Forty-nine rules of the end times

Chapter 164 Complex Situations and Problems
The atmosphere at the meeting was slightly tense.

The issue of cross-border killings by shadowy figures is actually a microcosm, or even a representation, of a much bigger problem in the future.

The problem is: after entering the post-apocalyptic era, as each rule passes by, the ascendants become stronger and stronger, while the state or government's control over them decreases.

This is almost inevitable; even with painstaking efforts to create a statistical database, it is impossible to accurately determine the specific strength of each ascendant.

Because if the Ascended decides to keep certain items, such as those from Survival Chests, secrets that others will not be able to know about.

While it's possible to control Ascended beings living in gathering points or shelters, controlling those living in the wild, especially Ascended beings with exceptionally strong individual abilities like "Shadows," is extremely difficult.

In situations beyond our control, things like what Shadow did this time are bound to happen; it's just a matter of time.

After all, for some powerful and resourceful Ascendants, crossing borders silently is not a difficult task.

So how to deal with this "lone wolf" problem is a very troublesome issue that requires serious consideration from the authorities.

The countermeasures office has differing opinions on this matter.

Some people believe this is the behavior of a shadowy individual and does not represent the official stance.

Some people believe that since Shadow is a citizen of the Northern Star Kingdom, he should abide by the laws of the Northern Star Kingdom—let alone committing murder and arson abroad, simply crossing the border without a permit is a serious violation of the law.

However, many people believe that now that we have been in the post-apocalyptic era for almost a year, many laws have become mere formalities, and everything is giving way to the word "survival".

If we really examine the situation, many of the official actions are questionable. For example, when large-scale urban demolitions were carried out to build shelters, although there were a few, some residents did not want their old houses to be demolished and protested by citing relevant laws, but in the end, of course, they were still demolished.

Therefore, now that it's about Shadow, everyone is well aware that if accountability is pursued, not only is the official location currently unknown, making it impossible to locate him, but also, once Shadow realizes he faces the risk of being held accountable, he might leave Beixing Kingdom and go elsewhere.

Currently, some powerful nations are openly and covertly recruiting powerful ascendants from other countries. Even though Shadow is not currently serving the official government of the Northern Star Kingdom, he would not easily do anything to harm the country.

However, if we hold someone accountable for this matter, and it causes the Shadow to feel insecure and run away to countries like the Roman Empire, Cherry Blossom Kingdom, or Tulip Federation, it would undoubtedly be a loss for the Northern Star Kingdom.

"Why did we have to hand this over to the Countermeasures Research Office?" one person complained. "This research office was set up to counter the rules of the apocalypse. When did we have to worry about the diplomatic affairs between the two countries?"

"It's probably because of the special nature of the shadow," Zhang Minglu said. "I guess the diplomatic department also has a hard time handling it, so they've passed this hot potato to us."

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

Zhang Minglu thought for a moment and said, "I think there must be a reason why Shadow did this. Judging from the incident at the Yongzhou base, this person has a certain sense of basic justice and is unlikely to kill innocent people indiscriminately without reason."

Another person said, "Everyone knows that. The key isn't whether the people Shadow killed were good or bad, but that those hundred-odd people were foreigners. Especially since Shadow infiltrated their capital to do this..."

"Yes. Put yourself in their shoes. If a foreigner infiltrated Yong'an, the capital of our Northern Star Kingdom, and killed more than a hundred people, even criminals... our top decision-makers would definitely be furious."

“Countries are not the same.” Zhang Minglu shook his head. “It may be hard to hear, but it’s the reality.”

Everyone, don't forget, after going through nine apocalyptic rules and almost a year has passed, a small country like Antai State already has very few people left. Whether the country can continue to exist after a few more rounds of rules is uncertain... Is it really worth offending a top-tier ascendant for the sake of a small country that may very well disappear within a year or two?"

A moment of silence fell over everyone, seemingly convinced by Zhang Minglu's words.

Gao Liangwei said, "Dr. Zhang, this may seem like just one individual's problem, but it's actually a trend. If we ignore one 'shadow,' more and more 'shadows' will follow suit. How will the authorities handle that then?"

Zhang Minglu gave a wry smile: "The person in charge, you've stumped me. I don't understand politics, I only know about some issues related to the training and development of Ascendants."

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

“Although some people may disagree, as the person in charge, I will propose to the higher-ups that we ‘follow up further’,” Gao Liangwei said.

"Because Shadow is ultimately a citizen of the Northern Star Kingdom, didn't he consider the impact on the authorities before doing this? Or is it because he is strong that he can do whatever he wants—does he want to reach the point where 'the strong have no homeland'?"

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

After the meeting, Gao Liangwei kept Zhang Minglu behind alone.

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

"Yes." Zhang Minglu nodded, then immediately realized something. "Manager, are you trying to contact Shadow through Chen Na?"

"is it not OK?"

“This… probably won’t work,” Zhang Minglu said. “According to Chen Na, it was the station manager of the House of Ascendants who added her as a friend. But after the Yongzhou base was destroyed, her friend request was deleted… She never knew the station manager’s terminal number.”

Gao Liangwei frowned: "Is that so? Then let's forget about it."

“Sir, regarding the handling of the Shadow matter, I think we need to reconsider…” Zhang Minglu said cautiously, “Such a powerful individual, even if he doesn’t serve the government, it’s best not to develop him into an enemy. Perhaps in the future, we will need to rely on the power of a powerful individual to get through a certain rule.”

Gao Liangwei nodded slightly and said meaningfully, "How this matter will ultimately develop is not up to me. But I can tell you, Dr. Zhang, that a certain will at the top has long disliked the shadow... and it's not just dislike anymore, but has reached the level of hostility. They might take this opportunity to make a fuss."

Dr. Zhang was slightly taken aback. Someone in the upper echelons was hostile to Shadow? Why? There was currently no evidence to prove that Shadow had done anything heinous or harmful to the country, right?

Gao Liangwei didn't say anything more, patted Zhang Minglu on the shoulder, and left. Zhang Minglu pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "These are things I can't decide, so let's not think about them for now. The most urgent thing right now is to remove the 'mind locks' on Longhun and the others."

……

The capital of Sakura-ki Kingdom, the Divine Capital.

In a quaint old house, a middle-aged man with a stubble beard is kneeling on one knee in front of a person wearing a loose robe.

The man spoke, his voice slightly childish: "Mu Tiancheng, how's the progress of collecting the puzzle pieces you mentioned last time?"

The man named Mu Tiancheng said apologetically, "My Lord, I am very sorry, it is only one piece at the moment."

"Hmm? One piece?"

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

"Soroma..." the divine child scoffed, "a barbaric nation...and what about the other two?"

"The other two pieces are currently in Antai State."

The divine child raised his voice slightly: "An Dai Bang? What right does a small country on the verge of collapse have to possess two fragments?"

Mu Tiancheng explained, "My Lord, we suspect that although the two fragments are located in Antai State, the owner is most likely a person from Beixing Kingdom."

"...So, it was the holder of the North Star who went to Antai State to seize the fragments."

“We believe so! Because according to the intelligence we’ve gathered, Antai State is currently conducting a nationwide manhunt, targeting the Northern Star People… and that person is very likely the Shadow.”

"Shadow, that's a name I hear often too."

"Yes."

"So, the current situation is that both Sororo and Beixing have collected two fragments. But your 'Chosen One' group under Mu Tiancheng still only has one fragment."

"Yes! I'm so sorry!"

"..."

The divine child seemed somewhat angry, but did not show it. Instead, he continued speaking in an understanding tone.

"Soroma and Beixing, both countries are stronger than our Yingqi. It's understandable that our people are not progressing as well as theirs. But... we have to work harder. The resources of the Chosen One are not for nothing."

Mu Tiancheng nodded emphatically: "Yes! Our Chosen Ones team will definitely get the four fragments from them as soon as possible and piece together the complete puzzle."

"Good momentum. What about the plan? Also, the tenth rule should be released soon, right? Is there enough time?"

“This… is definitely too late,” Mu Tiancheng said. “I’m sorry, Divine Child, but collecting all the fragments is a long process. Even if everything goes smoothly, it may take several rules to complete… After all, our opponents are the powerful nations of Beixing and Soroma.”

As for the specific collection plan, I will submit a plan to His Holiness the Divine Child for review later.

The divine child nodded: "I see. Then you should prepare for the tenth rule first. Don't just focus on the fragments and cause problems with the rules."

"Thank you for your guidance, Divine Child!"

Mu Tiancheng himself knew that the purpose of completing the puzzle after collecting all the fragments was unclear. Perhaps there would be additional hidden collection rewards, or perhaps it would simply provide a full understanding of the story of that "Kimo Star".

But at the heart of everything lies the rules of the apocalypse; following the rules is the most important thing.

The divine child got up and left, asking before stepping out of the courtyard, "Oh, by the way, has the problem with the 'Wall of the Heart' of the Chosen Group members been resolved?"

Mu Tiancheng shook his head: "Unfortunately, not yet."

"We need to hurry and not waste any time."

"Yes!"

After the divine child left, Mu Tiancheng let out a long sigh and sat down on the ground with a carefree attitude.

Every time he reported the situation to the Divine Child, it was the time when he was under the most pressure—there was no way around it, because even though the latter was young, he already represented the highest will of the country.

If you accidentally anger this divine child, he can remove you from your position as an instructor of the Chosen Ones with just one word, or even remove the entire Chosen Ones from the organization.

That was something he absolutely could not accept. Because in his eyes, the Chosen One had someone like "Yamata no Yukari" who inherited the ancient bloodline, and in the future, she would definitely replace Shadow and ascend to the throne of the world's number one Ascendant.

"The tenth rule will be released in a little over half a month. In the meantime, we should lie low, gathering intelligence on other fragment holders while resolving the 'Wall of the Heart' issue. Once the rule is released and confirmed to be correct, we will formulate a detailed plan to acquire the fragments..."

(End of this chapter)