NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 35: New Information, Return to the City
Chapter 35: New Information, Return to the City
The appearance of the dwarfs brought Thor an unexpected surprise, and the surprises didn't stop there. Thor soon learned that the leader of the dwarf was actually a Level 4 Blacksmith.
Like magical beasts, dwarf blacksmith is also graded, typically into five levels. A Level 1 Blacksmith can craft simple items like black iron armor, while a Level 2 Blacksmith can create more complex items like brass armor. A Level 3 Blacksmith can already make magical items, such as silver armor, which falls under this category.
As for a Level 4 Blacksmith, they are essentially considered a master Blacksmith, enjoying a high status even in the entire Kingdom of Tulip. A Level 4 dwarf Blacksmith, compared to a human of the same rank, is even more skilled and can potentially craft items that human Blacksmiths struggle with, such as magic crystal cannons.
Indeed, magic crystal cannons. The value of these is even higher than golden armor. A single magic crystal cannon generally costs over seven thousand gold coins, and in the Northern Provinces, the price can reach upwards of ten thousand gold coins, or even more.
The most important aspect, however, is not the value, but the function of magic crystal cannons. Each cannon has immense power, and just a few are enough to ensure the safety of a territory. Even against large-scale attacks from beastman tribes, there's a good chance they can hold out. In frontier wars, the role of magic crystal cannons is immeasurable. For example, in the recent assault on the goblin tribe, just three magic crystal cannons could have completely wiped out the large cowardly goblin tribe, without much need for peasant support.
Of course, creating a magic crystal cannon requires not only a Level 4 Blacksmith but also a variety of precious materials, which Thor currently lacks. However, lacking these materials now doesn't mean he won't have them in the future. Once he gathers the necessary materials, he can manufacture magic crystal cannons, greatly enhancing his territory's defense.
This prospect alone thrilled him. Besides, a Level 4 Blacksmith can craft not just magic crystal cannons and golden armor, but a variety of alchemical items, all crucial for the development of Thor's territory. This discovery filled a significant gap in his territory's capabilities, leaving him smiling for days.
Thor's joy was shared by the peasants. On the day the battle ended, Thor announced the liberation of 273 peasants as per the rules, with 27 joining the reserve trainee knights, an event that brought over two thousand peasants into a state of celebration. The death of over a hundred peasants in the battle seemed insignificant compared to this joy.
As for the official knights, apprentice knights, and reserve trainee knights, Thor generously distributed some of the goods obtained, satisfying everyone. For them, following their lord in becoming a pioneering knight was the most significant and fortunate event in their lives. They had gained unimaginable things under Thor's leadership, even seeing rapid growth in their knightly abilities, something unimaginable in Dresrosa Castle. This resulted in an increased devotion and admiration for their lord.
In the open field, after arranging everything, Thor prepared to leave. "Steve!" Thor called out, looking at Steve. "My lord!" Steve quickly stepped forward.
"Take care of this place and don't let anything happen to it. I'll assign you thirty official knights, a hundred apprentice knights, and two hundred reserve trainee knights," Thor said firmly, after some contemplation. Compared to his own territory, this iron mine's importance was far greater, so he decided to station the majority of his forces there, believing that with Steve, a grand knight, and three hundred knights, security would be ensured.
"Yes, my lord!" Steve responded with determination, clearly moved by the responsibility.
"Do well. I hope you can become like Uncle Michael someday," Thor encouraged Steve, patting him on the shoulder.
"I won't disappoint you, my lord," Steve replied, even more excited. Being compared to Knight Captain Michael by his lord was an honor for him.
After setting up the iron mine, Thor organized some peasants to begin mining operations. Ideally, the best miners would have been the goblins, as even cowardly goblins are natural miners with no fear of danger. However, without a slave contract, it was too risky to use them, as escape could lead to the iron mine's discovery, causing Thor significant trouble. Hence, he opted to use peasants, hoping to acquire slave contracts later for a safer mining operation.
After these arrangements, Thor returned to his territory with Ryan and the newly freed commoners. As before, he allocated land to them, and upon receiving it, the new commoners couldn't contain their excitement. They were truly free, no longer slaves, and had become free citizens, basking in the light of the Goddess of Life.
"May the Goddess of Life bless you!" "May the Goddess of Life bless you!" "May the Goddess of Life bless you!" The voices of over two hundred people rang out, turning them into the most fervent followers and the first real citizens of Eagle Ridge. Though there were a few before, they were only a handful. Now, there were over two hundred.
These two hundred new citizens added more vitality to the territory, marking the true beginning of Eagle Ridge's proper development. With everything in place, and aided by the Daily Information System, Thor was confident that within three years, or maybe even less than a year, Eagle Ridge could surpass some baronies in prosperity.