There's No Love In the Deathzone (BL) novel Chapter 534

Chapter 534: Chapter 527. Star Call

Eastern Federation was in an uproar ever since the clip of the Deathzone’s big battle circulated. Some thought it was just an edited stuff, since no reporters actually saw the scene. But some argued the other creatures matched the reporter’s account, and there was no need for Trinity and Mortix to do that kind of fearmongering.

Dividing opinions was never new for Trinity--it had been there ever since the reclamation project was announced. The opinions also tipped to the side who believed them, since in the end, Trinity and Mortix never asked for anything; they did not ask for the public’s help or government support. They just announced it so people would be ready for the worst-case scenario.

Or so they said.

Radia’s main objective with that announcement, however, was the people he truly wished would reach out their hands; the Rankers.

Ideally, he would visit those people himself and tell them the news personally. But even for him, it was hard seeing those people.

In the first place, those strong individuals were powerful enough without any organization shackling them down. Especially those in the top ten; most were people who were either part of an Old House, or had enough authority to challenge the government.

Among them, however, six were veterans who had amassed enough wealth and trauma to last their whole life. With their wealth, they chose to claim a secluded corner of the world and live their life peacefully. They no longer wanted to have anything to do with dungeons, and they had the right to do so.

To be a Ranker, prowess wasn’t the only consideration. It was experience and merit; naturally, most people only achieved the top rank after decades of experience. And decades of trauma.

Those who were still active seldom stayed in one place, feeling that one region was too small for their ability. Or they chose to stay in their luxurious manor, only receiving a job with a blank check as payment--a very expensive mercenary, to put it simply.

Those rankers were usually only moved by two things; something that piqued their interest, or something that would harm their self-interest.

Radia was hoping he could fish out the Rankers with the clip, which provided both a new challenge and a new threat to Eastern Federation--if not humanity.

He had tried, quietly, to contact those Rankers before the operation began, as insurance. He used his connection, his House’s connection, and pulled out all kinds of favors but still...he only managed to meet five of them. Three just laughed and said he was doing something useless, and the other two said they might help if the price was right, and only in an emergency.

And the right price was enough to put hundreds of purification devices in the red-zone and turn it into a habitable place.

Honestly, Radia could liquidate some of his personal assets if it could help, but...

It didn’t sit right with him to ask for those people’s help. Not unless he was truly, truly desperate.

But he was not that desperate yet. He was hoping that the clip would bait the hidden rankers out. Perhaps, it would be enough for them to finally respond to his calls.

"Sir!" the head of the external affairs department burst into his office--an act that warrants a deep frown, usually, but not this time. "We’ve got a message from the East Sun’s assistant."

Radia smiled. Seemed like his endeavor was fruitful after all.

* * *

While Radia was looking for reinforcement, Zein and Bassena returned to the Deathzone only two days later once Nyx could make a portal again.

So much for ’rest’.

But for those two, staying in Althrea wouldn’t be much of a rest anyway. Thanks to the circulating clip, reporters have been trying to get ahold of them ever since they found out that Bassena was there for the funerals. Even if they stayed home all the time, there would still be persistent reporters hounding them around the building.

For Zein, even the Deathzone was a better place.

Of course, they could opt to stay on the lakeside instead, but they were worried something would happen while they were away, and the journey from the lake house to the Borderland was even longer than the Borderland to the Deathzone. They wouldn’t be able to use Nyx’a express service anymore, since the summon would have to stay by Radia’s side for the Star Call initiative.

And so, they decided to just return to the Deathzone for their peace of mind.

Such a weird concept, feeling more relieved in the Deathzone rather than in the outside. But even in the Deathzone, there was a small sanctuary that was a bit better than the green-zone.

On the evergreen grass of the lower lakeside, Bassena and Zein were enjoying the rest that House Mallarc’s agents and the Iron Shield provided them. More supplies were provided to renew the defense line in all three borders--the desert, the mountain, and the river. Radia spent no expense to make sure the defense was going up before the troops came back...

If they came back.

"Do you think they will?" Zein asked. For the first time, he actually entered the lake to swim--or rather, float with Bassena’s platform. Without anyone around, he had no qualms about taking off his shirt.

"That’s too bad," Zein muttered. "I just hope no one gets peer-pressured to return." _{fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm}