Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 184: Business (2)

The magic lamps produced by the Allen-Mercenary Group gained sensational popularity, enough to shake up Vermandois.

Not only was the price of the magic lamps, which typically exceeded a thousand gold coins, slashed to less than half, but the brightness that could illuminate a large room and the duration that lasted all night showed a noticeable improvement in performance compared to previous products!

So, wealthy merchant groups, as well as mercenary groups with some money, were all clamoring to purchase one. Although a thousand or several hundred gold coins were certainly not a small burden, it was manageable to buy at three or five hundred with some willingness to incur a loss.

Moreover, the rave reviews from those who used the magic lamps spurred the purchase desires of other customers. Just as Allen envisioned, it was becoming a virtuous cycle.

…In fact, due to the much greater popularity of the magic lamps than expected, supply was starting to fall behind demand. Elena was the only person who could make the product, and there were already dozens of orders piling up. Fortunately, the supply of magic orbs was smooth. Additionally, the price was cheaper than expected.

The business was certainly successful, but Allen did not impose excessive work on Elena. Only for a fixed amount of time each day. One must not forget that she was not a laborer making magic lamps, but a member of the Allen-Mercenary Group. Business was business, but being a mage was more important.

Anyway, the income from the magic lamp business amounted to thousands of gold coins each month. Of course, after deducting material costs, transportation fees, and bonuses, half of it would disappear, but it was still a huge profit compared to before.

Now that a firm presence was established in business, Allen finally felt like the Allen-Mercenary Group had risen to be one of the top groups in Vermandois. It was a position he had finally achieved after the five hard years he had endured since leaving his hometown, Berge. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t proud.

However, Allen was not satisfied with just business success. Ultimately, what he considered his roots was not such minor businesses, but rather the mercenary group itself.

Now that he had enough money not to feel strained, Allen engaged in more active recruitment activities. Of course, that didn’t mean he was just throwing around hiring fees. It simply meant he no longer had to haggle over a few gold coins.

[Strength: 44] [Agility: 34] [Stamina: 48] [Intelligence: 11] [Magic: 14]

[Talent] [Boldness] [Will] [Stubbornness] [Overzealousness] [Efficiency] [Desire] [Sensitivity] [Insomnia]

The long-haired, muscular man who claimed to be from the capital was still a young man in his mid-twenties. His name was Rudigor Fonte.

This long-haired man, who still had room for growth, seemed intent on using the Allen-Mercenary Group as a stepping stone to reach the Top 10. However, Group Leader Allen didn’t think negatively of such ambition. After all, the desire for success was a common human nature. Just as Allen himself earnestly wished to be in the Top 10.

In fact, he welcomed those with a desire for advancement. It was far better and more useful than those who simply stayed put and lazed around.

“Rudigor, was it?”

“Yes.”

“Your career is impressive… But you’ve changed places quite a bit?”

“It’s my will to aim higher.”

“Is the Top 10 your goal?”

“…Honestly speaking, yes, it is.”

“It’s good that you’re honest.”

Allen glanced over the scribbled application written in crooked handwriting, then flashed a business smile as he offered the hiring fee to the Long-haired Giant Rudigor.

“Twenty-eight gold coins.”

“I received thirty-five from the previous mercenary group.”

“The capital has a higher cost of living than here. You have to consider each situation.”

“Then, would thirty be possible?”

Allen seemed to ponder for a moment before accepting the offer.

“Alright, would thirty satisfy you?”

“Yes.”

“Understood. Thirty it is.”

Allen extended his hand to Rudigor for a handshake. Rudigor stood up abruptly, bowed, and respectfully grasped the Group Leader’s hand.

Thus, the Long-haired Giant Rudigor newly joined the Allen-Mercenary Group.

Of course, besides Rudigor, quite a few mercenaries knocked on the doors of the Allen-Mercenary Group’s office for joining or transferring, but most were politely refused even before sitting at the negotiation table. If he were in the Top 10, no riff-raff would even dare to try, but with his current somewhat ambiguous position, all kinds of mercenaries were flocking in. There was even a mage attempting to join, aiming for the secrets of the magic lamps. Naturally, such a person was blocked in advance.

…Thus, after dozens of mercenaries were turned away in the days following Rudigor, a young man visited Allen’s office.

The young man, who seemed to have just completed his coming-of-age ceremony, clearly showed signs of having rolled through the rough streets, yet his eyes were vividly alive.

[Strength: 10] [Agility: 12] [Stamina: 22] [Intelligence: 33] [Magic Power: 27]

[Talent] [Steadfast Will] [Optimism] [Curiosity] [Honesty] [Sixth Sense] [Desire] [Straightforward] [Dexterous] [Sound Sleeper]

As soon as he entered the office, the guy stood rigidly like a newly enlisted recruit and began his introduction in a loud voice. Allen was suddenly reminded of his first interview back on Earth.

“My name is Asmond Okelpi! It’s an honor to meet you, Group Leader Allen! My specialty is fire magic! Uh… I can only light a campfire for now, but one day, I will bring down a meteor from the sky!”

His understanding of the situation and forward-looking determination were both excellent… but a campfire was a bit underwhelming.

As soon as he finished his introduction, the Furball Geese, who was on guard duty today, burst into laughter.

“Oh, I like that bright-eyed kid!”

“Thank you!”

Of course, Allen looked at the Campfire Guy Asmond with a nonchalant expression, not even twitching the corner of his mouth.

…Certainly, he wasn’t without talent. Although the market had loosened quite a bit since before, he was still a somewhat rare mage.

In fact, more than his stats, his traits were quite appealing. Generally, mages tend to be gloomy, but this one seemed to have a bright and positive disposition… At least there was no worry about him straying down a strange path.

However, a minimum procedure was necessary.

“The application?”

“Ah, here it is!”

The Campfire Guy hurriedly ran forward and respectfully handed Allen the crumpled application he had folded and kept in his arms.

A paper that, at a glance, seemed to have passed through many hands. Allen glanced sideways at the Campfire Guy Asmond.

“How many times has this been?”

Asmond hesitated before revealing the number.

“…It’s the seventh.”

“Can you analyze why you were rejected, like a mage should?”

In truth, was there anything to analyze?

“Because I was below the standard…!”

“Then why did you come to me?”

He fumbled and couldn’t answer.

“Be honest. I like honest people.”

“…Actually, I didn’t think of coming here at first. But no one accepted me… In fact, this is my last chance. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll cleanly give up and go back home to farm. So I didn’t want to have any regrets at the end, and even though it’s quite reckless, I came here…!”

“So… you just took a shot regardless of the outcome?”

“I’m sorry!”

Allen put down the documents and stared at Asmond for quite a while. Naturally, under the gaze of such a high-ranking person, the young man’s body could only become more rigid.

Some might find it rude, but Allen didn’t feel that way. He had no desire to criticize someone for taking a challenge. Especially if that person wasn’t one who just let things be, but one who genuinely engaged with sincerity.

Though not just anyone could enter, the door was open to all. The Allen-Mercenary Group was such a place.

Having made his decision, Allen leaned back against the chair and spoke in a much softer voice.

“In my mercenary group, there is a member named Elena. Have you heard of her?”

“Of course! I’ve heard so much about her that my ears could fall off! She’s a mage I deeply respect!”

“Even if you’re still lacking, we can’t treat a precious talent carelessly. Try learning under Elena. Whether it will work out or not, we’ll judge by the results.”

In truth, half-baked mages like Asmond were quite common across the continent. Of course, it was only natural that they weren’t treated as real mages. No one would pay a hefty sum for campfire magic that couldn’t be used in battle.

In Allen’s assessment, his inadequacy wasn’t a numerical issue. It was likely due to not having received proper education. There was no guarantee he’d become an excellent mage, but if he learned well, he should be able to pull his weight.

…If trained properly, he should be able to contribute. Especially since we need a mage right now.

Honestly, it wasn’t impossible to find a mage with better stats than Asmond. However, the problem was that they were too expensive and too proud. Their presence could potentially disrupt the teamwork of the mercenary group, so if there was even a slight feeling of unease, they were cut off sharply.

That was why Allen was waiting for seedlings like Asmond. If there was potential, he planned to nurture and use them. It might take a little time, but this way was much more efficient and promising. Plus, there was the advantage of being able to train them as desired.

“Um… so, am I accepted…?”

“There’s still one thing left. We need to negotiate the hiring fee.”

“No, no! As long as there’s food and a place to sleep, I don’t need money!”

“Is that so? Still, considering your situation, five gold coins. How about it?”

Honestly, even though working without pay might not be an issue, as the Campfire Guy suggested, if he could gain greater motivation and loyalty with five gold coins, this was much better.

“…Thank you! Really, thank you! I’ll work really hard! Seriously, I’ll work so hard I could die!”

“Just work hard enough not to die.”

“Understood!”

As his admission was confirmed, Furball burst into the laughter he had been holding back.

“Welcome, newbie!”

He lightly clapped his hands while looking at the tearful Campfire Guy.

“With a new member here, we can’t skip the welcome ceremony! Group Leader, I’ll handle it all!”

“…Don’t push him too hard. He’s a naive one.”

“Oh, I won’t. You know how well I take care of the newbies!”

And so, the Campfire Guy became the youngest member of Geese’s gang.

With this… should I be happy now….?