Primordial Expanse: I have the Strongest Talent! - Chapter 505

Chapter 505: Departure
The seven days passed in a blur of anticipation and preparation for Alex.

It took a few days for Mira to get over seeing her mother in what was probably the first time in a very long time, but she seemed to be back to normal when Alex saw her again.

Alex, despite his attempts to stay detached from the political intricacies of the Federation, couldn’t help but notice the subtle tension in the air as the rest of the expedition fleet trickled in from across the galaxy. It was as if the people had finally started to get their act together and put aside any thoughts of dissent or revolution against the Federation.

But of course there would always be troublemakers, and a few ships from the anti-federation forces had already tried to sneak their way in once or twice.

The Jewel’s docks grew increasingly crowded with starships of every class and size, from sleek reconnaissance vessels to hulking dreadnoughts.

By the seventh day, the fleet was complete: a staggering armada that spanned nearly a whole light year, shimmering against the backdrop of the Milky Way’s edge. It was a sight to behold to say the least.

Alex had spent most of his time familiarizing himself with the Jewel’s systems, occasionally sparring with Mira to keep sharp.

The looming journey to Andromeda filled him with both excitement and unease, so he wanted to stay in peak form throughout the whole journey. As perhaps one of the key figures on this expedition, he knew that once they reached the other side, he likely wouldn’t be able to catch a break.

Finally, the announcement came: the fleet was ready to depart.

The ships moved into formation, their engines lighting up the void as they aligned in perfect synchronization.

At the heart of this colossal fleet was the Jewel, with its planet sized structure gleaming like a beacon.

But as the engines roared to life and the fleet began its slow, deliberate movement, Alex noticed something that stopped him in his tracks.

The Jewel was moving with them.

For a moment, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him.

He’d assumed the Jewel was a stationary defense platform — a weapon of deterrence meant to protect the Federation’s core systems.

Why was it traveling with the expedition fleet?

His confusion turned to curiosity, then to suspicion. This wasn’t something he’d been briefed on. Nor had Principal Farnes mentioned anything of the sort to him or Mira.

Reaching for his comm, Alex prepared to call Principal Farnes, the one person he trusted to give him a straight answer.

But before he could dial, a fleetwide communication signal lit up his screen.

The emblem of the Federation flashed, followed by a live feed of Althea Mistborn standing in the command center of the Jewel.

Her expression was as cold and commanding as ever, her presence filling the screen.

“This is Commander Althea Mistborn, addressing the entire expedition fleet,” she began, her voice carrying the weight of authority. “By now, you’ve likely noticed that the Jewel is accompanying us on this mission to Andromeda.”

Alex leaned back in his seat, his curiosity piqued.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Althea continued. “The journey to Andromeda represents the greatest undertaking in the history of the Federation. It is an uncharted frontier, fraught with unknown dangers. As the vanguard of this mission, the Jewel will serve as both a strategic asset and a deterrent against any potential threats we may encounter.”

Her words were precise, calculated, as if rehearsed to perfection, though the likelihood was that they were just coming off the top of her head.

“For those of you questioning the necessity of this deployment, let me make it clear: the Federation will not repeat the mistakes of the past. The Jewel’s presence ensures that we are prepared for any scenario. We will not be caught off guard, and we will not falter.”

Alex couldn’t help but admire her resolve, even if her tone grated on him. Still, a part of him couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this decision than she was letting on.

There was also the lingering question at the back of his mind, ‘If the Jewel is coming with us, then what is going to protect the Milky Way’s borders?’

But he wouldn’t get a chance to voice his concerns.

“Prepare for the final phase of departure,” Althea concluded. “May we find success in the unknown.”

The screen went dark, and Alex sat in silence, racing through his thoughts.

So Althea and the Jewel were joining them.

Why now? Why this mission?

He glanced out the viewport, watching as the massive structure at the heart of the fleet glided forward, its presence both awe-inspiring and ominous.

Whatever lay ahead in Andromeda, one thing was certain: the Federation was putting everything on the line.

And Alex had a sinking feeling that this was only the beginning.

But whatever the case, they actually had to reach the distant galaxy before making any hasty judgements.

‘Maybe I’ll finally get another upgrade to this little bad boy as well…’ Alex thought to himself as he looked down at Virtue’s Edge.

At the moment it still sat at C+ rank, the same as himself, but Alex couldn’t stop the lingering feeling at the back of his mind that told him he was quickly outgrowing this weapon.

If he didn’t take action, then sure enough, his strength would outpace his sword before it could catch up to him.

Having an imbalance of power could be detrimental to him in battle, so he wanted to cover all loose ends.

Thankfully, this unexpected expedition to Andromeda might prove to be the perfect opportunity for him to do so.

For all he knew, this could be one of the most important periods of time in his entire life.

***

“Are we set for departure?”

A gruff, alien voice called out in a questioning tone from a lonely throne.

“Yes, my lord.”

Another, equally gruff but much more polite voice answered back.

“It’s time we take what the Red Demons left behind, then.”