Liu Shu was currently assimilating the information Elyne had with her. As envoys from an interstellar power, they were obligated to inform those they t about the situation beyond their small world. So, they carried a few books and other devices for storing information with them.
After professions surpassed certain levels, creating crystals with information available to explore with a single thought was possible. If anything, it would look like looking at a recorded video that played directly into one’s brain. The learning speed with these crystals was superior, but at the sa ti, much more expensive.
Elyne and the other envoys had gathered in a room to teach Liu Shu, Flor, and other leaders about the nearby solar systems. “To start with, let’s explain so basic facts about our galaxy. The powers are separated based on the space they occupy, rather than their strength. Therefore, if there is a pacifist race, their empires will occupy less space and be designated as such. But that never ans they are weak in any way.”
Liu Shu was surprised that Elyne chose to start her explanation here. However, her surprise didn’t last long. Elyne continued. “There was a large empire in the past that ssed with the wrong secluded group for a simple Solar System and got eradicated. That secluded group didn’t even bother taking over the destroyed empire’s planets, leaving it for others to divide it as they willed.”
Everyone in the room felt their lips twitching. ‘Great, now there are interstellar mines that you might step on without knowledge.’
Elyne chuckled when she saw everyone’s expression. She smiled softly and continued. “The way to divide powers is as such. “Planetary, Solar, Star System, Globular Star Cluster, Nebula, Nebula Cluster, and finally Galaxy Arm Powers. In our galaxy, nor any nearby one for all we know, a power beyond those classifications doesn’t exist.”
Liu Shu sighed deeply. “So, we are now considered a Planetary Power.”
“Yes.” Elyne smiled. “In terms of power, you are like a remote town in the countryside. Even with Liu Shu’s ridiculous strength for her Level, you are at most a remote town with a sowhat powerful lord.”
The jade-green-haired woman looked to the side, and Veyra nodded. “As you all know, the Verdant Sanctity Covenant is a Star System Power. To be considered as a Globular Star Cluster group, you must govern over at least 1000 stars. Our group currently has 324 Stars under its governance.”
Liu Shu asked, curious. “Is that a lot for a Star System Power?”
Veyra smiled and nodded, her purple eyes showing confidence. “It is. Normal Star System Powers have between 10 and 100 stars under them. The gap between 100 and 1000 stars is what separates the powers in the process of advancing to the Globular Star Cluster level. Beyond that, you’d need 10,000 stars to be considered a complete Globular Star Cluster group, and continue to accumulate to reach beyond.”
“Woao…” Liu Shu exclaid softly, feeling that she had a long way to go before she truly commanded a sizable army.
Elyne looked at the blank looks among the leaders and laughed a bit. “Don’t be too overwheld. It is rare for powers of that level to look at smaller ones. Everyone is usually too busy looking up to care about those coming from behind. Being fast is the way to squeeze up the ranks. Of course, the term ‘fast’ is a bit too subjective.”
Flor spoke blankly. “You are asking us to take over other stars quickly? Don’t you find it a bit absurd?”
Elyne giggled. “As I said, don’t worry. Liu Shu has the ability to climb even further than the Verdant Sanctity Covenant!”
Veyra and the others felt their eyebrows twitch. Since their leader has beco Liu Shu’s Avatar, she has basically been spitting on their previous power while praising Liu Shu up to the heavens. Her number-one fan's way of speaking was truly a sight to behold.
Orwen looked at Elyne and shook his head. He disagreed that Liu Shu could easily take over, but he didn’t deny the potential. The ability to beat soone like him just after advancing to Level 100 was enough to prevent him from ignoring her.
Veyra coughed once and smiled. “Regardless, another misconception from people that co from isolated planets like yours is that the galaxy is relatively empty of complex life. In truth, as long as the planet is placed in a loosely good position, it will develop life. Even Gas Giants develop intelligent life within them.”
While everyone was surprised, Veyra added with a smile. “To be fair, your Solar System is rather desolate in comparison with the average one. Of the seven planets in your Solar System, only two have developed complex life.”
Liu Shu asked. “Is this an advantage or a disadvantage?”
“Both.” Veyra then clarified. “On one side, you have no competition. So, you must only guard against external threats. That’s your luck. But at the sa ti, without close rivals, growth can quickly beco stale. So talented True World Trees or societies with potential get limited in this first step precisely because of their lack of… Let’s call them neighbors.”
Everyone beca thoughtful, accepting her words. Veyra chuckled. “Again, your Solar System is slightly special. Beyond the lack of other life, you are isolated in one extre of the galaxy, and far from nearby groups.”
Thalgryn, leaning on her fist, asked aloud. “Lady Veyra, are beasts that live in space, right?”
Veyra smiled. “Indeed. They are called by many nas, but the general na is . Also, the language spoken universally is our current one.”
Flor frowned. “Isn’t that too big of a coincidence?”
Veyra chuckled. “Who were the major superpowers a few millennia ago, Flor?”
Flor paused. “Right… Did the Covenant and Nexus change the main language of the world?”
“Yes.” Veyra nodded. “Since it takes a few thousand years to take over, it is only natural to prepare the worlds for assimilation. A population that can’t understand us is of no use. That’s why most planets with intelligent life and otherworlders will end up learning the .”
Liu Shu suddenly spoke. “Veyra, Veyra. I heard from many people about Skill rchants that appear in from ti to ti! Are they also an interstellar power?”
“Skill rchants?” Veyra tilted her head, her violet-colored eyes thoughtful.
Surprisingly, it was Orwen who spoke. “If you are speaking about the , then yes.”
Veyra’s eyes lit up. “Right, those people. Did they actually co to Ceperet enough to gain fa? That’s really surprising.”
Flor and the others were confused, so the Sylvan explained patiently. “The is famous because they are a unique race. They are born with an innate ability to both strip, copy, and move skills from person to person.”
Liu Shu and the others were stunned. “Isn’t that too powerful?”
Veyra chuckled. “The more powerful a skill is, the more restrictions it has.”
Our dear World Tree was confused. “Does it really?”
Everyone felt their lips twitch a few tis. Veyra coughed and nodded. “That’s… usually the case.”
“Oh.”
Ignoring the ridiculous World Tree, Veyra comnted. “While their skills sound powerful, they rarely use them on others. They will only trade if you have a skill they are interested in. So, the fact that they ca to Ceperet often ans that this is a place with people with unique and .”
Liu Shu humd. “I don’t know if it was good that they didn’t co during my lifeti…”
Hana, the winged beast woman who was the previous leader of the Celestial Lotus Empire, comnted lightly. “They actually did, Liu Shu. It happened during your first few years of life, around sixty-five to seventy years ago. If I rember correctly, they went to the capital of each global superpower, right?”
Valkan and Galen, the other two leaders, nodded. “They did. They skipped the Wild Continent before they disappeared.”
Liu Shu pouted, even when no one could see her pout. “Aw…”
The group was gathered in one of the church’s recently remodeled rooms. The structure had many windows, which gave the room a sacred feeling as light poured in and illuminated the white marble floor. The mix of wood and minerals was stunning.
Veyra cleared her throat. “Alright, enough of those rchants. If they ca less than a century ago, I don’t expect them to co soon. Where was I?”
Flor spoke. “You were speaking about how common life is in the universe.”
“Right.” Veyra smiled. “We covered most things in that regard. So, I'll discuss your major enemy, who is likely preparing to give you a hit relatively soon.”
“Abyssal Void Nexus?”
Veyra nodded at Liu Shu’s words. “Yes. The main branch that fights for control in our area is nad .”
“Huh?” Liu Shu blinked a few tis. “I’ve never heard of them before. If they control this area, shouldn’t they have a subsidiary in Ceperet?”
Veyra tilted her head. “Is that true? Perhaps you destroyed them during your invasion of the . Or perhaps, they were those who escaped. From the reports I’ve read that you lent , there was a rather large group of relatively powerful enemies who fled, right?”
“Yes…” Liu Shu spoke timidly. “I was a bit out of sorts during that ti, so I didn’t bother rembering nas.”
Flor spoke softly. “Don’t worry, love. It’s not your fault.”
Liu Shu's mood improved when her mother cheered her up. “Alright!”
Veyra shook her head. “So, to make it clear, while Elyne has beco your Avatar, the help we can provide is very limited. We are enemies with the Abyssal Void Nexus. But we are not at each other's throats currently. It is a rather peaceful mont during our conflict, so involving us, , could revive the silent conflict and result in trillions of deaths.”
Liu Shu spoke softly. “Don’t worry. I never really expected much from the Covenant. As long as they don’t step in my way, I will not be bothered.”
Veyra smiled wryly while Lysara spoke for the first ti. “Liu Shu, our duty was to protect Elyne. What Veyra ans is that we don’t have any excuse to take the first step.”
Liu Shu blinked in her mind and quickly put the pieces together. “Ohh! So if Elyne is attacked, then things change!”
Veyra chuckled. “Exactly.” She added with a smirk. “Moreover, I do like you quite a lot, so I think we can bend the rules a little bit.”
She had co to this world with the intention of quickly taking over and setting up their embassy. Nevertheless, as she stayed longer, she fell in love with everything about it. Overall, Liu Shu’s potential and personality really tickled Veyra’s usually cunning mind. She could honestly relax and not search for deeply hidden anings in her words, and that was delightful.
Other than Orwen and his followers, who still harbored anger towards their leader, Liu Shu was very well-liked among the envoy group.
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