The Immortal Player

Faunia slowly stood coldly in response and went to the dining area—to the point that she even ignored Pedro. This, in turn, made Pedro scratch his head as he forces out a smile deep inside and thought, 'Cold as ever...'

Since everyone was busy with their breakfast, Pedro had decided to leave shortly and head towards the Auction Den to find slaves who were blacksmiths in the past.

Unfortunately, Duke Albert even told him that there was no such slave available in the Tarala Kingdom's market. So... In the end, Duke Albert could only promise Pedro that he would check the market of other Kingdoms. 

Thus, Pedro decided to went back to his mansion empty-handed. Unfortunately, this, in turn, had affected his plans on trying to create a Magic Powered Gun today. The reason for this is that Pedro was not someone who is good at crafting/forging weapons. So, although he can barely able to craft a knife or a sword, it would be difficult for him to craft a gun's barrel on his own!

That is why he needed someone with great expertise in crafting/forging weapons. That said, it does not mean that he could simply hire someone else to craft the Magic Powered Gun for him. At most, he needed a decent blacksmith as a slave.

Why slave?

Because Magic Powered Guns are pioneer weapons that would severely impact the world of Bearth Online. In fact, the possibility of it being mass-produced in the future for the adventurer/player's use was high.

So, in order to ensure that the production method would not be leaked anywhere else, Pedro could only rely upon a slave who was previously a blacksmith to handle its production. This way, Pedro would not need to spend time crafting/forging the body of the guns, in case they start to mass-produce.

On top of that, the restrictions in a slave contract were the most important to Pedro. This way, he would be assured that the slave won't be able to do detrimental acts towards him in any case.

That is why Pedro only preferred a slave rather than an ordinary blacksmith. Besides... The Magic Powered Gun was just amongst several plans he had last night. Pedro had many more projects in the future, so it won't hurt if Pedro could find a slave that has skills in being a blacksmith. In fact, if he could develop their talent now, it would even benefit him in the future. 

That said, slaves with skill in forging were difficult to obtain. The reason behind this is that Blacksmiths were one of the basic professions that could earn coins easily. Thus, most of their lives are decent and they would not need to sell themselves for money—unless a special situation arises. 

So, with that in mind, Pedro could not help but to go back to his mansion. However, halfway back to his residence, he had changed his mind and decided to look for Duke Ersi to deliver the three additional Aron Burner 2.0 to him. 

At the same time, this would allow him to obtain the payment that Duke Ersi promised for each Aron Burner 2.0.

Knowing that Pedro was an important personality, Duke Ersi was even able to prepare for his visit. 

Unfortunately, Pedro could only visit him for a short amount of time. Thus, Pedro could only talk to Duke Ersi regarding the important matters—like their agreement concerning the Aron Burner 2.0.

At the same time, Pedro even mentioned to Duke Ersi if he could find a slave that has excellent forging skills for him. And like Duke Albert, Duke Ersi could only try to ask around other officials of other strongholds.

On the other hand, Duke Ersi had a piece of good news for Pedro regarding his favor—that was in part of their deal.

Duke Ersi informed Pedro that several people from other Kingdoms had expressed their interest in purchasing an Aron Burner. That said, it would take them several days before they would be able to place their orders since they would need to process several documents and handle several matters—including the need to convince some of their leaders/Royal Family, to purchase the Aron Burner.

Well... Pedro was not in a hurry to conduct trade with them. After all, he would become busy with clearing dungeons in the next few days. 

Besides... When his cousin, Weyron, handles the Adventurer's Guild in his stead, Pedro could simply leave the negotiations to his cousin. This way, the Adventurer's Guild could also capitalize on this opportunity to spread their influence all over the Aquari Continent. 

~~~~~~~~~~

On the other hand, in the Western Side of the Aquari Continent, The Treants, together with Talia's Ant Army had already secured most of the Woba Mountain and the forest at the south of the Kagat Village. 

In fact, if not for the lack of manpower they would have had continued their advance. Sadly, they have reached their limit and could not proceed further south as it may create gaps between their forces that would eventually cause or bring trouble to them.

Since they were able to bring the situation in the western region into a stalemate, Talia decided to halt their advance and simply wait for his elder brother and Pedro's decision on what to do next. 

As for the three ships, they were successfully pushed back to the sea and were on standby—ready to leave at any second. That said, the ships did not go that far away from the shore. After all, almost half of their men were still on the land, holding the surrounding area. 

With that, Pedro's plans were somehow in line with the actual results that he was able to achieve. It was unfortunate that his force can't proceed any further to the west and open a path that would provide easy access to the western region.

~~~~~~~

Back to the Tarala Kingdom, after visiting Duke Ersi, Pedro went back to his residence. At first, he looked around, checking the welfare of his men. And since they seemed alright, he headed straight to the workshop area with Faunia and Ragas.

Since the matters regarding Magic Powered Guns are too early for their little group, Pedro decided to focus on making several Aron Burner 2.0 for the meantime. 

This way Pedro would be able to sell it immediately, in case someone was urgently looking for the Aron Burner 2.0. It was a business, after all. So, it won't hurt Pedro to produce some extra Aron Burner, just in case. 

At this moment, Pedro got a message from Sabrina, saying that thousands of men were marching towards the Tarala Kingdom. Although Sabrina did not know from what group of players it was, she was certain that the men marching towards the northwest of the Tarala Kingdom were all players. So, he had no choice but to inform Pedro about it. 

And with Sabrina's message, Pedro met once again with Duke Ersi to discuss the location where the first Batch of Adventurers could stay as they arrive in the Tarala Kingdom. 

Fortunately, Pedro was given by Duke Ersi an area outside the walls—to the northwest of the Tarala Kingdom. And with Duke Albert's help, several tents made of cloth and wood were built. 

At the same time, the instructors that Pedro asked the two Dukes to prepare were also asked to meet Pedro and be ready to receive and manage the adventurers who were about to arrive. 

"Duke Albert, What are you doing outside the Kingdom's Walls? Isn't it dangerous for you? And... Aren't you busy with Kingdom Matters?" Pedro forced out a smile as he approached Duke Albert—who just came out of the Kingdom's Northern Gate.

"I want to witness how you would manage the random adventurers!" Duke Albert chuckled in response. "Besides... I could also help you prepare the market based on the needs and demands that the adventurers would have. So, I took some time to go out of that office and breathe some fresh air. After all... It's been a long time since I, myself, was out doing business in the streets—or should I say outside the Kingdom?"

Pedro simply laughed in response and said, "Well... If you insist! Then, I won't stop you from observing. However, please allow Ragas to be on your side while you are here. I still can't risk your safety, especially that you are under the area being occupied by the Adventurer's Guild."

Duke Albert simply nodded in response and said, "I understand your concern, Sir Aron! Then, I would like to excuse myself! I would like to check the stalls you prepared before the adventurers arrive!" 

Pedro simply nodded his head in response and said, "Please do... It would be my honor!" 

Duke Albert simply nodded in response with a smile painted on his face. Then, he left and headed towards the stalls—the shops that were prepared for the Adventurer's Guild and were located at the center near the Kingdom walls.

When Duke Albert left, Pedro could not help but mumble to himself, saying, "By the end of this day, you would realize how big is the appetite of the adventurers!"