Chapter 424: They Are "Lucky"
"Other than being somewhat malnourished, their physical health is generally fine."
"However, their mental state is quite poor. Many have stopped thinking entirely, and it will take a long time for them to recover..."
Sun Sheng shook his head, a trace of helplessness in his eyes.
Divine magic is not omnipotent; even physical injuries cannot always be completely healed, let alone the scars on their souls.
Clenching her lips tightly, Mira looked at the half-elves whose eyes were filled with numbness and fear. She gritted her teeth and said:
"Damn slave trade! They better not let me catch them!"
Elona did not take Mira's words to heart. After confirming that her fellow kin had no significant physical issues, she relaxed and smiled at Sun Sheng, thanking him:
"Thank you for your help. As long as their bodies are fine, time will heal their wounds."
Elona believed that her surviving kin were not so fragile.
After spending more time in Bay Territory, they would gradually recover.
After all, as long as they were kept busy, their mental wounds would slowly heal.
"For those who eat too well, it's essential to keep them occupied; otherwise, they'll start overthinking!"
Elona felt that the lord's words were quite right. Once their bodies recovered and they received some training…
These half-elves could gradually begin working.
Elona did not hide these arrangements from Mira and Sun Sheng.
However, they found it somewhat unbelievable.
Why the rush to have them start working?
Could it be that Bay Territory's "promised good life" was merely lip service?
Outspoken Mira asked directly:
"Shouldn't they fully recover before starting work?"
Sun Sheng remained silent, waiting to hear Elona's response.
"Can you heal them? If so, feel free to do so..."
Casting a suspicious glance at them, Elona's question was pragmatic. Seeing their silence, she sighed and patiently explained:
"Even if we keep them idle and don't let them work, the lord wouldn't mind the expense. But is that truly beneficial?"
Elona pointed at the frightened half-elves, suppressing her emotions as she continued:
"They are lucky. In the past, they worked to survive for others; now they work for themselves."
"They wouldn't want to live without dignity. Bay Territory is their only chance..."
Speaking with deep understanding, Elona smiled faintly at them and then turned to leave with the half-elves who had completed their check-ups.
Mira and Sun Sheng exchanged glances, pondering Elona's words.
At first, it was difficult to understand, but they soon realized the reasoning.
Indeed, even the Church of the Magic Goddess doesn't accept just anyone.
Everyone who joins has their tasks and responsibilities. How could they demand more from others?
In the underground laboratory…
The heavy criminals looked at the approaching six-armed golems with immense fear, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.
Where there are golems, there are spellcasters.
This meant they had fallen under the control of a spellcaster.
Magical experiments, spell tests, bodily modifications—there were many creative and terrifying ways to die, each striking deep fear into their hearts.
Unfortunately, they had no choice.
Smiling brightly, Yaya eagerly scrutinized them, already selecting suitable targets.
Researching flesh magic was Yaya's greatest reward as an Arcanist.
Noticing Yaya's gaze, all the prisoners shuddered. Many collapsed to the ground, murmuring:
"A dragon!"
"A real dragon!"
Before they could react, Yaya had already commanded the six-armed golems.
Over ten physically and mentally qualified heavy criminals were seized.
These criminals screamed in terror, quickly vanishing into the dark corridors under the horrified eyes of their peers.
Their fate remained unknown to the rest.
The fear in their hearts grew even stronger.
Old John looked at the terrified criminals, sneering as he said:
"They're lucky to have better living conditions than before..."
Village elder Field's mouth twitched slightly, but he said nothing, only sighing internally.
Indeed, they would no longer worry about food, clothing, or shelter.
However, they would become the lord's experimental subjects.
This was their due fate, one they had "earned."
Among the remaining few hundred criminals, some fearfully watched Old John approach.
He pulled out a list and waved them over, speaking in a thoughtful tone:
"Many of you have been wrongfully convicted..."
Hearing this, everyone froze, their eyes widening as they stared at Old John in shock, hope sparking in their hearts.
Could they possibly escape their criminal status?
"Come over here and register your personal information: your name, where you're from, and your address."
"Don't worry; this is required for everyone entering Bay Territory."
"Although you can't leave yet, you'll receive a well-paying job!"
Old John waved again, and those whose hopes had been ignited hurried over, registering under the soldiers' supervision.
Watching Old John's calm demeanor, one of them mustered the courage to ask:
"What kind of work will we be doing? How long will we work?"
Old John pointed to the dark basement, smiling as he explained:
"You'll assist the golems in the laboratory. You give the commands, and they follow them."
"Work is eight hours a day with two rest days a week. The daily pay is set at 10 silver coins, including 2 silver coins as compensation for the closed environment."
"In your free time, you can learn new knowledge, train to become Professionals, or write letters to your families."
"I believe you understand we have no reason to deceive you..."
Hearing Old John's words, the prisoners, whose hope had been rekindled, widened their eyes in astonishment.
The conditions were far better than they had imagined!
After confirming their willingness, Old John arranged for them to move into the underground living quarters.
For the foreseeable future, this would be their home.
With sufficient experimental subjects, Matthew began advancing the third phase of surgical enhancements.
Bay Territory had already connected to the underground world. It was time to form a special unit to explore it further.
These surgically enhanced soldiers were the perfect candidates!