Chapter 762: Chapter 104: Exploiting a Bug
The Kimberley Plateau is not suitable for camels’ survival, everyone knows this.
Even if you bring camels into the Kimberley Plateau, you won’t get very far before you have to let them go.
So the issue of food must be resolved.
If it really doesn’t work out, we’ll have to go with Hua Yun’s suggestion and abandon some of the food.
Although losing the food is quite distressing, there’s really no other way.
After a moment of silence, Chen Wen said, "Alright, let’s not just sit here. Someone come with me to the gathering point to see if we can trade for some useful supplies. If it really doesn’t work, we’ll do as Hua Yun said and abandon some supplies."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded.
Dennis went with Chen Wen to the gathering point, planning to see what supplies were available there.
Upon their arrival, the staff immediately handed over the inventory list to them.
Chen Wen and Dennis looked it over; the items available were either useless or they already had them.
Returning the inventory list, Chen Wen brought up the issue of camel placement.
When the staff heard that Chen Wen planned to take all the camels, they didn’t say much. While it’s rare, it’s not unheard of.
Hence, they handed over a contract for housing the camels for Chen Wen to review.
As long as Chen Wen paid a certain amount of money, the association would move the camels to a farm very suitable for their survival and handle the necessary documents.
The whole process wouldn’t require Chen Wen to worry.
The association would have experts escort the camels, ensuring their safe transport to the farm.
They would even use drones to follow and film, ensuring none of the camels are lost.
Once Chen Wen’s survival journey ends, he can take the camels directly as long as he finds the right import and export channels.
The service was very thoughtful and detailed.
The premise was having money, as the contract price was enough to astonish someone with a relatively good family background.
But Chen Wen happened to not be short on money.
So, after briefly reviewing the contract and confirming no significant issues, he had the staff send it to his professional legal team.
Soon, after receiving confirmation that the contract was fine.
Chen Wen decisively signed his name and had the staff inquire with the Australian Association if he could temporarily house his wedge-tailed eagle similarly with the camels.
A moment later, the staff gave a positive response: "Yes, we will take care of the wedge-tailed eagle until your survival ends."
With the staff’s confirmation, Chen Wen breathed a sigh of relief.
He no longer had to worry about the animal arrangements.
After a brief discussion with the staff,
Chen Wen signed a second contract, entrusting the wedge-tailed eagle to the Australian Association.
Before leaving, Chen Wen borrowed the staff’s computer and took a detailed look at their upcoming route on the map software.
After reviewing the route, Chen Wen frowned and left somewhat disheartened.
...
After resolving the animal issue,
Chen Wen returned to the group, who had already discussed some alternative methods.
Seeing Chen Wen return, the group immediately recounted the approaches they had just discussed.
While listening, Chen Wen began contemplating as well.
After the group finished speaking, he said, "I think detouring is impossible; we don’t have that much time."
While using the computer to look at routes earlier, Chen Wen roughly estimated the time needed to detour.
If they completely avoided the swamp area, it would take at least fifteen to twenty extra days of travel.
This far exceeded their estimation.
Chen Wen shared what he’d seen on the computer with the others.
Their expressions shifted slightly.
However, not detouring was already part of their planned strategy, so their spirits remained steady.
The most pressing issue now was the luggage.
Then Chen Wen added: "I have an idea for the luggage issue. There’s a clause in the camel housing contract I signed just now."
Upon hearing this, the group was puzzled.
What does luggage have to do with housing camels?
But soon, Chen Wen said, "That clause states: Before the camels arrive at the farm, the association will send specialized staff responsible for overseeing and transporting the camels, with drones even filming to ensure none are lost."
The group listened, still somewhat confused.
Then Chen Wen spoke, enlightening them: "I thought about it; we can lead the camels, letting them carry our supplies, across the swamp to King Leopold Ridge, then release them for the staff to take them back."
"During the days heading to King Leopold Ridge, we can eat canned goods and staples to replenish missing nutrients. By the time we arrive, we’ll have eaten most of the hard-to-carry food, allowing us to travel light."
Chen Wen’s idea suddenly illuminated the group.
They never considered this solution.
"But can the camels cross the swamp?"
Dennis hesitated.
He had never seen camels travel through a swamp.
Chen Wen looked at the dromedaries and said, "We can try. After all, dromedaries have relatively long, thin legs and wide feet. Although it’s easier to get stuck and slip in muddy areas, it’s not insurmountable."
"Plus, with Adam scouting ahead, we can navigate through easier paths, don’t you think?"
After contemplating for a moment, Dennis slapped his thigh: "It’s worth a try!"
After discussing some specifics,
Chen Wen and the group finalized the plan.
They discarded unnecessary supplies—like the camel’s stomach pouch that had long since spoiled—outside the second gathering point.
Then concentrated the food onto the backs of two dromedaries.
The remaining supplies were divided by weight among the five people, each carrying a portion.
After adjusting everything, Chen Wen planned to continue the journey with the camel king and the previously tamed camels.
At this point, a staff member, noticing Chen Wen preparing to continue leading the camels, was a bit confused.
"Mr. Chen Wen, what are you..."
The staff approached, stopping Chen Wen who was about to leave.
Chen Wen laughed heartily and said, "I was about to find you guys. I’m planning to travel with two camels all the way to King Leopold Ridge, then release them. I’ll need your help looking after them when they return."
Hearing this, the staff was dumbfounded.
He stammered, "But... doesn’t this violate the regulations?"
Chen Wen was prepared: "I’ve thoroughly reviewed the contract terms; don’t worry, it’s definitely compliant!"
Upon hearing this, the staff took a deep breath.
He requested to contact the association, and Chen Wen gladly agreed.
He wasn’t worried about any obstruction from the association, given that their team included an Australian participant.
After hearing Chen Wen’s request, the Australian Association was silent for a moment.
But soon, the voice from the vice president came through: "Approve their request!"
