Chapter 2341: Taking all wealth is a form of control (2)

Duoduo had come intending to help, but now he had completely forgotten that, simply holding a strange-shaped weapon in his hand, lost in thought.

This was a weapon Ye Zhongming had designed specifically for the Aofu race. It looked somewhat like a battle axe, and also a bit like... an upright bathtub?

Because on both sides of the main blade were dozens of curved metal rods.

Looking closely, it resembled a ribcage. When not in use, it needed to be held flat; when in use, it became a kind of exoskeletal armor.

This was probably to better protect the body in combat. But with such a bizarre shape, wouldn't it get in the way?

After thinking for a long time without understanding, Duoduo finally used his massive body to push through the crowd and cut in line to watch Ye Zhongming's explanation video.

In the video, Ye Zhongming explained the design philosophy from the materials to the threading on the handle, making everything clear. Finally, Duoduo understood and knew how to use it.

Whether something was good or not couldn't be judged by words alone—he had to try it himself.

He was impatient by nature. He called for people to clear a space, then began practicing with the strange weapon.

Once he started, he couldn't put it down.

It was impossible for it not to hinder movement and combat at all, but the impact was minimal—especially compared to its capabilities and the excellent defense it provided, that small hindrance was negligible.

Duoduo was a veteran warrior, one of the relatively stronger small-race members in Dark Strip City. Having survived the planet hunting ground's trial by fire, his strength had advanced further—he was already on the verge of becoming a great expert.

Just a few movements told him the weapon's advantages. Given time to familiarize himself with its characteristics, he could fully adapt to this strangely shaped weapon and unleash combat power beyond his Furelai level.

"Ten thousand—damn cheap." Duoduo stroked his beard, thinking he'd give up his beard for ten more of these.

Paired with the weapon was a piece of armor. Strictly speaking, the two formed a set, since the armor was designed entirely around the weapon's characteristics.

The armor's defensive focus was on the back, perfectly matching the Aofu body's curves, with over 270 degrees of integrated protection at the neck. Its defense was superb and its toughness sufficient. Inside was a specially designed "diffusion" layer to disperse and absorb impact from heavy weapons.

The front of the armor, protected by the weapon, had reduced defense but increased agility. There was also a concealed compartment for an energy stone, allowing mental-type gems or other sources to be installed to keep the Aofu warrior clear-headed.

When Duoduo finally stopped, reluctant to put it down, he understood why that first small-race representative had been so excited—because he felt the same.

After all the races had viewed the equipment and videos and calmed down, Ye Zhongming signaled them to return to their seats.

Now they were all extremely obedient, because Ye Zhongming had proven he had the qualifications to command their attention.

"These pieces, honestly, are suited for those with some strength—the core members of your races. But the quantity won't be large. In about fifty cosmic days, you'll each get around ten pieces. More would take longer."

Ye Zhongming clapped his hands, then signaled the second row of warriors to open their crates.

Inside were a series of Ke Steel-grade weapons and equipment.

"These are standard-issue. I didn't design them by race, just divided them into four types based on body shape, combat style, and gender. Take a look, then notify me of your orders."

The people below hesitated.

"Oh, right—Ke Steel-grade: weapons and accessories are fifteen hundred each, armor is one thousand."

The small races' minds went blank again.

So cheap?

Ke Steel-grade that sold for several thousand Moonspan Gold outside was only a thousand-plus here?

Many instinctively looked down at their own equipment, polished specially for today—mostly Ke Steel-grade. A few had one or two Red Condensation-grade pieces, mostly obtained from Ye Zhongming on the planet hunting ground.

"I have about a hundred thousand pieces in stock. If you want them, take them. If not..."

Before Ye Zhongming could finish, his voice was drowned out by a chorus of "We want them!" "We'll take them all!"

Only a fool would refuse.

In the past, even at this price, they would have bought—but they had to consider their circumstances. These small races were either in a situation like the Star-Eye Clan, exhausting themselves yearly over a few million in operating costs, or slightly better off but still exploited by the Eight Heads.

Simply put, they had no money.

They couldn't buy equipment in bulk—a few hundred pieces a year was already good.

A few hundred seemed decent, but for races with at least ten thousand professional warriors, it was a drop in the bucket.

And equipment was consumable—once fighting broke out, yearly replenishment couldn't keep up with losses.

But now things were different. They had just divided the Eight Heads' wealth. Of the eight mid-level races, the Star-Eye Clan had taken only one; the rest went to the small races. They were now the richest they'd been in over a century.

Plus, Ye Zhongming had just given them money. If it wasn't enough, they could temporarily divert funds—for the race's strength, their people wouldn't object.

A hundred thousand pieces seemed like a lot, but divided among the races, how much was left? A few hundred each. Per warrior? Enough to equip a few dozen.

"Don't fight over it—let's divide evenly. There will be more later. I'll let you know when it's ready." Ye Zhongming smiled as he collected over a hundred million Moonspan Gold from the small races.

The Assault Camp warriors who had opened the crates stepped down, but everyone's eyes remained on those still standing.

Most on stage now were Red Female Guard and Changxu Water Race members. Their numbers were few, but everyone's anticipation grew.

Sure enough, Ye Zhongming spoke.

"I also have some higher-grade equipment—Raini-grade. The quantity is very limited, not enough to divide evenly, and I don't want to play favorites. So after I introduce their capabilities, we'll hold a small auction. Highest bidder wins."

"But I must warn you: while Raini-grade equipment greatly boosts strength, it takes at least fifty thousand Furelai to unleash most of its power. So bid according to your means."