Chapter 341: Life Is Always a Compromise

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The biological evolution in rhe ‘Cradle1 couldn’t be viewed as normal.

Due to the external interference of the ‘Firechasers,’ the lives there didn’t follow the ‘theory of evolution.1

Every species on every planet was ‘molded’ by them like clay figurines. From the beginning, they were the final form after evolution.

Some clues could be found in the ancient lifeforms of rhe ‘Lightchaser’ civilization. The fossils they excavated could be traced back to hundreds of millions of years ago, and the younger ones could be traced back ro tens of millions of years ago. Without exception, they all maintained a very similar form to the lifeforms of the present day.

There was no catastrophic geological activity there, and the planet’s environment was also unique. Life did not need to evolve to adapt, and the ecological environment maintained the same appearance from beginning to end.

Similarly, due to the external influence of the ‘Firechasers/ there was also a singularity in life form.

It seemed that the ‘Firechasers’ only considered the creation of lifeforms from the perspective of necessity.’ Apart from rhe largest proportion of plants, the largest proportion of lifeforms on the planet was actually mammals.

The other types of lifeforms were either extremely rare or simply non-existent. The ‘Planet Gaia’ that was created would not have an ecological collapse because of the lack of a certain type of lifeform.

Here, most of rhe plants held the duties of ‘Decomposers’ and Producers? They also did not need external forces to reproduce.

And on every planet, there would be a ‘highest level’ lifeform that was created to be the main body of the civilization to enter the universe.

It was difficult ro understand what standards the ‘Firechasers’ used to project civilizations. It was very likely that they were simply recreating the civilization of the ‘previous era?

The ‘Lightchaser’ species looked very similar to the large moths, but their inner structures had nothing to do with insects.

They did not have exoskeletons, and their respiratory systems were extremely developed. They were warm-blooded animals, and their reproduction method was also viviparous.

Although they had many pairs of limbs, those limbs were extremely complicated. At the end of their limbs, there were also appendages that were as nimble as fingers.

The part most similar ro insects was their mouthparts that could only suck liquids and their compound eyes that were not used much.

If Li Wenyuan were to evaluate, he would think that the ‘Lightchaser’ species was like a monster artificially synthesized by some crazy scientist. It was already a miracle that it didn’t die from self-destruction.

However, perhaps because the ‘Firechasers’were ridiculously good at genetics, the ‘Lightchasers’ showed no signs of discomfort. They were extremely healthy. Before the battle royale, the average lifespan of the ‘Lightchasers’ was around 400 years old.

Longevity was an essential trait for all lifeforms in the ‘Cradle’ galaxy.

Therefore, when they learned about another life form from five million lightyears away, most of them found it hard to understand.

“…This…Could a lifeform born like this still be considered its original self?’1

Some scientists were in disbelief when they learned about the lifeforms with ‘Complete Metamorphosis?

Complete Metamorphosis was one of the growth stages of some insects. At the end of that stage, the insect would form a pupa and undergo an earth- shattering transformation within the pupa, becoming a lifeform that was almost completely different from its original appearance and habits.

To some extent, the lifeform after pupation could be considered a different species. It was almost impossible to see the similarities between it and the larvae before the pupation.

Wo civilization had ever experienced that process in the Milky Way, but that did not prevent scientists from discussing it.

That was a question similar to the question of whether uploading one’s consciousness was equivalent to committing suicide. Were they still rhe same life before and after pupation?

According to the definition of some scientists, that did not count because what was inside the cocoon was not life. It did not even have a form of life. It was only a pot of soup filled with a large amount of organic matter.

In a philosophical sense, the life at that stage was already dead, and the life that was born later was grown’ from the corpse of the original life.

The current ‘Lightchaser’ civilization was facing the same problem.

One of their biologists came up with a crazy idea, which was to imitate such a birth process and let all the lives of the entire civilization experience a ‘Complete Metamorphosis’ and remove the primitive genes that led to destruction in the process.

“You’re crazy! Isn’t this the same as using genetic methods to remove that gene? What is the difference between this and suicide?”

Some people strongly objected to that, and even how they looked at that biologist changed as if they were looking at an apocalyptic who wanted to drag everyone to commit suicide.

The biologist responded calmly, “There’s still a difference. If it’s possible for us to undergo a Complete Metamorphosis, then at least we can grow into a brand new life form instead of dying suddenly because of a genetic breakdown.” “…No, I can’t possibly agree! This is suicide! There must be another way!” Soon, the parliament was in a hubbub. Some people opposed it, but some people agreed. As long as that gene in their bodies could be removed, at least the Cosmic Contraction’ targeting them would stop. As long as the ‘Firechasers’ disappeared, their crisis would be resolved.

The leader of the ’Lightchasers’ was also troubled by that matter. He thought that the ‘cocooning’ method was feasible, but he could not get over the hurdle in his heart. Would he still be himself after breaking out of the cocoon?

Li Wenyuan, who had learned of all that through the Surveillance Terminal’ connected to the electronic virus, also had his own thoughts.

“…Is it just because of genes? The ‘Firechasers’ probably ran out of solutions. They were locked on by some kind of ‘existence’ itself. There is no other way except for their demise?’

“But the ‘Lightchasers’…Will they be willing to accept Mechanical Ascension ?”

When he realized that the problem with the ‘Lightchasers’ was only the vital gene in their bodies, Li Wenyuan thought of that method.

After all, genes existed on the physical level. As long as they abandoned their physical bodies ro embrace metal, that problem would not exist.

“…However, it’s not easy to get people to accept Mechanical Ascension. It depends on which method of ‘suicide’ they prefer..?1

Therefore, Li Wenyuan sent the introduction of the “Mechanical Ascension’ over, which happened to be known by the people in the conference room.

After carefully reading the entire content of Mechanical Ascension? everyone present felt a chill. They were even thinking, “Do rhe civilizations of other galaxies like to take such huge risks?”

After learning that there was a canning therapy’ like ‘Mechanical Ascension,’ they did not seem to be so resistant to ‘cocooning’ anymore..