Chapter 671: Unexpected Circumstances
Chapter 671: Unexpected Circumstances
In the current Barren Land world, as long as the Forest Capital develops normally, it can provide a lush sanctuary, gradually restoring vitality to the entire world.
Lindsey's purpose for staying in this world.
The only task left is to conquer the Green Marsh and find the item containing immense vitality to repair the connection between the two worlds.
So, after a brief rest in the Dungeon, Lindsey set off with most of her forces, leaving only those needed for defense, back towards the Forest Capital.
This return journey was aided by the Swift Boots, making it much faster than the trip there.
"..."
The expeditionary army returned to the Forest Capital by land.
The Righteous Walker accompanying them witnessed the desolate landscape and learned more from the locals.
Along the way, Alice sat atop a giant insect.
Her determined expression grew deeper each day, as if she had made some decision within her heart.
Upon returning to the Forest Capital, they entered the now towering Banyan Forest, where the residents welcomed them with enthusiastic cheers.
The Righteous Walker maiden finally showed a hint of a smile, having longed for the vibrant atmosphere of civilization.
However, as a lord, Lindsey had duties to attend to.
She arranged the usual victory speech, accommodations for the soldiers, and the schedule for the Insectoid forces to return to their nest.
During this process, Heidi appeared, pushing a wheelchair as usual, and made her way towards Lindsey.
The writer maiden noticed Alice and Heidi, who had always been so composed, suddenly speaking in a perplexing tone:
"Lindsey, in just a few days, you've managed to bring back another one?"
Alice's eyebrows shot up, sensing Heidi's hostility. She had just learned of Heidi's animosity, and with a simple glance, she bluntly offered her assessment:
"Artist... Phase Five? But there's something odd about her."
Heidi smirked and introduced herself:
"Hello there, obsessive one. I'm Heidi, Lindsey's 'most beloved' slave!"
"..."
Heidi deliberately emphasized the words 'most beloved'.
But Alice paid her no mind and looked directly at Lindsey instead.
In this universe with countless worlds, slavery wasn't uncommon. However, based on their conversations during the journey, Alice didn't believe Lindsey to be the type to keep slaves.
Lindsey's face darkened, "Don't listen to her nonsense."
"This person is an artist from the Seven Seas Alliance. She's committed many misdeeds, but I managed to subdue her. Now, she's here to help teach knowledge to ordinary people."
As Lindsey explained, Alice turned to look at Heidi.
The Righteous Walker's tone was calm and unconcealed, "An artist from the Seven Seas Alliance."
"I know about you people. Many of you get so obsessed with art that you lose your way, and only a select few with true talent can stay on the right path."
Heidi's eyebrows shot up, ready to start a public argument.
But Lindsey interrupted her, "Heidi, have you seen the future of the Forest Academy's middle school student, Alice?"
Heidi backed down, shaking her head in disgust, "Oh, please!"
"I wouldn't dare lay a hand on someone directly connected to the City of Law."
"Even if I just glanced at it, I wouldn't have fared much better than before."
"..."
You did look, but you didn't dare to really see it through!
Lindsey nodded slightly, continuing, "Then tell me about the situation in the Forest Capital during this time."
Heidi was confident in her work, "They've all been trained!"
"The Forest Academy has produced qualified scholars. From now on, they can learn the most basic knowledge on their own without me needing to be there.
After Heidi's boastful remark, she added, "By the way, as per your instructions, I'm working on rebuilding the economic system! Your shop should be ready for another expansion."
Lindsey headed towards the city center.
Alice hurried to catch up, asking, "Lindsey, what do you mean by expanding the shop by a circle?"
Lindsey explained, "My art can aid in city construction, but there are rules to follow, and shop management is one of them."
Upon reaching the city center, Lindsey's residence came into view.
He approached the magical plant shop and opened the attribute panel to confirm Heidi's work.
[Level: 3 (3000/3000)]
The required transaction amount had been met.
The resources needed for the upgrade were already overflowing in the city-level warehouse.
"Excellent!"
Lindsey immediately selected the upgrade option.
Unlike in real-time strategy games, in simulated management, the shop could be upgraded in an instant with the right resources.
A loud rumbling sound filled the air.
Numerous thick branches suddenly sprouted from the ground around the small house.
Without a new blueprint, the expansion followed the original design.
Within seconds, the two-story house in the backyard transformed into a luxurious villa, and the storefront expanded into a meticulously designed forest-themed facade, rivaling the flagship stores of renowned brands.
[Shop: Lindsey's Magical Plant Shop]
[Level: 4 (0/15000)]
[Shopkeeper: 1/10]
[Reputation: Flagship Store]
[Store Owner's Management Policy: The shop owner can check the shop's status and issue commands to shopkeepers from anywhere, whether inside or outside the shop.]
[Popular Store: Your shop is thriving. There's a chance to attract rare customers during business hours.]
[Renowned Store: Within the shop's influence, all merchants will prioritize trading with your shop if they have relevant transactions.]
[Goods: Light Lung Grass, Crying Beauty, Witch's Smile, Summer Bamboo, Ji Grass, Emerald Gentian, and more...]
[Furniture: Professional Plant Shelves, Delicate Counter, Glass Display Case, and more...]
[Warehouse: Absolute Ice Jade, Steel Vine Vitality Potion, Crystal, and more...]
[Basement: Empty...]
[Production Line: Empty...]
As usual, the shop gained a new skill, significantly enhancing its trading capabilities.
Additionally, the number of shopkeepers that could be accommodated increased from 3 to 10.
However, Lindsey was reluctant to use this theoretically powerful ability due to its nature of forcibly taking away people's free will.
"..."
As Lindsey examined his newly upgraded shop, the Righteous Walker maiden by his side also studied this peculiar art with heightened curiosity.
Just then, a hurried Hammer arrived from the depths of the forest.
The middle-aged man approached Lindsey and whispered, "Young Master Lindsey, some refugees have arrived from the west in the past couple of days."
"They speak of disgusting-looking monsters attacking all life indiscriminately, and the situation is escalating, threatening to engulf the entire world!"
The Deviators have gone to the west!
Lindsey immediately understood the situation Hammer was describing.
At that moment, the middle-aged man added with a hint of relief, "Moreover, this might be good news."
"Those monsters are clashing with the people of Green Marsh, and a war could break out at any moment!"
(End of Chapter)
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