Chapter 33: Build the Bunkhouses

In the vast land of Terra, massive mobile cities exist, but smaller ones also roam the icy plains. After the Great Upheaval, remnants of these smaller cities might still be found scattered across the tundra. Yet, what lies nearby can only be discovered through patrols.

After much thought, Wang Zhan decided to enact the Temporary Patrols Law once the cooldown period ended. This would unlock parts of the surrounding map to assess the situation before enacting Radical Treatment. Since he had the means to address issues safely, there was no need to risk the lives of the infected.

"Alina, has Sasha gone to the Workshop?"

While organizing the children entering the Workshop, Alina checked the numbers. "Yes, he's resting now and isn't here."

She realized something. If the law required all children to work in the Workshop, then Sasha, assigned to the Hunting Cabin, was an exception.

"Should we ask him to give up his hunting duties?"

Wang Zhan just wanted to test his theory. It seemed the laws here could be flexible in certain situations.

Why does this feel so much like reality?

"Have him come back," Wang Zhan decided. Now that the Generator's workforce was sufficient, Sasha's contributions to hunting were no longer critical. A second Hunting Cabin could easily offset the loss.

Though Sasha's efficiency boost was tempting, he was still a child and shouldn't face the dangers of hunting. The extra hands could be better utilized elsewhere.

Three infected workers patiently explained the Workshop's operations to the children and assigned tasks under Gatling's supervision. Satisfied with the harmonious scene, Alina straightened up, twitched her ears, and celebrated silently.

"Sasha is smart; he'll become a capable engineer," she said confidently.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

"I'm sure Sasha will contribute much more to the Generator," Alina smiled, her tone full of trust. "He'll repay your kindness someday."

"I see," Wang Zhan chuckled. This must mean a lot to her. "Go ahead and do what you think is right."

Alina entered the tent, and shortly afterward, the Hunting Cabin's efficiency dropped.

[We've brought Sasha back to the shelter. In the Workshop, he can learn engineering, help improve designs, and develop technologies. We hope this is the right decision—for a child's growth, it might be the best.]

Hope increased slightly, though discontent also rose. Wang Zhan frowned. Who could be unhappy about this?

It's a child, for heaven's sake!

"Alina, check with the Hunting Cabin later," Wang Zhan said. "Send Karl to gather opinions from the hunters there."

He opened the construction menu, selecting a site for a new Hunting Cabin near the existing two. After a few hours, the research on Bunkhouses was complete. It was time to fulfill another promise.

"How many idle workers do we have left?"

Wang Zhan glanced at the lower-right corner of the screen. Nine were available, but Talulah needed some to help with cargo transport.

The newly built Hunting Cabin was not yet operational, and with 15 more workers, he decided to upgrade part of the outer housing first. The remaining camps could wait until evening.

"Bunkhouses?"

According to Wang Zhan's plan, the outer camps would be upgraded first, followed by the inner ones. The six outer camps had to be completed within a day.

Alina quickly calculated the materials needed and led a group to the storage depot for supplies. Then, she headed to the Workshop to retrieve blueprints.

"Miss Alina, here are the blueprints you requested."

As soon as she entered, Gatling handed her the construction plans for the bunkhouses, complete with detailed notes.

"Thank you," Alina said, surprised. Normally, no one from the Workshop would bother with blueprints since the Generator's next project was always imminent.

But as she reached for them, Gatling hesitated, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Is something wrong?" Alina asked.

"Could you apologize to Talulah for me? My words yesterday were out of line."

Alina sighed as she finally secured the blueprints, a trace of annoyance flashing across her pale face. "She'll probably put her hands on her hips, frown, and say, 'Let him apologize himself! He should take responsibility for his own words!'"

Gatling smiled awkwardly. Her rejection was clear.

"Don't worry; Talulah isn't one to hold grudges," Alina reassured him. "If you're sincere, she'll forgive you."

"Thank you, Alina," Gatling said with a forced chuckle, both relieved and bitter.

With the blueprints in hand, Alina began overseeing the workers upgrading the bunkhouses. Unlike the old designs, these were more complex, requiring steam pipes to be installed in every room.

Though "rooms" was a stretch—thin wooden partitions provided minimal privacy, with voices still audible. Nonetheless, having personal space was a luxury compared to the usual communal sleeping arrangements.

Additionally, the steam pipes ensured warmth without the need for fires.

"Alina! Alina!"

A group of infected workers approached. "Talulah's meeting time is near, and we need to leave."

"Alright. Take it slow and stay safe," Alina instructed.

The group laughed and headed out. Exiting the Generator's canyon and the birch forest, they soon spotted the transport truck. But where were Talulah and the transport team?

And why was the white tarp on the truck disturbed?

Lifting the tarp revealed the truth. What appeared to be crates of food had only a thin layer on top—beneath it lay concealed steel materials!

"Well, this is awkward. Looks like we've been cheated," one infected muttered.

On the snowy plains outside the canyon, Talulah, panting heavily, held the transport leader by his collar, glaring fiercely.

"Why is there steel instead of food? White Eye promised me provisions, and more than half is missing!"

The leader squirmed under her grip. "Ma'am... I didn't know White Eye would do this. He's always been reliable before…"

His pitiful expression only angered Talulah further. "And the bag of Originium? Where is it?"

Trembling, the leader checked his pockets, his face twisting in panic. Tears formed in his eyes. "I... I think it's been stolen!"

"You—!"

Talulah scanned the area, but the other transport workers had vanished.

"Tell White Eye I'll settle this with him eventually!"

She dropped the leader, watching him stumble away.

---

Mobile City, Zweiburg

"White Eye, the Originium is here."

A black-furred Lupo handed over the bag. White Eye inspected the contents, his pale eyes gleaming.

"Top-notch quality."

"Won't this hurt our reputation?"

White Eye sneered, his tone leisurely. "After the storm, trust will mean nothing among the infected. Understand?"

His underling looked puzzled, but White Eye simply shook his head. "Many will die. Those who survive will trust no one."