Chapter 13 Market Manipulator

In the back of Jason’s shop, Axel and Jack were on the floor. They were groaning and moaning; the soles of their feet were bleeding.

Jason skipped into the back of the shop, noticing the two. “Tch, amateurs.”

“Shut up, Jason,” Axel wheezed.

“Yeah, shut up, Jason,” Jack copied.

“Aren’t you two a barrel of fun. By the way, people have started leaving the market. Looks like the horde is coming soon.”

Jack rubbed his eyes as he brought up the event menu. “We have 6 hours left until it starts.”

“It’s real world, dummy,” Axel said, hitting him while getting up. “I suppose the army has been deployed around the wall?”

Jason shrugged. “Probably. Are you guys thinking of going there?”

“Yeah, why?”

Jason started laughing. “Good luck.”

“Why good luck?” Axel asked.

“You’ve clearly never heard of a Uhyre Horde. Me, I’m packing my shit up and hiding with the corpses inside the warehouse.”

“Good luck then,” Axel said. He didn’t blame Jason for being scared. He could die, whereas Axel and Jack were immortal. “How much have you made?”

“Three-hundred gold,” Jason said. “I have to admit, I’ve never seen that amount of money in my life.”

Axel opened his hand out. “Take 20 for yourself. Buy a bottle of whiskey and hunker down for the night. You did good today.”

“That’s not the deal,” Jason said.

“You’ve worked hard, Jason,” Axel said truthfully. “I don’t want you slacking tomorrow either. And don’t get too pissed, alright?”

“Thanks,” Jason said, offering him a smile. He handed Axel 280 gold coins. “I’ll wake you up bright and early tomorrow.”

“Yeah, whatever. Go drown your childhood trauma in a bottle.”

“Is that what I do?” Jason asked rhetorically. “Good night, ugly goblin and muscular orc.” He hoped out the front of the shop and pulled the shutters all the way down.

“Shit, what time is it in game?” Axel asked.

“Close to eight at night,” Jack replied. “The rest of the NPCs are going to hunker down for the horde or whatever. We should get to the terminal before the prices get too high.”

“You’re right. I have all of the potions on me.”

“Hi!” Jasmine said, appearing behind Axel.

Axel had the freight of his life. “Jesus, fuck,” Axel said, clutching his chest.

“Are you guys going to the event tonight?” Jasmine asked.

“Yeah, actually . . . Do you wanna come with us?”

“Well, that’s progres,” Jack joked.

“Sure, why not. I sold all the weapons I got for 120 gold.”

“Jesus Christ,” Axel said. “What did you rob?”

“Uhh,” she tapped her chin. “I stole a really valuable pendant. I think she was a wife of someone important. But yeah, that got me 20 gold. My child labour force is really kicking off. They’re all naturals.” Jasmine opened a trade window and handed him the coin.

“We’re just one step before becoming socialists,” Jack joked.

“We’re playing a game, Jack, let’s not go into politics,” Axel said, rolling his eyes.

Jack just shrugged.

“Anyway Jasmine, nice job,” Axel complimented. Now he had 1,443 gold; it wasn’t bad for only two days in the game. His intelligence kicked up a notch too, now at 24. “We’re going to head to the trade terminal, we’re gonna need some help with my plan.”

“Plan?” Jasmine asked.

“Oh. Some people want my head already- don’t blame ‘em.”

“I know,” Jasmine said. “So, what’s the plan?”

Axel cleared his throat, and the three gathered around a table. There was some parmesan cheese left, but thankfully, Jasmine didn’t notice. “We know they’re after me. Jack said there’s people actively searching for me there. If someone notices that I buy something off them, then they’re gonna shout it out. I think right now anyway, there’s going to be a tonne of people around the trade terminal stocking up on shit for the event. That gives us a good enough crowd to hopefully blend in.”

“So what you want us to do?” Jack asked.

Axel grinned. “Jasmine’s going to act like the Hoarder. And you Jack, are going to point her out. You’re quick Jasmine, so I need you to create as much chaos as possible; take as many eyes off me from buying and selling the mana potions. If this goes right, I could potentially double my coin.”

“Isn’t this going to dangerous for me?” Jasmine asked.

Axel sunk his neck back. “The cunning thief Jasmine is scared of danger? You made us both looks like tools. Stop lying.”

She smirked. “Ok ok, you got me there.”

“Carrying on. I’m planning on buying and selling the mana potions. We know that people are going to buying them the most since physical objects made out of mana do the most damage to them. Their prices are going to be hiked up; if I can buy the all the mana potions, then I control the market.”

“Some Wolf of Wall Street shit, huh?” Jack asked with a devious smile on his face.

“Kinda. Theirs was a pump and dump, way more illegal. I’m just buying and selling, that’s all,” Axel responded, matching his smile. “But owning an entire market is illegal. Well, medical companies do it, but that’s different.”

“You’re criminal,” Jasmine said, admiring the plan.

“Why thank you,” Axel said, bowing.

“And then after?” Jack asked.

“We’re going to the event. I have some new skills that might give me coin. Plus, I think it would be good to let us blow off some steam. Me and you almost had a fight earlier.”

Jack nodded. “Sounds good from me.”

Jasmine agreed too. “I overheard some players talking. They’ve mobilised the army of Tresluna. The other cities won’t get here in time apparently. Also, there’s a force down on the ground that we can join if me want.”

“Fuck that,” Axel said. “There’s no way we’re going beneath the wall. You ever watched Game of Thrones? They got fucked up. And by the way Jason and Barb speak of the Uhyre, it’s going to be a tough battle. I don’t fancy getting ripped to part. Even with the pain reduction that’s still going to hurt.”

“It was just an option,” Jasmine countered.

Axel clicked his teeth, and said, “We’ll scan the area to see which is the best place to be . . . Anyway, we should get going now.”

The trio headed out of the shop, and Axel locked the door after. Barb had left him a key too so he could get in and out. After, they started walking towards the trade terminal. It was dark out, but Axel could see without issue. The shadows acted like light for him. The city was desolate; no NPCs were out on the streets. Only players were, and most of them were moving away from the wall.

Even the street lights were dimmed, and the only bright light in the whole city was coming from the wall. Axel felt excited, it had been ages since he took part in an event. On Omegus, the events were always the best part. With years of development later, he expected an awesome fight.

Once they arrived at the trade terminal, Axel said, “Everyone act calm. We’re just a team looking to buy some shit for the event. Once we get into the crowd we split apart. After the signal, Jack, you point out Jasmine.”

“What signal?” Jack asked.

“You’ll know,” Axel responded.

They headed through the iron gate, and across the cobblestone street into the giant area the trade terminal was located. All of the stalls were empty; either sold out or the vendors left in fear. However, the trade terminal was packed. Since the NPCs left, there was no more people to buy from. And that’s where Axel plan really came into fruition

Once they encountered where the crowd was, they split apart. Jack pushed himself in the front, as it would be best to gain attention. Jasmine stood behind a few players, while Axel was even further back.

Axel edged forward a little more, and the screen to access the trade terminal came up. He waited for a moment, trying to see if there were any eyes on him. When he felt the coast was clear, he brought up the display. Thankfully, only he could see it unless he willed it to others.

He scrolled down to the mana potions selection, and brought up the menu.

Items Selling [Tax: 5%]

11118x Common Mana Potion [~]

Price: 9C-2S Avg: 1S 7C

34x Uncommon Mana Potion

Price: 5S-11S

…

It was a lot of maths he was going to have to do. But the real reason he chose the trade terminal, was because he had a very specific skill.

Tax For Thee But Not For Me (Active)

Spell Description: For an hour every day, you do not pay tax at the trade terminal.

Lore: Loot Goblins hate the greedy tax put on by the king of their land. They often adore this skill.

Cooldown: 1 per day

Duration: 1 hour

Mana: 100

Magic Type: Unorthodox

Axel clicked his teeth in admiration for the skill. It was far too perfect for what he was about to do. He activated it, and a small icon appeared in his HUD. It was ‘TAX’ bent into a circle with a line running through it. It made his eyes flash with greed.

Before he started, he needed to first go into his mind to run some calculations. He closed his eyes as he pictures himself in a blank room. ‘11,118 multiplied by average of 1 Silver and 7 Coppers- five’o-point three. Equals 1890.06 gold coins. I have 1443.35 Gold. Not enough to control the market entirely. Six-hundred potions might not even budge it. Have to undercut value of mana potions for instant sell. Sell 600 of the enhanced mana potions for 0.15 Gold- total 90 gold. Fuck. Can’t believe I shaved my feet for six hours for 90 gold. Focus Axel, focus- 1435.35 plus 90 equals 1533.35 Gold. So I can own 81.4%% of the market. Good- not great. Enough to sway and convince others. Once bought, push all mana potions to 0.24 Gold. Don’t want to cause an uproar. No Axel, fuck them, you need money. Even a small decimal is the difference between a dozen Gold. Push it- 0.26 Gold per mana potion. One-point-five-three multiplied by 1533.35 equals 2346.03 Gold. Precisely increases my total earnings from 1533.35 to 2346.03 Gold . . . Perfect.’

He then opened his eyes and carried out the plan. His hands were moving by themselves like a robot. He acted like a program by carrying out his instructions. It had been a while since he had to go to the white space of his mind. He used to do it all the time.

“The Hoarder!” some shouted out. “He just bought all my mana potions!”

“Mine too!”

Axel subtly grinned.

“He’s buying them all! Take them off the market!”

It was too late. Axel’s plan had already come into fruition. After acquiring over 80% of all the mana potions on the market, he hiked the prices up to 2.7 Silver.

“He’s just put them all up. We need to find him now!”

“If the Hoarder’s selling all his potions for 2.7 Silver, then I will as well!”

“No don't’! That’s what he wants!”

Axel’s money bone tingled.

“Find him now!”

“I found him!” Jack shouted, raising his voice above the rest. “He’s there!” Jack pointed to a hooded Jasmine. She acted surprised, and started pushing her way through the large crowd. “Get him! Now!”

Chaos ensued at the trade terminal. People were shouting and screaming, complaining about the rise in prices. He quickly checked them, and found everyone else was pushing up the silver. It was basic principle that Axel followed. People sell for the majority value. Everyone is greedy at heart, so they’re only following the leader. Axel was that leader, and he was about to reap the rewards.

Once all the sellers had pushed their prices up to him, Axel slipped out of the crowd very calmly. Jasmine was now running down an alleyway, being followed Jack and dozens of others. Spells and skills were activated, as they tried aiming for her. Axel wasn’t worried, he had seen first hand what Jasmine was capable of.

Once he reached the main street of the city, he received a notification. It was bad.

{WORLD’S FIRST}

{Player: TH3_HOAR3R, is the first to receive the Major Title: Market Manipulator}

{All World’s First Titles are Permanent}

{You have received the Major Title: Market Manipulator}

{By controlling over 70% of an item’s entire stock at a trade terminal, you have been awarded this title}

{Please note: Being the first to acquire a Major Title creates a World’s First announcement. Congratulations, your name has made the history books!}

“Oh, fuck,” Axel murmerd, mouth agape. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,” he angrily whispered while clenching his jaw. Now the whole game knew he was playing. They weren’t just rumours anymore, just cold hard facts. Even more people would be after him.

Message from G3T_JACKED69

WHAT THE FUCK. DID YOU KNOW THAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN?>?????????

Axel angrily typed back.

Send message to G3T_JACKED69

NO! IM COMPLETELY FUCKED! WHERE ARE YOU??????

Message from G3T_JACKED69

ILL SEND YOU MY LOCATION. Sorry caps. Holy shit you are screwed.

Axel was shaking. There was going to be an army after him. Not only had he just pissed off a hundred people at the trade terminal, but there was thousands more from Omegus playing. As Jasmine said to him before, people were annoyed at him for selling all of his items for under value. They all went so fast, most of the collectors after Axel’s items were furious.

It was so bad; so very bad for him.

Jack sent Axel his location. It was down an alley a few hundreds metres. He went to walk, but his legs were like jelly. He pressed his back against a house to try and collect himself. His name was out now and there was nothing he could do about it. He couldn’t cave; he had to be strong. He was doing this for his mother and sister, and there was not anyone or an army that could stop him.

He breathed out, calming his erratic heart. “Focus Axel, focus. You can do this.” His body felt light, but at least his legs were working. He continued to walk. However, as he passed an alleyway, he heard people shouting.

“Where’s that bastard!?”

“I’ll shoot a fireball down his throat.”

Axle stopped as they all ran by him into the middle of the main street. An urge suddenly came to him. He couldn’t help himself, and said, “Did you find him?”

One of the people stopped. “No, not yet. But I’m going to ring his neck when I see him.”

“Count me in too,” Axel said, giving him a wave.

“I think everyone wants to,” the player replied.

Axel carried on walking; a smile slowly creeped onto his face. He was going to own it. He wasn’t his younger self anymore. He was still The Legendary Hoarder, only this time, there was gold and fire coursing through his veins.