Chapter 317: Buying a City

Chapter 317

Buying a City

The competition among other races wasn’t too intense. Their behavior was understandable. Every now and then, a valuable item would emerge, just like some races that reached the 7th floor with high-level resources. Within 10 years, they became high-level races on the 7th floor. Some of the smarter races would seek opportunities to connect with even higher-level races. By lowering their heads, within a few years, they would ascend to the 8th floor.

Previously, there was a race like the "Elves" who managed to reach the 7th floor and caught the eye of higher-level races on the 8th and 9th floors. They received substantial support.

However, this race was too honest. Soon, they used all their power for others, believing that those races would not abandon them. Then, one day, an unexpected event occurred. This resulted in conflicts between the elves and the high-level races that once supported them. The conclusion was that the elves were easily eradicated.

This was the result of not increasing one’s own strength. They only had botanic powers that generated a lot of wealth. When they had money and tols, they thought they were happy. But in the end, money was not everything. It’s strength that everyone could not deny!!

However, after the disappearance of the Elf race, whose power were the most connected to nature and could produce many spiritual plants, the real difficulties emerged. Therefore, as soon as something good appeared on the 7th floor, other races couldn’t contain their excitement.

Even the Lysai race, which wasn’t a plant-eating race, showed interest. They could also use spiritual fruits to develop their magic power.

"I have a total of 10 fruits. How about selling 1 to each of you for 35,000 tols? Consider this a gift for our first meeting. From now on, I hope to rely on you. I hope for future cooperation," Ellie smiled a commercial smile. Her words, which didn’t ask for more money, made the other races realize that the human race was not like the Elves...

"This is quite a good choice. I hope we can cooperate again in the future."

"Yes! Since your new race is going to be here anyway, we look forward to collaborating again."

"Indeed." Each race took a step back. They knew they would have many opportunities to cooperate in the future. The human race had only just arrived; they should be given time to learn.

Owen watched the young girl who was trying to spread her risks. However, with just one sale, she had already made over 300,000 tols. Ellie smiled at Owen after her first successful trade.

"Let’s choose an area worth 1,000,000 tols. Where can we get one at 50%?" Ellie asked the central service staff with a confident smile.

The members of the Setter family couldn’t help but bow their heads. Many had complained that this future lady of the Setter family was a burden, consuming vast amounts of valuable resources. They often had to spend nearly a million gold coins to replenish supplies for her, not to mention the expenses of the eldest young lord.

But after seeing her in action, just one transaction brought in 350,000 tols, plus 15,000 tols from the level 5 herbs earlier. Meanwhile, they had barely managed to gather 140,000 tols, and even Eldest Young Lord Owen’s weapons sold for only 100 tols. The difference in capability was stark!! If she were to claim that the Setter family owed her, they couldn’t deny it.

This didn’t even include the fact that during the recent tests, she had helped them at almost every stage! Without her...even if the eldest young lord took action, there were still unsolvable questions, right?

"This is truly something to celebrate. So, let’s look at the city we can buy with such a large sum. Mmm, mmm, it should be a level 1 city. With over 1 million tols, we can buy a level 1 city in the 22nd row. What do you think of these cities?"

The staff displayed the map, revealing that the cities priced over a million coins were significantly better. At the very least, they were quite large compared to the previous cities, capable of accommodating around 4,000,000 people. This was more than enough for the many major families of the Ares Kingdom to reside.

Moreover, the overall atmosphere was similar to regular cities, with a wide variety to choose from. There were cities for races needing high heat, cities requiring large amounts of water, and others. However, what caught their interest was a city suitable for farming. At the very least, if they had nothing else, they would still have food to eat.

For now, there was nothing more for them to consider. This city was about one-third the size of the Ares Kingdom, which was quite small to accommodate the human race. But they had no other options in this matter.

Since it was their first purchase, they received a 50% discount on adjusting accommodations. Therefore, all the money they had was used entirely to get the best value. At least they had a flowing river around the city and fertile land. Comparing their current status...it seemed they could now be considered middle-class.

Compared to the status within the Ares Kingdom, they were now like commoners who were not too poor but not starving like beggars. There were also other races, such as merchant races, general nobility, high-ranking nobility, and great nobility, up to the emperor. Of course, this was just a comparison.

"So, from now on, you will own city number 128 in row 22, which is originally priced at 1,240,000 tols. However, with the discount and many reductions, you are paying 505,000 tols. It’s a start that had a significant leap. However, if you want to develop the city or purchase additional options in the future, it will be at full price."

"Or if you wish to buy more cities, it will also be at full price. I can only hope that we will cooperate again in the future. And as hinted earlier,"

"...Prepare yourselves. It would be better to gather as many resources as possible while you have the chance. Good luck. Each trip will cost a small amount of your magic power, so you can visit anytime you want. However, only you are invited for the next 10 years unless someone else passes the test."

The receptionist winked once before walking away, leaving the Setter family standing still. They actually wanted to check out their city, but knowing it would take about 8 hours to travel there and given their current lack of resources, they decided it was best to take everyone back.

In fact, the main reason was that they didn’t have the heart to stay any longer. This place felt like a dangerously new world. They had no idea how they ended up in this situation. Originally, they expected tough battles, but...what they encountered was much more challenging matters than anticipated.

As a result, all 2,000 members decided to return to their city. Of course, coming back this time proved to be even more troublesome!!

"Setter family!!!"

"Hooray!! You’re back."

"Welcome home!!"

"You all are our saviors!! Thank you so much!!!"

The people’s cheers erupted as the Setter family stepped out of the teleportation gate. The 2,000 of them were immediately surrounded by a huge crowd. People had been waiting since they learned what was happening, and what a huge sword that was waiting to stab them!

The announcement they all heard had scared them greatly. No one thought it was a joke because a powerful voice that echoed throughout the kingdom couldn’t be taken lightly. Even if someone wanted to play a prank...it wouldn’t have resonated so widely.

This was the city of Set, so security was relatively high. When the hunters of the family returned, the family soldiers quickly managed the situation. Some nobles were also present. As for the higher-ups, they had already gathered at the palace, so they could only send invitations for the family to join the meeting.

The head of the Setter family did not return to welcome them personally. He was probably being detained...no, they called it a "discussion." In reality, they were keeping the family head there to ensure the Setter family would assist the royal family in entering the city on the 7th floor.

Now, they realized that the Setter family was not just a family that could shake their foundation, but one that had already surpassed them.

It wasn’t only the Emperor of the Ares Kingdom who felt this way; other kingdoms were also fearful. They understood that without taking action, there would be no chance of surviving to the next floor.

The space for people was limited, now expanded to 4,000,000 from just a few hundred thousand initially. Yet, it still wasn’t enough. Ultimately, some people would inevitably have to sacrifice their lives here! And if they continued to have conflicts with the Setter family, did they think they would be among the chosen ones?!

No matter the kingdom, they all tried every means to meet with the Setter family at least once!

Initially, the family’s hunters did not understand why everyone was aware of this. However, it didn’t take long for them to hear from their own people who were there that trying to keep things quiet and gradual was now impossible. The Ares Kingdom’s Emperor had acted the quickest, even arranging accommodations for all 2,000 hunters.

Ellie found this situation quite a headache. Fortunately, Owen was with her. Hence, with just one order from him...all 2,000 members of the Setter family dispersed to rest, while he alone headed to the palace to discuss this important matter.

The young girl was well taken care of by her servants and thus slept for a full day and night. When she woke up, the announcement declared that the situation had returned to normal.

After a day and night of discussions, Owen conveyed the collective thoughts of everyone: there was no need to ingratiate themselves with the Setter family. If anyone wanted to move to the 7th floor, they only needed to provide enough resources to purchase a city there. He would handle the arrangements. Although his words might not have seemed very credible, as he could do anything with that money, no one had a better option.

Most people waited until close to the 10-year mark. If their own people couldn’t challenge and pass the 7th floor by then, they would have to take the risk with the eldest young lord!

With this realization, the chaos gradually subsided, leaving only envy toward the Setter family for having such a strong eldest young lord. Everyone involved in the hunt was forced to sign a contract to stay silent about the details, especially regarding Ellie. They all agreed to pretend they knew nothing about her to ensure her safety...

Ellie spent only 3 days resting with the Setter family before heading to the institute with other Setter family students. When they returned...they were instantly regarded as great figures. Although the Setter family was to represent them in purchasing cities and residences, who wouldn’t want to take their chances with their own friends?

Even Duchess Vida approached Ellie personally, asking if she could entrust her resources to Ellie for purchasing a city. She said she didn’t trust the Setter family but trusted Ellie. Thus, Ellie could only nod. She didn’t take the resources immediately but told them to bring them closer to the 10-year mark, which everyone agreed to.

Professor Medik was overjoyed to see his little girl. While various information couldn’t be shared with others, Ellie was an exception. Owen never intended to restrict Ellie’s actions, so she told the professors what was most important.

Medik and Lucien understood that developing the kingdom was no longer crucial. Any troubled city should just be evacuated because they wouldn’t be staying forever. They would have to abandon this land in 10 years anyway. What they needed to focus on now was preparing resources.