After containing the concentrated Terra uranium produced by Umbrella Beach Company, this nuclear incident was largely concluded.
Since no radioactive dust formed, it was only necessary to dispose of the bodies and biomass excessively irradiated by Terra uranium isotopes.
As for responsibility, Umbrella Beach Company pushed all blame onto Jeston, while Xing Chen and Theresa's evidence could not be presented.
Incidentally, this also explained to Xing Chen why there was no large-scale radioactive dust fallout, yet it caused significant damage—because Jeston's improper operation led to him being contaminated with many radioactive isotopes.
Rhine Lab's scientists explained it this way, which seemed to make some sense. Whether this was truly the fact or if there were some unspeakable dirty dealings, Xing Chen was too lazy to care.
---
The cleanup was quickly completed, with final disposal involving deep burial and sealing in D64 coffins with polymer interlayers and polymer-containing concrete.
At the same time, with too many victims, a farewell ceremony also had to be held.
The origin of such large-scale festivals commemorating the deceased mostly comes from the Sarkaz Requiem.
Thus, Theresa presided over this event in her capacity as a Sarkaz noble, and Red Bean and Arturo's band would also perform a song written in ancient Sarkaz at the ceremony.
A few days before the ceremony, Xing Chen and Theresa went to the Stasis Chamber.
"You two, shouldn't you be organizing the ceremony? What made you think of coming to me?"
The days spent with the young banshee gradually rekindled Friston's passion for life.
His main body being in the sunless underground did not conflict with his soul running in the sunlight.
"Friston, don't you think your compatriots deserve a funeral?"
Xing Chen originally didn't want to bring this up, but Theresa insisted on asking Friston.
She felt that giving these departed souls a true ending would help Friston start a new life better.
Friston remained silent for a long time, and Xing Chen and Theresa dared not make a sound, just quietly waiting for his response.
"...Thank you." Friston's voice sounded, but the red light did not appear.
The lids of the sarcophagi opened one by one, revealing their occupants' faces, unchanged from ten thousand years ago, yet their souls had long dissipated into the river of time.
"Mr. Friston, I don't understand why the Seer is dormant alone on Rhodes Island, still in perfect condition, while your guarded compatriots have fallen into slumber."
"Because he and Prythian hold a far higher position among us than you can imagine." Friston didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning had been conveyed.
Watching Theresa handle the remains, Xing Chen realized that the Pre-civilization consisted of more than just humans; there were many other species that would seem strange even on Terra.
At least, Theresa's expression conveyed that meaning.
The bodies of these people were still alive, and Theresa had to use witchcraft to stop their lives, while trying her best to ensure their appearance was unaffected.
Xing Chen held up the body bags, the Demon King put the remains inside, and then the two of them transported them in batches to the temporary collection point for bodies.
Next to the collection point was the burial pit, still under construction.
Except for the Durin, Terrans did not have the habit of building large underground facilities, so many aspects, including site selection, building materials, and structure, required guidance from Xing Chen, who only had a partial understanding, to be perfected by professionals.
Coupled with the required advanced materials, Trimounts did not have so many reserves and had to transport them from other cities, further extending the time needed.
This gave Theresa time to prepare for the ceremony, but Xing Chen was a little unhappy because many of the things he was currently doing were time-sensitive.
"Xing Chen, which of these two dresses is better?" Theresa and Klonny each held a black long dress and stood before Xing Chen.
"Hmm..." Xing Chen couldn't distinguish which of the two dresses better suited the nature of the event, "How about yours then?"
Klonny regretfully shook her head, and Theresa patted her on the shoulder.
Soon after, she led Red Bean and Arturo in.
"Xing Chen, listen to this piece and see if there are any problems."
Afterward, Red Bean and Arturo began to perform. This time, they didn't get abstract, but honestly played ancient and mournful tunes.
A musical score written in ancient Sarkaz might possess unique power, but Xing Chen neither understood it nor could he feel it.
"It's quite good," Xing Chen said to them, "I have another suggestion—how about trying Tara folk songs?"
The Tara people's worship of the Red Dragon, to some extent, also included a unique sentiment towards fire, death, and life.
This bears similarities to the Sarkaz philosophy of the forge and life and death, and as animal friends who also came through the Star Gate, the common ground might be stronger than Sarkaz songs.
"Tara songs?" Arturo seemed to think of something, "Are you trying to use this opportunity to promote the independence of the Red Dragon's territory from Victoria?"
"We've already been doing that," Theresa gave Arturo a flick on the head, telling her not to overthink.
One should always have some bottom line. Xing Chen didn't rule out that these tunes might evoke the emotions of the Tara people, but for now, he just felt that these songs were very fitting for the current situation.
Aside from the fire ritual, the bodies could only be sealed in concrete; cremation was too dangerous.
"Alright then, I'll go gather some more information," Arturo bowed simply, then left with her instrument.
She seemed very interested in this matter, and Xing Chen had no intention of restricting her.
At least, to strive for national independence and resist Victoria's hegemony, Kazdel and Nasr should be on a united front... A few days later, the ceremony officially began. After Mark Max and the Trimounts administrator finished their speeches, they handed the entire stage over to Theresa.
The suffering experienced by the Sarkaz was far deeper than that of Columbia; just the war two hundred years ago, which nearly annihilated their race, caused damage many times greater than this incident.
Theresa's performance was very fitting for her status as a Sarkaz noble; in fact, it even surpassed expectations.
It is estimated that more and more people will suspect that the most benevolent Demon King in Sarkaz history never truly died.
This is also good; at least when she truly returns to Terra, there will not be too much resistance.
Xing Chen also raised his terminal and took a few photos of Theresa; he planned to write a letter to Theresis.
To Theresis,
Regent Your Highness, is it like this in Kazdel, the great Demon King Theresa? But it's completely different here for me.
I've already sent you the photos from today's ceremony. If you can accept it, then keep reading.
From Xing Chen