That guy in his previous life eventually had no choice but to scrape by in a different region.
Now that Ethan had earned the full 400 Reputation Points in Harmony city, he could easily be the first to reach the other two major cities. There was even a bonus of additional Reputation Points for being the first to arrive. However, a single misstep could result in a huge setback, possibly even dropping his standing to zero.
The value of the two golden properties up for grabs was undeniable. But with his current resources, Ethan believed he could secure enough funds soon enough. All he had to do was act before the other players started leaving the Starter Zone.
Glancing at the leaderboard, Ethan noted that the top-ranked players in the Northern Frontier Region were only at Level 11. Gaining those last four levels wasn't easy, the experience required was exponentially higher than for previous levels.
Given his situation, Ethan decided against taking on the task. Setting aside the potential loss of Reputation Points, he simply didn't have the funds to purchase golden properties in two major cities.
Just as Ethan was about to decline, the city lord, spoke again. "Young man, don't worry about the funding. I'll personally cover all costs. Additionally, as a token of gratitude, I'll give you sothing I acquired during my younger days."
Gregor paused for a mont, then added with a sly smile, "In return, I'll allow you to use the property deeds, but I want fifty percent of all pure profits from your operations. Does that sound fair?"
Ethan accepted the item Gregor handed him. It was thin and delicate, practically weightless. Looking closer, he realized it was a mask.
[Disguise Mask]
Effect: Allows the wearer to mimic the appearance of any player.
Durability: 12/100 uses.
Usage: Press onto the face.
Special Item – Does not occupy any equipnt slot.
Upon seeing the item's description, Ethan's mind imdiately began crafting a plan. Dropping his initial intent to refuse, he raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Five percent."
Gregor froze, his expression incredulous. After a mont of stunned silence, he finally responded, "Forty-five percent. I'm fronting all the money, and all you have to do is manage the shops."
Ethan leaned forward, his grin widening. "Once you secure the golden property deeds for Springhaven and Blackridge, I want exclusive use of the Harmony city deeds around the teleportation hub. I'll accept giving you ten percent of the net profits from the shops in the other two cities, but you'll cover fifty percent of any future upgrade costs."
Gregor stared at Ethan as though he'd grown another head. "Do you realize how ridiculous you sound? In ten days, others might arrive at the main stronghold. By then, you'll be lucky to keep even a fraction of this deal. This is your chance, don't blow it."
Ethan shrugged. "Then I won't take the task. No big deal."
The sheer audacity of Ethan's counteroffer left Gregor speechless. Players rarely dared to haggle with an NPC of his calibre, and certainly not with this level of confidence.
After a long pause, Gregor's face turned red. "I'll cover ten percent of future upgrade costs and take twenty percent of the profits."
"Ten percent profits for Springhaven and Blackridge," Ethan countered, his tone calm but firm.
"Fifteen percent."
Ethan leaned back, crossing his arms. "You know what? I've changed my mind, five percent."
Gregor's hands clenched into fists as his breathing turned heavy. After several tense monts, he finally exhaled sharply. "Fine... Ten percent it is."
Before Gregor could finish, Ethan waved his hand, summoning the system's contract interface. The transparent screen floated between them as Ethan gestured toward it. "Here's a recording of our conversation. Let's seal the deal, Lord Darnell."
Gregor reluctantly reviewed the recording, his jaw tightening as he played back Ethan's words:
"Once you secure the golden property deeds for Springhaven and Blackridge..."
Gregor shut the recording off before it could aggravate him further. Grabbing the system's quill, he sighed heavily and signed his na.
Ethan chuckled as he added his own signature, a subtle spark gleaming in his eyes.
---
Ding...
[Contract Activated: Gregor Darnell, City Lord of Harmony Stronghold, has commissioned Ethan to purchase golden property deeds in Springhaven and Blackridge. Upon successful completion, Ethan will be rewarded with the 2nd and 3rd golden property deeds near Harmony Stronghold's teleportation hub. Additionally, Ethan is granted free access to properties in Springhaven and Blackridge and Gregor Darnell will receive 5% of their pure profits. City Lord Gregor will also cover 10% of all future shop upgrade costs under Ethan's na. Any violation of this contract will result in punishnt by the system.]
Ding...
[System Notification: You have accepted the task: "Gregor Darnell's Commission." Received: 20,000 Gold Coins. If the task fails, the gold will automatically be deducted.]
"What?!" Gregor's voice exploded in fury. "Ten percent of all shop upgrades?! When did I agree to cover all of them?!" His face turned so red that even the creases on his skin seed to smooth out.
"And... didn't we agree 10% net profit renuration?"
Ethan gave a casual shrug, feigning innocence. "I did try to warn you to review the recording carefully. You were the one who insisted you were the one who proceeded without double-check. As for the clause about net profit... well, I may have ntioned 5%, and you didn't object."
Gregor's glare could have lted steel, and Ethan wisely decided to change the subject. "Lord Darnell, about Property Deed #1 and the Guild Base I've selected, could you finalize the paperwork for ?"
"Hmph! Handle it yourself! Go to the Property Office and Guild Hall!" Gregor barked before dismissing Ethan with a wave of his hand.
Captain Roland stepped forward, motioning for Ethan to follow. "This way, please."
And just like that, Ethan was escorted out of the Town Hall.
---
Outside, Ethan chuckled as he reviewed the stamped contract in his system interface. "Trying to play word gas with ? Not a chance, Gregor. You're just a digital NPC, don't ss with a real-life hustler." Still, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that sothing was off. The NPCs in this tiline felt unnervingly lifelike compared to his previous run.
He hurried to the Property Office to finalize the deed transfer, then visited the Guild Hall to claim the best-positioned guild base available, an advantage reserved for top-level players like him.
After securing the base, Ethan checked his inventory. The system had deposited 20,485 gold coins.
Smirking, he thought, 'Borrowing a little shouldn't hurt, right?'
Ethan strolled to the Guild Upgrade Desk and confidently submitted an application to upgrade his guild.
Ding!
[Insufficient funds. Upgrade denied.]
"Damn it!" Ethan muttered under his breath. Apparently, Gregor's 20,000 gold was locked for property purchases only.
Frustrated but undeterred, Ethan turned his attention to another opportunity. He approached an NPC administrator. "Is it possible to apply for a guild war right now?"
The NPC bowed slightly. "Honored leader of Renegade Alliance, although we are currently in a ceasefire period, your guild is the first in this region to reach Level 2. As such, you are entitled to one free declaration of war, bypassing the ceasefire restrictions. Would you like to use this privilege now?"
Ethan's eyes lit up. "Absolutely! I'm glad I asked. If I'd just marched into Lyla's Starter Zone for revenge, I'd have ended up flagged with a black-level Sin Value." He grimaced at the thought of the endless grind to clear such a stain, which would delay his quest and give others a chance to claim the rewards.
Still, there was no way Ethan would let his enemies off the hook for bullying Lyla. "No one sses with my girl," he muttered under his breath. "Ti to settle the score."
"Proceed with the war declaration," Ethan instructed.
"Understood. Please specify the target guild and your declaration ssage. You may also set a start ti. Note: the free declaration grants a twelve-hour conflict window. Extending the duration will require additional paynt."
Ethan smirked. Twelve hours was more than enough. He filled out the form, submitted it, and sprinted to the teleportation hub. Since city regulations prohibited the use of magic or transformation skills within its borders, Ethan had to travel in his human form.
User Comments
0 comments from readers