Cataclysmic Era: I can unlock the tech tree

Blue giants are much larger than yellow dwarfs.

After the two blue giant stars disappeared, the Silicium Ray circled the human fleet slowly and energetically, occasionally "gently" tapping the Chi You Fortress with its broad, flat pectoral fins.

It seems that it is quite fond of these few silver-white planetary fortresses.

Meanwhile, the Olcott fleet had already slunk away into the Human Union's microcosm—according to the agreement, they were required to obey all arrangements made by human civilization.

Including ideological imprints.

After the third-party civilization left, Silicon Ray began to explain to the "Enroget Civilization".

The Cleaners may have tampered with that star system in a higher dimension.

Neither the surrounding galaxies nor the trajectory of the black hole detected the problem.

The Silica Ray's tone was somewhat somber: "I just received information that similar battle reports have come from not only the Andromeda Galaxy, but also from surrounding galaxies."

It's not hard to guess that this is a massive, long-running plan.

[A large number of non-factional civilizations were forcibly captured and made subservient to the Cleaners.]

We underestimated the cleaners.

We used to think that the cleaners would be bound by the original agreement, but now it seems... sigh!

"protocol?"

Yes, an agreement between the neutral faction and the cleaners.

What do you think is the fundamental reason why the neutral faction can maintain absolute neutrality?

Lu Yongchang's eyes flickered, and he keenly grasped the key point.

"……strength?"

【good.】

The neutral faction's overall strength is at a perfect balance, posing no threat to the pastoral faction nor affecting the cleaners' plans.

This is precisely why neutrality holds a fatal attraction for many advanced civilizations—no one wants war.

However... once the number of advanced civilizations exceeds the limit, it is highly likely to attract a joint attack from both the pastoralists and the purifiers.

Lü Yongchang suddenly realized.

This was a foreseeable situation.

During the struggle between the two sides, no one wants to see a third party grow unchecked!

Therefore, long ago, the neutral faction entered into an agreement with the cleaners and the pastoralists.

While ensuring that the number of neutral members does not exceed a certain threshold, the Cleaners cannot arbitrarily attack unaffiliated advanced civilizations.

To some extent, this also reflects the limitations of civility among those cleaning up after the country parties.

As for those old-fashioned, pastoral types... they're quite pure, consisting only of dimensional beings, and their overall strength won't change much.

Lü Yongchang understood.

A three-way power struggle in interstellar terms, right?

This is likely the fundamental reason why the [Alcott Civilization] failed the potential test.

He took a deep breath, and a faint sense of unease suddenly arose in his heart.

"Now that the cleaners have unilaterally broken this agreement, what are the neutral parties going to do?"

The balance has been initially broken. Isn't it easy to guess what will happen next?

The silicon ray fell silent.

I...I don't know either.

The neutral faction is not unified, and it is difficult to reach a consensus on this matter in a short period of time.

Most likely... they'll just pretend nothing happened.

Of course, hardliners will certainly develop corresponding plans.

Is the silicon alliance a hardliner?

Lu Yongchang asked eagerly.

The answer to this question will directly relate to the future plans of human civilization!

[...It's difficult to determine; there are hardliners as well as members who advocate for peaceful development.]

The silicon ray's answer was very vague.

But Lü Yongchang had already gotten the answer he wanted.

The silicon ray's swimming movements gradually slowed down.

Clearly, it was not adapted to this sudden change.

It raised its tail again and scratched its head vigorously: [Why is this happening...?]

Has the Cleaners civilization finally gained the strength to withstand attacks from two opposing forces simultaneously?

Looking at the holographic projection of the white text, Lü Yongchang felt a jolt in his heart.

He suddenly thought of a major event in the history of human civilization.

The drawing depicts two-dimensional fragments and the Proxima Centauri tail-cutting plan.

According to the Silicon Ray, studying dimensions is something that all Level 8 civilizations are doing.

If the two-dimensional Proxima Centauri falls into the hands of the Cleaners civilization, and then uses it to master two-dimensional technology...

All of this seems to make sense now!

At this moment, Lü Yongchang felt a chill run down his spine.

Was I the mastermind behind it all?

In that instant, Lü Yongchang suddenly experienced firsthand the immense power of fate, or rather, cause and effect.

Unstoppable, even undetectable.

[Little one?]

[Were you scared?]

The information about the Silicium Ray civilization flickered in the holographic projection, awakening the frightened Lü Yongchang.

"Feel sorry."

"The civilization needs to discuss its next steps."

Lü Yongchang responded in this way.

[Any results yet?]

Lü Yongchang has already made a decision.

"We have decided... to leave the Andromeda Galaxy after advancing to a Level 7 civilization."

On the one hand, the balance of power among the three powers has been broken, and chaos is imminent.

He also felt a sense of urgency.

A level seven civilization is incapable of protecting itself.

The banner of neutrality will eventually become ineffective, so we might as well take advantage of the remaining influence of the neutral faction and the silicon-based alliance and use this banner to develop technology as quickly as possible!

on the other hand……

The so-called "Enroget Civilization" is finding it increasingly difficult to survive in the Andromeda Galaxy.

Didn't you hear the harsh words spoken by the Andromeda branch of the Cleaners?

Once a major war breaks out, who knows what kind of attacks they will suffer?

[Leaving the Andromeda Galaxy...?]

The massive silicon ray docked near the Earth, its tone becoming much heavier.

The communication channel fell silent as well.

for a long time.

The Silicium Ray civilization sent another tachyon message.

I hate war.

Hopefully... we can find a safe corner.

After saying that, the silicone ray vigorously swung its pectoral fins and flew towards the vast, empty universe in the distance.

Lü Yongchang stared blankly at the receding figure of the silicon ray.

After a brief moment of confusion, he regained his composure and returned to his original calm.

"The fleet sets sail!"

"Head towards the outer regions of Andromeda in search of a relatively resource-rich star system."

"Zero, immediately awaken all personnel at the Academy of Sciences."

"From now on, all vacation plans will be postponed."

"Human civilization must become a Level VII civilization as soon as possible!"

……

The central black hole region of Andromeda.

Beside a colossal technological construct comparable in size to a blue giant star, rows of spherical warships are lined up in neat formation.

In front of these spherical warships, three relatively large planetary fortresses were positioned around a smaller planetary fortress, like stars surrounding the moon.

Three [White Dwarf Fortresses] and one [Neutron Fortress].

This is the most powerful force of the Andromeda branch of the Cleaners.

P.S.: Thanks to Space Cowboy 123 for the expert certification!

Thank you, boss! May you make a fortune!