Demon King and Goddess - (3)
Technological disparities between civilizations are gravely serious upon first contact. In most cases, the more advanced side absorbs the lesser one. There's no need to explain which holds the advantage: those mass-producing weapons that can kill with a flick of the finger, or those wielding cold steel forged by hammering metal.
But what of an SF worldview where mortals stand against constellations with their own power? They knew their strength all too well, so they adhered strictly to ethical regulations. One might call it a sense of responsibility. That very line divided empires from federations.
"Ahem. Ahem. You're Princess Beatrix, yes? Might we possibly receive those new weapons in advance...?"
"That's impossible, as it violates the Federation's ethical regulations-wa yo. And the authority lies not with me, but delegated to the expedition leader, Sir Altair-sa wa yo!"
"Pardon? But how can a commoner handle such matters...?"
"The Federation fundamentally rejects class systems-sa wa yo. If you read the cultural section of the guidebook I handed out earlier..."
In cases where humanoids exist on uncivilized planets, and those humans wish to submit to or trade with the Federation, or the planet's ruling constellation expresses intent to join...
"Ah. Ah. I am Altair Xenova, leader of the Avatar Expedition Team. I understand our cultures and perceptions differ, but please lend an ear to my voice for a moment."
"...?"
"Fundamentally, the Federation's ethical regulations take precedence over all planetary 'cultures,' and all Federation citizens are equal, so coercion based on status is regulated..."
"Then what of the imperial family and nobility?"
"Ah, for that, at the constellation's request and per civilization procedures, we can promise certain accommodations."
The Super Galactic Empire Federation invests time in civilizing such worlds. First, they instill the realization in planetary—or rather, continental or city—government leaders. All humanoids have the right to freedom under Federation protection. That is the core principle of the Super Galactic Empire Federation.
Of course, in the early space age, there were times when extreme capitalism and disregard for life proliferated, but constellation interventions steered it toward moderation.
Someone unprotected by law suddenly becoming an avatar overnight? They'd seek revenge immediately, or at least harbor resentment toward the world.
"Constellation system?! So avatars are those chosen by gods, and we don't need to build temples for them?"
"Ah, you can build temples. Of course, no coercive acts or violations of Federation law..."
"Our world is like this... With space above the skies, planets and stars..."
Humans are adaptive creatures. Even a suddenly expanded world would normalize across generations.
Of course, that adaptation comes with time and generational turnover. Right now, Nemesia Planet faced considerable chaos.
Mud-caked folk murmured before a grand stone wall's proclamation.
"Look at this official announcement from the Imperial Family."
"Otherworld... heroes from another planet summoned by the goddess?! The Demon King defeated?"
"Then that pillar of light!!!"
"They call gods 'constellations'?! Multiple gods? Then what of our goddess?"
No armies armed with future weapons invaded, nor did antigravity ships capable of atmospheric entry swarm the skies. To avoid major disruptions, they proceeded slowly, with ample grace periods before full Federation integration.
The medieval power brokers were no different.
"Is this truly acceptable? Equating us with vermin-like commoners? We should eliminate those heroes..."
"Did you hear the heroes' explanation? Kill envoys from an empire ruling hundreds, thousands of worlds?"
"No. But still."
"Get a grip. The world has changed."
Resistance from imperial insiders clinging to power? None dared speak after witnessing the light pillar melt the world-shaking Demon King in minutes.
Educators and androids from orbital fleets entered designated buildings with materials. They would teach advanced education to planetary citizens.
"The Super Galactic Empire Federation has academies even for peripheral planet-dwellers like you. Places to learn basic common sense—take a look."
"You remodeled an entire world into an educational institution?!"
"Ahem. Not a world, a planet. And with our technology, it's feasible."
Naturally, handling this fell to my second avatar, Beatrix, among others. Though her issue was slightly different.
Altair Xenova, expedition leader, wiped sweat from his brow, frowning from overwork. He summoned Beatrix.
"Avatar Beatrix. Can I entrust you with the recent temple construction issues?"
"Entrust it to me as much as you like-wa yo!"
"Many planet-dwellers believe we avatars of constellations defeated the Demon King by divine choice. So they're building temples for our constellations."
"Temple construction-wa yo?!"
"Yes. Regardless of whether the constellations approve, ensure no human sacrifices or forced tithes."
Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster, shows interest in the temples.
Temples are spaces to venerate and commune with divinities. To mortals ignorant of Outer Gods, constellations had only received diminished respect in lowered states.
A temple felt refreshingly novel.
A building of pristine marble-like stone. That was the temple dedicated to the three avatars' constellations.
Is it mortal nature to lean on someone when one's heart is unstable? Some constellations think so, but I still wasn't sure.
"Is that truly the temple for the gods the heroes serve?"
"I hear the flying fleets? Were gifts from those otherworld gods..."
"Of course! How could humans wield such power? Nonsense about science and technology—other gods intervened."
"Hmm. We came to serve them in the goddess's stead, but what are these gods' names?"
The light beam from the high heavens slew the Demon King! Even after revealing the orbital fleet, few believed it. They clung to a truth fitting their common sense: gods stronger than the goddess killed the Demon King.
"We never even saw that fleet. But I witnessed the heroes fighting!"
"The noble lady-like hero summoning ferocious hounds from thin air, and another..."
"Gods granting such power could surely defeat the Demon King."
Instead of an unseen fleet, partial glimpses of avatar battles led to this. Makes sense—people believe their own eyes.
Some citizens had seen Beatrix's hunting hounds. Now larger than humans, fattened from monster hunts.
"We beseech you. We beseech you, otherworld divinity. Please look upon us with favor..."
"Huh? Aren't you the goddess's holy knight? Why here...?"
"Ahem. Ahem. Freedom of faith is granted, is it not?"
Such confusion was for Beatrix and the avatar expedition to resolve.
"Hey! There's a hero!"
"Isn't that the otherworld princess? So elegant."
"Even nobler than most noble ladies?"
It looked tough to resolve short-term, but with Federation support from fleet crew, no long-term stays. Avatars were valuable assets, not to be tied down.
"O-ho-ho-hot!! Indeed it is-wa yo! I am the he. Ro. Beatrix-wa yo!"
Before medieval commoners, Beatrix puffed her chest, hands on hips, strutting proudly.
Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster, asks if the second avatar's tastes run that way.
"...Hic! G-God?"
Yuna was smashing monsters on Ratan Planet. Beatrix was on active duty with the expedition there.
Naturally, I was bored.
Even descending to the surface felt stifling, my body constrained. Couldn't interfere while avatars worked hard.
Manipulating info-bodies to tour planets had lost its thrill.
Advice from that dimension's Outer God resurfaced.
[We can never reach true omniscience and omnipotence, but we're quite close.]
[Move naturally, without preconceptions. For beings like us, impossibility is nearly nonexistent.]
My time was infinite, so exploring my body wasn't a bad idea. Gradually expanding control might let me create here too.
Don't deem it impossible. Naturally...
Ruuuuuumble—
Until now, I'd consciously avoided scrutinizing my body. It felt like part of vast space had become flesh—gazing at it felt off.
A slight twitch destroyed everything. Who'd dare examine closely?
Even now, unease emanated from Naiserria's galaxy.
Start with the least repulsive: the hand. I thought of viewing my right palm and slowly raised it.
Cautious movement—no snags, thankfully.
Gently expanding perception, focusing on the right hand.
A dense nebula spectacle. Star clusters swirled within me.
No—I was the star cluster. A cosmic body of space.
Space within reach felt like 'me.' Recognition solidified.
Bit by bit. Bit by bit, I examined my right hand.
Like splintering the mind enough for a human shell.
Transcendent vision deepened further.
Multiple dives into dust-like voids revealed galaxy-like forms.
...And something moving there?