Seeing Tyler’s gesture, Kallus acknowledged him with a nod. “Do you have something to add, Chief Researcher Tyler?”

“Yes, Imperial Commander,” Tyler replied.

Kallus gestured for him to continue. “Then speak your mind, Tyler.”

Tyler inclined his head before speaking. “As you pointed out, Commander, our shortage of human resources remains a significant challenge. Even with Earth’s integration, fully utilizing their manpower will take time.

That brings me to my point—why not accelerate the development of AI-housed bio-artificial lifeforms? An army of droids would not only provide immediate support and efficiency but could also be mass-produced with relative ease, making them invaluable at this stage.”

“He continued, his tone firm, ‘Most importantly, it would efficiently solve our immediate need for manpower.”

The weight of Tyler’s proposal hung over the meeting, drawing the full attention of everyone present. It was, undeniably, a perfect solution to their current predicament. Even Admiral Ezra voiced his agreement.

“This might be the right move, Commander,” Ezra stated. “Given our current situation, it is not just a viable option but a necessary one. While we possess the strength to crush any fleet or power that stands in our way, our lack of numbers prevents us from advancing further and sweeping through the surrounding star systems.”

His analysis earned approving nods from the others, as his reasoning was both sound and practical. Even Minister Evans added his thoughts.

“Indeed, Commander. The territories and planets we will soon bring under our control will pose a significant challenge in terms of governance and manpower. With our current numbers, managing them would be astonishingly difficult—if not outright impossible.

Countless variables could come into play, and as Head Researcher Tyler pointed out, Earth and our so-called alliance with the stars will not provide much support at their current pace and technological level. This solution is ideal.”

He paused briefly, turning his gaze toward Tyler before continuing.

“However, there is one thing I wish to ask—or rather, confirm,” Evans said, raising his hand slightly as he gestured toward Tyler.

“To be clear, I am not questioning our technological capabilities in this regard. However, for assurance, I must ask—what are the chances of these AI-housed bio-artificial lifeforms going rogue? In this vast universe, countless factors could influence our technology in unexpected ways. Could there be a risk of losing control over them?”

Before Tyler could respond, Kallus, who had been quietly listening to their discussion, finally spoke up.

“This is indeed the perfect solution to our current situation,” Kallus concurred, his voice carrying authority. “It will fulfill our needs efficiently. As for the concern regarding AI and a potential droid rebellion—leave that to me. I will personally ensure that they function strictly according to their programming.”

His words carried a sense of finality, cutting off any further debate before Tyler could even respond.

Though outwardly composed, Kallus was internally grinning from ear to ear. What could have been a major roadblock in this situation had been outright eliminated by him.

With his unique skill, he had no reason to fear the bio-mechanical AI, nor the risk of droids going rogue under the influence of mana.

[A/N:

Now, you might be wondering—why not simply deploy his Transcendent Nano Skill? While it is indeed highly efficient—perhaps even too efficient in the current situation—it would create an unhealthy overreliance on Kallus’s unique ability. This, in turn, would leave little room for growth and improvement within his fleet and his soon-to-be empire.

Moreover, Kallus had no intention of putting all his eggs in one basket—even if, in this case, he was the basket.]

Be that as it may, a collective sense of relief settled over the room now that Kallus had addressed their concerns and approved the proposal. Moving forward, things would become slightly easier with this solution in place.

Kallus continued, his tone firm yet decisive.

“I will leave the specifics of this matter to you, Minister Evans and Chief Researcher Tyler, once I have made the necessary adjustments on my end. Ensure that everything is prepared accordingly.”

“Oh, and one more thing,” Kallus said, his tone shifting slightly as he remembered an important point. “The classification of power—or rather, civilizations—is divided into four distinct stages, much like how Tyler categorized various techniques based on their upper limits.”

He leaned forward slightly, ensuring he had everyone’s attention.

“The first stage consists of Tier 1 civilizations—or, in simpler terms, Type 1 civilizations. These are societies that have mastered nearly all available energy on their home planet and nearby stars.”

“While primitive compared to the higher tiers, they are still capable of interplanetary travel, large-scale planetary engineering, and significant breakthroughs in medical science. Some have also developed techniques to harness exotic energies to enhance their evolution, though their understanding remains limited.”

He continued, “Next are Tier 2 civilizations. Unlike Type 1, they control multiple star systems and have made major strides in harnessing the ambient energies of the universe—such as mana and other exotic forces. They are vastly superior in terms of resources and knowledge.

Our soon-to-be neighbors, the Auras Empire, the Minotaur Dominion, and the Genome Empire, fall into this category. While powerful, they are not yet at the pinnacle of civilization.”

His expression darkened slightly as he moved to the next stage. “Then we have Tier 3 civilizations. These are behemoths—true dominant forces in the galaxy. They are among the most powerful entities known, excelling in both technology and cultivation. What makes them particularly dangerous is their venture into techno-cultivation, fusing technological advancements with cultivation techniques to create techno-artifacts. Though they have only begun to walk this path, their progress is enough to solidify their authority and influence.”

Kallus let his words settle before continuing with absolute seriousness. “However, for now, they are not our concern.

Kallus stated firmly. “It will take time before they even notice our presence—or rather, recognize the uniqueness of this star system.”

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the room. “Until that time comes, we will focus on strengthening our foundation. By the time they turn their attention toward us, we will have already solidified our dominance—not just in technology, but in cultivation as well.”

They continued their discussion with renewed clarity and enthusiasm, envisioning the bright future they hoped to achieve under Kallus’ leadership.

An hour passed as they covered numerous critical topics—from expanding the number of orbital shipyards to accelerate fleet production to constructing colossal structures like spaceports and even the proposed space academy, an idea Kallus had previously introduced during his meeting with the Star Alliance.

Additionally, the acceleration of Earth’s upliftment was proposed, set to commence as soon as Emma secured their official membership in the alliance. Alongside these major developments, various minor yet essential matters were also deliberated, ensuring that every aspect of their expansion and consolidation was accounted for.

“Now, everyone,” Kallus said calmly, his gaze sweeping across the room. “I trust each of you to execute your duties with diligence, utmost care, and the importance they deserve. War is coming to our doorstep—with all its glory and all its horror. It is up to us to fight for our freedom and our destiny.”

As he spoke, his previously restrained aura began to fluctuate—a subtle yet unmistakable warning of the power he held. Then, with a sudden whoosh, it was unleashed in all its overwhelming majesty, pressing upon the room like an unstoppable force.

From the sheer intensity of his presence, a western dragon took form—an embodiment of his dominance and indomitable will. The massive, ethereal beast loomed over them, its piercing gaze mirroring Kallus’s own.

His voice carried through the charged air as he continued, resonating with an authority that left no room for doubt.

“And those who dare to stand in our way shall have their freedom stripped from them, their fate sealed by their own defiance.”

He raised his hand upward, fingers tightening into a clenched fist as his aura surged.

“For them, death shall be their only freedom, and hell—their inevitable destiny.

Kallus’s words echoed through the chamber, carrying both conviction and unshakable resolve.

“And for those who choose to join us—who become part of our strength—they shall have a glorious future.”

The weight of his presence pressed upon the room, a stark reminder of the path they had chosen. None dared to speak against it—for they all knew, under his leadership, their future was already being carved into the stars.

Finally, at the end, Kallus added, “For the future.”

As he spoke, he raised his hand upward, a silent yet commanding gesture that seemed to carry the weight of destiny itself.

“For the future!” declared Admiral Evans, his voice firm and resolute.

One by one, the others followed, their voices rising in unison.

“For the future!”

The chamber trembled, not from any physical force, but from the sheer will and determination that filled the room.

Seeing everyone’s enthusiasm and raised spirits, Kallus let a rare smirk cross his face. His aura surged once more—not as an overwhelming force, but as a steady, commanding presence that filled the chamber.

Then, in a voice that was both gentle yet absolute, he declared:

“This meeting is adjourned. You are all dismissed. Return to your duties.”

With those final words, the gathered officers and officials bowed their heads in acknowledgment before turning to leave, the weight of his command still lingering in the air.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep