CHAPTER 816: CHAPTER 816: CHAIN REACTION

"...All the suffering survivors on the Wasteland are comrades on the same front line. Although we have not fought shoulder to shoulder yet, I believe that a kind-hearted person like you would not refuse to be friends with the people of Poluo Province."

Zayed’s mind was spinning rapidly.

Although he hadn’t fully recovered from the chaotic crash, he instinctively lowered his stance and awkwardly tried to regain some goodwill from this young girl.

"My name is Zayed... Esteemed Miss Alyssa, I sincerely apologize for intruding upon you in this manner."

Witty humor, while able to dispel awkwardness, was evidently not appreciated.

However, seeing him voluntarily offer his name, Alyssa relaxed her furrowed brows and spoke in a softened tone.

"Alyssa, nice to meet you for the first time... And you are?"

Unexpectedly, this noble lady directed her gaze towards him. Standing behind Zayed, Sava dared not meet those beautiful eyes and stammered.

"I... Vassa."

Seeing his lack of composure, Zayed sighed and looked apologetically at Alyssa.

"Apologies, he is... my student and also my assistant. Though capable, he’s somewhat shy."

"Sorry!" Sava quickly bowed to express his apology.

Seeing this awkward young man, Alyssa suddenly thought of herself from last year and couldn’t help but smile warmly as she said gently.

"No need to apologize for such things. No one is born ready to handle everything alone. My... a friend of mine always couldn’t help but cry when facing difficulties, but can now calmly think of some strategies. I believe you can do the same. After all, the path you’ve walked is much farther than hers."

She didn’t know how far Poluo Province was, but it was likely farther than the distance between Giant Stone City and City of Dawn.

"Thank you..."

The voice was like a spring breeze brushing by, and the young man lowered his head further, his eyes fixated on the tips of his shoes, with the blush creeping from his cheeks to the roots of his ears.

Such a kind girl!

No one had ever encouraged him this way, not even his most intimate family members.

Though he had no doubt about Mr. Zayed’s correctness, he couldn’t help but feel confused... Could it be that the very person who had been helping and teaching him all along had misunderstood something?

Turning his gaze to Zayed’s face, Alyssa’s voice took on a slightly serious tone as she continued.

"Mr. Zayed, I am not a petty person. If you’re sincerely apologetic, you can just tell me directly. Please don’t use the survivors of Poluo Province as a shield. We are certainly willing to be friends with the survivors of Poluo Province, but you cannot represent them."

"Indeed... I did not consider it thoroughly." Zayed admitted the mistake straightforwardly and honestly.

Perhaps his reasoning was indeed flawed.

This woman, who fussed over small matters, didn’t seem to have any hidden motives, rather she felt somewhat... silly?

If it was because she looked down on his status, it would be one thing, but she clearly wasn’t reacting for that reason. It seemed more like she was throwing a child’s tantrum.

Does it matter if one lies about such trivial matters? The outcome didn’t cause any harm.

Not to mention he ultimately smoothed things over without leaving the other party without face, anyone with a bit of political upbringing would simply laugh it off.

And if he were to win in the end, this might become a celebrated story.

However, he didn’t believe there was any flaw in his assessment, only that there was a lack of information.

Investigating someone in the City of Dawn is extremely difficult, especially for someone like him who’s still in the early stages of starting a business. He doesn’t have a group of loyal Guards, nor does he have diplomatic immunity, and he has to be cautious not to break the Alliance’s laws.

Alyssa nodded gently, whispered a few words to the staff beside her who had an unfriendly expression.

"I’ve indeed never seen them, but I doubt they’re bad people. There may just be a misunderstanding."

The staff still looked unconvinced, and seriously asked.

"Do you really not need me to call security?"

Alyssa said, half-amused and half-exasperated.

"No need, no need, don’t trouble others with such a small issue, I will handle it."

The other person’s expression gradually softened. They gave Zayed a warning look, seeming to say "I remember your face", and then turned back to the arena.

After seeing them leave, Alyssa looked back at Zayed.

"Let’s talk about the serious matter. Why are you looking for me—though before that, I’m more curious about how you heard of my name?"

Zayed’s face wore a friendly smile, as he still had something to request from the girl before him.

"You really underestimate your own fame. Your name is known by everyone in Giant Stone City, comparable to that fictional Pol."

Alyssa spoke politely.

"You flatter me, I’m not that remarkable."

Zayed continued with a smile.

"No, I’m not flattering you at all. Rather, let me say... I admire you."

Alyssa maintained her polite expression, but her smile still kept others at a distance.

"There’s no benefit to you even if you praise me."

"Your guard against me is too high. Everything I’ve said is from the heart..." Gazing into those wise eyes, Zayed struck an innocent pose and sighed, "From the drunks in the tavern, to the newspaper delivery boys, and the clerks behind the bank counter... everyone gives you high praise."

"They all unanimously commend your bravery and kindness, believing it was you who saved them from the worst outcome, finally achieving that almost impossible miracle."

"Honestly, I don’t believe there are Gods in this world, but I can’t help but wonder if you aren’t under some divine protection. After all, if it were anyone else, they probably wouldn’t end well."

Listening to the emotional words, Alyssa suddenly believed a few of them.

He might indeed have a bit of an admiration filter towards her, but what he admired wasn’t her character, nor what she was proud of.

It was something else...

Like the shadows in a sketch that highlight the light.

But if that’s the case, then the residents of Poluo Province are too pitiful.

That place is likely an even bigger casino than the former Giant Stone City, and the chips in that casino are probably astronomical amounts she’s never heard of.

Cold sweat began to bead on Alyssa’s forehead.

She instinctively wanted to save those people, so she subconsciously spoke up.

"... Indeed, thinking back to that day still frightens me. However, I don’t believe I was under any divine protection, nor do I think I’m some miracle."

Unaware of her thoughts, Zayed with a tone as if coaxing a child, laughed and said.

"If that’s not a miracle, then what would qualify as one?"

Alyssa said without hesitation.

"It’s the residents of Giant Stone City."

Zayed was slightly taken aback.

"The residents of Giant Stone City? Ah... of course, I don’t deny they are indeed indispensable, their courage and ideals are equally impressive—"

"It’s the residents of Giant Stone City."

Alyssa repeated her words. Her undeniable voice carried a hint of hope, or perhaps a plea.

"Why do you think I’m the miracle... when it’s them who still seek light as darkness falls, when their hope has been extinguished countless times yet they refuse to give up, when every one of them you’ve met before finding me was a miracle, why do you think I am the miracle?"

Zayed was bewildered for a moment.

It wasn’t because of anything the girl in front of him said that seemed beyond her age; it was because he didn’t understand why she was so emotional.

What is this...

Is it something important?

The polite words he said were just to gain her favor, but now it seemed he had once again misstepped.

What does this person really want?

Zayed couldn’t help but feel a bit irritated inside, though he didn’t let that expression show on his face.

Perhaps sensing his impatience or resistance, Alyssa earnestly stared into his eyes, involuntarily quickening her speech.

"...Mr. Zayed, I must say again, in the face of the true tide, my life or death doesn’t matter! Whether I died that night or where my body ends up hanging, it won’t make any difference to the tomorrow of Giant Stone City. The sun will still rise and set at its destined time."

"I am not the miracle you think I am. Those who spared me are the true miracle."

"They could have let the fire burn uncontrollably, blamed all the wrongs on a little girl, and then moved into the Inner City over our corpses. They could have become the new owners of the casino, but they closed this casino with their own hands... Everyone who walked out of the casino is a miracle."

What a naive statement...

No.

It should be said it’s foolish.

Zayed looked at her coldly, but there was no change in his gentle smile.

Actually, she wasn’t completely missing the point. At least there was one thing he agreed with, something that unexpectedly lit up his eyes.

If they let that fire burn unchecked...

Only then, a lot of people might die.

"Mr. Zayed?"

Hearing that concerned voice, Zayed snapped back to reality, then looked at Alyssa with a smile and said.

"What’s wrong?"

"Nothing..."

Alyssa’s eyes showed some fear; for a moment, she saw something terrifying in his eyes.

She swallowed again and spoke quickly.

"If you want to know how to save the residents of Poluo Province, you might start by publishing a newspaper to let the survivors have their own voice..."

Zayed lightly coughed, interrupting her incessant chatter.

"I’m really sorry... though I find your theory interesting, the sun is about to set, perhaps we’ll talk more next time we meet. By the way, if it’s not too much trouble, I would like to ask you for a favor."

Alyssa was taken aback, but she still nodded slightly.

"What favor?"

"I want you to introduce me to the Manager of the Alliance."

"The, the Manager?" Alyssa stared at him blankly, unable to keep up with that leap in thought.

Zayed nodded, looking intently into her eyes, speaking seriously.

"I need his help... or rather, we need it."

Meeting his fiery gaze, Alyssa instantly understood his meaning, but she fell silent.

Objectively speaking, the Alliance indeed reduced the suffering that the survivors of Giant Stone City had to endure, but ultimately, it was the survivors themselves who would end all this suffering.

When you can’t be sure what’s beneath the mountain, speeding up doesn’t always yield good results.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Please go ahead."

"When everything is over... when the Wasteland Era ends, is there something you want to do?"

As if worried Zayed would once again deviate, Alyssa hurriedly added a sentence.

"I’m not asking about some wish, just something you simply want to do. Like horseback riding or painting... whatever hobby it might be."

"Those things are the delight of nobles, I won’t be corrupted by them," Zayed smiled faintly, "I haven’t thought about things that far away yet. I only want to save the residents of Poluo Province, letting the light of equality shine on every inch of land by the Everflow River, and beyond that, I have no other desires."

Showing a hint of disappointment in her eyes, Alyssa’s lips moved, and ultimately, a long string of words condensed into a soft sigh.

"I knew a very kind old grandfather... he said after he retires, he wants to build a little wooden house by the lake, plant some flowers and grass, and do some fishing."

Zayed: "Who is he?"

"Mr. Fang Ming’s designer..."

Suddenly lifting her head, Alyssa’s eyes were more resolute than ever before, she took a deep breath and said.

"I will absolutely, absolutely not introduce you to the Manager... please leave!"

She rejected him without any subtlety.

If earlier she was undecided, now she was absolutely certain that talking to this guy about anything was like playing music to a cow.

This guy, who talked tirelessly about equality, looked down on what he was saying more than anyone else.

He planned everything, yet never planned where he would be in that new world.

In the end, he just wanted to be the god of the new world, running the casino under a new sign.

There won’t be a next meeting.

She wouldn’t say another word to him, and she even regretted those words she just said, she shouldn’t have revealed what the true miracle was to him.

This guy is no battle companion!

It’s quite possible that they could even be enemies...

If he succeeds, he’ll immediately seal all the drafty windows in the entire casino!

Despite the gradually cold gaze, Zayed wasn’t angry; he just bowed slightly.

"It seems I’ve caused you displeasure... I’m very sorry."

Although it’s unfortunate, it’s something unavoidable.

The meeting ended on a sour note.

Zayed had lost any reason to stay, so he left with his young apprentice without looking back.

On the way back, Vassa looked at Mr. Zayed with a face full of confusion and couldn’t help but ask his question.

"I said... we should have approached her in a more tactful manner."

"The outcome would’ve been the same. If she were the person we’re looking for, regardless of the method, we would reach the Manager through her. But unfortunately, she isn’t, so this path is a dead end."

To find some justification for his miscalculation, or perhaps he truly thought this way, Zayed paused and continued.

"Actually, it might not be such a bad thing."

"A good thing?" Vassa was entirely perplexed.

"Indeed."

Zayed nodded slightly, unconcerned, and continued to speak.

"At the very least, through this probe, I can confirm that she does maintain correspondence with the Manager of the Alliance... Regardless of what form the communication takes, at least their views intersect on certain issues."

"In just an afternoon, we’ve discerned the Manager’s preferences. As a test for an investment... this deal is rather cost-effective."

Vassa said with some disappointment.

"But she won’t help us anymore..."

He wasn’t sure if he regretted potentially never seeing the beautiful lady again or was genuinely worried about the fate of the Family Meeting.

Perhaps it was both.

Zayed smiled faintly.

"It doesn’t matter; there are plenty of ways to meet that gentleman. The key lies in what happens after meeting him."

Initially, he did have the idea of pleasing Alyssa, this potential political ally, but upon realizing she was essentially still a child, he abandoned the thought.

Allies who are immature are troublesome, better used as touchstones.

Next time he meets the Manager of the Alliance, he will try to avoid all pitfalls.

Just like listening to the opinions of the Residents of the refuge and changing the Equality Conference to the Family Meeting.

He could further refine his image and speak as much as possible about things the gentleman likes to hear...

"What if she writes to the Manager?" Vassa said softly.

If it were him, he would unhesitatingly tell Mr. Zayed about any restless voices within the Family Meeting.

He felt the lady would do the same thing, just like him.

Zayed’s expression stiffened slightly, but he quickly relaxed.

"That possibility can’t be ruled out... Kids do like to tattle, but I believe the gentleman would never trust a unilateral view, but instead, listen to both sides."

And for someone like him, from humble beginnings, it’s connections he lacks.

"If she indeed mentions me in her letter to the Manager, I’d rather thank her for doing me the favor."

...

At the southernmost point of the Central Continent’s axis lies a port named Evernight Harbor.

It is situated at the southern corner of the ruins of the United Human’s Southern Industrial Zone, facing the Antarctic Waste across the sea.

Due to its extreme distance, even the White Bear Knights enthusiastic about mapping have never ventured to such a place.

If compared to real-world maps, this harbor’s location is roughly in South Africa, but it has a higher latitude than the latter.

At the same time, this is probably the southernmost settlement in the entire Wasteland.

As the Legion first stepped onto this land during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, it was the period of short days and long nights there.

Thus, this settlement was named Evernight Harbor by the Weilante colonists.

Unlike the Eastern Legion occupying vast plains, the Southern Legion’s territories are more fragmented, excluding a peninsula in its homeland, mostly distributed along the coastlines of the Great Desert’s Western Industrial Zone and the Southern Industrial Zone ruins.

Even though the soil of these lands is barren and crops cannot be grown, they contain rich mineral deposits.

Because of this series of factors, the Southern Legion’s operational style differs greatly from the Eastern Legion.

Rather than military aristocracy with vast pastures and estates, they resemble late medieval colonists.

While they are ruthless in exploiting other ethnicities, they do not shy away from using more subtle methods that favor their own interests.

Such as buying out locals to have them govern other locals.

Such as allowing slaves to redeem themselves.

Such as using debt slaves instead of contract slaves.

After all, they don’t have as much land as the Eastern Legion to waste resources, and they must put thought into boosting the productivity of their colonies.

And due to this operational style, they are closely aligned with the civil official group of Triumph City.

Of course, the similarity in operational style is one aspect; fundamentally, it is because the interests of both sides are tied together.

For instance, the various ports of the Southern Legion are located along the coast from Poluo Province to Triumph City.

And the civil official group’s ships often do not just bring back spices, tea, and sugar that Triumph City craves, but also slaves and livestock needed by the various colonies of the Southern Legion.

Compared to the nomads and Variants living in the Great Desert, the survivors and livestock from Poluo Province are undoubtedly more docile and more welcomed by the southern colonists.

Additionally, these ships, when returning to Triumph City, also carry some colonial specialties.

Such as various ores, gems, and gold, etc.

As a result, Evernight Harbor never lacks ships from Poluo Province.

Especially those from West Sail Port.

However, recently, there’s been an unexpected situation here...

The port at Evernight Harbor was teeming with people. A large crowd of travelers with suitcases gathered at the ticket counter, their voices raised in frustration.

It was summer in Evernight Harbor in December, and the sea breeze carried a hint of heat. People’s tempers were like a powder keg ready to explode.

A Vellante traveler finally squeezed to the front of the counter, his fist clutching his ticket pounded the countertop, trying to press his face through the narrow window.

"Where’s the ship? I bought a ticket to Triumph City! Where did the ship go?"

"Please calm down, sir. Let me check which route your ticket is for... so I can help you with a refund."

The staff reached out to take the ticket, only for the traveler to snatch it back.

Angrily glaring at the window, the Vellante traveler roared.

"I never said anything about a refund! I want to go home!"

The staff member grimaced, looking at him with helplessness as he spoke.

"I know... but there’s nothing I can do. If the route you booked isn’t appearing at the dock, it’s likely in breach of contract, and we’ll compensate you according to the agreement—"

"What do you mean ’likely in breach of contract’?" the Vellante exclaimed furiously. "It’s the end of the year, and I only go back to Triumph City once a year! Damn it, why does it have to be right before the birthday celebration!"

The staff member wiped the sweat off his forehead, trying to soothe the traveler and others behind him.

"Please, please calm down... I understand your feelings, sir, but there’s nothing we can do here. The cancellation was by the carrier, and I heard it’s because they had to transport a batch of arms to the east—"

The traveler clearly wasn’t buying it, rudely interrupting his explanation.

"I paid for a passenger ship! A passenger ship! Do you think I’m an idiot?"

The staff member sighed helplessly.

"I know... but I’ve heard they’re offering a lot more money. You’re relatively lucky; yesterday, a ship was supposed to dock, but when they heard the news from West Sail Port, they dropped the passengers ashore and turned around."

Vellante traveler: "???!!!"

Penny, standing amidst the crowd, wore a bewildered expression when she heard the commotion ahead.

She had come here from West Sail Port a week ago by ship, originally booked to change ships today to return to Triumph City, only to be met with such shocking news.

Finally reaching the counter, she glanced at the ticket in her hand and said blankly.

"... The ships are gone?"

Behind the window, the staff member, already frazzled from repeatedly answering the question, looked at her.

"They’ve been gone since yesterday... You’re quite lucky, ma’am. I heard some people even got kicked off after boarding."

Penny said with a mix of laughter and tears.

"Then how do I get home?"

The staff member was just as embarrassed.

"I’m not sure... uh, but based on my experience, you should only need to wait about two days. Not all ships will continue east; some return immediately after reaching Evernight Harbor. There are also cargo ships; if the price is right, they don’t mind taking passengers as well. We’ll keep an eye out for information for you."

"..."

Penny only regretted one thing now: not accepting Governor Hu Ye’s offer to hitch a ride directly to Triumph City, choosing instead to transfer at Evernight Harbor.

After three days of leisure, she found herself unable to return.

"What exactly happened?" she asked with a worried expression.

The staff member sighed.

"Our information is uncertain; we’ve only heard it’s something Centurion Bennott did. He somehow made a vague agreement with the Eastern Legion, and now all ships on this route are heading east, all eager to make money."

It was said that some were not only after equipment left by the Expeditionary Army but also fantasized about picking up "scraps" from the Academy, companies, or the Alliance’s frontline.

But he thought they were just dreaming.

With so many people rushing over to snatch things up, it was uncertain whether they’d actually make any money.

Penny was dumbfounded. She couldn’t believe her own father, serving as an ambassador in the City of Dawn, was the reason she couldn’t return home.

This was truly...

Looking at the lady in front of him, who seemed on the verge of tears, the staff member kindly reminded her.

"There’s nothing we can do about it either. You’d better quickly book a room at the port’s inn... by evening, you might not find a place to stay, even if you have money. My uncle runs a lodge near the port; would you like me to contact him for you?"

Penny shook her head.

"... No need, I have a place to stay."

Her uncle was an officer in the Southern Legion, holding the same rank as Mr. Pangolin as a Thousands of leaders, serving as the defense commander at Evernight Harbor.

She had been staying at her uncle’s house for the past few days and could stay a bit longer.

However, to avoid worrying her mother in Triumph City, she needed to visit the post office soon to send a telegram home.

The staff member sighed sympathetically, apologizing deeply.

"I see... In any case, I’m very sorry, and I ask for your understanding."

Is there any other option really?

Penny gave him a resigned look of understanding, thanked him, and then grabbed her suitcase, leaving the ticket counter. She hailed a tricycle at the port, instructing the driver to take her to the post office.

Soon, the marble building came into view.

Taking out a shiny Dinar, she paid the fare and carried her suitcase up the steps of the post office.

However, just as she crossed the door, she heard a few hurried conversations passing by.

"Is there a ship?! I need a ship going east as soon as possible!"

"A ship heading east? What are you dreaming about? There’s no such ship at this dock!"

"Damn it! Why does it have to be at this time?"

Penny turned her face, seeing a middle-aged man with a felt hat, slamming his fist hard onto the marble pillar at the entrance.

The person next to him looked at his companion in shock and hurriedly asked.

"What happened?"

The man’s expression was cloudy, his hoarse voice low and heavy.

Even so, Penny still vaguely heard him say—

"West Sail Port! Over there... something big happened!"