Afterlife Before Long Sleep

Li Wei nodded slightly. During the manufacturing of the Steam-Powered Mine Mule some time ago, he had realized he had misjudged Fischer, the bald guy (he) with a red robe. Fischer's talent for developing new things was mediocre; it was his combat power that held more potential.

It seemed that in this world, mages with a talent for the Evocation school were generally more suited for the battlefield from birth.

Known as "Battlefield Turrets," their terrifying power on the battlefield was almost always dominant. Therefore, most Evocation mages didn't focus much on research and development.

Even if some did, they spent their days studying books and theories like Elemental Theory, How to Stack Five Fireballs for Spell Burst Effect, and On the Casting Limits of Extreme Casting, all focused on enhancing their Evocation magic power.

Weapons?

Completely unnecessary on the battlefield! They were the ultimate offensive weapons! Evocation area-of-effect spells were enough to obliterate anything below a Deity.

When Li Wei realized that this red-robed bald guy (he) was likely such a Spell Barbarian, he was somewhat disappointed.

But just as Li Wei was about to have Huozi (he) go to the resume archives to find a few more mages for personal interviews, Igg (he), the Arcanist from Water-Drawing City, whom he had initially labeled as "just filling a slot," gave him quite a surprise.

This was because, in his attitude towards unfamiliar things and his research approach, Igg (he) was more akin to the technology-side workers Li Wei remembered:

Vast knowledge reserves, complete knowledge structure, solid basic magic research ability; correct motivation and purpose, pragmatic research, rigorous work attitude.

These requirements, while seemingly not difficult at first glance, were essential qualities for reaching Cosmic Truth!

Without a complete and mature research and academic system, without the countless contributions of predecessors who silently summarized their lives as stepping stones for later generations to reach the Supreme, it was difficult to cultivate researchers with such qualities!

Precisely because of this, Li Wei became even more certain that this so-called Arcanist from Water-Drawing City likely had an unusual background.

But since the other party didn't want to reveal anything to anyone, Li Wei was too lazy to investigate further.

After all, judging others by himself, as long as it didn't harm others, everyone had the right to keep some secrets.

Furthermore, Igg (he) currently showed no deliberate reservations in his research work or other work attitudes, leaving a good impression on Li Wei.

If he could prove himself to be a good employer in the future, and if the other party still desired to explore the ultimate origin of magic, yearn for Cosmic Truth, and crave more novel knowledge, then the other party would eventually confess to him.

With these thoughts in mind, Li Wei announced to everyone: "Igg (he), I will hand over the manuscript of the Empire DR3029 Chainsword Manufacturing Blueprint to you. Now, as the Chairman of Hogg Mining, I officially appoint you, Igg (he), as the head of Hogg Mining's Product Research and Development Department, and I officially authorize you to form a Research Team. The Dwarves (he) under Tiger (he) will fully cooperate with your material and manufacturing needs. After the meeting, you can have Huozi (he) accompany you to review the resume archives. If you are still unsure, you can also go directly to the 'Talent Market' in the city to interview candidates yourself. Work hard, my father, Tibilus (he), has many more documents like this."

Arcanist Igg (he) remained calm and composed upon hearing the somewhat unfamiliar and strange appointment at first. However, upon hearing that there were many more such peculiar Design Drawings at the end, a hint of longing and hope appeared in his eyes. He bowed and saluted, "Igg (he), thank you for your trust and generosity."

Beside him, the bald guy Fischer (he) couldn't help but show a look of envy. Although he knew he was far inferior to Igg (he) in terms of research ability, and he had prepared himself mentally, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss upon hearing this appointment.

But at that moment, Li Wei called his name, "Fischer (he)."

"Here!" the bald guy (he) quickly responded.

"Evocation mages should not bury their talents. Although Zelandia is located in the Dark Magic Web domain, limiting you to only the strength of a Level 3 Arcanist, it won't be long before the small Zelandia becomes crowded and uninhabitable. At that time, it will be the era for you wandering mages to once again control Lightning... magic.

"Now, I officially appoint you as the head of the War Magic System for Hogg Mining's Security Department, and I officially authorize you to form a Magic Security Squad. You can also go with Huozi (he) and Igg (he) later to select personnel. The more magic-class professionals, the better. However, after recruitment, I need them to at least learn Calm and Composed and Great Fireball using the Arcane System during this few years of dormancy. That is to say, three years from now, even in this Dark Magic Web domain, with a single command from me, each of you must be able to unleash a Great Fireball! Do you understand?"

"Yes! Boss (he)! I, Fischer (he), will definitely do my utmost to carry out your will!" Fischer (he) accepted the order and retreated, carefully wiping the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his coarse robe.

He thought his boss was going to rebuild the magic battle groups of the Elf Dominion Era and Netheril Era. With a single command, thousands of great fireballs would rain down, dozens of miles of thunderstorms would rage, earthquakes comparable to natural disasters would strike, and summoned legions would appear like mountains and seas, or the entire city would fall into an illusion of the Emerald Dream.

Although it was currently just a prototype, and even under the guise of security, if it succeeded over time, then he, Red Robe Fischer—

Before Bald Guy Fischer could finish fantasizing, Li Wei interrupted him, "Alright, there's no time to delay. You two go to the Hogg Mining recruitment office in the marketplace first."

"Yes! Boss!"

As the two left, Li Wei's gaze fell on the somewhat anxious old dwarf. "Tiger."

"Here!" Tiger thought he was also going to receive an appointment and bowed to listen.

"You must have seen it too. Because of the suspected Abyss invasion, as we develop, both Gershon City and the yet-unseen mutant invasion are huge threats. Therefore, we can't just keep digging like miners. We must possess our own strength. This is why I'm forming the Hogg Mining Security Department.

"Although we've reached an alliance with that Drow today, we still don't know her true capabilities or how long this balance can be maintained. Moreover, I found that the trap I set for her doesn't seem to constrain her as much as I imagined. Perhaps I don't understand Lolth and these Drow priestesses well enough. But it's not a big problem; that kind of thing was just a bonus. What truly maintains such relationships is often common interests.

"So, Tiger, I need you to play this role while I'm away. As long as that bitch's demands aren't too excessive, you can cooperate with her appropriately. You've dealt with the Drow for decades; handling a young Drow girl who hasn't even fully matured should be no problem, right?" Li Wei asked in a deep voice.

"I will not fail your expectations. A Drow who hasn't even passed her coming-of-age ceremony can be handled. Moreover, I suspect her identity is not the eldest daughter of the Jadiel Family, but rather the youngest. However, this is not a major issue. Gershon has had precedents of the last-in-line successor successfully ascending to the matriarch position. Not to mention, we will be pushing from behind." Tiger said confidently.

"That's good." Li Wei nodded and formally appointed him, "Tiger, I am now officially appointing you as the General Manager of the Hogg Mining Security Department and formally authorizing you to form the Warrior Security Squad. All adults in Zelandia, if you deem them suitable, can be conscripted. However, it's best for your Duergar to form their own army. You are the main force to confront the hypothetical enemy in the future. Others likely won't have that combat power in the short term."

"Yes! Boss! The strength of us Duergar! No, our Hogg Mining Security Brigade will surely show you satisfactory combat strength!" The dwarf nodded and accepted the order. He paused, wanting to say something but hesitated.

"Very good." Li Wei, seeming to sense his concern, took a deep breath before speaking, "Don't worry. If there's an emergency, you can have Huozi or Remlu find me. If it concerns the survival of Zelandia, my father Tibilus can also awaken early to intervene. But remember! It must be an absolute emergency, do you understand?"

"Yes! Boss!" Tiger replied.

"Finally, a small matter regarding mining efficiency." Li Wei took out another stone slab and handed it to Tiger. "I don't know if you Duergar have similar transportation methods, but I hope that by the time I return, I will see railroad tracks and mine carts covering at least half of the West Mining Area."

"Mine tunnel transport vehicles? Our ancestors had something similar in their great territories, but not this refined. Don't worry, Master. We dwarves will surely show you a better territory upon your return." The dwarf clenched his fist and pounded his chest.

"Good, then you may also withdraw." Li Wei nodded.

"Yes!"

Li Wei looked at Huozi, who was the last to remain. "Huozi, you are my confidant, my left and right arms. Only you are my most trusted troops. Zelandia is not yet united, but I must go into slumber to recover my state. If I can advance further, I can establish a firm foothold in the Underdark. While I am in slumber, all matters of Zelandia will be decided by you. If anyone dares to show disloyalty or any movement, kill them without mercy! You must extinguish all bad signs in their bud. Of course, this possibility is small, but we must guard against it."

"Hmph! They won't have a chance. Master, you are the heart's desire of all of Zelandia."

Li Wei smiled noncommittally, then continued, "After I go into slumber, the guard duty around my nest will be entirely up to you."

"We Gnolls! Will swear to defend your nest to the death! And tear apart any shadows that dare to pry!"

Li Wei nodded. He had originally planned to have Hogg join them as well, but he saw the hopeful gaze hidden in Huozi's eyes and couldn't help but smile.

He had initially thought that these Gnolls, as his trusted troops, wouldn't need further appointments. But he realized he might have been mistaken. Huozi still hoped for his further recognition, even if it was just an empty name.

Very well.

"Huozi, I appoint you as the leader of the Hogg Mining Supervisory Team. You will be responsible for overseeing all departments within Hogg Mining. You can report any matters directly to me."

"Yes! Master!" Huozi grinned and responded loudly.

"Alright, you can go now too. I'm feeling a bit sleepy," Li Wei said.

"Yes!"

After Huozi also left, Li Wei took Remlu back to his Nest. First, he swept away the piles of various ores and food that had accumulated into a small mountain within the Nest. Then, he transformed into his Red Dragon form and slowly lay down in the most comfortable position amidst the scattered treasures. He slowly closed his eyes as an overwhelming wave of sleepiness washed over him. Li Wei fell asleep faster than he had expected.

I wonder what I'll find in this long slumber.

This is an excessively long chapter, so I won't be splitting it. Thank you to classmate DK Qin Ge for the five hundred rewards, and thank you to classmate Big T of the Imperial Capital for the hundred rewards.