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!”

armor he was wearing. His health fell to the bottom in a flash, and he started to flee. His colleagues, or former colleagues, chuckled as they watched

to escape with such slow footsteps. Won’t he be caught by us

he wants to run away, shouldn’t he run away

was no reaction. His shouts just echoed in the forest. The laughs of the traitors

except us. Who are you asking for

bear to show up and protect

to breathe as he ran. The pursuers, who were faster than him, hummed as they slowly gave chase without killing

eyes reddened as he was constantly hit by bushes and branches. The pursuers closely followed

fun 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 out desperately, “Why? Why are you doing this all of a sudden? We’re colleagues! Why are

world tree forest. The woman shrugged. “What colleagues? We just wanted your money from the beginning. Now, do you

scimitar to the neck of the frightened Kir. “If you want to live, give me money. I will spare you if you give enough money to satisfy us. Okay?

frustration that filled his expression vanished like they had been lies, and anger took their

are greedy like us, apart from freaks like you. Aren’t we normal?” The woman’s scimitar neared Kir’s neck,

He gulped

“What?”

rather choose an honorable death than listen to the

“Are you crazy?”

I am sane! I absolutely won’t succumb! If I surrender, you will keep doing this

you are really a

clicked her tongue and

a

and all her colleagues

“Who is it?”

people

who boasted a perfect beauty emerged. Her perfect ratio and pointed

“E-Elf?”

this an

a rumor that there were only 100,000 elves on the continent. Nevertheless, why was it that the elves could protect their territory from the greedy humans? That was simple. It was because they were strong. The

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

isn’t a place to

could escape alive, the humans no longer clung

wards old?” Beniyaru, the white-haired elf who gave off a haughty impression, muttered something about ‘wards.’ Then she gazed at Kir. Kir bowed his head.

“There is no need.”

place where human access wasn’t allowed, Kir got up hurriedly, 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

to catch a glimpse of any

be better to die than to give money to them.” A small smile crossed

me. I’ll guide you

visit your

You are the first guest in hundreds of years. Stay in the village and heal your wounds until those greedy people waiting outside the forest have