Chapter 16：The Camp Base

Three people, four boats.

They swiftly made their way downstream through secluded waterways as Allen had directed.

Bacha sat at the confluence of the two major river systems, the Bata River and the Baken River.

The modest waterway played a vital role in connecting the two grand water transport systems.

In the cities within the territory of the Sequoia continent, the larger cities were named using the first character of these two river systems.

For instance, Baken, Bata, Bacha, Basming, Bayanan...

Allen's village was situated in Bacha, the largest port and river estuary city on the Sequoia continent, also known as the Rainforest City.

It was an upstream battle to reach there, and now returning, they were naturally carried by the current.

Although the return journey did not take long, Allen was in no rush.

Previously on the outskirts of Bacha, they had established a temporary shelter in preparation for the following events.

Only in chaotic but opportunistic Bacha, a place outside the rule of the aristocratic lords, could Allen accumulate wealth at an astonishing pace.

Back on Earth, Allen had spent years delving into dark ventures within the underdeveloped regions of Africa and the tumultuous South America, much like a scavenging vulture.

Chaos was the ladder, and the destitute could only climb out of it.

A meticulous plan took shape in Allen's mind.

Bacha was an essential part of his development, and a prolonged stay was required.

He needed to find what was necessary and establish a foothold.

...

After navigating through the dense foliage and labyrinthine waterways, the four boats covertly entered an area filled with banyan trees.

Fifteen minutes later, Allen and his party returned to the makeshift shelter.

The four blacksmiths had almost finished building the treehouse's framework.

Following Allen's instructions, a treehouse platform had been constructed approximately seven meters above water level, anchored to the massive trunk of a banyan tree.

They identified several branches at a consistent height, sawing off the excess and leaving about three meters extending from the main trunk.

Using lumberjack tools, they made several symmetrical holes in the trunk and inserted large wooden poles alongside the natural branches, creating a stable platform.

The foundation of the trunk, load-bearing beams, and reinforcing rods formed a triangular and stable structure.

Using straight branches found nearby, they built the decking along the extended load-bearing beams.

Once the platform was finished, it took on an octagonal shape, allowing just enough space to divide into eight individual areas for the treehouses.

By the time Allen and the others returned, the treehouse platform was near completion.

"There's no need to overexert yourselves. Seeing how swiftly you've progressed, you must have worked through the night. You've done a great job!" Allen commended.

The blacksmiths smiled sheepishly, knowing what they were anticipating.

And knowing their diligence stemmed from that very expectation.

Without unnecessary words, the group ascended the platform via the rope ladder.

"According to our agreement, a base reward of one hundred copper coins will be given to each of you first," Allen declared.

After disbursing a silver coin to each person, noting Bernice had already received her advance and was thus excluded.

He continued, "For this mission, Bernice and Pete risked their lives transporting redwood along the treacherous river, so both will receive an additional four hundred copper coins."

Allen surveyed the group for any objections before distributing the money to Bernice and Pete.

"As for the four blacksmiths among you, you've all made considerable efforts along the way, each of you will..."

The four clenched the newly acquired silver coin, holding their breath, awaiting Allen's next words.

"Each will receive an additional one hundred and fifty copper coins."

No sooner had he spoken than the group was abuzz with excitement, their emotions palpable.

"Boss... is this too much..."

Allen laughed heartily, "Work for me, and you'll get more!"

With that, he handed out an additional one fifty to each of the four men.

The youngest of them, Fisher the fisherman, though often quiet, was the most astute.

Clutching the money in his hands, he spoke up ingratiatingly:

"It's your wisdom, boss, for converting our pay into handy silver coins and copper coins. It's both convenient for storage and doesn't hinder our use."

Fisher smiled sycophantically at Allen, his admiration overflowing.

Allen patted the youngster on the shoulder with a smile.

Just as everyone thought the handouts were done and were ready to get back to work, Allen continued.

"That's not all. Since it's everyone's first time working with me, I want to give you a gift to show my appreciation. I see everyone is still wearing burlap clothes, so I'm giving each of you a leather armor!"

The announcement was met with a surprised cheer from the group.

After Pete distributed the leather armor, it was evident that everyone worked even more fiercely.

In this, Allen applied the wisdom he gained from past experiences: never be stingy, spend wisely, and tackle urgent matters with money!

...

Boosted by coin and leather, the team worked tirelessly all day, and by nightfall, the treehouse was complete.

Seven people, one treehouse each, with the eighth reserved for storage and miscellaneous items.

After dining and a brief rest, no one retreated to their rooms to sleep. Instead, work commenced on an adjacent tree, constructing another platform, which was finished in four hours with everyone pitching in.

This station would be more than just a residence; it needed to be well-furnished and fully functional.

...

After a good night's rest, the next day began with the rise of the sun and the awakening of the group.

Allen led the team to build yet another treehouse platform.

Now they had three landings.

"Pete, I'll be leaving here, but I need you to stay. It's important," Allen said to Pete once the platform was completed.

Without hesitation, Pete nodded in agreement, "Boss, I'll follow your lead. Whatever you need, I'll do."

"Good. I'm going to have you and Fisher, the fisherman, stay here to operate this base. Assume the guise of fishermen, catch fish daily, sell them at the black market in Bacha, gather information, and procure supplies."

Allen looked earnestly into Pete's eyes, "This place will be an important base for us. I can only trust you with it."

The gravity in Allen's voice and the sincerity of his trust surged through Pete, igniting his passion.

"I swear, boss, even if it means death, I'll hold this ground!"

Few words were needed between those who had been through trials and tribulations together.

Allen then called Fisher over for an encouraging talk.

The young man was sharp, which was one of the traits Allen appreciated.

Having no family and nothing holding him back, Fisher sensed the potential in staying and willingly agreed to stand guard.

...

After busying themselves with establishing the base and selecting the guardians, Allen spent the next few days traveling back and forth between the black market in Bacha and the base, donning rudimentary bark masks and dressed as fishermen, on a crudely constructed raft.

After a few visits, the locals in the black market began to recognize them as a band of destitute fishermen.

After paying a few copper coins as a deposit, Allen and his team received permission to enter and exit the black market and to set up a stall to sell fish.

Even though the profit from selling fish sometimes did not cover the stall fee, the activity provided the perfect cover.

During this time, Allen also sought other necessary components for the spirit-awakening potion "Mage's Meditation" in the black market.

One evening, Allen entered the black market as usual, alone on a raft with a basket of fish.

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, and he ceased paddling. A smile appeared beneath his bark mask.