Chapter 231: The Power of the Workers
The sound of hammering filled the air.
Rows upon rows of furnaces were lined up neatly in three rows.
Weapons and swords that had already taken shape were continuously being hammered and refined.
Several new young workers followed their master respectfully, listening as he explained each step of the process, its key points, and techniques.
After his explanation, the master had them try it themselves.
First, they attempted it independently, and once they were done, he patiently corrected their mistakes with detailed explanations.
He ensured they fully understood before proceeding with demonstrations.
Once they had gained a deeper understanding, he let them practice again.
Repeating this process multiple times, each new apprentice made significant progress.
Their rapid progress brought a wide smile to their master's face.
The new apprentices, however, felt somewhat embarrassed because they had ruined so many weapon blanks.
Noticing their unease, the master calmly reassured them:
"As long as you work hard and learn, wasting a bit of material is no big deal."
"These materials will be remelted and reforged, and aside from wasting some effort, nothing is truly lost."
Upon hearing this, all the apprentices relaxed.
They listened to their master's guidance while hearing stories from his past:
"Back when we were young, learning this trade was not easy."
"First, you had to tend the fire for two years, learning to judge the heat just by looking at the flame."
"If you couldn't learn, you'd keep tending the fire, earning no wage, and still having to do the master's chores."
"I tended the fire for four whole years before I even touched a pair of tongs."
"Only after that could I start hammering."
"Now, you all have such great opportunities, you must treasure them."
"Learn quickly, but also learn well. If you think you can slack off under my watch, that's absolutely impossible!"
"..."
Around each furnace, this scene repeated itself over and over.
There were countless examples proving that hard work led to a better life.
No oppressive taxes hanging over their heads.
No ruthless bureaucrats sucking them dry.
No more famine days, with uncertainty over their next meal.
And no fear of warring armies deliberately or inadvertently destroying their homes.
Moreover, before they even began work, each person had already been given a promise at the settlement center:
"Once you officially join Bay Territory, each family will automatically receive a house."
"All children will be raised and educated by the territory until they reach adulthood."
"Outside of work, everyone will have opportunities to improve their skills."
"As your knowledge and skills improve, you can receive higher positions and rewards."
"Innovations in manufacturing or production that benefit the territory's progress will earn special recognition and rewards."
"Earn contribution points. The higher the contribution, the more rewards you'll receive from the territory."
"..."
The various clear and detailed laws of the territory.
Explicitly told every person:
"If you want a better life, then work hard!"
This left all the refugees deeply moved.
They had never been given such an opportunity before.
They didn't understand why, but they all cherished the chance they had.
Coming to Bay Territory...
...was the greatest fortune they had ever had!
Matthew was satisfied with the spirit of the apprentices and their masters.
The atmosphere was harmonious, filled with an eagerness to progress and succeed.
The ongoing ideological education courses in the territory had finally borne fruit.
The other factories were also doing well; not only was the atmosphere good, but the scale and number of workers were visibly growing.
Matthew spent an entire day.
Inspecting the condition of the entire factory district.
Meanwhile, he also gathered information.
Looking for spies, inspecting improvements in factory processes, and identifying challenges in product quality enhancement.
This was to strengthen the overall productivity of the factories and the territory through a comprehensive assessment.
Soon, the territory and the entire material plane would enter a period of upheaval.
There wasn't much time left.
Returning to his study.
Matthew flipped through the documents in his hand, asking Butler Ralph about the next steps in the factory upgrades:
"Each master and forge should focus on perfecting one specific step, ensuring that it is done as efficiently and effectively as possible."
"Each apprentice can focus on mastering one step, allowing them to learn the full craft as quickly as possible."
"To ensure the masters are motivated to teach, within a set period..."
"For every apprentice a master successfully trains, they will receive a monthly bonus of one silver coin for three years."
Hearing Ralph's plan, Matthew's mind briefly wandered to thoughts of full automation, but he quickly set it aside.
It wasn't suitable yet!
Cultivating skilled workers would never become outdated.
Without a large number of skilled workers and a solid system, the territory's overall development would always rely on just a few individuals.
Even an Arcanist couldn't spare the time and energy for everything.
Matthew had tried shortcuts and failed. Even if it required more resources, full support was necessary.
So far, it was working well.
The weapons factory had gone from merely repairing equipment to producing quality weapons and armor—a significant step forward.
Once these apprentices grew into their roles, the territory would likely have a Mage Tower by then!
Other manufacturing factories were following a similar trajectory to the weapons factory.
Fulfilling orders placed by Bay Territory, with the goal of training more skilled workers, steadily expanding the factory's scale and capabilities.
Simple assembly line production, combined with educational courses outside of work, was rapidly turning the influx of refugees into valuable skilled workers.
After confirming the superiority of the Mage Tower's production capabilities, Matthew finally solved a lingering mystery.
The Netheril Empire didn't lack advanced production methods; they were simply suppressed by the caster-first system.
Ordinary soldiers could use any weapon, as they were considered expendable cannon fodder.
Soldiers with armor were already considered elite.
Except for noble families like the Carlisles, few places outfitted every soldier with high-quality protective gear like Bay Territory did.
Without a market for this, development was naturally stifled.
But Matthew knew what the future held, which was why he laid the groundwork in advance.
One step ahead, and you'll stay ahead.
With the factories progressing according to plan, and even exceeding expectations.
The territory would now further enhance its promotion of skilled workers and their benefits.
"Knowledge changes destiny, skills build a life!"