Because one day, this network could even cover the entire planet and unify all life on Earth!
If Karen had that kind of spirit and ability, which god would dare to test or attack her?
No!
"...You always have such bold ideas."
Hayden rubbed his temples and couldn't help but complain.
Karen, however, was not ashamed. Instead, she raised her eyebrows and said, "Of course. Who's like you? I always think far ahead."
Okay, okay, you're amazing.
As Hayden listened to her, he pondered for himself, actually agreeing that Karen's approach should theoretically be feasible. The idea of purifying all pollution on Earth with an incredibly powerful ecological magic network and harmonizing the life of all things was so ambitious that it stirred even the most masculine heart.
Karen, are you really going to surpass the new gods and become the Holy King?
The only problem is that, although the goal is to skip the accumulation period, the workload is absolutely enormous. Let alone dominating the Earth's ecosystem at the outset; simply laying a solid foundation within a single state would be quite an achievement.
Since Karen specifically called Hayden to discuss this matter today, it's clear that she wants Hayden to do it...
So Hayden scratched his head and said bluntly, "No matter how great I am, I can't do this kind of thing all by myself."
Karen was speechless upon hearing this: "Who told you to do it all by yourself? When have I ever given you the authority and funds to do things? I just wanted you to be in charge of this matter."
As she finished speaking, she handed Hayden a power of attorney that had clearly been prepared beforehand, which was on her desk. He took it and was even more surprised.
Karen granted Hayden virtually unlimited power in this document. As long as it was for the purpose of building this planned ecological network, Karen allowed Hayden almost anything, and he could freely utilize any human resources and resources within her company. With this authorization, Hayden was essentially as free as Karen's arm.
Any sane capitalist would think Kallen has gone mad upon seeing such a power of attorney. Even the Peacock King didn't trust his wife this much; he worried that Hela might impulsively cause a huge mess.
However, Karen dared to let Hayden wield her power in this way. She believed that Hayden wouldn't mess things up and that he would bring her a good result.
So Hayden could only chuckle at the sight of the document.
Frankly, this trust is incredibly heavy. It's a responsibility heavier than a mountain.
But if one wants to change the world and create a new world for the people, this responsibility and power cannot be shirked.
So Hayden said, "I need a whole team of network and life engineering."
Karen simply nodded, repeating her previous statement: "You can do whatever you want."
——————————————————————————————
So Hayden accepted the appointment and began working on it.
There are many reasons why Karen trusted Hayden so much. But Hayden also knew his own limitations. Neither network technology nor life sciences were Hayden's areas of expertise. He just happened to know a little about both.
So after leaving Karen's office, Hayden thought for a moment and quickly teleported to Alastor's side—after all, he wasn't professional enough, so of course he had to find a professional as soon as possible, right?
In terms of power and expertise, the network-type deity Hayden can currently trust the most is Alastor.
Since Hayden helped him resurrect last year, Alastor has remained in the Mithra Group's cybersecurity department under the divine name "Maheshvara." The Mithra Group likely did this partly to internally monitor this new god whose background was not fully confirmed, and partly because they believed that this nascent god had no social connections, making him perfect for this kind of work.
Who could have guessed that this "Great Lord of Heaven" was actually Hayden reincarnating Alastor's soul? In fact, let alone having "no" social connections, Hayden only needed to say a word to "Great Lord of Heaven" and he would help Hayden blow up the Mimitra Corporation's building.
That's why Hayden's reaction to Alastor's visit to discuss the internet seems rather strange.
"Comrade Hayden, do you really think it would be a good thing to let Karen control a giant life network and let her, as the goddess of capital, monopolize such an ecosystem?"
This time, it was Alastor's turn to frown and ask Hayden the question.
"Are you sure you're not helping to create a second Mithra? Or even an absolute ruler who is more dangerous than Mithra?"
Hayden understood this concern.
After all, two years ago he had worried constantly about issues like, "Kallen is, after all, a member of the capitalist race!" The concept of a life network also easily reminded them of the mental synchronization network that Mara, the [Heavenly Being], had tried to create but never actually succeeded in. No one wants to lose a part of their own will and be incorporated into a massive magical collective consciousness.
Hayden certainly didn't want to, but he never intended to create a mind-to-mind connection like the "Kala Way" for Karen. If a comparison had to be made, his idea was more like creating a planetary ecological link network like in *Avatar*. Connecting with life doesn't necessarily mean mind control!
However, Alastor's concerns are also reasonable.
That's why Hayden went along with it and said, "Since you're worried, wouldn't it be perfect for you to join in and help build the network? If you're not comfortable with it, then it would be more reasonable for you to oversee it yourself, wouldn't it?"
Alastor did indeed nod slowly.
"Comrade Hayden, since you've asked me for help, I will certainly do my best to assist you no matter what. But I must reiterate some warnings: are you really going to help Ms. Karen build such a powerful authority, and are you not prepared with any means to check and balance her?"
These words made Hayden frown: "Are you implying that I should prepare to be enemies with Karen?"
“That’s not what I meant.” Alastor shook his head. “To put it simply, what Ms. Karen has been doing all along is trying to ascend to the top herself and become the strongest and most just supreme god of capital. I respect her ideals and character, but this path is actually a dead end.”
"When Mithras first rose to power as a capitalist four hundred years ago, he was also a selfless, bright, and great new god. Mithras also wanted to make the world a better place, and indeed, the world has improved in some ways compared to four hundred years ago. But even so, he could not stop the corruption within the capitalist system—because no one is completely free."
Hayden understood most of what Alastor said. However, his final, seemingly nonsensical conclusion left Hayden somewhat confused: "What does this have to do with freedom?"
"Everyone is constrained by their social relationships and is forced to do things they don't really want to do for the sake of those relationships. Take Ms. Karen as an example. Her interpersonal and kinship relationships are almost entirely with the gods, and she can't completely escape the influence of that power. Do you think her enemies will only use force against her? Her principles and her morality may actually become a means for other capitalist gods to influence and exploit her."
Alastor explained calmly,
"So, Comrade Hayden, I would like to suggest that you increase the influence you can exert on Ms. Karen through your connections."
Hayden could only understand half of what was being said, and he didn't entirely agree with it. So he frowned and pressed, "Alastor, what exactly are you trying to say?"
Now that Karen trusts Hayden so much, what exactly does Alastor want to do?
So Alastor sighed:
“If you want to build such a powerful authority over Ms. Karen, I suggest you marry her first to ensure you have the greatest influence over her—Comrade Hayden, do I have to say it this way for you to understand?”
235: Temptation
After the events at Fallen City, Hayden's wisdom and soul had greatly increased. He was now a professional and would not be easily shocked or swayed by the words of others.
...Even so, Hayden was still taken aback after hearing what Alastor had just said.
Alastor, you with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, what are you doing here pressuring me to get married? Are you kidding me?!
"Why bring up marriage? Or rather, why get married at all!? Don't I have enough influence over Karen already!?"
So now he can't help but complain, waving around the authorization letter Karen gave him.
"Even if I did marry Karen, my influence over her wouldn't increase! This isn't butter! Karen's personality won't change just because we're married!"
Among the few people in their small group, Karen was actually the most stubborn, headstrong, and principled.
“I’m not referring to obedience or compliance, that’s certainly impossible. What I’m talking about is a more stable contract—there’s no such thing as a completely safe thing in the world, but you can’t put all your eggs in one basket. You have to be prepared for anything.”
Alastor shook his head, then frowned as he said this.
"To be honest, Comrade Hayden, your relationship with Ms. Karen is already very unstable. You both say you're not lovers, and there's no atmosphere between you two. Now you're helping her build a stronger theocracy. What if your relationship changes later? Wouldn't that be a huge problem? That's a risk."
"On the other hand, let's not even talk about marriage. Even if you went and slept with Ms. Karen right now, I reckon she would only verbally resist at most. This would only benefit your relationship and wouldn't do you any harm at all."
Why is it that this person's strange statements somehow make perfect sense?
Hayden was almost completely baffled.
"...Alastor, I thought you were against me relying on Karen before, so why are you urging me to marry her now?"
So Hayden's question only earned him a sympathetic look from Alastor: "I do object. I've always felt that reform within capitalism is impossible. Not to mention, Ms. Karen wants to be an absolutely fair and just authoritarian regime to control other capitalists. In my view, that's what you call a wrong line—but what's the point of telling you this now, Comrade Hayden? You can't live without her. So of course I can only hope to improve your relationship with her."
"Moreover, marriage has always been a very powerful magical contract that brings about a very effective empathetic connection. This is especially true when it comes to property. If you and Ms. Karen are officially married, other capitalists will be less likely to have any ulterior motives, because they will have less influence over things."
This principle aligns perfectly with Alastor's long-held belief: the control of power requires a balance among multiple parties, and no single god should monopolize all authority. More than two years ago, when he was still a mortal, he attempted to do the same in New Jersey, inducing large corporations to check and balance each other.
Alastor still disapproves of Karen's desire to become an authoritarian supreme god and reform society. In his view, the corruption of capitalism is an inevitable consequence of the system itself and will not suddenly disappear due to the personal will of a leader.
But if Hayden and Karen get married, it will be easier for Hayden to take the reins from her, which can be considered a way to keep them in check—it's better to have her as a friend than an enemy.
As for the other aspect, whether Alastor might have left a few backdoors as a precaution when helping Hayden build the magical network… he certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to tell Hayden directly about that. He absolutely shouldn't reveal such behind-the-scenes preparations, even if Hayden suspected Alastor might be up to something.
In short, Hayden understood Alastor's thoughts; after all, he wasn't stupid. But Hayden was still quite embarrassed by Alastor's words. When did he become inseparable from Karen? Don't talk nonsense!
……I think should not be?
For a moment, Hayden also began to ponder this question.
Fortunately, Alastor didn't intend to dwell on the matter any longer—it was enough to give Hayden a heads-up; Alastor couldn't possibly force him to do anything at knifepoint.
"Getting back to the point, Comrade Hayden. Such a massive magical network can't be accomplished by one person alone. Besides, I can only help you with a part of it, since life magic isn't really my specialty... So, to be on the safe side, I'll just bring these old acquaintances to help you."
The conversation quickly circled back to the construction of the ecological network. Alastor gestured with his finger in the air, bringing up some personnel information. Hayden glanced at it and immediately chuckled—these were all the student hackers Alastor had recruited when he established the [Bo Xun Organization]. Their loyalty was, without a doubt, guaranteed.
After being resurrected as [Mahafiya], Alastor devised numerous methods to bring these comrades, who had already disguised themselves and concealed their identities, back under his now "legitimate" command. Doing this within the Mitra Group's oversight system was inherently risky—but let's not forget, who is currently in charge of personnel at the Mitra Group's Americas branch?
Isn't this the Peacock King with a thousand eyes that see in all directions?
Then it would be incredibly easy for everyone to sabotage each other!
Thinking about it this way, it seems that Hayden really can hardly live without Karen.
Speaking of this, Hayden then remembered something else: "Speaking of which, Alastor, what happened to Todd and the other chubby guys who ran off to help you expand your territory and build a bigger resistance organization when you were first turned into a Dragon Ball?"
"Of course I contacted them as soon as I got back. How could I be like you, only remembering now?"
Alastor looked at Hayden speechlessly. Sometimes he couldn't help but wonder if this unreliable guy could really become a leader who could change the world. But every time he thought about it, he always felt the same way as Karen: worried about Hayden, yet willing to believe in Hayden's principles and beliefs.
Even though Hayden is still only a half-baked expert, they believe
"After leaving New Jersey, Todd and his men went to South America. The lower classes there lived even more miserably than in North America, making it a more fertile ground for popular resistance and uprisings. But that's a matter for later; it's a bit off-topic to talk about it now."
At this point, Alastor finally gave a wry smile.
"Speaking of South America, it seems you really do need to go there soon?"
Why bring up South America again?
Of course, it's because the headquarters of Smoke Mirror Life Construction Company is located in South America.
Of all the gods and men Hayden knew, the one with the highest attainment and skill in life magic was, of course, Miktikashiva, the director of the Smoke Mirror Company and the Goddess of Death.
The thought of dealing with that completely inhuman monster gave Hayden a headache. Hearing Alastor's words, he immediately retorted, "Cooperating with her is at least ten times more dangerous than dealing with Karen. Why didn't you warn me to be more careful?"
However, Alastor was not stumped at all. Instead, he calmly replied, "Do I need to remind you to be worried about Mikttikashiva?"
Hayden certainly didn't need anyone to remind him how terrifying Mikkelsen was. He was terrified enough on his own.
"By the way, Comrade Hayden, if you do marry Ms. Karen, it will help keep capitalist goddesses like Miktikashiva from eyeing you—you should know your own worth, and you're quite tempting in their eyes, aren't you?"
噫
This is what Hayden is about to have a headache about.
--------------------------------
Although Smoke Mirror Company still wields considerable influence in New Seattle, Goddess Mikert no longer resides there. Her recent temporary stay was solely for the convenience of collaborating with the Mitra Group.
If Hayden wanted to find her again, he would have to teleport all the way to her true territory. Because every great being has their own true core territory. These vary in size, some are in the heavens, some on the ground, but they are at least comparable to a nation.
The goddess Mikkuri didn't intend to move her core domain into the universe, because as the goddess of death, the power of the underworld was easier to draw upon on Earth. Therefore, the domain radiating her core power primarily encompassed northern South America and the chaotic Central America. Her usual temple was located in Bogotá, Colombia.
Bogotá is over 6,000 kilometers away from New Jersey. In ancient times, that would have been like two completely different worlds. However, for modern business magnates, it's a distance they can easily travel to and from for business purposes. Even Hayden can now disregard such a vast distance.
Looking back over three years, Hayden was a street wizard who couldn't even afford the cost of teleportation within the city. Now, he can easily teleport to the next state and meet with the board of directors of a giant corporation without prior appointment. It just goes to show how unpredictable fate can be.
The thought that he must use this wealth and power to do better and more important things in this unpredictable fate sometimes makes Hayden want to smile bitterly.
To establish the kind of life network that Karen needed, he had to discuss cooperation with the goddess Mikt. Hayden felt that collaborating with such a dangerous, powerful deity as Mikt on such a crucial and grand project was like walking on thin ice.
But things took an even more unexpected turn of events.
As always, the goddess Micket warmly entertained Hayden during her meal at her restaurant. Her beauty remained as striking as it had been over a year ago, with long, curly blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, a black gothic dress tightly cinching her chest and waist, and emerald green eyes that held a seductive allure while exuding a bloodthirsty aura.
When Hayden visited, a dreamy yet longing smile appeared on her face.
“I see, Mr. Hayden. Miss Karen truly has immense trust in you to have you discuss such a collaborative project on her behalf.”
After hearing Hayden's request for cooperation, the goddess Mikkelsen's smile deepened.
"Of course I can help you, at least I can provide you with support in life engineering technology. Although it's not the same type, I also have large-scale applications of the magic for shaping ecosystems—but, Mr. Hayden, we are businessmen after all. You wouldn't come to me for technology just by talking, would you?"
That's certainly not the case, and Hayden never intended to do so. Free things are often more troublesome.
In fact, he now possesses a considerable amount of technology and services that can be used for trade. However, Hayden still wants to test the waters with Mikter first.
“This time I came to you on my own initiative, so of course you can name your price.”
So Hayden spoke, remaining somewhat cautious, but also trying to lighten the mood with a few jokes.
"Just please stop asking me to marry you."
Unexpectedly, after hearing Hayden's words, the goddess Mikt glanced at him, and that look made him break out in a cold sweat.
Immediately afterwards, the goddess Mikkelsen said something that shocked Hayden: "If I can't say I want to get married, may I invite you to spend the night with me, Mr. Hayden?"