Playing on Hard Mode
Chapter 21: A-Rank Mission
I fixed the grammar; the chapter was planned as two parts, but since I left the novel for a while, I decided to put the parts into one. To remember the previous chapter, from now on I will try to upload at least two chapters a week, or at least one, since work doesn't leave me much time.
A short time later, we were walking through the streets of the eastern district.
"What do you think about calling this district Kabukicho? Yes, like the one in Japan. Years ago, I watched an anime called Gintama. The protagonist was a white-haired samurai named Sakata Gintoki, and he lived in a lawless region with that name. What I loved about that place was the unity of the people to protect their town and their desire to live the way they wanted. Besides, I know there is a place with that name in Japan, and it is a red-light district. What do you think?"
She looked at me and replied:
"You have white hair like Sakata Gintoki, and the elves of the feathered mountains have red hair, 'bathed in fire,' or so they claim."
Then she sighed.
"You really are a nerd… but that's what I love about you. I'm fascinated by it too, but we are not turning this district into a red-light area. If you do, I'll cut your…"
Fortunately, she did not finish the sentence, although I could not help looking at my "little friend" and feeling goosebumps run down my skin.
I shook my head.
"Of course not. I plan to turn it into a commercial and economic zone. The southern gate will become a powerful military area."
María asked:
"Joon-woo, if this region will receive a name, what shall we call the southern region?"
I replied:
"How about 'Storm Bastion'?"
She looked at me and sighed.
"No… that won't work. It will be called 'The Pillar.'"
Then she added:
"Cities that were planned from the beginning have an advantage over those that emerged from a simple gathering of people. These cities are designed from the start, as is the case with Huayna Picchu, so they will not suffer structural problems. In fact, this place is very beautiful: wide streets, diamond-shaped blocks instead of perfect squares, giving it a fresh design, along with the large number of plants and flowers that make this place even more beautiful. Well, elven cities are always beautiful, but this place is no exception. However, that will not be enough if you want to attract more people. To do that, you must encourage trade, entertainment, and work, as well as ensure that people can obtain food within the city. Ah, and do not forget to secure water sources."
I carefully thought about her words and repeated to myself:
"Secure water sources, jobs, trade, entertainment, food, and respect customs."
Good, let us focus on that for now. The first thing is already done: good infrastructure and excellent urban design. The city is almost complete; some places still need to be built, but more than 70% is already finished. Now we must secure water sources and food supplies.
María told me:
"Darling, do not worry about food. Our guard will provide all the food we can obtain and will give you nearly 80% of the profits earned. In return, you will provide us with full support from the eastern region. In addition, all material rewards acquired during this mission will belong to 'The Pillar.'"
I was left in shock. Pale-faced, I could only nod when I saw her shining eyes, reflecting both ambition and threat.
The guard quickly went out to hunt all kinds of beasts and take them to the skin and meat processing offices. Soon they were distributed in the markets free of charge, greatly increasing the guard's reputation.
Meanwhile, I called a meeting in the administration office. Most of the NPC population attended, along with only three players: María, the leader of the other guard, and me.
I stood in the middle of the enclosure, which looked like a smaller stadium. In reality, the place was not small. Around me, the stands were arranged in circles, like in a football stadium.
Somewhat nervous, I cleared my throat and finally began my speech with firmness and calmness.
"I have summoned you here to inform you about what this city must do to become a safe and prosperous place. The first problem is the lack of food. For now, we can survive thanks to hunting beasts, which gives us security and food, but that will not last forever. We need to begin agriculture. The main issue is that the water sources are somewhat far away. Therefore, we will place the agricultural fields in the northern region, as planned, but we must make this a priority. Construction of a water reservoir near the fields will begin, as well as distribution canals. Elder Astrid has recommended Elder Conor for this task."
A tall and sturdy old man with an eye patch over his left eye and the body of a bodybuilder stood up and nodded before sitting back down. I could not help noticing the two wolves resting beneath his seat like silent shadows.
I continued:
"We also have another difficulty: access to water within the town. Therefore, several wells will be created throughout the city. Do not worry, a water treatment and distribution system will soon be designed to bring water directly to our homes. We could not build it before because we lacked the necessary capital, but if everything goes well, it will begin to be implemented within one or two years."
"As for waste disposal, a system called Water and Sewer Service (SED) has been created, which will be managed by Elder Oscar."
The man stood up. He looked around forty-five years old, had cinnamon-colored hair, and gave off a sense of security. On his back he carried a bow, and beside him stood a small forest deer. The fawn was very young: thin, hornless, and with an innocent yet prideful gaze.
"Do not worry. We will take care of this mission."
Then he petted his small companion and sat back down. Pride could be seen in every one of his actions: in the tone of his voice, in his posture, and in the way he looked toward the horizon.
I let out a sigh before continuing.
"Food and water supply are our priorities, but they are not everything. We also lack funds and population. Therefore, we will send several delegations to form bonds of friendship and cooperation with the Xenos, the elves of the feathered mountains, and other neighboring peoples. In addition, they will convince small communities to move to our city. This mission will be led by Elder Briana."
She looked about twenty years old. She carried two small one-handed axes and armor made from wolf skins. Instead of a dress, she wore tight cinnamon-colored pants that favored her mobility. On her head she wore a silver headband that barely stood out because of her snow-white hair.
Although her clothes completely covered her body, as was customary among the silver elves, that did not hide the natural beauty of her race. However, Elder Briana stood out even among all the elven women I had seen.
She stood up and said:
"I will work alongside the heralds and use them as much as possible. The heralds who cannot be controlled will be eliminated. My division does not need people incapable of following the basic rules of the silver elves."
Then she returned to her seat with a serious expression. I broke into a cold sweat as I realized that woman was a true warrior and that making her angry would have terrible consequences.
Finally, I said:
"The eastern region will be under my direction and under the supervision of Elder Astrid. My main mission will be to gather funds for the development of this region, which includes generating money, ensuring security, and more."
"At Elder Astrid's suggestion, each region will have a name:
The northern region will be called 'The Pillar.'
• The southern region will be called 'Onyx.'
• The western region will be called 'Nox.'
• The eastern region will be called 'Kabuki.'
• The western outer region will be called 'Day.'
• The central region will be called 'The Sanctuary.'"
"The Kabuki region will be under the command of the herald Orion53, and the northern region will be administered by the herald Silver Maiden, leader of the Spartan Guard."
This did not attract the attention of the NPCs, but it certainly did catch the attention of the other players present.
"Administrators have not yet been selected for the remaining regions, but Elder Astrid will direct the entire city as a whole and choose the most suitable people to support her."
Finally, Elder Astrid walked toward the center of the chamber and continued the meeting for several hours, presenting the balance of expenses and the problems of the young city of Huayna Picchu.