Chapter 113: Chapter 113: H'el, You're My Only Hope
Professor Kendra was an elderly man well into his seventies, with a lean figure, a straight spine, and a face marked by wrinkles. However, he possessed a pair of clear, insightful eyes that could be compared to the clarity of autumn waters. Usually, he concealed these perceptive eyes behind thick reading glasses.
These wise and beautiful eyes had caused him trouble more than once in his youth. At that time, due to his overly keen perception of his superiors' intentions, he had been smug and believed he was unique, capable of changing the world. He had been full of youthful exuberance, believing that none of the difficulties he faced could deter his youthful ambitions.
However, he had almost been blinded by the descendants of the House of Zod, which had taught him a valuable lesson. Since then, he rarely smiled.
He still remembered that, from the moment he saw H'el entering the micro-particle laboratory in Kandor City for his internship, he had felt that H'el would undoubtedly become a significant figure in the future.
Unlike other young people who were full of themselves, full of youthful vigor, pointing the way and envisioning the future, H'el was always calm. He timely praised the efforts of others, acknowledged their excellence, and handled relationships with those around him with equanimity. He did not hesitate to express his own opinions. He was always so compelling, making people submit to him, silently approving of him, admiring him, and respecting him.
Until he recognized Jor-El as his father, he was not the center of attention for everyone but an essential presence that no one could let go of.
However, after recognizing Jor-El as his father, many of his comrades felt a profound sense of disappointment and loss. They were disappointed that H'el had abandoned his surname, his dignity, and recognized an upper-class person like Jor-El as his father to enter the Central Academy of Sciences and pursue fame and fortune.
They longed for H'el to become a shining star, capable of changing Krypton, capable of changing this ossified society.
They were so disappointed that the magnitude of their curses and accusations could not change the firmness of H'el's resolve. He was determined.
He aimed to change Krypton by creating a clone elite.
And then Jor-El sent him into space.
Professor Kendra had been harboring these feelings for a long time. He often drank alone under the moonlight, reminiscing about H'el, and sometimes, he couldn't help but fantasize about what Krypton would be like if H'el succeeded.
In the end, Professor Kendra had never been able to witness that scene.
"H'el, you are my hope," Professor Kendra said, adjusting his attire slightly. He took off his thick reading glasses and revealed his clear eyes, smiling as he said, "Lady Nimda, I choose H'el—our god!"
Professor Kendra smiled, and Lady Nimda own smile faltered slightly. She hadn't expected a professor from the Kandor City Institute to be so resolute in his support.
He was welcoming a brutal king to rule over him, hadn't Krypton's history witnessed this before? And what had been the outcome? People suffered under such rule, starvation ran rampant, and they turned to cannibalism just to survive.
Ultimately, it had been the noble council families of Krypton who had brought hope, leading the suffering masses in a revolution that toppled the tyrant, establishing a parliamentary system.
Even if the parliamentary system had its flaws, there were checks and balances in place. People still lived well enough, even if they endured some hardships and lacked freedom.
Power needed checks and balances for the people to have hope.
Lady Nimda dismissed Professor Kendra's support with a glance. He was just an academic, a bookworm who didn't understand the dangers of an autocratic ruler. It was setting a dangerous precedent, abandoning the perfect system that had been in place on Krypton for millions of years. Ultimately, it would only harm the common people.
Who did she think she was speaking up for? She was speaking up for all of them!
Lady Nimda knew that intelligent people were never in short supply, especially among the various clever officials supported by the House of El.
She maintained her elegant composure, waiting for others to voice their opinions. Professor Kendra had chosen H'el as their "god," and Dr. Shaad, the robust middle-aged scientist with a hint of black beard on his chin, merely looked at Lady Nimda indifferently, remaining silent.
He wouldn't support her.
Dr. Shaad thought that Nimda had been living in the upper-class houses for so long that her mind had gone astray.
Who saved these seven million Kryptonians, he wondered? Where were people like himself?
It seemed like there were two options on the surface, but in reality, there was no real choice.
Even if there were a choice, Dr. Shaad would never opt for the old Kryptonian council. To continue having the upper-class manage these seven million people? Regardless of ability, only those with family bloodlines were eligible for important positions. Did he have to continue groveling before over a thousand classes?
In that case, he'd rather grovel to just one class.
After Professor Kendra finished speaking, the square fell into a heavy silence. You could hear a pin drop, and everyone's eyes darted around, observing each other's choices.
Smart people remained silent, knowing there was no other option. The less intelligent had already made their choices.
The atmosphere grew somber, and the silence was eerie. Even the faint sound of breathing seemed to echo loudly in everyone's ears, causing an undercurrent of impatience.
Lady Nimda elegant and graceful expression showed a slight frown. Her once serene and casual demeanor darkened, and her gaze began to scan the surrounding crowd.
Finally, she found a target.
"You, come forward, and tell me your choice," Lady Nimda said with an air of composure and pressure.
The individual she pointed out was the director of the Kandor City Real Estate Housing Management Bureau, a man with a jovial smile and a protruding belly.
The reason Lady Nimda had singled him out wasn't because she remembered his name. It was because two years ago, during her birthday celebration, this director had performed a unique song praising the honor of the House of El, leaving a deep impression on her.
Subsequently, she had ordered members of the El family to promote him to his current position as the director of the Kandor City Real Estate Housing Management Bureau.
In essence, this man belonged to the faction of the House of El.
°°°
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