Chapter 546: "Supporting" the Dwarves
Matthew looked forward to the hatching of these two dragon eggs.
The new lives would bring him surprises in mental enhancement.
Yaya was also very interested in the two eggs.
Don't misunderstand—she was more interested in the entire process of dragonblood creatures hatching from eggs and entering their juvenile stage.
From this, she could gain inspiration and knowledge, better understanding herself and developing her abilities.
However, Matthew could clearly sense one thing.
Just relying on these two dragon eggs, there was hope to break through the influence of the Mad Dragon Enigma, but that hope was very slim.
Matthew excelled at seizing that faint hope and turning it into reality!
"Put these two dragon eggs beside the Tree of Life. When we return, I'll prepare a new cultivation plan for them."
Hearing this, Yaya eagerly nodded, rubbing her little hands together expectantly, and confidently said:
"I'll take good care of them and record the entire cultivation process."
Cultivation!
Recalling the players' imaginative future cultivation plans, Matthew nodded in agreement and said:
"No problem. I'll support you. You can also consider drafting a plan and conducting experiments based on your ideas."
As Matthew's influence on Yaya deepened,
this little one, whose values and worldview had gradually taken shape, was now capable of completing tasks and handling matters independently.
Yaya was very happy, cheerfully taking the two dragon eggs and carefully observing their changes.
Just then, a delighted shout from Goldfang echoed from outside the cave:
"Master, we found something good!"
Something good?
What could it be?
Following Goldfang's lead, Matthew and Yaya arrived at a battered mining area.
Outside the mine, piles of irregularly shaped silver ores gleamed so brilliantly that Yaya couldn't help but exclaim:
"Mithril!"
That's right—those glittering ores discarded like trash outside the mine included mithril.
The grayish hue of mithril appeared exceptionally beautiful and captivating to Yaya.
Mithril was incredibly versatile, used in advanced spell scrolls, core components of machinery, and the crafting of rare weapons.
Its price could reach as high as 200 gold coins per gram!
Discovering a mithril mine was only slightly less valuable than a gold mine and was even more precious than gold.
After special refining and processing, mithril could be synthesized into Netheril's most valuable metal—true silver!
The energy core components of floating cities, known as the "Eternal Infinite Energy Core," required large quantities of true silver.
Just this one application established it as a national strategic metal.
Not to mention, true silver's exceptional spell conductivity and amplification capabilities made it the most sought-after magical metal.
Matthew needed true silver very badly.
Extraordinary-grade magical tools and equipment.
The large wizard tower currently under construction.
The armor and magical gear for the Thunder Warriors.
Even Yaya's development needs.
All required this precious and rare metal!
Judging by the size and luster of these mithril chunks, the content of mithril in this mining area was quite high, and the reserves were likely very rich.
Sure enough, areas with more active crustal movements yielded richer mineral resources.
Goldfang, having gotten the information from a few elderly dragonkin, said eagerly:
"Besides a medium-sized mithril vein, there's also a small adamantine vein, two gemstone mines, and a large iron mine."
Matthew looked at the seemingly desolate mountain, realizing it was actually a treasure trove of wealth.
Just one medium-sized mithril vein could bring the Bay Territory over 500 million gold coins in wealth.
Of course, extracting that wealth required not only substantial manpower and time but also advanced magical metal refining techniques.
Luckily, Matthew had both.
While the Bay Territory lacked manpower, it was short of skilled professionals.
When it came to miners and mining golems, the Bay Territory was not lacking at all.
The kobolds, now numbering nearly 200,000 under Goldfang's leadership, were quite worried.
They feared the Bay Territory might abandon them…
Now it's different—they could mine to their hearts' content in the underground world.
Of course, the kobolds' intelligence grew very slowly, but based on their accumulated contributions, the Bay Territory had no intention of abandoning them.
Matthew was providing a certain level of intellectual education to the transformed dragonblood kobolds.
Expecting them to develop a civilization was indeed very difficult.
But after making certain contributions and joining the rapid development of the Bay Territory, they could still become part of the overall civilization.
As for the rare magical metal refining techniques, the Bay Territory had several natural advantages compared to other territories and spellcaster lords.
The Dwarf Kingdom's increasing reliance on the Bay Territory meant more and more "immigrants."
The number of gray dwarf slaves was also steadily rising.
Especially after this recent battle.
Over 2,000 gray dwarf slave soldiers would undergo training and "education" for two to three months before gradually integrating into the Bay Territory.
Ashen, who had always been grim-faced, was actually quite excited after the recent battle.
More importantly, Grand Archmage Cronorman, who had just developed a brand-new "true silver refining technique," still owed Matthew a favor.
Having experienced a certain sealed "disaster," the archmage had been feeling awkward and had avoided greeting Matthew for months.
As for his teacher's "emotional intelligence," Matthew certainly appreciated it.
With other spellcaster factions using that sealed disaster as an excuse to blockade the Bay Territory,
Matthew now had a perfect reason to request "support" from Grand Archmage Cronorman.
With the archmage's backing, Matthew could temporarily set aside the newly provoked deity Lloth.
With that thought, Matthew made up his mind.
...…
"A brand-new development plan for the Bay Territory? Building three castles in the underground world?"
"Are they expanding their underground domain again? How much land have they taken?"
"I heard the Bay Territory recently won a major victory underground, defeating an army of over 200,000 drow."
"Over 200,000? My goodness! Is that true?"
"Of course it's true! I saw tens of thousands of dragonblood gnolls being sent to the Catachan Plane via the teleportation array. Don't even mention the other slaves."
"So the Bay Territory is almost stronger than an earl's domain now?"
"On the contrary, I think the Bay Territory has already surpassed a typical earl's domain. While their population is small, their army's combat power is overwhelming…"
"Underground drow? Are those the dark elves?"
"Exactly! And they're not easy foes. The Dwarf Kingdom suffered heavily because of drow ambushes."
"So it seems the Bay Territory's development is speeding up again!"
"What does that have to do with us?"
"It does! The Bay Territory offered a reward 50% higher than others, urging us to increase our efforts in exploring the underground world."
"50% higher? Praise the lord! Praise Yaya! What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
"Hold on. The Bay Territory just rolled out a batch of special underground equipment. We can collect it in advance."
"Collect it in advance? The Bay Territory is so generous! Aren't they worried…"
"Haha, you must be new. Nobody else would ask that."
"The Bay Territory is great in every way, just remember one thing: follow the rules, and be a good person."
"Uh?"
"Hahaha…"
"…"
Hearing the adventurers' discussion, Manhammer instinctively perked up his ears, surprised by what they were talking about.
They defeated a 200,000-strong army?
The Bay Territory did that?
The drow?
Really those dark-skinned monkeys?
Manhammer slowed his pace, eager to hear more details.
The Dwarf Kingdom's situation was worsening. Even with support from the Bay Territory, they were barely holding on.
Under such circumstances, Manhammer's pressure was mounting.
He had to find ways to request more support!
He must find a way to request more support!
During Manhammer's brief pause, he overheard the next development plans for the Bay Territory.
"Is the Bay Territory really planning to build castles underground?"
"Have they already expanded their underground reach this far?"
As Manhammer's thoughts churned, he quickly considered more possibilities for collaborating with the Bay Territory.
He glanced at the crowded adventurers, his gaze becoming clearer and more resolute.
Got it!
The Bay Territory might be too occupied, and Manhammer felt too embarrassed to ask.
But the Bay Territory's adventurers were excellent partners.
If they were willing to accept the Bay Territory's underground exploration missions, why couldn't they collaborate with the Dwarf Kingdom as well?
The more Manhammer thought about it, the more it made sense. He soon returned to the inn and shared his idea with the copper-bearded dwarf who had received him.
Upon hearing his plan, the copper-beard smiled wryly, scratched his head, and helplessly explained:
"It might help somewhat, but it won't achieve what you imagine."
"If you've noticed, the reason adventurers are willing to accept such dangerous tasks is because of the Bay Territory's trust and support system."
"It's not as simple as just offering higher rewards…"
After a detailed explanation, Manhammer finally understood.
Adventurers could only perform beyond expectations and showcase incredible combat power when in the Bay Territory.
Not just because they were skilled and cooperative, but because the Bay Territory served as their dependable safety net.
Manhammer frowned in frustration, rubbing his temples with his thick fingers, and muttered in exasperation:
"Then what should we do? Hire mercenaries?"
That would be too humiliating!
Manhammer also realized that requesting aid from the Netheril Empire again was not appropriate.
The Netheril Empire already had its own share of troubles, further exacerbated by the unrest caused by dragonblood creatures, leading to nationwide tension and chaos.
They were stretched thin, and Manhammer felt too ashamed to ask for military reinforcements.
The copper-beard, who shared Manhammer's concern, clenched his lips, then suddenly clapped his hands and decisively said:
"Since we can't manage without the Bay Territory's help, let's stop overthinking and consult with Steward Ralph."
Although Manhammer wanted to stand firm, he also knew he couldn't let his own emotions lead to greater losses for the kingdom.
He immediately agreed, though not without preparing himself first.
His request for support quickly reached Steward Ralph's ears.
Ralph promptly arranged a meeting and straightforwardly asked:
"Manhammer, my friend, just tell me what you need—there's no need to hold back."
Ralph's forthrightness only made Manhammer feel more awkward.
He felt that the Bay Territory had already done more than enough for the Dwarven Kingdom.
Not only had they taken in nearly 100,000 dwarven refugees, but they had also provided combat supplies at highly favorable rates.
Manhammer had looked into the current market prices for those supplies.
Compared to the peaceful times two or three years ago, prices had nearly doubled, and bulk purchases were now hard to come by.
Manhammer produced a wooden box, hesitantly handing it to Steward Ralph:
"This is a gift from the king for the lord, symbolizing the friendship between our two realms."
Seeing Manhammer's hopeful gaze, Ralph reluctantly took the box, opened it, and glanced inside.
He immediately shut it after just a second, stunned, and with a slightly awkward expression, held back his excitement. Then, he firmly said to Manhammer:
"Come on, I'll take you to see the lord. I'm sure he'll be very pleased with the king's gift."
A few minutes later.
Manhammer, deeply curious, stepped into the Druids' greenhouse, which left him almost in disbelief.
The greenhouse was teeming with various magical plants.
Vast stretches of rice and wheat gave the impression of a farm.
He also noticed numerous underground magical plants and glowing moss.
This indicated that the Bay Territory's research into the underground world had reached significant depth.
In comparison, the Dwarven Kingdom appeared rather sluggish in this regard.
They focused solely on mining, forging, and drinking.
Though Manhammer was reluctant to admit it, the Bay Territory's visible progress every month was hard to ignore.
The Dwarven Kingdom, by contrast, had been standing still for a long time.
When Manhammer saw Matthew again, he noticed that Matthew was holding an egg with a metallic sheen.
An experienced dwarf, Manhammer blurted out:
"A dragon egg?"