That is the star domain where the Vital Republic is located.
"Before we commence formal discussions, I need you to truly understand the enemy we face."
Cassandra’s voice carried a feeling of near reverence:
"Not to mince words, I’ve chosen the wrong target to conquer. Currently, we face an existence that is, in some aspects, more... evolved than us."
The projection began to focus, revealing a detailed social structure diagram of the Vital Republic.
"Physiologically similar to us, the Vitals have consciously evolved their brain structures over tens of thousands of years."
Cassandra pointed to a precise anatomical diagram of a Vital individual within the projection:
"Look here, their pineal gland is heavily enhanced, occupying 30% of their brain capacity."
Ron observed the biological structure of this Alien Race closely, discovering many surprising details:
The Vital people’s neural networks are unusually dense, with a number of nerve fibers several times that of humans;
More importantly, a new organ exists within their brains—a collective connection gland;
This organ establishes direct consciousness connections with other Vital people through bioelectric waves.
"This makes them naturally endowed with powerful psychic abilities, and..."
Cassandra’s voice became heavier:
"The death of each individual transmits their memory and experience completely to the entire group."
This information caused Ron’s brow to furrow slightly.
If a civilization could achieve complete knowledge sharing, their development speed would be dozens of times faster than a normal civilization.
"But the real problem lies here."
The projection changed, revealing an aerial view of the Vital Republic’s capital.
Ron witnessed a scene so stunning it defied description:
The entire massive city—super metropolis capable of accommodating billions—was entirely covered by an incomparably intricate silver network.
This network was as precise as a nervous system, with every silver thread emitting a faint bioelectric glow.
Most unsettling of all, each Vital person’s brain was connected to this giant net via a translucent biological nerve fiber.
"This is their ’Unified Thought Matrix’."
Cassandra’s voice contained reverence, fear, and an almost despairing tone:
"The consciousness of a billion individuals is completely fused, forming a superbrain."
Ron felt intense shock.
The collective thinking power of a billion intelligent life forms—that would be terrifying in terms of computation and analysis capacity.
"Our expert on psychological warfare once attempted to penetrate this network..."
Cassandra paused, painful memories reflected in her eyes:
"In the end, the consciousness of that Great Wizard was permanently trapped within."
Her voice began to tremble:
"Now his body is still alive, breathing normally, heartbeat stable, but the soul... the soul has become part of the Vital collective consciousness."
"He speaks Vital language every day, repeating concepts we completely don’t understand.
His gaze... that kind of gaze is like looking at a bunch of foolish barbarians."
This detailed description sent deep chills through Ron.
The failure of psychological warfare meant that even areas in which the Wizard Civilization excelled couldn’t effectively strike the Vital people.
"As for the ’Star Domain Lord’..."
The projection transformed again, revealing a colossal presence in the center of space that was difficult to look directly at.
Even though it was just an image, Ron still felt the terrifying oppressive aura from that existence.
It was a creature akin to the size of a star, with a body constructed from a hybrid of pure energy and matter.
Countless tentacles danced in the void like star rivers, each emanating the power to annihilate everything.
"It is not the ruler or guardian of the Vital people."
Cassandra’s voice began to tremble, clearly recalling experiences from engaging in battle with this existence:
"Instead, it’s the external manifestation of their collective consciousness. The collective will of one billion souls achieved through some ancient ritual we cannot comprehend, gaining a physical form."
She paused for a moment, continuing with an almost desperate tone:
"This means we’re not facing an individual, but the physical manifestation of an entire civilization’s will."
"Killing it is equivalent to simultaneously killing a billion Vital people. And as long as one Vital person remains alive, it can resurrect."
An enemy that cannot truly be killed, a being representing the entire civilization’s will—this indeed transcends the scope of traditional conquest warfare.
"Worse yet is their level of technology."
The projection displayed the internal structure of Vital warships, completely overturning Ron’s understanding of combat vehicles:
"Their ships don’t need complicated Alchemy Arrays, as each Vital person itself is a living magic node."
Cassandra pointed to those streamlined silver warships within the projection:
"Multiple warships can form a tactical matrix."
Ron closely observed the design features of Vital warships, discovering how they differ completely from Wizard Civilization ships:
There is no heavy rune armor; instead, energy shields are constructed through collective telekinesis;
No complex weapon launch devices; rather, psychic energy is directly converted into destructive energy beams;
No traditional command hierarchy; each warship is a direct extension of the collective will;
Most strikingly, they can perform instantaneous tactical coordination, with dozens of warships acting as a single entity.
"Our fleet is not technically behind in terms of individual technology; in some aspects, we’re even more advanced."
Cassandra’s voice carried deep frustration:
"But in terms of coordination... we are completely outmatched."
Painful memories reflected in her eyes:
"When thousands of Vital warships simultaneously maneuver, perfectly coordinated as if a single creature... the shock, the despair..."
Cassandra didn’t finish, but Ron could already imagine the terror of such a scene.