The crackling static noise rose sharply above the gentle and clear voice of the radio announcer.
“So, he actually returned thirty percent of the auction funds to the winning bidder. “
“If that’s the case, combining our assets together, we could probably… ” The middle-aged man in the back muttered these words subconsciously, but his voice trailed off when another person beside him tugged at his sleeve.
The now-silent middle-aged man glanced at the noisy radio speaker, relieved that the static might have drowned out his muttered words.
At the front, Cai Aⁿ-si let out a hearty laugh, “I didn’t expect this kind of payback either. It surprised the hell out of me, ” he said, holding a stack of contracts. “But this is what it means to be the White Violet Hero—the Arsenal of the World. ” As he spoke, the figure standing by the table, who looked like a clerk from some trading company or department store, turned his gaze to look at the speakers and curled the corner of his mouth into a smile.
The static noise in the radio decreased a bit, but the crackling sound became even rougher and more noticeable. With a “smack, ” Cai Aⁿ-si, impeccably dressed in a suit, stepped forward and slapped his hand down on the radio’s power switch, turning it off completely.
“Apologies, it’s too loud. But as you know, it’s just some electromagnetic interference. “
……
Before the headquarters of the World Ark.
Hundreds of people had already gathered in this area, including some high-ranking officials who had urgently arrived from Talco.
A buzzing murmur of discussion continuously arose.
These gathered people looked towards the young man who was speaking with Crown Prince Hazel outside the door.
To actually find a method of truly investigating the Demon of the End Times at this moment.
“Then, as long as Mr. Phoenix can safely come up from underground, it proves that we can find the demon’s true body sooner or later. “
“What we should really worry about is whether it will anger that demon down below. “
The speaker was a gentleman following beside the Crown Prince.
The people beside him said, “It’s indeed very dangerous. But this is a matter of life and death… “
“Gentlemen, please come over for a discussion. ” The two who were speaking were politely waved away by a Warrior of the Soldier Army.
As his side quieted down somewhat, the Crown Prince said to Yang Zicang, “I wonder if there’s anything else we can do to help the one who has descended underground? “
“As for help… “
Yang Zicang thought for a moment, then looked up and said:
“I have invested all of my Chrona Points in it. I know Your Highness can understand that this is not an unreasonable request. If there were more Chrona Points available, I believe it would increase its chances, whether in terms of duration or success. “
Blackwicker Grand Prince said to the woman in formal attire beside him, “Help me contact the Executive Captain of the Guard. You handle the communication on this matter. “
“Yes, sir. ” The woman immediately left.
As they were talking, some commotion came from outside the crowd, and a car with a rather strange color for this world drove over.
Its emerald-green shell was crystal-clear, its wide tires rolling over the hard mud ground in the clear sunlight and gusts of wind.
By the military vehicles guarding the area, the warriors surrounded and stopped the car, which bore a badge of a circular angel emblem on its door.
The anomaly over there caught the attention of Yang Zicang and the others. Two soldiers trotted over.
“Reporting, Prince Sarrequen Hazel, ” the young warrior raised his hand in salute, “and Chairman Yang Buchen! “
“Please, go ahead. “
“There is a vehicle claiming to be from an institution called the ‘Watchful Radiant Angel Committee’ trying to approach. The people inside say they are representatives of ‘The ‘Watchful Radiance Discoverer’. They are accompanied by escorts from the Talco Fogfolk Rental Territory. “
“It’s actually them. ” The Grand Prince realized what was about to happen and looked over at the puzzled Yang Zicang.
The warrior spoke to the attendants accompanying the approaching Grand Prince:
“The committee members say they wish to grant our Chairman Yang Buchen and several other gentlemen the ‘Knight of the Blazing Radiance’ title and the ‘Blazing Radiance Medal’. “
“What, Blazing Radiance? ” Yang Zicang rubbed his chin. “Right now? “
The two warriors quickly ran back, and the sleek, emerald-green vintage coupe slowly approached. With the guards opening the doors, staff from the Fogfolk rental district descended from the car, along with a lady in a green suit, a clear smile on her face, exuding both closeness and a touch of distance.
She approached and extended her hand crisply:
“Sir, do you mind if I expose you and reveal your identity as a Radiance Bearer? “
“Not at all, I’ve long been exposed. “
After introductions, everyone present learned of what was to be carried out by the organization known as the “Commission of Radiance Seneschals. “
“So the legendary Radiance Bearers are actually certified by this commission? “
“Mr. Yang Bucheng hasn’t become a Radiance Bearer yet? “
The gentlemen and ladies in the crowd murmured in observation.
“Brother Bucheng’s been here for what, no time at all? “
“So what exactly is this Radiance Bearer? ” asked a lady in a veil-brimmed hat. “That Miss Juniper doesn’t seem like such a prim-and-proper lady to me. “
“You must have heard about the protection of investment in scientific legacies, right? “
The investiture ceremony proceeded quickly, and the process was brief. But with the presence of these distinguished figures of immaculate reputation to set it off, the occasion was still deemed quite solemn—whether viewed openly by ordinary people or understood solely by the Fogfolk for what it truly was: a matter of entrusting the protection of ancient world assets.
In the burst of flashing camera lights, Yang Zicang, along with two other personnel from the Fog Citizen leased land, was awarded the Blaze Light Medal. It was only at this moment that Yang Zicang realized the man representing the person beside him in this leased territory had carried the Tivi machine across the ocean to the next epoch’s continent, thereby proving that his technology was already prepared to endure into the future—Cheng Yunze. As for the other person, he was unclear, because the medal was not being awarded to the one he was protecting.
“One million chrono-sequences have been entrusted to you. This is already the highest number of chrono-sequences among the Blaze Light holders. Congratulations on producing the extraordinary and magnificent Heroic Flash. “
“Thank you. “
“Furthermore, there is another privilege. “
A pale golden halo lit up on her chest. “You will receive a containment force field—one that can only be used by a thought model of a quadrilateral shape or higher. I believe you already understand its purpose. The instructions for making the corresponding card will be given to you as well. “
Originally, he had invested nearly all of his chrono-sequences into the Phoenix-Perching Tree, letting the true flame within that magical wood carry them away, leaving him behind. After it plunged underground, Yang Zicang felt as though he had abruptly returned to absolute beginnings.
But now, on the verge of acquiring another million chrono-sequences, Yang Zicang, with some replenishment in his heart, felt that perhaps he really could scrape together a total of ten million chrono-sequences.
Yet, as he gazed at the woman before him, a pang of absentmindedness washed over him, making him think of the figure of the young man far away in a city he could not reach on foot. Had something unexpected already happened to that guy Liang Xi?
“Finally. ” A clear, refreshing voice with concise and efficient speech reached them.
The woman in the green suit, fixing her gaze on Yang Zicang, smiled. “Our Zeekin Angels can fulfill one reasonable wish for you. “
“Fulfill a wish? ” Yang Zicang hesitated, glancing around him.
“Wow. ” A soft exclamation of marvel arose from the small crowd more than ten meters away. Within the onlookers, Ang Pailisi silently observed these arrivals and the special green-shelled car beside them, which had driven straight up to the entrance.
The woman chuckled lightly. “Try not to make it too difficult for me. Besides, this is my promise, not some sort of mystical power at work. “
“I… ” A thought crossed his mind.Since it’s a promise from this person in front of me, then even if I were to request the Divine Hotel—so long as it’s truly on order and delivered—it shouldn’t mean that the corresponding Radiance and Flash would fail to manifest just because of how it was obtained. But that would be impossible and entirely unnecessary.
Having someone else bestow you with a stay in the Divine Hotel already means very little at this point.
He lifted his head, scanning the surroundings before addressing the woman in front of him.
“The current Black Vort is now the focus of the world’s attention. And the struggle to maintain order as the end-time approaches has been upheld largely by our friends from the Office of Defense Operations. I hope… “
“Chairman Yang. ” Sa Rachel snapped, cutting off Yang Zicang’s words. “And all of you, as well as Ms. Juniper. “
He gestured to the attendant beside him, who nodded in response, his lowered head quickly pondering the various instructions and attitudes the prince had previously expressed. After taking two steps forward, he paused with elegant poise and said with a smile:
“Thank you, esteemed Chairman, for your consideration of us, the reputation of Havencrest, and the achievements and pressures of the Special Defense Command. However, the land under my King’s rule has, since our ancestors blazed trails and expanded territory, been founded upon the principle of self-reliance and self-improvement. Only thus have we attained today’s global prominence. “
The lady in the green suit looked on with a smile, and those around all turned their attention to this man. He continued speaking to Yang Zicang with warmth:
“Chairman Yang, this pledge of commitment carries a weight heavier than a thousand gold pieces. If used to protect the friends and family you care about, or to make amends for past regrets, that would be a fitting place for this grace bestowed by the Dreamlike Radiance Seraphs. “
“General Ross will become a Marshal of our Havencrest, as well as of the Southern Region, ” remarked Prince Hazel from behind.
“Whether it be the Command or General Ross, both have gained and grown from experience during this crisis response, ” he said. “The Command will therefore receive more support and mobilization of our resources, so while the workload of the Office may increase, it will be shared among more departments and administrative staff. Ultimately, the pressure will be much lighter. “
“In that case, I am genuinely happy for my Marshal friend as well. “
“And of course, this is also thanks to the help of friends like you. “
The lady in the green suit smiled and said, “It seems our Marshal truly has a powerful support team. So, Mr. Buchen, hmm?“
“The Admiral went through life-and-death struggles to get here,” Yang Zicang said, turning back to look at the woman in the green suit. He continued with a smile, “So, the esteemed Miss Juniper, I have a small wish. I’m looking for a way underground, something with a capability similar to that of my Demon Train.“
“I thought you would ask me about the Pentagram Model.“
“I already am.“
“What did you say?” Juniper showed an expression as if looking at some strange creature.
A silvery, ring-shaped halo ignited on Yang Zicang’s chest.
“I thought it would take a lot of time, at least longer than it took to break through to the Fourth Side. But as it turns out, the moment the preparations were complete, it succeeded.“
As Yang Zicang spoke, everyone around—including all the members of Dragon’s Domain, Anxi, Wang Zhi, and He Yishu—saw it: on President Buchen’s chest, a regular pentagonal star slowly spinning up from the center of the model.
“The intersection point of each side falls right at 0.618,” Yang Zicang said to Juniper with feigned nonchalance.
Among those standing around watching this scene, some of them were so shocked that they instinctively covered their mouths with their hands, their faces showing sheer disbelief.
Suddenly, a small commotion arose among the crowd. Several people turned their heads to look, only to see a man with red earrings quickly turn his body away, trembling as he struggled to control his shoulders.
But on his body, flickering lines burst forth, and several quadrilateral dashed lines spread outward.
“Shut your mouths. “
“Don’t discuss it, oh my god. “
“No one can say anything. This is our secret, to protect everyone! “
“Got it. Oh, heavens, President Dust Bunn! I fucking love you! “
The excited crowd, who had once again suppressed their palpitating feelings, stood together, leaving only some who didn’t know what had happened, scratching their heads and standing confused beside them.
“That’s truly unbelievable, ” Juniper sighed. “Chairman Yang’s intelligence-gathering ability is really extraordinary. “
“It’s alright. Just a bit of good luck. “
Juniper smiled. “Very well, then Chairman, your wish to acquire other vehicles can certainly be fulfilled by me. Are you sure you want to realize this wish? “
“Yes. “
“Alright, Chairman. I will invest on your behalf right away. “
Golden threads, which had concealed their form, moved and surged into the slow, faintly visible pentagram model of Yang Zicang.
A faint sound of the mind echoed within the heart:
｛The miraculous pentagon…｝
｛Received Sequential Transfer 1,000,000N.｝
｛And also the authority to invoke a Containment Barrier Force Field.｝
Yang Zicang, who was wearing a badge shaped like a small dark red torch, breathed a sigh of relief and gently pressed his hands against his chest. His adventure had paid off.
“I’m leaving first, ” Juniper said. “That little guy—I still need to find out where he is. I’ll have his owner contact you as soon as possible. “
“Thank you, ” Yang Zicang said, watching them bid farewell to the crowd and get into the car. They started the small green car, backed up a bit to turn around, and leisurely drove off toward the distant stationed troops.
When they passed the truck command post that blocked the road, someone got out of the vehicle to make a phone call before getting back in and driving away with a low hum.
……
Members of the Fate Circuit began searching for people, distributing binoculars, and handing out brief biographies of certain individuals.
The carriage sped swiftly down the street. No matter what anyone ahead was doing, the sound of the galloping burgundy carriage and white horse would startle them into scattering before it arrived.
After it clattered loudly past, those who had dodged to the roadside would watch its tail disappear faster than an ordinary carriage, feeling a bit puzzled before exchanging a few grumbles and walking away.
In the quiet carriage, across from the white-robed Liya who held her staff, a tall brown-haired man sat silently on the leather bench. Wearing a pale yellow sleeveless vest with several long striped collars, he had a small carnelian ear stud on his ear, interwoven with light red and yellow hues.
The two of them remained quietly sitting upright, swaying gently with the movement of the carriage.
Before long, they heard some commotion from outside. The man turned his head, lifted the small curtain by the window, and looked out at the bustling yard where workers were busy with their tasks.
Seeing the carriage arriving, the men in linen clothes gradually stopped what they were doing and looked over. A pointy-eared man, who had just wiped his hands with a rag, tossed the cloth into a bucket at his side that held water stained with dye.
The brown-haired man casually handed out a telescope through the carriage window.
“This is the cargo. Deliver it immediately to North Double Shot City. You have two hours to distribute it among our people there. “
The approaching man looked at the telescope with confusion for two breaths. He raised his head to the man with the stern face and the yellow-collared patterned shirt, whose wavy hair fell past his shoulders. “This time… has it already gotten this dangerous? “
“Someone borrowed our momentum to rewrite history. That cannot be forgiven. “
“What? How is that possible! “
“So we can no longer wait for this Track of Fate to evolve and flow naturally. Go now. “
No sooner had he spoken than a faint, muffled rumble sounded from underground. The people in the courtyard looked down. “Has another seawater tributary broken through somewhere and flooded the underground tunnel? “
“Perhaps so. ” After listening for a moment and noticing no further sounds, the two of them walked towards the carriage and carried down several small wooden chests from it.
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