Dark Wizard: Rise! My undead army!

After hearing the inspector's words, Lynn felt a chill run down her spine.

These words, though seemingly a joke, are actually a warning.

This inspector was aware that there were "gray operations" in each mine and that everyone tacitly kept losses within acceptable limits.

By pointing it out, he was demonstrating his insight and also issuing a warning—don't go too far, I know what I'm doing.

Of course, there's a deeper meaning that Lynn needs to grasp for himself...

Lynn immediately put on a perfectly timed smile: "You flatter me. We usually guard our own areas and rarely meet, so what is there to discuss?"

"Perhaps these are standard undead miners issued by the academy, with similar performance across batches. In this deadly ley line environment, their attrition rate naturally tends to be similar. After all, these fools don't understand what it means to be thrifty."

The explanation was reasonable, and the attitude was appropriate.

As Lynn spoke, his fingers twitched slightly beneath his sleeves, and under the guise of serving tea, he discreetly pushed a small brocade pouch containing two thousand magic stones into the inspector's hand.

However, the inspector's gaze did not even shift in the slightest; he merely tapped the tabletop three times seemingly unintentionally with his fingertips.

Lynn keenly noticed that a faint, fleeting light of runes flashed within the cuff of his other wrist.

Inspect the magical artifact!

Lynn understood instantly.

The inspector was carrying the academy's surveillance equipment, so he dared not and could not openly accept any "gifts" at this moment, and could not even utter any suggestive words.

Lynn remained expressionless and naturally put away the brocade pouch, as if he had just straightened his sleeves.

He then said sincerely, "The operation of the mine relies entirely on the support of the academy and the care of all the adults. Lynn is still inexperienced and will need your guidance in the future."

The inspector saw Lynn's quick reaction and a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

He closed the ledger, his tone returning to its usual businesslike calm:

"The accounts are basically consistent with the actual situation, and the losses are within the allowable range. Wizard Lynn has been stationed here for two years and has achieved remarkable results. I will report the facts truthfully."

He stood up, ready to take his leave.

As he reached the door, he seemed to remember something, and casually turned back to Lynn, saying:

"By the way, I am an old acquaintance of Lord Grom. In my spare time, I often go to his place to drink tea and discuss matters. The affairs of Soul Valley are complicated, but with Lord Grom in charge, we subordinates can work with peace of mind."

Lynn suddenly understood and immediately cupped his hands in greeting:

"Lord Grom is indeed a role model for us. Lynn has always held him in high esteem. Tomorrow I happen to have some questions about my cultivation and would like to ask him for guidance."

The inspector's lips curved upwards almost imperceptibly, and without saying another word, he drifted away with his butler.

Lynn breathed a sigh of relief after seeing his group off.

This hurdle has been overcome.

With this first successful experience, it will be easier to handle the next one.

Of course, Lord Grom's guidance was indispensable; otherwise, he might not have been able to figure out the ins and outs.

How much do you earn by honestly doing your garrison duties? If you really have to live off that meager "salary," do you even want to continue your spiritual practice?

The "verifier's" words this time may well have been a reminder to Grom.

I should go and do something for myself...

The following day, Lynn took half of the "extra output" and went to the Soul Outpost to visit Grom.

Since the previous administration handed over this amount, we can just follow suit. There's no need to provoke the entire chain of interests just to pocket a few more cents.

Although Lynn firmly believed that he was the future "Witch King" and would surely reach the pinnacle of the world.

But right now... he's just a lowly first-ring wizard.

Inside Grom's still gloomy and simple stone hall, Lynn presented the prepared spatial bag with utmost respect:

"Sir, this is some surplus from the mine's production in recent years. The quality is acceptable. I've come to thank you and your colleagues for your continued care."

Grom glanced at it, a smile appearing on his thin face, clearly very satisfied with Lynn's "sensible" behavior.

He put away the resources, slowly sipped his tea, and then said in a low voice:

"Hmm, you did a good job. I spoke with the inspectors...they didn't give you any trouble, did they?"

"Thanks to you, everything went smoothly," Lynn replied.

"I hope everything goes smoothly." Grom looked at him meaningfully.

"There are many eyes and many rules in this valley, and no place can be neglected when it comes to taking care of things."

"At the outpost, Haske and his team work hard year-round, and logistical support is not easy. The inspectors come from afar, traveling long distances and enduring hardships. Even within the academy, maintaining this resource line requires navigating relationships with everyone from top to bottom... These are all areas that require expertise."

"I understand, thank you for your guidance, sir." Lin En understood immediately.

Grom was telling him that this "gray income" was not for his exclusive enjoyment; a considerable portion needed to be allocated to grease palms at various points along this chain of interests, including himself, the outpost's logistics, and even certain individuals within the academy.

This is both a rule and a guarantee.

After exchanging a few more polite words, Lynn tactfully took his leave.

After leaving Grom, Lynn went to Haske and asked him to sell the remaining "extra output" materials that were temporarily useless to him through certain channels.

Haske was extremely efficient. A few days later, he went to the Ghost Mine and handed Lynn a spatial bag containing 12,000 magic stones.

"Mr. Lynn, this batch of goods is of good quality and sold for a good price. If you need anything done in the future, just let me know!"

Lynn accepted the magic stone, feeling quite satisfied.

Two years and 12,000 magic stones, even after I kept some high-quality materials.

Including their own salary and profit sharing, they can be considered "high-income" people with an annual income of over 10,000 yuan.

With his existing stockpile, he should be able to meet his cultivation needs for the next few years.

However, it falls short in other aspects, since its energy requirements are much higher than other wizards, and it consumes a huge amount of magic stones.

...

That day, it was time for another "work report".

The space rippled, and Lynn's figure instantly appeared in the main seat of the stone hall.

Baal and Arya, who had been waiting nearby, immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

"tutor."

Lynn nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.

Arya's soul became increasingly active, and her mental strength after advancing in rank had also become stable.

Baal's aura became increasingly calm, and the energy flow at the junction of his exoskeleton and body became much more harmonious.

The two reported the mine's output and the deposit of other additional resources in the past few weeks without any errors.

Lynn listened quietly without offering any opinion.

After the two finished their reports, the entire stone hall fell silent.

Lynn seemed to have thought of something. After a moment's thought, he took out two small spatial bags from the necromancer's ring and handed them to the two of them respectively.

"Take it."

Baal and Arya instinctively took it, but after a brief mental examination, they were both stunned.

In each bag, there were exactly two hundred standard magic stones, no more, no less!

"My lord, this..." Baal was at a loss, almost unable to hold the bag properly.

Arya also looked astonished.

What? Do apprentices also get a share of the profits?