NOVEL NEXT Chapter 523: Suggestions and Deliberations
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There wasn't much to think about for Cedric...
Even without Silas' suggestion, he was already thinking about how to introduce this concept anyway. He never thought about keeping all of this to himself.
Because he's already entertaining the idea anyway, Cedric already thought of a way. Moreover, he needed funds for his future experiments, so it's better to cooperate instead.
And that's why about a week later, after his conversation with Silas and the sudden influx of new recruits, Cedric found himself standing on a podium in front of the Chancellors and the Paragons, explaining how he created the runic formation that allowed him to refine the void into a source of neutral energy. He was also presenting his rough ideas on how to move forward with his experiments, taking advantage of the calm throughout the camps.
"...in the end, I still think it's best if there could be other people who could open up their Inner Worlds like me. I know that I'm asking for a lot, but it's simply difficult to truly connect with a foreign sensation unless one has personal experience with it."
"The ideas that led to the creation of the Chaos Conversion Rune Formation originated from my comprehension of the Primordial Chaos Concept. It succeeded because I had an intimate connection with it and knew what would and wouldn't work with it. That connection is really important."
"Of course, I'm not saying that it's impossible to recreate the formations without that connection. We've already performed preliminary tests and managed to replicate the formations, and they're working exactly as intended."
"However, because the testers weren't like me, who walk the path of Ancients, they could only experience a distant connection with their work. They explained it as fleeting, as if they'd forget everything they learned about the project if they didn't work on it for a while. This happens because of the distant connection I was talking about; that's why I put emphasis on the need for other people like me. Because without this connection, even if we mass produce the formations and make several improvements to them, the legacy will just fade over time. It'd be a shame if that were to happen."
"But I also know just how big of a demand this is. After all, the risks are far too steep, and the rate of success remains low. I'd leave this matter up to you to decide; whatever you all decided upon, I will make peace with it."
Cedric concluded his speech there, slowly retreating from the podium.
The crowd was silent. They are most likely weighing their decisions about the subject matter or immersing themselves in the fleeting knowledge that Cedric shared.
"Thank you, Child." Chancellor Igor gave Cedric a reassuring smile. "You can return to your usual duties for now while we deliberate our next move."
Cedric didn't say anything. He just nodded and left the meeting room to go and do whatever he wanted. Even though he was told to do his usual duties, he doesn't really have any serious work to do, so he's basically free to do whatever he wants in the meantime.
Once he left, the meeting room returned to its usual silence.
"Silas, what do you think?" Chancellor Igor asked.
A somber sigh escaped from his handsome face before he said, "He's right, that connection is really important."
"I've understood the concept. In fact, it's too easy. So easy that I doubt that that's all of it. But I've also made it myself, tested it even, and it works just fine. Yet once I take my mind off it, even just for a couple of minutes, I somehow forget some details about it and have to refer to the step-by-step process he left behind."
"With my memory, it should be impossible for me to be that forgetful. I also didn't sense anybody altering my memories or forcing me to forget it. If I had, then I cultivated in vain. So I could only attune it to the mysterious connection he was referring to. It seems that only those who comprehend the Primordial Chaos Laws can actually remember this set of rules."
Silas then looked at the Wise Dragon Chancellor and asked, "It should be different for you, right?"
"Not really." Chancellor Igor bitterly smiled. "I know why you'd think that way. After all, even though I'm incompetent, I still am a legitimate descendant of the Ancients."
"But even that only allowed me to remember the process just a bit longer and more detailed than you do. I also felt the knowledge fading from my memories on its own, so no, you haven't cultivated in vain. It's just the nature of the Primordial Chaos rules."
It is shocking that even the oldest creature in this room and the one that holds the most wisdom amongst all of them was also rendered helpless by these mystical rules.
"So, that's the caveat then." The Primal Beast Chancellor spoke. "I also think that making that formation was simple, and you all know that our people aren't the sharpest tool in the shed here. Well, it turns out that 'easy' doesn't mean 'simple' in this particular matter."
"I couldn't agree more," the Ancient Titan Chancellor said. "A pity; this could've been a real game changer."
"It still is." The Holy Spirit Chancellor chimed in. "He already said it himself; if there are more people like him, then there would be more people who will be skilled enough to do what he can do, and that includes manufacturing and improving upon the concepts introduced to us just now."
"Yes, and speaking of which...I'm willing to endorse a few people into this endeavor," the Divine Celestial Chancellor stated, causing all attention to focus on him.
"Really? I didn't expect you to be that bold." The Primal Beast Chancellor raised a brow at him.
"What can I say? That child was convincing," the Divine Celestial replied. "Just he alone managed to not only seal the rift but also turn something fatal to us into something useful."
"And based on his thought process, especially the experiments he presented earlier, he gave me a vision, a possibility of us conquering this age-old enemy of ours."
"Yes, some of the people I endorse might die in this, and that would be a great loss to us. But since when was life evolution not risky? Since when did everybody survive?"
"Whether it's dying in this experiment or dying in battle, what's the difference? They'd die either way."
"Of course I won't force anyone. I will introduce the idea to them; I'd even have them talk to Dawnbringer personally just so that they can get more perspective. Moreover, I'll choose ones that are nearing the end of their lifespans or don't have much time left. It'll be up to them to decide whether to take the risk or not."
"If even one or two of them succeed in this, then everything will be worth it."
The Divine Celestial's words made a lot of people thoughtful. Seeing this, Igor was inwardly satisfied.
Indeed, as expected of this friend. Though not as old and as wise as he was, the Divine Celestial Chancellor was a progressive man. He retreats when needed and ferociously advances when the opportunity presents itself. He's never been the indecisive type. He's a risk-taker, a gambler even, but one that is experienced in the game.
It's because of his decisive nature and progressive mind that the Divine Celestials flourished under his rule.
Chancellor Igor himself considered the suggestion.
See, he hasn't been idle. Igor was actually preparing to go into his seclusion in the near future because he's nearly certain that he already knows his path forward. And Cedric's contribution to this will never be forgotten. He's just polishing a few more ideas he has, and he'll be ready.
But with the Divine Celestial Chancellor's suggestion, he couldn't help but think about a handful of his men who had been, unfortunately, stuck in their current realm or those who had been approaching the natural end of their lifespan.
He had felt their frustration and desperation, yet they never complained in front of him. Instead, they endeavored to solve their problems on their own.
This could be a chance for them too if they decide to risk their lives with it. Moreover, he could also compile more data through their experiences and compare it to his without risking himself.
In the end, Chancellor Igor adjourned the meeting to let them think about it some more. Yes, there are already some who have made their decisions, but they can wait for a few more days for the others.
As for the Wise Dragon Chancellor himself, just like the Divine Celestial Chancellor, he already began contacting a few of his men to endorse this new path to them.
He did his best to explain the situation to them before making the offer. It'll be up to them whether they are willing to risk it or not.
All of this happened while Cedric remained unaware that very soon, he'd be tasked with supervising a lot of volunteers.