Man in the Ark: Revitalizing Kazdel

In the Volgra mine, the southernmost mine in the Far North mining region, southeast of Saint-Junburg, Relkin's team of miners emerged from the depths of the dark, deep mine tunnels.

Having trekked for so long through the dimly lit mine tunnels, the sunlight suddenly felt blinding. Most of the miners had never seen the majestic and imposing St. Arthur, the capital of Ursus, nor had they ever even been to the warm south.

The unfamiliar environment left them feeling lost and fearful, but at least they were safe now. There was no more vibration from the tracks beneath their feet, no more roars of exploding shells in their ears. Death, which had once pressed relentlessly, had stopped.

After a brief period of confusion and disorientation, the miners who had escaped their predicament began to cook and rest over a fire in the deserted Volgra mine. Once his fellow miners were settled, Relkin sought out Roy and Talulah, with whom he had been talking, to ask for their valuable advice.

“Mr. Ralkin, I have a way to arrange a meeting between you and Speaker Witt, where you can personally recount your experiences in the Far North mining region and become a witness against the Army Group and the Grand Duchess…”

“However, if you do this, your personal safety will be seriously threatened. The relevant stakeholders will not let go of witnesses who try to testify against them. You need to think carefully.” Roy stared intently into the man’s resolute eyes and said in an extremely serious tone.

“I firmly believe that Ursus cannot bury this night as usual. History tells me that it never forgives the oppressors. If its punishment has not yet come, it must be because it needs time and a rage enough to ignite everything.”

"Now the flames are lit, and I must stand up and expose their ugly faces. All of Ursus will see us, fear us, and acknowledge us. Then, we will have a bright future..."

Relkin's expression betrayed his exhaustion, yet his eyes shone with an astonishing light, a fierce flame burning within them as if to consume everything. Roy had seen this same flame in Talulah's eyes before. The black snake standing to the side couldn't help but look at this ordinary miner with newfound respect.

"Now that you've made your decision, let's set off. Talulah, you stay here and take care of the others." Roy led Relkin away, not forgetting to leave Talulah with these words.

"Leave it to me." Talulah nodded emphatically, then turned to assign various tasks to the Reunion members. Ksenia was so tired that she crawled into a simple tent and fell asleep immediately.

......

Deep within the Fort Saint-Germain Palace, in the lavishly decorated office of the Speaker.

Roy and Relkin sat opposite Speaker Witt, the black tea in the white porcelain teacups from Yan Kingdom growing cold during Relkin's long narration. The crackling firewood in the fireplace brought warmth to the spacious room.

"...That concludes the account of the Far North Incident, Speaker Witt." After recounting the entire Far North Incident from beginning to end, Relkin let out a deep breath.

Recalling and recounting these events in front of Speaker Witte, a man of immense power, is extremely exhausting; he needs rest now.

Moreover, the thought of the luxurious decorations in this office, stained with the blood and sweat of the miners, filled Relkin with disgust and made him want to get up and escape.

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Relkin." Speaker Witt stood up and extended his hand to Relkin. Relkin hesitated for a few seconds before grasping the excessively pale hand. The feel was not as delicate as he had imagined; instead, it was rough and calloused, just like his own.

“Mr. Raelkin seems very tired. I’ve arranged a room for you, so you can go and rest now. I have something I’d like to discuss with this gentleman alone.”

Speaker Witt clapped his hands lightly, and a middle-aged waiter walked in with his head bowed, guiding Relkin out of the office.