Chapter 9, How Many Devices are Free to Use?

Butch's mood was complicated.

As people age and undergo more hardships, and with the safety of the entire Abandoned Cave Society resting on his shoulders, it was inevitable that he would overthink and become overly suspicious.

In his view, the hundreds of people in the Abandoned Cave Society huddled together for warmth on the dangerous wasteland, seeking survival. No matter the situation, thinking more and being more cautious—even if it meant missing many opportunities—was much better than making one misstep that could lead to utter catastrophe.

When the Governor-general came with troops to the rescue, he was undoubtedly grateful. Without outside help, all of them would have died.

But to be honest, what he most hoped for was that the Governor-general would come with his troops, annihilate the bandits, and then leave. Even if it meant they had to pay a higher cost, that would be acceptable. He had considered the worst-case scenario, where taxes would double in two years, possibly leading to half of the Abandoned Cave Society starving to death, but it was still better than everyone dying.

Now, however, the Governor-general not only did not require them to give anything but was also willing to offer more, which made Butch very anxious.

If there was no cost at all, it might mean the greatest cost of all.

After listening to Gu Hang's speech, he too was unavoidably impassioned for a moment and cheered jubilantly along with the crowd.

Everything the Governor-general spoke of, of course, was what he hoped for, what he dreamed of having.

But...

Was it really possible?

The people of the Abandoned Cave Society, besides their strength, had nothing. No technology, no equipment, even the mines, relics from before the war, had limited reserves and were difficult to exploit. If the veins were of good quality, how could they have possibly ended up in their hands?

How could such people pursue a better life?

Butch could not imagine.

He didn't want to think this way, but he couldn't help fearing the worst, feeling that Gu Hang's words were all deception, and perhaps they would end up being sold off as slaves or something of the sort in the future.

But he was no longer the leader of the Abandoned Cave Society.

The current leader, Patel, seemed brainwashed, fervently trusting the Governor-general's words. After the Governor-general's speech, the young man was beside himself with excitement, and at the slightest beckoning, he scurried off to discuss the grand plans for the development of the Abandoned Cave Society.

"Sold out and still counting the money for the buyer!"

Butch could only retreat to his cramped and musty little space, brooding in private.

His brooding didn't last long before his door was knocked on.

Opening the door, Patel walked in.

The room was pitch black, and Patel asked, "Why don't you light a lamp?"

"To save a bit."

"According to the Governor-general, a happy life can't be saved into existence."

"Heh, now you're spouting nothing but the Governor-general's words."

"He saved us."

"I've never denied that."

"He also wants to bring us a bright future."

"Hmm," Butch replied noncommittally, having given up on persuading Patel.

What else could be done at this point?

Truth be told, the Abandoned Cave Society had no strength. Even if Patel listened to him, what could they do? Could they revolt against the Governor-general?

Thinking this, he grew even more disheartened. He listlessly asked, "Aren't you supposed to be discussing important matters with the Governor-general? What do you want with an old wreck like me?"

"The discussions are already done, I came to ask for your help."

"That was quick?"

"The Governor values efficiency highly," Gu Hang said.

"What do you want me to do?" Butch asked.

"Lead our people to the surface and establish a settlement. We can't continue to live in the mines for much longer; the poor living conditions will lead to disease," Patel explained.

"But..."

Butch hesitated.

Of course, it would be great to live on the surface—who would choose the mines if they had a choice? In fact, the Abandoned Cave Society had plans to expand to the surface and had a camp there.

Then, the 'Prisoners of Oblivion' beat them up. The dozens of people they captured were taken from that surface camp.

The surface was too dangerous; with the Abandoned Cave Society's capabilities, they simply couldn't defend it.

"I know what you're worried about," Patel said, "but we have the power to protect ourselves. The Governor will leave behind a hundred robotic soldiers to be responsible for defense here. At the same time, a hundred sets of soldier equipment will be transported here. We'll select people from the Abandoned Cave Society and arm a platoon!"

Now it was Butch's turn to be surprised.

He thought the Governor was bluffing, but he hadn't expected the promise to be carried out so quickly.

No, it should be said, two promises.

Arming the Abandoned Cave Society's own soldiers so they could protect themselves was one thing; building houses on the surface to improve living conditions was another.

Change was immediate.

On this matter, Butch couldn't refuse.

But he was curious about something else, "You want my help to construct the surface camp, what will you be doing yourself?"

It certainly wouldn't be training the military. That kind of thing would surely be managed by someone from the Governor's side. Not to mention military authority, even if the Abandoned Cave Society handled it themselves, they lacked the capability.

"Me?" Patel said with a mysterious smile, not keeping the suspense any longer. "I'm going to build our own production line. There will be new mining machines delivered, as well as alloy smelting furnaces. The Governor doesn't just want to help us improve the efficiency of mineral extraction, but also to directly establish a production line for producing alloy steel!"

Hearing this, Butch was genuinely astonished and found himself at a loss for words.

Establishing a military force, returning to the surface to live—these things were certainly good, but plainly speaking, they were all illusory. How could the Abandoned Cave Society, on its own, afford a decent military force? Wouldn't they still rely on the Governor for support?

This was at the core of Butch's pessimism: for the Abandoned Cave Society to lead a good life, they had to possess enough value themselves. He never expected others to provide unlimited, gratuitous support to the Abandoned Cave Society—it was impossible.

Even if it was just a temporary measure to win hearts, it was for a greater benefit. Whether it was to build a good reputation or for a darker scheme, it was never a good thing.

But now, he knew he was wrong, egregiously so.

Indeed, Gu Hang wouldn't provide unlimited, gratuitous support to the Abandoned Cave Society—he did want something from them. However, what he needed was something that the Abandoned Cave Society currently couldn't offer.

But that didn't matter, as Gu Hang could enable the Abandoned Cave Society to develop. Once their productivity increased and their inherent value rose, then they would be able to pay the price that Gu Hang was asking for.

Of course, by that time, the debt the Abandoned Cave Society owed Gu Hang would likely be much more than just a life-saving favor.

But Butch was content.

This opportunity was what he had been dreaming of.

He was completely invigorated now, having thrown his previous worries to the winds, "When do we start?"

Patel asked teasingly, "Didn't you say before that it was a disaster, not a blessing? And something about losing freedom?"

Butch's face turned red, but he stubbornly retorted, "You little brat, what do you know! Is our freedom worth more than the equipment the Governor is bringing in?"

"Hahahaha!" Seeing his uncle change his attitude by a hundred and eighty degrees, Patel laughed out loud.

This wasn't mocking his uncle; this was joy for the future of all of them.