"Jielou City, where every building is a floor unto itself, like a thousand sails crossing the sea."
Hexia closed the materials in her hand, but the image of the broken and desolate city still echoed in her mind.
In the Northern Second District, there aren't many inhabitants; nearly a million square kilometers of land is home to just eight million people, and most of them are concentrated in three semi-abandoned cities. Jielou City is one of them.
"The liveliest event in Jielou City each year has to be the 'Flowing Fire Festival' in mid-July. At that time, there will be more tourists and the city will be busier and safer," the forum posted such an introduction, along with some photos and videos. Layers of red banners fluttered, and the air was thick with incense as a devout crowd packed into the winding mountain paths to worship.
Even in the Interstellar Era, some people still believe in gods. Although there are many similar doubts on the Star Net, as long as there is unease in the hearts of people, or they are not strong enough and need support and solace, the need for spiritual sustenance will arise.
In the unseen presence of one who witnessed your pain and discomfort, you confessed the bitterness in your heart and thus felt a certain release, as if lightening your inner burden. For such beliefs, federal officials are neither advocates nor do they deliberately suppress them, as long as everything is done within defined limits and boundaries, without interference or overstepping.
Having finished browsing the information online, Hexia felt it might be necessary to take a trip to Jielou City in the Northern Second District. Although she might not necessarily find any clues, there was a nagging curiosity about why Ha Ke was so certain her mother came from 'Jielou City'.
The timing was this month. Glancing at the calendar, Hexia suddenly realized that it coincided perfectly with the 'Flowing Fire Festival', but then she worried whether it would be inappropriate to ask for an extended leave.
"So Dantalion also wants to take advantage of the holiday to have some fun?" Belfeng stroked his chin after listening to Hexia's thoughts.
"Taking a long leave isn't out of the question, for example, 'Botis' who often disappears for several days before coming to work, and 'Nabe Rius' who needs to select fabric and flowers, also frequently takes leave."
"It is possible for Dantalion to take a leave, but the steady customers that have finally started coming might partly disappear," she said with some concern.
"Yes, but I'll write a good notice, hoping that everyone can wait for me a week," Hexia thought about it and decided that was the best she could do for now.
"Ah, only a week? I thought Dantalion would be going on a vacation for at least half a month," Belfeng shook his rabbit ears.
"It won't be that long." The girl explained she was planning to go to the Northern Second District.
"That place, ah, yes, the Flowing Fire in July is indeed the most suitable time of the year to visit."
"But Jielou City and the whole Northern Second District are not safe," the rabbit-eared maid reminded the girl.
"Payin City is a typical dense city, with Riot Control Autonomous Units every few streets and a plethora of surveillance on corners and alleys, making crime rare. But the Northern Second District is different. Not to mention fewer surveillance systems, some aren't even connected to the star network, and there are hardly any Riot Control Robots. Even the local government is semi-autonomous, controlled by the locals."
"That's why I said that tourists usually only go there in July, and because they need to maintain the local tourism economy, the local government will also be more restrained and careful during this period," Belfeng listed the precautions for traveling to the Northern Second District, which made Hexia pay more attention and contemplate whether to wait a few more years until she herself was stronger before going there.
However, the next day, when 'Botis' heard about her concerns, he offered what seemed to be a good suggestion.
After being nurtured by Hexia, the giant spider had not advanced, but its overall strength had risen a notch, shifting from Superior Radiant Gold Level to Rare Radiant Gold Level. If she wanted to truly promote it, the girl would likely need to acquire sufficient knowledge and secret techniques at Yuanting Academy.
"So you were hiding in my shadow." The girl realized, slowly crouching down, and then with a flicker of pale blue magic power on her fingertips, she touched the top of the giant spider's head, making it reveal itself.
"Speaking of which, you all belong to the Withering Sequence career line, so coordination should be rather easy. This can fool some of the older and simpler checking devices," Botis nodded slightly.
"But, is it really okay to bring this fellow out?" The girl picked up the giant spider again, holding it in front of her, observing closely.
"It's Botis' pet, isn't it? Also, I'm a bit afraid it might actually bite someone, and if they can't be saved, it would be disastrous," the girl shook her head, voicing her concerns.
"Well, I will prepare three doses of a specialized serum for you. Administer it to the person in time, and they'll be alright. Besides, Dantalion, often conflicts arise because the other party thinks they can bully you. When you show some form of aggression and deterrence, most people actually won't make a move on you, which also reduces a lot of trouble,"
"When necessary, you can bring it out and play with it in front of you. That will scare away many people who try to strike up a conversation or cause you trouble." 'Botis' was like an evil older sister, imparting some necessary tactics to the small rabbit Hexia.
"Really? Can I do that?" The girl was doubtful, yet she looked at the giant spider she held.
"No problem. Besides, the Northern Second District is a mixed bag, even if Hexia stands out, she won't attract attention."
"Shall we try it then?" The girl finally found Botis' words persuasive and agreed to take the giant spider on a long journey.
In the afternoon, led by Belfeng, Hexia came to ask her manager for leave.
"Going on a vacation and visiting relatives?" The manager 'elegantly' sipped her flower tea, then gazed into the distance, seemingly reminiscing about her own youth.
"Young people are still so energetic and impulsive." She seemed somewhat reflective.
"Go ahead, but after this extended leave, you won't be able to take another for two months."
"Okay, thank you, manager." Although the manager often reminded the girl of a certain animal, in a sense, she was indeed a good person.
"Mm, mm." The manager felt quite gratified upon hearing the gratitude in the girl's voice, and a little more cheerful inside. Then, with both the girl and Belfeng watching, she picked up her handbag and slowly walked outside.
It was time for her break again, and work was indeed 'arduous.'
Having sorted out her leave, Hexia was about to embark on a journey to uncover her mother's past. She wondered if there was anyone left in Jielou City who knew her mother, or whether this was merely a journey destined for disappointment.
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