Perhaps they weren’t actually traders , but rather bandits who wanted to gain access to a new world through the outpost , and then start a massacre when they arrived . Even if it was an opportunity he’d forgo it rather than potentially making a fatal mistake . As it was still quite early Zac decided to get a few hours of sleep while he waited for Ogras . He simply sat down with his back to the furnace , and went asleep with his axe in hand .
After who knows how long Zac was awakened by a loud sound . Immediately alert he jumped to his feet , axe at the ready . Soon he relaxed though as he saw the now familiar face of the demon outside his array . Ogras seemed content to just stand there and idle about , so Zac ventured outside to meet up with him .
What are you doing? -
Basic etiquette not to enter someone’s array without permission . It’s an easy way to get your head cut off , - the demon answered off-handedly . - By the way , impressive work with the little demoness . She’s growing a third horn now in her forehead , - he added with a snicker .
Well , tell her I’m sorry about that . Couldn’t have her scream after I left . Anyways , I need to ask you something , - Zac answered with a shrug , and proceeded to share the window of the Thayer Consortia while explaining his concerns .
Hmm… Very interesting . You don’t have to worry about them being raiders , as The Ruthless Heavens place extremely strict restrictions on those who use the Mercantile System . Even if a shop-clerk turned out to be an A-Ranker Hegemon in disguise he wouldn’t be able to do anything to you . - Ogras explained .
So , isn’t this a great opportunity then? They demand quite a bit of space , but that shouldn’t be a problem . - Zac eagerly asked .
Well , they are merchants for certain , but there is something wrong with them wanting to come here . They likely are escaping something . It’s almost impossible to find a baby world except by going through an incursion , so they are excellent places to hide out in . So if you accept them you’ll likely have a bunch of refugees rather than well-stocked merchants . - Ogras explained .
So kind of like you demons then? - Zac retorted gruffly , annoyed that the golden opportunity didn’t turn out so golden after all .
Cough . . . well , something like that . The thing is that if they are forced to flee here , they will likely be barely stocked at all with items and crystals , and will have an abysmal support system for acquiring treasures in the multi-verse . Only moving their headquarters here might completely clean them out . So even if you wanted to task them with finding some specific item they’d probably not be able to help you out . -
So which should I buy? The system-run store or this Thayer Corporation? - Zac didn’t understand how the so-called Mercantile System worked , and could only ask for directions for now .
You should get the headquarters . They are likely desperate for sanctuary , and will be extremely weak in negotiations , - Ogras said with a ruthless grin . - After all , since you will pretty much be their only customer for a while you can single-handedly run them out of business if they don’t comply - .
Zac felt a bit of sympathy for this Thayer company that was forced to escape some unknown hardship , only to be exploited here on Demon Island . Well , he didn’t really have a good time being stuck here , so why should anyone else?
Chapter 73 - Foundations of a Capital
Zac and Ogras walked northbound away from the campsite . If they were going to get a compound full of merchant refugees they couldn’t be too close to the future core of operations of the town . As they walked Ogras asked about the shipyard , and when he heard that they had somehow transformed to look like humans he whistled , looking very impressed .
You didn’t know they could do that? - Zac asked confused .
Clan Azh’Rezak is a middling family in a D-Grade world . There has never been one of the Creators on our world as far as I know , and all the information about them we have is hearsay . Buying a missive on them from one of the information merchants would have bankrupted us from the expense . - The demon said defensively , looking unhappy that his image of an omniscient veteran of the multi-verse was crackling .
Well now that they are already hidden , wait here a second . Don’t mention anything about Creators , - Ogras said and rushed into the forest without waiting for a response . Zac stopped confused at current location , hesitantly looking around . It wasn’t a very good spot for an ambush , so he didn’t feel too worried about waiting there . But he did bring out his axe just in case .
After a couple of minutes sounds of footsteps alerted Zac to someone approaching . What made him wary was that it didn’t sound like just one person , but a group . Angered at the betrayal he got ready for a battle as he looked around for a path of escape if needed .
