Chapter 340: The Arrival of the Devouring Empire

Time rushed by, and in the blink of an eye, it was Crisis Era Year 473.

The enormous "tire" generation spaceship of the Dinosaur Civilization had reached 200 astronomical units from the Solar System. At this moment, it was slowly rotating its colossal body, spewing out turbulent plasma jets in front, and the spaceship was rapidly decelerating.

This also allowed humanity to closely understand the prowess of the Dinosaur Civilization; a massive spaceship with the mass of a planet was able to decelerate from 10% the speed of light to a complete stop within 200 astronomical units.

Although the deceleration acceleration did not exceed 1.5 g, considering the gigantic volume and mass of the spaceship, the capability to apply such immense acceleration was in itself an unprecedented miracle. One could only imagine the astonishing thrust required to achieve this; a material that could withstand such a force had yet to be developed by humans.

Even the Strong Interaction Material would not suffice; its strength lies in its defense, not its tolerance to force. Even if it could bear such force, the special field generating devices behind it definitely could not withstand it.

What was even more astonishing was that the 8,000 planetary engines equipped on the spaceship, when operating at full thrust, did not produce an overly intense trailblazer. Instead, their glow was gentle and imbued with a mysterious luster.

This was doubtlessly the unique "Trailblazer" cancellation technology of the Swallower Civilization, a scientific achievement that propelled electromagnetic force technologies to unprecedented heights.

The Moon had hundreds of planetary engines installed and had been activated six months earlier, pushing the Moon away from Earth. At this moment, it had become an independent planet orbiting the Sun, already half an astronomical unit away from Earth.

At this moment, Big Tooth was still on Earth. Over the past thirty years, he had visited many places on Earth. However, when he personally witnessed the excavation of the gigantic city of the Dinosaur Civilization by Earthlings, the yearning for home in the depths of his heart surged like a tide, uncontrollable.

Big Tooth seemingly transformed into a philosopher overnight, often sitting alone beneath those ruins, lost in thought. What he loved most was to gaze at the busy ants on the ground, immersing himself in deep contemplation.

How could he not feel shock and awe at these tiny lives that, after such a colossal disaster on Earth, were still able to survive stubbornly underground?

Big Tooth, in his free time, would also seek out Lin Sen for a chat. Although he never mentioned how Lin Sen had "tricked" him, the desire to turn the tables remained ever-present in his heart.

Through his exchanges with Big Tooth, Lin Sen became increasingly aware that the intelligence of the dinosaurs far exceeded his imagination, especially their innate talents in imaginative thinking, spatial reasoning, and logical thinking.

However, when it came to more abstract issues such as philosophy and art, a clear foolishness shone in their eyes.

As the massive spaceship of the Dinosaur Civilization passed through the Kuiper Belt, crossed Pluto's orbit, and headed straight for Earth, humanity did not make any move to stop them.

Seeing this, Big Tooth couldn't help but dance with joy. In his view, since they had already come, they certainly wouldn't leave easily. In this Dark Forest, both parties should try to avoid a true outbreak of war to prevent bringing about catastrophic disasters to each other.

The essence of Dark Forest Deterrence is deterrence. Both sides are frantically probing the other's limits. To give a simple example: If one starts by wiping out 99% of the other's population, would the other definitely resort to the "Dark Forest"? The answer is no; only in complete despair would it be possible.

Therefore, the first step in this game of brinkmanship is crucial.

The dinosaurs came to Earth largely out of longing for their homeland. The primary reason they didn't act against humanity was that even the dinosaurs didn't know where else to go.

Before their eyes lay the endless night, constant warfare, the vast universe—where was home?

As for considering matters of encounters and vengeance a thousand years later, the dinosaurs said that they hadn't reached the level of the Sweepers' Civilization yet; they would think about it at the moment of reunion, should they live to see it.

At this moment, Big Tooth was brimming with confidence. Through holographic communication, he called for Lin Sen.

In the holographic image, Big Tooth bared his teeth, his face beaming with joy. "First of all, we must thank humanity for its generosity in allowing us entry into the inner Solar System.

"Ha ha, do you want to trade with us again? Want to exchange new technologies for Earth, don't you?" His tone was full of pride and provocation.

Frankly, Lin Sen was somewhat reluctant to deal with Big Tooth anymore; the creature had a bit of bad breath. How could this damned holographic communication even simulate smells? Thumbs down.

Nevertheless, he decided to humor him. The Swallowers hadn't entered humanity's ambush circle yet.

Lin Sen responded with feigned seriousness, "Yes, Mr. Big Tooth. Humanity has deployed a formidable military force between the orbits of Neptune and Jupiter, making it nearly impossible for you to break through.

"So, you must deliver the technology we truly need before we can consider trading with you.

"You're surely aware that your colossal generation spaceship is now lacking resources, probably even lacking the capability to travel to another stellar system. Trading with us is your only way out.

"Don't think we allowed you into the Solar System out of kindness; our intention was to leave you no choice but to trade with us."

Big Tooth sneered disdainfully, mocking, "Is this all the cleverness you have? Such a clumsy trick, how could it ever deceive me?

"I overestimated you, originally thinking you might have something brilliant up your sleeves. Now it seems, that's all there is to it.

"I really don't understand how the Trisolarans were fooled by you, and even defeated by your hands.

"How could you so easily believe that we are short of resources? The quality of our spacecraft is comparable to a planet. We may not have enough to last ten thousand years, but we certainly have more than enough for a thousand years.

"We came here simply because Earth is special to us. What we truly want to devour is Earth itself, that's the reason for our arrival.

"The only way you could have faced our arrival would have been to muster the full force of your civilization for a desperate confrontation before our spacecraft entered the Solar System.

"To create a kind of desperate balance, only if you all collectively sought death and launched a desperate attack, thinking about the damage you could inflict on us, it might have been possible to drive us back.

"However, now that we have entered the Solar System, should you launch a desperate attack, even if we suffer some damage, we would prioritize destroying you, and then go to Earth for resource acquisition and rest. This would be our optimal choice.

"We are a nomadic civilization, so we're not afraid of the Dark Forest Strike; we can leave at any time.

"But you've missed this only opportunity, naively imagining that war between civilizations could be so noble. It seems you're still in the Ivory Tower, not out yet.

"There's no justice in the universe, only the most primitive, brutal killings; don't fantasize about anyone abiding by any agreements.

"Now, as an emissary of the Devouring Empire, I'm notifying you that Earth belongs to us, and it is also our home!"

Big Tooth's words were deafening and he felt an endless pride; even shouting the name of the Devouring Empire for the first time.

Big Tooth sneered inwardly; how could someone like Lin Sen ever lead human civilization? From the height of cunning, this feeling of berating someone was just too delightful!

On the other hand, Lin Sen was rendered speechless; were those guys from the Solar System Alliance ready or not? If this conversation continues, he could hardly hold back; what to do?

Lin Sen trembled slightly, but tried to stay calm, "Do you really not lack resources? Then why such a desperate thirst to devour Earth?

"According to our understanding, as carbon-based lifeforms, there can't be that many planets suitable for you to devour; you must indeed have an urgent need for a planet like Earth."

In reality, Lin Sen was barely keeping his emotions in check, nearly trembling with effort.

Interstellar space might be vast, but genuinely suitable habitats for advanced carbon-based life forms are few. Different planets have different materials and proportions thereof, much like the soil of another planet might not necessarily support planting. Most rocky planets are actually unsuitable for consumption by the Swallowers.

Big Tooth laughed proudly, "You are correct, we are indeed resource-strapped, but such scarcity is relative to our boundless devouring desires.

"I did not lie to you about this; in fact, we have never truly lied to you, just deliberately withheld some truths.

"Don't consider us vile, this is just the survival common sense of this universe. Actually, you should be glad, as we were both born from the same cradle.

"We bear no malice towards you; had you encountered other civilizations, your fate would be extremely bleak.

"You also need to think about your future."

Lin Sen remained silent for a while, then ultimately shut off the holographic communication.

Alright, Lin Sen admitted that he stopped talking not because he didn't want to bully an 'honest child' like Big Tooth anymore.

Ecstatic, Big Tooth ran back to his spaceship, finally having regained the upper hand.

Shui Wa failed to discern Lin Sen's intent, but even if he had, he would not have reminded Big Tooth.

He knew Lin Sen wouldn't just let it be; hopefully, Big Tooth wouldn't be hit too hard later.