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Chapter 503: An Old Acquaintance - The Pfizer Merchant Guild
"The Pfizer Merchant Guild? So it's them!"
While browsing Archmage Cronorman's collection of books, Matthew nodded thoughtfully.
He walked out with Elio, handing over another batch of spatial crystals under the watchful gaze of the tower spirit.
After completing the transaction, the tower spirit flashed a radiant smile and silently turned to leave.
Mentioning the Pfizer Merchant Guild brought a flood of memories into Matthew's mind.
In both his past and present lives, the Pfizer Merchant Guild was a term that appeared frequently.
Known for capturing slaves, selling potions, researching magical items, and crafting enchanted equipment, it was a major guild.
The guild wielded significant power and operated across all major provinces of the Netheril Empire with numerous action squads.
Even though it hadn't yet reached its peak, the guild already controlled over a hundred mercenary groups, hundreds of slave-capturing teams, and several hidden operatives in the shadows.
The combat strength under its command was not to be underestimated.
However, what puzzled Matthew was...
The timing of the Pfizer Merchant Guild's appearances often felt inexplicably coincidental.
For instance, targeting Matthew, capturing Liana, or dealing with Victor.
If it were just one incident, it could be chalked up to coincidence. But the frequency of their targeting and their remarkable accuracy were striking.
How could this not surprise Matthew?
After all, even with his experience, trying to recruit potential talents in advance was like finding a needle in a haystack, with very few successes.
The real world was fundamentally different, with a larger scale, more people, and an astonishing array of variables.
Based on this, Matthew could almost conclude that the Pfizer Merchant Guild deliberately and effectively sought out talented individuals like Victor.
Wait a moment—perhaps the guild wasn't targeting Victor specifically. He might just be a peculiar accident. Their real target could be Orianna.
"The Pfizer Merchant Guild is intriguing..."
Matthew couldn't help but delve deeper into thought, pondering the "legendary" figures the guild revealed later and focusing on those with prophecy or detection abilities.
He noticed a peculiar pattern: most of the guild's legendary figures displayed later were combat-oriented members.
"So, it seems the Pfizer Merchant Guild isn't as straightforward as it appears. They must be hiding a core group..."
Gazing at the mage towers towering over Sevinton, Matthew said to Elio:
"Well done. This discovery is important. From now on, prioritize collecting information on the Pfizer Merchant Guild and elevate its information tier to the highest level."
Elio, who had already begun assembling an intelligence network, nodded thoughtfully.
Anything the Lord emphasized required special attention.
To ensure Victor and Orianna's safety, Matthew had the territory make adjustments and reallocate military resources.
By evening...
Archmage Cronorman, having concluded a meeting, called Matthew out of his room.
"Those fools are making their decision tomorrow. I've heard they're summoning a large group of Arcanists. Tomorrow will be an excellent opportunity."
Observing the clearly displeased archmage, Matthew asked directly:
"Is the main topic of this meeting about providing aid to the Dwarven Kingdom?"
Cronorman nodded irritably. Recalling the faces of those fools, he made no effort to hide his disdain. With a wave of his hand, he projected a shadowy map and pointed to the western region of the Dwarven Kingdom.
"See this? It's a northern connector near Sevinton."
"If those despicable drow elves capture it, they'll directly threaten Sevinton..."
"The east has suffered severe damage. The Carl Plains and the northern regions of the eastern province may take ages to recover."
"The western hills are still a mess. Even after expelling the orc armies, they've been left in tatters. If the north faces trouble..."
Cronorman grumbled on and on, seemingly venting about the stupidity of those fools.
Matthew sensed that the archmage understood their motives and recognized their unscrupulous pursuit of profit, but he also seemed to be hinting at something.
Interesting!
Examining the markers around the Dwarven Kingdom, Matthew realized their situation was even more dire than he had imagined.
As expected, dwarves were stubbornly prideful.
The massive drow elf army had already begun probing infiltration tactics.
Once they eliminated the dwarves' outer towers and strongholds, they'd be ready to launch a full-scale assault.
The dwarves couldn't spare much manpower for support...
Because to the north, hundreds of thousands of gray dwarf soldiers were launching direct assaults.
Behind the gray dwarves, even larger forces surged forward like a plague of locusts.
The dwarves' northern stronghold, the Lava Fortress, was already showing signs of collapse.
Based on the intelligence Cronorman possessed...
The dwarves were clearly stretched thin, outnumbered, and severely lacking resources.
Under these circumstances, it would be hard for the dwarves to resist the two-pronged attack.
In Matthew's view, their best option was to temporarily concentrate their forces, defend key cities, and await reinforcements.
The Underdark's resources were relatively scarce, and mobilizing such a massive army would create immense logistical pressure if no swift breakthroughs were made.
By then, the dwarves, having preserved their forces, would still have the capacity to counterattack.
Cronorman evidently shared the same opinion. Unfortunately, convincing the council was nearly impossible, even if they fully understood the situation.
Cronorman seemed ready to explain the ruling structure of the Netheril Empire to Matthew when the latter interrupted:
"If the Dwarven Kingdom lacks support, our Bay Territory could offer assistance."
"Just a few days ago, Master Hammerhand from the Dwarves placed a 5-million-gold order with Bay Territory. I suspect they've hit a wall here in Sevinton..."
Hearing this, Cronorman was about to speak but paused as something occurred to him.
He gave Matthew a long, penetrating look, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips as he patted Matthew's shoulder.
"Do you want to give it a try?"
Matthew, unwilling to miss this golden opportunity, eagerly rubbed his hands together and nodded with confidence.
"I'd like to try!"
Sensing Matthew's determination, the archmage beckoned him over.
The two entered a meeting room and delved into a detailed discussion.
Early the next morning...
Matthew and the archmage departed the floating tower.
All of Sevinton was abuzz with excitement.
The public cared little for the council's decisions; they were more interested in seeing the Arcanists arriving from all corners of the empire.
It was a rare spectacle, a grand event for all of Sevinton.
Interestingly, details about the battles at the Scarlet Fortress and the eastern province had begun spreading throughout Sevinton.
Bay Territory, garnering attention, was now entering the public eye.