System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 926 - 280: Offering Loyalty (10,000 Words) (Part 5)

Lynn considered the swift formation of a formidable heavy infantry unit a distinct possibility. Indeed, he could implement the specialized training regimen across all his soldiers. However, he also recognized that achieving this was not feasible in the immediate future. At the very least, he needed to allow sufficient time for the eight hundred prisoners to integrate with the existing townsfolk within his territory. They needed to experience the superior quality of life his territory offered and become accustomed to its established rhythm. It was only once their Loyalty Value had significantly increased that he would contemplate enlisting these prisoners into his military forces. As for any potential complications arising from assimilating these prisoners, Lynn harbored no worries. Regardless of their former status as peasants, freemen, or their current role as prisoners, the secure living environment and excellent conditions provided would undoubtedly appeal to anyone seeking a better life. Setting aside these thoughts, Lynn, accompanied by Red, proceeded into the Handicraft Workshop District. After passing several blacksmith shops, Lynn arrived at the Glass Workshop. Outside, multiple carriages were already being loaded with wooden crates, indicating that the glazed glass products selected by Grayson had been packed. Just as Lynn was about to enter, Grayson and George emerged. Upon seeing Lynn, George immediately lowered his head and greeted him. Grayson, meanwhile, offered a smile and inquired, "Master Lynn, have the prisoners been appropriately managed?" Lynn responded with a nod. Grayson's expression grew more serious as he stated, "As a Slave Merchant, my natural inclination is to ensure all transported slaves are sold successfully. However, Master Lynn, I view myself as your business partner as well. I feel compelled to remind you once more that these prisoners represent a double-edged sword! They possess considerable strength and could bolster your territory's military might. Conversely, if not handled with care, they could easily turn against you..." Lynn replied, "Thank you, Mr. Grayson, for your concern." "However, please rest assured, they have been dealt with properly." Witnessing Master Lynn's confident and composed demeanor, Grayson felt a measure of relief. "That is for the best," he affirmed. "I am eager to continue our trade, Master Lynn. By the way, I have already selected five hundred glazed glass products, which are now loaded onto the carriages. If there are no further instructions, this transaction will conclude here. You are aware that the Karedi Empire's war has commenced! No one can predict when the flames of conflict will engulf Kakasong City. I must prioritize transporting these slaves and exchanging goods with you as much as possible before the war reaches us! Once hostilities begin and Fisherman's Wharf is closed, my merchant vessels will be unable to dock..." Lynn nodded. At this point, Grayson expressed a hint of regret. "To be entirely candid, Master Lynn," he began, "my longship, before docking at Fisherman's Wharf, ventured into the Aladia River waters behind your territory, following the course of the Seine River." Lynn's eyebrows rose slightly. Due to the presence of a waterfall, he had not yet explored the area downstream. Despite possessing a map of the Karedi Empire, the Aladia River, being a border river between the Karedi Empire and the Elfini Empire, saw very little ship traffic owing to its challenging terrain. Consequently, the map lacked detailed information about this region, as personnel for in-depth exploration were scarce. Grayson continued, "I navigated the winding river for nearly ten days. Finally, I reached the waterfall at the remote end of your territory, the one you mentioned! The majestic torrents plunged from the waterfall, approximately seven to eight meters high, crashing forcefully into the deep pool below. The deafening roar overshadowed all other sounds within a radius of tens of meters! Layers of pristine white spray billowed upwards, reaching heights of one to two meters! The atmosphere was thick with a heavy, dense mist, completely shrouding the waters beneath the waterfall." Grayson then added with a touch of helplessness, "Master Lynn, attempting to overcome this waterfall relying solely on manpower... I believe it presents a significant challenge!" Lynn acknowledged, "I am currently contemplating this very matter." "Should I manage to procure a substantial quantity of sulfur, overcoming this waterfall would become a manageable task!" Previously, his focus had been on discovering a source of sulfur to synthesize gunpowder and create explosives. Now, however, his considerations had expanded to include not only producing gunpowder and explosives but also the potential repercussions of blasting and clearing the waterfall. In an optimistic scenario, merchants would be able to pilot their longships, laden with vast quantities of goods, directly to the area behind his territory. This would significantly reduce, if not eliminate, transportation time.

At the very least.

It can streamline the process for merchants, eliminating the need to switch between water and land transport.

However, thinking pessimistically...

The waterfall, acting as a natural defensive barrier, would be obliterated.

Should hostile forces seek to breach his domain.

They could pilot their warships directly behind his settlement!

Given the expansive riverbanks situated behind the town, enemy contingents could disembark with alarming ease.

If such a scenario were to unfold.

It would render the Weng City walls at the mountain forest pass, as well as the Outpost Fortress nestled among the rocks, utterly futile.