Arc X Chapter 15

Arc X Chapter 15

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Arc X Chapter 15

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“Lady Asami, with all due respect I am not particularly convinced of these so-called ‘railways’ and ‘trains’ you speak of, if I might share my reservations,” Kichirou, patriarch of the Asano zaibatsu and industrialist, disclosed his doubts. The industrialists present at the council meeting apparently didn't share her enthusiasm and were not particularly keen to embark on her project. Her railways were met with little love.

A smile adorned Asami's lips. “Meanwhile, I am convinced, Kichirou-san. My way or railway.”

Kichirou furrowed an eyebrow.

“Kichirou-san, A functioning railway network would vastly increase our civilian ...”, and the military, “transport capabilities, promoting economic and industrial development. Furthermore, I like trains.”

“Lady Asami, once again with all due respect, but whether you like trians or not is, I think, besides the point”, Kichirou insisted. “Building them will require substantial sums, and we still don't see the point of why we should invest so much in an unproven and unreliable technology.”

“Trust me, Kichirou-san, railways are neither unreliable, nor unproven. In fact, we adapt already existing technology. I witnessed their use when I journeyed in the north. In the light of our recent diplomatic efforts, our northern allies agreed to share their technological secrets with us.”

Kichirou and his fellow industrialists eyed the rest of the council with suspicion. “Is that true?”

Masanari, Asami’s right hand, came to her aid. “It is. These so-called trains are constructs of steel and powered by steam generated by burning coal. Based on the provided schematics and according to our engineers, these trains appear to be functional...”

The industrialists exchanged a series of conspiring glances. Their interest was finally kindled.

Kichirou cleared his throat. “Ahem, if you will excuse us, we must briefly retreat to discuss this matter among us.”Vissit novelbin(.)c.om for updates

Asami beamed, aware that they would ultimately be unable to resist the temptation. “No problem. Do what you need to, but no need to rush things.”

Raiden personally doubted the veracity of such tales, yet Lady Asami didn't share his pessimism. Despite their hazy nature, myths and legends satisfied her curiosity as their mistress was pleased with their results. For some reason, Lady Asami even commended them for their excellent work when they were just compiling ancient history ... Goddess, rabbits, moon, sages, Indra and Asura ... What was the purpose behind all this? Nobody knew besides her. His men were trained ninja, intelligence operatives and assassins, not historians and archaeologists. This mission seemed more like a civilian affair.

Nevertheless, they were ordered to continue their search and locate the old capital. Despite some minor misgivings, her words were his command, and he obeyed.

Their mission brought him here into the middle of god-damn nowhere,

searching for some godforsaken ruins with little success. At times, he hated his job, for sure.

“Captain!“ One of his men reported.

“What is the matter, Toru?” Raiden looked up.

“Captain, ... we found it.”

“What? Really?”

Toku nodded. “Beyond the hill.”

Raiden stormed the hill in an instant. The sight of wide open plains and a flowing river greeted him. Ancients structures, foundations of stone covered the grass land, vast ruins of an unknown age and origin. A city once massive in size, easily rivalling the metropoleis of today, but now deserted by the living. Much to Raiden's surprise, the priestess didn’t lie. The old woman the truth as days and weeks of toiling finally paid off.

“Toku, ... inform Lady Asami. Immediately. Tell her we found the capital. Tell her we found Nara.”

Ruins of Nara

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