Chapter 845: Fire (Dungeon Ends, Two Updates, 10,000 Words, Please Vote for Me)
February 23
A caravan crossed the northern ice field and arrived at the north gate of Winter City.
The new caravan brought much-needed food and industrial products to the city of Winter.
Rock City and Winter City held a press conference together to announce the successful opening of the northern trade route, which will pass through nearly seven cities and become the northernmost trade route in the entire federation.
The young deputy mayor Wei Li accepted a remote interview with Inno Media.
She spoke naturally and in detail in front of the camera about the "exploitation" of the people of Winter City by Rockville Energy Group, United Industries and the Eternal Secret Cult. She also took the camera to go deep into the storm area of Winter City and walked to those quiet corners to tell the story. The life of the people of Winter City under the persecution of the Eternal Tantric Cult, and interviews with the people of Winter City living in shanties and tents.
At the same time, she also told the camera the story of her young boy named ‘Ilo’,
And Iroh was the mecha pilot who was rumored to have destroyed the behemoth in the sky, and he was also the 'hero' who finally saved Winter City that night.
In her narration, Iroh was killed by the Eternal Secret Cult and all his family members were killed. Although he was young, he never gave up hope and resisted the Eternal Secret Cult until he finally destroyed the Eternal Secret Cult's terrorist plan and allowed the sun to shine. Sprinkle it again on this city in the ice and snow.
It was precisely because of the encouragement and support from Iroh that she never gave up hope and kept going.
At the same time, she also believes that age is not the decisive factor, and hope does not differentiate whether the person who comes is an old person or a young person.
Finally, she told the camera that everything the Winter City government did was not to target a certain consortium or a certain enterprise.
"For large conglomerates like Rockville Energy Group, we are weak prey stuck in a trap and being slaughtered by others. But our weakness does not mean that we are cowardly. Even if we are about to die immediately, we must let the world listen. To our last roar.
"But we still believe that justice will eventually come, just like the sun will rise at the end of the night. This is the meaning of our candlelight walk at night."
The interview ended with the deputy mayor's calm and hoarse speech.
After gathering the calm but bloody 'crying' of each 'participant', the touching speech of the '18-year-old beautiful mayor', and the touching story of the heroic young man, this interview quickly broke down. lock up.
Countless people have seen their own lives in the story of Winter City, and have been similarly affected by the story of the blonde girl who stood in the dirtiest mud and still smiled calmly, and the heroic boy who was alone but never gave up.
The FBI, which has been silent for a long time, finally spoke out and stated that it would conduct a thorough investigation of Rockville Energy Group.
The Federal Tax Service also stated that it would conduct a tax investigation into Rockville Energy Group.
Rockville Energy Group's stock price fell more than 15% that day
——
February 24
Anti-Rockville Energy demonstrations were held in major cities, especially in Rockville Energy’s ‘Partner Cities’.
Chenxi City announced an "extended investigation" into Rockville Energy Group and ordered Rockville Energy Group to suspend operations and make rectifications to cooperate with the Chenxi City Government's tax investigation.
——
February 25
The FBI raided the Dawn City headquarters of Rockville Energy Group and arrested more than half of the board members on charges of 'colluding with cults' and 'conspiracy to subvert the federation.'
In addition, Rockville Energy Group's branches in the thirty-seven cities previously covered by the Eternal Secret Cult were raided by the FBI.
The Federal Taxation Bureau also mobilized and arrested many executives of Rockville Energy Group's branches in various cities on charges of tax evasion.
The FBI held a press conference and stated that it had already obtained conclusive evidence of the Rockville Energy Group's crimes, but had been setting up a network to investigate.
A large number of energy cities that 'cooperated' with Rockville Energy Group announced that they would suspend their 'cooperation' with Rockville Energy Group. First Energy Company, which had long been at odds with Rockville Energy Group, took the opportunity to absorb some cities.
——
February 26
The stock price of Rockville Energy Group fell sharply at the opening, with a total decline of more than 50%, and its ranking fell from the top five in the federal industry to outside the top 30.
Rockville Energy Group signed an agreement with Vice Mayor Willie of Winter City to sell all its shares in United Industries to Deputy Mayor Willie of Winter City at a low price.
On the same day, the Winter Municipal Government established the ‘Urban Resource Development Department’ and issued an ‘Urban Resource Development’ bond.
In the afternoon of that day, the mayor of Chenxi City delivered a speech on ‘electricity price restrictions’ at the city council.
The Morningside City Council passed the Energy Price Control Act.
Analysts pointed out that there are only two core elements of the bill:
The first is to establish an energy price control department to control the basic electricity price of the entire city and participate in the formulation of electricity prices.
The second is to determine the upper limit for residential electricity price increases. The total increase in electricity prices for energy companies must not exceed 60% of the basic electricity price, and each increase must be reviewed by the municipal government.
After the bill was passed, carnival parades took place throughout Morningside City.
——
February 27
"Mr. Christos."
A little boy with freckles stood on tiptoes and handed a lollipop in his hand to Christos who was standing on the roadside.
"Thanks."
Christos smiled and took the lollipop. He raised his head and looked at the cheering crowd in front of him.
When there is no official business to deal with, he often leaves the Palace of Glory and walks among the crowd.
People are no stranger to his presence.
However, many people still came over and took photos with him.
"So young."
Looking at the little boy walking into the crowd, he sighed sadly.
"yes."
The pony-tailed man, Seer, who is also the deputy mayor of Chenxi City, stood behind Christos and sighed in the same way. He turned his head and glanced at Christos, "Are you sure about the midterm elections tomorrow?"
"No,"
Christos looked at the cheering crowd in front of him and shook his head slightly, "But we have done everything we can. Next, we should believe those who have been ****ing."
——
February 28
In the mid-term election of the Chenxi City Council, Christos's staunch supporters won more than 50% of the parliamentary seats, and his ruling coalition won more than 70% of the parliamentary seats, achieving an overwhelming victory.
According to a report from Chenxi Daily, this is the first ruling coalition since the establishment of Chenxi City that not only did not lose the parliament after the mid-term election, but even gained an absolute majority of seats.
Some of Christos' original obstacles to governing have completely dissipated with this midterm election.
——
March 1
United Industries, whose stock price fell to freezing point, announced its delisting, with major shareholders buying back all shares.
——
March 4
The City of Winter announced the acquisition of United Industries, placing United Industries under the Department of City Resource Development.
United Industrial shareholders headed by Wei Li sold all their shares to the Winter Municipal Government, and a large number of small shareholders also chose to sell their shares together.
——
March 10
Winter City completed the repurchase of all shares of United Industries and successfully took full control of United Industries.
United Industries became the only existing regional consortium in the federation controlled by a city government.
On the same day, the city government announced that it would extend low-interest loans for all Winter City residents in banks owned by United Industries, lower the rents for all apartments in United Industries, and stop collecting "land use fees" for camping tents.
Vice Mayor of Winter City Wei Li issued an announcement to change the name of United Industries to ‘Winter City Industrial Group’
——
Standing on the towering podium, Willy stared at the dense crowd below.
This is the ceremony to convert the United Industrial Building into the Winter City Industrial Group Building.
She took a deep breath and spoke slowly,
"In the long years of more than seven hundred years in Winter City, we have experienced countless choices."
"In this ancient land, there have been chaos, there have been battles, and there have been brief alliances."
"But no matter how we change, one thing will never change, and that is our determination to pursue a better life."
"From the time the founders of the Federation built the first high wall in Winter City, to the caravans that crossed the city and connected the entire world."
"The people on this land have been working hard with perseverance."
“We’ve been on the wrong path, we’ve been in trouble, but fortunately, we’ve survived.”
"From today on, there is no United Industry, only the Winter City Industrial Group that belongs to everyone in Winter City!"
The girl stared at those pairs of eyes shining with expectation,
"The fate of this world is a kind of reincarnation. Each generation has its own mission. There are several generations that can enjoy God's special preference, and there are several generations that will eventually blaze new trails."
She slowly raised her hand,
"And our generation will control our own destiny!"
boom--
Behind the girl, the iconic signboard of United Industries collapsed.
The entire square was instantly filled with cheers.
——
March 11
The Winter City Municipal Government announced a "constructive" investment in the storm area, led by the Winter City Industrial Group, to develop and construct residential housing in the storm area.
At the same time, all roads in the entire Novit district are being overhauled.
The wages of all workers under the Winter City Industrial Group have been raised by 20%, and a series of welfare policies such as the free bus policy of the Skone era have been restored.
——
March 13
The Winter Municipal Government followed the example of Chenxi City in carrying out medical reforms, limiting medical prices, and legislating to include the purchase of medical insurance as employer obligations.
The board of directors of Winter City Industrial Group stated that it will purchase medical insurance provided by Nolanka Group for all employees.
The first Pate-Qiming Hospital in Winter was established.
With the advice of economic consultants from the Nolanka Group, Winter City began large-scale urban construction and large-scale recruitment of workers.
——
Dong dong dong——
Accompanied by the sound of violent machinery roaring, several workers wearing safety helmets sat on the roadside, each holding a piece of bread and a bottle of bottled water with the emblem of the city of stars in their hands, and were eating.
"Hahaha, you don't know, buddy, I met the little hero Ilo at the intersection in front of me, where there is a convenience store.
"Didn't my brother hang out with a boss at that time?"
The young man sitting in the middle was chewing bread, drinking bottled water, and said loudly, "The boss foolishly went to rob the little hero Yiluo, but before he could do anything, the little hero Yiluo pushed him to the ground. It scared me. Run away quickly."
"You're so brave, how dare you steal money? And steal the money of little hero Ilo?"
A worker next to him smiled.
"You didn't know, and it was my boss who robbed, not me. I was arrested and stayed in jail for a few days afterwards," the young man took another bite of bread, "but I didn't surrender to the cult, I fought them to the end." "You fought to the end," the worker beside him laughed, "You probably found a corner and hid for the whole night." "That's right." The workers beside him laughed at the same time. "You don't know, I'm really awesome." The young man took a bite of bread and continued with a smile. That night, he did hide in a corner, but there were also two homeless children hiding in that corner. That night, in order to protect the two children, he went to deal with the believers of the Eternal Secret Cult and almost died in that corner. He didn't know why he suddenly had such courage, perhaps because he saw the blood-stained boy's eyes that were as deep as the abyss, but seemed to still burn with blazing fire. He was actually very scared of his behavior that day, but if he were given another chance, he would probably make the same choice again.
Just like people who have been illuminated by the light of fire, they can no longer endure the darkness.
"Speaking of which, have you really seen the little hero Yiluo?"
A worker next to him asked, "How does he look, handsome?"
"He is quite handsome, but he is just too young,"
The young man recalled, "But he has that kind of, that special feeling, as if he can attract you to follow him and fight against those bad guys,"
"Is it so weird?"
A worker widened his eyes, "Is he a reincarnated holy spirit?"
"Come on,"
The young man laughed, "Aren't you deceived enough by the Eternal Secret Cult?"
"Hahaha."
Everyone laughed together, and the air was filled with a happy atmosphere.
"Speaking of which, kid, will you rob again in the future?"
A person in the crowd asked.
"What are you robbing? The boss and I have been hungry for two days and can't survive. Besides, I didn't make a single order before the little hero Iroh scared me away." The young man stuffed a few bites of the bread in his hand into his stomach, drank a lot of water, and stood up. "Now I have work to do, bread every day, money every week, and a cheap house to live in. Do I think my life is not good enough?" "Hahaha." Everyone laughed together again. "Let's get started!!!" A loud shout came from a distance. Everyone stood up together, patted the dust off their bodies, and walked into the construction site that was roaring with dust. The blonde girl, who was also wearing a helmet, stood in the distance and watched them go away quietly. Then she turned around and walked into the depths of the city along the alley. After an unknown amount of time, a quiet street appeared in her sight. She raised her steps and stepped into the street. Then, it seemed that something that was covered was revealed. A group of huge, towering buildings with flesh and blood appeared in her sight. As she arrived, a blood-colored butterfly landed in front of her.
Then the butterfly's wings fluttered, and it turned into a little girl in a red dress.
Then the surrounding flesh and blood slowly crawled out, turning into a vague flesh and blood figure.
"Uncle Nissen, is your condition stable?"
The blonde girl raised her head and looked at the flesh and blood figure in front of her.
"It should be stable,"
Nissen nodded gently, "We don't know what the situation is, but the people in the Kingdom of God seem to have "survived" with the remaining "flesh and blood" of the Eternal Kingdom of God."
"Is the Eternal Kingdom of God still alive?"
Willy blinked.
"The Eternal Kingdom should be dead," Nissen shook his head, "but our situation is a little special," he turned his head to look at the little girl in the red skirt beside him, "It seems that Alice has 'replaced' the Eternal Kingdom. Perhaps this is also one of the 'arrangements' left by Iroh, and the Storm Sea seems to have fallen into a brief tranquility because of the battle in the Eternal Kingdom. Perhaps you can try to 'mine' near the coast." "I see," Willy nodded, she looked at Nissen, "Is there anything I can do?" "We need food," Nissen paused, "and machines." "Food, and... machines?" Willy looked at Nissen in confusion. "Alice needs food to maintain her own existence, and then to maintain our existence," Nissen said slowly, "and we need machines to create value, 'in exchange' for food," he smiled and looked at Willy, "Some of our souls who want to die have dissipated with the help of Alice, and for the rest, we have also reached a consensus that we can't eat for free, we can also create value." One by one, flesh and blood figures emerged from behind Nissen, staring at the blonde girl. "I understand," Willy nodded gently, "You are still the 'citizens' of Winter City. You will have a share of all the welfare policies of Winter City." "Okay!" Nissen nodded and showed a slightly 'scary' smile. But this smile is so contagious that people can feel his joy. The flesh and blood figures standing behind him also smiled one by one. "You are a good mayor."
Nissen gave a gentle thumbs up to the girl who had always been calm and composed, and then his figure slowly disappeared.
And the figures behind him also disappeared one by one.
Willie watched these figures until they completely disappeared, then nodded to Alice beside her.
The girl in the red dress turned into a butterfly again and disappeared in the bright light.
——
Top floor of Vitland First Energy Group Building
The twilight light shone in the empty board meeting room, shining on the cheeks of the gray-haired old man sitting at the head of the chair.
Dong Dong... Dong...
A crisp knock on the door sounded slowly.
Immediately afterwards, the door of the conference room was slowly pushed open.
"Hello,"
A young man wearing a top hat swayed in. His body was light, as if he were a paper man swaying in the wind. He looked at the old man, slowly took off his top hat, and bowed slightly.
"Mr. Delin, Mr. Pierpont asked me to ask you, have you considered it?"
"Didn't you say that we have to wait for a transfer?"
The old man lowered his head and asked hoarsely.
"The turning point has not occurred, normal means have failed,"
The young man had a stiff smile on his face, as if it were painted on his face.
"What happened to Rockville Energy Group is enough to make us vigilant, and the changes in Winter City do make us panic, but the real enemy is not in the west, but in the east, in that palace full of glory, our enemy is Keep winning.”
——
The fire burning in the fireplace illuminated the red-haired woman's calm face.
She lowered her head and stared at the acrylic box in her hand. On the back of the acrylic box, there was a simple 'children's drawing'.
In the painting, there is a little man covered in pitch black squatting in the corner of the street. The sky is filled with gray-black clouds, and there are dark raindrops falling all around.
She has forgotten when this painting was painted. She only remembers that she was very young at that time, had just lost her parents, and was wandering on the streets alone.
This is her world, dark, turbid, and cold.
The appearance of that young man seemed to have changed something, but it seemed that nothing had changed.
She picked up the acrylic painting and slowly placed it into the flames.
But the world seems not so bleak after all.
The dancing firelight illuminated the woman's crystal-covered cheeks,
"Brat."
——
The bright moonlight shines in the quiet park.
[You receive a video message]
Willie reached out and clicked on the video.
In the video, there is a cute little girl standing in a clean martial arts training ground, slowly practicing one move after another. It seems that she is afraid that the person who is following her will not understand. The little girl breaks down each move very carefully. of teaching.
Willy subconsciously raised her hand and practiced a few moves.
While she was watching the video, a new message came over,
[You may have to practice by yourself today. ]
[I have too much homework today. If I can’t finish it, Aini will not allow me to eat ice cream. ]
[scratches head]
Willie raised her head and glanced at the character notes, [Jia Qian].
This was the 'martial arts teacher' introduced to her by the Nolanka Group after learning that she had learned self-defense skills. Although this young teacher was young, he was indeed the person with the highest martial arts attainments in the entire federation.
[good]
A smile appeared on the girl's face and she typed a reply.
At this time, pedestrians began to appear on the park's trails, and they also saw Willy.
"Good evening, Miss Willy."
"Good evening."
"Miss Willy, can we take a photo together?"
"OK."
With a gentle greeting, Willy separated from the crowd.
"Miss Willy is so gentle. It would be great if I could become like her in the future."
In the night behind him, there seemed to be whispers that were gradually dissipating.
The blonde girl looked up at the stars in the sky and continued along the trail.
After passing several forks, she arrived at a silent tombstone.
This tombstone is an upright bust. The thin boy on the statue is wrapped in a scarf and looking calmly ahead, his eyes as deep as an abyss and as hot as fire.
There are a few lines of small words engraved under the tombstone,
[His body is weak and small, but his soul is tall and magnificent. He does not need to wait for the morning light, he is the morning light. ]
[Ilod Locke]
[747-759]
The girl slowly took out the bouquet from her chest and placed it in front of the silent statue filled with flowers.
Cold raindrops fell on the back of the girl's white hands.
She raised her head and stared at the face of the young man in front of her. Finally, she slowly reached out her hand and hugged the cold statue.
"A person's journey is really long."
Afternoon (sure)
I wrote too much, so in order to ensure the completeness of the story, I posted them together.
Two updates and 10,000 words, please vote!