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Chapter 524 - "Manhammer, you wouldn't want both the gray dwarves and dwarves to perish together, would you?"
Matthew glanced at Manhammer, who had many thoughts in mind, but remained silent for now.
The demand from the Dwarven Kingdom won't see any significant growth for the time being.
If improvements need to be made to the weapons and equipment produced for the dwarves, Matthew has better solutions.
About 10 minutes passed.
Even though there were still some weapons and equipment that weren't explained to the elves, Annie and Parry decided to stop the introduction.
This was because Matthew had already walked over with Serla and Beelzebub.
As soon as Serla arrived, she caught the attention of the Elven clan.
They had never seen an elf like Serla before, with her slightly purple-tinged skin and tall stature.
It wasn't that they were unfamiliar with drow elves, but Serla's appearance was quite distinct from ordinary drow elves.
Not only was she taller and more imposing than them, but she also lacked that sinister and ruthless aura; instead, she exuded a formidable confidence.
Beelzebub, clad in mythril armor and towering like a small mountain, radiated a palpable pressure that made them feel uneasy.
Although Beelzebub hadn't yet reached the extraordinary rank, his challenge level was already stronger than some augmented warriors, reaching 19+.
The elves who had come to the Bay Territory, despite representing many families of the Elven clan and holding high status, were mostly at the peak of high rank at best.
In reality, high-rank combat power generally represented the highest standard that normal adventurers could encounter.
Individuals at the extraordinary level were often city lords, army commanders, or those tirelessly seeking the path to legend, rarely involved in daily affairs or adventures.
Especially when they noticed Matthew's shining arcanist robe and the two gold stars signifying his intermediate arcanist rank.
They couldn't help but perk up.
Despite maintAnnieng a proud facade, the Elven clan couldn't deny the truth.
The Bay Territory was certainly not weaker than them.
And the Netheril Empire was even stronger than the Elven clan!
"Welcome, everyone. The first encounter is always veiled; we need time to get to know each other."
"But if you visit a few more times, we can become good friends."
"Let's not waste time—look here, the sapling of the Tree of Life!"
As Matthew finished speaking, the burly Beelzebub took out a plain little flowerpot under the elves' astonished gaze.
The fresh green sapling swayed slightly under their disbelieving eyes, appearing very lively.
They hesitated for a moment, still somewhat skeptical.
Was this unremarkable little thing really a Tree of Life sapling?
It didn't look the part!
Seeing their doubt, Matthew gave Serla a subtle signal.
She placed a few withered magical plants next to the Tree of Life sapling.
A faint green glow spread from the sapling, enveloping the withered magical plants.
In less than 30 seconds, the gray and shriveled magical plants became lush and full.
The entire process took no more than 30 seconds, as if it were some kind of specific spell.
However, the highly knowledgeable elven spellcasters could clearly sense that no magic power had been used.
"It's indeed the power of life!"
"Though faint, it's undeniably real!"
"It can replenish life force for nearby damaged organisms. It's truly the sapling of the Tree of Life!"
"It's definitely real!"
"Quick, remove the plants! We can't let the Tree of Life sapling expend too much life force!"
"..."
Seeing the elves almost rushing forward in excitement, Annie quickly stepped in to stop them, gesturing for them to calm down.
After all, this sapling of the Tree of Life wasn't theirs yet!
Matthew, however, smiled faintly and gently said to the slightly anxious elves:
"There's no need to worry, everyone. The Tree of Life has already entered its juvenile stage and is very resilient."
"Not only can it take care of a few magical plants, but it can also easily handle a whole acre of them."
"As you can see, it remains unaffected…"
As they saw Matthew holding the Tree of Life sapling, still vibrant and healthy, the previously excited elves gradually calmed down.
Looking at Matthew's smiling face, they immediately felt that this young arcanist lord was no ordinary figure.
They didn't believe Matthew had the ability to cultivate the Tree of Life on his own—it had to be related to the great arcanist Cronorman!
In fact, the elves were already wondering whether the deal Matthew proposed was orchestrated by Cronorman himself.
The more they thought about it, the more it made sense!
The relationship between the Netheril Empire and the Core Elven Kingdom wasn't as close as it had been centuries ago.
The well-informed Elven clan, who had thoroughly studied the Core Elven Kingdom, naturally wouldn't overlook the Netheril Empire.
The renowned great arcanist Cronorman was a name that even elves spoke of with reverence.
A legendary peak spellcaster!
One of the most powerful spellcasters of this era!
A creator of floating cities!
A great arcanist with a relatively peaceful attitude toward other races!
A great arcanist who dared to reject the unreasonable demands of the Cole Elves!
Any one of these identities could set the elves' imaginations ablaze.
It was highly likely that the Tree of Life also came from his hand!
With this thought in mind, the elves' attitudes naturally began to change.
Matthew, sensing the shift, handed the Tree of Life sapling to a nearby elven spellcaster eager to examine it, and said cheerfully:
"Everyone, feel free to take a look and experience the Tree of Life's genuine effects."
"They say its life force can delay aging and extend lifespan. I wonder if it's truly that miraculous."
"But everyone's time is valuable, so let's start the auction right away!"
"The starting price for the Tree of Life sapling is one legendary element crystal plus 10 million gold coins."
"Each bid must be no less than one million. Each participant may bid only twice!"
"If you're short on gold coins, you can substitute them with magical plant resources, spell knowledge, magical materials, or magical equipment at 10% above market value."
"Of course, to keep things amicable, the buyout price is capped at 50 million gold coins!"
You desperately want the Tree of Life, don't you?
Then let me see how much you're willing to pay to get it!
The Tree of Life passed from hand to hand among the elves.
None of them wanted to let it go, but none could resist the eager gazes of others.
When they heard Matthew's pricing, they immediately dispelled any other thoughts.
Without a word, they exchanged glances and saw unmistakable determination in each other's eyes.
"16 million gold coins!"
The elven spellcaster holding the Tree of Life spoke out without hesitation, offering a rather high price.
Standing on the sidelines, another elven noble smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with life force as he muttered softly:
"21 million gold coins, that's the maximum our family can offer!"
Upon hearing this, the other elves couldn't help but look serious.
Soon, these shrewd individuals gathered in groups.
The bidding elf also grouped with a few familiar elves.
No one was willing to back down!
After all, it was the Tree of Life!
Its ability to extend the lifespan of a family's core members by at least one-third was well worth the higher cost.
"28 million gold coins!"
"36 million gold coins!"
Both sides, after a brief test, confirmed each other's determination.
The elf who had been holding the Tree of Life raised his hand slightly, speaking before the others could:
"50 million gold coins!"
The opposing elves exchanged a reluctant glance, sighed quietly, and unwillingly averted their eyes from the Tree of Life.
Nearby, Annie and Parry, observing the scene, felt a mix of relief and amazement.
They were glad to have acted quickly and maintained good relations with the Bay Territory.
Not only had they secured the Tree of Life early, but they had also saved 30 million gold coins!
This alliance was truly worth it!
Even Matthew, who had initiated this auction, was struck with a sense of awe.
"These elves sure have deep pockets. Judging by their calm demeanor, they clearly have more to spare!"
"Indeed, for the territory to thrive, you really have to seize opportunities!"
The 20 million destiny points had yielded two legendary element crystals and 80 million gold coins!
With this windfall…
Matthew accelerated the construction of the wizard's tower.
He arranged the next round of enhanced warrior procedures.
He further upgraded and strengthened the Bay Territory's production facilities.
Strengthening the Bay Territory meant that Matthew's rate of accumulating destiny points would only increase!
...
The elf Armas Cano, who had secured the Tree of Life, felt it was worth the 50 million gold coins and several favors he owed.
A large portion of that 50 million could be offset by rare magical plants, whose production could be expanded at any time.
If that still wasn't enough, accumulated spell knowledge could also be used as a bargAnnieng chip.
After all, knowledge never diminishes; trading a portion doesn't deplete it.
Moreover, Armas Cano had great confidence in elven magic.
Even if the Bay Territory or the great arcanist Cronorman wanted to study it, it would take considerable time to understand.
It might not even be worth their while!
Both sides were quite satisfied with this deal, each feeling they had profited.
Armas Cano quickly finalized the trade and teleported away with the Tree of Life.
Matthew signaled Annie to immediately store the wealth away.
The other elves, meanwhile, looked somewhat dazed.
At that moment, the cheerful Parry approached. Under their hesitant gaze, she leaned in and whispered a few words.
The elves' eyes lit up instantly, and they eagerly focused on Parry.
Before they could speak, Parry, without another word, led them to a pile of weapons, equipment, and supplies.
Half an hour later…
The Elves, having spent over 5 million gold coins, left the Bay Territory with mixed feelings.
Parry repeatedly reassured them:
"Rest assured, everyone, the supplies will gradually reach you within the next two months."
"As for what you're all hoping for, you can start preparing the materials and gold coins now. See you in three months."
The Elves, who had something to ask for, had no choice but to sneak away first.
They didn't think too much about it and decided to find Armas Cano to confirm if the Tree of Life was real.
If it is real!
When was the Tree of Life hatched?
Could this process be replicated?
...
The Lord's Manor.
Inside the office.
The jubilant steward Ralph was gleefully tallying up the various materials and gold coins.
With this large influx of resources, the Bay Territory's previously strained economy should soon improve.
Unfortunately, he was being a bit too optimistic.
"The 7 million gold coins worth of supply orders can be added to the surplus."
"The other magical materials and the 20 million gold coins should go toward the construction of the mage tower."
"Split the remAnnieng 20 million: allocate 10 million each to Duncan's and Victor's research factories for acquiring production lines and equipment."
"Another 20 million will be used for renovating the underground laboratory, manufacturing the second-generation magical armor, and producing the next batch of enhanced warriors."
"The final 10 million will go toward continuing the search for and hunting of dragon-blooded creatures."
Seeing Matthew decisively distribute the massive newly acquired wealth until nothing was left,
Steward Ralph's smile froze and faded, leaving him to console himself:
"It's fine, slow and steady development is still good. Otherwise, we might risk losing control…"
"Investing such a huge amount of wealth and resources will also greatly enhance the Bay Territory's potential."
"A little tension now is worth it for a better future."
"Besides, we at least have a large 7 million gold coin order with a profit margin of over 2 million coins to help tide us over…"
Even as he thought this, when Ralph returned to the office,
the other staff members couldn't help but tread lightly.
After all, Steward Ralph's face was anything but pleasant…
Yaya happily rolled around in the pile of gold coins, laughing at the tinkling sounds.
"Wow! I can sleep on a gold mountain again!"
Preparing for his research experiments, Matthew rolled his eyes but didn't tell Yaya that all these coins would be spent in just two or three months.
At the very least, let her enjoy this moment of joy!
October 13.
Bay Territory.
Clear skies.
A faint drizzle gently fell.
The light gray clouds shifted in the breeze, forming various interesting shapes.
Sometimes they resembled horses, galloping forward.
Sometimes they looked like dragons, soaring through the sky.
Sometimes they resembled fish, darting and hiding.
Sometimes they seemed like eagles, spreading their wings for flight.
Finally, bathed in a golden sunset, they gradually dispersed, blending silently into the blue sky.
On the smooth, clean concrete road, Manhammer sat at the front of the carriage, frowning as he complained to Old John:
"I really did my best. The supplies produced in the Bay Territory are absolutely the best quality for the price!"
"They keep saying it's not enough. But honestly, I know what's really going on—they're just running out of steam!"
Old John could sense the heavy burden on Manhammer's shoulders and admired the Lord's accurate judgment.
Yet, instead of saying so outright, he quietly directed the carriage toward the mechanical manufacturing factory.
Outside the expanding mechanical manufacturing factory, piles of various materials were stacked.
The most eye-catching items were the two massive engineering golems.
Their enormous iron frames supported giant cranes.
Thick steel cables continuously lifted and lowered various materials.
This novel construction method left Manhammer, who was used to working with hammers and shovels, a bit bewildered.
Watching the enormous building components, weighing tens of tons, slowly hoisted and placed, he couldn't help but comment:
"What are these things?"
Old John also shook his head, pulled out an introduction manual from his pocket, glanced at it, and said:
"These seem to be tower crane golems, the largest golems in the Bay Territory. They were just created to speed up the construction of the mechanical factory."
A massive shadow slowly passed over Manhammer's head.
This time, he didn't feel offended. Instead, he thoughtfully asked:
"Mechanical factory? Can it produce the weapons and equipment we need?"
After looking into the factory's purpose, Old John shook his head, continued driving the carriage forward, and replied:
"This one is specifically for manufacturing mechanical golems and equipment."
"According to the Lord's plans, all other factory production equipment will be made here in the future. A significant portion of modified golems should also come from this facility."
Pulling his gaze back with some envy, Manhammer, though uncertain about the specifics of the mechanical factory,
could tell that this colossal facility had extraordinary production capacity.
Manhammer initially thought that the mechanical factory was the only construction project underway.
But he quickly realized he was mistaken.
To the right of the military factory, over a dozen engineering golems were busy constructing a massive new plant.
In front of that, a finished plant had seemingly already begun production.
"Come in. This is the new production line, specially set up to produce equipment for the Underdark battlefield."
Old John led Manhammer into the plant, pointed at the already active production line, and cheerfully explained:
"Since it's for the dwarves, we have to tailor the design to their characteristics and combat habits."
"Additionally, I suggest you bring back some frontline dwarf soldiers to ask them about possible improvements…"
Looking at the semi-automated production line, Manhammer instinctively picked up a piece of chest armor.
Compared to previous versions, these new models featured subtle yet practical changes.
While maintAnnieng the original appearance, the armor now had reinforced steel plating at the heart and neck areas.
Manhammer immediately understood that these adjustments were meant to protect against the drow elves' lethal attacks.
For most frontline dwarf soldiers, the real threat wasn't the countless gnoll slave cannon fodder.
It was the drow elves, hidden among the slaves, firing deadly arrows.
This seemingly minor change directly targeted the drow elves, leaving Manhammer very satisfied.
After hearing Old John's suggestion, Manhammer nodded in agreement.
However, Manhammer hesitated, wondering whether the stubborn dwarf military would agree to these changes.
Before Manhammer could react, Old John, who still had many tasks to complete, pulled him along to inspect the production lines.
Old John pointed to a process requiring manual adjustment, noticing Manhammer's strained expression, and said with some resignation:
"As you can see, temporary design changes require more skilled workers."
"Although they're learning quickly, meeting the growing production demands is still a challenge…"
Frowning, Manhammer opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.
After all, he understood that the Bay Territory was doing its best. These young workers were diligent and meticulous.
Yet Manhammer couldn't accept that, despite better solutions being available, a lack of manpower and technology prevented frontline soldiers from receiving superior equipment.
As Manhammer wrestled with his thoughts, Old John, finally ready to act, revealed his purpose. Placing a hand on Manhammer's shoulder, he said:
"The young men in the Bay Territory are eager to learn, but they lack good mentors."
"Combat-capable dwarf soldiers can't be reassigned."
"However, injured dwarf soldiers or those displaced by war who have nowhere to go can find help here."
Meeting Manhammer's surprised gaze, Old John held up an adventurer's handbook and said:
"You know, this might actually work!"
"The Bay Territory wholeheartedly supports anyone willing to come here and work."
"You're familiar with the living conditions in the Bay Territory."
"If they come here, their basic needs—food, clothing, shelter—will be fully met."
"In fact, they wouldn't even have to work hands-on."
"As long as they're willing to guide the young workers, that would count as fulfilling their duties."
"Also, our Bay Territory is vast, with many new vacant homes…"
Old John's words echoed in Manhammer's mind.
He began seriously considering the Bay Territory's offer.
Although the living arrangements were steeped in Bay Territory's unique style.
From Manhammer's perspective, they were still quite comfortable!
After all, considering the scarcity of food in the Underdark, even the best cooking skills wouldn't help much without the necessary ingredients.
Gulp!
As he thought back to Bay Territory's various delicacies and strong liquors.
Manhammer couldn't help but swallow, a peculiar thought forming in his mind:
"Maybe it's really worth a try."
"At the very least, it would greatly ease the burden of resettling refugees and wounded soldiers…"
Old John, who had planned this, beckoned Chris over with a wave and asked with some amusement:
"What gave you this idea?"
Chris scratched his head, chuckled awkwardly, and quietly replied:
"It's because our team gained over a dozen strong gray dwarves."
Old John nodded knowingly, smiled, and leaned closer to whisper something in Chris's ear.
Chris, delighted, nodded repeatedly before running off.
Old John withdrew his gaze, deep in thought.
If the stubborn dwarves wouldn't agree, recruiting more gray dwarves wouldn't be a bad alternative.
After all, gray dwarves were at least more obedient.
Of course, considering the relationship between the Netheril Empire and the Dwarven Kingdom, if the plan succeeded, it could easily dissolve any lingering animosity.
Judging from the current influx of dwarf adventurers into Bay Territory, the plan also aligned well with the Lord's policies.
With this in mind, Old John saw no reason to delay.
He used a communication spell to contact Arnold, another drinker, and they made plans to "persuade" Manhammer over drinks that evening.
He even prepared his final, persuasive statement:
"Brother Manhammer, you don't want the Dwarven Kingdom and the gray dwarves to wipe each other out, do you?"
Fortunately, Manhammer, among the most shrewd of the dwarves, didn't react so passively.
First, he gathered information to confirm the current difficulties facing the Dwarven Kingdom.
Then, he examined Bay Territory's various policies and sent someone to check on their implementation.
The feedback he received indicated that:
Bay Territory housed a variety of races, and their relationships were remarkably good.
The barbarians were quite docile, the ogres obedient, and even the trolls had become more civilized.
Most astonishingly, many kobolds and murlocs were also under Bay Territory's rule.
Although there had been a few serious incidents of inter-racial violence,
Bay Territory's swift and fair handling of these cases only strengthened the overall sense of harmony.
Reassured, Manhammer finally used a special communication device to engage in a heated discussion with the dwarf king and the Forgemaster's Guild.
Ultimately, the heavily pressured dwarf king decided to give the bold proposal a try.
With the decision made, Manhammer felt an unexpected weight on his shoulders.
As he pondered how to approach Bay Territory tomorrow about the arrangements,
the two drinkers knocked on his door.
Bolstered by the courage that only alcohol could provide, a half-drunk Manhammer immediately assured the Dwarven Kingdom:
"The large teleportation array will be ready to send the dwarves to Bay Territory tomorrow."
Old John and Arnold also proudly declared:
Bay Territory would gladly assist their dwarven brothers.
Both sides were working together to address the issue.
This somewhat comical scene actually strengthened the Dwarven Kingdom's trust.
The next morning,
before the still-hungover Manhammer had even woken up,
the teleportation area in Bay Territory was already in full swing.
Soon, thousands of injured dwarves appeared before everyone's eyes.
Their condition was poor, their injuries severe.
Fortunately, Matthew had made thorough preparations. He had Old Li lead the young druids, and called upon the priests and paladins of the Magic Goddess Church to stand ready.
Wounds were quickly cleaned and bandaged.
Healing potions were poured liberally.
Druidic healing spells were cast continuously.
Healing light magic was spread without restraint.
Most injuries were substantially improved. For those who couldn't be stabilized, Matthew sent them directly to the underground laboratory.
Time stasis was applied first.
Yaya's surgical tools were prepared.
After the full round of intensive care, the physically stronger dwarf warriors pulled through.
As Matthew was contemplating the situation, a second group of similarly wounded dwarves was teleported in.
This made it clear to Matthew:
"Even with the supplies Bay Territory is providing, the Dwarven Kingdom's situation is still dire."
"Yet they haven't leaked a single hint about their struggles. Their stubbornness is both impressive and commendable."
Thankfully, Bay Territory had ample medical resources and personnel on hand, and managed to handle the second wave of injured dwarves.
By the time the third group arrived, Matthew promptly implemented a "save lives first, treat injuries later" policy.
The priority was keeping the dwarves alive.
Even if they ended up disabled, there would be ways to recover and heal them later.
Thankfully, after over ten thousand wounded dwarves had been transported,
the next arrivals were elderly dwarves, women, and children.
The waiting support staff quickly began settling them in.
By noon,
when Manhammer finally woke up groggy, he saw dwarven elders, women, and children being carefully accommodated.
With a long sigh, his cheeks flushed red.
Even he hadn't expected that the reports from his homeland had concealed so much.
Manhammer felt both a deep sadness and a sense of helplessness.
Old John, already awake, patted the somewhat disheartened Manhammer on the shoulder and said with a hearty laugh:
"This is good news! We saved so many lives and greatly relieved the Dwarven Kingdom's logistical burden. Now they can focus on the fight."
Quickly snapping out of his gloom, Manhammer nodded firmly.
Without stopping to eat, he downed a gulp of strong liquor and immediately joined his men to help settle the dwarves.
In total, 100,000 dwarves were teleported to Bay Territory within two days.
Fortunately, Bay Territory had been preparing for this kind of refugee resettlement. Though hectic, they successfully completed the task.
Once the dwarves were settled, an eager Manhammer proposed assigning the dwarven craftsmen to military production tasks.
Matthew promptly agreed.
With the addition of the dwarven craftsmen, Bay Territory's military factory quality and efficiency improved even further.
Production rose from 20,000 pieces of armor and weapons per month to 28,000.
However, Matthew rejected the suggestion of having the dwarves work for free.
Even though Manhammer earnestly argued: "Dwarves shouldn't let their brothers who helped them suffer a loss."
Matthew firmly insisted that the dwarves, like all other workers, would receive wages.
No way!
If you work under Matthew, even kobolds get paid in copper coins!
Otherwise, how else would Matthew gain destiny points?
Making people work without pay was simply asking for divine retribution!