Chapter 626: Flame Demon - Barok
"Have you heard? The Arcanists from the Sevinton Council are recruiting adventurers."
"Huh? Why would they recruit adventurers? Don't they usually rely on combat puppets to easily handle all the dangers?"
"Don't joke around. We've all been down there—we know what it's really like."
"True, it's narrow and packed with all sorts of monsters. A single misstep and you'll provoke a horde. It's a deathtrap."
"Heh, the Arcanists can't bulldoze their way through like before."
"That's why they want us to clear the way for them."
"You going? I heard they're offering a fortune. Just completing the task nets you several magic items."
"Whoever wants to go can go. Arcanists never saw us as people anyway. We're just tools to be discarded."
"They've upped the offer—not just magic gear but also invitations to join the Sevinton Enforcer Corps…"
"They're really bleeding for this. Some reckless adventurers already agreed. No telling how long they'll last."
"Heh, I'm not risking it with them. I've had enough of those days."
"..."
The various discussions made Angela quite pleased.
It showed that adventurers had grown accustomed to the comforts and advantages provided by Bay Territory, and were no longer blindly obeying others.
Bay Territory never feared clever people.
They'd think carefully and realize that Bay Territory's policies and methods served their best interests.
Besides the Sevinton Council, other kingdoms and factions also began recruiting cannon fodder.
As some veteran adventurers had predicted—
These grand official teams never truly treated adventurers as people.
No supplies, barely any intel, and they just ordered adventurers to forge ahead.
Those who scouted ahead paid dearly—not only did they gain nothing, they lost their lives.
What disheartened many was—
When real danger struck, these official teams were the first to retreat, showing no shame in using adventurers as disposable pawns.
In just a few days, over a thousand adventurers fell victim to such schemes.
Faced with this bloody truth, even those initially enticed by rewards began condemning and boycotting them.
No wonder adventurers were furious—these guys were too good at treating people like trash!
Especially the Sevinton Council's Arcanist teams, who constantly provoked unnecessary trouble for the sake of relics and resources.
At first, these official groups didn't care. They even increased recruitment.
After all, the reward terms were clear: no reward unless the task is completed.
If you die on the way, well… whose fault is that?
What they didn't expect was the reaction from local Adventurers' Guilds.
"Sorry, these missions are extremely dangerous and have sparked many complaints. Our local guild won't accept them."
A calm staffer briefly reviewed records of failed missions and casualties, then faced their stunned expressions and continued:
"Ordinary adventurers can no longer meet your demands."
"If you wish to continue issuing missions, please register at Bay City's Adventurers' Center."
Councilor Arad, leading the group, scanned the unflinching staffer and sneered:
"Refusing our mission? Who gave you the guts?"
His cold voice echoed as several tall guards stepped forward.
Most adventurers nearby watched with interest rather than concern for the staffer.
Only some newcomers were surprised, finding the staffer's boldness unbelievable.
How could such an ordinary clerk dare defy an Arcanist?
Especially one who was a Sevinton Councilor!
These were among the most powerful and influential figures in the entire Netheril Empire.
But the staffer merely gave them a frosty glance and calmly replied to Arad with confidence:
"Bay Territory gave me the guts."
As he spoke, the desk beside him transformed with a loud mechanical shift.
Before stunned onlookers, it became four imposing Dragoon Golem No. 1 units radiating killing intent.
Even in the spacious adventurers' hall, their bulky frames and menacing presence imposed immense pressure.
Even Arad's Extraordinary-ranked guards felt a chill.
The sheer proximity of those golems would make anyone flinch.
What's more, the hall and its surroundings shook with heavy footsteps.
Over ten more Dragoon Golem No. 1s marched in and quickly surrounded the scene.
Their glowing red eyes prompted nearby adventurers to instinctively back away.
No one wanted to get caught in the crossfire.
Sensing danger from every direction, Arad, who had been preparing to cast a spell, turned pale.
He had a dreadful premonition—if he made a move, these steel monstrosities would slaughter him without hesitation.
Stuck in an awkward position, Arad glared at the staffer and growled:
"I'll remember you!"
The staffer just smiled, shrugged, and calmly met his gaze.
Arad hated that calm look. He had made up his mind.
Once he left, he'd make this ignorant fool pay.
But suddenly, the staffer raised a hand.
A surge of magic instantly enveloped Arad and his entourage.
Arad had no time to react. He stared in horror at his inactive magical gear.
Powerless, they were lifted into the air, flailing and screaming.
The surrounding adventurers were equally stunned—they hadn't expected this.
That unremarkable staffer wielded terrifying strength.
Arad was an Extraordinary Arcanist, just one step from becoming a Grand Arcanist.
Yet under the staffer's control, they flailed like puppets, unable to resist.
With a cold snort, the staffer waved and flung Arad and his men out.
Landing hard, Arad looked up in terror but dared not speak—he turned and fled.
Watching their retreat, the adventurers felt a surge of joy.
They turned back to the staffer, eyes glowing with admiration as the golems reverted to desks.
Adventurers weren't fools. Anyone who could subdue so many Extraordinarys and an Arcanist had to be a Legendary Professional!
This proved it—Bay Territory really had a Legendary!
Seeing Bay Territory stand strong, adventurers beamed with joy.
Bay Territory could be trusted!
So, with Bay Territory's support, adventurers rejected recruitment from other official factions.
Frustrated, those groups tried to pressure Bay Territory.
But Grand Arcanist Cronorman personally warned them:
"If you want to explore ruins, do it yourself."
"Don't exploit or endanger adventurers—or Bay Territory won't guarantee your safety."
That open threat made them behave.
No one was stupid. Even if they looked down on adventurers, no one dared cross a Grand Arcanist.
Especially when Bay Territory's strength was undeniable.
The patrolling steel golems in town alone deterred any ill intent.
With full understanding of the situation, Matthew left things in Angela's hands.
Pointing to the eager modified Warriors, he smiled and said:
"There'll be more troublemakers—let them stretch their muscles."
Many factions were already aware of Bay Territory's modified Warriors.
Everyone wanted to test their strength.
Matthew didn't hide them. Rather than let others dig for secrets, he declared:
"Want to know our modified Warrior secrets? Pay up."
Matthew needed more data. Bay Territory needed more resources. Other factions wanted peace of mind.
Everyone wins!
"No need to worry—our modified Warriors are built with safeguards against betrayal."
Angela immediately understood what the Lord meant.
She soon dispatched some modified Warriors—
Assigning them high-level tasks—
Like capturing fools who broke Bay Territory's laws—
Showcasing their full strength and ability.
Naturally, adventurers and major factions took notice.
Curious and intrigued, they were drawn to the modified Warriors.
While they were distracted, Matthew mobilized troops.
Elite soldiers were sent behind barbarian lines.
Via teleportation, they quickly assembled at key locations.
Based on intel from scouts and adventurers—
They struck barbarian granaries, burning precious food supplies.
Curiously, aside from some grain, most of the stores were dried meat and large herds of livestock.
Commander Jifan swiftly altered the plan—
He set ambushes and began transporting the livestock.
The barbarians were guilty—but the cattle were innocent!
Bay Territory's strike was swift and brutal—right to the barbarians' gut.
In pain, the barbarian army gave up their siege and turned to recover supplies.
But the well-prepared adventurers and soldiers didn't give them a chance.
Ambush points were brilliantly designed and strategically placed.
They waited until half the barbarian troops crossed bridges before blowing them.
Then they struck amid the chaos!
Priority target—horses. Take them out, force them to walk.
Slower movement meant more beatings.
After two or three days, the barbarians staggered back to their remaining granaries.
They recovered about half the food.
"Don't worry, we spiked it. They'll love it."
Grinning, Chris watched smoke rise from the barbarian camp.
With troops in place, Jifan launched a divide-and-conquer assault.
The weakened barbarians watched helplessly as Bay Territory forces devoured one group after another.
Right in front of them—capturing them all.
In less than ten days, Jifan consumed 600,000 barbarian troops.
Army? More like starving, half-naked refugees.
Jifan eliminated zealots and madmen, shipping most prisoners back to Bay Territory.
These wild barbarians needed deep conditioning and education to change.
Meanwhile, well-prepared adventurers attacked the weakened barbarian forces across the Silvermoon River Plains.
The tribal barbarians stood no chance against cunning adventurers.
They were either scattered or captured—bit by bit absorbed by Bay Territory.
The cleanup naturally fell to the adventurers.
The battle-hardened troops set off on a new journey—
An assault on the Wokou pirates' base in the Eastern Archipelago.
"Sure, our navy can't grow overnight—"
"But our land army is powerful."
"Wokou ships can flee—but your home won't escape!"
With Wokou forces pulled away—
Leon and Jifan struck again—with a gut-punch raid.
It worked. The pirates were unprepared. Coastal islands fell.
Pirate cities were razed. Dozens of valuable warships and transports seized.
Adventurers, envious of Bay Territory's gains, began imitating them.
Returning pirates ran straight into ambushes set by Bay Territory's navy.
One side was exhausted, the other well-rested.
Bay Territory struck decisively.
The Wokou suffered massive losses—200 ships and 200,000 troops.
With this battle, Bay Territory's surroundings stabilized.
Their swift, clean victory stunned the Cole Elves, who hadn't even reacted.
They too were captivated—by the ruins of Death Desert and the modified Warriors!
December 12th.
Bay Territory.
Bay City.
Lord's Manor.
Reading battle reports, Matthew smiled faintly.
Beside him, a worried Yaya suddenly shouted in excitement:
"News from the Death Desert excavation team—an adventurer may have spotted a Flame Demon!"
Just as Matthew was preparing to enjoy a peaceful new year, his eyes widened, and the image of a terrifying being engulfed in chaotic flame surfaced in his mind.
Flame Demon—Barok!
One of the three major bosses in Death Desert!