Chapter 198 Denleaf Stronghold
Paying 10 grams of Solar stone, they received an identification certificate and were granted access to the stronghold.
Once inside, it felt like a different world.
High-tech mechanical devices, makeshift buildings, a street hawking various products, and, finally, a thriving plantation.
Shortly after, Liam rented a space to part their mechanical carriage, for a few grams of solar stone.
On their way here, Liam noticed that the official currency of the stronghold appeared to be solar stone.
It might seem inefficient and troublesome to use stone in grams.
But solar stones are as light as a feather, making a gram of it about the size of a thumb.
Furthermore, there were carving and weighing stations everywhere for processing solar stones.
Liam also understood that, in such a time, a currency wouldn't work unless it held significant value.
Like food and water, which could be used for bartering.
However, considering the abundance of water and food in the stronghold, using it to barter is not feasible.
Thus solar stones, a unique material in this world that even the examines like them wanted to get a hold of, would be the only viable option for currency.
of solar stone in the area, using it as currency seemed to be the only viable option.
Furthermore in this catastrophe, a super energy source would be needed whatever you do.
Under the research of Luka and Sam and with the expertise of the three natural alchemists, Lily, Lydia, and Amara.
Solar stones are equivalent to a nuclear power source, emitting seemingly endless energy.
Just a gram of solar stone could power their mechanical vehicle for a week.
Thus it became their primary goal – to amass thousands of tons of solar stone.
With it, they can create a self-sustaining underground world that could function for hundreds of years without issues.
Now, however, their short-term goal is to upgrade their vehicles, stock up on resources, and mine in the east, where solar stone can be found easily.
...
At night, as they rested and planned their next course of action.
A group of examinees burst in, looking at them curiously.
"So, you're the new group that has come to the Denleaf stronghold," Desmond, the group's leader, said.
"Yes, we are. What do you need?" Liam responded coldly.
"Don't be so defensive; we simply want to invite you to our team."
"Are you the owner of this stronghold?" Liam asked again.
"Not entirely." He shook his head.
"This stronghold is a joint creation of various nobles and a few groups of examinees like us," Desmond explained straightforwardly.
"What would we gain from joining you?" Liam didn't reject outright and inquired.
"Resources, protection, and we can help each other pass the test 'perfectly,'" Desmond offered.
Neo was not the only Divinator in this world, so the hidden mission was not a secret.
Other examinees were also determined to complete the mission perfectly.
Although they didn't know the exact reward.
According to the divinators, passing the exam perfectly could save them hundreds to thousands of years in the days to come.
"Thank you, but our team is already content with each other. Joining another one is unnecessary." Liam politely declined.
"Oh, what a shame," Desmond sighed.
However, he didn't dare to press them.
After all, this was a normal world without extraordinary abilities, a bullet could end his life.
Although he was confident he could overwhelm them with a large number of people.
He had no idea what hidden weapons they might have developed.
"Regardless, I can only leave," Desmond didn't stay any longer.
After that, a few groups of examinees came to invite them to join their group.
There was even a group of nobles promising a huge incentive to join them.
However, they rejected all of these offers.
Joining another group would indeed make the mission easier.
But, it would also increase the associated risks, which they considered not worth it.
They thought the night was already over and that no more groups would come to solicit them.
However, to their surprise, there was still someone interested – Liam's acquaintance, the witch, Yorticia.
"Did you miss me, baby Liam?" Yorticia said, immediately moving to hug Liam.
Liam didn't appreciate the gesture and dodged her.
"What's wrong, baby Liam? Is there someone preventing you from hugging me?" Yorticia said seductively, glancing at Amara, who had a dark expression.
Just from Amara's aura, Yorticia could tell that the two had something between them.
"Don't worry, girl. I only want Liam's body, not his heart," Yorticia explained with a smile.
Amara still didn't speak and continued to look at Liam with a disapproving gaze.
"What do you want? Are you also here to recruit us?" Liam got the cue and changed the topic.
"Of course not! How can I forget that baby Liam has already rejected me multiple times," Yorticia rolled her eyes.
Years ago, when they were preparing to escape, Yorticia had invited Liam countless times.
Using various incentives that most people couldn't refuse, including wealth, power, and even her own body.
Liam remained steady and emotionless as a rock.
"Then why are you here?" Liam asked coldly.
"Why can't I come? I just miss you. Is there something wrong with that?" Yorticia said pitifully.
Liam: -_-
Seeing Liam's non-responsive attitude, Yorticia gritted her teeth and finally revealed her purpose.
"I just want you to invite me to the private auction activity in a week."
"Who knew that you're so cold, mister? Hmph!" Yorticia huffed as she walked away.
"We will come in a week," Liam responded and returned to their tent.
As for the event being private, Liam could get the invitation as long as he knew about it.
...
As the day passed, Luke and Sam were busy upgrading their mechanical carriage.
By now, they had five carriages connected horizontally, with the additional three serving as a plantation and another two storage rooms.
Their current task involved changing the power module from solar energy to solar stone.
As they just found out about the solar stone, until now they still haven't changed the power module of the mechanical carriage.
However, changing the power module was just the beginning.
They also needed to enhance the carriage load-bearing capacity and energy transfer capabilities.
The difference in power between solar power and solar stone was enormous, akin to installing a nuclear power plant in one's home.
Meanwhile, Lily, Lydia, and Amara were focused on creating a fast-growing staple food.
Although the promised crop was nutritious and grew quickly, it had demanding planting conditions.
Without a special solution and expert oversight, it couldn't be grown at all.
With their upcoming journey back to the East.
The three of them needed to develop a crop that could thrive with just water, even in harsh conditions.
As for the others who only knew how to fight, their task was to thoroughly investigate the place.
This included learning about the various prices, examining different groups, and researching nearby strongholds; they needed to gather comprehensive information.
...
A week later, in a makeshift auction building, a group of people sat waiting for the event to start.
"Welcome, distinguished guests," a somewhat beautiful lady took the stage.
"I'm sure you know why we are here, but let me reiterate."
"We are here today to exchange things that we can use in this catastrophic drought"
"Whether it is knowledge or materials, we are here to exchange everything."
"As a reminder, this auction will only accept solar stone as a payment."
"Now, without further ado, let me present the first item up for auction!"
Soon, a group of presenters revealed an automatic launching device with a few balls beside it.
"This is a set of water condensation device that you can install in any type of mechanical carriage!"
The auctioneer's words generated some excitement.
"Can this cannon-like device collect water?"
"What a cool gadget, I want it!"
"Who created such a thing? It's fascinating."
This group of people wasn't surprised that the mechanical device could collect water.
What astonished them was the innovative concept behind it.
Even the examinees attending the auction found themselves lost in thought.
The idea of creating a spin to generate pressure on the water vapor sparked new ideas among them.
The individuals present here each had their own water condensation devices.
These devices included floating tools that could gather water from the air, freezing devices to preserve water, and even underground water detection equipment.
Their ability to survive in this environment demonstrated their resourcefulness and adaptability.
"The starting bid for the condensation device is 1 kilogram of Solar stone. Let the bidding commence!"
"11 kg!"
"13 kg!"
"13.5 kg!"
"14 kg!"
"15 kg!"
"18 kg!"
"21 kg!"
Eventually, the device was won for 21 kg.
This was a relatively high price for a water condensation device.
Typically, a condensation device would sell for only 1 to 3 kg of solar stone.
The bidders were drawn to it not for its immediate utility but for the innovative concept and the potential for learning from it.
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