Chapter Seventeen: What's So Difficult About Titanium Alloy?

"Titanium alloy? What's wrong with that?" A fleeting confusion passed through Chu Xiao's eyes, but he quickly came to his senses, a faint smile curling at his lips. "What's so hard about titanium alloy?"

He had nearly forgotten—in this era, though the craft of producing titanium alloys had made significant strides, with hundreds of varieties developed, overall output remained low. The root cause, in the end, was a shortage of workers and machinery.

People? Was Kyushu ever short of people?

Of all things, Kyushu was never lacking in manpower! In a vast and populous nation, how could such difficulties defeat them?

Absurd!

"Mobilize the labor force moving into the cities. Let them volunteer for titanium alloy production. Also, assign a group to manufacture the machinery needed for titanium alloy production. We must ensure manpower is used to the fullest!"

"Announce that all industries, except for those producing essential survival goods, are to halt operations!"

"For example, construction workers can report directly and be assigned to mass production of titanium alloy!"

"Time is running out! There's no room for hesitation! The two of you, go and see to this at once!" Chu Xiao’s eyes were sharp as he fixed his gaze on two individuals.

Those two were Li Wang from Human Resources and Qi Tianli from the Commerce Department.

Neither dared delay. They hurried off to carry out his orders.

[Emergency broadcast, emergency broadcast! Attention everyone: all industries except for the production of basic necessities are to cease operations immediately! Construction workers, please report to the government offices, where you will be assigned appropriate work!]

[Kyushu now needs manpower, and we need the participation of the people! We need many to volunteer! We hope everyone will contribute their strength for the sake of our country!]

Within an hour, every television, computer, and phone was displaying this news.

Many construction workers, toiling away on building sites, stopped what they were doing as the message popped up on their phones.

Wang Ben was among them.

"Work stoppage? Going to work for the government? Well, that doesn’t sound bad," Wang Ben muttered, then called out loudly to his coworkers in the distance, "Hey! Stop what you’re doing! Let’s head to the government office together!"

"What, are you going to pay our wages?" a few workers shouted back, not yet having seen the message, unaware of what was happening.

"The government said so! Everything but essentials is stopping! And things have been weird lately—there are big population moves. A bunch of strangers moved into my house!" Wang Ben recalled the unfamiliar faces, still feeling a little uneasy.

Still, at least the newcomers were polite and hadn’t stolen anything.

The other workers quickly checked their phones. Sure enough, it was just as Wang Ben had said.

One after another, they put down their tools. "Come on! Let’s go see what’s up!"

Wang Ben strode after them.

When they reached the government building, a long line had already formed.

Late, after all.

"Well, guess we’ll just have to wait," Wang Ben sighed. Had he hurried, perhaps he might've landed a better assignment.

Chu Xiao looked on, satisfied, at the dense crowd outside the Pearl City government building. More people were still streaming in, not just construction workers, but also many in business suits—clerks and office workers.

Stepping down from the platform, Chu Xiao mingled with the crowd to observe the situation.

Waiting in line, Wang Ben spotted a handsome young man with a sharp, serious gaze and the look of a government worker. Seeing a chance to learn more, Wang Ben called out, "Hey! Excuse me! Hello, young man, can I ask you a question?"

Chu Xiao paused and looked toward the voice. "Are you talking to me?"

Wang Ben nodded. "Yeah! You work here, right?"

Chu Xiao walked over, his face still stern and taut.

Wang Ben couldn't help but feel small before him.

"So, do you know what's actually going on? First the country’s closed, now all work’s stopping!"

Chu Xiao didn’t answer directly. "Don’t worry! As long as the people of Kyushu stand united and work together, we will overcome any hardship."

Wang Ben was left even more bewildered.

"Brother, what’s really happening to the country? I’ve heard rumors—something about the King of Hades—but I don’t even know what that means! And now, with this 'National Mass Production' campaign, can’t you just tell us what’s going on?"

"And what exactly are we supposed to do, reporting to the government like this?"

Though just a construction worker, Wang Zhi’s mind was clear.

Chu Xiao frowned. He hadn’t considered this—most people knew something was wrong, but not what.

Or rather, they simply had no idea what was truly happening.

If everyone was left in the dark, how could they possibly unite?

Chu Xiao placed a hand on Wang Zhi’s shoulder. "Thank you. I will take your advice, and the government will as well. Soon, you’ll have all your answers."

Without addressing Wang Zhi’s further questions, Chu Xiao turned and ascended the platform above the government building.

"Hello, everyone! I am Chu Xiao, and I am also the chief coordinator of the National Mass Production campaign."

Hearing this, Wang Zhi’s eyes widened in disbelief. He had been speaking with Chu Xiao—the campaign’s chief and a man on par with the highest leaders!

Unbelievable! And he’d even patted his shoulder! Wang Zhi had never imagined that someone as insignificant as himself would have the chance to talk face to face with someone of Chu Xiao’s standing, much less offer a suggestion.

"You may be confused or troubled by today’s events. I am here to answer some of your questions."

"I am a prophet. I foresaw the earthquake, I predicted trade conflicts. But I have also foreseen the end of humanity!"

"The end?" Panic began to ripple through the crowd.

The end of the world? Was he saying humanity would be wiped out?

"Do not panic! You are men who stand tall—there’s no need for fear!" Chu Xiao shouted.

His booming voice calmed the crowd.

He raised the loudspeaker and continued, "The end of the world is for other nations, not for Kyushu!"

"Since I have foreseen this disaster, I have also found a way to confront it!"

"I need fortresses to be constructed around every major city, to defend against the coming dangers!"

"And that is why you are here today—to forge these fortresses. In doing so, you are not only protecting your families, but also countless others across Kyushu!"

"Do you understand? Do not panic. If you lose your composure, your families will be dragged to the brink of death with you!"