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Transformed into Cosmic Horror in a Sci-Fi Universe – 8

EP.8 A Minor Dispute

In the Galactic Union, each species elects a representative known as an "Elder" to form the "Galactic Union Elder Council," the highest decision-making body.

As representatives of their species and, by extension, the Galactic Union, these individuals are chosen for their exceptional abilities.

This position is not distributed equally.

Differences in lifespan, civilization, and abilities among species mean that those with higher civilization levels and greater abilities receive more positions.

Some species have no Elder positions at all, or are given only a nominal one.

While there were those who were dissatisfied with this, the Elder Council is not just a place to wield power.

It involves handling numerous tasks for the entire Galactic Union and gathering the most capable individuals to face threats to the Union, so there weren't many major complaints.

Species with fewer or no Elder positions understood that they lacked the necessary capabilities.

Thus, the total number of Elder positions is 500.

Considering that there are currently 480 intelligent species in the Galactic Union, it might seem fair to allocate one position per species, but unfortunately, that was not the case.

The highest-ranking species, the Lubaran race, holds 10 positions.

Other species hold 5, 3, and so on.

Some species have multiple positions.

Of course, this is not a fixed number.

If a species strengthens its capabilities, it can claim more of the 500 positions.

After the Galactic Union opened up interstellar society, the Terra race, with a civilization level just high enough to glimpse into space, received a nominal one position.

However, with their unique adaptability and absorption capabilities, they rapidly expanded their influence. They now have four planets that they have directly terraformed into colonies, and their population has grown to 15 billion.

As a result, they earned an additional position, bringing their total to two, making them a mid-to-upper tier species within the Union.

To secure a position in the Galactic Union Elder Council, one must have the requisite abilities and make significant efforts.

The Meias race, which holds five of these coveted positions, exemplifies this. The fact that Jupiter is one of the Elders of the Meias race speaks volumes about his extraordinary abilities.

"Hey, do you think being an Elder means you can do whatever you want? Arrogant old man…"

But Reus and Allegros showed no fear of him.

This was because, while they were not Elders, they belonged to the Lubaran race, the highest-ranking species in the Union.

They believed their scientific technology far surpassed the magical energy technology of the Meias race.

No matter how powerful or advanced magic was, they thought it could never defeat them.

Moreover, they held significant positions within the Galactic Union, even if they were not Elders.

Being high-ranking officials of the Lubaran race made them arrogant.

Thus, they disregarded Jupiter and acted recklessly.

"This matter has been approved by the Lubaran Elders. This is insubordination."

"I am also an Elder of the Union. I believe I have the authority to issue orders to you."

"Hah! You're just a Meias. You and your so-called magic, pretending you have superior abilities…"

"What…?!"

At Reus's sneer, Lowie couldn't hold back and lunged at him.

"Gravitational Field."

Thud─!

"…?!"

A gravitational field controller manipulated gravity, applying several times the normal gravity only to the area where Lowie stood.

Unable to withstand the immense weight, Lowie's body was crushed, and he collapsed to the ground.

The only reason Lowie wasn't crushed into a pulp was because he had reinforced his body with mana, a trait of the Meias race. Without it, the gravity would have already turned him into a dried fish.

Seeing how such intense gravity could be manipulated with just a controller, it was clear that the Lubaran race's scientific technology was formidable.

'Reverse Gravity…!'

However, the Meias race had similar techniques in their magic.

He reversed the crushing gravity, making himself lighter and propelling himself away, waiting for an opportunity while lying prone.

His internal organs were severely damaged by the gravity, so he circulated mana to quickly heal his body and prepared an attack spell.

"Kahahaha! Go ahead, use your so-called magic!"

"It's nothing special. It's more suited for a circus, really."

The two Lubaran members laughed, mocking Lowie as he struggled under the gravitational field.

They were completely unaware that Lowie Hendrick was preparing to counterattack.

"Stop, Lowie."

"M-Master."

At that moment, Jupiter stepped in front of Lowie.

Seeing Lowie withdraw the mana he had gathered for his attack spell, Jupiter addressed the two Lubaran members.

"Can this be considered an act of aggression? Should I interpret this as Lubaran wanting a war with Meias?"

"What are you talking about? This is a sanction. He dared to defy the will of the Lubaran Elders and challenged us."

At the word "sanction," Jupiter let out a small laugh.

"Sanction, you say. Then consider my actions a sanction as well. A sanction against you for poking a beehive that was minding its own business."

Wooong─

In an instant, Jupiter gathered mana.

Mana surged from his hand, and then—

"Shock Wave."

A spell that generated a massive shockwave to incapacitate the enemy was activated.

With a tremendous roar, part of the headquarters building was destroyed by the shockwave, and the two Lubaran members were exposed to the magic, feeling as if their bodies would burst from the impact.

"Kuhuk?!"

"Kehuk…"

Thanks to the defense of their nanosuits, created with Lubaran scientific technology, most of the shockwave was absorbed.

However, the impact that did penetrate was enough to shake a person's brain.

Even with bodies enhanced by Lubaran biotechnology, the force was too much to withstand.

They collapsed to the ground.

Reus was knocked unconscious, while Allegros, who had received higher-grade body enhancements, managed to stay conscious.

"Kuh, kuhuk… You crazy old man… Do you think you'll get away with this…?"

Although he was conscious, he was in no shape to get up anytime soon, as he was retching and in disarray.

"You should be thankful that I'm ending it here."

With those words, Jupiter sent another small shockwave to finish off Allegros, causing him to lose consciousness as well.

'It can't be helped. I'll have to block them now and then go explain the situation to the Galactic Union Elders myself.'

They would only bother Eugene if they were allowed to proceed.

Explaining Eugene's identity here and now would be futile; they wouldn't listen.

In fact, if he told the truth, they would likely cause an even bigger commotion, questioning why such a dangerous being was allowed to roam free.

So, his plan was to stop them first and then slowly explain the situation and reasons to the Galactic Union Elders.

That Eugene appeared to be an avatar of an Outer God and seemed relatively friendly.

And that provoking him could endanger the entire Galactic Union.

'There might be sanctions for the excessive measures against the officials and for registering the avatar of an Outer God, but… the Elders are reasonable. They will surely understand my intentions and make choices to protect the Galactic Union.'

He was prepared to take the punishment alone and bear the grudge of the two Lubaran officials.

That way, everything could be resolved without significant harm to all involved.

That was his thought process.

Anyway, with the situation temporarily resolved,

"Wow, what happened here?"

"Eugene…!"

Hearing the sound of the shockwave, Eugene returned.

#

"I was wondering if something was wrong…"

He approached Jupiter and Lowie with an awkward smile.

In truth, he already understood what had happened.

He knew that the ones lying on the ground had come looking for him.

And that Jupiter had intervened to prevent them from bothering him.

That's why he had come.

They had become aware of the emergence of a new Outer God.

To investigate, they sought out someone who seemed to have some connection to it—Eugene.

It was too risky to go directly to the location of the main body.

Well… I can certainly undergo the investigation.

Even though this is my avatar, they won't find any connection to the main body.

If I hide it, they have no way of knowing.

No matter how advanced the Lubaran race is, their technology is still within the bounds of what can be understood.

But they know I appeared without an identity, showed up nearby, and even cured mental contamination.

Even if no results come from the investigation, they'll find me suspicious and keep me detained.

Jupiter probably attacked the Galactic Union members to prevent that.

…Because if I get annoyed and cause trouble for the Galactic Union, it would be a hassle.

It seems they're more afraid of me than I thought.

Honestly, if they bothered me too much, I was considering manipulating a few memories…

"Haha, it's nothing. Just a minor dispute," Jupiter said, laughing it off as if it were nothing.

In this world, even minor disputes can result in a base being destroyed.

This is definitely sci-fi… or maybe not.

Jupiter seemed determined to bear the responsibility alone.

He might even be expelled from his Elder position… Did I really seem that dangerous?

Well, I am an Outer God.

Even though I've shown a friendly demeanor, his reaction might be normal.

"..."

Sigh, if I hadn't been blocking information, I would have noticed those guys immediately and manipulated their memories to send them back.

Was this my mistake?

Well, it can't be helped.

I'll just manipulate the memories of those two and send them back, and as for the shockwave… I can just say there was an explosion accident without needing to go as far as memory manipulation.

Jupiter is the benefactor who first helped me when I arrived in this world.

And this time, he took the blame alone to prevent them from bothering me.

I can't just leave him be.

…Ah, damn! Now that I think about it, I didn't get to see him use magic directly!

What a waste…