Chapter 601.5: As Long As I Kneel Fast Enough!
Though Yaya's words leaned toward refusal, her expression betrayed her interest.
It wasn't that she particularly wanted to accept him—her words were sincere.
Eiris had killed humans and Ail Elves—but mainly on battlefields, not through wanton slaughter.
In Bay Territory's view, territorial disputes and resource plundering were normal among kingdoms and forces.
Only unnecessary slaughter driven by desire counted as sin.
Of course, as an enemy,
Once captured by Bay Territory, escape was nearly impossible.
Though Eiris had done good deeds—even helping the Netheril Empire and Ail Elves—
He would not be granted unconditional freedom!
Allowing him "limited movement" was already mercy.
If he couldn't give satisfactory reasons, Yaya would still refuse his surrender.
Bay Territory had rules, small though it was.
Understanding the stakes, unsure if this was his only chance, Eiris immediately confessed:
"I was an orphan, saved by Commander Tigris, subjected to shadow warrior training, and made into his weapon."
"I have repaid my life debt. I owe nothing more to Cole Elf Kingdom or Tigris..."
"I know many ancient ruins about to emerge and some demi-plane coordinates. I offer them to the territory and my Lord."
As he spoke, Eiris noticed that Yaya's smiling face remained cold underneath.
Desperate, he suddenly shouted as Yaya turned away:
"I want to do good—to serve righteousness for once!"
Yaya froze, tilting her head to scrutinize the earnest Eiris.
Beside her, Annie nodded silently, flashing her bracelet and stating calmly:
"He isn't lying."
Yaya's interest visibly peaked, sensing Eiris's sincerity.
However, she made no hasty decision and promptly reported the situation to Matthew.
Surprised, Matthew watched the magical projection of Eiris and decisively said:
"Go in person, give him the Dragon Blood Baptism, and toss him into the Underworld."
"See how he performs. If anything goes wrong, end it immediately."
Bay Territory, though desperate for elite forces, would not risk accepting unstable elements.
You want to do meaningful things?
Then go do them!
The better you perform, the more rewards I reap, and the faster the territory grows.
When the time comes, I'll control Eiris effortlessly.
Receiving Matthew's approval, Yaya gleefully set out.
Scalding blood dripped onto Eiris.
Blistering pain engulfed him.
He felt the blood—alive—burrow into his body, fusing with his being.
Smoke roiled outward.
Eiris's low growl echoed through the hall.
Many Cole Elves noticed his "surrender," their eyes filled with hatred and anger.
But when they saw him—his body radiating crimson heat, covered in dark red scales—standing tall,
Their anger vanished, replaced by overwhelming envy.
Curses filled the chamber—pleas too—but no sounds could escape.
They would suffer eternal penance here.
Feeling the raging heat within him, Eiris carefully adjusted his movements to avoid damaging the floor.
Just freed from his cage, he resolved to perform flawlessly.
The surging power stirred reckless impulses.
Yaya's true form had already departed.
A phantom walked ahead, recording Eiris's condition while patiently instructing:
"Master the emotional strength of your bloodline—blend it with your combat skills. Don't let it rule your mind."
"Given your prior combat style, you will undergo new training in the coming days."
"But more importantly—if you seek true freedom,"
"You must learn Bay Territory's rules and pass all assessments."
"When next we meet, I hope you'll truly be one of us."
Feeling the solemn weight behind Yaya's words, Eiris tasted the chill of life-and-death control—and felt unexpectedly at peace.
He nodded vigorously:
"Understood. I will do my best!"
Yaya knew Eiris didn't fully understand yet.
But she trusted that, if he wasn't an idiot, he would eventually integrate into Bay Territory.
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The more kingdoms and powers he saw, the more Eiris realized the value of Bay Territory.
Warm sunlight kissed Eiris's cheeks.
He greedily opened his eyes, gazing at the azure sky, his heart surging with emotion.
He never imagined he would one day see the sun again.
A guard led the way ahead, with Eiris closely following, afraid of getting lost.
Unexpectedly, Bay Territory was nothing like the military fortress he had envisioned.
Clean, orderly streets.
Magical brooms automatically sweeping the roads.
It reminded Eiris of Silvermoon City.
Flowers lined the streets, their fragrance filling the air.
Eiris keenly noticed that the flowers were all basic magical ingredients.
Another reflection of Bay Territory's pragmatic spirit.
The bustling pedestrians wore bright smiles.
It was work hour; everyone greeted each other warmly, chatting happily about various topics.
Though he wasn't eavesdropping, snippets of conversation naturally reached Eiris's ears.
"We've defeated the Cole Elf Kingdom, but they won't take it lying down."
"Given their arrogance and strength, they'll surely strike back."
"As long as they don't attack openly, we have nothing to fear."
"Their petty tricks won't even get past our defenses."
"Still, we must stay vigilant. Any odd behavior should be reported immediately."
"Of course! Our safety depends on all of us."
Everyone knew about the war with the Cole Elf Kingdom?
Eiris was astonished that Bay Territory had made such critical information public.
Moreover, judging by the residents' expressions and attitudes,
They understood the threat of the Cole Elf Kingdom but weren't overly concerned.
What magic did Bay Territory possess to inspire such confidence in its people?
As he pondered, a signboard nearby emitted a powerful magic fluctuation.
Instinctively, Eiris looked up and saw Yaya descending heroically from the sky.
The scene of Yaya demolishing the Bloodstained Ancient Tree played across the sign, slowly fading.
Suddenly, the image shifted to Yaya joyfully munching on a golden roast duck, her face shining with delight.
A string of subtitles appeared:
"Gathered Virtue Roast Duck - A favorite of Lady Yaya."
Watching the long line outside the roast duck shop and the children's admiring faces, a strange thought struck Eiris:
"Is this the territory my master wishes to protect? It's... truly fascinating."
Along the way, Eiris saw a thriving Bay City.
Humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, tieflings, and demonkin lived together in harmony.
Everyone wore smiles, either heading to work or shopping.
Even Eiris, well-traveled and worldly, was amazed by the array of exotic delicacies.
Golems of all shapes and sizes blended naturally into daily life, not just for war.
What shocked Eiris most: not a single fight or scuffle had occurred.
Even in the "civilized" Silvermoon City,
Disputes often broke out between different Cole Elf families, provinces, or districts.
Sarcastic jabs were countless.
How could such peace be maintained here?
Was this Bay Territory's secret power?
Before he could reflect further, the guard stopped in front of a spacious building.
Turning around, the guard calmly addressed Eiris, whose face now bore faint red scales:
"Every morning, you'll study here."
"In the afternoon, you'll train at the military camp, focusing on skills suited to you."
"Evenings are for rest. I'll escort you to your assigned home."
"Welcome to Bay Territory. I hope you become one of us."
Eiris stared in surprise at the guard's tusked face.
To think this orderly, friendly, and respected guard was a troll!
Noticing Eiris's surprise, Batum simply coughed lightly and advised:
"You aren't officially a citizen yet. Mistakes are still tolerated."
"But control your emotions. Don't harbor prejudice against any race or person."
"Here, only individuals are judged. Prejudice against groups violates our laws—and the consequences are dire."
"You'll learn all this soon enough—study carefully."
Embarrassed, Eiris stumbled into the building labeled "New Member Training Center."
Loud, enthusiastic slogans immediately reached his ears.
He froze, spotting a group of smiling elves.
Cole Elves!
Recognizing familiar faces, he instinctively touched his own scaled face.
He had scales now!
"Oh! A big new classmate! It'll make banner-hanging easier."
"Welcome, friend. Pick any seat you like in the back."
Feeling nervous, Eiris followed a friendly halfling instructor's gesture and sat down.
Thus began an eye-opening lesson on Bay Territory's history and development.
It was nothing short of a dream!
"This... is Bay Territory?"
"A world for the lord, the territory, and everyone alike?"
"I love it!"
While Eiris underwent transformation, the campus zone of Bay Territory saw a new wave of construction.
Hulking construction golems, directed by nimble goblins, dug trenches precisely according to blueprints.
Workers bustled about, feeding materials into a colossal golem.
With over thirty arms, the massive golem expertly processed materials internally.
Before long,
It churned out custom bricks, mortar, rebar frames, and more.
These materials were rapidly assembled into walls, rooms, floors, and buildings.
Over ten workers and twenty goblins assisted and monitored the operations, while machines shuttled supplies.
Liana recorded the fourth megagolem's efficiency, noting urgent issues to address.
Beside her, Elona asked excitedly:
"Is this the new school building for the children? It's huge and spacious!"
Liana shook her head, flipping through the schedule, and said expectantly:
"This is just a part. The entire mega-kindergarten will be finished before the New Year."
"It'll accommodate 100,000 young children for learning and early education."
Elona's eyes sparkled as she eagerly asked:
"Will all kids be allowed? What's the fee?"
Glancing at a passing adventurer, Liana proudly replied:
"Like all education here—it's free!"
"Teacher recruitment is even harder than enrolling in a professional academy."
"500 Dragon Cavalry No.1 golems and 30,000 soldiers will guard this place. It'll be the safest area in the territory!"
"Plus, the teachers' mage towers!"