Chapter 78: A Star Map and the Return Journey

The initiative was in the hands of the alien, and the captain did not have the authority to respond to these requests.

"I agree with what you said."

"However, as you are well aware, this is not a decision I can make. I will convey your words back to the Federation, and it may take a very long time."

The captain's tone carried a hint of officialdom.

The alien expressed understanding.

"That is only natural. Time is of little consequence to civilizations like ours, whether it's hundreds or thousands of years. We can wait."

The alien's words made the captain feel that they would agree to anything he said.

However, he remained cautious, not wanting to be influenced by their words in his judgment.

The alien continued, "To demonstrate our goodwill, I would like to make a request."

"I am not only here with the olive branch of our civilization's goodwill but also as our civilization's diplomat."

"I hope to enter your civilization and establish an embassy to facilitate communication between our civilizations."

"We also hope that you will send an ambassador to our civilization, so we can establish a mutual exchange."

"We can share information and technology and engage in friendly competition, which will promote progress in both our civilizations."

"To show our sincerity, please look..."

The alien waved its hand, and the surrounding space began to shrink, revealing billions upon billions of stars forming a massive galaxy.

It then pointed to a blue region at the edge of the galaxy, which contained nearly 300 star systems.

"This is the star domain controlled by our Olive Branch Civilization!"

Then, next to it, a smaller red region appeared, about ten times smaller.

"This is the star domain controlled by your Civilization Federation."

Upon seeing this, the captain was shocked. If this star map were accurate, the other civilization would be at least 0.1 levels higher than them, most likely 0.2 levels.

This was a difference that emerged after reaching Level 2, just as the Civilization Federation had experienced. Despite its rapid development, it had yet to officially reach Level 2.1 in terms of energy and technology.

Even with a technological boom, it would take hundreds, if not thousands, of years to advance by 0.1 levels. In a typical development scenario, 2000 to 3000 years would be a normal timespan.

But there was more.

Next to the two regions, a green region appeared, slightly larger than the Civilization Federation but smaller than the Olive Branch Civilization.

"This civilization is called the Silk Civilization, and they live in this vast star cloud, which you call the Orion Nebula."

"The Orion Nebula is mostly composed of relatively young stars, and the Silk Civilization was once a nomadic civilization. After reaching this star cloud, they took control of it and gradually developed to Level 2.2 by utilizing the abundant and easily accessible resources."

Then, the three civilizations zoomed out further, and at 5000 light-years away, there were no other high-level civilizations, only scattered points representing emerging Level 1 civilizations.

"These are the civilizations we have discovered. As you can see, most of them are near our star domain. We do not seek to merge with other civilizations, nor do we act as invaders. It is meaningless to us."

"They are too weak to pose any threat to us, but sometimes, their ideas can inspire our technological advancements."

Imagination Resource Theory.

Civilizations need not always be in a state of mutual destruction. There can also be goodwill between higher and lower civilizations.

This goodwill is not driven by kindness but by self-interest. It is more beneficial to observe and study than to destroy.

Just as humans on Earth do not exterminate animals that pose no threat to human civilization, but instead protect them.

Because these animals have research, entertainment, and ecological value, their value determines their survival.

Beyond 5000 light-years, a massive purple region appeared, with only a small portion visible. However, even this small portion was several times larger than the Olive Branch Civilization's star domain.

"This is the most distant and most powerful civilization we know of."

"According to our information, this civilization is at Level 2.6."

"It's hard to imagine that such a powerful civilization exists outside the galaxy's center rather than within it."

"We speculate that at the center of the galaxy, there might be a Level 2.7 or even 2.8 civilization. It is unlikely to be Level 2.9 because we both understand what that would mean."

This was something they could imagine.

If there were a Level 2.9 civilization, or if they themselves were at Level 2.9, they would have already begun the conquest of the entire galaxy, developing it to reach Level 3.

"This is our sincerity, a star map of our exploration."

This was invaluable.

The captain believed that even if this star map had some omissions, as long as 20% of it was accurate, it would be of immense value.

"This is indeed a star map of great value, and we are fortunate that we both have no ill intentions."

"This is a rare encounter in the universe."

"I will deliver every word you have said to our higher-ups, and I believe they will make the most accurate judgment."

There was no need to wait any longer.

This was something that should be done later.

The captain was eager to return and convey the information he had learned. He might even be promoted for this, but more importantly, this was the first contact between two civilizations, and his name would be recorded in history.

"We also appreciate your civilization's kindness. Without it, this encounter would not have been possible."

The alien was very polite, even though their star domain was much larger than what they had shown. They maintained a sense of humility.

However, both parties understood that once they confirmed the significant gap in their strength, they would reveal their true intentions.

The captain returned to the battleship.

Once back on the ship, he and the two officers accompanying him breathed a sigh of relief.

"Let's head back."

"This encounter may lead to a legendary event, but we don't know if it will be good or bad."

"Only time and history will tell."

"When I grow old, I may choose to go into cryogenic sleep and be awakened when the answer to this question becomes known."