Kian stood at the edge of the village, staring out at the rolling hills that stretched into the distance. His mind was racing with plans. The profits from the grain trade were just the beginning. Now, he needed to take the next step—expand his operations beyond this small village, establish a foothold in surrounding areas, and set the stage for something far bigger.
He had the Trade System now, and that gave him the tools to dominate the marketplace. The Merchant Networking feature was the key to accessing more lucrative trade routes, and he had already made valuable connections in Feryn. But Kian wasn't the type to wait for opportunities—he created them.
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Step 1: Market Research
Kian spent the next few days analyzing the Global Trade Map. It revealed several nearby villages with strong agricultural production but limited access to finished goods. Nearby cities, on the other hand, were rapidly developing their infrastructure but lacked basic tools and materials. There was a clear opportunity to capitalize on this gap.
"Raw materials from the countryside, finished goods to the cities," Kian muttered to himself as he tapped the map. "That's where the money is."
He activated the Resource Radar to identify untapped local resources. As he wandered the outskirts of the village, he found vast deposits of iron ore and timber in the nearby forest. These were perfect for creating metal tools and building materials, both of which were in high demand.
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Step 2: Setting Up the Supply Chain
The next morning, Kian went to visit the blacksmith again. This time, he had a proposal.
"I have a new plan," Kian began, his voice calm and confident. "The town needs more iron tools, and I've found the resources to make them. But I'll need your help to process the ore."
The blacksmith looked intrigued but wary. "And what's in it for me?"
"I'll bring in the raw materials and hire more workers to assist. You get a share of the profits. Plus, with the demand for tools growing in nearby cities, we'll have a constant market."
The blacksmith grunted, clearly considering the offer. "Alright, I'm in. But I'll need to know you can pull this off."
Kian smiled. "I've already made the first step. I'll set up a network of traders to get the resources, and you'll handle the crafting. We'll supply the growing cities and expand from there."
After finalizing the deal, Kian made his way to the forest, where he gathered a team of local men to start mining the iron ore. They worked quickly, and in just two days, they had enough material to begin forging basic tools.
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Step 3: Expanding the Market
With iron tools in production, Kian's next challenge was ensuring there was a market for them. He remembered the merchant guild in Feryn and decided to return there with a proposal. This time, he didn't just bring grain—he brought a sample of the iron tools, along with a plan for supplying several nearby cities with these essential goods.
As Kian approached the guild hall, the guild master greeted him with a raised eyebrow. "You're back already? What do you have for me this time, boy?"
Kian handed over a small but well-crafted iron axe. "Tools. You know as well as I do that the demand for these will only rise as cities grow. I can supply you with more, and I've already lined up buyers."
The guild master examined the axe closely, then looked back at Kian. "You're bold. I'll admit, I didn't expect this. But you've made a good first impression. I'll consider your offer. Bring me more and I'll help you distribute them in the city markets."
Kian nodded. "I'll have a full shipment ready by next week. Just give me the logistics, and I'll handle the rest."
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Step 4: Building a Trade Network
Back in the village, Kian used his growing wealth to expand his operations further. He hired more workers—skilled artisans to craft better tools, farmers to supply grain, and even more traders to handle the transportation of goods. He also arranged deals with the local woodcutters, ensuring a steady supply of timber.
As his network grew, Kian expanded his trade routes, utilizing the Merchant Networking feature. This allowed him to communicate with merchants from larger cities, setting up supply chains that fed into high-demand urban centers.
Soon, the village that had once seemed so small began to feel like the heart of something much larger—a trade hub in the making. With the combination of raw materials, finished goods, and strategic partnerships, Kian had created a multi-tiered operation that was beginning to generate wealth at an astonishing rate.
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Step 5: The First Challenges
But no rise to power was without its obstacles. Kian's growing influence caught the attention of the local nobility, who were accustomed to controlling trade routes and wealth in the region. One morning, as he was inspecting the output of his ironworks, a group of soldiers appeared in the village, led by a nobleman in rich robes.
"I am Lord Reginald of House Darvon," the nobleman said arrogantly. "I've come to speak with the boy who thinks he can disrupt the established order."
Kian's eyes narrowed, but he kept his voice calm. "What is it you want, Lord Reginald?"
"You've been making waves in the market, boy. You've been supplying goods without my approval. I control the trade in these parts. If you want to continue your little business, you'll pay the proper tribute."
Kian regarded the lord coldly. "I don't recall asking for your approval. If you're offering protection, then I'll gladly pay for it. Otherwise, my business will continue just fine without your interference."
Lord Reginald's eyes flashed with anger. "You insolent brat. I'll be back for the tribute. Make no mistake—there's a price for everything."
As the nobleman and his soldiers left, Kian stood tall. He had expected this. There would always be those who tried to control everything, but he was no longer a weak pawn—he was a rising force.
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Step 6: The First Move in the Game of Power
Kian smiled as the nobleman left, his mind already working on his next steps. He wasn't afraid of Lord Reginald—he had faced far worse in his past life. And he wasn't going to be intimidated now.
The Wealth System would provide him with the resources he needed to protect his growing empire. But it also reminded him of something important: power wasn't just about wealth—it was about influence, relationships, and timing.
[New Quest Unlocked: Secure Political Influence.]
Tasks:
1. Gain the favor of local nobility.
2. Establish a power base within the region.
3. Form alliances with influential figures.
Kian's eyes gleamed. "Let's play the game."
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With his newfound power and ambitions, Kian prepared for the next phase of his rise—the expansion into the realm of politics and power. The world wouldn't know what hit it.