Chapter 46: The Taste of Home and Stars

 

The Ark, once a cold tomb of sterile science, had been transformed into a glowing palace of amber and gold. Scarlett sat at a long table carved from the mountain’s own cedar wood, placed right in the center of the Ark’s observation deck. Through the massive crystalline view-port, the Kunlun Mountains drifted in silent majesty, their snow-capped peaks reflecting the light of the setting sun.

In the center of the table, a copper pot bubbled with a spicy, aromatic broth—the legendary "Hot Pot" Scarlett had promised Caleb.

Caleb sat opposite her, his War-Form dissolved back into his human skin. He wore a simple black shirt, his sleeves rolled up to reveal the silver-gold tattoos that were now as steady as a heartbeat. He was staring at the bubbling pot with a mixture of confusion and hunger.

"So," Caleb said, his voice a low, warm rumble. "I’ve conquered a fortress, killed my 'father', and claimed a starship. But I still don't know how to eat this without burning my tongue."

Scarlett laughed, a sound that carried the harmony of two souls—the modern Star-Weaver and the ancient Kunlun disciple, perfectly synchronized. She dipped a slice of thinly shaved meat into the broth and placed it in his bowl.

"It’s about patience, Caleb," she whispered, her amber eyes glowing with a soft, affectionate light. "Just like the North. You have to wait for the heat to penetrate the surface before you can enjoy the soul."

Caleb took a bite, and for a moment, the King of the North looked like a satisfied pup. He leaned back, exhaling a cloud of steam. "Better than nutrient fluid."

"A low bar, but I'll take it," Scarlett teased.

But the peace wasn't just about food. In her mind, Scarlett could feel the vast, intricate network of the Ark and Kunlun merging. As the Sovereign Navigator, she was now receiving data from the "Deep Space Relays" that Xuan had hidden.

"Mainframe Notification: New civilizations detected in the Outer Rim," the ship's AI whispered in her mind. "The 'Creators' were not the only ones watching this sector. Inter-dimensional signal intercepted. Classification: Galactic Empire."

Scarlett’s chopsticks paused mid-air. She looked at Caleb, who had clearly picked up the same signal through his neural-links.

"We aren't alone, are we?" Caleb asked, his golden eyes narrowing.

"No," Scarlett said, her voice turning serious. "The Ark didn't just bring us here; it opened a door that can't be closed. The other 'Great Sects' of the universe, and the other 'Corporate Empires' of the stars... they've noticed that Project Prometheus has a new owner."

Caleb stood up and walked to the view-port, looking out at the infinite expanse of the stars. He reached out his hand, and the silver energy of the Alpha core crackled at his fingertips.

"Let them watch," Caleb said, a fierce, protective grin spreading across his face. "We have the technology of the gods and the magic of the immortals. If they want to treat our home like a petri dish again, they're going to find out that the subjects have taken over the lab."

Scarlett stood up and joined him, placing the Stellar Navigator on the console. The device didn't just show a map anymore; it was broadcasting a signal—a declaration of independence to every corner of the multiverse.

"Message to all Sects and Systems," Scarlett whispered into the device. "This is the Kunlun-Ark Alliance. We are the masters of the North and the navigators of the Void. Our borders are open for trade, but our skies are closed for war. Cross us, and you will face the King and the Star-Weaver."

As the message soared into the dark, Scarlett felt the original Scarlett’s consciousness smile within her. They were no longer the "Villainess" or the "Monster". They were the architects of a new destiny.

"So," Caleb asked, pulling her into his arms. "What's the plan for tomorrow, my Queen?"

"Tomorrow," Scarlett said, leaning her head against his chest, "we start building the first inter-dimensional market. And maybe... we find a way to make this hot pot a galactic export."

Caleb laughed, his golden eyes reflecting the millions of stars they were about to conquer.

The War for Survival was over. The Age of the Empire had begun.