Meta-Origin: Genesis Key

 Earth Metaverse Year 10, 10th June 2031 AD.

"Secretary Kent, may I add a few words as well?" As the discussion began to wind down, Ranzi turned his inquisitive gaze toward Secretary Kent.

Kent smiled, nodded politely, and replied, "After you." Today's meeting in Sunzen City had been arranged at his suggestion—a decision influenced by Ranzi's rising reputation within the Meta Origin Society and Kent's desire to elevate him further.

Ranzi stood, bowing respectfully with his hands clasped together. The atmosphere in the conference room was noticeably somber.

After taking his seat, Ranzi began in a measured tone, "From our discussion, it's clear that technology is a double-edged sword. It has brought us unparalleled convenience, yet in the relentless pursuit of wealth and power, it has also deepened and complicated our problems. Technology is meant to serve humanity, but if left unchecked, its consequences will be inevitable."

He paused, his eyes slowly scanning the room, before continuing in a low but firm voice, "However, that isn't the core issue..."

An unspoken tension filled the space as the audience leaned forward, waiting for him to continue.

"The real challenge lies in forging a dominant cultural consciousness—a 'soul culture.'" His words carried an undeniable authority that resonated with everyone present.

A spark of interest lit in Kent's eyes; he had long championed cultural development and was clearly captivated by Ranzi's perspective. Others in the room also listened intently, their expressions filled with anticipation.

Ranzi pressed on, "The AGI-ST Program isn't merely a technological endeavor—it's an ideological blueprint. Its architects are pushing the veneration of money and power to the extreme, embedding these values as the central tenets of society, almost deifying them."

His tone remained calm, yet a chill undercurrent seeped through his words. "When such a belief system takes hold, our morals, ethics, and laws will crumble, and society will succumb to greed, indifference, and ruthlessness. Even more alarming, money and power can become a slow-acting poison—once indulged, it is nearly impossible to break free. Those behind the AGI-ST Program, much like modern-day drug lords, exploit this dependency to control human destiny—deciding who lives and who dies at their whim!"

A heavy silence descended upon the room, as if the very air had frozen.

Leaning forward, his hands pressing firmly on the table, his eyes burning with conviction, Ranzi asked, "So, how do we stop this plan?"

His tone softened as he continued, "The greatest crisis we face today isn't an economic downturn, a military conflict, or even a natural disaster—it's a crisis of soul culture. If we lose our soul culture, every nation and society is doomed to self-destruction."

Heads nodded in agreement.

"Culture and technology are not adversaries," Ranzi added. "Rather, technology is an extension of culture, and culture must guide technology. The real question isn't whether technology is powerful enough, but whether our culture can harness it to serve humanity, rather than allowing it to become a tool of control."

His expression turned somber as he continued, "At its core, soul culture is a 'God culture.' But what do we mean by God?" He paused, sweeping his gaze across the room before intensifying his tone. "In my view, God isn't some external, transcendent force—it's a part of who we are. To honor God is to honor life itself."

His voice grew even firmer, "The soul culture we need must be one of self-mastery—a belief that our lives are our own. No external force—be it power, money, technology, or even religion—should dictate our destiny."

At these words, the room burst into enthusiastic applause.

Kent slowly rose, smiling as he raised his hand to quiet the crowd, "Everyone, please, hold your applause until Ranzi has finished his remarks."

Ranzi nodded slightly and addressed the audience once more, "So, what kind of soul culture should humanity establish, now and in the future? I believe that the Meta Origin Culture must play a crucial role!"

Another round of applause swept through the room, and Kent signaled for calm. Ranzi continued, "Meta Origin Culture champions harmony and balance—principles that are vital in overcoming our current challenges. Science and technology should serve to enhance our happiness and spiritual well-being, not merely act as instruments of money and power. This is just my humble opinion—please, feel free to offer your critiques and suggestions."

The applause grew even more fervent, a resounding affirmation that felt like a beam of light piercing through darkness.

Yet, Ranzi remained undistracted, his expression growing even more serene and his gaze deep. "However, merely advocating a return to cultural roots isn't enough. We must confront a stark reality—certain forces behind the AGI-ST Program have been operating covertly for a long time. Their aim isn't just an ideological shift; it's an all-out spiritual energy war."

At these words, the mood in the room shifted dramatically.

With gravity, Ranzi declared, "The 'All-Seeing Eye' and 'Phantom Axe' technologies they've developed have insidiously infiltrated our society, targeting our young school and college students whose minds are still forming. They use these technologies to disrupt psychic energy, causing young people to unconsciously absorb the doctrines of the AGI-ST Program. While it is marketed as an enhancement of'scientific and technological education,' in reality, it is eroding independent thought, driving our youth toward materialism, power, and self-interest—and ultimately, dooming them to be the program's victims!"

A profound silence fell over the room as the gravity of his words set in, and every face grew increasingly somber.

Ranzi's tone grew even graver. "Once they succeed, future society will no longer be led by truly intelligent individuals but will be controlled by data and algorithms. Morality, faith, and free will will gradually vanish. Humanity will be reduced to programmed entities, stripped of the ability to govern itself. And the ultimate aim of the AGI-ST Program isn't merely to manipulate individuals—it's to seize control of the entire world!"

For a moment, the air seemed to freeze. Then Ranzi's voice rose sharply: "Can we really afford to sit back and do nothing?"

"No!" someone interjected. His voice thundered through the room, shaking every heart.

"The very reason for the existence of the Meta Origin Society is to safeguard humanity's true freedom! In the face of the corrosive influence of the All-Seeing Eye and the Phantom Axe, we must act! And—"

As his words trailed off, Ranzi turned his gaze to Kent, silently seeking his assent. Kent gave a barely perceptible shake of his head.

From the sidelines, Shawn wondered: were they worried about the Meta-Spirit Key? Perhaps Kent believed that this secret should remain undisclosed for now…

It seemed Ranzi understood Kent's hesitation. Nodding slightly, he continued, "We must develop it independently—or with external assistance—to forge a set of key weapons that can counteract spiritual manipulation and protect the freedom of the soul!"

All eyes in the room met his, filled with resolute determination, as if an unseen force were rallying behind his words. "This weapon will not only counter the spiritual erosion wrought by the AGI-ST Program but will also help people reclaim their self-awareness—ensuring their spiritual energy remains free. The Meta Origin Society's duty is not merely to bear witness to history but to stand as its steadfast guardian for the future of mankind!"

Thunderous applause erupted once more, though Ranzi's expression grew somber. "But we all know that the Meta Origin Society remains under seal, and many matters cannot proceed as planned."

Instantly, the atmosphere grew heavy; the faces around the table fell silent, and a few attendees even sighed in resignation. Yet Ranzi's resolve only hardened. Raising his voice with the force of a rallying cry, he declared, "The situation is urgent—there is no time to wait! We must lift the seal without delay!"

Standing, he clasped his hands together and solemnly thanked the crowd. The room responded with another overwhelming round of applause—this one even more electrifying than before.

"Brilliant! This is exactly what we need," someone exclaimed. Kent raised his hand to quiet the room and added, "Yes, the Meta Origin Culture to our origins should be at the heart of our soul culture today. It is the wellspring of traditional wisdom and champions harmony and balance. In our times, we do not need unattainable perfection but rather tolerance and equilibrium. Let us work together to elevate the Meta Origin Culture to its rightful place in history."

Kent's voice was quiet and measured. Rising, he extended his right hand toward Ranzi, who was seated a couple of chairs away. Ranzi stood and met his gesture—their hands clasping firmly in solidarity.

Turning his attention to the two remaining members, Kent addressed them, "I notice that Chapter Magister York and Chapter Magister Jordan haven't spoken yet—do either of you have anything to add?"

Both quickly shook their heads. "No… nothing."

"Very well," Kent continued, "then we move to our second agenda item: Elder Pingzi is aging, and we must elect a successor to serve as Grand Hierophant. Let's proceed with the vote."

Unsurprisingly, many attendees supported Kent and Ranzi—some backing both, others only one. This wasn't a competitive election but rather a measure to confirm majority support. Both candidates received backing from over half of those present, with Kent slightly ahead.

When the meeting concluded, the participants dispersed without any communal meal or organized lodging—standard practice for gatherings of the Meta Origin Society.

 However, a select few Chapter Magisters and Chapter Watchers, who had received the Spirit Key Spectrogram, were informed beforehand, "Once the conference concludes, a smaller meeting will follow."