The morning broke with a chill in the air, but it was not quite visible. His mind was still growing stronger. With the strength of the crew, the widening of the post, and the increasing arms sales market, his plans were realized.
As Adam walked through his belongings, a ringing sound rang out in his mind warning him of a new story.
---
> ** System Warning:**
> NPC weekly random draw available
> - Type: Rare Rare (F to SSS).
> - Change?
---
Adam's breathing quickened. After the chaos of the first few days in Kaelith, he hadn't thought much about the unexpected reward. Now that his territory was settled, his plans were moving forward, the addition of a powerful NPC might tip the scales in his favor.
" Turn now," Adam said, confirming the price.
A glowing olive appeared before him, and he whirled around it The power increased as the moon reached its peak, the air around it burning, shattering like glass, revealing a form within.
---
> ** Summon NPC:**
> - **Name:** Ignis
> - **Class:** Fire Gun
> - **Rating:** Q
> - **HP:** 120/120
> - **Strength:** 8
> - **Power:** 150
> - **Ability:** 12
> - **Current Rating:** A
---
The light faded to reveal a woman dressed in bright, red clothing. Her fiery red hair Falls from her shoulders, her golden eyes gleaming like molten metal. A staff that shot forth flames was placed in his hand.
stepped forward in a calm but commanding voice. I am Ignis, a fire mage. I give you my power, my lord."
Adam looked at his stats, seeing high power and A-level power. An S-ranked mage whose kingdom had just been conquered by its most powerful warrior.
"You are what I need," Adam said with a grin that drew Adam in. Munnviken "Follow me, Ignis. Let's see what you can do." "
---
Ignis quickly tested his effectiveness. During his first inspection with the guard, he encountered a pack of three wolves roaming around the safe area. With a flick of his wrist, his staff burst into flames, consuming the creatures in the flames before they could get close.
---
> ** Monsters defeated:**
> - Wild Wolf (3): 15 Gold, 30 XP, Wolf Skin (3).
---
The guard watched in horror as Ignis extinguished the flames with a wave of his hand. Adam, watching from afar, couldn't hide his joy.
"This kind of power will turn the tide of any battle," he told himself.
---
Later that day, Adam went into the details of the **Lord Merchant** walkthrough in his UI. His next level, achieved after 20 transactions, was to be able to copy NPC statistics.
---
> **Advanced Level:**
> - 15/20 transactions completed (next level: copy statistics).
---
Unlike their stats, the NPC's powers were hidden from Adam if he copied them. While Ignis' fire magic is clear, the finer details of his powers - such as how he controls his power or how powerful his magic is - are still a mystery.
Adam looked at Ignis, who was standing by with a cane in hand, his presence beaming with confidence. If only his hidden power was right His ability, he can change a game.
I'll untie it, Adam thought.
---
That night, Adam joined Ignis and the craftsman by the pillar. The craftsman was busy producing more weapons for trade, but Adam wanted to see what Ignis could do with his magic outside of combat.
"Let's try something," Adam said, pointing to the pile of wood. "Can you control your flames well enough to heat the iron without burning the material?"
Ignis raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "A challenge, my lord? "Very good"
He stepped forward, summoning a small flame on the tip of his staff. The fire danced, warming the staff without moving. The craftsman watched in amazement as this action cut the time to produce weapons in half.
---
> **New item created:**
> - Reinforced Spear (Damage: 15, Strength: 75/75)
---
The craftsman bowed deeply to Ignis. "Your magic is amazing. With your help I can double my work."
Adam laughed. "Alright, let's do it. "
---
That night, Adam checked the trade budget. His weapons were still in high demand on the market, prices rising as players tried to prepare for the upcoming attack.
---
> **Trade Purchase:**
> - Raw Spear: 85 gold
> - Reinforced Spear: 160 gold
> - Blade Axe: 70 gold
> **Total Money:** 315 gold
---
The gold poured in, but the biggest benefit of the returned resources was his **Lord Merchant** ability.
---
> **Lord Merchant activated:**
> - Resources recovered:
> - Wood: +25
> - Stone: +10
> - Gold: 70+
---
Ignis approached as Adam closed the interface. gold His eyes reflected the light of the campfire as he spoke. "The wolves of old – mere sparks in the wind. What do I have before me, my lord?"
Adam met him with a strong voice. "It is a terrible thing, but with your flames we will be ready."
He turned to the horizon, the flames of the edge of the safe zone clashing with the darkness of the forest. The glowing number in his vision reminded him of the clock's sign.
---
> ** Monster attack Time:** 4 days, 12 hours left.
---
As the night's fire burned, Adam allowed himself a sudden moment of hope. The wizard at his side, his weapons growing, and his powerful glyphs painted a vivid picture:
The monsters were coming.