Otherworld Bone Dragon Operation Guide

Chapter 259 Building the First Regiment (Bonus Chapter 1 by Yang and Xiaoyinzi)
Daphne handed over 123 people, but the agreement between the two specified 120 people, taking into account the possibility of unexpected casualties.

Su Ming nodded slightly and cleared his throat.
"My name is Su Ming, welcome everyone!"

He looked at the large, dark crowd and felt a mix of emotions.

This is just the first batch; the number of prisoners rescued from Shenwei Prison will exceed one thousand. A hierarchical management system must be established to effectively manage so many people.

For now, we can only maintain the regulatory model. Once we reach a relatively safe and stable environment, we can gradually convert them into formal organization members.

"From now on, your name will be changed to Construction Regiment One," Su Ming announced.

Rupert had changed into a crisp military uniform, complete with a belt and tall boots. His stubble had been shaved off, making him look quite dashing.

He strolled over to the group of necromancers.

"I'm sure you've all heard," Rupert said in a booming voice, "that this man before you is Ainz Ooal Gown, and you have all been officially transferred to Lord Sue's command." He straightened his back and his gaze swept over each of you. "I am Rupert, and I will be leading you from now on. You can call me Instructor! Now, I'll announce the first rule: we will be operating under military discipline. If you have a question for your instructor, you must first say 'Report!'"

“Each of you is now wearing a recording ring on your wrist, which shows your current score. Following the rules daily will earn you a base of 5 points, and completing your work on time and in full will earn you 10 points. However, violating the rules will result in point deductions!”

He took out a stack of neatly bound printed manuals and began distributing them; the cover read "Management Rules for the Construction Corps".

"The specific rules and regulations are all written in this handbook, one for each of the five people, and they are passed around to each other!"

This was the first time Rupert had ever done something like distributing books. Literate prisoners in other worlds were a rarity, and even if they existed, it wouldn't be his place to manage them, as a commoner.

Managing a group of mages was an unprecedented experience for him, and Rupert puffed out his chest even higher.

“We will provide basic accommodation,” he continued as he handed out the cards, “but food and other necessities will need to be redeemed with points. In addition, your total points will directly determine your treatment level and corresponding privileges.”

The necromancers began whispering and circulating the manual, many showing surprise—the regulations were far more lenient than they had expected. According to the supply standards outlined in the manual, their quality of life would be significantly improved.

For example, a basic meal only requires one point. Although meat is not provided, the staple food and vegetables are guaranteed to be plentiful.

For example, the daily work hours are set at 10 hours, and the rest of the time can be spent freely within the camp area. The manual also notes that the camp has facilities such as a recreation room and a library.

However, there's something strange—below the description of the entertainment activities, someone added a line in messy handwriting: "We regularly host performances by the 'Human Bone Machine' band. Everyone is welcome to watch."

Just as the atmosphere was beginning to ease, a sarcastic voice suddenly rang out, "Since Lord Ainz has taken pity on us and saved us," a necromancer casually swaggered out of the ranks, "why haven't we taken off those things around our necks yet?"

"Number 122, you must shout 'Report!' before you speak!" Rupert sternly reprimanded.

"Tch." The necromancer curled his lip in disdain, ignoring Rupert, and looked at Su Ming provocatively, "Hey, Su Bone King, say something!"

“This guy is a serious criminal, a real troublemaker,” Benedict whispered to Su Ming.

Su Ming flipped through the roster and found that this person's crimes were a bit outrageous. "Why are you still keeping someone like this around?"

“Princess Daphne instructed me to bring this, saying it would be useful,” Benedict explained. “I think now is the time for it to come in handy.”

Was that specially supplied chicken used as a warning to others?
Newman also said smugly, "I tricked him by saying that Ainz Ooal Gown is very soft-hearted, and he actually dared to jump out."

Rupert pulled out the alloy rod hanging from his waist and was about to go forward to teach Number 122 a lesson, but Su Ming stopped him by raising his hand.

“Lord Su, we can’t let him get away with this,” Rupert explained urgently. “He’s deliberately feigning madness to cause trouble because he wants to become the jailer.”

“I’ll do it.” Zi Jin stepped forward, her hand glowing with magical light. “Number 122, for your repeated crimes of robbery and murder, you are hereby sentenced to death!”

The necromancer's expression changed drastically. He was about to say something when a sharp gunshot rang out. A bloody hole instantly appeared on his forehead, and his body crashed to the ground.

Su Ming slowly lowered the still-smoking gun barrel, giving Zi Jin a helpless glare. "I'm not that serious about something like this."

****
A slight commotion arose in the crowd, but it quickly subsided. Only a few of the most heinous prisoners stood there, pale-faced, with fine beads of sweat on their foreheads.

"You lot, numbers 118, 119, 120, and 121!" Rupert's voice boomed like thunder, causing the group to tremble. "You know the crimes you've committed! The Bone King is merciful and is willing to give you a chance to atone for your sins!"

"Yes, instructor!" the group replied immediately, their voices filled with relief at surviving the ordeal.

"These few?" Violet had seen the roster and had some recollection of their crimes. "They're all complete scum, aren't they?"

"I didn't plan to stay," Su Ming explained. "I have plans."

"Numbers 74 to 117!" Rupert continued, his voice slightly softening. "You have mostly committed minor or moderate offenses. Once you reach the corresponding points threshold, you can be considered to have completed your labor reform and regain your freedom!"

"As for the remaining members with no criminal record," Rupert said, looking around at the expectant faces, "you will still need to be under supervision for the time being. Once we leave the North, we will grant you your freedom in batches."

"Report!" said an elderly man with gray hair.

“Student number 9, please speak.” Rupert nodded in acknowledgment.

"What work do you need us to do?" The old man took a deep breath and looked directly at Su Ming.

“We need to dig a tunnel in the North,” Su Ming said calmly, “and then we’ll leave.”

Trainee number 9 remained silent for a moment. Someone behind him tried to interject, but he stopped them with a gesture. The old man frowned and continued, "Digging tunnels is extremely dangerous work. Are you planning to use our lives to fill the gaps?"

A deathly silence fell over the scene. Everyone knew that while magic and alchemical explosives could blast through rock, carving out a complete tunnel was another matter entirely. The complex geological structure, the ever-present possibility of landslides, and the crisscrossing water veins and mud layers all meant that anyone entering the tunnel could be buried alive at any moment.

Needless to say, even with a long and arduous effort, such a crude method of excavation simply cannot dig a stable and reliable tunnel.

“No.” Su Ming shook his head slightly. “We possess the latest alchemical technology. The tunnel will be dug by alchemical machines, and the bear-men will be responsible for transportation. You will only need to undertake auxiliary tasks.”

Upon hearing this answer, the group of necromancers visibly breathed a sigh of relief, as their greatest fear was being used as expendable resources.

"Are you heading towards the Holy Mountain Divine Might Prison?" Trainee No. 9 continued to ask.

Su Ming said frankly, "That's right, our goal is to take over the Divine Might Prison and rescue all the prisoners there." This time, an even bigger commotion broke out in the crowd, with whispers rising and falling, but it quickly subsided—the still warm corpse of number 122 on the ground, and the pool of blood, were silently reminding them of the ruthless methods of the group in front of them.

“You are probably already aware of our identities.” Su Ming looked around at everyone. “Although you are all imprisoned, I believe some of you are still able to obtain information from the outside world.”

"This is the heart of the Northern Ice Plains." He stepped forward, his voice suddenly rising, "and we, as the last undead force, have fought our way here!"

****
Silence fell again as everyone digested the information in Su Ming's words.

But suddenly a deafening roar came from the other side: "Complete the transport mission with all our might!"

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw more than fifty bear-men sitting in a circle. Hanster had just unloaded them from the prison wagon and was now holding a guitar, giving these bear-men a "thought-provoking speech".

After leading the bears in chanting slogans, Hanster gave the order, and the bears immediately sprang into action. Half headed towards the warehouse to begin moving volcanic ash cement; the other half began cleaning the truck beds, sorting and piling up the scattered metal materials.

Among these metals were various types of artillery weapons captured during the previous battle against the noble army, as well as spoils of war obtained during this fight against the Bell of Calamity. They were diverse in style and varied in type.

"Just how many forces did they defeat?" the necromancers present wondered to themselves.

Furthermore, this group originally belonged to Princess Daphne, but was handed over to Ainz Ooal Gown. Therefore, it's possible this was Daphne's defeat reparations!

The Ainz Ooal Gown team is incredibly formidable!

When this theory spread, all the necromancers gasped in unison.

Suddenly, the face of student number 12 twisted and changed, and in the blink of an eye, he transformed into the appearance of a middle-aged man with brown hair.

Benedict gasped and exclaimed, "Powers! It's you!"

Bowers—ranked seventh on the necromancer wanted list. He disguised himself as an ordinary necromancer and deliberately allowed himself to be arrested by the Kingdom of Cold Mountain, where he has been infiltrating the Labor Corps ever since!

"Impressive!" Su Ming clapped. To achieve this level of skill under the constraints of the confinement ring and numerous checks, one's abilities must be extraordinary.

Bowers bowed deeply to Su Ming, “Your Excellency, you flatter me. I dare not reveal my identity and have been living under the protection of Daphne, barely surviving. Unlike you all, who have decisively defeated multiple warships of the Empire and the Temple of the Sun on the seas, becoming new maritime overlords. And now you have traveled thousands of miles to rescue our compatriots.”

“Chestnut owl scholar! Barn swallow scholar!” He then turned to Violet and Newman, bowing respectfully once more. “We are deeply grateful for your help.”

Behind him, the necromancers all bowed in greeting.

Violet nodded in acknowledgment, then waved to Bowers.

Bowers turned to the necromancers and said, "We've all been through a lot. It's rare for a strong person to step in and save us. We must all change our mindset and obey orders!"

"Regarding specific work matters," he continued, then turned to Su Ming, his tone sincere, "I hope to represent everyone and understand the details clearly."

The necromancers responded in unison.

****
in the carriage.

As soon as the car door closed, Bowles immediately reached out and gave Newman a high five.

“That was a really convincing performance,” Newman laughed.

The two were old friends who had known each other for many years. They had already secretly recognized each other when Newman mingled with the necromancers.

After being introduced to Su Ming, the two had an in-depth discussion and planned the performance that had just been directed.

“It’s good enough,” Bowers said. “With this kind of teamwork, we can manage this group well!”

Su Ming glanced outside and saw Instructor Rupert organizing the group to board the train in order and assigning berths.

The warm carriages and hygienic living conditions delighted the group. Many of the facilities, especially the extremely high-quality lighting equipment, were unlike anything they had ever seen before.

“Once we have a stable base, management will be much easier,” Bowers said confidently. “Then people will naturally settle down, and even if you try to drive them away, I doubt anyone will want to leave.”

What Su Ming had thought would be a lot of trouble was resolved relatively smoothly.

The undead faction has been sifted through in this catastrophe, and those who have survived to this day are not fools. Many of the elites have even chosen sides without hesitation, so Su Ming doesn't need to worry about them much.

"Thank you for your hard work," Su Ming said.

“I will explain the specifics of the job to everyone in detail to alleviate their safety concerns,” Bowers said. “I will also try to secure some rights for them, such as hot water, and that should be enough.” He picked up a cup and took a big gulp of warm water. “It’s so cold here, drinking cold water all the time is really uncomfortable.”

"The high density of occupants on the vehicle means we need to be careful about disease prevention," Su Ming advised.

"Don't worry. We are not as good as the Temple of the Sun in terms of treatment, but in terms of prevention and treatment, we are second to none."

“Because you’re the best at launching,” Jelus interjected irritably from the side.

The train also received a batch of staple foods from the North—sweet potatoes, corn, and various beans. Considering the prisoners' status and generally poor health, Su Ming instructed Yunier to prepare hulled wheat and dried fish.

He needs these people to get back into shape as soon as possible so they can be competent for the work ahead.

He initially purchased twenty tons of high-quality grain with the intention of rescuing more prisoners and avoiding additional supply needs.

But it seems that it has been put to good use.

“The bear-men will only be provided with coarse grains,” Su Ming said. “Just give them the minimum rations. This batch of bear-men will be handed over to Daphne after they complete their mission.”

“They only eat coarse grains anyway,” Hanster said. “Otherwise, with the Bearmen’s appetite, they could eat themselves into poverty.”

(End of this chapter)