Chapter 179: Selling Real Estate in Another World
The Empress of Eternal Night’s speech caused a huge stir throughout the Azurevine Empire. The defeat was already a bitter pill to swallow, and the massive losses and casualties brought with them an unbearable grief. Fortunately, at the time, they could still blame Duncan and Sophie to ease the pressure, providing a violent outlet for their emotions. Yet, at this very moment, their most beloved Empress of Eternal Night stepped forward, declaring that the responsibility for the defeat was not solely on the scapegoats, Duncan and Sophie, but on everyone who pushed for the war. Even she herself needed to reflect. Suddenly, this sole avenue of release vanished. Were they all supposed to reflect on themselves? That was even more exasperating!
Even if every snowflake in an avalanche might be innocent, admitting to one’s own mistakes is always difficult and painful. There are many people in this World who would rather spout nonsense than utter the simple phrase, “I don’t know.” Fortunately, though few, rational and calm individuals always exist. The Empire’s years of continuous success had indeed fostered a sense of national pride and an inflated sense of self. Now, stumbling against the Orc Kingdom, a former subordinate, felt like a bucket of cold water doused over their heads, forcing them to re-examine the meaning of war. War should always be a serious undertaking, the last resort for protecting the people and implementing national will, not a form of entertainment for when life is boring. The Military might allow it, but the enemy certainly wouldn’t! The Empire was powerful, but war still held the possibility of defeat. Their previous string of victories had led people to subconsciously view war as child’s play. Facing a dilemma, simply initiating war: this had been the arrogant stance of the Empire’s people, daring to challenge even the Gods. The Empress of Eternal Night’s willingness to accept Roger’s post-defeat arrangements was a recognition that if this sentiment continued to spread, the Empire would inevitably face more defeats.
Not all enemies were the “scum” of the Eternal Night World. They would sooner or later have to face the Seven Gods, and then defeat would offer no opportunity to preserve strength for a future battle. Defeat was shameful, and reflection would cause resentment, but the Empire had no choice. The significance of this defeat for the Empire was far more profound than any victory. Firstly, it eased the jingoistic fervor within the country, compelling the people of the Empire to calm down, re-examine themselves, consider new methods of combat, recognize that other nations were also progressing, and value every opponent. Secondly, it misled the major powers in their assessment of the Empire’s strength, buying the Empire more time to develop. Lastly, it elevated the global standing of the Terra Kingdom. By successfully resisting the Azurevine Empire’s invasion, Tasika would become the first line of defense for the major powers against the Azurevine, willing to support the Orcs’ further development. The totem bracelets could then be sold more smoothly, with user numbers rapidly growing and quickly approaching the target of nearly a hundred million online users in the virtual space.
Following the battle at the Dayi settlement, the Azurevine Empire continued to protest and condemn the Terra Kingdom. However, instead of launching further military action, they resorted to economic sanctions against the Orcs, forcibly cutting off many trade channels. They then profited from these restrictions through smuggling (manual dog emoji). But to the major powers unaware of the full picture, this battle served to prove the Terra Kingdom’s capabilities and Tasika’s strength. The Orcs demonstrated their ability to defend the Kamsak Desert and continue trade with the major powers. Tasika also publicly declared that the hatred between the Orcs and the Azurevine Empire would never end, thereby securing more support from the major powers. Their collective thought was: it would be wonderful if only the Orcs had to die while blocking the Azurevine Empire’s expansion.
Coincidentally, Tasika also proposed the construction of the second phase of the Daffia Canal. This second phase of the canal construction extended into the core of the Kamsak Desert. Furthermore, the Shamans had developed new technologies and improved new plants that could more efficiently combat wind erosion and desertification, increasing arable land and improving the entire region’s environment and climate. Simultaneously, Tasika announced that they would emulate the Elysian Illusions and establish a “Free City” open to all races, becoming the cultural, entertainment, and recreational center of the entire desert, leveraging its geographical advantages to welcome tourists from all over the World. In the past, the Orc Kingdom was characterized by numerous tribes and constant conflict. However, they had now unified into a new nation, and it became apparent that their location was indeed advantageous. To the east lay the Azurevine Empire, and to the west, other major races. Their geographical position was almost at the center of the Eternal Night World’s mainland. From the core regions of the major powers in the World, the chosen site for the Free City was roughly equidistant, making it ideal as an open, exchange-focused city and a vacation destination for many.
Of course, the Orc Kingdom’s location, if war broke out, would leave them vulnerable from all sides. This was precisely why the Orcs could never unite, in addition to historical tribal conflicts. It was also because surrounding powers consistently wished to prevent these tribes from uniting, secretly instigating new conflicts between them. Allowing the Orc tribes to occupy this chaotic buffer zone, thereby reducing the threat from the Azurevine Empire, was an unspoken tacit understanding among many major powers. Furthermore, the development value of the desert was low, which was why the growth of the Orc Kingdom had been largely ignored previously. Now that the Orc Kingdom had truly established itself, exceeding the expectations of the major powers, Tasika’s demonstrated hatred for the Azurevine Empire served their purposes well. Previously, the Azurevine Empire had passively dragged the major powers into the war; now, the major powers were actively persuading the Terra Kingdom to never forget their hatred for the Azurevine Empire. To achieve this goal, the major powers provided support to help the Terra Kingdom develop and grow, in exchange for their motivation to confront the Azurevine Empire. The major powers believed they were implementing a Marshall Plan for this other World, but considering the true nature of Tasika’s plans, this entire endeavor fell squarely within Roger’s calculations.
Thus, the Terra Kingdom soon announced the commencement of both the second phase of the Daffia Canal and the desertification control project. The profits from the totem bracelets would ensure the project’s progress. The grand construction began, symbolizing the Orc Queen’s ambition, while the planning for the Free City unfolded, proving immensely tempting to the major powers. At present, the most prosperous and modern city in the Eternal Night World was the City of Mysteries. However, it was the capital of the Azurevine Empire, and for high-ranking officials and leaders of the major powers, visiting there was not tourism but walking into a trap. Therefore, a city offering enjoyment comparable to the City of Mysteries, yet remaining open, became a pressing need for the elite and wealthy. Why should they be content to enjoy services in a virtual World alongside the impoverished? Firstly, the prices there were too low, failing to highlight the status of the nobles. Thus, the Free City of the Terra Kingdom was born, perfectly meeting the demands of the major powers. While friction, even blood feuds, existed between them, the Terra Kingdom, as a nascent nation, was unburdened by historical baggage.
The more the major powers considered it, the more they felt the planning for the Free City was excellent, with immense future development potential. Not participating now would be a significant loss. Consequently, the major powers began approaching Tasika, expressing their willingness to invest in the Free City and build Terra together. In exchange, they desired some degree of control over it. This Free City and desert greening plan were originally bait set by Tasika and Roger to attract investment from the major powers. Refusing was out of the question! Thus, the investment and competition for shares in the Free City began. Under an unprecedented promotional campaign, the Terra Kingdom once again became the focal point of this World. It was currently the only political entity that had successfully repelled the Azurevine Empire, possessed a construction plan with limitless prospects, and wielded advanced technology. Moreover, Tasika was capable and demonstrated a very welcoming open attitude towards foreign capital investment.
Not only the major powers but also large merchant associations with long-term investment needs saw the “future” of the Terra Kingdom. Thus, a capital frenzy, unprecedented in this World, unfolded – a truly magical scene: the Free City only existed as concept art, and the region was still a desert, yet they were already selling real estate! Tasika divided the tradable plots of the Free City into 100 portions, publicly offering them for subscription to neighboring countries and influential merchant associations, granting them ownership of those lands. No immediate payment was required, only a 30% down payment, with the remaining balance payable in installments over thirty years at an interest rate lower than most loans of this era. The major powers were not foolish. Upon calculation, they realized this was like spending one hundred coins to get three hundred! Those who didn’t understand leverage immediately felt it was a very worthwhile deal. A thirty-year low-interest loan meant they could repay it with ease. This prime real estate in the Free City, when rounded up, was practically free!
During the engagement at Dayi, Tasika did not use the major powers’ reinforcements as cannon fodder, a demonstration of courage and control that earned her excellent reputation. Now, the plans she was promoting were surely extremely reliable! The major powers were already planning to invest in the Terra Kingdom, and with such preferential investment policies, a large number of subscription applications were submitted. Ultimately, all 100 plots offered by the Free City were sold out. Afterward, some major powers with unspent funds expressed a desire to purchase more. Driven by the fear of missing out, these investors were blinded by avarice. Roger, not one to be polite to such potential benefactors, used his god-tier design skills to add a wave of Phase II satellite cities to the Free City. In this public auction, major powers and large merchant associations vied fiercely, and Phase II land was once again sold out!
Calculating the average price per square meter, the satellite cities were even 15% more expensive than the core urban areas. Yet, those who bought them felt they had made a profit; this Free City would surely skyrocket in value! Long-lived beings were quite experienced in real estate investment. With their maximized exploitation capabilities, accumulated over thousands of years, their national treasuries were full of gold coins, if little else. For Tasika, these two rounds of transactions were enough to make her smile in her sleep. Even with just the 30% down payment, the combined sum was substantial, allowing for the comprehensive promotion of the Kamsak Desert’s remediation. Such an undertaking was beyond the capacity of the Orcs alone. With numerous merchant associations gathered, mobilizing labor and various materials became exceptionally convenient. Thus, trade routes began to form, and immense quantities of supplies converged here. The once barren desert land seemed poised overnight to become the center of the entire Eternal Night World.
Here came the latest alchemical products from the Azurevine Empire, the traditional craftsmanship of the Elves, specialties of the subterranean races, and fresh slaves from other Planes. Tasika, having “opened her eyes,” intended to turn Terra into a free port, enacting policies and tax reductions favorable to commercial activities. The area truly became increasingly bustling. The planned Free City was the core of this free port ambition. Tasika’s growth didn’t stop there. When soliciting construction bids for the Free City, Tasika only required a 5% down payment, with the remaining construction costs being fronted by the construction teams themselves. Were they afraid the Queen would flee? It was merely a matter of when the money would be paid, and everyone had confidence in Tasika. However, after the real estate project commenced, Tasika could use the ongoing construction projects as collateral to borrow more funds from enterprising merchant associations. She then utilized these borrowed funds to simultaneously initiate more projects, again publicly recruiting construction teams, and demanding a 5% down payment for them to finance the construction upfront. As long as she increased revenue strongly, those merchant associations would agree in order to make profits. And with new projects, more cash could be secured through collateral. The money in Tasika’s hands began to swell like an inflated balloon.
The Daffia Canal still required four phases of construction, but under Tasika’s capital operations, all four phases proceeded simultaneously. The Kamsak Desert was dotted with Druids planting trees. Within two years, the once barren and desolate desert would transform into a lush green landscape. Concurrently, the Terra Kingdom, with its limited capital, saw its actual controlled wealth increase exponentially, by tens of times. This was the common financial leverage technique seen on Earth, with real estate developers in the “Rabbit” country being the most notorious. A company might have only tens of billions in cash but, through loans, mortgages, pre-sales, and fundraising, could ultimately manage hundreds of billions or even trillions. Leverage of tens of times was a very common operation for them. The risk was much lower than in stocks, and most importantly, with real estate experiencing a continuous crazy surge for over twenty years, banks and funds blindly favored real estate companies, making loan applications significantly easier than for conventional businesses. Just like those external capitals waving gold coins, eager to participate in the construction of the Terra Kingdom.
Not allowing them to get a share would be an insult from Tasika. Roger had returned to the City of Mysteries after the Azurevine Empire retreated, so he only heard Tasika’s report of her money-grabbing feat afterward. “You’re insane. The majority of the Eternal Night World is now admiring your bubble-blowing,” he remarked, feeling he had a new understanding of Tasika. The Queen, who once couldn’t sleep due to having too much cash, was now burdened with debts tens of times over, yet her complexion grew better. Facing Roger’s slightly mocking gaze, Tasika calmly replied, “I’m preparing to establish a Terra Investment and Development Fund to participate in some of the Mystic Assembly’s R&D projects.” “Invest! Our projects are numerous and highly profitable, guaranteed to satisfy all the demands of our rich benefactors!” Roger immediately adopted a humble demeanor. The Empire had numerous projects underway and was in dire need of funds. Tasika chuckled lightly, staring at Roger, “Benefactors don’t have many demands; they just want you.” “Don’t joke, our country deals only in legitimate business,” Roger immediately took a step back. Tasika let out an almost imperceptible sigh and began discussing cooperation in a serious tone.
Roger then confirmed that her growth rate was truly astonishing. In such a short time, she had increased the value of the Terra Kingdom tenfold out of thin air, embarking on a path of ultra-high-speed development. Then, she transformed again, becoming a capital queen, ready to invest in the Azurevine Empire in return! She was now frantically amassing the wealth accumulated over centuries by other countries and controlling its flow. Compared to the current Tasika, Sophie, the money cat, was a mere beggar. It could only be said that capital was always this frenzied. However, thanks to Tasika’s competence, the totem bracelets were shipped out in batches, and the Elysian Illusions operated without any bottom line. The total number of online users in the virtual space successfully surpassed one hundred million. Roger finally recalled the layout objective he had forgotten.
