The King of Atlantis addressed the gathered rulers with unwavering resolve. He explained that the Abyssal Breaker Project was their best chance at countering the Star Eater—a weapon system specifically designed to intercept the cosmic horror.


    But there was a problem.


    Their knowledge of the enemy was dangerously limited.


    The best they could do was construct a plan using what little information they had, relying on both scientific advancements and desperate measures.


    Step 1: The Observatory and Illusion Magic


    The first step was to enhance their observatory systems and use them as testing grounds for a new type of illusion magic—one designed to distort perception and hopefully increase the efficiency of monitoring the Star Eater.


    But this came at a cost.


    To fully understand the Star Eater, they would have to expose themselves to its gaze.


    Even with precautions, madness was inevitable.


    The King turned to the Mermaid Queen.


    "Since the mermaid race possesses the power to heal and soothe minds, I entrust this task to you—to ensure that our observers are treated before insanity consumes them completely."


    A heavy silence followed.


    It was an unbelievably dangerous role. If even one person succumbed before being treated, the consequences could be catastrophic.


    Yet, instead of fear, the Mermaid Queen smiled.


    "If it is for the safety of Utopia, my people and I will gladly make this sacrifice."


    The King nodded.


    "Very well. Then let us proceed to the next step."


    Step 2: The Spatial Disruption Defense Line


    To counter the Star Eater''s ability to warp space, they would deploy a network of satellites armed with devices that continuously emit spatial disturbance waves.


    These waves would prevent the Star Eater from bending reality too easily, making it vulnerable to attacks.


    The King turned to the Deep Sea King.


    "Your people possess sound-based magic that could greatly aid our research into space waves. Will you assist us?"


    Without hesitation, the Deep Sea King nodded.


    "Good."


    Step 3: The Magic Missile System


    The next line of defense involved countless large-scale magic missiles. These missiles would be designed for instantaneous acceleration, allowing them to strike the Star Eater before it could react.


    Upon impact, they would link together, forming a gravity field to restrict its movement.


    A voice from the council interrupted.


    "Why only limit its movement? Why not launch the missiles beforehand and use them as a permanent jamming field?"


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    The King sighed.


    "Our current technology is barely capable of restraining it. We are stretching our limits just to make this system functional."


    Another council member raised a concern.


    "But the reports mention something about a real magic stone system within the missiles. What else can they do?"


    The King elaborated.


    "Once the gravity field is erected, the missiles will deploy smaller warheads containing enchanted magic stones—each inscribed with high-damage spells. These will continue bombarding the Star Eater to slow it further."


    He turned to the Elf King and the Underground King.


    "This will require an immense amount of magic stones and intricate magic circle engravings. I believe your kingdoms are best suited for this role."


    The two rulers nodded in unison, accepting their duty without question.


    Final Step: The Abyssal Breaker Cannon


    At last, the King unveiled the heart of the project.


    A weapon capable of delivering a fatal blow to the Star Eater:


    The Abyssal Breaker.


    The blueprints had been discovered in the ruins of a long-forgotten kingdom. The weapon had never been completed, but if it could be fully restored and enhanced, it might be their only true chance at victory.


    Upon hearing this, the room erupted into cautious hope.


    For the first time, it felt like survival was possible.


    Yet…


    The King did not share in their relief.


    He remained silent, his expression clouded with unease—a look he had never worn before.


    To his people, he had always been the unyielding pillar of Atlantis. But now, he looked no different from a father preparing to send his children to war.


    The room fell silent.


    The Mermaid Queen observed him carefully before speaking.


    "You don''t look well. You''ve been working yourself to exhaustion researching the Star Eater. You should take a moment for yourself."


    She gestured to the other rulers.


    "Even they are trying to celebrate what little victories they can, despite knowing what awaits us."


    The leaders immediately turned away, pretending they hadn''t been caught drinking or sharing quiet jokes earlier.


    The Mermaid Queen smiled.


    "Why not come to me after the meeting? My people can use our songs to ease your burdens. You could even bring the others along. We all deserve a moment of peace before the storm."


    The King chuckled.


    "Thank you for your kindness. And I apologize for making you all worry."


    But then—


    His smile faded.


    A chilling weight settled over the room as he spoke his next words.


    "But… I need everyone to brace themselves. What I''m about to say next concerns the very existence of our kingdoms."


    The leaders stiffened.


    What could possibly threaten their kingdoms more than the Star Eater itself?


    The King closed his eyes for a moment, then continued.


    "I''m sure you all understand that the stronger something is, the greater the price that must be paid. The Abyssal Breaker is no exception."


    A cold silence filled the air.


    The King hesitated, then finally revealed the truth.


    "The Abyssal Breaker requires a special ammunition: a bullet known as Anti-Life."


    "Anti-Life…?" someone murmured.


    The King''s voice grew cold.


    "It is a forbidden magic that once destroyed an entire kingdom, sinking it into oblivion. The ruins were discovered not long ago, but the power was deemed too dangerous to be used—until now."


    Shock spread across the room.


    "How could a single bullet destroy an entire kingdom?"


    The King answered bluntly.


    "It erases all life within its range. Instantly."


    A suffocating dread settled over the council.


    A weapon capable of such destruction had once existed on Utopia.


    Had it been perfected, who knew what their world would look like now?


    For a moment, they felt relief that it had failed.


    But now, it was being resurrected as their last hope.


    The King continued.


    "Anti-Life does not just require magic—it requires life itself. To fire a single shot, it demands the energy equivalent to an entire kingdom."


    Gasps filled the chamber.


    This was no ordinary cost.


    If they used the Abyssal Breaker, it meant sacrificing one of their own.


    The Spirit Queen tensed.


    The King turned to her.


    "The cannon will require an immense magical core. I believe your kingdom is best suited for this."


    Though fear flickered in her eyes, she nodded.


    The King sighed.


    "I know this is terrifying. But we have no time to find another way."


    At that moment, the Dwarf King stood.


    "Then why don''t we use their cores?" he demanded. "They contain vast amounts of magic and are practically living creatures."


    The King shook his head.


    "And what of their stability? Their compatibility? Have you considered what would happen if the cannon failed? It would be a disaster before the battle even began."


    The Dwarf King fell silent.


    Then—


    The King spoke one final chilling sentence.


    "Besides… I intend to keep them for the worst-case scenario."


    The worst case?


    A new horror dawned upon them.


    Was the Star Eater not the worst thing they would face?


    The room plunged into despair.


    And then—


    Suddenly—