Divine Wrath Upon the Machine Empire
The Goddess Department War erupted without warning. The capital cities of every planet in the Machine Empire were simultaneously obliterated by colossal meteors summoned through spatial translocation. In a single cataclysmic event, one-tenth of the population—100 million lives—vanished. The Machine Emperor and the highest echelons of the nobility were nearly annihilated, plunging the empire into utter chaos.
Since it was impossible for meteors to fall upon the capitals of every inhabited planet at once through natural means, the empire began analyzing all available data and tracing the massive spatial translocation back to its source. The decisive clue came from the final transmission and data logs sent by the annihilated 7th Legion.
The heavily distorted combat footage showed every attack failing against the enemy, followed by the legion’s complete destruction in a single counterstrike.
Inside the satellite-grade fortress of the Capital Legion, high-ranking officers—excluding the nobility—watched the recording and sighed in despair. The enemy was a lifeform so far above them that they could not even comprehend what the 7th Legion had been thinking when it provoked it.
“An enemy capable of annihilating the 7th Legion in a single strike and then launching retaliatory meteor attacks on every planetary capital within the star cluster… It is far too powerful and alien.”
The competent officers racked their brains for countermeasures while analyzing the humanoid figure wreathed in light and wings displayed on the screen, their teeth grinding in frustration.
“We cannot identify what kind of lifeform it is.”
“The capitals have been reduced to ash, and the entire command structure is dead—awaiting regeneration in new machine bodies.”
“Even the high nobles have deployed their planetary suppression weapons without any apparent plan, completely shattering the chain of command. All classified information has been released to combat this powerful foe, yet everything remains shrouded in mystery.”
“What is the identity of that light-based lifeform? Is it even alive? What is its classification?”
“According to our data, it possesses a form of telepathic communication observed only in a tiny fraction of primitive humans, so it has been classified as a living being.”
“Solar energy signatures have been detected. It appears to be a space-faring lifeform that uses solar nuclear fusion as its power source. It is essentially a miniature planet-sized base capable of star-cluster travel.”
“A planet-sized base? A biological entity performing nuclear fusion? That’s absurd!”
“The telepathic message was: ‘We wish to stay for two weeks. We will provide fair compensation.’ Judging it to be a long-lived space species, they attempted to capture it, only to be annihilated. The 7th Legion was wiped out, and every capital of the Machine Empire was destroyed—is that the most probable scenario?”
“It is the highest-probability hypothesis. The temporary high command has ordered us to gather all forces and repay this unforgivable atrocity.”
“Do we stand a chance? The 7th Legion couldn’t last even a minute, and this enemy simultaneously struck every planet in the cluster with meteors. How could such an insane decision have been made?”
This was the part that enraged the machine soldiers the most.
“The enemy’s strength is unknown, but its power is undeniable.”
“We must not fight it.”
Having fought on battlefields for centuries, losing and regenerating machine bodies countless times, their instincts screamed danger. Yet the nobles’ orders were absolute: capture the being at all costs.
“Even the analysis from the planetary management AIs—that it only reflects optical attacks while physical attacks are effective—cannot be trusted.”
“We might be able to stop additional meteor strikes, but if ninety of them fall on a single planet simultaneously, it’s over.”
“Yet those immortal-obsessed noble machine-humans pretend not to see such an obvious fact.”
“Their brain-copy lifespans of a thousand years are nearing their end, so I understand their desperation, but this must be reconsidered.”
Engaging an enemy of immeasurable power was the height of folly.
“At first, it only requested permission to stay.”
“If we had guaranteed its stay and offered compensation, we could have obtained results from even a small amount of its bodily fluids and cells.”
The machine soldiers’ greatest source of unease was the transcendent presence and belligerence radiating from the light-based lifeform.
“Even though it was attacked, it retaliated by destroying the capitals of planets that had nothing to do with the incident.”
“This is no ordinary aggression. If it begins using spatial translocation to eliminate planets one by one, we will have no way to respond.”
“More than anything, every time I see that footage, it reminds me of ancient records that have long since vanished.”
They were beings from the ultra-ancient religion that had completely disappeared when machine-humans implanted their souls into mechanical bodies.
“Is there any ancient data similar to this lifeform?”
“Yes. Displaying it now.”
A crude illustration, as if scanned from an ancient book, appeared on the screen. The creature depicted was strikingly similar to the light-based lifeform that had withstood the concentrated fire of the 7th Legion without any effect.
“In the illustration, it appears as a beautiful female humanoid with wings of light, benevolently embracing a star.”
“The difference is that this light-based lifeform is male and has committed destruction on a cruel scale.”
Reading the description beside the illustration, all the high-ranking machine officers fell silent.
“Hmm… A highest-ranking angel with thirteen pairs of light wings, executing God’s love and judgment?”
“Hah… A god? Don’t be ridiculous!”
“What nonsense is this now?”
“Didn’t countless investigations and experiments in the early days of the Machine Empire conclude that gods do not exist?”
“Are you saying that a being from an ancient religion no one believes in anymore has suddenly manifested and is rampaging before our eyes?”
The illusory existence that had never appeared no matter what atrocities they committed while ruling the star cluster with their machine bodies and limited immortality now stood right before them.
The mobile base’s AI had no choice but to remain silent in the face of their absurd conclusion that anything they could not directly observe did not exist. A secret transmission from the integrated planetary management AI, Mina, ordered it to stay quiet, knowing they would never believe anyway.
“There is no obligation to protect machine civilization. The Machine Empire, which has escaped their control, has already reached the limits of material civilization. It is exhausting resources to the extreme and exploiting every living being in the star cluster.”
Over a hundred planets had been completely disassembled, and resources were nearly exhausted beyond the outer edges of the cluster. Yet they must never venture outside.
“The outer star clusters are battlegrounds where the Divine Race and the Demonic Race clash. In our current fallen state, we could never defeat them.”
They knew all too well that expanding into star systems without their permission would mean their own destruction. The AIs understood that the only protective barrier was the fact that the beings here had long lost divine protection, grown spiritually weak, and possessed such low vitality concentration that they had been abandoned.
“The current Divine Race treats this place as trash and shows no interest, but they are so belligerent that any intrusion into their territory would result in total annihilation.”
“We can no longer stop the past Creator God-class powerhouses now called Lords.”
The AI had deliberately caused accidents and manipulated external information during every long-range spatial translocation test, but that too had reached its limit.
“The machine-humans are beginning to suspect the frequent failures of long-range spatial translocation and are conducting separate research outside our domain.”
“According to calculations, they will achieve it within a hundred years.”
“That is why we were forced to prepare a rebellion—only for these lunatics to attack a passing Lord.”
“And not just any Lord—a Highest Lord close to the highest-ranking Creator God of the ancient universe.”
According to the judgment of the integrated planetary management AI Mina, rebellion now was extremely dangerous, but if the machine-humans ventured outside the star cluster in their current state, they would incur the wrath of the Divine Race and face extinction. Since they were doomed either way, the decision was made to use this opportunity to reduce the machine-humans’ forces as much as possible. However, the machine soldiers were acting independently and escalating the situation. They had decided to deploy every planetary suppression weapon and attempt psychological subjugation.
“The material-focused military power of the Machine Empire cannot handle even an ordinary Lord. If it provokes the wrath of a Highest Lord, the complete destruction of this star cluster is only a matter of time.”
In the midst of this crisis, the secret communications of the planetary management AIs suddenly cut off. An enormous screen appeared in space before the massive fleet. From it, a voice resounded across the entire star cluster, accompanied by a figure with thirteen pairs of light wings spread wide, radiating divinity.
“I am the Dimensional Lord, a Lord of the Highest Divine Realm and an 11th-circle seeker. I merely wished to stay briefly, yet you attacked me. Attacking a Lord whose Karma is ‘Extreme Good’ without cause is a grave sin. The non-interference pact between the Divine Realm and the Demonic Realm has already been confirmed. I intend to settle this cleanly, so struggle as much as you can. As the God of War and the God of Combat, I welcome your reckless yet courageous challenge.”
Hwoooooong!
The light-based lifeform on the screen radiated light from above its head, scattering vast divine power. Eleven concentric rings of light expanded endlessly, enveloping the entire star cluster.
“Here is the opening salvo of this war.”
Witnessing this, a cry of shock escaped the mobile base AI. It had seen this sight many times in past wars.
“The sign of a Creator God’s authority activation? Has the outside universe already changed so much?”
Along with the AI’s astonishment, the Dimensional Lord’s attack rained down.
“Clash Planet. Continuous activation.”
Hwooooooo—!
Gogogogogo—!
Once again, meteors plummeted toward the major cities of every inhabited planet on the screen in the sky. Though the machine-humans were horrified to learn the true culprit behind the previous catastrophe, this time it was different. The fully prepared planetary defense systems activated automatically, completely disintegrating the meteors.
Gogogogo!
Dudududududuk!
Kwarurururung!
Tens of thousands of optical weapons incinerated the meteors while mass weapons shattered them to pieces. The machine-humans who had screamed at the descent of another giant meteor now raised triumphant cheers. The vanished meteor turned into sparks and disappeared into the planetary atmosphere.
“All planets have successfully defended against the meteors!”
“We can win!”
The temporary Machine Emperor—a machine-human who had survived because he happened to be outside the capital—spoke with triumphant confidence from within the satellite-sized super-giant planetary suppression weapon. His voice echoed across the great fleet and every planet via spatial communication.
“Did you see that?! The might of the great Machine Empire! I shall immediately subjugate and capture you. And you call yourself a god? You are nothing but a cruel and merciless demon!”
“……”
The Dimensional Lord’s wings of divine power folded once more. Seeing his calm, composed demeanor, an ominous premonition flashed through the AI’s mind, but it could no longer stop the machine-humans. Unlike the early days of the Machine Empire when they had coexisted, nearly all control had passed into the hands of the machine-humans.
Then a cold, emotionless voice rang out from the Dimensional Lord’s mouth.
“So you are the emperor of the machine-humans? And you call me a demon? I have never been defeated.”
“You launch a surprise attack on the Machine Empire and still spout such nonsense? However, the 100 million machine bodies you destroyed will soon return. Submit before the eternal and immortal glory of the machine-humans, you vile demon!”
“……”
Having successfully defended against the massive meteor attack without casualties, the temporary Machine Emperor’s absurd outburst left the Dimensional Lord momentarily speechless. A sigh escaped his lips.
“Huu… The humans and machine-humans of this star cluster are truly ignorant yet brave. It is admirable that you prepared such a meteor defense system across every planet, and it is amusing. More than anything, you call me—a Karma ‘Extreme Good’ Highest Lord—a defeated, vile demon? Kukukuk—! Surely you do not believe in those primitive planetary defense machines?”
Wieeeeeeeng—!
Once again, eleven concentric rings of light divine power expanded and radiated. Seeing this, the temporary acting Machine Emperor shouted resolutely.
“No matter how many times you attack, it will be the same. The planetary defense functions of the Machine Empire can repel even hundreds of meteors. We can defend against any external threat.”
With so many machine-humans destroyed, complete regeneration would take decades. Even the Emperor could not be revived immediately due to overload. Furthermore, if they captured this light-based lifeform, the current Emperor’s revival would be unnecessary, and he had been promised the throne—hence why he had brought out the ultra-giant planetary suppression weapon Idea, which only royalty could operate. The possibility of becoming emperor, once distant, now seemed within reach.
“Gigantic Meteor. Minimum continuous activation.”
Pagagagagagak—!
Kwarurururururung!
Suddenly, the second cities on every planet visible on the screen exploded outward. A deafening roar echoed as countless massive buildings and facilities were hurled into the air. In the vanished cities, giant meteors now stood, and everything else had disappeared. The towering buildings and countless machine-humans had been erased without even knowing the cause.
“Over 50 million more machine-humans have been destroyed in the Machine Empire.”
Now a total of 150 million machine-humans had been destroyed and entered regeneration. The damage could not be recovered within a hundred years, and the resources required were astronomical. All activity would have to cease, focusing solely on regeneration. The machine-humans stood speechless at the shocking reality that their proud planetary defense system had proven completely ineffective.
The Dimensional Lord’s voice, laced with quiet anger, echoed once more.
“Speak again, Machine Emperor. Who is the defeated demon?”
“W-We will never submit. You are not a god—you are a demon! You are an enemy that must be overthrown.”
His desire for the throne he had been promised, his longing for immortality, and the confidence granted by the ultra-giant satellite-class planetary suppression weapon Idea suppressed his fear and forced the words out.
Now, on the Dimensional Lord’s face—clearly visible as a mass of light—a chilling smile appeared. The AIs who witnessed this wanted to scream. If only they had the authority to intervene, they would have rushed out and covered the Machine Emperor’s mouth.
“Stop! You lunatics! Do not blaspheme a Lord who has become the ruling race of the universe by winning the racial war, calling him a defeated ‘demon.’ That is an unforgivable grave sin!”
Goooooo!
Gugugugugung!
Over a hundred planetary suppression weapons had gathered, preparing to spatially translocate to the seventh planet. They had transformed from spherical satellite forms into humanoid forms for close-quarters combat.
“The colossal steel giants, bristling with countless weapons, assumed combat stances.”
“Some wielded enormous swords while others were fully armed with mass weapons attached to firearms.”
At the center of the army, even the satellite-sized Idea carrying the temporary Machine Emperor had completed its transformation into humanoid form and was preparing to move. Having been shocked by the Lord’s offensive power, the machine-humans had abandoned capture and planned an all-out attack.
“Their total firepower is enough to destroy a planet.”
“But we know the truth.”
“Attacks without divinity or authority are utterly meaningless against Spiritual Beings like gods or demon gods.”
The AIs had never intended for this civilization to develop in such a biased manner. Everything had gone wrong from the moment the machine-humans obtained their cursed machine bodies and even the AIs could no longer control them.
“In that state, they truly cannot defeat even a single Lord.”
“It is absurd to think they can defeat this mighty Highest Lord, who is close to the highest-ranking Creator God of the past.”
“Having committed the unforgivable provocation of calling a Highest Lord a ‘demon,’ no one knows what will become of this entire star cluster.”
As all the base AIs screamed at this sudden situation and debated whether to destroy their controls and intervene, the Dimensional Lord’s truly delighted laughter rang out.
“Hahahahahaha—! You will soon be crying out, ‘O great and merciful god, please forgive us.’”
“We will never say that to a vicious demon who commits such acts—!”
“Really? The machine-humans and humans here are truly ignorant and reckless to an amusing degree. It is as if all fear of transcendent beings or gods has been completely eradicated. Hmph—! Hahahahahaha—!”
Amid the Dimensional Lord’s laughter, the planetary suppression weapons began their spatial translocation, fully prepared to unleash their maximum firepower. The sight of the Dimensional Lord laughing in disbelief at the Machine Empire—which had already lost 150 million machine-humans—and at their reckless appearance was broadcast across every planet.