Chapter 252, "Elf Deputy Steward"
"They brought the parts over?"
The heavy crossbows were crafted by the weapons shop in Rentam City.
The craftsmanship is different from this world, but it shouldn't be so hard to reassemble after taking them apart, right?
How do the Professionals who bought the crossbows maintain and repair them?
Or perhaps, they didn't learn the necessary skills.
"Did you help them reassemble it?"
"How could we? We're fine with helping fix cars, but if they can't reassemble their own heavy crossbows, there's no way we could," Li Yanhong said directly.
After all, the people at Fire God Shelter know a bit about weapons.
Here at the auto repair shop, it's mostly ordinary people.
Fixing cars and connecting circuits is fine, but assembling complex weapons they don't understand is a bit beyond them.
"Where are the people now?"
"I told Qiangzi and the others to take a look, but if they can't fix it, it's not really our problem. They took them apart on their own, so it's not covered by after-sales service," Li Yanhong said confidently.
That works as a solution.
The crossbows were sold to them in perfect condition, and if they broke them by messing around, that's on them.
Helping them take a look is already a favor.
If they can't fix it, there's nothing more we can do.
Wu Heng didn't focus on the issue any further and said, "Let's go, follow me to check on the skeletons."
......
They walked through the streets.
Heading towards the area where the skeletons were stationed.
As they approached, the sound of bones grinding and chopping echoed in the air.
Entering the neighborhood.
Skeletons wielding spears were practicing thrusting at wooden targets, while those with swords and knives were slashing away.
Many skeletons below level 5 were neatly lined up in the open space of the neighborhood.
The end couldn't be seen at a glance.
Wu Heng walked to the middle of the group and selected 80 skeletons that had reached level 5 or higher.
Most were skeletal warriors, while a few were transformed rangers or sentries from other worlds.
Wu Heng brought out the heavy crossbows and quivers with bolts he had purchased from the weapons shop.
He ordered, "Each of you take a heavy crossbow and a quiver of bolts."
The skeletons bent down, picked up the crossbows and quivers from the ground, and stood back in formation.
Wu Heng turned to Li Yanhong and said, "Of the remaining 20 heavy crossbows, 10 are for you and 10 can be added to the supplies we trade with the shelter, at a higher price."
"Got it!"
Li Yanhong's face lit up with joy.
Fire God Shelter had repeatedly asked about the heavy crossbows on the radio, which had been free advertising for them.
Several shelters had inquired about the crossbows.
Before, they didn't have any to sell, but now that they had some, they could definitely exchange them for a lot of resources.
"Do we have any more wooden targets?" Wu Heng asked.
"Yes, there are plenty in the warehouse."
"Send some over."
Li Yanhong nodded, picked up the walkie-talkie, and gave the instructions.
Soon, someone drove a tricycle over and set up the targets in the designated area.
The crossbow-wielding skeletons lined up in formation.
They began practicing with the heavy crossbows.
As the tricycle left, the cart was filled with crossbows.
......
After arranging the archers' training.
The two left the skeletons' station.
As they walked, Wu Heng asked, "Any news about Xiaoxiao's mom?"
After all this time, there still hadn't been any response.
This was not a good sign.
If they never found any information.
Wu Heng didn't know how he would explain it to 'Xiaoxiao'.
Xiaoxiao's only concern was her mom.
"We've kept asking. We even contacted the shelter where her family lived, but there's no news about her mom," Li Yanhong sighed softly.
"Keep asking. Anyone who provides information can be rewarded."
"Okay. If that still doesn't work, I'll arrange a route for us to search that neighborhood ourselves," Li Yanhong said.
"Hmm, that's fine too."
The two continued chatting as they returned to the passenger station.
As night fell.
Wu Heng didn't return to the other world.
After Li Yanhong finished practicing the martial arts Wu Heng taught her, they sparred for a few rounds, then fell asleep in each other's arms.
......
The next day, on Gold-Silver Island.
Wu Heng took his two maids and wandered around the streets of the island's central district.
Besides the buildings still under construction.
He set his sights on a very well-located and spacious residence.
The courtyard had a pool and a garden, and the main building was four stories tall.
The architectural style was the local stone structure, but it also had the vibe of an island villa.
They returned to the Guild.
Before long, someone from the city hall was invited over.
"Good morning, Deputy Steward. Ritter from City Hall is honored to serve you."
The man was middle-aged, of average build, wearing city hall attire, and spoke very politely.
The position of Deputy Steward carried a certain weight across regions.
It wasn't just a change in title; it meant you were recognized as a powerful individual by the Guild.
Strength was the most straightforward way to earn respect in this world.
"I'm interested in a property and wanted to inquire about the procedures," Wu Heng said directly.
"Of course. Which property are you interested in?" the man asked.
"The second building for sale in the Snowburn District," Wu Heng glanced at the name on his tablet.
These district names were hard to remember.
"Deputy Steward, you have excellent taste. That property is in a prime location on the street…"
"No need for too much detail. How much?"
"For someone of your rank, we offer both long-term rental and purchase options," the man continued.
"How much for each?"
"For long-term rental, it's 220 silver coins per month, and to purchase it outright would be 44 gold coins."
Forty-four gold coins didn't seem like much.
But converting it to 30 grams of gold per coin, 44 gold coins would be 1,320 grams of gold.
Even with the resources from the zombie world, you'd need to raid several banks and gold shops to gather that.
In the past, if Wu Heng had the money, he'd just buy the place.
But now, he had other considerations.
The houses in Blackstone Town and Rentam City were vacant, and he wasn't sure how long he'd stay on this island.
Buying or renting didn't make much of a difference.
"What are the requirements for long-term rental?"
"You need to pay six months' rent upfront. With your rank, you're exempt from additional small fees."
"Once the rent is paid, I can move in immediately?"
"Yes, during your rental period, the property is fully yours. Unless there's a major issue, we won't interfere with your residence."
Wu Heng glanced at his two maids, who were chatting and not paying attention to the conversation.
He gave up on asking for their opinions.
"I'll take the long-term rental. Do you have the contract?"
"Yes!" The man pulled out a contract stamped by City Hall.
Wu Heng glanced through it and, after confirming everything was in order.
He signed his name and paid six months' rent.
"Deputy Steward, I'll have the keys sent over right away," the man said as he stood up.
Wu Heng said, "Andviel, take Minnie with you to get the keys, and also post a renovation request at the front desk."
"Yes, Master," they both nodded.
The two followed the city hall representative out.
......
After they left.
Knock knock knock~!
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
The door opened.
A young elf girl, about 1.65 meters tall, with blonde hair and pointed ears, wearing a gray-blue formal suit, stood in the doorway.
Another elf.
The elf girl's eyes quickly scanned the room, then settled on Wu Heng at the desk.
"I'm the new Deputy Steward, Sheila Grey. I just came from the Steward and wanted to introduce myself," the elf girl introduced herself confidently.
She was polite, but her face carried a certain pride and coldness.
"I'm Wu Heng, please come in," Wu Heng stood up to greet her.
The elf nodded in thanks and sat down on the sofa.
Wu Heng took out a bottle of iced tea from his space ring, opened it, and placed it in front of her.
He took a moment to size her up.
A sword hung at her waist, indicating she was a melee-type Professional.
Her golden hair was tied into a ponytail at the back, her almond-shaped eyes and slim, arched eyebrows giving her a striking look.
Despite her youthful appearance, her formal attire was tightly stretched across her chest, as if it might burst at any moment.
A slender waist and exaggerated curves created a strong visual impact.
Judging by her proportions, she was almost on par with 'Madam Slater'.
Madam Slater was a voluptuous woman, but the girl in front of him had the appearance of a young maiden.
"Deputy Steward Wu Heng, where are you from?"
"Yeko Kingdom."
"Oh, that's not too far from here. I've been there before; it's quite lively."
"Yes, it's pretty lively," Wu Heng responded casually.
As a Professional who had been ostracized, he still had to say he came from Yeko Kingdom.
After a bit more small talk, the elf girl asked, "Now that you're here, Deputy Steward Wu Heng, what are your plans?"
"I don't have any plans for now. It's my first time here, and I haven't even settled into my residence," Wu Heng said.
The girl continued, "Gold-Silver Island was originally pirate territory. Even though it's been granted amnesty, dirty trades still take place here. Criminals and cultists use this place as a base. The Guild has a duty to eradicate these evils."
Wu Heng was taken aback.
He looked at the elf girl in surprise.
A righteous, big-hearted elf girl.
"Deputy Steward Wu Heng, do you think there's something wrong with my idea?"
Noticing his silence, the elf asked curiously.
"Deputy Steward Sheila Grey, I think you're absolutely right, and I agree with you," Wu Heng quickly replied.
Back in Blackstone Town.
He had thought the same way, but ended up almost being played by 'Yazde'.
Hearing that Wu Heng agreed with her, the elf girl visibly relaxed.
She said, "We could start by targeting the pirates, dark mages, or necromancers on the island. It's easy to get results by investigating them."
At that, Wu Heng's eye twitched.
Was she doing this on purpose, or had she not read my file?
"It's not about what profession someone has; it's about what they do. Necromancers develop life-sustaining and resurrection spells for the sake of living beings. A knife isn't guilty, but the person who wields it can be," Wu Heng explained.
The elf girl paused, thinking it over.
"Deputy Steward Wu Heng, you're right. We shouldn't judge someone's guilt based on their profession."
Wu Heng nodded, but the girl continued, "But I'm saying some professions have a higher likelihood of being involved in crime."
"Uh..."
The elf girl stayed a little longer but seemed to have other matters to attend to.
She stood up and said, "It was nice meeting you. Feel free to reach out to me anytime."
"Sure."
"I won't take up more of your time." The elf girl nodded and walked out.
Wu Heng saw her off, watching as she left.
Could this elf have some connection to the Steward?
After all, they were both elves.
......
"Who was that just now?"
Andviel and Minnie had just returned from the other side.
Seeing the elf leave, they asked.
"Another Deputy Steward from the Guild," Wu Heng said.
"Oh, another elf," Minnie commented.
"Yes."
Elves had much longer lifespans.
With their heritage and dedication, they tended to produce high-level Professionals more easily than other races.
They had plenty of time for self-improvement.
"Master, we've posted the renovation request. Here are the keys," Andviel handed over the keys.
Wu Heng said, "You keep the keys. If I'm not around, arrange the renovation crew and give them the keys."
"Got it. I'll review the renovation plan with you when it's ready."
"Okay." Wu Heng nodded and asked, "Any updates on the merit rewards?"
"Not yet."
Seeing that there was nothing else to do, Wu Heng closed the door.
"Let's go. If there's nothing else, let's head home."
The group left the Guild and made their way back home.
......
Back at the residence.
Wu Heng went to the study and opened the portal to the Zombie World.
Down in the main hall.
Wu Heng listened as Li Yanhong shared some updates from the radio.
The zombies' increasing strength was becoming more apparent everywhere.
What once took a few hits to kill now required several more blows.
More and more shelters had also lost contact over the radio.
Likely, these places had been overrun by zombies, with the inhabitants either fleeing or perishing.
The two continued chatting.
At that moment, someone hurried in.
"Boss, Sister Hong!"
"What's going on?" Li Yanhong asked.
"Sister Hong, the people from Dong'an Village Shelter have arrived. They traded some flour but haven't left. They said they want to meet with you to discuss killing mutated zombies."
Dong'an Village?
Wu Heng remembered Li Yanhong mentioning this shelter before. Its leader had even made it onto the rankings of powerful individuals.
Li Yanhong looked at Wu Heng, who said, "Since they're here, it wouldn't hurt to hear them out."
"Alright, bring them in," Li Yanhong said.
"Yes!"
The messenger left.
Shortly after, three figures walked in.
Leading them was a woman in her thirties, with her long hair tied back. She wore a trench coat over a stab-resistant vest, exuding a refined yet mature aura.
She smiled as she approached Li Yanhong, "Qi Hancai from Dong'an Village. It's a pleasure to meet you, Leader Li."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Leader Qi."
The two shook hands, and Li Yanhong invited her to sit.
After Qi Hancai sat down, her two subordinates stood respectfully behind her.
"Most shelters are male-dominated. It's rare for us women to have a say, so we should stick together and help each other," Qi Hancai said with a smile.
"Of course." Li Yanhong nodded, then got straight to the point, "Leader Qi, you mentioned you wanted to discuss something about the zombies. What is it?"
Qi Hancai glanced around at the people in the room.
Her smile faded, and she spoke more seriously, "Level 3 mutated zombies. Would Leader Li be interested?"