Darkstone Code-Chapter 825 - 823: A Promising Future
Akumal has understood a truth through reading books and conversing with some scholars during this period: the rise of a nation is not something that can be completed in a short time.
He further understands that being rich alone cannot transform a nation; the key lies in having an attitude of self-reliance and love for life, a kind of spirit.
Material wealth does not change people’s spiritual world; instead, due to spiritual poverty, one may slide into the abyss of endless desires, sinking into it without escape.
Only when spiritually rich can people change from the inside out, start to understand and perceive this world, allowing them to pursue something.
This, however, leads to a new problem. He, and many other Nagariels, have worked hard for many years to realize this ideal, and indeed Nagariels have awakened, but if the Federation does not leave, what is the significance of their awakening?
This is also his last doubt in his heart; if the Federation does not leave, awakening and such things seem more like a boring game.
Everything is firmly in the hands of the Federation now and will be in the future, so why bother to struggle?
This is actually the biggest problem Nagariels face in the process of awakening; it has always been this way.
No matter if they work hard or not, they will eventually be ruled by the ruling class, and be plundered without bottom lines, living without a bit of dignity, regardless of whether they strive or not.
It will be the same in the future; some even think being ruled by the Federation is a decent choice, at least better than being ruled by Nagariel’s ruling class.
After all, being enslaved and ruled by someone, why not choose one that’s better for them?
Doesn’t matter if they resist or awaken!
Because none of these will change their lives, nothing will change.
He looks expectantly at Lynch, thinking Lynch will answer this question. He doesn’t know why he feels this way, but he just does.
Lynch was silent for a moment and then looked at Akumal and asked a question, "Akumal, do you think people become ugly because they are poor?"
The ugliness here does not refer to physical appearance, but to one’s comprehensive image, virtues, temperament, it could also be said to refer to the soul.
Akumal shook his head, "A person’s ugliness has nothing to do with beauty or wealth; it only relates to one’s understanding."
Lynch nodded in strong agreement, with a knowing smile, he countered, "Then what does social awakening, national awakening have to do with who rules, and whether the ruler leaves or not?"
"To express this problem in a more religious manner, a person’s transcendence only has to do with the person themselves, not with any external matter."
"I understand what you are seeking, you want Nagariel to become autonomous, independent, equitable, and powerful; these things shouldn’t be seen as ’goals.’ If you regard them as goals, I suggest you abandon these ideas, honestly work as a laborer."
"Because when your focus is on these specifics, you’ve already begun to harbor thoughts of competing with the Federation, and we all know, the ultimate manifestation of competition is war." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖
"If you think Nagariel can obtain these things through war, I believe you are actually choosing suicide."
"Therefore I must persuade you to cherish your life and not make sacrifices without meaning."
"But if you don’t see them as goals but as appendages in the process of a nation’s awakening, without opposition, without competition, it becomes possible."
"When Nagariel and Nagariels can prove you’ve developed into a civilized society, whether domestically in the Federation, or in international society, you will gain the respect you deserve."
"This is the path you should be walking."
Lynch looked at Akumal deep in thought and further said, "If you cannot save yourselves spiritually, complete self-redemption from individuals to society and then to the nation, my apologies for rudeness, what you expect will never be realized!"
Trying to use war to force the Federation to make concessions?
Sorry, if before the Federation and Gafura’s naval battle this might have made the Federation step back, then after the sea battle, it’s impossible.
A wolf eating vegetarian all its life, not because it likes it, but because it fears fighting, as it has seen those dying in battle among its kind, so it would rather eat vegetarian than clash with its kind or other species.
But when this wolf has not too difficultly killed the Wolf King trying to establish power over it, tasted the deliciousness of blood, it never returned to the past.
The Federation is now like this, establishing its position in international society through a naval battle, benefiting the whole Federation Society.
Can you make way at this time?
No, those in the Federation who want to expel during the period of escapism swallow their anger, will shout ambitious slogans to charge forward, shred everything blocking the Federation’s path into pieces, swallow it all.
Lynch wasn’t deceiving Akumal or misleading him down the wrong path; he simply gave Akumal the only option Nagariel can choose during this period.
Either wield fists and steel cannons for a certain death, or awaken and achieve self-redemption from the inside out, from individual to society, forcing the Federation to step back by identifying us as "civilized humans."
This is not misleading or deceitful; this is the real solution.
Akumal was still deep in thought. Lynch’s words were easy to understand, all very straightforward, yet because of this, he found it...peculiar.
It’s like a strong person, weapon in hand, bursts into your home, eats your food, sleeps with your wife, and hits your kids.
If you want to get angry, he’ll tell you not to make a move, worrying he might accidentally kill you.
He might even proactively suggest, saying, "You should work out. When you’re at least as strong as I am, we can discuss this issue."
It’s too absurd, yet exceedingly realistic.
After a while, Akumal seemed to have figured it out. He nodded slightly, "Mr. Lynch, whenever I speak to people about these matters, can I tell them about your role in this?"
This was a sign of respect for Lynch. Lynch held a significant place in Akumal’s theories, providing many important insights. He felt he should tell people who inspired these thoughts.
But Lynch shook his head, "The truth is heavy. People might not be able to bear the weight of the truth, which could crush their spirits."
"Maybe someday, perhaps we’ll witness Nagariel’s successful self-redemption. Wait until that day comes, if neither of us dies, then tell them!"
Akumal was deeply impressed by Lynch, he bowed to express his respect!
Subsequently, Lynch watched people leave; these seeds will soon grow into towering trees.
What they bring back will just meet the needs of different social strata.
For ordinary citizens——they’re given a bright and beautiful future, achieving self-worth through work, and moving to the Federation for a happy life.
For those lost in confusion——violence solves nothing and worsens conflict; only peaceful self-redemption is Nagariel’s way forward.
For the upper echelons of society——as long as Nagariel doesn’t resort to force first, Federations won’t use force to achieve their goals.
These people are like seeds, bright seeds destined to bloom in Nagariel’s night, illuminating the darkness!
Yet...sometimes the development of certain matters tends to be unexpected.
Everyone thought there wouldn’t be any more reversals in Nagariel, especially since the New King and United States Senators of the New Federation side with the Federation; the entire nation from top to bottom had become the Federation’s "close friends," how could unpleasant situations arise?
But sure enough, unpleasant things did happen.
The real Eldest Prince finally shook off the Federation’s tracking—not through exceptional skill, but pushed to desperation, he chose to jump into the sea, unexpectedly not drowned but survived.
This survival choice indeed exceeded the capability scope of Federation Special Agents.
Upon returning to the Royal Capital, a group had already gathered around the Eldest Prince.
That’s the way society is; some easily embrace new lives, whereas some loathe the new life intensely.
It’s not that the new life is bad, but because their mindset isn’t right.
For those accustomed to rigid societal ranks, suddenly everyone becomes equal under the Federation’s oppression, making them feel as if they’ve lost their most precious asset.
In any dynasty change, those old-era nobles and marquises are forever filled with resentment.
The Eldest Prince and those around him are no different, having lost their past eminent status, making acceptance difficult.
Nagariel’s mentality differs from normal; they can lay on the doorstep on cold ground living a poor life, meanwhile not willing to stand up slightly changing their lives.
Yet they fiercely criticize women’s independence because women’s societal status elevation and independence might impact their status.
Like the people around the Eldest Prince now, victims losing certain rights, they express grievances towards society.
Staring at the Royal Palace in the dark night, the Eldest Prince’s eyes glimmered with an indescribable light; nobody expected a stand-in to become official.
He, the true Eldest Prince, became the "stand-in," chased by the Federation pathetically.
Compared to others, he lost more!
