Chapter 349 Incessant Pursuit

The dinosaur elites were inevitably touched after witnessing the developmental history of Trisolarans and humanity.

Dinosaur Civilization too had traversed a long journey filled with exploration and challenges, striving to break free from the myriad constraints of civilization development; the dinosaurs had likewise experienced countless struggles and attempts.

They had deeply reformed their social system, in search of new models better suited for the advancement of civilization; they had boldly adjusted their economic system, aiming to ignite the inherent vitality of their civilization; in terms of political structure, they constantly reconstructed and experimented, endeavoring to find the optimal path to lead their civilization forward.

Not only that, but the dinosaurs had also united with other civilizations, jointly seeking opportunities to break through the shackles of civilization; they believed that a path to a higher civilization could definitely be found.

However, reality was extraordinarily harsh, all attempts and efforts seeming to bring only disaster and defeat, and hope's light never truly shining upon them.

Over millions of years, every attempt was a test of life and death, a perilous dance on the brink of civilization's demise, and the dinosaurs had merely managed to tenaciously preserve a few sparks of their civilization by sheer will and perseverance.

Continuous setbacks gradually wore down the dinosaurs' confidence and courage. They began to question whether it was really possible to break the shackles of civilization, and whether a path to a higher civilization could indeed be found.

Perhaps this was the very constraint of civilization; rather than struggling on the edge of life and death, it was better to enjoy the present life, to live on in blissful ignorance, which was also a form of happiness.

Yet now, two tangible examples had shockingly emerged before them, who, no matter how difficult and desperate the circumstances, had never given up on their pursuit of civilization and their personal breakthroughs. Their tenacity and perseverance, like a sharp sword, had cut through their bonds, allowing them to be reborn from the ashes in adversity.

Today, the long-silent hearts of the dinosaurs were again stirring; if they had previously faced an endless night, now they might see a glimmer of light, which might well be the dinosaurs' "home".

Lin Sen's words were indeed a warning, but they also clearly told the dinosaurs that if they wanted to break the shackles of civilization, they had to show the courage and determination to sacrifice themselves, to face all unknown challenges.

The Dinosaur King sighed again, "Indeed, we have nothing left to lose.

"Attempting to break through the constraints of civilization might plunge us once again into an irreparable state, or even complete destruction. But by not attempting, we would also be destroyed; so this isn't even a choice anymore.

"Alas, who knows how much longer our last flame of civilization will flicker weakly!"

Lin Sen continued, with an undeniable firmness in his voice, "That depends on you. Humanity will not offer you any help; instead, we will impose extreme suppression on you.

"In the coming time, humanity will suppress and blockade the Dinosaur Empire from all sides, we will cut off any pathways you have for obtaining resources.

"We set a deadline of 500 years for you to advance to level 1.4, because our Sophons have just ascertained the volume of your resource reserves.

"At your normal rate of consumption, these resources can sustain you for 2000 years. However, if you increase your investment in scientific research, then these resources can support you for no more than 500 years.

"If you cannot achieve a breakthrough in 500 years, then your civilization will no longer have a reason to exist.

"I know that it is almost impossible to do this on your own. But you still have a glimmer of hope, and that is the annual 5000 dinosaur exchange students; they are the sole hope for the survival of your civilization."

The Dinosaur King pondered for a moment, "Mr. Lin Sen, although your demands seem quite harsh, we understand that this appears to be a spur, pushing us to transcend ourselves.

"But I can't comprehend why a rational civilization would make such a choice. Aren't you afraid that once we grow into a High-Level Civilization, we will turn against you?"

This was the question the Dinosaur King had always wanted to ask but had hesitated; now he realized that humanity naturally saw this issue very clearly. To ask was to ask; there was nothing to hide.

Lin Sen: "Because we desire more, and we also have enough confidence. The choices of humanity might not be the most rational, but at least they are sub-rational.

"As for Dinosaur Civilization, we have never thought of annexing you; we are only trying to establish a joint civilization, combining the efforts of both civilizations to cross over to the other side of the Dark Forest as quickly as possible.

"If one day we are truly destroyed by you, it will only prove that you are superior to us. Then, let you lead the tapestry of human civilization onwards.

"We have only one goal, and that is to advance, to advance by any means necessary."

"In the face of this goal, our gaze will not linger on you for too long."

The Dinosaur King said, "But with the strategy you are currently employing with us, we still retain most of our independence and autonomy.

"Why not absorb the Dinosaur Civilization as a subsidiary or vassal civilization, which would be the best way to prevent a future rebellion from us?"

The Dinosaur King's remark was also a probe, as the dinosaurs' main concern at present was to test Humanity's attitude towards them. Sometimes, the more goodwill the other party shows, the more they likely want in return.

Lin Sen asked, curious, "What's the point of doing that?

"To annex you, and then after many years of assimilation, you would eventually converge to be like humans, achieving a fusion of civilizations.

"This kind of civilizational fusion is merely increasing the 'human' numbers, which is almost meaningless.

"Perhaps at first, there might be some technical mutual enhancement during the conflict and merging of cultures, but does it really serve any long-term purpose?

"Besides, do you think the cultures of different species can truly merge? If it were that simple, how could the Dark Forest phenomenon occur?

"Just like in human history, the integration of nomadic and agricultural cultures has never been truly completed. Even submission is just temporary; cultures with different living spaces cannot truly merge.

"It was only after the industrial era when their living spaces converged that they managed true integration, but by then, there was no distinction between them any longer.

"Therefore, preserving your independence might be the better choice for us.

"What I need is a Dinosaur Civilization that could closely follow behind Human Civilization, one that could even bring considerable pressure to Humanity.

"Our expectations for the Trisolarans are the same, assuming you have the belief to break the shackles of civilization!"

The Dinosaur King spoke with a profound look in his eyes, "Perhaps your choice, on some deeper level, is the correct one.

"However, in this universe filled with the unknown and uncertainties, how many civilizations are willing to keep a threat close at hand?

"Dancing with snakes, although one may gain wisdom, how many can truly do so?

"To knowingly pursue disaster, despite knowing disaster lies ahead?"

Lin Sen: "Perhaps, the true essence of civilization lies in that ceaseless pursuit—even the disasters you speak of are an indispensable part of this long journey.

"Humanity has always believed that opportunity and threat go hand in hand. The journeys of humans and other intelligent civilizations are remarkably similar—both are about overcoming fear and embracing change.

"It's like the dual nature of fire, which brings benefits and also harbors danger. Fire is dangerous, but it was by taming fire that intelligent species unlocked the door to the light of civilization, and we will always chase after it.

"Humanity has tread carefully on this path; we don't know if we can reach the other shore. Stopping might be safe, but we can only keep going.

"Only by moving forward can we prove the everlasting vitality of civilization. Even if the road is long and we might fall at any time, we will determinedly continue on until the end of time."

Lin Sen then looked around at all the Dinosaurs and continued:

"The Dinosaur Empire has wandered for too long; perhaps it's time for a 'home.' This might also be an opportunity for the Dinosaur Empire, otherwise, it would inevitably become a wandering coffin in the universe.

"Civilization is a process of living in the face of death. The Dinosaur Empire is too fixated on living, and in the end, can only drift in endless darkness, even forgetting its past to civilization, leaving only the act of devouring."