Chapter 575.5: The Victor's Reward
All sorts of inspiring words gradually changed everyone's original mindset, giving rise to hope and a sense of belonging.
Slowly retracting her gaze, Li bit her lip uncontrollably and looked toward the bustling construction sites in the city. She curiously asked Yaya beside her:
"Are we all going to receive training?"
Yaya was playing in the sand with Oriana. Hearing this, she tilted her head in thought, then grinned and said:
"Some people will be sent for training, and some specialists will be brought here. This place will become a maritime training base."
"After all, the development of the territory should adapt to local conditions, and the curriculum will change too."
"We don't need to worry about it! Leave it to the professionals."
As she spoke, Yaya whispered something into the reluctant Oriana's ear.
The cute little girl nodded in agreement and waved at Li with a smile.
Then, under Li's stunned gaze, Oriana slowly closed her eyes.
Just like that, she fell asleep?
Li watched as Yaya took Oriana's "sleeping" body, wisely choosing not to ask questions.
A faint worry crept into her heart—maybe the more one knew, the less safe it became?
Before she could react, Yaya said in a cheerful tone:
"Oriana went to sleep. She'll be back to play with us tomorrow."
"Let's go eat first! Food after battle is always extra delicious!"
Remembering the camp meals, Li nodded instinctively.
But she never expected Yaya's feast would be so lavish.
"Roast lamb chops, stewed lamb head, cumin lamb, stir-fried lamb kidney, braised lamb spine..."
"Stewed pig's head, braised pig's trotters, crystal pork knuckle, stewed pig stomach, braised pork, Dongpo pork, braised large intestines, stir-fried pig tails..."
"Large beef shanks, stewed and stir-fried beef tendon, stir-fried beef tripe, braised beef, stewed brisket, spicy beef intestines..."
Li had never seen one ingredient prepared in so many ways, each dish delicious and distinct, nearly causing her to swallow her tongue.
What amazed her more was that the petite, adorable Yaya was a true glutton.
Li had barely sampled a few bites of each dish and was already full—maybe even stuffed.
The rest? All devoured by Yaya, who looked like she had only eaten dessert.
Suppressing her thoughts about Yaya's oddities, Li looked at the crowd's cheers and joy, her eyes filled with excitement and hope.
"Yah! Rested up? Time to begin training!"
Hearing Yaya's excited voice, Li felt something was off—but she couldn't put her finger on it.
Early the next morning—
Fresh announcements were posted all over the city gates.
Many adventurers crowded around, reading the black text on white paper, their faces filled with joy.
"A medal ceremony will be held this noon. Besides gold and merit rewards, those with outstanding performance will receive special medals and military merit ratings!"
"Medals? What kind of medals?"
"Heard they're magical items with good attributes—can also raise your merit rank and permissions..."
"That good? I'm already jealous!"
"No need! Adventurers get them too!"
"Seriously?"
"And citizens with notable merit can get them as well!"
"Besides that, there's info on warship purchases, extended kill-branch missions, high-reward territory development missions..."
"All of these missions require not just strength—but merit rank too..."
"So, they're basically made for us?"
"Not exactly, but we definitely get perks!"
"Whoa! A five-mast warship for just 188,800 gold—and magical cannons at cost?"
"Capture an island, and you get 30% of its output. Bay Territory will handle farmland, mining, or factory development..."
"This model feels familiar..."
"Just like what Bay Territory did in the Dark Forest—setting up strongholds and resource bases..."
"High risk, but high reward..."
"With Bay Territory backing us, this is a golden opportunity!"
"..."
Stirring military music inspired everyone's spirits.
Every fallen martyr—
Would have their deeds recorded and remembered.
They would be buried with honor in the Martyrs' Cemetery.
Their heroic spirit would inspire every successor of Bay Territory.
Every soldier or adventurer receiving a medal—
Would not only be honored publicly but have their deeds recorded.
Their names would appear in the news and Bay Territory Daily, and be etched in Bay Territory's history.
After the medal ceremony—
Leon, now tasked with development, calmly and confidently spoke to everyone about Sea City, Bay Territory's maritime domain, and the future of all who lived there.
"We will transform the wild islands, growing delicious fruits and vegetables..."
"We'll build fishing boats and farms, so everyone can eat meat and taste fish every day..."
"We'll build bigger and stronger fishing and warships, repelling enemies and launching maritime trade..."
"We'll expand our influence in the Eastern Islands, eliminate threats, and create a safe, comfortable life for all..."
"Our future will be crafted by our own hands..."
The people were still somewhat bewildered—
But the smiles on their faces showed dreams and hope for a better life.
Adventurers, however, were gleaming with excitement, plotting in their hearts.
Bay Territory never shouted empty slogans.
When tasks and orders were published, their plans were already in motion.
With that in mind, the adventurers' minds lit up.
Seeing the announcements about warship sales and island development, many adventurers jumped into action.
No time to waste!
Those who follow Bay's call early always get the most benefits!
This seemingly short announcement would have far-reaching impacts across the Eastern Islands and nearby seas.
News of Bay Territory's victory over the Wokou pirates—
Spread as adventurers set sail, raiding pirate fleets and attacking nearby islands.
The heavily damaged Wokou pirates couldn't stand against the united adventurer fleets.
Once caught—
At best, their ships were damaged, transports seized.
At worst—sailors and ships alike sank, becoming food for sea monsters.
The pirate void was quickly filled by Bay's adventurers.
They began claiming "control" of the sea—part of the spoils given by Bay Territory.
And if adventurers ran into trouble beyond their strength?
They had one final weapon—backup!
Bay's naval patrol fleets nearby—
Built around three armored magic warships and seven magic ships, backed by 40–50 light fast-response ships, formed an unstoppable sea army.
Even large pirate fleets couldn't last two hours against them.
The Cole Elves upgraded the pirates' cannons from 800 to 900 meters in range, but they were still at a major disadvantage—and scarce.
The Alice Adventurer Team struck first again, claiming a 0.5 sq km island.
The island only housed a small pirate group, easily defeated.
Yet their gains were enormous!
After inspection by Bay's professionals, the island—named Alice Island—had no metal mines.
But it had tens of millions of birds, leaving a thick layer of guano.
This stinky guano was top-tier fertilizer.
Its active ingredients helped Bay's fertilizer factory develop a new kind of fertilizer.
According to expert research, the island could host 10 high-quality sustainable fertilizer factories.
Without damaging the environment or depleting resources, they could produce 50,000 tons of fertilizer annually.
Total yearly profits? Three million gold—permanently!
This amazing gain made Alice's team rich again.
They not only recovered the cost of 10 warships—but now had an endless "gold mine."
With this golden example, other teams were quick to follow.
In just half a month—
Over 50 islands joined Bay Territory.
Though small, these islands were very valuable.
Just metal veins? They found 13 of varying sizes.
Magical creatures and plants? Too many to count.
Many adventurers made a fortune.
Backed by Bay, they began development—securing the land and creating value.
For islands of various sizes—
Bay's institutes had long prepared development plans.
Small teleport arrays—
Used for emergency personnel transport.
In crisis, key people could be evacuated while sending alerts.
Magical concrete—
Available from Bay at cost.
Used to build forts, roads, factories, and homes.
Bay's construction corps—
Could finish rapid builds in 10 days using golems and delivered machinery.
Food and farmland—
Bay's golem development teams would help.
Using spells like "Stone to Mud," "Auto Tillage and Seeding."
They'd build efficient, cyclic agricultural parks on barren land.
Compact, high-output farms—
Backed by the underground world's "Black Soil Institute."
Using minimal resources to grow maximum food.
As for settlers—
Bay offered over double the perks compared to other places.
Many ambitious people were eager to try their luck.
Security?
Adventurers used the islands as training grounds.
Bay built multiple naval bases.
Ensuring sufficient force to handle any incident.
Bay's unrestrained island development faced no interference.
That's the victor's privilege.
And the result of Bay's growing sea power.
Yet with so many pirates—
Bay, lacking spare resources, didn't overexpand.
Instead, they used their unique development model—
To firmly seize and digest these islands and waters.
Only what you absorb and gain nourishment from—is truly yours.
In under a month, the islands bloomed with life.
Their steady output soon brought real profit.
Once anxious adventurers smiled as gold filled their pockets.
Their once-dimmed ambition reignited—eyes now locked on the misty isles.
Seeing lush green crops grow on rocky land—
Echan twitched his nose, imagining he smelled something delicious.
He put down his telescope and, blinking in disbelief, asked Councilor Kaledor:
"What are they doing? Farming on a wasteland?"
Looking at the once haggard farmers now smiling and healthy—
Even the 700-year-old Kaledor smacked his lips:
"That's Bay Territory's goal—extend control into every wild place. Once they seize it, no one can take it."
Shaking his head in frustration, Echan stared at the busy golems and said angrily:
"Such high cost, so many golems—for a few fields? A few crops?"
"Is it worth it?"
The two elves fell silent. But their wariness of Bay only grew.
Echan clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and said:
"Didn't the Pfizer Merchant Guild plan something? Let's fan the flames!"
The plan to block Bay's maritime expansion had failed.
But they wouldn't give up suppressing them on land!
While Bay and the adventurers expanded in the Eastern Islands—
Their rebuilt exploration fleet finally left the eastern seas—entering the perilous Caribbean.