Chapter 31 Chapter 31: Why Do Humans Sleep In?
Chapter 31: Why Do Humans Sleep In?
"Based on the current situation in Belobog, the rate of Fragmentum erosion, and the reserves of geothermal ore as variables, the survival time of the Overworld is two hundred and thirty-four days, with a margin of error not exceeding seven days. The calculation results are very clear: staying in the Underworld is the optimal survival strategy."
When members of Wildfire expressed their intention to go to the Overworld, Svarog immediately provided a well-reasoned rebuttal: "Calculation results show that allowing contact between the Underworld and the Overworld will exacerbate social conflicts in Belobog, accelerating the process of order collapse. Final outcome: unknown."
As a robot whose primary duty is to maintain the Underworld, Svarog had absolutely explained to Wildfire before why he chose not to open the passage between the two layers. But trying to negotiate terms with a rigid robot as a group of humans, the outcome was, of course, predictable.
"Sigh, I know your original intention is also to allow the Underworld to maintain peace for a longer time. But you've said it yourself, following this trend, the destruction of the Underworld is just a matter of time laid out before us. You can't possibly expect all of us to just watch the Underworld die bit by bit, can you?"
Oleg sighed, attempting to persuade this stubborn robot. If it weren't for losing his mobility in the fight with Kevin, he probably wouldn't even have this opportunity.
But on one side is a visible path towards extinction, and on the other is a struggle with an unknown outcome that might lead to light... No matter how slim the hope, I believe the vast majority of humans would choose the second option.
"Even under extremely harsh survival conditions, humans cannot avoid division and conflict. But such behavior will only accelerate Belobog's destruction. I cannot derive any other effective calculation results."
Yet this is indeed the hard truth. The problem of the Eternal Freeze remains unsolved, the resource issue remains unsolved, the Fragmentum problem remains unsolved... Even if Wildfire could instantly gain control of the Overworld, the final result would still be futile.
And this kind of struggle, meaningless to Belobog's actual situation, is simply an irrational consumption of existing resources.
"Everyone in Wildfire just doesn't understand Mr. Svarog's original intention. As long as everyone can sit down together, communicate properly, and work hard together... the outcome, the outcome will definitely take a turn for the better."
Clara is still just a young child. And in the innocent world of children, there are probably no problems that are completely unsolvable; they are always full of vitality and creativity... This is likely one of the reasons Kevin could once place hope in them.
"Human behavior always deviates from rational calculations, Clara."
Svarog did not directly answer Clara's question. Instead, he struggled to lift his creaking arm and gently placed his hand on Clara's small head.
"What's going on? The scene makes it seem like we're the ones who did something wrong. Clearly, it was you who suddenly jumped out and attacked others without any explanation!"
When it comes to aggressiveness, we have to look at Seele. She doesn't bother with grand principles at all; pointing her finger, she launches into a tirade: "And what's with all this 'calculation results,' 'survival strategies'? I don't have time to listen to your long-winded speeches. You said yourself the outcome is unknown, so what gives you the right to stop us from going up to find those selfish guys?"
"Since you can't even stand up anymore, why not just obediently go home and be a retirement robot?!"
Carried away by emotion, Seele even stretched out her leg and gave Svarog a kick on the side—of course, she didn't really use much force.
"Actually, there's no need to make the atmosphere so tense. Even if we really plan to counterattack the Overworld, Wildfire will need a long time to make adequate preparations. Maybe by then, things will have taken a turn for the better?"
Oleg timely stepped forward to act as a peacemaker, speaking reasonably: "Besides, right now the most critical thing is dealing with the chaotic situation in the mines. Wildfire doesn't even have any free time."
"However, someone still needs to safely escort this young lady and Svarog back first. The Vagrant Camp can't be left completely unattended either, right?"
Everyone's gaze followed Oleg's as it quickly swept across the scene, finally settling on Kevin, who was silently standing to the side with his chin propped up, seemingly pondering something.
"...Hmm?"
———— ————
The final resolution of the matter was naturally also perfect. Wildfire was swamped dealing with the aftermath of the mine incident, so Kevin naturally became the best candidate to escort Svarog and Clara back to the Furnace Core.
After all, not only did he have Seele's guarantee regarding trustworthiness, but his formidable strength could also ensure that nothing too major would happen at the Vagrant Camp due to losing Svarog's protection.
This actually didn't go against Kevin's own thoughts either. According to what those Wildfire people said, not only does the Furnace Core area have a passage that allows returning to the Overworld at any time, but Svarog is also an ancient robot that has existed for centuries—he could completely obtain the information he wanted from him.
Compared to that, Clara seemed more like the extra one?
"Mr. Svarog, are you okay? With your body damaged like this, there must be many parts that need replacing... But the most serious is still the calculation module. It caused such big trouble this time; if we don't fix it quickly, what if it really hurts someone else next time?"
On the way back to the Furnace Core area, Svarog and those mechs knocked down by Kevin were all being carried by several smaller robots. Clara had climbed up further and was lying on Svarog's back, diligently inspecting the damaged parts.
Don't let her young age fool you; she's a top-tier genius when it comes to machinery. Generally speaking, if any robot in the Robot Settlement has problems, it's her who handles the repairs.
"Assessing... Calculation module operating normally. Judgment: Highest probability of error occurrence is special deviation; second probability is interference from unknown factors."
"How could that be? Just to be safe, it's better to check carefully again." Clara still said worriedly.
Compared to their concerns, Kevin was more interested in another question: "Since you are a mechanical lifeform, your head must also preserve important information about Belobog from long ago, right?"
"......"
Faced with Kevin's inquiry, Svarog fell silent for a moment before finally speaking: "Memory module retrieval commencing... Records from Architects' mechanical period: complete; combat data from defense war period: complete; records from geothermal ore exploration team period: complete..."
The data Svarog initially reported seemed normal enough, but as he went on, it started sounding increasingly off: "Data on Clara creating mini magnetic flow drill: complete; record of Clara explaining human behavior 'sleeping in': complete..."
"Huh? Huh? Mr. Svarog... Why are you retrieving these later records? Clearly Mr. Kevin doesn't want this kind of data..."
"Please rest assured. Records concerning 'sleeping in' have undergone multiple backups; there is no need to worry about loss."
"That's not what I meant! Quick, quick, delete this data... Mr. Kevin, you're not allowed to laugh either!"
"......"
"Clearly, I am not."
There is an illustration here; it can be viewed after updating to a newer version.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!