Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1086 - 738: Silent Royal Court

Soon after the conflict concluded, word of the recent events reached the highest echelons of the Star Alliance via a comprehensive report from the Aisera Star System's front lines.

Details regarding the ancient relic weapon known as the "Ancient Bell" on the satellite, and especially the pivotal role played by Bai E in its activation, captured the keen interest and significant attention of both the Star Alliance's Supreme Academy of Sciences and its Security Council.

Multiple encrypted communications were dispatched to the vessel "Dawn Light." These came from high-ranking officials or technical liaisons representing various Star Alliance departments, employing language that ranged from subtle to quite direct. Their fundamental objective was to learn the specific method Bai E used to activate the ancient technology, the "key" or authentication sequence he perceived, and any insights gained during the process.

In exchange for this information, they dangled promises of considerable rewards, increased authority, and even the conferment of special standing within the Star Alliance.

Bai E, however, issued a polite but resolute refusal.

He maintained that his connection to the relic was a matter of sheer "luck," and the underlying principles remained obscure even to him, making the process impossible to replicate or impart.

He attributed the success to "spiritual energy sensing" and "fortuitous battlefield circumstances," effectively deflecting the Star Alliance's persistent inquiries.

He understood that should the Star Alliance gain control of the key to this "rule weapon," which operated far beyond contemporary technological understanding, the resulting shifts in power and the potential for its misuse would be catastrophic.

Furthermore, an intrinsic sense told him that such immense power perhaps ought not to be readily wielded by any single entity.

Nevertheless, the Star Alliance's report, coupled with the astonishing capabilities demonstrated by the "Ancient Bell" relic, also ignited fervent curiosity among certain factions within the "Sons of the Empire."

These were predominantly powers with an aggressive drive to explore uncharted stellar territories and unearth ancient legacies to bolster their own might.

Not long after Bai E's unambiguous rejection of the Star Alliance's overtures, a discreet invitation from the Golden Federation arrived via secure, encrypted channels.

Inside this invitation, senior figures from the Golden Federation conveyed, with utmost gravity, their profound "admiration" and "deep comprehension" of Bai E's actions in the Aisera Star System. They subsequently extended an offer of collaboration.

They revealed that they possessed navigational data pointing to several sites believed to harbor relics from ancient civilizations, possibly of the same origin as the "Ancient Bell's" technological foundation. These locations were situated in the largely uncharted frontier regions of the Milky Way.

These potential excavation sites were purportedly fraught with peril, presenting immense challenges to exploration, and standard reconnaissance methods had yielded minimal results.

They proposed inviting Bai E, in the capacity of either a "special consultant" or a "valued partner," to join them in the joint expedition of these sites.

The Golden Federation committed to furnishing complete fleet and logistical backing, alongside dedicated exploration teams. Bai E's sole contribution would be his "distinctive spiritual energy perception and resonance abilities" to aid in locating and attempting to activate any latent technology within these ancient locations.

In return for his unique services, all technological data and discovered artifacts would be shared equitably between both parties. Additionally, the Golden Federation pledged substantial financial assistance, technology transfers, and most-favored-nation status within their sphere of influence to the "New Bauhinia."

This proposition was undeniably alluring.

Leveraging the resources of a galactic power like the "Sons of the Empire" to delve into these ancient relics, which potentially held immense power, would undoubtedly serve to dramatically accelerate the technological advancement of the "New Bauhinia."

It was evident that the other party viewed him as a unique "master key" capable of unlocking a treasure trove of ancient secrets.

Perusing the invitation, Bai E found himself immersed in deep contemplation.

The Star Alliance had demonstrated the constraints inherent in a massive organization, while the Empire's invitation highlighted the unparalleled value of individual prowess in specific domains, alongside the pragmatic and ambitious nature of major interstellar powers.

Following the receipt of the formal invitation from the Golden Federation, Bai E did not offer an immediate reply. Instead, he initiated in-depth discussions with the "Dawn Light's" core team, particularly conferring with Helen, who had recently joined and was focused on resource integration and technological development.

"The Golden Federation's offer presents us with both a significant opportunity and an inherent, albeit unknown, risk."

Following Bai E's explanation, Helen quickly reviewed the invitation's contents. She then calmly stated, "They recognize your talent in activating the ancient artifact on the 'Ancient Bell' satellite. This suggests their intended destinations are likely connected to the 'Hammer of Morning Star,' possibly presenting greater challenges and dangers. Partnering with them means we provide the 'key,' while they offer the 'location' and 'security,' agreeing to a division of the discoveries."

She pondered for a moment before addressing Bai E again. "From a perspective of technological advancement, this collaboration is undeniably a fast track to understanding ancient technology, enabling us to match, or even surpass, the 'Sons of the Empire's' technological prowess. The knowledge contained within the 'Divine Fragment' is indeed significant, but it exists mostly as disjointed, profound pieces that necessitate immense resources and time for deciphering, validation, and integration. In contrast, directly studying existing, potentially more complete ancient relics could yield double the results with half the effort. As a major power, the Golden Federation's extensive research teams and resource backing represent a considerable advantage for us at this juncture."

"However, the inherent risks are..." Helen's demeanor grew serious. "The Golden Federation isn't acting out of altruism. Your 'ability' has captured their keen interest. During this partnership, they might seek to unravel the secrets behind your power, or even attempt to replicate or gain control over it. Furthermore, they will undoubtedly leverage their vast research apparatus to further develop and apply any shared findings. A primary concern is whether we can maintain our pace and safeguard our core technological advantages. Beyond that, the target sites themselves are certain to hold perils far exceeding those of conventional conflict zones."

Bai E acknowledged Helen's points, as her assessment largely mirrored his own conclusions.

Gazing out the viewport, with the conflict in the Aisera Star System concluded and the Alliance Fleet steadily reforming, the 'New Bauhinia's' most pressing objective was to rapidly bolster its strength within the post-war landscape.