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Jarilo-VI, in a remote corner of the suburban snowfield.
Sampo was forced against an abandoned wall by Hiroshi and the others, contemplating the information he had just displayed.
They used 'credits' instead of 'Winter City Shields'; it seemed they were people from another world.
And possessing such wealth, they must be people of high status even in the universe.
Moreover... now that he was captured by them, cooperating would bring no harm.
Thinking this, he agreed.
"Sigh... Alright, I agree to all your requests."
"Then, you will be responsible for guiding us from now on; we'll take you along."
Sampo was stunned for a moment and asked in surprise.
"Eh!? Friend, I already agreed, shouldn't you let me go?"
"Don't worry, we will naturally release you once we reach the destination."
Hiroshi sneered inwardly.
Letting you go? What a joke!
As someone from an organization of trouble-makers, who knows if you'll cause us trouble because you're looking for fun?
"He's right, being cautious never hurts."
Dan Heng nodded, agreeing with Hiroshi's approach.
Thus, Herta stuck the baseball bat she was holding into the ropes binding him, carrying him over her shoulder like prey she had caught, and walked forward.
Sampo shook his body helplessly, trying to make himself more comfortable.
"Hey, carrying me like this is too conspicuous, isn't it? If the Silvermane Guards see us..."
"Then we'll hand you over to them, and we'll get credit for it."
March 7th replied playfully.
"Oh my... Sigh, fine. But you have to pay more!"
Then, under Sampo's guidance, the group successfully avoided all the patrolling Silvermane Guards and entered the Lower District... the Lower District, Panyan Town.
The sky here was blocked by the upper-level structures, perpetually dark, illuminated only by faint lights.
The houses were built from scrap metal and rubble, with broken tiles;
The ground was covered in thick dust, sticking wetly underfoot;
Compared to the relatively normal Upper District, this place was practically a giant scrap recycling station.
"Friend, we've arrived. Should you let me down now?"
Herta glanced at Hiroshi, who nodded, and she released Sampo.
"Ouch! That journey really tired me out..."
Sampo, having broken free from his bonds, quickly stretched his sore body.
"Right, friend, about the reward we discussed earlier..."
Sampo rubbed his hands like a fly and approached Hiroshi with a fawning smile.
Hiroshi didn't say much and directly transferred 20,000 credits to him.
After all, he wasn't exactly a bad person, and only he could have gotten them in; it was considered a great help.
Seeing the notification of the deposited amount, Sampo's eyes immediately widened.
Heavens! So much! That's enough to live in the Upper District for several years!
He quickly suppressed his surprise and rubbed his hands with a grin.
"Hehe, friends are truly generous! If you need anything in the future, you can always come find me."
"I am a person of my word, as long as the price is right... Ahem! As long as it's reasonable, anything can be discussed!"
"Mm, understood."
"Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave now. Friends, let's meet again if fate allows."
Hiroshi didn't stop him from leaving, as he wasn't worried that Sampo would report them to the Supreme Guardian Cocolia.
After the unfamiliar person left, March 7th finally asked the question that had been troubling her mind.
"Why didn't we just go directly into the city to talk to the Supreme Guardian, but instead came here?"
"Because we currently don't know the attitude of that Supreme Guardian."
"So you chose this place, the bottom layer where you can best understand the Common Folk and where it's suitable for gathering intelligence?"
Dan Heng supplemented at the right moment.
"That's right. If we gather information in the Upper District, there's a high chance it will reach the ears of that Supreme Guardian."
"But the people here aren't living well, so we don't need to worry about that kind of thing."
After hearing his explanation, Dan Heng showed a rare hint of a smile.
It seemed he was more reliable than he had imagined. He believed this Trailblaze journey would be smoother than ever before.
"I see, I understand now!"
March 7th excitedly raised her fists, but then scratched her head somewhat awkwardly.
"But... where should we start gathering information?"
"Let's split up and scout around first, then meet back up."
The four felt Dan Heng's words made sense, so they scattered, each going to gather intelligence in their own way.
Hiroshi, who knew the script, had completely different thoughts from the rest of the Astral Express Crew.
Hmm... Next, I need to ask Serval to take us to the Everwinter Summit, where the Stellaron is located.
But before that, we need to deal with the Silvermane Guards there, especially their commander, Gepard, who is more stubborn than a mule;
Trying to force our way past him would likely result in him blocking us with his life.
Then it seems... I can only seek out his superior, the Supreme Guardian's daughter, Bronya;
If I show her the information about the Stellaron, I believe she will side with us.
However, only Svarog holds the intelligence regarding the previous Stellaron incident, and convincing him will be very difficult;
Due to his past experiences, he is extremely resistant to others bringing up matters concerning the Stellaron.
Hmm... It looks like I need to find a way to get Clara, the one he trusts the most, to help.
I'll look around here; Clara shouldn't be hard to find.
Thus, Hiroshi began to wander around this small area.
When he arrived at the Great Mine, he immediately heard sounds of intense arguing.
"What? You dug up such a large patch of Earth's Core, and you're being stingy when we ask for a little hush money? You want to keep it all for yourselves!?"
"This mine is on our territory! The miners work day and night to rush the work, and we haven't seen you contribute at all!"
"You thugs, always lazy and only looking to take advantage of others, yet you're so self-righteous! Truly shameless!"
"I'm about to starve to death, what good is having a face! You won't listen when I speak nicely, right!"
"Everyone... calm down, don't fight!"
Hiroshi moved closer and saw a group of local miners arguing with a group of ruffians, looking like they were about to start fighting at any moment.
In the middle of them stood a cute little loli with white hair and a red coat, exposing her thighs, standing barefoot on the ground, looking timidly at the situation.
Clara! She's actually here!
This means... the fight currently unfolding is the one where everyone suffered heavy casualties afterward.
No! I have to stop them quickly!
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