CHAPTER 385: CHAPTER 320: ONE MUST HAVE PRINCIPLES IN LIFE (HAPPY NEW YEAR!)

Catherine had guessed correctly.

What Edward was involved in had actually been Byron’s idea from the very beginning.

Whether it was the operational model of the Undead Camp, the future vision, the slogans within the camp, or the step-by-step feasibility plan, Edward had completed it all thanks to Byron’s "unintentional hints."

After all, even though the Lancasters had all turned into Undead, in this magical world, who was to say they couldn’t create even greater value for the company after death?

If one simply watched such a vast pool of human resources go to waste, could they still be considered human?

Or perhaps, the Reanimated Corpses, Stitched Monsters, Skeleton Soldiers, Ghosts, Liches, and other such forms of existence that didn’t need to eat, drink, or relieve themselves were the true Innate Work Saints!

If not for the more efficient and convenient Whale Oil power available in the New Continent, Byron might have taken the initiative to delve into the Undead technology tree.

The Great Tomb was a multilayered, three-dimensional factory, and the Frozen Throne was a massive Will-o’-wisp Engine, ultimately intended to spark a world-shaking Undead power revolution.

Moreover, they only needed to use the lowest quality Spices as "fodder" for those low-grade Undead draft animals.

Just like the Spices supplied to lighthouses—tough and durable.

In Byron’s vision, aside from his father’s "King of the Undying" title and his cousin’s role as "Human Resources Manager," his other uncles and cousins all had their designated uses.

Of course, those who successfully transitioned into Liches or other Undead Creatures were ultimately a minority.

The primary role for most of them was still to serve for life aboard the "Blue Dragon King" as Ship-binding Spirits.

Edward’s use of this cross-realm communication today was purely to show off the Underworld enterprise he had successfully established to Byron, and to display his interim achievements.

What? Was I used as a pawn again by my cousin, with his myriad schemes? No way, absolutely not. This was all my own idea; I merely drew a little inspiration from him, just like the dozens of times before.

"Oh, right!"

At this moment, the straightforward Edward seemed to suddenly recall something. A smug expression appeared on his face as he said, "Did you know what the side effect was after I performed the first ritual of the ’Book of the Dead’?

"The Sleepless One!

"Ever since then, I can’t sleep, nor do I need to. As long as I can find a way to soothe the soul’s fatigue, I can completely replace sleep and remain fully awake twenty-four hours a day.

"From now on, I can watch them twenty-four/seven without even blinking. No one will dare to slack off under my watch! I am a relentless supervisory machine!

"Appreciating others at work is my greatest joy as a Lich! Mwahahaha..."

With a wave of his hand, soul fire coalesced into a fiercely burning whip, which he cracked in the air, producing sharp "CRACK! CRACK!" sounds.

This Lich ability, "Soul Lash," was a perfect match for Edward.

If this fellow were truly in charge, he would likely support the restoration of slavery with every fiber of his being.

Byron was speechless.

The Sleepless One?

Good heavens. Other Undead at least require periodic rest; they’re Innate Work Saints at best. But you... you’re practically a Primordial Work Saint.

I’m impressed. Byron was genuinely impressed.

But what else could he say?

He could only give a thumbs-up and offer sincere praise, "Outstanding!"

Although Edward was overly straightforward and rather simple-minded, the countless messes he’d made in the past had also proven that his cousin’s ability to execute plans was absolutely exceptional!

Byron had long since imparted his own Paru... ah, "Management Arts" to him.

The principles of "results definition, one-on-one accountability, process checks, and immediate incentives" had further honed Edward’s talents, allowing him to utilize them to their fullest extent.

His Undead subordinates were truly in for a treat from now on.

In this fervent atmosphere, Byron, as the unseen spiritual mentor to Edward and all the Undead, delivered his closing remarks.

"Everyone, keep up the hard work.

"Mid-year and at year’s end, our Pioneer Navigation will hold an ’Outstanding Employee’ evaluation. The winner will have the honor of taking a picture with Manager Edward using a Shadow Stone.

"When you all go home for the holidays, you can show your friends back home that your company and manager hold you in high regard.

"Isn’t that wonderful?"

Only, he silently added, Yes, if our company actually *had* such things as holidays.

Soon, the Undead returned to their workstations, and the gateway at the Edge of the World slowly closed.

Edward teleported the first batch of special products from the Edge of the World over, then winked at his cousin.

"Byron, my good cousin, with this enterprise, our private stashes are going to get much fatter!

"We’re good brothers, through thick and thin! Once I crawl out of this Old God’s belly, I’ll definitely find a way to get you a super busty Vampire Witch to... enjoy..."

BANG!

Byron abruptly cut off the communication.

"The more you talk, the more outrageous you become! I don’t understand a single thing you’re saying.

"You’re the older cousin; you should act like one! What if you corrupt innocent little me?"

When he turned around, Catherine was staring at him with a knowing smirk.

"Oh? ’Private stashes’? A ’busty Vampire Witch’?

"I’ve heard the Corpse Princesses from the Edge of the World are quite something too. Perhaps we should all try them out together?"

Sweat beaded on Byron’s forehead as he suddenly realized things were taking a dire turn.

In the bedroom, only the two of them remained. The girl had, of course, shed her Mithril armor, unreservedly displaying her exquisite figure.