#236
In Tarak (1)
Tarak, the northern metropolis of the Kingdom of Tulk, where several avatars happened to gather.
Further north, beyond the Iron Citadel, there is a northern mountain range where you can obtain resources such as rare monster bodies and mineral herbs.
To the southeast, there was a trade route leading to the Azerion Empire, which ruled the central part of the continent.
In the southwest, there was a high-quality iron ore production area that was the pride of the County of Aonia, and it was also home to many outstanding craftsmen.
'That's why I chose this place as the starting point for Hubert Company.'
A city with a developed mercenary and weapons industry and a blessed location boasting an excellent location for trade.
Before we knew it, Hubert Trading Company had developed into one of the largest trading companies in that area.
'Of course, this achievement was not achieved purely through fair competition.'
It was only natural that a company that had been established for only a few years could not have grown so quickly through normal means.
"Hmm."
Hubert looked down from the rooftop of the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and observed the people coming and going busily.
The start was a huge amount of initial capital that could be raised with Hans' support.
The recruitment of talent and aggressive mergers and acquisitions through this quickly put his company on the right track, and the status of co-CEO Harley, which began to grow, served as an external shield.
'It was great to have a friendly relationship with the count family, the lord of this land, and to show off my closeness with the church through Heinrich.'
It cannot be left out that thanks to the vampires under Heinz II, they had an advantage in the secret battle under the water.
In the process, there were times when those who were manipulating things behind the scenes were thoroughly punished and set as an example.
'In addition, we provide high-quality products that are quality controlled using the finest spices and rare items brought from the Earth through 'appraisal'.'
In addition, the unconventional investments and business activities made while grasping information on the Immortal King's attack in real time have been successful every time.
The Tulk Kingdom's Merchant Alliance forces, which kept him in check at every turn, had their influence shrunk in an instant due to the coincidental intervention of the Immortal Army.
Success continues day after day as if heaven is helping.
In addition, in the world of Tarak, Hubert was even called 'a man loved by the god of wealth.'
It was no wonder that he became the owner of a large merchant company that was the largest in the northern part of the Tulk Kingdom and had a significant presence in other countries as well.
And it's the same even at this moment.
The heyday of Hubert Company was still in progress.
"ah! "The Lord of the Chamber of Commerce is here!"
While he was blankly watching the people, a familiar female voice sounded in his ears.
Hubert slowly turned his head and looked at the girl approaching the railing of the rooftop where he was.
"Diana."
The girl who was small and thin when we first met due to not being able to eat well has disappeared, and now she exudes a healthy beauty that makes her look more mature than her original age.
Diana, who entered by parachute, gained everyone's recognition and rose to success, is now working as his personal secretary.
"I have an issue that needs to be paid for today! "This is an agenda for the expansion of the restaurant 'Dancing with Oak' to other branches, proposed by the owner of the store, and this is…"
She came up next to him and skillfully continued the briefing, holding a folder in one hand like a competent career woman.
It gave off a professional feel that would look great with glasses.
'You said you studied hard before coming here… No, this is not at a level that can be called studying. Is it effort added to talent?'
At first, I was only entrusting her with the task with the intention of using her transcendental sense of smell, but she was excelling in this field more than I expected.
Perhaps a significant part of the Hubert Company's progress until recently included her struggles.
'I was a little disappointed that Hubert's own growth seemed to have stopped, but if his power expands this smoothly, it's not that bad. Actually, as long as it helps in some way.'
Avatar Hubert's goal is to become a colossus commanding the upper world of the continent.
He was the next avatar created after Harley, but the development status of the individual rather than the force was not very satisfactory.
In terms of combat, I didn't have any expectations from the beginning, but I thought I would have developed a few merchant-related skills such as 'bargaining' and 'speech' by
this point… 'I never thought I wouldn't develop one until the merchant association becomes this big.'
Well, after thinking about it carefully, I think I can understand why.
A skill is an ability itself.
And the merchant's skills were generally based on personal insight and judgment, as well as interaction with others, rather than special abilities.
The result is different from acquiring related skills by training martial arts or magic, which are related to special abilities from the beginning.
'If you have a skill called 'Bargaining' and can lower the price further, that would not be a merchant's ability, but rather mental magic.'
Of course, he just didn't understand it, and maybe there really was a skill for those who chose the path of a merchant, but now all those assumptions were meaningless.
Rather than working on the front line, he was now the captain of a large ship called Hubert Trading Co., Ltd. who decided on the course of the ship.
'But it's not like there's no result at all.'
Although it wasn't a merchant-only skill just a little while ago, Hubert finally gained a new skill.
To be precise, the mastery of "Emotion" that had been used all along crossed a certain line and evolved into a new skill by combining with "Visit" added as a status enhancement.
"This time, I talked to my uncle, the grocery manager from 'Dancing with Orcs'… no, Mr. Bolt. The delivery price can be controlled more efficiently…"
And the skill "Analysis" that has evolved in this way is upward compatible with "Appraisal" and has made things that were previously impossible possible.
He looked at Diana, who kept chatting with excitement, and immediately used "Analysis" on her.
〈Diana〉
– Affiliated with Hubert Company. Even though he is still young, he shows an outstanding ability in business. Know your shortcomings and constantly learn and strive to grow further. He is excited at the thought of being able to help the person who saved him. I had a bacon sandwich for lunch today.
-Main characteristics: Mysterious sense of smell Blind loyalty Devoted family love Genius gift Extraordinary mental ability Ordinary physical ability Desperate misery
-Reliability: 98%
The biggest difference.
Unlike "emotion," which could only be used on objects, the evolved "analysis" could also be used on people.
'There seems to be a difference in the detail of the information depending on how well you know the target person, but this level is excellent.'
The reason he had been up on the rooftop just now looking down at the people passing by was to see it for himself.
The only information I could confirm at that time was 'I am anxious because I could not meet the delivery date of the product.' Or, 'I'm lying to hide the fact that I cheated.' There were only two or three main characteristics that were visible.
'In addition, the trustworthiness of people without acquaintances was not indicated at all, and even for employees of our company, it rarely exceeded 60%.'
Looking at it that way, I was able to realize once again that Diana's trust rating of 98% was truly ridiculously high.
That's probably what the 'blind loyalty' item included in her main traits means.
'But everything else aside… it's hopeless misfortune.'
Hubert looked at Diana, who was still talking with a bright expression, and gently stroked her chin.
Of course, considering her past, it was an understandable expression.
I heard that even before Aaron was kidnapped, she was constantly in dangerous situations, barely able to avoid them with her sense of smell and desperate efforts.
If she hadn't met her that day, she would have ended up losing her younger brother, being alone, and living an unhappy life.
'But you don't seem so unhappy now, so why is it still a major trait? …hmm? for a moment.'
Then, I suddenly remembered the story of how her family came here to Tarak.
An incident in which their family was in trouble due to the conspiracy of none other than the greedy instructor who taught Diana.
What would have happened if Heinz II had not visited at that time?
Not only did the good uncle and his wife, who had welcomed the poor siblings, lose their store and place to live, but there was also a high possibility that the only daughter, Rafi, who had not received proper treatment, was at fault.
If things really went that far, wouldn't the Bolt family blame Diana after learning the whole story? Also, could Diana forgive herself?
'…If I had been just a little late, that harmonious family would have been completely ruined.'
As expected, the variable was himself.
To be precise… it can be said to be the intervention of an awakened person from another dimension who shakes up even the established trend of the world called 'misfortune'.
"…Then, please pay!"
At that moment, after finishing her explanation, she held out the folder and pen she was holding and shouted energetically.
Hubert looked at that bright smile for a moment, then slowly nodded and accepted it.
For him, dividing his thoughts was as natural as breathing, so even while he was thinking about other things, he didn't miss a word of what she said.
'Anyway, 'Analysis' is quite a useful ability. I can say that he is the best when it comes to dealing with subordinates.'
This makes it easier to select loyal and capable subordinates.
Additionally, if we continue to develop this, we will eventually be able to learn more about Diana's sense of smell and misfortune.
Until then, it seemed like it would be best to keep her by his side so she wouldn't get caught up in unnecessary misfortune.
"Then I will implement it like this, Lord of the Chamber of Commerce!"
"Um, okay."
This girl, who was the first person he met when he came to this world, was a girl who listened well and worked hard, and it meant a lot to him.
***
The only workshop in the central district of Tarak, where land is expensive.
Unlike other workshops located in the industrial district, this was a private workshop prepared for only one person, 'Zaonic Steelstone', by order of the lord.
Kyaang—! Kyaang—!
Of course, not only the facilities but also the equipment scattered around were of the highest quality, and the materials prepared were of poor quality.
Moreover, aren't the Zaonics the dwarves who are said to be a race of artisans?
"Wow, it surprises me every time I see it. What kind of monster…"
But the owner of the workshop was busy letting go of his hand and looking somewhere and laughing.
Because of the ridiculous growth shown by this guy who had to be taught from the basics not long ago.
'I knew from a long time ago that he was a genius.'
Should we say that teaching one thing teaches ten?
Not long after picking up the hammer, he even received the blessing of the furnace, so it goes without saying that he is a talent.
Aren't even the branches of the World Tree, which is said to be hard to find, being used like common firewood?
Moreover, his stamina was so good that he often fell first while trying to keep up with the pace.
'Ah, I was lively like that when I was young.'
Zaonic shook his head excitedly as he recalled the glorified past.
Even compared to glorified standards, I thought that was a bit harsh.
'Not to mention the will.'
Once he started working, he eliminated all distracting thoughts and focused only on completing the work. The movement was so mechanical that it looked like a golem rather than a living being.
Of course, it was common among craftsmen to give up eating and drinking and concentrate only on work, but Howard's appearance was quite heterogeneous even by the standards of Zaonic, which he was accustomed to.
'It was already showing such monstrous growth…'
But starting a few days ago, it finally went beyond the limits of what I could understand.
The second hammering that follows one hammering is like the 20th strike of a hammer, and the third hammering progresses even further, as if it has been corrected a dozen times.
It's like living alone in dozens of times more time.
Yes, it would have been better to call it evolution rather than growth.
At some point after a few days of this inexplicable phenomenon, Zaonic stopped teaching him and reduced his interference to just watching him from behind and occasionally giving advice.
Eventually, Howard went from being an apprentice who needed to be taught to becoming a full-fledged craftsman whose path could be respected.
In terms of skill itself, Zaonic is still superior, but at this stage, the difference in methods between them is not 'wrong' but just 'different', so the guidance was meaningless.
"Whoa—!"
And another round of work is finished.
Howard finally came out of his immersion and wiped off his sweat with a towel with a deep sigh.
In front of him, the armor part of one arm, which was still hot, reflected the flickering light of the furnace with its smooth curves and shed a beautiful metallic glow.
"Isn't it time to tell you what to make? The internal structure looks complex enough to be considered ordinary armor. "Wow, where on earth did you learn such a strange design?"
When his work seemed to be finished, Zaonic, who was watching quietly from behind, grumbled quietly.
Even though he had already asked several times, he seemed frustrated because he had not received a clear answer.
"Ugh! "You mean this?"
Howard smiled happily as he stroked the smooth part, not paying attention to the remaining heat.
I was doubtful about it until now, but I was able to become convinced of the possibility after just completing a pair of arms.
'I didn't tell you for a while because I thought it might not work out.'
Of course, it is still a simple prototype, and even after it is completed, it will have to undergo quite frequent upgrades to be usable in actual use. But
if it can be completed, such hardships are insignificant.
After all, this is—.
"Iron… ugh."
It is the culmination of the romance that he promised himself to create from the moment he decided to become a craftsman.
"It is a full-body suit for all-purpose combat."
Because that was it.