Rebirth of the Interstellar Pope <Mecha>

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

[Rufeite: I have to say, sometimes I really want to smack that calm and flirtatious demeanor of Gaso's!]

Anno smiled and hooked his finger under Rufeite's chin. "Hello, little boy."

Rufeite raised an eyebrow. "Did you notice it?"

Anno replied, "The four-dimensional images are all synthesized by computer programs. The figures within them are mere copies. Only the little boy possesses his own subjective consciousness. Moreover, the perspective of the entire image aligns with his viewpoint."

Rufeite relaxed his shoulders, stood up, and stepped back to sit at the opposite table. "Let's change the subject."

"Okay," Anno agreed.

Rufeite crossed his legs and snapped his fingers. "A galaxy 3,000 light-years away, commissioned by the top leaders of the United Nations."

Anno remarked, "This shouldn't be tomorrow's military training mission." Rufeite clearly had exaggerated assumptions about Anno's identity-perhaps thinking he was the first Pope Camilla. Anno didn't mind going along with it for now.

"Of course not," Rufeite responded. The ceiling opened, revealing a blue light screen. A silver galaxy spun on the display, and as the scene zoomed in, a red planet came into focus. "This is an unknown galaxy, referred to as 'Red Fire' by the United Nations. It is rich in red ore resources, the value of which is incalculable. Originally, this planet was owned by a very old family, but recently they sold 'Red Fire' to the United Nations. However..."

Without thinking, Anno interrupted, "'Red Fire'? That's the name given by the United Nations. I recall it should be called 'Guangdi La,' meaning 'Desolate Land.' The red ore resources there are indeed abundant, but this isn't an unknown galaxy, and the ownership doesn't lie with some ancient family. The rulers of 'Guangdi La' are actually a group of low-intelligence life forms. This is a major planet; the Interstellar United Nations cannot possibly be unaware of this."

The screen displayed the latest news, highlighting the United Nations' solicitation for development rights to "Red Fire." Developers were clamoring for a chance, and the prices had skyrocketed.

Rufeite shifted in his seat, crossing his legs. "Oh, so it's called 'Guangdi La.' The Interstellar United Nations definitely knew about it, yet they still sent a mech team to clean up the mess."

Anno raised an eyebrow. "Clean up the mess?"

"Essentially, it means they won't cooperate unless they can use force. They intend to eliminate all the low-level intelligent beings and then develop the planet without opposition."

Though Anno was accustomed to the shady dealings of the political elite, he couldn't help but remark, "What a bunch of lunatics."

"Yes, that's what I said when I took on this mission," Rufeite replied.

As the light screen disappeared, Anno asked, "Now that you've accepted this mission, what's your plan?"

At that moment, their consciousnesses intertwined, forming a thick barrier within the library. Anno and Rufeite exchanged knowing smiles.

Rufeite extended his hand. "I'm glad to have a like-minded comrade."

Anno took his hand and shook it firmly. "The United Nations has always been keen on monitoring the actions of religious leaders. It's surprising that after all these years, this bad habit hasn't changed."

Rufeite nodded. "The lower-intelligence beings sought asylum from the Vatican. Once the Vatican got involved, the United Nations handed this hot potato over to me. To put it bluntly, this is a historical issue within the church."