Simply put, if the shortest distance between two universes was a path crossing 3 universes, then the value of the Golden Formula would be multiplied by 4. Like this, Clans were forced to 'conquer' universes closest to them before approaching other universes. This gave those of the Federation ample time to focus on protecting their own territories before thinking of expanding.
Once one gets into the complexities of such things, it became very obvious why the meetings would continue for so long. In fact, the second task was even more complex.
After setting the point calculation as a foundation, the Laws of the Federation had to be set.
What were the violations? What would happen if a Clan or Sect refused to give up territory bought with points by another Clan or Sect? In the case they needed to go to war with this Clan or Sect, who would send warriors? How many needed to send warriors? How would they decide who and how many?
There were other considerations as well. For example, a Federation was by definition a group of territories that allied themselves, but also governed under their own rules. So, how much freedom should each territory receive? Would they have overarching rules everyone needed to follow? Or would there be absolute freedom?
Then came the most important aspect of the meeting: when the Ancient Battlefield descended, how would they work together? When others were on the verge of collapse, would they help? How would they punish those who took advantage of the Federation when it was convenient, but ignored their brotherhood after the fact?
For such matters, concepts such as embassies and ambassadors were floated around. One of the main decisions made within the parliament was to allow free exchange of information and free travel between their territories, a matter that was made extremely convenient thanks the Epistemic Tower.
Of course, it was very obvious to Amphorae and Luna, even without Lyla having to tell them, that everyone was just curious about the Sacharro Clan. Just what kind of place was their territory?
They remembered a few days ago that King Star had tried to introduce an amendment that would state that universes such as the 99th and 100th which were uninhabited shouldn't be privy to the distance multiplier.
But, that was when Amphorae surprisingly rebutted and said the 99th universe was actually territory of the Sacharro Clan. Of course, her explanation made sense. The strongest members here knew that the former 20th ranked Universe was once Celestial Deer Sect territory. In fact, King Star was clearly aware of this as well. It was obvious he was simply testing the Sacharro Clan to find out more about them.
These matters only made those in attendance even more curious about the Sacharro Clan.
"Now I believe we've combed through the most important aspects of our Federation, so I think it's time I tell you all about something incredibly important." King Star suddenly said during the third week.
"I will be transparent with you all. Much like we are doing our best to prepare for the descent of the Ancient Battlefield, so too are the outer powers trying their best.
"I promise you all that your territories here will remain untouched by those of the outside world, but I believe it would be foolish to ignore them completely. Remember, it is also in their best interest that we grow stronger… After all, the battle against those Clans is a war against our entire Mortal Plane..."
The eyes of the Heads narrowed.
"The Sprite Alliance is willing to take in some top geniuses who perform well and provide them extra opportunities. What do you all think about this?"
The parliament fell into a silence. Those below felt they were unqualified to answer this question while those who sat by King Star's side were conflicted. Maybe the only ones who were seemingly uncaring were the Dragons and the Sacharro Clan.
On one hand, they felt as though they had been played with someone else's puppet strings. It was clear to everyone that the reason King Star took so long to bring up such an important point was precisely because he was aware of the tension it would bring.
No one would forget that two of their strongest three quadrants were ruled by Sprites. Now, King Star was mentioning that the mighty Sprite Alliance Dyon's red-haired wife mentioned was involved in this as well?
Maybe if Amphorae hadn't exposed the outer powers and their strength, this would have been easier to accept. But, the fact she had only made the tension worse.
Even if King Star swore that the Sprite Alliance wasn't after their territory, and even if it made sense that they would prefer everyone to be stronger even if it was just for the sake of using them all as canon fodder, was anyone here really childish enough to believe that the Sprite Alliance wouldn't find a way to take its pound of flesh? Maybe this Federation itself was its way of doing exactly that.
King Star sighed. "I knew that this matter would raise questions, which was why I waited so long to bring it up.
"I won't belittle your intelligence, I'm aware of what this looks like. It was a difficult decision for my Star Clan as well. As you all know, we were greatly humiliated and ostracized from this very same Sprite Alliance…"
Amphorae's eyes narrowed. It seemed King Star had a purpose for exposing his weakness all those weeks ago. Now, his story came off as more genuine.
"… The decision is up to you all. If you disagree, you don't have to send your geniuses to that place. Instead, only my Star Clan will participate. I just thought that as members of a united Federation, I should share this opportunity with you all."
"What exactly is this Sprite Alliance providing that you and Sacharro Clan cannot?" The retired King Atlas inquired.
This was indeed an important question.
