Industrial Cthulhu: Starting as an Island Lord-Chapter 84: The Cost of Moving Forward

Hughes’ eyes lit up momentarily, then dimmed again.

Monica was right. The Sirens were indeed the most suitable race for scientific research.

With his purification ability, they were fearless against pollution.

The consequences of cognitive interference in this world posed no threat to them at all.

With the symbiotic contract and their inherently strong bodies, they could conduct dangerous experiments.

Even if they were injured, they could quickly recover through the contract.

However—

"Monica, your idea is good, but it is not the true solution to the problem."

Hughes looked into the distance at the Type II machine. He added fuel to it periodically, and it was still roaring.

"If my territory only consisted of Castel, and my people were limited to those on this island, then there would probably be no issue."

"But what if, just hypothetically, one day, we have an entire nation, or even establish a regime that encompasses an entire civilization?"

"At that point, if only the Sirens can conduct scientific research, it will no longer be such a wonderful thing."

"If the Sirens are strong, then you will form an academic oligarchy, monopolizing knowledge. Eventually, you will diverge from humanity, even if you share similar thoughts."

"If you are weak, then you will be controlled and forced to conduct research, perhaps brainwashed with grand ideals, or coerced with force. Essentially, it would be another form of enslavement."

"Either way, it would hinder civilization’s progress and bring suffering to everyone."

Monica’s emerald-green eyes widened.

She looked at her six arms.

"Is it because we are not human?"

"No, it is because knowledge is monopolized."

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Hughes raised his head and gazed into the distance, as if reminiscing, as if mourning.

"Whether it’s an active monopoly or a passive one, it halts the flow of knowledge."

"Exchange, communication, and sharing do not lead to knowledge leakage. Technology cannot be truly sealed away. The more it is suppressed, the more backward it becomes; the more it is monopolized, the more ignorant it remains. Eventually, knowledge will be placed on a pedestal and worshiped as an immutable doctrine."

On Earth, the Church was once a symbol of progress and knowledge.

The clergy had the highest literacy rates, but in the end, they were abandoned by time.

Their remnants still obstruct civilization’s advancement.

Knowledge itself is not inherently important. The Type II machine, which seems godlike now, was nothing more than a museum exhibit in the 21st century. But the essence behind knowledge, that is crucial.

If knowledge can only be monopolized by a select few, if scientific research can only be an exclusive privilege for some, then it is bound to lead to tragedy.

However—

"Of course, Monica, you are not entirely wrong either."

Hughes shook his head and revealed a pained, helpless smile.

"If, in this world, those without extraordinary power must sacrifice their lives in pursuit of knowledge and science..."

"If only the Sirens can engage in scientific research..."

"Then so be it."

"Why? Didn’t you say it would lead to tragedy?" Monica asked in surprise.

"Yes, yes, yes. It is a tragedy, a tremendous cost, a great sacrifice. It will become a painful scar that tears civilization apart."

"But even so, it is worth it."

"Truth is worth pursuing at all costs. For progress, no sacrifice is too great to bear. For the future, any pain can be endured."

"But isn’t technological progress meant to bring happiness to people? Sacrificing happiness to obtain progress—"

"No!"

Hughes’ voice was firm, nearly a growl, low and simmering with anger, as if a blazing fire was consuming his body.

Monica flinched, looking at her lord, only to find that his eyes were brighter than ever before.

He looked at the startled Monica, at the Sirens standing not far away, at the distant factories and people, at the endless Storm Ocean.

Then he retracted his gaze, paused briefly, and spoke without hesitation:

"It is not a matter of whether we should or shouldn’t."

"A race that loses the courage to move forward will slide into the abyss. A civilization that chooses to evade will never take another step forward."

"The greatest problem with surrenderists is never the act of surrender itself, but the fact that they chose to surrender."

Hughes’ gaze softened, and he lowered his voice:

"So, do you understand now, Monica? What you wish to choose is not merely research; you are shouldering a fate too heavy to bear. You were meant to be free, yet before you lies an unremovable shackle."

"Now, do you still love science?"

Even when night fell, nothing abnormal occurred. The Type II machine continued to operate normally, and there was no pollution descent nearby.

Hughes’ body was also in good condition.

After repeatedly confirming safety with the Sirens in the underground manor, Hughes lifted the emergency state.

Due to the dangers of research and experimentation, he had specifically established various levels of emergency protocols.

Depending on the situation, different levels of mobilization were applied to minimize the risks of pollution descent.

The trainees also dispersed. Connor arranged several carriages and even assigned some patrol members to accompany them, after all, it was nighttime, and there were wolves on the island.

The Sirens gradually scattered as well. Una shot Hughes a glare, the usually timid Siren was the first to step forward and pull Monica aside after Hughes’ long speech.

"Don’t scare the children!"

Hughes was both amused and helpless. He had indeed gotten too absorbed in his words and forgotten that Monica was still young.

He wanted to apologize, but Una guarded Monica tightly, like a mother cat protecting her cub.

Forget it. He would find another chance to explain later.

Directing the Sirens to move the steam engine aside, Hughes pondered how best to utilize it.

He planned to put the Type II machine into production, but there was no rush for this particular one.

The most pressing task was to train qualified engineers, so this steam engine would be left for them to practice on.

Disassembling and assembling it, learning maintenance, understanding operational procedures, troubleshooting, knowing which issues were minor and which required an immediate shutdown. All these needed to be gradually familiarized.

He planned to work with these trainees to compile a specialized operations manual. Future training responsibilities would be entrusted to them.

Additionally—

"Connor, I plan to expand the eastern research base. Right now, it’s too rudimentary, and its safety measures are insufficient. Have Alexei come by tomorrow, I need to discuss the details with him."

"Yes, Young Master."

By this time, Hughes had returned to the manor. Yawning, he prepared to go to bed. Last night had been exhausting, and he hadn’t gotten much sleep.

Though the new method of pollution descent cast a shadow over his mind, it did not stop him from smiling, albeit tiredly.

This was a steam engine, the farthest he had advanced since his transmigration. The road had been rough and treacherous, but at last, he had taken the first step toward industrialization.

The old butler beside him hesitated to speak. Hughes glanced at him.

"What is it, Connor? Something else?"

Connor hesitated for a moment before handing over a few sheets of paper.

"Young Master Hughes, the Candlelight Church’s ship is arriving tomorrow. Would you like to review Miss Beatrice’s information beforehand?"