Chapter 692 543 Sanshui Lens City

Dakeus left Juitex. Before leaving, he and Master Ma and the others studied it. In the end, Juitex was sunk into the lake again by the Slanns.

Now, there are so many temple cities that need to be repaired and garrisoned. The Lizardmen have no extra power to use. He and the Slanns adjusted Juitex's priority to the last. When the hatching pool slab is found, when several temple cities in the central part of Lustria have developed to a certain scale, this fish scale city will emerge from the lake again.

Before that, it is better to soak in the lake honestly, and soaking in the lake will not affect the city. He and the Slanns studied that Juitex is indeed not an island in the middle of the lake. The base of the temple city is made of water-rippled stone, and there is no problem with soaking in the water.

In addition to the water-rippled stone, storm steering wheel and deep-sea simulation box he needs, there are some other interesting things.

Underwater ecological nets, somewhat similar to deep-sea simulation boxes, are suitable for laying in lakes or near the sea. This is a complex device that can simulate the natural environment. It can cultivate specific fish, shellfish and algae by adjusting the nutrients, temperature and light in the water. Through this system, aquatic products can be self-sufficient and even produce better quality aquatic products.

Bioluminescent predator, from the description, this device is more like a structure, similar to a giant jellyfish, and also like a float. It can attract fish by emitting light of a specific wavelength when floating on the water. This magical device can make the fisherman never empty-handed. Equip a salvage fleet with this thing...

He decided to make one and bring it back to Nagaros to enrich the table of Duruchi and provide food for the behemoth. To the north of Karonde Kar, there is a fishing area similar to a small Newfoundland fishery, where this thing will be needed.

As for environmental protection and exhausting the pond, it is not what he should pay attention to at present. After all, there is a fishing ban, and the fishery is frozen for most of the year. The fishing season is only a short period of time, and what he wants is to catch as many fish as possible during that window period.

Buoyancy regulator, this is a device installed inside the hull, which can adjust the buoyancy of the ship by manipulating the tiny bubbles around the hull, so that the ship can easily cope with different depths and water pressures when diving and sailing underwater.

As for how deep... further testing is needed.

Eye of the Deep Sea, this is a device that can observe underwater conditions from the surface of the water.

From discovering the stone slab to standing by the lake and watching Juitex soak in the lake again, he couldn't remember how many times he said: Thank you for the gift from Qi Gong! Of course, this Qi Gong and that one, although both are related to blue. In his opinion, these devices make up for the shortcomings of the Storm Weaver Cult and even the elves.

This era is different from the next era. Without Idonis, that is, the sea elves, the current elves cannot adapt to the deep water environment and cannot live in the deep sea like SpongeBob.

After these devices appeared, it was different. The elves still couldn't live in the deep sea, but there were some optimizations. He thought about it again, and he found that he had underestimated the role of water vein stone. Water vein stone is the core of everything. Without water vein stone, the power of these devices will be cut in half, and they can't even be activated, just like the gods and the sun engine.

The walls of the deep-sea simulation box need water vein stone, the manufacture of bioluminescent predators needs water vein stone, and the laying of underwater ecological networks also need water vein stone. Water vein stone is needed in all aspects. Following the idea of ​​using water vein stone to make the hull, water vein stone can also be used to make armor worn underwater.

Duruchi has no need for underwater combat, but has the task of mining sea gold. The elves have a huge demand for sea gold. Water vein stone armor, buoyancy regulator, and deep sea eye will meet the needs of sea gold mining.

Look, smell, ask, and cut. The members of the Storm Weaver Cult float on the sea in a boat and use the deep sea eye and second vision to locate. This is looking and smelling. When it is confirmed that there is sea gold underwater, the submarine made of buoyancy regulator and water pattern stone is lowered to measure the depth, and the members wearing water pattern stone armor measure the depth, ask and cut. Although it is not right, it is the case.

This set of combined punches may not be able to meet the needs of deep-sea collection at this stage, but it can meet the collection needs of the sea. Take it little by little, just like peeling an onion, start with the simple ones, and when it is difficult, there will be a way.

This is still in the aspect of sea gold mining. The trainer can carry a bioluminescent predator, which emits a specific wavelength of light to attract deep-sea creatures, and is used to capture the long-tailed war sharks, giant turtles, sharp-toothed eels and deep-sea horses that Duruchi urgently needs.

The system of the Storm Weaver Cult will be completely formed. The system of the cult itself is there, and the personnel are ready. When he returns to Chapeyuto to hold a personnel meeting, make some cakes, and absorb some members, the cult can officially open for business.

After leaving Juitex, the personnel split up again. Alyssa took Liv, Asanoak and some of the Thorn Sisters on a boat down the Amazon River all the way to La Plata. In addition to experiencing the canals and rivers on behalf of Dacus, they were also prepared to explore and discover species in Lustria, just like botanists and biologists.

The moment these Thorn Sisters stepped on the boat, they expressed their intention to stay in this mysterious land, take root, and serve Aisha in a different way.

Darkius respected the choice of these thorn sisters, which was a good thing in his opinion. These thorn sisters were originally believers of Aisha, and it would be best for them to stay in Lustria and serve as the backbone of the Emerald Garden.

Now, unlike before, Aisha has given him enough benefits. What happened to Lauren Loren and Aesor Loren, the Tears of Aisha, and the creation of the sword have all been done by Aisha. The starting point is not important. It is not about the heart, but Aisha did it. He will repay the favor.

Emerald Garden can be transformed from an institution into an institution, a church, a financial and agricultural academic complex, just like the church in a certain period of Europe, taking root in the grassroots of the elf society in the future and assisting the Phoenix King in ruling. However, he has not thought about the details yet, and will talk about it when he returns to Asheril.

After the plan was adjusted, he did not want the backbone of Emerald Garden to be composed of the believers of Rhea and Salia. These human believers should become assistants. When the time comes, they will go back to where they came from, and they will be sent away collectively. He has chosen the place, which is the West Territory of the Empire, making West Territory a real elf colony.

Originally, Colonia was going to board the ship. She was thirsty for knowledge and liked to conduct research like botanists and biologists, but she was held down by Dacus.

Now, Dacus's left hand was around Colonia's shoulders, and his right hand was around Drusala's shoulders, watching everything in Spike Zuma.

"Minister of Education, Minister of Industry, you two choose one." After looking for a moment and finding that it was no different from the last time he came, he whispered.

Colonia and Drusala, who were hugged, looked at each other. At this moment, countless silent exchanges flashed through their eyes. They both showed unpredictable smiles, but they did not respond to Dacus immediately.

"Is it so difficult?" Dacus knew the brain circuits of these two women and laughed.

"Do we need to establish an industry department?" Colonia asked with a smile.

"Of course!" Dacus responded loudly.

Technology depends on archaeology, but it cannot rely entirely on archaeology. Archaeology can only solve part of the problem. Steel mills, foundries, glass factories, textile mills and railway systems cannot be solved by archaeology. The relevant technologies should be studied. Moreover, he is conservative in nature. Some things should not be combined with magic if they can be combined. Of course, there are exceptions, such as large steel ships in the future, which require countless technical combinations.

The steam engine still needs to be upgraded. With the storm wheel, there is no need to develop large power machinery, but small ones still need to be studied. The research and development of these technologies cannot be separated from the system, so the Ministry of Industry needs to be established.

"I choose the Ministry of Education. I like to deal with children." Drusala made a choice. When she said the second half of the sentence, she looked at her lover.

"Then I don't seem to have a choice?"

"Then let it be?"

"Then let it be."

In just a few words, the crucial decision was made.

Dacus felt that Spicazuma was a sacred place. Last time, he and Malekith decided to establish the Storm Weaver Cult here. Now... I don't know how Zhongma's big job is going.

After arriving at Spicazuma, or before coming, the personnel continued to be divided. He arranged the red dragons to Taraxlan and let them visit there. The reason for arranging them to Taraxlan was that in addition to letting the red dragons feel the shock of the temple city in normal operation, he would go there after completing the arrangements for Spicazuma. Some important things would be carried out there.

In addition to the division, he also transferred some personnel. He transferred the Val priests who stayed in Zahuitak to let the Val priests feel the shock from the lizardmen.

As far as the eye can see, Spicazuma is still the same. The whole square is brand new like the second time he came. The green shit mountain in his impression has become a memory. The sacred ancient Saint Ichi Star Monument stands in the square, telling the revival of Spicazuma. The echo of Blotbowa's soul is still floating in the air, as if time has stopped on this land.

Of course, in addition to these, there is an elf residential area in a corner of the city. This circled residential area is provided to Duruchi. They will study and rest during the gap between unloading and loading. Under the leadership of the lizardmen, they will come to the surface in batches, eat the food and drinks provided by the lizardmen, and carry out activities and live in a limited range.

Originally, the residential area was planned to be built in the underground sea. Dakuus didn't want the Duruchi captains who came here to transport gold to know where they were. The elf rest area was built at the dock in the underground sea for complete isolation to avoid racial conflicts in the future.

But this idea has been optimized. This route is controlled by the Hell Disaster Family, and the personnel are strictly screened. Even if the captains know about Spikazuma, it is useless. Launch a raid on land? Through the underground sea? Lizardmen are not decorations.

Elves are not cave creatures, nor are they dwarves. They need sunlight like lizardmen. It is depressing enough to sail in the underground sea for a long time without seeing the sun. It is even more depressing to rest in the place and still not see the sun. The soul echo of Blotbowa meets their needs. Even in the rainy season, they can see the sun.

However, Dakuus came at the wrong time. There is no sign of Duruchi activity in this residential area. Duruchi is still drifting on the waterway.

The officers of the Maori worked hard. Wearing goggles, they pushed the diamond-shaped reflectors to lock onto the sometimes moving soul echo of Blotbowa. The soul echo, like the sun, would continuously provide energy for the casting system of Spicazuma.

The skin lizards, giant lizards and ankylosaurs worked tirelessly, moving boulders, repairing ancient carvings, or moving production materials and necessary supplies into the cave guarded by the temple. Their movements were as precise and efficient as ever, and each individual contributed his own strength to this city that supported the revival of the lizardmen.

Occasionally, a few pterosaurs flew over from high above, their wings spread out in the blue sky, and the skin lizard riders looked around with a focused look. When they found the figure of Dacus, they stopped in the air. Several pterosaurs hovered for a moment, and then slowly landed in front of Dacus.

When the pterosaurs touched the ground lightly, the skin lizard riders moved swiftly and jumped off the backs of the pterosaurs almost instantly. Each of their movements was full of proficiency. After landing, they quickly walked in front of Dacus and paid high respect to Dacus in a ceremonial manner.

After the greeting, the skin lizard riders took out the items they carried with them from their bodies. These items were all their most precious items. Some took out the dog-head gold pendant, which had a rough surface but shone with a unique metallic luster; some presented golden arm guards, which were engraved with runes related to the ancient saint Talanxla; and some presented ornaments decorated with colorful jewels, and the glittering gems complemented their scales.

Although these gifts were different, they all represented the sincerity and respect of the skin lizard riders. They lowered their bodies, raised their hands high, and presented these treasures to Dacus, as if offering their gratitude and loyalty.

Dacus smiled and took these gifts one by one. The customs in each place were different. The lizard people did not pay attention to giving and taking. These priceless objects outside were just decorations and crafts in the lizard people's society. He had no reason to reject the Skin Lizards' kindness. He put the gifts on his belt. When the belt was full, he took another rope and hung the gifts around his neck.

He talked to the Skin Lizard Riders, gently and kindly, as if he was reminiscing with old friends who had not seen each other for many years. In his memory, many of these Skin Lizards were very familiar. He had seen them in the Sky City and Talanxla.

The Skin Lizard Riders became riders because of his help and coordination. Some of them fought side by side with him in the Brass Desert. His eyes showed relief and pride. The fate of these Skin Lizard Riders changed because of his appearance. These Skin Lizard Riders have now become elite warriors in the Lizardman society.

The pterosaurs standing aside also came over. The colorful ones surrounded Dakwus, making low and joyful calls, talking and greeting Dakwus. Dacus raised his hand and gently stroked the pterosaurs' colorful scales, smiling and responding to their "inquiries", feeling their kindness and enthusiasm.

In the distance, a group of elves from Elsing Alvin watched this scene silently, their expressions full of amazement and awe. From the time they set foot on this land until now, they have witnessed Dacus' influence and popularity in this mysterious continent.

They found that the lizardmen's admiration for Dacus far exceeded their imagination. At the same time, they also realized that Dacus was not only a powerful warrior and leader, but also a bond and bridge between the elves and this mysterious land.

The skin lizards and giant lizards also slowed down their pace, surrounded them, and expressed friendly greetings to Dacus in their unique way. The huge ankylosaur made a low cry, symbolizing the closeness and recognition of Dacus.

The skin lizards made a low hissing sound, and their tails swung gently, as if welcoming a close friend who had been reunited after a long absence. The giant monitors approached cautiously, each step seemed steady and powerful, and their pupils flashed with trust and respect for Dacus.

Dacus reached out and gently stroked the monitor's scales, feeling the rough and tough texture. These scales are the scars of countless battles and the cornerstone of lizardman society. The monitors felt his touch and hissed softly, and the sound was like the echo of the land, steady and deep.

The ankylosaurs on the side were not to be outdone. They squeezed out the pterosaurs they didn't like. Their huge bodies were like a moving fortress, and their heavy footsteps seemed to shake the earth. They made a low cry, which was thick and long, full of power and intimacy.

The heads with thick armor gently approached Dacus, and a gentle light appeared in their huge eyes. They behaved particularly docile in front of Dacus. Dacus smiled and stroked the hard armor on their heads, feeling the heavy power.

After a long while, the crowd dispersed and restored the previous order.

He led the elves to the cave entrance, where the guards were dense, special, and elite. Usually, the temple guards who guard the pyramid are led by a scarred veteran and stationed here. Most of the temple guards wear triceratops skulls on their heads, which symbolizes elite.

There is no such thing as a general who has to be inspected. When the scarred veteran and the temple guards saw him appear in a ceremonial manner, they paid him high respects and then made way.

After the scene changed, Dacus did not go in immediately. The cave was not like the outside, nor like his first expedition. It was busier and more orderly than the second time he came. The desolate feeling had long disappeared.

Two sets of rail tracks were laid on the ground, extending parallel to the depths of the tunnel. These rail systems were not originally produced by the lizardmen, but they were found in Druki, Hag Grave's mine and Gorond's gold mine.

When the fleet of Clarkalond arrived here for the first time, they brought the rail system with them, but the driving method was very primitive, requiring giant lizards to pull in front and skin lizards to push in the back. Although the driving method was primitive, the effect was very significant, making large-scale transportation possible.

He brought a surprisingly large number of stone slabs. The elves and lizardmen kept moving the stone slabs onto the rail car. After a long time, as the last stone slab was properly placed, the rail car was finally ready to set off.

The depth of the tunnel came into view, winding forward, as if there was no end. On both sides of the tunnel, a lizardman guard can be seen every five meters. They hold weapons and monitor the surroundings with sharp eyes, alert to any possible threats.

A large number of skin lizards and a small number of giant lizards are busy shuttling back and forth, either carrying goods or maintaining the operation of the rail cars, and their movements are swift and effective. At the fulcrum of the tunnel, several huge triceratops and ankylosaurs can also be seen, dragging some large materials that cannot be transported by rail cars. These behemoths are huge, but they are extremely flexible when moving in the tunnel.

A huge crystal can be seen at every distance, emitting a soft light, illuminating the entire tunnel, providing energy and light for the lizardmen.

Dacus stopped at the fulcrum, pointed to a tunnel, and looked at Flanais. He has a good memory, but in his memory, this tunnel does not seem to exist?

Franais followed the instructions and observed carefully for a while. He was deeply impressed by this tunnel. It was one of the few times he was in a panic in his life. But in the end, he shook his head and indicated that he didn't recognize this passage either.

Dakuus nodded and stretched out his hand to signal the elves behind him to follow him in. As he went deeper, he noticed that the walls here were different from other tunnels. The bricks and stones paved with the walls had a new protrusion, which was obviously built not long ago.

Not long after walking, he saw a spacious hall behind a fulcrum. The bright light reflected a busy scene. In front of a long table, the skin lizard workers lined up in a row, sitting on chairs in an orderly manner, lowering their heads and concentrating on operating the materials in their hands. The movements were smooth and fast, as if they had turned into assembly line workers. He took the unfinished object from the left hand, and after rapid operation and processing with both hands, handed it to his companion on the right hand.

The rhythm on the assembly line was so smooth, as if everything had been designed in advance. He leaned against the wall to appreciate and listen. The sound of metal knocking and tools rubbing echoed in the air. Every item seemed to have been strictly screened and processed, and finally formed some kind of precise mechanical components. After a moment, he looked at the priests of the Val who had recovered their sight. He tilted his head and made a gesture of silence.

The priests of the Val who had wanted to go in for a long time got permission from Dacus and tiptoed in. As craftsmen, they knew that it was best not to make any noise or interrupt when the craftsmen were working.

They smelled the metallic smell in the air, listened to the occasional whispers of the Skin Lizards that they could not understand, and watched the movements of the Skin Lizard workers. They could feel the excellence of the Skin Lizard workers, whose movements were as precise as machines, with almost no unnecessary movements.

As they approached, several Skin Lizard workers looked up at them, but their hands did not stop, and they continued to focus on the tasks on the assembly line. They could feel the calmness in the eyes of the Skin Lizards as they looked at each other. They seemed not surprised by their arrival. Then they saw the Skin Lizards turn their heads to look at Dakwus who was leaning there. The eyes of the Skin Lizards changed from calmness to joy and awe. Obviously, Dakwus's identity was also known and respected here.

Dakwus raised his hand and waved to greet the Skin Lizards. The whole scene made him feel complicated. He knew what the Skin Lizards were fiddling with. He could tell from the formed parts or the large parts packed in the box that these Skin Lizards were rubbing the parts of a small crossbow.

A crossbow installed on the back of a pterosaur or a beaked dragon, a variant of the harpoon crossbow. In order to facilitate the operation of the Skin Lizard riders, the Skin Lizards and Drucci optimized this crossbow and added a large number of gears and winches. It changed from a pulling type to a shaking type, so that the riders on the backs of pterosaurs and beaked dragons can operate it conveniently, and can complete the loading and firing work with one hand.

What made him feel complicated was not that the skin lizards were producing ballistae, but that the lizardmen here seemed to be undergoing some kind of transformation, having taken a step away from the traditional way and beginning to move towards a more efficient and systematic production method.

"Koptiti, this boy is so terrifying!" After watching for a while, Dacus left, sighing.

After walking two steps in the tunnel, he stopped. For him, this tunnel was no longer interesting because he heard the sound of sawing wood. If he was right, the various workshops in this tunnel were used to produce various medium and large ballistae.

As for the small ones, no. He knew that the skin lizards could not use the crossbow and hand crossbow. According to DND, without this skill, the skin lizards prefer blowpipes, darts and javelins. There is no room for small crossbows in the rainforest, and they have to be maintained and serviced. So why do we have to use small crossbows? The power released by these long-range weapons is not much different in the rainforest.

In addition to the cave entrance, there is also a team of temple guards guarding the entrance to the hatching pool. Dakuus, like last time, did not have any idea of ​​taking the elves to visit the hatching pool. This is the most core and confidential thing of the lizard race, and he has nothing to do. But like last time, the gem mine can be. He stood at the fulcrum of the mine tunnel and greeted a skin lizard, then looked at his brother.

After showing a meaningful smile, Maranul nodded, and then stretched out his hand and waved.

Under his leadership, the elves from Elsin Alvin came to the gem mine. The mine was completely different from the first time he came. The scale was significantly larger, and he could feel that the entire mining system was more complete and efficient.

Koptiti, the lizard priest who was proficient in management, showed amazing organizational skills. Under his command, the entire mining area and even the system of Spica Zuma operated like a precise clock without a trace of chaos.

The entrance to the mine has been redesigned and renovated. The original stone steps are now paved with solid stone slabs and equipped with a track system. As soon as the elves stepped into the mine, they saw rail cars shuttling back and forth, and the carriages were filled with collected gems, gold and crystals. Those glittering crystals were shining in the light, and they could not adapt to the dazzling light for a while.

Below the steps was a huge underground hall, so wide that it seemed to have no end. Every part of the mine showed the lizardmen's superb technology and wisdom in resource mining. Supported by huge stone pillars, the entire mine structure was in order, as if it was some kind of underground palace. The walls are inlaid with various huge crystals, emitting soft light, providing sufficient lighting for the mine, and this natural light source brings a sense of mystery and grandeur to the elves.

The huge gantry crane spans the mine rail car, and the giant lizards steadily pull the boxes full of treasures and load them one by one on the rail car. The elves' eyes move with these carriages full of gold and gems, and they are shocked.

At this moment, they have a further understanding of the lizardmen. Unimaginable mineral resources are neatly arranged in front of them. The mountains of gems, gold and crystals seem to be gifts from nature. They are accurately excavated, classified and loaded by the lizardmen. They seem to understand why Dakuus did not let the red dragons follow. Even they can't accept this scene. The red dragons are coming...

Maranul and Duruchi are very satisfied with the reaction of Enil and Aslai. These cousins ​​are just like when they first came.

As they go deeper, the scale of the mine is jaw-dropping. There are multiple tunnel branches in the depths, and more knocking sounds and the sound of equipment can be faintly heard.

The priests of Val who had regained their sight were deeply shocked and admired what they saw. They thought that the lizardmen were only good at fighting and simple manual crafts, but they never thought that in this efficient mass production scenario, the lizardmen could make such precise arrangements. Through cooperation, innovation and the integration of foreign technology, the lizardmen have turned a once primitive mining area into such a large and efficient factory.

Maranul bent down and picked up a sapphire. The size of the gem just covered his palm. The surface flashed a deep and pure light, as if it condensed the color of the night sky. He gently padded the gem in his hand to feel the weight of the gem, then raised his head and looked at the elves who followed him.

"Everyone can choose a piece, but I suggest you don't take the ones that have been loaded, if you don't want to be scolded." Maranul said easily, with a friendly and casual voice, and a hint of ridicule. He pointed to the Skin Lizard who was writing and drawing on a wax tablet next to the box in the distance. He knew that Skin Lizard was a mine manager who was recording the wealth that had been loaded. He had dealt with Skin Lizards before and knew how Skin Lizards would react after doing this.

"Aisha, really..." Before Kerillian could finish her sentence, Cowell, who was not far away, had already started to pick.

Cowell's action was like a signal. The elves who were still hesitant no longer hesitated and walked forward quickly.

In addition to crystals and gold, the mining area was full of various magnificent gems, from sapphires to emeralds, to dazzling topaz, each of which exuded a unique brilliance, as if the essence of heaven and earth gathered in it.

Kerillian gently picked up an exquisite emerald gem and carefully examined the smooth surface. But soon, her attention was attracted by the Skin Lizard next to her. The Skin Lizard who was working before stopped working and looked at her after seeing her. She was confused for a moment, not knowing whether to hold the gem in her hand or put it down. What confused her even more was that the Skin Lizard's crown began to change colors, pointing at the ground while hissing and crackling something.

"He said you have a bad eye and bad taste." Cowell, who understood what the Skin Lizard said, explained in a teasing tone. When he first came to Lustria, he learned how to communicate with the Lizardmen, but he usually listened instead of imitating the tone of the Skin Lizards like Ryan and Watt. In his opinion, this was too funny, and he envied Daquus's ability.

Kerillian clenched the gem in her hand and turned to stare at Cowell.

"He suggested you choose another one." Cowell, who was still choosing, shrugged and said.

"I like it!"

"You can do whatever you want." Cowell said as he picked up the gem that the skin lizard pointed at. After standing up, he smiled at the skin lizard in a friendly way. The skin lizard tilted its head to look at him, then turned around and continued to work.

Kladin picked a lavender topaz. The warm color made him smile with satisfaction. Then he smiled and handed the topaz to Dalina who was holding a ruby.

After seeing that the skin lizard did not get angry or attack because of the search, each elf was looking for the one that resonated with them in the gem pile, as if these gems were not only precious minerals, but also symbols and commemorations of their journey.

They also gradually realized that Dacus was the bond between the lizardmen and the elves. Through communication and cooperation, Dacus was leading two completely different cultures to an unprecedented path of prosperity and win-win.

——

On the other side, Dacus folded his arms, leaned against the wall with his body tilted, and his eyes stayed on Koptiti in the distance.

Koptiti was sitting in front of a simple stone table, holding a wax tablet in his hand, recording something carefully. His movements were focused, and his eyes were always fixed on the words on the wax tablet, as if every stroke carried some important information.

Seeing this scene, Dacus couldn't help but smile. He leaned forward slightly and blew a crisp whistle.

Koptiti's attention was interrupted instantly. He put down the wax tablet vigilantly and looked around vigilantly. The reptile instinct made his muscles tense, ready to deal with possible emergencies at any time.

However, when his eyes were locked on Dacus standing not far away, the tension disappeared instantly, and his pupils suddenly dilated, first in disbelief, and then in surprise. (End of this chapter)