With Emily as his guide, Lin Fan's journey to Steel Bastion became significantly smoother. Emily's familiarity with the Martian wasteland far surpassed Lin Fan's; she knew where the relatively safe routes lay, where to find supply points, and how to avoid the territories of large mutated creatures.
"Steel Bastion is one of the largest settlements on Mars, established by the original Earth colonists," Emily explained to Lin Fan as they walked. "It's surrounded by massive alloy walls, with an independent ecosystem and energy supply within. But… it's not entirely safe inside either."
Lin Fan nodded, sensing a hint of worry in Emily's voice. Any human society, as long as there are resources, will have conflicts. Especially in the resource-scarce Martian wasteland.
They trekked for two days, finally, on the evening of the third day, they saw the silhouette of the majestic city on the distant horizon—Steel Bastion. It lay like a colossal beast dormant in the red desert, exuding a cold metallic sheen. Towering walls pierced the sky, covered with dense energy turrets and patrolling guards.
"We're here," Emily's voice was tinged with exhaustion, but more so with relief.
Lin Fan was also awestruck by the sight. This was far grander than he had imagined a Martian settlement to be, filled with traces of Earth civilization, yet possessing Mars' unique ruggedness and resilience.
They arrived at the city gate, queuing to enter. The gate was heavily guarded, fully armed soldiers meticulously inspecting every entrant. Lin Fan noticed that many people were shabbily dressed and gaunt, clearly struggling to survive in the wasteland.
When it was their turn, a guard coldly scrutinized Lin Fan and Emily. When he saw Emily's injuries and the metal pipe in Lin Fan's hand, a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.
"Newcomers? Hand over your weapons, undergo inspection," the guard said gruffly.
Lin Fan didn't resist; he knew it was the rule. He handed over the metal pipe, and simultaneously, the system prompted in his mind:
[Detecting hostility from the guard towards the host. Suggest maintaining a low profile.]
"Hostility?" Lin Fan's mind stirred. He sensed that this guard harbored some prejudice against him. Perhaps because he looked like an outsider, or perhaps because he had rescued Emily.
The guard took the metal pipe, casually inspected it, then scanned Lin Fan with an energy scanner. When the scanner beeped, displaying Lin Fan's C-grade physical level, the guard's expression subtly changed, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly reverted to his cold demeanor.
"Go in. Remember, in Steel Bastion, rules are everything," the guard returned the metal pipe to Lin Fan, his tone carrying an added warning.
Lin Fan and Emily successfully entered Steel Bastion. The city inside was far more bustling than imagined. Tall buildings stood in dense rows, small flying vehicles zipped through the air, and streets teemed with people. All sorts of shops, taverns, and trading markets were available.
"This is the inner city of Steel Bastion, the safest place," Emily explained, gesturing to the surrounding buildings. "The outer city is mainly industrial zones and slums, much more chaotic."
Lin Fan noticed that while the people within the city lived relatively stable lives, a hint of wariness and numbness lingered on every face. There seemed to be a suppressed atmosphere here.
"Emily, where's your home? I'll take you back," Lin Fan asked.
Emily's face darkened slightly, and she whispered, "I… I don't have a home anymore. My parents disappeared in the last mutated beast tide, and I've been living in the slums of the outer city."
Lin Fan's heart sank. He hadn't expected Emily's past to be so difficult. He thought for a moment, then said, "Then you can stay with me for now. I'll figure out a place for you."
Emily looked at Lin Fan gratefully, her eyes filled with reliance. She knew that on this cruel Mars, meeting someone like Lin Fan was her greatest fortune.
[Quest Issued: Settle Emily]
[Quest Objective: Find a safe place for Emily to stay in Steel Bastion.]
[Quest Reward: Origin Energy points +80, Emily's Favorability increased: Trust.]
Lin Fan, with Emily, began searching for accommodation within Steel Bastion. He found that rent inside the city was extremely expensive, and most of the desirable properties were occupied by various factions. He eventually found a dilapidated shack on the outskirts of the outer city. Though simple, it at least offered shelter from the elements.
After settling Emily, Lin Fan decided to first visit the trading market to understand Martian prices and information. He needed to integrate into this society quickly to better utilize the system and enhance his strength.
However, just as he was about to leave the shack, a violent knocking suddenly sounded at the door.
"Newcomer, get out here! You dared to mess with our Black Wolf Gang, tired of living, are you?!"
Lin Fan frowned. He knew trouble had arrived. It seemed the raiders he had defeated earlier were indeed part of a gang. Steel Bastion was clearly not a peaceful place.))