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Chapter 530.5: Blockade
Bay Territory.
Underground laboratory.
"Huh? Did you say a large number of refugees were sent to Blood Moon City?"
Yaya thought she had misheard and curiously asked 343.
A flicker of worry passed through 343's eyes as she anxiously glanced at Matthew in the operating room.
Her expression was now so detailed that it was almost indistinguishable from a human's.
She couldn't help but say:
"That's rightāover 200,000 refugees have been sent over in just the past two days."
"I've heard that some southern lords have rounded up the refugees and poor in their territoriesā¦"
"The west is also quite 'busy.' Many lords are happy to shed this burden. They're really going all outā¦"
Hearing the concern in 343's tone, Yaya buried her curiosity about her and said helplessly:
"What are they up to, helping us transport more refugees? We're not paying them overtime, you know."
Seeing Yaya's nonchalant expression, a thoughtful red light flickered in 343's eyes. She quickly responded:
"Maybe that's exactly their goal: sending over a large number of refugees to worsen the Bay Territory's food consumption."
"Food doesn't appear out of thin air. If supplies run short, the Bay Territory's refugee recruitment plan will suffer greatlyā¦"
As Blood Moon City's chief steward, 343 understood this very well. The Bay Territory had done much work to attract refugees and boost its population.
Refusing these refugees would undoubtedly draw criticism.
After all, who asked the Bay Territory to run ads in the Arcane Times?
But if they accepted the refugees, the enemy would escalate further. The troubled south and the orc-plagued west together housed over a billion people.
Even if just a small fraction was sent over, it would be more than the Bay Territory could handle.
If the refugee intake plan was compromised, the territory's overall development would suffer a major setback.
The Bay Territory's rapid growth had brought significant gains to Lord Anne. The mage tower finally secured enough elemental fuel, and 343 wasn't about to give that up lightly.
So what now?
Just then, the lab door opened.
Matthew, having expertly cleansed himself of stains and odors, came to "catch up" on the situation with 343. But instead, he flashed an expectant smile:
"It looks like we'll need to trouble the Harley Knights for more food!"
Shooting him a dubious glance, 343 detected no tension in Matthew's demeanor. She quickly realized he had a plan of his own. Nodding, she asked:
"What about the refugees?"
Rubbing his fingertips together, Matthew responded without hesitation:
"Keep them coming. Help us procure a batch of food to handle the influx."
343 didn't bother playing guessing games with Matthew. She nodded decisively and said:
"No problem. The lord will seek support from the Truth Organization. Why don't you reach out to them yourself?"
Matthew responded with a mysterious smile, offering no answer. He wasn't about to get involved with the other arcanists.
The reason was simple: those arcanists couldn't be trusted!
Just like how Archmage Cronorman still hadn't "reacted" yet.
Such an unreliable ally hardly inspired confidence!
As soon as 343 left, Yaya, having reviewed the surgical records, excitedly asked:
"Huh? Did the experimental surgery succeed? Are the Catachan soldiers compatible with the procedure?"
"Their bodies are in great condition. The surgery's success rate is around 60%."
"A 60% success rate? That means we can expand the number of enhanced soldiers!"
"Not so fast. It's not just their strength that needs improvement; their mindset does as well."
"Mindset? What kind of mindset?"
"One that perseveres and believes in victory!"
"Oh? I'd like to see!"
"ā¦"
The exchange between Matthew and Yaya gradually faded into the darkness.
Slowly opening his eyes, former Catachan warrior Gater was puzzled by their earlier conversation.
Gater had expected Matthew's experiments on him to resemble his dissections of "Catachan demons," thoroughly examining his entire body.
Instead, he only felt some discomfort in his chest and paid little attention to the quickly fading pain.
His wrinkled face showed a hint of contemplation.
"It seems I made the right bet this time."
The struggling Gater soon fell into a deep sleep.
Watching him quietly, the towering figure of Mountain turned away and silently wrote down his observations:
"High resistance, strong willā¦"
November 6th.
Bay Territory.
Clear.
"ā¦Catachan is an extremely dangerous demi-plane. Currently identified hazards account for only 1% of the totalā¦"
"ā¦Development of the Dark Forest is progressing steadily. 1,372 magical resource sites have begun producing their first batch of magical plants. The scale of these sites will gradually expand to ensure the Bay Territory's production needsā¦"
"ā¦The scale of the Swamp Ruins remains a mystery. The areas discovered in the Catachan demi-plane are still situated in its upper layersā¦"
"ā¦The pirates occupying the harbor show no signs of leaving. I wonder how much material they have stored on those shipsā¦"
"...A new batch of farm bases, totaling 20, has been established. Construction teams are working hard to build more. Those interested in reclamation or joining the construction team can register in advance..."
"...The situation in the underground world is relatively calm. However, reports suggest that the Drow elves will remain settled for at most four months. Adventurers preparing to enter the underground world should get ready in advance..."
"...The production area in Misty Swamp is currently recruiting workers. Those with breeding experience are encouraged to inquire..."
"...A new batch of factories is undergoing expansion and recruitment. Workers with relevant experience can attend training in advance..."
The clear and sweet broadcast echoed throughout the busy streets of Bay City.
Gater, still adjusting to his body, walked slowly along the smooth and clean street.
He calmly observed the shady trees along the road and the many unfamiliar snack shops, emitting aromas that even tempted him.
The last time he encountered such a tantalizing scent was during a jungle adventure over ten years ago.
Driven by hunger, he had roasted a batch of blood peak larvae.
The tender and sweet larvae offered Gater an unprecedented taste.
This was a term he had just learned from the street.
A light breeze stirred his red scarf. Gater raised his arm and glanced at his faintly visible spiked tattoo, feeling a touch of melancholy.
When would he return to the battlefield?
He didn't want to die in bed!
Before he knew it, Gater found himself standing in front of a newly opened shop.
By the time he realized, a pair of bright black eyes were looking at him expectantly. The owner of the eyes nervously asked:
"Sir, would you like to try my grilled skewers? They're just 3 copper coins each."
"This meat was purchased todayāit's super fresh..."
The young boy's voice grew quieter and quieter, clearly intimidated by Gater's imposing figure.
Perceptive to his unease, Gater forced a strained smile and nodded, responding in his somewhat peculiar accent of Common:
"Sure, I'll give it a try."
The golden, crispy grilled meat surprised Gater.
There were no pigs in the Catachan jungle.
They weren't strong enough to survive there.
Taking a bite, the lightly salted flavor made Gater raise his eyebrows. Meeting the young boy's hopeful gaze,
he quickly finished the skewer, gave a thumbs-up, and offered the highest praise of a Catachan warrior:
"Well done!"
Yes, the pork tasted quite good.
Perhaps such creatures do have their merits.
Too bad they couldn't survive in Catachan...
Delighted by the compliment, the young boy Lin Ren grinned widely and eagerly asked:
"Sir, you're so bigāyour appetite must be huge. Want to eat more?"
Invited warmly by Lin Ren, Gater nodded without hesitation. Skewer after skewer, he occasionally provided suggestions for improvement.
Following Gater's methods, the boy found the taste indeed much better, and his face lit up with joy:
"Wow, sir, you're amazing! If it gets even tastier, I could sell them for five copper coins each next timeāthen I'd earn two more copper coins!"
A careless remark, but Gater took it to heart.
Watching Lin Ren's eager expression, a dazed look crossed Gater's eyes.
Just then, Lin Ren excitedly waved to someone at the door, though a hint of fear crept back into his expression. He couldn't help but mutter:
"I already finished my homework, and my teacher said it was well-written. This is my social project..."
"Principal, please don't tell my grandma, okay? Heh heh..."
Arnold shook his head, half amused, and watched Lin Ren deftly flipping the skewers, brushing them with oil, fanning the flames, sprinkling spices, and closely monitoring the heat. He couldn't help but praise:
"You're learning fastāmuch better than last time."
Lin Ren beamed and turned to Gater, saying gratefully:
"Thanks to this sir hereāhe taught me a lot of secrets. He's amazing."
Gater nodded calmly, masking his emotions.
After Arnold muttered a few words to Lin Ren and motioned for him to follow, they left the shop together.
As several customers approached the stall, Gater felt the faint pressure emanating from Arnold beside him and couldn't help but ask:
"The Bay Territory doesn't make children work, does it?"
Recalling Lin Ren's fair, well-behaved face, a flicker of memory passed through Gater's mind. Without hesitation, he voiced his doubt.
After all, this wasn't Catachan. Children here didn't have to endure life-or-death trials from an early age.
"All the children in the territory are raised by the Bay Territory. During the day, they attend the Professional Training Academy, and all their needs are taken care of."
"This little one simply picked up some habits. His grandmother used to look after him, and now he just wants to grow up faster..."
Arnold glanced at the imposing Gater and continued patiently:
"Any elders who've lost the ability to work, or are over 60, are cared for by the territory."
"This is the lord's arrangement. Two percent of the territory's revenue goes toward their upkeep."
"I've heard Catachan tribes have a similar system."
Gater silently nodded, recalling the situation over the years. Subconsciously reaching for his leg, he stopped himself, looked at the passersby, and replied:
"That's right. Children are taught by the elders, and at 13, they venture into the jungle..."
"Fifty percent of them die in their first year of adventures..."
"Less than one percent live past the age of 60..."
Listening to Gater's calm recount, Arnold couldn't help but suck in a breath.
Indeed, happiness is all relative.
Even the southern provinces, bordering the Flesh Court, weren't as perilous and harsh as the Catachan demi-plane.
That the Catachans had survived so long without extinctionā
and continued to endureāspoke volumes about their resilience...
Arnold subtly licked his lips and continued showing Gater around Bay City, explaining its development step by step.
As Gater gained more insight into the Bay Territory, a sparkle appeared in his eyes.
Entering the barracks, witnessing the training of the Bay Territory soldiers, and seeing trolls, dwarves, and ogres up close,
Gater found most of these soldiers no match for the average Catachan warrior.
But their coordinated battle formations were an eye-opening experience.
Different environments and enemies called for different combat strategies.
Fighting after joining the Bay Territory would require some adjustment.
The regular soldiers' training and combat methods were enlightening.
The skills and power displayed by some tall individuals even left Gater astonished.
They, like Arnold, were larger than the others yet retained agility and displayed incredible bursts of power.
It was only then that Gater began to understand.
The Bay Territory's collaboration with the Catachans wasn't about using them as "cannon fodder."
It was about making them a true part of the Bay Territory, just as it had absorbed other races.
Gater had applied to come to the Bay Territory to pave the way for other Catachans.
Staying in the Catachan demi-plane and continuing to fight was the dream of every Catachan warrior.
But for everyone else, it was a different story.
They deserved a better environment and higher standards of living.
Instead, they endured a green hell, plagued by toxic insects, deadly diseases, and dangerous flora and fauna.
Now, with a territory like the Bay Territoryāsafe, rich in food, and dedicated to nurturing its childrenāit was an irresistible allure for the Catachans.
Yet this made Gater all the more cautious.
He was still adapting to the lord's modifications to his body.
After spending an entire day with Gater, Arnold escorted him back to the underground laboratory.
Passing by various experimental subjects, even the steel-willed Gater couldn't help but feel shocked by the lord's methods.
This approach inspired a deeper fear than simple death.
Arnold seemed to have anticipated Gater's reaction and calmly explained:
"Don't worry. The lord's standards for selecting test subjects aren't high, but they are strict."
"Only those who have committed capital crimes or launched attacks on the territory become his experiments."
"For example, this one committed 16 murders in Blood Moon City, disemboweling women and preying on the weak..."
"And this orc, who raided and slaughtered across the Carl Plains, causing at least a thousand deaths..."
"Then there are these trolls, which have a habit of cannibalism. They're perfect for experiments..."
"..."
Gater listened closely, detecting no lies from Arnoldānor was there any need to lie.
In the strength-based Catachan tribes, anyone who could provide enough food, slay the strongest beasts, and defend the most perilous fortresses earned absolute respect.
The Bay Territory was strong, powerful, and kind to the Catachans. Gater had no complaints.
What truly captured his attention was when Arnold, upon entering a deeper level of the underground lab, smiled and said:
"Especially now, the lord is researching modifications that can heal disabilities and severe injuries!"
"Based on the latest test subject data, he's very close to success."
"No need to get too excited. When the lord sees fit, he'll summon us."
"The lord holds high expectations for the Catachan soldiers."
"He wouldn't dream of treating you as cannon fodder, just as he carefully cultivates the barbarian soldiers..."
Gater only half-believed Arnold's words.
Catachan soldiers were worthy of anyone's respect and utilization!