Chapter 979 (1/2)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After ensuring that all the arks had landed safely on Io, Hao Ren and Lorenz discussed the details of their landing and decided to open up the dome of the ark—something that the ark’s structure allowed. When the dome was opened, the enclosed spherical sanctuary within would transform into a flat terrain. It was only then that the ark’s life support system and propulsion system, which was located at one end of the ark, could be shut down completely and undergo reparation.
The only reason these arks were functioning now was because they had been sharing gears and parts to make up for each others’ malfunctions. Since it was impossible to fully shut down the ships, these mechanical parts were invariably overworked, and an impending threat. In fact, malfunctions that occurred on the Royal Throne were mostly the result of accumulated stress on the mechanical parts. Therefore, opening up the dome was essential for the repair works that were to come. It was inevitable that the people on the ark would finally see the outside world.
However, the civilization on the ark would definitely be deeply affected by this exposure.
The people on the ark would finally see a real horizon in the distance. They would see the open sky for the very first time. Their spherical “world” would spread out into a flat land. All in all, their worldview was about to be dealt a heavy blow. Hao Ren remembered what happened when the Aerymian Elves first arrived in their new home—when they first viewed the boundless sky above, most of them developed a phobia of it, including the erudite magisters and technicians. If the knowledgeable elves could even suffer like this, what about the people of the ark? For generations, they had lived in an enclosed space of only a hundred kilometers across. It was the only world they ever knew.
Lily was busy preparing her script when Hao Ren and Lorenz brought this issue up. She was shocked to learn that they wanted to open up the ark. The werehusky was a little dim, but she was not a total fool. In terms of technical knowledge, she was perhaps the most knowledgeable out of the group. Hence, she could not help but ask, “Wouldn’t that incite a massive social catastrophe? How are the ark people going to digest what they see?!”
“When you left us the first time, I already started to prepare them for this day. However, it’s still a little too soon,” Lorenz spoke slowly. “I tweaked many of the details in their legends about the world and the idea of the Giant Turtle. I described the Giant Turtle as a divine artifact, which could open up. When the Sea of Eordos finally calms, God will open the Giant Turtle and let the people see the world He created in all its magnificence. I tried my best to teach them the concept of the sky and land… even though the latter’s probably not necessary.”
“Do you think all that talking is enough?” Lily glanced at Lorenz skeptically. She knew that the old man had worked hard, but it was harder to see how much the ark people understood from him…
“Ignorance impedes the progress of a civilization, but it works wonders on maintaining social stability.” Lorenz sighed quietly. “I am actually thankful that they’re still ignorant now, whereby legends and myths are sufficient to explain almost anything away. Even if their world is turned upside down, if a god comes to them and explains that everything is normal, their society will be able to function normally.”
Hao Ren nodded in agreement. “Besides, Lorenz is still highly regarded by the ark people. They will believe him even when he makes claims about how the world works. If their ‘world’ really transforms just as he had described, he will be respected even more, for as long as the next few centuries perhaps—that’s long enough to serve a solid foundation to the civilization on the ark.”
“Short-term confusion is unavoidable. As long as it doesn’t get out of hand, it’ll be fine,” Lorenz said, looking at Vivian and Lily. “Your help will be greatly appreciated. If the goddesses of fire and ice are there to ‘open up their world’, the people will probably feel more at ease.”
Lily was already jumping in excitement before Vivian could put a word in. “I’m going, I’m going! This is going to be so much fun!”
Hao Ren raised his brows at the werehusky—this was exactly what happened the last time. All that jumping around previously… But when she saw the massive crowd, she quickly backed out. If this lady tried to run away again this time…
Nevertheless, Hao Ren did not stop Lily for she seemed eager to participate. It was not very often that the werehusky would be so enthusiastic. Hao Ren nodded at Vivian and Lily. “If that’s the case, both of you, please follow Lorenz back to the ark. Make it a grand entrance, prepare a big light show or some kind of special effects to help the people realize something important is about to happen. When Nolan gives you the signal, the dome above the sanctuary will start to open.”
He then turned to Nolan and said, “What’s the state of the mechanical parts for when the sanctuary transforms?”