Chapter 377: It's Decided, It's You!
Year 130, March 1st.
Bay Territory.
Clear.
The bright sunlight,
Shone on faces filled with smiles and curiosity, and Butler Ralph felt a genuine sense of joy.
Bay Territory was getting better and better, and talent in all fields was becoming more abundant, far exceeding his expectations.
Once everyone had taken their seats, Butler Ralph smiled and said:
"Unlike the New Year's commendation and summary meeting, today's meeting will determine this year's development tasks for the territory."
"First, let me discuss the current state of the territory, so everyone can have a better understanding."
"Over the past two months, we have absorbed 80,000 people from Carl Plains."
"Although it falls short compared to the peak of last year, it has been stable, and we expect it to continue until June."
"The refugees from the south have now also reached 50,000, and the number is increasing."
"They will be settled in the same way as the people from Carl Plains, initially at the Misty Swamp and Silver Moon River Plains outposts that need development."
"Only after training and reviewing them will they gradually join Bay Territory, ensuring no disturbances are caused."
Everyone agreed on this point.
After all, Bay Territory at this stage had been painstakingly built step by step by those present.
There was no way newcomers could enjoy the same benefits immediately, or worse, create problems out of greed.
By undergoing prior training and nurturing, not only would the refugees' abilities improve, but they would also adapt to life in Bay Territory ahead of time.
After putting in their hard work and labor, they would treasure it even more!
"The number of soldiers has increased by 4,000, now totaling 14,000."
"Currently, there are 8,000 full-time soldiers and 6,000 in reserve."
"In the coming months, we will have a recruitment target of about 2,000 soldiers each month. I hope everyone will be prepared."
The steadily increasing number of soldiers indicated that Bay Territory was not content with its current power and achievements.
They intended to continue expanding!
In the past, everyone, accustomed to being civilians, adventurers, and ordinary soldiers, might not have been particularly interested in combat and territorial expansion.
If conscription occurred, they might have even grumbled.
But now, everything was different!
Who would complain about the territory being too large or managing too many people?
Butler Ralph saw the excitement in everyone's eyes and wasn't in a hurry to proceed but instead continued introducing:
"Last year, we cultivated 500,000 mu of land. In the first two months of this year, we've cultivated 1.5 million mu."
"Besides the increase in numbers, innovations in cultivation tools and research have been key to improving cultivation efficiency."
"The research and development of technology and new tools will become increasingly important, and relevant departments must increase their investment."
"Also, thanks to Mr. Li's new varieties of rice and wheat, yield per mu has increased by 100 catties, bringing the yield to 700 and 800 catties per mu."
"The Lord has decided to reward Mr. Li with 200,000 gold coins to encourage everyone to contribute even more to the development of the territory."
Old Li, attending the meeting for the first time, subconsciously widened his eyes in response to this unexpected surprise.
Catching the envious glances from many, even though he had long ceased to care about such empty honors, he couldn't help but feel elated.
In life, one seeks either fame or profit.
In the past, Old Li thought he might only do short-term work in Bay Territory.
Now, he believed he should at least stay for the long term.
Perhaps, his long-held wish could come true?
Butler Ralph then continued discussing issues regarding the professional training academy, adult skills training, and the development of various outposts.
Everyone, already in sync, could tell from the order in which Butler Ralph spoke about these matters just how much importance the territory placed on these issues.
The thing that impressed everyone the most was that, unlike other territories and nobles who prioritized conscription and taxation, Butler Ralph didn't even mention these topics.
"Alright, that is the current state of the territory. If anyone has new ideas or plans, feel free to discuss them at this meeting."
"Once a plan is decided, we will proceed step by step in a steady manner."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone, who had grown considerably, began discussing their tasks and responsibilities.
Even Elio and Elona, who rarely spoke, couldn't help but voice their plans and ideas.
Everyone agreed on one motto for Bay Territory:
"The territory is my home; building it is up to everyone."
Because everyone could see that the fruits of the territory's development did not belong to a specific class but to everyone.
Every step forward for the territory was closely tied to everyone, bringing better living conditions and growth.
This was something everyone had witnessed with their own eyes!
While everyone was actively offering suggestions, Matthew, seated at the head of the table, was examining the attribute panels of those present.
Butler Ralph, Level 10 Butler, Challenge Rating 13+, Luck +3.
Angela, Level 10 Knight, Challenge Rating 14+, Luck +4.
Beelzebub, Level 14 Warrior, Challenge Rating 18+, Luck +4.
Leon, Level 10 Warrior, Challenge Rating 14+, Luck +5.
Apart from Leon, the "fortunate" one, the three most influenced by Matthew all maintained stable luck values, each surpassing their previous limits.
Especially Angela, who had just learned "Aura of Valor," her growth rate was not inferior to Leon, the "fortunate protagonist."
This gave Matthew quite a pleasant surprise.
Macaron, Level 8 Mage, Challenge Rating 9+, Luck -2.
Old John, Level 9 Warrior, Challenge Rating 13+, Luck -3.
Field, Level 11 Ranger, Challenge Rating 14+, Luck -3.
Arnold, Level 14 Warrior, Challenge Rating 17+, Luck -3.
Filia, Level 7 Ranger, Challenge Rating 10+, Luck -3.
Liana, Level 2 Arcanist, Challenge Rating 6+, Luck -4.
Elona, Level 4 Druid, Challenge Rating 8+, Luck -5.
The decrease in luck among these people provided Matthew with more insights.
Especially those who had undergone surgical modifications, they were clearly affected.
"Defying fate indeed attracts 'heaven's wrath,' and the corresponding effect is a decrease in luck."
"Who knows what kind of misfortune Macaron encountered, but it seems the territory's protection shielded him."
"Filia and Liana, in just less than half a year, have faced yet another trial."
"Elona, though appearing unaffected, actually has the most serious issue."
The changes in everyone's fate attributes provided Matthew with even more insights.
"But, well, it's decided; it's you!"
"Consume 100,000 Fate Points, activate the Choice of Fate!"
"Ding! Option One: Abandon the territory of the Dark Forest, defend, Luck +3!"
"Option Two: Hold the stronghold and outposts of the Dark Forest, Luck -3!"