Chapter 580: View

The aircraft tore forward across the sky with maddening speed. After crossing a certain distance, as though gaining momentum, a concentrated beam shot out from the aircraft like a laser.

Far ahead, the beam collided with space itself, causing it to distort and rupture, tearing open into a swirling portal. Without a moment’s hesitation, the aircraft surged into the portal at extreme velocity, and in the next instant, the portal snapped shut, sealing behind it with a silent flash.

High above the atmosphere of a planet known as the Blue Planet, another portal suddenly formed. From within, a military aircraft burst forth, continuing to shoot forward like a bolt of lightning as it pierced through the sky.

Beep.

“We’ve arrived at the destination: Blue Planet,” came the AI’s mechanical tone once again, echoing through the cabin.

It hadn’t even taken five minutes to traverse the vast cosmic distance between the military base and their homeworld.

The time of day was already leaning into evening, and the heavens stretched above, casting down silvery rays that bathed the world in a pale glow. Anthony’s aircraft remained just above the clouds, gliding silently as if using them as a veil for concealment.

“Set course for the Abandoned Desert of Ruins,” Anthony intoned coolly.

“Coordinates set. Engage full speed?” the mechanical voice of the AI inquired once more.

‘If we use full speed, we’d essentially teleport there. But I’m certain the Forsaken Cult has installed measures to detect rapid movement or spatial fluctuations anywhere around their base. If we teleport directly, we’ll expose our presence instantly, that is, assuming they aren’t already aware of our arrival,’ Anthony thought, his eyes narrowing.

He was almost certain the Forsaken Cult had moles within the military. It wasn’t far-fetched to assume that, much like the demons, they had spies in critical places. Anthony assumed the Warlords had considered this possibility, which likely explained their strategy, sending him ahead to open the portals individually.

The rest of the soldiers would cross through the portals without prior information, only told they would be facing off against the demon race. In this way, the chances of intelligence leaks would be minimized.

If word somehow still managed to leak, the source could only be traced to either the Warlords, Anthony’s own team, or perhaps even Veronica herself.

‘There’s no need to rush this. We’ll take the cautious route, slow and steady,’ Anthony decided.

“Negative. Proceed at the usual cruising speed,” he responded.

“Affirmative,” the AI confirmed, and the aircraft’s speed decelerated drastically to a smooth glide.

Anthony nodded to himself, letting out a silent breath as he sank deeper into his chair. His gaze became distant, eyes resting on the glowing control panels before him, though it was clear his thoughts had wandered elsewhere.

“What are you thinking about?” Vega asked from the side. Her striking purple gaze settled gently on the man beside her.

“Nothing in particular. Just thinking about how many lives might be saved by what we’re about to do,” Anthony replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Oh ho? I didn’t think you were the kind of man to care about people who aren’t directly connected to you,” Vega replied with a playful smirk.

Anthony shrugged slightly and said, “It’s true, I don’t usually care about people unless they’re part of my circle. But with the destruction of the Forsaken Cult imminent, it gives many people a chance to live and even die in peace. That counts for something.”

Vega gave a slow nod in agreement. Although the Forsaken Cult typically targeted powerful individuals and their families, Anthony was referring to the ordinary and the weak, those within the Mortal mana rank or barely at the Master rank. He knew the cult would not hesitate to abduct such individuals for their perverse experiments.

Even children were not spared. The cult recognized no moral boundaries, crossing lines most would deem unthinkable.

‘The Blue Planet is going to burn tonight,’ Anthony thought. This was a coordinated assault involving multiple Domains across the entire world. The magnitude of the operation was immense, and the number of potential casualties, both among civilians and soldiers, was impossible to estimate.

Eventually, Anthony shook his head, choosing to push those thoughts aside.

“Activate Panoramic View,” he commanded.

At once, the blinds lifted, and the outside world spilled into view. The sky stretched out in all directions, the clouds below like a shifting sea of white.

Suddenly, the door behind them slid open with a hiss, and Dale, along with the rest of the team, entered the control room.

“Hey Anthony, why’d you reduce the ship’s speed?” Seraphim asked as she took a seat across from a console table.

“I just thought we could enjoy the view for a bit before diving headfirst into bloodshed,” Anthony replied, eyes still fixed on the drifting clouds outside.

“Enjoy the view?” Seraphim repeated, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“Well, it’s been a while since we returned to the Blue Planet. A little moment of peace might do us good,” Reynold added from the side, answering her question with a casual smile.

Seraphim gave a slow nod at Reynold’s words. She had expected they would rush straight into the carnage, not linger for serenity.

“Can we make a quick stop at the Vampire Domain? I haven’t seen my kids in decades,” Dale said wistfully.

“This is a critical mission, Dale. We can’t afford detours. The operation could be compromised,” Spectre said, his tone firm and unwavering.

Dale turned to him and replied, “You’re only saying that because you’re itching to test your latest improvements on those cult bastards. Trust me, when you eventually have children, you’ll understand the love a father has for his child.”

Spectre merely shook his head and chose silence over argument.

“Do we have any actual attack plan?” Reynold asked, settling down beside Seraphim.

“We don’t,” Vega responded. “Anthony already explained, we’re not engaging them directly. Our job is to open the portals first. After that, it’s every soldier for themselves.”

“How about this?” Dale began, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “When we arrive at the Desert, we can plant my bombs everywhere before opening the portal. Once all the soldiers arrive, we detonate everything at once, take them by surprise and tilt the battle in our favor.”