Yuro followed Nima to a large hall, walls adorned with holographic representations of the cosmos. As they ventured deeper, a section of the hall showcased the colors black and gold, shimmering brightly—clearly the insignia of the Zen Empire.
Nima paused and turned to Yuro. "It's crucial for you to understand the Zen Empire's structure and might," she began, a touch of reverence in her voice. "The Zen Empire is unlike any other. Millions of years ahead of us in technology, their strength spans the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, making them a force beyond reckoning."
Yuro examined the emblems, every detail echoing the grandeur Nima spoke of. "Their modus operandi," she continued, "is planet conquest. However, they're not merely destroyers. They assimilate the mightiest from each civilization into their ranks, building an army of unparalleled power."
Yuro interjected, "But why haven't they come for Earth?"
Nima smiled, "We're not even close to that mark. Humans have existed for a little over 160,000 years. But the recent New York Incident accelerated our technological timetable, putting us potentially on the Zen's radar. Thank god our Veil hides us from other species."
Yuro absorbed the gravity of the situation. "So, we're hidden but not safe."
"Exactly," Nima replied gravely. "Which brings me to the Zen's hierarchy. Understanding this is key."
She gestured to the first emblem—a figure cloaked in black and gold. "Punes. The foot soldiers of the Zen Empire. These aren't the strongest of their respective planets, but they proved formidable enough to serve. There are approximately 160,000 Punes in the Empire."
Next, an emblem displaying a more regal figure emerged. "Pune Lords. The elite of the warriors. Every Pune Lord leads squads of Punes into battle. There are only 20, bearing testament to their strength."
A symbol of a figure with outspread wings and a scepter caught Yuro's eye. "Ambassadors. The Empire's foremost representatives. Entrusted with the colossal task of planet conquest and species recruitment. Only 12 exist."
Nima's gaze shifted to a more ominous emblem—six distinct figures. "The Six Absolute," she whispered, "are the zenith of the Zen hierarchy. They are the strongest species the Empire has ever encountered, each gifted with an immensely powerful Genous. To face one is to face certain death."
Yuro, while absorbing the overwhelming information, clenched his fists. "If they're so mighty, why do they need us?"
"They're not just about might," Nima replied. "They're about diversity, about accumulating every unique power and strategy from across galaxies. They see potential; they harvest it."
Yuro took a deep breath, the weight of the universe suddenly on his shoulders. "So, our mission is to prepare for them?"
Nima nodded, "Our mission, Yuro, is to be ready when the Zen Empire finally turns its gaze to Earth."