Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 834: Yes, It is A Monopoly.
Previously on Strongest Necromancer System...
"The method for processing Aqualith is exceedingly complex and tedious, yet the profitable byproduct makes the strain more than worthwhile. Therefore, you all must bring your most skilled Magic Stone artisans to learn this intricate process right here in America. Once I am convinced of your ability to process the stone accurately, trade routes will be established with your respective nations. I will then supply you with unprocessed Aqualith at a fixed cost. You will handle the processing yourselves and, through my guild, sell these processed stones to the otherworlders who frequent this place for trade. Is that clear?"
"This is essentially a complete monopoly! You'll amass far more wealth than all of us combined!"
The Supreme Leader of North Korea rose furiously upon hearing Jason's entire proposition. He grasped the full implication of Jason's scheme and staunchly refused to yield. Jason's strategy was undeniably brilliant and bound to succeed, but it would also grant him an insurmountable advantage in the Aqualith market, rendering any other nation incapable of challenging him. Despite his own frequent use of similar tactics against others, the Supreme Leader found it utterly unacceptable when the tables were turned.
Jason turned his gaze towards the leader, raising an eyebrow, and responded to the outburst with chilling indifference.
"And so?"
Grinding his teeth, the Supreme Leader clenched his fists in rage. He could not, and would not, tolerate this.
"Are you all simply going to stand by and accept this dictation?! You, Mr. President of the United States! This is your citizen! Can you not persuade him to offer us a more equitable arrangement?!"
The Supreme Leader directed his furious gaze at Ronald, but the American President didn't even spare him a glance. In fact, no one else in the room offered any words of support, and the Supreme Leader realized with dawning horror that he stood alone against this proposal. Unlike the other leaders present, he was accustomed to always getting his way. Within his own borders, his word was absolute law, and no one dared to defy him. The inability to assert his will against Jason at this moment sent his blood boiling like never before.
Jason let out a calm sigh, then leaned forward, addressing the Supreme Leader in a voice laced with feigned understanding.
"You know, you raise an excellent point. I failed to consider it fully. All I am doing is offering you a chance to profit from my endeavors and enrich your nations. It's hardly fair to you, and I should have certainly done more. Perhaps you would prefer it if I simply retracted my offer altogether. I can take these stones, process them myself, and sell them directly to those other worlds, keeping every last coin for myself. That... should be a far more agreeable outcome for you, wouldn't you agree?"
"Grk!"
The Supreme Leader emitted a strangled sound, as if grievously wounded, and shot Jason a venomous glare. It was glaringly obvious that Jason was mocking him, and his isolation in this matter only amplified his humiliation. As the Supreme Leader prepared to speak again, a gleaming sword suddenly appeared at his throat.
Shink!
"!"
A shiver of pure terror coursed through the Supreme Leader as he turned to behold a formidable Radgan Soldier standing beside him. Jason's eyes, previously calm, now blazed with chilling emotionlessness as he fixed the Supreme Leader with a steely gaze. Jason's voice dropped to a lethal low.
"One more word from you, and your reign ends this very instant. I can assure you, you will not be remembered fondly."
The Supreme Leader swallowed hard, his eyes darting around the room in a desperate plea for intervention. Not a single soul even acknowledged his plight. Subdued, he slowly retreated to his seat, remaining utterly silent for the remainder of the conference. Jason then turned as Agnes, the esteemed president of Germany, spoke up once more.
"I would appreciate it if you could explain your motivations. It is quite evident that you are extending a significant favor by allowing us to process these stones, especially when you possess the capability to do so yourself."
Jason gave a low hum.
"It is simply because you are all impoverished."
A collective frown rippled through many of the presidents at Jason's blunt assessment, but he paid them no mind, continuing his discourse.
"While Earth may appear affluent from within, a glimpse of the true vastness of wealth that exists beyond our world immediately reveals our own insignificance. In light of this, I must also announce that the Gold Coin will serve as the official currency of the Monarch guild. While you may continue to utilize your national currencies within your respective countries, any transactions with me or any member affiliated with my guild must be conducted using the Gold Coin."
"What? But won't that devalue our own currencies?"
"Many currencies are intrinsically backed by gold. If we provide the gold, what reserves will be left for us?"
"Is it not possible to use an alternative commodity?"
Jason’s declaration that the gold coin would serve as the official currency, immediately after calling the leaders ‘poor’, left them in a state of shock! These leaders understood the immense value of gold on Earth and how it underpinned their financial and economic systems. The introduction of gold as currency threatened to devalue their existing money rapidly. Nevertheless, Jason dismissed their protests outright.
"The gold coin is the official currency of the Primordial Expanse," Jason declared. "Any otherworlder arriving here would naturally expect to conduct trade using the gold coin. We cannot remain so primitive. The paper money you hold possesses no intrinsic value beyond what you have assigned to it, and building sustainable interworld relationships on such a fragile foundation is impossible. The gold coin shall be the standard for all Monarch Guild branches globally. While your domestic policies are of no concern to me, I strongly advise you to begin accumulating as much gold as possible, lest you fall behind."
A growing chorus of murmurs filled the room as the leaders contemplated the economic repercussions for their respective nations. Jason’s proposal was undeniably sound, promising significant benefits, yet the substantial shift in policy and the depletion of national gold reserves were contingencies none had anticipated.
However, certain nations, such as America and Germany, felt a surge of emerging dominance. These countries possessed the world's largest gold reserves, positioning them to gain a distinct advantage by acquiring greater quantities of Aqualith from Jason. The pre-established presence of a guild in America further bolstered the President’s confidence, signaling an expedited path to reaping these benefits.
"You mentioned earlier that your plan involves two phases: an economic overhaul and the enhancement of our superhumans’ overall strength. How do you intend to achieve the latter?"
Jason turned his gaze towards the Japanese Prime Minister as she posed the question. A slight frown creased her brow, her anticipation for an answer palpable. Jason perceived her dissatisfaction, recognizing that Japan, despite its status as an international superpower, held one of the lowest gold reserves globally. This precarious position meant they could not only afford less gold compared to nations like America or Germany but would also face a more severe economic impact from its depletion. Consequently, since economic competition seemed out of reach, the Prime Minister was clearly seeking alternative avenues for Japan to remain competitive.