Indigo Kite
After carefully inspecting each work site, Su Ming followed the transport team through the tunnel and returned to the Sheltered Valley base.
Construction on the site has now ceased, and the previously crowded sheds have become exceptionally spacious.
Hundreds of newly recruited necromancers stood in formation, having been reorganized into ten training camps. Each wore a points bracelet on their wrist, emitting a warm yellow glow.
Each training camp's management positions are held by two to three official members of the Final Bone Mad Machines. These members have changed into uniform white and black striped uniforms, with silver badges on their chests symbolizing their rank.
They moved among the trainees, further dividing them into several groups and assigning temporary group leaders.
The grouping was completed quickly, and Chief Instructor Rupert and Necromancer Bowers, who was officially appointed as the head of the training group, began to instruct the group on the rules.
Their voices, amplified by amplification magic, echoed throughout the shed.
The points system will record each person's performance in detail.
"Discipline is the first principle! In this regard—"
"In the Final Bone Mad Machines Training Camp, all members must respect each other and always remember that teamwork is paramount!"
In the nearby warehouse and kitchen area, Younier and Hansite were expanding the logistics department, recruiting members with cooking experience and clerks skilled in materials management. The registration line was orderly, and everyone looked expectant, occasionally exchanging hushed conversations.
The entire base was permeated with a tense yet orderly working atmosphere.
****
Once everyone had finished their urgent tasks, Su Ming immediately summoned the core members to the conference room for a meeting.
"We'll be leaving tomorrow night," Su Ming announced bluntly.
As soon as he finished speaking, the people present exchanged glances, their faces showing surprise. A slight commotion immediately filled the conference room.
"This is far too hasty!" Bowers was the first to stand up and object. He counted on his fingers, "There are still 132 wounded soldiers who need daily dressing changes and rest, and the supplies sorting work is less than a third complete. Moreover," he paused, his brow furrowing, "The new batch of trainees are all in very poor physical condition, and less than half of them are capable of working."
Su Ming raised his hand, signaling him to calm down, "But we still have plenty of manpower. I've calculated it carefully; with proper scheduling, all preparations for departure can be completed on time."
Younier flipped through the work progress sheet, her fingertips tracing the densely packed numbers. After a moment, the junior clerk looked up. "It's definitely achievable!"
The labor force of necromancers cannot be simply counted by the number of people. The corpses produced in battle have now become tireless transporters.
Transporting and sorting over three thousand tons of supplies across the mountains was a massive undertaking, but it couldn't withstand the combined efforts of hundreds of extraordinary individuals.
"Furthermore, we are traveling on the Youth Civilization," Su Ming added. "The facilities inside the carriages are excellent, and the journey will not interfere with the wounded's rest and recovery."
Bowers suddenly slapped his forehead, making a crisp sound, and then he remembered that times had changed.
This enormous train has numerous comfortable sleeping berths in each carriage, with constant heating, purified hot water, and various ancillary facilities such as a fully equipped dining car and medical room. In this era, the living conditions and comfort of many ordinary houses are not as good as those of this moving train.
"In short," Su Ming looked around at everyone, his tone firm, "Everyone readjust our work plan, and we'll depart promptly at sunset tomorrow night!"
In the following time, the responsible persons quickly aligned their progress, set clear timelines and personnel plans. The meeting ended quickly in an efficient atmosphere, and everyone immediately dispersed to devote themselves to their respective intensive preparations.
****
Su Ming suddenly called out to Rupert.
He took a small deerskin pouch from his pocket and tossed it to Rupert, saying, "This is the agreed-upon payment."
Rupert deftly caught the money bag, expertly weighed it in his hand, and a smile immediately spread across his face. "Thank you, boss!"
This former sheriff's performance in managing the First Construction Regiment was indeed remarkable. Although he appeared rough on the surface, he was actually meticulous and had a keen understanding of all sorts of subtle thoughts and undercurrents.
Whether it's the initial signs of bullying among the trainees, petty theft, or even dissatisfaction with the management, he can detect and resolve them in time, maintaining order throughout the camp and creating a more harmonious atmosphere.
"Oh, by the way," Su Ming suddenly spoke, pointing to the somewhat noisy group of new trainees outside the window who were distributing supplies, "Would you be interested in mentoring another class of trainees?" He paused, "Just one class."
Rupert stroked his stubble-covered chin thoughtfully. When he felt the heavy weight of the money pouch in his hand again, he nodded and said, "Alright."
"Then it's settled." Su Ming nodded slightly, then reminded him, "However, this time we're leaving the Northern Lands, and the place we're going to might be a bit far."
"That's no problem," Rupert waved his hand casually, the purse twirling nimbly between his fingers. "Just think of it as going out to work. Once the job is done, I'll take a merchant ship back myself." A glint of anticipation flashed in his eyes. "Perfect, I'll take this opportunity to see the sights."
****
Remembering Bowers' mention of the large number of injured people, Su Ming decided to take a stroll through the infirmary.
The original living quarters of the First Construction Regiment have now been completely converted into a treatment area for the wounded. Su Ming pushed open the door and entered, the air filled with the mixed smell of disinfectant and medicine.
He saw Stacy moving between the wards, her hands casually in the pockets of her white coat, occasionally whispering instructions.
This necromancer, a rare medical Great Scholar, enjoyed high prestige among the crowd. She quickly assembled a medical team and demonstrated considerable organizational skills, arranging the complex treatment work in an orderly manner.
Su Ming couldn't help but recall the tone Zijin had used when mentioning this close friend on many occasions—no wonder she said that as long as Stacy was around, many problems could be easily solved.
Although she was never officially Titled Scholar, she already had a somewhat informal title: "Indigo Kite".
In retrospect, it certainly lives up to its name.
Stacy was so engrossed that she didn't notice Su Ming's arrival until he was right in front of her.
"Good afternoon, President Su," she greeted, a polite smile appearing on her slightly tired face.
Stacy didn't look well—life in the Divine Might Prison left indelible scars on all the necromancers. Fortunately, they only stayed there for an average of about six months; otherwise, it's hard to say how many would have survived.