The First Construction Regiment

Dafulin handed over 123 people, but the agreement between the two specified 120 people, precisely to account for unexpected casualties.

Su Ming nodded slightly and cleared his throat.

"My name is Su Ming, welcome everyone!"

He looked at the large, dark crowd and felt a mix of emotions.

This is only the first batch; the number of prisoners rescued from Divine Might Prison will exceed one thousand. A hierarchical management system must be established to effectively manage so many people.

For now, we can only maintain the regulatory model. Once we reach a relatively safe and stable environment, we can gradually convert them into formal organization members.

"From this moment forward, your name will be changed to First Construction Regiment," Su Ming announced.

Rupert had changed into a crisp military uniform, wearing a belt and tall boots. His messy stubble had been shaved off, making him look quite dashing.

He strolled over to the group of necromancers.

"As you all have likely heard," Rupert said in a booming voice, "This is Bone King, and you have all been officially transferred to Lord Sue's command." He straightened his back, his gaze sweeping over each of them. "I am Rupert, and I will be leading you from now on. You can call me Instructor! Now, I'll announce the first rule: we will operate under military discipline. To ask an instructor a question, first say 'Report!'"

"Each of you is now wearing a recording ring on your wrist, which displays your current points. Following the rules daily will earn you a base of 5 points, and completing tasks on time and in full will earn you 10 points. However, violating discipline will result in point deductions!"

He took out a stack of neatly bound printed manuals and began distributing them; the cover read "Management Rules of the Construction Corps".

"The specific rules and regulations are all written in this handbook, one for each of the five people, and they are passed around among themselves!"

This was the first time Rupert had ever done something like distributing books. Literate prisoners in this other world were a rarity, and even if they existed, it wouldn't be his place to manage them, as a commoner.

Managing a group of mages was an unprecedented experience for him, and Rupert puffed out his chest even higher.

"We will provide basic accommodation," he continued as he handed out the cards, "But food and other necessities will need to be redeemed using points. Furthermore, your total points will directly determine your treatment level and corresponding privileges."

The necromancers began whispering and circulating the manual, many showing surprise—the regulations were far more lenient than they had expected. According to the supply standards outlined in the manual, their quality of life would be significantly improved.

For example, a basic meal only requires one point. Although meat is not provided, the staple food and vegetables are guaranteed to be plentiful.

For example, the daily work hours are set at 10 hours, and the rest of the time can be spent freely within the camp area. The manual also notes that the camp has facilities such as a recreation room and a library.

However, there's something strange—below the entertainment activity description, someone added a line in messy handwriting, "Regular performances by the ' Human Bone Machine ' band, everyone is welcome to watch."

Just as the atmosphere was beginning to ease, a sarcastic voice suddenly rang out, "Since Bone King has taken pity on us and saved us," a necromancer casually swaggered out of the ranks, "Why haven't we taken those things off our necks yet?"

"Number 122, you must shout 'Report!' before you speak!" Rupert sternly reprimanded.

"Tch." The necromancer curled his lip disdainfully, ignoring Rupert, and looked at Su Ming provocatively, "Hey, Su Bone King, say something!"

"This guy's a serious criminal, a real troublemaker," Benedict whispered to Su Ming.

Su Ming flipped through the roster and found that this person's crimes were a bit outrageous. "Why are you still keeping someone like this around?"

"Princess Dafulin instructed me to bring it, saying it would be useful," Benedict explained. "I think now is the time for it to come in handy."

Was that specially supplied chicken used as a warning to others?

Newman added smugly, "I tricked him a bit, saying that Ainz Bone King is very soft-hearted, and he actually dared to jump out."

Rupert drew the alloy rod hanging from his waist, about to step forward and teach Number 122 a lesson, but Su Ming stopped him by raising his hand.

"Lord Su, we can't let this go unchecked," Rupert explained urgently. "He deliberately feigned madness to cause trouble; he's after the jailer."

"I'll do it." Zijin stepped forward, her hands glowing with magical light. "Number 122, for your repeated crimes of robbery and murder, you are hereby sentenced to death!"

The necromancer's expression changed drastically. He was about to say something when a sharp gunshot rang out. A bloody hole instantly appeared on his forehead, and his body crashed to the ground.

Su Ming slowly lowered the still-smoking gun barrel, giving Zijin a helpless glare. "I'm not that serious about something like this."

****

A slight commotion arose in the crowd, but it quickly subsided. Only a few of the most serious offenders stood there, pale-faced, with fine beads of sweat on their foreheads.

"You lot, numbers 118, 119, 120, and 121!" Rupert's voice boomed like thunder, making the group tremble. "You know the crimes you've committed! The Bone King and is willing to give you a chance to atone for your sins!"

"Yes, instructor!" the group replied immediately, their voices filled with relief at surviving such a close call.

"[These few?]" Zijin had seen the roster and had some recollection of their crimes. "[They're all complete scum, aren't they?]"

"I didn't plan to stay," Su Ming explained. "I have plans."

"Numbers 74 to 117!" Rupert continued, his voice slightly softening, "You've all committed minor or moderate offenses. Once you reach the corresponding points threshold, you can be considered to have completed your labor reform and regain your freedom!"

"As for the remaining members with no criminal record," Rupert said, surveying the expectant faces, "They will still need to be under supervision for the time being. Once we leave the Northern Lands, we will grant you your freedom in batches."

"Report!" said an elderly man with gray hair.

"Student number 9, please speak." Rupert nodded in acknowledgment.

"What work do you need us to do?" The old man took a deep breath and looked directly at Su Ming.

"We need to dig a tunnel in the Northern Lands," Su Ming said calmly, before leaving.

Trainee number 9 remained silent for a moment. Someone behind him tried to interject, but he stopped them with a gesture. The old man frowned and continued, "Digging tunnels is extremely dangerous work. Are you planning to use our lives to fill this gap?"

The scene fell silent instantly. Everyone knew that while magic and alchemical explosives could blast through rock, carving out a complete tunnel was another matter entirely. The complex geological structure, the ever-present possibility of landslides, and the crisscrossing water veins and mud layers all meant that anyone entering the tunnel could be buried alive at any moment.

Needless to say, even with a long and arduous effort, such a crude method of excavation simply cannot dig a stable and reliable tunnel.

"No." Su Ming gently shook his head. "We possess the latest alchemical technology. The tunnel will be dug by alchemical machines, and the bear-men will handle the transportation. You only need to undertake auxiliary tasks."

Upon hearing this answer, the group of necromancers visibly breathed a sigh of relief; their greatest fear was being used as expendable resources.

"Are you heading towards the Holy Mountain Divine Might Prison?" Trainee No. 9 continued to ask.

Su Ming stated frankly, "That's right, our goal is to capture Divine Might Prison and rescue all the prisoners there."

This time, an even greater commotion erupted from the crowd, with whispers rising and falling, but it quickly subsided—the still-warm body of number 122 on the ground, and the pool of glaring blood, were silent reminders of the ruthless methods of the group before them.

"You are probably already aware of our identities," Su Ming said, surveying the crowd. "Although you are all imprisoned, I believe some of you are still able to obtain information from the outside world."

"This is the heart of the Northern Lands Ice Plains." He stepped forward, his voice suddenly rising, "And we, as the last undead force, have fought our way here!"

****

Silence fell again as everyone digested the information in Su Ming's words.

But suddenly a deafening roar came from the other side, "Complete the transport mission without fail!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw more than fifty bear-men sitting in a circle. Hansite had just lowered them from the prison wagon and was now holding a guitar, giving these bear-men a "preaching pep talk."

After leading the bears in chanting slogans, Hansite gave an order, and the bears immediately sprang into action. Half headed towards the warehouse to begin moving volcanic ash cement; the other half began cleaning the truck beds, sorting and piling up the scattered metal materials.

Among these metals were various types of artillery weapons captured during the previous battle against the noble army, as well as spoils of war obtained during this encounter with the Plundering Clock; they were diverse in style and varied in type.

"Just how many forces did they defeat?" the necromancers present wondered to themselves.

Moreover, this group originally belonged to Princess Dafulin, but was handed over to Bone King. Therefore, it's possible this was Dafulin's defeat reparations!

The Bone King team is incredibly formidable!

When this theory spread, all the necromancers gasped in unison.

Suddenly, the face of student number 12 twisted and changed, and in the blink of an eye, he transformed into the appearance of a middle-aged man with brown hair.

Benedict gasped and exclaimed, "Bowers! It's you!"

Bowers —ranked seventh on the necromancer wanted list. He disguised himself as an ordinary necromancer and voluntarily surrendered to the Cold Mountain Kingdom, where he has been infiltrating the Labor Corps ever since!

"Impressive!" Su Ming clapped. To achieve this level of skill under the constraints of the confinement ring and numerous checks, one's abilities must be extraordinary.

Bowers bowed deeply to Su Ming, "Your Bone King, you flatter me. I dare not reveal my identity, and have been living under Dafulin's protection, barely surviving. Unlike you gentlemen, who have decisively defeated multiple warships of the Empire and the Sun God Temple on the high seas, becoming new maritime overlords. And now you have traveled thousands of miles to rescue our compatriots."

"Scholar Bay Owl! Barn Swallow scholar!" He then turned to Zijin and Newman, bowing respectfully once more, "Thank you for your help, I am deeply grateful."

Behind him, the necromancers all bowed in greeting.

Zijin nodded in acknowledgment, then waved to Bowers.

Bowers turned to the necromancers and said, "You've all been through a lot. It's rare for a strong person to step in and save us. Everyone must change their mindset and obey orders!"

"Regarding specific work matters," he continued, then turned to Su Ming, his tone sincere, "I hope to represent everyone and understand the details clearly."

The necromancers responded in unison.

****

Inside the train carriage.

As soon as the car door closed, Bowers immediately reached out and gave Newman a high five.

"That was a really convincing performance," Newman laughed.

The two were old friends who had known each other for many years. They had already secretly recognized each other when Newman mingled with the necromancers.

After being introduced to Su Ming, the two had an in-depth discussion and planned the leading performance just now.

"That's good enough," Bowers said. "With this kind of teamwork, we can manage this group well!"

Su Ming glanced outside and saw Instructor Rupert organizing the group to board the train in order and assigning berths.

The warm carriages and hygienic living conditions delighted the group. Many of the facilities, especially the extremely high-quality lighting equipment, were unlike anything they had ever seen before.

"Once we have a stable base, management will be much easier," Bowers said confidently. "Then people will naturally settle down, and even if you try to drive them away, I doubt anyone will want to leave."

What Su Ming had initially thought would be a very troublesome matter was resolved relatively smoothly.

The undead faction has been sifted through in this disaster, and those who have survived to this day are not fools. Many of the elites have even taken sides without hesitation, so Su Ming doesn't need to worry about them too much.

"Thank you for your hard work," Su Ming said.

"I'll explain the details of the job to everyone to alleviate their safety concerns," Bowers said. "I'll also try to secure some hot water for them, and that should be about it." He picked up a cup and took a large gulp of warm water. "Drinking cold water all the time in this freezing weather is really uncomfortable."

"The high density of occupants on the vehicle means we need to be careful about disease prevention," Su Ming advised.

"Don't worry. We may not be as good as the Sun God Temple in terms of treatment, but when it comes to prevention and treatment, we're second to none."

"Because you're the best at deployment," Jielusi interjected irritably.

The train also received a batch of staple foods from the Northern Lands —sweet potatoes, corn, and various beans. Considering the prisoners' status and generally poor health, Su Ming instructed Younier to prepare hulled wheat and dried fish.

He needs these people to get back into shape as soon as possible so they can be competent for the work ahead.

His initial intention in purchasing twenty tons of high-quality grain was to have the opportunity to rescue more prisoners and avoid additional supply needs.

But it seems that it has been put to good use so far.

"The bear-men are only being provided with coarse grains," Su Ming said. "Just give them the bare minimum. This group of bear-men is to be handed over to Dafulin after they complete their mission."

"They only eat coarse grains anyway," Hansite said. "Otherwise, with the Bearmen's appetite, they could eat themselves into poverty."