Darkstone Code-Chapter 696 - 0693 Concentrated Soup Treasure

Lynch tossed a cigarette to the young driver in front of him, fully aware that for these drivers "deceived" into coming from Nagariel, the Federation is the most trustworthy entity.

Gafura people can’t be relied upon, and neither can the locals. In a strange environment, people tend to develop a dependency on familiar people or things.

Sometimes, they even develop a dependency on those who persecute them; it’s astonishing, yet true.

"Your name is Akumal, right?" He held the cigarette box in one hand, tapping on it with the fingers of the other, before flicking out a cigarette.

Just as he clamped the cigarette in his mouth, Akumal willingly struck a match, shielding it from the wind with one hand, while extending it forward with the other.

"Thank you!" Lynch expressed his gratitude, being a polite, morally principled, and socially responsible person who always showed appreciation for help.

After taking a couple of drags, he patted Akumal’s hand, and only then did Akumal light his own cigarette with the dwindling flame.

But he didn’t smoke; instead, he held it, signaling respect towards a superior.

"I didn’t expect Mr. Lynch to remember my name!" His feelings were somewhat stirred; despite having met Lynch only a few times, hearing Lynch call his name dispelled much of his initial animosity.

Lynch replied with a smile, "I try to remember every employee’s name. Although you work for me, I respect your individuality; everyone is born equal!"

Akumal’s hand clenched into a fist but relaxed quickly.

Such beautiful words: everyone is born equal. His emotions surged, prompting him to voice thoughts he had been hesitant to share, encouraged by Lynch’s gentle demeanor.

"Mr. Lynch, I have a question. I wonder if I can ask you? Apart from you, I don’t know who else can dispel my doubts!" His voice lowered, not to avoid being heard, but instinctively, as those of lower status refrain from speaking loudly.

Lynch nodded, "You don’t need to use honorifics."

Akumal’s mind wasn’t on that; he thought for a moment and organized his thoughts, "Mr. Lynch, what do you believe gives rise to peace?"

Lynch paused, observing Akumal for a few seconds before smiling and pointing at him, "That’s a profound question, Akumal."

"It relates to many things: technology, education, healthcare, religion, social environment, employment rate... You know, almost every societal label we can list actually connects to peace."

"Some appear unrelated, like the employment rate, but not only are they related; it’s a close relationship."

"Having work means having income, which suggests that by working diligently, one can achieve dreams that aren’t very distant."

"Being well-fed, clothed warmly, having some savings, enjoying consumption within permissible conditions—just like you now. Let me ask, if someone wants to overthrow Nagariel’s peaceful situation, would you or your colleagues participate?"

Akumal shook his head emphatically, "No, we wouldn’t."

Once people obtain the basic essentials for living, their minds settle into peace.

Like the Federation, even though the lower classes live harshly, with no family savings other than a small house, they develop satisfaction with their lives!

At work, they chat and banter with coworkers, occasionally attending free gatherings with fried chicken and beer hosted by the Union.

After work, they might spend forty-nine cents on a big bucket of popcorn, or add a dollar for a big bag of donuts, then relax on the couch with the family, indulging in junk food while laughing till tears at crude sitcoms.

That’s satisfaction, that’s happiness, that’s joy!

Though happiness is cheap, the fulfillment it brings isn’t different from that obtained by spending millions; both trigger the release of dopamine, often to similar degrees.

In a state where everyone is satisfied, who would risk disrupting society?

Especially when the Workers’ Union occasionally organizes marches and demonstrations, giving the public the chance to vent their grievances by marching, shouting, and holding banners with others who share their anger.

Eventually, an inconsequential government official steps up with a grim face to tell the Reporter, "We’re damn concerned"—and the circle completes itself. People feel their thoughts respected, grievances dissipate, and satisfaction resumes.

But this doesn’t mean peace is only related to work; it’s tied to almost all societal aspects. As commonly said, who would willingly bear such burdens if not in despair?

Akumal listened to Lynch’s words, never having considered such ideas before; feeling both awed and profoundly powerless, realizing he couldn’t singly save Nagariel, nor could many others; it required collective national effort for change.

Feeling somewhat restless, Akumal waited a moment after Lynch finished speaking before asking, "Mr. Lynch, I mostly understand what you said, but it’s overwhelming."

"Forgive my greed and ambition. What do you think I should do if I want to strive for peace in Nagariel, for its future?"

Through the smoke, Lynch’s expression carried an air of mystery, the haze bestowing an almost divine essence.

With a wry smile, he flicked the ash and turned his head to look at Akumal, "Unity and thought..."

"Everyone must share similar ideals and aspirations for the future. Only then can they unite into a formidable force."

"Unite everyone with thought, and the society you live in will become prosperous; as people’s thoughts evolve, they’ll emerge from ignorance."

"Understand that we humans always ’think’ first before ’acting.’ As long as your thought can guide people and aligns with their values and interests, it will form a powerful wave around it..."

Akumal listened attentively, embedding those words deep in his heart, "Mr. Lynch, I’m sorry for taking up your time; I have one last question."

Lynch lightly nodded, signaling for him to continue; Akumal took a deep breath, "Do you think Nagariel’s future could change?"

Upon hearing that, Lynch contemplated seriously for a moment, then asked, "Do you have a coin?"

"Yes, Mr. Lynch..." Akumal immediately searched his pockets, finally pulling out two ten-cent coins of Gafura currency.

Federation Sol isn’t directly circulated here; Fla is the primary legal tender. People should exchange other currencies at banks or exchange points for Fla if they need transactions.

The workers have been here for some time, and they’ve exchanged their money into Fla.

Pressing a coin between his fingers, Lynch queried, "I’m about to toss this coin. Do you know which side will end up facing up in my palm?"

Akumal shook his head, "I can’t predict, Mr. Lynch."

"Right, neither do I. We don’t know whether it’ll land the way we wish. But..." Lynch casually tossed the coin, watching it bounce and spin before catching it tightly in his palm, "...if we fear acting due to uncertainty about the future outcome, why not stop right from the start?"

"I guess it’s heads!" Lynch opened his palm, laughing, "I guessed wrong, but I still have another chance, and another, until the day I’m correct!"

He casually slipped the coin into Akumal’s jacket pocket, speaking with deep sincerity, "What you want and need to do is similar."

"We never know the outcome, which makes it even more essential to act. Use your way, your capabilities to witness the future."

Lynch’s smile resembled the bright sun in the sky, illuminating every shadowy corner of Akumal’s heart, dispelling darkness, reviving him.

Feeling emotional, Akumal thought Lynch’s words were superb, profoundly affecting him.

If fear of future uncertainty prevents action, what sets him apart from others?

He must be courageous, using his way to witness the future.

"Mr. Lynch, your words greatly inspired me; you are... a... wise man!" Amidst his emotional fervor, Akumal faltered before finding an imperfect but fitting descriptor for Lynch.

Lynch patted his shoulder, "Work well; I know you have many thoughts, and I don’t reject such thinking. Thought is humanity’s most precious Wealth; no one will despise it."

"Once the company reaches the third level, you’ll have the opportunity to further study in the Federation, and you can go there to see and learn advanced theories and thoughts before bringing them back."

The company’s advancement system recognizes employees reaching the third level as loyal participants in its oppressive exploitation, rewarding them with further studies in the Federation.

Letting them witness the Federation’s prosperity and developed society and nation, once they return to Nagariel, they’ll be reinvigorated and possess a new goal!

From achieving Wealth freedom in impoverished rural areas to securing a ship ticket to immigrate to the Federation!