Ninth class citizen

Chapter 309 Absolute Equality

Nan Rong remained silent, her expression indifferent, her arms crossed.

The interplanetary shuttle stopped at that moment, and Selena stepped forward and took Nan Rong's hand: "I understand. Because of the bad impression you had in the past, you might not believe anything I say now. But you can immerse yourself in this city and see how the people here are different from those outside."

Vilan's injuries have repeatedly worsened during the month-long voyage, and he is on the verge of collapse. In recent days, he has fallen into a deep coma and it seems that he is about to die.

Nan Rong was immediately taken to a shop in the commercial district and assigned to her.

The storefront isn't large, but the back is a hidden world, equipped with a material warehouse with cold storage and dehumidification equipment, a CR2032 raw material extraction machine, a small synthesis laboratory, and a combined living room.

The living room is only 40 square meters in size and includes a bathroom, an open-plan kitchen and dining area, and a bedroom. The interior decoration is also quite simple.

It's not even as good as the mid-level gladiator quarters in the Blackthorn Arena.

But Selena made it very clear: "I hope all residents in the city are equal. The living space per person is fixed, and no one can be an exception, including myself."

"Look over there." She pulled Nan Rong to the shop entrance and pointed to rows of uniform buildings in the distance.

“Most residents live in uniform housing areas, and everyone is exactly the same regardless of their status or abilities. There are no mansions in the City of Hope, and no one has any privileges.”

“Every resident of the city must work in exchange for the right to live and survive. Master Nan, you are no exception. You need to pay a fixed amount of potions every month to offset your labor tasks and earn wages.”

"Of course, everyone receives the exact same salary. As the regimental commander, I am paid the same standard as those who are working hard in the fields outside the city; there will be no difference."

"As for this shop, I hope the city will rent it to you. You can use your salary, as well as the money you earn from selling potions beyond your quota, to pay the rent and taxes."

"It should be noted that, in order to ensure absolute equality, the city-state levies heavy taxes on high-income earners, and the tax revenue will be used for various aspects such as infrastructure construction."

Nan Rong had been listening quietly until this moment when she finally spoke, asking, "Have you finished speaking?"

“No.” Selena took a deep breath. “But if you don’t start synthesizing the potion soon, I’m afraid Vilan won’t be able to hold on.”

"I will forward you the relevant regulations here. You will understand them after you have lived here for a while. The City of Freedom is the purest and most beautiful paradise in the world."

"I hope so." Nan Rong declined to comment.

But she also knew that Vilan's injuries had reached their limit and it was time to start treating him.

If it had been any later, Vilan certainly wouldn't have died, but he might have realized that he had seen through Vilan's true colors, and the two would have completely broken off relations.

Although she was not afraid, she wanted to linger a little longer and learn more about this city-state built by champions of equality.

The materials warehouse is already full, containing not only the materials listed in Nanrong's inventory, but also a considerable amount of extras.

“Although these materials were looted, they are still public assets of the city-state,” Selena said. “They can’t be given to you for free. Instead, their value will be calculated based on their specific use and deducted from the tax. Of course, materials used for potions handed over to the city-state are not included in the deduction.”

"This is different from what you promised me before," Nan Rong said with dissatisfaction.

"Is that so?" Selena blinked her big brown eyes. "Did we sign an agreement?"

Nan Rong:
"Of course, even if it's signed, such an agreement that encroaches on the city-state's public resources is invalid." "Heh." Nan Rong ignored her and turned to enter the original extract room.

Two hours later, she took the Tier 3 D universal gene optimizer with her name on it and went with Selena to see Vilan.

He was assigned to a standard building behind the commercial street, a standard 40-square-meter apartment, with the layout and furnishings of the room being almost identical to Nan Rong's.

The medicine worked remarkably well; Vilan fully recovered and, as soon as she got out of bed, couldn't help but give Nan Rong a hug.

Nan Rong slightly turned her body, her intention to dodge was quite obvious.

“Arong?” Vilan looked hurt. “You saved me again, don’t tell me that I have no place in your heart at all.”

That's true. As the mastermind behind the fight for equality, Nan Rong left him a large area, making him even more hateful than the Great Demon King Dean.

After all, he didn't actually kill his comrades, but Vilan did.

“But we’re under her roof, we have no choice but to bow our heads.” Nan Rong sighed. “These past few days, I’ve also seen that Captain Selena is truly devoted to you. She not only checks your injuries every day but also takes care of you personally. Don’t be coy, just give in to her!”

"What kind of person do you take me for!" Vilan's gray-blue eyes were filled with grief and indignation: "Have you never even once thought of striving and fighting for our future?"

“Um, Master Nan,” Selena spoke up at the opportune moment, “Actually, I’ve thought it through these past few days. Forced relationships never work, and I can’t bear to steal someone away or break them up. Why don’t you two just…”

"Commander, you've misunderstood." Nan Rong said seriously, "Actually, Vili and I are just good friends, there's nothing else between us. You can continue to pursue him in your own way, you don't need to care about my opinion."

Vilan looked heartbroken: "Arong, is this what you really think?"

“Yes.” Nan Rong waved her hand at him, “Don’t overthink it, we’ll still be friends.”

"By the way, Captain Selena, how should we handle this Tier 3 D-grade gene repair agent? Should it be included in the fixed doses to be submitted this month, or should it be considered a private transaction between me and Vili?"

"Huh?" Selena was taken aback by her unexpected leap in thought and was momentarily speechless.

“I personally think it should be used to offset the fixed dose. Vili still owes me money for two doses of gene-optimizing agent and simply doesn’t have the money to pay any more—why don’t you release him first so he can raise the money to pay back the debt?”

"We'll talk about that later," Selena chuckled. She certainly wouldn't dare make the Prophet's decision.

But because of those words, a glimmer of starlight rekindled in Vilan's eyes.

"Ah Rong, you still care about me after all. You said that on purpose just now, hoping to get my freedom back. But I will never leave you in a place like this. Being a pirate? I'm willing to do it. I believe it won't be any harder or more difficult than being a slave."

"Clap clap clap." Selena clapped her hands. "You two are truly united in love. How about I arrange a larger shared apartment for you two to help nurture your relationship?"

“Great!” Vilan laughed.

"No need." Nan Rong said expressionlessly, "The synthesis of the potion requires absolute quiet, and I don't want anyone to disturb me."

The news that the City of Hope had hired a genetic optimization master with extraordinary skills quickly spread to the ears of all the city-state's residents.