Chapter 431 Chapter 431: Greed in Times of Crisis
Over the course of 33 exhausting days, Luan and Ingrid embarked on a journey that took them to numerous corners of the world, planting in each nation the mysterious dungeon known as the Labyrinth of Disorder.
They reached an impressive 197 nations. For the smaller and more restricted territories, the Labyrinth appeared as a true miracle. Many of these minor countries felt so blessed that they didn't even require a second Labyrinth.
However, for the larger nations, the Labyrinth of Disorder served as a breath of hope in turbulent times, providing relief and opening a window of opportunity for them to develop strategies and counter the threat that plagued them.
Ingrid cast a concerned look towards the horizon, where the last rays of the sun painted the sky with golden and reddish hues, before finally asking, "Luan, how long do you think all of this will remain like this?"
Luan, momentarily lost in his thoughts, asked, "What are you referring to exactly?"
"I'm talking about the global situation. Considering everything we've witnessed in recent weeks, I wonder how much longer we'll have to face this chaos." Memories of nations on the brink of extinction, attacked by these frenzied creatures, were still fresh in her mind.
The sight of such horrors inevitably led to questions about the frailty of existence and the purpose of life.
"It's relative," Luan replied, meditatively.
Intrigued, Ingrid inquired, "Relative to what?"
"To their willingness to prioritize human lives," Luan responded with measured serenity. "Sadly, I get the feeling that many countries would accept further losses."
"You can't be serious!" Ingrid exclaimed, disbelief evident in her voice.
Luan sighed heavily. "For some, material gain outweighs the intrinsic value of human life. And believe me, it's a reality more common than you might think."
With a distant expression, Luan seemed to revisit moments from a past life, moments when he witnessed rulers who had the means to protect their citizens but chose to sacrifice lives for ulterior motives.
In times of crisis, the true nature of many leaders emerges. They often evaluate their cities and territories not by the life pulsating within them, but by the profit they can generate. Less lucrative cities, seen as less "important," are often relegated to oblivion.
This mindset wasn't new. It has always been rooted in certain power circles. And the advent of the apocalypse did nothing but intensify this view. Over time, and under the pressure of increasingly adverse circumstances, the worst of human nature manifests more forcefully. Those already prone to cruelty, when confronted with indescribable horrors, become even more inhumane than the very abominations threatening humanity.
Ingrid was unaware of the extent of this phenomenon. She didn't have Luan's memories, hadn't witnessed the depths of human depravity like he did.
Luan hesitated to share these dark truths with her. Instead, his focus was on ensuring that Brazil, his homeland, would be a refuge against these threats. He wanted his country to be a beacon of hope, a place where people could live in peace and harmony, despite the adversities.
And perhaps, Brazil's success could serve as an example for other nations. If Brazil thrived amidst the chaos, wouldn't it be only a matter of time before talents from all over the world would want to migrate to its shores? Would other countries really stand by while Brazil flourished and they languished?
They would undoubtedly weigh their options and reconsider their approaches for the future.
In the turbulent horizon of a changing world, Luan emerged as a singular figure. His commitment to Brazil was unquestionable, but there were limits to how much he could extend himself to the rest of the world.
Ingrid, always observant, was fully aware of the magnitude of her husband's efforts. She wondered how many would have Luan's courage and determination, taking on such immense burdens. After all, the resources and effort Luan put into creating the Labyrinths of Disorder were so vast they could, literally, purchase a nation.
And for those who questioned or demanded more from Luan, Ingrid thought: "Let them try to do the same."
As she reflected on these matters, Ingrid snuggled closer to Luan, seeking comfort in his presence. The fog of melancholy that enveloped her began to dissipate, and with a thoughtful sigh, she murmured, "Perhaps you're right. We just need to keep doing the best we can."
Luan, sensing the sincerity in her words, nodded, replying with a simple and firm affirmation: "Indeed."
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As darkness engulfed the sky, at 11 p.m., Luan and Ingrid gently descended onto the island, riding their flying cloud. The moonlight revealed the majestic figures of Zeus and Thor waiting. They, with their sharp instincts, had sensed the familiar presence of their human friends.
Luan, noting the effort of the animals to come greet them at this hour, said, "You should be resting. You didn't need to trouble yourselves to come here."
The guttural sounds Zeus and Thor made seemed to indicate a kind of affectionate protest, almost as if they were asserting their longing was the reason for such a welcome. That low and expressive growl gave them away.
With a tender expression, Luan reached out, caressing the furry heads of the two.
That genuine interaction between man and animal warmed the heart of any onlooker. And Ingrid was no exception. Watching the scene, a soft and luminous smile graced her crimson lips, reflecting the serenity of the moment.
Observing the affection and connection between Luan and the animals, Ingrid felt warmth in her chest. "It's so like him..." she reflected inwardly, her mind overflowing with admiration. The image starkly contrasted with the scenes of chaos and despair they had both witnessed on their world journey just a few hours earlier.
Once inside the house, silence prevailed. It was evident that everyone had retired for rest. In this southern part of the country, the imminent threat posed by the frenzied beings had considerably decreased. Many of them had already been neutralized or imprisoned, which allowed for a more peaceful and secure atmosphere.
Over the past few months, Catharina and the others had intensely dedicated themselves to the mission of fighting and containing the frenzied beings. Not just dealing with the creatures, but also seeking to capture affected individuals, hoping to find a cure. This continuous effort, however, had been adjusted, and they now set more moderate schedules for their operations, allowing them to also enjoy moments of rest and calm.
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