Chapter 880 - 497: Embers of the Long Night (Part 6)

"Where’s the downside?"

Dragon Gate City Mayor Ruble looked at his sixth grandson upon hearing this.

With many wives come many children, and with many children come many grandchildren.

Especially after the apocalypse, he devoted all his energy to Dragon Gate City underfoot, and couldn’t be bothered to manage those children. In just one year, he added another seven or eight grandchildren; with numbers this large, natural blood ties fade, relying instead on interaction.

Only those children born before the doomsday could make him think a bit.

The little chubby boy responded without hesitation, "For ordinary people, entering the colosseum is the least profitable option. The most attractive aspect of Dragon Gate Colosseum is the potions and professional formulas, but these are rewards only offered in the ranked matches, contested by the strong."

"To enter ranked matches, you need to win at least ten consecutive games. Every fight for them is a gamble with their lives, and there’s an exponentially high mortality rate. The further they go, the greater the probability of death."

Ruble said indifferently, "That’s beyond their consideration. Winning just two matches gives enough rewards and fame for him to land a good job in Dragon Gate."

The little chubby boy shook his head, "That’s even less worthwhile."

"They’re gambling with their lives for the most ordinary resources, which can still be obtained externally. As for jobs, I remember the Guard Army’s training cycle is long but not harsh, and all departments are recruiting staff. As long as they’re willing to work hard, there will always be jobs."

"These ordinary people flocking to the colosseum are either intoxicated by top rewards or are gamblers with a lucky mindset."

In the wide sofa, the mayor adjusted his sitting posture. Though still squinting his small eyes, those familiar with him could see the mayor was somewhat serious.

"If you weren’t my grandson, just an ordinary scavenger from outside the city, what would you do?"

The little chubby boy held onto the railing, thinking, "Considering my age, I logically wouldn’t survive outside, but since it’s hypothetical, I’ll just say something. If I were a child, I’d find a big thigh to cling to, no matter what, I’d stay in the city first. If I were an adult, I’d try to conduct little business, just surviving first..."

Ruble chuckled dismissively, "Sounds nice. But what if no one took you in, and if your business was extorted, leaving you with nothing?"

The little chubby boy said, "I heard there are rabbits outside Dragon Gate that dig very deep burrows that adults can’t enter, not even Evolvers can deal with them, yet they provide a lot of meat and fur, being a main food source for scavengers. For this reason, many people raise a group of children specifically to dig for rabbits."

"They lead a rather tough life, but compared to the uncertain days outside the city, they always manage to survive."

"Besides, Dragon Gate isn’t short on food, and is even considered prosperous to some extent, so it can definitely accommodate my presence."

"As for someone robbing me, then I’ll just give it to him."

The answer was straightforward and without hesitation.

Ruble suddenly remembered some time ago, the little chubby boy seemed to have raised a pet that was taken by his sister, after which she invited him to eat rabbit meat.

Such trivial matters normally wouldn’t reach his ears, but somehow, it did. Some said his family produced a coward, while others called the boy a smooth talker, like him.

Ruble’s sudden whim was to meet this little grandson.

"Being bullied like that, not even daring to risk your life, what’s the point of living?"

Ruble pretended to say coldly.

The little chubby boy was taken aback, "It’s just a rabbit, should I fight my sister for it?"

"What if she wanted your life?"

"Then I’d have to see what the price was."

"Enough that you’d die ten times."

"Then I’d definitely run away!"

Ruble stared at him, seeing the sincerity in the little chubby boy’s eyes that didn’t seem fake, he laughed, "Are you really that scared?"

The little chubby boy sighed, "Living is hard nowadays, how could I not be scared? Every night before sleeping, I check if the lights are on in your city hall, Grandpa. If you’re gone, I’ll never have peaceful days again."

Ruble was angered enough to twitch his face as he kicked the little chubby boy, "You unfilial brat, even if you die, your grandpa won’t die."

The little chubby boy was full of sincerity, "Grandpa, you should live well, don’t work too hard, our Lu family is depending entirely on you."

"Get lost!"

Ruble playfully cursed.

Watching the little chubby boy trot away, the smile on Ruble’s face gradually faded.

He softly asked, "Has the ’Energy Storage Core’ left by the train conductor been understood?"

An ordinary-looking man stepped forward, "It’s extremely difficult to decipher, and we’re missing many key materials, would have to go to the Storm Zone to trade with Zhijin..."

After speaking, the man looked in the direction the chubby boy left and tentatively asked, "Are you planning to give it to the sixth young master? Not going to discuss with Brother Zhan?"

Ruble’s eyes shifted slightly, "Do you think it’s a bad idea?"

The man shook his head, "Having fear is a good thing. If he has the same mindset when he grows up, he’ll be well-suited to take over your position."

"We’ll see. By the way, is there any new information from the Armed Train side?"

...

"Has the train conductor entered Eternal Night?"

"When?"

Fu Lanshan asked two questions in quick succession, his subordinate quickly answered, "Half a month ago, many witnessed it. The news should have spread across various factions by now."

"Unexpectedly..." Fu Lanshan stood up, gazing at the gray sky.

The subordinate cautiously asked, "What about us..."

"This is the best opportunity to mend relations with the Armed Train!"

Fu Lanshan spoke with a firm tone.