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Chapter 494: Preparations Before Departure
Since he had decided to go to Sevinton, Matthew naturally had to arrange Bay Territory's critical matters properly.
Most issues had already been handled after a discussion with Ralph the butler a few days ago.
However, regarding the underground world and population growth, Matthew needed to make more detailed arrangements.
Ralph quickly gathered the necessary information and began making swift arrangements per Matthew's instructions.
In the northern Carl Plains.
Vast stretches of land had grown wild with various weeds. A year ago, these were bountiful rice fields stretching as far as the eye could see.
Nature's untamed plants easily reclaimed the farmers' centuries-old cultivated lands.
Most of the nobles in this area had secretly fled.
After a round of orc attacks, nearly half of the nobles had perished, and countless noble families were completely wiped out.
Many survivors abandoned their territories, leaving behind only a token presence to indicate their claim.
In reality, most of the surviving nobles had fled with their families.
They retreated to Carl City, quietly observing the situation and waiting for the orcs to be cleared out.
Instead of good news, they received word of the destruction of the Scarlet Fortress.
This dashed their hopes of returning to their territories, and they adopted an ostrich-like approach, remotely maintaining control over their lands.
As for the peasants and farmers living in the territories, most were left to fend for themselves.
Facing the orc wolf riders' raids, even the willing farmers found it hard to continue cultivating.
Faced with life-threatening dangers and the inevitability of having their crops stolen, they naturally resisted farming.
Under such circumstances, it was no surprise that farmland turned into wilderness.
However, just as most people despaired,
a large group of adventurers from the north and south began spreading the word.
"Want food? Want safety? Come to the Bay Territory's temporary camp!"
"In Bay Territory, one person works, the whole family eats; the whole family works, and the land is divided equally."
"Bay Territory, which defeated the orcs, guarantees absolute safety."
"The temporary camp is great, with plenty to eat and warm clothes provided."
The adventurers not only brought slogans but also distributed free food and shared testimonials from accompanying farmers.
Many starving peasants and farmers had no choice but to follow their directions to temporary camps set up near water sources.
At first, they were fearful and apprehensive.
After all, even within the Netheril Empire, many commoners held awe and fear for mysterious arcane lords.
But as Bay Territory's reputation spread and more refugees and farmers were drawn in, their fears gradually subsided.
Food was continuously supplied to the camps, ensuring three meals a day for everyone.
The meals were decent, even better than what some farmers could prepare at home.
The work wasn't too strenuous—men worked together farming or fishing in nearby waters.
Women entered camp factories for basic skill training.
Children were gathered for literacy lessons.
Even the elderly weren't left behind; they were assigned tasks like cooking and distributing food.
Once food was stabilized, most people had little to complain about.
Moreover, the camp incentivized work with small rewards to boost morale.
Simultaneously, small perks helped win over the people.
New clothes were distributed to everyone every three months.
Children were carefully educated.
Snacks and extra meals were occasionally distributed.
This combination of efforts made everyone compliant and cooperative.
Nobody dared misbehave.
Whether it was the adventurers employed by the camp or the towering golems capable of slaying orcs, they deterred any mischief.
Recently, the camp leader promised the first group of settlers who completed the harvest:
"If you're willing, you can prepare to move to Bay Territory."
"Homes and jobs are already prepared there to ensure a better life…"
"As for this area, the danger will only grow, with orc raids likely next year…"
The leader's words hinted at the camp's inability to withstand an orc army.
While some initially hesitated to leave for Bay Territory, clinging to their homeland,
the situation had changed drastically!
News of the Scarlet Fortress's outer walls being destroyed had spread, as had reports of nobles fleeing en masse.
Under these circumstances, most people chose to leave the perilous Carl Plains.
Within just a few dozen days, over 300,000 camp residents were relocated to Bay Territory.
Having undergone training, adapted to order, and understood the rules, they no longer caused management troubles or conflicts.
They quickly integrated into Bay Territory, filling various roles.
Whether in factories, the military, outposts, or fortresses, they adapted naturally.
Having faced life-and-death trials, they deeply valued safety.
Likewise, they seemed highly satisfied with Bay Territory's generous benefits.
In addition to rapidly absorbing population, a large batch of new supplies was sent to forward bases in the underground world.
Dimly glowing mana pipelines were installed in tunnels with the joint effort of kobolds and gnolls.
Numerous camps were established, filled with personnel dispatched from Bay Territory.
Compared to small-scale surface cement production, the underground bases, powered by entire elemental energy pools, rapidly built golem factories.
Various modified golems replaced manpower, speeding up development and construction.
Each base included production lines as per Matthew's instructions.
The products were straightforward: some weapons and armor, military rations, and crossbows with bolts.
These supplies proved effective in any scenario.
Instead of producing in bulk, Matthew stored vast amounts of raw materials.
With minimal personnel granted access, these bases could quickly become operational when needed.
Of course, secrecy was paramount, as these bases were Matthew's contingency plan for Bay Territory.
Regarding the growing drow elf army, Matthew had a simple plan.
Assign personnel to expand narrow passages, improve visibility, and monitor the drow forces' movements.
Meanwhile, an elite unit and numerous adventurers were sent through hidden paths.
Their goal was to locate high-quality mineral deposits in the surrounding area.
For ordinary veins, covert excavation wasn't necessary.
But for precious resources like fine gold, gemstones, and mithril, even small gains were profitable.
After all, Bay Territory had covert mining equipment and well-funded teleportation arrays.
Spending money to acquire rare resources and produce strategic assets like magical armor was key to Bay Territory's development.
Matthew also tasked adventurers with gathering intelligence on the surrounding underground world.
Their primary focus was the battlefield between the drow army and the Carlya Gnoll Kingdom.
When two titans clash, there's always profit to be made.