Apocalypse Forecast-Chapter 652 - 543 Darkening Skies_1
Mr. Huai Shi finally witnessed just how astounding the production capacity of the Iron Crystal Throne truly was. Within half an hour of receiving their response, hundreds of ornithopters and even more engineering equipment had been dispatched to complete the excavation of the Control Center, with Scholars and Alchemists remotely assisting the transfer operations. By the time they returned to the Iron Crystal Throne, a gigantic laboratory, fully equipped with all kinds of devices, had already been added beneath it.
With the earth faintly trembling, the Hell Control Core settled into place. Its roof swiftly closed under the light of the gradually rising morning sun. Inside, researchers who had been waiting for a long time surged out, rushing toward the massive cube.
After that, there was nothing more left for Huai Shi to do.
As he climbed the gangway, he saw the Director of Affairs waiting there. The elder, wearing a monocle, stood in an inconspicuous corner. His black hair was neatly combed and tied back; he was meticulous and vibrant, betraying no hint of old age.
"Mr. Huai Shi, how is the situation?"
"All went well, though it was a bit risky," Huai Shi said with a laugh, glancing back. "But in the end, we managed to bring back our people and the Control Center unharmed."
"You’ve worked hard."
The Director of Affairs nodded, then turned to address the stretcher behind Huai Shi. "You too. Go get some rest."
"Yes," August nodded.
"And there’s something else..." As he passed by August, the Director of Affairs seemed to want to say something more, but after a long hesitation, he simply waved his hand. "Never mind. Just do what you think is best."
August was already asleep and didn’t hear.
"How is the situation with the Iron Crystal Throne?" Huai Shi asked.
"It’s reliant on the Great Grandmaster for maintenance, so it’s still holding up fairly well."
As he said this, the Director of Affairs wore a peculiar expression, as if something utterly indescribable had occurred, yet for some reason, he couldn’t speak of it. A mixture of the desire to confide and the need for restraint warred within him, leaving him wanting to speak yet holding back, until finally, he said nothing.
"You’ve worked tirelessly all night," the Director of Affairs offered. "I’ve already had a room prepared for you. Do you need to rest?"
"No need. I plan to check on how the students’ work is progressing."
Huai Shi thought for a moment, then asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Close enough."
The Director of Affairs gestured for Huai Shi to follow him. "After a night of fighting, everyone spent another night discussing, and we’ve finally reached a sort of agreement. Although we have taken control of the first Control Center, Ivy Vine seems exceptionally resolute this time. They have no intention of backing down and are prepared to fight us hard here."
"Do we need to request assistance from the Ivory Tower?"
"The other side is likely also afraid of the war escalating, which is why they initiated talks with us."
The Director of Affairs continued, "If possible, everyone hopes to determine the ownership of this Hell with minimal cost. While it will undoubtedly be ours, securing it more smoothly and with less expenditure would be ideal. So, for now, we’ve more or less reached a consensus."
They had now reached the lower-level park of the Iron Crystal Throne—officially, it was called the Ecological Therapy Center, but in reality, it was just a park. To prevent any psychological issues among the crew during the prolonged navigation through Hell, a pleasant ecological park had been created inside the Iron Crystal Throne. It provided a place for everyone to relax occasionally and avoid developing issues from being cooped up for too long. It was roughly the size of a large soccer field, but thanks to meticulous design and various technologies, it didn’t feel cramped at all, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
Currently, almost everyone was gathered around the Control Center, so the park was quiet and deserted, save for a few free-roaming pigeons cooing softly.
The Director of Affairs found a bench to sit down on and said seriously, "Although it might seem abrupt to bring this up now, the fate of this Hell may very well depend on you."
"What?" Huai Shi looked astonished. "Me? How am I qualified?"
On the Iron Crystal Throne, there was already one Great Grandmaster from the Current Circumstances, not to mention other high-level Scholars and Alchemists. When it came to experts, the leader of the Exploration Team struck Huai Shi as unfathomably profound; during occasional exchanges and sparring sessions, Huai Shi even felt a palpable sense of mortal danger. He estimated that if it came to an all-out fight, this leader could kill him on the spot in just two or three moves. On the ship, there were likely several Sublimators no less capable than he was.
And now everything depended on him? This had to be a joke!
He was just here to lead a tour group! He’d inexplicably ended up taking responsibility—fine, he could be the scapegoat if necessary—but how had it suddenly escalated to taking the fall and potentially dying for it?
"Essentially, after negotiations, both sides agreed to limit Sublimators to Ranks below the Fourth Level and to forbid the use of Miracle Imprints and Forbidden Artifacts. Therefore, among all available personnel, you are the most capable fighter..."
And just like that, he had inexplicably become their number one tool.
Damn it, I never should have stood out like that!
Huai Shi’s expression twitched, consumed by regret.
It would have been so much better to just quietly be the Mascot! Why couldn’t I have kept my hands to myself?!
"Don’t worry. Even so, the Ivory Tower wouldn’t dump all the work on you alone." The Director of Affairs’ words brought Huai Shi a momentary sigh of relief, but his heart immediately sank to the pit of his stomach.
