On the 24th, Sabith arrived at my office bearing remarkable news. He had successfully finalized arrangements to secure the necessary infrastructure for producing the goods I had envisioned. His efforts resulted in the acquisition of five factories, purchased at a total cost of 419 Ran. This strategic move not only fulfilled the operational requirements but also brought unexpected benefits.
As part of the transaction, the previous owners included the existing worker contracts, ensuring a seamless transition in personnel management. The workforce, composed of skilled laborers essential for maintaining production standards, came with wages fixed at 28 Ran per day. This advantageous inclusion further solidified the foundation for efficient production and reduced the logistical challenges of staffing the facilities.
Sabith's accomplishment marked a pivotal step in advancing our goals, laying the groundwork for a prosperous and sustainable venture.
After hearing this, I turned my attention to a critical aspect of our operation and asked Sabith about the trade routes established for procuring the items necessary to produce the goods. Sabith, brimming with pride, explained the financial strategy he had devised.
He confidently detailed that, taking into account the selling price of the goods, which was meticulously calculated to reflect the desired value, and subtracting the costs of labor and base materials, the operation yielded an impressive 87% profit margin. This figure was particularly striking, given that many had either dismissed these goods as trivial or underestimated their value altogether.
Sabith went on to emphasize that the perceived high quality of the goods significantly justified the selling price. This premium valuation not only ensured substantial profitability but also easily offset the costs of both raw materials and labor. His analysis demonstrated not just a strong command of logistics and economics, but also a keen understanding of market perception—a crucial factor in the success of our venture.
For instance, chocolate is poised to deliver the greatest profit among all the goods, thanks to its cost-efficient production process and high market value. The buying price for cocoa beans was remarkably low, set at only 400 Thal per kilogram—equivalent to approximately 450 beans. After undergoing the necessary stages of auger and processing, this initial quantity of beans yields approximately 0.5 kilograms of finished chocolate.
When factoring in these production details, the total cost to produce one kilogram of standard-quality chocolate reaches 3,800 Thal. However, the planned selling price for this chocolate is 8 Ran per kilogram, resulting in an extraordinary profit margin of 95%. This level of profitability highlights the impressive balance between cost management and perceived value.
For higher-quality chocolate, the production costs are slightly elevated, with the total reaching 4,200 Thal per kilogram due to the premium materials and additional refinement processes involved. Despite this increase, the retail price for the premium product has been set at 13 Ran per kilogram, securing an even greater profit margin of 97%.
These figures demonstrate not only the exceptional profitability of chocolate production but also the effectiveness of the pricing strategy. The ability to turn a low-cost base material into a high-value finished product underscores the immense potential of this venture, ensuring significant returns and a dominant position in the market.
Following the discussion about production, I shifted my focus to the timeline for the mall's completion and asked Sabith how much longer it would take before it was ready to open its doors. Sabith confidently responded that the preparations were nearly finished, and the mall would be ready to open in just eight days. His answer was reassuring, as the expedited timeline aligned well with our goals for launching the project without unnecessary delays.
Satisfied with the progress on the mall, I then brought up another key consideration: the procurement of basic resources necessary for production and operations. When I inquired whether Sabith had taken steps to secure these materials, he promptly informed me, with an air of accomplishment, that he had already handled the task. Using some of the remaining funds wisely, he had successfully acquired the essential resources, ensuring there would be no obstacles to initiating production.
Finally, I entrusted Sabith with a crucial new task, one that would lay the foundation for a key aspect of our operation. His assignment began with identifying and acquiring a large, suitable building to serve as the hub for minting facilities. This location would need to meet specific requirements for security, functionality, and accessibility. Once the building was secured, Sabith was instructed to hire skilled workers to design and construct the intricate machinery necessary for the minting process.
Recognizing the importance of safeguarding both the facilities and the assets they would contain, I directed Sabith to recruit a dedicated team of guards to ensure round-the-clock security. These guards would be responsible not only for protecting the minting facilities but also for the bank, which would serve as the cornerstone of our financial operations. Their presence would provide an essential layer of protection against potential risks.
Additionally, Sabith was tasked with finding talented individuals capable of finalizing the graphic designs for the currency bills. These designs needed to balance aesthetic appeal with functionality, incorporating features for durability, accessibility, and anti-counterfeiting measures. Once the graphics were ready, Sabith was to oversee the commencement of bill production, a process rooted in meticulous planning and precision.
The resources for these operations were to be drawn from the treasury, which, after allocating all my remaining funds to it, stood at a total of 2,981 Ran and 4,945 Thal. This financial commitment reflected the importance of the task and my confidence in Sabith's ability to execute it effectively. His role in coordinating these efforts was pivotal to realizing the next phase of our ambitious plans.
After delivering his report, Sabith came to my office once more to collect the essential materials needed to execute his new task. Among these were the detailed sketch for the currency designs and the carefully crafted blueprints for the machinery required to establish the minting facilities. Recognizing the complexity of the assignment, I provided him with 200 Ran to cover initial expenses and ensure he had the resources necessary to begin the operation.
Before his departure, I handed him one final directive. I asked Sabith to place an advertisement in the local paper for both the mall and the bank. The advertisement was intended to generate public interest and anticipation for the mall's grand opening while establishing the bank as a reliable institution for financial services. With this step, we aimed to solidify the foundation for the success of both ventures by promoting them effectively.
Grateful for his unwavering dedication and efficiency, I thanked him sincerely for his efforts. With the sketches, blueprints, and funds in hand, Sabith departed with determination, ready to carry out the multifaceted tasks I had entrusted to him.
After wrapping up my preparations, I decided to depart for the guild with a clear objective: to earn additional funds to bolster the bank's reserves. Understanding the importance of these financial resources for our upcoming endeavors, I was determined to make the most of every opportunity.
My first undertaking was a quest centered on gathering medicinal herbs, a task that required both diligence and efficiency. Over the course of the quest, I traversed various terrains, meticulously searching for the required herbs in abundance. The process was arduous, demanding both time and attention to detail, but I approached it with steadfast determination, knowing the significant contribution it would make to the bank's fund.
By the time I completed the quest, I had successfully collected an impressive total of 5,700 medicinal herbs. Satisfied with my efforts, I returned to the guild and submitted the haul for evaluation. My work was met with approval, and in recognition of the volume and quality of the herbs gathered, I received a reward of 1,900 Ran.
This reward marked a substantial addition to the bank's funds, further strengthening our financial foundation and bringing us closer to realizing our broader goals. The success of this quest reaffirmed the value of persistence and resourcefulness in achieving meaningful progress.
Following my previous quest, I immediately embarked on a grueling monster-hunting assignment—a test of both endurance and skill. Over the course of 16 relentless hours, I dedicated myself to tracking, engaging, and eliminating an astonishing total of 7,103 monsters. The scale of the task was immense, requiring sustained focus and an unwavering commitment to the mission.
When I finally returned to the guild, my efforts were met with considerable recognition, and I was rewarded handsomely for my work. The payout amounted to 4,000 Ran, a substantial contribution to my growing funds. This success further reinforced the value of perseverance, and while it was physically and mentally demanding, it proved to be a rewarding endeavor both financially and personally.
By the time I completed the quest and wrapped up my efforts, it was already the 26th. Having spent two full days working without rest, I found myself utterly drained yet undeniably accomplished. The intense activities I undertook, however, did not go unrewarded on the physical side. I noted a significant improvement in my stamina stat, which rose impressively from 2 to 7.38. This five-point increase was attributed to the allocation of earned stat points, while the additional 0.38 was a result of the rigorous activities I had been performing throughout the quest.
The progress was not only a testament to my growing strength but also a reflection of how challenging tasks can push the boundaries of one's capabilities, leading to both tangible and intangible growth. This milestone marked yet another step forward in my journey, preparing me for even greater challenges to come.
While discussing Stats, I reflected on my recent remarkable progress in leveling up. Over the course of my latest endeavors, I advanced significantly, rising from level 72 to an impressive level 104. This substantial leap granted me an allocation of 96 skill points—a valuable resource for enhancing my abilities. Recognizing the opportunity to strengthen my magical capabilities, I promptly invested all of these points into my magic skills, ensuring each reached level 15.
This milestone marked a significant turning point in the development of my magical prowess. At level 40, my magic skills transitioned into the "Master Level" category, a designation that represents extraordinary expertise and power. Achieving Master Level 15 across all magical disciplines meant my abilities were now incredibly potent, capable of influencing even the most challenging scenarios with unparalleled efficiency and strength.
The enhancement of my magical skills not only underscored my strategic approach to skill point allocation but also positioned me to tackle forthcoming challenges with a newfound confidence. The journey to achieving these masterful abilities served as a testament to both my commitment to growth and the limitless potential that lies ahead.