Endless: Hell's Swordsmen

Chapter 8 the invader?

A/n:short chapter 1k words

Astro was also able to see that her remark wasn't simple. She was indirectly lauding him for doing what others failed to do – keep his eyes to himself. Though Astro wasn't going to take the moral high ground against the others, because there was definitely something going on with this woman's charm. Astro guessed she might be part succubus, after all, human-demon offspring were a normal sight, especially succubus and incubus offspring.

It would also explain her natural camouflage ability.

"I am here to negotiate for land. I wish to sell weapons, armor and potions to the fighters here," Astro squeezed out with effort, adding in an empty smile.

This shocked the gathered viewers so strongly that they forgot to ogle the woman. She herself revealed a wide eyed gaze and even Kwaku had his jaws drop.

Sell weapons and armor..? Was there really such a thing…?

Give it! Give it now!! Who in their right minds would refuse?? Having a supply of weapons and armor would not only lower the mortality rate but increase the oppression on their targeted frontier town. The sooner they squashed them, the greater their rewards and standing in society, individually as well as collectively. They were one of the bottom rung outposts up here, but with this..!!

The various youths assembled couldn't help but fantasize. Ah! Their ancestors were really watching over them to send such a boon. They swore to add more offerings during their next visit to the tombs.

The voluptuous woman was the first to recover and Kwaku soon followed after. The two of them observed Astro seriously before the woman spoke again.

"We have no qualms letting you sell here, but trade requires currency. When leaving the homeland, we didn't bring any of our pesewas. Also, may I inquire upon your supplier?"

Her questions once again snapped everyone out of their daze, for they were crucial. How would they compensate Asteo for his wares and more importantly, he was one of them on the surface and should have an outpost of his own. Why would he supply them with weapons instead of the bigger outposts or even his own village?

Apprehension made itself known on their faces. Coupled with Astro's suspicious activities when he first entered the town, it seemed more like a prelude to an invasion than a business venture expansion.

Astro didn't blame them, but he was surprised at how sharp this woman was. He had already long guessed that she was the true leader here, and her actions have affirmed that. Astro frowned inwardly. Both the frontier town and the native's village had extremely intelligent leaders, so how were they at the bottom? Probably circumstance and fate. With Astro's supplies, he could see these two towns taking the highlight of this war easily.

"I would take the currency of these frontier's people. I have great use for it in building a platform to invade their lands. My supplies come from harvesting the spoils of war from more affluent towns. We also found some supply trains on their way to restock their destinations, so we do not lack supplies. Is that good enough?"

With such an explanation, they could only acquiesce. Most of those who felt endangered relaxed and even felt envy. To strike gold like that… how lucky! Some too felt awe from Astro's assertion that he planned to assault the lands of the invaders. Excitement brimmed in their hearts. Who that was on the defensive didn't want to take the fight to their assailants?

The only one with some measure of distrust still lingering in their eyes was the woman who was in charge, but she hid it well. Still, Astro easily caught onto it and he frowned inwardly. First Anguis, now this woman. Was he that distrustful? He wasn't even using his real face!

"Thank you for clarifying. We will help you construct your shop for a fee. How soon can you open business?" She went straight into the heart of the matter, not wasting time with any superfluous words.

Astro found that he rather felt this woman was pleasing. Down to earth and not the type to talk unnecessarily. "As soon as the shop is ready. Here is the design."

Of course, while they may be combatants, there were definitely utility classes here who could easily handle the building of the shop. As an afterthought, Astro decided to analyze Kwaku and the woman before him.

｢Name: Kwaku – Rank 1 Barbarian Adventurer

Level: 17

HP: 10,000/10,000｣

｢Name: Zaine – Rank 1 Fighter Adventurer

Level: 19

HP: 8,000/8,000｣

Astro's eyebrows rose in surprise. Despite being able to fight both of them, he wouldn't have it easy at all, even with his skill. Just Kwaku's health alone was enough to rival a lieutenant rank monster. It was also a fact that between NPCs and monsters, NPCs of the same rank have an advantage over monsters.

Astro's left the town after making sure the construction was underway. There was very little he could add to the progress, as he didn't choose the builder Tradeskill. Instead, he walked deeper into the region until he came across a cave that was hidden inside a mountain.

He observed this cave carefully for traps or other inhabitants. Finding that it was clear, Asteo sighed in relief. In fact, this wasn't a natural cave but something made by a powerful being who lived here in seclusion for a while. As such, the place was remote and best of all, had rooms for alchemy, smithing and even hygiene.

This was going to be Astro's base for the duration of the war, where he'd create weapons and armor as well as brew potions for sale. The amount of resources he had were staggering. He had already bought some potions to add to the weapons and armor sets he bought from players which would be a part of his first wave of goods.

By the time those sold out, he have a few sets of his own handcrafted products done. Killing two birds with one stone: earn skill levels and money at the same time was his goal.

With that in mind, Astro began renovation. He had work to do.