Of course, there are those beyond his current reach, but there are also resource points he can access right now. Whether the third, fifth, seventh, or eighth, they are all obtainable for him at present.
He even has some possibility of securing the first and second ones.
Gazing over the second and first ones, Thor's sight finally settled on the first.
Compared to unicorns, the iron ore is undoubtedly more beneficial for the development of the territory.
The only problem is the large Goblin Tribe, where typically there are thousands, possibly even several thousand goblins. With his current strength, taking down a large Goblin Tribe would still be somewhat difficult.
However, it's only somewhat difficult.
Compared to its enormous value, it's not a problem at all.
After all, aside from being currency, the iron ore greatly aids in territory construction and farmland development, as mentioned earlier, it can even serve as a major economic pillar for Eagle Ridge in the future.
This is extremely important.
At present, Eagle Ridge still has insufficient income, relying only on farming won't necessarily develop the territory.
For the territory to have a better future, seeking out its industry is of utmost importance.
This is the best choice.
Even if it requires some sacrifice, it is best to acquire it as soon as possible.
Night gradually deepened.
Thor finally made up his mind.
With the dawn's light falling.
Thor got up and summoned Steve.
"My Lord!"
Steve spoke respectfully.
"Gather some people to investigate the location fifty miles east of my territory; there seems to be a group of timid goblins there. I want to know exactly how many timid goblins there are!"
Thor issued the command.
"Yes!"
Steve was slightly surprised, but swiftly nodded in agreement.
Along the way, he had already witnessed his lord's amazing feats.
This time, there would naturally be no objections.
Seeing Steve off.
Thor then began to wait.
To seize the iron ore, he needs to be fully prepared.
And this step naturally involves understanding the number of timid goblins.
If there are only a thousand timid goblins, nothing more needs to be said; the 400 members of the Knight Order could overwhelm them. However, if there are thousands, then other methods must be considered.
"Hopefully, it's not too many!"
He whispered, his expression pensive.
Meanwhile, Steve quickly led his men to investigate the area fifty miles east.
This investigation.
Took approximately three days.
Until three days later, Steve hurriedly returned.
Along with an astonishing message.
Which was, the number of timid goblins in that eastern tribe was far more than he imagined.
Even with a preliminary three-day investigation, Steve could confirm that the number of timid goblins exceeded three or four thousand. In reality, it would only be more, perhaps reaching five thousand, or even six to seven thousand.
With such numbers.
Even Thor was taken aback upon hearing it.
Goblins are the weakest beastmen, almost the lowest in beastman tribes.
And timid goblins are even the weakest among goblins.
But it depends on the numbers.
If the numbers reach several thousand, perhaps six to seven thousand, even timid goblins would present considerable strength.
With merely over a hundred Apprentice Knights and fewer than forty Official Knights, taking them down, although possible, would incur heavy losses.
More importantly, with four hundred people, attempting to capture thousands of timid goblins is basically dreaming; once these timid goblins cannot be completely resolved, the large iron ore will inevitably suffer regular attacks, possibly even attracting other goblins and beastmen.
That would be the most deadly.
Currently, Eagle Ridge has no means to handle other beastmen.
Inside the room, Thor's brows furrowed slightly.
Steve waited silently by his side without interrupting.
"Steve, do you have any solutions for dealing with these goblins without letting them escape, at least not letting them escape en masse?"
After pondering for a moment, Thor's gaze turned to Steve, inquiring.
"This!"
Upon hearing Thor's words, Steve instinctively spoke, but paused halfway, his brows slightly furrowed, deep in thought.
Moments later.
Steve truly couldn't think of a solution.
"I don't know, my lord!"
Steve shook his head.
"Alright, you can leave now!"
"I'll think about it some more!"
Thor waved his hand, signaling Steve to leave, as he wasn't expecting him to come up with a solution.
Steve had potential but it was just potential, in other areas he was lacking.
This was quite normal.
For the initial construction of the territory, only strength was needed, so Count Engel Dresrosa chose knights with good potential for him.
Talents in other areas are likely to be selected when he becomes a Baron and returns to the family.
"Yes!"
Steve nodded, slowly retreating.
Once Steve left, Thor, deep in thought, also left the room, walking around the territory.
The territory now resembled a small town.
The roads were livelier.
Faces were filled with vigor and hope.
"My Lord!"
"My Lord!"
"Lord!"
"Lord!"
"Master!"
"Master!"
......
Voices emerged as he walked through the territory, various figures, whether knights, civilians, or peasant slaves, greeted him respectfully.
Unlike when he first entered the territory.
Especially those peasant slaves, even their eyes were fervent.
"Did you hear? The lord will grant freedom to some peasant slaves in three months. I wonder if I'll be one of them!"
"I heard! I hope I'm included; then I can become one of Eagle Ridge's Free People!"
"Ah, I don't know if I have a chance!"
Voices intertwined, and Thor's thoughtful expression couldn't help but break into a smile.
Yet, as the smile spread, a flash of insight struck his mind.
He then stopped in his tracks.
Because at this moment, he thought of a solution, a sure-fire plan.
Thoughts flickered, his gaze turning to the working peasant slaves, and the smile inevitably bloomed again.