Chapter 252

Moreover, beyond the demise of her own value, she could sense something deeper behind it all.

For example... the entire civilization is gradually dying.

Under the pressure of survival, entertainment is the first thing to be abandoned. But if the living environment continues to deteriorate, what will be the next thing to be abandoned?

Some have praised Eden's singing as true art, and art never dies, but Eden himself did not agree with this view.

Art is rooted in the soil of life. Even people in ancient times would strike wooden sticks and stones to create special rhythms to celebrate the harvest of the hunt—this kind of joy in life is the source of art.

But if civilization goes astray, and people's souls are occupied by fear and numbness, struggling like walking corpses, then where will art go?

In Eden's view, a song without an audience is worthless, just like playing the lute to a cow. In the heart of a cow that cannot appreciate the music, the music is not special, but just like any other sound.

Therefore, when humanity no longer has the energy to appreciate art, that is when art dies; when civilization comes to an end, art will also perish.

Fortunately, such an ending did not occur. In fact, it can be said that humanity's future suddenly reversed 180 degrees, moving from despair toward the end of the world into a tomorrow full of infinite hope.

Eden once despaired, believing that the era had fallen and she should die with it. But her experience living among the Moth to Fire made her realize that even in such a hopeless world, there are still people who have not given up.

It was thanks to the encouragement of others that she was able to pull herself together and eventually be reborn.

Eden downed the wine in her glass in one gulp, her face becoming even rosier. Her gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Ai Yue.

Not only her, but everyone's attention was drawn to Ai Yue because of Eden's speech.

"No, why are you looking at me?"

Ai Yue was sipping juice at the edge of the table when he noticed everyone's gaze and couldn't help but put down his glass. "I admit I contributed a bit more, but everyone else did too. It's not just my achievement, so there's no need to feel guilty."

"I did feel a little guilty at first,"

Elysia said with a complicated expression, "But seeing your matter-of-fact attitude, I suddenly don't feel guilty anymore."

"Strictly speaking, we have also put in some hard work."

Kevin had already come to terms with everything, and cheerfully poured himself another glass. "But anyway, today is a celebration for Eden, so let's not talk about those things. Come on, drink!"

As an Eden fan, Kevin was naturally very excited about her return to the stage. The last time he went to Eden concert, he was just a student, unaware of the truth of the world, and living a peaceful and carefree campus life. This time, however, he was already a hero who had saved the world.

However, Kevin has now returned to a peaceful and tranquil life, which makes him feel that Eden's concert is more like a symbol that a peaceful era has arrived.

Having weathered this difficult ordeal, human civilization will step into a new tomorrow.

As one of the most dazzling stars in the contemporary music scene, Eden's comeback will perhaps be a very memorable event.

"I have to say, big events really make a difference."

Pardofelis excitedly chimed in, "I've heard Eden sing quite often, but on such a huge stage, the feeling is completely different! It's absolutely breathtaking!"

"That's the stage effect!"

Beside her Vill-V said proudly, "The New Sydney Opera House is my masterpiece. The unique stage design allows the singing to retain its original rhythm to the greatest extent possible without any loss during transmission, which is very difficult!"

"Isn't it more difficult to bring out the full potential of the stage?"

Mobius continued, "I remember Ai Yue saying to you before that when designing a stage, you have to consider the users' situation. Not everyone can be like Eden, who can shake the entire stage with just his singing voice."

"She's the only one who can do something like this right now."

Vill-V shrugged, saying nonchalantly, "But I originally designed this opera house for Eden. Whether others can bring out its full potential or not has nothing to do with me."

After saying that, she looked at Mobius with a curious gaze. "Besides, you shouldn't have said that, should you? I don't remember you being the kind of person who would consider the feelings of ordinary people."

Mobius simply turned his head slightly and said nothing more.

Fortunately, the atmosphere at the scene was lively, so no one paid attention to what was happening in the corner.

However, amidst this lively scene, Ai Yue seemed somewhat distracted.

"Something on your mind?"

Aponia walked up to him, put down her glass, and said, "You don't seem very happy."

"No, not really, I'm just a little reluctant to part with it."

Ai Yue smiled and didn't hide his thoughts, "After all, it was already booked beforehand. My vacation will be over after Eden's concert."

"Why doesn't he rest for a longer period of time?"

Looking at Ai Yue's expression, Aponia felt a pang of heartache. "You've already done enough. You don't need to be so hard on yourself."

In Aponia's view, even if Ai Yue does nothing from now on, no one will say anything. After all, everything he has done has even surpassed human civilization's imagination of "gods". It can be said that from now on, Ai Yue's image will replace the image of gods in all myths and religions.

After all, he proved with his actions that God truly loves humanity.

Aponia didn't dare to tell Ai Yue to stop, because she knew that there was more than one threat in the universe: the Honkai. She just hoped that Ai Yue could relax a little and not always be so tense.

After all, even during the so-called holidays, she could always see Ai Yue frowning and thinking about problems, a state that could hardly be called rest.

"After all, I'm actually a very lazy guy,"

Faced with Aponia's concerned gaze, Ai Yue smiled and shook his head, "So this is the only way I can restrain myself."

Aponia was about to say something more when a pink figure flashed over, "Hey, what are you two whispering about here? Let me hear too~"

"Nothing,"

Ai Yue and Aponia exchanged a glance, tacitly choosing to avoid the topic. "Speaking of which, Elysia, where have you been lately?"

Since the final battle, Elysia has truly become a travel blogger, traveling all over the world every day. One video is in North America, and the next video is in Antarctica. It can be said that she has completely unleashed her playful nature, to the point that she is rarely seen except for a few group activities.

"There are so many! Let me find some photos for you."

Elysia could tell that the two didn't want to talk much, so she continued the conversation, casually pulling a pink camera out of her pocket. "Look, this is a photo of me with a polar bear, and this is with a kangaroo, and..."

The photos of Elysia kept flashing, with different people around her for the photos, sometimes animals, sometimes all sorts of people, showing that she had been having a very fulfilling time.

"It's amazing how energetic you are."

Looking at the constantly changing photos in the camera, Ai Yue couldn't help but shake his head. "If I had to go through this whole process, I'd probably be lying in bed for three days straight."

But then he showed a curious expression. "But you've practically traveled all over the world, so how are you going to continue being a travel blogger?"

"So, that's the end of my work as a travel blogger."

Elysia smiled faintly, "As for what happens next..."

The girl didn't rush to answer the question. Instead, she pretended to look around the hall before saying, "This place seems nice. I wonder if there are any positions that include room and board?"

Ai Yue was stunned for a moment, then shook his head helplessly. "So that's what you were planning."

"What's wrong? Is it not allowed?"

Elysia feigned pitifulness and said, "You said before that I would always have a place here!"

"Of course, there's no shortage of empty rooms here anyway."

Ai Yue smiled, then gave a subtle look, "But you'd better wait and see before making a decision."

Elysia blinked. "Why?"

You'll find out soon enough.

As Ai Yue spoke, he stood up and walked towards Eden. "Well, I'd also like to take this opportunity to announce something."

Eden immediately and considerately gave up the most conspicuous spot, and at the same time, everyone's attention was focused on Ai Yue.

Ai Yue then calmly said, "I plan to move to the moon."

No one expected Ai Yue to say such a thing at this moment, so the hall fell silent for a moment.

But soon, the atmosphere became lively again.

"No, so suddenly?"

Kevin, who was standing to the side, was stunned for a moment before he realized what was going on. "Why do we suddenly have to go to the moon?"

"Is it because of the Cocoon of Finality?"

When the conversation turned to serious matters, Dr. Mei always responded quickly, "Are you planning to take action against it?"

"That doesn't mean we have to move it to the moon, does it? That's so far!"

Cosmo also asked, "Can't we just set up an experimental base on the moon and conduct research activities like before?"

Although the others did not speak for a moment, the meaning conveyed in their eyes was similar.

"The Cocoon of Finality is only one aspect."

A subtle emotion finally appeared on Ai Yue's face. "The real problem is that some strange signs are starting to appear on Earth."

As he spoke, Ai Yue snapped his fingers, and several images were projected onto the wall behind him.

These images all depict the scenery outside the Star of Light.

In these scenes, one can see that some corners are filled with all sorts of things, giving the impression of offering sacrifices.

Some of the images are even more outrageous—according to the images, recently many people have been coming to the perimeter of the Star of Light experimental base, kneeling and kowtowing before it, seemingly praying to the Star of Light for something.

"As you can see."

Amidst the subtle glances of the crowd, Ai Yue shrugged. "If we don't run now, I'm afraid this area will be completely filled with them."

Chapter Eighteen: What kind of trap is this? (12,000-word chapter)

Even if a deity merely exists, it will attract the worship of mortals. How much more so a deity like Ai Yue, who almost wears "doting on humanity" on his face, will naturally be revered and worshipped by countless people.

Everyone was aware of this matter, but no one expected it to come so soon.

And aren't these people a bit too bold?

It's worth noting that Sydney, Australia's only Fortress City, is currently home to less than one-fifth of its population. And yet, these few people have already created such a huge spectacle around the Star of Light. If Sydney were to become fully populated, or even if a second or third Fortress City were to emerge, it's hard to imagine what the area around the Star of Light would look like.

"You're still too approachable."

Dr. Mei offered her opinion. "If you had cultivated a more dignified and solemn image from the beginning, perhaps people's behavior would have been somewhat more restrained."

"I only recently came to understand this principle myself."

Sakura, who had been relatively silent, nodded at this moment. "A 'keep away' image can really reduce a lot of trouble."

She is currently working on a project to rebuild the Far East, and many Far East have gathered around her. Among them are some fanatics who regard her as an idol or even a god. However, given Sakura's usual cold demeanor, those people do not approach her easily, which saves Sakura a lot of trouble.

"That won't do!"

Before Ai Yue could speak, Elysia hugged him tightly and protested vehemently, "Ai Yue is the best right now!"

As she spoke, she looked up into Ai Yue's eyes and asked, "Right, Ai Yue?"

"In fact, that's what I think too."

Faced with Elysia's adorable eyes seeking approval, Ai Yue naturally couldn't bring himself to refuse, especially since he himself had the same thought. "Everyone knows my personality; it's really difficult for me to put on a dignified act."

"Who said that?"

Aponia suddenly laughed, "That phrase, 'You worship me as the supreme god in your hearts,' was very authoritative back then."

Ai Yue's expression immediately became subtle. "Eh, no..."

How did Aponia know that? Oh right, she was there too, so it couldn't be kept from her.

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes turned to Aponia.

"What's going on?"

Even Elysia couldn't help but let go of Ai Yue and look at Aponia, "That sentence... is kind of cool."

"So cool,"

Cosmo nodded in agreement, "But it's hard to imagine Ai Yue saying something like that; he's definitely not that kind of person."

Everyone nodded in agreement—it's common knowledge that Ai Yue has an absurdly good temper. As a genius beyond human imagination, she has not a trace of arrogance or indifference. On the contrary, she is a gentle and easy-going person. It can be said that you have almost never seen her angry with anyone.

In what kind of situation would such a person utter such a cold and cruel command, as if looking down upon a higher-dimensional being?

The people present represented almost all of Ai Yue's social circles in the world, but they couldn't immediately come up with a matching scene.

Only Mobius scoffed, "Forgot so quickly? Back then, the Eighth Herrscher..."

She is a very vengeful person. Although Ai Yue eventually resolved the matter completely, it does not mean that Mobius can let it go.

However, she didn't finish her sentence because Ai Yue's gaze had already fallen on her, indicating that she didn't need to say anything more.

But the key words had already been uttered, and everyone immediately recalled the situation at that time.

That was arguably the first and only time Ai Yue experienced malice from within humanity after joining the Moth to Fire. The higher-ups of the Moth to Fire coveted his inventions and his intelligence, wanting to possess them and use them as tools for their own plunder.