Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 70: Supply and Demand

Supply and demand. An economic model that focuses on the customer relationship between the items or services they desire and the quantity you are willing to produce. Our parents taught us that topic a few times when I was in middle school and I have never expected it would be used in a VRMMO game like in [Isekai] so we can gain enough money for materials and other stuff. However, what is more, surprising is that we have to use it to save the game's popularity.

Right now, we're inside Star and Annie's tent as we wait for Arthur and Razul to check on our stand to see the current situation in <Initio> so far. It's still in chaos and I'm still praying that things will calm down once we safely open our shop. However, Kazu isn't idling much as he spends on an empty table making potions with his advanced kit. I can understand what he's trying to do, so I decide not to disturb him for now. Just then, we notice the self-proclaimed "knight-in-training" or whatever title he preferred to enter the tent, seemingly to be exhausted from the events outside it.

"How is it, Arthur?" I calmly ask as I cross my arms.

"Really bad, Wind. There are some alchemists sold their potions at the other district already, but it's not enough to satisfy the rest of the playerbase in this town."

All of us sigh at this and I say, "Guess we better do this, then. But I'm still worried about the number of herbs we have left in our inventory."

"That's true. Even if you take a break just to grab a few more outside, it still isn't enough to mitigate the potion shortage," Star points out while sitting down at her sewing table. "Plus, thanks to your role as a [Guardian Player], you have to stay together during the whole ordeal unless you want a penalty that would cost you and the others the game itself."

"I know. That's why Kazu already asked Azel and Ol' Wally to help us out gather some herbs in our place for a while. The more hands outside, the better."

Not only that, but I've also asked him in private if he can try modifying the vending machine Kazu and I made. He did refuse because he isn't much of a mechanic, but he will try to contact his friends if it's possible. That's one thing I'm relieved to hear.

"Don't forget about me, you two! Razul and I are going to make sure to calm any rowdy players out there. We can't have them ruin your business after all."

"I hope so. Just be careful with the players you will meet. Who knows what happens if you get distracted by a girl again?"

Arthur jumps up and grits his teeth as soon as I said this.

"Hey! I am focusing on important stuff a lot! Hey, Kazu! Back me up here!"

Despite his calls, I notice that he's still busy with the potions to reply, which is enough for my armored friend to sigh in dismay.

"Well, enough chattering, you two. I think it's time for you two to get into the battlefield."

Star's right. It's now or never for us and [Isekai Online's] future. All I can offer on my side is some food that I just cooked up during our stay in the [Force Blade's] guild home, but it should be enough to make them happy for a while.

"Hey, Kazu. Are you going to join Mr. Wind?"

I turn around when I hear Annie's voice and notice her staring at my younger brother with concern. As I can see on the table, he has already made a few dozen [Healing Potions] and [Mana Potions]. He still has enough herbs, but right now, we have to go. I want to approach him. But as I do, he suddenly stands up and stares at us.

"Yeah, I'm ready. It's time to save <Initio>!"

----

Thanks to Arthur, we manage to get through the panicked crowd and reach our stand. There, we see several players waiting in front of it, and let's just say that they are too eager to see us.