“What we know about the Ashlands only comes from the company’s broadcasts, the introductions in textbooks, and the descriptions from the ‘Security Department’ staff around us, all of which have undergone confidentiality screening in advance.

“We don’t truly understand the Ashlands, just as we have never really seen the sky.”

Her gaze swept around and landed on Brian Carter’s face:

“We know that after the destruction of the Old World, following a long period of chaos and conflict, humanity finally rebuilt order in some regions, established the New Calendar, and we also know that shadows still shroud the Ashlands. The Land of Order, compared to the chaotic zones, no-man’s lands, and various wild mountains, is like an island in the sea as described in textbooks. Pollution, mutation, and famine come in waves like the tide, one after another, never-ending.

“The most deadly is the Mindless Disease, which is the beastification disease mentioned in the textbooks. Even today, we still haven’t grasped its pathogenesis or transmission patterns. We and those around us might wake up one day, only to have regressed into true ‘beasts’, unable to communicate, left with nothing but the instinct to hunt.”

Alice Cooper took a breath and continued:

“This is what we know. So, what is it that we don’t know?

“Why was the Old World destroyed? Why was the new order able to be rebuilt?

“Across the Ashlands, among countless humans, such rumors are spread:

“Certain actions of the Old World angered the gods, so they were destroyed by Them. The survivors passed the test and were thus saved by Them.

“Part of this rumor is true, and part is false.

“The truth is, there really is a group of deities in this world. They jointly govern the years, each managing a different month, and are thus respectfully called the ‘Yearbearers’. Of course, some also call Them the ‘Supreme Ones’, ‘Year Gods’, ‘Azure Gods’, ‘Saviors’, ‘Painters of Past Worlds’, or ‘High Priests of the Present Age’.

“The false part is that the ‘Yearbearers’ did not destroy the Old World out of anger; this was simply an inevitable result of natural development.

“Life is noble and sacred, but will eventually pass away, and so will the world. It’s like how the old year always comes to an end, preparing to enter a new one.

“Our congregation is called the ‘Rite of Life’. We worship the most unique among the ‘Yearbearers’, the one who governs December—‘Siming’. Siming is the end of the year, but also symbolizes the coming of a new one. Siming is the terminator of the Old World and the opener of the New World.”

At this point, Alice Cooper finished speaking. Except for Brian Carter, everyone else stretched out their arms together, as if cradling a baby, gently rocking:

“All will ultimately return to Siming.”

Their voices were low but clear, merging into one and echoing throughout the room.

Alice Cooper looked at Brian Carter and continued:

“The New World has not yet arrived. Right now is the stage where the gods test all beings. Only by devoutly believing in Siming and entrusting oneself to Siming through ritual can one enter the New World, break free from the cycle of years, gain eternal life, and be free from suffering.”

“Praise Your mercy!” The congregation once again gently rocked their arms and spoke in low voices.

Brian Carter imitated their movements and said:

“Praise Your mercy.”

Alice Cooper nodded in satisfaction and then said:

“Alright, let’s officially begin the sermon.

“Our Rite of Life congregation worships life and reveres death, so we value rebirth and funerals the most.

“Today’s content is mainly about rebirth.”

Brian Carter sat up straight, listening as attentively as those around him.

Alice Cooper’s voice gradually softened, her expression growing ever more sacred:

“We should let babies sleep on their backs;

“We should help babies develop the habit of playing during the day and sleeping at night;

“We should hum songs softly when babies fall asleep;

“We should carefully distinguish a baby’s cries:

“Short, low, and fluctuating cries mean hunger; intense cries mean anger; sudden loud, very sharp cries with long pauses, turning into gentle wails, mean pain...

“We should gently pat the baby’s back to help expel gas from the stomach...

“We should support the baby’s head when holding them...

“We must breastfeed...”

Brian Carter’s gaze gradually became vacant, his mouth slightly open, unable to close.

Chapter 8: Holy Communion

“After each feeding, the baby should be held upright for 20 to 30 minutes;

“Feed the baby before they become extremely hungry...

“...”

Alice Cooper’s gentle preaching voice echoed in the room. James Sullivan and the others listened intently, occasionally taking out the paper and pens they had prepared in advance to jot down what they considered important.

Brian Carter maintained his initial posture, staring intently at Alice Cooper, though his eyes seemed to lose focus.

After twenty or thirty minutes, Alice Cooper stopped, swept her gaze over the group, and said:

“That’s all for today.

“All of the above are the teachings of the gods.”

“Praise Your mercy!” Before James Sullivan and the others could respond, Brian Carter had already stretched out his arms, cradling an imaginary baby and gently rocking, appearing very enthusiastic.

“...” The rest of the congregation was stunned for two seconds, but eventually followed Brian Carter, placing their arms side by side, bending their elbows, and gently rocking as they said, “Praise Your mercy!”

Alice Cooper opened her mouth, but said nothing.