The conference venue was a courtyard, lushly adorned with various flowers. Merely standing here, one could feel the thick fragrance in the air, which was calming and soul-soothing.
From a distance, beyond the courtyard, a vast lake shimmered under the sun's reflection, casting a multicolored glow.
It was undeniable; even Su Chen was deeply moved by the scenery before him. Anyone would find it hard to believe that this was just a virtual world.
"Your Majesty, have you summoned us for an important announcement?" It was Zhu Hui who spoke.
In such a formal setting, he wouldn't childishly call out 'bro'. That was reserved for their private interactions.
All eyes turned to Su Chen. Clearing his throat and with a grand wave of his hand, a banner unfurled behind him. It read, "The First Red Alert High-Ranking Conference."
Once everyone took their seats, Su Chen began, "The reason I've called you all here is to facilitate an exchange of information. Given the vast distances between us, it's not easy to maintain a steady flow of intel. This place will make our exchanges much more efficient."
They had all become conscious of this after entering, especially Yun Ru, who had been concerned about the communication within the Red Alert Empire. She hadn't expected the Commander to address it so swiftly. Truly, he was commendable.
"There's another matter," Su Chen continued, his gaze sweeping the attendees with solemnity, "It concerns the future development of the Red Alert Empire."
"Your Majesty, if it's about the Empire's future development, I believe I have some insights to offer."
Amongst everyone, in terms of rank and authority in the Empire, Zhu Hui stood paramount. He managed myriad responsibilities, far surpassing Leng Yuwei, Ju Ling, and others. Having once been the Emperor during Earth's Dark Age, he has been at the forefront ever since the South Emperor's retirement, proficiently handling every situation.
It could be said, Zhu Hui was born to be the Grand Vizier.
"Oh? Please, share your thoughts," Su Chen prompted, intrigued.
With a gesture from Zhu Hui, the skies darkened, revealing a studded constellation. However, a closer look would show it as a vast star map. "This depicts the star domains currently under our Red Alert Empire's control, approximately one-fiftieth of the Milky Way."
Following Zhu Hui's direction, everyone's attention was drawn to a blue region, representing the current territories of the Red Alert Empire, situated in the most remote part of the Milky Way.
"With our current strength," Zhu Hui explained, "it would take decades to completely control the Milky Way. One of the most significant hindrances is the communication delay. However, with this Red Alert World, as long as we're within the Empire's boundaries, we can enter instantaneously. This makes information relay as efficient as before, shortening our conquest of the Milky Way significantly. I believe, given our current capabilities, if we have the means to counter Large Galaxy Powerhouses, it won't take more than five years."
As Zhu Hui elaborated, not only did he discuss the Empire's future plans but also mentioned an essential topic: the strategy to conquer other empires!
Su Chen looked at Zhu Hui, surprised. He hadn't expected Zhu Hui to have even considered such distant prospects.
Indeed, once the Milky Way was under control, conquering other galaxies would just be a matter of time.
"The Grand Vizier has spoken wisely. Who's next?"
"I will," volunteered Ju Ling.
Subsequently, each individual shared their suggestions and views. Everyone had a unique perspective. For instance, Yun Ru hoped to establish a research system, enabling the empire's geniuses to contribute.
The engineers and scientists from the base were competent, but they lacked innovative spirit, making them better suited as assistants. What Yun Ru needed were brilliant innovators, not just average researchers.
Su Chen promptly accepted this excellent suggestion.
The Human Emperor and the Super Soldiers shared similar views. It was then the turn of some of the more unique subordinates.
There were Protoss Les, survivor of the Qiluo Civilization Yuan Yizhong, Heart Demon Clan's Black Veil, Ghost Clan ancestor Taru, Cosmic Behemoth Mutant Ghost Rabbit and Spectral Moth, and the Universe race Parasitic Species. ṙＡ𐌽Ȫ₿ЕṤ
All were later additions to Su Chen's force, not originally from the base.
Su Chen's gaze settled on Les, clearly awaiting his input.
Grinning, Les shared, "Boss, once we're powerful enough, why not overthrow the Protoss? Their life seems too monotonous. It's more fun with humans."
Su Chen's lips twitched. Was it really okay for Les to sell out his race like that?
However, Les spoke the truth. The Protoss, unlike humans, either focused on enhancing individual strength and technological prowess or were on their way to battle. They had almost no leisure.
The entire Protoss race resisted any form of entertainment, leading to their inherently warlike nature. This mentality, where both men and women were always eager to fight and disinterested in other pursuits, was one reason for their dwindling numbers.
Having experienced the joys of entertainment, Les wanted to shift the Protoss mindset. After all, such pleasures shouldn't be enjoyed alone.
Shared joy is double joy!
"I hope to find other survivors of the Qiluo Civilization. I refuse to believe I'm the last," Yuan Yizhong stated solemnly.
"I've got no grand plans. Living leisurely isn't so bad," Black Veil commented nonchalantly.
Taru shared Yun Ru's sentiment, as he too was a research enthusiast.
As for the remaining three, they had no substantial suggestions, quite a shame for the Cosmic Behemoth and the Universe race.
"By the way, Young Dragon, what's the current situation with the Feathered Warbler Empire?" Su Chen inquired.
The Feathered Warbler Empire was currently overseen by Li Shaolong. Only when its territories expanded would Su Chen ask others to assist.
"Commander, something seems off with the Feathered Warbler Empire," Li Shaolong reported with a frown.
"I've been gathering intel on other empires, not just from official sources but also from underground information networks. Yet, no one has ever heard of any other empires outside of the Feathered Warbler Empire." (To be continued...)
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