Grand Canyon, Origin City.
A silver aircraft dragged a faint blue arc of light as it slowly landed on the spacious tarmac.
Compared to the diverse Survivor Settlements of the Wasteland, this settlement located deep in the valley appeared unremarkable.
A majestic giant gate stretched across the center of the valley, and behind it, the rock walls were lined with rows of houses. A vast expanse of glass curtain wall covered the top of the slope.
The people living here were like reclusive hermits, hurried in their movements, cloaked, and their calm expressions were difficult to discern whether sacred and solemn or simply numb.
Survivors living in the Grand Canyon, like the canyon itself, were mostly indifferent to events outside the Holy Shield.
Unless it was time for them to fulfill an ancient contract.
And now was that time.
Escorted by a group of soldiers, the aging and majestic King of the Lion Kingdom slowly walked towards the tarmac.
Beside him was a regal and graceful queen, still full of charm, and behind them followed a group of youthful and beautiful maidens.
A thin veil covered their tender and beautiful faces, all of them clearly first-class beauties.
These people were both his concubines and his ornaments.
At such an old age as Charlie Lion, enjoyment was somewhat difficult.
His richly adorned golden ornaments jingled with his unsteady steps, yet the power armor warriors of the Grand Canyon treated it like they didn't see it.
They cared for nothing else, only responsible for the safety of the attendees.
Standing not far away, Absek looked at the aging king, especially glancing at the flock of concubines, and said with some envy.
"This old man really knows how to enjoy life."
If Duwata were here, he probably wouldn't be able to move his legs.
Just as Absek was reflecting on this, a voice from nearby interrupted his thoughts.
"...I heard the Lion Kingdom hasn't been peaceful recently."
"Oh?" Absek raised an eyebrow with interest and turned around to see a well-dressed, tall man with a smile looking at him.
Absek recognized the face; he was the Mayor of the Free State.
Although the Free State was just a Survivor Settlement with a population not even matching Jinjaron Harbor in Poluo Province, yet these people could hold their ground in the chaotic River Valley Province and be considered powerful in their own right.
Gazing at the aged lion in the distance, Otto squinted and smiled.
"The ministers want to make the eldest son the crown prince, while the populace supports Hal. If the Alliance hadn't stationed troops there, they would've already been fighting with brains splattered everywhere."
Upon hearing this news, Absek immediately understood why the old king brought such a large entourage on his travels.
This was an excuse to shelter in the cooling shade of the Grand Canyon.
"Hal...is he the founder of Survivor Daily?"
"Correct." Mayor Otto smiled faintly, "Few people know, the Workers' Association originated from Survivor's Daily, and due to the Inner City Nobles' suppression of the newspaper, a group of newly literate laborers decided to continue its publication... Let me give you an inadequate analogy: a fool thought he was safe after stepping on a cockroach, only to find the Wasteland is now filled with them."
In comparison, the Firestone Group was much more savvy.
They wouldn't suppress progressive voices like those unsophisticated feudal lords, but actively create progressive voices, drowning the citizens of the Free State in a sea of fragmented data.
This is precisely why they looked down on Giant Stone City.
The nobles there are still at the first level, having just realized the truth that "poverty and wealth can coexist," and haven't yet grasped that "ignorance and knowledge can also coexist."
Meanwhile, the shareholders of the Free State are standing in the stratosphere.
They can make resources both poor and rich, and make them know both astronomy and geography, while considering laughably silly rebellions as treasures.
Truly foolish...
But the more Otto smiled, the less he could continue.
Because that's one of the reasons why the Firestone Group could boss around elites like him.
Though Absek didn't know why Mr. Otto's expression soured, he tactfully shifted the conversation from Survivor's Daily to the "robust in old age" Charlie Lion.
"But why would he push Hal to the forefront? From his standpoint, it's not a wise move, even our Witch Todd wouldn't do that."
"He never did, it was Hal who intentionally or unintentionally revealed himself, and then the reformists of the kingdom pushed him forward... It's a classic case of lifting a rock only to drop it on one's own foot."
Seeing the inquisitive Poluo Leader, Otto continued eloquently.
"At the time, the old king thought he had too many sons and sent them off to explore the Wasteland, just to reduce the burden for his eldest son... Unexpectedly, his most inconspicuous youngest son Hal indeed brought back something remarkable."
Absek sighed.
"Unintended consequences? I heard that in the old era, the discovery of the New World was also due to a commercial scam related to Poluo Province."
"Haha, indeed there was! Although I guess he regrets it now, he's already old and can't control future events," Otto joked, then extended his right hand, finally making a formal introduction, "Mayor of the Free State, Otto. Pleasure to meet you, Poluo Province Leader, Absek. You're just as renowned as they say."
"Haha, nice to meet you!" Absek was somewhat flattered as he shook the extended hand, his head lowered a bit.
This was purely a subconscious reaction.
After all, a year ago, he was merely a dock worker at West Sail Port, with no chance of having a conversation with the Mayor of the Free State, nor standing together with so many capable people to discuss the future of the Wasteland.
However, Otto did not make him feel awkward and slightly nodded, placing his left hand on Absek's shoulder and patting it.
"You know? You have an aura that's quite like someone I know, although you two are completely different people in terms of both personality and appearance, and your perspectives and positions differ as well."
Gratefully looking at Otto, Absek lifted his head, regaining his usual calm demeanor.
"Who?"
Raising his own head in response, Otto smiled and said,
"Sigma, CEO and Chairman of the Firestone Group, the true owner of the Free State."
The true owner of the Free State...
Absek pondered over this statement, but Otto did not elaborate, instead shaking his right hand a bit before smiling and bidding farewell.
"Do your best, I can see it, your future is bright! The war will end soon, and we are quite optimistic about your development thereafter. Also, we wish you to overcome challenges quickly."
In such rare circumstances, he couldn't waste all his time on one person; he had to connect with more people.
For instance, the King of Falcon Kingdom, Montego, who was currently disembarking from a plane.
Recently, the Eastern Empire has been preparing to develop a new area in the southwest corner of Luo Province, and Falcon Kingdom should have considerable development prospects, perhaps he could secure several overseas orders for the Free State's company.
Watching Otto's leisurely departing figure, Absek couldn't help but feel moved.
Now that's the demeanor a Leader should have.
Clearly, his own earthy disposition was still lacking.
However, he did not belittle himself; as it is said, "timing and momentum create heroes," both timing and momentum are indispensable for the rise of a capable person.
At present, Poluo Country needed someone like him, so he dealt with Anush and became the Leader...even if his methods were less than honorable.
Perhaps once the Wasteland Era ends, when he becomes an old figure like Charlie Lion, Poluo Country might also have a professional Leader no less capable than Otto.
That person will surely be much more competent than someone who only knows how to wage war and maneuver politics like myself, and, at the very least, won't be someone who only understands the latter like Witch Todd.
That person will lead the Poluo people toward a better future.
For a moment, Absek suddenly felt less inclined to become an emperor, especially after seeing the "wealthy yet poor" Charlie Lion.
Compared to people like that, there are indeed more dignified ways of living in this world.
Dreams can change.
Standing at the pinnacle of life, Absek was filled with ambition, even contemplating a conversation with Laxi.
Sadly, that guy couldn't leave the frontline and only sent his confidant, Shava the Shock Trooper, over.
"It would have been great if Laxi were here, it's a pity not being able to share a drink with him."
Following Absek, Internal Affairs Committee Member Wadia shook his head and said uncomprehendingly,
"I don't know what Laxi was thinking, but he missed such a good opportunity."
"Ah, well, you can't say that, there's an old saying: everyone has their own aspirations," Absek said with a smile, "I remember the Alliance has a historical novel about the Chu-Han contention. Laxi is much like King Chu, serving both as king and general; it's natural that the frontline can't do without him. As for me, I'm like that state, filled with brave warriors and wise strategists; it doesn't matter if I'm there or not... Take a look, beating him should be quite easy for me."
That's all over the place...
Looking at the grand words of the Leader, Wadia smiled bitterly.
He has read that novel,
after all, as an Internal Affairs Committee Member, understanding the Leader's preferences is part of the job.
However, trying to govern a large Survivor Force using the theory from a "historical novel" is really not a good idea.
Pausing for a moment, Wadia said,
"Are you thinking of dividing governance over the Tasang River?"
Squinting with a smile, Absek said,
"Let's each take a step back, they want to manage the flooding of the Tasang River, so they need to borrow half of Bird State and Sheep State. Whether that's an excuse or not, giving half of the Northern Three States to him isn't impossible. Let the Poluo people vote with their feet afterward, those who prefer the north go north, those who prefer the south go south — it's better than going outside to block trains and being laughed at."
The contest between the hypocrite and the genuine villain is about to start.
Unsurprisingly, always thinking that "peace is precious," I should be holding the "hypocrite" card.
Call me insincere or cowardly, let future generations judge, but I truly don't want to fight anymore.
If we can engage in verbal battles, then verbal battles it should be.
They've already lost enough lives...
The average age in Tiandu dropped by ten years, and now they're deploying child soldiers to the battlefield. This isn't just a "Chu and Han conquest," but a story reminiscent of the "Sixteen Kingdoms of the Wei and Jin."
Although Kaba Committee Member often criticized him for being "uneducated," Absek was indeed reading a lot.
Moreover, he considered himself somewhat of an "Alliance expert," as many books he read were bought from the City of Dawn.
Even if many of them were novels.
Upon hearing the Leader's decision, Wadia had mixed feelings.
He always felt that if a battle were to break out, crushing Laxi would not be much of a challenge.
After all, no matter how formidable, Laxi was still just one person.
Furthermore, within the Mammoth Nation, there was the Moon Clan Resistance's veteran power — forces that had been at odds with Laxi since the Witch Todd era.
These individuals also represented a political force.
Though currently suppressed by Laxi and his assault team, and due to the Southern Legion's invasion they had tempered their ambitions, should external conflict turn into internal strife, whether Laxi could handle them was uncertain.
So what if he's backed by the Alliance?
After fighting the Southern Legion for so long, who doesn't have some ties with the Alliance?
In terms of standing, when the Moon Clan and the Alliance were as thick as thieves, Laxi was still suffering the slave owner's whip at Jinjaron Harbor! Moreover, due to the Mammoth Nation's stance on labor issues and its proximity to the Conservative faction of the Alliance, Laxi was never favored by the Alliance's Radical Faction.
But they were different.
Regardless of whether it was the Radical or Conservative factions of the Alliance, due to their respective positions, they mostly sympathized with the Poluo Country.
Thus, their odds of winning were quite significant.
However, he could understand Absek's mindset; Poluo Country needed time to recuperate, and the Poluo people should enjoy a period of peace and prosperity.
Wadia smiled and said.
As the headquarters for the Post-War Reconstruction Committee, this was a prime opportunity to pay respects. If they could forge good ties with one of the big players and secure some aid, they could leap forward instantly!
The overwhelming majority of medium and small survivor forces' representatives or heads of state thought this way.
Hence, their gaze towards Chu Guang was akin to watching a walking gold mine!
No matter what the Waste Land Wanderers felt, Chu Guang, accustomed to such grand occasions, remained undisturbed, calmly waving to those watching him before proceeding towards the helipad.
A soldier clad in power armor approached him, nodding slightly as a salute.
"We have prepared a room for your stay. Your subordinates have already checked the room. Please follow us."
Chu Guang nodded.
"Take me there."
The representatives from the Company and Academy hadn't arrived yet, nor did any of the "former legion leaders" who may or may not show up. There was no point in him staying here.
After glancing around, Chu Guang didn't see anyone he particularly wanted to meet, so he instructed Cheng Yan, who was standing beside him, to stay and socialize with the other survivor forces' representatives present. He then led his guards and followed the soldiers of the Grand Canyon to his accommodations.
However, just as he was about to leave, a young man suddenly squeezed out of the crowd and approached him with an enthusiastic smile.
"Honorable Manager, you really came! Haha, we meet again!"
The fervent expression on his face was akin to that of a starstruck fan, or perhaps a believer encountering a divine entity.
Chu Guang looked at him, finding him familiar, yet somehow different from his impression, and momentarily couldn't remember who he was, prompting a hesitant question.
"You are...?"
The man didn't seem to mind and smiled, revealing his teeth.
"I'm Little Zhou, Zhou Xianlin! You certainly forget things easily. I previously sent you a truckload of gold, remember? It was during the celebration for the war victory in Luo Xia Province!"
A truckload of gold... did that happen?
Chu Guang looked bewildered at this young man.
He did recall the Golden Lizard Kingdom crafting a statue of him out of molten Dinar, which is now displayed in a showcase at the Dawn City Museum as an exhibit.
However, he truly couldn't remember what gift Dam City had sent at that time, especially since Dam City had even less presence at Sticky Community meetings than Garbage City.
Though, with this little fanboy chattering away, he suddenly recalled the name Zhou Xianlin.
This person was the son of Zhou Changxiao, the city lord of Dam City, whose family names were rather literary.
As for Dam City, it was a survivor settlement in the Yue Ma Province, with a population estimated at six to seven hundred thousand.
At that victory celebration, this young man held his hand and praised him, even claiming he would transform Dam City into the Dam Alliance, uniting the survivors around Dam City.
At the time, Chu Guang recognized the fervor in his eyes and advised him to be cautious and not to blindly replicate the experiences of the Alliance. Some things are worth referencing, but shouldn't be copied wholesale.
Now looking at it, this guy was still living well, seemingly having taken his words to heart.
With a slightly relieved smile on his face, Chu Guang stopped the Grand Canyon soldiers who wanted to pull the man away and spoke kindly.
"I remember now, it's been a long time... Did your dad send you this time too?"
Zhou Xianlin chuckled awkwardly.
"Not really, I got rid of that old codger."
Chu Guang: "…?"
Seeing Chu Guang's silence, Little Zhou continued animatedly.
"The old man sent me to learn from the Alliance and then accused me of not learning anything good, always thinking about squandering, wanting my big brother to be the city lord. But how could I let that happen? I took your approach, uniting the scavengers inside and outside of Dam City, and took down everyone around that old man, including my cowardly big brother."
"Oh, and his looter connections crumbled too, those guys were never a match for us. I heard a lot of them fled to Haiye Province, heh, seems like I might have caused you some trouble."
For a moment, Chu Guang was speechless.
Even Xiao Qi, who had been quietly silent, couldn't help but softly complain into his ear.
"That's... filial, right?"
Pressing his index finger against his brow, Chu Guang, failing to comprehend, asked.
"And… the scavengers? Did they allow you to continue being the city lord?"
Zhou Xianlin laughed bashfully, continuing to speak shyly.
"Of course! I got rid of all the ones with ideas. They love me, even called me their savior! Though I told them I was nothing; you are the real Sun on the Wasteland... Anyway, I'm now the leader of the Dam Alliance, but the problem is, I'm a bit confused about what to do next. The Grand Canyon people said you'd be here, so I followed them, hoping you'd guide me."
Looking at this oddball, unsure if he was truly crazy or feigning insanity, Chu Guang sighed.
"If you're willing to listen to me, start by burying your dad."
Zhou Xianlin's expression froze, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
"Uh, that's a bit difficult... I've already scattered his ashes."
Chu Guang: "…"
Just when Chu Guang didn't know what to say, a deep and sonorous voice came from not far away.
"Manager, it's a pleasure to have you here..."
"I've long wanted to meet you."