Starsea Fleet: Age of the Lord

After finalizing the matters with the Starship Design Department, Feng Mo attended the graduation ceremony for the first class of cadets from Storm Military Academy. He had high hopes for the academy, which accepted only 1,000 students yearly from a population of over 80 billion across ten star systems. Competition was fierce, and even high-ranking officials couldn't secure spots for their relatives, with Alisa alone receiving an allocation of three slots, a rare exception.

On July 1, Federation Year 7499, Feng Mo, now thirty, attended the first graduation ceremony of the Storm Military Academy. Unlike other schools, which held celebratory events, the academy's ceremony was a formal recruitment drive. The five main fleets, and even the Storm Fleet, sent examiners to assess the new graduates. Exam scores determined placements, with top scorers eligible for positions in the elite Storm Fleet, where practical combat training would follow under Feng Mo's guidance.

After the 1,000 cadets completed their tests, Feng Mo received the results in the headmaster's office. The headmaster reported cautiously:

"Lord Feng Mo, the exams have concluded. We have two students scoring a perfect 100, seventy-two scoring over 90, and 736 scoring over 80."

Following academy regulations, any student who scored below 80 would be reassigned to patrol fleets—a position with minimal opportunities for advancement. Only those scoring above 80 were considered suitable for fleet roles. The two top scorers would enter the Storm Fleet's captain training program, while those scoring over 90 joined the crew training. The rest were assigned evenly among the five main fleets.

Feng Mo estimated that Storm Fleet would recruit a few dozen graduates annually from the academy. Though this was far from sufficient, he planned to supplement the fleet with exceptional candidates from the other five fleets.

As a year passed, the wounds inflicted by the war between the Federation and the Western Warzone began to heal. The Federation and Storm Empire prepared for another internal conflict, both eager to take action.

In a vast conference room, Feng Mo sat at the head of the table, flanked by key officials: Minister of Defense Ai Er Plan on his left, along with the five fleet commanders, and Alisa, head of the Starship Design Department, on his right. Feng Mo called them to discuss a newly released announcement from the Interstellar Human Federation.

The Federation had officially declared war on the Frostsnow Alliance.

The announcement marked the beginning of internal strife within the Federation. The three empires of the Western Warzone, however, had prepared for this. Just an hour after the Federation's declaration, five empires in the Eastern Warzone joined forces with the Interstellar Beast Clan to proclaim their independence, forming the Pan-Human Alliance. The Northern and Central Warzones remained silent, while the Southern Warzone continued its struggle against the Interstellar Mechanic Clan.

Though the Pan-Human Alliance declared independence, it refrained from open hostilities, focusing instead on constructing interstellar fortresses along the borders of the Eastern, Northern, and Central Warzones. These actions strained the Federation's public image to an all-time low, with unrest spreading even within the Storm Empire. Certain half-beast citizens expressed interest in joining the alliance, hoping for improved treatment free from discrimination. Yet Feng Mo understood that prejudice would persist regardless of location.

Addressing the room, Feng Mo laid out his directives: "I've called you all here for three reasons. First, as of today, the Storm Empire is under Level One wartime status. All citizens are prohibited from leaving the empire. Any disturbances on life-supporting planets should be met with immediate force if necessary.

"Second, any half-beasts wishing to return to their ancestral land must apply through the local Foreign Affairs Office, return all benefits, and submit wages earned prior to departure.

"Third, Ai Er, announce on StarNet that the Storm Empire formally declares war on the Frostsnow Alliance. Any force attempting to fracture the Interstellar Human Federation will be met with our might."

"Yes, sir!" the officials responded in unison. Feng Mo had led the Storm Empire for eight years, establishing himself as an authoritative figure. To his followers, he was both their commander and their source of purpose. They did not question his orders—they, too, anticipated war with the Snow Eagle Empire. Young and ambitious, they were eager to join Feng Mo on the battlefield.

On August 1, Federation Year 7499, StarNet burst with activity. An hour after the Federation's declaration of war and the establishment of the Pan-Human Alliance, the Storm Empire released its own announcement, sparking excitement among the public:

"Effective immediately, the Storm Empire declares war on the Frostsnow Alliance. Any force attempting to divide the Interstellar Human Federation will face justice. Signed: Storm Empire, Feng Mo."

By now, Feng Mo's name was legendary throughout the Federation. His life story had even inspired several interstellar films, created with his consent and accompanied by a hefty licensing fee. These films had become wildly popular, celebrated for their realism, Feng Mo's remarkable journey, and his status as a self-made leader.

But only Feng Mo himself knew the harsh truth of the interstellar era. Without noble status, family connections, or government influence, it was nearly impossible to succeed as an ordinary citizen. With limited resources, citizens couldn't afford quality education or training on T3 starships, and lacked the means to protect their ideas from being stolen.

For Feng Mo, this war wasn't just about conquering territory—it was about proving that he, a man who once held no power, could command an empire in an era defined by lineage, influence, and wealth.