CHAPTER 260: CHAPTER 183: YOU WILL REGRET IT

The research meeting went on until late at night, yet a significant conflict arose between the chairman and Master Craftsman Gelb over how to handle the stone tablet.

Ultimately, for the sake of prudence, they must keep this secret to themselves until the reason for the altar’s closure is confirmed.

As night fell, Lindong, in cat form, perched on Ethan’s shoulder, strolling through the streets of Ophira.

Paradise Island’s atmosphere remained tense, the subhumans spontaneously forming patrol teams. This heavy ambiance inevitably affected businesses. After such heinous attacks, the subhumans found it difficult to maintain their usual polite service, leading the Yak Grilled Meat Shop to close indefinitely.

The shopkeeper was still under emergency care, though the sole good news was that, under the doctor’s treatment, he barely escaped with his life.

"What a shame, I really liked the previous atmosphere here."

Lindong yawned.

It seemed that no matter where in this world one went, it was hard to find satisfaction. Even if Councilman Lewis managed to peacefully navigate through the crisis, repairing trust between subhumans and humans would be challenging, and the future ambiance would only grow tenser—of course, assuming Ophira’s residents survive the calamity in five days.

Not far away, Urd gathered numerous subhumans in front of him, actively promoting Aelium and the harmonious deep-sea coexistence model. Even though the subhumans were intrigued by the lifestyle he depicted, they could only hesitate.

Even as subhumans, surviving in the deep sea proved difficult.

Yet, as Urd spoke, a notion suddenly surged in the minds of all listeners.

How about setting sail after everything concludes?

The outside world seemed far more vibrant and colorful than imagined.

This notion made them itch with anticipation, stirring inexplicable feelings.

Tingling, as though an electric arc swept across their hearts.

Thus far, they had suppressed their nature to be accepted by the Western Continent’s people, adopting a demeanor so amiable it bordered on humility, but even then, they couldn’t change many people’s prejudices.

"Are you plotting something again?"

Lindong sensed the electric arc in the air, her keen hearing picking up the subhumans’ discussions, "Setting sail is not a good idea. They’ve been gentle for too long, their claws and teeth worn blunt; if they encounter pirates, they’ll probably become auction items. I hear some places’ nobility likes to auction subhumans as slaves."

"This is merely a personal suggestion."

Ethan said, "I never forcefully change anyone’s thoughts."

Lindong stared at Ethan, momentarily speechless.

She couldn’t fathom how Ethan could shamelessly utter this, believing as a teacher, she must say something, "Think of the Pure Society, think of Sam and the people in the slums!"

These days, Sam dutifully followed Ethan’s advice, distributing bread and oatmeal milk to the poor, conveying the idea that the impoverished should unite. They realized the essence of power games was to make them political pawns without paying!

This drove Jacob to desperation; he hadn’t anticipated the very organization he nurtured would betray him at such a crucial time.

He berated and cursed the poor, yet Sam’s stance was clear.

This was business; anger was futile, don’t mar the harmony.

If you want votes, pay up.

Jacob’s competitor was willing to pay a lot.

Ethan explained, "I merely, as a bystander, offered them some advice."

"Yes, without your advice, they would now be courting death on Paradise Island, used as cannon fodder and tossed away."

Lindong sometimes felt that Ave’s assessment of Ethan was spot on—this man was full of schemes.

In more polite terms, he’s part of the ’greater plan.’

Therefore, she felt Ethan’s recommendation for the subhumans to set sail wasn’t intended to abandon them to the sea.

"You’re right about one thing; the pirate problem must be solved."

Whether it’s human trafficking or plundering wealth, both need to be eradicated like tumors. Before this voyage began, Ave sternly educated them about various hazards pirates posed. Fortunately, they were lucky not to encounter pirates along the way.

The current issue was everyone knew they were tumors, but managing them was thankless and difficult; pirates roamed everywhere, catching them all was no easy task.

Thus, Ethan came up with an idea.

"Listen, didn’t Urd say it? Their deity Aelium will bless everyone sailing at sea."

He believed pirates feared sea monsters more than the Empire’s fleet.

When rumors spread that attacking foreign ships would lead to tentacle attacks, they should restrain themselves a bit.

"You mean—"

Lindong suddenly understood, but then recalled Kane’s warning, believing Kane wouldn’t err in judging his sibling, "Aelium has been in the depths too long, corrupted by the Evil God’s will."

Moreover, this giant octopus was the Evil God’s pet. For some unknown reason, it betrayed its master at a crucial moment.