Chapter 288: The Elf Caravan
"Damn, that was dangerous!"
"Why are these ghostly things becoming more and more common?"
"How come we never noticed them before?"
Matthew issued orders to his soldiers:
"Stay away from this area. Any escaped individuals must be guarded, but do not engage with them recklessly."
Observing the eerie, frenzied scene, Matthew felt something was off.
He had once "studied" evil gods—capturing them for dissection, analysis, and research.
Despite most evil gods delighting in deceiving and manipulating their followers, engaging in destructive rituals.
Even in such cases, these evil gods rarely respond to their followers.
Not even for tens of thousands; they hide well unless the numbers reach millions, even tens of millions!
According to Matthew's understanding of the power of fate, evil gods can also extract a similar force from these rituals.
However, the power required by evil gods is enormous, far beyond human imagination.
Thus, the more powerful the evil god cult, the more they pursue grand-scale rituals.
A barbarian chieftain like Halel, who frequently conducted blood rituals, might only gain the attention of an evil god.
If he failed to satisfy the increasingly greedy appetite of the evil god, he would be mercilessly discarded.
Still, Halel didn't seem like a fool, and according to Matthew's memories, this guy was active in the western continent in the future.
Which means this seemingly flawed evil god ritual had somehow succeeded?
It was truly strange!
Matthew didn't dwell on it and ordered his troops to retreat, warning them of any signs of madness, and reported this to 343.
He knew 343 had witnessed this scene but could not openly acknowledge it.
For mortals, engaging with the knowledge and rituals of evil gods was extremely dangerous.
Those barbarian survivors who fled early were incredibly fortunate; Matthew had prepared purification potions for them.
As for the unlucky ones left behind, even if they escaped, they were potential threats.
The vast barbarian camp.
Now just a silent graveyard.
Early the next morning.
Harley arrived with alchemical oil brought via emergency transport, burning the entire barbarian camp inside and out.
Once the corpses were reduced to ashes, he stationed himself and his bloodied Bloodmoon soldiers there for two more days.
Only after confirming nothing strange occurred did he lead his troops back to Bloodmoon City.
What Harley didn't know.
Was that a previously dead body had also returned with them!
After they left.
Matthew and Yaya returned to inspect the area.
After confirming there were no issues, they finally departed.
Everything seemed to have settled.
For the surviving barbarians.
It was as if they had awoken from a twisted nightmare.
Now, they had arrived in the Bay Territory, starting a life better than ever.
They had food, clothing, and shelter!
The battered Bloodmoon soldiers received good rewards and treatment upon their return.
Many Bloodmoon nobles who had faced this barbarian invasion began investing more heavily in their military forces.
The Bay Territory gained significantly from this incident.
They captured over 20,000 barbarian prisoners.
Although many would undergo a long evaluation period, involving various repeated checks to confirm they were unpolluted, before officially joining the Bay Territory.
But once fully integrated, the Bay Territory would be able to form a larger, stronger heavy infantry unit.
Aside from these captives, the Bay Territory successfully completed the Empire's conscription task and won first honors.
Matthew was granted permission from the Empire's Noble Council ahead of time, officially becoming a third-class baron.
The Bay Territory also gained the right to develop the eastern coastline, but they had to defend this gateway, preventing invasions from entities like the barbarians.
As for this newly acquired land.
Matthew did not rush its development; instead, he expanded upon the existing camp and bridgehead fortress.
He planned to transform this area into a large port that would eventually become a port city.
As for potential threats, Matthew called upon the ever-resourceful adventurers.
With enough gold, adventurers would eagerly deliver every bit of information and detail about the surroundings.
They were truly happy to comply!
The Bay Territory's adventuring guidelines stated:
Adventurers who discover resource points can earn 5% of the profits after reporting, inspection, and verification.
Those who protect and develop the site, establishing small camps and outposts, can earn 15%.
Those willing to learn and manage the development can receive 50% of the profits!
And it's valid permanently!
After witnessing two adventurers become wealthy, many flocked to the port, joining the ranks of these new opportunists.
With the port's future development and construction arrangements set, Matthew refocused on the Bay Territory.
It wouldn't be long before the Orc Tide that would shake the entire Netheril Empire would arrive!
Matthew needed to prepare in advance, using this opportunity to push his territory further.
October 2, Year 129.
Bay City, clear skies.
The golden sunlight bathed the city in a warm glow.
In the flat fields, golden rice swayed in the breeze, resembling rolling waves.
The heavy grains bent slightly, nodding as if greeting the passersby.
Nearby pioneers, busy with their work, hurried back to the city.
They could enjoy a hearty lunch and take a good rest before continuing in the afternoon.
On a 20-meter wide cement road, over 20 carriages moved slowly.
A patrol of soldiers approached to check their credentials.
Captain Sean carefully examined the identification tags.
It noted that they had departed from Bloodmoon City, passing through the Misty Swamp and 12 outposts before reaching Bay City.
A middle-aged steward nodded and smiled at Captain Sean, instinctively approaching with a small gold coin in hand.
Captain Sean raised his hand to stop him, and under the steward's puzzled gaze, he smiled and said:
"This must be your first time in Bay City?"
"Here, as long as you follow the territory's laws and don't cause trouble, no one will bother you."
The steward nodded quickly, watching as Captain Sean and his patrol left. His cautious demeanor slowly faded.
He walked to the front carriage and whispered softly:
"Miss, we've arrived."
He spoke in Elvish!