The system's answer had puzzled Lu Chen for a long time.
What did it mean to upgrade to a formal civilization?
Not enough people? Not strong enough?
That couldn't be right. He glanced at the Hyperdimensional Star Chart. After the Vanguard Fleet had arrived in this world, when he looked at the power comparison of the Demon Slayer world, the other side's military strength had become like ants.
The steam-age and pre-space-age natives couldn't possibly defeat the shipgirls. We're all one civilization. Why am I not?
“……”
Since it wasn't military, technological, or economic reasons, it could only be analyzed from a more abstract perspective.
He had to see what he was missing compared to other civilizations, or other countries.
Industrial and agricultural systems? No.
Religion? That's even more irrelevant. Some technological civilizations don't believe in gods at all.
Political system? Administrative system? That makes sense, but it's not the whole story.
He noticed that on the map, his world's name was simply "Residency."
"The elements that constitute a civilization..."
Lu Chen struggled to think about the difference between himself and other worlds.
"Economy, military, culture, politics... name!?"
"Name!?"
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration.
"Everyone, assemble! I have something important to discuss."
...
Half an hour later.
Naval base, office.
The 30 shipgirls of the Vanguard Fleet were gathered there, looking at Lu Chen at the head of the conference table, whispering to each other:
"Huh? Why are we suddenly assembling?"
"I don't know. The Commander said there's something important he wants to ask for our opinion."
"Hey, hey, hey? Is the Commander going to make a pact with someone? Which pest..."
"Taihou, you need to be normal..."
Several of the destroyer and submarine shipgirls even had a net bag of fish in their hands, presumably they had just been fishing off the shore and were pulled away.
"Everyone here?"
Lu Chen coughed, and everyone fell silent.
"Commander, what's the matter?"
Richelieu held the Bible in her hand, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, asking.
"We're going to establish a nation."
"Determine the national name, military flag, army uniforms... and hold a grand opening ceremony."
Lu Chen said concisely.
"Huh?!"
The shipgirls were dumbfounded, speechless for a while.
"What do you mean?"
Essex asked.
"This is something essential for a formal civilization."
"In the future, when we fight in other worlds, we need to have a resounding name and a flag to represent us."
Lu Chen replied.
Because his attention had been entirely focused on the construction of the capital city, he had overlooked this simplest thing.
If it's a civilization, there needs to be a name, and a symbol to represent it.
"Hmm... is that so?"
"Then Commander, you should decide. After all, this is your world."
Kaga thought for a moment and said.
"No, no, no. Thanks to all of you, this place has been built. You guys are the founding fathers. You can all have your say."
Lu Chen laughed.
"Wow -"
The shipgirls let out a gasp of amazement.
Founding fathers.
Yes, they were the first companions to accompany the Commander in rebuilding civilization on Earth.
Although there weren't many of them, their significance was extraordinary.
Hearing such praise, everyone was happy.
Soon, a brainstorming session began.
"The port area is called Azur Lane... How about we call it something similar, like Sky Blue Avenue? Cyan Phantom?"
Yukikaze was the first to raise her hand.
"That's too weird, let's change it."
The other shipgirls shook their heads.
"We'll get a lot of knowledge and technology from other worlds to deal with the Sirens, so how about Knowledge Manager?"
Ning Hai raised her hand.
"No, that's strange too."
Lu Chen refused.
"This Earth here, for us, is our first landing on an alien world, and it holds a special meaning. How about Holy Land Guardian?"
Kaga followed up.
“……”
"Let's change it again."
"The Commander can observe the movements of the multiverse in higher dimensions. What about Mysterious Observer?"
“……”
"Are you guys going to say Military Isolationist and Ancient Guardian next?! You're in the wrong movie, you know?!"
Lu Chen facepalmed.
“……”
Yixian clasped her hands in front of her chest, thinking for a moment.
"The vast universe is like a boundless sea of stars. And we're going to build a civilization that spans dimensions within it, at the same time establishing cooperative relationships with many civilizations..."
"Just so happens that we have a port area that is also based on alliance relations. How about we call it Star Sea Alliance?"
"That's it!"
Lu Chen and the other shipgirls' eyes lit up, and they immediately decided.
As expected of Yixian, she was gentle and refined, with extensive knowledge.
The name was powerful and imposing.
"From now on, we are the Star Sea Alliance."
"This year is the first year of the Star Sea Alliance. From now on, every year on this day will be the National Day of the Star Sea Alliance!"
"General amnesty, changing eras, the Grand Opening Ceremony will be held on a date to be determined!!!"