So, no matter what, Hayden could only reply, "Don't talk nonsense. Karen still has a mission for me here. If you were in my shoes, would you suddenly run away?"
I can run.
Adam's answer surprised Hayden.
The winds will get a bit strong from New Jersey next.
Before Hayden could react, Adam continued,
Within three days, you, your people, and those doing business in this wasteland must all return to New Jersey or seek refuge in a nearby town. Even a small town will do.
However, it must be a town that is officially registered and has not been removed from the administrative staff by the company—do you understand what I mean?
After leaving behind this meaningful remark, Adam immediately ended the call.
Hayden was left standing in the wilderness, holding his phone and looking completely bewildered.
...It's not news that "the wind will be a bit strong from New Jersey." Hayden had already figured that out himself.
But why did he emphasize "registered towns"?
What exactly is the American branch of the Mitra Group and Smoke Mirror Company doing together?!
126: Planet Changers
"Hello everyone, New Asia! Welcome to the morning news livestream by the queen of flowers, Peony! Our emerald city is starting another sunny day!"
Countless green 0s and 1s flashed across the virtual recording studio of the Astral Network, forming a hot, fluorescent red-haired courtesan broadcaster dressed in a bizarre costume that combined a kimono and a bodysuit, waving to the audience.
Green pixelated text appeared behind her, causing the sponsors' company names and advertising slogans to flow continuously from right to left.
"Our special guest today is Mr. Titra (Dhritarashtra), Marketing Director of Mitra Information Group's Americas branch! In the next segment, he will explain Mitra Americas' recent technological breakthroughs and the upcoming collaboration with Smoke Mirror Life Construction Company! So—let's begin the live broadcast!"
The words had barely left her lips when the background of the virtual recording studio transformed into a green world of 0s and 1s. In the next instant, the courtesan anchorwoman was transported to a virtual office also located within the StarNet.
In this spacious and tranquil StarNet space, adorned with numerous calligraphy and paintings, the courtesan anchor sat gracefully and bowed in front of her desk. Immediately, a very thin stream of numbers, 010101010101, appeared under the chair opposite her desk, swirling upwards like a whirlwind and gradually transforming into the appearance of a man in a white suit.
The man had purple hair, was tall and muscular, and his white business suit exuded a powerful aura, as if he effortlessly stood above all others. His face conveyed the same impression—handsome and imposing, with piercing eyes.
His name is known to everyone in the Federation of Americas—who else could it be but Titra (Dhritarashtra), the vice marketing director in charge of the Americas branch of the Mitra Group?
"Good afternoon, Mr. Titrolata! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us today!"
The courtesan announcer raised her head from her seated position and asked a question in a melodious voice.
"Sir, the security situation in New Seattle has improved significantly recently. It's said that the Mitra Group's Americas branch has donated a large sum of money to the Federal Enforcement Office in New Seattle and invested in many public security projects. These are non-profit expenditures, and some may not even recoup their costs. Won't this result in a loss of profits for your company?"
Upon hearing this, the Heavenly King Dhritarashtra smiled slightly: "Of course not. Our Mithra Group's Americas branch has always prioritized the interests of federal citizens. Furthermore, improving public security can curb black market smuggling, curb the arrogance of various gangs, benefit the healthy development of Evergreen State's free market, and also contribute to the future of the nation. This level of investment is naturally necessary; it's something a large enterprise like ours should do, and it's a win-win situation."
He straightened up in his office chair, revealing a genuine calligraphy scroll on the wall behind him that read, "Today you are proud of the company, tomorrow the company will be proud of you," and let out a bright laugh.
The top news anchor immediately showed an expression of admiration. However, she quickly followed up with another question: "And what about the air? We've all noticed that the air quality in New Jersey has improved a lot recently. In the last two months, the residents of New Jersey should have felt that the weather has become better, the air is fresher, and the sun is shining brightly—isn't that all thanks to the Mitra Group's Americas branch?"
"Such climate improvement obviously requires a lot of energy, yet the Mitra Group has not charged the residents of New Jersey any fees for air purification. Are these also non-profit charitable activities? Is there some secret behind this? Would you be willing to reveal it?"
【Ha ha ha ha! 】
This follow-up question only made Dhritarashtra burst into laughter.
"Of course, Miss Courtesan! That's an excellent question. I believe it reflects the sentiments of many, so I'll get straight to the point—in fact, this is precisely due to a major breakthrough our company has recently achieved in energy technology."
He explained in a friendly and informal tone,
It is well known that ley line energy has significant advantages in storage and is an indispensable raw material in many industrial and medical fields. Due to the vast demand, we have historically had to extract and utilize ley line energy crudely, causing significant pollution and a series of troublesome side effects, problems that have remained unresolved.
At this point, Dhritarashtra (the Heavenly King of the Nation) finally revealed a proud expression.
—To this day.
Even the viewers watching the live stream couldn't help but be drawn to his confident smile.
[Our joint development efforts between Mitra Americas and Smoke Mirror Life Construction Company, thanks to the tireless research and hard work of our technical staff, have overcome a crucial hurdle, bringing new hope.]
The courtesan news anchor gasped immediately: "Could it be that a new generation of pollution-free energy has been successfully developed?"
That's exactly right.
"Dhritarashtra said with a smile."
New-generation energy cannot immediately replace current geothermal energy, but we can gradually reduce our use of geothermal energy, or at least use it in more important areas. Furthermore, new-generation energy can solve some problems that we have been unable to solve before.
For example, air pollution caused by modern industry is a chronic problem that endangers the health of all of us.
He took control of the conversation and began to speak fluently.
To demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of next-generation energy to the public, our Mitra Americas branch and Smoke Mirror Life Construction Company will jointly undertake a comprehensive upgrade and transformation of the natural environment of Evergreen State. This will greatly improve the lives of everyone.
As soon as he finished speaking, the cameras in StarNet space began to change direction, showing the audience another picture.
That was no longer a virtual scene from the StarNet, but a scene from the real world.
Upon seeing this scene, both mortals and most of the gods would likely stare wide-eyed, speechless with astonishment.
Because it was so enormous and so dark that even words like tornado and hurricane seemed cute—a massive storm hovering over New Jersey.
That was a super typhoon, bigger than a city, even as big as a small country.
This is our ecological environment transformation project powered by next-generation energy.
Taking advantage of the moment when even the courtesan announcer was stunned, Dhritarashtra continued with a smile.
It's not a new technology in itself; it's simply using next-generation energy to fully power the existing climate control system.
This is absolutely the truth, without any exaggeration.
That being said, while large companies' climate control systems are inherently powerful, the output of this super typhoon—powered by the Mitra Group with its amazing new-generation energy—is clearly powerful enough to defy common sense.
The super typhoon stood tall with its jet-black body. This behemoth, resembling a dark cloud god, began to "take its steps" over New Jersey.
New Jersey itself was protected by the city's protective barrier, so it was completely unaffected. However, as the typhoon gradually moved away from the city's protective barrier, the situation began to change completely.
【Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha】
(Go, go, transcend to perfection, until enlightenment is achieved and all merits are attained)
Indescribable, a wondrous sound, like a mixed male and female voice singing, kept gushing out from inside the typhoon and resounding high over the wilderness.
Within the typhoon's influence, wherever it "walks," all the filth emits a mournful, deafening roar as it is sucked out and blown away by the wind pressure.
Garbage was driven away, pollution was driven away, and even polluted animals and plants were driven away. A passing two-headed bison was calmly grazing just moments before, but the next moment it was sucked up by the dark storm like a vacuum cleaner and flung far into the Pacific Ocean.
Where the storm passed, darkness fell and the sun was extinguished.
Conversely, wherever a storm has passed and departed, the earth itself shines with a clean radiance as all filth is swept away.
It's like an incredibly tall giant wielding a broom that reaches the heavens and the earth, sweeping away the dust and dirt on the floor to other places, creating a clean surface.
So this situation finally brought the courtesan anchor back to her senses.
"I'm so sorry," she couldn't help but say immediately, "but this looks extremely, extremely, extremely dangerous!"
The Heavenly King Dhritarashtra looked at her with a tolerant and compassionate gaze: "There's no need to worry. This climate and environmental improvement pilot program in Changqing Prefecture will absolutely not harm the rights of any ordinary citizens."
[Changchun Prefecture has a total of 141 registered cities and towns, all of which have implemented comprehensive protective measures. This environmental transformation will absolutely not have any negative impact on ordinary citizens. We will ensure the safety of all cities and towns, as well as legal vehicles flying over Changchun Prefecture, and even public transportation routes themselves will not be affected in any way. You can rest assured.]
Then, before the courtesan streamer could reply, he continued:
Over the past two months, residents of New Seattle have likely noticed improved weather, fresher air, and brighter sunshine—all thanks to our new energy technology. With more energy available, we can now effectively remove air pollution from the city and drive it to the suburbs.
But this is clearly unfair to people living in suburban towns.
Now that we've completed our field testing in the capital city of New Atlanta, it's only natural to extend the same gift to every town and village in Evergreen – and what's more, this environmental transformation will be completely free!
free!
Mitra Corporation truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most adept at public image management among these giant corporations; the word "free" carries a unique and distinctive flavor.
Even the top-tier live streamer was shocked: although large companies' climate control systems have always been very powerful, the energy required for this one must be astronomical.
They actually dare to offer it for free now?
[Our Mitra Corporation Americas branch has always prioritized the interests of federal citizens. The entire state of Evergreen, covering 172119 square kilometers, is included in this free environmental improvement program. Of course, this is not a loss for our company.]
The company's financial magnate looked at the cameras in StarNet space and addressed all the viewers,
This environmental transformation plan for underdeveloped areas will not only improve the overall climate but also curb and reduce crime rates in various towns. We will sweep away all the filth and grime from these barren lands for the benefit of the people, transforming these dangerous wastelands of Changqing Prefecture into a beautiful and fertile land!
Countless green 0s and 1s appeared behind Dhritarashtra, forming the Mithra Group's company slogan: "A New Era, A New Life, Created for You".
Despite being the world's most powerful company, Mitra Information Group remains committed to creating a better life for people. From the Astral Network to the genetically modified turkeys on your dinner tables, this commitment has never wavered.
Dhritarashtra, the King of the Nation, said in a loud voice.
Today, in collaboration with Smoke Mirror Company, we have developed a new generation of energy technology. Naturally, we want to demonstrate to you in a clearly visible way just how groundbreaking this technology is!
The next generation of energy will forever change the world and create a better future for everyone!
--------------------------
It is said that objects that are too large can create illusions.
Something so large that it defies common sense can be incomprehensible just how big it is.
Hayden finally understands this concept:
...The wind blowing from New Jersey today is really strong.
When this enormous dark storm slowly revealed itself from the other side of the horizon, both mortals and gods would likely be dumbfounded.
The hurricane howled incessantly, its spray of pollution staining the clouds black. It banished all pollution from the wilderness, leaving only a pristine, white expanse of land.
【Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha】
A colossal typhoon, whipped up by the god of capital and swirling with countless filth, marched leisurely forward, chanting mantras aloud. As the mantras continued to be recited, the typhoon's rotation accelerated. It spun counter-clockwise, growing ever larger until its perfection was achieved.
A group of human smugglers who happened to be nearby happened to pass by the typhoon. They were traveling in an armored truck loaded with luggage. It was a sturdy truck that prioritized practicality, equipped with various weapons and armor to protect against demi-human bandits and corrupted monsters—yet even such a robust armored truck had its weaknesses.
Before the typhoon's suction could even pull them down, the smugglers let out shrill screams and collapsed with expressions of despair, their bodies convulsing and struggling like fish thrown onto land.
What torments them is the toxin.
The giant typhoon is surrounded by countless pollutants, curses, toxins, and even spiritual resentment, which drift haphazardly with the storm and randomly destroy any creatures that come into contact with them.
Why is this happening? The reason is actually quite simple—this massive-scale ecological and climate control hasn't eliminated the pollution itself; it's merely forcibly driving it away. It's like mopping a dirty floor; the floor is clean, but the mop itself gets dirty. The dirt doesn't disappear into thin air.
It's that simple.
This giant typhoon was merely a trivial "byproduct" easily created by Mitra Corporation's Americas branch; it was simply a device that used new energy sources to drive away pollution. Devices created solely for pollution control do not make any additional judgments.
Filth must be driven far away; only the clean can remain on this land.
Only the god of capital can determine what is clean and what is dirty; what is needed and what is not needed.
Things we don't want can now be swept away completely.
At this moment, Hayden first turned to look at the small, exquisite ley line barrier he had set up on the hill.
Then I looked back at the horizon and saw a super typhoon with dark clouds looming over the city, threatening to destroy it.
The difference between the two is so great that comparing a Chihuahua to a tiger would be an understatement.
"fxck!"
He finally couldn't help but swear.
"No wonder even Adam came to warn me to run. Damn it!"
But there was no way he could escape.
So what should we do now?
127: Even a clay figure has three parts fire!
The storm is coming.
【Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha】
(Go, go, go to the other shore, you will surely attain enlightenment and achieve everything.)
The chanting of scriptures and mantras, devoid of any real interest, resounded loudly across the wilderness.
The storm is invincible.
Everything that stood in its way was sucked in, blown away, and expelled from Evergreen.