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Chapter 527: The Living Jungle
In the past few days, two major events occurred in Bay Territory.
The news of the demi-plane's appearance.
This added even more excitement to the already lively adventurers, attracting many from other territories.
Among them were well-known adventuring groups like "Steel," "Iron Fist," and "Dragon Fang."
Their purpose was simple: to explore and develop the demi-plane.
Whether it was seeking rare treasures, hunting rare magical creatures, or cooperating with the territory to gain development rights, they stood to gain considerably.
At their current level, obtaining better resources and wealth through ordinary adventures had become challenging.
Most of them sought a new path forward.
It was to secure a new territory and gradually develop it, building a legacy for their families.
Of course, some were unwilling to give up and sought breakthroughs to a higher tier of power.
Achieving legendary rank would bring them a completely different status and prospects.
However, when these adventurers arrived in Bay Territory, they found that the situation was not as they imagined.
Inside a bustling tavern.
Four or five hundred elite adventurers had gathered there.
They marveled at the low cost of living in Bay Territory, savoring the tavern's various delicacies and sharing their unique discoveries.
"It's hard to believe such a large city was built in just one year."
"Who would have thought? I've never seen a territory grow so fast."
"You don't get it, do you? The lord kept recruiting construction crews, the workforce kept growing, and so did the buildings."
"Building non-stop all year? Wouldn't the residents complain? What do they eat?"
"It's simple: the lord paid wages to every worker. The faster and better they worked, the more they earned."
"Paying people to work? This lord is really something..."
"That's why the construction workers are so enthusiastic."
"Say what you want, but the food in Bay Territory is top-notch—roast chicken, duck, stews—I can't get enough!"
"Not just good; it's practically culinary art. Who would've thought crabs could be edible..."
"Whew... a bit too spicy, but definitely worth it."
"This mulberry wine turns out to be magical? No wonder it's so pricey."
"Compared to other magical foods with similar effects, it's only 15% more expensive, yet it's easier to absorb and usable in combat..."
"I heard you can also buy enchanted tools and high-quality potions in Bay Territory."
"Well, you're not wrong. Bay Territory's production capacity is strong enough to supply the dwarven kingdom's wartime materials."
"So, does that mean we can buy magic items here too?"
"Not yet... you need merit points!"
"What are merit points?"
"One of the most important things in Bay Territory..."
"..."
Compared to the curious chatter outside, the adventurer leaders in a private room were carefully reviewing Bay Territory's various details.
One leader hesitantly spoke up:
"There are plenty of adventure sites here in Bay Territory, and a lot of visible profits to be had."
The others nodded in agreement; the more they learned about the policies and areas for exploration, the more impressed they were.
Beyond the need for merit points, the policies of Bay Territory were highly appealing to adventurers.
"Officially joining Bay Territory grants you a house and permanent residency."
"When children are born, their clothing and food are provided by the vocational training academy until they reach adulthood, after which they receive land and housing."
"It feels like these policies won't last forever, though."
"Well, that's not our concern. What matters is they're available now."
"How's the vocational training academy? Can it really turn every child into a professional?"
"I heard from other adventurers that as long as the kids show even a hint of aptitude, they'll become professionals."
"Even those without professional talent get trained until they're 15, learning literacy, math, magic constructs, and mechanics. They'll still have good career prospects."
"Is that even true?"
"Of course! The first graduates of the Adventurer Vocational Academy are already working. I heard their salaries are great—at least several dozen gold a year."
"On top of that, adventurers get great benefits. I heard there's a way to learn special combat techniques."
"That's true, but you need enough merit points to qualify."
"..."
As the conversation drifted further off track, a few leaders coughed to regain focus.
Glancing at their bemused expressions, the more informed leaders felt a wave of relief.
Thankfully, Bay Territory wasn't a competitor—otherwise, they wouldn't even need to fight to cause them significant "losses."
People would simply leave!
Knocking on the table to bring everyone back to their senses, the leaders began to address the group:
"Alright, everyone, calm down. There's no rush to join Bay Territory."
"Just continue with your usual tasks, and in six months, you can apply officially."
"Exactly. The benefits here are great, but nothing comes for free!"
"If you want a better life and faster progression, you'll need to work harder in the upcoming adventures."
"In Bay Territory, you can buy better housing and develop further, but it'll still take gold and merit points!"
"Focus on preparing—gather information, stock up on supplies, and get ready to explore the demi-plane."
"..."
After finally calming everyone down, the adventuring leaders breathed a sigh of relief.
They couldn't help but wonder if coming to Bay Territory was truly a good idea.
They felt their control over their teams had diminished considerably.
However, it didn't take long for the leaders to realize that the numerous conveniences offered by Bay Territory had a lot to do with it.
Inside the official adventurers' hall.
Hundreds of high-level adventurers gathered.
Among them were some of extraordinary rank.
The reason so many adventurers were drawn there,
was because Bay Territory was about to publicly reveal some information about the Catachan demi-plane.
A massive magical projection captured everyone's attention.
Dense clusters of trees, oddly-shaped flying beasts, and an eerie, heavy mist.
All of it presented a unique scene to the adventurers.
"Welcome to Bay Territory. Today, we'll be introducing our newly discovered demi-plane—Catachan!"
Wearing official administrative attire, Jifan greeted the adventurer leaders with a smile and began explaining in detail:
"As you may already know, Catachan is Bay Territory's first demi-plane discovery."
"Our determination to secure it is unwavering. Here's what we've learned so far."
Under the curious gazes of the adventurers, paper booklets were handed out.
"Catachan Adventure Guide"
Rule 1: Never drink any water from the wild. All water must be boiled three times before drinking.
Rule 2: Always adventure in groups of at least four, never lose sight of your companions—no exceptions.
Rule 3: If someone is overdue by the agreed return time, assume they're dead. If they return, they must undergo a week of quarantine and multiple magical inspections.
Rule 4: Never initiate combat with the locals. Violators will lose Bay Territory's protection.
Rule 5: All loot can be sold to Bay Territory at 120% market value.
Rule 6: Do not adventure for more than two weeks at a time. After returning to the controlled zone, you must undergo inspections.
Rule 7: Bounties are available for hunting and capturing magical and special creatures, with additional rewards from Bay Territory.
Rule 8: Discovery of magical plants...
Along with nearly 30 guidelines, the book also provided details on the basic attributes of Catachan's jungle creatures and the surrounding environment.
Seeing this information, the adventurers couldn't help but widen their eyes.
Never before had they received such comprehensive intelligence from a territory.
From a certain perspective, 70% of the dangers adventurers faced stemmed from a lack of information.
The intel from Bay Territory, though not exhaustive, gave the adventurers a solid foundation for understanding the Catachan demi-plane.
At the very least, they had a general idea of where threats might come from, allowing them to prepare accordingly.
However, they clearly underestimated Bay Territory's preparations for them.
At the end of the guide, a large section on recommended supplies and equipment caught the adventurers' attention.
Standing before them, Jifan presented a variety of prepared supplies.
Soon, these adventurers would experience the benefits of Bay Territory's strong production capacity and favorable policies.
October 22.
Bay Territory.
Clear skies.
Migratory birds swept across the sky, disappearing into dense clouds.
A gentle breeze carried a hint of cold.
Along the wide, flat road, thousands of adventurers were making their way toward the nearby teleportation zone.
The blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles on either side of the road left the adventurers yearning.
Perhaps soon, they too could have a house here.
Although they had only stayed a few days, the adventurers were greatly impressed by Bay Territory.
Clean, orderly, comfortable.
Not only was it inexpensive, but it was also very safe.
On the first day the new adventurers gathered,
Bay Territory swiftly dispatched over a dozen six-armed golems to arrest more than ten adventurers who had started a major brawl in town.
After locking them in the underground laboratory in full view of the "spectating" adventurers,
all the newly arrived adventurers became extremely well-behaved.
The reason was simple: this was the Netheril Empire, where fear of spellcasters and arcanists was ingrained.
Few who chose to become adventurers feared death.
However, they absolutely dreaded falling into the hands of a spellcaster.
From childhood rhymes to firsthand encounters with spellcasters' abilities, these impressions only deepened their terror.
As the streets filled with more patrolling and stationed six-armed golems, resistance seemed even more futile.
Do not seek death!
When they arrived at the teleportation zone,
the adventurers noticed that security was even tighter.
Towering fortress-like walls.
Openly displayed heavy crossbows.
Over a thousand well-prepared soldiers.
Several dozen towering six-armed golems.
Iron monstrosities—iron golems—that made any thoughts of combat vanish.
Yaya, the true dragon soaring above.
This formidable lineup made it clear: Bay Territory was serious and strong.
Especially Yaya, radiating a silvery glow that caused every adventurer to swallow nervously.
That almost tangible aura of dominance was a clear warning:
Don't even think about it, or you will regret it!
When the adventurers entered the teleportation zone, they recorded their information again under staff instructions.
To prevent soul-stealing or body-swapping incidents in the demi-plane,
Bay Territory had them leave certain unique identifiers as a precaution.
Leading the group was the recently high-profile Alice Adventurers.
Dressed uniformly in gray-green robes, their diverse heights drew curious gazes from the other adventurers.
Humans, barbarians, gray dwarves, ogres, trolls—their diversity piqued everyone's interest.
How did they handle internal conflicts?
In truth, the Alice Adventurers were even more complex than they appeared.
As a slight spatial ripple emerged, the entire group materialized in a towering reed thicket.
The first thing everyone did upon opening their eyes was raise their shields to cover their vital areas.
Matthew raised his staff, waving his hand to cast magical shields over the entire group.
Beside him, Yaya held a squirming centipede, studying it curiously.
The massive centipede, over 30 centimeters long, had a dark brown carapace that gleamed like metal under the dim light.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
Its large black fangs snapped open and shut, exuding a menacing presence.
"How interesting..."
Yaya murmured softly and, under the curious gazes of the adventurers, slipped the fearsome centipede into a sealed magic box.
The centipede, once writhing energetically, immediately curled up and went still.