"..."
Chen Mang looked at the spatial bag placed under the mechanical arm. It was filled with a vast amount of resources, cumulatively exceeding the total of both the "Extremely Evil Civilization" and the "Good Cat Civilization." This was all the wealth that "Little Fattyâs Father" had accumulated over the years, and it was all left to him.
"Sigh."
After a long silence, he let out a light sigh.
Even though he had figured out the specific situation, he still felt that the plot development of this story was overly abstract. When the old man returned, at the very least, he could also bring back some other news. That way, he could know some things that would happen in the future.
However, in the future, he had already been out of contact with the "Nami Civilization" for 137 years.
And couldnât bring back any news about him.
Itâs just...
"..."
Suddenly, Chen Mang thought of something, furrowing his brow, turning to look at Old Pig, and said, "Old Pig, do you think that if our Human Civilization developed normally over these 137 years, we might not become universally known across the universe, but at least our reputation would cover this area?"
"The Nami Civilization hasnât had information about us for 137 years."
"Is it possible that after we returned from the Good Cat Civilization... we fell shortly afterward?"
"This..."
Old Pig was slightly startled, instinctively wanting to say that such a thing would surely not happen but, after a momentâs thought, decided to be honest: "Itâs possible... After all, if normal development were to proceed, itâs impossible for the Nami Civilization not to hear about Human Civilization for 137 years."
Chen Mang remained silent with a furrowed brow. In that case, according to the predetermined future, he would face a disaster in the future, and the time point of that disaster would definitely occur after "Doba," that is, the Goblin Race, created the "Celestial Palace."
He was very likely buried in that disaster.
And before his death.
He threw the Celestial Palace into the Time Rift.
He thought this was his future selfâs way of helping his present self develop quickly. But now it seems it might be more like a... desperate measure?
Wait!
He suddenly realized something.
When the Future State and Present State of Cosmic Forbidden Items collide, a violent explosion occurs. If small in size, it explodes in a small range like Little Fattyâs father. However, if itâs large, the resulting explosion becomes immense.
And his Celestial Palace was larger than a star.
When the Future State and Present State of the Celestial Palace meet, the resulting explosion is unknown and terrifying, possibly even comparable to... a 2000-level Akanon Light Energy Main Cannon?
He didnât know.
Without comparison, he couldnât guess the approximate power unless he obtained relevant specific data.
...
A moment later.
"Phew..."
Chen Mang let out a light breath. He had roughly sorted out many things. According to the normal predetermined future, he would encounter an extremely terrifying crisis after leaving the "Nami Civilization," and he might even perish in this crisis. The Constant Star Train would also be destroyed.
Although he wasnât clear on what kind of crisis could destroy the Constant Star Train.
Butâ
At least one time node was significant: before the "Celestial Palace" was created by the Goblin Race, he certainly wouldnât encounter this crisis.
The Celestial Palace was not easy to create; with the Goblin Raceâs technology, it would still take a long time. This wasnât an immediate concern.
Thatâs an issue for far in the future.
Moreover!
In the predetermined future, when he left the "Nami Civilization," he didnât take these resources with him. This time, taking so many resources, the train would become stronger. The disaster that originally put the train at risk might also be handled peacefully.
Just then!
The voice of Ai suddenly sounded in his ear.
"Train Captain, thereâs some good news. Over the past seven years, with the support of the train and cooperation with the research center, the Goblin Raceâs technology level has significantly improved. According to Doba, many of the issues from the Celestial Palace blueprints submitted last time have been completely overcome."
"It has now entered the final stage."
"It is expected that in less than three months, it will be completely finished."
"..."
Chen Mang, who had just let out a sigh of relief, suddenly fell silent again. After a long while, he spoke softly: "Is this really good news?"
"No... isnât it?"
Ai seemed a bit confused.
"I suppose."
Chen Mang sighed lightly, picked up the spatial bag, and walked along the tunnel back, preparing to explain the general situation and reasons to Little Fatty.
At this moment, he was like a cancer patient who had received a "critical condition notice."
All he could do... was wait peacefully for death.
Three months later, when the Celestial Palace was completed, it would be the time point when the disaster was about to arrive.
At this time.
Even if he ordered the delay in the Celestial Palaceâs creation, it wouldnât make any sense as it was akin to marking the boat to seek the sword. The day the Celestial Palace was finished was merely a general time node and had no causal connection with the completion of the Celestial Palace itself.
And according to Little Fattyâs father, this crisis most likely occurred when he left the "Nami Civilization" to return to the Nia Star System.
Which means...
"..."
Chen Mangâs eyes suddenly narrowed slightly. He seemed to know the way to break the situation. This crisis was probably brewing right now in the Nia Star System, meaning that his recent actions near the Nia Star System had drawn the attention of an advanced civilization.
That advanced civilization had laid a trap for him.
As soon as he returned, he would face catastrophic danger?
If so...
In fact, this predetermined future crisis can be avoided as well. All he needs to do is temporarily avoid returning to the Nia Star System...
This would apply if the "Past Timeline" attacking setting wasnât in effect.