"Although we have enough money to buy that island, there are some problems that can occur," Captain Zolo began, his expression serious. "First, we need to get every single bit of information about that island. We are spending a lot of money. The island should be worth it, so we need to make sure we don't get robbed in this auction. And second of all, lots of people have their eyes on that island, especially business tycoons and underworld people. If we buy it at the auction, we might face some problems after the auction ends. We need to gather information about both the island and the other interested parties. The auction will be held tomorrow evening, and this island could be very helpful to us. If we buy it, we can even live there forever."
Alaric interrupted, his eyes burning with determination. "I will not live there forever. I am going to become the world's greatest emperor, and this will be my first step. I will establish my nation, my country."
Captain Zolo nodded, but added a cautionary note. "You can establish a sub-nation, but remember, even if you establish it, there are some rules and regulations. The advantage we have is that we can own an army after buying that island because it is in international waters, not within the economic zone of this kingdom."
"Now I have to leave to get more information, but I need to give you another note," Captain Zolo said, preparing to head out. "Establishing a country is not as easy as you think. It's going to attract a lot of attention. And by that, I mean a lot of people will be interested. Now, I'm going to head out. You go and sleep. It's been a while."
After hearing this, Alaric nodded and went to his room. Once inside, he opened his status window and checked his stats. His agility was now at six, speed at six, strength at six, and his other abilities were at one. His stamina was at three. "Training in the system's space in dreams is at least a little bit worth it," he muttered to himself. "Although my rank is at Bronze Three, I can easily go higher with this. But I don't know what real fights behind the portals in other worlds will be like. Right now, I have to focus on building a country. That will be my first step toward dominating the world."
After saying this, he went back to the system's deep space training ground in his sleep.
---
Captain Zolo left the rooftop with a determined stride. The streets of the village were quiet, cloaked in the darkness of the night, but Zolo's mind was sharp and alert. He knew that information was the key to their success, especially when dealing with something as significant as purchasing an island and establishing a new nation.
He made his way to a nondescript building on the outskirts of the village, a place known only to those in the underworld. It was here that he would find the contacts he needed. As he entered, he was greeted by the familiar smell of smoke and the low murmur of hushed conversations. The dim lighting and the shadowy figures that occupied the space were a testament to the secrets this place held.
Zolo approached a table in the far corner, where a man known as Viper sat. Viper was a well-known information broker in the underworld, with connections that spanned across continents. "Captain Zolo," Viper greeted with a sly smile. "What brings you here tonight?"
"I need information about Marina Bay Island," Zolo replied, cutting straight to the point. "Everything you have, and quickly."
Viper raised an eyebrow but nodded. "That's a tall order, but for you, I can make it happen. It will cost you, though."
"Money is not an issue," Zolo said, sliding a thick envelope across the table. Viper took the envelope, weighed it in his hand, and then pocketed it with a satisfied nod.
"Very well," Viper said, leaning in. "Marina Bay Island is prime real estate, strategically located in international waters. It's being auctioned off because the kingdom is in desperate need of funds. The island has a small population, mostly fishermen and their families. However, the real value lies in its potential for development. Business tycoons and underworld figures alike have their eyes on it."
Zolo listened intently, absorbing every detail. "What about the security situation? Any risks we need to be aware of?"
"The Supreme Merit Force is unlikely to interfere directly, but there are plenty of other threats," Viper continued. "Rival gangs, mercenaries, and corporate spies will be your biggest concerns. Once you make your move, you'll need to be prepared for retaliation."
Zolo nodded. "And what about the auction itself? Any information on the bidders?"
Viper smirked. "I thought you'd never ask. The main bidders are a mix of legitimate business interests and shadowy underworld figures. I'll get you a list of names and their known affiliations. It should help you strategize."
"Good," Zolo said. "Get me that list by morning. And make sure no one knows we're interested."
Viper nodded, and Zolo stood up to leave. He knew that this was just the beginning. Securing the island was crucial, but it would only be the first step in a much larger plan. As he walked back to the tavern, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something monumental.
Returning to the tavern, Zolo went up to the rooftop once more to gather his thoughts. The moon cast a silvery glow over the sea, and he could hear the distant waves crashing against the shore. He took a deep breath, the cool night air filling his lungs, and prepared himself for the challenges ahead. The weight of their mission pressed down on him, but he welcomed it. This was what he was trained for, and he would not fail.
By the time he returned to his room, the first light of dawn was beginning to creep over the horizon. He had a few hours to rest before meeting with Viper again. As he lay down, his thoughts drifted to Alaric and the ambitious plans they had set in motion. He knew that their success depended on every move they made in the coming days. And with that, he let himself drift into a light sleep, ready to face whatever came next.
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