This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 413 Terrifying Infrastructure Capability

Chapter 413: Chapter 413 Terrifying Infrastructure Capability

Night had fallen.

Giant Stone City, central Inner City.

In a spacious room on the top floor of a pitch-black building, a man in formal attire stood in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, expressionlessly staring at the quiet night sky to the north.

Last year, around the same time, in the same direction, those people from the East Coast had detonated a tactical nuclear bomb in the North Suburb of Qingquan City.

And now, those people had visited here once again.

"Time really flies."

Gazing at his reflection on the floor-to-ceiling window, the man pondered thoughtfully in his mind.

Once time becomes insignificant, its passage can be unimaginably fast,

Whether it’s because one is so affluent that they can squander it at will, or because yesterday and tomorrow are hardly different.

This is the curse of time on those who live long lives.

However, recently, there had been a slight change; a tender sprout had pushed through the ruins nearby when he least expected it.

Two centuries had passed.

This unremarkable city had never been so bustling...

Footsteps came from behind him, stopping at the doorway.

The man did not turn around, instead addressing the person at the door in a very soft voice.

"Did you meet with that Manager?"

Zhao Yongxu, standing at the door, bowed slightly, his angular face inscribed with reverence and devotion.

"Yes, my Lord."

The man then asked,

"What kind of person is he?"

Zhao Yongxu answered without hesitation.

"Deceitful! Cunning! An ambitious schemer adept at using plots and conspiracies! I don’t know what methods he used to play those people from the East Coast for fools, but we won’t fall for their tricks!"

The man nodded slightly, his expression revealing neither belief nor skepticism.

Or perhaps, just apathy.

After pondering for a moment, the man continued,

"What do they say about our proposal?"

Stealing a glimpse at the man’s back, Zhao Yongxu carefully recounted the results of the negotiations without any exaggeration or embellishment.

The man quietly listened from beginning to end and nodded slowly.

"Mm, I understand. You can go now."

"Yes."

Zhao Yongxu nodded respectfully, relieved in his heart, and without asking another question, he turned and left the room.

Conversing with this Lord always entailed long waits, sometimes a few short sentences unintentionally turned into hours slipping away.

This gave him the feeling that time was being stolen.

Quiet returned to the room.

The man waited in silence for a while, then extended his index finger and lightly tapped on the floor-to-ceiling window.

Digital ripples spread outward, and the reflected night sky turned into a screen.

The scene on the screen was the office of the Chairman of Huge Rock Military Industry.

Anticipating the call, Yibers, the Chairman of Huge Rock Military Industry, stood respectfully before his desk.

"Respected Lord Fang Ming... it’s so late, may I ask if you have any instructions?"

The man, like a still image, pondered for a while before speaking slowly.

"I need you to upgrade the radar system of Giant Stone City to cover a range of 500 kilometers and to increase the recognition efficiency by one level..."

"... And also, to upgrade the weapons and fire control system of the androids."

There was actually no need to do so.

High-tech weapons weren’t necessary to deal with Mucor species.

However, at this moment, Qingquan City was witnessing a turning point that hadn’t occurred in a century.

Even though a very long time ago, he had designed the power structure of this building and the elite advancement system for selecting from the Waste Land Wanderers, that system wasn’t always reliable.

In the end, the gears that made up this system were people, and people are too fragile in the face of time.

He needed to make some preparations for an uncertain future.

After hearing the man’s words, Yibers respectfully said,

"This is not very difficult, but... it will probably cost a significant amount of the budget."

The man replied casually,

"That’s fine, I’ll inform the Militia Group, as well as the representatives of the Outer City residents."

For him, who stood at the pinnacle of power, money was just a number.

Hearing the Lord of the City’s promise, Yibers’ face revealed a pleased smile as he bowed his head respectfully.

"As you command."

...

North of the City of Dawn.

At the edge of Linghu Wetland Park, Old White and his group, returning from the city center, were navigating back towards the direction of Resurrection Square.

Today’s haul had been quite bountiful.

Following the four people, a mechanical dog carried a burden completely disproportionate to its size on its back, filled with evolutionary bodies they had recovered from the city center.

Including the remnants of the Decaying Knight!

The creature held a chainsaw in its hand that had been disassembled from somewhere; its power armor was covered with a dark red fungal mat.

Ordinary 7 mm bullets hitting it was like tickling, at most scraping off some fungal chunks, while armor-piercing bullets fired by RPGs couldn’t even touch it before being chopped up by its chainsaw and detonated.

The four of them watched as it charged towards them; Old White decisively pulled out his "Black Cutter," activated Boundary Breakthrough, and directly swung his axe.

The blunt edge of the Thermal Cutting Axe flickered with red arcs.

In the flash of an electric spark, sparks flew in all directions, and a deep red crack appeared on the side of its armor.

The hot airflow carried high-temperature metal fragments directly into the abandoned power armor, destroying the organic tissues inside the evolutionary body.

Seeing the attack was effective, Old White took advantage of the creature’s loss of balance, then swung two more heavy blows with his axe, cutting horizontally and vertically until it stopped moving.

The Decaying Knight, which had previously wiped out half a squad of the Storm Corps and was only resolved thanks to the aircraft of Mosquito, was now single-handedly killed by him with the added boost from his equipment.

Such an awesome close-combat divine artifact, he was surprised that the Manager hadn’t kept it for personal use.

According to Fang Chang’s calculations, the materials they recovered today were worth at least 8000 silver coins, and the contribution points from the mission would give each person about 500 points.

For the operators of the Bull Horse Brick Factory, the silver coins rewarded by the mission didn’t offer as much allure anymore; what was key was the Science Research Team job level and the mission-awarded contribution points.

Especially the latter.

Currently, Fang Chang, Wild Wind, and Night Ten each had more than 90,000 contribution points.

Their urgent task was to quickly increase everyone’s contribution points to over 100,000, and raise the citizen level to "Knight."

Although the NPC store was out of stock of power armor, a new map was about to open, and it was highly likely a new batch of power armor would become available.

In other words, there would soon be places to spend money again!

"Damn it, when did Fang Chang become as much of a survivor as Springs."

Glancing at his own burnt and bullet-riddled chemical protective suit and bulletproof vest, Night Ten envied Fang Chang, who had neatly packed away his Powered Wing Suit on his back.

Fang Chang chuckled lightly and replied calmly.

"If I play ADC and don’t play it safe, would I be up front like T, taking the hits?"

Although he had some scratches, they were mostly from initially testing the Powered Wing Suit. Compared to his three brothers, his situation was certainly more cheerful.

It had to be said, the black technology from the refuge was truly amazing.

Initially, he had been concerned that without flying experience he wouldn’t handle the equipment well, but he quickly found that his worries were completely unnecessary.

Once connected to the VM control interface, his Powered Wing Suit could not only set cruising paths but also switch between multiple flight modes such as gliding and descending.

The 12 sensors distributed on the wing suit could sensitively detect obstacles within a 200-meter range and plan the best avoidance path according to the algorithm of the built-in chip.

Thanks to this Powered Wing Suit, he had an excellent environment for output.

Although there were Variants capable of flying and attacking from a distance, they were still the minority. With flexible maneuvering, he could launch attacks from any angle in an open environment.

Night Ten exclaimed, "Damn! I’m an ADC too, okay?"

Wild Wind glanced at him, "Isn’t Perception Support?"

Night Ten: "#@￥!"

The group exchanged experiences they had gained in battle while heading towards Resurrection Square to store their equipment and take a bath.

The black slime sprayed by Mucor species Variants was incredibly stinky, like rotting corpses, and while the game could shield against excessive pain, it couldn’t block out that unbearable sour smell.

Especially Old White, who had been at the front, was covered from head to toe as if he had rolled in a mud pit, making it impossible to get close to him.

Not far away.

A petite figure was standing on the edge of Resurrection Square, her face filled with worry as she stretched her neck out, looking around.

Upon finally seeing that familiar figure, a trace of delight flashed in her eyes, and she quickly trotted over.

Fang Chang saw her too, subconsciously throwing the equipment in his hand to Night Ten and heading toward her for a hug.

With his arms wrapped around the neck of his beloved, looking at the scarf around his neck, Dolly’s lips curved into a sweet smile.

"... You said you’d be gone just for a little while, why did it take you so long to come back?" she murmured gently, unwilling to dismount like a bear cub climbing a tree.

Indeed, it was getting late.

Thinking back to his promise to Dolly that morning to have dinner with her when he returned, a trace of apology surfaced on Fang Chang’s face.

"I’m sorry I—"

But before he could finish, he was silenced by a soft touch.

Dolly had tiptoed up and gently kissed his lips.

That touch of shy blush under the street lamp shone brilliantly, like the first red leaf in early autumn. It wasn’t overwhelmingly vibrant, but it was captivating.

"I hope my waiting is not for an apology... It’s good to have you back safe."

Perhaps it was the environment, or perhaps the fact that people’s lives here were as fleeting as the morning dew, leaving no time for subtleties.

Seeing the sincerity and passion flickering on that tender face, it was Fang Chang who now felt a little embarrassed.

"... There are too many people here."

Dolly’s face broke into a sly smile.

Suddenly, she brought her nose close to his ear, and with the mischief of a cat teasing its prey, she hummed softly.

"Then let everyone see that you are mine—"

Before she could finish her phrase,

Fang Chang suddenly squatted down, pressing his shoulder against her soft belly, lifting her up onto his back.

Her feet suddenly off the ground, Dolly let out a short, startled gasp like a frightened animal.

Her face blushed to the roots of her ears, extending into the green tips of her hair, her hands uncertain where to rest, she whispered softly.

"You... What are you suddenly doing?"

"Taking you home!"

Home...

Is this what home feels like?

Feeling the warmth and strength of those shoulders, Dolly’s embarrassed face was filled with sweetness as she gently bit her lip, let out an unyielding hum, but said no more.

Both silently agreed to silence, vanishing beneath the plaza’s streetlights.

Leaving behind a group of envious and resentful single dogs, standing longingly in place.

Having tossed his equipment to Wild Wind, Night Ten covered his eyes with his hands, writhing like an earthworm.

"Ah ah ah! Damn you, Fang Chang, give back my poor doggy eyes!"

Although Wild Wind’s actions weren’t exaggerated, his expression was subtly complex.

"It’s all good, except seeing a shy expression on that guy’s face... My toes are digging out a four-room apartment."

It wasn’t that it was particularly eye-stinging.

Just that a second ago, the guy was calmly discussing tactics with them, talking about team coordination and how to use their equipment, and the next second, he’d turned into a shy little bride.

The contrast was too great for him to handle.

Old White, standing beside them, laughed out loud and patted the shoulders of the brothers.

"Alright, they’re a new couple, being lovey-dovey is normal, right? If you can’t stand looking, just close your eyes, in a few days you’ll get used to it."

Night Ten still had a look of disbelief on his face, sighed and said, "Damn... selling this game to him really was a loss!"

Old White, still laughing, said.

"If you’re envious, go learn Alliance language or find someone in real life. Didn’t you say you’ve got plenty of admirers... Let’s go, I’m also heading back to the shelter for a shower. Damn it, that hunk of metal sprayed all over me, smells to high heaven!"

Night Ten instantly changed his expression and quickly dodged Old White’s arm.

"Holy shit! Don’t get it on me!"

"Hahaha!"

Not far away,

Mosquito poked the VM screen’s upper left button with his index finger, nearly snapping it from frustration.

"Damn... why isn’t it working!"

Just passing by, Irina, holding a skewered mantis leg, said with a comical face.

"The Player Manual only says to abide by Alliance laws and prohibits harassment, it didn’t say it castrated you, yelling for Ah Guang won’t do a damn thing."

"I don’t care, get me one too!"

Elena, with a subtle expression, offered the skewer she was holding.

"I can’t help with that... Want one?"

Mosquito instantly became wary: "What’s that?"

Elena, slightly embarrassed, laughed.

"Mantis legs, caught them today, just grilled them. That guy’s head was still purple, a huge one, I’ve never seen it before, must be a rare species... wonder if it gives a BUFF."

"Ugh—!"

Before Old Na could finish speaking, Mosquito was already off, retching against a tree.

...

The next morning at dawn.

North of the City of Dawn.

After a night’s rest, the corporate aid to the Alliance officially began.

Two pieces of engineering equipment from Ideal Group were the first to be assembled, displaying the technological prowess of the East Coast to the onlooking crowd.

Standing beside the half-repaired road,

Spare people under the knife, the chief architect of the Alliance, had his eyes wide open, cursing in amazement at the two pieces of engineering equipment.

"What the hell is this?!"

Four treads supported the mobile crusher, resembling a moving fortress with an area covering fifty to sixty square meters.

Its front was mounted with a large bucket, its sawtooth edge like the teeth of an abyssal giant maw, crushing and pulling in the concrete debris ahead into its belly.

Its silver tank at the back constantly rotated, emitting deafening roars, and through a series of processes, turned the water-soaked concrete rubble back into cement slurry that could be reused.

Trailing the behemoth was a uniquely shaped road roller, with one large and one small drum at the front and back, six meters wide, carrying a solid platform.

The process was simple: while the beast with four treads and two rollers slowly advanced,

the front was responsible for "eating."

The back for "shitting" and "compressing."

As the two engineering giants moved past, a straight and smooth road formed in their wake, imprinted over the weather-worn roadbed.

Although the quality of the construction remained to be seen, for an emergency supply line, it was leagues better than the decayed ground of the Wasteland!

What the Alliance currently needed was not a road that would last fifty years without damage, but a road that could be used immediately, right now.

Spare people under the knife, standing by and gawking, couldn’t peel his eyes away.

This rough and direct construction method completely overturned his knowledge.

No...

Not even the construction method.

Just the technology that could revert hydrated concrete back into usable cement was black magic enough!

If such convenient technology existed, there’d be no worry about where to dump the concrete waste from demolished buildings; it would instantly turn waste into treasure!

While the construction dogs were awe-struck, not far away stood Li Changkong holding a tablet, adjusting the operating parameters of the device.

After finishing the work at hand, he looked towards the nearby Alliance Managers and spoke.

"The highway from Qingquan City to Rui Valley City is 169 kilometers long, and we’ve chosen to restore Provincial Highway 1704. The quality of the construction certainly won’t meet pre-war standards, but it will be more reliable than the cement roads you’re currently using."

"There will be another batch of equipment delivered here, including for laying asphalt on the road... The estimated completion time will be from mid-August to the end of August."

The current date was early July.

Calculated for mid-August, that was 45 days?

days to build a 169-kilometer highway, which meant constructing 3.75 kilometers a day?!

Chu Guang just did a rough calculation and was immediately shocked by the astonishing speed.

Even with the steel plant’s capacity maxed out and thousands of prisoners of war mobilized, the Alliance’s railway laying speed barely reached 3 kilometers a day.

This highway construction was faster than railway construction!

That’s insane!

Seeing that Chu Guang had not replied, Li Changkong paused before continuing to speak.

"Although we can source the necessary concrete waste locally, there will still be a 17~30% gap in materials, which we will need your people to help gather and transport."

"Of course, to shorten the construction period, we will provide some convenient tools as much as possible, like ’Miner’ series exoskeletons and the like."

Regaining his composure from the surprise, Chu Guang coughed lightly and nodded earnestly.

"You can rest assured on that, Qingquan City has no shortage of concrete rubble, and we’ll solve the shortage of materials! By the way... Can you bring a few more of these big guys over?"

Li Changkong was slightly stunned.

"Aren’t two enough?"

"To be precise, one roadway isn’t enough," Chu Guang said unabashedly, "Our industrial zone is around Qingstone County and West State City, which is to the north of the Alliance, where your aerospace base is also located."

"However, there is only one railway line from there to Dawn City, which has to handle both military and civilian supplies. Although we are also building a cement road, it has just reached as far as Far Creek Town, and the supply efficiency is very problematic!"

Listening to Chu Guang, Li Changkong tapped on the screen, switching to the map of West State City.

After studying the map for a while, he said while stroking his chin,

"This is indeed a problem; a barrel can only hold as much as its shortest stave, we’ll figure out a way to help you... That area is mountainous?"

Chu Guang nodded.

"Yep, that region is mostly hills, can you manage?"

Li Changkong pondered for a moment and said,

"...Construction will probably be difficult, these two pieces of equipment are only suitable for use on plains."

Before the Manager could show a troubled expression, a faint smile appeared on Li Changkong’s face as he continued,

"However, we do have equipment in our inventory that can be used on hilly terrain... Once the airplane is fully charged, I will have headquarters send a batch over."

"In addition, your railway’s transport efficiency is too low, I’ll think of a way to help you improve it a bit."

Upon hearing these words, an agreeable smile instantly appeared on Chu Guang’s face.

"Really? That’s so embarrassing!"

Li Changkong smiled and waved his hand.

"Don’t mention it, we are allies on the same front."

Even if it wasn’t for the sake of being allies, he would still secure this "deal" for the Company.

With the passage of Resolution 1001, the company allocated a budget of 300 million Cr for military assistance to the Alliance.

These 300 million Cr of military assistance were not just for purchasing weapons, but also could be used for buying infrastructure and paying for construction projects.

10,000 Cr per kilometer of highway, so 169 kilometers would equal 16.9 million Cr.

Considering that materials were locally sourced and electricity for the construction equipment was provided by the Alliance, ignoring the wear and tear of these stored devices, this 16.9 million was almost all profit!

Ever since the completion of the Ideal City project, most of the construction equipment used in the massive building projects had been left gathering dust in the warehouses, only occasionally being brought out when clients from the Province of Yúnjiānxíng needed them.

It had been a long time since they had seen an order this large.

Gazing at the desolation in the distance, Li Changkong couldn’t help but get carried away in his thoughts.

It was said that a long, long time ago, at the beginning of the Wasteland Era, their ancestors had built one sanctuary after another under the guidance of the Post-War Reconstruction Committee on this wasteland, becoming saviors in the eyes of the locals.

The reason Ideal City had stood for two hundred years, becoming a sacred land in the hearts of countless Waste Land Wanderers, was precisely because of those engineering marvels left behind.

Once this war was over and done with, his own name might also become part of a wonderful tale on this desolate and abandoned land...

Lost in these thoughts, a pleased smile could not help but appear on his usually meticulous face.

Li Changkong seemed to have already envisioned those eyes filled with gratitude, and the image of people seeing him as a savior—worshipping him even as a God.

He would return home laden with honors!

Home as a hero—

Suddently realizing the smile on his face was rather unseemly, he quickly coughed twice, resuming a serious expression.

Unaware of the changes in the middle-aged man’s expression beside him, Chu Guang’s attention was completely captured by the two heavy machines slowly pushing forward.

The show of force by the Corporate had indeed impressed him.

Honestly, these two "little fellows" had made an impact on him that was no less than the Pioneer spacecraft last year.

They included the fact that they increased its maximum range from five hundred kilometers to three thousand kilometers in less than a month.

That didn’t even account for the time spent reaching a consensus.

Despite being prepared, the display of technical strength and industrial capability from the Corporate had still exceeded his expectations.

Watching the road grow before his very eyes, Chu Guang felt an indescribable emotion.

Indeed.

Science and technology are the primary productive force.

He had to figure out a way to get a few units from these tycoons!

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