LOWKEY INTERSTELLER CAPTAIN

The cold void of space stretched endlessly before Cheno Bo, but his mind burned with purpose. The latest fragment had integrated seamlessly into the Void Sovereign, bringing his binding percentage to 46%. Each piece recovered unveiled more of the ship’s capabilities, but the greatest systems still lay dormant. The warship remained hidden, cloaked from all detection as it slowly regained its power.

Yet, the Empire’s political gears were shifting rapidly, and time was no longer a luxury.

Empire’s Secrets and Silent Wars

Deep within the Imperial Council chambers, Grand Admiral Xian Wu stood at the head of a long, polished obsidian table. Around him, figures of power—senators, warlords, and high-ranking strategists—argued in hushed, measured tones.

“The frontier skirmishes are escalating,” Senator Varos declared. “The rebels have begun employing new weapons. We must deploy more dreadnoughts before this turns into a full-scale war.”

“More warships mean nothing without competent leadership,” another countered. “Our officers lack experience in large-scale battles.”

Xian Wu smirked. “Then perhaps it is time we select leaders from a stronger stock. The Academy will soon produce a new batch of graduates.”

Varos narrowed his eyes. “Your son included.”

Xian Wu’s expression didn’t falter. “Naturally. But only the best will rise.”

A silent war had begun within the Empire. The military faction, spearheaded by Xian Wu, sought total control, while the political elites maneuvered to curb his influence. But beyond their power plays, a ghost from the past was steadily growing stronger.

Betrayal and Corruption

Back at the Academy, Xian Ren sat in his private quarters, reviewing confidential reports. Despite his best efforts, Cheno Bo was still thriving. The manipulation of his records had failed to completely destroy his progress, and now, whispers of his skill in the starship simulations were spreading.

Xian Ren slammed his fist against the desk. “How does he keep slipping through?”

Aeliana, lounging nearby, smirked as she traced a finger around the rim of a glass. “You underestimated him.”

Xian Ren’s glare darkened. “He should have been nothing.”

Aeliana shrugged. “And yet, he isn’t. Perhaps you should try something more… decisive.”

Her words held weight. The Academy’s trials were not always fair accidents happened.

The Test of Command

Cheno Bo stood before the massive holographic display in the Academy’s grand simulation hall. Today’s exercise was a live combat test: commanding a battleship fleet against simulated pirate incursions.

His opponents were rigged to be Xian Ren’s loyalists, and the parameters were deliberately skewed against him. The battlefield was a trap.

As the countdown began, a voice whispered in his mind.

[System Override Enabled.]

The moment the simulation began, the system’s AI injected itself into his fleet’s command structure. Enemy ships moved erratically, as if responding to hidden orders.

Cheno’s eyes sharpened. Sabotage.

But they had forgotten one thing—he was not limited by conventional means. He hijacked enemy targeting systems, tricking them into firing upon each other. He altered power flows, forcing their shields to fluctuate at critical moments. What was meant to be his downfall became his victory.

By the end of the test, his fleet stood victorious.

Silence filled the hall. The instructors exchanged glances, unsure of how to react. No one had expected him to win.

Xian Ren’s fury was barely concealed. “This isn’t over,” he muttered under his breath.

A Shadow on the Horizon

Far beyond the Academy, in the dark reaches of unexplored space, something stirred. The remnants of an ancient warship, scattered across dead planets and abandoned battlefields, pulsed faintly with latent energy.

A silent signal traveled through the void, reaching a place unseen by all.

The Void Sovereign’s AI responded.

[Fragment Signature Detected. Adjusting Coordinates.]

Cheno Bo’s journey was only beginning. The storm of war loomed, and the battle for the future had only just begun.