Chapter 690, Satellite
If local chaos or danger arose, the Steward and Professional squads were allowed to leave.
They didn't have to stay behind and die.
The Guild didn't interfere in local politics, nor did it go down with a city.
When Rentam City was attacked by the Warhammer Party, the local Steward, Deputy Steward, even squad members disappeared.
They didn't return until several days after the conflict ended.
Today's situation might be the same.
If the Guild received no news of the Steward's death, and there were no clues, would they assume he left during the chaos?
After enough time, with no body and no news, the matter would quietly fade away.
Everyone in the room squinted slightly, understanding Wu Heng's meaning.
"Catch the City Lord for questioning?" the dwarf suggested.
"You need at least some evidence. You can't just arrest a city's ruler," the cleric replied.
Knock knock knock~!
The door knocked again, followed by a squad member's voice. "Elder, dinner is ready."
"Let's eat first. We'll discuss the rest later."
Everyone left the room.
The cleric tested the food for poison and purified it. They began eating dinner together.
On the fleet, cargo ships and escort vessels had their own kitchens and skeletal chefs—no need to deliver food.
It also reduced the risk of outsiders approaching the fleet.
After everyone finished dinner—
Dormitories were arranged, and Wu Heng returned to his room early.
......
In the dormitory—
Wu Heng took out the radio and began setting it up.
After tuning the frequency, he said, "Minnie, this is Wu Heng. Any issues on Gold-Silver Island?"
After speaking, Wu Heng used [Mansion Spell] to summon a skeletal investigator and had it sit in front of the radio to monitor transmissions.
The skeleton had just sat down when a voice came through. "Master, have you arrived there?"
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow. Minnie was fast.
The radio on Gold-Silver Island was also manned by skeletons. Normally, the maids only checked it once in the morning and evening, not constantly.
"We've arrived in Netare City. Don't worry."
"That's great."
"How's Gold-Silver Island?" Wu Heng asked.
Minnie said, "Everything's fine. There were a few problems after you left, but Steward Sheila Grey handled them."
Sheila Grey was quite capable.
"What about Shanaila?"
"More and more people are buying goods from the island. Sister Shanaila delivers several crates of gold coins daily," Minnie replied, then added, "Oh, and she said once you're back, she wants to hold a second auction. The venue is being rebuilt."
"Let her handle it," Wu Heng nodded.
"Master, has the case been solved?" Minnie asked.
Wu Heng replied, "Not yet. It's not an easy investigation."
Then came Robey's voice. "Master, did you miss us?"
"I did. I even dreamed about you."
Then Annette's voice followed. "Master, stay safe. Philipa can be careless. Take care of yourself."
"I will. You all stay safe too. I'll be back soon."
"Understood, Master," the three maids answered together.
"I've stationed a skeleton by the radio. Contact him if needed."
"Okay."
"That's all for now. I have things to handle."
The maids responded, and Wu Heng ended the transmission.
......
After sitting for a bit—
Glenda flew in from outside.
"How is it?" Wu Heng asked.
Glenda replied, "The City Lord is in his 40s, a level 16 Professional. He summoned the city's guards and officials and told them not to provoke the Guild.
The barracks houses many troops. One of them is a level 18 Professional—likely a Fist Master. The army has made no move since you arrived."
Level 18—Wu Heng's eyes narrowed.
A Professional of such level stationed in the military.
He remembered a corpse in the graveyard had mentioned that Netare City couldn't win against the invading army.
Then reinforcements came and held the city.
That must be this level 18 Professional.
If he had been in the city before, they wouldn't have lost so badly.
"Anything suspicious?" Wu Heng asked.
Glenda replied, "Nothing major. Neither the City Lord nor the level 18 officer mentioned the Guild much. The only odd thing is the level gap—after level 18, the next highest is level 12, then lower."
Wu Heng nodded. "Keep an eye on it later."
"Alright."
"Come back. Let's check the Zombie World," Wu Heng said.
Glenda nodded and entered his body.
Wu Heng locked the door, opened a Realm Gate, and stepped inside.
......
Zombie World.
Exiting the gate, Wu Heng walked to the window and opened it.
Letting in fresh air.
Outside were patrolling skeleton squads and busy survivors. In the distance, children played soccer on a platform.
Looks like more survivors had arrived.
He picked up a radio and called Qi Hancai.
Soon, footsteps approached. Qi Hancai entered, wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt.
"Boss!" Qi Hancai greeted with a smile.
Though their relationship had deepened, she still called him Boss.
"Did the Korean rescue team come?" Wu Heng asked.
Before leaving, Qi Hancai had mentioned the Korean rescue team.
"Yes. They brought a modernized army—looked impressive," she replied.
"What did they say?"
Qi Hancai took a notebook from her pocket, flipped it open, and said, "They said two things. First, they wanted us out of their country. They spouted a lot about national sovereignty and the UN Charter. I didn't understand it, so I refused.
Second, they wanted us to control the skeletons so there'd be no conflict and maintain peace. They plan to discuss land return with you later.
Third, food exchange. They seem to know our domestic situation and offered weapons in exchange for food. I refused that too—our food supplies are tight.
The last was about satellite sharing. They want to lease satellite access to us for communication, positioning, and imagery."
Wu Heng frowned at the last one.
"Satellites? Those still work?"
"According to them, yes. They can still function and provide utility," Qi Hancai answered.
That was surprising.
Satellites still working—and usable by others.
Wu Heng asked, "What are the lease terms?"
"They'll discuss and contact us via radio."
Qi Hancai closed her notebook.
"Ask about the terms first. Let's see if it's useful to us."
"Okay!" she nodded, then added, "We've also made some progress here."
Wu Heng poured two glasses of water, placing one in front of her. "What progress?"
"Gao Rong has begun trial production of an artillery shell line. Finished products may be ready soon."
"Good news," Wu Heng nodded.
Gao Rong's efficiency was high.
First rifles, now shells—remarkably fast.
Qi Hancai smiled and added, "Li Yanhong's sister, remember she took over a pharmaceutical factory? She wants a few alchemy skeletons sent to test if they can make pills or capsules."