Tritis then swept her hand and another notification appeared on Dian’s system panel.
[Planet Master Tritis wants to invite you to be her friend.]
[Accept or Reject?]
Dian finally understood a bit of the Friend List on his system panel.
So this is one way to gain more friends.
Dian accepted the invitation since this would be one way for them to communicate. But then Tritis said something that Dian had expected within his knowledge.
“Although I have invited you to a friend list but it is better to talk directly than send a message through the Planet Master System.”
Dian nodded with understanding. The Universe Council supervised the Planet Master System and potentially anything in it could be tracked and became proof of his involvement with something.
Looks like even the Ten Venerables know about the supervision from the Universe Council. Dian thought.
But he understood it through indirect means. So he found it no surprise that the people of higher status knew about such matters.
But if what they spoke at this time had to be kept between them, then the best thing to do was not to indicate it in any of the Planet Master System and that the surveillance was not that strict when it came to the individual Planet Master apart from their system-related tasks.
“I understand. We can meet here if necessary.” Dian nodded in agreement.
“Other than that, I am wondering why you are keeping them?” Tritis asked, but then the waitress came and delivered the dishes and the drinks.
“I always wanted to try the food at Don Restaurant!” Chikara said with a spirited voice. Leif also looked at the dish and understood what he was seeing. Ghylea had the fire on his eye sockets flickered while Frie looked at the presented dishes and drinks with an observant gaze.
“Alright, let’s enjoy what is in front of us while we talk a bit.” Tritis nodded and then let the five enjoy the dishes.
Dian looked at the dish in front of him. As far as he remembered, it resembled what he knew as a chicken. Its entire body cooked well in front of him and the smell wafted through his sense of smell.
He then found that there were additional plates available. He took the clean one and then used the knife to cut off the dishes and placed them on his plate.
Dian felt that the dishes were something else entirely, something that could be very important to him as a Planet Master. He used the fork to stab and separate the meat, and then finally placed it in his mouth.
This is…
Dian could not describe it very well because it was a mix of many good tastes of food on his tongue. But he felt familiar with the sensation as a story of a dedicated swordsman began to flash in his mind.
A dish that used narrative as an ingredient. It looks like this due to my perception.
What Dian consumed was actually the life story of a swordsman. It was the story that he consumed, with various tastes that resembled the ups and downs of the swordsman himself.
“How is it? Does it taste good?” Tritis asked which four of the group, except Dian, nodded vigorously.
If the dish is the narrative, what are the drinks? Dian was having another thought as he enjoyed the dish. He felt familiar because he saw the lives of various humans through similar lenses and could relate to these experiences.
Then Dian took the glass which contained a seven-colored liquid. He took a sip and realized that the drinks were the story of a world, a planet instead of an individual.
It showed the planet’s birth along with the formation of its core. Then slowly it became a certain Planet Master’s planet and civilization began to develop. But one day, the Planet Master was defeated and its planet assimilated into the winner.
But at the same time, Dian felt like something inside of him increased. He felt like this thing was so important to his existence and could even affect him in many ways.
“Is this drink the memories left behind by the defeated planets?” Dian asked Tritis while he continued asking, “And the dish, is it actually an individual from the civilization that is erased from existence?”
“You are quite sharp. Yes, this restaurant processed the lost Planet Master’s possession into something palatable to the other active Planet Master.” Tritis explained that while the other four felt like they wanted to throw out the things in their mouth.
But they ultimately swallowed it back. They knew that devouring the dishes and the drinks was actually something that every Planet Master was capable of.
“These can improve your existence to a higher level.” Tritis added which all of them agreed on.
After finishing the dishes and the drinks, they resumed the discussion.
“Can you tell me about yourself?” Tritis asked which Dian did not respond. She knew why and instead started talking.
“What was that supposed to mean? I don’t have much regarding myself.” Dian replied but it was his honest opinion.
“Fine, this is for strengthening our relationship.” Tritis sighed before she said something that surprised the five of them.
“At the beginning, I was not even a good Planet Master. I mean, my race is weak in combat and can only rely on future prediction to prosper. That is their innate talent and I know for sure that I need to develop it.
“But my race was stubborn not to learn some self-preservation weapons and even martial skills; instead, they raced in the matter of the accuracy of reading into the future. That was why when my Star Child appeared and saw the defeat of her race, she declared it and also began to build her own force.
“But many people resisted the movement and only those who listened to her raised their arms. The moment the Star Battle commences, many who could read the future realized that their prediction was wrong and sought the very thing they denied, the Star Child.
“I am conflicted to see my race like that but winning the Star Battle is paramount so I ordered all of them to obey the Star Child to lead them to victory. They won but the cost was a quarter of my race’s population.
“I should have decisively guided them in the matters of the Star Battle so that they would not make that kind of mistake. From there, I learnt that you need to let your race prepare for the Star Battle, ideally at any moment.”
The five of them did not expect that Tritis had made such a mistake. But it was not easy to convince a race to change their mindset so the fact that Tritis had done that was nothing but a miracle.
“I am without guidance.” Dian then began his narration about himself, even though he was still not sure where this would lead him.
“I almost do not know everything but I know a bit about being a Planet Master, at least its main task. Other than that, I am often watching the living beings on my planet for further learning.
“I want to know more about the world I was watching and also the world I am currently in as a Planet Master. Especially since my Core Race has been formed and creating a civilization, I watched them with my full attention.
“I had learned about their ideals, their life, their struggle but I still don’t quite understand their purpose of existing.” Dian stopped after some words since he arrived at a topic where he was not sure about.
Tritis had an understanding of Dian’s thought and could not help but exclaim in her mind.
He already thought that far!? Interesting.
“That is why I cannot say more about myself. I don’t even know about myself and I can only say that I am doing well thanks to the other four here.” Dian said while pointing at the four who were listening.
“You are fortunate and also prepared. That’s why you have consecutive triumphs.” Frie said after hearing what Dian had said.
“You also look after everything inside your scope of influence. That is why you are currently here.” Leif added.
“You have good subordinates and yet you treat them just like your peers,” Tritis commented.
“It is done out of necessity.” Dian replied which gained him a glare from the four. They stared at him as if he were lying straight out of his mouth. In any case, they did not believe him when he said that.
“Other than this, you need to beware of the early signs of the Outer Being's appearance near your territory.” Tritis then said something crucial. Despite the low chance of it happening, she still chose to tell him out of necessity. This was because Dian reminded her of that.
Dian and the other four listened in.
“There is usually a tear in space which are similar to the Rift you often see. There is also a manifestation of some sort nearby. You will be able to recognize it once you see it.
“Then there is also the Outer Being itself. They come in many shapes and forms but mostly what you all recognized as humanoid. Yes, that term is created due to their similarity to human form. They are strong even within the same rank in the Transcendent Tree.
“But you don’t need to worry since the Universe Council is already dealing with them, albeit with an underestimation of their greatest force. They won’t believe me that the Outer Beings are already stronger than us and are waiting for something. That is why I resort to this.” Tritis said in a long explanation, even the reason why she was doing this.
Dian felt that the inner workings of the Universe Council were not fine, even their relationship with the Ten Venerables was one of cooperation.
“They won’t appear easily but once they do, the Planet Master System will usually detect them. But just in case they eluded detection, please try not to fight them and wait for reinforcement from the stronger Planet Master.” Tritis even gave Dian a tip for surviving which Dian accepted with gratitude.
“Thank you so much. I gained so many useful things on this exchange.” Dian said while looking at the four.
“You can say your mind too, I don’t mind.” Dian added.
The four breathed a sigh of relief as if they had held it long enough.
“Me, me!” Chikara was the first one to let go of her restraints.
“How did you manage to climb all the way to your current position?” she asked. Tritis chuckled when hearing her ask that.
“Synergy between your race’s talent and the Auxiliary Ability Card is important to reach my current position. Remember that well and you will be good enough. Other than that, the resource that your Core Race needed as well as the relationship between your Core Race and the Acquired Race is also another factor.” Tritis explained.
Dian agreed with that and nodded in understanding.
“Is there nothing I could do?” Ghylea asked. As the former Planet Master of the undead race, he felt that the undead race standing in the Planet Master System’s Universe Field was low. The race was basically scorned upon sight.
Tritis wanted to say something but she remembered that there was something important that tied the undead race under Ghylea with the human race of Dian. She realized that the two could form a certain combo and packed it to be able to ascend further in the Transcendent Tree.
So she shifted her gaze to Dian and Ghylea noticed this. He felt strange that Tritis did this but he realized that Tritis indirectly gave him an answer.
“If there is someone who can help the undead race from its predicament, it is him.” Tritis said to Ghylea.
Ghylea realized that the one she mentioned was Dian.
Ghylea knew that Tritis would not joke about this. Furthermore, she could see the potential of every race she had seen and knew that the higher ceiling depended on the individual Planet Master.
“Thank you for your guidance.” Ghylea said with respect.
“Now is my turn, right?” Leif raised his hand and took the chance to ask a question.
Dian looked at Leif and wondered what kind of question he would ask. Tritis looked at Leif, giving him the opportunity.
“Why is there an option to create an afterlife? Isn’t that a bit redundant and resource-consuming?”
Dian knew the reason, but he let Leif ask because he knew that Leif had realized some facts about the afterlife model.
“The Afterlife Model is the feature the Planet Master System has. It can support your growth as a Planet Master while letting your civilization realize that their life in their realm is not the only life they have.” Tritis carefully answered the question.
Dian nodded in understanding. He even created his Afterlife Model to benefit not only himself as a Planet Master but also the human race and others.
“There is also a certain link between a good civilization and the Afterlife Model so I recommend you to make one and let it develop,” Tritis added and Leif thanked her too.
“Then I want to ask something too.” Frie said and everyone let her.
“I want to know the relation between the Core Race and the Acquired Race. Will this affect the Core Race even in the distant future?”
Tritis knew that the four was likely the Planet Master that Dian had defeated but to think that one of them asked this was quite a surprise.
But she decided to reply.
“It depends on the relationship between the two. You are also responsible for managing that relationship so that it can become mutually beneficial for both sides.”
Dian had to agree with that. The current Human civilization was affected by the Dwarves and the Undead Race, add the Elves and the Gling and it would be even more obvious the more time passed and their relation became more friendly.
But there was still the matter of hostility between races and only after he returned could he try to solve it.
“Thank you for answering our question. This meeting is quite a surprise even for me.” Dian said before he said something right before concluding the meeting, “Let me climb the rank first before we proceed further with our relationship.”
“I agree. I will go out first, then you will go out after some time.” Tritis said while rising from her chair. The remnants of the dishes on the plate as well as the drinks in the cup were on the table while Dian and the others stood up too.
“See you later.” Tritis waved her hand at Dian before she opened the door and left.
“You all should be satisfied hearing the comments from one of the Venerables.” Dian said to the four.
“Yes. I can clearly picture the future.” Chikara replied but soon reminded that she was basically under Dian’s care. But it did not prevent her from gaining an understanding about her duty despite being under someone else.
“She is knowledgeable. I want to know more.” Frie added.
“She even could understand my predicament.” Ghylea said with admiration.
Dian’s eyes landed on Leif as he did not say anything else. Dian knew that Leif was contemplating his question and the answer Tritis had provided.
After feeling that the time was right, Dian and the others came out from Private Room Eight and then stepped out and down to the first floor. The waiter could only see them off without accompanying them because he felt that they were special and only interfered when necessary.
After coming out of Don Restaurant, Dian let out a sigh of relief. The build-up with Tritis was definitely causing his emotions to go up and down.
The crowded Universe Market’s Gathering Square caused Dian to understand that he was just a small fry compared to the ones walking around and even to Tritis who was one of the Venerables.
I should also raise my ranks to be able to understand everything, including my past!
Dian thought while clenching his hand. He then gestured to the four and headed to the Auxiliary Pagoda.
I never thought that someone of his caliber would attract Tritis' attention. Frie thought as she saw Dian in the front and mused to herself.
She had to believe that Dian’s Core Race was the main cause for all of this to happen. But she did not know the exact reason why Dian’s Core Race was so important to fight against the Outer Being. Frie knew that this information was not meant to be spread from their side.
She also realized that Dian thought the same thing and stayed silent.
They moved like a snake through the crowd that filled the plaza, moving diagonally and going straight for the optimal route to the Auxiliary Pagoda.
Dian’s mind was like a mess as he thought about the cooperation he had with Tritis. He needed to tread this carefully but not to make it so distant that there was basically no trust. He needed to be able to support Tritis while Tritis could also help him in case of an important matter.
“After some time, I finally return here.” Dian said while looking at the Auxiliary Pagoda.
The Pagoda was impressive as Dian could feel the majestic aura it had. It felt like the Pagoda had the weight of history and time which Dian recognized as an ancient relic from the distant past.
Dian and the others finally entered the Pagoda. They entered through the main entrance which was a bit crowded since it was time for a new Planet Master to roam around.
So this is already the time for the newly born Planet Master to recognize their current situation. Dian thought while looking at the unfamiliar figures that walked past.