"A hungry warrior may conquer a city, but a well-fed artisan can build an empire."

His voice echoed through the air like thunder, carrying an undeniable power.

"The empire we are building will benefit all Sarkaz, although it seems far from that right now."

"But one day, it will become a stable and prosperous home for the Sarkaz on Terra, attracting all the Sarkaz of Terra to gather here."

"In the end, the light of Kazdel's prosperity will shine upon this land, and we will do it!!"

Meeting the man's dark pupils,

At that moment, Quesatushta's heart felt as if it had been suddenly gripped by a force.

Since that court debate, he had been following the young banshee's growth trajectory, for she was a rising star with royal bearing.

If he were to ascend to the position of King of the Royal Court with the help of his own people, the obstacles to his obtaining the Black Crown would be greatly reduced.

In Quesatushta's eyes, all the previous Demon Lords were unworthy of their titles, and only he could bring glory to Kazdel.

However, no one expected that this man would bring about such a huge change to Kazdel.

Unite with the royal court, vigorously implement reforms, seize city-states, and build the hearts and minds of the people.

Although the Black Crown, which he had been plotting for countless years, was now within reach, Quesatushta no longer harbored any desire for it.

In Kazdel today, no one is more deserving of such honor than the man before him, and he is truly convinced of it.

A dark fire ignited deep within his pupils, and he suddenly raised his right fist, his black cloak fluttering wildly in the wind.

"—Please allow me to suggest that the first batch of mass-produced armored vehicles be painted with our black and red national flag."

"It's more chilling for the nations of Terra to watch our convoy roll across their borders than to drop Originium bombs."

Chapter Sixty-Four: The Torrent of the Times

Before the triumphant celebrations had even subsided, Syracuse's light industrial resources were already flowing like a gentle spring breeze into the parched land of Kazdel...

In a short period of time, this country, once known for its war and desolation, has been revitalized by the roar of machines.

The occupation of Syracuse not only provided the Sarkaz with a city far more desirable than the previous Kazdel, but more importantly, the city's existence completely solved Kazdel's employment problem.

With the presence and arrangements of the Sarkaz Democratic Union, various employment policies targeting Sarkaz people have been steadily implemented.

With the establishment and promulgation of the Compulsory Labor Act, the previous mercenary groups were disbanded and put into social production.

Previously established casinos and other industries in Syracuse that could not create value were all demolished and replaced by new factories.

We must move away from the superficial and towards the real; only through real industries can the nation prosper.

Syracuse's light industrial system became Kazdel's new life organ.

The hum of the textile machines replaced the roar of the war drums, and the aroma of the brewery dispelled the pungent smell of gunpowder.

But what fascinates the Sarkaz most are the car factories that are integrated into the city's foundation—the assembly lines draw power directly from the energy core of the mobile city-state.

"Pay attention to the drive shaft tolerances!"

The Blood Demon Craftsmen wielded wrenches, their clothes still stained with machine oil. They discovered that their bloodthirsty talent could precisely sense the fatigue level of metals; the instant their fingertips brushed against a bearing, they could "taste" the lifespan of the component.

With proper training, a Blood Demon can become a qualified craftsman in no time.

In the factory, most workers' eyes shone with an unprecedented light, a fervent desire for their future lives.

They once struggled in the mire of poverty, toiling every day for basic sustenance, their future shrouded in mist, with no light in sight.

Today, Shen Lin's grand vision is like a ray of dawn piercing through the darkness, giving them hope for life.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, the banshees are transforming Syracuse's theater into a "Project Lightning" laboratory.

Instead of a curtain, the stage was draped with the alloy frame of a bomber; the orchestra pit was filled with the fuses of Originium bombs, and the remaining alloy was dismantled into oil pipelines.

Everything is geared towards speed.

When the first test aircraft broke through the dome and soared into the night sky, shattered stained glass fell like stars onto the craftsmen's shoulders.

Every worker is giving their all, racing against time to operate the machines. They know that every drop of sweat they shed carries their and their families' hopes for a better life.

When the Sarkaz Democratic Union announced the "installment car purchase" program, all the Sarkaz people in Kazdel were filled with unparalleled enthusiasm.

According to Shen Lin's plan, Sarkaz people only need to use a small portion of their fixed salary as collateral to own a car within a few years.

The news spread like a spring breeze, quickly reaching every corner of Kazdel and instantly igniting the passion in people's hearts.

In the bustling town, a group of young Sarkaz workers gathered together, excitedly discussing cars. One of them, a young man with neat short hair, had eyes full of anticipation.

"The Sarkaz Democratic Union has issued a statement!! We only need four years to have those Syracuse tin boxes!"

“I asked the people of Syracuse, and they said that only members of a family with status and position are entitled to use those cars; ordinary people like them simply cannot afford them.”

"I never expected that after His Highness conquered Syracuse, the first person he thought of was us."

"You all say that once I have my own car, I want to drive to the farthest valley to see the sea of ​​flowers there. I've heard it's incredibly beautiful!"

"In just a few years, I want to bring my family to play freely on this land. I never dared to dream of this before!"

Their laughter echoed in the air, filled with anticipation for the future.

Those laborers who once had to travel long distances on foot to work were filled with anticipation.

They imagined that after a hard day's work, they could drive their own car and quickly return to their warm homes, where all their fatigue would surely disappear.

With the rapid economic development of Kazdel, the lifestyle of the Sarkaz people has gradually changed.

In the past, the Sarkaz people could only barely sustain their families by working twelve hours.

Now, with fewer working hours, they can support their families while also saving a considerable amount of money.

As Kazdel's economy flourishes, the face of Sarkaz society is quietly changing.

Once, every inch of air on this land was filled with the smell of war and suffering, but now, it is replaced by the roar of factories and the hustle and bustle of markets.

In the heart of the city, brand-new commercial districts are springing up.

Following the announcement of the Sarkaz Democratic Union's industrial relocation, many shops operating in Kazdel began to move to the mobile city after obtaining permits.

The streets are lined with shops offering a wide variety of goods, from exquisite Syracuse products to handcrafted items made by Sarkaz artisans.

Sarkaz women, dressed in brightly colored dresses and carrying woven baskets, selected fresh fruits, vegetables, and fabrics at the market. Children chased and played in the streets, their laughter ringing out clearly and melodiously.

A little girl pointed at the candy on a roadside stall, her eyes sparkling with longing.

"Mom, I want to eat that!"

"Okay, Mom got paid today, I'll buy it for you."

The mother gently patted her daughter's head and took out several brand-new banknotes from her pocket.

This was the first time she truly felt what it meant to be a mother; she knew she had the ability to fulfill her child's wishes.

Monest Tavern

The beer hall where Shen Lin once gave a speech has become a sacred place frequently visited by Sarkaz people.

A brand-new sign hangs in front of the Monest tavern, bearing the words "The Pride of the Sarkaz" in gold lettering.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, a wave of heat, mixed with the aroma of malt and cheerful laughter, greets you.

The tavern's interior has been renovated, but it still retains the traditional Sarkaz style.

A huge photo of Shen Lin giving a speech hangs on the wall, with a striking slogan below the photo: "For a better tomorrow."

"A Victory's Cup, please!"

A young Sarkaz worker squeezed to the front of the bar, shouting excitedly. "This is the tavern's newest specialty beer, a tribute to the revival of Kazdel!"

The bartender skillfully poured a glass of amber liquid, the foam forming a perfect crown at the rim.

To our future!

The young man raised his glass, and the surrounding customers responded in kind, with the clinking of glasses echoing throughout the room.

In a corner of the tavern, a group of regular customers sat around a round table. Their faces were etched with the marks of time, but their eyes shone with the light of youth.

"Do you still remember the first time Your Highness gave a speech here?"

"Back then, this was just a run-down little tavern."

An elderly Sarkaz man with white hair took a sip of beer, chuckled, and shook his head.

"Yes, back then we were crammed into a small, dirty, and chaotic space."

"Now we have beer and electric lights, and we don't have to risk going to remote places to fetch water. I feel like I'm falling behind in life."

"Who would have thought that in just two years, we would be able to set foot in the city and enjoy the kind of treatment we couldn't even get in hotels before?"

"Look."

A middle-aged Sarkaz pointed to the portrait on the wall, his voice filled with excitement.

“That painting was done by me. That night, His Highness gave a speech on the open-air stage, depicting a future we never dared to imagine.”

"I had already given up hope, this damned life that just keeps repeating itself day after day."

"I never imagined that I would have the privilege of witnessing the Sarkaz people's fate change!"

On the tavern stage, a Sarkaz folk singer is playing and singing a newly composed song.

The lyrics tell the story of an ordinary Sarkaz worker, from the war-torn years to today's prosperous era.

A question has always lingered in the minds of the Sarkaz people.

All they sought was a peaceful and tranquil place where they could live according to their true nature.

Why is it so difficult?

Some say that suffering is an endless road for the Sarkaz people.

"We yearn for peace but cannot attain it. We swallow life every day, like taking medicine, a daily necessity."

"But His Highness showed us through his actions that numbness is more terrible than suffering; it is the flower stalk left on the ground by suffering."

"This song is dedicated to all those who are working for the revival of Kazdel,"

The singer said at the end.

"And also dedicated to our great Prince Shen Lin. Without him, we would not be where we are today."

"The sunlight buried the darkness, and thus dawn rose!"

He smiled and bowed to the audience.

In the past, the nights were long and lonely festivals for the Sarkaz people, but now they have finally welcomed the dawn.

A burst of enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted in the tavern. People raised their glasses and shouted in unison.

"For Kazdel! For His Highness Shen Lin!"

Behind the bar, the tavern owner, Leik, wiped an old wine glass, his eyes filled with emotion.

This wine glass was the one Shen Lin used when he first gave a speech, and he has treasured it ever since.

"Boss, another round!"

Leik smiled and nodded, then expertly poured the wine.

He knew that this small tavern had become a symbol of the Sarkaz spirit.

Here, people not only share fine wine, but also their hopes and dreams for the future.

As the night deepened, the atmosphere in the tavern grew increasingly lively.

In this country that was once ravaged by war, hope, like the foam in this glass of beer, keeps rising and never runs dry.

……

The elders of the royal council sat around a long table, their solemn faces illuminated by the candlesticks of Syracuse.

Their topic was originally urban planning, but Shen Lin's decision to "make everyone own a car" was like a thunderclap, stirring up the silent atmosphere.

The Blood Demon Lord stroked the crimson lines on his fingertips and spoke first.

"Your Highness's ambition... is truly like the forge of our Sarkaz, capable of forging even the bones of our enemies into blades."

"It's just letting those lowly commoners touch the steering wheel... If the wheels crush the distinctions of bloodline, whose forehead should the crown of the royal court be set on?"

Blood Demon's sense of smell has always been keen, and he has already noticed the slow changes in social structure and morality.

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