Chapter 28
In a café overlooking the park, two men drank coffee.
"Leon, are you sure about the effectiveness of these investments? We’ve hired almost all the players in Imir. The city has already become our headquarters. They’re clearing all the dungeons, completing quests. The economy in our region is skyrocketing. The clan’s combat wing is grinding non-stop. This will inevitably lead to war with other factions—maybe even nations—and we’re not ready for that yet."
"I am a god—don’t forget that. Right now, I’m already giving major bonuses to all players who’ve chosen me as their patron. The expenditure of faith energy still outweighs the income, but we’re running multiple campaigns to recruit new believers. I need greater combat power so I can participate in the war. And that’s exactly why I’m investing in people. By the way, everything we’ve put in so far has already paid off. We process the items offered at the altar and then sell them at auction. More and more resource-gathering territories are under our control."
"I get it—you want war, and you want to fight in it personally. But do you realize there are already ten gods in the minor pantheon? Our source leaked information to just about anyone. Who was he?"
"A pilot. He flew between us and Lurnar, overheard their conversation about creating a god over the comms. He was in our clan, but after getting paid, he vanished. No one can find him—not even our people in security."
"I see."
"Merlin, relax. You’re the clan’s CFO and treasurer, but sometimes you’re way too cautious. No god will attack us: the old deities don’t care about us, and the young ones don’t have enough power. Or are you worried about your daughter?"
Merlin nodded.
"Ah, kids these days! Always in such a hurry to grow up. You do know she was deliberately trying to seduce you, right?"
Another nod—this time sheepish.
"A youthful mistake?! She knows exactly what she’s doing and is using you. But I’ll keep my word! The girl made a huge contribution to recruiting NPCs under the new god’s banner. Rebecca, acting like a saint, healed people, boosted harvests, and handled all sorts of little things. Overall, a very proactive young lady. We have a… project… in Chrysalis. She’ll be part of the strike team."
"It’s that serious?"
"Even my status as a god pales in comparison."
"God, what have you gotten yourselves into?!" Merlin threw up his hands.
The men laughed. Over the past month, neither of them had left Chrysalis much. Gradually, their relationship had shifted from professional to friendly. So much work, so much money, and so much pleasure. The great games of great men—power, influence, wealth.