"So the Twelve Zodiac Marks represent the twelve fundamental laws governing the universe!" Lin Ye continued.
"Aries's courage, Taurus's perseverance, Gemini's transformation..."
"Each one is an indispensable part of the universe."
Just then, Seraphina connected to the planet's central database.
The Virgo mark's analytical abilities allowed her to rapidly process an immense amount of historical information.
"I found records of the First-Generation Guardians!" she said excitedly.
Ancient documents and images appeared on the holographic screen.
"They didn't die in the battle against the Chaos Void," Seraphina continued reading the data.
"Instead, they chose a special state of existence."
"They merged their consciousness with the universe itself and became part of its operating mechanisms."
Lin Ye looked at the images of the First-Generation Guardians on the screen, feeling deep respect.
"In other words, they're still protecting this universe, just in another form."
"And this crisis may not be happening for the first time," Seraphina analyzed.
"This may be part of a larger cycle."
"The Chaos Void awakens, the Guardians respond, and a new balance is ultimately achieved."
"Then the cycle repeats."
This discovery gave Lin Ye a deeper understanding of his current mission.
He was not stopping something. He was participating in the universe's process of self-regulation.
Every crisis was an opportunity for the universe to evolve, and every generation of Guardians pushed that evolution forward.
Suddenly, the laboratory's alarm system sounded.
"Powerful energy signal detected!" the automated system reported.
"The signal originates from the depths of the universe and is rapidly approaching!"
Lin Ye and Sageta swiftly returned to the command center.
The holographic screen showed a streak of golden light flying from a distant galaxy toward Free Port.
The energy signature of that light felt familiar to Lin Ye.
"That's the energy of the Libra mark!" he cried.
"Asteria!"