Chapter 747, The Plan Ahead
Hartel arrived.
Dressed in formal attire, she gave off a solemn and capable impression.
Wu Heng came downstairs. "When did you arrive?"
"This afternoon," Hartel replied respectfully.
Unlike Minnie from Gold-Silver Island, Hartel acted more like a professional butler.
Minnie, being a former slave, wasn't familiar with such matters.
She had to learn on the job while managing the Island Lord's residence.
"What plans does Wen Mansa have next?" Wu Heng asked casually as he sat down.
"Madam said if you plan to leave, I'm to temporarily take charge of Serted Fortress. The army will remain stationed here until headquarters makes a decision on the next move," Hartel replied seriously.
This was something she and Wen Mansa had discussed.
It seemed nothing had changed.
Wu Heng continued, "Did you hear about this morning's convoy?"
"I saw Jeffrey when I arrived. He told me about it," Hartel answered.
"Good. We killed the convoy. There may be scouts sent to investigate. Keep an eye out."
"Yes, Master!" Hartel nodded.
With business done, Hartel would now be in charge here.
"Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
"Me neither. Get something prepared. Let's eat together," Wu Heng said.
Hartel glanced at the skeleton standing guard near the hall's residential door.
Wu Heng caught on and said to the skeleton, "No need to block her anymore."
The skeleton guarded the door between the hall and residence in case someone entered while Wu Heng was in the Zombie World.
Hartel had been stuck outside because of it.
"What would Master like to eat? I'll have it prepared."
"Anything is fine."
"Alright, I'll arrange it now," Hartel said and turned to leave.
Wu Heng reminded her, "You're managing the fortress now. Don't let anyone know I'm here."
"Yes, Master!"
...…
Soon, dinner was ready.
Thanks to Hartel's butler status, the meal was decent.
"Sit and eat with me. We don't follow so many rules here," Wu Heng told Hartel.
"Master eats first. A butler follows protocol," Hartel replied calmly.
Wu Heng didn't insist and ate while chatting. "Were you originally from Rentam City?"
"No, my home was a small Ekow Kingdom town. I moved to Rentam with my husband," Hartel replied, eyes straight ahead.
"How was life in Rentam City?"
"Great—better than ever before," Hartel replied directly.
Wu Heng said, "This place is different. It might be dangerous. Take extra skeletons when you go out."
"Understood. Thank you for your concern, Master."
Wu Heng nodded and stood up. "I'm done. Rest early after you eat."
"Master, bath water has been prepared upstairs. You may bathe before resting."
"Okay. You rest early too."
With that, Wu Heng went upstairs.
...…
After bathing, Wu Heng returned to the bedroom.
There was no electricity at night, and the glowstones didn't compare to electric lights.
The room was dim.
Lying in bed, Wu Heng stared at the ceiling, thinking over recent events.
First, the church built on Gold-Silver Island.
There was no urgency to act. Since they hadn't done anything hostile yet, it wouldn't be wise to start a conflict.
Second, his renown needed boosting.
The original plan was to use the Fifth Princess's involvement in Ekow Kingdom's conflict to create opportunities for building renown.
But things had gone off track.
HQ's investigation team had entered Ekow Kingdom, many sects had gathered, and heroes from the Snake Emblem Consortium and the Church were headed into the kingdom.
Especially troubling was the Snake Emblem hero—recognized as the strongest—and the Church's hero, who already disliked Wu Heng.
Clearly not a good time to get involved.
Getting caught in the chaos would backfire.
Gaining benefits or renown seemed impossible.
"Looks like the Second Prince's front is a better opportunity."
Rentam City had fought and pushed deep into his territory—claiming a lot of land.
Once order was restored, he could start spreading his renown.
Plus, since Ekow Kingdom started the war, he had justification.
"If I take the Second Prince's domain, I should level up."
Muttering, he opened his status panel.
[Level: 19 (785351/355000)]
[Renown: 19 (15244/66000)]
Only 15,000 renown.
Far from enough to level up.
"The convoy said the Second Prince is probably in Nilari City."
"I wonder if he has strong fighters with him."
If he could take him down, the Rentam front would be resolved and he'd gain land to harvest renown.
"Once Beni hits level 20, we'll see what we can do."
He reviewed his scattered thoughts again.
Drowsiness overtook him, and he fell asleep.
...…
The next day.
After breakfast, Wu Heng opened a portal to the Zombie World.
Exiting the shop where he stayed, he saw the convoy parked roadside.
A large group of survivors was scavenging with skeletons—appliances, tools, anything functional or valuable was loaded into trucks bound for base.
The efficiency was impressive.
Bzzz~!
The walkie-talkie on his belt crackled, followed by Qi Hancai's voice. "Chief, I brought the print batch you wanted."
Wu Heng looked toward the convoy and saw Qi Hancai waving from afar.
"Bring it over," Wu Heng replied via walkie-talkie.
Skeletons moved aside to open a path. The truck drove to the building entrance.
Qi Hancai jumped down with a smile. "You're up early."
"I was already here. You guys are early. No need to work so hard scavenging," Wu Heng said.
"Our Chief's out fighting zombies. If we in logistics slack off, that's unacceptable," Qi Hancai replied earnestly.
"Just don't overdo it. Don't wear yourselves out."
Qi Hancai smiled, walked to the truck bed, and pulled back a green tarp. "Check the prints—is this okay?"
Inside were stacks of bundled paper.
Wu Heng took one and read it.
Written in the alternate world's language, one section recounted Ekow Kingdom's attack on Rentam City, stamped by the Guild.
Another section outlined future plans and a promise not to disturb civilians, only target invaders.
Wu Heng had asked Qi Hancai to print these to post in occupied cities and towns.
With hundreds of bundles, it was enough for widespread distribution.
"Does it look good?" Qi Hancai asked.
"Yeah, clear text—that's all that matters." Wu Heng returned the paper and waved, storing all of them in his space ring.
Qi Hancai dropped the tarp again. "What's written on it? Middle Eastern language?"
"No. It's for the Westerners to read," Wu Heng replied vaguely.
"Oh. Are you eating well here? Want me to pick you up tonight so you can rest at home and return in the morning?" Qi Hancai looked at him with big eyes.
Wu Heng pinched her cheek. "Too much hassle. Just the travel alone wastes half a day. In a few days, it'll be fine—don't worry."
Qi Hancai nodded and said, "I brought you some clothes and bedding. Things here aren't clean. I'll take the used ones back to wash."
As she spoke, she took some packed bedding from the passenger seat.
Wu Heng didn't say much and stored them in his space ring.
Qi Hancai continued, "Two things: Korea's central station wants us to hunt a corpse king, but the loot-sharing terms were vague—sounded like empty promises. I rejected it for now.
Also, bases in the U.S. and several European countries contacted us via radio. They want to trade supplies for food."