Chapter Twenty-One: The Source of Everything
On the morning of July 24th, at half past ten, a conference concerning the fate of humanity had just concluded in a certain metaverse meeting room.
At this conference, nations signed two treaties.
The first was the Treaty of Non-Interference Between Reality and Virtuality. As the name suggests, it meant that whatever transpired in the virtual realm must not affect the real world.
The second was the Treaty to Prevent the Expansion of Hatred. This treaty supplemented the first, and was rather intriguing. After signing it, nations were forbidden from using their real-world country names in the virtual realm. For example, China could not be called China in the virtual world; it had to adopt another name. It was as if, by changing names, whatever happened in the virtual world would become unrelated to the real China. Everyone understood, of course, that this was merely self-deception.
As the people in the meeting room gradually dispersed, Wang Cheng, the diplomat from China, suddenly called out to someone.
“Mike, wait a moment.”
The white man addressed as Mike turned around.
Their eyes met, both gazes complex. Forty years ago, they had studied at the same university and were close friends. Later, each returned to their homeland, and contact waned. Eighteen years ago, after a certain incident, their differing stances led to a complete rupture. Now, they found themselves together again, signing treaties of such significance.
“Mike…”
“Is there truly no possibility for humanity to unite? The virtual realm is a tremendous opportunity for us. If only we—”
Wang Cheng's words were cut off by Mike.
“Wang Cheng, what use is it for you to say this to me now? It’s already too late. Don’t you know? Ever since China developed the A01 genetic serum, everything was sealed!”
“But—”
“No buts! These past twenty years, do you truly not know how we've lived? You created the genetic serum and made everyone in the world lose sleep! We live in constant fear! Do you understand? We are genuinely afraid! Afraid you’ll secretly develop A02, A03! Afraid that one day, we’ll wake up and be declared second-class humans or merely clever animals by China! And we’d have no ability to resist! Ha, Wang Cheng, have you ever heard of sheep and wolves cooperating?”
Wang Cheng looked at the agitated Mike and spoke softly, “We paid a great price back then, and have already made concessions.”
At these words, Mike grew even more agitated, his expression contorted.
“Concessions? You call concessions selling half the ge