Sorcery Monarch

Chapter 83: Matthew's Thoughts

Walking into the clothing factory, Matthew immediately saw dozens of busy figures.

Under the direction of several mid-level tailors, the female workers with sewing experience were working according to a tight and orderly schedule.

What surprised Matthew was.

The cutting of each piece of clothing was done by a single female worker.

This made him internally question:

"Something's off. Why are they still using such primitive production methods?"

"Even though they have sewing machine-like tools, why haven't they implemented basic assembly line production?"

Before his rise in the game, Matthew had visited some factories in big cities, even though it was to work as a bodyguard for security missions. He had seen their production processes.

Various semi-automated production machines were not inferior to those in the real world.

The standard assembly line production process, combined with a magical touch of integrated control, had left Matthew marveling for quite some time.

But now, the reality left Matthew confused. He never expected the production techniques to be so backward.

"My previous self's memories mostly focused on learning spells and studying arcane magic. The bits of knowledge I have are just family insights picked up over time."

"I still lack a comprehensive understanding of the world's basic systems. I must gather more information…"

Thinking this, Matthew’s expression remained unchanged.

He waved to the workers, signaling them to continue their work.

He overheard their whispered conversations—mostly excitement and joy. Beside him, Ralph the steward reported:

"Currently, the clothing factory employs six mid-level tailors and 45 other workers. More recruits are on the way."

"The main output is linen clothing. So far, we've produced 1,540 sets, with an average of 100 sets per day. In the future, production could reach 300 sets per day."

"The total monthly wage expenditure is 5 gold and 25 silver coins, and we can produce 3,000 sets of clothing per month, each valued at 50 copper coins. If sold, it would generate 15 gold coins."

Ralph's eyebrows relaxed slightly as he said this, clearly satisfied with the factory's profitability.

After all, the lord had been spending money lavishly, continually investing in the territory's development, and no amount of wealth could keep up with that pace.

Finally, there were some returns to see.

After leaving the clothing factory, Matthew patiently toured each of the other factories.

He quickly noticed that most of the factories still used relatively primitive methods, more like large-scale workshops rather than advanced manufacturing facilities.

He took his time talking with mid- and senior-level personnel and found that the situation was similar to that of the clothing factory.

The overall production method was largely individualistic—differing only in terms of technical skill.

As he left the industrial area, Matthew gazed thoughtfully at the steady flow of the Silvermoon River.

"The efficiency is still too low…"

"Even without modifying the tools, simply implementing an assembly line could increase efficiency by four or five times…"

"From this, it seems that the influence of players on the game world in my past life was quite significant. Many of the inventions came from players…"

"These are assets I can use, but it will require the territory’s development and my own strength to accumulate..."

"At the current stage, even something as simple as assembly line production can't be introduced yet…"

"Many improvements similar to assembly line production are too easy to copy."

"Before my strength reaches a certain level, introducing simple inventions would be a death sentence..."

"Other factions’ interests are only one side of the equation. The unseen hand targeting me has yet to show itself..."

The enemy behind the assassination attempt hadn’t surfaced yet, and Matthew didn’t want to make himself too conspicuous.

Mercy can be tolerated, and developing the territory can be accepted.

Revolutionary inventions, however, could easily draw suppression!

"The plan to mass-produce alchemical potions on an assembly line will have to be postponed to avoid attracting unwanted trouble..."

"Ah, development is far more than just innovation..."

"In this world, full of hidden dangers, strength is the only real power!"

Realizing the importance of strength, Matthew decided to shift more of his focus towards personal power development.

Using the boundless possibilities of an arcanist to drive the territory's rapid growth!

Fortunately, Matthew’s previous heavy investment in the territory was already showing some returns.

"Ding! Your hired adventurer Chris has killed 2 gnolls, gaining 40 experience points!"

"Ding! Your hired adventurer Alice has killed 1 gnoll warrior, gaining 60 experience points!"

"Ding…"

Every battle the adventurers fought.

Brought Matthew a steady stream of experience points.

Though each individual battle didn’t yield much, it accumulated to a substantial amount.

From this perspective, Matthew’s plan to attract adventurers had clearly succeeded.

Just a few days of effort had already netted him over 5,000 experience points, causing his experience points to steadily rise again.

It was clear that as the adventurers' success continued to grow, it would draw even more adventurers to the area.

When that happened, the number of adventurers would increase, bringing Matthew even more experience points.

Experience points were only the first benefit these adventurers provided.

What Matthew valued even more was the clearance of dangers in the Dark Forest and the discovery and collection of various resources during their troll hunts.

Riding in a carriage, Matthew and Ralph the steward arrived at the expanding lumberyard camp.

Around the lumberyard, over a thousand kobolds were enjoying their food. The cooked meals, seasoned with oil and salt, were a rare treat for them.

Though they feared the occasional ray of sunlight, being able to eat their fill without fighting or suffering was the most comfortable and happiest time the kobolds had ever experienced.

Digging soil and carrying rocks and sand was far better than being crammed into the pitch-black mines.

The kobolds, with their simple minds, didn’t think much beyond this—they were gradually getting used to this new life.

The sharp crack of a whip startled the well-fed kobolds.

They knew all too well—it was time to start digging again!

Matthew watched as the kobolds dug trenches that would enclose a lumberyard four times its original size.

This growing camp would serve as Bay Village’s base for exploring and developing the Dark Forest.

In Matthew’s plans, the camp’s perimeter would be fortified with stone walls to conceal the kobolds’ mining operations.

Of course, the kobolds’ numbers were still insufficient, and their bodies not yet strong enough—they needed more time to develop.

Entering the camp and seeing more adventurers gathering there, Matthew’s eyes filled with anticipation.

The Dark Forest would be the first stepping stone for his rapid rise!