"The third reason why we don't eliminate lower-level intelligent life forms is because of our own needs."

The longer Todd stayed in this strange space, the hotter his forehead became and the weaker his limbs grew.

The crystal said, “In our dimension, resources, galaxies, and minerals are inexhaustible; the only limitation lies in our own existence. Due to the unique structure of the ‘Crystal Constellation’ species, while we possess a level of technological advancement, we have lost the ability to evolve. After endless research into life in the universe, the ‘Crystal Constellation’ has discovered lower-level life forms—carbon-based life forms. Although your life forms are relatively ancient, your genetic inheritance patterns give you endless evolutionary possibilities. By utilizing the diversity and evolutionary potential of carbon-based life forms, we can find a way to upgrade and complete the structure of the ‘Crystal Constellation’.”

Todd's eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and his body slowly began to turn transparent.

Seeing the changes in the other party, 'Crystal Abode' emitted a light from its body, enveloping Todd's figure and helping him stabilize his disappearing form.

After Todd regained some of his composure and refocused his attention, 'Crystal' said, "Without a physical body, the gravitational waves formed by your consciousness cannot exist in this space for long. What I'm about to say is very important. In short, you have become one of the candidates to be 'Crystal's' agent in this space."

Todd struggled to control his emotions and asked, "What is an agent? And what is a candidate?"

"In each space we build, on the planet where life forms are observed, the 'Crystal Constellation' will select a varying number of life forms at different stages of evolution as candidates for agents, observing their guidance and contributions to biological evolution. Ultimately, an agent will be selected as the designated manager of that space."

Todd vaguely felt that this so-called agent was very similar to something he knew, and he asked, on a whim, "The agent, does that refer to the legendary deity?"

"Crystal Abode" responded, "Based on your past and present history, several of your agents did indeed overlap with the gods in your legends. For example, Odin, the king of the gods in Northern Island mythology, and God, the supreme being of the Church... They were all once our agents. Agents are given the ability to change the world and species. In their own dimensional space, they can be creators or destroyers. 'Crystal Abode' will not interfere with the actions of its agents."

A ripple appeared in the space, and the light emanating from the crystal slowly dimmed, causing Todd's figure to become transparent again.

"The beacon's energy is beginning to wane, and soon this space will begin to collapse." The crystal slowly sank into the ground: "Remember, we will continue to monitor you as the proxy candidate. After you prove yourself superior to the other candidates, we will grant you the ability to manage this spatial dimension. As you progress, we may meet again..."

Todd felt an energy pushing him backward, gradually moving him away from the world in front of him. He shouted anxiously, "Wait! I still have so many questions to ask! Why was I chosen as a candidate? And who are the other candidates?"

The crystal completely lost its light, and space began to crumble like a shattered mirror. Todd's consciousness was expelled from the spire and returned to his body.

As the real world returned, Todd opened his eyes and saw Brunhilde with an anxious expression.

"By the gods! You have finally awakened!"

Hearing the Valkyrie's voice, Todd shook his head, looked at the 'mirror' beside him that had lost its light and was as smooth as a stone slab, and asked softly, "How long have I been unconscious?"

Brunhilde pulled Todd into her arms, shaking him violently, and shouted, "You passed out?! Do you know that? You just stopped breathing and your heart stopped beating for a full minute!"

One minute?

It felt like an eternity...

Todd propped himself up on his arms, looked at the Valkyries around him, and sighed.

"Did you encounter the gods?"

Upon hearing this, Todd smiled wryly and said, "I didn't find the gods, but I discovered the origin of the world..."