The Continent of Divinica consisted of five (5) major superpowers—[1] The Holy Empire of Divinia (West); [2] The Eastern Empire of Adania; [3] The Arctic Empire of the South; [4] The Central Empire of Arya; and [5] the Abyss Lands of the North.
Each superpower contained numerous vassals or independent kingdoms. However, the Dark Forest in the North was so vast that it could loom over several minor kingdoms.
With that said, being the number one threat throughout the continent, as a fraction of the Abyss Lands, the Dark Forest had been pioneered by countless heroes over the years, making parts of it to become human strongholds against the threat of the vicious demonkind.
The Dark Forest contained prosperous resources and seemingly immeasurable mysteries in its own right.
With some areas being relatively safe and devoid of powerful monsters, there hid in plain sight an abundant vein of distinct minerals used for creating magical equipment or by mages for their magical research and circle advancement.
Seeing the confirmation report at her table, the sole heir of the Golden Crown Merchant Guild, Ravelle Au Regina, couldn't help but smirk. Her emerald gaze thoroughly inspected everything that was written.
[Golden Crown Confidential Document]
Subject: Unknown
Body: An anonymous letter containing a specific coordinate [111-222-333-NC-DF-Underground] was received through the academy's cafeteria staff.
Verification: Upon precise verification through the guild's deployed loyal mercenaries, an abundant amount of runeshards were found…
"Lugh of Eshu, huh?" Ravelle muttered in amusement.
A moment later, she gestured to her secretary standing beside her, who instinctively bowed before an order was given.
"Yes, Miss Ravelle?" Donned in a standard maid outfit, the secretary asked.
"Bring me the person behind the letter I received last night."
Ravelle didn't know that Lugh was behind the letter at first glance, that was until she had confirmed the existence of the mineral vein that would bolster that guild's financial power and expanding influence throughout the Holy Empire.
*
The day before Lugh dropped out of the Hero Academy.
Looking at him with inexplicable disdain, Ravelle scoffed before opening her mouth to speak,
"You? Is this a joke?"
It had not been long when Lugh's family fell from grace.
That was not all; driven by irresponsibility and perhaps depression, Lugh's family disappeared from the public eye. Some even speculated they'd taken their own lives, leaving him with nothing but their mark of disgrace.
Before that, his reputation as someone with thug-like behavior was already known, including his malicious gaze towards the Imperial Princess. Though the tables had turned, making him the target of other nobles and even some commoners for what he'd done.
Of course, Kang Jiho, now in the body of original Lugh, was aware of that, aside from his family's situation. For some reason, memories of the original body pre-transmigration seemed to refuse to manifest, making it difficult for him to navigate his way.
"We've verified it, Miss Ravelle. It's been confirmed that he was the one who delivered the note through one of our associates."
Ravelle scowled, her eyes scrutinizing him, who sat across the table with an aloof expression.
Unlike his usual demeanor, it seemed something had changed.
'Why's he not talking? Did being bullied by others humble him? Hah. Improbable.'
After entertaining such a thought, Ravelle finally heard Lugh's voice… or demand, "Ten-thousand gold."
"…?"
Sensing her confusion, Lugh added, "Plus safe passage to the Eshu County via portal."
"What do you think you're doing?" Ravelle said, her tone cold.
'How dare this bastard demand these of me?'
"What else? It's your 'debt' for the information I provided. You're a merchant by soul, surely you know there's nothing free in this world, right?"
Hearing this, Ravelle's eyes narrowed.
Taking a deep breath for a moment, she replied, "You have no idea what you're saying, do you? Maybe I should just have you killed?"
However, Lugh's curt response bewildered her, "Then do it."
"What…?"
"I said kill me."
"You arrogant bastard!" She clenched her fist.
"Do it. You'll take your runeshards vein for free. Unfortunately, you would only manage to take just half the price of what I was asking."
'What did he say? Does it mean there's another runeshards vein only he was aware of? But how did he know this?'
Ravelle was perplexed and found him suspicious. But after thorough verification that he was indeed the one who provided the coordinates, she could not just dismiss Lugh's value.
Lugh chuckled, seeing Ravelle falling into contemplation.
"What do you say? Ten-thousand gold, safe passage to my worthless hometown… and since you've been quite indecisive, provide me with fifty slaves."
Ravelle was about to lash out due to his sudden additional demand, though she refrained from doing so. Instead, she queried, "You're bold. But how can I be so sure what you are withholding is genuine?"
"You don't. I won't tell you to trust me. Isn't that the merchant's way? Only business, no undying trust. However, it's up to your instincts whether to take my word or not."
Lugh then let out a self-deprecating chuckle before continuing, "I mean, if I scam you, you could easily find and hunt me down, yes? With my situation, I don't have any power to run. Moreover, would you even take a loss? That runeshards vein's value far exceeded the demand I was asking."
'He's right… Ten thousand gold's nothing. We've already secured the runeshards vein… and considering its market price, I'd yield at least one hundred times this bastard's demand in terms of profit. This begs the question…' Ravelle thought carefully.
"I see. You have my attention. But I'd like to ask, why did you tell me this? Surely you're not asking the Golden Crown Merchant Guild to back your family, are you? After all, you could just slowly mine the runeshards and take them for yourself. Instead, you sold the information for a mere ten-thousand gold, safe passage, and fifty slaves."
He now has nothing and wants a connection…" She surmised.
Knowing what she was thinking, Lugh couldn't help but shake his head.
"I just need money, and I'm lazy."
His succinct answer caught her off guard, silencing her for a moment.
'Is he a madman? Well, I guess. His situation wouldn't allow him to recruit miners to assist him in extracting the runeshards.'
"Whatever. Have it your way." Ravelle gestured to her secretary to leave to process the staggering amount of gold coins.
"Let's do it in writing." Lugh abruptly said, his eyes momentarily on the leaving figure.
Ravelle chuckled.
"Meticulous, aren't you? Fine."
"Yes, also…"
The negotiation continued for some time, which seemed to drain Ravelle's mental capacity.
Now, being alone with her secretary, the latter asked,
"Would it be okay, Miss Ravelle?"
"What do you mean?" She replied.
"He's rude and a bastard, as you said. I thought you wouldn't let him go unscathed."
"Hah. There's no need to concern ourselves with that wastrel. He'll die on his own anyway."
'Dropping out, huh?'
Even she was somewhat surprised by his decision. It's because the Hero Academy provided substantial benefits for a student to survive, ranging from lodging, food, and other necessities.
However, with Lugh dropping out of the academy, atop of being a fallen noble, those benefits would be stripped.
He just outright lunged his existence to hell.
'If notorious bandits or greed of others won't consume him, then let's see what you're going to do.'
Thinking such frivolous things, Ravelle smiled amusingly.