215: Find the parents

The Office of the Director of the Interstellar Affairs General Bureau.

A holographic screen was playing footage from the Sirius system, 8.6 light-years away.

The footage, transmitted via Tachyon Communication Satellites along the path, was of extremely high clarity; even the fleeting cunning and smugness on the faces of those "Angels" were captured perfectly.

Lei Wen leaned back in his chair, watching the Angel smuggler named Gabriel spout serious-sounding nonsense on the screen, nearly unable to stop himself from laughing out loud.

"This is just too ridiculous..."

Lei Wen shook his head helplessly, his fingers lightly tapping on the desk.

In the footage, Gabriel was suspended in mid-air, holding a high-purity EL Alloy Plate provided by the humans. In a sanctimonious, divine tone, he critiqued the metal's lack of "spirituality," claiming it required a sacred ritual—which was actually just simple physical processing—before it could barely be used.

Beside him, the human captain, Commander Zhao Gang, and the rest of the crew listened, completely dazed.

"white flower, what do you think this is? A fraud scene from a close encounter of the third kind?"

"According to human legal definitions, this is a fraudulent act utilizing information asymmetry," white flower replied seriously. "While the amount involved is massive, considering it is voluntary on both sides, there is a legal gray area. However, from the perspective of interstellar exchange, it is indeed a farce."

Lei Wen smiled and muted the sound, keeping only the visuals.

Although the scene appeared comical, the significance behind it was far from ordinary.

Ever since the Iofer Federation was wiped out by the Faraim Fleet in one fell swoop, the shadow that once loomed over the Orion Arm had completely dissipated. Without the suppression of the Iofer Federation—a dominant civilization with extreme exclusivity and aggression—the interstellar routes of the entire Orion Arm had become clearer than ever before.

The vassal civilizations that once relied on the Iofer Federation were either purged in the fires of war, turned to the embrace of the Angel Empire, or simply became interstellar pirates.

While the Angel Empire had been severely weakened in the previous war, under the secret support of the Faleim Civilization and the iron-fisted rule of Prime Minister Amira Radiance, they were rapidly recovering. Their merchant fleets began to spread deep into the Orion Arm like dandelion seeds.

The Sirius system is only 8.6 light-years from the Solar System, situated on the edge of the Orion Arm. Previously, reaching it required passing through Iofer Federation territory; those smugglers wouldn't have dared to come here even if given a hundred times more courage.

But now, this place had become a no-man's land, or rather, a new gold mine.

"It seems the days of Human Civilization's sole dominance over the Solar System's surroundings are coming to an end," Lei Wen muttered to himself. "We need to be prepared to face other neighbors in this universe, even if those neighbors are a bit eccentric."

Since the Angel people had reached their doorstep, and in such a misleading way for their first contact with humanity, Lei Wen naturally could not just sit by and watch.

If these frauds were allowed to continue their act, a religious craze worshipping alien "Angels" might actually rise within the Human Federation. For Lei Wen, who was dedicated to promoting rationality, science, and materialism, this was absolutely intolerable.

"Get the car ready. We're going back to Tianqiong City."

Lei Wen stood up and straightened his collar.

"It's time to have a chat with their parents."

Tianqiong City, Underground Command Center.

As the heavy blast doors slowly closed, Lei Wen stood once again before the familiar holographic communication console.

With the input of his authorization, the high-dimensional quantum communication channel specifically used to contact the Regent of the Angel Empire, Amira Radiance, was activated... Perseus Arm, the Angel Empire's home planet, Cradle.

It was late at night, but the Prime Minister's office within the imperial palace remained brightly lit.

Amira Radiance was buried under a mountain of documents.

Although many years had passed since the expedition to reclaim the empire's lost territories, the work of imperial construction was still so heavy that she could hardly find any personal time.

She not only had to handle complex internal personnel conflicts but also had to constantly monitor the stability of the newly reclaimed border systems, all while coordinating with various "guidance suggestions" from the Faleim People.

Suddenly.

The black box she had carried for many years, which rarely showed any activity, suddenly grew hot, then lit up with a faint blue glow accompanied by a slight vibration.

Amira practically sprang from her chair as a reflex, her weary expression instantly replaced by extreme tension and reverence.

"Everyone out! Immediately!"

She barked in a low voice at the attendants and secretaries in the office.

Though the group was surprised by the Prime Minister's loss of composure, no one dared to disobey the order; they quickly retreated and closed the doors.

After confirming she was alone in the room, Amira placed the box in the center of the large desk with both hands, then took three steps back, straightened her appearance, and sat in a formal posture.

"The Guide..." she thought silently.

Buzz—

Light and shadow intertwined as Lei Wen's holographic image appeared out of thin air above the office.

He was still wearing his casual Earth clothes, sitting in a chair that looked very comfortable, with a relaxed demeanor, like an old neighbor who had just finished dinner and come over for a visit.

"Salutations to you! Great Guide!"

Amira immediately knelt on one knee, performing the most solemn imperial royal etiquette, with the three pairs of wings on her back drooping submissively to the floor.

"Rise, Amira."

Lei Wen smiled and waved his hand. "I've come this time to tell you about an interesting little matter and to discuss future arrangements with you."

"Please instruct me."

Lei Wen flicked his finger, and a holographic video unfolded before Amira.

It was the footage sent back by the magellan: on the frozen surface of a planet in the Sirius system, there was a white ship with a magnificent design but obvious signs of illegal modification, along with the five Angel smugglers who were putting on a divine act and swindling the human explorers for food and supplies.

As Amira watched the footage of Gabriel, who called himself a "Servant of the Divine Throne," shamelessly fooling the human captain and demanding tributes, her face turned visibly red—a color of intertwined shame and anger.

Especially when she heard the female crew member privately mocking humans as "underevolved primitive organisms," Amira felt as though her entire reputation had been thrown away.

If it were any other low-level civilization, it might be fine, but these were humans! They were the kin of the Great Guide! They were the young civilization possessing terrifying potential!

"This... this is simply..." Amira was shaking with rage as she pointed at Gabriel on the screen. "This is blasphemy! This is fraud! This is a diplomatic incident!"

"Please calm your anger, Great Guide!" Amira hurriedly explained to Lei Wen. "This is absolutely not an official act of the Empire! These guys... looking at their emblems, they should be smugglers active in the border systems! They don't even have official Stellar Citizenship!"

"I know," Lei Wen said with a smile, his tone showing no sign of blame. "A group of lost little mice using a bit of cleverness to survive is understandable."

"It's just that the scene was so beautiful I didn't dare enjoy it alone, so I brought it for you to see."

Lei Wen's teasing made Amira feel even more humiliated.

"Please rest assured, Great Guide!" Amira said through gritted teeth. "I will immediately dispatch the Royal Guard to that star system! I will capture these five disgraceful fools and throw them into a Space Prison according to imperial law on charges of impersonating Clergy and sabotaging diplomacy!"

"Hey, don't be so angry," Lei Wen waved his hand. "A lesson should be given, but there's no need for such a massive fuss."

"Actually, this matter also reminded me of something."

Lei Wen stopped smiling, and his expression became a bit more serious.

"Amira, do you still remember what I told you many years ago?"

"Regarding Human Civilization."

Amira felt a chill in her heart and immediately replied, "I keep it engraved in my heart, Great Guide. You said they are your blood relatives, our brothers in the future."

"Correct." Lei Wen nodded. "Now, humanity's footsteps have crossed out of the Solar System. Although they are still very young, they have already entered your field of vision."

"This encounter in the Sirius system, though a blunder, also marks the beginning of physical contact between the two civilizations."

"Instead of letting this awkward misunderstanding continue, we might as well turn the mistake into a good thing."

Lei Wen looked at Amira and said slowly:

"I hope the Angel Empire can dispatch a real diplomatic mission to formally visit the Human Federation."

"We need to establish formal diplomatic relations, open trade routes, and even conduct limited technical and cultural exchanges."

Amira was stunned for a moment, then a light flashed in her eyes.

She had been waiting for this day. Ever since learning that the Great Guide's true identity was human, she had been filled with curiosity about that mysterious race.

Moreover, if they could establish a good relationship with the Great Guide's home race, it would absolutely provide a massive boost to the Angel Empire's status within the Faleim system.

"It would be our honor, Great Guide!" Amira said excitedly. "I... can I lead the team personally?"

"You?" Lei Wen thought for a moment and shook his head. "No, you are the Prime Minister of the Empire. The situation that has just stabilized cannot do without you. If you are gone for too long, those forces that have just settled down might start getting restless again."

Amira was a bit disappointed, but she knew Lei Wen was right.

"Send someone you trust most and who has enough weight," Lei Wen suggested. "For example, your sister, Princess Filula? Or that Governor Raphael?"

"Sister Filura is in charge of logistics and trade; she is indeed a suitable candidate," Amira mused. "And her personality is steady, unlike me, who is so... impulsive."

"Then it's settled."

"As for those five 'characters' in the Sirius system..." Lei Wen's lips curled into a mischievous smile again.

"Don't be in a hurry to catch them; let them keep acting for a few more days."

"Wait until your official mission reaches Earth and clarifies the misunderstanding with the Human Federation through official channels. Then, in front of the humans, have your mission personally 'invite' these frauds back."

"This way, you can demonstrate the Angel Empire's sincerity and sense of justice, while also giving the humans a vivid lesson—don't blindly worship so-called gods."

"This can be considered a small gift from me to my fellow humans: breaking superstition and promoting science. It will be good for them."

Amira was left dumbfounded.

The Great Guide's sense of humor... was indeed as profound and unpredictable as ever.

"As you command, Great Guide." Amira scratched her head helplessly. "I will arrange the script and ensure it's something they'll never forget for the rest of their lives."

"Very good." Lei Wen nodded with satisfaction. "By the way, regarding this diplomatic visit, I have a few details to remind you of."

"Please instruct me."

"First, although the Human Federation appears unified, there are still different voices within. You must be careful with your boundaries when interacting to avoid being used by certain forces with ulterior motives."

"Second, regarding Psionic Energy..." Lei Wen paused. "Humanity's current understanding of Psionic Energy is very superficial, practically a blank slate. You can demonstrate power, but do not proselytize excessively. I don't want to see a bunch of fanatical Angel believers appearing on Earth."

"Third, and most importantly," Lei Wen said seriously, "do not reveal my true relationship with the Faleim Civilization to anyone, nor reveal my existence."

"In their eyes, I am just the head of a certain administrative agency and the controller of a certain company."

"Maintaining this sense of mystery is beneficial for everyone."

"I understand." Amira nodded solemnly. "Your will is the Empire's highest secret. Any Angel who dares to leak even half a word will be regarded as a traitor."

"Then, go prepare."

Lei Wen's figure began to flicker, about to disconnect.

"By the way, I will also find a time to lead a Faleim delegation to formally visit the Angel Empire."

The communication ended.

Amira stood in the empty office and let out a long breath.

She walked to the window and looked out at the pitch-black night sky.

"Humans..."

She whispered the word softly.

"What an enviable race, to be seen as kin by such a great being."

Then she pressed the communicator on the desk.

"Connect me to Princess Filula and Governor Raphael."

"Tell them there is a diplomatic mission concerning the future of the Empire that requires them to depart immediately."

"Additionally..."

A cold smile appeared on the corner of Amira's mouth.

"Check the registration information for a merchant ship called the golden feather, and pull up the file for that bastard named Gabriel."

"Daring to commit fraud right under the Great Guide's nose... I think they are tired of living."