Chapter 302: 287 Governance
```
The task of guarding Black Street was just a new mission qualification that emerged after the prestige level of the forces had been raised, and the original task qualifications were still in place. Bai E needed to design new tasks for them.
For instance...
Clearing the danger sources around Black Street.
In this world, it's not just the Bug Race, beastmen, demons, and intelligent machines that are the four major disasters. In this era of chaos among machinery, souls, and genes, it's not only humans that have been affected, but also all sorts of native species in nature, which have become unpredictable under the disturbance of various pheromones.
The wild beasts of nature are constantly undergoing mutations at any given time. Today, they may still be naive newborns, but tomorrow, they might transform into unnameable abominations covered in blood with spikes and tentacles.
Only the city walls can completely isolate the madness of those wild creatures. Around Black Street, and even farther places, you can see bodies from time to time—both human and beast.
Before, no one did this because there was no benefit to doing such things, and besides, those things were unpredictable. Unless something happened to oneself, the strong wouldn't care, and the weak were simply handing over meat to their mouths.
But now, seeking out these dangerous creatures and clearing them out could serve as combat-type missions for the players.
"The wolf packs I previously sent you to clear in the Black Forest were just to train you when your strength was just starting. Now that you have the capability to deal with more crises, I think you should also bear greater responsibility. The conflicts within humanity certainly require attention, but external threats are happening all the time."
[Mission description auto-generation in progress...]
[Side Mission—Threat Elimination (Combat-Type Mission): The humans living outside the city are constantly threatened by the wilderness. You, with your increased strength, can now try to actively track the traces of numerous dangers and attempt to eliminate them.
Mission requirements: Clear sources of danger 0/3-5 (adjustable). Enjoy exclusive content from empire
Mission rewards: Universal experience points 50-200 (adjustable), item rewards (undecided).]
(Note: "Auto-complete" allowed; after confirming the issuance of the mission, "authority" and "expenses" will be deducted and locked.)
[Release the current mission?]
As he spoke, Bai E looked at Kuang Xin, "How do you feel about the battles in the arena? Do you still see hope for further improvement?"
Kuang Xin's eyes lit up, "Yes!"
Definitely yes!
In that place, he could let loose completely, do whatever he wanted. The crazier he got, the more it excited others—as if he were back at home.
Now, just staying near the city at night without going to the arena to fight a few bouts made him feel like he had lice crawling on him—it was irritating.
He was itching for a fight, craving for combat!
"Good," Bai E nodded. The players' improvement meant his own improvement—perfect!
"Then you continue to enhance your strength in that arena, but also be more vigilant. I always feel there's something not quite right about that place."
Thinking back carefully, the burst of murderous intent displayed by the opponent during Blood God's death match felt too abrupt, and Blood God's outburst was also somewhat strange.
Furthermore, the demonic powers he later exhibited in the Pit of Fear, and the abilities of the Lord of Fear seemed to stem from different sources. Also, his actions at the time were very peculiar, not at all like someone controlled by the Lord of Fear.
Perhaps... The demon that blessed him was not the Lord of Fear.
Instead, the atmosphere of the arena had some sort of connection with the powers he displayed.
Kuang Xin's missions continue.
Another type of mission was resource-oriented—
"Those residents of Black Street have been in chaos for too long, they may have forgotten how to live normally."
Farming? Husbandry? Crop cultivation? Crafts? Trade?
It's not that no one had tried to do these things before, but those who did were plundered; they starved to death, while those who did nothing lived comfortably.
Starting anew now, they might not know how to proceed, and efficiency is another issue.
"You need to set an example for them."
[Mission description auto-generation in progress...]
[Side Mission—Essentials of Survival (Resource-Type Mission): Find tameable wild beasts for Black Street, locate suitable land for cultivation, and try cooperative production.
Mission requirement: Enhance the procurement of materials necessary for survival.
Mission rewards: 1 Technology point*, item rewards (undecided).]
(Note: The current mission involves the submission of physical items and cannot be "auto-completed"; it requires "inspection completion". With the increase in force level, a "spokesperson" can be designated for inspection; after confirming the issuance of the mission, "authority" and "expenses" will be deducted and locked.)
[Release the current mission?]
Pretty intelligent...
Release!
"Gilder, I'll have to ask you to pay a bit more attention to what they're doing. You should have experience in this area, feel free to give them some pointers when you have time."
```
"Okay, sir!" Gilder nodded full of conviction.
The sir's arrangements were well-organized; if he cared so much for Black Street that he had just taken over, then in the future, if the people he had led out of the oasis were not doing well, the sir certainly would not let anyone be disappointed.
Devoting oneself wholeheartedly to the sir may have been the best decision of one's life.
["Lucky Strike" charging +3.]
"Furthermore…"
Bai E's tone paused briefly, glancing at Xu Ruoguang, who stood at the back of everyone and seemed out of place. Not having joined the organization and not having received a quota for a personal mission, he looked somewhat pitiful.
"You all must improve your strength as quickly as possible. The future is still far away, and developing just around the outskirts of the city is not our only way out."
Perhaps one's task was to control at least 51% of the real power in Blackwater City, but as a lowly soldier, how long would it take to slowly move up the ranks?
Moreover, these were all powers within the city. Even if they were temporarily under one's command, the power given by others could be taken back at any time; only when one held power truly belonging to oneself could one ensure their voice would be heard by everyone at a crucial moment.
Ever since he had set his goal, Bai E's way of thinking had changed.
"I've discovered a set of ruins in the wild, the foundation is still there, and with some minor repairs, it could be brought back into use. When your strength has developed to a certain point, we can begin to organize and develop it. In this era, too many people live difficult lives; we must create a warm home for everyone..."
"Yes! Sir!"
Xu Ruoguang's lips trembled as he was the first to respond loudly.
Too childish! He loved it too much!
That's exactly what he was into!
This elicited some weird glances from the other players — was this kid getting too absorbed in the role?
"If there are no problems, you can go ahead and start your tasks," Bai E said.
Dai Lian took the hint to dismiss them and actively responded, "Yes, sir!"
After the players left, Bai E turned to Gilder, "The issues with Black Street will need more of your attention from now on. Yesterday I only set a general tone, have you thought about the specific management details?"
Gilder was cautious and very humble, "I've thought of some, but I'm not sure if there's anything I've missed. Could you please take a look, sir?"
"Let's hear them."
"…"
"…"
Set up a patrol guard comprised of Black Street residents, start cooperative handcraft workshops, and organize people to learn productive capabilities.
Born in the wilderness, Gilder could be said to have maxed out his tribe's survival skills. Not only was his organizational ability outstanding, but his ability to create various necessities for life was exceptionally brilliant.
He had a firm grip on management and practical operations.
After listening to Gilder's thoughts, Bai E nodded with satisfaction, "You've considered this very thoroughly. We can adjust to actual problems as they come up, but let's proceed with your plan for now... Just be careful with your approach."
Previously, Wallis could almost be seen as the leader among Black Street's powers, although the "leader's" gold content was not solid and not universally acknowledged, he was definitely the biggest.
He had quite a few followers, and even if they had to listen to Bai E due to external factors, the nature of these people hadn't changed — they were bullies, feared the powerful while oppressing the weak, idled around, and were lazy gluttons.
Gilder chose to put these people through the paces as the lowest-level hard laborers, while Black Street's Li Ming Enforcement Team was comprised of the ordinary people who had been oppressed in the past.
Gilder's intentions were good, but in practice, he had to be careful of the resentment that might sprout from those who were used to being influential and powerful.
Evil thoughts attract the attention of higher-dimensional demons the most. While forcing these people to work, it is also important to focus on educating their minds and spirits.
"I understand, sir..."
"I believe in you." Bai E looked into his eyes earnestly, "But if there's anything inconvenient for you during management, you can get them to do it. Protect yourselves well; Black Street is just a pilot, you are the core."
Bai E then looked up, indicating the direction of the dungeon entrance.
If there's a task, let the players handle it; they are not afraid of death or offending anyone.
To manage well, means are necessary.
"That will be all for now. Communicate with me promptly about any situations. If you cannot come back often, let Fernandi deliver the message. Unless something unexpected happens, I will come by every day at noon."
"Yes! Sir."
"Oh, and I have to assign a task tomorrow. I'm not sure how long it will take. If you encounter any issues that you can't resolve, try to delay as much as possible."
Only after arranging everything did Bai E leave, satisfied.
"Let's go!"
In the afternoon, there were no specific training courses scheduled; Psychic Pressure Resistance Training was held every other day. However, considering the objectives of the task, Bai E wanted to learn some skills that might be useful.