"Yes!" The member replied excitedly, standing at attention, and then asked curiously.

"What about those seven people from before, keeping them doesn't seem very useful." There was a hint of disdain and contempt in his voice.

"Keep them, since we've made a promise, we need to honor it." The man patted the shoulder of the member before him, the heavy force almost making the other lose his balance.

"I was wrong, Brother Long." Knowing this was a warning to himself, the young member immediately hung his head.

Afterward, the group loaded their mechas into the black, large flight vehicles that had landed on the ground. Accompanied by the dull starting noise, three aircraft slowly activated and then flew low towards the distance, gradually disappearing into the night, leaving behind only the chaotic ruins of the mine.

The dim floodlights still cast a ghastly pale light, and the buildings within the mining area slowly collapsed, crushing one side of the gate. The side of the gate covered in rust and corroded traces, next to the company's name, bore dense rows of small characters that spoke of the company's vision and history. But these words were now so blurred that they probably wouldn't draw anyone's attention anymore.

"Purple Acacia Mining Company": In order to provide a stable living environment for the residents of North Fourth District who were displaced due to environmental degradation, and to compensate those residents of North Fourth District who were too poor to relocate, the Federation Star Domain government, according to the law and under the supervision of the special investigation team dispatched by the Central Council, reorganized the remaining natural resources and material heritage of North Fourth District. It was merged into the company's assets and tendered for operation. The company would absorb the destitute disaster-stricken residents of North Fourth District, and profits would also be used to restore the environment of North Fourth District and improve the living conditions of the local residents.

— Recorded in the Sixth Era, year 1039, December.

Beneath this, more names and corporate signatures were added, indicating the tumultuous fate of this company, which had changed hands and restructured dozens of times over the years. Its business and operational scope had been constantly divided and sold off, until like unwanted rusted iron, it was discarded on the frozen desolate land.

This is the past and history of the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, what might look like mere factory ruins and barren land to many, but to those who have lived through it, it is the gray, monotonous, and nearly desiccated life of memories.

Who should be held accountable for this situation, or rather who caused all this, has been tangled up in nearly a century of debate. Many people also do not wish to recall these old events, only longing to flee from this sad world.

Happy and wonderful fairy tales do exist; they are found in those rich and prosperous areas, where merchants weave dream after dream, making people linger and forget to return.

Ugly and filthy reality also exists; it is found in those barren and abandoned lands, where survival itself is a problem, many beautiful fig leaves cease to exist, and people no longer have the strength to pursue those lofty qualities.

Blame accomplishes nothing; simply blaming others without offering practical solutions changes nothing. Change implies achieving something, whereas blame achieves nothing.

Change is not just about empty words of teaching and consolation; it is about actually creating an environment where good things can take root and flourish.

Now, the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain is welcoming its 876th year, and the Rose Federation is celebrating its 1254th year. On the cusp between youth and decay, whether to rise or fall, to advance or retreat, all is still unknown. And in this year, our endearing young Songstress has just celebrated her 17th birthday, hesitantly dreaming of the future.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com