Chapter 22: The Fortress, Section 1

All work was carried out at full speed. During this time, the entire Death Star seemed to be fully activated.
The construction of warships could not be hidden, and soon almost all alien races learned of their lord’s intentions. This immediately caused a stir akin to a minor earthquake.
The first five permanent races to act were the fastest. The Queen of the Gold-Eating Insects promptly sent large amounts of Cemsi ore; the Normans delivered mountains of missile systems; the Gelatinous Beasts volunteered to handle all material conversion tasks; and although the Bark Insects had few minerals, they still sent a large number of laborers. Even the usually secretive Undead race sent some amethyst ore as a gift.
With their leadership, the entire Death Star seemed to come alive. Representatives of various alien races quickly sent messages back to their homelands, and resources kept flowing in from all directions.
It was hard to imagine such strong support from these alien races for Blackhair’s actions. They willingly contributed resources, driven by a fear of falling behind—almost like during China’s Great Leap Forward era.
This was not surprising. In fact, Blackhair’s method of governing this planet drew much from the irresponsible business model of Silver Star, but it also resembled that of a family. As long as a race received permission to settle there, it meant it was recognized by Blackhair and granted entry into this “family.” Entering Blackhair’s Blood Wolf forces was undoubtedly the desire of almost all alien races.
There was no other reason—Blood Wolf forces had an excellent reputation and were extremely powerful in the 31st Star Region.
With nearly a hundred warships, countless battle-savvy fighters, all fierce and aggressive, the pirates of Blood Wolf forces were, in many ways, the guardians of the 31st Star Region. Whether it was resisting invasions by interstellar fleets in the past or their recent actions in the Black Prison, they gave all alien races a sense of pride. They also understood that as long as Blood Wolf forces existed, the 31st Star Region would never suffer the brutal conquests by human fleets like other star regions.
For this purpose, all alien races were willing to give everything they had.
Of course, rare resources alone were not enough; large amounts of materials were also needed. In this regard, Koko’s Creek Commercial Association took on almost all the tasks.

Getting rid of resources, purchasing them, transporting them—Koko has been in high spirits lately. A large amount of rare resources have flowed into the market through his hands. What he gains in return is far more than just money. Unseen by most, he has seized 87% of the market share in Silver Star, instantly becoming the dominant force in commerce there. It can be said that in the resource market, his word carries more weight than that of the highest commander of the Interstellar Fleet. Every day, no fewer than fifteen representatives from various factions come to him seeking resource support.

After all the hard work, the resources have finally paid off… Now, Koko smiles so much his eyes seem to disappear. The discordant voices that once existed within the Creek Commercial Association have vanished completely, leaving him with absolute control. Of course, he doesn’t forget those who helped him—he places great importance on Blackhair’s cause.

One hundred freighters? No. That’s just a fraction. With a simple wave of his hand, Koko dispatches over a thousand freighters of various sizes, continuously sending large amounts of materials to the 31st Star Region. He does this with such grandeur that he doesn’t even care about what others think.

Why should he? The 31st Star Region under Blackhair is no longer what it used to be. As his power grows, it has gradually come into the spotlight. The Interstellar Fleet has even tacitly recognized his leadership. Who would dare to interfere recklessly?

Yet, as expected, there are still some foolish people in this world who like to step in and cause trouble.

Just less than half a month after transportation began, a noble dressed in luxury but with an ugly appearance arrived at the entrance of the Creek Commercial Association, accompanied by about three hundred guards. He demanded that Koko come out to meet him by name.

At that time, Koko was talking with an envoy from a smaller faction. Upon hearing the butler’s report, he was stunned.

He had a good relationship with the government of Silver Star. Over time, he had managed to win over almost all the officials. So why did a noble show up without any prior notice?

It should be noted that nobles are different from ordinary officials—they hold a status far above any official and belong to a special class. Generally, their positions are hereditary, and over the years, these nobles have gained immense influence, owning several or even hundreds of planets. Those who control entire star regions are even more numerous. Even the great marshal of the Interstellar Fleet is, in the eyes of these nobles, nothing but a lackey.

So why would a noble come to inspect his place? Could it be that he had inadvertently offended someone?

Full of confusion, Koko didn’t dare show the slightest neglect. After politely seeing the messenger off, she rushed to the reception room right away. As soon as she entered, she saw that nobleman sitting in the middle seat with a sword drawn, holding an elven beauty in his arms and playing with her. The elven beauty was clearly forced. Her beautiful eyes were filled with tears, and she looked pitifully held in his arms, desperately trying to avoid his vulgar touches. Unfortunately, he was an experienced man, leaving her no chance to resist. By the time Koko arrived, she was barely covered with just a few pieces of cloth, barely shielding her most private parts. “Haha, so you’re the boss of the Creek Business Association?” The nobleman suddenly laughed mockingly upon seeing Koko enter, stopped what he was doing, and looked down at her disdainfully. “Do you know who I am?” “Ah, it’s an honor to have you here. Please forgive me for not coming out to greet you. I am indeed the boss here. May I ask who you are?” Koko blinked her eyes and carefully stood below the nobleman, asking respectfully. Having experienced countless challenging situations and endured humiliation in the past, Koko already knew how to handle such situations. She was well-accustomed to them. However, after working with Hei Fa for so long and rising in status, she hadn’t used such a subservient attitude in a long time. Clearly, her behavior didn’t satisfy the nobleman. He abruptly pushed the beauty away, his expression turning fierce, and pointed his finger at Koko’s nose. “Hmph! I don’t know whether to call you bold or ignorant. Being on Silver Star and not even knowing me—do you think you deserve to die? Let me tell you, I am the lord of this realm!!” “…the nephew.” The guards who followed the nobleman immediately burst into laughter. Everyone looked at Koko with gleeful mockery, as if to say, You’re done… “Ah!!!” Koko was shocked. She rushed to the ground in panic. “I’m sorry for not knowing you were here. Please forgive this humble merchant for my neglect earlier…” With her head bowed, guessing that her expression couldn’t be seen, her mind raced. The nephew of the realm’s lord? What was he doing here?

Silver Star is a blameless commercial planet and should theoretically not be bound by the laws of the star system. Moreover, as the lord’s nephew, his status is extremely high. What can’t he have his subordinates do for him? Why would he come personally to bother a mere merchant like himself?

For a moment, Keko couldn’t figure anything out. Suddenly, she heard a cold sneer from above. Then her hair was pulled tightly, and she was lifted up by force. Immediately, she saw that vile, ugly face.

“Don’t know!? Just because you don’t know means it’s okay?? Hmph! As a merchant from Silver Star, you don’t even know me? I ask you, do you even consider me, or do you even consider our great lord? We work day and night to defend against external threats and provide you with a safe trading space—just to get this kind of attitude from you?” The noble young master was clearly angry, his face twisted in fury.

Defend against external threats? Provide safety for me?

Keko rolled her eyes. What a joke! Had she run into an idiot? Ever since she could think, she had never heard of any nobles defending against external threats. Instead, they were all good at bullying others. Why were they bringing this up now?

Calling her disrespectful to the lord? That was just making things worse for herself.

Thinking this, she didn’t dare show it on her face. Instead, she quickly put on a flattering smile and bowed deeply.

“Yes, yes. You’ve worked hard, young master. I’ve prepared some gifts for you. Please forgive my ignorance earlier. I really didn’t know you were coming. Please forgive my rudeness.”

With that, Keko made a subtle gesture, and the butler beside her immediately understood and gave orders. Soon, boxes filled with gold and various jewels were brought in.

Seeing this, the noble young master’s expression improved slightly. He smiled and released Keko’s hair.

“Hmm, not bad. At least you know when to act wisely. Since that’s the case, I won’t beat around the bush. Let me tell you the truth. My name is Jack, and you already know my status. This time, it’s our lord who sent me to ask you questions. Recently, there have been many transport ships appearing in Silver Star. Apparently, their destination is the 31st Star System. Hmph, don’t blame me for not warning you in advance. Sending so many resources to other star systems from Silver Star is a clear case of betrayal!! The lord is very angry, and the consequences will be severe… Are you ready?”

What!?

Keko felt her scalp tingle and was stunned…