Chapter 298: The Machine God Cul
Chapter 298: The Machine God Cul
“Have those damned knights come to raid us again?”
“Looks like it’s time to relocate our base.”
In the damp and dark cave, the dim candlelight flickered as Sparks wore a grim expression.
After days of relentless pursuit by the Carter Duchy’s army, many of the laborers Sparks had rescued from the Valir Mines were dead or injured. Hundreds had perished, never to leave the mines.
“They… are too powerful.”
Nick lowered his head, his face clouded with sorrow.
His friends from the mines had died in the battle. The army sent by the duchy was terrifyingly strong. Nearly a hundred laborers who stayed behind to delay the pursuit were slaughtered by the heavily armored knight known as the “Eagle of Carter.” The bloody scene was etched into Nick’s memory.
“They’re professionals.”
“We can’t go on like this. The gap between us and these extraordinary fighters is far too great.”
Sparks spread out a sheepskin map as he spoke.
After days of brutal combat, Sparks had reached Level 1 as a warrior, but without equipment, he was no match for the Carter Duchy’s heavily armored knights.
“Wait—”
Sparks crossed his hands under his chin, deep in thought.
“Maybe we can leverage external forces.”
Nick smiled bitterly. “The nations of the North have issued ultimatums. They’d love to tear us to pieces. Though these countries have internal conflicts, they’re united in treating us escaped serfs as a common enemy.”
“I’m not talking about the Northern nations.”
Nick was taken aback. “You mean—?”
Sparks grinned knowingly:
“Since they’ve slandered us as demons and beasts, we might as well collaborate with another group of demons.”
As a well-known story-driven player, Sparks had connections with several beta players. Now, these connections became his lifeline for finding a way forward for “Fireseed.”
He opened his interface and looked at his list of contacts, stopping at “Iron Frenzy,” the renowned leader of the 【Machine God Cul】.
Northwind Fortress, headquarters of the Machine God Cul, the “Martian” Hall.
The door bore a technological gear emblem.
Its base was inscribed with a passage: “In the name of the Holy Binary, praise Omnissiah, glory to the God of All Machines!”
The players of the 【Machine God Cul】 had taken cosplay to the extreme.
Iron Frenzy was currently in the main hall, buried in paperwork, surrounded by ogre guards. While ostensibly protecting him, the guards were in fact monitoring his work.
Since the last time he misappropriated funds to build a mech, Langpu had assigned loyal followers to keep an eye on him. Any significant expenses now required reporting to higher-ups.
Iron Frenzy lamented:
“I’m less of a leader and more of a grunt.”
Recently, the 【Machine God Cul】 had recruited several highly skilled individuals. They advanced the tech tree by combining real-world technology with magical principles. Their achievements included semi-automatic firearms, grenade launchers, and even plans for magical tanks.
A new wave of weapon upgrades for the kingdom was on the horizon.
Iron Frenzy flipped through another document.
“Project No. 127: Early Internet Architecture Based on the Maginet—Remote Magic Terminal Connections.”
He couldn’t help swallowing. Leading this guild filled with geniuses often made him feel inadequate.
“Damn, who brought in this expert? Progressing so fast? We’re really diving into the Holy Binary now.”
Suddenly, a message appeared on Iron Frenzy’s system interface, interrupting his work.
Sparks: Frenzy, you there?
Sparks: Interested in sponsoring some weapons?
Iron Frenzy: ?
Iron Frenzy had heard of Sparks’ “Fireseed” organization.
The “Valir Uprising” had even been featured in the kingdom’s special news column, hailed as a major event. The kingdom’s official channels praised it as the “Mine Revolt.”
Iron Frenzy: Trying to freeload?
Sparks: How can you say that? It’s an investment in the future!
Iron Frenzy: I don’t have the authority. Last time I built a mech, I got fined.
Sparks: Report it to your higher-ups. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I’m sure the kingdom’s leaders would be happy to support us.
Iron Frenzy: Fine.
Realizing this was a good opportunity to secure extra funding, Iron Frenzy imagined using it to build another mech. The outdated weapons? Package them up as aid.
He closed the chat and patted the drowsy ogre beside him.
“Hey, Fatty.”
“What?”
“Don’t think about slacking off or cozying up to me. I’ve trained under Lord Langpu’s accounting class. You still owe the kingdom funds.”
The ogre, called “Fatty,” reluctantly opened his eyes and waved dismissively.
“I have urgent matters to report to Lord Langpu.”
“Oh.”
Grumbling, Fatty pulled out a crystal, activating it skillfully.
Soon, Langpu’s terrifying visage appeared in the magical projection.
“What is it?”
Eager to repay his debt and escape ogre surveillance, Iron Frenzy put on a fawning smile.
“Lord Langpu, the leader of the Carter Duchy’s ‘Fireseed’ organization has contacted me.”
“Oh?”
Langpu’s tone was calm.
He had suspected Starfallers were behind the revolt and was pleased.
Iron Frenzy continued: “They’re seeking weapons and supplies to resist the Northern nations. Could we approve some funding?”
Langpu replied flatly: “There’s no need for special funding.”
“A batch of outdated smoothbore guns has been sitting in storage for years. Send them over. Once the army transitions to semi-automatic rifles, we can sell off obsolete equipment to them at low prices.”
His tone turned sharp, warning:
“Also, the kingdom’s support for such actions is assured. Your Machine God Cul need not meddle.”
“Understood, Lord. I’ll inform them right away.”
Realizing Langpu had seen through his scheme to secure extra funds, Iron Frenzy forced a smile and nodded repeatedly.
After the projection ended, he slumped into his chair in exhaustion.
“It’s bad enough being overshadowed by guild elites.”
“Now I’m outsmarted by NPCs too?—”
Iron Frenzy groaned internally.
Add a few player reactions to enrich interactions with NPCs.
*************************************************
If you want to read more chapters, you can Read (438) chapters ahead on Patreon:
Tier 1: $1/month for an additional 5 chapters. Free 7-day trial
Tier 2: $6/month for an additional 25 chapters
Specific 3.5: $9/month for an additional 50 chapters [limited (1/5)]
Tier 3: $12/month for an additional 50 chapters
Specific 4.5: $15/month for an additional 75 chapters [limited (0/3)]
Tier 4: $18/month for an additional 75 chapters
Special 5.5: $21/month for an additional 100 chapters [limited (2/3)]
Tier 5: $24/month for an additional 100 chapters
Specific 6.5: $27/month for an additional 125 chapters [limited (0/3)]
Tier 6: $30/month for an additional 125 chapters
Specific 7.5: $33/month for an additional 150 chapters [limited (0/3)]
Tier 7: $36/month for an additional 150 chapters
Specific 8.5: $39/month for an additional 200 chapters [limited (1/3)]
Tier 8: $42/month for an additional 200 chapters
Specific 9.5: $39/month for an additional 250 chapters [limited (1/2)]
Tier 9: $42/month for an additional 250 chapters
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=113341029
Chapter end
Report
