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Chapter 527, Conditions
"That high?"
He didn't know much about compound bows, only that they were improvements over traditional bows.
He hadn't expected the improvement to be this significant—more than five times greater. Plus, with this world's bowstrings being more resilient and powerful, the overall effect was even better.
"Let's go test it outside."
Wu Heng grabbed the compound bow and went outside with Minnie.
Aiming at a distant wooden target, he nocked the arrow and drew the bowstring. As he pulled, a force from the wheel mechanism provided assistance, making it easier to achieve a full draw.
Whoosh~!
He released the string, and the arrow shot forward with a whistle.
With a thud, it embedded itself into the iron plate on the wooden target.
Wu Heng looked at the compound bow's performance in surprise.
He had used ordinary bows and strong crossbows before. And after selecting suitable bows and crossbows for the Skeleton Army, he had studied them for a while.
He had gained some knowledge.
This compound bow combined the portability and speed of bows with the power of crossbows.
And not just ordinary crossbows—it rivaled high-quality ones.
"How is it?" Minnie, holding a quiver, asked from the side.
"Not bad, better than expected."
"Those skeletal mechanics tested it with ordinary skeletons for several days. Several wooden targets have already been smashed." Minnie complained.
"Proof that success comes from countless experiments."
Minnie laughed, playing along. "Master, you're so knowledgeable."
Wu Heng handed the compound bow to her and said as he walked back, "Minnie, when the final product is ready, order more materials, plenty of them."
Minnie nodded. "How many do you want?"
"Let's start with five thousand sets."
"Got it. I'll go right now."
"Okay."
They returned to the house, and Wu Heng went upstairs.
Minnie, meanwhile, called two others and took a carriage to Lighthouse Street to order the compound bow parts.
The compound bow components were separated into parts.
The wheel assembly and precise parts were made using lathes and mechanical processes in the Zombie World, while the bow limbs and strings were ordered from this world.
The bow limbs and strings came in different strengths, especially the strings, which were made from the tendons of magical beasts, making them more durable.
Producing components in two different places also prevented the design from being leaked.
It was a form of confidentiality protocol.
...…
Wu Heng headed to the radio room.
He glanced over the records from the various radio transmissions.
Only a record from 'Shanaila' had left him a message.
Wu Heng picked it up and read it, his brow furrowing.
「Last night, I attended a noble's ball and met my best friend 'Tadai.' She's changed so much, almost unrecognizable.」
「I mentioned you to her but didn't reveal your identity. I only talked about our secret meetings and the promises we made. You know how these married noblewomen are—they love this kind of thing.」
Well, that's great.
Talking about everything while out and about, huh?
「I also saw my husband in name only. We exchanged greetings, and he mentioned this matter to me. He's quite the gentleman—on the surface, at least. You probably wouldn't understand.」
The first section ended.
Then came the second section.
The skeleton investigator's note didn't have a date but was likely after the ball.
Or the following day.
「The Council of Elders' investigation results are back. Because of you, Gold-Silver Island's performance has multiplied several times in just two months.」
「They've made some demands. I'm not sure what to do, so let's discuss it when you have time.」
That was the end of the message.
It needed to be discussed with him!
Without further thought, he picked up the microphone and said, "Shanaila, are you there?"
Wu Heng called a few times, and just when he thought she wasn't there, a yawning sound came through. "I'm here, just feeling a bit groggy."
"Sis, you're still sleeping?" Wu Heng was speechless.
Did she really have to maintain her late-night habits?
"What else should I do if I don't sleep? There's nothing else to do," Shanaila replied irritably.
"Alright, you're the rich lady. Whatever you say."
"I'm not that rich anymore."
Wu Heng continued, "What did you mean by the conditions they mentioned? What are they based on?"
Shanaila's tone grew serious.
"Conditions for my freedom."
"Explain in detail."
"They've found out that you're my man. This time, they confirmed it, knowing that the largest orders from Gold-Silver Island were made by you. In just a short time, Starflower made a lot of money. They want to continue these deals—in simple terms, they want your money."
Discovering Wu Heng's identity wasn't surprising.
The wood elves had already found traces earlier. Now, they had further confirmation.
Wu Heng didn't intend to hide anything.
His relationship with Shanaila was genuine love, though her identity was special.
"What do you mean? Put it simply."
Shanaila took a deep breath. "After bargaining with them, their final condition is that if we maintain cooperation with Starflower for the next three years, they'll let me go."
Wu Heng frowned and thought for a moment.
Last time, when the island's governor placed orders, Starflower wasn't chosen. Could this be related?
"Starflower needs that little bit of money, using you as a bargaining chip?"
"Starflower is about profits, and the business situation isn't great. Besides, they'd release me eventually. I haven't harmed the tribe or the consortium. What can they do—execute me over personal matters?" Shanaila said.
"Cooperation is fine. What kind of cooperation are we talking about?" Wu Heng asked.
"Over the next three years, we need to maintain orders of at least 200,000 gold and uphold the trade caravan's benefits." Shanaila explained.
200,000 gold wasn't that much.
He had already spent close to that on weapons and equipment.
Seeing the silence, Shanaila sounded a bit down. "It's okay. They'll release me eventually, and I'll figure out a way back."
Wu Heng snapped back. "I agree. I'm not comfortable with you staying there."
"It makes me happy that you care, but you've just become an island governor. Don't waste money on this," Shanaila said softly.
"What are you saying? Get up and go negotiate with those old men now. I agree—let them release you immediately."
"Really?"
"Of course. I'll arrange for someone to pick you up. Just get back first," Wu Heng said.
Orders wouldn't be an issue—he still needed to purchase large quantities of supplies.
Especially food from the wood elves. Even when spring arrived, the food problem might not be solved.
Plus, as time passed, the food gathered from outside had started to spoil.
He needed large-scale purchases.
He also required white gunpowder, copper, lead, and other resources to meet their demands.
And Starflower was indeed a large consortium.
Their transportation speed was faster.
Shanaila's laughter had a hint of tears. "You, little man, suddenly seem so dependable."
"What are you saying? It sounds like a compliment, but also strange."
"I'm complimenting you. I'll go talk to them now. I'll inform you if there's any news."
"Alright, negotiate boldly. I've got your back."
"Okay!"
The conversation ended, and they hung up.
Wu Heng leaned against the table, thinking about the wood elves.
Money could solve many problems, even getting her released early.
Shanaila had to be brought back. Their relationship wasn't just romantic—she had played a significant role in him becoming the island governor.
She was highly capable when it came to managing relationships.
He wouldn't ignore her over something like this.
...…
The Ekow Kingdom, a small coastal town.
In a dim underground room, rows of black-robed figures knelt silently on the floor, murmuring prayers with devoted, focused gazes.
At the front of the room stood a figure in a black robe, holding a wooden staff and a brown book. His deep, compelling voice led the group in prayer.
Just then, a soft knock came at the door.
The figure with the wooden staff glanced back and signaled for the group to continue, then stepped out to open the door.
Several figures were waiting outside.
One of them was a rogue in leather armor, stationed as a lookout.
"What is it?" the black-robed figure asked in a deep voice.
The lookout bowed respectfully. "Honored Guardian, the bishop has sent someone over. He requests your presence."
Someone sent by the bishop?
"Lead the way."
The rogue led him to a room.
The door opened to reveal several unfamiliar figures.
One man sat, while the other four stood by his side.
"Who are you?" the Guardian asked.
The man at the table turned, removed his hood, and revealed a shrunken, withered face.
The others behind him also removed their hoods, revealing skeletal attendants with flaming soul fires.
"I am Solveig. You've probably heard of me," the seated man said in a hoarse voice.
The Guardian's eyes narrowed as he recalled the name.
Solveig of the Death Church, responsible for punishing traitors and eliminating high-level threats to the church.
"Knight Solveig."
The Guardian nodded, carefully choosing his words. "The people we sent out were killed by the steward and island governor of Gold-Silver Island. Now, guilds everywhere have issued warrants against us."
Solveig asked, "On what charges?"
"Cult activities and human sacrifices."
"Accurate, huh." Solveig chuckled and continued, "Tell me about the people on Gold-Silver Island. Wasn't it a haven for pirates?"
"The pirates were wiped out by the guild. Now, the island governor is a... respected necromancer, and the steward is an elven swordsman," the rogue replied.
"A necromancer can be an island governor?" the man was puzzled.
"That's what the intelligence says."
"What level are they?"
"Both of them were promoted from deputy stewards, so they shouldn't be high-level."
"Deputy stewards—that means level 12." Solveig stroked his chin in thought. "Owning a small island could be beneficial to the church."