Chapter 10: The First Strike
Li Wei had never been one to act impulsively, but the time for waiting had passed. He needed to make a move—and he needed to do it quickly. The Royal Merchants' Guild had already begun to exert its pressure on the smaller villages and towns where his guild had been gaining traction. They had started raising tariffs, increasing taxes, and spreading rumors about the "dangerous" nature of Li Wei's modern goods. Some towns had already begun to cut ties with his guild, wary of the Royal Guild's threats.
Li Wei couldn't afford to lose more ground.
He called for a meeting with his most trusted allies, including the leaders of several smaller guilds who had already committed to his cause. This was no longer just about making sales or trading goods—it was about securing the future of his guild and his vision for Agara. The battle for influence had begun.
"We've been operating under their radar for far too long," Li Wei said, his voice steady and determined. "It's time we take the fight to them. We will make our move, and we will do it in a way they can't ignore."
His plan was simple but bold. First, they would use their growing network to secure rare magical ingredients that were traditionally controlled by the Royal Guild. Li Wei had connections with several alchemists, potion makers, and herbalists who had access to these ingredients, and they were ready to sell to him at a fraction of the cost the Royal Guild charged.
Next, they would flood the markets with these products—undercutting the Royal Guild's prices and offering superior quality. Li Wei's guild would provide more variety, faster delivery, and better customer service. He knew that price and quality weren't enough. His guild would become the go-to source for anything that the people needed, whether it was magical ingredients, healing potions, enchanted tools, or even luxury goods.
Finally, Li Wei would leverage his new political connections. He had already gained the support of key figures in the king's council, and he planned to make those connections public. By showing that he had the backing of influential leaders, he would expose the Royal Guild's monopoly as an outdated and oppressive system that stifled progress.
It was a risk, but it was the only option.
---
Author's Comment:
This chapter represents Li Wei's decisive moment—he's no longer just a merchant, he's becoming a strategist, a tactician. The conflict with the Royal Merchants' Guild has escalated, and Li Wei is now using his business acumen and political connections to fight back. His plan to disrupt the Royal Guild's monopoly is both daring and necessary. I wanted to show how Li Wei is beginning to think several steps ahead, using his modern knowledge and the resources of his allies to gain the upper hand. This chapter sets the stage for the battle that will define his future in Agara. How far is Li Wei willing to go to secure his vision of a new world? We'll find out soon enough.