Meteor Fall Master in the 'Starry Abyss'
Chapter 765 - 374. What does this have to do with my monthly salary of 3,000?

Chapter 765: 374. What does this have to do with my monthly salary of 3,000?

The speaker named Blacksmith remained silent for a moment. He had never been one to speak much, but at this moment, he truly did not know how to respond.

Because what N4 said was a fact.

The Blacksmith was called Leoz, having Leoz’s personality, appearance, memories, core abilities, hobbies, and habits, but he wasn’t Leoz.

Polina had nothing, not even the same gender, yet her soul and essence were undeniably Leoz.

If one were to argue about the legitimacy of a government, to argue the orthodoxy of the two.

Then the Blacksmith was akin to a usurper, with nearly no legitimacy, only complete policies and full institutions, while Polina was the lawful heir, chosen by fate, with complete legitimacy.

But clearly, N4 was unaware of this; she always regarded the Blacksmith as Li Aozi.

"Not answering? It seems that even at this point, you are as arrogant as ever."

N4 shrugged, explaining to the Blacksmith as if talking to herself, then turned to Polina:

"Alright, young miss, I agree to your request."

She pulled a glow stick from her pocket and tossed it to the Blacksmith:

"This tomb area is vast, and it’s still raining Substance Rain outside. Use this to follow the glowing marks. The exit will be a cliff that can shelter you from the rain and wind. With your physique, jumping down with others should be no problem."

The Blacksmith pressed the glow stick, and two sections immediately extended faint blue beams. He casually waved them around; under the blue light, dark traces appeared, spreading into a path leading deeper inside.

"These are my personally marked genetic information using special means. Don’t worry about the researchers interpreting them to catch up."

After N4 finished speaking, she turned to Polina and said:

"As for the second point, you must first tell me what level your demand needs to reach?"

"As a simple-minded weak girl, I hold no malice towards the Fermi Research Institute, which masters Void Technology and contributes to humanity’s welfare."

Polina shook her head, her face showing regret and pity:

"Destruction will suffice."

N4 turned back to the Blacksmith, unable to resist asking, "Back when you were in Mingji Humanity, did you think the same way?"

The Blacksmith did not answer directly, instead, he said flatly:

"The Mingji people are still there, but Humanity is no more, at least it wasn’t annihilation."

In this statement, the term "Mingji" served as a double entendre, referring both to the Mingji Humanity controlled by the Professor and to N4 controlling Mingji Heavy Industries.

N4 naturally understood the Blacksmith’s veiled threat, giving a faint smile, she said:

"I have no malice towards you, dear Li Aozi—but speaking of which, don’t you plan to reclaim everything that remains yours?"

"No need, it has probably scattered worldwide."

The Blacksmith said plainly:

"This body has already been infected; I don’t want to waste time."

"Have you lost your ambition?"

"I no longer wish to be involved with Starry Abyss; Dragon Satellite is great, it’s peaceful here. Being a Blacksmith is much better than being a President or a hero."

"Really?" N4 said indifferently. "Seems like you’re more pragmatic than I thought."

"Always have been."

"Then Azure Star, you never truly wanted to save it, did you?"

"...Just related interests."

The Blacksmith turned his head, avoiding eye contact:

"Rescuing the planet was just an excuse; the sacrifices were merely stepping stones for me to venture into the Starry Sky. No matter how many died, it had nothing to do with me."

[Lie Check Passed—Critical Success]

[The other party believed your excuses]

Fortunately, Li Aozi’s [Charm] was still very effective.

The Blacksmith steadied his mind.

He was almost exposed as not being the true Li Aozi.

Given the current situation, if N4 knew that Polina was the true Li Aozi, she would definitely drag her into this struggle.

That child shouldn’t be involved. Mortals have no obligation to participate in such a brutal battle, especially since she has already suffered much, lost friends, witnessed killings.

She doesn’t need more hurt.

The Blacksmith paused slightly.

[I should bear this burden.]

"That response is really quite in line with your personal style."

N4 pursed her lips and then turned to Polina:

"Young miss, you sure are ambitious, but let me remind you, even if the Blacksmith is willing to stand by your side, the Fermi Research Institute is backed by the entire Kingdom Parliament and its supporters."

"I know, I have always known."

Polina, as usual, remained calm, her face smiling. As she spoke, one hand was crossed behind her back, making various gestures to emphasize her presence. She stood tall, her gaze unwavering, not at all like a young girl encountering bloodshed and significant events for the first time.

"The Kingdom Parliament needs the development of void technology to maintain their dominion over the Kingdom. The Fermi Research Institute also requires the Kingdom to provide manpower and resources, and may even need military assistance when necessary—even the Blacksmith couldn’t resist such a vast military force—so, the Kingdom and the Institute have a mutually binding relationship."

Polina logically analyzed the matter, then said:

"I wish to completely destroy the Fermi Research Institute. Regardless of how much its existence benefits countless beings, to me, its only fate is annihilation, complete annihilation. But I really can’t find the Strength capable of dismantling it..."

"Then the only choice to meet your demands is clear."

N4 placed one hand on her hip, speaking in a light tone:

"Go to the Capital, and meet the ’King.’

"No!" The Blacksmith firmly rejected: "That’s impossible!"

"Ah, indeed."

Polina seriously considered the plan:

"Thinking about it this way, the Fermi Research Institute is fundamentally an organization that exists under the King’s protection. Once persuaded, the highest ruler of the Kingdom, the Fermi Research Institute, would collapse instantly."

"See, it’s quite a good answer!" N4 chuckled.

"If killing cockroaches required burning down an entire house—if such a method could be considered ’good,’ I think such revenge isn’t worth pursuing."

The Blacksmith taunted sarcastically.

"What’s wrong, dear Li Aozi?"

"Master Blacksmith, are you defying the ’King’?"

N4 and Polina noticed his intense reaction, both throwing questions.

The questioning from the two women rendered the Blacksmith silent.

His eyes turned cold, and he merely responded firmly:

"... If you wish to see the King, then go ahead. For me, the peace and stability of my current life are all that matter."

N4 glanced at him, saying amusedly:

"You have really changed, dear Li Aozi. No longer the ambitious figure once obsessed with the Grand Narrative?"

"I differ from you; I have reached peaks and descended into valleys. Splendor never lasts, and glory fades. Even the most powerful civilization will eventually decay."

The Blacksmith spoke coldly:

"No matter how far one travels the Pathway, they will be swallowed by the tide of history... In the Grand Narrative, insignificant individuals are nothing. I only wish to guard this small life of mine."

"Living aimlessly like this?"

N4 looked at his Blacksmith apron and cotton pants and asked:

"A being with boundless power, beloved by humanity, will end this life as a Blacksmith—is that what you’re willing to accept?"

The Blacksmith said distantly:

"There’s nothing to accept or not; I’ve already given up."

N4 looked slightly surprised:

"Then Lord Entropy, the narrative, the void—don’t you care anymore? There are two planets, closely tied to you, now in imminent danger."

The Blacksmith shook his head and said:

"What happens to this planet has nothing to do with someone making just a few dozen dollars a day. Maybe I’ll save up, stay home, not go anywhere, and someday get married, have kids, and teach them the craft, living a simple life."

"In my remaining days, I’ll be a spectator, wasting time with endless entertainment, until I too am buried in time."

"... I recall you are only in your thirties; how have you become so old?"

Even N4 couldn’t help but sigh:

"Back then, you were a figure of legend, admired by the nation, with the world revolving around you... now you just want to guard a dull career, living a bland, mundane life until the end?"

"I’m tired."

The Blacksmith closed his eyes and shook his head:

"Do you know what aging is? When, after a lifetime’s struggle, you find yourself just an ordinary man, unable to achieve anything outside those remarkable historical moments—not even replicating your success—that’s when you’re old."

"Leoz, to be honest..."

N4 just started speaking but was brusquely interrupted by the Blacksmith:

"I’m tired! I’m too tired! I’m exhausted! The first half of my life was about pursuing efficiency, I had no time for enjoyment, always chasing an endless Pathway, fighting to survive, and surviving to fight. This repeated endlessly, leaving me busy and empty!"

"Master Blacksmith..."

Polina spoke up:

"I can sense you have an unknown history, but, don’t worry."

She paused, facing his gaze, she calmly said:

"This is my matter alone, seeking revenge against the Fermi Research Institute is my goal. You never had to participate."

"...You."

The Blacksmith opened his mouth.

[Do you really think this is just your matter?]

He didn’t speak it aloud.

If he told them outright, N4 would surely be suspicious, and his true identity wouldn’t remain hidden.

This was something Polina shouldn’t be involved in.

Let alone the matter of the "King."

These two people simply didn’t understand what the "King" was.

One could not describe the "King’s" appearance, recount the "King’s" deeds, or directly call the "King’s" name. Even though he lives eternally, people always underplay his existence, and history intentionally guides people to forget the "King."

Furthermore, the King had special significance for the Blacksmith.

It was after witnessing that scene in the Capital that he decided to leave without looking back...

Content to be a Blacksmith? No, for him, witnessing that scene then still becoming a Blacksmith was already a great honor.

Polina and N4’s statements seemed both laughable and dangerous to him.

"...You shouldn’t join in, Li—Polina."

The Blacksmith sincerely advised:

"You will lose various friends throughout your life. You will pass many on your Pathway. Your old passions will cool, and your close relatives will eventually pass away..."

"Polina, you don’t need to lose your life for a few friends you could easily make in the countryside."

"You possess a unique and lofty soul; you are loved. Your life should be intense, brilliant, and colorful."

He sternly urged Polina to choose a life of comfort and happiness.

Polina blinked her eyes, her gemstone-like red eyes, unshakable even against the whole cosmos.

"Yes, that’s true, Mr. Blacksmith. I could have had a brilliant, happy, effortless life. This shouldn’t be my burden."

Polina smiled slightly:

"But I can."

"I have a strong feeling that tells me I can do all this, I can clear obstacles; I can eradicate evil."

"Call it arrogance, call it hubris, but I feel this way and can act on it."

Polina clenched her fist, then said easily:

"Don’t ask if it’s right, just ask if it’s possible."

"Clearly, I know—I can."