49 Apocalypse Rules

The atmosphere in the meeting was a bit tense.

The issue of Shadow crossing the border to kill people was actually a microcosm—or perhaps a representation—of a much larger future problem.

That problem was this: after entering the era of the Apocalypse Rules, as each new rule passed, Ascenders would grow stronger and stronger, while the nation’s or the authorities’ control over them would dwindle.

This was almost an inevitability. Even with meticulously compiled statistical databases, it would be impossible to accurately gauge the specific strength of every Ascender.

This was because if an Ascender chose to keep secret the items they obtained from sources like Survival Treasure Chests, there was no way for others to find out.

While it was still possible to maintain some control over Ascenders living in Gathering Points and shelters, controlling those who lived in the wild—especially an individual as powerful as Shadow—was exceedingly difficult.

In a situation where control was impossible, what Shadow did was bound to happen again. It was only a matter of time.

After all, for powerful Ascenders with a diverse array of methods, crossing borders without a trace was not difficult.

So, when this problem of "going rogue" appeared, how to handle it became an extremely troublesome issue that the authorities needed to consider seriously.

The members of the Strategy Research Room were divided on the matter.

Some felt this was Shadow’s personal action and did not represent the official stance.

Others believed that since Shadow was a citizen of North Star Country, he should abide by its laws. Setting aside the killing and arson in a foreign country, the act of crossing the border without an application was, in itself, a serious crime.

But even more people believed that now, almost a year into the era of the Apocalypse Rules, many laws were effectively defunct. Everything had given way to the single priority of "survival."

If they were to really get into it, many of the authorities’ own actions were questionable. For example, during the mass demolitions of cities to build shelters, a few citizens—though a small number—had been unwilling to see their old homes torn down. They had protested by citing relevant laws, but in the end, the houses were demolished anyway.

Therefore, when it came to Shadow’s case, everyone was well aware that holding him accountable was a non-starter. For one, the authorities didn’t even know where he was. Furthermore, if Shadow knew he was at risk of being prosecuted, he might leave North Star Country for good.

Powerful nations were now openly and secretly recruiting strong Ascenders from other countries. Even though Shadow wasn’t currently working for the North Star Country government, he wouldn’t readily do anything to harm the nation.

But if they pursued accountability in this matter and made Shadow feel unsafe, causing him to flee to the Soloma Empire, Sakura Prayer, the Tulip Federation, or other nations, it would undoubtedly be a loss for North Star Country.

"At the end of the day, why was this issue dumped on the Strategy Research Room?" one person complained. "This research room was established to counter the Apocalypse Rules. Since when do we have to worry about foreign diplomacy?"

"It’s because of Shadow’s unique nature," Zhang Minglu said. "The diplomatic department probably didn’t know how to handle it, so they tossed this hot potato to us."

Gao Liangwei asked, "Dr. Zhang, what’s your opinion?"

Zhang Minglu thought for a moment and said, "I believe Shadow must have had a reason for doing this. From what we saw with the Yongzhou Base incident, he possesses a certain simple sense of justice. It’s unlikely he would slaughter innocent people without cause."

Another person said, "We all know that. The key issue isn’t whether the people Shadow killed were good or bad; it’s that the hundred-plus people were foreigners. And what’s more, Shadow infiltrated their capital to do it..."

"Exactly. Put ourselves in their shoes. If a foreigner snuck into our North Star Country’s capital, Yong’an, and killed over a hundred people—even if they were criminals—our high-level decision-makers would be furious, right?"

"Nations aren’t all the same," Zhang Minglu said, shaking his head. "It’s harsh to say, but it’s the reality.

Don’t forget, everyone, after nine Apocalypse Rules and nearly a year, a small country like the Andai Kingdom doesn’t have many people left. Whether the nation can even continue to exist after a few more rules is questionable... Is it really worth offending a top-tier Ascender for a small country that might collapse in a year or two?"

The crowd fell silent, seemingly persuaded by Zhang Minglu’s words.

But Gao Liangwei said, "Dr. Zhang, this might look like an issue with one man, Shadow, but it’s actually a trend. If we let one Shadow go, more and more ’Shadows’ will follow his example. How will the authorities handle that?"

Zhang Minglu gave a wry smile. "Director, you’ve got me there. I don’t understand politics. I only know about matters related to the cultivation and training of Ascenders."

Gao Liangwei gave Zhang Minglu a deep look. He knew the latter wasn’t ignorant, but simply didn’t want to elaborate on the topic.

"Though some may disagree, as the director, I will propose to the higher-ups that we ’recommend further follow-up’," Gao Liangwei said.

"Because at the end of the day, Shadow is still a citizen of North Star Country. Did he not consider the impact on the government before doing this? Or does he think his strength gives him the right to do whatever he pleases? Is he aiming to reach a point where ’the strong have no country’?"

Gao Liangwei’s words carried a dangerous undertone, and no one dared to respond, all remaining silent.

After the meeting, Gao Liangwei had Zhang Minglu stay behind.

"Dr. Zhang, I remember that little girl from Yongzhou Base, Chen Na, right? The reason Shadow was able to find Yongzhou Base was because she provided the location using a [Communication Secret Scroll]."

"Yes." Zhang Minglu nodded, then immediately realized something. "Director, are you thinking of contacting Shadow through Chen Na?"

"Is that not an option?"

"That... probably won’t work," Zhang Minglu said. "According to Chen Na, the station master of Ascender’s Home was the one who added her as a friend. But after Yongzhou Base was destroyed, she was removed from his friends list... She never knew the station master’s terminal ID number."

Gao Liangwei frowned. "Is that so? Then forget it."

"Director, regarding how we handle this matter with Shadow, I think we should be more considerate..." Zhang Minglu said cautiously. "An individual this powerful... even if he doesn’t work for the government, it’s best not to turn him into an enemy. Perhaps for a future rule, we might need to rely on the strength of powerful individuals to get through."

Gao Liangwei nodded slightly and said with profound meaning, "How this matter ultimately develops isn’t up to me. But I can tell you, Dr. Zhang, that a certain will among the higher-ups has long been displeased with Shadow... It’s gone beyond mere displeasure to the point of hostility. They might even use this opportunity to make an issue of it."

Dr. Zhang was slightly taken aback. ’Someone in the high command is hostile toward Shadow? Why? There’s no evidence that Shadow has done anything truly heinous or harmful to the country, is there?’

Gao Liangwei didn’t say more. He patted Zhang Minglu on the shoulder and left.

Zhang Minglu pondered for a moment, then shook his head. ’I should stop thinking about things I can’t decide. The priority right now is to remove the ’Mind Lock’ from Dragon Soul and the others.’

...

「The capital of Sakura Prayer, the Divine Capital.」

In a quaint, old-fashioned courtyard, a scruffy, middle-aged man was kneeling on one knee before a person dressed in a loose, flowing robe.

The robed figure spoke, their voice surprisingly youthful. "Mu Tian City, what is the progress on collecting the Puzzle Fragments you mentioned last time?"

The man called Mu Tian City replied apologetically, "Lord Divine Son, my deepest apologies. We currently only have one piece."

"Hm? One piece?"

"Yes. According to the latest intelligence, of the other four fragments, two are located in the Soloma Empire."

"Soloma..." the Divine Son scoffed. "A barbaric nation... What about the other two?"

"The other two are currently in the Andai Kingdom."

The Divine Son’s tone rose. "The Andai Kingdom? A small country on the verge of collapse? How could they possibly possess two fragments?"

Mu Tian City explained, "Lord Divine Son, we suspect that although the two fragments are located in the Andai Kingdom, their holder is most likely from North Star Country."

"...So you’re saying a holder from North Star went to the Andai Kingdom and took the fragments."

"That’s what we believe! According to the intelligence we’ve gathered, the Andai Kingdom is currently conducting a nationwide manhunt targeting someone from North Star... and that person is very likely Shadow."

"Shadow. That’s a name I hear quite often."

"Yes."

"So, the situation now is that both Soloma and North Star have collected two fragments. And the ’Chosen Team’ under your command, Mu Tian City, still has only one."

"Yes! My sincerest apologies!"

"..."

The Divine Son seemed a little angry but didn’t lash out. Instead, he continued in an understanding tone.

"Soloma and North Star—both nations are stronger than our Sakura Prayer. It’s understandable that our people’s progress is slower than theirs. But... you must try harder. The resources allocated to the Chosen Team are not for nothing."

Mu Tian City nodded emphatically. "Yes! We, the Chosen Team, will definitely acquire the four fragments from them as soon as possible and assemble the complete puzzle."

"Good spirit. What’s the plan? Also, the tenth rule will be announced soon, won’t it? Is there enough time?"

"That... It’s definitely not enough time," Mu Tian City said. "My apologies, Lord Divine Son, but collecting all the fragments is a long-term process. Even if things go smoothly, it might still take several more rules to complete... After all, our opponents are two powerful nations, North Star and Soloma.

As for the detailed collection plan, I will submit a formal proposal for your review later, Lord Divine Son."

The Divine Son nodded. "I see. In that case, prepare for the tenth rule first. Don’t get so preoccupied with the fragments that you run into problems with the rule itself."

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Divine Son!"

Mu Tian City himself knew that the purpose of the completed puzzle was unclear. Perhaps there would be an extra hidden collection reward, or maybe it would only provide a full understanding of the story of that "Qimo Star."

But the core of everything still lay with the Apocalypse Rules. Passing the rules was what mattered most.

The Divine Son stood up to leave. Before walking out of the courtyard, he asked, "Oh, right, has the issue with the Chosen Team member, ’Wall of the Heart,’ been resolved?"

Mu Tian City shook his head. "Regrettably, not yet."

"Hurry up. Don’t waste time."

"Yes!"

After the Divine Son left, Mu Tian City let out a long breath and slumped to the ground.

Reporting to the Divine Son was always the most stressful time for him. It couldn’t be helped—despite his youth, the latter represented the supreme will of the nation.

If he accidentally angered this Divine Son, a single word from him could revoke his status as the Chosen Team’s instructor, or even disband the entire Chosen Team.

That was something he absolutely could not accept. In his eyes, the Chosen Team had people like "Baqizi," who had inherited ancient bloodlines. In the future, she would surely surpass Shadow and claim the title of the World’s First Ascender.

’The tenth rule will be announced in a little over half a month. During this time, we’ll lay low, gather intel on the other fragment holders, and work on solving the ’Wall of the Heart’ problem. After the rule is announced and we’ve safely passed it, I’ll formulate a detailed plan to seize the fragments...’