In the eyes of March 7th and Seele.
The gazes of the other three flickered with strange glints, firmly enveloping Clara.
"So that's how it is. Since big brother Zeig and the others come from another planet, Mr. Svarog definitely didn't factor that in before. The chance of successful communication is very high." Clara was extremely excited.
She looked at everyone and whispered:
"Originally, Clara could at most only pass on a message for everyone, because Mr. Svarog has always disliked communicating with others—especially the people from Wildfire…"
"But since everyone was willing to go this far for Clara, and truly has a feasible method, Clara will definitely help everyone to the best of her ability!"
Seeing Zeig, Dan Heng, and Bronya reach an agreement with Clara, Seele finally set down her chopsticks and asked:
"Why does Svarog dislike Wildfire so much? Isn't he supposed to want to preserve the people of the Underworld? Wildfire is doing the same thing."
Clara shook her head and answered Seele:
"Everyone is working hard for the Underworld, but Mr. Svarog doesn't believe in human emotions—he only trusts calculated results… So even if I brought Wildfire members to talk with Mr. Svarog before, it would only increase conflict, and someone would definitely get hurt."
Bronya fully understood Clara's thinking at this point and said:
"Yes, what Clara says isn't unreasonable. Just like me before—I didn't really believe you could save Belobog."
March 7th raised an eyebrow:
"Hah? And now you believe it?"
Bronya pursed her lips and smiled faintly:
"You truly aren't natives of Belobog—it's very clear from the Executor. For example, many of the dishes in this hot pot don't exist in Belobog."
She pointed at the tables and chairs:
"Belobog doesn't have tools that can store so many items either. To be honest, I'm still a bit shocked even now."
Besides these tables and chairs, the certain someone had previously driven a tank in Rivet Town to blast an iron gate—his identity as an off-worlder needed no questioning.
"Hm hahahaha! Who would've thought that dispelling the doubts of you two would ultimately rely on spending time with me!" The certain someone stood on his chair, his gaze fervent.
"Big brother Zeig, y-your wounds… is it really okay to move like that?" Clara asked worriedly.
"It's fine—I recover astonishingly fast!"
With that, he began unwrapping his bandages.
At the same time, Dan Heng started unwrapping his as well.
Rip—
Clara: "???"
"Sigh, don't be alarmed! The medicine from our planet takes effect exactly this quickly." The certain someone said frankly.
"S-so that's how it is? Amazing!" Clara exclaimed in surprise.
March 7th: "…"
"Oh right—your Perkins and package are over there. We already picked them up for you."
The certain someone sat grandly on the table, pointing to the spot behind Dan Heng.
At this moment, Perkins had entered sleep mode, completely motionless.
"Ah, I didn't even notice just now—thank you everyone! I-I'll repair Perkins first!"
Seeing Perkins's miserable state, Clara quickly stood and went behind Dan Heng to perform mechanical repairs.
Fortunately, the core wasn't severely damaged. After some work, Perkins's engine hummed to life again.
When its indicator lights came on, Clara finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Detected Clara… safe… Svarog big boss… en route… beep…" Perkins emitted intermittent sounds.
"Huh?" Clara couldn't help being startled.
Perkins had just… mentioned Mr. Svarog's name.
At the same moment Perkins reactivated, heavy stomping sounds came from the distant mountain path.
Bang—bang—bang—
Countless engine noises mixed in—a massive mechanical legion was marching grandly.
Each robot's build far surpassed Perkins: either burly types with chainsaws embedded in their arms or enormously wide fat types.
Svarog walked in the center of the mechanical legion, his crimson gaze coldly sweeping over the group in the distance.
Only after spotting Clara did the entire legion's advance slow slightly.
"Mr. Svarog… y-you, why are you here." Clara hurriedly ran forward.
Svarog slowly emerged from the legion, his emotionless mechanical voice sounding:
"Clara… I'm glad you're safe. Before entering dormancy, Perkins uploaded your coordinates to me, so I led the legion here…"
"S-so that's it…"
"The Fragmentum is extremely dangerous. You shouldn't have come here alone for those two greedy vagrants…"
Svarog's gaze was deep as he calmly stared at Clara:
"Presumably, the humans over there saved you."
"Svarog, didn't expect you to bring so many robots into the Fragmentum. You really care about Clara, huh." Seele raised an eyebrow.
Svarog looked at the group:
"According to reports… the recent expansion rate of the Fragmentum has increased more than twofold compared to before, and the strength of the Fragmentum creatures inside has also grown, so I must remain vigilant…"
"Clara, those two vagrants damaged equipment, causing the entire mechanical settlement to lose lighting. You shouldn't have protected them and come to Rivet Town alone to find parts…"
Under Svarog's words, Clara couldn't help lowering her head:
"Those two vagrant uncles… broke it accidentally."
Hearing this, March 7th immediately understood what happened and quickly complained to the two men beside her:
"Holy crap! Those vagrants are even more shameless than you two—how many 'accidents' are there? Who'd believe that ghost story!"
Zeig and Dan Heng sat to the side, silently turning their heads away.
Svarog's voice sounded again:
"Clara, you are too kind—often taken advantage of by others…"
He looked at the group and got straight to the point.
"Outsiders, there is no further need to communicate with me through Clara. I already know your purpose."
"Hm? Outsiders—how does he know?" March 7th was instantly confused.
Svarog looked at Zeig and said calmly:
"As a designated high-risk individual, my network has been closely monitoring you. The methods you employ do not originate from Belobog."
Bang—bang—bang—
The mechanical legion behind slowly parted left and right, clearing a path.
In everyone's gaze.
A repaired tank slowly drove toward the group.
Svarog said gravely:
"The thermal weapon you previously damaged—I have repaired it. Take it back."
The certain someone's eyes immediately lit up:
"No way, big boss! Last time I drove it and fired point-blank into the iron gate—it turned to scrap, and you could still fix it?"
Svarog said calmly:
"…Do not underestimate Belobog's technology. In its glorious era, mechanical creations were not limited to the current automatons…"
"I have retrieved Wildfire's temporary database."
"Lady Zeig… correct? This is our second meeting."
The certain someone's smile gradually vanished.
"…"
…
"I challenge you to a duel before the throne!"
"?"
…