The afternoon sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting slender streaks of light across Landys’s white bed sheets.
In the smell of disinfectant, Luoyisha pulled a chair to sit by the bed, looking at the man on the hospital bed whose eyes were half-open but lacked much clarity or consciousness.
“Listen to this, dear, ” she said softly, adjusting her sitting position so the hem of her skirt wouldn’t be pressed under her heel. “It’s still that organization called the World Ark. They did something very huge last night. “
She glanced at Landys’s much thinner face, but the man showed no emotional fluctuation.
“A technology that doesn’t need to be protected by heritage, one that transcends our era, has reached the next continent. It’s called the Tivi Machine… “
“…Now, it’s basically confirmed that this machine might even exist safely in our world for a much more distant future, no matter what era. That’s what the Fogfolk say. “
She hugged the wooden man around his neck with some excitement.
“Though I don’t quite understand why, it’s truly a miracle. “
After reading a bit more news, Luoyisha got up and sat on the edge of the bed. She took the man’s finger and pointed it to some text in theTalco Morning Post.
“Let’s start today’s word recognition. You must learn at least three, okay. This one is read as ‘heritage.’ Come on, say it with me. “
Landys struggled to open his mouth and made sounds to follow her, like a preschool child.
From the street outside the window came the clatter of carriages. After teaching for a while, she touched the hair of the man who had lost his memory due to the impact and whom the doctor had said might even regress intellectually to that of a child.
“Break time’s over, I need to get to work. They pulled a lot of strings to find me this simultaneous interpretation job, so we can’t lose it. Stay quiet and behave this afternoon, okay? “
The woman pulled up the newspaper spread open on her lap and placed it on the hospital bed in front of Landys.
Not long after, left alone, Landys lowered his head with a slightly confused look, trying hard to make out some of the text in the newspaper.
……
The events of the previous night were still brewing.
As soon as the Imperial Prime Minister arrived on the continent aboard the train and issued his congratulations, key figures from states like Heiwen Zike followed suit, offering their well-wishes from around the world via projections from the airships. That night had unmistakably turned into a grand celebration.
All the stifling rumors among the public finally began to ease on the morning of that day, thanks to the news of the solitary train that had crossed the sea and the triumph of the Tivi machine that had broken through the demonic siege, shifting the atmosphere just a little. It was like a stream of fresh, cold water rushing into a pool of stagnant filth, and it kept rippling outward.
…….
In the great hall of the Parliament, almost all those coming and going were associated with the Fogfolk, along with the high-ranking government officials of Steffen whom the Prime Minister had authorized.
At ten o’clock, the trans-sea live broadcast was finally about to conclude.
For the cameras broadcasting live from across the sea were beginning to show signs of demonic corruption.
However, right up until the end, the Tivi machine, which had been in the camera’s lens and was itself displaying the live feed, never showed a single problem.
Yang Zicang, Dereiano, and Zhao Anlong, along with a hundred other Fogfolk, were all aware that it was absolutely impossible for it to develop any further issues. The radiance of the heroics flashed that could be extracted was the best evidence of this.
As for Motave and his team, they were now under close personal protection by Zhao Anlong. They were in a separate room where no one could approach them directly.
“We do not plan to participate in the Science Heritage Preparatory Committee’s matter. “
In the face of the newly appointed Chief’s invitation to join this scientific heritage committee, Yang Zicang’s team declined once again.
“There are many Fogfolk here. You can look for them. “
The Chief eventually discovered, with some embarrassment, that none of the Fogfolk present were willing to participate themselves, nor to recommend others with investment capacity to join this venture.
It was clear that the collective attention of the Fogfolk was now focused entirely on the group aboard the World Ark.
Especially the team that had arrived by sea; they had all gathered around Dereiano and Yang Zicang, waiting to learn what their next plans would be.
Almost everyone understood how crucial the information revealed by the Tier-7 Moon Realm distributor truly was.
But the world was now in a state of turbulence. Were there any other teams, those like Motave’s, still developing technology beyond this era amidst such hardships?
They were only flesh and blood, daring to potentially birth demons while pioneering new technology in such a chaotic, apocalyptic age. Just thinking about it made it almost impossible to believe such a team could exist anywhere else in the world.
Even if such scientists actually existed…
They wouldn’t be someone you could find on short notice, much less verify the technology they possess!
To once again rely on such an event to generate a flash of brilliance that requires no investment is fundamentally impossible.
After declining yet another invitation from some department within the Empire, Yang Zicang rose from his seat within a crowd of onlookers. Hundreds of gazes immediately swept toward him in the slightly cramped conference hall.
“Hmm. ” Feeling these somewhat intense gazes, Yang Zicang pondered for a moment.
He knew perfectly well what they were waiting for.
“Ladies and gentlemen. “
Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked over, including the Imperial dignitaries and administrative staff in the room who had been discussing matters with Fogfolk and distributors.
“I believe we must unite all our forces to carry this out. Because this cannot be accomplished overnight as yesterday was. “
Facing the many solemn gazes now fixed upon him, Yang Zicang continued sincerely:
“This matter concerns far more than just the Glorious Light. I trust you all understand the true significance of the ‘Tevi Machine.’ Therefore, it’s best if we work together on its design and planning… just like with the Scientific Vein. “
The gazes of many suddenly contracted.
……
In the small restroom adjacent, Hailikoni walked to the doorway and looked out at the young man surrounded by the crowd in the main conference hall, all ears.
“Buchen, what do you mean? “
“Obviously, I think we need an organization parallel to the path the Scientific Vein represents. “
It was as though a silent thunderbolt had detonated within the room, abruptly curtailing everyone’s breath, making a pin drop audible.
Several ordinary-level Fogfolk trembled in their lips, exchanging tense, nervous glances.
“Its significance will be no less than the birth and guardianship of the Secret Box. However, we may consume a great deal of Flash Investment as a result, and it won’t yield equal returns in the short term. Yet this is something we must do. “
He was actually witnessing the birth of such a serious organization!
The young man among the crowd, sensing the increasingly solemn atmosphere, continued:
“A plan as edge-less as this requires mutual investment from all of us to navigate the obstacles brought by the times on the road ahead. This will be a new project plan that needs countless comrades to engage in Flash Investment and safeguard. “
Clap, clap, clap!
“I agree. “
A Fogfolk man with long hair tied back began to applaud. Soon, more Fogfolk and Distributors followed suit. Some political figures who hadn’t fully caught certain terms also joined in the clapping.
“I’m in too. This plan is precisely what we must pursue. “
People excitedly chimed in one after another.
……
Returning to the private rest lounge, Yang Zicang had barely sat down when Fulrry Zhao walked in with Hei Yang, Ying Renyu, and others through the door guarded by soldiers standing at attention.
“Yang Buchen. I didn’t expect you to announce this matter so promptly. “
The poised and graceful Hei Yang approached and took a seat in the nearby chair, saying, “Zhao Anlong just asked me to inquire whether we need more people to come back. If we have a train, we can bring back a whole ship’s worth of people at once. “
“Probably not. This matter is a bit different from the Secret Box. Our main task is investment, and we don’t yet have enough teams needing our help, do we? “
This was indeed a dilemma. After a moment’s thought, those present in the room realized that while the large-scale project, which had already been initiated, might give birth to one glorious Radiance after another in the future,
for now, for the present, it remained nothing but dry, withered mud.
The turbulent situation of the times would create a multitude of possible variables for their actions. With the slightest lack of attention — perhaps a single shell fired by mistake — it could shatter a possibility that had been cultivated through prolonged effort.
“Heaven’s timing, earthly advantage, and human harmony — I think we already occupy half of these, “
Ying Renyu said, leaning against the table beside him.
“Bringing this up now is the right move. At the very least, it will make some brothers who were thinking of acting solo realize that, with this endeavor, there’s completely no need to do it all on the sly by themselves. “
The few people in the room nodded. As they did, the door opened once more. Haili Koni sidestepped in, ushering a staff member in a crisp, clean uniform into the room.
“No one here has had a good rest in these past few days. Here are some tea and snacks that can help calm the mind and restore the spirit. Please, all of you, have a taste. “
The wheels of a gleaming metal catering cart glided across the floor. On its upper tier, an elegantly simple ceramic teapot gently released curls of warm steam. A soothing fragrance of chamomile blended with a hint of lemon balm began to diffuse, instantly relaxing the nerves and loosening the tense minds of those in the room.
“Thank you, ” they said in unison, accepting the tea and taking the pastries that had been placed beside them.
These treats included an apricot jam tart whose surface shimmered with an alluring glaze, as well as what appeared to be light and fluffy scones dusted with fine powdered sugar, alongside egg tarts.
Yang Zicang took the warm tea offered by Haili Koni, the woman said while sitting on the sofa chair next to him, “Take a good rest this afternoon. “
Feeling some drowsiness in his head, Yang Zicang nodded, “Indeed, time to rest. “
“Then leave the discussion about the new organization plan to us for now. “
Ying Renyu said from the side, “I believe everyone also wants to gather some information about this matter first and understand the core procedures of the previous era’s Scientific Vein Council meeting. “
“Indeed, this is an important plan that can give birth to many Glorious Lights again. We must come up with a perfect action plan. ” Hei Yang nodded gently in agreement with the man’s words.
“For example, how to mutually invest and avoid the problem that self-invested Glorious Lights cannot generate new ones. This regulation must be meticulously crafted. Otherwise, years later, when the research finally succeeds but yields no corresponding Glorious Light, it will be utterly foolish and devastating. “
……
After the noon banquet, Hei Yang, the young lady in charge of the World Ark, announced the discussion and opinion collection plan for the new project.
“Great! ” Hearing they would rest well in the afternoon and the first discussion only starting tomorrow morning, the men and women weary from days of travel finally yawned in relief and headed to the hotel Steffan had provided for rest.
They feared their companions might rush into the new plan frantically for fear of falling behind the others.
This orderly method was the best possible scenario.
In a large guest room, Yang Zicang entered the bathroom, took a comfortable shower under the faucet, and walked out. Then the door thumped.
Opening the door, he saw Haili Koni standing outside, now dressed in plain clothes.
“Miss Koni.” Yang Zicang, drying his head with a towel, looked outside in slight surprise, meeting the eyes of the woman with equally damp hair, her shoulders draped with a dry bath towel, and her moist, glowing skin with slightly wavy strands.
Seeing this handsome face with skin even more refined than her own, Haili Koni’s heart beat slightly faster. She spread her smile and said:
“I’ve noticed that ever since someone left the island, that bad boy’s become… a not-so-bad bad boy after all.“
Yang Zicang immediately recalled the scene where he was tricked by his “brothers, my family,” let out a couple of awkward chuckles.
“Come in.” He held the door open for her.
The woman who entered glanced left and right around the room, chatted desultorily with Yang Zicang for a bit, then turned to look directly at him.
“What’s the matter?” Seeing her direct gaze, Yang Zicang asked, appearing slightly at a loss.
“Mr. Bucheng…” Haili Koni said, her cheeks slightly red, “Could I ask… if you could use your power to help dry my hair?“
Yang Zicang was briefly startled, looking at the woman’s fair face, dressed rather lightly and still carrying a clean, fresh scent from her bath.
“I…I“C’mom comas yper, “Yang frteinheSigh. Itôsi:endueSintthv**What?Thepue.c; t can try… but I’ve never done this before.“
He wanted to ask if she was worried about seeing too much of their power causing problems, but then he thought, that might just be because it shakes ordinary people’s sense of reality and makes them doubt the world. Born into a large family, Haili Koni must have been used to seeing incredible things since she was a child. A little bit of a Fogfolk’s fire-manipulation ability wouldn’t cause any overly startling bad consequences.
“Where should I sit?” The girl looked left and right.
There was only one chair here, and it was occupied by Yang Zicang’s stinky clothes and pants.
“If you don’t mind, just sit on the edge of the bed.“
“Mm…” Haili Koni responded softly, sitting down on the soft bedsheet. Yang Zicang took off his cotton slippers, climbed onto the bed, and knelt behind her. One of his hands passed through her hair, lifting it from her neck, and then he activated the operation route of the “Blazing Holy Sword” within his body.
The gentle flame was controlled with great effort by Yang Zicang, gathering it near his palm. Amplified by the Grayish-white ethereal flame of the Sacred Origin Source, it slowly spread intense heat, like a warm breeze, evenly saturating the area.
Yang Zicang, who was always pursuing raw power in attacks, was being so cautious for the first time, carefully controlling the flame’s temperature as if he were handling a fragile treasure. He was right against her back, gently warming her.
“Such a comfortable feeling…“
……
The sound of violent waves crashed against the black, burnt rocks.
Cheng Yunze and the others gathered around a vintage television placed on a rock before them. By now, many chattering natives had crowded around, but the device still showed no signs of malfunction. Though that much was only to be expected.
“We can’t understand any of these languages, ” Famor muttered to the researcher beside him, another colleague from Tavco Electric.
Both men and women wore loose shirts made of linen or rough hemp, with some men also sporting wide-brimmed felt hats and indigo-blue tunics. A few women in corseted bodices draped with lazy, elegant hoop skirts stood watching from the shore.
A pretty brown-haired girl, whose skirt billowed up in the sea breeze—revealing a thick linen petticoat underneath—first leaped down.
Barefoot, they stood on the slippery reef, curiously sizing up the long, unknown machine floating in the water and several of the group, chattering away with pursed lips.
Finally, a noticeably lean man hurried over. With the linen sleeves of his shirt rolled up high, revealing his bronze-toned arms, he waved and greeted in halting Mutao:
“It’s getting late, old friend from across the sea. Would you like to come onshore? “
The group turned their gaze to Cheng Yunze, who stood at the front.
The man thought for a moment and asked, “Excuse me, where is this place? Do you have any unusual stories from world history here? “
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