Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1851: Stealing

While the newcomers on the planet were locked in desperate combat for prestigious rewards, a clandestine video conference was unfolding in the depths of outer space—a meeting that would determine the fate of every living soul in the universe.

Under normal circumstances, the individuals currently stationed on the periphery were not the high-ranking leaders of their respective species. A glance at the Star-Eye Clan’s delegation revealed only a deputy from the flight wing alongside the daughter of the clan leader.

Nevertheless, a mandate had been issued requiring every vessel to synchronize their communication arrays for this broadcast.

The transmission displayed a relentless montage of planetary annihilation.

This was not the instantaneous destruction caused by a singular blast; rather, it mirrored the horrors Ye Zhongming had previously witnessed—world after world transforming from vibrant, life-sustaining orbs into desolate, ashen husks.

Though biological life might not have been entirely wiped out on those spheres, the survivors were left with zero potential for advancement, forced to simply linger until their inevitable extinction arrived.

These were the countless worlds that had been sucked dry by the Slave Race.

“Based on the most recent statistics, though the data remains incomplete, the population of the Slave Race has already surpassed ten thousand.”

A voice echoed from the video, resonant and low.

This single statement sent shockwaves through every race in the cosmos. It was a revelation previously unknown to them, even catching members of the Star-Eye Clan like Aslan completely off guard.

The Slave Race... had their numbers truly reached such heights?

No one dared to overlook the word “incomplete” in that report. Every member of the galactic races was aware that the regions of space they could effectively monitor were far too few. If the Slave Race exceeded five figures even within these narrow confines, how many more lurked in the vast, unmapped reaches of the universe?

“One of their monarchs... specifically, the Calamity Queen Mother, has recently undergone a massive spawning event. Research facilities across multiple races are of the opinion that the Calamity Queen Mother has likely achieved its ultimate form.”

The visual shifted. A grainy image flickered onto the holographic screen. Though distorted, the silhouette was recognizable as a member of the Slave Race. Set against the backdrop of nearby celestial bodies, its titanic proportions inspired a sense of primal dread in all who watched.

The creature was so gargantuan that its outstretched tentacles seemed capable of spanning an entire small galaxy.

Furthermore, its coloration deviated entirely from other known Slave Races, manifesting as a profound, abyssal black.

It was a darkness so deep it could trigger instinctive terror with a single look.

“It is now essentially confirmed that every member of the Slave Race is an offspring of the Calamity Queen Mother—her parasites. They utilize an unknown method to facilitate energy transfer between one another.”

“This image was captured by one of our scouting parties at the cost of their lives. Five cosmic years have passed since then, and the subsequent spawning cycle of the Calamity Queen Mother is estimated to be less than ten cosmic years away.”

So soon?!

The general populace understood the reproductive rate of the Slave Race. It wasn't necessarily considered fast or slow, as every life form follows its own unique cycle.

But the sheer volume produced by this Calamity Queen Mother was unprecedented! To birth such a massive brood in under twenty cosmic years—who could possibly withstand such a tide? This figure didn't even account for the output of other Slave Races or the reproduction of these juveniles once they matured. It was clear that the emergence of this perfected Calamity Queen Mother had shifted the expansion of the Slave Race into overdrive.

The gravity of the situation became apparent to everyone.

In the past, when the Slave Races were merely drifting through the stars and leisurely consuming worlds, they had already driven the galactic races to the edge of ruin. Now, with the Calamity Queen Mother accelerating their growth, it felt as though the true apocalypse was finally coming into view.

“The time has come where we must formulate a strategy, yet we remain fractured and continue to obstruct one another.”

“Systemic reform is now unavoidable.”

“We, the inhabitants of Reina Star.”

“We, the inhabitants of Huo’er Star.”

“Jointly declare that the format of this novice battlefield will be altered and its difficulty increased. During the final minor cycle, every race will be permitted to deploy three combatants with Fureila energy levels below two thousand into the fray. The points they earn will be factored into the overall rankings.”

“Once the novice battlefield concludes, the racial point standings will serve as the foundation for our reforms. Everyone, strive for your own survival.”

With that, the transmission ended, leaving the races of the universe to face a night that was bound to be filled with chaos.

…………………………………………

“Haha, I’ve got him!”

Aimusi burst into laughter, her eyes gleaming with predatory intent as she spotted Ye Zhongming in the water.

So long as he remained within her sight, the speed of her mechanical motorboat ensured that Ye Zhongming would never be able to flee again.

And what a sight it was! An adolescent Spiral Fish, a critically wounded yet breathing Spiral Fish, and a lightly injured lead Spiral Fish—all of them represented points! Combined with Ye Zhongming’s value, Aimusi was certain her personal ranking would break into the top ten!

While Aimusi was filled with exhilaration, Ye Zhongming’s circumstances were far from ideal.

The sight of Hawkins and his crew made Jie Kui feel like breaking down in tears.

That hunting party had returned! Even Helsky and Yang Tuo, the two who had vanished, were back with the group. The implications of their return were painfully obvious.

Their own group was battered and diminished, while the enemy was at full strength and brimming with confidence. This was a disaster...

His eyes shifted to Ye Zhongming.

The lead Spiral Fish certainly wasn't going to grant a reprieve just because new enemies had arrived. Its kin had been virtually wiped out.

There was no way it would let the architect of its family's destruction escape.

The fins along the lead fish’s spine and flanks bristled. Its mass suddenly accelerated, spinning violently as it lunged toward Ye Zhongming.

The Cloud Peak King tore his attention away from the approaching motorboat. He barked an order to Qiuqiu, grabbed He, and vaulted out of the water, hurling He toward Shi Kangbu in the same motion.

“Protect him!”

Following his shout, he used Qiuqiu’s body as a springboard, seized a white filament launched by the creature, and executed a synchronized teleportation toward the motorboat.

Behind them, the massive form of the lead fish thundered through the spot they had occupied just moments before.

Jie Kui instinctively swam toward He’s position. That was the designated area for those unable to fight.

“He’s coming straight for us!”

Aimusi watched Ye Zhongming’s charge. Rather than being concerned about him leading the Spiral Fish toward them, she was thrilled.

“Wade, Yaka, go take down that lead fish. Bola, Botu, sweep up the rest of the garbage. All those points belong to you. Husband, let’s finish Ye Zhongming together!”

A long spear manifested in her grip. Her winged armor deployed instantly as she fully committed to a combat state.

Believing this to be the final encounter that would see Ye Zhongming dead, Hawkins also fully powered up, triggering his armor's special ability. The spectral image of a monstrous beast loomed behind him.

Ye Zhongming met them with a frigid sneer. He raised his weapon high, gave Qiuqiu a forceful shove, and then propelled himself high above the motorboat. He descended like a falling star, slashing downward with overwhelming force and a blinding curtain of light!

Helsky and Yang Tuo exchanged a quick look and shouted, “We’ll keep his war beast busy!” before diving into the water together.