061. Intergalactic Communication
[——I can hear strange sounds from across the universe.]
Li Aozi slowly turned, receiving gravitational wave information from various massive celestial bodies.
Listening to the sounds of celestial bodies is a hidden ability of the [Echoer].
The most powerful aspect of [Echoer] lies in its information-based nature, bridging long-distance communication gaps early on and enabling timely detection of abnormal signals emitted by celestial bodies.
This is an advantage other advanced classes lack, though its debuff banning the learning of extraordinary knowledge is quite a pain, making players' actual experience less than ideal.
Additionally, the passive effect of Sequence Seventy-Seven • [Calamity] allows Li Aozi to distinctly sense the harbingers of impending disaster.
With both combined, Li Aozi's awareness of the universe became exceedingly powerful, and at this moment, he clearly heard a strange sound emanating from within a certain nebula.
To call it slaughter would seem too efficient—a chorus of agonizing wails from billions of people, resounding across the universe, hauntingly unsettling. But if this were a natural disaster, the disciplined signal of organized forces within the gravitational waves clearly pointed to human tragedy.
A planet had fallen.
Not in the usual sense; in Li Aozi's perception, the entire planet was engulfed, digested, merged into something else.
This approach was too familiar; Li Aozi immediately identified the culprit.
"…[Society]."
Li Aozi said in a deep voice:
"A planetary civilization has been consumed by [Society]."
He quietly sensed the incoming gravitational wave updates.
"No, from the scale of this…it seems it's not just one."
Li Aozi's expression grew grave.
"It seems that other civilizations are simultaneously facing [Society]'s encroachment."
Li Aozi looked at Flanna.
"Open up the star map; something feels off!"
Flanna hurriedly pulled up the star map, and Li Aozi approached to pinpoint the source of the signals based on gravitational wave positioning.
"「Empire of Heroes」, Sogto Civilization - Gerling Nebula - Mufis Star. Hmm, signal's clear enough. The 「Empire of Heroes」 has already launched a counterattack and will drive them out soon."
"Hua Court Constellation, unrecognized planetary civilization - Planet PT102. So tragic, devoured in an instant, utterly powerless."
"Beyond these two, other infiltrations by [Society] are occurring here as well: Polaire Supercluster recently annexed by 'United Group,' Planet D-61-77, which should be a religious planet grown by Red King's followers. No major issue; it's still being invaded, albeit slowly. They'll be driven out eventually."
Li Aozi was somewhat relieved; this wasn't a large-scale crisis.
[Society] doesn't hunt on a fixed schedule; it occasionally develops a whim for infiltrating civilizations it finds appealing.
The issue isn't too serious, except for weak planetary civilizations lacking intergalactic alliances. The others are either affiliates, members, or allies of narrative-level civilizations, so there's no real cause for concern.
While the Galactic Alliance is often a forum for bickering among narrative-level civilizations, it remains the most reliable and only resource for weaker civilizations.
Membership in the Galactic Alliance means not having to worry about [Society]'s infiltration, and even if they do, failure is common. After all, if a civilization launches a nuclear war and crumbles, [Society] will inevitably lose interest.
"Then there's this one; not a major threat yet, likely just a passing [Society] entity that deployed a few representatives and citizens in a wide-casting ploy…"
Just as Li Aozi finished, he noticed the planet's name:
"Galaxy's Edge - Crystal Civilization - White Candle Star."
——Isn't that my college?
If he had a head, Li Aozi was sure his eye would twitch.
Half of his assets were currently on White Candle Star, and now [Society] had taken an interest in it.
Good thing he progressed fast enough to notice the issue.
The threat level wasn't severe…he could handle it upon his return.
"Uh, what happened? Even though you have no head, it feels like something's bothering you…" Flanna asked, perplexed.
"Seems like [Society] has started invading civilizations, and narrative-level civilizations have initiated countermeasures. Nothing major."
Li Aozi estimated that the most likely entity invading White Candle Star was the Machine Domain Society, Marshgan, which was highly active in the regions near the Galaxy's Eye.
[Society] is categorized not only by size—large, medium, or small—but also by function.
Generally, [Society] has three types:
Predators — These [Society] entities are often powerful and led by highly capable speakers. They rarely hide and rely on "island-hopping" tactics, deploying citizens until the time is ripe for the main entity to descend, overwhelming and consuming civilizations with brute force.
Predators are absolute apex predators within the Star Abyss, often preying on weaker [Society] entities for amusement.
However, since their significant forms and destructive power make them easy to spot, vigilant civilizations often detect a predator's "citizens" early, reducing their threat.
Infiltrators — Smaller in form but highly adept at concealing themselves, infiltrators rely heavily on the number of their "citizens" to embed and seize control of a civilization before appearing to drain its resources slowly.
This is the typical survival tactic of smaller societies.
While most civilizations find them challenging to resist, early detection of infiltrators makes it easier to repel them.
Parasites — Neither adept at hiding nor combat, parasites are often massive and diffuse, manifesting as "cultural memes" that blend with civilizations, growing alongside them.
At first glance, it might seem beneficial, like a fair exchange.
However, parasitic memes usually dominate, and the longer they stay, the harder it becomes for the civilization to let go. Eventually, the civilization becomes a mere blood bag for the parasite.
Of the three, parasites are the most insidious. Weaker civilizations can't resist cultural invasions, and even powerful ones struggle to eradicate the parasite.
Narrative-level civilizations have means to deal with parasites, though it often requires drastic measures.
The Machine Domain Society Marshgan, a formidable mid-sized [Society], is known for its imposing form, which makes it readily noticeable.
Based on his knowledge, Marshgan had once consumed planetary civilizations near Galaxy's Eye, making it a prime suspect.
Of course, it could also be a weaker infiltrator, like the Forgeries Society, more focused on infiltration than combat.
Parasitic societies are unlikely, as they aren't easily detected or removed, and removal often leads to internal chaos, with little recourse available.
Most importantly, the parasitic type would be ill-suited for the Crystal Tower civilization, a single-ethnicity, militaristic, and strictly materialistic civilization resistant to foreign influences.
Flanna's limited understanding of [Society] was based on predator stereotypes, so she was apprehensive:
"Saint Ymir…if [Society] is invading, should we go back?"
"No need to return." Li Aozi shook his head. "Let's redirect to Vanlenkov Free States."
"Mercenary city-states, not too far."
Flanna nodded, immediately reconfiguring the ship's coordinates.
[Society thinks they can take my target? Fat chance.]
To Li Aozi, White Candle Star was his for the taking, intended as his central hub for supporting players' expansion into space.
White Candle Star's transmission nodes offered ideal entry points for players.
Moreover, as an educational center, White Candle Star was a prime location to recruit skilled personnel and provide training for quality recruits, effectively acting as his smuggling port.
This wasn't an attack on White Candle Star—it was an attack on Li Aozi's personal treasury!
With time on his side, Li Aozi decided to take on a side mission, earn a [Tier Advancement Ticket], and return with his new Delta-tier strength.
Considering the sudden power shift in his stance, Li Aozi made a definitive choice.
"Sorry, Qiu Ran. Looks like I won't make it to college again."
If his cover were blown, he could always relocate to the 「Empire of Heroes」. White Candle Star's resources and strategic position were simply non-negotiable.
White Candle Star was currently under Kappa-tier protection, but Li Aozi recalled that within a few years, they would be redeployed to the brutal Galaxy's Eye grinder. The Crystal Tower Civilization and Night Butterfly Federation would weaken considerably after the conflict, eventually joining the Galactic Alliance, surrendering officials in violation of treaties, only to be taxed heavily by the narrative-level civilizations.
Originally, these two civilizations had hopes of reaching galactic status, but due to a single planet, they devolved into minor powers and interstellar outcasts.
The Crystal Tower Civilization at least reflected on their actions, erected a monument, and as a materialistic civilization, maintained a foothold in the cosmos.
The Night Butterfly Federation, however, descended into self
-sabotage. By version 13.7, rumors emerged of them being corrupted by [Society]. Had Li Aozi not transmigrated, he'd soon witness this criminal civilization become puppets.
Taking this opportunity, Li Aozi prepared for another task:
To send a gravitational wave signal to Azure Star.
The entropy lord's chaotic Entropy Cloud could block electromagnetic waves but not gravitational waves, which could pass directly to Azure Star.
However, few gravitational wave antennas remained, and those were hidden away, most of them sealed.
Conveniently, Li Aozi knew of one antenna still operational, though its location and ownership were a bit…unique.
"——Abyss Industries."