Chapter 57: Deadly Weapon
Duke's ambition to control West Blue's economy was proving to be incredibly effective. By uniting a large number of local chambers of commerce under the banner of the Figarland United Chamber of Commerce, he was creating a powerful alliance that allowed him to dominate the market. It was a strategy designed for massive scale and exponential growth.
Rather than slowly building wealth on his own, Duke leveraged the collective efforts of many, ensuring that the "cake" of West Blue's economy grew larger and stronger.
And, while everyone benefited, Duke ultimately controlled the largest share. His influence over key industries—thanks to Jace's technological advancements—meant that the money the other chambers of commerce made would inevitably flow back into his hands.
The phrase "technology is the primary productive force" became more than just a slogan; it was the reality of his growing empire.
The herd effect was in full swing. Once a few local chamber presidents joined the Figarland United Chamber of Commerce, others followed quickly, not wanting to face Duke's growing power alone.
No one could afford to be left behind, especially when faced with the prospect of competing against the overwhelming might of the Figarland Chamber of Commerce.
The influx of new members brought not only money but also much-needed infrastructure. Large construction projects—roads, factories, and power plants—were funded collectively by the participating chambers.
Duke, ever the opportunist, ensured that they used Figarland's quick-drying cement and other products. This self-sustaining cycle of production and consumption created a positive feedback loop, with Duke benefiting at every stage of the process.
As the economy in West Blue flourished under Duke's influence, so too did the lives of ordinary people.
The influx of new jobs meant that civilians who once had to spend time fetching water or chopping wood now had the income to pay for basic utilities like water and electricity. Duke's factories were booming, and the people of West Blue began to see the benefits of progress and modernization.
With the Figarland United Chamber of Commerce expanding rapidly, Duke's wealth surged. Those who had opposed him in the past were now lining up to offer their apologies, recognizing the futility of resistance.
As Duke reviewed his system panel, he saw that his wealth had climbed to an impressive three billion.
And with money, of course, came the chance to gamble for even greater rewards. Duke, with a mixture of ritual and superstition, carefully washed his hands and offered incense to the fallen leaders like Jim Volt and Brando, whose failures had contributed to his success.
After making the necessary sacrifices to "borrow" their luck, Duke pressed the lottery button. His system, as if responding to his growing dominance, rewarded him with an S-level prize: the tribute of Lord Dominic.
"Lord Dominic's Regards" offered Duke a formidable set of enhancements—boosting his attack power, critical hit chance, and armor penetration.
It was just the edge he needed to solidify his grip on West Blue, and perhaps beyond.
The Figarland United Chamber of Commerce was rising, and with each step, Duke was getting closer to total economic and military domination.
His adversaries had only one fate awaiting them: to fall, just as Jim Volt, Brando, and President Rum had before them.
At the same time, the attack has a giant killer effect, dealing extra damage to enemy heroes with higher maximum health than yours!
[By consuming one billion wealth points, congratulations to the Host for winning the S-level prize: a Mortal Reminder equipment.]
Mortal Reminder: Once equipped, it boosts medium attack power, attack speed, critical hit chance, and movement speed.
Additionally, the attack inflicts a septic effect, significantly reducing life and physical recovery!
[By consuming one billion wealth points, congratulations to the Host for winning the S-level prize: the heroic bounty hunter, Miss Fortune Sarah.]
Miss Fortune Sarah:
Rank: 1
Strength: B-
Physique: B-
Agility: B
Spirit: B-
Potential: S-
Equipment Owned: None
Abilities:
Overall Rating: B-Abilities: Blessed by Misfortune, Meteor Stride, Rain of Bullets, etc.!
As the only daughter of a famous gunmaker, she grew up surrounded by powerful and magical firearms. She is familiar with nearly all types of guns; gunfire is like an extension of her arm.
She is the most renowned and deadliest bounty hunter in the world of Figarland. Of course, her guns are not the only deadly thing about her—her beauty is just as lethal!
"Well, two pieces of armor?"
"The Giant Killer has a septic effect. Considering the typical blood count and resilient physique in the pirate world, these two pieces of equipment are practically legendary!"
"Hehe, I like it!"
Duke looked at the two pieces of tank-busting equipment he had drawn, feeling extremely satisfied. Then, he turned to the heroic Miss Fortune, who had finally appeared again, and smiled brightly.
"System, summon Miss Fortune immediately!"
Duke wanted to see just how deadly Miss Fortune's beauty—and her twin guns—could be!
"Good luck doesn't favor fools,"
"But my master will always look after me!"
Miss Fortune Sarah quietly appeared, her long wavy hair framing her face, accompanied by three striking features and an incredibly charming voice.
Duke quickly realized that Miss Fortune Sarah was indeed dangerous!
However, Miss Sarah's stunning beauty didn't make Duke lose his focus. In the world of pirates, beauty is common, but strength is the only trait that truly matters.
Compared to Miss Sarah's captivating looks, Duke was more interested in her lethal twin guns.
"The world has plenty of prey, but it's missing some deadly hunters."
"Are you interested in making your name known in this world again?" Duke asked Miss Fortune seriously.
The pirate world is filled with countless pirates, yet the bounty hunters are scattered and few. Duke found this unusual.
So, he decided to bring some deadly hunters into the world.
Of course, Duke insisted he wasn't greedy for the bounties of the many pirates at sea or the wealth they possessed. He simply wanted to rid the world of danger and restore peace to the seas.
Duke doesn't like pirates.
"Of course, leave it to me!" Miss Fortune Sarah replied, brushing her long hair back with her gun in hand, speaking lazily.
"I love hunting!"
"And if there's no prey, what's the reward?"
Miss Fortune quietly left West Blue, heading straight for South Blue.
Her goal was simple: to create a bounty guild in South Blue and hunt pirates across the world!
As for why she didn't establish the bounty guild directly in West Blue?
Duke believed West Blue had seen enough major events!
News shouldn't always gather in one place, and Duke's influence shouldn't be limited to West Blue. The entire world was the stage for Duke's heroes.
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