Chapter 154: Rumors
The next day, early morning.
The bright sunlight illuminated the newly built Bay Town.
Signaling the start of a new day!
The residential areas under construction were bustling again.
Workers from various factories also began heading out.
The pioneers had already received the news: work resumed as usual today.
The people of Bay Territory, still shaken by the Murloc rampage the day before, were soon surprised to discover...
The gates, tightly closed yesterday, were now wide open, just like any other day.
Lined-up soldiers were patrolling the walls.
Everything seemed unchanged.
However, when they ventured outside the gates...
They could see the battlefield, still littered with Murloc remains, and the struggling Murloc captives.
When word spread...
That killing a Murloc and returning its corpse could earn them a bounty of one silver coin,
And capturing a live Murloc could fetch two silver coins,
Many began to feel tempted.
But most reconsidered after glancing at the cultivated fields and recalling the Bay Territory's military benefits for both reservists and regular soldiers.
They didn't want to lose out on the bigger prize by chasing small gains.
However, for weaker adventurers who found it difficult to venture into the dangerous Dark Forest to capture trolls, this presented an excellent bounty opportunity.
They could start by accepting a patrol mission along the Silvermoon River near Bay Territory, earning a daily wage of one silver coin.
While on patrol, they could enjoy a free lunch and freely hunt or capture Murlocs along the riverbank.
With a bit of effort, each adventurer could earn around three to five silver coins in half a day.
Accumulating that would result in a decent fortune.
To further motivate these novice adventurers, Matthew issued a special decree:
"Anyone who accumulates 100 contribution points will be entitled to a free course in the territory, gaining a basic ability (specialty)!"
This had immense appeal for beginner adventurers who wished to improve their strength but lacked the money, resources, or connections.
Naturally, Matthew wanted to integrate adventurers with job levels into his territory.
But everyone had their own ambitions and challenges, so Matthew wouldn't force them.
"As long as they work for me, provide experience points, and contribute to the territory, they're good tools!"
The transport convoy, escorted by 300 soldiers, exited the gates and headed toward the Misty Swamp's Murloc camp.
Along the way, the soldiers marched in formation, attracting attention from many onlookers.
Their synchronized movements, finely crafted armor, gleaming weapons, and the enticing benefits posted on bulletin boards all silently urged them:
"Eat well, train hard, become a reserve soldier, and change your destiny!"
Matthew observed their hopeful and ambitious gazes, breaking down the deeper meaning behind their looks to Angela and Yaya.
"The reason we don't directly select from among them is twofold. First, it's to maintain a sense of fairness."
"Even a degree of perceived fairness can significantly boost their sense of belonging."
"The second reason is to encourage competition. Soldiers, citizens, and adventurers alike will naturally compare themselves to others."
"Our task is simple."
"Establish clear, straightforward standards, select the right talents according to the rules, and the rest will work hard on their own."
"This applies to the management personnel we are about to select as well."
"This approach is far more effective than wielding a whip behind them, pushing them forward..."
Of course, Matthew didn't yet mention the deeper aspects.
Because everything he described was an ideal state, free from external interference.
This was just a transitional system in Matthew's grander vision!
He had even better plans for the future!
The convoy gradually left Bay Territory, departing the vast, flat wilderness and heading toward the Murloc camp in the Misty Swamp.
They would arrive before sunset!
Meanwhile, in Bloodmoon City, on Adventurer's Street...
The adventure hall, though modest in decoration, was bustling with activity.
Normally, despite the high foot traffic,
Adventurers typically came and went in a hurry.
Rarely did they gather in such numbers to engage in constant discussion.
A few curious adventurers entered, hoping to pick up some free rumors at the start of the day.
Even if the gossip didn't lead to tasks or bounties, it could still serve as entertainment over meals or idle chatter during adventures.
A young adventurer squeezed his way inside.
His first sight was the arcane screen in the adventurer hall, displaying a task list in pale blue letters.
Ordinarily, blue-colored tasks—indicating moderate difficulty—wouldn't garner much attention.
But when the young adventurer read the task's content, he was stunned:
"Bounty: 5,000 gold coins for locating an entrance to an underground ruin near Misty Swamp, Bay Territory, or the Murloc camp!"
"Current adventurers accepted: 6,875!"
"Task requirement: Level 1 adventurer!"
He couldn't help but gasp, eyes widening as he reread the task details over and over.
"5,000 gold coins? Is this for real?"
"I know Misty Swamp, but where's Bay Territory? Who's the lord?"
"This task has no level requirement? Then as a Level 2 Rogue, I could take it?"
"Is this task real or fake?"
In just a minute or two, he saw the number of adventurers accepting the task increase by several hundred.
Hearing other adventurers' conversations, the young man became even more excited.
"This task must be real!"
"Not to mention, the person offering the 1,000 gold coin deposit is none other than the recently famous Adam Smith!"
"Adam Smith? The one from the Thorn Merchant Guild?"
"Yes, the same one who took down the Redwood Merchant Guild!"
"I heard about that! Redwood's Reld Bacon gathered over 2,000 bandits but couldn't take down Thorn's caravan."
"Adam Smith acted innocent on the surface, but secretly had everyone in the Redwood Merchant Guild wiped out!"
"Even the entire Bacon family was eliminated."
"How did I miss such big news?"
"It's been the talk of the town! The city lord even sent people to investigate the Bacon family estate—there's been no word since."
"Seems like Adam Smith was very thorough..."
"..."
The young adventurer stopped listening to the rest of the story.
All he could see in his mind were those shining 5,000 gold coins!