"Dusk was a formidable assassin during their time. The Kingdom of Edaria was, and still is, a goldmine for professional killers. The competition among merchants, gangs, and aristocrats is big money and a steady income for an individual like Dusk. It's rather weird to say, but this day and age is better to be an assassin than everbefore."
-Belzie Icoe, Author of A Game on a Blade's Edge
~~~(POV: Justin Xander)~~~
~~~(Location: Haleen's House, Geonia City, Aeternitatem Genesis)~~~
~~~(Day, Date, Time: Tuesday, April 16th, 5:00 PM PST)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 19 Years)~~~
I stare at the name her finger is pointing at inside the book. It's a name I'm unfamiliar with, but based on the length and formal look, I'd say this is a merchant or noble.
"This is Gerard Vidolmai Badovich, an exotic goods merchant here in (Geonia). He's from a foreign continent. From what I remember, Gerard has extensive connections with professional killers all around the Kingdom. He's the largest mover of exotic wears East of the Taleso Kingdom."
She hands me the book as she leaves for the bathroom. Allowing me time to look at the name and see the information she has written down. As I begin reading, I hear the sound of water running from the bathroom. Seems Haleen is going to clean up, meaning I'm alone with this information.
[Current Up-to-Date Information on Gerard Vidolmai Badovich.]
[Gerard originates from the Zilfordex Kingdom, on the Continent of Qesteldim. His heavy and thick accent makes it easy to pick him out of a conversation. However, his long blond beard and green eyes make his appearance stand out in any crowd.]
[Gerard has a pipeline of underground black market dealings with bandits, mercs, and nobles from the Capital City Oderia in the Kingdom of Edaria to the Capital City Plateo in the Kingdom of Taleso. Covering over 5000 Kilometers, and over 25 major settlements and cities.]
[It's my personal conclusion based on the evidence I've been able to piece together that Gerard is one of the wealthiest foreigners in the Kingdom of Edaria. Perhaps on the entire Continent of Darjeso.]
This is the first time I've seen the name of the continent I'm on. I haven't thought to ask since it's never mattered, but now I know. The landmass I'm on is called (Darjeso).
"This Gerard is connected. He won't just give me the information I need. I might have to do a quest for him just to receive the information I need to continue my current quest. If that happens, I swear, I'm gonna lose it!"
I growl to myself as I finish speaking. Look, I really like questing, but I don't like having to complete a huge quest or chain of quests just for one little piece to another quest I'm doing. I've dealt with this in the past in other VRMMORPGs, and it's a huge time consumer.
In the end, it's not that big a deal. There are plenty of other things that could happen. He is an NPC, so I could just threaten his life...
Ugh, that would just leave me with more problems. A powerful merchant like Gerard wouldn't let a threat against his life go unheeded. That should be a last resort. There is a bit more information to read about the guy, so I continue to do so.
[From what I understand, Gerard's base of operations for his legal businesses is based out of his store, Badovich's Imporium. However, I'm aware that he has an illegal business somewhere in Geonia. Where it's located, that's still a mystery.]
[As of now, I've done extensive research into what could be used as a weakness against Gerard. The truth is, he doesn't have an obvious one. His entire family is across an ocean, he uses money to ensure loyalty, and he employs some of the strongest people around.]
[In my opinion, I don't think it's wise for me to challenge or oppose Gerard. I'll be sticking to my small smuggling ring of books and tomes; it's too small a market for Gerard to care about.]
Ahh, so Haleen was actually looking for a weakness to attack Gerard and open up her own market. This is a target dossier. A small exhale of air leaves me as a sign of being impressed. Haleen is one capable woman.
"If you think he's this dangerous and difficult to deal with, Haleen... Then I need to be on my A-game..."
There is now steam coming out from the bathroom door, along with a hummed melody. She's left the bathroom door open on purpose, so there is an invitation.
"Nothing wrong with an extended goodbye."
~~~(POV: Justin Xander)~~~
~~~(Location: Outside, Geonia City, Aeternitatem Genesis)~~~
~~~(Day, Date, Time: Tuesday, April 16th, 5:20 PM PST)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 19 Years)~~~
Haleen leans against the doorway leading outside as I stand on her small porch, well, they're really just a couple of stone steps. Her eyes go up and down my body, a knowing edge to them. She slowly reaches out her hand and rests it on my nape.
"I hope I gave you the information you were looking for, Zaediel. Don't be a stranger, alright? Come see me again soon."
She pulls me forward and kisses my forehead before letting me go. I say my goodbyes to her as well, and I start my exit from her stone steps. I hear the door close behind me, and I'm left with my task at hand.
Once I'm far enough down the street, I take a seat on a metal bench and watch players pass by. My head is racing through a ton of information. The first being Gerard's shop, the store called (Badovich's Imporium).
"Gerard is the one who has the information I need. Based on the info from Haleen's black book, he employs tons of assassins, and he knows Dusk."
Dusk is proving difficult to locate. I guess you're doing your job right as an assassin if no one can find out who you are.
First things first, I need to find out where (Badovich's Imporium) is located. The issue with that is, most places are going to start closing soon. I don't think I have enough time to find the place and go inside.
I was too... Busy. In the shower with Haleen, asking her where the shop was. Some absent-minded dumbshit. Sometimes I can be pretty smart, and moments like these prove how stupid I can be.
"Not to mention, I need to update Blake and Lillian about how far away I am from the location of the tournament in Plateo. Our plan to steal the money we need for Lil's contract is still a top priority."
That's something I'll be able to update them about the day after tomorrow. That's the next time we're meeting up with each other.
Okay, the plan for now is to find out where (Badovich's Imporium) is located. The only business open 24/7 in Geonia is the Auction House.
(Zindar's Auction House).
I bet if I head there, there is an NPC I can ask that'll tell me what I need to know. Bet it's gonna cost me some money, but I got some decent funds for a solo player at this stage in the game.
Time for me to beat feet.
~~~(POV: Saint Julianis Cardilsar)~~~
~~~(Location: Church of Ziranda, Capital City Plateo, Taleso Kingdom, Aeternitatem Genesis)~~~
~~~(Day, Date, Time: Tuesday, April 16th, 5:35 PM PST)~~~
~~~(Age: 66 Years)~~~
The debate over the (Church of Ziranda) entering the bidding war for the (Aegis of Calrovizere) has gone on for nearly six hours. Fredrick knew that he was igniting a heated discussion, but neither one of us anticipated it would go on for this long.
In truth, it's devolved into an entirely off-topic argument. The problem everyone is arguing about now is the decrease in available funds. We're not sure of the exact number, but our researchers estimate there are around 1 billion to 2 billion new arrivals.
It's possible to get Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper pieces from monsters, dungeons, and raids. It's not like the economy is choking. The issue is that this huge influx of new arrivals has turned the wealth distribution system out of whack for the moment.
"How can you sit there and say it's perfectly fine that the new arrivals are sucking up so much of the streams of revenue!? How are we supposed to sustain our expenses with an estimated 1 to 2 billion new arrivals, and more coming every day?!"
"Oh, why don't you shut your fat fucking mouth, huh!? Your Duke's territories are littered with 35% more dungeons and monsters than the averages of the other representatives at this table!! You have nothing to complain about!"
A small groan escapes my lips, but no one can hear it as a verbal battery sparks. Men at each other's throats, nearly ready to take swings.
"SILENCE!!!!"
Having enough, I use (Voice Projection Magic), and everyone immediately settles down and sits in their seats. Some red in the face from how angry they are.
"We'll vote on whether the (Church of Ziranda) begins bidding on the (Aegis of Calrovizere) right now. After the vote concludes, we need to discuss the newly discovered raid. The one found in the (Ruins of Neirul)."
As I say that, everyone's expression becomes serious. It's been almost 29 years since a new raid appeared, and this raid has coincided with the new arrivals, like many other things.