The attack by the Stasis Unit served as a wake-up call, making Allen and his companions realize that the threats in the Xinghai were far more than just the " World Devourers " and the " Abyss Will." The hunt from the " Temporal Overseer " indicated that a more ordered, and perhaps more troublesome, force had its eyes on them.
Just as they were discussing their next move, an unexpected communication request came through to the Thousand Sunny Modified. The communication source was encrypted through multiple layers, and the signal source was erratic. Finally, a complex emblem made of starlight appeared on the screen, constantly changing.
[Greetings to ' Torch Dragon ' and his companions.] A gentle, neutral voice rang out, [We are observers from the ' Council of Stars '. We witnessed your heroic feat at Iron Shield Fortress against the Abyss's minions, and... just now, repelling the ' Temporal Overseer ' Stasis Unit.]
" The Council of Stars?" Robin quickly searched his mind for relevant information, but found nothing.
"Who are you? What is your purpose?" Sabo asked calmly.
[We are a loosely organized group, composed of survivors and visionaries from numerous civilizations aware of the 'external threat,' as well as some neutral guardians.] The star emblem slowly rotates. [Our mission is 'mutual support and solidarity against external enemies.' We observe and record those threats that roam the Xinghai, feeding on the world, and, to the best of our ability, provide information and limited assistance to civilizations like yours that dare to fight.]
The other party's words were frank and direct.
[Our attention to you began when you lit the ' Will Lighthouse,' a move filled with wisdom and courage. Your successful acquisition of the ' World Seed ' prototype and your defeat of the Stasis Unit proved your potential and strength to become ' Watcher.']
" Watcher?"
[Yes. It's not about enslavement or domination, but rather forming an alliance based on our respective worlds—one of information sharing, crisis warning, and mutual support when necessary.] The council observer explained, [We know that in the vast and dark Xinghai, isolated civilizations ultimately cannot escape being swallowed up or assimilated. Only through unity can we seize a glimmer of hope.]
Allen and his companions exchanged glances. The emergence of this " Council of Stars " and its proposed " Watcher Alliance " was undoubtedly a huge opportunity. It meant that they were no longer fighting alone and could obtain valuable intelligence and support.
"What do we need to give up?" Allen cut to the chase. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
[It's very simple. Share your intelligence on known threats (such as the Abyss Will, the Temporal Overseer ), and respond to the Council's distress signals to the best of your ability and without violating your own core interests. At the same time, as formal members, you also need to assume certain 'watchdog' responsibilities in your respective star systems, monitoring and reporting anomalies.] The observer's answer was pragmatic. [The Council itself is not a mandatory military alliance, but rather more like an information and resource exchange platform, and a crisis-response network.]
The conditions are not excessive; in fact, they can be described as quite generous.
"How can we trust you?" Jinbe asked in Jinbe voice.
"We can offer a 'gift' in advance." The observer seemed well-prepared, providing "[a detailed report on the ' Temporal Overseer,' including their operational modes, known types and weaknesses of ' Stasis Unit,' and their potential cooperation patterns with other similar forces (such as the Abyss Will ). Additionally, there is a preliminary analysis report on the ' World Devourers ' activity cycles and preferred targets.'"
A large stream of encrypted data began to be transmitted. Robin and Franky immediately began receiving and performing initial verification.
The value of this information is immeasurable. It will enable them to be more targeted and reduce unnecessary casualties when facing these enemies in the future.
After a brief internal discussion, Sabo, acting as a representative, responded, "We agree in principle to join the ' Watcher Alliance.' However, we demand that we retain our autonomy and that the alliance not interfere with our internal affairs."
[Perfectly reasonable. This is precisely the standard of the Council.] The observer's voice carried a hint of relief. [Welcome, Watcher. Formal membership and communication channels are now open to you. May the light of the Xinghai guide our way.]
The communication ended, and the starlight emblem slowly faded away.
The cabin fell silent, then erupted into a heated discussion. Joining the " Council of Stars " meant they had truly stepped onto the stage of Xinghai civilization, transforming from passive guardians of the world who responded to crises into " Watcher " who actively participated in interstellar affairs and had allies. Their vision and perspective had been instantly broadened.
Allen felt a surge of renewed motivation and a sense of urgency as he experienced the newfound, albeit weak, access to a vast information network and the valuable data being analyzed about the Temporal Overseer and World Devourers.
The enemy is powerful, and allies are hard to find. The road ahead remains full of challenges, but they are no longer solitary voyagers. They will continue this magnificent Xinghai journey as " Watcher," to protect their world and for the Spark in this vast Xinghai.