Chapter 567.5: Joint Efforts from All Sides
Some semi-divine true dragons had already survived for thousands of years.
When they feared the Dragon Frenzy Seal, they stayed hidden and dared not provoke the Cole Elves.
But if the Dragonslayer Star lost its effect, those dragons that had been repressed for millennia would never continue to endure.
Though after thousands of years the Cole Elf Kingdom had become a top force in the Northern Continent, they weren't truly unafraid of these dragons.
Still, being targeted by such ancient creatures was a constant worry.
So, in addition to suppressing Bay Territory's growth, they now had a new mission.
However, Speaker Tarion's approval made Councilor Kaledor very satisfied. He nodded decisively:
"No problem. To ensure nothing goes wrong, we'll send in the sea witch Lokyn!"
This statement instantly caught the attention of the other elven councilors.
Seemingly pleased by their reactions, Councilor Kaledor said confidently:
"If the plan succeeds, after crushing Bay Territory's naval forces, we'll press into their territory and cause maximum damage to their cities and factories."
Most of the elven councilors didn't object. They'd experienced many similar events.
It was just another territory being destroyed. Making it to the council was already a huge honor for the other side.
Soon, other councilors began to speak up, discussing the matters or enemies they wanted to resolve.
Usually, friendly councilors would support the proposals. The proposers would also offer resources and rewards to ensure mutual satisfaction.
Only Councilor Avalon's eyes sparkled with deep thought. She glanced at Kaledor inadvertently and sneered inwardly.
March 5th.
Northern Silvermoon River Plains.
Scattered barbarian scouts roamed among the jungle shrubs.
They were extremely cautious and didn't proceed further south, seemingly aware of the dangers.
Watching their retreating figures, a hidden adventurer smacked his lips in frustration.
"These guys are way more alert than before. Way harder to deal with."
"Aren't they? I heard these barbarians are members of the Great Tribe, so of course they're stronger."
"Still no updates from the Adventurer's Guild? Are they going to issue scouting quests?"
"Scouting missions already started. We should get news soon. The territory values this kind of intel the most."
"That's true. Our territory is the best! We absolutely can't let these barbarians ruin it."
"Haha, our territory isn't like the others. We're always the ones profiting—we never lose out."
Hearing that, everyone burst out laughing.
But as they laughed, they gradually lowered their voices.
One of them couldn't help but whisper:
"Did you all hear? Bay Territory plans to build a city on the northern East Coast. Said it'll be a supply point for their fleet."
A well-informed adventurer immediately nodded and replied without hesitation:
"Yeah, that's true. And I also heard Bay Territory is recruiting permanent adventurers—there's supposed to be danger there."
"Danger's good! Dangerous jobs pay better!"
"That's true. We latecomers are way behind folks like Alice's team."
"We're not worse than them. I bet they'll go too..."
"So what? It's all fighting anyway. If there's a siege, we could get a huge windfall—safe and profitable."
"Even without battles, we can use mission time to really study new combat skills and feats."
"Are Bay Territory's skill and feat trainings really that amazing?"
"Tsk, don't you know? Why do so many adventurers come to Bay Territory? Just because of high profits?"
"What adventurer doesn't want to grow stronger? Bay Territory's happy to give us that chance, so of course people want to stay."
"You know Chris from Alice's team? In under two years, he went from a beginner adventurer to a high-tier one. And there are many like him. Who wouldn't want to be next?"
"Tsk... Then let's hurry up and check it out. Looks like we've got no chances here for now."
"Well, not for sure. But the chances over there are definitely better..."
"..."
In the city stronghold the adventurers were discussing,
thousands of goblins were working hard.
To the surprise of most Bay Territory soldiers, once a steady food supply was guaranteed, these seemingly sly goblins worked quite diligently.
Although these goblins weren't particularly strong, they had remarkable insight into construction work.
Once they saw the tools used by Bay Territory soldiers, they quickly learned to use them proficiently.
Even more interesting, these goblins were extremely interested in construction golems—not only were they unafraid, but some even made bold requests.
"We know this place very well. With the help of these big guys, we can build anything!"
Goblins wanting to operate construction golems?
If anyone else had heard this, they would not only have laughed it off but also rejected it without hesitation.
But Bay Territory was an exception!
The reason was simple—many of Bay Territory's buildings had been built by kobolds and gnolls who had made great progress.
Even seemingly clumsy murlocs often helped the Bay Territory crew dig canals and sewers.
Far from mocking the goblins' idea, the soldiers were actually quite interested.
And the results shocked them.
Though goblins weren't professionals in operating construction golems,
they often came up with clever and unexpected ways to complete building tasks.
Though their work was slower, it greatly relieved the labor shortage among the soldiers, letting them focus more on constructing fortifications.
Seeing this, Leon promptly applied Bay Territory's kobold and gnoll management system to the goblins.
The more intelligent goblins were very cooperative.
They didn't slack off at all and even volunteered to work overtime.
Leon could only smile wryly and refuse their "kindness," giving a very simple reason:
"You need to learn more about Bay Territory's knowledge and rules before you can contribute enough to qualify for joining."
Once the goblins learned about the benefits of formally joining Bay Territory, they became downright "crazy."
These little guys showed an extraordinary passion for learning, often studying and "working overtime" late into the night.
Leon didn't stop them. In fact, he was very pleased with their ambition—at most, he just gave them extra meals to help them stay healthy.
The lord had once said: Bay Territory is racing against time—every second gained should be used for something meaningful.
Watching the goblins dig deep trenches behind the walls, confidently standing on the heads of construction golems and shouting commands, Arnold, standing beside Leon, couldn't help but marvel:
"The goblins here are really something—completely different from those elsewhere."
Leon nodded thoughtfully, then looked at the rising sun and muttered with some frustration:
"More and more barbarian scouts are lurking around. The Wokou haven't arrived, but they've drawn the barbarians in first..."
Arnold didn't care much about the roaming barbarians. Stroking the magically solidified cement wall, he said confidently:
"With their tech and production, the best they can build are some basic ladders and battering rams."
"Even if their soldiers are strong, they can't climb these walls."
Thinking about the vast numbers of barbarians, Leon remained cautious and replied steadily:
"We still need more preparation. Let's dig the outer trench a bit more—connect it to the sea if we can."
"Making it harder for them to attack means more safety for us."
Arnold gave a mysterious smile, looked toward the dense forest to the west, and said with a grin:
"As long as the barbarians don't stop attacking, those Wokou won't make a move."
"Those idiots can be cunning, but they don't have real wisdom."
Leon seemed to understand something. He nodded thoughtfully, then quickly went to greet the adventurers emerging from the teleportation array.
In the coming battles, the adventurers would also be a crucial fighting force.
The blazing red sun slowly climbed to its zenith.
This blazing fireball drove away the damp chill from the city, making the air suddenly dry and crisp.
But despite the fine weather, no one in the stronghold felt happy.
Outside the sunlit jungle, barbarian soldiers dressed in animal hides and coarse hemp gathered in increasing numbers.
Witnessing this, Leon immediately issued the highest alert combat order.
The well-trained Bay Territory soldiers quickly climbed the 4-meter-high walls and readied their weapons.
The adventurers also stopped training and rushed to their assigned positions as fast as possible.
Seeing the growing horde of barbarians, an adventurer on the wall smacked his lips in disbelief:
"There's way too many of them... Must be at least fifty or sixty thousand, right?"
Another adventurer nodded while quickly checking his weapons and gear. Then he asked, somewhat hesitantly:
"Why didn't Bay Territory build the walls a little higher this time?"
A middle-aged adventurer chuckled, finished cleaning his crossbow, and slowly replied:
"If we don't give those barbarians some hope, how can we lure the Wokou into our trap?"
Before the others could ask more, a thunderous horn blast echoed from deep within the jungle.
Hearing the attack signal, the barbarian soldiers charged the stronghold, wielding shabby weapons and pushing makeshift siege gear.
The tidal wave of barbarians put enormous mental pressure on the new soldiers.
But the veterans beside them smiled and reassured:
"Don't worry. These guys can't even jump up here, even with low walls."
"Just attack like we trained—we'll shield you from the front!"
"Now's your chance to strike it rich. Let's see if you can seize it."
"Don't panic later. Just follow my moves—don't improvise."
"..."
With the veterans' guidance, the freshly trained soldiers of the 8th Legion visibly relaxed.
Yes—other than the 3,000 veterans, the remaining 7,000 soldiers in the stronghold were all 8th Legion soldiers sent to Bay Territory for training.
Watching the rookies settle down, Annie couldn't help but ask with a bit of concern:
"They've only trained for less than two weeks—is it really okay to put them into real combat already?"
Matthew shrugged nonchalantly and pointed at the glowing teleportation array behind him, replying in a calm voice:
"Against these poorly armed and equipped barbarians, they're more than enough."
Annie watched the rookies pull crossbow triggers in unison, then crouch smoothly into half-squat stances, awaiting backup fire from allies.
Relieved, she then asked with anticipation:
"Their training results are amazing. Could we also get a training ground like this?"
Matthew glanced at her. Annie quickly added:
"We won't rush them into battle. It's just to improve their skills so they're not caught off guard in emergencies."
Of course Matthew understood her intentions—but he found it a bit amusing.
"Who would've thought... these 'free laborers' would be so popular."
"Should we check with Maanhammer? See if the Dwarven Kingdom has similar needs?"
"Double the payment, help with training, and still get labor in return—sounds like a great way to ease Bay Territory's manpower shortage. A solid backup plan."
The more he thought about it, the more amused Matthew became.
Stroking his chin under Annie's anxious gaze, he said:
"No problem. I'm already preparing to open a new combat zone in the underground world."
"It'll not only avoid Cole Elves' surveillance but also provide excellent training."
Overjoyed, Annie nodded excitedly, now watching the rookies' combat performance with a much lighter heart.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Volley after volley of crossbow bolts rained down, causing continuous casualties.
The barbarians' crude wooden and leather shields couldn't stop the enchanted bolts' penetration.
A mere graze injured. A hit killed!
Row after row of barbarian soldiers fell.
Yet they showed fierce fighting spirit, ignoring the screams and corpses of comrades, charging from three directions.
Four out of every ten charging barbarians fell en route. The rest jumped into the moat and swam across in a few strokes.
Watching this, Leon didn't change his orders and allowed the barbarians to gather at the base of the walls.
If you don't let them come closer, how can you catch them all at once?