Chapter 962 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 962: The Season of Revitalization "[The Boro Province remains in upheaval. Union Foreign Minister Cheng Yan urges both sides of the conflict to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolutions. Bugra Freeland Mayor Odo has made an 'anti-monopoly' declaration, pledging to stand with the city's citizens! Firestone Group has countered Odo's claims and provided evidence of his bribery, urging citizens not to believe rumors! — City Edition of The Survivor Daily]" "[Chaos ensues in Freeland! The 'Hound' special forces are reportedly clashing with companies?! Saran entered this morning's meeting with his left foot first, possibly hinting at radical elements within the Union being behind the scenes?! A winter swimming competition takes place at Irvine Port, with locals lined up to jump into the sea! General McClain, commander of the New Irvine Port garrison, expressed discontent to General Grove, accusing those calling barbers and prostitutes the attendants and mistresses of the Vilanteans as baseless vilification. He insisted that the real attendants and mistresses are on the ships! Of course, General McClain also emphasized that he has no mistresses, not even temporary ones. — New Irvine Port Edition of The Survivor Daily]" "A few more days passed. Old Bai, back in Dawn City on business, stopped by the Ravencar Industrial Zone and happened upon Lasi's issued firearm in Fang Chang's office. It was a classic Centurion pistol, framed alongside its holster and displayed on the office bookshelf. Old Bai had already learned of Lasi's demise from the news days earlier. While his connection with Lasi wasn't as deep as Fang Chang's, he felt more resigned than sorrowful about the fated end. Yet seeing that familiar gun once more made him realize how much had transpired since their landing in Gingalon Port. 'You foresaw this outcome,' he said. Fang Chang nodded solemnly. 'Not just me—Lasi himself likely knew his fate.' Even long ago, Fang Chang had a premonition that the man who valiantly shouted names while throwing his own gun out might meet such an end. Appointing Lasi to head the Civil Defense Office was seen by many as a move to strip him of power, subtly demoting him, but no one understood Fang Chang's true intentions. He hadn't sought to outsmart anyone, only wishing for Lasi to learn some political maneuvering. Unfortunately, Lasi failed to grasp this for a long time, spending his days in a drunken stupor like a wasted life. Eventually, though, he seemed to figure things out—quitting alcohol, picking up books and newspapers. But alas. Driven by a desire to save the situation, Lasi resigned to head north, steadfastly believing he was against an empire that would crumble with a kick, without realizing their real enemies lay in shadows, biding powerful growth. Maybe if he'd waited, a better end awaited. Old Bai was silent. 'Yet he still went.' Fang Chang looked out the window at the bustling industrial district. 'He probably made peace with his fate long ago... ever since he first met us.' 'We can plant seeds, but can't ensure every seed blooms at the right time. Perhaps it's not about right or wrong but timing...' It wasn't just Lasi's time that was amiss; the entire Boro people's 'awakening' hadn't arrived. Only when everyone wakes from the nightmare, when each carries the spirit of a true hero and strives to become one instead of waiting for one, will the nightmare truly end. The time simply hasn’t come yet. 'Will you help them?' Old Bai asked, scrutinizing Fang Chang. Fang Chang pondered, then shook his head. 'I’m afraid not. I’ve started thinking... maybe I’ve harmed them. The steward might be right—if you perfect something, prepare for others to ruin it, or brace the pieces yourself. Lately, I've been tracking news from the rear. Zaid might be the one suited for that mousehole.' They entrap themselves in prisons of their own making. Perhaps this fate wasn't imposed but chosen. Old Bai looked astonished. 'I didn't expect such acceptance from you.' Fang Chang gave a wry smile. 'Given the situation, what else can I do—turn back?' Old Bai grinned. 'That wouldn’t make sense either.' Reluctant to admit it, but Zaid’s actions had checked them. Boro Province, with its vast population, couldn't be ignored by the Union, yet inhabiting it forever was implausible. Being read by a mere worm was ultimately inconsequential. Eliminate him? Why bother? If he loves cesspits, let him remain there. Both Zaid and his endorsers won’t change. When the current generation passes, their descendants will face new challenges in new venues. Their futures could be bright, or they might remain mired in a repetitive cycle. Yet that's another matter altogether. Fang Chang sighed. 'Thankfully, Mammoth State halted just in time and returned to the political-military track.' Even with shortcomings, they could become the Freeland, and Freeland's nightmare seems close to ending. Neither on the same path, but there's no need to follow the Union's journey. The Union never demanded that, anyway. In conclusion, "Sociology +3." Considering the severe technological regression in that land, hopefully, no one conjures "new red soil," right? Possibly. "Don't get caught in the details," Old Bai advised. "Haste makes waste. Sometimes good intentions bring unintended harm. Viewing it as a game might reveal a forest where you expected barren lands when we look back." Fang Chang mused over the advice, considering its merit. Old Bai chuckled as he patted Fang Chang on the shoulder, winking playfully. "Someone insisted on tagging along with me, and guess what? I couldn't persuade them otherwise. Can you guess who it is?" Fang Chang paused in surprise. In that brief moment of hesitation, lively footsteps echoed from outside the door. A flash of vibrant green slipped through the slightly open door. Seeing the familiar, cheerful face, Fang Chang's surprise turned into a smile. "Dolly?! What brings you here?" "I'm guessing she's here to check up on you," Old Bai laughed, raising his hand in a playful gesture before turning to Dolly. "I can vouch that although Fang Chang here faces many temptations, he stays quite moral in matters of the heart." "Well, I wouldn’t totally agree with that, but I do trust him," Dolly said with a cheeky grin, her eyes softly lingering on Fang Chang. "Of course, that said, the work union has evaluated its losses in Boro Province and decided it’s time to send in a stronger contender... ahem! Let me be your rival this time!" Fang Chang nearly choked, coughing to clear his throat. Dolly giggled at her boyfriend's reaction, jumping closer and patting his back. "I’m just kidding. The work union has their own representative. I’m here on behalf of 'The Survivor Daily' headquarters. You’ve seen it yourself—those quirky editions are eating up our market! Our boss got an earful from the administrator, so now we’re planning to directly expand our operations along the Great Desert coast and Bator Province." "So they dumped this hassle on you?" Fang Chang asked, bemused. Dolly raised an eyebrow, displeased. "What's ‘hassle’ supposed to mean? I'm capable, okay! I volunteered for this assignment!" "Yes, yes... you're amazing," Fang Chang conceded, raising his hands in surrender. "I give up." Dolly's expression softened, and she hummed in satisfaction. "Of course, my newspaper work is just one part—truth is, I missed you." "Dolly..." Fang Chang replied, his gaze filled with affection. The office tension shifted into a loving nostalgia. Oblivious to the increasing warmth, the two lovebirds stood lost in each other. Meanwhile, Old Bai watched, feeling like an unintentional third wheel, scratching his head awkwardly. "Uh, I’ve got a flight to the frontlines, so I'll leave you two lovebirds alone now," he announced, excusing himself while closing the door behind him for privacy. With only the two of them left in the room, the air grew thicker, the proximity and silence fostering intimacy. Suddenly, Dolly, snapped from her trance, flushed with embarrassment, pulling away slightly. "You... you should be careful. We’re in an office here! Plus, there are people around—it’s still a somewhat public space..." Fang Chang chuckled, watching as Dolly's voice petered into an embarrassed whisper. "Have I done anything inappropriate for public? Honestly?" Anyone else might sound convincing, but with Fang Chang's mischievous smile, it was clearly meant to tease. "I mean if you were going to say something weird... though I don’t know what you'd say..." "For example?" "...Just..." Dolly, cheeks blazing and words tumbling over each other, tried to explain while Fang Chang's smile only grew, savoring the moment. Noticing his delight, Dolly pouted, teeth bared in playful retaliation, pretending to bite his arm. "Take that, you meanie!" Their playful antics lasted half an hour, filled with clattering sounds echoing in the office—a joyful chaos of laughter and shenanigans. Surprised by their youthful frolics, Fang Chang glanced at the playful bite marks on his arm, feigning pain. "Are you part puppy?" Flustered, Dolly glanced away, an annoyed glint in her eye. Fortunately, her attention drifted to a peculiar frame on the bookshelf. "Is that your sidearm?" "No, it belonged to a friend," Fang Chang replied. "A friend?" Dolly tilted her head curiously. "Yes. His name was Lasi." Fang Chang tenderly mentioned, gazing at the framed artifact filled with memories. Stroking Dolly's hair, he recounted Lasi's story—a tale of passion and revolution. Listening in rapt attention, Dolly was swept into the narrative, her eyes glistening as she absorbed the epic. Her voice thick with emotion, she wiped her eyes and looked at Fang Chang earnestly. "I want to write a novel about him... or maybe a biography, serialized in the 'Survivor Daily' offshoot at the Great Desert's west coast." Once an editor for Sperger's, she had contributed significantly to "The Awakener Paul." Now that same creative fervor returned, ready to bring this deeply buried story to life. If no one else would write it, she would. Fang Chang teased, "You’re already planning a ‘spin-off’ when there isn't a ‘main series’ yet?" Dolly smirked confidently. "So what? 'The Survivor Daily' made its name in Boulder City with serialized novels about mercenaries and workers! By the way, I’ll need your help for some details. Would you, Fang Chang?" "Gladly," Fang Chang grinned. Gingalon Port did have some accounts of Lasi, but those were largely fictionalized, often missing intimate truths or failing to capture his essence—either branding him a power-hungry tyrant or an idealist consumed by his dreams. Neither was accurate. Lasi was simply himself—standing beneath countless totem poles, defiantly breaking his chains. Fang Chang had thought of writing Lasi’s story, but seeing Dolly’s enthusiasm, he decided to assist her instead, filling in details as needed. What should the book be titled, he wondered. “The Rise of Lasi”? Or perhaps... “A Benevolent Tyrant”? "The Awakener Paul" influenced countless in Gingalon and Irvine; who knew what impact this new narrative might have across the desert lands. Watching Dolly's eyes shine with excitement, Fang Chang couldn’t help but feel a rush of anticipation. --- Mammoth City. As the purges swept through, unrest reached the campus, instigated by Gale’s boastful talks of his father's foresight, now reduced to a quivering mess, cooped up in his dorm, relying on his "number one follower" and roommate Nayak for meals. Nayak placed a cafeteria meal box on the desk, looking at the cowering Gale with amusement. "No need to be so scared, they won't target anyone uninvolved in the riots." "Have you heard of Document 1500?" Gale whimpered, regretting ever boasting about his father’s senior position in the family association to Nayak. If Nayak leaked a single word, Gale feared he’d meet the same fate as those from the family's lower ranks. "...I’ve heard. I also heard the judges wet themselves in the court," Nayak responded calmly, quelling his friend's fears with a smile. He had no intention of betrayal. After all, he had bigger plans that needed Gale. Gale gave Nayak a grateful look as he emerged from his blankets, sitting down to devour the meal in front of him. After eating his fill, he let out a satisfied burp, casting a glance at Nayak who had already immersed himself in a book. Unable to contain his curiosity, Gale asked, "Why aren't you afraid?" "Because there's nothing to haunt me if I have nothing to hide," Nayak replied nonchalantly, eyes still on his physics book. Gale, tense with worry, hesitated before softly saying, "Nayak... I..." Nayak responded patiently, "I know. I won’t betray you. Just don’t let fear make you slip; if you blurt anything out, no one can save you. If you have the time to worry, instead focus on something else. You’re destined for great things, remember?" Gale nodded hurriedly. "I know. I'll make sure to take care of your parents... I will..." "And what else?" "What else?" "When you go back, keep your head low. If someone’s going to hit you, just lie down and imagine yourself as a squishy maggot." Gale shuddered, feeling the cold sweat trickle down as he listened to Nayak’s chilling words. "Can't I not go back?" That miserable future seemed worse than death. Nayak chuckled softly. "Of course, you can avoid it, if you're willing to let your father, the esteemed General Piquely, become the next Isher. Rest assured, given how he indulges you, he won’t blame you. So... is that your choice?" Gale’s father was a powerful man, deeply entrenched in the power circles of the capital. Gale fell silent, contemplating his father and the power within reach. After a long moment, he asked, "You think I’ll become emperor?" Nayak turned a page, affirming, "Your time will come, as promised." Gale laughed breezily, retreating back into his bed, wrapping the blanket over his shoulders. "Then there's nothing to fear... when I rise to power, I'll take them all down." As Nayak listened to the young boy speak such bloodthirsty words with a sunny smile, he simply nodded with agreement. "That's your path to tread." By evening, commotion erupted outside the dorm as rifle-clad soldiers surrounded the place. Gale, barely asleep, was jerked from his bed by a soldier, his previously ruddy complexion turning ghostly pale. "It wasn't me—" Nayak, held by another soldier, gave Gale frantic looks to keep silent and remain compliant. Gale swallowed his panic, going quiet as he let the soldiers move him. The soldiers didn’t interrogate but lined up all students from Boro together downstairs, each standing shivering in the cold wearing their pajamas. Though sub-tropical, the winds in winter still held a chill. The leading officer wasted no words, turning to Mengjie, standing aside, with a stern face. "Students from Boro are all here. Take whoever you wish; the rest will be sent back where they came from." The Eleventh Legion of Yokka had begun shelling across the Tasang River; all diplomatic and civilian exchanges had halted. Including educational exchanges. Seeing Principal Meng amidst the soldiers, the students burst into tears, pleading, "Save us, Principal Meng!" "I’m taking you all to Dawn City for studies... stay clear of this chaos!" Meng said, his heart aching for these young lives who were the sweat and blood of himself and Nian. Several students ran over immediately. Seeing soldiers not react, more followed, until about a dozen had crossed to safety. Still, a hundred remained. Undergrads and pre-university students alike, some, like Gale, had fathers involved in the capital’s administration, bound to return. Others, like Nayak, had futures their families hoped for or ties they couldn’t sever. Nayak had anticipated this moment. Showing no surprise, he hugged Gale, clapping his shoulder. "Don’t worry too much. Principal Meng is with Union representatives. Sava will ensure your safe departure; you can trust me on that." Gale couldn’t help but tremble, "Take care... come back anytime." Nayak nodded with a smile. "You too, take care!" After hastily bidding farewell to Gale and other familiar faces, Nayak headed decisively towards Principal Meng. He felt no doubt, as if already seeing the fate that awaited most of them— This would likely be their final meeting, with no chance of reunion. --- January 2, 215 AE: The first Human Conference concluded with Absek returning to Boro Province, secluding himself at the Boro Embassy in Gingalon Port. January 4: Gopal, leading the Grey Wolves, supported Shaluk entering the capital, with 'Butcher' General Piquely warmly welcomed by the capital’s military and civilians! January 8: Zaid arrived in the capital, delivering a victory speech against the Southern Army. On the same day, the Grey Wolves surrounded the Legislative Assembly, as Family second-in-command Sava announced the abolition of the grain consumption tax while issuing a cat ban, urging citizens to eradicate all cats, domestic and wild. January 10: The Committee officially announced the removal of Absek. Shaluk delivered an inaugural speech, ascending to Supreme Commissioner and Grand Leader. January 11: Gopal was appointed as Boro's First Marshal by Shaluk! January 13: Award ceremony upheaval! Gopal brushed off Shaluk’s hand, putting on the medal himself! January 17: Supreme Commissioner and Grand Leader Shaluk was arrested by the capital's guard! Rumored for collusion with the Southern Army during operations in Snake State and involvement in snake grass trade! January 18: The Committee's latest report reaffirmed that the grain consumption tax was an unreasonable exploitation, and suggested extending the tax to other non-essentials like cloth and livestock, to transform the 'wealth of the rich into food for the poor.' January 20: Grand Leader Shaluk confessed, admitting connections with the Southern Army! Family second-in-command Sava reiterated that the Family is just a rescue organization, acting as a watchdog over the Capital United Committee, inviting Absek back to oversee governance! Gingalon Port, Boro Embassy. Gazing at the collage of newspaper clippings he meticulously arranged, Absek's face brimmed with nostalgia. "How swiftly things change... they already want me back to lead again." These days, with little else on hand, he spent his time sipping tea and reading papers, eventually gathering clippings into a scrapbook, planning to publish as a memoir in his later years. Anwo, sitting opposite, remarked wryly, "Thinking of going back?" Absek chuckled. "I may not be the smartest, but I'm no fool. And you sly fox, I thought I’d seen the last of you, yet here I am relying on your hospitality." Anwo responded with a faint smile, “The Grand Leader jests... if I’d truly carried out your orders to clear that church, would we still be here exchanging pleasantries?” Absek grew quiet, turning to stare out the window, murmuring, "A sin, a sin... it wasn't my order; wandering souls best not haunt me. After all, the blame lies with Yanush, and I handed it to you because I trusted your shrewdness to manage it well—" “Your rhetoric won’t bring anyone back from the dead,” Anwo replied bluntly, eyeing the reflective man. “You walked away, but others are left to suffer.” Those words stung, and Absek sighed heavily, haunted by the weight. "I'm sorry about Isher... He was a good man, and his death saddened me as much as it did you. But you must have realized, as I did, he was determined to end it all. What could we have really done?" Anwo fell silent, contemplating. Isher could have easily walked away, but if he did, he wouldn’t have been himself. Absek also reflected quietly, wrestling with the inescapable trap they found themselves in. Even if he hadn't issued Zaid that letter of appointment, the outcome wouldn't have changed. Shaluk wouldn’t abandon his treachery just because Zaid’s support was absent, and the fate of the Eastern Empire was sealed regardless. Absek could have ended up battling Shaluk or another adversary, but how long could he endure on the strength of his convictions alone? A revelation from the Rift Summit allowed him to let go of his former burdens and emerge from the metaphorical well of despair that had trapped him. Shielding the Borons from the Southern Legion’s invasion was his historical mission, now fulfilled. No one could accompany them to the end of their history. "To leave it all behind and retreat into anonymity—that's what I need to do," Absek murmured, breaking the reflective silence. "But I didn’t expect Shaluk to falter so easily," Absek admitted, still processing the events. Anwo responded with a sip of his tea. "Nothing unbelievable about it. Didn't I, an unremarkable nobody, also manage to shoot Janush on the throne? Stripped of the backstory, few would buy the narrative." "True enough," Absek sighed. "Yet that wily fox thought he could play the successor, make me out as the dying Janush, not realizing we were all on the same sinking ship—interdependent and unable to destroy one another." Together, they formed "Janush." Now they were nothing. The serpents had entered the capital, snapping the trap shut, leaving no escape for the greedy rats. Staring at the collage of clipped news and the sullen faces of his former allies, Absek felt a deep sense of nostalgia. He harbored no sympathy for the cunning Shaluk; his demise was well-deserved. If anything, he hoped it wouldn’t be an easy death. But Sir Kabah was a different matter. Nearly killed by Janush, Absek had saved him from the executioner’s edge. Though gruff and too fair, everyone could see Kabah's genuine love for the land deep in his heart. Now with "Janush" resurfacing, Absek feared for what tortures awaited him. Anwo softly cleared his throat, pulling Absek from his reverie. "So what's next? If you’re not returning to the capital, what's your plan?" Word was Gingalon Port’s Union was courting him to reclaim the capital from the Family. If Absek chose that political path, his future wouldn’t be worrisome. Anwo could easily rally behind him. However, Absek surprised him with his response. "I met many at the Human Conference, and frankly... if we're talking intelligence, not to toot my own horn, but they don’t measure up to you and me." Before Anwo could process this, Absek continued, "Boro Province doesn't lack smart people, what it needs are a few who aren’t as clever, to muddle through this chaos. I’m leaving this unresolved chess game to the younger lot." "You're really letting go?" Anwo asked incredulously, looking at the former Grand Leader. Absek laughed heartily. "Indeed! I’ve even arranged with a representative from the South Sea Alliance for drinks soon." During the conference, he had overheard discussions on how space travel would become a burgeoning industry in the New Age. Already knowing the 'insider secrets,' he toyed with an idea. Perhaps it's time to create a company, rally Boro's brightest minds for something more significant. He decided then, it would be named "Absek Aerospace." To be continued...