Chapter 16: ch-16 starting point for a new journey
Though the theories presented by both Elsa and Ascendency were sound—each backed by rational analysis and high-level deductions—there remained a frustrating truth: they still didn’t know.
It could very well be, by some strange coincidence, that this entire sector was simply... empty. A void in the map of cosmic development. But that didn’t sit right.
Elsa shrugged, though her eyes betrayed lingering doubt.
"It’s a possibility, sure. But it’s not a comforting one," she said. "Why would such a resource-rich region be left untouched?"
She gestured toward the tactical display, then looked at Ascendency.
"Go ahead. Widen the scan parameters."
The AI gave a short nod and turned to her console.
Before the scan could expand, however, William finally spoke—his voice thoughtful.
"The second possibility might be the correct one," he said. "Space is vast—far beyond what any being here could fully comprehend, let alone explore. A region spanning ten light-years could easily be overlooked by civilizations that measure their territory in thousands. And we all know that most of space remains unexploited. In this case especially, it seems like that’s what happened. So it could just be a coincidence that we didn’t find anything here."
He leaned back slightly, eyes distant.
"In that case... maybe we were just unlucky to land in a cosmic blind spot."