Chapter 223:Future Markets 『 Part Twelve 』
「 Just as Topaz prepared to strike again, Bronya's voice suddenly rang out from not far away.
"Stop—please, everyone, stop! Put down your weapons!"
March 7th, breathed a sigh of relief that Bronya had finally arrived, preventing the situation from spiraling into a catastrophe from which there could be no return.
To the side, Topaz let out a light chuckle, her tone laced with a distinct layer of cold mockery. "Miss Supreme Guardian? I was just wondering if you were planning to shove the Express Crew in front of me while you cowered in the back, awaiting the results… That doesn't seem like your style."
"Of course not. The reason I arrived late is that I had a matter of utmost importance to attend to."
Topaz's gaze sharpened. "More important than this?"
"Yes. Its significance… You will likely understand at a single glance. What I mean to say is, I would like to invite you to evaluate our current achievements."
Bronya had read and reread Topaz's handwritten letter, word for word, harboring a sense of empathy for her past experiences. It was for this very reason that Bronya still hoped to reach a consensus with her through peaceful means.
Seeing Bronya's sincere attitude, Topaz apologized for her earlier offense and agreed to accompany her. However, she felt compelled to offer a preemptive warning… overturning the higher-ups' decision would be no easy feat.
The group traversed a desolate, dilapidated urban sector before arriving at a rugged mountain path. After passing through several tunnels buried in ice and snow, a magnificent sight unfolded before them, causing everyone to widen their eyes in unison.
Under the setting sun, light flowed like molten gold between gears and rivets. Countless workers moved through this nascent jungle of steel, casting busy silhouettes beneath the mountain-like body of the Engine of Creation.
Here, people stood on scaffolding, tightening massive bolts with wrenches; others operated crane arms to slowly hoist steel beams. Far off, on several unfinished towers, propellers were undergoing slow test rotations, slicing through the molten gold of the twilight.
Amidst the clamor of machinery and human voices, everything appeared exceptionally tranquil and harmonious—humanity and machine, steel and rock, steam and sunset, all joining together to construct an industrial miracle being born upon the snowy plains of Jarilo-VI. 」
「 ..... 」
〜Naruto World〜
"Oh, isn't that the Engine of Creation?"
Sakura spotted the burly steel titan in the center of the light screen immediately.
"Can that thing really help humans build houses?"
"Take a guess why it's called the 'Engine of Creation'? Helping humanity is its true purpose. You didn't think they built that thing just for fighting, did you?"
Kakashi chuckled.
"But looking at how long it takes them to build buildings, it feels way less convenient than Captain Yamato's Wood Style. Don't you think so, Kakashi-sensei?"
Ever since the Sky Curtain opened, Sakura had witnessed all sorts of outrageous powers distinct from ninjutsu.
Whether it was the "『 Abundance 』" power that healed machines, the draconic might of the High Elder that parted seas and filled mountains with a snap of the fingers, or even those famous scenes of planet-busting attacks, she had momentarily lost confidence in ninjutsu.
But watching the people of Belobog on the screen painstakingly constructing their dwellings, she finally managed to grasp a rare shred of superiority.
Thinking back to when Konoha was destroyed by Pain's Shinra Tensei, the reconstruction relied entirely on Yamato. He would slam his palm onto the ground, and ready-made houses formed of wood would sprout from the earth one by one, not even needing a coat of paint.
Although ninjutsu might not be as terrifying in terms of raw destructive power as those Emanators or Star Gods, it was certainly convenient for daily life.
Looking at the young girl displaying a hint of superiority, Kakashi sighed helplessly.
"Of course, Sakura, but think about it: how many times has Konoha been destroyed since its founding? If we built a stable steel forest like Belobog, Konoha would still be under reconstruction right now. You laugh at them for building slowly; they laugh at you for getting destroyed quickly."
—
「 "You see, the people of Belobog haven't given up…" Bronya gazed quietly at the people working in unison in the distance. "I only want to fight for a chance for them."
"March, Stelle—you still remember that broken giant over there, right?" She pointed toward the hulking construct in the distance.
"The Engine of Creation…"
"Yes, you remember it clearly." Bronya turned her head to look at Topaz. "Miss Topaz, I know you conducted extensive research beforehand—I want to know, did your data contain any records regarding the [Engine of Creation]?"
Topaz could not hide the shock in her eyes as she slowly shook her head. "Absolutely none. That is why I find it incredible… Such a colossal engineering project was not mentioned at all in the Strategic Investment Department's survey report."
"I might know the reason why. The Engine of Creation was built entirely by the people of Belobog themselves, without the aid of any off-world technology."
"The first Supreme Guardian, Alisa Rand, led this project. While soldiers bathed in blood on the front lines, engineers worked day and night in the rear to design and build…"
The Engine of Creation was deployed in combat during the early days of its completion, but the first Supreme Guardian's vision extended far beyond what anyone imagined. For a long time, the code name for this machine was the [Geological Reconstruction Unit].
Its true mission, after expelling all enemies from this world, was to help Belobog rebuild its homeland and restore this world to its prime. 」
「 ..... 」
〜Shingeki No Kyojin World〜
"Such immense power, yet it was originally born for construction…"
Armin rested his chin on his hand, falling into deep thought.
"Eren, your Titan transformation is quite similar to the Engine of Creation. Is there a possibility…"
"Are you saying Titans originally appeared for construction, too?"
Eren finished his sentence.
Armin nodded.
Eren's Titan transformation was unique, granting the Survey Corps more tactical possibilities for future operations. Section Commander Hange believed that Eren's Titan form was undoubtedly a crucial weapon for fighting Titans and reclaiming freedom. But Bronya's words inspired Armin—there was another possibility. Perhaps a Titan like Eren was not a weapon per se, but a tool.
"But no matter how you look at them, the Titans outside the walls don't seem like they could be used for construction, right?"
Eren laughed.
"However, once we've driven out every single Titan beyond the walls, my Titan form could actually be used for human construction."
"When that day comes, I can turn into a Titan and build a house by the sea… Speaking of which, Armin, didn't you want to see the ocean the most? If we live by the seaside, then we can look at the ocean forever."
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