The valley shrouded in black smoke is as dim as twilight even during the day. Along the winding valley, the mountain walls host roaring factories half-hidden within the rocky body. Boiling molten iron sways in massive crucibles, then pours into gargantuan molds below. Sizzling steam escapes from openings in the mountain walls, rising and merging with the black smoke in the valley sky.

The entire valley is permeated with the acrid smell of sulfuric compounds left from burning coal, and this valley itself is a living colossus of a steel mill, devouring coal and ore gathered from all directions.

"Toot————"

The sound of a steam whistle comes from the distant valley, but it quickly becomes clearer, accompanied by rhythmic clanking of steel transmissions. Wheels cast from gray iron race along the tracks, scratched all over, while the silver metal underneath, covered in coal dust, gives life to the train's body.

A kilometer-long armored train traverses the mountains; the white steam from its chimney has risen like a pillar. The carriages behind, piled with heaps of jet-black coal rocks like small hills, reflect a faint brightness from the sky due to soaking.

With the long screeching of wheels, the armored train comes to a halt. A group of unloading laborers emerges on the empty grounds on both sides. Clad only in loincloths that cover crucial areas, their bodies are as black as coal.

Nearly a thousand laboring slaves work vigorously to unload the goods from the train within four hours. These coals and ore will be sent to the valley's steel mills, tossed into the gigantic steam furnaces to power the entire valley.

Once the unloading is complete, the locomotive of the armored train blows its whistle again, already replenished with water and coal, ready to restart. However, today it doesn't return as usual but instead waits in another tunnel.

Wearing sturdy forged plate armor, armed with fully automatic black rifles, steel helmets on their heads, and carrying enough supplies for the campaign, combat personnel board the train amidst the endless roar of the factory. They stand in the coal-dust-laden train car, each solid, gray-black, and disciplined.

Only when the orange coal lamps from the rock face above the train shine down can the soldiers' unified helmet emblem be seen clearly: hammer, scepter, lightning, three elements intertwined. Anyone knowledgeable would recognize this as the 'Fede Alliance' emblem, representing the Steel Alliance that shelters over a million people across the mountains and wilderness.

At the top of the steam and smoke-covered valley, three figures in luxurious clothing slowly ascend the high tower, overlooking the ready-to-go train and soldiers below.

"About 3,000 soldiers are ready. They are the bravest and most loyal warriors of our Iron Core Species," a short and stout man proudly observes the soldiers below.

"Iron Valley, Ferde Main City, and Berry Market will each dispatch troops, totaling about 10,000 soldiers heading south to assist the Heshan Rescue Association," the tall and slender man in the lead examines the yellowed telegram orders in his hand.

"That's almost all the forces we can muster," he puts down the paper.

"Too many sacrifices," the figure on the left, even taller and fatter like mire, shakes his head.

"Though in the early days of establishing the alliance, the Heshan Rescue Association provided us great help, even some precious technological support, but..." the obese figure still shakes his head.

"I have always opposed sending soldiers to fight against such natural disasters to save a dying group," he says.

"According to scholars within the alliance, the insect plague will dissipate on its own once it raids all visible life within sight. They are biological weapons created during ancient Sun disputes, and as tools, their key features are efficiency, convenience, and disappearance when not needed."

"These insects are often used to clean up the final remnants on a planet, devouring and consuming all life on it, then self-destruct when they run out of food, leaving the victors a barren planet," he continues, shaking his head, long tentacles flicking beside his collars.

"Over in Ferde Main City, they've been arguing for nearly a week, and in the end, it was the 'Ironbeard King' who went against everyone's opinion and decided on the plan to dispatch troops," the tall, slender man puts the paper behind his back.

"Hmph, you are so short-sighted," the chubby Iron Core Species man grumbles displeased.

"If we sit by idly at this moment, how will we answer to those settlement and outpost leaders within the alliance? Are you implying that our Steel Covenant is so fragile and flimsy? Don't forget how the alliance was originally established," he says angrily.

"Also, within the alliance, we Iron Core Species are the main combat personnel. I didn't say anything, so what are you dissatisfied with?"

"Yes, yes, calm down. Funi is just a bit reluctant, after all, those warriors below are invaluable assets of the alliance," the tall, slender man in the middle has to speak up to pacify, as the three gradually speak less, and the armored train below is also fully prepared.

"Toot——"

"Toot————"

"Toot——————"

The sound of the steam whistle grows progressively longer, then the wheels begin to turn slowly. Accompanied by driving gears and rods, the advancing roar carries the armored train into the distance.

————————

Under the wild starry sky, Hexia lies atop soft stacks of straw, her long black hair and dress sprawling, exuding a mysterious beauty. Gazing up at the Milky Way's sparkling sands overhead, her thoughts soar, while the carriage bearing Hexia, drawn by massive mechanical beetles, presses on along the mountain road.