Chapter 950: The Moment That Decides the Fate of the Wasteland

Chapter 950: The Moment That Decides the Fate of the Wasteland

The Great Rift, Origin City.

A gleaming silver aircraft, trailing pale blue arcs of light, descended slowly onto the spacious landing pad.

Compared to the myriad of settlements blooming across the wasteland, this settlement nestled deep in the valley seemed unremarkable.

A towering colossal gate stood across the center of the valley, and behind it, houses were arrayed in neat rows along the rock face, while an endless glass curtain wall sheltered the slope above.

The people living here were like hermits cut off from the world, hurrying about in cloaks, their faces bearing an expression of calm that could be either pious reverence or numb indifference.

The survivors of the Great Rift were much like the Rift itself—most of the time, they cared little for what happened beyond the Holy Shield.

Unless it was time for them to fulfill the ancient covenant.

And now was that time.

Escorted by a squad of soldiers, the aged and majestic King of the Lion Kingdom shuffled slowly down the landing pad.

By his side walked a graceful, still-charming queen, and behind him followed a group of young maidens in the bloom of youth.

Thin veils concealed their tender, beautiful faces, and it was clear they were all stunning beauties.

These women were both his attendants and his ornaments.

At an age like Charles Lion’s, pleasure was already a struggle.

The clinking of his myriad golden ornaments accompanied his unsteady steps, while the power-armored warriors of the Great Rift, clad in high-tech gear, pretended not to notice.

They concerned themselves with nothing else but ensuring the safety of the attendees.

Standing not far away, Abusek watched the aged king, especially lingering on the flock of maidens, and said with a hint of envy.

“That old man sure knows how to enjoy himself.”

If Duwata were here, he’d probably be rooted to the spot.

Just as Abusek was lost in thought, a voice from beside him interrupted his musings.

“…I hear the Lion Kingdom hasn’t been peaceful lately.”

“Oh?” Abusek raised an eyebrow with interest, turning to see a tall, impeccably dressed man smiling at him.

Abusek recognized that face—it was the mayor of the Free State.

Though the Free State was just a settlement, with a population smaller than Golden Harbor in the Brahmin Province, the fact that they held their ground in the chaotic River Valley Province made them a formidable power.

Gazing at the distant aging lion, Odo squinted and said with a smile.

“The ministers want to make the eldest son the heir, but the people support Hal. If the Alliance hadn’t stationed a force there, they’d probably be tearing each other’s brains out.”

Hearing this, Abusek instantly understood why the old king had brought such a large harem on this trip.

It was nothing less than seeking refuge under the Great Rift’s shadow.

“Hal… the founder of the Survivor’s Daily?”

“Exactly.” Mayor Odo smiled faintly. “Few know that the Workers’ Union originated from the Survivor’s Daily. When the inner-city nobles suppressed the newspaper, a group of newly literate laborers decided to keep it going… To make a crude analogy, a fool steps on a cockroach, thinking he’s safe, only to find cockroaches everywhere across the wasteland now.”

In comparison, Firestone Group was far more astute.

Unlike those provincial feudal lords who suppressed progressive voices, they actively created them, drowning the citizens of the Free State in a sea of fragmented information.

This was also why they looked down on Boulder City.

The nobles there were still on the first level, just grasping the truth that “poverty and wealth can coexist,” but not yet understanding that “ignorance and knowledge can also coexist.”

Meanwhile, the shareholders of the Free State were already in the stratosphere.

They could make their fuel both poor and rich, and also make it knowledgeable about heaven and earth while treasuring absurdly foolish rants as gems.

How foolish…

But Odo’s smile faded as he laughed.

Because this was precisely one of the reasons Firestone Group could treat elites like him as dogs.

Though he didn’t know why Mr. Odo’s face had fallen, Abusek tactfully shifted the topic from the Survivor’s Daily to the “vigorous in old age” Charles Lion.

“But why did he push Hal into the spotlight? From his perspective, that’s not a smart move. Even our Wuto wouldn’t do that.”

“He never did. Hal intentionally or unintentionally revealed himself, and then the kingdom’s reformists pushed him forward… A classic case of shooting oneself in the foot.”

Watching the eager Brahmin commander, Odo continued with ease.

“Back then, the old king thought he had too many sons and sent them to explore the wasteland, just to lighten the eldest’s load… But unexpectedly, his least remarkable son, Hal, brought back a remarkable treasure.”

Abusek sighed.

“An unintended blessing, I suppose… I’ve heard that in the old era, navigators discovered the New World because of a commercial hoax about the Brahmin Province.”

“Haha, indeed! Though I imagine he regrets it now, but he’s old—the future isn’t for a dying old man to decide.” Odo laughed at his own joke, then extended his right hand and finally introduced himself formally. “Mayor of the Free State, Odo. A pleasure, Grand Commander Abusek of the Brahmin Province. You’re as impressive as the rumors say.”

“Haha, likewise!” Abusek, somewhat flattered, shook his hand and bowed his head slightly.

It was a purely instinctive reaction.

After all, a year ago, he was a dockworker in Westport, utterly unable to chat casually with the mayor of the Free State, let alone stand with so many capable people to discuss the wasteland’s future.

But Odo didn’t let him feel awkward; he nodded slightly, placed his left hand on Abusek’s shoulder, and patted it.

“You know? You have an aura that reminds me of someone, even though you’re completely different in personality and appearance, and your perspectives and stances are worlds apart.”

Grateful for Odo’s words, Abusek lifted his head, regaining his usual composed demeanor.

“Who?”

Raising his head as well, Odo said with a smile.

“Sigma, CEO and Chairman of Firestone Group, the true master of the Free State.”

The true master of the Free State…

Abusek pondered this phrase, but Odo didn’t explain. He simply shook Abusek’s right hand one last time, then smiled and took his leave.

“Keep it up. I can see a bright future ahead for you! The war will be over soon, and we’re quite optimistic about your development afterward. I wish you a speedy resolution to your troubles.”

In such a rare occasion, he couldn’t waste all his time on one person; he had to network with others.

For instance, King Mongot of the Falcon Kingdom, who was just stepping off the plane.

The Eastern Empire was planning a new development zone in the southwest corner of the Sunset Province, and the Falcon Kingdom seemed poised for good growth. Perhaps he could secure a few more overseas orders for the Free State’s companies.

Watching Odo’s composed retreating figure, Abusek couldn’t help but sigh.

Now that’s what a leader should be like.

This mud-footed man of mine still falls short.

But he didn’t belittle himself. As they say, times make heroes—a capable person needs both time and circumstance.

What the Brahmin Kingdom needed now was someone like him. So he had dealt with Yanush and become Grand Commander… even if his methods were less than honorable.

Perhaps when the Wasteland Era ends, and he becomes an old man like Charles Lion, the Brahmin Kingdom would produce a “professional Grand Commander” no less than Odo.

That person would surely be far better than him, who only knew war and political maneuvering. At the very least, there wouldn’t be another Wuto who understood only the latter and nothing else.

That person would lead the Brahmin people to a brighter future.

For a moment, Abusek suddenly felt less inclined to become emperor, especially after seeing that "rich yet poor" Charles the Lion.

Compared to a fellow like that, there were actually more dignified ways to live in this world.

Dreams can change.

Standing at the pinnacle of life, Abusek couldn't help but feel elated, even entertaining the idea of having a chat with Rasi.

Unfortunately, that man was tied up at the front and couldn't get away, sending only his trusted confidant—the captain of the assault squad, Shava—in his stead.

"If only Rasi were here too, what a pity I couldn't share a drink with him."

Vadia, the internal affairs commissioner following behind Abusek, shook his head in bewilderment.

"I don't get what Rasi's thinking—he's missed such a golden opportunity."

"Hey, you can't say that; as the saying goes, each has their own aspirations," Abusek said with a smile. "I recall there's a historical novel in the Alliance about the Chu-Han contention. Rasi is like that Overlord of Chu—both king and grand general—so it's only natural he can't leave the front. As for me, I'm like that Bang fellow, with a cloud of fierce generals and a rain of wise strategists; with or without me, it's all the same... You see, I think it's quite easy for me to beat him."

What kind of nonsense is this...

Looking at the rambling Great Leader, Vadia gave a wry smile.

He had indeed read that novel,

since as an internal commissioner, understanding the Great Leader's preferences was part of his duty.

But governing a vast survivor faction with the logic of a "historical novel" was hardly a good thing.

After a pause, Vadia spoke.

"You intend to divide the territory with him along the river?"

Abusek narrowed his eyes and smiled.

"Each side gives a little ground. They want to control the flooding of the Tasan River, so they need to borrow half of Bird Province and Sheep Province. Whether that's an excuse or not, letting them have half of the three northern provinces isn't out of the question. Then let the Boro people vote with their feet—those who prefer the north go north, those who prefer the south go south. That's better than them running off to stop trains and making a spectacle of themselves."

The contest between the hypocrite and the outright scoundrel was about to begin.

As expected, he, who advocated "peace above all," would likely be dealt the "hypocrite" card.

Call him sanctimonious or cowardly—let future generations judge as they will. He truly didn't want to fight anymore.

Better to settle it with words than swords.

They had already lost too many people...

The average age in Tendu had dropped by ten years; they had reached the point of sending child soldiers to fill the trenches. If war broke out, it wouldn't be some "Chu-Han contention" but a story after that—"Wei, Jin, and the Sixteen Kingdoms."

Though Commissioner Kabaha always criticized him for being "unlearned and unskilled," Abusek actually did read books.

And he was something of an "Alliance expert," having bought many books from Dawn City.

Even if most of them were novels.

Hearing the Great Leader's decision, Vadia felt conflicted.

He always thought that if it came to war, crushing Rasi wouldn't be hard.

No matter how strong that man was, he was still just one person.

Moreover, within Mammoth Kingdom, there were the elders of the Moon Tribe resistance—opposition forces who had been at odds with Rasi since the Wuto era.

Those people were also a political force.

Though currently suppressed by Rasi and his assault squad, and their ambitions curbed due to the Southern Legion's invasion, if the external war turned into a civil one, it was hard to say whether Rasi could keep them in check.

So what if he had the Alliance's backing?

After fighting the Southern Legion for so long, who didn't have some Alliance connections?

In terms of seniority, when the Moon Tribe was thick as thieves with the Alliance, Rasi was still eating the lash of slave owners in Jingarun Port! Moreover, due to Mammoth Kingdom's stance on labor issues and its close ties with the Alliance's conservatives, Rasi had never been favored by the Alliance's radicals.

But they were different.

Whether radicals or conservatives in the Alliance, out of their own positions, most sympathized with the Boro Kingdom.

That was precisely why their odds of victory were actually quite high.

Still, he could understand Abusek's thinking—the Boro Kingdom needed time to recover, and the Boro people deserved a period of peace and prosperity.

Vadia said with a smile.

"That's true... Once we've built the entire Boro Kingdom into something like Jingarun Port, the survivors north of the Tasan River will be crying and begging to come work here. Even ten Rasis won't be able to stop them!"

"Haha!" At the amusing image, Abusek laughed out loud. "Then we'll set up cannons on the riverbank. If those bastards dare shoot at the Boro people, we'll have a righteous reason to strike back!"

As they were talking, another roar came from the landing pad.

This time, it wasn't a Rift Valley aircraft but an Alliance vertical takeoff and landing plane.

They seemed to have improved the "Overlord" transport, converting its fixed wings into adjustable movable wings, like an "Orca" transport with an extra pair of wings and engines, but with a leap in tonnage, payload, and range!

The Alliance had named it "Kunpeng!"

Abusek happened to know the allusion behind the name, but what excited him more was the figure stepping off that plane.

Chu Guang!

The Administrator of the Alliance!

Guards in exoskeletons flanked him; it was said each of them was an Awakened!

Not only that, but Chu Guang himself was rumored to have the strength of an Awakened, capable of supporting power armor with his bare body.

Looking at the man who seemed far younger than he had imagined, Abusek couldn't help but hold his breath, his eyes shining with fervent light.

He had long wanted to visit this legendary figure of the wasteland but never had the chance.

Now, that wish was finally fulfilled!

...

At that moment, Chu Guang had no idea that among the crowd not far away stood such a little fanboy, for there were simply too many eyes fixed on him.

There was the old king of the Lion Kingdom, Yade—the brother of Honey Badger Princess Afuni—King Mongote of the Falcon Kingdom, Mayor Odo of the Free State, the Speaker of Garbage City... and many others he had only seen at the Council of Adhesion meetings or had never met at all.

These people, or the factions behind them, had all been influenced by him to some extent.

For better or worse.

Though the spectacle wasn't ostentatious, the Rift Valley had shown considerable respect to the survivor factions of the wasteland, inviting everyone they deemed necessary.

And the major survivor factions had reciprocated that respect; even some leaders who usually kept a low profile had sent trusted aides or come in person.

After all, with the Rift Valley and the Holy Shield as guarantors, they had no worries about their safety.

Besides, Origin City was one of the earliest survivor settlements on the wasteland.

As the headquarters of the Post-War Reconstruction Committee, it was a fine place to pay homage. If they could build good relations with a few big shots and secure some aid, wouldn't that be a straight shot to prosperity?

That was what most representatives or heads of small and medium survivor factions were thinking.

And so, the way they looked at Chu Guang was as if they were staring at a walking gold mine!

Regardless of what the wastelanders thought, Chu Guang, accustomed to grand occasions, remained calm, with little stir in his heart. He simply waved at those watching him and walked calmly toward the landing pad.

A soldier in power armor approached him and gave a slight nod in salute.

"We have prepared a room for you. Your subordinates have already inspected it. Please follow us."

Chu Guang nodded.

"Take me there."

The representatives from the corporations and the academy had not yet arrived, and the few "former legion commanders" who might or might not come had also not shown up, so there was no point in him staying.

Scanning the scene, Chu Guang did not see anyone he particularly wanted to meet, so he gave a few instructions to Cheng Yan, who was beside him, telling him to stay and socialize with the representatives of other survivor factions present, while he himself, along with his guards, followed the soldiers of the Great Rift to their lodging.

But just as he was about to leave, a young man suddenly pushed through the crowd, walking up to him with a warm smile.

"Esteemed Administrator, you did come, haha, we meet again!"

That fanatical expression was like a fan seeing a celebrity, or a worshiper beholding a true god.

Chu Guang looked at him, felt he looked familiar, yet there was some difference from his memory, and for a moment he couldn't recall who it was, so he hesitated and spoke.

"You are..."

The man didn't mind, showing his teeth in a smile.

"I'm Xiao Zhou, Zhou Xianlin! You really have a poor memory, I once gave you a cart of gold, at the celebration for the victory in the Luoxia Province war!"

A cart of gold... Did that happen?

Chu Guang stared blankly at the young man.

He did remember that the Golden Lizard Kingdom had made him a statue from melted dinars, now displayed in a case at the Dawn City Museum.

As for what gift Dam City had given at the time, he truly couldn't recall, since Dam City's appearance at the Sticky Commonwealth meetings was even less frequent than Garbage City's.

However, this little fanboy's rambling did jog his memory of the name Zhou Xianlin.

This man was the son of Zhou Changxiao, the mayor of Dam City, and the family had rather pretentious names.

As for Dam City, it was a survivor settlement in the Galloping Horse Province, with a population of around six to seven hundred thousand.

At that victory celebration, the young man had grabbed his hand, flattered him profusely, and claimed he would transform Dam City into the Dam Alliance, uniting the survivors around Dam City.

At that time, Chu Guang had seen the fanaticism in his eyes and advised him to take it easy, not to blindly copy the Alliance's experience—some things could be referenced, but not mechanically applied.

Now it seemed the guy was still alive and well, presumably having heeded his words.

With a somewhat relieved smile, Chu Guang reached out to stop the Great Rift soldier who was about to pull the man away, and said amiably.

"I remember now, it's been a long time... Did your father send you this time too?"

Zhou Xianlin smiled sheepishly.

"Not really, I killed that old bastard."

Chu Guang: "...?"

Seeing Chu Guang silent, this Xiao Zhou continued vividly.

"That old bastard sent me to the Alliance to learn experience, then scolded me for not learning anything good, just thinking about wasting the family fortune, and wanted my elder brother to be mayor. How could I let him have his way? I learned from your experience, rallied the scavengers inside and outside Dam City to unite, and killed every single one of that old bastard's cronies, including my useless elder brother."

"Oh, and the raiders he kept outside also scattered like a tree falling and monkeys fleeing; those things were no match for us. I heard many fled to the Haiya Province, hehe, seems like that caused you some trouble."

Chu Guang was momentarily speechless.

Xiao Qi, who had been quietly silent, couldn't help whispering a comment in his ear.

"That's too filial."

Pressing his index finger to his brow, Chu Guang asked in bewilderment.

"Then... what about the scavengers? They allowed you to remain mayor?"

Zhou Xianlin grinned shyly and continued.

"Of course! Those with opinions I killed them all, they really like me, even call me their savior! Although I told them I'm nothing, you are the true sun on the wasteland... Anyway, now I'm the leader of the Dam Alliance, but the trouble is, I'm a bit lost, don't know what to do next. The Great Rift people said you'd come, so I followed, you've got to teach me."

Looking at this man who was either truly mad or pretending to be, Chu Guang sighed.

"If you're willing to listen to me, go bury your father first."

Zhou Xianlin's expression froze, and he awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

"Uh, that's a bit hard... I already scattered his ashes."

Chu Guang: "..."

Just as Chu Guang didn't know what to say, a weathered and resonant voice came from not far away.

"Administrator, I'm glad you could come..."

"I've long wanted to meet you."