Chapter 108: Chapter 0108: Bad News (Please Subscribe, Monthly Pass!)
Inner Circle, a high-end restaurant.
As the real core of the Green Tree Castle, the Inner Circle has the top resources in the Federation, with chefs from all around the world, some of whom were even once royal chefs.
Now, they all serve the Inner Circle.
Su Lu very much appreciates this, after all, itâs always better to enjoy a good meal than not.
His pursuit of enjoyment belongs to the kind of person that will not chase for better, but wonât refuse more comfortable experience if available.
This mentality made it difficult for him to take on occupations that require high moral integrity, such as [Martial Monk]!
A voice drifted over as Su Lu was enjoying a portion of Chris Palaceâs secret fried lamb chops.
âOh, itâs you, Siegfried!â
He looked up and saw a plump young man with a round face and a kind smile. This was also a member of the Inner Circle who had a fondness for gourmet food. Su Lu had casually chatted with him a couple of times and gradually became friends due to their common hobby.
Most of the formal members of the Inner Circle were Occupational Persons, but Su Lu had not inquired about their private affairs.
All he knew was that this Siegfried was a genius in the field of mechanics, who had been absorbed into the Inner Circle to specialize in research related to steam power and large-scale machinery, completely different from his own work with the telegraph.
However, Siegfried wasnât in his usual cheerful mood today. As soon as he sat down, his voice became low: âSomething big has happened in the Federation!â
He had been engrossed in intense training and exploring the Mental Realm, and had not really paid attention to the outside world: âWhat happened?â
Siegfried handed him a newspaper.
This wasnât some ordinary city paper or merchant paper, but an internal reference document from Green Tree Castle itself, with no attempts at censoring Transcendent information.
Su Lu took it and the first thing he saw was a city burning in the night, and it looked eerily familiar.
âShocking! Nia City suffers horrific attack on National Day!â
Seeing the headline, Su Lu almost spit out a mouthful of orange juice: âItâs Nia
City? Iâm sorry⌠Thatâs where I went to college, itâs like my second hometown!â
âI understand, I understand!â
Siegfried put down the dinner plate that was blocking his face: âIâve been there before, itâs a beautiful placeâŚâ
Seemingly uncertain of how to offer comfort, after uttering a sentence, he found himself at a loss for words.
Su Lu steadied his emotion and read on: âItâs reportedâŚthis was a premeditated, utterly terrifying Transcendent attack. The catastrophic impact caused almost half of Nia City to burn, and over a hundred thousand casualtiesâŚAccording to a follow-up investigation, a spokesperson from the Federal Eleventh Bureau said that this was most likely the work of Demon followers, and promised to intensify the fight against Demon cults.â
âSoâŚmy speculations were true.â
Su Lu put down the newspaper, murmuring to himself in his heart.
Although he had suspected this and received subconscious warnings, these could have been wrong too.
But now, there was no room for doubt any longer.
âThe Ancient Snake Society? And that Archbishop of the Goddess of Light? What are they planning by orchestrating such a catastrophe? Is it to demonstrate power to the Federation? Or perhaps a sacrifice to the Demons?â
âEven though I had warned Green Tree Castle, it seems to have had no effectâŚNo! Could it be that my warnings drew attention to this situation?
Hastening the villains to strike?â
Su Lu felt a chill as he pondered.
If he hadnât left in time and was still in Nia City, who knows what would have happened to him.
âAs for the House of DollsâŚWell, if itâs burned down, itâs burned down. Seems like Iâm not cut out for real estate investmentâŚâ
He silently commented to himself, then looked at Siegfried: âHey, buddyâŚDo you have any more inside information?â
Originally, he was just casually asking.
But to his surprise, a mysterious expression crossed Siegfriedâs face: âWellâŚthereâs something. I heard from my mentor during a conversation with the Sixth Seat that the event in Nia City was very similar to a certain sacrificial ritual, used for to âLeqendâ!â
Everyone in the Inner Circle of Green Tree Castle was a formidable figure, whether [Arcane] or [Mage], they were all known for their extensive learning. Besides, given their relationship with the Federation, knowing about some high-end intelligence was expected.
Su Lu took a long breath: âItâs faster than I imagined!â
The progress of the Dawn of the Gods was faster than he had imagined.
If the last appearance of a legend-level creature in Posey Port could be considered an exception, then the subsequent ritual for the advancement of the legend in Nia City would signify that the forthcoming Federation would be a stage for legendary giants!
âYou feel itâs too fast too, donât you?â
Siegfried ate his hamburger fiercely and spoke with his mouth full: âI am afraid the future world will be shrouded in war!â
âWhy do you say that?â Su Lu asked curiously, considering it from a Transcendent perspective.
âWar is nothing more than the redistribution process of resources and interestsâŚâ Siegfried gulped down the last bite of his hamburger: âWhether itâs the Twilight of the Gods or Dawn, it signifies the change in the power structure, which will lead to redistribution of interests⌠isnât it quite normal if an uneven split leads to clashes?â
Su Lu sighed; indeed, there isnât a single fool within the Inner Circle: âBut letâs not talk about other things yet. Just among the nations, the reason theyâve been able to coexist peacefully for the last hundred years is because of the presence of the worldâs fringe, a place like the Dark Continent that can be developedâŚBut with the arrival of the Dawn of the Gods, the Dark Continent has suddenly become ten or even a hundred times more dangerous. Holding on to a few colonies would be a tremendous feat, let alone any possible retreatâŚUnable to plunder resources from the outside, they will only turn to fight amongst themselves internally.â
âA very sharp observation, I think you can totally write a paper on it, wonât be worse off than some international observersâŚOf course, it can only be published internally! â
Siegfried drank all his milk in one gulp: âI need to go do some experiments now, Su LuâŚAre you sure you donât want to join our Steam Group?â
Even though they just casually chatted, Siegfried found that Su Lu, not only a genius on the telegraph, had a very unique perspective on steam power.
Su Lu declined with a bit of a toothache.
He was very clear about the unspoken rules. Even within the Inner Circle, there are factions.
He had been labeled by the Ninth Seat when he entered the Inner Circle through the electrical research institute; a few internal exchanges were okay.
But once he switches over to the Steam Group, even Professor William might start seeing him in a negative light. Switching factions could tantamount to sabotaging oneâs own prospects.
Unless he demonstrated astonishing talent, none of the former glory would matter in the end if the outcome was not good..