Industrial Revolution of the Mage Lords

Chapter 686 Novel Encounters
"Stop the car! We've arrived! Everyone, please get out!"

An official in a dark blue uniform was the first to get off the bus and stand still, waving and calling out, "Everyone, gather here for now and wait for further instructions."

Somewhat dazed, Simmons got off the car with the others, but his gaze couldn't help but drift into the distance... On the wide, rushing river, there was a huge bridge spanning both banks, nearly a hundred meters long.

Needless to say, this must have been achieved using magic and alchemy; an ordinary stone bridge couldn't have done it.

They were currently standing at what appeared to be the main gate of the royal capital's military camp. A metal plaque hung beside the heavy iron gate, confirming Simmons's guess.

The terrain here is noticeably higher than other areas of the capital. From here, one can see the bustling scene of almost half of the city. The towering buildings in the city center in the far distance are clearly visible, as well as the royal palace, which is also built on high ground but appears unusually simple and understated.

This was absolutely the largest city he had ever seen in his life. Countless buildings stood densely packed like stars, and the wide, straight roads were all paved with solid bricks. Magical airships overhead and alchemical carts on the roads flowed back and forth, giving newcomers an indescribable sense of awe.

"Take your temporary identification cards and remember your identification numbers... Now, your supervisor, Liberl, will explain it to you."

The supervisor paused, then solemnly reminded him, "Supervisor Liberl is a student of Lord Egno, the Kingdom's Minister of Health. You are all aware of your sensitive positions, so please cooperate with his work and show him the respect he deserves."

The chief priest, Donovan, quickly replied humbly, "Understood. We knew the purpose of our trip before we came. Please feel free to ask if we need any assistance."

The young official, called Liberl, stepped forward, and Simmons suddenly realized that this man's high nose and deep-set eyes were clearly different from the common people of the South. His neatly tied-up curly hair revealed a pair of pointed ears on both sides... He was actually a hybrid elf!
The people of Saint Valen actually hired a hybrid elf as an official in their kingdom.
This was truly baffling to Simmons.

Liberl, however, remained calm as he read out the documents in his hand, “Next, please follow the instructions to complete the injections of various immunizing drugs for the epidemics in sequence. After completing the detailed identity registration and verification, someone will be responsible for arranging accommodations for you so that you can settle in as soon as possible.”

It's vaccination again... These Saint Valen people seem particularly concerned about the control and prevention of the epidemic. I wonder if it's because of the terrible plague that broke out in the old capital, Golden Radiance City, that they seem to be making a mountain out of a molehill.

It seems that most people in the Vatican who know the inside story have already tacitly agreed that the plague that claimed countless lives was actually orchestrated by the radical and fanatical Divine Punishment faction, who secretly fueled the flames.

Simmons pinched himself hard, forcibly clearing his mind of the surging thoughts and focusing his attention on Liberl's presentation.

After registration and identity verification, accommodation will be specially arranged... As a "prisoner", not only are you not shackled with chains that represent humiliation, but even your place of residence seems to have been prepared in advance. It is unlikely to be a simple and dilapidated shack or a converted prison cell.

After all, these people did not treat them as prisoners or captives.

Simmons couldn't help but think that the people who came this time were well aware that they had not gone to the front lines of the wasteland voluntarily. If Emperor Saint Valen had not come to conscript them, they would most likely have been "confined" to the ruined holy city for the rest of their lives, never to have the chance to step out of Goris again.

The so-called nominal conscription actually carried a somewhat coercive connotation... The bishops dared not refuse, and in order to secure more relief supplies for the believers, they dared not even openly refuse. However, the treatment they were currently receiving, the various arrangements that could be described as appropriate, inexplicably gave him a sense of peace of mind.

Perhaps the Saint Valen people truly intend to reunite with them and fight side by side against the alien calamity from the north.

……

Soon the group was taken to the military camp and led to a closed courtyard in the southeast corner, where they lined up in a long column to receive the vaccine in turn.

Afterwards, each person received a set of prescribed supplies—two sets of thick and thin cotton-padded clothes made of soft material and with excellent craftsmanship, along with a pair of sturdy cowhide boots, and all the other items, including cotton-padded socks. This relieved many priests and clergymen who had dirty and torn clothes and had not brought any luggage from their predicament.

"Although it's already summer, considering that you'll be heading to the front lines in the wasteland, we'll definitely need to provide you with warm clothing. Try to wear your priest robes as little as possible... they'll make you look out of place here."

High Priest Donovan nodded repeatedly, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "Please rest assured, Your Excellency, I will strictly control them from now on. They will stay here obediently and await His Majesty's official decree to send us to the front lines."

Seeing his cooperative attitude, Liberl nodded in satisfaction and finally smiled, saying, "You really can't just wander around the military camp. If you're bored in your spare time, you can choose to leave the camp and go to the city to have a look..."

What? They're allowed to move freely within the capital?
A surprised whisper arose from the crowd, "But...but aren't we about to go to the battlefield?"

Liberl shook his head and said calmly, "What use would it be to send you to the battlefield immediately? You will need to undergo specialized battlefield medical training and pass the assessment before you can officially go to the front lines as military doctors."

As he spoke, he held up three fingers and added, "According to Minister Egno's estimate, everyone will need at least three weeks of emergency training. Fortunately, most of you priests and pastors in the church can read and write, which saves us a lot of trouble."

Are we going to stay in Starfire City for such a long time? For some reason, Simmons felt a faint sense of joy upon hearing this news.

If I am allowed to move freely within the city, I might as well explore this city full of novelties.

The hybrid elf supervisor then patiently explained some issues to them, before his expression suddenly changed. He emphasized, "Although His Majesty is kind and benevolent and has no intention of mistreating you, and we, the officials below, do not intend to deliberately make things difficult for you or humiliate you, the conflict between the Papacy and Saint Valen has always existed. I hope you remember this... Whether in the current capital or on the front lines of the battlefield you will be going to in the future, open proselytizing and promoting your stuff involving divine beliefs is absolutely prohibited throughout Saint Valen."

He paused, his tone turning icy, carrying a hint of warning, "If your clandestine activities are discovered, hmph... then what will appear before you next will not be us mild-mannered ordinary officials, but those military police in gray-black uniforms. Believe me... once you fall into their hands, your fate will be even more miserable than being imprisoned in the ruins of Grace."

(End of this chapter)