Casting the Net

Jiang Chuan nodded as he watched the steam engine disappear from the ground. "It seems this ability can teleport anything that has come into contact with a hero. It's pretty good."

Jiang Chuan had discovered this ability two days prior when he summoned Pyke. At that time, Pyke had caught a fish in the deep sea. Jiang Chuan, as usual, summoned Pyke to cast Purification Technique on him. When Jiang Chuan summoned Pyke, he also pulled over the large fish next to Pyke. This made Jiang Chuan very excited. After a series of tests, Jiang Chuan found a drawback to this new ability: the object and the hero must have physical contact, otherwise, teleportation was impossible. From the incident with Lux, it was clear that the size of the object did not affect Jiang Chuan's stamina consumption.

Jiang Chuan chuckled, "What a perfect skill."

From now on, goods traveling to Demacia could be teleported within a minute, saving a significant amount of shipping costs and time.

Jiang Chuan walked out of the warehouse and into the steel factory. The factory was pouring the base for a machine tool, and its approximate shape had already emerged. Once it cooled, parts could be added.

Noah was still researching the blueprints for the machine gun and grenade. The designs for the grenade and machine gun were not complicated. The machine gun was similar to ordinary firearms, and the main problem was the barrel's heat resistance. Due to the continuous firing of the machine gun, the barrel's heat resistance became a major issue during high-speed bullet discharge.

Jiang Chuan decided to replace the barrel with a detachable steel barrel. As soon as the barrel overheated, it would be replaced. Replacing the barrel only took a few seconds, which would be quite useful on the battlefield.

The grenades were similar to the explosives in Bilgewater, so Noah could handle them easily. Jiang Chuan felt fortunate that this world had already developed smokeless powder and bullets. If he had to research them from scratch, it would take a lot of time. For someone whose chemistry knowledge was only at a junior high level, manufacturing smokeless powder would undoubtedly be a fantasy.

Jiang Chuan went to Laurie's office and asked, "How is the construction on the island coming along?"

Laurie tidied up some materials and replied, "Guild Master, all projects on the island have commenced. The construction of the residential areas is much slower, as this entirely new construction method is unfamiliar to the craftsmen. The city wall construction is relatively faster. At the current pace, you will see a magnificent Demacian-style city wall in a month. The castle construction is not optimistic and is estimated to take another three months. Including other miscellaneous projects, the entire completion will take five months."

Jiang Chuan felt the urgency of time and the shortage of manpower. "I understand. Increase recruitment efforts. Recruiting blacksmiths and workers remains the priority. Publicize it widely in Bilgewater City under the name of the Bloodfang Gang."

"Yes, Guild Master."

Jiang Chuan went to Kendi's office and said, "Have the First Army assemble behind the plaza."

Kendi gathered everyone at the plaza.

Kendi reported, "Reporting, Guild Master! The First Army, one hundred strong, has assembled!"

Jiang Chuan sat on the grass and nodded. "Sit down, everyone. Today, I want to discuss our future plans. Please, sit."

Jiang Chuan said, "Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions about the current state of Bilgewater? Feel free to speak."

Malzi chuckled, "What thoughts do we have? We don't worry about food or drink on the island. I came to Bilgewater for this."

Malzi's remark drew laughter from the crowd. Jiang Chuan smiled, "I will arrange you into squads of five. From now on, all operations and training will be conducted in squads. Squad combat covers many areas: underwater combat, shipboard combat, alleyway combat. In short, you must master combat methods for all terrains in Bilgewater. Our next target is Huck!"

Kendi frowned, "Guild Master, Huck has quite a few subordinates. After all, he is one of the four major gangs in Bilgewater, with about ten gangs under him."

Jiang Chuan said calmly, "We can use his subordinate gangs as practice. Starting tomorrow, I want to hear news every month that one of Huck's territories has been taken down."

Bruno frowned, "Guild Master, those gangs under Huck are not to be trifled with. Although I have unified their equipment now, our firepower is still significantly lacking."

Jiang Chuan smiled, "Yes, that's true. Firepower is indeed an issue. I won't let you go to your deaths. In a month, each squad will be equipped with new gear, and everyone will carry new bombs during operations. With new combat equipment, you will have a chance."

A soldier named Jody asked, "Guild Master, what is this new equipment? Is it very powerful?"

Jiang Chuan smiled, "The new equipment is called grenades and machine guns. Grenades are powerful thrown explosive weapons. They contain explosives and steel balls. When they detonate in densely packed enemy areas, the steel balls inside are enough to tear them apart. The machine gun is a killing weapon for your squads. This machine gun requires two people to operate. It can fire six hundred rounds per minute. After firing a belt of ammunition, the barrel needs to be replaced. Furthermore, we will later equip each of you with close-combat weapons like shotguns."

Malzi asked in surprise, "President, is there really a gun that can fire six hundred bullets a minute?"

Jiang Chuan smiled, "More than six hundred. Machine guns are already in the research and development phase. We'll know after actual testing. You all need to remember that Laurie and I are remnants of the Bloodfang Gang, and you are members of the Dark Sea Throne. You must maintain secrecy. Both your actions and training must be separate from others. It's not time for us to reveal ourselves yet."

"Yes!"

Jiang Chuan waved his hand, "Alright, that's all I have to say. Kendi, divide the squad today. I want to see it tonight. Tomorrow, you will begin executing the training plan I've set for you."

"Yes."

Jiang Chuan arrived at the basement that used to hold children. It had now been converted into a training base for the Heaven's Punishment Squad and the First Army. When Jiang Chuan arrived, Kelly was training Jenny, Donahue, Buck, York, and Joe. Jenny was learning management and infiltration from Novia. Buck was training with Kendi and the others. Donahue's daily training consisted of constant shooting. York and Joe were training in combat techniques and firearms.

Jiang Chuan looked at the group and said, "Assemble!"

All five sprinted to Jiang Chuan and stood at attention.

Jiang Chuan smiled, "I'm here today to talk about your future missions. Your first mission has arrived."

Kelly asked, "President, what is the mission?"

Jiang Chuan looked at Jenny and said, "To be precise, each person's mission this time will be different."

Jenny looked at Jiang Chuan with disbelief and asked, "President, am I going solo on this mission?"

Jiang Chuan chuckled, "What, are you scared?"

Jenny shook her head.

Jiang Chuan looked at Jenny, "You've been learning from Novia for quite some time now. This mission will serve as a small test. There's an Iron Hook Gang in Rat Town. Go and find out their leader's daily schedule for me. The leader of the Iron Hook Gang is a person who looks like a rat. You won't forget his appearance the first time you see him."

Jenny patted her chest, "Leave it to me, President."

Jiang Chuan smiled, "Good. After this mission is completed, you can rest for a while. Go and prepare now. Remember to inform Novia."

Jenny waved her hand without looking back, "Got it."

Jiang Chuan said to York and Joe, "Your mission is very simple. Steal the key to the Iron Hook Gang leader's treasury. It's the one around his neck. Have your skills dulled?"

Joe chuckled slyly, "President, that's a piece of cake. We've done it once before." Such a smile looked particularly comical on his young face.

York said seriously, "President, before we were caught by the Bloodfang Gang, we stole his key once. It was just that he wasn't the leader of the Iron Hook Gang back then."

Jiang Chuan said sternly, "It's not like before. His subordinates are not to be trifled with. Prioritize safety. If you can't get it, turn back immediately."

York and Joe stood ramrod straight and said solemnly, "Yes, President."

Buck nudged his way forward, "President, what about me? What about me?"

Jiang Chuan looked at Buck, "You and Kendi will be the main force for the subsequent attack on the Iron Anchor Gang."

Buck smiled with satisfaction, "Yes, President."

Jiang Chuan said to Kelly, "This time, you'll be in charge of coordinating with Kendi and drawing up a detailed combat plan. Keep an eye on Jenny and York."

Kelly nodded, "Yes, President."

Jiang Chuan chuckled, "Alright, you can go find Old Jack for your lessons now."

"Yes."