Chapter 144: The Turbulent May
Time flew by like an arrow.
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
Year 129, May 1st.
Bay Territory, early morning.
Beautiful rays of dawn spread across the vast farmlands, illuminating the wide fields.
More and more pioneers were starting their work.
Columns of smoke from burning fires slowly rose into the sky.
The previously calm and serene Silvermoon River, like a refined noblewoman, rippled slightly, revealing a few pairs of round, curious eyes.
The orderly marching and loud slogans from the wide fields scared the murlocs away from the riverbanks.
On the expanding city walls, masons carefully carved intricate patterns into the square stone bricks.
Once completed, the 10-meter-high walls would become one of the most critical preparations for next year's orc invasion.
The workforce of over 5,000 people was the largest labor group besides the pioneers.
In the city's downstream area, large factories were being built along the river.
These factories continuously produced various goods, which were then transported to the warehouses of Bay City.
At the current stage, most of the goods produced were supplied to the rapidly growing population of Bay Territory.
After all, if people had money but nothing to buy, it would seriously dampen their enthusiasm for productivity.
Affordable and practical daily necessities gained widespread approval from the majority of the citizens.
Matthew did not expect to make money this way. Instead, he ordered the factories to further improve their products based on user feedback.
The development of Bay Territory's factories still had a long road ahead.
Bay Territory, Lord's Mansion.
Matthew's biological clock woke him up on time. After washing up with practiced ease...
He used Mage Hand to don his silk attire, feeling its softness and smoothness. Matthew quietly reflected:
"Indeed, such beautiful things will always be loved by all the worlds."
Stroking the emblem of the Ser Family's White Mage Tower, Matthew stowed away various magical items before grabbing his staff and heading outside.
As soon as he stepped out of the bedroom, a rich, sweet aroma greeted him.
In addition to meat, milk, and fruit, Matthew's meals had some new additions.
Steamed magic taro, fragrant and delicious, soft yet chewy, simply prepared like jelly with a unique flavor.
Firebird fruit, a rare delicacy from the Shadowy Forest, resembled a small tomato and had a mildly sweet taste, though it was not abundant.
Stir-fried groundhog meat, a mid-tier magical creature, which after prolonged consumption could slightly enhance constitution, was crispy and flavorful, though unfortunately small in size.
Matthew recorded the effects of these foods before contentedly enjoying his breakfast.
During his post-meal walk, he assigned Leanna and the other apprentice mages their study tasks for the week.
When he returned to his study, Steward Ralph was already there, ready to report on last month's territorial developments.
"Population: 15,382 people."
"With the murloc camp as a midpoint, the Thorn Merchant Caravan has saved nearly half its transportation time."
"The weekly population growth rate has reached 3,000 people."
"Land reclaimed: 20,000 acres."
"Currently, 7,000 people are working on reclamation."
"Speed: 10 people can reclaim 1 acre per day."
"With the constant influx of new settlers…"
"It's estimated that an additional 30,000 acres can be reclaimed this month."
"Gold-Fang and Silver-Fang cleared the kobold camps around the Shadowy Forest, capturing over 5,000 kobolds."
"Total kobold population: 8,000."
"Additionally, they acquired over 7,000 kobold eggs."
"It's estimated that the kobold population will increase by 500 weekly."
"Troll prisoners: 1,200, contributing in four shifts and providing 6,000 gold coins in daily revenue."
"Through the development of the Shadowy Forest and Troll Valley, Lyon's reclamation teams and adventurers capture 100 trolls per week."
"The scale of the farm continues to expand, with the workforce now reaching 1,000 people."
"Poultry count: 50,000 chickens, 20,000 ducks, 5,000 geese—egg production has begun."
"Livestock count: 10,000 pigs, 5,000 cows, 1,000 warhorses."
"By the end of the month, all livestock and poultry numbers are expected to increase by 50%."
"Production factories:
Arms factory: 500 workers; steelworks: 500 workers.
Cotton and hemp factory: 500 workers; clothing factory: 500 workers.
Lumberyard: 500 workers; timber mill: 400 workers.
Slaughterhouse: 400 workers; food processing plant: 400 workers.
Herbal plant: 400 workers. In total, 30 factories employ 4,000 people."
"The warehouse stores enough food to feed 100,000 people for three years. Current production of daily necessities is generating 30,000 gold coins in sales!"
"Construction team: 1,000 workers undergoing advanced training. This month, they will build a bridge spanning the Silvermoon River to the eastern coast."
"Adventurer count: 1,200, with an increase of 300 adventurers each week."
"Military forces: 800 reservists, 400 regular soldiers, 2 high-tier professionals, and 30 mid-tier professionals."
"Total revenue for last month: 160,000 gold coins. Blood Circulation Potions brought in 130,000, adventurer spending contributed 20,000 gold coins, and civilian spending contributed 10,000 gold coins."
"Total expenditure for last month: 158,000 gold coins.
Troll bounties: 50,000.
Combat rewards: 20,000 gold coins.
Material purchases: 40,000 gold coins.
Magic scrolls and materials: 30,000 gold coins.
Civilian wages: 15,000 gold coins.
Magic materials and botanical discovery bonuses: 3,000 gold coins."
Ralph the steward was elated by the astounding income and expenditure figures.
He knew that the territory's steadily increasing wealth and resources would fuel its overall growth.
After the report, Ralph eagerly asked Matthew:
"What will be our main development strategy this month?"
Flipping through more detailed information, Matthew was about to outline the month's focus when a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
Remembering something crucial, he solemnly told Ralph:
"Send people to patrol Silvermoon River and Misty Marsh, and pay close attention to those murlocs!"
Ralph had rarely seen the lord so serious, so he immediately nodded, left the study, and headed straight for the barracks.
Watching Ralph's retreating figure, Matthew carefully recalled the images in his mind.
It was a month notoriously unfriendly to players.
Most players had just completed their novice training, chosen their classes, and learned their basic skills.
They were all eager to head out on exciting adventures and see the world.
And then, they ran headlong into the murloc upheaval!
For reasons unknown, nearly all the murlocs abandoned their habitats and surged onto the land in great numbers.
The unprepared players were harshly schooled by these creatures they once looked down on!
Over 90% of the players lost a precious resurrection in that turmoil, many losing their first life in frustration!
Because of this, May was dubbed "Turbulent May" by the players, commemorating their unlucky experiences.
However, the murloc unrest came and went quickly, not significantly affecting the world's balance, which was why Matthew didn't remember it immediately.
But now, he couldn't afford to be careless!
Bay Territory was right next to the Silvermoon River and the eastern coast!