Chapter 333
Even in this environment, Kevin and others can unleash power far exceeding that of the Commander level, while outsiders entering such a relatively enclosed area shrouded in the Power of Light will have their own power weakened to some extent.
In this way, even if ten messengers attacked the Solar System at the same time, the two Earth civilizations could completely rely on the environment of the Solar System to resist them.
More importantly, with this layer of protection, even if Ai Yue leaves, he can maintain contact with the Solar System and can even be teleported back at any time. In this way, there is no need to worry about his hometown being touched by others.
The only problem is—how exactly should the Cocoon of Finality be modified?
"I remember you said before that you hadn't fully figured out the design of the Cocoon of Finality, right?" Hearing Ai Yue's thoughts, Elysia couldn't help but show a somewhat hesitant expression. "Under these circumstances, can the modification really proceed smoothly?"
"I must remind you, Doctor Ai Yue," Ai Yi added from the side, "Based on the analysis of the existing data, your success rate in modifying the Cocoon of Finality is extremely low."
Kiana, though unable to get a word in edgewise, looked at Ai Yue with concern— the Cocoon of Finality was of utmost importance, and if anything went wrong, it would affect far more than just a few of them.
"Of course I know, so it's just adding an external converter to it," Ai Yue smiled. "Using this converter, the power of the Herrscher of the End can be converted into the Power of Light for output, thus spreading it throughout the entire Solar System."
"This plan sounds pretty feasible." Elysia breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but then a self-deprecating expression appeared on her face. "However, it seems that apart from Ai, none of us can really help you?"
Ai Yue shrugged and didn't say anything, but his meaning was already very clear.
After seeing off the two agents of the Finality, Ai Yue got busy. Manufacturing an energy conversion device sounds simple, but ensuring its stability, durability, and other qualities is not an easy task.
Fortunately, Ai Yue already had a preliminary design in mind, and with the system's assistance, it wasn't difficult to complete; it just needed to take a little more time.
It just so happens that Dr. Mei and Theresa also need some time to complete their preparations.
However, just as Ai Yue was focused on designing the blueprints, Ai Yi suddenly spoke up, "Father, is there something you haven't told everyone yet?"
I don't know when it started, but when the two of them are alone, Ai likes to call him "father" directly. Although this had happened occasionally before, it has almost become the norm after Ai completed the awakening of the third technological singularity.
At first, Ai Yue felt something was off, but he eventually accepted it. After all, to be fair, even if she were his biological daughter, she might not be as considerate and sensible as Ai Yi.
However, living with such a top-tier Artificial Intelligence day and night makes it easy to lose sight of things—just like what's happening now.
"I have many secrets, I can't possibly tell everyone everything, can I?" Hearing Ai Yi's question, Ai Yue was taken aback for a moment, then said casually, "Which one are you referring to?"
"It's about the current situation," Ai said bluntly, inheriting Ai Yue's virtues. "If it were up to your usual character, and if you could leave alone while keeping the Solar System closed, you wouldn't let everyone choose to establish contact with the outside world."
"But this time you could say you used manipulative tactics to guide everyone to make this decision, which is clearly unusual."
Ai Yue raised an eyebrow and asked with interest, "So?"
"So I suspect things aren't as simple as you say," Ai replied. "Father, is it... that the Solar System can no longer remain hidden?"
As a celestial system sealed by the Cocoon of Finality, the connection between the Solar System and the outer universe is almost completely severed. This can be seen from the fact that no Destiny Walker has ever appeared in the countless iterations of civilizations within the Solar System. It is clear that the Solar System operates under a completely independent set of rules.
"You should have your answer by now, right?" After hearing Ai Yi's analysis, Ai Yue nodded. "Once someone passes the test of the Cocoon of Finality, its mission will be over. Under these circumstances, the blockade will naturally gradually disappear, which is perfectly normal."
"If that's all there is to it, then the Solar System is nothing more than an insignificant part of the vast sea of stars. Even if such a celestial body were to attract the attention of others, why would it make you so cautious?" Ai continued, "Your attitude is as if the Solar System is about to become an enemy of the entire universe."
Upon hearing this, Ai Yue fell silent, and Ai Yi, sensing something from the silence, immediately looked surprised. "Did I hit the nail on the head?"
She was just trying to lighten the mood with a joke, did she really have to go against the entire universe?
"Well, it certainly doesn't mean we're at odds with the entire universe." Ai Yue slowly shook his head, refuting Ai Yi's statement, but then added, "However, the Solar System now is probably not some 'insignificant part'."
He slightly raised his head, and what flashed through his mind was the light he had released when he ascended to godhood.
As Ai Yue gained a deeper understanding of his current power, he gradually began to realize that the light was probably not simple.
It is very likely that it can be seen throughout the entire universe...
If this is true, then such a "celestial phenomenon" of this scale will inevitably attract the attention of countless people. And as the Cocoon of Finality gradually loosens its blockade on the Solar System, sooner or later, civilizations from the outer universe will also discover this place.
In the original storyline, the Solar System was indeed just an insignificant celestial system, attracting only a few destined travelers. Even the most powerful among them might not reach the level of an Envoy, so Kiana could easily handle them.
But if they do discover that the Solar System is connected to that beam of light from before, then what appears here will likely be far more than just small fry.
It was precisely because of this situation that Ai Yue had to make preparations. If necessary, he wouldn't mind using some violent means to keep those who coveted the Solar System in line.
However, it was impossible to tell Kevin and the others about this right away, since it would only cause panic and wouldn't serve any other purpose.
But since Ai Yi had already noticed, Ai Yue naturally didn't mind sharing it with her.
After all, Ai is a super Artificial Intelligence; perhaps it can offer some valuable suggestions.
"I see, I didn't expect there to be such details hidden in it." After listening to Ai Yue's description, Ai Yi couldn't help but smile. "No wonder he's my father, truly an extraordinary figure."
"Don't make fun of me now, okay?" Ai Yue shook his head helplessly. "What are your thoughts?"
"My knowledge of the outside world is limited, making it difficult to conduct any valuable analysis," Ai replied. "However, perhaps I can obtain some clues by asking you questions?"
Ai Yi is perhaps the person in the world who knows most about the secrets Ai Yue holds. In her analysis, although Ai Yue had not had the opportunity to leave the Solar System before, it does not mean that he was unaware of information from the outside world.
"Go ahead and ask." Ai Yue naturally realized Ai Yi's thoughts, and then nodded. "I will try my best to answer."
"Please don't worry, Father, I won't make things difficult for you," Ai said with a smile. "So, the first question—where do you think your current strength ranks in the entire universe?"
Ai Yi knew very well that Ai Yue's secrets were not something she should pry into, so she chose a more roundabout way to avoid knowing things she shouldn't know.
"I guess we're among the top tier?" Ai Yue thought for a moment, then said, "Although we're not as strong in terms of total strength, I'm confident that we're no weaker than them in terms of quality."
Ai Yue knew very well that he was not a star god, and the power he possessed was by no means the power of destiny. But even so, the Power of Light was absolutely no less than the power of destiny possessed by any star god.
While those conceptual powers can accomplish many incredible things and are virtually omnipotent within the scope of their own destiny, the Power of Light should not be underestimated either.
The only problem is that Ai Yue's judgments are based on the information he has, without being verified by practice, so he is always a little unsure of his own abilities.
"So, how many of these beings are there?" Ai asked next. "Will they come to the Solar System because of the light you emit?"
"I don't think so. They don't have that ability." Ai Yue shook his head, thinking of those Star Gods who were bound by their fate and could only do things within the scope of their destiny. "However, there are quite a few guys below them, probably at the level of Kevin and the others. If these people gathered together, it would be quite troublesome."
"So, this must be the root of your troubles, right?" Ai paused for a moment, then said, "Then, based on my suggestion, perhaps you could try contacting Miss Vita."
"The breakthrough might lie with her."
Chapter Forty-Six: A Life from Outer Space
The vast Milky Way is filled with countless celestial bodies, each with its own unique environment, which has given rise to numerous unique civilizations.
These civilizations have vastly different cultures, beliefs, and even life forms. Because of this, they often have many conflicts and disagreements, making it difficult for them to reach a consensus.
But a recent, earth-shattering event in the universe has unusually stirred all civilizations, prompting them to deploy exploration teams across the cosmos using their respective methods, all for the same purpose—
"Have you heard? Planet M3 Dela claims to have found the source of the 'Radiant Flow,' saying it's a treasure left behind by their planet's ancient civilization!"
Even in a dilapidated tavern on the fringes of civilization, people were passionately discussing this world-shaking topic.
The words just now came from the mouth of a green-skinned humanoid creature that was already drunk.
The "Radiant Flow" he mentioned was a mysterious and dazzling light that appeared at some point before the Amber Era.
No one knows where this light came from, but it was witnessed simultaneously in remote corners of the universe, bustling and crowded focal points, and even in what appears to be an unobserved part of the universe.
A conscious person will see this light streak across their head; a sleeping person will see it in their dreams (even if they are not dreaming); and even a blind person will have the image of this light appear in their mind...
In short, any living being with consciousness can "observe" this light.
Even the Amber Lord struck his hammer the instant after the light appeared, thus turning a new page in the Amber Era.
This clearly violates the physical laws of the universe; after all, if there were any light that everyone could see, it shouldn't be called "light."
Therefore, many speculations arose in the starry sea. Some said it was a trick played by the Aeon of Joy "Aha" on the entire universe; others said it was an arrow shot by the Hunt Star God "Lan" towards some unknown entity; still others said it was an unknown mutation that occurred to the Aeon of Nihility "IX"...
Regardless of the interpretation, they all convey the same meaning—that a being capable of emitting such light must possess immense power.
Considering that even the Star God would find it difficult to create such a commotion, many people believe that if one could master this power, one could even surpass the Star God.
"Give me a break. I've been to M3·Dra. They're just a bunch of primitive people who haven't even left their own planet. They're just nouveau riche who only got rich in the last few Amber Era by working for the 'company.' What kind of ancient civilization could they possibly have?"
Sitting opposite him was a small Pipi Xi person with a fluffy little ball on his head. He had a youthful face, but spoke in a way that sounded like a weathered sailor.
The child's tone was full of disdain upon hearing the news from the other person. "Besides, they've all sold themselves to the company. If such a good thing really existed, it would probably be under the name of Clppr by now!"
"That's hard to say," the green-skinned man retorted immediately, a mocking smile on his face. "To be precise, it should be 'Company' that guessed correctly."
Upon hearing this, Pipi Xi person couldn't help but smile as well—everyone knew that the company's worshipped star god was the Aeon of Preservation "Clppr," but as for how it actually worked, those who knew, knew.
"I've heard that too. Apparently, their planet has some kind of special mineral?" Sitting to the child's left was a fish-headed man whose entire head was encased in a transparent glass dome filled with liquid. As his mouth opened and closed, a microphone on his chest emitted a voice. "I must say, at least they have a good eye."
At this point, the group fell silent for a moment, as they all knew that countless civilizations in the universe had been destroyed simply for resisting the company's mining operations.
But soon, the Pipi Xi person spat again. "I actually hope the company fires them! Damn it, a bunch of snobbish bastards, they think they're company now just because they've latched onto the company. Last time I went to their place to do business, they actually made me use the disabled lane!"
"Anyone who hangs out with the company, especially 'those guys,' could they possibly be a good person?" the green-skinned man remarked, but then steered the conversation back on track, "So, does that mean their information was fake?"
"These kinds of rumors come out every day, but after all this time, who's actually produced anything substantial?" Pipi Xi person shook his head dismissively. "You're just too young; you actually fall for this kind of rumor."
"I also think it's fake news, but considering that Della Star is backed by a company, it's hard to say whether this is some kind of hint they've released." The fish-headed man's head swayed from side to side. "After all, the company isn't a monolithic entity. When they fight amongst themselves, they can be much more ruthless than outsiders."
"Even if it were, it couldn't be the true 'Radiant Flow'." Pipi Xi person shook his head again. "If you ask me, this level of power can only be generated by the emergence of a new Star God. Trying to seize this power is simply wishful thinking."
"But until now, no one has discovered the birth of a new destiny, has they? This suggests that it may have nothing to do with the Star God," the green-skinned man said, his eyes gleaming as he spoke, clearly a fervent enthusiast of the topic. "Perhaps it really is a sign of the birth of some powerful treasure?"
"That would only fall into the hands of companies or similar forces, what does it have to do with you and me?" Pipi Xi person sneered. "I advise you not to get involved in this kind of trouble, lest you lose your life."
The Pipi Xi person's status was clearly higher than the other two, so after he said this, both the green-skinned man and the fish-headed man fell silent.
But clearly, no one can truly resist such a hot topic that has swept the entire universe. After all, even the guests at the next table were fantasizing about the true appearance of "Radiant Flow". So later, the Pipi Xi person themselves couldn't help but talk about "Radiant Flow", and the atmosphere at the table suddenly became lively again.
However, this lively atmosphere did not last long, because soon a group of people walked into the tavern.
The moment they saw them, the patrons in the tavern seemed to telepathically cease their discussion of "Radiant Flow" and begin chatting about other things, not for any other reason than that these people were all dressed in neat black uniforms—
Those were the uniforms belonging to the "company".
Interastral Peace Corporation is the largest corporate conglomerate in the universe, and also the most enthusiastic about "Radiant Flow" among all forces.
It can be said that 90% of the exploration fleets currently traversing the universe in search of the "Radiant Flow" are related to the company, while the remaining 10% are dispatched by other forces or civilizations.
Therefore, a joke circulates in the universe: if you unfortunately encounter a disaster on a deserted planet, just shout into the public channel, "I have clues about the Radiant Flow," and within thirty seconds a spaceship with the company logo will appear in your field of vision.
There might be more than one.
That is precisely why these people are now extremely sensitive to the term "Radiant Flow," adhering to the principle of "better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free." As long as they hear any suspicious information, they will immediately seize upon it and not let you go until you are severely injured.
Whether this was to find the "Radiant Flow," for the executors to use it as an excuse to profit, or simply to vent their negative emotions, remains unknown.
The place they were currently in was a desolate frontier of civilization. In such a place where the law had no jurisdiction, force was obviously more effective than anything else.
In this situation, it's best to avoid being targeted by the company.
Unfortunately, the group in front of them clearly had ill intentions. They had barely sat down when one of them suddenly stood up and pointed at the guests at another table. "What did you just say?"
"Me, me?" The green-skinned man he pointed at was the one who harbored fantasies about the Radiant Flow. Hearing the other's question, he subconsciously repeated, "I said I lost everything in my last business deal..."
"Hmph, as expected, you're hinting at 'Radiant Flow,' aren't you?" As if triggering some key phrase, the company employee immediately said, "Come with us, we have something to discuss with you."
Clearly, in a place like this, the company's employees have stopped bothering to even pretend.
The green-skinned man's expression changed instantly. Clearly, he knew what would happen if he were taken away, but for a moment he didn't know how to react.
Pipi Xi person, who had always held the company in utter contempt, could only step forward with a forced smile, "Sir, my friend just runs a small business; how could he possibly be involved in that kind of thing? You must have misunderstood!"
He then placed something into the other person's hand. "I am but a humble person, having once provided the company with a small service. You see..."
He drew out his words, clearly showing the other party his sincerity and waiting for them to accept the offer. However, the man in front of him, having accepted his bribe, instead fixed his gaze on the Pipi Xi person: "Oh? You sound quite capable. You must know something about 'Radiant Flow,' right? Then please come here!"
After saying this, he ignored the ashen-faced Pipi Xi person and turned to the others in the tavern who were pretending to be stupid, saying loudly, "Gentlemen, we have received information that clues to 'Radiant Flow' have appeared here, so please do not make any rash moves and come with us!"
These words caused an uproar in the tavern. People who had initially thought it was none of their business suddenly united, and there was even a sense of tension, as if they were about to fight each other.
But the company staff had clearly planned this all along; the seats they chose after entering were perfectly positioned to surround everyone else.
Just then, an untimely female voice rang out from the other end.
"Hey hey hey, whose dog is this? It's not on a leash and it's biting people like this!"
The voice sounded flippant and casual, as if it were really talking about a dog.
"Who! Who's speaking?!"
Upon hearing this voice, the leading company employee immediately became enraged.
They were well aware that people outside the company called them, the low-level employees in black uniforms, "black dogs," but no one had ever dared to speak to them so openly and Yin and Yang.
But the next second, the voice rang out from behind him. "What's wrong, little puppy? Were you looking for me?"
The company employee immediately turned around and tried to draw his sidearm from his waist, but the moment he made a move, he felt his foot slip and he fell flat on his back in a very strange way!
Such a comical act naturally drew laughter from everyone in the tavern, even the other company employees. But the person in the main character couldn't laugh, because he vaguely realized that he seemed to have provoked someone he shouldn't have.
At that moment, he finally saw the person standing behind him clearly—a girl with pigtails, dressed in red, with a five-petal flower mark on her bare shoulder and a mole under each eye...
Most importantly, she wore a two-tone fox mask at an angle on her head. Although there were only two thin lines around the eyes of the mask, when you looked at it, you felt as if you were being watched.
This bizarre ability, and that mask—
"You, you, you are..." Staring at the mask, he momentarily forgot to get up. "You are 'The Mask'—"