“In short, just manually adjust this such that the pointer is always in the centre of the green patch for all the meters here,” said Gaius. “Got it?”
“Question,” said Xanadu. “What’s the point of that long-ass explanation then?”
“To show off?” Gaius tilted his head. “I’m just kidding. If something more complicated happens, knowing all these would help you adjust these issues better, even without my input.”
“Oh.” She glanced at Nexus, who was currently sitting on top of a floating azure crystal. “But isn’t he here too?”
“Just in case, okay?” Gaius chuckled. “Right, that reminds me. Xanadu, you can actually leave this place and mingle around with your people in Celestia. Maybe you might be able to do something there too, or help the newcomers integrate into this new world. Anything goes, really.”
“Me?” Xanadu frowned. “Is that okay? Celestia isn’t fully formed yet, right?”
“It isn’t, but I believe you have something you need to do here,” Gaius replied. “Your companions who vanished…did they not leave behind any wills? Any last wishes?”
Xanadu took a deep breath, and then smiled. “Thanks. Owe you one.”
“You took care of the others while I wasn’t around. I haven’t paid you back for that,” Gaius replied. “Go, go. Shoo. You have things to do, right? Do you still remember their names and their faces?”
She nodded.
“Good.” Gaius paused for a moment. “Right, remember that you have some level of authority in Celestia. With it, you can definitely create a monument or something, so go wild. To return here or to Orb, just think about it once, and that would do. Remember not to use too much physical strength, since you’re here in your whole body. Try not to…”
After issuing a slew of warnings, Gaius cleared his throat. “Alright, you’re free to go now. Have a great time.”
Xanadu rolled her eyes, and then twirled on the spot. Vanishing with a little pop, Gaius confirmed her arrival below, and then leaned back.
“The same goes for the rest of you. If you want to, you guys can try having fun there, or help guide the lost newcomers into the developed areas.” He stretched his neck. “After all, unlike the chaotic Orb, this place has been developing in peace for a very long time. Best to enjoy it now, before the newcomers from Orb make a real splash.”
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He glanced at the computer screen. Over ten million people had arrived here, landing in a secluded area. For their sake, something like a basic tutorial had been included for them, allowing them to survive on their own by introducing them to the concept of creation.
It was a function Gaius modelled after his own ability to create objects, just that it was far more limited in nature. With it, basic needs like food and shelter would be met, removing the most fundamental reasons for conflict. After all, he hadn’t quite forgotten how people had bared their teeth at each other when the Wildlands stopped the Five Lands’ invasion with very skilful techniques; Gaius had no wish to see any repeat of that tragedy again.
“At least you’re aware,” said Isabelle. “Introducing people who have been accustomed to a lawless way of life into this world…”
“There’s a punishment function for that,” Gaius replied. “The great gods couldn’t guide and shape Orb for two reasons — they lacked a concrete philosophy and needed to slumber. However, I can use the most basic of rights as a guiding principle. Infringing the right to life and the right to liberty will call down a lightning bolt. Things like murder, wrongful confinement, rape…Celestia will deal with those infringements personally.”
“How about the more complex issues?” Isabelle asked.
“That’s not something I can or should deal with.” Gaius folded his arms. “For us who live up high, we should not interfere with the finer tenets of life, since we do not belong in them. How the world develops in terms of culture is not something I have the right to deal with.”
“And you’re quite a lazy person,” Isabelle added.
“Now that’s just slander.” Gaius shook his head. “I’m wondering if I should apply this to large-scale conflicts, though. Like wars and things.”
“You’re still worried about that?”
“People can be rather dumb at times,” Gaius replied. “Even if there’s no benefit to fighting, they might just do it. Or maybe there’s someone charismatic enough to rally people around for some illogical fight. I don’t know, but better to be sure.”
“How does the lightning work?” Nakama asked, intrigued. “Under what conditions would lightning fall?”
“Well, simply intending to injure someone will trigger lightning,” Gaius replied. “It’s not normal lightning either, so it’s always going to hit. It won’t kill, but the shock would render the target immobile. If you guys have better suggestions than this, do tell me, though.”
“What about people who order others to kill?” Nexus asked.
“Ideally, people should understand that being struck by lightning is a sign that he or she is trying to commit an unforgivable crime,” Gaius replied. “Under such a scenario, the culprit should be interrogated and investigated. Making use of established processes, the people down there should be able to ferret out the mastermind…hopefully, anyway.”
“How messy.”
“Right? It’s harder than you think. This is probably why the great gods chose not to interfere with Orb back then,” Gaius replied. “Whatever. My drive led me up to this path, and it fortunately ends at the establishment of Celestia. The future is up to the rest now.”
Isabelle placed her hands on his shoulders. “Do not speak like this. You’re scaring me. It sounds like you’re about to…leave.”
“…Okay. I won’t.”
“Really?” Isabelle’s hands tightened. “But it feels like you’re preparing for a future without you once more.”
“Technically speaking, I won’t be governing Celestia.” Gaius smiled. “That’s probably why you have such a sentiment. Don’t worry. I’m not going to die or vanish. I’ll be here.”
He looked at the others, who were staring at him pensively. “I promise.”