Walton prepared scholars for Luna primarily to assess her capabilities.
Of course, he wouldn't provide scholars of exceptionally high caliber; that would be a waste of resources.
The result was...
Luna felt a headache after seeing her assistants.
Their skill wasn't just low; it was abysmal—almost useless.
Fortunately, Luna didn't intend to conduct in-depth research, only collecting data on the seemingly biological objects around her.
Walton didn't object.
As the two civilizations merged, such minor technological details would eventually be openly shared.
Even if they weren't, the advanced technology of both civilizations would easily allow for analysis.
Only core technologies needed to remain secret.
In fact, even core technologies didn't need to be kept secret.
Neither civilization could wage a true war against the other.
Even without the existence of Connectors, this would be the case.
Civilizational exchange and merging, while recently discussed, had already begun.
Luna carefully studied the objects.
She discovered that at the microscopic level, these objects were tightly interwoven.
What were originally atomic-level structures appeared tightly bound, almost macroscopic in their appearance.
Light couldn't penetrate these objects.
However, to prevent entropy and radiate kinetic energy outward, these objects had tiny holes on their surfaces, occupied by enormous atoms; their expanded space allowed light to pass through.
Of course, "light" here referred to any form of light or radiation.
"If one day we could remove these atoms, the Flyer Civilization would truly enter the microscopic world."
Luna was deeply shocked after observing this.
These atoms must also exist on her body's surface.
If not, energy exchange between her body and the outside would be impossible, extremely dangerous for her.
Luna suddenly understood how Walton had killed the being that had continued expanding.
By removing these atoms, causing the body's constituent atoms to continue shrinking, when these atoms shrank to a critical point, they would become chaotic and collapse.
Theoretically, Walton could do this to her at any time.
Because she couldn't resist this microscopic energy.
She couldn't even identify what this energy was.
Could electromagnetic force cause atoms to shrink?
Gravity?
The strong or weak nuclear force?
It seemed unlikely.
The laws of the microscopic world might transcend the four fundamental forces.
After all, many phenomena in quantum mechanics cannot be explained using the four fundamental forces.
And the microscopic world is a crucial component of quantum mechanics.
"Some civilizations dream of ascending to higher dimensions; others dream of harnessing more powerful energy. Our civilization dreams of exploring the microscopic realm, making our civilization two-dimensional, even one-dimensional beings."
A scholar beside Luna spoke, his tone fervent.
Luna didn't react; she'd been hearing this since she'd accepted these scholars.
Only the uneducated would yearn for a utopian vision.
Truly educated individuals, perhaps all sentient beings, looked before they leaped.
The future was a void.
They needed to build a ladder to reach that void.
As beings building that ladder, they had no time to appreciate the beauty of the vision, acutely aware of the distance between themselves and that vision.
"What, in your view, is two-dimensional?" Luna asked.
The Kirara scholar pondered.
"Two-dimensional is essentially a world lacking one spatial dimension compared to three dimensions."
"Beings like us could exist in that world. Dimensional gateways allow access, but we haven't yet developed a method to travel to two-dimensional space."
"However, if we break through the limitations of the fundamental particles, allowing energy to be transmitted at an even more microscopic level, then we could achieve sufficient miniaturization. When our bodies become so small that they must exist as plane-like structures, we would reach the two-dimensional realm."
This was the core tenet of Flyer Civilization theory.
But it was impossible to visualize.
The scholar simply stated these theories, causing Luna to shake her head.
Having spent time with Luna, the scholar understood the meaning of her headshake.
He felt a bit of disdain for Luna; after all, she was merely a politician. Even if she possessed some academic talent, it was quite limited.
"Then, what do you think two-dimensional space is?"
Luna pondered, deciding not to engage in a theoretical discussion.
There was a saying: scholarship knows no bounds.
But bounds still existed between civilizations.
"Who knows?"
"After all, none of us have been to two dimensions, just as we haven't been to four dimensions."
"It's difficult for any dimensional being to imagine another dimension, unless they've experienced it themselves."
"Conveniently, this hasn't yet become part of my experience!"
The scholar was momentarily stunned.
Was this the eloquence of a politician? She'd elevated a simple question.
Luna carefully examined the microscopic structure, saying, "Actually, your civilization's current problem is easily solved."
"You need an atom that allows for internal and external particle exchange."
"Because the distances are too small, even quarks are difficult to move. Therefore, the particles themselves need control characteristics."
"For example, when light enters or exits, the particle's body could act as if it's evading, allowing matter to pass through."
"That way, you could become smaller."
The scholar scoffed, "Do you think we haven't considered this?"
"Unfortunately, creating such a material is extremely difficult. It requires technology far beyond our current civilization's limits. We estimate it will take hundreds of thousands of years before we can even begin to develop such technology."
"Any solution is easy to say, but difficult to do."
Luna strongly agreed with the scholar's assessment.
"Yes! Such material is extremely difficult to invent. It doesn't violate physics, but it redefines the logic of physics."
Luna felt that possessing this material would revolutionize a civilization.
It would be a quantum leap.
If life itself could achieve this, it would be an overwhelming advantage against civilizations relying on the four fundamental forces.
"Perhaps some research is in order."
Luna's eyes shone; she had an almost irrepressible interest in new ideas.
...
After about 70 years, Luna finally awaited the opening of the Blood Tournament.
Her research hadn't progressed, but it had provided valuable insights. When she received Walton's invitation to the Blood Tournament, she felt a pang of reluctance.
It was like a child having their phone snatched away and then being dragged to a desk to face a mountain of homework.
Miserable!
Luna was somewhat interested in the Blood Tournament, but not greatly.
However, given the invitation, she decided to attend.
For the Blood Tournament, Walton had dedicated a massive area—approximately 16 square kilometers—to construct the arena, capable of accommodating millions of Kirara to observe the event.
The Kamelin Kirara population certainly exceeded that number.
The remaining Kirara could watch the broadcast.
Actually, the broadcast was superior. With Flyer Civilization technology, they could achieve complete, omni-directional, zero-blind-spot recording during the blood battles, directly transmitting it to brains for a viewing experience identical to being present.
So why attend in person?
For the atmosphere.
That's the most important aspect of the Blood Tournament.
It provided intense emotional value.
In the main stands, Walton took the stage.
His black and white coloration set him apart from the other Kirara.
It was said that this was due to a rare genetic anomaly at birth, causing this mutation.
For the Flyer Civilization, this was easily treatable.
However, Walton's parents... or perhaps "orphan parent" is more accurate.
The Kirara are genderless.
Each Kirara possesses both testes and ovaries. During mating, whoever is fertilized first raises the offspring, while the other is unconcerned.
However, simultaneous fertilization sometimes occurs, resulting in separate rearing.
Therefore, Kirara society is a society of orphan parents.
Walton's orphan parent found his unique black and white coloration endearing. To obtain this unique emotional value, Walton's coloration was preserved.
This led to Walton facing considerable discrimination as a child.
But through his innate strong heart and competitive spirit, Walton overcame the prejudice of other Kirara, rising to his current position.
Archon!
Below a Monarch!
A truly dedicated individual.
As Walton appeared, loud cheers erupted around the stadium.
Fortunately, Luna had deactivated her internal quark robot receiver; as a human, she couldn't hear the high-frequency sounds of the Kirara.
The cacophony of millions of voices still caused some discomfort to her eardrums.
If there were glass present, it would likely shatter.
A normal person from the 21st century coming here would not only become deaf but also potentially mentally impaired; their brain would be shaken to its core.
Walton delivered a formal opening speech.
Very formal.
Essentially, he recounted the past and then invited Luna to the stage.
As Luna ascended, complete silence fell; one could hear a pin drop.
Luna didn't feel embarrassed. Walton had prepared a chair for her. After she sat down, he declared the Blood Tournament to begin.
The Kirara didn't sit; they floated in the air, observing the relatively small, 1 square kilometer arena within the much larger Blood Tournament grounds.
As two Kirara appeared, the atmosphere shifted from subdued to intense.
Luna looked.
They were two large, somewhat incomplete Kirara.
They carried no weapons.
One Kirara began to introduce itself.
One was a commoner, named cc4.
This Kirara had participated in 28 Blood Tournaments, winning all 28, including 6 instant kills.
In short, it was very powerful.
But the other was even more formidable—a sixth-rank title holder.
The aura of death emanating from it was perceptible even to Luna, across species.
Its name was Folkmi. It had participated in 41 Blood Tournaments, winning all 41; in the Blood Tournament, there was only victory or defeat.
Most striking were Folkmi's achievements: 33 reversals.
Instant kills demonstrate a difference in power; reversals show a character trait—bloodlust.
These two beings: one flamboyant, one reserved.
Walton leaned over and asked Luna, "Who do you think will win?"
Without hesitation, Luna said, "Folkmi."
The statistics alone were telling.
Walton was surprised.
"I thought you'd pick cc4."
The weak might not be weak; the strong might not be strong.
This is the imagined law.
"Choosing the weak to win provides a more exhilarating feeling if successful."
"But this is reality. While reality might have unexpected events, within fixed parameters, it won't deviate too much."
Luna didn't believe cc4 would win.
In reality, the weak are weak, unless this individual possesses the protagonist's halo.
The battle began swiftly.
The two Kirara rapidly closed the distance between them.
Their bodies simultaneously enlarged, their seemingly frail wings beating powerfully as they charged at each other.
This was an illusion.
Kirara bodies were highly technologically advanced; their wings were as hard as steel.
When their wings intertwined, an explosive sound echoed, and a powerful gust of wind swept up from below, engulfing the entire Blood Tournament arena.
This brought the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
Then, the two Kirara rapidly shrunk, becoming almost invisible to the naked eye.
They engaged in a battle at a microscopic level.
Due to their extreme density, each impact produced a collision effect. At the point of impact, the atoms were shattered, instantly releasing powerful atomic energy—nuclear explosions.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
The loud sounds and nuclear explosions produced intense radiation.
Each collision and explosion generated temperatures of millions of degrees Celsius at the point of impact.
Luna's expression grew serious.
The individual combat capabilities of the Kirara were indeed formidable.
Especially combined with this shrinking ability; it made them capable of handling special operations.
While the Federation had countermeasures, the Galactic Federation could also use other technologies to mask these abilities.
Seeing the change in Luna's expression, Walton's mood improved significantly.
What could be more satisfying than seeing one's opponent reveal surprise?
Walton thought nothing could be better.
He had prepared for this moment for years!
But Luna's expression changed only momentarily.
After all, it was only an individual battle, completely insignificant.
Conversely, it was quite enlightening.
The knowledge gained from observing this battle far outweighed any losses.
At that moment, Walton received some news, and his good mood vanished instantly.
...
Walton had long observed the dimensional bubble's changes.
It was contracting, but emitting increasingly powerful pure energy that spread outwards.
Discussions among Kamelin's upper echelons had always considered this energy a weapon.
However, current observations showed this energy lacked significant destructive power.
It might be hundreds or thousands of times stronger than a typical gamma-ray burst.
For a civilization as advanced as theirs, stopping it would be effortless.
That's what's strange.
According to previous scans of the materials, it was severely energy-deficient.
The energy would be used to expand the fourth pseudo-dimension, facilitating passage through the dimensional gateway.
Ultimately, travel from a four-dimensional civilization to a three-dimensional one is a dimensional reduction.
Dimensional reduction implies damage and weakening.
There's a term called "dimensional reduction strike," suggesting four-dimensional beings can crush three-dimensional ones like insects.
But in reality, dimensions aren't inherently stronger or weaker, only home and away.
Regardless of whether you're four-dimensional or eleven-dimensional, entering three dimensions transforms you from a dragon into an insect, unless you master dimensional principles, becoming a technologically advanced Type 3 civilization, a galactic civilization.
Mastering dimensions allows you to view all dimensions as a single entity.
Only then, with one civilization in three dimensions and another in four, can a true dimensional reduction strike occur.
Therefore...
Was the energy released from the dimensional bubble an indication of a flaw in the opposing civilization's plan?
This made Walton connect the event with Luna.
To date, Luna was the only individual who had been in close proximity to the dimensional bubble.
Luna had also previously claimed that she could solve the dimensional gateway problem.
Coincidence?
Walton suppressed his suspicions and continued watching the Blood Tournament.
He was now full of doubts, feeling no satisfaction whatsoever.
Worst of all, Luna turned and asked, "Archon, based on your understanding of Kirara combat, how long will this fight last?"
An unexpected question disrupted Walton's thoughts.
He refocused on the arena.
"Probably around two metawa."
About 1.2 hours.
Luna watched the fight with boredom. Initially, she found it novel, but the strategies were repetitive.
It wasn't as entertaining as a fantasy novel.
The Kirara were maximizing their abilities within a limited space, representing a completely different combat style.
However, the Federation's gene pool modifications were more comprehensive, with far greater mechanical enhancements.
In Luna's opinion, the Kirara were too conservative.
This approach couldn't achieve overwhelming offensive power.
Even their most powerful strike, in Luna's estimation, was only equivalent to a few hundred tons of TNT.
Of course, the Federation had long since adopted a different unit for explosive yield—antimatter equivalents, typically expressed in PmAs. A single ton of matter-antimatter annihilation produces a massive explosion.
A one-ton matter-antimatter annihilation doesn't mean 500kg of matter and 500kg of antimatter, but rather one ton of matter and one ton of antimatter completely annihilating each other.
Typical large ships can only achieve 0.01 PmAs; reaching 0.1 PmAs would be considered a top-tier ship.
One gram of matter-antimatter annihilation produces an explosion equivalent to approximately 42,000 tons of TNT; one ton is 1,000,000 grams, or 42 billion tons of TNT equivalent.
Standard minimum firepower for battleships is generally above 10 PmAs.
This is a colossal number, sufficient to destroy a planet.
The Federation's most advanced battleships currently possess firepower exceeding 80 PmAs, with abundant energy reserves, allowing them to easily pierce a planet with a single main cannon shot.
True flagship-class warships have firepower exceeding 500 PmAs. Sub-planet-class warships have main cannons exceeding 10,000 PmAs; with super-range weapons, this figure reaches over 100 million PmAs.
100 million PmAs is the minimum standard for planet-class warship main cannons; the maximum output can reach 10 billion PmAs.
This is the terrifying power of super-range weapons.
The difference is like the destructive power of a 21st-century cannonball versus a hydrogen bomb—even greater, in fact.
Even 10 billion PmAs is only 420 quintillion tons of TNT. Calculations show that completely destroying a planet the size of Earth requires at least 500 sextillion tons of TNT, making 10 billion PmAs relatively small.
The ability of 100 million PmAs to destroy a star is due entirely to energy density.
It's like a punch with low force won't hurt, but a needle with the same force can easily pierce skin.
Super-range and planet-destroying weapons are not characterized by large-scale coverage; they maximize energy density.
For instance, super-range weapons might have an energy density comparable to steel.
Hitting a beam of light would feel the same as hitting a steel plate.
They also contain other advanced artificial particles to make the energy beam more compact and controllable.
However, the energy differences in super-range weapons remain vast. Whether 100 million or 10 billion PmAs, they are still relatively low-tier.
The Federation's most powerful super-range weapon is the All-Star Cannon, with a final output exceeding 100 octillion PmAs—a truly terrifying weapon of a high-level civilization.
This represents the peak of weapons power.
Individuals, of course, cannot reach this level of destructive power.
However, the Federation's supreme gene pool modifications, and even some of its super gene pool modifications, can exceed 0.01 PmAs—far stronger than the Kirara's attacks, which couldn't even destroy a few square kilometers.
That's why Luna was so bored.
She was waiting for a change.
The other Kirara, however, were excited. They cared about the result, not the process.
At this point, one side of the arena was in ruins.
It was cc4, unsurprisingly.
It looked in poor condition, while Folkmi, though injured, was only lightly wounded.
But then.
cc4's body suddenly changed.
Its previously slender body became ferocious and terrifying.
Claws and teeth grew, and thick scales covered its body.
"Interesting!"
A smile touched Luna's lips.
She knew this was from the Federation's gene pool modifications, definitely not Flyer Civilization bio-engineering.
Walton, on the other hand, felt furious.
His civilization's lifeforms were using technology from another civilization in such an important event as the Blood Tournament, and under the observation of another civilization.
Federation gene pool modifications.
This was a relatively inexpensive form of bio-engineering, especially the lower-level ones.
The Flyer Civilization, however, was a civilization extremely deficient in biology.
Therefore, Luna wasn't surprised that gene pool modifications were being sold to the Flyer Civilization.
She just hadn't expected to see it under these circumstances.
"I didn't expect your civilization's Blood Tournament to be so timely!" Luna said with a smile.
Walton seethed inwardly.
But it couldn't show it.
"Naturally, embracing new technologies is always a priority for our civilization."
"Federation bio-engineering has much to offer."
"I wonder if your body has undergone gene pool modifications?"
Walton suddenly thought of Luna's ever-growing body.
It was a difficult issue.
If she didn't have complete control of this place, it would be difficult to eliminate her.
Though reluctant, Walton could only acknowledge the disparity between them.
This was due to the Flyer Civilization's poor biodiversity.
While lifeforms possess incredible creativity, this creativity is based on what they see, hear, and think. They can't build a new tower without a foundation.
The Flyer Civilization's low biodiversity meant a lack of imagination in biology.
The Federation, however, actively explored all possibilities based on the practical resource theory of imagination—a key difference between the two civilizations.
On the arena, cc4 had transformed into a terrifying winged wyvern.
It lunged at Folkmi.
Its long claws reached Folkmi's face in an instant.
Although Folkmi evaded, its massive wings couldn't retract quickly enough; one wing was torn to shreds by cc4's claws.
Silence fell over the arena.
The Kirara weren't as closed-minded as Luna had imagined.
They likely knew cc4's transformation came from Federation gene pool modifications; otherwise, they wouldn't have fallen silent.
"Archon, who do you think will win?"
Luna redirected Walton's earlier question.
Walton was furious at Luna's cunning.
If he answered Folkmi, and Folkmi lost, it would be shameful. If he answered cc4, even if cc4 won, it wouldn't be a victory for the Flyer Civilization Kirara, but for Federation gene pool modifications.
Walton had planned to use this Blood Tournament to impress Luna.
But now, he felt deeply uneasy.
This was only the first match; dozens more remained.
The thought made Walton restless.
Its wing beat frequency increased slightly.
But as an Archon, it wouldn't let this affect its composure.
"cc4 is more likely to win."
It spoke calmly.
It was just a game; honesty would lead to defeat.
At this moment, Luna said, "Then I'll bet on Folkmi!"
"Although gene pool modifications are powerful, they also require skill."
"cc4 is of common origin, meaning it hasn't had access to advanced gene pool modifications. Its current modifications show that it's only the weakest gene series, and still in the first gene pool stage."
Gene series, of course, refers to a set of gene pool modifications.
A typical gene series has 5 or 7 gene pools. Stronger gene series are divided further to ensure the organism can handle the modifications. For example, a common advancement for Supreme Being-level gene pool modifications requires 22 modifications.
Supreme gene pool modifications can even require 40 or 50 modifications.
Luna hadn't experienced these because Ayla initiated the highest level of gene modification, ensuring her safety.
Another reason was that gene pool modifications were in their infancy then, incomparable to now.
The weakest gene pool, first stage modifications!
Walton was stunned.
He had thought cc4's transformation was significant and powerful.
He hadn't expected it to be only the weakest!
Now, observing cc4's fighting style more closely, Walton noticed that it relied mainly on high-speed approach and physical attacks.
Its enhancements seemed limited to its physical body.
Its actual power increase wasn't significant.
Walton felt a growing sense of unease.
He had underestimated Folkmi, who hadn't used gene pool modifications, and supported cc4 instead.
And Luna was supporting Folkmi!
This Blood Tournament was a disaster!
He wanted to leave immediately.
The battle entered a critical phase. Folkmi, adapting to cc4's attacks, began to evade.
Its combat awareness far surpassed cc4's.
Seizing an opportunity, it moved behind cc4 and used its blade-like claws to sever one of its wings.
cc4 cried out in pain, frantically shifting its body, attempting a fatal blow with its massive claws, but Folkmi had already retreated several body lengths.
It flapped its wings, scattering scales.
These scales enveloped cc4.
cc4 attempted to use ultrasonic waves to disperse the scales, but before it could act, Folkmi, using the scales to obscure cc4's vision, rapidly approached.
This was a direct attack, completely unexpected by cc4.
Its gene pool modifications enhanced its frontal defense, and having been previously flanked, its attention was focused on its rear.
Folkmi's frontal assault caught cc4 off guard.
But it was too late.
Folkmi used its damaged wing as a weapon, impaling it into cc4's vulnerable vocal cords.
A single, fatal blow!
"BOOM!!!"
The Kirara in the Blood Tournament arena erupted in a cacophony.
A deafening roar echoed outwards.
Even Luna felt her body tremble; the sound was transmitted at high frequency through the medium.
What a terrifying scene!
"The second match will begin in one metawa. You can wait here or explore as you wish." Walton left after speaking.
It wasn't about losing face.
This was nothing.
He needed to investigate the dimensional gateway situation.
The current situation was unclear; he wasn't sure if his guess was correct. Luna might know something.
"Mm."
"Archon, consider this: if the Kirara could accept human genes, they might become as beautiful as flower fairies."
"Such beauty is highly prized in human civilization!"
Luna couldn't resist teasing Walton.
Walton left without looking back.
Luna's words had little effect on Walton; it was simply a joke, a way to see his reaction.
Walton's immediate departure indicated something more important was at hand.
What could it be?
Luna thought she could guess.
...
Walton, upon leaving the Blood Tournament grounds, was immediately enveloped by an overwhelming weariness.
As the ruler of Kamelin, the Archon, his recent responsibilities had been immense.
He not only had to mobilize scholars for dimensional gateway research but also had to deal with the fallout from Haru's actions resulting in numerous deaths.
The ever-expanding Luna had consumed 76 Kirara, a catastrophic event.
He had to account for the loss of life to the general Kirara population and provide a plausible explanation to other departments.
The Flyer Civilization employed a multi-departmental balance system.
While the Archon was nominally the supreme ruler, he generally only had the power to suggest, not directly manage, various matters.
For instance, if Walton wanted the scholarly department to conduct research, he could only "suggest you conduct research on this," not "you must conduct research on this." The scholarly department could refuse, provided it remained within the regulatory framework.
This wasn't necessarily bad; it restricted Walton's power as Archon.
Once an individual wields excessive power, they tend to abuse it.
Therefore, limitations greatly ensure the stable operation of society.
However, this increases the inertia of actions, making the Flyer Civilization's societal model resemble an antiquated mechanical transmission system with numerous gears. The movement of the first gear takes considerable time to affect the tenth or twentieth gear.
The Flyer Civilization's lengthy period of contact with human civilization before initiating formal exchange served a dual purpose: slowing the rate at which humans understood them, and reflecting their internal societal mechanisms.
Stability is paramount in the Flyer Civilization.
They constantly strive for stability.
For example, their exploration of the microcosm has led to the creation of a vast microcosmic world.
The collapse of even a single microcosm would mean the loss of countless lives.
The Flyer Civilization cannot afford instability.
However, managing these complexities is challenging for a titled ruler.
Many tasks proceed slowly.
The Flyer Civilization also has lifespan limitations.
A high-ranking official might not accomplish much in their entire political career.
To achieve true efficiency requires diligence, hard work, and personally overseeing and expediting every task.
Of course, this inherent slowness in the Flyer Civilization is built upon a vast societal base.
In terms of actual operational efficiency, it's only seven or eight times slower than the Federation.
The Federation is like a massive supermarket, constantly searching for new directions within existing resources.
The Flyer Civilization, however, conducts highly precise research, meticulously exploring each target.
Considering true effective efficiency, the Flyer Civilization and the Federation are actually quite comparable.
This is a relatively healthy civilization at this stage.
"What's the current situation?"
Walton reached the scholarly assembly department with utmost speed.
Haru was also present. He himself was researching the dimensional gateway and held the title of Overseer.
Titles in the Flyer Civilization are categorized differently. Haru's Overseer title doesn't involve much administration; he received it primarily due to his scholarly achievements.
Assigning administrative roles to individuals with significant scholarly achievements is not only wasteful but may also lead to ineffective management.
Titles sometimes represent more than just authority; in the Flyer Civilization, they also represent lifespan.
Haru was granted this title because his accomplishments warranted a longer lifespan.
"We've collected and analyzed the energy, using tachyon technology for rapid transmission. Based on current analysis, that energy is purely energy. By the time it reaches Kamelin, its density will be reduced tens of thousands of times; it poses no threat to us."
"Next, we'll use some of the material we collected to create an emergency simulation."
"Look!"
Haru showed Walton the simulation.
They'd conducted hundreds of tests. The results showed that only when the stability of the material is affected will its surface tear, subsequently absorbing and releasing energy.
"This energy eruption isn't caused by the material itself."
"It's due to the internal space of the material returning to its normal state, no longer requiring excess energy, thus causing the energy overflow."
This was good news. It meant the expanding objects were malfunctioning.
"Do you know the specific problem?" This was Walton's primary concern.
Haru used Kamelin's powerful computational resources to analyze the entire expansion process.
"Unless something unexpected occurs, this structure could theoretically expand to a radius of 13.47 light-years."
"But it actually started contracting after reaching 11.655 light-years, indicating an internal problem."
"We have two hypotheses."
"One is a problem with the dimensional gateway, resulting in insufficient energy supply from the four-dimensional civilization."
"The second is a critical problem with the material itself—a design flaw preventing further expansion."
"A sphere with a radius of 13.47 light-years has an enormous surface area. Even if the surface were only a single layer of atoms, the final scale would far exceed the energy capacity of a Type 2 civilization."
"This sphere itself surpasses the control range of any civilization; flaws are to be expected."
Two possibilities: internal and external. This was likely the answer Walton most wanted to hear.
However, recalling Luna's previous statements, he asked, "Is a third possibility, external interference, viable?"
Haru shook his head.
"Essentially impossible. Unless those top-tier civilizations intervened directly, but they have no reason to do so."
"As mentioned, this is something even the civilization that created it can't fully control. It resembles a bubble, but its durability is hard to imagine. I suspect even Holmer-class weapons couldn't destroy it."
Holmer-class weapons refer to the Federation's super-range weapons.
The concept of super-range weaponry originated in the Flyer Civilization with Holmer, after whom they're named.
He was a rather ancient scholar.
He not only proposed the concept of super-range weapons but also many other innovative theories.
His era is known as the Holmer Era, a time when the rate of scientific and technological development was ten times the normal average.
He essentially created the glory of that era with his life's work.
Hearing Haru's words, Walton was reassured.
"Report all this data to the Monarch."
"Also make a copy and give it to Spanish when the Seventh Fleet arrives at Kamelin."
"I'd rather not see him."
Walton had a conflict with Spanish, the Seventh Fleet's commander. He'd rather spend a day talking with Luna than meet with Spanish.
Naturally, given the choice, neither would be preferable.
After further inquiries, Walton abandoned his plan to return to the Blood Tournament.
Along the way, he sent notifications to the Kamelin forces, instructing them to prepare for the Seventh Fleet's arrival and to dispatch warships to assist the fleet.
Having completed this, he arrived before a massive, pillar-like structure.
This was a Flyer Civilization hospital, or more accurately, a "Repair" facility.
"Repair" refers to consciousness repair. "Repair" is a common term in the Flyer Civilization.
Walton had frequented this place decades ago, visiting those injured in the Luna incident.
This time, he was here to see a life depart.
Entering the Repair facility, he found oval-shaped corridors that could accommodate more than ten Kirara flying in parallel.
A Kirara quickly greeted him without asking his purpose; its scans revealed his identity.
"Archon Walton, please follow me."
Walton followed it to a Repair chamber.
Standing outside the transparent chamber, Walton watched the fading life within, a wave of sorrow overcoming him.
It was his child.
Though not his first child to die.
He had had three children.
The first two had perished centuries ago.
That's when he decided to have a third.
He carried and birthed this child, showering it with love.
Unfortunately, the child didn't thrive; even with his support, it couldn't obtain a title.
Its life remained a short 500 years, like a fleeting bloom.
The Kirara have no tears.
But in grief, they release a special pheromone.
This pheromone is contagious.
Other passing Kirara also sensed the grief.
As if noticing this, the Kirara in the Repair chamber turned its head towards Walton, emitting a faint but penetrating sound that reached Walton's ears through the chamber wall.
It was an expression of gratitude.
Amidst the preparations for the Blood Tournament and the complex diplomacy with other civilizations, Walton had still found the time to come.
The Flyer Civilization placed great importance on death.
Otherwise, how could they find pleasure in the Blood Tournament?
The greater the loss, the more intense the resulting emotions.
The Kirara preserved their unique biology, but also their innate emotions.
"My child…"
Walton felt a torrent of emotions, yet no words came.
He felt a pang of regret.
He hadn't given his child enough attention.
He had believed he could become a better parent after the loss of his first two children. But, in reality, his constant busyness forced him to compromise his family life.
Their interactions became less frequent.
Especially after the child grew up.
This could have been avoided.
Sensing Walton's feelings, the Kirara in the chamber felt satisfied.
It said to Walton, "Go."
"You have much to attend to."
Walton stood outside the Repair chamber, seemingly not hearing, lingering for a long time before departing.
He went to his workplace, the same place he'd summoned Luna to before.
A brief visit to the Blood Tournament had resulted in a multitude of tasks.
Fortunately, the Flyer Civilization's social structure wasn't as complex as the Federation's; compared to Luna's workload, his was relatively light.
Subordinates handled minor matters; Walton only needed to review them and understand the overall picture.
His primary concern remained the numerous internal conflicts within the Flyer Civilization.
Life is complex.
Like Federation life, Flyer life was also complex.
Even in an era where everything seemed effortless, many individuals still felt restricted and craved more.
To satisfy their desires, they would commit incomprehensible acts.
Kamelin was vast, hiding many such dark secrets.
Especially during the Blood Tournament. In East Meilin, someone had killed ten individuals and captured hundreds more using a unique internal extraction weapon.
The individual was demanding a meeting on-site.
Seeing this report, Walton immediately went to East Meilin.
Tens of thousands of Kirara had gathered outside a building. Walton arrived to calm them.
"I am Walton. If you have any concerns, please speak with me…"
The moment Walton arrived, the criminal holding the hostages detonated the extraction weapons.
Over a hundred lives vanished instantly.
The more powerful a civilization, the more extreme its individuals can become.
Sometimes, their only desire is death, or to leave their mark on history.
In such a grand era, they feel insignificant and desperately crave to leave their mark.
The deaths of those hundred individuals shocked and devastated the surrounding Kirara.
Death was instantaneous.
And the victims' relatives now focused their anger on Walton, their emotions overflowing.
Walton endured.
He could have easily killed the criminal, but many criminals in the Flyer Civilization employed similar tactics. Their weapons were linked to the criminals' life forces.
Theoretically, the criminals' deaths would also kill the weapons.
And to prevent information interference, the criminal would be forced to remain close to the weapon.
Of course, most such criminals had their own motivations and wouldn't be as extreme as this one.
He dispatched inner city patrols to record the entire event and retrieve the criminal's data, to determine if it was an individual act or a purposeful group action.
Such acts of societal revenge weren't uncommon in Kamelin, occurring roughly every few hundred years.
But Kamelin had hundreds of trillions of Kirara; how could Walton possibly understand every individual's feelings?
After the bereaved had vented most of their emotions, Walton issued a public announcement to all the Kirara, expressing his apologies and admitting his failure.
Having done so, he calmly flew towards the Blood Tournament grounds.
Along the way, he finished several more minor tasks before entering the Blood Tournament grounds and returning to Luna.
Luna turned, saying, "That took a long time."
"Were you thinking about what I said? Any results?"
Walton ignored Luna's question.
He said flatly, "The second round of the Blood Tournament is about to begin."