NOVEL WEB Episode 20
Episode 20
I hurried towards the statue as if running away. When I stood before it, the menu screen appeared.
“Oh, there are quite a few skills here.”
…But they’re all so expensive. Each book starts from 10,000 gold. It seems like the price goes up to 20,000 or 30,000 depending on the skill’s rank. I don’t have much left from the tutorial bonus money. With just the money from selling magic stones, I might barely afford one skill book.
Which skill should I buy? Ideally, I want something compatible with the [Assassin] class. As I look through them, I find some skills that suit my combat style: [Strengthening Melee Combat], [Throwing], and [Parrying].
With [Strengthening Melee Combat], I can deal damage even with moves like sweeps and eye gouges, which I use to stop opponents’ movements.
[Throwing] is similar. Right now, I throw daggers at mid-range opponents, but it would be more effective if the damage were higher.
[Parrying] is something I can already do without a skill, but using it as a skill seems to reliably stop the opponent’s movements.
Hmm, but each of these costs 20,000 gold. If I buy one, I’ll be out of money. Besides, there are higher-priced skills that seem more versatile, like ones that enhance strength. Well, I can always earn more gold later.
Since I use melee combat the most, I decide to purchase [Strengthening Melee Combat]. This should increase my melee damage and make hunting monsters easier.
I realize that I won’t get anywhere without making money for skill books. So, I’ll have to work hard to earn gold from now on.
Lastly, I head to the Clan Real Estate.
Apparently, they sell clan houses for foreigners here.
When I enter, a well-built man, who seems to be a merchant, bows with a smile.
“Welcome!”
“I heard this is where you handle clan-related matters. Can I ask you a few questions?”
“Yes, of course. To establish a clan, the leader must be at least level 30. And about the clan house…”
“…Level 30, huh.”
Setting aside the clan house, I’ll have to level up no matter what.
“Are there any other requirements?”
“At the time of establishment, you’ll need a hundred thousand gold, but that’s about it.”
“…I see. By the way, how much does a clan house cost?”
“Ah, would you like to see? Although it’s called a clan house, it’s also available for party contracts.”
With a smile, he hands me a catalog, and I start checking it.
By examining the details in the catalog, I can even see the interior of the houses in detail.
…Amazing. A two-story regular house costs about 20,000 gold per week for a contract.
If it’s monthly, it’s a bit cheaper at 70,000 gold.
This… could be used in various ways, right?
In this virtual reality, you can even browse the internet using connected computers. Renting an ideal house here and spending time in the virtual world might not be a bad idea.
There might already be games like that, but there could be unique ways to enjoy this game world.
There are many houses available, and if they’re impressive buildings, the contract fee will be higher.
Hmm, I came up with something while skimming through.
“Is it possible for me to rent this house and then sublease it to someone else at a higher price?”
When I ask, he smiles a bit more.
He seems to understand my intentions.
“We don’t get involved in contracts between foreigners. You’re free to do as you please. However, please be aware that if you fail to find a tenant and the payment is delayed, you will lose the rights immediately.”
“Oh, of course, I understand, I understand. Do I seem like I would be in arrears?”
“No, no, I don’t think that at all. Besides, if by any chance there were arrears, the knights would take action, you know. It seems like they’d face some serious consequences if caught, right?”
“Huh, are the knights really that strong? I’d definitely like to fight them. Arrears, huh…”
“Could you please stop being so positive about it?”
Just kidding. While I do have the feeling of wanting to fight against the knights, it would probably end up being treated like a losing event.
Thanks to the merchant, I’ve found a way to make money.
Real estate investment.
All I have to do is sign all the contracts first. Anyone who wants to form a clan will have to aim for other towns or borrow from me.
Plus, there won’t be any repair costs, cleaning, or remodeling needed.
Since all players would want to visit this town and probably want to establish a clan first, it might be a good idea to wait for that timing and sell it off.
…When it comes to contract fees and such, there’s a lot to consider.
Even in another world, I didn’t engage in buying and selling buildings, but I did earn money through buying and selling potions.
Well, I do need to earn money to some extent without being hated. After all, those skill books are too expensive.
Alright, I’ve got it all figured out!
First, I’ll quickly hunt down some thief goblins to procure weapons, then aim for drops from the monsters in this area.
And I need to find a new axe for Mai!
But, it’s about time for dinner.
I don’t really need to eat forcefully since I’ve become accustomed to living without food for a few days, but Mai’s homemade meals are different.
Its energy recovery effect is amazing. It might even work against cancer eventually.
After checking the time, I logged out.
Original Author’s Comment:
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