Chapter 582: The Aged Awakener
Chapter 582: The Aged Awakener
"No problem."
"I've been looking forward to this day for a long time."
"In a world like the Desolate Land, it's an honor to have your support."
Upon hearing Lindsey's response, the Insect Tribe's messenger's face lit up with joy.
But before they could continue the conversation, Lindsey suddenly added:
"However, I think we should wait a while before proceeding with this matter."
Lindsey explained his thoughts:
"Accepting a new force into the territory is a significant matter."
"It's not just about our cooperation; it sets an example for other trading forces as well."
"So what I mean is—it's best to choose an appropriate and stable day to notify the nearby forces and our territory. This way, I can demonstrate my attitude towards you and the other forces in the Desolate Land."
Lindsey's reasoning was sound, and naturally, the two Insect messengers had no objections.
They followed Lindsey's instructions and planned to first bring this good news back to their tribe, and then slowly discuss the specifics later.
...
After dealing with the Insect messengers, Lindsey went around the area to greet and interact with the messengers from various territories.
When he left, the forced smile on his face immediately faded.
The dilemma in his eyes was even more intense than when he had entered!
"You've come at just the right time."
"But I'm willing, yet powerless right now!"
Lindsey thought to himself.
Gaining a new territory was certainly good news, but there was another aspect to this matter.
To convert the Insect territory, there were two requirements.
One was the loyalty of the other party, which had already been achieved.
But there was a second demand, which was to unlock the research of the [Second Base].
Currently, Lindsey had completed the construction of the upgraded basic buildings, but he still hadn't seen any signs of the Second Base.
To complete this research,
it was likely that he would need to upgrade his Town Center to the next stage to gain access to the corresponding research project.
The problem returned to the previous dilemma.
Money and population were already in place, but where could he find mercury, a rare material?
"The information about the mineral deposits provided by those Green Marsh scouts showed no signs of cinnabar. To achieve this, we must... right, since cinnabar has a distinct color, it's easily noticeable, and it's poisonous. Perhaps it would be easier to inquire about it from the perspective of poison?"
Lindsey pondered.
Hammer's figure reappeared in the town.
After leading several diplomatic missions, Hammer had now handed over all diplomatic work to his trained subordinates.
He returned to managing the town.
At this moment, Hammer rushed over, his face filled with worry:
"Lord Lindsey, the public bathhouse you built is very popular. But because it's too popular, it's now in short supply!"
Lindsey asked,
"Is the bathhouse crowded?"
"It's not just crowded," Hammer shook his head, "it's like cooking a big pot of stew!"
"To meet everyone's current needs, we might need to build separate bathhouses for men and women."
Lindsey was a bit surprised:
"The demand is so high?"
He had thought that those who had adapted to life in the Desolate Land wouldn't increase their bathing needs so quickly! Hammer explained with a bitter smile, even including himself:
"After getting used to cleanliness, we can't bear the dirty and itchy state of the past."
Lindsey found it amusing but was more supportive:
"I understand. I'll go and expand the bathhouse later. Just remember to arrange the construction."
Hammer nodded slightly, preparing to leave.
But Lindsey suddenly stopped him:
"Oh, Hammer, are the farms and livestock sufficient?"
"I'm not talking about feeding the people in the camp, but about the trading needs with the outside world.
Hammer nodded in agreement.
"With the current population growth rate, it won't be an issue within a month."
Lindsey nodded and continued, "Then, let's set up the public bathhouse. I'll also work on creating new farmlands and livestock pens. As for the new refugees arriving in the territory, please arrange suitable jobs and training for them."
Lindsey glanced in the direction of the university, where a bustling crowd could be heard.
Recently, Lindsey had researched the skill of 'Education Expansion' at the university.
As a result, all the citizens who had previously studied there could now return for further education. Silude's workload increased significantly due to this, and she had barely had time to bother Lindsey lately.
"A blessing in disguise, I suppose," Lindsey thought to himself as he looked at the university with a hint of happiness.
He continued strolling around the town, observing the lives of the people living in the wasteland. The residents, especially those aware of the environment's value, actively maintained order, and even arguments were rare.
During this month, Lindsey had handled a case where a fight broke out due to someone showing disrespect towards him as the lord.
Lindsey casually opened the town management panel.
The stability indicator showed a healthy 70%, representing a peaceful and prosperous town where people could live and work in harmony.
Below it, the crime rate displayed a faint red 1%, indicating a relatively low level of criminal activity.
"It's probably just some petty theft," Lindsey thought.
"But I should still investigate. A decline in morality often starts with small, seemingly insignificant details."
Lindsey prepared to organize the guards for a security crackdown.
Just then, he spotted the three travelers he had noticed upon entering the embassy district.
The two younger ones seemed slightly less guarded, but the elder's eyes burned with intensity.
"..."
"You've been following me? It's been almost three hours now..."
Lindsey finally realized the unusual situation. While newcomers to the territory often showed curiosity, a three-hour observation was an unprecedented occurrence.
He opened the map, and just like before, the elder was a bright green, while the two younger ones were a neutral yellow with a hint of caution.
"The elder..."
Lindsey's gaze shifted as his thoughts transitioned from a managerial perspective to that of an adventurer, recognizing the peculiarity of the situation.
The wasteland had lost its civilization primarily due to the average lifespan and the harsh environment.
However, several decades ago, this land had also been a place of civilization.
Occasionally, elders would come seeking refuge, but limited by their ordinary status, they couldn't provide much information about the past.
But this elder was different.
He was an Awakener!
With the identity of an Awakener and his advanced age, he must have experienced the peaceful years before the war, and the information he possessed would undoubtedly be more extensive than that of an ordinary person.
"..."
Lindsey's eyes narrowed with realization.
Someone like this, instead of taking advantage of their skills and staying in the wasteland, had chosen to come to Laurel Ridge.
What could their purpose be? Lindsey approached the three with the respect and seriousness befitting a lord:
"Welcome to my territory, old sir."
The two younger ones beside the elder stirred, but the elder quickly stepped forward, blocking them:
He bowed to Lindsey, his voice filled with excitement and enthusiasm:
"Lord, your skills are truly impressive, and the management of your territory is impeccable!"
Lindsey sensed the elder's goodwill and stepped aside, pointing towards his residence:
"I understand you must have an important matter to discuss. But with the bustling crowd outside, let's head to my residence for a detailed conversation."
(End of Chapter)
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