Chapter 419

Chapter 419
## Chapter 419

### Dimensional Merchant (2)

A massive depot buzzed with intense activity as numerous staff members scurried back and forth between towering mounds of merchandise.

As Hubert surveyed the bustling environment, an elderly gentleman walked up to him.

“Hehehe, the classification process is nearly finished. The upcoming batch can be dispatched ahead of schedule.”

This senior citizen wore a flawless white suit that stood out sharply against the utilitarian overalls of the laborers.

He was Frances, a noble demon holding the rank of Viscount, who had been sent from the Demon World straight to the Auterica headquarters of Hubert’s Trading Company.

“Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Managing operations has become significantly simpler with your backing.”

“Think nothing of it. This is Hella-nim’s decree, making it nothing more than… child’s play. Hehehe!”

Frances, a fiend who specialized in controlling minds, chuckled softly and stroked his facial hair upon receiving Hubert’s commendation.

The merchant still found himself unfamiliar with the rather colorful idioms favored in the Demon World, yet there was no questioning that Frances was an invaluable partner.

Conducting commerce with the dark realm demanded airtight discretion, meaning that even overseeing the workforce required a delicate touch.

‘…Automated mechanisms and magical implements can only do so much; physical supervision remains essential. Frances, with his talent for manipulating crowds, fits this assignment perfectly.’

Hubert turned his attention toward the laborers—demons disguised in human guises—who were moving briskly among the crates of cargo.

These were the subordinates of Frances, permitted to leave the Demon World alongside their superior.

“Their capability is astounding, working continuously without requiring nourishment or intervals of rest. They truly represent the pinnacle of labor, far outclassing human workers.”

“…Receiving admiration for such traits feels rather peculiar. Even so, it would be wise to grant them brief intervals of rest. They will remain obedient while I am present, but harboring resentment might eventually trigger acts of deliberate sabotage.”

“Rest assured, I am not some heartless, predatory entrepreneur.”

Hubert offered a self-assured defense, delivering his words with an air of absolute virtue that prompted Frances to eye him with a peculiar gaze.

That look seemed to communicate, ‘You are a ruthless capitalist who not only collaborates with fiends but also drains their vitality without offering real compensation… ’

…Yet Hubert dismissed it as a trick of his mind.

In truth, he provided them with equitable compensation.

‘…Given their origins in the Demon World, I am naturally compensating them according to the economic metrics of the Demon World.’

Furthermore, he had constructed living quarters and a dining hall directly within the depot complex so they never had to fret over sustenance or shelter.

Granted, they were forbidden from exiting the boundary lines… but such restrictions were strictly for operational security.

“…Ahem, I now comprehend the reasoning behind Hella-nim choosing you as a partner… Ahem! This is quite spectacular. I was aware of the grand status enjoyed by Hubert’s Trading Company, but I never anticipated you could orchestrate an operation on this scale…”

Appearing temporarily lost for words, Frances broke off his sentence and redirected the dialogue, sweeping his eyes across the vast interior.

The sheer quantity of freight moving through this location was breathtaking.

It served as a central junction for trans-dimensional commerce, a nexus where assets from Auterica and the Demon World crossed paths.

The storehouse, packed with innumerable goods, ran with the precision of a masterfully crafted engine, sustained by automated frameworks and the tireless output of the fiendish crew.

It strongly resembled a modern distribution facility on Earth.

“We spent a considerable amount of time planning this centralized distribution hub. Constructing a specialized site outside city limits provides far greater efficiency for bulk shipping.”

Hubert let out a soft chuckle and shrugged his shoulders dismissively.

This titanic storage facility, situated to the south of Tarak, stood as one of the crown jewels belonging to Hubert’s Trading Company.

Its dimensions were vast enough to comfortably house an entire community, and its defensive wards, fortified by a blend of sorcery and engineering, were utterly impregnable.

‘…Conducting business with the Demon World is quite straightforward since everything takes place within these walls. Meanwhile, our alternative facilities are constantly processing deliveries arriving from every corner of the continent.’

Naturally, municipal authorities were displeased by this arrangement because it deprived them of lucrative tax revenue… though it took little effort for Hubert’s Trading Company to sway their stance.

After all, the financial restitution required to appease them was entirely trivial to him.

“Everything has manifested beautifully because of Hella-nim. My long-term dedication is finally bearing fruit.”

Frances regarded him with a mysterious expression, his true thoughts completely masked.

Hubert’s personal combat prowess was utterly trivial when measured against his own… yet treating him lightly would be a grave error.

He was an extraordinary strategist, proving himself a highly capable ally of Hella.

‘…He commands a total monopoly over the wealth of the Demon World while simultaneously directing the premier commercial enterprise on the continent… ’

A colossus was taking form, a figure capable of eventually swallowing the entire global financial structure.

Had they not shared an alliance, Frances would have snuffed him out before he reached such terrifying proportions.

‘…Yet he operates as a trusted instrument of Hella-nim, rendering this development highly favorable. This entire enterprise aligns perfectly with her grand design.’

Releasing a quiet breath, the old demon turned his attention away from Hubert and focused on the shimmering violet portal, where materials were incessantly ferried across reality.

‘…Simply magnificent. To command the authority of a Demon King in such a fashion… ’

An involuntary wave of reverence washed over him each time he observed the phenomenon.

Regardless of Hubert’s corporate genius, this cross-border market could never exist without the presence of that gateway.

‘…Of course, to preserve structural integrity, only inanimate freight is currently permitted through, following a few experimental trials using lower-tier laborers who were sent across… ’

Even with those restrictions, it remained a monumental achievement.

The current era was not intended for an outright continental conquest.

Anchoring a permanent gateway of this nature was an arduous task even for an entity of her stature… yet she had unlocked the unique trait 「World Invasion」, which drastically lowered the toll required for planar travel.

It was profoundly ironic that she deployed a tool meant for conquest to facilitate peaceful trade instead.

“I shall take my leave now. I trust you to oversee the remaining tasks, Frances. Should any complications arise, simply inform my aide, Diana.”

“Hehehe, no complications will manifest. This is a highly straightforward distribution process. Even if an unforeseen disruption occurs, I will neutralize it quietly. Rest easy.”

It was an undeniable truth that very few individuals could withstand his psychic domination, save for those who had achieved transcendence.

That specific talent explained why he had been selected to command this vital storehouse.

He could smoothly manage the workflow while neutralizing any stray infiltrators without drawing attention.

Hubert gave a firm nod and stepped out of the facility, his contingent of protectors matching his stride as they cleared successive checkpoints.

Clack-clack! Clack-clack!

Buzzing voices—

Whinnying—

“Watch out! The mounts are panicking! Control yourselves! Tighten those straps!”

“Move that crate over here immediately! Handle it gently, it commands a premium price!”

“Are you representing Michael’s Trading Company from the Talia Kingdom? Let me check… Follow this path, if you please.”

The moment he exited the restricted perimeter, the grand spectacle opened up before him.

A vibrant, chaotic panorama of countless individuals moving with purpose, expansive streets lined with diverse structures, and an endless stream of freight wagons and vendors shifting back and forth.

This was a colossal commercial district, conceptualized and brought to life by Hubert’s Trading Company.

“Huu— Exquisite.”

Exhaling a long breath, a gratified grin graced his features as he took in the grand display.

This marked the absolute peak of his hard work, the manifestation of rigorous strategy, exclusive access to rare resources, a seemingly bottomless treasury, the backing of the vampire clans, a peerless network of informants, and deep ties with influential figures spanning the globe.

‘…It has been quite a path. Several years have slipped by since I first laid the foundation for Hubert’s Trading Company. Then again, perhaps it has been remarkably brief, given that I have secured the position of the continent’s supreme merchant guild in mere years?’

A quiet laugh escaped him.

Yet this milestone did not represent his final destination.

With the channel to the Demon World officially open, the reach of Hubert’s Trading Company would expand exponentially.

He would ensure that outcome personally.

‘…This is the path laid out for me, the journey of Hubert, the unchallenged titan of commerce.’

As if validating his ambitions, a sudden notification manifested directly before his eyes.

《The target’s gathered karma has surpassed the required threshold, awakening its hidden potential. You have unlocked the unique attribute “Dimensional Merchant”.》

A power directly tied to the realm of business.

This development caught him entirely off guard, as his personal repertoire had previously been limited to 「Analysis」 and 「Cryptography」.

—

Awakened individuals who found themselves pulled into foreign realms through systemic intervention typically manifested powers aligned with their behaviors and milestones.

Engaging in rigorous physical conditioning, perfecting swordsmanship, studying arcane lore, developing immunities to toxins…

Or perhaps enduring lethal encounters, claiming legendary relics, or absorbing potent medicines…

In stark contrast to the indigenous populations of these realms, they possessed the system’s favor, granting them accelerated advancement and boundless capabilities.

“‘Dimensional Merchant’… That is a rather grand designation. Though it certainly reflects reality.”

Consequently, it was entirely logical for Hubert—who already benefited from the passive enhancements of acting as an 「Avatar」—to manifest a new skill.

The unique aspect was that this asset belonged strictly to the mercantile category, surfacing only after years of dedicated business dealings—a type of power he had assumed was locked away from him.

‘…So mercantile talents did exist within the system. The criteria for unlocking them must simply be astronomically high.’

Lounging within the automated massage seat inside my private residence, I reviewed the details of the newly acquired trait with a look of surprise.

The catalyst for its awakening was entirely transparent.

Just as the notification implied, his trade-related karma had hit a critical mass following the expansion of his corporate empire into the demonic plane.

Unlike conventional business transactions that lacked any supernatural elements, this breakthrough clearly transcended normal commerce.

Such a feat was fundamentally impossible without drawing upon extraordinary, otherworldly forces.

“This methodology governing skills is remarkably unpredictable. One can acquire martial talents through basic physical exertion… yet a trait like this requires orchestrating commerce between entirely different realities?”

The outcome might have differed had he begun his journey with a relevant, predefined ability.

Something akin to a psychic charm that amplified his natural leadership, or an attribute that boosted his inherent fortune.

Naturally, such additions were unnecessary for Hubert, who had forged his corporate dynasty from nothing using only 「Empathy」 alongside the coordinated efforts of his fellow avatars.

Until this moment.

‘…The passive benefits of “Dimensional Merchant”… It holds up perfectly as a top-tier trait tied to rigorous prerequisites. The auxiliary perks are extensive.’

It granted heightened presence, superior evaluation capabilities, amplified physical traits, and a significant boost to interpersonal trust…

Yet the primary feature eclipsed them all.

‘…The trans-dimensional commerce multiplier.’

I rubbed my chin thoughtfully, my gaze turning intense.

The absolute finest method for mapping out the constraints and practical uses of a novel power was to test it firsthand.

Even so, he could formulate a few strong hypotheses based on the subtle shifts he already sensed.

“…Could this signify… that Hubert now possesses the capacity to physically cross realities on his own?”

The potential ramifications of this development were staggering.

He could choose to solidify the current gateway leading to the Demon World or forge entirely new pathways to unexplored planes.

When paired with 「World Invasion」, which mitigated the energy requirements for crossing dimensions…?

‘…Perfecting the necessary mastery will demand significant effort… but the potential is undeniably there. This introduces a major wildcard.’

He had never anticipated that Hubert, an avatar dedicated entirely to conventional commerce, would manifest a trait of this caliber.

This meant his initial legendary achievement—navigating back to Earth without relying on the Karma Shop, which had granted him the 「Interdimensional Transfer Formation Summon」 attribute that anchored his current dominance—might transition from a singular miracle into a repeatable action.

“Well… I shall have to familiarize myself with its mechanics first. Regardless, it remains a highly positive asset.”

There was no immediate pressure to master it today.

Possessing a wider array of strategies was always advantageous, and these traits, nurtured over time, would undoubtedly serve a purpose down the road.

He had far more immediate matters demanding his focus.

《Your unspent Karma reserves have surpassed 20 million points. The pending upgrade “Karma Shop Ver.2 Update” has transitioned into “Karma Shop Ver.3 Update”.》

His wealth of Karma, multiplying at a tremendous speed due to the booming market with the Demon World, had finally broken through the next major barrier.

—

Inside a chaotic workspace littered with miscellaneous items and piles of paperwork.

“Huu… I will end up completely bald if this persists.”

A dark-skinned man lightly massaged his receding hairline, a deeply troubled look occupying his features.

He attempted to revitalize his fading hair roots, which had been pushed to their limits by recent stress… though his movements, entirely devoid of magical reinforcement or supernatural healing, produced no results whatsoever.

“Please… grant me just one day of tranquility…”

It was a deeply desperate plea coming from an individual of his background.

This was a man who had personally poisoned and liquidated thousands of targets throughout his career.

Yet his current distress was entirely justified.

“Please… this location is not like Africa where keeping a lid on secrets is basic. I am left holding the bag to sanitize your reckless behavior…”

His partner, a fellow Awakened originating from the untamed territories of Africa, continually generated catastrophic incidents, his impulsive tendencies derailing operations and preventing him from managing his core obligations as regional director.

He had braced himself for a certain level of administrative friction… but the current state of affairs defied his worst expectations.

Ding—

As if deliberately mocking his silent plea, a familiar alert tone cut through the quiet room.

“Branch Manager! An emergency has occurred! The Executioner is currently…!”

“Ah.”

The panicked, frantic update from his underling blared out clearly through the signaling device.

The Southeast Asia Branch Manager representing Heaven’s Turn Society squeezed his eyelids shut.

‘…I care nothing for whether it is Hahoe Mask or the Saint… Just… someone… put an end to this… ’

He slowly dropped his hand away from his scalp.

A disheartening cluster of loose hairs remained caught between his fingers… but he chose to believe it was merely an illusion.

Otherwise, he would dissolve into tears.