Capítulo 131: A New Era is Coming
"You can come back anytime. Where's your master?" Bai Yi asked, gently ruffling Luo Ning's hair. The little girl seemed to have grown taller; in two years, she would reach adulthood.
In this apocalyptic world, the age of fifteen was considered adulthood for both boys and girls.
If not for the declining birth rates among other races, how could the Federation's population be limited to just 800 million intelligent beings? After all, raising a child was relatively inexpensive: school was free, and good grades could even earn gold coins. Rent was low enough that even without luxuries, anyone could survive on just two copper coins per pound of food.
"Lord City Lord," a familiar voice chimed in. Before Luo Ning could respond, Aisha appeared.
"I have a suggestion. We could connect the two shops next to Dawn Pharmacy, allowing you to move there. Things are a bit complicated, sir," Aisha explained, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Bai Yi then briefed her on the situation regarding Irene. Under Aisha's astonished gaze, the decision was made easily. After all, Dawn Pharmacy had a prime location and was bustling with activity. Having two gold-ranked individuals living together would foster beneficial communication.
As they returned to the pharmacy, Luo Ning eagerly pushed open the door, pulling out a large crystal ball from her space ring. She sprinted excitedly to her stall.
Bang!
Luo Ning placed the crystal ball on the table, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Great, we're back!"
It had been a year since she started working with Bai Yi, and she felt a deep sense of belonging in this shop—far more than in the opulent City Lord's Mansion.
Meanwhile, Irene entered, a bit taken aback. Could an employee really feel such attachment? She walked in, sat at the front desk with a sigh, propping her chin on her hands, instantly transforming back into her role.
"Just a moment, both of you. I need to discuss a few things with the shopkeepers next door," Bai Yi said, stepping away.
After ten minutes of conversation, both shops agreed to vacate their spaces without asking for compensation. Bai Yi, however, insisted that the Ministry of Finance arrange new locations for them. Even if it was a minor issue, he wouldn't cheat his own people; such actions were beneath the dignity of a city lord.
"Aul, clear the area next to it and redecorate according to Irene and Luo Ning's preferences," Bai Yi instructed.
Immediately, the sound of skeletons clattering began as the assembly line sprang to life. The efficiency of the undead was impressive.
However, Bai Yi didn't linger; he had many tasks to complete. He returned to the laboratory, preferring the familiar surroundings of the pharmacy. He might move into the City Lord's Mansion eventually, but not just yet.
He took out the blueprint for the Plague Doctor's suit and studied it intently. Since Luo Ning's curse resistance was low, she needed proper protection. Any danger to her would be a significant loss for Dawn.
When the skill for the Plague Doctor Set appeared on his panel, Bai Yi spent a skill point to max out the proficiency. He gathered the necessary materials and began crafting a suit in Luo Ning's style.
[You have created gold-level equipment: Plague Doctor Set III. Experience points +10,000; additional experience points +10,000.]
Bai Yi examined the stunning yellow suit in his hands, nodding in satisfaction. While it didn't resemble the typical attire of a plague doctor, that was inconsequential. With maxed proficiency, he could easily alter the style while maintaining its attributes.
After explaining the suit's properties to Luo Ning and handing it over, he returned to the laboratory, catching Irene's resentful gaze—she hadn't received a gift.
Bai Yi organized information, knowing that all mechanical modifications would require his personal attention. The L-type modifications would create a tank-like meat shield, while the M-type would serve as assassins. He also needed to plan for long-range firepower.
Mechanical modifications weren't as challenging or costly as creating full mechs. They simply required connecting soldiers' nervous systems to exoskeleton devices, then enhancing firepower within the limits of those frames.
In Bai Yi's vision, these exoskeletons could be equipped with a variety of heavy weaponry: a Gatling gun on the left arm, an energy cannon on the right, grenades, small missiles on their backs, and even a swarm of tiny drones.
He needed to finalize these weapon choices. Since both L-type and M-type modifications focused on melee combat, a long-range soldier with substantial firepower was necessary. After exhausting their ammunition, they still needed to be able to fight up close.
Almost all-around warriors were expensive and lacked any potential for growth, which made them less desirable.
[Countdown to public beta: 5 days and 12 hours.]
Bai Yi glanced at the timer before resuming the manufacturing of exoskeletons.
[You have created an exoskeleton mechanical device. Experience points +500; additional experience points +500.]
Name: Exoskeleton Robot
Attribute: Mechanical transformation device
Effect: Fixed attributes: Strength 180, Speed 120, Endurance 100; includes built-in auxiliary AI.
Equipment requirements: Strength and Endurance 11+.
Evaluation: Powerful auxiliary device; this is the power of machinery.
Price: 2000 gold coins.
Bai Yi was pleased with the exoskeleton. Even without additional firepower, its attributes were impressive. It was adaptable for anyone with a bronze-level body.
[Message sent to the Armament Department, asking alchemy technicians to expedite the creation of equipment blueprints.]
Zero: [Sent. The captain of the technology team has responded: The alchemical furnace is ready and will start producing weapons immediately.]
Bai Yi felt a wave of calm. "Or, let's begin polishing the exoskeleton materials."
[Message sent to the Ministry of Finance to supply Orr with sufficient materials.]
Zero: [Message sent.]
With his rapid manufacturing and high concentration specialties activated, Bai Yi lost track of time in the outside world.
Meanwhile, activity in Dongwu City was buzzing, with many extraordinary individuals eager to settle down with their families. Sabo began expanding the city, increasing its diameter from 100 kilometers to 150 kilometers.
The inner city expanded from 25 kilometers to 50 kilometers in diameter, accommodating a population exceeding five million. The once-crowded city now felt spacious, almost empty.
The outer city's walls, originally fortified by powerful mechs, were simply restructured. The city lord commanded the Wucheng Army to reposition the walls, and with the addition of strong, quick-drying alchemical materials, the construction progressed swiftly.
As time passed, the walls of the inner city were demolished, and a new inner city was erected, complete with basic wooden housing for civilians.
Whether through a mage's fire or a warrior's brute force, the original urban landscape was transformed into open space. Wizards could magically repair structures or relocate them to the new outer city area, minimizing the need for extensive manpower.
In addition to this, many extraordinary individuals quickly bought up land in the inner city, anticipating that Dongwu City would soon become the foremost city in the Federation. Provided the city remained intact after the war, the value of housing in the inner city would skyrocket.
To maintain the city's aesthetic, land purchasers were required to construct their own houses within three months, ensuring that designs were not overly simplistic.
Thanks to alchemical materials like [Earth Treasure], building was feasible and affordable. This material was inexpensive and hardened quickly, rivaling ordinary metals in strength.
Hiring a few bronze-level individuals or strong laborers from the outer city could easily yield a three-story house with decorations in half a month.
The same principle applied to the city walls: as long as magic was used to shape [Earth Treasure] within three days, a strong, beautiful city wall could be erected.
As the days passed, the city walls of Dongwu City rose rapidly, and the atmosphere buzzed with activity.
"Principal, you might want to see this," a law enforcer said cautiously.
Bai Yi was in seclusion crafting exoskeletons, while Sabo was busy with financial matters. For decisions that stumped many departments, they still turned to the old city lord.
The law enforcer pointed towards a newly constructed area in the outer city. The original player resurrection point had been demolished, and the new one was situated not far from the East City Gate.
Some original residents had been relocated due to certain forces rejecting them.
Heidinger surveyed the area with surprise, disbelief etched on his face. "Multiple spaces? They seem solid. Is this where the wonders will manifest?"
"According to Bai Yi's timeline, those wonders will appear in the next two days," Eric replied, visibly fatigued yet excited.
Dongwu City was thriving: its economy, military strength, and population were all on the rise. Even schools were expanding to accommodate the growing number of children.
"I need to investigate further. Let's enclose this area," Heidinger said, drawing a circle in the air with his fingertip.
The area, with a five-kilometer diameter, marked the players' resurrection point. Heidinger's magic precisely encircled it.
"Yes, sir!" a law enforcement officer replied, immediately calling for backup.
As the two entered the area, they began discussing its significance.
"These wonders could be quite useful. Given that the outer city construction is ongoing, they could lend a hand," Eric remarked, reflecting on the potential benefits.
Both had read the manual on Bai Yi's wonders, understanding the immense power players represented. Their immortality made them both a blessing and a curse.
If not for the strict rule against attempting to enslave wonders, many cities might have sought to control this group of immortal beings due to their resurrection points.
"There's a clever use of magic in these buildings," Heidinger noted, igniting a flame that flew toward a wooden house.
Buzz!
The flames erupted, instantly reducing the structure to ashes. Yet, within seconds, the house reformed, leaving only ash behind.
"Reshaping time?" Eric mused, genuinely surprised.
"No, it's more like space manipulation—interception and overlap. This wooden house can theoretically accommodate unlimited occupants and produce unlimited wood," Heidinger explained, dismantling a wooden door.
Three seconds later, the door reappeared while the one in Heidinger's hand remained unchanged.
"What kind of power is this?" Eric inquired, frowning.
Clang!
A flash of sword light sliced through the wooden houses, yet the cuts healed seamlessly within moments, as if nothing had happened.
"Fascinating. I need to study this further," Heidinger said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Okay, I'll have the Wucheng Army secure this area. We can't afford any chaos with the wonders," Eric replied, heading for the exit.
Just then, Sabo entered, surprised to see the old city lord.
"Hey, you're here too! I told them not to disturb you. Now I've got to set them straight," Sabo chuckled, a hint of embarrassment in his tone.
Eric glanced at him, shaking his head. "Just don't make things awkward with the capital."
Sabo nodded, respect evident in his demeanor.
As Eric departed, Sabo pondered the coming days. The area was soon surrounded by soldiers, who began rapidly constructing a wall. Players were on their way, and the transformation legion was taking shape.
The final preparations for the legion would soon be complete, and with the mechanical modifications finished, Dongwu City's military and financial prowess would soar.
Sabo's signature smile returned as he stepped into the players' resurrection point, ready for the next chapter in their growing city.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder