Chapter 150: Planet Gaia

?A computer-generated rendering of a massive spherical device surrounded by violent rings of energy appeared on screen.

?"Sources confirm the device was capable of triggering an apocalyptic energy cascade on a planetary scale. Had it detonated, Planet Roca and its entire population of billions would have been completely vaporized."

?A heavy silence lingered over the broadcast, letting the weight of the revelation sink in.

?"Fortunately, the core was stabilized before the reaction reached critical mass. According to preliminary reports, an unidentified Lord intervened directly, suppressing the catastrophic energy surge and saving the planet."

?Cassian’s face remained impassive, though he could already tell where the media narrative was heading.

?The anchor glanced at a side display.

?"Interestingly, investigators examining the subterranean site have reported extraordinarily high concentrations of death mana in the vicinity of the core. This has prompted widespread speculation that the unidentified Lord belongs to a death-aligned faction or commands an army utilizing necromantic abilities."

?"Although the identity of this mysterious savior remains unknown to the public, the presence of death mana has raised pressing questions. Was this an established Lord operating covertly within the Dominion? Or could this have been a Passing Lord who decided to lend a hand?"

?The anchor leaned slightly toward the camera.

?"More importantly, how did a Lord capable of neutralizing a planetary-level threat remain absent from official Dominion registries? We will continue to follow this extraordinary development as more information is released."

?The broadcast transitioned to an economic report, but Cassian had already lost interest.

?He leaned back against the cushions.

’?They certainly move fast.’

?The dust hadn’t even settled, and the media was already spinning theories about his identity.

He couldn’t blame them, a rogue Lord suppressing a planet-killing device while leaving behind a dense trail of death mana was bound to spark wild speculation.

?Naturally, people wanted answers.

?Unfortunately for them, Cassian had zero intention of stepping into the spotlight.

?His status as a Divine-Blessed Lord was a secret worth guarding at all costs. The fewer people who understood his true capabilities, the safer his family remained.

?Beside him, Ruby turned with a bright, curious smile. "Dad, are you really super strong?"

?Cassian glanced down at his daughter. He considered the question for a brief second before answering with a completely straight face. "Probably."

?Ruby nodded solemnly, taking his answer as absolute fact. Then she leaned in closer. "Are you going to become famous?"

?Cassian’s mouth twitched. Hopefully not.

?"Who knows?" he replied smoothly. "I prefer keeping a low profile anyway."

?Seraphina glanced over from the edge of the couch. A faint, knowing smile played across her lips, but she remained silent. She knew her son well enough to recognize when he was actively deflecting.

?And judging by how comfortable Cassian looked on the couch, he had no desire to discuss the ’mysterious Lord’ ever again.

?Standing behind them, Nyxara lowered her head slightly to conceal her amusement.

?For a man who had just saved billions of lives and averted a global apocalypse, her Lord seemed remarkably determined to act as though he had merely stepped out for a stroll.

?Perhaps that was just another one of his quirks.

?Or perhaps, she thought with a subtle smile, Cassian Voss simply preferred to let the entire cosmos drive itself mad wondering what he was truly capable of.

....

By the time Louis Ferdinand finished supervising the aftermath of the crisis on Planet Roca, the situation had finally stabilized.

?The remains of the terrorists were being collected, the hostages were being transferred to medical facilities, and planetary authorities had begun assessing the damage.

Emergency response teams worked to restore order across the world while Dominion forces investigated the full extent of the attack.

?Louis had personally ensured that the immediate threat was neutralized. However, his responsibilities as Overseer extended far beyond intervening on the battlefield.

?An emergency council meeting had already been convened to discuss the incident, and his presence was mandatory.

’?What a troublesome day.’

?Louis sighed softly as he reviewed the latest status reports on his communicator.

?He hadn’t even managed to say a proper farewell to Cassian and his family before becoming buried under administrative duties.

Still, the old man wasn’t particularly concerned. He was certain their paths would cross again soon enough.

After all, Cassian was a Lord of the Astral Dominion, and Louis had several good reasons to maintain a close relationship with him.

’?Besides, I still need to discover what that young man is truly planning.’

?A faint smile touched his lips before he dismissed the thought. Whatever Cassian was up to, it could wait until after the council adjourned.

?As for his Champion, the colossal Kraken had already been dismissed back to his territory within the Lord’s Domain.

Its work on Planet Roca was complete, and there was no reason to keep such a catastrophic existence deployed unnecessarily.

?The press had also received their official statements.

?Louis had authorized the appropriate public disclosures, highlighting the swift intervention of Dominion forces and confirming that the immediate crisis was over.

He had deliberately withheld sensitive intel regarding the Arachnid Civilization and the unidentified Lord who had suppressed the Worldbreaker Core.

?There was zero need to ignite a sector-wide panic.

?As Overseer, it was his duty to reassure the citizens of the Astral Dominion while ensuring the core investigation proceeded without public interference.

He couldn’t reveal everything, but he could share enough to demonstrate that the situation was firmly under control.

?Having cleared his immediate obligations, Louis stowed his communicator.

?"Time to get back to work."

?Spatial energy gathered around his form. The surrounding air distorted, folding inward as his silhouette blurred.

?A moment later, Louis Ferdinand vanished from Planet Roca.

?In the next instant, Louis materialized in the quiet vacuum of space.

?Stretching out before him was the capital world of the Astral Dominion.

?Planet Gaia.

?Even from high orbit, the world was a magnificent sight.

?It was the largest planet within the Astral Dominion, a colossal celestial body orbited by twin moons that traced elegant paths through the void.

Beyond them, a brilliant sun illuminated the planet’s surface, casting a luminous halo across its upper atmosphere.

?Deep blue oceans covered vast stretches of the globe, broken by sprawling continental landmasses.