I, a ship girl, am the savior of civilization.

Veneto had also been to Aierriel and had some understanding of its amazing mega-universe, but some of the mega-structure blueprints he possessed were things that even Aierriel, with its diverse range of mega-structures, did not have.

It would be a pipe dream for Veneto to complete these massive structures on his own, so he could only place his hopes on Phantom and Elriel.

"Lord Lexington, with Huanmeng's current level of scientific research, the only things that can play a significant role are those advanced megastructure blueprints that involve rules, right?"

Lexington nodded slightly. After joining forces with Aierriel, the technological level of Huanmeng has improved rapidly. Although it has not yet entered the realm of god-level civilization, it is only one step away.

The same applies to Aierriel. Previously, it had been within a small universe, and the perfection of its rules was insufficient for Aierriel to become a god-level civilization. Furthermore, the threat of the Dark Forest made Aierriel extremely cautious. It was not until the Sentinel Array was activated that Aierriel dared to enter the Trisolaran universe with Huanmeng.

However, the time spent in the past was not without value. With in-depth research into conventional technologies, the technological level of Huanmeng and Aierriel is even slightly better than that of the marginal civilizations that have fallen from their pedestals.

Yes, it's just a pity that the fringe civilizations are no longer around.

"In that case, let's take a look. Changchun, Yubari!"

Without saying much, Lexington summoned the two top research officers in the Phantom and began analyzing the technologies on the list.

"Huh, the Neil Dyson beam, it's actually a stellar-class weapon. But Phantom is a pacifist, so this kind of high-risk weapon doesn't seem very suitable..."

Changchun spotted a weapon he liked at a glance, his eyes lighting up. Then, he casually added it to his list: "But, it should be fine to just set up reverse engineering for scientific research, right?"

Lexington watched Changchun's little tricks with a dark expression. Ever since completing the weaponization of Alpha Crystal and Dark Matter Combined Matter, Changchun seemed to be becoming more and more obsessed with weapons with greater destructive power.

However, although Changchun's choice was a bit off, the general direction was indeed correct.

Regarding the rule-breaking, Huanmeng has already set a target: the Civilization Ark they obtained from Laura. Therefore, Huanmeng's only option is to acquire a protective umbrella that will allow them to safely advance to a god-level civilization.

In other words, what Huanmeng needs now is a sufficiently strong defensive capability.

Therefore, Lexington and Yubari both set their sights on a technology that seemed insignificant among the many magnificent structures.

A massive, irregular megastructure—the “Unicorn” class galactic defense line.

According to the budget plan, an uncolored illustration costs 100-200 yuan, and a story is about 20 pages long. We might have to consider coloring later...

It will take quite a bit of time to accumulate...

By the way, after finishing The Three-Body Problem, does anyone have any thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment or something.

160. Meeting the Zero-Based Individual

Lexington came, and then Lexington left.

The Unicorn Galaxy defense line can be said to have given Huanmeng the confidence to take root in the Milky Way. After all, among the items listed by the universe, high-dimensional demons and Thorin protozoa have a strong aggressiveness towards civilization and must be guarded against.

As time went on, the number of visitors to the Central Ye Tree World gradually increased. Although most civilizations scoffed at the universe's declaration of love and peace, they could not ignore the dazzling array of goods that the universe offered.

The increasingly prosperous galactic trade has fully unfolded. Without revealing each other's coordinates, many civilizations are still willing to conduct one or two transactions with other civilizations in the free trading halls provided by the universe.

The mental intimidation brought by the Dark Forest gradually melted away. The unique hyperspace engine of the stars made the migration of the Trisolaran civilization extremely convenient. Therefore, although the Dark Forest that blocked the hunters' vision disappeared, the once tense cosmic atmosphere actually weakened.

After all, if you know you can't completely eradicate the problem, why wage a full-scale war?

Moreover, under full trade, advanced civilizations do not need to worry about being overtaken by newcomers, because they can acquire the same technology through trade, while also keeping track of the development of lower-level civilizations.

Among them, the eye-catching alliance of four civilizations has convinced other civilizations that unity is not impossible. Since the goal is development, wouldn't forming a mutually supportive alliance with civilizations of similar level be a better choice?

Even subservient to a more advanced civilization, exchanging freedom for security, is also an idea, isn't it?

A new order is forming, but Laura doesn't have time to pay attention to it right now. What she needs to be concerned about now is the gaze from the Zero-Returner, the supreme god-level civilization of the Trisolaran universe.

The rules of the stars shroud the Milky Way, preventing the Zero-Returners from perceiving what changes are taking place within it. However, this concealment cannot last forever.

For a civilization like the Zero-Returners, which has all-seeing capabilities, everything in the universe is under its perception. Laura can put a crack generator on the Milky Way, but in a way, this makes the Milky Way even more conspicuous.

The ability to shield the Zeroers from view signifies the birth of a supreme, god-like civilization comparable to themselves within the Milky Way. Therefore, the Zeroers are wary of Laura's existence, but for the sake of the return of cosmic matter, they cannot easily ignore this new civilization.

Laura had assumed the Zeroers would have come knocking long ago. But in reality, they didn't show themselves until Laura had fully adapted to the rules.

For Laura, this wasn't a bad thing. However, with most of the important matters completed, Laura became interested and prepared to see what the Zeroers were waiting for.

With the rules in hand now, Laura has no fear of the Zero-Returners.

Originally, Laura planned to go alone. After all, although she said she didn't care about the Zeroers, there was still some risk if a fight actually broke out.

However, just before setting off, Laura coincidentally ran into Belfast. After learning that his Laura was going to fight the ultimate boss of the universe, Belfast said he would also go and help Laura.

If Belfast hadn't brought it up herself, Laura would have almost forgotten that Belfast was also the auxiliary mind of her ship.

"Forget it, if a fight breaks out anyway, we'll just have to follow the rules. Bringing Belfast along won't hurt."

With its current Tier 6 hull, without any rules to protect it, even a slight aftershock could smash its own hull to pieces.

Even if Belfast went, she would stay in the dimensional dock with the Dawn. Since that was the case, Laura didn't care too much and simply agreed to Belfast's request.

--split line--

The distances between galaxies are vast, and within these regions, matter is shockingly scarce. Before mastering the technology to extract energy from the void, intergalactic travel remains merely an alluring dream.

Only god-like civilizations can cross galaxies by modifying the constant of the speed of light or by other means.

When Laura left the galaxy, the Zero-Returner sensed her presence and appeared directly in front of her.

It takes the form of a cluster of light aggregates.

Looking at the Zero-Returners that shone like a star cluster before her, Laura was somewhat surprised: "Eh? Laura thought the Zero-Returners' appearance would be even more shocking."

"Your power commands the respect of the Zero-Returner civilization; there is no need to arrange a meaningless impact."

The Zero-Returner's reply was rather uninteresting: "Of course, if you feel it's necessary, Zero-Returner can also arrange a feast that could shake the entire universe for you."

"Let's forget about it. Laura isn't used to that kind of scene."

After speculating about the grand spectacle that the Zeroers might present, Laura couldn't help but shake her head. In comparison, Laura was more interested in the form of the Zeroers' civilization.

"However, is the Zero-Returner Civilization an individual civilization?"

Looking at the Zero Being formed from light before her, Laura asked curiously.

"Yes, the Zero-Returner Civilization was originally a collective civilization, but as its understanding of the universe deepened, the barriers between individuals became increasingly serious obstacles to the development of the civilization. Therefore, after a nationwide vote, the Zero-Returner Civilization entrusted the will of all its citizens to a higher dimension and interfered with the main universe in the form of civilizational consciousness."

The Zero-Returner answered Laura's question honestly and straightforwardly, telling her about the social structure of their civilization.

A typical Gestalt government, and there are many similar civilizations in the Stars, so Laura is no stranger to it.

"So, what brings you here, Laura?"

Sitting on the Colossus Ring, Laura stared straight at the Zeroer, her hand casually brushing the hilt of the ship-sword. If the Zeroer was ready to fight her, Laura was ready to be there at any time.

However, the next sentence from the Zeroer made Laura pause.

"Excuse me, is Miss Laura from another universe? If so, the Zero-Returner civilization is willing to follow Miss Laura, as long as Miss Laura can take the Zero-Returner civilization out of this universe."

Laura was all prepared to fight, but you want to be her underling?

Zero-Resetter, your civilization is quite sophisticated.

Seemingly sensing Laura's confusion, Zero gave a wry smile, though Laura herself didn't know why a ball of light would give a wry smile.

"You've only been in this universe for a few decades, so you may not yet understand the truth about the universe."

Taking a deep breath, Zero explained to Laura why he had made this choice: "This universe is heading towards the abyss."

"If all the matter in the main universe were to return, then the universe would have a chance to start a new cycle and begin a new future, but this is almost impossible. If we expect other civilizations to return all the matter, then the final result is likely that the universe will not be able to start over, and everything will be obliterated into history."

"Therefore, the future of the Zero-Returners was originally only one thing: to escape this universe by using an incomplete universe reboot and find a new universe before civilization is completely destroyed."

"But your appearance has shown us a second possibility."

Looking solemnly at Laura, the light representing the Zero One said, enunciating each word clearly, "The kind that allows one to escape the universe, the optimal solution is possible!"

Another day of consuming my saved drafts!

Actually, I started a science fiction novel in advance. It feels so good to be back with the Foundation!

161. All things return to zero, and humanity is elevated.

Laura was initially confused by the Zeroer's answer, but she quickly realized what he meant.

Because of the misuse of dimensional weapons by various civilizations, the Trisolaran universe has been reduced from eleven dimensions to its current three dimensions, and there is no sign of this reduction.

Even now, as Laura converses with the Zero-Ones, civilizations throughout the universe are using dimensional reduction weapons, similar to two-dimensional foils, to cause the universe to fall into two dimensions.

If no obstacles are taken, according to the predictions of the Zero-Returners, the collapse of the universe will eventually come, and everything will be completely and irreversibly destroyed.

However, to stop all of this, not only does the universe need to move towards zero dimensions, but a large amount of matter needs to be supplied back to the main universe so that the universe restarts to a certain threshold.

The Zero-Returners know very well that they cannot do it. Even an eighth-order civilization like the Zero-Returners, which has reached its limit, cannot do this.

But if one were to take advantage of the collapse of the universe to leave the Trisolaran universe and search for another hopeful universe, that would be easier said than done.

Laura knew very well what existed between universes. After mastering the Light of Noah, Laura learned what the so-called multiverse worldview was all about.

Similar to the relationships between galaxies, there is nothing between universes except for the most basic underlying rules.

All universes share commonalities, such as the boundary between life and non-life, the existence of matter, etc. They are like a net, and these universal rules become the only way to link different worlds.

This is why Laura doesn't believe the Zero-Returners can successfully reach another universe. Only the universe's controllers are qualified to access these underlying rules. Although the Zero-Returners are only one step away from becoming ninth-tier controllers, they are enough to kill any chance of escape.

However, there was one thing Laura still couldn't understand.

"If that's the case, why don't you Zero-Returners force the return of other civilizations' microcosms to the main universe?"

Temporarily setting aside her hostility towards the Zero-Body, a small circle of doubt appeared in Laura's eyes: "Having completely mastered dimensions, space no longer holds any limitations for you. Although it's a bit troublesome, you should be able to do that, right?"

In Laura's mind, the Zero-Returners could act as overseers of the main universe, using their experience and seniority to make other civilizations realize the importance of returning to matter.

If not, then there must be another hidden reason.

As Laura expected, the Zero One shook his head and revealed the hidden reason: "If the Zero One is the only supreme god-level civilization in the main universe, then it is indeed possible."

"Unfortunately, another advanced civilization, no less advanced than the Zero-Returner civilization, does not agree with our ideas. They pursue the ultimate understanding of the rules, and even want to use it to tamper with the rules of the entire main universe."

"If the universe will collapse due to insufficient matter after falling to zero dimensions, then they will infinitely push the required dimensions of collapse, creating 0.5 dimensions, 0.4 dimensions, or even the lowest topological dimension of -1. As long as the speed of creating more dimensions below the current dimensions is faster than the rate of collapse, then the collapse of the universe will not be able to catch up with them."

Hearing this, Laura roughly understood what was going on and summarized for the Zero-Returner:

"Simply put, the dimensions of the universe are like the layers of a pyramid. You Zero-Returners pursue demolition and reconstruction, while they pursue creating foundational dimensions from the void. As long as there are dimensions below, the main universe will never fall to zero dimensions."

The Zero-Returner nodded emphatically, his body shimmering with light, agreeing with Laura's summary.