Transformed into Cosmic Horror in a Sci-Fi Universe

Transformed into Cosmic Horror in a Sci-Fi Universe – 68

EP.68 Joining the Union

The conditions Lasi set forth were as follows:

First, to guarantee at least seven elder seats for the elves.

This meant that the elves wanted power and authority within the Galactic Union equal to or comparable to the Meias tribe, which currently held ten seats.

With the Meias tribe holding ten seats and other tribes having at most five, even if the minimum of seven seats was granted, the elves would hold the second most power after the Meias tribe.

And by stating a minimum of seven seats, it also implied that Yujin’s allocation of more seats would reflect how important he considered the elves.

Second, the elves would handle most of the terraforming for the newly developed lands within the Union.

In return, they wanted a percentage of the development rights for the energy and resources obtained from those planets and stars.

Typically, when new lands were developed, those with the appropriate abilities would pioneer them, and the resources extracted would be developed by companies from various tribes through fair competition.

Of course, “fair competition” often meant that the tribes with the most abilities and power would dominate.

To prevent this, the Union had policies to provide equal opportunities to weaker tribes, and the Galactic Union generally aimed to be as fair as possible to its members.

Especially with Yujin’s policy of sharing technology to raise the average capabilities of all Union members, fairness was a significant concern.

However, granting special development rights to the elves alone could undoubtedly spark controversy over favoritism.

Yet, this was something Yujin and the Union’s central authorities had to manage.

“Just keep in mind that we can’t guarantee too much,” Yujin said.

“Of course. We don’t intend to take too much,” Lasi replied.

Thus, they promised a portion of the rights to develop and use the most critical energy and resources.

In addition to these two main demands, there were minor conditions like non-aggression pacts and protection treaties.

These were not as crucial and were addressed more straightforwardly.

Thus, the elves officially entered the Galactic Union.

Their elder seats were decided to be the same as the Meias tribe, with ten seats.

#

“This is outrageous! A tribe that just joined the Union gets ten seats?”

“No matter how important they are to the Union, there’s a history to consider. This is too much, no matter how you look at it….”

Unsurprisingly, there was a massive outcry against granting the elves ten elder seats.

Even if they were to play a crucial role in the Galactic Union, giving them ten seats right upon entry was seen as excessive.

The significance of ten seats was substantial.

Originally, only the Lubaran tribe enjoyed such a privilege, and now the Meias tribe had taken over that position.

In other words, ten seats were a kind of ‘crown’ allowed only to the most powerful tribes within the Galactic Union.

Giving the same crown to a newcomer was bound to provoke strong opposition.

“However, considering their importance, this level of investment is unavoidable for the future.”

“Besides, with the Lubaran tribe and their supporters leaving, there are still plenty of elder seats available. While new tribes are joining, we are still far from filling all 500 seats.”

Not everyone opposed the decision.

Some tribes, including the Meias and Terra tribes, which were heavily influenced by Yujin, supported it.

They argued that considering the future investment value of the elves, this was a necessary step.

Moreover, with many elder seats still vacant, filling ten seats shouldn’t be an issue.

“It’s not about filling the seats just because there are vacancies.”

“Traditionally, new tribes start with just one seat….”

That damned tradition.

Yujin was fed up.

‘Since when did they care so much about history? Damn hypocrites.’

Yujin wanted to retort immediately, but he kept silent since it was an official setting.

“And asking for a portion of the resource development rights? Aren’t they being too greedy?”

“No matter how powerful they are, this is too much!”

The second condition faced similar opposition.

They questioned why the resource and energy development rights, which were supposed to be obtained through fair competition among the tribes’ companies, were being arbitrarily given to the elves.

“This is tyranny.”

“Lord Yujin, it’s problematic to run the Union this way.”

“…”

Yujin looked at them and spoke.

“Then, if we offer the same compensation, can any of you do what the elves are doing?”

“What?”

“…”

Everyone fell silent at Yujin’s question.

It was obvious.

The elves’ special abilities, superior intelligence, and physical conditions, along with their technological application skills, were unmatched.

The only ones who could come close were the Lubaran tribe, the Meias tribe, and Yujin himself.

The other tribes couldn’t even compare.

“If there is a tribe that can perfectly perform the tasks the elves are doing, I will offer them the same, or even more, compensation. Who will step up?”

“…”

No one responded to Yujin’s proposal.

It meant no one could do it.

“Then, this matter is settled. Anyone who has objections will be understood as volunteering to take over the elves’ tasks.”

Yujin applied a bit of forceful pressure to the elders, instilling a sense of determination.

Faced with both persuasion and strong pressure, they could do nothing but nod in agreement.

“After all, the resource development rights are only a small portion, and what we can gain through them will be much greater. Without needing to compete, everyone can peacefully extract resources from their own planet.”

Having applied enough pressure, Yujin then softened his tone.

It was a mix of stick and carrot.

“The Galactic Union will fully organize and expand its uncharted territories. You will be able to choose planets and stars as you wish. With advanced technology, you can freely conduct energy experiments or development using the gravitational energy of neutron stars or black holes, and the massive material emissions of supernovae.”

These were originally the privileges of advanced tribes.

But now, as long as they were part of the Union, even weaker tribes could achieve much.

Currently, many celestial bodies were already developed or occupied by other tribes, making competition fierce.

However, if the elves could accelerate planetary terraforming and the Union’s management area expanded rapidly, they could share these celestial bodies without competition.

“I promise you. Within the next 100 years, your tribes will achieve such tremendous development that the current Lubaran tribe will seem insignificant.”

“…”

“…”

The elders, intrigued by Yujin’s final words, felt their hearts tribe with excitement.

The prospect of their tribes becoming that powerful and advanced was exhilarating.

It would be strange not to feel excited.

“Then, today’s meeting is adjourned.”

After Yujin declared the meeting over, even the elders who had opposed the elves’ conditions left the meeting room, now in agreement and filled with high expectations.

#

Oh… presenting an unavoidable choice and then applying strong pressure.

Using psychological pressure to force them into making the desired choice, and then gently persuading them afterward.

By making them feel compelled to choose, he reduced their resistance to the decision.

Then, by highlighting the benefits they would gain, he elevated their mood, eliminating any regrets and instilling anticipation.

Yujin, that guy, has quite the knack for handling people.

Is it because he’s been the head of the Galactic Union for nearly 20 years?

His fundamental personality should be almost identical to my human self, yet he seems quite different now.

They say a position shapes a person.

Well, looking at myself, that’s evident.

I’m becoming more and more like a true outsider.

A being that can discard the existence of the universe and its living creatures without a second thought, just to satisfy my curiosity and amusement.

Still, I limit myself to what I create.

I don’t interfere with naturally formed universes.

It’s a line I’ve drawn for myself.

Crossing it would mean the end.

…Though, I feel like I’ve already crossed that line quite a bit.

In that sense, should I explore another universe?

It seems things are well-settled between Yujin and the elves.

Where should I go next?