Chapter 345.2: Mayor of Dawn City

However, verbal agreements were not binding. Both sides would still need to sign specific agreements later.

As for the signing location, Dulong requested it to be at Boulder Town's City Hall and invited Luca over.

Regarding the signing location, Luca, under the guidance of the administrator, didn't insist much and readily agreed to his request.

Apart from airspace and trade issues, both sides also discussed cooperation in multiple areas and reached a consensus.

After the communication ended, Luca reached out and turned off the holographic computer. As if lifting a heavy weight off his shoulders, he sat back on the sofa, letting out a long breath of relief.

"Well done!"

Hearing the commendation from outside the browsing room door, Luca immediately stood up from the sofa, placing his right fist respectfully on his left chest. "Administrator."

"No need for formalities, please sit." Signalling Luca to sit down, Chu Guang sat on the opposite sofa and watched him contentedly.

To be honest, when he rescued Luca initially, he hadn't really thought much about it. It was purely an act of incidental kindness. Besides, he needed an obedient person to help manage the warehouse and to gather information he wasn't aware of. So, he bribed the executioner guarding the farm with a chip.

At that time, Chu Guang didn't expect much from him. Most likely, the greatest achievement in his life was managing the warehouse at the New Alliance's outpost, similar to Guo Bull, Guo Horse, and other liberated slaves who joined the New Alliance early on.

However, Luca's performance at work exceeded Chu Guang's expectations. Not only was he loyal, but his precise understanding of orders and diligent nature far surpassed Chu Guang's initial expectations.

Though being a former slave, he lacked a bit of flexibility, which was a minor flaw compared to other wastelanders; it wasn't a significant issue.

In hindsight, that chip had proven to be incredibly worthwhile.

𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"I'll need you to make a trip to Boulder Town later on." Chu Guang nodded.

"Not a problem, serving you is my honor," Luca replied respectfully.

Chu Guang smiled. After a pause, he restrained his playful expression and continued in a serious tone. "Furthermore, once you return from Boulder Town with the symbolic agreement of friendship, you'll officially be the Mayor of Dawn City."

Hearing this statement, Luca was taken aback.

The Mayor of Dawn City? Wasn't that just a title used during negotiations?

In a nervous tone, Luca spoke, "Sir, but I..."

Understanding what he wanted to say, Chu Guang interrupted him. "Alright, I've already decided on this matter. I've seen your capabilities. No one is more suitable for this position than you."

Initially, Luca was the one who was managing Longevity Town's affairs. As for his background, Chu Guang didn't consider it an issue. Instead, it could become a symbol of promotion. In the New Alliance, equality was not just a slogan. As long as one proved their ability and loyalty to the New Alliance, even those of humble origin could become mayors of settlements.

Yes, that’s a great idea!

Chu Guang was becoming increasingly satisfied with his arrangements. Later on, he planned to draft an inspiring piece to be broadcasted on the Alliance’s radio.

Although there were some concerns about whether he was capable of handling this significant responsibility, upon witnessing the administrator’s unwavering decision to choose him, Luca didn't say anything else. He simply concealed his gratitude silently.

Taking a moment to steady his breath, he earnestly asked the administrator, "Sir... there's something I don't quite understand. May I please clarify?"

"What is it?"

"Boulder Town... Why are they so fixated on Clearspring City's airspace?" Luca's eyes showed a hint of confusion. "They clearly didn't take our aircraft seriously at all."

That inherent disregard was hard to conceal. Dulong even used the term ‘paper airplanes’ to describe the Alliance's aircraft. Despite feeling infuriated, Luca had to admit that the man’s arrogance wasn't groundless.

The aircraft of Boulder Town might not be worth much in front of the Enterprise, but they were still relics of the pre-war era. Any discerning eye could tell that those futuristic aircraft were not on the same level as the New Alliance's small planes.

"You're thinking in the right direction." Seeing that Luca could actually think of this matter to such an extent, Chu Guang nodded approvingly. "The reason is actually simple. Because, as you rightly said, what they truly care about isn't the airspace."

Luca was taken aback. He didn't quite understand the meaning behind the statement.

Chu Guang didn't immediately explain but gently pressed on the holographic computer pen.

The city map of Clearspring City was projected in a pale blue light cone. At the edge of the third ring, several intermittent green dots flickered.

"It's because the center of Clearspring City is their real core of interest."

"Mutated Slime Molds, the Evolved Types, ancient battlefields, and the remnants of pre-war era equipment... A fragment cannot restore the entire puzzle, but countless fragments piled together can always reconstruct something useful."

A trace of surprise appeared on Luca's face. "In that case, isn't the Tide...?"

Chu Guang nodded. "For them, it might not be a disaster entirely."

"Our researchers have been studying the Evolved Types that spread to the northern suburbs in the last Tide, both biologically and from an engineering perspective. But we started too late. Despite having excellent researchers, we're still far behind in progress."

Watching Luca's realization, Chu Guang slowly continued, "Just as you said, they simply don't care about our aircraft because we won’t be able to cause trouble for them with our planes. Their real objective is probably to restrict our access to their treasures."

...

Meanwhile, back in the City Hall of Boulder Town’s outer city...

Dulong hung up the phone and let out a sigh of relief.

At the same time, a smug smile spread across his face.

The New Alliance's aircraft wouldn't enter their core interest zone again. The esteemed Mayor would certainly be pleased with this outcome.

The LD series weapons would remain restricted from import, but trade between both sides wouldn't be affected, so the Arms Industry wouldn't nitpick him either.

As for areas outside the arms industry?

What did it have to do with him?

Moreover, trade itself was beneficial for both parties. Boulder Town could buy cheaper consumer goods and industrial raw materials, which wasn't a bad thing.

In Dulong's view, he had simply offered a bit of honey in exchange for an outcome that made everyone happy.

Thinking about it, he couldn't help but praise himself inwardly.

I’m truly a genius!

In the past, Boulder Town had no decent adversaries in the southern part of River Valley Province. The Great Rift Valley in the north was too far away, and they both looked down on each other. As a result, he spent his days in the city hall office, either stamping or dozing off; hardly anyone took him seriously.

Now, someone could finally complement his intelligence and wit!

At this moment, a voice beside him interrupted his thoughts. "Sir."

"What's the matter?" Seeing his deputy, Jaeger, Dulong who was in a good mood spoke pleasantly.

"I don't understand, why bother talking so much with a group of scavengers?" Jaeger’s face bore a trace of displeasure. "Their population isn't even close to that of our slums."

Outside the city, there were tons of people who were eager to enter the city. Even the leftovers flowing out from the city could sustain tens of thousands. The negotiation itself with them made him feel uncomfortable.

Dulong knew what was on Jaeger's mind and had already prepared how to answer this question. "Their strength isn't on par with ours, but far from as feeble as we might have imagined. Do you recall the look in that person's eyes just now?"

Jaeger chuckled in disdain, "Can a gaze kill?"

Dulong spoke in a gentle tone. "No, but making them yield isn't an easy task. Isn't it better to resolve issues through negotiation? If we really fight, it'll be us who will become cannon fodder."

"Moreover, the Mayor’s demand was to keep their aircraft away from the fourth ring of Clearspring City. We've not only completed the mission but exceeded it."

Patting his deputy's shoulder, he continued excitedly, "Be a little happier, don't wear that grim expression."

...

At the edge of the third ring...

The slanting sunset cast elongated shadows of the Elevated Highway.

As night approached, the mutants roaming around this area grew increasingly agitated and aggressive.

In a street-side shop not far from the elevated highway, Sideline Slacking crouching behind the display window carefully surveyed the streets outside with an assault rifle in hand.

Apart from him, there were nine teammates hiding nearby.

The scattered mutant corpses on the street and numerous bullet holes on the walls spoke of the intense battles that occurred earlier.

4 hours ago, he and his team received a mission. They were to walk to the edge of the southern third ring of Clearspring City and provide support to the Bull and Horse Squad evacuating from the new map.

After a fierce firefight, they successfully cleared out the mutants on this street. However, dusk was approaching, and more mutants were starting to emerge from nearby buildings. It was hard to say how long the calm would last.

Holding the machine gun, Construction Boy muttered, "They’re still alive, right?"

Just as Sideline Slacking heard these words, Kakarot glared at him. "Don't jinx it!"

Eye Owe Money signaled the Sideline nearby. "How much longer?"

Just when Sideline Slacking was about to respond, there was suddenly a commotion at the intersection.

Nervously, everyone aimed their weapons towards the disturbance.

Just then, a familiar voice echoed. "It's me, hold your fire."

Seeing the person appearing at the intersection, Sideline Slacking was momentarily surprised, his face displaying an expression of disbelief.

"What the heck?! Old White, what happened to you?"

At this moment, Old White's appearance could only be described as utterly miserable.

In his left hand, he carried something wrapped in a parachute, while his right hand gripped a blood-stained rifle. Not only was his protective suit nowhere to be seen, but his body was also covered in mud. The bulletproof vest on his chest even had a nearly burned-through hole.

He looked as if he had just escaped from hell.

Facing the group's surprised gazes, Old White chuckled bitterly, "... Well, we ran into a bit of trouble."

This is way more than just a bit!

Everyone exchanged bewildered looks.

Never mind Quit Smoking. Old White and Ample Time were already considered the strongest players in the entire server.

What kind of trouble was this that even these formidable folks found challenging?

Eye Owe Money swallowed hard. "... What about the others?"

Old White remained silent.

At this moment, Ample Time's voice came from behind him. "They’re dead."

Wearing a heavy expression on his face, Ample Time looked almost as battered as Old White, with a worn-out appearance. His rifle seemed lost, and he was holding a mechanical arm wrapped with VM. The bloody interface still had half a shoulder hanging from it, a sight that was truly shocking and disturbing.

Sideline Slacking recognized the mechanical arm.

It seemed to be Gale's arm...

"Regardless, the mission has been accomplished."

Dropping the bloodied package on the ground, Old White wiped away some mud and sweat from his forehead with his arm. "This thing... Can you guys help me carry it? I'm out of strength."

"What is this?" Construction Boy approached, curiously uncovering the bundle. Inside were strange and ancient parts along with dark red fungal blocks. Many of them had tentacles protruding, slowly wriggling, resembling fresh-cut meat.

"Remnants of the Evolved Types, who knows what it is?" Seated on the hood of an old car, Ample Time cautioned the Construction Boy fiddling with the fungal blocks.

"You better not touch those things with your hands... Quit Smoking died because he tried playing with it."