Under the massive external screen and the virtually delay-free interstellar broadcast, everyone jointly witnessed this moment.
After a brief silence, beneath Dominion Holy Image, a Mechanic suddenly roared, his face flushed: "How can it be Abel? This is blatant scandal!"
"This examination is simply a farce. Dominion Holy Image was probably threatened long ago and had someone preselected."
It wasn’t just the Mechanic present—many others couldn’t accept this result.
From their perspective, it was someone who didn’t even need Hammer Divine Craftsman’s inheritance that obtained it. Abel’s background and the resources he had already enjoyed were more than enough.
Clearly, Li Ming was far superior. All the Mechanics knew that higher-level knowledge came with greater difficulty in learning and comprehension.
This examination had been unfair from the start.
Diwusi remained expressionless, but her eyes revealed a trace of suspicion. She scoffed coldly: "Abel truly is outstanding."
She also felt that there was some trickery involved. In terms of Mechanical Talent, Li Ming and Abel were roughly even, but their Development Potential differed by a full five levels.
To be frank, if she were the one choosing, she would have selected Li Ming without hesitation. Abel’s privileged background meant he would never truly value Hammer Divine Craftsman’s legacy and was unlikely to pursue the path of a Mechanic.
From the Federation’s perspective, it would make much more sense for Li Ming to receive it rather than Abel.
Crow, however, was far more direct, speaking without any politeness: "Has the Empire secretly reached an agreement with Dominion Holy Image?"
"What do you mean by that?" Prince Costat frowned. "You’re all well aware of Dominion Holy Image’s stance—it’s impossible for us to influence its decisions."
Though he said this, even he felt shocked internally. Before Li Ming appeared, Abel’s chances of inheriting were indeed slightly higher than others.
But after Li Ming emerged, that possibility had been infinitely diminished.
Now that it had actually happened, even he was secretly questioning it.
"Perhaps Dominion Holy Image is aware that even if it awarded the legacy to Li Ming, the young man wouldn’t be able to leave this place today," Diwusi said, her gaze sweeping over Prince Costat.
Prince Costat remained silent, a flash of anger briefly crossing his eyes. Regardless, it had nothing to do with Abel’s "excellence."
Pole, still controlled firmly within his grasp, frowned. The outcome was deviating significantly from the plans—the first step seemed to have already failed.
"Shut down external communications for now," Costat ordered softly, eyeing the increasingly agitated onlookers. He frowned slightly.
He had brought this matter up more than once, even forcibly severing communications once during the last forty days.
That incident had resulted in massive protests. Within the Empire’s borders, large-scale demonstrations erupted demanding their right to know.
On the Federation side, senior leaders had harshly criticized the Empire’s actions for the sake of election votes.
Some individuals had even privately set up external communication networks to conduct multilayered broadcasts, making it impossible to completely block information.
"We still have confidential data being transmitted; shutting it down is not an option," Diwusi refused, while issuing a warning. "If the Empire forcibly takes over the communications center again, don’t blame us for escalating our response."
Costat frowned. "Someone is using the Hammer Divine Craftsman’s matter to fuel the flames, disseminating rumors about Terrax Civilization. It has already caused widespread chaos."
Diwusi’s gaze flickered. Over the past forty days, numerous incidents had occurred centering around Hammer Divine Craftsman.
Many sources claimed that Hammer Divine Craftsman’s disappearance was related to seeking Terrax Civilization’s relics and treasures.
Most interstellar citizens knew nothing about Terrax Civilization.
However, not long after, secret information about Terrax Civilization began spreading like wildfire.
Because of its connection to Hammer Divine Craftsman, many started learning about this ancient and powerful civilization, igniting a wave of enthusiasm.
Diwusi still refused: "I can’t decide on my own. If Your Highness can convince the Federation representatives, I will agree."
Costat’s face darkened.
Deep within the Empire Base’s inner chamber, various civilizations had their own dimensional barrier traction and positioning technologies to ensure their respective forces’ vessels could directly appear at their stations.
As space rippled, a luxurious golden spaceship slowly emerged, its hull gleaming with dazzling golden radiance, carrying an aura of unparalleled authority that made it impossible to look directly at.
Diaz awaited here, his demeanor respectful, injuries on his body already healed. As the hatch opened, a figure stepped out slowly.
Diaz lowered his head even further, his voice tinged with guilt: "Your Highness, I..."
"Shh..." Prince Ryan raised a finger, his gaze lowered. "Words like that mean nothing to me. If you’re truly ashamed, you can either commit suicide or find a way to make amends."
Diaz was filled with unease. Sensing this, Prince Ryan’s eyes glimmered with interest as he asked, "Quite the commotion outside, isn’t it?"
"The Hammer Divine Craftsman’s inheritor has been decided—it’s Prince Abel," Diaz quickly explained.
"Abel?" A wave of emotion flickered in Prince Ryan’s eyes. "My dear nephew is certainly exceptional. Perfect timing, let’s go and extend our congratulations."
The Prince moved forward without hesitation, and Diaz hurriedly followed.
"So it’s Abel?" The Creator Divine Craftsman was astonished, his eyes flickering. "Dominion Holy Image’s final examination doesn’t seem right."
The Mechanical Soul Divine Craftsman nodded. "Indeed, Li Ming’s difficulty level was too high, as though it was deliberately made impossible for him to succeed."
As Divine Craftsmen, they understood the intricacies much deeper.
"What a pity." The Creator Divine Craftsman sighed deeply.
"Damn it, what the hell is this!" Blackbeard was already seething with rage as he stared at the scene on the screen.