlet. “Only when we can end Orega’s crimes and reclaim those controlled slaves will this calamity truly end.”

Thron nodded slightly. "Since we share the same goal, I hope to get your help. In the battle just now, Orega seized control of a large number of my warships. If possible, I also hope to rescue those Imperial soldiers."

“That’s impossible.” Phoenix shook his head and said, “Those servants who are controlled by mind control have no chance of recovery, even if they kill the caster.”

Soron suddenly frowned and said, "You didn't specifically refer to Orega. So, does that mean you can also use mind control?"

“As a guardian of the temple, I do not practice mind control. But powerful governors can. However, abusing mind control without the Twilight Council's approval is a serious crime,” Phoenix replied.

“You’ve used three terms that are completely unfamiliar to me: Phoenix. Do you represent a race and civilization, or a religious organization?” Thron asked.

“Now is not the time to make it public, so I cannot disclose that,” Phoenix said. “My target this time is only Orega, and I am certain that if he is not arrested in time, he will have catastrophic consequences for the galaxy.”

Soron thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, I agree to cooperate with you. But I need to confirm with you that my primary target remains Demetrius Zarin."

Phoenix tapped his chest lightly and said, "Na azum (Agreed), brave general. I will fight alongside you against evil! En ​​taro Adun!"

Although he couldn't understand some of what Phoenix was saying, Phoenix's powerful voice made Thoron feel a surge of excitement, as if an ancient warrior was making a solemn vow before heading to the battlefield.

Soron gave a solemn military salute, then asked again, "But before we set off, I would like you to tell me how to resist Orega's mind control?"

“This is an extremely difficult matter, and I don’t want to hide it. Even among us, Orega is the most powerful and top-tier mind controller. Even we are in danger of being controlled by him if we are not careful,” Phoenix told the truth. “The only way is to strengthen our beliefs and our will, but even that will have a very small effect.”

"Then isn't he invincible?" Soron said, frowning.

“Therefore, Orega must be arrested! He is a huge threat to the entire galaxy, and even the entire universe!” Phoenix said. “Please allow me to board your warship, General Thrawn. Although I cannot protect all of you, I do have a way to protect you from the threat of mind control.”

“Okay, I agree,” Thron replied.

"Wait, General! This is too dangerous!" Senior Inquisitor Antilis Tremaine quickly intervened. "If we let him aboard our warship, killing us would be a piece of cake for him!"

“He won’t do that, I’m sure of it.” Thron remained unmoved.

“I will not betray your trust, General Thron.” Phoenix said, then disconnected the communication and piloted the golden fighter jet toward Thron’s flagship.

Thron immediately ordered the hangar platform to be opened and Phoenix to be let in.

The golden fighter jet slowly landed on the hangar platform. The ground crew stopped their work and looked at the magnificent aircraft. Rather than a fighter jet, it was more like a meticulously crafted work of art. The unparalleled manufacturing process was so superb that even with a magnifying glass, they couldn't see a single weld.

The fighter jet's hatch slowly opened, and in that instant, a tall and imposing figure stepped out. He was wearing golden armor, with a pure white cloak draped over his back. His physique was slender yet exuded power. His folded legs had three reverse joints, and he seemed to have no mouth. His eyes had no pupils or eye sockets, only a powerful energy light, like two burning stars.

He walked steadily up to Throng, who only reached his chest.

"Adun zagatir nas (May Adun protect you)! General Thrawn." Phoenix raised his hand again and tapped his chest lightly.

He didn't speak, because he had no mouth, but his voice appeared directly in the minds of everyone present! This sudden sound startled everyone there, and several sensitive people even immediately drew their weapons.

Thron remained remarkably calm. He immediately raised his hand to stop any rash actions, then saluted Phoenix and led him to the bridge of his warship.

Upon arriving at the bridge, Phoenix didn't say much, but directly took out a small crystal and handed it to Thrawn. "This is a Kyber Crystal, containing the power of a high-ranking Templar. It will shield you from Orega's mind control. However, you should be careful, this crystal has its limits. If Orega makes a move, it will not be able to completely resist."

"Thank you for your gift." Soron took the crystal and put it inside his clothes.

“You deserve this. You are a brave general. I saw your courage to return from dire straits and your unwavering loyalty to your soldiers. You deserve respect,” Phoenix said.

“Um… could I have one too? Uh… Your Excellency, Phoenix,” said Senior Judge Antilis Tremaine.

However, Phoenix glanced at him, his tone laced with disdain, and said, "You cannot receive my gift, nor will you receive Adun's blessing, messenger of dark power. Your heart has already succumbed to power, becoming its slave. In another situation, I would kill you immediately, but now, I hope you can use your will to resist the temptation of power and repent. You are not completely hopeless and beyond redemption."

"So, will you kill Tang Xiao?" Soron suddenly asked abruptly, so abruptly that even Phoenix was momentarily stunned. "A very sharp and precise probe, General Soron," Phoenix praised, then fell silent as well.

After a long while, he slowly shook his head and said, "If I had the chance, I would definitely kill him, but definitely not now."

"The war machine called 'Raider' that appeared on the battlefield of Dantuin, and the golden transport ship that carried it, are also your products, right?" Thrallon asked.

“This is the decision of the Twilight Council,” Phoenix replied.

"And what about for you personally?" Soron pressed.

“From what I’ve seen and heard since I began my pursuit of Orega… I support the Council’s decision,” Phoenix replied immediately.

"So, you're allies of the separatists, which means you're enemies of the Empire!" Antilis-Trimain mustered his courage and questioned.

“It’s probably not accurate to describe the Kingdom of Dawn as separatism,” Phoenix said. “If you’re not willing to take a stand, I’ll leave immediately.”

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the door.

Then his voice rang in Solon's mind again, "That crystal is my gift, and you can keep it."

“I will assist you!” Thron suddenly shouted, “but only until I capture Demetrius Zarin. Until then, how much damage you can do to Orega is up to you.”

“Na azum, General Thron, Na azum…” Phoenix finished speaking and left without looking back.

As the golden fighter jet flew past the porthole, Tremaine took a deep breath and said, "This mysterious race is probably something the Separatists brought from unknown star systems... This news must be reported to His Majesty the Emperor! And..."

He sighed and said dejectedly, "I don't know how to defeat them."

“If they choose to oppose the Empire, I will stop them with all my might. Besides, they are not invincible or perfect; after all, there are traitors and scoundrels like Orega among them,” Thron said.

“I hope so…” Tremaine was clearly deeply shocked, even his worldview had been turned upside down. He murmured to himself, “Do you know who I’m thinking of right now? General…”

Solon turned to look at him, his brows furrowed slightly.

Tremaine looked up at the ceiling and sighed deeply. "I was thinking, if Master Yoda were here, he could surely guide us on how to confront this mysterious and powerful race..."

“I have no right to comment on this,” Soron said noncommittally. “But I suggest you refrain from making such remarks in the future. It could be dangerous for you.”

A moment later, Phoenix sent a communication: "I have deployed some observers in the surrounding star systems. I will set off first to search for Orega's whereabouts. I will notify you immediately once I make any discoveries."

“I have received it, Temple Guardian, Phoenix.” Thron nodded, silently memorizing the word 'Observer' as well.

……

Three days later, Thron received another communication from Phoenix—Orega had appeared near the planet Gromas, his fleet had grown stronger, and he seemed to have gained control of some pirate groups and civilian ships.

Having returned to Roch and completed fleet maintenance and resupply in the past few days, Thrawn immediately ordered a full-scale attack, and the massive Imperial fleet headed straight for the target!

Before Thron's fleet arrived, Phoenix had already launched an attack on Orega's fleet in his elite Phoenix fighter.

The Phoenix fighter ravaged the old and outdated ships in the Orega fleet with speed and maneuverability that were completely beyond human imagination. Only the most advanced military fire control radars on the Imperial-class Star Destroyers could barely lock onto the Phoenix fighter's movements.

Despite the lock-on, the entire fleet and countless anti-aircraft guns were still helpless against this fighter jet.

Orega roared in his mind that Phoenix should come out and fight him one-on-one, but Phoenix ignored him completely, which made Orega so angry that he was about to explode.

Unfortunately, Orega was traveling in the Divine Will-class destroyer that Tang Xiao had given him—although it had undergone modern modifications, it was still an old warship from the previous era, while Phoenix was piloting the most powerful fighter jet currently being built by the Protoss.

Although there was a clear difference in strength between the two sides, there was also a clear difference in their equipment. Phoenix wouldn't be foolish enough to give up his advantage and go down to fight Orega one-on-one.

Not to mention, within the Sword of Kings, the ghost of Maka-Lagnos was constantly stirring up trouble and making sarcastic remarks beside Orega, which only fueled his rage.

"You asked for this, Phoenix!!" Orega roared, standing on the bridge, raising his hands high, his body enveloped in crimson flames, unleashing terrifying psionic energy.

All that could be seen was a massive amount of lightning appearing out of thin air around Phoenix's Phoenix fighter jet, striking straight at the fighter! Countless crimson rifts suddenly tore open in the cosmos, and violent lightning twisted and turned like giant pythons.

When Thrawn's fleet escaped hyperspace, this was the terrifying sight they witnessed!

But Thron remained unmoved and decisively issued the order to attack!