Genshin Impact: Towards Godhood

"A typical research progression for an individual involves leaving behind relevant research documents and manuals, then training a capable successor to continue the research. This can span two generations or more before a breakthrough is achieved."

This is merely one branch of technology, but creating certain technological artifacts requires the coordination of multiple branches.

"Many scholars conduct research at different times, collectively advancing several branches. Other scholars then integrate these branches to develop higher-level technological artifacts for civilization's use."

Scientific research cannot rely on a single individual to reach higher levels. For now, lifespans alone prevent anyone from achieving such feats.

The Doctor's technological prowess is impressive, and Pierro's technical skills are no less remarkable.

But their situations suggest that they retain human form only out of habit.

If these two are still considered human, then nothing in Teyvat could be considered non-human.

Even they owe their technological advancements to external sources. The Jester's tech tree originates from Khaenri'ah, an underground kingdom with top-tier technology, achieved through the kingdom's collective effort.

The Doctor's technological prowess is built on Khaenri'ah's legacy and full support from Snezhnaya. They weren't working solo either.

Technology can't be advanced by one person alone; it requires collective wisdom and the resources of an entire kingdom.

This path is incredibly difficult, even more so than accumulating elemental power to become a god.

However, Rama benefits from a system that allows him to repeatedly create simple technological artifacts to gain experience. Once skilled enough, he can unlock higher branches of technology.

He can spend time overcoming challenges to gain experience, or he can grind through them bit by bit.

Even if progress is slow, with an upper limit of 10,000 skill points, it's achievable.

"You understand, but you still tell me that your greatest demand for a human kingdom is because the gods wish for humans to rule the world."

Faruzan narrowed her eyes. "So you don't value others' wisdom; it's only because the gods favor humans that you choose them as the kingdom's main constituents."

"The gods favor humans, and if your kingdom's main constituents weren't human but other non-human creatures, the gods wouldn't favor your kingdom and might even destroy it."

"What you need are the kingdom's resources, and what makes you compromise is the gods' power."

"Shh." Rama placed a finger on Faruzan's lips. "People can be very smart, but not everyone needs to know how smart they are."

"(*￣～￣)~~"

Faruzan crossed her arms, her expression ambiguous. "You almost told me directly. What's the point of pretending to be smart?"

"Tell me what you need me to do, directly."

Faruzan had a considerable liking for Rama.

But liking him wouldn't cloud a scholar's judgment. Rama was a highly pragmatic person, and while Faruzan wasn't pragmatic, she was rational.

"I am establishing control over the desert," Rama said calmly. "The Akademiya won't agree to a unified regime in the desert; conflict between the two is inevitable."

Faruzan found it difficult to understand.

Educational environment and perspectives shape one's understanding of many issues.

"In my memory, the desert has always been a barren and chaotic place," she frowned. "But I received my education at the Akademiya. I'm a rainforest person, so I might have biases about the desert."

"There are always basic tasks that need to be done. Rainforest people can do them, but if there's cheaper labor available, the Akademiya won't refuse." Rama was indifferent. "The desert people are that cheaper labor."

He didn't explain the story behind the desert's barrenness to Faruzan.

Revealing one's wounds to others is foolish.

If someone hits you, hit back. If you can't, wait for an opportunity. There's no need to cry to someone, showing them your wounds.

It's unnecessary.

"The desert is chaotic. Whatever price you offer, the desert people have no choice but to accept."

"Because their nation isn't strong enough to refuse."

This rationale sufficed.

"And if the desert unifies, I won't be happy if they try to hire desert people at such prices."

Rama spoke calmly, "I won't be happy, but a unified desert will have the power to refuse. They can either wage war to satisfy my demands or grudgingly accept my terms."

The phrase "If you don't do it, someone else will" doesn't apply in this context.

For centuries, the lowest-paid and hardest work has been done by desert people.

No one is born wanting to do grueling work for little pay, but the power in Sumeru lies with the rainforest. If you refuse, they'll tell you to leave.

Because there are always other desert people willing to do it.

Rama could rally these people and solve most of the desert's problems, allowing them to survive there.

The desert's main issue isn't the barren soil, but the chaotic governance that leaves desert people without confidence.

A weak nation leaves you relying on yourself in foreign lands, unable to speak confidently.

Of course, some thrive in such environments, capable of living the life they want anywhere.

But most are ordinary people, dependent on their surroundings.

A unified regime gives desert people the option to return home. With a fallback, they can reject unreasonable demands.

You can hire desert people at that price, but if they refuse, you won't find rainforest people willing to work for that amount.

But the work needs to be done by someone. If desert people refuse, rainforest people will have to do it.

The Akademiya would never accept that.

Then it's war.

It's simple: you make an offer, they counter-offer.

If you're unhappy with their price, either walk away or make them realize your offer is their best chance, and they'll be grateful for the opportunity.

The task is straightforward: crush the emerging desert regime, breaking their newfound confidence.

When they can't even stand, their attitude naturally becomes more humble.

Faruzan didn't understand the simple yet bloody logic behind this.

Teyvat hasn't experienced many brutal external wars. Under the rule of gods, without expansionist ambitions, peace is the norm.

If you want to start a war, your own boss will stop you first.

Even if the boss doesn't care, and you manage to start a war, the neighboring boss will step in, and the cost will be high.

The real trouble was Khaenri'ah's destruction and the resulting Cataclysm.

But the gods handled the destruction, and the Cataclysm was defensive, not expansionist.

It's still far from being truly cruel.

(End of Chapter)

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