Chapter 118: Merchant Guild Deal
After opening the door to the upper floor, he went straight to the branch manager.
Since he had come with a story that would bring in money—no, points—it wasn't hard to meet the branch manager.
“Pleased to meet you. I'm Marco, branch manager of the Malay Merchant Guild.”
“I'm Kim Minwoo.”
After a brief exchange of greetings, Marco glanced cautiously at Cedric and Merhen standing in formation behind him.
“So, you're a necromancer.”
“Yes.”
“And you can mass-produce items like these? Thousands per day, even?”
“As long as you provide enough materials.”
Gulp.
Marco swallowed hard.
The swords and armor visible before his eyes.
Their quality was enough to slap the products of even top-tier forges back and forth.
He had no idea how a necromancer could mass-produce such crafted goods, but the confident attitude suggested it wasn't complete nonsense.
True or false, he had to verify it first. If it was a scam, he could just chase the guy away.
But if, by some chance, it was real…
‘This is a jackpot.’
Plus items.
The material costs would be covered with plenty left over.
The Malay Merchant Guild would hit the points jackpot.
“We'll need a verification process… Would you come to the forge with me?”
“Just bring the materials. That'll do.”
For full-scale production, a proper forge with facilities would be ideal.
But for now, just demonstrating feasibility, materials alone were enough.
Soon, the verification process began.
A table laid out with materials from low-level to high-level.
Small skeletons holding bone hammers were summoned behind Kim Minwoo.
The skeletons extended their hands.
“M-My god!”
Marco's mouth fell open.
The materials transformed into finished products in an instant.
The exact same kind he'd seen earlier!
[Sharpened Blade Sword]
[Level Restriction: 110+]
[Grade: Magic+]
[A sharply honed sword. It appears to be a weapon born from fine materials and a skilled craftsman.]
[Effect 1: Strength +10, Agility +15.]
[Effect 2: The blade automatically stays sharp.]
[Sturdy Thorned Armor]
[Level Restriction: 101+]
[Grade: Common+]
From Magic to Common.
Plus items across the board.
‘High-level materials don't mean much…’
High level restrictions, but all Common grade. Additional options mixed with traps. They'd be lucky to break even on material costs.
But the items made from low-level materials were different.
If the materials cost two hundred points, a Common-grade item made from them would sell for more than four hundred.
‘Magic items are rare, so… at least 1,000 points each?’
Even a rough calculation showed margins several times the cost.
‘And… skeletons are doing this?’
Gulp.
Marco swallowed again as he asked.
“How many of those skeletons can you produce…?”
“A lot.”
Just as Marco inspected the items.
Kim Minwoo also went through a verification process with a simple transaction.
He sold one of the just-made items, minus material costs.
[You sold the 'Sharpened Blade Sword'!]
[You acquired 800 points!]
‘It works for trading.’
As expected.
These weren't from his existing inventory but made from materials provided by the guild. So the merchant system functioned without issue.
Marco, who bought the sword, asked in a serious tone.
“Then, what do you want from our guild?”
“Supply of crafting materials, distribution to other cities, and advance payment on points. Do that, and I'll give you a 10% cut of the profits.”
“Advance payment…?”
“Hand over the finished goods, and I want 90% of the profits upfront.”
Nearby cities were a day's carriage ride, sure, but merchant caravans didn't just stick to short hauls.
Traveling everywhere, weeks could pass in a flash.
The deadline was one week.
If settlement came only after the caravan returned, he'd barely break even.
Advance payment was a must.
“With those terms, 10% is a bit…”
“Then whatever.”
Kim Minwoo stood and headed for the door without hesitation.
The branch manager grabbed his sleeve in a panic.
“No, wait! Why so hasty? We're still negotiating.”
“You seemed regretful, so I thought you had more to say. There are plenty of guilds anyway.”
“… Urgh.”
Marco smacked his lips.
It was true there were a few other guilds, even if this one was small-scale.
Distributing such items would bolster the guild's reputation on its own.
Especially in bulk, not just one or two.
“Fine! 10%, let's do 10%. We'll meet all your conditions.”
“In that case.”
He shrugged and sat back down. For Kim Minwoo, dealing with the Malay Merchant Guild over others was advantageous.
‘It's the largest around.’
One of the major guilds.
They could provide more generous materials and advances.
Whereas smaller local guilds?
They'd only pay points after selling the goods.
Especially for thousands of items.
“Would you like to publicize the creator's name?”
“Keep it anonymous.”
Revealing the creator's name might be fine here, but back on Earth? Problem.
Other cities would have at least a few awakeners. Rumors would spread fast.
At that, Marco nodded with a warm smile.
‘Hiding it benefits them too.’
If the name got out, rival guilds would hound him relentlessly, hurting the Malay Guild.
Sharing profits meant they'd keep security tight.
“Is there a forge nearby without people around? Preferably a large one.”
“There's one just like that. But there's a problem…”
“What is it?”
“It's outside the city entirely. We can assign escorts, but…”
“No need.”
He'd asked for a remote spot because.
Thousands of skeletons bustling in a forge would spread rumors instantly.
A necromancer with thousands of skeletons in a forge.
And special gear flooding the market daily?
Asking to get targeted.
‘The best way…’
Like on Earth, craft in some secluded spot, then deliver via sub-space ring.
A forge outside the city was perfect.
“Guide me there.”
“Understood.”
They rode a carriage out of the city. After about 20 minutes.
A sizable building with fencing came into view amid open plains.
“That's it.”
Creak.
The dust-covered door opened, revealing the interior.
‘They stripped everything valuable.’
The forge was nearly empty.
“It's big.”
“Yes. Land's cheap out here. Building this size inside the city would be tough. But monster attacks have gotten too frequent these past few years…”
Monsters drawn by human presence.
Hiring mercenaries eventually exceeded costs, leading to bankruptcy.
Something like that.
“Perfect.”
Frequent monster raids kept people away.
The forge was sizable.
It almost seemed prepared just for him.
Marco asked with a worried look.
“… Really okay without escorts? The attacks are pretty frequent…”
“Branch manager! Monsters!”
The area grew chaotic.
The guild's escorts shouted busily.
Soon, a monster pack appeared.
“Ogre!”
“Tr-Trolls too!”
One ogre.
Two trolls.
A horde of orcs to boot. Marco eyed the pack tensely.
This place wasn't abandoned for nothing. Far from trade roads, overrun by monsters.
Like right now.
‘Damn.’
That size pack meant casualties were inevitable.
Then.
“Handle it.”
—Got it.
The veiled woman beside Kim Minwoo extended her hand forward.
Immediately.
[Merhen uses Great Explosion (SS)!]
Boom!
A massive blast erased the orc horde without a trace.
The two trolls collapsed, bodies charred to a crisp.
The ogre behind them was unscathed no longer.
One arm blocking the front was torn clean off.
—Grrrraaah!
The sole surviving ogre screamed.
Realizing something was wrong, it turned and fled.
Fair enough.
Its pack wiped out without landing a blow.
Even an ogre had a brain; it knew it'd picked the wrong fight.
Then.
A bone spear flew out, embedding in the ogre's skull.
Thud!
The ogre collapsed limply.
“Oh, javelin throw too?”
—Basic stuff.
Cedric shrugged, walked up, and yanked the spear free. From branch manager Marco to the escorts.
Everyone gaped at the scene.
‘What did I just see?’
An explosion spell with immense mana flow. An ogre felled by a distant spear throw.
All over in seconds.
‘No wonder he doesn't need escorts…’
With that skill, even ten-plus ogres were no threat.
One gesture from the necromancer, and it'd end.
‘Good thing I didn't get any funny ideas.’
Marco wiped cold sweat inwardly.
If he'd coveted Kim Minwoo's abilities and tried something stupid, the guild would've been wrecked.
Lucky he hadn't.
“It's a bit empty here. Can you fill it up?”
“Haha, of course. Give us an hour. We'll bring materials right away.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem. What about the goods…?”
“First batch tonight.”
“Yes. We'll prepare generous payment.”
As the guild members left to fetch goods.
Kim Minwoo checked his messages.
[You defeated a monster pack!]
[You acquired 300 points!]
Everything converted to points, including monster hunts.
‘300 points.’
Decent size pack, but the points felt stingy. There'd be more gains, sure.
Selling monster byproducts would yield points.
Even so.
‘Still stingy.’
Kim Minwoo was convinced.
Mass production was the way.
Soon, the guild hauled in loads of goods.
The desolate forge sprang back to life in no time.
* * *
Super Rookie Selection Tournament.
A contest open to seasoned A-rank awakeners just shy of S-rank.
The participants were no pushovers, naturally.
And as an international event, participating nations weren't holding back.
High-grade weapons, elixirs, accessories.
Massive support poured into each contender. China's backing was especially huge.
China's participant, Liu Wei.
He recalled the Nine Dragon Guild master's earnest words.
—Anything but that Kim Minwoo punk. Take him down!
From the chairman down to the Politburo. Kim Minwoo had thoroughly pissed off the higher-ups.
‘Can't blame them.’
SS-rank necromancer Liang Xiaojun.
China's prized awakener, lavishly backed.
Yet he'd lost to Kim Minwoo.
Worse, Kim Minwoo went on NewTube, tearing into Liang Xiaojun gleefully.
At least beating France saved face.
Rich chaebol son, immune to buyouts, with terrifying growth speed.
And right next door?
The brass were desperate to curb his momentum. Thanks to that, druid Liu Wei got the perks too. Top-tier items on loan.
[You have started a 'High' difficulty mission.]
[Subjugate the entire Cyclops pack.]
[Reward: 10,000 points]
Far off.
A Cyclops pack, average build over 10m.
The old Liu Wei would've shied away.
Average level 600 monsters.
No easy feat for a sub-500 awakener.
But now?
‘Doable.’
Unique-grade items wrapped around him. Loans, not gifts, since they were pricey—but fine.
‘Pin down that guy, and…’
A few might become his permanently.
[You use Leopard Transformation (A)!]
[The 'Feral Beast Ring' effect activates!]
[The 'Sharp Beast Helm' effect…]
[The 'Howling Necklace' effect…]
Roar!
Liu Wei tore through the giants as a leopard, striking from all sides.
Boosted by countless items?
Each swipe tore chunks from the Cyclopes.
[The 'Mystic Regeneration Boots' effect…]
[The 'Tireless Endurance Ring' effect…]
A grueling four-hour battle.
[You defeated all Cyclops packs in the village!]
[10,000 points awarded!]
Back in human form, Liu Wei smirked leisurely.
‘At this rate…’
Awakener bodies were tough.
A few sleepless days wouldn't kill him. After two straight days of Cyclops hunts.
[Current points: 120,000]
Liu Wei's score neared 120,000. Top-tier contender level. A confident smile played on his lips.
Then.
A message appeared.
[Day 2 has ended.]
[Rankings tallied based on points earned.]
[Publish your name?]
Score enough to aim for first.
‘Time to crush those Korean bastards' noses.’
Eyes gleaming, he nodded.
That instant.
[All settlements complete.]
[Day 2 rankings revealed.]
[Points Rankings]
[1st:??? - 2,133,800 points]
[2nd:??? - 533,220 points]
[3rd:??? - 361,210 points]
[5th: Liu Wei - 120,000 points]
[150th:??? - 3,243 points]
“…2.13 million?”
Exhausted from nonstop hunting?
Liu Wei blinked at the rankings.