Chapter 167: The World Convention 1

The Fourth Evolution raised one finger.

"First, World Convention. It allows two or more worlds to meet through an established convention, creating an opportunity for their respective players to communicate and negotiate. The meeting follows the conditions imposed by the system, allowing players to interact without granting them unrestricted access to one another’s worlds."

Liam’s eyes brightened slightly.

"So, it’s basically a meeting between planetary consciousnesses?"

"That is a simple way to describe it."

"Then why haven’t I encountered one before?"

"Because you haven’t reached the point where the system considers you ready for it."

Liam clicked his tongue internally.

The Fourth Evolution raised a second finger.

"Second, Agreement. Through this feature, players can establish binding agreements with one another. The terms are recognized by the system, and those who violate the agreement may face severe consequences, including death, depending on the conditions they accepted."

Liam’s expression immediately became more attentive.

A system-enforced agreement could be extremely useful for diplomacy, trade, and negotiations between planetary civilizations. However, it could also become a dangerous weapon if someone manipulated another player into accepting unfavorable terms.

’So, even negotiations can become a battlefield.’

He began imagining the possibilities, from forming temporary alliances to forcing weaker players into binding arrangements. Of course, he would need to understand the exact limitations before attempting anything, but the potential applications were considerable.

"And the third feature?"

"Third, Assembly Chat. It allows players to connect with multiple other players through a shared communication space. Unlike ordinary planetary chat, which has its own limitations, Assembly Chat is designed to facilitate communication among a broader group of participants."

Liam raised an eyebrow.

"Wait, isn’t that basically a bigger version of the chatroom?"

"Something like that. However, Assembly Chat is not currently available to you. I suspect you may unlock it once your civilization reaches Type I status, though the system will make the final determination."

Liam briefly considered what that meant.

A shared communication space between planetary players could provide access to information far beyond what he could obtain alone. He might learn about other civilizations, exchange knowledge, or discover dangers that would otherwise remain hidden until it was too late.

At the same time, revealing information about his own planet could expose him to players with considerably more experience.

’Information is useful, but giving away too much could be dangerous.’

He would have to approach such a feature carefully when the time came.

The Fourth Evolution lowered its hand.

"I think that covers the important features for now."

Liam stared at the being. "That’s it? You brought me here, explained several things that could determine my survival, and now you’re saying that’s it?"

The Fourth Evolution laughed softly.

"Would you prefer a longer lecture?"

"No."

"Then don’t complain."

Liam resisted the urge to sigh.

Despite its strange appearance and mysterious authority, the Fourth Evolution possessed an irritatingly casual attitude. Still, Liam could not deny that the information had been valuable, and he was beginning to suspect that the being had brought him here for more than just a simple explanation.

As though reading his thoughts, the Fourth Evolution suddenly raised its hand again.

"Oh, right. I’ll give you a reward. Why not?"

A faint light gathered above its palm.

The light gradually condensed into a small ring, its surface reflecting a mixture of silver and colors that Liam could not identify. Unlike the ordinary system items he had encountered, this object seemed to distort the space around it, causing the white expanse to ripple whenever it moved.

Liam instinctively focused his attention on it.

"What is that?"

"A World Ring."

The Fourth Evolution held the object out toward him.

"It’s an anomaly item. It allows you to manipulate time and space without being bound by the system’s usual restrictions."

Liam froze.

For someone whose entire existence depended on understanding the rules governing his abilities, receiving an item that could bypass those rules was almost incomprehensible.

"Wait. Without the system’s restrictions?"

"Within its capabilities, yes. You can manipulate the flow of time and distort space, although that doesn’t mean you can do absolutely anything you want."

The Fourth Evolution’s tone became noticeably more serious.

"Listen carefully, Liam. Do not recklessly use this item on another player’s world. The system may tolerate certain abnormalities, but directly interfering with another player’s domain through an anomaly item can provoke a much more severe response. If you cross the wrong boundary, you could be eradicated."

Liam stared at the ring for several seconds before carefully accepting it.

Its weight was surprisingly ordinary, yet he could feel an unfamiliar sensation spreading through his consciousness the moment it came into his possession.

He did not immediately attempt to use it.

Instead, he stored the information away, reminding himself that an item capable of manipulating time and space was not something to experiment with carelessly.

"When should I use it, then?"

"Perhaps during the final hundred stages of the planetary selection, when the situation becomes sufficiently complicated. Until then, keep it safe and learn as much as you can about the rules governing your existence."

Liam nodded.

He had no intention of wasting such an extraordinary item merely because he was curious. There would be a time to use it, but for now, understanding its limitations was more important than testing its power.

The Fourth Evolution slowly turned toward the enormous projection of Double X’s world.

"Well, I think you should meet Double X now."

Liam looked up.

"Why?"

The being’s strange form shifted slightly, and for the first time since appearing, its expression seemed almost amused.

"Because I’m fairly certain he’ll do something despicable."

Liam stared at it.

"...You’re telling me this after giving me an item capable of manipulating time and space?"

"Yes."

Liam fell silent.

Then, after a few seconds, he looked toward the projection of the battlefield, where the invasion was still unfolding.

He had entered this encounter expecting to finish a conquest, only to discover five different methods of defeat, several unknown system features, and an anomaly item that could potentially change the course of his future.

Now, he was being sent to meet another player who was apparently about to do something troublesome.

Liam let out a quiet sigh.

’This is going to be annoying.’

The white space began to tremble once again, and the projection of Double X’s planet expanded before him.

The Fourth Evolution’s voice followed him as the surroundings gradually dissolved.

"Good luck, Fifth Evolution."

And then, Liam disappeared.