Chapter 20: The Origin of Humankind

"Oh, knowing that the Interstellar Alliance is protecting and deterring threats from our Solar system really puts my mind at ease! By the way, I just thought of another question: How exactly did humans come to be? I've read online that humans were created by aliens. From what you just said, it seems aliens have modified the genes of human ancestors. Was it you or some alien civilization hiding on Earth that created us?"

"Naturally evolved, later modified by alien civilizations."  

Buweiro started with two unclear answers, and seeing that I was puzzled, he continued: "The earliest origins of humans—including us and all life on Earth—can be traced back to carbon-based elements in the ocean forming single-celled organisms. These then divided into multicellular organisms, which eventually mutated into different life forms. The earliest life forms on Earth were algae, which over countless years evolved into fish. Some primitive fish were swept onto shore by ocean waves. Most dried out and died, but a few resilient ones managed to survive, relying on the moisture and rain near the sea. These survivors became the earliest ancestors of advanced life forms.  

To adapt to the environment, these fish underwent secondary evolution over long periods, transforming into species resembling loaches. Later, they underwent a third evolution into species similar to lizards or geckos, fully transitioning into terrestrial life. By the dinosaur era, they underwent a fourth evolution into small dinosaurs resembling large rats. Their burrowing and hiding habits helped them survive the mass extinction of dinosaurs. This explains why human children today have a natural fascination with digging—it's an inherited trait from that period.  

During the fifth evolution, the Earth's environment changed dramatically, with continuous rain falling over millions of years. The prolonged rain made the ground soggy and riddled with water-logged pits, forcing your ancestors to leave their underground burrows and start living on the surface.  

To avoid various dangers and more easily obtain food, your ancestors developed a liking for living in trees, where they could scavenge effortlessly and evade predators. Over time, they gradually evolved into ancient apes, the earliest ancestors of humanoid species, also known as proto-humans."  

This time, I wasn't too surprised. What Buweiro said aligned with what I had learned from books, albeit in much more detail. I listened as he continued:  

"Long before humans evolved, many alien civilizations had already settled on Earth. Back then, they weren't interested in your ancestors, as they hadn't yet evolved into ancient apes. However, when genetic mutations occurred and your ancestors evolved into primitive apes—more agile and intelligent—they began to attract the attention of alien civilizations.  

After studying them, the aliens discovered that your ancestors' bodies made ideal subjects for experiments. You can probably guess why: their bodies weren't too fragile to endure the experiments, and their intelligence wasn't too low to yield meaningful results. Your primitive ape ancestors were the perfect test subjects.  

At the time, our ancestors from Sanziyao, the Arianese, and the Siazhedowa civilizations didn't pay much attention to this, as long as the alien experiments didn't cause mass extinction or environmental destruction. Unexpectedly, as time passed, many species of ancient apes were naturally eliminated, leaving only those protected and studied by alien civilizations.  

Around 4.4 million years ago, your distant ancestors emerged as the first early humans through a combination of experimentation, mutation, and continuous evolution. During that time, the Earth's most favorable environment was what is now Africa. Rich in biodiversity, it became a favorite region for many alien civilizations, and the place where most ancient human research was conducted."  

Later, the alien civilization departed, and ancient Africa was submerged in the long river of time. Some human scientists now believe, based on their research, that your ancestors originated from Africa. So, as I said, humanity arose both from Earth's natural evolution and from the creation of alien civilizations. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yes, I do! In our human world, we've always debated the origins of humanity. It turns out this is the reality—without ancient alien civilizations, we wouldn't exist today. It seems we owe them a debt of gratitude."

At this point, I couldn't help but smile faintly, as a long-debated question of humanity had finally been resolved in my heart. I let my thoughts settle for a moment and then looked at Buweiro, saying:

"The Milky Way is incredibly ancient. Our Solar system has been sealed off by you. I suddenly want to ask—what are the chances of life emerging on planets in the Milky Way? Over the many years of civilizations within the galaxy, has there ever been a powerful Galactic Empire ruling this entire star system?"

Hearing my question, Buweiro was initially surprised. "A Galactic Empire? Interesting. You've got quite the imagination. That's a bold question, and it seems your thinking is broadening. Let me tell you this: outside of our Solar system, the Milky Way is bustling with activity. The probability of life appearing on a planet is one in ten thousand.

In other words, out of 10,000 star systems (Solar systems) in the Milky Way, at least one will give rise to life, sometimes even two or three. There are even star systems where multiple planets harbor life. For example, in our own Solar system, Mars and Venus once hosted life. Even now, some icy layers and moons of Jupiter and Saturn contain simple forms of life.

As for your question about a Galactic Empire—it's certain that one existed. You must understand that our Milky Way, since its formation, has had at least 10 billion years of history. Five great unified Galactic Empires have appeared during this time. These were alliances of the most powerful Advanced Civilizations, but their infighting was so severe that no true Super Civilization ever emerged.

Each time a unification broke apart, it ended in violent and bloody interstellar wars. These wars lasted for hundreds or even thousands of years. The interstellar conflicts during the fragmentation of the Galactic Empire were truly catastrophic—worlds collapsing, sunless days, seas of blood, and mountains of corpses. For disobedient species, entire planets were annihilated, their destruction far more devastating than anything you humans can imagine.

And planetary warfare is not like what you depict in your movies. The methods employed by civilizations of the same level are varied and endlessly creative. However, If there is a gap in the level of the two sides, it will be a complete crushing situation. There is no need to start a war."

For example, if the Interstellar Alliance wanted to deal with humans, it wouldn't be about bombarding dozens of cities with your most powerful nuclear weapons, wasting energy, and polluting the environment. We would simply send encoded electromagnetic waves to alter or control human thoughts, thereby taking over your civilization effortlessly—no weapons needed. It's the same principle as how humans deal with wild beasts: a tranquilizer gas or infrasonic wave is enough to subdue them easily.

If the Alliance were to lift the restrictions on humanity, and you ventured beyond the Solar system, you'd find that the Milky Way is a very lively place."

The Milky Way used to be very lively, and it is still lively now. It is not as dead as scientists have detected. It is just blocked by the Interstellar Alliance and the United Nations does not want to announce it. I am looking forward to the era when the earthlings and the alien civilizations in the Milky Way mingle.

Thinking of the current situation of mankind, I unconsciously want to ask the Alliance to untie the shackles on mankind: "I'd really look forward to you lifting humanity's restrictions. After all, we are the intelligent primates of the Earth, full of rich and vibrant ideas. Our civilization and technology are nearing the level of a Primary Civilization. We have the right to explore the broader universe beyond the Solar system. Can't you release all the blockades against us?"

"Lift the restrictions on you? The time isn't right. As long as you don't fall into internal conflicts and unite to advance to the level of a Primary Civilization, even if the Alliance doesn't reveal itself, you will discover us eventually. At that point, restricting you further would be meaningless.  

This time, I've invited you as a guest of the Alliance to convey our thoughts to humanity. If your actions satisfy the Alliance, we might consider lifting the restrictions on humanity sooner. After all, with just a little more technological advancement, you'll reach the level of a Primary Civilization. If your mindset becomes more positive and constructive, the Alliance will not only lift the restrictions, but also invite you to join the Interstellar Alliance, working together to fulfill the will of the ancestors and safeguard our Solar system."

Buweiro's words gave me great hope, and I realized this hope was one shared by all humanity.  

"You keep emphasizing a spiritual mindset. To what extent do we need to improve for the Alliance to be satisfied?" I wanted to get a clear answer.  

"Hmm, your human nature, after being altered by alien civilizations, has become highly complex. In other words, your thoughts are unpredictable. If your thoughts remain unstable, collaborating with you would be a potential threat to the Alliance. In your terms, it's like 'make a deal with the tiger for its skin'.  

In ancient times, your ancestors were intelligent but simple-minded, with no complex thoughts or dual personalities. However, experiments and research by alien civilizations altered the genes of ancient humans, leading to mutations and the emergence of unpredictable human nature, which persists to this day.  

By now, the complex human nature in your blood genes has been deeply engraved in your bones, turning into the multiple personalities you have today, and can no longer be changed. This kind of personality has many negative dangers, mixed with human selfishness, hypocrisy, duplicity, sweet words and daggers, smiling but hiding a knife, hurting others behind their backs, using any means to achieve the goal, and being self-centered...  

For the Alliance, collaborating with humans while giving you access to our technology could result in you turning against us. The Interstellar Alliance would be defenseless and could be overthrown—a risk we cannot afford.  

Only when humanity purges these chaotic negative emotions and earns the recognition of all species within the Alliance can we work together. This is the first message I've been asked to convey to you."  

Buweiro once again mentioned the purpose of inviting me to the Alliance as a guest and to bring a message to the humans. After listening, I couldn't help but defend my people:  

"Perhaps our human nature isn't as bad as you think. Why are our thoughts so complex and changeable? It's merely to adapt to survival, to secure food and resources to keep living. Sometimes people resort to extremes simply to survive.  

If humanity could reach the level of a Primary Civilization and ensure that basic living costs for everyone were eliminated, so that people could live without paying a price, I believe human thoughts would also improve, and those chaotic ideas would disappear. Think about it—if life were carefree, who would waste time causing trouble? That's foolish behavior; people would simply aim for higher goals."  

"Hmm, let's hope so. That's something we'll have to assess once humanity has advanced to a primary civilization." Buweiro replied, nodding in agreement with my point.