Embers Ad Infinitum

"I see…" Shang Jianyao came to a realization. "I always thought that there was a chosen one in our team, but it turns out to be a product of probability."

Not only was he not disappointed, but he also heaved a sigh of relief. It was unknown how his brain worked.

Without waiting for Truth's response, he asked, "Since most Kalendarium want to change the situation, why do you want us to befriend one of Master Zhuang's personalities?

"I understand. 'He' should be the boss who maintains the status quo, but you have the numbers. You can completely resolve the problem yourself." As he spoke, Shang Jianyao thought of a possibility and asked in 'shock,' "Could it be that all of you combined aren't Master Zhuang's match? Uh, the ones who support 'Him' are the minority!"

Truth—who was wearing a floral shirt and beach shorts—chuckled. "It's not that we can't swarm him, but once it develops to that point, it will definitely rip the New World apart completely and wipe out the humans in the Ashlands again.

"The simplest point is that as the Kalendaria that represents the entire year, Master Zhuang is the strongest and most special. Furthermore, he has several supporters. If we really fall out with him and do our best, the outcome will naturally be our final victory. But in this process, every Kalendaria will definitely have to absorb tons of human consciousness under them to maintain their peak condition.

"Most Kalendarium are benevolent, compassionate, and unwilling to excessively harm the human communities that rely on them. They don't want to pay such a high price to change the situation. Just like the Arbiter of Fate, she definitely won't sacrifice Pangu Biology's employees unless she has no choice."

Truth glanced at Shang Jianyao and added, "When we leave this place and have a compatible body, we won't need to have humans under our control to prevent hunger. When the time comes, humanity will obtain final liberation and freedom."

Clap! Clap! Clap! Shang Jianyao's applause was never absent.

He sincerely asked, "How does establishing a relationship with a certain personality of Master Zhuang help with the subsequent development?"

Truth smiled and nodded. "I'll show you the way later. Keep walking—when you reach the end, you'll see a blood-red door. Behind the door are all of Master Zhuang's personalities.

"After you reach the door, repeat what I just said. You will naturally have the support of the Master Zhuang personality that has hopes of changing the situation.

"As you know, Master Zhuang has split into countless independent personalities. Every personality has its own position and judgment; this is our opportunity. With some of Master Zhuang's cooperation and our majority, the problem is very easy to resolve."

Shang Jianyao wore a perplexed look. "During this process, my relationship with Xiaochong—no, a certain personality of Master Zhuang—doesn't seem to come into play. What's the point of Big Boss painstakingly sending out so many Old Task Forces?"

Truth shook his head and retorted, "It's filled with meaning. If you didn't establish a relationship with a certain personality of Master Zhuang, you wouldn't be able to see the blood-red door at all. Even if you see it, you wouldn't be able to push it open. If you did, you would only become Master Zhuang's food.

"To put it simply, that Master Zhuang personality will provide you with protection."

"I get it!" Shang Jianyao clenched his right fist and punched his left palm. "It's just like how I want to visit a family and seek help. If I can build a good relationship with their child in advance and become good friends in gaming, I can easily get hold of their address and obtain an excuse to visit. The probability of their family agreeing to help will also be higher."

"That's right." Truth nodded.

Shang Jianyao then frowned. "But won't I be beaten up by the parents if I help the child play video games?"

"…" Truth fell silent for a second before saying, "This is only an analogy. There's no such problem with your subsequent actions."

"Alright." Shang Jianyao didn't insist. He then raised other questions. "Then, why did you say that you couldn't lie to me? In any case, I've already become friends with a certain personality of Master Zhuang. You can completely 'hypnotize' me or modify my memories to make me trust you completely and repeat what you said to Master Zhuang."

Truth smiled and said, "We can't treat Master Zhuang as an idiot. Can't he tell that you're controlled and that your words don't come from the bottom of your heart? This is just like how I have to use reason and favors to get the help of your friend. The outcome from forcing him to agree at gunpoint means something completely different."

"That's true." Shang Jianyao imagined the scene. "For the latter, I'll only think of a way to save my friend and blow up the threatening person's head with the same gun."

Truth fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "This still depends on whether you have the ability."

'His' voice then sank a little. "Go. Convince Master Zhuang's personality with our sincerity and friendliness."

Shang Jianyao remained motionless. He still had unanswered questions. "Is it really a good thing to let the Kalendarium enter the Ashlands?"

Truth couldn't help but ask, "Are you asking me? I'll definitely answer that it's a good thing."

"Why is it a good thing?" The Shang Jianyao that valued relationships said seriously, "I'm not someone who will believe you just because you say so. You have to persuade me."