To learn more about the galactic core, the Successors assigned another mission, sending some of their kind to gather intelligence there.
The spacetime of the entire river system had been compressed by the Correction Mechanism, making faster-than-light travel more difficult. To solve this problem, the Successors created star-scale Devouring-Star megastructures for the journey.
These biological megastructures, capable of approaching the size of a red dwarf, could still employ faster-than-light mechanisms thanks to the mass of their own gravitational rings and their ability to store negative mass.
They were the best choice for carrying out reconnaissance missions at the galactic core under the current conditions.
This Successor scouting party traveled to the galactic core at faster-than-light speeds, observing gravitational waves along the way. At the slightest hint of an anomaly, they would dive into faster-than-light travel without hesitation.
While exploring near the galactic core, they intercepted a string of electromagnetic pulse signals.
The pulse signal was powerful, but near the galactic core, it was not particularly conspicuous amid the surrounding environment. Had the Successors not come as scouts to gather environmental data, they likely would not have noticed such an insignificant signal.
After deliberation, the Successors decided to investigate and find out what lay at the source of the signal.
"The signal is coming from this direction. I'll take a look. Stay back."
"Be careful. This is close to the galactic core. It could be a trap laid by the Correction Mechanism. Send us a warning signal immediately if anything goes wrong."
The implication was that if danger arose, the scouting party would abandon the individual without hesitation and flee into faster-than-light travel.
It was cold-hearted, but it was a common choice among the Successors. Even the individual who might be abandoned did not object.
"Mm."
As the distance closed, the