Great, we're doomed now!

"This level of production efficiency is also thanks to the improvement of AI computing power and breakthroughs in basic materials science."

—Masaki glanced at Ye Shou as he spoke.

The technology of the ancient civilization was already sufficient for interstellar travel, and Ye Shou also had an even stronger alloy, strong enough to withstand the frontal bombardment of a small laser cannon, which was used to repair damage and speed up the process of Danhou modifying the spaceship.

This is not surprising, after all, scientists never lack imagination, only funding and technical support.

For example, a genius like Professor Agasa can create things like nuclear-powered skateboards using materials from Earth. After acquiring technology from aliens or other worlds, the things he can create are even more outrageous...

Masaki's "Super Shark" is a collaboration with Professor Agasa, and it's only one step away from completion.

"Actually, we just need a means of transportation, we don't need to make it so 'exquisite'... Let's just consider it as accumulating experience for building new ships in the future."

Ye Shou nodded slightly, reached out and touched the cold outer shell of the spaceship. After closing his eyes, he probed into it with his invisible mental power and could clearly feel the smooth operation of the internal energy core: "The Magus power system is working well and has indeed successfully replaced the original energy source."

Moreover, the modified aircraft has significantly improved range and firepower, even better than I expected, making it... almost a waste to use for this mission.

Masaki crossed his arms and walked halfway around the spaceship, tapping on the protective plate that hadn't been disassembled yet: "They're really skilled. With such a tight schedule, they handled the details very well."

He was an expert, so he naturally wouldn't just look at the exterior. After speaking, he took the escalator and crawled through the cabin door, carefully tinkered with it for a while, and when he came out, he gave Sawai and Ye Shou a thumbs up, indicating that there was no problem with the internal wiring.

"At least I think it's possible; the rest will only be clear once we actually enter space."

As Masaki reluctantly left the ship, he walked towards the two of them and said, "It would be even better if the operating system inside was Earth-style. I can't get used to the equipment of the Muzhen aliens."

"As long as Lucia can adapt," Ye Shou said with a smile. "We don't have time now. We can rewrite the program after the mission is over."

"It seems that the preparations are almost complete."

Sawai turned around, his expression turning serious. His gaze swept over the two people in turn, finally settling on his close friend despite their age difference.

"Go ahead with peace of mind. During your absence, TPC will do everything in its power to protect the Earth!"

The Victory Teams and Mobile Forces of each branch are already deployed and can respond immediately should a monster or alien invasion occur.

Ye Shou nodded: "With the director here, I feel very reassured."

Masaki, who was standing to the side, suddenly spoke up, his tone tinged with surprise, as he looked at Sawai: "I thought the Secretary-General, ah, now I should call him Director... I thought you would object, or at least not be so supportive."

Ye Shou glanced at Masaki with surprise, while Sawai raised an eyebrow slightly, showing no particular astonishment.

"Oh? Tell me your reasons."

“You have always put the safety of Earth and humanity first,” Masaki said bluntly. “Ye Shou is too important to Earth. To risk going to save an alien race... from an objective point of view, it is clearly not worth it.”

“Indeed.” Sawai acknowledged this. “Ye Shou’s role is irreplaceable, while alien slaves… to put it bluntly, are not our core interests.”

Revealing your most important trump card for some insignificant odds is making a mountain out of a molehill.

Even in the eyes of aliens, sending two Ultra Warriors to rescue a group of slaves is far too extravagant!

It's important to understand that the number of planets in the vast galaxy capable of supporting life is far greater than the total number of Ultra Warriors. On average, it's less than one in ten planets. In reality, the situation might be even worse... otherwise, evil forces wouldn't have been able to grow so powerful in the universe.

But what about Earth?

Even 30 million years later, four Warriors of Light suddenly appeared here, not to mention that Ye Shou still had several stone statues in his hands—it can only be said that Earth is equivalent to the second mother planet of "light" and enjoys a special status.

"Moreover, you are definitely more inclined to protect Earthlings with all your might, and the plight of alien races should not be a high priority in your mind."

These words were spoken frankly and without any reservation, which made Sawai chuckle, but he never got angry—he didn't consider himself a saint who believed in "equality of all beings" and admitted that he didn't have that kind of loving heart.

In fact, he is often quite realistic, almost to the point of being cold-blooded.

For example, in the case of the Ginajindar, he didn't want to debate with them about who was more qualified to live on Earth. From the beginning, he knew that humanity would never give up its living space.

Fortunately, the other party struck first, sparing humanity from moral pressure...

Even if a native monster like Gakuma is only acting in self-defense, Sawai will calmly issue an order to annihilate it if it objectively threatens human safety.

The same applies to Obik or any other monster. Of course, if that great monster is willing to coexist with humans, Sawai can accept that.

If any ancient overlords, such as dinosaurs, were to awaken in the future and compete for the position of the TOP on Earth, Sawai Soichiro would still not engage in debates!

Even if the ancient people returned, they would still have to get new household registration certificates!

When ordinary people look at Sawai, they often automatically see through a filter. Masaki, however, is different. Apart from Ye Shou, he can objectively view everyone, so he can perceive the true thoughts of this UN Secretary-General and TPC Director.

Ye Shou didn't interrupt, but just quietly watched Ze Jing, wanting to hear his response.

Sawai did not refute this, but instead chuckled and looked up at the star map engraved on the dome.

He paused for a moment, then said earnestly to Masaki, "You're right. I do love humanity deeply and always put its interests first."

All intelligent life deserves respect, but one's own kind certainly has a special status.

However, as times change, the scope of the concept of 'humanity' will expand, and it shouldn't be limited to just one planet, Earth.

"The concept of humanity?"

Zhengmu looked puzzled, while Ye Shouze seemed to be deep in thought.

Sawai raised his hand to indicate the virtual starry sky above. As the projection began to operate, the entire dome came to life, just like the real Milky Way.

"Before the Age of Discovery, the Old World and the New World were isolated islands. People at that time thought the world consisted only of the land in front of them. But what about now?"

In the 21st century, we haven't truly left Earth yet; aren't we still subject to the same limitations as before?

Masaki frowned slightly: "You mean..."

"Entering space is an inevitable trend," Sawai said firmly. "And I believe that the Lucia race, who are similar to us in appearance and share the same moral values, are also 'humans'! It's just that we are Earthlings, and they are Spacemen."

“...That’s acceptable.” Masaki nodded.

"Sooner or later, we will have to deal with other intelligent races, exchange and cooperate with each other, or confront them."

While there are certainly malicious invaders, such as the Muzhen aliens and the Crow people, there are also those with whom we can support each other. We might coexist on the same planet, and even engage in interspecies marriage.

“…I never thought about such a thing.” Masaki smiled wryly, somewhat understanding what Sawai meant.

“Mr. Masaki, did you know that in the 16th century, Black people were not considered ‘human’ in Western society?”

They were not simply exploited as slaves, but were judged by the general public as 'thinking tools' on a scientific and philosophical level.

It wasn't until the mid-to-late 19th century that Black people were granted legal human status and citizenship.

Sawai changed the subject abruptly: "Did you think I was going to say something like 'equality for all' or 'oppose discrimination'?"

No, I want to say that only the strong have the power to 'define' who is human (justice)!

"..." Masaki was speechless.

"So the question arises: in this universe, is Earth a colonizer who discovers new continents, or an indigenous being coveted by colonizers?"

Sawai paused for a moment, then said earnestly, "Our situation is actually the same as Lucia's."

If the 'natives' cannot help each other, Earth will be fighting alone in the universe!

If there were only one giant on Earth, Sawai certainly wouldn't have thought that far ahead, but TPC has already learned about the dangers of this universe and the legendary "Clan of Light" who have been fighting against darkness.

Since there are two camps, light and darkness, we should naturally think more about the future.

Politicians only think about how to survive the next election, while statesmen need to prepare for the next five, ten, or even more years.

(If Earth really can't be saved, at least we'll have a few more friends when we flee, right?)

—Deep down, Sawai genuinely harbored the idea of ​​leaving humanity a way out, but he couldn't voice it directly and undermine morale.

Besides, he truly trusts Ye Shou's abilities; this expedition should be fine.

"That's what I think too; it's all about uniting more forces."

Ye Shou nodded, his face filled with a grateful sense of "I am not alone."

This is a lie!

He simply dislikes the Muzhen aliens, and now that he has the ability, he wants to vent his anger and seek a moment of clarity!

Ye Shou paused for a moment, then added, "Actually, we can also gain practical benefits by doing this. The most direct benefit is that we can absorb the persecuted slave races in the universe."

For example, the Lucia race is born with spatial awareness, which greatly helps human interstellar travel. Their fighting spirit is not strong, and their moral values ​​are similar to those of Earth humans.

The most interesting thing is that their numbers are very small, they are already considered endangered animals, and they would be easily assimilated by humans—of course, this doesn't need to be said directly.

Population size is very important. If there are dozens or hundreds of refugees, they can be received amicably, which is beneficial to both sides.

But what if it's billions, tens of billions...

“That’s right.” Sawai continued, “The only difference between them and us is that they were born on a different planet.”

“Saving them can also eliminate the cosmic bullies like the Muzhen Star People, which is beneficial to humanity itself.” Ye Shou’s eyes revealed a calm wisdom. “These refugees can be fully integrated into Earth and become a branch of Earthlings.”

He paused, then continued, "This is also the first step of the Pan-Cosmic Human Race Union. By planting the seeds now, we will naturally benefit when humanity ventures into the stars in the future."

Masaki was truly stunned; the doubt on his face gradually turned into admiration.

These two people have considered things much further ahead than he has!

Sawai patted Masaki on the shoulder, her tone softening: "You are the successor of the light, you don't need to care about these political considerations. TPC and I will handle such issues."

You, Ye Shou… you are flawless justice. Simply follow your heart and fight for what is beautiful!

hum~

The spacecraft's energy core suddenly emitted a low hum, and the blue light at its edges grew brighter. The scientists waved in their direction, indicating that the final adjustments were complete and they were awaiting the launch command.

"Let's begin then."

Ye Shou and Zheng Mu exchanged a glance, a strange look flashing in their eyes, before nodding knowingly to each other.

Soon after, Lucia and her brother were led to the hangar, and the four of them boarded the spaceship together...

-

He's gone! That man is gone!

That wretched guy has finally left Earth!

Don't rush, wait until it leaves the solar system!

...Ye Shou's departure was extremely secretive. Even a few people in TPC knew that he was going on a "business trip" for a while. However, as soon as the spaceship left the gravitational pull of the Earth and the Moon, the demons lurking in the shadows had already learned the information.

In an instant, excitement, restlessness, relief... a complex mix of emotions echoed in the other dimension. One by one, faintly visible souls emerged from the void, whispering among themselves, instantly creating a cacophony.

However, there are other giants on Earth.

We have been waiting for so long...

We must consider whether this is our only chance!