Chapter 301

Joining Rhodes Island was one way out, but in Heredrey's eyes, it was a meaningless path:

"If you really want to avenge Her Empress, you shouldn't go to Rhodes Island. You could do what I did and run errands for Regent Theresis first. Once you gain his trust, you can then devise a plan to assassinate him."

"Tch, come on."

W dismissed the proposal with a wave of his hand.

"You'd be better off killing me than making me work for that old bastard Theresis. I feel disgusted just looking at his face, and I haven't been able to eat for days."

Just as they were chatting, Ines trotted to the center of the camp and urged them on:

"Heredrey, W, come with me!"

The two exchanged a glance, neither knowing what had happened, and followed Ines into the village.

The small bar here has a black-and-white television with an antenna half a meter high behind it. It can receive television programs from Ursus and neighboring Lungmen.

At this moment, the screen shows FrostNova, the Broca, giving a speech.

Seeing that Heredrey and W looked blank, Ines took the initiative to explain to them:

"You didn't see the previous part, so I'll briefly explain. This woman, codenamed FrostNova, is Patriot's adopted daughter. According to her, Patriot didn't have a high opinion of the Rhodes Island before. It wasn't until Talulah the team to conquer Schuratzburg City that his impression changed. Patriot chose to join in order to prevent the government from reaping the rewards of victory."

However, later, Talulah led them on a long journey to Chernobyl. They thought they were going to collect supplies, but instead, they instigated a riot in the city. Therefore, the Patriot's forces withdrew from the Rhodes Island after the Catastrophe. Then, due to a series of coincidences, they chose to join Liyue ..."

W often liked to banter with Ines, interjecting:

"Where is Liyue City? I've never heard of it."

"Don't worry, the TV said it will be provided at the end."

After FrostNova distanced herself from the Patriot and the Rhodes Island on television, the scene suddenly changed.

Like a movie being shown, the opening shot flies upwards from beside the tree roots. The slightly shaky camera work makes it seem like the footage was filmed while suspended from a drone.

After rocks, there are more rocks; after mountains, there are still more mountains.

As the ascent accelerated, a mountain city came into view beyond the rock face.

The overhead view transforms the square city into a symmetrical work of art. From a distance, the thousands of steps resemble a ladder to the heavens.

As the camera pans forward, it guides the viewer's perspective into the city. Clean streets, lush trees—the city and nature blend perfectly. A straight main road bisects Liyue City, with rows of neat, two-story houses lining both sides.

A little girl named Vulcan with Nine Tails plays with children under a tree. Her face beams with a happy smile, as infectious as sunshine.

The camera then pans up to a wider view, showcasing the city's cultural landscape. People of different races gather around a campfire, singing and dancing as if all barriers have been broken down.

The daytime scene smoothly transitions to nighttime. Lights twinkle Liyue City, like stars in the sky. The image also shifts from the moon character on the city gate to a blurred image of the full moon.

After a brief blackout, the screen switched to a map with its location marked. It could be seen that Liyue City is situated on the border between Ursus and Yan, nestled among mountains.

At the same time, FrostNova's voice rang out. (This is followed by a narration introduction for the three-minute promotional video.)

"Whether you are infected or not, Ursus or Sarkaz, Liyue City will provide you with a home to live in if you are weary of war."

Those who violate the fundamental principles of peace will face permanent exile. This is Terra's last sanctuary, and we will not allow any evil to defile it. If you are homeless and have nowhere else to go, and you agree with our principles of peace, we will wait for you in Liyue City.

The promotional video ends, and the next advertisement starts automatically.

But apart from the whooshing sound of the fireplace, no one in the room spoke.

Shocking, utterly shocking.

At least in this region, no one had ever made a promotional video for the city before. The three-minute promotional video gave them a strange and indescribable feeling.

They stared at the other commercials on the television, remaining silent for a long time. If silence were golden, the room would be overflowing with gold by now.

Finally, it was Ines who broke the deadlock. She tucked her hair behind her ear and asked for their opinions:

"How so? Liyue City is about 200 kilometers away from here. Shall we go and take a look?"

W did not comment on this. Instead, he raised his chin, gesturing for Heredrey, who was standing opposite him, to speak first.

The latter shook his head, indicating his position:

"Although Liyue City is advertised as wonderful, I have to return to Londinium to report to the Regent and cannot go with you. To be honest, I think you should go and see for yourselves. With Patriot guarding the city, discipline and security are guaranteed, and they won't act recklessly."

Ines clearly preferred Liyue City to Rhodes Island. After all, her revered Empress Elizabeth was no longer in Babel, and Rhodes Island wasn't a must-visit destination.

Seeing Heredrey's statement, W pretended to be relaxed and said:

"It seems like it's time to part ways again. I wonder when we'll meet again."

January 9th, 7:36 pm

After washing a pile of dishes in the Rhodes Island kitchen, Istina and Gummy went to the dining room for dinner.

Rosa, who had been busy all day treating refugees, and Winter, who had been maintaining order, both returned here.

All four were students at Peterheim Middle School and were close friends who survived the disaster.

At that moment, the wall-mounted TV was playing a program from the Lungmen TV, which greatly surprised them.

"How far is Liyue City from here? Is it about 200 kilometers away?"

"No, at most 150 kilometers."

"Leto doesn't come to Rhodes Island, she might go to a place like Liyue City."

Suddenly, a voice came from behind:

"Children, are you going to Liyue City?"

The four turned around at the sound and were surprised to see Scout, Rhodes Island's master of stealth, who had somehow appeared behind them.

"If I remember correctly, you said when you registered on the island that you were saved by a man wearing a golden mask."

Istina, clutching a book, seemed a little socially awkward. Gummy, standing next to her, was quite enthusiastic and chimed in:

"Yes, sir."

"Then I can tell you a secret: Liyue City was built by the person who wore the Golden Mask."

Rosa was taken aback, clearly somewhat disbelieving:

"Really?!"

Gummy scratched his head, taking an optimistic attitude towards it:

"If it really is a city built by our benefactor, I think we should go and take a look, don't you think?"

Rosa stared at the other person with a puzzled look, and asked in confusion:

"Mr. Scout, you are Elite Operator of Rhodes Island, why do you want us to go to Liyue City?"

Scout adjusted his hat brim and explained with a smile:

"You are not yet adults, and if you continue to stay on Rhodes Island, you can only do odd jobs, which is not very meaningful."

I grew up as a mercenary in Kazdel and suffered from a lack of education. So, as someone who's been there, I advise you to find a safe place to study properly.

While studying doesn't guarantee success, it does give you more control over life choices. There are Patriot stationed in Liyue City; they should be able to provide training.

If you ever want to return to Rhodes Island, you can train in Liyue City until you reach adulthood. And if you wish to come back then, you're always welcome.

"Damn, so that's how it is. You should have said so earlier."

Winter rubbed her nose and thanked him:

"We will seriously consider your proposal. If you really want to leave, we will tell Amiya."

They had almost finished eating, so they cleared their plates and left the cafeteria.

FrostNova's statement and Liyue City's propaganda quickly spread within Rhodes Island.

Most of the Operator were surprised by the City Lord's boldness in daring to open the doors and welcome everyone to join.

This is a truly grand vision.

However, the Operator generally won't switch factions to go to Liyue City. Because after spending so much time together, they've come to regard Rhodes Island as their second home.

January 9th, 9:22 PM

Two Sargol, a man and a woman, arrived below the This Ship to register as visitors. The Operator currently on duty is Frostleaf, who has served as the leader of Reconnaissance Squad several times.

The man was very gentlemanly and let the woman go first. She thanked him and sat down at the table to help with the registration.

"Does it have a code name?"

"Yes, you can call me Clearstream."

Where is your hometown?

"I come from the Yan."

Every few words Clearstream spoke, he would spray water on his face with a small bottle he carried with him, which looked rather strange.

Frostleaf frowned slightly and asked:

What's going on with you?

"Ah, I'm sorry, you misunderstood. My skin gets uncomfortable if it's in a dry environment for a long time. In severe cases, it can cause allergies or even cracking. My expertise lies in river management and flood control, and I hope to take on a related position at Rhodes Island."

"Flood control..."

Frostleaf twirled her pen, her expression somewhat troubled:

"To be honest, we might not have a suitable position for you. And we'd be traveling all over the place every year, including to the dusty, sand-swept Sargon. I recommend you go to Liyue City; they should need someone like you. Plus, the air there is humid, which seems perfect for you."

Clearstream had never heard of this place before, and asked:

"Liyue City? Where is that?"

Frostleaf took out a map from the file bag and pointed out the approximate location of the city to Clearstream.

The man who had been observing from the side took out a strangely shaped longsword from his baggage and said warily:

"Are you really Operator from Rhodes Island?"

Faced with the questioning, Frostleaf remained unperturbed. She proactively removed her work badge from around her neck and showed it to the other party.

"Here's my information. The This Ship is right behind me; who would dare to scam me here?"

Clearstream looked embarrassed and asked cautiously:

"Mr. Thorns, is there a problem?"

"Yes, I think it's a trap. If it's really as good as she describes, why doesn't she go herself?"

Upon hearing this, Frostleaf put down her pen and capped it back on.

"Heh, that's a good question. I recommended Miss Clearstream to Liyue City because it's a perfect fit for her. I'm staying here to register you because I'm still a member of Rhodes Island."

Let me put it this way: right now, at least half of Rhodes Island's Operator want to go to Liyue City. Either they're bound by contracts, or they have an emotional attachment to the island. If Rhodes Island were to disband someday, Liyue City would definitely be our first choice.

We know this place is good, that's why we recommend it to newcomers. If you think I'm lying, you can come to Liyue City for yourself; I believe it will change your mind. Our This Ship will likely not leave until after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, so you have plenty of time to make the round trip and stay a few more days."

Seeing how sincere the other party was, Clearstream bit her lip, feeling quite tempted. A hot and arid region like Sargon would truly kill her.

Thorns's eyes flickered, and after a moment's thought, he said:

"Miss Clearstream, it is very dangerous for you to walk alone in the wilderness. Let me escort you for a while."

As for whether Liyue City is as good as this Miss claims, I will verify it myself.

369 is not as good as dancing 4K

Hegre, acting on Shi Lei's orders, traveled to Lungmen, a couple hundred kilometers away, on a business trip. He first arrived at the largest local television station and spent a large sum of money to buy ten minutes of prime-time airtime at 7:30 PM. He broadcast Patriot' statement regarding their secession from the Rhodes Island, along with a three-minute promotional video for Liyue.

Afterwards, Hegre visited Wei Yenwu.

We hope he can issue a procurement certificate, approving Liyue City to purchase large quantities of food, agricultural products, and daily necessities.

In fact, Lungmen did not originally have this regulation. It was only after Chernobyl suffered Catastrophe that created a large number of refugees that the government intervened urgently.

The aim is to prevent unscrupulous merchants from buying up large quantities of goods on the market and maliciously raising prices to make a fortune from the war.

Seeing that Hegre's hands were empty, the male secretary realized he didn't seem like a merchant coming to offer gifts or do favors. Furthermore, noting that this Liberi possessed an extraordinary air about him, the secretary informed the Longmen Governor.

Upon learning of the arrival of the Liyue City representatives, Wei Yenwu attached great importance to this cooperation and personally received them.