Chapter 603: Chapter 195: Momentum
Another day of work in Mist City.
Clang, clang, clang...
All around was the sound of mining. Batty swung his sledgehammer, constantly probing these days, trying to persuade Bamuta and the others to take him into that mysterious passage. The other shack bosses were initially concerned that it was too dangerous inside, that without the help of the Illuminati, there might be danger. But under Batty’s persistent persuasion, they were somewhat tempted. Their plan was to pick carefully skilled people and just explore without necessarily reaching the exit. With the shielding of the Wooden Fish, they could effectively resist the murmurs, and their own strength was not weak. They could retreat if they encountered danger.
Yalamu, Jose, Andarila, Kolan, Roshan, and Kram were actually tempted. Ever since they learned there was truly a Paradise outside, they wanted to try it. But their predecessor, the shack leader, had warned them it was extremely dangerous. Without Tishili’s help, it was a matter of life and death. Among the seven, only Bamuta was the old shack leader, and only he had been with the Illuminati, but he resolutely disagreed.
His reason for disagreeing was that they could not take risks, and waiting for the Illuminati’s orders was safer. They had the luxury of time.
Batty slammed the stone hard. Since his encounter with Tishili last time, he could no longer fully trust Bamuta. Bamuta had the identity of a Sheren. Although supposedly without family, he was simply accustomed to staying in the mine. But was there a possibility he was sent by Karoni to monitor them?
Danger was the least concern for Roto. If it weren’t for Bamuta previously backing Roto, Batty might suspect Bamuta was waiting for a chance to report, or maybe Karoni needed him, just waiting for Karoni’s arrangements?
Batty felt that waiting like this wasn’t a solution. Having the Wooden Fish did reduce the pain, but freedom was tens of thousands of miles away. Every day, fellow miners were dying in the mine. Their last wish before dying was to receive a blessing of redemption from him. Batty granted these wishes one by one, but each death pushed him deeper into an abyss, as if his incompetence was causing fellow miners to die in agony, right before his eyes.
There’s clearly a way. No matter how much sacrifice it takes, if it can lead out, it’s worth it.
Bamuta is already the longest-lived among Roto. He’s afraid of dying!
Boom...
A large stone shattered under Batty’s blow, his muscles dark and shiny, like a Rakshasa, his gaze resolute. He wouldn’t let Bamuta lead him by the nose. He had to make Bamuta choose, either to find a way out together with him and the other shack bosses or go their separate ways.
After eating the dark Gray Moss meal, Batty gathered the seven shack bosses. He was now the head of the mine car, which gave him a reason for daily gatherings. The overseers didn’t interfere much, as the mine was stable and Tishili was pleased. They didn’t want trouble.
"Elder Bamuta, should we seriously consider the proposal from the mine manager? How long are we going to wait like this?" Yalamu said. He was the shack boss who supported Batty the most, at the peak of Roto, daring to take risks.
"Elder, our fellow miners are dying every day. Since it’s confirmed there’s a Paradise outside, rather than dying meaninglessly, I’d rather die on the path of exploration," Jose said.
The other shack bosses nodded uniformly, out of respect for Bamuta, or they would have begun exploring long ago. They had this thought before, but there wasn’t a leader like Batty back then.
Bamuta looked at everyone’s expressions. It was evident they had reached a consensus. If he continued to stop them under the pretense of danger, he would lose their respect.
"Mine manager, if you truly decide to explore, we must be fully prepared, and all participants must adhere to three agreements," Bamuta said.
"Elder, go ahead, you’re the only one among us who has been there," Batty nodded and said.
"First, during the exploration, I will be in command. Everyone must follow orders," Bamuta said.
The group exchanged glances and nodded. Batty didn’t mind who led, as long as they had the ability to lead everyone.
"Second, during exploration, if someone’s head itches, they must report immediately."
"Third, when I say to return, everyone must immediately turn back."
Everyone expressed their agreement. Although confident in the exploration, they didn’t plan to succeed on the first attempt.
"We need to leave one person to handle the overseers and any unforeseen circumstances," Bamuta said.
"I must participate," Batty said.
The others didn’t want to quit either, participating in the exploration was a form of self-redemption.
"Kolan, among us, you handle the overseers well. Please stay," Bamuta saw everyone wanted to participate, so he had to assign someone.
Kolan’s black face showed reluctance, his face twisted together, but looking at the others, he could only agree. He managed the relationship with the overseers quite well.
"Choose two people from each shack to participate in the exploration, with good skills and will, at least reaching the Second Awakening Realm. They must be reliable. Kolan, choose two people from your shack too."
With that, Kolan finally grinned, showing his white teeth.
"In a few days, it’s the Trilateral God’s fasting day, which will be our opportunity," Bamuta said gravely. Once a decision was made, he didn’t hesitate anymore and began planning, as each exploration had to be meticulously cautious.
Batty and the others were filled with excitement. As long as Bamuta agreed, they feared nothing else, finally setting out to explore the true path of redemption.
Dragon Capital.
Little Skinner did not stop because of Li Xin’s presence. As the direct person in charge of the case, Li Xin rushed to the scene immediately. The city guard had already cordoned off the area, and many spectators gathered after hearing about the murder case.
Reporters from the three major newspapers were particularly quick on the uptake. One arrived earlier than Li Xin, but was stopped. Although city guards sold information for extra money, they wouldn’t let reporters into such a scene first.
Li Xin didn’t need to deal with such matters himself. Snake Skin and Drunkard were adept at handling it. Newspapers had rules: generally, there’s no restriction on case reports, but special and secretive cases can’t be reported at will. However, reporters rarely give up easily; they’d investigate first and then take it back to their editor for a decision.
Li Xin entered the room with Snake Skin and Drunkard, the location being a mansion in the West District. The living room scene was gruesome. The victims were two academy trainees from the Divine Revelation Canon Law School, which was why the city guard squad leader was shaking. This was a big deal.
Apart from the two skinned academy trainees, there were three scantily clad women, aged from ten to thirty. There’s no need for an autopsy; a rough glance shows signs of sexual activity and bodies covered in marks. One was particularly tragic, with evidence of being chewed at the chest. The academy trainees were worse off, with their skin peeled off entirely, revealing blood-soaked flesh and a gaping chest hole that was shocking.
The worms were gone.
