Striking a Deal

Alaric was currently drawing out plans for a powerful mana-gathering formation that would thoroughly cure the mana poisoning that was beginning to fester in his territory.

Interrupting him, however, was the sound of a bell ringing from the distance.

"The merchant caravan?" Alaric thought aloud.

Suddenly, a white-haired girl with blood-red eyes appeared beside him, and affirmed, "It is indeed the merchant caravan."

"Thanks, Adeline."

This was a good thing. Once Alaric notified Boss Beard of his forest takeover, business would edge in his favor. After all, while the buyer was normally the dominant party, the seller would become more powerful the moment resources were at their disposal.

'Maybe I can strike a deal with the caravan... we have lots of unused forest resources sitting around.'