The country is vast and rich, with over a billion people. In this era of information, many things are difficult to conceal. The previous incident with the aliens was suppressed by the authorities, but after this small-scale outbreak, it has become increasingly difficult to contain.
Within a couple of days, videos and photos of monsters attacking people began appearing online, causing public opinion to explode and widespread panic.
City S has been placed under a complete lockdown for inspection.
The authorities have not yet issued an official response, but the vast majority of people trust them and are actively cooperating with the inspections. After the first round of screening, over two thousand people were placed in centralized quarantine.
These individuals believed they were suffering from a serious illness and were greatly frightened. Upon arrival, they discovered they had been sent to a resort. Instead of treatment, they were asked about their preferences and needs, offered assistance, and engaged in simple daily activities. Kind and approachable psychologists also provided them with counseling.
A week later, three-quarters of these individuals were allowed to leave the resort.
After receiving targeted assistance, most of the remaining people also recovered.
Through the investigation of these individuals, City S also dismantled a deeply hidden drug den, two illegally operating nightclubs, and dozens of scumbags who preyed on the weak.
After a month of "treatment," twelve individuals who were on the verge of becoming alien monsters were taken back, while others with severe conditions remained in isolation for "treatment."
Public opinion on the internet gradually improved as more people returned to normal.
"It wasn't treatment; we weren't sick at all. We had a great time playing at a resort for over a week! Later, we had another check-up and were sent back."
"It felt like a vacation. I had been so busy, only getting four or five hours of sleep a day, and my life was miserable. After a week of relaxation, I feel so much better."
"I'm from XX Town. We run a small convenience store. Recently, a group of thugs from town targeted us, robbing us daily. My father refused to let them in when he closed shop, and they beat him into the hospital. For two days, I was so angry, I wanted to take a knife and die with them. We went to that place, and a police officer asked if we had suffered any oppression in our lives. I told him, and those thugs were also there. When I came out, they were taken to the police station. I'm so happy!"
"My neighbor, a woman, was subjected to long-term domestic violence. Her in-laws and her own family told her to endure it. This time, her whole family went. That man was also sentenced. It's truly satisfying!"
"Those beasts finally received their due punishment. The sun is out!"
"I was molested as a child, and my depression worsened. That beast was highly esteemed and admired. I wanted to sue him, but no one heard me. Many times, I wanted to kill him and then myself. This time, he was brought down and sentenced to life imprisonment. It feels like the sky has brightened so much. I will try my best to live!"
"Took a short break, slowed down the pace, and realized life is still quite beautiful."
"There is truly light in this world!"
"..."
After the locals shared their experiences, other netizens speculated about the reasons behind this operation. Some said it was a new round of crime crackdown, others that the country was focusing on the lives of ordinary people, and some believed it was to improve national happiness...
A very small number of people guessed it was related to monsters, but their voices were faint. It was difficult to establish a connection between the two, and it did not cause much stir.
During this month, Sheng Jiangchen's worldview shattered and reformed countless times. Many times, he wished he could wake himself up, only to find that when he truly woke up in his dreams, reality was even more terrifying.
The alien monsters that only existed in science fiction movies and horror stories had truly descended upon their world, and even, were by their side.
Therefore, the first thing he did upon his return was to find Zhuo Jin to ask questions.
"Did you know about the monsters all along? What did you say to my uncle about aliens and genes? Are those monsters a result of human gene mutation? Besides the testing equipment, what else have you manufactured? Can it deal with them? Do we have them now? What kind of weapons?"
"Calm down first," Zhuo Jin said, her head throbbing from his shouting. "You've been gone for a month, and you know nothing?"
Sheng Jiangchen shook his head like a rattle drum. "Of course not. I know aliens are transformed humans, and it's related to emotions or energy, but what I want now is weapons that can deal with them. For my grandfather, my parents, my parents are still abroad. Is it safe abroad? Should I send the old man to be with them?"
Zhuo Jin didn't even want to call him stupid. "Those monsters originate from collective karma. Everyone. If you think foreigners aren't people and won't be affected, then send them."
Sheng Jiangchen: "...Then I'd better have them come back."
Uncle Sheng returned to the research institute, settled the aliens, and also hurried over.
"Miss Gu."
"How is the situation being handled?"
"It's stabilized for now," he said in a tone of reporting his work. "Following your suggestions, we provided assistance to those with strong emotional fluctuations. Most of them have temporarily returned to normal. For those who couldn't be saved, we brought them back. They all believe in your views, and we hope you can continue to provide us with help in the future."
"Mutual assistance," Zhuo Jin said seriously. "I am also a citizen of this country."
Uncle Sheng was rarely touched.
"However, the money still needs to be repaid."
He nodded. "This operation was very successful, and the funds will be approved soon. But there's still one more thing. There have been small-scale outbreaks now. The higher-ups plan to organize a nationwide inspection as soon as possible. Your detectors need to be mass-produced."
Zhuo Jin frowned.
She wanted to say that a nationwide inspection now was a bit too hasty.
However, doing so was reasonable to reduce risks.
"I will find a way to do this, but I also have a request."
"What?"
"I need you to help me create gods."
Uncle Sheng couldn't quite understand for a moment.
Zhuo Jin explained, "The large-scale outbreak of monsters should occur within three years. During this period, I need you to create a few figures that ordinary people can revere as gods. People need coordinates, they need points of light. Someone needs to stand on the mountaintop, holding a torch to summon, so that others can have direction and faith. Do you understand?"
Uncle Sheng felt a great shock at a certain point.
"Someone needs to stand on the mountaintop, holding a torch to summon, so that others can have direction and faith."
Yes!
This country, this great nation, has been able to endure for thousands of years precisely because, no matter when, there have been people holding torches to summon the masses. When there were no torches, they even ignited themselves, becoming the light and the direction, allowing those who followed to continuously, and in successive waves, strive for the continuation of this great country and this great nation!
At this moment, he felt that those alien monsters were not so terrifying anymore.
What kind of disasters haven't they seen? What kind of difficulties haven't they experienced? What kind of enemies haven't they fought? They have fallen countless times and stood up countless times. Companions might have fallen and never gotten up, but only they would fall and would definitely stand up again!
His eyes became resolute. "You are right. We need light!"