Chapter 224: This is Just the Beginning
Half an hour later.
Nearly 800 Sky-Splitting Lizard corpses had been brought up.
The adventurers felt regretful, sorrowful, and remorseful.
From the split-open heads of these Sky-Splitting Lizards, another seven space crystals were extracted one after another.
However, none of it had anything to do with them.
Before the adventurers could react, another group of heavily armed soldiers arrived at the wall platform.
Thick stone slabs were quickly transported down.
Next came several intimidating heavy crossbows.
After three to four hundred soldiers descended, nearly 1000 kobolds happily scurried down as well, all under the gaze of the adventurers.
The confused adventurers started speculating.
"Is Bay Territory planning to take everything for themselves?"
"Use your brain a bit. If they wanted everything, why did they just distribute two or three thousand gold coins to us?"
"Exactly, and they even explained all the traits of the Sky-Splitting Lizards. If they didn't want us involved, why go to all that trouble?"
"Right, and all those materials like stone blocks they moved down—maybe they're building a safer forward base..."
"Building a forward base down there? That doesn't seem very safe with so many Sky-Splitting Lizards swarming around..."
"Who knows what Bay Territory is planning?"
"..."
Not only were the adventurers pondering Bay Territory's actions, but the noble heirs, who had just reported back to their families, were also gathered together, discussing the moves of Bay Territory.
This time, however, they were smarter, bringing along the captains of the adventurer squads.
And they subtly hinted that as long as the rewards were good, their bonuses would be at least as high as those offered by Bay Territory.
They had no choice.
Aside from cursing Bay Territory for inflating the market, they had to grit their teeth and keep up.
The adventurers weren't fools; they weren't citizens of their lands.
If working with them didn't yield better rewards, why would they work so hard for them?
Wouldn't it be better to work for themselves?
Schroeder rubbed his temples. Losing three high-tier adventurer squads wasn't a devastating blow for him.
But having fewer forces meant his influence would inevitably weaken.
Moreover, although the family hadn't questioned him,
his mother's communication spell clearly reminded him:
"Find out as soon as possible the true style of Bay Territory and discover what other high-value items exist in the ruins besides the space crystals!"
Schroeder understood the deeper meaning of his mother's words—her aim was for him not to act rashly and waste the forces at his disposal.
High-tier adventurer squads weren't cannon fodder; even their Alarad family had to treat them cautiously.
Fortunately, the noble heirs around him either lacked strength or sufficient reputation to compete with him.
Schroeder was confident he could consolidate all their power in his hands, bringing everyone together.
Even if Bay Territory knew some inside information, when it came to dividing the spoils in the end, strength would still speak loudest.
Schroeder highly suspected that Bay Territory already knew about the dangers of these underground ruins, and possibly even the information about the Sky-Splitting Lizards.
Otherwise, how could they explain the time-consuming and labor-intensive platform they built before fully opening the ruins?
Schroeder suspected that they hadn't warned him because they wanted to weaken his forces and secure greater control.
Thinking this, Schroeder couldn't help but feel some frustration, but noticing the noble heirs' gazes, he had to brace himself and explain:
"Don't worry about Bay Territory. They're making such a big deal of attracting adventurers to exploit them."
"Sure, they're being generous now, but it won't be long before they take it all back."
"Besides, Bay Territory's actions benefit us too."
"The faster we deal with the Sky-Splitting Lizards, the quicker we can make more money from the ruins we're familiar with and skilled at excavating!"
"Who knows, by then Bay Territory might come looking for a share of the spoils..."
Schroeder subtly reminded everyone.
"We're all in this together. Only by sticking together can we gain more!"
"Bay Territory has the advantage of terrain and manpower. If we don't unite to resist them, they'll pick us off one by one and take the bulk of the ruins' profits..."
It had to be said, while Schroeder might lack experience in handling operations, he was quite skilled at rallying nobles and consolidating power.
Unfortunately, Matthew had no interest in these noble heirs.
Holding the humanoid-transformed Yaya in his arms, he was explaining to her bit by bit how to better use the adventurers' strength.
By giving them benefits, he could gain even more in return.
With her big, curious eyes turning, Yaya looked at the busy kobolds and soldiers, then glanced at the vast, dark ruins of the city, nodding thoughtfully as she said:
"Ah, I understand now. As long as those foolish nobles continue setting an example outside."
"We can easily recruit many adventurers who long to join us..."
Yaya's unique analysis made Matthew happily rub her head, agreeing:
"Exactly. What will truly attract these adventurers is our better system and benefits."
"Once those nobles raise their prices, they'll be shocked to find that we'll always offer better!"
Matthew could recruit more "workers" without worry, because he never planned to "squeeze" too much profit from them.
As long as he had no "desire," he could always easily attract adventurers.
Bay Territory was just getting started!
Second-Tier Spell—Soften Earth and Stone!
The stone and mud, mixed with various fixed materials, gradually fused into a solid whole.
Matthew had intentionally mixed in many metallic materials to ensure that once solidified, the structure would be much more resistant to spells and attacks.
About two hours later.
A half-enclosed fortress connecting to the ruins' entrance stood deep within the ruins.
Matthew left behind his most powerful heavy infantry, along with 300 elite soldiers skilled in handling crossbows.
Finally, he left 1000 kobolds.
They had a secret mission to carry out!
On top of the wall.
The eager adventurers and nobles, upon seeing Matthew leading his team back to the wall, prepared to descend.
Then, Matthew's words halted their actions:
"Don't you all want to know how to spot Sky-Splitting Lizards in the dark?"