The Envoy of Abundance from Onphalus

　Sambo's eyes widened instantly, and he gave a thumbs up: "Holy crap! Dude! That's awesome! You can count on your fingers the number of people who get Boss Aha to personally deliver a gift! This is hilarious! Can I ask why he gave you this?"

　"He said he wanted to make a friend. After hearing my answer to a question, he gave me this box containing what he called the purest happiness. He said he hoped I would use the sugar inside to dispel suffering and spread laughter."

　"Excuse me for asking... what did Boss Aha ask?"

　"He asked me if there would be any fun or interesting things in the new world I was creating."

　Russell calmly replied, "I say, the new world should be filled with laughter."

　"..."

　Sambo froze for two seconds, then slapped his forehead. "Dude! What's the difference between this and confessing your feelings to him directly? He didn't even force you into the tavern as his servant. That's so unlike him!"

　"But now I understand why he gave you this treasure! It's a pity you didn't work in our line of work, otherwise you would be a big shot at least as a Commander."

　"To be honest, I was a little nervous just now, afraid that you would flip the table if you got upset, but now I feel... like it wasn't necessary?"

　"Want some candy?"

　Russell opened the box, and the colorful candies inside gleamed enticingly and emitted a strange, delightful aroma. "They're said to be the purest form of fun, and they should taste better than the ones you usually find."

　Sambo's eyes lit up, and he grabbed a handful without hesitation, eagerly stuffing one into his mouth first.

　Instantly, an indescribable taste of ultimate happiness and joy exploded on his tongue, causing him to uncontrollably spread a big, incredibly satisfied smile across his face.

　"Wow! Dude! This candy is amazing!"

　He mumbled a praise, his eyes narrowing in ecstasy, "This is the ultimate pleasure! Pure! Intoxicating! I was just being petty, thinking you were trying to trick me, but I was too narrow-minded!"

　"It's alright, it's normal to be wary of pleasurable things."

　Russell put away the sugar box and looked at Sambo. "I've stayed long enough in Yalilo. Natasha is blessed, and with her abilities and compassion, she is more than capable of dealing with the suffering here."

　"I will return to the Star Train. Continue your script as you see fit."

　His eyes held a hint of warning: "I believe you know your limits."

　"Oh, you can rest assured!"

　Sambo thumped his chest loudly, then his eyes darted around before he stepped forward, rubbing his hands together and laughing, "But buddy, since you're already on the field, how about... you do me a small favor? Just a formality, it won't take up any of your time!"

　"Could this be seen as your prayer to a messenger of abundance?"

　"Of course! It's a must!"

　Sambo nodded vigorously, "If you're willing to help, the final joke in this script will be absolutely hilarious! Absolutely fantastic!"

　"Tell me, where are we going?"

　"There's another place called the Mechanical Settlement."

　Sambo lowered his voice, "There's a group of homeless people living there. Although they're not exactly honest, they really do lack medical care and medicine."

　"They don't get along well with the Earth Fire side, and Dr. Natasha will probably have a hard time taking care of them in the future. With the two sides at an impasse, my words don't carry much weight."

　"Why don't you show some mercy? The person in charge there is a robot named Schwarz; you can definitely reason with him. The location is here—"

　He deftly pulled out a crumpled parchment map, on which the route to the mechanical settlement was marked in detail.

　"There's also a little girl named Clara, who's very close to Schwarzroth, like father and daughter. She's a good girl."

　"If you want to leave a good impression over there, this young girl might be the most suitable candidate."

　"You've arranged everything perfectly."

　Russell took the map, glanced at it, and said, "I'll do you this favor. But if I need it in the future, you'll have to do me a favor too. Is this deal done?"

　"Want to see something funny?"

　Sambo's eyes lit up.

　"Is the testimony about creating a new world enough?"

　"Holy crap! Dude! You're going all in?!"

　Sambo almost jumped up. "Creating a new world! This is cosmic-level fun! Although you're a bit serious, our goals seem to be similar? You save yours, I save mine... In essence, we might be on the same page?"

　“My homeland is controlled by a mastermind, and I have been forcibly exiled. My students and future generations are waiting there. I must go back, dethrone him, liberate my world, and create a brand new future.”

　Russell's voice was calm yet contained an undeniable power: "To put an end to eternal suffering and pain, and to let every ray of sunshine be accompanied by laughter."

　"Bros……"

　Sangbo, unusually, put aside his joking expression and clicked his tongue. "Seriously, if we weren't so pressed for time, I'd love to chat with you all night long. These few words of yours are more entertaining than all the fun I've had in the past ten years combined!"

　"No problem! Old Sambo will definitely help out! How could such a world-shaking epic be without me?! I'll be there whenever you call!"

　"Thanks, Sambo."

　"Hey! No need for formalities between brothers! Let's help each other out!"

　Sangbo resumed his carefree grin, "After this show is over, we absolutely have to have a good drink, it's on me!"

　"Alright. I'll head to the mechanical settlement now. I'll leave Yalilo in a few hours. Please take good care of those three children."

　"Don't worry! I'll take good care of you so you'll be plump and healthy, and not a single hair on your head will be missing!"

　Russell nodded, took the map, turned around, and quickly disappeared into the winding alleys of Rocky Town.

　Sambo stood alone, looking down at the handful of colorful candies in his palm. A complex yet excited smile slowly spread across his face as he carefully put the candies away, as if he were hiding some priceless treasure.

　He suddenly cleared his throat, straightened his flamboyant collar, and put on a professional, slightly exaggerated smile, spreading his hands out to the empty surroundings as if countless unseen spectators were sitting in front of him.

　"Ahem! Alright, alright, intermission is over! My dear viewers, those of you who were just sitting around doing nothing and secretly watching—look at this! Look at this! The plot is unfolding, this is such an amazing plot twist!"

　"An unexpected ally, a cosmic-level surprise is coming! How about it? Is it worth it for you to use your lucky fingers to give poor but hardworking old Sambo a high score?"

　He tilted his head to the side, as if listening to something, his expression shifting between anticipation and dejection.

　"What? 'Next time for sure'? No way! ... Ugh, okay, okay, 'Next time for sure' it is..."

　He sighed, feigning frustration, but the sly smile in his eyes remained undiminished. "However, I believe—when the applause rings out in the final act, you will all hand over the highest score to old Sambo with both hands, won't you?"

　"After all, the real show has only just begun!"

　He blinked at the air, leaned back, and vanished as if merging into the shadows, leaving only a slightly mocking echo in the empty corner.

　……

　Chapter 108 Mechanical Settlement.

　[Warning: Unregistered personnel found. Do not approach; otherwise, necessary measures will be taken.]

　Two beetle robots, painted in traffic light colors, blocked the way, emitting a synthesized mechanical sound.

　The single, camera-like eye was locked onto Russell, flashing a wary red light.

　Russell stopped and asked calmly, "I'm looking for Clara. Is she in the Mechanical Settlement?"

　An unknown visitor requests to see Clara. Possibility analysis: The visitor may know Clara. Solution: Inquire with Clara and perform friend-or-foe identification according to her instructions.

　Clara is currently located within the Mechanical Settlement. The plan is feasible; execute immediately.

　One of the beetle robots immediately turned around, nimbly vaulted over the locked metal gate, and dashed into the depths of the settlement, its movements so fast that they created a slight gust of wind.

　The other unit remained in place, continuously issuing the warning: "Please wait here, do not approach. Repeat, do not approach, otherwise attack mode will be activated."

　Russell observed the mechanical guard standing steadfastly at its post with great interest.

　Their construction was unlike any intelligent machine he had ever seen. They lacked the fluidity of highly intelligent systems, yet were far from the rigidity of low-level artificial intelligence, possessing a unique and stubborn vitality.

　The wait wasn't long. Soon, a white figure trotted over, following the returning beetle robot.

　She was a girl with white hair and red eyes, wearing a red coat and a white shirt with a white bow decoration on the chest, and simple shorts.

　Most strikingly, she was barefoot, her feet directly on the cold ground. She was slightly out of breath, looking up at Russell with a timid yet bright curiosity in her eyes.

　"You...you're that doctor who's helped so many people? A doctor as amazing as Natasha?"

　Russell smiled gently, knelt down on one knee, and aligned himself with the girl's gaze: "That's me. You must be Clara, right? My name is Russell, nice to meet you."

　He paused, then shook his head. "However, I wouldn't call it 'amazing,' I just did some small things within my ability."

　"Ok!"

　Clara nodded, relaxing slightly. "Mr. Russell, is there something you need from the Mechanical Settlement?"

　Her fingers unconsciously twisted together, revealing a hint of tension.

　"I heard that a doctor is needed here, so I came to take a look. I'd like to offer some free medical assistance, but I don't know if it's convenient for me to go in?"

　"Oh, of course! You're very welcome!"

　Clara's eyes lit up immediately.

　She reached out her small hand and gently took Russell's hand. "Mr. Russell, please come with me. Clara will show you the way."

　Russell followed Clara through the gates of the mechanical settlement, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings. The living conditions here seemed even harsher than in Rocky Town.

　Rough metal supports propped up the rock face, and simple sheds were built on discarded machinery and pipes. The air was filled with the faint smell of metal corrosion and machine oil.

　Various automated robots patrol and roam the area, emitting rhythmic operating sounds, forming a unique landscape in this place.

　"Clara, can you tell me about Mr. Schwarz? I'm quite curious about him."

　Russell asked as he walked.

　When Schwarzro was mentioned, Clara's tone became soft and dependent: "Mr. Schwarzro... he didn't talk much, he was always very calm, and he would calculate everything based on his huge database."

　“He was programmed a long time ago to protect the lower levels and has been working towards that goal ever since. Although he may seem cold on the outside, he is actually… very, very good. He is Clara’s family.”

　"Sounds like a very reliable guardian."

　Russell nodded. "He adopted you, didn't he?"

　"Um,"

　Clara's voice softened, filled with deep gratitude, "Mr. Schwarz said he found me as a child in the landfill, brought me back, took care of me... and gave me a home."

　"Many of the homeless people we take in here found shelter under his protection. Although he always says it's the most efficient way to preserve them after careful calculation..."

　"Can I go see him?"

　"If you wish to see him, of course you can! Mr. Schwarz is here..."

　"Not urgent,"

　Russell gently interrupted her, “Let’s deal with the medical matters first. We can see Mr. Schwarz later. What do you think, Clara?”

　"Ah, yes, Mr. Russell."

　Clara nodded obediently.

　"By the way, Clara,"

　Russell's gaze fell on her bare feet on the ground. "It's so cold. Don't you feel uncomfortable walking without shoes?"

　Clara looked down at her feet and gently wiggled her toes: "No, they're cool and refreshing. It feels very natural and comfortable."

　"Actually... Mr. Schwarz tried to make me wear shoes many times, but I always felt uncomfortable wearing shoes, so later... later he gradually stopped insisting."

　"It seems to be a unique constitution."

　Russell seemed thoughtful, then asked, "So, Clara, what do you usually do in the mechanical settlement?"

　"Clara mainly... mainly takes care of sick people, and... and tries to repair some broken robots."

　Her tone became serious. "Everyone living here, whether human or robot, is Clara's family. Clara hopes everyone is doing well."

　There was a kind of perseverance in her eyes that transcended her age.

　"only……"

　Her voice trailed off, "Good parts are becoming increasingly scarce, and it's hard to find useful components in old, abandoned machinery. Everyone's 'illness' is healing more and more slowly, and some family members... Clara just can't fix them..."

　She sighed, her small shoulders seemingly bearing a heavy burden of worry. "If only Clara knew more about healing everyone."

　"Repairing robots? You mean, you're trying to fix these machines?"

　Russell confirmed.

　"Yes!"

　Clara nodded vigorously. "They can get sick too, they can be clumsy, or they can't move, just like people."

　"So Clara always thought that if she could find better parts to replace them, would that solve their problems? But... but it never seemed to go so smoothly. Clara couldn't fix every family member..."

　"If I told you that I might have a way to solve this problem, Clara, would you believe me?"