Chapter 332
But this is at least a good start.
Ai Yue looked at Adam in Kevin's arms and couldn't help but smile.
Perhaps, given a little time, these two civilizations will be able to carve out their own niche in the universe.
Chapter Forty-Four: A Grand Crossover Party
"So there's no problem, right?"
Looking at the massive white building, which was probably three stories high, Theresa glanced anxiously at Kiana beside her.
At this very moment, many people have gathered here, including not only the new Archbishop of Schicksal, the current God of Earth, but also many scientists from Anti-Entropy.
Of course, with the resolution of the Honkai crisis, Anti-Entropy, which originally had different ideologies from Schicksal, also merged back with Schicksal, becoming a massive force that almost covered the entire world.
In addition, with Cheng Lixue and Li Sushang representing Shenzhou, it can be said that everyone present fully represents the will of the entire civilization.
In fact, their gathering here was indeed to represent the entire civilization and to initiate the first formal exchange with another civilization.
"Auntie, you've asked several times already, of course..." Kiana smiled helplessly, about to say something, but hesitated for a moment, then looked at Einstein and Tesla beside her, "It should be fine, right?"
"Quiet down, we're checking." Einstein and Tesla were clearly more nervous than the two men; even now, they were still constantly calculating something. "How many times is this? Never mind, let's do it again..."
The two scientists were unusually unreliable, but Theresa didn't say anything, simply turning her gaze back to the white building in front of her.
The white building in front of us is actually a huge "time-space bridge generator". Once the generators of the two worlds are activated, a stable passage can be built, allowing ordinary people without special powers to travel freely between the two worlds.
Therefore, in order to establish a stable connection with a civilization in another world, this "time-space bridge generator" absolutely cannot malfunction.
The problem is that this thing in front of them was made based on the blueprints provided by Ai Yue, plus their own understanding, so it is full of uncertainties in many aspects.
Putting everything else aside, its volume alone exceeds ten times the original design in the blueprints. Looking at this enormous building, which resembles a stadium, probably no one would imagine that in the final rendering of the design blueprints, its size is only about the size of a public toilet.
"If only I hadn't been so concerned about saving face," Theresa murmured. "It would have been so much better to have just accepted the technical assistance."
When Tang Hua brought the blueprints, he asked on behalf of Ai Yue whether technical assistance was needed, but after careful consideration, Theresa and the others ultimately chose to decline.
They believe that independently completing the analysis and installation of the "time-space bridge generator" is a fundamental way to demonstrate the strength of one's own civilization. If one does not even have this ability, then it is very likely that one will fall behind in exchanges between civilizations.
After all, so-called exchanges are essentially a form of diplomacy, and in diplomatic matters, one's own strength is very important. Without sufficient strength, it is impossible to have an equal dialogue with the other party.
Not to mention, the Post-Civilization has only survived because of the power of the Pre-Civilization. If it cannot even maintain its last shred of dignity, it is very likely to gradually become a vassal of the other.
Although considering Ai Yue's attitude, they believed that the representatives of the Pre-Civilization would not be too forceful, as representatives, they still had to prepare for the worst.
"That's not entirely true," Einstein finally spoke after completing the inspection. "At least I think we can gain a lot of valuable technology from this research. Even setting aside everything else, this design blueprint alone is a treasure trove."
As the two were still talking, Kiana suddenly sensed something and looked to the side. Then, a figure slowly appeared from there. "Kiana, and Bishop Theresa, are you ready?"
The visitor was clearly Hua, who had been given the title of "Ambassador of Inter-dimensional Exchange".
"It's all ready!" Theresa quickly agreed, then looked back somewhat uneasily, "Uh, should I?"
Einstein and Tesla immediately lowered their heads, seemingly preparing for a new round of inspections.
"Please don't worry too much," Hua said with a smile, seemingly noticing the mood of the crowd. "It's just a friendly exchange, and it doesn't involve any issues of mutual interest. Besides, Mr. Ai Yue will be there, so everyone can rest assured."
"Sorry to have troubled you," Theresa breathed a sigh of relief, then smiled. "We can start anytime here."
Hua nodded, then closed his eyes, and opened them again after a moment. "Then, please activate the 'Time-Space Bridge Generator'."
The scientists nearby immediately got to work, and as the operation proceeded, a muffled rumble gradually emanated from the massive white building.
Soon, as the power increased, the roaring sound quickly changed from a low murmur to a high crescendo, resounding through the sky like thunder.
When the roar reached its highest point, the top of the time-space bridge generator burst into a dazzling light, illuminating almost half of the sky.
Seeing this, Einstein and the others breathed a sigh of relief, because it proved that the equipment they had created was working perfectly.
Now, it's up to the other side.
Soon, Theresa and the others saw the "response"—an inverted image, like a mirror reflection, appeared in the sky illuminated by the light.
"What is this?" Theresa paused for a moment, instinctively surprised. "A mirage?"
It's no wonder Theresa had such a question, because at the center of the image is a huge white building, which is clearly a time-space bridge generator. Around it, there are also some figures looking up at the sky, which really look like their reflections.
"No," Einstein said, his voice tinged with excitement, "That's a scene from another world!"
She carefully observed the scene in the sky, but a subtle thought flashed through her mind—it turned out that they hadn't been able to solve the problem of miniaturizing the equipment either.
"The values have stabilized; the time-space bridge has been successfully established." Tesla, observing the monitoring system, said, "We can go in now."
"Let's hurry!" Kiana exclaimed, rushing inside. "I wonder how Teacher is doing now..."
Clearly, Kiana had been quite uneasy ever since she heard that Ai Yue would also be coming.
The Time-Space Bridge Generator works exactly as its name suggests, creating a transit hub called a "Time-Space Bridge" that can connect two different worlds. This transit hub can also be expanded and modified, not only for people from both worlds to travel between them, but also for building cities.
The interior of this transit hub looks much like the original "Abyssal Eye Laboratory"—a blank, flat area that can be seen from one end to the other at a glance.
As Kiana and the others entered, Kevin and his group also appeared from the other side of the space. However, compared to Schicksal's group, they had far fewer members. Not only were not all Thirteen Flame-Chasers present, but even the "United Earth Government," which truly manages the entire Earth civilization, only had a handful of representatives.
Of course, considering the countries and regions these individuals represent, they can essentially be considered to represent the entire civilization.
Kiana looked around but didn't see Ai Yue, which made her a little disappointed. However, she quickly cheered herself up and began to perform her duties.
As the only person in the Post-Civilization familiar with many heroes, Kiana needs to co-host this exchange with Hua to break the ice between the two civilizations.
Kiana's energetic introduction, coupled with Hua's occasional additions, quickly created a harmonious atmosphere between the two sides, and they soon split into several different discussion groups.
Vill-V quickly became friends with the scientists from the original Anti-Entropy team, began exchanging research insights on the "spacetime bridge generator," and generated numerous complaints about Ai Yue.
Meanwhile, Mobius mingled among the many Herrscher of the Post-Civilization, trying to obtain some experimental materials from them, and incidentally, trying to trick a few gullible guys into becoming volunteers.
Kevin and Cosmo, on the other hand, paid more attention to warriors like Durandal and Li Sushang, who had grown by developing their own strength. The two sides quickly found a corner to spar and discuss their training experiences.
Those who were truly discussing serious matters were Amber and her group led by Theresa, as well as Dr. Mei and several representatives from the Terran Alliance.
However, having fewer people actually facilitated the exchange of ideas, and after exchanging opinions, both sides quickly reached a preliminary agreement on a series of cooperation intentions.
First, they determined the official names for both civilizations in writing. The Pre-Civilization, led by Yingjie, ultimately chose "United Earth Government" as its official name, while Theresa and others directly used "Schicksal" as the name of their civilization.
Then Dr. Mei directly presented the "Great Harmony Plan".
"Wait, this is for us?" Theresa stared in disbelief after quickly glancing at the catalog. "These things are just for us? Are you sure this is okay?"
"Don't be too surprised, we were in the same boat." Dr. Mei said with a smile, looking at Theresa's expression. "Even if we didn't share, Ai Yue would definitely have given you the same thing. In that case, why don't we share this part of the work?"
"It sounds like this is just the beginning?" As Otto's secretary, Amber quickly picked up on the implication in Dr. Mei's words. "Does Dr. Mei perhaps have other plans?"
"Of course, there's still a long way to go between acquiring knowledge, mastering knowledge, and utilizing knowledge," Dr. Mei nodded. "The Terran Alliance spent several years just barely reaching the initial stage, and the lessons we've learned over the years can help you avoid some of the detours."
"You're planning to help us with our development, right?" Hearing this, Theresa realized what was going on. She smiled slightly, but then hesitated. "So, what do we need to give in return?"
Everything has a price; to gain something, you must give something in return. Theresa understood this principle very well, so she first had to figure out what the Terran Alliance intended to gain from this matter.
Upon hearing this, Dr. Mei smiled knowingly and shook her head slightly, "Nothing is needed."
She paused for a moment, then added, "Of course, you need to select some sufficiently intelligent people, otherwise they will find this part quite difficult to learn."
Theresa blinked. "... That's it?"
"Ms. Theresa, it seems you don't have a clear understanding of what's going on right now." Dr. Mei smiled. "Although we need to distinguish between each other now, essentially, we come from the same origin and belong to the same civilization. Under these circumstances, helping each other is only natural."
"Perhaps you're worried that we'll use our technological or strength advantages to exploit and oppress you, but firstly, Ai Yue will not allow such a thing. Secondly, such behavior, which is tantamount to fratricide, has no value to us."
"Instead of wasting energy on internal strife, I would much rather everyone unite to explore the vast universe—in that case, wouldn't an equally powerful civilization be more valuable than a vassal?"
"I see. I was being narrow-minded." Theresa paused for a moment, then nodded earnestly. "I've learned a lot, Dr. Mei."
"Not really, just some experience from being a pioneer," Dr. Mei smiled. "Once you spend more time with Ai Yue, you'll naturally understand all of this."
"Speaking of which, where did Teacher Ai Yue go?" Kiana, who had been quiet all along, couldn't help but ask. "The class monitor clearly said he would come too, didn't he?"
"Oh, that," Dr. Mei said, a slightly subtle expression appearing on her face. "He's been held up by something, but he should be here soon."
Just as Dr. Mei had said, Ai Yue finally appeared before everyone as the exchange was drawing to a close.
"You two seem to be having a good chat."
Ai Yue appeared silently, but immediately drew everyone's attention after he spoke, "I have something to announce."
Before anyone could react, he laid out the current situation of the Solar System and the problems they would face next. "... That's roughly the situation. Whether you plan to continue closing yourself off or take this opportunity to communicate with the outside world is up to you."
"Is there even a question? Of course, we should just open it!" Vill-V reacted the fastest, even excitedly. "I've been preparing the 'Skynet' system for so long, isn't it all for this day!"
"While that's true, I don't think we should rush things." Compared to Vill-V, Dr. Mei seemed much calmer. "Compared to other civilizations, we don't have any advantages right now, and judging from the current situation, the Cocoon of Finality is an extremely rare thing even in the entire universe. If we make it public too easily, it will inevitably attract covetousness."
Everyone quickly got into a heated discussion, but Kiana came to Ai Yue's side at this moment. "Teacher, is there anything else you haven't said?"
"You noticed that?" Ai Yue looked at Kiana with some surprise, clearly taken aback by her keen observation.
"I am, after all, your student, though I've learned only so much," Kiana scratched her head and gave a silly grin. "So, I guessed right?"
"It wasn't that I deliberately kept it from you," Ai Yue smiled, then said, "I plan to go out and travel around in a while."
His voice wasn't loud, but since there were practically no ordinary people present, those who were paying attention easily caught his words.
The scene fell silent instantly.
"Such a big thing, why didn't you say so sooner?" Mobius finally spoke up, "You weren't planning to just leave without saying goodbye, were you?"
"No, that won't happen. If any of you are interested in the outside world, you can come with me." Ai Yue raised an eyebrow. "I just don't want this matter to interfere with your judgment."
"But in fact, this is indeed a huge distraction," Dr. Mei said seriously. "I won't pry into the specific reasons, but when do you plan to leave?"
"I haven't decided yet; it mainly depends on fate," Ai Yue said ambiguously. "It mainly depends on how you leave, and it also relates to your final decision."
Leaving is inevitable. Ai Yue's power has reached its peak within the Solar System. There is no room for him to grow here. He must go out and draw inspiration from those star gods.
In addition, his system requires entirely new materials to power continuous research and development, and with its ever-increasing demands, the resources within the Solar System will soon be insufficient.
But as Ai Yue said, the time when he leaves also depends on human choices.
If they ultimately choose to establish a connection with the outside world, then Ai Yue will have to wait until the Stellar Train arrives before leaving. However, if they choose to continue to remain isolated and develop quietly, then Ai Yue can leave right now.
Given that "Ai Yue will soon leave the Solar System," the group discussed the matter again and quickly reached a conclusion.
"It seems I've influenced you all after all." Looking at the serious expressions on everyone's faces, Ai Yue shook his head helplessly. "Well then, although I've heard you, I still have to formally ask—have you made your choice?"
"It's done." Dr. Mei and Theresa exchanged a glance, then said in unison, "Before you leave, please open a passage for the Solar System."
Chapter 45 Now everyone's eyes are really on me.
Within the Sea of Laws, Ai Yue slowly "opened" his eyes.
At this moment, the entire Solar System was within his perception. From the subtle changes of the sun to the collisions of meteoroids at the edge of the Solar System, everything was presented to him in perfect detail.
At this moment, he is the supreme being in this realm. Even if he were to make the sun expand rapidly in the next second, it would only be a matter of a thought.
Of course, Ai Yue obviously wouldn't actually do such a thing. On the one hand, he had no reason to, and on the other hand... he temporarily lacked the corresponding power.
As his perception returned, Ai Yue gradually awoke from his seemingly omnipotent state and returned to the real world.
He was currently in the space where the Cocoon of Finality was located. Beside him, Elysia, Ai, and Kiana, the three people with the highest authority over the Cocoon of Finality, were gathered together, watching him intently.
"How are you?" Seeing that Ai Yue had regained consciousness, Elysia asked with concern, "You should be alright, right?"
"Hmm." Ai Yue nodded, then looked at the huge spherical object. "Currently, the entire Solar System is under the control of the Cocoon of Finality. So what we need to do is to make a small upgrade to this thing."
Unlike the artificial universe that is now completely controlled by Ai Yue, the original Solar System where the Terran Alliance civilization is located was actually a territory "circled" from the Imaginary Tree by the Cocoon of Finality using its own power.
In this situation, the underlying rules of the entire Solar System are actually governed by the power of the Cocoon of Finality.
This may sound trivial, but it is crucial for Earth's civilization as it prepares to establish contact with the outside world.
Because when the closed environment of the Solar System is broken, the forces that truly permeate the entire universe will also surge in.
That is the power of destiny.
When he sent Vita away from the Solar System, Ai Yue had glimpsed the world beyond the Imaginary Energy tidal zone through that sliver of connection.
Unfortunately, he didn't have the same profound understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe back then, so he wasn't able to perceive much information.
But one impression was deeply etched in his mind. "Chaos."
Countless different forces are mixed together, which at first glance looks like an art student's palette, but if you look closely, you can perceive a kind of vigorous vitality in this chaos.
In contrast, the interior of the Solar System is filled only with the Honkai power of the Cocoon of Finality. Although it looks clean, it is like a stagnant pool. Occasionally, a few lights will burst out from the civilized planets, but they will quickly sink into silence. It is obviously full of the aura of death.
However, with Ai Yue's intervention, the Solar System can now be considered vibrant with life. The Power of Light, centered on Earth, will continue to spread with the progress of civilization's exploration of the outside world, eventually covering the entire Solar System and even heading towards outer space.
Of course, this was just Ai Yue's original plan. Now, in order to prevent interference from external forces after the connection is established, what Ai Yue needs to do is to transform the Cocoon of Finality into a device that can transmit the Power of Light.
In other words, the Power of Light is used to replace the power of the Herrscher of the End, so that this Solar System, like the artificial universe where the other side of Schicksal lives, is also enveloped by the Power of Light.
Whether the power of the Herrscher of the End can be equated with the power of destiny remains to be seen, but the Power of Light is absolutely on par with the power of destiny.