081. Excerpt from "Do Not Take Out of Context" in "Do Not Take Out of Context"
Fanlenkov Autonomous State is not merely a region but a self-governing nation, an artificial planet nearly three-fourths the size of Azure Star. This scale has led to regional divisions and population clusters.
Later, when a large number of players swarmed in, order could not be fully established; instead, they were assimilated by the locals, making their fortunes by scavenging and gathering Nakis Blood.
Ironically, this situation eventually became an ecosystem of its own. High-level civilization members came here for duels and mining, leaving behind junk like a whale fall, which people fought over and grabbed in a frenzy. This form of combat brought more wealth to lower civilizations than direct aid.
The ongoing skirmishes damaged Fanlenkov's fortress, reducing output power, causing Fanlenkov's fragile ecosystem to gradually deteriorate. To maintain the Nakis Blood market, warlords and mercenaries even contributed funds to keep Fanlenkov in a perpetual autumn-winter climate.
Autumn's yesterday was summer, and summer's yesterday was spring.
Fanlenkov's people marched forward, knowing that what lay ahead was neither winter nor spring.
When they found themselves in the winterless night of Fanlenkov's warzone, lying in ruin-covered shelters, chewing on vitamin-protein energy bars, clutching dust-covered laser rifles, they would recall Kalmets' decree granting pensions to the elderly and the families of the fallen.
Who would have thought that was their last spring?
For players, regardless of choices, the ending always led to this outcome.
In some sense, this could be considered a "good ending."
At least, with the interference of the Interstellar Alliance and the restraint of the three narrative-level civilizations, Fanlenkov wasn't directly bombed or isolated, monopolized by narrative-level forces, nor did the Fanlenkov people face extinction.
But should this be accepted as fate? Who could say?
All that could be said was that the magical worldview of "Star Abyss" called for magical realism in its storyline.
Li Aozi reviewed the plot and mapped out his route.
He stood up, stepped into the time ripple, and directly bypassed the office door. Even though it was late at night, Fanlenkov's highest leader—Kalmets Shieldcrest—was still working overtime.
To save on costs, Kalmets had even reassigned his security elsewhere, making it easy for Li Aozi to slip in.
Li Aozi took a quick look around the office. It was evident that Kalmets' finances had completely collapsed—he couldn't even afford to repair his office. The ceiling was full of cracks, and aside from an old-fashioned laser pistol for self-defense, there was no decoration in the leader's office, which appeared incredibly shabby.
This environment gave Li Aozi some room to maneuver.
He quietly stood to the side, observing Kalmets.
This tall alien resembled a half-dragon humanoid with gorilla-like arms, covered in crimson scales and adorned with handsome coral-like horns. His muscles were massively built, like a small mountain.
Yet his pale hair and deeply wrinkled face were equally noticeable. His energy had waned to a level barely stronger than that of a Gamma-tier mortal. However, his bright eyes signaled to anyone watching that, while age had sapped his strength, his body and spirit remained resolute.
Yet, this nearly three-meter-tall giant now hunched behind his office chair, subserviently pleading with a national leader on the other end of the communication line:
"…This loan is critical. We cannot go without it; otherwise, countless children will starve—what? Debt, you say? Please, rest assured, our debt situation is not beyond hope. Narrative-level civilizations say as much, as long as there is scientific guidance. Please, for the sake of our past friendship…"
Kalmets looked distraught. Even for someone of a different species, the look of agony was apparent. The air in the office was thick with a bitter, melancholy aura.
Li Aozi did not strike immediately. He activated the recording function on his forum, adjusting the camera.
The communicator projected an image of a purple-skinned fungal creature looking at Kalmets with helpless eyes, speaking kindly:
"Leader Kalmets, for the sake of our friendship, I'll be frank: you are a good warrior, skilled in battle, but you know nothing of economics or politics. Your nation is on the brink of collapse. Such a massive debt crisis can only be resolved by seeking bankruptcy mediation from the Interstellar Alliance and restructuring your credit system."
"Your Majesty King Gorett, you are correct. But you don't understand—Velazi will seize the opportunity. My citizens will be treated as slaves, used at will by corporations and the oligarchs!"
"Slaves have full stomachs," King Gorett gently reasoned. "What you should do is quickly apply for intervention by a narrative-level civilization, declare bankruptcy, and rebuild your economy."
"You know very well," Kalmets replied heavily, "our only assets are military services and warriors."
"Exactly," Gorett said. "You can pledge your soldiers to foreign entities for their use, to work off the debt—this can count as a service. If necessary, I recommend allowing the mortgaging of their personal and health rights…"
"But wouldn't that amount to selling them into slavery?"
Kalmets said angrily:
"Fanlenkov Autonomous State is made up of freed alien slaves descended from Nakis aliens. Our warriors can never lose their freedom again—never!"
[Recording Completed]
"Freedom means nothing compared to survival, Kalmets. My words may be blunt, but understand this: you lack the strength and resources to run a vast, free city-state. A slave society is far more suitable for your level of social culture and production. Your relentless pursuit of equality will only leave your citizens unworthy even of becoming slaves."
King Gorett was a fungal creature—he could not lie, speaking bluntly and leaving Kalmets speechless. His already red skin flushed deeper with shame.
"You are a good person, Kalmets. I could arrange to have you leave Fanlenkov with your family—"
"I will no longer seek loans from you. Thank you for your kindness!" Kalmets' tone was furious and icy. "No one will separate me from my people. I will always stand with them."
"Not everyone is as proud as you, able to fill their stomachs with will and faith alone."
Gorett sighed,
"You think you stand with them, but do they stand with you? Your power and wealth won't disappear because of your thriftiness. It will only make those around you believe 'working hard doesn't yield enjoyment.' You're not a good ruler. Take a rest and think it over—stepping down now could preserve your legacy."
With that, King Gorett ended the call.
Kalmets slumped back in his chair, clutching his face, overwhelmed with despair.
"Was I truly wrong?"
"I only wanted everyone to live free. Our ancestors paid a heavy price to escape slavery. Do we now regress to that?"
"Though life is hard now, once the new ship returns with those seven million amncoins and I import some cheap food from Gorett, I can stabilize the prices."
"Selling slaves? Such a choice is too harsh. I cannot accept it."
[Recording Completed]
Li Aozi had recorded enough footage, adjusted his posture, and pulled out Janinia from the time rift.