Chapter 168: Half-Year Changes
The underground dark river had originally been a place where one could not see their hand in front of their face. However, in the cave where the Wildfolk camp was located, the lights were as bright as daylight.
To ensure the camp’s power supply, Zhou Ming had specifically instructed that the Han Family deliver a large energy crystal generator to replace the old and outdated hydroelectric generator.
However, the hydroelectric generator had not been discarded, but instead was kept as a backup generator and assigned to dedicated personnel for maintenance.
Half a year passed, and the cave that once looked like a refugee camp had undergone earth-shaking changes.
Under the illumination of bright lights, the main cave on both sides of the dark river now had cement ground, with spacious and comfortable buildings constructed on each side.
The right side was exclusively for Zhou Ming’s use. All kinds of rooms for daily living were complete, including a laboratory.
All these rooms were enclosed by perimeter walls. Without Zhou Ming’s permission, no one was allowed to enter.
On the left side of the dark river were the living and office rooms for Lu Tao, Lin Hai, and others. In addition, there were warehouses, a medical room, an armory, and a meeting room.
Above the dark river, a small bridge five meters wide and two meters above the river surface had been built.
To avoid a sudden increase in the dark river’s water flow, the ground on both sides of the river had already been raised to two meters.
Aside from the changes to the main cave, relying on tools and special medicinal liquids that eroded the rock walls, two additional caves connected to dark river tributaries had already been opened.
One was used as a training ground for practicing martial arts and shooting, while the other served as the living area for ordinary camp members.
As for the passage leading to the outside world, it could already allow a combat vehicle to drive directly from outside into the cave.
Although the Blue Star mutation had brought disasters, it had also brought various special materials. Therefore, constructing the camp was far less difficult than before the Doomsday Era.
Inside the meeting room, Lin Hai and Lu Tao were reporting their work to Zhou Ming.
After half a year, both of them had also undergone considerable changes. Their complexions were rosy, their clothes were clean and neat, and they had begun to carry a trace of authority befitting those in higher positions.
Back then, the two of them had been the first to pledge allegiance to Zhou Ming, gaining positions and benefits that the rest of the camp greatly envied.
“Sir, this is what you asked for. In addition, there is also a letter sent together with it.”
Lu Tao respectfully placed a sealed briefcase and a letter in front of Zhou Ming.
“I understand. First, tell me about the recent changes in the camp.”
Looking at the sealed briefcase and the letter before him, Zhou Ming did not choose to examine them immediately, instead intending to first understand the camp’s developments.
“Yes.”
After respectfully saluting, Lu Tao began introducing the camp’s changes.
“According to your instructions, sir, the camp’s construction has now been basically completed. The subsequent work mainly involves investigating the source of the dark river and the caves that have not yet been discovered.”
“In addition, there is the cultivation of children under sixteen years old. There are a total of fifty-seven of them. Forty-four are mainly trained in martial arts, shooting, wilderness survival, and combat knowledge.”
“As for the remaining thirteen, eleven of them passed the assessment. They are intelligent, have good memory, and strong comprehension, so they are mainly being cultivated in the direction of scientific research. As for the remaining two, they are exceptionally gifted in meditation and have already been allocated a portion of resources to cultivate them on the Beast Taming path.”
“Furthermore, seven young women with strong learning ability have been selected from among the women to begin learning how to treat external injuries, establishing the camp’s internal medical room.”
“As for supplies and finances, the camp’s income this month has already exceeded ten million. I have already prepared a detailed ledger with the specific figures.”
Because the changes in supplies and finances were rather complex, Lu Tao then handed over the detailed ledger he had personally recorded for Zhou Ming to review.
Zhou Ming took the ledger and gave it a brief look before issuing new instructions.
“The plans to cultivate scientific research, Beast Taming, and medical talents need to be accelerated. If there are no suitable teachers for now, then first lay a solid foundation. Then purchase the relevant books from partners for self-study. I will think of ways to handle the follow-up.”
“Rest assured, sir. I will personally supervise this matter.”
“Mm. Lin Hai, what about the situation of the External Affairs Department?” Zhou Ming then turned to question Lin Hai.
“Sir, after half a year of systematic training and a large supply of resources, the strength of the three squads responsible for external operations has increased significantly. Each squad now has the ability to hunt ordinary low-tier Ferocious Beasts. The efficiency of hunting Ferocious Beasts will greatly improve afterward.”
“In addition, aside from Qiu Tieyi and the Li brothers, twelve people have already surpassed ordinary people in martial arts and shooting, reaching the standards you set, sir.”
“They left the camp two days ago and plan to verify their combat power through actual combat.”
“Besides that, the camp’s equipment has also been fully upgraded. All kinds of firearms are complete, ammunition is sufficient, and two additional combat vehicles have been added, along with autocannons, rocket launchers, and shoulder-fired missiles. Now, our camp’s firepower is even stronger than that of ordinary hunting corps.”
When he said this, a trace of excitement appeared in Lin Hai’s eyes.
Half a year ago, they had still been worrying about survival. Now, they already had the qualifications to contend with ordinary hunting corps.
“Not bad. It seems I didn’t waste resources for nothing.”
After listening to Lin Hai’s report, Zhou Ming nodded in satisfaction.
All these supplies had been exchanged from the Han Family using fire-attribute Phantasmal Beast crystal cores.
Otherwise, relying solely on the camp’s income would not have been able to support it.
“The reserve personnel for the external squads must be prepared in advance. Once Qiu Tieyi and the others return, I will transfer those twelve people out.”
“I require you to ensure that the combat power of the external squads does not decrease in the slightest.”
“Please rest assured, sir. I will definitely complete the task.”
Zhou Ming did not continue asking about the camp’s changes. As long as the progress satisfied him, it was enough. However, his next sentence made Lin Hai and Lu Tao tense.
“I heard that the two of you have been having conflicts over resource distribution?”
A single light remark instantly frightened the two of them into kneeling as they hurriedly explained.
“Sir, please do not believe rumors. Minister Lin and I have no conflicts whatsoever.”
“Yes, these are all baseless words spread by people who are jealous of us.”
After Lu Tao explained, Lin Hai, who was usually silent, immediately echoed him, afraid that Zhou Ming would strip him of his position.
“It’s good if there isn’t any. Don’t forget the days of hunger just because you’ve been full for a couple of days.”
“I won’t interfere with any personal conflicts between you, but if it affects my matters, don’t blame me for not giving you opportunities.”
Zhou Ming’s gaze was like a cold blade, instantly making Lu Tao and Lin Hai feel chilled to the bone, cold sweat immediately breaking out over their bodies.
“Yes, yes. Please rest assured, sir. We will definitely not affect your plans.”
“I hope the two of you can live up to that.”
“Also, you have more free time than others. Whether it’s firearms, martial arts, or meditation, train diligently. Ability is only one aspect. If your strength is insufficient, you won’t be able to sit firmly in your positions in the future. Don’t blame me for not warning you in advance.”
After giving Lin Hai and Lu Tao a warning, Zhou Ming casually reminded them once more before allowing the two to withdraw.
Inside the meeting room, Zhou Ming turned his gaze to the briefcase and letter before him.