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The path leading to the Underworld was known as the furnace core.
Apart from a pipeline used for automated cargo transport, there were spiral stone stairs descending downwards. The journey was incredibly lengthy, almost akin to trekking down a mountain. After several hours of walking, they finally reached their destination.
As March 7th trudged along, she grumbled, "With such advanced technology, why not build an elevator...?"
"It was initially ordered by the Architects," Bronya explained. "Supposedly, it aimed to enhance efficiency and conserve resources. Building an elevator would limit the number of people transported each time and require even more..."
At one end of the furnace core stood the Silvermane Guards, while at the other, robots were stationed.
One could say they led separate lives with minimal interaction.
However, today...
A change occurred.
As Bronya led the contingent of Silvermane Guards and the Trailblazer squad to the robot encampment, their arrival caused immediate commotion. The robots were astounded, unable to believe that more Silvermane Guards had descended.
After intercepting the visitors from the Overworld, they promptly notified their leader—Svarog.
Standing over two meters tall, this massive robot boasted a single red eye. Its blue mechanical exterior exuded an antiquated feel, suggesting it was quite old.
"Only Svarog... Did Clara not come along?" Bochang muttered to himself upon seeing who appeared.
Bronya personally engaged in negotiations with Svarog.
To everyone's surprise, the talks progressed much smoother than anticipated.
When Bronya mentioned that Stellaron had been dealt with, based on the unusual phenomena observed in yesterday's rift within the Underworld, Svarog deduced there was a high likelihood her claim was true.
With the crisis in the Underworld resolved,
With no further need to maintain the blockade, Svarog graciously opened the path.
Bochang and his team arrived safely in the Underworld, their first stop being the Robot Settlement, which also served as the gateway to the furnace core.
"Despite being underground, we can still see snow. How peculiar..." March 7th marveled aloud while treading on the snowy ground.
Due to the presence of numerous robots requiring minimal heating, the temperature dropped significantly, allowing snowflakes to form here. Snow was not visible elsewhere in the underground areas, primarily because someone diligently swept it away.
In contrast, at the Robot Settlement, nobody bothered to clear the blanket of snow covering the ground.
As they walked through the settlement, the group observed many robots moving methodically, each engaged in their assigned tasks.
Bochang, while walking, searched for any sign of Clara.
Unfortunately...
Even after leaving the Robot Settlement, Bochang had not spotted Clara, unsure where she might be playing.
Upon opening the gate, they found the area outside the Robot Settlement bustling with activity. People gathered in small groups, chatting and playing together.
As soon as these individuals spotted the emerging Silvermane Guards, their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets in surprise.
It had been decades since anyone last saw Silvermane Guards in the Underworld!
"Are the Silvermane Guards making a comeback?"
This was monumental news, causing immediate excitement among those present.
Amidst the crowd, several people glared at them maliciously, which unsettled Bochang.
Since acquiring his Spider Sense, Bochang's passive perception had significantly enhanced. Whenever someone stared at him with ill intent, he immediately felt it. If a stealthy attack or any threatening move was initiated, an alarm would sound loudly within his mind.
In that moment... Bochang shuddered instinctively.
Fortunately, these onlookers only dared to stare, not taking any further action.
"There sure is quite a gathering here..." March 7th glanced around.
Next to him, Svarog explained in its electronic voice, "Accessing central archive... Explanation follows: Their former dwellings have been overtaken by the rift, so they reside nearby. As long as they do not cause trouble... I have no authority to interfere..."
After serving as their guide and escorting them out of the Robot Settlement, Svarog had no intention of continuing further.
Instead, it stated, "The journey has ended, and the mission is complete. Where you choose to go next is entirely up to you..."
With that... Svarog turned and departed without hesitation.
For this expedition, Bronya brought a total of one hundred Silvermane Guards.
These battle-hardened warriors escorted Bronya's group, deterring any nearby Vagrants from approaching.
However...
The murmurs among the crowd never ceased, filled with sarcasm and mockery.
The Silvermane Guards visibly felt uncomfortable listening to these remarks.
These soldiers, who tirelessly defended against rift invasions day and night, slaying creatures from the Overworld, firmly believed they were protecting Belobog's citizens, regardless of whether it was the Overworld or the Underworld.
Hearing such "defamation," naturally upset them.
Amidst the crowd, the group proceeded towards Boulder Town using maps from over a decade ago.
Through her previous conversation with Svarog, Bronya had already gained insights into the current state of the Underworld.
Her mission now was to find the Wildfire organization and negotiate for the Silvermane Guards to reassume control of law and order in the Underworld.
However, she wasn't sure if they would be willing to relinquish their authority. Based on her discussion with Svarog earlier, having taken complete control of the Underworld's robots, he currently had no intention of yielding that power. His willingness to open channels was solely for cooperation with the Silvermane Guards.
With control over the Underworld's robots, Svarog had become an independent force within it.
Bronya only hoped that the Wildfire organization wouldn't follow suit and declare themselves rulers like Svarog did.
Soon, they arrived at Boulder Town.
Bochang spoke first, "From here on, we'll need to go our separate ways, Bronya... If you require assistance, have Pela summon me."
As he said this, Bochang glanced at the nearby Silvermane intelligence officer, who nodded vigorously but seemed hesitant to meet his eyes.
Ever since giving her the teleportation ring yesterday...
Pela now displayed a more girlish demeanor around Bochang, losing her usual composure. At times...
Bochang felt compelled to say, "Pela, please regain your composure."
Otherwise, March 7th and Stelle would continue giving him strange looks.
This subtle change instilled a vague sense of unease in Bochang.
"Alright." Bronya nodded and led the Silvermane Guards away.
March 7th spread her hands out, asking, "Where should we go next?"
[Dating Options have been activated.]
[Option 1: Decide to search for Seele in Boulder Town - Completion Reward: Fishing Rod, a standard fishing rod. Use it when you're bored for some leisurely fishing. Note: This type of item may...]
[Option 2: Decide to search for Hook in Boulder Town - Completion Reward: Random Three-Star Light Cone.]
[Option 3: Decide to search for Natasha in Boulder Town - Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from small items like matches to large ones like star destroyers. Note: This type of item may...]
[Option 4: Decide to help Clara in Rivet Town - Completion Reward: Random Skill.]