If we were to compare the entire Milky Way galaxy to a silver disk, its planar diameter would be approximately 100,000 light-years across.
The solar system where Earth is located sits on one of the galaxy spiral arms, roughly 24,000 to 27,000 light-years away from the galactic core—the center of the Milky Way.
Through scientific observation, researchers have discovered that the center of the galaxy is mostly populated by old stars, with white dwarfs being the most common.
In the outer regions, however, most stars are young or newly formed.
In terms of age, the solar system born 4.6 billion years ago is neither particularly old nor particularly young.
In terms of location, it's roughly equivalent to a suburban area.
No matter how you look at it, it doesn't seem particularly special.
So why is it that among so many stellar systems, only the solar system has become "blessed with both natural beauty and outstanding people" attracting countless attention?
You have to understand that in the entire Milky Way, there are at least 100 billion stars, and if we estimate generously there could even be more than 400 billion.
There's only one answer: it's all the fault of writers and screenwriters.
To increase dramatic tension, they've forcibly positioned the solar system as the protagonist, adding various background settings to it.
The writers are happy with their work, and audiences are satisfied with what they watch, but the characters caught up in these stories might not share the same sentiment.
"In the hundreds of years I've presided over Kamar-Taj, I've encountered countless invasions from the outside world. I still remember about seventy or eighty years ago, during World War II..."
Leading Bayonetta and Shi Xiaolei away from where the demon corpses were stored, strolling leisurely through the quiet valley the Ancient One recounted her experiences in a calm unwavering tone.
Before long, they arrived at the entrance to a cave.
Standing before stone doors carved with reliefs, the Ancient One drew her conclusions while making several hand gestures to open the doors:
"Generally speaking, dealing with alien forces that originate from the same universe as us is relatively easy. What's truly troublesome are those coveting eyes from alternate dimensions and other realities. Both of you, please follow me inside. Let me show you Kamar-Taj 'VR Training Center.'"
Despite being called a VR training center, there wasn't a single piece of high-tech equipment inside the cave.
In the spacious area, as large as an indoor gymnasium, magical array patterns covered every corner.
Some were carved directly into the stone walls, others floated in mid-air, and still others were hidden in the void, completely invisible to the naked eye.
Following the Ancient One gestures, certain parts of the arrays were triggered, switching from standby to active status.
The next second, as if they had crossed time and space and teleported to another planet the scenery around the three of them suddenly changed.
The blue-black stone walls carved with magical patterns disappeared, replaced by a landscape of jagged bizarre mountains.
Clusters of crystals, purple liquid flowing from stone crevices, plants so ugly they could cause mental distortion, wisps of black mist that hung like smoke but never dispersed.
Looking at this scene before him, a term suddenly popped into Shi Xiaolei mind.
Sanity points were plummeting rapidly.
What made it even harder for Shi Xiaolei to look directly at were the several bizarre creatures the Ancient One had newly summoned.
"They call themselves Gospel Messengers..."
Pointing at these monsters that looked more like insects than humans, the Ancient One showed a faint trace of disdain at the corner of her mouth: "Simply put, these are invaders from other dimensions. They possess powerful psychic abilities—the weaker a creature will, the more easily they can be influenced by them. Have you heard of Khepri, the scarab god from Egyptian mythology? His image originated from these interdimensional beings who call themselves Gospel Messengers."
Shaping themselves into deities, bewitching humans who were still in their primitive period, gathering various benefits they desired.
"Tch."
Clicking her tongue with full contempt, Bayonetta crossed her arms and made her judgment: "Indeed, just like those sanctimonious bunch in Heaven, they reek of scum from head to toe."
"They do call themselves Gospel Messengers, after all."
The Ancient One smiled: "So, can they substitute for the angels you mentioned?"
"Emmmm."
Bayonetta pondered for a moment: "Whether they can substitute aside, don't you have any that look slightly less disgusting? Getting some blood on me during battle is acceptable. But if it's juice bursting out from bug bellies... ugh, forget it."
"Then let's try another one."
From their previous sparring session, the Ancient One had roughly gauged Bayonetta strength.
Since Bayonetta happened to have a need right now, the Ancient One had an idea and decided to take this opportunity to recruit her.
Well, saying "recruit" wasn't quite accurate.
To be precise, it should be "external consultant."
After all, Bayonetta didn't seem like the type who would willingly abandon her own purpose in life to easily join other factions.
Moreover, most of her abilities were related to "demonic contracts"—it wasn't a matter of her being willing to teach, but whether the mages of Kamar-Taj could actually learn them.
She could pass on some close-combat techniques, and then provide psychological guidance for handling situations—that was about it.
Forcing Bayonetta to join Kamar-Taj wouldn't bring many benefits and might even damage their relationship.
It was better to settle for the next best thing and form a cooperative relationship.
On her side, she would provide Bayonetta with opportunities to hunt interdimensional creatures, helping her continue to fulfill her contracts with higher demons.
In return, Bayonetta process of hunting interdimensional invaders would also be helping her.
This is what they mean by "old age brings wisdom"—referring to the Ancient One.
"This one's not bad."
"Emmmm, this type is acceptable too. Keep it, as a backup option."
"Wow, what's this? It looks quite cute. Ancient One, are you sure it's a dangerous enemy and not a pet specifically for being adorable?"
"Ugh, change it quickly~. Too ugly, my eyes~."
Over hundreds of years, having resolved countless invasions from other dimensions for Earth, the Ancient One had encountered hundreds of different types of demons and monsters in her lifetime.
Displaying them one by one.
While it couldn't compare to a certain online marketplace, it was roughly equivalent to a supermarket.
Shi Xiaolei accompanying them on this "shopping trip" gained quite an eye-opening experience, while Bayonetta as the VIP customer had already selected several targets under the recommendations of the Ancient One, who was like a top-tier salesperson.
If this were a business negotiation, progressing to this point would be about time to sign contracts.
But as things stood now.
After leaving the so-called "VR Training Center" the Ancient One opened a portal and led Shi Xiaolei and Bayonetta back to New York, where they appeared in the New York Sanctum located at 177A Bleecker Street in Manhattan.
"Supreme One."
Sensing the fluctuation of magical energy, Daniel Drumm, the mage stationed at the Sanctum came to the conventionally designated "teleportation room" and immediately welcomed the Ancient One arrival.
"Hello, Master Drumm."
Nodding slightly, the Ancient One smiled and said: "Your timing is perfect. Let me introduce you—these two are Rock and Bayonetta, my friends and also Kamar-Taj cooperative partners. They both live in New York and may visit here frequently. If I'm not around, please help me look after them."
"Yes, Supreme One."
After Daniel answered the Ancient One, Shi Xiaolei beat Bayonetta by half a beat, raising his hand to greet him: "Hello, Daniel."
As he spoke, noticing that the other person seemed somewhat familiar, Shi Xiaolei face showed a thoughtful expression.
"Um, haven't we met somewhere before?"
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)