Planet of Sand and Oasis of Iron

Chapter 162 161. Take a break and sort out the current situation
The information brought by Sefer changed the seemingly stable status quo.

But for him, these changes can only be seen from the daily updated electronic daily and the news conveyed by Leica.

Three days of vacation wasn't long at all. I just went out for a walk, discussed weapon improvement plans with the guys from 'Dust', observed the crew's ecology, and cooked a few meals for them.

But it’s not necessarily short. Most people would be at a loss as to what to do if their lives suddenly stopped and they didn’t have to rush anywhere or fight.

For example, the next morning (when the sun sets).

"And when you open your eyes, you see bills: repairs, maintenance, passenger salaries, and bills for so many mouths to feed, right?"

Cypher was chatting with the crew in the restaurant, holding a customized marksman rifle that he had captured earlier and, after adjustments and modifications, had completely surpassed the original in performance.

Tien put her feet up on a small table and yawned. "That has nothing to do with you. Your car is so worry-free. I've never seen a base more worry-free and cheap than this."

Even at this cheap price, the bill is still expensive.

The most cost-effective thing at the moment is the spare body of Cypher. The fourth spare body has been produced, and there are two slots left empty - this is not a big deal, but it is a bit uncomfortable to have a spare body left in the lower mining area.

It can't come back, so we have to find a way to get it out.

At the other end of the table, Lin Shenxue was devouring a hamburger. She always felt that today's meal was particularly delicious, but she had never thought about why it was so delicious.

That was, of course, because, while everyone was asleep, Seifer had come out of his body to make breakfast for the group. And not only that, he'd also made a small dessert for Seina using only the ingredients he had available.

A kind of sweet cake that I often ate at home when I was a child. It is made by mixing flour and sugar, brushing it with oil and then steaming it in a steamer. To be honest, it is difficult to define whether it can be considered a dessert.

But Shengnai was eating happily and smiling, so it should count.

Putting down the gun, Seifer casually opened today's e-magazine (provided by Leica): "After breakfast, you can all go your separate ways. Just remember not to cause any trouble outside."

"Also, don't go too far. The parking lot is currently overcrowded. Who knows what these mercenaries have? Do you remember the hunter company we encountered earlier?"

Tien uttered a "huh" and counted on his fingers. "Besides the company you reimbursed, there are actually other companies roaming around out there. It's because there are so many mercenaries here."

"Some people are still in debt, some even quite overdue." She tilted her head back, relaxing herself. "You don't think the debt collectors won't come to these people, do you?"

The company itself can send people to collect debts by force, but large companies will not make things too ugly for the sake of face.

So those companies that were previously defeated will actually take on some debt collection work. As for how to get the money? They always have clever ways.

"I still have a long time to pay back the money I owe you, so don't worry. But be careful when you go out. Those companies that are closing the deal might suddenly get crazy and kidnap you for money."

Who doesn't have anything to do and hang out outside during the holidays? Although some mercenaries are bored and play cards or dice there, they are just small-scale games.

Seeing that the two were so quiet, Seifer felt relieved. He casually flipped through the newspaper and found that except for the front and second pages reporting on the damage caused by the earthquake, the rest...

It's all sensational headlines.

It covers gossip and rumors from all over the desert, and even squeezes important job search or recruitment information into other pages.

The earthquake's impact was widespread, even reportedly felt in the central node city. Currently, various companies are actively engaged in disaster relief efforts and confirming damage within the node cities. The casualties... were significant. Even Cypher could tell from this spot that despite the desert's deathly silence during the day, many people were actually living there.

After flipping through a few pages, Seifer suddenly raised his eyebrows.

The singer known as the "dazzling star on the sand" suddenly changed his itinerary, skipping some node cities and heading straight for the disaster-stricken city.

They said they wanted to raise funds for the disaster-stricken city by adding extra performances... uh.

Seifer asked Leica, who was also free today, over the comms: "Are things like charity performances and fundraising common in these cities?"

"Of course it's common. The academy has had singers and movie stars perform and fundraise for us before. But considering that the promoters of these cultural symbols also take a commission, I never participate in such activities."

Leica added, "It's mainly because I don't like places with too many people, Red Crossbow."

"So this notice in the daily magazine..."

"Yes, it's advertising. Aside from those field doctors who actually provide first aid on the battlefields of mercenaries and companies, it's best to be cautious with other activities."

This is quite common, but for such a famous "rising star" to do this kind of work, it can only be said that the level of the company doing this is probably just so-so.

Sefer didn't care much, but some people on the mercenary communication board were quite excited.

As mentioned before, because of the scarcity of external material resources in this world, many people have an indescribable desire for the excitement of battle.

This is a manifestation of spiritual emptiness, and humanities-related artistic creations have become the best consumer goods.

Some independent mercenaries set off yesterday, saying they were going to go to the concert in one go... It's hard to understand this kind of star-chasing mentality.

Turning the page, Cypher read two completely unfunny jokes and closed the book.

"So, Leica, how's your progress today? You've already gained the trust of your three roommates. Are you ready to take the next step?"

Leica's voice immediately rose a little: "Yeah! Then... ahem. Strictly speaking, the current situation is still pretty good. When the three of them are together, they still need to continue to make things difficult for me out of face."

"After all, in their minds, everyone should be very cold to me. In order to not appear to be 'betraying' in front of the other two, so... well."

It was quite hard, but it was all done to eventually cause the three of them to start fighting amongst themselves and eventually disband the dormitory.

"Well done. Now it's just a matter of waiting and creating opportunities. By the way, Leica, do you usually wear makeup?"

"Uh……"

Leica hesitated for a moment, then replied no.

"Is that so... What a shame. Anyway, the next stage can begin, but don't forget, building good relationships with people individually is the first priority."

Cypher gave instructions again and again, and only after Laika said that she had kept it in mind did he have time to talk to her about... how to purchase weapons for the machine after the engine arrived.

Yes, up to now, Cypher's 'high-tech' machine actually only has one melee weapon!
(End of this chapter)