Chapter 2059: Chapter 2059

Although the contest for the Savior of the 18th Epoch had reached its final stages, this was the first time the Church had witnessed a Savior's Emblem take shape before their very eyes in this disaster-ridden era. It might well be the last emblem to form, yet the Church still regarded it with utmost importance, eager to document the entire process. Perhaps it could provide valuable guidance for the next epoch, thousands of years in the future.

Consequently, the number of observers grew until Jenkins, upon arriving at the negotiation hall high above the church courtyard, was stunned to find it half-full.

Even during the tense negotiations over the Savior's identity, there had never been so many people present.

The power converging from the void had nearly reached its peak. Jenkins's soul could still bear it, but his body was beginning to buckle under the strain. The fusion of King Souls in his heart, saturated with an overwhelming amount of power, felt like it was swelling to the point of explosion. Jenkins knew he had to deliver his final declaration as quickly as possible, lest something go awry.

Waiting below for him to speak were representatives from the Twelve Orthodox Churches, members of the pseudo-god cults who had gradually arrived at the Nolan Church of the Sage, and envoys from the three major human kingdoms and their vassal states.

"I stand before you today to speak as the current King of Fidektri and as the Saint of the Righteous God, the Legacy Sage."

He glanced at the speech in his hand, then set it aside. After a slight cough, his voice boomed, resonating in every corner of the vast negotiation hall.

"Earlier today, I had the honor of becoming the sole recognized Savior of this epoch. A speech was expected then, but due to some internal procedural matters that needed to be discussed, it was postponed until now.

Everyone, please listen carefully!"

"As of today, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six years have passed in the 18th Epoch. According to ancient legends and the prophecies of seers, the end of the era is upon us. And whenever an epoch's story concludes, a great cataclysm will befall the world.

This is not the mere rumor of heretical cultists, nor is it the deluded ranting of the ignorant and foolish. It is fact. Therefore, in accordance with ancient tradition, and to ensure that the brilliant civilization of humanity successfully transitions into the next epoch, we must unite our efforts and stand together as one. We must face the coming disaster collectively, not as individuals fighting alone."

The Church had already briefed the various representatives on these matters in private, but this was the first time someone had stated it so openly at the beginning of a meeting.

"As for the monsters that do not belong to the mortal world, those terrifying beings that lurk in the black clouds and gray fog, they will naturally be confronted by the Orthodox Churches. It is the responsibility and duty of us Enchanters to select a Savior to face that final, sinful entity.

But even if all the monsters are defeated, the gray fog and black clouds will remain. These are the sins of humanity's own creation, and they must be redeemed by humanity itself. The Air Protection Act is but one measure. Much more cooperation will be required, jointly formulated and implemented by the human kingdoms and the Orthodox Churches.

We do this not for ourselves, but for the world, for our children, and for our entire race."

After a moment of simple applause, Jenkins reached into his pocket and pulled out a large manila envelope. He carefully opened it to reveal a thick stack of documents.

"Economy, environment, steam technology, culture... we are facing a revolution. The transition from the 18th to the 19th Epoch is not a simple changing of the calendar. We need a comprehensive transformation to adapt to the current social environment and the needs of ordinary people—and, of course, to the changes of the world itself." Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by novel✶fire.net

Jenkins then proceeded to break down the primary and secondary conflicts in each of the fields he had mentioned. From his own perspective, he analyzed the numerous problems encountered during their development, addressed the future prospects of key industries, and estimated the potential difficulties they might face, all grounded in real-world issues.

He dissected the era with meticulous detail, and this entire speech was something he had "written" himself. Before this moment, not even Hathaway, who was theoretically closest to him, knew Jenkins possessed such a talent. And yet, almost everything he said was correct.

Some of his points might have been superficial, but they proved that he had genuinely contemplated these issues and truly seen the problems.

This was an analysis delivered by a member of another civilization, systematically derived from history, experience, and the ideas of great thinkers from his past. The Jenkins of old was certainly no expert in these matters, but by comparing and contrasting the commonalities of the two worlds, he was more than capable of extracting those shared problems from the annals of another history.

For now, he was only presenting the problems. The solutions were in the books he had left for Jessica.

This lengthy speech continued until four in the afternoon. Aside from his voice, the hall was utterly silent. Perhaps some had initially dismissed the speech, assuming it was just a ploy for Williamette to seize leadership over the three kingdoms.

But they had not expected him to possess such genuine substance. While the young king might still be somewhat naive in certain aspects, he was still very young. Compared to others his age, the future of Jenkins Williams was immeasurable.

"Do you have anything you wish to say?"

Jessica, who had been by Queen Isabella's side the entire time, asked in a low voice.

"Do you believe that the path you've held to for so long has been the correct one?"

"Did he come up with all of this himself? You had nothing to do with it?"

"Yes, I can assure you of that."

Jessica replied softly. The old woman remained silent, her eyes fixed on Jenkins, who was still speaking passionately from the stage.

"How is that possible? No matter how brilliant someone is, politics and governance cannot be understood simply by reading books."

She was right. It was a discipline born of experience.

"But doesn't our world still have gods?"

Jessica whispered again. Queen Isabella was silent for a long time, so Jessica pressed on.

"I have always maintained that Jenkins is the most suitable candidate."

The old woman let out a deep sigh.

"Jessica, you must be laughing at me right now, aren't you?"

"How could I? But I do believe my perspective has been validated."

Hearing those words, Jessica smiled in relief. She looked up, intending to continue watching Jenkins, but Queen Isabella spoke again.

"Making him king was indeed the best choice. But... I am truly curious, Jessica. Did you honestly never harbor any desire to become queen yourself?"

Jessica smiled at her.

"To be honest, of course I did. And for a very long time."

"Then why did you yield to Jenkins? I admit now that I was wrong in the past; he truly is the best choice. But why did you do it? Was it love?"

"Of course not. Love came later. At first, it was simply because I felt you looked very tired."

"And I didn't want to be that tired."

Queen Isabella nodded, saying nothing more.

At four in the afternoon, Jenkins finally concluded his point on the issue of transportation. He sensed instinctively that the moment had come, so he let the documents fall from his hands.

"The coming decades are destined to be fraught with disaster. Anything can happen, both expected and unexpected... I hereby propose... no, I demand it in my personal capacity."

He was growing weary, so his words became blunt.

"For the next few decades, humanity—and I mean the entire human race, from supernatural forces to mortal kingdoms—must rally to my side, with me as the core, to face what is to come together."

The hall fell silent. He lifted his head, his gaze sweeping from left to right across the assembly. He took a deep breath, and the immense power he had suppressed for hours erupted from his body. Golden light gradually spread, eventually enveloping the entire negotiation hall.

He was the epicenter of that golden light. The oppressive force it generated made it difficult for people to even look at him directly. Furthermore, the subtle effect of his [Aura of Fear], even at its lowest output, combined to create a truly staggering spectacle.

"Who agrees? Who objects?"

After a few seconds of silence, he roared the question. Of course, no one would dare speak now. In this state, even if they objected inwardly, they would never have the courage to say it aloud.

"Perhaps those who object can raise their hands now. Oh, everyone, if anyone objects to the initiative I just proposed, please raise your hand. I can personally record your information, one by one. I guarantee I won't miss a single vote."

He spoke again. As expected, he saw no one dare to raise a hand. Anyone who did so now would be either a madman or a fool.

"I can represent Fidektri and agree to the previous demand. Speaking of which, while I am now king, I still lack executive authority... Your Majesty Isabella."

He stated, turning to the queen. She nodded and, with Jessica's help, rose to her feet.

"No problem. Fidektri will always follow you, Jenkins."

She would have to be insane to disagree.

"Then, Your Majesty Sarlis II."

He turned his gaze to the old king sitting with Dolores. The king shook his head with a slight smile, refusing Dolores's assistance as he stood on his own.

"No problem, Jenkins. Your promises are all trustworthy."

This was a reminder to Jenkins that he had once promised not to let Fidektri annex Cheslan.