Beneath the mist-like glow.
Countless desiccated corpses clad in mechanical exoskeletons raised their heads.
Their shriveled, contracted lips left their mouths open like black holes, exposing blackened teeth.
If they had eyes, they would probably have been closing them in enjoyment right now.
There was wind inside this planet, blowing into the desiccated corpses' mouths.
A faint whooshing sound resonated throughout the area.
A peculiar sensation filled the air, as though countless wronged souls were exhaling chilling, sinister breaths.
Kun Sang felt goosebumps rising in waves across his body.
What the hell did I do to deserve this?
Why did I have to see this?
Then, two round robots flew over from the distant road. They extended slender Mechanical Arms and swiftly repaired the pipe-smoking man's exoskeleton, which had shattered all over the ground.
"Mr. Medel, your exoskeleton has been repaired."
"The fee is 1,400 Origin Stones, which has been directly deducted from your electronic account. We wish you a happy and pleasant life ahead."
A moment later.
The pipe-smoking man stood up again, his shriveled head once more tilting upward toward the sky.
Meanwhile.
Liu Di and the others remained silent.
About ten minutes later.
The surrounding "people" resumed moving freely, faint motor sounds audible from within their exoskeletons.
Perhaps because the "air quality was up to standard," the exoskeleton visors did not lower this time.
The people exposed their desiccated heads, yet "lived" like normal people.
But every one of their movements was a preprogrammed function of their exoskeletons.
"Mr. Leslie Dan, the central system reminds you that your morning meeting is at 10:20. Please do not be late. Your exoskeleton will accelerate your walking speed."
"Ms. Maggie, today is your scheduled skin maintenance appointment. The beautician will have an opening in twenty minutes and will receive you