The next morning, Xinya woke up early as usual. After getting everything ready, she waited at the district entrance for a long while, but Lian Kong still didn't appear. Disappointed, she could only head into the city alone to claim supplies. (Maybe he's too busy to come today,) Xinya comforted herself. (Should I tell the Captain about the apocalypse?) she wondered as she walked. However, she couldn't predict the scale of the disaster, making it impossible to even begin early preparations.
By afternoon, Jesse finally returned with Qili. "Hey, it's you guys! Welcome back—" Xinya, carrying the supplies, ran into the two of them returning on their motorcycle. "Waiting in line was exhausting! Let me tell you, we heard some rumors today—the capital's recent actions are very unusual. Not only have they stopped collecting national taxes, but many construction projects have been suspended. Strangely, the space launch center in the west has been frequently launching various spacecraft. It seems like something happened in outer space," Qili said, pounding her aching shoulders.
"That really is bizarre. Should we discuss this with the Captain?" Xinya was equally confused after hearing this. The three decided to wait for Captain Kubo to return before gathering the team for a discussion. At dinner time, Kubo returned in an empty bus. After dropping off the last child, he had finally completed his mission, bringing the case of the missing children to a close. Even a man known as an "iron man" has his moments of exhaustion; upon getting off the bus, he leaned against the vehicle, let out a soft sigh with a faint smile, rested for a moment, and then walked toward the district.
The cafeteria at dinner time was bustling with people. Almost everyone in the district came here to eat, but since space was limited, they had to enter in three shifts. Xinya had saved a seat for the Captain early on. Sure enough, Kubo arrived right on time. "Captain! Over here!" Saiying called out to Kubo at the entrance. "You've worked hard, old man!" Jesse teased. "You brat, watch your mouth," Kubo said, playfully swatting his head. Once Kubo was seated, the group ate while slowly recounting what they had seen and heard that day.
"As it happens, I heard about this in other cities while I was transporting the children," Kubo said, putting down his utensils. "And what do you think?" Xinya stopped eating to ask. "Currently, the government is increasing aid to soothe the public, and various pro-people policies are being released one after another. Yet, many important infrastructure projects are halting, and even some art galleries are removing their exhibits. It easily brings one possibility to mind: they are preparing to flee," Kubo's words shocked everyone at the table. "Flee? Why would they flee? Where would they go?" Jesse asked three questions in rapid succession.
"This is just my temporary speculation; after all, the capital's secrets aren't something we commoners can access," Kubo said, picking up his utensils again. Xinya was silent for a moment before suddenly saying, "I have some news as well. Lian Kong told me before." "The mysterious man who saved everyone?" Kubo asked. "Yes. Although he only mentioned it to me, and I'm not sure if it's wrong to reveal it now... he said our world will face its end in two months." "The end? What kind of situation is that?" Saiying asked back.
"I'm not sure, but Lian Kong is so powerful, he wouldn't just say something like that randomly. I believe these two things must be connected," Xinya replied with a serious expression. At this point, Ruta, who had been silent for a long time, chimed in, "Perhaps you should try to get closer to him; that way you can ask for more intel." Xinya shook her head with a bitter smile upon hearing this. "Of course I've asked, but he said it's a secret and won't reveal another word." "If it really is the end of the world in two months, then maybe those officials in the capital are preparing an escape route. That would explain the recent increase in public welfare," Jesse analyzed carefully.
"Hmm... Xinya, if you get the chance, continue to keep in touch with that Lian Kong. His great powers will surely be able to help us. Everyone else, keep an eye on various news channels, collect information, and then we will organize and analyze it," Kubo made the arrangements. "Yes, Captain!" the team members answered in unison. After dinner, everyone went their separate ways. Today's promise had not been kept, and Xinya felt a bit disappointed deep down. But then again, he was a noble God; he didn't necessarily have to attend a dinner. Thinking of this, Xinya could only smile helplessly, watching the starry sky outside the window as she slowly drifted off to sleep.