Once they discovered a target, they hunted without mercy, devouring a planet's Life Essence to strengthen their own race.
Their home planet had long since been destroyed. Their entire race lived aboard warships, sustaining themselves by plundering other life forms. Every successful hunt made them stronger, while failed prey became lifeless dead worlds.
"Bring up the hunting records," Karax ordered.
The holographic screen displayed their past achievements:
Third spiral arm of the Andromeda Galaxy: twelve Awakened Planets, hunting time: three years, Life Essence harvested: 4,700 units.
Outer region of the Andromeda Galaxy: a life network formed by seven Awakened Planets, hunting time: five years, Life Essence harvested: 8,200 units.
Core region of the Cygnus Galaxy: a single super Awakened Planet, hunting time: ten years, Life Essence harvested: 15,000 units.
"This target may yield more than Cygnus," the adjutant analyzed. "Especially that Energy Crystal. Its purity has reached the theoretical limit."
Karax nodded. "Dispatch stealth Scout Ships. I want detailed intelligence. Remember, do not expose yourselves too early. Observation will suffice."
"Yes, Commander."
Three stealth Scout Ships detached from the fleet and infiltrated the Solar System. Each scout ship was only a hundred meters long and equipped with the latest stealth technology, making them difficult for even Awakened Planets to detect.
A week later, the reconnaissance report arrived.
"Commander, the situation is more complicated than expected," the scout captain reported through quantum communication. "The life forms in this star system are exceptionally unusual."
The holographic projection displayed detailed scan images of Earth.
"The creatures on this blue planet have established an unprecedented collective consciousness network. Every individual possesses faint extraordinary abilities, but together, they form a powerful whole."
Karax frowned. "How strong are they exactly?"
"Individually, they are weak, but the network effect is astonishing. Furthermore, their consciousness is connected to