Weilu City is currently in a phase of rapid expansion. Although the army already has considerable combat power, it is still far from enough.

With the addition of the new map of the Underworld being included in the development plan, even more troops are required to be deployed.

The Cold-blooded Cavalry is currently the most efficient and powerful army, and it is not difficult to cultivate. As long as there are enough Wetland Lizard-men, the army can be quickly formed.

Relying solely on intelligence to update information about the Wetland Lizard-men is no longer sufficient to meet the expansion needs of the territory.

If a sufficient number of Wetland Lizard-men can be purchased, the current needs can be directly met.

Macken watched Lear remain silent and immediately apologized, realizing he had misspoken.

"Apologies, my lord, I spoke out of turn. I had no intention of prying into your thoughts..."

"Five brigades of Wetland Lizard-men are quite a number and difficult to purchase in a short time."

"However, I did hear that another trading company has over a thousand Wetland Lizard-men slaves up for sale. I will immediately send someone to inquire!"

"As for the remaining gap, I can use internal channels to procure from other cities in the Northern Territory... but the price might be higher, and it will take one to two weeks to get a definite response."

Wetland Lizard-men are ferocious and brutal, disobedient to discipline. Even the Ring of Enslavement, which directly affects the soul, cannot suppress their ferocity.

They are not popular in slave markets and are only purchased in small numbers by places like Beast Fighting Arenas that are interested in the unusual.

The fundamental demand for slaves is to solve one's own problems, but the Wetland Lizard-men themselves are a problem.

Lear's eyes lit up.

Is there really such an opportunity? And over a thousand of them right off the bat!

"Then I must trouble Chairman Macken..."

Indeed, expanding through purchases in a great city like Lorand City is much faster.

Searching slowly in the Wilderness or waiting for intelligence updates is too inefficient.

However, the funding required for this purchase is certainly not low.

Last time, he was able to buy two squadrons of Wetland Lizard-men for 1,000 gold coins purely by relying on superior intelligence.

Under normal circumstances, buying a Level 6 Middle Tier Knight slave costs around 50 gold coins.

Even for just 1,000 people, it would cost 50,000 gold coins.

A regular worker in Lorand City earns only three to five gold coins a year, and some ordinary baron and count nobles might not be able to come up with such funds even after emptying their family wealth.

Building an army requires vast amounts of money.

Without money, participating in an arms race is pointless. Better to just wait to be collected.

Lear urgently established various industries in Weilu City for this reason.

Without sufficient and stable resources, maintaining a strong army is unrealistic.

The cost of simply purchasing manpower could crush him.

The future expenditure on guarantees is an even more staggering figure.

Macken nodded repeatedly.

"This is only natural."

"My lord, do you need any other slaves?"

"Are there still any Mud Swamp People?"

"Yes, but they are not popular slaves. It is estimated that three to five squadrons can be assembled."

"Good, help me inquire about the price and confirm the quantity."

"Also, I need to purchase a batch of artisan slaves..."

Lear engaged in an in-depth discussion with Macken.

At present, Weilu City lacks manpower in all aspects.

Although a considerable number of slaves have been acquired during this time, none are high-tier talents, and they can only perform low-end work.

What he urgently needs are high-tier talents, the engines of territorial development.

The best solution at present is to buy a core group while also cultivating some internally. By having the experienced lead the new, the framework can quickly be established.

After a lengthy two-hour discussion, Lear's needs were almost entirely met, and he gained a clear understanding of the slave market.

Overall, the market operates according to the basic rule—the higher the value of the slave, the higher the price.

Ordinary slaves can generally be bought for ten or so gold coins, and many affluent commoners like to purchase them as household servants.

Once levels start to increase, prices rise steeply.

The technical artisan slaves he most desired are priced like high-level slaves, part of the first tier.

Moreover, they are limited in number, making large-scale purchases challenging.

With knowledge monopolized by the nobility, these slaves are mostly captured from the Wilderness and lack formal education, with their artisan levels being relatively low.

In contrast, combat-class slaves are plentiful. If he wanted to purchase Beastman slaves, he could immediately obtain several brigades of high-tier knights above Level 10.

Of course, these slaves come with a hefty price that even most high-tier nobles cannot afford.

Leaving the Dragon Fang Trading Company, Lear was in a great mood.

Almost everything he wanted from Macken was given a definite answer.

Now, he must wait for the other party to make their respective contacts.

Meanwhile, prepare the funds.

He might get favors with Firina, but the slave merchants won't know who he is.

Payment is non-negotiable.

The road of selling equipment must be paved.

He doesn't have spare money in hand.

Exiting the slave market, Blando, who was acting as his means of transport today, quickly approached on his single horned unicorn, looking up to inquire.

"My lord, White Crow Commerce Association currently has only two street-facing shops. Should we lease a few more?"

The Seventh District is the headquarters of White Crow Commerce Association. Its shops open to the public are located on other streets but not far—only about a ten-minute walk away.

"How far is our store from the Mercenary Association?"

"About half an hour's journey."

"Then there's no need... Send a few people to spread the word at the taverns near the Mercenary Association, informing them that White Crow Commerce Association has a full set of 2-star armor for sale, with outstanding attributes. Within a few days, they will naturally seek us out."

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