Planet Master

Although there were probes sent to the outer ring of the star system, but it was mostly exploration probes designed to go as far from the Cerulean Planet as possible.

Their main objective was to send the pictures of the planets on the outer ring and even the possible barrier at the edge of the star system.

It had already been almost a century since that happened and various information regarding the star system was mostly complete. But when the Gling’s biological spaceships arrived at the outer ring, the view could finally be seen on the Star Chart in Dian and the others’ view.

“The Star Chart paved the way and our race walked the way.” Dian commented on the visible map of the outer ring. He could finally view the surroundings in detail, which made him aware of how many resources were available for the civilization to use.

“It is quite an abundant resource.” Goliath even commented on that part.

“True but the most important thing to do is how to manage those resources. Even if you have abundant resource if the management of those resources is subpar or even wasteful, you will not reach the maximum output possible.” Dian added.

Everyone understood this so they did not add anything.

“So we need to make sure that with these resources, we raise the capability to respond to the new style of the Star Battle. The possibility of the battle being fought in the void in the space becomes higher the more I learned about the Technology Tree that has developed.” Dian said while looking at the development of the Technology Tree that had breakthrough to the middle stage.

“Will the Glings be able to become the frontline fighter?” Chikara asked.

“The possibility is higher but it is not absolute. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your unit in those two planets, creating the Primarch units.” Dian took some time to answer.

“The spaceship fleets are ready in the Cerulean Planet. Even the carrier spaceship that carried the SP-01 “Silpheed” is being officially launched. I can imagine the battle in space will be a different kind than the battle on the planet’s surface.” Leif said with conviction.

“That is what concerns me.” Frie interjected.

Everyone then looked at her, trying to see what kind of words she was going to say next.

“I mean, the appearance of the Rift is still available at this stage of the Star Battle. The problem is where the Rift will appear. Previously on the planet, it is easier to see the Rift and going there will not take much time. But this time, our territory spans almost half of the star system. If the Rift appeared in the most desolate region, it would take so much time that the enemy would probably learn much about our star system.” Frie said.

“Valid concern. Our speed of movement in space is still limited. Just because the Warp Engine shortens it doesn’t mean that we can get complacent. We need fleet presence in most parts of the star system to be able to respond quickly. That is why I ordered the spaceship production to be increased using the resources gathered throughout the star system.” Dian nodded while replying.

“That is also the reason why you sent my race to explore the outer ring, right?” Chikara realized that Dian had considered the possibility that the entire star system would be the possible place for the Rift to appear.

The Rift should not be too far from civilization. That was what Dian understood the most. If it were too distant, the battle fought would be too long. Wasting time was not what the Planet Master System and the Universe Council wanted.

Therefore, we need to be able to control our own star system. Dian thought while sitting and tapping the armrest with his finger.

The others stood facing him, seeing him as the highest authority. But they could also put their ideas so that they could move and form ideas together.

“Yes. Exploration of the outer ring is still limited to probes but with your race’s biological spaceship, the exploration progress surged.” Dian said as he sent the exploration progress and the open star system map to everyone to refer to.

“See, the Gling has advanced the area where we reign. I plan for the human race’s spaceship to explore the outer ring soon. But there is one problem.” Dian said while explaining the next step of the plan.

“What problem?” Frie asked.

“The Asteroid Belt separated the inner ring and the outer ring. There are trillions of small asteroids that orbit the Violet Sun. They are the biggest obstacles for others to move through. Although…there is a solution already developed.

“That is the shield that protected the spaceship. This shield can protect the spaceship from outside impact, like being hit by randomly moving asteroids or from an attack from another spaceship.” Dian gladly explained the current development of the civilization.

“Ah, no wonder I saw the people developing it extensively.” Leif commented.

Dian chuckled but nodded in agreement with that comment.

“Furthermore, more races can enter the spaceship.” Arowana smiled as he showed the situation where some merfolk could enter the spaceship, having their own special room filled with seawater.

“That’s right. The only one who still could not enter the spaceship is the Giant race.” Mazdari said while everyone looked at Goliath.

“That’s fine. My race can become the guardian of the Cerulean Planet while you all can explore the entire star system.” Goliath said as he did not mind being left behind.

“Are you sure? The task of protecting the entire planet will be hard and enormous.” Dian looked at Goliath and tried to make sure that his determination was aligned with the task.

“I am willing to do that. So don’t worry about the Cerulean Planet and leave the defense to my race.” Goliath said with an unwavering tone.

-

On the other hand, the Fixed Planetary Fortress was fully repaired and that caused the people there to go into celebration.

“Have you heard that the Gling Race has reached the outer ring of the star system?” a dwarf engineer said to Tatsumi.

“Oh, that. Yes, I have heard about it along the way. What’s wrong? Are you jealous that you are not the first to become a pioneer in the outer ring?” Tatsumi teased.

“You know that is not true!” the dwarf vehemently rejected the accusation.

“Then why do you ask?” Tatsumi threw the question back.

“Because the Glings can adapt to any situation. I wonder if we can do the same.” The dwarf engineer said with a longing look plastered on his face.

“Some studies show that the adaptability of the human race and others has increased. The most significant increase is naturally in the human population. It means that the adaptability of the entire civilization has increased to the point of being able to contest against a Gling. But the Gling also received this so their characteristics became stronger.” Tatsumi said what he knew.

Actually, the studies were conducted right now at this moment and Tatsumi said it as if it had been done in the past.

“Is that the case? I can’t believe that I miss such information.” The dwarf engineer placed his hand behind his head as he admitted his lack of information.

“No need for that. This information is actually the latest. Of course, you don’t hear it anywhere.” Tatsumi decided to come clean and admit.

“Hahaha, this is why I like you!” the dwarf patted Tatsumi on the shoulder.

“Speaking of which, there will be troops sent by the Federation later. We should prepare ourselves to depart from this place.” Tatsumi reminded.

“All the time we spent together is meaningful. Thanks to that, I get to know you.” The dwarf said.

“Me too. Looks like journeying outside sometimes is good.” Tatsumi nodded before he stepped forward in the direction of his temporary lodging.

“May we meet again if circumstances allow.” Tatsumi waved his hand at the dwarf engineer.

“Yeah, see you later.” The dwarf engineer also went into his own lodging since the wristwatch on both of them was twinkling with light, on and off.

In the wristwatch, there was a message for most of them to leave the Fixed Planetary Fortress.

In exchange, there would be soldiers from the Hinon Federation who would take charge.

-

When everyone on the Cerulean Planets and the other planets came out of the virtual cabin, they were exhilarated.

The so-called game was actually beneficial for their progress as transcendent, allowing them to modify and create their own circulation technique.

“Mother, how do you feel?” Tetsuya asked after he came out and had sweat all over his body. He also noticed that modifying the existing circulation technique took time and effort. That effort caused almost all of them to be drenched in sweat.

Hearing that, Ame just smiled as she cleansed herself from the sweat. Tetsuya also did the same. It was a simple cleaning spell which was directed to clean the body from sweat and filth.

This spell was simple and could be categorized as a common spell so everyone could learn it. That was why the others who were drenched in sweat used it immediately.

“This is exciting.” Rihana clenched her hand and felt the slight change in her energy circulation.

“I learned something from it so let’s just say that this thing is beneficial to most of us.” Ame said.

Her gains were not small. Through experimentation, she had her own circulation method which was slightly different from Tatsumi and was optimized for her own combat style. All she needed to do was practice.

Tetsuya also gained something important. He finally had a direction he wanted to pursue. Meaning he had an idea of how to form his proto-planet in his lower dantian.

Both his parents had advanced to the next realm, the Revolutionary Realm but he was still stuck in the Core Formation Realm, ninth heavenstage for decades. Now, he had an important opportunity to reach the next realm.

Sybil also found his own path in comprehending the way to the next realm.

After getting out from the virtual world, each person had gained something that could be used in their daily life.

For example, Ame got to experience another circulation method which was quite dangerous but offered a great increase in overall strength.

‘This looks like a berserk technique. It is not suitable for me since I need to handle so many changes in the situation. But it offers a good reference on my own self circulation method.’ Ame thought while looking at Tetsuya as if she wanted to see the essence of his power.

“At least the first time visit to the virtual world is not wasted. I finally have a direction forward.” Tetsuya had a soft smile and gentle eyes as he realized that the accumulation of all he knew of was related to his parents.

They did not force him to become a transcendent, nor did they force him to become stronger faster. He realized that it was his own self who drove him, almost forcing him to work hard.

But other than working hard, you also need a bit of relaxation. Tetsuya realized that to be the case and decided to let himself flow according to what his heart wanted to do.

Then Ame slowly patted Tetsuya’s head and slowly rubbed it. Her eyes became a bit watery as she realized that Tetsuya had almost broken through to the second realm.

“Good for you.” She said softly.

“Yes. And thank you, Mother.” Tetsuya smirked and let her do as she pleased.

“…” Rihana could only watch as the two had their time. But she was also glad that Tetsuya became stronger. Then she glanced at her father and saw that Sybil was looking at his hand, lost in thought.

“Looks like I also found my own way to the next major realm.” Sybil said while his eyes were still closed. He remembered the sensation when in the virtual world and tried to emulate the best result in reality.

The Ether in the air flowed toward them and the result was that every single one of them gained something that solely belonged to them.

‘Just like what Father said, the next step is to walk your own path. The most he could do was to give a reference to the others as to how to reach the Revolutionary Realm.’ Tetsuya knew that what his father said was true at this moment.

Without him realizing, the Ether he absorbed flowed into the lower dantian where the core was and then slowly, the core transformed into what was called a proto-planet.

A large pressure came from Tetsuya and Ame shielded the rest of the interior of the Royal Sacred Tree lest they would be destroyed by the pressure alone.

She used magic formation to create a barrier that separated Tetsuya and the rest of the space around him.

“He’s breaking through.” Ame murmured then shook her head, focusing on maintaining the barrier.

Rihana looked at the spectacle and felt amazed at Tetsuya’s progress. She also wanted to reach the next realm since she was also the priestess of the Royal Sacred Tree.

Sybil then opened his eyes and looked in the direction from which the pressure came.

‘This is a good opportunity to witness the transcendent that breaks through to the Revolutionary Realm.’ Sybil thought as he focused all his attention to Tetsuya.

‘Calm down. Though it is an exciting moment, I need to make sure that the formation of the proto-planet is according to my will.’ Tetsuya calmed down and closed his eyes while standing.

It was the most comfortable position for him so he just did that while standing. The Ether in the surroundings was drawn to him like a whale inhaling water.

The Ether then entered the energy circulation path inside his body and flowed to the lower dantian, where the core was located. The core then started spinning at high speed while trying to transform into a proto-planet.

‘So far so good. I can use mental power to direct the Ether to my core and let the core act according to its preference, letting it doing everything on its own.’

Tetsuya could feel that his breakthrough was imminent and did not even restrict the way the transcendent energy reacted. Rather, he let the Ether flow into the core and let the core decided what kind of proto-planet it would form.

Slowly but surely, the jade core inside his body slowly changed and created another layer on top of it. Tetsuya knew that this was actually the formation of the proto-planet and it was exclusively his.

With an inhalation, Tetsuya absorbed every single Ether that he could absorb before he let the Ether settle on his proto-planet before doing an exhalation.

“Haa…with this, I am also a high-level transcendent.” Tetsuya said with a smile.

Ame then retracted the barrier as she stared at Tetsuya and nodded in agreement.

“Congratulations. I don’t even get to breakthrough to the next major realm.” Rihana came to Tetsuya’s side and commented.

Tetsuya replied, “Thanks to the experience in the virtual world, I managed to do it. Excuse me as I need to consolidate my realm first. You won’t mind, don’t you?”

“No, please stabilize your power in your room.” Rihana could only let Tetsuya go since it was an important occasion.

She even got to see the process of breaking through to the Revolutionary Realm.

Then Tetsuya went to his own room to consolidate his gains. Even Ame did not follow him, as this required personal space, which she respected and taught her child.

“May luck be with you.” Ame said softly, almost like a murmur.

“I need to check on the Royal Sacred Tree. I have been in the virtual cabin for a while so some things are better checked personally. Mm…” Rihana wanted to continue her words but couldn't come up with anything.

After all, what should she call Ame?

Ame realized what was on Rihana’s mind and turned to look at her in the eyes.

“Just call me whatever that can make you relax.” Ame said.

“Then…can I call you Auntie?” Rihana asked with her eyes blinking with expectation.

“Am I that old?” Ame retorted but her smile remained on her face while her eyes curved into a crescent.

“No, no…What I mean is that I respected you a lot. I am not ready to call anyone else Mom.” Rihana said this as quickly as possible. Her eyes became slightly watery and with a tinge of sadness.

Ame sighed helplessly. She actually wanted Rihana to call her exactly that but she could not force anyone against their will.

“Alright. I can accept it. But I hope that one day you can call me properly.” Ame said after considering Rihana’s situation.

“Thank you.” Rihana smiled to the point that her dimple showed up.

For whatever reason, Sybil only watched as Rihana communicated with Ame and felt that he had endured through time and Rihana now was a grown-up in mind, despite her development being like a toddler in his eyes.

“I hope that with this, her happiness will be achieved.”

Sybil then looked at the evening sky, looking at the distant horizon where there were two celestial bodies. One of them was a familiar Red Moon which emitted its soft light.

The other thing was actually the recently discussed object that suddenly came to their star system from outside, the Fixed Planetary Fortress.

When he looked at the object, he felt palpitations in his heart. His heart beat faster and he could feel that a large amount of energy was stored inside that thing and he could perceive it since he was so attuned to transcendent energy and felt that the object would be the civilization's salvation or damnation.