A massive cavern stretched beneath the surface.
Luna, escorted by tens of thousands of robots, entered the limestone cave. The sight before her was breathtaking.
The cavern was vast enough to contain a mountain.
At its center stood a silver pyramid, its apex piercing the ceiling. A miniature sun at the pyramid's peak emanated dazzling light, illuminating the cavern like daylight.
This evoked ancient Egyptian legends in Luna's mind.
"Ayla, based on your analysis, is there a connection between this pyramid and the pyramids of Ancient Egypt?"
She naturally turned to the expert, Ayla, for answers.
Since there was no holographic projection, Ayla was currently controlling a robot.
Whether intentional or accidental, this robot had the same silicone-based body as before, but was now clothed in tight-fitting clothing.
Ayla had styled its hair, eyebrows, and even eyelashes in a snowy white, while its eyes were ice-blue robotic cameras that blended seamlessly with the rest of the features.
At a glance, it was indistinguishable from a human, even strikingly beautiful.
Only upon closer observation of its movements could one discern that its skin texture differed from that of a natural being.
Ayla imitated a thoughtful expression before speaking with conviction.
"Luna, there is no connection."
"This pyramid is an interstellar spacecraft. What you see is only the exposed bow; its true shape is a prism."
"The pyramid's structure is angular, a design that offers superior stability against collapse under a planet's gravitational field."
"In space, such a structure is impractical unless it serves a specific purpose. Building a spacecraft with angular sides is pointless; it would create unnecessary complications during launch."
Unless, of course, this civilization had discovered gravitons and mastered gravity manipulation, enabling anti-gravitational propulsion.
But a civilization capable of that would be able to study the universe's most terrifying celestial bodies—black holes—and potentially even utilize them as an energy source. Their level of technological advancement would be at least Type 3 or higher.
Luna nodded, indicating her understanding.
Theoretically, this spacecraft and the pyramids were unrelated.
Ayla had already compiled data on the light emanating from the pyramid's apex. The data was projected onto her visor.
The light was contained photons; this spacecraft had harnessed exceptionally powerful light-based technology.
Ayla estimated the civilization's level to be around Type 2.
Each level of difference in civilization represents a difference in energy output of a billion times, the technological difference even greater.
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Ayla had only recently reached Type 1.4.
Luna slowly approached the spacecraft.
From a distance, its size wasn't apparent. But as she drew closer, she realized just how small she was.
The bow alone was 700 meters tall and 1000 meters wide.
She couldn't discern any seams or rivets; the bow section appeared to be a single, monolithic metallic structure, perfectly reflecting her image.
"So, the Multi-eyed civilization didn't develop over millions of years but inherited the technology from this spacecraft?"
Luna asked.
This was her primary reason for coming here.
The discovery of the spacecraft explained many of the previously puzzling aspects of the Multi-eyed civilization.
As a Type 1 civilization, the Multi-eyed were still in a very primitive stage of energy production. While other explanations could be contrived, they were unconvincing.
The Multi-eyed civilization's extremely weak resilience after being struck by Luna's Absolute Zero missiles was particularly noteworthy. They lacked the tenacity expected of a Type 1 civilization.
"Correct. While there's no mention of this spacecraft in Multi-eyed records,"
"It's clear this is the origin of their civilization."
"Light doesn't lie."
"I've analyzed the age of this cavern. It's at least 6.7 million years old."
"Consistent with the Multi-eyed's developmental history."
"The Multi-eyed have been learning from this civilization, but the technology they've acquired is too advanced. It's like a vocational school student receiving the blueprints for creating a 1-nanometer chip and the necessary machinery. They can build the chip, but they can't innovate."
Luna was awestruck.
A Type 2 civilization from 6.7 million years ago. If it had continued to develop until now, what Type would it be?
"Where's the entrance? Let's take a look."
The bow section alone was impressive; the interior must be even more remarkable.
Ayla pointed to another opening in the spacecraft.
"There. The Multi-eyed discovered and opened the spacecraft's airlock."
The cavern sloped downwards. Ayla, anticipating Luna's needs, had a temporary elevator constructed.
Luna descended 4000 meters in the elevator before reaching the airlock, a massive triangular opening over 60 meters in diameter.
Upon entering, Luna was somewhat disappointed.
The interior was in disarray. The Multi-eyed, in their efforts to study the spacecraft, had destroyed much of it.
"Ayla, can you learn anything about this civilization's technology from this wreckage?"
This was Luna's main concern.
Deciphering Type 2 technology would significantly advance their own civilization.
"I have already begun analysis, Luna."
"This was a light-based civilization. I hypothesize that their home planet wasn't a place lacking light, but rather one with an excess of it."
"Their home planet was likely located within a stable multi-star system. They revered light, studied light, harnessed light, and mastered light."
"This spacecraft didn't just utilize light for weapons; its propulsion system and main computer also extensively used light-based technology."
"Based on the data I've gathered, this spacecraft's theoretical maximum speed is 10,000 km/s—one-thirtieth the speed of light."
An astounding speed.
Their fastest ship, the Cruiser, only reached 1455 km/s.
"We can't fully analyze their technology yet. This civilization's technological development differed greatly from humanity's. The Multi-eyed only managed to grasp a superficial understanding."
Luna looked around. Many of the devices were unusual, mostly made of crystals designed to facilitate light transmission.
"We can't just copy them blindly; we need to extract the essence, discarding the dross."
"Right. What about this spacecraft? Its hull material seems unique. It hasn't shown any signs of wear or tear in 6.7 million years. Is it possible to refit this ship?"
Luna was interested in the hull material.
Ayla paused, performing complex calculations.
"It's feasible, but I would prefer to analyze the spacecraft's materials first. Then we can synthesize them ourselves."
This was certainly the better option.
Luna nodded. "Then do it."
"And involve those Multi-eyed scientists."
"While I trust your intelligence, Ayla, civilizations aren't created by a single individual or a small group. Technological and computational capabilities are crucial, but so is imagination. We must extract the imagination of those Multi-eyed."
Luna decided to prioritize development on this planet.
This would allow them to better prepare for unforeseen dangers.
"No problem. I will implement long-term indoctrination programs on the elite Multi-eyed, ensuring their complete subservience to humanity."