After the ambush on their caravan, Alex and his team knew they were no longer just operating under the radar. **Valen** and his **Silver Serpent** guild had made it clear that CODE's growing success in **Eternal Bite** had put a target on their backs. But Alex was not one to be intimidated.
"It was bound to happen," Alex said, leaning over the map in their headquarters. His voice was calm, but there was a determined edge to it. "We knew we'd eventually draw attention, but we can use this to our advantage."
Betsy sat across from him, her fingers tapping the table thoughtfully. "Valen's not the type to back off. He'll come at us harder next time."
"I know," Alex replied. "But we're going to beat him at his own game. We're not just expanding trade—we're going to build a **marketplace** that everyone on this floor will rely on. Valen might control the underground, but we're going to control the **legitimate trade**. Once we dominate the market, even he won't be able to stop us."
Drax grinned, always eager for a fight. "So, what's the plan? We take over the whole floor?"
"Not exactly," Alex said, eyeing the map. "We're going to **expand beyond just food**. Eternal Bite is just the beginning. We're going to offer **legendary equipment, enchanted items, and other essentials**. But to do that, we need a central place for trade—something bigger than just caravans."
Betsy's eyes lit up. "You're talking about building a **marketplace**."
Alex nodded. "Not just a marketplace. A **hub**. A place where players and NPCs alike come to buy, sell, and trade the best goods on the second floor. If we build this right, CODE will be at the center of it all."
---
### **A New Ambition: The CODE Market**
The idea was ambitious, but it was the next logical step. They had already established **trade routes** with Stonehaven, and players were flocking to **Eternal Bite** for the stat boosts and real-world time. But if CODE was going to become more than just a supplier, they needed to control the flow of **all major goods**.
"We'll start small," Betsy suggested, her mind already working on the logistics. "We'll create a section of Ironclad City that's specifically dedicated to **high-tier trade**. It'll be different from the general marketplace—exclusive, only for players and guilds who can afford the best. Once we have that, we can **expand into other cities**, creating a network of CODE markets across the floor."
"But to make that happen," Alex added, "we'll need **trustworthy merchants** and **quality goods**. We can't just rely on Eternal Bite. We need to diversify."
---
### **Bringing in the Dwarves**
Their best option for top-tier goods was through the **Dwarven Kingdom**. The dwarves were known for their craftsmanship, and if CODE could secure exclusive deals with the best blacksmiths and enchanters, they could corner the market on **legendary equipment**.
The first step was securing a partnership with one of the most respected **dwarven blacksmiths**, **Torik Stoneforge**. Torik was a master craftsman who had a reputation for forging some of the best equipment on the second floor, and his work was highly sought after by both players and NPCs alike.
Alex and Betsy made their way to Torik's forge, a massive stone structure with the constant sound of hammering metal echoing from within. Inside, they found Torik hunched over an anvil, working on what appeared to be a glowing sword.
"Master Stoneforge," Alex said, approaching carefully.
Torik barely glanced up from his work. "If ye're here for a commission, ye can get in line with the rest. I've got orders backed up for months."
Betsy stepped forward, her voice calm and confident. "We're not here for a simple commission. We're here to offer you something **more valuable** than gold."
Torik raised an eyebrow, finally looking up at them. "Oh? And what's more valuable than gold, lass?"
Alex stepped in. "**Time.**"
Torik paused, setting his hammer down. "Go on."
"We run CODE, the guild that produces **Eternal Bite**," Alex explained. "Our product gives players **real-world time** and **stat bonuses**. It's already becoming the most sought-after item on the floor. But we want to expand beyond that. We're building a **marketplace**, and we want your equipment to be the cornerstone of it."
Torik stroked his beard, considering the offer. "And why would I want to get involved with ye? I'm already in high demand."
"Because with us," Betsy said, her voice steady, "you won't just be selling to random players. You'll be part of something bigger—an **exclusive network** where only the best goods are traded. You'll have **access to our customers**, and in return, we'll make sure your name becomes **synonymous with legendary gear**."
Torik eyed them both for a moment, then grunted. "Ye make a good pitch. But I've got one condition."
Alex and Betsy exchanged a glance. "What's that?" Alex asked.
"If ye want me to join yer marketplace, I get **20% of all sales on my goods**, and I'll need a steady supply of Eternal Bite for meself and me workers. Ye make that happen, and ye've got yerself a deal."
Betsy smiled. "Deal."
---
### **Building the Market Hub**
With Torik on board, CODE was able to secure the **legendary equipment** they needed to start their marketplace. But the real challenge was building the **infrastructure**. They couldn't just set up shop in the middle of Ironclad City and hope for the best—they needed to create something **bigger and more organized**.
"We'll need to build a **physical space** where players and NPCs can come to buy and trade," Alex said, looking over the plans for the market district. "It'll need to be secure, well-defended, and exclusive. We'll charge a **premium** for access, and only the best goods will be available here."
Betsy nodded. "We should focus on building **specialized stalls**—one for food and potions, one for weapons and armor, and another for rare enchantments and magical items. We'll need to **hire trusted merchants** to run the stalls, but we'll control the supply chain."
Alex crossed his arms, thinking. "And we'll need **security**. We can't afford to have Valen or any other guild trying to sabotage us."
"That's where I come in," Drax said with a grin. "I'll make sure no one gets through. And if anyone tries, they'll get a hammer to the face."
Alex nodded. "Good. The **shades** can help with security as well. We'll have them working in the background, keeping an eye on things."
---
### **Promoting the Market**
As the marketplace began to take shape, CODE started spreading the word. This wasn't just a regular market—this was an **exclusive trading hub** where only the best players and guilds could access the finest goods. **Legendary equipment**, **rare enchantments**, and of course, **Eternal Bite**, would be the star products.
Betsy took charge of the promotion, using her connections to reach out to the **most influential guilds** on the second floor. She offered them **exclusive access** to the marketplace before it officially opened, allowing them to buy the best items before the rest of the player base even knew it existed.
"Once we have the biggest guilds on board," Betsy explained, "the rest will follow. Everyone will want access, but not everyone will be able to afford it. That's how we create **demand**."
The anticipation grew quickly. CODE's market became the talk of Ironclad City, with players speculating about the legendary items that would be available and the potential stat boosts they could get from Eternal Bite. But despite the buzz, Alex and his team kept a **low profile**, careful not to let too many details slip.
They knew that if Valen found out about their full operation, he would do everything in his power to tear it down. But for now, CODE was in control, and their influence was growing faster than even they had anticipated.
---
### **The Grand Opening**
The grand opening of the **CODE Marketplace** was nothing short of a spectacle. Word had spread across Ironclad City, and players and NPCs alike flocked to the new market district to see what all the fuss was about.
The market itself was beautifully designed, with **stone archways** and **enchanted banners** that shimmered in the air. Each stall was filled with **rare and powerful items**, from Torik's legendary weapons to enchanted potions crafted by some of the best alchemists on the floor. And, of course, **Eternal Bite** was the centerpiece, displayed in its own exclusive stall where players lined up to purchase the powerful food.
The event was a massive success. **Guild leaders**, **wealthy players**, and even **Dwarven nobles** came to the marketplace, eager to see what CODE had built. Betsy worked the crowd, making connections with powerful players and securing future deals, while Alex kept a close
eye on the operation, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
But even as they celebrated their success, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that the next challenge was just around the corner. Valen wouldn't stay quiet for long, and the more power CODE gained, the more enemies they would attract.
"We've built something incredible here," Betsy said, standing beside Alex as they watched the crowd.
Alex nodded. "Yeah, but we need to be ready. This is just the beginning. The real battle is coming."
Luke, standing quietly behind them, simply nodded. "**Verum.**"
Sure! Let's proceed step by step to finish the book. I'll continue writing according to your structure and direction. Since we're moving forward, I'll begin with **Chapter 9: Part 1**. Please let me know if you'd like to prioritize anything else, or if you have more detailed instructions before we dive in.