Unlocking the Spirit Calamity Path! (Short Chapter)

Next, Ian spoke of many more things.

He spoke of the importance of alchemy, of how alchemical prosthetics could restore the disabled to wholeness. He spoke of such a future and promised it would come to pass: all those crippled by war would receive nearly free treatment. All they needed to do was go to Xiahui Territory and cooperate with the experiments.

He spoke of the necessity of education, of what learning and knowledge meant to the mountain folk. He announced that he would fund the upbringing of every war orphan, that every child who had lost family in the war would receive subsidies and free education. In the future, schools from Xiahui Territory would stand between every tribal settlement.

This was not compulsory education. Our Empire did not go in for that. This was simply the Loyal Heirs Academy: the bloodlines of all who had shed blood in service would surely receive their lord's recompense.

Ian spoke of many things. He painted a picture of the future, making people believe in it as much as they could.

Then came wave after wave of cheers and praise.

Of course, there might have been a little potion mixed in. But compared to the fact of victory itself and the fervor Ian had stirred, those potions were less about fanning the flames than keeping them calm enough not to hurt themselves in their frenzy.

After the speech ended, Ian said nothing in the face of the tsunami-like roar.

At that moment, he slightly closed his eyes and listened to the vast, clamorous tide.

He heard.

He heard pounding hearts. He heard tears flowing down cheeks.

He heard the pain, torment, and sorrow hidden in everyone's hearts. Some chose fervor to conceal their unease; others used tears to reveal their bewilderment.

Ian listened