Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

"Surtr, what's wrong? Why are you in such a bad mood today?"

“That Liberi is a bad guy,” Surtr replied, pursing her lips. If anyone else had asked her this question, she definitely wouldn't have bothered, but Mudrock had taken care of her for so long, and Surtr considered her a sister she could confide in, even telling her the secrets of the Balrog in Leivadin. Naturally, she didn't mind complaining about her impression of strangers. “My intuition is usually very accurate. I can tell a good person from a bad one at a glance. That Liberi is a bad guy, so why is Prince Wayne helping him?”

“Uh…” Mudrock sighed helplessly. She acknowledged Surtr's accurate intuition; otherwise, she wouldn't have been inexplicably entangled with this child in Kazdel. But Mudrock still didn't quite agree with judging a person based solely on intuition. Besides, a mission was a mission. As a former mercenary, Mudrock knew very well that when doing a mission, you shouldn't ask why, just complete the task.

However, Surtr clearly didn't think so, and Mudrock suspected that if he didn't keep an eye on her, she might dare to confront Prince Wayne directly when he arrived in Londinium. So he had to change his approach and asked:

"So, does your intuition tell you that Mr. Ensiodis is a good person or a bad person?"

“A bad person…but not entirely a bad person.” Surtr answered decisively at first, but after a brief pause, she added, “If I had to say, she’s like, you know, the big boss in a storybook or something?”

"Isn't that completely rotten?" Mudrock asked curiously.

Surtr glanced at her, hands on his hips, looking at her with an air of utter ignorance, and explained, "But the big bosses are usually able to clear their names. The real villains are the masterminds behind the big boss or something. Mudrock, how long has it been since you read a book?"

"I..." Mudstone choked. She wanted to say that she actually read quite a few books, but upon reflection, what kind of books had she been reading? "Clay Figurine Sculpting," "The Art of Sculpting with Magic," and "The Earth Magician's Masterful Creations." In other words, they were all professional books; she hadn't read storybooks like this in a long time.

Seeing that Mudrock couldn't answer, Surtr's eyes lit up with a sudden idea. He suggested, "How about this, Mudrock, you give me half of your monthly salary to buy ice cream, and I'll tell you stories every night. How about that? You can buy Surtr's bedtime stories that no one else can buy with just half a month's salary!"

"No," Mudrock refused without even blinking.

"Why?!" Surtr looked utterly devastated. "I can tell stories much better than your grandmother's!"

Mudrock rolled his eyes and said, seemingly convinced, "Oh right, right, hello Grandma Surtr." With that, he sculpted a mud skateboard, stood on it, and slid down the mountain. Seeing this, Surtr quickly grabbed Mudrock's hand and followed him onto the mud skateboard.

As they descended the mountain, they remained resentful of the way the mudstone had been called.

Grandma Surtr? She's not cool at all. Shouldn't she be called something like "Big Sister Surtr"? Or even "Grandma" if all else fails?

We mustn't let Prince Wayne know about this strange nickname, or he'll make fun of us for a whole year!

What Wayne didn't expect was that, without realizing it, even Surtr already had a basic understanding of his high-quality male personality as an Aslan.

The two glided down the smooth mountain road to the foot of the mountain. At this moment, a number of Sarkaz soldiers were gathered in front of the resort. They held greatswords, and the square masks on their faces made it impossible to see their features. Their burly figures were extremely imposing. They surrounded the entrance of the resort like an impregnable wall, making people on the outside hesitate to come in.

Upon seeing Surtr and Mudrock return, the soldiers immediately parted to make way for them.

Not long after, Surtr kicked the door open and walked into the resort's headquarters. Ascalon, who was sipping tea on a sofa in the headquarters, raised an eyebrow and glanced at the disgruntled Surtr, saying:

"【Flame Demon】, this is the Tower of Babel. Silence, solemnity, and keep your movements quiet."

Surtr glared at the Sarkaz woman with equally vibrant red hair before her, then strode into her room without a word.

Following behind her, Mudrock shrugged at Ascalon.

This is another reason why Surtr is unhappy—she dislikes Ascalon. To be precise, she dislikes the plans and arrangements devised by Ascalon, the temporary commander at the front, regarding the secrecy surrounding the mining operations in the Rabbit Mine.

"How's the situation with the infected people outside?"

Ascalon asked Mudrock. Mudrock pursed his lips and replied:

"It's quieter now. Although there are still some protesters... But Ascalon, I'm thinking, shouldn't we be a little more gentle?"

"I was quite lenient; at least I didn't kill them all."

Chapter 88 This ( ) Demon King is such a wonderful thing!

"A riot is taking place in Rembiton."

Sitting in the aircraft, Kal'tsit briefed Vain on the current situation of Rembiton.

"The riots were caused by dissatisfaction with the current labor system and laws protecting the infected, leading some infected individuals to leave the mine production lines and choose to begin protests. These protests initially took place in small settlements around the mines, but gradually spread to surrounding cities, and in recent days have even reached the Sigrani shipping route, with the number of participants exceeding 100,000. If that were all, it could only be called a protest. However, like most protests, when their demands were not met with an immediate positive response, or the responses were unsatisfactory, the infected individuals began to resort to violence."

Kal'tsit did not describe in detail the specific methods of violence, but Wayne had a general idea.

Smashing goods, disrupting production, attacking law enforcement officers, and assaulting government institutions. When a bottom-up mass movement lacks a guiding framework, it can easily degenerate into a mere riot fueled by public anger and populism. The infected, in particular, are far more sensitive and vulnerable than ordinary people. Not all infected are as resilient and self-reliant as the infected operators on Rhodes Island. Most people suffering from this horrific infectious disease experience unspeakable despair. When their self-esteem is crushed by illness and discrimination, even the smallest thing can trigger a powerful, explosive reaction. Therefore, they are consistently considered a dangerous group, receiving little to no civil rights in most countries, often barred from entering cities, and in a few nations, executed on the spot if captured.

However, as a genuine mining nation, Rembitox is naturally inextricably linked to the infected population. Even in legitimate mines, the infection rate among miners cannot be said to be zero. This is even more true in illegal mines. With such a large number of infected individuals, demands arising from unfair treatment are inevitable; it's only a matter of time.

"Looks like we chose the wrong time?"

Wayne glanced at Theresa, who was engaged in a long-standing Victorian tradition—knitting. Seeing Wayne's gaze on her, she paused her knitting and smiled wryly.

"This is already a pretty good time. There's no war in the world recently, and mining operations in major mining areas aren't very busy, so we can easily rent mining tools. There will also be fewer [overseers] from various countries stranded in Rembiton, reducing the chances of our operations being exposed. There's always a way to quell the infected riots."

Kal'tsit nodded, affirming Theresa's words:

“Your Highness is right. The Sigraine garrison has already set off for the center of the riots, and the uprising will soon be quelled.”

"To be suppressed?" Wayne asked.

Kal'tsit nodded slightly: "Given the current situation, armed suppression is the fastest and most effective way. After the suppression, the Sigraine's Joint Parliament will also amend and vote on the Infected Persons Act. If Your Highness Wayne wants to do something, you can start with the vote on the act. Victoria has three votes and a veto in the Joint Parliament. You can use administrative means to improve the situation of the Infected."

“I see…that’s fine.” Wayne nodded. He wasn’t worried about the possibility of the Infected Act being outwardly obeyed but inwardly defied. As everyone knew, due to the unique nature of Rembitox’s politics, although it didn’t face an actual hot war, a cold war was playing out every day at the Joint Conference. If your country signed the Act, but your mines didn’t implement it, once caught in the act, you would be verbally attacked at the Joint Conference, weakening your influence. A weakened influence would lead to a reduction in the country’s share of Rembitox mines and a decrease in Originium production. This was a real strategic resource; who would want to see it flow into someone else’s pocket?

Victoria's unique three-vote and one-veto power in the Joint Conference stems from the political legacy of its predecessors. During the Great Expansion Era, Victoria established a global superpower, earning two votes. She further secured one of her three votes by defeating Gaul in the Four Emperors' War, dismantling the former Gallo Empire. Besides Victoria, Ursus possesses two votes and a veto, Letania has one vote and a veto, and all other nations have only one vote. It's worth noting that the Great Yan did not participate in the Joint Conference, nor did they engage with Rembiton. Through the mysterious power of the Eastern people, they achieved the miracle of mining the purest Originium ore in ordinary mines. This achieved self-sufficiency, but also strengthened their isolationist policy.

"Ascalon has led the Babel Tower forces to Rembiton and rented the resort under the Sington Estate as temporary accommodation for the Babel Tower. According to her report, the riots seem to be escalating into an armed rebellion, with what appears to be a mastermind behind it, but she has not chosen to investigate further without further orders."

"How come these disgusting schemers are everywhere, like ants?"

Wayne grumbled and complained.

"Is it possible that you, Mr. Bruce, have a knack for creating events?" Theresa chuckled, covering her mouth, which made Wayne give her a speechless look.

Am I some kind of protagonist in a classic shonen manga, or do I have some kind of "event-prone" personality? I haven't seen any girls call me "cute." Besides, the hero has to fight the Demon King, but can I even fight the Demon King? The Demon King is my wife... huh?

Haha, taking down the Demon King is truly a wonderful thing, haha.

Wayne blushed slightly, put the teapot to his lips, and coughed lightly twice to ease the embarrassment caused by his wild imagination, thus steer the conversation back on track:

"Do you think it's necessary to get involved in this, Kal'tsit?"

Kal'tsit, with her cat-like face, replied with an air of "you already know the answer,"

“My opinion is that it is unnecessary, but from my experience, neither you nor Her Highness Theresa would ignore such a matter, so my answer is that it is necessary.”

Wayne happily patted Kal'tsit's head, but before he could finish, the Demon King's affectionate gaze beside him caused him to "manipulate" his mind and pat Kal'tsit's shoulder instead.

"As expected of you, Kal'tsit, you really understand me... and Theresa, hahahaha."

"Stop looking, Theresa, I was wrong, I'm sorry. I swear I just wanted to try petting a cat. Kal'tsit, explain yourself! Why are you looking so forlorn? Are you trying to frame me? Theresa, don't listen to Kal'tsit's nonsense, what bad intentions could I, Wayne, possibly have?"

I have an English exam tomorrow, so I'll go to bed early tonight.

As the title says, I have an exam in Integrated English and Listening and Speaking tomorrow morning, so I'm going to bed early tonight.

I absolutely cannot fail this course again. I was already devastated by failing calculus, and if I fail again, I won't even have enough credits to complete the course.

I didn't even play any games today; I just crammed vocabulary all day. Please understand, dear readers. Taking a break, going to bed early, goodnight.

Please try to understand.

Chapter 89 Ascalon decides to act alone

Ascalon's words were spoken in a grand and righteous manner, as if she were proclaiming the absolute truth.

"Those infected people, they didn't go to the government of Rembitox to protest, they didn't go to the mining area to strike, they didn't hold rallies in the square, they didn't distribute leaflets, they didn't come up with slogans. They just expressed their demands like a bunch of loose sand, and they even came to us with a straight face. It's as if we rented this resort and had a little money, so we should hand it over to them in order to be considered fair and kind."

Ascalon rested his hand on the sofa, a disdainful look on his face, and mocked,

"We're being lenient by not interfering; those infected will collapse on their own if left alone. Stop pitying them. Instead of thinking about that, we should think about how to execute the plan when Mr. Paradox and the Speaker arrive. Clearly, we're being watched. Those infected are just a warning to us. If we choose to ignore them, soon, a more obvious warning will come."

Mudrock hesitated, but nodded nonetheless. Watching the infected being used was unpleasant, but Mudrock lacked the persuasive skills to convince a group of brainwashed infected. She could only place her hopes on Ascalon, hoping her judgment was correct—that the infected surrounding the resort would eventually collapse on their own if left unchecked. She continued Ascalon's words:

"So what should we do now? Should we move?"

“They’re eyeing the people, not the houses. Unless we move to some remote mountain village, they’ll still come knocking on our door, even if we change to a different resort. I think we should strike first.”

What a radical plan, very Ascalonian style.

But we don't even know who the enemy is.

"You're thinking, how can we strike first when we don't even know the enemy's identity, right?" Ascalon chuckled. "Wouldn't it be easy if we just attacked them all?"

"Are you kidding me?" Mudrock said helplessly. If you don't count the enclaves and puppets, Rembiton's territory looks even larger than Victoria's on the map. Forget wiping out all of Rembiton's potential enemies, even if he could wipe out Sigraine in a single day without leaving any evidence, Mudrock would be willing to call Ascalon a high-quality member of the Tower of Babel. But everyone knows that's impossible.

"You're thinking that this is impossible, right?"

As if anticipating Mudrock's thoughts, Ascaron spoke her mind again before Mudrock could retort:

"But I want to tell you, nothing is impossible."

This master of purges seemed to relish the feeling of seeing through people's hearts. Although she didn't possess the abilities of Theresa and Wayne, her rich experience allowed her to "read minds" even against a young Sarkaz like Mudrock, who clearly lacked experience. Ascaron licked her lips, a ruthless smile creeping across her face. She glanced at the coconut clock in the resort's living room; it was 9:20 AM. She confidently rose from her chair and said:

"Keep the time for me, Mudrock. I'll be back before His Highness Wayne arrives here tomorrow morning."

Her swift and decisive actions startled even Niyan, who was communicating with her. He instinctively asked:

"Where are you going? Are you planning to go on this mission alone?"

“This isn’t a mission, and it won’t appear on any mission list,” Ascalon said, raising his hand to reveal a hidden blade that gleamed with a cold, silver light. The future leader of S.W.E.E.P. would not have any recorded mission information, not even a single one.

.......

Above Rembiton.

Victoria's aircraft has entered the airspace of Londinium, although Rembiton and even the entire Terra do not really have much awareness of airspace.

Wayne was planning what to have for dinner. Due to the time difference, according to Wayne's biological clock, it should actually be late at night. But that didn't stop the ravenous Wayne from wanting a delicious dinner.

The aircraft is equipped with a food cart. Although the cramped space cannot accommodate a complete kitchen due to technological limitations, as long as all kinds of dishes are prepared and transported to the aircraft in advance, and whatever you want to eat is heated up, then it can be considered as having a kitchen.

“It’s already evening, Mr. Bruce. Even if you’re going to eat something, try not to eat anything too greasy. Vina told me to keep an eye on you. If you gain weight when we get back, I won’t be able to explain it.”

Theresa's earnest advice made Wayne a little embarrassed to order a steak and post it on Line, making those night owls surfing the internet late at night drool. After all, he's a well-known food blogger and hair care blogger.

“Then let’s finish the noodles. A bowl of beef noodles, would you like some?” Wayne asked. Kal’tsit and Theresa both shook their heads.

Kal'tsit, somewhat speechless, retorted, "You're the only person who would order beef noodles at four in the morning."

“At least I didn’t eat instant noodles with my mouth at four in the morning. Hope +1, Life +2,” Wayne chimed in with a laugh, leaving Kal'tsit and Theresa completely bewildered.

As the waiter went to the back of the plane to prepare the food, Wayne was about to close his eyes for a short nap when his phone suddenly rang. He wondered who would call him in the middle of the night, and when he pulled it out, he saw it was Mudrock.

This is truly strange. In Wayne's memory, Mudrock's lifestyle was much more relaxed than Surtr's, with her sleeping almost the standard amount of time every day—a model of modern youth. Why is she calling him at this hour? Is she having trouble sleeping in Rembiton because she can't sleep, and needs him to comfort her?

Wayne answered the phone with great interest and put it to his ear. The next second, he jolted, nearly dropping the phone.

Kal'tsit noticed Wayne's strange behavior, tilted her head, and asked in confusion, "What's wrong, Your Highness?"

"Kal'tsit... listen to this." Wayne handed the phone to Kal'tsit, who took it, glanced at it, and saw that the caller ID was Mudrock. Her beautiful eyebrows furrowed, and she raised the phone to say: