Chapter 120.

Chapter 120.

This announcement both shocked and, upon reflection, seemed expected by the Empire's citizens.

The public hospitals addressed the needs of ordinary Alphas and Betas, so it was only natural that the next step was to do something for the Omegas.

How to treat Omegas has always been a challenging issue. Due to their unique healing abilities, they were once cruelly exploited. Knowing their historical debt, the Empire tried to compensate with favorable laws, treatment, and social attitudes towards Omegas.

However, this compensation led to issues. Most ordinary Alphas and Betas, who never oppressed Omegas or benefited from them, had to pay a heavy price, unwittingly compensating on behalf of the aristocrats who reaped the benefits. Over time, innocent Alphas and Betas harbored resentment towards Omegas, perceiving the Empire as unfair. Extremist groups like the Black Alphas provoked social unrest, hurting Omegas to draw attention and change the status quo for ordinary Alphas.

Omegas, seemingly privileged and pampered, were not as enviable as they appeared. Inheriting memories of hatred and distrust towards accommodating Alphas and Betas, they feared the physical superiority of Alphas and Betas. What if the horrors of the past returned?

Guided by the aristocracy and used as a class resource, Omegas felt insecure and mistrustful of Alphas and Betas, fearing a repeat of their ancestors' horrific experiences. Meanwhile, Alphas and Betas, raised to revere Omegas, felt shortchanged, contributing the most yet gaining the least.

Both sides felt aggrieved, leading to continuous conflicts and disputes. While these skirmishes seemed minor, accumulated grievances could escalate into a dangerous situation.

With this backdrop, the royal family, representing the commoners' interests, couldn't afford to do nothing.

Astute observers had already guessed the royal family's next move when Duan Chenlong initiated the public hospitals. The latest developments confirmed their suspicions.

Queqiu's timely emergence came at a critical juncture for the Empire, teetering on the brink yet still maintainable. At this point, a single push or pull could easily change the entire course of the story.

Life or death, everything hinged on the thoughts of a single Omega.

The people of the Empire were fortunate, their newfound deity chose to stand with them.

Queqiu stepped forward, embracing responsibilities that weren't his to bear, determined to lead all citizens of the Empire, Alpha, Beta, and Omega alike, in building their ideal world.

Thus, the Omega United Committee was both a response to the times and a creation inspired by Queqiu.

Without such an Omega at this critical moment, neither Duan Chenlin's public hospitals nor Duan Chenlong's Omega United Committee would have unfolded so smoothly.

After confirming another new regulation, Duan Chenlong intended to organize a grand inauguration for Queqiu. However, Queqiu felt it unnecessary, opting instead to upload a simple yet solemn inauguration video from the Empire's parliamentary hall, announcing the establishment of the Omega United Committee.

In the dignified setting, Queqiu appeared not in the sleek black combat attire of the military academy, but in a formal uniform tailored for the Committee's chairperson, adorned with meaningful accessories that highlighted his excellent physique and maturity.

As chairperson of the Omega United Committee, Queqiu seemed even sharper than the once beloved "little Omega," resembling a rose gilded with autumn frost – beautiful yet cold.

The public's first impression shifted from his stunning beauty to an unapproachable, awe-inspiring aura.

Queqiu's gaze was steadfast, his eyes shining like the sun, piercing through the lens as if to reach into everyone's hearts.

Those opening the video were captivated by his gaze, frozen in place, holding their star-brains, listening intently to his resonant speech.

He expressed his hope for all Omegas of the Empire to unite and strive for their rightful honor;

He wished for Omegas, Alphas, and Betas to set aside grudges, understand, and respect each other, working together as builders of the Empire.

"I hope this imperfect world as we see it now can become everyone's ideal world," he stated.

"The purpose of establishing the Omega United Committee is to unite all Omegas and those determined to help them, working together to address the Empire's various inequities."

"The Committee's existence is not about securing privileges for Omegas, but about ensuring their fundamental rights to choose and live freely. We appreciate everyone who has supported and cared for Omegas in the past, but history will prove that Omegas don't need to be excessively indulged or favored."

"Omegas can do the same jobs, endure the same hardships, and fulfill the same societal roles as Alphas and Betas. We are not delicate ornaments, each Omega is an integral part of the Empire, capable of contributing their strength."

"Like fireflies that shine in the dark and weeds that grace the fields, we bring light and vitality to the world."

Across the Empire's malls, airports, skyscrapers, military academies, and even on military LED screens, Queqiu's inaugural video played on loop, drawing the attention of passersby who stopped to listen intently to his proclamation.

As his clear, firm voice echoed in every corner, it ignited a fiery passion in the hearts of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas alike. The spark turned into a blazing inferno, urging them to act on their convictions.

Following Queqiu's lead, even the most hesitant Omegas boldly joined the public hospitals, taking their first brave step out of their comfort zones.

The initially skeptical military academy students began to rethink their stance after watching Queqiu's video, recognizing their repeated interference in Omegas' decisions under the guise of protection.

They had always imposed their beliefs, deeming the battlefield too dangerous and assuming the healer path was safer for Omegas, or selfishly believing public hospitals weren't suitable for Omegas.

Indeed, they had made many concessions for Omegas, like wearing restrictive collars or enduring a disproportionate Alpha casualty rate in war. In interactions, they always placed themselves lower than Omegas.

Yet, none of these should justify dictating Omegas' freedom of choice.

As Queqiu pointed out, every Omega is a complete individual with their desires, preferences, and aspirations. Their life, death, or downfall is their choice, and no one should interfere under the pretense of 'knowing what's best.'

If they continue to think and act this way, it only shows they have never truly regarded Omegas as equals, but rather from a patronizing stance, treating them like children to be doted on.

Reflecting deeply, the military academy students realized their past errors and ceased attempts to hinder Omegas' involvement in public hospitals. Instead, they embraced Queqiu's call, volunteering to maintain order in hospitals and escort Omegas to and from schools to ensure their safety.

Initially, Omegas weren't used to having Alphas or Betas around, instinctively seeing them as a threat. But gradually, as their interactions increased, they realized these individuals weren't there to harm but to protect, and they weren't as bothersome as they had thought.

Observing the typically pampered Omegas now juggling academics and social service without a word of complaint or sign of fatigue, Alphas and Betas began to see them in a new light.

While the societal prejudices formed over time and intentional guidance couldn't be erased in a few months or by a single video from Queqiu, the opportunity for these diverse groups to finally interact and empathize with each other was a significant step forward.

Queqiu and Duan Chenlin believe that, with a good start, the rest of the journey will become easier.

Whether the two groups can completely resolve their past grievances and interact without prejudice is uncertain, but there's confidence in a positive outcome, leaving time to tell the tale.

*

The public hospital initiative flourished, significantly protecting the rights of ordinary Alphas and Betas in facing genetic diseases. The royal family's approval ratings soared even higher, and Queqiu became the spiritual leader of the Empire, revered as a deity or affectionately called "Chief" by many.

His reputation even surpassed that of the royal heirs, Duan Chenlin and his brother, and certainly all the nobles, making him universally recognized across the star system as an influential and accomplished Omega.

The tense relations among Alphas, Betas, and Omegas in the Empire have eased, a welcome development for both Queqiu and Duan Chenlin and the general populace.

However, this turn of events was a disaster for the nobles who had painstakingly orchestrated the current societal structure.

They never anticipated that a simple video of Queqiu providing mental guidance to an Alpha brother or Duan Chenlin establishing the Omega United Committee and having Queqiu deliver a speech could lead to such uncontrollable consequences.

Just a few months ago, when Duan Chenlin first proposed the public hospital initiative, the public ridiculed it, and no one believed in the new policy.

The nobles, aware of the shifting tide but arrogantly confident in their control over Omegas, didn't foresee them stepping out of their carefully constructed comfort zones into the harsh world.

Thus, witnessing one Omega after another joining public hospitals left the nobility dumbfounded.

Previously, no one imagined Queqiu's influence would be powerful enough to inspire even the most proud Omegas to step down from their pedestals and follow his lead.

By the time the nobles realized what was happening, it was too late to intervene. With Duan Chenlin, a formidable presence in the capital, their subtle manipulations were quickly suppressed, leaving them with no recourse.

The nobles watched helplessly as the situation increasingly favored the royal family, with no means to turn the tide, causing panic and putting pressure on Jacky.

As the spokesperson and core of the noble group, and with his interests intertwined with those of the nobility, Jacky, despite appearing calm, was inwardly enraged, seeing years of effort on the verge of collapse.

But he was well aware that Queqiu's stance represented the current trend in the empire. Going against public opinion would bring no benefits. The only way to maintain the nobility's image in the public eye and minimize losses was to outperform the royal family.

Closing his eyes, Jacky quickly formulated a plan in his mind.

When he opened his eyes again, there was a murky, indistinct light flickering in his green pupils, reminiscent of a venomous snake lurking in the dark, ready to strike its prey.

Jacky's unexpected visit came when the Genetic Research Institute was conducting experiments on new subjects. The institute was eerily quiet, as desolate as an abandoned hospital, devoid of any signs of life.

This atmosphere made Jacky somewhat uncomfortable. Blint, anxious and fearful, led him to the entrance of Laboratory One, saying nervously, "Your Grace, please wait here for a moment. I'll inform the director. He's observing Subject 56 and doesn’t know you've arrived."

Before Jacky could respond, a piercing scream emanated from the lab, raising goosebumps on his skin. Despite the thick, closed aluminum doors, the scream, laden with pain and despair, reached his ears with unsettling clarity.

Jacky frowned and glanced at Blint, who hastily explained, "That's a new subject recently brought in by Black A, a B-class. It was supposed to undergo genetic modification with Queqiu's genes, but the director needed a control group, so it was injected with ordinary plant genes instead, while another subject received Queqiu's genes."

Jacky, not understanding the technicalities, was only interested in the results and asked directly, "So, what's the conclusion?"

Blint was about to answer when the lab doors suddenly slid open, and a familiar, slightly amused voice filled the room.

Liu Changming, removing his gloves stained with green liquid, said to Jacky, "The conclusion? A breakthrough advancement, of course."

As he moved, he exuded a foul odor like a stagnant pond filled with rotting leaves stirred by a stick, making Jacky wrinkle his nose and wave his hand near it.

Jacky stepped back in disgust, "What is that smell?"

Liu Changming tossed the gloves to Blint, who quickly incinerated them with his flame ability.

The lab's aluminum doors slowly closed, sealing the agonizing, beast-like screams of pain inside the lab.

Liu Changming offered an apologetic smile, "My apologies, Your Grace. That's the byproduct from a failed subject, which mutated into a tree-like creature. We extracted it for observation, and yes, the smell is... quite unpleasant."

"Failure?!" Jaquille's face darkened, abandoning his usual decorum in front of Liu Changming, he sharply interrogated, "With the royal family's successive legal reforms gaining high approval, the nobility has gained little. I was counting on your experimental results to turn the tide, and now you tell me it's another failure?!"

He laughed bitterly, coldly saying, "Liu Changming, I collaborated with you for your capabilities. Since your 'Blossoming Plan,' it's been nothing but failures. Your performance is disappointing. I'm starting to question whether involving you was a mistake."

Jaquille's words carried a threat, but Liu Changming remained unfazed, smiling, "Your Grace, as I said, today you'll witness a 'breakthrough progress.'"

Still playing games?

Jaquille frowned, "Get to the point."

"Yes."

Liu Changming nodded, slowly explaining, "As Brunt told you, this experiment had a control group. Experiment 56 was injected with ordinary plant genes, destined to fail."

Jaquille's expression slightly eased.

He gestured to the black-haired Omega, his stance arrogant, "Continue."

Liu Changming continued, "The control group's other subject, Experiment 57, was injected with Queqiu's genes. Current data shows Experiment 57 is stable post-experiment, unlike 56, which suffered gene rejection. This indicates Queqiu's genes can indeed supplement the missing RDRG (Radiation Defense Related Gene) in Imperial Omegas, safer than native plants altered by cosmic radiation."

Jaquille processed this, his eyes lighting up with excitement, "So, Queqiu is key to the experiment. His genes are effective in Omega genetic modification."

Liu Changming nodded, "Don't forget, the most notable point is Queqiu's ability to elevate Omega genetic grades."

Jaquille hadn't overlooked this crucial detail. The mere confirmation of a fundamental aspect of his plan filled him with exhilaration, as if he'd found the ultimate cure for genetic diseases.

"Then, I will be the true savior!"

Jaquille envisioned his future triumph, replacing the royal family and ruling the empire, shivering with excitement.

Liu Changming, with a smile in his eyes, looked at the thrilled noble, "The experiment is ready for the next phase."

He hinted, and Jaquille understood.

The author adds a note:

"Queqiu was once endearing, but now he's formidable."

"Queqiu in the present: untouchable."