"The Void Ark is moving faster than we expected." Aris's consciousness projection pointed at the updated monitoring data. "We originally estimated it would take a week to reach the core of the Milky Way. Now it will take only seventy-two hours."
On the deep-space monitoring screen, that massive spherical Death Star was drawing closer at a despairing speed. Each time it passed through a star system, the life signals in that region plummeted sharply.
Sageta stared intently at the data report. "What's the situation in the fringe galaxies?"
"Very bad." The projection of Vergo, the First-Generation Virgo Guardian, appeared. His analytical abilities laid the cruel reality bare for everyone. "Twelve fringe galaxies have already lost all indicators of creativity. Civilizational progress has stalled, artistic creation has vanished, and even the basic will to survive is fading."
The screen displayed life-force monitoring charts for each galaxy. Vast swathes of what should have been vibrant green were turning gray, indicating that living beings had lost their positive concepts.
Lin Ye closed his eyes and extended the Sagittarius Mark's perceptive abilities to the edge of the Milky Way. What he sensed was even worse than what the data showed.
"The concept of freedom is declining at a rate of 0.3 percent per minute." He opened his eyes, his expression grim. "At this rate, all life in the Milky Way will lose the ability to choose independently within forty-eight hours."
"By then, all resistance will become meaningless mechanical reactions."
Just then, Scorpio suddenly let out a pained groan. He clutched his head with both hands, his body trembling violently.
"It's calling to me..." Scorpio's voice became distorted. "The remaining parasites inside me are establishing a connection with that immense will."
Pisces immediately rushed to Scorpio's side. The Pisces Mark emitted a blue glow, trying