Welcome to Rewind World Game-Chapter 1561 - 35: Knowledge of What Comes After
The wind blew past the conference room door, and a man in a loose uniform stumbled out.
He seemed to have come out for some fresh air, stood in the hallway, lit a cigarette between his lips, and took a deep drag. The nicotine numbed his brain, and his expression gradually relaxed from tension.
Soon after, another man in a tight military uniform emerged, leaned against the wall with his butt, shoulder to shoulder and arm to arm with the former, bowed his head, and breathed out flames, white smoke stewing up.
Morning light seeped through the thinly polluted pale blue sky, and the white smoke coiled upwards.
"...I’m suffocating," Qin Er took a deep drag on his cigarette, "I bet you also came out to ’take refuge’."
He puckered his lips through the solemn pale corridor, indicating the farthest heavy crimson door with an iron handle shining like a dagger, as if a war was raging inside.
"Oh God, I swear by the lousy apple pie of the future World Master that the room inside is definitely the most chaotic hell on earth." Kore adjusted his crooked collar, raised three fingers to pledge, "When was the last time we had such a terrifying meeting? It certainly wasn’t at the human self-rescue meeting after the fifth instance ended, where people still knew to press buttons to speak, and no North Country gorilla would bring vodka to the scene!"
At this time, the meeting held by the United Group was underway.
The global summit was one matter, the coordination of the five permanent member countries was another, and involving players was yet another.
What started first was a large-scale siege. When everyone entered the small world, Su Mianbao and hundreds of regional leaders announced the world was entering a state of emergency, mobilizing the Mechanical Army to maintain order. The primary task was to prevent high-force players from causing chaos and prevent riots exploiting the situation.
Next came registration management, quarantine observation, information control, and other operations.
Using Su Mianbao’s Dawn System for registration and management, with detailed registration content about abilities, game experiences, and mental state assessments. Observations were made for players exhibiting apparent danger or severe mental impairment. However, since manpower was insufficient, they could only proceed in batches, conducting inspections from high to low based on comprehensive strength and influence levels.
Media and networks were temporarily controlled, filtering sensitive information and promoting the main themes of "peaceful return" and "rebuilding homeland," preventing the spread of panic and the growth of rumors.
For non-ordinary people, the priority was power restructuring and negotiation.
Firstly, the conflict between participants and non-participants. Although players not participating in the World Game acquired all the memories during the World Game once it ended, humans invariably possess a "protagonist" mindset, even knowing other ten billion people engaged in the salvation journey, they might entertain thoughts like "Why not me?" This psychology could even surpass self-persuasion and rational consciousness, leading to unintentional envy and jealousy despite heartfelt gratitude.
Secondly, the conflict between the minority and the majority. The achievements of the minority surpass those of the majority, and the ratio of the "minority" isn’t one-in-a-thousand, one-in-ten-thousand, but one-in-seven, allowing a portion to maintain their privileges while significantly compressing the living space of the non-privileged, even if unintentionally and involuntarily.
Thirdly, the conflict between high and low strength. Within the ten billion, gaps in significant strength persisted. Some people rapidly escalated to a socially privileged class due to their merits and control of special resources. This ratio is neither a rarity, incapable of dissolving conflict, nor negligible, sufficient to establish a substantial and stable interest group. Their privileged status inevitably pressed non-participants’ living spaces and development rights.
Fourthly, the conflict between individuals and national machinery. The reshuffling of the original international landscape ensued, and the uneven player strength distribution led to drastic shifts in the global scenario, significantly increasing the discourse power of countries possessing more top players. Should a small country host a top-player, it’s akin to acquiring nuclear weapons, whereas traditional strong nations might deteriorate or even fragment, resulting in warlord divisions, with new international organizations and alliances emerging from the player framework, such as the rising Human Self-Rescue Alliance and World Tree Guild.
Fifthly, the conflict between peak players and national machinery. Large organizations would inevitably strive to recruit top players, but those at the pinnacle might have personal power exceeding the entire national machinery, becoming strategic deterrent-level existences.
Sixthly, the conflict between indigenous and new humanity.
Nonetheless, a society like this, unless on the brink of destruction, is filled with motivation and new development.
"From ninety-year-old grannies to ten-year-old boys, I’ve never witnessed such a wide age range at a meeting." Kore shrugged and smiled, "Although I know many top players don’t understand those, the rapid reduction in formalism at the meeting was beyond my anticipation, with people smacking tables to speak and others bringing vodka to drink freely."
"Shh..." Qin Er chuckled, "Those people are heroes; you should show them some respect."
He glanced at the screen.
To stabilize the populace, a pre-recorded "Address Conference" had started airing, expressing gratitude to players with extraordinary contributions.
"...In the extreme environment of the World Game, Dr. Zhuang led the construction of an orderly, functional system at the core station of the United Group. The structure he planned was rigorous and efficient, with a clear and effective management mechanism..."
"...During the World Game, Mr. Donna from the International Hyde Research Room focused on developing new drugs for human physiological enhancement and rapid injury repair. His research significantly improved players’ survival chances, benefiting the world..."
"...Dr. Xu Changying successfully developed the ultra-smart AI system ’Ah Du,’ offering robust technical support and wisdom assurance for the Number One Player’s strategic execution. It stands as bright evidence of technological power in the life-or-death war of humanity..."
"...Madam Luo Vasha from the Peace Dove Association..."
"...Mr. Hua De from the Holt Wizard Alliance..."
"...Ms. Liu Zihan from the Human Self-Rescue Alliance..."
"...Thanks to the Joint General Staff, General Political Department, General Technology Department, and General Liaison Department for their collaboration..."
"...Thanks to various evergreen universities, independent societies, world research centers, and major multinational company research institutes during the World Game..."
"Pff." As he watched the gracious speeches on the screen by Aishikel and Wilson, Qin Er almost burst out, "Ha, hahaha... Ah Du is a strong wisdom assurance!? Really, that high emotional quotient watch makes me laugh every time I see it!"
"Official rhetoric, those in the know understand..." Kore glanced outside the door, "Speaking of which, it seems like the most important person isn’t here."
Though they escaped for refuge, the meeting wasn’t as tense as drawn daggers—a simple reason: strength suppression. Even those with ulterior motives wanting to seize power must ponder whether their lives are sufficiently robust, whether they could withstand a slap from the Cloud City God.
The screen’s expression of gratitude continued; after thanking logistics personnel, it sequentially recognized outstanding casual players, adventurer players, top players, and peak players, until the end.
"...At the brink of humanity’s fate, we hereby, in the name of all survivors, extend the deepest respect and sincerest gratitude to the ’Number One Player.’" Chief Referencer Aishikel solemnly bowed:
"...We remember and celebrate his achievements. In this global-spanning World Game, putting humanity on the brink of extinction, it was he who carried the heaviest mission with unimaginable tenacity and self-sacrificing spirit..."
Qin Er and Kore listened quietly, smoke wisps drifting into the sky.
Even the rowdy conference room became unusually quiet.
"...When hopes seemed dim, he never abandoned the human collective. With extraordinary courage and wisdom, he faced unimaginable challenges, ultimately leading humanity out of desperation, securing survival and the right to freedom. His achievements have been deeply engraved in the most splendid Chapters of human history, praised through generations..."
The stationed Mechanical Army and humans slightly raised their heads, silently listening.
Hurried clerks passing by stopped their conversations.
"...Faced with seemingly unshakable ’Deity’ wills and cruel game laws, he challenged as a mortal. Each insistence, each fearless act gained crucial turning points for humanity..."
People shaken on the streets held hands with their loved ones, listening to such speeches, realizing they had truly been rescued, bursting into tears.
The post-survival emotions spread across every corner of the world.
Endless people, endless horizons, were listening at this moment.
Praisers applauded, followers knelt, haters sighed, and the reflective wept.
"...With actions, he proved that human dignity and freedom are not mere toys that can easily be snatched by any existence. His courage tore away the shadows lingering above us..."
"...Here, the Union Government’s highest executive committee solemnly announces: The achievements and spirit of the ’Number One Player’ will be inscribed in the preamble of the ’Charter for the Renaissance of Human Civilization,’ establishing the ’New Epoch Watcher’ Highest Honor Medal, and his deeds will be incorporated into the global education system."
"...In the symbolic place of the New Epoch, establish a spiritual monument for the deceased and sacrificed during the World Game."
"...They and us, representing courage, sacrifice, idealism, and steadfast guardianship of the human destiny community, will be formally recognized as the core pillars of the ’New Epoch Spirit,’ inspiring all humanity to unite and strive, cherishing the hard-won peace and future."
"...With the flesh of mortals, accomplish what deities cannot reach. Today’s rebirth stems from people’s extraordinary contributions."
"...For the above-mentioned individuals, along with all those who fought bravely and contributed silently in the World Game, your names and achievements will forever be engraved on the monument of human civilization’s revival. Your devotion and sacrifice are great symbols of human spirit’s resilience and wisdom’s endurance. Let us offer our highest respect to the backbone of these times..."
"Today, we can finally stand here and proudly say..."
From atop the stage, the Chief of Staff of the United Group transmitted through the microphone in a deep, resonant voice:
"Gentlemen, spring is here."
"Welcome home."
...
Red silk was drawn up, petals scattered on the carpet.
In a meeting room reminiscent of an auditorium, over a thousand people sat grandly.
At a glance, the attendees were numerous. Yamada Machiichi, Isabella, Anthony, and other top-ranked players were present, as well as logistics personnel like Ma Qiaoli and Angelica, in addition to power holders from major guilds like Cross Judgement, World Tree Guild, Remote Control Army, and representatives from organizations such as the United Group, the Human Self-Rescue Alliance, Ancient Martial Families, Glenn Victoria, the Dragon Country Yangtze System, the Eagle Country Strategy System, Blue Land Team, Red Heart Volunteer, Olive Branch Rescue Team, and Peace Dove Aid Association.
A few from the Peak Alliance were prominently seated in the front row, their strength and demeanor alone exuding awe.
The speaker was a white-haired old grandma, who although seated in a wheelchair, appeared vigorous, with a firm gaze that swept through, causing everyone to evade her sharpness:
"Two hundred and fifty-six towers, the ratio has been set, one-third are players, one-third are country forces, and one-third are original Zhai Star people, not to be changed in the short term."
"Can this ratio... be negotiated?" United Group Deputy Chief of Staff Suzuki Kentaro spoke.
"The player ratio cannot change; this is not a lifelong arrangement. Adjustments can be made later on." The white-haired grandma’s voice was sonorous and powerful; she seemed to be the main speaker of the meeting.
"Regarding the exchange of player contributions, is it scheduled according to the original plan, five days from now?" Glenn Victoria’s Deputy Section Chief Prolia inquired.
"Yes, according to the original plan." The white-haired grandma glanced over the display screen on the table: "This is the largest matter recently, the ’Ming’an System’ will comprehensively review the entire World Game process, assessing each player’s comprehensive contribution, distributing a certain amount of wealth and resources. The focus is not on rewarding the strong, widening the gap, but ensuring the survival rate of the weak."
"The punishment for those who have committed evil and traitors will also be scheduled." Clarence from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights spoke: "As for the human traitor Noel Agnini, his historical records must be carefully verified."
Mentioning this name, nearly everyone showed hatred in their eyes.
"Lady Luna, hello, I would like to ask, according to the agreement posted previously on the forum, can guilds not maintain independent regimes?" the Alliance Hierarch of the Human Self-Rescue Alliance, Heidielle, said.
"If independent, relying on strong collective strength, resources, and technology, guilds and alliances may become ’super companies’ or ’city-state-like autonomous entities’ independent of the country, cooperating or competing with the government, even forming de facto rule in certain areas." A blue-haired man spoke gently.
Seeing Lu speak, people did not argue further. It was no joke; this was a Second-level God—if he got angry, would we face a tsunami?
Particularly the white-haired young man sitting quietly in the corner; his gaze was truly terrifying, and no one wanted to provoke him now.
"Hello, I want to ask... where did the World Master go?" Among the crowd, someone pressed a button—it was Mei Yani, a front-ranked player.
As soon as the question was raised, silence enveloped the venue.
People exchanged glances, the long-buried doubts erupting within.
Indeed, where did the World Master go? He was clearly the first to log in, why hasn’t he come yet?
Could it be, as some speculate... that Su Ming’an filled the last energy gap with his life?
All present were very intelligent; the final energy inexplicably being filled was certainly not due to the organizers’ compassion. Thoughts surged amongst everyone. Ambitious individuals from the Human Self-Rescue Alliance began considering the possibility of the World Master’s position. Several officers from the United Group started worrying about humanity’s future. Guild leaders silently pondered whether to support other players rising to power. Some quietly rejoiced, some worried excessively, some felt resigned.
...Has he truly died? Mizushima Kawa Sora’s eyes flickered, his fist clenched.
Beside her, a young man dressed in an oil-painted shirt touched his chin: "...Really dead? I barely managed to sneak in; what a pity." He crossed his legs, looking at Mizushima Kawa Sora: "Interested? If you join us, not only can you meet your sister, we can also strongly support you in rising to a position among humans."
Mizushima Kawa Sora remained silent for a long time, tightly clenching his fist: "...Su Ming’an has been kind to me."
Su Ming’an saved everyone; he proved his ideals, hence she could no longer find excuses to let him down.
"Oh, but humans may still want to settle accounts with you. Although you’ve contributed much Points, most people do not appreciate you." The young man in the shirt said.
"If he dies, I will guard this place for him." Mizushima Kawa Sora frowned: "You snuck in; I can’t stop you. But if you make any move, I’ll be the first to kill you."
"..." The young man in the shirt smiled, quietly pointing to a pregnant woman in the corner: "She poses a much greater threat than me; she has one hundred and eight children and continues to give birth."
"I don’t know who you are, how you snuck in, but, regardless, everything is over now; we do not wish for further conflict. If you have ulterior motives, the Cloud City God will deal with you." Mizushima Kawa Sora sternly replied: "Even if I jump off here, starve, freeze, I absolutely will not join you."
The young man in the shirt said no more, merely sighed: "What a pity, I’ve always heard of Su Ming’an’s deeds, but didn’t expect our meeting to be our farewell forever."
On the other side, Bei Wang was leaning back in his chair, asleep, as his livestream falling asleep looked too unpleasant, his position had been changed from the front row of the peak players to the back, sitting together with the front-ranked players.
"...He died?" Despite already having a hunch, Anthony’s heart sank sharply. He recalled when Su Ming’an led him through the World Tree, such a vibrant person, enduring countless hardships but failing to reach the end.
"What a good man alas, unrelated to me." Violet sighed deeply.
"Just Su Ming’an’s squad alone, including himself, Lin Yin, Boris, Qin Si, Lunxue, Alger, had six people who didn’t return." Angelica said.
"Big brother..." Mo Yan lowered his head.
Bei Wang’s eyelashes momentarily fluttered, seemingly awakened from sleep; he yawned, reluctantly sitting up.
He had a dream.
The dream was very blurry, but he faintly felt like he was leading someone, walking in a purple-black realm...
Amidst the crowd’s fervent discussion, at this moment, a graceful black cat walked in, under everyone’s gaze, it walked to the center of the spotlight.
It mewed once, its tail swaying gently.
