Chapter 628: Dragon Warriors
"First to take the stage is Li Shoutian, who performed outstandingly during the land reclamation process."
As Ralph Carlisle's clear voice rang out—
An honest-looking farmer, dressed in a red robe, hurriedly walked up.
Li Shoutian seemed unaccustomed to such an occasion, a bit of nervousness showing on his slightly tanned face.
Ralph Carlisle smiled as he invited him over, then smiled at the camera and said:
"Li Shoutian's ten-man pioneering team reclaimed a total of 3,423 mu of farmland during last year's reclamation. "
"Among them, Mr. Li Shoutian personally reclaimed 890 mu, 188 mu more than second place, making him number one among all reclamation teams in the territory."
"Now, let's invite Mr. Li Shoutian to share with us some tips and things to pay attention to during reclamation."
He nervously pursed his lips; facing wastelands and swamps he was fearless, but now in front of the camera he could barely get any words out.
Only after encouragement from Ralph Carlisle did he muster his courage and say:
"In the past, we relied on manpower to reclaim land. Ten people could only reclaim one mu a day."
"Now with the help of agricultural golems, one person can reclaim five mu a day."
"It's not that I'm amazing, but the agricultural golems produced by the territory are just that good."
"But everyone needs to remember, reclamation is only the first step."
"After that, you'll still need maintenance and fertilization, which require more specialized golems..."
At first, he spoke a little haltingly, but soon became more confident and fluent.
As he spoke, the magic television displayed footage of Bay Territory's agricultural golems working in the fields.
The most fascinating scene was a large patch of reeds and wild grass, cleared by the golems.
All the thick weeds were uprooted.
The rough, wild ground was turned over.
Stubborn stones were removed, leaving behind loose, plowed soil.
The scene was mesmerizing; everyone in front of their magic televisions felt like their eyes had been opened.
No one had ever imagined that, instead of digging the earth with simple tools as they used to, Bay Territory was already using golems for farming.
This gave everyone a surreal feeling, as if the world had changed quietly behind their backs.
It felt a bit unrecognizable!
Councilor Arad frowned, watching the hundreds of agricultural golems working simultaneously in Bay Territory's fields, his mind swirling with questions.
"Judging by their size and function, these agricultural golems are at least mid-tier models."
"Such large-scale mass production means Bay Territory must have powerful manufacturing capability."
"More importantly, how exactly does Bay Territory control all these golems?"
"Could it be they already have so many spellcasters?"
"No, it looks like Bay Territory has delegated golem control authority to the farmers."
"But then...how do they maintain and repair so many golems?"
From his initial contempt to now feeling Bay Territory was a land full of mysteries.
Councilor Arad suddenly realized he had never truly understood Bay Territory at all.
Just as he was lost in thought, Ralph Carlisle's hearty voice sounded again:
"To encourage more agricultural workers, we will present Mr. Li Shoutian with the Agricultural Pioneer Medal, in recognition of his contribution and exemplary service to the territory's development."
"In addition, we've prepared a special reward for Mr. Li Shoutian, based on his own wishes."
"Four hundred mu of paddy fields that do not require him to personally plant or tend—he will receive all of the harvest, and this right can be passed on for three generations."
Just for farmland?
Many people stared blankly at the smiling, honest Li Shoutian, completely unable to understand his way of thinking.
But compared to their confusion, many farmers and residents newly accepted into Bay Territory looked on with excitement and joy in their eyes.
Unlike formal citizens of Bay Territory,
These people or families did not yet own their own independent, permanent homes.
But as they looked out from their temporary residences, they saw on the big magic television the sincere, radiant smile on Li Shoutian's face.
What made them most envious was when the television cut to the farmlands outside Bay City.
Here, everyone saw Li Shoutian happily receiving his award and personally marking out 200 mu of farmland.
Many suddenly understood, gazing at the noticeboard next to the farmland, longing and hope in their eyes.
"Next, let's welcome Mr. Blackiron, this year's outstanding worker of the territory."
A strong, muscular, short-haired gray dwarf appeared in front of the camera, looking a bit shy.
Many newcomers to the territory were wide-eyed; they had never imagined that the leading representative of the workers would be a gray dwarf—who in their minds did not have the best "image."
Before coming to Bay Territory, they had heard more than once—
That the drow and gray dwarves of the underdark were evil and terrifying.
Many bards' stories and legends, as well as ancient histories, seemed to agree.
But after arriving at Bay Territory, their previous notions were completely overturned.
"Mr. Blackiron is a master armorsmith in the field of magical armor and protection."
"This year, he helped forge 745 pieces of advanced magical armor—undoubtedly our model worker!"
Not only was the quantity high, but so was the quality!
Blackiron looked at the many curious faces in front of the magic television, then glanced at his clansmen who were waving and cheering for him.
He could hammer out intricate, beautiful patterns with a fifty-pound hammer, but still felt a little nervous in front of the crowd.
Luckily, Ralph Carlisle quickly helped him out and smiled as he asked:
"Mr. Blackiron, could you share some of your forging secrets and tips?"
Blackiron reflexively scratched his head, then realized the gesture was a bit awkward, so he blinked and said quickly:
"Uh? Eat more, so you have the strength to forge!"
Hearing this, and seeing how serious Blackiron looked, everyone watching on magic television burst into laughter.
Even Ralph Carlisle showed a faint smile before continuing:
"Following Mr. Blackiron's wishes, we are providing him with a specially crafted magical hammer, allowing him to forge even better weapons and equipment."
Under everyone's curious gaze, a silvery hammer radiating the aura of "money" appeared.
It was covered in intricate magical runes, its shape simple and square, yet it gave off a very mysterious feeling.
This hammer was anything but ordinary!
Some adventurers' eyes sparkled as they looked at Blackiron.
They hoped Blackiron would keep improving and working hard this year.
They wished for more and better magical weapons and equipment to be forged.
The more weapons and equipment Bay Territory produced, the more chances everyone would have!
But those who had spent time in Bay Territory scoffed at this thinking:
"Bay Territory never lacks magical equipment. As long as you qualify to buy it, you can get as much as you want."
No matter how good the policies sounded or what other adventurers said, outsiders simply didn't believe it until they saw it themselves.
Blackiron, overjoyed, took the mysterious hammer and left the stage.
A tall figure appeared before everyone.
With black hair, bright eyes, a green robe decorated with brilliant red flowers.
Old Li, holding a wooden staff, smiled at everyone, looking quite at ease—even waving at the camera.
Many in Bay Territory knew Old Li and excitedly introduced his achievements to those around them.
"Old Li is amazing—he developed many new crops!"
"The new rice yielding 800 jin per mu next year was researched by Old Li's team."
"Besides crops, all those magical foods we eat daily are thanks to his hard work."
"It's thanks to his research that everyone can eat better and better."
"Ha, who could argue with him getting a medal?"
"Hey, our little girl is apprenticing with Old Li!"
"Wow, that's awesome!"
"..."
Not every family just "holed up" at home; many preferred the communal atmosphere, gathering in public halls or entertainment areas to discuss and watch together.
Everyone looked forward to and respected Old Li's award.
"Mr. Old Li's achievements are too many to list here."
"According to his wishes, we are awarding him ten million gold coins in research funding, to work on developing rice yielding 1,000 jin per mu."
Ten million gold coins!
Most people in Bay Territory had no concept of that figure.
They just knew it was a huge, huge amount.
After all, they usually traded with silver coins—one gold coin could support a family for several months.
That's because Bay Territory's goods were plentiful and prices cheap.
The screen flashed to a dazzling mountain of gold, creating a stunning visual impact.
A large hand scooped up a handful of gold coins, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.
Countless coins clinked and tumbled down like water, making every viewer unconsciously swallow.
Adults were fascinated by all that gold.
But kids were different; they immediately recognized the figure sitting atop the gold:
"Wow, it's Lady Yaya!"
"Lady Yaya is so beautiful!"
"Ah! Lady Yaya is so cool!"
"Lady Yaya is so huge!"
"It must be really fun up there!"
"..."
The clear voices snapped everyone back to reality.
They suddenly noticed that the figure playing with the gold coins was indeed Yaya.
The awe-inspiring Yaya sat regally on the golden mountain, her talons shifting coins as she spoke with delight:
"Isn't this amount of gold for research a bit too little?"
Too little?
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat—they couldn't help but shout in their minds:
"It's a lot, really a lot!"
"If only I could get that much gold!"
"That's not little at all!"
As everyone was mesmerized by the gold, the camera panned to Matthew's face.
He picked up a gold coin, bit it lightly, shrugged, and said:
"Spending a little gold in exchange for more food is a great deal."
"Food, clothing, and necessities are what everyone truly needs..."
"Gold is only valuable if you can exchange it for goods you actually use."
Most people didn't fully understand these words.
But everyone still grasped one very simple, memorable truth:
"Bay Territory is willing to spend a huge amount of gold to improve crop yields."
"Agriculture is clearly the highest priority in the territory."
This focus naturally steered the thinking of many people.
Old Li, having secured his research funding, happily waved at the camera and simply said:
"Agriculture is the foundation of our livelihood. Please support it."
One sentence, and the territory spent ten million gold coins for him!
How is he so charismatic?
Next to appear were several tall figures.
Many people in the territory recognized who they were.
Augmented Warriors!
Though the territory had not yet made any public announcements as usual,
Everyone had already encountered them in daily life, more or less.
From initial curiosity to envy and desire, the appearance of augmented warriors hadn't caused much of a stir.
They had quietly integrated into Bay Territory like ordinary soldiers, becoming a part of everyone's daily life.
"They are outstanding representatives among the soldiers, having participated in 32 major battles for Bay Territory this year."
"And in every battle, they performed exceptionally well, earning at least five merits each time."
"As you might have guessed, they are the ace soldiers of the territory—Dragon Warriors!"
Dragon Warriors!
Seeing their tall figures, determined faces, sharp eyes, and unified movements and imposing presence—
Every Professional in the territory couldn't help but widen their eyes.
Ralph Carlisle walked up to several Dragon Warriors, gently patted one's arm, and said:
"They have the strength of a tiger, the toughness of an ox, the speed of an eagle, the luck of a deer, the courage of a lion, the sense of smell of a dog, the lethality of a snake, the alertness of a rabbit, and the agility of a fish."
"They are perfect warriors, and will also be among the protectors of our territory."
"Soldiers who are seriously injured or disabled, and can't heal, may—if they wish—apply for the harsh and rigorous training to receive Dragon Warrior augmentation."
"Soldiers who have reached their natural potential and made enough contributions and merits can also apply for this transformation."
"Of course, Dragon Warrior augmentation is only one path to strength; anyone caught trying to exploit loopholes will lose their qualification."
"This is the final fallback Lord Matthew has prepared for everyone."
"Before that, everyone—enjoy, and soar!"
After these words, the Dragon Warriors quietly bowed to everyone with clasped fists, then left the stage.
They would receive custom magical armor as their reward. Even other Dragon Warriors couldn't help but feel envious, and silently motivated themselves.
This was Bay Territory's first public acknowledgment of the existence of Dragon Warriors (Augmented Warriors).
The seemingly simple yet unique entry requirements immediately drew the attention of many adventurers, as well as organizations and factions.
They had long known of the Dragon Warriors' existence, and after witnessing their formidable combat power, had tried to uncover their secrets.
They had assumed Bay Territory would keep the secret closely guarded.
Never did they expect Bay Territory would announce their existence so openly at such a grand ceremony.
This was clearly saying to everyone: "You want to know? Come and ask me!"
Unsurprisingly, many organizations and factions were now very interested.
They were no longer interested in who else would appear on the magic television—only in reporting this news and contacting Bay Territory as soon as possible.
As for Matthew, who had already prepared for this, he patiently watched the outstanding representatives take the stage one by one, and said to Annie with anticipation:
"Rather than letting them make trouble for us, it's better to take the initiative."
"As long as we master the core technology and keep improving it, we can always maintain our advantage."
"Besides, everyone's overall strength is still too weak to face those dangers."
"It's better for everyone to benefit together..."
"Even the worst kind of order is better than utter chaos!"
Though Annie already understood Matthew's plan, she was still shocked, his bold declaration in the underground lab echoing in her ears:
"The Age of Great Augmentation has arrived!"