A Person on Terra, With No Books to Read

"But… what if we put it on a drone?"

Theresica interrupted the Absolver. "Drones can maneuver in the air, and with obscuring Arts, who would pay attention to an unthreatening aerial presence after combat begins? We could also deploy them in large numbers from the air, making the effect even more pronounced, right?"

"You make a very good point."

After a brief silence, the Absolver nodded. "This is a new method that wasn't available before. Furthermore, Your Majesty, the stealthy Originium Arts you asked me to prepare have yielded results. By using Originium with 100% purity, we can engrave the operational mechanism of the Originium Arts into it, allowing it to be recharged and used repeatedly to a certain extent."

"Then let's get to work, we don't have much time!"

Theresica had Mel brought over. After a thorough discussion of their needs, she directly used the drone modifications introduced by Ursus for artillery guidance.

She enlarged the drone's exterior slightly, then removed its communication relay components, expanding the internal space to serve as a platform for two Originium Arts modules.

"Boss, I've done everything you asked. However, this thing's combat range is now only half of what it used to be, and it needs to return to recharge. But the Originium Arts modules are independent and can be directly removed and replaced."

"That's great, you did a fantastic job!"

Theresica exclaimed in surprise. "Put it into production immediately!"

Kazdel's artisans were already reverse-engineering Ursus's drones, and Mel's modifications this time only involved scaling them up, so the production process went very smoothly, directly entering mass production.

Just as the Sarkaz were urgently producing specialized equipment for the Seaborn, the communication equipment airdropped into Saltwind City finally responded. This was three days later.

Inside the command center set up in the coastal military exclusion zone, Theresica clearly saw the appearance of an Iberian Inquisitor on the screen.

Although he wore a magnificent uniform, his face was covered in dirt.

"I am deeply sorry. The power system in Saltwind City has completely failed, and I have no way to control its movement, so I could only let it drift at sea."

He bowed. "I apologize profusely for getting too close to your territory, but could you please provide us with some minimal assistance?"

When people need help, they shed their pretenses.

Theresica saw no arrogance in the Inquisitor. He smiled and nodded. "Of course. We are already in contact with Iberia itself, because what you have brought to us Sarkaz is no small trouble."

"……"

The Inquisitor's dry lips moved, and his expression was one of slight bewilderment, but in the end, he could only stiffen his face and bend his waist even lower.

"I am truly sorry."

A sharp whistle suddenly sounded, and the Iberian Inquisitor on the other side of the screen couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.

"Something is climbing out of the sea!" a soldier's shout came in.

Theresica immediately stood up. "I have to go deal with the mess you've caused us. Please, Your Excellency, think carefully about how you will negotiate with our country."

The Golden Country must cough something up, no matter what!

Theresica set the communicator aside and, accompanied by a large contingent of Royal Court Guards, arrived at the beach. Sarkaz heavy infantry had already formed a line behind the embankment, and behind them were soldiers armed with semi-automatic personal crossbows.

And amidst the rolling waves, strange, smooth, and limbed crawling creatures were slowly emerging. They left the water and came onto the beach.

"Is this the 'terror fish' you mentioned?"

"That's right. Aegir has been very careful to keep them in this state."

Gladiia, a person who placed extreme importance on etiquette, frowned without any concealment. "I heard about the new equipment you've prepared."

"Yes, let's give it a try. It's not meant for direct combat with the Seaborn."

Theresica reassured Gladiia, whose expression was solemn, and then signaled to begin. The Absolver nearby immediately relayed the order.

Everything around them appeared unchanged, but the crawling Seaborn began to show a slight abnormality. Their movements started to slow down, and they looked around blankly, but noticed nothing.

Then, the limbs supporting their bodies suddenly softened. They could only lie on the beach, weakly stirring the sand, and one by one, they lay still on the sand, completely motionless. They couldn't even manage to turn over and crawl back into the sea.

Gladiia: "??????"

Chapter 42: Invitation from the Demon Race

Gladiia walked onto the beach and confirmed the condition of all the Seaborn. Without exception, they were all dead, without a single scratch on their bodies.

She hadn't just arrived on land; she had been secretly touring the coastal cities of Iberia for some time. She knew that there was a special ability on land called Originium Arts, and she had specifically learned about various types.

But this method, which she had never seen before and had not found any trace of in any books, was something else entirely.

If such an efficient and safe method existed, then what was the point of forming the Deep Sea Hunter unit and sacrificing so many lives?

Moreover, this method of dealing with the Seaborn was developed by a nation whose technology, social structure, and other aspects were countless years behind Aegir.

Everyone had their own pride in their country, and Gladiia was no exception. Everything about Aegir was the source of her confidence.

However… it had now been shattered.

Theresica saw Gladiia standing in a daze beside the Seaborn corpses and walked over. "What's wrong? Is there something wrong with our method?"

"…No, the methods used by the land to deal with the Seaborn are very distinctive. It's just that they far exceed my own limited imagination. I must revise my view of the land."

Gladiia put on her ceremonial smile again. "Please be sure to incinerate all the Seaborn corpses until they are carbonized, otherwise, they will cause pollution."

"Yes, I will."

"The impact of the ocean currents on me still has quite a bit of residual effect. Could you grant me a private space to rest alone for a while?"

"Of course. Let Shining take you."

Theresica noticed that Gladiia's complexion was indeed not good at the moment. He asked, "Do you need a doctor?"

"Thank you for your kindness, it's just some minor physical discomfort."

Gladiia bowed and left with Shining. Theresica returned to the communicator and began to spout nonsense to the surviving Iberian judges in Saltwind City, casting aside the facts and repeatedly emphasizing how much trouble the Seaborn and the tsunami had caused Kazdel.

The Inquisitor had no choice but to lower his stance, pleading for understanding while also requesting assistance. Saltwind City had drifted in isolation for a long time, and now it was out of food and medicine. If they hadn't intervened, the residents of Saltwind City might have already resorted to cannibalism.

After saying all that, Theresica saw that the effect was sufficient and decided to play the good guy. He agreed to Saltwind City's request for aid.

The Sarkaz army gathered some fishing boats and docked at Saltwind City's port with a portion of their food supplies. When the surviving residents of Saltwind City saw the Sarkaz delivering food, they cheered, completely forgetting the name "demon-kin." At that moment, the Sarkaz likely seemed more like angels to them than the Sankta.

Taking advantage of the convenience of food distribution, Theresica also arrived at Saltwind City. Of course, he had no interest in the place itself. He merely wanted to casually wander around and secretly record some things in front of the Iberians, and the Inquisitors had no excuse to stop him.

"How many supplies can this city store?"

"********** (Iberian language)"

"Your Majesty, I'm not sure of the specifics, but it was all consumed a year ago."

Theresica wanted to understand the mobile city's carrying capacity, while the Iberian Inquisitor used his own language to prevent his country's information from being leaked.

He didn't speak Sarkaz, so he was accompanied by a woman acting as a translator. According to her self-introduction, she was a student at the Iberian National University of Languages named Amaya, who was proficient in multiple languages. Her initial reason for boarding Saltwind City was to complete her thesis on analyzing the communication methods of low-intelligence creatures.

Compared to the Iberian Inquisitor, this female university student had much more to say.

"The Seaborn are truly fascinating creatures. They possess the ability to communicate within their groups, and it's not just simple information transfer; it can convey complex meanings and content. They even have gods they believe in."

All her topics revolved around the Seaborn. Theresica, drawing on the knowledge of the Seaborn he had heard from Gladiia, quickly found common ground with her.

After this, Theresica felt a slight shift. If their previous conversation had been casual small talk, it now became her actively initiating conversation, and her words also began to change.

"Terra has always been plagued by constant conflict. I've translated books from various countries, but they all one-sidedly praise themselves while denigrating others."

Amaya said with anticipation, "People always praise sacrifice, yet they maintain their selfishness. The Seaborn, however, are truly wondrous beings. I once observed that their groups universally help any of their kin, and individuals will sacrifice everything for the collective. What humans praise as sacrificial behavior is a common phenomenon among the Seaborn."

"If people could become like the Seaborn, Terra would be a much more beautiful place… a beautiful world without conflict. Then you Sarkaz wouldn't be called demon-kin and wouldn't be ostracized by every country."

"Uh… Miss Amaya, I deeply appreciate your concern for the plight of the Sarkaz."

After hesitating for a long while, Theresica finally managed to utter this sentence. He really couldn't think of anything else.

Why would anyone envy the Seaborn? That's too strange! And here, in Saltwind City, which is threatened by the Seaborn! There are actually people who admire the Seaborn here?!

Theresica glanced around and realized there were no Iberian Inquisitors, only Royal Court Guards stationed around. They seemed to think their king was just passing the time with idle chatter, so they didn't come to disturb them.

"Miss Amaya, do you think life forms like the Seaborn are better than us?"

He hadn't expected that in a world like Terra, someone would ponder such questions. Although this woman's current viewpoint was a bit off, he didn't mind chatting for a while.

"Isn't a world without conflict good?" she retorted.

"A peaceful world is certainly beautiful," Theresica nodded. "But humans are different from the Seaborn. The Seaborn are just Seaborn, but humans are Columbians, Victorians, and so on."

"But even within the same country, there's civil war."

Amaya closed her eyes, seemingly disgusted. "People are in constant conflict, and countless beautiful things disappear because of it."

"The existence of so many different cultures in Terra is precisely because each of us has our own thoughts, and it is these thoughts that give birth to various beautiful things with unique charm."

Theresica tilted his head slightly, looking at the woman before him. "I don't think the Seaborn are good at all. They lack complete thinking abilities; their eyes are only on survival. From your perspective, they are selfless, but from another angle, isn't it selfish for the god that controls the Seaborn collective to prevent them from having complete independent thought?"

Amaya stood there, stunned for a moment, then shook her head. "Please allow me to maintain my viewpoint; it's not yet decided who is more advanced, humans or the Seaborn."

"Of course, that is your prerogative, and it is also what differentiates us from the Seaborn."

Theresica said, "Complete and independent thought brings differences, but also brings unique cultures and conflicts. All of this is inseparable."

"By the way, Miss Amaya, don't you admire the Seaborn? How about we conduct an experiment and let you experience life as a Seaborn?"

Hearing this, a hint of surprise appeared on Amaya's face. "You… you actually have such an ability?"

"It's just designing an experiment, Miss Amaya. Would you like to try?"

Theresica invited her.

He felt that this woman might be useful, potentially filling a crucial missing step in his plan.

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Chapter 43 Saltwind City Does Not Exist

In the early morning, an old man dressed in ordinary clothes, almost indistinguishable in a crowd, walked into the Kazdel urban area. He carried a rapier and a lantern. Upon seeing this, the understanding Royal Court Guards led him to Theresica.

"Your Majesty, King of Kazdel, Carmen, the Iberian Saint, conveys greetings on behalf of the King of the Iberian Kingdom."

Carmen bowed low. "Thank you for your tolerance and understanding."

"Saltwind City has caused us quite a bit of trouble, with tsunamis and Seaborn."

Theresica listed them one by one. "Treatment of disaster victims, relocation and resettlement of all coastal populations, complete disappearance of fishery resources, establishment of special military exclusion zones, deployment of troops to increase military expenditure…"

He spoke each sentence calmly, but these words deepened the gloom on Carmen's face.

"Oh, and we also sent a batch of supplies to Saltwind City."

"I apologize for causing your country so much distress. I am here on behalf of His Majesty the King to discuss all matters."

Carmen's face was filled with pain, and Theresica's face was equally filled with displeasure. "I hope our discussions are effective."

Carmen first proposed compensation for the incident.

Iberia will provide a portion of the economic compensation, payable in rubles or other currencies. In addition, Iberia will provide Sarkaz with the complete technology for a mobile city, and can even dispatch technical workers if needed. Simultaneously, Iberia will maintain secrecy regarding this matter, and Sarkaz must also keep silent about Iberia's Seaborn incursions.

"I will accept the money, but I do not need a mobile city. We have a contract with the Sankta and do not build mobile cities ourselves. Sarkaz is a nation of honor."

"Then... Iberia can fund the construction of a mobile city for Sarkaz..."

"No, that is also unnecessary." Theresica shook his head. The mobile city was still a bit too hot to handle for Sarkaz at the moment.

Carmen was a little nervous. He had specifically researched all recent developments concerning Sarkaz before his departure. When he noticed the Eden Treaty between Sarkaz and the Sankta, he felt he had found the most crucial bargaining chip.

But this young leader didn't want it! With the threat of the Seaborn, he refused a mobile city?!

"Then, may I ask what... you require?"

"Sarkaz will forget about Iberia's Seaborn situation. We only know that the Seaborn pose a threat to the safety of the coastal areas of Kazdel." Theresica stated, "Sarkaz requires Iberia's transport ship technology, as well as technical workers."

"This..."

Carmen hesitated. This form of compensation seemed more advantageous, but it was not very safe for Iberia.

"I don't want old things. I want Iberia's best transport ships and technical workers."

"Alright."

After a moment of hesitation, Carmen agreed. After negotiation, Iberia would provide Kazdel with the blueprints for a small, high-speed transport ship, as well as the complete blueprints for a large transport ship. It was simple to produce and had a flat, continuous deck. Cargo could be loaded within the cabin, and additional cargo could be stacked on the deck outside, offering excellent carrying capacity.

In addition, Iberia would dispatch workers from its shipyards to provide training for the production process.

"In this situation, your refusal of a mobile city is a very courageous act, but I still advise you to be cautious. You might consider seeking aid from neighboring countries. I once heard an ancient saying from Yan: 'When the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.'"

"Of course, I will."

Theresica understood Carmen's meaning. He immediately wrote several letters and handed them to Kazdel's messengers, to be sent to neighboring countries such as Siracusa, Ursus, and Yan. The contents were roughly as follows: