The Dawn of the New World

"...What...kind of energy readings?"

"Extraneous...in origin..."

*Sigh*

"That's not good, not one damn bit," Hao Xuan shook his head wearily, "So either they've made contact with the Xenos or worse, trying to summon demonic entities. Either way, it is going to be a shit show."

"Language please," the girl pouted all of a sudden turning an otherwise serious situation somewhat comical.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Hao Xuan quickly apologized, "How could I curse in front of one of the sisters?"

Hearing his joking tone she crossed her arms grumpily, "Profanity is a crutch of the conversational cripple."

"Really? Well, most sincerest of apologies your highness. The next time you tell me I'm heading into a demon-infested hive city I will try to be more cheerful."

This time she was the one sighing, "Yes yes, I give up, curse all you want. Hmph!"

"Thank you hahaha," Hao Xuan grinned, "It's not like my soul can get any less damned if I stop cursing."

"You should still try. Maintaining a clean and- Ah, who am I kidding, we both know you won't listen to me anyway," even she gave up halfway.

They talked for what felt like hours, joking and exchanging stories and other important news from across the galaxy until another person came into the frame and whispered something into her ear.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh nothing much. An important guest is arriving soon and we all have to go out and receive her."

"A guest? There? That's...unnatural."

"Indeed it is but apparently it's someone of importance. Even the head sister is cutting her meditation short to greet this person."

Hao Xuan's ears perked up instantly, "Really?! That old prude is breaking her meditation!? Who the hell is this guest that's so important? I remember she even made one of the Holy Sons wait an entire day rather than stop her mediation."

"Exactly. I don't know who it is either but apparently she is very important. She has visited a lot of old houses of Solum before coming here and even brought some of the younger generations with her."

"SOLUM?!" Hao Xuan was so surprised that he turned around a little too quickly causing a cramp along his shoulder.

"Ahh, damnit!"

"Are you okay?" the girl asked worriedly but he just shook his head, "It's nothing. Solum, you just said Solum right?"

"Yes...why?" she hesitantly answered.

Hao Xuan let out a deep breath, not knowing where to even start.

"There...is so much behind those few words that I couldn't explain it all even we had the time. As you know, Solum is the homeworld of the Immortal Emperor and the center of all modern civilization. The Old houses and clans of Solum rule most of the galaxy from its surface and there are very strict rules in place to govern them."

"Not only are they extremely strict with who they openly interact with but none of them make any noise either ever since-well, ever since the Emperor went missing. So to hear that they met with someone, an outsider and even let their younger generation tag along with this person is nothing short of a miracle."

The girl shrugged, "Is it really that big of a deal though?"

"YES!" Hao Xuan retorted loudly, "The political implications of such actions are- Argh, what do I even say here? They are showing their support for this person but why? Why is she so important? The Holy Sons won't let anyone grow their influence in fear of causing another civil war so I don't know what the hell is going on anymore. Maybe..."

He went on a tirade by himself that had to be forcefully cut short when another person came and whispered something in the girl's ears.

"I'm sorry I have to go soon."

"Yes yes, I'm sorry I got a little carried away. Go and meet this person, I'd love to know who she is. A female to boot. I wonder what her true identity is..."

The girl smiled hearing him mumbling away to himself. He usually didn't talk this much, it was nice to see him in a good mood for once.

Just then a loud beeping noise sounded from the metal box and a small map immediately popped up.

It showed a red dot coming towards his position with extreme speed.

"What the hell?!"

Hao Xuan reached behind his back and pulled out an energy pistol while a long serrated blade shot out from his mechanical right hand.

"What happened?" the girl immediately inquired upon hearing the iconic charge-up sound of the energy pistol.

Hao Xuan stood up and pulled the front flap open ever so slightly, just enough to peek through.

There was a sandstorm raging outside and nothing could be seen through it even though the sensors were pointing in its direction.

"Something is coming," he whispered.

The girl nodded and stood up, "Please be careful, there are a lot of strange things happening these days. I've sent a care package to the rendezvous point so be sure to pick it up before heading to the city. It's only a day's ride away."

"I will, thanks," Hao Xuan's full attention was directed outside now so he didn't even look at her.

"And do tell me if you have another nightmare, I really want to hear about them som-"

*Bzzt*

The signal got forcefully cut off.

Hao Xuan tapped on the metal button on side of his collar and a helmet immediately popped up around his face. He pulled up the map on his visor that showed his location.

The initial red dot had multiplied by four now and they were surrounding him from all sides.

With narrowed eyes, he surveyed the surroundings and finally caught sight of something. There was a large figure standing just a few meters away from him.

It did not look human at all since its height exceeded well over 3 meters and a massive tail slithered behind it.

His expression hardened as he whispered into the visor, "Switch to close-range mode. Initialize the Dawn Blade!"