Chapter 429: Magic Armor
The two Dwarf Kingdoms were once united as one.
Until a terrible calamity occurred, during which the Dwarf Kingdom faced an attack from the Illithid Empire!
Many dwarves were enslaved by the Illithids, becoming their lackeys and slaves.
They turned against the original Dwarf Kingdom.
The once-powerful Dwarf Kingdom, equal in strength to the Elves, was severely weakened and left struggling to survive.
It was at that time that the Dwarf Kingdom received support from the fledgling human forces of the Northern Continent.
The two sides formally allied, resisting the armies of Gray Dwarf and the Illithids from the Underdark.
Humans provided soldiers, while the Dwarf Kingdom supplied various smelting technologies and weapons.
It was during those wars that the courageous performance of human soldiers gained the recognition and appreciation of the Elves.
The Elves, to combat the Drow and numerous barbarians and orcs of the Underdark, decided to "cooperate" with the human forces.
During nearly 2,000 years of enslavement.
This group of dwarves underwent physical and genetic changes.
Until 5,000 years ago.
A great upheaval caused the Illithid Empire to suffer severe damage, retreating into the depths of the Underdark and loosening their control over the Gray Dwarf.
The first Gray Dwarf King led an uprising, overthrowing the rule of the Illithid Empire, gaining freedom and establishing the Gray Dwarf Kingdom.
Influenced by psionic energies, the appearance of the Gray Dwarf became drastically different from the original dwarves.
Not to mention the countless deaths on both sides during the nearly 2,000 years of enslavement.
Thus, the Gray Dwarf Kingdom maintained hostility towards the Dwarf Kingdom.
However, despite the hostility, there were no major conflicts between the two sides.
The Gray Dwarf focused most of their efforts on guarding against the resurgence of the Illithid Empire.
Meanwhile, the Dwarf Kingdom faced a new enemy, a mess left by the Elves—the Drow!
This is the origin of the Gray Dwarf, who were originally not supposed to appear on the surface but now blatantly became slaves.
"The changes in the Underdark are not as calm as they seem on the surface…"
"This is also a sign of the Illithid Empire's return…"
"As expected, all sorts of monstrosities are already extending their tendrils…"
Organizing his thoughts, Matthew checked the list and said as Adam Smith expected:
"As long as the price isn't outrageous, buy as many Gray Dwarf as possible."
Like the dwarves, the Gray Dwarf are natural blacksmiths. With their long-standing heritage and systematic training, they could contribute significant knowledge, technology, and recipes to Bay Territory.
They must be acquired!
Moreover, with these Gray Dwarf, another long-prepared plan of Matthew's could begin.
The Magic Armor Project!
Powerful warriors require even more powerful combat equipment.
Magic Armor was specially prepared by Matthew for the reformed Warriors!
Ordinary weapons and equipment, even those enchanted, could be mass-produced through the Magic Super Factory.
However, extraordinary-quality Magic Armor required meticulous craftsmanship for each piece!
Whether it was the foundation, enchantment, or reinforcement, high-level talent was essential.
Until his own people were trained, Matthew naturally had to make early preparations.
Adam Smith nodded, understanding the focus pointed out by the Lord, and had already made up his mind to find ways to open more opportunities.
"We won't consider the situation in the Southern Province for now. With the help of the Harlick Knights, just recruit more refugees."
Matthew was, of course, aware of the situation in the Southern Province, knowing that no changes would occur in the short term.
The war between the two Grand Arcanists was not something ordinary people could get involved in.
The most critical point was that the most valuable asset in this event was already in Matthew's hands.
Adam Smith understood the implied meaning of the Lord's words, nodded to show he had grasped it, and revealed the real purpose not mentioned in the communication spell:
"Some nobles and merchants seem to be preparing to cause trouble for us, but they've already been dealt with by City Lord Annie…"
Causing trouble?
Interesting!
Raising his eyebrows instinctively, Matthew wasn't surprised, as this was part of his design.
Without the profit-hungry City Lord Annie acting as a shield, who would willingly yield benefits to the obscure Bay Territory?
Without Matthew's relentless focus on military development and the "publicity" of various battle feats, how would those ready to make a move be deterred?
Matthew always planned ahead and avoided unprepared battles whenever possible.
Matthew didn't have the time or resources to waste on meaningless conflicts.
This was also why Matthew was willing to offer higher shares in his cooperation with Bloodmoon City.
Just fighting and killing couldn't develop the territory well.
Of course, his next preparations were precisely for better fighting and killing to benefit the territory.
Three days later.
Adam Smith transported a new batch of slaves to Bay Territory.
Ordinary refugees were placed in nearby resettlement areas. After a brief inquiry and selection, their future work and assignments were decided.
Naturally, those identified as criminals by Bay Territory were typically assigned "dangerous," "grueling," or "horrifying" work according to their crimes.
Regardless of whether they were willing or not.
Bay Territory was never an unconditional rescue center.
For those "worthy of death" among them, they naturally ended up in Yaya's hands.
She delighted in the increasing number of "experimental materials."
The half-elves were all sent to the Dark Forest base.
In the magical plant cultivation sub-base, Elona assigned them relatively easy but busy work.
Of course, she specifically arranged for some eloquent half-elven compatriots to explain the differences between Bay Territory and their original environment.
Judging by the results, these half-elves learned quickly, mastering various skills and showing significant improvement in their mental state.
However, there were still some who couldn't let go of the past. Elona didn't force them regarding their mental state.
She agreed with the Lord's words:
"Nine out of ten things in life don't go as planned. Don't force it; just do your best."
The most special batch of slaves was 1,000 Gray Dwarf.
Unlike the handsome and beautiful half-elves, the Gray Dwarf looked extremely disheveled.
Their gray, tattered coarse cloth garments.
Their matted gray hair and beards.
Their dark skin, akin to slate, was covered in filth.
The Dwarves, often referred to as Black Dwarves in the Dwarf Kingdom, actually had lighter skin tones, mostly brownish or light brown.
Additionally, their age distribution was different from other refugee slaves.
Teenagers were the minority, while the majority were elderly and children.
This was the reason Adam Smith could acquire them; other lords and nobles were unwilling to take on such burdens that couldn't create value.
However, for Bay Territory, each of them had their own value.
Matthew smiled at them and said, "Come, let me treat you to a good meal."
The naturally irritable and stubborn Gray Dwarf, some harboring malicious intentions, were now extremely docile.
Accompanying Matthew were hundreds of fully armed burly men!