【us? 】

We are mortal enemies with the cleaners.

The holographic projection flickers, with information from two-dimensional beings constantly appearing on it.

The idyllic faction is primarily composed of beings from various dimensions.

The purpose, of course, is to stop the cleaners' insane behavior.

This led to a war between us and the cleaners.

A war that lasted billions of years, extinguishing countless stars and shattering countless galaxies...

The injuries on my body were inflicted by that Cleaner branch at the center of the Milky Way!

[Damn it... when they sent me here, they didn't mention that the other side had four-dimensional shock grenades!]

Perhaps because it touched a sore spot, the normally aloof two-dimensional creature became somewhat talkative at this moment.

【Why……】

I don't know if I'll be able to get reinforcements...

Oh, and there's also a neutral party.

[They... well, never mind, a bunch of slippery fools only thinking about preserving their own civilization.]

It was visibly heavy in [the painting's] tone.

Forget it, why should I talk to a level two civilization like yours? You wouldn't understand anyway...

If you have any questions, please ask them now.

I'm a little sleepy.

Lü Yongchang and Fang Xu, who was standing next to him, exchanged a glance.

Both of them saw the shock in each other's eyes.

"What do you mean?" Fang Xu swallowed hard and asked in a low voice.

Lu Yongchang's eyes flickered, and he subconsciously lowered his voice, saying, "Since they've said that, let's hurry up and ask them!"

"Who knows how long it will remain dormant?"

As he spoke, Lü Yongchang quickly tapped the projector with his fingers and asked his question.

...

[The Dark Forest?]

[Hehe... Such a situation does indeed exist in the universe.]

However, this mostly occurs among lower-level civilizations below level three.

"How...how could this be?"

Upon seeing these lines of text, Lü Yongchang couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

If, as the painting suggests, the Dark Forest only exists among lower-level civilizations, then how did the solar system end up in its current state?!

Lu Yongchang's expression was uncertain as he quickly voiced his inner question to the other party.

[Hmm? So that extinct star system was your home star system?]

I recently observed that area; the marks were very obvious, made by the cleaners.

If I remember correctly, it should be called a Star Eater.

As for why they did this... heh, it's probably to force me out of this.

Lu Yongchang's expression grew increasingly grim.

So, the disaster that has befallen human civilization is entirely undeserved?!

"What exactly is this Star Devouring Artifact?"

He asked again, "How can a star be destroyed so easily?"

[Weapons?]

[Heh, you're overthinking it. That's not a weapon.]

[It's nothing more than an advanced tool for absorbing star energy to replenish the fleet's power.]

[This would both replenish my energy and expel me from the star... making it the most profitable approach.]

After reading these lines, Lü Yongchang slowly lowered his raised right hand.

He lowered his head and remained silent.

It's just a tool for replenishing energy?

Weakness, in this cold universe, is indeed the original sin.

...

Are there any other questions?

If not, I'm going to continue resting.

Furthermore, I suggest you remain within this star system.

With me here, you can develop technology without any worries.

The Milky Way galaxy is in a rather turbulent state these days...

"call……"

Lu Yongchang suddenly came to his senses and forcefully exhaled the pent-up frustration in his chest.

"I never imagined that human civilization would be built on such a ridiculous and absurd reason..."

As he spoke, he shook his head helplessly.

After suppressing his frustration, he said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, I suggest that we continue to develop within this star system."

The statement was startling.

“I object!” Zhao Zijie said bluntly.

Lu Yongchang looked at Zhao Zijie, who was sitting next to him and hadn't said a word, with some surprise.

As far as I can remember, this was the first time the two of them had argued.

"What are the reasons for the opposition?"

Lü Yongchang was not angry.

Instead, he asked Zhao Zijie for the reason in a calm tone.

"Professor, I believe that the other party has been hiding a lot from us."

Zhao Zijie said urgently and excitedly, "The Cleaners want to advance to Level Nine Civilization, don't the Pastoral Faction want to advance as well?"

“Throughout the entire process, he avoided discussing the goals of the pastoral movement and instead instilled in us the idea that cleaners are wicked!”

"And then there's the slippery neutral faction it talks about."

"Moreover, the demise of the solar system and the Proxima Centauri system can largely be attributed to this idyllic two-dimensional being!"

Lu Yongchang showed no surprise at Zhao Zijie's words.

"I am aware of what you are saying."

"However, if what the other party says is true."

"Traveling to other star systems now would be even more dangerous."

“Staying here gives us more time to develop, and we even have the opportunity to learn about the Cleaners and the Pastoralists.”

Zhao Zijie's eyes were filled with struggle.

He hesitated before saying, "But that's like asking a tiger for its skin!"

“That’s right, it’s like asking a tiger for its skin.” Lü Yongchang nodded in agreement. “But this is the kind of intelligence that humanity needs most; it can help us avoid many detours!”

"How about this?"

He sighed softly and glanced around at everyone: "The question of whether to stay or leave will be decided by secret ballot."

Ten minutes later.

The voting results appeared in the holographic projection.

[Retention: 61.8%]

[Going: 34.2%]

Abstentions: 4%

...

After the voting results were announced, Lü Yongchang pondered for a long time before sending another message to [Hua].

Why should we fight against the cleaners?

【hehe……】

[For the dreams in the hearts of every being in every dimension.]

We hope to return the universe to eleven dimensions, back to that beautiful, idyllic era.

Every civilization can live in harmony, without fighting for resources or engaging in intrigue...

The Cleaners want to completely destroy this universe!

Therefore, war is inevitable!

Lu Yongchang looked at the holographic projection in front of him with a strange expression.

How do I feel...?

Isn't that a bit strange?

Are all those in the pastoral school idealists?

Despite thinking this, he still sent a string of sycophantic messages.

【hehe】

In response, [Hua] only replied with two words.

Clearly, it didn't quite believe the flattering words sent by Lü Yongchang.

Faced with the sarcastic reply, Lü Yongchang shrugged helplessly.

"Professor, the signal has been lost."

Zero announced the end of the conversation in an extremely flat tone.