Chapter 418: Focus on Development
''Haha, if we can take over this region, then Bay Territory's mineral resources will no longer be a concern.''
Old John's face lit up with eager anticipation, as if he was ready to take on the Gnoll Kingdom for some payback.
Even the others hadn't expected that the dangerous underground world would hold so much "wealth."
As Bay Territory developed rapidly, everyone began to realize:
Having gold coins alone didn't make one truly wealthy.
Factories that could produce various goods and resources, and mines that provided raw materials, were the real treasures.
Many were deeply moved by Old John's proposal.
After all, among the territories currently controlled by Bay Territory, only the kobold mines were considered rich.
With the growth of various factories, the demand for different metals was increasing day by day.
Relying solely on external purchases to meet development needs was slow and left them vulnerable to others.
Thus, encountering a relatively "peaceful" yet resource-rich underground world naturally excited everyone.
However, to their surprise, Matthew didn't immediately order them to start drafting battle plans. Instead, he said thoughtfully:
''Since everyone is so confident, and Bay Territory indeed needs this,''
''Then eliminating the Gnoll Kingdom of Karaya will be our next strategic priority.''
''Now, let's discuss carefully. Against an enemy of unknown strength that occupies vast lands and multiple cities, where should we begin?''
Faced with their lord's question, everyone fell into deep thought.
Angela carefully reviewed the information and data, shook her head slightly, and said amidst the group's astonished gazes:
''Although it's just a gnoll kingdom, we don't know their exact strength.''
''We need more intelligence, and Bay Territory needs more preparation.''
After last month's battles with trolls and orcs, Angela had a deeper appreciation for the importance of intelligence and early preparation.
Planning a battle without clear intelligence was irresponsible.
Others nodded thoughtfully, discarding any notions of "easily defeating the enemy."
After the meeting,
everyone in the territory launched a new round of "preparatory training."
Matthew was very pleased with their caution and prudence.
While Bay Territory needed to expand continually, they couldn't underestimate any opponent or expand blindly.
The purpose of expansion was to solve the problems encountered during development.
Everything was for the betterment of the territory!
Not the other way around!
In the Druid Greenhouse—
''The planting season is about to begin. The new rice and wheat seeds developed by Master Li are being cultivated in large quantities.''
''The latest batch of Eastern Red Leaf Mulberries is also ready and being distributed to newly established farm outposts.''
Elona handed Matthew detailed data, her gaze filled with anticipation.
Elona had grown rapidly and was now a Level 6 Druid.
Matthew had reason to believe that among many player discussions, druids were considered both the hardest and easiest profession to advance.
The reason was simple: after abandoning the ideology of "absolute nature,"
a druid's power grew with the development and feedback of the plants and creatures they modified or created.
Recalling the various agricultural development tasks in the territory, Matthew beckoned to Elona and said under her puzzled gaze:
''Come, staying in the Druid Greenhouse all the time doesn't give you a direct sense of everyone's labor and its role in development.''
''Gather everyone; let's visit the newly established farm outposts.''
Not only was Elona excited about Matthew's suggestion, but so was Guoguo, the territory's resident foodie. Hugging the Wisdom Tree, she chirped while flying around:
''Yay, yay! We can eat mulberries!''
The other half-elves and druids busy in the greenhouse instinctively perked up their ears, their eyes shimmering with anticipation.
Everyone was curious to see what the highly anticipated farm outposts of Bay Territory looked like.
The sun was shining brightly.
A cool early summer breeze swept gently through the air.
In the neatly arranged rice paddies, countless farmers bent over planting seedlings.
The lush green seedlings swayed slightly in the breeze, radiating a sense of hope and promise.
The half-elven girls were stunned as they looked out at the vast fields.
Huddling together, they whispered softly, occasionally bursting into bell-like laughter.
Observing their smiles thoughtfully, Elona let out a long sigh of relief.
At least now, everyone was living well—no longer fearing for their lives or dreading a future of despair.
Captain Sean, deeply moved, pointed at the bustling workers and said with anticipation:
''Everyone is working so hard. The farm currently has 10,000 people managing 200,000 acres of fields. The tasks should be completed within a month.''
Two hundred thousand acres!
A figure that astonished many druid apprentices.
They approached the fields, carefully observing the rice seedlings while recording their findings and comparing them with their mental data.
''If everything goes smoothly, we should harvest 12 million pounds of grain this year, enough to feed 60,000 people.''
Captain Sean gazed at the endless fields with a mix of satisfaction and expectation.
''Every acre of paddy field here is irrigated by flowing channels, so there's no need to worry about water supply...''
''Cement roads connect every area, ensuring comprehensive fertilization and management...''
Matthew nodded and led everyone toward the farm outpost at the center of the fields.
As they approached, a fiery red scene came into view.
Sniffing the air and catching the fragrance, Yaya exclaimed excitedly and pointed at the crimson sight:
''Wow, there's something delicious there!''
Captain Sean chuckled and gestured invitingly, leading the way as he explained:
''You've come at the right time. The mulberries are ripe and taste just perfect!''
As everyone approached, they saw rows of ponds bordered with vibrant Eastern Red Leaf Mulberries.
Slender branches bore finger-sized mulberries that glistened under the sunlight as if greeting everyone:
''Come eat me!''
Even the birds in the sky couldn't resist the temptation, swooping down eagerly.
Suddenly, black-and-yellow striped figures darted from the treetops, catching the descending birds mid-flight.
Upon closer inspection, Matthew realized they were none other than tabby cats.