Planet Master

185- Stabilizing the Situation

Dian called someone to have a four-eye session. This Planet Master was representing the Crustacean Race and almost forgotten if not for Cisor’s reminder.“Alright, I am calling you here because you share a habitat with the merfolk.” Dian said as opening the discussion.

“Uhm…” the Crustacean former Planet Master was standing still. He was actually so nervous that he could not come up with a word to say.

Dian looked at him and said, “Asta. Your race share a habitat with the merfolk. It will be a contest between the two races to dominate the ocean of the Cerulean Planet as well as the other sectors. What do you think?”

“Well, they need to increase their own edge. They excel in the sea area sweep, so relegating the exploration to them should suffice. As for the others, let the merfolk do the rest.” Asta said timidly.

“Ha, you are so timid, you know. Even when the inauguration time comes, you were still in your corner, almost forgotten by everyone.” Dian had to spent some time with Asta to know his likes and dislikes. It was hard but gradually he knew that Asta was timid by nature.

Dian assessed after knowing him for two and a half years.

“Please don’t pick the topic back up. It makes me look incompetent.” Asta said with a soft voice.

“Alright, that has come to pass. Now, I want you to do something.” Dian said to Asta.

“What is it?” Asta asked.

“The full exploration into the depths of the ocean floor.” Dian said.

Despite years of space exploration, the civilization had not been able to explore the floor of the ocean of the Cerulean Planet in its fullness.

Especially…

[Planet Diameter:13.500 km]

Since the diameter of the Cerulean Planet increased by that much. The surface area increased greatly but the depth of the ocean still remained an elusive mystery.

“What should I do specifically?” Asta asked for details.

“Get your race to explore the depths. I am sure with their methods, exploring the depths become easier and manageable. Furthermore, there is a chance that you can pinpoint new resource points for the sea surface to pick up and even get it.” Dian said.

“Okay. And then what’s next?” Asta added.

“Then secure those resource points naturally.” Dian said while shaking his head. Asta was too hesitant in making some of his decisions, but when guided, he would become the most sticking to that guide.

“Oh, okay. I’ll do it now!” Asta then sent some of his order to the Library of Consciousness.

The Library of Consciousness had been upgraded and could expand to cover a quarter of the star system. Although it was not able to cover all parts of the star system, it could serve as a place where communication and exchange of knowledge could occur.

“Tell me when it’s done.” Dian said before he temporarily busied himself.

First, the Technology Tree. Since defeating the Yul Municipality, the Technology Tree developed several branches regarding the memory of the sentient being. Of course, the memory implant technology was learned by the Federation and the formal license to use it had been issued.

Second, the Transcendent Tree. Tatsumi was cooperating with not only his teacher but numerous experts at the pinnacle of various transcendent fields to seek a major point before breaking through to the next major realm.

It meant that the way for the fourth to the ninth heavenstage had been opened but needed verification.

Third, the exploration of the sea of the Cerulean Planet.

After the latest Star Battle concluded, the four races of the former opponent were partially sent to the Cerulean Planet to become inhabitants.

Dian told Asta to establish deep-sea resource points so the civilization could further develop that part of the globe. After all, that place was often not fully explored, and fully exploring it would be beneficial to everyone, since it required advanced technological means.

But the most concerning thing recently discovered by Frie was…

“The Fixed Planetary Fortress.” Dian murmured.

This planetary-level weapon had numerous weapons of mass destruction in it. No, actually, the weapon itself could destroy a life planet, turning it into a dead one. From Interplanar Ballistic Missiles, Double Helix Cannon, Storage for various Bioweapons, etc.

Its defensive capability was even more astounding. If equipped properly, not even a spaceship fleet would be able to land on it without heavy casualties.

As a Scientific Inheritance, it came so suddenly to his star system. But Dian knew that this was likely something given to him but he could not refuse due to a lack of understanding of higher rank battles.

But this also gave him a severe headache since he did not know where he should deploy it.

“The last Star Battle did not need its direct intervention; only sending Interplanetary Ballistic Missiles was enough. But in the future…can this giant weapon be deployed?” Dian unconsciously returned to his throne and tapped the armchair with his finger.

Then he stood up and walked around the Planet Master Space once again.

He bypassed Frie who was handling the case of different Elves with Halden.

He also bypassed Ghylea who was instructing the undead about the development of the transcendent path for the undead.

He bypassed Leif who after giving someone in the Library of Consciousness some instruction looked at Dian and blinked. But Leif shook his head and continued with checking the development of the latest technology side.

“You can do it. I believe that you can do it. Please believe in me who believes in you.” Asta suddenly said.

Dian realized that he had returned to Asta’s usual dwelling place but he checked the time and this was actually the time to check on him.

“Are you done?” Dian asked politely.

The matter between the Planet Master and their races was something at the center of this reality Dian caught himself in. He preserved his enemies' races to preserve the Planet Master above them.

That was why he knew better than anyone not to interject in the matter between them and their races.

“Oh, Master. It is just recently done.” Asta said happily.

“Good. Then let’s convene a meeting, shall we?” Dian nodded and then did what he intended.

“Those who are available can attend the meeting.” Dian sent the message to all his subordinates.

Then one by one, the available Planet Masters were coming.

“What do you want to discuss? I am just finished with the arrangement of my race.” Chikara was the first to speak.

“Maybe there is something important.” Smirth said while scratching his snout.

“Whatever it is, we need to listen, right?” Leif also came.

Seeing that so few of them were coming, Dian realized that the others were busy with the task that he had handed to them.

“Thank you for coming here despite your busy schedule.” Dian then thanked them for coming.

Despite not being on the throne, Dian could still manage to watch over everyone’s activity.

The ones who were there only nodded in understanding. Dian then explained.

“Well, here is an issue. As you know, the Fixed Planetary Fortress has been orbiting the Cerulean Planet for some time but its resource needs are enormous. Furthermore, its nature as a weapon in the category of Scientific Inheritance cause me to think about how to maximize its potential. I want to ask for your opinion regarding the use of this.”

Hearing what Dian had said, the others put on a confused look.

“It is a weapon suitable for offense or defense. But our foundation is the Cerulean Planet so protecting the homeworld is paramount.” Chikara, who was a master of military, said her piece of mind.

Dian just listened with attentive attention.

“I think so too. The Fixed Planetary Fortress has weapons that can do long-range attacks, so letting it remain in the orbit of the Cerulean Planet is advisable.” Smirth said.

“As for the logistics, isn’t there a project that wants to connect the Fixed Planetary Fortress through some means?” Leif said.

“Yes, that’s right. To make things easier in the future, the civilization wants to build a space elevator which will connect to the Fixed Planetary Fortress.” Chikara said with a spirited voice.

Dian remembered this one.

The Federation wanted to make space exploration and expeditions easier by creating a space elevator. But the problem was that it required advanced engineering and materials science to proceed which Dian saw as something not viable in the short term.

But when he looked at the Technology Tree, it seemed that soon it would become possible.

“Our thoughts are that the Fixed Planetary Fortress should be stationed on the orbit of the Cerulean Planet at all times. This is to prevent a sneak attack by the potential enemy in the future.” Chikara said what the others wanted to say.

Smirth and Leif nodded in agreement.

“I see.” Dian absorbed what they had said.

Indeed, moving such a large object would cost astronomical means with the current technology so letting it remain in the orbit of the Cerulean Planet was the best move for now.

“I am content that you can express your opinion this way.” Dian said to them.

Leif, Smirth and Chikara looked at Dian but were actually thankful that Dian could be discussed with.

More often than not, the Master often treated their subordinates like cattle. The fact that Dian wanted to talk to them was a favor that they knew was hard to repay.

“Because you allowed us to do so.” Chikara said without much consideration since this was how she felt.

“It is because I am alone is a flawed being. That is why I need a different perspective so that I can see where I fall short and mend it.” Dian honestly said this.

“Yes, yes. You have said it more often. We know.” Smirth said with a grin.

“You allow us even to govern part of your governance. That is something that the other Planet Master dares not to do.” Leif said with a smile.

“Once again, thank you for your cooperation.” Dian said in a heartfelt moment.

“So is there anything else to be discussed?” Chikara asked.

“Actually, there is. But this needs the others to hear. But since we picked this topic, might as well speak it.” Dian remembered some things that needed to be addressed, but most of them were already handled by the others who were not present.

“First, let’s talk about the reparation process after the Star Battle. Is the relocation going well?” Dian asked.

“According to what I know, Frie should be handling that aspect.” Chikara said.

“Well, what I know is that the relocation has been smoothly done. The races are now spreading not only on Cerulean Planet but also on Futuro, Bultar, Ghowul, Solont, and Rodentia.

“These planets are placed on the inner ring of the star system so that they can receive enough warmth from the star as well as not affect the weather on the planets too much.” Chikara added.

“But some races need a certain environment to flourish. Like the merfolk and the Crustacean, they need a water environment as their home. For the Elves, a forested environment. The Dwarf, a mountainous and able to dig environment. If managed well, we can expect more profit out of them. For now, we have information that the management of the races went well. Is that true from your perspective?” Dian asked.

“The Lizardfolk need the warm place for their own comfort and they indeed get it.” Smirth said.

“The Gling is comfortable in any environment. Just need a lot of resources, though.” Chikara said.

“The Dwarf is happy and contented.” Leif nodded.

“The Crustacean is also satisfied with the arrangement.” Asta exclaimed.

Then Dian talked about the logistics and residence for the races under the Federation. After that, the individuals who came then were shown the progress of rehabilitation of the children who had undergone memory implant and accelerated growth.

“Can you give me a summary on this?” Dian asked.

“So you all are here. What did I miss?” Frie suddenly came to the scene.

Along with her were the rest of the group.

Then Leif explained the summary up to the current point to let the others who missed out get the gist of it.

“I see. Then the Elves are more than happy to be able to reunite with their far siblings.” Frie smiled and then gave her insight into the way the Elves rehabilitate the children.

“I am sorry that my race cannot participate in this activity.” Ghylea regrettably said this since the undead’s home was not suitable for most living beings to inhabit.

“It’s fine. Your task is to consolidate the undead’s power.” Dian tried to cheer Ghylea up.

“That’s right. Now that I see with my own eyes, I believe that the Undead Race can have a place in the higher ranks.” Frie said this.

As the most objective individual, her words were regarded highly.

“Thank you, but please continue with your topic please.” Ghylea felt that his hard work bore fruit and was ready to enjoy it.

“Alright, let’s continue,” Frie said.

Then she led the discussion.

“The races under our care show signs of contentment. That is good but we need a healthy competition to move things. Otherwise, things would turn into a disaster.”

Dian nodded heavily. Of course, he knew that to be the case. But what kind of competition it should be remains to be decided.

“But the humans…they are not satisfied with what they have. You could say they are driven by their greed to develop things.” Dian carefully said this, gauging the reaction of others.

Leif wore a serious look since Dian said something important.

“Are you saying that the other races have to emulate slightly what the human nature has?” Chikara asked.

“A bit but don’t just copy it. Emulate a bit of their greedy nature. I think your Gling can do this easily.” Dian replied.

“Right. But it will affect the ecosystem. I warn you.” Chikara reminded.

“Will this be fine?” Frie looked at Dian and asked.

“A bit of greed is fine. It will also kickstart a new development if directed well. I told you that just copying humanity's greed is a mistake I don’t want you to do. I want development, not total destruction of the environment.” Dian said after careful thought.

“The merfolk can do that.” Arowana said.

“The Elves will do its best to be able to show their competitiveness,” Frie said with a solemn expression.

“The Birdfolk will be able to compete for development,” Mazdari said.

“The Giant will…also show their competence.” Goliath said.

“I am flattered that you proactively want to do this. But please don’t force yourself. Do it within your means.” Dian reminded.

“Understood. I will arrange the details but everyone, please listen to me.” Frie then directed the rest of the group toward a common understanding as to how to pull this off.

Dian felt that he was truly fortunate to meet these amazing people. He himself was not even sure why he would be placed at the highest authority, and he still thought that he was unworthy of his position.

Dian thought as he knew that sparing them was the right decision.

Every single Planet Master wished to reach the pinnacle possible for them. That was the reason why they strived to develop their civilization and even participated in such a dangerous Star Battle.

But Dian could not find the deeper reason why they had this desire in the first place.

Dian considered in his mind.

Seeing that Frie organized things for him felt like making her his personal secretary or something. But Dian had to admit that what Frie did was within her capabilities.

Dian felt that he had become a hands-off boss while his subordinate did almost all of his job. But in Frie’s words, Dian was to supervise the entire thing and just needed to get his general direction for the development of his civilization.

The rest was supposed to be done by them.

“Well, let’s put aside the thought for now. More importantly…” Dian shifted his gaze from the group to the system window panel.

[It is detected that you have been baptized by the trial of war in the Star Battle at the Third Rank.]

[The System is calculating for you the requirement for Planet Master Dian…please wait.]

Dian knew that initializing the first Star Battle at the Third Rank was actually the Planet Master System’s personal assessment of his own current civilization status.

That was why Dian wanted to do his best in the Star Battle. It was none other than this reason.

[Requirement has been created based on the performance of the civilization under Planet Master Dian in Star Battle.]

[Requirement for the increase in rank:

-Slay an Outer Being of the same transcendent rank (rank 2) or higher (the more your civilization manages to slay and the higher the rank, the richer the rewards will be upon completing the requirement)]

Dian’s eyes narrowed, his pupil dilated as he saw the requirement.

“What is this!?” Dian wanted to shout but then he saw the others diligently did his assignments.

Slaying an Outer Being for the Third Rank Planet Master was an almost impossible task. Because the Third Rank Planet Master was protected by the Planet Master System. But now, the Planet Master System judged that his requirement to increase in rank was to slay at least one Outer Being of Rank 2 transcendent or higher.

Even Dian knew that this task was difficult. Even if Tatsumi, Ame and Long Wu did it together, he was still not sure who would come out on top.