Around twenty-five days passed during their journey.
As the starship drew closer to the Andromeda Galaxy, its distant spiral became more defined against the void. What had once been little more than a faint smudge of light now showed structure, density, and depth. A vast system slowly revealed itself as they approached.
Adrian stood in the command deck, his attention fixed on the projected interface of the UNI-OS. For the past several days, he had been repeatedly running network searches, hoping to connect to something, anything, that could provide information about the Andromeda Galaxy, its sects, the universe beyond, and the systems that governed it.
Behind him, most of the members on the ship had gathered, drawn by the same restless curiosity that had plagued them all during the long journey through the empty void.
As the ship decelerated slightly for course adjustments, the search finally returned results.
› Searching For In-Range Free Networks…
› Detected Multiple Free Networks...
› Listing Free Networks
New text materialized across the holographic display.
— FREE NETWORKS —
› Andromeda Local Network [Decentralized]
› Grave-Sky Sect Network [Private] — Invitation Required
› Ashen Vortex Sect Network [Private] — Invitation Required
› Ironbound Path Sect Network [Private] — Invitation Required
› Thousand Veils Sect Network [Private] — Invitation Required
"Finally," Selena muttered from beside him.
Kael leaned forward from his seat near the navigation console, his eyes scanning the list with visible interest, "Four sects at minimum."
"Could be more that aren't broadcasting openly," Lysandra added, stepping closer to the projection. Her expression remained composed, but Adrian noticed the slight tension in her shoulders. Even an empress accustomed to power felt the weight of stepping into the unknown.
They had been traveling for months through empty void, and boredom had settled in deeply for many of them. Just seeing something new to explore was enough to lift the atmosphere aboard the ship.
Even from this short list, they were already learning things. The presence of multiple sect networks immediately told them which sects played a central role within the Andromeda Galaxy. More importantly, the local network itself was labeled Decentralized.
That alone marked a fundamental difference from the Milky Way Galaxy. Back home, Lexaria and Origin maintained a centralized galactic network, but here, with numerous sects holding power, a decentralized structure made far more sense.
Adrian selected the Andromeda Local Network.
› Connecting to Andromeda Local Network...
› Connection Success
The interface shifted smoothly, revealing familiar menus: forums, contacts, public notices, and information feeds. The layout felt immediately recognizable, easing some of the tension they had felt about stepping into the unknown.
Selena said, "At least the format isn't completely alien."
The first thing Adrian searched for was information about UNI-OS itself. Everyone aboard shared the same curiosity. From the moment they had activated it, the system had felt powerful, opaque, and deeply entrenched in the workings of the universe.
He typed the query into the search function, and several threads appeared almost instantly. Most were casual discussions, complaints about transaction fees, or questions from newly arrived travelers. But one post stood out immediately.
A forum post, published under the verified account of the UNI Sect, 'Understanding UNI-OS, UNI-Coins, and UNI-Authority.'
The account bore a golden emblem beside its name. Beneath the title, a line of text indicated the post had been pinned universally across all networks.
"This is it," Selena said.
As Adrian opened it, the post unfolded, showing the information they had been lacking.
...
UNI-OS
UNI-OS is developed and maintained by the Great Sect known as UNI. It serves as the standard universal system across the known universe. UNI-OS functions as a communication hub, transactional medium, navigational assistant, and infrastructural interface. All registered cultivators, sects, and organizations operating beyond their native galaxy may use UNI-OS for standardized universal interaction.
Adrian read it aloud for those standing too far from the projection to see clearly, and so everyone could be on the same page.
UNI-Coins
UNI-Coins are the sole universally recognized exchange currency across the known universe.
› 1 UNI-Coin = 1 High-Tier Mana Crystal
A High-Tier Mana Crystal is a naturally formed mana crystal aged one hundred thousand years or older, possessing highly compressed mana around one Mana Unit.
Mana crystals below this threshold are classified as Low-Tier Mana Crystals and may be exchanged at UNI-Banks based on total mana content and purity. Conversion rates are dynamically calculated to match the energy equivalent of one High-Tier Mana Crystal.
All exchanges are conducted exclusively through UNI-Bank branches.
Selena's eyes widened, "One hundred thousand years?"
"That's…" Lysandra trailed off, visibly calculating. "We don't have mana crystals that old in the Milky Way. The oldest deposits we've found are maybe ten thousand years old. But rather than the age, I think this term Mana Unit seems to be most important."
They had brought mana crystals with them, billions of them, stored in a spatial ring. However, if the conversion rate were based on this 'Mana Unit', which they had no idea what it was, their entire reserve might amount to a small amount in universal terms.
UNI-Authority
UNI-Authority is the classification system employed by the UNI Sect to determine access level, transaction limits, and network privileges.
Current UNI-Authority tiers:
Basic UNI-Authority: The default access tier automatically granted upon first UNI-OS activation. Allows usage of Free Networks, limited Premium Networks, basic navigation assistance, limited UNI-Bank transactions, and minimal system functions. Most mortal cultivators, independent travelers, and minor organizations operate permanently under this tier.
"That's us," Draven noted, "Bottom rung."
"For now," Adrian replied.
Commercial UNI-Authority: A paid access tier purchasable through UNI-Bank using UNI-Coins. Grants increased transaction limits, access to more Premium Networks, expanded navigation precision, and priority routing through UNI-Server systems. Commonly used by merchants, independent cultivators, and minor sects seeking convenience.
Privileged UNI-Authority: A restricted tier granted only to recognized members of Major Sects or individuals endorsed by organizations with established universal standing. Provides reduced transaction costs, broader Premium Network access, enhanced system permissions, and priority service across UNI-Hubs. This tier cannot be purchased.
Lysandra's expression darkened, "So even if we had the coins, we couldn't buy our way into real access."
"Not without backing from a Major Sect," Kael agreed.
Sovereign UNI-Authority: An elite classification reserved exclusively for Great Sect representatives, universal powers, and entities acknowledged directly by UNI. Grants unrestricted access to Premium Networks, full system privileges, direct interaction with UNI-Hub cores, and priority resolution across all UNI infrastructure. This tier is never publicly advertised or offered.
Silence followed those words.
Adrian stared at the text, understanding what it meant. Sovereign Authority wasn't just power; it was acknowledgment. Recognition that you stood among the forces that shaped the universe itself.
The Void Emperor likely held that tier. Beings who could destroy galaxies.
UNI-Hub
A UNI-Hub is a standardized interstellar facility established in most developed galaxies. Each UNI-Hub contains a UNI-Bank branch, UNI-OS distribution center, and network relay nodes.
UNI-Hubs form the backbone of universal commerce and communication, ensuring stable operation of UNI-OS across galaxies.
"We'll need to find one," Selena said. "If we want to convert our crystals or access anything useful."
Adrian nodded, "Once we enter Andromeda, locating a UNI-Hub will be the priority."
Important Notice
Any attempt to counterfeit UNI-Coins, falsify UNI-Authority, or interfere with UNI-OS infrastructure will result in immediate universal sanctions enforced by UNI.
The post ended there.
Lysandra's gaze was locked onto the projected text. Slowly, her fingers curled into her palm.
"…A single sect," she said quietly, "controls the universal currency, the communication infrastructure, authority verification, and intergalactic navigation."
"For thousands of years, Lexaria believed that maintaining a galactic network was the pinnacle of logistical dominance," she continued, her voice carrying a trace of disbelief. "And yet, compared to this…"
She did not finish the sentence.
There was no need to.
Alice, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward, "It's elegant, really. They don't need armies. They don't need to conquer. If you want to exist beyond your galaxy, you have no choice but to operate within their framework."
Even the Premium Networks they had glimpsed earlier now felt insignificant by comparison. Information exchanges, mercenary networks, rune markets, those were services.
UNI was infrastructure.
If a sect wished to exist beyond its galaxy, it passed through UNI. If a cultivator wished to trade, communicate, or travel, UNI stood at the centre. If an empire wished to expand into the universe, UNI was unavoidable.
Aerin watched the adults with wide eyes, sensing the shift in atmosphere even if she didn't fully understand it.
"Uncle Adrian," Aerin asked softly, "is this bad?"
Adrian glanced down at her. Her perception was sharper than most gave her credit for. She could sense spatial distortions most SSS-ranks missed entirely, and now she could read tension just as easily.
"Not bad," Adrian said, "Just… bigger than we expected."
Aerin frowned slightly, processing that, then nodded.
While Lysandra grappled with that realisation, Adrian felt something different. For him, this feeling was familiar.
It was the same pressure he had sensed when he first saw Lexaria's monopoly over the Milky Way Galaxy. Back then, he had broken Lexaria's monopoly with the Origin Net, but UNI was something else entirely. Even Adrian could feel the weight of it.
UNI wasn't just a galactic power. It was universal. It had existed for who knew how long, embedded itself into the fabric of intergalactic society, and made itself indispensable.
And truthfully, Adrian had no plans to go against this for now. This was just an excursion, and he was here just exploring and learning. He didn't wish to get involved in these things now.