Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 528 - 453 The Crowned One_2

Moreover, this part of the Correction Value is, in some sense, jointly owned by Utopia and the Golden Dawn.

If you want to scoop meat from the Golden Dawn's bowl, you need to have enough clout. Otherwise, forget meat, you wouldn't even get any soup; you could only watch the recluses of the Golden Dawn's Abyss devour hot dry noodles.

From the day he found the Book of Fate, Huai Shi was destined to be an enemy of the Golden Dawn—and a critical one at that.

The Jurisdiction Bureau might not be willing to let this portion of the Correction Value slip away either. Faced with its colossal value, Huai Shi's personal wishes were far too insignificant.

Moreover, he possessed the Source, the Book of Fate, representing the Owner of the Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy.

If not for the layers of fog concealing the Book of Fate's whereabouts, coupled with the book's own interference with prophecies, Huai Shi would probably have been done for long ago. He would have been unable to enjoy playing his role as a matryoshka-style second-fifth as he was now.

She deliberately concealed this from Huai Shi.

If at first her concealment was out of a desire to ensure the plan's stability and prevent her Contractor from collapsing under too much pressure, her reasons had now gradually changed.

She genuinely hoped that, besides rebuilding Utopia, Huai Shi could have his own pursuits, his own achievements, and a life of his own.

"Keep it up, Huai Shi," Raven suddenly said.

"Hmm? What's up?"

The youth raised his head in confusion.

"No, it's nothing," Raven said softly with a smile. "Big Sister believes in you."

Acting silly again.

Huai Shi couldn't help but shake his head and sigh, rising to walk into the bathroom.

Well, at least someone was treating him to a meal. He should tidy himself up...

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Half an hour later, in the revolving restaurant on the top floor, the Sand King, seated at a table, finally met this rising star from the Astronomical Society.

As one of Australia's de facto rulers, he had already thoroughly investigated Huai Shi through his own channels after his subordinates reported to him.

At least, all the publicly available details were crystal clear.

Even so, he could not reconcile the youth entering the restaurant with the scruffy Traveler in the recordings.

Once the dust was washed away and he had donned a hastily purchased formal suit, the youth was entirely different from what he had expected.

Truly stunning.

There was none of the frivolity of youth, nor the anticipated rudeness.

His smile was gentle and serene.

His fine appearance was enough to make a favorable impression. However, the Sand King was long past the age of judging by looks. What surprised him was the rare, vibrant spirit emanating from the youth at that moment.

He seemed like a knight carrying a torch through the night. He was like a moist wind in the desert, bringing comfort, joy, and the desire to befriend him.

He wanted to befriend someone like this.

At that moment, the Sand King harbored no doubts about Huai Shi's complex credentials. His years of insight, experience, and even intuition told him that such a person was undoubtedly destined for great things.

If he could maintain this bearing, surely one day he would become a paragon for the Astronomical Society?

Rarely, the preeminent Crowned One of Australia rose from his seat and nodded courteously to his guest. This was not out of fear of the Astronomical Society's power, but the respect due to a true guest.

"Welcome to Australia, Mr. Huai Shi."

The grey-haired, warm-faced old man extended his hand, and Huai Shi shook it.

"And thank you for your hospitality, Lord Sand King."

Huai Shi did not reject the powerful man's kind gesture, clearly positioning himself as a visitor. To be presumptuous after such courtesy would be disgraceful and spoil the atmosphere.

He not only refrained from mentioning the earlier offense but also thanked the Sand King. After all, it was a vehicle from The Wasteland Child that had brought him to Canberra.

They both tacitly put the minor unpleasantness behind them.

After the aperitif was served, the Sand King pondered for a moment and began, "You are a pleasant guest, Mr. Huai Shi. With a candid guest like yourself, I do not wish to hide anything or play mind games.

Therefore, allow me to ask you directly—"

He looked at Huai Shi earnestly and asked, "Is your visit on behalf of the Astronomical Society, or is it..."

"Purely personal."

Before he could finish, Huai Shi had already responded.

The Sand King relaxed slightly, then his expression turned serious and solemn. "Then, are you here to compete for the Golden Amber?"

"No," Huai Shi shook his head. "I'm traveling."

During a brief silence, the Sand King quietly studied his face. His gaze wasn't sharp or aggressive, nor did it betray any suspicion. It seemed as if he was merely waiting for Huai Shi to finish speaking.

Soon, his expression eased, and he took the initiative to raise his glass.

"Then, I wish you a pleasant journey," the Sand King toasted. "To show my sincere appreciation for this candor, I, as your host, will cover all your expenses in Canberra."

"There's no need for that."

Huai Shi shook his head. "I imagine you have something major to attend to. If you're uneasy, you can certainly arrange for someone to follow me. I have no interest in Australia's conflicts, and besides, I'll be leaving soon.

I'm not a threat you should worry about, Lord Sand King. In fact... I have no interest whatsoever in what's about to happen here."

He paused, then said seriously, "You should be concerned about whether the Astronomical Society approves of your plans."

"I believe I am not standing in opposition to this world," the Sand King answered frankly. "I would welcome the Astronomical Society's involvement, but in truth... the Astronomical Society doesn't care whether my plans succeed or fail."

So, the matters to be confirmed before the meal were settled.

The Sand King was sure Huai Shi wasn't a troublemaker, and Huai Shi was sure the Sand King wouldn't create problems.

They could continue to be friends, even if only superficially.

The Sand King no longer needed to worry that this S-level Military Officer from the Astronomical Society harbored any hostility towards him. Likewise, Huai Shi no longer had to worry about not being able to leave after the meal.

"However, may I ask a question?" Huai Shi said.

"Please do."

The Sand King took a shallow sip of his aperitif, set down the glass, and waited quietly for Huai Shi to speak.

Huai Shi was silent for a moment, then asked directly, "What exactly is this 'Golden Amber' you speak of?"

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Thank you all for your patience. I pushed myself and managed to write another chapter.

Also, I'd like to recommend a new book: *I Am Really an Intern*.

"I really am an intern! It's just that my luck is a bit rotten."

Complex diseases? Critical rescues?

Relax, that's just my daily routine.

This is the story of an unlucky young doctor forced to blaze a trail on the path of healing and saving lives.