Traveler of the River of Time and Space

Chapter 624 1: The Princess of Polaris

Wasteland Plane, Polaris.

After more than a decade of development, Polaris has now become a major city with a population of hundreds of thousands.

After Su Ziyu left, Pasha aggressively integrated resources around Polaris. Coupled with the Brotherhood's covert support and Su Ziyu's formidable reputation left in the Underworld, Polaris had little difficulty annexing many nearby settlements.

Currently, Polaris boasts twelve nearby satellite cities, with a combined population exceeding one million, ranking among the top forces in the North American region.

Additionally, recent rumors suggest that Polaris has established connections with the giant city of Beidou in the East, further enhancing its strategic position. In the American region, it is said that a major Eastern nation has rebuilt a super city with a complete industrial system after generations of sacrifice. (Note: In the background of the Fallout series, America is still embroiled in warlord conflicts, while the East has begun rebuilding civilization.)

However, the world has not been peaceful recently, as a strange disease has begun to spread globally.

About two years ago, a peculiar disease known as 'Mechanical Worm Disease' started to spread. It targets the modified, causing rejection reactions between their neurological systems and bionic limbs. Mild cases experience periodic pain, while severe cases result in paralysis. The virus's transmission method remains a mystery, and its infection process is peculiar, sparing some entirely while others fall suddenly ill. Rumors suggest it's an artificial virus developed by some force targeting those with bionic transformations.

But that was just the beginning. Soon after the spread of Mechanical Worm Disease, a new 'Mad Disease' emerged.

The Mad Disease is far more terrifying than the Mechanical Worm Disease; sufferers appear normal at first—aloof and reclusive, disliking social interactions—but once it manifests, they become delirious, highly aggressive, and may engage in self-harm and frantic slaughter.

If Mad Disease patients end up wandering the wilderness, they rapidly start showing signs of becoming Corpse Ghosts, leading to an increase in these creatures outside once more.

Under such viral assaults, Polaris has also been significantly affected.

Recently, Polaris's leader, Pasha, has not been seen for over a month. Rumors allege she has a severe case of Mechanical Worm Disease, to the point of losing the ability to act independently.

If Pasha hadn't ruled Polaris for over a decade, and but for a certain legendary figure deterring factions from reckless actions, Polaris would likely have descended into chaos by now.

But even so, the situation in Polaris is deteriorating. The spread of Mad Disease leaves everyone anxious, and some in their fear are turning to religious Faith for solace. During this time, the Mechanical Atomist Pantheon has expanded, claiming that belief in the God of Machinery means no more fear of radiation or contracting Mad Disease. Despite major factions' efforts to suppress it, many secretly embraced this faith.

Boom!

A dull explosion echoed.

Accompanied by rising flames, a group of fierce-eyed mercenaries were engaging in a gunfight with Polaris's guard squad. Their firepower was overwhelming, and one mercenary, fitted with metal armor on his chest, wielded powerful weapons.

The battle broke out too suddenly for the Polaris guard squad to respond, leaving them completely suppressed by the firepower.

Fortunately, the residents of Polaris responded quickly; some locals immediately grabbed their weapons from home, aiding the guard squad against the suddenly rampaging mercenaries.

"Sons of bitches! Kill them all!"

"How dare they bomb my house!"

"Brothers!"

"Grab your weapons! Bobby! Bring me my RPG!"

Pasha's more than ten years of benevolent rule garnered the residents' deep loyalty. Upon discovering the attack, many former Scavengers promptly armed themselves in defense. Among them were many former drifters, some even disabled, who, if not for Pasha's earlier efforts to take them in, might have perished in the Wasteland. Over the years, Pasha accepted numerous clean-background Scavengers and funded bionic limb installations for them. Some joined the guard squad, while others became residents, running small shops.

The attack came so abruptly; plus, the location was on Polaris's outskirts, leaving the guard squad initially unable to respond effectively, creating a perilous situation.

But at this moment, the captain's communicator crackled with a cold, somewhat youthful female voice, calmly saying, "Fire cover!"

"Team 16, surround the right side."

"Everyone else, cover the evacuation."

Hearing this, the captain's face lit up with joy, and he shouted, "Her Highness has arrived! Team 16 brothers, follow me!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth.

A silver-white figure flashed across a distant rooftop, and then an exoskeleton power armor with a silvery sheen under the sunlight landed, dispersing the impact upon landing, rolled aside to evade incoming bullets, and raised its hand to launch a shell, blasting a distant enemy into the sky.