New Capital, forged in the aftermath of the Great Purge, stands as the alliance capital of the New Eurasian District, uniting the remnants of Europe and Asia.
Across the Pacific, North and South America have been consolidated into the New American District, its capital named New Jing. Here lie the headquarters of the Hilton and Sam corporations.
Thus, these two conglomerates dominate one and a half hemispheres—explaining why the Brom Company allied with the Victoria Corporation, while Sam and Hilton joined forces.
As for Africa, already deeply impoverished and neglected, the alliance has not even established a governing district.
New Capital reigns as the crown jewel of the New Eurasian District. Beneath its sprawling expanse lie over a hundred cities like Black Whale City, with the rest designated as protected zones. Following the Great Purge, humanity's global population dwindled below one hundred million, rendering such sanctuaries scarce. Harsh environments like the frigid Siberia or the blistering Sahara hold no such refuges.
When Xiaofeng drove into New Capital, carrying a slumbering Kelly, he was struck anew by the city's grandeur. Towering skyscrapers pierced the heavens, while countless aerial vehicles darted across the sky—an embodiment of futuristic splendor.
Yet, the city's defenses were equally formidable. Its colossal walls soared tens of meters high, impervious to beasts of grade E and below. Mounted heavy weaponry could repel even grade C monsters. Combat jets patrolled the skies, making any flying beast's intrusion a suicidal venture.
Navigating the streets, Xiaofeng observed a bustling metropolis seemingly untouched by the monstrous chaos lurking beyond—a beacon of advanced technology and resilient human spirit.
No matter the calamities endured, human innovation marched relentlessly forward. Weapons, transportation, and myriad technologies grew ever more potent.
Xiaofeng parked by the roadside, uncertain of their next destination. After a brief pause, growing anxious, he gently shook the still-sleeping Kelly awake. "We've arrived. Where shall we head now?"
Kelly appeared weary and bleary-eyed, worn down from two days of grueling travel. New Capital lay a great distance from Black Whale City, and their journey was fraught with evading massive beasts' attacks. Nightfall rendered travel impossible, prolonging the voyage.
Thankfully, Xiaofeng had driven Kelly's cherished Dodge SUV; otherwise, these fractured roads would have taken even longer.
Rubbing her eyes and stretching languidly, Kelly murmured, "We're here. Let's head to Brom Company's headquarters. You rest for a while—I'll take the wheel."
They switched seats. No sooner had Xiaofeng settled into the passenger side than exhaustion overwhelmed him, and within minutes, he succumbed to sleep.
Watching Xiaofeng drift off so swiftly, Kelly's heart ached with tenderness. This handsome man had firmly claimed a place within her heart. She recalled their first encounter—when she had hunted him down and fought fiercely, her hatred for him burning fiercely. Yet, after months of interaction, their relationship had transformed profoundly.
She smiled softly, shaking her head as she guided the car into the flowing traffic.
A city like New Capital could no longer be called merely a metropolis—it was a megacity, home to nearly one-third of the Western Hemisphere's population. Its unparalleled security attracted people yearning for safety and prosperity. Yet entry was reserved for the affluent; the destitute dared not dream of its gates.
Kelly parked before an imposing structure, composed of two soaring towers that resembled twin blades piercing the sky.
As she halted the vehicle, two heavily armed guards approached, scrutinizing her car window.
"Miss, you cannot park here—"
Kelly glanced at the burly man and clipped her work ID onto her leather jacket.
The guard's gaze briefly flickered to her chest, then to the name: Kelly Brom. Without further inquiry, he saluted respectfully. "Forgive me, Miss."
Kelly shook her head, concerned by Xiaofeng's continued slumber. She stepped out, stretching her stiff limbs—the long journey had left her weary.
Suddenly, Xiaofeng sprang to her side, wrapping an arm around her protectively. His eyes scanned their surroundings warily as he sternly whispered, "Who told you to get out of the car?"
Confused, Kelly replied softly, "I was tired… I just wanted to stretch."
Xiaofeng's pupils shifted, betraying a unique scent—the unmistakable aura of an Evil Dragon Cultist. Amid the bustling crowds near Brom's headquarters, the sprawling commercial district thrived. Among these countless passersby lurked potential assassins, alliance soldiers, or cult fanatics.
Xiaofeng's voice was grave: "Do you realize how dangerous this is? They're perched on rooftops all around—one shot and you're dead."
Only then did Kelly comprehend her oversight.
Yet, the guards viewed Xiaofeng's protectiveness differently. To them, his tone bordered on disrespect towards their mistress. One seized Xiaofeng's shoulder roughly.
"Hey, kid, ease up—show some respect to our lady."
Xiaofeng turned, glaring sharply. He understood their concern but loathed their condescending attitude, as if he were the villain.
His eyes darkened with a chilling menace, gradually returning to normal but radiating fierce intent.
The guards caught the shift and recoiled, releasing his shoulder.
Xiaofeng's voice cut through the tension: "You two fools, I know better than you how to protect our lady."