Truth changed his sitting posture on the sofa. “Didn’t I just say? When we leave this place and have a compatible body, we no longer need to feed on humans—we can be self-sufficient. At the same time, we don’t want to live in an abandoned world where supplies are scarce and humans are on the brink of death. We will definitely keep the Awakened in check and allow them to truly integrate into human society and showcase their strengths.”
“But won’t humans ultimately have to listen to you?” Shang Jianyao asked with a frown.
Truth laughed. “In the Old World, humans once had emperors, presidents, controllers of conglomerates, and other rulers. Didn’t they also have the corresponding order that led to a peaceful life and the development of civilization? Can’t you accept changing the titles of emperor, president, and consul to the Kalendaria?
“Besides, the Kalendarium aren’t of one mind; they each have their own thoughts. After a period of competition, a balance of power will definitely form. Nobody will cross the line.”
“That seems to make sense.” Shang Jianyao first agreed before muttering, “But having more than ten jackals tell a flock of lambs that there’s no need to be afraid; that we will split our power and restrict each other to ensure your safety and freedom; that we are to work together to build a beautiful new world… It just feels odd.”
Truth slowly exhaled and said, “You can’t make such an analogy. Most Kalendarium are benevolent and compassionate. After having the corresponding bodies, they no longer have any desire for human consciousness. Instead, they prefer a civilization created by humans. This brings you no harm.”
Shang Jianyao nodded. “What about other Awakened? Can you really control them? They will definitely climb the stairs and attempt to enter the Deities’ Forbidden Zone to become new Kalendarium.
“The birth of a Kalendaria will definitely be accompanied by great chaos. Great chaos will bring about a terrifying disaster.”
Truth laughed. “You can rest assured about this. Kalendarium are deities—there are only 13 positions. People like me can only call ourselves a quasi-Kalendaria. We have to wait until the New World’s order undergoes a fundamental change. We have to obtain enough Kalendarium’s support before we have a chance to replace the coward, Last Man.
“There won’t be any new Kalendarium in the future. With our level, we can control Awakened below the New World.”
Shang Jianyao heaved a sigh of relief. “Then, I’m relieved.”
Truth—who was sitting on the sofa—smiled back and pointed at the door. “Since the problem has been resolved, you can turn around and walk to the right. When you reach the end, you will see the blood-red door.
“Go. Head there and have a chat with Master Zhuang. Talk about how to peacefully dissipate the haze that blankets the Ashlands.
“I hope we don’t reach the point where the Kalendarium have to absorb a large amount of human consciousness and fight to the death.”
Shang Jianyao nodded solemnly. “Alright.”
He immediately turned around and strode toward the aisle on his right.
Just as he raised his left foot, Shang Jianyao suddenly paused and turned to look at Truth, who was sitting on the sofa.
He stabilized himself and raised his hand. “I have another question.”
Truth’s expression didn’t change, but he slowly said after a few seconds, “What is it?”
“I want to know which Kalendarium are reformists and which ones want to maintain the status quo,” Shang Jianyao said sincerely. “If I encounter the latter ones later, I have to escape quickly and not greet them.”
Without waiting for Truth’s response, he added, “Can you tell me which domains each Kalendaria controls? It would be best if you could point out the price or weaknesses as well!
“Don’t you want me to reach Master Zhuang’s door smoothly? Those who want to maintain the status quo might stop me. Although you have the numbers, every Kalendaria has their own uniqueness. Maybe someone will bypass the defense line you built.”
Shang Jianyao’s request was very reasonable.
Truth fell silent for a moment before saying, “At present, the ones who have clearly indicated their intention to change the current situation and have contributed to it are: December’s Kalendaria, Arbiter of Fate. September’s Kalendaria, Mandara. June’s Kalendaria, Golden Scale. February’s Kalendaria, Dawn. October’s Kalendaria, Eidolon Nun. July’s Kalendaria, Double Sun. And me.”
Shang Jianyao began to count. “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven… Only half. How is it the majority?”
Adding the 13 Kalendarium and Truth, there were a total of 14.
Truth smiled and said, “Among the seven people who hope to maintain the status quo, a few have already secretly changed their positions, but I can’t specify who they are.”
“Oh…” Shang Jianyao came to a realization. “No wonder Jiang Xiaoyue didn’t stop me!”
The Kalendaria—Monitor—that was suspected to be May.
On second thought, Shang Jianyao had a new question. “Why didn’t you list down the names in the order of the month? Even if there’s no ranking, isn’t this too irregular?”
Truth chuckled and said, “I just named the person that came to mind. For example, the first person I think of is the Arbiter of Fate, and the reason is that you’re standing in front of me. Do you want me to rely on name-calling the months to recall who are allies now that things have developed to this point?”
“That’s right. That’s too unreliable!” Shang Jianyao agreed.
Truth didn’t want to continue the topic and introduced the Kalendarium who wanted to maintain the status quo.