Chapter 214: Ascension Technique Attempt Pt.3
President Dekel stared at Langley unflinchingly as the man appeared to be frozen in place. He was lost in thought, trying to formulate an answer to the president’s question. For some reason, the more he thought about it, the more his feeling of unease grew.
He was sure there was no other research topic he would pursue other than the one he was currently working on. After all, his very life depended on it. And if he succeeded, it could benefit quadrillions of people across the Federation of Humanity.
However, a seed of doubt began to sprout deep in his mind. He wondered if his lifelong goal was essentially just trying to survive. This doubt had shaken his resolve.
No, just surviving isn’t any way to live. How I spend my days matters too. But what do I want to do once I can live longer? It can’t be more research. That would be too…hollow. What did I want back when I was a child?
Drudging up some old memories, Langley couldn’t avoid thinking about his mom and her last words. She was the one who encouraged him in everything he did. She taught him not to fear failure, as it was worse to be afraid of trying at all.
The experience of losing his mother while he could only powerlessly sit by her deathbed was what caused his obsession with life-prolonging research. He didn’t want that to ever happen again.
It may be illogical, considering it was already too late, but he didn’t care. Humans weren’t machines. Their each and every action wasn’t always logical.
“Professor Langley?” the president finally urged him for an answer after some time.
“Umm, do you mind if I ask what you are pursuing first?”
“That is quite…political of you, making me set an example so you can find a safe way out. Well, I don’t mind. My actions are constantly being scrutinized by millions of analysts at every moment. What I am pursuing as the President of the Federation of Humanity is simple. To do my best for the people, so that we can live through the years peacefully. During my term, at least.”
“That’s…” Langley was at a loss for what to say.
Reading his expression, the president continued.