Chapter 34: The New Venture

As Rusnian took the gold coins, the system’s voice rang out.
“Ding! You have received three hundred thousand energy coins. Store management mode activated.”
His attention was diverted. “Um… can you explain?”
Rong Qing responded, “Master, you can choose the location to build a new shop, and all expenses will be covered by the system. You can freely transfer between the two shops.”
He paused. “I suggest you purchase some self-service robots. Once the new shop opens, there will inevitably be oversights, and you won’t be able to manage everything by yourself.”
Rusnian raised an eyebrow, running his fingers over the screen and opening the system mall.
This time there were many more items available for purchase. He quickly scanned past various unusual items and spotted something at the very back.
“New shop: Free gift, choose a location (it’s a gift, so there’s no cost, just take it quickly).”
“Vending Robot: Fifty thousand energy coins each, limited to two (fully automated robots, no need to pay salaries, a one-time solution for all your needs).”
“Renovation Upgrade: One hundred thousand energy coins each (do you want a luxurious room? A comfortable and spacious couch? Affordable prices, you deserve it).”
After a brief glance, Rusnian did not place an order and closed the system panel.
Since arriving in this world, he had long resided in the Abyss and was not familiar with this place. He needed to find a local resident to help him analyze things.
Rusnian quickly recalled Abel, the first guest he encountered, who had helped him with many things.
He entrusted another guest to inform Abel to come to the Abyss if he had time.
Soon, Abel, called by the Demon Lord, rushed over as fast as he could, breathing heavily. After hearing Rusnian’s questions, his eyes sparkled with excitement as he said, “My lord, you’re finally expanding your territory!”
Hmm? Something felt off.
Opening a chain store isn’t considered developing territory, is it?
It might be a stretch to call it that… well, it wasn’t entirely inaccurate.
Abel had no idea what was going on in Rusnian’s mind and felt that his preparations over the past few days were finally bearing fruit.
He knew the Demon Lord would not remain in the Abyss forever.
A few days ago, he had decisively defeated the God of Light, and now the Floating Life sect was thriving on the mainland, quickly absorbing many former followers of the God of Light and building a much larger following.
He immediately perked up and carefully analyzed the methods for Rusnian to dominate.
“Vistal City is located in the southwest corner of the continent and is quite remote. If you want to expand territory quickly, the best place is Caldera. It has a large population and is a gathering place for nobles. However, it is also the headquarters of the God of Light sect, so conflicts with them are inevitable. But you are so powerful; it shouldn’t be a big issue.”
Caldera was indeed a very good place.
In any world, the capital is always the most developed and has the most wealthy people. Since it involves trade, it’s natural to choose the most convenient location.
Rubbing his chin, Rusnian made up his mind.
“I’ll let you know the location of the new shop in the next few days. I may need your help.”
Abel opened his mouth, wanting to briefly explain the power dynamics of the main city to Rusnian, but then he thought better of it.
The Demon Lord knows everything and can do anything; how could he not be aware? It was better not to say too much.
After sending Abel off, Rusnian restrained his excitement and re-entered the system mall.
In the beginning, the Abyss was quite novel, but after a while, it became somewhat tedious. It’s always dark here; one still needs to see the sunlight.
Moreover, he had long wanted to experience the sights of another world.
Having successfully exchanged for the new store, a large map slowly unfolded in front of Rusnian.
It was a three-dimensional map that could be enlarged or reduced at will, marked with various houses and residences. The most eye-catching feature was the palace located in the center of the city.
That was the residence of His Majesty the King.
Looking past that area, he focused on another location, deep in thought, and suddenly asked Rong Qing, “Can I choose anywhere?”
“Yes, the system will help resolve issues like land rights, and you can choose freely.”
If that’s the case… he lightly tapped on a spot on the map.
This spot would do.
*
“……”
Abel held the map in his hands, staring at the red circle drawn on it, lost in silence.
The area marked by the red circle was arguably the most special region in Caldera.
The Star State District, the only place in the main city without any residents.
This was the territory of the God of Light’s temple. Although it wasn’t explicitly stated, it was a default unspoken rule.
The Star State District was the most convenient area outside the central city, also located at the center of Caldera, but it had long been occupied by the God of Light’s temple and non-believers were forbidden from entering.
Abel was shocked; he realized that he had indeed been thinking too small.
Conflicts? Power dynamics? None of that matters!
In the face of absolute power, these are merely trivial matters!
Truly worthy of the Demon Lord; he went straight against the God of Light’s temple without the slightest intention of backing down.
Upon learning where the Demon Lord was heading, Abel immediately gathered his people to prepare for territory changes.
The Floating Life sect had always been cautious in their evangelism, fearing being discovered by the God of Light sect. Now, they could finally make a bold move.
His eyes sparkled; it’s time for a change after so many years of the God of Light’s dominance.
Naïve Abel had no idea that Rusnian actually had no knowledge that this was the territory of the God of Light sect.
He simply felt that this location was well-connected and the most suitable place to open a shop aside from the central city.
After informing Abel, Rusnian began preparations for the branch, completely unaware that many were already imagining a much grander scheme.