[Name: Yves]
[Chamber of Commerce Level: National Lifeline]
Ken saw the note.
This was the second chamber of commerce he had encountered besides the [Wasteland Porter]. The levels of the two sides were almost two extremes. One was a private [small fight], and the other was related to the economic system of the entire country.
[Pistonk] bordered Palotusbi and was the most powerful empire near the [Eternal Frozen Wall]. Its military planning and diplomatic style were also well-known for their toughness.
As its lifeline, the Yves Chamber of Commerce should not be underestimated even by ordinary leaders.
Ken could realize that the merchant was "very interested" in him, and his potential words and deeds were mainly to make friends and test him. He was unknown, but he could get the other party's favor, which was actually a good opportunity.
If it were someone else who "knew the times", he would directly lead the team to be loyal to the empire, which would also be a very good future.
But Ken didn't want to live under someone else's roof.
He understood that opportunities and dangers coexist, and he was quite vigilant about the goodwill of the Ives Chamber of Commerce. [Sandon Kaya] was in its early stages of development, and the strength of the two sides was so different that it was enough to maintain goodwill and cooperate with each other.
If they become enemies in the future, it is no joke to have an army at the gates of the city.
[You have delivered the commission, the caravan's goodwill has increased, and the other party is willing to provide you with appropriate help. ]
The upper limit of humans is quite high. There should be many cases of defeating legendary creatures after gaining power through magic or other means.
It is enough for Ken to know this.
The vendor hinted clearly - as long as you want, as long as you are willing to surrender, you can provide a shortcut.
But instead of pinning your hopes on others, it is better to use [Notes] to slowly explore. At least so far, its guidance has been in line with your own ideas.
Ken sat down again, his elbows on the table, and his ten fingers under the black gloves were intertwined.
"Now that I have the stone spirit core, what should I do after arriving at Duwa Village?"
The vendor smiled and spread his hands, then gently put them together, expressing regret. He had understood Ken's decision, but he felt it was more interesting in his heart.
Duwa Village is quite special.
It is located between [Eternal Frozen Waterfall] and [Wishing Peak]. The geographical location is not superior, but it is the intersection of several ancient tribes.
The war banners swore to the old gods together and designated it as a non-war zone.
All those who dare to offend will be hunted down and it is almost impossible to leave Palotus alive.
The three furnaces inherited from ancient times are considered to be the common secret treasures of the North. They will only produce three artifacts every ten years or so and deliver them to the strongest leaders in the North.
Although the prosperity of the Duwa tribe started with the three furnaces, its real development depends on those who come here for the reputation...
Blacksmiths, apprentices, vendors.
Troops, refugees, mercenaries.
New furnaces were constantly set up, and goods of varying quality were forged and sold to all parts of the North.
People who were homeless due to the war would gather in Duwa Village. If a tribe that came to purchase goods was short of people, they would leave and find a home to settle down.
Every spring, major ports would break the ice and set sail, and they would also recruit labor there.
"For a guest like you, I guess we can only ask second-rate workshops to find craftsmen with relatively mature skills to do the work." The vendor stated the facts in a steady tone. "Maybe your two rare materials can attract some capable old men, but think about it, will a truly capable person lack these materials? A lot of orders have already filled up the dates."
Ken nodded in agreement.
The vendor's routine of first suppressing and then praising frequently failed.
He didn't see more expectations, so he didn't continue to keep people in suspense, and instead took out the rhetoric he had prepared long ago.
"The Duwa tribe has an order from the Pistonk Empire. One of the furnace owners is my old friend. Please take this gift to him. Then let the old man give you his precious furnace."
[Task: Gift of an old friend]
[Progress: Unlimited time]
[Take the things to 'Malungu' in Duwa Village. He will help you solve the forging problem. ]
The merchant said it calmly.
The elf mercenary put the wooden box behind him on the table.
"What should I call you?"
Ken narrowed his eyes. Something disturbing happened to him. The note changed from [diligent merchant] to [mysterious weirdo].
[Attitude: quite interested]
This reminded Ken: only by continuously deepening the understanding can the note give more accurate information.
The merchant shook his head, smiled and stood up, but in the end he did not reveal his identity.
His team had already finished their repairs, and they stayed to wait for Ken. Now that they had finished their talks, they should continue their journey. After returning to Pistonk, they might not come to the North for a long time.
The arrogant elf mercenary opened the tent for him.
The merchant pondered for a few seconds, and still felt that he should not leave any regrets. He turned around and said, "Few people can see me a second time. If I am lucky enough to meet you again, I will introduce myself well."
"I am looking forward to it."
"Me too, Mr. Ken, I wish you a pleasant stay in Duwa Village."
The room became quiet again.
The wooden box was still on the table, square, and the edge was about an arm's length.
Ken did not open it. After weighing it, he found that it was not very heavy. From the shaking feel, it seemed that there were some bottles and jars inside. From the front of the wooden box, you can see the [National Emblem of Pistonk], and there is a paper document in the corner.
He has good eyesight.
The wax on the order was not dry yet, and the military seal was just stamped not long ago. Thinking of the signature on the previous commission...
Could it be that this guy carried an important wax seal with him?
Ken was still thinking, and the tent suddenly began to shake, and the cold wind rushed in from the gap. He could vaguely hear thunder, rain, and the screams of soldiers.
He rushed out the door, and fine drops of water fell on his face.
The night wind began to howl, and clouds from nowhere covered the camp. The majestic fog covered the mountains, as if they were on a deserted island, abandoned by the world.
The caravan had set off, and the last few carriages were slowly driving into the haze.
Whether it was the driver or the soldier, they were very calm, as if they were quite accustomed to this kind of strange phenomenon. The team left quietly, just like they appeared out of thin air two days ago.
Ken opened his gray vision, and the faint afterglow of magic was attached with color.
The identity of the merchant must be very special.
Is he going to use this action to prove that what he said is true, that humans do have the power to change the world?
Or is he going to show the strength of the Pistonk Empire and let Ken know how regretful it is not to join...
It is also possible that he just wants to cover his tracks, pay attention to privacy, and not be followed by fools who don't know how to live or die?
Ken took a deep breath and suppressed all the unverifiable thoughts.
He raised the corners of his mouth again and announced loudly to the soldiers around him: "Set off at dawn, destination, Duwa Tribe!"