Man in the Ark: Revitalizing Kazdel

In a secret underground hangar somewhere in the royal city of Londinium, tall, imposing black armor gleamed dimly under the orange light. A dozen workers, wearing safety gear, were suspended in mid-air, cleaning and inspecting various parts of the armor.

Victoria had not seen a major war for too long, and the expensive, cumbersome, and scarce steam armor gradually faded from the battlefield. It transformed from a weapon of war against high-speed warships into a symbol of the highest honor for Victorian soldiers.

Naive children dream of becoming steam knights, while soldiers eager to rise above their station yearn to be commanders of warships. The title of steam knight—a false glory that only passionate young nobles would desperately strive for.

Especially after King Aslan's death, the status of the Steam Knights plummeted, and a proposal to abolish the Steam Knight system even appeared in the Imperial Diet.

Some people do not want to see the powerful Steam Knights, loyal to the royal family, stationed in Londinium without ever leaving their posts. They intend to use the council's decision to gradually weaken the number and fighting strength of the Steam Knights.

Today, the arsenal responsible for producing the steam knight armor has only one production line operating with difficulty, and a group of veteran workers ensure the production of replacement parts.

Duke Cumberland's plea for help reached Lentinium, and after several rounds of intense negotiations and struggles, the order to transfer the Steam Knights was finally signed by half of the dukes.

Led by Charles Lynch, a five-man squad headed to the front lines aboard a high-speed transport ship. Workers were conducting final checks before departure: weapon systems, power systems, spell circuits, steam cores... every detail was meticulously inspected. No one knew when the next deployment would be.

Having completed their pre-battle checks, the steam knights roared across the skies of Londinium, spitting out scalding steam from their vents. Even the most slovenly vagrant in the slums would puff out their chests with pride at the sight of that fleeting shadow.

In the Victorian hymns, the blade of the steam knight spews forth an indomitable will, and the armor reflects the glory of the great monarch.

News of the steam knights' expedition quickly spread throughout the city via newspapers, gradually reaching the entire Victoria.

In a wetland lake overgrown with reeds, the unicorn fairy Clovisia stands side by side with Abrahina, the leader of the Deep Pool who is rumored to be dead, as a strong wind blows the corners of their clothes.

"I admit, I underestimated you, greedy red dragon. What you desire is far more complex than it appears on the surface. You were willing to risk your own life to ignite the fury of all of Tara. You never truly trusted me..."

"We are all the same, Duke Clovisia of Wei." In response to Clovisia's question, Abrahana smiled slightly and said indifferently.

"The war has progressed beyond expectations and could go in any direction. I look forward to seeing the final outcome." With these last words, Clovisia transformed into a pure white feather and drifted away in the wind.

"Any direction? Heh... Actually, there's only one outcome: a natural disaster is coming." Abrahana looked up at the rolling dark clouds on the horizon, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.

Against the backdrop of the jet-black armor, the white steam billowing from the vents was particularly noticeable.

one more time.

Just like breathing.

He is clearing away the fog; he is awakening from history.

Nothing can stop him, nothing can defeat him.

I cannot abandon them, nor can I betray them.

Even death cannot.