Although the citizens had learned of the existence of the System and were aware of His Majesty the Emperor's power,what truly moved them was not merely his transcendent abilities, but the character he displayed.

  He carried political ideals—ideals that transcended any political stance and embodied genuine universal values:

  The world may be far from perfect, humanity may be flawed, but we can strive to create a better world.

  And we have the ability to achieve this. Since that’s the case, why shouldn’t we do it?

  If there’s no reason not to, then we are duty-bound to create a better world!

  Of course, while he gazed at the stars, he also kept his feet firmly on the ground, steadily moving forward.

  He had his own stance, his own interests, and, above all, his own will.

  He knew well that what he truly relied on was not power, not the people, nor the military, but his own value.

  He was equally aware that the world was far more complex than it seemed—

  every individual, every faction, every nation, and every people had their own positions and interests.

  He also understood that the System was the highest secret.

  It concerned not only the security of the royal family but also national interests and defense security.

  In fact, to firmly uphold his will, he resolutely refused to disseminate transcendent knowledge,and he refused to bear the consequences or reap the benefits of such actions.

  At the same time, he clearly expressed his position—

  he did not wish to be Emperor, nor did he intend to remain Emperor forever.

  In the eyes of many, being Emperor meant supreme power, wealth, and unparalleled status.

  However, in His Majesty the Emperor’s eyes, being Emperor brought him only—responsibility.

  He did not believe this responsibility belonged to him, nor did he intend to shoulder it.

  Yet, with the situation having developed as it had, he could no longer escape.

  Since he could not escape, he would do his best.

  Therefore, he would strive to fulfill this responsibility until the day he parted ways with the United Human Federation.

  It was precisely because such a day would come that he deliberately separated the identities of "Elo" and "the Emperor."

  "Elo" was his life, his existence as an individual;

  And "the Emperor" is merely a job, a responsibility.

  When necessary, he can lay down this responsibility and resign from the job of "Emperor."

  The Emperor also made clear the conditions for his abdication—

  First, a nationwide referendum, with over 50% of the votes in favor; his departure would be decided by the people.

  Second, the loss of supreme power. In his values, power equates to responsibility; if he loses power, he no longer bears that responsibility.

  Third, the inability of human civilization to continue fulfilling the duties assigned by the System. When humanity can no longer carry out these responsibilities, it will be the time for him to leave.

  Meeting any one of these conditions would lead to his abdication, granting citizens an extraordinary degree of choice.

  Perhaps the Emperor is not perfect, but it is precisely this imperfection that makes people feel safe.

  Throughout human history, countless kings have claimed to be gods, attempting to stand above civilization and viewing the people as mere pawns.

  Yet the Emperor, as the being closest to a god, resolutely refuses to become a deity standing above all things.

  He chooses to touch this world as a human, to sense its pulse, to listen to its breath.

  Because humans possess rich emotions, they are able to experience the joys and sorrows, the partings and reunions of the mortal world.

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  And it is precisely these emotions that make the world real and vibrant, giving value to everything within it.

  This imperfect humanity is the very treasure that human civilization most needs to protect.

  For it is this humanity that gives warmth to order, sustains hope within society, and ensures that humanity thrives amidst the tides of history.

  And this is precisely one of the core responsibilities the System has entrusted to human civilization:

  to safeguard His Majesty the Emperor’s imperfect yet invaluable humanity.

  Some were overwhelmed with excitement, their eyes shining with light.

  Some were moved to tears, their hearts surging with indescribable emotions.

  Some gazed forward with unwavering determination, as if at this moment, they had glimpsed the path to the future.

  Regardless of skin color, profession, nationality, faith, or political stance, they all resonated in this very moment.

  No matter what emotions filled their hearts, they all firmly believed—

  the era to come would be brilliant beyond measure!

  However, the meeting was not yet over.

  After hearing Alaya’s response, Elo gave a slight nod to show his understanding.

  A moment later, he spoke, his voice reaching deep into the soul of every citizen.

  His voice was steady, carrying neither oppression nor urgency, but tinged with a sincere note of apology.

  “I sincerely apologize for disturbing your rest at this hour.

  Alaya has told me that it has already informed you and ensured that you have fully processed all the information.

  So, theoretically, you now understand what has happened.

  You are the elites of human civilization’s survival, and I trust you will not panic because of this.

  More importantly, I do not wish for these events to cause social disorder—that is not my intention.

  Therefore, I ask that you remain as calm as possible.

  For those staying at home, please continue to stay at home.

  For those at work, please remain at your posts.

  The military and the police must ensure the stability of social order, and Alaya will assist the government.”

  After Elo’s voice faded, silence swept across Ark City.

  There were no fervent cries, no chaotic debates—only countless individuals lost in contemplation, processing his words.

  And deep within every soul, Elo’s voice continued to echo.

  “The reason I am revealing this information is threefold.”

  At this point, Elo paused slightly, his gaze seeming to pierce through space, fixing on every citizen.

  “First, as you can see, I am not a saint.

  Without public oversight, perhaps one day, I may betray my promises to you and become a tyrant.

  If that day truly comes, anyone will have the right to hold me accountable.”

  After stating the first reason, Elo deliberately paused, his gaze calm as still water, as if giving everyone space to reflect.

  “Second, I want you to understand why the government makes various promises to me on your behalf.

  I want you to comprehend the meaning of these promises and the value behind them.

  I have no intention of forcing you to abide by these promises, but you should understand the consequences and costs of breaking them.

  On the basis of fully understanding all this, you are free to make your own choices, and I will respect those choices.”

  This information seeped into the consciousness of every individual like a rising tide, as everyone quietly awaited His Majesty the Emperor to continue.

  “Third, I want you to know me.

  I have no desire to be your Emperor, nor do I intend to be anyone’s savior.

  However, the situation is as it is, and we have no choice.

  Since that’s the case, we can only accept it and do our best.

  But I want you to understand—I am not a saint.

  I have my own stance, my own interests, and my own thoughts.

  I respect your choices, and at the same time, I hope you will respect mine.”

  At this point, he paused for a moment, as if recalling something, then continued:

  “There’s one more thing—about religion.

  I don’t know how many people regard me as an object of faith, but I believe that number isn’t small.

  I have no intention of interfering with your beliefs. Whom you choose to believe in is your freedom, so you are free to continue believing in me.

  But acceptance or rejection is my freedom, and you have no right to interfere with it.

  Therefore, no individual, organization, or social group is allowed to use the likeness of me or my family without permission—not even the government.

  Even if I must be seen on TV or online, my face will be pixelated to maintain my privacy.

  If I wish to communicate with you, I will have Alaya do a live broadcast, just like now.

  I hope we can find a balance, maintaining mutual respect and order between us.”

  Elo quietly glanced around, his gaze finally settling on the Prime Minister.

  “What is our current religious policy?”

  The Prime Minister was slightly taken aback, just about to respond, when Elo raised his hand to interrupt before a word was spoken.

  With a soft sigh, his tone calm yet tinged with a hint of resignation, he said, “Never mind.”

  He knew very well that regardless of the current religious policy, the final decision would ultimately be carried out according to his will.

  “You know my stance on religion, don’t you?” Elo asked.

  The Prime Minister nodded, his expression steady. “Yes, Your Majesty, we do.”

  Elo gave a slight nod and slowly said:

  “Indeed, I don’t like religion, but we should not prohibit its existence.

  People have a need for faith, and where there is demand, there will inevitably be a market for religion.

  If we don’t occupy that market, ‘black market merchants’ will seize the opportunity.

  Once that market falls into their hands, social order may not remain stable.

  Religion must always serve the public interest.

  At the same time, we need to ensure that religion aligns with our values.

  Therefore, we must ensure that this market remains under our control.”

  The Prime Minister listened to these words, waves of indescribable emotion surging within him.

  Of course, he understood the true intention behind the Emperor’s words and had long prepared countless contingency plans for this very moment.

  Yet now, faced with the Emperor’s calm, water-like tone, he chose to remain silent.

  Not because he didn’t know what to say, but because he understood—

  the religious policy must be announced by the Emperor himself.

  For he knew well that the authority of the government alone could never tame the beast called “faith.”

  This beast known as “faith” would only submit to its master—the royal family.

  In the natural course of history, this state will inevitably descend into the abyss of theocracy.

  After all, gods truly exist.

  They have already descended upon the human world, even bestowing upon humanity miracles such as eternal youth and resurrection from the dead.

  Such an existence, such a miracle, is the greatest mockery of mortal regimes.

  No matter how perfect a nation's political system may be, it becomes utterly meaningless in the face of such a miracle.