Chapter 498, Weapons Aren't Meant to Gather Dust
On the road.
A large number of zombies began to gather.
They roared ferociously, clawing and lunging forward.
Skeleton wyverns swept overhead, raining solid iron bullets down on the horde.
Zombies along the way were torn apart in the bombardment.
Following that, a floating longsword began flying forward.
Sword light flashed in arcs.
The remaining zombies fell, their heads severed, their bodies collapsing limply to the ground.
The battle ended.
The skeletons cleaned the battlefield while Wu Heng glanced at his experience points.
[Level: 17 (47,582/265,000)]
By the end of the afternoon, they had cleared about three factories along the route.
His experience points reached 47,000.
There was still a long way to go before reaching level 18.
"It seems leveling up is still faster in cities," Wu Heng muttered.
Killing zombies wasn't difficult anymore.
The only issue was efficiency.
Qi Hancai approached from behind, saying, "An auto parts factory, a rubber components factory, and a heavy-duty parts factory."
"Alright, later, take some people to see if there's anything we can use."
"Got it."
After clearing the area and converting skeletons, Wu Heng returned to the munitions factory.
...
Provincial Rescue Team, Refuge Base.
In a dimly lit room,
the door opened, and a figure walked in.
Looking ahead, he said, "Deputy Commander Huang, we brought back some people from the Pingxiang shelter. After questioning them, we confirmed that Captain Huang indeed went to the Pingxiang shelter and gathered intelligence on the munitions factory and the Xinfu City base."
Behind the desk sat a lean, sharp-featured middle-aged man, puffing on a cigarette. He said, "So my son's disappearance is related to those people?"
"We don't have concrete evidence yet, but based on their movements that day, they did head toward the munitions factory," the subordinate replied.
Deputy Commander Huang's voice carried restrained anger. "What more evidence do you need? Are you waiting for my son to send you a dream message?"
The subordinate remained silent.
Deputy Commander Huang continued, "How many people did you question?"
"Three."
"Only three people at the shelter?"
"Our lookout spotted a Xinfu City convoy approaching, so we picked three people who seemed to know the most and questioned them on the way back."
Deputy Commander Huang took a deep drag from his cigarette,
paused, and then said, "Send someone to investigate the defenses around the munitions factory. Someone has to pay for my son's death."
"Yes, sir," the subordinate replied, preparing to leave.
"Wait!"
The subordinate stopped and turned back.
Deputy Commander Huang said, "Keep this quiet. Don't let the others in the base know."
"Understood."
"Go ahead. I'll ensure you get extra food rations."
"Thank you, sir."
The subordinate thanked him and left the room.
Deputy Commander Huang leaned back in his chair, puffing on his cigarette, muttering to himself.
"I didn't stockpile all these weapons for them to gather dust!"
"Son…"
...
The next day.
After breakfast, Wu Heng returned to the zombie world.
The support team from Xinfu City had arrived.
Trucks full of supplies were unloaded into the warehouse, accompanied by numerous technicians.
Qi Hancai approached with a serious expression.
"The convoy reported that the provincial rescue team investigated them at the Pingxiang service station."
"Did the service station people mention us?"
Qi Hancai replied, "They did, and a few people were taken away. I suspect they'll be used as witnesses against us."
"It's the apocalypse. Even if they testify, what can they do if we deny it?"
Wu Heng wasn't surprised that the rescue team investigated via Pingxiang.
After all, the initial rumors spread from there.
It was only logical for the rescue team to look into it.
Qi Hancai squinted slightly. "Do you think they'll resort to force?"
"Not likely, but we should still be cautious," Wu Heng warned.
Qi Hancai sighed slightly but nodded.
In a way, their misfortune was tied to Liu Chuang notifying the provincial rescue team.
If they had simply taken over the factory,
the matter would've passed unnoticed.
Even if the rescue team found out later, they wouldn't have had grounds to complain.
But now things had gotten messy.
With deaths on the other side, they were relentless in pursuit.
It was hard to say whether things would escalate into direct conflict.
While Wu Heng had confidence in their side, modern weapons still posed a significant threat,
and any collateral damage would be dangerous.
Seeing Qi Hancai's troubled expression, Wu Heng reassured her, "Don't worry. If they really cause trouble, I'll protect you all."
Qi Hancai forced a smile, suppressing her unease. "I'm not scared with you here."
She added, "The photovoltaic panels are ready to be installed. The electricians suggest testing one production line first to see if it works."
"Start with the machine gun production line."
"Understood!" Qi Hancai immediately began coordinating the installation of the photovoltaic panels and rewiring.
Wu Heng supervised the skeletons as they cleared debris and burned-out areas.
Rubble and collapsed walls were moved outside.
...
By evening,
the sky had darkened.
Wu Heng and the team stood in front of the factory, waiting in silence.
After adjustments were made to the CNC machine,
Whirrr~!
The hum of machinery echoed.
The production line started moving.
Bullets resting on the conveyor belt were transported to the next stage, finally landing in plastic crates at the end.
Watching the production line come to life,
Wu Heng felt a surge of excitement, and the others broke into smiles.
"This is amazing," Qi Hancai said, grabbing Wu Heng's arm and bouncing with joy.
Noticing the others watching, she quickly let go, though her happiness remained evident.
Producing bullets was a major milestone for the base.
Even though survivors hadn't been given firearms yet,
having ample ammunition meant greater security.
At the very least, they wouldn't need to trade food with the province for bullets anymore.
"Alright, shut it down for now. We'll resume production once we have enough materials. Everyone, get some rest," Wu Heng ordered.
The team powered down the machines.
Wu Heng stationed skeleton guards around the factory.
Everyone else exited the building.
Together, they returned to the dormitory.
"Keep our bullet production a secret. We have plenty of enemies," Wu Heng reminded them as they walked.
"Understood. Everyone here is experienced and knows the rules."
"Good. Get some rest."
The group dispersed to their rooms.
...
The next day.
At the Guild's meeting room.
Wu Heng looked around at the representatives gathered around the table and said, "You're all leaders of the island's merchant groups. Gold-Silver Island needs supplies, and I intend to select a few trustworthy, efficient teams to partner with."
The room buzzed with interest.
"Lord Island Master, what kind of goods do you need? We can help you analyze it," one representative asked eagerly.