441: Leading the elimination

A large screen appeared in the virtual world's square, and all the Ability Users looked up. Meng Xian was holding an Ability Eradication Agent and looking at everyone.

"Since you say I am a dictator, I will give you a choice. The agent in my hand can block the perception between Ability Users and elements. Most of you can only control one element, and some can control two. Don't worry, this agent will not eliminate your physical mutations. After using the agent, you will lose the ability to control elements."

"What do you mean, are you trying to castrate us?" an Ability User asked discontentedly.

Meng Xian did not answer directly but continued, "You can choose to eliminate your element control ability and return to the life of an ordinary Space City citizen. Or, accept control and isolation. The choice is yours. Here, I'll be blunt: we don't need low-level Ability Users. Technological modifications to humans can surpass most Ability Users. Not everyone can become a god like General Manager Lu. The Space Administration has decided that the path of abilities ends here."

Meng Xian's words caused a huge shock among the Ability Users, who faced an unprecedented choice. Some Ability Users were furious, believing Meng Xian was insulting them, and firmly refused to accept this arrangement.

However, another group of Ability Users began to consider whether it was truly necessary for them to continue.

"General Manager Meng, this is an infringement of our rights!" an Ability User protested loudly.

Meng Xian's expression was firm as he responded, "This is for the future of Space City, and for your own good. You can choose."

"Why don't you clear your own ability? You haven't used your ability to participate in construction, aren't you just like us? If you have the guts, clear yours first and set an example for us."

Someone questioned him, and in an instant, countless people echoed.

"Exactly! The magistrates are allowed to set fires, while the common people are forbidden to light lamps. Meng Xian, this is a double standard."

A sneer appeared at the corner of Meng Xian's mouth as he said, "I will clear it now. Besides me, all Space City management personnel with abilities will choose to clear them. We will only retain Ability Users with four or more elements!"

"Don't just talk, do it now, now!"

Facing the crowd's doubts and challenges, a resolute look flashed in Meng Xian's eyes. He knew that at this moment, no words could quell the Ability Users' anger and dissatisfaction; only action could prove his determination and sincerity.

He took a deep breath, then raised the Ability Eradication Agent in his hand and said loudly, "Alright, I will clear my ability now! Let me show you whether Space City's management has the courage to make this choice, just like you!"

With that, he unhesitatingly injected the agent into his arm. As the agent entered his body, Meng Xian felt a powerful force surge within him, but it quickly vanished without a trace. He knew his ability had been completely eliminated.

The Ability Users in the square were stunned by Meng Xian's actions. They hadn't expected Meng Xian to make such a sacrifice.

Those Ability Users who had been questioning and provoking Meng Xian earlier also fell silent, complex emotions in their eyes.

Meng Xian looked at them and continued, "Now, do you still think I am depriving you of your rights? I hope you can understand that this decision is not against you personally, but for the future and stability of Space City. I believe that with the help of technology, we will definitely find a better path for development."

The virtual square was silent, and many people began to waver.

"I still have children; I'll just go back to being an ordinary person. Being stuck in the middle is meaningless."

"He eliminated his ability, and he's still a high-level official. If we eliminate our abilities, we become ordinary people!"

Even though Meng Xian did this, some people still felt it was unfair.

"You can't twist an arm behind its back. If we don't eliminate it, being monitored and restricted, what's the difference from being imprisoned?"

Meng Xian slowly said, "You can take your time to consider. I will give you enough time."

The virtual world closed, and all Ability Users returned to reality. The quarantine zone became quiet, and soon, some Ability Users agreed to eliminate their abilities.

With a creak, Director Han pushed open the door to Meng Xian's office. She had thought of many possibilities, but Meng Xian's actions this time were beyond her expectations.

"You're here?" Meng Xian smiled and greeted her.

"You are a Second-Class Ability User, why did you give up your ability?"

Meng Xian retorted, "Why not give it up? Nanobot modification, consciousness backup—which one isn't stronger than abilities? Even a Second-Class Ability User, even a Superpower User, cannot withstand our Weapons Research Institute's particle energy weapons. We shouldn't have invested our scientific research power into the field of ability research."

Director Han was silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Then what do you plan to do with those who are unwilling to eliminate their abilities? Are you really going to imprison and monitor them as you said?"

"For those unwilling to eliminate their abilities, I certainly won't take extreme measures. I believe they will make a wise choice regarding this."

Director Han nodded slightly and said nothing more.

"General Manager Meng, an unidentified flying object has been discovered in the asteroid belt. It's not our mining ship!"

Qiu Wuhui's voice suddenly came through Meng Xian's earpiece. Meng Xian frowned.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Director Han asked from the side.

Meng Xian waved his hand, not answering Director Han's question, but instead said into his earpiece, "Have the deep-space robots go and see what the situation is. If there's anything unusual, report it to us immediately."

"Understood, General Manager Meng."

"There's a slight problem with the construction department's mining. I need to go to the Command Center, so I won't be able to accompany you." Meng Xian said to Director Han.

"Mm!"

Director Han watched Meng Xian's hurried departure, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment, then followed him.

At the Command Center, Bai Yan also arrived. On the large screen, images from the deep-space probe appeared.

A giant elliptical object, its surface covered with strange patterns, was floating in the asteroid belt.

"What is this thing?" Meng Xian asked with a frown.

"Unclear, but what's certain is that this thing is definitely not naturally formed." Bai Yan frowned and said slowly.

"Qiu Wuhui, immediately send the probe over to see what this thing is!" Meng Xian commanded.

"Understood!"

Two deep-space probes ejected an arc of light from their tails, rapidly approaching the unidentified flying object.

Suddenly, the elliptical object cracked open, and in an instant, it transformed into hundreds of thousands of black beetles.