60: Vast Universe ※

This story is told from Vee's perspective.

"This is a three-dimensional map of the entire galaxy inhabited by the latest version of the Vanilla Galactic Empire."

A massive three-dimensional galaxy map is projected, activated by a moving mechanical device.

"This is the complete map of the Vanilla Galactic Empire."

"When you look at it this way, even the Vanilla Galactic Empire is just a tiny fraction of the entire galaxy. It's already nearly impossible to see every part of the empire in a single lifetime, which really shows how vast the universe is."

"This is the typical reaction most people have when comparing a map of the entire galaxy with one of the Vanilla Galactic Empire. I share the same sentiment, as do the notes."

And only a tiny fraction—less than 1%—is shown in light yellow, zooming in further.

This is the full map of the Vanilla Galactic Empire.

I share the same impression as the two of them—truly vast.

Given its vast size, it's understandable that even with over a thousand star systems incorporated into its territory during the Vanilla Galactic Empire's history of just over 2,500 years, the expansion effort still hasn't slowed down, nor has it clashed with other nations that have also made significant advances into space.

After all, there are still countless uncharted areas even within regions completely surrounded by the Empire's territory.

How to handle these uncharted regions is one of the Empire's ongoing concerns... but right now, that's the least of our worries.

"Alright, the Groglobeta system where the memo team is located is here. The Imperial Star, Vanilla Sid, is in the Vanilla Sid system, which is over here."

"Hmm, I see."

"And here is the faster-than-light navigation route connecting the two without any unnecessary detours."

"I understand."

The Groglorbeta and Vanilla Sid systems light up in red through the memo operation.

A red line is drawn connecting the two red lights.

The light appears as if it forms a net-like pattern.

"It seems there are several routes... but if we're focusing solely on the Groglorbeta system, only two remain."

"Yes. As you said, Satā-sama. The Ikazunoroute and Flaretanbo systems."

But if we're limited to the light emanating from the Groglorbeta system, only two routes remain.

Therefore, the next system we choose will definitely be one of these two.

"Well, the Ikazunoru route system seems like an ordinary star system. It has a large population, but nothing particularly notable or standout in terms of industry. It's just... you know, ordinary. In a way, is talent production itself the main industry? There are plenty of hyperspace travel routes, so transportation seems quite convenient."

The Flaretanbo system, due to a peculiar combination of having only two hyperspace routes allowing faster-than-light travel and a long history despite limited development, seems more like a rural, underdeveloped system. Recently, they've been turning this to their advantage, aiming to become a quaint, off-the-beaten-path retreat with just the right amount of incomplete development.

So, which shall we choose?

Satu and Memo independently research various topics within their capabilities, then project their findings onto the machine.

The Ikazuno Route system is what's commonly known as a population-producing star system.

By hosting a large number of humans, it secures a steady supply of talent.

In terms of enriching the empire and expanding its territory, this system plays a crucial role by sending these talents toward other star systems—or even uncharted ones.

The Flaretanbo system... its transportation links are poor, and due to the presence of a unique Sw, development has barely progressed.

It's fallen behind the empire's overall prosperity—more like it's lagging behind, in a way.

With its sparse population, it's even been a target for space pirates... wait, now that I think about it, I recall hearing its name somewhere recently...

"Note: I think I saw the name of the Flaretanbo system in a news report or something not too long ago..."

Please wait a moment, Lord Vee. We've located it. There was an accident involving faster-than-light travel by space pirates.

"Ah, yes, that's right. What's the latest update?"

"...The surviving members appear to be remnants of the Gigarok Pirate Fleet. They collided head-on, resulting in a massive explosion. There are no survivors on either side. The cause of the collision is currently under analysis—or perhaps there are undisclosed circumstances. The details are being kept confidential."

"……"

It suddenly feels like the Flaretanbo system has turned suspiciously ominous.

To be honest, my foresight suggests that focusing on the Flaretanbo system would actually benefit the empire—but it also warns of significant dangers lurking there, so I’m being urged to prepare myself mentally.

Shall we head toward the Flaretanbo system? If the Gigaroku Space Pirate Clan is involved, the mastermind behind the fake cosmic beast might be connected as well. Even if not, the mention of classified information is intriguing.

Understood. I’ll gather as much local information as possible and notify the intelligence unit as well.

Understood. Let's start confirming the route to the Flaretanbo system and securing a vessel.

"Please both of you take care of this."

Something is happening at the Flaretanbo system.

And whatever it is, it's something we must respond to.

They understood my implication without words, and both Memo and Sata immediately got to work.

With this progress, we should be able to depart for the Flaretanbo system within a few days.

"Then I'll..."

"Ah, Lord Vee. Could you please sign these documents?"

"I'll need your approval on the payments as well."

"These are the Level 1 (minimum standard) documents from the local site."

"This ship is unusable. This one's questionable too. And this... oh, illegal goods."

"Yes, of course. And please make sure Sata reports this as well."

As the mission's leader, I began the paperwork and verification process.

Well then, what awaits us in the Flaretanbo system...?

Speaking of the actual Milky Way galaxy,

its diameter is about 100,000 to 200,000 light-years, and its thickness is roughly 1,000 light-years.

It's said to contain between 200 billion and 400 billion stars. (Based on Wikipedia)

Isn't that too vast? Too many?

It's even more sci-fi than sci-fi...