Neveah works tirelessly through the night.

Even though the world is initially plunged into an abyss of night, its aurora borealis torn, things have greatly stabilized thanks to the goddess's preparations. The artificial sun, which hasn't deviated from its path for centuries, now rises early to illuminate the land.

The remaining few drops of divinity this planet has to offer are now drawn, fueling the people's strength through the system. It is a gamble Neveah has to take. If they lose this battle, nothing will be left, but if they win, even if the planet is dead, there will be a way to make over.

In short, there is no room for hesitation.

Soon, even the system itself will likely be sacrificed for humanity's ultimate victory.

''Hoo...''

Neveah inhales deeply. The distinct scent of plastic, of wires and parts, fills the nose.

An invasion of unprecedented scale—just like how the world nearly ended that day. It brings back painful memories, though Neveah never intends to succumb to its threat.

Until this point, the countless defensive barriers inside the dome have worked well enough, and the damage is manageable. However, no one is foolish enough to consider this assault repelled. Most governments are aware of the true dangers coming, but only a few realize the direction in which the enemy's arrow flies.

The swarm isn't mindless. Even excluding Buezrith, the true perpetrator, there are still clever brains on the other side, namely the leaders of Ravenous Moon, the cult which has been assimilated under the calamity's rule.

If so, they will undoubtedly target the system. After all, once they can disrupt its function, humanity's flimsy defense will collapse. In the end, it is Zircon, and by extension, the empire, who receive the most intense attack.

Having calculated this development, Neveah has naturally arranged the densest protective measures around the area. This is also why Aurora has been so concentrated on the forest's fortifications.

''...''

Still, it doesn't mean that the other lands won't suffer. As the only goddess of this ruinous planet, Neveah is inexperienced and definitely isn't omnipotent. She wants to help all people, but she can't.

The trickling divinity running under this land isn't nearly enough to bring the sorts of heavy artillery, the sturdy barriers across for everyone. The best she can do is give the caged people a weapon so they can struggle.

'I've asked the holy country to help out those smaller nations... let's trust in them.'

Sighing, the goddess closes her eyes and leans back in her seat.

''Anna, how's the situation?'' She utters.

The automaton that represents the system, Anna, swiftly retrieves the relevant data and reports with her synthesized voice,

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

[According to observed footage, the flow of the swarm is indeed spiraling toward this place. With its current speed, we have another two hours before the first wave arrives.]

''...I guess we should start cranking up the arrays. How's the power consumption looking?''

[Taking into account the enemies' advancement, we have three days left before the source runs out.]

''Three days...''

A time limit of three days. After that point, there will be nothing left of the planet's reserve. Not only will the system be overloaded, but the people will rapidly start to corrupt, having lost divinity's protection.

Everything hinges on the Nihility God's battle with Buezrith.

Although Neveah doesn't like to leave her fate into the hands of others, she doesn't possess the strength to change this reality either.

''Well, I should just do my utmost...''

Swallowing another sigh, the goddess rises, ready to delegate the remaining tasks to her assistant and go out to contribute directly. A fiery glint flashes in her eyes as she hands her white lab coat to the chair.

At the same time, the capital of the Astra Empire has entered a struggle with the invading swarms.

Even with repeated warning days prior, with the military's swift action in evacuating citizens, and even with goddess Neveah's assistance, some areas are still being swarmed. The sheer number of these creatures, enough to paint the day sky a bleak gray, means that people simply can't travel long distances out of shelters.

It has been close to seven hours since the invasion arrived, with relentless efforts to drive the swarm out, yet the sea hasn't seemed to thin out.

In the imperial palace's inner chamber, a strategic meeting is commencing. Sierra Alaina Astra and Nydia Alaina Astra—the two pillars of the imperial family—and Scarlett Heisenberg, now another expert of the country, take the lead among other officers.

''Two of the outer districts are still compromised...'' Sierra ponders. ''Those places are quite hard to get to right now.''

Amidst the uncomfortable silence, Nydia interjects, ''Even so, we can't abandon the people. Once another grandmaster returns from their trip, we'll head out right away.''

''I'll follow Her Highness's decision.'' Scarlett declares.

The determined words of the current crown princess leave no room for refusal. Moreover, since all three of the near-grandmaster-level powerhouses are joining, the risks should be manageable for the convoy.

So, right after Grandmaster Bianca's return with another batch of civilians, the three set out. Prioritizing speed, the thirty or so combatants follow the spear of Scarlett Heisenberg, who cleaves through the swarm of insects to reach the beacon spot—the academy.

The academy has become a safe shelter for countless people. Thankfully, with its vast infrastructure, being overloaded is not a short-term concern, although the group's objective is quite unrelated.

''Mister! We'd like to teleport!''

Sitting calmly in the middle of the academy square is a robed figure who radiates an intense aura. Unmasked, people can see his bare face under the hood—a sharp, exquisitely sculpted human skull. Though unholy, the golden light in his eye sockets seems more holy than anything.

''To where?'' Skely replies, his voice as deep as the abyss.

He has been tasked with helping the capital's defenses. With his unique aptitude for teleportation, he is an immense help in evacuating distant areas.

Aside from the two imperials and Scarlett, the remaining people naturally have reservations regarding his presence, yet none dared to voice a complaint. They can only follow the lead, getting ready as the coordinates are being finalized.

''Remember, I can only bring you there. Returning alive is your responsibility.'' The skeleton mage warns.

Teleportation has a limit. Although Skely's version is powerful, he can only bring along a few dozen people at once. Moving more than that is impossible, and making several trips back and forth makes for terrible mana usage efficiency.

''I know.'' Nydia nods, fully aware of her decision.

So, with Skely's help, they immediately warp to a compromised district at the border of the capital. Though the monster density remains somewhat indistinguishable, there are certain more elite-level individuals present.

''So this is why they haven't been able to break out...'' Scarlett clicks her tongue. ''Should we clear out those guys first?''

''Obviously.'' Sierra shrugs. ''Get ready. We're about to break in.''

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.