Just as Earth was preparing to hold a Wedding of the Century, Knowhere underwent new changes.
This battered Celestial head no longer resembled its original form. Massive rings of stars encircled it, much like those of the Dwarven Realm Nidavellir. Their intricate yet orderly orbital network interwove into a three-dimensional giant sphere, serving as residential zones for the immigrant population.
A closer look revealed crowds flowing slowly across the star rings like swarms of ants. Relying on advanced and convenient transit routes, they traveled through Knowhere's outskirts to carry out their daily work.
Umbrella, which had replaced the Tivan Group, continued mining this Celestial head. At the same time, it began developing and controlling the surrounding starfields. After years of effort, it had established three small satellites orbiting along the rings.
Knowhere's formidable armed forces were stationed there—the Earth First Fleet, whose name resounded throughout the surrounding starfields. They provided temporary protection to passing large merchant convoys and allied forces.
Before the small-scale battle in which Space Pirates invaded Knowhere, few had even heard of Earth. To the vast galaxy, the Nine Realms were merely a remote corner, let alone within the boundless dark universe.
In the established understanding of the major civilizations, only Asgard in the Nine Realms could be considered glorious and prosperous. At the height of its power, it could even rival the three great empires at their zenith in terms of military might.
God King Odin was an unparalleled powerhouse of his generation. The Asgardian Legion under his command had successively defeated the Dark Elves and Frost Giants, shaking the galaxy with its formidable reputation.
As for a backward civilization like Earth, which had yet to escape the embrace of its home planet and enter the interstellar age, only the Nova Corps kept a few brief