The southern region's threads had become increasingly focused on Adam. The monsters had proven that they did not wait for a full-scale invasion to attack. He needed to strengthen his defenses, improve his weapons, and ensure that his NPCs were ready for the inevitable.
The morning began with the craftsman demonstrating his latest creation: a heavy shield.
The craftsman said, "My Lord," and placed the shield before Adam. I strengthened this with mild iron. "It should withstand the most severe impacts."
Adam reviewed the shield, noting its durability and weight.
---
> **New item created:**
> - Reinforced Battle (Duration: 120/120)
---
"Very well," Adam said. "Read it at the auction. Starting price: 150 gold. "
The craftsman bowed
, returning to his desk, ready for the next task.
---
Adam opened the **Auction Table**, where his new bundle of weapons was being auctioned.
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> **Buy Auction:**
> - Reinforced Spear: 190 gold
> - Heavy Axe: 220 gold
> - Raw Shield: 85 gold
> **Total Money:** 495 gold
---
The auction was filled with bids as players tried to keep their weapons. The world's news explained the details of the seller lost.
---
**Player 78:** "A person who fills a shopping mall with weapons commits murder." They have a special power!"
**PLAYER 34:** "Prices are going up. I can't afford them!"
**Player 22:** "Don't complain. If you want quality equipment, you'll pay for it."
---
Adam laughed, pleased with the increasing demand. He closed the chat and opened the **resource management** interface.
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> **Lord of the Merchants Activate:**
> - Resources recovered:
> - Wood: +40
> - Stone: +20
> - Gold: +100
---
The 4,444 resources that can be purchased allow Adam to keep the business running at full capacity. With each purchase, his wealth increases, increasing his influence in the market.
---
Adam entered Ignis on the southern side, where the builder reinforced the barriers that had been broken during the war. The wizard stood nearby, his rock blazing He controlled the firecrackers.
"Your traps were well taken care of yesterday," Ignis said, pointing to the spike pits. But monsters adapt. "
"They always do," Adam replied. "That's why we keep improving. The stronger we get, the more damage we can do."
---
By noon, the builder had finished the repairs, adding more layers to the barriers and creating new traps. Adam bowed as he cried Check out the improvements.
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> ** Infrastructure upgrades completed:**
> - South Barrier (length: 150/150)
> - Guard Room (Size: 5, Height: 100/100 each)
---
The system called and a new alert appeared.
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> **Next Upgrade:**
> - 19/20 transactions completed (last sign: copy statistics).
---
Adam's ambition grew. He only has one more transaction to open and the next one is The transformation of his powerful **Lord Merchant**.
---
That evening the craftsman sent a new set of weapons for Adam to examine. Among them was a long sword, its blade shining in the light of the fire.
The craftsman said: "My lord, this is my best work."
Adam took the gun and tested the balance and blade.
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> **New item created:**
> - Masterwork Long Sword (Damage: 30, Durability: 150/150)
---
"Mark it up for trade," Adam ordered. First offer: 300 gold."
Artisan nodded and quickly put the sword up for sale. Within minutes the offers started pouring in.
---
As the sun set, Adam climbed the tower, his eyes fixed on the dark forest. The score on his UI was approaching an attack.
---
> **Monster Invasion Timer:** 2 days, 18 hours left.
---
Ignis joined him, his presence still strong in the depths of the night.
"Lord, the fire will not stop," he said quietly. The monsters are approaching. "
Adam shook his head in a harsh voice. "Send them. We're ready"
Together they watched the shadows of the forest and prepared for the approaching storm with great speed.