A new question was relayed.
"Dungeon Gates first appeared approximately five hundred thousand years ago. Although we have yet to determine how or why they manifest, we have identified that they are made of ManaTech. These gates resemble large, round portals with shimmering surfaces."
"When entered, they function as portals, transporting individuals to what we call a Dungeon. Each Dungeon is a unique biome, home to many species of flora and fauna, as well as abundant renewable resources."
"Every Dungeon contains a Core that serves as its central control system. To gain control over a Dungeon, you must touch its Core. Once this is achieved, we can relocate the Dungeon Gate to the Pocket Dimension for classification and farming."
"Dungeons can alter the energy and environment around their Gates, which is why we relocate and house them in specialised facilities. By doing so, we can siphon off the energy they emit and convert it into usable resources, preventing interference with the local energy at their original locations."
"Another critical reason for relocating the Gates is that they often have multiple access points to various Universes. Unfortunately, not all of these Universes are friendly; some are hostile and have attempted to invade ours numerous times."
"This is where the classification of the Gates is important. We classify them based on the forces present on the other side. The current classifications are: Friendly—positive encounters where we can trade goods and information with Outsiders; Neutral—Outsiders who want nothing to do with us; Hostile—Outsiders who typically attempt to invade or attack; Unaffiliated—no other access points are present; and Unknown—areas where no sentient beings have been discovered yet."
"This classification system is essential for managing our interactions with the various Universes connected by the Dungeon Gates. After classification, the Dungeon Gates are further sorted by the biomes they contain, with categories ranging from poisonous to ore-rich."
"These Gates are secured in specially designed buildings that can contain them and anything that may come through. These structures are strong enough to withstand an attack from a sixteenth-level Slayer until their energy is exhausted, ensuring no damage occurs."
"The only classification not further subdivided is 'Unknown,' which applies when we have not encountered sentient beings or cannot enter the Gate. All Gates classified as Unknown are housed together."
This is what Immortal Demon Shen lectured.
The Children listened intently, many standing to speak to the servant when the lecture concluded. The Elders recorded their questions and then answered them.
"First Question: How does the energy from the Gates affect their surroundings? The energy from the Gates alters the genetics and atomic structures of nearby entities, causing mutations in all living beings, whether sentient or not. These mutations can range from incorrect Awakenings to malignant changes, turning creatures into monstrous entities that attack instinctively."
"We have seen viruses mutate into highly infectious and lethal strains. The infected become zombie-like, seeking out life to assimilate or devour. Clearly, this poses a significant threat to the Planets where the Gates are located, which is why we prioritise their removal as quickly as possible."
"Second Question: Why are we unable to enter some Gates? Some Gates seem to have a shield just inside them, preventing entry and causing us to bounce back. As a result, these Gates remain unexplored, and we have yet to determine the reason for this phenomenon."
"Third Question: How do we relocate the Gates? Once we take control of a Gate via its Core, Tian Dao takes over the central control system and teleports the entire Gate to the Pocket Dimension. For Gates, we cannot enter. A marker is placed on the Gate itself, and then Tian Dao teleports it to the Pocket Dimension."
"Fourth Question: How does Tian Dao locate the Gates when they manifest? Since the Gates are made of ManaTech, they emit a distinctive energy signature. Tian Dao monitors for this signature and notifies us as soon as one is detected."
"Fifth Question: What happens if the natives of a Planet take over a Gate? In that case, we enter stealthily and seize control of the Core. Once we gain control, everyone inside the Gate is ejected, and Tian Dao relocates it."
"The remaining questions are variations on those discussed, so we will skip them," Immortal Elder Lucius concluded.
The Children absorbed this information while the Elders waited patiently. A new question was communicated.
"I anticipated this question. Our journey times are short because we use spatial jumping to travel great distances quickly. Otherwise, a journey that takes us one year would take a hundred. It's not that we don't have the time, but that would be too long for our missions," Mortal Demon Sean explained.
A new question was presented.
"We're returning to the earlier demonstration of Battle Form for this question. If you have further questions, please ask the servants for a pen and paper to note them down. Now, let's focus on Infernal Demon Lucifer's Battle Form."
"As you can see, when she transforms, her skin becomes covered in scales, with her Runic tattoos still visible. All Demons exhibit scales in their Battle Form, regardless of Clan or gender. Their horns become more pronounced, elongated, and much sharper. They also develop large, bat-like wings with sharp, knife-like hooks at the joints, and long tails that can morph into various forms, including sharp weapons."
"Their knees and ankles invert, and their feet become dragon-like claws, with four forward and one backwards-pointing claw for maximum stability while standing. Thank you for your assistance," said Immortal Elder Lucius, as Infernal Demon Lucifer demonstrated and Celestial Elder Soleil highlighted the information on the screen.
The Children were furiously scribbling on their papers. The Elders smiled, waited patiently, and sipped their drinks after sitting down again.
"When you have finished writing your questions, hand them to the servants. They will scan and submit them to us. We will then sort and assign questions to each Elder," Celestial Elder Soleil instructed the Children.
The Children finished writing their questions and followed the instructions. The Elders began sorting and assigning them.
"Okay, we have received all of your questions and will answer them in turn. I'll begin."
"Question: What is Talent? Ah, Talents—our endless source of entertainment. Tian Dao is usually neutral and clinical, but when it comes to Talents, it shows a sense of humour—definitely acquired. If Tian Dao followed its usual style, Talent descriptions would be crystal clear. However, it prefers confusion and amusement."
"For example, my Talent is 'Nurturer,' and its description is, 'Children will grow, whether they like it or not!'"
"All explanations are equally nonsensical and funny. We have a special Conclave section dedicated to posting them for a good laugh. Talents are helpful once you figure out how to use them."
"Question: What about Housing? An important topic. Housing is provided free of charge from birth. After birth, Children live in the Unawakened dormitories of the Nursery until the Awakening ceremony."
"After Awakening, they move to single Awakened dormitories until age ten. At age ten, all Children transition to the Elementary Suites, living with their future Mates until age fifteen. At fifteen, they move to Junior Suites with their future Mates, and by twenty, they graduate to Senior Suites."
"At twenty-five, they leave the Nursery and enter the Origin Field of their Clan, where they are assigned dwellings based on their Class. Slayers and Twin Demons are housed in Hyper Clusters on the outer edges. This is where you will live until your Eternal Slumber."
"Question: What is the total stipend? Great question! The monthly stipend includes Ghul, food and drinks, fabrics, pills, Lingshi, and other necessities. Food and drinks are tailored to your Clan for optimal nutrition, and the amount and potency level increase as you grow."
"Fabrics are also Clan-specific, chosen for your comfort, and used for bedding, towels, tablecloths, blankets, cushions, curtains, and rugs—all handled by your Mammy."
"Your Clan's Alchemists create pills for various purposes; the quantity depends on your growth. Lingshi, also Clan-specific, is a type of crystal ore used to store energy and for cultivation. The remaining daily essentials are also provided free of charge."
"Question: Mate? This is crucial! Tian Dao determines your Mate using complex algorithms that take into account Soul, Clan, Bloodline, gender, character, preferences, and age. You are now nine, and the month after you turn ten, you will meet your future Mate."
"Question: Missions? You don't need to worry yet, as you won't take on missions until age fifteen. Here's a brief overview: Missions are divided into Nursery and Mature categories. Each has subdivisions: Nursery Junior—ages fifteen to nineteen, the easiest and safest missions, usually errands like delivering items. Nursery Senior—ages twenty to twenty-four, more difficult and less safe, typically hunting and gathering in Origin Fields."
"Mature Elementary—at least fourth-level cultivation, more dangerous, usually lower-level Dungeon missions. Mature Intermediate—fifth-level, harder, involving intermediate-level Dungeons. Mature Advanced—sixth-level, advanced Dungeon missions, riskier still.
"Mature Expert—eighth-level, expert-level Dungeon missions, perilous. Mature Master—at least tenth-level, the most challenging, involving deep Dungeon infiltration and scouting Outsiders."
Celestial Elder Soleil answered the questions on his list.
Celestial Demon Sky reviewed his list and began to respond. "Alright, it's my turn. Question: Can we see what a Slayer and a Twin Demon look like? This is an unusual request so we will post a mission request. If anyone responds, we'll organise a show-and-tell; otherwise, you'll have to wait until you join the other Children in the Junior Suites."
"Question: Is everyone capable of wielding Mana? Yes. After the Awakening ceremony, everyone can wield Mana. Before that, it is impossible, but you can cultivate Mana. Cultivation is capped at the first level until Awakening."
"Question: Are there restrictions on what is accessible in the Conclave? Yes. Some items are restricted by age, others by cultivation level. These measures keep you safe."
"Question: Why aren't you worried about Children living together with their future Mates? Any chance of inappropriate behaviour? Impossible. Compatibility is so high that bullying can't occur."
"If you mean sexual matters, that too is impossible. Such impulses are sealed after Awakening, and only unsealed at the Bonding ceremony, a month after you turn twenty-five."
"Question: Do we receive clothing for free as well? Before Awakening, your Mammy makes all your clothing. After Awakening, you get free Class clothing from Tian Dao, and your Mammy makes cloaks and leisurewear from your stipend's fabrics."
Immortal Elder Lucius checked his list and began to respond.
"Question: What kind of network is the Conclave, and why does it reach everywhere? The Conclave is a quantum-based Mana network, made universally accessible by special nodes we placed in select locations."
"Question: How does Tian Dao impart Knowledge? Tian Dao inscribes Knowledge directly onto your Sea of Consciousness. There is no need to read or memorise—it is simply mastered."
"Question: How will we be assessed and Healed? First, crystals are implanted, and registration is completed. Next, you meet Infernal Healers, who absorb any negative energy from your body, mind, spirit, and heart. Afterwards, Healers from other Clans assess and Heal you for optimal health. Finally, you spend a full night conditioning in a Med Tank."
"Question: What do Mammys look like? Mammys resemble servants but have colouring reflective of your Clan, and their eyes match your Clan's accent colour. They appear female and wear clothing designed for easy movement."
"Question: Do Mammys have emotions? Yes, each Mammy has a unique personality and a wide range of emotions, which they use to keep you motivated always."
"Question: Do Twin Demons share a Mammy or do they have one each? Twin Demons share a Mammy as after Awakening, they rarely separate outside of missions, and Mammys do not leave the carriage on missions."
"Question: Do horns, scales, and wings require grooming? Yes, we have special grooming kits for them, and your Mammy will help you with your grooming as most areas can be hard to reach."
"Question: Is it difficult to brush your fangs? Yes, but your Mammy will help you and teach you how to brush them properly."