A commercial caravan reached the North Gate of Wint City after traversing the Northern Ice Field. The new caravan brought much-needed food and industrial goods to Wint City. Rock City and Wint City held a joint press conference, announcing the successful opening of a northern trade route that would pass through nearly seven cities, becoming the northernmost trade route in the entire Federation. The young Deputy Mayor Vili remotely participated in an interview with Ino Media. In front of the camera, she naturally and in detail described how Rockville Energy Group, United Industries, and Eternal Secret Teachings ’exploited’ the people of Wint City, taking the camera into the storm-riddled areas of Wint City, moving to those quiet corners, and depicting the lives of Wint City people under the coercion of Eternal Secret Teachings, and interviewing those living in shacks and tents. At the same time, she shared on camera the story of a young boy named ’Yiluo,’ Yiluo, the rumored Mechanical driver who destroyed the Sky Behemoth and was also the hero who ultimately saved Wint City that night. In her narrative, all of Yiluo’s family were killed by Eternal Secret Teachings. Though young, he never gave up hope and continued to resist Eternal Secret Teachings until he finally thwarted their terrifying plan, allowing sunlight to once again shine on this ice-bound city. It was also due to the inspiration and support from Yiluo that she never lost hope and kept persevering. She also believes that age is not the determiner of everything, and hope does not distinguish whether it arrives for the elderly or the young. In the end, she stated to the camera that everything done by the Wint City government was not aimed at any particular consortium or company, "To big consortia like Rockville Energy Group, we are but small prey trapped in a snare to be slaughtered at will, but our weakness does not mean we are cowardly, even if death is imminent, we want the world to hear our final roar. "But we still believe that justice will eventually prevail, like how the end of the night inevitably leads to the sunrise, that is the meaning of our Night Walk." The interview finally concluded with the Deputy Mayor’s calm yet hoarse speech. After gathering the calm yet seemingly tearful ’testimonies’ of each ’participant,’ the moving speech by the ’eighteen-year-old beautiful girl mayor,’ and the touching story of the courageous young hero, the interview quickly went viral. Countless people saw their own lives in the stories of Wint City, also influenced by the story of the blond girl standing in the dirtiest mud yet smiling tranquil and the lone hero boy who never gave up. The long-silent Federal Bureau of Investigation finally spoke out, stating that a thorough investigation would be conducted into Rockville Energy Group. The Federation Tax Bureau simultaneously announced a tax investigation into Rockville Energy Group. That day, Rockville Energy Group’s stock price fell by more than 15%. Major cities launched protests against Rockville Energy Group, especially in the ’partner cities’ of Rockville Energy Group. Dawn City announced an ’extended investigation’ into Rockville Energy Group, ordering Rockville Energy Group to cease operations and overhaul in cooperation with the tax investigation by the Dawn City government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the Dawn City headquarters of Rockville Energy Group on charges of ’colluding with a cult’ and ’conspiring to subvert the Federation,’ arresting more than half of its board members. In addition, the branches of Rockville Energy Group in the thirty-seven cities previously under the influence of Eternal Secret Teachings were also raided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Federation Tax Bureau also deployed, arresting numerous executives of Rockville Energy Group branches in various cities on charges of tax evasion. The Federal Bureau of Investigation held a press conference, stating that it had long held solid evidence of crimes committed by Rockville Energy Group and was merely spreading a network to investigate. Numerous energy cities that had ’cooperated’ with Rockville Energy Group announced a pause in cooperation as Feste Energy Company took the opportunity to absorb some cities, taking advantage of long-standing disputes with Rockville Energy Group. Rockville Energy Group’s stock price plummeted at opening, with a total drop of over fifty percent, falling from the top five of the Federation to beyond thirtieth place. Rockville Energy Group signed an agreement with Vili, Deputy Mayor of Wint City, selling all its shares in United Industries to her at a low price. On the same day, the government of Wint City established a ’City Resources Development Department’ and directed the issuance of a ’City Resources Development’ bond. That afternoon, the Mayor of Dawn City gave a speech about ’electricity price limits’ in the city council. Dawn City Council approved the ’Energy Price Control Act.’ Analysts pointed out that the act had two core components: One was the establishment of an Energy Price Control Department to regulate the city’s basic electricity rates and participate in price setting. The second was the determination of a cap on residential electricity price increases, where the total increase by energy companies should not exceed 60% of the base rate, and each increase must be approved by the city government. Following the act’s passage, there were jubilant parades throughout Dawn City. A freckled little boy tiptoed to offer a lollipop he was holding to Kristos, who was standing by the roadside. Kristos smiled as he received the lollipop and lifted his head to watch the cheering crowd. During times not occupied with official duties, he often left the Glorious Palace to walk among the people. People were familiar with his presence. Nevertheless, numerous individuals still approached him for a photo. Watching the little boy who walked into the crowd, he expressed with a sigh of nostalgia. Serle, the man with a ponytail and also the Deputy Mayor of Dawn City, stood behind Kristos, equally nostalgic, he turned his head and glanced at Kristos, "Do we have confidence in tomorrow’s midterm elections?" Kristos watched the cheering crowd and gently shook his head, "but we have done all that we can, and now, we should trust those who have supported us." In the Dawn City Council midterm elections, Kristos’s staunch supporters gained over 50% of the council seats, and his Ruling Alliance secured over 70% of the seats, achieving an overwhelming victory. According to the Dawn Daily report, this was the first time since the establishment of Dawn City that the Ruling Alliance not only retained its parliamentary seats after the midterm elections but even secured an absolute majority. The obstacles that Christos faced in governance also completely dissipated following this midterm election. United Industries, whose stock price had fallen to rock bottom, announced its delisting, with its major shareholders repurchasing all shares. The city government of Wint City announced the acquisition of United Industries, placing it under the city’s Resource Development Department. Vili, the lead shareholder of United Industries, sold all her shares to the city government of Wint City, and many minor shareholders chose to do the same. Wint City completed the repurchase of all shares of United Industries, successfully gaining full control of the company. United Industries became the only regional consortium in the Federation controlled by a city government. On the same day, the city government announced low-interest extensions for all Wint City residents with loans at the banks under United Industries, a reduction in rent for all apartments owned by United Industries, and the cessation of "land usage fees" for camping tents. Deputy Mayor Vili of Wint City issued a proclamation renaming United Industries to ’Wint City Industrial Group.’ Standing on the towering podium, Vili gazed at the dense crowd below. This was the ceremony for the renaming of United Industries building to Wint City Industrial Group building. She took a deep breath and slowly began, "In the long seven hundred years of Wint City, we have faced countless choices." "On this ancient land, there has been chaos, there has been conflict, and there has also been brief unity." "But no matter how we change, one thing remains constant, and that is our determination to pursue a better life." "From the founding of the Federation when the first high walls were built in Wint City, to the caravans that connected the entire world across our city." "The people on this land have always been persistently striving." "We have taken wrong paths, we have fallen into hardship, but fortunately, we have all come through." "From today onward, there is no more United Industries, only the Wint City Industrial Group that belongs to every person of Wint City!" The young girl gazed into those pairs of eyes twinkling with anticipation, "The fate of this world is a cycle, each generation has a mission, some generations might enjoy the special favor of God, while others ultimately forge ahead through extreme hardship." She slowly raised her hand, "And we, this generation, will take control of our own destiny!" Behind the young girl, the iconic sign of United Industries dramatically collapsed. The entire square was instantly filled with cheers of celebration. Wint City city government announced ’constructive’ investments in the Storm Zone, led by Wint City Industrial Group, to develop residential housing in the area. Additionally, repairs were carried out on all roads in the Novite District. All employees of Wint City Industrial Group received a 20% wage increase, and the free public transit policy from the Skone era and other welfare policies were reinstated. The city government of Wint City followed the example of Dawn City in conducting medical reforms, curbing medical fees, and legislating employer obligations to purchase health insurance. The board of directors of Wint City Industrial Group announced that it would purchase medical insurance provided by Nolanka Group for all its employees. The first Pet-Qiming Hospital in Wint City was established. Following economic advice from Nolanka Group, Wint City began large-scale urban construction and massive recruitment. Accompanied by the loud rumbling of machinery, a few workers wearing safety helmets sat on the curb, each holding a sandwich and a bottle of water with the Stars City logo, having their meal. "Hahaha, you guys don’t know, I was right there at that intersection, the one with the convenience store, when I met Hero Yiluo, "I was hanging out with a boss back then," said the young man in the middle, munching on his sandwich and sipping his bottled water loudly. "That boss stupidly tried to rob Hero Yiluo, but before he could make his move, Hero Yiluo had him pinned to the ground, and I ran off scared." "You’ve got guts, trying to rob someone? And robbing Hero Yiluo no less?" A fellow worker laughed. "I didn’t know then, and besides, it was my boss who tried to rob, not me, I got caught and locked up for a few days afterward," The speaking youth took another bite of his sandwich, "But, mate, I never gave in to that cult, I fought them till the very end." "You fight till the end," Another worker laughed out loud, "You probably found a corner to hide in all night." His coworkers laughed along. "You guys don’t know, I’m pretty tough." The young man took another bite of his sandwich and continued laughing. That night, he was indeed hidden in some remote corner; however, in that same corner, two stray children were also hiding. That night, to protect those two children, he confronted the believers of the Eternal Secret Teachings and almost died in that corner. He didn’t know why he suddenly possessed such courage; perhaps it was because he saw the blood-stained boy with those deep, abyssal eyes that still seemed to burn with blazing fire. He was actually terrified of his actions that day, but given another chance, he guessed he would make the same choice again. Just like a person illuminated by firelight, he could no longer tolerate the darkness. "Speaking of which, have you really met Hero Yiluo?" A workmate beside him asked, "What does he look like? Is he handsome?" "He’s quite handsome, but just a little too young," the youth recalled, "However, there is something special about him, a feeling that he could draw you to follow him and fight against those bad guys," "Is it that mystical?" Another workmate’s eyes widened, "Is he some reincarnation of the Holy Spirit or something?" the young man laughed heartily, "Haven’t you been fooled enough by the Eternal Secret Teachings?" Everyone burst into laughter together, filling the air with a cheerful atmosphere. "Speaking of which, kid, are you going to rob again?" Someone in the crowd asked. "What for? The boss and I were starving for two days and couldn’t survive, and I got scared off by Hero Yiluo before I could even successfully rob," the young man stuffed the bread in his hand into his stomach, gulped down water, and stood up, "Now I’ve got work, bread every day, money every week, and a cheap house to live in. Should I complain about life being good?" Everyone laughed heartily again. "Time to start working!!!" A loud shout came from the distance. Everyone stood up together, patted the dust off their clothes, and walked towards the dusty construction site. A blonde girl wearing a helmet stood in the distance, quietly watching them leave. Then she turned around and walked deeper into the city through the alleyway. After an unknown amount of time, a tranquil street appeared in her field of view. She quickened her steps and entered the street. Then, it seemed as though something obscured was unveiled. Gigantic, flesh-covered buildings that writhed were revealed before her eyes. And as she arrived, a blood-colored butterfly landed in front of her. Then, the butterfly’s wings fluttered and transformed into a little girl in a red dress. Following this, the surrounding flesh slowly writhed and formed into a vague figure of blood and flesh. "Uncle Nisen, is your condition stable?" The blonde girl looked up at the blood-flesh figure. "It should be stable," Nisen nodded gently, "We’re not sure what’s happening, but it seems that people from the Divine Kingdom, along with these remnants of ’flesh’ from the Eternal Divine Nation, somehow survived together." "The Eternal Divine Nation is still alive?" "The Eternal Divine Nation should be dead," Nisen shook his head, "But our condition is rather special," He turned to look at the little girl in the red dress, "It seems that Alice has ’replaced’ the position of the Eternal Divine Nation, perhaps one of the arrangements left by Yiluo. Also, the Storm Sea seems to have fallen into a brief calm because of that battle in the Eternal Divine Nation, you might try ’mining’ near the shore." Vili nodded, "Is there anything I can do?" Nisen paused, "and machinery." "Food, and... machinery?" Vili looked at Nisen, puzzled. "Alice needs food to sustain herself, and then to sustain us," Nisen explained slowly, "We need machinery to create value, to ’exchange’ for food," He smiled at Vili, "Some of us souls who wanted to die have dissipated with Alice’s help, the rest of us have unified in opinion, we can’t just take without giving, we can also create value." Figures of blood and flesh emerged from behind Nisen and stared at the blonde girl. Vili nodded gently, "You are still citizens of Wint City, and all the welfare policies of Wint City, you will have your share." Nisen nodded and revealed a slightly ’terrifying’ smile. Yet this smile was so infectious, making one feel his joy. And the fleshly figures behind him also smiled one by one. "You are a good mayor." Nisen gave the ever-composed girl a thumbs-up, then his figure slowly faded away. And the figures behind him also disappeared one by one. Vili watched these figures until they completely vanished, then nodded to Alice beside her. The girl in the red dress transformed back into a butterfly and disappeared into the bright radiance. On the top floor of Vitland Fister Energy Group Building, The twilight’s glow shone in the empty boardroom, illuminating an elderly man’s whitened hair on his cheeks. A crisp knocking sound slowly rose. Following that, the conference room door was slowly pushed open, A young man with a top hat swayed as he walked in, his body light as if he were a paper figure swaying with the wind. He gazed at the elderly man, slowly removed his top hat and bowed slightly, "Mr. Delin, Mr. Pierpont sent me to ask if you’ve made your decision?" "Didn’t you say you were going to wait for a turn of events?" The elderly man asked with a low, hoarse voice. "There has been no turn of events, and normal methods have failed," The youth’s face sported a rigid, painted-on smile, "The issues with Rockville Energy Group have made us cautious, and the changes in Wint City have indeed made us apprehensive. But the real enemy isn’t in the west, but in the east, in that palace filled with radiance, where our enemies continue to gain victories." The firelight burning in the fireplace illuminated the calm face of the red-haired woman. She bowed her head, staring at the acrylic box in her hands. On the back of the acrylic box was a simple ’child’s drawing’. In the drawing, a tiny figure, all black, squatted in a street corner, under a gray-black cloud-filled sky, with black raindrops falling all around. She had forgotten when the drawing was made, only remembering she was very young, having just lost her parents, wandering alone on the streets. This was her world, dark, murky, cold. The appearance of that boy seemed to change something, yet it seemed nothing had changed. She picked up the acrylic painting and slowly placed it into the flames. But it seemed, after all, the world wasn’t so dim. The dancing flames lit up the woman’s tear-streaked cheeks, The pristine moonlight spilled over the silent park. [You’ve received a video message] Vili reached out to open the video. The video showed a cute little girl standing in a clean martial arts training ground, slowly practicing a move, as if worried the practice partner wouldn’t understand, the little girl broke down each move very meticulously, teaching carefully. Vili subconsciously raised her hand and followed a few moves. While she was watching the video, a new message came, [You might have to practice on your own today.] [I have too much homework today, if I don’t finish it Ennie won’t allow me to have ice cream.] Vili looked up at the contact name, [Jia Xi]. This was the ’Martial Arts Teacher’ introduced by the Nolanka Group after they found out she was learning self-defense skills, though young in age, she was indeed the most proficient person in Federation Martial Arts. A slight smile crossed the girl’s face as she typed her reply. At that moment, pedestrians began to appear on the park’s pathways, and they noticed Vili. "Miss Vili, good evening." "Miss Vili, may we take a photo together?" After a gentle greeting, Vili separated from the crowd. "Miss Vili is so kind, I wish I could become someone like her in the future." Behind her, the whispers of the night seemed to gradually fade. The golden-haired girl looked up at the stars in the sky, continuing forward on the pathway. After passing several forks, she arrived in front of a quiet gravestone. The gravestone was an upright half-figure statue, the carved image of a thin boy wrapped in a scarf, calmly gazing ahead, his eyes as deep as an abyss and as fiery as flames. A few lines were inscribed below the gravestone, [His body was frail and small, his soul grand and magnificent, he didn’t need to wait for the dawn, he was the dawn.] The girl slowly took out a bouquet from her chest, placing it in front of the silent, flower-covered statue. Cold raindrops fell onto the back of the girl’s pristine hand. She raised her head, gazing at the young boy’s face, and finally, she slowly stretched her hand out and embraced the cold statue, "Walking alone, the road is truly long."