C269 They All Came

"Greetings to the esteemed representatives of the Basso Civilization."

The lead Sky War God quickly positioned himself before the medium-sized spacecraft, bowing with great reverence.

Following suit, the eleven diverse War Gods behind him each offered their respectful salutations.

These individuals were among the Terran Federation's elite, the very pillars of their society.

Yet, despite their elevated status within the Terran Federation, they were compelled to bow their heads in the presence of the Basso Civilization.

The reason was clear: the Basso Civilization was a formidable Third Level Civilization, while the Terran Federation was merely at the First Level.

Even if they were to pass the final assessment and ascend to a Second Level Civilization, the disparity between them and the Basso Civilization would remain vast.

A defining characteristic of a First Level civilization is the presence of a certain number of beings at the War God Level, a criterion also included in the assessment.

A Second Level civilization, on the other hand, necessitates the existence of Sky Level War Gods in substantial numbers.

And when it comes to a Third Level Civilization...

It requires the presence of Glory War Gods!

Glory War Gods are entities that transcend the Sky War Gods, beings so powerful they can nearly render most technology obsolete.

Given that the Basso Civilization is a Third Level Civilization, it undoubtedly possesses Glory War Gods, and by the standards of such a civilization, they are far from few in number.

In terms of both the strength and the number of powerful beings, the Terran Federation is no match for the Basso Civilization.

Coupled with the overwhelming force of their technological advancements, the Terran Federation must maintain a posture of utmost humility, even though the Basso Civilization is not the primary examiner for their civilizational upgrade.

Two War Gods from the Basso Civilization stepped forward, observing the Terran Federation's War Gods with a smile. Yet beneath the surface of their amused expressions lay a trace of scorn.

To these two beings of the Basso Civilization, the Sky War Gods from Earth might share their rank, but they regarded them as nothing more than fodder.

Should a battle ensue, they were confident that they could defeat all eleven of the Terran Federation's War Gods.

Of course, defeat is all they would seek. As for annihilation...

Should their numbers be fewer, that too would be within their capabilities.

Defeating eleven War Gods of the same tier was already an extraordinary feat.

"Alright, let's start preparing..."

"The assessment is scheduled for one month from now, correct?"

A human Sky War God, after bowing respectfully, confirmed, "Yes, sir, it is set for one month from today."

That month would mark the beginning of the national war!

"One month? That's not too long. We can wait."

The War God from the Basso Civilization surveyed the human War Gods and stated, "This will be the first time our Basso Civilization is overseeing a civilization level promotion exam. To emphasize our commitment, many who have accompanied me are listed among the prodigies on our Basso Civilization's Genius Roll."

"Therefore, I hope the prodigies emerging from your Federation will not disappoint."

"Otherwise, if these youngsters start causing trouble, the success of your civilization's examination might be in jeopardy."

Upon hearing this, the human War Gods' expressions shifted subtly.

"Rest assured, we will certainly send our most formidable prodigies to compete!"

The human War God spoke with a trace of indignation in his gaze.

To many, the national exam was a precursor to the national war.

The national exam was about selecting participants for the national war.

But what no one realized was that the national war was also a selection process in itself!

It was about choosing the most powerful prodigies from within the Terran Federation.

And soon, they would face the prodigies from the Basso Civilization.

Though the reasons behind the other party's actions were unclear, since they had proposed a friendly competition among the younger generation, the Terran Federation had no grounds to object.

They couldn't afford to let a minor disagreement escalate with the Basso Civilization.

The repercussions for the entire Federation would be far too severe.

"Good, that's the best approach."

The Sky War God of the Basso Civilization nodded in approval. "Upon our arrival at the Terran Federation, please secure a secluded location for us. We would prefer not to be disturbed during our stay."

With those final words, the Sky War God of the Basso Civilization headed straight for his spacecraft without a backward glance.

But just as he was about to board, he paused.

"Come here for a moment. You'll act as our guide while we're here."

The Sky War God at the heart of the Basso Civilization was a central figure among the many Sky War Gods.

Such beings are invariably more than mere mortals; they hold the pinnacle of power within the Terran Federation.

Yet, upon the utterance of the Basso Civilization's Sky War God, the War God simply nodded with deference and approached.

While the other War Gods remained silent, their gazes spoke volumes.

In essence, they signaled to avoid trouble, as the fate of Earth Civilization's recognition and ascension to Second Level status hinged on this moment.

The Human War God quickly trailed the two Basso Civilization War Gods into the mid-sized spacecraft.

As the ship's doors sealed, the previously dignified and assured Human War God's demeanor shifted to one of obsequiousness.

"Lord Yassla, your arrival honors us..."

The Human War God was acquainted with the examiner, the War God of the Basso Civilization!

Lord Yassla gave a slight nod, no longer masking the scorn in his smile.

"How are the preparations?"

The Human War God eagerly bobbed his head in response. "Everything is perfectly in place."

"In a month's time, the aberrations will converge, and then..."

Yassla gestured dismissively, choosing not to elaborate further.

"Should you handle this matter adeptly, we will fulfill your request."

Yassla pivoted to face the Human War God. "While our Basso Civilization is indeed a Third Level Civilization, no advanced civilization can stand in isolation in the cosmos. They are invariably surrounded by allied forces, which is the key to longevity."

"Civilizations that go it alone, like lone wolves, invariably meet grim fates."

Yassla sighed at this thought.

"The Earth Union possesses considerable potential for growth. Our president has expressed his high regard for your people."

Surprise flickered in the Human War God's eyes at the mention of the Basso Civilization's President.

Distinct from the Terran Federation's parliamentary system, the Basso Civilization operates under a true presidential system.

And the President is the preeminent authority within the Basso Civilization!

"Of course, we also desire that the Terran Federation and the Basso Civilization maintain this bond of friendship for the long term."

"Do you comprehend?"

As a glint appeared in Yassla's eyes, the Human War God hastily bowed his head, continuing to show his subservience.

"I understand, I completely understand."

"It's a privilege for the great Basso Civilization to take interest in what is merely a First Level civilization—"

Yassar interrupted, "It's a Second Level civilization..."

Even though the assessment hadn't started, Yassar's statement made his intentions quite clear.

The joy in the eyes of the Earth War God grew even more pronounced.

"Of course, we are looking for a Second Level civilization that is amicable towards the Basso Civilization. You grasp all of this, right?"

How could the Earth War God be unaware?

Even though some of the demands were excessive, they were of no consequence to him.

"If I can become the inaugural President of the Earth, then I assure you, the Terran Federation will always be a loyal follower of the Basso Civilization!"

Yassar was pleased with these words.

"Let's not dwell on this now."

"Once the Civilization Assessment concludes, make your way to the central planet of the Basso Civilization."

"Your current strength is still too feeble..."

If the previous statement had pleased the Earth War God, these words were positively thrilling.

His strength was still too feeble!

Indeed, the words were somewhat disparaging, but the Earth War God actually desired to be underestimated. It was only by being underestimated that he could secure substantial advantages from the Basso Civilization.

The implication was now crystal clear.

Just the current him, merely at the High Order of the Sky Level, stood no chance of becoming the first President of the Terran Federation!

Thus, the intention was to elevate his strength, to transform him into a formidable force capable of restoring order...

"Thank you, my lord! Thank you!"

"Thank you..."

At the aviation hub of Fairmoor, a splendid, golden-hued spaceship gracefully descended from the heavens.

Simultaneously, the entire aviation hub of Fairmoor burst into a flurry of activity.

Numerous spaceships were abruptly relocated from their berths, quickly freeing up a vast area for the pale golden vessel to dock.

Once the spaceship was securely positioned, several figures emerged at a leisurely pace.

"Ah, the breath of freedom!"

A young man with a mane of golden hair stretched and stepped off the ship.

Following him, several others made their way out of the spaceship.

"Reinhard, move aside, you're in my way!"

Upon hearing those words, the blond teenager named Reinhard's previously calm demeanor instantly turned icy.

"What's the matter, still not satisfied?"

The young man who had spoken fell silent for a moment, his expression growing somber.

As the situation seemed to be spiraling out of control, another voice finally chimed in, "Look, even though you two were adversaries in the past."

"We're teammates now!"

"If you're still at odds like this after a month's wait, then there'll be no point in us fighting at all."

"This time, some real freaks from the Adirang Region are going to be in the upcoming national battle..."

Upon hearing this, Reinhard and the other prodigy seemed to recall something, hesitating briefly before ultimately turning away in unison.

Witnessing this, the young man who had just stepped out could only exhale a resigned sigh.

"Come on, what's the point of all this bickering..."

Regrettably, neither of them paid him any heed.

Observing this, the young man could do nothing but continue to shake his head and sigh as he walked away.