Chapter 748, The Second Prince
They probably wanted us to kill the Corpse King to use the skeletons as cannon fodder, reducing the number of zombies under its control.
The second matter—more national bases began reaching out to us.
Not surprising. Exchanging gold and silver for food makes sense in the current situation.
"Find out the Corpse King's location. We'll go kill it ourselves. As for the food trade, agree to it. Just make sure the trade method is clear. I'll prepare enough supplies," Wu Heng said.
"Understood!" Qi Hancai agreed, then added, "I'll head back and lead the scavenging crew."
"Leave me a truck. This place is nearly cleared. I'll drive back when done."
"This one will stay for you."
"Good."
Wu Heng nodded. Qi Hancai waved goodbye and returned to the convoy.
He assigned a skeleton to drive and led the skeleton army forward.
After covering some distance—
Zombies began to appear ahead.
The skeleton hounds ran ahead to draw them in. Skeletons and zombies clashed.
Beni flew out immediately and started devouring the drifting souls.
By nightfall, the battle was over.
Wu Heng found a roadside building and returned to Serted Fortress.
...…
Command Residence, radio room.
Wu Heng held the mic as Shanaila's voice came through.
"You're not on Gold-Silver Island?"
"No. I'm handling something outside," Wu Heng replied.
"Why are you wandering again? You're supposed to be an Island Lord. And things outside are chaotic," Shanaila scolded.
Wu Heng sighed. Why did she sound like a mom scolding her kid?
Was she taking liberties with him?
"Got it. It's not dangerous here. I'll be back in a few days." Wu Heng replied, then asked, "How's things at Shanaila City?"
"All fine. The Gold-Silver Island construction crew started work. The machinists are building the power plant. Brittany keeps asking when you're coming back," Shanaila chuckled.
Wu Heng ignored the comment about the Fifth Princess. "Keep an eye on the machinists. We don't have many."
These machinists had modern knowledge and were carefully trained.
If they died out here, it'd be a huge loss.
Especially since one of them was a communicating ghoul gearwright.
"Don't worry, I know." Shanaila added, "Elder Tapani asked Philipa to meet a convoy. HQ seems to be sending someone important. Any idea who?"
Someone important?
The religious hero had arrived.
Wu Heng said, "Saidu. The religious hero."
"He's here? Should we hide the city's skeletons?" Shanaila asked, surprised.
"No need. He already went to Gold-Silver Island and plans to build a Church there."
"A Church? On a necromancer's island?" Shanaila's voice turned serious.
"Yeah. Sheila Grey and the others couldn't react in time. He made the arrangements quickly," Wu Heng said helplessly.
Shanaila said, "If he wanted it, they couldn't stop him. Trying to might've made things worse. If Saidu reported to HQ, they might remove Sheila from the island—that'd be more troublesome."
"That's what I thought. I told them not to interfere. I'll handle it when I return."
Shanaila reminded, "Don't act rashly. Just focus on reaching level 18. Once your level's higher, things will resolve on their own."
"I know. I won't act openly." Wu Heng agreed readily.
"You... just don't let them catch you slipping," Shanaila warned.
Wu Heng added, "I ordered plant growth potions from the wood elves. Could you check on that? Also order extra food and send it to Gold-Silver Island."
"I'll ask tomorrow," Shanaila replied.
"Good."
After a few more words, they ended the call.
Wu Heng left the radio room.
...…
He sat in the study for a while.
Knock knock knock~!
"Master, dinner is ready."
A knock and Hartel's voice followed.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Hartel brought in dinner, placing it on the desk.
She stood respectfully to the side.
Once Wu Heng began eating, Hartel spoke softly, "Master, all city shops are open. Some abandoned ones have been temporarily staffed by our people. City Hall is open too, but understaffed."
"Clearing the collapsed walls should finish in five days, then we'll rebuild."
"At the border, the rails toward Rentam City are under construction—mostly by skeletons, so progress is fast."
Since Hartel arrived, things had gone smoothly.
Wu Heng didn't have the time to manage the fortress himself.
Most of his focus was on strengthening himself and the ghosts.
With Hartel in charge, many things became easier.
"Have the citizens' attitudes changed toward us?" Wu Heng asked casually.
"Not much improvement so far," Hartel replied calmly.
Wu Heng wiped his mouth and took out the flyers from his space ring. "Post these in the cities we've taken."
Hartel picked one up and read it, immediately understanding Wu Heng's intent.
Publicizing the cause of the conflict would show Ekow Kingdom was the aggressor.
This could reduce public resistance.
"Yes, Master. I'll arrange it first thing in the morning," Hartel said.
"Mhm." After dinner—
Hartel cleaned up the dishes.
Wu Heng returned to his bedroom to rest.
...…
Another day passed.
Zombie World.
The corpse horde surged forward, clashing with the skeleton army.
Beni flew into the air, devouring souls.
As she consumed them, a system message rang out.
[Ghost leveled up to 19. Agility +1, Perception +3, Intelligence +2.]
Beni leveled up.
Wu Heng looked at Beni—her form more solid, her devouring faster.
Next goal: level 20.
Ahead, the battle continued.
They had reached the edge of town. Most zombies had been cleared.
Good thing she hit level 19—finding another leveling spot would've taken time.
As the battle dragged on—
Wu Heng approached the truck Qi Hancai left and used the radio. "Calling Sambu Base."
"This is Sambu Base. Go ahead."
"Get me Deputy Chief Qi."
"One moment." After a pause, Qi Hancai's voice came through. "This is Qi Hancai."
"I'm done here. Need a new location."
Qi Hancai recognized his voice immediately. "Got it. I'll come in the morning. Also, the first matter I mentioned yesterday—there's news."
First matter?
The Corpse King.
"Tell me tomorrow."
"Okay!"
Call ended. Wu Heng got out of the truck and waited for the battle to end.
...…
Ekow Kingdom, Nilari City.
In a dim estate, glowstones cast shadowy light.
At the center seat sat a handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes, tied back in a short ponytail.
Wearing a blue brocade robe with gold-embroidered cuffs and collar.
He reclined in his seat, looking tired. Dark circles ringed his eyes.
Ekow Kingdom's Second Prince, Clifford.
Around him sat several ministers.
"Everyone, what should we do next?" the handsome man asked.
An elder in lavish attire stood and bowed slightly. "Your Highness, there are rumors that Serted Fortress has fallen. I believe we should confirm this."
"Fallen? That fortress— even the Orc coalition couldn't take it. Rentam City alone? Impossible." The Second Prince scoffed, rubbing his forehead.
Despite prior defeats, he was sure Serted Fortress couldn't fall.
Unless the defenders opened the gates themselves.
And surrendering to undead skeletons? Unthinkable.
"I think we should send a small team to investigate. It'd show your care for frontline officers," the elder added.
The Second Prince nodded. "If you're worried, send a squad. Ask what supplies they need."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The Second Prince continued, "Now, let's talk about that traitor Ditalio. What's our next move?"