Chapter 786 Billions of Galactic Credits  

As the investors gathered in a secure viewing area within the Celestial Platoon's headquarters, Aldred prepared to unveil what he had referred to as "the true innovation" of their recent technological advancements.

The anticipation in the air was palpable, with Shinari, Salamander, and Cleome standing by, their expressions a mix of pride and solemnity.

Aldred stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the group of potential partners. "What you're about to see," he began, his voice steady and commanding, "represents a significant leap forward in our capabilities against the demonic forces. But more importantly, it embodies our commitment to safeguarding the galaxy without needless loss of life."

He gestured to a massive battleship docked within the hangar, its sleek design concealing the power it held within. "This," Aldred announced, "is the pinnacle of our technological integration from the Shadow Forge. A weapon designed not just to defeat, but to demoralize and debilitate the enemy forces."

The investors leaned in, their interest clearly piqued as Aldred continued, "It emits a specialized dark wave, targeting demons specifically. Low-level demons are eliminated instantly, mid-levels suffer significant injuries, and even high-level demons are left disoriented and weakened."

To demonstrate, Aldred revealed a containment area where demons of various levels were secured.

The room fell silent as the weapon charged, a low hum building to a crescendo before releasing a pulsating dark wave across the containment field.

The effect was immediate and devastating. Low-level demons met their end in an instant, while mid-level adversaries writhed in pain, their forms collapsing under the assault. High-level demons, though more resilient, exhibited clear signs of distress, struggling against the debilitating effects of disorientation and weakness.

A murmur of approval and astonishment swept through the investors as they witnessed the weapon's efficacy firsthand.

Aldred allowed the moment to settle before adding, "Survivors of this attack find themselves incapacitated, unable to rejoin the battle. This is how we will shift the tide in our favor."

"And this only works on demons?"

Aldred approached them with a serious face. "This can be modified to work on anything. However, I wouldn't want this weapon to be used to mass murder humans without justified cause."

Aldred did not want to be blamed to create something that would lead to atrocities, so he had to say this. 10:54

"O—okay."

"I call it the Eclipse Cannon."

"Eclipse Cannon. That is definitely an interesting name. A perfect fit for the weapon."

"And we definitely want to invest in this. How do we proceed further?"

The tension in the room palpably shifted as Aldred named his price for the Eclipse Cannon.

"The Celestial Platoon is willing to sell this weapon for 5.7 billion Galactic Credits, or Diras, for each unit," he stated, his voice unwavering, fully aware of the bombshell he had just dropped.

A collective gasp swept through the investors, their expressions ranging from disbelief to calculated interest.

One of the investors, a sharp-featured man named Varek, who had remained mostly silent until now, voiced the group's astonishment. "That's more than five times the price of a Dreadnought-Class battleship," he exclaimed, his tone laced with incredulity.

Aldred met Varek's gaze, his expression serene yet confident. "And this weapon is five times more effective than a Dreadnought," he countered smoothly.

"What we offer is not merely a piece of technology but a paradigm shift in strategic warfare. You have never seen a weapon like this before. By possessing it, you secure advantages that your rivals can only dream of."

He let his words sink in, observing the flickers of realization dawning on the investors' faces. "Just imagine," Aldred continued, painting a vivid picture of the weapon's potential. "Approaching a planet under siege by demonic forces, and with a few clicks of a button, you can selectively eliminate the threat. An entire horde of monsters eradicated without endangering a single civilian. The tactical and moral superiority it grants you is unparalleled."

"And remember, it could work on anything and anyone and you can change it anytime you want."

The room fell into a contemplative silence, the gravity of Aldred's proposition weighing heavily on everyone present.

The investors exchanged glances, the initial shock giving way to strategic contemplation.

Lira, who had been intently following the discussion, leaned forward, her eyes reflecting the gears turning in her mind.

"The Eclipse Cannon could indeed redefine the rules of engagement," she mused aloud, acknowledging the weapon's game-changing potential. "However, this weapon require a cooling down of 15 minutes after use. It might be good in a situation you say, but in active confrontation, its use is still limited. So, I expect discounted prices until you fix this issue." "How much do you want?"

"2 billion Galactic Credit."

"4 billion. No less."

Lira nodded. "I will take that."

Aldred looked at the others. "What about all of you?"

They all looked at each other and nodded at the same time. "We will take a few."

…

After the groundbreaking deal with the investors, Aldred found himself in the sanctum of his expansive office, a space that felt more like a command center crossed with the comforts of a luxurious den. He was indulging in the spoils of a hard-earned victory: grapes sourced from the vineyards of Zephyria, wine aged in barrels made from the timbers of ancient Jovar trees, and a steak from the monstrous Boxia, a delicacy that was as rare as it was a testament to the might of the Celestial Platoon.

Leaning back in his oversized leather chair, Aldred allowed himself a moment of contentment. The negotiation had gone better than expected, and he was already anticipating further interest in the Eclipse Cannon and other technologies the Platoon had to offer.

A knock at the door interrupted his reverie. "Enter," he called out, his tone conveying the ease of his mood.

The door swung open, and several figures stepped into the room, each carrying the weight of command in their bearing. They were the admirals and key figures of the Celestial Platoon, individuals who had seen battles beyond count and who had steered the fate of countless lives.

"Commander Aldred," greeted Admiral Kyra, her voice resonant with respect and a hint of warmth. "We hope we're not intruding."