Roy and the others stood by the Nightshatter, eyes fixed on the live feed from a circling jet and several drones. The images overlapped on the warship's hull, giving them a panoramic view of Noctara in all its late-evening shine: obsidian spires, canals lit by glowing mana crystals, floating neon-like signboards flickering with stray lightning arcs, and a distant turret topped by a lazy whirl of flame that radiated magical decadence.
"That's the Umbral Consortium capital," Lutrian said quietly. "My old home. A layered maze of hidden markets, magic lighting, and discreet wards." He pointed toward a distant spire. "See that shimmer? That's one of their protective barriers. Right in the center… that dome is the main citadel, housing a giant mana crystal that powers half the city."
Roy nodded. The camera zoomed in, revealing a pulsating gem that cast glowing arcs over the highest rooftops. Noctara looked sleek and eerily impressive, an opulent fortress of arcane might.
A rattling sound caught Roy's attention. Father Skeleton peered over the rail, craning his skull for a better look at the projection. Roy panicked, some villagers were gathered behind them, and if they noticed Father Skeleton, pandemonium would break loose. He flailed his arms in a silent "Go away!" Father Skeleton obediently ducked out of sight, only to snap off part of his orbital bone and raise it just above the edge like a periscope. Roy shook his head, fighting a grin.
Hours passed as everything lined up for Roy's planned show of power. Four large drones, each lugging a section of an enormous white sheet, had to pause mid-flight for recharging. The sky was fully dark by the time they reached Noctara. The jet, meanwhile, had refueled back on the Nightshatter, then returned to circle high above the city. Inside that plane, a single Base Model Presidroid waited for Roy's big performance.
On the Nightshatter's hull, the feed showed the Presidroid ejecting at low altitude, landing on a tall tower balcony with an audible crash that made Roy wince. Then, with stiff politeness, the droid rapped on a locked door. Several seconds later, the King, Queen, their prince, princess, and another princess filed out in luxurious robes and gaudy jewelry, eyes wide at the sight of the giant white sheet hanging across the night sky, held aloft by four drones. Each drone had small beacons glowing green and red, making the entire contraption look like some bizarre floating billboard.
Roy stood at his makeshift camera station by the Nightshatter, wearing his usual black military outfit, but he'd added a fancy hat that Takara scrounged from Infinite Wardrobe. Eryndra stood behind him on the left, Takara on his right, Lutrian and Warrex slightly behind. Maelara perched off to the side, arms crossed, barely in frame. Flanking them all were six Super Elite Presidroids in newly laundered uniforms. Washington, at Roy's elbow, murmured, "Ready in three… two… one…"
Up on the sheet above Noctara, the projector flickered on. The King's outraged expression filled Roy's small monitor. He heard the King's voice through the Presidroid's mic.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
Roy forced a calm breath, though his heart hammered. He recalled the fury that had built up since learning Noruma was targeted. "Good evening, citizens of Noctara," he said, voice coldly precise. "I'm Captain Roy Gunn. Some have labeled me a god, or the Thunder Rider, or the Slaver Crusher—frankly, I've lost count. Regardless, we need to talk."
Behind him, at precisely that moment, the 100-megaton nuke fired off from the Nightshatter's distant launch station. Its distant rumble was muffled through the feed.
Serenity displayed a countdown on a portable monitor a Presidroid held. The 100-megaton nuke was less than a minute from detonating. He kept his tone flat but menacing. "I learned that some of your royal lackeys took it upon themselves to harass a little fishing village I happen to like. That was unwise. I consider myself a decent man… but I do protect my own, no matter who suffers."
He locked eyes on the camera. "As for you, King… let's see, I believe your name is… actually, I don't care. King Whateveryournameis, do you even wipe your own ass these days? Because you might have to, right after you watch this demonstration."
He glanced at the countdown. Ten seconds left. A Base Model Presidroid appeared under the camera, trying to stay low. It carried a small paper bag labeled "Nuke Time Muffin" and handed it up to Roy, who waved it away, desperately trying to keep a straight face. Takara shuffled, Warrex prodding her to stay composed.
Four seconds… three… two…
Roy lifted his chin. "Behold my… Starshard Cataclysm!"
He winced at how cheesy it sounded, but no going back. The nuke detonated beyond the horizon, lighting up the night sky like a false sunrise. On the feed, Roy watched Noctara's spires tremble from the distant shockwave. Glass rattled in ornate windows, towers swayed fractionally, and the King and Queen shrieked in terror, dropping to their knees. Their children scrambled to cling to columns and each other, eyes glued to the blazing cloud swelling in the distance. It was far enough that no one died, but close enough that the spectacle was unmistakable.
Roy kept his voice calm. "I could bathe your entire empire in nuclear fire whenever I feel like it. Keep that in mind before you meddle with villages under my protection. Enjoy your night." He snapped his fingers at the Super Elite Presidroids, cutting the feed. Darkness swallowed the white sheet overhead. The drones split off, their lines snapping free.
Exhaling in a rush, Roy stepped back from the camera. The Presidroid with the paper bag reemerged, looking hopeful. Roy snagged the muffin from inside and tore off a big bite, chewing while adrenaline still pulsed in his veins.
He glanced at Takara. "So… how did I sound?"
She laughed, half in relief. "Ridiculous, but weirdly impressive. But, I doubt the king even knows what nuclear fire even is!"
Lutrian smiled. "I think it was brilliant, Captain."
Maelara gave a faint nod, arms still crossed. "Definitely got the message across."
Behind them, a scatter of villagers, who had joined to watch from a distance, started clapping and whooping in a messy wave of excitement and fear. Roy wasn't sure if it was genuine approval or just shock, but he accepted it.
Roy polished off the muffin, swallowing thickly. "Well, that's that. Let's hope Noctara decides not to poke the Thunder Rider again." He tossed the empty bag to a Base Model Presidroid, who bowed in comedic fashion before retreating.
Warrex kept a hand on his blade, scanning the dark horizon as if expecting immediate retaliation. Eryndra placed a reassuring palm on Roy's shoulder. Takara, still nursing her bandaged arm, forced a small smile. Serenity's flower glowed faintly in the overhead lights. And from the corner of the deck, Father Skeleton's disembodied orbital bone peeked upward, rattling quietly, as if snickering at the entire display of destructive bravado.
Now they would wait, Roy thought, wiping the last crumbs from his mouth.