Above the mage

All points allocated in Chapter 294

Phoenix, City Hall.

Gao De was working at his desk.

He was doing a calculation problem:

Regarding how many acres of land the Ministry of Agriculture needs to reclaim in the future, and how many people Phoenix needs to invest in the planting industry.

Taking into account individual differences such as children, young adults, the elderly, men, and women, and taking an average, a person needs to consume at least 0.5 kilograms of barley per day.

The Zhenbing tribe currently has a population of approximately 50, but it is foreseeable that once the food problem is solved, it will inevitably experience a population explosion.

Therefore, the first round of farming can still be carried out to meet the grain needs of 50 people, but in terms of land reclamation and manpower, the plan should be set at least to meet the food needs of five million people.

Five million people, each consuming 0.5 kilograms of barley per day, for 360 days a year.

That year, 90000 million kilograms of barley were needed.

The yield will be calculated based on the initial target of "120 kg per mu". Barley can be planted three times a year, and the issue of crop rotation will not be considered for the time being. In other words, one mu of land can produce 360 ​​kg of barley per year.

This requires the reclamation of 2.5 million mu of farmland.

In practice, a certain safety factor also needs to be considered to cope with the impact of factors such as weather changes and pests. For now, the safety factor is set at the highest level of 20%, which means that three million mu of land needs to be reclaimed.

Three million acres of land. You have to understand that there are no highly mechanized machines like tractors, excavators, or bulldozers in this world.

However, there are some spells that can serve as alternatives, such as [Earth Shaping], but a mage's magical power is limited, and it takes time for mana to recover.

Moreover, mages are always a minority, while ordinary people are the majority, even in the Zhenbing tribe.

In short, reclaiming three million acres of land would be an epic undertaking, even if the land is already basically leveled and no large-scale terrain modification is needed.

However, one must take things one step at a time; this is still just the final idea.

In the initial stage, it is only necessary to cultivate enough land to support a population of 500,000.

That's 300,000 mu.

In addition, Gaode believes that with Flora's support, the yield per mu of barley will only increase, and reaching a yield of more than 200 kilograms per mu in the future will definitely not be a problem.

This is only his conservative estimate.

With the support of extraordinary power, it is not entirely impossible to achieve yields per acre that exceed those of modern agricultural technology in the previous life.

Even with magic to help with some of the work in the 300,000 mu of barley fields, most of the work still has to be done manually.

Based on current agricultural technology and tools, at least 40,000 permanent workers would be needed.

Fortunately, the relatively primitive structure of the Zhenbing tribe means that most people's main job is to obtain food.

This also allows the Zhenbing tribe to be completely "targeted" and "deliver results precisely," unlike developed societies with a clear division of labor where it is difficult to allocate so many people to new jobs at once.

"The three-step approach is to cultivate 300,000 mu of barley fields, recruit 40,000 farmers, and transform the diet of the Zhenbing tribe into an agricultural one, replacing meat as the staple food with grains."

"The second step is to gradually cultivate three million mu of barley fields, increasing grain production to 90000 million kilograms per year, which will initially meet Phoenix's future expansion needs for grain."

"The third step is to improve work efficiency and quality. Under the current circumstances, three million mu of farmland would require 400,000 people as permanent laborers."

"It would take 400,000 full-time farmers to feed 5 million people. Under modern agricultural technology, one farmer can feed 100 people. In developed countries, one farmer can even feed more than 150 people."

"It's unrealistic to expect the North to reach that level, but it's not unreasonable to expect a full-time farmer to support 30 people. After all, magic exists in this world, it just needs further development."

"We aim to reduce the number of full-time farmers to below 200,000, while also reclaiming at least 500,000 mu of land as reserve land."

"The task is arduous and the road ahead is long." Gao De put down the sheepskin he had written so densely on and let out a long sigh.

Although it was a huge project, he didn't feel too tired.

Because all of this is feasible and promising, although there will inevitably be some twists and turns and unexpected events in the process, as long as we follow the expected procedure, there should be no mistakes.

In addition, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from doing something like this is so strong that it can completely overshadow the hardship of the process.

Ensuring that all the people of the North have enough to eat is such a magnificent undertaking that countless people would sacrifice their lives for it. What is a little hardship compared to that?

"My king, these are the first-line ley line creatures that our clan's ice-blooded mages encountered and captured while hunting, as per your request. However, some ley line creatures are quite rare, so we were unable to gather seven."

Not long after returning home from the city hall, Elder Lanwen arrived with a small group of people to report to Gao De.

They brought a very large number of ley line creatures with them.

Before hybrid barley was developed, the Zhenbing tribe relied mainly on fish from the Arctic Lake and hunting by hunters for their food.

On his first day back in Phoenix, God made a request to all the hunters:

When hunting, if you see a creature from the first ring of the earth, try to capture some alive for it without hindering your own movement.

These captured first-line ley line creatures don't need to be perfectly intact; they just need to be alive. Also, only seven of each type of ley line creature are needed—no more.

On the snowfield, carrying weight is a very valuable metric, and too much should not be wasted on meaningless things.

Therefore, each hunting team that goes out can usually only bring back one or two live ley line creatures per trip.

However, the advantage lies in the fact that the Zhenbing tribe has a large number of Iceborn mages and hunters. So even if each hunter team can only bring back one or two first-ring ley line creatures, the total number is still extremely large.

What Gaode is currently facing is a group of creatures from the first ring of ley lines, each with a different form, but all looking extremely pitiful and on the verge of death:

Frost Goblins are humanoid creatures that can create simple and crude weapons. They do not possess any extraordinary abilities; their only outstanding qualities are strength and tenacious vitality.

The blue mushroom is a strange leyline creature that grows to the same height as a person and has the appearance of a blue mushroom. It attacks by whipping living things within its reach with its tentacles, which contain toxins.

The cave-dwelling snow worm is a large, worm-like creature with four tentacles. It usually hides in ice crevices, patiently waiting for prey to come to it, and then attacks with its tentacles.

Looking at these various kinds of ley line creatures, Gao De was as excited as if he had seen a pile of gold.

Because these are not just creatures from the earth's veins, they are all pure white "origin"!

Thinking back to the days when they worked hard and diligently to earn their capital, and then looking at the present, how could Gaode not be excited?

His dream of having all his spell points allocated was about to come true—the variety of creatures living on the snowfield's ley lines was extremely rich.

"Thank you for your hard work." Gao De nodded slightly.

Then, he drew his sword, [North Wind], and walked up to the ley line creatures that had lost the ability to struggle. With a swift stroke, his sword fell, and one by one, their heads fell to the ground.

In the blink of an eye, eight complete first-ring origin points and three first-ring origins that are still progressing appeared in Gaode's origin column.

This gain is truly enormous.

"Elder Lanwen, this task will require the clansmen to continue. I still need any first-ring ley line creatures that I haven't collected all seven of. Those that I have already collected are no longer needed," Gao De instructed Elder Lanwen again.

As for his intentions, Gao De did not explain.

Because no explanation is needed.

He was the king of the Zhenbing tribe, and many things did not require explanation; he could simply give orders to them to do them.

"As for these, please trouble the elders to take them away. Those that can be used as food should be stored in the warehouse, and those that cannot should be disposed of," Gao De said, pointing to the corpses of the ley line creatures lying haphazardly on the ground.

"Yes, sir!" Elder Lanwen clenched his right fist and pounded his chest loudly in response.

Although Sunafa valued the matter at the pollen field very much, she did not deliberately hide it.

Therefore, the elders of the Zhenbing tribe have gradually learned about the cold-resistant wheat in the past few days.

Everyone who knew about this went to the pollen field to witness the "miracle" firsthand.

After witnessing firsthand the barley seedlings growing on the snow-covered plains, swaying in the cold wind, and learning that all of this came from Gaode, all the elders' trust in Gaode increased significantly.

It's no wonder that Elder Lanwen, a fourth-circle mage, was so excited when he met Gao De.

After Elder Lanwen and his men disposed of the corpses of these ley line creatures and left, Gao De could no longer contain his anticipation. He returned home and focused his attention on the simple information panel of "Wind Spirit Moon Shadow".

Spells:

1st Ring - [Gain a Pet+], [Tolerance to Environment+], [Wild Agility+], [Language Proficiency], [Ice Skating], [Shield], [Frozen Blade], [Wolf Speed], [Sensing Emotions], [Tidal Net].

There are a total of 10 first-level spells. The last two spells are ones I just learned in the last few days.

For a mage who has only been promoted to the first level for less than half a year, such a spell library can be described as luxurious.

Many mages, even by the mid-stage of the first ring, do not have as many spells as high-ranking mages.

Not to mention that of the 10 first-level spells that Gaode currently possesses, six are rare spells, which is more than half.

"Add, add a lot more!" Gao De, who had never been so generous before, waved his hand and focused his attention on the constantly flashing yellow "+" symbol after the spell "Language Proficiency".

hiss! !

With each point of the source energy consumed, the entire [Language Proficiency] entry trembled slightly, and then the "Big Dipper" left its nest and merged into the spell model of [Language Proficiency], branching out and sprouting leaves, just like the advancement of magical plants.

After a few breaths, the "+" sign after the spell "Language Proficiency" moved to a different position and stopped flashing.

[Proficient in Languages+] (Prophecy, 1st Ring):

During the spell's duration (one hour), you will know the literal meaning of all the languages ​​you hear.

Additional: During the spell's duration, you can write the corresponding text for all languages ​​you hear.

The changes have already happened. Although Gaode Maps hasn't yet figured out the specific application scenarios, something is better than nothing, and it will come in handy eventually.

Of course, most importantly, Gaode now has a sufficient amount of resources, so even if one or two useless points are added, he won't feel bad at all.

The main character is a rich guy!

"continue!"

Gaode didn't stop, shifting its attention to the flashing "+" sign after "Ice Skating".

"Add more for me!"

[Ice Skating+] (Change type, 1 ring):

Additional: Spell effects can stack with other spells that increase movement speed.

it is good!

Gao De secretly praised, "The improvement in [Ice Skating Skill+] is clearly visible."

A spell that can be stacked is a good spell.

Just like even the richest person would never think they have too much money.

"Again!"

Another bit of energy consumption.

A few breaths later, [Shield Spell] changed to [Shield Spell+].

[Shield Spell+] (Protection, 1st Ring):

An invisible magical shield appears around you, protecting you, and the spell will completely shield you from damage caused by magical missiles.

Additional: The duration and protective effect of Mana Shield have been improved to some extent.

better!

As a defensive spell, Shield is different from offensive spells, and God doesn't need it to come up with any strange new uses.

Directly enhancing spell effects, also known as "numerical enhancement," is the best approach for defensive spells!

"Wind Spirit Moon Shadow" never disappointed him.

"Again!"

The spirit of the High Priest is concentrated on four rare spells obtained from the Snowfield Guardians.

A moment later.

【Frozen Blade+】(Spellcaster, 1st Ring):

Creates a permanent ice crystal shard. After that, the spell can be cast again at any time to launch the ice crystal shard at a creature within a range (240 feet). If it hits, the target will suffer piercing damage and cold damage.

Spell damage can be increased by improving the quality of Ice Crystal Shards.

Additional: The ice crystal fragments have become smaller, making them easier to carry and conceal.

Sensing the new effect of [Frozen Blade+], Gao De had an idea and subconsciously cast a spell, shooting out the ice crystal shards he had hidden at his waist.

Whoosh!

A nearly imperceptible, transparent shadow flashed by.

The ice crystal fragments, which were originally the size of a dagger, suddenly became the thickness of a silver needle.

Looking at the frozen blade that should be called an ice needle rather than an ice crystal fragment, Gao De was dumbfounded and very surprised. He knew that the shape had become smaller, but who would have thought that it could be condensed to such a small size?

I love how it suddenly transformed from a sharp weapon into a concealed weapon!

While Gao De was secretly pleased, an idea struck him, and he chose to hide the ice needle in his right ear.

Two flowers bloom!

After experiencing the changes of [Frozen Blade+], Gao De was even more eager for the remaining three spells and hurriedly continued to consume his source energy to "add points".

[Wolf Speed+] (Alteration type, 1st ring):

Additional: During the spell's duration, you will gain Wolf Speed ​​and Wolf Jump (3-4 meters jump distance, 1.5-2 meters jump height).

There's not much to say; it's basically an upgrade from a "half-wolf" form to a "full-wolf" form, with the most noticeable improvement in movement in challenging terrains like jungles.

[Perceiving Emotions+] (Prophecy, 1st Ring):

You adjust your senses to receive the emotions of others for a period of time (up to ten minutes).

While you are casting this spell and until the spell ends, you may focus your senses on a humanoid creature that you can see around you (60 feet = 20 meters).

You immediately perceive the target's primary emotions, such as affection, anger, pain, fear, calmness, or others. If the target is not actually humanoid or possesses extremely strong mental resistance, you will sense a calming emotion.

Additional: Once the recipient becomes immune to the effects of this spell, unless the recipient's mental strength is far superior to yours, they will not be able to detect that this spell has been cast on them.

[Perceiving Emotions] is actually somewhat similar to Flora's talent for sensing the malice of others.

However, because Flora's ability is innate, she can sense the malice of even beings far more powerful than herself without needing to cast spells, and she remains undetected by them.

In comparison, the limitations of [Perceiving Emotions] are far greater. Not only do you have to actively cast spells, but you also have to compete in mental strength to make the spells effective.

If the recipient's mental strength is higher than one's own or they have the ability to increase their mental resilience, then the [Perception of Emotions] will not be effective.

That's not the main point. The main point is that if the recipient is immune to the effect of the [Sensing Emotions] spell, then while they are immune, they will also realize that you cast the spell on them—it's all or nothing.

If you fail, you'll most likely make enemies.

The "Perceive Emotions+" feature makes certain modifications in this regard.

Undoubtedly, this is a very practical direction for enhancement.

Satisfied, Gao De focused his attention on the last un-leveled first-circle spell.

After a few breaths:

[Tidal Net+] (Conjuration, 1st Ring):

You use magic to create a tidal net made of water, launching a ranged spell attack on a target you can see within casting range (120 feet = 40 meters). A large or smaller creature caught in the net will be bound, and the binding will last until the creature is freed.

Nets cannot affect anthropomorphic creatures or creatures of giant or larger size.

Creatures can break free from the nets with their powerful strength, or destroy the nets with their sharp claws, thus ending the binding effect.

Additional: The size of the Tidal Net can be increased by consuming additional mana to affect giant or larger creatures.

(End of this chapter)