Chapter 2229 - 76: Those Who Remain (2)

In this kind of situation, not only is Fang Hong at a loss, the military of every nation feels equally helpless. It's almost impossible to prevent things before they happen; all they can do is set up emergency response protocols.

He had actually asked about Su Changfeng's issue once, a long time ago: these Dark Followers—especially the Followers on Earth—what are they really after?

Worship of the True God?

But that doesn't seem to have much to do with Earthlings.

Especially when most Dark Followers seem to harbor blind fanaticism and rationality at the same time; it's truly baffling.

Yet Su Changfeng's answer had been simple and cutting straight to the heart: "In truth, nothing more than desire."

"Desire?"

"In ordinary religious brainwashing, whatever you want can only be obtained after you die. But here, you might actually be able to get it. That is the biggest difference made by the existence of a True God, and also why we find it so hard to deal with."

"But the True God only exists in Eteliria, doesn't He?" Fang Hong couldn't help but asked.

"If you treat Eteliria as something that doesn't exist, a fictitious world, or even just a life-as-a-game, then yes." Su Changfeng nodded. "But the problem is, the Stargate, relative to Earth, is objectively real."

"I don't really get it." Fang Hong truly couldn't grasp the difference here. The Stargate is the Stargate, Earth is Earth. Even if the Dark Followers can infiltrate Earth by certain means, once on Earth they can only be no different from ordinary people.

"Let me give you an example." As Su Changfeng spoke, a faint ghostly light flickered in his eyes. "Immortal Life."

"Immortal Life?"

Fang Hong froze for a moment at the word. It wasn't unfamiliar to him; Dragon Worshippers never tired of bringing it up. It was what they fervently pursued all along, although in Fang Hong's view, turning into a Monster just to attain Immortal Life hardly seemed like a good bargain.

"Of course you can't achieve Immortal Life on Earth. But in a world where a True God exists?" Su Changfeng said meaningfully. "If the Dark Saints promise you Immortal Life, Undead and unending, then what's the difference between staying on the other side of the Stargate and staying on Earth? Fear of death is a shared trait of humanity; the more exceptional the person, the stronger that fear often is. That is one of the reasons Dark Followers are so troublesome."

"But there's no such thing as the Eternal in this world. Even gods have a moment when they go out like a flame."

"That depends on how you define the Eternal. But for most people, being able to live a thousand years is already an immense temptation." Su Changfeng replied. "Think about it: if you were told to kill others, with the benefit being a longer lifespan—even if you could only remain in Eteliria—would you do it?"

Fang Hong quietly pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"What if we include the people around you as well?"

Fang Hong was taken aback, but after a brief silence, he still shook his head.

"That's the difference between us and most people," Su Changfeng said. "Most people do have rationality in their hearts; they'd rather remain human than become beasts. But even you hesitated for a moment, didn't you? So it's not hard to understand why the Followers of the Dark Saints are so numerous."

The bright moonlight had already risen above the port, early in the month, hanging like a curved hook above the Cloud Sea. A faint silver radiance bathed the slowly moving Cloud Wall at the horizon, towering like several Giants, silently watching over this land.

The North Wind herded the clouds forward, constantly changing their shapes. Occasionally it kicked up a few dead leaves and dropped them onto Fang Hong, pulling him out of his reverie. He raised his hand to brush them off his coat, when a big furry paw stretched out from behind and pressed down on his shoulder.

Fang Hong started slightly and turned his head, seeing the Big Cat People's mane braided, metal rings on it reflecting the moon's glow. The Lion Paladin was gazing ahead, not looking at him; his injured eye was slightly narrowed, and in his silver iris a bright light Blinked.

"When a boy grows into a man, he starts learning to hold certain things in his heart," the Big Cat People said slowly. "But there's nothing you can't get over. I've learned much from my past experiences, and I've given up on some of my convictions—yet there's this one thing that has stayed with me all along."

"Big Cat, what you're saying back where I come from is called 'chicken soup for the soul.' These days not many people still believe in that stuff."

A noisy voice came from the tree above. The Lion Paladin raised his head—and Fang Hong, hearing that familiar voice, couldn't help looking in the same direction. There he saw a Papalarian sitting on a branch, one hand holding the trunk, short legs dangling and swaying, his beady black eyes staring at them.

Fang Hong blinked. "Parker, when did you run over there?"

"Been here for quite a while," the Papalarian replied. "Otherwise who do you think tossed those leaves onto you just now? Pretty atmospheric, right?"

Before he could finish, he saw a streak of golden Light fly from Fang Hong's hand, striking him right on the bridge of his nose. With a miserable shriek he toppled backward and plunged headfirst out of the tree. Fortunately, this was Eteliria—if it had been on Earth, that fall would at least have left him with something like high paraplegia.

The Big Cat People stroked his whiskers as he watched the Papalarian, covered in dust, scramble up from the ground, and couldn't help but smile. This must be what they mean by "brought it on yourself."