Pillars of Ita

The image of Bai Jia is now appearing in the crystal projection. After Su Changfeng left the space station, she has been serving as the middleman and contact person between the Xingmen Port military and the Seven Seas Brigade.

After listening to Fang Yan's description, she can naturally see some of the other party's confusion. Anyone who has reached such a height, when his decision can affect the fate of many people, will inevitably have such doubts.

But she was still a little worried about Fang Plover's current state, and she answered carefully after listening:
"The tendency to start a war against the empire is not as sudden as you might imagine. Preparing for a war involves preparations in all aspects. This is the same even for the Osyrians."

"Stargate Port has always been aware of this, but we can't change the decision of the empire from our level. Besides, this shouldn't be something that Stargate Port should intervene in." She shook her head, "But the people of the empire are still the same as before. They often claim that the empire has been at war. This is not a joke, but most people in the empire feel a little accustomed to participating in one war after another, and are even proud of it."

In this regard, Bai Jia concluded with a sigh: "It can only be said that different cultures have created all this, but this war is not as terrible as you imagined, and it may not really overthrow everything. The essence of this war is still related to the disaster star, and you know enough about the disaster star, so it is natural that other kingdoms cannot be unprepared for this. Just like the great prophecy of the empire 700 years ago, other countries actually have more or less similar omens and prophecies."

She went on to say: "The royal family of Kaolin is actually the same, Sanciel and Miluo Temple are naturally similar, and Stargate Port, we can grasp the information related to the disaster star, and other people will naturally not be unaware of the intentions of the imperial people. It's just that this upcoming war is actually much more complicated than you understand. The empire's system has bred a large number of military nobles, but military groups are always greedy, which is one of the reasons why the empire cannot stop."

"The young Emperor His Majesty intends to tame this power for his own use and to make the empire's power more concentrated. This is one of the reasons why he agreed to advance the war. The chairman is only the person who promoted the war. The eternal temptation you mentioned is just one of the temptations, but people's vision is short-sighted. Most of the military nobles are willing to join because it is in their own interests. This is also what Friston likes."

"Of course," Bai Jia paused. "Certain clubs have also played a vital role in it. Behind them is the Division I League. I know that some people want to take advantage of the fire. Investors in the League hope to grab more real power in this 'game' after the Stargate. Behind this is actually the shadow of the national entity."

Fang Plover was a little stunned. He didn't know much about real politics, but he was forced to get involved in it now.

Looking at his expression, Bai Jia understood that he didn't really understand the key to this, "That's naturally our old opponent, gaining influence by manipulating the internal factions in other countries, gaining benefits from wars and turmoil, this is their traditional art."

"Sister Bai Jia, you mean..."

"Okay," Bai Jia interrupted him, "I don't really want to talk about things on the earth, and I believe you are not interested in that either. Do you understand why I tell you this? I want to say, don't think of everything too complicated, as if all this is your own responsibility, and the development of things is inevitable. When people are in the middle of history, the decisions you make are actually very simple."

"They can determine the path you will eventually take."

Fang Yan remained silent. He naturally understood the real reason why Bai Jia told him these things. He really should never regard himself as a perfect person, nor should he bear any unshirkable responsibility for anything.

The reason why he seemed hesitant in front of that president was more or less influenced by the other party's words.

Just like the same person who walks before the abyss, he always thinks that if he takes a step forward, the world will fall into a doomed situation. Naturally, he will appear a little hesitant, and the words of Friston in the tower are lingering in his mind.

But is that really the case?

Did all that really have anything to do with his choice?
"Everyone's decision affects the world to some extent," Bai Jia said. "You are no exception, but compared to the world, it affects us first. You have the power to make decisions, and so do other people. Taking responsibility on yourself is actually a distrust of others."

She said: "However, there are also our responsibilities. Maybe the burden we gave you was too heavy in the past, but I hope you can understand that after the Declaration, the United Nations handed over most of the tasks of affairs and people-to-people exchanges to the alliance, and we got out of it, but lost our original sensitivity over time. This is understandable, because it was originally in line with our consistent political stance, but when incidents happened, our reactions naturally slowed down."

Bai Jia shook his head, "But things are objective. We have to admit that the fate of this world is closely related to the chosen ones, and the star gate is closely related to the fate of our world. Besides, the two worlds are connected to each other. It's hard to say that our fate is unrelated. We treat the communication and interaction between the two worlds with a diplomatic attitude and try our best to restrain them, but some people don't think so. When we have to intervene, we have to rely on the hands of the chosen ones like you."

"Of course we still neglected our duties. When we wanted to re-intervene, we found that there were not many available manpower. Among these people, you happened to be the one who went the farthest. The military spoke highly of you, so we couldn't help but place more expectations on you," she sighed. "Actually, most people knew before you went to the empire that this is not an easy task. The Seven Seas Brigade is weak and alone, and it is already very remarkable to be able to do this."

She recalled the last meeting with this little guy: "Do you still remember the last time we met? When you caught that informant, the whole base actually became a sensation. You created a miracle, but that's why, maybe we will give you too many expectations invisibly, and let this expectation turn into pressure."

"Sister Bai Jia, I..."

Fang Yan was a little surprised, he didn't expect Xingmen Port to care about him so much.

Bai Jia interrupted him, "Listen to me first, you don't have to be like this. The reason why we didn't mention to you that the empire is getting involved in that war is actually because of this consideration. Little guy, the role of individuals in the face of historical changes is very small, you only need to do what you think is right."

"As right as possible?" Fang Yan muttered to himself, and those words struck somewhere in his heart like a bolt of lightning.It was as if a heavy fog had been cut through, illuminating the world he saw in his heart at that moment.

His brows were furrowed, then loosened, and he couldn't help shaking his head slightly.Did he think all this too complicated, so why must he force himself to find the most perfect solution to everything?
Did I give myself too high expectations in the dark? Is it strict self-discipline, a kind of self-confidence, or arrogance?

Actually, back to the simplest question.

Does he think the empire is right, does he agree with the behavior of the president Friston?
No.

Of course he disagreed.

He just suddenly realized the simple answer to that question—it was impossible for him to walk on that path, agree with that way of doing things, agree that there must be a great war sweeping the world, in order to prepare the world above the sea of ​​clouds?
Of course that would not be the case.

Fang Plover raised his head, a gleam of clarity flashed in his eyes.

Bai Jia noticed his change and couldn't help asking, "Have you figured it out?"

Fang Yan shook his head, he only wanted to understand part of it, and realized that he was more or less influenced by the president's words at that time.But after all, it was the shadow of that genius in history, the sharper the opponent's words, the more normal it was.

Then the rest is very simple.

The great alchemist Ed, his student Hein Fam, the student's student Helinwell, and the talented engineer Jedham who also walked on that technical route, and the lonely soul in the tower.

People who have walked on this road, those great alchemists who have been in charge of every technical route, they knew from the beginning that they might not be the ones who finally reached the end, but they chose to hand over the inheritance to future generations.

And I am the beneficiary of this inheritance.

And how do those great people know they are on the right track?
Helinwell left behind the most kind side. If the means chosen were wrong from the beginning, then no matter what, they would not be able to reach the intended end point.

Because the progress of alchemy depends on the human heart, the reason why the civilization of mortals is called civilization is because it is composed of countless small individuals, and it is not a grand existence based on fictional concepts.

It is a country agreed upon by a common contract. From Oshu to Colin-Ishurian, the ancient kingdom exists only in name, and no matter whether they are nobles or commoners, all living beings are the real value of this world.

The foundation of civilization is people first.

That's why he didn't agree with the president.

Fang Plover couldn't help but let out a long breath, the world in his eyes became clear and firm, but then he thought about the embarrassment he had made, looked at Sister Bai Jia who was looking at him with concern, and couldn't help but rubbed his hair embarrassingly.

He finally figured out how to answer that question, "... I understand a little bit more."

He touched the tip of his nose, which is a subconscious behavior that our dragon alchemist would have when he felt embarrassed, but when Fang Plover raised his head, he saw the bright sky shining on his workbench through the arched window of the captain's cabin, and he did have a hint of enlightenment in his heart.

And, I figured out one answer behind that.

He was just still a little uncomfortable, he hesitated and said: "I am causing you trouble, Sister Bai Jia."

After all, it was just his own problem.He accepted the commission, but in the end he had to seek help from the client. In fact, it was nothing more than a simple matter, but he was temporarily trapped in it and couldn't see through it.

Bai Jia raised her eyebrows.

When a person's identity changes, he often can't see himself clearly. The little guy in front of him has just reached this position suddenly. Although he has become famous since he was a teenager since the first battle in the southern border, it is actually in the empire that he has really won so much glory——

In other words, the real power to make that choice was actually given to him by the president in words. The shadow of that genius was no longer simply an alchemist, but a seasoned politician.

In fact, she has seen many geniuses go astray because they cannot see themselves clearly for a while, and some are unable to get out of their own shadows because they are trapped in self-doubt. People often lose themselves in the face of great power, but it is rare for Fang Yan to wake up so quickly.

Or rather, it was the only one she had ever seen.

She was still a little worried about Fang Ploy's situation, especially after Fang Ploy mentioned the situation of the empire and his concerns to Xingmen Port, she always wanted to take the opportunity to talk to him about this matter like at this moment.

It's just that Su Changfeng told her not to worry too much.

"That kid is different from everyone else." He smiled.

"In him, I saw some characteristics that only people like Ming and Chenxi would have. Do you know who Ming's teacher is? I met the chosen ones of that generation in the early years, and those who have experienced that era do have some characteristics that are different from others, and Ming and the others are also affected by this—"

"Optimistic, confident, and firm, they have a unique belief in the future. They always believe that everything will reach the correct result after the tortuous development." Su Changfeng swept the snow off the brim of his hat. "People like that will never go wrong, so you don't have to worry."

"I didn't expect that guy to see more clearly—" Bai Jia thought to himself.

But it is true, but on the side of Xingmen Port, it is that person who communicates with Fang Plover the most.There are even some rumors outside that his youngest daughter still has some unclear relationship with this little guy. Although it is not ambiguous, it is definitely a step further than ordinary friends.

When it comes to who knows this little guy better, there is really no other person in Xingmen Port.

But thinking of Sophie, Bai Jia couldn't help raising her slender eyebrows.

"So you really want to understand," she looked at Fang Plover who had become radiant and eager to try, and asked with some doubts: "You don't plan to do any stupid things next, do you?"

"Of course not." Fang Yan was a little puzzled as to why the other party would ask this suddenly, and he shook his head: "What do you think of me, Sister Bai Jia. I just want to understand something, and then I can do what I really want to do... Actually, there is only the final in the Hall of the Holy King."

In fact, he should have determined his inner thoughts long ago, but he was not ready.

But looking forward and backward is not in his character.

And no matter what the chairman said, there are more important things for him now.

That is to enter the hall of the holy king, enter the list of ten people, and get the quota to enter the second world.

And, to accomplish some trivial things.

"It's good if you figure it out," Bai Jia was not Ming after all, and hadn't had much contact with Fang Yan.If the latter is here, they will probably confirm it again and again. Some people keep saying that they will not do anything, but when things really happen, unexpected things often happen.

The Queen of Constructors was already very familiar with her cheap students, and she would never have let Fang Plover go so easily.But Bai Jia didn't think too much about it, and just changed the subject and asked, "Speaking of which, have you contacted Miya recently?"

And Fang Plover, who was still swearing by it just now, immediately froze when he heard this question, "Sister Bai Jia...why did you suddenly mention this?"

"That's my sister, of course I'm concerned," Bai Jia said, "She's been out of news for a long time, she said she contacted you last time, so what's the relationship between you, your ship officer lady, and that Miss Su?"

"I……"

Fang Plover's face turned red, and he said in a low voice, "I have nothing to do with Sophie, the rumors outside are not true, we are just friends."

"That means it has something to do with your ship officer lady," Bai Jia said, "So you didn't deny that you had something to do with my sister, did you?"

"what?"

Fang Plover is stupid, can he still understand this?

Bai Jia didn't give him a chance to refute, she glanced at him lightly: "She has been missing for a long time in the second world, don't tell me that you haven't cared about this at all recently."

Fang Yan lost his voice again. He was really worried about Miya for a while, and she hadn't contacted him for a long time since the accident happened.

But he really doesn't have any means of contact with the Second World. He originally wanted to ask Bai Jia for news about Miya, but he didn't expect to be turned against the general first.

If he had anything to say now, he would naturally not be able to ask, and seeing his stupid look, Bai Jia knew that she would not be able to get any useful information from the other party, although she was indeed worried about her sister in her heart.

Outsiders only know the name of Sea Witch, but few people know that the famous Sea Witch in her place is also an uneasy guy.Except for Xiao Bai, there seemed to be no one in the family who made her feel at ease, so Bai Jia couldn't help but sighed.

"Forget it," Bai Jia said, "Today is the start day of the finals, so I won't make it difficult for you. If there is any news about Miya, remember to be the first to tell me."

Fang Plover nodded quickly.

"I wish you good grades," Bai Jia gave him one last look, "Before you leave the empire, please contact me again."

The screen went dark.

Fang Yan also breathed a sigh of relief, he seemed a little silent, since he passed through the star gate, he walked all the way here, and came to the empire, what happened around him became more and more complicated and important, even for a moment he was deeply involved in it.

Anyone will be confused, and he is no exception. No one is born knowing the answer, but fortunately, there are always people around him who can guide him.

He let out a breath, and suddenly a tall figure became clear in his memory:
"In the end, the wind will tell us everything."

Lion Paladins are sometimes majestic and sometimes philosophical.

It has warned the little ones more than once to pursue the simplest justice, and to follow the beautiful thoughts in their hearts is one of the most basic values ​​of Marlan Knights.

The big cat seemed to be still in front of him, instead of going far away, back to the hill of giant trees—where are Mr. Rhett and Miss Attila, Fang Plover couldn't help thinking silently.

But honestly.

Since no one can predict tomorrow, even astrologers can only see the direction of the future, so why should he doubt himself?Whether you succeed or fail, you have to do it to know.

Purpose never guides everything.

He picked up the gleaming gauntlet from the alchemy table and put it on his hand. Every part of the Lone King's Pride fit into his arm as before, and finally made a light click.

His eyes swept to another thing on the table - the astrolabe like a compass.

It was Yayonah who came to ask him to check, and there was an obvious gap in one of the star trails, and he actually recognized this stellar trail, it was the relic of Ash Lynn that Lyra had given to Friston, and it was originally the most important thing left to her by her 'father'.

It was given to the chairman, originally out of the girl's gratitude to him for his help to everyone, but why is it here, in Yayo's hands? The young man told him the origin of this orbiter.

But Fang Plover would not admit his mistake. The orbiter left by Ash Lynn had some unique personal imprints, but it was not as broken as it was the last time it appeared, as if it had been intentionally broken by someone. Although Yayo and his companions repaired it, there were still many signs of damage.

Fang Yan felt something in his heart, picked up the thing, put it in his package, and then walked out the door.On the deck of the Seven Seas Traveler, other people were waiting for him there. As Bai Jia said, today is the start of the final match of the Continental League in the Hall of the Holy King.

It is also the most important day of the competition that has lasted for nearly two years. On this day, in the most famous hall in the alchemy world, four of the young alchemists of this generation will finally win this honor.

That was the Holy King's Choice, and it was also one of the most important matches for alchemists besides the Ten Kings Tournament.

The expectations that Colin-Ishurian placed on him were actually very simple. As long as he entered the ten-man list, he would be considered a victory. That was the height that Loofah had reached before, but now it seems to the outside world that this dragon alchemist actually has the potential to win the championship.

As for another favorite to win the championship, it is naturally that FOX student, Luo Fen, the successor of the Ash King.

Pushing open the door, the bright sunlight streamed in from outside the door, meeting his eyes, making Fang Plover squint his eyes slightly.The torrential rain that had lasted for many days in Aiyin Brock finally stopped a day ago. After the clouds cleared and the rain stopped, the warm sunshine finally emerged from behind the clouds and shone on the earth.

All this seems to indicate that this competition will have a good result. Even the "Daily Astrologer", which has been fighting with "Alchemy News" for many days, has stopped. The reason is actually very simple. The academy competition has also reached the most important juncture.

The two games attracted the attention of everyone from the noble circles to the common people of Ainbulock and even the entire empire.

But what Fang Yan saw was actually just a gentle gaze. "Ready, my lord captain?" Sylvaide looked at the firmness in Fang Plover's eyes, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then turned into a faint smile.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, with the kind of recognition and appreciation in her eyes, as well as her expected gaze.Although they didn't speak, the moment the two young men's eyes met, they already understood what the other wanted to say.

"Next," Fang Yan was silent for a moment before he said, "Let's go to the second world."

Miss Ship Officer smiled slightly.

She never doubted it.

... (end of this chapter)