Chapter 224: The Tipping Point

A long, heavy silence fell.

Hundreds of committee members fixed their gazes on the dais.

At this point, only a handful could genuinely make the decision. Though it was called a vote, in reality they were all guessing what their superiors wished, shifting with the wind.

In the audience, Yenir this time made no objection to anything Fang Teng had said.

He had done everything he could—prepared and executed to perfection.

Even though Fang Teng had faltered—and even harbored resentment toward him—Yenir knew that in this matter, Fang Teng wasn’t entirely wrong.

Yenir was taking a gamble too—a bet that the disasters since his rebirth would unfold on schedule. At least, the world line hadn’t shifted too drastically! With millions of lives on the line, even if he lost the bet, he would accept it. As long as there was a glimmer of hope, he’d fight with every ounce of his strength!

Otherwise… what would be the point of his rebirth?!

Would he really stand by and watch history repeat itself?

Having clawed his way up from the bottom, he knew all too well the tragedy that awaited in the face of disaster.

After a long wait, Li Xuanguo, seated in the front, finally spoke:

“Dispatch special envoy committee members in groups of at least three. As soon as this conference adjourns, head over to the East Sea Battle Zone to launch an investigation.”

“And once the vote concludes, all subordinate units in the coastal Battle Zones are to immediately prepare for the rescue and reception of survivors.”

“Keep the news under wraps for now. We must ensure Huaguo’s stability.”

“Now…”

“Let the vote begin.”

A compromise proposal.

After setting the tone, Li Xuanguo let out a quiet sigh inwardly, saying no more.

Emotionally, he didn’t wish for disaster to strike; rationally, it was almost unfathomable. But since Yenir had provided the evidence, they had no choice but to treat it with utmost caution.

Was that the illusion seen during the Awakener Trial?

Could something like that really serve as a reference? A disaster might occur, but perhaps not as severe as what Yenir witnessed…

Grade A… a nightmare both strange and distant…

As the Prime Minister initiated the vote, everyone’s expressions varied, though no one spoke up—they were all silently reading between the lines.

They still needed to verify things… It seemed that those above were not keen on withdrawal after all?

Perhaps so…

Despite the anomalies, every Battle Zone had been facing issues since the start of this year. Judging solely by the disaster level Yenir had deduced, making a definitive decision was far from simple.

If his predictions were that accurate, any anomaly would spell trouble—and the entire Huaxia Battle Zone would be in chaos.

Many had already guessed the mindset of the higher-ups, and soon the voting results were in.

“119 committee members have cast their votes:”

“Votes in favor: 14”

“Votes against: 1”

“Abstentions: 104”

“The proposal has passed. Once this conference ends, withdrawal plans and verification operations will be immediately set in motion.”

….

As the calling of votes ended, a hint of unspeakable disappointment flickered in Yenir’s eyes.

A bitter smile played on his lips. He shook his head slightly, saying nothing more.

Although the proposal had passed, Li Xuanguo had shifted its focus primarily to verification.

Theoretically, reaching this stage was the limit; as soon as the verification was complete, the evacuation would commence immediately. Even if casualties occurred, saving over 90% of the survivors was within acceptable bounds.

It was just that…

“The power to speak… is still insufficient…”

“If I were one of the Four Commanders—or even the supreme leader—the outcome would have been very different…”

“When pushed forcefully, who would hesitate? Who would waver?”

Murmuring these words to himself, Yenir slowly looked up. Just as he had steadied his emotions, Fang Hao suddenly patted his shoulder:

“Kid from the Ye family, try to lighten up a bit.”

“You want a proposal that mobilizes tens of millions for the nation? That’s impossible…”

“Reaching this point already makes you pretty remarkable. But I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something odd about you.”

“Did you really see those things in the vision?”

With a questioning look, Fang Hao stared into Yenir’s eyes, as if trying to discern something hidden within.

Although he believed a Grade A disaster was unlikely, he still cast a vote to back Yenir.

He could tell that this kid was resolute, utterly convinced of his judgment.

After all, if his assessment was wrong and losses ensued, it would complicate Yenir’s future tremendously. To put it bluntly, he was reckless and headstrong. Offend the wrong people, and soon no one would take him seriously again.

Forcing a smile, Yenir silently acknowledged that Fang Hao had been supporting him all along, though there were some things he couldn’t bring himself to reveal.

He had considered more than once whether he should divulge his rebirth to others.

But after countless mental simulations, he concluded it was a secret he must never reveal.

Rebirth meant he knew too many secrets.

He knew who would fight to the death without retreating, who the traitor was, who showed their true colors, and who might stage a coup.

Even if he didn’t know for certain, in the eyes of these seasoned foxes, Yenir was assumed to know everything!

Once exposed, regardless of whether the higher-ups trusted him, someone would surely decide to kill him without delay!

Without the means to protect himself, his best fate would be imprisonment, and then, as some would have it, to issue a ‘prophecy.’ Sometimes, human malice remains unshrunk even in the face of disaster. His rebirth might make him a remarkably effective tool to attack his political adversaries.

Plus, he needed to verify whether the disasters post-rebirth would indeed unfold as he remembered them.

Power… after all, power was essential!

“Uncle Fang, I really did see it.”

“Maybe it’s because my childhood memories are so vivid, but I’m terrified that the disaster will repeat itself.”

He casually explained before offering a small, resigned smile, choosing not to elaborate further.

The remaining time was insignificant; all he could do now was wait for the outcome.

……….

As the meeting ended, senior officials streamed out, all casting their eyes over Yenir’s retreating figure.

Murmurs of amazement filled the room.

A conference meant to discuss national affairs had turned into Yenir’s ‘show.’ In the latter half of the meeting, everyone discussed his proposal.

No matter what, at least this time Yenir had cemented his presence in their minds.

…

In the executive vehicle.

Inside the smoothly running car, Yenir glanced hesitantly at Fang Hao, who was about to disembark.

After a few seconds, as Fang Hao greeted him and prepared to return to the garrison, Yenir finally spoke up:

“Uncle Fang, if possible, could you deploy a unit of elite Awakeners towards the East Sea?”

Fang Hao’s hand froze on the car door as he turned, a look of surprise crossing his face.

Just minutes before, he had been advising Yenir to refrain from getting too entangled in state affairs, focusing instead on quietly building up his strength. Now, Yenir was being far too conspicuous.

“What exactly do you want to do? How… what are you thinking?”

Before Fang Hao could finish, he fell silent, catching Yenir’s implied meaning.

In the car, Yenir nodded imperceptibly, his face composed:

“It’s nothing. I just heard that some mutants might be showing up near the East Sea Battle Zone.”

“Uncle Fang, perhaps you could consider sending someone to check it out… After all, they might pose a threat to the local survivors.”

With that, Yenir offered a nonchalant smile.

“Tomorrow, I think I’ll be heading to the Intercontinental Instance.”

After a brief silence, Fang Hao hesitated then let out a quiet sigh before nodding slowly.

He understood exactly what Yenir meant.

Was he worried that once Yenir entered the Intercontinental Instance, he might not return soon, or that the investigation might uncover troubling details?

This kid—where did he get all these ideas?

Could it really be…