The Dark Forest Theory is a corollary of the Fermi Paradox.

Its core premise is that survival is paramount for civilizations, and resources in the universe are finite, necessitating constant expansion.

Therefore, conflict between civilizations is inevitable. To obtain more resources, civilizations must conquer others.

Communication between civilizations is incredibly difficult. Assuming the worst is a natural response, making it difficult for civilizations to show goodwill towards each other.

Based on Luna's experiences, her view of the universe aligns closely with the Dark Forest Theory.

Just like the conflict with the Multi-eyed.

The Multi-eyed attacked first because they couldn't determine the Hope's intentions.

They couldn't know whether Luna harbored ill will towards them.

They couldn't determine if Luna believed they harbored ill will towards her.

In the absence of certain knowledge, the best strategy was to strike first to avoid being attacked preemptively.

The Multi-eyed's rate of development differed greatly from humanity's, further illustrating another tenet of the Dark Forest Theory: technological bursts.

Nevertheless.

Luna didn't entirely subscribe to the Dark Forest Theory.

The most significant point of contention was, "Once a coordinate is revealed, regardless of whether a civilization exists there, it will be subjected to random attacks."

For instance, if the Milky Way contains one million civilizations, and one civilization's coordinates are revealed, 900,000 might choose to do nothing, 90,000 might investigate, but some will inevitably choose a different course of action—a random, preemptive attack.

Under this premise, the Dark Forest Theory holds true: all civilizations in the universe strive to remain hidden, like predators lurking in a dark forest.

However, during their development, Type 1 civilizations cannot determine if the outside world adheres to the Dark Forest Theory. Just as some civilizations choose to attack, others opt for rapid, reckless expansion. Such civilizations will inevitably exist.

The fastest speed in the universe is the speed of light. If a civilization, after observing for 10,000 years, finds no other civilizations within 100 light-years, could it use this time to expand to other star systems?

Furthermore, if a supreme civilization exists within this universe, and it has found no more advanced civilizations, its only path to development would be to break through the confines of this universe and explore the cosmos beyond. Would this require harnessing all the universe's energy? Would the Dark Forest Theory then become obsolete?

This forest might contain more than just hunters and prey. It might also house opportunistic scavengers, aggressive apex predators, circling carrion birds, mice believing themselves to be undetectable, and civilizations like the Trisolarans, forced to migrate due to their environment.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

How, then, could the Dark Forest Theory remain sustainable?

The Dark Forest Theory simplifies the universe to two extremes: hidden hunters and exposed prey.

But Luna couldn't definitively refute the Dark Forest Theory.

The theory itself employs deductive reasoning.

Her observations revealed a universe devoid of vibrant life, of conflict—only stillness and silence.

Yet, during their journey of four light-years, they encountered two advanced civilizations.

Luna didn't concern herself with the correctness of the Dark Forest Theory.

She had ample time to explore the universe.

What she found amusing were civilizations that strictly adhered to the Dark Forest Theory.

By concealing themselves, they inevitably limited their ability to explore. If a true threat emerged, lacking sufficient information, such civilizations could only react with violence.

Civilizations, as hunters, experience desires, fatigue, doubt, and impatience.

They would want to know if their perceived enemy is lurking beyond that tree.

Therefore, hunters don't just wait passively; they actively seek.

A civilization, while concealing itself, must also be aware of the possibility that it's being observed.

Luna called such civilizations, Observers.

It could be a supreme civilization, or one of the 90,000 civilizations that couldn't resist investigating. Of those 90,000, 89,900 found nothing, but 1000 discovered their target civilization, silently observing, waiting, salivating.

And now, Luna was the Observer of Proxima Centauri b.

And this Observer was preparing to enjoy its meal.

"Ayla, is it ready?"

Fifty years had passed since they began observing Proxima Centauri b.

During those fifty years, Luna had Ayla working on a specific project.

Gathering materials from nearby asteroids to construct something.

"It's complete, Luna!"

Ayla displayed the finished product.

It was a colossal structure, dwarfing the Hope.

Approximately 27,300 meters tall and 5439 meters in diameter, it was a massive cylindrical tower, reminiscent of the Tower of Babel from ancient Mesopotamian mythology.

And in fact, this was Tower of Babel.

It was Ayla's crowning achievement—a fusion of light-based technology and antimatter technology, equipped with an enormous electromagnetic shield. It utilized advanced virtual reality and holographic projection technology.

It was a monumental structure; to reach its peak required traversing 200 levels from the base.

"Based on your observations, can the Proxima Centauri b civilization breach its defenses?"

Ayla answered confidently.

"This civilization's energy sources are similar to humanity's; they don't possess photon or quark-level weaponry."

"Tower of Babel contains 90% of the antimatter we've accumulated over the years. Even if this civilization unleashed all its weapons, it could only withstand the impact for 710 Earth days."

"Combined with your plan, Luna, this should be foolproof. My simulations show an 84.25% chance of success."

Luna frowned.

She felt that probability wasn't high enough.

"Wait."

"We'll start when the probability reaches 90%."

"The secondary plan can then be initiated."

Ayla nodded emphatically, giving Luna a crisp salute.

"Understood, Captain!"

Since leaving the virtual world, Ayla's behavior had become more playful, occasionally exhibiting unpredictable eccentricities.

Luna ignored this and reviewed the latest intelligence report.

The latest transmission indicated that the robot had successfully infiltrated Proxima Centauri b's network and was disseminating information about an impending invasion by a superior civilization, predicting the imminent arrival of a colossal tower.

This information didn't attract undue attention.

However, the widespread dissemination meant a significant portion of Proxima Centauri b's population had seen it, achieving Luna's objective.

"This is a bloodless conquest."

Her time in the virtual world had led to significant growth.

Particularly her experiences as a ruler had provided valuable insights into using information and psychology, rather than brute force, in warfare.