Story Reader / Main Story / 28 Polaris Bond / Story
The bright sunlight struggles to permeate this somewhat chilly archive. The scent of old paper lingers amidst the rows of bookshelves, creating an ancient yet somewhat unpleasant fragrance.
For some reason, she finds herself addicted to this smell.
Just like that, she moves delicately and silently through the sunlight filtering between the bookshelves—
My lady?
A civil official in a cyan robe emerges from amidst the bookshelves, holding a thick stack of books and obstructing her way.
On the iconic cyan robe of the Suanni Crew, an embroidered animal resembling a lion sits serenely amidst flames. However, the creature is now obscured behind the books he carries, with only a small horn peeking out.
Why are you here?
The Suanni Crew member instinctively lowers his voice.
Am I not allowed here?
That's not what I meant...
Straightening up, the Suanni Crew member temporarily sets the books on the shelf's edge, brushes off the dust on his robe, and kneels before Qu.
It's just that the lord is busy right now—
Wenlan.
A deep, gentle male voice echoes through the corridor.
Yes.
The Suanni Crew member named Wenlan instinctively responds but remains kneeling patiently in front of Qu.
Please keep your voice down. The lord is currently engaged in an important matter.
Or perhaps you could go hang out with your little brother? It's better not to stay here for too long...
I'm looking for a book.
Which book are you looking for?
In a slightly clumsy manner, Qu retrieves a book from her small backpack and offers it to Wenlan.
"Annotations on the Bamboo Annals: Volume One"... Have you finished reading it?
I'm looking for Volume Two.
Alright, I'll find it for you—
Wenlan... Hmm?
The voice becomes clearer this time as a figure appears at the corner of the archive's entrance.
Lord Zheng.
Qu, what's the matter?
I'm looking for a book.
Zheng approaches Qu and kneels down. The Suanni Crew member, who was previously in front of her, rises naturally and hands the book Qu gave him to Zheng with respect.
You finished reading the first volume so quickly?
Yes.
Do you enjoy reading these kinds of books?
Yes.
A profound sense of destiny stirs within Zheng's heart.
So, any thoughts?
...It's different from the thicker history book I read before.
Many of the same events are recorded differently in each book.
History is written by people, Qu.
When involving people, there are often different perspectives on the same event.
...Huh?
Qu tilts her head, not understanding the meaning of these words.
It's alright. You're still young.
When you grow older, you'll understand.
Wenlan, give her the second volume.
Take her there later, with Yin.
Yes, my lord.
Zheng rises to his feet and ruffles Qu's hair before leaving the archive.
Qu's dark green hair glistens in the sunlight. The hue is so dense that even as it flows from the man who just departed the archive to Qu, it remains unfaded.
From west to east, a straight line cuts through Kowloong, indicating the direction of this grant city.
From the center to the east, numerous educational institutions fall under Fuxi's jurisdiction, alongside the primary residences of the Kowloong people. These structures extend far, reaching all the way to the rugged natural harbor outside Zhenlan Gate on the eastern cliffs.
To the west, leading up to Hexabridge Gate, lies the vibrant commercial hub of Kowloong, with Hexabridge Port situated beyond, linking the Kowloong Chamber of Commerce to the outside world.
At the center of this axis sits the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce.
In this area, ancient Kowloong architecture is meticulously maintained, with old city walls coated in dark lacquer remaining intact. Even certain antique mechanisms integrated into the buildings are still operational.
While preserving these ancient edifices, the Chamber has erected numerous modern buildings, forming a distinctive fusion of the traditional and the contemporary—a spectacle exclusive to Kowloong.
It is here that over ninety percent of the core departments of the Chamber are located. Besides the offices scattered across the area, the Kowloong Crew also gathers here, making it the true center—
Within the thousand-meter-high skyscraper that overlooks the entire Kowloong, unceasingly vast sums of Grubs circulate in the hands of the Chiwen Crew elites, who hold sway over the economic pulse of the Chamber and even other nations and organizations.
They never hide their greed and schemes because, within this financial hub second only to the Transatlantic Economic Community, they fortify the bedrock of Kowloong and the Chamber. The resounding clink of Grubs serves as the best reward for the Chiwen Crew.
Just a hundred meters from this skyscraper stands a five-story bell tower, the most heavily guarded structure in the city. Despite being overshadowed by the skyscraper, the Pulao Crew members inside spend day and night safeguarding the vast land of Kowloong.
From the snowy plains in the far north to the cutting-edge spaceport in the sky, their presence is ever where Kowloong requires safeguarding. Particularly known is how the Pulao Crew steadfastly upholds the everyday lives of their people.
In this mere 8 million square meter area, the Kowloong Crew diligently carries out their responsibilities day after day, year after year, without faltering.
As per ancient Kowloong customs, any location housing significant books must employ water to counter fire, either by constructing a pond or integrating the concept of water into its name.
At the heart of the Chamber's central hub, situated before the Kowloong Central Library, lies a small island. This island divides the grand river streaming from the northwest of Kowloong into two, believed to be the pivotal location of ancient Kowloong a millennium ago.
From afar, even though the library and administrative center were later erected by the Chamber, they embrace the same classical architectural style as the neighboring ancient structures. It showcases a meticulously crafted design, harmonizing with its surroundings.
Its steel canopy, towering nearly 200 meters high, supports an artificial sky with a truss structure that mirrors the live sky outdoors. Three immense flags of Kowloong dangle, casting shadows on the floor of the main hall, symbolizing Kowloong's past, present, and future.
The intricate fusion of dark blue and pale gray bricks, along with marble arrangements, upholds Kowloong's traditional simplicity and robustness while integrating contemporary designs, befitting the era. Merely standing in the solemn and majestic main hall evokes an intangible sense of reverence.
Nevertheless, the designers hired by the Chamber's Bixi Crew were not even locals of Kowloong, yet they adeptly captured the spirit of the structure, or more precisely, the essence of Kowloong itself.
"My ultimate vision is to construct a city that converses with the future. Kowloong possesses ample depth to stride into the future, much like this library," said the young and promising architect.
The administrative offices of the Chamber are situated within this expansive library. All significant and minor matters are determined here, and the heart of Kowloong—the Monarch of Kowloong—also resides here.
This is why the young Qu and her elder brother Yin can sit in the portico of the council hall, listening to the deliberations.
...Lord Zheng, there is one more matter.
The financial report of the Northern Finance Department for this fiscal year has been finalized. The current outlook... is not promising.
...Go ahead.
The primary concerns are still centered around the satellite launch center located in the far north.
Two years ago, when the decision was made to construct the Tsiolkovsky Launch Center in the far north, the Northern Finance Department and Bixi's Northern Public Works Department put forward a budget of 70.5 billion.
In accordance with your prior decision, we constructed the launch center to meet the highest standards. The project entailed cooperation with the Fuxi Research Institute and their Science Council, resulting in a highly successful endeavor.
—Please forgive me for interrupting.
In the satellite launch center project, the budget for our research institute, Kowloong Central University, and the Science Council is under our purview.
We have no problems with the budgets and final accounts of the research institute and Kowloong Central University.
Yes.
After a brief silence in the council hall, the Chiwen Crew member continues speaking.
Of course, we have reviewed the Fuxi Crew's budgets and final accounts, and there are no issues.
To get back on track, what the Northern Finance Department and Northern Public Works Department mean is that the launch center can be fully operational by next summer at the latest, ready to undertake launch missions.
However... the final account presented by the Northern Finance Department amounts to 77 billion.
An overrun of 6.5 billion... almost 10% more.
Do you know what 6.5 billion can equate to?
...
It equates to building ten more Kua-Er-class cargo ships.
I have already instructed the Northern Finance Department to conduct an immediate investigation—
The money has already been spent.
You should have some explanations. Go ahead.
Upon receiving the final account from the Northern Finance Department, I immediately made a thorough review.
It was noted that The satellite launch center sits at a high altitude, half of it on dense permafrost. Specialized hard shield machines were used for excavating the underground assembly plant and foundation, with extra stone to prevent loosening during spring and winter.
During the construction of the launch platform, the Northern Public Works Department determined that the rare earth materials acquired from the Arctic Route Union did not entirely meet our quality requirements. Consequently, superior materials sourced internally were utilized.
There are also some unplanned auxiliary facilities... Two additional cold reactors were constructed near the satellite launch center for emergency purposes, incurring additional expenses for fuel and construction.
These scattered items added up... to an extra 3.5 billion.
What about the remaining amount?
Moreover, given the necessity for connectivity between our original northern satellite launch base and the new launch center, the Northern Finance Department installed an additional surface track for the transportation of rocket components.
What kind of surface track would cost 3 billion?
Well...
I only know that to meet the requirements of heavy load and operational stability without major disassembly of rockets and space shuttles, the surface track had to be custom-built.
Moreover... this...
What is it?
Possibly due to confidentiality considerations, the surface transport track and excavation work were not contracted to Norman Mining Corp but were handled by a contractor under your family's name—
Be mindful of your words! Are you insinuating—
Enough!
A stern rebuke resonates through the council hall, and for a moment, the silence is so profound that a pin drop could be heard.
Following a prolonged silence, footsteps draw near to the portico where Qu and Yin are seated.
Father.
Upon spotting Zheng at the edge of the portico, the teenage boy promptly rises from his seat.
Take Qu back, Yin.
Yes, Father.
What happened today...
Will you just let it slide?
What have I taught you, Yin?
Answer me.
...Do not pursue ephemeral fame, but strive for lasting benefit.
Take Qu back.
Zheng pats Yin's shoulder, issues directives to the guard by the door, and then turns back into the council hall.
Let's go, Qu.
Hmph...
This is a false accusation.
Did you not hear Father?
Do not pursue ephemeral fame, but strive for lasting benefit.
But... I don't understand.
Holding the book "Annotations on the Bamboo Annals: Volume Two" close to her chest, Qu jumps down from the seat.
Within the portico, the guards labor to draw closed the tall, ancient wooden gate of the council hall. The hinges, a thousand years old, dutifully fulfill their task, gradually shutting the gate in front of Qu and Yin.
Until the last moment, Qu clings to the history book against her chest. In her confused gaze, there is only the solitary figure of her father.
Give it back... Give it back...
You made this? Who would believe that?!
This is mine... Give it back...
The trash that made Aunt Xi die surely has a thing for trash!
My toy...
Give it back!!!
A desperate scream emanates from the yard, followed by the raspy cries of a child.
Having lost the focus to continue reading, Qu sets aside the book and pushes open the door.
In the yard, two boys are in a scuffle. Yet, it's not entirely accurate to describe it as "two boys" fighting. It's more like a boy around six latching onto the upper body of a teenager around fifteen, his hands tightly grasping the older boy's neck.
Maybe it's an unforeseen surge of strength during the scuffle; the older boy can't wriggle loose. Despite his eyes being bloodshot from the lack of oxygen, he still holds the handmade mechanical toy high.
The younger boy, clutching the older boy's throat, bellows and roars like a madman.
Give it back!!!!!
Dai!
Attracted by the commotion, Yin rushes from the garden's other side and grabs the boy who is nearly strangling the other.
Dai!!!
Give it back!!!!!
Qu! Get over here and help!
Responding to her brother's directive, Qu dashes to the center of the yard. Uncertain of how to intervene, she grabs her younger brother's sleeve to halt him from actually strangling their cousin on the ground.
It takes all their strength, but eventually, Yin and Qu succeed in pulling Dai away and subduing him. Their cousin, lying on the ground, is almost unconscious, weeping and trembling from the fear of death.
Yet, Dai's toy has already broken in half, lying silently on the ancient stone pavement of the garden.
Hey! What's going on?! Ke!!
A tall young man in his twenties rushes in from the entrance, hastening to the side of the boy on the ground and assisting him to his feet.
He... he... he...
...My... neck... dying...
Yan... Yan... help... help...
Are you alright? How are you feeling? I'll call a medic—
He... he...
Ke, who was nearly strangled by Dai, points tremblingly in Dai's direction.
Hey, you guys...
After confirming that his little brother is not in mortal peril, Yan, the tall young man, stands before the trio with a somber expression.
What on Earth happened?
He... he took my stuff first!
And he called me a liar... said... said my stuff was trash...
Dai glares at Ke, who leans against the stone, with a lethal expression.
Can anyone prove it?!
I can!
I heard it! Ke said it himself. He insulted Dai and our family!
Qu peeks out from behind Yin, meeting Yan's fierce gaze without faltering.
Yin...
Without a word, Yin pulls Qu's sleeve, shielding her and Dai behind him.
You should know what our family has taught us.
An eye for an eye, and only the outcome matters.
Protecting Qu and Dai behind him, Yin steps back, narrowly avoiding the punch aimed at Dai.
You asked for this—
The two young men in their twenties immediately pounce on each other in the yard, their brawl far more brutal than that of Dai and Ke.
...On your knees.
An old man in a cyan robe sits in the armchair in the hall. Beneath his terrifying, raspy voice are the subdued pleas of many and the cries of women and children.
Yin kneels silently in the hall, pulling open the front of his robe.
Qu and Dai stand behind him, and Dai is still clutching the broken mechanical toy.
Wenyuan, what punishment should be given for harming a clan member?
Master Xun, according to the rites, twenty stick strokes.
Xun is merely an old man in a coarse robe, yet he fills the room like a mountain, making it difficult to breathe.
As the saying goes, brothers may fight within, but they stand united against outsiders.
Conflict is inevitable.
With that said, Xun deliberately pauses, gazing at the kneeling Yin and the silent Qu and Dai with their heads bowed.
Qu, Dai, and Ke are still young, so they will not be punished.
Yan has already received twenty strokes, Yin.
Xun intentionally calls out Yin's name, yet the young man remains kneeling on the ground with his neck straightened.
Seeing no response from the three, a barely perceptible hint of fierceness flickers in Xun's eyes, yet he continues speaking in a slow, deliberate manner.
Let's get this over with then.
Ouch... it hurts!
In the family's private ward, a medic carefully applies pain-relieving and anti-swelling ointment to Yin's back.
Qu stands behind the medic, staring at the bruised and battered wounds on Yin's back.
Meanwhile, Dai sits quietly on another bed nearby, observing the bustling medics, still clutching the broken toy.
Miss Qu, Young Master Yin will be unable to attend to matters for a period. We have disinfected the area and applied medical ointment.
Thank you.
Don't even mention it. We're just doing our job.
The medic extends a hand and taps a small canister hanging by the bedside, promptly filling it with a pale yellow gas. Several thin tubes connected to the bottom are attached to Yin's back.
If Young Master Yin experiences pain again, just tap this canister as I did earlier.
This is a simple mechanical device with no circuits, and it is very safe.
I see.
Then... we'll be off.
The white-robed medics bow to Qu and then leave the ward, carrying various medical equipment.
Just as Qu is about to follow the medics out, a group of Yazi Crew members block her path.
Miss Qu.
Lord Zheng has ordered that Miss Qu, Young Master Dai, and Young Master Yin must not leave here before midnight.
Why's that?!
Show me the order. I want to see it.
This is a direct verbal directive from Lord Zheng. As per his request, we are here to ensure your safety.
It is then that Qu notices the ward is now surrounded by fully armed Yazi Crew members, who arrived when the medics were tending to Yin.
But...
I don't know anything beyond that.
While we are stationed here, no one will enter, and for safety reasons, none of you will be allowed to leave.
What about my father?
If he sent you to protect us, it means there might be danger.
Why aren't you protecting my father?
Lord Zheng has his own matters to attend to.
...Please stop asking questions, Miss Qu.
Please go back inside.
Wait.
Qu stubbornly holds onto the doorframe.
Please go to our study and bring my book.
And bring Dai's toolbox as well.
Yes, my lady.
The lead Yazi guard nods and immediately turns to issue orders to his subordinates.
Qu has no choice but to silently return to the ward, sitting beside Dai.
Time slips from the edge of the setting sun, soon coming deep into the night.
Three hundred years have passed in the history book Qu is reading, and Dai is nearly done fixing the broken toy. Yin, who had been gasping in pain, is now breathing steadily, having fallen into sleep.
—Snap.
The room's lights and the medical monitor all go out, leaving only a faint light filtering in from outside.
A power outage?
This doesn't make sense...
Qu closes the book, leaps off the bedside, and opens the ward door, only to find someone other than the Yazi guards standing there.
Father—
Qu's voice rises, but Zheng quickly crouches at the door, gesturing for her to be quiet.
Father...
Dad...
Dai, who has been tinkering with the toy, also approaches the door.
Alright, alright.
Don't wake Yin up. Let him sleep a bit.
This...
You fixed it? Well done.
You can go ask a Fuxi scholar about it. Maybe you can make it move on its own.
Alright.
Go on, go inside.
Zheng hands the toy back to Dai, pats his shoulder, and Dai quietly returns to the bed where he just assembled the toy.
Did something happen?
It's nothing, Qu.
You stay right here. This place is very safe.
You never tell us anything!
...
Do you really want to know, Qu?
The flickering candlelight illuminates their faces. It isn't until years later that Qu understands the profound meaning behind her father's expression.
Yes.
Your brother has done well; it's just that today happened to be the day for this matter.
Yin... he was actually taking the blame for me today, and he did not let me down.
After today, you'll hear from many people that they dislike your older brother as well as they dislike your dad.
Why?
You're still too young to understand.
When you grow up, you'll know.
You said the same thing last time.
Because that's the truth, Qu.
Certain obscure truths cannot be recorded in history. Despite being correct, they may only become lies of history.
Many things we do now may not be understood, and they will only reveal their significance in the distant future.
You must look further ahead, Qu.
Zheng shakes the lantern and takes out the candle. Shielding the flame with his hands, he hands it to Qu.
A candle?
The power will be out for a while longer. Use this candle for now.
Does this really count as a light?
Of course, it's a light, and only such a light won't be extinguished at such a time.
Lord Zheng, the EMP has been confirmed effective. We're ready.
I see.
Fighting evil with evil is the only way to deal with them.
As Zheng straightens up, the candle in Qu's hand flickers, casting his tall and lean shadow outside the door.
Do not leave here, Qu. Stay and protect Dai and Yin.
No matter what happens outside, you must not leave, understand?
I see.
Let's get started.
Zheng gestures to the Yazi Crew behind him and exits the doorway without looking back, leaving Qu and the candlelight in her hand behind.
This is a piece of "history" not recorded in the annals of Kowloong.
On that day, the entire Kowloong experienced the largest power outage since the Chamber's unification in the Golden Age.
Rumors in Kowloong suggest that during the five hours from the blackout until power was restored the next day, the Yazi Crew, unrestricted by the Bian and Pulao Crews, purged the entire Kowloong under the veil of night.
Even the night patrols of the Chaofeng Crew fell silent that night, folding back their wings.
Of course, these are just rumors. And rumors, after all, cannot be recorded in history.
Even years later, when the Suanni Crew documented this piece of history, they would, under the instructions of Qu, who had by then become the Monarch of Kowloong, dutifully erase the pages detailing that day.
Certain obscure truths cannot be recorded in history. Despite being correct, they may only become lies of history.
