Ayaka wasted no time and immediately logged into the VR, reporting the results of her discussion with Birch to the emperor. After logging off, she opened the suitcase, which immediately materialized a physical copy of the emperor thanks to the nanomachines inside it.

The physical copy's eyes had been closed since its creation, but they shortly opened, revealing golden irises as the body looked around, adjusting to its new environment.

He extended his hand and closed it into a fist, testing the responsiveness and sensation through the nanomachine body. Feeling the smooth movement and the sensory feedback, he nodded with a satisfied expression.

But that didn't last long. I dont like this stuffy feeling, he thought to himself.

Currently, he could be considered to have his consciousness transferred into this body, and as a result, he could only sense what this body was sensing. With it being a purely technology-based nanomachine, he wasnt sensing a single bit of mana or experiencing the monstrously expanded senses his actual body had developed thanks to the system and his bodys development. As a result, he now felt stuffy, confined, and as if he were missing a few senses.

After enduring the stuffy feeling for a short while, he closed his eyes and accessed the satellites orbiting the planet. This time, he focused solely on those equipped with Henrys Eyes system, which monitored mana movements in his location. He immediately took that real-time mana data from these satellites and translated it into sensory information for his nanomachine body, simulating the experience as if his body were sensing the mana in its surroundings.

This feels much better, he thought to himself, now that a bit of ease had returned. He could sense the mana in his surroundings, though not as clearly as with his actual body. Still, a blurry view was far better than having no eyes at all.

This whole ordeal happened within just five seconds after he connected to the body, so to outsiders, it appeared as if he was simply getting used to the new form.

Aron turned to Ayaka, who stood saluting him and nodded in acknowledgment. He then shifted his gaze to Birch, who observed the scene in silence, her curiosity evident.

Excuse my delay; its quite a surreal feeling, Aron said, extending his hand to Birch. Aron Michael, Emperor of the Terran Empire.

Birch, representative of what you call Tree folks, Birch replied, her smile visible through her humanoid form.

As they shook hands, a root emerged beside Ayaka, forming another chair. It was clear this chair was intended for Aron, allowing him to be seated for their conversation.

Aron's conversation with Birch began with the usual formalities. Birch, now well-experienced in such protocols, understood both the reasoning behind them and how to effectively replicate them herself.

Since he had already received an answer to his attempted loophole, Aron chose not to pursue it further. Instead, he focused on addressing questions that the fleet had previously asked but hadn't received answers to or those that they were unable to ask due to their limited knowledge.

He needed these answers to prepare for the official meeting, making this encounter a strategic probing session for both sides. Aron saw no issue with this approach, understanding that to gain valuable insights, one must be prepared to offer something in return.

After exchanging a few formalities, Aron asked, What is the extent of your sensory range?

Birch responded without hesitation, As long as an area has sufficient mana and we have a direct, uninterrupted mana connection to that place, we can perceive everything within it.

This outcome stemmed from the random questions asked at every previous meeting, which both helped build rapport and made such inquiries seem routine rather than probing.

Does that mean you can sense and interact with everything within the Proxima star system? Aron asked, surprised by the extent of their sensory capabilities.

Other than a few blind spots, yes, we can sense everything if we choose to. However, maintaining that level of awareness requires significant amounts of what you call nutrition, Birch explained. As for interaction, it depends on the type of interaction desired. Some interactions are feasible while others are not, based on the mana required for the task.

She offered no additional details on the specifics of their blind spots or the criteria for interactions, leaving it clear that such information was not to be divulged. Her tone indicated that further elaboration was not forthcoming, and with little visible emotion to read from her humanoid form, only her voice remained as a guide.

Satisfied with the answers hed received, Aron shifted to his next question: What will happen to you once they wake up and join the empire?

As we mentioned in one of our previous meetings with Ayaka, there isnt a conclusive answer to that question yet. We cant determine what will happen until after our face-to-face meeting, where we will decide based on the outcomes and agreements made, she responded with the same confidence as before.

Since the previous report mentioned that a face-to-face meeting was required, Aron wanted to verify if this nanomachine body meeting would meet the criteria for questions requiring direct conversation with the emperor. It appeared that it did not, so he promptly removed those questions from his list. This list had been prepared with the assistance of Nova and Gaia, alongside the data gathered by the fleet through their diligent efforts and rapport-building.

The conversation continued for the next forty minutes, evolving into a tit-for-tat exchange. After every few questions Aron asked, Birch would reciprocate with her own inquiries. Her questions varied widely, from directly mirroring those he had asked to other random or meticulously considered queries.

It has been quite a fruitful meeting. I hope our face-to-face meeting will be just as productive, Aron said, rising from his chair. He extended his hand for a final handshake to bid farewell, as he had a fleet to address and give a holiday to.

I hope the same, and I will be eagerly awaiting your arrival, Birch replied, returning the sentiment.

Good job, Aron said to Ayaka, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Her usual calm demeanor softened, reflecting a sense of pride.

Moments later, the nanomachine bodys golden eyes dimmed, signaling that Aron had ended the connection. The body entered automatic mode, walking toward the suitcase and returning the nanomachines to its storage compartment.

See you, Birch, Ayaka said, finally breaking her silence. She picked up the suitcase and made her way back to the ship that awaited at the landing spot.