Building My Empire in the Frozen Apocalypse (Riley Carter) novel Chapter 203

Chapter 203 The Mining Expedition

Chapter 203 The Mining Expedition

Blueprint: Enchanted Hearth (Self-heating/Epic)

Blueprint: European Garden Fountain (Decorative/Rare)–

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“These are all on you now.”

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Riley handed the scrolls to the treant and pointed to the massive crates in the corner. “There’s stone, wood, iron, and various decorative scraps in there. Materials are unlimited; use what you need.”

The treant looked up, gave Riley a firm nod, and didn’t waste a second before marching toward the workshop to select its tools.

Riley stood up, stretched, and headed out the door as well.

Ten minutes later, the main gates of the shelter swung open.

A strange procession marched out into the snowstorm.

Riley led the way in full gear, followed by a massive brown direbear.

That was Neeko in her transformed state.

The giant bear was pushing the mine cart, looking both fierce and/oddly adorable.

And in the sky above them.

A small grey-white gryphon was circling.

Riley hadn’t wanted to bring him along since it was freezing and he was still a baby.

But the little guy was stubborn; when he saw Neeko leaving, he went into a frenzy. Riley had tried to lock him inside, but he just clawed at the door and shrieked piteously.

Eventually, Riley had to cave and let him follow.

“Chirp! Chirp!”

Ash was getting tossed around by the wind, but he seemed to be having the time of his life.

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He’d dive down to hitch a ride on Neeko’s broad back before flying up to rub against Riley’s shoulder, even trying to catch the falling snowflakes.

Riley watched Ash thoughtfully as they walked.

Polar Gryphon

The “Polar” prefix wasn’t just for show. He was naturally adapted to this sub-zero hell. That fluff looked soft, but it was apparently top-tier insulation.

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Chapter 203 The Mining Expedition

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Wonder how big he’ll actually get ”

Riley checked an item tucked in the corner of her bag as she walked.

Universal Saddle

Description: Automatically adapts to the size of any mount, providing perfect stability and comfort.

She’d pulled that from a chest a long time ago.

“If I can actually ride a gryphon in the sky later… the scouting efficiency would be insane.”

The bear’s deep, guttural grunt interrupted Riley’s thoughts.

Neeko lifted the mine cart back onto the rails and pointed at Riley.

“Riley, want to get in? It’s fun!”

“Wait, what?” Riley looked at the bear skeptically but climbed into the cart anyway, and then Neeko behind the cart began to put all her power into a sprint!

The cart accelerated rapidly down the tracks, and the tunnel was filled with Riley’s startled shouts and the clatter of iron on rail.

E

They spent the entire morning mining.

Ash eventually got tired and fell asleep on top of the coal pile, looking like a white mold spot on a large black lump.

Riley and Neeko were a well-oiled machine now.

Riley used the system inventory to collect what she dug, while Neeko used her raw strength to smash out massive chunks of raw coal to load the cart.

Physical transport was a pain since it required Riley’s manual touch to store back at the camp, but Neeko’s strength was a multiplier. A single cart held hundreds of pounds, far more than Riley could dig by hand.

“Whew… that’s enough. My stamina is tapped out.”

Riley wiped her forehead and checked her UI.

Today’s Harvest: High-Quality Anthracite x 320 units

“Let’s go home!”

Riley waved her hand.

The woman, the bear, and the bird pushed the heavy cart back toward their warm sanctuary.

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ssive

The moment they stepped through the gates, Riley sensed a change.

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