Cataclysmic Era: I can unlock the tech tree

That one short sentence instantly chilled the atmosphere in the command center.

At that moment, an ancient GG term even echoed in Lü Yongchang's mind.

A refreshing coolness, a feeling of exhilaration.

"A long time... what does that mean?"

Fang Xu's slightly hoarse voice came through: "Could it be that they've been paying attention to us since Earth?"

"If that's the case, then the enemy's technological level..."

He didn't finish his sentence.

But everyone present knew that this meant that, from the perspective of the other side, human civilization was as insignificant as ants on the roadside.

Perhaps because they received a response, a steady stream of complex messages came from Ross's 154 direction.

According to your timeline, it should have been 64 years ago that your probe disturbed my slumber.

Using a dying star system as an information relay station...

【hehe……】

This is a good and cautious approach.

In this universe, it's always good to be cautious.

Lu Yongchang gasped sharply.

What did he see?!

In order to conceal their coordinates, all the efforts that human civilization has made in the past are as clear as a blank sheet of paper to the other side!

Not only Lü Yongchang, but at this moment, the command center was in complete chaos.

"Quiet!"

Lu Yongchang stared at the holographic projection in front of him with a grim expression: "Zero, did the other side send any other messages?"

"Professor, there is no new information."

"Disconnect all signal interfaces." Without any hesitation, Lü Yongchang issued the order directly, "Immediately start the self-test program."

"We will focus on examining all the data transmitted back by interplanetary probes over these 64 years!"

"Signal interface disconnected," Zero's voice sounded again. "System self-test in progress..."

Looking at the self-test progress bar in the holographic projection, Lü Yongchang's eyes were filled with terror.

What a big deal!

For interstellar civilizations, achieving long-distance hacking is as difficult as trying to reach the sky in one step.

If the other party simply refuses to receive the information you send, even if you have extraordinary abilities, you will not be able to hack into the computer system of the enemy civilization.

Just like how even the most skilled hacker cannot remotely and out of thin air hack into a computer that is not connected to any network.

From the perspective of interstellar civilizations, before communication is established, both sides are like a computer without a network connection.

But all of this will change completely with the establishment of a communication system.

This is also what Lu Yongchang is worried about.

Sixty-four years ago, a probe sent by humans was invaded by this advanced civilization.

The other side even discovered a carefully set-up information relay station by humans!

And through this, they learned human languages ​​and mastered human units of measurement...

This is such a terrifying thing!

The thought that human civilization had been living under the other side's surveillance for the past 64 years sent chills down Lü Yongchang's spine.

"Test complete."

Upon hearing this, Lü Yongchang breathed a sigh of relief.

He raised his hand, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and plopped down in the chair behind him.

"Click".

At this moment, the sound of the electromagnetic adsorption device seemed particularly loud.

"Professor, the other party has sent another message. Should we receive it?"

Zero asked in a flat tone.

Lü Yongchang did not speak immediately.

After careful consideration, he asked softly, "Zero, if the other party attempts to hack, can you detect and stop it? What are the chances of success?"

"..."

After a brief wait, Zero responded: "Based on simulations, I am 99.9% confident that I can prevent the other party's hacking attempt."

Lu Yongchang raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "So tall?"

“Yes, Professor,” Zero said again, “I have a significant home-field advantage and can even physically cut off the source of the hacking signal.”

"That……"

After a moment's thought, Lü Yongchang said, "Open the signal interface and receive the information sent from the other side."

Don't be alarmed. I only used the detectors you sent to gather some basic information; I didn't tamper with your central computer system.

If you don't believe me, you can test the central computer system.

Believe me, I meant no harm.

Looking at the Chinese characters appearing in the holographic projection, Lü Yongchang sneered.

Is this what you call having no malicious intent?

They secretly gathered all the basic information, and yet they claim they had no malicious intent?

Even a dog would shake its head at those words!

Despite thinking this, Lü Yongchang still carefully and respectfully edited a new message.

[Dear advanced civilization, we apologize for disturbing your rest.]

We believe that with your capabilities, you wouldn't stoop to attacking a mere Level 2 civilization like ours.

However, we have a few questions we would like you to answer.

Who exactly are you? What level of civilization do you belong to? What do you need us to do?

Please forgive any offense caused.

……

"Yongchang, these problems..."

"Isn't that too direct?"

Fang Xu frowned and asked in a low voice, "Won't this upset them?"

After the previous conversation, the importance of this unknown civilization in everyone's mind was greatly enhanced.

no way.

The other side has that strength.

He had already figured out everything about humanity before they even discovered him.

Once you anger the other side...

Human civilization is unlikely to fare well.

Lü Yongchang slowly shook his head: "No."

"Since they have chosen to communicate with us, they must be telling us some necessary information."

As he spoke, he pressed the send button in front of him.

……

Several tens of seconds later.

The familiar 1420 MHz signal came from the direction of Ross 154.

[Interesting...you guys actually know about civilization rating systems.]

It seems you've encountered other civilizations before.

Let me guess.

Have you just been through a war?

In the holographic projection, Chinese characters appeared one by one.

Lu Yongchang's expression changed slightly.

"Yongchang..." Fang Xu turned his head abruptly, his eyes flashing with terror. He lowered his voice and murmured in an extremely hoarse tone, "Should we leave this Hengxing system?"

"No rush."

"Let's wait and see," Lü Yongchang squeezed out through gritted teeth. "Prepare for both attack and withdrawal."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zijie, who was sitting next to him, immediately straightened his back and his expression became more serious.

He slowly reached out and placed his hand lightly on the holographic projection in front of him.

If anything goes wrong, and he gives the order, the human fleet will launch its most powerful attack on Ross 154!

At the same time, all starships except for attack starships will enter the [Advance 4] state!

Direction of travel: random!

As for the purpose, it is naturally to preserve the last spark of human civilization!

[Hehe, I bet you're all getting nervous now that I've said that, right?]

Believe me, I wouldn't stoop to attacking a mere level two civilization.