Chapter Fourteen: Undercurrents Stir

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Earth, Vatican Catholic State
In the year 2230 AD, not long after humanity embarked on space exploration, a nearly forgotten national monarch began his rule. The legacy he left behind still influences his nation, though it was purchased with death and turned out very different from what he envisioned.
He was known as Alexander II, and after his death, his name became a curse among all members of the Euro-Community, none despising him more than his own mentor, Medici.
At that time, the President of the Euro-Community was the de facto leader of the continent, but there were subtle differences.
Alexander, as leader of the Church, stood at the highest echelon, guiding the Council of Believers. Yet Alexander craved more direct power; he believed himself to be the representative of God on earth. He wished to rise above ordinary clergy, to become divine himself.
Once in power, Alexander began issuing decrees, most of them religious in nature. Many of these edicts directly altered sacred texts and eradicated many holy traditions of the Euro-Community.
Then Alexander launched his most ambitious project. He sought proximity to the supernatural and began constructing Heaven—the abode of the divine. This city was built in space, unconnected to any terrestrial structure, becoming the eternal legacy of the great Alexander II. He named it Oculi Dei, meaning "the Eye of God," though it was commonly called the City of God.
Things did not unfold as Alexander had imagined. Just as the illustrious city in the Vatican was completed, he was assassinated. By then he had made many enemies, any one of whom could have been involved. After his death, the Council of Believers swiftly seized power, doing their utmost to bury all memory of Alexander. His decrees were overturned; his portraits and images destroyed or defaced, with faces and names scraped away.
After several generations, his name was nearly forgotten; Alexander did not receive the "illustrious" legacy he so desired. Instead, his reign fueled the rise of the Council of Believers, indirectly leading to a moral reformation centuries later.
It was also these transformations that allowed the Vatican Catholic State to retain its independent sovereignty during the Fourth World War, though its territory was reduced to a single city—the City of God.
Inside a room, an old man sat at a round table, his crimson cardinal's robe adorned with dark golden patterns, illuminated by the words floating on the screen before him.
"Bang!"
The cardinal slammed his hand on the table, his face twisted in fury.
"This must never happen! Amen." He crossed himself, his expression settling into calm. Perhaps this was an opportunity, thought Cardinal Simons.
At that moment, an incoming communication signaled. Simons answered, and a grim voice came through, "Handle this matter well, and you..."
After the call ended, Simons' eyes sparkled with intense light. Indeed, the opportunity had arrived.
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Meanwhile, Wang Weifu had returned from the Cyclops Bounty Group to Earth. Though his role differed from Liu Shaoyu's at the front lines, Wang's return confronted him with a storm of blood and intrigue.
The turmoil stirred by the higher-ups had yet to subside.
He arrived at an office building in a residential district of the capital. The sign above the entrance read "Galaxy Dawn Biotechnology." After the identification system scanned his citizen information, a doorway opened just wide enough for one person. Wang Weifu stepped inside.
Following the guiding lines, Wang entered an office. Its furnishings were sparse, and no one was present. He sat directly on a chair.
The room's lights dimmed suddenly, and a communication interface appeared. The projection revealed a middle-aged man in luxurious attire, his skin a faint green, unlike human complexion. His bald head was covered in wrinkles, and his ears, more pointed than those of humans, resembled those of an elf. His stature was similar to that of humans.
"Wang Weifu, the society is very satisfied with your assessment performance. You have now passed the probationary membership stage. Subsequent missions will be assigned directly to you. Upon formal acceptance, you will receive the society's full support." The projected figure spoke, his words translated into Earth language for Wang's ears.
Wang Weifu remained expressionless, merely nodding slightly. He seemed unsurprised by passing the assessment—it was just as expected.
After delivering the official message, the man's stern demeanor warmed. "Really, it's just a formality. The society's rules are above all else."
Wang Weifu smiled in response, his attitude as anticipated.
"However, the final task's evaluation will directly determine the society's investment in you. That, not even the master can decide. While the master is a member of the committee, the non-human councilors will not be swayed by such proposals..." The projected man's face showed embarrassment.
"I understand," Wang Weifu replied.
"I'm glad you do," the other said quickly, smiling apologetically.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving. Once the assessment ends, I'll remember what I promised you," Wang Weifu said, somewhat impatiently.
"Very well, take care." The room lights brightened again, and Wang Weifu remained seated, lost in thought.
"Seems something is about to happen within the society," Wang mused, looking at the new mission on his computer.
Soon, a storm of religious strife swept Earth. Catholic believers began openly attacking the existence of clones. Although opposition to clones had never ceased, this was the first time such large-scale resistance erupted since the passage of clone laws, which had previously been suppressed by force. The unrest spread widely, directly involving some high-ranking members within the Federation. These Catholic officials began leveraging their influence to fuel the assault.
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Before long, another force entered the fray: the Galaxy Dawn Thinking Society.
The Galaxy Dawn Thinking Society, established by the original nomadic peoples of Huaxia, are collectively known as GDTS (Galaxy Dawn Thinking Societies). Traditionally, Huaxia nomads were not particularly inclined toward spiritual matters, but their curiosity and passion for the spiritual matched their interest in all things.
Over the years, the GDTS became a channel for Huaxia people's spiritual needs, though this is now a secondary function.
The society's history is ancient and complex. It originated from rituals exploring humanity’s spiritual and religious perceptions and needs—initially simply seeking the meaning of life—then gradually expanded into politics. For a period, it even became the shadow government of the Huaxia Republic. This did not last, as other political groups united to dismantle its power, and for a lengthy era the society was banned. Forced into hiding, it once again donned its mysterious shroud.
With time, the society resurged, now more astute and cautious, maintaining distance from rival societies and never crossing boundaries.
Once more, the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment became the society's focus. They embarked on a fervent technological quest, achieving fascinating theories and evidence concerning human nature and the connection between humanity and the cosmos.
Continuing the tradition of secretive spiritual sects, GDTS established secluded dwellings in remote star systems. Even during their most politically active era, their headquarters remained far from densely populated human settlements, favoring scattered planets or deep space. In recent years, the situation has shifted slightly; GDTS opened offices in metropolitan areas, increasing public attention. Though these offices are outwardly known as Galaxy Dawn Biotechnology.
In their distant sanctuaries, the society formed micro-communities emphasizing self-sufficiency, reflecting the original nomadic traits of Huaxia. These scattered dwellings resemble vast fortresses, containing everything from necessities and food factories to laboratories and libraries. Each “fortress” is called a tribe, an independent entity; yet tribes maintain close ties.
Every tribe hosts an academy, tasked with cultivating talent in humanities or science. Initially, all students were children of GDTS members, but after decades, the society began admitting a small number of outsiders each year, even non-Earthlings. Applicants are chosen by Huaxia nomads, and these selections appear arbitrary to many, as there are no clear criteria—neither race, gender, social status, nor ability or intelligence. Many wealthy parents attempt to secure admission by sponsoring GDTS generously, but such efforts prove futile.
Nevertheless, most agree that the education children receive within the society is superb. Every graduate is a sought-after talent wherever they go. A staggering percentage of GDTS alumni achieve remarkable success, becoming CEOs of interstellar conglomerates or government ministers. Undoubtedly, GDTS schools are seen as the birthplace of world leaders.
The reason is clear: in cloning technology, Galaxy Dawn Biotechnology has made indelible, outstanding contributions. This quickly caused the struggle to evolve into a political contest among various factions, but the most prominent conflict remained that between the Vatican Catholic Church and the Galaxy Dawn Thinking Society.
As far back as the Middle Ages, the Crusades demonstrated Catholicism's fierce intolerance of dissent. During the push for clone legalization, Galaxy Dawn Biotechnology was targeted, and its connection to GDTS was easily uncovered. Thus began a long-standing rivalry, with officials from both sides perpetually hostile. Yet, since that first confrontation, there had never been such intense struggle.
As Wang Weifu sat in the office, Liu Shaoyu had already returned to the Cyclops Bounty Group.
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