Kapitel 5: Chapter 5. Mana core trade
Gold: 0 units
Mana Cores: 25,657 units
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As the envoy's entourage disappeared over the horizon, the town buzzed with speculation.
The townsfolk, now accustomed to the rapid changes in their once quiet village, huddled together, whispering about the strange visitors and what their presence could mean.
Children ran through the cobbled streets, imitating knights in shining armor while the adults spoke in hushed tones.
At the town square, Lucia stood on the newly constructed podium, holding a small leather-bound notebook in her hands. The setting sun cast a warm glow on her sharp features, making her presence even more commanding.
"Attention, everyone!" she began, her voice clear and authoritative. The crowd quieted almost instantly. "Our town has secured a stable source of mana cores. Starting next week, we'll begin trading 10,000 units per week. However, we are looking for a trustworthy merchant to handle these transactions on a long-term basis. Interested parties should submit proposals to me directly. This is an opportunity that could bring immense prosperity to all involved."
The townsfolk murmured in amazement. Mana cores were valuable, and securing such a supply meant their village was poised to grow even more. Lucia stepped down, her expression as calm and composed as ever, and disappeared into her office to finalize the logistics.
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Meanwhile, at the training grounds, I swung my wooden sword with all the strength I could muster. My muscles burned from the repetitive motion, but I pushed myself harder.
As I paused to catch my breath, I noticed a familiar figure approaching. It was John Barns, the alchemist I had recently funded. His short, wiry frame carried a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"My lord," he began, bowing slightly, "I bring you results."
"Results?" I asked, wiping the sweat off my brow.
"Yes." Barns pulled a small vial from his pocket, its contents a swirling blue liquid. He held it up like a prized jewel. "This is a mana potion I developed using the resources you provided. It amplifies mana within the user and can elevate a person to the rank of a Class 1 mage."
I raised an eyebrow. "How much does it cost to produce one?"
"Ten gold coins," he replied confidently.
"And the selling price?"
"At least a hundred, my lord," Barns said, his voice trembling with excitement. "This is an unparalleled innovation. No potion on the market does what this can."
I nodded, considering the implications. "Fine. Get whatever additional resources you need from Lucia and start mass production immediately. I'll send more funds next week to expand your operations."
Barns nearly tripped over himself bowing. "Thank you, my lord! I will not let you down."
As he scurried off, I opened the system to check if similar products were available. The closest I found was a potion that temporarily elevated a normal human to a Class 5 mage for one day. However, the side effects were dire—death was almost certain for anyone who consumed it.
Class 5 mages, or "disaster-class mages," were the stuff of legends. They could summon storms, move mountains, and annihilate armies. A single one could tilt the balance of power in any conflict.
Shaking my head at the absurdity of such a potion, I looked at the price tag.
You can say it's so cheap, even if you sell kingdoms you won't be able to buy it.
I decided to head back to training after that.
---
As I practiced, one of my soldiers, Garrick, approached hesitantly.
"My lord," he said, shifting uncomfortably.
"Yes?" I replied, still swinging my sword.
"If I may… you're swinging your sword incorrectly. May I show you the proper technique?"
I froze, caught off guard by his bluntness. Pride had always kept me from seeking their help, but now I felt foolish for my stubbornness.
"Really?" I said, forcing a laugh. "You should've spoken up sooner—my back's already killing me." I handed him the wooden sword. "Alright, show me how it's done."
Garrick smiled, relieved by my response. He demonstrated the correct stance and motion, guiding me step by step. Soon, other soldiers joined in, turning what had been a solitary effort into a communal training session.
"You're improving, my lord," Garrick said with a grin.
"Thanks," I replied, though my arms felt like they were about to fall off. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."
The camaraderie was infectious, and I couldn't help but regret my earlier arrogance. Training with the soldiers felt oddly fulfilling, a reminder that leadership wasn't about isolation but collaboration.
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Later that evening, as I walked back through the town, I marveled at how much it had transformed. The streets were paved with smooth stone, lined with lanterns powered by mana cores. Houses, once sparse and makeshift, now stood in orderly rows, each with a small garden where residents grew vegetables and flowers.
Children played in the streets, their laughter mingling with the hum of adults tending to their work. A sense of pride swelled within me. This was more than a settlement—it was a community.
As I reached the central square, I saw Lucia overseeing a group of scribes preparing documents for the incoming merchants. She glanced up and gave me a brief nod before returning to her work. Efficient as ever.
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The next morning, as I resumed my training, John Barns approached once again.
"My lord," he said, bowing respectfully.
"Back so soon?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, my lord," he said, holding a small notebook. "I've outlined a plan to scale production of the mana potions. With your permission, I'd like to—"
"Barns," I interrupted, "just tell me what you need."
"An additional 5,000 gold coins for equipment and personnel, my lord," he replied quickly.
I nodded. "Take it from Lucia and get started. And Barns—"
"Yes, my lord?"
"Make sure this potion is flawless. If we're going to sell it at a premium, it needs to be perfect."
"Understood, my lord," Barns said, bowing deeply before hurrying off.
---
Later that day, I received a report from Lucia.
"Master," she began, "the merchants will be arriving within the week. I've ensured everything is prepared for the negotiations."
"Good," I said. "And the envoy from Virelith?"
"No movements yet," she replied. "But we should assume they're planning something. I recommend fortifying our defenses and increasing troop numbers."
"Do it," I said. "Double the walls, and add another hundred soldiers to the garrison. If Virelith comes, we'll be ready."
Lucia nodded, her expression calm but determined. "Understood, Master. I'll handle it immediately."
"Tell me when funds run out, which I'm sure they already are about to."
Lucia gave me a small nod and walked away
I as well picked up my sword and returned to the training grounds.
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein