Chapter 8

Cao Xing had collected the other materials on the ground.

Afterward, he came to the coal mine, full of anticipation.

“Yes.”

Cao Xing: “???”

What the hell?

Barrett?

Did I hear that right?

However, when Cao Xing saw the heavy sniper rifle lying in the snow before him, its entire body painted black and its barrel a full meter long, he confirmed his guess.

This really is a Barrett!

But then again, he thought about it, and it seemed normal.

After all, this world is a mix of science and magic.

Cold Iron Mechanics could eventually pilot Gundams and summon bomber fleets in the later stages, so what was a Barrett in comparison?

With this in mind, Cao Xing joyfully picked up the Barrett and the bullets from the ground.

“Holy shit! This is freaking awesome!”

Without a doubt, this was a real killing machine.

With more than nine hundred attack power in the early stages, it was like a god-slaying weapon, unstoppable by anything!

Plus the two additional effects—if both triggered, monsters below Level 20 couldn’t withstand a single shot!

Even though he was a mage, who said mages couldn’t use the Barrett?

Sadly, Cao Xing only had ten rounds of ammunition.

Cao Xing thought, “I remember, after the territory levels up to Level 4, some new technological buildings like and would be unlocked.”

“Then, I won’t have to worry about bullets!”

Pleased, Cao Xing tucked the Barrett into his backpack.

At this moment, he remembered another prompt from the system.

In addition to the coal mine resources, there was also a Bronze Treasure Box.

In other words, there might actually be a treasure box inside!

So Cao Xing turned his head and said, “Saozi, I’m going to check inside the mine. You start by collecting the coal scattered here.”

Liu Muxue nodded lightly, “Mm.”

After speaking, Cao Xing jumped straight into the mine.

It was just a small mine, stretching no more than four to five meters deep.

In the soil nearby, one could see the lumps of black coal and stone, clearly indicating the richness of its resources.

According to the system, over 1700 pieces of coal could still be mined here.

Based on the standard ratio of 1 coal=5 wood, the resources here could last him for quite some time!

Cao Xing even considered sending some Polar People over to start mining right now.

But, at present, the four Polar People in the territory were all busy with tasks, and there were no spare hands for this stage.

Cao Xing mused to himself, “It seems I need to prioritize upgrading the Polar People Hut.”

“I must recruit more labor; otherwise, these veins will remain unmined.”

However, more pressing at the moment was finding the treasure box within this coal mine.

Cao Xing made his way to the end of the mine, and in the pitch black, he discovered a bronze-colored treasure box.

“This is it!”

The system prompt appeared.

Cao Xing clicked ‘Yes’ right away.

[System Prompt: Bronze Treasure Box successfully opened, you have obtained Believer’s Staff (Green)*1,

“Huh? A Market Construction Blueprint?”

Cao Xing’s eyes lit up.

Only after building a market could one trade with other survivors.

Although only a few hours had passed since Cao Xing arrived in this world, given over 7 billion humans had been transported to Blue Star, with such a huge population, many would have already built a .

Cao Xing looked over the blueprint’s description.

(Note: Before merging, you can only trade with other survivors within your territory.)

Cao Xing thoughtfully said, “So, I can only trade with survivors in my own region for now?”

“But that’s not a big deal. Area 174 also has tens of thousands of people; there should be plenty of supplies circulating in the market.”

Cao Xing then began to check the other two pieces of equipment he had just acquired.

(Note: Staff of a zealous believer, shout the words ‘black stockings are justice’ during battle for unexpected effects~)

Who the hell is going to shout that, damn it!

It’s white stockings that are justice, okay?

Cao Xing was speechless, feeling that this system’s note was somewhat frivolous.

He began to check the second piece of equipment.

(Note: With good resistance to cold, these snow boots can help you walk better in snow and ice.)

“Another piece of cold-weather gear.”

Barrett thought with happiness.

There were two pairs of these snow boots, one for him and one for Liu Muxue each.

Thus, he took off his black leather shoes and put on the fleece-covered snow boots.

His feet, nearly frozen and numb, were now wrapped in waves of warmth.

Barrett nodded in satisfaction.

There was another item in the treasure box.

(Note: A simple medical bag that can cure common symptoms caused by the weather, such as colds, fevers, frostbites, etc.)

This, too, was a lifesaver, especially before constructing a !

After all, some ailments not even the Aurora Knight’s could dispel.

After checking once more to ensure there was nothing else in the coal mine, Barrett prepared to leave.

But before he left, he conveniently dismantled the treasure box.

Barrett crawled out of the mine shaft.

Upon seeing him come out, Liu Muxue spoke softly, “Axing, I’ve gathered all the coal from the ground. There are 112 pieces in total—enough for us to use for a long time!”

Joy of the harvest was on her face.

Barrett nodded and said, “Well done, Saozi.”

“Here, take these snow boots first.”

After speaking, Barrett placed the boots at Liu Muxue’s feet.

He noticed that Liu Muxue’s legs were frozen red, her ten toes tightly clenched, trembling continuously between her thighs.

It had been five or six minutes since they emerged.

In another few minutes, if they don’t return to the bonfire, Liu Muxue’s legs might be completely ruined by the cold.

Although Liu Muxue was very eager for the snow boots, she also knew how precious they were in this extreme environment.

“Can I really have these boots?” Liu Muxue tentatively asked.

Barrett laughed and said, “Of course, I’ve already got a pair, and Yilena doesn’t have legs, who else could wear them but you?”

Liu Muxue no longer refused but whispered, “Thank you… Axing.”

Barrett waved his hand, urging her to hurry and put them on.

Right then, Liu Muxue somewhat embarrassedly said, “Axing… could you help me a bit? My legs aren’t really listening to me.”

After saying that, her cheeks reddened to the tips of her ears.

Without overthinking, Barrett stepped up beside her and let Liu Muxue place one of her hands on his shoulder.

A faint fragrance wafted to his nose.

Liu Muxue, wrapping her arm around Barrett’s neck, struggled to lift her right leg.

Seeing her condition, Barrett knew her legs had stiffened from the cold.

“Saozi, let me help you put them on.”

As he spoke, without waiting for Liu Muxue to react, Barrett lifted her leg covered in white silk.

“Um…”

Liu Muxue’s body shuddered, her eyes suddenly widening.

Barrett, without any superfluous thoughts, quickly helped her into both pairs of snow boots, then bent down.

“Saozi, I will carry you back to camp.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Muxue became even more shy.

But she knew that in her current state, she must return to camp to warm up quickly.

“It’s… it’s trouble for you…” Liu Muxue softly replied.

The next moment, a pair of slender arms wrapped around Barrett’s neck.

Then, she felt a pair of large, powerful hands supporting her at the base of her thighs.

As if it was the first time another man had touched her there, Liu Muxue let out slight breaths, her face quickly turning red down to her neck.

Liu Muxue bowed her head deeply.

Barrett felt the soft, delicate touch between his hands.

He thought to himself, “This woman… her body is so soft…”

Then, Barrett carried Liu Muxue, along with Yilena.

The two people and one snake returned to the warmth of the camp.

The heat from the bonfire came again.

The stiffness in their bodies gradually dissipated.

After settling Liu Muxue down,

Barrett glanced at the sky, which was growing increasingly darker.

There was half an hour left until nightfall.

He needed to build a small shelter before dark so that Yilena could stay there overnight.

Otherwise, the loyalty of these territory residents might decrease due to enduring the nighttime cold.

Moreover, he needed to construct the for trading with other survivors.

Barrett checked the current territory resources.

“Not bad, the materials for the logging factory and market are sufficient, and the remaining materials can build a small dwelling.”

So, Barrett shouted out to the distance, “Dazhuang, Erzhuang, come back now.”

Upon hearing the command, the Polar People put down their work and hurried back to the bonfire, shivering.

“Lord, what do you need?”

Barrett nodded, then began giving orders, “Dazhuang, Erzhuang, you two build the logging factory.”

“Sizhuang, the task of constructing the market is yours.”

“Erzhuang, you build a small dwelling.”

To that, Barrett added, “After you’ve done these, you can have your meal.”

Hearing the last sentence, the eyes of the four Polar People brightened,

“Rest assured, Lord, we’ll complete the tasks before dark!”

“That’s right, you can count on us to do the job, Lord.”