It is sad that you guys do not make crossbows. They sell a lot better," Dennis said with obvious disappointment in his voice. His remark earned him a dead stare from Bennie. The elder ranger did not even bother to hide his displeasure. Around them, several workers quietly continued loading crates onto the ship while pretending not to listen.
"Sorry, sorry. I know your family hates them," Dennis quickly said, raising both hands in surrender. "But bows take years to master, while a crossbow is intuitive. Most people compare them to the old firearms they used before the Trials." He gave an awkward laugh as he spoke. Unfortunately for him, that explanation only made Bennie's expression darker.
"Do not compare archery to those things," Bennie replied. "Crossbows are an insult to the art. Besides, they are far too expensive nowadays, are they not?" His voice remained calm, but everyone present knew he was serious. Some family members nearby even nodded in agreement.
Dennis sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "You are right about the cost. Most modern crossbows were built using advanced materials and manufactured components. Those parts do not survive mana erosion very well. Compared to them, a simple handmade bow made from wood and string is far more reliable."
That reality had become apparent shortly after the world changed. The bows distributed during the first Trials had survived surprisingly well because of their simplicity. Meanwhile, many modern sporting weapons degraded rapidly outside heavily protected areas. People quickly learned that complexity often became a weakness when mana was involved. Ancient craftsmanship had suddenly become valuable again.
"That is exactly why your bows sell so well," Dennis continued. "People already possess archery-related skills from the system. Learning to use a bow feels like a natural progression for many adventurers. It is versatile, durable, and far cheaper to maintain than most alternatives." He smiled broadly. "So thank you for keeping my stores supplied."
Bennie accepted the compliment with a small nod. He looked out across the riverbank, where the newly built pier stretched into the water. The surrounding landscape still looked rough and untamed. Vast stretches of wilderness surrounded the settlement. Yet even so, he could already imagine merchants and adventurers filling the area in the future.
"Speaking of trade," Dennis said, glancing around. "You really intend to turn this place into a trading port? People will travel here just to enter the wilderness?" He pointed toward the endless swamp beyond the stable ground. "That terrain looks like it wants to eat people alive."
"You are not entirely wrong," Bennie admitted with a chuckle. "The swamp is dangerous. However, we built a pathway that cuts directly through it. Adventurers can safely reach the wilderness on the other side, while merchants gain access to resources that would otherwise remain inaccessible." He gestured proudly toward the wooden road stretching into the distance.
The pathway had not been cheap to build. Thousands of logs had been driven into the marshland to create stable foundations. Entire teams of recruits had spent days hauling timber and reinforcing weak sections. Even now, maintenance crews constantly inspected the route. Without their efforts, large sections would quickly disappear beneath the mud.
"We are also considering additional docks farther inland," Bennie explained. "The swamp itself is valuable. There are fish species there that we have never seen before. Some appear to possess mana-rich characteristics that make them ideal for cultivation." His smile widened. "We have already started breeding several promising species."
Dennis raised an eyebrow at that revelation. "Now that sounds profitable." He snapped his fingers, causing one of his assistants to hurry forward carrying a small wooden box. "Speaking of profitable discoveries, I have something that might interest your family."
"Oh?" Bennie immediately became curious. "You are not usually this dramatic. What have you brought me?" The merchant's grin only widened, which made Bennie even more suspicious. Several nearby recruits also leaned closer to see what was inside.
"No rush," Dennis said. Carefully opening the box, he revealed a single bee resting inside. It was noticeably larger than any normal queen bee and possessed a deep emerald-green coloration. Even at first glance, it looked unusual. The moment Bennie saw it, his expression changed completely.
"What is this?" Bennie asked quietly.
He immediately activated Identification. Normally, the skill provided at least basic information. This time, however, the result consisted of nothing but a question mark. That alone made the bee incredibly valuable. This was the first time he saw a question mark.
"I do not know," Dennis admitted. "An adventurer found it while exploring. He had not awakened a profession yet and therefore could not identify it either. Since he had no idea what he possessed, I bought it from him for a single gold coin." The merchant looked very pleased with himself.
Bennie stared at him for several seconds. A gold coin was a substantial amount of money, but for an unidentified creature capable of resisting system analysis, it was practically theft. Governments would pay fortunes for specimens like this. Major factions might start bidding wars over it. The fact that Dennis had managed to obtain it first bordered on miraculous.
For the Sonnenbergs, however, the value extended beyond simple rarity. Their family had maintained beehives for centuries. Bees helped sustain the forest ecosystem, provided valuable wax for bow maintenance, and supported numerous medicinal plants. A new mana-adapted species could become an incredible asset.
Several family members had even unlocked Beekeeper professions. Those professions came with specialized knowledge and abilities that ordinary people lacked. If anyone could learn the secrets of this mysterious queen, it would be them. Bennie carefully examined the insect while considering countless possibilities.
"I assume you want to sell it?" he finally asked.
Dennis immediately shook his head. "Not this time. I want to give it to your family." His expression became surprisingly serious. "I know it will be in good hands here. Besides, securing a reliable business relationship with the best bowyers in Europe sounds like a smart investment."
Bennie laughed softly. There it was. Merchants rarely gave gifts without expecting something in return. Still, Dennis was correct. Strong relationships often generated greater profits than any single transaction. That principle had guided merchants for centuries.
"Then thank you," Bennie said sincerely.
In return, he signaled for one of the family craftsmen to bring forward a wrapped package. After removing the cloth, a beautiful recurve bow appeared. The polished oak shimmered in the sunlight, and delicate carvings decorated its limbs. Even without Identification, anyone could tell it was exceptional.
Dennis nearly dropped the bee box when he saw it.
"This is..." he began.
"A Rare-rank recurve bow," Bennie confirmed. "Consider it a gift for establishing our trade partnership." His smile carried a hint of amusement as he watched the merchant's stunned reaction. "I believe your headquarters deserves a proper centerpiece."
For several seconds, Dennis could not find any words. Weapons of that quality were already becoming collector's items. Many would eventually end up in auctions for absurd prices. Yet Bennie was handing one over as casually as if it were an ordinary hunting bow.
"Thank you," Dennis finally managed to say. His voice sounded strangely emotional. "I will display it proudly. Every branch under my authority will know where it came from."
The exchange completed, both men shook hands. Workers hurried to finish loading the final crates onto the ship. The merchant clearly wanted to return before competitors discovered his newest source of goods. Time was money, and Dennis never liked wasting either.
Soon afterward, the ship pushed away from the pier. Dozens of rowers worked together against the current while the wind filled the sails overhead. Slowly, the vessel shrank into the distance. Dennis remained visible on the deck for several minutes, enthusiastically waving until he finally disappeared from sight.
"He is always in a hurry," Bennie muttered.
Even so, he looked pleased. His gaze drifted toward the chest of silver coins left behind by the merchant. After a quick estimate, he guessed there were roughly three thousand silver coins inside. Not a bad return for a port that had only been operating for a single day.
Around him, the recruits celebrated the successful trade. The elders would undoubtedly be happy with the results. More importantly, the pier had proven itself viable far sooner than expected. Merchants were already arriving, profits were flowing, and new opportunities continued to appear.
As Bennie looked across the river, he could not help but smile. What had started as a risky project was already becoming a success. If things continued at this pace, the tiny settlement would not remain tiny for very long. In a few years, it might become one of the most important trade hubs in the region.