Ethan said.

"This ensures that their physical and mental states are always kept at optimal levels."

"But as far as I know, the average lifespan of residents in the fringe world is no more than forty years."

In a society where technology is so advanced, this can only be described as unbelievable. The only explanation is that those who control the resources and technology have never thought of using these technologies to address the livelihood issues of the fringe world.

It was a mechanical servant in the room that spoke, a woman’s voice emanating from that featureless head.

It was an undisguised sarcasm and discontent, "This can’t be explained as an optimal state."

"For laborers, they have already passed the golden age of labor, and after forty, their physical functions begin to decline. For those engaged in high-intensity physical labor, there is no longer any need to invest any resources in them — this is the golden age calculated by the Lord of the Holy City."

Rowena explained to the dissenting mechanical servant in a matter-of-fact tone, "After their death, they will be reused as resources. Some of their bodies will be processed into edible starch, and other organs will be used in biotechnology research. It is precisely this kind of cycle that resolves the issues of population explosion, insufficient medical resources, and food shortages in the fringe world."

"The average lifespan of residents in the Core Star Zone is 80 years. They are the main force in the entertainment industry, virtual competitive industry, and cultural industry."

"While the upper classes in the Holy City generally live to 160 years old."

The mechanical servant sneered.

"From a technical perspective, they could live longer, but the Lord of the Holy City calculated that the expansion of the number of immortals is detrimental to the development of civilization."

"You don’t have a shred of introspection!"

Zhuang Xiao, who was possessing the mechanical servant, was stunned. She felt that Rowena hadn’t caught the sarcasm in her words. This calm attitude was more infuriating than sophistry, and it made her feel more eerie.

Because even for those living in the fringe world, with a lifespan of no more than 40 years, they never feel discontent with their state of life. From the moment they develop autonomous thinking due to the high concentration of chemical gases, they remain perpetually in a state of happiness and contentment.

They never consider themselves to be living in Hell, but instead view it as Paradise.

Zhuang Xiao stared intensely at Rowena. Rowena’s eyes did not show the arrogance of the high and mighty, nor did they show disdain. She appeared perplexed.

As if no one had asked her such questions before.

Everyone within civilization feels satisfied and happy with their lives — this is the result calculated by the Lord of the Holy City. From the moment of their birth, they understand the role they play in civilization. With no unrealistic fantasies, there is no pain from unmet desires.

Seeing the mechanical servant struck dumb, Rowena continued to answer Ethan’s questions, "The territories from the First to the Tenth Special Districts belong to the families. The Lord of the Holy City exercises relatively lenient control over these special districts, as family members are not content with the pursuit of a single emotion. They hope for a more colorful emotional life."

At this point, she paused slightly and added, "According to the Lord of the Holy City’s calculations, even with relaxed control over the special districts, no instability will arise. Of course, if at any time they wish to eliminate unnecessary emotions, they can pray to the Lord of the Holy City in their hearts, at which point they will receive solace and be immersed in a fulfilling happiness."

Rowena clasped her hands together and placed them in front of her, closing her eyes, demonstrating it to the few people present.

"Merlin, what are you doing?"

Seeing the mechanical servant beside her imitating Rowena by clasping hands in prayer, Zhuang Xiao questioned urgently.

"It wouldn’t hurt to try."

Merlin said.

Hesitating repeatedly, perhaps wishing to calm her own feelings or driven by curiosity, Zhuang Xiao also made the same prayer gesture.

In an instant, a powerful strength filled her heart.

All her anger and hatred were soothed by a warm force, and an intense feeling of happiness occupied her heart. The air of this city seemed no longer filled with exploitation and crime; it became sweet and warm.

Zhuang Xiao was able to see clearly within herself.

Had it not been for the betrayal by the despicable second seat, after they had learned the whole truth, they would have set this crime-ridden city on fire, even if it meant sacrificing their lives.

For justice, for more test subjects like them, and to awaken the enslaved.

But is that really the case?

Another voice arose in her mind.

If it is truly a call for justice, then who are they actually fighting for?

Is it really to stand up and cheer for the people of the fringe world?

The truth is that if those people knew of their actions, they would first stop them, considering them heretics who disrupt everyone’s happiness, and use their labor tools with fury to bash their bodies until they are battered beyond recognition.

The truth is that everything they do brings pain to more people, and the only beneficiaries are themselves.