"We can never rely on ourselves alone."
That statement... is certainly correct.
But as Abigail looked at Hayden, she always felt that there was something strange about the atmosphere emanating from him.
Whatever Hayden saw in the timeline thousands of years ago after taking the medicine given to him by the Sofia Order, he had clearly changed. Since declaring himself a prophet and mentor to the Sofia Order, something new had emerged in Hayden. Not cold-hearted, but resolute. Now, gazing at the image of the stars, Hayden's face displayed a quiet resolve, and his eyes shone with the light of the heavens.
Abigail didn't know what to say about it, but she was indeed a little worried.
She had a feeling that Hayden seemed to be... changing in some strange direction.
"Don't worry. I haven't turned evil or become a hollow person or anything."
The next instant, Hayden noticed the witch's change in mood. He gave a wry smile, even though he wasn't actually looking at her.
"When a person looks at the sun with their naked eye, theoretically they will absorb some of the particles emitted by the sun into their body—of course, this is just theory. But when this process occurs at the soul level, it is not so theoretical. When I looked directly at the true soul forms of two ancient gods from beyond the heavens in a soul state, I naturally absorbed a portion of their soul light. But the part I could understand was so little that human language is too poor to describe it."
He rubbed his temples, his tone still sounding somewhat absent-minded.
"That's why I want the loyalty of the Sophia Order. They have been studying the ancient gods beyond the heavens for a very long time. They actually have a very deep understanding of these ancient gods. From now on, I will be their mentor and prophet, but I will also be their apprentice. I need to learn the wisdom of Sophia, as well as the magic of the ancient gods beyond the heavens."
Hayden's words were very logical and had his own reasoning; they didn't sound like he was going crazy.
But for some reason, at first glance, Abigail might even think that she was seeing Angela, not Hayden.
This was just a fleeting impression that crossed her mind, but it made absolutely no sense. Although Angela often said and did very strange things, she always seemed very relaxed and carefree, like the wind.
Hayden, however, looked very serious.
As luck would have it, there was a knock on the door at that very moment. Incredibly, Hayden looked up before the knocking even started and invited the person in.
The door clicked open. Professor Albion entered the room.
“I just sat in on a meeting of the high-ranking officials of the Sofia Order. Although a few officials objected, Bogomir subdued them all. The entire Order has decided to henceforth acknowledge you as the Holy Prophet and the Supreme Master.”
The old professor stroked his beard, seemingly finding it amusing.
"However, my main point is the attitude of those cadres. Some cadres oppose you because it's dangerous to completely side with one person, as it would force the entire cult to take sides; others oppose you purely because of doctrinal differences. They believe that the flesh and matter should be completely rejected. But they have all been dealt with by Bogomir."
Hayden immediately asked, "How did he resolve it?"
Professor Albion immediately raised his eyebrows: "That's the part that's particularly interesting. On the one hand, Bogomir tells them that you are someone who focuses more on spiritual practice and research, not a businessman. So you pay more attention to academics than economic interests, and you will respect them more than traditional businessmen, and you will treat intellectuals better."
"On the other hand, Bogomir also told those doctrinal opponents that your reaction to the elixir was so good that it proved you had supreme talent and were a born saint who revealed divinity. Of course, everyone should listen to you on doctrinal issues. He actually knew a lot about how to run a religion."
That almost made Hayden laugh.
But this is indeed true. Religion is something that needs to be managed, and it is indeed very similar to doing business. Religion is about figuring out what humanity wants spiritually and how to obtain it. Scholars want to be respected as intellectuals, while believers care more about sacredness.
"But what surprised me the most was that later, a cadre in the cult whom none of us knew took the initiative to say that he wanted to support you."
The professor stroked his beard again as he spoke: "With him at the head, part of the cult decided to follow you, while others fought for neutrality... that's basically the result. But there must be a reason for this."
Hayden was also somewhat surprised to hear this: "An official we don't recognize? Who is that?"
According to what Professor Albion heard, this cadre was named Jacob Dotara. He was in charge of the accounts in the Sophia Order, and had many connections and channels in the Fallen City's black market (including with the city lord's demons), and was very wealthy.
It's really strange that such a shrewd and calculating guy would agree to completely side with Hayden. No wonder the professor said there must be a reason.
"But I don't have much time to dwell on and investigate this matter."
However, Hayden stroked his chin, seemingly unconcerned.
"Just leave him be. Or, Abigail, would you be willing to help me look out for anything suspicious about this cult?"
The Dark Witch hadn't expected Hayden to make this request. But after a moment's hesitation, she nodded: "Of course. After all, if you can use this order to conduct research and help me find a way to lift the curse of the contract with the ancient gods from beyond the heavens, that would be the greatest benefit to me."
Ultimately, everyone's desires are interconnected. Although Abigail now possesses the elixir, her greatest longing remains to completely eradicate the Great Demonic Contract curse binding her. This matter is also inextricably linked to the ancient gods from beyond the heavens.
But Abigail was still somewhat puzzled. So after she and Professor Albion left the room, she first silently cast a soundproof barrier, then immediately asked impatiently, "Percival, don't you think Hayden's current situation is a bit strange?"
The old professor (though the witch was actually older than him) pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Indeed, but I don't think it's a bad thing. He's maturing rapidly."
Mature?
Good heavens, Hayden is already thirty years old. Of course, thirty years old is nothing compared to these centuries-old monsters, but Hayden is already an adult who has experienced a lot.
Becoming more mature? He's been a mature person for a long time, what more mature could he become?
Did humans evolve into something more mature than humans?
--------------------------
Shortly after, Angela entered the room.
Hayden sat on the edge of the four-poster bed in the center of the room, still gazing at the image of the stars. But as soon as Angela entered the room, Hayden spoke:
“I once read a book that taught me this: communication can only take place between equals. Employees lie to their bosses, and in return, bosses expect their employees to lie to them.”
“That does make some sense,” Angela nodded. “So, Master, what is troubling you?”
There was a moment of silence, but it didn't last long.
As if the question had been foreseen, the decision made long ago, and the plan laid out in advance, Hayden quickly replied, "I'm thinking about how to further elevate my level."
Why is this happening?
Once upon a time, Hayden simply wanted to be a mercenary, wanted a wife who loved him, and considered that perhaps he could become a mercenary leader or a middleman when he got old.
How come he has now become not only a capitalist, but also a prophet, mentor, and even savior of a new religion?
He's not Zhang Xiji. Are we going to have someone push him to become emperor next?
Although it was his own choice, Hayden couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.
On one hand, this was undoubtedly because Hayden wanted to enable more people to have a better life and escape the exploitation of the capitalist gods. Therefore, his initial ideal was to invent inexpensive and universally applicable healing magic. However, studying medicine seemed insufficient to save all of humanity. Hayden had to do something more fundamental.
On the other hand, this might also be because Hayden wanted to elevate his status and become on par with Angela.
Since seeing the two ancient gods in his spirit form, Hayden realized one thing: the theories and elements that constitute the wisdom of these extraterrestrial beings are probably very different from those of humans. There is likely a chasm between them and humans that is even greater than the distance between a mouse and a human.
The fact that ancient gods like the Peacock King can now interact normally with humans while wearing human skin is purely a result of their mutual learning and assimilation into this mortal world.
However, Angela is not assimilated by this world. Although she learns from humans and yearns to understand them, she always remains detached and untouched by worldly affairs. Even now, Hayden doesn't fully understand what Angela truly is.
So if Hayden wanted to communicate with this Clockwork Bride, whose true nature was unknown, on an equal footing, he would have to surpass humanity himself.
Because there can be no love between slaves and masters. Only equals can get along.
So Hayden had to grow, grow in some way, and transcend his current state. However, there was no conventional path before him to achieve this goal.
Angela seemed quite expectant: "I see. So, Master, you plan to focus on conducting research with the people here from now on?"
Hayden shook his head: "How can we focus on research now? We've only got the intellectuals and technicians on our hands. What can we accomplish with just that many people? Intellectuals alone are not enough. I still need to find the workers, the laborers."
"Of course. I can't convince workers and laborers to join us just with spirituality and promises of liberation, but that's not a big problem. Religion is about figuring out what people want spiritually and how to get it."
At this point, Hayden finally smiled. It was a slightly wicked smile.
"However, at times religions are not stingy with providing material things. To those who seek the truth, I give them the truth; to those who want bread, I can also give them bread."
However, to Hayden's surprise, Angela actually smiled after hearing his words.
“My dear master, you are absolutely right.”
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In the beginning was the Word (the truth), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Now the Word became flesh (bread) and is with His people.
204: Since ancient times, and from this day forward
Religion is perhaps the concept most closely related to commerce in this world.
Smart businesspeople study what people want and how to provide it.
Successful religions do the same. When people fear death, religion offers an afterlife; when people feel their lives are in chaos, religion offers divine order; when people feel they have lost their meaning, religion offers and proclaims the truth of their lives.
Of course, on occasions religions are not stingy with providing tangible material benefits.
Perhaps that's why capitalists are now the gods who rule the world.
"Although I know the general approach, I'm not really good at this kind of specific business."
Hayden said this.
"Kallen has already brought in funds and resources. The task of subduing the Adabit Workers' Union is now in your hands. Red Leaf will also be under your command."
Hayden said all of these things to Abigail.
The witch immediately retorted, "Are you treating me like a laborer too?"
Hayden was amused by this: "What? You have a problem with having to do manual labor?"
Abigail wasn't foolish enough to directly refute those words. To consider labor lowly, and to believe one has the legitimate right to not have to work, was something only feudal-era divine nobles would dare to utter.
While the capitalist gods certainly don't want to work and would rather stay home and live off profits, they still have to admit they do work; they can't openly say labor is lowly. Besides, modern society is fiercely competitive. If the gods truly lie low, they might be swallowed up by other gods in the cutthroat competition. Gods who are so lucky as to never have to work are actually very, very rare.
“There’s nothing wrong with working. I want everyone to live a more relaxed and happier life, and I want to lighten the burden on those who work hard—but I’m not saying I want everyone to never need to work again.”
Hayden said this to Abigail as he looked at the stars and the moon.
"I can only feel at ease leaving this matter to you. Thank you for your help."
The witch suddenly felt as if she was being tricked by Hayden.
Even so, after hearing Hayden's words, she couldn't help but raise her eyebrows, half complaining and half resigned, saying, "Not bad slogan, that really gives me an idea."
Regardless, Abigail is definitely better at these things than Hayden. It was Abigail who led the initial dialogue when they first dealt with the slum union.
When the witch wielded the twin wands of "Truth" and "Bread" that Hayden had given her, few forces could stop her. She returned to the lower district of Fallen City, leading a team to deliver crates of food, medicine, and daily necessities into the slums, and even delivering the "bread" directly to the workers and their families.
The hungry were able to fill their stomachs.
Those suffering from injuries and illnesses are now able to access medication and treatment. Thanks to Hayden and Karen's tireless efforts over the past two years, the cost and effectiveness of these convenient medications have been adjusted to an astonishing level. Those who have received treatment with these medications are invariably amazed by their incredible efficacy.
Moreover, Abigail announced to them the various benefits of working for Hayden.
Hayden will offer the workers who help him mine Dead Sea salt the highest possible wages (though not outrageously high).
Hayden will provide employee insurance and medical care for workplace injuries to all the workers who work for him.
Moreover, Hayden even made his employees work in eight-hour shifts, and they would be paid overtime if they had to work overtime!
These conditions sounded utterly unbelievable to the workers of this era!
"So come quickly! All weary and burdened people, come to us! If you don't seize this opportunity now, when will you?"
Abigail thus made this appeal to the workers in the lower boroughs.
"It's all the same job, but working for us is much easier! We can provide you with stable employment and a better life."
"And as you should know, our boss is from the Federation of America. He may be a minor deity, but he has the heart of a bodhisattva. If you do well now, perhaps in the future he will take you and your families away from this cesspool and immigrate to America! Do you really want your parents, wives, and children to live out their lives in this slum?"
She didn't need to talk to these workers about ideals, spirit, or freedom. People who were starving didn't care about those things, and besides, Abigail herself didn't believe in them. She just needed to talk to these workers about tangible benefits while waving the American Dream at them.
Although the Federation of America is not an ideal country, it is still a hundred times better than staying in the cesspool of Fallen City, right?
Hearing of this opportunity, countless workers were even more eager. Even if these working-class people were content to rot in the slums of Fallen City for their entire lives, they still harbored a glimmer of hope that their children could rise in social class and have a chance to change their lives. How could anyone not be moved when Abigail waved such an American dream at them?
Soon, workers began bypassing the union and siding with Abigail and Hayden, signing contracts and accepting employment. And this witch, as everyone knew, was never stingy with money when it came to business. Without even asking Hayden, she immediately pulled these vetted workers out of the slums and settled them in more normal, middle-class neighborhoods.
Spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones can set a good example. How could a witch who has lived for four hundred years not understand this principle?
As a result, even more workers became green with envy. The entire Adabit Workers' Union began to stir.
When the union president, Luz, learned of this, he immediately realized that the matter was in trouble.
Several high-ranking members of the association have come to him to complain: "Chairman, if this continues, we'll all be left with nothing in less than two weeks!"
Lutz immediately shook his head at them, his attitude seemingly quite calm: "Then let's change it."
His calm demeanor completely baffled the union's higher-ups.
"That god boss wants us to help him mine sea salt. He sent people to cause chaos among us, simply to get a workforce ready to start as soon as possible. If he wants efficiency, he can't just wipe us out and replace us all. Otherwise, without a leader, he won't be able to control us effectively."
Lutz picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said with a nonchalant expression,
"Besides, that woman is waving such good employment terms, so they have a point. We can't and don't need to go against them."
There was some truth to what they said. The union leaders hesitated upon hearing their leader's words. Who didn't want money? And more broadly, who wanted to be trapped in this slum for life?
Even if someone can be the queen ant in an anthill, a superior might, if in a fit of mood, scald the entire colony to death with boiling water. The slums of Fallen City are merely toys for the gods' guests. These people might earn some benefits and live a life of luxury in the guild, but they are still just things the gods can kill at will. Who wouldn't want some profit?
They all have dreams. With the little savings they've embezzled from the union over the years, if they could go to the Union of America, even just as retired commoners, it would be ten times better than living in this slum…