Chapter 809 - This Game Is Too Realistic

**Chapter 809: Good People Don't Last Long in Troubled Times** As Miss Bella mentioned, the situation within the city of Mammoth was starkly different from the "concession" of the Silver Moon Cult followers, almost as if they were two worlds apart. The latter boasted beautiful marble buildings and clean, tidy streets, with well-dressed pedestrians milling about—almost indistinguishable from neighboring Silver Moon Bay. In contrast, the former was littered with chaos. Not only were there no stone buildings, but even calling anything a "street" would be generous. Most of the dirt roads were paths trodden by countless footsteps, with only two shallow open drains on either side. Along these makeshift roads were rows of shanties made from wood, branches, or even plastic sheets. The locals called these "row houses," and it wasn’t uncommon for two or three families to squeeze into one, often with barely enough space to move—yet they still squeezed in. Many families here, much like the slums during Nihak's time in Gingan Port, couldn’t gather more than two sets of clothing, so they couldn’t very well stand naked on the streets. As for privacy among these families, they merely used partitions within the row houses to make do. Moreover, young men were a rare sight here. The able-bodied either joined the military, found work in nearby factories or concessions, or boarded boats for labor export to the rebuilding Northern Island. As for the elderly, women, and children left behind, those with clothing sat at their doors working, while those without sat idle at home, waiting for the relief centers to open. Life was hard here, no doubt. Yet, the authorities ensured they didn’t starve by distributing the scarce supply of food. The authorities still needed their men to work relentlessly. Ss didn’t venture in for a closer look because the sheer size of Rou-rou was inconvenient, and she didn’t want to frighten the people. Instead, she just glanced from afar at the sprawling slums. Next to the relief center stood a row of wooden boards with scrawled slogans like, "One person per family, everyone eats their fill." "… This is treating people like goods," Rou-rou mumbled, slightly moved. She was candid and straightforward, always speaking her mind rather than holding her tongue. Earlier, she thought Lashi might be a good person, but now she wasn’t so sure. After some thought, Ss commented. "… Turning from livestock to goods—it’s hard to say if it’s good or bad, but at least they have food now." Bella seemed eager to move on, not wanting to linger where painful realities were exposed. "This way is blocked. Let me take you somewhere else," she quickly interjected. Ss nodded. "Thank you." The group returned to the main road, heading towards an industrial area by the sea. This area was probably among the most successfully developed parts of Mammoth City, aside from the concession district. The factories and surrounding areas of the List Group showed almost no traces of past disasters. Massive factory buildings were strategically placed on the higher ground near the sea, connected to the port by a wide concrete road, with functional railway lines running alongside. Various processing factories and workshops sprawled around the main plant, extending along the only road towards the train station. Most of these were List enterprises, though some locals had started their own, particularly in hardware, machinery repairs, and even arms production. Tail and Rou-rou were astonished to find a decommissioned Conqueror-10 tank stationed here! "My gosh! A legion tank!" "Goodness… was this captured?" Hearing the excited exclamations from Tail and Rou-rou, Ss mused. "Most likely captured. The legion wouldn’t sell their arms here… I doubt the authorities have much in foreign reserves for dinars. This stuff isn’t cheap." The tank's structure was mostly intact, though both tracks were broken. Clearly, this tank had been disabled at the front lines, with the imperial crew abandoning it. It was then dragged back by the guerrillas. Two exoskeleton-clad mechanics examined the tank, alongside a high-ranking officer, seemingly pondering how to repair it. Though rudimentary, this area had the makings of a genuine industrial zone. Beyond this industrial realm sat a row of distinctively "Alliance-flavored" high-rise tenements. These concrete prefabricated residences were considered the area’s most "luxurious" buildings. What impressed the locals wasn’t just the sturdy roofs but the "luxurious" facilities. Apart from smooth concrete roads, there were communal boiler rooms, public baths, dining halls, and literacy schools teaching children by day and adults by night. This blueprint was a replica of the dormitory towers in the Boulder City industrial zone, tailored slightly for local needs. For instance, Mammoth State’s winters weren’t as cold as the River Valley Province’s, only requiring an extra coat in December. Thus, dormitories lacked heating, with boiler rooms merely heating bathwater. Workers residing here were Mammoth City’s "new elites." Securing a job at the List factory, whether slicing vegetables in the canteen or sorting on the assembly line, guaranteed a respectable standing in the city. Though the authorities also funded some public housing within the city, their facilities paled in comparison to the List factory’s employee dorms. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say these workers lived better than some resistance officers, and far better than the majority still in row houses, surviving on relief porridge. Perhaps not even List himself anticipated that in a place where the Labor Workers’ Union deemed him a "flood beast," he became a revered benefactor. Local praise for him was boundless. Rumor had it that getting a family member into the List factory was akin to a stroke of ancestral fortune! Thus, when Bella introduced Tail's group to the area and shared its story, her envy was palpable. "This entire plant zone belongs to Mr. List, employing over ten thousand people directly or indirectly. He’s brought steel, aluminum, and solid hydrogen battery production lines to us. For now, our top products are hydrogen injectors, high-pressure storage tanks, and fuel electrodes." Ss observed the towering factory with genuine admiration. "For a place with no industrial foundation, producing these is quite an accomplishment." The Alliance’s electrification process had advanced beyond home appliances to private vehicles, and the Southern Sea Alliance was rebuilding large ocean-current power stations. Demand for both small and large energy storage devices was vast. Hydrogen injectors, high-pressure tanks, and fuel electrodes were vital components of solid hydrogen batteries, which were in high demand across the Alliance and Southern Sea Alliance. Especially as the List Group dealt with exoskeletons and new energy vehicles, as long as product quality was assured, there was no worry about sales. It was clear List had high hopes for this market; otherwise, he wouldn’t produce such crucial items here. "Indeed, this place has a poor foundation. If not for the gentleman’s help, we wouldn’t be where we are today," Bella acknowledged, gratitude in her eyes. "Before his arrival, Mammoth City had no factories. Now, we have coal power, railways, roads, a steel plant, and an aluminum plant, along with export goods production." "I heard this factory zone’s monthly output is already ten million silver coins, and it’s still rising!" "At this rate, it could triple next year—thirty million, or three billion of our currency! Mammoth State’s path to prosperity relies on this!" Watching the energetic young woman, Ss couldn’t help but smile. "Don’t underestimate yourselves. We merely provided the spark; getting the fire going is up to you. Your eventual success wouldn’t be solely because of us but more so your hard work." In this process, the Alliance undoubtedly saw benefits, as prosperity is mutually reinforcing. Like the relationship between the Alliance and the Southern Sea Alliance. Before entering Baiyue Province, the Alliance's "Pia-style" engineering armor was limited to land-based projects. However, after they acquired underwater construction technology from the southern seas and undertook the undersea freshwater pipeline project, they quickly developed new models like the "Crab" and "King Crab." Now, both the Baiyue Strait coastline and the southern islands are developing at rocket speed. Not to mention Luoxia Province, where Alliance fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural machinery have more than doubled food production. This improvement not only elevated the living standards of Luoxia's residents but also ensured enough food for those in Heigu Valley. If Mammoth State, and the entire Province of Borro, were to join the civilized world like Gingan Port, it would be mutually beneficial for both the locals and the Alliance. Once the survivors of the wasteland unite, this era of hardship and death will surely end. One can only hope that day is not too far off... ... Throughout the day, Ss, Tail, and the group explored the industrial areas around Mammoth Continent. Overall, the area showed signs of prosperity, with many factories holding the potential for growth but lacking technology and capital—resources the Alliance currently has in abundance. In fact, buying up land here and developing properties would be a sound investment, unlikely to result in loss. The group returned to their hotel in the religious district only after the sun had set. The trip was quite rewarding. The only disappointment was that Tail and Rou-rou never got to see the mammoths they had been eagerly anticipating. As the night deepened, the religious district remained the only place along the coast still lit. One of those lights came from the Customs Office. Though the workday was over, Yaxi hadn't left; instead, he paced back and forth before his desk. After waiting for a long time, the telephone finally rang on the desk. He rushed to pick up the receiver, eager to know, "How did it go? Were the distinguished guests from the Alliance satisfied?" He had been anxious about this all day, worried something might go awry. The voice on the other end responded promptly. Bella, standing in a phone booth at the post office, reported meticulously. "Overall, they seem quite satisfied. Their evaluation of us was more than neutral, and they were very interested in the region’s development potential. The lady called Ss mentioned they plan to invest by opening a branch here to assist with our financial reform." Upon hearing this, Yaxi’s face was filled with joy, and he clenched his fist with excitement. "That's fantastic!" Though the White Bear Knights don’t wield the same influence as the Baiyue Company, they are still a sizable bank. They started during the Luoxia Province War at Petra Fortress, later establishing themselves at Silver Moon Bay. Following the Alliance's trade routes, they expanded overseas along the coast of Borro Sea and the southern seas, nurturing many potential enterprises and trade groups. Attracting the White Bear Knights Bank here would be akin to securing investment akin to another List Group! After the exclamations from the other end, Bella paused briefly, then continued, "There’s one more thing. Although I advised them not to leave the religious district, they visited the adjacent city area. I couldn't refuse, so I guided them through the industrial and residential areas... but they did see the slums." Mammoth City’s slums are like unsightly scars—anyone seeing them would naturally harbor no goodwill toward the authorities. While efforts have been made by the government, it’s not a problem that can be swiftly resolved. Hearing that the esteemed guests of the Alliance had visited such areas, Yaxi grew tense and cautiously asked, "Did they say anything about it?" Bella tried to remember the events, then shook her head. "Not really." In truth, they did speak in a language she couldn’t understand, so she didn’t know what they were discussing. Yaxi stood silently at his desk for a moment before sighing deeply. "...Let's hope they understand our predicament." He sensed that the intentions of these guests weren’t solely for a business inspection; they might have been tasked with assessing whether investing in Mammoth State is worthwhile for the Alliance. Though difficult to admit, the Alliance’s support is crucial for them. He hoped they would provide definite feedback—even if negative, he could explain or use it to make improvements. No feedback is the most nerve-wracking situation for him. "Were there any complaints or dissatisfaction from them? Any aspect at all, please tell me everything!" Bella hesitated before replying uncertainly, "Uh... The lady called Tail seemed disappointed about not seeing any mammoths—perhaps that’s something?" Could that be counted as a complaint? While she was still puzzled, Yaxi slammed his desk firmly. "Quick! Get in touch with the Mammoth City militia and have them capture a mammoth—no, make that two! They should present one male and one female to her!" Listening to such an outrageous order, Bella was dumbfounded, her mouth agape. "Gift them two mammoths?" Does he realize how large those creatures are? However, Yaxi was undeterred, asserting logically, "This is necessary investment! It’s for Mammoth City’s future! Just do it, we can’t let our distinguished guests from the Alliance leave with any regrets!" Seeing that he wasn’t joking, Bella collected herself and dutifully replied, "Understood!" ... Meanwhile, at the border of Mammoth State, within the imperial Gray Wolf Army’s camp. General Arayan, commander of the Gray Wolf Army, studied the supply list handed over by the logistics officer, his thick brows knitting into twin caterpillars. The logistics officer stood before him, not daring to take a deep breath. But eventually, it had to be addressed. Turning a sharp gaze towards the officer, Arayan slammed the list onto the command table and sternly questioned, "Where's the tank? Why hasn’t the Conqueror-10 tank I requested been delivered? Why are the supplies all light arms and rations instead?" The logistics officer, distressed, quickly explained, "Sir, you might not know... recently, a conflict erupted between the Alliance and the Legion. As a result, the Alliance withheld the arms shipment promised to the Legion for dispatch to the Falcon Kingdom." Hearing this, Arayan was dumbfounded, his mouth agape for a moment. "The Legion’s weapons... detained by the Alliance?" The implications of this were staggering; he couldn’t wrap his head around it yet. How did the Legion’s weapons end up with the Alliance, requiring their approval for delivery to him? This was the issue with information bottlenecks; stationed here at the frontline, he was unaware of any agreements made between the Empire and the Legion, nor the arguments at the Communal Entity Assembly between the Legion and the Alliance. He vaguely felt like a pawn trapped between two opposing forces. Not just him—Rashi, standing opposite him, must feel similarly. Caught from a dilemma without clear resolution, they found themselves ensnared in another complex game. His instincts told him that this war was far from over. The logistics officer sighed, resigned. "I know as much as you... Even His Majesty is anxious, but this situation can’t be hurried. According to the Legion, if the Alliance finds out about this weapons detour and delivery here, it’ll complicate matters." Originally, he wouldn’t have needed to speak so respectfully to Arayan. Under different circumstances, Arayan would be seeking his favor. But now, with local powers growing unruly, His Majesty only had this central army stationed at the border to rely on. Arayan was now a dominant figure in Westland's court; even the emperor and dukes viewed him as a lifeline. Seeing the helpless logistics officer, Arayan inhaled deeply and said gravely, "Then what are we to do now? Those rebels, equipped with the Alliance’s gear, have fortified their defenses like an impenetrable wall. Without support from heavy arms, we can’t break through. Forcing an attack would only lead to needless loss of life!" The logistics officer hesitated, shuffling nervously as he replied. "If all else fails... we might consider slowing the front-line offensive," the logistics officer reluctantly suggested. "The message from the Legion is that they're working to resolve the situation, so we should remain patient." If the Alliance can't find the evidence they're looking for, they’ll have to fulfill their contract and release the impounded weapons. Even if they do find something, they can't outright confiscate the arms—at most, they'll be sent back to the Wefue Wasteland for the Legion to handle. The Legion has ships, so eventually, the equipment will find its way here, though it might take longer... That's what the Willanders relayed. "Slow down?" Arayan sneered. "Slow down any further, and the rebels will have their railway right up to the front lines!" It's baffling where those destitute could have acquired so much steel and cement. Despite sending spies into Mammoth City for intelligence, they’ve yielded little information, only that the materials came from Gingan Port and the southern seas. "If it comes to it... there is another option," the logistics officer finally articulated, as if revealing a hidden ace. "Before deploying, His Majesty instructed that if things get too tough, the general can raise troops from Majo and Bird States." Arayan narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the logistics officer intensely. "Did His Majesty really say that?" Cold sweat trickled down the officer's spine as he nervously affirmed. "Absolutely true! I wouldn’t dare deceive you on such a matter!" Arayan maintained a cold gaze. "Is there any written order?" The logistics officer quickly shook his head. "No... His Majesty conveyed it orally." Arayan gave him a thoughtful look before glancing at the supply list in his hand. No wonder there are so many rifles—now it makes sense. "I understand. You may go." "Yes, sir!" The logistics officer, relieved, bowed respectfully before leaving. As the officer exited, Gopal, the silent advisor, addressed Arayan. "Isn't recruiting locally a good opportunity, General? Why the long face?" "An opportunity?" A complex emotion flickered in Arayan's eyes as he spoke softly. "Can't you see? Once this war is over, we’ll be discarded pawns." Without a written mandate, just verbal instructions, recognition from His Majesty could easily shift. If acknowledged, all is well and good. If not, even in the mildest sense, it appears as exploiting civilians as cannon fodder. Taken more seriously, it's a treasonous offense punishable by death. It might even implicate his family. Understanding Arayan's concerns, Gopal merely smiled. "Pawns or not, the soldiers are in our hands." Arayan’s eyes narrowed, a hint of danger in his gaze toward Gopal. "What are you suggesting?" Gopal maintained his composure, continuing undeterred. "The Wolf Tribe may not follow you, given their ties to Wolf State, but the Horse and Bird tribes might. My suggestion is not just to obey the order—but to embrace it fully, not to use the Horse and Bird tribesmen as fodder, but to nurture loyal forces among them—" "Enough! Don't speak of this again!" Arayan shouted, cutting him off. Unfazed by the interruption, Gopal bowed courteously. "I only offer my counsel..." "The Empire is descending into chaos; good people don’t last long in troubled times," he remarked, leaving behind a contemplative Arayan before departing the tent alone. While the Gray Wolf forces of the Empire stalled due to lack of heavy equipment, their adversaries—the Moon Tribe resistance—were busy capturing mammoths across the river overnight. Every household has its own struggles, even the ostensibly flourishing Mammoth State authorities face difficulties. Simultaneously, changes were brewing across the wasteland. As the sun rose over the southern seas the next day, the Alliance's Nautilus submarine surfaced near Coral City. Meanwhile, a small transport aircraft from Ideal City descended onto the helipad of the Nautilus's deck. It was a model Chu Guang hadn’t seen before, resembling the Alliance’s Viper—a likely new creation resembling an Alliance design. But it didn’t bother Chu Guang much. After all, the Alliance has often benefited from the enterprise, like the "Overlord" transport aircraft with engines sourced from the "Orca," reciprocation seemed only fair. What gratified Chu Guang was how Ideal City's introverts had finally caught on. The company’s board must have realized that they too are part of the wasteland. When chaos ensues, they’ll have to clean up the mess. The Torch Church’s debacle underscored this. Had they intervened earlier in the Singularity City crisis, it wouldn't have spiraled out of control. Learning from past mistakes, they've proactively engaged in wasteland affairs, unveiling various long-range, high-speed crafts one after another. Soon, a middle-aged man in formal attire emerged from the aircraft with a beaming smile, extending his right hand to Chu Guang from afar on the helipad. "Honored Administrator, it's a pleasure to meet again!" (To be continued…)