Chapter 15: New Rewards
Principal Kilan engaged the Emperor in an animated discourse regarding the Gene God-making project, their conversation flowing with the ease of kindred scholarly minds.
The Master of Mankind had already absorbed the fundamental principles of genetic enhancement engines through their earlier exchanges.
After the Raven had facilitated the alteration of ten percent of this reality's fate-threads, the corvid had shared the technical specifications of three divine body configurations.
Now the Emperor's comprehension of genetic manipulation rivaled that of any expert in this strange new cosmos.
His vast intellect and innovative approaches left Principal Kilan genuinely impressed—a rare occurrence for one who had witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations.
"Continue along this path," Kilan said with undisguised admiration, "and you will surpass every scholar I have known."
The Emperor received the praise with characteristic composure, though inwardly he reflected on the irony. 'In my own reality, I have guided humanity's genetic evolution for millennia. Here, I am a student learning new applications of familiar principles.'
"Given sufficient time," Kilan continued, "you might even eclipse the great inventor Ding Gehei himself. Perhaps you could become the spiritual leader this universe's civilizations require—one to guide them in exploring the cosmic frontier and unraveling the ultimate mysteries."
"What is your position on the Ultimate Fear?" Kilan asked, broaching the question that had tormented his colleague Ding Gehei and ultimately fractured the Black Hawk Military Academy .
The Emperor's expression grew contemplative. In his own timeline, he had witnessed threats that made these local concerns seem quaint, yet he recognized the genuine terror such unknown forces represented to these civilizations.
"I believe it exists," he replied with measured certainty. "When civilizations across the universe reach sufficient technological sophistication, they face elimination by some unknown agency."
Kilan's demeanor grew solemn. "You share this conviction?"
"It is not mere belief," the Emperor explained, his tone carrying the weight of eons. "The evidence presents itself plainly. The eldest civilization in your known universe—the Shenhe—has existed for merely one hundred thousand years."
'How brief their span compared to humanity's rapid march across the galaxy,' he mused silently.
"This cosmos has existed for over thirteen billion years. In such vast temporal expanses, countless civilizations should have arisen, yet no trace of ancient predecessors remains. Save for systematic purging, no other explanation suffices."
Ruizi, standing nearby, interjected with obvious unease. "Could such power truly exist? A force capable of eliminating advanced civilizations so completely?"
The Emperor's smile held grim knowledge. "Before the Black Hawk Military Academy manifested on Earth, could Mankind have conceived that beings you term 'gods' existed? Could he have imagined obtaining power that transcends mortal limitations?"
'They know so little of true cosmic horror, the Emperor thought. They have never witnessed the birth-screams of daemons or felt the Warp's malevolent attention.'
Ruizi fell silent, grasping the implication. The technological disparity between advanced and primitive civilizations represented an unbridgeable chasm.
Angel King Keisha proclaimed no civilization more advanced than the Angels existed, dismissing the Ultimate Fear and void entities as mere phantoms.
Yet when primitive civilizations dwelt in ignorance of the stellar realm, they too claimed supremacy—only to face annihilation by cosmic powers like the Angels, Black Hawk Military Academy , and Lieyang Star.
Perhaps to void entities, even the mightiest civilizations appeared as insignificant as insects, easily erased without a trace.
Kilan sighed softly. "Let us set aside such grim speculation."
He was reluctant to delve deeper into truths that offered only despair. The closer one approached ultimate knowledge, the more crushing its weight became.
Perched upon the Emperor's shoulder, the Raven observed Kilan and Ruizi with sardonic amusement.
"Something far more terrifying than your Ultimate Fear stands before you," the corvid mused silently, "yet you remain blissfully unaware. Ignorance truly is a rare form of happiness."
The Ultimate Fear represented by Void Civilization would at least leave emptiness in its wake. But the entity he served—the one these mortals called "Emperor"—embodied ending and consumption itself.
Time, space, fate, matter—all would be devoured, transformed into absolute nothingness. Eventually, perhaps even that nothingness would cease to exist.
Kilan redirected their discussion toward the Gene Engine project. The discourse proved remarkably productive, with the principal even contributing to the Emperor's research. Two supreme intellects working in harmony achieved remarkable results.
Together, they completed the theoretical framework for a Gene Engine optimized for baseline humans. Kilan's calculations revealed the design could achieve an extraordinary seventy percent compatibility rate—meaning seven in ten humans could become enhanced warriors capable of defending their world.
Once implemented widely, weak Earth would ascend to stand among the universe's premier powers, equal to mighty civilizations like Lieyang Star and the Angels.
General Dukao and several high-ranking Planetarian Federation officials arrived with unprecedented haste upon receiving word of this breakthrough.
Their excitement was palpable—such results could fundamentally alter humanity's disadvantaged position, granting them the strength to negotiate as equals with civilizations like the Taotie and Angels.
The Emperor transferred the complete research data to them without reservation.
"This is my gift to your people," he declared, his tone carrying both magnanimity and subtle authority. "Numerous alien civilizations have descended upon Earth. An age of conflict approaches. I would have your citizens possess sufficient strength to protect those they cherish."
'As I once protected Terra's children, he added silently. As I failed to protect them from the horrors that came after.'
Dukao's expression shifted with surprise. "You simply... give this to us? Without conditions?"
The Emperor's smile held ancient sadness. "I have witnessed your soldiers' dedication—men who know their weapons cannot harm the enemy, yet choose sacrifice without complaint or regret. Such courage moves even one such as I."
'They remind me of the Imperial Guard who face all abominations, with courage and honour.'
"If you require terms to accept this gift with a clear conscience, then protect human civilization. Ensure its continuance."
"Big Guy is Big Guy," the Raven commented, gesturing approval with one wing.
'Protecting humanity will always remain the Emperor's paramount concern—in any reality.'
[Fate Node changed by 15%]
As Dukao and his officers departed with grateful hearts, bearing the Emperor's revolutionary research, the Raven received another notification from the Mist Space.
This breakthrough's impact proved enormous, shifting fate-threads by five percent in a single stroke—several times greater than previous alterations.
The predetermined destiny of the Super God Universe trembled on the verge of complete collapse.
Aboard the Demon Wings' command center, Morgana learned of Dukao's efforts to implement the adaptive Gene Engine throughout Earth's military forces. Her initial astonishment quickly transformed into profanity-laden rage.
"That old bastard shouldn't have come to Earth! Damn it, what kind of cursed place is this?"
"Does this universe follow any scientific logic anymore? A pre-nuclear civilization develops an adaptive Gene Engine and plans to equip their entire army!"
"Why don't they just ascend to heaven and challenge the sun itself, damn it!"
A'tuo interrupted his queen's tirade. "Should I establish contact with Death God Karl?"
"Connect him."
Karl's holographic image materialized before Morgana, his skeletal features impassive.
"How progresses the Earth's situation?"
Morgana slammed her fist against the command console. "Ask me a little later, and these Earthlings will probably be marching on the Dark Nebula!"
Karl's expression showed mild confusion. "Explain."
"See for yourself!" Morgana activated the Earth surveillance feed. "That bastard calling himself 'Emperor' has created an adaptive Gene Engine and is preparing for planet-wide implementation."
"Currently, only resource limitations constrain them. Once they master nuclear fusion or equivalent energy sources, they'll possess a universal citizen-army. Millions of Gene Soldiers! That bitch Keisha probably doesn't even have millions of Angel warriors."
Karl's demeanor shifted slightly before returning to calculated calm.
"Troublesome, but manageable. Once we eliminate Keisha according to plan and introduce the void, humanity will pose no significant threat."
"Incidentally, you have a surveillance Angel in custody?"
Karl glanced upward at Angel Zhixin, crucified and suspended in his laboratory, offering a cold smile.
"The matter is resolved. The Big Clock stands ready. The initiative rests with you."
"Modify our original strategy. Send this 'Emperor' to Emerald Star as well—let him share Keisha's grave."