Chapter 40

A harsh, teeth-aching screech of metal and a thunderous crash instantly shattered the tranquility of the landing zone! The mining cart, loaded to the brim with Starsilver Ore and crew members, carried the lingering, violent might of Electro and the scorching heat of its void-crossing journey. Like an unbridled steel beast, it slammed violently into the gravel shore. The heavy wheels crushed the scattered Starsilver slag, kicking off dazzling splinters of sparks like brief and tragic fireworks, accompanied by a pungent burnt odor and the smoke of grinding metal. The crowd had long been alerted, pouring out like a tide from crude tents, makeshift work sheds, and unfinished straw huts to gather at the edge of the landing zone. Shock, elation, worry, numbness, the daze of having survived a catastrophe—all these emotions intertwined on every wind-chattered face deeply etched by the apocalypse. The air seemed to freeze, leaving only heavy panting and the echoes of grinding wheels.