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Here is another chapter for free.
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The Imperium was developing at a rapid pace, and more people were venturing out to conduct business. Individual businesses were springing up alongside companies, groups, and other organizations, emerging one after another. They also launched stocks and established other institutions with the approval of the cabinet. Banks had existed for a long time, but only now had they begun to make significant advances.
All over the country, roads and tall buildings were being constructed, while dirt roads and old-fashioned houses were being demolished.
The spring breeze was blowing, and the earth was vibrant. Everywhere, the people of the Imperium were full of hope and strength as new works and projects were initiated.
Unlike on Earth, the financial and construction industries were heavily regulated, while the biological industry was developing more rapidly. In particular, there was a unique industry that did not exist on Earth, the Supernatural industry.
Every time the Astra Militarum went into battle, it was not just for training; they also brought many things that Terra did not possess, such as supernatural creatures and artifacts. These items were not only of high value in themselves but also provided a significant boost to biological research.
For a Level 2 Terra, the battlefield was also considered a Level 2 planet. According to the rules, high-level planets could not enter lower-level planets; therefore, they gained access to a greater variety of supernatural creatures. Some biologists also had new ideas.
"Do you think that ordinary individuals can also become as powerful as supernatural beings?" A young biology scientist asked.
"Not really," Replied an older scientist. "On this planet, we cannot develop without some semblance of supernatural energy."
"No, that's not what I meant," The young biologist waved his hand and clarified. "Of course, I know we don't have much supernatural energy here. What I mean is, could there be a way to make an individual strong without relying on supernatural energy?"
This statement caused the group of scientists to fall into contemplation. Biology was currently popular, attracting many talented minds, which led to all kinds of bizarre ideas and theories. People like Dr. Han, previously considered eccentric, were now numerous. It could be said that for them, being weird was normal.
Compared to the biological industry, other sectors were less popular but still developing rapidly, especially in the field of energy. The primary energy sources at present were still coal and oil, as reserves of these fuels were abundant.
However, the deterioration of the air was becoming increasingly visible, causing concern among scientists and elders. Over the past 100 years, the Imperium's development had been remarkably fast. When Elizabeth was a child, it was still the feudal era; now, it had nearly transformed into a modern society.
Before this rapid advancement, the 1st Continent was characterized by lush mountains and water. Now, signs of environmental decline were evident.
This was something Elizabeth and many other elders could hardly tolerate. Among scientists, this deterioration was seen as a consequence of technological progress, which made them uneasy.
"Energy is a major issue," Declared Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady, at the first relevant meeting.
"Coal, oil, and similar resources should be considered transitional. We can no longer develop these sources vigorously. Instead, we must focus on developing alternative energy, preferably without side effects," Suggested a scientist specializing in energy.
"How easy is it to develop alternative energy? Oil and coal are not only energy sources but also vital raw materials, playing a crucial role in the entire industry," Countered a representative of an energy company.
Dozens of people attended this meeting, representing various sectors. Energy companies primarily relied on oil and coal for profit, prioritizing stability, and naturally opposed the rapid development of alternative energy sources.
"I agree that we should proceed carefully. We can't rush things; we must take one step at a time," Another representative added.
More voices joined in, each expressing their opinions or those of their respective powers.
Elizabeth sat quietly in the middle, observing without intervening. Ultimately, more support emerged for developing alternative energy. After all, the Imperium's scientists were numerous and highly esteemed.
"Then let's proceed with the Nuclear Fusion project," Elizabeth announced after surveying the crowd. A decision was finally reached.
Nuclear Fusion was considered the most promising alternative energy source. The discovery of nuclear fusion through the atomic project had sparked many proposals, and numerous research groups were attempting to follow suit.
However, after some time, nuclear fusion proved even more challenging than the atomic project. The technical hurdles associated with nuclear fusion were immense, and progress was slow.
Decades passed without significant breakthroughs. As a result, nuclear fusion was no longer a major nationwide project but was instead classified as a key project with increased funding and policy support.
In the energy sector, transportation was the most critical aspect. Faster transportation would boost the economy. Besides cars and trains, aircraft were another important focus. However, because the Imperium was not large enough, vehicle transportation was sufficient, and aircraft research remained primarily military.
Following the technological advancements, especially after returning from the One Piece world, the maritime industry received unprecedented attention. The Astra Militarum increased investment in shipbuilding, leading to the appearance of numerous warships.
With the expanding oceanic area, more people living at sea ventured further out to fish for various seafood. This led to the discovery of the second continent across the ocean.
The Imperium's authorities had known about this land for decades. Several proposals were made, should they cross the ocean and explore? However, due to other priorities and limited sailing technology, these plans were put on hold. Now, curiosity about the unknown was rekindled.
"The 1st Fleet is ready, and many captains are suggesting whether to explore the land across the sea," Margaret asked Elizabeth for her opinion.
"You all can discuss among yourselves," Elizabeth replied. Aside from the Nuclear Fusion project, her final decision, she did not interfere in these matters.
"Understood," Margaret nodded.
She stepped back and left the room. Before closing the door, she hesitated and looked back at Elizabeth, who appeared gentle and calm. Her intuition told her something was not quite right.
At this time, Elizabeth was 105 years old. Anyone aware of her knew her days were numbered, so the exploration plan was temporarily postponed.
As the Planet Master of Terra, Sebastian could gauge each person's lifespan. However, he did not attempt to predict Elizabeth's remaining years; he simply observed her quietly. Among all the people he had personally mentored in the history of the Imperium, Hayden, Bruno, Kai, and Elizabeth, she was the longest-lived and perhaps the most emotional. Sebastian watched her grow from a curious girl into a technological giant and a pillar of the Imperium.
That day, Elizabeth did something unusual: instead of her usual routine, she stepped outside and circled the Royal Tomb Mountain. She gazed at a familiar place, observing quietly before instructing her driver to take her to the capital.
She had not visited the palace in a long time. It remained unchanged, serving mainly as the residence for royal personnel. Inside, only a few butlers and maids remained.
Elizabeth exited the car and approached her childhood home. The palace had been well maintained, free from dilapidation, and retained its original appearance.
Walking alone through the palace, she spent over an hour exploring. Then she visited other familiar places, the garden she loved as a child, the Supernatural Institute where royal children studied, and the gathering spots she occasionally frequented.
Finally, she arrived at the Stargazing Building, her favorite childhood spot. Climbing to the seventh floor, everything was as she remembered. The old astronomical telescope was still there, operational as ever.
A spark of curiosity appeared in Elizabeth's eyes. She looked through the telescope again, gazing into the sky. Her gaze then shifted toward the hanging planet on the roof, and she recalled her first encounter with Sebastian.
The air seemed to shimmer slightly, and Sebastian appeared.
"Father, I thought you wouldn't show up," Elizabeth said with a small smile.
"Hayden, Kai, and Bruno, I've sent them all away in their last moment," Sebastian's voice echoed through the air.
"Father, what do you think happens to a person after they die?" Elizabeth asked suddenly.
Before Sebastian could answer, she continued, "According to science, a person is just matter transforming after death, but what about the soul?"
"I can't answer that," Sebastian replied after a moment of silence.
"And I wonder what your world is like, Father," Elizabeth rambled on, asking many questions even Sebastian could not answer.
But Sebastian understood she wasn't seeking answers; rather, in her final moments, she simply wanted to communicate with him, and so he listened quietly.
After her last question, Elizabeth looked at the sky and said, "Father, thank you."
She then quietly sat down, her eyes gradually closing. Outside the window, a gentle evening breeze blew, and in the distance, the sunset painted the sky.
[ ===== ]
That peaceful afternoon, Elizabeth passed away peacefully at age 105. The entire Imperium was plunged into shock and grief.
Although following Elizabeth's wishes, no large-scale memorial activities were held, citizens, especially scientists and generals of the Astra Militarum, organized a spontaneous and unprecedented mourning. Everyone brought a white flower in remembrance of this superstar and pillar of the Imperium. All the old members of the Astra Militarum had departed.
After her death, the succession process for the seven cabinet members proceeded smoothly, with Margaret Thatcher officially joining the High Council of Terra.
A New Era had dawned.