Chapter 168: Heavy-Handed Strikes
The next day.
Dawn had just pierced through the darkness.
The light of day slowly grew, as bright sunlight began to gently pour down.
In Bay Town, still bathed in shadows, new and peculiar figures appeared at the gates and in the center of several streets.
Early risers immediately noticed their presence.
Standing at normal human height, their chests bore the Bay Town crest on their robes.
The square-shaped chest robes displayed several lines of text:
"Patrol Golem: Automatically handles disputes, arguments, and disorderly conduct."
"Reports household registry numbers, can answer inquiries about residence, laws, destination points, shops, and products."
"At the command of patrol soldiers, releases the 'Detect Lies' spell. Violators will be charged 30 copper coins for each spell cast!"
"Vandalism or graffiti will result in a deduction of 50 contribution points and a fine of 20 silver coins!"
Most people were curious about them.
Some tried asking them questions, but the Patrol Golems did not respond.
Many began mocking them, but soon, they were left speechless.
Two soldiers approached and, in front of everyone, spoke to the Patrol Golem:
"Patrol Guard No. 132, posing a question."
"Patrol Golem No. 6, responding to your query."
"How do I get to the east gate?"
"Proceed straight along Street No. 6 to the intersection with Street No. 4. Turn right at the crossroads, proceed to the far end of Street No. 4, and follow the wall left for 200 meters to reach the east gate."
"What is the punishment for insulting someone?"
"A fine of 50 copper coins and three days of street cleaning!"
"For fighting..."
"..."
Now, everyone quickly understood the significance of these unique clay golems, and some grew eager to test them out.
The patrol soldiers smiled and encouraged people to try, though at first, they hesitated.
However, after repeated attempts that yielded accurate answers, people quickly became bolder.
But the patrol soldiers soon informed them that each person was only allowed to ask three questions per day, so they shouldn't waste them.
The Patrol Golems stationed at every street corner drew large crowds, as people watched and studied them.
On their way to work, they engaged in lively discussions about the golems.
Aside from the Patrol Golems, there were also several large, towering Rock Golems stationed at the town gates and the Adventurers' Hall.
Written in bold letters on the chests of these mighty Rock Golems were descriptions that piqued the curiosity and amazement of many adventurers:
"Detection Golem: Automatically releases 'Detect Lies' for verifying and issuing tasks."
"Reports adventurer numbers, can recommend tasks, settle tasks, and distribute bounties."
"At the command of patrol soldiers, can enter combat mode!"
"Any vandalism or destruction of these golems will result in imprisonment for no less than six months, and no less than three years of hard labor!"
"Guardian Golem: Automatically releases 'Detect Weapons' and 'Detect Lies' for security and registration."
"Reports adventurer numbers, can register entries into town and store weapons."
"At the command of the captain of the guard, can enter combat mode!"
"Any escape, resistance, or assault will result in the loss of all contribution points, with a minimum of five years' imprisonment and ten years of hard labor!"
"Long-term bounty mission: Confirming and reporting any spies will earn 50 contribution points and a gold coin reward per spy!"
The gathered adventurers looked at the towering, 4-meter-tall Rock Golems, their glowing red eyes radiating power, and no thoughts of rebellion crossed their minds.
For most adventurers, Bay Territory's display of power once again left them both satisfied and deeply curious.
"So this is what the lord and the Arcanist were working on?"
"Seems like it. These must be Rock Golems, right? They look incredibly powerful!"
"Yeah, they're Rock Golems, just renamed. I've seen them before in Bloodmoon City."
"I didn't expect the lord and the Arcanist to have developed Rock Golems. Bay Town's defenses have really leveled up."
"Ah, I seem to have forgotten my adventurer number..."
"That's impossible! Every adventurer gets a number when they arrive in the territory, and you use it every day for tasks. Where's your adventurer's badge?"
"I think... I lost it..."
"Hey! Guard! I think we've got a spy over here. He's trying to run... Hurry..."
"Boom!"
The Rock Golem, which had been standing still, suddenly sprang into action at the word "spy."
It raised its massive foot and slammed it into the ground, sending a shockwave rippling forward.
The fleeing spy hadn't even realized what was happening before the shockwave knocked him down, and a large hand rose from the ground to grasp him tightly.
The entire process took only three or four breaths, and many of the surrounding adventurers hadn't even processed what was happening before the fight was over.
Quick-reacting guards were already approaching the captured spy, firmly bound in the golem's grip.
The leading guard captain sternly asked:
"Are you a spy?"
The adventurer, pale-faced, shook his head vehemently—there was no way he could admit that!
Unfortunately, denial was futile.
"Detecting 'Lies'!"
The golem's deep voice echoed, and the surrounding adventurers erupted in murmurs of awe as they marveled at this clumsy spy.
"Spy confirmed. Adventurer No. 1672, you are awarded 50 contribution points and a 50 gold coin bounty!"
After stating this, the imposing Rock Golem returned to its position.
Now, every adventurer's eyes lit up.
Especially the one who had half-jokingly reported the spy, now laughing with glee:
"It's like gold just fell from the sky!"
Many adventurers glanced enviously at him.
Others, with sharper instincts, began eying those around them, assessing who might be suspicious.
Meanwhile, having witnessed the Rock Golem's formidable combat prowess, many adventurers suddenly became much more "obedient."
No one wanted to be on the receiving end of a punch from those giant fists!
Even those adventurers harboring ill intentions now felt their minds going blank.
Cautiously eyeing the Rock Golems, they swiftly abandoned any plans they shouldn't have had.
Likewise, Bay Territory's unexpected deployment managed to catch several careless spies.
Adventurers who reported or captured spies immediately received their rewards and bounties, with everyone eager to hunt down the next one.
Fellow adventurers, instead of feeling any discomfort, were growing more excited.
After all, each spy was worth a walking 50 gold coins!
"Won't they be upset?"
Felicity blinked curiously, knowing well that adventurers had no true loyalty or position.
It wasn't uncommon for adventurers to become assassins, thieves, or bandits.
Many nobles and lords across the Netheril Empire enjoyed using these throwaway adventurers.
Whether for open conflict or underhanded schemes, adventurers always had a presence where conflict thrived.
In fact, adventurers weren't particularly well-regarded by most of Netheril's upper society.
Over time, adventurers had learned to embrace it—living for gold, moving from place to place.
If a location became unwelcoming, many adventurers would simply pack up and leave in droves.
"Haha, the lord put so much effort into drawing these adventurers here for one reason: to make them work for us."
"If they can't do that, they're better off leaving. There's no shortage of adventurers willing to come here."
"After all, where else can they earn as much as they do here in Bay Territory?"
Fully dedicated to the territory, Elio had a clear understanding of adventurers.
People die for money, and birds die for food.
Adventurers—there's no escaping that fact!