Volume Five: Returning from Beyond the Shore - Chapter 432: Reform (Part Two)
"If we're talking about the difference between the Papacy and the Revolutionary Army, I'm afraid that kind of thing doesn't really exist in essence."
"Right, you—hmm?"
"I told you, we've been no different from the Vatican from the very beginning."
Nid looked at the division commanders present with a wry smile, as if he were watching a group of comical comedians.
"If we win, we will succeed the Papacy as the new rulers. The so-called 'just revolution' is nothing more than an armed seizure of power disguised as 'for the people.' What determines the difference between us and the Papacy? It's not our decision-making methods or ideological framework, but the actions we take when we actually become the ruling class. If we do better than the current rulers, we will be praised by all and remembered for generations; if we do worse than the Papacy, we will be remembered as 'newly appointed villains' for eternity."
He tilted his head slightly and spoke in a manner that sounded very simple but actually almost completely negated the revolution.
"In the end, what determines whether we are just or democratic is the people we rule. Do the people care whether your motives for seizing power are good or evil? Of course not. Stable life, low taxes, economic development, high employment rate, social welfare—as long as you give them what they want, they will praise you to the skies. Although it's a bit rude to say this... it's no different from a canine wagging its tail and fawning over you when you give it a bone."
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After he finished speaking, there was silence.
The regimental commanders were speechless.
Things have developed in a way that has exceeded their expectations.
The revolutionary leader, whose mission was to save the people from the corrupt Papacy, so abruptly laid his cards on the table.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Nid's expression remained calm; he spread his hands as if to reassure everyone.
"Actually, what I just wanted to say is—if that's the case, why should we get hung up on the 'Revolutionary Army' label? Since the goal is the same—'to overthrow the Papacy and take its place'—why should we insist on those restrictive, idealistic rules of the Revolutionary Army? In the end—"
For the first time, Nid showed a serious expression.
"--From now on, it doesn't seem like there's anything wrong with fighting for someone's wishes instead of those empty revolutionary ideals."
An inexplicable pressure permeated the air.
Saleh swallowed hard and cautiously replied—
"Who is that 'someone'...?"
"Who is it? Actually, it doesn't really matter who it is. For example, the Princess in a fairy tale who has been kidnapped by the Demon King and is waiting to be rescued; the poor person trapped in a predicament and waiting to die; the idealist with lofty ambitions who yearns for world peace; for example..."
Nid smiled, a smile that was both wistful and slightly mocking.
"... I?"
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"What a joke—no one said such a cliché line in a fit of anger."
Nid was serious.
Anyone could sense his seriousness.
This is completely different from the impassioned, formulaic speeches he gave to thousands of soldiers and civilians in the past.
It is not about reciting from the book, repeating what predecessors have done, or praising ideals that have been forced upon us.
He is now speaking these words truly as himself, not as "the great revolutionary leader Nid Bradwich."
Even if you... say that...
Saleh spoke weakly, but was immediately interrupted by Nid.
"Think about it carefully. After all the hard work you've put in, are you really content with just being a minor division commander in the Revolutionary Army? Try thinking differently, everyone... Will you continue to be 'revolutionary heroes' who risk their lives for the people, or will you become unparalleled 'founding fathers'? It all depends on your choice in this one moment."
The blood was churning.
It looked like it was being boiled, bubbling and gurgling.
Something coalesced within it, and the breath of life gradually spread, only to return to death in the instant before awakening, weakening into an incomplete existence as it teetered between life and death.
"Hmm..."
Fine beads of cold sweat dripped from my forehead; I was completely focused at that moment.
This is a huge undertaking that requires a high degree of mental concentration; it's one of the many techniques I finally figured out after going through a painful process of super-evolution.
Actually, rather than saying I "figured out a lot of moves," it's more accurate to say I categorized and organized all sorts of random moves I'd used before. I can say with certainty that all the moves I've used so far have been improvised on the spot, unlike Haoyue Sakura Dance who has a fixed skill list. I really just came up with whatever came to mind, gave it a cool-sounding name, and unleashed it on the enemy. Looking back now, it was way too casual...
So during the evolution, I went to great lengths to make major overhauls!
That being said, the intricate work I'm currently undertaking is not included in that.
What I'm doing now is as important as the Stark experiment is to perturbation theory.
"Even though I don't know what Mom is doing, I'll definitely keep going! Fight!"
Little Butterfly somehow got hold of a cheerleader outfit and was waving a pom-pom to cheer me on. Underneath her flowing skirt, she wasn't wearing any panties—tsk tsk tsk, the world is going to the dogs. Now it's even harder for your mom to concentrate, you silly daughter.
"So, Xiao Ye, what exactly are you doing...?"
"There's a strange sense of oppression about it."
"Stop arguing! I'm almost... three... two... one... done!"
Done!
Relying on my high tolerance for heat, I directly lifted the scalding hot pot, placed it on the thick mat I had prepared beforehand, and contentedly wiped away the sweat.
"Ta-da! After half an hour of hard work, it's finally finished!"
The aroma was irresistible, the broth was bright red, and the flavor was rich yet refreshingly spicy. The duck—oh, not human blood—was prepared on the spot. As a accompaniment to the human blood, tripe, ham, bean sprouts, lettuce, squid, and wide rice noodles were added. It's a pity that there was no beef aorta or konjac.
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"What's wrong? Aren't you going to come and try it? I can finally cook with my own blood now!"
"No, um..." Xiao Wu said, rubbing her forehead. "So, what exactly is this thing...? Is it really a dish? Is it edible? Or is it just a bunch of unrelated things stewed together?"
"Hmph hmph hmph Xiao Wu- chan--"
Remove the sauce!
" --Xiao Wu, you're still naive. This is a famous dish that originated from my hometown, a province called Chongqing! It's so great to be able to eat it again. I really can't understand why the food on Spirit Star is always so bland!"
I made a big pot of blood, added all sorts of seasonings and ingredients, and used my superb control over blood to condense the real star—duck blood—oh no, it should be called "human blood." After more than a year, I was so moved to finally taste that delicious food again. Next time, I'll try Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), maocai (Sichuan-style spicy stew), biangbiang noodles, or something like that!
"But you guys really aren't going to eat it? It's so delicious!"
I stuffed a huge chunk of blood and tripe into my mouth; the incredibly satisfying spiciness was simply amazing! It would have been worth it even if I were stuffed to death after eating this whole pot!
"Aren't you going to try some?"
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Another two thousand words... I'm sorry, I studied all day and only started writing this late at night... I'm just too sleepy...