Chapter 206: Sword of Damocles

The rumors became increasingly outrageous and evolved into the idea that believing in "Lord Starry Sky" would ensure one's livelihood.

But I did not deliberately correct the rumors. If this can expand faith and make the "Symbiotic Barrier" plan more solid, why not do it?

He took off his coat stained with dust and blood, stood by the office window, and looked at the stronghold square below which was gradually boiling.

There were many more new faces than before. Most of them were from nearby small shelters. After learning that the Black Dragon Gang had not only resisted the attack but also obtained a large amount of supplies, they came to seek refuge with their families.

There were also some that were expelled, infected by pollution sources, resisted the first evolution, and wandered outside.

They were pale and thin, their clothes were ragged, but their eyes were burning with a strong desire to survive.

Hakuzo personally oversaw the screening process.

His methods are somewhat inhumane, but effective.

Those with special skills, such as doctors, technicians, craftsmen, or even teachers who only know a few words, will be given priority.

Those who are physically strong and willing to receive training and participate in defense come next.

As for the elderly, the weak and the disabled, they need to undergo more rigorous assessment to ensure that they have relatives to rely on or that they can really contribute a little to the collective, such as sewing, caring for the weaker ones, sorting supplies, etc., before they will be carefully absorbed.

“We are not a charity.”

I heard him whisper to the person in charge of registration. His voice was not loud, but it carried undeniable weight: "'Starry Sky Lord' offers hope, but survival requires each person's own value. Record their abilities and willingness clearly and incorporate them into the 'Symbiotic Barrier' points system."

With the injection of resources and the addition of new blood, the "Symbiotic Barrier" project is running at an unprecedented speed.

The newly opened planting area has expanded several times. Although it is still immature, the green color itself is a powerful psychological suggestion.

Those who knew something about mechanics were more enthusiastic about searching and figuring out the scrap parts, because they knew that the "contribution points" they earned could now be exchanged for more food.

The patrol teams’ training is also more rigorous, because what they are defending is no longer just a shelter, but a “home” where they can truly see tomorrow.

In the evening, a bonfire was lit in the open space in the center of the stronghold. Smoke curled up, and the long-lost aroma of food filled the air. Today was a day when rations were slightly relaxed. Every hard-working person was given a spoonful of thick soup with minced meat and half a compressed dry ration.

People sat around the fire. Although the food was still simple, there was a hint of relaxation on their faces.

An old man who lost one arm used his other hand to clumsily but seriously teach a few children how to fold birds out of waste paper.

Several women were mending clothes while talking in low voices. The content of their conversation was no longer pure despair, but more about whether the potatoes they would plant tomorrow would sprout.

Someone started chanting a prayer of gratitude to "Lord Starry Sky" in a low voice. The voice was weak at first, but soon gathered together, becoming clear and pious.

"...Thank you for dispelling the darkness and bringing light..."

“…Thank you for giving us food to nourish our bodies…”

"...May your light shine forever, guiding our path..."

Sitting with everyone, I could clearly feel the faint but pure power of faith gathering around me, like a trickle of water, flowing into the ocean of my consciousness.

Unlike in the past, when I passively endured and painstakingly filtered out negative noise, this time the power of faith was exceptionally "clean," brimming with gratitude, hope, and a small yet real expectation for the future.

These positive emotional feedbacks have greatly nourished my spirit, and even made me feel more comfortable and peaceful than if I had directly absorbed polluting energy.

The illusory authority seemed to become more rounded and flexible.

It seems like it was an unexpected success. My so-called "stupid method" was initially just to make their lives better in reality, but as a result, I naturally received purer and more powerful power in return.

Perhaps this is the original meaning of faith?

While I was thinking, Bai Zang came over without me noticing.

"It seems that your 'Symbiotic Barrier' is quite effective." A voice sounded beside him.

Bai Zang stood nearby, also looking at the crowd around the bonfire downstairs. His face was still a little pale, but he looked much better.

"Fortunately, everyone is cooperating enough," I said with a faint smile, "but it's still far from enough."

The food crisis was only temporarily alleviated; external threats never disappeared, and internal management also faced new challenges. Population growth brought not only labor but also more complex interpersonal relationships, increased food demands, and potential friction and conflict.

"I know," Bai Zang nodded, "but at least we see the direction. It's much better than before when we were just struggling to survive like a headless fly." He paused and looked at me, "Many people... are truly grateful to you."

I didn't respond. My gaze swept over the devout believers, feeling no joy in my heart, but instead a heavy sense of responsibility. They placed their meager hopes in "Lord Starry Sky," and I, the one who must shoulder these expectations, was the one who held them.

At this moment, an extremely faint, yet icy whisper slipped past the edge of my consciousness again without warning.

"Apocalypse...returns...."

The clear language of the ancient gods rang in my mind.

It's Gali!

This whisper was clearer than any previous one. Although it was fleeting, it was like an ice needle piercing my soul, making my hands and feet instantly cold.

I forced myself to suppress the slight trembling in my body and kept my face calm.

"What's wrong?" Bai Zang keenly noticed my abnormality at that moment.

"Nothing," I said, turning away from the bonfire below. "I just feel that the peace we have now is too fragile. We must be faster and stronger."

"You seem to be a little too tired recently. Do you want to rest early?" Bai Zang didn't ask any further questions and gave me a way out.

Since he gave me the steps, I just went down. I nodded, turned around and went upstairs as calmly as possible.

I didn't breathe a sigh of relief until I closed the door.

Gali's whisper resurfaced, like the sword of Damocles hanging overhead, constantly reminding me that the real storm is about to come. The current prosperity is just a brief calm before the storm.

At the same time, the lens I placed on the table flashed, and I tapped the mirror with my fingertips, and Lin Hanning's shadow gathered in the mirror.

She said briefly, "Ji Ling, Gali is one step closer to waking up. You should make plans early."

"I see."

I gripped the window frame tightly, and my fingertips turned slightly white.

There is not much time left.