Ryo had spent the entire night finalizing the layout of his kingdom. Not only had he meticulously designed the capital, but he had also planned the infrastructure for the surrounding towns. However, despite having a detailed blueprint of his envisioned kingdom, he lacked the wealth to bring it to life. Before moving forward with his plans, Ryo prioritized the safety of his family. He erected a powerful barrier around the mansion where his parents resided, ensuring that no one harboring ill intentions could step foot onto the grounds. With that completed, he set out to find skilled workers to begin construction.
Ryo's search led him to a group of dwarven craftsmen, renowned for their unparalleled expertise in construction and smithing. The dwarves, upon reviewing Ryo's detailed plans, were impressed by the scope of the project. The chief of the dwarves, a grizzled and stocky man with a thick beard, crossed his arms and let out a low whistle.
"Boy, this is no small task," the chief stated. "Building a kingdom of this scale will require a fortune. A pretty penny, indeed. And to build it exactly as you envision… you'll need much more."
Ryo wasn't surprised. He had anticipated the costs but was now faced with the reality of securing the necessary funds. Remembering the advice given by the Vampire Lord and the Dragon Emperor, he decided to sell the monster corpses he had accumulated from his battles. With Selena and Seyra accompanying him, he made his way to an organization specializing in monster trade.
Upon arrival, Ryo presented the remains of various high-level monsters he had slain. The appraisers were astonished at the sheer number and quality of the creatures. After a thorough evaluation, the final value was assessed—Ryo had earned a staggering 110 million platinum coins.
"Is that a lot?" Ryo casually asked, unfamiliar with the monetary system.
Selena smiled and explained, "Ten small copper coins equal one big copper coin. Ten big copper coins equal one small silver coin. Ten small silver coins equal one big silver coin. Ten big silver coins equal one small gold coin. Ten small gold coins equal one gold coin, and finally, one hundred gold coins equal a single platinum coin." She turned to him with an amused expression. "To put it simply, with 110 million platinum coins, you can more than afford to build the basic structures of your kingdom and even complete your castle."
With the financial aspect temporarily resolved, Ryo now needed to consider an essential factor—providing jobs for the future citizens of his kingdom. As he pondered this, his attention was drawn to a conversation between two men at the organization.
"These days, barely anyone hunts monsters anymore," one man sighed. "At this rate, our business is going to shut down."
Intrigued, Ryo approached them. "Why aren't people hunting monsters?" he asked curiously.
Seyra was the first to respond. "Monster corpses have various uses. Some creatures provide edible meat, while others with thick fur can be used for clothing. Their fangs and claws can be refined into weapons, and their bones often serve as crafting materials. Every part of a monster has its value."
Ryo nodded, then turned his gaze to Selena. "Then why has monster hunting declined?"
Selena sighed. "Because it's dangerous. A single hunter can't take down multiple monsters, especially when they move in packs."
"But we're not talking about humans," Ryo pointed out. "There are vampires, demons, dragons, and other strong races. Surely, they should be more than capable."
Selena shook her head. "That's the issue. Most of the powerful races belong to noble families, and nobles don't usually engage in monster hunting. They either look down on it or have no need to risk their lives when they already live in luxury."
Hearing this, an idea sparked in Ryo's mind. What if he created an organized hunting system? If nobles refused to hunt, then why not create incentives for others? There were surely individuals with the strength and skills but no means to make a living. A structured hunting guild would not only provide employment but would also ensure a stable supply of monster materials for trade and crafting.
"What if I establish a Monster Hunter's Guild?" Ryo mused aloud. "A system where those willing to hunt can earn based on their contributions?"
Selena and Seyra exchanged glances. "That... could work," Seyra admitted. "If the rewards are good and the risks are calculated, many might take it up."
Ryo grinned. "Then it's settled. Once the construction of my kingdom begins, I'll also establish a guild. The guild will categorize hunters based on their strength and assign them appropriate missions. Stronger hunters can take on bigger threats, while beginners can start with weaker monsters. If we provide them with proper training and resources, it could turn into a sustainable profession."
Selena's eyes sparkled with interest. "And if we introduce a ranking system with rewards, it would encourage competition and growth among hunters."
"Exactly," Ryo agreed. "We'll make sure that no one is forced into it, but those who are willing will have the chance to build a future for themselves."
The idea excited him. Not only would this plan solve the declining monster-hunting issue, but it would also ensure that the necessary materials for trade and development continued flowing. It was a win-win situation.
With that, Ryo turned to the dwarven chief. "Prepare your best builders. My kingdom's construction begins now."
The chief smirked. "Heh, boy, with that much money, I suppose we can get started right away."
And so, the first step toward the rise of Ryo's kingdom had officially begun.