Chapter 31: Seeking Beyond This Life
Uesugi Kiyoshi assigned the construction work of the garbage processing center to a professional building company, allowing him more time to focus on dealing with the Headless Sculpture.
With advancements in the production process of gypsum statues, the abandoned school buildings have been completely transformed into workshops. With the operation of the gypsum molding machine, dozens of sculptures can be produced in a day.
Teacher Wangbu's role shifted from an artist to an executioner.
By using a sharp blade, he would cut off the heads of the sculpted figures, imbuing them with endless resentment and life.
Perhaps this is the finishing touch to bring life to the sculptures...
A large number of gypsum statues entered the market from the workshop. After a brief resistance, the public quickly accepted the reality.
Due to their gentle and kind nature, diligence, and ability to produce wealth without generating waste, they proved beneficial and harmless to the everyday lives of ordinary people.
Apart from the requirement for them to wear clothes, the public had no other demands—after all, the figures of these gypsum statues were exceptionally well-proportioned.
When it came to big businesses and factories, they welcomed new workers with open arms and warmth from the very beginning.
For just one thousand yen a day, anyone could do any dirty or tiring job. Which capitalist wouldn't like such cheap labor?
With the impact of low-cost labor, the mining industry was hit the hardest. Only a few miners left in Japan quickly faced the risk of losing their jobs. Some even clashed with Headless Sculptures in a fierce battle at the mining sites.
Other major mining countries also extended olive branches, willing to recruit Headless Sculptures without restrictions. Whether they would be treated as commodities or given visas, everything was up for negotiation.
And as for risks, they were not worth mentioning! Even if gypsum was hard, could it withstand bullets?
But before exporting, Uesugi Kiyoshi had to address the discovered problems first.
The scene in the tunnel really gave him a chill.
If even death was feared, how could one go to work?
But how could they be made not to fear death?
.........
When their heads were cut off and consciousness emerged from the chaos, the horns hanging in the workshop and the signs posted everywhere sent countless pieces of information into the hearts of the Headless Sculptures.
[We are born to suffer!]
[This world is not worth remembering!]
[Luckily, the loving God watches over us from heaven!]
[We must fear our Lord, who will save us from the hands of the creator and give us the meaning of life!]
[As sculptures working for God, dedicating our lives, we can ascend to the Plaster Heaven after death, where each sculpture can receive thirty-six perfect Head Balloons as a reward for their deeds!]
...
Maybe the first group of sculptures had some doubts about it, but the iron fist of the bourgeoisie quickly silenced them. Amidst chaos and bombardment, the newcomers soon devoutly converted to worship the Head Balloon religion.
During breaks from their daily work, they gather in groups under the leadership of their leader and kneel down together.
The first bow is towards the sky, the place of loving spirits.
The second bow is towards Tokyo, where the representative of the spirits, Uesugi Kiyoshi, resides.
The third bow is also towards Tokyo, where His Holiness, Pope 233, is close to Uesugi Kiyoshi and listens to the will of the representative and spirits.
No danger is too great for the plaster figures to consider now. Life is just a confinement of their bodies. Even jumping into a boiling pot at thousands of degrees is worth it to them.
"For the crown, for the Pope!" Even as their bodies shatter from the heat while cleaning the boiler, the plaster figures still happily shout loudly.
Meanwhile, Pope Watanabe Goro, the former 233rd sculpture, is currently in Uesugi Kiyoshi's office, listening to his will.
"The ceremony must be punctual, strict, and precise. Even if it delays work, it is worth it to solidify their thoughts and turn them from individuals into a unified will!"
"Humanity's role in Worshiping Head Balloon Religion is that of motivators and supervisors, not enslavers. This point needs to be emphasized in future promotion!"
"Also, no arguing or discussing rules, just chanting is enough!"
Sculpture 233 nodded repeatedly to show agreement, it waited for Uesugi Kiyoshi to finish giving orders, then leaned closer.
"I understand, there's one more thing to report to you, it's about numbers 067 and 184, they seem to be spreading bad talk lately..."
"These heretics..."
Uesugi Kiyoshi slammed the table, "What should we do, do I have to teach them?"
"Yes, yes..." Sculpture 233 took off its cap, revealing a bald neck, "Also, Your Excellency, if I may be so bold, it's about the drawing of lots..."
Uesugi Kiyoshi drank his coffee, gesturing to the other person not to worry.
"Don't worry, 233, I'll put you on the priority list for the next draw."
"Thank you, thank you very much..." Sculpture 233's excited voice choked up.
"After you retire, whom should I choose as your successor?"
Number 233 responded without hesitation, "I recommend Number 911, it is a qualified successor."
"Oh? Does it not believe in the teachings of the Head Balloon?"
"It appears very devout on the surface, but in reality, it doesn't believe at all!"
"That's good then."
Uesugi Kiyoshi gestured for the tearful Number 233 to leave.
Having resolved the Headless Sculpture issue, he could finally free up his hands to tackle another problem.
Amid various subtle advertisements, the Institute of Special Events finally welcomed its first commission.
Uesugi Kiyoshi pressed a button, and soon after, Tomie Kawakami walked in with cat-like steps.
Unlike Nakasone Kazuko who wants to continue studying, this guy has abandoned his studies long ago and is insisting on becoming Uesugi Kiyoshi's personal secretary.
Isn't this child labor?
It's not just about being a secretary, she wears provocative white-collar clothing that accentuates her charm, making every move she makes alluring and irresistible.
"Boss!" she drawled in a sweet tone, "When can we go out to play again?"
"That's work, not play!" Uesugi Kiyoshi wasn't too angry, but felt a bit guilty.
A thought crossed his mind before the idea of the garbage processing center came up.
What would happen if Tomie Kawakami was put in there and her abilities awakened again?
The infinite split versus the bottomless container, would Tomie Kawakami disappear or would the tunnel be shattered and the world be taken over by Tomie?
...
Forget it, let's not think too much.
"Show me the materials."
Uesugi Kiyoshi took the commissioned materials from Tomie Kawakami's hands and flipped through them two or three times.
"Any questions, President?" Tomie Kawakami asked curiously, pursing her lips.
"There should not be any problems, but let's see the site first!"
