Although the Eastern Country has yet to officially announce specific casualty numbers, all sorts of information circulating online clearly show that the Eye Worms have indeed invaded the border, causing certain casualties.
Some cities closest to the border are even now organizing full-scale evacuations.
This will inevitably trigger a certain degree of panic.
Now, it's not just the border; even in more distant areas, huge crowds are fleeing their cities in fear.
This is causing significant problems for transportation, and the subsequent resettlement will be an even bigger challenge.
Most crucially, we must not allow people's fear to intensify and lose their confidence.
That's also why, as soon as the interstellar world Shen Yu returned, Shen Yu appeared right away.
He had been keeping a close eye on things, and was even a little anxious and uneasy as he waited.
The interstellar world Shen Yu could fully understand Shen Yu's feelings—this world was his first home, too!
"Let's go, we should pick up the pace," said the interstellar world Shen Yu.
In the next moment, the two disappeared into the Gray Mist, arriving at that secret military base they'd visited before.
Just as they appeared, someone came up to greet them.
Especially after seeing the arrival of the interstellar world Shen Yu, the greeter's enthusiasm shot up to the maximum.
"Welcome, Mr. Han Yu. I'm the liaison and reception officer—just call me Chen Ran." Chen Ran looked to be in his thirties, the perfect balance between maturity and energy.
Han Yu was the name chosen by the interstellar world Shen Yu himself—of course, it was just an approximate transcription, and the actual pronunciation was even more complex; he'd simply picked two syllables out of many.
The Interstellar Civilization may also be a branch of Human Civilization, but apart from a similar appearance, the two have very different histories and cultures.
"This is the official start of our first collaborative operation. Let's have those with authority to make decisions come over," the interstellar world Shen Yu nodded, getting straight to the point. "Preferably, include military representatives."
"Alright, I'll contact them and bring them to the conference room immediately," Chen Ran said, barely concealing his excitement. "Please follow me, you two."
Shen Yu looked at Ji Mingshu, who was striding over fast.
Ji Mingshu had also joined the Meteorite Crisis management team, but his main duty still remained as Shen Yu's personal secretary.
Shen Yu still preferred to use his own secretary.
Thinking it over, he turned and said directly to the interstellar world Shen Yu, "Give me a couple more of those top-notch personal terminals, will you? I want to get one for my secretary too. They're honestly such a convenience."
"Sure, I'll send you two of the higher-end models later," nodded the interstellar world Shen Yu.
This was nothing but a minor matter for him now.
The group quickly arrived at a conference room with obviously high security, and people were already hurrying inside, some even sprinting so fast they came in panting, sweat pouring down their foreheads.
Upon seeing the interstellar world Shen Yu, most faces revealed nearly identical expressions.
It was a mix of shock, joy, and curiosity.
Even though they'd already learned about the interstellar world Shen Yu on paper, seeing him in person was a whole different thing.
In just a few minutes, everyone was assembled.
No need for anyone to moderate—the meeting proceeded immediately, with Shen Yu and the interstellar world Shen Yu sitting at the head of the conference table.
"I've already stated the purpose of calling you here," spoke the interstellar world Shen Yu directly, "but before we begin, I want to emphasize something. My civilization values efficiency highly, and so do I. So I hope not to waste time on pointless things. In the face of apocalyptic fate, time equals life."
He spoke quickly but evenly, giving off an impression of stability and high efficiency.
This was also the shared attitude of Shen Yu and the interstellar world Shen Yu.
After all, the interests at stake were enormous—far too important.
In reality, some issues and conflicts were inevitable, but certain things Shen Yu could not say—but the interstellar world Shen Yu could, without reservation.
"Don't worry, Mr. Han Yu, we'll put forth our utmost effort to focus our resources and raise efficiency!" said a slightly overweight participant seriously.
He was the one who'd rushed in a moment ago, now simply wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead.
"Then let's get straight to business," nodded the interstellar world Shen Yu, and continued rapidly, "After receiving the live Eye Worm specimen from the earlier exchange, my side was able to quickly verify the biological value and draft the first mutual aid plan. I've also just discussed and negotiated the plan with Member Shen Yu at the Association, and he largely agrees with its content."
With that, the interstellar world Shen Yu spread his palm—a three-dimensional projection materialized above his palm, expanding rapidly.
It listed the alliance agreement in detail, in both civilizations' languages.
It was divided into three main categories.
First, military support—the Interstellar Civilization would provide military weapons specifically targeted for this purpose. The standard would not be based on fixed quantities, but on results achieved on the battlefield.
Meaning, if the supported weapons failed to deliver, further optimized aid would be given unconditionally.
This portion of support would require thirty percent of the war spoils in exchange.
Second, both sides would share research findings from the traded monsters.
Third, the Interstellar Civilization would provide a technical, equipment, and weapon support list; Human Civilization could use their remaining war loot to freely exchange for items, with the exchange rate negotiated between the two civilizations, subject to change based on needs.
For example, if the Interstellar Civilization discovered a way to produce that kind of special energy, or succeeded in cultivating Eye Worms, then their need for war spoils would drastically decrease, meaning the price would inevitably go up.
But even so, the contents of this proposal gave many people at the meeting an instant jolt, swelling with joy inside.
Because this was exactly what they desperately needed!
Especially the specialized military-grade weapons!
These were custom-designed and produced by the Interstellar Civilization—countless times more powerful than their own gear—and continuous optimized support was guaranteed! No doubt, this would bring a seismic shift to the overall situation!
Especially for the military Domain representatives present.
They clenched their fists hard, struggling to contain their excitement.
He knew all too well the current front-line situation.
The warriors were desperate for strong support!
The people across the nation needed powerful hope!
However, some eyes lingered on that thirty percent figure, as if someone wanted to say something.
But Shen Yu spoke first: "The thirty percent figure still has room for negotiation, but it's already a compromise reached between me and Member Han Yu, with both sides making concessions."