"We have wisdom, culture, morality, and technology! These are all things that the arrogant and conceited XyphosInsect tribe can never compare to!," the general raised his hand high, pointing to the human technological achievements displayed on the screen, from quantum computers to biomedicine.
"They may have quantity, but we have quality! We have heart, soul, and boundless creativity!," the general's eyes shone with almost fanatical fervor, as if he were driven by some sacred mission, and this fervent power spread rapidly to everyone present as if by contagion.
"Our mission is not just to eliminate Xyphos, that is just the beginning!" The general walked down from the platform, towards the audience, each step filled with an unparalleled power, as if crushing the floor. "Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the civilization, values, and beliefs of humanity can be perpetuated forever, whether in this galaxy or in distant constellations!"
The general became more and more excited, waving his arms vigorously, as if commanding an invisible army. "I don't want you to be bound by humility and fear anymore. Today, as you walk out of here, you are the future of the Interstellar Federation, the hope of human civilization. I want you to carry this pride and belief, to overcome all enemies, and to establish a great empire that belongs only to humanity!"
The general's last words were like a bolt of lightning, piercing through the darkness of the entire venue. A strong sense of fervor filled the entire space, inspiring people to be impassioned by the general's words. Applause, cheers, and whistles filled the air, creating a chaotic scene. You could even hear someone shouting, "For humanity!"
At that moment, Leo stood there, his eyes shifting uneasily. On one hand, he was moved by the general's words, but on the other hand, he felt uneasy. He couldn't help but ponder whether such fervor might lead to extremism, causing people to lose their rationality and tread a dangerous path. However, in such an atmosphere, few people were considering such questions. At least, not at the moment.
Under the general's impassioned speech, the entire auditorium seemed to be shrouded in a mist of warlike fervor. Applause, cheers, and whistles blended together like an intense symphony, creating a kind of almost suffocating fervor. Even the air in the auditorium became thick, filled with an energy that made people tremble with excitement.
Suddenly, a short-haired graduate pulled out a XyphosInsect tribe doll from his backpack. The doll was exquisitely crafted, with intricate details replicating the features of the XyphosInsect tribe, from the complex exoskeleton texture to the imitation of its antennae. However, this item, which should have been chilling, became the object of ridicule and venting for the crowd at that moment.
"Take a look at this, brothers and sisters! This is the enemy we are about to completely eliminate!" The graduate raised the doll high with both hands and shouted loudly.
His voice was like setting off a bomb. Without a moment's hesitation, a group of graduates rushed towards the doll like lions released from their chains. They stomped on it, punched it, and even whistled loudly, as if this could double their belief in human superiority.
At the same time, Leo stood in the corner, always an onlooker. He observed this crazy scene, filled with doubt and unease. The general's speech was indeed stirring, but he felt that it concealed some dangerous and extreme ideas. Would such fanaticism and exclusion really bring about good results?
When he saw the graduates rush towards the doll like a storm, Leo became even more convinced that this kind of atmosphere and behavior might not be what a healthy society should have. He thought about future wars, about the young people who would soon become cannon fodder, and he even thought about himself. Would he also be swept up in this fervor and become another blind follower?
However, in such an atmosphere, Leo knew that any questioning or rebuttal would be inappropriate and could even lead to greater trouble. So he chose to remain silent, but the unease and doubt in his heart burned like a growing flame, ready to ignite an uncontrollable fire at any moment.
The general on the stage looked down at the students below, a nearly intoxicated smile on his face. To him, these young soldiers were nothing more than pawns in his hands, and their fervor and passion were all results of his manipulation. His gaze was sharp, as if he could see into everyone's hearts, leaving everyone with an indescribable sense of oppression.
"Stop!" The general suddenly shouted at the top of his voice, the sound piercing through the entire hall like a thunderbolt tearing through the night sky.
Instantly, the previously fervent students seemed as if they had been enchanted, immediately halting all their movements. Their fervent gazes turned into ones of reverence, and their bodies involuntarily stiffened. The atmosphere of the entire venue also changed, from the previous fervor to solemn seriousness, as if a group of tamed beasts had returned to their master's feet.
The general straightened his body once again, took a deep breath, and slowly lowered his hands. He looked around with a confident and authoritative gaze, as if inspecting his pack of dogs to confirm if they were truly completely submissive to him.
"Very good, all of you have done very well," the general said with a smile, as if everything that had just happened was exactly as he had anticipated.
Leo witnessed all of this, but his heart was filled with unease and doubt. The almost fanatical atmosphere and the general's almost intoxicated expression made him feel a chill. He couldn't help but begin to doubt whether such a commander was truly worth following.
The unease and doubt in his heart were like a dark whirlpool, constantly spinning. He knew that such fanaticism and passion could have unforeseeable consequences, especially in such a complex and ever-changing interstellar situation. The general's manipulation of people's hearts and the creation of fanaticism may be unwittingly sowing an extremely dangerous seed.
Leo chose to remain silent, but his heart was filled with vigilance. He didn't know when this so-called "Animal trainer" would lose control, nor did he know when this group of "ferocious beasts" would suddenly go wild. But he was certain that he must remain vigilant at all times, because at any moment, he could face a sudden storm.
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