Chapter 66 Biological Weapons <TOC> Chapter 68 Having Hands is Enough
Translator: SumTLMan
The Electronic Rat on the table was unremarkable in appearance, yet it led the local Sand Rats to build a vast underground city, breeding and manufacturing a Stinging Antlion defense line. They were the underground controllers of this region.
The Claw Boar clans that slaughtered Sand Rats were not unjustly killed.
Zhou Yi was very interested in the details of breeding Stinging Antlions.
“What do you use to feed the Stinging Antlions? They are quite sizable.”
Nemo had nothing to hide: “The newly transformed Stinging Antlions are not large in size. Most of the time, they are asleep. We move them to the planned underground areas for placement.”
“We regularly feed them there, including various fruits and insects, as well as some rotten corpses we find. When they grow to a certain size, they need more food.”
“Sometimes we take risks by luring Claw Boars, Red-Eyed Vultures, and Forest Sheep from the north into the Stinging Antlion hunting area. Hunting Light Absorber species helps the Stinging Antlions grow faster.”
Zhou Yi thought to himself: “These fellows are still messing around.”
Nemo continued: “Stinging Antlions have blocked the possibility of humans coming in large numbers from the west. Although the people here have also built settlements, the level of threat has significantly decreased.”
“But rainfall is decreasing, storms are becoming more severe, and the lack of water and soil fertility has led to a continuous reduction in plant life. Compared to the deterioration of the overall environment, the regional desertification caused by Stinging Antlions is just a minor issue.”
“Humans are merely outsiders; they can leave here, and the Claw Boars might return to the northwest regions. But this is the home I have survived for hundreds of winters; I have nowhere else to go.”
Nemo remained silent for a moment: “Whether we like it or not, we must find a way to transform the environment and adapt to the new era.”
It moved its forelimbs, gently gesturing on the table: “After investigation and experimentation, I have devised two plans.”
“The first is to disperse the population, allowing Sand Rats to spread out to each human settlement centered around Sand Port. By obtaining rotten human food or stealing a small portion of human-stored grains, we can maintain the basic survival of the colony.”
“This will greatly alleviate our food problems.”
Speaking of theft strategies, Nemo was very candid: “Cutting costs can give us precious time to achieve our real goal, which is the second strategy.”
“I plan to spend a hundred winters transforming this entire land, so we need to build a sufficiently large underground pipeline system. We will divert water from the northern forest areas and rivers from the south behind the Mushroom Forest to restore moisture to the oasis, then extract volcanic ash from the volcano. Through underground transportation, we will restore soil fertility to expand the oasis.”
This Yu Gong-like courage and strong execution impressed Zhou Yi.
“Unfortunately.”
Nemo’s voice suddenly became somewhat low: “Although we have made a lot of preparations and overcome numerous difficulties, facing nature, the strength of the Sand Rats is limited.”
“Before this winter arrived, a large number of laboring Sand Rats were suddenly massacred by the Claw Boars, with total deaths exceeding 7,000. This had never happened before.”
“All along, the Claw Boars have been slaughtering Sand Rats either as supplementary food or to train their young for hunting. Sand Rats are just ordinary animals with very limited attraction to Light Absorber species.”
“In the north, the Claw Boars couldn’t capture enough Forest Sheep, and with increasing tribal competition, they also had to face threats from human hunting groups. Under high pressure, they became crazy, venting their stress by slaughtering Sand Rats.”
“In the past, we always avoided and remained silent because opposing higher class Light Absorbers would come at a great cost. But this time is different.”
The Electronic Rat spoke with determination and clarity: “This battle was not my decision but the collective will of all Sand Rats.”
“No matter the sacrifice, they will avenge and retaliate for their fallen comrades. They are willing to fight strong enemies anywhere——whether it’s the plains, high mountains, rivers, or deserts. They are willing to sacrifice themselves and take on any roles such as death soldiers, repair workers, scouts, and more. They will fight the enemy at all costs until they finally achieve victory!”
This was something Zhou Yi had not expected.
Naturally timid Sand Rats restrained their instinctual fears and united the entire colony to fight back against previously invincible opponents. This was already a semblance of wisdom and civilization.
Nemo said: “I only followed their voices to formulate specific plans.”
Zhou Yi knew most of what was to come.
The Sand Rats poisoned their enemies, causing many members of the Claw Boar clans to lose their combat effectiveness.
Next, inside the Dead Sea Volcano, they used pre-prepared underground sulfur dust to explode, significantly reducing the remaining Claw Boars with combat capability.
In this process, over 500 Sand Rats were sacrificed.
There was another thing Zhou Yi did not know.
“We also have a group of Sand Rats. When the Claw Boars mature and attack here, we will dig open their nesting caves, exposing them to the open environment. Red-Eyed Vultures will hunt those young, and they won’t survive the winter.”
Nemo calmly said: “This is a life-and-death battle between two groups. I will not give them any chance to retaliate.”
Zhou Yi looked at the small electronic rat on the table again.
Its main job was a pipe worker. But after years of leading the Sand Rat colony, Nemo had become an excellent leader.
Zhou Yi immediately extended an olive branch to the Electronic Rat: “I understand the difficulties you are facing. I have a suggestion: you might consider joining our Wasteland Development Company. With the company’s assistance, your life here will be much easier and more convenient.”
“We can make the Ridge Spine Hunter that captured you your patrol guard, and Jade Emerald City here, which you once saw as a Dead Sea Abomination, will be our office building and staff. We also have a seasoned Warrior Crab team; they are professional soldiers and engineers, and part of the company’s security system.”
He raised his finger: “What our company can offer includes, first, security within the company’s radiation range. You won’t have to worry about nearby Claw Boars threatening you. Company employees are protected by the company.”
“Second, providing the labor assistance you need. The underground water pipelines and volcanic ash extraction you need to build would take too long for the Sand Rats themselves. Warrior Crabs will help you complete the construction.”
“Third, food security. If the Sand Rat colony lacks food or materials, you can apply to the company. If the company has no stock, it will purchase centrally from other settlements or cities to ensure your survival is not affected.”
“Fourth, an independent growth path. The Sand Rat colony here has already shown initial signs of intelligence. The company will maintain your independent governance, just like the Mushroom Forest. If you encounter difficulties, we will assist you, and you need to share the achievements with us.”
“All of this must and can only be for the Sand Rat colony you lead.”
Zhou Yi’s goal was clear: with Nemo’s Sand Rat group, they had developed to this extent. He had never heard of other Sand Rat colonies building such large underground cities.
The Electronic Rat was indeed the key leader, almost immortal, with unquestionable influence among the Sand Rats.
After pondering, Nemo asked: “What do we need to do after joining the company?”
“In the long term, develop well.”
Zhou Yi smiled slightly: “But in the short term, you have lived on this land for many years and should be very clear about every move around you. The company needs your intelligence network.”
Nemo was also decisive: “Thank you for your invitation. We are honored to become part of such a strong organization.”
Zhou Yi felt relieved: “The Sand Rat colony will operate independently. Continue doing what you need to do, and report directly to me. Do you currently lack food? Or need to excavate pipelines? Do you need Light Seeds?”
The Electronic Rat’s eyes sparkled: “Light Seeds—————- Can we apply for them too?”
“Yes, as long as you have sufficient reasons.”
“To be honest, Sand Rats don’t really need them, and I don’t need Light Seeds either. Relying on daytime charging is enough. Because my skills are quite ordinary, just [Building Pipelines], utilizing space and the existing environment to create underground pipelines.”
Zhou Yi then looked toward the hovering Red Falcon: “You should be able to carry Nemo’s weight, right?”
“No problem.”
“Then take it back to Recursion City to upgrade its hardware. Repair what needs repairing and add what needs adding. Its body is too fragile now. As for which parts to upgrade, you can discuss and handle it. Here is the funding.”
Zhou Yi used the Light Absorber case to provide 200 Light Seeds for Red Falcon as funds.
Nemo happily stood on end: “Chairman, I will not betray your trust! Before that, I request to meet the Sand Rats first, to calm and inform them of this news, preventing panic and loss of order.”
Zhou Yi nodded: “No rush. I have another idea about the new cooperative relationship between Sand Rats and humans——”
After hearing this, Nemo’s small eyes gleamed red. It rubbed its plastic claws: “The strategy you proposed is full of challenges but also has infinite possibilities. I will do my utmost to push this matter forward as quickly as possible.”
Chapter 66 Biological Weapons <TOC> Chapter 68 Having Hands is Enough