Chapter 302: History Of Chainbound Sky
Aegon had guessed that Kaelis was in some trouble, but he still didn’t expect to hear those words. The Chainbound Sky was an independent nation, one of the richest in the whole world. Its destruction would impact the outside world too.
He straightened up and said, "Explain."
Releasing a sigh, Kaelis took his seat and asked, "I wonder if you’re familiar with our history?"
"Somewhat," Aegon nodded. "Previously, every floating island lived independently until the Corals colonised it."
"Indeed. Those bastards came to us as traders. We were quite naive back then, as most people simply came to enjoy our scenery before leaving. Oh, how stupid we were to trust them."
Kaelis chuckled dryly before saying in an even tone.
"Apparently, it was because we were heavily relying on other nations like the Corals for everything. We didn’t realise it until Great Aeolus sent Father Uboyo to us. Only then did we realise how bad our situation was, all because of them."
"Yes, I agree." Aegon nodded. "When I was reading, I realised how the people of Chainbound Sky were slaves in their own homes."
When reading about them, Aegon was reminded of the colonisation that the European countries did back on Earth. The Corals were no different, who were squeezing everything out of their country by making the natives slaves.
Unfortunately, the natives themselves didn’t realise that until much later because of the brainwashing the Corals did. It truly was a dark period of Chainbound Sky back then.
"I couldn’t have worded it better," Kaelis said, as others nodded alongside him. "Father Uboyo spread awareness amongst the Vayrins and liberated us. It wasn’t hard considering their influence was subtle and indirect. They didn’t need to rule here by being physically present, after all."
"But, why would you accept them as traders?" Elara asked in confusion.
"Multiple reasons," Aegon answered instead. "For one, humans tend to find kindness in others, especially the ones who have never truly seen the cruel nature of this world. They cling to it."
He glanced at the other humans, who were taller than most people he had met. Another sign of them being Vayrins.
"The second thing is timing. At that moment, Chainbound Sky was at its weakest, not to mention the people were just freed and didn’t know how to handle that freedom. They were long accustomed to their former state."
He sighed.
"So, when the Corals extended their hands in kindness, they took it as if it was their only option."
Orien looked down, as if ashamed of what his ancestors did. But Aegon didn’t blame them. People can easily put blame on others until they have lived in their shoes.
Back then, the Chainbound Sky was a crumbling mess held together by nothing other than Father Uboyo, who liberated them. If he had died, then things wouldn’t have been much different from before.
"Lastly, it was because they needed trade," Aegon said. "Think about their special location. They’re far above the ground, and the only nations connecting to them are related to the Corals. They were trapped."
"Back then, the Corals controlled a lot of our surrounding nations," Kaelis added in a somber tone. "That meant we had every trade route blocked except aerial ones. Unfortunately, the Grand Solar Empire was in a succession war at that time."
The Grand Solar Empire was the only one with Skyships on the entire continent, even then they only had a few until Liliana Songsword created an easier method of producing them.
Without them, the Vayrins could only use the land to trade with the outside world, and that land was under the control of the Corals. That left the Vayrins with no choice but to trade with the Corals.
Years of exploitation left them with nothing, so they couldn’t act independently, even if they were independent and free in name.
"I see." Elara finally understood the situation. "They chose trade to conquer the Chainbound Sky, as direct takeover would have been far more difficult due to its strategic location."
"Not worth it," Kaelis scoffed in disdain, hatred burning in his eyes. "They also wanted the Vayrins as slaves. After all, who would work on these lands if all the Vayrins died in the battle."
Elara glanced at Aegon and asked, "Humans are despicable. Why are they obsessed with slavery?"
"It’s more about exploitation," Aegon shook his head and answered. "Effective exploitation. It’s just that slavery is an effective way to extract maximum output at minimal cost."
"But why?"
"Only when the lower class works extra hard can the higher class live better," Aegon shrugged and said. "Take me for example. The factory I’m going to build will have many workers from poorer sections. Their hard work would ensure my factory works smoothly and I earn profits."
"I don’t think that’s a fair comparison," Elara countered. "For one, you’re the sole reason that factory can exist, so without you they wouldn’t even get to work hard. And you’ll also pay them well, so their hard work is far from slavery."
"Yes, but is the principle any different?" Aegon asked in return. "The difference comes from the intentions of those in power. They hold the authority to change that principle’s execution. In my case, it isn’t slavery because it’s a transaction between me and those people. I’m paying them in return for their hard work and not restricting their freedom. They are free humans who will choose to work for me."
"And humans are greedy," Elara muttered, realisation dawning upon her. "They want that hard work, but don’t want to pay the proper amount. That’s why they made a system where they could get that hard work without paying, and even get many bonuses in return. Even if it meant taking away someone’s freedom. How heartless!"
"Why do you think Demons, who are born of negative emotions and desires, are so terrible?" Aegon sighed. "And you haven’t even seen the true evils hiding beneath everyone’s mask."
"You’re making it sound like every human is evil."
"Am I?" Aegon paused. "I can make counterpoints to my own words, but we’ve already wasted a lot of time, so I’ll refrain."
"Thanks for all the knowledge," Elara tapped the table, turning towards Kaelis and the others who had been listening to their conversation with full interest.
Elara frowned and asked, "I’m still confused. Humans have empathy too, so how can they look at fellow humans and decide to make them slaves? Does their empathy die or what?"