Kingdom of Corrosion
Chapter 532 - 266: Crossing Through

Chapter 532: Chapter 266: Crossing Through

Maya explained, "Another function of the outpost is to build a safe zone. Today’s objective in constructing the bridge with logs is to connect all 13 buildings with ropes, creating a pathway for movement within the residential area. Any questions?"

No one responded, but Peanut, Cotton, and Dashuang all showed troubled expressions. In theory, Maya’s method was feasible, but the actual operation was highly difficult. Carrying logs weighing a hundred kilograms under the scorching sun, building bridges floor by floor in an area swarming with zombies, offered very little margin for error. Even if the work were to be completed smoothly, it would still be an utterly exhausting task.

Maya sensed the silent opposition and looked at Lin Wu, "Lin Wu, what’s your opinion?" Had this been the Maya of before, since there were no objections, regardless of whether you were internally opposed or not, you’d just get on with it.

Lin Wu answered, "I’m not worried about running into problems at the start, I’m worried about when we reach the fire station. By then we’ll be in the center of the residential area, with no way out, no reinforcements, and a death rate of nearly 100%."

Maya asked, "Are you suggesting we find another place?"

Lin Wu said, "Such a large residential area should have a sewage system."

It was a good idea, but the residential area wasn’t that large, likely having only one or two sewage outlets, and it was uncertain how big the sewage system was.

Lin Wu looked at the drone and circled a spot on the map between Dock Road and the bar with a pen, "Here’s a manhole cover."

Maya said, "You know, just because there’s a manhole cover doesn’t mean there’s a sewer. It could also be an access well for electricity, telecommunications, heating, gas, and other infrastructure maintenance."

Lin Wu circled two more places, "Manhole covers."

Maya looked at Lin Wu, and Lin Wu nodded. He admitted that the bridge method was good, but he didn’t want to overexert himself. Especially with the sun being so harsh today, he really didn’t want to do physical work on the rooftop. Besides, it was an undertaking that could significantly dampen morale.

Maya looked at everyone, and seeing that Peanut and the others kept silent, she said, "Cotton, make another batch of bread. Everyone should carry two bottles of water. Each person should bring at least two ropes."

"Roger that." Everyone responded in unison, an affirmation of Maya’s authority, signaling to Maya that despite the change in plan, her respect amongst them remained unaltered.

After having breakfast, the trio left to prepare, leaving only Lin Wu and Maya. Lin Wu smiled apologetically at Maya, "It’s just too hot!"

Maya replied, "I should have fully considered your actual circumstances." As a soldier, the concept of working outdoors in high temperatures wasn’t in her frame of reference. It was the opposite for Lin Wu and the others; they didn’t have any concept of working outdoors in scorching heat. Whenever a heatwave struck, the authorities would repeatedly remind everyone: stay indoors if you can, and find the most appropriate ways to stay cool.

The temperature was always kept at 22 degrees Celsius in schools and dormitories; those who felt cold could put on an extra jacket. Children who grew up in such environments naturally lacked the perseverance to withstand extreme heat. Just the thought of working outside under the merciless sun at 39 degrees Celsius was enough to give them heatstroke in their hearts.

...

Armed with crowbars, the manhole cover looting team set off. Upon reaching the first manhole cover, they spent 10 minutes clearing nearby zombies. Next, they pried open the cover, and Lin Wu slid down the ladder, only to come back up shortly after: "It’s a maintenance well." In the 21st century, many cities buried cables and the like underground, setting up maintenance wells at intervals to facilitate targeted routine maintenance.

Toilet pipelines connected to septic tanks, and after processing, the contents entered municipal sewage systems. Other household wastewater went directly into the sewage system, which after treatment, flowed into rivers or the sea. Hence, the smell was relatively pleasant.

At ten in the morning, when they pried open the fourth manhole cover, a familiar stench wafted out. Maya and Lin Wu, who had been through the sewers before, immediately knew they had found the right spot.

Unlike the systematic sewers of Left County, the residential area’s system was just a small patch without a sewer blueprint, yet it was as intricate and complex as Left County’s.

At this moment, Maya understood why she had felt that Lin Wu’s idea was unreliable, because you simply didn’t know what lay beyond each manhole. The likelihood of reaching the fire station through the sewers was very slim.

Fortunately, the sewer bore the burden of drainage, and there were many drain openings on the roads and streets, allowing more light than sewer number 99. They began their work attaching ropes and, after 5 minutes of searching, found a straight ladder. Lin Wu climbed up, slid the cover aside, and looked out to see the battered face of a zombie that seemed somewhat curious. He immediately snapped the cover back in place.

"Where is it?"

"I don’t know," Lin Wu said, "There are zombies."

Maya, with pen and paper in hand, said seriously, "I need to know what place it is up there."

"Alright," Lin Wu said, preparing to go up again.

Maya turned to Maya turned to Dashuang and instructed, "Dashuang, follow the rope back to base and hold down the fort. It looks like we won’t be able to get out for a few hours."

Dashuang nodded and left.

Lin Wu again lifted the manhole cover to the side and immediately slid to the ground. The zombies noticed the players below and started jumping in. Cotton and Lin Wu, each armed with a dagger, executed all the zombies that fell and were disabled. As for the zombies that didn’t fall? How could there be any that didn’t fall? Lin Wu was someone who would file a complaint.

After dealing with more than 20 zombies, Cotton opened his backpack to sort out the trash, Lin Wu controlled the drone to fly out of the manhole, Peanut proceeded with Corpse Looting on the spot, and Maya drew a detailed map.

Lin Wu announced, "This is the intersection between Second Street and Third Street."