Time Capsule

How should I put it?

If we consider "Moerae's Elimination Method" as a lottery, then drawing a prize from countless human cities...

Just how difficult is this?

First of all, the number of cities in the world is actually far less than people imagine... probably only a little over ten thousand.

It's around 13,000.

However, because many small countries or enclaves have cities that are quite close together, a single "exploration" can identify several cities.

To simplify calculations, we can reduce the value to an integer.

There are a total of 10,000 cities in the "card pool".

Judging from the Angel's reaction, the only one who could elicit a "found" from the Angel was Wind City.

Although I don't know exactly why I felt like I had "found it," or why the Angel discovered the clues.

In those six days, including today, Moerae sent out a total of 24 Angel invasions...

The chance of discovering Wind City is approximately 0.24%.

With such a low probability, how could...

"..."

"The probability... is it really that high?"

Cong Yu couldn't help but say, having played many gacha games, he suddenly realized that this number wasn't actually that low.

Moreover, as the number of draws increases, this probability will actually gradually increase because some cities will be excluded in the process.

"This is bad... tsk--"

Cong Yu clicked her tongue in annoyance, watching the scenery flashing past the Jormungandr Train window.

However, he was no longer in the mood to appreciate it at that moment.

I don't know Wind City has been destroyed by the Angel, or if Yaochuan Guang and the others are injured... No, there's no need to worry about that.

Cong Yu realized that she might have been too concerned and made a mistake.

Based on the information provided by Yaochuan Guang, it seems that the Angel did not engage in any combat or common-sense attacks.

Upon "observing" Wind City and realizing something was amiss, they immediately took the action of "turning around and running away."

Why? Why run?

Where are we going?

"..." But in any case, one thing is beyond doubt—whatever the enemy wants to do, we must do everything we can to stop them.

Especially those intentions that are incomprehensible.

Just as the France might not fully understand why the Germany wanted Verdun...

If the Angel flee, then we must pursue them.

However, if possible, I still hope that Yaochuan Guang and the others are safe and sound, even if they didn't manage to stop the Angel...

Don't let anything happen... that's the most important thing.

At least that's what Cong Yu thought.

--

"Still on the run... Where are they trying to escape to?"

Yaochuan Guang couldn't help but ask this question, and quickly followed the lead of a group of obvious Little Sprite, chasing after Lantian Zhu and Xiao Cui.

Because the Angel fled so quickly, they could no longer see Angel; they could only see the Little Sprite.

Like Little Sprite that seemed to be everywhere, they all watched the Angel's movements, and then one by one they stopped in place, forming a path.

It acted like a guide worm, directing the three of them.

Hearing Yaochuan Guang's words, Xiao Little Sprite Xiao Cui, didn't have a chance to reply.

Lantian Zhu quickly noticed something amiss...

"Judging from the direction, it's heading towards northern China."

As he said this, Lantian Zhu roughly analyzed the direction and changed his tune. "No, it might be Mongolia or a region controlled by monsters."

Upon receiving this news, Yaochuan Guang quickened his pace and asked, "Are you sure?"

In response to Yaochuan Guang's question, Xiao Cui, who had been keeping her eyes closed, quickly opened them. "It's China! That Angel has slowed down on the grasslands of China... and started attacking the Little Sprite!"

Did China originally have grasslands?

Yaochuan Guang showed an innocent expression, but still immediately sent a message to Cong Yu, reminding him of the Angel's current location.

"Phew... Should we still chase after them?"

Lantian Zhu, panting, sought the two's opinion. "Or should we just notify the Xian Kui of China and be done with it?"

Honestly, flying that fast in such a short time, from Japan to China's airspace so quickly... Lantian Zhu is almost done for.

It wasn't that I was physically tired, but rather that my magic power was being depleted.

Lantian Zhu's magical reserves, compared to ordinary magical girls, aren't actually that outstanding... how should I put it?

While it wasn't exactly a financial crisis, it certainly wasn't much more—even less than Xiao Cui's.

Not to mention comparing him to Yaochuan Guang.

"Oh, right, I also need to inform Xian Kui... Little Lan, hang in there a little longer, there won't be any more magic consumption during the battle."

Yaochuan Guang, who had a friend of Xian Kui, said this, and then immediately started typing away on his phone to share the information with Xian Kui.

Lantian Zhu was stunned for a moment...

Lantian Zhu, still expressionless, pondered briefly before having to admit that Little Guang was right.

Although the idea that "there is no magic consumption during combat" sounds ridiculous... it is indeed the truth.

Because the [Source Severance - Radiance] spell is indeed a "zero-cost" spell that does not consume one's own magic power.

Before Yaochuan Guang could receive a response from Xian Kui, a voice appeared beside the three of them—

"Phew... did I make it?"

Cong Yu's voice came from behind, Yaochuan Guang and the others quickly turned their heads and saw Cong Yu's head sticking out from where there was nothing.

Then, the Jormungandr Train appeared from the cracks in the world, transforming into a giant Giant Serpent. Cong Yu grabbed the upper jaw of the Giant Serpent's snout and flipped over to sit on the Giant Serpent's neck.

Cong Yu looked relieved.

This shows that Cong Yu really cares about the three kids. He looked around and asked, "Where's Hong? Didn't she come to help you?"

While asking this question, Cong Yu lifted Lantian Zhu, whose heart and lungs had stopped due to the Giant Serpent, and scooped the three of them onto the snake's neck.

"Teacher Hong went to see the Piano Soul's performance."

Yaochuan Guang said this with a hint of regret, "We originally wanted to go too... but we found Angel on the way."

As he spoke, Yaochuan Guang concealed the regret on his face and looked down to see if Xian Kui had sent any messages.

Based on the Xian Kui's confirmation, we need to determine as soon as possible exactly where the Angel's target is...

Xiao Cui could see and was guided, but because Xiao Cui wasn't China, she couldn't clearly explain what the place name was.

[Xian Kui: Thank you. We have confirmed their location. I'm heading towards Inner Mongolia. Thank you for your help.]

[Xian Kui: Have you informed Cong Yu?]

Regarding Xian Kui's words, Yaochuan Guang showed his phone to Cong Yu, exchanging information. Then, sitting on the Jormungandr Train, he typed away despite the wind pressure.

[Yaochuan Guang: We've reunited now. What's the name of that grassland? The one the Angel went to?]

In response to Yaochuan Guang's question, Xian Kui quickly gave a reply.

[Xian Kui: Tongliao City]

Chapter 771 Time Capsule

If the entire Earth were unified, where would the capital most likely be built?

To consider this issue, we must first consider many factors... There are three approaches based on different perspectives.

Options are available.

The first type is a place with convenient transportation, adjacent to the ocean, capable of accommodating one or two hundred million people without feeling crowded.

This place could become the absolute economic center of the Earth.

The second option is to choose a location that is relatively central within a circle, offering the best climate and environment, and can radiate influence to the most economic centers and megacities.

This option prioritizes an excellent climate and natural environment, with economic convenience as a secondary consideration.

The third option is to choose a region with great development potential but which is not yet fully developed, so that the establishment of the new capital can drive immigration and economic development.

Just as the Age of Discovery gave rise to modern New World nations like the Americas, Australia, South Africa.

From Cong Yu's perspective, or rather... from his own future experiences, the answer goes beyond the question itself.

Just like in the "Trolley Problem," the choice is not to save multiple people or just one person, but to save "everyone."

The answer is "no" capital city.

Q: Where might the capital be located?

Answer: There is no capital city.

This seems somewhat far-fetched and unorthodox.

But upon closer reflection, it seems quite reasonable, especially considering that even from the perspective of the present (or past)...

Not every country has a capital city.

Different cultures, different economies, different customs—what can be accommodated will be accommodated, and what needs time to integrate will naturally separate.

Seek common ground while reserving differences.

This principle should have been recognized by everyone since the era when "heretical trials" were not common.

It's less of a capital city and more of a collection of economic entities, economic zones, and mega-corporations under Federation.

Within this trend of "Federation overall development," some smaller places are also gradually forming systems and gaining momentum.

For example, Tongliao.

Cities and regions with deeply rooted cultural symbols and barriers cannot develop abruptly.

Tongliao's local culture, while not exactly rich and colorful, or particularly known for its singing and dancing, is certainly lacking in substantial works.

Areas prone to natural disasters are also unsuitable. Although the solutions weren't difficult to implement at the time, the cost of implementing them ultimately matters.

Tongliao is a region almost free from natural disasters; it has never experienced earthquakes, snowstorms, typhoons, or floods.

Areas that already have urban areas with "first ring," "second ring," and "third ring" are naturally unsuitable, as it is difficult to develop and plan on that basis.

The area surrounding Tongliao consists of grasslands and endless farmland.

Then there's transportation and resource delivery...

Tongliao boasts numerous coal mines and is served by six railway lines. It is also surrounded by major grain-producing regions and super-economic cities.

Finally...

Tongliao has a very beautiful shape, giving it a sense of returning to primitive beliefs and the existence of the most basic worship. I suggest searching for pictures to see it (laughs).

Therefore, Tongliao will undoubtedly become a remarkable city in the future.

John Group was the first to notice this place and set up operations there... just as Arasaka was to Night City.

Cong Yu visited this place during her "wandering" trip.

Cong Yu, born in Whitty City, is like other Whitty people: she never leaves her room, whether for studying or working.

The only contact with the outside world is the machines that manage the guest rooms of the Whitty Tower and the drones that deliver goods from outside the windows.

In addition, there's "roaming".

Infiltrating into the virtual world and engaging in basic social interactions for travel... Infiltration technology is Whitty Technologies's main research and development business.