135. Mute!
News was broadcasting the Frost-Plated Republic's new economic policy. Scholars and experts from the Empire expressed confusion about David Lin's strict controls, believing he was guarding against a "nonexistent crisis." A large amount of technology was being funneled into production, leading to countless daily layoffs, yet these unemployed individuals were swiftly drafted into the army and sent to work on constructing underground cities.
This forced work-for-relief approach was unimaginable to the Empire. They couldn't understand David Lin's purpose, but Li Aozi was well aware of the reasoning.
"The Calamity is descending."
The Calamity is not merely a layer of gas; it continuously seals Azure Star, preventing the planet from expelling energy. Waste heat from nuclear fusion reactors accumulates within the planet, catalyzing the growth of the Entropy Lord.
This is why, despite the abundance of geothermal resources, the elites still prefer to live aboveground. They know of the Entropy Lord's existence and dare not get too close.
But David Lin couldn't afford such concerns. As a pragmatist, developing underground cities might bring humanity closer to the Entropy Lord, but it could buy the majority ten more years. Perhaps in those ten years, humanity could defeat the Calamity and find hope.
Indeed, this strategy proved effective. Before the star-detonation operation in the previous life, residents of underground cities were the easiest to evacuate. Spaceships could activate towing engines, extracting people and facilities together, relocating millions at once. The scattered Outside World inhabitants weren't so lucky; many never even knew of the Entropy Lord's existence before their deaths.
David Lin's approach was correct. It preserved a spark of hope and gave Li Aozi more room for error.
"Speaking of which, my "Frost-Plated Bones" quest isn't complete yet. Now might be a good time to push it forward."
That inner personality—let's tentatively call it that—had appeared too timely this time. Not only did it help him grasp the dynamics of Azure Star, but it also presented more opportunities for breakthroughs.
Although the origins of this entity and its connection to the previous [Domination] god—Murphidria—remained unclear, Li Aozi at least had a direction to explore.
Uncover the secrets of Star Abyss and "Star Abyss".
After making his plans, Li Aozi placed a hand over his heart and silently vowed:
"Isaac Maxim, hero of the nation, beloved son of the family. Since your body has been conscripted by me, I will fulfill your aspirations. From now on, your family is my family."
The original 'Li Aozi' had no aspirations and was estranged from his family. Li Aozi felt nothing, even forcing fusion with Leo's body without much concern.
But now, as a player taking over the body of a virtuous individual, Li Aozi, who had long considered himself part of Star Abyss, felt compelled to act with utmost honor.
Only this way could he justify the people and events he'd encountered along his journey, and stay true to his conscience.
"Let's start by contacting his family."
Li Aozi dialed the family's landline. Though it was a workday, the call was quickly answered.
"Hello, this is the Maxim residence,"
A middle-aged woman's chatty voice came through:
"If you're looking for Franz, he's still out in the fields with the tractor. If you're looking for Lena, well, I'm Lena..."
Switching to Disguiser mode, Isaac's genuine persona softly called:
"Mom, it's me. I've been discharged."
Hearing the voice, the woman paused, then broke into ecstatic joy:
"That voice—Isaac! My dear boy, your voice is so hoarse! My goodness, you used to sing in the village choir. Are you okay? Did you manage to get a ticket? I heard you went to earthquake rescue missions; my heart was in my throat! Why didn't you call us back then? This child, always worrying us. I've said before I should've had a daughter—by now, we'd have grandchildren..."
His mother's chatter made 'Isaac''s nose tingle. With reddened eyes, he smiled and said:
"I'm fine, really. I'm doing great. I'm on my way home now. You sound well. How's everyone else?"
"I've already messaged your father and brother; they're both thrilled," his mother said, her tone suddenly dropping, "But it's a shame you missed Susan..."
"What happened to my little sister?"
"The family's hereditary disease. She didn't make it. She passed this summer."
Lena finished, then added with a smile:
"Alright, let's not dwell on this. When you're back, I'll take you to see Susan. We're always stuck in grief for the dead, but that's not what our loved ones would want."
"I understand, Mom." 'Isaac' nodded. "I'll be home tomorrow night. The high-speed train is fast; it's still using the old-era undersea tunnel. I'll show you pictures of starfish fossils I took. I brought souvenirs for everyone, and some health supplements."
"What souvenirs? How many times have I told you, stop wasting money," Lena grumbled. "Your father and I are fine. What's all this health nonsense?"
"Mom, I have money now. Three years of conscript subsidies, plus the rescue mission bonus. I've got enough for both Asimov and me to attend college, and to renovate the farm. Once I graduate and find a job, I'll move us all to the imperial capital!"
"Oh, sure, you're really dreaming big now. Move to the capital? If you ever bring home a nice, kind girl, I'll believe you've made it."
The two chatted for a long time. In the background, the hum of a tractor and a cat's meowing could be heard. After a while, 'Isaac' opened a video call. Seeing his family of three gathered together, his eyes immediately welled up. He waved at them, grinning like a fool, as if welcoming them and bidding farewell simultaneously.
After hanging up, Li Aozi accessed the notes stored in the forum via his main body and began studying university material. Fortunately, although the two bodies had different [Intelligence] attributes, they shared a single cognitive intelligence, allowing Li Aozi to overcome these barriers. Learning was challenging but no longer insurmountable.
"It works!"
Though Li Aozi never planned to delve into the [Craft] type, learning technical skills could only be beneficial.
"My hypothesis was correct. While the main body and the alt account don't share attributes, they do share knowledge, insights, and experiences. They can complement each other. Although this body can't truly master extraordinary knowledge, it can comprehend its contents."
In a sense, this was because Li Aozi was both an NPC and a player.
[Is this what it's like for a player without cognitive filters?]
Li Aozi did some quick calculations.
Due to differences in planetary gravity and magical rules, time on White Candle Star passed much slower than on Azure Star. His 15-day leave translated to about four months and twelve days on Azure Star.
This amount of time, if used wisely, was more than enough to catch up on his studies.
"What a perfectly nuanced exploit."
Li Aozi stroked his chin.
In fact, he could frequently rely on this method, not just to catch up but to outright excel in his studies.
This wasn't just a cheat; it was something far beyond even that.
"Looks like time is on my side."