Chapter 1905: Chapter 1898: Fighting for a Better Future

He then slowly raised his palm, signaling silence. The crowd fell silent, and gradually the scene grew quiet.

Taking a deep breath, Luo’er lowered his hand and cleared his throat a bit.

Before him was a loudspeaker powered by Magic Road energy. Although it wasn’t as advanced as electronic products on Earth, it ensured everyone present could hear him.

“Today, I come to this venue with a trepidatious heart, to deliver my inaugural speech…”

Feeling prepared, Luo’er began his opening remarks.

After briefly introducing himself and explaining his inauguration, just when everyone thought he was going to utter a series of lengthy platitudes, Luo’er suddenly changed his tone and began his true speech.

“As the saying goes, three fires for the new officer. As a new officer, I am keen to change customs and avoid lengthy, boring speeches that kill everyone’s spirit…”

“I am well aware of what you have come here to hear—and what you do not wish to hear. Therefore, I intend to tailor my words to your liking, which will make things much easier for me; otherwise, I’d only wear out my lips…”

“I believe that not everyone here is satisfied with me. Surely there are those who express dissatisfaction, and I’m not averse to it nor will I retaliate because of it. But I hope everyone understands that my becoming the highest commander of Lipei is due not only to historical causes but also to pressing contemporary factors…”

“Many might think I got to be Lipei’s commander through backdoor dealings without any accomplishments to my name. On that note, I’ll be forthright instead of modest…”

“I have served as the Captain of the Otherworld Advance Team, and since starting our mission in 2051, it has been ten years. In these ten years, we’ve completed numerous vital tasks and made many important friends…”

“Yes, you’re not mistaken. The discovery and initiation of Lipei are precisely due to our team. So, no one knows this city better than I do, and no one is more suitable for this city than I am.”

As soon as Luo’er finished speaking, the venue erupted into a commotion. Many displayed expressions of shock, whispering to each other.

While some were aware that Lipei’s initiation was related to the Advance Team, most could never have imagined that its discovery and initiation came from this mixed-race Elf captain standing before them.

“I’m not being modest; I truly believe no one is more suited than me to become the highest commander of Lipei.”

Speaking, Luo’er naturally removed his white gloves, casually tossing them onto the podium, and began pacing, appearing fully into his element.

“The headquarters has laid the heavy responsibility on my shoulders; I must enjoy the fame and bear the responsibility to seek welfare for Lipei’s hundreds of thousands of citizens. I know many dislike my identity, believing Lipei should not be governed by a mixed-race Elf…”

“Here, I need to remind you that upon joining Lipei, you already accepted Lipei’s baseline, banning incitement against the government based on race, religion, and gender…”

“You can oppose my style, my policies, and even dislike me as a person. But if anyone attempts to incite the public against the mixed-race Elf under the guise of race, I will make them understand the grave mistake they have made…”

“Equality, freedom, legal system, fraternity… these are ideals Lipei has consistently upheld, and they are why Lipei is different from other countries and cities. As citizens of Lipei, everyone should consciously adhere to this and uphold Lipei’s mainstream values…”

“Of course, I stand here today facing all of you, not to wage accusations, nor to criticize each of you. One significant reason I have become Lipei’s commander is that Lipei faces the threat of war.”

Finishing his words, noise once again rose from the audience, as people uneasily conversed among themselves, seemingly frightened by his words.

“You may think I’m fear-mongering. But I must remind you, Odelanqi has amassed a million-strong army just a few hundred kilometers from us. If war breaks out, the consequences will be unimaginable…”

“Some might say, ‘No, it can’t be, Odelanqi would never attack Lipei for no reason.’ To which I say, when the storm comes, everyone believes the suppressed, yet tranquil days will last forever. Remember, do not rely on what others might do, but prepare to stop them from doing what they might…”

“Even if war doesn’t break out, and even if it doesn’t affect Lipei, we must prepare for the worst. Unity is the key to defend our way of life and unshakeable values…”

“Comrades, honored guests. In your imagination, are the notions of equality and freedom always readily available, like air and mountain springs, unchanged and untainted? Wrong, gravely wrong…”

Luo’er’s voice suddenly became impassioned, clenching his fists and yelling hoarsely, “What you have, all the good things are guaranteed by the Lipei Government and defended by the Lipei Military. Without them, there’d be no good life for you, no equality and freedom in your values…”

“Lipei is fully autonomous now; the Shani people have left, but their assistance has never ceased. We must rely on ourselves to protect our life and defend our interests. Therefore, I urge everyone to stand up, unite, and lead by example to defend our Lipei and our interests…”

“Don’t wait until war breaks out to ponder how to respond. We should act now—enlist, become volunteers, aid the government, and build indestructible walls so that our enemies dare not invade. Only this way can we safeguard the interests of all to the greatest extent…”

“The Lipei District Government and Lipei’s highest Commander’s Office solemnly promise everyone that any losses before and during the war will be borne by Lipei’s government. You need not worry about the loss of property; whatever you lose, the government will compensate you. However, all of you should mobilize and act to fight for the protection of yourselves and your loved ones…”

“A person only has one life; once lost, it can never be compensated. A person’s mission should also be singular—to fight for the preservation of a good life. We cannot imagine how those invaders would treat us if Lipei suffers an invasion. Nor can we imagine that these invaders would continue to recognize our current values and way of life…”

“Therefore, we must unite to fight for the right values and for all the good in life. I am ready and prepared to sacrifice myself at any moment. But are you? Do you have the awareness and determination to risk all, just to protect your beloved ones?”

After such a speech, the atmosphere seemed to have ignited, turning the crowd into a heated wave, chanting along with Luo’er.

“Unite, fellow Lipei citizens. I, Luo’er, vow to advance and retreat together with you. We need soldiers, volunteers, and anyone who can protect Lipei, regardless of gender…”

“Your indifference will ruin Lipei, while your efforts will shape a new future for Lipei. So, act, everyone, all stand up for Lipei!”

“For Lipei!!”

Finally, enthusiastic cheers broke out from the crowd, their emotions swaying with Luo’er’s rhythm, obviously stirred by him.

“Defend Lipei!” Luo’er roared with a clenched fist.

“Defend Lipei!!”

The audience responded in unison.

“We cannot tolerate hypotheticals; we cannot trust the Odelanqi Kingdom, prepared to set flames within Lipei’s borders at any moment. We must take action, resist all threats, counter any possible invasions. Your and my good life must not be taken away. Lipei belongs to the people of Lipei!”

Luo’er repeatedly emphasized the good life, for a reason; these Lipei people have firsthand experience of this life, allowing them to empathize with Luo’er’s rhetoric.