“Why stop at fourteen? And why only test on humans and not other conscious species?” the evaluator asked, his tone shifting to one of analytical curiosity. From a rational standpoint, halting at just fourteen when there were still numerous variables left unexplored didn’t quite make sense."While Adam’s brain was undergoing the organification process, an ethical meeting was convened to revise the empire’s research ethics code to address this unprecedented situation. Although we suspected that the material itself either lacked consciousness or contained a blank consciousness that could be molded by the first species it came into contact with, it technically fell outside the original ethics code. However, upon realizing that Adam’s brain would develop a fully unique and independent consciousness once it became completely organic, restrictions were placed on further experimentation. The researchers were only permitted to answer the most pressing questions before the return journey, whic

“How was your evaluation?” Ramsey asked as he dropped into a seat beside Amir in the massive, theater-like hall. The room was slowly filling up, with more individuals materializing every few moments, greeting friends nearby before settling into their designated seats. A low hum of conversation spread through the space, resembling the anticipation before a movie screening.“Mine was fixated on an asteroid I was exploring,” Ramsey continued, shaking his head. “They kept pressing for details and I had to talk about it for over half an hour.”Amir glanced around, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. “Mine focused on Adam and the material. That’s what I spent most of my time discussing.”Ramsey frowned. “What do you think they were really evaluating us on? If they kept steering the conversation toward specific topics, it feels like they were looking for something beyond just our mental state.”Before Amir could respond, a figure materialized nearby. Recognizing her instantly, Ramsey reac

“.......”Amir and everyone else in the room sat in stunned silence, unable to even clear their throats, let alone speak. What they were witnessing was so shocking, so utterly beyond belief, that it rendered them motionless.For people who had already experienced the impossible, the creation of new life shouldn't have been this overwhelming. Yet, none of them displayed the composure or understanding one might expect. The sheer scale of what they were seeing, and the completely unfamiliar method by which it had happened, made it feel like an entirely different kind of revelation.On screen, a time-lapse played, beginning with the capture of Lee Joon Ho and progressing through a surreal sequence of events, leading to the birth of entirely new races from the fruits of enormous trees.Elves, both normal and dark. Dwarves. Fairies. Giants.The narrator’s voice cut through the heavy silence."Although they may look like something out of a fantasy novel or other forms of media, that is preci

With the next two weeks included, this month had been one of the most chaotic for them. They underwent numerous procedures, followed by deeply emotional reunions with their families and friends. These reunions were further highlighted by the emperor’s welcoming speech, delivered in their presence alongside their loved ones, just hours before their return home. The program was carefully scheduled to conclude mere minutes before their ships docked at the space elevator, allowing for long-awaited physical reunions to finally take place.Yet, while they reunited with their families and embarked on their well-earned vacations, the agency responsible for their return showed no signs of slowing down. The last of the exploration fleets were still expected to arrive in the coming months, keeping operations in full swing.At the same time, the Joint Task Force was conducting its final checks in preparation for the upcoming mana stone trade, as well as the commencement of permanent stays for Ast

Time waited for no one, moving forward unbound by the events of the universe. Finally, the day of the second mana stone exchange arrived.A welcoming fleet stood ready in an empty patch of space, patiently awaiting the arrival of the representatives. This was both a customary gesture and a security measure, though this time, the fleet was more than four times larger than at the last exchange. The reason was simple—the exact number of arriving ships remained unknown, but the empire was certain it would be at least triple the previous turnout. The increased mana stone quotas required a greater volume of materials for exchange, and, in addition, the Conclave representatives were expected to bring their own products to sell to the empire.As the agreed time for arrival approached, the crew aboard the welcoming fleet remained on high alert. There was always the possibility that the Conclave forces would emerge from the wormholes with weapons blazing, and until both sides knew each other we