Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Snack time had ended.

While the main party members chatted amongst themselves, I lay flat on the floor, lost in my thoughts.

Theres about a month until the next stage.

[STAGE 5]

- Start in: 28 days

Stages 5, 10, 15, 20... These stages that were multiples of 5 were a kind of boss stage.

They boasted a level of difficulty that could not be compared to the normal stages we had previously completed.

Perhaps because of this, the preparation time was usually quite generous. This time, we were given over four weeks.

I have to prepare thoroughly.

Stage 5 was the biggest hurdle in the early part of the game.

In other words, if we could overcome this, we would have no major issues progressing in the game for a while.

Just a little longer, and everything will fall into place.

Money, items, soldiers... they would all soon form a virtuous cycle that continuously reproduced.

When not prepared, all resources and elements are scarce, leading to what we call the wasteland phase.

Once the waterwheel starts turning, all resources begin to interact organically and the game becomes smoother.

Of course, the difficulty of this game is a bit strange...

I stroked the necklace around my neck.

The Rebels Necklace.

And the Dark Event.

The interference of an unknown enemy trying to ruin the game.

...Its something I cant deal with right now.

I took my hand off the necklace.

It was a problem I couldnt solve yet.

At least I could detect the Dark Event in advance and prepare for it.

If I move forward carefully and diligently... Ill eventually reach it.

In the end, theres always only one answer.

I do what I can.

Lets organize what needs to be done until the next stage.

There were three main tasks.

First, city administration.

Second, free exploration.

Third, military reinforcement.

Lets start with city administration.

Having a four-week buffer, I could focus more on administration rather than combat.

Not only did I need to upgrade the ongoing tourist city tech, but I also had to handle the main flow of finances.

The financial management is getting tight.

There was a significant amount of money invested in the tourist city tech, but actually, just running the city was incredibly expensive.

I may have splurged a little. Ahem!

The huge sum of money I made during the tutorial is slowly running out.

Theres money I earned in later stages, but as more goes out than comes in, my balance is decreasing.

Theres still some leeway, but at this rate, its only a matter of time.

There were two main options here.

Start a new business to increase the sources of funds, or

Improve the existing sources to increase the flow of funds.

I chose the second option.

What new business could I start in such a remote city? A tourism industry?

Of course, money would be poured into the tourism industry, but thats primarily for attracting high-tier heroes. This was by no means a business-oriented approach.

The direction I envisioned for the improvement of financial supply was clear.

Improve the manner in which we sell magical stones.

The magical stones had three major stages: production, processing, and sales distribution. They had to go through these phases before entering the market.

Our army basically handled the production. I had established a fairly symbiotic relationship with the guild members who processed the stones.

If I were to make a favorable offer, they would undoubtedly come under my command.

Now, it was time to slowly take over the line of sales distribution.

Once I control distribution, I can sell magical stones at much higher profits.

Of course, to take over distribution entirely, I would have to establish a logistics system.

Crossroad was a remote countryside located in the southern part of the continent.

It was no easy task to distribute the magical stones produced here across the continent.

Thats why the task was usually delegated to existing merchants.

So, if I were to get involved in distribution, would I need to start from scratch and create a new distribution line?

No, theres no need for that.

I just needed to find a capable new merchant and persuade them to join the industry.

I would grant them a monopolistic position and, in return, drastically cut their commission.

For a new merchant, its an opportunity to rapidly grow their business, and from my perspective, its a chance to skyrocket the profit margin from selling magical stones. Its a win-win situation.

"..."

"We are mercenaries, sire. A profession that makes a living by establishing a military record."

Dion stood arrogantly, yet assertively.

As was befitting of a mercenary, he put forth his demands.

"I understand if you underestimate us because were young and inexperienced. But what I cant stand is rusting away without gaining any worthwhile experience."

"..."

"Please send us to the frontlines. Well show you we can handle ourselves."

The five N-grade mercenaries declared this, confidently pulling their shoulders back.

I looked at these audacious N-grade heroes and furrowed my eyebrows.

Would you look at these guys?

***

N-grade heroes.

True to their N-prefix indicating Normal, they possess the lowest stats among all hero characters.

Sure, there are ones with unique traits or decent skill sets that are selectively employed.

But the reality is that most dont make the cut. Typically, they were assigned to maintain the frontline with regular soldiers.

It was like that in the game, but reality is definitely different.

I surveyed the five N-grade heroes who stood at attention before me.

Their stats were mediocre. Their skills were ordinary.

But their eyes were filled with determination.

Particularly this guy, Dion. He seemed to be the party leader.

Hes ambitious.

He has aspirations. Even with N-grade stats, he has a desire to improve.

This kind of character is useful. After all, those who change the world are those who aim higher than themselves.

But ambition alone doesnt move the world.

The world doesnt bow to will or effort alone.

In the end, whats needed is one thing.

Competence.

"You seem pretty confident for someone who talks big."

With a smirk, I motioned my chin towards Dion.

"How do you plan to prove that you guys can handle yourselves?"

"We request a duel."

Dion gestured towards my main party members, huddled behind me.

"Allow us to spar with your personal party. Wouldnt that be sufficient?"

"Hmm."

I couldnt help but grin.

I hadnt expected this.

"Presumptuous..."

"This is going to be fun, fun indeed! When are we doing this?"

Lucas frowned at the newcomers challenge, while Evangeline laughed with genuine amusement.

"Eeek?!"

"Your Majesty, my leg! My leg hurts!"

And then Damien and Lilly were actively trying to weasel out of the situation. I knew they would.

"I appreciate the proactiveness of your challenge."

Slowly rising from my seat, I confronted the challengers.

"Alright! But I get to decide the venue and time of the duel, agreed?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. When would you prefer?"

"Theres no need to go far. Lets do it right now. At the nearest place."

My response seemed unexpected as the N-grade party twitched.

"We cant exactly have a free-for-all in a peaceful bathhouse... How about borrowing the militarys training grounds?"

I gestured toward the barracks not too far off.

"And seeing as youre all my personal troops, itd be unfair to face you all at full power, considering youre still greenhorns."

I positioned myself behind Lucas and Evangeline, resting a hand on each of their shoulders.

"Ill only send out my two front-line knights. Sound fair?"

"Are you sure its fair... for you, your majesty?"

Dion smirked with confidence.

"Sparing us the mage and the sniper, that seems overly generous, your majesty. It puts us at a distinct advantage."

"No need to worry about that."

Thump. Thump.

Lucas rose from his seat, unclenching his fists. Evangeline gave a grim smile as she loosened her shoulders.

The two SSR-ranked knights exuded an overwhelming fighting spirit.

I chuckled lightly.

"You might want to worry more about not breaking any bones."

No, they should be thankful if only bones are broken!