The clanging and banging sound under the large factory building could be heard incessantly. Everyone able to lend a hand felt they should be participating in something rather memorable.
This conclusion was drawn based on the faded markings on the machine nameplates they saw, such as “Golden Shell Federation, Year 412. ” These were once top-tier high-tech creations from a nation hailed as the pinnacle of global technological prowess, sealed away as dangerous artifacts.
And now, after lying silent for decades, they have reappeared before their eyes.
The workers felt a stir of anticipation. This surely meant something significant was brewing under the coordination of the “World Ark. “
……
At the entrance, after taking a brief rest, Cheng Yunze saw the members of his team gradually gathering around.
“Everyone’s spirits are fully restored, I hope? “
“Captain, what about you? You think you’re good to go? ” asked Zhang Zhiquan, brimming with confidence.
Wang Tianyi calmly said, “We need to confirm the procedure again, as well as the workers and guards who are coming with us. They must be fully verified to have no issues. “
“Yang Zicang said he has a way to confirm, but I haven’t received his call yet. “
Just as Cheng Yunze finished speaking, a series of urgent footsteps sounded in the courtyard outside the door.
Haili Huikewen, wearing a work jacket, two gentlemen from the Guasi family in formal attire, and a young man from Augustus all hurried over with grim expressions.
Sensing something was wrong, Cheng Yunze uncrossed his arms and said:
“Why are you all here? Has something happened? “
Haili Huikewen, who was helping with the work here, had his hands stained with black machine oil as he said:
“Gentlemen, the capital of the Steffen Empire fell this morning! It’s estimated that around 50,000 to 100,000 people were killed in the fire caused by the explosion and crash of an airship. “
“What! “
This news left everyone at the door stunned.
……
Soon, the latest news from the empire caused a sensation across nations. Countless people anxiously tried to confirm whether the “Declaration of War by General Orderleaf ” was true.
Could the war really have to come at this very moment? What about the Empire’s Prime Minister and his political team? What were they doing?
The threat from the empire instantly became a suspended sword looming over the world.
Countless people immediately wondered, could this be some kind of curse?
Because they were preparing for the apocalypse, the doomsday threat has arrived ahead of time in this way, and is now spreading toward the safe southern territories.
“Should we immediately mobilize the army to launch a preemptive counterattack! “
In an office, a man with a major general’s rank on his shoulder loudly tapped the table with his finger as he asked.
“Respected Major General Nian! ” The subordinate stood at attention, raising his arm in a military salute and reported:
“Right now, the capital of Steffen is a radio silent zone. We cannot obtain any real information from there. Everything we have is just rumors circulating outside that black-hole-like silent zone, and it’s only for reference. “
“So we still cannot confirm whether Oderlev has actually seized true military power. “
“We can’t confirm! That’s right! ” the Major General roared loudly:
“We only have one month left. Do you think those damn Steffen people will talk about justice and morality with you?! I want a plan for an immediate counterattack now! Whether it works or not, there must be a plan! Fast! “
The people in the office became busy.
“Call Haven Zerk and tell their Lieutenant General that our planes need to start taking off immediately. “
……
An office in Waldestadt.
“Our allied staff have already analyzed General Oderlev’s fighting style. If he is putting on such a show of resolve for the nations of the world to see… “
“Then indeed, Oerlev might immediately launch a blitzkrieg-style war offensive against our southern nations, rather than trying to extort more territory for disaster avoidance. “
The lean middle-aged man sitting in the main seat listened to his subordinate’s report, twirled the upturned black mustache on his lip, and asked with bright eyes and unusual curiosity:
“Huh? That… if so many people die, aren’t they afraid of causing the devil to be born even faster? “
“I would rather their goal be the latter, Your Excellency the Grand President. ” Another elderly man below looked at the speaker:
“And, is this information reliable? I heard that Blackwood Sanzoc has already started asking us to lend troops. Their reaction seems excessive. “
The middle-aged man making the report spoke with heavy breath:
“Therefore, we must quickly ascertain the Lion Empire’s true intentions, to avoid any decision-making errors. Launching a wrong war before the end of the world. “
Suddenly, the telephone by the wall rang. A woman quickly rushed to answer it, then turned her head and reported with a strange expression:
“Report, Mr. Grand President, people from the Science Preparation Committee say they received a rather odd message. Some countries, led by the Grand Duchy, jointly announced something just now: inviting all members of the scientific community capable of providing elite scientific technology to head to their doomsday fortresses. “
“What the hell? “
“Furthermore… ” the woman added, “they also declared that elites from other countries who wish to take shelter from the disaster may contact their representatives to exchange or contribute resources, including rights to territorial ownership and division after the catastrophe. “
The Grand President stood up abruptly:
“Where in the blazes did those lambs for the slaughter come from, running around spouting nonsense about surviving the end of the world and sheltering from disaster? Who do they think they are! “
“They claim to be… the founders of the ‘Vine-Bastion Project,’ the Thirteen-State Coalition. “
……
Inside the factory, people were anxiously crowded around the entrance, no longer very interested in the inexplicable tasks they were doing.
The fear of the Shidefen Blood Beast Legion drove these people to want to leave immediately for a place of refuge.
Because before the empire annexed a territory, the Blood Beast Legion always appeared mysteriously in advance, and highly destructive and eerie artillery shells would fall precisely where the area was most valuable.
At the wide-open main entrance.
“Can you still not contact Mr. Yang Buchen?” The man from the Goas family asked with a serious expression.
Cheng Yunze, who had been trying hard for a while, shook his head.
He noticed the worried look in Hai Li Huike Wen’s eyes fixed on him.
Hailikoni of the Haili family, originally not held in high regard, had risen to become the most prominent figure in the family because of her position as lieutenant general Ross’s personal adjutant.
Coupled with her friendship with “Yang Buchen,” the entire Haili family had begun to intentionally allocate resources towards this young member of the clan. This was apparent to everyone.
But now, the young woman who had accompanied Yang Zicang to Shidefen was missing contact.
Of course, this was a pity, but Cheng Yunze knew they actually wanted to confirm the latest information about the empire.
At this moment, two groups of people with notably stronger auras had already arrived, hoping that through the gentlemen speaking to them, they could obtain the latest intelligence about Shidefen.
Cheng Yunze believed that these two teams were the trusted guards of the top military and political leaders from Black Wenzak.
“Excuse me, friends from the Mist World, can your train take us to Krupp City tonight for an urgent diplomatic visit? “
After it was confirmed that ‘Yang Buchen’ was indeed unreachable by Cheng Yunze and his team, a middle-aged warrior who had just arrived said:
“On behalf of His Highness the Second Prince, I earnestly request your assistance. “
“This… ” Zhang Zhiquan and the others exchanged glances.
Cheng Yunze’s breath paused slightly as he looked at the soldier before him, whose presence was exceptionally sharp:
“I’m sorry, sir. I’m afraid we simply cannot do such a thing tonight. “
The people across from them hadn’t expected the Fujianese to refuse so outrightly. This warrior’s expression changed slightly, his demeanor turning heavier as he said:
“Every passing second now is precious time for war preparation. Gentlemen, we beg you to understand that the current situation is on the brink of shifting at any moment. “
“That’s right, Mr. Cheng. Steffin’s military strength is beyond your imagination. If they suddenly launch a large-scale war, the first thing they’ll hit with their blood shell is the core facilities of nations like ours, leaving utter ruin. “
“We must confirm the Empire’s Prime Minister’s intentions as quickly as possible, and whether they even have the power left to resist the rebel forces. “
“I am sorry. ” In the face of their persuasion, Cheng Yunze simply shook his head again.
“If it were last night, or tomorrow, I could help you. But tonight alone… tonight is impossible. “
The four soldiers across from him suddenly emitted four faint ring-shaped glows from their eyes, along with a broken, incomplete ring of radiance. The entire factory entrance, in an instant, felt as if it were under an oppressive cliff about to collapse from sheer weight.
“I now represent the Heiwen Zike authorities in requisitioning your scientific demon. Mr. Cheng of Wubang, and the World Ark Association, please comply with the decision of our Second Prince. “
“You can’t! ” Ning Jiajia stepped forward urgently, her gaze fierce and angry as she stared at the newcomer.
The soldier’s emotionless eyes swept over.
“What exactly do you intend to do? ” A middle-aged man from the Goas family spoke urgently:
“We’re just holding you up for maybe less than half a night’s time. “
“Not even a single second can be delayed. ” Cheng Yunze said, bracing against the immense pressure in the atmosphere:
“What we have to do tonight, like what you’re doing, concerns the future of more than just one or two people. “
“Please consider the consequences. “
“The consequence is, the outcome of this matter is more severe than the so-called destruction of your country. “
At this moment, Cheng Yunze finally regained something of his former leader’s aura—the one that had once dominated the Silver and Red Model teams among the ruined cities.
The panic he had felt in this new environment over the past few days was now being crushed, inch by inch, against the arrogant oppression before him.
“If you cause any harm to any person or anything behind me, I will immediately set to slaughtering every person here. “
The soldier before him instantly went cold as ice, killing intent surging in all directions.
Cheng Yunze looked back coldly: “Make a move, and I’ll begin. “
That soldier suddenly seemed to sense something. Turning around, he saw a faint golden-light skeleton lightly gripping a pitch-black sword appearing on the other side of the yard behind him, its body swaying once.
Rumble!
The massive building opposite collapsed with a thunderous roar. Some people inside didn’t even have time to scream before they were crushed into mud by the falling bricks.
The men before him felt their scalps tingle as they turned to look at the unblinking Fogfolk team. For a long time, not a word escaped their throats.
These people left because the young man of Augustus suddenly remembered that they, too, could immediately fly to Steffens—but it would require someone to take on a suicide-mission-level of risk.
Murmurs buzzed around like the drone of flies, with everyone casting fearful glances at Cheng Yunze and his team as they turned around.
No one knew when war would arrive, but these people before them were truly aligned with demons.
“Without Yang Zicang and Mortav, can we still complete this task? “
A member of the team asked in a low voice. “The safety of those accompanying personnel hasn’t been confirmed yet, and it’s barely three hours until sundown. “
Cheng Yunze looked somewhat calmly toward the sun tilting in the west. “Then we’ll leave them behind. “
Confirmation of the normal operation of all relay stations was initiated immediately.
Meanwhile, the members of the three great families who had left the place, on their vehicles, immediately used the on-board radio telegraphs, beeping and clicking as they contacted distant parties.
“This team of Yang Buchen’s friends—what exactly are they up to? We failed to provoke their real intentions even with that opportunity. “
“They said tonight, what exactly are these people up to tonight? Besides Steffen, we haven’t heard any particular commotion. “
On the car, one of the Goas people, still thinking about the busy crowd in the factory just now, said:
“They’ve even brought out those old relics from the Golden Shell Federation. I guess maybe they’re planning some kind of secret radio setup across the entire continent. “
Suddenly, they received a message.
“It’s not good, everyone. ” The person responsible for receiving the telegram took off the headphones and turned around, saying:
“Several kingdoms in the central and northern parts of the continent want us to transfer all the Science Preparatory Committee materials to their ‘Thirteen States’ headquarters. “
“Thirteen States? What does that mean? “
“It’s an apocalyptic survival initiative initiated by the Grand Duchy. Aiming to preserve the global elite, they sent a telegram saying they want to bid for the hosting rights of the Preparatory Committee’s headquarters. “
The people in the car looked at each other in bewilderment.
……
Later that evening, Yang Zicang used the key to return to the hotel.
As soon as he opened that solid wood black walnut door, he heard the door of Room 410, not far away, click open simultaneously.
Zhao Anlong and Zhao Xuemei came out of their room. Yang Zicang looked at Zhao Anlong, whose eyes were slightly turned, looking elsewhere, and immediately asked with a darkened face:
“Didn’t you say you had outbid everyone for all the rooms? “
“Ah, you’re talking about Room 408, I don’t get it either. I just gave it a casual twist, and the door just opened. “
“A casual twist? ” Yang Zicang’s brows twitched a few times.
Subsequently, Zhao Anlong’s expression turned serious as he said, “I promise you a satisfactory answer on this matter. ” With that, he rushed over and delivered two punches and a kick, slamming heavily into the door with a bang.
“You filthy bastard in there, no matter when you come out, I’m telling you, you’re absolutely dead meat. “
Not a single sound came from inside.
Zhao Anlong turned back, clenching his fist and pointing his thumb, saying, “Don’t worry, he’s playing dead in there. The guy hasn’t run yet. “
Zhao Xuemei said solemnly, “Zicang, this afternoon the Haili family asked about Shi Defen’s situation. How are things going on your end? “
Yang Zicang let out a sigh. “The entire city of Kru’en has completely collapsed. Only a few of our fellow townsfolk are involved in the rescue efforts. The locals have been busy fighting since this afternoon. And… we can’t keep supporting this much longer. Because we’re running out of timing. “
“Huh? What happened? That’s the capital of Shidefen, a place I wouldn’t dare mess with myself! “
Zhao Anlong had only heard this news from Zhao Xuemei, who had just returned here via the key. Seeing Yang Zicang describe the imperial capital in such dire terms, he immediately looked astonished.
Yang Zicang briefly recounted the situation there. Zhao Anlong immediately stood in place, deep in thought.
“Rescue forces are insufficient. If I bring in people from the ship… “
Zhao Xuemei looked at him. “But this is the Divine Hotel. What if problems arise when those people come in? We can’t use Zicang’s hotel as a test of human nature. “
“I’ll only recruit people I trust. ” Zhao Anlong cast a glance at Yang Zicang and said:
“Moreover, Zicang. I promise you, if those people dare to think of making a move on this place, even if I have to chase them to the ends of the earth, I’ll grind their bones to dust and scatter their ashes. Trust me. “
“……“
Yang Zicang was silent for a moment, then looked up at the rooms here.
“Alright. I don’t need their bones ground to dust. I just need a way to bring my friends back. That’s all. “
Zhao Anlong’s gaze widened slightly.
“Good! Brother, I’ll take on this mission too. You two go on out and wait for me. I’ll head to the ship and deploy the crew right now. “
With that, the boy-faced man, brimming with energy, shook his short black hair and charged straight toward room 408, where he had been summoned to join him.
Yang Zicang and Zhao Xuemei exchanged a glance, both wearing a slightly helpless look with curled lips. Suddenly, the door to room 408 behind them creaked open. Yang Zicang turned to look, and a gaunt man inside immediately slammed the door shut, a panicked look in his eyes.
……
Having reappeared back in the villa, Butler Riyo, now fully aware that something was off about that room, immediately began welcoming Yang Zicang cordially. He politely asked if they needed any assistance and gave a brief update on the family members waiting for specifics on Stefin.
“The capital of Stefin is currently in a state of war. As for the specific likelihood of conflict, I’m afraid I can’t confirm anything at this point. “
“So that means the shocking explosion in Kruen was real? ” the butler asked with a worried tone.
“That’s correct. But for now, the Empire is still fighting for control. Whether it will truly escalate into a massive war covering the entire continent remains to be seen. “
Butler Li·Rester let out a sigh and spoke to the Fogfolk before him as if sharing his innermost thoughts:
“What I’m afraid of is that the southern nations might not be able to wait, and someone might propose striking first. “
The distinguished old gentleman watched as Yang Zicang looked a bit sallow and grim, covered with dust, and said, “I heard many fighter jets flying over this afternoon. “
Yang Zicang’s eyes turned slightly cold for a moment. Striking ahead of schedule… such a scenario could indeed occur.
……
The final work on the relay stations was nearly complete. They were installed inside hastily manufactured waterproof wooden bases, with hard leather covers shielding the tops.
As long as there were no violent waves, they could drift across the ocean with the currents for a long time.
A total of seventy-one such devices were neatly stacked at the doorways of two train cars. The frightened workers were loading the wooden boxes, light enough for a single person to carry, onto the train carriages.
They feared that if they were involved in such tasks, the heartless Fogfolk might ‘ensure their confidentiality’ in some particular way. Though rare, such incidents had occurred before in history.
“It’s ready. ” Cheng Yunze sighed faintly and said.
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