SCC Chapter 15 Party of Plots(5)
(Spirit energy origins)
(Does Life Truly Need Spirit Energy to Survive?)
(Kardashev Civilization Scale)
(Theories on the Diffent Paths of Cultivation.)
Lily read through the spines of books that lined the wooden shelf. They were many, with the shelf having been given an entire wall all to itself. But what amazed her the most was the fact that all these books were physical copies. Very very few people had the time and fondness for physical books, preferring to hold digital copies instead.
After the pleasant meal, whose aftertaste she was still savoring, Reed had asked for some private time with Nikolai, leading into now, where they were within a study, with her taking the time to browse the extensive collection.
"I have always loved solid books since the moment I had first laid eyes on one. And now, when I find a title that's particularly interesting, I can't stop myself from wanting to add it to my collection." commented Nikolai, who was now seated behind his desk, with Reed occupying a chair just infront of it.
"Mr. Kadarshev, the civilisation scale that you proposed... I have never had the time to truly understand why the community shuns it. What really, is the problem with it?" she asked. It wasn't because she wanted to drag out the conversation. Lily was truly curious.
"They shun it because of a sense of arrogance and pride. Very few people are willing to acknowledge the fact that in the grand scheme of the universe, we humans, are merely still ants. We are just starting out. We haven't even managed to construct a warp capable ship."
"Will that change anything?" she asked while taking out the book about his theory.
"We need someone to Breakthrough and achieve the next realm of cultivation. Just as Spirit Gathering and Foundation Establishment are one threshold, with the next two realms considered another. I believe that the realm after that is another threshold. And in the history of our race, no one has ever managed to achieve it. Before I kick the bucket, I want someone to achieve it. I want to see it with my very own eyes."
There was a passion within his gaze that was somewhat blinding even to her.
"Old man, I am certain that your dream might be possible in this era. But let's first get down to the reason that I wanted a private talk."
"You have already transmitted Ms. Toba's predicament to us. Is there something more?"
"Yes. I took a trip to Radiance before my journey here. And Livia, the new sect master, divulged some crucial information. Apparently, since before the Federation, the large sects have been providing resources to Pantheon. And it began just after the time of the First generation Zeus."
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Lily was somewhat shocked by that. The sects had been building something even before the Federation came to power?!
"That is a chilling piece of information. Over 500 years of consuming resources... Did she divulge a location?" Nikolai asked.
"No. But there are two places that come to mind of where whatever they are building could be..."
"Underneath Greece, or outer space." finished Lily.
A silence enveloped the room. One where each was mulling over the information.
"So, the man is after Ms. Toba. When do you suppose he will launch a strike?"
"In a few days, Radiance is going to hold a party on neutral grounds, where they plan to announce a partnership between themselves and I."
"Hoh! I have never loved the woman, but this scheme of hers is welcome indeed. Dangling what he wants in a place he can get it, while also trying to see whether she can coax out a sense of urgency from him... Nice."
"She said that events might cascade from there, leading to the eventual defeat of not just the man, but Pantheon itself." continued Reed.
"If I am not mistaken, then that party is going to attract every single pair of eyes in the Federation. Don't be surprised if some big players show up. They wouldn't want you to be the only one who gets a piece of the pie. That woman is far too clever. She won't be entering a partnership with just you. That would be offending all the other sides. Isn't that right, Ms. Toba?"
"It's basic knowledge if you want to have stable integration."
"I was planning to formally invite the both of you to attend. I, alone won't be capable of handling so many people."
"You have that team of yours, Reed. But... It will be better if you have someone who can publicly appear by your side. Cecilia...on the other hand... What if, hypothetically speaking, Zeus himself appears? You know Cecilia's past with the man."
A sigh escaped Reed's lips. Did Cecilia also possess a grudge against the man? Wondered Lily.
"How do you plan on protecting me?" She asked after waiting a few seconds and seeing the conversation going knowhere.
"I believe there are going to be many guests that would have a grudge against the man, meaning, that subtle means will be used. Ms. Toba, would you put your life in our hands?" asked Nikolai abruptly, startling her.
-----
"Its a shame you couldn't stay for a few weeks, boy. I would have loved to have a lengthy chat with you." spoke Cecilia while hugging Reed. The time had come to part ways, of only briefly.
There were many matters that needed dealing with. And most importantly, people to meet. The time frame before the party itself was short for all that needed to be done.
His ship, the one that had been left docked up on the space port, was now hovering just a few meters behind him. Having been allowed to enter the planet's atmosphere at his request. Which meant that now, every Tom Dick and Harry on Mars knew of his presence. But that didn't matter. Atleast he had been the one who had chosen when to reveal himself instead of an accidental incident.
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FCY 437, 2nd Month, Day 13
"I never want to experience that, ever again! Yet I will have to... What to do?" Lamented Reed while massaging his forehead. From reporters, to other business moguls. He had been in meetings, interviews, talk shows, tours... Essentially, his schedule had been so tightly packed that even a break had been nonexistent. If he hadn't been a cultivator, then he would have surely died from overwork.
"Is this how everything goes, on a normal day?" asked Lily, who was clearly far more rejuvenated. Some of the minor figures that couldn't be squeezed into his tightly packed schedule had been dumped onto her. And from what he knew, her workload had been significantly greater than his. So why was she looking animated?
"These things are draining. Why are you okay? Could it be that you are wired differently?"
"That is a rude question." pouted Lily. During the previous days, they had gotten familiar enough to even lightly banter.
"So, what's next on the itinerary?" she asked, clearly still rearing to go.
"Nothing. There are some people I would want you to meet. And I have already invited them. They are important since they are part of the upcoming plans with that man." Reed explained.
"Who are they? Are they trustworthy?"
"They wouldn't have been allowed to meet with you otherwise." answered Reed with a voice tinged with irritation.
"Sorry... It's just that it has become harder to trust new people."
"Trust is a two-way street. If you can't trust them, then have faith in me, who chose to reveal them to you."
"Ya-ho! Boss! How is it going? Did you die from all that attention?" a voice entered the room the same time as the door was pushed open.
"Latniss... There is a reason the door is always closed. Didn't anyone teach you to knock?" Reed's voice came out more tired than he would have wanted.
"Oh! Is this tiredness I feel from my powerful boss who's in the Nascent Soul realm? Then how are you going to handle those boisterous brats?" Latniss asked with a chuckle.