My Cell Prison-Chapter 1189 - 1188: Drawing Lots

The literature examination established here differed greatly from the imperial examinations in Han Dong’s memory.

This literature test was more like a "brain test"... a measurement of brainpower.

While the Corpse Country in some respects resembled the ancient empires of Jiuzhou, it was fundamentally quite different.

For example, the heavily developed steam machinery technology in the Corpse Country and the ’lower-class residents’ constituted by the corpse handlers.

Han Dong approached the test with a very casual attitude, thinking if he passed, he passed; if not, he could just become a locksmith.

After all, exploring any direction in this world was fine by Han Dong.

He was personally led by a zombie with a talisman paper on its forehead as he stepped onto the first floor of the Internal Affairs Building.

The talisman paper was not for demonic suppression, but to keep the zombie’s consciousness clear.

Han Dong was quickly brought to a private room.

Apart from the traditional writing implements, the table was also equipped with a series of small-scale machinery.

"Please answer the questions on the papers within the allotted time, while also completing the decryption of the small-scale machinery."

"Alright."

Han Dong looked at the small machinery on the table and wanted to laugh. It was nothing more than an enhanced version of childhood puzzle toys, including Rubik’s cubes and some metal clasps, with the final link involving assembling a precision wristwatch.

Most of the content on the paper roll involved relatively open-ended management issues.

"Very simple... but still, take it casually.

Pass if I can; if not, it’s off to work."

If he were to take it seriously, Han Dong could fill the answer sheets with responses from various perspectives, even writing down the decryption process of the metal machinery on the side.

However, Han Dong chose to do only half, leaving it to the others to arrange the rest.

An hour went by.

All the zombies from the Floating Island who had completed the literature examination gathered at the Martial Arts Arena. Simultaneously, a large number of zombies emitting a green aura surrounded the arena, awaiting the announcement of the results of the literature exam.

The scores were announced by a zombie with a talisman paper on its head.

"Once all the zombies’ results are announced, those who pass can draw their ’District Tag’ from me collectively.

Li Xiangyuan, martial examination score [Good], literature examination score [Pass], granted residency in Corpse Country.

Lin Xi, martial examination score [Pass], literature examination score [Fail], granted residency in Corpse Country.

Zhang Quan, martial examination score [Fail], literature examination score [Fail]."

As the name of a zombie who failed both sections was read, a sturdy metal ring was thrown from outside, locking around the person’s neck.

As one after another name was announced, about a third of the zombies did not pass and became locksmiths.

Among them, two were emotionally agitated and tried to commit suicide... only to be calmed down when a talisman paper floating over stuck to their heads, and one might even say they were completely controlled.

Finally, it was time for Swollen Doctor’s results to be announced.

"Huang Zecheng, martial examination score [Excellent], literature examination score [Excellent], granted residency in Corpse Country as well as the qualification for the imperial examination, summoned by Governor Pei. After the rest of the zombies’ results are announced, please proceed to the top floor of the Internal Affairs Building."

Upon receiving such news, the other zombies were enviously murmured.

However, the doctor himself was somewhat anxious and quickly glanced at Han Dong beside him.

Han Dong’s voice came immediately: "Doctor, well done... It looks like there’s a strong likelihood you’ll stay in the Imperial City District to work for the court. In that case, start from the inside.

Remember one thing.

Secondary to gathering information about the out of control ones, your main focus should be on vying for power and status. If you can secure a certain official position within the court, it will facilitate our subsequent roundup."

"Moreover, the mechanical technology that exists within Corpse Country should also be concentrated in the Imperial City District, and you should find it quite interesting," Han Dong said.

"I got it."

Then it was Han Dong’s turn to receive his results:

"Han Dong, Martial Arts test results [Unqualified], Literary test results [Qualified], granted residency qualifications for Corpse Country."

"Eh? I actually passed..." Unlike the other stiffer zombies with a just-barely-passed look of having narrowly escaped disaster, he seemed rather melancholic instead.

As the last zombie’s results were announced, the locksmiths who failed to qualify were immediately forcibly taken away, their specific destinations unknown.

The Swollen Doctor once again made their way to the top floor of the Internal Affairs Building to meet with the Dragon Ship Governor.

Han Dong, being a common zombie, then proceeded to draw his lot—the "District Tag."

There are a total of [18] districts in Corpse Country, and the foreign islanders who obtained residency qualifications would determine their living area through this lottery... Although all set within Corpse Country, there are significant differences between districts, even in terms of security.

Rumor had it that in the worst districts, newcomer zombies wouldn’t survive more than a few days.

Therefore, before the lottery, many zombies from large Floating Islands quietly prayed, having advanced knowledge of Corpse Country’s districts, hoping to draw a better area.

When it was Han Dong’s turn, he casually plucked a wooden tag from the box.

It was marked [14-Oil Mill District].

A nearby zombie immediately covered their mouth to hide a smile upon seeing Han Dong’s drawn tag... It seemed he had drawn a bad lot.

"Oil Mill District?"

Piecing together the characteristics related to zombies, Han Dong could guess some things; it did indeed seem a bit perilous... but for Han Dong, it might be a rather suitable area.

Han Dong held the wooden tag and continued with the related city entry procedures.

"This is your ’Citizen Tag.’ Remember to keep it on you at all times, better yet swallow it inside your body... The patrolmen in each district frequently carry out identity checks, and the Citizen Tag will be the sole proof of identity."

"That’s it? Isn’t there any housing arrangement?"

"Housing?" The zombie issuing the Citizen Tag lifted the Talisman Paper from its forehead, looking at Han Dong with a disdainful eye, "Do you think Corpse Country is some poor, remote place like the Floating Islands? Every inch of land in Corpse Country is extremely expensive, and ordinary zombies don’t qualify for housing... But with your results, there’s no need to worry about housing issues.

You’ll experience a different life in the Oil Mill District."

"So, is there a job arrangement?"

"Of course, once you arrive at the Oil Mill District, just report to any oil mill of your choosing... Someone will be there to assign you a position."

The speaker maintained a sly smile while talking.

Had it been in the Demon World, Han Dong wouldn’t have hesitated to throw a punch at such a shady character.

"If there are no problems, then take your ’Citizen Tag’ and go down from here."

The zombie pointed behind him to the staircase, which would lead to the exterior of the Dragon Boat.

The port responsible for the Dragon Boat’s docking acted as another ’transportation hub.’ Newly arrived zombies were ’packaged’ in the port area and transported directly to the corresponding districts through pipes, to prevent them from passing through other areas.

Han Dong was confined within a common coffin and swiftly slid down the metal tube.

When the sliding stopped,

The coffin had arrived at the burial ground of the Oil Mill District, and individuals had to dig their way out of the ground symbolizing their rebirth in Corpse Country and the start of a brand-new life.

As soon as he climbed out,

The thick scent of grease assaulted him from all sides.

Though he couldn’t breathe, Han Dong’s body became coated with large drops of oil simply from being exposed to the air here...

"It seems I really did choose a less favorable district, huh."