Chapter 51: Trade

Ryo stepped into the grand halls of the Merchant Guild, his presence concealed as he observed the gathered merchants discussing trade deals and supply chains. His new nation required stable commerce, and he had come to negotiate agreements for essential goods and resources. However, the head merchant furrowed his brows as he revealed a pressing issue.

"Lord Ryo, there's a problem. A convoy carrying crucial supplies for your nation has gone missing. My subordinates vanished along with the carriages en route. If we don't recover them, it will be a significant setback for our deal."

Ryo's eyes narrowed. This wasn't just bad luck—someone was clearly interfering. "I'll look into this matter," he said firmly, leaving no room for doubt.

Without wasting time, Ryo traveled to the last known location of the missing convoy. He activated Enemy Detection, his senses expanding outward, but nothing immediate stood out. Frowning, he unfurled his Abyssal Dragon Wings, launching himself into the sky. Flying above the vast forest road, he continued scanning for disturbances, yet whoever was responsible had covered their tracks well.

A thought struck him. Instead of searching blindly, he decided to check something critical—the nobles governing the states within both the Vampire and Dragon Nations. As expected, his Draconic Eyes revealed hidden details. A faction of corrupt nobles, displeased with his growing influence, had secretly allied to sabotage his efforts. They aimed to cripple his nation before it could even rise.

Having confirmed his suspicions, Ryo devised a plan. He found an abandoned carriage near the suspected ambush site and concealed himself within. Hours passed in silence before distant footsteps approached.

"Is this all the cargo?" a gruff voice asked.

"Yes," another answered. "Good. Search for more carriages heading toward that brat's so-called nation. We'll destroy his dream before it even begins."

Ryo remained still, listening as their conversation continued.

"How dare he refuse our demands? When he goes bankrupt, we'll kill him with a poison so potent that even the Dragon Emperor or Vampire Lord wouldn't survive. Then, we'll sell his precious princess fiancées and that girl he killed the Demon Headmaster for."

A twisted chuckle spread among them. "That brat caused our business major losses, but now that he's building a nation, we'll take everything from him and make him watch."

Ryo smirked in the shadows before stepping out. "Oh, really? Then try it. I won't move an inch from here."

The group froze, fear creeping into their expressions as they realized Ryo stood before them. Panic set in, and in desperation, one of them hurled a bottle of the lethal poison at him.

The glass shattered against Ryo's chest, spilling its contents onto the ground. The poison melted through the dirt, leaving behind a steaming crater. His clothes disintegrated from the corrosive liquid, but his Paradox Physique rendered him immune. The attackers gasped in horror.

"I-impossible!"

Without hesitation, Ryo moved with inhuman speed, decapitating the ringleaders in a single motion. Their lifeless bodies collapsed as the remaining conspirators scrambled to flee. He let them run for only a moment before summoning Blood Puppetry, paralyzing them mid-stride.

"You think you can escape after planning all this?" Ryo's voice was cold, his Draconic Aura flaring. The restrained men shuddered as he systematically executed them, ensuring no one remained to pose a future threat.

With the threat eliminated, Ryo used Blood Manipulation to track down and free the kidnapped merchants. They had been locked in an underground chamber, bound and starved. The moment they saw Ryo, relief washed over their faces.

"You're safe now," Ryo assured them. "Your captors won't be troubling anyone again."

After securing their safety, Ryo contacted both the Vampire Lord and Dragon Emperor, informing them of the treachery within their ranks. Furious, they promised swift action against the corrupt nobles involved.

His mission complete, Ryo returned to the Merchant Guild, where the head merchant awaited him anxiously. When Ryo recounted the events, the merchant paled. "You've saved not only my men but also my business. You have my full support, Lord Ryo. Our deals are finalized."

With trade secured and his enemies dealt with, Ryo took a deep breath. His nation had yet to be officially announced, but already, forces conspired against him. Still, he welcomed the challenge. If they sought to bring him down, he would rise higher than ever before.