042. Adaptive Race
"We understand your pain, and the Annihilation God is willing to accept devout followers."
Konstantin said:
"However, becoming a citizen of a narrative-level civilization is difficult. You will need to pass multiple assessments and swear never to betray our grand narrative. Unless given a mission, you will not be allowed to leave our fixed temporal zone. To integrate into our civilization, your current bloodline will become a burden—we need to change you..."
— This was just typical formalities.
Li Aozi knew their tricks too well.
The actual population of narrative-level civilizations wasn't that high, usually around two trillion. The Empire of Heroes might have more, but no more than five trillion.
However, every narrative-level citizen was an elite from the Abyss, steeped in the essence of their civilization. They did not easily let outsiders in.
The Empire of Heroes categorized its citizens into three classes, but only the first class were true citizens.
The Temple of Annihilation had a different approach: while they outwardly claimed not to want more members, they actually valued bloodlines the most among narrative-level civilizations.
To join, one had to undergo bloodline transformations step by step. Only after transforming into a fully recognized "Nox Spirit" could one officially enter the narrative-level civilization.
Even that wasn't the end; education would follow, along with mandatory marriage and procreation with fellow citizens. After thousands of years, one might finally attain full citizenship.
This process alone took at least 5,000 years, a strategy the Temple of Annihilation used to keep people hooked without granting full benefits.
Even if one didn't complete the process, after transforming their bloodline, these people with Annihilation bloodline would naturally band together.
Would they not be inclined to align with their new kin?
When the Temple of Annihilation prepared for war, these people, eager to prove themselves to their new civilization, would charge headlong into battle.
When they died, the temple would offer some compensation and bear the cost of their bloodline modification—but they would have preserved the pureblood elites.
This conservative strategy led to the rapid expansion of the Nox Spirit bloodline, and they roamed the universe as a feared and hated group, notorious for violence and oppression.
Fortunately, Li Aozi was here specifically for bloodline modification.
After a long spiel, Konstantin finally revealed his true intentions, casually mentioning:
"For a devout believer like you, we're willing to offer you some assistance, free of charge, to help you better integrate into our civilization."
— Nothing is more expensive than free. The profits from running errands and fighting for narrative-level civilizations far outweighed the incomplete benefits they offered.
Li Aozi feigned a look of being honored, devoutly exclaiming, "Great kindness, Annihilation God!"
"Since your path is set, and your faith is strong, I can help you with your bloodline transformation—here are three choices I recommend."
Konstantin spread his hand, revealing three vials of blue, black, and purple potions:
"Nox Spirit — Our main ethnic group, possessing exceptional divine intellect and balanced talents, useful in any field."
"Akarma Spirit — A warlike bloodline specializing in combat and destruction. They excel in martial arts and physical prowess."
"Saclay Spirit — Our most distinguished scholars and mages hail from this lineage. Although their combat abilities are not inferior, their strength lies in intelligence and knowledge."
Konstantin looked at Li Aozi:
"Which one do you wish to choose to become part of our grand narrative?"
Li Aozi hesitated for a moment, seeing his uncertainty, Konstantin asked:
"Is there something you don't understand?"
"I recall that our narrative includes more than these options, right?"
Li Aozi, acting bashfully, said:
"I once read in "Elai Thus Spoke" that there are 17 branches of the spirit race."
""Elai Thus Spoke"? You're quite well-read—it's rare for someone to delve into that... Now I understand your hesitation. Being able to get through that book, you're certainly no ordinary person..."
Konstantin's remark came with a hint of amusement.
Orlaville's face showed shock and disbelief as he looked at Li Aozi, as if seeing someone extraordinary.
'Damn, Leoz,' Orlaville messaged privately: 'You got a narrative-level civilization's elite priest to admit you're no ordinary person.'
'Even the [God of Reality], Leoz, couldn't make the spirit race respect him when he visited the narrative-level civilization. Yet, you, a junior with the same name, did? You're more badass than Leoz!'
[It's not that impressive.]
Li Aozi replied:
[That's just a difficult book to understand. You need a certain skewed logic to get it.]
'Damn, so when he said you weren't ordinary, that's what he meant?'
[Probably.]
While Li Aozi and Orlaville exchanged messages, Konstantin was increasingly impressed by him and eagerly answered his questions.
"Indeed, there are 17 branches of the spirit race, with the three main ones accounting for 70%, and the remaining 14 making up 30%. You're right."
Konstantin grew curious:
"You're quite knowledgeable about narrative-level matters. That's commendable. But are you sure you want to pick one of the other 14 branches?"
"It was the Elai Spirit that first guided me down this path."
Li Aozi immediately showed a look of longing and reverence:
"So, I believe it's only fitting that I choose the Elai Spirit. It would also fulfill my childhood dream."
— Though Li Aozi hadn't actually read the book, the spirit race storyline was notoriously long-winded, spanning several versions. He had dropped it early on.
"Hmm... Leoz, you're a person of deep sentiment, I see. I can already tell you'll be loyal."
Konstantin withdrew the three potions and instead pulled out a pale gold vial from the void:
"The Elai Spirit... Heh, they are both pitiful and great. They excel at creating things they love and are adept researchers. The Grand Architect, Matt Timberlun, came from the Elai Spirit."
He spoke with a tone of nostalgia.
"But that's about it. In all these years, there's only been one Timberlun."
"I should warn you, the Elai Spirit isn't a particularly powerful group. If you're aiming for the path, the main three branches I recommended are better."
"Even so, you're sure about your choice?"
Li Aozi nodded resolutely:
"Yes, I want to join the Elai Spirit."