Regarding Galida’s grand plan, Simugu harbored some unease, stepping forward to say, “Venerable Chief Galida, I offer my service as your humble aide to atone for my failures. However, the prerequisite for initiating war must be that we possess weaponry superior to the enemy’s. Otherwise, our fleet may still prove incapable of victory. I have witnessed their Black Hole Bomb firsthand, and I have heard rumors they can now expand its effective radius to millions of square kilometers. We currently have no defense against such destructive power; rushing into battle risks greater losses to our fleet.”

Given Simugu’s loyalty to the Empire, Galida was willing to trust his words despite the previous defeat. “Commander Simugu’s devotion is known to this Chief. You are correct; our forces cannot sustain another campaign in the short term. We will discuss it further once research yields results. I estimate it will take at least three to five years.”

A minister addressed the Chief, “Respected Chief Galida, I believe the campaign against the Binary Stars cannot be delayed much longer, as our current reserves of Energy Crystals are insufficient to sustain us for an extended period.”

Galida looked up, recognizing the Energy Minister, who controlled the allocation of total energy across the twelve planets. The primary energy source for the U-System was the Energy Crystals. Since the recent mining expedition had failed, delaying too long might plunge the U-System into a genuine energy crisis.

“Did we not develop another Energy Crystal mine three millennia ago? Although that location is more distant, the current situation does not permit us to act rashly. Dispatch the mining team to Sea Wolf Star.”

The Energy Minister bowed slightly. “Chief, you may not be aware, but in the thousands of years we abandoned Sea Wolf Star, it has been occupied by a species calling themselves the Sea Wolves. Mining there will likely not be easy.”

Galida frowned deeply, angered. “What Sea Wolves? What is the use of our fleet if not to crush them? Exterminate them!”

The Energy Minister spoke softly, “They claim to be highly intelligent beings from the Sea Wolf Star System, with a civilization level no less advanced than our U-System. If we go to war with them, we might not gain the upper hand.”

Galida asked coldly, “Are you suggesting we are helpless?”

The Energy Minister’s heart leaped, and he hastily replied, “Venerable Chief Galida, we do have another option: cooperation with the Sea Wolf people. They have extended multiple invitations to us previously. Their mining and application technology is far less advanced than ours. If we agree to collaborate, Sea Wolf Star’s Energy Crystals can be continuously transported back to the U-System. Similar to the eleven other civilized planets we discovered within our system, we can fully incorporate these beings calling themselves the Sea Wolf System into the Empire.”

Galida lapsed into deep contemplation. He had no other choice; this was a time to consolidate strength, not engage in conflict on multiple fronts, lest the U-System lose the time and focus required for new technological research. “Very well, you handle this matter. However, I will eventually destroy those Sea Wolf people. The Energy Crystal mines belong solely to the people of the U-System; no alien species has the right to occupy them!”

The Black Hole Bomb test was a success, as was the plan to allow Simugu’s escape. By feeding him damaging intelligence about the U-System, I calculated that the U-System would be unable to organize a retaliatory fleet anytime soon, unless Chief Galida was a complete fool. However, a leader commanding twelve civilized planets should understand the stakes. Even if Simugu didn’t fully believe our claims of expanding the Black Hole Bomb’s power infinitely, the power demonstrated in the test alone should be enough to deter them. Furthermore, they have no defense against the Energy Devouring Bomb. Attacking the Binary Stars or Earth unprepared now would only mean they are insane.

Estimating from the time frames of the previous two U-System incursions, we have secured a period of peace lasting at least three years, likely not less than five, barring unforeseen events. Simugu will need at least half a year to return to the U-System. The prospect of them completing research on the Energy Devouring Bomb and the Black Hole Bomb in one or two years is unlikely. Considering the time needed to organize a fleet and the subsequent voyage, this window might stretch beyond seven or eight years, perhaps even ten. In any case, our preparation time is ample. The next step is to seek out other extraterrestrial civilizations, hoping to bolster Earth’s strength against the U-System. Naturally, the further development of Star War weaponry is indispensable. True peace does not exist in the cosmos; only overwhelming power proves everything.

If this task of seeking out alien civilizations had arisen earlier, I would have eagerly undertaken it. However, following the disappearance of the Eight Maidens and my own risky venture into the wormhole to find them, my family absolutely refuses to permit me to roam space recklessly anymore. Furthermore, I feel weary myself; I only desire a secluded place to spend some tranquil days with my wife and children. After thorough consideration, I assigned the exploration mission to the intelligent robots—waves of friendly interstellar vessels carrying information about Earth have departed into the vast expanse of the cosmos.

The further development and research into interstellar weaponry has been entrusted to Xiao Yuddi, Xiao Hui, Long Nü, Yi Xiaorou, Zhao Fen, and Zhao Fang. Earth Federation affairs are led by Li Qi and Ma Xiaowei, assisted by He Yuqing, Ning Shixuan, Zhao Ting, Zhou Ni, Cai Jingjing, and Cheng Susu. Economically, Fang Yanmeng, Xiao Chuchu, and Xu Jing hold control. Overall, I am currently the most relaxed person.

Relocating to the Binary Stars is not yet feasible, as the Earth Federation has too many pending matters requiring resolution, making it unrealistic to find suitable successors quickly. Nevertheless, we have constructed vacation villas on the Binary Stars where we can take the entire family to unwind when time permits.

Technological development has been excessively rapid, far outpacing practical application in the civilian sector, especially for the general populace. High technology's impact on their daily lives is not that significant. For instance, ordinary people can scarcely imagine that Mars has become humanity’s first colony, with vast numbers of people immigrating there. Mars’s environment is continually being improved, and the need to live deep underground will soon vanish, allowing humans to finally live on the Martian surface, much like on Earth.

The concept of aliens also remains difficult for many to grasp. The public learns through television and media that beyond the wormhole lies a planet similar to Earth, inhabited by Dwarfs and Mermaids, but how many truly get the chance to travel to an alien world? Thus, everything seems unchanged to the common person; days simply pass by in the same old routine.

I have long since faded from the public eye, transitioning from a prominent figure of a few years ago. Coupled with some alterations to my appearance, even standing before those reporters rarely leads anyone to recognize the first, once-mighty Federation Chairman. While some nations had attacked the current Federation Chairman over alleged ambiguous relations with the former one, these topics gradually cooled during my years of absence and are now never mentioned. In contrast, superstar Liu Xue’s fame has reached unprecedented heights.

Pan-American Media has long since been merged into Federal Media. Under its vigorous promotion, Liu Xue has achieved globally recognized success across song, film, and television. There might be people in this world who don’t know me, but there is absolutely no one who doesn’t know Liu Xue. Her fans span the globe; many wait outside ticket offices for weeks just to attend her concerts. Some have sent her love letters, threatening self-harm upon receiving no reply, and a few have even committed suicide by jumping from buildings or into water to force a meeting with her.

Bored one idle evening, Liu Xue was scheduled to perform at the Federal Performance Center in the capital of the Great Dragon Nation. Since it was conveniently in my territory, I acted as her driver, waiting for her in a top-tier Feilong sedan near the rear exit to take her home after the show. Xiao Yu’er accompanied me; she is relentlessly curious about everything on Earth, following me wherever I go. Xi Menyan wished to join but refrained, considering her physique might easily lead to assumptions about Dwarfs.

I drove to the front of the Performance Center for a look. Good heavens, the grandeur and scale were so immense that displaying two captured U-System beings publicly might not have achieved such a spectacle. Xiao Yu’er whistled in admiration. “Sister Liu Xue’s charisma is incredible. If I had that many admirers, I’d die of happiness. And this is only counting those who couldn't get tickets; there must be many more inside. Nothing like this ever happens on our Binary Stars.”

I sighed. “Indeed. Even when I was Chairman, I never saw such a frenzy among the young. Actually, Liu Xue isn't even the most beautiful; Li Qi and Long Nü are both more stunning than her. Yet their influence is nowhere near Liu Xue’s. Standing out in this cold weather without a ticket just to wait—I truly cannot comprehend that level of devotion.”

Xiao Yu’er commented, “Sister Qiqi is the Federation Chairman; who dares disrespect her? Anyone who shadowed her daily would swiftly be apprehended by bodyguards! As for Sister Long Nü, she isn't a public figure to begin with. Frankly, very few Earthlings have ever seen her. But Sister Liu Xue is different; she embraces the public path. I envy her. Tonight, when we go home, I must ask her if she would consider taking me as an apprentice.”

I parked the Feilong sedan not far from the back entrance. Although the weather was still somewhat cold and the snow hadn’t completely melted, I enjoyed stepping out to breathe the crisp, cool air. Thanks to modifications made to vehicles over the past two years, gasoline cars in the capital have been phased out, replaced by electric vehicles filling the streets. With abundant power supply, factory boiler rooms have gradually been replaced by electric furnaces, leading to a marked improvement in the capital’s environment.

Nearby, five or six trendily dressed young people were huddled together, discussing Liu Xue. One of them glanced at my car, then back at me. He told his companions, “That guy’s showing off. That’s a limited-edition, top-tier Feilong sedan. I hear the flight functions are all unlocked. Damn, he’s probably waiting for Liu Xue too, having gotten insider info.”