Chapter 419
Chapter 419
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 419
Chapter Title: Dimensional Merchant (2)
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A massive logistics warehouse bustled with countless employees rushing about.
At its center, Hubert calmly surveyed the hectic scene when an elderly man approached him.
"Heh heh heh, now that things are mostly sorted, it looks like we can start shipping the next batch soon."
The old gentleman was dressed head to toe in a pristine white suit that stood out sharply against the work clothes of the surrounding staff.
He was Viscount-grade demon Frances, dispatched from the Hubert Merchant Company's Demon Realm head branch to the continental main store.
"You've done well. With your help, things have gone much smoother."
"Oh, this is nothing. When Lady Hela commands it herself, it's no harder than cracking a goblin's skull, right? Heh heh heh!"
Frances, a demon specialized in mental abilities, stroked his chin with a casual chuckle at Hubert's flattery.
Hubert still wasn't used to Demon Realm idioms, but there was no denying the old demon's invaluable assistance.
Trade with the Demon Realm required utmost secrecy, so even managing workers demanded extreme caution.
'Even with full automation via magitech, the final checks are essential. In that sense, Frances excels at crowd control—he's perfect for this.'
Hubert turned his gaze back to the workers in coveralls scurrying about.
More precisely—to the demons disguised as humans, dispatched alongside Frances to this main store under his control.
"Working without rest or food at this efficiency... Humans truly can't compare. They're the ultimate laborers."
"...Hearing praise like that feels oddly bittersweet. Still, you should at least give them breaks. I can prevent major incidents, but pent-up dissatisfaction could lead to slowdowns."
"Don't worry. I'm not that heartless a businessman."
Hubert's response was brimming with confidence.
Frances shot him a dubious look.
Those eyes seemed to view him as a ruthless merchant of darkness who exploited demons without pay, beyond mere dealings with them—but that couldn't be further from the truth. It must be a misjudgment.
They were compensated fairly for their labor.
'Of course, since they're dispatched from the Demon Realm, I pay them generously by demonic standards.'
Plus, to free them from worries about food and shelter, he'd built dorms and a cafeteria in one corner of the warehouse. That made him one of the most conscientious merchants in this world, didn't it?
The fact they couldn't leave the premises was an unavoidable security measure.
"...Ahem, I see why Lady Hela chose you... Ahem! Anyway, impressive. I'd heard of Hubert Merchant Company's fame, but I didn't expect such smooth handling of this volume."
Frances trailed off awkwardly, unable to argue, then shifted topics by glancing around.
The flow of goods passing through here was anything but small.
It was the hub of inter-dimensional trade, where supplies from the Demon Realm crossed with outbound shipments to it.
Goods piled high inside the warehouse were methodically sorted and moved via automation and demonic labor.
Much like a logistics center back on Earth.
"Well, we've prepared this hub for quite some time. Having it in the city would complicate large-scale transport in too many ways."
Hubert smirked and shrugged.
This enormous warehouse was the most meticulously built among Hubert Merchant Company's logistics bases on Tarak's southern outskirts.
Large enough to fit a whole village inside, it was a fortress ringed by stringent security, impenetrable to the unauthorized.
'Trade ending within this warehouse is convenient. The other depots must have caravans coming and going nonstop right now.'
Naturally, the city wasn't thrilled about the tax revenue from transit trade, but convincing them—who were already dominated in the region and economically dependent—was no challenge for Hubert Merchant Company.
Sweeteners to seal their lips cost mere pocket change.
"This opportunity is all thanks to Lady Hela. Hard work pays off."
Frances eyed Hubert's shameless remark with an odd look.
Though his combat prowess was negligible compared to his own, Hubert was no one to underestimate.
He was extraordinary enough to explain why Hela had chosen him.
'Monopolizing Demon Realm goods trade—in the hands of the man leading the continent's top firm...'
Right now, a monster poised to devour the world's commerce was awakening.
Had they not shared a master, Frances might have plotted his elimination before he grew further.
'...But as Hela's servant, his success benefits us. This situation is her will, after all.'
With a short sigh, Frances averted his gaze from Hubert toward the purple gate where goods flowed endlessly.
'Impressive. Who knew the Demon King's authority could be used like that.'
Awe welled from deep within each time he saw it.
Even Hubert's talents wouldn't have enabled trade without that gate—it was essential.
'Of course, for long-term stability, only non-living goods pass now, after a few low-grade demons for labor crossed over...'
That alone was remarkable.
It wasn't time for 'continental invasion' yet.
Maintaining such a passage wasn't easy for Hela either, but the perk World Invasion, which drastically cut the cost of breaching dimensional barriers, made it possible.
Amusingly, she used it for trade, not conquest.
"I'll be off then. Handle the rest, Viscount Frances. Contact my secretary Diana if issues arise."
"Heh heh heh, what trouble could there be? Just exchanging stockpiled goods periodically. Even if problems crop up, I'll handle them quietly—no need to worry."
True—his mental manipulation was nearly inescapable short of transcendent power. That was why he'd been appointed warehouse manager.
He could seamlessly exchange goods with the outside and quietly neutralize intruders.
Hubert nodded slowly and exited through the security barriers.
Clop clop!
Bustle bustle—
Neigh—
"Whoa...! The horse is spooked! What're you doing? Grab the reins quick!"
"Hey! Move that over here! Be careful—it's valuable!"
"Are you from Michael Merchant Group of Talia Kingdom? This way, please..."
Upon leaving the warehouse, flanked by escorts, Hubert's view beyond the secure zone filled with bustling crowds.
Buildings large and small everywhere, wide avenues, diverse caravans and merchants crisscrossing them.
This was the true face of the massive trade complex under the continent's top firm, Hubert Merchant Company.
"Phew—magnificent."
Hubert exhaled contentedly, admiring the vista.
This scene resulted from monopolized rare goods, endless funds, shadowy vampire might, overwhelming intel from key networks, and top-tier connections worldwide—all mobilized.
'A long road. It's been years since founding Hubert Merchant Company. Or rather, becoming continent's best in mere years is impressively quick?'
A chuckle escaped him unwittingly.
But it wasn't the end.
With Demon Realm trade now in full swing, Hubert's influence would only grow.
He'd ensure it.
'That's the path for me, Hubert, the world's greatest magnate.'
And then.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The accumulated karma on the entity has reached a threshold, awakening its potential. Special Skill 「Dimensional Merchant」 acquired. As he took his first step, a sudden message appeared before his eyes.
He possessed no notable skills beyond 「Analysis」 and 「Cipher Decryption」.
A notification of acquiring a merchant-class skill—one he'd never expected, now or ever.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Awakened beings sent to this otherworld with the system acquire skills suited to their exploits.
Training the body, wielding weapons, practicing magic, building poison resistance, battling on the edge of life and death, obtaining special items, or consuming rare elixirs—all worked.
Unlike natives, their system blessings granted rapid growth potential in any scenario.
"「Dimensional Merchant」... Quite the grandiose name. Not wrong, though."
In that light, Hubert acquiring a skill—with 「Avatar」's extra buffs—wasn't surprising.
Except it was a merchant skill after years of commerce, one he'd wondered if it even existed.
'Guess I had some foundation. The conditions must've been far stricter than usual skills.'
Lounging in the massage chair in the living room corner, I checked Hubert's new skill with a subtle expression.
The trigger for 「Dimensional Merchant」 was obvious.
As the message said, surpassing a karma threshold by expanding from Earth goods to Demon Realm trade.
Unlike ordinary commerce—untouched by abilities—this blatantly exceeded 'normal trade' bounds.
Impossible without supernatural aid.
"The skill system is so unpredictable. Physical skills come with training, but this needs ability ties for new ones."
Had he started with relevant unique skills—like mind control for affinity or luck boosts—the story might differ.
Irrelevant for Hubert, who'd built his firm on others' foundations with just 「Appraisal」.
Until now.
'「Dimensional Merchant」's effects... Fitting for a high-tier skill with tough conditions. Loaded with bonuses.'
Affinity boosts with strangers, charisma buffs, value discernment, even inexplicable physical enhancements.
But the standout was...
'Inter-dimensional trade correction.'
I stroked my chin seriously.
Best to learn limits and usage through practice.
Changes gave a rough sense—
"This... Could Hubert solo cross dimensions now?"
The implications were groundbreaking.
It could stabilize Hela's Demon Realm passage and pioneer new routes.
Combined with 「World Invasion」's cost reduction?
'...Skill proficiency will be tricky, but potential's unlocked. Mixed feelings.'
Who'd think plain merchant-avatar Hubert would gain such power?
Even self-powered Earth return—cause of his 「Otherworld Teleportation Circle Summon」 perk and first feat—might now be feasible sans Karma Shop. Complicated indeed.
"Well... Master it first. Good is good."
No need to fret yet.
More abilities were always better; they'd prove useful eventually.
Other priorities beckoned.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Unused Karma Points have exceeded 20 million. Perk 「Karma Shop Ver.2 Update」 changed to 「Karma Shop Ver.3 Update」. Ongoing trade swelled karma rapidly, finally hitting the awaited threshold for another change.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ An office cluttered with miscellany.
"Phew, at this rate, I'll go bald."
The dark-skinned man cradled his thinning hair protectively.
A cautious caress for stress-damaged follicles, but the mundane act held no magic.
"Please, let today pass without incident..."
Those who knew him would scarce believe the pitiful prayer.
He, who'd melted four figures alive with venom, reduced to this despondency.
Yet he had his defense.
"Please... This isn't easy-to-control Africa. If you cause trouble, I have to clean it up..."
His comrade from savage Africa stirred chaos daily, overwhelming his duties as Southeast Asia branch chief.
He'd anticipated this, but reality darkened his vision inescapably.
Ding—
His prayer went unanswered.
A familiar alert chimed softly in the office.
-Branch Chief! Emergency! The Executioner has...
"Ah."
The subordinate's frantic voice over comms.
The Reverse Heaven Oath Southeast Asia branch chief squeezed his eyes shut.
'Hooded Man, Saint, whoever—just come soon.'
He lowered his hair-stroking hand.
Despite utmost care, too many strands clung to his fingers—but surely imagination.
Otherwise, he'd truly break down weeping.