Dawn of a New Era

Chapter 735 - 708: A New Era (Part 4)

The news of Chen Shouyi killing the Lord of Lightning spread rapidly like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

From the Rising Sun Country in the east, to the European Union in the west, Lucy Country in the north, and West India in the south, even including those occupied areas.

The whole world was shaken by it, as if a magnitude nine earthquake had erupted.

While some rejoiced ecstatically, others trembled in fear and unease.

At this moment.

In the Holy Alliance Country, the mood was not delightful, or rather, heavy.

This was the earthly realm of the Lord of Lightning, encompassing not only the United States but the entire North and South America, with a land area of 42 million square kilometers. In a sense, it was the largest country ever.

New Port City.

This once bustling international metropolis and global financial center had rapidly decayed over the past year, and its former prosperity was no more.

The weather was gloomy, the air filled with an oppressive and sorrowful atmosphere; distant gunshots and cries could be faintly heard. Countless police and soldiers wearing black uniforms with the emblem of the God of Lightning patrolled the streets fully armed, their expressions grim.

Since the night of the incident, New Port City had been under full lockdown and entered a state of highest alert. All citizens were strictly ordered not to leave their homes; violators would be shot on sight.

James exhaled and signaled to his young partner: "Let’s have a smoke."

Hawke nodded.

The two walked to the corner of the wall, James took out a cigarette and tossed one over, lit up and took a deep drag, exhaling thick smoke.

Nobody spoke, each person silently pondering their thoughts.

James understood as well.

Over the past year, a regime driven by faith thrived on informing, spies were everywhere, and the oppressive police state struck fear into people’s hearts. Society grew increasingly tense; relationships became cold and defensive, and during his tenure, he’d arrested or shot over a dozen non-believers on the spot.

Although he knew many were innocent.

Sometimes, a simple careless comment or act could be proof of blasphemy.

As a policeman, he had no choice and couldn’t afford a shred of sympathy; he could be the next one arrested, and the informant could be someone close.

Feeling suffocated by the oppressive atmosphere, James broke the silence, forming smoke rings:

"I heard you were seeing a girlfriend?"

"Broke up," Hawke said tersely.

"Broke up?" James was shocked.

"She was just a shallow believer with little faith. Rather than having me send her to prison, it’s better to part ways sooner." Hawke glanced at him, paused, and spoke.

James patted his shoulder: "It’s good this way. As a policeman, family issues are the biggest taboo; you must strictly enforce it, especially during this time."

Hawke nodded, feeling confused inside.

He sensed that beneath the calm facade of the Holy Alliance Country, a massive storm was brewing.

The Lord of Lightning had fallen, how could nothing happen? This event led to the complete collapse of the faith foundation of the Holy Alliance Country. Priests could rise with the power of divine rights, followed by believers.

Soldiers could unite and obey orders by relying on their faith in "the Lord," fighting for the Lord.

But when the divine figure of belief falls.

The foundation that once united them ceases to exist.

...

But none of this concerned them; they were just small-time policemen, trying to make a living.

Shortly after the occupation, these former policemen were notified to resume duty; the only difference was changing uniforms. After all, no matter how society changed, experienced policemen like them were still necessary.

It’s predictable that in the coming period, societal atmosphere would become extremely oppressive, and they would become even busier.

Just then, shots rang out from the distance:

"Something’s up!" Hawke said.

"Don’t bother, it’s not our problem. We just need to maintain order." James signaled with his eyes to nearby soldiers and said.

Their eyes met, and suddenly they laughed.

For some reason, Hawke suddenly felt a long-lost sense of relief, as if a heavy stone had been lifted from his chest, and everything around him brightened.

To hell with faith,

To hell with the Lord of Lightning,

I am a non-believer!

...

Holy Alliance Country’s capital, Huacheng.

In a grand cathedral conference room newly built this year, over a thousand chief priests from various regional parishes gathered for intense debate.

Each person’s face was anxious, excited, angry, mixed with sadness, confusion, and unease.

The fall of the Lord of Lightning felt like the sky was falling for them, but more so they were worried about their own situation.

Just a few hours ago, they were excitedly planning for the unification of the world upon the Lord of Lightning’s descent, discussing what rewards they might receive, and how the world would become wonderful.

However, they did not anticipate the lightning from clear skies.

A nightmare they didn’t want to recall.

Done for, it’s all over.

"Quiet, quiet..." The Sect Leader on the podium called out several times to no avail, then suddenly shouted angrily: "Shut the hell up."

He was an elderly white man wearing a crown, his silver hair meticulously groomed. With swollen eyes, he cast a dignified glance across the room, quickly restoring silence:

"Useless bunch!"

"The sky hasn’t fallen yet, which parish is having a rebellion? We still hold nuclear weapons, we still command armies. They and us share interests, and some are even part of us."

Indeed, many began to realize this and calmed down.

The years of military purges meant no one who rose to power was completely clean; they were all part of the self-interest group.

As long as the army is stable.

Even if the country is chaotic, it’s temporary.

Moreover, North and South America are isolated by a vast ocean from World Island; this is a land of destiny. Given current human technology levels in various countries, who could invade?

And furthermore, the Holy Alliance Country is not molded from clay.

Even without "the Lord," they are still the world’s hegemon.

...

The meeting ended quickly.

The Sect Leader stood up, quickly left the conference room to attend another meeting.

There, the main generals of the Holy Alliance Country were gathered.

Despite his confident facade during the previous meeting, as if everything was under control, in reality, he knew better than anyone that the current situation was precarious, like walking on a tightrope.

How did the former Lucy Country disintegrate?

Now the situation in the Holy Alliance Country is a hundred or even a thousand times worse.

This is the collapse of faith!

And the collapse of public trust.

If mismanaged, the whole Holy Alliance Country could splinter overnight, even plunge into warlord strife.

Then, as Sect Leader, he and those once high-up priests would struggle to survive.

ps: Chapter finished, had dinner, another Chapter later tonight.