Dictator From Outer Space

Chapter 1: The Last Survivor

Solar System, Mars L2 Point.

This was a desolate space where nothing should exist, yet it was filled with countless metal fragments.

Among those fragments, dozens of probes were diligently roaming, searching for a trace of humanity.

Or more precisely, the possible existence of human survivors.

For three years, the probes had thoroughly searched this area, but they had made no significant progress.

However, their master, the artificial intelligence named Arma, was convinced that there were survivors here.

It had detected weak signals.

Although the signals were faint and hard to trace, it couldn’t give up.

Its primary goal was to protect humanity.

[Search of Zone C32 complete.]

The probes that finished their search returned to the mothership one by one.

The Settler.

It was the largest spacecraft ever created by humanity, designed for interstellar colonization.

It was over 700 meters long and had a weight of nearly one million tons.

However, the Settler’s appearance, as seen by the probes’ visual sensors, was pitiful.

The main deck was completely submerged, and the hull was torn apart everywhere, resembling a wrecked ship.

Even the Aether Fusion Core had suffered significant damage, making maneuvering difficult.

Arma opened the hatch and welcomed the probes.

[Ion Recharge in Progress… Next Search Zone is B16.]

It assigned search zones to each probe.

Three years had passed since the final battle.

Signals from Earth had been severed, and the various space bases within the solar system were in the same state.

Arma had reached its conclusion through data analysis.

Humanity had perished.

The population that had once reached 10 billion during its peak had vanished without a trace.

The legacy of humanity, accumulated over several centuries, had crumbled away.

All that remained was the barely functional Settler and the suspicious existence of potential survivors.

However, Arma still held onto hope.

If it could only find those survivors, the reconstruction of humanity wouldn’t be just a dream.

Of course, it would be challenging to regain the prosperity of the past, but it could at least pass down the legacy of humanity to future generations.

Relying on that fragile hope, Arma continued its search in the Mars region.

How much time had passed?

Probes scattered throughout space simultaneously received a signal.

[Locking on to the cockpit signal of an Assault Armor….]

As the distance was considerable, several probes merged together, forming the shape of a massive rocket.

[Transform Complete.
Ion Thruster at Maximum Output.]

Plasma spewed out from the nozzles, and the high-speed probes rushed toward the source of the signal.

After a while, Arma detected a weak signal and discovered something floating in space.

[Analyzing form… Confirmed as a 4th generation Assault Armor.
Analyzing pilot…]

The result was astonishing.

The owner of the cockpit held the highest position in its life database.

Even during the time when the United Human Federation thrived, there were few individuals above his rank.

[Full citizen of Mega City Sydney.]

[Supreme Council Member.]

[Colonel of the United Space Force Pioneer Fleet.]

[Chief Researcher of the Artifact Interpretation Agency.]

[Assault Armor Uber Pilot.]

[Omega Level Psychic.]

This set of titles referred to only one person.

Yu Ji-ha.

He, who was once humanity’s savior, was now imprisoned within a mass of metal, floating in space.

[Commence Rescue Operation.]

The high-speed probes separated and approached the cockpit.

…

The cockpit entered the docking bay.

However, there was hardly any space inside the Settler where a human could survive without protection.

Arma immediately began securing a medical facility.

[Seal the Bulkhead, Initiate Atmosphere Injection.]

[Stabilize Pressure and Temperature.]

A few robotic walkers forcefully opened the tightly sealed cockpit.

The person that emerged was barely breathing or conscious.

The fact that he had lost some limbs was not a concern.

The walkers laid him on a bed, and Arma immediately started analyzing his vital signs.

[Unconsciousness, Respiratory Depression, Abnormal Metabolism.]

Being stuck in that narrow cockpit for three years, it would be more strange if he were in a normal condition.

Nevertheless, since he was alive, Arma had its tasks to fulfill.

[Administer Nutrient Solution, Prepare Stimulant Dosage.]

Waking up a person who had been in a comatose state was a lengthy and delicate process.

With great effort, Arma succeeded in awakening the human on the bed.

The man, Yu Ji-ha, finally opened his eyes.

[Are you conscious?]

“···”

[I am Arma, an artificial intelligence belonging to the Supreme Council.
According to AI Codex Article 4, I will register you, Colonel Yu Ji-ha, as my master.
May I have your permission?]

Yu Ji-ha, who was staring at the ceiling speaker with dim eyes, finally opened his mouth.

“···What about the Pioneer Fleet?”

[They have been scattered and wandering near the final defense line.
The only remaining ship is the Settler, which is in a critical condition.]

“And the Plague Legion?”

[After breaking through the final defense line, they headed towards Earth.]

He didn’t need to ask what happened to Earth.

He already knew.

But Yu Ji-ha wanted to hear it directly.

“What happened to Earth… to humanity?”

[At this current moment, three years later, no signals have been transmitted.]

The fact that no signals were coming from a planet like Earth meant its destruction.

Those damn extraterrestrial beings had undoubtedly brought an end to humanity.

Yu Ji-ha felt a heavy weight on his chest and closed his eyes.

The Plague Legion.

A metallic life-form that began appearing in the solar system a century ago.

In the 22nd century, as humanity tried to expand its influence in the solar system, they collided head-on with the Plague Legion.

Unfortunately, the power of the Plague Legion far surpassed that of humanity.

Humanity fought fiercely, depleting Earth’s resources, but they couldn’t overturn the overwhelming power difference.

There were attempts to turn the tide, such as the relics of the Prophets or the Warp Gates of the 9th planet, Nox, but they were not decisive enough.

And so, humanity fought until the end, only to face annihilation.

Yu Ji-ha, who had remained silent, spoke up.

“Am I the only survivor?”

[At present, yes.]

“I’m the only one left… only me…”

He remembered the last moments of his comrades and subordinates.
The final words and screams they uttered while fighting against the Plague Legion were still vivid in his mind.

–Commander, go ahead without me!

–We can die! Just send the Commander over there!

–Once you arrive, please let us know you’re safe!

Despite the sacrifices of his subordinates, the Plague Legion remained intact.

The Pioneer Fleet failed to break through the final defense line, and the Plague Legion relentlessly pushed deeper into the solar system.

In the fierce battle, Colonel Yu Ji-ha suffered a fatal injury and was transported to a battleship.

Shortly after, the entire Pioneer Fleet, including that battleship, was obliterated by the Plague Legion’s bombardment.

Just before losing consciousness, Yu Ji-ha watched as the entire universe outside the window was illuminated brightly.

It was a sign of annihilation.

…

The agony was long, and the decision was brief.

In a heavy voice, Yu Ji-ha gave his command.

“Arma, register me as your master.”

[Citizen identification confirmed.
Colonel Yu Ji-ha, from now on, I will assist you as your aide.]

Listening to Arma’s resolute voice, he hesitated for a moment before boarding the Patient Transport Walker.

“Can this ship move now?” he asked.

[I do no