Man in the Ark: Revitalizing Kazdel

The miners, having escaped the intense artillery bombardment of the army group, advanced headfirst through the complex and dimly lit mine tunnels. The vibrations caused by the gradual advance of the high-speed warships sounded like the approaching footsteps of death.

Some people's surgical wounds reopened during the strenuous activity, and the group's pace visibly slowed. Their companions quickly helped them up and sought help from the group's medic. The others, now at a standstill, all looked at the group leader, Raelkin, waiting with uncertainty for his next move.

Relkin turned to look at his companion who was tending to his wounds and said in a deep voice, "We can't outrun a high-speed warship. This mine tunnel is deep enough, and the hard rock layers can protect us. Let's rest here for a bit."

The exhausted miners relaxed their tense nerves after learning that they were temporarily safe. They sat slumped in the damp, cold mine tunnel, some pulling out hard, dry lumps from their tattered bags, chewing them repeatedly, and then swallowing them forcefully.

"To be honest, there's something that's been bothering me." Black Serpent walked gracefully to Roy's side, who was resting with his eyes closed. Even while on the run, she maintained her composed and noble demeanor.

"With your strength, stopping those warships or leading these people out of the mining area would be a piece of cake. What is holding you back?"

"I suggest you don't delve into this matter; it won't do you any good," Roy said calmly, glancing at the black snake.

"Oh, now that you say that, I'm even more curious. Whatever the truth may be, I can accept it." Black Snake was intrigued by Roy's answer and continued to press for answers despite the warning.

"...I had a debate with someone in Ursus, and we agreed not to interfere too much. My actions are already on the edge of a precipice, and the slightest mistake could lead to serious consequences."

Roy's gaze passed over the black snake and landed on the pure white figure that only he could see. In this debate about the resilience of civilization, both sides had already left the stage.

Roy originally thought that Precys only cared about the final outcome, but he didn't expect that the other party had been observing from the shadows, even supervising, constantly reminding him what he should and shouldn't do.

"You've turned the entire Ursus into your arena? How arrogant." Upon hearing this answer, Black Serpent narrowed his long, thin eyes, his tone tinged with anger.

As the embodiment of the will of the Ursus nation, the Black Serpent has guided Ursus in what it believes to be the right direction on more than one occasion. A surge of anger wells up within the Black Serpent at the offensive act of turning its own property into someone else's arena of debate.

This intense emotional fluctuation hadn't occurred in its long life until the appearance of this man. He was indeed its nemesis.

"What would happen if you lost the debate?" Black Serpent had too many questions about the so-called "debate." In order to prepare a countermeasure, it needed to know the worst possible outcome.

"The Originium veins are about to erupt, until they cover the entire land and civilization perishes. Terra's future rests in the hands of every Terran. Ursus is a crucial link in this chain..."

The black snake's pupils contracted sharply, its mouth opened and closed, but it ultimately said nothing, its gaze fixed on Roy, its dissatisfaction and anger undisguised. It was now unwittingly dragged into a debate concerning the survival or extinction of civilization, and there was no way it could escape unscathed—not even anyone on this land could.

There was no better option than to do everything in his power to help the man before him win the debate. However, before officially cooperating, Black Serpent still wanted to know what he could gain from it.

"Constructions and technologies like the Chernobog sarcophagus will bring about changes to Terra that will be no less significant than the invention of the Originium internal combustion engine. In contrast, Ursus will be the first nation to benefit from these technologies."

"...I must admit, the fruits of victory are tempting. What do you intend to do?" Faced with such a bountiful reward, Black Serpent involuntarily licked his lips, his eyes gleaming with greed, like a venomous snake eyeing its prey. Despite the risks, it was worth the gamble.

“We’ll find out later; now’s not the time.” Roy patted Black Snake on the shoulder and walked towards the resting group of miners. “Mr. Reilkin, let’s hurry and keep going.”

......

On the ground, the Originium engines roared, propelling Rhodes Island toward Saint-Germain. Inside the ship, miners and their families seeking refuge were scattered throughout. The dangerous red light behind them kept them constantly on edge. Even after escaping danger, they dared not close their eyes to rest.

The number of people on the ship far exceeded the design capacity, with each compartment crammed like a can of sardines. However, compared to the hundreds of thousands of infected miners in the entire Far North mining region, this number was insignificant.

The agents had done everything in their power, and they felt a deep sadness and helplessness at being unable to save more lives. Faced with the vast machinery of the state, the strength of any organization or individual was far too insignificant.

After a night's voyage, the warm morning sun appeared on the horizon, the darkness and cold gradually faded, and the outline of Saint-Germain Castle appeared and disappeared, like a steel behemoth lying on the earth.

A silent black line stretches between Saint-Germain and Rhodes Island. The Central Guard, having received orders, constructs a defensive line on the only road leading to Saint-Germain from the far north, blocking any rebels who might threaten the capital's security.

The appearance of a large landship immediately attracted the attention of the Central Guard, and several radio communications were sent to Rhodes Island. While waiting for a response, the ship's guns remained aimed at the unidentified large landship.

Upon receiving a warning from the Central Guard, Rhodes Island slowed down and identified itself to avoid being attacked by innocent bystanders.

After confirming the identity of Rhodes Island's medical aid organization, the Central Guard agreed to allow Rhodes Island to continue its advance, but it must remain under the constant surveillance of the Central Guard.

As Rhodes Island, laden with infected miners, entered Saint-Germain, the truth about the rebellion in the far north mining district spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys.

The Fourth Army, under the pretext of suppressing a rebellion, blockaded the northern mining region and launched a ruthless massacre of the infected miners. It wasn't that the infected miners had betrayed Ursus; rather, it was Ursus that had abandoned them.