The door slid open with a soft hiss.
Elyndra entered first, her posture as composed as ever. She wore a light green elven evening dress that accentuated her graceful figure without sacrificing elegance. Offering a respectful bow, she spoke.
“My apologies for the sudden intrusion, Commander.”
“No need to apologize. I am available. Go ahead.”
“Then, I would like to report. Most of the leaders have agreed to participate in the Ambassador Program. They will be sending their selected representatives on the designated date. Their arrival is expected within a week.”
Elyndra tapped her communications band, and a holographic display materialized before me, presenting the relevant details and schedules.
This was certainly good news.
It meant Atlas had already established a considerable degree of trust among the civilizations of T1-01.
Much of that trust had been built through Elyndra's efforts. As Atlas's first ambassador to the world below, she had done well in fostering diplomatic relations and presenting Atlas not as a conqueror, but as a partner.
Of course, additional facilities would need to be constructed to accommodate the program, though the necessary plans and resource allocations had already been prepared.
The arrival of the representatives would mark the formal beginning of diplomatic relations between Atlas and the civilizations of T1-01.
I gave a slight nod, signaling for her to continue.
“Additionally, Her Majesty Ezreza has a proposal she wishes to present.”
At those words, the woman stepped forward with practiced grace.
Her crimson hair shimmered beneath the office lights, while the dress she wore seemed less like fabric and more like liquid velvet, draping softly over her figure as though the color itself had chosen her as its rightful queen.
Her eyes, a warm blend of reddish-brown and amber, held both intelligence and quiet confidence. Combined with her regal bearing, they carried the unmistakable presence of royalty.
“My name is Ezreza Grace Thorne, Queen of the Eastern United Kingdoms. It is an honor to meet the Commander.”
As she introduced herself, she gave me a subtle wink.
I nearly sighed.
Of course.
She was the woman from before, the one I had met on the observation deck. More importantly, she was the one with 100% human genetic compatibility. Like Elyndra, she possessed unique potential as an individual.
“I have a proposal regarding the future economic system of the new world.”
That immediately caught my attention.
As she spoke, Elyndra tapped her communications band. Another holographic display materialized before me.
Its contents were neatly organized for review, a proposal for a unified currency.
With the arrival of Atlas's technology, the current economic order of T1-01 would inevitably become obsolete. Traditional currencies would gradually lose their relevance as advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and automation reshaped civilization itself.
Elyndra had already made a favorable impression on the people below by showcasing various Atlas technologies, from weaponry and transportation to consumer goods.
Additionally, many of the agreements she had secured involved ongoing medical assistance and agricultural support across the world.
After all, technology alone could inspire awe, but improvements to daily life earned trust.
However, there was a fundamental problem.
The production of nearly all Atlas technology relied on Eterna Energy, as well as on strategic materials such as Celestium Ferrofluid.
Even though T1-01 possessed Celestium Ore, its conversion and utilization required specialized abilities such as Eterna's Blessing, placing it beyond the reach of ordinary civilizations.
If Atlas technology were to be integrated into non-player civilizations, an entirely separate production ecosystem would need to be established, one based on local raw materials rather than Eterna Energy and Celestium Ferrofluid.
In essence, we would not simply be exporting technology.
We would be building a new industrial foundation from the ground up.
Fortunately, such challenges were well within Atlas's capabilities.
The problem could simply be placed in the research queue, while the necessary units would be allocated to accelerate its development.
Given sufficient time and resources, the solution was merely a matter of scale.
Nevertheless, Ezreza's proposal was surprisingly comprehensive.
Intercontinental trade regulations.
A standardized market for the entire world.
Even frameworks for future interspecies commerce.
Clearly, she had spent considerable effort preparing this.
Still, there were a few adjustments I intended to make.
“Physical banknotes won't be necessary,” I said after reviewing the proposal.
“We can skip directly to a digital currency system.”
Her eyes widened slightly.
Ezreza's proposal had included a transitional phase in which gold and silver currencies would gradually be replaced by standardized banknotes.
Under normal circumstances, such an approach would have been reasonable.
However, the orbital ring was already operational.
With its planetary communication network in place, there was little reason to adopt an intermediary system when a digital economy could be implemented from the outset.
As long as the ring maintained full operations, its communication network could provide near-instantaneous connectivity across the planet. A centralized digital economy wasn't merely possible.
It was inevitable.
Naturally, such a system would require an entirely new administrative framework.
A global citizen registry would need to be established, while standardized citizen bands or technological implants would be distributed or integrated into every registered individual.
Equipped with holographic interfaces, these devices would function as personal communicators, digital wallets, and identification systems all in one.
It could work.
“This proposal can proceed provided there is consensus among the participating nations. Have you consulted the other leaders regarding this matter?”
I glanced at Elyndra, who in turn shifted her gaze toward Her Majesty Ezreza.
“Yes,” Ezreza replied with a nod.
“The other leaders should not pose any problems. We can begin implementation within my territory, Commander.”
That was quicker than expected.
It seemed Ezreza had already consulted the majority of the leaders beforehand. While some reservations undoubtedly remained, opposition appeared minimal.
More importantly, the proposal itself was both practical and beneficial.
There was little reason to delay.
“Then we have an agreement, Your Majesty.”
The sooner implementation began, the better. Once a successful model had been established, the other nations would inevitably follow.
“Is there anything else?” I asked.
Though she maintained her composure, I could see the emotions reflected in Ezreza's eyes.
There was both shock and relief, and perhaps even a trace of excitement.
It was understandable.
Within the span of a single meeting, her kingdom had been granted access to technologies and opportunities that could alter the course of history itself.
For a ruler born in the age of swords and kingdoms, the prospect of stepping into the stars must have seemed almost unreal.
Elyndra had likewise been granted access to Atlas technologies for the development of the Elven Realm. However, due to internal affairs and the delicate nature of elven politics, she had chosen to proceed cautiously.
Rapid progress was not always synonymous with stability.
Even so, the integration initiatives had already begun. It was only a matter of time before the Elven Realm gradually embraced Atlas's technologies.
I glanced at Elyndra. She gave a subtle shake of her head, signaling that there were no further updates.
With the matter settled, I moved on to my own proposals.
“There are a few more matters.”
With Atlas steadily expanding its borders across multiple star systems, the number of habitable worlds under its administration would continue to grow.
Such an initiative was not strictly necessary for players. With Eterna's Blessing, we possessed the means to develop and claim worlds of our own.
For the non-player civilizations of T1-01, however, the prospect of settling entirely new worlds would likely prove far more appealing.
“In addition to the Ambassador Program, I would like to propose an interworld transfer initiative. Elyndra will convey the details to the other leaders following this meeting.”
The room grew quiet.
Even Ezreza's expression grew more attentive.
I nodded.
“Participation will be entirely voluntary. Those willing to relocate will be fully accommodated.”
I paused briefly before continuing.
“Details regarding each world, including their climates, resources, and ecosystems, will be provided at a later date.”
At present, aside from T1-01, Atlas possessed three worlds suitable for immediate colonization, namely T1-02, T1-03, and T1-05.
T1-04, however, remained a death world. Until further development or terraforming efforts were undertaken, it was excluded from consideration.
Moreover, with Kyndris and Evie continuing to secure nearby systems, additional worlds would become available in the near future.
Current projections estimated that Celestium extraction within these systems would reach depletion within a year. Once resource harvesting had concluded, the worlds would become available for non-player people.
“This initiative is now open to all interested parties. Those wishing to participate need only submit their intent.”
For years, the civilizations of this world had fought over land.
Now, land itself was no longer scarce.
There would be multiple worlds for their choosing.
That was the scale civilization had entered.
Of course, interworld migration would not be unrestricted.
Every settlement would remain under Atlas's interstellar administration, with regulations concerning governance, trade, and planetary preservation.
Although granted considerable self-governance, all settlements would be expected to comply with Atlas's interstellar charter and common rules.
The last thing I wanted was an interplanetary war on my own turf.
That would be rude.
“We will give it careful consideration, Commander,” Ezreza said.
“Of course. Take all the time you need.”
With the more pressing matters concluded, our discussion shifted to several other topics, including an upcoming intercultural event.
Given Ezreza's openness to cooperation, I took the opportunity to further strengthen diplomatic ties. One of the trade cities had already been reserved for the event, which was expected to become a grand celebration of Atlas's arrival on T1-01.
Beyond diplomacy, it would serve as an opportunity to showcase Atlas's culture, technology, and intentions to the world below.
“Then I look forward to working with you, Your Majesty.”
“The pleasure is mine, Commander,” she replied with a faint smile.
With that, the meeting came to an end. The two bid their farewells before departing the room.
While waiting for the advance voyager ships to reach the Tier 2 territories, there was little for me to do beyond upgrading Atlas's defensive systems.
In the meantime, guiding the development of the world below seemed like a productive use of time.
For the civilizations of T1-01, the coming months would mark a transformation unprecedented in history.
In a single generation, they would leap from the medieval age into the interstellar era.