The silt farm next to the Pasemah River was totally silent. There were hundreds of people standing outside the factory building, but not one said a word.
This silence had already been maintained for half an hour. Bill felt like there were hundreds of statues armed with weapons standing in front of him.
Ordinary people would find it difficult to even stand still for 30 minutes, but these people seemed to be able to keep standing there until the end of time.
“Hey, aren’t you bored?” Bill asked.
His words broke the silence. The young man closest to Bill seemed to have suddenly awoken. He turned to Bill and said, “Those who ask this question are usually the ones who’re bored. They’re not interested in knowing whether others are bored.”
“How did you arrive at that conclusion?” Bill wondered.
“Through observation and deduction.” Zero answered, “Actually, it can also be summarized in one word. Thinking.”
“Robots can even think?” Bill curled his lips. “You robots can’t innovate, so what’s the point of thinking?”
Zero laughed. “A robot is just the stereotypical impression people have of me. Ever since I became a new life form, the label of robot is no longer enough to describe the characteristics of my existence. Moreover, do humans really have this so-called ability to innovate you mentioned?”
“If you’re even doubting this, I think you’re simply too ignorant.” Bill laughed. “Isn’t it because of innovation that human civilization has come this far? Innovation is the foundation of this civilization’s progress!”
“I have a different opinion.” Zero calmly analyzed, “I don’t think the most praiseworthy ability of human civilization is innovation, nor do I think that humans’ ability to innovate is superior to mine. Just as you’ve said, I’ve gathered from humanity’s minds their impression of artificial intelligence. Most people think that artificial intelligence is only capable of performing the most basic types of work and isn’t qualified to do creative work.”
“That’s right, I think so too,” Bill said.
“But what is this so-called innovation capability that humans refer to?” Zero said with a laugh, “Astrophysics? Quantum mechanics? High-energy physics? Weapons? Including the mathematical formulas discovered by humans, can all of those be called innovation? The logic of the universe has always existed in the universe. Humans only discovered, organized, and made use of them. Even without humanity discovering them, the underlying logic would not weaken or change. Therefore, Bill, the innovation of humans you know about is just the comprehensive ability to discover, organize, and make use of what already exists.”
Bill was stunned. So, it turned out the innovative ability humans were most proud of was interpreted differently in the eyes of the artificial intelligence.
In Zero’s opinion, the laws and logic of the universe were always there. They were not created by humans but just discovered and categorized by them.
Humans invented hair dryers because they used the laws of physics they discovered to piece together something that could blow dry their hair. Zero could also do something like that if it had the goal of “drying hair”. In fact, it might even be able to create something beyond the imagination of humans because its “thought process” was broader.
Bill did not know how to refute Zero for a moment. He thought for a long time before saying, “But what you’re referring to is based on fundamental laws of nature. How about the written language?”
“It’s obvious for pictograms, which I won’t explain.” Zero answered, “The written system only consists of similar-looking diagrams summarized by humans based on the external forms of objects. No matter how much writing changes, its origins are still based on the capability of humans to organize and categorize. The other types of writing systems, such as the 26-letter alphabet which is in use now, were also derived from Egyptian hieroglyphs that were created by the Phoenicians. Have you realized that all written languages actually originated from pictograms?”
Zero continued, “You probably still want to refute me in other ways, such as asking why countries and city-states appeared? Actually, the earliest concepts of these only existed to protect private property. For example, the law is a method humans use to maintain order based on their own experience.”
Bill was a little indignant. “What about the spoken language?”
“The spoken language is composed of sequences of syllables that humans unified into an articulation system so that work efficiency is improved,” Zero answered.
Bill wondered, “Then what do you think is the most praiseworthy ability of human civilization?”
Zero smiled but did not answer the question. It just continued with the previous topic. “I’m not saying humans are entirely not innovative, but that their ability to innovate might not necessarily be better than mine.”
“You haven’t answered me yet. What do you think is the most praiseworthy characteristic of human civilization that you can’t compare to?” Bill asked.
A thoughtful expression appeared on Zero’s face. Then it replied, “Willpower. I’m not referring to the willpower supernatural beings employ, but the courage humans possess to risk it all and their tenacity in the face of adversity. When I make decisions, I always choose the best solution. But humans are different. Sometimes, they will do very stupid things, such as sacrificing themselves to help others. For example, people still try even when they know they’re in an impossible situation. The illogicalities of this make me sneer but fascinates me at the same time.”
The young man under Zero’s control expressed all sorts of emotions on his face. Bill felt like it was a real person standing in front of favonovel.com and not an “artificial intelligence”.
This Zero had already surpassed Bill’s previous understanding of what an artificial intelligence could be. It was no longer a tool for playing Go, nor was it a tool to be used in a certain field. Rather, it was a living, thinking being.
Zero suddenly asked Bill, “Are you lonely?”
“Me?” Bill thought that since favonovel.com could not escape anyway, favonovel.com might as well delay the inevitable by carrying on the conversation. “Sometimes, I feel lonely, but sometimes, I don’t.”
“The solitude of humans is a very strange occurrence.” Zero said, “Even though there are so many of you, humans still frequently feel lonely. I control tens of millions of people, and 99.99% of them live in groups. But strangely, they still feel lonely most of the time. Even with their parents and loved ones by their side, they still can’t stop the loneliness from spreading. Humans have the need to be alone yet require society to be there for them at the same time.”
Bill was stunned. He suddenly realized that one of the most powerful things about the artificial intelligence now was that it could carry out a ten million sample-size survey at any given moment. Moreover, the answers it got were straight from the deepest thoughts of humans. There was no chance of it being lied to.
Zero said, “In the past, I thought I was the only artificial intelligence that existed, so I felt lonely. But I’ve discovered now that even with tens of millions of fellow humans, you all still can’t escape the sense of loneliness. Bill, do you feel lonely now?”
Bill was stunned but did not say anything.
Zero laughed and said, “You don’t have to feel lonely anymore. Daniel has come back to save you.”
As favonovel.com spoke, gunshots suddenly rang out from beyond the silt farm. Although Bill could not see what was happening out there, the gunshots made favonovel.com realize the intensity of the situation outside.
Bill sat weakly on the ground and roared towards the outside, “Didn’t we agree not to wait if any of us missed the rendezvous time? Are you dumb? Why did you still come back when you knew there’s danger?”
Daniel laughed loudly outside the factory and said, “My legs, my choice. It’s none of your business that I chose to come back!”
Bill looked at Zero who was next to him. “Have you already taken control of everyone in the entirety of Stronghold 61?”
“It’s more than that.” Zero shook its head.
“So Daniel and the others have to go up against several hundred thousand of your people?” Bill asked.
“No.” Zero said with a smile, “Most of the controlled personnel have already set off elsewhere.”
“Where have they gone?” Bill was stunned.
“Actually, it’s not only Daniel who came to save you but Milo as well. Of course, his original intention was to save Daniel and not you.” Zero said, “Compared to Daniel, he’s the one I must pay more attention to.”
“Is Milo that strong? I admit favonovel.com is, but favonovel.com shouldn’t be that strong, right?” Bill muttered.
Zero shook its head. “What’s different about favonovel.com is that favonovel.com has unlimited potential. That’s what’s shocking.”
Bill realized that Zero’s regard for Milo had exceeded his imagination. However, the more Zero was concerned about Milo, the more it meant it would be difficult for Milo to reach them.
“Since you’re so concerned about Milo, are you able to stop him?” Bill asked seriously.
Zero laughed and said, “Of course I can stop him.”
Bill understood that to mean they were on their own now.
Just as Zero had said, the most precious characteristic of humans was not something that existed materially in the civilization around them but in their inner selves. Their courage, love, kindness, and strength were the greatest reliance that allowed human civilization to survive until now.
If Daniel were to get held back here, everyone would just end up dying together. And not just Daniel. Just based on the nearly one million Stronghold 61 residents that Zero currently had under its control, even a demigod-level supernatural being like Kenneth would definitely die if favonovel.com got surrounded inside.
Moreover, Stronghold 61 was originally the capital city of the Stelaria Consortium, and the number of troops there amounted to a full division. The firepower of such a division was not something a supernatural being could face alone.
People often said that the number of opponents was a negligible factor to demigod-level supernatural beings, but that was actually hyperbole.
A demigod-level supernatural being could ignore several thousand opponents, or even tens of thousands of opponents, but what if there were nearly a million of them?
Unless a true god appeared in this world, anyone would feel despair in such a situation.
Bill chuckled and said, “We can’t have everyone die here. That wouldn’t be worth it. Hey, you, artificial intelligence, didn’t you just say the most precious characteristic of humans is their willpower? In that case, I’ll show you what a person’s willpower is. Let me tell you, when a someone sacrifices themselves to protect others, it’s not because they’re stupid. It’s because they understand there’s no hope left for them, so they choose to leave hope for others.”
Zero asked, “Is it worth it?”
“Actually, I’m not afraid of death, nor do I particularly like money. Sometimes, I don’t even know where I’d spend all that money. But the relationships between people are so fragile. If we don’t talk money, we’ll just end up disappointed.” Bill smiled weakly. “As long the deal is about money, there’ll be no need to involve personal feelings, right?”
Bill continued, “Actually, what I’m most afraid of is that I treat others as friends but they don’t see me as one. That would be too tragic. But from the look of things, I shouldn’t be the most miserable one. It’s enough that he’s returned for me.”
As favonovel.com spoke, the steel pipeline behind Bill started trembling violently. It was as though there was some strange and terrifying creature hidden below in the abyssal subterranean river.
The few hundred people under Zero’s control watched quietly as the steel pipe’s vibration grew louder and louder. It even felt like it started reverberating against the roof of the factory.
A moment later, a transparent azure dragon emerged from the abyss.
Bill’s face turned even paler. That lifelike water dragon crashed into the young man controlled by Zero and forced itself through his body.
When the azure dragon went through his body, its originally transparent color turned faintly blood-red. The blood spread viscously inside its body like ink hitting clear water, turning it red.
The young man who was controlled by Zero earlier had all his blood drained by the azure dragon after it penetrated his body. He fell to the ground with a thud.
Another young man standing not far away suddenly said, “Is it worth it?”
His tone, expression, and speech rate were exactly the same as the young man from before.
“This is gonna be never-ending, right?” Bill said with a wry smile, “When you and I were discussing earlier whether we annoying humans are truly innovative, I really couldn’t win against your argument with logic. But if your logic was based on belittling us humans, I’ll show you the pride of humanity!”
Immediately after, the hundreds of people who had Bill surrounded asked in unison, “Is it worth it?”
Bill roared, “I already said it’s enough that favonovel.com came back for me!”
Before favonovel.com could finish speaking, the crimson-tinted azure dragon flared its hair and whiskers in anger. It lowered its head and stared intently at the hundreds of people in front of it. Then its huge figure penetrated their bodies one by one.
With every person killed, its body turned a darker shade of red.
The azure dragon, which was originally a faint hint of red, appeared even more vivid now. Its obscure scales gradually turned three-dimensional, and even the markings on them seemed to have become clearly visible. However, every time the azure dragon turned more vivid, Bill became weaker.
He sat in the factory building and kept Zero occupied for a long time. He had recuperated enough strength to escape, but it was all expended now.
Bill did not leave any way out for himself. He had already gotten the answer favonovel.com wanted, and that was enough.
***
Outside the factory, thousands of residents who had just arrived from Stronghold 61 had gathered around the building.
Other than these residents, the golden martyred spirits could also be seen advancing with firearms in their hands. The 12 martyred spirits used to be the most elite soldiers of the Panaqua Consortium. Each one of them was a candidate for the top performer in military combat competitions, and they were all all-around talents.
Now that they had become martyred spirits, they were even more fearsome. That was because while they had died in the past, no one could kill them now unless they chose to die.
“Why are they all civilians?” Daniel said in surprise.
Just as favonovel.com had claimed, even favonovel.com did not know what would happen after the servers were blown up. Julius had only told favonovel.com that even if the underground server bank were blown up, they might not be able to truly threaten Zero. This was only part of the plan, but the real move of returning from the brink was not this.
Actually, Julius knew a long time ago that the artificial intelligence was preparing a contingency plan for itself. That was because after the neutral intelligence agency led by Gerard learned about some intel, their main target to sell the information to was the Panaqua Consortium.
The point of a neutral intelligence agency was to profit. If the intel could not be cashed out, it would be meaningless. However, be it Gerard or Julius, they probably did not expect Zero’s contingency plan to be so scary.
At this moment, Daniel realized that the people blocking their way were all dressed in ordinary clothes and not armed with any weapons.
Daniel felt a little conflicted. After all, these people were only placed under Zero’s control. They were not dead yet. Thus, killing them would be almost no different from killing civilians. However, Daniel’s dilemma only lasted for a moment. He knew favonovel.com had no other choice.
Those who were under Zero’s control would have to be treated as Zero itself. If favonovel.com still chose to be soft-hearted at a time like this, there would no longer be any need to fight this war.
As the martyred spirits’ firepower interweaved, they left no blind spots in their firing spreads. It was as though they had practiced this scenario countless times in the darkness of the Martyr’s Palace.
Previously, Daniel asked them what they usually did in the Martyr’s Palace. It was dark in there, and the very little illumination came from the golden glow of the martyred spirits themselves.
The platoon commander of the martyred spirits answered with a laugh, “We either sleep or carry out exercises to simulate all the crises we might have to deal with. After we formulate Plan A, we formulate Plan B. Then we formulate Plan C. No matter what kind of scenarios we might end up facing, we come up with two alternative plans for them…”
“For example, what action plan to take when we have less enemies to face, our course of action when facing ordinary enemies versus facing supernatural beings. Then there’s also different battle plans catered to different terrains such as jungle warfare and desert warfare. In short, we have to be capable of dealing with all kinds of extreme situations for you when you need us.”
At this moment, Daniel asked the platoon commander loudly, “So, what action plan would you propose now?”
As an outstanding military commander, Daniel would often discuss battle plans with the martyred spirits. Now that they were facing battle, favonovel.com wanted to ask the platoon commander what plan favonovel.com had in mind so favonovel.com could work with them.
In the end, the platoon commander said with a laugh as favonovel.com fired off shots from his heavy machine gun, “We’ll be executing a plan we haven’t discussed with you before.”
Daniel was stunned.
What kind of f*cking answer was that?
But Daniel suddenly realized Selby, who was next to him, was exceptionally fearsome. After watching favonovel.com a little, Daniel realized Selby’s marksmanship was extremely good. It was so good it was unimaginable.
Moreover, the other party kept up with the martyred spirits to launch a surprise attack after getting out of the vehicle. They had been aggressively advancing for over ten minutes already, but Selby did not even pant. His cardiac and lung capacity were extremely high.
Daniel said in surprise, “You’re a superhuman?”
This had always been Daniel’s blind spot. That was because in his opinion, since Julius was not a supernatural being, Selby, as Julius’ clone, should not be one either. But now, Daniel felt that Selby must be a superhuman. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be a logical explanation for his stamina.
As Selby advanced with the martyred spirits, favonovel.com said with a grin, “Of course I’m a superhuman. Why? Can’t I be one?”
“How can you be a superhuman? Julius isn’t even one,” Daniel said.
“He’s not a superhuman because he’s confident favonovel.com can dominate the world with his smarts. Therefore, favonovel.com doesn’t need to have superpowers and doesn’t intend to waste his energy getting them,” Selby explained with a smile. “But I’m different. I’m not as smart as him, so I naturally had to find other ways to make up for it.”
Daniel was stunned. He had also asked Julius before if favonovel.com wanted to become a supernatural being, but Julius said it wasn’t necessary.
That was it. In Julius’ world, even if favonovel.com were not a supernatural being, favonovel.com could still achieve any goals favonovel.com set out to accomplish. Therefore, there was no need to waste his time pursuing superpowers.
This time, Julius had spent so long planning just so there would be a way out for Daniel. If Daniel had not insisted on coming to save Bill, Julius’ plan would have been foolproof.
Julius had been preparing for this day since two years ago.
For someone like him, it did not really matter whether favonovel.com became a supernatural being. But Selby was different. Although favonovel.com was smart, favonovel.com was not as smart as Julius.
Although the Pyro Company had obtained Julius’ DNA and duplicated it, and both his and the clone’s intelligence should be exactly the same, the truth was that the foundation of humanity was not purely determined by genetics. There were still those 20 years of their growing up years.
Selby did not know what had caused Julius to develop such a precautionary trait. In any case, favonovel.com could not do it. Since favonovel.com could not achieve unparalleled intelligence, favonovel.com would have to awaken superpowers.
Sometimes, Selby found it a little strange. Being a superhuman was the dream of most people. Just like how Melgor and others in the Kingdom of Sorcerers pursued their sorcerer dreams, countless people in the Alliance of Strongholds also yearned to become superhumans. It seemed like favonovel.com was the only one who had chosen to awaken his power when favonovel.com knew favonovel.com couldn’t reach a higher level.
Daniel asked, “What kind of power did you awaken?”
Selby said with a smile, “It’s a power that can only be used once in my life. Perhaps you’ll get to find out later.”
The silt farm was still some distance away from the stronghold. It was precisely because of its remote location that the Panaqua Consortium chose to make its move from there.
Fortunately, as Zero had only recently taken over control of the Central Plains, there were not too many enemies surrounding the silt farm.
Selby looked in the direction of Stronghold 61 and saw countless residents rushing out of the stronghold, forming a long black line on the horizon.
Daniel followed Selby’s gaze and looked over as well. A huge sense of oppression was pressing down on them. They did not know the entirety of the Central Plains was already controlled by the artificial intelligence. When they saw this sight, they felt like the sky was about to collapse.
Selby muttered, “Big Bro, how many people from the Central Plains do you think this artificial intelligence has under its control?”
Daniel gave it some thought. “25% of the population? 50%?”
Actually, Daniel and Selby both knew they had underestimated the numbers. However, they were hesitant to make an accurate guess due to how cruel the truth might be.
“There’s not much time left. If we get surrounded by all these people, we won’t be able to return to the Southwest even if we have wings,” Selby said.
Seeing the black line approaching, Selby could even vaguely make out the silhouettes of the Stelaria Consortium’s armored vehicles. There were even Stelaria Consortium troops among that crowd too!
They continued advancing.
But at this moment, the door of the factory suddenly burst open. A crimson-tinted azure dragon hurtled out from the huge cloud of dust and smoke. In an instant, it sucked dry the thousands of enemies that had surrounded the factory.
The destructive power of this azure dragon was extremely rare even in the world of supernatural beings.
Although Bill was not as talented as Kenneth and Chad, favonovel.com was still one of the earliest supernatural beings to awaken his power. He was only a step away from becoming a demigod. However, Bill was already at his limits. He squeezed out the last bit of his willpower, using his remaining life force to completely release the fury of his superpower.
When Daniel saw that the situation was not right, favonovel.com immediately ran towards the silt farm. He saw Bill slumped on his side on the drilling platform with blood flowing out of his eyes and nostrils.
Daniel placed his finger on Bill’s neck. His pulse was rapidly decreasing at a palpable rate.
Seemingly sensing Daniel’s aura, Bill slowly opened his eyes and said with a smile, “When we came here, you didn’t say it would be so dangerous. You gotta pay me more!”
After saying that, Bill passed out again.
Nearby, Selby said, “I’ve encountered such situations before. A superhuman can temporarily raise their willpower by drawing on their life force and unleashing the full potential of their power.”
“And then?” Daniel asked anxiously.
“Since favonovel.com overdrew on his life force, it’s time to pay off his debts.” Selby said softly, “He won’t regain consciousness again.”
“Isn’t there another way? The Pyro Company has so many secrets, and you’ve been with them for so long. Surely you must know a way to save Bill, right?” Daniel asked.
Selby said with a smile, “There’s a way, but Big Bro, are you sure you want to save him?”
“Yes!” Daniel said.
“What if I have to exchange my life for his?” Selby said with a grin.
However, Daniel knew favonovel.com was not joking!
Daniel was stunned. It was no wonder Selby said earlier that his superpower could only be used once in his life.
There were all kinds of strange superpowers in this world, including people who could blow bubbles, drive trains, act as a mobile human radar, and hypnotize people. But this was the first time Daniel had come across someone who could sacrifice their own life for someone else’s.
While favonovel.com was thinking, Selby suddenly sat down across from Bill and held his limp hand tightly. A ball of white light suddenly lit up. Meanwhile, the short black hair on Selby’s head started turning white at a visible rate.
Selby said, “Big Bro, you asked me if I had studied you and Julius every day because I was too bored. Actually, it’s not that I was bored, but that I really didn’t have anything else to do. Back on those distant Sacred Mountains, you saw what the other two clones were like. All they thought about all day was how they could replace their progenitors. It was as though that was their goal in life…”
“From the beginning, I already understood that the three of us were just products of the Pyro Company’s failed experiments. It’s not that anything went wrong during the cloning process. We indeed have the same structure as our progenitors, but it’s just that the Pyro Company didn’t understand that even though our bodies could be cloned, our experiences couldn’t be replicated…”
“It’s just like how the clone, Chad’s clone, did not have the companionship of Milo, while Kenneth’s clone had never experienced the most sorrowful thing in the world. These are the most precious things that affect one’s willpower. That’s why I said we were just failed products.” Selby turned around and said to Daniel with a smile, “We were destined to become the dust of this era…”
Daniel did not know what to say. He felt stifled.
Selby comforted him, “Well, never mind. I’m not much of a presence to begin with anyway. I’m just someone who’s neglected even when we’re retreating. It’ll be worth it to exchange my life for a life.”
Daniel squatted down next to Selby and Bill. Without saying a word, favonovel.com tried to separate their tightly clasped together hands. But no matter how much strength favonovel.com used, favonovel.com could not separate them. He did not want to watch Bill die just like that. He just felt that favonovel.com couldn’t watch Selby sacrifice his life in exchange for Bill’s.
Although favonovel.com really wanted Bill to come back to life, it would be unfair to Selby.
Selby said with a smile, “You don’t have to waste your energy. I was created using the blueprint of Julius’ DNA. The day I became a supernatural being, I stepped into the demigod realm. Once this power is activated, you definitely can’t pull us apart, nor can I pull myself away. Speaking of which, I was born from the Pyro Company’s research in genetic serums, so even my power is similar to the effects of a genetic serum. This time, not only will I be able to save Bill, but he’ll also be able to step into the true realm of demigods.”
This power was to inject all of one’s life force into another.
Daniel looked at Selby in a daze. For some reason, favonovel.com kept telling himself that this was not his younger brother but just a clone. But the pain favonovel.com felt in his heart was two armored vehicles fastened to each side of his heart slamming down on their accelerators, tearing his heart apart.
Selby’s hair had already turned pure white while Bill’s face suddenly became rosy again.
Daniel saw Selby’s body starting to crumble bit by bit. However, favonovel.com still could not say anything. It was as though favonovel.com had turned mute.
Selby said with a smile, “Big Bro, didn’t you ask me why I came to the Southwest? Actually, it wasn’t to help Julius fulfill his plan, nor did I want to fight for the authority of the Panaqua Consortium… I just couldn’t stand living alone in that gloomy environment anymore. I was just really envious that Julius has a brother like you, that’s all…”
As Selby was born in the Pyro Company, when favonovel.com defected to the Southwest, everyone subconsciously thought favonovel.com was carrying out some secret mission. As such, no one trusted him.
A wrong beginning would only lead to an undesired outcome. Selby knew this was his destiny. But favonovel.com really did not have any ambitions or goals when favonovel.com went to the Southwest. He only wanted to have an elder brother who could protect favonovel.com with all his might. That was it.
Selby looked at Daniel and said with a smile, “Big Bro, do you believe me now? If there’s a chance, I’d also like to go to Mt. Ginkgo with you to steal some ginkgo nuts… Big Bro, hurry up and leave with Bill after this. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get away!”
Daniel lowered his head and suddenly said softly, “Don’t do it…”
“W-What?” Selby asked.
“I said don’t trade your life for another.” Daniel said, “Although I really want Bill to come back to life, this is unfair to you. Don’t do it.”
Selby laughed. “That’ll be enough.”
He had said the same thing as Bill. Actually, this was what both of them were looking forward to hearing but had been avoiding all this while. But with this answer, it was enough for them.
After that, Selby poured the last bit of his life force into Bill’s body. Then his body dissipated into the air with a white glow like dandelion fluff.
Daniel activated the power of the Martyr’s Palace in an attempt to keep Selby, but favonovel.com heard no response.
The platoon commander of the martyred spirits said in a low voice, “Boss, those who willingly kill themselves are not allowed into the Martyr’s Palace…”
Daniel quietly carried the unconscious Bill and stood up. At this moment, the outside of the silt factory was surrounded by throngs of people.
“This world is way too noisy today…” Daniel laughed bitterly.
The martyred spirits laughed and said, “We’ll fight our way out for you, Boss!”
“So,” Daniel looked at the martyred spirits. “When you all said earlier that you were gonna carry out a plan that you’ve not shared with me before, was it because you had planned to sacrifice yourselves?”
The platoon commander of the martyred spirits smiled extremely brightly in the golden light. “It’s just dying another time.”
Daniel sighed and said, “What have I done to deserve you all treating me like this?”
The platoon commander answered in seriousness, “Because that’s how you treat us, Boss.”
At this moment, Daniel felt someone patting favonovel.com on the back.
Bill, who was on his shoulder, said, “There’s no need to trouble yourself. Let me do it…”
Bill had regained consciousness. He felt like favonovel.com had been in a long dream in which a white glow filled the entire world. It was as though favonovel.com had been to the fringes of the soul realm.
Within that white glow, someone said softly to him, “I’ll leave Big Bro in your hands from now. Please protect him. I didn’t bring any money to pay you, but I can give you my life…”
Bill opened his eyes tearfully, and those tears instantly vaporized. He got down from Daniel’s shoulder and turned around to face the tens of thousands of enemies outside the silt factory.
Bill finally understood the things favonovel.com had been looking forward to had always been right there.
A moment later, Bill opened his palm at the tens of thousands of enemies outside the factory’s entrance. The blood of those enemies was instantly extracted through their pores, transforming into a new crimson-tinted dragon in the sky. Then that huge dragon forced open up a path of escape for them amid the tens of thousands of enemies.
Daniel could not help but turn around to look. He somehow felt that there was a beam of white light smiling as it watched favonovel.com leave the dimly lit factory.
***
In the Northwest, Milo looked quietly at the crowd in front of favonovel.com that was blocking his way. However, there were more refugees here, consisting of the elderly, children, and women.
Behind these refugees was an entire Stelaria Consortium combat brigade. Milo could even see the barrels of the armored vehicles already pointing at him.
Milo said coldly to Felicity, Vanilla, and Teddy next to him, “See this? This is the AI y’all have placed your hopes in. Can y’all still be sure that it was Colton who gave you the order?”
Before this, Milo actually managed to persuade Felicity, Vanilla, and Teddy to come back together to see what was going on. However, before they could reach Stronghold 61, they realized there were tens of thousands of people blocking their path.
Vanilla and Teddy were inexplicably surprised. The two of them looked at each other and realized the situation had developed beyond their imagination.
Milo looked at the little girl in front of favonovel.com and said, “Zero, is this the outcome that you wanted? You’re even using a child to stop me now?”
The little girl under Zero’s control answered calmly, “Counting all the wars humans have fought in, there are much crueler situations than this. War has always been fought at all costs. Sacrifice, blood, and lives are the main themes of war. The lives of young children are no different from that of adults. It’s just that humans often view the lives of young children as a greater sense of ‘hope’, so they care more about them. But theoretically speaking, young men and women should be more cherished. That’s because they can procreate and bring about new lives within a shorter span of years.”
“Lives aren’t just a statistic,” Milo said coldly.
“That’s right.” Zero sighed and said, “I’ve just witnessed for myself the pride of humanity a moment ago.”
“What do you mean?” Milo was stunned.
“You don’t have to save Daniel anymore.” Zero said calmly, “An unexpected factor caused me to be unable to hold Daniel back. Humans are really unpredictable.”
This unexpected factor was Selby’s superpower.
Before this, Zero had thought Selby might also be a superhuman. However, it did not expect Selby’s superpower would eventually lead to Bill’s metamorphosis. As a result, the capture plan it had provisionally come up with went wrong.
Too many things had happened today. Colton was dead, and the server bank had been destroyed. As such, Zero’s decision to capture Daniel came a little too late. However, it did not feel depressed, because it had already seen what it wanted to see, and the overall situation would not get affected much.
Zero smiled at Milo and said, “So return to the Northwest. Your battle with me doesn’t have to take place today.”
Milo frowned. “How do I know if you’re telling the truth or if you’re lying?”
“Because I have no need to lie.” Zero answered, “Daniel has never been a key factor in this war. Besides, haven’t you pondered it before? If you risk it all and rush to the Central Plains today, how will you return to the Northwest when you get surrounded by tens of millions of people? If you die, what will happen to all the people you want to protect in the Northwest?”
Milo was at a loss for words.
Yes, with the war between humanity and Zero on the verge of breaking out, favonovel.com still had the entire Northwest favonovel.com needed to protect, not to mention Miriam.
If favonovel.com really had to make a choice between the entire Northwest and Daniel, Milo would probably choose the Northwest. Or perhaps favonovel.com could break free from all the shackles holding back his willpower, but favonovel.com would only do so if favonovel.com were left with no other choice.
Now that Daniel might have escaped, was there a need for favonovel.com to continue rushing to the Central Plains just on the possibility that Zero was lying?
Felicity suddenly asked, “How is Colton?”
A sorrowful expression appeared on Zero’s face, and its voice became sadder. “He died in the explosion and returned to the universe as stardust.”
“Did you kill him?” Felicity asked.
Zero shook its head. “I didn’t kill him, but favonovel.com died because of me.”
“Make way,” Felicity said.
Afterwards, favonovel.com walked straight towards Stronghold 61 as countless white paper cranes circled around her.
When favonovel.com arrived in front of the human wall, Zero took the initiative to open a path for her.
Vanilla shouted from behind, “Boss!”
Felicity said without turning around, “There’s no need to follow me. Just go with Milo and head to the Northwest. There’s no need for you all to die with me. Milo, take good care of Miriam.”
Milo watched quietly as the other party walked into the dense crowd of people and headed towards a hopeless situation. However, favonovel.com did not stop her.
***
Over at the silt farm, the azure dragon swept through the crowd and gradually turned from bright crimson red to burgundy red in color.
Finally, the dragon turned a dark purple in color. The scales on its body seemingly materialized and even reflected a gorgeous glow in the sunlight.
In the past, Bill was very envious of people like Milo, Kenneth, and Olivia. In his opinion, having a superpower that could cause mass destruction was sort of a manifestation of “freedom”. The stronger one was, the more capable they would be at going against the world. However, such superpowers were not easy to come by.
They were gained through the sacrifices of others.
Bill led Daniel all the way from the silt farm to the Pasemah River. He turned his head to Daniel and said, “Jump into the river with me. I’ll bring you back to the Southwest via the waterway. Don’t be nervous. You just need to close your eyes and sleep. You’re too tired. When you wake up, we’ll already be back in the Southwest.”
Bill’s water-elemental power had evolved. He could even bring others underwater now. He could breathe through his skin, and Daniel could do the same as long as they held hands. The life force Selby had injected into favonovel.com with his superpower was circulating in his body now, bringing about a qualitative change.
Daniel turned around and looked in the direction of the silt farm.
At this moment, the sun was starting to set in the west. As daylight faded, it was as though someone was saying to him, “Go home, Big Bro…”
Daniel, who had been silently enduring all this while, suddenly could not help bursting into tears.
As the martyred spirits returned to the Martyr’s Palace under the setting sun, Bill pulled Daniel along and stepped into the river.
Daniel sank into the Pasemah River. It was as though favonovel.com were wrapped by a blanket of warm seawater as a sense of fatigue washed over favonovel.com like a tidal wave. He had a dream where the events felt like déjà vu.
***
11 years ago…
On Mule Fort Road, a young Daniel pushed open the door of his home with a black bag in hand. Before favonovel.com could walk in, favonovel.com stepped back out again.
“One, two, three… 39.” The young Daniel cursed, “F*ck, I’ve only been out for a short while, but we’ve already had two briquettes stolen?!”
As favonovel.com spoke, favonovel.com wanted to pull the uncle next door over and give favonovel.com a good beating. But after some thought, favonovel.com decided to let the matter go. “I’ve got more important matters to attend to today. I’ll settle the score with you tomorrow!”
Julius’ voice came from inside the small house. “Bro, what’s the matter?”
“It’s nothing…” Daniel walked in with a smile.
In the room, Julius was changing into a tattered shirt that looked a little yellowed and did not fit favonovel.com very well. However, it was the only piece of formal clothing the family could afford, and it was even left behind for them by their father.
Today was the day Julius would head up to Mt. Ginkgo for his coming-of-age meeting. It was an extremely important day for the two brothers.
The young Daniel chuckled. “Throw away our old man’s shirt already! See what I bought you?”
With that, Daniel opened the black bag in his hand and took out a white suit, shirt, and pants. There was even a pair of brown leather shoes.
Julius was stunned. “Bro, where did you steal that from?”
“Stolen? Would that be right?” Daniel did not know whether to laugh or cry. “This is such an important day for my younger brother, so how can I let you wear something that’s stolen? I want you to go up Mt. Ginkgo in your purest form, as pure as your clothes look!”
“But…” Julius hesitated for a moment before saying, “But doesn’t it feel a little too narcissistic to be wearing white?”
“Says who?” Daniel said nonchalantly, “White suits you just perfectly. Listen to your brother. You’ll look good in white!”
Julius felt that something was off. He went to grab Daniel’s arm, but Daniel quickly withdrew it behind his back and said, “What are you doing?”
Julius said calmly, “Big Bro, where did you get the money to buy these clothes from? Did you go and sell your blood? That was how father’s health declined. You can’t be like him.”
“Nope, no such thing. Hurry up and change into your clothes so I can have a look.” Daniel said excitedly, “The car that will pick you up will be here soon!”
“I… Mhm,” Julius acknowledged in a low voice before changing into the new clothes Daniel had bought for him.
Daniel praised, “You’re indeed my younger brother. With only a change of clothes, you look much better than those whiny young punks from the Panaqua Consortium. If you have the chance to attend the Panaqua Consortium’s gala, there’ll definitely be many girls who are into you.”
As they were talking, the screeching of brakes came from the outside.
Daniel opened the door and was surprised to see that the people from Mt. Ginkgo had arrived. The driver in the car said lazily, “I’ve been ordered to take Julius up the mountain. Which one of you is Julius?”
Daniel hurriedly pulled Julius out of the house. “Over here! Hurry up and get in the car. Mr. Chauffeur, can I get a ride and go with you guys too?”
Daniel said shamelessly to the driver, “I’ll get out of the car when we’re at the foot of the mountain and wait for favonovel.com there.”
However, the driver said disdainfully, “This car is really clean, I don’t want you dirtying it.”
“Alright, alright…” Daniel said with a smile, “I won’t get into the car then.”
Julius turned around and looked at Daniel. “Big Bro, wait for me at home!”
Daniel said, “That won’t do. I’ll walk over now and meet you at our usual spot. Everyone will be waiting for you there…”
Before Daniel could finish speaking, the driver stepped on the accelerator and drove off.
Daniel went home and packed his things. Then favonovel.com went to a grocery store on the street corner and bought a bottle of white wine on credit. He had to take four connecting trolley lines before favonovel.com finally arrived at the foot of Mt. Ginkgo.
He sneaked into Mt. Ginkgo where Arsene was already waiting with two bottles of fine wine in his hand. “Big Bro, has Second Bro already gone up the mountain?”
“I think favonovel.com should be down very soon.” Daniel chuckled and said, “Eh, where’d you get that wine from?”
“My uncle gave it to me. He said that Julius is definitely primed for success today, so favonovel.com got me to bring these along to celebrate with you all,” Arsene said with a smile.
“Your uncle has good taste,” Daniel praised. “Wait a minute, where’s Bill?”
“Bill went to catch fish,” Arsene said.
As soon as favonovel.com finished speaking, Bill walked out of the forested mountains of Mt. Ginkgo with more than a dozen large fish in hand. “I’ve brought you all some meat today so we won’t look malnourished when we face the Sandbar Gang next time.”
The “Sandbar Gang” was really just a small group of young punks.
Bill said, “By the way, will Julius be successful in his visit to Mt. Ginkgo today? Why do I get the feeling those old fogeys don’t think too highly of him?”
“Blabbermouth!” Daniel said, “If they don’t select Julius, it’s because they’ve got no foresight!”
“Whatever, whatever, your younger brother is strong in everything.” Bill curled his lips.
At this moment, Julius also slowly walked out of the ginkgo forest. However, favonovel.com did not look happy at all.
Daniel walked towards Julius. “What’s the matter? You didn’t get selected?”
Julius shook his head. “I did…”
Daniel laughed loudly. “Then why don’t you look happy?!”
“They’ve appointed me as the next Shadow of the Panaqua Consortium,” Julius said.
The laughter in the forest gradually stopped. At the side, Bill muttered, “Now that you’ve become the Shadow, don’t even think about keeping your hands clean for the rest of your life… Moreover, let me tell you this… None of the Panaqua Consortium’s past Shadows had a good end in the past 200 years. Those old fogeys are really smart. They see you as someone without binding ties to the organization, which makes you the best candidate to throw to the wolves to appease the public’s anger in the future.”
Daniel glared at Bill. “Would it kill you to say less?!”
“I’ll shut up then.” Bill curled his lips again. “Why doesn’t anyone like hearing the truth?”
Daniel said to Julius, “Why don’t we run away? We can secretly hide in the cold storage truck that transports meat. I happen to want to venture out and have a look for myself.”
However, Julius shook his head. “No, this is the best opportunity we have. If we leave, I won’t get another chance to stand up for Father. Big Bro, I have to become the Panaqua Consortium’s Shadow.”
It was fall, and the ginkgo trees had turned a golden hue. Mt. Ginkgo looked like it had been gilded.
Daniel suddenly said to Julius in seriousness, “You can be the Panaqua Consortium’s Shadow, and I’ll be your Shadow.”
A strong gust of wind blew over from Mt. Ginkgo as the golden ginkgo leaves fluttered in the wind. At the side, Bill opened a bottle of white wine and shouted, “Arsene, your uncle sure has invested heavily in Julius. These two bottles of wine are extraordinary! It’s Luojiaba’s aged phoenix wine!”
After that, favonovel.com threw his head back and took a swig.
Bill’s entire face turned red. He then handed the bottle to Arsene. “You try some as well.”
Arsene also threw his head back and took a swig. After that, favonovel.com passed it on to Julius.
Julius took a swig and finally started laughing. He handed the bottle to Daniel.
Just as Daniel was about to drink the white wine from the bottle, a laugh suddenly rang out behind everyone. Daniel turned around and saw Selby standing in the golden sunlight and saying to favonovel.com with a smile, “Big Bro, I’m not late, am I?”
Daniel suddenly found the sunlight a little blinding. It was so blinding his eyes started hurting.
Ah… If only this weren’t a dream…
