Chapter 134: Chapter 128 Vine Giant Rat
Both Angel Envoys had broken through the Third Order, and the power they fed back to Su Han was immensely strong. His physical qualities further improved, with significant enhancements to both his muscle and skin strength.
Even without using the Iron Skin and Black Armor skills, bullets fired at him would likely only injure the epidermis, or perhaps not even cause noticeable harm.
After briefly adapting to his newfound strength, Su Han did not continue to stay at the grain depot. He entrusted the matters there to Zhu Xiong before preparing to leave.
Taking down the Bei Qing Grain Warehouse wasn't too difficult, but to transport ten thousand tons of grain, it would be absolutely impossible without several days.
And that's assuming there were enough vehicles.
The load limit of a dump truck is around 20-30 tons. Considering the overload that would not affect driving, the total capacity is about 40-50 tons. You can't fit more than that.
Factoring out the time on the road and loading and unloading, a truck could make 3-4 trips a day. Even with 20 trucks working together, it would take four to five days.
That's under ideal conditions, so Su Han couldn't possibly stay here that long. He could only leave it to Old Zhu and Yan Meiyu to oversee.
With two Second-order Contractors present, they could handle most emergencies, and even if they encountered a powerful monster, they could ensure an escape.
As the post-apocalyptic time extended, the strength of the monsters and the scale of their communities were also growing, hence the need for caution.
Zhu Xiong didn't just call on the original ten trucks; he later increased it to twenty, and also had Guo Gang haul back a tank of oil from a gas station, which was barely sufficient.
At the Shanhu Villa District, apart from the several hundred-ton surface warehouses, the primary grain storage was done using excavated basements.
Zhang Dahai ordered someone to dig a deep pit, and then Su Han and the Scorpion Spider Demon initiated Metal Manipulation to form the bottom and walls of the warehouse out of metal. The grain was poured inside, and then they sealed it with metal. Before sealing, they burned candles to consume the oxygen.
This was the most suitable storage method that Su Han could implement. Although it consumed most of the metal accumulated during this period, it was worthwhile as it would keep the grain fresher for longer.
In these five days, not only did the Mother Nest Ancient Tree restore the LV3 Tree-born Worms to their full complement of three hundred, distributed in the surrounding land for reconnaissance,
but the Vine Giant Rats were also replenished in the tree pouches.
In the vast lawn behind Villa No. 9, fifty tall Vine Giant Rats stood in orderly rows in front of the Mother Nest Ancient Tree.
Su Han and Bai Qilan were observing the characteristics of these Vine Giant Rats.
The Vine Giant Rats, covered in long fur, were a pale green color with a shoulder height of two meters and a body length of three meters. A few vines that could move grew on both sides of their backs, and even their tails resembled vines. Looking at the four paws of the Vine Giant Rat, they had turned woody, resembling the claws of an old tree.
They resembled both gigantic rat monsters and living beings made of plants.
"The Vine Giant Rats and Tree-born Worms are somewhat similar. Their main bodies contain the genes of the Mother Nest Ancient Tree, but are also mixed with the genes of rat monsters,"
Bai Qilan said as she recorded data, speaking to Su Han: "Out of the fifty Vine Giant Rats, only about five are First-level Intermediate, reaching four meters in length, which is roughly 10%. However, even the First Order Inferior Vine Giant Rats have decent combat abilities, with a carrying capacity of around one ton, and their vines can be used for binding."
One ton, two thousand pounds—ordinary private cars can't carry that much under normal circumstances. After all, they're monsters from the post-apocalypse.
After a moment's reflection, Su Han said, "They could indeed serve as an alternative to vehicles, but most importantly as mounts."
There were still vehicles in the base camp, but the major concerns were part wear and tear and fuel consumption.
And compared to these consumptions, the main issue was that if a combat situation arose, unless it was a heavily-equipped off-road vehicle or truck, it stood no chance in the face of monsters.
"They'd make good mounts," Bai Qilan looked at the Vine Giant Rats in front of her and continued, "There are nearly six hundred people in the camp now, with thirty villas basically full and temporary housing being constructed. The patrol team needs to cover a large area every day, and walking takes a lot of time."
Despite it being just a residential district, this was the Shanhu Villa District, comparable to a park in size, hence walking patrols were highly inefficient.
Moreover, with Zhu Xiong and the others venturing out for supplies, the Vine Giant Rats were undoubtedly even more essential.
Mobility was one aspect; if danger arose and a large number of Vine Giant Rats perished, Su Han at the camp would instantly notice and could dispatch a rescue team.
"Then distribute them, assign some to the patrol team for Meiyu, and equip some for the search teams with Old Zhu."
A one-thousand-meter distance to further urban areas was somewhat of a stretch, so Old Zhu's group would have to make do for now.
"How is the progress with the injection serum?"
Su Han looked at Bai Qilan, inquiring about the injection serum.
"Two batches have been made, one with eighty doses, comprising Vine Giant Rat and Tree-born Worm serums, and another with twenty doses of the Mother Nest Ancient Tree serum, divided into No. 1, 2, 3, equivalent to the strength of First-level Intermediate, First Order Upper Grade, and Second Order Lower Strength, injected according to their strength levels."
Bai Qilan was quick, especially since Ji Mingyang and Shu Hongguang started assisting her, the serum was produced rapidly within five days without stopping the purification process.
Of course, one reason for the speed was the strength of the Mother Nest Ancient Tree. Extracting its blood to create the injection serum, they further diluted it into three kinds of serums, saving a lot of effort.
Su Han's eyes flickered slightly as he said, "Get it organized, and while you're at it, call Old Zhu and the others for a meeting."
"Alright."
As Bai Qilan went to fetch the medication, Su Han gestured for the Vine Giant Rats to move around the Ancient Worm Tree and returned to Villa No. 9 himself.
With a large stockpile of food now accumulated, there's much more that can be done around the camp.
Both the personnel and the territory need to be expanded to form a better cycle, and with more people, we'll be able to collect even more materials.
Monster flesh, metals, and other materials are all required by the two Angel Envoys, not to mention that a page in my Book of Blood Spirit is still empty, and the third Angel Envoy is also being sought out.
In the midst of contemplation, Bai Qilan quickly took out the injection and called over Yan Meiyu and the others.
Since it was a meeting personally called by Su Han, almost all the core members were present.
Zhu Xiong, Yan Meiyu, Gan Xinglei, Zhang Dahai, Guo Gang, Ye Kailing, Cao Yubao, and others.
Everyone was seated around the living room, with Su Han at the main seat. He glanced around at everyone and said, "Taking down the grain warehouse cost us a lot of effort. Let's start with the matter of the injections."
Getting straight to the point, Su Han didn't butter anyone up, and everyone immediately understood that it was time for rewards. Their ears perked up, and they listened even more intently.
"Old Zhu, you led the assault on the grain warehouse and made a significant effort. Afterwards, you were also responsible for overseeing the transportation, so this time you'll get one No. 3 Mother Nest Ancient Tree injection, which is equivalent to Second Order Lower Strength."
Zhu Xiong grinned and said, "I won't be bashful then."
"Meiyu, your situation is about the same as Old Zhu's, also a No. 3 Mother Nest Ancient Tree injection."
"I have no problem with that."
"Zhang Dahai, you participated in the battle and also led the team to build the warehouse; you'll get a No. 2 Mother Nest Ancient Tree injection."
"Thank you, boss."
"Old Guo, you took part in maintaining the convoy, transporting with the vehicles, and fighting at the grain warehouse, so you also get a No. 2 injection."
"Old Gan and Ye Kailing, the two of you stayed behind to guard the camp. Although you didn't fight, your contributions are counted at the same level as Old Guo's, a No. 2 injection."
"I have no problem"
The two replied in unison; a No. 2 injection was already quite good. If absorbed properly, it should allow them to reach the racial bottleneck.
Su Han looked at the last person, his voice softened slightly as he spoke, "Master Cao, you've been leading the medical team tirelessly, treating the wounded and the camp members. Your contributions are also significant. I'll give you a No. 3 injection, and it's best if you use it yourself to enhance your strength."
Cao Yubao's old face froze for a moment as he shook his head subconsciously, "I've not been on the front lines; what I did was only my duty. Reduce it by one grade, reduce it by one."
Cao Yubao was an old-fashioned doctor, benevolent by nature, with a strong sense of collectivism.
He rambled on, "You kids are on the front lines fighting monsters, risking your lives. You should receive what you deserve first. As for someone like me who's in the rear..."
Su Han revealed a smile and said, "Master Cao, the stronger you are, the sturdier your body will be, and the more people you'll be able to save."
Cao Yubao paused, and upon hearing this, he nodded and fell silent.
"Meiyu, the authority for the No. 3 injections will be limited to just a few of you. The remaining No. 2 and No. 1 injections, as well as the Vine Giant Rat and Tree-born Worm injections, will be opened for exchange. You assess the specific Contribution Values needed and bring me the regulations," said Su Han.
Yan Meiyu looked at the box next to Bai Qilan and nodded, "I will work out a plan as soon as possible and have it to you by the afternoon."
The exchange system had already been gradually perfected, so it wouldn't be a problem to come up with specific exchange values.
After the injections were distributed, Su Han spoke seriously, "Let's move on to the matter of expansion. Meiyu, how are we currently doing in terms of personnel and materials at the camp?"
"The camp has a total of 632 people, including 423 Contractors and 160 combat personnel, which consists of patrol and search teams. The rest are non-combat personnel. As for materials, thanks to the recent Bei Qing Grain Warehouse supplies, food will be plentiful for a long time.
In fact, the number of people might not keep up with the storage losses, so I suggest expanding the breeding of evolved kinds, using some of the food storage."
As she spoke, Yan Meiyu glanced at Zhu Xiong and said, "Currently, the main evolved kinds at the camp are the fish from Yunling Lake, as well as a litter of evolved piglets we rescued earlier: two Bone Armor Giant Pigs, four Giant Mane Wild Boars, and two Tusked Wild Boars, all of which can be raised. They are cost-effective whether used as a meat source or as work animals."
Using lifesaving food to raise evolved kinds is an extravagance for many post-apocalyptic groups, but Yan Meiyu spoke calmly.
She even added, "Evolved kinds grow quickly; the investment and returns are very cost-effective."
Zhu Xiong muttered to himself, why are they looking at me, those are the Bone Armor Giant Pig's offspring, not my Angel Envoy's.
After becoming an Angel Envoy, the Bone Armor Giant Pig had long let go of "family ties."
"That's feasible."
Su Han nodded in agreement and then indicated for Yan Meiyu to continue.
Yan Meiyu said, "In addition to food, we need to collect as much gasoline, generators, and especially medical supplies as possible."
It's better to prepare for a rainy day; while there is enough at the moment, going forward, the shortage of materials will only grow, so it's better to start collecting early.
"About medical supplies, I have something to say."