Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 889 - 180: Brave and Chivalrous Citizen

Once placed on Ethan’s head, the black cat’s eyes instantly became much clearer. She cleared her throat and began her self-introduction, "I am Little Dark of the black cat clan. Since I haven’t yet mastered the transformation technique, I signed a contract with Senzi, forming a symbiotic relationship."

"Symbiotic relationship!?"

Ginny was so surprised that her ears twitched several times. In the eyes of people like them, it was akin to a puppet show by humans.

"Although it looks like a young man has a black cat on his head, in truth, the black cat is the main entity."

Little Dark continued to educate everyone about the setting Ethan had temporarily come up with, "I couldn’t bear the restrictions at home, so I escaped from my clan to work outside and was taken in by Big Sister Ginny. However, due to my lack of strength, I can’t manage heavy work, so I had to find a symbiotic partner to help with the tasks."

"...It is somewhat similar to the relationship between humans and Servant Demons."

Lindong explained using his knowledge of mysticism, which flourished in the Far West, including Voodoo and the Spirit Communication Sect, which had similar relationships.

This should be able to convince the border checkpoint inspectors.

"I think it can work."

Ginny crossed her arms and nodded affirmatively, "This way, there’s no risk at all!"

...

After a tiring day, Ethan finally had a solid night’s sleep. However, before dawn the next day, Ginny knocked on everyone’s doors, waking them from their dreams. She had already tidied herself up, looking full of energy, "Gather your things and get ready to depart. If we wait any longer, we might not make it in line."

Ethan felt puzzled. Only when the group arrived at the border checkpoint did he understand Ginny’s meaning, looking at the dense crowd before them.

The crowd seemed like a looming dark cloud, yet it was strikingly quiet. Even when people conversed, it was only in low whispers, and the oppressive and uneasy atmosphere permeated among them. Before dawn broke, the first batch of entrants had already formed a long queue at the border checkpoint.

"If we’re any later, we might have to queue until tomorrow."

Ginny explained to everyone, "The examination here is far more... troublesome."

She intentionally paused, and Ethan could discern that what was omitted referred to the Empire. However, in the Far West, "Empire" had almost become a taboo word, and most people avoided mentioning it to steer clear of trouble.

About ten minutes later, there was some commotion at the front of the line.

"It should be the arrival of the inspectors."

Ginny said.

Yet, the queue of people did not get excited by the arrival of the inspectors; on the contrary, even the sparse murmur disappeared, and everyone’s face unanimously held silence.

Among them were many illegal crossers.

In the terminal of dust, never bereft of those who boast of their connections, claiming that if you pay them, they’ll secure your entry permit into the Far West.

But in fact, for most, successfully crossing the border is down to fate.

If you encounter a less malicious swindler, they might not tamper with the paperwork, just get sent back after the inspectors discover a flaw. However, if faced with more ruthless ones, they might subtly hint at your ties with the Empire’s intelligence department in the documents, and after being invited for tea, there’s little chance of returning.

"Here, take this."

Ginny handed out prepared money pouches to everyone in succession, urging, "When you go through the checkpoint, give this along with your documents, say it’s a donation for salvation."

As she spoke, a deep, solemn bell rang, followed by a calm and clear male voice. The voice echoed slightly in the spacious inspection hall:

"All those seeking entry, please pay attention.

Please proceed immediately to the designated area, queue up and wait, ensure that your entry application documents, identification, and all auxiliary materials are ready in hand."

"Before your turn, remain quiet and patient. Any noise, pushing, or questioning actions will affect your inspection results."

Follow every command from the inspector, answer all questions truthfully, your every move will be recorded as part of the inspection assessment."

"Order is the first cornerstone to the pure land. May your documents be complete, and may your soul be devout."

"May the Goddess of Life guide your way."

After the announcement, another bell tolled, and the queue slowly started moving forward.

"Why are they coming here?"

Bazatous asked Ginny in confusion; He could perceive the emotional fluctuations within the crowd. Among them, there wasn’t pure faith nor the fervor seen during a pilgrimage. Driving them were negative emotions such as unease and fear. For those queued up, crossing the border checkpoint to the Far West was a painful decision.

This greatly contrasted with the faith He understood, hence He couldn’t comprehend.

If it’s painful, then why flock to it?

"Most of these are residents of small nations surrounding the Far West. Despite their dusty appearances now, many of them are affluent merchants, and there are even nobles."

Ginny explained, "They sold off their assets and came with their families to this unfamiliar city, all because of Pope Carlo’s relentless preachings about the doomsday."

The Far West is removed from the Empire; the Church Court’s rule over this region is deep-rooted. To most people, the Pope is the spokesperson of the divine, every word he utters is a prophecy from the Goddess of Life."

Carlo predicted the coming of doomsday, along with the return of the Goddess of Life.