Chapter 279: Bay Territory's Camp
The large engineering golems flattened the hilltop.
The automated Mud to Stone spell solidified the excavated soil, reinforcing the walls.
The two shovels moved with remarkable flexibility, alternating their swings with high efficiency.
Supported by magical structures, the joints of these engineering machines could rotate more freely.
As long as they were recharged daily, they were essentially perpetual motion machines requiring no repairs!
These modified engineering golems were Matthew's research results from over a month of work.
Steel tracks, concave joints, a 360-degree rotating upper body, iron hooks for lifting, cylindrical rollers...
"They can be modified like this?"
Macaron studied the golem, operating the shovels with his pudgy face filled with seriousness, mumbling and gesturing occasionally.
He was amazed by Matthew's creative ingenuity, his eyes shining with unspoken excitement.
Matthew allowing him to study the golems filled Macaron with deep gratitude.
It wasn't just the opportunity itself; the belief that "knowledge is gold" was a principle every spellcaster held.
Even when Macaron was learning from his mentor in Seventon.
Whenever he needed to learn something new.
He had to shell out large sums of gold, work for his mentor, conduct experiments, and complete various tasks.
Thanks to the land revenue allocated under the council's control, Macaron managed to achieve his education.
Until Macaron turned 16 and became a mid-tier mage, the cost of knowledge grew increasingly steep…
Unable to afford the exorbitant fees, Macaron refused his mentor's offer to work for twenty years and decisively returned to his territory.
Unfortunately, Macaron's development over the years had been far from smooth. The name of the "Lucky" Baron only grew, with repeated accidents causing severe losses, leaving him with few reliable subordinates.
He had vast lands and loyal subjects who adored and supported him, but lacking funds, resources, and trade connections, he could only serve as a tax collection intermediary.
Intimidated by his reputation as the "Lucky" Baron, passing caravans were unwilling to trade with him.
In his first two conscriptions, he was unlucky enough to run into orc infiltration forces, leading to near-total losses among his soldiers.
His years of savings were drained, and he languished in despair for two years.
Then came the third imperial conscription, facing the inescapable terror of "fate."
Macaron gathered a group of soldiers willing to face death with him.
Because he had always collected minimal taxes.
Thus, despite his title as the "Lucky" Baron, to his people, Macaron was the best lord they could have.
When Matthew told him:
"Your task is to research and develop engineering golems that consume less, are more durable, work faster, and have more functions."
"Every 10% improvement will be rewarded with 10,000 gold coins."
"All materials and resources are available without limit, as long as you don't waste them intentionally."
One success could earn him 10,000 gold coins!
One success was equivalent to a year's income from his territory, enough to break even.
Macaron could finally refurbish his long-neglected manor.
Unlimited access to materials and resources!
This thrilled Macaron; to continuously grow, mages needed to keep experimenting.
By refining and upgrading engineering golems, Macaron could advance his stagnated mage level.
This allowed Macaron to use Matthew's resources to grow and earn money simultaneously.
Macaron couldn't refuse!
Now, once again, Macaron's fighting spirit was reignited.
Seeing his new subordinate's proactive enthusiasm, Matthew felt immensely gratified.
Encouraging his subordinates' initiative not only made profit easier but also earned their loyalty—why not?
It was far more rewarding than simple exploitation!
As the sky gradually darkened, Matthew turned into his tent and said to the hesitant Brown and Lin Qi:
"I hope you two can rest well tonight. Tomorrow, we will explore the terrain."
Without hesitation, Lin Qi and Brown nodded eagerly and left.
On their way to their tent, the two discussed and observed the busy Bay Territory soldiers who had just finished their meal.
They worked in clear divisions of labor, cooperating seamlessly. In just an hour, they could erect a sturdy, weather-resistant wooden house.
If the enemy attacked, they could still defend within the wooden houses and avoid heavy casualties.
Besides being adept at building wooden houses, these soldiers were also skilled at paving roads.
After the steamroller rolled over the ground, they expertly spread gravel and even took the time to dig drainage ditches on both sides.
This prevented the roads from becoming slippery and pothole-ridden after rain.
What impressed the two the most.
Was the six-meter-high, three-meter-thick walls that were built within just a few hours.
They were equipped with heavy crossbows, solid bastions, and even tall watchtowers.
What truly filled the two with envy and jealousy was the endless stream of supplies from the large teleportation array.
Enough food and water to support 4,000 troops for three months.
Fifty heavy crossbows and over ten thousand heavy bolts.
Thousands of kilograms of alchemical fuel, enough to maintain a firewall for two days and nights.
Even more impressive, when they entered the tent, they saw tables, chairs, beds, blankets, bowls, chopsticks, and washbasins.
Was this really a war camp?
It felt more comfortable than a typical military camp.
After all, for most territories, true elite soldiers were few and far between.
Spotting some stored black bread, Lin Qi, under Brown's curious gaze, forcefully tore off a piece and tasted it:
"It's indeed black bread, but the ingredients are substantial and quite good…"
Hearing this, Brown had no more thoughts of opposing Bay Territory.
Whether it was the army or the professionals.
The Carlisle family, despite having the advantage in numbers, had fallen behind in every other aspect.
As he entered, Brown had personally seen a batch of weapons and armor stored in the warehouse.
About 1,000 pieces.
Presumably held in reserve.
Weapons and armor often suffered significant damage in battle.
Though seemingly small, this revealed a crucial detail:
"Bay Territory indeed possesses the capability to mass-produce enchanted equipment and weapons!"
Regardless of how they acquired this ability, they already had tremendous potential.
Surpassing the Carlisle family was entirely possible!
Despite having two high-level spellcasters, the Carlisle family had no such development plan.
Brown dared not think of anything else.
For the construction of just one camp, Bay Territory had made such enormous investments, making it more orderly, comfortable, and secure than most villages!
It was impossible to discern their true depth—they were truly formidable!