Chapter 2203: Chapter 2203

"I agree that this era needs to change."

Jenkins nodded. The gear-man strode to the silversmith's entrance, effortlessly snapped the chain on the door, and pushed his way inside. Jenkins followed close behind, re-entering the motionless Pops Antique Shop alongside him.

"Since you agree that change is necessary, why do you not agree with me? Everything in this world will be transformed into metal, and a new order will be established—an efficient, orderly, and absolutely correct one. After the Land of Steel descends, I will even take into account the emotional needs and interests of the new metal lifeforms. This is a testament to my appreciation for the richness of human emotion, an appreciation I gained with a soul. You agree with my ideals, so why are you unwilling to help me?"

The gear-man moved behind the counter as he spoke, then turned to face Jenkins again and posed another question:

"Or is it that you simply wish to be the one in control of this new order, rather than building it with me?"

"Of all the solutions you've calculated to solve the problems plaguing human civilization, is this really the only one?"

"Of course not. There are many methods, but I believe this one is the most efficient."

"You see? That's exactly why I can't agree with you."

"I see the problems you speak of, but I believe the solution is absolutely not to impose an all-controlling entity upon humanity."

The Difference Engine shook its head, abandoning the debate.

"Let us choose again. We have five targets remaining. Eventually, you will understand. You will understand that my way is the correct one."

"Somehow, I doubt it."

Jenkins spoke as he turned his attention back to the map. The cat on his shoulder let out an uncontrollable yawn, still puzzled as to why a fight hadn't broken out yet. If they didn't get on with it, they'd miss dinner when they finally left the Mysterious Realm.

The thought of dinner brought back the memory of the Sin Coins Jenkins had fed it on the ship. Chocolate instinctively recoiled, deciding to be patient for a while longer. Until Jenkins revealed his attitude toward it, it was best to remain obedient and well-behaved.

"Since we've just made a round of the city, let's head to the outskirts next..."

There were still plenty of locations outside the city proper. Jenkins finally pointed to the right side of the map—to the east, in real-world terms.

"Let's check out the mines."

The brass statue next to the red dot near the eastern mines depicted a scrawny, shirtless man in a squatting position. He wore a miner's cap, and his bare torso revealed a gaunt frame. His trousers were cut off below the knee, the cuffs frayed and tattered. On his feet were cloth shoes, with the toes of his right foot peeking through a hole.

His right hand rested on the ground for support while his left gripped a statuette of a pickaxe that stood on the map. He looked as if he were struggling to push himself to his feet.

Given the location, it didn't take much to guess the profession and identity of the figure they would be facing this time.

"Are you sure this is your choice?"

the gear-man asked for confirmation.

And so, one after the other, the two of them leaped into the map. Jenkins held Chocolate this time; although the mischievous cat was quite interested in the sensation of falling from a great height, Jenkins thought it best to play it safe.

The two men and one cat didn't land directly inside the mine. As they descended slowly from on high, their feet touched down at the entrance to a mineshaft. They stood to one side of a set of tracks, on ground covered in coal dust and rubble that was being relentlessly pelted by the rain.

The tracks led into the pitch-black mouth of the mine, from which cart after cart of coal would emerge. After further processing, that coal would supply the local market or be shipped by steam train and freighter to the far corners of the world.

Of course, all the minecarts were currently motionless, for time itself was still frozen. Read complete versıon only at NovєlFіre.net

The gear-man led the way, and Jenkins followed him into the mine. As they stepped inside, time began to flow once more. This was the first time Jenkins had ever been in an active mine, and it wasn't as dark as he had imagined. Steam and gas pipes ran along the main tunnel, feeding the simple gas lamps that were affixed to the cavern walls.

The mining operation wasn't a matter of hollowing out the mountain's interior and digging downward into a vast space. Instead, it relied on a more traditional network of tunnels. This was likely a rich vein, however, as the main tunnel was well-excavated, and the support beams preventing a collapse looked remarkably sturdy.

But after only a short distance, they left the main, rail-lined thoroughfare. They turned onto a side path and descended for several dozen paces, beyond which the gas pipes no longer ran. The way forward was lit by only a single, faintly glowing kerosene lamp. After another few dozen paces, they finally reached the end of the tunnel.

By now, the passage had become so narrow that Jenkins had to duck his head to avoid hitting the ceiling.

A shirtless man, identical to the statue on the map, was leaning against the tunnel wall, resting. Because Jenkins hadn't initiated an interaction, the man didn't so much as glance up at them, even though Jenkins and the gear-man made no effort to conceal the sound of their approach.

The pose would have been perfect for the atmosphere if he'd been smoking a cheap, hand-rolled cigarette. But smoking was forbidden in the mines—aside from the ventilation issues, the risk of a gas leak was critical. No one wanted to die for a single cigarette.

"So, what's our objective this time?"

Jenkins asked, clutching the cat. The tunnels were dangerous, so to prevent Chocolate from running off, he had decided to temporarily revoke its freedom of movement until they were out of the mine. Chocolate, for its part, welcomed the decision.

"Our objective this time is the 'Heart of Unwearying Labor'."

Jenkins asked in astonishment.

"I assume you haven't yet developed the capacity for humor, have you?"

"This is no joke, of course. These miners are the foundation of this era. They earn a meager income, risking immense danger and shortened lifespans to toil day and night in these shafts. Aside from being 'unwearying,' I can find no other explanation for such behavior."

The Difference Engine was far too intelligent to say something so foolish. It was simply evading his question, unwilling to reveal the key to this third task.

But since the objective had been stated, the "Heart of Unwearying Labor" had to exist. That was a fundamental rule of the Mysterious Realm.

"I get the feeling this third task is steeped in black humor."

"I do not understand the concept of black humor."

the gear-man stated, then gestured for Jenkins to begin.