Chapter 839 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 839: The Gunshot That Shattered the Darkness As Old Staff had anticipated, the person kneeling on the ground in mourning was not Abishek. Instead, it was a fellow named Ma Wang. The man first wailed in anger, his entire body trembling with rage, then pulled out his sidearm, pointing it at the assailant, Anwo. Everyone present was taken aback. Even Anwo, who was aware he was acting, felt a chill run down his spine, fearing the man might go from acting to actually silencing him. But recalling Isher’s instructions and Abishek’s promises, he maintained an unyielding demeanor, standing firm despite his trepidation. "Shit, this guy can't die here..." Seeing their target in such a precarious situation, Dog Brother whispered in alarm, frantically signaling to Old Eagle for advice. Old Staff, however, chuckled lightly, softly reassuring him. "Relax, he won't die." Targets never die during the transitional cutscenes. Old Eagle concurred but dared not bet on the odds. He stepped forward at Dog's behest, and in fluent colloquial language advised, "Ahem! Everyone, please calm down. Whatever feud you have... are you pretending we're not here?" I, after all, am the envoy of the League! Though his envoy status had its caveats, surely the League's name carried some weight! Seemingly hearing his thoughts, Eagle’s words seemed to have some effect. Ma Wang slightly "calmed" down, lowering the trembling barrel an inch, but not completely. Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside the hall; King Abishek finally arrived fashionably late. Having orchestrated this coup himself, Abishek couldn't help but feel a tug at his heart upon seeing Yanuush slumped in the throne, eyes wide open. The self-proclaimed "sole king under the heavens" had met such an unceremonious end... The tormented expression, gradually distorted, seemed to morph into his own in a faint mirage. This was not a good omen. Though he did not doubt the righteousness of his actions, perhaps he was opening Pandora's box. Abishek took a deep breath, dispelling the chilling illusion from his mind, speaking to Ma Wang. “Shalouk, calm down... Put the gun down first.” Ma Wang glared at Anwo but eventually disengaged the safety and tossed the gun aside. Anwo finally exhaled a breath of relief, unaware his back was soaked with cold sweat. Even knowing Shalouk was a veteran on the frontlines, unlikely to misfire, having a ready gun pointed at him had made his legs weak. Such was human instinct. The spot where it aimed felt as if a hole had been drilled through... Abishek then turned to Old Eagle and the other League envoys, bowing deeply. "I apologize. This should have been a moment to celebrate the friendship between the survivors of the Boruo Province and the Valley Province. Yet, such an incident occurred in a solemn setting… On behalf of the survivors of Boruo Province, I apologize to you all, sincerely hoping for your understanding." "Please trust me, we will provide you with an explanation for this incident!" Hearing his high-sounding remarks, Old Eagle couldn't help but roll his eyes inwardly. As if I don't know this is all orchestrated by you? But staging it at this moment was indeed unexpected. Perhaps even the warmongering instigators hadn’t expected such reckless and decisive actions from these people. After carefully brewing his emotions, Old Eagle smoothed his expression of shock, speaking in a calmer tone. “This is your internal affair, and we have no intention of meddling. However, I hope you resolve issues in a more civilized manner, rather than reverting to violence… Frankly, I’m quite unsettled myself, seeing the person we just spoke with died right in front of us. I believe my companions share the same sentiment.” “I am truly sorry!” Abishek lowered his head, continuing in a sincere voice. “I understand your feelings right now, but I can assure you that building an equal nation in Boruo Province isn’t just the late king’s ideal, but a collective dream shared by us all. Even in his absence, we shall carry on his vision.” Pausing, he added. “Moreover, our stance towards the League and towards you remains unchanged. His promises to you still hold, and we continue to yearn for your recognition.” Looking at the earnest Abishek, Old Eagle was silent for a moment before sighing. “Yanush didn’t promise us anything, but... if you truly desire our recognition, then make some changes worthy of it.” “As for today’s meeting, let’s call it a day. I think you also need some time to address the current chaos and decide on the path ahead.” With that, glancing at his companions, the group moved towards the exit of the grand hall, temporarily departing this whirlwind... ... It began with a warehouse fire, then spread to the port, engulfing the entire settlement, and sweeping through half of Boruo Province like wildfire, only ending abruptly with an unexpected downpour. Most wildfires end this way. In eras predating civilization, the roaring flames across mountain and wilderness were but natural cycles, sparked by thunder and doused by rain. So it was with the Heavenly Army. Its rise was not entirely by chance, yet it bore an inevitability of its own. The thousand pillars standing in the City of Pillars suddenly jolted awake, like sweaty thieves in the night. They sought to break free from the curse binding them, to tear away from the bloody earth binding them, causing forests to tremble, beasts to flee, and the entire land to quake... It seemed success was within grasp. At least it roared grandly. Yet, in times where they should rejoice, a few pillars suddenly realized that their chains were not the crimson earth beneath, but the roots embedded deep into the soil and the hands gripping them tightly. That was the true crimson within them... Or rather, their soul. For an entire day, the heavens were shrouded in an atmosphere of restlessness. Just moments ago, the Heavenly Army was celebrating the arrival of the League delegation, only to be gripped with tension for inexplicable reasons the next. It was as though the music had stopped, and the ghosts began their hunt. Plasters switched from left arms to right arms, heavily armed soldiers rushed down the streets in waves. Their targets were clear, their actions swift. The raucousness surpassed even that of the night attacking the palace! But this time, who they intended to fight or kill remained a mystery... People avoided their gaze, not daring to whisper, much less linger on the streets. Vendors packed up, shops closed, and every household shut tight, fearful even of the slightest sound. The previously bustling market was deserted, as empty as the graveyard outside the city, save for a few mice and cockroaches scuttling about corners. People remained tense for an entire day until word spread by noon the next day that Yanuush's captain of the guard had committed suicide out of guilt, and three out of the six handpicked cabinet members were taken away, the alleged reason being they looted during the city's downfall. The survivors of Tian Du City themselves found the reasoning absurd. Who didn’t snatch something as the city fell that night? If that were the reason, why stop at just three? Sure enough, there was more explosive news to follow, their conveniently appointed King Yanuush was dead! No one had expected his death. And even more unexpectedly, he was shot in his throne during a meeting with League envoys by a centurion named Anwo, in front of the League envoys! The Empire of Yanuush, established less than a week ago, crumbled spectacularly... ... "Extra, extra! Big news out of Tian Du! Yanuush is dead!!" The harbor district of Jin Jialun Port echoed with a loud voice and hurried steps, startling a flock of seagulls. A newspaper boy, with a satchel slung over his shoulder, shouted while running through the streets. Hearing the cries, passersby, regardless of attire, paused in surprise, casting astonished glances at the newspaper boy. Yanuush?! The king... Dead?! People rushed over, grabbing at the papers in his satchel until none were left. Suni, a foreign teacher at a nearby school, happened to be passing by. Seeing the crowd eagerly snatching the extras, he pushed his way in to get a copy. "Give me one as well!" Tossing four gallons into the newspaper boy's hand, he hurriedly grabbed a newspaper and his eyes widened as he read the headline. "Tian Du's Coup! Yanuush Shot Eight Times!" Wow. The headline alone was more captivating than the earlier interview with the "Last Emperor"! [Yesterday at noon, the leader of the Heavenly Army, Yanuush, was shot dead by his own centurion, Anwo, during an audience with the League delegation in the grand hall of the palace! It is reported that Anwo is a reformist officer of the Heavenly Army, influenced during his time at West Sail Port by printed works of the Silver Moon Sect and labor union literature. He advocated for the abolition of the monarchy and promoted unionization, feeling extreme indignation at Yanuush's relentless coup d'états. As the League envoy arrived in Tian Du, Yanuush's sophistry turned slavery into equality, and crimes into nobility, blurring the line between evil and virtue. Unable to tolerate further, Anwo drew his gun and executed him in the hall. This editor personally feels that, though vigilantism has its faults, Anwo's heroism is hard to not admire with a thumbs-up. Before a ten-millimeter bullet, all are equal, no amount of power can stop a single bullet. Every wrongdoing disguised under the banner of justice should tremble on hearing Anwo’s righteous act! Currently, Anwo is imprisoned, his fate unknown for now. However, the gunshot in the palace has stirred reformists within the Heavenly Army, calling for an 'intellectual cleansing' and demarcation. Some radical reformist officers were the first to pledge support for Anwo, initiating a rebellion against Yanuush's confidants and the residual feudal elements of his faction. According to informed sources, officers of the Yanuush faction, including Bull King Ami, were executed in this purge. Moreover, over ten thousand grassroots soldiers and mid-level officers involved were swept into this purge. The local populace remained relatively calm about the purge. It's said those executed were known to have committed atrocities in West Sail Port and Tian Du, garnering little sympathy from the locals, who, in some cases, even celebrated. Following two days of turmoil, the situation in Tian Du is now firmly under the control of reformist leader General Abishek, and, as per this report, has mostly stabilized. In a public statement, Abishek declared he has no desire for the throne but wishes for the light of unification to shine upon the Province of Boruo. Thus, taking the name of the Jin Jialun Port Union, he established the Boruo Union. As for himself, he assumes the role of the Union's first president, as well as the first ruler of the 'Boruo Nation.' Meanwhile, reformist senior officers such as Shalouk, Nigli, and Duwata have taken senior roles within the Union, emerging as strong candidates for the next rulership. According to the resolutions of the Boruo Union, they intend to overturn all of Yanuush's policies and completely abolish slavery. Henceforth, regardless of their ethnicity, all residents of the Province of Boruo will enjoy equal personal freedom and rights. Beyond abolishing slavery, Abishek's measures include promoting public education, assembling industry representatives to form committees, waiving agricultural taxes, converting the royal mint into a joint-stock bank, and encouraging women's participation in production, among other changes. Additionally, they have extended an invitation to our newspaper to set up a branch in Tian Du to strengthen the connection between survivors in Tian Du and Jin Jialun Port. From an objective perspective, the Boruo Union has demonstrated a firmer determination for reform compared to Yanuush's reckless accolades and surreptitious reconciliations. Though the future remains uncertain, at least they seem committed to fulfilling their promises from now, welcoming our supervision. However, their earnest desire for progress, while moving, inevitably stirs a sense of anxiety for them. Such sweeping reforms promising foundational change are challenging to realize. Moreover, with the king's sudden death, reformist forces establishing a new Boruo Nation and distancing themselves from the old, the entire Heavenly Army now finds itself leaderless. Apart from the five military routes that participated in the mutiny or were annexed, seven military routes remain untamed, currently battling the vestiges of the former Western Lan Empire under the Yanuush dynasty's banner. This force numbers over a million, armed with standard legion equipment, and remains a formidable threat within the Province of Boruo. The actions these seven military routes' "Great King" will take, with a new power in Tian Du and a change in ally flags, remains to be seen. For more updates on the Boruo Nation, our reporters and editors provide ongoing coverage! ] After reading through the report, Suni now grasped most of the recent events unfolding in Tian Du, yet his gaze carried mixed emotions of joy and concern. It was evident that the editor of the “Survivor Daily” was brimming with excitement while penning this exclusive piece. As if, while writing, they happened to look up and spot a swallow flying past the window. Suni felt similar. Although he hailed from the Nanhai Federation's Ring Island, having taught here for nearly six months, he had developed a fondness for this land. So much so, he considered it his second home. Yet precisely for this reason, because he deeply understood the true desires of the people here, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of worry amidst his joy. As the newspaper stated, executing such radical reforms was no simple feat. Every decision Abishek made required funds, funds that seemed astronomical, even if all of Boruo Province's wealth were pooled together and multiplied tenfold, it probably wouldn't suffice. Could things be that straightforward? “...Education is paramount, and I hope that regardless of success or failure, the hearts and fervor of the Boruo Province survivors don't wane.” He sighed softly, folding the newspaper neatly and tucking it into his briefcase, continuing his walk to the school where he taught. As he crossed Tulip Street, he noticed military trucks from the League transporting crates painted green from the warehouse area of the port towards the suburban military base. The crates were unmistakably filled with ammunition. Many heavy pieces of equipment, including tanks and self-propelled artillery, had been unloaded at the port in those days. Clearly. This was the League’s response to reinforce the western front of the legion. Having survived a civil war himself, he couldn’t shake off a sense of foreboding. War. It was drawing closer... ... Suni was not the only one sensing the tension in the air; the Province of Boruo had no shortage of the astute and overly shrewd. The shaman camel at the inner riverbank near Jin Jialun Port was a testament to this. Even the once oblivious emperor could see the end looming, let alone everyone else. Recently, survivors had been disembarking at Eternal River while locals were leaving Jin Jialun Port for the sunny Baiyue Strait or the burgeoning Haiya Province. Consequently, the League's various settlements had repeatedly raised the identity card application thresholds, drawing criticism from some representatives for seemingly fostering "Ideal City" exclusivity. It was indeed a valid critique, as the League stood for the unity of suffering survivors, raising the identity card thresholds undeniably boxed out those in dire need. Though reprimanded by Dawn City representatives, local representatives had their rationale. Administrators argued that by uniting their own, they could unify even more people. Every community has a population capacity limit, dictated by local resources. They couldn't leave refugees to fend for themselves in the wastelands, watching them turn into raiders. A house meant for two might accommodate three with some inconvenience, but stuffing in five or six wouldn't be bearable. Settlements didn't oppose aiding survivors but had to act within their means. Helping survivors, however, fell under central jurisdiction. Their approval of spending valuable tax revenue to stabilize the Province of Boruo and build facilities for survivors in Jin Jialun Port was to lessen the refugee influx. Certainly, it was preferable if they arrived in manageable, gradual numbers. As for the debates between Dawn City representatives and local representatives, Chu Guang observed with pleasure and chose not to intervene. Even if tempers flared during meetings, it wasn’t out of animosity but a mutual desire to improve the League. One person's wisdom is always limited, even when augmented by his small band of players. He couldn't always consider every detail perfectly, but there were always others who could build upon his shortcomings, and that was sufficient. Even if no one considered it, tripping and falling naturally clarified the path. Learning to walk and run involves falling frequently... While the survivors of Boruo Province sharpened their determination to move east, there were also those who swam against the tide. Take Nyan, for example. After revealing his stance to Duke Garava and resigning from his embassy position, he promptly took a train to Silvermoon Bay, followed by a ship to Mammoth State. He didn't head to Jin Jialun Port. People there thrived; all sectors flourished, with a blooming of literary works, rendering his presence redundant. Even if he went, it would be merely a cherry on top. Conversely, Mammoth State needed him more, or rather, the entire Boruo Province did! The failure of West Sail Port’s "New Culture" movement highlighted many issues: Boruo Province residents couldn't arm themselves solely with borrowed ideas. Silvermoon Sect represented the secular achievements of Silvermoon Bay's residents. It wasn't suitable even for the culturally aligned Lionheart Kingdom, let alone for an entirely foreign place like the Western Lan Empire. Likewise with "Paul." A monument set by the survivors of Boulder City, it could illuminate their path forward, but they needed to light their own torches. The survivors of Boruo Province, stemming from a thousand tribes and deities, needed to acknowledge their beliefs and culture before secularization, rather than rendering those marks void. Simply put, they needed their own newspapers! And schools! Reclaiming their soul was their hope for ushering in a new era. Disembarking with a suitcase in hand, Nyan stood at the dock of the district. Though his face was weary from travel, his eyes shone with determination. He had been to Mammoth City before, but the changes were so significant, it felt unrecognizable. Yet because of this, he brimmed with hope for achieving his objective. At that moment, hearty laughter echoed from the port. “Haha, welcome! Nyan! Or should I call you Mr. Mouse?” Retracting his gaze from the crescent atop the distant church, Nyan turned towards the voice to see a neatly uniformed man walking over with outstretched arms. It was Laci. Though not particularly handsome in reality, his youth and heroic presence, mirroring the newspaper's headline photo, made Nyan recognize him immediately. Before coming, he had indeed written to the authorities, but hadn’t expected Laci to greet him personally. “Feel free to call me whatever, General, a name's just a code,” Nyan replied with slight reservation, extending his right hand rather than indulging in a warm embrace offered by the enthusiastic Laci. “Haha! Then let's stick with your name!” Unperturbed, Laci lowered his arms to grip Nyan’s hand firmly. “Brother Nyan—cough, Mr. Nyan, I'm a rough person. If my words ever offend, speak up! You can even scold me!” His avid smile would surely have shocked Asin, who had never shared a drink with him beyond one, yet here he was, befriending this newfound acquaintance with brotherly affection. Seeing Laci's exuberant posture, Nyan smiled awkwardly, jesting. “Well, if you insist, I won't hold back.” Waving dismissively, Laci laughed. “No need for formalities, Mammoth State needs people like you!” He was a simple man. Aside from warfare, he only knew how to replicate Jin Jialun Port's strategies—he was aware of his limitations. For mammoth state's development heavily relied on the talents from Jin Jialun Port and Silvermoon Bay, and he longed for Mammoth to have its own luminaries. Especially someone of Mr. Mouse's caliber! That's why he was openly humble, albeit a bit too enthusiastic. Nyan, unaware of these thoughts, sensing Laci's good mood, seized the moment. “If the general insists, then I'll boldly request two more things.” Laci clapped his shoulder, laughing. “Name it! I'll pave the way with green lights!” Nyan shook his head. “Green lights are unnecessary. Just follow the rules written in black and white.” He paused, gazing at Laci with earnest intensity. “There are no shortcuts to salvation; only one path, enlightenment. I am here to establish schools and a newspaper.” With profits from running “Garden of Dawn,” he wanted to invest back into the residents of the Western Lan Empire. Hearing that this gentleman brought along “solutions,” Laci beamed with joy. “No problem! In Mammoth, anyone can take on these tasks, and you most certainly can!” Seeing Laci pat his chest in assurance, Nyan offered a meaningful smile. “Let me be clear; I want a university like Camp 101, and a newspaper like the 'Survivor Daily' that speaks truths. These institutions will stand outside the League’s systems, and I hope they’ll remain independent of Mammoth’s as well. Can you agree to that?” Laci laughed heartily. “Why not, of course! I’ll grant you funds to proceed!” Nyan shook his head gently. “Funding isn’t necessary. I’ve accumulated some dirty money before; it’s sufficient for this purpose. Once schools and newspapers are on track, self-sustenance won’t be a problem. I only ask that you put your words into law or leave me a document, so it stands as proof in the future.” “Not a problem!” Laci agreed immediately, sensing nothing amiss. Nyan sighed in relief, then bowed deeply. “On behalf of Boruo Province's many tribes... thank you.” Seeing Nyan bow, Laci hastened to lift him. “What are you doing! I told you I’m a rough man, not one deserving of bows!” Insisting as he completed his bow, Nyan then took a step back. “No, no, you've misunderstood. It's called courtesy before force; don't mistake it for politeness.” Laci, momentarily taken aback, chuckled heartily. “Hahaha! Courtesy before force, is it? Alright! Teach me your craft when you can!” As they exchanged banter, the guards at the port exchanged glances of disbelief. Was this still their decisive general? He seemed like a different person altogether... To Be Continued.