Sanemi had the bags of gold moved into his room before closing the door behind him.
"System, how much is it worth?" he asked calmly.
[Ding!] "Chairman, the bags of gold amount to an estimated 4,300,000 berries."
Sanemi nodded with satisfaction. "Good. I'd like to redeem this for my quest."
[Ding!] "Request denied. Chairman, this capital was not acquired through trade or business. Quest requirement deemed invalid."
Sanemi froze for a moment before letting out a scoff. "Not acquired through business? Don't make me laugh. Liora received this from her family after disposing of her noble title. That was an agreement, an exchange. If that isn't trade, what is?"
The system fell silent, leaving only the sound of Sanemi's quiet breathing in the room. A full minute passed before the familiar chime returned.
[Ding!] Quest 1: Expand Capital
• Objective: Earn 1,000,000 Berries through trade or business.
• Reward: Unlock [Innovation – Basic Product Development]
Status: COMPLETED
[Ding!] "Chairman, stat successfully upgraded. Innovation: Tier 0 → Tier 1."
Sanemi's lips curled into a thin smile. "Finally…"
A new option appeared under the "Innovation" stat.
+ Basic Product Development
Sanemi mentally pressed it in an instant.
[Innovation – Basic Product Development]
• Unlocks the ability to design and create entry-level goods derived from raw or common materials.
• Grants the user insight into market trends, product appeal, and basic craftsmanship needed to produce competitive items.
• Examples include: simple alcoholic beverages, processed food goods, crafted tools, fabrics, or minor luxury items that can be standardized for trade.
Sanemi's mind suddenly entered a state of epiphany, as experiences and knowledge from both his past and present life surged forcefully into his thoughts.
After a few moments, he calmed down, a wicked smile spreading across his face as a soft, triumphant chuckle escaped him.
"Right… how could I forget? Our breakthrough to supremacy will be energy drinks!"
His gaze drifted to the window, where several sailors were taking a break, guzzling down the weak ale served at the tavern. Memories from Earth flashed through his mind, workers favoring cheap energy drinks or fortified beers to push through long days. Inspiration struck him fully.
"Liora! Get Marlow here… now!" he shouted, his voice carrying urgency. He rose from his chair, quickly scribbling notes onto a piece of paper as his ideas crystallized.
In the next room, Liora perked up instantly, sensing the Chairman's new scheme. Without hesitation, she darted off to gather the necessary personnel alongside Marlow. It seemed another plan was already in motion.
With the system's guidance subtly reinforcing his thoughts, Sanemi began outlining the product. The first step, ingredients.
After a moment of contemplation, he decided on barley or rice, locally available, easy to trade for, and standard for brewing alcohol. While he intended to create an energy drink, he realized sailors already had a relationship with alcohol, so why not merge the two?
Next came water and yeast, essential for fermentation and creating the base. Beyond that, additional ingredients would require careful experimentation to achieve the perfect balance.
That was exactly why he had summoned Dr. Marlow Crane, the Wayne Group's Innovation Chief, the expert who could translate his vision into a tangible product.
Marlow was let's say… a "creator" he had found a few years back. The man loved to tinker with things and bring ideas into life.
…
Far away, near a small, miscellaneous island in the East Blue, a lone boat drifted silently across the calm waves.
A young man stood at its bow, a sword strapped to his side, eyes fixed on the island ahead.
The island was modestly fortified, its perimeter lined with crude wooden walls, leaving only a small dock open to the sea. A handful of rough-looking ships were stationed there, each flying a weathered Jolly Roger.
Pirates moved about the dock and ships with lazy, careless patrols, their attention more on their leisure than the approaching boat.
"Coyote, huh…" Seb muttered under his breath, steering toward a more isolated stretch of shoreline. "I don't know why my friend wants you… but if it has to be done…"
He tightened his grip on the wheel.
"I will do anything," he whispered to himself, determination burning in his eyes as the boat cut silently through the water toward the island.
…
An hour later, Liora arrived at the meeting room, accompanied by a few others. Most notably, Dr. Marlow Crane stepped in, his face streaked with dust and smudges from previous experiments.
Sanemi greeted everyone warmly before motioning for them to take their seats around the table.
"I apologize for the sudden meeting," he began, his tone serious yet calm. "But some matters simply cannot wait."
He slid a sheet of paper across the table toward Marlow.
"For you, Marlow," he said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The paper was a draft of a new product. Bold letters at the top read:
IRON BULL
Beneath it, the list of ingredients began to take shape…
Marlow leaned forward, eyes scanning the paper carefully, dust smudges on his face catching the light.
"IRON BULL…" he muttered, sounding both curious and skeptical. "Interesting name… and the concept?"
Sanemi's smile widened, a faint gleam of profit in his eyes.
"Think of it as a drink that gives you energy… but with a twist." He tapped the top of the paper, then gestured to the ingredients list.
Ingredients:
Barley or Rice – the base for fermentation, easy to source locally.
Water – filtered and purified for consistency.
Yeast – for controlled fermentation.
Iron-rich herbs – boosting stamina and endurance.
Dried fruits – for flavor, subtle sweetness, and nutrition.
Optional spices – to give a distinct signature taste.
Small infusion of alcohol – to appeal to sailors and give it a familiar edge.
"This isn't just a beverage," Sanemi explained, his voice low but confident. "It's a tool, a product that will spread our influence subtly, through taverns, ports, and ships. Sailors will drink it for energy, laborers for strength, and merchants will notice its uniqueness immediately."
Marlow's eyes flickered, a spark of excitement breaking through the dust-covered seriousness.
"You're… serious. You want this mass-produced? And drinkable by civilians and sailors alike?"
"Exactly," Sanemi replied, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "It will be the first of many products designed to cement the Wayne Group's reputation in the East Blue. And with your expertise, we can perfect the formula quickly.
Liora, sitting across the table, gave a small nod. "This… could work. If it hits the market right, it'll set a precedent for the rest of our innovations."
Marlow let out a low whistle. "Alright, Chairman… let's see if IRON BULL can live up to the hype."
[Ding!] "Chairman has successfully drafted a proprietary product: [IRON BULL]. Innovation progress recorded."
Sanemi's smile grew wider, his mind already racing ahead. This was only the beginning.
Pointing to the others Liora brought. "Now, you two get me small inventories of these ingredients once ships arrive daily. Pass it down." He ended and the meeting concluded itself.