Chapter 118 Finding Another Source of Income
Accepting Rosewater's invitation, Eric nodded.
It was an inevitability to enter into an alliance with a prominent guild within Shadowwing Citadel, and Echoes of Dusk, with its impeccable reputation and substantial influence, presented a significantly more attractive opportunity than joining forces with factions such as the Bloodlust Warlords.
Moreover, Rosewater's character was beyond reproach. She was known throughout the gaming community for her integrity and loyalty, someone who valued friendship above personal gain.
Eric recalled an incident from his previous life that solidified his respect for Rosewater. One of her close friends had been targeted by a powerful, ruthless guild, intent on stripping them of their wealth and status. Rosewater, without hesitation, had rallied Echoes of Dusk to her friend's defense, sparking a war that shook the very foundations of the game. Both sides suffered heavy losses, and Echoes of Dusk's power was significantly diminished, reducing them to the status of an ordinary guild from a top-tier one.
Had Rosewater been motivated solely by profit, she would never have risked so much for a single friend. But she did, and her actions spoke volumes about her character.
Her friend, deeply moved by her loyalty, became a staunch supporter of Echoes of Dusk, eventually rising to become the renowned Archmage PrimearcFrostbane, a sixth-tier powerhouse who helped restore the guild to its former glory.
With Rosewater's integrity as assurance, Eric felt a surge of confidence.
"There's a charming restaurant just up ahead," Rosewater said, revealing a warm smile. "Let's continue this conversation there, shall we?"
Eric jumped to the step beside her, leaving the fuming FurybladeSolo in their wake.
"So what if he has a bit of gold?" FurybladeSolo spat, his voice laced with bitterness. "He's just a fool who throws money around like it means nothing. I'll be richer than him someday. You just wait and see."
SolitarySwan and the others exchanged weary glances. FurybladeSolo's words rang hollow. Eric was already rubbing shoulders with Rosewater, discussing collaborations and forging alliances within the core of Shadowwing Citadel. His wealth, coupled with his unique status, guaranteed his continued prominence, something FurybladeSolo could only dream of.
Deep down, FurybladeSolo knew this to be true. His words were nothing more than a desperate attempt to salvage his wounded pride.
Red Rose Fine Dining, renowned as one of the most exclusive establishments in Shadowwing Citadel, exuded an aura of opulence and refinement. Even the doorman was a level 180, second-tier NPC, his bearing impeccable, his gaze discerning. The food, though virtual, was said to be unparalleled, each bite a symphony of flavor and texture. However, such luxury came at a steep price, one that most ordinary players simply couldn't afford. Even a few simple drinks could easily set one back ten silver coins.
Rosewater, seemingly unfazed by the exorbitant prices, led Eric to a lavish private room on the fourth floor. With a casual wave of her hand, she ordered a selection of the finest drinks, her gaze never leaving Eric.
"So," Eric began, shifting slightly under her intense scrutiny. "Perhaps we could discuss the details of this collaboration? Staring at me like that is a bit unnerving."
Rosewater chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "My apologies. I must confess that I'm rather curious. I never imagined the legendary Black Flame, master blacksmith of Eldoria, to be so...young. I pictured a grizzled veteran, perhaps in his fifties or sixties, with a gruff demeanor and a quick wit."
"And I never imagined Rosewater to be interested in the art of blacksmithing," Eric countered, taking a sip of his tea. "Are you trying to recruit me into Echoes of Dusk?"
He wasn't surprised that she knew about his reputation as a blacksmith. Black Flame's fame had spread far and wide, and a quick search on the official forums would reveal a wealth of information.
Rosewater shook her head, her expression turning serious. "No, Black Flame. I know you have grand ambitions, and joining a guild, even one as esteemed as ours, would only hinder your progress. I'm here to propose a mutually beneficial partnership. I'm interested in purchasing a large quantity of Glowing Outfit Design Blueprints, as well as some of your exquisite equipment, particularly the Mithril Weapon, Silver Dawnrift. In addition, I'd like to establish a long-term agreement for purchasing gold coins from you, at a rate 20% above market value. What are your thoughts?"
Eric pondered her offer for a moment. "Selling blueprints and equipment is certainly agreeable. However, I'm afraid I can't part with my gold coins at this time. I do have one condition, though."
A bulk purchase of his blueprints, especially the Glowing Outfit Design Blueprints, which were practically printing money at this point, was an enticing prospect. As for the gold, he had other plans for it. Besides, he could leverage his relationship with Echoes of Dusk to acquire certain items that were otherwise difficult to obtain.
"Please, Black Flame, name your condition," Rosewater urged, her smile widening. "If it's within Echoes of Dusk's power to grant it, consider it done."
"I require a steady supply of various ores and stone materials," Eric stated. "As you know, crafting high-quality equipment requires a significant amount of raw materials. With Echoes of Dusk's resources, acquiring them shouldn't pose much of a problem. Additionally, I'll need a permanent pass for Shadowwing Citadel. Frequent travel is essential for our partnership to flourish."
"Deal," Rosewater replied without hesitation. "We can provide you with as much ore as you require, at an exceptionally reasonable price. And a permanent pass to Shadowwing Citadel? We had already anticipated that request, Black Flame."
Her eagerness was understandable. Echoes of Dusk was situated in the Storm Empire, a land abundant in mineral resources, making ores relatively inexpensive. Supplying Eric with ores would be effortless and profitable for them.
Eric, of course, was well aware of this. Eldoria, unlike the Storm Empire, was primarily comprised of fertile plains, making ores a scarce and valuable commodity. By securing a steady supply from Echoes of Dusk, he could acquire them at a fraction of the cost, significantly increasing his profit margin. He could even sell the surplus to other guilds in Eldoria, who were constantly in need of raw materials to train their own blacksmiths.
His trip to Shadowwing Citadel had yielded far more than he had anticipated. Not only had he acquired valuable items and forged a powerful alliance, but he had also stumbled upon a lucrative new business venture.
"Let's begin with the Glowing Outfit Design Blueprints," Eric suggested. "As for the equipment and material trades, perhaps we could finalize the details in two days?"
The upcoming social event at Evergreen University was on his mind. With his blacksmithing skills, he could easily amass a small fortune during the event, and selling ores would only amplify his profits.
And who knew, he might even stumble upon some rare and valuable treasures.
"Black Flame," Rosewater began, her brow furrowing slightly. "I must confess, Divine Realms: Legends is still in its infancy, and gold is in short supply, even for guilds like ours. Would you be open to accepting a portion of the payment in credit points? If so, I'm prepared to purchase every last blueprint you have available."
"Well..."
Eric feigned a sigh, his expression turning contemplative, which did not go unnoticed by Rosewater.
She was right. Gold was incredibly scarce in the early stages of the game, and every guild was scrambling to acquire as much as possible. While credit points were plentiful, Divine Realms: Legends had yet to implement a system for directly converting them into gold, though the reverse was possible.
Rosewater had researched the price of the Glowing Outfit Design Blueprints extensively. Each one was worth approximately 3 gold coins. Paying for them entirely in gold would severely deplete their already strained coffers, hindering their growth and expansion.
However, Eric's nonchalant demeanor and casual display of wealth suggested that he was far from hurting for gold. If he insisted on a pure gold transaction, she would be forced to make a difficult decision.
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