Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 206 The Beauty of the Northbound Industrial Area: A Master's Phone Call with the President
The arrival of the dwarf master Norton Ironbrows left Chen Mo in a state of great turmoil, an unprecedented dilemma.

The frown lines on his forehead were all tangled together.

The Xuan Shui official who brought over a thick stack of documents felt the oppressive atmosphere most keenly. He stole a glance at the lord's furrowed brows, tiptoed down the documents, and quietly slipped out, not daring to even breathe.

After thinking for a long time, Chen Mo still couldn't make up his mind.

Master Anthony held this dwarf master in high esteem. From the close-up photos of the high-quality mechanical replica that Anthony showed Chen Mo, Chen Mo truly felt the master's skill.

It's important to understand that while the mechanical structure Norton copied wasn't particularly complex, it was designed for modern industrial production capabilities.

To be able to recreate it using workshop processing methods is comparable to the skill of the master fitters in Dongxia who handcrafted atomic bombs and machined propellers back in the day. When industry was in ruins, Dongxia's first batch of industrial machine tools were born little by little in the hands of these master craftsmen.

Considering that dwarves can also enchant, and even layer enchant, they seem to be even stronger than these super craftsmen.

However, this is where Chen Mo's dilemma lies. Although this dwarf master has retired, he was very famous before. Although he has been gradually forgotten in the Silver Duchy, if something happens to him, it will definitely attract attention from all sides.

Many tactics are ineffective against well-known figures who are not in the opposing camp.

It's like how Thunder Wasteland was clearly within orc-controlled territory, but some well-known human mages were conducting magical research there, and the orcs didn't just go up and wipe them out.

Whether the action is proper or not is one thing, but more importantly, it will bring enormous negative reputation.

From Chen Mo's perspective, forcing someone to stay if they were unwilling was inappropriate. However, this also meant he couldn't allow them to freely view the equipment within his territory. This dilemma left Chen Mo undecided.

Unable to think of a better solution for the time being, Chen Mo could only take advantage of his absence from the territory, pretend to be too busy, and put the other party aside for the time being. At the same time, he instructed Helan to probe the other party's intentions during the reception.

That evening, after inspecting the industrial site again, Chen Mo received a communication from Tianshuang City.

Yes, the two leaders, Chen Mo and Liu Shuang, will engage in regular and irregular head-of-state level dialogues.

From the perspective of the government system, this is a political arrangement and communication between Chen Mo, the lord of Han Hai Territory and the behind-the-scenes manager of Xuan Shui City, and Zhu Shuang, the lord of Yun Wu Territory and the city lord of Tian Shuang City.

From the perspective of the military system, this is an important military exchange between the commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief of the highest military command.

Of course, from Chen Mo's perspective, it was just that the little girl had found a formal excuse to come and chat with him.

Sure enough, as soon as the call connected, Liu Shuang's cheerful voice came through, excitedly reporting some good news to Chen Mo.

"Chen Mo, Chen Mo, I feel like I'm about to level up again!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo was struck dumb and nearly dropped the communicator.

This is the true chosen one of the planes. A fourth-tier golden scale at this age is already terrifying enough. What is it that it is about to advance to the next tier?

After silently assessing his own advancement progress, compared to this person, he realized that his natural talent far outweighed his efforts...

There's an even more serious problem!

Now, when I meet with a fourth-tier princess, I have to put on refined magic protective gear in advance. What if she advances another tier and my protective gear can't cover her anymore?
Chen Mo silently wiped away his sweat, trying to keep his voice steady: "Congratulations! When will you advance to the next level? I need to prepare a grand celebration for our Princess Liushuang."

"Not so fast. We still need to complete a resonance challenge of the laws of psychic energy, which is very difficult!"

The little girl always seemed very enthusiastic when chatting with Chen Mo. Ever since she came to the Vast Ocean with the elf last time, Liu Shuang seemed to have suddenly opened her heart and showed a lot of affection for Chen Mo.

This is also the core reason why Xia Er and the old scribe have now completely given up on trying to gain some say in the Han Hai Territory.

While we are still trying to persuade them, the lord has already defected to the enemy…

Chen Mo could hear a hint of helplessness mixed with a touch of expectation in Liu Shuang's words.

"To advance to the fifth rank, I need to test a nest of at least the sixth rank, prepare all sorts of resources, and catalyze a nest guardian of the fifth rank or higher to emerge. Only after defeating it can I gain the recognition of the laws of spiritual energy. This is going to be very troublesome!"

"My last advancement was applied for at the Qiyue Academy. Qiyue has several nests, but it's too far now, so I definitely can't go there!"

"The Emerald Kingdom also has its lair, but I don't want to go there. They're still holding onto the money you gave me, shameless!"

To conserve resources, audio communication is currently the only option; video calls are not enabled. Chen Mo could only imagine the little girl looking unhappy.

"I'm planning to ask my aunt for help. There are trial nests in the Elf Forest, but outsiders aren't allowed in. However, you gave them those very powerful bows, and my aunt and uncle are very happy about it. I think they should let me in to do a resonance trial..."

Chen Mo sighed softly.

"No need for that trouble. Just come to Han Hai Territory when you have some free time... Hmm, how about the beginning of next month? I'll be going back anyway, and I'll help you figure out how to complete this trial!"

"Wow? Really? Chen Mo, you're amazing!"

Clearly, the young princess had blindly trusted them, without even asking what happened or how to resolve it.

Just listen to Chen Mo and you'll be fine!
However, when Chen Mo heard Liu Shuang say that he was amazing...

This is equivalent to Su Shen saying I run fast, and Wei Shen saying I have good grades!

Is this meant to mock me? It can't be...

"By the way, Chen Mo, Xiao Hei has also advanced. I really envy these magical beasts. They can advance directly once they reach a certain level of strength, without even needing to undergo trials or resonance."

"But Little Black still can't beat Big White, so it stays far away. Whenever it sees Big White, it hisses at him, looking both cowardly and fierce, which is quite funny!"

Chen Mo fell silent again.

As expected, I'm a good-for-nothing. If it weren't for the elders in my family, I'd probably be utterly useless...

Indeed, many people who think they're so great are nothing without that country, that environment, and that platform.

The two chatted for a while, with Liu Shuang mostly talking about everyday matters in Tian Shuang City.

Another batch of refugees arrived today, with the elderly and children in tow. However, there were two professionals among them, who were scouts and wandering knights, and they had already been included in the Second Brigade's list of candidates.

The old clerk uncovered several more spies, and Charles arranged for them to be hung up, saying that they should be left to air out for a while before being interrogated.

The dwarf merchant guild passed through Skyfrost City and offered a bunch of cooperation suggestions similar to those from Cloud Mist, including things like opening casinos and lending money. The young girl was so angry that she almost lost her temper on the spot, and it was only after her subordinates talked her out of it that she stopped.

Green Pine's scouts secretly crossed the East Pass Pass, ostensibly to scout the orcs' movements, but actually to see what the situation was like in Skyfrost City.

Of course, these guys were caught red-handed by the Special Operations Company of the Second Brigade as expected!

After rambling on for a while, the little girl seemed a bit embarrassed and asked in return, "Chen Mo, Chen Mo, have you encountered anything lately?"

Chen Mo's fingers swept across the document on the table again, and he clicked his tongue softly: "I'm really annoyed right now. A dwarf master has come, and I don't know what to do!"

After briefly explaining the situation and not fully expressing her concerns, Liu Shuang seemed to offer advice without even thinking.

"Just ask him directly if he can stay. If he can, show him; if he can't, let him go."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo suddenly froze.

Liu Shuang's intelligence is actually quite average. She struggles with even slightly complex math problems. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she's all brawn and no brains.

But when dealing with certain matters, she possesses an astonishing, beast-like intuition. This girl seems to have a very strong beastman bloodline!
The suggestions I make may not be the optimal solution, but they are usually the most straightforward.

It's like you're here, carefully studying how to untangle a knotted rope, when Liu Shuang comes up and cuts it off with a single, sharp stroke of her sword.

That's right, I was too focused on having both. Instead of being hesitant and timid, I should be open and honest. If we can cooperate, we will; if not, we should politely send them away!
"Yes, you're absolutely right, that's the best advice I've ever heard!"

"really?"

Liu Shuang's voice suddenly became cheerful, and even through the receiver, Chen Mo could almost see the bright smile on the girl's face.

For most of the time, the girl had been telling Chen Mo about her growth, seemingly hoping to become a useful helper to him, just like a long, long time ago when she inexplicably handed him that pill. After hanging up the phone, Chen Mo inexplicably thought of a question.

Shouldn't this method of long phone conversations be subject to a pricing standard, charging by the minute or something?

Shaking his head to dismiss the absurd idea, Chen Mo immediately contacted Lin En, who was located at the desert base in the Vast Ocean Territory.

The entire communication system of Han Hai can be regarded as a military dedicated line, controlled by the informationized special operations battalions or special operations companies of various regional troops. Therefore, Lynn, who received the message, relayed it to Helan.

After hearing the lord's instructions, Helan personally met with Master Norton Ironbrow.

"Our Lord of the Vast Ocean is extremely busy. The fact that the territory has developed to this extent in such a short time is largely due to the Lord's great contributions!"

"The lord expressed his warm welcome to the master's arrival, but said he was currently busy with affairs outside and might not be able to return to Han Hai for another two weeks. He apologized for this and hoped the master could understand."

Norton Ironbrow interrupted Helan without hesitation.

This dwarf master was clearly not a particularly patient person, or rather, he had extremely poor patience in social interactions that were not related to casting techniques.

After a few polite words, he clearly became impatient.

"Come on, kid, just say what you want to say, stop beating around the bush!"

Norton Ironbrow's voice was muffled and loud, like an old clock with a slightly metallic, abrasive quality. When he spoke, this dwarf master always made rather intense gestures. Whenever his tone became more forceful, he would involuntarily raise his hand, as if he were striking something heavily. His thick arm almost knocked over the wine jug on the table.

That was a high-proof liquor made from the finest seawater rice that Lynn had specially prepared for him. Without it, the master would probably have been unable to stay any longer.

Helan steadied the wine jug, expressed his apology, and explained Chen Mo's arrangements.

"Our lord said that he admires the master's skills, but the great creation that the lord invited from the mechanical god from a distant world can only be opened and used by engineers belonging to the Vast Ocean Territory."

"If Master Norton wishes to study these machines, you will need to serve the territory for at least thirty years!"

The lord's requirement was that, according to Chen Mo's calculations, the territory's development should have been unshakeable within ten years. If the Dwarf Master cooperated, he would most likely have become another foreign academician by then.

If the ten-year term expires and the master is ultimately not retained, even if some technology is leaked by then, the impact should not be too significant.

Once HanHai's industrial system is established, the competition will no longer be about general technologies, but about a complete set of industrial collaborations.

However, Helan felt that since it was a bargaining process, they should raise the price first.

Then he heard Master Norton's disgruntled nagging.

"Oh, Grandi! Thirty years, why only thirty years? Is your lord worried that he won't live any longer?"

Helan's face darkened. If those "radicals" from the Torch Youth League heard this, they would pluck all the old dwarf's beard off in a heartbeat!
The dwarf master shook the row of metal rings hanging from his beard, making a jingling sound, and continued.

"Alright, thirty years it is. I swear in the name of Glenny, as long as you don't make me do anything pointless and suicidal, I will let your lord know how lucky he is to have met me, Ironbrow!"

The continuous tapping motions, coupled with his speech, exuded an air of dominance.

The old man kept repeating the name Granni, the god of forging and steel worshipped by most dwarf tribes. Swearing an oath to this god would be highly credible.

Thus, none of the probing and tug-of-war that Chen Mo had envisioned occurred. Both sides directly and decisively laid out all their cards and reached an agreement.

Chen Mo had to admit that Liu Shuang was indeed blessed with good fortune! Facing such a direct and pure master, beating around the bush would only be an insult.

In their subsequent conversation, the master's candor made Chen Mo feel somewhat ashamed.

"Look, I brought all the little ones out with me, just in case we settle down here first. The Iron Eyebrows family doesn't have the habit of having two relationships at the same time!"

The old dwarf took a big gulp of wine and added, "That's right, Grandi, I left a child in Silver. You have to leave one, what if the whole family dies here? Someone has to redeem this bone for me."

"Hurry, I can't wait!"

"The great Granny will protect you!"

Over the next few days, Han Hai provided the old man with a wide variety of mechanical products, making the dwarf master craftsman feel like a mouse falling into a rice jar.

However, these are just appetizers; the real feast awaits in Xuan Shui City.

When the "Dawn" set sail again to deliver supplies, at the invitation of the Lord of the Vast Sea, Norton Ironbrows took his most capable children and sailed north. After more than a week of travel, they arrived at Xuan Shui City.

Although he had seen the guy in photos several times, when Chen Mo actually met the old dwarf in person, he still had a feeling that this was what a master blacksmith should be like.

Norton's height only reached Chen Mo's waist, but his lack of vertical height was compensated by his well-developed horizontal physique. His broad and thick shoulders were almost as wide as his upper body, and his bronze skin gleamed in the northern sun, as if his body was coated with a layer of metallic dust from sweat.

On this chilly winter day, the dwarf master's muscular arms were exposed, covered with burn marks from long hours working near the high-temperature furnace, as well as dark spots caused by sputtering metal shavings.

The dwarves' hair and eyebrows are iron gray, thick and coarse, and from a distance they do indeed look like clusters of iron wire wrapped around their heads. The name "Iron Eyebrows" is well-deserved.

Of course, the most eye-catching feature is the dwarf's famously large beard.

His beard was almost down to his belt, thick, smooth, and bright in color, like the hair of a teenage girl who had just washed it. It looked very well-maintained, creating a wonderful contrast with his rugged appearance.

These whiskers were meticulously braided into several intricate and neat braids, cleverly adorned with various tiny metal rings, gear-shaped ornaments, and unknown metal pieces that shimmered with a magical glow.

These metal ornaments would jingle whenever the dwarf shook his head.

Chen Mo was puzzled as to why dwarves, who were always surrounded by fire, could grow such long beards. Wouldn't that burn them? It wasn't until later that he realized that the metal ornaments on those beards had at least a dozen different magical protective effects.

Most of the dwarf master's masterpieces are adorned with this large beard.

Lord Chen Mo hosted a grand welcome banquet for the dwarf master, but the dwarf's mind was clearly not on the food. After gulping down several mouthfuls of wine, Norton Ironbrow started banging on the table.

"Granny's furnace! I can already smell the steel and the oil; my intuition is calling to me, it's thirsting for more!"

"Take me to see them, Your Excellency! I can't take it anymore! I need to see those machines!"

Looking at this old man who seemed like a child, Chen Mo felt a deep sense of respect welling up inside him.

Perhaps it is precisely because of such a pure race and pure character that pure artisans were born.

Surrounded by guards, translators, and territory engineers, the lord led the dwarves directly into the largest and most central factory deep within the swamp. The moment he stepped into the factory, the dwarf master strained to raise his head and tense every muscle in his body.

“Granny above!” Norton murmured, barely able to breathe.

What did you see?
As far as the eye could see, there was a large open space with clear white and yellow lines drawn on the ground, and sturdy metal supports and rails overhead.

Huge gantry cranes and various long grab arms, accompanied by the dull roar of the machines, went back and forth, arranging metal blocks of all shapes and sizes into neat sequences and slowly sending them to the other end of the workshop.

Next to the main workshop is an inner workshop separated by transparent glass. At a glance, you can see many mechanical arms, silver-gray or matte black, extending from above and on both sides of the conveyor belt, grabbing metal parts and performing riveting, welding, and installation operations with a flexibility, precision and stability that the old dwarf could not understand at all.

The old man subconsciously tightened his grip on the tools he carried with him.

Just minutes before, the old man was smugly showing off his professional gear to the young lord. His brown apron was covered with pockets of all sizes, and he could easily pick up all sorts of tools.

Hammers, chisels, pliers, screwdrivers, files of various sizes, multiple sets of notched wrenches, measuring rulers, magnifying glasses, and even a palm-sized miniature steam engine that clicks and turns with a single press, constantly emitting white steam...

Seeing the lord's amazed expression, the old man felt extremely satisfied.

Now, Norton felt as if a giant, heavy hammer weighing thousands or tens of thousands of kilograms had been slammed into his face.

He couldn't breathe, but he was trembling all over.

This is a forest of steel, a temple of order, the belly of a living, breathing industrial behemoth!

This is the ultimate aesthetic of modern industry!
(End of this chapter)