ALL NOVEL Chapter 42: Chapter 42: For All of Humanity!
This matter had already been exposed to Rapi.
Since there was no point in keeping secrets anymore, Mo Chen decided to lay his cards on the table and share his vision with her—a vision he had long been planning.
He intended to completely transform the power plant into a habitable base free from the Ark's surveillance, one that could produce large quantities of food and supplies while serving as a frontline stronghold against the Raptures.
The power plant, with its expansive area, numerous facilities, and robust defenses, could also become a haven for wandering humans and lost Nikkes stranded on the surface.
The next steps? Build strong walls, stockpile supplies, and bide his time—patiently gathering strength.
In essence, it was all about one word: endurance.
Once the base was stable, they could use the power plant as a central point to expand outward.
They would systematically eliminate nearby Raptures, gradually occupying and clearing the surrounding area to establish a safe zone free of threats.
Later, Mo Chen envisioned constructing an armory and a military equipment production facility. By bringing in—or rather, "inviting"—specialist Nikkes skilled in engineering and weapons manufacturing, they could begin producing their own arms.
"Power grows out of the barrel of a gun."
At that point, with autonomy secured, they would no longer be at the Ark's mercy. From there, development would continue step by step.
As their strength grew, the dream of liberating all humanity would no longer seem so distant.
Of course, Nikkes, as part of humanity, were also included in this vision of liberation.
Mo Chen's impassioned words left Rapi in a daze and it took her a long while to recover.
She never imagined that her commander harbored such lofty ideals.
Even someone as composed as her felt her blood surge with emotion, unable to remain calm.
Oblivious to the glimmering light in Rapi's eyes, Mo Chen continued explaining his future plans, even pulling out a detailed map of the power station.
The plant's remote location, infested with Raptures, made it difficult for human ground forces to reach.
And since he could control the Raptures, the area was relatively safe.
Moreover, the region was rich in minerals, and with the mining-capable Rapture, Grave Digger, they could achieve energy self-sufficiency.
As long as ground mission units remained silent, the Ark wouldn't learn of what was happening here and wouldn't interfere.
"But…" Rapi hesitated. "In principle, the details of every mission must be reported to the Ark."
Mo Chen's lips curved into a sly grin.
"Report? They'd have to station someone here, wouldn't they? If we replace them with our own people, wouldn't that solve the problem?"
What's permissible "in principle" depends on interpretation.
If the power plant was reported as damaged, with its machinery destroyed and the area overrun by Raptures, that would still be factual.
The plant had been damaged—there was a massive hole in the wall.
The machinery had been destroyed—it had been shot and was even emitting smoke.
And yes, the area was overrun by Raptures, albeit ones under Mo Chen's control.
Repairing the power plant would be a long-term project. During that time, Mo Chen could gradually "convert"—no, enlighten—the Nikkes the Ark sent to oversee the work into his own allies.
Once they became comrades, what secrets could possibly remain?
Mo Chen's eloquent words and heartfelt discussion shook Rapi's worldview, values, and outlook on life to their core.
Only one thought echoed in her mind:
"It's actually possible to do this?"
"But… doing this would mean betraying the Ark," Rapi finally voiced, her hesitation apparent.
Mo Chen saw her conflicted expression and knew she was wavering.
Now was the time to strike while the iron was hot.
"What is a Nikke's ultimate purpose?"
"What's our purpose?"
Rapi paused, puzzled by the sudden shift in topic, but answered nonetheless.
"To reclaim the surface and to fight for all of humanity. Nikkes are humanity's last hope, every Nikke must dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to this cause, and this ideal is the ultimate goal of a Nikke's existence."
She spoke with exceptional fluency.
Mo Chen sighed inwardly.
How many times had she been brainwashed already?
Although he felt frustrated, Mo Chen's expression turned serious.
"So, do you think the Ark represents all of humanity?"
"Of course it…"
Rapi hesitated mid-sentence.
She had never seriously considered this question before.
"Think about it again," Mo Chen said firmly. "Does the Ark truly represent humanity?"
In the past, Rapi might have answered without hesitation. But now, doubt crept into her mind.
"The upper echelons of the Ark, in order to maintain their status and power, conceal the truth about the Nikkes from the people, enforce ignorance, and suppress information," Mo Chen said, unable to hide his anger.
"And what about their external actions? They surrender, they stagnate, clinging desperately to survival. They exile or persecute capable commanders while sending clueless ones to the surface with Nikkes to die—feeding them to the Raptures."
He referenced the Ark's AI, Enikk, which deliberately sent Nikkes to the surface as sacrifices to the Raptures just to survive another day.
Sure, the Ark's forces might be weaker than the Raptures, but that didn't justify such blatant betrayal of humanity—no, selling out humanity itself!
"Think back to the Southern Song Dynasty," Mo Chen added. "They clung to their corner of the world for survival. And what happened?"
"They were still destroyed."
"To seek peace through struggle means survival. To seek peace through appeasement means annihilation."
This lesson had been proven countless times in history.
Rapi stood stunned.
It was the first time she had seen Mo Chen's face so dark with fury.
His words, like a bell tolling in the morning and evening, rang loud in her heart, awakening her from her slumber.
Rapi wasn't blind to these truths—she had just unconsciously avoided thinking about them.
"Rapi," Mo Chen said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
She looked up and met his gaze.
Clear, honest, without a trace of deceit.
Rapi's icy heart melted, like snow under a bright sun.
"Yes, Commander."
For so long, she had seen too much darkness. She had grown numb, following orders without thought or question.
But now, standing before her commander, she felt as though she had finally found a path she had never known existed.
Her path—was him.
A smile blossomed on Rapi's face, her eyes softening.
"Commander, will we keep moving forward?"
Mo Chen rarely saw Rapi smile. When he did, he was momentarily captivated.
Even someone as accustomed to beauty as he was, found himself momentarily lost.
Seeing Rapi watching him, he snapped out of it.
"Of course," he replied.
Hearing his confident response, Rapi's smile became even brighter, like sunlight breaking through the clouds after a storm, like a spring breeze driving away all cold and gloom.
"And you?" Mo Chen couldn't help but ask.
"I hope you will never change," Rapi said softly. "I hope you'll hold onto your principles, no matter what happens. Keep walking toward the future you envision."
"If you remain true to yourself, even in the center of change, and continue to see the world through your own eyes, making judgments as you do now,"
Her gaze met his, her voice gentle and melodious, like wind chimes ringing in the breeze.
"Then I, we, will always stand by your side."