Overgeared

According to last year’s statistics, the number of players who chose a merchant as a class was 41,715,997. It was comparable to the most popular combat classes such as swordsman and magician. Why? That was because it was a class that gave hopes and dreams to ordinary people. In modern society where in-game goods were traded for cash, it was natural that a merchant class which was meant for making money would be popular.

Of course, reality was tough, and most merchants didn’t make money. However, a few merchants gained fame by accumulating a huge wealth. A typical figure was the 1st ranked Kir. As he was the first player to make a company, he had been accumulating wealth steadily. He had tens of thousands of people under him, and some people called him the merchant king.

“I finally found it.”

The forest of the world tree—it was also known as the Elven Forest, and Kir was the first player to step foot in there.

[You are the first player to discover the elves’ territory!]

[It is an achievement that will remain in history! The first discovery will give you various benefits!]

[You can easily raise affinity with the elves, and you will receive a 20% discount on the prices of items purchased in elven villages. There will be 20% more profit when selling goods.]

[Hunting in the elf territory will increase experience rate by 20%, and item drop rate will increase by 10%.]

[Mana regeneration rate is permanently increased by 8%.]

“Hoh! This is more than I expected.”

With platinum hair, emerald eyes, and pure white skin that blended beautifully, Kir seemed like a typical handsome nobleman in movies and novels. He checked his first discovery benefits and glanced behind him. “You can come in now.”

As soon as Kir gave permission...

“Isn’t the air somewhat different?”

“It is sweet every time I breathe. The sunshine is exceptionally pleasant. I’d like to build a house here.”

A group of people entered the forest. They were players who were armed with high-level equipment. Among them, the man with the ID of Boutian used magic. “Magic Detection.”

Supaak! His mana extended a few dozen meters and searched the surrounding life forms. Boutian reported, “There are many small animals. It seems that the elves have no defenses at the boundaries of the forest.”

“It is peaceful.”

The elves had been living in this forest for hundreds of years. It was hard to expect them to be vigilant when they had been completely cut off from the outside world and lived their own lives. Of course, this was a good thing for Kir.

“I am sorry that I can’t enjoy the bonus game but...” Kir’s mouth spread into a deep smile as he stopped talking. It contained a meanness that wasn’t shown before. No, it was right to say that his true nature was being expressed.

Who was Kir? He was a person who deceived others, trampled on them, and accumulated wealth from stealing in order to reach the 1st merchant ranking. The most appropriate description for him was ‘evil.’ The usual mild and remote impression? It was just a mask to distract the other person.

“Let’s get started,” Kir gave the order. His silent colleagues started to slash at him with a sword.

“Cough! Kuaaaaak!”

despite the expensive armor he was wearing. His health fell to the bottom in a flash, and he started to flee. His colleagues, or former colleagues,

to escape with such slow footsteps.

run away, shouldn’t he run

direction, but there was no reaction. His shouts just

us. Who are you

you want a bear to show up and

time to breathe as he ran. The pursuers, who were faster than him,

eyes reddened as he was constantly hit by bushes and branches.

game. Yes?” This was spoken by a woman who destroyed every bush in the way because she didn’t want to become dirty. Kir saw the killing intent in her eyes and cried

Kir’s unfortunate cries rang out in the middle of the world tree forest. The woman shrugged. “What colleagues? We just wanted your money from the beginning.

“If you want to live, give me money. I will spare you if you give

expression vanished like they had been lies, and anger took their place. “Using people for money...! You are

is this? Beasts? We are people. Most people are greedy like us, apart from freaks like you. Aren’t we normal?” The woman’s scimitar neared Kir’s neck, soaking Kir’s collar with

death. He gulped as

“What?”

I would rather choose an honorable death than

“Are you crazy?”

succumb! If I surrender, you will keep doing this and

are really a

The woman clicked her tongue and

a sound and penetrated

all her colleagues

“Who is it?”

people in this

The bushes swayed, and a woman who boasted a

“E-Elf?”

an elf

elves could protect their territory from

to kill Kir stopped immediately. They put away their weapons and raised their arms while the elf

a

escape alive, the humans no longer clung to Kir. They didn’t look back

Beniyaru, the white-haired elf who gave off a haughty impression, muttered something about ‘wards.’ Then she gazed at Kir. Kir bowed his head. “T-Thank you for your help! I

“There is no need.”

only to flop down again. He couldn’t support his body due to all his wounds. “I-I’m really sorry. I will take a short break

humans in the elves’ memories. Unable to catch a glimpse of any mean desires, Beniyaru said, “I heard your conversation with them. You

I dislike greedy people. It would be better to die than to give money to them.” A small

I’ll guide you

your village despite

of years. Stay in the village and