Chapter 103: Anomaly!

Crazy! These people are all crazy!

In Xuanwu City's Finance Department, Sun Hao gazed at the newest trade statistics that had come in; the face that always wore a simple, honest smile was now full of astonishment.

He rubbed his eyes hard, thinking that days of intense work had made his vision blurry.

Director Han, quick look! This… this has only been a month! These small and medium shelters, in order to trade for our food, have literally emptied their reserves!

Sun Hao handed the report to Han Ya, who was patrolling nearby; his voice trembled slightly from excitement.

Han Ya took the report, her gaze falling on the astonishing numbers, and a flicker of surprise crossed her cold eyes.

But she quickly regained her composure and said lightly:

Isn't this normal? If it were you, with the chance to trade those seemingly useless energy crystals for food, what would you choose?

That's what you say...

Sun Hao smacked his lips, looking at the endless line of vehicles outside, and couldn't help but sigh,

If they keep trading like this, I estimate it won't be long before all of Suchen's energy crystals flow into our Xuanwu City's coffers.

They have no choice.

Han Ya's gaze drifted to the distance, her tone carrying an inexplicable meaning,

Xuanwu City is only staying in Suchen for six months, and two months have already passed. For them, little time remains. Once we leave, they won't be able to trade anymore.

Her words hit the nail on the head.

The leaders of all the shelters in Suchen, big and small, understand this better than anyone.

Xuanwu City will only stay in Suchen for six months; they must seize this limited time, at any cost, to stockpile enough food for their shelters.

To that end, they almost went mad, organizing their finest personnel to go out day and night to exterminate mutant beasts.

Although they know it's dangerous, each sortie could cost them blood.

But they have no alternative.

……

City Lord's Manor.

How beautiful!

Lin Yue gazed out the window at the wasteland glowing golden in the sunset, and couldn't help but exclaim.

This once-steel ruin has, in his hands, sprouted new life.

But to him, the sky here is ultimately too small.

Well, at least he should first travel across this planet.

City Lord, your tea has gone cold.

Han Ya's clear, cold voice came from behind; she held a pot of freshly brewed hot tea, walked to Lin Yue's side, and refilled his cup.

Then she reported to Lin Yue what had happened in Suchen during this period.

After hearing Han Ya's report, Lin Yue's face showed no surprise; he merely gave a faint smile.

City Lord, these shelters in Suchen have truly gone mad during this time!

Han Ya couldn't help but say.

Hehe, people die for wealth, birds die for food.

Lin Yue sat back on the sofa, picked up the clear tea before him, and took a slow sip.

Han Ya, what do you think our Xuanwu City is lacking most right now?

He suddenly asked.

What's most lacking?

Han Ya paused, then answered without hesitation:

Of course, it's people.

Our Xuanwu City's population base is still too small. Whether agricultural production, industrial manufacturing, or city defense, all require a large population to sustain. With our current population of over two thousand, maintaining normal operations has already begun to feel strained.

Especially during this period, City Lord, you opened trade between Xuanwu City and the major shelters of Suchen, making this phenomenon even more obvious!

What you say is correct.

Lin Yue nodded in approval.

Han Ya's growth rate far exceeds his imagination.

She is no longer the girl who only knew how to wield a short dagger; she now possesses the strategic vision a qualified manager should have.

However, the 'wool' of Suchen has pretty much been sheared clean by us.

Lin Yue set down his teacup, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint smile.

Now the daily transaction volume is under fifty; staying longer would be pointless.

Han Ya's heart stirred at the words; she probed,

City Lord, do you mean… we're leaving?

Hmm.

Lin Yue nodded, his gaze deepening.

The dozens of oceanic behemoths in the coastal region, comparable to fourth-rank Black Tortoises, hang over his heart like a Sword of Damocles.

Although current intel suggests those beasts cannot land, Lin Yue never dares to stake his safety on such uncertainty.

He is extremely afraid of death.

Moreover, each of those dozens of beasts possesses terrifying strength comparable to a fourth-rank Black Tortoise.

Even though Xuanwu has now evolved to fourth rank, he might handle one or two, but if besieged by dozens… the consequences are unimaginable.

Furthermore, Suchen can no longer provide him with more energy points.

Continuing to stay would yield returns far outweighed by the risk.

It's time to leave!

Beep—beep—beep!

Suddenly, a sharp alarm rang!

Lin Yue's brow furrowed sharply as he looked toward Han Ya beside him!

Han Ya understood instantly and immediately left the City Lord's mansion.

Soon she returned, holding a satellite phone in her hand!

The Suchen Refuge sent urgent intelligence!

She said this and handed over the satellite phone she was holding.

City Lord Lin! Something big has happened!

Zhao Weiguo's hoarse voice came from the phone.

Those... those monsters... they've come ashore!

What?!

Lin Yue's heart jumped violently!

Almost at the same time, the real-time coastal footage was also displayed on the screen.

Dozens of terrifying monsters, each nearly a kilometer in size and resembling prehistoric sea beasts, were heading toward Suchen.

Behind them was a huge number of low-level Mutant Beasts.

This sudden aberration completely threw off all of Lin Yue's plans!

City Lord Lin!

Zhao Weiguo's voice, somewhat solemn, spoke:

I, representing the Three Major Shelters of Suchen and all its survivors, ask you to let Black Tortoise intervene and stop these Mutant Beasts outside the city!

Of course, we won't let you work for nothing; as long as you act, I decide—Suchen will provide ten thousand first-tier Energy Crystals as payment for Black Tortoise's action!

City Lord Lin, what do you think?!

Although Zhao Weiguo hadn't yet obtained consent from the other shelters, he promised to pay Lin Yue ten thousand first-tier Energy Crystals as compensation!

But he now has no choice; only Black Tortoise can help them, and every minute delayed adds another minute of danger to Suchen.

He could only act first and seek approval later!

When Lin Yue heard Zhao Weiguo willing to pay ten thousand first-tier Energy Crystals for Black Tortoise's action, his pupils suddenly contracted!

He truly hadn't expected Suchen to still have so many first-tier Energy Crystals!

Originally he thought he would leave Suchen in these two days.

But now...

The temptation of ten thousand first-tier Energy Crystals is simply too great!

That equals one hundred thousand energy points!

As the saying goes, seek wealth in danger!

Let's do it!

PS: New book, please urge updates and collect!