CHAPTER 970: CHAPTER 967: "HERO PROJECT.

"Please cast your vote in favor, madam."

Beneath the White Tower of the Ahsente Kingdom, Lu sat with the envoys of the small border nation, the Freedom Federation, before one of the kingdom’s rulers, Duke Rena.

Rena wore her black twin ponytails, sipping tea with her eyes downcast.

The discussions about the Ark project and the related proposals for The First Tower had been ongoing for a long time. Assessment by the parliament members, collective discussions, voting... The members in the room had been sitting for twelve hours.

"Since The First Dream Patrol Family plans to thoroughly investigate the Ark project. Whether we oppose it or not doesn’t really matter." Rena smiled, "Rest assured, sir, even without the voting, the original plans of various countries were all for voting ’in favor.’"

"The Ahsente Kingdom siding with The First Dream Patrol Family is the right choice." Lu shook hands with Rena, "You will not regret today’s choice."

Rena raised an eyebrow, "The new diplomat from Mo Fei Federation. I heard you just took office, and you can already serve in our country. Who’s your support?"

Lu smiled, "It’s just me, madam. I’m merely returning to my old expertise."

He turned to leave.

Rena sipped her red tea and suddenly said, "You have always been obsessed with wanting ’fairness.’"

Lu paused slightly.

Rena said, "You aren’t the first to embark on the journey with ideals. There must have been countless predecessors before you who set out on a journey with their ideals. But look now, has anything changed? Why didn’t they succeed? The history of their struggles has long been erased; no one remembers them. If the Ark project truly lacked reason, why hasn’t anyone questioned it until now?"

Lu resumed walking.

He said faintly, "Is it right, just because it always has been this way?"

"That’s why we need Su Ming’an."

He didn’t turn back, leaving only a fading silhouette. The scarf around his neck fluttering backward in his quick pace, forming a long shadow.

...

When the black limousine arrived at the scene, everyone began to cheer, seemingly caught in a sort of unconscious frenzy, chanting the name of The First Dream Patrol Family.

"Su Ming’an! Su Ming’an! Su Ming’an!"

"The First Dream Patrol Family! The First Dream Patrol Family!"

The guards formed a circle, aiming riot shields at the enthusiastic crowd to prevent them from rushing forward. The attendants bowed, opening the car door, and a young man draped in a black robe stepped out, a cigarette in his mouth, the skull pendant on his neck swinging gently.

He squinted his eyes, surrounded by cameras and spotlights, the angles of his face sharply defined by the light, his expression serene, like a natural-born emperor.

Upon seeing him, the cheers became even more piercing; someone even shouted, "The First Dream Patrol Family! I want to bear your children!"

Shadow raised his eyebrow. Every person he saw had almost the same expression, as if something invisible was imprinted on their features, twisting them into this unconscious frenzy. He understood that the invisible force was called "Faith."

"The First Dream Patrol Family, this is the Honor Medal issued by the Union Government for you, thanking you for your contributions to humanity." On stage, Scripps descended to present Shadow with a small gold-threaded wooden box, a golden medal nestled within the black velvet.

Dozens of cameras instantly converged like ravenous beasts, targeting the medal, the sounds of clicking incessantly filling the air. People looked toward this moment with anticipation and longing, some even covering their faces, moved to tears.

—What a beautiful scene!

Symbolizing the hope of humanity is The First Dream Patrol Family. The interaction with the Union Government representative. Under the lights, amid floral backgrounds, the young black-haired man exchanged glances with the middle-aged person adorned with the medal. One had borne blood in the Dream Patrol game. The other had tirelessly signed documents day and night.

"Wonderful, wonderful..." Someone murmured softly.

"So that’s The First Dream Patrol Family, feels smaller than in front of the camera." Xin Yue said.

"Still in school and already so strong." Xiao Lanping from North Qing University said in amazement.

"Medals for meddlesome people..." Yizikel Duke muttered under his breath.

Shadow lowered his head. Under the spotlights, the reflection from the medal was dazzling; at this moment, he saw through these blinding reflections, witnessing the collapsed half-finished building, seeing Grandma Lin’s sorrowful and grateful final glance, seeing a rainstorm covering the entire world.

[The First Dream Patrol Family·World Honor Medal]

Clear words inscribed on the medal, glimmering with fragmented light.

His gaze became more silent, one second passed, three seconds passed, ten seconds passed... People were all waiting for him to accept the medal.

Scripps maintained his pose holding the medal, his smile almost turning stiff. The crowd’s murmurs grew louder, the photographers with cameras began to sweat, until finally, Shadow reached out to accept the Honor Medal.

"To bear honor and fulfill duty." Shadow said blandly, "I will still thoroughly investigate the Ark project, rest assured."

Scripps internally sighed—why did you have to mention this?

Giving you the Honor Medal is in hopes that you refrain from doing anything rebellious. The past Oracle remains valid, your stubborn resistance will hardly lead to a good end.

"By the way, The First Dream Patrol Family, there’s something we need to inform you." Scripps said.

Shadow walked toward the direction of the tower, already seeing The First Tower towering there—its posture broad and tall, its top shining with an unknown light, like a giant lighthouse, illuminating the dark night.

"Because of the news of the Exotic Species King’s awakening, now we’ve entered wartime, the term ’Union Government’ is no longer suitable. We’re no longer a ’government,’ but an organization capable of accommodating the opinions of all forces and uniting humanity with one heart, thus, to announce the entry into the wartime era, and to herald the onset of a new era, the Union Government has been renamed." Scripps said.

"Hmm, so what are you called now?" Shadow said indifferently.

Scripps replied solemnly,

"United Group."

At that moment, all the players present felt their hair standing on end, a shiver running through their bodies.

Shadow’s eyes widened slightly, he glanced at Scripps and laughed, "Good name."

Such a change is hardly welcome.

Curious about which unlucky player suggested the name change that Scripps adopted.

"Aside from that, following suggestions from some parliament members, we are about to embark on a plan centered around you, promoting the actions of Dream Patrol streamers, acknowledging heroes, motivating the masses, continuing the pioneering spirit, establishing the proper heroic image." Scripps said.

"Oh? What’s this plan called?" Shadow’s eyes showed a hint of laughter.

Under the spotlight, Scripps spoke:

"Hero Plan."

Shadow nearly burst into laughter.

Interesting, very interesting.

"’We must make people believe that someone is always keeping up the fight, that someone is always trying to save them, that someone is always fighting for them.’" Shadow said slowly, "’As long as civilization exists for one more day, someone will always remain standing—thus, we need an obvious leader.’"

"You’re absolutely right, that’s exactly what we mean," said Scripps.

"Great! Then I shall fully leverage my influence!" Shadow suddenly laughed. Several council members’ expressions darkened.

Shadow strode to the high platform that Scripps had vacated, looking down at the cheering crowd below, like an emperor reviewing his troops.

"Let me see... There’s still over ten minutes before the opening of The First Tower, just enough time to hear a story!" Shadow smiled brightly and openly, spreading his arms towards the billions of viewers beyond the camera, the skull pendant on his neck swaying—this necklace was also snatched from Bivis:

"I’ve prepared fifty very interesting stories, just waiting to be told! Scripps, hand over the microphone!"

At this moment, Scripps felt as if he were not the high and mighty representative of the Union Government, but rather a mere servant of the Number One Dream Patrol Family.

His gaze was cold for a moment but quickly returned to a smile as he handed the microphone to Shadow: "Mind the time, only a little over ten minutes left."

He was unconcerned with what Shadow might say. Shadow had been idly wandering around Ms. Su Lixian’s research institute for hours, finding no clues at all. Besides, he personally didn’t detest Shadow, he just wished humanity could have a more stable, bright, and tactful leader.

Shadow took the microphone and was about to speak when suddenly a piercing voice rang out:

"Don’t listen to him!"

The crowd parted, and the Cardinal Nalfas walked over, accompanied by a player.

Shadow didn’t recognize this player. However, this player was full of hostility towards him.

"Number One Dream Patrol Family — people know nothing of your identity, but I do. You’re no secretive rising star from the Dream Patrol family, nor are you a Heavenly Pride from some hidden noble lineage!" The player pointed at Shadow, shouting, "You, you’re Su Wensheng from Dao Ya City, and your mother is the human traitor who sabotaged the Special Medicine! Your mother was convicted of crimes against humanity!"

His sharp voice, amplified through the microphone, pierced into the sky.

The world was shocked by this statement.

Shadow narrowed his eyes, greatly surprised. He thought that by now in the development of the World Game, there wouldn’t be any fools daring to provoke the Number One Player. But this player was probably just a tool being used by someone. After all, no rational person would come seeking trouble with him.

The player’s reasoning was sound. After all, Su Luoluo wore the "Call Me Miss Demon King" streamer badge. Just by slightly observing Su Luoluo’s height, weight, accent, and skin color, one could quickly pinpoint her as being from the Ubang Nation, and with a bit of investigation, it wasn’t difficult to focus on Dao Ya City. Su Luoluo’s only friend was Su Wensheng, and "Call Me Miss Demon King" only had deep exchanges with the "Number One Dream Patrol Family."

Although this deduction might not stand, the perspective of players and NPCs is different; as long as players catch even a whiff of a clue, they’ll quickly realize Su Ming’an is Su Wensheng when looked at from a plot angle.

"Who is Su Wensheng?" people whispered.

"I think I read in the news about a student called Su Wensheng in Dao Ya City, Ubang Nation, who was exposed to be an Exotic Species during college entrance exams and escaped into the Black Mist."

"The Number One Dream Patrol Family is Su Wensheng? What a joke."

"Su Wensheng is also nineteen, right... The age matches, and the hair and skin color too. But, no, the times don’t line up."

"I’m an insider; Su Wensheng’s mother was the one who sabotaged the Special Medicine back then, so maybe he’s so eager to investigate the Ark Project to clear his mother’s name?"

"The Oracle said Su Lixian was guilty, she couldn’t have been falsely accused."

"If the Number One Dream Patrol Family is indeed Su Wensheng, then the son should bear the mother’s debt. His mother committed such a serious crime, causing the death of countless Black Mist Disease patients, he should clear the Dream Patrol Game to atone for humanity."

"What are you saying! Can you just go die!"

"..."

Scripps looked shocked; the Holy Alliance Army was growing increasingly brazen. This was clearly a Union Government occasion, yet Nalfas had the audacity to bring someone to confront the Number One Dream Patrol Family. Does this make sense?

The people did not fully believe the Number One Dream Patrol Family was Su Wensheng, but they were mostly convinced Su Lixian was guilty. Their expressions were loyal and solemn, as if they believed they were conducting a very just Judgment.

Shadow’s throat felt ticklish; he slightly wanted to laugh.

Deity, you truly are formidable.

All that I’ve done can’t match a single oracle of yours. All that I’ve said can’t match the sharp tongues of your believers.

—So he always felt,

The persistence of the original form is meaningless.

These people... These humans, who are subject to some unknown, stubborn, dull force that constantly reveals their selfish and cowardly natures, what are they worth saving for.

But he was silent for a moment, suddenly recalling Li Yuxuan, the fifty Fire Transmitters, Li Mingyue, and Su Luoluo. At that moment, he seemed to somewhat understand the original form’s thought.

"Number One Dream Patrol Family, I understand your eagerness to rehabilitate your mother as the child of a sinner..." Nalfas began, his expression solemn.

And Shadow suddenly raised his hand.

Before Nalfas could finish his sentence, the Spatial Vibration instantly tore the player apart. A torrent of blood flew through the air, separating from bone, creating an exceedingly horrific scene.

In an instant, everyone fell silent, their faces pale.

"Shut up."

Shadow extended one leg, stepping onto the railing of the high platform, coldly surveying the crowd.

"Listen to me finish the story."

...

[To the Beloved God.]

[As long as we practice justice and show mercy, you will shower the earth with the radiance of happiness.]

[Let justice roll like mighty rivers, let your mercy rain down like gentle showers.]

[We will be your submissive lambs, praising you, obeying you!]

[I also wish to be one of your shepherds, offering the lamb’s fleece, the lamb’s pious blood, the lamb’s sharpest horns, as your sword.]

[Therefore,]

[Beloved Deity,]

[Could you... perhaps slightly favor us more? We promise, we will tame your lambs perfectly for you!]

[Once again praising you!]

[Beloved Deity!]

—Principality of Chause · Aisuir II, Lailuo Empire · Price Bivis... (and thirty-seven other national representatives)

...