Sorry about the confusion with War God/Warlord ranks.
...
The ratio between the Dark Universe and the Original Universe is 1:10,081,000, a fundamental principle governing interstellar travel that every spacefaring civilization must understand.
In the Original Universe, matter cannot exceed the speed of light. Once it reaches light speed, it will directly travel through space and reach the Dark Universe, where velocities beyond light speed become possible. This dimensional shortcut makes interstellar travel feasible, compressing journeys that would take millennia into mere days or weeks.
The Black Dragon spacecraft was a C5-class vessel with a maximum speed of 1.5 times the speed of light. Since Rimuru had ample energy reserves and no need to conserve fuel, he'd set course at full velocity.
Eight days later, their destination materialized before them.
Qionglong Star.
Guided by the automated docking signal, the Black Dragon spacecraft descended smoothly through the planet's atmosphere and landed in the C-class area of the primary spaceport. The facility stretched for kilometers in every direction, a vast complex of landing pads, maintenance bays, and administrative buildings that dwarfed anything Earth had ever constructed.
"Han Jue, I have 171 Qianwu Coins available in accessible currency," Rimuru reported through their mental connection. "I'll use those to cover the docking fees and initial expenses."
Qionglong Star was the closest prosperous planet to Earth's isolated system, controlled by a Domain Master-level administrator. For warriors of their current strength, it represented an ideal first destination, civilized enough to be safe, wealthy enough to offer what they needed, yet not so prestigious that their relatively modest power would draw unwanted attention or restrict their movements.
Most of what Han Jue required for his continued cultivation could be purchased here, which was precisely why Rimuru had chosen this particular world rather than venturing to more distant systems.
"What exactly are these Qianwu Coins?" Thunder God asked with obvious curiosity, examining the unfamiliar currency displayed on one of the ship's information screens.
"The Qianwu Coin is the standard currency of the Qianwu Universe Nation, one of the advanced civilizations controlling vast territories throughout this sector," Rimuru explained patiently, his holographic form manifesting beside the navigation console. "The official exchange rate is one Qianwu Coin to one thousand Black Dragon Coins, and one Black Dragon Coin converts to one thousand Silver-Blue Coins. Of course, the unofficial exchange rate tends to be considerably higher, often reaching 1.5 times the official rate or more, depending on market conditions and location."
"Intelligent life is truly convenient," Thunder God said with undisguised envy, studying Rimuru's manifestation. "I want to acquire one for myself."
"Intelligent life like Rimuru, capable of genuine independent thought and self-awareness, is extraordinarily rare even throughout the universe," Hong interjected calmly, his tone carrying gentle correction. "Most AI assistants are sophisticated programs, not true sentient beings. The difference is profound."
"Can't I just think about the possibility?" Thunder God protested, somewhat defensive about his comment. "Maybe I'll stumble upon some ancient inheritance and gain access to intelligent life of my own."
"Perhaps," Hong conceded with a slight smile. "Stranger things have happened."
"Whoosh!"
The Black Dragon spacecraft's landing sequence completed with a gentle hydraulic hiss, the boarding ramp extending automatically. The trio emerged from the cabin into Qionglong Star's atmosphere, the air tasted slightly different from Earth's, carrying unfamiliar chemical traces and alien scents that marked this as truly foreign territory.
An alien dockworker approached immediately, his appearance humanoid but distinctly non-human. Blue-tinted skin covered his frame, and his eyes, three of them arranged in a triangular pattern, tracked their movements with professional efficiency. He extended a payment terminal without speaking, the universal gesture transcending language barriers.
Han Jue casually tossed him a Qianwu Coin, the metal disc spinning through the air before the worker caught it with reflexes that suggested combat training.
"No need for change," Han Jue said calmly in Universal Language, his recently acquired fluency making the words flow naturally.
The dockworker's three eyes widened slightly, whether from the generous overpayment or from recognizing their off-world accents was unclear. He bowed respectfully and quickly departed, likely eager to secure such an unexpected windfall before they changed their minds.
After the alien had disappeared into the bustling spaceport crowds, Thunder God couldn't help but speak in surprise, switching back to Earth's Chinese language. "That man looked really strange. Three eyes? I've never seen anything like it."
"Second Brother, speaking ill of others behind their backs is bad behavior," Hong said, gently reproving Thunder God's comment while maintaining his typical diplomatic composure. "We're the foreigners here. To them, we likely appear equally unusual."
Thunder God had the grace to look slightly embarrassed, though curiosity still burned in his expression.
"Let's establish our priorities," Rimuru's voice echoed in Han Jue's mind, audible only to him through their neural connection. "First, we register our citizenship with the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. Then we open accounts with the Virtual Universe Company to access the network. Finally, we visit the First Bank of the Universe to withdraw the assets left by my former master."
Han Jue nodded slightly, then gestured behind him. Two of the three Silverium Guards materialized from the World Ring's storage space, their imposing forms instantly recognizable as high-level combat automatons. Their presence would discourage casual trouble and mark them as individuals of substance, precisely the impression they wanted to project in this unfamiliar environment.
Qiulong City, the primary metropolitan center of Qionglong Star, rose before them after over half an hour of flight.
The architecture was both familiar and alien, towering structures that reached toward the clouds, but constructed from materials and following design principles Earth had never developed. Holographic advertisements in dozens of languages competed for attention, flying vehicles moved through designated aerial traffic lanes, and beings of a hundred different species walked the streets below.
"Planetary level, Planetary level everywhere... it's impossible to accurately gauge their exact strength at a glance," Thunder God marveled, his experienced warrior's senses somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer density of power surrounding them. "There are so many powerful beings here. Any single one of them would be beyond War God level on Earth, some even stronger than me."
"That's completely normal," Han Jue replied, his own enhanced perception cataloging threats and potential allies with systematic efficiency. "To function in a place like this, one must be at least Planetary level. Anything less would make basic survival difficult. Planetary level is barely sufficient to make a modest living in the wider universe."
He paused, considering how to explain the cosmic power hierarchy they'd entered. "To achieve genuine status and respect, you must reach at least Stellar level. Only at Universe level does one truly command significant authority and influence."
"We're still far from such heights," Hong observed with his characteristic insight, his tone carrying neither false modesty nor despair, simply honest assessment. "We must proceed with appropriate caution and humility."
Flying through the designated aerial traffic lanes, their Planetary-level auras granting them that privilege, the three soon arrived before a massive carved building. The structure depicted a black dragon perched majestically atop a mountain peak, its wings spread wide in a display of dominance. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each scale individually detailed despite the monument's enormous size.
This was the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's administrative office stationed on Qionglong Star, one of thousands scattered throughout the empire's territories, serving as bureaucratic hubs for citizenship registration, legal proceedings, and imperial announcements.
They had originally considered joining the Qianwu Universe Nation directly, but citizenship requirements for higher-level cosmic civilizations were considerably more stringent. Once they joined the Virtual Universe Company, however, specific national citizenship would become largely irrelevant, membership in one of the five super-powers transcended such petty distinctions.
With the Silverium Guards flanking them, their presence radiating Stellar Level Nine combat capability, two massive stone guardians animated and opened the ornate doors, granting them immediate entry without the usual security screening. Strength, status, and visible power were highly valued currencies throughout the universe, opening doors both literal and metaphorical.
Rimuru had explained this fundamental principle during their journey, and Han Jue had conveyed the wisdom to Hong and Thunder God. Display appropriate strength to receive appropriate respect, but never so much strength that you became a target for those seeking to prove themselves or claim your resources.
The citizenship registration process, costing a single Qianwu Coin per person, proceeded with bureaucratic efficiency. Within an hour, all three had become official citizens of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. This legal status would grant them protection under imperial law, allow them to pursue legitimate business opportunities, and provide access to services restricted to registered citizens.
"Han Jue, is this Virtual Universe really as magical as you described?" Thunder God couldn't contain his curiosity as they traveled toward the branch office of the Virtual Universe Company. "Allowing people anywhere in the universe to communicate instantly through the network, simulating battles with perfect realism, even enabling users to create and test secret techniques within entirely virtual environments?"
"You'll discover the answer in just a few minutes," Han Jue replied, rolling his eyes at Thunder God's barely suppressed excitement. The legendary warrior looked like a child anticipating his first taste of candy.
"The human race throughout the entire universe is dominated by five colossal forces," Hong said, drawing on the extensive cosmic knowledge he'd absorbed during their journey. "The Galaxy Bank, the First Bank of the Universe, the Giant Axe Arena, the Universe Mercenary Alliance, and the Virtual Universe Company. These five super-powers transcend even the most advanced civilizations, commanding resources and authority that dwarf entire universe nations."
He paused, ensuring Thunder God was actually listening rather than merely waiting to speak. "The Virtual Universe Company is arguably the wealthiest of these organizations. They've accumulated unfathomable fortunes from the Virtual Universe network alone, every transaction, every training session, every instant of communication generates revenue. How powerful do you imagine such an organization must be?"
"Incredibly powerful, I suppose," Thunder God nodded, though his somewhat vacant expression suggested he hadn't truly grasped the scale Hong was attempting to convey.
Hong recognized immediately that Thunder God hadn't carefully processed the information, he was too busy anticipating the experience ahead to engage in serious contemplation. The observation brought a resigned smile to Hong's features, though he said nothing further. Some lessons could only be learned through direct experience.
Soon, the three arrived at their destination: the Virtual Universe Company's Qionglong Star branch office.
The building was remarkably understated compared to some of the ostentatious structures surrounding it, a deliberate choice, Han Jue suspected. When your organization commanded such absolute authority, you had no need for architectural bragging.
The moment they entered, a beautiful receptionist approached with practiced grace. She wore the company's standard red uniform, and a fluffy tail extended behind her, marking her as a member of one of the beast-type humanoid races common throughout this sector. Her smile was professionally warm without being obsequious.
"Honored sirs, how may I assist you today?" she asked, bowing slightly in respectful greeting.
"We wish to open accounts," Han Jue said directly, seeing no reason for elaborate small talk.
"Certainly! To establish Virtual Universe network access, we offer three payment tiers based on subscription duration," the receptionist explained with practiced fluency, her tail swishing gently behind her. "One hundred years, one thousand years, or ten thousand years. The annual network access fee is ten Black Dragon Coins, which converts to 0.008 Qianwu Coins per year."
Han Jue performed the mental calculation instantly. For three people subscribing for ten thousand years each, the total cost would be substantial but well within his accessible funds.
"Open three accounts, each with ten-thousand-year access," Han Jue said without hesitation.
The receptionist's eyes widened fractionally, a reaction she quickly suppressed behind professional composure. Ten-thousand-year subscriptions were relatively uncommon, typically reserved for those expecting long lifespans or representing organizations rather than individuals. Still, the Virtual Universe Company welcomed all legitimate business, and these customers clearly possessed the funds to support such a purchase.
After transferring 240 Qianwu Coins, a sum that would have purchased several small spacecraft or funded a modest mercenary company for years, the three accounts were successfully established. Each of them received a sophisticated neural connector that would interface with their optical brains, granting access to the Virtual Universe whenever they chose to enter.
Following the account activation, Han Jue led his companions to a nearby technology retailer specializing in personal equipment. There, he purchased two high-quality intelligent optical brain computers with sophisticated auxiliary AI assistance, not true intelligent life like Rimuru, but remarkably capable digital assistants that would serve Hong and Thunder God well.
"I need to handle some business at the First Bank of the Universe," Han Jue said after they'd completed these initial transactions. "Do you want to accompany me, or would you prefer to explore the city independently?"
"We'll come with you," Hong replied after exchanging a glance with Thunder God. "Better to stay together until we're more familiar with our surroundings."
"Understood," Han Jue said, already plotting their route through the city's aerial traffic network.
The First Bank of the Universe branch office occupied a prestigious location in Qiulong City's financial district, its architecture projecting an aura of absolute security and unshakeable stability. The building's exterior was constructed from some material that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, creating an almost ominous presence despite the bright afternoon sun.
Han Jue first applied for a standard First Bank of the Universe account card, then arranged for Hong and Thunder God to receive their own as well. Like the Universe Galaxy Bank, the First Bank maintained a sophisticated customer star-rating system based on total deposits and transaction volume.
The moment Han Jue entered the account number Rimuru had provided, the one belonging to the late Lord of the Ice Wasteland, the branch's automated systems immediately flagged it as a four-star account. Within seconds, the bank president himself appeared, personally ushering Han Jue and his companions into a private reception room normally reserved for only the most valued clients.
A sophisticated metal service robot awaited them, its form humanoid but clearly mechanical, designed to project competence and discretion rather than warmth.
A four-star account indicated deposits between 10,000 and 10 million Hunyuan Units, a level of wealth that commanded genuine respect even among Stellar-level powerhouses. The bank president's deferential treatment suddenly made perfect sense.
"Please verify your identity and access credentials," the service robot requested, its voice carrying neither emotion nor judgment, simply professional efficiency.
Han Jue provided the necessary authentication through his neural link with Rimuru, the AI companion supplying the complex authorization codes and biometric data that proved his legitimate inheritance of the account.
"Check balance," Han Jue commanded once verification completed.
"Beep!"
"Current account balance: 2,817,561 Hunyuan Units," the robot announced.
"Rimuru, didn't you say there were 2,370,000 Hunyuan Units?" Han Jue asked mentally, genuine puzzlement coloring his thoughts. "Why is the balance nearly 450,000 Hunyuan Units higher than expected?"
"I... I don't know," Rimuru admitted, his own confusion evident through their connection. "Could the master have invested in some financial product before his death? The account might have generated returns over the intervening decades."
The explanation made sense. Tens of millions of years of compound interest, even at modest rates, could certainly account for the discrepancy.
"Well, it increased rather than decreased," Han Jue said philosophically. "No point questioning good fortune."
He authorized the complete transfer of all funds into his personal account, thus elevating his own banking status to four-star level, a designation that would grant him access to premium services, preferential loan rates, and the respect of financial institutions throughout this sector of the universe.
"With this capital, we can finally go shopping properly!" Rimuru said with obvious excitement, his holographic form practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "There's so much equipment and training material you need!"
His tone shifted to something more serious, taking on the characteristics of a stern teacher rather than an excited companion. "Based on historical data from previous Genius Battles, you must at least reach the threshold of comprehending the Origin Law of Space and cultivate 'Myriad Avatars' to the second level, achieving ten simultaneous avatars, before you can genuinely compete for a top-ten position."
Rimuru paused, considering the requirements carefully. "Entering the top thousand is somewhat more achievable. As long as you reach the threshold of comprehending the Origin Law of Water, deepen your understanding significantly, and master the second form of the 'Ice Wasteland Sword Technique,' there's legitimate hope of success."
"But before pursuing either goal," Rimuru emphasized, his voice carrying unmistakable importance, "we must first advance your cultivation to Stellar level. Everything else builds from that foundation."
Han Jue nodded slowly, absorbing the magnitude of what lay ahead. The Genius Battle represented humanity's greatest competition, where the most exceptional talents from countless star systems gathered to prove their worth and claim their place among the Virtual Universe Company's core members.
He'd come to the universe seeking challenges worthy of his abilities.
It seemed he was about to find exactly what he'd been searching for.