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Chapter 523: Signs of the Mad Dragon Labyrinth
October 10th.
Bay Territory.
Mist Fortress.
Clear.
A thin mist, under the soft golden sunlight, gradually dissipated into invisibility.
The swamp filled with water pools and reeds had been transformed into a restricted wetland.
Ripples spread across the water, revealing darting schools of fish.
From the houses separating the wetlands, a faint smell of fertilizer wafted.
Compost mixed with the black sludge from the swamp was undergoing a fascinating transformation.
These newly constructed fertilizer plants were under the territory's control.
For a considerable time, the fertilizers produced by these plants would be supplied exclusively to the Bay Territory.
This was destined to be a loss-making venture, even if the costs weren't high, and only the territory would undertake such an operation.
Most of the fertilizers produced by the plants would be used for soil improvement in the nearby reclaimed farmlands.
Each fortress, outpost, and camp was equipped with such fertilizer plants.
These plants not only processed domestic waste but also supported research and refinement of fertilizers.
With Matthew allocating millions of gold coins in research rewards, more and more researchers began to invest their efforts.
During an inspection visit, Matthew paid particular attention to the expansion and defensive facilities of Mist Fortress.
The elderly village chief, Field, who managed Mist Fortress, had not been idle and had overseen two rounds of expansion.
Currently, Mist Fortress could accommodate 100,000 residents and garrison over 5,000 troops.
Of course, due to the unique training system of Bay Territory, reserve soldiers were selected by the fortresses and outposts.
However, nearly all soldiers received their training in Bay City.
Even though Matthew controlled the finances, propaganda, ideology, and the majority of the military, he remained neither arrogant nor complacent, relying on institutional advantages to maintain a firm grip on the army.
With the help of railways and golem trains, transporting personnel and supplies on a large scale was not an issue.
In emergencies, the teleportation arrays could also be mobilized for support.
Considering the impending Mad Dragon disaster, Matthew continued instructing Field:
"Along the entire Mist Swamp perimeter, promptly construct watchtowers for surveillance."
"The scale of the watchtowers doesn't need to be large, but they must be tall enough and equipped with sturdy underground facilities."
"Meanwhile, form agile patrol teams to monitor the areas between the watchtowers and ensure early detection of enemies."
Field nodded. Though he didn't fully understand the reasoning behind the Lord's instructions, he followed them meticulously.
After all, many of the Lord's seemingly unpredictable moves had yielded excellent results.
In the minds of most Bay Territory residents, the Lord's prestige and capability were unparalleled.
Whatever he says, we do—no questions asked!
Before leaving, Matthew gave Field a "confidential" order.
"Send word to the strongest adventurers with the highest merits."
"Clear and investigate all dragonblood creatures around Mist Fortress."
"Offer them a high price. After all, we can reprocess the materials they collect and sell them back."
"If possible, encourage them to capture the creatures alive. Bay Territory will offer even better prices."
This was precisely why Bay Territory could sustain tens of thousands of adventurers within its domain.
The lure of profit.
The average reward for Bay Territory missions was 30% higher than in other territories.
Higher pay naturally attracted more adventurers.
Lower costs.
Prices in Bay Territory were cheap—not just for daily necessities but also for adventure supplies.
On average, they were 40% cheaper than elsewhere.
Earn more, spend less.
The returns from adventuring in Bay Territory were at least 50% higher than in other places.
Such stark differences attracted most of the nearby adventurers.
Especially in Bloodmoon City, where no new ruins had been discovered for years—over a third of its adventurers were drawn here.
Many of them were mid- to high-tier adventurers.
Whether it was the swamp ruins' Sky-Splitting Lizards,
the vast expanse of the Dark Forest,
the teleportation array access to the Crimson Pass,
or the recently popular underground world,
all of these drew numerous high-tier adventurers.
Besides these resource-rich adventuring zones, what appealed most to high-tier adventurers
were the magical tools and equipment offered by Bay Territory.
While Bay Territory couldn't yet mass-produce high-tier enchanted armor and equipment,
it could manufacture basic and mid-tier enchanted weapons and gear in bulk as long as materials were sufficient.
For most adventurers, acquiring custom-fit magical weapons and equipment was exceedingly difficult.
The lack of availability, channels, and customization posed significant challenges.
Even basic and mid-tier magical gear from Bay Territory was enough to entice these high-tier adventurers.
They could purchase suitable gear at highly affordable prices.
This temptation ensured that mid- to high-tier adventurers would remain in Bay Territory for at least two years.
After two years, new goods would be ready to attract them again.
With the addition of Morduncan and his group of spellcasters,
Bay Territory's magical equipment manufacturing capabilities were rapidly improving.
According to Matthew's strategy, spellcasters trained by Bay Territory would first learn to craft advanced magical equipment.
Then, their crafting skills would be integrated with automated production factories.
Only by mass-producing high-tier magical equipment could they supply the army on a large scale.
Relying on individual high-tier mages or specialists to craft gear by hand was an enormous waste of manpower and resources.
Of course, achieving this goal would take Bay Territory a significant amount of time.
Matthew didn't linger long at Mist Fortress and proceeded to inspect three newly established border cities in Mist Swamp.
After arranging development strategies and watchtower construction tasks, Matthew took time to visit Sweetwater Town.
To Matthew's surprise, the ruined Sweetwater Town was shrouded in an eerie shadow.
An area spanning several kilometers was affected.
While Matthew didn't sense any immediate danger, he could feel something was off.
"It seems the Black Dragon's attack here might have hidden motives..."
In the past, faced with a ticking time bomb like this,
Matthew would have mobilized resources for investigation and research.
However, with increased strength and greater mastery of fate's power, Matthew now had better ways to handle such crises.
What constitutes a crisis?
Unless it's an unavoidable natural disaster,
events like the "Mad Dragon Tide," the "Dungeon Turmoil" destabilizing Bloodmoon City and the eastern provinces, are driven by monsters that can be defeated.
In the past, encountering these monsters unprepared would have led to heavy losses and devastation.
But by changing the perspective, the situation becomes entirely different.
For players, slow development and farming might be engaging.
Yet, challenging dangerous monsters and resolving crises are equally rewarding experiences.
In the absence of players, Matthew had to create his own fearless "players."
Adventurers lured by profit could fulfill this role to some extent.
Driven by rewards, adventurers would help Bay Territory tackle some crises, easing the burden of deploying military forces.
The monsters they defeated would then become nourishment for Matthew and Bay Territory's growth.
With the territory's rapidly growing population and strength, securing the first advantage would set off a chain of rapid development.
Leaving the ruins of Sweetwater Town,
Matthew issued a surveillance order—observe the area but don't approach.
Matthew then toured various outposts and camps to assess their readiness for development.
Across the entire Bay Territory, a construction frenzy was underway.
Adventurers with new assignments also sprang into action.
Over the following days, information on many dragonblood creatures flooded Matthew's desk.
Dragonblood creatures came in many varieties, most of which weren't particularly strong.
More accurately, their dragonblood concentration was low, resulting in weak "bloodline effects."
This meant that most dragonblood creatures weren't of much use.
However, mid- to high-tier adventurer hunting parties still captured several dragonblood creatures that piqued Matthew's interest.
"Dragonblood Lizard, mid-tier magical creature, Challenge Level 7+, special feat: Extraordinary Feat—Camouflage."
"Dragon Turtle, high-tier magical creature, Challenge Level 13+, special feat: Extraordinary Feat—Thorn Armor."
"Two-Headed Wyvern, top-tier high-level magical creature, Challenge Level 15+, special feat: Extraordinary Feat—Commander!"
Yaya was particularly pleased with the two Extraordinary Feats, as they further enhanced her stealth, camouflage, and defensive abilities.
Naturally, Matthew valued the Extraordinary Feat—Commander the most.
Matthew spent nearly half an hour analyzing and obtained all the remaining information.
Extraordinary Feat - Commander LV1: Charisma +2, all allied units nearby gain +1 armor and a 10% increase in attack power!
This feat is extremely important, significantly enhancing group combat capabilities.
However, obtaining this feat is very difficult.
Even Yaya, with Matthew's help, spent nearly 3 million Fate Points to successfully learn it.
Bay Territory became lively.
However, Matthew was not particularly pleased.
With the development of the underground world, Bay Territory launched a new wave of military expansion.
Now, they also had to construct numerous watchtowers, form new patrol teams, and spend a great deal of effort hiring high-level adventurers to clear and capture dragonblood creatures.
All of this required gold to solve.
Steward Ralph looked helplessly at the unconcerned Lord, detailing Bay Territory's financial situation as he spoke:
"Territorial construction costs have risen to 1.5 million gold coins per month, underground world development has increased to 4 million gold coins, and research funding has risen to 1.5 million gold coins per month."
"Including the 1 million gold coins per month for Eastern Red Leaf Mulberry, children, and Professional training, as well as the 1.5 million gold coins for the Abyss Rift and Crimson Pass."
"Bay Territory's monthly expenditures have reached a staggering 10.5 million gold coins!"
Even though Bay Territory's monthly income now reached an impressive 11.5 million gold coins.
The monthly surplus was only 1 million gold coins.
For a typical viscount's territory, a surplus of 1 million gold coins per month would be enough for the lord to laugh in his sleep.
Even an ordinary earl's territory wouldn't have such high revenue.
In a certain laboratory, a mage lord, startled by a sudden realization, glanced around, suppressed the urge to sneeze, and returned to his experiments.
Out of money again!
Seeing Ralph's helpless expression, Matthew smiled faintly and continued:
"Don't worry, even though we haven't found more gold mines in the underground world."
"The numerous veins we've discovered can still significantly enhance our production capacity."
Picking up on Matthew's implication, Ralph nodded thoughtfully, saluted, and headed toward the underground research institute.
What to do when Bay Territory is short of money?
Seek sponsorships, attract investments!
The wealthiest "investors," besides the Third and Eighth Legions and the Dwarf Kingdom, were naturally the Ail Elves.
Moreover, this was the perfect time!
The Cole Elf Kingdom had been mobilizing its forces, targeting the Ail Elves.
Just like the Dwarf Kingdom, which needed to purchase vast amounts of military supplies,
when the Cole Elf Kingdom's overwhelming army descended like a landslide across the northern continent,
the Ail Elves would inevitably require vast resources as well.
Matthew didn't understand why Annie lacked awareness of this, but it didn't stop him from bringing it up.
Furthermore, with the Tree of Life gradually maturing,
Matthew had accumulated 20 million Fate Points—it was time to remind Annie about a transaction.
Prompted, Annie suppressed her excitement and shifted her gaze away from the silent Sera.
Following Steward Ralph, she arrived before Matthew.
Compared to her previous curiosity, Annie now looked at Matthew with a sense of awe.
During this time, Annie had put aside her usual studies and training to focus entirely on researching flesh-based spells.
As the saying goes, "The layperson watches the show, while the expert studies the craft."
The deeper Annie delved into flesh-based spells, the more she understood.
She realized just how ingenious and magnificent Matthew's research and creation of these transformative spells were.
Simply comprehending these spells was already a challenging task for Annie.
Let alone applying them to the body, studying their compatibility, and ultimately achieving transformation.
Just imagining it left Annie in awe.
The body itself is an intricate masterpiece.
Any change brought by spells could result in vastly different outcomes, both good and bad.
To Annie, it seemed as though Matthew had found the one successful path amidst countless impossibilities.
As a result, Annie's perception of Matthew underwent a profound transformation.
Matthew noticed this change, and his smile grew even brighter.
This was intentional on his part!
He wanted to show the Ail Elves that
even if they learned the spells and understood the experimental processes, replicating the transformed warriors would still be nearly impossible.
To reap such benefits, they would have to cooperate obediently with him!
Of course, Matthew wouldn't say this outright to avoid disrupting the "harmony."
However, if the Ail Elves approached him willingly, it would be an entirely different matter.
Volunteering isn't the same as a trade.
Unfortunately, Matthew wasn't ready to collaborate with the Ail Elves on creating transformed warriors yet.
The reason was simple—the Ail Elves were too strong at present.
At least, compared to Bay Territory, that was the case.
If the Ail Elves gained access to transformed warriors and tasted success, they might focus massive resources and manpower on overcoming the technological barriers.
Matthew never underestimated others—there were far too many stories of misjudgments leading to disaster.
So, Matthew got straight to the point, his charming face lit by a smile as he asked gently:
"How are the Silverleaf family's resources being mobilized?"
The moment Matthew spoke, Annie understood his meaning. She nodded without hesitation, thought for a moment, and said directly:
"The most critical Legendary Elemental Crystal has been prepared, and the remaining resources should also be arriving shortly."
"If we begin the transaction now, we can notify the other families in advance."
"Over 20 elven families have expressed their interest in collaborating with us."
"Especially after seeing the holographic projection of the Tree of Life—they've offered us many favorable terms."
Hearing the closeness in Annie's tone, Matthew toyed with a remaining Tree of Life seed, stroked his chin, and thoughtfully continued:
"Then let's proceed. Once we acquire the third Legendary Elemental Crystal,"
"Bay Territory will construct a specialized energy elemental pool to support experimental research."
Annie's eyes lit up, instantly realizing that
Matthew likely intended this energy elemental pool to expand the scale of transformation surgeries.
Annie believed that mass-producing high-tier or even extraordinary-level Professionals could substantially enhance the territory's strength.
However, to Matthew, the transformation surgeries were still unfinished, with progress only halfway through.
The current priority
was to accumulate substantial experience and refine the process.
At the very least, they needed to optimize the body's tolerance to its highest potential for ordinary Professionals.
Watching Annie's departing figure, Steward Ralph couldn't help but ask:
"Will the conflict between the Cole Elf Kingdom and Ail Elves affect our transactions?"
Ralph's words were subtle, outwardly addressing Bay Territory's dealings with the Ail Elves.
But in reality, he was cautioning Matthew.
If the Cole Elf Kingdom became aware of their dealings, they wouldn't sit idly by. Preparations needed to be made in advance!
Smiling and shaking his head, Matthew fiddled with the token of the Grand Arcanist Cronorman.
He wasn't concerned about the Cole Elf Kingdom at all.
"The two sides have already torn each other apart. If this were in the past, I might worry about the Cole Elf Kingdom's tricks."
"But now, that's no longer an issue—unless they're prepared to directly wage war against the Netheril Empire."
"Still, we can't be unprepared. Inform all inspector team members to keep a close watch on any elves entering the territory."
"Additionally, to prevent a repeat of their assassination tactics, we must implement protective measures."
Matthew had prepared plenty of cards to play, none of them superfluous.
Two days later.
Bay Territory's underground laboratory.
The heavily guarded teleportation zone welcomed a new batch of visitors.
They were cloaked in gray-black robes, their auras carefully restrained, indicating that the cloaks were magical items.
The first sight that greeted them was a warehouse filled with various goods.
At the forefront were an assortment of armors.
The mage robes stood out—shiny and silky, their materials pure white with no apparent magical aura, yet exuding a subtle mystical quality.
The elven spellcasters immediately took an interest in them, though unimpressed by their design, they were highly intrigued by the materials.
Leading the way, Annie noticed their gaze and smiled as she introduced:
"These mage robes are made from Silver Moon Silk. They haven't been modified or enchanted with any formations."
"You can enhance or modify them as needed, but their base material is of the highest quality."
"They're more than sufficient for crafting high-tier mage robes."
"Each robe is priced at just 600 gold coins. If you purchase 100 at once, we can offer a discount."
That price was genuinely reasonable!
Several Ael Elf spellcasters who heard this immediately inspected the robes.
After confirming the quality was indeed excellent, they didn't hesitate to each purchase 100 pieces.
A 200,000-gold coin deal was secured!
With a hint of joy in her eyes, Annie unhesitatingly picked up a flask of wine next to the mage robes.
Compared to the unsatisfying appearance of the mage robes,
the crystal-clear flask made of glass immediately caught the attention of the Ail Elves.
Annie opened the flask, and a faint aroma instantly wafted out.
The light purple mulberry wine shimmered beautifully under the light.
The rich magical aura mixed with the captivating fragrance instantly whetted the Ail Elves' appetites.
"This mulberry wine, brewed from Eastern Red Leaf Mulberries, restores mana, soothes the spirit, and nourishes the body."
"Each flask costs only 60 gold coins. Its effects are no weaker than a mid-tier mana recovery potion, and the two can be used together for compounded effects."
"If you purchase 1,000 bottles at once, there's also a corresponding discount."
Interesting!
For elves, elegance (or showing off) is in their very nature.
For spellcasters of higher status, mulberry wine was far more enticing than merely consuming mana potions.
In fact, the mulberry wine was specifically prepared by Matthew for elven spellcasters.
Only Arcanists and Elven Mages truly consume mana in combat.
With the mindset that it wouldn't hurt to try, more spellcasters joined in and each bought 1,000 bottles.
If it worked, spending 50 gold coins per mid-tier mana potion would still be worth it.
If it didn't work, this amount of money wasn't enough to cause them any heartache.
They could even use the opportunity to mock the Silverleaf family and Bay Territory, turning it into entertainment.
Beyond these two items, Matthew had also prepared spellbooks from Morduncan for the elven spellcasters.
These books contained over ten spells created by Morduncan, including several of remarkable design.
The clever concepts and excellent effects piqued the interest of the elven mages.
"Each book costs 100,000 gold coins. Just the four 6th-circle spells and one 7th-circle spell alone are worth the price."
The elven spellcasters from various families exchanged glances, but none intended to buy a book to share; each purchased one with their own money.
Another nearly 1 million gold coins!
A delighted Annie introduced even more "good items" to the elven spellcasters, prompting generous purchases.
Steward Parry didn't stand idly by and instead addressed the other Ail Elves:
"No need to rush. There's only one sapling of the Tree of Life, so only one family can win it."
"However, Bay Territory has other fine items, ensuring no one will leave empty-handed."
"Enhanced long-range crossbows that shoot arrows farther and faster."
"Paired with Bay Territory's specially developed anti-magic arrowheads, they're quite effective against high-tier spellcasters' mana barriers. Feel free to test them."
Weapons capable of countering spellcasters?
Many Ail Elves approached and, under the guidance of staff, tested the crossbows against a mana barrier set at a distance of 200 meters.
Thud!
Clang!
The swift bolt made no unnecessary sound as it pierced the mana barrier, even penetrating a steel plate behind it.
Two hundred meters!
It pierced through the mana barrier in one strike!
And at astonishing speed!
The war-savvy Ail Elves immediately took turns testing it.
They were quite impressed with the modified anti-magic crossbows.
While these crossbows might not be ultimate weapons against spellcasters, they could swiftly suppress their offensive capabilities.
When used by skilled sharpshooters or in sufficient quantities,
they could even deliver devastating blows to low and mid-tier spellcasters.
Even some high-tier spellcasters would be wary of such specialized weapons.
At the very least, they'd be forced to expend mana or spell slots on defensive measures.
This would naturally reduce the enemy spellcasters' offensive magic.
A great invention!
Several Ail Elves exchanged glances, acknowledging the ingenuity of Bay Territory's creation.
They had already decided to take this idea back to their families or the Ail Elves.
Why spend money on something you can make yourself?
However, Parry seemed to anticipate their thoughts and bluntly remarked:
"These anti-magic crossbows, combining technology and magic, cost only 288 gold coins each, with 10 anti-magic bolts worth 8 gold coins included."
Calculating this, each crossbow effectively cost just 208 gold coins!
A few skeptical Ail Elves suspected Parry had misspoken and questioned him.
"Is the price really this low? Is there a discount for bulk purchases?"
"If we can buy them, how many can you supply us?"
"Are anti-magic bolts available for purchase? What's their price?"
"How long is the quality guaranteed?"
"…"
The Ail Elves, contrary to their typical elegance, began firing off relentless questions.
Parry calmly retrieved a few crossbows from the pile of hundreds and gestured for them to try for themselves.
After receiving authentic feedback, the Ail Elves held a discussion and quickly decided.
While they could produce anti-magic crossbows themselves, the cost wouldn't be nearly as low.
Each would require at least 400 gold coins and significant manpower to match this level of performance.
Now, for half the price, they could purchase such outstanding crossbows, losing interest in attempting their own production.
After all, manufacturing the crossbows wasn't difficult—the challenge was reducing costs.
A deal for 50,000 anti-magic crossbows!
A single order worth over 1 million gold coins made Parry beam with joy.
He eagerly turned to introduce more weapons and equipment to the Ail Elves.
Many items gained the approval of the Ail Elves.
They happily spent their gold, unbothered by the thought that spending now might mean losing out on the Tree of Life sapling; after all, everyone was spending.
Taking advantage of the elves' willingness to spend, a smiling Matthew turned to the slightly dazed Manhammer and remarked:
"Brother Manhammer, don't worry. At Bay Territory, we know how to make money."
Reassured, Manhammer nodded thoughtfully.
If Bay Territory still had the capacity to produce weapons and equipment for the elves, it meant they indeed had resources to spare.
Feeling more at ease, Manhammer began examining the various weapons and equipment in the warehouse.
The equipment Bay Territory previously supplied to them, while abundant, lacked the variety shown here for the Ail Elves.
Furthermore, Manhammer's prior purchases mostly included food, medicine, and consumable supplies, with a focus on armor.
After all, dwarves had more faith in their own craftsmanship.
But this approach had caused them significant losses recently.
To put it simply, apart from a few self-made crossbows and firearms,
their axes and hammers were inefficient against the larger gnoll slaves.
Not long ago, Manhammer received news.
Bay Territory had not only taken territory in the underground world but also eradicated a drow elf camp, defeating tens of thousands of drow troops.
Such outstanding achievements naturally intrigued Manhammer.
If Bay Territory could defeat the drow, why couldn't the dwarves?
Manhammer had seen most of Bay Territory's soldiers, including their specially modified warriors, and thought of them as elite troops painstakingly trained by Bay Territory.
What he truly wanted was Bay Territory's equipment tailored for clearing gnoll slaves.
Well, he had high hopes!