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Chapter 434: "Enticing" Cooperation
April 22nd.
Bay Territory.
Ruby Mine Outpost.
Several large excavation golem machines were busy expanding and modifying the mine's entrance.
The smug Macaron continuously recorded their work data and efficiency.
Standing beside him, 343 further calculated the data and models Macaron had previously collected and modified.
The two had already reached a collaboration agreement to develop more efficient engineering golems based on Matthew's requirements.
They had successfully earned two rewards and were now striving toward the third.
Lynch handed over a list, his gaze tinged with regret, and cautiously asked:
"The price per gram of mithril is 1,200 gold coins, with a purchase qualification cost of 150 gold coins."
"We've currently acquired 2,300 grams, with 800 grams bought under qualification, totaling 2.88 million gold coins. Should we continue purchasing?"
2.3 kilograms of mithril could meet the production requirements for 11 sets of magic armor.
It was expensive, but mithril was indispensable for now.
"In two years, when changes occur in the New Continent, we'll be free from these constraints…"
Matthew took the list and calmly replied, "Continue buying at this price. There is no purchase limit."
Lynch nodded respectfully, suppressing his doubts and forcing himself not to think further.
For instance, why were most of Bay Territory's goods and materials not sold externally but instead stockpiled?
Or why did Bay Territory continuously absorb new populations, even using Lynch's trade network to do so?
If used for trade, Bay Territory could easily generate more revenue, with an additional million gold coins per month not being an issue.
However, Lynch voiced no objections and instead expressed unwavering compliance.
The reason was simple: numerous orders issued through his trade network had attracted attention and new participants.
In just three months, the trade network's scale expanded by one-fifth, and family earnings increased by 30%.
This was the lord's reward for him!
It was extraordinarily generous!
Around them, numerous Bay Territory soldiers stood silently, awaiting the order to step into the teleportation array.
Clank!
One stone after another was excavated, occasionally revealing bright red gemstones.
The efficient Gray Dwarf workers picked out every ruby with precision.
The remaining stones were placed into crushers to produce materials for building outpost defenses.
The downward-sloping cave entrance was expanded into a rectangular passage 6 meters high and 10 meters wide.
Under the watchful eyes of countless adventurers, the uneven passage was paved into a neat tunnel using so-called magical cement.
On either side of the tunnel, a pair of iron rails extended downward.
"Hiss, is this just for mining?"
"With such a setup, it's impossible it's only for mining!"
"This is preparation for deploying troops!"
"If they're sending troops, why not just go straight in? Why rebuild everything?"
"You don't understand, do you? This is Bay Territory's standard approach: build wherever they go."
"The benefits are numerous—easier transport of supplies and personnel. See those rails?"
"Bay Territory's golem containers can transport over 10 tons of supplies in one trip."
"So, Bay Territory is planning to establish a camp in the Underdark too?"
"Exactly. Whether it's to protect the ruby vein, recharge the six-armed golems, or establish a forward base in the Underdark, it's all logical."
"I see. It's just like the two camps in the swamp ruins."
"…"
The adventurers' discussions essentially laid out Bay Territory's plans in detail.
Hearing this, Annie glanced thoughtfully at Matthew, who was flipping through blueprints.
To Annie's surprise, Matthew didn't wait for the construction to finish but subtly motioned for her to follow him.
Feeling a stir in her heart, Annie, having just completed another trade deal, didn't immediately leave—she clearly had more motives.
Without drawing attention, she exchanged a glance with Parry, both noticing the anticipation in each other's eyes.
Without hesitation, she followed.
In the meeting room, Annie didn't see the familiar steward Ralph but was greeted by the smiling Jifan.
However, Jifan looked different this time. His height had reached 1.9 meters, an increase of at least 15 centimeters, and he was expected to grow taller.
Jifan's professional level had astonishingly risen to Level 6.
But an average mid-tier Rogue wouldn't impose such pressure on her.
His robust metallic, jet-black armor exuded a faintly mysterious aura.
"That's impossible!"
"How could his strength have grown so much in just a month?"
The mysteries of Bay Territory didn't decrease as Annie's interactions grew. Instead, they seemed like an iceberg floating on the sea, with a massive, unpredictable volume hidden beneath.
While Annie was deep in thought, Matthew observed her reactions and deliberately spoke:
"You're probably aware that we've discovered a connection to the Underdark beneath this ruby vein."
"Thanks to the adventurers' explorations, we've identified several resource points, including multiple metal veins…"
Metal veins!
That was truly valuable!
Moreover, precious metal veins were often accompanied by rare and expensive gem mines.
Parry's heart stirred as he enviously looked at Matthew.
If Bay Territory's formidable manufacturing capabilities were supplemented by raw materials, its growth would truly take off.
"Wait, this is good news too!"
"The better Bay Territory develops, the more we can buy from them."
"Besides, Bay Territory desperately needs the magical scrolls, tools, plants, and potions we produce."
"We could form a complementary relationship, greatly reducing the pressure of acquiring combat resources…"
Thinking quickly, Parry raised an eyebrow excitedly and said in a clear voice:
"This is great news! If Bay Territory can tap into Underdark resources, it'll overcome its last shortcoming."
Seeing Parry's "understanding" attitude,
Matthew explained his intent:
"To secure those resources, we must quickly eliminate a gnoll kingdom—Kaleia!"
"Bay Territory's soldiers are few, and we must also guard against trolls and orcs, leaving insufficient forces to handle this."
"Therefore, let's collaborate!"