Legacy of the Void Fleet

Kallus sat back in his command chair, the dim blue glow of the command center casting sharp shadows across his face. His mind once again reached into the Authority of Knowledge, seeking more answers. This time, he focused his thoughts on the cultivation systems and the galactic powers near the solar system. The authority responded to his desires, and waves of knowledge poured into his consciousness, unraveling layer by layer.

Cultivation Systems and Realms

Kallus now understood that cultivation systems across the U1 super-universe were varied but shared common foundations and rankings. The ranks of cultivators were divided into tiers, with the lower ranks focused on enhancing the body and mastering basic energies, while higher realms delved into cosmic power and the laws of reality itself. The tiers were as follows:

Basic Ranks (F to SSS):

F-Rank to SSS-Rank: The starting point of cultivation. Individuals use ambient energy, such as mana, to enhance their bodies and strengthen their connection to their awakened elements. Cultivators in these ranks are considered mortal. At SSS-Rank, their mastery of energy and elements is near-perfect, but they are still bound by mortality.

Advanced Realms:

Master Realm: Marks the transition from mortal to transcendent. Cultivators refine their mastery over energy, gaining limited control over external forces.

Grandmaster Realm: A stage of deep attunement, where energy flows through the cultivator as naturally as breathing.

Paragon Realm: Cultivators become paragons of their domain, capable of shaping reality within their influence.

World-Building Realm: At this stage, cultivators can form pocket dimensions or domains, imposing their will on localized reality.

Law Comprehension Realm: Cultivators begin to grasp and manipulate universal laws, gaining a profound understanding of existence.

Integration Realm: A cultivator fully integrates with the universe's natural laws, becoming a part of the cosmic order itself.

King Realm: A pinnacle of cultivation that grants a cultivator unparalleled power over energy, laws, and space.

Kallus could sense there were many more realms beyond these, but his current cultivation level, which he estimated to be at S-Rank, limited his access to this knowledge. However, the authority revealed a vital detail: each individual in the universe could access a status panel, a feature granted by the Universal Will. This allowed individuals to view their cultivation rank, potential, and innate talents.

Galactic Powers Near the Solar System

Kallus focused on the political and military landscape near the solar system. Three major powers dominated the region:

Asura Imperium:

Founded 5,000 years ago by the Asura Race, the imperium is a disciplined and strategically powerful empire.

Physiology: Asuras resemble humans but are physically far superior, with a blue hue to their skin and a single horn on their heads.

Strengths: Known for their intelligence, combat prowess, and mastery of galactic strategy, the Asura Imperium commands a formidable fleet and a loyal population. Their proximity to Earth makes them a potential ally—or a dangerous adversary.

Minotaur Clan: Founded 10000 years ago by the minotaur race.

A technologically advanced empire ruled by the warlike Minotaur Race. The Minotaur are aggressive and less inclined toward diplomacy but are fiercely territorial.

Technological Boost: Their power comes from inheriting the technological advancements of an ancient, extinct civilization they stumbled upon during their early expansion. Though their intelligence is average, their advanced weaponry and vast fleets make them a threat to any challenger.

Genomes Empire: The Genomes are a biologically adaptable and highly intelligent species, known for their rapid reproduction and ingenuity.

Technological Superiority: Ranked among the top 10 races in terms of technological advancement, their innovations in AI, cybernetics, and genetic engineering make them one of the most formidable powers in the region.

Strengths: Their ability to quickly adapt to situations and deploy overwhelming numbers gives them an edge even over more militarily powerful empires like the Minotaur.

Kallus's Realization

As the Authority of Knowledge unraveled these truths, Kallus began piecing together the challenges ahead. The return of ambient energy would inevitably draw these empires' attention to Earth. Each had a reason to target the solar system:

The Asura Imperium might see Earth's resurgence as a potential threat to its dominion.

The Minotaur Clan would likely seek to conquer and exploit Earth's resources for their military ambitions.

The Genomes Empire, ever curious and expansionist, might aim to integrate Earth's resources into their technological empire.

Kallus clenched his fists. The solar system was on the verge of transformation, and with it came both opportunity and peril.

Kallus sighed as he sank into his seat, his gaze fixed on the glowing star maps hovering above the command center. The Authority of Knowledge had revealed much, but as he delved deeper into its teachings, he began to understand that he was not without advantages. He and his Void Fleet held a unique edge in this vast universe—a universe teeming with opportunity yet governed by strict limitations, even for the most advanced civilizations.

In this universe, cultivation has its limits—especially at lower levels. The rules, laws, and everything within the cosmos are incredibly advanced and complex due to the myriad forms of energy it houses, which enhance and intertwine with these laws. This complexity makes cultivation exponentially harder as one progresses to higher realms. Not everyone is capable of cultivating, and even for those who can, there are natural limits to growth.

Additionally, planets themselves have finite resources, both in terms of energy and material wealth. Over time, civilizations faced the stark reality that their home worlds could not sustain endless growth.

This scarcity drove societies to embrace technology as a solution, with technological innovation becoming the backbone of most advanced civilizations. Space exploration surged in popularity as civilizations sought to discover habitable planets and resource-rich worlds to sustain their expansion.

However, the exploration of space came with its own unique challenges—vast distances, hostile environments, and the need for protection from potential threats. To overcome these, civilizations began developing advanced and weaponized battleships. These ships were powered by the very ambient energies that pervaded the universe, giving them immense destructive potential.

While powerful cultivators—such as those in the World-Building Realm—could participate in battles within space, even they found themselves vulnerable against the overwhelming firepower of advanced technological weaponry.

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