Beating Instances through Words Left by the Dead

"The cost is unavoidable. What we must do is ensure our gains are worth every bit of the price we pay."

As she spoke, the Queen Olivia slowly descended.

Olivia placed her glass aside and said, "Now, it is time for the harvest."

Olivia, accompanied by senior officials of Stilan, disembarked from the airship amidst a sea of cheers from the people below.

Since Xavier’s death and the fall of the Steam Council, the haze that had hung over Grimland has not reappeared. This city, known as Fog City, has enjoyed an exceedingly rare stretch of sunny days.

Under the sunshine, the Crystal Palace gleamed like a giant crystal, and combined with the background cheers from countless citizens, it gave Wu Chang a surreal feeling.

The Grimland he had seen before seemed like an illusion. The Grimland now presented to the world was truly the greatest and most prosperous capital on this plane.

With the escort of the honor guard, everyone entered the Crystal Palace. Before heading to the Industrial Exposition hall, they first entered the temporary reception venue to meet ambassadors and representatives from various countries.

All nations value this World Industrial Exposition greatly.

Larger nations such as Flan, Drew, and the New World have sent dedicated diplomatic missions, and smaller countries have dispatched their senior officials to attend personally.

For Olivia, the Industrial Exposition is a stage to showcase national strength and redefine the rules.

For other countries, it is also a rare opportunity to gauge the capabilities of Stilan.

Before this, the Extraordinary Steam Engine had been semi-secretive. Countries could only gather vague intelligence on Stilan’s steam engine development progress through informants, without ever glimpsing the full picture.

The reception process for the representatives from various countries was swift. As a mature and competent monarch, Olivia’s etiquette in hosting was flawless, but Wu Chang always felt Her Majesty’s attitude was somewhat perfunctory.

Compared to these imminent witnesses to the empire’s might and tools to spread Stilan’s name worldwide, she seemed more interested in the Extraordinary Steam Engine they brought.

Nations like Flan and Drew did not come to the Industrial Exposition merely to visit. To regain some prestige and not lose face before Stilan, they brought exhibits representing the highest standards of their countries to compete with Stilan.

For example, Flan brought the Heart of the Land long coveted by Stilan’s army, while Drew showcased a high-pressure steam engine and extraordinary cannon machine tools.

Though the extraordinary steam engine technology they wield originates from Stilan, in specific domains where each nation excels, they are not inferior and even slightly ahead.

After the reception ceremony, Olivia entered the Industrial Exposition hall. Escorted by Wu Chang and Julie, she stood on the podium to deliver a brief opening speech.

Following that, the World Industrial Exposition officially began.

This Industrial Exposition showcases over thirty types of Extraordinary Steam Engines, with eighteen provided by Stilan, exceeding the total from other countries combined.

To ensure the exhibit’s impact, Olivia even borrowed several Extraordinary Steam Engine Cores confiscated by Wu Chang to display on the podium.

Before the exposition began, Wu Chang joked with Cold Mountain and others that if any player hadn’t completed main quest two, this exposition was their last chance.

Of course, taking this route requires dealing with hundreds of Secret Police, along with the Secret Magic Knight Order led by Wu Chang.

The Extraordinary Steam Engines displayed at the exposition span various fields, attracting thirty-five countries and over a hundred thousand visitors to attend.

The massive crowd filled every exhibition zone.

At each booth, Olivia arranged for two to three students from Grimlan University’s Mechanical College to explain to attendees the uses and achievements of the steam engines on display.

Visitors couldn’t comprehend the specialized knowledge, but the efficiency gains and the conversion of daily output into monetary value were understood clearly.

Upon hearing these numeric comparisons, excitement gleamed in people’s eyes as if they were witnessing the arrival of the future.

Many reporters couldn’t contain themselves and began writing reports on the spot.

Overall, the first day of the exposition was very smooth, with everyone deeply immersed in the magic power of the Extraordinary Steam Engines.

As the first day was about to end, Olivia delivered a brief speech before closing the venue.

"The emergence of Extraordinary Steam Engines has broadened the possibilities for industry and humanity. After a day’s visit, I’m sure everyone has deeply felt this."

"But is this enough? I believe it is not. To achieve a further future and create a peaceful, prosperous world where everyone is satisfied, these steam engines alone are far from sufficient."

"Therefore, today at the end, I will present to you a special machine that truly leads to the future."

Olivia’s words immediately captured the attention of all attendees.

Through the insights gained on the first day of the exposition, they had a basic understanding of the Extraordinary Steam Engines.

In their view, these steam engines already represent the future, not a path to the future, yet Olivia saw them as far from adequate.