This entanglement with the Swarm wasn't something that could be wrapped up quickly.
'Celenova' and the Galaxy Rangers weren't in any particular hurry either.
They were content to stall the Swarm, biding their time.
But Zulo wasn't about to let Celenova off the hook.
Even being gnawed on by those massive Insect Kings didn't seem to bother him; he was dead set on leading the Legion straight for Celenova.
It was a full-on push to drag the Galaxy Rangers down into the mud.
Of course, 'Celenova' wasn't foolish enough to play along.
Already bogged down by the Swarm, Zulo's quick steps were no match for Celenova's agility.
Another impossibly heavy longsword materialized in his grasp.
This time, however, 'Celenova' had no intention of meeting force with force.
Every swing of her blade carried the combined will of the Rangers and Destruction itself, relentlessly forcing Zulo back.
Zulo convinced himself it was only the interference of those giant bugs that allowed this coward, Celenova, to land her blows each time.
It never crossed his mind that the problem might actually lie with him.
Meanwhile, Celenova continued to lead the Galaxy Rangers in putting distance between themselves and the Swarm, ensuring they wouldn't become the Swarm's primary target.
This stalemate dragged on for several system days.
The Galaxy Rangers were a patient bunch.
Even with battle lust burning in their veins, they calmly waited for the Antimatter Legion to grind itself down against the Swarm.
--+--
And over those few system days, word of this massive battle began to spread across the cosmos.
Unlike their previous struggles which had gone unnoticed.
The only ones who could move freely near the vast abyss were Acheron and Bai Ming.
Just the two of them.
Nobody could have possibly detected that Nanook had once cast Their gaze upon such a godforsaken place.
But this was different.
No matter how remote this stretch of space was, it was still near a living world, close to shipping lanes.
Furthermore, the gathering of so many Galaxy Rangers had attracted the attention of numerous other factions.
And then, Xipe looked over.
Many observers monitoring the fight were utterly baffled.
The Galaxy Rangers are fighting the Antimatter Legion, and then nearby, Xipe turns Their gaze this way?
Buddy, you need to hear the nonsense you're spouting.
This absurd intel, sounding like something from a dream, spread rapidly across the star rails, carrying with it widespread confusion and disbelief.
The Masked Fools in the Tavern were laughing themselves insane.
They couldn't figure out how such a bizarre scene could unfold without the Idiots' involvement.
Could it be that Aha's great hand was at work?
And it wasn't just the Masked Fools.
Many major powers, upon seeing the reports, rushed to the scene to investigate just what in the world was happening.
And then…
They discovered a new Emanator of Destruction.
The woman radiated an intense aura of Destruction.
While nobody could figure out where this new Emanator had sprung from, it was clear that only an Emanator of Destruction could possess such a terrifying presence of ruin.
So these faction leaders looked over the reports again.
Oh. A new Emanator of Destruction, leading the Galaxy Rangers to hunt down another, established Emanator.
And then Xipe, the Harmony, looked over to witness this slaughter.
Didn't that just make the whole thing even weirder?!
Moreover, Xipe is already here, won't you, Nanook, come and see your own Emanators fighting each other?
And Aha? Is Aha pulling the strings behind the scenes again?!
Meanwhile, Aha, who had been secretly watching all along: 'I'm getting blamed again? Hilarious.'
--+--
On another front, the Luofu needed time to recuperate and regain its strength, so Teng Xiao, the Luofu's commander, had not dispatched any external agents.
Reading the reports from the other Xianzhou ships submitted by his subordinates, he fell into deep contemplation.
His thoughts instinctively turned to Miss Bai Ming.
Just a few days prior, he had facilitated an introduction between her and the Galaxy Rangers.
And now, such a startling figure had appeared within the Galaxy Rangers' ranks.
It fit Miss Bai Ming's character perfectly, no doubt about it.
Of course, without evidence, he wouldn't jump to conclusions.
But even putting that aside, the fact that this had drawn the gaze of Xipe left Teng Xiao deeply perplexed.
Naturally, aside from the confused factions, there were some who realized why Xipe had appeared.
Namely, those who faith in the Harmony.
They could feel it.
The legion bound by Order, and the will united by the Harmony.
The conflict between Order and Harmony.
Was actually playing out within a faction dedicated to Destruction.
The Family members thought they were dreaming, convinced they'd fallen into some illusion.
It was probably a good thing Celenova hadn't led the Galaxy Rangers in summoning an avatar of Xipe.
Otherwise, if The Family had shown up…
But because Celenova had drawn the universe's attention, rumors about the Galaxy Rangers also began to surface.
Fortunately, the Xianzhou Alliance stepped in with control measures.
Preventing any truly strange rumors from taking hold.
As for all this external attention, the Galaxy Rangers hardly cared.
La Mancha even found it amusing.
The Galaxy Rangers operated on an eye-for-an-eye principle, pursuing righteous vengeance across the cosmos.
They'd made enemies everywhere.
The number of people who disliked them was countless.
Meanwhile, Celenova took a moment to glance over her panel.
With her identity as an Emanator of Destruction now exposed, the data on the ground had updated considerably:
--+--
[Role-Playing System]
[Name: Bai Ming (Celenova)]
[Lifespan: 100 Years (Paused) + 23 Days (Role-Playing)]
[Transformable Roles: Big Herta (Charge: 49.1%), Acheron (Charge: 15.2%), Celenova]
[Gacha Pulls Available: 0 (71.1%)]
--+--
How delightful.
It felt like her next pull was already within reach.
But setting those thoughts aside, as time passed, Zulo finally began to showcase the destructive power befitting an established Emanator.
Under Zulo's onslaught, the raging Swarm had been reduced to less than a tenth of its original numbers.
But Zulo's Destruction Legion had also suffered heavy losses, with only Zulo himself remaining in decent condition.
Seeing that both sides were nearly spent, 'Celenova' and the Galaxy Rangers reached an agreement.
Now, it was time for the final battle!
BOOM—!!!
As an opening gift for the final showdown, a blade-light of pure Destruction shot forth. It shredded the last remaining Swarm King and slammed squarely into Zulo's chest.
"Gah—!! Finally found your courage, you wretched thing?!"
Zulo ignored the blood flowing from his chest, screaming defiantly at Celenova.
He grabbed the wreckage of the jade-like creature and yanked hard!
A sharp, segmented limb became a spear in his hand, thrusting violently towards Celenova!
The terrifying power distorted space, carrying Zulo's fury, determined to pierce through Celenova's heart.
This time, 'Celenova' did not retreat.
Bearing the collective will of countless Galaxy Rangers, she gripped her sword with both hands and parried the spear aside.
Then, pivoting her body, she unleashed a powerful slash!
The blade, laden with terrifying gravity, tore through Zulo's form.
His sturdy armor and bones were brutally shattered under the sheer, brute force.
Gritting through the pain, Zulo clenched his left fist and drove it hard into Celenova's abdomen!
BOOM—!!!
'Celenova' twisted to block.
A dull thunderclap echoed as energy erupted from the impact.
Every Galaxy Ranger felt their spirits surge!
And then, to Zulo's utter astonishment, Celenova stubbornly halted her backward momentum.
Seizing the opportunity instead, she lifted her long, slender right leg and delivered a powerful kick!
The heel of her boot connected squarely with Zulo's bewildered face.
The terrifying force behind it erupted through the sole.
For the first time, in this entire protracted chase, Zulo was sent staggering back, off-balance, before crashing heavily to the ground!
The Galaxy Rangers, along with every other faction watching cautiously from the sidelines, felt their focus sharpen!
This great battle was finally reaching its climax!
--+--
T/N: If yall are wondering why despite MC being male in the beginning, Teng Xiao calls her Miss Bai Ming, its cause obv Teng Xiao doesn't know she MC was male
--+--