Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 265: Landing Point

After this long string of nonsense, not to mention Zhang Yuan, who almost couldn't contain his expression, Ferdinand, the veteran of the chaotic camp, was extremely pleased, nodding repeatedly and wishing he could be considered a close friend.

"Well said. It is this group of hypocrites and scoundrels who are doing everything they can to obstruct our legitimate cause. They are simply afraid of our strength and know only how to cling to their own territory."

The two got along so well that they started bragging about all sorts of things, and before long, their boasts had already flown out of the main plane.

Ferdinand, feeling a deep sense of regret for not having met sooner, was practically ready to become sworn brothers with Lawrence. His grand vision had evolved from dominating Luskan through gang warfare to integrating the superior resources of the Sword Coast North, marching south towards Waterdeep, threatening Mirabar to the east, and confronting the Silvermoon Federation from afar.

Zhang Yuan, who was standing nearby, was a little dazed. In the blink of an eye, Waterdeep had been "successfully conquered," and the two of them were now preparing to march on Baldur's Gate to "avenge" Lawrence.

Goodness, you're all strategists at the sand table. Do you think the Covenant is dead, or Kyleburn is dead?

"Ahem!" Zhang the clerk quickly coughed to interrupt the other person's daydream, and very tactfully advised:

"Wine should be drunk sip by sip, and road should be walked step by step. If you take too big a step, ouch! You'll easily tear your balls."

Before Ferdinand could react, the old lecher suddenly realized that he had gotten himself into trouble.

It took a lot of persuasion to bring the other party to their senses. As expected, Canaan, or rather, the team currently posing as Shining Gold Coin, successfully became a subordinate team of Black Flagfish.

To Zhang Yuan's surprise, the gang's treatment seemed quite good, offering two options for joining.

One option is to formally join and be incorporated into the Black Flagfish private army, which provides food, pay, and housing, provided that one obeys management and orders and is stationed in the relatively closed barracks in the North District.

This is clearly not in line with Zhang Yuan's needs for his next plan. How can you cause trouble when you're in a closed state?
In this situation, another option becomes inevitable: nominal franchising.

It's easy to understand: by paying a fixed amount of money, or even a share of the profits from the black marlin, one obtains the right to use its name and receive some degree of protection.

If you even have your own pirate ship, you can fly the Blackfin tuna flag to intimidate others.

Correspondingly, they also have to contribute during gang wars.

In reality, you can't escape it. If you appear under this banner, it will confirm your identity, and people won't care whether you're sincere or not.

The cost wasn't high either, less than 100 gold coins, only 99 gold coins. It perfectly captured the essence of marketing from the previous life, and the philanthropists exclaimed that it was a masterclass.

Having agreed on the terms, it was time to take his leave. Ferdinand held Lawrence's hand and bid him a reluctant farewell, somewhat regretful that Shining Gold Coins refused to merge with Blackfin.

"It's such a pity. If you could officially join our Blackfin, our second captain Terry is recruiting and would be very happy. Moreover, he is an excellent wanderer second only to our boss. If you were on his ship, Terry would definitely be happy to mentor you."

???

A hint of pity had crept into Zhang Da Guanren's gaze as he looked at Ferdinand. An outstanding wanderer? That makes sense. He can even steal people; how could he not be lecherous, no, how could he not be outstanding?
Before the person involved realized anything, Lawrence, who was standing to the side, was a little scared. He had no idea what kind of person his boss was.

Behind this pity often lies something that people are reluctant to think about. Once outside the building, the reunited team began discussing where they should go to seize territory, open a gang, and collect protection money.

Among them, Kegan, Lawrence, and Nancy were the most active, which is understandable. The former was a mob boss, and the latter two were simply vagrants. They were all familiar with this gray industry.

The Black Flagfish Gang provided some relevant information, mainly because they were afraid that territorial disputes among their own forces would cause serious internal strife.

Combined with the information provided by Ms. Bella, the Canaanites, or rather the Shining Gold Coins, were already quite familiar with the distribution of power in Luskan. The three seasoned veterans argued fiercely over this topic, their faces flushed and their debate reaching a fever pitch.

This joint franchise model has been further developed and perfected by the Ammonite Shadow Thieves, fully demonstrating its "advanced nature" and "dynamics." To a certain extent, it has ensured the overall interests while also mobilizing the enthusiasm of individuals and small groups.

In the past, when I was involved in Baldur's Gate, the entire underworld could only operate on the fringes of the gray area, living like a groundhog. I either had to rely on the Grand Duke's forces, or Flame Fist, or Duke Belt. Where could I find such a good opportunity?

The three people arguing in the hostel had everything clearly planned out, from choosing a location to developing a strategy and even envisioning the future.

"Are you guys mistaken? We're not really here to fight for territory, it's just a one-off deal," Master Zhang said helplessly to his teammates.

"Yes, yes, yes~" the three replied casually and continued, treating it as their captain talking nonsense.

"Stop arguing, everyone. Tell us your reasons. Whoever has the best reason will get the decision. Nancy, you go first." The mage, who also had his own considerations, pointed to a spot on the city map and selected an area. Everyone looked and saw that it was the dock area.

This was Nancy's plan. Having been part of the Mandaen family and having some experience, she naturally understood what a dock meant for a port city.

"Yes, the dock area is indeed a lucrative opportunity," Zhang Yuan remarked.

"Have vision!"

Before Nancy's flattery could even finish, Lawrence objected: "Everyone knows the dock area is a lucrative job, you don't need to say such nonsense."

Hmm? Old Master Zhang frowned, sensing something was amiss. He leaned forward tactically and stared at Lawrence.

Sweat beaded on the old thief's forehead. He quickly raised his hand in a gesture of introducing a distinguished guest, respectfully addressing his captain: "See, the boss already knew it all along."

Hmm~ Mr. Zhang leaned back comfortably with satisfaction and sat back down.

"But because the interests involved are too great, almost all the major gangs have spheres of influence here. There are too many deep entanglements. Just like you said, boss, we are not here to do long-term business. Getting involved rashly would be a losing proposition."

Despite his playful antics, the old thief remained remarkably clear-headed, unaffected by personal gain or emotions. His well-reasoned analysis even convinced Zhang Yuan to agree with his point of view.

"So, what's your reason for choosing this place?" Zhang Yuan pointed to the area near the wealthy neighborhood in the market district, which was also the area around their hotel.

Thank you to Brother A-Yi for your monthly tickets and rewards, and also thank you to chen1111hao, ￠风逝, and book friend 20190923215716709 for your monthly ticket support. Thank you all!

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(End of this chapter)