Two days after the discovery of the attack, Ethan arrived at the agreed meeting point with the Blue Lotus Chamber of Commerce.
They were in Orchid City, a medium-sized city north of Black Rock City. Although it wasn't an important area, the traffic flow remained steady: most travelers had to pass through there to reach the heart of the Yun Dynasty, and some, in transit, also stopped before continuing on to Black Rock City.
It was a meeting point with movement, but without the hustle and bustle of a large city. Precisely for that reason, Ethan had chosen it. Despite the occasional presence of cultivators, their numbers were fewer compared to more important cities.
As they crossed the entrance gate, the reinforced black carriages drew some curious looks. However, in a city accustomed to the comings and goings of merchants and travelers, they didn't attract too much attention.
The convoy was composed of the Umbra Squad, who protected the path. They all rode alongside the central carriage where Ethan traveled. At his flanks, the Hu brothers escorted attentively, scanning the area at all times.
In front and behind the carriage, two horses pulled a wheeled base covered by a thick tarp. At first glance, it looked like ordinary luggage, but it was one of Astralis' new developments: a prototype designed specifically for warfare on the move.
Ethan had named it an assault wagon, a throwback to the ancient war chariots, though this one was reinforced with black steel plates for maximum protection.
But what truly mattered was what lay hidden beneath the cloth: a new weapon, fresh out of the workshop.
The Maxim machine gun.
Its construction had begun some time ago, and the initial tests had been a success. Once its effectiveness was confirmed, immediate production was ordered.
It used the same caliber as the Mauser rifle, avoiding the need to create new ammunition production lines. Thanks to that, it had been put into operation without delay.
Ethan couldn't help but feel a hint of bitterness.
"If we'd had it a few days ago… the attack would've been repelled in seconds," he muttered.
The Maxim represented a gigantic leap in defensive capabilities. Its manufacture had become a priority, and deploying it in Astralis-controlled areas would offer an undeniable strategic advantage.
In theory, it could fire between 450 and 600 rounds per minute. The only problem was overheating.
Unlike more modern weapons, the Maxim used a water-cooling system. It could maintain its rate of fire for a while, but if it exceeded 2,000 rounds without pause, the barrel could deform from the heat.
Even so, it was a colossal advance. A trained shooter with a Mauser rifle could barely fire between 15 and 30 times per minute. The difference was brutal. The Maxim could sweep an enemy line in seconds, completely changing the dynamics of combat.
As Ethan remained seated inside the carriage, with one hand resting on the edge of the small window, he observed the movement of the city. Unlike Black Rock City, which stood as a dark and austere fortress, Orchid City was a burst of color and life. The streets were covered in flowers, and tall trees with reddish leaves shaded the inner paths. Small public gardens and carved wooden lanterns adorned the corners, giving the place an almost festive air, as if war were a distant rumor.
The streets were full of activity. Armed mercenary groups crossed the stone pavement, escorting supply caravans. Merchants shouted prices from their stalls while their assistants unloaded boxes from ox-drawn carts. Some low-level cultivators walked in groups, wearing robes from minor sects that Ethan barely recognized. And amid all that flow, the city's uniformed guards maintained order.
Horses, mules, and carts advanced with difficulty along the main road, pushed by the crowd. The constant rumble of hooves, wheels, and voices created a chaotic symphony that, curiously, didn't disturb Ethan. In the midst of that organized bustle, he felt safe.
Ethan reached the city center and got off the carriage. He wore a more formal outfit: a white silk robe with golden edges.
His face was still covered by a black mask protecting the lower half of his face. Over his nose, he wore gold-framed glasses.
In front of him stood a three-story inn, built of dark wood and white stone, topped with green tiles. A sign hung from a wrought iron structure, with elegant characters painted in jade green:
"Jade Cloud Pavilion."
The inn was known not only for its comfort but also for the security it offered its guests.
Ethan had chosen this place precisely for that reason.
He crossed the threshold unhurriedly, the sound of his steps muffled by the embroidered carpet that decorated the entrance. He approached the counter, where a pretty-faced young woman attended to newcomers. She wore a simple but clean robe, and upon seeing Ethan, her smile turned cordial.
"Welcome to the Jade Cloud Pavilion," she greeted with a slight bow. "How may I assist you?"
"I want a few rooms. Make sure they're on the second floor, preferably at the front," Ethan replied in a friendly tone.
The young woman nodded naturally, showing no surprise. She was used to dealing with all kinds of people.
"Of course. Here are the keys," she said as she handed him a small bundle of carved keys, each marked with a golden number.
Ethan took them and thanked her. As he climbed the carpeted staircase to the second floor, the Hu brothers followed like silent towers, alert to every corner, every shadow. Their steps were heavy but disciplined.
The second floor of the pavilion was lit by oil lamps suspended in bronze frames. Soft carpets covered the floor, and the hallways were quiet, isolated from the bustle of the ground floor. At the end, a row of carved doors awaited.
Upon reaching his room, Ethan entered with the Hu brothers and Ye Han. He closed the door behind him and turned with a serious expression.
"Two days remain. During this time, I want a full reconnaissance of the area," Ethan said.
"Umbra Squad, make sure to register under the agreed name and confirm all details with the person in charge."
Ethan approached the desk and unfolded a rough sketch of the area.
"I want the assault wagons positioned strategically. Circle the perimeter beforehand. Elevated stations, rooftops, alleys. No blind spots."
His gaze hardened.
"I don't want surprises. If anything happens, neutralize it."
Ethan spoke with a cold tone.
He would have this meeting in person. There would be no margin for error.
Everyone nodded. The mission was clear.