Chapter 970 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 970: Post-War Order No matter how you look at it, the loss of the research vessel is the Academy's problem, not the Alliance's. Even if this research vessel is incredibly important, as the leader of the Alliance, Chu Guang can't spend all his time overseeing what essentially falls under the criminal investigation team's duties. Aside from informing Chu Guang, the Academy didn't have the nerve to notify any third-party forces. Beyond just seeking out clues, they had to swallow their losses for now. In summary, although the Enlightenment Society stirred things up from behind the scenes, this little episode did not tarnish the great victory. On the third day of the Alliance's occupation of Avantril City, troops from Westland Province also arrived. Both armies met at the eastern outskirts of Avantril City and held a grand military parade in the city center. Soldiers in exoskeleton suits formed neat phalanxes, marching past the parliament building of Avantril City. To show respect for their southern allies, the Westland Alliance's governor, nicknamed "Armadillo," personally arrived on an iron airship at the front line to consult with the Alliance's commander, Vanoose, on rebuilding occupied zones and establishing postwar order. Though the former was a survivor from the Valley Province, he represented the Westland people’s alliance, while the latter, a Westlander, represented the Valley Province's alliance. From a superficial perspective, this contrast was somewhat amusing. However, if you set aside the humor, both shared a common stance on establishing a new post-war order— Namely, the burial of the old era's ghosts. Leading the survivors of the Batoya Province to a new epoch, sealing the tomb of the old epoch with the last brick! During the military parade. At the viewing platform in front of the parliament building, the war atmosphere team, all smiles, clapped and conversed with Vanoose standing beside them. "Tir is dead, and so is August. It's regrettable we didn't catch these two, but now what's more important is preventing new war criminals from arising." Watching as the expeditionary army's formation marched past, Vanoose nodded slightly while clapping. "The Alliance shares the same view. We do not endorse colonialism in Batoya Province and equally oppose repeating past mistakes. The Manager hopes that the local populace can establish their own order and actively integrate into the new epoch's order." The war atmosphere team smiled warmly. "It looks like we're aligned on the fundamental issues. We intend to assist the survivors of Atolla Province in establishing their constitution, just as the survivors of Westland Province have." Vanoose likely had the Manager's approval, and realizing that, the team felt assured that "Agwang" from Dawn City was still the same person they knew. Whilst the war atmosphere team tested Vanoose, he too was testing them. Yet, Vanoose had no clue that the "Armadillo" before him was, in fact, a resident of Vault 404. Seeing that this individual indeed considered the Westlander’s interests, his mind was put at ease. "Let's discuss some practical matters next. Approximately 2 million survivors are stranded in the southern part of Westland Province?" The war atmosphere team shook his head. "Two million? You're underestimating Tir. We've estimated the number to be ten million, with eight million being Westlanders." Vanoose looked at "Armadillo" in bewilderment, disbelief written all over his face. "Ten million?! But... across the Vortex Sea, how did they flood in so quickly?!" Commanding at the front lines, though he had heard of Tir inciting the survivors of Batoya Province to head north, he remained unaware of what exactly transpired over the Vortex Sea. Knowing this guy wasn't much of a forum-goer, the war atmosphere team explained succinctly. "Through various means, even reckless ones, like using bathtubs as boats. Many perished along the way. I shouldn't say it's fortunate, but at least they've faced the consequences of their choices. I doubt they'll choose the same path again." The southern army survivors fed a monster with their own blood and flesh. And this monster savagely bit off an arm. This lesson had been sufficiently profound. After a moment of silence, Vanoose spoke. "We hope they can return to Batoya Province and clean up the mess there. Of course... it's ultimately their decision, and we won't force them to stay or leave." The war atmosphere team nodded with a smile. "No problem, although Westland Province welcomes compatriots to our shores in Triumph City, we simply don't have enough accommodation for everyone. The coastal quarantine zones are unsuitable for long-term habitation... Besides, now that Tir is dead, they should be willing to return and rebuild their homeland." Pausing for a moment, he continued after some thought. "How about adding ten flights daily over the Vortex Sea? That way, a hundred thousand people a day, and in about three months, it should be enough." Vanoose shook his head. "Let's do thirty thousand a day, and extend the timeline to a year... Our logistical capabilities have limits too. Once the container port west of Avantril City is built, it might be better." Currently, the Alliance can spare so many resources for the locals primarily because there aren't many residents in Avantril City. The logistics network of railroads and highways can support material supplies. As survivors gradually return home, local logistics resources will undoubtedly tighten; even if supplies are available, they won't be immediately deliverable. The war atmosphere team nodded in understanding. "Understood, let's add five flights for now, and we can adjust as needed... Also, regarding the stationed troops, we want to know your plans." After thinking for a moment, Vanoose responded. "We plan to station ten divisions including three from the enterprise, five from the local Westlander expeditionary forces, and two from Port Jingarun in Batoya Province... and reduce stationed forces to two divisions within ten years based on the situation." "The Manager believes that the new administration needs to fully represent local opinions. Of course, if you're concerned about the safety of compatriots, you can keep two overseer teams here to supervise local work." The timeline for troop withdrawal will largely depend on the region's social development progress. Nonetheless, Vanoose remained optimistic about his southern compatriots, even more so than those of the Westland Province. At a strategic level, without getting bogged down in tactical details. The East Empire's modernization hurdles aren't due to Salen's lack of intelligence or foresight. Rather, it stems from the vast lands controlled by large old military aristocratic clans, and the land along with its resources are the East Empire's economic backbone. Vanoose, also from a military aristocratic heritage, understands well the immense power clung to by hereditary honors and land. Despite everything, Salen managed to use "expansionist strategies" to outmaneuver the "expansionists," accepting the southern army's full interests in the East without lifting a sword - proof enough that Salen’s strategies were not mere sheen on golden armor. He realized that what the East Empire needed were the new classes that would emerge prosperous through industrialization, be they factory owners or workers. When their power grows large enough to balance out the military aristocracy within the East Empire, the empire will naturally progress to the next stage of societal development. As for Berollo, the situation was much the same. Their constitutional failure wasn’t due to Abusik's lack of intelligence, Rasi's lack of ruthlessness, or Zaid’s lack of scruples. It was because the "dock worker commanders" and "slave officer" factions, representing "citizen classes" and "officer classes" in Berollo, were too niche, with dominion over only a meager portion of Jingarun Port, while most Berolloans were serfs or serfs in spirit. Killing the emperor-wannabe Yanush would only pave the way for Zaid, the patriarch wannabe, who would likely be more difficult to deal with and even lesser to notice. Some in Berrial Province were wise enough to see it, like Nyan. You can't change a society by just penning a few textbooks; one must dig into the grassroots, rewriting the very codes at the base to alter living behaviors and perhaps even the language of everyone in that land. If Berrial Province's population only made up 1% of the wasteland, changing them wouldn't be so hard. But in reality, they may surpass all the wasteland's survivors combined. Should the Alliance spend recklessly to achieve this, the more likely outcome is the Alliance itself being assimilated. As one of Chu Guang's long-standing lieutenants, Vanoose believed this is perhaps the real reason why the prudent leader chose to "allow" them the opportunity. While other Westlanders were more indignant about the Bora people's attitude towards their heroes, Vanoose himself wasn’t fond of using the "great man theory" to interpret objective issues. Even though, in the end, the Bora people's lack of respect for history and heroes certainly brought them retribution. Whether they realized it or not. On the other hand, the survivors of Batoya Province were considerably luckier. There wasn't as much vast land as the East Empire, nor were there as many landlords, and most military aristocrats had perished. Young officers, who had not tasted the sweetness of war and had only experienced its bitterness, would likely not spawn another Tir as long as they weren't pushed too far. As for the young soldiers, they scarcely counted as part of the soldier class—more like citizens forcibly thrust into militias with guns. Oddly enough, Tir, in his madness, precipitated his own downfall and inadvertently accelerated the social progression of the southern army. On this land, old powers had died out, the citizen class was exceedingly strong, and most had received basic education. They walked amidst vast factory ruins, railways, roads, and other infrastructures waiting for reconstruction. Moreover, Westlanders were natural artists and architects. With these foundations in place, it would be difficult for them not to become the next economic miracle on the wasteland—a second South Sea Alliance. Only even larger. The war atmosphere team clearly shared this line of thought, their faces lit up with a joyful smile. "Since you've proposed it, we shall humbly accept. We'll station two ten-thousand-man teams to ensure the Westlanders and Batoya Province’s natives receive fair and legal treatment." A joyful smile broke across Vanoose's face as well. The military parade was almost at its end. Pausing for a moment, in a casual tone, Vanoose brought up one last topic, both important and trivial. "One last thing regarding the nomenclature of the southern army— the Alliance wishes for ‘Legion’ to become a historical term." The war atmosphere team casually suggested, "How about Southern Alliance?" Vanoose was taken aback, caught between laughter and tears, he replied, "The term ‘Southern’ is too broad... how about Batoya Alliance?” After all, there was already a South Sea Alliance on this planet. Moreover, the territorial jurisdiction of the 2.7 million square kilometer colony was an issue that must be considered. The Alliance hoped for a new administration on that land, rather than allowing the nascent Batoya Province to inherit old settlements like the Ravenka Industrial Zone and Evernight Port. Otherwise, it would just be repeating history. The war atmosphere team brightened up, giving a thumbs-up in approval. "Batoya Alliance... That's a good name. Let's use it for now, then." Slightly embarrassed by the praise, Vanoose smiled modestly and said, "Just a placeholder name." "Once a new order is established locally, if the survivors here have a better idea, we can always change it." --- There were celebratory headlines across various regional tabloids announcing the victory: **Survivor Daily—Dawn City Edition:** - "Great news! Victory in war! The Alliance flag flies proudly over Avantril City! A joint military parade takes place in the city's center! - Top war criminal Tir is dead, with no body left to bury. Secondary war criminal August committed suicide in guilt! The high-ranking members of the southern army have been arrested and will face trials in Triumph City, Dawn City, Port Jingarun, and Ideal City." **Survivor Daily—South Sea Alliance Edition:** - "Batoya Alliance Established! The Southern Army is history! Let's congratulate the survivors of Batoya Province and welcome the friends from the southern coast of the Vortex Sea to the new family! - The Governor of Westland and the Alliance's expeditionary force commander have agreed on the reconstruction of Avantril City, with plans to build a container port on the city's west side. - Due to surging local engineering equipment demands, Northern Island Heavy Industries signs a massive 500 million silver coin contract with local companies!" **Survivor Daily—Heaven City Edition:** - "Heaven City congratulates Batoya Province! Patriarch Zaid welcomes Westlanders to turn over a new leaf and claims Bora and Westlands are one family, with the southern army as the real enemy of Bora, a foe to be eradicated. - A great victory has arrived; let us thank the patriarch for his strategic deployments! Currently, regions in the northern three states are chaotic, and Mammoth Nation's reactionary steps have drawn public ire. 'Iron General God' Grove leads an 800,000-strong army northward, eyeing the Tasang River to sweep clear remnants of the old era. - Additionally, there's a surge in cockroach numbers in Heaven City. Chairman Sava urgently calls family members to rally against the infestation! We urge everyone to maintain vigilance and ensure not a single cockroach egg remains in households! - Together, we can transform our communal home into a paradise!" **Survivor Daily—New Westland Port Edition:** - "With overblown news across the wasteland, a nameless raider remarks it's unseemly to demand ransom and then kill the victim! - Corporate wars in Freedom Union intensify, with rumors of Alliance 'volunteers' joining the fray? - The Bugler currency collapses—again—while stocks in continuously loss-streaking Flint Group become the most stable currency in Freedom Union? - With massive layoffs and a reversion of workers to wanderers of the wasteland, New Westland Port might see a surge in prosperity and stability! - Saren suddenly coughs during this morning's meeting, sternly reminding Alliance members to stay vigilant. - General Micron refuses to comment on whether he truly governs the Special Zone but refrains from outright rejecting a commentary position for this paper. - Additionally, congratulations to Batoya Province's compatriots for finally ridding themselves of the foolish Tir. We sincerely recommend our wise, savvy, and prescient Saren. - Compared to other wasteland regions, New Westland Port is truly a paradise!" **Gremlin Observer:** - "Wastelanders’ banter runs wild, while Blue Groundhog remains speechless. - Dawn City residents are unfazed by Saren's subtle renowned antics and are more curious about when the Manager will have children. - Former Balor leader establishing Abu Aerospace, allegedly securing a billion silver coin investment! South Sea Alliance President, Li Minghui, again submits his resignation, purportedly delayed by the Council as they consider extending wartime laws to wage war on Gaia 5 light-years away? - The Balor Province battle royale enters the next round, with current leader Shaluk reportedly starved to death in prison—a harrowing end turning leadership into a high-risk occupation? 'Hot-blooded Prince' Sava, after declaring war on rats, now allegedly eyes cockroaches, possibly igniting a conflict with Gremlin Tech? - As haphazard news multiplies, a customer requests normal reportage… Our editorial suggests you can't expect a chef to be a refrigeration expert; our boss isn't exactly normal as is—seek the Dawn City edition for serious journalism. - Lastly, let's focus on the Avantril City 'Halloween,' and chaos sparked by ‘Debtor Santa’ flinging chocolates has birthed ‘Garbageman’ as a friendly moniker among Avantril survivors. - And Charles the Mosquito is definitely not to blame—stop blaming mosquitoes at every turn, even if you’ve correctly guessed behind-the-scenes players; it’s utterly unethical!" --- On the "Wasteland OL" Official Website: The forums were busier than ever. On one hand, furious cloud-gamers discovered the Wasteland's epoch was nearing its end, yet their helmets hadn’t been shipped. On the other hand, the long-enduring war had finally been won! **Game Update Notices:** - "The 'Southern Barbarian Invasion' expansion has ended! Thanks to all for your enthusiastic participation! Expansion rewards and titles have been distributed." - "The expansion point lottery system is now active. Players, please check your mailboxes to claim! And make sure to use up any remaining points to avoid them expiring!" - "Additionally, players not in Dawn City can collect expansion rewards remotely. The Alliance's post service offers paid delivery (within communication coverage areas only)." **Forum Reactions:** Thunder Sorcerer Professor Yang: "Watching the Alliance grow from a small regional power into the world's 'third pole,' and I still don't have a helmet! Truly frustrating!" Arrogant Elder: "Heh, do you think I believe that?" Thunder Sorcerer Professor Yang: "Whether you believe it or not doesn’t matter, even the top searches can't suppress the news now... Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if Agwang might be an alien. (Gazes skyward)" **Tyrannosaurus Warrior:** "Hey, devs, quick question. If I win a nuke in the draw, can I have it mailed over? Also, if I address it to Vault 404, would that be enough to reboot the server? Just asking politely. (0.0)" **Old White:** "Haha, polite kid you've got there, but not the sharpest tool in the shed. (Grin)" **Elf King Fugui:** "Aguang: Why don't you try winning it first!" **Irena:** "Aguang: Whose helmet is feeling itchy? Let me scratch it for ya. (Joking)" **Night Ten:** "Nope, dude doesn't even have a helmet to begin with; it's you guys being presumptuous. (Joking)" **Silver Dad:** "But seriously, Brother Proud, you should be old enough now, right? The server's been running for quite a while." **Silver Sword:** "Theoretically, yes. But whether it's wise to let an unruly kid in is another matter." **Tarantula Raider:** "Ah... a fresh server start sounds tempting. If we restart, maybe I can be a T0 class. (Smirk)" **Escaped Mole from the Canyon:** "Forget it, if Fang's sneaky brain restarts from launch day with memories intact, he could build a snowball to the moon, believe it or not. Unless everyone's minds get wiped as well." **Fang:** "Tsk, do I come off as that selfish? Reorganize your words with some honesty—when have I not included you all in the good stuff? (Side-eye)" **Escaped Mole from the Canyon:** "(Guilty.jpg)" **Spring Commander:** "Haha, Mole, not cool, man. I'll vouch for it; the Bull and Horse Group is decent, never screwing their own people over. (Side-eye smile)" **I'm the Blackest:** "Damn! Just got another consolation prize! Spring Commander, be honest, did you swipe the grand prize again?! (Angry)" **Spring Commander:** "Cough, buddy, leaving the grand prize aside... even if I got lucky, you can't blame me for your bad streak. (Sweating)" **I'm the Blackest:** "@#$%#!" **War Atmosphere Team:** "Seems like ‘I'm the Blackest’ is triggered by the lucky folks again. Honestly, it's gotta be that ID's fault, can't blame anyone else. (Grin)" **Martial Law:** "Whoa! Armadillo's here!" **Tail:** "Oh oh oh! The esteemed Governor of Westland Alliance! (ω)" **War Atmosphere Team:** "Guys, stop it, you're making me blush. (Sweating)" **Night Ten:** "Haha! How come you’re shy? (Joking)" **Spring Commander:** "How was the parade? Damn, you’re living the life! By the way, did you see those expansion rewards? What’d you pull? (Smirk)" **War Atmosphere Team:** "Just some random odds and ends. The most valuable was a purple-tagged bionic limb, though... not really useful, most expansion rewards just gather dust in my warehouse." **I'm the Blackest:** "Don't want it? Give it to me!! (Angry)" **War Atmosphere Team:** "Not realistic, but if you’re looking to buy, I could consider it. (Grin)" **I'm the Blackest:** "@#$#!" (Thanks to "執孑徔掱" for the generous tip as the Alliance Lord!!!) To be continued...