Chapter 84: Complete Assimilation

“Now, it is time for us to discuss how you led the enemy here,” Shen Xing said. As soon as he finished speaking, Synt’s expression changed dramatically, while Wei Hong looked at him with cold indifference.

“You can explain it to the High Priest yourself.”

Synt’s body trembled uncontrollably, his eyes filled with terror as he faced the High Priest. After an inner struggle, he could no longer keep his composure. He suddenly fell to his knees, his voice drenched in despair and regret.

“It was me… I lured the Saivians. I betrayed our civilization. I concealed the truth. I deserve to die a thousand deaths! Please, High Priest, punish me!”

There was not a hint of excuse in his words, for he knew that any defense would be futile now. He could only accept the consequences of his actions.

Shen Xing listened quietly, his reaction surprising everyone. Not a trace of anger showed in his gaze.

“There’s no need for this. The more Saivians that come, the better.”

Wei Hong and Synt were both shaken by this statement—their first thought was that the High Priest was utterly unafraid of invasion from other civilizations. Relief began to dawn within them as they realized that Earth’s civilization had a chance to join Star Origin, and they themselves were now under the High Priest’s protection.

“What’s done cannot be undone. You must inform the people of Star Origin yourselves. You may return now.”

With that, Shen Xing turned away, continuing to watch the scenery in the park. Hearing his words, the two men felt a bitter pang in their hearts. They responded and quietly withdrew.

Both had served as high-ranking officials for centuries, cunning politicians who easily grasped the meaning behind the High Priest’s actions. Today, the High Priest had exposed Synt’s betrayal, deliberately shifting all hidden hatred onto him.

When the people of Earth learned they were now refugees, and that one of their own—especially a leader—had stabbed them in the back, their anger would be uncontrollable.

Those who possess hatred will direct it towards the traitor, and because he is one of their own, a split may emerge within Earth’s civilization.

Facing the people of Star Origin, they are invaders; if defeated, they would accept responsibility for their actions. But a betrayal from within their own civilization is intolerable.

All the strength the High Priest had demonstrated would now become a glimmer of hope in the hearts of Earth’s people.

Everyone witnessed the life within Star Origin civilization—a major reason why there had been no conflict thus far.

When they discover that the Saivian fleet is right on Earth’s tail, fear will grip them, afraid their stable life will be swept away once more.

They would only wish for the High Priest to be even stronger—strong enough to stand against the Saivians.

For some clever minds, this was a blatant stratagem, but from the perspective of Earth’s people, they were powerless.

The two rode in silence, boarding the car. Wei Hong drove, glancing at Synt as he asked,

“When did you betray us?”

“When we detected the war and prepared to flee the galaxy.”

“I knew we could never match the Saivians, even with the technology of the Dir civilization. Our resources could never sustain a fleet strong enough to face another civilization.”

“I didn’t want Earth’s legacy to vanish forever.”

After speaking, Synt quietly sent a message to his confidants, instructing them to spread the news the High Priest wished to disseminate.

“Then why did you lead them here?”

“We had already decided to settle on Sky Dome. We would endure and rebuild for a thousand years, maybe longer, and perhaps one day retake Earth.”

“Would you rather eke out a miserable existence than fight for survival?”

“Retake Earth?”

Synt set down his communicator, looking at Wei Hong’s impassive profile, and let out a laugh.

“Do you really believe what you’re saying?”

“Population, resources, technology—in every aspect, we cannot compete with them. What do we have to launch a counterattack?”

“Even if I hadn’t betrayed Earth, can you truly guarantee they wouldn’t have found us?”

“We don’t understand the myriad methods of the universe.”

“The moment I saw the Dir civilization’s legacy, I realized the gap was immeasurable.”

“Like reaching for stars beyond our grasp.”

“Rather than wandering endlessly, it is better to remain forever on our homeworld.”

With that, Synt closed his eyes.

The news he spread soon swept through the former Earth citizens. Though many had begun to shed their old identity, their anger was extraordinary, especially among those who knew nothing.

Their car passed through the city, stopping in front of the Council Hall. Immediately, the crowd surged forward.

“Traitor! A complete traitor!”

“He surrendered to the aliens—utter disgrace for Earth!”

“We gave up our home planet, and he revealed our whereabouts to the enemy!”

“He traded our lives for his own gain!”

“We will never tolerate such betrayal!”

The angry cries rose in waves. They could accept the defeat in war, but being betrayed by one of their own was a pain too great to bear.

Wei Hong watched silently from the side.

Synt, protected by his loyal followers, hurriedly escaped into the Council Hall.

As the furious crowd prepared to storm the Hall, Lin Luan’s figure appeared before them. The sight of her striking white uniform brought silence.

Seeing the crowd quiet, Lin Luan spoke calmly,

“Everyone! I understand your anger!”

“But now, we are all part of Star Origin. We are under the protection of Star Father and the High Priest!”

“Even if the alien civilization arrives, the Six Divine Guardians will not sit idly by. We will ensure the safety of Star Origin!”

Her words eased the fury, and murmurs of discussion began to spread.

“That’s right, the High Priest is so powerful. We need not fear the aliens!”

“We are all Star Origin now! We must face the extraterrestrials together!”

“Praise Star Father!”

“Thank the High Priest!”

Inside the Council Hall, Synt listened as the clamor outside gradually subsided. He knew he was now the target of all hostility and would have to devote himself to swiftly healing the rift between civilizations.

Seeing the tide of public opinion shift, Lin Luan allowed herself a faint smile. She turned to Wei Hong, who stood quietly observing everything, and said softly,

“People follow the crowd not because they lack judgment, but because they seek security.”

“Welcome to Star Origin.”