Re-Awakened :I Ascend as an SSS-Ranked Dragon Summoner - Chapter 456

Chapter 456: Undercover

The Meridian’s Edge dropped out of hyperspace at the edge of the Raiju system, and immediately every person on board understood why the Grey family commanded such respect throughout human space.

“Holy shit,” Private Ryan Foster breathed, pressing his face against the viewport like a child seeing fireworks for the first time.

Before them stretched a defensive network that made EDF orbital installations look like children’s toys. Massive battle stations hung in the void like metallic cities, their surfaces crackling with contained lightning that arced between towering spires. Energy barriers shimmered between the installations, creating geometric patterns of pure electricity that could probably vaporize a fleet before it got within firing range.

Commander Brooks stood behind the pilot’s seat, studying the approach vectors with professional interest. “Request permission to approach Raiju Prime,” she instructed the pilot, her voice steady despite the intimidating display of military power surrounding them.

The communication came back within seconds, delivered by a voice that carried the authority of absolute confidence. “Civilian transport Meridian’s Edge, state your business in Raiju space.”

“Educational research mission,” Brooks replied smoothly. “We’re conducting studies on colonial development patterns for academic publication.”

“Transmit your credentials and maintain current heading. Deviation from assigned approach vector will result in immediate interdiction.”

As their ship was guided through the defensive grid, Private Kevin Santos whistled quietly. “Those defense platforms could take out a dreadnought.”

“Probably three dreadnoughts,” Corporal Rocky Miles corrected, watching energy weapons track their movement with mechanical precision. “This is why nobody messes with the original families.”

They’d been briefed on the existence of humans who didn’t grow up on earth and were way more advanced than them already. The originals although not widely known were names to be reckoned with.

Private Danny Liu pointed to a patrol ship that had appeared alongside them, its hull gleaming with the same electrical discharge that powered the defensive stations. “Look at that thing. It’s not even trying to hide how advanced it is.”

The escort vessel was a work of art disguised as a weapon of war. Smooth curves and angular edges combined in ways that suggested both speed and devastating firepower. Lightning danced along its hull in controlled patterns that looked almost decorative until you realized they probably served as both armor and weapon system.

“The beast core technology integration is incredible,” Private Alex Bill observed, his technical background making him more aware of the engineering involved. “They’re using electrical energy as structural support, not just power.”

Private Jackson Reeves shook his head in amazement. “And we thought the EDF had the best tech in human space.”

As they approached Raiju Prime itself, the true scope of Grey family power became apparent. The planet was a masterpiece of technological integration, its surface covered by cities that glowed with controlled electrical current. Massive towers reached toward the sky, their peaks crowned with lightning rods that channeled natural storms into the planetary power grid.

“It’s beautiful,” Foster said, his voice filled with genuine awe.

Brooks nodded, understanding his reaction. Raiju Prime looked like humanity’s future made manifest, a world where technology and nature worked in perfect harmony. The cities pulsed with life, their streets illuminated by flowing current that created patterns of light visible even from orbit.

“How do they keep all that electricity under control?” Santos asked.

“Beast cores,” Brooks replied, activating her tablet to show them technical specifications she’d studied during the journey. “The Grey family has perfected integration techniques that allow them to use beast energy as a controllable power source. What you’re seeing down there represents centuries of technological development.”

The landing process was as impressive as everything else they’d witnessed. Instead of traditional docking procedures, their ship was guided by electromagnetic fields that provided smoother control than any mechanical system could achieve. The landing pad itself was a platform of crystalline material that absorbed the ship’s kinetic energy and converted it into electrical power for the city grid.

“Even their landing pads are more advanced than anything we have,” Miles muttered.

As they disembarked, the team found themselves in a spaceport that challenged every assumption they’d held about colonial infrastructure. The terminal building soared overhead in graceful arcs that channeled lightning between structural supports, creating a ceiling of controlled electrical fire that provided both illumination and climate control.

People moved through the space with the easy confidence of those accustomed to living surrounded by advanced technology. Men and women wore clothing that incorporated conductive fibers, allowing them to interact with the electrical systems around them through simple touch. Children played games that involved manipulating small lightning displays, their laughter echoing through the terminal as they competed to create the most elaborate patterns.

“This place is incredible,” Liu said, watching a maintenance worker repair a broken display by simply laying his hands on the damaged components and channeling electrical current through his fingertips.

Brooks took the lead as they made their way through the terminal, her academic cover story requiring her to act like someone conducting research. She approached information kiosks, spoke with local guides, and gradually built a picture of recent events on Raiju Prime.

The team followed her through the process, ostensibly serving as research assistants but primarily functioning as observers. What they observed was their commander demonstrating why she’d been chosen for this mission.

“Did you see how she handled that customs official?” Foster whispered to Bill as they waited near a transportation hub. “He was getting suspicious about our credentials, and she just started asking him about local architectural techniques. Ten minutes later, he was giving her recommendations for the best hotels.”

Bill nodded approvingly. “She’s got this way of making people want to help her. That’s a seriously useful skill.”

Santos joined their quiet conversation. “And she looks amazing doing it. Did you see how every guy in that customs line was checking her out?”

“Can you blame them?” Reeves replied. “I mean, she’s got that whole intelligent, beautiful, confident thing going on. It’s like she stepped out of some recruitment poster for perfect EDF officers.”

Miles, overhearing their discussion, grinned but kept his voice professional. “Focus on the mission, gentlemen. Though I will say, having a commander who can charm information out of locals is definitely an advantage.”

Brooks returned to the group after completing her market research, her expression indicating she’d learned something significant. “I’ve secured lodging at a hotel in the merchant district,” she announced. “It’s a good base of operations for our research, and the location gives us access to the kind of people who might have information about recent events.”

She led them through the city streets, and the team found themselves in an environment that seemed to blend the familiar with the impossible. The architecture was recognizably human, but every building incorporated electrical elements that served both functional and artistic purposes. Street lamps were replaced by contained lightning displays that provided light without heat. Public transportation consisted of vehicles that rode on electromagnetic fields rather than physical contact with roadways.

“This is like walking through a science fiction movie,” Liu observed, watching a group of local children race vehicles that hovered six inches off the ground.

“Except it’s real,” Santos replied. “These people live like this every day.”

The hotel Brooks had selected was a mid-range establishment that catered to off-world visitors without drawing attention from security services. The lobby featured the same integration of electrical technology and practical design that characterized everything else they’d seen, but scaled down to a more intimate level.

As they settled into their rooms, Brooks called the team together for a briefing session.

“Information gathering was successful,” she began, activating a portable display that showed a map of the local area. “The people I spoke with confirmed several important details about recent events.”

The team gathered around the display, their attention focused on their commander’s report.

“Approximately three weeks ago, Raiju Prime experienced a significant beast incursion in the outer settlements,” Brooks continued. “The attacks were severe enough to require military intervention, and several off-world visitors were involved in the defense efforts.”

Foster leaned forward. “Off-world visitors?”

“Local accounts describe a group of young people who matched the descriptions of our targets. They’re specifically mentioned as friends of Prince Lucas, and their actions during the crisis earned them considerable gratitude from the local population.”

Reeves nodded. “So we’re in the right place.”

“More importantly, the locals speak of these individuals as heroes rather than problems. Team 7 appears to have integrated well into the local community, which might complicate our retrieval efforts.”

Miles frowned. “How so?”

“People who are viewed favorably by the local population have protection that goes beyond official channels. If our targets have earned the loyalty of Raiju Prime’s citizens, any attempt to remove them against their will could create significant complications.”

Santos raised his hand. “What’s our next move?”

“Tomorrow, we approach the palace directly. Prince Lucas is our primary contact, and any successful resolution to this situation will require his cooperation.” Brooks deactivated the display. “Until then, you’re free to explore the local area, but maintain your cover identities and avoid drawing attention.”

As the team dispersed to their rooms, conversations continued in the hallway about their commander’s performance during the day.

“I’ve never seen anyone adapt to a completely foreign environment that quickly,” Bill said to Foster. “She was talking to those market vendors like she’d lived here for years.”

“And learning things that would have taken us days to figure out,” Liu added. “She’s got this way of asking questions that makes people want to tell her everything they know.”

Santos grinned. “Plus she looked incredible doing it. Did you see how that hotel manager practically fell over himself to give us the best rooms available?”

“She’s got this confidence that just makes everything she does seem effortless,” Foster observed. “Like she could walk into any situation and figure out how to handle it.”

The next morning, the team made their way through the city toward the palace district, their civilian clothes helping them blend into the flow of local foot traffic. The closer they got to the center of government, the more impressive the architecture became. Buildings reached toward the sky with spires that channeled lightning between their peaks, creating a canopy of electrical fire that served both defensive and ceremonial purposes.

The palace itself was a marvel of engineering and artistry. Towers of crystalline material rose from a base of polished stone, their surfaces conducting electrical current in patterns that shifted with the time of day and weather conditions. Gardens surrounded the structure, featuring plants that had been bioengineered to thrive in high-energy electrical fields.

But as they approached the main entrance, Brooks noticed something that made her slow her pace and study their surroundings more carefully.

“Something’s wrong,” she murmured to Miles, who was walking beside her.

The security presence around the palace was far more intense than would be normal for a peaceful diplomatic facility. Guards in lightning-blue and white beast gear stood at regular intervals, their postures indicating high alert status rather than ceremonial duty. Defensive barriers hummed with contained energy, and patrol drones moved in patterns that suggested active threat assessment rather than routine monitoring.

“This looks like a fortress preparing for siege,” Miles observed quietly.

Brooks nodded, filing away the observation as they reached the main gate. A guard in elaborate ceremonial armor stepped forward to intercept them.

“State your business with the royal family,” he said, his tone professional but carrying the unmistakable authority of someone prepared to use force if necessary.

“We’re educational researchers from the EDF,” Brooks replied, presenting their prepared credentials. “We’re hoping to arrange an interview with Prince Lucas regarding colonial development initiatives.”

The guard examined their documentation with the kind of thorough attention that suggested genuine security concerns rather than bureaucratic procedure. After several minutes, he returned their papers and shook his head.

“The king and queen are indisposed and cannot receive visitors at this time. Prince Lucas is unavailable for interviews or public appearances.”

“When might we reschedule?” Brooks asked, maintaining her academic cover while probing for additional information.

“That information is not available. You should depart the palace grounds immediately.”

As the team was escorted away from the entrance, Brooks made mental notes about everything she’d observed. The defensive posture, the restricted access, the general atmosphere of tension that surrounded the entire area—it all pointed to a situation far more complex than simple family obligations.

Walking back through the city streets, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they’d arrived at Raiju Prime during a crisis that went far deeper than missing EDF personnel. The palace wasn’t just busy with normal government activities. It was locked down like a military installation expecting an attack.

Whatever had brought Team 7 to this place, and whatever had kept them here for over five weeks, it was connected to something significant enough to put an entire world on high alert.

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