AESIR'S REVERT

Chapter 10: Conflict in the Making

Lena looked a bit like Levy, so Aesir wasn't surprised. He looked at them to see how strong they were.

Levy was a Grade 1 Crypt Coder, and Lena was an Artist. These two weren't good at fighting, but life wasn't fair for everyone. Even though they were a level higher than Aesir, his gear alone could make them scared. That was one reason they'd been polite so far.

"To answer your question, yes, I'm here to sell weapons and set up a store for you in the war effort. Sometimes, I'll offer my services in exchange for resources I need. I'm also looking to buy some land here to set up my shop."

Just like in the real world, shops could sell all sorts of things. Aesir planned to open a shop in this frontier town to sell weapons, armor, and potions, which would make him money.

He chose not to disclose to Levy and Lena his intentions regarding the natives. His lack of involvement in the war meant that he harbored no concern over who held the moral high ground. His primary objective was to amass wealth, and to secure unclaimed wilderness for the establishment of his new Faction. This latter goal, however, was slated for future consideration; presently, he remained focused on immediate tasks.

Levy and Lena initially appeared taken aback, then cautiously optimistic. The prospect seemed almost too promising to believe. Beyond this settlement, there existed numerous other frontier towns that the Faction had already deemed lost causes. Attempting to depart would inevitably brand them as deserters, thereby forcing them into a prolonged struggle until they either perished or emerged victorious.

The Faction had provided them with soldiers and resources over the years, but they hadn't made any progress and had only suffered losses. So Aesir's offer was exactly what they needed most.

They had plenty of money and resources. After all, this area was full of valuable materials. But they had no way to transport it out, so they could only take the rarest materials. People here were paid wages, but money was useless in this isolated society. Food was produced through hard work, so no one could sell it. Everyone had skills, but they lacked goods and services. There was no point in paying a tailor to fix your clothes if he couldn't leave this dead zone to spend the money.

But with Aesir bringing in goods they needed that weren't available here, their money could finally be used. This town could come alive again and have a real chance at survival.

"My Baron Justin, we won't ask you to pay for land here. After all, do we even own any land titles? You can choose any empty spot and open your shop there, and we'll buy your goods!" Lena said excitedly, giving in to her hope.

"Yeah, just pick a spot for your shop. We have builders here who can set something up for you. I'm not sure what they'd want in return, though," Levy added, his expression turning thoughtful as he glanced at Lena.

Aesir nodded gratefully. While he didn't expect anyone to work for him without compensation, his primary goal was securing the land. Despite Lena's generosity, he understood that the land rightfully belonged to them; they simply lacked the means to defend it. If they had the capability, they would surely demand rent or seek ownership papers. They appeared amiable now, but their friendliness stemmed from desperation rather than genuine goodwill.

"I'll need your assistance with this. Please gather five Grade 1 builders and inform them that I'll provide whatever resources they require from outside in exchange for constructing my shop," Aesir requested, his tone businesslike yet courteous.

Lena's eyes brightened with enthusiasm. "Of course, my Baron. Consider it done."

Levy, however, wore a skeptical frown. "Sounds like you don't plan on sticking around to see it finished." His voice held a hint of concern, reflecting the underlying uncertainty about Aesir's true intentions.

Aesir offered a thin smile. Levy was remarkably perceptive, able to discern hidden meanings in words and actions. He reminded Aesir of his former self during his time with Yuki-Ona—no longer naive and timid, but observant and sharp despite his physical shortcomings.

Lena frowned at Levy for his pointed remark upon noticing Aesir's expression. Even Levy felt he might have crossed a line; after all, Aesir would soon be their benefactor. He had a feeling...

"Actually, forget it. Your plans are your own business. Is there anything else you need us to do in the meantime?" Levy asked, his scowl softening slightly.

"Not at the moment. I'll know when the shop is ready. Right now, I need to gather resources and inform my superiors about expanding here," Aesir replied, turning to leave the establishment.

His nonchalant response seemed to put Levy in a bad light, as if he were overly suspicious of Aesir. Lena expressed her displeasure, chiding her brother until he covered his ears.

Meanwhile, Aesir had already chosen a plot of land for his shop and arranged for the builders. He had purchased a basic shop design from the Merchant's Faction for 500 gold, a significant investment from his early game funds.

Standing on the edge of the plain where he had first teleported, Aesir activated Silent Tracer: Second Form once more. His avatar transformed into a tall, robust male with dark skin and handsome features somewhat resembling his real self. He dressed in attire similar to that of the indigenous people: cotton shirt, khaki shorts, and sandals.

Satisfied with his appearance, he headed towards his next destination: the town where the indigenous people mobilized troops to the surface.

Aesir reached his destination in less than an hour, walking at a leisurely pace. If he had run the whole way, it would have taken him less than ten minutes. He chose to walk so he could give himself time to think.

Despite his indifferent demeanor, Aesir came from an era where NPCs were seen as unique individuals. Unlike players, when NPCs died, they were gone for good. Players in a Faction could afford to sacrifice themselves because they could respawn. Those involved in this conflict couldn't.

Aesir felt conflicted. He considered himself evil, but it was driven by his desire for revenge. He justified all his actions based on his hatred.

Here, unlike in previous ventures, Aesir lacked any incentive to stoke the flames of war for personal gain. Profiting from conflict here would inevitably result in countless deaths, a thought that weighed heavily on his conscience. While other players in this realm might be indifferent to such consequences, Aesir found himself standing apart.

He sighed heavily, resigning himself to the unfolding events. In his worldview, every individual had a destined role, and for some, that role led straight to the battlefield. Whether he chose to intervene or not, the course of events would ultimately unfold as ordained; his influence would merely affect the pace, not the inevitable outcome.

Aesir looked at the huts arranged before him. These so-called "savages" deliberately presented themselves this way to deceive outsiders. Their underground city could rival even Hob-Goblin and Dwarven kingdoms in terms of advancement. The huts were designed in the ancient African style, with mud walls and roofs made from thick tree branches. Carved into the sides of these round huts were square openings serving as windows.

The settlement wasn't large, barely larger than a village. It was smaller than the frontier town in size, but Aesir didn't underestimate them. Every village had an underground passage, each connected to a military outpost where reinforcements could quickly mobilize in case of a siege.