Primordial Expanse: I have the Strongest Talent!

"Well… Until a few years ago, we never even knew that other civilisations than our own existed outside of our galaxy, so there's that. Oh, and the fact that our grace period for being initiated into the Primordial Expanse and the System was cut 100 years short thanks to our own ever expanding greed to explore more of the universe, so there's that too. And then we immediately became embroiled in an existential war with another, stronger civilisation from a neighbouring galaxy that sought to wipe us out and take our territories, so there's that too… I can keep going, if you like?" Alex felt like he didn't need to explain any more than that.

And the others felt so too.

"Wow… I'd heard the general background of your civilisation from you already back in your realm, but… man, you guys really had it tough." Reluun offered his words to Alex from the rear, feeling a little embarrassed and guilty that he had treated Alex like a country bumpkin up until that point.

"The situation in the Warring Sector truly is much more dire than we thought… Though we rarely receive any internal information about such a mysterious place regardless." The Grand Cartographer commented.

"Ahh! That probably has something to do with our Higher life forms not leaving to join some mysterious higher human civilisation as well. The risks of them travelling to such a dangerous place to recruit probably outweigh the benefits." This was news to both Alex and the Grand Cartographer.

Though, Alex kept the fact that he had already encountered much, much stronger humans before… well, human… as well as the fact that the Federation received an offer that could save the whole civilisation if Alex became the disciple of some mysterious, powerful alien civilisation, which was probably the same one that sent Phoenix now that Alex thought about it.

On the side, Reluun nudged one of the gatekeepers again, proudly, as if he had been the one who had orchestrated this. "I knew bringing him back was a great idea!"

Everyone was used to his antics by now, so they simply ignored him. That wouldn't stop Reluun any time soon though.

The gatekeeper didn't respond, but her eyelid did twitch in what Alex suspected was the Solari equivalent of deep irritation.

Still, the Grand Cartographer's tone turned serious, her expression more focused now. "I will need to convene with the Conclave. This could have long-reaching implications. We are not unfamiliar with cross-realm negotiations, but to do so with a civilisation in the Warring Sector?" She paused. "That has not happened since our records began."

Alex nodded. "Well, there's always a first."

The Grand Cartographer gave a nod of approval. "You will be given quarters. Protected status. There will be no probing, physical or mental. And until the Conclave is ready, you are welcome to study our realm, our culture. Perhaps it will assist you in your diplomatic aims."

"Much appreciated," Alex replied

"And… If I may, there is something I'm searching for. Something that actually led me to enter this realm in the first place. A forge. Ancient, powerful, likely hidden somewhere beyond known spaces. I don't expect you to have immediate answers, …or one at all, but if your records include information about it, especially if it at all includes references to a figure named 'Mikhail' and tied to powerful weapon creation—"

The Grand Cartographer raised her hand. "Say no more. If such a thing exists in our records, you will have access to it. I assure you."

Internally, she was already joyous that Alex had revealed something she could use as leverage in the potential future negotiations between races.

"Oh, and this is for my personal interest, nothing to do with what my civilisation wants." Alex added after nearly forgetting.

'Perhaps not then…' The Grand Cartographer was a little downtrodden that her idea had been shot down immediately, but it was what it was.

There would be plenty of chances in the future.

Alex took a deep breath through his nose. This was going so much better than he had expected.

The fact that Reluun even suggested the idea that they might be arrested upon entering this place now felt nonsensical.

Reluun clapped his hands together. "Well! It seems like we've gone from 'near death encounter in a fracture' to 'ambassador of cross realm negotiations' in record time. I do feel slightly overshadowed."

"You can be my assistant." Alex offered him dryly.

"Assistant?" Reluun placed a hand on his chest. "I am clearly the expedition leader. You're a high value discovery I'm now responsible for managing."

"Expedition leader? Ha! Of what team?" Alex called his bluff immediately, now that tensions had settled.

Reluun went a little dark blue in the cheeks, which Alex took as the Solari equivalent of blushing from embarrassment, and let out a hearty laugh at the sight of the poor guy.

He would never in a million years admit it openly, but he was beginning to like the guy.

The Grand Cartographer offered her own chuckle. "It seems you two will make a formidable, if chaotic, pair." She turned to one of the gatekeepers. "Prepare guest quarters, and notify the Archivists to grant provisional access to our fracture records. Our new friend's request for information will go much easier since he knows what he wants the most. Also… contact the Conclave."

The guard saluted crisply and turned around, about to march out of the chamber, before awkwardly readdressing the Grand Cartographer.

"Erm… Madam, what shall I do about his… beast companion."

For some reason, she had only just remembered that the intimidating looking beast was amongst them the whole time.

And so did the Grand Cartographer, it seemed.

"Just send it to the stables, with all the other beasts." She gave a simple answer.

Of course, their own beasts weren't tamed like Brontes was.

"Brontes will be staying with me, you guys don't have to worry about all that." Alex could already feel the brewing annoyance in Brontes through his connection, and offered to salvage the situation before it got out of hand.

"You want to dirty your chambers with the presence of a lowly beast? You truly are a peculiar people." The Grand Cartographer felt like every time Alex spoke, more and more of her common sense would be overturned.

"Well normally I wouldn't, but considering he's a Divine beast, he'd have me accompanying him in the stables if I let you guys take him to such a place…" Alex let out a nervous laugh as he answered.

He wasn't bluffing when he said Brontes would do such a thing…

However, he did notice that everyone in the room had stopped moving and turned to look at him and Brontes, in complete silence, their faces portraying a myriad of emotions.

"Did I forget to mention I have a Divine Beast companion too? Oops, my bad." Internally, Alex was revelling in joy at seeing everyone's reactions.