"Kroos is truly remarkable. She wanted to go from Bolívar to Minos but ended up near Lungmen, then traveled all the way to Leithania. If she hadn't run into Rhodes Island, she might have wandered across the entire Terra continent."
Sitting in the Quinjet heading to Dosores in Bolívar, Daniel Davis couldn't help but think of Kroos' past adventures as he looked at the map of Terra displayed on his tablet. While her journey sounded simple, it was easy to imagine the hardships she must have endured. Fortunately, she eventually found Rhodes Island, and her life took a turn for the better.
Originally, Daniel had wanted to bring Kroos to Siesta. As someone who loved food, she would undoubtedly have enjoyed the many delicacies there. However, she chose to stay behind to accompany her big sister, Hoshiguma, who was undergoing treatment.
Nanomedical technology was now being utilized in both Chernobog and Rhodes Island. While its application in treating Oripathy required further research and experimentation, it had already proven effective in restoring body parts damaged by various causes.
Hoshiguma, Provence, and other Rhodes Island operators were among the first to benefit from this technology. This was why Kroos chose to stay by Hoshiguma's side. On Rhodes Island, Kroos was closest to Hoshiguma, followed by the Doctor and Amiya.
Daniel had always taken special care of Kroos, especially when it came to food.
"Kroos, the Hellhound; Suzuran, the Nine-Tailed Fox; Sankta; Sarkaz... Could this world really be some kind of experiment?"
There were many theories about Terra's origins. The most widely accepted one was that the previous civilization had been destroyed by Originium, and the current civilization had risen from its ashes. However, another theory, supported by many, suggested that Terra was an experimental field created by a powerful civilization. This would explain the diverse races and constant disasters. The current state of Terra might be the result of that civilization's collapse, leaving the world unmanaged. Priscilla, for instance, might have been one of the administrators of this experiment.
Just as humans conduct ecological experiments, a sufficiently advanced civilization might use an entire planet as a testing ground. In the Marvel universe, there were even planets used as prisons.
"We're almost at Bolívar." The Doctor, who was piloting the Quinjet, interrupted Daniel's thoughts.
The reason the Doctor was flying the jet was that Daniel planned to gift two Quinjets to Amiya, and the Doctor was familiarizing herself with the controls. Although Rhodes Island had its own aircraft, the technology in this world hadn't advanced much in aviation, making the Quinjet far superior in performance.
Through his research, Daniel had come to understand why, despite the world's advanced technology, aviation hadn't developed significantly. The primary reason was the frequent natural disasters, or "catastrophes," that made high-altitude flight extremely dangerous. Additionally, the prevalence of Originium and Originium Arts meant that there were numerous anti-air measures. Even moderately skilled Casters could easily shoot down aircraft, and with the widespread use of rocket launchers and grenade launchers, relying on aircraft for attacks was both costly and inefficient. In this world, high-altitude strikes were nearly impossible.
During the "Obsidian Festival" event, Tomimi had used a rocket launcher to great effect. Instead of developing aircraft, it made more sense to focus on drones, which were already highly advanced in this world. Paratroopers were also common, with even Reunion managing to field such units.
While Daniel found this technological development somewhat skewed, it was perfectly normal in this world.
"It looks like there's a battle down below."
From the Quinjet, the group could clearly see two armies engaged in fierce combat in a mountain range below.
"That's the Singuas Dynasty and the United Government."
After a quick glance, the Doctor identified the two forces. As the former "Babel Demon," even without her memories, the Doctor was well-versed in the political landscape of Terra.
"Another group is approaching."
"It's the Resistance. We can't get any closer, or we might be mistaken for enemies." The Doctor adjusted the Quinjet's course to avoid the battlefield.
"Bolívar is as chaotic as they say." Although the jet had moved away, the group could still see the battlefield. With the arrival of the Resistance, the conflict had turned into a three-way battle.
"You're oversimplifying it. In reality, Bolívar is far more chaotic than the rumors suggest." The Doctor glanced at Ch'en and shook her head.
Across Terra, many nations could be considered chaotic. Ursus frequently faced Infected uprisings, Kazdel was a haven for mercenaries and bounty hunters, and Siracusa was dominated by mafia families. However, none of these compared to the chaos in Bolívar. Many Rhodes Island operators, including the elite six-star operators, had trained under Dobermann, the head instructor from Bolívar.
As a former colonel in the United Government, Dobermann had once hoped to change Bolívar's fate. Unfortunately, the situation was too dire for her to make a difference. Even the Doctor, the former "Babel Demon," would find Bolívar's mess daunting. The three major factions in Bolívar were the Singuas Dynasty, backed by Leithania; the United Government, supported by Columbia; and the Resistance, which claimed to represent the true people of Bolívar.
However, even the Resistance wasn't fighting for peace but for power, much like the Revolutionary Army in *Akame ga Kill!*. Dobermann had briefly joined the Resistance but left after seeing through their leadership. She eventually found her way to Rhodes Island under Kal'tsit's guidance.
Bolívar's chaos was the result of multiple factors, one of which was its rich mineral resources, particularly Originium deposits. These resources had once made Bolívar a colony of Iberia. However, after Iberia's decline and the destruction of its Golden Fleet, Bolívar fell into a state of warlordism. Leithania and Columbia soon intervened, further complicating the situation.
Now, Daniel was also stepping into the fray. Chernobog's development required vast resources, whether Originium or other materials. His collaboration with SilverAsh was partly motivated by this. While Kjerag was small, it was rich in resources. Rather than letting SilverAsh partner with Columbian corporations, Daniel offered a more equitable deal.
"Theresa really meddles in everything. Instead of focusing on Kazdel, she's getting involved here."
As the Doctor explained Bolívar's situation, Daniel couldn't help but think of Theresa. While Bolívar and Theresa seemed unrelated, the Resistance was backed by her, among others. Theresa's goal wasn't Bolívar itself but to weaken Leithania and Columbia by dragging them into the quagmire. From this perspective, Theresa was indeed formidable. Even if her plan failed, the cost would be minimal, but success would significantly weaken her rivals.
Given Kazdel's history, any attempt to restore the nation would face immense challenges, potentially even a coalition of other nations. The best time for Kazdel's restoration would be when other countries were too preoccupied to intervene.
"This is Dosores. The layout of the skyscrapers does resemble Lungmen a bit."
After leaving the three-way battlefield, the Quinjet soon arrived in Dosores. The city's layout bore some resemblance to Lungmen.
Dosores' location was peculiar, situated roughly in the center of Bolívar's three major factions. It was the only peaceful area in the chaotic nation. In Dosores, even members of the Singuas Dynasty, the United Government, and the Resistance could meet without conflict, sometimes even drinking and gambling together like friends. However, once outside Dosores, these factions were mortal enemies.
While this might seem baffling, it was perfectly normal to the people of Bolívar.
"Aren't they worried about attracting the Seaborn?"
Looking at the artificial lake west of Dosores from the jet, Daniel couldn't help but wonder. While Siesta's artificial lake was called a "sea," it was inland. Dosores, however, was coastal. Iberia had once controlled Bolívar through its fleet, but after the Golden Fleet's collapse, it lost its grip on the region.
"Never mind. This isn't my concern. Besides, by creating an inland lake instead of building directly on the coast, Candela must have some awareness of the risks."
Dosores wasn't Chernobog or Yan. While it was chaotic, Daniel had no particular interest in it. His assistance was selective, not universal.
"Mr. Davis, Ms. Talulah, Ms. FrostNova, welcome to Dosores."
As the group disembarked at the designated landing zone, Candela approached with her entourage. Daniel had made prior arrangements with Dosores before their arrival.
"Ms. Candela, you're too kind. I've heard much about Dosores, but seeing it in person is truly impressive."
Despite its many issues, Dosores was a testament to Candela's capabilities. In a nation as chaotic as Bolívar, she had created a haven recognized by all three major factions, earning Dosores a reputation across Terra. While the city was a den of indulgence where money ruled all, it was still preferable to the war-torn regions of Bolívar. For many, Dosores represented hope and a respite from the horrors of war.
Although Dosores' prosperity was built on the suffering of other Bolivarians, most people didn't dwell on such thoughts. Even if they did, it would only add to their pain.
This was likely the best Candela could do. Without Daniel's military strength and facing factions backed by Columbia and Leithania, her options were limited. As seen in the previous Dosores rebellion, Candela had even said that if Pancho succeeded, she would hand Dosores over to him. However, Pancho's dream of an independent Bolívar relied on the support of the wealthy and powerful, making true independence impossible. Even his own son had doubted his vision.
"Ms. Ch'en, someone has been waiting for you." Candela greeted Ch'en warmly, and soon, familiar faces appeared.
"Lady Wen Yue." Ch'en was surprised to see the woman, as was Talulah. Accompanying Lady Wen Yue were Swire, Hoshiguma, and Lin Yühsia, though neither Ch'en nor Talulah paid them much attention at the moment.
"Talulah, it's been many years." Lady Wen Yue smiled at Ch'en before turning her gaze to Talulah. The surrounding group remained silent.
"It seems you have much to discuss. How about we head to the hotel and continue there?"
After a long silence, Candela broke the tension. The group then boarded Candela's convoy and headed to the top floor of Dosores' finest hotel.
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