Chapter 202: The Power of Words
Dennis simply recounted the rise of Constantine and the origins of the citizen hierarchy system, also mentioning a few novels that had made a deep impression on him.
"Constantine really likes stories, so he encourages literary creation among the citizens, but I think this is just to provide lower-class citizens with a pacifier, to encourage literary creation.
The novels hardly ever have templates of ordinary people turning the tables; they mostly degrade lower-class citizens to highlight the upper-class ones.
Lower-class citizens are always portrayed as ignorant and foolish, while upper-class citizens are always foresighted.
The protagonists are usually ruthless, vengeful, and selfish."
Gu Yi stroked his chin and said:
"Its a cunning tactic.
Over time, lower-class citizens brainwashed by these stories will forget to resist. Instead, they will empathize with their exploiters and dream that one day they too could become exploiters.
They will forget that they are the real providers and contributors, while the upper-class citizens are parasitic, living off their efforts. These upper-class citizens didnt achieve their status through effort but through lineage.
They will come to see themselves as ignorant, believe it's justified for the upper-class to exploit them, and think that hedonism is the ultimate escape. They will always be just a backdrop to the upper-class."
Gu Yi helplessly rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Kanon frowned upon hearing Gu Yis analysis.
Wasnt her own success also due to her family's fame?
If she didn't have a good father, even if she slept with every director in Sakura Country, she couldnt become a star. No, more likely, a director wouldnt even spare her a glance, and even sharing a drink with extras would be difficult.
Dennis glanced at Kanon and continued:
"Oh, there's one more important thing. I found a handwritten note in the suggestion notebook, it said'Believe in the power of words.' I dont know if this phrase is useful or if its a hint for the dungeon?"
"Handwritten?"
Gu Yi thought for a moment and took out a pen and paper to write it down.
Dennis leaned in and said curiously, "Huh? How can you write it so similarly? The handwriting is identical."
Gu Yi explained as he paced.
"For example... Titanic."
"A good choice."
Dennis nodded in agreement.
In "Titanic," the male lead is a poor boy, resonating with the persona of an ordinary person. The female lead, set to marry into a wealthy family, gives up her luxurious life to pursue love and freedom.
Although the ending is tragic, the story still resonates deeply.
"Are you planning to make a movie? Only second-class citizens have access to that kind of art."
"Who would bother with the thankless task of making movies? Its better to adapt it into a novel."
"Who will publish it?" Dennis asked looking at them both. "I remember there are specific rules in series b; only second-level citizens can legally publish novels. Honestly, I can't write novels, can you, Kanon?"
Kanon touched her cheek and shook her head with a smile.
Gu Yi looked at the two and shrugged, "Then I'll handle the publishing."
"Mr. Gu, didnt you say you didnt want to level up? How will you publish?"
"It has to be published under the identity of a first-class citizen," Gu Yi stated. "But in this dungeon, identity is very important. If we use the identity of a high-class citizen to publish, it would be meaningless. Er Gou has the ability to shield against rules, once I learn it, I'll find a way to publish as soon as possible. Leave this task to me."
Kanon and Dennis nodded.
Gu Yi had taken on the most difficult part of the task for himself, and all they needed to do was follow his lead. Who wouldn't be grateful to have such a teammate?
"As for the next steps for you two... Kanon, just do as I said before, try to avoid Constantine III, protect Xiao Xue from harm, and avoid any kind of fierce conflict with those plot characters."
"Understood."
"Dennis, your task will be more dangerous, and theres a real risk of death. You can choose to do it, or not."
"I'm not afraid of dying." Dennis nodded earnestly. "In the weird world, the more afraid of death one is, the quicker they die. I choose to face death."