Global Coming: Farming with my sister-in-law in the end times

Chapter 894 The Flourishing and Prosperous Starfire City.

Beside a group of managers, a polar man, less than 1.5 meters tall with a thick beard, stood respectfully to the side, holding a hammer.

This is Duan, the territory's personnel manager, who is responsible for the daily work and reassignment of all staff members in the territory.

His small frame seemed to contain boundless energy as he gazed devoutly at his lord.

In addition, there were two elderly men of similar age standing on the other side.

They are Zelko from the village of Pufeng and old Mel.

Zelko is now the agricultural director of the territory, while old Mel is the livestock director.

The two elderly men nervously rubbed their knees with their rough hands, clearly not used to such a formal occasion.

They all took their seats, gazing at the man on the throne with varying expressions, a tense yet expectant atmosphere filling the air.

Cao Xing looked around and, seeing that everyone had arrived, tapped the armrest of the throne with his knuckles and said, "Next, I will lead some members of the territory out for a period of time."

"Before leaving, I need to get a grasp of the current situation in the territory and Starfire City."

"Now, everyone, please organize your thoughts and then report on your work over the past few months."

He paused, then looked at an old man in the corner. “Let’s start with Mr. Mel, the livestock supervisor of our territory.”

Upon hearing Cao Xing call his name, Old Melton's expression immediately brightened, and he looked somewhat nervous.

However, he quickly adapted and pulled a piece of parchment from his waist.

Old Mel took a deep breath and began to read, "My lord, in recent months..."

"The magical creatures of the territory: the Cloud Yak has given birth to a total of 32 calves, and the total number of cattle has exceeded 250."

"Among them, there are 67 cows that can produce milk, which can produce about 800 kilograms of 'magic milk' every day."

"Based on the current growth rate, the herd can exceed 400 head within a year, and produce about 3000 kilograms of hair annually."

"In addition, there are the Lightfeather Chickens. The number of these magical birds has exceeded 1500 and is still increasing at a rate of 15% per month."

"These bare-feathered chickens can now lay 400 to 500 eggs every day."

"These eggs and milk are stored in warehouses in the East District, where Ms. Marita is responsible for trading with the chambers of commerce or selling them in shops throughout the city."

After a pause, Old Mel continued, "In addition, Starfire City has recruited quite a few new people in the past two months, some of whom are farmers from the nearby area."

"In order to join Starfire City, they contributed their cattle and sheep."

"The total number of bighorn goats and dairy cows in the territory has exceeded two thousand."

“I have moved all these ordinary livestock to a temporary pasture in the outer city and arranged for someone to take care of them.”

"That concludes the latest situation regarding the territory's livestock area."

As soon as Old Mel finished speaking, a soft murmur of admiration rippled through the lobby.

Marita quickly recorded the data in the ledger, while the agricultural supervisor, Zelko, looked thoughtful.

After listening to his report, Cao Xing nodded and said, "Not bad, you can continue with the current management method from now on."

"Mr. Mel is in charge of taking care of the magical creatures in the territory, while the ordinary yaks and goats outside are managed by people sent over."

Mel replied respectfully, "Yes, my lord."

Immediately afterwards, Cao Xing looked at the agricultural supervisor beside him and said, "Village Chief Zelko, it's your turn."

Upon hearing this, the old man immediately stood up and wiped his rough hands on his clothes.

After bowing respectfully, he began to report: "Reporting to the Lord."

"Following your instructions and with Mr. Duan's assistance, in addition to the two hundred acres of fertile land within our territory, we have also cultivated another twenty thousand acres of fertile land outside Starfire City, within the area covered by the shield."

"Currently, the two hundred acres of fertile land within the territory are all planted with magical plants that can bring economic benefits, such as: agate grapes, dream vines, and Kurin barley, etc..."

"These crops are growing very well, and the yields each quarter are quite substantial."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "The 20,000 mu of fertile land outside the territory is planted with ordinary barley, rice, rye, and various vegetables."

"Under that magical shield, the temperature and ecology of the territory are very stable."

"Now, the daily work of more than 100 villagers in Puteng Village is to take care of these crops."

At this point, a satisfied smile appeared on his face: "When the range of our territory's shield continues to expand and more fertile land is cultivated, we will be able to achieve complete self-sufficiency in food."

After listening to his report, Cao Xing nodded in satisfaction once again.

He exclaimed in admiration, "You've done very well, Mr. Zelko."

"Next, you should continue to expand the planting scale in the agricultural area. Where permitted, magical plants can also be planted on a large scale."

At this point, Cao Xing looked at the Nen Queen beside him: "Victoria, since our agricultural area is outside the city, it is not protected by city walls."

"Therefore, we need to send out more soldiers to patrol regularly, and the watchtowers should also keep a close eye on the activity in the farmland area, understand?"

The former queen nodded slightly: "Yes, Your Majesty."

"I will deploy 300 elite soldiers and 100 air troops to form a patrol team."

After learning about the territory's agriculture and animal husbandry, Cao Xing turned to the polar man beside him and asked, "Duan, how are the territory's staff doing lately?"

As the current personnel manager of the territory, Duan immediately straightened his back: "My lord, since the glorious battle has spread throughout the entire Western Continent, Starfire City has been receiving a large number of new people every day recently."

"They all want to join our Starfire City, to join this great territory."

"I selected a group of strong and healthy newcomers or those with special skills, and after rigorous training, they were assigned to various departments."

"The number of staff in the territory has now exceeded ten thousand."

"Eight thousand of them are responsible for the daily maintenance of Xinghuo City, the construction of various new facilities, and the expansion of the outer city."

"The other two thousand are specially trained logistics personnel, including apprentice pharmacists, blacksmiths, and magicians..."

The polar man spoke at length, then solemnly asked, "Do you think this allocation is appropriate?"

Cao Xing nodded slightly. "That's good. We can proceed with the current arrangement."

"While ensuring the territory functions properly, we should cultivate more talent."

"You've done a great job in this regard."

After receiving the lord's praise, the polar man couldn't help but show pride and excitement on his face!
Cao Xing continued, "I understand the situation regarding the people in the territory. Besides that, how are the buildings in the territory doing, and what about the things I recently asked you to make?"

Duan immediately replied, "My lord, most of the buildings in the territory have been completed, and the city walls and arrow towers have all been upgraded to hero level."

"Including those special buildings: the [Grand Archmage Tower], the [Royal Knights' Hall], the [God Blood Warrior Arena], and the [Sharpshooter Sniper Platform], all of which have been completed and put into use."

"Your Lord's Castle and Power Station have also been upgraded to the maximum level of 30."

"Now, most of the buildings in the territory have been built to the current level limit."

"In addition, I have recently produced a total of 472 return scrolls that you asked me to make."

After he finished speaking, he respectfully placed a green backpack on the ground: "Please take a look."

Cao Xing took the backpack and then took out everything inside.

[Received: 472 Return Scrolls]

...

When the notification sounded, a sense of joy welled up inside me.

Because he was about to lead his people to the [Eternal Frozen Sea], which was tens of thousands of kilometers away from his territory.

In addition, the vast ocean makes travel time very time-consuming, so these [Return Scrolls] make things much more convenient.

He looked up, about to offer a compliment to this polar person.

Then he noticed Duan's hesitant expression and asked, "Duan, is there anything else?"

The polar man clenched his fist and nodded, saying, "Indeed, there is something important I need to report to you!"

"Some time ago, you asked us to build a demigod-level war machine: the [Dramman Light Cannon]. With the resource assistance of the four kingdoms, we, together with the goblin master Walker, have finally completed the construction of one unit!"

"Now, the light cannon is placed in the buffer zone and is guarded by a team of elite soldiers in shifts."

"When the lord has time, he can go and take a look."

Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Cao Xing's eyes. The [Dramman Light Cannon] was the most powerful weapon of war he had ever acquired!

A single beam cannon can deal over 100 million damage per second and can fire a beam for 10 seconds at a time.

If all targets are hit, it could cause at least 10 billion in terrifying damage!
Moreover, this time, Cao Xing prepared materials for a total of four units.

If all four light cannons are built and then fired in unison, the damage would be a whopping 4 billion. You can imagine what that means!

Even when Malenina unleashed her demigod powers, she couldn't achieve this level of damage!
Of course... if calculated in terms of damage per second, Marlena's full burst damage over 10 seconds could be far more than 40 billion.

Regardless, this gives the territory an extra trump card!

If used properly, this thing can blast away demigods!
Cao Xing smiled slightly: "Very good, this progress has exceeded my expectations."

"Pass the word down to the goblin Locke and the other technicians to provide full assistance and continue to accelerate production."

"I need to see the other three [Draman Light Cannons] completed within a month."

Duan's expression hardened, and he solemnly replied, "Yes, I guarantee I will complete the mission!"

After the HR manager finished his report, Cao Xing looked at the Queen of the Kingdom beside him.

Victoria is also currently the diplomat and sheriff of Starfire City.

"Victoria, give me a report on your situation."

The Nen Queen rose gracefully, placing one hand on her chest in a standard courtly salute. Her voice was clear yet authoritative: "In the past two months, Starfire City has made significant progress in both military etiquette and diplomacy."

"I am reporting to you from two directions."

"The first aspect is the troop strength of Starfire City."

"In addition to the 6,000 core combat personnel within our territory, we received another 100,000 elite soldiers after that great battle."

"In addition, many forces have recently pledged allegiance, especially some powerful mercenary groups in the North who have come to join us, bringing with them all the strongest members of their teams."

"Currently, the territory has a military strength of 15..."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "With this level of troop strength, I feel we've reached the limit for Starfire City."

"Unless our cities expand again, we cannot support more soldiers."

"Your opinion is ..."

Cao Xing pondered for a moment, then looked up and replied, "In a non-war situation, our Starfire City doesn't need so many troops."

"Instead of letting them sit idle in the city and consume large amounts of food every day, we should find them something to do."

He raised his hand and ordered, "Duan, after this meeting, go to the city and build a [Bureau of Commissions] to accept all kinds of commissioned tasks."

"From cleaning up food rats in the fields, driving away wandering evil spirits, and slaying low-level magical beasts, to participating in the exploration of ruins and the suppression of rebel strongholds..."

"As long as sufficient compensation is provided, and the mission is confirmed to be non-evil, it can be accepted, and a corresponding number of troops will be dispatched to carry it out."

He said calmly, "I will bestow a simple blessing upon all these newlyweds to enhance their ability to survive."

"Then let the Iron Rose Mercenary Group leader, Talia, assist in management, and she will be responsible for assessing the difficulty of the mission and allocating combat power."

When Cao Xing finished speaking, a hint of surprise appeared in the eyes of all the managers in the conference hall, as if they had not expected the lord to adopt this mercenary-style management approach.

After all, Cao Xing is now the recognized overlord of the Northern Territory, and in theory, he doesn't need to take on these trivial commissions.

However, Cao Xing didn't care at all about his so-called status as the overlord of the Northern Territory.

He knew that only when he was strong enough and his territory had enough resources could he have real confidence!
Moreover, there are many benefits to sending these soldiers.

It can maintain order not only in the surrounding areas but also in the entire Ice Crystal Kingdom, ensuring the safety of civilians.

In addition, these soldiers can gain combat experience while fighting, and also earn extra income for the territory, so why not?

After a moment, Victoria bowed slightly: "Your wisdom is admirable. I will make the preparations after the meeting."

Then, Victoria continued her report: "Another matter is the diplomatic situation within the territory."

"Since that battle, the entire Western Continent now knows your name and the prestige of the City Lord of Starfire City."

"And beyond the North, many kingdoms sent envoys and precious gifts."

"They hope to establish an alliance with Starfire City, and seven duchies have even offered to become vassal states..."

"However... it seems they only want to use our name to intimidate the several covetous countries around us..."

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing's lips curled into a cold smile: "An opportunist."

"Tell them that if they want to join the Northern Alliance, they must first show sufficient sincerity."

"Each country shall send more than 30% of its troops to the Northern Alliance and provide them with six months' worth of military supplies."

"Also... tell them that this month is the last chance."

"After this month ends, a catastrophe that will sweep across the continent may befall us..."

"By then, even if they wanted to join, they wouldn't have the chance..."

Upon hearing the lord's words that a calamity might sweep across the continent next month, everyone's expressions varied.

Some people looked worried, while others were filled with anxiety.

But after seeing the majestic and powerful figure of the man on the throne, they gradually felt relieved.

Victoria nodded knowingly: "I will convey your conditions, and I believe we will be able to identify true allies soon."

After learning about the territory's military strength and diplomatic situation, Cao Xing looked at the elegant woman beside him and said in a gentle tone, "Marita, how is the territory's finances?"

The pregnant finance official rose gracefully and gently stroked her swollen belly.

"My lord, the territory's finances are currently booming."

"Currently, the top merchant guilds in the Western Continent, namely the Black Lion Merchant Guild and the Moon Goddess Merchant Guild, have established long-term cooperative relationships with Starfire City."

"Including some smaller guilds nearby, such as the Woodpecker Guild and the Silverstalk Guild, they have all moved into Starfire City."

"They sell the precious resources such as magical crops and magical beast materials produced in their territory every day to all parts of the world, in exchange for a large amount of food and some rare mineral resources."

At this point, she raised her head and said softly, "Recently, the Giant Chamber of Commerce, one of the three top chambers of commerce, also wants to establish trade relations with us."

"However, considering the rather unique nature of this chamber of commerce's business, Mr. Cao Yi, the administrative officer, and I have decided to decline their cooperation request... What do you think?"

The special business that Marita mentioned was, of course, the human and slave trade, which was also the main business of the Giants Trading Company.

The Crystal Clan and Queen Victoria of Nen in Cao Xing's territory were purchased from this merchant guild.

It must be said that the slave trade was indeed an extremely profitable industry.

In particular, in this cruel world, the human trafficking trade is unregulated.

If it develops, it will indeed be an important source of income.

But everyone present clearly remembered that Cao Xing had said this in front of everyone.

In his territory, there were no slaves and no nobles.

There is only loyalty to or disloyalty to the territory.

Everyone is equal here, as long as you can make a contribution.

Cao Xing nodded slightly in agreement and said, "Your decision is correct. Starfire City will not allow the slave trade."

Marita smiled with satisfaction and continued her report: "In addition, there are the rents for the various shops in the territory, as well as the taxes from the trading market."

"In particular, the weapons produced by those craftsmen were very popular among wandering knights and mercenaries."

"After deducting the rare resources and materials that the ten kingdoms regularly pay tribute to, the current monthly fiscal revenue of the territory is..."

She opened a brand new ledger, her red lips parted slightly: "Monthly income is... 5.43 billion kronor!"

When this astonishing number was announced, a collective gasp filled the hall.

Even the usually composed elder Cao Yi couldn't help but tremble with his fingers...

……

(End of this chapter)