Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 1059: Section 609: Sudden Turn (Part 4)

Chapter 1059: Section 609: Sudden Turn (Part 4)

"Where is Mr. Meng’s ship convoy now?" A cool, clear female voice rang out in the darkness.

"About half a night’s journey from New Bangkok." A male voice responded, his deep tone breaking the darkness as a screen lit up. On the map displayed, the light representing the convoy inched northward, slow but resolute.

"Mr. Meng has sent word—Malin, the one who saved New Bangkok ten years ago, is on their convoy. According to intelligence agents from Westland, ten years ago, this child didn’t even make it into the public eye." The clear female voice fell silent here, as another screen lit up.

A new voice, young and mischievous, began laughing: "His paternal lineage cannot be confirmed, and his physical traits don’t match any listed artificial lifeforms. We can’t rule out that he was customized in a private laboratory. However, how his lineage managed to survive to this day remains an unsolved mystery. Typically, after the Great Destruction, it would be impossible for a family to quietly preserve an inheritance for eight millennia."

"Yes, I asked the intelligence agents who returned. They all said they’ve never heard of a family matching this child’s appearance. The surname Gaiate belongs to his adoptive father. That family is easy to trace—the current sole member of the Gaiate family inherited the Truth Sequence. His adoptive father, Malin, in an unexpected twist, helped him advance Sequence Zero within the Truth Sequence. Now, he’s a Legendary figure. Our investigation into him has even attracted curious attention. However, Sydney’s security department dismissed it as mere Thanan curiosity, considering the identities of our agents." The male voice spoke again, explaining the current situation.

"Westlanders always like to act separately; they don’t understand the meaning of true Union," the child’s voice chimed in. "But can you really confirm Malin is the ancient god who came to Bangkok back then?"

"It’s possible. After all, his likeness was seen by the surviving soldiers in Bangkok and the Sages back then," the cool female voice responded. "Although I don’t quite believe it myself, the Sages could not have been deceived by Chaos. According to current agents and Mr. Meng’s confirmation, the strength of this child is rising to an uncontrollable height. Can you imagine? Mr. Meng sent a letter saying this gentleman is increasingly resembling a deity walking across worlds. If not for the severe injury facing the Sages, forcing them into recovery, I’d suggest inviting someone to take a closer look at Malin."

"He really did appear godlike in Bangkok back then. That’s why even I agreed to the divine creation plan, because I want to know: is he truly a deity, or just some entity manipulating collective memory?" The child’s voice paused, then gave a noise of frustration: "Mr. Bei Luo has arrived; why isn’t he saying anything?"

"What’s there for me to say?" A soft, childlike voice responded. "I did host Bangkok’s divine creation plan, that’s true. But the locals were already deeply invested. Right now, I’m worried—if that Westlander Malin reappears, what will Bangkok become? Will I even be able to command the City Guard units? That’s why I contacted Sage Lin; he’s en route and will arrive via transport plane in three hours."

"Sage Lin... How is Sage Chao, really?" The first child’s voice hinted at doubt. "Is he truly incapable of returning to his form?"

"Impossible. All connection lines are overloaded. Sage Chao expended everything to save his disciples, but in the end, his three disciples were so gravely wounded that they died from excessive blood loss. His own body suffered complete destruction as well. I’ve already connected with Sage Chao’s consciousness; he agreed to transfer himself into the shrine. While his body undergoes repairs, I plan to perform surgery on Miss Chao Chengshan." The child named Bei Luo explained.

His proposal drew doubts from the man: "Why her? She’s still too young."

"The previous Sage Chao died in the Bangkok battle ten years ago. At the time, Chao Sishui, who was only a disciple, succeeded and became the new Sage. Now gravely injured, with three adult disciples deceased, Chao Chengshan remains the eldest among the disciples of the Chao lineage. After her, the next oldest male is only five years old! I can’t perform surgery on a five-year-old child!" Bei Luo clarified. "Miss Chao Chengshan possesses extraordinary resolve. I am confident she can undergo the surgery and revive the Sage lineage."

"...How many lives must the Sage lineage still consume?" The cool female voice posed this question.

"If the divine creation plan succeeds, our generation will be the endpoint—because we will elevate an ultimate god-like entity akin to the Nameless. He will truly be the God of Goodness, even if his actions are strange. But if we fail, our generation will also mark the endpoint—because the final battle will toll the death knell for our civilization." Bei Luo’s voice was unyielding and emotionless.

"So, we get to end all of this. That’s good," the man’s voice showed no trace of joy.

The cool female voice seemed slightly more optimistic: "At least we’ll end all of this."

"Yes, if we can end everything, both Bei Luo and I will have fulfilled the oath we made with our companions." The first child said wistfully.