Chapter 165 - 164: Improving the Internal Structure and Incentive Mechanism

Chapter 165: Chapter 164: Improving the Internal Structure and Incentive Mechanism

Night fell.

Everyone who had gone out returned to the cave, and all the survivors, including the ordinary people, gathered together. Several bonfires, along with golden spheres of light floating overhead, illuminated the cavern brightly.

Chairman Wu stood on a wooden table at the front of the crowd. He cleared his throat and said, "Quiet down, everyone, please."

Instantly, everyone’s eyes focused on him.

"After going through life and death together during this time, I believe everyone knows who has led us out of desperate situations time and time again, and who has given us the hope and strength to live." Chairman Wu’s voice was calm and powerful. "Today, on behalf of all the survivors of Biyun Resort, I officially announce that from now on, Mr. Han Ning is the supreme leader of our team!

"His will is our direction. His orders must be executed unconditionally. Are there any objections?"

After a brief silence, the crowd erupted in a resounding response: "None!"

Having experienced the Fog Area incident, the snake swarm siege, the Water Monkey attacks, the extreme weather, and the tragic destruction of their fleet, everyone understood that without Han Ning, they would have long since died in the floodwaters or the maws of monsters. Han Ning had won this leadership position through his strength and sense of responsibility. No one questioned it.

Lin Qianqian stood beside Han Ning, a teasing smile playing on her lips, and whispered, "Should we change how we address you from now on and call you Boss Han?"

"Suit yourself," Han Ning chuckled.

"Next, let’s have Boss Han say a few words," Chairman Wu said.

Having heard Professor Ye and Xu Ming address Han Ning by this title so often, the others naturally adopted it as well.

Han Ning stepped onto the table and said, "Since we are all a family now, I will do my best to ensure everyone’s safety.

"But let me be perfectly clear upfront: every single one of you, including the ordinary people, should discard the notion that ’when the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up.’ Our lives from now on will be intensely busy, even grueling. Everyone needs to pull their weight. In a modern society with abundant resources, you could slack off. Here, you cannot!"

He paused and changed his tone. "That being said, if everyone can complete their assigned tasks every day, our lives will definitely get better and better.

"Now, let me talk about the path we will take going forward."

The cave grew quiet, and even the sound of breathing lightened.

"The first order of business: shipbuilding," Han Ning got straight to the point. "With the floodwaters rising and Black Tide Monsters lurking all around, we can’t be trapped in these mountains forever.

"Our boats are destroyed. We now need a large ship—one that can take us to a safer continent.

"Through some special means, I have acquired a set of shipbuilding knowledge from an Otherworld race.

"To build this kind of ship, we need to utilize special Rune Technology, Energy Cores, and Extraordinary Materials."

He didn’t explain the source of this knowledge. The few vice-chairmen present only showed a slight shift in their gazes, their expressions filled with surprise, but they had no intention of pressing for details. Everyone had secrets. Han Ning’s immense strength and mysteriousness were already well-acknowledged; they only needed to know that this knowledge was useful.

"Building this kind of ship can’t be done with brute force alone; it requires a massive amount of learning and research," Han Ning continued. "We need a group of people dedicated to studying and mastering this knowledge. For now, I’ve divided it into three main categories: ship design and construction, materials science, and Rune Arrays."

His gaze fell upon the ordinary people in the crowd. "In the past, you might have felt that without awakened abilities, your usefulness was limited.

"But things are different now. Learning this knowledge and mastering shipbuilding techniques will be your new battlefield. Ordinary people can also become an indispensable core part of this team."

These words caused the dim eyes of many ordinary survivors to light up. Had it not been for Han Ning’s imposing presence, they would have been unable to resist chattering excitedly among themselves. Several ordinary people beside Xu Ming and Professor Ye, including the siblings Jiang Yuan and Jiang Rui, revealed highly interested expressions.

"Well, as for the upcoming curriculum and the daily work and study schedules, we will announce them later. That’s all for today. Everyone, go get some rest."

The general meeting in the cave concluded after clarifying the overarching direction and basic rules.

Han Ning didn’t leave immediately. He stood where he was, his gaze sweeping over the vice-chairmen. Understanding his intent, they all walked together toward a nearby structure.

Han Ning relayed more information about the Source Race to the core members.

"What I just told them applies to you all as well," Han Ning said. "So, who is willing, or rather, who is capable of taking the lead in studying this knowledge?

"We need someone with a solid theoretical foundation and strong learning abilities to spearhead this.

"If none of you are up for it, we’ll have to find a few subject experts to lead the way."

Han Ning knew he wasn’t cut out for it; back in school, his biggest dread had always been studying. Managing to test into a decent undergraduate program was already his limit.

The group exchanged glances, looking at one another in silence.

"I have a bachelor’s degree in finance. I don’t know if that’s useful, but I’m confident I can do it," Lin Qianqian volunteered.

Chairman Wu followed up, "Before crossing over, I was a master’s student majoring in mechanical automation. I have a background in engineering.

"Although the Source Race’s knowledge system differs from ours, I’m willing to take the lead in learning it and organizing everyone for divided research."

"Oh?" Han Ning was somewhat surprised. He hadn’t expected Chairman Wu to have an engineering background. "Not bad. Chairman Wu, you will take charge of our initial learning operations.

"Qianqian, as for you... why don’t you try learning it first and see how it goes.

"Old Zhao and the rest will be responsible for combat-related matters."

It just so happened that Chairman Wu had a broken leg and was no longer suited for combat, making it ideal to arrange for him to stay in the rear.

"Understood!" Everyone nodded.

"Next, we need to clarify the division of labor and figure out an incentive mechanism." Han Ning looked at the group. "What are your thoughts?"

After a brief silence, it was Chairman Wu who spoke up again. "My preliminary thought is to divide all of us into two main categories: research and combat.

"The research division will primarily be responsible for studying the Source Race’s knowledge, designing the ship, researching materials, inscribing Runes, cultivating Extraordinary Crops, and managing logistics.

"Ordinary people will be prioritized for the research division. Awakened individuals can also join if they have relevant specialties or interests.

"Within the research division, we can further classify people based on their learning progress, research achievements, and overall contributions. The levels would be Apprentice, Researcher, Senior Researcher, Project Manager, and so on.

"The combat division will primarily be responsible for going out to explore, gathering resources, providing defense and security, and hunting monsters to obtain Crystal Stones and materials.

"It will mainly consist of Awakened individuals. However, ordinary people who are physically fit, possess the will to fight, and have undergone training can also join as Support personnel.

"Similarly, the combat division will be tiered based on strength and contribution, with levels such as Reserve Member, Official Member, Elite Member, Captain, and the like."