Adrian crossed the upper atmosphere of the relic planet and emerged into the vast void above it, where the darkness of space stretched endlessly in all directions. From this vantage point, he could clearly see the two suns orbiting the planet, their light casting overlapping halos that illuminated the otherwise isolated world below.
Aside from those two stellar bodies, however, there were no celestial bodies of significance. Adrian had already been aware of this peculiar arrangement and did not dwell on it for long.
Retrieving his UNI-OS token, Adrian activated the Void Navigation System, intending to identify nearby locations or at least establish a directional reference point. The system was capable of functioning independently, even without being linked to a starship, but the moment it initialized, a series of notifications appeared across the interface, each one reinforcing the unusual nature of this region.
› Current Region: Virelith Galactic Void
› This is not a Regulated Galactic Space
› No major locations detected
› Warning: Navigation accuracy may be compromised
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed the information. There were no locations, not even a UNI-Hub within the galaxy. He stared at the display for a moment longer, then closed the interface.
"This is going to be tricky…" he murmured.
Initially, he had assumed that reaching the UNI-Hub within the Virelith Galaxy would provide him with the necessary information to understand its structure, power hierarchy, and general state of affairs. However, the complete lack of such a facility suggested that the galaxy was not developed in the conventional sense, at least not within the systems recognized by the broader universe. This implied that the Virelith Galaxy was effectively isolated from universal commerce, communication, and standardized governance.
Yet this conclusion immediately conflicted with another observation he had made earlier: the existence of two galactic-scale private networks within this region. Such networks required immense resources, advanced knowledge, and a level of power comparable to the strongest sects within the Andromeda Galaxy. This contradiction created a dissonance that Adrian could not ignore. A galaxy without a UNI-Hub should not logically possess the infrastructure required to sustain private networks of that magnitude, and yet both conditions existed simultaneously.
"This doesn't add up…"
With no available navigation points to rely on, Adrian chose the simplest course of action available to him. He began moving through the void in a random direction, his figure cutting through the emptiness with controlled speed. If he continued traveling, he would eventually encounter either an establishment, a fleet, or, at the very least, another cultivator who could provide information about this galaxy.
His improved body made this approach far more efficient, allowing him to move at speeds comparable to those he achieved in his Source Form without actually entering it.
Within seconds, he had already crossed the boundaries of the relic planet's star system, if it could even be called that, given that it consisted only of a single planet and two suns with nothing else surrounding them.
As Adrian continued his journey through the void, the strangeness of the Virelith Galaxy became increasingly apparent. Unlike the Andromeda Galaxy, there were no established space lanes guiding movement or indicating zones of activity, which was understandable given its underdeveloped and unregulated nature. However, the deeper he traveled, the more unsettling the emptiness became.
Hours passed, then a full day.
There were no scattered planets, no drifting debris, not even stray asteroids that would normally be present in any galactic structure. The vast expanse around him felt less like a galaxy and more like an intergalactic void, a space that existed between galaxies rather than within one.
A few days passed.
As Adrian kept traveling, his vast mana and willforce reserves remained almost untouched. Just as he was thinking whether this was even a galaxy, something shifted at the very edge of his perception.
At first, it was faint, nothing more than a subtle distortion against the darkness. But as his focus sharpened, the shape began to take form.
A starship.
More importantly, it was not drifting aimlessly through the void. It was moving directly toward him.
Adrian adjusted his trajectory without hesitation, aligning himself with the incoming vessel. If they had already detected his presence, attempting to avoid them would only create unnecessary suspicion. Engaging them directly would provide a far more efficient path to gathering the information he needed.
The distance between them closed rapidly. Within moments, the massive starship came into full view, its structure imposing and unfamiliar, with violet lights running along its hull that flickered briefly before stabilizing into a steady glow. The design bore no resemblance to vessels from the Andromeda Galaxy. Its architecture was angular, aggressive, with protruding segments that suggested weapon arrays rather than cargo holds.
Then, a voice echoed outward from the vessel, resonating clearly through the void despite the absence of atmosphere. "Unidentified entity. Halt your movement and state your identity."
For a brief moment, Adrian remained silent, his thoughts aligning rapidly as he considered his response. Then he replied, "I am a wandering cultivator. I entered this region by accident while traversing the void."
He deliberately avoided mentioning the Andromeda Galaxy, the Crimson Vital Sect, or even the relic planet itself, choosing instead to present himself as an unremarkable traveler.
The voice responded without delay. "This region is under the jurisdiction of Master Morka. Unauthorized movement within the Virelith Galaxy is prohibited without prior approval."
"Morka…?"
Adrian repeated the name inwardly, unfamiliar with it, yet the statement introduced an entirely new layer of complexity to the situation. A single individual claiming jurisdiction over an entire galaxy was not something that could be dismissed lightly. In the Andromeda Galaxy, the four strongest sects were preparing for a galactic war in pursuit of supremacy, each striving to establish dominance over the galaxy. Yet here, it appeared that such dominance had already been achieved by one entity.
If this so-called Morka truly held authority over the Virelith Galaxy, then the existence of the two galactic-scale private networks raised further questions. Were those sects subordinate to him, functioning under his control, or were they independent forces operating within his domain?
Before Adrian could fully process these implications, a large holographic projection appeared above the starship. Within it stood a humanoid figure clad in an advanced dark armor artifact, the same violet glow coursing through its design as the vessel itself. The figure's face was concealed behind a smooth, featureless mask that reflected nothing.
"A wanderer who crosses into a controlled galaxy without knowing its ruler." The figure spoke slowly, "That is either ignorance… or deception. Both are punishable under Master Morka's law."
"You will come with us," the figure continued, its tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Master Morka will decide how to proceed with your presence."
As the words concluded, a section of the starship opened, revealing an entrance clearly intended for Adrian. The interior beyond glowed with the same violet light, casting long shadows across what appeared to be a docking bay.
Adrian's gaze lingered on the figure for a brief moment, analyzing both its demeanor and the situation as a whole. There was no attempt to persuade him, no effort to mask the intent behind polite language. This was a simple, direct command.
What truly stood out, however, was the confidence behind it.
Adrian was currently suppressing his divine concepts, basically appearing as a mortal. In that sense, anyone sensing this should already conclude him as a Peak Rule Stage cultivator. Yet, the figure spoke as if his power held no significance within this context. Either they possessed strength far beyond a Peak Rule Stage cultivator, or they operated under the assumption that Master Morka's authority rendered individual power irrelevant.
Adrian did not yet know the true strength of those within the ship, nor did he fully understand the structure of power within this galaxy. However, even if the situation turned hostile, he had more than enough confidence in his abilities to handle whatever might come.
His vast Mana and Willforce reserves, his Absolute Source Order, and his Source Form all remained available if circumstances demanded them.
If Master Morka truly held dominion over this galaxy, then meeting him directly would provide clarity far beyond what could be gained through aimless wandering in an empty void. The risks were undeniable, but so were the potential rewards.
With that understanding, Adrian moved forward without hesitation and entered the starship, stepping into the unknown domain of a galaxy that defied every expectation he had carried with him.