Chapter 67 - Mr. Crunch and Miss Orange
At last, the massive onslaught, the Dungeon Break, had been contained. Applause, if not celebration, was due to the Veylamar city government, which had moved swiftly and decisively in the face of disaster.
This, without a doubt, was the most well-coordinated emergency response Atlas had ever witnessed in person.
True, the Dune Bastion had suffered damage in multiple sections, but miraculously, there were no civilian casualties. Even the tremors that had shaken the city earlier had left no loss of life in their wake.
The city bore its wounds, yes, but they were surface-level, nothing the considerable funding and engineering prowess of the Saharan Empire couldn’t repair in short order.
Yet the real credit, in the end, went to the Lords, especially Kareem, who had proven their strength and resolve when it mattered most. It was clear that Kareem shared a powerful alliance with the Empire, and in this moment, that alliance had saved the city.
The Empire’s strategy of building and maintaining close ties with strong Lords had proven wise. Today’s results said it all.
Even Atlas had to admit, he was impressed. Veylamar had handled the crisis with efficiency, control, and grit. It was a place he felt at ease visiting. And perhaps, someday, he’d return again.
"Please," the café waiter said gently, stepping forward and offering a small card. "Keep my contact. If someday you ever need help from a ’washed-up awakener’ who now brews coffee and runs a kitchen... I’d be honored to serve again." He ended with a respectful bow.
"Thanks," Atlas replied, accepting the card with a faint smile. "Good luck with the business."
"And please," the man added, his voice softer now, "convey my apologies once more to your... friend."
Atlas gave a small wave and stepped out into the street.