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

CHAPTER 153: When Coffers Run Dry - A Nation in Turmoil

"I've heard through the grapevine that the kingdom is struggling with an overabundance of slaves right now," a man stated as he stepped forward, sharing the information with both the courtiers and his fellow citizens. "Why should we have to share our food with the likes of them?"

A ripple of discontent spread through the crowd, punctuated by murmurs and angry glares.

"From what I've heard," a well-dressed merchant chimed in, "sea travel in Wavecrest Port has been suspended due to a giant sea serpent that's been terrorizing sailors and sinking their ships."

"What?!"

"A sea serpent?"

Alarmed gasps echoed through the crowd.

"As a result," the merchant continued, his tone grim, "all trade has been put on hold. Due to this crisis, slaves can no longer be transported or traded overseas, and consumers can't even travel to Lunarel to acquire them.

Naturally, the import of goods has also come to a standstill, causing a severe shortage of food—and the local industries are insufficient to sustain the population. To make matters worse, the demihumans are turning to theft, and the slaves still need to be fed."

Outraged, everyone started arguing all at once, plunging the civilized exchange into that of chaos. But the chamber instantly became quiet the moment the chancellor raised his hand in a telling gesture.

"...I recognize the frustration that grips us all in light of recent events," he said smoothly, his gaze sweeping over the room. "But we will never find common ground through endless bickering. Let us all take a moment to collect ourselves and approach this with a calmer perspective."

Someone raised their hand, and Cassius nodded in approval.

"Why not send our soldiers to Wavecrest to aid with the slaying of the beast?"

Several of the nobles regarded the man with ridicule, some with disbelief or pity, and others with barely-contained amusement.

"It would be foolhardy to dispatch troops to a territory that we're currently at odds with," one of the more seasoned and battle-hardened nobles interjected sharply. "At worst, it would be interpreted as a declaration to commence the war."

"Lord Grayson speaks the truth," another noble remarked. "Regrettably, the supply chain issue cannot be resolved until the war has concluded."

"We'll all starve to death by then!"

At that harsh reality, the people descended into chaos again. But, this time, instead of raising a hand, the chancellor stood to his feet, the intensity of his eyes silencing all those who regarded him.

"My esteemed citizens, take solace in knowing that your voices have been heard, and your concerns shall be thoroughly remedied. My will reflects that of His Majesty, and the king's desire is to see his people at peace and prosperous.

For the time being, we have a solution to address your concerns regarding the people of the slums. As for the majority of the slaves, we will promptly make arrangements to put them to work."

Astonished murmurs filled the air.

"They will be tasked with hunting monsters to supply food, working alongside local farmers to cultivate the land, and the majority will be conscripted into the military to reinforce our ranks in the war that looms ahead."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, exchanging wary glances as they processed the man's words and weighed them against feasibility. Many seemed willing to accept the idea that the food shortage might be alleviated by the influx of additional labor, while others took grim satisfaction in the thought that the war would soon reduce the number of slaves.

While the court officials addressed the other concerns of the people, Cassius beckoned to one of his attendants who swiftly approached and dropped his head into a meek bow. "Send word to the Zepharion church," he instructed in a hushed but firm tone. "Inform the bishop that I request an audience at his earliest convenience."

"Your Excellency," the man uttered with a bow before quickly disposing himself to the deed.

***

ROOOAARRRR!

The beast's massive foreleg swept low in a deadly arc, its nine-inch claws slicing through the air mere inches from Daisuke's legs. Using the creature's face as a springboard, he launched himself into a seamless backflip.

Enraged by its miss, the Owlbear roared and lunged forward the moment its prey's feet touched the ground, its colossal frame hurtling forward with unrestrained fury. But instead of feeling flesh and bone give way, a sharp crack echoed through the forest as it collided headlong with a towering pine, splintering the trunk and sending the tree crashing to the ground in a cacophony of snapping wood and groaning branches.

Ignoring the destruction, the beast's predatory eyes found and locked onto its target with unyielding focus. The feathers along its back quivered, bristling with energy before launching forward like bolts fired from a crossbow, each one whistling through the air with lethal purpose.

WOOOOSHHH!

Zephyr's Emberstorm incinerated the volley of projectiles heading his way while Daisuke made a tight beeline to outrun the flurry that were hot on his heels. Suddenly, time slowed to a crawl as he bent his knees and leaned back, his pupils reflecting the massive tree passing over him, the Salamander's Claw slicing through and burning the branches that threatened to rip him apart.

The Owlbear let out a thunderous roar of frustration, its fiery orange eyes locking onto its elusive prey with murderous intent. With a single motion, the fearsome fusion of owl and bear hurled the massive tree aside, the trunk splintering as it crashed into the earth.

The beast's powerful claws dug into the ground as it reared its head, and its feathers bristled, making it appear even more imposing. Every muscle in its hulking frame coiled with fury, and its hooked beak snapped in challenge.

DING!

[Owlbear | Lvl 55 |General | HP: 4986/6084]