Chapter 405: Matthew's Decision
Whoosh!
A massive body broke through the clouds, soaring high with powerful wingbeats.
Feeling her heart race, Yaya recalled that terrifying orc and couldn't help but feel a wave of fear.
"At least legendary level!"
This was a critical piece of information, and Yaya felt immensely relieved.
She had merely intended to launch a surprise counterattack.
Unexpectedly, not only had she successfully ambushed and severely wounded the orc spellcaster, but she had also gained insight into the high-level combat abilities of the orcs.
"Indeed, in situations of unequal intelligence, surprise destruction is most effective…"
In just a few dozen seconds of battle, Yaya had grown significantly.
She gained a deeper understanding of the essence of battle and war.
Simultaneously, Yaya immediately returned to Bull Fortress to inform Matthew about the immense threat posed by Grigg.
Upon receiving this information, Matthew first praised Yaya's findings and then analyzed them carefully with her:
"That spellcaster is probably not dead."
Because no large amount of Destiny Power had been credited!
"That is definitely a legendary orc and ranks third among the Black Spine Orc chieftains. His strength is formidable."
Grigg!
It turned out to be Ironhide Grigg!
The future Great Chieftain of the New Orc Kingdom—Ironhide Grigg!
One of the pivotal figures of the Cataclysmic Tide!
Even Matthew hadn't expected that the future godlike warrior Ironhide Grigg would deign to appear in Bay Territory!
And he was here to target me!
"Goodness, such a heavyweight orc…"
Realizing the immense malice directed at him, Matthew understood the immense danger the upcoming battle would entail.
"It seems the opposition is sparing no expense!"
"To 'deploy' a figure like Ironhide Grigg and even get such an unruly orc to follow orders?"
"No wonder the Crimson Fortress was breached!"
"No wonder they'd abandon tens of thousands of Gurubashi trolls just to pin me here!"
"This battle is destined to have a profound impact on Bay Territory's future!"
As Matthew pondered Grigg and his Black Orc Legion, his expression grew increasingly serious, his eyes reflecting a deep, cold determination.
This battle must be fought!
While Matthew didn't know whether the mastermind behind this was the Netheril Empire or the Cole Elf Kingdom…
Regardless of who it was, both sides would face significant turmoil in the next three to four years.
By then, even knowing that Matthew was a growing threat, they wouldn't have the energy or resources to target him.
Ironhide Grigg was a complete war fanatic!
If Bay Territory avoided this battle, Grigg would likely return next year with an even larger orc army.
Therefore, Matthew had to seize this opportunity to fight him properly!
There were several reasons.
Matthew only cared about the first one.
"This might be the only chance to kill Ironhide Grigg in advance!"
In the future, Ironhide Grigg would command countless orc armies. Even though he liked to lead from the front, the sheer devastation of the Orc Plague was enough to topple most kingdoms and organizations.
Matthew also wanted to see just how powerful Bay Territory could become when fully mobilized!
Seeing Matthew's resolve, Yaya's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she softly asked:
"So, should I continue attacking?"
Matthew sent a message to Steward Ralph. Stroking Yaya's head, his eyes gleamed with satisfaction and anticipation as he said in a hearty tone:
"Wait a bit. We'll go together."
March 15.
Afternoon.
Bloodmoon City.
Lord Annie, currently reading the latest issue of Arcane Times, looked rather displeased and muttered dismissively:
"The Crimson Fortress still hasn't been retaken? Where have the empire's legions gone? Are they just sitting back and watching?"
"The northwest has suffered a great disaster. Even two floating cities couldn't stabilize the situation. That's the empire's most densely populated region…"
"People still believe Dwarven Tightfist's nonsense? How foolish must they be, just because he's an arcanist?"
"The Crimson Fortress is under increasing pressure and now they're asking nearby territories to provide 100,000 troops?"
"What have those damned parasites in Savinton spent all the money and resources on?"
"Still thinking about expanding efforts in the New Continent? The orc army is almost at Savinton's doorstep!"
"Grand Arcanist Chronorman's progress is significant? That's at least good news…"
"Tightfist's plans aren't cheap either. Developing the navy alone cost a fortune."
"Why has the Loken Mine encountered another problem? No wonder material prices are about to rise…"
"…"
343, listening to Lord Annie's complaints, said nothing and instead carefully reviewed the communication sent by Steward Ralph.
Noticing her actions, Lord Annie looked over and asked curiously:
"Has Bay Territory sent another order?"
For Lord Annie, who was practically swimming in gold, 343's reply was unsurprising:
"Indeed. But this time, they seem to be preparing for war. They're purchasing 20 advanced war automatons and 20 iron golems."
Seeing Lord Annie's curious expression, 343 didn't immediately explain but continued as usual:
"We have 20 iron golems in stock. We'll need to craft six more advanced war automatons. Each unit is priced at 50,000 gold coins."
"That's a 2-million-gold-coin order!"
Completely unbothered by parting with the newly crafted advanced war automatons, Annie only cared about the profit.
For her, learning to craft them was enough.
Gaining new knowledge and wisdom was the real treasure.
These things were now just commodities.
Hearing that the deal was worth two million gold coins, Lord Annie's eyes lit up as she instinctively asked:
"Ask Bay Territory if they'd like to hire me?"
"My fee isn't high—only 500,000 gold coins!"
343 paused for half a second at Annie's request before immediately sending the inquiry to Bay Territory.
A minute later, the response arrived.
343 furrowed her brows slightly before answering under Lord Annie's expectant gaze:
"They agreed, but they didn't want you to go immediately…"
Seeing the deal go through, Lord Annie seemed less excited than before. After hearing 343's explanation, she wore a contemplative expression:
"Bay Territory seems to be going all in."
"Why are they developing the Dark Forest? Is this part of the Ser Family's plan?"
"How did they run into the orc army in the Dark Forest?"
"With the empire in turmoil over the past few months, could there be some connection?"
At that moment, Lord Annie displayed a remarkable level of insight, appearing like an entirely different person.