Science is dying.
This is the truth the terrified masses, locked in fear of losing their immigration eligibility, are learning through various channels.
《Nations Are Preparing a Special Government Department Tasked with Collecting Scientific Knowledge》
《Why Nations Everywhere Are Conspiracally Ransacking Scientific Materials: The Hidden Hands of Wicked Unknown Clans Grip the Dark Side of the World》
《Stunning! The Devil Haunting the Earth Comes from Science Itself!》
Surging waves of terror spread across the continent. For the public who saw the newspapers, blending the indistinguishable stream of official news and hearsay, they felt as if the end of their lives was imminent.
“The Golden Shell Federation… was not destroyed by a devil’s invasion? “
When information that was once known only to the world’s high echelons was revealed to ordinary people, their first reaction was a fear of everything around them.
They feared their radios, they feared the newspapers in their hands.
They feared their watches and door locks. Even the crowds seeking to flee refused to ride in automobiles, preferring to walk barefoot, leaning on crude wooden staffs, and refusing to wear shoes. With barely any linen cloth to wrap themselves, they sought to escape.
Their terror of devils twisted their mental frequency from the era of civilization back to an age of slash-and-burn agriculture within mere tens of hours.
“The Fogfolk can’t be trusted either. “
“The doors to those places are sealed. They won’t take us in. “
A few shabbily-dressed Motao people stood before the gate of a fogfolk-rented settlement, blocked by a barrier of wooden spikes.
The newspaper they held featured a photo of the so-called “White Violet Hero “—that Fogfolk—who had won great fame in the South. Beside it was an article from the same press voicing suspicion of him and his kind.
The commentator argued that the statesmen of various world powers were betraying the interests of this world.
For in the past couple of days, many nations had openly invited him and, in his person, numerous Fogfolk to come to their countries, to protect some kind of committee they were establishing.
“The Hero Has Subdued the Demon Train! “
According to the black-and-white newspaper photo of a bizarre train guarded by rows of upright figures, railways across the world had suffered massive destruction.
Trains, in particular, became the primary targets.
Acts of smashing and looting quickly swept across bustling cities worldwide within three to four days. The panicked masses, now believing that trains could become flying demons that devoured people, consequently went on a large-scale rampage, destroying streetlights, newsstands, telegraph offices, and film cinemas. Public buses and automobiles were set ablaze. Once world-renowned clock and watch companies became synonymous with demons overnight, utterly abandoned and unwanted.
-｛Distributor May·Valkyrie stated with extensive experience, “I have already conceived and gave birth to a miraculous mass hero’s flash. “｝
Yang Zicang shifted his gaze from the newspaper headline, “All Nations Ban Anyone from Seeking Fogfolk’s Help to Travel to the Southern Countries Sundered by Ocean Currents, ” to the pendant hanging on his chest.
Loki·Tata Mingqi’s figure suddenly swooped in through the window, saying in disbelief:
“You actually conceived a flash out of nowhere! “
On the hospital bed in the gloomy room, Yang Zicang looked up:
“This flash isn’t about labor issues? “
No sooner had he spoken than his tone turned somber: “You could know I… Pfft. ” He suddenly caught himself. May’s Mrs. Fujian also knew he had obtained a new flash.
This young lad before him, even if he had far less experience than other distributors in other layers of the Moon Realm, still had enough of a brain to figure it out and analyze the situation.
Tā Tǎ Míng Qí walked over with both hands stuffed in the pockets of his newsboy coat, grabbing a cut apple from the small table beside his hospital bed.
“It was only over the past couple of days that I found out, through other suppliers and newspaper reports, that all these things have been happening around the world. These somewhat fear-panicking incidents have rarely been covered in official outlets. “
He spread his hands: “But looting and vandalism have been occurring simultaneously all over the world. “
Yang Zicang first temporarily completely shut off the perceptions of the distributor from his beacon pendant. A hint of mixed emotion flickered across his face.
“That such a thing could even spark into realization before that… labor issue that’s been dragging on for nearly two months. “
“The hardest nut to crack regarding the labor problem is actually the territory controlled by the Stefen Lion Emperor’s Empire. Without this occurrence, many of the Mistfolk might have tried to push your flash to completion, but now everyone’s attention has shifted. “
He himself was going to have to figure out some sort of maneuver within Stefen’s domain if he wanted to secure the completion of this flash? But in a place like Stefen…
“Having no preparation that night, you miraculously managed a relief operation surpassing nightmares and backlashes of Supernatural Class scenarios at a central station scale; combine that with the tidal wave of fear overwhelming the continent, and it’s absolutely plausible something coalesces as real real quickly. Mm, how about selling this flash’s worth authority market capacity sequence to me, and your transaction chain here completes entirety void? “
“What, do you think completely a likelihood like it? “
The boy nibbling the apple hunched his shoulders gingerly. He dropped down and began rolling his leg: splay-out easy yet perturbed:
“Look at all those periods, count-offs upon counting runs—what about those nation-contacts; is okay not late if delay—How maybe do you plan so far open leaf on arrangement pending? “
As Tata Mingqi looked on, Yang Zicang closed his eyes and leaned back against the headboard.
“I have no idea what kind of technology they want to smuggle into the next era. “
“You seem to have some concerns. “
“Your instincts seem pretty sharp. ” Yang Zicang replied.
The little boy chuckled, tossing the half-eaten fruit core in his hand. “I’ve been around for quite a while too, you know. Tell me, why’s that? “
Pondering for a moment, Yang Zicang placed his hands on the cotton quilt and listened to the faint, distant street noise seeping through the silent air before finally speaking:
“It’s that central dispatch station blueprint. “
“Blueprint? “
_”Even though I can’t read the design… the technology involved is no longer purely human craftsmanship. It has nothing to do with the high-speed rail stations from our era anymore.
Can you understand what I mean? That’s not pure human technology, and yet the people of Waldestadt still want to seal it inside a Secret Box. _”
Tata Mingqi crossed his legs and cocked his head, thinking it over.
“Alright, if you don’t want to get involved in this business, it’s honestly fine. I believe these countries are also looking for other Fog-denizens who wield Brilliant Flashes to serve as the Preparatory Committee and investment protectors for the Secret Box. Besides, this is good news for us distributors. “
Yang Zicang looked at him, a little confused.
“What do you need those Flashes for? “
“Heh, don’t try to pry information about the Moon Dimension out of me unless you cough up some Halos. Well… let’s stop here. “
The boy stood up, selected three small cookies from a pile of gifts on the floor in the corner of the room, and placed them on the bedside table where the apple had been, saying:
“Today’s nursing work is done as well. I’ll go check if He Yishu has any issues. See you tomorrow. “
He took two steps, then suddenly turned back: “Sister Cohni has been in a great mood lately. Especially when at the hospital, hmm. ” With that, he pulled open the door and left.
Bang! The door had just closed.
Whoosh.
A little bird figure appeared from the window on the small table Yang Zicang had placed by the bed. It turned its head, pecked a small cookie next to the cup and tossed it aside. It tapped the table, then said with profound depth:
“You’ve been pretty cocky lately. “
“What do you mean? ” Yang Zicang, tightly wrapped in bandages, stared at it warily.
This thing could really summon Soldier No. 4.
“As for my big client over there, lately it’s all about intelligence on you! Hearing your name every single day—do you have any idea how annoying that is, Cuckoo? “
Yang Zicang frowned deeply in thought. “Soldier No. 4 returned? Did he destroy some of the research institutes around here? “
“Trying to pump me for information! Pah, you spy! “
Smack! A cookie hit Yang Zicang’s lip. Suddenly, the little bird’s gaze fell on the gold pendant hanging on his chest.
“Whoa! You wretched thing! “
The little bird Cuckoo’s beak began to tap rapidly on the table, “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten… “
“What are you doing? “
“None of your business! ” Little Bird raised its head and continued pecking,thud, thud, thud.
“Twenty-one, twenty-three… damn it, that elusive Yang Zicang… ” It suddenly twisted its head, turning sinister and spoke slowly:
“Now that you’ve already obtained at least two pieces of Group Radiance Flash, I can’t even decide how much to sell you for! “
Damn it!
Yang Zicang’s eyes darkened, and he exhaled a turbid breath. “What use is money to you? “
“Yes, it is. What I want to do… what business is it of yours? “
But then it shook its head, thought for a moment, and lifted its tiny head: “If you’re willing to give me back my cradle bed, I’ll let you off this once. “
Yang Zicang gazed at the little creature, deep in thought. His teammate… that boy, must have had his reasons for handing him the metal box.
“You care that much about it? ” Yang Zicang tested the waters. “You said Soldier No.4 is your biggest client. Can I be your other… hmm, secondary client? “
“Huh? What do you mean by that, you pathetic, weak… ” Little Bird hopped over as if to peck him, then suddenly stopped its head mid-motion.
“Huh? Hmm… Sell the hotel to the client, trade for money, buy materials, build a home. “
It muttered to itself.
“Sign a contract with a weak human, check into the hotel, and get my original bed back… but what about the biggest client’s big order? “
Its eyes burned as it stared intently at Yang Zicang.
Their gazes met as it said:
“Look at me, answer my question, tell me—what do we do? “
“How… should I do it? ” Yang Zicang raised his arm and rubbed his eyes. “What’s the dollmaker’s order, and how much money are they giving you? “
“The order is to gather intel on that inn. And the pay isn’t ordinary silver coins. It’s… “
It hopped over to Yang Zicang’s ear and chirped a few words.
“Got it? “
“Got it. So that’s how it is… You know how to convert that energy into gold? “
The little bird leaned in and cooed two more sentences.
“Understood? “
“Understood, understood. Now I’m crystal clear. If that’s the case, I’ll go with your proposal and double the price. “
“Good that you understand. “
The little bird hopped down, casually lifted one metallic wing on the sickbed, and twisted its head to preen.
Yang Zicang let out a breath. Thinking about what Cuckoo the little bird had just said—the energy conversion news that seemed tied to He Yishu’s mental collapse—he twitched his brows slightly, turned to it, and asked:
“Then if I sign a deal with you, besides keeping info about me off the dollmaker’s hands, what else are you good for? Collecting intel for me? “
The little bird paused.
“I’m not doing that kind of thing! “
It tossed the last biscuit onto the table with a flick, “Give me back the Cradle, and I can connect you with distributors far more efficiently. That’s my… my mission! Yes, mission. What flavor is this? It’s way too salty. “
It pecked the biscuit a couple of times, then flew up and dumped it into the trash can.
Yang Zicang’s mood improved ever so slightly.
“By the way, you’ve been so busy lately, how did you find time to come see me? “
“I’m on work time now. “
Yang Zicang looked curiously at it perched on the trash can rim, “Work time? “
His expression shifted.
Cuckoo fluttered up and landed on the half-open windowsill, then said in a sinister tone:
“I’ve finished my tracking assignment. A Steffin intelligence agent will be here to see you soon. Go to hell. “
“You—! “
Yang Zicang, thickly wrapped in bandages, trembled as he tried to shift his body, but was temporarily caught by the hospital bed table framing the bed.
“Just kidding. Relax—you won’t be in danger until I’ve been paid. The one coming soon is a safe… well, a diplomat. “
Little Bird, the cuckoo, quickly flew off into the distance and vanished from the window.
Without a moment’s delay, Yang Zicang pressed the call button by the bed. Within a minute, a nurse pushed open the brown-black wooden door with a small glass window.
“Help me contact Mr. Dereiano. “
“Sure, Mr. Buchen. “
After waiting a moment, Dereiano, who had been stationed near He Yishu, came over.
“That distributor of yours is quite interesting. He even asked me to help sell his accessories. Hah, there’s no Glory Light payment for helping them out. But I accepted anyway. “
“I just got some information—there might be a pretty dangerous character coming here soon. “
“And here I thought you’d ask if I got a cut from him. “
Dereiano sensed an urgent tension from Yang Zicang’s state and said, “Tell me—do you know who it is? “
“They should be Steffen’s people. I just took out one of their key figures earlier, and… the other side is probably tracking me down. Now they already know I’m here. “
Seeing that Yang Zicang seemed about to cut off his own bandages, Dereiano quickly stepped forward to stop him.
“How important could this person be to make you worry like this? You’ve got to remember, Steffen has countless departments—their powers check and balance each other. But because of the Prime Minister, they’re all twisted together into one rope. “
Dereiano pulled over a chair, pressing his strong, firm palms together, and said with a grin:
“So unless it’s someone really high up, or someone they truly cherish, you don’t need to worry too much. Wasting the whole country’s resources on a big show would be too cheap for Steffen. Well, so who’s this person you’re talking about? “
“Soldier No. 2. “
“Ahem…! ” Dereiano stood up and walked nervously toward the window.
Glancing outside, he then saw a convoy of vehicles already pulling up from the street corner.
“They’re here already. Looks like they’re looking for you. “
“That fast! ” Yang Zicang couldn’t believe it. How could they have arrived in just one or two minutes?
Dereiano pulled the curtains shut and said solemnly:
“With us here, you don’t have to worry. As long as they’re not dead set on breaking in here, nothing will happen. I’ll go get ready. “
But the fear was that they were dead set on the hotel, determined to take him away.
Just as Yang Zicang was about to speak again, that nurse appeared at the door once more:
“Mr. Buchen, people from both Waldestadt and the Grand Duchy Embassy are here to see you. “
“Embassy?” The two in the room paused for a moment.
……
Soon, a group of people filed into the room. The gentleman with the gold-rimmed glasses had actually crossed national borders to be here. Furthermore, the entourage included figures from Heinwitch Intelligence and several journalists.
Amid murmuring introductions, Yang Zicang spotted Hailikoni, dressed in a formal suit, walking over from the back of the crowd.
She was accompanied by Lan Kaosi, whom he had met on the island, and a civilian military officer. The once-spacious hospital ward was now packed to the brim with people and cameras.
Catching sight of Yang Zicang wrapped in bandages, expressions of subtle unease flickered between the representatives of the two nations—except for those from Heinwitch Intelligence.
Amidst the clicking shutters and blinding flashes, the representative from Waldestadt placed a bouquet of vibrant green flowers on the bedside table.
“So, Sir, you’ve been untraceable these past few days because you came here for treatment. Ah, it was our oversight—we assumed that folk from the Mist World would always find a way to take care of such injuries on their own.“
The recording journalist gave a slight nod and jotted down brief notes in his notebook using one or two letters in shorthand. Then, moved, he added a private thought of his own:
We had almost forgotten: these friends from the Mist World are also living, breathing human beings. They, too, need quality medical care to tend to their wounds.
“In fact, our Waldestadt can also treat your external injuries.“
The envoy’s words instantly clouded the faces of the other two nations’ representatives in the room.
Lan. Kaosi held himself back, but the officer beside him—who was witnessing for the first time the “hero who miraculously saved the passengers of the Central Dispatch Station“—could not restrain himself.
“I apologize, Mr. Tygas Henson, but according to the current level of medical care, no other place in the world can match the standards of this hospital in our nation.“
During this special diplomatic period, especially with Havenk Zek suddenly rising to the peak of international prestige overnight, showing a bit of assertiveness on his part amounted to nothing.
Moreover, this was a critical moment to win over this man. Hence, the officer said these words with full force, leaving absolutely no room for tact.
“That’s right, Mr. Tygas. I’m afraid you’re not fully aware of the medical standards in your own country,” the gold-rimmed spectacled figure at the back spoke up.
“Diplomat Hoffman.” Having suffered two public setbacks in a row, Tygas turned back with suppressed anger.
“As a representative of the Grand Duchy, your remarks are hardly up to standard.“
Everyone’s gaze fell upon the young man who looked refined. No one expected that, as a diplomat, his words could be so ruthless.
Leno, who had interjected at this point, was also troubled. Under these circumstances, as a foreign diplomat, he had only been allowed entry thanks to the telegrams from the home country to the local embassy.
If he did nothing, he might not have a chance to speak until the end. Not to mention the task entrusted by the Grand Duke Heir.
Although his comment earlier had been presumptuous, if he could use the opportunity to take out a competitor, he wouldn’t mind appearing somewhat discourteous.
Thus, the man squeezed forward through the crowd, passing two people under everyone’s gaze, and continued:
“Mr. Bucheng, the Grand Duchy of Herzberg-Czárzburg wishes to hire you as the Chief Commissioner of our Scientific Legacy Preparatory Committee. Provided you are willing, of course. “
His gaze swept across the reporters nearby who were looking at him, and he spoke earnestly to Yang Zicang:
“If you are willing, we pledge that after our future expedition to the next continent, you will be granted the right to select and demarcate a duchy territory—the most treasured gift that honors an illustrious house. “
Charlotte Koni next to him was obviously taken aback.
Equally shocked were the accompanying staff from the Grand Duchy’s embassy in Haven-Cross.
The broad-foreheaded head of the delegation, Mr. Hour Times at that moment, hadn’t heard this news at all. He wanted to pull the man—inserted into the delegation by the royal family—aside for confirmation, but in front of so many people, he couldn’t make too big a move.
The speaker, Leno Hoffmann, had a calm expression on his face, but his heart was pounding like a drum.
He thought to himself silently, “This is what the Crown Grand Duke told me: do whatever it takes to bring him over.“
And even… he thought of a hint from a higher-up later: even that newly arrived, beautiful Mist-Bound woman by the Crown Grand Duke’s side could be used as a bargaining chip.
What does this represent?
Although I don’t understand myself yet, his preparations regarding the scientific heritage of various countries in the world had already made him a pivotal figure.
Perhaps because this “hero’s” choice of a particular country would, in these troubled times, vastly enhance that nation’s international attention.
“Is this… Is this true, Mr. Hofmann, the diplomat? ” A journalist wondered if he had misheard.
“It is true. ” The bespectacled man with gold-rimmed glasses confirmed calmly.
Using the lady currently involved with the royal family as a hidden bargaining chip, if this ever came to light, he would be the first to face complete ruin.
Rather than that, it would be better to trade with events that could come to pass in as little as a few years or as long as over a hundred and twenty years.
Reno Hofmann, a faint smile on his face, faced the man bandaged up on the hospital bed.
Leonhard…Your Highness, if even this fails to move you, then don’t blame me.
Meanwhile, to one side…
The envoy from Waldestadt had fallen completely silent.
He was at a complete loss as to how to proceed with the negotiation invitation.
Haili Koni, filled with anxiety and suspense, along with that officer, also looked towards the person on the bed.
A humming sound arose within the room.
“Ahem. “
The head of the envoy delegation, who had doubted Reno earlier, now saw the reactions of the people from these two nations and felt an unaccountable surge of joy. He immediately stepped forward, speaking with perfect etiquette and a generous manner:
“Hero Sir. Both councils and the people across the entire Grand Duchy remember the two times you assisted our nation. Putting aside what was just said, although every country in the world stands in need of similar aid, if you were to return to our Grand Duchy, the whole nation, from the parliament to the common folk, would surely support you. I believe our preparatory committee will carry out this work quite brilliantly. “
The head of the envoy delegation continued, lowering his voice:
“By then, if our nation were to lead the general technical assembly, you, as an investment protector of this caliber, could surely exert even greater energy and ability there. As for that highest gift from the honorary family… “
The mission commander was still a bit hesitant inside. Glancing at the confident Leno, he chose his words carefully:
“By then, we will surely provide you, who has made such contributions, with the reward you desire most, allowing a hero like you to take your pick. “
The reporters beside them, who had been startled, only now barely digested information about this rather exciting incident.
As they wrote it down with their pens, they captured a photograph of the diplomatic mission commander tilting forward slightly in the posture of one concerned for a patient, and Yang Zi-Zang whose eyes alone were exposed.
Each swiftly spun slightly exaggerated headlines that rose in their surge of emotion. Although many among them would be revised to something more normal and subtle when published.
“What should we do, Vice Secretary Koni? ” Lan. Kaosi asked in a low whisper. “They even threw the fief issue into the mix. “
“This kind of thing stirring up trouble won’t look good for the hero’s prestige, ” murmured softly from within the crowd, whether deliberately or as a pointed reminder intentioned.
“Mm. This is just the Grand Duke’s wishful thinking. A man as great as our heroic master… “
Haili Koni listened to these hushed discussions. She cast a glance at Leno, the diplomat, whose forehead was beaded with slight cold sweat yet who still maintained a warm smile.
The flicker of suspicion in her heart dissipated, overwhelmed with even greater sorrowful anxiety instead. Without realizing it, she furrowed her soft and delicate brows.
“Another convoy has arrived. “
Amidst the smooth, rhythmic hum of engines, yet another convoy appeared on the narrow roadway outside the courtyard.
“It’s the delegation from the Free Federation of Carincia. “
“Good heavens! ” The people indoors, especially the journalists, were instantly astonished.
The internationally obscure Empire of Carincia, ever since renaming itself the Free Federation, had already become a de facto controlled district of the Stippen Lion Empire.
All cameras were aimed at the stairwell entrance, eager to witness this nearly impossible scene.
The arrival of this delegation essentially confirmed it as an official visit on behalf of the Stippen Lion Empire to the person in the hospital room.
As another group of individuals, marked by a steely resolve, came upstairs, the room became thoroughly packed.
The delegation leader, Ambassador Ang Jins, swept his grey-blue eyes over the clustered crowd; only on the way did he learn that all these convoys had arrived to see the man before him.
“Ambassador, may I ask if you are visiting our Mr. Wumun on your own behalf or in an official capacity? “
“Will the Free Federation of Carincia establish a committee for collecting scientific and technological knowledge on its own, or jointly with the Stippen Lion Empire? “
Faced with these somewhat sarcastic questions, Ang Jins showed no trace of emotion.
Amid his guards in suits, who subtly elbowed through the crowd to carve a narrow path, he approached Yang Zicang’s bedside.
“Mr. Buchen, having heard of your recovery here, I represent our country’s embassy in visiting the hero who gravely wounded the Science Demon to safeguard the residents of Mutao. “
“Thank you. “
“Additionally, there’s a small matter I’d like to trouble you with. “
With that, Ang Jins glanced at Heiwen Zike and the others beside the bed, took out a document from his chest, and placed it by Yang Zicang’s pillow.
Everyone around turned their eyes toward the file in his hand.
With a smile as gentle as a breeze brushing one’s face, he said:
_”This is a preliminary list of technologies we’ve roughly screened. It’s said that across the sea, in the Fog Realm, their technology was once richer and more advanced.
As someone with practical experience, Mr. Hero, could you do us a favor and take a look? Among these unselected technologies — ones we unfortunately cannot adopt for now — are there any primitive or early-stage technologies that might, in the future, lead to a happier life for the people? _”
At these words, every one in the room fell into silence for a moment. A few exchanged glances, realizing that, like themselves, the others were entirely focused on that document.
The titled lands, bestowed honors, and distinctions of noble families all felt far less weighty and tangible than those few sheets of paper.
“These are… technological candidates your country declined? “
Yang Zicang moved his hand, clad in a hospital gown, his fingers wrapped in small bandages, and pinched the document.
Carnithia Technical Preparation Committee: First Round Technology File Reduction List
With a rustling sound, he turned open the cover, skipped over the foreword, and looked at the serial numbers beyond.
The first thing that came into view was…
- 1. First-generation firebox coal-feeding device, along with the ash bin and slag discharge system.
This is followed by the “Train connecting rod and crank system, ” beneath which is a slightly smaller font, briefly describing a scientific and technological principle that, in the history of human civilization, once bridged many people’s surprises and happiness:
“Converting the linear motion of the piston into the rotary motion of the wheels. “
“Alas. ” Yang Zicang let out an almost imperceptible sigh. With such a brief statement, this technology was being abandoned.
It was a great shame. But if he had to exchange one group of heroic radiance for this technology to remain silently stored in a box for hundreds or even thousands of years… it seemed he really couldn’t bear to part with it either.
- 4. The Bessemer steelmaking process.
- Pouring molten pig iron into a converter and blowing air into it to oxidize impurities like carbon, silicon, and manganese, thereby producing purified steel.
- 5. Fixed landing gear for small and medium-sized biplanes.
- Recommended for preservation: a retractable landing gear design that is more complex and detailed, capable of reducing drag.
- …Cold riveting technique… Recommended for abandonment…
The steps of a few people unconsciously moved closer, craning their necks to try and catch a glimpse of the paper.
Ang Jins, by the hospital bed, did not stop them.
- 1o. Visual navigation and landmark tracking technology.
- Relying solely on the pilot’s visual landmark system, trusting that people thousands of years in the future could reinvent it. “Quite optimistic… “
——12…
-
- The spinning mule…
——The continuous-operation ring spinning frame boasts higher production efficiency, occupies a smaller footprint, and demands less from its operators…
——Section 14: Fermentation and Stirring Tanks…
Yang Ziceng scanned them one by one, and through these silent words, it felt as though he was witnessing an era shedding its scales.
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