Chapter 904 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 904: The Wielanders from Afar It's worth noting that when Chu Guang flipped through the "Survivor Daily" from Settlement 1, Yarman's team had not yet docked; they had just passed through the northern island of the southern seas. Due to the increasingly fierce industry competition, this branch of the newspaper scrambled for the timeliness of news, writing the headline in advance and completing the printing the night before. Over five thousand immigrants from the western part of the Central Continent—this number is almost one-twentieth of the current population of Settlement 1! Moreover, these people are Wielanders. Considering the strategic adversarial relationship between the Alliance and the Southern Legion at this moment, this large group of immigrants is inherently a hot topic, not to mention the thousand tons of gold. Not far from the docks at a breakfast stand, several dockworkers wearing hard hats clicked their tongues in surprise at the news in the paper. Some of these workers were Wielanders. Compared to other wastelanders from the eastern provinces, they were more sensitive to gold. "A thousand tons of gold... How many denars would that be?!" "At the smallest denomination, 5 grams... A thousand tons would be at least two billion!" A Wielander who had once served in the Eastern Legion couldn't help but marvel. "Damn... those people down south really are rich." In the Eastern Legion, gold was generally held by estate owners who possessed vast tracts of land. These were usually military nobility, either current Myriad Commanders who were awarded land or families with someone who served as one. In this regard, the Southern Legion indeed had some systemic advantages over the Eastern Legion. Their wealth didn’t rely on land but more on mines and factories. More than that, the Southern Legion’s gold was monopolized by Wielanders rather than by the Myriad Commanders. No wonder the merchants and emigrants from Triumph City preferred to head to the southern legion’s colonies. While these Wielanders debated how many silver coins two billion denars could be exchanged for, Henke, also wearing a hard hat, was too excited to continue breathing. Two billion denars! He was worrying about not having startup capital for his plan, and now here it was! A few months ago, he had boasted to Yarman that he would earn back the money lost at Settlement 1. However, after a few months had passed, he was still working at the docks, and his grand blueprint hadn’t even started. There’s no help for it. The Alliance Bank's risk control was too strict and entirely unfriendly to entrepreneurs like him who had ideas but lacked strength. Although he had found an honest job and restored some credit, and obtained a temporary identity, a dock job with a monthly salary of only 2000 silver coins wasn’t enough for him to secure a loan over a million silver coins to start rolling his snowball. However, just when he was at a loss, the prospect of over a thousand tons of incoming gold filled him with hope! He hurriedly put down his half-finished bowl of noodles and jogged over to his foreman, coming straight to the point. "I'd like to take a leave." This guy took leave so often that the foreman had already remembered his face. Seeing the hurried Henke, he laughed and said, "Leave? What's hurting this time?" Feeling a bit embarrassed by the foreman’s teasing but not backing down, Henke coughed lightly and said, "Cough... Did you see this morning’s headline in the 'Survivor Daily'? There’s an acquaintance of mine on that ship, and I need to entertain them." He wasn’t lying. The ship owner named Yarman was indeed his acquaintance and also his savior. The foreman paused for a moment, then couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Yet, ultimately, he didn’t say much and granted this guy named Henke a leave slip. “…I advise you to be a bit more serious about your work. At least make it to forty hours a week? If you don’t complete 168 hours this month, I’ll have to give your job to the Brolens.” Taking the leave slip from the foreman, Henke shamelessly spun a yarn. "Thank you for being so lenient. When I make it big, I’ll definitely treat you to drinks." Not taking his fibs seriously at all, the foreman grinned and said, "Just drinks? Already daydreaming, I thought you’d at least consider making me a general manager." Henke grinned back, "That’s a different matter. I must first be accountable to my investors. However, if you’re interested in switching professions, I might consider introducing you to my competitors." The foreman was stunned for a moment, then glanced at this sly fellow and jokingly scolded, "Get out of here, you ungrateful scoundrel. Don't expect another leave slip from me this month!" Waving the leave slip in his hand, Henke happily responded, "I hope so! If things work out this time, I’ll never need to bother you for leave again, and you can pass my exoskeleton on to those Brolens." Although not a big shot, Henke did once own two shiploads of arms. He never planned to work at the docks all his life. This job for him was merely transitional. ... As Henke hurried towards the passenger dock, the twelve immigrant-laden passenger ships finally sailed into the port of Settlement 1. On the deck of the "Nest of Salvation," Yarman gazed at the nearby dock with a radiant smile tinged with slight longing. Thanks to the fine weather throughout the journey, his fleet maintained an average speed of over 30 knots while crossing the Brol Sea, only slowing down at the Hundred Yue Strait. Carrying over 5,000 people on board, almost all Wielanders, he avoided docking at ports along the Brol province coast to prevent any mishaps. Because of this, they managed to arrive at Death’s Coast before the first weekend of September. To be honest, the changes here were indeed remarkable. Initially, the passenger and cargo docks were congested together. Yet, as the volume of goods handled and the flow of people increased, the docks had been sectioned into different areas based on their use. Besides this, infrastructure connected to the docks continued to be built. Such as the freight railways connected to the port warehouse sectors, the new shipping buildings and bus stops linked to the passenger docks. Yarman still remembered when this area was filled with rows of container homes. Now, roads with green belts had been established there, adorned with wooden seaside villas. Even though he regularly visited here with short intermissions between visits, every time he docked, he experienced the illusion of ages passing. While Yarman surveyed the shore, standing next to him, Kuruan was also keenly observing the scene ashore. Unlike Yarman, this was Kuruan’s first visit; he hadn’t seen what this place looked like before, hence his face didn’t show much surprise. Compared to the Evernight Port with its hundreds of thousands of people, Settlement 1 with just over a hundred thousand people seemed more like an urban-rural junction. Meanwhile, the ever-expanding port resembled a busy construction site. The living conditions here certainly couldn’t match those of Evernight Port, especially for those leaving their homeland as they had. However, that's not what mattered to him. And as a new start, it was already quite impressive. "Why do they call this place Death's Coast?" Kuruan asked curiously. Hearing Kuruan’s inquiry, Yarman answered casually, "Because… this wasn’t a good place. Even when the Iron Tower Organization was around, locals didn't easily approach. Allegedly, before the Alliance came, numerous mutant tribes of gill-and-fin kinds scattered along the coast." Kuruan expressed his surprise. "Mutants with gills and fins?" Yarman replied with a smile, "Sure. But they couldn’t stay underwater indefinitely. The nests along the coastline were mostly destroyed by the Alliance's patrol teams… They say some aquatic mutants withdrew to the pre-war era sewers, but those entrances are usually far from settlements, posing no threat to those living here." Nodding in acknowledgment, Kuruan turned his gaze to the nearby beach. Apart from jagged rocks, he could see only folded deck chairs, a few closed sun umbrellas, and scattered figures. It was morning, hence few spent time at the beach, yet he still sensed tranquil serenity as time slowed around him. It was hard to believe that place had once been a mutant nest and a battleground for the Alliance's landing forces... In Kuruan's eyes, a hint of envy subtly appeared, yet he couldn't quite articulate what exactly he envied. "…It seems the Alliance's administrators weren't lying to them; indeed, their battles have ended." Yarman's wife, Margery, was holding little Ruby's hand tightly. The latter was so excited that she was almost hanging off the deck railing. Her bright eyes, filled with curiosity, were fixated on the distant gantry crane. While such machinery wasn't rare in the Alliance, it left little Ruby astonished. She had never seen anything quite like it—a towering structure with wheels that not only adjusted its width freely but also maneuvered around the port and docks with agility. The red giant claw suspended from the frame was exceptionally nimble. With a simple extension, it lifted a massive container from the deck onto the shore. "What a huge gate!" Watching her daughter exclaim in excitement, a smile crept up Margery's lips. "That's a gantry crane." "Gantry crane?" Ruby turned her gaze towards her mother, blinking her large eyes with curiosity. Seeing her eager little one, Margery explained with a smile, "It's used for loading and unloading containers." Although she had heard of such things, it was her first time seeing them in reality. Container shipping wasn't popular in the Legion's domain; even the port of Triumph City primarily dealt with bulk goods, with the main transport lines between port warehouses and docks serviced by conveyor belts. The reason was quite straightforward: the labor cost of foreign laborers was too low, and during the Legion’s expansion pause, the docks didn't experience significant fluctuations in cargo throughput. Because of these factors, paired facilities for container shipping, like large-scale loading and unloading equipment, didn't gain popularity. Even in Legion's factories, while similar lifting technologies existed, they had not spread to other industries. "Then... why doesn't Evernight Port have them?" Ruby persisted. Gently smoothing her daughter's wind-tangled hair, Margery held her close. "That's a good question, but Mom hopes you'll think about it yourself instead of waiting for others to give you an answer." Ruby tilted her head, pondering, though such deep questions were evidently still too advanced for her. As the ship slowly approached the dock, anchoring amidst the calls of sailors, Yarman glanced at his watch before returning to his wife and daughter. "We're about to disembark. I must first go to the port authority for registration... Over five thousand immigrants. I've never transported so many at once here. Honey, you should take Ruby back to the cabin to pack our things." Margery asked, "Have you arranged a place for us to stay?" Yarman nodded. "It’s the same hotel we've used a few times; decent environment and facilities, better than the ship, at least... We’ll rest there for a few days, then find a house." He wasn't particularly worried about accommodations since he had visited enough times to be familiar with the area. What concerned him more were the 5,000 compatriots on his ship. Unlike his own migratory tendencies, this was the first time many of these people were venturing so far. Their basic needs for food and shelter were quite a concern. Nonetheless, Yarman believed the local authorities at Settlement 1 would find it more troubling than he did. Meanwhile, his next task was to discuss these matters with the authorities. "Alright, I'll follow your lead," Margery replied, giving her husband a quick peck on the cheek before heading back to the cabin with little Ruby. As he watched their figures retreat, Yarman felt a smile form, fueled by thoughts of their future life together. Just then, a familiar voice shouted from the dock nearby. "Haha, Mr. Yarman! We meet again!" Turning toward the sound, Yarman quickly spotted Henke waving from the dock. Dressed in a crisp suit, polished shoes, and hair slicked with oil that gleamed in the morning light, the Wielander from the New World seemed to have seamlessly integrated into the local lifestyle, even putting his savings towards new attire. Surprised, Yarman appraised him briefly and waved back with a grin. "Henke? Long time no see. Did you come here just to wait for me?" "Of course! I had a business appointment, but when I heard you were arriving, I immediately postponed it!" Henke raised his sleeve to glance at the time, only to recall he'd sold his watch for cash, prompting an awkward rub of his wrist before tucking his hand away. Yarman didn't notice his discomfort, more curious about the person standing next to Henke—a man resembling his partner Zhang Ze, likely also a survivor from the eastern provinces. After climbing down from the deck, Yarman embraced Henke, then turned politely toward the stranger. "And who might this be?" "I was just about to introduce you!" Henke beamed, gesturing to the person beside him. "This is Gu Ning, the local representative of Settlement 1." "Hello, Mr. Yarman, I've heard of you," the man named Gu Ning said warmly as he extended his right hand. Shaking his hand, Yarman's face registered surprise. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gu." His surprise stemmed not from Gu Ning's identity but from Henke's reason for bringing him here. Before he could inquire further, the sight of the swiftly approaching port authority manager diverted his attention temporarily. "Sorry, I have some business to attend to," Yarman said apologetically to Gu Ning. Understanding, Gu Ning replied with a graceful smile, "I understand, take care of your affairs first. We'll be here when you're ready to chat." Henke chipped in, "Business comes first. We’re in no rush." With that, Yarman nodded and headed toward the port manager. Before docking, he had contacted the port authority via radio and secured permission, which was granted by the head of the port authority, Director Sun Youcheng. However, the expression on Director Sun's face suggested complications beyond Yarman’s expectations, as he had anticipated. When Yarman approached Director Sun to exchange greetings, the latter promptly stated, "You've got trouble." Momentarily taken aback, Yarman replied, "Trouble? I had cleared everything with you before coming." Director Sun appeared uneasy, his gaze drifting sideways. "That's correct... but circumstances have changed." Change? Dreading that word, Yarman couldn't conceal his consternation and firmly stated, "I expect a full explanation. We docked here under your authorization." "That's true... but this settlement isn't just under my command." Caught off guard, Director Sun admitted his own lack of authority, adding, "Some Moonrace protesters have gathered outside city hall, holding signs. You're probably aware of why... stemming from incidents involving your compatriots." Cursing the nosy "Survivor Daily" internally, Sun knew there was little he could do. He managed the port, not the newspaper. Anticipating possible issues, he had previously convened a meeting to ensure no leaks to the media. Nonetheless, before the ship even docked, the story was headlining, complete with details on the numbers. Now city hall was flooded with protestors, and the pressure inevitably landed on him. Yarman couldn't help but defend, "But everyone on my ship is a civilian—how does that concern them? Not to mention these individuals were also victims of Legion persecution, which is precisely why they came here." Sun Youcheng looked at him sympathetically but ultimately could only sigh helplessly. "Explaining to me doesn't help. The Port Authority follows the directives of City Hall. You should be explaining to those protestors... But I must tell you, they're different from you. Many of those Moonrace people joined the Alliance a long time ago and have citizen status and political rights." Yarman was at a loss. Just as he was pondering what to do, the voice of Representative Gu Ning suddenly came from behind him. "The identity of an Alliance citizen is neither a shield for reckless actions nor a sword of superiority. Providing shelter to survivors committed to ending the wasteland era and uniting all suffering survivors—these are principles enshrined in the Alliance’s constitution. Are you going to allow our citizens to shake our foundation, Mr. Sun Youcheng?" "Ordinary people can afford to be naive and reckless, but such things shouldn't happen to someone like you." Previously, Sun Youcheng's focus had been entirely on Yarman, not noticing the local representative standing nearby. Seeing Gu Ning’s stern expression, Sun Youcheng's face twisted into a grimace. While it's vexing to upset Alliance citizens, the prospect of facing reproach from the Assembly was far more daunting. That kind of pressure was considerably greater than shouting through a window. If they truly pursued responsibility, he'd be jobless in minutes. "I didn't mean that... But what about those protestors? Do we just ignore them?" He meant it rhetorically, but didn't anticipate Gu Ning’s response—a poised demeanor that implied, "Yes, just ignore them." "They protest their protests; that is their right. You carry out your duties as prescribed, and leave the rest to me." Momentarily speechless, Sun Youcheng could do nothing but nod helplessly. "Fine... but what happens after isn't my responsibility." After all, it was the Assembly requiring him to let them pass. If the mayor questioned it later, he now had something to present. "That's not within your jurisdiction anyway." While speaking, Gu Ning turned to the now-stunned Yarman, extending a welcoming right hand with a smile. "Welcome to the Alliance. I hope any minor misunderstandings haven't made you feel mistreated." "Not at all..." Yarman, snapping back to reality, immediately took Gu Ning's hand with gratitude. "Thank you… I will explain to those Brolens myself." Gu Ning smiled, releasing his hand with a gentle wave. "There’s no need for thanks. As for mediation and clarification, that’s our job." After a brief pause, he continued. "I assume you haven't found a place to stay yet, correct?" Yarman swallowed and honestly replied, "…Indeed, while I’ve sorted my own accommodation, the vast majority onboard haven’t." "I understand the basic situation," Gu Ning nodded seriously before continuing. "The Alliance is not a wish-granting machine. We can't instantly materialize a community to house 5,000 people... but I believe we can find a solution. Would it be convenient to discuss this on your ship?" Surprised by such concern for the fate of the ship's people, Yarman felt both honored and relieved, gesturing invitingly. "Of course, please follow me!" To be continued...