Timeless Assassin - Chapter 854

Chapter 854: Invitations
(Meanwhile, Across The Universe)

Mauriss did not want Veyr’s execution to be a mundane affair, and hence, apart from making the livestream accessible across the universe, he also planned to gather some of the most influential figures in existence as witnesses to this so-called historic purge, for which, he instructed the Universal Government administrators to issue formal invitations on his behalf.

He invited everyone, from notable civilian sector figures such as famous traders, adventurers, bankers, blacksmiths, and renowned craftsmen, to the branch clan leaders of the Great Clans, along with their budding young talents who were eager to be seen at such a politically charged event.

However, separate from the civilian invitations, a much heavier summons was dispatched to hundreds of Righteous Faction Commanders, whereby they were not merely invited but ordered to attend the execution and to bring with them no fewer than a couple million of their most elite soldiers each, turning the event into a grand demonstration of unity and power under the Universal Government’s banner.

By the time all invitations were dispatched, the expected attendance had risen to a staggering 2.5 billion individuals.

————

To — Honorable Merchant Union Leader, Vega Punk

This is to inform you that, by decree of the Universal Government, the public execution of Evil Cult Messiah Aegon Veyr, widely recognized as the greatest evil of the modern era and the central pillar of the Cult’s destructive influence, has been formally scheduled.

You are hereby cordially invited to attend this historic event.

For generations, the Cult has undermined the progress of civilized worlds, destabilized trade routes, incited rebellion across peaceful sectors, and unleashed untold suffering upon innocent lives, however, with the capture of Aegon Veyr, the shadow that has long loomed over the righteous domains is finally nearing its end.

The ceremony marks the dawn of a new age for the universe, an age defined by restored order, reinforced unity, and the final extinguishing of a threat that has haunted countless star systems, and as a respected leader within the Merchant Union your presence is requested so that you may stand witness to the closing of this dark chapter and the beginning of a more stable future for all interstellar commerce.

The execution will take place within the holy grounds of ‘The Pit’ at the Celestial Judgment Platform, with attendance strictly limited to distinguished figures whose influence and service to the universe merit recognition.

You may arrive with a maximum of two personal guards.

We look forward to your valued presence at this momentous turning point in universal history.

————

Thousands of such letters were sent across the stars to distinguished guests, with not a single recipient daring to decline an invitation issued directly by the Universal Government.

“We must go….”

That was the first reaction spoken aloud by countless merchants, traders, guild leaders, and adventurers across the stars as they held the pale gold invitation in trembling hands, the weight of its seal settling onto their shoulders like a decree from heaven.

“This might be our only chance to ever see the True Gods in person, this might be a once in a millenia chance that cannot be squandered.”

They whispered to themselves, their hearts racing at the rumours now sweeping through marketplaces and starports, rumours claiming that this execution would not be a simple public spectacle but a convergence of powers so great that the very sky above The Pit might tremble beneath their collective presence.

No one truly knew whether the Gods would attend or not, yet the mere possibility was enough to ignite a feverish excitement in every corner of the universe where the letter arrived, as traders began packing their finest robes and adventurers checked their weapon seals twice over, while noble youths saw this as their greatest opportunity to appear before the leaders of creation and carve their names into future political alliances.

“We cannot miss this,” some said while rushing to prepare their vessels.

“This is history.”

“This is destiny.”

“This is the moment the universe changes forever.”

Even the most self-preserving individuals found themselves tempted, for invitations of this caliber were treasures in themselves, and attendance brought with it a silent promise of recognition, influence, and future access to circles no commoner could normally dream of reaching.

———–

Meanwhile, in military command hubs scattered across Righteous space, the reactions were far less enthusiastic.

Commanders stared down at the summons delivered to them by their adjutants, their brows tightening as they read the lines instructing them to gather a couple million elite soldiers each and depart immediately for The Pit, arriving days ahead of the ceremony for security formation and coordinated positioning.

Some commanders exchanged uneasy glances with their officers, for all of them were painfully aware of the one problem no civilian invitation mentioned.

Leo Skyshard.

The Demon of Omega.

The Butcher of Ilyon Reach.

The unpredictable force who had, in the past weeks, razed entire planets without warning, and who showed no discernible pattern in selecting his victims.

“Leaving our sectors undefended at a time like this… feels like suicide,” one Commander muttered under his breath as he rolled the letter between his fingers, his jaw tightening at the thought of abandoning his people.

“What if Skyshard strikes while we are away? What if he sees this as an opportunity?” another whispered as he paced across the war room, unable to suppress the cold dread pooling in his gut.

But dread did not change the truth written at the bottom of the letter.

This was not a request.

It was an order carrying the full weight of the Universal Government.

Failure to comply meant treason.

And treason meant execution.

All Commanders understood this, and so, despite their reservations, despite their fear for the planets they would leave behind, despite the rising tension shaking the Righteous Faction as Skyshard’s attacks escalated beyond reason, they began preparing their forces for travel.

“Mobilize the First and Second Fleets, prepare departure protocols, and leave planetary defense to the Legion Commanders. We have no choice. This decree was not written for debate.”

They said, one after another, their voices hardening with resignation as their officers scrambled to obey.

Even the bravest among them felt a knot in their stomach, for the idea of gathering the universe’s best forces in one place, while the rest of the universe stood on the brink of chaos felt like a gamble the Universal Government should not have taken, yet still took without hesitation.

But no matter how each Commander felt, no matter how heavy the order weighed upon their hearts, all of them ultimately arrived at the same bleak conclusion.

“This is an order from the Universal Government. We will attend.”

And so preparations began across the Righteous Faction, fleets were assembled, soldiers were selected, and travel routes were finalized, as billions prepared to converge upon The Pit, unaware that the greatest storm in universal history was quietly gathering beyond their sight.