Ch. 53 - Starcloud Trading Company (2)
I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic AcademyThis chapter is broken. Please report this on discord.
Notes
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This chapter is broken. Please report this on discord.
Happy reading!
Three more chapters left!
Chapter 53: Starcloud Trading Company (2)
Starcloud, the world's greatest trading company.
Undoubtedly, an exclusive contract with Starcloud was a great opportunity. If one took on the task and produced eye-catching items, they could earn a fortune that would last them more than a lifetime.
However, it was not the right path to take.
‘The exclusive business of items.’
Melian's business skills were exceptional, but he had a strong inclination not to let anyone take away what he felt was rightfully his.
He was the kind of person who could instantly bring in tons of gold on the condition that the technology was offered exclusively to Starcloud.
‘But, what happens when the technology is tied to him?’
Firstly, only the best-selling items would be mass-produced, limiting the overall diversity, uniqueness, and performance of the items.
Additionally, excessive monopoly would prevent numerous mages who actually needed the equipment from using it, leading to a skewed development of technology towards the business side and allowing dark mages to catch up in terms of technological prowess.
In reality, Baek Yu-seol had seen a couple of players who proceeded with such a strategy to earn money as they pleased, ultimately ending up losing everything.
"May I ask for the reason?" asked Melian, unfazed by the sudden rejection.
Baek Yu-Seol looked at this face intently. He couldn't help the thought that Melian was strikingly handsome. Despite being in his 50s, Melian had an unbelievably youthful and attractive appearance thanks to his elven traits.
Moreover, thanks to his wealth, he was quite popular as a romantic interest, despite the fact that he had a daughter.
However, the real reason why Melian was popular with the ladies was not because he was handsome or the richest person in the world.
Honestly, if one looked at the age difference of over 30 years from a purely romantic perspective, it was a bit questionable.
Perhaps if there were a significant age gap of 300 to 3,000 years, people might be more intrigued, calling it a romance between a transcendent being and a human.
In conclusion, the reason players were enthusiastic about Melian's route was because of his daughter, High Elf Jeliel.
AKA Jeliel the Villainess.
Throughout the episodes, she constantly tormented the protagonist and engaged in ruthless and cruel actions that disgusted players. As a result, the infuriated players sought ways to make Jeliel pay dearly.
The ultimate solution was to marry her father, Melian, and bring ruin to her family. It sounded like a joke, but it was true.
However, players from around the world, especially Koreans, were enthralled by this dramatic turn of events.
As Baek Yu-Seol looked back on it, he realized the absurdity. Pretending to ponder over various thoughts, Baek Yu-Seol feigned indecision for a while as Melian patiently waited.
Though he must have been quite impatient internally, his composure was truly impeccable.
"There’s definitely a reason."
"Is it the terms of the contract? If there are any shortcomings, I’ll immediately address them."
"No, it's not about the conditions. I simply don't want an exclusive contract."
Melian's expression stiffened slightly at those words. He wanted to possess this technology exclusively.
However, Baek Yu-Seol couldn't just decline the contract like this, since losing the tremendous sponsorship of a company as prestigious as Starcloud would be quite regrettable.
He intended to compromise with him as much as possible.
"This technology, which combines magic engineering and alchemy, would be useful in our daily lives, but it would have the most significant impact on the production of equipment for mages. In fact, as we unraveled this formula, we created quite a variety of blueprints."
"I see. But what does that have to do with not wanting an exclusive contract?"
"We want this fascinating technology called items to be accessible to more mages. Please consider it as a small contribution to making this tumultuous world a more peaceful one, devoid of dark mages."
"Your ambitions are rather lofty. Having great aspirations is a good thing. However, money is always necessary to realize noble dreams."
"Yes, that's right. We've been in talks with numerous investors. You’re one of them."
"So are you suggesting that you’ll enter into contracts with all those people while also being in a contract with me? If that's the case, you would have to dismiss many of the conditions I presented."
"That's right. But to be honest, those conditions do look tempting."
Melian wore an intrigued expression. It was as if he was saying, "So what are you going to do?"
He probably wouldn't be easily persuaded. So Baek Yu-Seol offered a straightforward solution.
"Even if everyone uses items, it's impossible for everyone to use the same item. Luxurification of the items. That's what I propose."
"Ah...!"
Around that moment, Alterisha, who had been looking anxious, seemed to realize something and let out a gasp.
Melian also straightened up and displayed an expression of interest. That expression revealed that he was no longer looking at Baek Yu-Seol as a child.
"Luxurification, huh…?"
"Yes. In this world, there are truly countless rare materials. The thunderbolt iron ore that Starcloud Corporation monopolizes is one of them. What if we refine that ore using the technology of alchemy and magic engineering’?"
"A rather valuable item would be created."
"That's right. We will push for the widespread distribution of items, but for those exceptionally crafted luxury items that are difficult to produce, we will enter into an exclusive contract with Starcloud Corporation. That’s what establishing a brand is about, isn't it?"
Melian raised the corner of his mouth slightly and nodded his head.
"Very well. However, how can I be sure whether or not this idea of a luxury item is your vain delusion? My motto is to never engage in a losing deal, especially when it comes to matters of the trade."
Although he was saying that, his reaction was not negative at all. His intention was for Baek Yu-Seol to show him an item worthy of being classified as a luxury item.
"Yes. That’s why I’m not asking you to sign the contract immediately. Six months. We’ll hold an investor briefing exclusively with you within that time."
"Oho..."
He had a few things planned. Even if he didn’t think about them, Alterisha would surely come up with more ideas.
"If you are satisfied with the products presented during that time, please consider entering into an exclusive contract with us."
"That... is truly..."
After a brief hesitation, Melian finally nodded his head.
"Cool."
That was something Melian reserved for when he was genuinely impressed.
"Alright then, here’s a messenger scroll.”
Messenger scrolls were an advanced means of communication. When someone wrote a message on a scroll and sent it, it would fly to the recipient.
It had, however, become a rarely used item since phones came into existence.
Although phones weren’t as widespread as they were on Earth, major institutions (kingdoms, mage towers, nobles, companies, etc.) already had sufficient telephone networks connected, so it wasn't really necessary.
However, there was significance in the act of giving it.
Messenger scrolls were incredibly secure with numerous protective spells, making them expensive and valuable as a means of communication that could reach anywhere. In other words, it was an item given only to trusted individuals.
With that in mind, Alterisha opened her eyes wide and eagerly accepted it.
“Th-Thank you!”
“And here, I’m giving you my phone number. I have a personal phone, and you'll probably get one soon too. If needed, you can contact me using public phones in Stella.”
Having finished his business, Melian adjusted his hat and said, “Well then, I’ll take my leave. Have a pleasant day.”
Watching Melian swiftly disappear like the wind, just as he did when he arrived, Baek Yu-Seol let out a sigh of relief.
“Phew, I thought I was going to die from the tension.”
Alterisha looked bewildered as she asked, “Is that how a tense person acts?”
“I was really tense though.”
“That's impressive. Being able to smile like that while being so tense.”
“Huh?”
"Uh-huh, it's nothing!"
Saying that, Alterisha smiled warmly as he leaned his head against the window. Perhaps it was because the tension had dissipated, but Baek Yu-Seol felt exhausted.
"I should get some sleep..."
In the southern region of the continent lay the Waning Moon Plains.
It was once referred to as the land of milk and honey.
It was understandable because Waning Moon Plains had seven major rivers running through it as well as various rare plants, animals, and minerals.
However, captivated by the brilliance of the scenery, a passing traveler once said, "Anyone who looks at this vast and undulating grassland would yearn for freedom, even if they were already free.”
The land of freedom, Waning Moon Plains.
In the central part of the plains was a peculiarly tall green stem, and at its top bloomed a giant pink water lily.
On that lotus was a beautiful inn called the Lotus Inn, and today, a very special guest had arrived.
Jeliel, the only daughter of Melian, the president of Starcloud.
Although her father was an ordinary elf, Jeliel had inherited a great amount of energy from the world tree and had become a high elf at a young age.
However, she wanted to explore the world with her father and left the world tree for adventure. Now, she gazed at the azure meadow that seemed to unfold endlessly with an expressionless face.
There were people who burst into tears upon seeing this scenery and people who were so captivated by the breathtaking beauty that they couldn't leave this place forever.
A certain painter was said to have drawn this landscape until he went blind and passed away.
However, none of that beauty entered Jeliel’s eyes.
In her world, everything was perceived by its value.
[Value of All Things]
Jeliel had a unique ability to see everything, whether it be humans, animals, or material objects, in terms of numbers.
The least valuable was 0.
The most valuable was 100.
"I see the value of this land is rising..."
Instead of appreciating the beauty of Waning Moon Plain, Jeliel focused on its value and smiled slightly. She had invested heavily there, and it would soon become a fertile land, yielding abundant profits.
"Um, Miss Jeliel..."
As she absentmindedly admired the Waning Moon Plains, a man who had been kneeling behind her cautiously spoke up.
"Who dares to call my name so casually?"
Slam!
Upon her sharp rebuke, her bodyguard ruthlessly stomped on the man's head.
"Gah...!"
Jeliel sighed and turned around to sit down. The pitiful figure of the man, with tears, snot, and blood mixed on his face, was truly pathetic, and the number ‘3’ floating above his head was even more pitiful.
A value similar to the cobblestones on the street.
"P-Please... Have mercy, just once..."
"Why did you have to go bankrupt? If you had just continued with what you were doing obediently, none of this would've happened. I warned you not to engage in unnecessary ventures..."
The man bit his lips with force and slammed his head down.
Her words were wrong. This venture was undoubtedly a successful one. In fact, it was on the verge of success, but that woman ruined it.
The reason? It was obvious. It would bring in more money this way.
By completely destroying and ruining the man's business, the plummeting value of the byproduct seemed more valuable in Jeliel’s eyes.
However, there was no evidence. No evidence that Jeliel was involved. It was obvious to everyone that she was behind it, but that cunning woman never left any traces.
So the man had no choice but to beg for his life. That woman had the power to make anything in this world come true as she wished.
"Do you want to live?"
The man vigorously nodded his head up and down, and Jeliel chuckled.
There was no reason to spare him.
Nevertheless, she wanted to pass the time with some entertaining content.
"Oh, right. Didn't you say you know how to play soul chess, Mister?"
‘Why ask that all of a sudden?’
Despite his doubt, the man hastily nodded his head.
"Alright. Would you like to play a game of soul chess with me? If you win... I'll grant you any wish you desire."
"...!"
Soul chess, known as the intellectual sport of mages, began by selecting 20 out of over 200 different chess pieces and placing them on the chessboard.
Each piece possessed unique abilities such as igniting flames three spaces ahead and resting for five turns or protecting allied pieces for two turns. The goal was to strategically combine these abilities to capture the opponent's king and claim victory.
Was it complicated? Yes. In fact, soul chess was dozens of times more challenging than regular chess, making it highly difficult for beginners to grasp.
Besides, Jeliel was a grandmaster-level professional soul chess player.
‘Ah.’
In other words, it aligned perfectly with the statement that she had no intention of sparing his life.
However, unwilling to give up hope, the man reluctantly stood up and sat in front of Jeliel. And thus, the game of soul chess began... and ended in a flash.
He never stood a chance from the start.
‘... How boring.’
A man with no value, even in soul chess.
"Bury him."
"I understand."
Jeliel’s bodyguard, Seong Taewon, nodded slightly and covered the man's mouth as he left the room. He did so to prevent the person from making any more noise or causing a scene, as the lady disliked it.
"Mmph! Mmmph! Mmphh!!"
As expected, the man struggled and thrashed, but he couldn't resist Seong Taewon's strength.
‘Sigh, it would’ve been more fun to just let him be.’
There was no one left who could be her opponent in soul chess. She had never achieved victory against Archmage Doaron Carcest, but she was confident that there was no one else she couldn't defeat.
Therefore, she grew impatient.
The sole purpose of Jeliel learning soul chess was because of the ancient Karmenset's ruins.
“If you win a game of Soul Chess against the soul of Karmenset, you will be granted eternal light.”
Only a few people in the world knew that this ancient myth, considered a mere legend by others, actually held true.
Now that her skills were sufficient, all she had to do was win against Karmenset in soul chess. But where on earth was that ruin located?
Her frustration was growing, but she held it in, knowing that rushing wouldn’t lead to the ruin’s discovery.
"Miss, It’s been taken care of."
"Good. Well done."
After flicking through the pile of documents related to the man and setting them ablaze before throwing them into the trash, there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?"
“It's Dad.”
"Ah..."
A rare smile appeared on her face.
"Please come in."
As the door opened, the first thing that caught her attention was not a number but a '?' symbol.
It was Melian's value.
Jeliel had the ability to recognize the value of everything in the world, except in two cases.
When the subject was someone she loved.
When the subject possessed an unknown value beyond her analytical capabilities.
However, there was no existence in this world with an unknown value. Moreover, since the only person Jeliel loved was her father, there would be nothing she couldn't measure the value of.
“Did you have a good trip?”
"My adorable daughter, you must have had a good time while I was away. Shall we go home?"
"Yes, I'm tired of this place now."
"Haha, it never gets boring for me, even if I see it every day."
That was because her father still had emotions, and Waning Moon Plains was such a beautiful place.
Jeliel hurriedly said, "Me neither. I’m not bored of it either."
It was to prevent her father from knowing that her heart had grown cold.
Melian smiled kindly and stroked Jeliel’s head.
"Oh, by the way, did the deal go well this time?"
"In a way, yes, but also not."
"What do you mean?"
Melian took out a piece of paper from the pocket of his coat.
It was a Messenger Scroll that led to the alchemist named Alterisha.
[57]
‘A scroll that leads to a woman named Alterisha has a value comparable to mine. In that case, just how valuable is she?’
‘As expected, my father has a good eye.’
Jeliel touched the scroll as Melian spoke. "Oh, I should have given another scroll to that boy."
"That boy?"
"Yes. He was an interesting one. The co-author of the Alchemical Engineering Cross Technique and a student of Stella Academy."
"... Is that so?"
Jeliel knew that there was a co-author for Alchemical Engineering Cross Technique, but she didn't expect him to still be a student.
"Apparently, he’s a year younger than you. There are truly remarkable children in the world. We still have to watch and see, but his business skills were quite impressive for his age."
"What's his name?"
"Baek Yu-Seol, I believe. It might be good to remember it."
Among the names her father told her to remember, there hadn’t been an unimportant name so far, so Jeliel made a mental note of it.
‘At the age of seventeen, he solved a problem that’s been unresolved for over 300 years…’
It was undoubtedly impressive, but it didn't pique her interest much. She didn’t know what her father saw in that boy, but he was probably a chess piece at best.
‘It would be nice if he could use him to generate some profit.’
With that thought in mind, she temporarily stored the name Baek Yu-Seol in a corner of her memory. Whether he knew her thoughts or not, Melian still had a strong interest in Baek Yu-Seol.
"I heard he’s a student at Stella Academy. Who knows? Maybe you might meet him someday."
Jeliel was attending the Elven magic academy, Astral Flower Magic Academy.
Magic academies from various countries often had events such as student exchanges and academy competitions, so there was a chance they would meet each other in the future.
However, the name Baek Yu-Seol had long been pushed to the depths of her memory. Right now, she just wanted to enjoy the time with her father.
"Father, would you like to play a game of soul chess before we go back?"
Today and tomorrow.
As long as she was with her father, she believed she could do anything.
Even if it meant falling into hell.