Chapter 475, Appointment as Island Lord
Myanmar.
Why does it feel like they're always trying to lure people over there?
When we set up contacts outside, they were the first to respond.
Before the outbreak, I often saw updates about that place, and I recall it being divided into government forces, independent forces, and allied forces.
Each controlled a region, and it was relatively chaotic.
"What's the factory's scale?" Wu Heng continued to ask.
Li Yanhong thought for a moment. "They didn't go into detail, but from their tone, it sounds like it's not very formal, more like a small factory."
Producing bullets is indeed the next step in development.
But given the state of development there, the factory's scale is likely just a small military facility, possibly even a small workshop.
When the time comes, we'll ride the Wyverns to check it out.
The long journey will involve considerable risk.
If it were advanced technology from a major country with a mature military factory, overcoming difficulties to get there would be worthwhile. But for Myanmar, more consideration is needed.
"Their technology is too outdated; it's not worth the trip."
"Understood." Li Yanhong didn't dwell on the topic and continued, "There are two more matters. First, the central hub is encouraging trade of surplus resources across regions. Second, the provincial rescue team replaced Vice Commander Huang yesterday and reopened discussions about trade."
"What did the province say?"
"First, they apologized for previous misunderstandings and asked us to restore the original grain price ratio."
Wu Heng asked curiously, "What misunderstanding?"
Li Yanhong smiled. "They claimed Vice Commander Liu fabricated the issue with the autocannon blueprints to facilitate trade with us. He's been removed from his position."
Well, that's a familiar way of handling things.
"So they never had autocannon blueprints in the first place?"
"They said they're preparing a military factory and are willing to share it with us in the future," Li Yanhong replied.
Military factory.
Domestic factories are more advanced but highly confidential.
I hadn't looked into such things much before.
Wu Heng pondered for a moment and said, "Find out where it's located. We'll take it over ourselves when the time comes."
"Alright. There are other shelters in the province, so gathering information shouldn't be difficult."
After discussing weapons, they talked about the base's development.
To Wu Heng, the base's progress was somewhat slow.
Recent heavy snow had also delayed work for days.
More manpower and resources would be allocated to setting up new trading outposts in other cities.
This would help acquire more gold and supplies.
After talking for a while.
Wu Heng didn't stay overnight.
He returned to his dorm, opened the portal, and stepped through.
...
Gold-Silver Island.
At dinner, Shanaila, dressed in a long gown, also sat at the table.
She took small bites and glanced to the side. "Why was no one home yesterday?"
Wu Heng explained, "Enemies came to the island yesterday, so I took Minnie to the Guild during the day."
Hearing about enemies.
Shanaila's expression immediately grew serious.
After all, the pirate issue wasn't entirely resolved, and now there were new enemies.
"Were they captured?"
"No worries, they've been dealt with. One was killed, and there's no more danger," Wu Heng said with a smile.
Shanaila gave him a reproachful glare. "And you didn't tell me?"
Wu Heng held her hand under the table. "I didn't want you to worry. Plus, the enemies were high-level and mainly targeting me. If they knew I'd sent someone to you, they might have dragged you into it."
"Who'd believe that?"
"Even the Steward got involved. It was dangerous, and I truly feared for you," Wu Heng explained.
Hearing that Imiro had taken action, Shanaila realized the severity of the situation.
That meant the enemies were at least Level 15, likely approaching Level 18.
"So serious? Next time, let me know if there's danger. Maybe I can help."
"Alright."
They held hands under the table, eating with one free hand. "Has the Guild's appointment been finalized yet?"
"Not yet. It should come in the next couple of days."
"I probably won't be here to see it." Shanaila sipped her fruit wine. "The Starflower fleet will dock tomorrow with the goods you ordered. I'll leave with them."
"Where to?"
Shanaila glanced at him. "Back to the Wood Elves. The tribe isn't happy I've been away for so long, so I need to visit."
Wu Heng frowned slightly.
A normal visit shouldn't be an issue.
But Shanaila's tone felt somewhat serious.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, just some complaints about me. The trade group will also undergo adjustments," Shanaila said.
"If anything happens, let me know. I'll help however I can."
Shanaila smiled. "Alright."
After chatting and finishing dinner.
They trained in the courtyard before returning to their rooms to rest.
...
Morning, at the port.
The Starflower fleet slowly docked.
Compared to before, the fleet now had more and better-trained guards.
Wu Heng briefly checked the cargo in the ship's hold.
He stored everything in his spatial ring.
With the pirates he'd defeated, he now had several large spatial rings.
Using multiple rings, he managed to store all the goods he'd ordered.
In a private cabin.
Shanaila sighed softly. "I'm leaving with the fleet today. Please look after my place while I'm gone."
Wu Heng nodded and retrieved a fixed-frequency radio and portable solar charger from his spatial ring. "Take these. Charge this with the solar panel and connect it here to contact me. If you're in danger, let me know."
Shanaila had seen solar panels before.
During a certain period, they had to walk on rooftops daily, carefully avoiding them.
Wu Heng had explained their purpose, so she understood to some extent.
Shanaila listened carefully, confirmed she knew how to use them, and put them away.
"Will you miss me?" Shanaila cupped his face, gazing at him with reluctance.
"I will." Wu Heng wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her deeply.
They held each other tightly, their breaths mingling.
After a moment of passionate kissing.
A knock came at the door, and the housekeeper's voice followed.
"Madam, the fleet's steward requests your presence."
The two separated.
"I'll go now," Shanaila said.
She adjusted her clothes and added, "Alright, I'm leaving. I'll return in a while."
"Good. Don't leave again when you return."
Shanaila lightly tapped him. "You're such a kid. Don't tell me you're falling for me for real?"
Wu Heng gently wiped a trace of moisture from her lips. "I'm not the only one falling, am I?"
Shanaila looked up at him with deep affection. "Me too."
...
The Starflower fleet slowly departed.
Wu Heng watched from the port for a while before taking a carriage back home.
He did feel reluctant about Shanaila leaving.
But she had her own responsibilities as the head of a racial trade guild, with a position far above his.
He couldn't truly keep her as a personal maid, just to stay with him.
Everyone has their own path to follow.
Calling for a carriage.
Wu Heng returned home.
After greeting Minnie, he went up to the fourth floor and delivered the goods to the Zombie World.
Establishing outposts in various cities.
These supplies were essential for the plan.
...
The next day, at the Guild.
In the Steward's study.
Imiro sat across the table while Wu Heng and Sheila Grey sat on a nearby sofa. Assistant Moya prepared tea for them.
Imiro flipped through some documents, glanced at them, and spoke in his usual calm tone, "The Guild's appointments have arrived. Although you're both Deputy Stewards, your performances have been exceptional, and both of you are being promoted."
The appointments were here!
Wu Heng's expression turned serious.
Sheila Grey looked hopeful.
Matters on Gold-Silver Island were indeed complex.
Wu Heng had defeated the pirate reinforcements, clearing much of the Emerald Sea's pirates, and killed the former island lord.
Such accomplishments could grant control over the island in a city war.
However, Wu Heng's actions had been carried out as a Deputy Steward.
These were considered impromptu Guild tasks.
No matter how outstanding his performance, the Guild would still decide how to evaluate it.
This was why Shanaila had coordinated with the trade guilds to support Wu Heng and highlight his contributions in this battle.
Imiro didn't keep them in suspense, taking out two badges with distinct designs and placing them opposite the two. "Wu Heng's Deputy Steward position is revoked, and he is appointed as the Island Lord of Gold-Silver Island. He is also appointed as the Guild's Standard Bearer."
Wu Heng felt a surge of joy.
The Guild had officially handed Gold-Silver Island over to him.
Sheila Grey glanced at him in surprise.
He had been directly made Island Lord.
The entire island was now his.
Wu Heng expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for the Guild's trust and your support, Steward."
"You deserve it," Imiro replied, pushing the badge toward him. "Keep the Standard Bearer badge safe."
Wu Heng examined it.
It had a golden base, with intricate carved patterns of the Guild's emblem and a blue flag motif in the center.
Imiro continued, "Sheila Grey is promoted to Steward of Gold-Silver Island. Effective immediately, she is in charge of all Guild operations on the island."
Both of their brows furrowed.
Sheila Grey immediately asked, "Steward, what about you?"
"I will be reassigned to headquarters. I was never meant to hold the Steward position here," Imiro replied softly.
Wu Heng thought for a moment. "Steward, if you leave, what will we do if someone attacks?"
Gold-Silver Island wasn't like Rentam City; even casual opponents here could be high-level Professionals.
Especially since they had recently clashed with members of the Divine Punishment Sect.
"Most pirates have been cleared out. You two are enough to defend the island," Imiro said.
"What about the Divine Punishment Sect?"
"The headquarters will handle them. They won't dare step onto the island lightly."
The two wanted to say more but held back.
Both had been promoted, and Imiro, as the island's Steward, undoubtedly had better opportunities awaiting him.
They couldn't force him to stay just for the island's safety.
Nor could they.
Wu Heng then asked, "Steward, what does the Standard Bearer position entail?"
Moya served tea to the three.
"The Guild manual explains it. Seems you haven't read it," Imiro remarked. He continued, "The Standard Bearer represents the Guild in a designated region, overseeing related operations, conveying the Guild's key ideologies, and guiding its development direction."
Wu Heng frowned in thought.
Conveying ideologies and development direction.
This placed him in more of an administrative role, separate from the Guild's field envoys.
But that was fine too.
He didn't like patrolling or working regular hours at the Guild anyway.
"What is my designated region?"
"The surrounding archipelago and coastal areas," Imiro said.
Wu Heng asked again, "Who was the previous Standard Bearer?"
"Me," Imiro replied.
Wu Heng froze, tempted to ask why Imiro had held two positions but decided against it.
"Understood."
Imiro added, "Your merit rewards will be delivered later. Sheila Grey, keep an eye out for the new Deputy Steward appointments."
"Understood."
"I'll stay on the island for a few more days. If there's anything you don't understand, come find me."
Imiro explained things thoroughly.
He wanted to ensure they didn't mess things up.
It couldn't be helped—Wu Heng had been promoted multiple times within a year and wasn't familiar with the Guild's workings.
Meanwhile, Sheila Grey had only recently come of age among the elves and wasn't very knowledgeable either.
He had to cover everything.
...
After leaving the Steward's office.
Wu Heng and Sheila Grey walked silently down the corridor.
Wu Heng glanced at the gloomy Sheila Grey. "Imiro's reassignment is a promotion. He'll enjoy better conditions at headquarters. We should be happy for him."
Sheila Grey forced a smile. "I know, but it's just sad to part ways so suddenly."
"We can write him letters or visit headquarters if we get the chance."
"Alright," Sheila Grey nodded, wiping her tears.
"Alright, stop crying. We've both been promoted, and that's good news." Wu Heng opened his arms.
Sheila Grey leaned against his chest, sobbing softly.
Wu Heng gently patted her shoulder. "You're a Steward now. Stewards don't cry."
"What if I'm not good at it?"
"That won't happen. You've seen the other Stewards—they're far worse than you." Wu Heng reassured her.
"You'll help me, won't you?"
"Of course. We promised to support each other."
"Okay."
From a side corridor came the sound of conversation and footsteps.
Sheila Grey wiped her tears and slipped into her office.
Wu Heng headed to his own office.
...
Returning to his study.
Andviel was organizing files.
Seeing Wu Heng enter, she smiled. "Master."
"Veil, pack up. We're going home."
"Pack up? Go home?"
"The Guild appointments are finalized. I'm now the Island Lord. I won't need to come to the Guild for work anymore," Wu Heng explained.
Andviel froze for a moment before beaming. "You really became the Island Lord! Sister Shanaila's plan worked after all."
Wu Heng added, "Pack up. We're leaving today."
"Alright."
Andviel gathered all their belongings.
Together, they left the Guild.
...
Picking up Minnie.
The three of them headed to the Island Lord's estate.
Though not abandoned, it was guarded by the Guild's watchmen and uninhabited.
The estate was surrounded by tall, sturdy stone walls, with a black iron gate adorned with intricate designs, resembling a small fortress.
After informing the guards.
They entered the estate, finding a spacious courtyard with a long, narrow fountain leading up to the stone castle.
"Wow, this Island Lord sure knows how to live. This place is nicer than our tribe's chieftain's house," Minnie exclaimed.
Andviel added, "Your chieftain's level is much lower. Comparing him to an 18-level Professional is meaningless."
Minnie paused, then retorted, "You're a tribal young chief too. Now that Master lives here, you'll stay here as well."
"Only because I'm with Master."
Wu Heng put his arms around both of them. "Let's go inside. We might need to redecorate."
The group headed toward the castle.