After a simple conversation,
Kevin gained some understanding of the current situation in the Territory and learned from Tang Yu about the monthly compensation for followers, their privileges in the territory, and so on.
Of course, he never cared much for these things.
Then, he heard the Lord ask, "If you were to design a shield, what materials would you need, and how long would it take?"
"If it's Dual Rune equipment, as long as there are no special rune or advanced rune requests, I could generally design it in two to three days," Kevin said confidently about equipment design. He stroked his beard that was long enough to be used as a scarf, "If it involves three runes or more, it's hard to determine the time. Sometimes it depends on luck, and if I have similar blueprint references, it could significantly reduce the time."
"This is mainly because when inscribing three or more runes on equipment, the uncertainty multiplies, and even with the deduction, many outcomes are possible that need to be tested out," he explained.
Tang Yu nodded; he understood this basic knowledge.
However, still, with the title of Equipment Manufacturing Master, Kevin possessed quite an extensive knowledge reserve.
As deserved by someone titled as a Master.
Dual Rune equipment blueprints, as was the case with the Swift Revolver, and Kevin could design them in just two to three days. He was very satisfied with this speed.
Especially now the Sanctuary lacked certain types of equipment.
The members of the Patrol Team were all swift dodgers simply because they lacked rune shields capable of withstanding attacks from Demonized Beasts, with no heavy shields, many tactics couldn't be deployed.
"A shield with two runes should be sufficient. Does the Master need anything else?"
"I need a workshop to design and make the equipment, materials, and I'll need to make the common tools first. Oh, right, I might also need two assistants. Also, regarding the design of the shield, what specific requirements do you have in terms of shape, size, and rune specifications?" Kevin confidently listed his necessities.
Tang Yu nodded, "We can set up a workshop later, place it in the passageway between the east and west villa areas. As for materials, you can go to Chen Haiping later to get them from the warehouse. Oh right, since you don't know many people in the Sanctuary, I'll find you a guide later..."
"As for the assistants, once the workshop is set up, you can recruit them yourself, all expenses will be covered. As for the specific requirements for the shield, you can discuss that with Luo Zhe."
Tang Yu thought for a moment and quickly delegated these tasks perfectly.
Lastly, he asked another question. "Does the Master have any special needs?" After all, considering his old age, he felt it was important to provide extra care.
He saw Old Man Kevin slightly embarrassed, "I wonder if the Lord has any books here about rune studies and equipment manufacturing. To be honest, I became an Equipment Manufacturing Master ten years ago, but these past ten years, I've been unable to progress. I've been searching for relevant books ever since, hoping to improve."
"If you have such books here, that would be perfect."
Tang Yu then understood.
No wonder Kevin, unlike other followers who were mostly injured, didn't show any such signs.
But really, did the Territory have books that could help Kevin advance?
Tang Yu thought for a while. Highly advanced books might not be available, but perhaps some basic ones could still be helpful.
And also modern technology could offer some insights, perhaps providing a different perspective.
"Come with me, let's visit the library first."
Near the training camp, a grand building had recently been constructed.
Sanctuary First Library.
It housed some books from before the apocalypse and other more precious ones that couldn't be stored electronically and had to be kept in their original form.
The library doors were wide open, and it was very quiet inside.
Eileen sat by the window, engrossed in a book on Source Power basics.
The sunlight bathed her, turning the scene into a picturesque painting.
Among the many followers, Grey Blade was managing the intelligence department in Lindong, Luo Zhe, Kong, and Shay each led a team in the Patrol Team, while Winnie was also recently working on establishing a medical department.
The Lord had once asked her if she wanted to lead some Patrol Team members, but she had declined.
The Patrol Team had no shortage of members without her; instead, she preferred living a quiet life, reading books every day and enhancing her skills, content to help the Lord whenever needed.
Hearing footsteps, Eileen looked up and saw Tang Yu and a white-bearded old man walking in.
"Lord," she smiled understandingly, setting down her book and walking forward.
After Tang Yu briefly introduced them, he said to Kevin, "Basically, all books of the Territory are here. I won't say they're profoundly in-depth, but there's a variety of types available."
Leading Kevin, the three headed to the second floor, "Here are some books related to Rune Studies, you can start with these."
Besides the basic Rune Studies book, this floor also contained a lot of knowledge on runes, most of which came from Dean Sun of Lindong.
Since the last time he was enlightened, Sun Weiguo's understanding of runes had greatly improved; if they were to discuss it now, he figured he might not last a few minutes without running out of responses.
This information, Tang Yu obtained through Grey Blade by trading some basic longswords.
Sun Weiguo wasn't stingy; instead, he was quite generous. Both parties had needs, so the trade was very pleasant.
This material was quite voluminous and rather chaotic, occupying a considerable part of the second floor.
Kevin didn't immediately go over, instead slowly browsing through the books on the shelves.
It was clear that besides professional books, he also held a deep interest in other types of books.
Casually, Kevin pulled out one of the books.
The book bore three big characters, "Jin Ping Mei."
Tang Yu was dumbfounded—how could the library have such a thing.
He thought for a moment; books brought back from outside by the Patrol Team were initially just roughly sorted and placed by some survivors while he mainly focused on books of more significant utility.
Looking at this densely packed shelf of books, with some illustrations faintly visible, Tang Yu's lips twitched.
Could it be that this entire row was filled with this type of book?
Tang Yu employed his Big Dry Cough Skill, quickly diverting Kevin's attention.
It wasn't quite suitable for the elderly to see such things, and he considered Kevin's health.
Seizing this opportunity, he hurriedly led Kevin to the area housing the Rune Studies literature. He was turning around when he saw Eileen taking the book, curious and starting to read.
He felt an old blood spurt forth.