Chapter 37: Sketch
[New World]
The hero Hercules was quite popular among New World users.
In particular, the very first video that was uploaded gained a significant number of views.
People watched that video to learn Hercules’ breathing technique.
However, the content of the video was very confusing, and despite its high view count, the comments were mostly critical.
It was simply difficult to understand, and as a result, the number of likes was relatively low compared to the views.
But after Ethan’s subscription review was posted, the views and likes on that video started to rise rapidly.
#Trending Video 17
Hercules couldn’t help but be amazed that his video made it to the popular videos list for the first time.
“This is unbelievable.”Even Hercules himself was surprised.
“Is it an error?”
Eventually, other gods also became aware that Hercules’ video had become popular.
Likewise, [New World] users also started paying attention to Ethan.
-Who is this person to write such a subscription review…
-I’ve never seen anyone who understands Hercules’ videos before.
-Maybe it would have been better if Hercules himself had uploaded it.
After using [New World], there was a community for subscribers that could be accessed after a certain period of use.
This subscriber community was also buzzing with discussions about the newly emerged subscribers
-We don’t have such people in our world. If I had someone like this next to me, I wouldn’t have been defeated by the demon king.
-We need followers like this in our faith.
-Great review! I’d rather subscribe to this person!
People began praising this reviewer.
-Huh? This person, aren’t they the same person as before on Heo Jun’s channel?
Yes, the nickname is the same. They have a remarkable understanding. If subscribers like this subscribe to the gods, it would be very beneficial for the gods.
It was exactly as they said.
“I only thought of them as a single subscriber, but was the subscriber this important!”
Hercules exclaimed in awe as the views and likes continued to rise.
“Remarkable.”
Other gods also grasped the situation belatedly.
The higher-ranked gods didn’t pay much attention to it, but the lower-ranked gods regarded this situation with respect.
“We must get them!”
“We should give them everything we can and make sure they subscribe to us!”
“We need their subscription review!”
Meanwhile, Heo Jun, the first one to receive their subscription, remained calm amidst this situation.
“Hehehe.”
His number of subscribers and likes continued to rise.
“I can only convey this grateful heart through videos!”
Heo Jun created a new video.
This video would be exclusively provided to only one subscriber.
Among the countless people who subscribed to him, only one subscriber would gain access to the new technique.
“Originally, I didn’t make videos just for one person. It’s because the number of videos I can create is limited.”
He had to ensure that as many people as possible could see one video. It was advantageous in various ways.
However, the situation was different now.
“But all the success I’ve achieved is thanks to that subscriber.”
Heo Jun laughed.
“I should give this level of special treatment.”
* * *
‘As expected, her scent of money is truly remarkable.’
Just as Ethan anticipated, Etting Hunt, the upper-level executive of David Guild, visited Whiskers County after catching the scent of money.
‘Etting will make a contract with us and establish branches of the weight reduction workshop everywhere. I can leave the recruitment of mages to them.’
Ethan would manage the main branch, while David Guild would handle the remaining branches.
Ethan had no intention of turning this weight reduction workshop into a remarkable high-end business.
‘The important thing is that this weight reduction workshop business operates on a subscription model.’
This idea was practically the core of the weight reduction workshop.
‘It was thanks to Yerica that we could put a time limit on weight reduction magic.’
That was why he chose Yerica.
“It’s as if you’ve been waiting for me.”
“Of course not, I couldn’t have imagined that the top executive of David Guild would personally come just as we started the business.”
It was only natural since Ethan had also played the role of a merchant before.
On the other hand, Etting was taken aback.
If they were to discuss the business, she believed that she would have the upper hand.
She was a seasoned merchant, after all.
In contrast, the young master before her, despite creating this ingenious business, appeared to be a novice compared to the likes of the Count’s family.
However, there was no sign of naivety in his demeanor.
Instead, she felt that if she said something wrong, she would be devoured instantly.
“What brings you here?”
“I heard you’re conducting a remarkable business, so I came to propose a collaboration.”
In that case, there was no need to beat around the bush.
“I also had the desire to open a branch. It might be a bit premature since I’ve just started the business, but considering the long-term benefits, it’s a profitable venture. It seems luck is on my side.”
Ethan smiled lightly.
“I had many inconveniences running it alone. Furthermore, I’m not a professional merchant, so it was difficult for me to expand it significantly. It would be an honor to have David Guild on board.”
“Was it really luck?”
Etting thought that it was a coincidence that she came at such a good timing.
She wondered if it was Ethan who led her, not just a random coincidence.
As evidence, Ethan simply smiled at her question.
This sickly young master is hiding something.
‘Regardless of experience, he clearly holds the upper hand in this deal.’
Etting corrected her perception of the other party.
It started to feel like Ethan was a real expert, completely different from his appearance.
“Well, then the conversation should be easier. If I assist you in the name of David Guild, it will be much easier to open a branch.”
As she said that, Ethan took out a piece of paper and handed it to her.
“Shall we write up the contract? All my conditions are stated on this paper.”
There was no point in dragging it out.
Merchants were generally very intelligent.
If she approached him from a superior position, no matter how knowledgeable Ethan might be, she will undoubtedly create an opportunity.
So, he wouldn’t give her time.
Since she was already interested in this weight reduction business, he could use that to his advantage.
She quickly read the paper. It was at a speed befitting a veteran merchant.
“So, if I sum it all up… are you saying you’ll sell the core magic?”
“Yes, if you create branches that use the core magic, you can give us 25% of the profits generated from the branches as our share. You can handle the rest of the operations on your own.”
Etting pondered for a moment and then nodded her head.
She was Money Ghost.
She quickly grasped the essence of the business that Ethan mentioned.
“So, there’s a separate cost for the core magic?”
“That’s the most important part.”
Etting nodded her head in response to Ethan’s words.
It was something she was aware of as well.
However, this magic had its weaknesses.
“Weight reduction magic is a relatively low-difficulty magic. Of course, I understand that the level of weight reduction magic can vary greatly depending on the mage. But once people realize it can be profitable, numerous people will follow suit, and they will aim for this time-limited subscription as a sales point. They will claim to offer perpetually ongoing weight reduction magic and such.”
“I understand. So I plan to complete the system before latecomers enter. Those who have already found the weight reduction workshop are satisfied with the quality of our workshop. We intend to appeal with a quality that cannot be seen elsewhere.”
As she said, weight reduction magic was low-difficulty magic, but the results varied greatly depending on the level of the mage.
“Hmm, then we definitely need a mage who can properly use weight reduction magic. That’s what I consider the most challenging. Taking that into account, adjusting the revenue…”
“On the contrary, you only need to focus on that aspect.”
“…”
The easiest but also the most challenging thing. It was securing the mage. However, Ethan stated that it was the easiest part instead.
“If it’s another place, I don’t know, but is it possible for David?”
Etting raised an impressed expression.
Just how much did he know? Or was he just guessing?
David Guild was sponsoring a Mage Tower.
If they could make use of that, this business could be carried out properly.
“Well, that’s a valid point. But if we provide the core magic to the branches, what about the main branch?”
She asked provocatively.
Ethan lightly smiled as if he had expected it and responded.
“Well, we still have several competitive items.”
“…!”
Even with just this business alone, it was remarkable, but there were even more competitive items?
Although their conversation was brief, she could tell that Ethan wasn’t someone who spoke without thought.
It meant that there were indeed more competitive items.
“Perhaps those items could also be…”
“First, let’s start with the contract for this weight reduction workshop business. We can discuss the rest step by step.”
Ethan didn’t appear to be in a hurry.
* * *
Ethan proposed a contract fee of a whopping 20 million gold.
It was a tremendous amount of money, but compared to the authority granted over the core magic and the branches of the weight reduction workshop, it could be considered a reasonable price.
“I agree to the contract.”
It was an irresistible offer.
If she were to decline here, it was certain that he would make a contract with someone else.
“It was a good deal. I’ll leave it to you from now on, Merchant Etting.”
“Just call me Etting, Young Master.”
“I’ll be in your care then, Etting.”
‘I’ve secured a significant capital with this.’
Of course, the core magic wasn’t simply sold off. Since it was fundamentally Yerica’s magic, they had separate discussions about it.
As a mage, Yerica couldn’t help but be sensitive about her own magic.
“But you’re Ethan. Well, it’s not some extraordinary magic anyway.”
However, Yerica willingly accepted Ethan’s request.
“Don’t worry, I’ll settle the payment securely.”
“And please buy me a delicious drink as well.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
Ethan then gathered the mages of the workshop.
“In the future, branch workshops of this weight reduction workshop will open in various cities. That way, not only the main branch but also the branches will receive the same service.”
The mages nodded in agreement.
“But still, everyone will come to our Whiskers County territory. From now on…”
Ethan locked eyes with Marakan, and similarly, the other mages swallowed nervously under Ethan’s gaze.
“The magic that you all researched at the Magic Tower, from now on, those magics will become the representative magics of our workshop.”
Representative.
That word struck a chord in the hearts of the mages.
“We will work hard!”
“Thank you for trusting us!”
There was no trace of resistance among them regarding their magic being used commercially. Instead, they were fervently loyal to Ethan, who acknowledged them. Until the end of their days.
* * *
Ethan immediately set aside ten million gold. This money was intended for donation-based admissions.
Ethan immediately set aside ten million gold. This money was intended for donation-based admissions.
However, what Ethan wanted was not just a simple honorary teaching position.
‘If I donate more than ten million gold, I will inevitably attract attention.’
If one lacked skill, attracting attention could be detrimental. But Ethan had undeniable skills.
By gaining attention through a donation of ten million gold, he would receive more scrutiny during exams.
‘And that will give me an advantage during the exams.’
Ethan promptly sent the ten million gold to Ivecar Academy in the form of a donation.
‘I shouldn’t expect an immediate response. At least three weeks.’
It seemed appropriate to expect a response around four weeks, just as the new semester was starting.
“I have quite a lot to do in the next month.”
Ethan was determined to prepare thoroughly.
Ivecar Academy appeared to be a simple academy on the surface, but it was a place that could be called a martial world in reality.
“The noble descendants from various regions gather there, and they are all exceptional individuals.”
As a result, the events held there had three-digit attendance figures. And in terms of danger, there were numerous events where one could potentially die.
Furthermore, among the students, there were individuals who posed risks.
Those individuals might disregard Ethan as a mere local noble.
To prepare for such situations, he couldn’t rely on his current specifications.
“Let’s sketch the outline.”
There was still a mountain of things to acquire.