Novak summoned the Pocket Store.
With a loud bang, a thick cloud of smoke erupted before his eyes.
As the smoke cleared, a goblin carrying an oversized backpack emerged, yawning before turning to Novak with a grin.
"My friend, it's wonderful to see you again! Are you here to make a purchase?"
Novak shook his head.
"I'm here to fulfill my investment promise. The first city of the abyss is about to be built. Your Excellency Zogwort, you may choose the location for the Goblin Chamber of Commerce's shop."
Zogwort blinked in surprise before shifting his gaze to the tenth floor of the vast abyss, where countless demons were already at work, moving with astonishing speed.
How many demons existed on the tenth floor? Even Novak wasn't sure, but it was certainly an eight- or nine-digit number.
He never expected all demons to cooperate, but if even one percent participated, it would be enough to construct the city's outer wall at an astonishing speed.
As for the buildings inside?
Novak hadn't given them much thought.
After all, the abyss needed to develop its own distinct architectural style. Once demons had the opportunity to buy land, they could decide for themselves what to build.
The term "city" was merely a label for this safe zone in the abyss. Designing residential districts or commercial streets was a luxury—one that demons, as a species, would find difficult to care about.
Zogwort's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"However, the abyss's development plan needs some adjustments," Novak continued. "I don't intend to establish additional safe zones on the first nine floors. I want to preserve the abyss's brutal battle system. But every tenth floor will house a 'Demon City'—a central hub for that section of the abyss. Your Excellency, you are welcome to establish the Goblin Chamber of Commerce here and conduct business as you see fit."
He added with a reassuring smile:
"You have my guarantee—no demon will cause trouble here. If anyone violates the rules, you may deal with them as you see fit. Even capture them, if necessary. Of course…" Novak paused meaningfully. "If you wish to capture others, that's a separate discussion."
Zogwort's expression shifted, his grin widening. Among the countless realms, the slave trade was one of the most lucrative industries.
Demon slaves, in particular, were rare, and those above level 30 were even rarer.
But without a doubt, any demon slave was an extremely valuable commodity.
In the abyss, aside from its unique natural resources, the most coveted product was the demons themselves—beings that could only be found in this realm.
Novak understood this well, but he remained indifferent.
Slavery was a common practice.
However, no matter how enticing Zogwort's offers might be, he would never allow him to casually capture emperor-tier demons and sell them to other worlds.
Still, there was no denying that the slave trade could bring him immense benefits.
As expected, Zogwort spoke with a sly smile:
"My most esteemed and dear friend, my Chamber of Commerce headquarters is in Sac World—the main world before I ascended to godhood. I have some slaves from other races. Once the Chamber of Commerce is established, if you have any interest, I'd be delighted to offer them to you… as a gift! A token of friendship to commemorate the founding of the first city in the abyss!"
Novak chuckled.
"Your Excellency is too generous! Well then, take your time choosing a location. I've already set the rules—this city is bound by the power of the abyss, ensuring absolute safety. No demon can act violently here. Feel free to explore at your leisure."
Zogwort nodded in satisfaction.
The two understood each other, yet neither said much.
The subject of the slave trade hinted at a larger collaboration, but for now, it was merely a passing topic.
Letting Zogwort freely capture slaves? That was wishful thinking.
Zogwort, however, was a shrewd businessman—he knew better than to make such an unrealistic request. His business thrived on trust and strategy.
Novak might currently be indifferent to the goblin's growing influence in the abyss, but Zogwort was certain that, in time, as the ruler of the abyss, he would come to realize one undeniable truth:
If the price of an investment became too steep, the contract's expiration would mark the moment he severed the abyss's trade route entirely.
After all, countless civilizations coveted demons.
They also desired the rare materials produced in the abyss.
The potential profits were beyond imagination—easily a hundredfold return.
And if the slave trade were fully opened?
The wealth generated would be unfathomable.
The abyss was an untapped goldmine, and while SSS-tier dual-class scrolls were precious, they were far from the ultimate prize!
Zogwort wasted no time in proving his value and assisting Novak.
The two strolled across the vast open space designated for the first city of the abyss, which encircled the Abyss Well at its center. As they walked, Zogwort spoke up.
"My Friend Novak, I possess numerous templates for cities from various civilizations across the heavens and myriad worlds. If you're interested, I can provide them. The establishment of the first city in the abyss is a momentous occasion—you must not take it lightly!"
Novak chuckled and nodded.
The first few layers of the abyss were indeed weak for now, but the future was uncertain. He had no intention of rigidly adhering to the abyss's traditional rules—it simply didn't make sense in the long run.
"Have you decided on a name for this city?"
The unexpected question made Novak pause.
A name? He hadn't even considered it.
But it wasn't something to dwell on.
"We'll decide when the time comes. The city's only just begun construction—it'll take some time."
Zogwort grinned. "If you need any assistance, I'll be happy to help!"
And, as it turned out, he wasn't just making empty promises.
Although the God of Trade didn't specialize in construction, one of his close associates did—the Dwarven Artisan and God of Steam.
Zogwort's support was far from insignificant.
The abyss lacked cement, and constructing a durable city wall required far more than just stacking stones.
Fortunately, the abyss did possess certain adhesive substances, and due to their unique composition, they were even stronger than conventional materials. In fact, an average Second-Tier Evolutionary would struggle to leave a scratch on the hardened surface, even with a full-strength strike.
Additionally, Novak could eventually infuse the walls with his Abyss power, further reinforcing them into an impenetrable defense.
Zogwort, always prepared, retrieved an array of specialized machines. He loaded the stones into them, and moments later, they were transformed into a liquid-like substance—a material reminiscent of concrete.
Once poured and cooled, it solidified into an exceptionally stable form, not only strengthening the structure but also reacting magically with the surrounding earth, further enhancing its resilience.
Even the foundation work was significantly reduced.
With such cutting-edge efficiency, the construction of the first city in the abyss proceeded smoothly and systematically.