The system’s answer left Adam puzzled for a long time.
What exactly did it mean to upgrade into a formal civilization?
Not enough people?
Not enough strength?
That couldn’t be it.
He glanced at the hyperdimensional star map.
Ever since the pioneer fleet arrived in this world, the military power of the Demon-Slayer world had dropped to the level of ants in comparison.
Steam-age and pre-space-age natives simply could not stand against shipgirls.
They were all civilizations…
so why wasn’t he?
Since it wasn’t a matter of military might, technology, or economy, the reason had to be more abstract.
He asked himself what his settlement was still missing compared with other civilizations or nations.
An industrial and agricultural system?
No.
Religion?
Even less relevant…
plenty of technological civilizations didn’t believe in gods at all.
A political system?
An administrative structure?
That was closer, but still not the whole story.
Then he noticed that on the map his world was labeled with nothing more than the bare word “Settlement.” “The elements that make a civilization…” Adam turned the problem over in his mind, searching for the difference between himself and every other world.
“Economy, military, culture, politics… a name?!” “A name?!” Inspiration struck.
“Everyone, assemble!
I have something important to discuss.” … Half an hour later the office of the naval base was packed with all thirty shipgirls of the pioneer fleet.
They stared at Adam seated at the conference table and whispered among themselves.
“Huh?
Why the sudden meeting?” “No idea.
The Commander said he needs our opinions on something important.” “Ehh?
Is the Commander about to make an oath with someone?
Which pest is it this time…” “Taihou, act normal for once…” A few destroyers and submarines still carried net bags of freshly caught sea fish; they had clearly been pulled straight from the shore while fishing with explosives.
“Is everyone here?” Adam cleared his throat.
The room fell quiet.
“Commander, what is it?” Richelieu held her Bible, delicate brows slightly furrowed.
“We’re founding a nation.
“We need to decide on a national name, a military flag, uniforms… and hold a founding ceremony.” Adam kept it short and clear.
“Huh?!” The shipgirls stared, speechless for several seconds.
“What do you mean?” Essex asked.
“These are the things a formal civilization must have.
“When we campaign in other worlds we need a name that carries weight and a banner that represents us.” Adam answered.
Until now all his attention had been fixed on building the capital; he had completely overlooked the simplest requirement.
A civilization needed a name and a symbol.
“Mm… is that so?
“Then Commander, you should decide.
This is your world, after all.” Formidable thought for a moment.
“No, no.
Without all of you this place never would have been built.
You’re the founding elders…
say whatever you think.” Adam smiled.
“Wow…
” A collective murmur of wonder rose from the shipgirls.
Founding elders.
Yes.
They were the first companions who had helped the Commander rebuild civilization on Earth.
Their numbers were small, but the meaning was extraordinary.
Being praised that way made everyone happy, and the brainstorming began at once.
“The Port is called Azur Lane… how about something similar…
Azure Sky Road?
Azure Phantom?” Yukikaze raised her hand first.
“Too weird.
Next.” The others shook their heads.
“We’re going to gather knowledge and technology from other worlds to fight the Sirens, so how about Knowledge Keepers?” Ning Hai raised her hand next.
“No.
That one’s strange too.” Adam rejected it.
“This Earth is our first foothold in another world…
it has special meaning.
How about Guardians of the Holy Land?” Formidable offered.
“…” “Next.” “The Commander can observe the movements of the multiverse from higher dimensions.
Mysterious Observers?” “…” “Are you about to suggest Military Isolationists and Ancient Custodians next?!
Wrong franchise!” Adam rubbed his forehead.
“…” Yat Sen folded her arms and thought for a moment.
“The greater universe is as endless as a sea of stars.
We intend to build a civilization that spans dimensions and form cooperative ties with many others… “Our Port is already an alliance.
Why not call it the Star-Sea Alliance?” “That’s the one!” Adam and the other shipgirls’ eyes lit up at once.
The decision was made on the spot.
As expected of Yat Sen…
elegant, well-read, and able to produce a name with real presence and weight.
“From this day forward we are The Imperium.
“This year is Year One of The Imperium.
Every year on this date will be our National Day!
“General amnesty, new era…
choose a day and hold the founding ceremony!!!”