Chapter 57: The Desolate Mine City

The once bustling mine city of Elsummer Kingdom now stood desolate and empty. Streets that were once filled with the sounds of laughter and the hustle and bustle of everyday life now echoed with a haunting silence. The buildings, once vibrant and alive, stood as silent witnesses to the hasty departure of its inhabitants. They had all heeded the urgent order from the king to evacuate, leaving behind a ghost town.

Several days ago, an envoy had received crucial data from Princess Christina of Aureast Kingdom. Through her predictions and analysis, she had foreseen the impending attack of the 5th colossal biomachine monster on the mine city of Elsummer Kingdom. Though it was merely a prediction based on data, the Elsummer Kingdom wasted no time in making a critical decision: to evacuate its citizens and ensure their safety.

With the evacuation completed, the Elsummer Kingdom turned to a group of adventurers, entrusting them with the task of being the watchful guardians against the impending threat. As part of their request, the Elsummer Kingdom provided the adventurers with an outdated Floating High-Speed Bike, a means of swift escape should the 5th colossal biomachine monster appear and launch its devastating assault upon the city.

In the center of the deserted mine city, the group of six adventurers had gathered, their focus on the outdated Floating High-Speed Bike lent to them by the Elsummer Kingdom. "This Floating High-Speed Bike is truly incredible, isn't it?" one of the female adventurer exclaimed. "It's faster than any mythical beast I've ever known. It doesn't need to rest, so it can keep running until the fuel energy runs out."

The conversation turned to the comparison between the bike and other mythical beasts used for transportation, such as the mythical horses often ridden by knights. It was widely known that even the fastest mythical horse could only reach speeds of around 70 km/hour and required frequent rests and sustenance. The Floating High-Speed Bike, on the other hand, could effortlessly maintain a speed of 200 km/hour, unaffected by terrain, floating gracefully above vast forests.

Another female adventurer in the same team, running her hand along the surface of the Floating High-Speed Bike, smiled in delight. "Because this invention comes from the Goddess Apostle himself, it's bound to be something truly remarkable. Being able to ride this bike is like a dream come true for me."

The previous female adventurer nodded enthusiastically. "Even for skilled adventurers like us, it's nearly impossible to afford a Floating High-Speed Bike that's in such high demand. The price is exorbitant, equivalent to a dozen mythical beasts. Even though the Aurestear Kingdom doesn't seem to put this outdated model to use anymore, the price is still too steep. So, we're truly fortunate that the Elsummer Kingdom has lent this one to us."

"I agree that this Floating High-Speed Bike is impressive, but I still prefer the mythical beasts. They're like my friends, even if they can't run as fast," a young male adventurer with red hair reluctantly admitted. He became an adventurer because of his passion for ancient knowledge and ruins, but that's not the sole reason he isn't as fond of the Floating High-Speed Bike.

"Don't mind him, guys. He's just a heartbroken boy who thinks the Goddess Apostle stole his beloved Princess Christina. Did you guys know? He got drunk and cried until morning when he heard that Princess Christina and the Goddess Apostle are lovers," a young female adventurer with brown hair from the same team as the young male adventurer interjected teasingly, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"Hey, cut it out! Stop bringing that up!" The young male adventurer with red hair flushed red, embarrassed by the revelation. While he initially felt grateful to the Goddess Apostle for protecting his hometown and his family in the royal capital of Aurestear Kingdom, his feelings had become complicated upon learning that his beloved Princess Christina was in love with the Goddess Apostle.

"Hahaha! Are you a fool? A commoner like us can't become the lover of a princess, you know? It's just a childish dream, or maybe you're still a dreamy kid, Ha Ha Ha!" a burly male adventurer taunted, taking a swig from his cheap beer.

"Well, I understand how you feel, boy. Anyone who has seen Princess Christina up close would surely fall for her. She's truly the beauty of the century. I've seen her once, and her radiance is unparalleled," another male adventurer from the same team as the burly male adventurer chimed in, speaking with genuine admiration.

"Don't worry, boy. First love is something that always leaves a bitter taste," the female adventurer said, her voice filled with understanding. With a warm smile, she reached out and placed a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder. "Let this big sister pour you a beer." She handed him a cheap beer, offering a small gesture of solace.

"Well, I also dreamt of becoming the Goddess Apostle's lover, so I understand your unrequited love," another female adventurer chimed in, her eyes filled with empathy. She turned to the young female adventurer with brown hair, her expression gentle yet resolute. "But I think you should focus on a girl who always takes care of you. If you neglect her too much, someone else might swoop in and steal her away, you know?"

"Mogu!! Moguu!! Moguruuuzzzzz!!" Suddenly, a deep roar reverberated through the surroundings, instantly capturing everyone's attention. The adventurers' eyes widened with alarm as they exchanged swift glances of concern and urgency. The distinct sound struck a chord of recognition within them.

"What's that sound? Could it be... the colossal biomachine monster?" the burly male adventurer exclaimed, his voice laced with a potent mix of alarm and determination. The gravity of the situation dawned on them, prompting him to raise his voice to rally his comrades. "Hey, guys! We need to get ready! Prepare yourselves!"

In one swift motion, he leaped onto his Floating High-Speed Bike, his hands gripping the handles tightly. Another male adventurer from the same team swiftly hopped onto the bike's back seat, ready for action. The remaining four adventurers wasted no time, swiftly mounting their own Floating High-Speed Bikes with a sense of purpose and readiness.

In the sky above the desolate mine city, the three Floating High-Speed Bikes carried the six adventurers, their eyes widening in disbelief at the scene unfolding before them. The colossal biomachine monster, towering at an impressive height of 60 meters, emerged from the depths underground, its massive form resembling that of a mole. With a powerful swing of its claw, it ruthlessly dug into the earth, causing a violent upheaval that sent debris and shattered fragments of nearby buildings soaring into the sky.

Amidst the chaos, a young male adventurer with red hair marveled at the accuracy of Princess Christina's prediction, his excitement evident in his voice. "Princess Christina's foresight was incredible! We need to gather as much information as possible and relay it back to her."

However, the female adventurer quickly interjected, attempting to dissuade him. "Wait! our request is to observe and report when the colossal biomachine monster appears. We can't risk putting ourselves in danger," Undeterred, a young male adventurer with red hair held onto his strong conviction. "I understand, but I want to do more. I want to help Princess Christina, in any way I can. I will gather the information she needs, no matter the risks."

As he spoke, his determination radiated from him, his words fueled by a deep love and unwavering loyalty. The other adventurers exchanged glances, understanding the depth of his commitment, yet concern lingered in their eyes. They knew the perilous path he was about to embark upon, and they hoped that his unwavering dedication would guide him safely through the challenges that lay ahead.