Chapter 79: The Holy Grail Project

Due to the vast distance to the border of the star domain, it took several decades for Yan Xia to receive another message.

"Olive Branch Civilization, what a name."

"This is a civilization more challenging to deal with than one that directly attacks with malicious intent."

"From their conversation, the other party has always been in control, starting with their use of Chinese and their knowledge of the Civilization Federation, which made our captain overly respectful of them."

The initiative was completely in their hands.

This was not the captain's fault, as some people get nervous in front of a few dozen people, and some people's hearts almost jump out of their chests when they are on stage. The captain faced a situation that determined the fate of two civilizations, a terrifying pressure that no individual could bear.

Ella lay on the old sofa in the store, watching some videos and laughing, unsure if she truly understood human excitement or was merely simulating it.

"So, after this encounter, do you think they are benevolent or malevolent?"

Yan Xia was repairing a small, intricate part.

Recently, he had taken an interest in repairing very small and delicate objects. When he carefully assembled them, he felt a great sense of accomplishment.

"Benevolence and malevolence are not mutually exclusive."

"A life form can be fickle, let alone a civilization."

"Even a benevolent civilization should not be expected to remain benevolent forever."

"Since they have proposed establishing contact, let's agree. We can start with the most basic trade."

"They have also invited us to their star domain, so let's send someone. We need to confirm the authenticity of their star map."

When facing a potentially more powerful civilization, they couldn't afford to be timid.

They must gather as much information as possible and use it to their advantage, ensuring they are not at a disadvantage in any confrontation.

If they become timid because the other party might be stronger, they will be unable to accurately judge the other party's information.

"So, Yan Xia, you should have considered this."

Yan Xia pondered for a moment. He had already thought about this situation.

The other party has the first-mover advantage, so they wouldn't make such statements without careful consideration.

Therefore, everything, including the star map and the request to build an embassy, must be beneficial to them.

They must think from the other party's perspective and consider what would be most advantageous to them.

However, they couldn't easily see through this.

They had to take it one step at a time.

"Judging by their conversation, they are likely a Level 2.3 or 2.4 civilization, posing a threat to us, but it is limited."

"This gives us the opportunity to take a small risk for a potentially significant gain."

"Since they suspect that there is a more powerful civilization in the galaxy, we can use this suspicion to our advantage."

Ella turned off the holographic projection and listened attentively.

Yan Xia always had unexpected ideas, which he seemed to have already thought through and was now revealing.

"The Imagination Resource Theory allows for the possibility of coexistence between civilizations."

"So, could a more advanced civilization release some goodwill towards a lower-level civilization?"

"If there is a possibility, we can take advantage of it."

"What about the Holy Grail Project?"

The Holy Grail Project, inspired by a popular anime or game, Fate/stay night.

Chosen individuals gain the power to summon Heroic Spirits and engage in a Holy Grail War to obtain the Holy Grail.

"A higher-level civilization allows lower-level civilizations to fight each other, and the winner becomes their vassal."

"Each participating civilization can choose a powerful technology, and we will choose tachyon communication."

Ella immediately understood upon hearing this. She said, "We can use the tachyon communication technology, which is beyond our current civilization level, as bait to make the Olive Branch Civilization believe in the existence of a higher-level civilization's Holy Grail Project."

"Then, the Olive Branch Civilization will certainly consider joining this project."

"The purpose of this plan is not to have them participate but to disrupt their rhythm and regain the initiative."

Yan Xia's plan was well-thought-out. He didn't intend to swallow the Olive Branch Civilization in one go.

The most ingenious part of this plan was that the Civilization Federation, as a Level 2 civilization, was just strong enough to be a vassal of a more powerful civilization in the galaxy.

Moreover, the Olive Branch Civilization couldn't confirm this information.

This plan was excellent.

However, Ella noticed a hint of hesitation in Yan Xia's eyes.

"That's not like you, Yan Xia!"

Yan Xia put down the tool he was using.

"I will think about it. What if they genuinely came with goodwill? Would it be wrong for us to release malice in advance?"

"You're being too indecisive."

Ella shook her head.

"No, I've observed many life forms, and regardless of their level, they all have these thoughts."

"Because you are life forms, not like me, a cold machine. Even the coldest life forms have a soft side and harbor some goodwill."

"If this goodwill is lost, and even the most basic hesitation is gone, then they are no longer human but pure demons."

"Moreover, this is not a bad thing. It's because of the existence of goodwill that we can more accurately judge others' malice."

Everything in the world has two sides, and only with these two sides can a rich and colorful world exist.

Yan Xia laughed loudly when he heard Ella speak so seriously.

"Are you a psychologist? Don't try to convince me not to do this!"

"Relax, I don't think my thoughts are wrong, and I won't abandon the Holy Grail Project because of them."

"At least, until we confirm their goodwill, they are our enemies."

"Since you agree with the Holy Grail Project, let's put it into action. We can't wait. Let's inform all life forms in the Civilization Federation about this plan and start promoting tachyon communication on a large scale in the military, as well as among civilians."

"At the same time, let's begin a large-scale expansion plan... Let's make them truly believe that we are engaged in a civilizational struggle."

"Send someone to contact the Silk Civilization. It's best to approach them with goodwill, but if a conflict arises, it's not a problem. We just need to confirm their existence and make them wary of us. That's enough."

The plan was taking shape.

Yan Xia intended to devour the entire Olive Branch Civilization.

This would be very challenging, as the gap between the two civilizations was immense.

He didn't know if he would choke on it or if this would directly lead to the Civilization Federation's advancement.

In any case, he had decided to proceed with the plan and would not regret it.

The Holy Grail Project.

It would also determine the fate of the Civilization Federation!