Compared to the chaos and tragic circumstances on the surface, the scene within the underground shelter is a different story. Here, rather than being a simple shelter, it reminds Duanmu Huai of the cities of dwarves, gray dwarves, or dark elves in the Faelun world — indeed, it's not merely a refuge facility; it looks more like a large city built underground.

And as people walk through, they all appear quite composed, providing a stark contrast to the ground above that has been ravaged and destroyed by the insect swarm.

Upon seeing Duanmu Huai and others, these passersby showed curious expressions, but when they noticed the mecha girl walking behind them, their faces changed instantly, quickly stepping aside as if she were some pathogen. Observing this scene, Duanmu Huai said nothing. He merely watched silently, allowing the young man to lead him and the others to a building not far from the city gate.

Judging by its interior decoration, this seems to be an office space. However, there was no one here at the moment, or perhaps there had been people here before, but none now.

Duanmu Huai glanced at the steaming drink on the table, then looked away.

"Alright, now can you tell us why you brought us here?"

"Of course."

The young man nodded, then first turned to the mecha girl.

"Iron Cavalry, for stability reasons, I hope you can temporarily remain here on standby, okay?"

"This does not comply with regulations."

The mecha girl shook her head.

"Given the current situation, I think we should search and gather survivors to the shelter as much as possible."

"... But, I heard that you were just rescued; don't you need some rest?"

"These are the rules of the Gramer Iron Cavalry."

The mecha girl remained unwavering.

"Rule three: Any threat must be thoroughly eliminated. The Universal Locust Plague is still rampant, and our mission is not yet complete. If you have no other instructions, please forgive me for departing."

After saying this, the mecha girl saluted the young man, then turned to leave. Staring at the mecha girl's departing figure, the young man opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing, simply watching silently as her silhouette vanished beyond the city gate.

".........."

The young man paused for a moment, then turned to face Duanmu Huai and others.

"Sorry, we continue... Please explain your identity and purpose..."

It was a normal process of communication, and Duanmu Huai did not bother with it, directly saying they were interstellar travelers, here for a trip. They unexpectedly rescued the mecha girl during the battle between the insects and fleet...

"Interstellar travelers? At this time?"

Hearing Duanmu Huai's sheer talk, the young man was taken aback.

"You should be aware of the threat of the Universal Locust Plague, right? Under these circumstances, you still dare to travel?"

"Some people love money; some people love beauty; some people just want to watch the world burn."

Duanmu Huai spread his hands, curling his lips.

"Personal hobby, isn't it legal?"

"Uh......"

It is indeed legal.

"Now, I believe you've seen the situation on this planet. We will only return to the surface once this insect plague ends. During this period, you will have to stay here. I can introduce accommodations, but please note, we are currently in a lockdown, and you can only move within fixed areas. Unauthorized entry into other areas will lead to arrest or even execution."

"I understand."

Duanmu Huai was well-behaved, nodding in agreement. However, his appearance still drew skeptical glances from the young man, but... What else could be done? It's not like they could be directly arrested.

Not to mention, the big guy here looks quite capable...

Maybe it was the three girls around Duanmu Huai that made the young man feel that a man traveling with girls is not here to cause trouble, so he simply issued a warning before leading them to a nearby inn. After informing them of the activity range, the young man turned and left, leaving the group behind.

"How should I say this... It doesn't feel like a shelter at all."

Standing by the window, Alicia curiously gazed at the scenery of the Underground City, full of curiosity.

"Ordinary shelters wouldn't have inns, right? Or is it due to cultural differences?"

"What if it's not a shelter?"

Duanmu Huai surveyed the hotel room with the Bird Divination Tool, ensuring no surveillance equipment, before plopping onto the couch to speak.

"Not a shelter?"

"Don't you find it strange?"

Seeing Alicia and Mugeng's bewilderment, Duanmu Huai chuckled.

"Remember the people we saw on the way here? Do they look like people on the brink of death?"

"They really don't."

Recalling, Mugeng shook her head.

"They seem quite accustomed to living underground, caring little for the situation above... Although they appeared fearful of that mecha warrior. She was clearly fighting for them..."

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