After all, everything he had acquired here was A-grade or higher—rarities in their own right. Some items could be used in emergencies, others sold if necessary.
David gathered all essential supplies into a single space ring. The remaining treasures were stored within the house; carrying excessive wealth on his person invited nothing but trouble.
Stepping outside, he summoned the triangular spaceship. As he entered, a virtual, orb-like interface manifested in the center of the cabin.
"Welcome, Owner. I am the AI programmed to pilot this vessel and serve as your guide."
David regarded the AI. "Initiate command: change your designation to Trippy."
"Command initiated. Designation updated to Trippy."
At that moment, Albert materialized beside him. "Allow me to upgrade this AI and remove any backdoor vulnerabilities that could pose a danger. I have also integrated a detailed universal map, marking friendly and hostile races. Your journey can begin. I have marked several locations you should visit after reaching the peak of the World Master realm; they may hold significant benefits for you. Now, I must enter a deep sleep to recuperate. Do not wake me unless absolutely necessary."
Albert waved his hand. The spaceship lifted from the ground as the vast secret realm began to shrink, condensing into a tiny, glowing orb in Albert's palm. He then pressed it into David's chest. David felt no discomfort, only a profound sense of integration, as if the realm had naturally become his internal world. Albert's form dissipated, entering that inner space to rest, though David knew he could still access the house for training.
David looked back at the now-empty void where the realm had floated. A pang of melancholy struck him; this place had become his sanctuary. He stood in silence for a long moment.
"Set course for the nearest human-held galaxy," he finally ordered.
"Initiating external view simulation. Calculating travel time to the nearest human empire... Estimated arrival in 28 days at current speed. Shall I increase velocity, Sir? I have reorganized my address protocol as requested."
"Maintain current speed. Inform me of any anomalies."
"Affirmative, Sir."
27 Days Later
The journey had been a routine of virtual arena combat and cultivation. As David finished a session and moved toward the dining area, Trippy's alert chimed.
"Sir, I am detecting a distress signal from a C-grade spacecraft. Two Star Realm cultivators are trapped inside. Six pirate vessels have them surrounded. The strongest pirate reads at the 9th Level of the Universe Realm. Recommendation: detour."
David listened, then shook his head. "Plot a direct course. We'll assist. We may also gather current information about the empire from them. Maximum speed."
Inside the besieged C-grade ship, a boy and girl huddled together.
"Emma, I've sent the distress call to my sister and family. Do you think they can get here in time?" Liam asked, his voice strained.
"Stay positive, Liam. We're near the empire. Reinforcements could be here within a day. We just have to hold on," Emma replied, trying to sound confident.
"But can the shields withstand repeated Universe Realm attacks? He's just toying with us, waiting for the hull to crack so he can capture the ship intact. How long will his patience last?"
"Let's hope luck is on our side."
Outside, the pirate leader scowled at his crew. "What's taking so long? Can't you crack a mere C-grade hull? We've been here for two hours! If their backup arrives, we're finished!"
"Boss, it's got upgraded defensive modules. It's not standard issue," a lackey whined.
The leader glared at the ship. "A fine prize... pity it has to be damaged." With a roar, he gathered his power and unleashed a devastating punch directly at the ship's main energy conduit.
The shield flickered and died. The hull buckled with a sickening groan.
Inside, Liam and Emma panicked as alarms blared. Before they could react, the airlock was torn open, and the pirates stormed aboard.
The leader leered at them. "You two will fetch a fine price in the monster territories—especially the girl. Pity about the ship." He sighed with false regret.
Enraged, Liam launched himself forward. The leader didn't even move, simply flicking his wrist. A concussive force slammed Liam into a wall, where he crumpled, blood trickling from his lips.
Emma rushed to his side, tears of despair welling in her eyes. They knew the fate that awaited captives.
"Tie them up. Strip the ship of anything valuable and let's move!" the leader barked.
"Leaving so soon? Why not stay for the... cleanup?"
A new voice, calm and cold, echoed in the corridor. Everyone spun to see a young man leaning casually against a doorframe beside Emma. No one had seen or sensed his arrival.
Emma gasped. Before she could speak, the pirate leader—a veteran of countless ambushes—acted. He lunged at the intruder with silent, lethal intent.
He underestimated his target. Without even turning his head, David flicked his hand. A spatial distortion swatted the leader mid-air, and the Universe Realm pirate vanished into a cloud of crimson mist.
David didn't pause. He became a blur of motion. To the remaining pirates, it was as if death itself had taken form. In mere seconds, five dull thuds echoed, and then there was only silence.
Emma could only stare, blinking in shock.
After ensuring the immediate threat was eliminated, David walked over. "Are you both alright?"
Emma jolted back to awareness. "Th-thank you, Sir! Thank you for saving us! If you hadn't come—"
"It's fine. I intercepted your distress signal," David said, his tone practical. "We should leave. Scavengers might be drawn to the energy signatures. Gather your belongings. Your friend will recover, but this ship is finished. Do you have another?"
Emma looked at the ruined cockpit and shook her head. "Our escape pod was destroyed in the first barrage..."
David considered for a moment. He had intended only to gather information, but helping them now could provide a much smoother entry into the empire.
"I'm heading to the Galactic Empire. You may accompany me."
Relief flooded Emma's features. "Thank you! We are going there as well. Our families are there."
"Then it's settled."
David exited the derelict ship and summoned the Trippy. He directed the AI to scan the pirate vessels, but they held little of value—likely having just offloaded their ill-gotten gains. He stored the least damaged one in a ring nonetheless.
Once aboard the Trippy, Emma helped a groaning Liam onto a lounge couch. David retrieved a small vial of milky liquid.
"Give him this. It will accelerate his healing and restore his energy."
Emma carefully administered the elixir. Within minutes, the color returned to Liam's face, and his breathing steadied. His eyes fluttered open, taking in the luxurious, unfamiliar cabin and the man standing nearby.
"Emma? What happened? Where are we?"
Emma quickly explained the events after his defeat. Liam's eyes widened as he listened. Struggling to sit up, he faced David and bowed his head as deeply as his injuries allowed.
"Sir, you have my life. If there is anything you ever require, I will not refuse you."
David offered a faint, reassuring smile. "There's no need for such formality. We're likely of the same generation. Call me David. And who knows, I may need a guide soon enough."
He turned to look at the starfield whirling past the viewport. "We will arrive at the Galactic Empire soon. I must admit, this is my first time entering a major human polity. The procedures are unknown to me. If it's not too much trouble, your assistance in navigating the citizenship process and introducing me to the... highlights of your home would be invaluable. It's not easy for an outsider to know where to begin."
Liam and Emma exchanged a glance, a shared understanding passing between them. They owed this stranger their lives, and he was asking not for wealth or favor, but for simple guidance.
"It would be our honor," Liam said firmly, his voice now strong. "Consider it our first repayment."
Emma nodded in eager agreement. "We'll make sure you get the best introduction possible. The Galactic Empire can be overwhelming, but we know all the right places to start."