All the wall lamps inside the room had been turned on.
Figures filed into their seats one after another; those in military, government, and naval uniforms took the left, while the right was occupied by gentlemen and ladies who had urgently arrived from various parts of the city, entering this meeting room for the first time.
The clamor of heated debate subsided as a solemn, bearded man adorned with medals entered.
All eyes followed the gaze of Augustus King Rosenthal as it slowly swept across the room.
“Distinguished scholars and friends, ” he said, pressing the paper in his hand onto the cold tabletop, “this time, those above have granted us a certain authority. “
Everyone’s eyes silently exchanged glances, as if trying to probe the two questions lurking within those words: who is “above, ” and what exactly is this “authority “?
A young-faced man raised his hand: “If I may ask—does this concern the matter of selecting civilians to be deployed to the seawater backflow zones? “
“No. ” King Rosenthal’s brief and forceful negation drew some rather surprised reactions.
“We need to begin tonight—starting now—allocating personnel to organize our nation’s most cutting-edge, most advanced, most precious science and technology, as well as the talent associated with it. “
“Why is this? “
These indigenous people were somewhat confused about what those words meant.
“Shouldn’t we be getting in touch with Havenwyk Union as soon as possible, to secure some immigrant land for us? “
But the attendees in the military and government departments remained silent. The gathered civilians quickly sensed the anomaly in the atmosphere across the table.
A scholar in his mid-thirties or forties, who had been silently observing everything, pressed his fingers against the tabletop and stared at the opposite gathering before speaking slowly:
“Could it be related to a problem emerging within our world? “
“You mean the devils? ” someone beside him turned his head and said. “Those things come from mire corruption and the Fogfolk. “
King Rosenthal turned his head toward those soldiers who sat solidly in their seats. One of them, a lieutenant general, cast a glance at the general across the room and replied:
“Indeed. This is exactly what we are about to confirm to the citizens: all demons spring from science and technology—from the creations of civilization. “
“Not from the abnormal pollution zones? Impossible! “
“Could the legend of the Kimball Alliance be true…? “
“I’ve heard rumors like that. Our university professors teach strictly according to the technical safety manual. ” A researcher said helplessly: “That kind of thing really does appear in the lab. No matter how clean the material source is, it will suddenly conjure demons and kill people. “
Some scholars, not from the scientific community, stood up anxiously:
“If that’s the case! But what about the things we use—the high-rise buildings, the cars and trains faster than horses, the radio and electric lights? Why do they remain harmless? “
They couldn’t accept it all at once.
A folk rumor is one thing, but official confirmation is truly terrifying.
The Lieutenant General’s tone remained unchanged as he spoke:
“That’s because the objects that become demons are technology that has surpassed the era. “
These words left the people across from him struck with disbelief. Their gazes widened, and their voices fell silent.
“The technological creations of the previous civilization were more advanced than what we use now. Their cars were faster, their trains longer, their planes larger, and their radios could transmit signals into the cosmos. “
“This… “
The Lieutenant General lowered his head: “Their weapons were also greater. But precisely because of this, the evil Isters they faced were the most terrifying. “
“W-Wait! ” Someone across from them suddenly stood up in terror, as if struck by a realization, waving their arms wildly:
“The previous civilization’s technology was so far ahead of ours, then what will happen to us when we go to the next era’s Land? “
Kim Rosenthal took the mantle calmly and continued speaking:
“Actually, if you go all the way west to the Valendian Federation and look at the ships of the Fogfolk leaving the continent, you’ll understand. “
These people all looked over with expressions of confusion in their eyes.
“Every single one of those ships leaving port is a large-class sailing vessel with multiple decks of gun batteries. “
The General said in a deep, steady voice:
“To repeat: they are all wind-powered. “
“Ah! Everything we cheer for now—the vehicles and airships—will become man-eating monsters! ” one man cried out in alarm, then instantly covered his mouth in terror.
“We… ” For a moment, nobody knew what to do.
The meeting room fell into a state of mental panic and silence.
“It’s alright. ” Augustus King Rosenthal said to the crowd:
“Just as there were those who silently struggled and worked to turn around the doom of the apocalypse, there are also those thinking of every way to confront the devils and disasters born of science. What we must do now is organize Valania’s precious scientific knowledge and entrust it to those who can protect it. “
Hearing this, everyone finally relaxed some of their taut and panicked nerves.
“The Fogfolk reversed the apocalypse… wonderful, the disaster borne of science will be reversed by them too. It will be reversed, for sure… ” someone murmured, placing their hopes in the marvels of the Fogfolk.
“What misfortune. ” Thinking of the future, some people bowed their heads in gloom, running their palms across their hair over and over as they pondered.
Suddenly, a primary school language teacher raised his hand.
“Distinguished gentlemen, while I am truly honored to participate in such a high-level conference, however…“
Everyone’s gaze shifted towards him.
“I’m just a teacher at Donghe Huaqing School, instructing third-grade students. At most, I’ve received the title of provincial-level outstanding teacher. I doubt I’d be much help with sorting out precious scientific and technological matters. “
“This sorting of science and technology does require manpower. Still, I concur—I’m not in a position to contribute much either, ” another person admitted honestly.
After such voices emerged, Theodore, one of the scholars, smoothed his chest with his hand and spoke up:
“Speaking of which, those nations along the southern coast are rumored to remain safe for at least another century or more. By then, my grandson’s grandson would probably have already been born. Such a long span of time… I believe the most pressing course of action right now is to quickly select citizens to seek refuge in the southern nations. “
As this Theodore, a scholar often featured in newspapers, expressed his opinion, many of those sitting or standing nearby nodded in agreement.
“Indeed, the Fogfolk are sure to be eager to resolve this matter involving the demon. “
“After all, there’s still over a hundred years. “
Observing the shift in atmosphere, a gentleman sitting across the conference table near the general let out a soft sigh.
He put down his crossed, long, and steady legs, straightened his back, and said:
“This sorting effort must start right now. “
“Why? ” Theodore tried to muster enough presence to stand his ground against the man’s plain yet commanding demeanor.
“Because preserving the legacy of science requires many of you here to start contributing from now on. “
“What are you talking about, sir? “
The man said with an elegant tone: “This is precisely why you have been invited to this meeting. Because all of you are the most suitable individuals for this plan. “
“Us…? ” Some people pointed at themselves. “Rely on us? ” They had no idea why they had been chosen.
Theodore’s face shifted as he sank into contemplation, yet he remained utterly unable to figure out why he was involved.
“In short… if you wish for yourselves, your children, your children’s grandchildren, and all descendants over the next hundred, thousand, or even more distant years to take part in this contribution—then stay. “
Faced with their bewilderment and disbelief, the general beside them said:
“Everything he said is true. Trust him. He is a Fogfolk who has made an enormous sacrifice for the sake of this meeting. “
Theodore’s features tightened. The man in the black coat, who had earlier pressed his fingers against the table, was a thirty-something gentleman. He looked over silently and said:
“I will join and contribute. My name is Simo Van Buren. But what are we supposed to do? And what can we do? “
“This is a plan about all of you, ” the man said as he stood up and slid a document precisely across the desk to the gentleman.
The man in the black coat stared at the few dark words on the cover of the document.
—The Silent Sage Project.
“Who are you? ” Van Buren looked up.
“My code name is Voiddust, ” Voiddust Elegant reclined and crossed his legs again, saying, “I am here to help your nation’s Scientific Vein Preparatory Committee proceed smoothly. “
……
Linguist and philologist Professor Lao Du’enzo had a habit of listening to the morning news every day.
By the time the radio program “Iron City Morning Broadcast ” played its closing blessings, he would almost be ready for college, packing up and heading out.
But today, he had no time to listen to that news report about the world, specifically the dire shift in the situation regarding the Southern Kingdoms.
His face grim, after receiving a refuge and immigration invitation from the Verona government, he returned home late at night, painstakingly choosing what to take. Then, carrying two leather suitcases, he stepped out of his apartment.
In the next few hours, he had to rush to the railway station in the north of the city.
If he were even a step too late, the crowds that had been gathering there since yesterday afternoon might breach the government’s barricades, making it impossible for him to board the departing train.
Carrying two black leather suitcases, wearing an autumn coat despite the heat, Lao Du’enzo left his long-time home with a heavy heart. But as he descended the stairs, he caught sight of two men getting out of a parked car across the street, walking towards him and standing in his way.
He immediately prepared to flee.
“Honorable Mr. Du’enzo. Please, come with us. “
“What’s this about? ” Du’enzo asked cautiously, stepping back, setting down his suitcases while raising his hands, his legs ready to spin on his heels and bolt at any moment. This was a survival tactic common in the communities of this country.
“You should know about the planning for the Scientific Vein Council, ” the man said.
The newcomer ignored the suitcases on the ground, instead asking this question with a polite demeanor.
“The Scientific Vein? “
Lao Du’enzo froze in shock.
News about this organization, which is concerned with the fate of human technology, was flooding the headlines.
But that was all the business of researchers and scientists.
For ordinary people with no access to technical documents, these matters were only something to listen to, worry about, or offer encouragement for.
Another short-haired man across from him, wearing a blue coat, said:
“Mr. Doenzo, there’s a special preparatory project for this conference, and we’d like you to participate. “
“Me? ” He was surprised to be linked to something so high-end. “What can I do? “
“You’re a linguist. We want you to join the Scientific Vein Preparatory Committee, and we need you to create a new language. “
“This… No way. “
Under Doenzo’s incredulous gaze, the man in the blue coat tore off the pointed earpiece he wore. As the linguist shrank back, his neck tensed with fear, the man laughed and said:
“Over the next few decades, I will protect you and everyone else who shares your mission. “
“Wh-what! Decades! ” Doenzo turned and bolted.
The scattered passersby in the chilly neighborhood scattered like startled birds at his yell. No sooner had the man turned around than Fogfellow grabbed him—one ear round, the other pointed.
“What the hell are you doing? How could I possibly do something like this? ” Doenzo said in terror.
“You rats! There’s a limit to jokes! Spending decades to create a new language with you people—that’s impossible! “
Another man got out of the car, and the three of them shoved the writhing Du Enzuo into the back seat. The driver casually tossed his two black leather suitcases into the trunk and clapped his hands: “Now we don’t even have to help him move.“
Squished in the middle of the back seat, Du Enzuo glanced left and right, resigned. “It’s over.“
The car door shut, and the short-haired man beside him picked up where he’d left off:
“Not about creating a new language with us.“
“Then with who?“
Du Enzuo shifted again but was wedged in tighter as the two men adjusted and squeezed him between them. His shoulders felt like hot dog buns, squashed together.
“It’s about you creating a new language yourself.“
“This language will be yours alone—yours, your children’s, and your children’s children’s. Only they can use it, learn it, and pass it on.“
Lan Du Enzuo gave them a look, like he was staring at complete madmen. _”
“Don’t doubt what we’re saying. From today on, you’re a hero of human civilization. You need to guard a piece of information with this new language, passing it down through your family for millennia.“
Du Enzuo felt like he’d been hit with a mental sledgehammer.
“Th-then…” After a long pause, he mumbled, “My wife already ran off with someone else. She, I…“
“You’ll have one.” The Fogfolk man beside him patted his shoulder gently, speaking with enthusiasm:
“I can introduce you to a widow tonight.“
……
With Zorro and particularly the distributor around, Yang Zicang managed a decent half-sleep in the tent—until daybreak, when he was jolted awake by pain from the iron fragments embedded in his body.
Dereiano, who had been dozing off while leaning against a small cabinet, opened his eyes as Yang Zicang turned over in his sleep.
“Didn’t get enough rest? “
“It’s alright. ” Yang Zicang pressed a hand against his chest.
Dereiano’s gaze fell on the hand, where the burn scars had yet to fully heal.
“Your injuries are pretty bad. One of our brothers in Havenlock, he’s a skilled medic. Want to go get treated? Should only take a few days to recover. “
Thinking about how Xue Qi was also there searching for a doctor to treat He Yishu’s peculiar injuries, Yang Zicang hesitated for a moment, then—under the witness of Zorro, who had just sat up rubbing his eyes—spilled everything about He Yishu’s wounds and their cause.
“You’ve already got something like an Ether Beacon? ” Dereiano was completely taken aback. “But I don’t know if he can treat your friend’s injury. “
Zorro sifted through his memories, trying to piece together possible causes for He Yishu’s injury based on Yang Zicang’s description.
Suddenly, a voice chimed in from a corner.
“What are you guys talking about? ” Tataming scrambled out from under a blanket full of jackets and let out a yawn.
Dereiano jumped in surprise. “You’re still here? ” He hadn’t sensed a single trace of the guy’s presence.
“It was a bit noisy outside, so I slipped back in during the middle of the night. “
“……“
“Oh, by the way, Brother Guest, would you like to sell me some Radiance or something? “
“Don’t ask me that kind of question for the next few months. “
Outside the tent, the voices of two people greeting each other rang out. Someone had arrived. Yang Zicang stood up and lifted the tent flap, and Long Dara’s assistant walked in with a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses.
“Hello, I am the diplomat from the Grand Duchy stationed in Waldestadt. The most respected White Violet Hero, Mr. Yang Bucheng. “
“Diplomat? ” Yang Zicang was already immune to these formal titles.
“Yes, we would like to invite you, sir, to return to our Helzelnhorzburg Grand Duchy to participate in the review and selection of our nation’s scientific heritage. “
Tata Mingqi stuck his head out of the tent opening, looked at the few people outside, and let out a couple of soft coughs.
Yang Zicang glanced at the boy and then said to the diplomat:
“I have other plans for now. “
“Our preparatory committee has reserved an important position for you. “
The man in gold-rimmed glasses persuaded: “For a hundred years, advanced scientific and technological materials have never been valued. Although the higher-ups had regulations long ago, when it really comes down to it, the database is filled with the safest… low-level technologies. “
“On the other hand, some private companies actually have decent technology, ” his companion added.
The diplomat nodded helplessly:
“But the general public has a profound lack of understanding and trust in it. “
“So what? “
The diplomat hadn’t expected the ‘Hero’ sir to be so impolite.
“If Mr. Hero could step forward and endorse the preparatory committee of our nation, considering your current reputation, a single call to action from you would likely convince many civilians who possess outstanding scientific and technological knowledge to believe in this plan. Perhaps they would then be willing to contribute their technical data for the future of humanity. “
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