C26 Angel Civilization

Ten kilometers from an abandoned factory, a cluster of tents stood by the lake's edge. The individuals coming and going were draped in white robes, their expressions etched with piety. Atop each tent, a star-like emblem signaled their allegiance to the Ancient God Cult.

With the dawn of the Great Voyage Era, the civilization of angels from the Western Creation myths was unearthed. People came to the startling realization that the so-called angels, ranging from two-winged to twelve-winged, were in fact mechas from another civilization, categorized by levels akin to the Federation of Ancient Earth's own ranking system: ordinary, Bronze Level, and Silver Level.

This otherworldly society was dubbed the Angel Civilization by the Federation of Ancient Earth. Over the centuries, amidst the quest to unravel the cosmos, Earth had both collaborated and clashed with this celestial culture.

For Western religious followers, both past and present, this revelation was earth-shattering. Angels were long believed to be the Emperor's servants, but now, reimagined as mechas, the nature of the Emperor was called into question. Was the Emperor's existence still a reality?

In the era of Ancient Earth, scientific progress had already shaken the foundations of established religions. Theories of evolution and heliocentrism emerged, challenging traditional beliefs. Yet, the religions had managed to reconcile these ideas. However, the emergence of Angel Mecha was the final blow that they could not withstand.

Many publicly renounced their faith in the "Emperor," turning instead to the arms of science. Yet, a faction remained steadfast in their faith, convinced that the Angel Civilization's presence only underscored the "Emperor's" reality.

To them, it was clear: the Angel Civilization was crafted by the "Emperor" as servants, and Earth's own civilization came later. The "Emperor," accompanied by the Angel Civilization, had once visited Earth, giving rise to ancient myths.

These believers formed a new denomination—the Ancient God Cult—intent on retracing the divine steps to uncover the "Emperor's" whereabouts.

It was common knowledge that the traditional sects were monotheistic, venerating only the "Emperor" as their deity. This stood in stark contrast to the polytheistic pantheons of Greek mythology and the myriad immortals and Buddhas of Eastern traditions.

The "One God Sect" was known for its intense exclusivity, a trait that reached its zenith among the followers of the Ancient God Cult.

As humanity's exploration of the cosmos broadened, so too did the unchecked growth of the darker aspects of the human psyche, proliferating wildly.

Consequently, the Ancient God Cult adherents found themselves at the top of the list of least favored sects by planetary governments everywhere.

In many regions, they were even labeled as a heretical cult, shunned by the general populace.

Planet B-183 was one such place.

Here, the appearance of the Ancient God Cult's followers meant imminent arrest and imprisonment, yet the reasons behind their daring risk remained a mystery.

The followers outside the white tent appeared to have received a message, promptly turning away any visitors.

Shortly thereafter, the foreign believers were dismissed, and the satellite-blocking device was activated at full power. The white-clad followers gathered in the central, largest tent.

Inside, an elderly man with a white beard announced, "The bishop has just informed me of a development on Planet B-183. A deviation has occurred in the mission of another group, and we are called upon to correct it.

"The bishop conveyed that a mercenary group, once illuminated by divine grace, has turned traitor. They have forsaken their God-given mission to seek refuge with the Security Department.

"They are now merely ten kilometers from our position. The bishop commands us to severely punish those who have betrayed the Emperor, and we must do so without betraying our presence."

He lifted his hand, and an image of Yeh Ranyi materialized above it. "This was the objective of the mercenary group. Now, it is our objective. We must carry out her purification. Praise the Emperor."

"Praise the Emperor."

"Move out."

They rose in silence, their skin seeming to ripple with movement.

A white, metallic sheen emerged, quickly enveloping them and continuing to expand.

From their backs sprouted pristine white wings, transforming them into colossal Two-winged Angels.

...

Upon seeing George, the burly man's warmth was akin to that of a long-lost relative.

His approach startled the Security Department personnel, prompting them to ready their weapons, but the man simply clasped George's hand, his voice choked with emotion, "At last, you've arrived!"

He vigorously shook George's hand, pleading, "Benefactor, please, take him away quickly. If you don't, we're done for! He's a tyrant, a real bully! I'm a law-abiding citizen, too! We've bled for the Siron Galaxy and suffered wounds!"

The rest of the Bloodsaw Mercenaries nodded in fervent agreement.

The Security Department personnel were dumbstruck.

This was particularly true for those who had resigned themselves to the idea that Gu Xian's capture meant certain doom; they were at a loss for words.

"We just slipped in to enjoy the scenery, we haven't caused any trouble for you. But him, he's a different story – he's disrupted our peaceful lives!" The burly man continued his lament, "Here we are, living quietly, singing, dancing, and he just bursts in on us. Horrifying, utterly horrifying!"

"From what I understand, wasn't it you who abducted him?"

"No, absolutely not!"

The man with the broom-like hair vigorously shook his head, yelling, "We'd rather abduct the devil himself than lay a finger on him!"

"Please," the burly man implored, "either take him away or take us instead. We'd rather be deported from B-183. I know the rules. We, the Bloodsaw Mercenaries, haven't stirred up any trouble here. In fact, we've had our fair share of collaborations with the Security Department."

The status of a wanted criminal can vary greatly.

A mercenary group's wanted man like the burly figure here is a completely different case from a lone wolf like Gu Xian.

For George, reacting with aggression upon encountering Gu Xian was expected, just as it was expected for him to not rush into action upon meeting the burly man.

The reasons behind the wanted status of a mercenary-backed criminal were clear to everyone – typically, it boiled down to serving one power and offending another.

Such individuals were in demand in many places and were considered a valuable asset.

Usually, as long as they didn't commit any serious offenses, planetary governments would simply expel them, as the burly man had mentioned. Who's to say there wouldn't be future collaborations?

In that moment, witnessing the Devil Saw – a mere name that sent the Security Department into a frenzy – and reflecting on his notorious reputation, George was overwhelmed by a profound sense of unreality.

Could this truly be the infamous Federation fugitive ranked 173rd? The Devil Saw, notorious for his cold-blooded killings?

What on earth happened to Gu Xian to leave him in such a state?

George was overwhelmed with compassion, his own harrowing ordeal in the Iron Building coming to mind, and tears streamed down his face.

Two burly men stood clasping hands, their sighs unending.

Their gaze sent chills through the onlookers.

"Where is he?" inquired Chen Zhuya.

"Shh, keep it down!" The sight of the strong man nearly made his hair stand on end.

"Yes, keep your voices low!" The group was visibly shaken, staring at Chen Zhuya as if they had just seen a ghost.

Chen Zhuya jumped, startled.

"He's here. Follow me," Broomhead volunteered to lead, his eagerness unmistakable.

Trailing them, the young man gently tapped the strong man, leaning in to whisper, "Yeh Ranyi."

"Oh," the strong man acknowledged with a fleeting glance, dismissively shifting his gaze.

"A mission?"

"Mission, my foot! Have you lost your mind?" The strong man stared at Ceng Nian in astonishment. "He's our lifeline, our savior, get it?!"

Ceng Nian, facing his utterly demoralized companion, was at a loss for words.

As they made their way, a sudden alarm blared throughout the abandoned factory.

The jarring noise bore into their skulls like a relentless drill.

Members of the Bloodsaw Mercenary Group exchanged bewildered looks.

"Xiao San, didn't you shut off the alarm?"

"I did. And they've already entered. I only reactivated it after their arrival."

"Damn, a double-cross!" someone yelled, accusing George and his group, "You've got people hiding out there!"

George was frantic. "To hell with that! If I take you out, it's a clean sweep, not a betrayal."

"What's all this commotion?" Chen Zhuya's hands shook, yet she remained composed.

"We didn't bring anyone else," she asserted. Then, turning to George with a hint of doubt, she whispered, "We didn't, right?"

George nodded emphatically, "Absolutely not!"

"We brought no one else!" Chen Zhuya's voice rose with conviction, as she repeated her earlier statement, "There's clearly been some mistake. Let's check the monitors to clear things up."

"I believe in you guys!" The burly man's mind was foggy from the relentless torment inflicted by Gu Xian.

He was the one who took the brunt of the beatings, being more durable than most when Gu Xian felt the urge to strike.

With the boss having made his position clear, there was no room for further discussion.

Members of the Bloodsaw Mercenary group scrambled to adjust the radar displays. Suddenly, a "Whoosh" pierced the air, the ground trembled beneath their feet, and a blinding flash of white light spread out, immediately followed by a thunderous boom.

"Enemy attack!" Zeng Nian was the first to snap to attention, his face contorting with alarm, "These aren't the Security Department's forces!"

Tears streamed from his eyes, irritated by the intense light, as he peered at the radar screen, images flickering wildly. He bellowed, "Angel Mechas! Spies from the Angel Civilization!"

"Fight, fight!" George's face turned grim as Security Department personnel scrambled to their mechas.

"Where are your mechas?" George demanded of the burly man.

The burly man thought bitterly, If I had my mecha, I'd have dealt with Gu Xian myself—what use would I have for you?

But his frustration remained unspoken. He couldn't very well admit that in order to infiltrate Aelley, they had left their mechas behind.

Realization dawned on George after his question. The scrutiny in Aelley was at its peak due to Yeh Ranyi. While it was possible to smuggle a B-183 into Aelley with a mecha, getting one into the city undetected was another story entirely.

The Angel Mechas, however, were an exception.

Unlike the Earth Federation, the Angel Civilization didn't rely on space converters. Angel Mechas could establish a connection point within the human body based on genetic sequences, allowing for the direct summoning of the mecha.

To the naked eye, they appeared no different from any other person, undetectable without specialized equipment.

Thus, Angel Mechas could effortlessly evade the Earth Federation's searches. In times of war, the Angel Civilization's spies could wreak significant havoc on the Federation.

Why were Angel Mechas showing up here?

George had no time to ponder; the laser rifles mounted on the Angel Mechas began firing, their milky beams raining down like a storm.