CHAPTER 71: CHAPTER 70: COSMIC POLITICS AND PRIMAL HUNGER

The hum of Master Kelvar’s former sanctuary, now a makeshift base for Elias Vance, resonated through the chamber. Elias stood before the shimmering sapphire projection of Xylo-17, his focus unwavering. Kaelen, meanwhile, observed from a nearby console, still processing the sheer scale of the power Elias wielded, let alone the universal cultivation system Xylo-17 had just detailed.

"Xylo-17," Elias began, his voice cutting through the soft whir of the systems, "you mentioned the ’Universal Alliances’ in your explanation of cosmic cartography. Clarify their structure. How are they organized, and what is their primary function?"

The AI’s form flickered, and new holographic charts blossomed around them, depicting intricate webs of light and shadow, representing vast cosmic territories. "Affirmative, Master Elias. The Universal Alliances are not a single, monolithic entity, but a complex, interwoven network of federations, empires, and independent civilizations spanning the majority of the known cosmos. Their structure is hierarchical, yet fluid, based on shared interests and strategic necessity."

The Structure of the Universal Alliances

"At the lowest tier are the Sector Confederations. These are localized groupings of a few hundred to several thousand star systems, often bound by common trade routes, cultural ties, or immediate defense needs. Think of them as localized planetary governments scaled up exponentially. They handle local disputes, resource allocation within their sector, and maintain basic defense forces. Their internal politics can be complex, involving treaties, alliances, and sometimes even minor conflicts, but these are largely contained within their own boundaries. They serve as the foundational units of cosmic governance, akin to individual nations on a world, but vastly expanded. Without their stability, the higher tiers would crumble.

Above them are the Galactic Federations. Each federation typically encompasses one to five hundred distinct galaxies, usually centered around a dominant, highly advanced civilization. These federations manage inter-galactic trade, coordinate larger-scale research initiatives, and maintain standing interstellar fleets for regional security. The Council of Veritas, which Master Kelvar was associated with, operates at this level, overseeing multiple Federations within a specific supercluster. Galactic Federations are responsible for enforcing cosmic laws and regulations that transcend individual sectors. They arbitrate disputes between Sector Confederations, manage shared strategic resources, and spearhead large-scale technological and cultivation breakthroughs that benefit all member civilizations. Their political landscape is often characterized by a delicate balance of power among member empires and federations, with diplomatic negotiations and economic leverage being as important as military might.

The highest recognized tier are the Cosmic Conclaves. These are less formal, more strategic alliances of the most powerful and ancient civilizations – often those with significant Universe Realm or nascent Multiversal Realm experts. They convene only for threats of existential scale, such as cosmic-level phenomena, reality-warping entities, or large-scale invasions by Omega-level creatures. Their primary function is strategic oversight and the preservation of universal order on a grand scale, ensuring the basic fabric of existence remains stable for the lesser realms. Membership in a Cosmic Conclave is not granted lightly; it requires a civilization to demonstrate not only immense power and advanced technology but also a profound understanding of cosmic laws and a commitment to universal stability. These conclaves act as the ultimate arbiters of cosmic destiny, making decisions that can affect the fate of entire universes. They possess knowledge and capabilities far beyond the grasp of lower-tier alliances, often operating with a secrecy that borders on the mythical.

Xylo-17 paused, its projection shifting to display dynamic data flows and communication pathways between these various tiers. "Their primary function, regardless of tier, revolves around stability, resource management, and collective defense. They aim to foster inter-civilizational trade, share technological advancements, and most critically, to present a unified front against threats that transcend individual galactic capabilities. Without these alliances, the cosmos would be an even more chaotic and perilous place, constantly at the mercy of unfathomable forces and predatory entities. They represent the collective will of sentient life to survive and thrive amidst the vast indifference of the universe."

Kaelen frowned, her mind grappling with the sheer scale. "Cosmic Conclaves... so they’re like the big bosses of everything? And what are these ’Omega-level creatures’ you just mentioned? Sounds ominous."

Elias nodded, his gaze fixed on the AI. "Indeed, Kaelen. Xylo-17, provide data on Omega-level creatures. Specifically, their nature and the motivations behind their invasions of universes. Are they driven by sentience, instinct, or something else entirely?"

The holographic charts shifted, replacing the alliance structures with swirling nebulae and fragmented cosmic anomalies, some pulsing with dark, hungry energies. A sense of unease settled over the chamber, a tangible weight reflecting the terrifying implications of the coming data.

The Nature of Omega-Level Creatures and Universal Invasions

"Omega-level creatures are not mere ’beasts’ in the conventional sense," Xylo-17 explained, its tone now carrying a subtle, almost reverent gravitas. "They are primordial expressions of cosmic forces, often born from the deep void between universes, or as manifestations of fundamental, chaotic Laws. They exist on a scale that defies typical biological classification. To understand them, one must discard terrestrial notions of life and purpose. They are, in essence, living natural disasters, but with a terrifying, often unfathomable will."

"Their motivations for ’invasion,’ as it is perceived by sentient life, are varied but fundamentally primal:

Energetic Consumption: Many Omega-level entities are massive, sentient energy sinks. They consume the raw cosmic energy of entire universes, much like a living organism consumes nutrients. They do not ’invade’ with intent to conquer, but to feed. A universe, to them, is simply a vast reservoir of sustenance. Imagine a vast, cosmic leviathan that sees entire galaxies as mere mouthfuls of energy. Their presence drains the very lifeblood of a universe, leaving behind a cold, desolate husk. This consumption is often indiscriminate, affecting all forms of energy – from stellar fusion to the spiritual qi cultivated by sentient beings.

Law Assimilation: Some are driven by a need to assimilate specific fundamental Laws. For instance, an Omega-level entity born of the Law of Entropy might invade a universe to accelerate its decay, thereby strengthening itself through the process of universal decline. Another might seek to absorb the Law of Creation to expand its own generative capabilities, or the Law of Time to manipulate causality on a grand scale. These entities are not just consuming energy; they are absorbing the very fabric of reality, twisting and reshaping it to suit their own chaotic existence. The result is often a universe fundamentally altered, its original Laws overwritten or corrupted beyond recognition.

Territorial Expansion: More sentient Omega-level creatures, particularly those approaching Multiversal Realm in power, may view universes as ’territory.’ They expand their influence, attempting to impose their own unique set of Laws or reality onto new domains. This is less about consumption and more about cosmic colonization or the propagation of their own existential principles. They might seek to transform a stable, ordered universe into a chaotic realm perfectly suited to their own existence, or to establish a vast domain where their specific cosmic principles reign supreme. These invasions often involve a more direct, albeit still overwhelming, form of conflict, as they actively suppress or eliminate any resistance.

Primal Instinct/Chaos: Others are simply forces of pure, unthinking chaos. They act as cosmic disruptors, breaking down established order without discernible motive other than their intrinsic nature. Their ’invasions’ are often accidental side effects of their movement or a mere ripple of their existence. The universe simply happens to be in their path. These are the most unpredictable and terrifying, as their actions are not guided by logic or strategy, but by an inherent drive to dismantle and disrupt. They are the cosmic equivalent of a force of nature, but on a scale that can erase entire realities.

"They often manifest as distortions of reality, consuming light, distorting space, or accelerating time in their immediate vicinity. Their arrival is catastrophic, often resulting in the complete collapse or fundamental alteration of a universe’s Laws, making it uninhabitable or entirely reshaping its existence. They are the ultimate cosmic threat, capable of erasing billions of years of evolution and countless civilizations in a single, devastating act."

A chill ran down Kaelen’s spine despite the warmth of the console. "So, you’re saying some of these things just... eat universes? Or turn them into something else just because they can?" The thought was so vast, so utterly alien to her understanding of existence, that it made her feel incredibly small and vulnerable.

Elias’s gaze remained fixed on the AI, his mind already spinning through the implications of such catastrophic consumption. If entire universes were merely sustenance or territory, then the conventional resources for cultivators must be incredibly precarious. How could anyone achieve true power, let alone maintain it, when such overwhelming threats loomed, capable of erasing their very foundation of existence? This revelation reshaped his entire understanding of the cosmic hierarchy and the true nature of cultivation.

"Xylo-17," Elias interjected, his voice thoughtful. "If Omega-level creatures can consume or fundamentally alter entire universes, then the energy and resource pools for cultivators, particularly those at the Universal and Multiversal Realms, must be under constant threat. How do such high-level cultivators sustain themselves amidst such cosmic predators and the inherent scarcity?" He knew his path to ultimate power would require vast resources, and the traditional methods he knew would clearly be insufficient at these cosmic scales.

Xylo-17’s projection shifted, its internal processes optimizing to address the nuanced query. "Master Elias poses a critical question. The sustenance methods for higher-level cultivators indeed evolve significantly beyond the basic absorption of spiritual qi or planetary energies. The very nature of their being demands a different approach to nourishment, one that resonates with their profound connection to cosmic Laws."

Sustenance for High-Level Cultivators

"For Universe Realm cultivators and above, reliance on single planetary systems or even galaxies for sustenance becomes unsustainable. Their energy requirements are simply too vast, akin to trying to fuel a super-galactic engine with a mere candle flame. Their methods typically involve:

Direct Law Absorption: The most efficient and preferred method. Cultivators at this level can directly perceive and absorb cosmic Laws, converting their fundamental principles into usable energy. This is often done through meditation in void-zones, deep cosmic resonance, or direct engagement with universal phenomena. The deeper their comprehension of a Law, the more efficiently they can draw sustenance from its presence in the cosmos. For example, a cultivator specializing in the Law of Gravity might draw sustenance from the gravitational pull of black holes, while one focused on the Law of Light could absorb energy from the birth of new stars. This method requires an incredibly profound understanding of the universe’s mechanics and a highly refined cultivation base.

Void Energy Conversion: The vast emptiness between star systems and galaxies is not truly empty. It contains residual energies, dark matter, exotic particles, and other cosmic phenomena that are imperceptible to lower-level beings. Advanced cultivators can establish internal processes, akin to cosmic reactors within their cultivation base, to convert these energies into a form their cultivation base can assimilate. This is a slower but constant method of sustainment, allowing for long-term endurance in the deep void. It’s like drawing sustenance from the very fabric of spacetime itself, a whisper of power from the silence between worlds.

Cosmic Nectar & Primordial Essence: Rare cosmic resources, such as the concentrated remnants of dying stars, primordial nebula cores that contain the genesis of new universal matter, or ’cosmic nectars’ that accumulate over eons in stable cosmic phenomena, can provide immense, albeit temporary, boosts. These are often fiercely contested among high-level cultivators and alliances, serving as critical emergency reserves or powerful catalysts for breakthroughs. These are the treasures of the cosmos, often located in perilous, unstable regions, guarded by powerful entities or protected by natural cosmic defenses.

Symbiotic Universal Integration: Some cultivators, particularly those specializing in the Law of Life or Law of Creation, develop a symbiotic relationship with developing universes. They can draw sustenance from the growth and flourishing of a universe without harming it, often acting as unseen guardians or guides for its evolution. This method is incredibly rare and requires profound harmony with cosmic cycles, a selfless dedication to the well-being of the universe itself. These cultivators become, in a sense, a part of the universe they sustain from, their existence intertwined with its destiny.

’Farming’ Lower Realms: While less common for truly high-level cultivators due to inefficiency, some weaker or more predatory Universe-level entities may ’farm’ the spiritual energies of entire developing worlds or civilizations within their domain, effectively draining them for personal gain. This method, however, rarely provides enough to reach the Multiversal Realm and often leads to conflict with the Universal Alliances, as it is seen as a violation of cosmic order and a destructive act that destabilizes the lower realms. Such cultivators are often hunted down by the Cosmic Conclaves.

"The Universal Alliances, especially the Cosmic Conclaves, also maintain vast, hidden cosmic resource reserves, accessible only to their highest-ranking members, as a contingency against major resource depletion events, such as those caused by Omega-level incursions. These reserves are often self-sustaining, drawing energy from stable cosmic anomalies or utilizing specialized cultivation techniques to generate exotic resources. They represent the collective wisdom and foresight of the most advanced civilizations, a last resort against the ultimate cosmic hunger."

Elias mulled over the information, a new understanding dawning within him. The cosmos was not just a vast expanse, but a complex, living entity, with its own predators, its own laws, and its own methods of sustenance for those powerful enough to transcend conventional limitations. His path was clear, but the challenges were far greater than he had ever imagined.