"Merchant Prince Harmo."
"Yes, Lord Heavenly Demon. Please speak."
"Let's make a trade."
"A trade... As a Returner, you must already know my Unique Trait."
"Indeed, I do."
"What kind of trade?"
"Give me 10 million AP, and I'll tell you what will happen in three years."
"10 million AP... That's 1 billion Pennies, you know? Is the information really worth that much?"
"Absolutely. If you hear this information and prepare in advance, you might become the Continent's greatest merchant."
Truth.
"My interest is piqued. So much so, I might drool. Ah, truly. This Territory is amazing, isn't it?"
Truth.
"It's convenient having you tell me the truth and falsehood."
"I've begged the Boss for control of this territory thousands of times, but he's remained unmoved. So, what happens in three years? A pandemic?"
"Something like that. And stop trying to get everything for free make a trade."
Truth.
Sparkle's eyes widened at my "something like that," brimming with anticipation.
"Of course, I'll make a trade."
Harmo proposes a trade.
Do you accept the trade?
"I accept."
Trade accepted.
Harmo purchases the information you possess.
Harmo pays you 10 million AP as compensation for the information.
Specify the penalties for breach of contract.
"I have 10 million AP right here."
He pulled a piece of paper from his inner pocket. It wasn't ordinary paper; it was a "Blank Check," an item used to transfer AP to others.
"I'm entrusting this to the System. Therefore, I won't face any penalties for non-compliance, as I've already fulfilled my obligations."
Harmo faces no penalties.
Harmo's Unique Trait, Trade (SS), was guaranteed by the System. Though not a combat-oriented Skill, Harmo wielded this Trait with remarkable skill.
The System is practically an omnipotent god in Atlantis. A transaction guaranteed by such a System must be fulfilled.
Due to these transactions, Harmo likely held the lives of over a thousand people as collateral.
"I'll wager my life."
"The penalty for breaching our agreement is your life."
"...Oh. You're playing hardball. If your information proves false and isn't worth at least 10 million AP, you'll become my slave. You'll live if I tell you to live, and die if I tell you to die. That's what wagering your life means."
"I understand. And without this, the trade wouldn't be possible. You need to offer something of equal value to the 10 million AP increase."
I couldn't fathom my life being worth 10 million AP right now. This trade was accepted only because I was wagering the absolute maximum I could offer.
"Heh heh. If you become my slave, I'll drain you dry."
"It is the truth."
"Very well, Lord Heavenly Demon. What is the information? Ah, I assure you I will judge your information fairly and impartially. The System will then calibrate it. You can rest assured I have no intention of resorting to coercion."
Truth.
Even if the System didn't confirm it, I already knew the truth.
I looked at his jeweled mask and said, "In three years, a volcanic island will emerge in Atlantis."
Truth.
"...Surely that can't be all? While the information is certainly intriguing, it's not worth more than 10 million AP."
Trade failed. Penalty will be enforced...
"Listen properly. I haven't finished speaking yet. The volcanic island that appears in three years will affect all of Atlantis. More precisely, only the Exiles within Atlantis will be affected."
"...What kind of impact?"
"It's closer to a curse. The body's temperature rises. To maintain proper condition, one must drink at least 3 liters of water daily."
"Excellent. So the value of water increases. But it's not enough. Obtaining water in Atlantis is surprisingly easy. Considering magic, Skills, Traits, and available resources, this information is worth less than 2 million AP."
"Microscopic volcanic ash, almost a curse, drifts through the air."
"...A curse?"
"With each breath, Exiles accumulate microscopic volcanic ash in their bodies. This ash corrodes their lungs and other internal organs. Those with Mana Stats below 40 who live for a week while inhaling the ash will see their skin turn black; after two weeks, they will die."
"What is that? It's as dangerous as the Black Death! There must be a solution, right?"
"Didn't I mention it's more like a curse? Using Purification Skills can remove the volcanic ash accumulated in the body."
"That's useful information. But still, it doesn't seem worth 10 million AP. Purification is a rare ability. Even if I act immediately, there's a limit to how many people or items with Purification Skills I can gather within three years. So, for me, it's only worth about 700,000 AP."
Truth.
Trade failed. Penalty...
"Protective Masks."
"Huh?"
"Wearing a Protective Mask of E-Rank or higher can block the volcanic ash. The effectiveness varies by Rank; an E-Rank mask can last at least 24 hours."
"It's true."
"Oh... oh...!"
"For reference, an E-Rank mask is something any skilled tailor could easily make. If you, a Merchant Prince, start preparing masks now, you could amass hundreds of millions of them."
"H-how long will the Volcanic Island remain active?"
"At least three months. No matter how quickly they move, it's impossible to conquer the Volcanic Island in less than three months."
It's true.
"A Mask Crisis is coming! During that time, masks will be worth at least 10,000 Pennies each... Damn it! I'm starting to tremble! The era when masks become power is upon us...!"
"Is the value sufficient?"
"Sufficient! More than sufficient! This information is worth at least 30 million AP to me! It might even exceed 100 million AP later!"
Trade established.
Acquired 10 million AP.
In the original work Kang Myungjin knew, over 65% of the Exiles died due to the Volcanic Island that appeared three years later. In the original work I knew, Kang Myungjin's actions reduced the mortality rate to below 40%.
Kang Myungjin used this information to become the supreme ruler of Atlantis, but that won't happen here.
Harmo, the Merchant Prince of the West, valued wealth over power. If he started accumulating E-Rank or higher masks now, the mortality rate could drop below 20%... perhaps even below 10%.
"This isn't the time for this! I must be going now! HODL! HODL is the only way to survive!"
He abruptly stopped mid-stride, turning to face me and the Mirror.
"This information is top secret! You must never reveal it to anyone else! Especially you, Mirror! I'm talking to you!"
"Heh heh. Thanks to you, I've learned something interesting. Now that I've heard it, I should at least prepare a little."
"I know you don't plan to make a big splash anyway."
"I have no intention of playing with money. But having it makes things easier. Besides, these days, money is practically power."
"Anyway, please cooperate with me. I won't ask for much."
"That's probably why they sent me here. Very well, I'll cooperate."
"The plan... is still being formulated. I'll come find you later. And we'll need Helten's strength as well."
"Proceed discreetly."
"You know who I am, don't you? There's no need to worry. Well, I can't help it if those watching me react sensitively... But rest assured, I have no intention of causing trouble for you or Helten."
After a sparkling farewell, he vanished.
Now, only the mirror and I remained.
"Shouldn't we get out of here first?" I asked the mirror, which was staring intently at me.
"There's no need to rush. We still have about ten minutes left. Even if time runs out, we'll simply be forced out. There's no urgency."
"Do you have any questions for me?"
"Not exactly questions, more like curiosities. If I could, I'd torture you to find out."
Truth.
"But Heavenly Demon, you're our ally now. I'm not the kind of person who would torture a comrade."
Truth.
"What exactly are you curious about?"
"...First, I'm curious about your face. Would you remove your mask? You know my identity, but I don't know yours. Don't you think that's rather unfair?"
"It's not like I have to reveal my identity."
"True. Within Helten, only about four people know my true identity. With you, that makes five."
As she spoke, the Mirror removed her black cloak and Mirror Mask. Since I already knew her identity and there was no one else around, she seemed to have decided to show her face.
She wore a pristine white uniform, impeccably tailored despite being a uniform, with a surprisingly full bust at least a D-cup, perhaps even an E or F-cup if she were to undress. Her figure was breathtakingly perfect, but her face was even more stunning.
Her short blue hair swayed gently in the breeze. Her pale skin and striking features framed eyes as blue as the sea. She gazed at me with an arrogant smile, her appearance suggesting she was in her early twenties.
She was indeed arrogant, possessing both the ability and status to match her pride.
The Justia Empire.
One of the five pillars supporting Atlantis's sole empire, which ruled over more than 700 territories.
One of the Imperial Five Dukes.
The Phantom Duke. Elena Baldert.
"You're staring so hard you'll burn a hole through me. Didn't you already know my identity?"
"I knew what you looked like from descriptions. But this is the first time I've seen you in person."
"It's the truth."
"So you've never encountered the me from before my return. Or rather, you said you're something similar to a Returner. Hmm."
"...Why are you trying to uncover my identity? Are you planning to use it to blackmail me later?" I quickly changed the subject. This thoughtful woman would likely consider the possibility that I'm not a Returner at all.
"I wouldn't stoop to such petty tactics. While personal curiosity does play a part, you've been assigned to my care. Knowing your true nature would make things much easier for both of us. I could even help you out of tight spots."
"It's the truth."
Gaining the support of one of the Imperial Five Dukes? That's a significant advantage.
"And this woman... I'll definitely have her. It's been a long time since I've met a woman worth pursuing more than Priscilla, the Dragon."
At my current level, I have no chance of having her. Whether it's skill or status, she surpasses me in every way. Money? Absolutely useless. Threats? I'd be lucky if I wasn't the one being threatened.
"Alright. I'll remove my mask."
"Hmm."
I took off the Clown Mask. Of course, I didn't just remove it. Using my Unique Trait, Deception (SS), I transformed into an exceptionally handsome man.
"Ho? So that's what you look like. ...Are you kidding me?"
"...What's wrong?"
"Do you think I wouldn't recognize that's not your real face? When I sealed your mana earlier, I scanned your body. That's how I got a rough idea of your true facial structure. It's completely different from what you're showing me now. And more importantly... the skin tone on your neck doesn't match your face! Idiot! You're so sloppy it's infuriating."
It was a mistake.
I had hastily transformed into the face of a handsome actor I'd seen on TV, forgetting to consider the skin tone.
"...Wait. You scanned my body? Does that mean you saw my...?"
"I know. It's quite impressive."
"..."
She smirked. This woman was no pushover.
I revealed my true appearance before her. I wasn't thrilled about it, but since she had scanned my body and already knew my facial structure, it was only a matter of time before I was exposed anyway.
"You look quite ordinary. What's your name? Surely 'Heavenly Demon' isn't your real name?"
"...Sung Yujin. I'm a member of the A-Plan Legion."
Now that she'd seen my face, figuring out my identity would be easier than eating a piece of cake.
Truth.
"Is that so? I see."
Her nonchalant reaction confirmed it: she knew nothing about the A-Plan Legion.
That's understandable. My opponent is one of the Imperial Five Dukes... It would be stranger if she knew about the A-Plan Legion, which has only just begun its operations.
The Empire was located quite far away, after all.
"Then let's head out of the Territory. I'll tell you everything you need to know about Helten. And... about the task you must undertake."
I followed her out of the Territory.