Chapter 102: Territory population increases, breaking through 200,000

Roko pondered for a moment and asked.

"Do you have any specific solutions?"

Martina said confidently.

"Regarding the housing problem, I have organized manpower to plan new residential areas on the outskirts of the territory, using the timber transported from Red Leaf Forest to step up the construction of simple wooden houses."

"At the same time, we encourage those capable refugees to build their own residences, and the territory can provide partial material support."

"Regarding food, in addition to continuing to purchase from Earl Adrian's territory and the Red Leaf Forest Territory, we must also increase the intensity of land reclamation ourselves."

"I plan to trial-plant our improved wheat seeds in the newly developed areas, striving to achieve self-sufficiency in food by the next harvest season,"

"and even have a surplus."

"As for management..."

Martina's brow furrowed slightly.

"This aspect is indeed a bit tricky."

"Our current manpower, especially those experienced grassroots management personnel, is seriously insufficient."

"I plan to select some literate and quick-witted people from the newly arrived refugees, and after simple training, appoint them as temporary persons in charge of various areas."

"At the same time, strengthen the patrol intensity of the Storm Knights to severely crack down on any behavior that disrupts the order of the territory."

Roko listened quietly, nodding from time to time.

Martina's plan was clear and comprehensive, worthy of the high-IQ fox race.

"Your plan is very good, just do as you say."

Roko gave full affirmation.

"Regarding food, don't be afraid to spend money, store as much as possible."

"In chaotic times, food is hard currency, more important than gold coins."

"For housing construction, the standards can be appropriately relaxed to solve the problem of existence first, and then gradually improve it later."

"As for management talent..."

A sharp light flashed in Roko's eyes.

"We can try to establish a simple assessment system."

"Whether it is the original people of the territory or the newly arrived refugees, as long as they have the ability and are willing to serve Vanguard Valley,"

"they can pass the assessment and obtain corresponding positions and treatment."

"In this way, it can not only solve the problem of talent shortage but also further stimulate the enthusiasm of the people of the territory."

Martina's eyes lit up when she heard this.

"Assessment system?"

"That's a good idea."

"We can discuss the specific regulations carefully."

"Hmm."

Roko nodded.

"One more point."

"We must clearly convey a message to everyone entering Vanguard Valley."

"Vanguard Valley is a safe haven for all who are willing to abide by order and work diligently."

"Here, as long as you are willing to work hard, you can live a stable life."

"But for those who try to create chaos here or have ulterior motives, we will never be lenient!"

His voice carried a hint of unquestionable majesty.

Martina nodded solemnly.

"I understand."

"I will let Bake's subordinates cooperate in publicizing this matter."

"At the same time, I will also strengthen the screening and monitoring of newly arrived people."

In the following days, the entire Vanguard Valley was immersed in a tense and busy atmosphere.

On the outskirts of the territory, large tracts of forest were cleared, and brand-new wooden houses rose from the ground, forming new residential areas.

Countless refugees, dragging their families, flocked from all directions.

They were ragged and sallow, their eyes filled with anxiety about the unknown and a longing for a stable life.

When they saw the busy construction scene in Vanguard Valley, saw the sophisticated equipment on the patrolling Storm Knights, and the stable smiles on the faces of the people of the territory...

The anxiety in their hearts was gradually replaced by a glimmer of hope.

Martina personally sat at the registration point at the entrance of the territory, directing her staff to register the incoming refugees, allocate housing, and distribute a small amount of relief food in an orderly manner.

Her voice was cold and crisp, but carried a convincing power.

Those refugees who were originally restless due to hunger and fatigue also gradually became orderly under her scheduling.

Roko was not idle either.

He often took Fula to patrol the newly built residential areas.

He would talk to the refugees who had just settled down, ask about their difficulties, and listen to their demands.

His innate affinity and his majesty as a lord could always easily soothe people's hearts.

"Lord Lord, thank you for taking us in!"

An elderly man with gray hair, bringing his family, knelt before Roko, tears streaming down his face.

His family had fled from a village in the eastern part of Xin Feng Province that had been looted by horse bandits, wandering all the way and almost starving to death on the road.

It was Vanguard Valley's scouts who discovered them and brought them here.

"Old man, please get up quickly."

Roko stepped forward and personally helped the old man up.

"Vanguard Valley welcomes everyone who is willing to abide by order and work diligently."

"As long as you are willing to work hard, you can live a good life here."

Similar scenes played out almost every day.

Vanguard Valley had already become the legendary "safe haven" in the eyes of these desperate refugees, the only hope they had in this chaotic world.

The surge in population also brought unprecedented vitality to Vanguard Valley.

A large amount of labor was invested in the various construction projects of the territory.

Farmland was reclaimed, roads were built, and houses were constructed; the entire Vanguard Valley was like a machine running at high speed, full of vigorous vitality.

Of course, problems followed.

The consumption rate of food far exceeded Martina's initial estimates.

Fortunately, Earl Adrian and Viscount Zewen were still able to provide a stable supply of materials.

Especially Earl Adrian, who, upon learning that Vanguard Valley was taking in a large number of refugees and providing them with shelter, had a few more points of appreciation for Roko.

He not only further increased the supply of materials to Vanguard Valley but also gave greater discounts on prices.

In his words, Roko Raymond was preserving the vitality of the Black Kingdom, a deed of immeasurable merit.

To this, Roko just smiled indifferently.

Everything he did was first for Vanguard Valley, for himself.

If he could do some "meritorious" things along the way, he didn't mind.

Days passed.

The population of Vanguard Valley soon broke through the 100,000 mark.

And it was still growing at an astonishing speed.

The scope of the territory was also constantly expanding.

The originally desolate valley gradually became densely populated and vibrant.

This day, Martina came to Roko's study again, her face carrying a hint of exhaustion that could not be hidden, but more of it was excitement.

"Roko, tell you a good news."

"The registered population of our Vanguard Valley has officially broken through 200,000!"

"200,000!"

Even though Roko had psychological preparations, when he heard this number, ripples still couldn't help but rise in his heart.

A population of 200,000 was already a territory of considerable scale in Xin Feng Province.

You know, the entire Xin Feng Province only had a population of a few million.

"This is indeed good news."

A sincere smile appeared on Roko's face.

"However, Martina, you look very tired."

His gaze carried a hint of concern.

Martina rubbed her brow, her snow-white fox ears drooping somewhat listlessly.

"No way, there are too many people, and too many things."

"I feel like I'm fighting a war every day."

"However, seeing the territory grow stronger day by day, this kind of tiredness is worth it."

Her voice carried a hint of small pride.

"You've worked hard."

Roko said sincerely.

He knew very well that Martina deserved the greatest credit for the situation Vanguard Valley had today.

"Hmph, I know."

Martina snorted proudly, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but rise slightly.

"By the way, there is one more thing."

She seemed to remember something and took out a scroll made of special material from her bosom.

"This was sent by Patriarch Bagelumu of the Stone Hammer Tribe."

"He said they have made some new breakthroughs in smelting and forging technology recently."

"Inviting you to go to the mining area to take a look when you have time."

"A new breakthrough for the dwarf race?"

A hint of interested light flashed in Roko's eyes.

The cooperation with the Stone Hammer Tribe had always been the top priority for the development of Vanguard Valley.

The exquisite forging craftsmanship of the dwarf race provided huge help for the improvement of Vanguard Valley's military strength.

"It seems our good neighbor has brought us a surprise again."

Roko stood up, a hint of expectation on his face.

"Fula, prepare the horses."

"Let's go to the mining area to take a look."

The mining area in the northwest of Vanguard Valley had now changed its appearance greatly.

On the originally desolate hillside, sturdy barracks and workshops had been built.

The towering chimneys were spewing thick smoke with the smell of sulfur day and night.

The clanging sound of hammering, the whistling of bellows, and the rough singing of the dwarves rang out continuously.

When Roko and his party arrived at the mining area, Patriarch Bagelumu was shirtless, revealing developed muscles, holding a huge forging hammer in his hand.

He was directing the dwarf craftsmen under his command to hammer a red-hot iron ingot into shape.

Sparks splashed, reflecting his face, which was flushed red with excitement.

"Lord Roko, you finally came!"

Seeing Roko, Bagelumu put down the hammer in his hand and greeted him with a big laugh.

He exuded a strong smell of sweat and alcohol, but his eyes were unusually bright.

"Patriarch Bagelumu, looking at you, you seem to be in a good mood?"

Roko responded with a smile.

"Haha, more than just good, it's simply too good!"

Bagelumu patted Roko on the shoulder hard, with such force that Roko felt a slight sink.

"Our Stone Hammer Tribe recently found some records about special alloy smelting in the ancient books left by our ancestors."

"After our repeated experiments these days, we have finally made some breakthroughs!"

He leaned close to Roko mysteriously and lowered his voice.

"We have successfully smelted a brand-new alloy material."

"The weapons and armor forged with this alloy are far superior to the past in terms of sharpness, toughness, and conductivity to Battle Qi!"

"Oh?"

Roko's eyes flashed with brilliance when he heard this.

He knew very well that the talent of the dwarf race in forging was incomparable to other races.

Their "far superior to the past" was definitely not a simple improvement.

"Take me to see it."

Roko said somewhat impatiently.

Bagelumu chuckled, revealing a mouthful of teeth stained yellow by alcohol.

"I knew you kid would be interested."

"Follow me!"

He led Roko and his party into

Inside the workshop, the temperature was extremely high.

Several huge furnaces were burning fiercely.

A few experienced Dwarf masters were operating various strange tools with focused expressions.

On the forging table in the center of the workshop, several newly forged weapons and pieces of armor were placed.

That was a knight's longsword with a simple style, a set of heavy armor covering the whole body, and a kite-shaped shield shimmering with metallic luster.

These pieces of equipment presented a deep dark gold color throughout.

The surface was covered with fine, flowing-water-like patterns.

Under the illumination of the lights, they flickered with a chilling cold light.

Just by taking a glance, one could feel the powerful strength contained within them.

"This is a sample forged using our newly developed 'Obsidian Gold' alloy."

Bagelumu pointed to the equipment, his tone full of pride.

"Obsidian Gold?"

Rocco walked to the dark gold knight's longsword, reached out, and gently touched the cold blade.

Upon contact, a heavy texture was felt.

The blade was incomparably sharp; it seemed that a light touch would be enough to cut the skin.

He could clearly feel that the metal energy contained in this sword was far purer and more majestic than any weapon he had seen before.

"This Obsidian Gold is smelted using high-quality iron ore, a specialty of Vanguard Valley, as the main ingredient, supplemented by several rare minerals collected from the depths of the Dwarf Mountains, through a special secret method."

Bagelumu explained from the side.

"Its hardness is more than three times that of ordinary refined iron."

"Its toughness also far exceeds that of hundred-refined steel."

"Most importantly, its affinity and conductivity for Battle Qi have reached an astonishing level."

"Weapons forged from it can maximize the power of a knight's Battle Qi."

"And armor made from it can provide more powerful defense and effectively weaken the damage of Battle Qi attacks."

Rocco's eyes became brighter and brighter.

He picked up the Obsidian Gold longsword and swung it a few times at will.

The blade cut through the air, emitting a low whistle.

He could feel that the Flame Battle Qi within his body and this sword had produced a wonderful resonance, as if this sword was an extension of his arm, capable of perfectly carrying and releasing his power.

"Good sword!"

Rocco praised sincerely.

"If this batch of Obsidian Gold equipment can be equipped on a large scale for our Storm Knights, our overall combat effectiveness will be raised to a whole new level!"

Hearing this, Bagelumu laughed proudly.

"That goes without saying!"

"However, the smelting and forging of this Obsidian Gold are extremely difficult, and the requirements for the craftsmanship of the artisans are also very harsh."

"Moreover, the output of the required rare minerals is also very limited."

"Therefore, in the short term, I'm afraid we cannot achieve large-scale mass production."

His tone carried a hint of slight regret.

Rocco pondered for a moment and said.

"We can think of ways to solve the output problem slowly."

"Vanguard Valley is vast; perhaps we can find similar rare mineral veins in other places."

"As for the craftsmanship of the artisans, I believe that with the wisdom and diligence of the Dwarf race, they will definitely be able to overcome it."

"Most importantly, we now possess this powerful technology."

"This means that we possess a trump card that is ahead of other forces."

His gaze became scorching.

"Patriarch Bagelumu, I hope the Stone Hammer Tribe can apply this Obsidian Gold forging technology to the equipment upgrade of our Storm Knights as soon as possible."

"Prioritize forging a batch of the finest weapons and armor for our core knights."

Bagelumu patted his chest and guaranteed.

"Lord Rocco, don't worry!"

"Since our Stone Hammer Tribe has allied with Vanguard Valley, we will naturally go all out."

"From today on, the production focus of our workshop will shift entirely to the forging of this Obsidian Gold equipment!"

"In three months at most, I guarantee that your Storm Knights will be fully upgraded!"