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Chapter 521: Securing the Black Land
September 15.
Bay Territory.
Underground World.
Warm, fluorescent moss brightness level 1.
A rare "clear day" illuminated the deep, dark underground.
Winding and layered stone pillars, countless in number.
Greedy gazes emanated from narrow corners, carrying a bloodthirsty and hungry aura.
Silence was the main theme of the underground world; even killing occurred quietly.
Endless poisonous insects, snakes, and ants, along with countless fierce beasts and monsters.
Far from the gnoll-occupied territories, the true dangers of the underground world began to reveal themselves.
Even the bravest adventurers tread cautiously, lest they encounter a hungry Terrorclaw Beast or a roaming Earth Dragon.
The underground world's apex predators often included extraordinary-level beings.
Some massive lairs even hid terrifying predators of legendary status.
Responding to adventurers' reports, the Bay Territory provided timely assistance.
Encountering too many types of toxins?
Mid- and high-level antidotes produced in the Bay Territory's druid greenhouse were immediately arranged.
Stumbled upon the nest of a magical creature?
Excellent, the major adventurer teams were eager to depart.
Killing it earns some profit; capturing it alive yields a fortune.
Discovered a mineral vein?
Everyone gets rich together!
In just a few days.
Swarms of adventurers not only gathered intelligence along the Bay Territory's advancing route but also reaped significant rewards.
"Pioneering is the most dangerous yet most rewarding endeavor."
As they began their ventures, they would often hear "news."
Stories of adventurers discovering rare metal veins, rare magical plants, unique magical creatures, or treasures left behind by predecessors that led to sudden wealth.
Of course, striking it rich often came hand-in-hand with death.
Dressed in a silver-white Arcanist robe, Matthew lounged leisurely in his chair.
Yaya, perched on his shoulder, was sound asleep.
Her consciousness was projected to the surface, happily playing with Orianna.
The makeshift study was as modest as the lord's mansion.
Beside the simple yet sturdy desk were reports detailing various matters.
Matthew had reviewed and annotated them, issuing responses accordingly.
In just 20 days.
The Bay Territory had constructed 25 fortresses and outposts.
The total expenditure exceeded 5 million gold coins.
Though costly, much of it was simply redistributing funds internally.
About two-fifths of the profits were paid to the engineering teams and laborers as wages.
Prosperity for everyone is true prosperity.
Matthew wanted to inspire everyone's pioneering spirit.
War was a means to profit!
For now, these fortresses and outposts were garrisoned by soldiers.
Some were also inhabited by dragon-blooded kobolds, who excavated underground facilities, creating more living and development space.
Around the perimeters of the fortresses and outposts, batches of modified golems worked methodically, casting spells.
Transmute Rock to Mud!
Yes, using the nearly limitless elemental energy pools of the underground, the Bay Territory could freely utilize these modified golems.
Large swathes of rock were transformed into fertile soil.
Though thin and barren, this soil was now capable of retaining water and nutrients.
Agricultural staff brought a variety of fertilizers to enrich these poor lands.
Over the past few months,
The Bay Territory had not only made great strides in population and military strength.
Significant progress had also been achieved in crop breeding and fertilizer development.
For the Grand Druid Old Li, who could communicate with plants,
Determining fertilizer compositions based on plant growth needs was an effortless task.
After numerous trials and experiments, the druid greenhouse developed highly effective fertilizers.
These were brought to the underground world, both for concealment and experimentation.
Matthew was indifferent to revealing many things.
But some things must be carefully hidden.
Flipping through the latest edition of the Arcane Gazette,
Matthew noticed that the situation in the Netheril Empire had not improved.
Seventon Arcane Gazette, 300th Year, September 15:
News Section
1. Bay Territory Recruiting Talents
The Bay Territory in the Eastern Province is recruiting professionals from all fields.
Those who arrive and work for three years will receive corresponding rewards.
Junior professionals will receive a 200-gold-coin relocation allowance.
Mid-level professionals will receive a 2,000-gold-coin relocation allowance.
...
Welcome message from Bay Territory's Arcanist Lord, Matthew Ser:
"The Bay Territory welcomes everyone, regardless of gender or tenure."
2. National Alert Notice
Changing regional situations near the nation.
Threats of war are increasing.
All lords are advised to strengthen their military capabilities.
3. Demiplane Announcements
Turbulence in demiplanes; frequent skirmishes and conflicts.
Lords venturing into demiplanes for exploration are advised to bring additional troops.
Dwarf Councilor Ai Dajin states: "Demiplane unrest stems from the empire's excessive slaughter. We should abandon demiplanes or provide more resources to local natives to maintain friendly relations."
(He's too well-fed. His subsidies should be canceled and given to refugees instead.)
4. Land Cultivation Alert
The Cole Elf trade caravans are purchasing arable land in large quantities across territories.
This trend has persisted for decades.
All territories are advised to remain steadfast and expand arable lands while guarding against illegal purchases by the Cole Elves.
Combat Section
1. Demiplane Combat Report
White-Eyed Werewolves have launched a rebellion.
They are attacking camps of the Werewolf Empire in demiplanes, possibly influenced by external forces.
Demiplane garrisons are currently quelling the rebellion, expected to take two years.
Seven other demiplanes report collaborator betrayals and sudden attacks.
All demiplanes are advised to stay vigilant and strengthen defenses.
2. Loken Mining District Unrest
Undead creatures have appeared in major mines.
The Goddess Church has dispatched large paladin forces to exterminate them.
Nearby mine owners and lords are advised to prepare for battle.
3. Shadows in the Underground
According to information from the Dwarven Kingdom:
Drow elves and gray dwarves have launched a new wave of expansion in the underground world.
Lords near connecting passages are advised to bolster defenses and mobilize troops.
4. Demonic Rumors in the New Continent
A mining outpost in a New Continent earldom was attacked by suspected succubi, with 3,762 casualties.
Nearby towns in Marquis Falsico's territory also suffered small-scale lesser demon attacks.
Large numbers of demons have been spotted in the southern Gray Mountains.
Immediate action is required to eliminate demons and prevent a demonic crisis.
Arcane Section
1. New 6th-Level Spell by Karsas
Grand Arcanist Karsas has developed a new 6th-level spell—Karsas' Levitation.
This spell grants mid-level casters the ability to fly.
However, users are advised to prepare for falls during practice.
2. Magdonken's Mighty Strike
The renowned spell creator Magdonken has upgraded the 4th-level Mighty Strike spell into the 6th-level Magdonken's Mighty Strike.
This spell boasts immense single-target damage.
3. Heart Transplant Spell
The Truth Organization has finalized the 6th-level Heart Transplant Spell.
This spell can save severely damaged hearts, maintaining effects for seven days.
During this period, the replaced heart must be healed before reapplying the spell.
4. Arcane Factory Closure
An arcane factory in Seventon has closed.
Its spell scrolls and magical items failed to sell.
Arcanist Rabic went bankrupt, owing a total of 8 million gold coins.
International Section
1. Cole Elf Kingdom Movements
The Cole Elf Kingdom has mobilized a 2-million-strong army.
2. Eastern Battlefield
The Eastern Empire has gained the upper hand.
Eastern provinces are advised to prepare for barbarian invasions.
3. Falsico Unrest
Two princes of Falsico have left the capital, traveling to different regions.
Massacres suspected to be demon sacrifices have occurred throughout Falsico.
4. Rotan Knight Kingdom Unrest
The king of the Rotan Knight Kingdom has ordered the surrender of 3,000 beautiful 16-year-old virgins.
Some of them must be daughters of lords.
Lords who refused faced attacks from the king's guards.
Conclusion: Turmoil spreads; protect your territory and people.
"Interesting, the authors of the Arcane Gazette sure are fascinating..."
For a monthly advertising fee of 200,000 gold coins, the Arcane Gazette consistently featured Bay Territory at the top of the headlines.
Pay them, and they deliver!
What intrigued Matthew even more was the Gazette's underlying tone, embodying a patriotic and altruistic spirit.
"I vaguely recall that the Arcane Gazette eventually became all about reporting good news. Could something have changed midway?"
A thought crossed Matthew's mind, prompting him to investigate further.
As the Bay Territory expanded and its population grew, unifying thoughts and policies and rallying everyone toward shared goals became increasingly important.
Newspaper propaganda should gradually be put on the agenda.
After all, it wasn't enough to do things well; people's minds needed to be open as well.
Jotting this down, Matthew aligned the Arcane Gazette's information with his own memories.
"The patterns are surprisingly similar. The inertia of history is powerful…"
The chaos across regions appeared to signal turbulent times, yet it was undoubtedly fueled by deliberate provocations and schemes.
The Cole Elves and orcs causing trouble for the Netheril Empire.
The drow elves and gray dwarves challenging the Dwarven Kingdom.
Vampires in the Rotan Knight Kingdom.
Liches in Falsico.
Demons and cultists roaming kingdoms.
The impending demonic tide in the New Continent.
When Matthew first encountered these storylines while playing the game, he thought it was all just a coincidence.
Now, however, Matthew understood that the appearance of these bizarre entities was a sign of the impending magical tide.
These were merely the tentacles reaching out—the true monsters were still lurking deep below.
Angela approached quickly, handing Matthew the results of the week's battles.
As Matthew reviewed the battle report, Angela studied the map and asked thoughtfully:
"Ahead lies the most important agricultural region of the Gnoll Kingdom. Once we take this Black Land, will we stop advancing?"
Staring at the vast expanse of the dark underground territory, Matthew shook his head and said wistfully:
"The Bay Territory's appetite isn't that large."
"If we had a population of 5 million, I'd definitely carve out more of the Gnoll Kingdom's land for ourselves."
"Whether to hinder the development of the drow elves or to claim more territory, I'd still choose to keep advancing."
The most critical issue, however, was the Bay Territory's limited population.
A smaller population meant insufficient military strength.
Even though Matthew had effectively "cheated" by advancing arcane production and partially breaking through production bottlenecks,
he couldn't create people out of thin air.
Despite all his efforts, the Bay Territory only received about 200,000 refugees each month.
The population remained around 1.4 million.
Angela nodded silently, connecting the Bay Territory's needs with the goals of the war.
The Bay Territory's primary development responsibilities rested heavily on its military.
The stronger their combat power, the more secure the fruits of their progress would be.
Over the next three days,
the Bay Territory's soldiers, freshly rested, followed the adventurers' lead straight toward the vast Black Land.
Matthew initially thought the 300,000 gnoll slaves gathered in the area would cause significant trouble for the Bay Territory.
Unexpectedly, when the gnolls saw the Bay Territory's army marching in perfect formation and lost hundreds to a few volleys of crossbow bolts, their morale crumbled entirely.
Angela, commanding the battle, couldn't help but laugh as she dispatched several cavalry units to encircle the fleeing gnolls.
It took quite a bit of effort to finally bring these gnolls under control.
Only then did the Bay Territory learn why the gnolls had crumbled so easily.
Of the 100,000-plus gnolls gathered there, most were old, weak, and utterly incapable of fighting.
Not only were they unarmed and poorly equipped, but they were also emaciated and starving.
They didn't even have the strength to run away!
Around the entrances to the connecting passages in the area, Matthew constructed dozens of simple enclosures.
The gnolls were divided and penned inside.
They weren't fed enough to fill their bellies—just enough to keep them alive.
After all, the soldiers of the Bay Territory guarding them were only one-twentieth of their number.
However, with the capture of the Black Land, Matthew was more than satisfied.
The Black Land, covering one-third the size of the Carl Plain,
spanned a vast 300,000 square kilometers.
Its slightly dark, moist soil was rich in nutrients.
Whatever was planted there would yield excellent harvests.
Upon learning about the soil's qualities, Matthew dubbed it the familiar "Black Land."
If fully developed, the Bay Territory would gain fertile land capable of supporting a population of 20 million.
But such expansive territory required a significant workforce for defense.
Even with the Bay Territory's strategy of defending at choke points,
over 16,000 soldiers were scattered across various strongholds.
They needed to guard against potential gnoll counterattacks while remaining wary of the drow elves.
To address the shortage of defenders, the Bay Territory issued a large-scale call for adventurers to join.
"The Bay Territory has won the war and claimed a vast, unexplored adventuring region brimming with untold wealth."
"Want to get rich? Crave thrilling adventures? Dream of finding treasure worth millions of gold coins? Come to the Underground World to seek your fortune!"
Some tactics, while cliché, were undeniably effective.
Wealth—the simplest desire of all!
September 20.
Bay Territory.
Underground World.
Dry, light level -2.
A cold wind howled through the dark passages.
The mixed and strange smells prompted Chris to pinch his nose.
Glancing at Ashes, who was quietly drinking nearby, Chris began to dream aloud about their battle rewards:
"Heh, battle rewards totaled 675 gold coins, mission rewards another 520, plus the 400 I've saved—I can buy a large piece of land now."
"According to the Bay Territory's policies, while an entire village can't live together, we can all settle within a large stronghold."
"With the leftover money, I can buy an enchanted crossbow."
"Next battle, I'll have enough firepower to lead my own team."
"And the 1,800 merit points I've earned can be used to learn advanced combat feats."
"If I work hard enough, I'll greatly increase my chances of reaching the high tier."
Grinning as he calculated his monthly gains, a satisfied Chris glanced at the brooding Ashes and, emboldened, sidled over.
Without lifting his head, Ashes savored the fiery wheat beer, sniffed the familiar aroma, and remarked to Chris:
"Weren't you always talking about buying a large plot of land and leading your village to farm together?"
With a tipsy glow, Ashes sealed his flask and added a few more words:
"Don't keep chasing danger—living by the blade's edge will eventually kill you!"
Nodding without hesitation, Chris, now entirely at peace with his choices, replied confidently:
"I know, but this is the best option I have."
Ashes turned to meet Chris's brown eyes.
Something felt off!
This didn't seem like the same kid!
The aura and scent were right—definitely not an impostor.
Unaware of Ashes's scrutiny, Chris shrugged with a smile, sat beside him, and began counting on his fingers:
"First, if I weren't a Professional, I wouldn't even have the right to leave my village."
"I didn't come from a privileged background; I only learned to read in the Bay Territory's literacy classes."
"Second, I must improve my strength."
"Lord Matthew said, no matter how much wealth you accumulate, without the power to protect it, you're just a lamb waiting for slaughter."
"Next, we have to follow the Bay Territory's policies."
"Only the Bay Territory in the entire Netheril Empire values adventurers like us and offers such high mission rewards."
"Finally, the Bay Territory is worth fighting for."
"No other territory gives us commoners houses or land."
"And nowhere else provides professional training for every child."
"The Bay Territory is special, and we adventurers know it well."
"We might fall, but our children will live better lives…"
Seeing Chris speak so earnestly, Ashes couldn't help but laugh, patting his shoulder with curiosity:
"Who told you all this? You've got it all figured out!"
Chris, who had been serious moments ago, immediately cracked.
He pulled a handbook from his pocket and, under Ashes's puzzled gaze, said:
"The latest Bay Territory Adventurer's Guide. Everything you want to know is in here."
"I even saw something about your gray dwarves—it's right here…"
Just as Ashes was about to unscrew his flask for another drink, he paused, grabbed the guide, and, under Chris's guidance, spotted a corner of the map.
Territory: Gray Dwarves
Aggressiveness: Medium; Isolationism: High; Bloodthirst: Medium.
Interaction: Possible, but caution required.
Trade Potential: Bay Territory can provide food, wheat beer, and combat supplies.
Diplomatic Relations:
Friendly: None; Hostile: Dwarves, Drow Elves.
The map also displayed a clear territorial boundary—information even Ashes wasn't familiar with.
He pointed sharply at a gray area where gray dwarves and dwarves intersected, asking curiously:
"What does this mean?"
Chris glanced at it, scanned their surroundings warily, and replied without hesitation:
"Conflict zone—there's a note below, but this isn't the dwarven edition…"
Ashes stared silently at the map, while Chris elaborated:
"According to the Bay Territory's assessment, the gray dwarves attacked the Dwarven Kingdom to find an escape route to the surface."
"Nonsense! We just don't like dwarves!"
Shrugging, Chris noticed Ashes's growing interest and continued with a grin:
"Oh, gray dwarves have a tough time of it."
"Their combat power is strong, but they're fewer in number than the Dwarven Kingdom and frequently raided by drow elves."
Eyes wide, Ashes stroked his beard and muttered indignantly:
"If it weren't for those damned black-skinned monkeys, we'd have already beaten the dwarves."
"They love sneak attacks…"
"Never fight head-on!"
Suppressing a laugh, Chris nodded along with Ashes's tone, lightly teasing:
"Yeah, but even if they make it to the surface, they'd struggle to find a place there."
"The passage is at the intersection of the orcs, the Netheril Empire, and the elves."
Glancing instinctively at the map, Ashes licked his lips and stubbornly declared:
"No one can stop us! No one!"
Seeing Ashes's fiery expression and bulging muscles, Chris shrank back slightly but kept talking:
"Even if gray dwarves break through, it won't be humans stopping them."
"The Netheril Empire won't bother—they've got no mountains or mines there."
"The Cole Elves are powerful; gray dwarves won't gain much against them."
"They'd likely end up fighting orcs for territory in the wild plateaus…"
Fixing his gaze on the map, Ashes clenched the guide tightly, eyeing Chris intently as a bold idea began to form.
The gray dwarves couldn't break through the dwarves…
They were vulnerable to encirclement…
So why not just…
Seeming to read his thoughts, Chris smiled and shook his head:
"Even if both sides knew, the old grudges between them leave no room for reconciliation."
"Can you guarantee the gray dwarves don't want to fully conquer the dwarves?"
"And the dwarves—forced to counterattack—wouldn't want to eliminate the gray dwarves once and for all?"
Watching Chris, who suddenly seemed so mature, Ashes felt an unfamiliarity.
Carefully raising his crossbow toward the passage ahead, Ashes scanned Chris's posture and expression again, confirming nothing was off before speaking:
"Who taught you all this? Did you come here just to lecture me?"
With a sly grin, Chris gestured toward the distant wall:
"Big Sis taught me. She's well-versed in the underground situation and has been discussing it with Morak lately."
"But this is also my own idea."
"Ordinary adventures yield decent rewards, but nothing beats following Bay Territory's policies for profit."
And the hottest policy?
Population.
Ashes watched Chris intently, sensing his excitement, and cautiously asked:
"What's on your mind? Just spit it out—no need for riddles!"
Scratching his head awkwardly, Chris hesitated, glancing around.
Once he confirmed no one was near, he leaned in and whispered to Ashes.
At first, Ashes dismissed it as nonsense.
But as Chris elaborated, Ashes's eyes widened in disbelief.
He licked his thick lips, imagining the faint possibility—a beam of light piercing through the surrounding darkness.
After finishing his explanation, Chris anxiously glanced at Ashes, worried he might refute him.
Unexpectedly, Ashes's frown disappeared. He excitedly patted Chris on the shoulder.
Seeing Chris wince, Ashes burst into hearty laughter and said:
"Good! Your idea is excellent. We gray dwarves will give it our full support."
Seeing the toughest part of his plan approved and nearing success, Chris clenched his fist in excitement and shouted:
"I'll go tell Big Sis now—"
Ashes reached out and stopped Chris from getting up.
Suddenly steady and composed, Ashes shook his head slightly, pointed to the dark passage ahead, and said firmly:
"Don't rush. As the Eastern saying goes, haste makes waste."
"To execute such a bold plan, we need to prepare thoroughly…"
The legendary journey of Alice's adventuring party was about to begin.
In the center of the Black Land.
The super banyan tree elephant stomped its bare feet, running around excitedly in the fertile Black Land.
Fixating on the central area of the Black Land, the little elephant waved its tiny hands in excitement:
"This is mine now, hahaha!"
Watching the little elephant's playful antics, Old Li couldn't help but smile contentedly.
Grabbing a handful of the fertile black soil, he rubbed it gently.
"Gurgle… Water…"
"Whoosh… Whoosh…"
"Fly…"
Feeling the rich vitality brewing within, a flicker of delight appeared in Old Li's eyes.
Nearby, Elona carefully analyzed the black soil.
In addition to traditional Druid sensing methods, she incorporated Arcane experimental techniques.
Over the past few days, Elona's Druid research team had delved deeply into the composition of the Black Land.
"The combined elemental composition is abundant, and much of it is highly beneficial to plants…"
"Besides those components, there's also a rich microbial community…"
Watching the Druids excitedly treating the soil like treasure, Yaya observed.
She watched them plant seeds one after another.
Using magic to speed their growth, they examined the plants' development and compared data from other regions.
It looked kind of fun!
Sniffing the air lightly, Yaya curiously asked:
"What are we going to plant here in the Black Land?"
Rubbing his temples, Matthew, juggling the complicated and overwhelming magical knowledge in his mind, calculated aloud:
"Let's not rush. The formation of this Black Land involved many factors. Without a solid plan, there's no need to expand prematurely."
Considering the dangerous environment ahead, he needed to develop better methods of food production.
Limited space.
Limited resources.
Maximum efficiency.
Old Li approached and handed Matthew a few banyan tree seeds.
Glancing down, Matthew's eyes lit up in surprise:
"Banyan Tree Guardians, extraordinary plants. Once planted, they can grow into extraordinary-level banyan tree guardians."
"Planting conditions: 10,000 soul shards and the flesh of 200 intelligent creatures."
"Note: The flesh must undergo 'purification' first."
Purification?
Stroking his chin, Matthew hesitated briefly before deciding to give it a try.
If successful, with the little elephant and these banyan tree guardians' protection, this area's safety would be assured.
However, the increasing frequency of "purification" requirements left Matthew feeling uneasy.
Noticing Matthew's expression, Old Li tentatively asked:
"Lord Matthew, will we receive rewards for fertilizers developed for the Black Land?"
Rewards were critical!
"If you're willing to offer them, I'm ready to work hard!"
Having reached level 20 and glimpsing the hope of advancing to Legendary,
Old Li, with plans in mind, once again found himself short on funds.
He had no choice.
Rapidly improving his strength,
saving time,
required abundant resources.
His time was running out!
Sensing Old Li's thoughts, Matthew nodded matter-of-factly and turned to address the Druids:
"Fertilizer rewards will be on the same tier as improved seeds."
"As long as it's achievable, the territory won't skimp on rewards."
"For every 10% improvement in effectiveness, there's a 100,000-gold reward!"
Seeing the Druids dive enthusiastically into their work, Elona shook her head with a smile, carefully setting down the black soil and quickening her pace.
Bonuses like this were rare!
At the center of the Black Land,
a wall had already been erected.
Hundreds of adventurers had just emerged from the teleportation zone when they were greeted by enthusiastic calls.
"Over here, hurry up!"
Turning their heads, they saw a massive holographic projection displaying densely detailed images and marking the surrounding terrain.
Staff waved them over, shouting loudly as they saw the adventurers looking around in awe:
"Alright, folks, the adventure has already begun."
"What I'm about to say could determine whether you strike it rich—or even survive!"
"Of course, if anyone feels confident enough to take down the Legendary Terrorclaw Queen, feel free to ignore me…"
Hearing this, the crowd's attention was immediately captured.
Getting rich was priority one!
Keeping their lives came second!
Listening was mandatory!
Angela withdrew her gaze, pondering the Bay Territory's next steps in the Underground World. She had already figured it out.
These adventurers were merely a cover—the Lord's true intentions were hidden within these seemingly insignificant Black Lands.