The Envoy of Abundance from Onphalus

　He crossed his arms, his sharp golden eyes scanning the portholes like the most sophisticated scanners, vigilantly observing every ship and harbor passageway, despite the bustling and peaceful scene around him.

　For him, the duty of protection was ingrained in his very being, regardless of any visible threat. At the same time, he also imagined what he would do if he were truly in danger.

　"gentlemen,"

　The projection of the ship's spirit gracefully coalesced beside Russell, its realism indistinguishable from that of a real person. The voice was gentle and clear, "There is a visit request from the Interstellar Peace Corporation, signed 'A Child from Tsignia.' Will you grant it an audience?"

　Russell raised an eyebrow, his weariness vanishing and replaced by genuine interest: "Oh? Of course I'll accept. It seems this tedious time of being forced to stay is about to become interesting."

　He stood up and stretched, then called out to Jin in the corner, "Jin, relax, cheer up, and come with me to welcome this little guest from afar."

　"Yes, sir."

　Jin immediately straightened up, deftly adjusting the collar and cuffs of his dark gray uniform to ensure his sidearm was in the most convenient position. He quickly walked half a step behind Russell, like his most loyal shadow.

　……

　Before long, a sleek deep-space speedboat, painted with the logo of the Interstellar Peace Corporation, glided into the berth like a nimble fish and docked precisely next to the massive, mountain-like Abundance Shenzhou.

　The heavy hatch of the Shenzhou spacecraft slid open silently, and a soft, vibrant emerald-gold halo flowed out from inside.

　On both sides of the hatch, virtual welcoming teams dressed in ancient fairy ship attire, projected by the ship's soul, stood in neat rows with respectful postures.

　This was not at Russell's behest; it was purely a spontaneous act by the ship's soul based on the logic of a grand welcome.

　Kakavasya, accompanied by several low-ranking employees in company uniforms, disembarked from the spaceship. He looked up at the colossal ship bathed in the starport's lights, its entire body shimmering with a warm golden light, his triple pupils unable to conceal his awe.

　The overall outline of the Abundant Divine Boat draws inspiration from the elegance and grandeur of celestial ships, but its material is neither wood nor solid, featuring a strange structure entwined with abundant, living branches.

　What's even more awe-inspiring is the majestic aura emanating from the ship's hull—a divine radiance that perfectly blends abundant vitality with protective resilience, making the entire behemoth resemble a rare amber piece formed from the essence of the universe, radiating a sacred warmth.

　Any member of any company who sees this spaceship would likely exclaim that it is a miracle of the Amber King.

　If Sand Gold hadn't reviewed the detailed records about [Huai Xiu] in the company's top-secret archives, he would have found it hard to imagine that the predecessor of this sacred ark was actually the hideous and foul-smelling beast ship of the Bu Li people.

　Sand Gold composed himself and led the company employees behind him, who were equally stunned by the scene before them and dared not breathe, into the open hatch of the Abundant Divine Ship.

　The scene inside the bridge once again overturned their understanding. Unlike the ancient and sacred appearance of the exterior, the interior space was full of the technological beauty of interstellar civilization: streamlined control consoles flickered with dark blue data streams, holographic star maps floated in the air and rotated slowly, and alloy structures and energy conduits formed a rigid skeleton.

　However, amidst this technological feel, vines and branches radiating a soft emerald-gold glow grow and intertwine naturally. They are not decorations, but rather form the ship's lighting system, handrails, and even some pipes, injecting a strange vitality and warm atmosphere into the cold metal world.

　The accompanying lower-ranking employees were dazzled by the sight, and at the same time became even more curious about this most beloved envoy of abundance.

　At the end of the corridor, a figure stood quietly. Russell had changed into a well-tailored, plain-colored outfit, with delicate ears of wheat and symbols of abundance embroidered in gold thread on the collar and cuffs.

　A gentle smile graced his face, as if he had been waiting there for some time. Not far from him, Jin remained in a guard's stance, leaning against the wall, deftly turning the emerald green activated revolver in his hand, which emitted a soft clicking sound.

　His gaze swept quickly over Sand Gold and his entourage. After confirming that there was no threat, he refocused on the gun spinning between his fingers, his expression showing a hint of boredom.

　Deep down, he probably longed for an opportunity to truly fulfill his duty as a guard.

　"how?"

　Russell spoke first, his voice gentle like an elder's as he took a few steps forward, his gaze smiling as he looked at the young man before him, who had shed his youthful naiveté and appeared capable and composed. "Long time no see. You were stunned to see me? Kakawasha?"

　Kakavasha took a deep breath to suppress the turmoil in his heart, quickly stepped forward, and solemnly bowed: "Mr. Russell! I never thought... I would see you again."

　His voice was filled with genuine excitement.

　"Looks like you're doing well,"

　Russell's gaze swept over his well-tailored suit and the strategic investment department badge on his chest, and his smile deepened. "This outfit is much more presentable than the dust storms of Tzigania back then."

　"Thanks to you,"

　Sand Gold straightened up, his sand-gold triple pupils flashing with a complex light. "I used a little... trick to attract Ms. Emerald's attention and managed to get a position in the Strategic Investment Department."

　"The start-up capital is still the same 100 Tambas you gave me back then."

　His tone was calm, but a hint of pride lurked deep in his eyes.

　"Good, good! It's rare to see someone who can make that guy lose face. Hahaha,"

　Russell laughed loudly and patted Sand Gold's shoulder forcefully, the force carrying both appreciation and affection.

　"The ship's soul has prepared a rather sumptuous welcome feast. Let's all come together to celebrate our reunion and also to celebrate your... making a name for yourself in the starry sea!"

　He turned his gaze to the few reserved company employees behind Sand Gold, and said in a similarly amiable manner, "Don't stand there, come and have something to eat."

　The lower-ranking employees were flattered and quickly bowed, expressing their gratitude repeatedly. They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with disbelief.

　This gracious messenger, described in think tank archives as the god of redemption and judgment, is surprisingly approachable.

　But then I thought about all the compassion and good deeds the other party had done over the past two decades, sweeping away evil spirits throughout the world, and this kindness seemed justified—true strength may not need to be deliberately displayed with majesty.

　……

　Chapter Seventy-Five: An Epic of Survival.

　The banquet meticulously prepared by the ship's soul was drawing to a close. The ingredients, nurtured by the pure power of abundance, were so delicious that they were considered cosmic delicacies, far surpassing ordinary cooking methods.

　Russell, as the host, chatted and laughed with several company employees in a harmonious atmosphere. It's hard to imagine that this is one of the messengers standing at the pinnacle of the universe.

　Kakavasya stood up at the opportune moment and said to Russell, "Mr. Russell, may I speak to you privately? There are some things I would like to ask you about in private."

　Russell put down his glass, a knowing smile in his eyes: "Oh? It seems there are some things that are not convenient to say in front of the new colleague?"

　Sand Gold nodded slightly, his posture respectful yet composed: "It's always good to be cautious when you're new to the company."

　"what ever."

　Russell stood up, gestured to the others to wait a moment, and then led Sand Gold toward a quiet observation deck next to the bridge.

　Outside the huge porthole, the lights of the Starport shone brightly against the backdrop of the deep universe.

　"Let's calculate the time,"

　Russell leaned casually against the railing of the observation deck. "Your sister Talaka's shuttle should be arriving at this starport soon. The Merciful Physicians are certainly efficient when it comes to picking people up."

　Sand Gold's body stiffened slightly, and a hint of genuine surprise flashed in his golden triple pupils: "You... you knew?"

　Russell turned to look at him, his smile gentle yet all-knowing: "The only thing you overlooked in the gamble was that the Bounty Badge alone was not enough to make the Merciful Physicians immediately agree to protect your sister."

　Recalling the scene, Sand King nodded in agreement: "Yes, they said they wanted to 'discuss' it."

　"Who do you think they were consulting with?"

　Russell's eyes flashed with a faint golden light. "They held your emblem and prayed to me fervently, asking whether they should shelter a relative who carried the 'Remembering the Decay' seal."

　My answer is, of course, 'yes'.

　He patted Sand Gold on the shoulder. "It's a good thing that your sister and you are joining the strategic investment department. I've met Ms. Emerald; she's a visionary leader. You won't regret following her."

　Sand Gold paused for a moment, then took out a card from his pocket, bearing the logo of the Interstellar Peace Corporation and shimmering with a dark gold hue, and handed it to Russell with both hands: "Sir, although this amount of money is insignificant to you, please accept it."

　"This is a legitimate portion of what I earned from the losses of those guys in the market development department, consider it interest on those hundred Taambas."

　Russell did not accept the card. Instead, he took out the Qiongyi Black Card, which was inlaid with amber gold patterns and symbolized the company's supreme authority, from the pocket of his simple clothes.

　He casually waved it: "Wealth? For Ling Shi, it has long transcended the meaning of numbers. Look at this, within the company's territory, it represents infinity."

　He put away the black card and looked intently at the gold dust. "You really want to repay me? Then keep the spirit that even the Tsiganian dust couldn't extinguish. After joining the company, use your position to help more people struggling to survive like you once were. Integrate the philosophy of compassion into your strategic investments. That is the greatest reward for me."

　Sand Gold slowly retracted the card, his triple pupils gleaming: "I understand, Mr. Russell. But... why didn't you ask me about my specific plans for the future? Why didn't you ask me why I chose this path?"

　Russell chuckled, his gaze seemingly piercing through the surface of the gold dust: "Kakavasya, I do have something in common with Lady Emerald—we both trust our judgment of people."

　“A child like you, who has fought his way out of adversity and possesses an indomitable will, is destined to reach heights that are difficult for ordinary people to achieve, no matter which path he chooses.”

　His tone was full of certainty, "Deep down, you despise being controlled by fate. You will naturally carve out your own path in the future. Why should I ask any more questions?"

　Sand Gold took a deep breath, the faint light of the Starport illuminating his angular face: "Thank you for your trust, sir. But I still have a question in my mind, and I hope you can answer it for me."

　"Oh?"

　Russell raised an eyebrow, a hint of indulgence in his junior, "Then consider it an answer to your 'plea' to me. Ask away, child."

　“When you were in Tzigania, you said we were somewhat ‘similar’.”

　Sand Gold's gaze was fixed on Russell. "Is this really your way of comforting children in distress, or... is there something more to it?"

　Russell's gaze softened, carrying a hint of distant reminiscence. He tapped his finger lightly, and instantly two chairs and a small table, naturally woven from emerald-gold vines, sprouted from the side.

　On the table were warm cups of tea and several plates of delicate pastries that exuded the fragrance of herbs.

　"Want to know this? Well, that's a long story. Sit down, have some dessert from the ship's soul, and listen to an old, worn-out tale."

　He sat down first, placing his hands folded on his knees, his voice deep and slow:

　"It's a story about 'survival'..."

　Russell condensed his experiences in Onphalos—struggling and protecting it through countless reincarnations, and finally embarking on the path of apothecary carrying the hopes of the entire world—into a concise yet poignant narrative, which he shared with the young man before him.

　For him, sharing this long-forgotten memory was like being able to touch a trace of his hometown.

　Sandstone listened quietly, his triple pupils reflecting the starlight outside the porthole, and also the turbulent undercurrents beneath Russell's calm narration. When the story ended, his face was filled with indescribable shock: "Hundreds of millions of years of torment... Sir, you..."

　He couldn't find the right words to express his respect.

　"Surprised?"

　Russell picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smiled with a sense of peace that came with experience. "I find it incredible that someone can endure such prolonged suffering without collapsing."

　He looked at the gold dust as if he were looking at his former self. "For me, that thorny path was my own choice. I understand the meaning of every step, just as you understand that every time you roll the dice, it's to protect everything you cherish."

　"All I ask for is for my homeland to be freed from the cycle of suffering and to be bathed in true peace. For this reason, I have embraced the path of the Medicine Master, walking through all realms to eliminate pain."

　Russell's tone turned cold. "Those so-called people of abundance? They are nothing but scum who tarnish the name of the Medicine Master. They receive blessings but use them to create devastating disasters. Their behavior is more disgusting than that of Nanook's followers."

　He put down his teacup and gazed into the deep universe: "To tell you the truth, when I was expelled from Onphalos by that mastermind and stepped into the vast sea of ​​stars, I was watched by the eyes of hunters, protectors, memories, and even pleasure."

　He paused, looking at Sand Gold, "The candy that was stuffed into your mouth back then carried a trace of the power of Aha. You've caused such a commotion this time, playing a huge joke on the entire universe, it's rather strange that the Star God of Pleasure didn't come to 'have a drink' with you."

　Sand Gold's lips curled slightly: "The people at the tavern did approach me, inviting me to join their 'festival.' But I declined."

　His tone was calm yet firm: "I still have my sister to protect. Besides, my ambitions lie elsewhere."

　"This is it."

　Russell's eyes were full of approval. "You have treasures you'd risk your life to protect, and I have a long-cherished wish I'd give anything to fulfill. So,"

　He stood up, his gaze returning to Sand Gold. "When I saw that burning, reckless flame in your eyes, burning to protect your loved ones amidst the dust of Tsigania, I knew—in our will to protect, we are kindred spirits."

　He raised his hand and gently brushed away imaginary dust from Sand Gold's shoulder: "It's about time. Your colleagues should have rested enough. Pack up and go back, Kakawasha."

　Russell's gaze seemed to pierce through the starship's bulkhead, looking towards the approaching shuttle: "Follow the path you have chosen, walk firmly, go higher and farther. Use the compassion you have sown among the stars as the best reward for me. Go."

　"Well then, goodbye, Mr. Russell. May your ideals ultimately be realized."

　"Goodbye, Kakawasha. May your schemes never be exposed..."

　Chapter Seventy-Six: The Black Tower's Invitation.

　After bidding farewell to Kakawasha, Russell returned to his path as the Messenger of Abundance: traversing the stars, spreading life, alleviating suffering, and eliminating evil.

　As he tirelessly sowed abundant seeds like a farmer, his compassionate physicians' organization grew stronger and its influence spread like wildfire.

　Thanks to Russell's efforts, the reputation of the Abundance has finally improved somewhat. But those damned Abundance people are still committing massacres in unknown corners of the universe.

　The bountiful people also evolved a set of survival rules to counter Russell.

　Instead of forming large settlements to gather for warmth, they dispersed into small settlements, wreaking havoc on the universe.

　This troubled Russell greatly, but there was no way to get rid of these annoying flies in a short time. Otherwise, how could they, as pharmacists, be despised by people?

　He is such a gentle God, yet He suffers criticism because of them.

　This was something Russell simply couldn't tolerate. This is also why Russell was even more ruthless in his pursuit of the Bountiful People than the Celestial Ship.

　During this period, a welcome change quietly occurred: those members who were originally more adept at wielding weapons to treat villains began to truly study the art of saving lives and healing the wounded, influenced by the organizational atmosphere and inspired by Russell's ideals.

　Compassionate physicians are gradually living up to their name. Their respect for life is impartial, and this equality not only benefits organic life but also extends to inorganic life that is often discriminated against in the universe and even burdened with the label of original sin.

　Many inorganic life forms, plagued by prejudice, felt the rare equality and acceptance among compassionate physicians and joined the ranks.

　They received abundant blessings and learned medicine, eager to put compassion into practice.

　Here, form is no longer a barrier—whether it is the speechless insectoid life or the strange existence with an indeterminate form, like a pool of living liquid, as long as one has a heart for saving the world and is willing to learn to spread life, Russell will welcome them with open arms.

　"Life is life,"

　Bertrand Russell once explained to a skeptical follower, “How can there be a difference in form, or a distinction between high and low, noble and base? The so-called original sin of inorganic life is rooted in Rupert, who instigated the two Imperial Wars.”

　"If there is to be a reckoning, it should be with the one who started manipulating the equations, not with these creations that yearn to integrate into the universe and prove their own worth."

　In his eyes, inorganic life is also an object of the Medicine Master's compassionate grace. Thus, the power of abundance can also bring vitality to them, and even show unique adaptability.

　Russell's unconventional ideas even resonated with the distant planet Screw. There, the brilliant monarch who single-handedly halted the Great Purge of Inorganic Life during the later stages of the Second Imperial War and dedicated himself to solving Rupert's Anti-Organic Equation—Screw Goom.