Promotion to a Level Two Civilization

Just as Lister was about to give some instructions and prepare to leave, the actual system notification came immediately.

System notification: Alien life form from another universe, your actions have triggered a warning from the mainframe and are now under monitoring.

Notification: The Mastermind District Seventy-One has been connected...

"Judgment: This is a spontaneous act by an alien life form from another universe; we have no right to interfere."

Indeed, the installation of the teleportation array was a major event for the overall development of the game.

After all, the probability of other citizens of the Galactic Federation visiting the Merrick Civilization was almost zero.

Now that the teleportation array is connected, things are unpredictable, especially for wanted criminals from advanced civilizations.

This could even drastically alter the future progression of the game "God's Rise" for players.

This is equivalent to joining the Galactic Federation ahead of schedule in the fourth act.

After a while, the system sent another notification message.

"Notification: The Mastermind District Seventy-One has completed the notarization process and has issued you a unique Main Quest."

"Congratulations! You have triggered an exclusive Main Quest – the Rise of the Merrick Civilization: Merrick Lister, a pioneer of this civilization, after registering his civilization with the Galactic Federation and establishing a teleportation array to truly connect to the Galactic Federation, making significant contributions to the development of the Merrick Civilization, has gradually become dissatisfied with its current state of development and desires to further promote and expand it..."

Task details (four stages in total):

First step: Raise the Merrick Civilization level to level two.

The second step: To establish the Merrick Civilization Army within the Galactic Federation.

Third step: Raise the Merrick Civilization level to level three and achieve the rank of Major General or above in the Federation Military District.

Task time limit: None.

"Task Rewards: One opportunity to choose the difficulty level of the Third Advancement job advancement quest (issued after the first stage), 20 million experience points (distributed across stages), 20 free attribute points (distributed at 5, 5, and 10 points across stages), and 1 million Federal Credits."

"Accept?"

"Yes!"

Lister accepted the Main Quest of exclusive notarization without the slightest hesitation.

Not to mention the opportunity for Third Advancement; the Robust Soul passive skill given by the second job advancement was already beyond his imagination, and he certainly wouldn't give it up now.

Just seconds after he confirmed the mission, a server-wide announcement was suddenly issued.

System Announcement: Thanks to the tireless efforts of the pioneer of civilization Lister Merrick, your civilization has been officially recognized as the 'Merrick Civilization' by the Galactic Federation. This is hereby announced.

The sudden announcement piqued the curiosity of many players, sparking heated discussions in the public chat.

"Holy crap! I knew Count Merrick was something else; he's in every single scene from beginning to end."

"Now even civilizations are named after him, is this still the 'God's Rise' game?"

"Martial arts students rejoice! Martial arts students rejoice!..."

"Brothers, the next version is set to take off!"

"Wasn't it Count Merrick who attacked the palace last time? Is the game mastermind using a powerful NPC to drive the game's progress?"

"Future Game is the Galactic Federation!! I can't wait!"

It's just an announcement; there's no other substantive content at this time.

But that's enough to make martial arts players, especially those who specialize in swordsmanship, ecstatic.

"Brother Chen! We've fucking taken off!"

"With Count Merrick backed by the mastermind, let's see how that son of a bitch from the Green Nourishment Group will dare to mess with me!"

Chen Shanqiang was also pleasantly surprised when he saw the announcement and couldn't wait to send a message to congratulate him.

Although Lister was already a duke, players still tend to call him the count from the first act.

The martial arts department, which had been in decline, suddenly rose to prominence after the emergence of Lister.

Even though it can't surpass the dominance of the mechanical type at the moment, more and more players are optimistic about it.

Especially among players within the martial arts category, many initially planned to switch to sword-wielding classes.

Viscount Adrian.

"Your Grace, I am here!"

The captain of the guard, clad in black armor, hurriedly stepped forward and stood in front of him.

"Your sole task within the duchy is to work with Viscount Tim to maintain the operation of this teleportation array."

"Just follow Tim's instructions for the specific management. You can distribute these potions."

After saying that, several large boxes appeared out of thin air on the ground, all filled with Lucian's Turquoise Solution, hundreds of bottles in total.

Originally, Wang Yue stole it from the Kingdom's treasury, but Lister didn't actually drink much of it, and the Galactic Federation only traded a few bottles.

Now all of it is given to this captain of the guard, who is at level six and has not yet undergone his second promotion. He still has the opportunity to upgrade with Turquoise Liquid.

Ultimately, they are guarding the teleportation array. They don't expect to be able to regulate citizens of advanced civilizations, but at least their increased strength can restrict those of lower civilizations.

After giving Tim another Tim, he finally used the teleportation array to leave.

Inside the core governing building of the Yalan Civilization's ruling planet, Lister emerged calmly from the federal testing room.

Outside, the blue-skinned Yalan stared wide-eyed at the results displayed on the outdoor testing screen, unable to believe their eyes.

"Testing revealed that the organism belongs to the genetic race of Ancient Humans."

Development Direction: Ancient Martial Arts System

Standard level: LV120

Strength Rank: S-Rank (Overlord Tier)

Number of evolutionary stages of life: Two

It meets the criteria for a Level II "Advanced Life Form".

Compared to the Arcane Civilization, which has at least encountered several advanced life forms, the Yalan Civilization's testing room has never detected an S-class life form.

Although they are a Level 2 civilization, their "advanced life forms" have long since died out and have never been detected in their own civilization's testing chambers.

In recent years, even a single A-level life form in our civilization has been enough to make the Yalan Civilization happy for quite some time.

It was quite astonishing to actually encounter an Overlord Tier military officer in their remote civilization.

"Sir... Sir, are you planning a civilization upgrade?"

"Please wait a moment... let me check the specific standards."

The staff member in front of me at the Civilization Registration Office had even forgotten the procedures for promoting civilized behavior and I had to look up the regulations and standards on the spot.

"Please help me apply for access to the Federation Government's Office of Civilization..."

As expected, although the civilization upgrade service, according to the regulations, could be handled by any ruling star of any civilization, the actual results were far from satisfactory.

The Yalan Civilization spent most of the day before finally confirming all the standards.

In remote, outlying areas, it's already a miracle if you can even get business done; Lister didn't dare to expect much more.

After all, his own Merrick Civilization didn't even have a federal testing lab, let alone federal business!

Fortunately, as a newly registered civilization, it has a 100-year development and support period.

The establishment of a political system that can connect with the Galactic Federation, as well as the previously accumulated fines, can be completed within a century.

"Lord Lister, please confirm the new star system of the Merrick Civilization."

"Currently, the Merrick Governing Planet, with a diameter of 7 light-years, encompasses three star systems, nine life-bearing planets, 177 resource planets, and the remainder..."

"Sure."

Compared to a Type I civilization, a Type II civilization's star field increases by more than a thousand times.

At the same time, various powers of the Galactic Federation were truly opened to the Merrick Civilization, including the application to establish Civilization Army, the right to participate in and deliberate on state affairs in the Federation Government's House of Representatives, etc.

Of course, in reality, a Level 2 civilization is barely considered a person in the Galactic Federation.

Those who want to establish Civilization Army, and those who can enter the House of Representatives, are the most powerful second-level civilizations.

Just like the current Yalan Civilization, it did not establish its own Civilization Army.

In fact, most civilizations can only exercise these powers at the third level.

This is assuming that "advanced life forms" still exist within a civilization!

Once a civilization falls into decline, even a Level 3 civilization can barely maintain a semblance of dignity.

Apart from Level 4 civilizations, everything in the Galactic Federation depends on strength.

Even among fourth-level civilizations, once a true powerhouse falls, they still have to shrink their sphere of influence and power.

Notification: Congratulations! Main Quest – the Rise of the Merrick Civilization (First stage completed!)

Congratulations, you have gained the opportunity to choose an increased difficulty level for the Third Advancement job advancement quest. 5 free attribute points.

The Yalan looked at Lister with obvious envy.

Just a moment ago, the other party was a Level 1 civilization, but in the blink of an eye, they became a Level 2 civilization, the same level as one's own. This feeling is indeed hard to accept all at once.

Not to mention that Lister's strength is already at the limit of the second stage. If he can maintain his current strength in the future, a level three civilization will be within reach!

In some ways, their Yalan Civilization was inferior to the newly emerging Merrick Civilization.

Seeing that Lister was about to leave, the staff member from the Yalan Civilization couldn't help but speak up.

"Grown ups...!"

"Um?"

Lister paused, looking at the other person with some confusion.

"Sir, I have already submitted a report to the Presidential Office of the Yalan Civilization."

"I wonder if you... would be willing to accept the friendship of our Yalan Civilization and establish diplomatic relations with our Yalan Civilization on behalf of the Merrick Civilization?"

I never expected it to be like this.

The former superior civilization is now even actively seeking to establish diplomatic relations with the Merrick Civilization, thus becoming a civilization on par with the Yalan Civilization.

Perhaps it's because he's been in other civilizations in the Galactic Federation for too long, or perhaps it's his expectations for the Merrick Civilization Army in the future, or perhaps it's because he founded that civilization.

Lister felt his sense of identification with the Merrick Civilization was constantly deepening.

He hadn't felt much when he first registered with Civilization, but hearing the other person's words today, he felt a surge of pride and accomplishment.

He nodded slowly.

"I accept the friendship from the Yalan Civilization without any problem."

"However... there might still be difficulties in establishing diplomatic relations."

"Sir, do you have any concerns or conditions?"

"Your Merrick Civilization has just advanced to a Level Two civilization, and our Yalan Civilization can assist you with many complex new administrative matters."

"We can discuss everything, including mining resources on nearby planets and exchanging undocumented workers for currency credits."

"I only hope that when the Merrick Civilization joins the House of Representatives in the future, they can speak up for our Yalan Civilization."

As two neighboring civilizations, the Yalan Civilization itself was not a dominant one.

They also lack strong financial backing, otherwise they wouldn't have ended up in this situation.

In this remote star system, the two sides are, in effect, the ruling class.

There's an unspoken agreement among them to hire undocumented immigrants, and the exchange of information within the Galactic Federation allows them to look out for each other in advance.

An experienced but declining old-established second-level civilization, and a rising new second-level civilization.

Logically speaking, establishing diplomatic relations and cooperation is indeed a good thing, but unfortunately the Merrick Civilization simply didn't have the conditions for it.

"I have no concerns, it's just that the Merrick Civilization hasn't established a political system yet, and it probably won't in the near future."

"Therefore, if the Yalan Civilization is willing to wait, I can agree on behalf of the Merrick Civilization regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations."

The Yalan man from the Civilization Office was completely dumbfounded when he heard this.

He considered several possibilities, but he never imagined that the Merrick Civilization might not have established a political system yet.

In other words, the other party has not even been a hundred years since they registered their civilization until now, when they have advanced to a level two civilization.

Even in the testing room just now, Lister was on the verge of advancing to a Level 3 civilization.

His posture became increasingly humble, and his face was full of smiles.

"No problem!"

Can I add you as a friend?

After leaving the Civilization Office, Lister went straight to the Blacksmith's General Store.

Along the way, I added five free attribute points.

During this period, thanks to the efforts of the "newbies" and their abundant experience points, the market has been booming.

Lister's own level has been maxed out at level 120.

All passive skills have been maxed out, except for the special passive skill "Robust Soul," which has yet to be upgraded.

He hadn't seen the special Soul Crystal resources in the Arcane Army Group's unified supply depot, except in the recruit camp.

Meanwhile, regarding freedom of movement, he still needs to work on the cruiser for a while longer.

Only after that can one undertake the Third Advancement quest and begin the preparations for establishing his Merrick Civilization Army.

The quiet path has been restored to its original state, and the Blacksmith's General Store has been rebuilt.

The brand-new shop doors were tightly closed, indicating that it was not open for business for the time being.

Pushing open the door, the interior has been completely renovated and is much better than the last time the store was renovated.

There wasn't much equipment on display at the counter; many areas were empty, as if they hadn't had time to put the equipment up yet.

At that moment, hearing the commotion inside the store, Powell walked out from the inner courtyard looking exhausted.

After a month apart, he was noticeably thinner, with bulging, bloodshot eyes.

His once white hair now looks somewhat gray, and some areas even show signs of being burned and blackened.

He looked listless and disheveled.

As for the gorgeous dress she used to wear, it had long since been replaced with a special forged protective suit.

Upon seeing that it was Lister entering the store, he forced a look of excitement and greeted him with great enthusiasm.

"Captain! You've finally arrived!"

"Where are the arm guards?"

Seeing the other party's appearance, Lister felt no remorse whatsoever.

It wasn't that the other person deserved it, but he simply felt that the other person was putting on an act for him.

Silently sensing the Killing Intent Wave, the opponent was indeed exhausted, but this listless appearance was not enough.

Sure enough, that Dog Profiteer was trying to gain his sympathy.

"Alright! It was just finished an hour ago!"

Having said that, he walked unsteadily back into the courtyard; his acting was indeed quite good.

When he emerged again, Lister finally saw the upgraded Time Crystal Bracers.

It still features black as the main color, but is engraved with dark gold patterns that clearly resemble those of Arcane Civilization.

[Technology City's Time Crystal Bracers (for level 120 and above) (S-rank): Defense 2541, can absorb up to 150,000 base damage per instance. After 24 hours, it absorbs 5% of the total damage every hour. Cooldown: 3 days. (Note: Certain additional damage cannot be absorbed.)]

Stroking the arm guard in his hand, Lister felt a sense of satisfaction.

The upgrade was quite successful. Not only did it significantly increase his defense, but it also retained the original characteristics that he valued most, and his damage absorption and tolerance tripled.

"Captain, your arm armor is, after all, a legendary piece of equipment. I used several precious metals during its Arcane Civilization, and also utilized the most..."

Are you satisfied?

The string of words finally stopped only when Lister frowned.

Although there is a lot of boasting involved, he does indeed possess some genuine skill in forging.

Without answering him, Lister simply put on his arm guards in silence.

Seeing this, Powell smiled obsequiously.

"Captain, I'm glad you're satisfied."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Lister pulled out another necklace and handed it to him.

"My lord, are you... asking me to advance in rank?"

Although he had guessed that the other party wouldn't let him off so easily, he didn't expect them to not give him any rest time at all.

"Yes, advancement in rank and grade."

Upon hearing this, Powell carefully examined the necklace in his hand, his brows furrowing immediately before he quickly put on a forced smile again.

"Captain, upgrading your necklace is still possible, but upgrading its grade..."

"It can't be done?"

Having said that, Lister had already placed his hand on the black leaf knife at his waist.

This immediately changed Powell's expression, and he spoke again.

"Yes! You can be promoted!"

"However, sir, my abilities can only reach the Perfect level (Rank A) at most. I don't have the skill to reach the Legendary level."

"Then it'll be tier 12, perfect level."

How long will it take you?

This necklace was originally the "Merrick's Heart of Determination" that Lister had accidentally Alchemy Synthesis.

It's only a B-grade item, but its stats are decent, with 3% ignore defense damage.

Since he would need to use other equipment when returning to the warship for missions, and he was confident that there would be better alternatives in the future, he decided not to waste time upgrading it.

I've temporarily upgraded this otherwise unnecessary accessory.

Knowing the other party's forging level, the difficulty of upgrading and improving grade is not the same; reaching A grade is sufficient.

"My lord... this necklace isn't of high grade or quality to begin with; I'll need it for at least six months."

"Three months. I'll let you know the address then, and you can have it mailed to me. This is your payment."

After some initial refusals, Powell finally breathed a sigh of relief as Lister walked out of the store.

Fortunately, I had asked for six months, but in the end we agreed on a three-month period, which gave me at least two and a half months of free time.

Looking at the 1000 credits transferred into her account, she felt like crying.

The other party could have chosen not to pay, but insisted on giving 1000 credits instead. That amount of credits isn't even enough to level up one tier.

No matter how frustrated he was inside, he didn't dare say anything more.

In particular, when he discovered that the civilization the other party belonged to had suddenly risen to level two, a smile inexplicably appeared on his face again.

Recalling the strength of Lister's attack that day, I couldn't help but have some guesses.

If it were truly as he thought, he would even feel more willing to forge equipment for Lister.