49: Chapter 49 Ancient Ruins

"Two thousand pieces? Have humans reached this level?" Rahim asked, looking at Fu Hao's order.

The order specified two thousand pieces of level 400 equipment for each slot—in his view, a mere Viscount couldn't possibly possess two thousand level 400 knights.

Calus also looked puzzled: "When passing by the training grounds, I didn't see any knights above level 300, and the total number wasn't even a hundred. If you intend to sell this equipment elsewhere, I advise you to drop that idea. Besides, do you know how much material is required to craft two thousand pieces of level 400 equipment?"

The master and apprentice's concern was not without reason; after all, crafting a large amount of equipment that couldn't be used would only result in it sitting in the warehouse gathering rust.

Furthermore, the cost to craft a single piece of level 400 equipment was shockingly high. Two thousand pieces for each slot, even if the entire annual budget of the kingdom were poured in, it probably wouldn't be enough.

"Don't worry, I have my own ways." Fu Hao didn't offer much explanation, only confirming the types and quantities of materials needed before setting off to procure them.

The materials requested by Rahim and Calus were not only expensive but many were also extremely difficult to obtain.

In reality, most of these materials belonged to the category of rare earth minerals, which were usually only produced in specific countries.

In the real world, relying on airplanes, container ships, and the free trade system, rare minerals were relatively easy to obtain, but this was not the case in the otherworld.

Minerals used for crafting high-level equipment were all listed as prohibited exports, and even if one wanted to transport them to another country, safe transportation was a major problem.

Of course, none of this was a problem for Fu Hao.

"Fortunately, I sent out exploration teams in advance."

The territory residents, holding the teleportation gem, were returning one after another.

Although the Teleportation range currently only covered 15% of the human region's map, it was enough to collect the materials needed by Rahim and Calus—of course, provided that the mine owners were willing to sell.

————

[Market analysis complete]

["Coral gold ore, specialty of Kyden Territory" average transaction price: 120 gold coins per kilogram]

"You want to buy coral gold? Sorry, this year's production has already been pre-ordered."

"I offer 250 gold coins per kilogram—even if you pay the penalty for breach of contract, you will still make a significant profit."

"...This is a matter of credibility. Even if I make a lot of money now, if I lose an important client, it won't be worth the loss in the end."

"Lord, you must know best that coral ore is an irreplaceable mineral. Even if you break the contract once or twice, those clients won't stop cooperating, after all, smuggling from other countries is simply impossible."

"But what if they unite to squeeze me out?"

"300 gold coins."

"I'll sell at 350 gold coins, with an additional one-year exclusive sales right."

"...Deal."

"How do you intend to transport these goods? If you want to smuggle them to another country, I won't sell no matter how much you pay. I can't bear the responsibility if it's discovered."

"You'll see once you watch."

[Due to the "Magnate" title effect, the transaction amount is automatically reduced by 10%] Fu Hao paid 315 gold coins per kilogram and then stored all the coral gold ore from the camp's warehouse into his inventory.

"...Who exactly are you?"

"See you next time."

Facing the question about his identity, Fu Hao did not answer but used the teleportation gem to head to the next location. Of course, Helm also accompanied him.

[Market analysis complete]

[Inventory is overloaded, cannot store more items]

When the last batch of materials was stored, the originally empty backpack was finally full—although there were enough slots, the weight of the minerals had exceeded the limit.

"I'll come back for the rest next time, is that okay?"

"Y-yes, of course."

Leaving behind the stunned Lord, Fu Hao returned to Lepis Territory. From that day on, rumors of a "mysterious great mage" began to spread quietly in the social circles of nobles across the countries.

Fu Hao took all the collected materials out of his inventory and piled them into a huge warehouse that had been urgently built next to the smithy.

Rahim and Calus looked at the mountain of rare minerals, their eyes filled with shock—in their decades-long blacksmithing careers, they had never seen such a massive amount of rare materials.

"There's no need to worry about material shortages in the future." Fu Hao smiled with satisfaction.

Around Lepis Territory, the lords of the three major territories of Lote Territory, Maya Territory, and Rena Territory met again after a long time.

"Without slaves, the territory's income has dropped by 30%, it's a pity."

"That's not the point, are we just going to give up on the ancient ruins like this?"

"Then what do you want? To go against Helm's disciple? Do that stupid thing yourself."

"Damn it, why did Helm's disciple have to run to Lepis Territory."

Fu Hao's unfathomable financial power was indeed frightening, but if that was all, they still had room to contend. However, they absolutely dared not to make an enemy of the legendary knight.

Lord of Rena Territory, who had been listening quietly to the conversation between the lords of Lote Territory and Maya Territory, spoke up.

"We don't need to struggle for the development of the ancient ruins anymore; this is actually a good thing."

He handed over a letter from Second Prince Mian: "Prince Mian says that if the Lord of Lepis Territory discovers the ancient ruins, he is willing to send knights to support."

"Rena, have you gone mad? You leaked the news about the ancient ruins without even discussing it. Weren't you the one who proposed to keep it a secret in the first place?"

"That was on the premise that we could successfully take over Lepis Territory. Now that we are incapable, we have to look for another backer."

"But Lepis Territory has Helm..."

"His Highness says there is no need to worry about Helm."

"Really?"

"If Helm is not there, naturally there's no problem...", "Then let's assume we all agree and write back to His Highness to confirm this matter."

After the materials were in place, the work proceeded steadily. The level 400 equipment crafted by Rahim and Calus would be immediately sent to the reinforcement factory to be reinforced to +7 or higher. Once the +7 or higher equipment was ready, Fu Hao would use the reinforcement effect conversion skill to roll for the affix that reduces usage requirements.

The process was simple, but it took far longer than expected—after all, the master and apprentice could not mass-produce with one click, and most of the procedures still required their personal attention.

Lepis Territory recruited a large number of capable blacksmiths, as well as blacksmith apprentices to serve as handymen, but since most of the equipment crafting process required the personal involvement of Rahim and Calus, the production time was not significantly shortened.

"At this rate, it will probably take another month."

Due to the "200% production speed increase" brought by the recruitment, the workload that originally required three months was compressed to one month.

"Disciple, your eyes are filled with anxiety." Helm said while stroking his weapon, the "guardian spear".

Not long ago, Fu Hao used the cooled-down "Fates Luck" to reinforce the guardian spear to +8, and since then, he would stroke this spear whenever he had free time.

Fu Hao took the risk of reinforcing, not only to improve Helm's favorability but also to test the reinforcement affixes of high-level equipment. The result met expectations: the "usage requirement reduction" effect decreased from 50% to 30%—the higher the equipment level, the lower the efficiency of this affix, but he was already satisfied.

"Should I recruit an administrator first? Or an architect?"

The black wolf breeding plan was proceeding in an orderly manner, and now Fu Hao only had the task of continuing to recruit talent left.

Just as Fu Hao was hesitating, a carrier pigeon pecked at the window of the Lord's office. Confirming that the crest on the letter belonged to First Prince Carlson, Fu Hao hurriedly opened the window. The moment the pigeon unfolded the letter, a quest prompt window popped up:

<Ancient Ruins Excavation> Difficulty: Immeasurable. Deep in the forest adjacent to Lepis Territory, lies the ruins of an empire that perished three thousand years ago. Carlson, who obtained clues by chance, speculates that countless treasures are hidden in the ruins. Please clear the forest monsters, excavate the ancient ruins, and promote the development of the territory. Carlson expects you to assist him after you become stronger.

**Clear Conditions** - Discover and excavate the ancient ruins

**Rewards** - Obtain ancient ruins treasure - Obtain title "Treasure Hunter"

After reading the quest, Fu Hao muttered: "Can't I get a few normal quests?" Unknowingly, the third "immeasurable" quest had arrived—of course, he didn't intend to complete the "Helm's Persistence" quest, which had no difficulty; that was an exception.