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With the old man's words, the gigantic Ancient Star began its slow movement. In the next moment, it vanished from its position, covering a great distance in an instant.
Jiang Fan couldn't see outside, but it was evident that the Ancient Star's speed was incredibly fast. According to the Protoss, they relied on the Ancient Star to take him to the nearest vessel boarding point. Otherwise, even with the most advanced ship in the Endless Star Territory, it wouldn't reach there in time, even after flying for tens of thousands of years.
Though the Ancient Star was swift, traversing the endless void to reach the vessel boarding point would take some time. During this period, the old man arranged a place for Jiang Fan, who was not idle either.
After defeating the Demonic Army, Damir Aestas led the Great Wilderness Army back to Terra. Following a grand celebration feast, several more meetings ensued, focusing on future research directions.
Post the battle with the Devil, this meeting provided numerous exemplary cases. It also clarified to many High-Level Executives and Scientists that in the future, the role of Nuclear Weapons would diminish, akin to old cannons, while destructive weapons like Space Weapons would reign supreme.
"We need to concentrate on several directions," Aestas glanced at everyone, her tone serious. "Time waits for no one, and we must abandon unrealistic projects."
Previously, various projects had financial backing, but now they were slated for cancellation. Aestas felt a twinge of worry because during the battle, only Space Weapons proved effective against the enemy, yet they were not yet mature.
As her age advanced, she no longer felt as robust as before. Achieving another great feat in her lifetime seemed improbable, so she pinned her hopes on others. Within the Imperium Military, there was plenty of talent, so she didn't fret about a successor problem.
After several meetings, the future direction of the Military was established, with Space-Based Weapons as a key project. They allocated more manpower and resources, leading to a period devoid of competition or conflict.
Jiang Fan slightly accelerated Terra's time flow. Observing, he witnessed Aestas' face gradually aging. She inherited Yeon's will and remained unmarried, dedicating everything to the Imperium.
One day, at the age of one hundred and twelve, Aestas felt her limit approaching. The places she had lived and worked from childhood to adulthood had all faded away. Sitting in her chamber, she gazed quietly out the window at the sky.
Jiang Fan knew exactly what she awaited and wielded the power of the source. It condensed into the shape of a planet on the window. Seeing it, Aestas felt a tinge of disappointment. Yet, a smile graced her lips as her eyes closed, and she passed away.
For Jiang Fan, his relationship with Aestas was not as profound as with Yeon's. For the secret cultivation of geniuses, he decided within his heart. Unless there emerged a genius who defined an era, he would refrain from intervening again.
After Aestas' passing, he hastened the flow of time once more. During this period, the Ancient Star suddenly slowed down.
"The vessel's boarding point... is nearly upon us," The old man's reminder echoed.
"Is it finally arriving?" Anticipation flickered in Jiang Fan's heart.