Chapter 836: Chapter 834: Sudden Death
Waltz paused as he got to this point, expressing a serious demeanor: “Of course, besides the good news, there are also problems.
First is the supply of alchemy tools, which currently cannot be stabilized. Only Master Wizard can provide these tools, and although the number was sufficient before, with the increase in workers and acceleration of mining, there’s now a significant shortage of alchemy tools.
Yesterday, you provided a new batch of alchemy tools, temporarily easing the pressure, but issues will arise again in a few days. We must find a way to solve this, or the efficiency of the first step in mining – demolition – will greatly decrease, affecting the progress of the entire mine.
Additionally, several nearby mines have suffered from our actions, with a large flow of workers moving to our side, which has made their prospects quite dire. Even the news of the demon’s disappearance has spread entirely, this cannot change the fact that, based on what I know, their ore extraction volume is now less than half of two months ago. This will inevitably lead to hostility from the nearby mines; although nothing has happened yet, we can’t be sure about the future, we have to be prepared…”
Waltz continued speaking.
Richard listened and nodded, and after some time he addressed Waltz’s issues one by one: “As for the alchemy tools, I have recognized this as an issue, but don’t worry too much. I’ve already begun to address it, and once the planned new factory is built and operational, this problem should be partly alleviated. For now, I’ll try my best to continue providing alchemy tools, and you manage the situation well.
As for the antagonism and possible interference from nearby mines, you need not worry whatsoever. Their prospects aren’t good? Just buy them outright. Negotiate with their mine owners, and don’t worry about low pricing, transact at the original price, or even higher; especially for the No. 9 Mine, No.11 Mine, and Delagen Mine, acquire them even at double the price. I believe they have no reason to refuse.
Once this is done, you’ll be responsible for managing all the mines, and the new ones should follow the same model as No. 13 Mine, mining together. If you can’t handle it alone, find some capable people to assist you, but of course, anyone you find must receive my approval before taking the post…”
After hearing Richard’s answers, Waltz showed a puzzled expression, frowning slightly: “Master Wizard, I understand purchasing the nearby mines. After all, given our current efficiency, the more mines we have, the greater the profits. This also effectively prevents our mine’s ore from exhausting too quickly.
But… we clearly could wait a while and use the situation to force them to take the initiative to sell at a very low price, so why hurry to buy them at a high price?
Especially with No. 9 Mine, which is one of the earliest mines near Shambhala Town. As far as I know, among the seven tunnels dug there, more than half are exhausted and hold low value. After buying it, it likely won’t be very useful, at most, just a burden, so why insist on acquiring it?”
“It’s quite simple,” Richard said, “There are two reasons for this.”
“The first reason is, buying these nearby mines is one of my plans; for me, as long as the plan succeeds, that’s good. Avoiding delays reduces the risk of variables.”
“What is the second reason?” Waltz asked instinctively.
Richard answered quietly, “The second reason is, I don’t lack money.”
It took Waltz a whole three seconds to recover, glancing at Richard, realizing what kind of person he was dealing with. He took a deep breath and said, “Alright then, Master Wizard, I’ll do my best to carry out your wishes and get it done.”
“That’s good.” Richard nodded, then casually asked about other matters, “Aside from the issues you mentioned, is there any trouble in other areas, such as security?”
“Security?” Waltz shook his head upon hearing this, “There doesn’t seem to be much of an issue in terms of security. Previously, I thought security might become a problem, but it actually surprised me—not a single incident so far.
The main reason is that the wages paid to workers are extremely high, surpassing the limits of all the mines. So, the workers cherish every opportunity, fearing that causing trouble might get them fired, they’re unexpectedly obedient.
Right now, there’s also no one from outside causing damage. Otherwise, I believe with a little guidance, the miners would band together to fight back against the intruders. As for thieves, they’re even less of a concern.”
“That’s the best…” Richard praised, yet he abruptly stopped speaking, frowning as he gazed into a specific direction in the night.
“What’s wrong?” Waltz asked in a low voice.
Richard didn’t answer, merely walked silently into the darkness.
Waltz followed with curiosity.
The two walked several dozen meters to the factory construction site nearby, where they saw a slender elderly figure stooping and sneaking toward the site. It was unclear what his intentions were, but he definitely harbored ill intentions.
“We should still pay attention to security, after all.” Richard uttered this line.
Waltz’s expression stiffened, feeling somewhat embarrassed—he had just assured that there were no issues, yet a problem appeared suddenly.
With a light sound, Richard jumped forward, approaching the elderly figure, deciding to swiftly resolve this minor trouble.
He moved quickly, and in a blink, he was behind the old man, reaching out his right hand to grab the man’s neck.
Unexpectedly, the old man turned around at that moment, staring directly with eyes full of disdain and mockery, then he displayed a strange smile.
Seeing the old man’s expression, Richard was startled, retreating cautiously and preparing to deploy a shield to counter any attack, ready to bombard with magic missiles.
However, after retreating several meters, Richard paused, gradually landed, and with a complex expression looked at the old man.
He saw the old man standing still, his smile growing ever more twisted, and the next moment his body convulsed, and he fell stiffly backward, landing hard with a thud.
“What trick is this? Fake death? It’s too abrupt, isn’t it? Or a special posture for casting a spell? But why is there no mana fluctuation, and the opponent’s life aura has completely vanished? Could it be…”
Richard contemplated a possibility, stepped forward again, approached the elderly man, checked his breath and pulse, discovering the man was dead.