4. The Ritual

Just then, David noticed Ruka’s expression and asked curiously, “What are you laughing at? Is something so moving funny?”

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“I…” Pulled back to reality by David’s question, Ruka was momentarily at a loss. The theory of humans as livestock contradicted all the history she had ever learned.

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Years of indoctrination since birth. Layers of information from all sides constructing cognition and concepts. A subconscious trying to persuade her that her theory was a twisted fallacy violating Paradise’s values. “This way of thinking is too pessimistic. Life’s ending is inevitable, but the process is full of variables. Living each day well is what matters.”

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After an internal struggle, Ruka calmed down somewhat and forced out an explanation. “I—I was just happy for them.”

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“Is that so? That’s good then. After all, this is their final gathering in life. Sending them off with smiles instead of tears is indeed better.” David noticed nothing unusual and completely believed Ruka. They loved each other deeply and never lied to one another.

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Yet Ruka was no longer the Ruka of before. A seed had been buried deep and had sprouted. It needed only a drop of nourishment to burst forth and grow.

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After everyone had spoken, the government host led all the retirees into a line and solemnly recited the Retirement Oath.

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“I ask everyone present to witness: from today, I voluntarily and legally retire. I promise the citizens of Paradise that after I join with nature, whether in prosperity or adversity, wealth or poverty, health or sickness, I will become sunlight, rain, and energy. I will continue to care for humanity and guard humanity until the end of time and the seas run dry and the rocks crumble. I will remain forever loyal to human civilization.”

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Thunderous applause erupted. The audience wept with joy. Everyone onstage wore happy smiles, without the slightest resistance, accepting retirement from the bottom of their hearts. The atmosphere was festive and peaceful.

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The Joneses held hands warmly and exchanged glances with Ruka and David, as if telling them they looked forward to the day Ruka retired. David naturally understood. Ruka’s smile meant something else.

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After the oath, the retirees immediately boarded an automated bus and left the venue. The audience watched them off on their final journey.

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As the ceremony ended, David held Ruka’s hand and shared his thoughts. “Although I learned about it long ago, participating in person for the first time was still an intense emotional impact. Thinking that even after retirement they can still contribute their final value, I’ll work even harder to live my life well. Ruka, do you think so too?”

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Ruka knew what David meant. She had received the same information at school.

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After the nuclear apocalypse, human genes had suffered permanent damage. Starting at fifty, bodily functions and organs would rapidly age and even fail. Life would end after nearly three years of continuous suffering.

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In view of this, the government adopted a more humane method. It legislated that all citizens must be euthanized at fifty to relieve suffering. It called this “Retirement.” Citizens, unable to bear watching people they knew endure pain, were naturally willing to accept it.

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As for the euthanasia method, they were sent directly to Paradise Central Power Plant, Inferno, for cremation. Inferno was the crystallization of human wisdom. Although it also used nuclear power, with new technology it had long been more stable than traditional nuclear plants of the old era. It provided humanity with endless energy.

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Because the temperature was extremely high, the human body vaporized directly while asleep, without the slightest pain, and became part of Inferno. This was why retirees mentioned becoming sunlight and rain in the oath. Without Inferno, Paradise would have no environment suitable for human habitation. Without filtered sunlight and artificial rain, there could be no animal husbandry or farming.

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“Life is limited. Contribute to humanity every day.” This was the ideology Paradise instilled in the surviving humans.

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That said, Ruka did not agree with David. So-called contribution was only contribution to Paradise. She believed humans should live better and with more value. Even within Paradise, they need not live like livestock.

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“Is Paradise not good?” Whenever Ruka thought, a question rose from deep within, striking her cognition. “Paradise protects humans. Humans work hard to maintain Paradise. What’s wrong with that?”

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Seeing Ruka silent for a moment without responding, David pulled her into an embrace. His sturdy chest pressed against her cheek. He comforted her gently. “Let’s not talk about this. We only need stability. Enjoy the feeling of living in the moment. I’m grateful my life met you.”

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The sudden contact woke Ruka from her thoughts. Warmth came from David’s body. The sense of security was real. “Maybe I really am overthinking. Ever since I saw that thing in the dark alley, I’ve been letting my thoughts run wild. Happiness was in front of me all along.”

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Recalling her time with David, Ruka was moved by his sincerity. This time, she seemed to completely dismiss those strange theories. “Even if I were livestock, as long as I could live with you until retirement, I’d be willing.” Nestled in David’s arms, Ruka silently persuaded herself. She had long decided to stay with David to the end. Now David was her everything.

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At this thought, Ruka looked up at David. He gazed back just as deeply. The two, hoping for a happy and stable future, said everything without words. Their emotions synchronized. Their lips drew closer and finally touched. They had completed the last step before marriage.

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Kissing was a noble ritual that could only be performed with one’s fiancé in the six months before marriage. Lovers used it to express affection and commitment. Paradise citizens regarded kissing with extreme importance. No one would engage in such intimate behavior as kissing with a non-fiancé before marriage.

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As their four lips entwined, each feeling the other’s softness, smelling the unique scent of the opposite sex up close, a kind of electric current spread through their bodies.

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“Reporting to Miss Ruka: heart rate increased. Breathing heavier. Body temperature rising. Sex hormones increasing. Critical point reached. Danger will occur. Please stop the related behavior immediately.”

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Not only Ruka. David also received the assistant’s notification.

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At the AI assistant’s reminder, the two, who had nearly lost themselves in the kiss, released each other almost simultaneously. Faces flushed. Slight panting. Feeling the beauty of the moment.

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Why had humans become so conservative?

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To ensure the safe development of descendants, Paradise verified genes when matching all married couples. It ensured offspring would have no hereditary diseases or defects before allowing reproduction. Since its founding, Paradise had continuously taught citizens self-discipline. Humans were a civilized species, not beasts indulging their lusts. Therefore only married couples engaged in reproductive behavior.

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As for kissing, it was one of the arousal processes of reproductive behavior. It effectively increased sex hormones and raised the chance of conception. Therefore, such behavior, which could lead to conception, was naturally restricted before marriage.

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All policies were meant to help humans conceive healthy next generations.

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Because of the stimulating experience of performing the kissing ritual for the first time, Ruka was still savoring the afterglow. She threw herself into David’s arms and hugged him.

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“Thank you for letting me find my mission in life.”

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