Chapter 531
"I'm a person who values efficiency. I'll get straight to the point, so listen carefully."
My desire is the same as the Pope's: to create a peaceful world free from the ravages of war.
"Any country willing to respond to Laterano Church's call and join the peace alliance can obtain from me, free of charge, Energy Technology that surpasses current technology."
Upon hearing this, Kal'tsit's eyes widened in surprise.
She was unaware of what had happened in Sami, and only understood from the literal meaning that the other party was preparing to hand over their civilization's technology. The impact of this on Terra was simply immeasurable.
Is someone who promotes reforms in Terra and cares for all Terra truly an enemy?
Kal'tsit's heart began to waver.
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PS: Two more chapters (long chapters) are needed to complete the story, which are expected to be released in five days.
Chapter 605 The Grand Finale (Part 1)
Free sharing of technology that surpasses our current era?
These words caused an uproar in the room.
Some people are processing this shocking news, some are questioning his motives, and some find it unbelievable.
Whether it was the representatives from the Terra Nations, their families, or other invited guests, all eyes were on Shi Lei.
"Mister Zhongli, I have a question to ask you."
A representative from Columbia raised his hand and, mustering his courage, asked in a loud voice:
"When you say technology surpasses the current era, what is the standard by which you measure it?"
The information Shi Lei obtained from Sami this time included many technologies he had never heard of before his transmigration. When he hands them over to these countries, he will inevitably have to explain the origin of these technologies.
"It means exactly what it says: technology that surpasses Terra's current era; you can think of it as Alien Technology."
Could you tell me which planet it is?
Asking such questions is actually a bit impolite.
Shi Lei had anticipated this question and had prepared a classic line to shut out any potential escape routes:
"Sorry, no comment."
Since he has the technology, it's up to him whether he wants it or not. Shi Lei holds the final say and doesn't need to answer questions.
The Columbia representative twitched the corner of his mouth and glanced at a certain spot in the room, then quickly and guiltily looked away.
"So... what technologies are involved?"
This is something that can be discussed; Shi Lei gave a general introduction to the name of the technology and its specific effects:
"This is the first batch of technologies I've made available. Once the productivity of various countries increases, I will release the second, third, and fourth batches, all of which will be shared for free."
If any country violates a peace treaty during this period, it will be excluded from the acquisition list. If any other country provides technology privately, it will also be excluded.
I will send out technological information online to all national leaders who have participated in the Peace Alliance in seven days. Those who have not yet joined the Cross-border Communication Network should register during this period; otherwise, they will be responsible for the consequences of missing the deadline."
Shi Lei's move was utterly insidious, killing without a trace. He could precisely control the Terra Nations without any punishment.
Anyone who breaks the rules will have their access to high-tech equipment cut off immediately.
As other countries grow stronger, the relative growth rate of countries violating peace treaties slows down.
With this ebb and flow, the countries that break the rules actually become weaker. As long as the national leaders are not mentally unstable, they will not commit this taboo.
Restraining a country doesn't necessarily require military threats; simply slowing its development is sufficient.
Upon hearing this, the representatives from various countries immediately contacted their national leaders behind the scenes. Some also approached Laterano officials, requesting to join the peace alliance.
Seeing this, Kal'tsit stood up and greeted them:
"Let's go, it's time to return to our This Ship."
"Huh?"
Amiya looked at the person who was speaking, then turned to look at Shi Lei, who was surrounded by the crowd, appearing hesitant.
"Aren't you going to say hello to Doctor Zhong?"
Kal'tsit shook her head; she had no such intention.
Zhongli Liken's free sharing of Alien Technology to help improve productivity across Terra is indeed a great thing.
As countries increase their national strength, they will not be helpless in the face of major disasters in the future.
As for the rest, let time prove it.
After the Summit of All Nations concluded, Shi Lei left with Xi. Pope Evangelista XI remained to register the countries that had joined the peace alliance.
Being a little tired at this time is nothing; it's all worth it.
Before Zhongli arrived, the Pope had already learned of what he wanted to say via telephone. Not only did Zhong Li mention it, but he also made joining the alliance a prerequisite.
This would force the Terra Nations to join, and the peace the Pope has called for would become a reality more quickly.
Peace will only truly arrive when every nation is so engrossed in the benefits of development that they far outweigh the benefits of waging war.
The Pope was deeply grateful to Zhongli; his actions were a timely and much-needed help to Laterano.
After Zhongli stepped down from the podium, Evangelista XI invited him to dinner. Unfortunately, he declined, citing other commitments, and quickly left the scene.
After finishing his work, the Pope left through the back door of the Grand Cathedral and returned to his usual residence.
As soon as the door was opened, a Sarkaz with Gray Hair Gray Eyes, dressed in Black Monk Robe, was spotted.
This man was the one who was seduced by the Lock and Key eight years ago, causing Mostima to fall from grace.
"Andon, you've arrived."
Andon, holding the photo frame, put it back in its place after noticing the Pope's return, staring intently at him.
"You don't seem surprised by my appearance?"
The Pope stroked his beard and smiled kindly:
Some encounters seem destined, only the time and place are unknown.
If it were Andon half a day ago, he might have thought these words were a mockery. But now he wasn't so angry anymore; instead, he was unusually calm.
"Oh, really?"
The Pope scrutinized the Sarkaz before him; he was quite different from the man he remembered.
"Andon, Mostima has been searching for you for eight long years. Have you returned now because you've come to a realization? But sin is sin forever. Time can only dilute it, not erase it completely."
Andon knew Mostima was searching the world for him, but he had been in Laterano from the beginning.
"Understood? Not really. It's just that Mister Zhongli enlightened me, making me realize that I've taken some wrong paths. Like you said, sin is always sin. You've always thought I'm guilty, but I also think you're guilty."
Mister Zhongli?
Upon hearing that he had enlightened this man, Evangelista XI's expression showed slight surprise.
Seeing that he remained silent, Andon continued:
"I have heard the purest prayers and the most vicious curses. I have seen shameless sinners plead for forgiveness and closed simple coffins for innocent children."
Their cries fell silent, their tears dried up again and again. And I always stood beside them, trying to comfort them. I said salvation would come, as long as we followed, as long as we believed. But nothing happened. Just like twenty years ago, you refused to send anyone to Tide Stone Town. The Pope, bathed in his daily glory, does he know the suffering of humanity?
"So you came here because you want to..."
"I've come seeking an answer, an answer that may have been forgotten. I want to know, back then, whether or not we sought help from Tide Stone Town, we wouldn't have been saved, right?"
The Pope stared intently at Andon, his white beard fluttering even without wind.
"I often hear the word 'salvation' when believers are praying. But whether or not I offer help is not up to me; everything must be done in accordance with the law."
Andon thought he had adjusted his mindset well enough, but he was still amused by these words:
"How foolish I was to expect a straight answer from you, you shameless old man! If you had just sent reinforcements back then, you could have definitely saved the villagers. Now you're using the law as an excuse—have you no shame?"
The Pope remained calm despite being verbally abused to his face, and continued to emphasize his previous explanation:
"As I just said, that wasn't my decision; it's the law that prevents us from sending reinforcements to Tide Stone Town."
"On what grounds?"
"We are the Sarkaz of Laterano, but those people are not. It is the outsiders who have entangled countless City-State on this land in the ravages of war. It is the insatiable desires of the outsiders that have ultimately turned them into man-eating monsters."
And you, Andon, stubbornly speak for outsiders, far from the Laterano City we built. You know better than I what the Sea Creatures is. The law cannot sacrifice Laterano to save those outside.
I know you hate Laterano, but do you know how difficult it is for us to establish a foothold in Terra?
What gives you the right to treat Laterano as kindling to ignite a wildfire destined to be extinguished?
Andon did not accept the other party's explanation and continued to ramble on:
"Doesn't the law proclaim that it should protect every citizen of Sarkaz? The bishop of the church is Sarkaz, and so am Sarkaz. Your Holiness, tell me, why do the villagers of Tide Stone Town only deserve to be destroyed?"
If it's impossible to protect every single Sarkaz, why write it into the law? Does a small number mean it can be abandoned? If it's recorded but impossible to do, what's the point of recording it in the law? That's the question I want to ask, and the answer I'm looking for."
King Evangelista XI remained calm, his expression revealing nothing of his feelings.
"I'm sorry, I can't tell you why."
"How about this?"
Andon raised his Guardian Gun, and the Pope instinctively raised Guardian Gun as well. Andon knew that attacking his fellow Sarkaz would result in him falling into a Fallen state, but he didn't care.
Two gunshots rang out suddenly.
Andon, who initiated the attack, still possessed the same holy halo above his head. The legal punishments known to all the Sarkaz had no effect on him whatsoever.
"This... how is this possible?"
Seeing that the other party had not fallen from grace, Evangelista XI nodded thoughtfully:
"I see. This is the choice of the law. It seems you are now qualified to see the truth."
Andon stared blankly at his own halo, still reeling from the shock:
"The truth? What truth?"
The Pope stepped back to the main entrance, looked around to make sure no unauthorized personnel were approaching, and then responded:
"Throughout Laterano's long history, every pope has had the power to interpret the law, which in turn gives rise to precepts, rules, and everything built upon them."
Sarkaz cannot fire upon their fellow Sarkaz, for this is a commandment. Sarkaz who violate this rule will suffer the fate of falling from grace. After falling from grace, they will lose the ability to empathize and will be rejected by the Guardian Gun.
But in reality, this change is merely a punishment; there is only one true law. No matter what crisis the Sarkaz faces, we must continue.
After speaking, the Pope beckoned to Andon, indicating that the other man should come with him to a place:
"Come on, I'll show you the truth."
Staring at the retreating figure ahead, Andon felt a pang of unease, but gritted his teeth and followed.
What is the truth?
The Pope smiled slightly but did not answer. He simply led Andon to the Second Basement Level of the Grand Cathedral.
As everyone knows, this is the burial place of popes and Sage throughout history. Their polished marble statues have empty eyes and seem oblivious to passersby.
The Pope did not linger, but walked towards the elevator at the end of the corridor. Together with Andon, they arrived at the Third Basement Level.
Countless stone tablets are placed here, recording the great achievements of successive popes. Regardless of their political accomplishments during their lifetimes, at least they did not tarnish Laterano's reputation.
The Pope didn't stop, passing through the stone tablet to the elevator at the end. This elevator didn't go directly there; its staggered design seemed to conceal something.
Fourth Basement Level.
The oldest Saint lie here, who brought the Sarkaz from chaos. They possessed all the virtues of humanity, and all who came after them merely imitated them.
Fifth Basement Level.
The unknown land that Andon arrived in was a mysterious area that had never been opened to outsiders. Even the second-in-command of the Papal Hall had never been to this place.
Finally, the Pope stopped before an enormous door. Andon could faintly hear a low hum coming from behind the door, which made him feel uneasy.
Andon simply wanted to know why the Pope hadn't sent anyone to rescue Tide Stone Town back then. But the current situation was gradually deviating from his expectations.
"Drop."