Chapter 817 Chain Reaction (1/2)

"...All the suffering survivors in the wasteland are comrades on the same front. Although we have not fought side by side, I believe that you, a kind-hearted person, will not refuse to become friends with the people of Borneo. "

Zaid's head turned rapidly.

Although he had not yet broken free from the chaotic downtime, he still subconsciously lowered his posture and tried in a panic to regain some goodwill from this little girl.

"My name is Zaid...Dear Miss Alyssa, I'm really sorry for disturbing you in this way."

Glib humor can alleviate embarrassment, but it's obviously not endearing.

However, because he took the initiative to report his name, Alyssa relaxed her frown and said in a gentle tone.

"Alyssa, first time meeting...and you?"

Unexpectedly, this distinguished lady would actually turn her gaze to herself. Sava, who was standing behind Zaid, did not dare to look at those beautiful eyes and stammered.

"I...Sava."

Seeing how hopeless this guy was, Zaid sighed and looked at Alyssa slightly apologetically.

"I'm sorry, he is...my student and also my assistant. Although he is very capable, he is a little afraid of strangers."

"I'm sorry!" Sava quickly bowed to express his apology.

Seeing this clumsy young man, Alyssa suddenly thought of herself last year, couldn't help but smile and said in a gentle tone.

"Don't be sorry for this kind of thing. No one is born to be able to stand alone. My... a friend used to cry when he encountered difficulties, but now he can calmly think about some countermeasures. I I believe you can do the same. After all, you have traveled a much longer distance than she has."

She didn't know how far away Borneo was, but it should be much further than the distance between Stone City and Dawn City.

"Thanks……"

The sound was like the spring breeze blowing across his face. The young man buried his head lower, staring directly at the tips of his shoes, and the blush spread from his cheeks to the roots of his ears.

What a kind girl!

No one had ever encouraged him like this, not even his closest family members.

Although he had no doubt that Mr. Zaid was correct, he still couldn't help but be confused...whether the gentleman who had been helping him and teaching him had misunderstood something.

Turning her eyes to Zaid's face, Alyssa continued with a slightly serious voice.

"Mr. Zaid, I am not a petty person. If you are sincerely sorry, just tell me directly. Please don't use the survivors of Borneo as a shield. Of course we are happy to cooperate with the survivors of Borneo." They become friends, but you can’t represent them yet.”

"Indeed... I didn't think carefully." Zaid admitted his mistake simply and frankly.

Maybe there is something wrong with my reasoning.

This woman who cares about little things doesn't look like a particularly dignified woman. Instead, she makes him feel a bit...stupid?

It would be fine if it was because she looked down upon her own abilities, but it was obviously not for this reason. She seemed to be acting like a child.

Does it matter whether you lie or not on such an innocuous matter? In the end, it didn't cause any bad effects.

Not to mention that he reconciled his words without losing face in the end. Anyone with a little bit of political cultivation would laugh at it.

And if he wins in the end, this might become a good story in people's mouth.

However, he did not think that there was any problem with his analysis, but that there was a lack of information.

It is extremely difficult to investigate a person in Dawn City, especially for him who is still in the entrepreneurial stage. He does not have a group of loyal guards who are loyal to him, and he does not even have diplomatic immunity. Be careful not to break Alliance laws.

Alyssa nodded slightly and whispered a few words to the unfavorable staff member beside her.

"I have indeed never met them, but they are not necessarily bad people. There may be some misunderstandings."

The staff member still looked worried and asked seriously.

"Do you really don't need me to call security?"

Alyssa said dumbfounded.

"No, no, don't cause trouble to others with this little matter, I will take care of it."

The latter's expression gradually softened, and he stared at Zaid with a warning look. His eyes seemed to say, "I remember your face." Then he turned and walked back to the arena.

After watching him leave, Alyssa looked at Zaid again.

"Let's get down to business. What do you want from me? Well...but before that, I actually want to know, where did you hear my name?"

Zaid had a pleasant smile on his face. After all, he still wanted something from the girl in front of him.

"You underestimate your own popularity. Your name is known to everyone in Boulder City, and it is no less famous than that of the fictional Bol."

Alyssa said politely.

"You're flattering me, I'm not such a great person."

Zaid continued with a smile.

"No, I don't mean to flatter you at all. I would rather say... I admire you very much."

The polite expression on Alyssa's face did not change, but the smile was still repelling people thousands of miles away.

"Even if you praise me, it won't do any good."

"You are too wary of me. In fact, everything I say is true..." Looking at those wise eyes, Zaid pretended to be innocent, sighed and said, "From the beer hall From the drunkard to the newsboy delivering newspapers to the teller lady behind the bank counter...everyone spoke highly of you."

"They all unanimously praised your bravery and kindness, thinking that it was you who prevented them from the worst outcome and finally achieved that almost impossible miracle."

"To be honest, I don't believe in the existence of gods in this world, but I still can't help but wonder whether you are blessed by gods. After all, it would be difficult for anyone else to have a good death."

After hearing the emotional words, Alyssa suddenly believed what this person said.

He may indeed have some filters of admiration for himself, but what he admires is neither his own personality nor something he is proud of.

But something else...

Like the shadows used to highlight spots of light in a sketch.

But if this is the case, then the residents of Borneo Province would be too pitiful.

There was most likely a casino that was even bigger than the former Boulder City, and the chips placed in that casino were most likely an astronomical number that she had never heard of.

A small trickle of sweat couldn't help but form on Alyssa's forehead.

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

"...Indeed, even if I think about what happened that day today, I still feel scared. But I don't think that I have been blessed by the gods, nor do I think that I am a miracle."

Not knowing what she was thinking at this moment, Zaid said with a smile in a coaxing tone.

"If this is not a miracle, what would it take to be a miracle?"

Alyssa said without hesitation.

"It's the residents of Boulder City."

Zaid was stunned for a moment.

"Residents of Boulder City? Ah... Of course, I don't deny that they are indeed indispensable. Their courage and ideals are equally impressive-"

"It's the residents of Boulder City."

Alyssa repeated her words again, and there was a hint of hope, or pleading, in her unmistakable voice.

"Why do you think I'm a miracle... It's obvious that they are still looking for light when the night comes, they are the ones who still don't give up even though the flame of hope has been extinguished countless times, it's obvious that you are looking for everyone you have seen before finding me. They are all miracles, why do you think I am the miracle?”

Zaid was stunned.

It wasn't because the girl in front of him said something inappropriate for her age, but because he didn't know why she was so excited.

What's this……

Very important thing?

Those polite words he said were just to gain her favor, but now it seems that his flattery has hit the horse's leg again.

What does this guy want?

Zaid couldn't help but feel a little annoyed in his heart, but he didn't show that annoyed expression on his face.

As if sensing his impatience or resistance, Alyssa stared into his eyes seriously and couldn't help but speed up her speech.

"...Mr. Zaid, I must say it again, my life and death are not worth mentioning in front of the real wave! No matter whether I died that night or not, no matter where my body hung in the end, the impact on Boulder City It won’t matter tomorrow, the sun will still rise and set at the right time.”

"I am not the miracle you think I am at all. The people who spared me are the real miracles."

"They could have let that fire burn unchecked, pinned all the mistakes on a little girl, and then stepped on our corpses and moved into the inner city. They could have been the new owners of the casino, but they closed it themselves This casino...everyone who comes out of the casino is a miracle.”

What a naive statement...

No.

It should be said that it is stupid.

Zaid looked at her coldly, but his spring-like smile did not change at all.

In fact, she didn't miss the point at all. He agreed with at least one sentence, and it unexpectedly made his eyes light up.

If you let that flame burn wildly...

But if this happens, a lot of people will probably die.

"Mr. Zaid?"

Hearing the concerned voice, Zaid suddenly came back to his senses, then looked at Alyssa and said with a smile.

"What's wrong?"

"nothing……"

Alyssa's eyes were a little scared. For a moment just now, she saw something terrible in his eyes.

Swallowing again, she spoke quickly.

“If you want to ask how to save the residents of Borneo, you might as well try to start by running a newspaper to let the survivors make their own voices heard..."

Zaid coughed slightly, interrupting her incessant chatter.

"I'm really sorry... Although I am very interested in your theory, the sun is going to set soon. Maybe we can have a good chat next time we meet again. By the way, if it is convenient, I would like to ask you Please do me a favor."

Alyssa was stunned for a moment, but nodded slightly.

"What's the rush?"

"I would like to ask you to introduce me to the managers of the alliance."

"Guan, Mr. Manager?" Alyssa looked at him blankly, not following the escaping train of thought.

Zaid nodded, looked into her eyes intently, and said seriously.

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

Meeting those fiery gazes, Alyssa immediately understood what he meant, but fell into silence.

Objectively speaking, the alliance did reduce the suffering that the survivors of Boulder City had to endure, but it was ultimately the survivors of Boulder City who ended all this suffering.

Speeding up doesn't always lead to good results when you're not sure what's at the bottom of the mountain.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Excuse me."

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

As if she was worried that Zaid had gone astray again, Alyssa hurriedly added something later.

"I'm not talking about wishes or anything like that, just things that I simply want to do. For example, riding a horse or painting...any kind of hobby is fine."

"Those things are the sentiments of nobles, and I will not be corrupted by those things," Zaid smiled, "I haven't thought about such far-off things yet. I just want to save the residents of Borneo Province and let The light of equality spreads across every inch of land along the Yongliu River, and there is nothing else in my mind.”

There was a trace of disappointment in her eyes, Alyssa's lips moved, and finally all her words turned into a gentle sigh.

"I know a very kind old man... He said that after he retires, he wants to build a small cabin near the lake, plant some flowers and plants, fish and so on."

Zaid: "He is?"

"The designer of Mr. Fang Ming..."

Alyssa suddenly raised her head, her eyes were more determined than ever before, she took a deep breath and said.

"I will never introduce you to Mr. Manager... please come back!"

She refused without any tact.

If she was undecided just now, she was completely convinced now. Saying anything to this guy would be a fool's errand.

This guy who keeps talking about equality despises what he says more than anyone else.

He had planned everything, but he had not planned at all where he would be in that new world.

In the end, he just wanted to be the god of the new world and continue to operate the casino under a different brand.

Won't see you again next time.

She would not say another word to him, and she even regretted what she had just said. She should not have told him what the real miracle was.

This guy is not a comrade at all!

Maybe it's even an enemy...

Once he really succeeds, he will immediately block all the leaky windows in the entire casino!

Facing the increasingly cold eyes, Zaid was not angry, but bowed slightly and saluted.

"It seems I've caused your displeasure...I'm sorry."

Although it is a pity, there is nothing we can do about it.

The meeting ended on bad terms.

Zaid had lost the meaning of staying here, so he took the young apprentice beside him and left here without looking back.

On the way back, Sava looked at Mr. Zaid with a puzzled face, and finally couldn't help asking about his confusion.

"I just said...we should find a more tactful way to contact her."

"The result is the same. If she is the person we are looking for, we can meet the manager through her no matter what. But unfortunately she is not, so this road will not work."

As if to find some reasons for his miscalculation, and as if he really thought so, Zaid paused and continued.

"Actually, it's not a bad thing."

"A good thing?" Sava was confused.

"That's right."

Zaid nodded slightly and continued nonchalantly.

"At least, through the test just now, I can confirm that she and the managers of the alliance do maintain correspondence exchanges... No matter what form of communication it is, at least their views overlap on some issues."

"It only took us one afternoon to figure out the manager's preferences. As an investment test... this deal is quite cost-effective."

Sava said with some disappointment.

"But she won't help us..."

He was not sure whether he regretted that he might never see the beautiful lady again, or whether he really regretted the fate of his family.

Maybe a little bit of both.

Zaid smiled lightly.

"It doesn't matter. There are many ways to meet that gentleman. The key is what happens after meeting him."

If he did initially entertain the idea of ​​courting Alyssa, a potential political ally, he abandoned the idea immediately after realizing that she was still a child at heart.

It's troublesome to be allies with naive people, so use her as a touchstone.

The next time he meets the league's administrators, he'll try to avoid all the minefields.

Like listening to the shelter residents and changing the equality meeting to a family meeting.

He can further improve his character and try to say as much as possible that the gentleman would like to hear...

"What if she writes to the administrator?" Savoie whispered.

If it were him and there were other voices in his family that were about to stir up trouble, he would tell Mr. Zaid without hesitation.

He felt that the young lady was like him and would do the same thing.

Zaid's expression froze slightly, but soon relaxed.

"I don't rule out this possibility... Children do like to tell stories, but I believe that the gentleman will not unilaterally believe what the family says, but will listen to both sides."

And what a person like him from a humble background lacks is the way.

"If she did mention me in her letter to managers, I would have to thank her for the favor."

…

At the southernmost point of the central axis of the distant Central Continent, there is a port called Yongye Port.

It is located in the southernmost corner of the ruins of the Southern Industrial Zone of the People's Federation, facing the Antarctic wasteland across the sea.

Because the location is too remote, it is a place that even the White Bear Knights who are keen on exploring maps have never been to.

If compared to a real-life map, this port is probably located in South Africa, but it is at a higher latitude than the latter.

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

Since it was winter in the southern hemisphere when the Legion first set foot on this land, it was a time when the days were short and the nights were long.

Therefore, this settlement was named Evernight Harbor by the Wilant colonists.

Unlike the Eastern Legion, which occupies a vast plain, the land of the Southern Legion is more fragmented. Except for a peninsula on the mainland, most of the territory is mainly distributed in the western industrial zone ruins of the great desert and the coastline of the southern industrial zone ruins.

Although the soil in these lands is too poor to grow crops, it is rich in mineral deposits.

Due to this series of factors, the Southern Army's style of conduct was also very different from that of the Eastern Army.

They were more like late medieval colonists than military aristocrats with large ranches and estates.

Although they are equally ruthless in exploiting other ethnic groups, they are not above using more subtle methods when it suits their own interests.

For example, buying local people to rule them.

For example, slaves were allowed to be redeemed.

Another example is using debt slaves instead of indentured slaves and so on.

After all, they don't have as much land resources to waste as the Eastern Legion, so they have to spend some time thinking about how to improve the colony's production capacity.

It is precisely because of this style of conduct that they have become very close to the civil servant group in Triumph City.

Of course, the similarity in form and style is only one aspect. In the final analysis, it is because the interests of both parties are tied together.

For example, the ports of the Southern Army are located along the route from Borneo to Triumph City.

The ships of the civil service group often brought back from Borneo not only the spices, tea and sugar that Triumph City was keen on, but also the slaves and livestock needed by the colonies of the Southern Legion.

Compared with the nomads and alien species living in the great desert, the survivors and livestock in Borneo are undoubtedly much docile, and more popular with the southern colonists.

By the way, when these ships return to Triumph City, they will also carry some specialties from the colony.

For example, various ores, gems, gold, etc.

It is precisely for this reason that the port of Evernight Harbor is never short of ships from Borneo.

Especially the boats from West Sails.

But recently, something unexpected happened here...

The port of Yongye Port was crowded with people. A large number of passengers carrying suitcases gathered at the door of the ticket office, making noisy noises at the top of their lungs.

It's summer in Yongye Port in December. The sea breeze blowing from the sea is already a bit hot, and people's emotions are like a powder keg.

A Valeantian passenger finally squeezed his way to the counter, slammed his fist holding the ticket on the counter, and wanted to stick his nose into the narrow window.

"Where's the boat? I bought a ticket to Triumph City! Where has the boat gone?"

"Please calm down sir, let me see which flight you bought... I can help you refund your money."

The staff reached out to grab the ticket, but the passenger snatched it back.

Staring angrily behind the window, the Valiant traveler roared loudly.

"I never said I wanted a refund! I want to go home!"

The staff member looked at him helplessly and said with a wry smile.

"I know...but there's nothing I can do about it. If your scheduled flight doesn't show up at the pier, it's most likely a breach of contract, and we will compensate you for your ticket in accordance with the contract-"

"What do you mean by a high probability of breach of contract!" the Wilante man roared angrily, "It's already the end of the year, and I only go back to Triumph City once a year! Damn it, why do I have to rush before my birthday!"

The staff member was sweating profusely, trying to calm him and the other passengers behind him.

"Please, please calm down... I understand how you feel, sir, but there is nothing we can do about it. The carrier canceled the flight. I heard that the reason was that it was going to the east to pick up a batch of munitions -"

The passenger obviously didn't buy it and interrupted his explanation rudely.

"What the hell I bought is a passenger ship! It's a passenger ship! Do you think I'm a fool!"

The staff member sighed helplessly.

"I know...but I heard that those people gave too much. You are lucky. Yesterday, a ship was about to dock. As soon as I heard the news from Xifan Port, I dropped it directly. The passengers on the shore turned around and left."

Velantian Traveler: "???"

Penny, who was standing in the crowd, heard the quarrel in front and had a confused expression on her face.

She came here from Xifan Port by boat a week ago. She originally booked a transfer ticket for today to return to Kaixuan City, but she didn't expect to hear such bad news.

Finally, she got to the window and took a look at the ticket in her hand and said blankly.

"...All the ships are gone?"

The staff sitting behind the window looked at her, and the anxious expression was obviously not the first time he answered this question.

"It's gone since yesterday... You are lucky, Miss. I heard that there are people who got on the ship but were kicked off."

Penny said with a smile.

"Then how do I get home?"

The staff also had an embarrassed expression.

"I don't know... uh, but according to my experience, it should be fine to wait for two days. After all, not all ships will continue to sail eastward. Some ships will return after arriving at Evernight Port. There are also some cargo ships that carry goods. If the price is right, they will not mind working as passenger ships. We will also help you keep an eye out for relevant information."

"..."

Penny only regrets one thing now, that is, she declined Governor Huye's kindness and did not take his direct ship to Triumph City, but chose to transfer at Evernight Port.

Unexpectedly, after just three days of playing here, she couldn't go back.

"What happened?" She asked worriedly.

The staff sighed.

"We don't know for sure, we only heard that it was the work of Captain Bennot. He reached some unclear agreement with the Eastern Legion, and then all the ships on the entire route ran eastward, all rushing to pick up money."

It is said that not only some people went there for the equipment of the expeditionary force, but also some fantasized about picking up some "garbage" that could not be used up on the front line from the academy, enterprises or alliances.

But he thought those people were just dreaming.

And with so many people rushing over to grab it, it was still unknown whether they could make money.

Penny was completely dumbfounded. She didn't expect that the one who kept her from returning home was her father who was serving as an ambassador in Dawn City.

This is really...

Looking at the lady in front of her who was about to cry but had no tears, the staff kindly reminded her.

"Things have come to this, and there is nothing we can do. You'd better book a hotel at the port as soon as possible... By night, I'm afraid there will be no place to stay even if you have money. My uncle runs a hotel near the port. Do you need me to contact him for you?"

Penny shook her head.

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

Her uncle is an officer of the Southern Corps. His rank is the same as Mr. Pangolin, a thousand-man captain, and he serves as the defense chief in Evernight Port.

She has been living in her uncle's house these days. At most, she will disturb him for a few more days.

But in order not to worry her mother who is far away in Triumph City, she has to go to the post office and send a telegram home.

The staff sighed and said apologetically.

"Is that so... Anyway, I'm very sorry, please forgive me."

Is there any way if I don't forgive him?

Penny gave him a helpless expression, nodded and thanked him, then left the ticket office with her suitcase, called a tricycle at the port, and asked the driver to take her to the door of the post office.

Soon the marble building came into view.

She took out a golden dinar and paid the money, then Penny stepped up the steps of the post office with her suitcase.

However, just as she stepped through the door, she heard several hurried conversations passing by her.

"Is there a boat? I need a boat that goes east the nearest! The sooner the better!"

"A boat to the east? What are you talking about? There is no boat at this pier!"

"Damn it! Why did you have to rush to this juncture!"

Penny turned her head and saw a middle-aged man wearing a felt hat, punching the marble pillar at the door.

The man next to him looked at his companion in astonishment and hurried forward to ask.

"What happened?" The man's face was gloomy, and his hoarse voice was low and deep. However, even so, Penny still vaguely heard the words - "Xifan Port! There...something big happened over there!"