Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 26: The Merchants' Guild

While Zephyr was busy trying to lick the remains of barbecue sauce from his nose, Daisuke was busy looking up at the Merchants' Guild signboard while deliberating.

I've been stuck within the game for a few years now, and during all that time, I haven't been able to pull out a console like a normal player would. That leads me to one conclusion: I'm probably an NPC.

Surreptitious gazes and whispers among finely dressed men and women arrested the lobby area of the guild. The merchants who were once engrossed with broadening their network and sharing information were now glancing at the silver-haired boy who was dressed in rags.

What business could such a degenerate have in a fine establishment like the Merchants' Guild?

Ignoring their glowering, Daisuke proceeded toward the front desk. Zephyr had already hidden himself again.

As opposed to players who respawn indefinitely after death, NPCs only have one life. Does that same law apply to me? I can't be sure, which is why I've mostly been refraining from putting my life on the line.

Instead of becoming an adventurer, I'll become a merchant and use that wealth to lead a comfortable life. In time, I would also have the resources to find and help April and the others—and I may as well try to figure out what happened to me while I'm at it.

"Hello," the female clerk greeted with a bright smile. "How may I be of service to you today?"

The choice of words had Daisuke fleetingly taking a glimpse at the woman's generous bust. "Hi. I would like to register for the guild."

"Certainly. Have you ever been a part of the Merchant's Guild?"

"No, I haven't."

"In that case, please allow me to give you a brief rundown of the process," she said courteously while resting a large old book on the counter. "The Merchants' Guild is a private entity that isn't affiliated with any country, church, or organization. We are completely neutral and focused entirely on enriching our members."

Her neatly manicured finger hovered over the timeworn page of the book. "As you can see, there are five ranks in the Merchants' Guild."

Daisuke skimmed over the chart.

Merchants' Guild Rankings:

1st » Adamantium Rank:

For Prestigious Trading Empires (with numerous branches)

Enrollment Fee: 8 Gold Coins

Annual Fee/Tax: Calculated based on branch count

2nd » Orichalcum Rank:

Suitable for Mid-Scale Trading Houses (with multiple branches) Enrollment Fee: 4 Gold Coins

Annual Fee/Tax: Calculated based on branch count

3rd » Mithril Rank:

Ideal for Small-Scale Trading Ventures (reasonably sizable enterprises)

Enrollment Fee: 2 Gold Coins

Annual Fee: 5 Gold Coins

Annual Tax: 6% Gross Profit

4th » Gold Rank:

Suited for Independent Establishments (such as roadside apparel or produce shops)

Enrollment Fee: 1 Gold Coin

Annual Fee: 2 Gold Coins

Annual Tax: 6% Gross Profit

5th » Silver Rank:

Appropriate for Traveling Merchants and Street Vendors (lacking physical premises)

Enrollment Fee: 5 Silver Coins

Annual Fee: 1 Gold Coin

Annual Tax: 6% Gross Profit

"Your yearly fees, business type, and size will be determined by your rank," the woman continued. "Do you have any questions?"

"Not yet."

"In that case, what kind of venture do you plan to establish?"

Daisuke rubbed his chin in thought. I don't have any appraising abilities, so I'm not sure what the crystals are worth. The guild would likely only buy them at market price, but if they're a rare commodity, players might pay more. Right now, what I need most is information.

"I won't have much of a physical store at the get-go, so I guess I'll be starting off as a street-side vendor."

"Then it appears the introductory Silver Rank would be the most suitable choice for you," informed the clerk as she slipped him a piece of parchment with a feathered pen. "Please go ahead and fill out this application form."

Daisuke complied and handed back the document as instructed.

"Perfect," the woman said after verifying the information. "Now then, Haxks... to complete your enrollment, all I will need is the registration fee of five silver coins."

Before entering the town, Daisuke discreetly moved the coin purse from its secure strap on his inner thigh into his pocket. It held the entirety of the hard-earned loot he had accumulated from various odd jobs around Dusthaven to eventually bring his mother to see a doctor.

Hesitantly, he poured out the ominously light contents of the purse into his hand and breathed a sigh of relief when he counted five silver and three copper pieces. A trembling hand handed over his life's savings to the clerk.

"Thank you. Please wait here a moment."

As she stepped aside, a short, elderly woman came up to the counter from the backdoor.

"What is she doing?" Daisuke asked her curiously.

"She's creating your ID card and registering it on the Merchants' Guild magic network. This allows you to use it at any one of our guild locations worldwide."

"Whoa~"

"By the way," the woman began, her eyes narrowed shrewdly. "What is it that you have in your clothes?"

Fear of monsters & the unknown: 7.6%