Chapter 685: Massive Blood Loss of the Cole Elves
The decision of the battle command center quietly affected others in Bay Territory Territory.
Alice, who was browsing the message, had an indescribable look of joy in her eyes.
She never imagined Bay Territory would resolve the threat of the Catachan demi-plane so quickly.
And then, with astonishing speed, obtain and integrate resources, and begin mass production of various magical equipment.
"This is a huge opportunity!"
The Alice Adventuring Group had far closer ties with Bay Territory than any other group.
It was precisely by seizing opportunities like this again and again that they accumulated achievements, resources, and wealth.
Alice was well aware of the development progress of most of Bay Territory's weapons and equipment.
After all, many elite adventurers in the Alice Adventuring Group had signed extremely strict confidentiality agreements.
They helped Bay Territory's research institutes test and develop various weapons, machinery, and devices.
Now, what Bay Territory handed to her—
Was a list of updated and enhanced weapons and equipment, and their sale inventory!
Alice had a theory in her heart.
The reason Bay Territory "sells" these weapons and equipment to adventurers—
On one hand, it's to enhance the adventurers' combat strength and help them better fight and pin down enemy armies.
On the other hand, she believed the various research institutes of Bay Territory had a purpose.
They wanted to observe how these weapons performed in the hands of adventurers.
Bay Territory's research, production, and sales departments would use this data as a basis for pricing.
The reason Alice knew so clearly was because previous items and weapons from Bay Territory were handled the same way.
Most adventurers, including Alice herself, were happy to take on such testing missions.
Doing so not only brought higher-value merit and task rewards but also granted priority usage and discounted purchase rights.
Alice also understood that Bay Territory wouldn't put all their eggs in one basket and had hired other adventuring groups as well.
Most of those groups would go all out in the task.
They wouldn't intentionally underperform to devalue the weapons.
Not to mention whether such actions could escape the "watchful eyes" of Bay Territory's testing staff.
If caught faking results through detection magic, and deemed deceitful or with ill intent—
The "loss" incurred—
Would far exceed the "discounted price" of the weapons.
Moreover, Alice clearly understood that while the weapons might suit Bay Territory's soldiers—
They might not be ideal for adventurers.
The battle environments and missions differed, so naturally their equipment needs also varied.
Adventuring was far more flexible than the battle tasks of Bay Territory soldiers.
It demanded adventurers to have a broader set of skills.
Some gear might not fully suit adventurer combat scenarios.
At times, adjustments and modifications were truly needed.
The pricing of these weapons and gear surely carried deeper meanings.
At the very least, these items had likely been tested thoroughly in the Catachan demi-plane.
That meant their performance and reliability could be trusted.
Bay Territory placing them on the sale list and even sending them to her early—spoke volumes.
Without hesitation, Alice forwarded the intel to several leaders of the Alice Adventuring Group.
The specs and prices of the weapons quickly caught their attention, and they excitedly discussed:
"Haha, just when we needed a pillow, someone delivers it!"
"Weren't we just talking about how our weapons lacked punch? Now look at this."
"The upgraded flamethrower—perfect against orcs. A damn fine weapon."
"Against trolls, though, it might be overkill."
"If trolls get too wounded, their regen weakens and their market value drops."
"Ahem, the armor-piercing explosive crossbow works wonders—deadly damage."
"One or two shots could kill an orc. We should stock up."
"The heavy shotgun kicks like a mule. Morak can give it a go."
"If it works well, we might buy a batch and pair them with heavy mech armor..."
"Heavy mech armor doesn't work well in the Dark Forest—better prep some light ones. The data fits perfectly with the heavy shotgun."
"The Thunder Magic Armor still hasn't dropped in price!"
"Can't help it, but we can buy two more."
"They'll increase survivability against elite orc warlords."
"The cannons now have better range and firepower, but damage the forest more."
"We'll have to spend extra repairing the environment afterward."
"The cost's fine—I love how much easier the new cannons are to operate."
"Same here. They're mobile now, no need to stash them in storage space—saves a ton of room..."
"Plan the route ahead, and we can retreat while blasting. Just beware of enemy mobile units."
"We're still short on talent. Need more tech staff."
"No doubt. Cannon repairs and specialist training need to be prioritized."
"Experts are hard to find. We'll have to start from scratch. Bay Territory tech is unique."
"I think we can recruit some dwarf gunners and retrain them."
"Let Bay Territory handle the training—they're the pros."
"Yeah, works for us. We've got ties with Ashes."
"Dwarf gunners gain experience faster. Training costs and time drop, and they can manage artillery squads better too."
After some lively discussion, the Alice Adventuring Group quickly made high-efficiency adjustments.
Soon, talk turned to Bay Territory itself.
The territory might be planning a strike on the orc and troll armies!
Everyone seemed to be on the same page about that.
Alice, who knew more, offered a reminder:
"According to Bay Territory's usual style, when they act, they go all in."
"They spent so long on the Catachan demi-plane just training regular troops."
"But they'll probably deploy Dragon Warriors and other elite units."
Dragon Warriors?
Special forces?
Even better, right?
Everyone smiled with surprise as they thought of Bay Territory's style.
If backed by Bay Territory's elite troops, they felt way more confident about the upcoming fight.
After all, even just the Troll Task Force and Catachan Special Ops had brought tons of spoils.
If top-tier units showed up—
That'd be a whole new level of excitement.
The Alice Adventuring Group began aggressive recruitment and equipment purchasing.
Their activity immediately caught the attention of other adventuring groups.
Everyone knew the Alice Adventuring Group and Bay Territory were tight.
They often treated their actions as trend indicators.
Seeing Alice's crew making big moves, the others wanted to know what was up.
Bay Territory's new gear was anything but cheap.
To their inquiries and probing, Alice gave only a vague reply:
"Bay Territory finally has time now."
And said nothing more.
Her attitude.
The Alice Group's large-scale moves.
Other groups discussed, then chose to bet on this as well.
After all, Bay Territory was quiet otherwise, and Catachan demi-plane's recruitment was strict.
Everyone had amassed tons of merit and wealth thanks to Bay Territory.
Just letting it sit was a waste. It was time to put it to use!
They wanted Thunder Magic Armor and the coveted Dragon Warrior transformation too.
These movements soon drew the attention of more adventurers.
Many who'd profited in the Dark Forest started pulling strings.
They wanted in!
August 4th.
While other adventurers were still discussing and analyzing—
Bay Territory released a piece of news that thrilled countless adventurers.
"To protect Bay Territory's wealth and resource cultivation sites in the Dark Forest—"
"We hereby issue a directive mission: Defeat the Orc and Troll Coalition!"
The main contents of the mission included:
Bay Territory would dispatch Dragon Warrior units, Thunder Combat Troops, and elite Catachan Special Forces.
They would also send a number of battle commanders to lead the large adventurer combat units in joint assaults against the enemy.
Bay Territory was making a personal move!
This thrilling news immediately excited countless adventurers.
While reviewing the recruitment criteria for the adventurer combat force, they immediately noticed the explicitly listed weapons and equipment.
Weren't those the same new weapons and equipment Bay Territory had recently unveiled?
"Got it—this is Bay Territory's reward to its supporters!"
Enlightened adventurers instantly pulled out their gold.
They decisively purchased the related weapons and signed up immediately.
Those short on funds borrowed from friends and family.
None of them wanted to miss this rare opportunity.
Bay Territory moved swiftly.
In just half a day, they had recruited an adventurer combat force of over ten thousand.
Then, under the watchful eyes of countless adventurers, they quickly deployed to the battlefield.
"So fast?"
"Bay Territory never dawdles when it acts..."
"True. Let's get ready early and see how Bay Territory performs."
"No need to question the results. You just saw their Dragon Warriors—what a presence, tsk tsk tsk..."
"Is that the Thunder Magic Armor? Is it really a magic item?"
"Magic gear is just part of the tech—it also includes golem engineering, mechanical systems, and combat support tech..."
"How do you know all this?"
"It's in Bay Territory's weapon catalog. I've read it over ten times—just can't afford any."
"Haha, can't buy now doesn't mean can't buy later."
"Heh, everyone's thinking the same."
Upon hearing the news, many adventurers began streaming in.
A good number of adventurers from elsewhere also returned decisively to Bay City.
While selecting gear, they also wanted to see how well the Bay Territory-led combat units performed.
How would this battle differ from Bay Territory's previous missions?
"Big difference. Besides the Dragon Warrior transformation, adventurers now get soldier-level treatment too."
Elio, who was taking command, reminded the adventurer commanders in a clear voice.
Those who were still nervous about the mission instantly got excited.
The reason was simple—Bay Territory soldiers' benefits had long been the envy of adventurers.
Free repair and replacement of weapons and gear.
At least three full magical meals per day.
All kinds of high-efficiency training and enhancement opportunities.
Free potions, spell scrolls, and consumables in battle.
High cut from loot shares.
Free treatment and recovery for injuries.
Substantial death compensation.
With those benefits, adventurers had nothing to worry about.
News spread quickly and stirred fierce discussion among other adventurers.
But they soon calmed down, as Bay Territory's special unit members and commanders had already begun reorganizing the troops.
During this period, Elio carefully pondered the upcoming battle and tasks.
Besides the Thunder Warriors, Dragon Warriors, and Catachan Special Forces—
The territory also deployed a rather unique team.
A squad of Swordmasters and Monks, known for their powerful strength and combat prowess.
Their mission this time was to hone their close-combat techniques.
They'd be placed in the most dangerous scout units and engage in melee against enemy forces.
Elio had long received the news.
The orcs and trolls before them were just one part of the enemy.