Chapter 335: Inspector Envoy
A 3D printer…
Wu Heng was not unfamiliar with such a thing.
Before the disaster, these devices were popular for a while, serving as rapid prototyping equipment.
Many online videos showcased bloggers printing figurines or more advanced components, assembling mechanical arms, retractable blades, and similar items.
Of course, the materials were not metal but more like plastic.
Wu Heng glanced curiously at the vendor.
Searching for food and weapons made sense, but why bring out this thing? What were you thinking?
"Can this thing work without power?" Wu Heng asked.
The vendor exhaled a puff of smoke. "No."
"Then why bother hauling it out here?"
"If you want it, I can sell it cheap," the vendor replied evasively.
"How much?"
"30 kilograms of food. The printer comes with a computer and raw materials."
Wu Heng glanced at Qi Hancai, who paused, then coughed lightly and said, "The food is for winter. What's the use of this junk? If you buy it, I'll smash it for you."
The vendor took a deep drag, sensing his deal slipping away, and immediately countered, "Miss, you can't destroy a man's dream of craftsmanship, especially in the apocalypse!"
"When people can't even eat, what dream is there to talk about?"
Wu Heng added, "Two kilograms of food—it's useless without power."
He wasn't deliberately lowballing.
In the current environment, the printer was no better than trash.
"Brother, that's too low! Two kilograms is practically nothing. We worked hard to haul it here. Ten kilograms, and it's yours. What do you say?" the vendor pleaded.
"Forget it!" Wu Heng turned and started walking away.
The vendor immediately threw the offer to the ground, chasing after him. "Fine, sold! Don't leave, brother. Two kilograms, it's yours. Every man needs dreams!"
Wu Heng stopped but remained hesitant. "What about the computer and raw materials you mentioned?"
"They're in the car outside. Bring the food, and I'll have everything ready for the trade."
Wu Heng nodded. "Alright, let's trade at the entrance."
"Deal!"
They all headed out to the market entrance.
Wu Heng handed over two kilograms of flour in a plastic bag.
On the other side, the 3D printer, computer, and a large bag of raw materials were laid out.
Wu Heng handed the flour to the scruffy vendor, who even pulled out a portable scale to weigh it.
It was slightly over, and the vendor grinned widely.
"Done deal! If you run out of materials, check the shops in the trade mall—they sell these kinds of supplies," the vendor advised.
Wu Heng nodded. "Oh, alright."
They waved goodbye.
Wang Chengang and the others loaded the equipment onto their vehicle. Wu Heng and Qi Hancai continued browsing the market.
Finding nothing else they needed, they headed toward the military's ammo exchange area.
...…
They entered a building.
The exchange rates on the notice board hadn't changed.
After greeting the staff at the counter, Captain Yang Long, who had shown them around before, leisurely came down the stairs.
Seeing Wu Heng, he immediately smiled, "Ah, brother, shopping today?"
The brief time passed hadn't dulled his memory of Wu Heng.
Wu Heng returned the smile. "Captain Yang, here to buy some ammunition."
"Welcome." Yang Long stepped off the stairs. "What do you need? I'll have it prepared. We're also selling radios and headsets. See if you need any to take back."
Wu Heng glanced at him and curiously asked, "What's going on? Why the rush to sell off this stuff?"
Yang Long laughed. "Nothing major. They're just gathering dust in storage, so we thought it'd be better to put them to good use."
Wu Heng didn't entirely believe him but chose not to press further. Instead, he asked, "How many machine guns do you still have?"
"You want more?"
"Yes."
Yang Long paused, his tone regretful. "Unfortunately, we don't have many left. We can't sell you any more. But I can offer some ammunition."
"How much ammo?"
"Five hundred rounds."
"Alright, then 500 rounds and 5,000 bullets for machine guns."
Hearing the large quantity, Yang Long frowned slightly but ultimately nodded, having already promised. "Alright, I'll have it prepared."
He relayed the order via walkie-talkie.
Wu Heng waited nearby until the ammunition was ready. Together, they headed outside the market.
Just like last time, Wu Heng inspected the ammo, then had Wang Chengang and the others deliver the food.
Yang Long commented, "Brother, you seem well-stocked with food."
"We scrimped and saved to trade for ammo," Wu Heng sighed.
Yang Long glanced at the other truck covered in canvas and said, "We're recruiting survivors from all over. Have you considered joining us? I can recommend you, and once the disaster ends, you'll be well-positioned with high status and reputation."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow, sensing Yang Long's intent to recruit him.
"I can't decide for the shelter alone. I'll discuss it with everyone and let you know the next time we're here."
Yang Long nodded. "That works. I'll await good news from you."
After verifying the food and ammo, Wu Heng said, "Alright, we'll head back now. See you next time."
"See you next time."
They waved goodbye as the convoy drove off.
...…
After traveling some distance, Qi Hancai asked, "I feel like his invitation to join is all about our food."
From their trade to Yang Long's invitation.
Qi Hancai saw the underlying motivation.
They'd only met twice. The invitation couldn't stem from respect for their abilities; it was clearly about their ample food supply.
"Agreed," Wu Heng concurred.
"We don't need to join them at all. If we hand over the food, who knows how much we'd get back," Qi Hancai bluntly reminded.
These days…
Wu Heng was the leader, Qi Hancai his second-in-command.
The shelter's development was improving steadily.
Joining any faction would reduce Wu Heng to a squad leader at best, leaving those under him in an even worse position.
And that was the optimistic scenario.
If the other side took their food and resources without sharing, it'd be even worse.
Joining the military sounded promising, with prospects for the future.
But for Wu Heng, it would mean shackling himself.
Wu Heng smiled. "It was just a polite gesture. Rejecting Yang Long outright on their turf could've caused trouble."
Qi Hancai paused, realizing Wu Heng had no intention of joining. He was just being tactful to avoid potential conflict.
"I figured as much." Qi Hancai chuckled, visibly more at ease. "Next time, though, it might not be as simple."
"There won't be a next time. Once we're back, tell Zhao Yanqiu to announce the opening of our own market in the old factory zone. Lower all prices for guns and military equipment by another third."
"Understood!"
The vehicle sped toward the old factory zone.
Upon arrival, Qi Hancai assigned tasks, planning outposts and directing Zhao Yanqiu to announce the market.
Unlike the military's complex trades, they offered straightforward exchanges—goods for food.
The shelter's members were thrilled to hear about their market.
It signified that their shelter rivaled the military's, if not surpassed it in resources.
...…
While Qi Hancai was busy organizing, Wu Heng headed to the Skeletons' area, arming more of them with rifles and submachine guns.
They would serve as market guards.
Caution was essential for survival in this world.
Once everything was settled, Wu Heng returned to his quarters and entered Gold-Silver Island.
...…
Radiant Sea.
A ship sailed with the waves.
Inside a dim cabin lit by a glowing 'light stone.'
A man in a tailored suit, with a golden guild insignia on his chest, sat at a table, engrossed in a book.
Knock, knock~!
A soft knock echoed.
The guard's voice followed, "Lord Kalema, the captain is here!"
"Let him in." The man closed his book.
The door opened, and a man dressed as a merchant captain entered.
He smiled and bowed. "Greetings, Inspector Envoy Kalema."
The door shut behind him.
The captain placed a device on the ground.
An invisible barrier enveloped the room.
Kalema's eyes narrowed, a staff appearing in his hand.
"No need to be alarmed, Lord Kalema. This device isolates sound. I'm here to deliver a message," the captain explained quickly, donning a ring with an eye emblem.
A member of the Secret Cult!
Kalema's expression soured. "Didn't I tell you not to contact me during guild tasks? If I'm exposed, it'll be bad for both of us."
The captain smiled apologetically. "My lord, forgive me. The Secret Cult has an important request."
"Speak."
"On your mission to Gold-Silver Island, you need to target someone—Wu Heng."
Kalema frowned, recalling the name.
"Oh? The recently promoted Deputy Steward?"
"Yes. The Secret Cult promises generous rewards afterward."
Kalema shook his head. "Imiro is not easy to deal with. If I fail, it'll be my head on the chopping block."
The captain pressed on. "No, you only need to uncover some dirt on him and get him demoted. A necromancer can't withstand scrutiny."
Kalema's eyes narrowed.
If it was just that, it might not be too difficult.
But he still asked, "What if I find nothing?"
"Then make him slip up and have him removed."
Kalema closed his eyes, pondering. After a moment, he said, "Alright, I'll do it."
"Thank you, my lord." The captain bowed deeply, retracting the device. "I won't disturb you further. Dinner will be served shortly."
"Go."
The captain exited.
...…
Gold-Silver Island, residence.
Wu Heng descended from upstairs, finding Minnie and Andviel chatting in the living room.
Seeing him, they smiled and greeted him.
Wu Heng nodded, glancing at them. "Why hasn't Shanaila dropped by recently?"
"She's been busy. Why, Master, do you miss Sister Shanaila?" Minnie teased, linking arms with him.
"Just curious. The guild knows she's staying next door. One of my tasks is to ensure her safety," Wu Heng explained.
Minnie paused, surprised by this revelation.
"Then let's visit her for dinner!" Minnie suggested.
Wu Heng considered and agreed. "Alright, let's check on her."
"Great!"
The two women quickly got ready.
Wu Heng led them out, heading next door.