Chapter 169: Immediate Results
The people of Bay Town had mixed feelings about the introduction of the golems.
However, soon enough, their constant work left little room for other thoughts, and they became more focused on their jobs.
Many even felt reassured by the attention of their lord, which gave them a sense of security.
After all, when these towering figures stood along the riverbanks and at the edges of farmland, the feeling of protection was overwhelming.
What they didn't know was that, aside from a few key clay golems, the rest were essentially for show.
Matthew couldn't afford the maintenance and upkeep of so many clay golems, so he resorted to some clever tricks.
After all, the real combat force for the territory wasn't these clay golems!
The morale of the people settled, ensuring work efficiency. The feedback from the data naturally pleased Steward Ralph.
In the Camp of the Dark Forest.
The camp was usually patrolled by soldiers.
After over a month of training, these soldiers were nothing like before.
With the addition of nutritious food and magical supplements, they had all become professionals, each learning at least one specialization.
They had absorbed valuable combat experience, and their demeanor now carried a sense of strength.
But even with such progress.
There were still troublemakers stirring things up!
Motivated by various reasons, these individuals caused disruptions in the Dark Forest area under Bay Territory's control.
In certain resource collection areas.
They would sabotage and steal from resource sites.
Some went even further, attacking other adventurers and robbing them of their belongings.
Afterward, they would complete another simple task or report failure, pretending nothing had happened.
Some adventurers thought direct action was too risky.
Instead, they spread rumors during discussions, maliciously questioning and criticizing Bay Territory's policies.
Although these troublemakers were few in number, the damage they caused was significant.
After all, while making money was important, so was staying alive!
Over the past couple of weeks.
Leon had been tempted to intervene but held back.
After all, destruction is much easier than construction.
If Leon's guard units suffered losses.
The hard-won Troll Valley camp might be destroyed.
The ever-watchful trolls certainly wouldn't let Bay Territory have a second chance to rebuild.
Until now!
Several Rock Golems had been transported over.
Leon positioned them at the camp gates by evening.
With Rock Golems complementing elite soldiers, the camp's defenses grew significantly stronger, and so did Leon's control.
More importantly, the modified Rock Golems took over the tasks of verifying missions and monitoring adventurers.
The clever Leon waited until the adventurers returned to camp unsuspectingly after their misdeeds before subjecting them to "Detect Lies."
The careless adventurer spies and "thieves" were caught red-handed.
"Did you violate Bay Territory's laws, adventurer regulations, or code of conduct?"
With just this one question, Leon and his soldiers managed to capture over 20 adventurers.
Most of the adventurers obediently surrendered.
Of course, some refused to believe it and, when detected by "Detect Lies," attempted to flee or resist using their own strength.
Leon had no intention of showing mercy to such adventurers.
The Rock Golems took swift action, trapping them in earth-element cages to slow them down.
Then, a barrage of heavy crossbow bolts rained down on them.
Even high-level professionals, caught off guard, were either killed or severely injured.
These reckless adventurers were instantly turned into pincushions.
Leon, who had taken decisive action, hung their bodies up and publicly announced their crimes to all nearby adventurers.
The now much-improved Leon also didn't forget to read aloud the warnings he had received from Steward Ralph:
"We welcome all law-abiding adventurers; Bay Territory offers everyone a comfortable environment for adventure and growth!"
"But for those harboring malicious intentions, we'll kill each and every one without mercy!"
"Additionally, we will never secretly dispose of captured adventurers."
"Their crimes will be publicly listed, and they will be punished and dealt with in accordance with laws, regulations, and codes of conduct!"
"The territory will also issue a long-term bounty mission."
"For every piece of information provided that leads to the identification of an adventurer who violated the rules, after verification, a reward will be issued based on the severity of their crime."
"Furthermore, adventurers who attempt to sabotage the territory's wealth, kill other adventurers without cause, or harbor hostility towards the territory."
"For each such person reported or captured, a reward of 20 to 100 gold coins will be issued!"
"For each one killed, after verification, a reward of 50 gold coins per person!"
These orders were promptly engraved on the chests of the Rock Golems and placed throughout the camp.
The adventurers, who had been subjected to this heavy-handed crackdown, briefly sulked but soon grew excited again.
They weren't fools—if they were, they wouldn't have survived this long.
"Good riddance! I've had enough of those fools."
"Agreed. Bay Territory is a prime adventuring spot, and the lord is such a generous benefactor. We should all support him."
"Those troublemakers deserved it!"
"Think about it: if something happens to Bay Territory, and the lord suffers heavy losses, he might stop trusting us adventurers. Then where would we be able to make this kind of money?"
"Exactly. As long as we do our job and complete the tasks, we'll earn far more than other territories or lords could offer. We and the lord, along with Bay Territory, are all in this together!"
"Not to mention how well Bay Territory treats the common people and the professionals who join."
"With enough contribution points, we can even learn some professional 'secret techniques,' not to mention all the magical gear and items available…"
"No need to say more. I support the lord and Bay Territory's decisions. For these scum, I'll capture them one by one!"
"Hey, if you catch them all, what'll be left for us to claim as bounty?"
"Hahaha…"
Seeing the adventurer problem finally resolved, Leon exhaled deeply in relief.
He held a deep respect for the lord's ability to swiftly and decisively handle any issue.
His mind wandered back to the private words the lord had shared with him upon his return to Troll Valley camp:
"Your potential is promising, and your growth is commendable, but never let it make you arrogant."
"Sending you to train in the Dark Forest serves two purposes: to strengthen your power and to hone your abilities. Never harbor any complaints."
"If you ever need anything—whether for public or personal reasons—report it to Steward Ralph, and I will decide on the solution."
"Your responsibilities are heavy."
The lord's solemn words left Leon feeling honored and determined.
He secretly vowed never to let the lord down.
Yes, the "loyalty" of his tools had been firmly secured!