Chapter 2: The Lord of Profits
Adam leaned against the solid wooden desk in his room, his fingers tapping as he scrolled through the system notifications. The encounter with the wolf had made him happy, but he was well aware of its dangers. He wasn't just another player in this game - **his ability to enrich the SSS** had given him an advantage that changed everything.
He pulled out his power interface.
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> **player status**
> ** Name:** Adam
> **Power:** LORD MERCHANT (**Rank: SSS**)
> **Power Status:** Not specified
> **Stats:**
> - **HP:** 100/100
> - **Power:** 10
> - **Power:** 50
> - ** Chance:** 20
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> **Power details: LORD MERCHANT**
> - All exchanges will give **50% reward** in resources, gold, or items.
> - ** Milestones in selling:** Copy the power of those who are 100% loyal.
> - **Milestones in buying:** Copy their stats who are 100% loyal
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is a powerful but gentle force. He doesn't just buy and sell; he wants people who trust him. Adam's first two NPCs, a Worker and a Builder, are his starting point. If he wants to build an empire, he needs more of them.
The **NPC System** menu has been opened.
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> **NPC Management System**
> - Current NPCs:
> - NPC #001 Worker:
> - **HP:** 50/50
> - **Strength:** 8
> - **Power:** 0
> - **Luck:** 5
> - **Current Rating:** F
> - NPC Builder #001:
> - **HP:** 60/60
> - **Strength:** 12
> - **Power:** 5
> - **Luck:** 8
> - **Current Rating:** F
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The stats are average, but NPCs can be upgraded over time. Above all, they are very trustworthy. This trust is the key to unlocking the full potential of their abilities.
"Time to act," Adam muttered, opening the **trading tree. **
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> **Current source:**
> - Three: 10
> - Stone: 5
> - Gold: 5
---
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Adam laughed. Each purchase brought him closer to the big points. It's not just about survival—every job is an investment in his future power.
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#### **system test**
He walked outside the building, two NPCs waiting for him. The worker stood by the new workbench, the worker was slicing through the trees.
Adam opened the **NPC Creation** menu again
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> **New form available:**
> - **Chief Guardian (cost: 5 wood, 5 stone)**
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confirmed the creation with a single click. The moon shifted in front of him, creating a wide face covered in armor and a spear as a default weapon.
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> **NPC created:**
> - Name: Guardian NPC #001
> - **HP:** 80/80
> - **Strength:** 15
> - **Authority:** 0
> - ** Lucky:** 7
> - ** Power class:** F+
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The guard bowed deeply. I await your word, my lord; "
Adam admired his size, and was greatly impressed by his strong build and strong appearance. "That's fine. You will save this area and help me hunt if necessary. "
"Yes, my lord. "
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#### **The Hunt**
With the guard at his side, Adam stepped out of the safe area. The forest looms ahead, its shadows shifting ominously. He held the spear well Their minds are sharp as they move through the vegetation.
Soon they encountered a creature - a bear-like monster with spiky tusks and glowing blue eyes.
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> ** MEET THE MONSTER: THE BEAST WITH THE TUSCED **
> - **HP:** 80/80
> - **Rating:** F+
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Adam signaled the guard to attack. The NPC ran forward, the shield raised, the beast roared, and jumped. The fight was fierce but short-lived - The guard and Adam's power The blow of the spear defeated this creature.
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> ** Monster defeated:**
> - **Reward:** 10 Gold, 15 XP, Tusk Secret
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As Adam returned to the safe place holding the spoils of their victory, the system rang again.
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> **Advanced Upgrade:**
> - 2/10 Transaction completed (next item: copy power).
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Adam laughed as he threw the leather and gold into the storage box. The small steps brought He was close to his goal
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#### **Completing the plan**
Back at the house, Adam ordered the craftsman to start making better equipment while the guard was walking around. He sat down at the table and opened the **world news** tab. The messages are a confusing mix of sadness and courage.
**Player 67:** "Is anyone near the Southern Forest?" I need help!"
**Player 44:** "A treasure chest was found, but it's been guarded. Does anyone want to join?"
**Player 23:** "This world is going crazy. I'm going to hide in the cabin until the timer runs out. "
Adam's mouth closed, his lips curling into a smile.
"You won't survive by hiding," he whispered. "Relying on others will only delay you. I don't need anyone else, I only want to build my empire. "
He looked at the horizon, where the twin suns were setting. A countdown clock hung in his vision, a constant reminder of the impending invasion.
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> **Monster Attack :** 6 days left.
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Adam leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with plans. Not only did he want to survive the invasion, he also wanted to be the leader.