The Necromancer Corps

Rupert remembered nothing after that, only that when he woke up the next afternoon, there was an empty wine jar beside him. Everyone in the Him Cavern had left, not a single mammoth remained at the entrance, and all kinds of supplies had been taken away.

Having no other option, Rupert could only rely on the vague impression he had seen on the hillside before, and walked to the Youth Civilization to ask Su Ming for help.

Su Ming agreed to give him a ride, but on the condition that, according to intelligence control requirements, he must be taken to the Sacred Mountain and released only after the prison break was completed. Alternatively, he could choose to get off near the next town, in which case his memory of that period would be erased.

Erasing several days' worth of memories inevitably has side effects, and suddenly losing a piece of memory can be distressing. Rupert struggled with the decision for a long time before finally choosing to go to the Sacred Mountain.

****

The area around the Lorencia Volcano is desolate, dotted with rolling hills. As the Youth Civilization approached, it reduced its speed to 10 kilometers per hour.

The long train moved up and down with the terrain, its monotonous sound carrying it on.

At a pass on the outskirts of the volcano, Su Ming finally met up with the people arranged by Princess Dafulin. Supervisor Benedict, the person in charge of the support operation, had been waiting for a long time in the biting cold wind. When he saw the strange train made of White Bone and steel slowly approaching, he couldn't help but take a closer look at this unprecedented means of transportation.

Su Ming judged that this person was a technically skilled official.

Su Ming opened the door and stepped out of the car with Newman. Upon meeting, Benedict immediately averted his gaze, extended his left hand, palm up, and respectfully performed a servile scholar's salute to them, "Honor to Truth!"

"Truly a scholar." Su Ming returned the greeting somewhat awkwardly, palm facing inward, "Knowledge endures forever!"

Newman, standing nearby, returned the greeting, "Knowledge endures!"

Although Su Ming was not granted the title of scholar by the Supreme Knowledge Association, his outstanding performance along the way is generally considered to be at least at the level of Great Scholar.

Zijin suggested that he accept his status as a scholar, as it would be beneficial when dealing with various powerful forces in the future.

"Mr. Su, Master Barn Swallow, this way please!" Benedict said, and began to lead the way.

After traversing a road winding through the hills, the view suddenly opened up before us.

Su Ming, who had expected to see a desolate landscape, was surprised to find a sizable industrial complex hidden at the foot of the volcano. Various mining facilities were neatly arranged, and although it was currently in a seasonal shutdown, the sheer number of machines indicated that it was a large-scale production facility.

Although covered in ice and snow, the buildings are clearly new and were not built recently.

"This is Princess Dafulin's property," Benedict explained to the two. "It was only built last summer and took six months to complete. Now that it's frozen, the production staff have been evacuated."

"What have you produced here?" Su Ming looked around and found that the ground was covered with fine volcanic sand. He tried to find traces of a mine, but only saw some calcining kilns.

Benedict no further explanation, instead leading Su Ming directly to one of the buildings. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, a whiff of dry, dusty air rushed out.

This is a spacious warehouse, neatly stacked with tens of thousands of bulging sacks, piled up like small mountains.

Newman strode over to one of the bags, tearing open the packaging with a light swipe of his bone claw. He pulled out a handful of powder, rubbing it between his fingers. "The main ingredients are quicklime and volcanic sand, finely ground and evenly mixed—you're making cement!"

Su Ming contacted Miao Xin and learned that the material was similar to volcanic ash concrete from the Roman era on Earth. The Pantheon dome, with a diameter of 43.3 meters, and the massive Colosseum in ancient Rome were made of this material.

Su Ming looked around and found that the warehouse itself was built of concrete. He slammed his hand against the warehouse wall; it was very sturdy. Looking up, he saw that the arched roof spanned more than 40 meters.

"Excellent!" Su Ming exclaimed.

"This time we'll be using the improved, enhanced version." Benedict led the two deeper into the warehouse, to another pile of differently packaged goods.

Newman opened it for inspection as usual. "This one has a lot of alchemical ingredients added, so its strength should be greatly increased—it should be enough for your plans!"

Su Ming nodded.

The excavation of the Sacred Mountain Tunnel requires a large amount of high-quality building materials for constructing the support structure. In the agreement with Dafulin, she was to provide this.

I never expected that the princess would build a factory here.

"The Northern Lands has abundant mineral resources, but their development level has always been low," Newman analyzed. "Dafulin set up this building materials factory definitely to develop the mining industry."

"Impossible," Su Ming categorically rejected. "Even if she builds the mine perfectly, it can't guarantee the royal family's continued control."

When there's no profit, nobody cares; but when there's output, naturally someone will try to reap the benefits—that's to be expected.

"Her Highness's plan is to build a new satellite city north of Bubing City," Benedict replied, "As a strategic foothold for the royal family to further expand the influence of the region. This cement workshop is a preliminary step in this endeavor."

As expected, the strategy of using force first is still the best approach. Su Ming raised an eyebrow and glanced at Newman, who snorted.

"In fact, Master Newman was right about the current situation," Benedict smiled. "The Lords' Alliance has been severely weakened by your forces, and Your Highness no longer needs to expend resources fighting them. As long as mining production is expanded, new cities will spontaneously emerge."

At this point, Benedict suddenly bowed deeply to Su Ming: "Lord Su, I am from the Northern Lands. After so many years, I finally see hope for change in the Northern Lands!"

"You're a nobleman, aren't you?" Su Ming asked doubtfully. In this world, it's difficult for ordinary people to obtain enough educational resources, let alone reach the level that Princess Dafulin would value.

"I left the family long ago," Benedict explained. "The lords of the Northern Lands are like a bunch of fighting cocks locked in a coop. Their so-called royal power and dominance are nothing more than fighting over a few kernels of corn and bullying chicks." He sighed. "These people don't seek any real breakthroughs or development; they are a disgrace to humanity without even realizing it. I have no interest in this kind of life and would much rather spread my wings and fly high in a wider world."

Just then, Younier led a group of zombies in, dragging a dozen makeshift carts made of bones and metal bearings. The snorting of frost wolves could be heard outside the door.

These noble riding beasts were once again being used like mules.

Benedict immediately assigned a subordinate to liaise with Younier to determine the scope and route of the goods that needed to be moved.

"We're only taking 400 tons this time," Su Ming instructed. "We can make another trip for the rest."

"Okay!" Younier replied.

"The supplies arranged by the princess will arrive here in about ten days," Benedict reported.

These supplies mainly consisted of food and steel, and the transportation methods in the Northern Lands could not keep up with the speed of the Youth Civilization.

"No major problem. We can sustain ourselves with the supplies we brought in the early stages." Su Ming checked the time and found that food and steel could be supplied in a continuous stream. "What about those necromancers?"

Benedict continued to lead the way, passing through several buildings, until they arrived at the other side of the workshop. This was a newly opened area where hundreds of necromancers, under the organization of Benedict's team, were constructing new facilities.

Each of them wore a specially made restraint ring around their neck, which allowed them to use non-harmful magic only within a limited range.

"The project is almost finished, just the finishing touches," Benedict said, pointing to the bustling construction site. "I'll bring the people over to you in a bit."

"Good."

****

Newman walked briskly toward the group of necromancer prisoners, his small, bony legs making a crisp clicking sound on the ground. Several prisoners looked up, recognizing the famous necromancer, their faces showing surprise.

Newman approached the group and exchanged pleasantries.

Su Ming stood not far away, arms crossed, observing the group of necromancers. He found that their mental state was relatively stable, and their work attitude was passable—at least there was no obvious resistance.

It can be judged that Benedict's team was relatively humane in its management and did not do anything to mistreat the prisoners. When Newman went to talk to some people, which obviously affected their work, the guards did not interfere.

Rupert came running up, panting, with a bone pigeon beside him. "Lord Sue, you were looking for me?"

Su Ming beckoned him closer. He pointed to the group of necromancers in front of him, "Help me manage these people."

"Managing prisoners?" The former sheriff immediately patted his chest. "That's my specialty!"

Su Ming shook his head. "These aren't real criminals; most of them haven't committed any crimes." He added, "We plan to gradually recruit the vast majority of them as members."

"Oh, you're necromancers too." Rupert slapped the back of his head, suddenly realizing, "I don't know how to recruit people, but with so many joining at once, especially in this special situation, a gentle approach definitely won't work!"

"That's right." Su Ming nodded. "So we can't just give these people their freedom. If they escape and cause an intelligence leak, it will be very troublesome. But at the same time, we can't offend them too much; we also need them to work well."

"Then we must first maintain a certain level of enforcement," Rupert said, stroking his chin. "We also need to strike the right balance, extending favors while simultaneously establishing authority."

Su Ming couldn't help but glance at the former sheriff again, thinking that this old fox was more astute than he had imagined. "Help me carry out these tasks, and I'll pay you."

Rupert waved his hands repeatedly, "The prisoners are fine, but what have I done to deserve you, my future members—"

"One month, 10 gold coins!"

"Boss!" Rupert exclaimed immediately, "I'll go hand over the roster now!"

He excitedly ran over to Benedict to ask about it.

Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief; the first manager had been chosen.

Princess Dafulin's people cannot be allowed to continue managing these necromancers, otherwise, any "favors" she bestows upon them might be seen as doing the work for someone else's benefit.

****

Su Ming opened the tablet and removed the SD card.

"Where are the Dodder Group's things?" Su Ming asked Miao Xin.

[It's done.] Miao Xin took out an identical SD card from her pocket and tossed it in her hand.

Using the SD card in his hand as material, Su Ming summoned the one in Miao Xin's hand. From his perspective, it was still a memory card, but the data inside had been replaced with new data.

He reinserted the SD card into the tablet, opened it, and found two new files inside:

Concrete Strength Measurement Standards and Reinforcement Tables

Pipe jacking construction organization design plan

SD cards record data by storing electrical charges using floating-gate transistors. Although Su Ming cannot reconstruct elementary particles, he can alter their distribution, including electrons.

Su Ming also began to understand the true limitations of his own abilities: energy and level.

In terms of energy, for example, he can utilize the carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen elements that are readily available in the alien world to summon high molecular polymers on Earth, and even substances like explosives and gasoline. However, he needs to provide enough energy to complete the intermolecular bonding.

Currently, this type of reconstruction can be manufactured on a scale of hundreds of grams. If there are materials with similar molecular structures as a base, it can even reach a scale of kilograms.

This amount is only about one or two liters of gasoline, which is completely unusable.

Therefore, Su Ming's molecular reconstruction ability is more suitable for building devices, rather than consumables such as fuels and gunpowder. The latter is equivalent to exchanging Magic Power for an equivalent amount of chemical energy, which is not worthwhile.

The logistics system still needs to rely on localized supply methods; otherwise, even if we squeeze every last drop out of them, it still won't be enough.

Su Ming himself was considering a different direction: to continue penetrating deeper into the lower levels, such as the entangled photon phases that counterfactual communication needed to transmit.

The energy of a single ordinary photon is only a few electron volts. A drop of rain falling to the ground releases 0.00001 joules of energy, which is equivalent to trillions of photons.

Therefore, there is no energy barrier.

It all depends on his mastery of power and whether he can reach that microscopic level.

Su Ming looked up at the azure sky, the vastness and intricacy of the universe inspiring awe. But even on a path strewn with thorns, he had to move forward!

****

Before long, a group of necromancers, carrying their own simple clothes, bedding, and daily necessities, walked up to the Youth Civilization.

Most of them eyed the unfamiliar motorcycle warily, their eyes gleaming with suspicion. Many more, however, were filled with unease about the impending changes and whispered among themselves.

Also present were eight technical officers appointed by Princess Dafulin, led by Benedict, who would provide technical support for the operation.

Benedict skillfully arranged the necromancers into a line, then stepped aside, handing over the reins to Su Ming.

"One person died of illness en route, so 122 people actually arrived. The entire Necromancer Prisoner Labor Corps is here," he reported to Su Ming.