Chapter 342: Chapter 341: Announcing Virtual World Technology

Facing the current difficulties, the people in the meeting room voiced a cacophony of opinions.

“…Everyone knows this principle, but if we don’t go back, the public opposition is very strong.”

“Ah, if only we could drag this out for a few years, any pain can be healed by time…”

“The segment of the population that holds opposition will undoubtedly face a significant drop in work enthusiasm, and the whole society will be engaged in endless debates about this issue for a long time… If only we had some news that could inspire people. Right, we could look for some positive news to counterbalance, like content from the Virtual World, since it’s been exposed, there’s no need to keep it hidden anymore.”

“Then let’s do this,” Zhang Yuan decided, incorporating everyone’s opinions, and declared, “Let’s first head to 187j3x2 for recovery and recuperation because it only takes 11 years to reach that planet. Once we arrive at our destination, we’ll retrofit a Yingsun-class Destroyer as a civilian spaceship; those who want to go back can go back, and those who don’t can continue on our journey…”

“As for the upcoming work of pacifying the public, that’s the most important task, and I’ll need everyone’s effort.”

…

The news that the “Kunlun Mountain” was about to resume its journey was quickly known by all the awake citizens.

The next day, Zhang Yuan read the related combat reports and human casualties in front of the television.

This speech lasted for two hours, providing a complete and detailed account of the war details between humans and the Alien Civilization, including the initial contact, the confrontation, and why the “Kunlun Mountain” suffered such tremendous damage, and so forth. The thrilling process turned the listeners’ faces pale in waves.

Then, government departments solemnly commended the heroes who had sacrificed themselves to protect human existence in this war…

“…That concludes our summary of the war. Although we achieved the ultimate victory, we have also paid a heavy price for our youth. One-fifth of the “Kunlun Mountain” was destroyed and theoretically, the repairs would take five to ten years…”

“But what I want to say is that our young human civilization will not stop our progress because of this…

“Each setback will accelerate our growth. If we remain in the comfort of a safe harbor, we will never gain such wealth.”

Such encouragement seemed a bit cliche and did not resonate with many.

Finally, to inspire the people, Zhang Yuan paused before dropping a significant bombshell.

“Here is one last thing I must explain to everyone; about half of the soldiers who died in the battle, through emergency Consciousness Upload, have been uploaded into a Virtual World known as ‘World No. 13’…”

“Regarding these Digital Lives, we’re temporarily unable to define whether they are truly dead or alive; this is something we all need to discuss jointly.”

“Related popular science will be broadcast in the following programs; I hope everyone can rationally approach this still immature technology.”

This revelation wasn’t carelessly blurted out on a whim but was thoroughly deliberated and calculated.

On one hand, due to the use of the Pangu Brain in the war, there were many who knew, making it very difficult to maintain secrecy.

On the other hand, with the aging of the first generation’s population getting worse, it’s predicted that the next one hundred wakeful years will see a vast number of people aging and dying, so it might be better to take this opportunity to disclose the information, giving everyone time to digest it.

After all, this technology isn’t exclusively provided for the elite but a service that all citizens can enjoy.

Furthermore, this topic could also boost morale and shift attention away from the war. Broad discussion among the public could ignite ideas that didn’t occur to those at the top of civilization.

If the related policy discussions are comprehensive, then the technology can be used more perfectly.

Do not think that the public is evil or dark; on many occasions, the public represents true justice. People are often genuinely patriotic and simplehearted.

Sure enough, some soldiers’ family and friends stopped crying when they heard the news and began to ask, “What exactly does ‘Consciousness Upload into a Virtual World’ mean?” and, “How does one survive in a Virtual World?” Most people were still confused, interpreting it only literally.

This news was completely like magical black technology!

“Yes, your understanding is not wrong,” Zhang Yuan said confidently from the stage, “In literal terms, it’s uploading a person’s thoughts into a computer.”

“This technology is very risky and still in an immature state. All the Glizerians who experimented with it were so attracted to the wondrous Virtual World that they indulged in it and voluntarily gave up their physical bodies. Are humans immune to such temptation? Are we more noble and determined than the Glizerians?”

“Not necessarily…”

“To this date, we still haven’t mastered this technology fully and must be cautious of its risks…”

“As a species at the bottom of interstellar civilization, although we have achieved preliminary interstellar travel, philosophically and socially, we are still far from advanced civilizations. The primary task should not be to contemplate how to achieve eternal life in a Virtual World or to seek a better enjoyment, but to continue our own existence and to develop over the long term, becoming a greater civilization.”

“For a civilization to destroy itself with technology is arguably the most foolish way to perish.”

“This is also the real reason we’ve kept it secret until now… It’s a technology that could change all of humanity, not a game or toy, and we will not fully open it up in the short term; I hope everyone can understand.”

Zhang Yuan then suddenly bent down, bowed to everyone in the auditorium, and to the cameras filming the scene.

“Thank you all for your support and recognition of government work these past years. The progress of our civilization has not been easy, but I am certain that the journey we have undertaken and the risks we will face in the future are not limited to this.”

“The universe is mostly peaceful, but sometimes it is dangerous. The risk that comes with the Wander Plan is proportional to the rewards. We hope to collect the history of various civilizations and aspire to reach a larger world, which cannot be without its challenges.”

“So, humans on Gliese 581 have branched into two different civilizations… It cannot be said that one path is correct and the other wrong. These are two equal paths, and I believe the Governor on Gliese 581, with his wisdom, will be able to avoid a mediocre outcome…”

“I promise, once we reach the nearest Constant Star 187j3x2, we will prepare a massive Transport Ship. Those who want to go home or avoid risks are welcome to follow this spaceship back. The human civilization of Gliese 581 also possesses the technology of Consciousness Upload, but our cautious attitude towards this technology will not change…”

“Let’s hope that those with ulterior motives do not attempt to take advantage of this on the sly.”