The celebration lasted until the late night.
On the last night of the Great Desert, if Chu Guang hadn't been quick-witted and organized a limited-time unboxing event on the official website, those noisy little players would have wanted to have fun in the game until dawn.
These guys really wanted to live in the "game world"...
The next day, Chu Guang got up early.
Yawning and opening the door curtain, he just stepped out of the tent and saw Rama standing at the door wearing the tenth-style "Oath" exoskeleton.
This exoskeleton was seized from the hands of the Enlightenment Society. The model belongs to the standard equipment of the People's Alliance Army. Compared with the five-style "Light Cavalry" for police use, it emphasizes more on the defense against rifle bullets and explosive fragments.
After the Alliance repaired it, it was repainted with a layer of cement gray and affixed with the enemy identification mark, and it was considered the equipment of the Alliance.
In order to get familiar with the use of the exoskeleton as soon as possible, since she received this set of equipment, she almost wore it even when she slept.
Seeing Chu Guang walk out of the tent, Lu Bei, who was guarding the door, immediately stepped forward and saluted him, reporting.
"Sir, she has been standing here since dawn."
Chu Guang nodded, looked at Rama standing at the door, and said gently.
"What's the matter?"
Like Lu Bei, he put his right fist on his chest and said respectfully with his head down.
"You told me last night that you would arrange my future work this morning."
It seems to be true.
Chu Guang originally planned to ask Captain Adria what he wanted to see him last night, but thinking that the big nose probably hadn't gotten up yet, he looked at Rama and said.
"Since you have put on this set of armor, I think you have made up your mind, so I won't say any more nonsense."
After a pause, Chu Guang continued.
"Come with me, I'll introduce someone to you."
"Who?"
"Your future partner."
Partner?
Rama was stunned for a moment, but when she saw Chu Guang had passed by her and walked towards the other side of the camp, she followed closely.
The group came to a tent.
Just at this moment, the tent door curtain was lifted, and a fair and beautiful face came into Rama's sight.
It was a dignified woman with long light golden hair tied into a high ponytail with a simple hairband.
The first reaction when Rama saw her was that the person was not from the same world as him.
Even if she was only wearing a very ordinary coat and dirt-resistant jeans, it was difficult to completely cover up the elegance of her gestures.
A distant concept emerged in Rama's mind. The person was like the daughters of those big landlords, but not so much.
"Dear administrator... Good morning." Seeing the administrator, Theresa's face showed a surprised expression and she bowed slightly and said.
"You too, good morning."
After a brief greeting, Chu Guang looked at Rama and introduced, "This is the girl I mentioned to you on the phone."
Hearing this, Teresa's eyes lit up and she looked at the lady in the exoskeleton.
"Are you Ms. Rama?"
Rama replied with an embarrassed expression.
"Yes, it's me... May I ask who you are?"
Theresa curved her lips and said happily.
"My name is Theresa, a resident from the Alliance... But it may be a little strange to say this, from now on this is also one of the Alliance's recovery areas."
"She used to be one of the princesses of the Falcon Kingdom, but now she has given up this identity and is now a resident of the Alliance."
Looking at the confused Rama, Chu Guang briefly introduced Theresa's past and continued.
"At first, she worked as a handyman and accountant in the refugee home. After the establishment of Fallen Leaf City, she followed the expeditionary force through the Lion Kingdom and arrived at the Honey Badger Kingdom, where she was responsible for coordinating the management of relief supplies, some post-war reconstruction work, and rescuing local survivors."
"According to the evaluation of her former boss, Fallen Leaf City Lord Maban, and her former partner Yade Honey Badger, her performance at work is outstanding, so I plan to appoint her as the Lord of Pioneer City to handle the administrative and management affairs of this settlement."
Like several other survivor settlements, the first Lord of Pioneer City is still appointed by the Alliance.
Chu Guang needs a candidate with sufficient management and practical experience, who has done specific survivor rescue work and can understand the Alliance's creed.
As for identity.
This has never been a problem in the Alliance.
His chief of staff was originally a surrendered Willant officer, the Lord of Dawn City was once just a serf, and the Lord of Dawn City was once a refugee who escaped from the war.
As for Rama, he had no management experience, and he himself wanted to be a soldier rather than sitting in the office to handle documents.
Holding Rama's hands, Theresa stared at the girl's simple eyes and said in a serious tone.
"I heard your story. I was deeply moved by your determination to stay for those who have not been saved. I also want to do something for you through my own efforts... Please lend me your strength in the future!"
Being stared at by those scorching eyes, Rama's expression became more and more embarrassed, and his voice hesitated a little unconsciously.
"I, I actually just made up my mind to become a soldier. I may not be very skilled in shooting, and I may not be as reliable as you think..."
"What's the matter?"
Theresa said softly with a curved mouth.
"Everyone goes from not knowing to knowing. What is more important than the result is courage and determination. In my opinion, you are the most reliable candidate."
"Before joining the alliance, I was just a vase placed in the palace. It was not until I met many people that I gradually realized that the meaning of life, in addition to the designed part, can also have many more worthy things to pursue... Compared with me who was slow to realize it, you are already very strong for daring to take the initiative to stand up and face the barbarity of the wasteland."
Rama's overly tense expression couldn't help but show a little looseness, and his deep eye sockets unconsciously turned slightly red.
Chu Guang glanced at Theresa with a little surprise.
It's been a while since we last met, and this guy has really grown a lot.
He has seen some shadows of a politician in her, but some places are not mature enough.
Pioneer City will be a challenge for her.
There are not many people in this survivor settlement, but in the future it will accept many survivors from the Great Desert. Among them are wastelanders, blue coats, and even old popsicles from two hundred years ago.
How to deal with the relationship between different groups, use limited resources to solve the needs of each group, and let people unite instead of wasting time in conflicts... The problems she needs to solve will be as high as a hill.
But Chu Guang still has confidence in this guy.
Putting aside her resume, she can basically graduate from him by passing the "copy" of Honey Badger City with the debuff of her bloodline.
But every time Chu Guang thought of this, he couldn't help but wonder.
Lu Bei, this fool, has been following him for so long, and he is so close to him. Logically, he should have gained some experience, but he is still the same.
Except that he admires him more than before, this guy has not changed at all.
Chu Guang doesn't hate this loyal boy. Loyalty is a valuable quality. It's just a pity that he still has a long way to go before he can become a pillar of his own.
Originally, Chu Guang wanted to let him go as the commander of the Third Corps of the Alliance, but now it seems that the Guards Corps is more suitable for him.
Taking his eyes off Theresa, Chu Guang looked at Rama.
"I said I would tell you about the specific work today."
"The Alliance plans to set up a new corps, which will mainly engage in search and reconnaissance missions. It is positioned as a special operation and will be stationed in the Great Desert for a long time, with Pioneer City as its base for activities."
"You will be the commander of this corps. Your task is not only to search for survivors in the ruins and wipe out the mutant tribe, but also to recruit reliable partners from the rescued survivors, teach them how to use weapons, and encourage them to join your cause."
After a pause, Chu Guang continued.
"As Theresa said, lack of skill is never a problem for me. People always go from not knowing to knowing... I hope to see an excellent corps commander and a group of experienced warriors by this time next year."
Rama said solemnly, knocking his right fist on his chest.
"I will definitely not disappoint you!"
Chu Guang smiled, nodded at the brave girl, and then cast his eyes on the tents of the survivors in the distance.
"Those people chose to stay with you."
"Just don't disappoint them."
...
Chu Guang originally planned to ask Rama for his opinion on what to call this newly established legion, but he himself was at a loss and couldn't make up his mind.
In the end, the troublesome task of naming was thrown back to Chu Guang.
There was really no good idea, and he didn't want to waste time on trivial issues, so he simply opened a voting post on the forum to solicit players' opinions.
What surprised Chu Guang was that the players were enthusiastic about the things he found troublesome, and they all gave him advice.
It's just that the names are varied.
What the 11th Star Troopers Regiment and the Battle Sisters have all popped up... What do these guys think of the Alliance?
Finally, Chu Guang chose a name that was a little more reliable and easy to remember, and simplified it by comparing it with the names of other corps in the alliance.
"... How about the Thorn Corps?"
The Thorn Corps...
Rama repeated the name silently, and suddenly seemed to have received some inexplicable revelation, or inspiration.
She put her right fist on her chest and said in a solemn voice.
"Thank you, Admin, for the name."
It seemed that she was very satisfied with the name.
Chu Guang nodded and said happily.
"Then it's decided."
In this way, the Thorn Corps was officially established.
They came from the wilderness and would select like-minded partners from the rescued survivors.
Of course, the Thorn Corps, like other NPC corps, also welcomes players who are interested in the Great Desert to join.
...
Shortly after Chu Guang handed over the specific work of the Thorn Corps to Rama, Captain Adria finally woke up from his deep sleep.
Shaking his head with a splitting headache, Adria grabbed his guard and said with spit flying.
"...Where is Chu Guang? The manager of the alliance... Go and call him, and tell him that I have something important to discuss with him!"
Looking at the officer who was still drunk, the guard said with a smile.
"Sir, the airship of the alliance is ready to reel in anchor. I saw their manager next to the pod... If you sleep a little longer, you probably won't see him."
Hearing this, Adria suddenly shuddered and sobered up instantly.
"Reel in anchor?"
The guard nodded.
"Well... I heard that they are planning to return to the River Valley Province."
"Take me there!"
Looking at Adria who turned over and got out of bed, the guard was stunned for two seconds and quickly responded.
"Yes!"
Without taking the time to wash up, Adria put on her coat and went out, jogging all the way, and finally found Chu Guang before the Iron Heart retracted the anchor chain.
This guy drank a lot yesterday, and there was a strong smell of alcohol all over his body, which made Chu Guang frown and step back.
Speaking of which, this guy is really thick-skinned. It has not been half a month since the ceasefire agreement was signed, and he dared to get drunk in the enemy camp.
He was busy explaining the work of the new settlement and the corps just now, and he almost forgot about this guy.
"Hiccup-thank you for your hospitality," rubbed his swollen eyes, Adria barely cheered up, and in order to make himself look less sloppy, he then cleared his throat vigorously, "Next time there is a chance, I will treat you to two drinks."
Looking at the drunken look of this guy, Chu Guang teased.
"You're welcome, as long as you don't feel embarrassed, you can stay here tonight."
After all, he still felt a little embarrassed, Adria blushed and coughed dryly, and continued, "I have a suggestion."
Chu Guang: "Go ahead."
Adria spoke quickly.
"Your camp is so big, and now a group of people have left. So many barracks are empty anyway. Why don't you lend us a few?"
The soldiers of the alliance had been expanding the camp before, and many barracks were left there after they were built. Although the living facilities are not very complete, at least there is water and electricity, which is definitely more comfortable than those broken tents they brought on the airship.
It is November now, and winter has already arrived in the northern hemisphere. Even if this year is a warm winter as usual, it will snow in December at the latest.
Especially considering the specific heat capacity of sand, the night temperature in the desert can drop to more than ten degrees below zero. Living in that kind of linen tent may freeze people to death...
Looking at Captain Adria who looked embarrassed, Chu Guang did not embarrass him and asked casually.
"How many do you want?"
"One hundred rooms..."
Seeing Chu Guang's eyes gradually getting weird, Adria hurriedly explained, "Of course, I won't borrow your house for nothing... I will pay! How about paying with dinars?"
Looking at Adria who was hurriedly explaining, Chu Guang couldn't help but laugh.
If it were ordinary wastelanders or a slightly smaller survivor settlement, these big noses would probably have already started to rob, and there would be no discussion about paying.
This bargaining is really unlike those officers with noses.
"Pay? What's the use of dinars for me."
Looking at Captain Adria who still wanted to fight for it, Chu Guang suddenly had an idea and said, "Let your governor talk to me, I can't tell you clearly."
Seeing that there was still a chance for things to turn around, Adria, whose mood had just fallen to the bottom, was suddenly happy and said immediately.
"Okay! Wait for me!"
"You'd better hurry up," Chu Guang glanced at the time on the VM and said briefly, "We plan to set off at noon."
...
Without staying in the Alliance camp for long, Captain Adria immediately returned to the camp next to the Arbiter airship, and contacted Governor Cohen who was waking up from the luxurious bedroom of 100 square meters through the communicator on the ship, reporting the difficulties he and his officers had.
In a nutshell, the Arbiter had a big malfunction, and it would take a long time to completely repair it. If nothing unexpected happens, these more than a thousand people will have to spend the winter in the desert.
Although food and drink can be transported from the Falcon Kingdom, safety is a problem that can never be solved.
Especially since the Enlightenment Society is watching in the dark, no one can guarantee whether those rats in the gutter will come back.
After listening to Captain Adria's difficulties, Cohen had no choice but to bite the bullet and send a communication request to Chu Guang, expressing his hope to rent some barracks in the camp and provide them to the Willant people stranded in the Great Desert.
However, after hearing Chu Guang's offer, Cohen couldn't help but spit.
"100 silver coins per room per day?! Are you crazy?"
Looking at Cohen in the holographic image, Chu Guang said without blushing.
"This is the price for the entire Dawn City. Of course, if you rent it by month, I can give you a 10% discount."
This is certainly not the price in Dawn City.
Take the Highway Town Hotel in Dawn City as an example. The cheapest room is even less than 10 silver coins a day.
However, this did not prevent him from using the false price to rip off the Willant people.
Chu Guang knew very well that even if he doubled his offer, it would definitely be more cost-effective than building a camp in the Great Desert by themselves.
Let's not talk about anything else, just talking about the problem of fresh water supply, the current situation of the Weilante people is almost unsolvable.
If you want to drill a well in the Great Desert to get water, you have to dig at least a well that is 100 meters deep. With the current industrial capacity of the Falcon Kingdom, unless they transport the drilling equipment from the west of the Great Desert, there is no way.
Pinching his sore eyebrows, Cohen said with a headache.
"... Where can I get your broken coins... Is the silver mine okay?"
"That's not necessary," Chu Guang waved his hand, "Although we use silver coins, we are not on the silver standard, can you understand?"
Cohen stared at Chu Guang fiercely and said word by word.
"What do you want? At worst, we can do it ourselves-"
Chu Guang coughed lightly and interrupted him.
"Bester Town needs fresh water. I plan to rent a water supply section from the nearest river bank of Oasis No. 2, and then build a water pipeline to Bester Town to solve the problem of domestic and industrial water for local residents... How about one million silver coins for a period of ten years?"
After a pause, he added a sentence.
"Of course, we can actually transfer water from Oasis No. 3, but compared with Oasis No. 2, which is right next to it, the cost of a 170-kilometer pipeline is too expensive. After ten years, we will pay you according to the amount of water used. What do you think?"
This is the plan he designed with reference to Petra Fortress.
According to the description of several players of the White Bear Knights, the fresh water resources there are purchased from the nearest river bank, and payment is made according to the amount of water used.
However, Cohen, who has just arrived, does not understand the market and may not know the production capacity of a water supply section. Chu Guang did not discuss the amount of water used with him, and directly rented it by time.
In fact, the "maximum" production capacity of a water supply section can supply one million cubic meters of fresh water per year, which is equivalent to the water volume of half of Poyang Lake.
In ten years, he can create an underground lake out of thin air in the desert.
As for the remaining energy of the river bank?
Who knows that kind of thing.
The fresh water produced by the river bank is like the oil buried under the feet of several wealthy people in reality. It is pumped every day and it has not decreased. Anyway, it can be used when it can be used.
After all, it is a seawater desalination device powered by nuclear fusion. It can't be used up in just ten years.
As Chu Guang expected, Cohen's focus is not on how much fresh water a water supply section can produce.
After staring at Chu Guang for a long time, he suddenly asked a most insignificant question.
"Do I have to pay for the water pipe repair?"
Chu Guang coughed.
"No need for that."
It's not enough to use someone else's faucet, but he also asked them to help him fix the water pipe. He couldn't do such a wicked thing.
Cohen didn't speak for a long time, but he was thinking in his heart.
Ten years...
Once the agreement was signed, the fresh water supply of Bicester Town was in his hands. If the Alliance wanted to make trouble for him one day, he only needed to turn the faucet and the Alliance would definitely give in.
As for renting a water supply section for one million silver coins, he didn't care whether the price was expensive or cheap.
A river bank has at least eight water supply sections. Even if one was rented to the Alliance, it wouldn't be a big deal, not to mention that it was the assets of the vassal state.
Cohen nodded with a reluctant expression on his face.
"Deal! But I have to state first that the price of renting the camp and other expenses must also be written in this contract!"
There is no stable trade relationship between the two parties at present. He doesn't want the alliance to add a zero to the camp rent just after he agreed.
That would be unbearable even if it was 10 million silver coins, let alone 10 million or even 100 million.
Chu Guang smiled and nodded.
"No problem, but... before signing the contract, I have to remind you."
Cohen narrowed his eyes and looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
"The Weilants are in our camp and must abide by our laws and regulations, including robbery, theft, and..."
Seeing that the big-nosed man looked unhappy, Chu Guang gave him some face and said in a very light voice, "And all behaviors that are not allowed in civilized society are considered crimes on the land of the Alliance. If something unpleasant happens, we will not let you off because of your noses. We will punish the criminals according to the laws of the Alliance."
"So if you don't want to have diplomatic disputes or even more serious consequences, you'd better spend some time to restrain your subordinates."
Cohen stared at Chu Guang with a dark face.
"You don't need to tell me, I will do it naturally!"
Chu Guang nodded and said with a smile.
"That would be great."