Chapter 907 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 907: I Am Not Your Commander Unlike Singularity City, which has intricate historical ties with the War Construction Committee, Weifu City, located on the Weifu Wasteland, was built from scratch by survivors from all over. The only traceable remnants here, apart from the vanished city from the old era, were the populous slave estates, long gone since the arrival of the Torch Church. Now, only some mutants and the spores they favor, the Nog, remain. The land was once visited by an entity close to full manifestation, where the mycelium of the Nog permeated every inch of its soil. However, the corrupted lands have gradually been cleansed and transformed into nourishment by the mutant mycelium mother nest led by Xiaoyu. This area boasts expansive plains and a river system rich in water resources, potentially rivaling the fertile lands along the Tasang River in Borra Province with time. What it perhaps lacks most is people. Compared to Dawnbreak City, Sunrise City, or Boulder City, Weifu City lacks in many aspects, whether it's infrastructure or medical conditions. Fortunately, these immediate challenges haven't deterred the pioneers of the Union from setting foot on this soil. Factories in Boulder City and Sunrise City supply these pioneers with ample tools. They set up wagon-style tents in the wilderness, install solar panels on rooftops, use exoskeletons with explorer plugins to find mineral deposits, drive farm machinery to cultivate lands, and occasionally put out commissions to nearby players to clear nests of mutants, variations, or raiders. Aside from pioneers from other Union settlements, there are Waylanders from the distant western world, Wastelanders from Yunjiang Province, settlers migrating from the Wandering Swamps, and people from Borra in the city of Thousand Pillars. Their specialties vary, some excel in combat, others in mining, farming, or brewing. Still, the most are drifters from Jinchuan Province and nearby areas. With the threat of the Torch extinguished, and the installation of mental interference devices, Weifu City has become a haven second only to Singularity City in this basin. Unlike Singularity City, there's no AI here meddling in everything and wishing to be everyone's guardian. Here, people can do anything they want, as long as they don't violate Union laws or hinder others' equality. Much like when Sunrise City was rising. Producers formed guild representatives. Subsequently, people outside the production industry elected their representatives, paving the way for a representative council. Under the framework of the Union Constitution and laws, local survivors have clarified their rules and chosen representatives to participate in the legislation at the Sunrise City council. Moreover, they exercise the oversight responsibilities naturally endowed to Union citizens, ensuring that administrative functions operate within legal bounds and referring offenses to the courts for arbitration. This system runs independently of the Union’s municipal system and appears suitable for current needs. What new rules will govern the post-settlement era is a matter for the future. By then, the Union might possess larger administrative divisions and a greater population, its territory spanning across dozens of light-years and several star systems. Eventually, city lords and governors, marginalized by necessity, may retire alongside the position of the administrators from the historical stage. Including the "Vault Dweller" identity. They will no longer be blue-suited or 'blue moles.' Their children will become proud Union citizens, like children from other wastelanders and Waylanders, not segregated into inner and outer cities like Boulder City, nor stratified by letters like the Academy. However, such times are far ahead. Chuguang hasn't planned the Union's next few hundred years. Even short-term plans tend to defy his expectations and those of others. He trusts that his "children" will find the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, passing their legacy onto a distant future. At this moment, the train docked at the station platform. Rising to disembark, Chuguang noticed Lü Bei briskly walking in with a solemn expression. “Sir, there’s an issue at Settlement 1.” Though Chuguang had already caught onto the news on the forum, he greeted Lü Bei with a smile. “Tell me all about it.” Lü Bei, hastening to follow Chuguang who moved through the train aisle, recounted the findings of the Honor Guard in a low, earnest tone. Chuguang nodded after hearing him out, smiling as he responded. “Is there an issue?” Lü Bei hesitated, then gravely stated his view. “You once said, to end the wasteland era, we must unite all who can be united and save all suffering survivors. Yet, this representative named Gu Ning is inciting hatred against the Borra people…” His loyalty to Chuguang is undoubted, since it was this very man who pulled him from hell. Precisely because of this, he disliked that smooth-talker. In his eyes, this person distorts the administrator's stance for personal gain, without truly understanding the teachings of the esteemed sir. Despite his distaste for the individual, Lü Bei adhered to Chuguang’s prior instructions, carefully observing the turmoil without rash action, watching for any parties crossing the line. Having listened intently to Lü Bei’s perspective, Chuguang paused to ponder, then gently sighed and said, “What you noted is quite objective, but you missed being objective when evaluating specific individuals. For instance, I dislike the word ‘incite.’ Mr. Gu only expressed his views, and within his expression, I saw no hatred towards specific individuals, nor distortion of facts.” “I…” Lü Bei paused, eager to explain. Seeing the young man’s fervor, Chuguang smiled warmly and continued, “I know you mean well, just a bit too anxious.” He paused, then continued, “Everyone has their thoughts; we should allow them the opportunity to voice them. It’s for this reason that even during tough times, we select representatives born of countless industries from factory floors and the endless farms of our long-term manors.” “If extensive viewpoints aren’t valued, we end up like a runaway horse, just like Boulder City once was. Survivors there, regular or elite, outlined over an outdated blueprint, erecting a huge edifice disliked by most. The harder they worked, the more they suffered, diverging further from their dreams, except for those who lived in that building.” “Ultimately, tenants of the building and outsiders made terrible choices universally, leading to mutual loss. Only when that building collapsed did they find true liberation.” Lü Bei softly stated, “We won’t turn into Boulder City.” Chuguang chuckled softly and replied, “I hope not, but ignoring the existence of ‘black cards’ doesn’t make them vanish. However, we can distribute them among more people to diffuse potential future risks.” Compelled, Lü Bei asked, “Is there no way to eliminate risk completely? Like preventive measures?” Chuguang shook his head gently. “Even the sun has an expiration date. What of a civilization only a few millennia old and us, only a few years? Risk can be reduced but never eliminated, so avoid unrealistic ideas; those are either bold assumptions of dreamers or deceptive illusions of tricksters.” Ideas claiming absolute certainty warrant the highest caution; unseen risks are more perilous than visible ones, as those are not truly foolproof but only hiding the worst option underground. Choosing such paths forces all into an inescapable gamble. The outcome for gamblers holds little surprise: perhaps momentarily rising as fleeting blossoms in low gravity’s embrace or falling dramatically, fragments crushed by reality's gravity. Seeing Lü Bei deep in thought, Chuguang paused by the carriage door, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder while gently conveying, “Long ago, I said I have only one requirement for you all: loyalty.” “This applies eternally to the Honor Guard. I want you always to remember, along with the latter half I left unsaid back then.” "You must always remain loyal to the citizens of the Union and the laws they have pledged allegiance to, dedicating all your efforts to defending their dignity and rights." "If a day comes when I'm no longer here, and someone tries to use my name to bind you, that person is the enemy of all the Union, your undeniable adversary." He must be wary not only of becoming a city lord akin to Boulder City but also of turning into Marshal Julius. A grand legion filled with treacherous traitors isn’t something the Union should ever become. A realization dawned in Lü Bei's eyes, mixed with a tinge of guilt. He lowered his head, placing his right fist over his heart. "I understand." Smiling at the promising young man, Chuguang stepped off the train and onto the station platform. As he disembarked, Commander Li Jinrong and a group of Weifu City’s leadership stood not far from the platform, seemingly unsure whether to approach. Seeing familiar faces, Chuguang realized word of his southern inspection had indeed spread. Even though the Union lacked a wide-ranging network, the speed at which information shared had progressed significantly. Moreover, he hadn’t deliberately concealed his visit; engaging with the public via holographic image left room for sightings or guesses. Frankly, it was a feat that the news had traveled only this far. Making eye contact with Chuguang, Li Jinrong, smiling, approached him. "Esteemed Administrator, what brings you here?" Perhaps due to his background in administration, the once guerilla leader against the Iron Tower and Torch Church was now much more composed and slightly more diplomatic. Shaking his hand with a warm demeanor, Chuguang replied, "I haven’t visited here in a while. I'm just here to look around and see how the survivors are doing in my absence. No need to be tense, carry on with what you're doing." Li Jinrong smiled, "Rest assured, we're doing quite well, and life here is on track now." He then awkwardly added, "Just... next time, could you let us know in advance? It's not like Dawn City here; a little preparation on security would help!" Chuguang laughed heartily, seeing Li Jinrong still a bit guarded, joking, "No need to worry about my safety. No one in this world can threaten it." It wasn’t boastful—few on the wasteland could match X-16’s combat capabilities, let alone be a direct threat. Escalating to the scale of war machines is another matter entirely. Tanks, planes, cannons, and missiles would struggle to approach him unnoticed. However, individual prowess has limited use in systemic confrontation, which is why he seldom joined the players on the frontline. In the Union's early days, when leading charges was necessary, he had done so. Seeing Li Jinrong's wry smile, Chuguang, not wanting to trouble him further, said gently, "Since I’m here, if you wish to report, just focus on key points. I’ll verify the rest myself... Let’s discuss after leaving the station, so we don’t disturb the passengers." He had noted the crowd's curiosity growing around them—local residents, wastelanders, and task-bound players—wondering more about why he was there than about him personally. While players speculated about a new expansion, locals pondered potential substantial Union movements to the south. They weren’t wrong. Following the gravity well’s activation, this land would soon enter a new era. Realizing Chuguang’s visit wasn’t due to his work errors eased Li Jinrong’s tension. His smile became more genuine, "Please, follow me." --- News of Chuguang’s visit to Weifu City spread quickly from the platform commotion, hitting the headlines of the "Survivor Daily" across the Union and even the South Sea Union the next day. Not only did Weifu City's survivors buzz with excitement, but those at Settlement One also speculated eagerly on whether he’d visit them as well. Though there wasn’t much to see in Settlement One, save for the district near the port. At the dock's breakfast stalls, surrounded by the steam from large iron pots, dockworkers in hard hats chatted animatedly. "Why did the Administrator suddenly come here?" "It’s not about the city hall issue, is it?" "Nonsense. Something so minor wouldn’t catch his attention." "Then why... Nothing valuable's been fished from the sea, has it?" "Maybe visiting the South Sea Union. Heard Coral City’s finally fully powered, and former residents along with Vault 70 folks are moving back. Could be related." "I doubt it’s that. More likely about that elevator thing." "The space elevator?" "And the gravity well! Heard it can pull down orbital debris." "Hope it doesn’t drag down any old nukes..." "Even if they were there, they’d be defunct by now, right?" As discussions continued, a well-dressed man approached the timeclock area. The foreman, drowsy, suddenly noticed the polished shoes near him. Thinking it might be surveillance or a manager, he promptly straightened on his chair, only to lock eyes with Hank’s familiar face. Rolling his eyes, the foreman leaned back, grumbling, "What’s gotten into you?" Smartly dressed, Hank grinned, placing his resignation letter on the table. "I’m quitting." "You found a new job?" Raising a brow at the novelty of a resignation letter—rare among the docks' transient workforce—the foreman looked surprised. Nodding confidently, Hank replied, "I’ve found a new beginning... Wish me luck, brother." The foreman paused, then laughed heartily, "Haha! Good luck! Hope I don’t see you here next month." Hank smiled, "You won’t, but when I make it big, I’ll be back to flaunt it! Hope I’m not a bother then." He set the exoskeleton neatly folded in the suitcase on the table with the work clothes and hard hat he used. Smiling, the foreman scribbled a note, handing it to Hank. "Collect your pay from finance... Damn, even leaving, you squeeze a meal out of me." Taking the slip, Hank chuckled, "I’ll miss it. Won’t have it again." "Ah, cut the crap and get lost." Jesting, the foreman waved him off as Hank went to bid farewell to others. To be honest, he didn’t dislike Hank—in fact, he quite liked him. Despite his work slacking and frequent absences, Hank got along well with everyone and was quite the charmer. Some people simply didn’t belong working on docks, having a greater value elsewhere. The foreman's only wish was for Hank to use his cleverness on the right path... As Hank bid farewell to his last friend, heading with his last paycheck to the "Hank Group" newly-rented office at Settlement One, representative Gu Ning led Waylander immigrant representative Yarman to survey the new home for over five thousand Waylanders. Notably, this representative was distinct from another of the same title. Yarman, only just beginning the application process for Union citizenship, still held the status of "Under Supervision," meaning he wasn't yet a formal citizen of the Union and didn't possess full political power. Naturally, this meant he couldn’t propose or vote on matters in the Representative Council. However, in Gu Ning's view, with Yarman's capabilities and social connections, it was only a matter of time before he joined the Union and became a representative for the Waylanders—provided he so desired. Despite being a conservative voice in the council, Gu Ning was not opposed to "newcomers," as he himself wasn’t born into the Union but was drawn by its ideals and later joined the organization aiming to end the wasteland era. His disdain was reserved for those disregarding rules, treating the Union as a dumping ground for everything, without regard to whether the "trash" suited the Union. While he held no particular grudge against the Borra people, their unruly behavior had occurred one too many times, and the so-called progressives among the radicals were too lenient in their responses. By contrast, the Waylanders slightly earned his favor. Their love for vodka complemented his taste for whiskey, both popular in Settlement One at a robust 40% ABV—the difference being one is made from potatoes, the other from wheat. At this moment, Yarman was unaware that Gu had marked him as a potential ally. If Yarman knew, he'd likely be both amused and exasperated. Having experienced countless misfortunes, politics was the last thing he wanted to touch. All he wished was to build ten churches dedicated to the Silver Moon Goddess, praying for his family's safety. "This is the eastern part of Settlement One, an open plains area. Because it’s somewhat distant from water sources, not many live here... but those aren’t issues. With the right funding, water pipes and even roads can readily reach here." "All in all, you don’t need to worry about domestic water—it’s more than sufficient, and I suspect you won’t be farming by the sea. Plus, other required goods can be imported from the South Sea Union; their factories are legendary, claiming they can inscribe books on a strand of hair... sounds like boasting, yet I’ve actually seen it." Surveying the barren lands, Gu Ning squinted cheerfully, adding, "No need to fret about public opinion either. The administrator’s southern visit has overtaken headlines, overshadowing the 'Waylander Street' district and nuisances' protests. Given you have your startup funds, I trust you’d prefer passing through this period quietly rather than drawing unwanted attention like others clamoring for handouts." With a slightly embarrassed smile, Yarman sincerely replied, "Thank you for considering so much for us. I truly don’t know how to express my gratitude." Lately, his compatriots have been living aboard ships. Some elders and children, unaccustomed to the conditions, fell ill; some young people wanted to disembark to find work, and there was a pregnant woman nearing labor. Problems invariably scaled with population. Settlement One never accommodated so many immigrants, and he had never taken on such responsibility for so many simultaneously. Thanks to this representative and Hank's assistance, they secured hospital beds and essential medicines. Moreover, young job seekers were connected to employment through Mr. Gu, affording them a means to support their families, with accommodations in company dormitories. Though basic, and most jobs were unskilled labor, they were vital transitional support. Given the reality, local survivors weren't complaining—they had even less cause to. Those with greater abilities naturally found better opportunities. “The heavens help those who help themselves—a truth I've upheld since the wasteland. No need to thank me. We welcome capable survivors to join us in overthrowing this cursed wasteland and burying all remnants of the past era.” Grasping Yarman’s hand with a supportive pat on the shoulder, Gu Ning continued, exchanging glances with the weathered man. “Truthfully, I must be practical too. Even when you establish your street, I hope traditions and culture serve more as symbols rather than boundaries, and that you try to integrate more with those around you... after all, even those we sympathize with, if behaving unreasonably, can just as easily wear out our patience.” Yarman earnestly promised, "I’ll convey your advice to my compatriots." Gu Ning, releasing his hand, smiled, “Relax, don’t take it so seriously. I’m merely your voice, not your commander.”