Chapter 329: The Workshop
"Those automated turrets are what we call Phalanx Defenders." the advisor explained. "They can target and neutralize low-tier zombies easily..."
Shane nodded, impressed by the Shelter's defenses. "Your technology is remarkable. It's a perfect blend of mechanical engineering and magical enhancements."
He said this as he confirmed that the Ballistae they were using were also emitting some sort of energy, quite similar to Spiritual Force. It was quite intriguing. Nonetheless, he knew that these weapons were their precious items and could not shared with him easily, so he decided not to ask too much, as they might think that he was interested in finding the secret of their Shelter's defense.
The security of their Shelter could not be compromised after all since many lives depend on it.
The advisor nodded. "Indeed. We've worked hard to ensure the safety of our people. Now, let's watch how our defenses handle this horde."
As the first zombies came into view, the Ballistae fired, and the massive bolt they fired suddenly shattered, or to be exact, scattered into many pieces while in the air and pierced through multiple targets at once!
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
The turrets then activated, unleashing a barrage of bullets that tore through the ranks of the undead who had survived the Ballistae's first volley of arrows.
The coordinated attack of the two defensive systems was swift and efficient, reducing the horde's numbers rapidly.
Shane watched in awe as the Shelter's defenses decimated the zombie horde. Within minutes, the threat was neutralized, and the alarm fell silent.
It happened so fast!
"That's really impressive," Shane muttered as he turned to the advisor. "Your defenses are incredibly effective."
The advisor nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Thank you. Now, shall we continue to the Mechanical Workshop?"
"Yes, let's go…," Shane agreed, eager to see more of the Shelter's technological marvels.
Soon, Shane and the advisor made their way through the bustling streets of the Ivory Gear Shelter until they reached a large, imposing building just behind the main building where the Shelter Lord was working.
The sign above the entrance read "Mechanical Workshop," and the sound of clanging metal and humming gears could be heard from within.
As they stepped inside, Shane was greeted by a scene of organized chaos.
The workshop was a vast, open space filled with workbenches, tools, and half-finished projects. Artisans and engineers moved about with purpose, each focused on their tasks.
The place was thick with the scent of oil and metal, and the walls were lined with shelves holding an array of mechanical parts and components.
'This place looks cool.' Shane thought to himself.
"Welcome to the heart of our technological advancements," the advisor said, gesturing around. "This is where our artisans create and innovate to give us better lives or to fight against Zombies. If their creations weren't too practical for mass production or if the evaluators didn't like them, they'd normally be dismantled to repurpose, or they'd be sold…"
The advisor then continued to explain what was going on in the workshop so Shane would be aware of the things he could request and those that could not be traded.
Shane's eyes roamed the workshop, taking in the various projects. One artisan was meticulously assembling a complex gear mechanism, while another was welding pieces of metal together to form a sturdy frame.
Nearby, a group of engineers huddled around a blueprint, discussing the finer points of their design.
It was a very interesting sight!
"This place is incredible," Shane muttered. His admiration was evident in his voice.
The advisor smiled. "Our artisans are some of the best. They work tirelessly to improve our defenses and create new tools for survival."
As they walked through the back of the workshop, Shane observed the artisans at work closely.
Even the advisor encouraged Shane to observe them. It seemed that the pieces they were making weren't that secret.
One was crafting a set of intricate clockwork gears, each piece fitting together with precision. Another was testing a small, steam-powered engine, its pistons pumping rhythmically. The level of skill and dedication was evident in every project.
The advisor then led Shane to a section of the workshop where various devices were displayed.
"Here, we have some of our more advanced creations… They weren't being mass-produced yet since only three Artisans were able to make them, but we might be able to produce more soon." he said, pointing to a table filled with gadgets.
Shane's eyes widened as he examined the devices. There was even a small plaque introducing, the item.
The first was a Mechanical Grappling Hook, a compact device with a sturdy hook and a retractable cable.
"Ahemm… This can be used to scale walls or reach otherwise inaccessible areas… This was produced by a young Artisan when he thought that we might attack other shelters. However, Lord Kang Zhen believed that we can also use this when escaping against fast-moving Zombies like Runner or Sprinter Zombies," the advisor explained.
Next, he picked up a Noise-Making Lure, a small device designed to emit a loud, distracting sound. "This is useful for diverting zombies or other threats away from your location."
Shane nodded, impressed. "These are incredibly useful."
The advisor continued, showing him a Portable Energy Generator. "This can provide power to various devices in the field. It's lightweight and easy to carry. I believe you're aware of Power Cores… These generators could charge those Power Cores. They just need to consume Zombie Cores..."
Shane's eyes lit up after seeing this. After all, the Power Cores were so difficult to obtain! As a matter of fact, it appears that only Power Cores works in this world. Not electricity or nuclear power. In short, they were too valuable.
Furthermore, there are several barriers in the Springriver Manor, and all of them require Power Cores, so this generator might resolve the issue with the power cores.
Seeing Shane's reaction, the advisor continued.
"We only have three of these at the moment, and if you're interested, I believe it's just fair to sell each generator for 10 Healing Tokens." The advisor said, probing Shane's desire to acquire the item.