Chapter 17: The Levels of Technological Civilization

"Alright, I won't ask about the history of Buddha civilization or Indian culture anymore; having a general understanding is enough. This time, I have a simpler question: earlier, I heard you mention terms like Primary Civilization, Intermediate Civilization, Advanced Civilization, Super Civilization, and even the God-level Civilization you aspire to. What are these? I'm a bit curious. Can you explain briefly?"

"Sure, intelligent species' technological civilizations are divided into levels, and I'll give you a general explanation of our universe's civilization hierarchy. According to the Interstellar Alliance's classification, it starts with the First Level, the Primitive Civilization—for example, humanity on the Earth 5,000 years ago, marking the dawn of civilization.

The Second Level is the Cold Weapon Civilization, which means mastering the crafting of metal tools and weapons. These can be used for hunting, warfare, and making life easier, much like your country's ancient Bronze and Iron Ages.

The Third Level is the Firearm Civilization, which refers to the discovery and application of gunpowder. This level involves understanding and controlling gunpowder, like in your country where, starting in the Yuan Dynasty, gunpowder began being incorporated into warfare strategies. In our part of the universe, any land-originating civilization eventually discovers or experiments with gunpowder.

Cold Weapon and Firearm Civilizations are sometimes referred to as Basic Civilizations. The first three levels are often collectively considered Backward Cultures.

The Fourth Level is the Low-Level Civilization, also known as the Electric Civilization or Electromagnetic Civilization. Only with certain technological advances are civilizations officially recognized as having reached the beginning of true civilization.

Humans today are at this Fourth-Level Civilization, having mastered electricity, electromagnetism, and nuclear reactions. You are currently the most advanced Low-Level Civilization, and with a bit more progress, you'll become a Primary Civilization."

The term "most advanced Low-Level Civilization" left me feeling somewhat disappointed, but I didn't interrupt Buweiro, letting him continue.

"Next come true intelligent technological civilizations—respected wherever they go. The first four levels I mentioned are low civilizations and don't even qualify for a seat at the table; even humanity doesn't yet.

First is the Primary Civilization, what you humans categorize as Type-1 and Type-2 civilizations. To qualify, a civilization must master three essential technologies: light-speed travel, nuclear fusion/fission, and anti-gravity.

Primary Civilizations are no longer constrained by resources and energy. A species that solves its energy needs will naturally abandon war as its mindset gradually evolves. Think about it, and it will make sense.

Throughout history, human conflicts have been about territory, resources, and food. Interpersonal conflicts, lifelong struggles—all these are often for survival, or simply put, for money. If humans reach the primary civilization level, they'll be able to generate and freely distribute resources and energy. Imagine—who would bother starting conflicts?

Anti-gravity energy is the best power source for space travel, as it continually sustains interstellar journeys. Once you reach light-speed capability, countless technologies follow, revealing many secrets of the universe. At that point, the Alliance won't be able to keep you isolated. By then, you'll find alien civilizations easily, even if we don't reach out to you."

I listened intently, thinking, "Finally, an explanation that's not hard to understand and is especially fascinating." Buweiro continued, "An Intermediate Civilization is what humans categorize as Type-3 and Type-4 Civilizations. The technology at this level is astonishing—it can turn decay into wonder, wielding the power to either destroy an entire Solar system or create a black hole. At the same time, it can construct its own Solar systems and even build entire civilizations.

The biggest advantage of an Intermediate Civilization is that it has broken through the light-speed barrier, enabling the creation of ships that can travel faster than light without affecting their physical integrity. Going further, they break into the 6^th-level physics, making a significant leap in space research, allowing for jumps that bypass spatial laws—what human scientists call 'wormhole travel'.

Additionally, an Intermediate Civilizations have a deeper understanding of dark matter and dark energy. Only the Intermediate Civilization has the capability to venture beyond its own galaxy and explore the universe. This level of civilization can shorten distances and time through wormhole travel, and is equipped to handle any potential dangers in the universe, which are more numerous than you might think.

Moreover, an Intermediate Civilization, when faced with a hostile advanced civilization, could potentially escape if things go well—or, if necessary, put up a fight. at least it has the qualifications to fight. If a Primary Civilization encounters an advanced one, it can only surrender as soon as it makes a move, which is why the intermediate civilization of Barihui in the central ring of the Milky Way offended the advanced civilization and had to be driven away and exiled. 

Buweiro's detailed breakdown of intelligent civilizations suddenly broadened my perspective. I listened to him continue with an expression of yearning and admiration:

"An Advanced Civilization is what you categorize as Type-5 and Type-6 Civilizations. The mathematical and physical expertise of such civilizations reaches extraordinary heights—they've unraveled the secrets of gravity and spacetime, allowing them to freely travel across their local universe and explore other universes, multiverses, various dimensions, and parallel timelines.

Advanced Civilizations come and go without a trace, so it is difficult for Primary Civilizations to contact them. Without special reasons, Advanced Civilizations will not settle in one place for a long time, and most of their time will be spent traveling and exploring in countless multiverses and spaces.

Above them lies the Super Civilization, which corresponds to Type-7 and Type-8 Civilizations in your terms. There is only one in the Milky Way—the Star Federation Union. This type of civilization can easily destroy or create a galaxy. You can appreciate its ability carefully.

The ancient Advanced Civilizations in the Milky Way joined forces, advanced to Super Civilization status. They established the 'Star Federation Union' and stayed in the Milky Way, only to protect the Milky Way and countless lives. This arrangement also appeared in other galaxies.

The Interstellar Alliance technology on Earth is controlled by the Star Federation Union at the primary level. There are countless such cases in the Milky Way. The level of each civilization is strictly controlled. Only with the consent of the Star Federation Union can it be promoted. Otherwise, the number of Primary Civilizations, Intermediate Civilizations, and Advanced Civilizations in the Milky Way will increase and it will be difficult to control. Once a war breaks out and the situation cannot be controlled, all epics and civilizations in the entire Milky Way would be destroyed.

As for God-level Civilizations, we've never encountered such entities. Perhaps a super civilization could comprehend the form of existence of a divine civilization. Divine civilizations are omnipotent, elusive, and incomprehensibly superior. We don't know in which dimension they exist, what they are doing, or even what they think. It's possible that our local universe was created by a divine civilization. Of course, this is just my personal speculation—you don't have to take it seriously."

After explaining the different types of intelligent civilizations, Buweiro stopped. I didn't continue asking questions this time; I needed time to process everything I had learned this morning.

Suddenly, a thought popped into my subconscious: it's time for lunch and a nap. I glanced at my phone, and sure enough, it was already midday. It seemed my biological clock was pretty regular, though I wasn't feeling tired or hungry at the moment.

Buweiro, observing my subtle actions, analyzed my state and said, "Let's take a break. You've heard a lot this morning, including some technical theories, so you need time to digest it all. Now is your usual nap time, so rest a bit to recharge your mind. Additionally, everything I told you this morning—if you want to review it later, you can ask the Universal Energy Field to play it for you, just like you did last night. As long as the Alliance has the videos stored, you'll be able to watch them.  

If you want to learn about specific scientific principles, the Universal Energy Field can simulate and explain them to you in a 5D holographic projection. Whatever you want to watch, just ask. No need to be shy."   

Buweiro's suggestion matched my thoughts perfectly. The secrets of prehistory we discussed this morning left me in awe. I had to take a break and relax. At this moment, if Buweiro gave me another piece of breaking news, I might faint.  

"Alright, I'll rest for a bit. Let me know if anything comes up."  

Over these two days, I had discovered that Buweiro was an empathetic, meticulous, patient, knowledgeable, and morally upright member of a prehistoric civilization. I was very satisfied with his hospitality and felt at ease around him, no longer holding back my thoughts.  

I was also deeply interested in the video archives. I wanted to see Earth's ancient and prehistoric eras, as well as the vast cosmic realms. The Alliance's 5D effects would surely surpass Hollywood blockbusters in realism—and what's more, the footage would be authentic.  

"Alright, I'll step away for now. If you need anything, just ask or let Xiaomeng know."

"Give me a glass of cool water."

As soon as Buweiro left, I immediately asked for a glass of cool water. Just like before, it wasn't because I was thirsty—it was simply a habit I'd developed over time. I can go without food if I'm not hungry, but going a long time without drinking water feels uncomfortable to me.

No sooner had I finished speaking than a glass materialized on the transparent table before me, filling slowly with clear water. I was used to this sight by now. I picked up the glass and gulped down the water.

One word: refreshing!

Then I lay back on the soft bed, closed my eyes, and relaxed, feeling my body and mind lighten as I started to digest Buweiro's explanations from this morning.