However, at this stage, this is all Hayden can do.
As Alastair once said, if you think hard enough, if you are smart enough, if your mind works fast enough, you can do the impossible.
But Hayden doesn't think so.
Sometimes, no matter how much wisdom one person has, it's not enough, especially when time itself is also limited.
He has no power to change the world.
046: Alive
On the sixth day of the lockdown, the atmosphere in the city had improved considerably.
After finishing his dumplings for dinner, Hayden sat on the living room sofa and used his phone's projection screen to check several emails and local news websites. He'd been doing this almost every evening since. Many people looked down on news published by the company's media, but Hayden felt that relying solely on rumors circulating on the streets wasn't a good idea either. Sometimes, even the official news published by the company's media revealed a lot of interesting information.
For example these:
Mitra Group announced it will gradually ease restrictions on the entry of goods from outside the city.
Due to the large influx of smoke goggles into the local market, the prices of daily necessities have gradually decreased, and the price of synthetic bean-based chicken has dropped to 3 gold coins per pound.
Factories in the city have resumed normal operations, the average wage for workers has increased by four percent, and the number of employees has increased slightly.
[Wotan OmniTech joins trade talks with New Seattle; market analysts see promising prospects]
Twenty-five small and medium-sized enterprises in the city declared bankruptcy today. An insider revealed that those involved had spent large sums of money purchasing body cloning services.
During the city's unrest, some morally corrupt individuals colluding with terrorist organizations took the opportunity to raise prices, attempting to disrupt market order. Now, thanks to reports from concerned citizens, the Mitra Market security department has arrested them all, confiscated their illegal gains, and returned the proceeds to the market and society. Mr. Tidorozha, Deputy Marketing Director, stated that the Mitra Group will certainly remain true to its original mission, refrain from wrongdoing, and maintain market harmony in the future.
"it's so funny."
Hayden, upon seeing this, finally couldn't help but complain.
"Why are these big capitalists, who usually can't wait to sell a breath of fresh air for twelve yuan, not talking about freedom of trade now? Are big companies coming to play the role of maintaining market order?"
Angela was serving Hayden the homemade pudding after dinner, tilting her head as if she didn't quite understand what he was mocking.
Hayden knew that dwelling on this was pointless. After all, Abigail, the Dark Witch, had previously complained that large corporations and capitalists like Mithra wouldn't protect the lower classes in the name of upholding the so-called "free market" ideology. They would only slaughter a bunch of lower-class people when the masses started to hate the bourgeoisie, and then display their corpses for the public to see.
An ideology? There isn't one at all. They're very practical!
“I don’t really understand concepts like free markets,” Angela frowned, a rare occurrence for her. “But I think the atmosphere on the streets has improved these past couple of days, hasn’t it?”
This time, Hayden didn't refute her; he just touched his chin.
Angela was actually right. The atmosphere in the city had indeed improved a bit in the past two days. One reason, of course, was that after six days of turmoil, many people were gradually getting used to it. In this era where ordinary people are ruthlessly exploited by capitalists, most people have become accustomed to passively accepting the tyranny of large corporations. Otherwise, how could anyone survive?
However, the second reason is relatively good news.
These news reports also demonstrate that, thanks to Hayden's efforts and Abigail's coordination, the Mitra Group swiftly purged those in New Atlanta who were profiting from the chaos, engaging in usury, and artificially inflating prices. This "anti-gang campaign" led by the Mitra Group naturally delighted the onlookers. Even if they didn't actually gain much benefit, simply viewing it as entertainment certainly brought them a sense of satisfaction.
Similarly, as the market stabilizes slightly, prices drop, wages for those at the bottom rise slightly, and the treatment and quality of life for the lower classes improve slightly, most people become a little happier.
So, as Angela said, the atmosphere on the street has improved a bit.
"So, is this the result of all that running around the city these past two days?"
Hayden sighed, but a subtle sense of accomplishment welled up inside him.
Everyone has to work hard; at least everyone who isn't a god needs to. But Hayden's hard work these past two days has resulted in cheaper fried eggs and bread on the tables of ordinary people throughout the city—something he can't say to himself every day.
Ultimately, aren't all social movements and attempts to change society ultimately aimed at similar goals? It's understandable that he might feel a little proud of that, isn't it?
On the other hand, Hayden was not really sure whether this was a good thing or a bad thing.
The current situation is good for ordinary people. Work is returning to normal, prices are falling, and even wages have increased slightly. However, this is also good for some senior executives at the Mitra Group. They have temporarily eased the social tensions and, in the long run, improved the company's image.
Moreover, judging from the news just now, it seems that the senior executives of the Mitra Group have also taken back some of the so-called "middle class" wealth.
Seize illegal gains... Ha, where else can these "gains" be seized? After going through several hands, splitting the profits among themselves, they ultimately end up with the Mithra high-ranking gods who made the move.
The so-called "priest" class, situated between "gods" and "men," is essentially a dog feeding on the bones dropped to earth by the capitalist gods. However, now that things have come to this, the gods have decided that rather than throwing bones to these ungrateful dogs, they might as well kill the dogs and use the bones to make soup.
God no longer intends to have so many "priests." The class between "god" and "man" will become increasingly smaller. The tigers themselves devoured their lackeys, but this did not result in much of the people's hard-earned money being returned to them; only a few scraps of flesh remained.
Is this really a good thing?
Large companies were busy with fierce competition, which led to a decrease in the prices of everyday necessities. Some middle-level bad guys were killed by the Mithra Group to quell public anger, and the living conditions of the general public improved slightly.
But Hayden himself didn't know whether what he did was good or bad. The actions he took and the conclusions he reached were certainly not the most correct answers, but he also didn't know if there were any better answers.
“Master, I understand why you are always thinking, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing.”
Angela scooped up the pudding with a spoon, frowning as she spoke.
"But you should open your mouth now."
Being fed by Angela with exaggerated "ah~" sounds was too depraved and shameful, so Hayden eventually obediently ate it himself. The egg-colored pudding unfolded on his tongue, overflowing with a slight bitterness and an even stronger sweetness, along with a rich flavor of egg and milk.
The sensation of it melting in his mouth and gradually passing down his throat was so exquisite that it made Hayden lose his senses. Even after swallowing, this sweet and smooth feeling lingered in his chest.
After finishing the pudding, Hayden took a deep breath and then exhaled.
"Ah," he exclaimed, "it's so good to be alive."
Angela nodded. "I'm glad you realize that. Are you still bothered by those issues?"
Hayden blinked, realizing what Angela was trying to say.
Most ordinary people just want a damn omelet and a cup of coffee. Hayden has already worked hard to get cheap eggs for everyone, so what's there to worry about?
For some reason, despite Hayden's hard work, he never expected so much, and he never thought he could actually succeed.
But in reality, he did make some differences...
“Your actions have made the daily lives of many people easier and happier. You may even have saved many people who would have starved to death because they were able to find work and their wages were slightly higher.”
Angela tilted her head, revealing a gentle smile.
"And you did it out of love."
She reached out and stroked Hayden's head, her slender fingers gently combing through his hair.
"So do not be afraid. You are my proud master, the master I love. You should be even more joyful and happy."
That's what she said, in a soft, gentle, and patient voice.
She addressed Hayden as her master, as always.
But Hayden couldn't help but feel once again that perhaps Angela was the one who held absolute power, an immense being. Hayden had given her a humanoid form, yet she didn't resemble a human at all; instead, she seemed extremely distant from humanity. Her eyes, as if hidden behind a thin veil of the universe, shone with two gentle, clear beams of light.
The universe is so vast and boundless, and the stars are so fiery and bright.
However, Angela's eyes did not look towards the universe or the stars. Her gaze and her concern were entirely focused on Hayden alone.
There is no language in the universe that Hayden could explain this feeling to.
047: The Spark of Change
Since Hayden's brain eventually started reporting system errors, he decided to temporarily give up thinking about the problem and simply lay down.
Holding onto the small sense of accomplishment that he had indeed improved the situation, he cuddled with Angela for a while. They didn't do anything inappropriate, nor did they need to spend any money. They simply spent a short, pleasant time talking and cuddling in the quiet night.
Even with just that, Hayden could feel a real, incredible power flowing from his heart like a spring, seemingly inexhaustible.
Unfortunately, such times cannot last forever. At least not now.
Hayden's phone rang.
The system indicated that this was an encrypted video communication from [Bo Xun]. So he thought about it for a moment, and feeling there was nothing to hide, he answered directly.
Alastor's face immediately appeared on the projection screen. A flashing icon indicated that he had taken measures to block surveillance.
But Hayden couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.
Alastor looked exhausted and overworked, his face even appearing somewhat pale. Unlike Hayden, Alastor didn't look happy at all; on the contrary, he looked like he hadn't slept for days.
In fact, Hayden quickly realized that Alastor might not have slept for several days. Considering the Mithra Group's relentless pursuit of them, their numerous anti-corporation efforts, and the utter incompetence of the other students in [Bojun], it was highly likely that Alastor was now handling all the cyber warfare, negotiations, manipulation, and intelligence gathering alone. Hayden knew the other students' capabilities well; they were lucky if they could even assist him.
Thinking further along this line of thought, with the entire city currently searching for [Bo Xun], Hayden doesn't think they'll be able to find any truly comfortable inns to stay in, let alone healthy and nutritious meals every day.
How many people have a mother who cooks nutritious meals for them every day and feeds them to them?
Despite this, Alastor still wore a faint smile. It was the kind of smile that suggested he had stayed up all night writing his paper due the next day.
It was as if he had already done what he needed to do, and it didn't matter what happened next.
Thank you for your invaluable assistance these past few days, Comrade Hayden.
As soon as he opened his mouth, Alastor spoke in a very sincere tone.
The citizens of New Seattle and we all benefit greatly.
Hayden nodded slowly. He didn't fully trust the young people of [Bo Xun] yet. However, as Angela had said, the benefits the people of New Seattle had received were indeed real.
[Due to your impact on the new Yatu market, and our efforts to induce other large companies to get involved, our current actions are already showing initial results.]
Alastor shrugged as he finished speaking.
Thanks to your efforts, even our hiding place has become quiet lately. The Mitra Corporation must have deployed all its security forces to the streets.
The easing of tensions within New Asia will frustrate other large companies that were trying to pressure Mitra Group, making them easier for us to sway. You've done a good job in this regard.
Hayden raised an eyebrow: "So what have you guys been doing these past few days? If you haven't done anything productive and have just been hiding and afraid to move, I'll make sure you suffer the consequences."
Alastor gave a weary, wry smile: "I do have some good news—have you seen the news about Wotan Mystery Technologies joining the local trade negotiations?"
Hayden nodded.
"Then I'll be frank. Thanks to your work these past two days, I've finally gathered enough material to lobby Wotan, Smoke Mirror, and even Mars Group to establish a foothold in the New Yatu market, and to maintain that position in the future, keeping prices relatively low."
So Alastor explained,
Currently, trade negotiations are underway at the Mitra branch office in the city center, with representatives from Wotan Corporation, Smoke Mirror Corporation, and the Mitra Group all present. This will be the final test of all our efforts over this period. The Mitra Group cannot indefinitely close off the entire city of New Atlanta. And once these three giant corporations begin their trade war, it won't be easy to stop. They will be hurt, they will bleed.
This anti-corporate fighter spoke in a martyr-like tone,
That is the only chance for mortals to rise up and overthrow the gods.
Hayden listened with a frown. He felt that there was something off about Alastor's words, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
So he picked up the bronze scepter and waved it at the computer in the living room. It turned on and automatically redirected to a news live streaming website.
As Alastow noted, reporters from the three major companies waited outside the trade negotiation meeting room, hoping their representatives would conclude the talks and open the door to announce the results.
Regardless of tonight's outcome, everything we've done so far will not have been in vain.
Alastor, gazing at the same scene, calmly said,
[In the future, as long as we keep moving forward, we will eventually reach a future where the gods are overthrown and mortals are in charge.]
Even Hayden, who wasn't very adept at social interactions, sensed something was amiss: "Wait, what exactly are you trying to say?"
Coincidentally, the news broadcast changed exactly as he finished speaking. Reporters from the three major companies all pointed their cameras at the conference room door, which was now open. Three company representatives, dressed in different colored business suits, filed out of the conference room, and the one at the front made Hayden frown.
He recognized the tall, muscular, and imposing man with purple hair. Hayden had met him once three months earlier at his best friend Adam's wedding.
Because he is Tidorozha, the Vice President of Marketing at Mitra Information Group, responsible for the Americas market!
This undisputed leader of the new century walked in front of the live broadcast cameras of three news reporters and, without hesitation, announced: "The representatives of our three companies have reached a consensus."
This initially sparked much excitement among the reporters.
But Dhritarashtra quickly silenced them with his stern expression and made them wait.
Alastor, watching the live news broadcast, paled even further. He, too, was waiting.
"I, along with two representatives from Smoke Mirror Life Construction Company and Wotan Mystery Technology Company, had a thorough exchange of views and enhanced mutual understanding during tonight's meeting. The talks were beneficial, although we still have many unresolved issues regarding our trade relations."
Tidorata continued,
"However, we have reached a consensus in at least some areas."
The gods under Mithras's command frowned as they finished speaking.
“From now on, our three companies will work together to make New Yatu a freer market.”
There was nothing offensive in his words. But Hayden still blinked.
In light of what Alastor just said, the implication of this statement is quite intriguing—does the Mitra Group really intend to relinquish New Yatu, which they previously controlled, and give up a portion of the market and profits to other large companies?
In this way, ordinary people will naturally have more choices and may even have a better life.
On the other hand, why would the Mitra Group make such a compromise? Why would they give up this part of the market?