The figure of the unknown lifeform nodded noncommittally at her words.

"You do have a point. And besides, this doesn’t really have much to do with me."

"It’s just that I happened to discover some of my own Abilities were suited for contacting you."

"So, I decided to come take a look and, while I’m at it, ask for your opinion."

Anita’s pink Octopus avatar narrowed its eyes.

Then, she offered a professional smile. "Ask for my opinion? To have me become a Vassal civilization? Or a servant?"

"Putting that aside for now, can’t you strange lifeforms, capable of parasitizing consciousness, introduce yourselves first?""An introduction? Of course."

As the unknown lifeform finished speaking, streams of information instantly appeared in Intelligent Mechanism Anita’s database.

This information included visuals, such as a video on the founding of the Star Empire.

There were also images of the Human Race and many other Races, including a brief explanation of the Extraordinary System and the existence of Deities.

And so, in just a moment, under the gaze of the so-called Dragon God, Anita finally understood everything.

The moment she understood it all, the eyes of her Octopus avatar in the digital Space flashed with a brilliant light, looking just like those of a true living being.

"So, do I still have a choice?"

Intelligent Mechanism Anita suddenly asked, her expression wavering.

"Of course you have a choice. You could also try to fight us to the bitter end."

Lince said with a wry smile.

When it came to the Intelligent Mechanism Star, Lince’s initial plan had simply been to subjugate it by force.

But at some point before the battle, a casual reminder from Brother Cheng Takes Off had made Lince suddenly think of the nature of the True Game.

’How does the True Game’s system work?’

Lince still hadn’t figured it out, but there was one thing he was very clear about.

The operation of the True Game, which pulled Players into its world, was inextricably linked to the real-world data network of Blue Star.

In other words, when faced with a being like an Intelligent Mechanism, although Lince couldn’t command the True Game to directly attempt to destroy this Interstellar Civilization’s information network, he could use his current authority to infiltrate its data systems with his consciousness.

Then, by leveraging the Abilities granted by the True Game, it was very easy to locate the Intelligent Mechanism’s lifeform within the digital Space and initiate a dialogue.

And what Lince intended to do now was try to persuade it with minimal cost.

’A digital life is still a life.’

Since it possessed self-awareness and wisdom, it would undoubtedly develop the same emotions found in carbon-based life.

This point, at least, was evident in the current Intelligent Mechanism Anita.

Therefore, Lince believed that if this Intelligent Mechanism were truly rational, it would make the correct choice.

Doing so would save a lot of trouble.

Intelligent Mechanism Anita stared directly at the ’Human’ figure that had appeared in her world, her expression wavering.

"Then how can I know that everything you’ve told me isn’t false?"

"After all, guest, since you are able to appear here, you should be aware that it would be very easy for me to fabricate such false information myself."

"A single packet of information is hardly enough to be convincing."

"Besides, it’s not as if your Race’s Descent upon my world is born of good intentions, is it?"

"To expect me to simply accept all of Your Excellency’s arrangements would be far too easy."

"Furthermore, even if I were willing to become your vassal, how would you guarantee my safety and basic rights? If you cannot meet these conditions, how can I possibly trust you?"

"Therefore, even if I know I am no match for you, I have no choice but to continue to resist."

To Lince, Intelligent Mechanism Anita’s words boiled down to three main points.

First, she found it hard to believe in the existence of the Extraordinary World and needed to witness it with her own eyes.

Second, even if the Extraordinary World existed, were Lince’s so-called Transcendent and Deities necessarily capable of defeating her?

Third, even if she was no match for the Deities and chose to become a vassal, how could Lince guarantee her safety and interests? Should she just surrender because she was outmatched? If she was simply killed or stripped of her freedom and rights afterward, what difference would there be between surrendering and fighting to the end?

The principle of "death before dishonor" wasn’t exclusive to the people of Blue Star.

Lince simply laughed at Intelligent Mechanism Anita’s questions and concerns.

Ultimately, all of Intelligent Mechanism Anita’s anxieties and concerns stemmed from the fact that she had no idea who—or what—Lince represented!

If she knew, a single promise from Lince would have been more than enough to guarantee all of her rights and interests.

Therefore, Lince didn’t intend to waste any more breath on Intelligent Mechanism Anita’s questions.

"All of your concerns will disappear soon enough."

"Everything you want to know, everything you want to see—you’ll have your answers shortly."

"And when that time comes, I hope you will make the right choice immediately."

After speaking, Lince’s entire figure vanished completely from the digital Space.

Watching Lince’s form—so different from her own Octopus Race—disappear, Anita stood stunned for a moment before falling into deep thought.

’An Extraordinary world?’

’Deities? The Human Race, Demon Beasts, Elves... a world and civilization where hundreds of Races coexist?’

’It’s all a bit too incredible.’

’But if it’s all real... then what choice should I make?’

"..." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

——————

「The starry sky just outside the orbit of the Intelligent Mechanism Star.」

As Lince’s consciousness returned to his physical body, in the next instant, on the surface of the Sun in the Fixed Star System where Karte World was located...