LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 4: The Calm Before the Storm
Astrael sat quietly in his study, surrounded by the gentle hum of the planetary systems. He watched as the civilization he had helped grow went about their daily lives. His people were busy with research, discoveries, and many advancements. They didn't know who he really was. Only a handful of leaders knew him as the Great One. They were the ones he had chosen to share his teachings with. He had set the stage for them. Now, it was up to them to create their own future.
Time worked differently in this place. For Astrael, a few hours could feel like years for his people. He had gifted them this acceleration of time. It was a way to help them grow and progress faster. The Federation, which had a hand in many competitions, had no control over him. The Planet Lords, including Astrael, were mostly untouchable unless they decided to let their civilization interact with others.
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Astrael wasn't a ruler like most people think. His job was to share knowledge and guide his civilization's growth. He aimed to ensure they could thrive without him stepping in all the time. The few who knew about him carried the weight of his teachings. They were responsible for building on that knowledge. They turned ideas into reality and made everything their own.
He had shared the basics—how to farm, build structures, do research, and understand science and technology. He had given them the ability to create. But now, it was their turn to take that knowledge and grow it into something even bigger.
With the competition approaching, it was time for his people to show what they could do. This Federation competition was crucial. It would help pick the best civilizations. The reward? A spot in one of the finest universities in the galaxy for the winning civilization. For Astrael's people, this was a big deal. They had the tools to do well, but they also needed to think outside the box and work together.
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Astrael's civilization had come a long way. They started with small villages and now had bustling cities. Their schools were thriving, and research labs were filled with eager minds, working hard and turning out new inventions quickly. Astrael had made sure they had everything needed to succeed. But even with all this, they weren't quite ready to compete with others in the galaxy.
The leaders among his people, those who understood his true role, had to step up. They were taught how to build, innovate, and unite. Astrael had passed on the knowledge for them to grow, but it was their choice how to use it.
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Astrael stood by a big window, watching everything unfold. In the distance, he saw workers in the fields, engineers busy with machines, and kids learning in classrooms. Progress was happening every day. Yet, Astrael remained detached. He was there to watch, not to interfere unless it was truly needed.
He had kept his identity hidden from them, and he planned to keep it that way. His role was to be a quiet guide, giving advice only when asked. The chosen leaders made the daily decisions. They had the power to lead their people and determine their own progress.
The Planet Lords, like Astrael, followed certain rules. The Federation couldn't oversee Planet Lords unless they allowed it. As long as Astrael kept to himself, no one would know about the true strength of his civilization. The knowledge and tools he had given them were theirs to handle.
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As Astrael watched his people, excitement built inside him. The competition was getting closer, and his civilization was advancing quickly. But the real challenge was not just about their tech skills. It was about how well they could work as a united team. The competition would test more than their abilities—it would need smart planning and a flexible mindset.
The leaders had been gearing up for this moment for some time. They had turned Astrael's teachings into real plans, laying down the groundwork for a bright future. Yet, the road ahead was not set in stone. Many things could swing the result of the competition, and Astrael knew his people needed to shine in every way to have a fair shot.
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Despite his heavy responsibilities, Astrael knew he needed to take a short break. The life of a Planet Lord could be lonely, but every now and then, he let himself enjoy some normal moments. He had created a virtual world where he could escape the pressure of overseeing a whole civilization.
Standing up from his chair, he wandered through his private space. He didn't need to eat or sleep, but he often found comfort in simulating experiences from his past life. He entered a small, virtual restaurant—somewhere that felt oddly comforting. He ordered a drink, not out of necessity, but for a hint of connection to the life he once had. It was a small, comforting indulgence that let him unwind and think.
As the drink appeared in front of him, Astrael gazed out at his growing civilization. The buildings were taller, the roads more intricate, and the fields greener. None of this was achieved by him directly. It was his people who made it happen, using the knowledge he had shared.
He took a moment of quiet satisfaction. His work here was done. Now, it was up to his people to take the lead.
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After finishing his drink, Astrael returned to his study. The time he sped up had helped his civilization move ahead swiftly. But with the competition on the way, he knew it was time to take another step back. He had guided, but he was not meant to control.
The leaders of his civilization would make the choices about how to use what he provided. Astrael had laid the groundwork, but it was up to them—their brains, creativity, and teamwork would shape what came next.
With a final glance at the thriving planet beneath him, Astrael steeled himself for the days ahead. The competition was coming, and he felt sure that his people were ready for the challenge.