As previously mentioned, most players in Colombia had grown accustomed to the work of pioneers. Some had even joined the Pioneer Association, one of the factions actively recruiting players since the server's launch. Though the benefits were modest, the sheer volume of available tasks ensured that everyone could earn their share.
Among the new equipment Felix released this time were two notable items: the Pathfinder Aircraft and the Electric Glove. The former served as a reconnaissance drone, while the latter was a current-charged glove capable of discharging electricity during unarmed combat. With some luck, it could even paralyze an enemy temporarily.
Many players eagerly purchased these new tools. In the chaos of battle, weapons often slipped from grasp—so the ability to fight at close range with the Electric Glove was a valuable backup.
The Pathfinder, however, came with a hefty price tag: 200,000 LMD. For most players, who had saved up merely 20,000 to 30,000 through recent frugality, it was a steep expense.
Still, the player base was pragmatic. Soon enough, guilds and small teams began pooling their resources to buy the aircraft together. With more people came more money—and the Pathfinder allowed them to explore new areas more efficiently, speeding up the return on their investment.
Once deployed in the field, the new equipment quickly became popular. Players especially loved the look and feel of the Pathfinder. Almost every boy had played with a remote-controlled car or helicopter as a child—the act of controlling a flying machine awakened that nostalgic thrill. Wrapped in sleek mechanical casing with a matte finish, the Pathfinder was as cool to carry as it was to use.
Before long, nearly every player in Barichara Town was flying a Pathfinder. The skies buzzed with nearly a hundred aircraft hovering and weaving through the air.
Felix leaned against his pickup truck, arms crossed over his chest, watching. The drones' deployment had the pleasant side effect of thinning the crowd around him. Being constantly surrounded by players—especially some overly flirtatious female ones who got uncomfortably handsy—had become exhausting. Honestly, he was sick of it.
At the moment, his focus was on three players who could serve as strategic figures to influence the larger community: Magic ZX, a well-known video content creator; Dandao Dantart, core members among the Guard-class professionals; and Qiu Muyu, the famed crafting goddess. While that may seem like a decent roster, it still wasn't enough to build the kind of presence he needed for the future.
He would have to connect with professional players next. From what he remembered, Team Liquid—a professional team based in Kazimierz—was active, and worth checking in on.
As for that other team composed entirely of Sarkaz players... they had all joined the Theresis Army. Contacting them would be much more difficult.
The buzz of activity soon drew in a new wave of players returning from exploration. After learning what was going on, they excitedly ran over to Felix, eager to make purchases.
Those in need of equipment bought gear; those looking to advance their classes purchased skill books. Felix welcomed everyone, and with just a few waves of customers, his savings and experience increased substantially once again.
Well, it turned out that selling professional books was a far quicker and more satisfying way to make money. Compared to hammering iron, it was simply more efficient.
For a moment, Felix felt his heart falter—he could feel himself drifting. This wasn't good. He couldn't let go of blacksmithing. After all, there was still the rare chance of unlocking a blueprint when forging equipment.
Even if his luck was ranked E, and he hadn't seen a single blueprint drop yet.
Inside the pickup truck, Felix unscrewed his water bottle once more. From within, a mini Muelsyse poked her head out, curiously observing as Felix negotiated with yet another stranger. So amazing! She thought. Felix is just as skilled at doing business as Yara!
After a night's rest, Felix was back on the road in his pickup. This time, however, two players were seated in the backseat. One was the ever-enthusiastic Dandao Dantart, visibly excited, and the other was Magic ZX, who glanced around the interior of the vehicle with open curiosity.
"Mr. Pioneer, where are we headed?" asked Dantart in a low voice, taking advantage of his slightly more familiar rapport with Felix.
Felix glanced at the two in the rearview mirror and replied, "We'll head back to Kazimierz, then move on to Kazdel."
"Kazdel?" Dantart exclaimed, visibly alarmed. "Mr. Pioneer, Kazdel is in the middle of a civil war. It's too dangerous!"
"Yes, it's dangerous," Felix acknowledged softly. "But not as dangerous as the lives of those ordinary Sarkaz civilians who are just trying to survive."
Magic ZX, who had been recording ever since they got into the car, let out a quiet sigh. At that moment, he asked, "Mr. Pioneer, haven't the Sankta and Sarkaz always been at odds?"
"They have," Felix replied calmly, not sugarcoating the truth. "But neither we nor the Sarkaz mercenaries will raise our hands against the elderly, the weak, the sick, or civilians—much less attack hospitals or detain minors. In the face of hatred, we must remember that we are human first. Only by being 'human' are we worthy of having the seven emotions and six desires. Dying on the battlefield is expected, but even Sarkaz mercenaries have their dignity."
His words were righteous and resolute. Though the players knew this was a game world, Felix's statement still gave them goosebumps. They had never experienced the horrors of war, but for a moment, they felt its weight.
Magic ZX remained thoughtful, then asked, "Mr. Pioneer… 'Pioneer' is your codename, right? What inspired you to choose this codename?"
His tone was careful and respectful. After all, Felix was a high-level NPC. If they offended him and got thrown out of the car, especially now that they were nearing the wasteland, they'd be helpless without supplies.
Felix smiled faintly. "One of my identities is as a messenger for the Laterano Notary Office. My duty is to deliver crucial messages between various cities and towns. For Laterano, and for me, it means traveling through known and unknown territories—venturing into the wild, crossing rivers, scaling mountains—to uncover new resources, lands, or trade opportunities. The pioneers of Columbia once did the same."
"Of course, the Sankta have another mission when traveling abroad," Felix continued. "We frequently engage with different cultures and ethnicities, which promotes cultural exchange and integration. We learn about new religions, languages, technologies, and traditions—while also sharing our own culture with the lands we visit."
"It represents courage, determination, adventure, and the spirit of exploration."
The radio played the Leithanian song "Sogno di Volare." For the players, the tune was unmistakably familiar—it was still the theme song of Civilization 99.
A civilization thrives on pioneers—those who overcome adversity, challenges, and natural disasters to forge ahead toward their goals.
It wasn't just Magic ZX, the one who had asked the question, who was affected. Even Dandao Dantart showed genuine respect. Although Felix hadn't borne this title the last time they'd met, it was now easy to understand why he had earned it.
Magic ZX grew visibly excited. He had just heard several key terms: Laterano Notary Office, messenger—could these hint at a new secondary profession?
He gave a soft cough and quietly messaged Dandao Dantart beside him through their in-game chat.
"We've gathered a ton of footage. Do you think Mr. Pioneer plans to bring Qiu Muyu along to Kazimierz this time?"
"Very likely," Dantart replied. "Qiu Muyu also triggered the Pioneer's hidden quest and uncovered a deep backstory about the Infected."
Magic ZX paused to think, then typed:
"The Infected… Maybe we could make a video about this topic."
Dantart replied promptly:
"You should just ask the Pioneer directly. You've triggered the hidden plot too. He'll probably tell you."
The journey in the pickup didn't feel monotonous now that there was another person on board. Dantart and Dandao even felt more at ease. After all, in their memory, Pioneer Felix had always seemed reserved and somewhat aloof. But now, with an energetic UP host who could sing, dance, and even speak Chinese, the atmosphere lightened up—his impromptu performances livening the ride.
Over nearly a month in the wilderness, Magic ZX marveled at nature's spectacle. They survived a sandstorm where the sky turned pitch black, thunder rumbled in the distance, and sand scoured the truck. Magic ZX and Dandao Dantart had gone pale, thinking their end had come—until Felix slammed the accelerator and burst through the storm.
Well, Felix had driven toward the storm on purpose—just to let Magic ZX record the terrifying scene. That way, at least for a while, no player would try something foolish like sitting on a plastic chair in the middle of a tempest yelling, "I am the incoming storm!"
Beyond that harrowing moment, Magic ZX captured footage of various struggling settlements scattered across the wasteland, the breathtaking starry skies at night, and every move Felix made.
As they neared Kazimierz, Magic ZX flipped through his recordings.
Oh my god... Is this a travel vlog?
Felix's stop at Noel Town once again brought players to tears. Some had thought they'd been forgotten. But when they saw Felix step out of the truck and open up the shop again, eyes reddened—especially among the female players, whose faces quietly flushed with emotion.
Felix spotted Qiu Muyu among the crowd of customers. He blinked, as though recognizing her.
"Adventurer, I remember you. It seems your strength has reached the standard. Would you mind becoming my temporary assistant?"
Qiu Muyu was both surprised and overjoyed, her heart trembling with excitement. She had completed the mission [Pioneer and the Earth] a long time ago. While the rewards were satisfying, there hadn't been any unexpected developments... Until now—Felix had shown up in a military pickup truck and invited her to join him as a temporary teammate.
The nearby players could barely conceal their jealousy. Now that Miss Qiu Muyu was leaving, who would help them repair their gear?
That's right—Qiu Muyu had already mastered one of the auxiliary playstyles: equipment repair. For players at this stage, equipment durability was as vital as life itself. If a weapon's durability dropped and it broke, the loss would be devastating.
"Shall we wait for you in Noel Town, Mr. Pioneer?" Magic ZX asked politely, using his signature broadcaster's tone.
"No," Felix replied with a smile. "You're coming into the city with me."
A gleam of excitement flashed in Magic ZX's eyes. Entering the city—could it be the main city he'd been imagining all this time?
Dandao Dantart was so overwhelmed he couldn't help but throw his head back and howl,
"I am the Pioneer's dog!"
After a day of rest, there was now one more person riding shotgun beside Felix—Qiu Muyu.
As she climbed into the passenger seat, she was caught off guard. Sitting there was only a water bottle, yet it had been carefully secured with the seatbelt, as though Felix feared it might fall during the ride.
So Mr. Pioneer has such an amusing side too?
Qiu Muyu chuckled. She reached to move the bottle, but as she did, it slipped from her hand—only for Felix to catch it effortlessly.
"Careful," he said gently. "The step is a bit high from the ground."
He tucked the water bottle into the chest pocket of his shirt and gestured for her to take the seat.
What a thoughtful man. Qiu Muyu took his hand and fastened the seatbelt. Behind them, Dandao Dantart smiled with pride.
Yes—that's our big brother.
Naturally, Magic ZX recorded every moment.
Once they were all settled, the three began introducing themselves. When Qiu Muyu found out that the person filming in the back seat was none other than Magic ZX, she was genuinely surprised. She smiled and confessed that she was a fan of "Magic Sensei," which caused Dandao Dantart to feel just a bit envious. As a semi-professional himself, he thought, How nice would it be to have a girl call herself my fan someday?
Afterward, Qiu Muyu leaned in to chat with Magic ZX and Dandao Dantart, sharing stories from the past few days. Felix glanced at them briefly but made no attempt to interrupt.
After all, these players would one day be his "direct descendants" in the game. There was nothing wrong with establishing good relationships early on.
"This... is this the main city?"
Dandao Dantart leaned forward, staring at the fortress-like structure before them.
Felix shook his head. "Unfortunately, this is just a checkpoint. Before entering the mobile city, everyone must undergo a security check and registration. If you're infected, you'll need to go through a special inspection lane. If you're carrying weapons, a formal application must be submitted in advance."
He noticed the three players glancing nervously at the cold weapons strapped to their backs. With a light cough, he reassured them, "Don't worry. You're currently part of my team. I've already submitted the necessary documentation for team weapon authorization."
The trio finally relaxed. It would've been quite the joke if they got stopped at the gate.
"There are so many people here… Is Kazimierz hosting some kind of event?" Qiu Muyu asked, watching the dense line of private vehicles ahead. She sighed, half-laughing. "Traffic jams in real life, and traffic jams in-game too…"
Felix smiled. "I thought you would've heard back in Noel Town. The Knight Tournament is about to take place in the mobile city of Kawalerielki, which is exactly where we're headed. Kazimierz 's knightly culture has deep roots, and in modern times, it has transformed into a full-fledged competitive sport."
"Whenever there's a knight tournament, the scene always looks like this."
Amidst the light chatter, Felix pulled the vehicle up to the checkpoint and handed over three documents.
"Rhine Lab shareholder… Messenger… My apologies, my eyesight must be failing. I didn't recognize this as an invitation from the Business Federation," the guard said, sounding both surprised and respectful.
"It's fine," Felix replied calmly.
The three players were relieved to see they weren't subjected to any questioning. That said, they hadn't been idle—they had tossed over a dozen scouting skills at the guards, only to find that every guard had question marks for levels. Clearly, none of them could be defeated.
Magic ZX was more intrigued than ever. Mr. Pioneer is a Rhine Lab shareholder? He owns a company? And what exactly is the Business Federation?
As the conversation faded, the mist ahead slowly cleared, revealing a massive city wall in the distance. The trio stared in stunned silence. Just a wall—and yet it made them feel like ants crawling at the feet of a giant.
The wall was not only enormous, but alive with sound—the metallic rhythm of steel clashing with machinery echoed from within. This city was far larger and more awe-inspiring than any "main city" they had ever imagined.
"This," Felix said, gently brushing his fingers across the water bottle, "is the mobile city."
He turned to them with a slight smile.
"Welcome to Kawalerielki."