Chapter 596: An Unexpected Turn
The complete halt in population growth greatly propelled the widespread adoption of artificial uterus technology.
This stemmed from the fact that childbirth was, by its very nature, an extremely energy-consuming and troublesome affair.
A grueling ten-month ordeal, the interruption of one's career, an inevitable drastic decline in physical mobility, and a significant change in body shape—these were all deeply unpleasant transformations.
Not to mention the immense pain endured during childbirth, and the death rate, still lurking like a tiger in the delivery room, approaching one in ten thousand.
Were it not for the existence of things called love, or family responsibility, or social ethos, many people would choose to forgo childbirth entirely.
But the Land of White changed everything.
Love was diluted by Daoization, the concept of family disintegrated, and the social ethos was completely overturned.
Under the collective consciousness network, individuals became atomized, each placing almost all of their attention on themselves rather than others.
The 'salted fish' mentality of hoping for the next generation to make efforts instead of oneself was scattered into disarray by the system's whip.
...
"Since there's no need to give birth or raise them, why don't we create one too? Anyway, it's done by the time you wake up from a nap." Someone joked immediately after listening to the complaints from above.
The existence of artificial uteruses, combined with genetically optimized IVF technology, and a subsequent integrated cultivation and education program, made 'cloud parenting' from infancy to adulthood a reality.
Two individuals wishing to leave behind offspring only needed to lie in an operating room for a single night, and nano-worm surgical robots would enter specific cavities of the subjects, extracting the corresponding reproductive cells non-invasively.
These cells would undergo genetic optimization before beginning the fertilization process. Once the fertilized eggs developed into embryos, they would be transferred to an artificial uterus factory, with no human involvement required throughout the entire process.
So, for those donating their cells, it truly was just a matter of sleeping.
"What's the point of creating one?" However, this was the first reaction of most students.
"..."
The atmosphere grew awkward again.
...
"There are a total of two hundred thousand cultivation tanks here, and it's estimated that two hundred thousand people will emerge from this factory annually in the future."
"Two hundred thousand..."
"Will all our descendants be born in factories from now on?" a girl asked in a clear, crisp voice.
"It's not impossible if you wish to do it yourself. Hospital obstetrics departments have only been scaled down, not canceled for the time being, but compared to using artificial uteruses, it's far too troublesome.
There's no need to cling to the form of birth; genetically, it's still your child. This is human progress, a revolution that liberates women from the physically and mentally exhausting ten months of pregnancy!" The team leader, influenced by their mentor, was also a fervent supporter of artificial uterus technology.
"That's very feminist."
"..."
"Mentor, then when will same-sex reproduction be possible?"
"Technologically, that's not yet mature, and the system hasn't approved many research resources for it, so it will likely be a very long time before it becomes widespread."
"What about creating clones from oneself?"
"There are indeed many research resources for that project, but too few people are willing to work on it. After all, while the system doesn't care, the ethical views of most researchers currently can't accept it."
...
The conversation gradually slid into an abyss, but those engrossed in their chat on the internal communication network didn't pay it much mind.
In the Spirit Energy era, there were always a considerable number of underground laboratories using living people as experimental material, or engaging in human cloning and genetic modification. Most of these radical researchers were known to the world as "Black Wizards."
However, with the establishment of the Land of White, almost all those who would stop at nothing to pursue freedom and power had left Earth with the Federation. Those who chose to remain here were, relatively speaking, good people.
They were equally curious about the mysteries of the world, but they wouldn't choose to explore them in ways that harmed others—at least, that was the case for this generation.
...
Moon Fortress Command Center.
"In twelve days, the Moon God will arrive above Mars."
"Is the Star-Melting Cannon ready?"
"It's already aimed at Phobos, and the loaded plasma jet deceleration device is also ready."
"The final inspection of the first wave of landing troops' pods is complete."
"Field construction corps' supplies are ready."
"Good."
"When approaching Mars, the gravitational balance research team for the Mars-Moon dynamic, please pay attention to real-time monitoring."
"Yes, sir."
As the Moon Fortress approached, preparations for various matters officially commenced. A crucial point among them was the issue of gravity.
The gravitational pull between the Moon Fortress and Mars was terrifyingly immense. The Federation currently lacked a monstrous method like Bai Mo's, capable of completely offsetting the Earth-Moon gravity by himself. They could only achieve orbital changes by adjusting the planetary engines.
...
"Spirit Eye Eight recently discovered something strange while patrolling Mars.
In a recently discovered large city, there appear to be numerous traces of human civilization." At the same time, two officials in the Mars Intelligence Department were discussing the latest discoveries from their scout robots.
"What do you mean? Are you saying someone landed on Mars before us?"
"The design of this city's outer walls has an Earth-like style, completely different from the chaotic disorder of other cities, and its corresponding technology is also far more advanced than other settlements.
However, due to a powerful Spirit Energy defense system on the city walls, ground robots cannot infiltrate, and spy satellites in low Earth orbit can only capture extremely blurry photos. It's still impossible to determine exactly what's going on for now."
"This is trouble now! I just thumped my chest in front of all the leaders, guaranteeing the Battle for Mars would be an absolute one-sided crushing... How could there be such an unexpected turn of events!"
As the head of the Mars-related intelligence team, the bearded official was now practically wanting to cry but having no tears.
Just a few days ago, he had presented compiled data in the Federation Conference Hall, reporting to the various council members that everything was normal, making them believe this colonization war would only have one outcome: a complete steamroll. Now, in the blink of an eye, he had been utterly humiliated.
"I hope there won't be any complications... I knew I shouldn't have boasted to the leaders earlier." Cold sweat seeped from the bearded man's temples.
"Team Leader Zhao, are... are you alright?" The person chatting with the bearded man also noticed something was off; after hearing his words, the other party had remained silent, his eyes clearly a little dazed.
"I'm fine. What happened today, you must remember not to tell anyone, or you'll be charged with the crime of leaking secrets. After I've compiled the latest intelligence, I'll personally deliver it to the Speaker." He said, forcing a steady voice.
"Understood!"
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