The male supporting character was actually myself.

With the sudden economic recovery, the people of Bantuku quickly amassed a large amount of wealth.

The Bantuku royal family, whose treasury was tight, also quickly received a large influx of gold coins—the dragon-slaying equipment, endorsed by the dragon-slaying warrior Jiang Chen and personally recommended by the king, was only provided to warriors with great strength.

Those swords could cut through iron like mud, and the armor was indestructible. More importantly, the dragon-slaying warrior himself admitted that he killed the evil dragon in the deep ravine with his powerful dragon-slaying equipment!

Now, in order to increase the chances of successfully rescuing the princess, he worked overtime to manufacture the dragon-slaying equipment at the request of His Majesty the King, in order to contribute to the intermediate warriors in completing the dragon-slaying mission.

Chapter Thirty-One: Serious Nonsense

"That's the same level of equipment used by dragon slayers! It's truly extraordinary!"

"They're expensive! An ordinary family would have to go bankrupt to buy one!"

"They're not selling this to ordinary people. Look carefully, you need an Intermediate Warrior's Medal to buy the Dragon Slayer equipment, and there's a purchase limit—one medal can only buy one set!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, even though intermediate warriors are rolling in money, it must be a real pain to buy a set like this."

"Feeling bad? With the Dragon Slayer Armor, your success rate in slaying dragons and marrying princesses at sea skyrockets. It's worth every penny, so why feel bad..."

…………

A crowd gathered around the Royal Designated Store, gazing enviously at the expensive equipment and whispering amongst themselves.

Linda, watching from afar, was a little confused. "Lisa, how come such expensive equipment sells out every day? Are there really that many people going out to sea to slay dragons? That's a shop run by dragon slayers, you know. Don't you think it poses a threat to the dragon sister?"

“There are indeed quite a few people who are going to sea to slay dragons.” Lisa explained without looking up from her notes, “But those who are over fifty years old and have many children and grandchildren are still rushing to buy things, so they are obviously not preparing for going to sea.”

"Huh? Why would we waste money if we're not going to go out to sea to slay dragons?" Debbie asked, looking bewildered.

The Finance Minister's wife, Janet, covered her mouth and chuckled, "Isn't that simple? Sister Long explained it to us in class long ago; this is called involution!"

Firstly, the target audience for the Dragon Slayer equipment is specifically mid-level warriors.

Whatever the reason, whether it's to increase the success rate of intermediate warriors in slaying dragons or because the equipment's destructive power is too strong for ordinary people to handle, the point is that intermediate warriors can't buy it no matter how much money they offer.

In this way, wouldn't many intermediate warriors who want to try their luck at sea and have plenty of money be willing to buy a set of dragon-slaying equipment to increase their success rate?

Secondly, dragon-slaying equipment is not a disposable item.

On the contrary, it appeared at the crucial moment when the dragon kidnapped the princess. This was a secret weapon that His Majesty the King begged the dragon-slaying warrior to bring out. After this period, it might not be available for purchase anymore.

Dragon-slaying equipment is expensive, but its quality is truly excellent; it can cut through iron like mud. Other common longswords and armor are nothing compared to dragon-slaying equipment.

If that's the case, when other mid-level warriors of the same level have such powerful equipment, in the future when there are disputes or when fighting is necessary, won't the warrior wearing the Dragon Slayer Armor have the upper hand?

In comparison, warriors who haven't bought equipment are definitely not up to par.

This led to a buying frenzy – regardless of whether they went to sea or slayed dragons, they had to have the dragon-slaying equipment that others had, in order to close the gap and stand on the same starting line as others of the same level.

You have to act quickly and be willing to spend a lot of money to buy it;

If you don't buy it, you might miss this opportunity and never have another chance. If you go out and run into a warrior wearing dragon-slaying armor, you might get instantly killed.

In the world of martial arts, one is often not in control of one's own destiny. If one person buys something, the others must follow suit, or they might get chased and beaten. As a mid-level warrior, everyone is at the same level except for a set of equipment. Isn't it frustrating to be beaten?

What's more, once you buy the Dragon Slayer Armor, you can keep it as a family heirloom.

Even if their descendants don't pass the Warriors exam, wearing this outfit can at least intimidate others, and on a larger scale, it might even save their lives in case of danger.

The warriors understand this ideal perfectly, which is why the store sells out immediately every day as soon as it opens.

The other girls were stunned. Even Emily, who had disguised herself and blended in, couldn't help but gasp. "Our teacher is too cunning! How can she, this dragon, be even more shrewd than a human?"

"If we don't inflate the competition like this, how can we get those big-time parasites to obediently take money out of their pockets?" Lisa pushed up her glasses and lowered her voice, "It's about time for today's shopping to end. You need to go back and meet up with Sister Long. You can't just keep running around playing on the streets."

Emily put on her cloak and nodded. "Okay, I know! I can't let anyone recognize me. Teacher should be almost done buying things for me by now. Hehe, I can finally go to Teacher's house!"

“I really want to go too, but I can’t get away…” Linda sighed. “My intermediate warrior is still worried. He’s especially concerned that too many people going out to sea will anger the dragons and cause them to retaliate in Florenta. I have to think of ways to comfort him.”

Another sister shrugged helplessly, "I've been really busy lately. I only borrowed some money from Sister Long at her suggestion to take over an old shipyard. Who would have thought that the Age of Exploration would suddenly start? The factory is bustling with activity. I've already absorbed several small workshops and it's almost become the largest shipyard."

"Hehe, Sister Long is finding all sorts of ways to help you make money; this is all within her expectations."

"Yes, yes, Michelle and I followed her advice and opened a car rental shop. Business is booming every day!"

"Thanks to Sister Long, not only are all the people of our Bantuku Kingdom doing well in business, but even the planting and breeding industries have made a fortune due to the tight supply and soaring prices..."

…………

The girls, carefully guarding their biggest secret, whispered among themselves as they led Emily, who had bought many daily necessities, toward the Dragon's Bride's House.

Jiang Chen wasn't idle either. Besides making big purchases, he would occasionally transform back into a man and promote the power of the Dragon Slayer Armor as a Dragon Slayer Warrior, using his celebrity status to boost sales.

As the national treasury grew increasingly full, His Majesty the King always appeared worried and listless in front of others; however, in private, he would beam with joy when looking at the data reported by the finance minister, and would even secretly eat two extra bowls of rice.

Just as Jiang Chen predicted, the Warriors community quickly became fiercely competitive.

Regardless of age or whether they need to slay dragons, all intermediate warriors are willing to spend a lot of money to ensure they have a set of dragon-slaying equipment so as not to fall behind others!

This involutionary trend quickly spread to novice warriors and wealthy individuals who didn't care about money.

Everyone wants to go to sea to rescue the princess, so why should intermediate warriors get better equipment? Everyone is equal when facing a dragon. If they have dragon-slaying gear and we don't, aren't we falling far behind?

Moreover, with so many people setting sail from Bantuku Port, even though the Misty Sea is vast and boundless, it is inevitable that they will encounter other fleets and competitors. What if a fight breaks out?

What if I find the princess first, and others get jealous and try to steal her away?

To ensure sufficient combat power, you must acquire a set of Dragon Slayer armor, so that you won't have to worry about your defense being instantly broken when you clash with your weapon!

However, the equipment sold through official channels is only sold to those who possess intermediate warrior medals. Others want to buy it, or some feel that one set is not enough and want to buy several sets to leave to their descendants. The demand is increasing day by day. Following the established rule that where there is profit, there is a market, soon a "traitor" appeared in the exclusive store.

Every day, they take advantage of their jobs to "resell" several sets of Dragon Slayer equipment on the black market, and then resell them at several times the market price.

With the supply secured, other countries were quickly drawn in as well.

Who would complain about their country's soldiers being well-equipped?

Dragon-slaying armor is too expensive and limited in quantity, making it unrealistic to arm the entire army. However, buying a few sets as rewards for generals is still feasible, ensuring that they won't be inferior to their opponents in terms of equipment on the battlefield in the future.

All countries have entered a state of intense competition, and the price of dragon-slaying equipment has skyrocketed.

Jiang Chen's equipment, forged in dragon fire over many years, brought unimaginable profits in a very short time.

Barrels of fresh water, rum, fruits, vegetables, grains, and ammunition were loaded onto the ships, and one after another, larger and more imposing vessels slowly sailed away from the port and headed for the Misty Sea.

Sailors chanted their work songs, the sails billowed in the wind, and the people who had set sail to find Dragon Island and rescue the princess were full of hope and confidence as they looked in the direction they believed to be right.

Those who had not yet obtained the giant ship waited anxiously, praying for everything to go smoothly for themselves and cursing their opponents to perish when they encountered the dragon ship, so that the best opportunity, the most beautiful princess in the world, and the throne could be reserved for themselves.

"Lloyd, Florence is just ahead." Xiao Wuzi was still a little anxious as he rode faster. "We're still not fast enough. We've heard so much along the way; many people have already set sail!"

"I heard that Master is in Florence. Let's see if we can find him." Lloyd was also very anxious, but he still managed to remain calm and plan in his mind how to rescue Emily as quickly and safely as possible.

My master is a dragon slayer, and he has the most valuable experience in fighting evil dragons.

I had humbly sought guidance on how to slay dragons, but my master said I shouldn't be too ambitious and should at least wait until I reached the intermediate warrior level before learning about dragon slaying. Now that I've advanced, and with Emily kidnapped by a dragon, my master should be able to impart the secrets of dragon slaying, right?

Upon entering Florentia, Lloyd and Xiao Wu were stunned.

What a bustling metropolis!

Everywhere you look, even the narrowest streets and alleys are packed with people, with merchants squeezing in every available space to hawk their novelties; big-spending tourists are willing to spend a fortune to have their portraits drawn in front of the brand-new statue of the dragon that kidnapped the princess; and many ordinary young people are anxiously trying to find ways to buy a dragon-slaying outfit...

"My God, I never knew Florence was so bustling!" Xiao Wuzi was stunned. The scene was even more lively than the cities of superpowers. "With so many people coming and going, where are we going to find out about Master?"

Lloyd was also a little confused.

Emily clearly stated that Bantuku was just a small country nestled against the Misty Sea. A hundred years ago, it was somewhat lively because a warrior went out to sea to slay a dragon. However, the Misty Sea has a harsh climate, and only the nearshore areas can yield a small number of fish, barely enough to sustain the fishermen's livelihoods. The country as a whole did not have a strong economy.

Is it because the dragon has abducted the princess that this place is so bustling and prosperous now?

"Let's find someone to inquire first." Lloyd gripped the longsword at his waist, his brows furrowing slightly. Most people seemed to be enjoying a once-in-a-century carnival, and no one cared whether Emily was safe.

He had to hurry and get to Dragon Island as fast as possible to kill the dragon and rescue Emily!

Sitting in the back hall of the specialty store, Jiang Chen instructed the "traitors" on how to disassemble the equipment and auction it off on the black market for high prices. Helmets, armor, boots, longswords, etc., sold separately would surely attract buyers who would spend a fortune to collect a complete set.

He even considered whether to create some dragon-slaying blind boxes to boost sales.

"Mr. Warrior, two young men have come into the store and say they are your apprentices." The shop assistant quickly came to report, and Jiang Chen waved for them to come in.

"Master!"

"Master!"

Lloyd and Xiao Wuzi didn't waste much time finding out that the Dragon Slayer Warrior had opened a specialty store. They quickly found it and greeted their master with respect.

"Master, you haven't changed at all over the years. You're still so handsome and young!" Xiao Wuzi exclaimed sincerely.

Lloyd, however, had no time for reminiscing and hurriedly asked, "Master, our junior sister Emily has been kidnapped by a dragon! We need to set sail as soon as possible to find Dragon Island and rescue her!"

"I know, don't rush." ​​Jiang Chen asked the two of them to sit down and have a sip of tea before slowly saying, "I have prepared the equipment for you to slay the dragon."

I may look young and strong now, but I've lost the youthful vigor and passion I once had. In this state, I'm no match for a dragon. Therefore, I'm sharing my secrets of success, crafting dragon-slaying armor for the warriors, hoping someone can successfully rescue Emily.”

Lloyd declared confidently, "I will definitely find Dragon Island and bring Emily back!"

Jiang Chen nodded in satisfaction, "With this kind of fighting spirit, success is possible. You are now intermediate warriors, and it is indeed time for you to learn the secrets of slaying dragons."

Listen carefully now, I'll only tell you these secrets once.

The two sat upright, their ears perked up, listening attentively.

"First of all, if you want to slay a dragon, you can only do it alone; don't even think about going with someone."

Hearing his master say this, Xiao Wuzi was dumbfounded. "Why? To deal with such a huge dragon, isn't it more powerful in numbers?"

Jiang Chen waved his finger and said in a serious tone, "How many people do you think would be needed to fight against a dragon with its enormous size and strength? More people don't always mean more strength. Unless you have some kind of magic to gather everyone together to form a giant, you might be able to defeat the dragon by sheer force."

Lloyd: ∑('△｀)？ !

Xiao Wuzi: !!(o'?'o)?o????

No wonder Master was able to become the only dragon slayer in over a hundred years; his unique and unconventional ideas alone are quite astonishing!

But... what he said also seems to make a lot of sense!

“Sometimes having more people can be a disadvantage.” Jiang Chen continued to make things up casually. “You don’t know if your teammates are reliable or not. Even if only one of them deserts or betrays you, he could leave you stranded and helpless on the vast ocean at any time.”

In that case, it's better to go alone, as the target is smaller and less likely to be discovered, and you can make thorough preparations. Even if you fail to slay the dragon, you'll have a reliable escape route.

"Mmm-hmm." The two nodded their heads like chicks pecking at rice.

The fluffy dumpling laughed so hard she rolled around, clutching her stomach. "Hiahiahia~ Host, you're really good at making things up. You just want the protagonist to set off on his own so that his halo doesn't activate and he has to sacrifice his friends. You're making it sound so real."

Xiao Wuzi pondered for two seconds and silently raised his hand, "Master, we won't team up with anyone else. Just Lloyd and I should be okay, right?"