Chapter 1080: No Signs of Being Affected

As the report neared its end, Guilliman suddenly said:

"Father, there is one more thing. It may be of little importance, but I believe I should report it to you."

"What is it?"

"During the negotiations with the Terrami, their chief trader, Eloan, mentioned some... rumors regarding 'Reality Anomalies' in an informal conversation."

Yingzhou raised an eyebrow and asked.

"What kind of rumors?"

"Eloan said that in some peripheral areas of the Bode Star System, 'Reality Weak Points' occasionally appear. The spatial structure in those places is unstable, sometimes briefly connecting to other... possibilities. He calls them 'Mirror Rifts'."

Guilliman pulled up some records:

"According to Eloan, the Telarami Chamber of Commerce has encountered similar phenomena twice in their three-thousand-year history.

The first time was during their early exploration phase; a merchant ship strayed into a rift and saw 'another Terrami civilization'—that civilization had chosen military expansion instead of commercial trade, and as a result, it was destroyed in war."

"The second time was about five hundred years ago, when they detected abnormal energy fluctuations in a certain relic world and discovered a rift that was opening.

They quickly evacuated that area because the energy leaking from the rift was 'full of malice and madness'."

Guilliman looked at Yingzhou.

"Eloan said these 'Mirror Rifts' are usually very brief and close on their own.

But their existence indicates that the reality we inhabit is neither unique nor entirely stable.

He suggested that if the Star Alliance encounters similar phenomena during the expansion process, it is best to avoid them, because 'you never know what is on the other side of the rift'."

Yingzhou was silent for a moment.

The Terrami knew.

Or rather, they at least knew of the existence of this phenomenon.

This was not surprising; a commercial civilization that had traveled the galaxy for three thousand years had seen too many incredible things.

"Did Eloan say how these rifts are formed? Or how to prevent them?"

Yingzhou asked.

"He said the cause is unknown. It might be related to intense psychic activity, it might be related to certain ancient relics, or it might be a completely random event.

As for prevention... other than avoiding large-scale psychic operations in known 'Reality Weak Points', there are no other known methods."

Guilliman paused and added.

"Father, do you think these rumors are credible? Or is this just a story fabricated by the Terrami to add to their own sense of mystery?"

"The mysteries of the universe are endless, Guilliman. The Terrami have traveled for three thousand years; their database may contain much knowledge we have yet to understand.

Regarding these rumors about 'Reality Rifts', we should maintain an open but cautious attitude: do not believe blindly, but do not dismiss them entirely either."

"I suggest you incorporate this information into the Star Alliance's database of unknown phenomena and remind all exploration fleets that if they encounter anomalies in spatial structure, they should report them immediately and proceed with caution."

"Understood, Father."

Guilliman recorded it.

"Then, regarding the final approval of the Terrami Agreement..."

"I approve."

Yingzhou said.

"Proceed according to the draft you reached. But remember, this is an experimental contact and must be strictly controlled. If any problems arise, you have the authority to terminate the agreement immediately."

"As you command."

As the communication was about to end, Guilliman looked at Yingzhou again.

"Father, please take care of your health. The Star Alliance needs you, we... all need you. If there is anything I can share the burden of, no matter what it is, please be sure to tell me."

"Thank you, Guilliman. I will be sure to rest. You as well."

"For the Human." Guilliman said solemnly.

"For the Human." Yingzhou responded.

The communication ended.

Yingzhou leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and let out a long sigh.

The "Mirror Rift" rumor Guilliman mentioned at the end.

The Terrami knew of this phenomenon; what did that mean?

Did natural "Reality Weak Points" already exist in the Bode Star System, and most civilizations simply lacked the ability or awareness to realize their existence?

"Jaghatai..."

Yingzhou whispered the name.

Jaghatai should be somewhere on the border of the Sixth Star Sector, carrying out a mobile assault mission.

These two Jaghatais were, in essence, different branches of possibility for the same existence.

Then, would the Jaghatai of this world experience some kind of... resonance? Or influence, because of the fall of "another self"?

Yingzhou pulled up the Star Alliance's internal communication network and began entering commands.

He sent a directed communication request to the flagship of the White Scars Legion.

While waiting for the connection, Yingzhou thought about how to speak with Jaghatai.

The communication connected.

Appearing in the holographic projection was Jaghatai Khan.

"Father! It is rare indeed for you to take the initiative to contact me. Is there an urgent mission? The White Scars are ready to strike at any time!"

"Jaghatai, I just wanted to understand the situation on your end. How is your mobile assault progressing?"

"It is going perfectly, Father! Those cumbersome fleets of the Fengqi Star Alliance cannot catch us at all!"

Jaghatai paused and asked with some confusion.

"But Father, why are you suddenly concerned about tactical details? This isn't your style. Usually, you only care about strategic results, leaving the specific methods of fighting for us to decide ourselves."

"I am just a little... worried. I am worried that you might encounter some... unusual threats."

"Unusual threats?"

Jaghatai raised an eyebrow.

"Father, what are you referring to? Powerful Psionics? Or some kind of unknown Alien?"

Yingzhou observed Jaghatai's expression.

Excited, confident, completely normal.

There were no signs of being influenced, nor any sense of "another self."

This made Yingzhou feel slightly more at ease.

"I am just reminding you to stay vigilant, Jaghatai. There are always mysteries in the universe that we do not understand. Remember, if you encounter any phenomenon that cannot be understood or explained, do not take risks; contact me immediately."

Jaghatai's expression became a bit more serious: "I understand, Father. Although the White Scars love to charge, we are not stupid. If there is danger, we will be careful."

Jaghatai smiled, returning to that heroic temperament.

"But Father, you seem particularly... cautious today? Has something happened with the Star Alliance? Or have other brothers run into trouble?"