Chapter 627.5: The Grand Ceremony
Skillfully slicing roast duck, the pieces were neatly plated.
Finely cutting scallions into small segments.
Carefully blending the sauce, sniffing the aroma, and placing it beside the grilled meat.
Gently rolling the dough and cutting it into perfect circles with a ceremonial sense.
Lokfar looked gently at his softly speaking daughter and said to his silent wife:
"You're not strong enough. Just take the girl out more often. The territory's teachers are top-tier talents."
Hearing that, his wife nodded silently and, unable to resist the aroma, reached out to taste a piece.
Lokfar sighed inwardly, realizing the true goal of the territory's reforms and education.
This generation mustn't be abandoned—at the very least, they mustn't go astray.
The next generation must be properly educated—they have to keep up.
He patiently taught his daughter how to wrap the duck slices, smiling as she savored her success. Then, he turned to the loud Batuum next door, lips curling slightly.
The trolls started late, but thankfully their numbers were high enough that some clever and willing ones could be found.
After the education and transformation in Bay Territory, Lokfar finally understood a key truth:
"True strength isn't indulging your desires at will, but in planned, restrained control."
Trolls revered their instincts too much—they'd forever wallow in savage mud, unable to unite or grow strong.
Individual strength was important, but coordination and teamwork were far superior.
Trolls still had a long, long road ahead!
...…
In a large courtyard—
Morak and Agron were sweating buckets over a whole roasted ox.
This was a special reward Morak had traded for—he was only allowed one feast like this per month.
The reason was simple: most cattle in the territory were reserved for large-scale breeding and raising.
Only a small portion was allotted to ogres and leviathans.
Of course, everyone in Bay Territory could purchase some, but usually with quantity limits—getting a whole one like Morak was rare.
Looking at the equally large Agron, Morak scratched his itchy neck, thoughts flickering in his eyes.
Perhaps... it was time to take that step!
To fully unlock Agron's potential, he would have to blaze a path first—then ask the lord to tailor a perfect growth plan for Agron.
The smart Agron noticed Morak's gaze, curiosity bubbling in his heart.
Why didn't those equally strong peers receive Morak's attention?
"No doubt—despite education raising their intelligence somewhat, they're still not too bright."
Morak made no attempt to hide it and bluntly explained to Agron:
"For regular ogres, that's fine—they just need to follow orders and obey rules."
"But your future is different. You need rapid growth to earn more merit and win the lord's trust."
Bay Territory's fair competition system felt unfamiliar to Morak, but it also brought him genuine joy.
He knew the territory held no prejudice against ogres.
But if those food-obsessed gluttons wanted progress, a symbolic figure had to step forward.
Someone had to set the standard and build authority.
In the past, this was called a Warrior vying to become Chief.
Now, it was about shaping heroes and role models.
Yet to the straightforward Morak, the logic was the same at heart.
Different labels, same essence.
The other fools were brainless and unreliable!
Only this little blue fatty had potential—he had to be nurtured properly!
...…
The Catachans, Dwarves, Elves, Gray Elves, Halflings, Tieflings, Goblins, Dragonblood Kobolds, Dragonblood Murloc, Dragonblood Gnolls, Minotaurs, and many other races in the territory gathered by family or tribe.
They discussed the year's gains, progress, battles, and merits.
They thoughtfully reflected on how life had changed.
No discrimination—none was allowed.
No conflict—cooperation mattered more.
No injustice—Bay Territory's monitoring system caught every lie.
"Whoever causes trouble takes responsibility and receives punishment."
"Anyone covering it up suffers the same as the victim."
"Laws are the baseline—Bay Territory's ethics become the law."
"Those who harm others won't be spared."
"Don't try to seize what isn't yours—that's disgraceful and will land you in the underground labs."
"Bay Territory doesn't play games. Surveillance magic and recordings expose every crime."
"Under the law, all are equal."
"..."
Bay Territory's laws and regulations—
Forcefully imposed, but they made most people better.
And the rest? They didn't dare get worse.
They wouldn't dare!
Every individual passionately discussed the territory's growth and looked forward to the future.
Unconsciously—
They had merged with the territory, each playing their role.
While everyone enjoyed the last dinner of the year—
A burst of bright, dazzling fireworks lit up the night sky of Bay Territory.
Fweee! Fweee! Fweee!
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Radiant fireworks bloomed across the sky.
Some turned into brilliant meteors, vanishing in the crimson sky.
Some formed bizarre shapes, making everyone laugh.
Others spelled out blessings, expressing hope and dreams for the future.
Finally, as the fireworks faded, a silver-white glow formed the figures of Yaya and Matthew soaring across the night sky.
Gasps of awe echoed—eyes gleamed with hope.
The beautiful fireworks vanished.
Fragrant powder drifted down.
It spread across Bay Territory, glowing faintly and cleansing the corruption and mutations from the Crimson Moon.
Subtle yet powerful, it blended perfectly into Bay Territory and did its work silently.
As people reminisced about the dazzling show, discussing the stunning displays—
A calm street was suddenly filled with Ralph the butler's voice:
"Bay Territory's official channel will now broadcast the grand celebration—citizens, tune in."
At once, everyone switched on their magic TVs.
The screens, previously showing scenic shots, now displayed Matthew and Yaya flying above the territory.
Both wore metallic armor, radiating strength and mystery, drawing amazed gasps.
In perfect unison, they said:
"Happy New Year, everyone! Wishing you health and success!"
The moment the words landed, they dove down.
The camera shifted, offering a stunning aerial view of Bay City.
Uniform city layouts.
Massive building complexes.
The Professional Training Academy covering a quarter of the city.
A newly rising mage tower.
The beautiful Tree of Life.
This vast and youthful city fulfilled everyone's hopes and dreams.
The camera followed Yaya and Matthew through the territory.
Everyone saw aerial views of various regions—new perspectives on familiar lands.
Endless fields.
Interconnected railways.
Fortresses in towering mountains.
Camps hidden in forests.
Deep, mysterious undergrounds.
Floating islands on the sea.
Border cities beside barbarian lands.
Hero City in the New Continent.
In just minutes, they saw all of Bay Territory through Yaya and Matthew's flight.
And suddenly realized—the territory was enormous now.
Matthew and Yaya landed at the humble Lord's Manor.
Without his magical armor, Matthew was the familiar mysterious lord.
Towering in stature, he now wore a dazzling Arcanist robe.
Seated in the Lord's Office, he flipped through documents under everyone's curious gaze.
Amusingly, the mighty and awe-inspiring Yaya now hid behind him—
Happily munching a double-meat bun.
Her image—utterly adorable!
Smiles spread across every face.
Then came footsteps.
The camera panned to reveal Ralph the butler, the most-seen figure on the magic screens.
Everyone watched with interest and curiosity.
Why was Ralph here to see the lord?
Ralph unfolded the documents and stated clearly:
"This year, our territory expanded by 228,500 square kilometers, now totaling 485,000 square km."
"We developed 52.31 million mu of land, totaling 104.5 million mu."
"Produced 16.25 million tons of food—future output projected at 40 million tons, enough for 45 million people."
"Welcomed 4.75 million new residents, now totaling 6.12 million."
"Earned 425 million gold; spent 390 million gold."
"Built 47 railways totaling 48,000 km."
"Recruited 175,000 soldiers; army now totals 250,000."
"Built 4 cities, 22 fortresses, 25 checkpoints, 56 camps, and 175 strongholds with 487 outposts."
"…"
These simple figures left everyone awestruck.
Even in distant Hero City of the New Continent—
Everyone heard Ralph's report via magic projection.
They also saw Yaya petting Menglan with a shocked, adorable expression.
In just two to three minutes, every citizen was stirred with emotion.
None had expected their daily efforts to amount to such achievements.
Outsiders were equally shocked, even fearful, of Bay Territory's growth.
Previously disgruntled Councilor Arad muttered:
"This doesn't look like a three-year-old territory—it's stronger than most 300-year-old marquis houses!"
New adventurers stared at the empty guild hall, confused.
Where were Bay Territory's adventurers?
At home, of course!
As the report ended, the camera followed Lord Matthew to the conference hall.
The hall was packed.
Faces both familiar and new.
Smiling, joyful expressions.
Gasps filled the room.
People recounted their stories.
Others discussed them in awe.
Ralph stepped forward, his voice both solemn and impassioned:
"Bay Territory's growth comes from everyone's contributions."
"Adventurers who cleared dangers and made discoveries."
"Soldiers who fought bravely and held the line."
"Workers who toiled and studied hard."
"Farmers who labored and gave their all."
"Teachers who nurtured the young."
"Migrants who ventured far to pioneer."
"And countless others in every role—each made great contributions."
"Next, we'll hold a grand awards ceremony to honor outstanding individuals."
"We hope you all strive forward and someday stand on this stage."
"You are the pride of the territory!"
Before millions of eyes—what ceremony could be grander?