An Elderly Awakened

"No problem."

"I've been looking forward to this day for a long time."

"I am deeply honored to receive your support in a world like this Wasteland."

Upon hearing Linsey's response, the Insectoid Tribe's envoy's face lit up with joy.

But before they could continue their conversation, Linsey suddenly added:

"However, gentlemen, I think we need to wait a while longer for this matter."

Linsey explained her thoughts:

"Integrating new forces into the territory is of great importance."

"This not only signifies our cooperation, but also serves as an example for other trading partners."

"So what I mean is—it's best to choose a suitable and safe day to send a notice to the territory and the surrounding forces, so that we can show our attitude towards you and other forces in the Wasteland."

Linsey's reasons were sound, and the two insectoid envoys naturally had no objections.

They followed Linsey's instructions and planned to bring the good news back first, and then discuss the specific time later.

After dealing with the insectoid envoy, Linsey offered his condolences to the surrounding area and spent some time interacting with envoys from various territories.

After he left, the polite smile that had been plastered on her face immediately crumbled.

The conflict in his eyes was even more intense than when he came in!

"You've come at just the right time."

But right now, I'm willing but unable to do anything!

Linsey thought to herself.

Acquiring new territory is certainly good news, but there's actually another aspect to it.

There are two requirements for converting Insect Territory.

First, the other party's loyalty is required, which has already been achieved.

But there is a second requirement: to unlock the technology research at the Second Base.

Linsey has completed the basic construction of the upgraded buildings, but there is still no sign of Second Base.

We want to complete this research and development.

He will probably need to upgrade his town center to the next stage before he can obtain the corresponding research projects.

The problem has returned to the same old issue.

Money and population have been secured, but where can we find Mercury, such a rare material?

"The mineral information provided by those Green Swamp scouts showed absolutely no trace of Mercury Sulfide. To achieve this, we must... Right, cinnabar's color is quite conspicuous, making it easy to spot, and it's also poisonous. Perhaps gathering information from the perspective of poisons would be easier?"

Linsey thought to herself.

Hammer reappeared in the town.

After leading several diplomatic missions, this manager has now handed over all diplomatic work to his trained subordinates.

He then returned to his administrative duties in the town.

Hammer arrived at that moment, and being extremely busy, he got straight to the point:

"Lord Linsey, everyone loves the Public Bathhouse you built. However, because they're so popular, they're now in short supply!"

Linsey asked:

"Is the bathhouse crowded?"

"It's not just crowded," Hammer shook his head, "It's like cooking a communal pot of stew!"

"To meet everyone's current needs, we'll probably need to build two for men and two for women."

Linsey was somewhat surprised:

"The demand is really that high?"

He thought that people who had adapted to life in the Wasteland wouldn't have a high demand for bathing!

Hammer explained with a wry smile that he had even included himself in the calculation:

"Once we get used to cleanliness, we can't get used to the dirty and itchy state we used to experience."

Linsey couldn't help but chuckle, but her support was overwhelmingly positive.

"I understand. I'll go to the bathhouse to expand it in a bit. Just remember to arrange the construction."

Hammer nodded slightly, preparing to leave.

Linsey suddenly called him to a stop:

"By the way, Hammer, do you have enough Farmland and livestock?"

"I'm not talking about food and clothing within the camp, but rather the need for trade with the outside world."

Hammer nodded.

"At the current population growth rate, it shouldn't be a problem within a month."

Linsey nodded, and then said:

"After the public bathhouse is set up, I will build some new Farmland and livestock pens. You should also make arrangements for the newly relocated migrants to the territory, providing them with suitable jobs and training."

Linsey glanced in the direction of the university, where there was a great deal of noise.

A while ago.

He had just started researching the technology of "Education Popularization" at the university.

Therefore, all the citizens who had previously studied can now pursue further education at university once again. This has greatly increased Hilude's workload, and she has recently even been unable to find time to bother Linsey.

"A stroke of luck amidst misfortune."

Linsey looked at the university and felt somewhat happy.

He continued to stroll around the town.

People living on Wasteland lands especially appreciate the preciousness of this environment. They even take the initiative to maintain order, and arguments and quarrels are extremely rare.

This month, Linsey handled a case that even led to a fight because someone didn't respect him as their Lord.

Linsey casually opened the town management panel.

There is a stability level above, which currently represents a level of 70% where people live and work in peace and contentment.

On the next line, the crime rate is only a faint 1% in red.

"It should just be some petty theft?"

"However, this matter should still be investigated. The decline of morality often begins little by little in small details."

Linsey is preparing to organize the guards to carry out a security operation.

Just then, he saw the three travelers he had spotted when he entered the embassy district.

Two of the young men had softened their guard slightly.

The old man's eyes, however, grew even more fervent.

"..."

"Following me the whole time? It's been almost three hours now?"

Linsey finally realized that something was amiss.

Normally, new immigrants to the territory are quite concerned about their own safety, but a three-hour observation period is an extremely rare occurrence.

He casually opened the map.

The result was the same as before: the old man was a very bright green, while the two young men were a neutral, wary yellow.

"Elder..."

Linsey's gaze shifted.

His thinking gradually shifted away from the managerial model, and he began to recognize the unique nature of the situation from the perspective of an adventurer.

The extinction of Civilization in Wasteland lands is mainly due to life expectancy and the desolate environment.

But decades ago, this place was also a Civilization land.

Occasionally, elderly people come to stay with us. However, due to their status as ordinary people, their knowledge of the past is limited, and they cannot provide much information.

But this old man was different.

He is an awakened one!

Given his status as an Awakened One and the guarantee of his age, he must have experienced the peaceful years before the war and could obtain far more information than an ordinary person!

"..."

Linsey's expression changed.

These people did not leave during the early stages of the war, but remained in the Wasteland until they found Banyan Tree Ridge.

What could be the purpose?

Linsey, displaying the seriousness and respect befitting Lord, took the initiative to walk towards the three:

"Old sir, welcome to my territory."

The two young men next to the old man made some movements, but the old man stepped in front of them first:

He bowed to Linsey, his voice brimming with barely concealed excitement and exhilaration:

"My Lord, your skills are truly admirable, and your management of the territory is impeccable!"

Linsey understood the other person's good intentions, so he stepped aside and pointed in the direction of his residence:

"I know you must have important business to discuss with me."

"However, the crowds outside are too mixed. Let's discuss the specific issues in detail at my residence?"