Chapter 274: It Did It, So Why Should I?
[Skeleton Iron Smith (Level 12)]
[Attributes: Constitution 23, Strength 25, Agility 17, Intelligence 15, Perception 13, Charisma 5.]
[Traits: Hollow Skeleton, Intermediate Soul.]
[Proficiencies: Heavy Armor Proficiency (Intermediate), Warhammer Proficiency (Advanced), Forging/Iron Smithing (Proficient).]
[Abilities: Heat Adaptation, Weapon Research, Iron Smithing Expertise.]
[Heat Adaptation]: This unit has an extraordinary ability to adapt to hot environments. Heat effects are considered one level lower for this unit (extreme heat is treated as intense heat, and so on).
[Weapon Research]: Can modify weapons according to usage requirements.
[Iron Smithing Expertise]: Can identify various metals and perform smelting.
The attributes of the Dwarven Iron Smith looked quite good.
In terms of abilities, it has 'Weapon Research,' which can modify weapons according to usage needs.
Wu Heng found this a very useful ability.
After all, weapon modification was indeed a weak point on his side.
Qiangzi and his team had some creative ideas, but crafting was challenging.
"From now on, you'll be called Blacksmith One. Step out!" Wu Heng said.
The dwarf walked out of the coffin and stood aside.
Wu Heng turned to Li Yanhong and introduced, "This is a Skeleton Blacksmith who can forge iron and develop weapons. Set up an iron forge for him in the next few days to start producing crossbow bolts and arrows."
Li Yanhong sized up the skeleton.
She nodded to show she understood.
Wu Heng continued by casting [Raise Skeleton] on the remaining two bodies.
Two similarly built skeletons stood up.
The Gardener Skeleton had proficiencies in plant cultivation and pruning, reaching a proficient level.
The Chef Skeleton had culinary skills at a proficient level.
Wu Heng casually named the two skeletons.
He had them carry the coffins outside.
...…
Once the warehouse was completely empty,
Wu Heng took out the heavy crossbows and leather armors from his space ring.
They instantly filled the entire warehouse.
Li Yanhong's eyes widened, "So many."
"More will come. Just sell them as usual."
"Yes, the news went out two days ago, so people should come to trade soon." Li Yanhong said, picking up a hand crossbow. "This one's nice and light."
"That's a hand crossbow, so it's less powerful. Zombies are tough-skinned, so it might not be very effective, but it's still threatening against humans." Wu Heng explained.
"Got it."
Li Yanhong also picked up a set of armor and started trying it on.
Wu Heng showed her how to wear it, adjusting the bulky chest area.
Li Yanhong's face turned red from the handling.
She playfully hit him lightly, "Be gentle."
Once fully dressed,
Li Yanhong looked like a female warrior ready for battle.
Although stab-resistant vests are lightweight, they don't offer as much protection as leather armor, especially against zombie bites on the arms and shoulders.
"Not bad, just a bit heavy." Li Yanhong nodded.
"Yes, mainly because of the iron plates on the outside."
As they talked, a faint electric sound came from the walkie-talkie on Li Yanhong's waist.
Following that, a report from the base staff came through.
"Sister Hong, the Flame God Shelter convoy has arrived. Captain Ma wants to talk with you about something."
Hearing this, the two exchanged a glance.
Coming at this time.
They'd probably have to travel part of the way back at night.
Li Yanhong pressed the walkie-talkie, "Please have Captain Ma wait in the reception room. I'll meet him there."
"Roger that!"
The two turned and headed towards the reception room.
...…
In the reception room.
After waiting for a short while, Ma Zhiyong entered with two attendants.
Their travel-worn appearance suggested they hadn't just come from the base.
Ma Zhiyong and his men also eyed the armor Li Yanhong was wearing.
"Captain Ma, please have a seat." Li Yanhong spoke first.
"Oh!" Ma Zhiyong snapped out of it and sat down with a smile.
"Captain Ma, is there something you needed?"
"I heard that Leader Li is selling heavy crossbows and armor, and since we happened to pass by today, we came to exchange some." Ma Zhiyong said.
Li Yanhong glanced at him.
Flame God Shelter's timing was impeccable—Wu Heng had just stocked the warehouse with weapons and armor, and they showed up.
Not a moment earlier.
"Of course, Captain Ma, how would you like to trade?"
"Hold on, I'll have my men bring it in." Ma Zhiyong glanced behind him.
The two men stepped forward and opened a small cloth bag.
It revealed gold jewelry inside.
Ma Zhiyong said, "550 grams of gold for 20 heavy crossbows, and the rest in armor."
Looks like Flame God Shelter had looted a jewelry store.
"That's fine." Li Yanhong nodded and added, "We also have a lighter crossbow; it's less powerful but enough to kill. It's suitable for women and children. Captain Ma might consider it."
"Oh? Let me take a look!"
Li Yanhong had Qiangzi fetch it.
He quickly went to the warehouse and brought one of each type.
Ma Zhiyong tested them and seemed pleased. "How much for these crossbows?"
"8 grams of gold each."
Ma Zhiyong thought for a moment and spoke quietly to his men.
The two left quickly and returned carrying a military-green box.
They opened it, revealing it was full of ammunition.
"Last time, Leader Li inquired about ammunition for machine guns and grenade launchers. We happened to bring some over this time. How about trading these for 30 light crossbows?" Ma Zhiyong asked.
Li Yanhong wasn't particularly keen on firearms and ammunition.
Last time, Ma Zhiyong offered a grenade launcher for trade, and Li Yanhong almost turned it down.
It didn't inspire much confidence now, either.
"20 crossbows. We have enough ammo; nowhere to use it." Li Yanhong said flatly.
"Uh… alright, that works."
Li Yanhong waved, signaling for the items to be packed up.
Meanwhile, she instructed her staff to prepare the corresponding weapons and armor.
After a brief conversation with Ma Zhiyong, and once everything was ready,
They didn't linger and left promptly.
...…
After they left.
Qiangzi and a few others came over, shouting, "Sister Hong, there's so much gear in the warehouse!"
"The Big Boss brought it in. Tally up the guards and patrol teams, and have them come by to collect weapons." Li Yanhong instructed.
"Got it." Qiangzi replied and led his men away.
Wu Heng emerged from the back.
He stored the gold and ammunition into his space ring.
"They must have just returned from outside, stopping by to trade a few things." Li Yanhong said.
"I had Xiaoxiao scout their convoy. From what I heard, they looted a gold shop. It seems they're gearing up for some sort of offensive." Wu Heng said.
"Flame God Shelter must have intel we're not privy to."
"Yeah, as long as we maintain regular trade, their growing strength means we can obtain more from them." Wu Heng added.
Ultimately, food and weapons were primarily in Wu Heng's control.
Even if they looted some, it wouldn't sustain them for long.
Wu Heng could always cross worlds to exchange for more supplies.
"Alright."
After chatting a bit, Wu Heng returned to the portal.
...…
Back at his residence.
Minnie and Andviel were in the courtyard, planning the garden layout.
Seeing Wu Heng come out, they immediately approached, sharing the results of their discussion.
Flowers and vegetables for the front yard, fruit trees in the back.
If they had more space, they'd probably want to keep chickens and ducks too.
Wu Heng put his arms around the two and listened, then introduced, "This is Gardener One; it'll handle all the plants in the courtyard. And this is Chef One; it'll take care of the cooking."
Both Minnie and Andviel were familiar with the roles of skeletons.
Handling gardening and cooking was no surprise.
But Minnie furrowed her brows and asked, "They're doing everything, so what do I do?"
"Just keep Andviel company, and do whatever you feel like doing." Wu Heng replied.
Andviel added, "You can tidy up the rooms if you like; there's always something to do."
"Alright." Minnie nodded, "But we should still wash them up."
She then ordered Chef One to clean its bones.
Andviel continued, "By the way, Master, Deputy Steward Sheila Grey came looking for you today. She said to see her when you're free tomorrow."
"Sheila Grey?" Wu Heng pictured the blonde elf in his mind.
"Yes, she didn't say much, just asked me to pass the message along." Andviel said softly.
Wu Heng nodded, "Alright, I'll see her tomorrow."
The three spent a while in the courtyard.
They went inside to watch Chef One cook.
They debated whether eating food made by a skeleton would make them sick.
...…
The next day, Wu Heng went to the association.
The hall was crowded with mercenary teams, discussing which missions to take.
Wu Heng went straight down the hallway to Sheila Grey's office.
He stood at the door, about to knock.
The door opened suddenly.
His raised hand almost hit the blonde elf girl's forehead.
The busty elf Deputy Steward paused, blocked by him at the door.
She looked up at him with wide eyes, "What are you doing?"
Wu Heng withdrew his hand, smiling, "Deputy Steward Sheila Grey, you were looking for me?"
"Oh, right!" Sheila Grey nodded, "Come with me. I need your help with something."
She said, turning towards a side corridor.
Wu Heng and his skeleton followers followed her, heading to the basement.
They arrived at the morgue.
Two association coroners were working on the bodies.
"Deputy Steward!" They greeted her.
Sheila Grey said, "Step out for now; we have some business to handle."
"Yes!"
The two left.
Sheila Grey's gaze landed on one of the corpses, "I need to ask a few questions."
"Sure!" Wu Heng nodded, casting [Speak with Dead].
Necromancy wrapped around the body.
In the next second, the corpse on the cold slab abruptly sat up.
Its greyish eyes looked towards them.
Wu Heng gestured for Sheila Grey to proceed.
Sheila Grey nodded, stepped forward, and asked, "How did you die?"
The corpse replied, "Killed in battle with pirates."