Chapter 10: People Who Take Different Paths_2

At first, he could still see the rusty trains, the platforms scattered with newspapers, the desolate and quiet alleys, and the somewhat dated old buildings.

As they drew closer to the city center, this sense of dilapidation gradually faded away.

Along the way were the huge neon holographic advertisements, high-end hotels reaching into the clouds, and dazzling high-end shopping malls; the pedestrian streets were bustling, the crowded bus stations were abuzz, the traffic lights on the crosswalks changed endlessly, and the wide intersections seemed to lead to different worlds.

Couples on the street held hands or embraced, parents led children out of dessert shops cuddling cakes, students in blue and white striped uniforms jumped around on the crosswalks, holding spicy snacks in their hands, and on the coastline, there was still a row of food stalls where groups gathered to eat seafood and drink beer, seemingly everything hadn't changed from five hundred years ago.

But it seemed as though everything had changed.

Nowadays, it was said, there was a clear distinction between ordinary people and Evolvers, with the former still living peaceful and beautiful lives, while the latter lived amidst blood and fire.

For a Cocoon Breaker like Lu Bu'er, there didn't seem to be much of a choice.

There were some magazines on the bus, all of them quite interesting.

For instance, "One Piece" resumed serialization after a hiatus of five hundred years.

For instance, after experiencing 125 World Cups, the national football team still hadn't made it to the round of 16.

Another example, controlled nuclear fusion was about to be put into use, and humanity was soon to embark on a journey across the stars.

And so on.

Since Cocoon Breakers had no relatives, the Priests were responsible for guiding and receiving them as they arrived in the new world, briefly explaining the changes of the times: "The transcendent world of today is maintained by the Supreme Federation. The Akasha Holy Church is the only force collaborating with the military of the Federation, because we believe in the Tree of Life Kabbalah; it was the Divine Tree that opened the path of evolution for humanity, and the Divine Tree holds a very exalted status. The Sacred Entity is the manifestation of the will of the Divine Tree."

On this vehicle, it was just the two of them, and the atmosphere was awkward for a while.

The Priests seemed accustomed to these lulls and continued their explanations without pause.

It's worth mentioning that the precursor to the Akasha Holy Church was Orola Technology, initially founded by Easterners, most of whom, however, did not follow the faith.

Even today, many Easterners held clerical positions, but they lacked deep convictions in their bones and were too lazy even to perform religious rites, merely clocking in for work.

They took the benefits without discussing loyalty.

They also claimed that there was a position above both the Supreme Federation and the Akasha Holy Church, a throne coveted by many.

But they didn't specify what it was.

Anyway, it was nothing that either Lu Bu'er or He Sai could touch at the moment.

By evening, they arrived at the military base of the Third City Guard Army.

It too was guarded by armed soldiers, with lighthouse beams sweeping from distance and shining on the faces of the brothers who had just gotten off the bus, dazzling their eyes.

"Identity verification complete!"

Drones hovered in the air, scanning their faces.

"New recruit Lu Bu'er, permitted entry!"

"New recruit He Sai, permitted entry!"

The Priests took them into the military base.

The two brothers were emotional.

They hadn't expected to wake up and find themselves transformed from students into soldiers.

At the entrance to the military base was an open square.

On the square stood a dark sculpture, like a soldier watching over the night; half of it was broken, bearing scars under the stars, resolute and unyielding.

Engraved on the black stone base of the statue was a phrase: "We volunteer for this never-ending battle, willing to shed our last drop of blood without cowardice or retreat."

Lu Bu'er was slightly moved upon reading these words.

He didn't know who had engraved them.

But they commanded respect.

He Sai asked in a daze, "Is this where we take the oath?"

The Priest shook his head and said, "No need, we do not force you to dedicate your lives to this world. Come back here the day you're truly willing to take the oath. This was the pledge made by the soldiers when Humanity's Watch Army was first established five hundred years ago. Of course, it's not just this phrase; there's another that wasn't recorded..."

They paused: "We die in the past, so you can forge the future!"

"Sounds like idealism,"

Lu Bu'er murmured softly.

"Brother Lu, what is an idealist?"

He Sai asked.

"You can think of it as professional soldiers,"

the Priests explained. "And you guys are the unassigned soldiers. The difference is that after serving in the military for three years, you can switch careers. Service in the military is a form of training for you, as well as a way to acquire resources. The outcome of your military service will determine your treatment after you leave. Professional soldiers, on the other hand, have a great career in that they commit their lives and souls to the world."

Exchanging glances, the brothers realized that was the deal!

The military restricted area was extremely large, with drones patrolling the skies, watchtowers on high alert everywhere, armored vehicles whizzing down the roads, and the synchronized steps of patrolling soldiers echoing clearly in the night.

Even though it was night, there were still many parents queuing in front of an office building with their children, apparently processing enlistment paperwork. The Priests explained that enlisting today was as common as college entrance exams and a popular route for social advancement.

The parents were somewhat surprised to see people brought in personally by Priests, which clearly was the special treatment for Cocoon Breakers emerging from the Land of the Departed, and it proved their talents were very high.