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Chapter 528, Ferocious Specter
Island Governor's Manor.
As dusk approached, the maids who had gone out all returned.
They sat around the dining table, eating dinner and chatting.
Minnie said, "Master, the materials for the compound bows have been ordered from the elves' shop. They trust us a lot and promised to prioritize our order and deliver it ahead of schedule."
Wu Heng had worked with the elves' shop when he first arrived on the island.
He had purchased many wooden elf bows.
It was also the same race to which Sheila Grey belonged, so there was a foundation of trust between them.
Wu Heng said, "Leave this to you. Follow up when the time comes."
"Yes, Master. I'll make sure it's taken care of," Minnie said enthusiastically.
"Good." Wu Heng nodded with a smile.
Then, Andviel spoke, "Master, two caravans arrived at the port today. The copper plates have been stored in the warehouse on Lighthouse Street, and I've placed the white gunpowder into the spatial pouch."
As she spoke, she handed over the spatial pouch.
It had taken a while to order these items, and the first batch had just arrived.
Wu Heng put the spatial pouch away and said, "Are there any other caravans on their way?"
"They'll be arriving over the next couple of days. I'll follow up when they do," Andviel replied.
Wu Heng thought for a moment and said, "After dinner, we'll visit the warehouse to retrieve the goods."
"Alright!" Andviel nodded.
Wu Heng continued, "Also, let the caravans know that if future deliveries are this slow, we'll switch to other caravans. Their speed is too slow."
Andviel said, "I've discussed this with the caravan representatives. They mentioned that this was the first transaction, and the preparation and processing took some time. Future orders will be faster."
"Let's observe the situation for now."
"Understood," Andviel nodded.
Wu Heng gradually assigned tasks to the maids.
With his growing strength and status, he no longer had to personally handle everything like before.
Now, he just needed to make the key decisions.
After discussing the important matters, they continued chatting while eating.
Minnie talked about the time when they were still slaves.
It seemed that Minnie, Robey, and Annette had a good relationship, one forged through hardship.
No wonder Minnie was so determined to bring the two of them along.
After dinner.
Minnie and the other two went to the training room.
Wu Heng and Andviel went to the warehouse district on Lighthouse Street and retrieved all the goods.
After returning home.
Wu Heng entered the study and opened the dimensional gate to the Zombie World.
He stored the white gunpowder and copper plates in separate warehouses.
This was to prevent any potential danger.
In the military factory, with a sufficient power supply, all production lines began running.
Bullets were being produced and assembled.
Skeletons at the end of the conveyor belt organized the assembled bullets, packed them into boxes, and transported them to the warehouse.
...…
Two days later, in the morning.
Wu Heng took a carriage to the guild.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, a staff member from the guild came to the Island Governor's Manor and said that Sheila Grey wanted to see him.
Sheila Grey rarely sought him out unless there was an issue on the island or a wanted criminal had been discovered.
Wu Heng quickly got ready and headed to the guild.
When the carriage arrived, there weren't many people at the guild.
He walked straight to the steward's office, knocked lightly, and went in.
The office was filled with the scent of incense.
A faint floral fragrance permeated the room.
Sheila Grey was seated inside, and her assistant [Shiali] was sitting by the window, resting her chin on her hand and gazing outside.
Seeing Wu Heng enter, she smiled and greeted him.
She poured him a cup of floral tea and returned to her seat by the window.
"You were looking for me?" Wu Heng asked.
Sheila Grey handed him a document and said, "This is the guild's strategic plan and direction for the year. Take a look and deliver a copy to each regional branch under your jurisdiction."
"What's this?" Wu Heng took a glance.
Guild Action Manual, Guild Decision-Making Guide.
He casually flipped through a few pages.
「Do not interfere with local affairs. Adhere to principles: Understand the governing characteristics and customs of various regions, safeguard legitimate rights and interests, and distinguish between internal affairs and criminal activities.」
「Distinguishing between cults and local churches: Identify the nature of churches quickly and accurately...」
「Promoting level 18 Professionals: Effectively promote level 18 Professionals by reinforcing their image and increasing their influence to ensure proper reputation-building.」
「Handling major events: The Standard Bearer may take the lead in responding to major and crisis events...」
Damn!
This thing really exists.
Imiro had split his responsibilities and assigned them to him and Sheila Grey.
He had mentioned the role of the Standard Bearer and its significance within the guild.
Wu Heng had thought it was just an honorary title, given that nothing had come his way so far. But it seemed he did have actual responsibilities.
The role of Standard Bearer appeared to be quite important.
Especially the last part—during major and crisis events, the Standard Bearer could take some degree of action, and the regional branches under their jurisdiction would need to cooperate.
When viewed this way, it seemed the position had more authority than that of a steward.
After skimming through it, Wu Heng looked up and asked, "Do I need to deliver this to each region?"
Sheila Grey nodded. "Yes, you need to arrange for its delivery. You can also include information on local matters, such as capturing pirates and reporting pirate-related intel."
"There's only this one copy?" Wu Heng waved the document.
"Have someone copy it. You could even have your skeletons do the copying," Sheila Grey shrugged, indicating it was his problem now.
"Alright, I'll take care of it." Wu Heng put the document away.
It was just a matter of making copies, nothing too difficult.
Sheila Grey continued, "The vampire corpse has been sent to headquarters. The vampire clan responded, saying the individual was a criminal they had exiled for acts of bloodlust and violence. He had been punished and exiled by Leader Lilith. He wasn't supposed to ever resurface, but the Destiny Sect dug him up."
Punished and exiled?
Vampire exile meant being sealed in a coffin, sunk to the ocean floor, or buried deep in a mountain.
They wouldn't kill you outright but would subject you to eternal solitude and darkness.
It was similar to life imprisonment in the modern world.
Wu Heng recalled the vampire's body, which had no distinguishing male or female characteristics.
They had confiscated the tools of the crime.
What a terrifying punishment.
"Did they mention any rewards for us?" Wu Heng asked.
After all, they had defeated a level 18 Professional and saved villagers from a sacrificial ritual, which was a significant contribution.
Sheila Grey nodded. "I think they'll grant us merit points. Let's see what happens."
"What about the Destiny Sect? Any new information?"
"The guild has updated the wanted list, but since the Destiny Sect is a newly established church, the identities of its bishop and key members are still unclear. We're currently in the intelligence-gathering phase," Sheila Grey said softly, resting her chin on her hands.
"Alright, we've done what we can. There's not much else we can do."
"Let's wait for updates."
After discussing the main issues.
Wu Heng asked, "How's the island's patrol and security?"
"Everything's fine! We can ensure the basic areas are safe."
"Do you think we should open a beach for tourism and leisure, to attract visitors?" Wu Heng asked casually.
"A beach? For what?"
"Swimming or sunbathing. There are plenty of merchants on the island, so it might draw them in."
Sheila Grey thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. I don't know if it would work like you say."
"I'll have someone clear an area and take you there to experience it first."
Sheila Grey smiled. "Alright, let's see how it compares to regular swimming."
They chatted for a while.
A team member came to report something, and Wu Heng left the office and exited the guild.
...…
He returned home.
He had lunch with the maids.
After resting for a while, he went back upstairs and headed to the Zombie World.
He waited in the dormitory for a while.
Footsteps echoed outside, followed by a knock on the door.
"Come in!"
The door opened, and Qi Hancai entered with Wang Haibing.
Wang Haibing took two steps forward and began his report: "Leader, we've inspected several bases. The power plants don't have major issues. They can resume power by replacing the boilers, though some adjustments to the circuits are needed in the Xinfushi base."
Wu Heng looked at him. Over the past few days, he seemed in better condition.
His hair was still messy, but he had gained some weight.
With proper meals, it was easy to gain weight.
"Are the blueprints ready?"
"Yes, here they are." Wang Haibing pulled out the blueprints from his pocket.
They had drafted plans for three power plants, with furnaces of different sizes to replace the fuel sources and provide thermal energy.
Wu Heng put the blueprints away. "You'll be responsible for modifying the circuits. Finish it quickly so other places can access power freely."
"Understood. I'll return tomorrow to begin the modifications," Wang Haibing replied.
After thinking for a moment, Wu Heng asked, "How's it going with the skeletons you're training?"
"They're still learning, but they've grasped the basics. They're familiarizing themselves with power plant operations and maintenance. These skeletons—uh, gentlemen—are fast learners and should pick it up quickly."
"Speed things up. Before restoring power to other bases, make sure you've trained a batch."
"Yes, I understand!" Wang Haibing wiped the sweat off his forehead.
"Go ahead and get to work. Your job is easier than most people's."
"Understood, I'll do my best."
Wang Haibing bowed to the two of them, then turned and left to attend to his duties.
...…
After Wang Haibing left.
Only the two of them remained in the room.
Wu Heng glanced at Qi Hancai.
She was wearing a white down jacket, a gray turtleneck sweater, and skinny jeans.
The curve of her hips was accentuated, making them appear rounder.
Wu Heng patted his thigh, and Qi Hancai lowered her head, walking over and sitting sideways on his lap.
Wu Heng wrapped an arm around her waist and asked, "How's the central station coming along?"
The airport had been occupied for a few days, but the central station still hadn't completed the blueprints.
This made Wu Heng a bit anxious.
Qi Hancai replied softly, "I contacted them yesterday. It should be finished within the next couple of days, and they'll arrange a plane to deliver them to us."
Hearing this, Wu Heng was pleased.
This meant that within a few days, they would have the complete blueprints.
Both [Gold-Silver Island] and [Rentam City] could begin planning the construction work.
"Good job."
Qi Hancai smiled and softly acknowledged, "Mm."
Wu Heng hugged her a little tighter. "The factory should have some copying equipment, right?"
"Yes. Do you need to copy something?"
Wu Heng took out the 'Guild Handbook' he had received from Sheila Grey. "Copy all of this for me, make sure it's clear, and regular paper will do."
Qi Hancai glanced at it; the text was full of strange symbols.
She didn't think much of it—after all, Wu Heng had many secrets.
She nodded and agreed, "Alright. How many copies do you need?"
"A hundred copies should do. Let me know if more are needed," Wu Heng said, then added, "If anyone at the base knows formatting or advertising, keep an eye on them; we might need them later."
"Got it. I'll make the arrangements as soon as possible," Qi Hancai nodded.
"Good."
The two continued discussing matters related to the base.
Qi Hancai was called away by the intercom, and Wu Heng opened the dimensional gate and returned to [Gold-Silver Island].
...…
The next morning.
Minnie brought Sheila Grey to the Island Governor's Manor.
She was dressed in gold-and-silver armor that accentuated her curvaceous figure.
"What's going on? You're in such a hurry," Wu Heng said, handing her a cold bottle of iced tea.
"A squad from Guild Team 4 has gone missing, and some ordinary residents on the island have reported missing family members. I think something's wrong," Sheila Grey explained quickly as she sat down and took a sip.
Wu Heng asked, "Did you bring any of their belongings?"
"Yes," Sheila Grey handed him a linen shawl.
She knew about some of Wu Heng's peculiar artifacts and tools.
Especially the artifact that could locate people, which had saved her when she was in danger at sea.
"That'll make things easier," Wu Heng said, pulling out the [Tracking Pendant] and dripping a drop of blood onto the pendant's skull-shaped charm.
The skull, initially lifeless, began to move.
Its jaw shifted slightly from side to side.
Wu Heng brought the shawl closer to the skull, which began to nibble and chew on a corner of the sleeve.
The two of them watched closely.
They waited for the pendant to indicate a direction so they could investigate the missing people's whereabouts.
But after the skull chewed for a while,
The flame in its eye sockets extinguished, and it remained still.
Sheila Grey frowned. "What's wrong with it?"
Wu Heng said, "They're dead. The pendant can't track the dead."
"Dead? The family said they went missing yesterday, and now they're dead?"
"They probably ran into something. The people are definitely dead," Wu Heng said after thinking for a moment. Seeing that the skull had no further reaction, he added, "Let's go see the seer."
The two went upstairs to the skeleton seer's room.
The skeleton, dressed in a loose robe, was seated by the window, silently gazing outside.
Wu Heng said, "Here's an item of clothing. See if you can find out what happened."
The seer took the garment, hovering one hand above it while grabbing Wu Heng's wrist with the other.
Wu Heng pulled Sheila Grey's hand and placed it in the skeleton's grip. "Show her."
Before Sheila Grey could say anything,
The flames in the skeleton's eye sockets flared up, and Sheila Grey's pupils became vacant.
Moments later, her pupils regained focus. "They were kidnapped. The kidnappers wore hoods and were very quick and cautious."
She then turned to the seer and said, "Can you find out where they are now?"
She still didn't fully believe that the victims were dead.
"Check for her," Wu Heng instructed.
The seer used its ability again, and once more, Sheila Grey's pupils briefly lost focus before regaining clarity. "They're dead, buried underground."
"What now?"
Sheila Grey took a deep breath and said, "It must be someone who recently arrived on the island. I'll investigate and let you know."
"Alright."
...…
10 p.m.
A carriage pulled up to the newly expanded area of Lighthouse Street, a residential zone built before Wu Heng became the island governor.
This was where [Milisen] had been kidnapped back then.
Some people had gradually moved into the area, though not many.
Tap, tap, tap~!
Footsteps approached as a guild ranger ran over quickly. "The target is in a private room on the second floor of the tavern. There are guards at the door, but we don't know how many are inside."
Sheila Grey said, "Have our people secure the perimeter and make sure he doesn't escape."
"Yes!" The team member quickly left.
Sheila Grey turned to Wu Heng. "Let's scout first. If it's not a trap, we'll storm in and capture them."
"Alright, let me take a look."
Killing guild members on the island had clearly enraged Sheila Grey.
Whether it was just a few individuals or part of a larger conspiracy, she intended to kill one and then interrogate the corpse to find the others.
Wu Heng released a specter. "Check the rooms with light and scout the situation."
The specter flew out of his body and headed toward the distant building.
Sheila Grey knew Wu Heng had a specter, a small one.
She knew because the level 18 elder mage [Janvito] had mentioned it before, and she had been present.
Though they hadn't discussed it explicitly, she understood that Wu Heng had a specter.
Hearing him talk to thin air didn't surprise her.
She just waited quietly.
...…
The tavern had three floors.
The specter Glenda, following Wu Heng's command, slipped into a room with a light on.
The room was dim, and flying insects swarmed around the yellowish glow of the lightstone.
The specter first checked the outer section of the private room.
The table was cluttered with leftover food, scattered cups, potion bottles, and various knickknacks.
After scanning the area and finding nothing of note,
The specter moved toward the bedroom, where faint moans could be heard.
As for situations like this,
The specter felt no psychological burden and was even a bit curious. How could someone targeted by the guild still be bold enough to seek pleasure?
Phasing through the partition, the specter entered the bedroom.
Clothes and pants were scattered on the floor, and the bedsheets were messy. A dark-skinned, muscular man was supporting himself over a young woman.
The woman's voice was hoarse, her eyes glazed, and she seemed dazed.
She only let out faint sounds as the man moved.
The specter floated to the head of the bed, observing the two before checking their levels.
The woman's level was low, about the first tier.
The man, however, was level 15, which was relatively high.
A level 15 Professional—no wonder he had easily killed a squad member.
After confirming their appearances and levels,
The specter thought their positioning was monotonous. The man was only focused on exerting effort without offering any romantic words.
Not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as their own necromancer's activities.
Just as the specter was about to phase through the wall and leave,
It turned and was startled.
Not far behind,
Two disheveled, ferocious-looking specters were rushing toward it.