57 Demands
Derrick left the shop in a better mood.
He had gotten everything he desired and still had a staggering 10 892 gold coins. He also had the pleasure of humiliating a wench, which was the cherry on top.
His next step was now to solve his transportation issues.
He roamed around the streets and delved even deeper towards the center of Terra.
From what he could see, it appeared that carriages were in high-demand. The thought of spending way over budget crossed his mind, scaring him.
At the end of the day, he wanted the lion's share to go towards obtaining more subordinates.
After a walk that lasted a few minutes, he came in front of a large establishment that had its private street.
It was gorgeous, with large french windows and marble columns. A large sign, carved in what seemed to be red oak, hung above its large iron doors.
"Moving Lux & Co."
He stepped on the red carpet leading to its entrance and was amazed by the sight that greeted him.
It was a gigantic showroom, with all their models on display. He could see all types of vehicles, from utility to luxury, and from work to pleasure.
There was even a counter at the near end that boasted it could personally build your dream cart.
Derrick was a little overwhelmed. He didn't expect this industry to be so prosperous.
A freshly dressed man noticed the newcomer and politely greeted him.
It was clear he hadn't judged the necromancer by his appearance, which spoke volume about his experience. He had seen every type of noble, and he wasn't fazed by someone wearing a cheap black cloak.
"Greetings, Sir. My name's George. How may I be of assistance today?"
Derrick didn't waste time and went straight to the point.
"Can you show me the utility carriages? Either magic-powered or manual, it doesn't matter"
George obliged and led Derrick to a black counter. He couldn't identify the material, piquing his curiosity.
The salesman saw his interest, but still didn't indulge him. After all, they weren't here to discuss materials.
He took out a large, pristine brown ledger, and he turned its white pages until arriving to the section that Derrick was interested in. He then turned the book around and presented it to him.
The information was neatly displayed, with realistic drawings accompanying each description.
[Basic Enchanted Merchandise Carriage]
[Grade : Rare]
[Maximum Speed : 20 KMH]
[Load Capacity : 500 kilograms]
[Description : Made of enchanted iron and comprised of a magical core powering its four wheels]
[Price : 250 Gold Coins]
[Price for a non-enchanted version : 50 Gold coins (Doesn't include the horses)]
[Advanced Enchanted Merchandise Carriage]
[Grade : Rare]
[Maximum Speed : 30 KMH]
[Load Capacity : 700 kilograms]
[Description : Made of enchanted iron and comprised of a magical core powering its four wheels]
[Price : 500 Gold Coins]
[Price for a non-enchanted version : 100 Gold coins (Doesn't include the horses)]
Derrick was flabbergasted by their capacities. If he acquired this, the mining operations and overall activities of Akata would be greatly enhanced.
Without pausing a beat, he immediately placed his order.
"Do you have 2 basic enchanted merchandise carriages and 1 advanced one?"
George was taken aback, but promptly nodded. He didn't think this customer would disburse such a sum.
Derrick had also been pleasantly surprised by the prices. They weren't trying to rip an arm and a leg.
"I'll take them"
A smile appeared on the salesman, and he waited for Derrick's payment, which arrived shortly after.
A sale of this magnitude wasn't extraordinary, but it was still a decent payday.
George went to the back and brought a magical pouch containing the merchandise. After a short inspection, Derrick satisfyingly left.
He hadn't solved his expertise problem, but he could always ask at this next destination.
Once outside, he was met with a suffocating heat, indicating that half a day had already gone by.
It was time to finally go to the Slave Market.
***
After entering and passing the tight security of the hideous building, Derrick found the familiar first floor, still packed with people.
He had to say he'd never get used to a scene like this.
His first step was to find cheap slaves to fill the new mines.
Even if they looked devoid of emotions, he was hoping that offering them freedom after a period of time would reignite their wills to live. And if it didn't, he would simply have free labor.
It was a win-win either way.
His first reflex was to go towards a seller of orcs. They had great bodies and their strength was incomparable to humans. In theory, they would make great miners.
"System, use Potentus on this group of orcs"
[The assessment is in progress… Done! There is no individual that will reach the Master level in any domain]
He was a bit disappointed, but he couldn't always hit the jackpot.
The slave trader noticed his interest and decided to approached him.
"I see you're interested in this group, hehe… There are 40 orcs in total, all adults. They sell for 1 gold coin each"
It was a short and fat man with crooked teeth.
While talking, he had also spit a few times in Derrick's direction, who simply wanted to break his neck. The man was just repulsing.
"They are malnourished. 30 gold coins, take it or leave it"
The necromancer was interested, but only for the right price. Moreover, his transporting accommodations had a limit, which he obviously didn't want to exceed.
The fat man grimaced at the reply, but he couldn't deny the observation.
With the unnatural strength of orcs came their large appetites. Feeding them decent meals would quickly bankrupt any trader, which was why they were cheaper than other races.
After reflecting a bit, the trader finally agreed. He had to get rid of his 'stock' while there were still profits to be made.
Derrick shook his potty hand and paid him. He told him he would come back later to finalize the contract and take them away.
This was a great start, and he continued looking on the floor, scanning various groups.
Alas, it was in vain. Nobody had hidden potential. It seemed like the traders easily recognized talented individuals.
With a sigh, he headed to the fourth floor.
He then arrived in the large hall and saw the familiar and single central counter.
Yankov was still sitting behind it, writing in his black ledger. He had heard the footsteps, making him lift his head.
When he saw the young man with golden hair and green eyes, a smile crept on his face. He clearly recognized Derrick.
"How can I help you, Mr. Tarlin?"
"It seems you remember me, so I'll cut to the chase : Enchanters and Researchers"
"Budget?"
Derrick grinned at the inquiry. There was no way he didn't have the funds this time around.
"9000"
Yankov chocked, with his eyes becoming bigger than saucers. That was a ridiculously large budget for slaves!
Derrick also precised his demands.
"Researchers for teleportation and transportation, if possible"
He had been greatly interested in the teleportation device and what its possibilities meant. It would be a game changer if he managed to acquire the technology.
