Chapter 587: Yaya and Matthew's Passive Growth
"Bay Territory will open broader job permissions. Those who pass the trials may join the army or staff ranks."
"All material data within the base will be open for observation and discussion."
"A suggestion channel will be opened. Everyone may submit a professional or skill-related proposal once per week."
"Proposals, after public review and discussion, if selected, will enter a tiered advancement track."
"Proposers will receive 10% of the optimized or saved resources for one year."
"If a proposal is later replaced by a better one, the original proposer will receive a one-time three-month resource reward."
"Additionally, the last batch of supplies has been converted into industrial golems and production equipment."
"From here onward, we will not receive further support from Bay Territory headquarters. Everyone must struggle through hardship."
"Of course, considering upcoming dangers, as long as your strength and combat expertise are sufficient, you may begin learning advanced combat feats and skills early..."
"..."
Everyone listened closely as Sera explained the base's situation, while Famir projected spell-based images of the enemy.
Towering, burly half-giant Warriors.
Though few in number, they radiated terrifying pressure.
Numerous ogre Warriors.
Their enormous frames and heavy metal armor made them incredibly intimidating.
Numerous Gray Dwarf Warriors.
Though short, they were solid and strong, their fiery red eyes terrifying to behold.
A clear sign of Mind Flayer control.
What truly terrified everyone was the massive number of magical creatures.
Dangerous subterranean shadow lizards, terrifying cave spiders.
Trist, well-versed in knowledge, even spotted several deadly Beholders!
Experienced Professionals felt immense pressure.
The Mind Flayer army before them was clearly powerful—far beyond their current ability to resist.
Even with fortress walls, they would struggle to withstand the Mind Flayer army's assault.
Their numbers were simply too small!
And that wasn't even the worst part!
Judging from the publicly posted material data—
The base had plenty of machinery but lacked essential production materials.
Most critically, they lacked food!
What could they do?
Sera cleared her throat and, meeting their anxious eyes, smiled and said:
"Do it yourself, and you shall have abundance."
"Whatever we lack, we produce. The Lord has bought us precious time..."
With confirmation that no further support would come—
Bay Territory soldiers continued providing protection.
Staff kept advancing production.
They had done their part. Now, the temps had to rely on themselves.
Growing more anxious, the temp workers quickly gathered to discuss.
They suddenly realized that Bay Territory's daily rules and task schedules were already designed to best balance combat and living materials.
And the production knowledge they had learned already provided the answers.
Even Professionals had to contribute to the base's productivity.
They agreed during their discussion to increase the number of production workers.
But they soon encountered a new issue—
A severe shortage of manpower!
Left with no choice, they turned to Famir for help.
Famir, who had been guiding and explaining all along, smiled and said:
"Don't overthink it. Help the newcomers integrate quickly. Let them show their value, start producing, and join the fight..."
Famir's reminder jolted them.
Right. It had taken them over a week of worry and adaptation to fully trust Bay Territory and integrate into the base.
And nearly half a month more before they started learning skills and taking on tasks.
But now, time was tight. The base would face terrifying enemies in just two months.
They couldn't afford to let the newcomers adapt slowly.
After some discussion and Famir's advice, they made their decision.
Proactive intervention!
That night, under Tyrael and Trist's lead, they began persuading the uneasy newcomers:
"Got any skills? Can you forge? No forging now. The farm needs help."
"Start with agriculture training. Forging? No worries, I'll recruit you later. You'll get a share of next week's bonus and merits..."
"Don't underestimate our pay. We often get generous bonuses. In the dangerous underworld, food in hand means peace of mind..."
"Don't fight me for people! I need more hands for farming. Otherwise, we'll all be starving by the end of the month!"
"Not just us—Bay Territory's army will grow too. The food pressure will keep rising!"
"What now? Isn't it all in the farming manual? Notify and assign everyone. Focus on farming and cultivation tasks first!"
"Food, food, we need more food!"
"Can we buy from Bay Territory's military stock?"
"Can't be teleported anymore. Manual delivery is hard. Maybe we can get some seeds..."
"More people must be assigned to production. Look! Bay Territory has already posted a new development plan!"
"We have to tackle both agriculture and military!"
"No choice. Let's teach the newbies step by step!"
"Exactly! We have to use every bit of manpower now!"
"..."
The newcomers were initially confused but soon hesitantly followed the arrangement.
After all, compared to being enslaved by Gray Dwarves, turned into drow playthings, or eaten by Mind Flayers—
A bit of labor in exchange for safety, food, and clothing felt like paradise.
Seeing them adapt quickly and pass assessments in three days to begin working finally put everyone at ease.
Still, the problems ahead needed serious solutions.
The temps hadn't realized—
Under the threat of death, everyone had begun to worry about the base's many challenges.
After understanding part of Bay Territory's defensive systems, Tyrael was deeply shocked and began making suggestions.
Build higher walls!
The original 8-meter-high wall was raised to 12 meters.
The last batch of anti-magic materials was added to ensure magical defense.
Beyond walls, Professionals saw trenches, arrow towers, traps, and more unprecedented war preparations.
Weapons and gear also needed proper preparation.
Expand the arms factory!
Though a few hundred sets of gear sufficed now, more defensive equipment was still lacking.
With no choice, they trained factory workers while mining the ruins for veins.
Of course, the base's engineering golems played a major role.
But more trained command personnel were needed.
Luckily, many of the new captives were spellcasters experienced in controlling golems and puppets.
After basic training, they could manage golem-operated mining.
Though reluctant, Bay Territory's rewards persuaded them to comply.
It was then that original Professionals realized—
Bay Territory's open learning policies and publicly posted violators and criminals kept everyone obedient.
No one dared break the rules!
As a result, the rule-driven, high-efficiency structure unlocked incredible combat and productivity.
Beyond that—
What most excited the Professionals was that those who completed the first round of soldier training could finally join Bay Territory's combat ranks.
Joining Bay Territory's combat forces meant they could fully unleash their strength.
Of course, their freedom would be somewhat restricted, and daily tasks would vary more.
The base formed new patrol and sweep squads.
These would scout nearby threats and eliminate encroaching enemies or beasts.
But the most frustrating issue—
Was surprisingly agriculture!
Even long-lived, multi-talented elves had little research in farming.
Their magical tech and lush environments allowed them to enjoy automated orchards with ease.
That's why most elves had little interest in food from other races.
They thought other races' food lacked the purity of elven fare.
But now, under threat of starvation, these elves had abandoned elegance and adjusted to Bay Territory's food.
But now?
Even those basic meals were running out.
At first, they had no solution.
The underworld had sparse, poor soil. Farmland was more valuable than rare-metal mines.
That was why Moblesso City attacked the Gnoll Kingdom—those black soil plains were a key goal.
Fortunately, Bay Territory's technology provided the answers.
Famir, relieved she had studied enough, opened her "Underworld Farming Guide" and said:
"Currently, we have one agricultural golem that can cultivate 20 acres daily."
"It needs 3–4 spellcasters to maintain and power it constantly."
"Next is building a fertilizer plant. We have full basic fertilizer production tech and conditions..."
"Then comes the biggest problem: our high-yield seeds will quickly degrade after repeated rapid planting and harvesting."
"So we need better breeding specialists..."
"People skilled in druidic paths and techniques. If not, other spellcasters can temporarily fill in..."
"We only have two druid apprentices. So we need to test non-Professionals. If anyone has druidic talent, we must start training immediately."
Realizing how hard food production was in the underworld, everyone understood this problem wouldn't be solved quickly.
But if it wasn't solved, even if they survived the Mind Flayer army's assault, they'd starve to death afterward.
So agricultural development could not be abandoned either.
Capable Professionals did their best during off-hours to train and guide non-Professional members.
They needed more manpower—more able-bodied people to share the burden and raise overall strength!
Bay Territory provided some support and guidance.
However, under the instructions of Yaya and Sera, Bay Territory staff only gave suggestions and technical help.
The actual implementation had to be carried out by an increasing number of workers and professionals from Bay Territory.
Thanks to Bay Territory's vast reserves of technology—
Combined with the looming threat of death and astonishing rewards—
Everyone in the base progressed rapidly.
No one dared waste a moment, striving to make themselves and the base stronger.
After about three weeks—
The base had fully integrated all the newcomers into its ranks.
And they quickly became productive.
Helping the base manufacture more weapons, gear, and resources.
The base had already stockpiled 4,000 sets of weapons and armor.
Most were excellently crafted and widely praised.
A 30-person magic item crafting team was working overtime to enchant them.
But the production of essential bows, crossbows, and bolts hit a manpower bottleneck.
In fact, the base's population had already reached 5,500.
With 1,500 soldiers, 2,500 production staff, 1,000 construction workers, 300 logistics personnel, and about 200 trainees.
Except for a handful of exceptions, everyone in the base was operating at full speed.
Still, compared to their previous lives as slaves, scraping by—
Most were very satisfied with their current life.
Under lawful regulation and strict discipline, this once-crude base had become an egalitarian, united, and aspirational collective.
For those within it, the constant sense of growth and empowerment brought indescribable excitement and joy.
Work meant strength, learning meant growth, labor yielded rich rewards—it was the life of dreams.
The ruins base was rapidly developing and expanding.
And all this, simply because Bay Territory had established rules—and made sure everyone obeyed them.
Now, they had only added some "momentum."
Everyone was taking initiative!
Cheerful Sera surveyed the crafted magical weapons and gear, nodding in satisfaction:
"You all did great. Now I can worry much less."
"Exactly—the territory belongs to everyone. With everyone's efforts, the land will thrive."
Rolling her eyes, the busy Famir tallied data, worried about dwindling food, and muttered:
"No choice. We must trade with the territory—swap magical tools for food and farming supplies!"
Nearby, the dozing Yaya smiled in her sleep and casually told Matthew:
"You're right. Just teach them the knowledge, and they'll find their own way!"
Passive growth!
So comfortable!
Though she said that, Sera wasn't about to fully let go.
Seeing the first stage of the plan succeed—
She was naturally willing to invest more time and energy to ensure smoother progress.
Soon, a new public announcement stirred excitement among everyone.
"There are four threatening camps and outposts around our base."
"The details are: one Gray Dwarf outpost and three Mind Flayer outposts."
"The Gray Dwarf outpost has 3,000 warriors, 14,000 Gray Dwarves, and about 20,000 slaves."
"The Mind Flayer camps have fewer enemies, but each has around 2,000 combatants and 3,000 slaves."
"The Gray Dwarves seem to be preparing to retreat, fearing the Mind Flayer army drawing near..."
"The Mind Flayers are here to mine nearby large metal ore veins."
Sera had deliberately made this info public, immediately sparking discussion.
After three weeks of intensive production, they had overcome many problems and stocked up battle supplies.
Even the most difficult challenge—agriculture—
Was beginning to yield output, thanks to five newly appointed druids.
Tyrael raised an eyebrow, recalling recent training and battles, and immediately thought to act.
Training alone wasn't enough to raise the strength of soldiers and Professionals.
Their numerical disadvantage also needed solving—by rescuing more captives.
He quickly discussed with others, and the eager group quickly reached consensus.