Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 247, Section 4. Without the Noggenfogger Potion, what's left of Gadgetzan?
"So, you just swaggered out like that, 'watched off' by the Black Crow King's guards?"

Diakum looked at the expressionless Aegwynn in surprise, then gave her a thumbs up and said:
"Impressive, Guardian. I asked you to be a prophet to deliver a message, and you almost turned it into an Assassin's Creed story, striking a pose as if you were about to assassinate the king."

"I'm just too lazy to get entangled with the elves."

Aegwynn, dressed as a "prophet of the raven," shook her head and said:

"The thought of the situation facing Azeroth right now gives me a headache. All six Forces have already taken action, and the mortal empires should be more proactive in getting involved. If they continue to play it safe, they will only become cannon fodder in the Force Wars."

On the contrary, it's you.
You rushed me to teleport you from Stormwind to Kalimdor, yet you're leisurely planning to stroll around a goblin city? Are you sure you're here to pay homage to the Star Soul Lord, and not for a leisurely trip?

"Time, Guardian, the key to this operation lies in the precise control of time."

The Watcher didn't offer much explanation. He was riding his cool Ghost Tiger, leading his "tour group" in a grand procession across the Tanaris desert.

But the girls were all sitting in the black noble carriage at the back, which bore the crest of the Presto family. Rexxar, who was wrapped up tightly, sat on top of the carriage as a makeshift coachman. Therefore, the guards running in front of the carriage looked more like "scouts" for important figures on their outings.

He said to Aegwynn, who was riding the magic carpet:
"I heard in Stormwind that the goblins were severely infected by the demonic plague. Considering that Gadgetzan and Gadgetzan are the core cities of the Gadgetzan Consortium, I came here specifically to check. After all, Lothar can't rebuild the empire with just courage and faith; where the money will come from is a very important question."

Rebuilding an empire sounds like a very expensive undertaking.

Even with its vast wealth, Quel'Thalas can't withstand such a disaster if it can't attract angel investors.

"Okay, I understand."

Aegwynn said:

"You want to do business with the goblins? The goods are the human empire. Hmm, although the goblins are all ambitious, I'm afraid not many people would dare to take on such a big deal."

"So you want to talk to the biggest boss? You've lived for over eight hundred years, and nothing in the world can escape your ears. How much do you know about 'Prince Trader Jerass,' who established the Jerass Consortium?"

Dick looked at his ally, Aegwynn paused for a moment, then shook his head and said:
"I don't know. I haven't had any money problems since I turned 40. During my most desperate period, I would sneak into the bank vault in Dalaran and borrow some money."

Medivh had never dealt with goblins before, but for a time he was quite interested in them.

He once told me that if the world continues on its current trajectory without external intervention, the goblins will most likely rule the world thousands of years from now.

He said the goblins possessed power that could shape the future, or even destroy the world.

But I always took it as a lame joke my son used to make his mother laugh.

The former guardian said dismissively:
"If Medivh was talking about money, then he's destined to be disappointed. The goblins couldn't earn as much money in ten thousand years as the Golden King of the Zandalari Empire. In the Vault of All Souls in Dazar'alor there is a rare 'golden elemental' called 'Fengling'."

Wherever it goes, soil and rocks turn into pure gold.

Money can't accomplish much in Azeroth; any truly powerful person with a modicum of integrity wouldn't stoop to the level of a ridiculous amount of gold.

"I guess Medivh was referring to the goblins' 'business mindset'."

Diakum shook his head, feeling that the Guardian was underestimating "capitalism." On the other hand, Medivh's insight was indeed sharp; he had seen the key to the rise of the goblin tycoons.

But to be honest, this plague is the most dangerous situation the goblins have ever encountered in their process of ruling the world.

Goblins are inherently weak, and they don't care about their flesh and blood being degenerated. However, once the plague takes away the intelligence that goblins are so proud of, then the little greens can only return to their rightful place in this world.

It is said that the goblins' ancestors, the Pygmies, were once mining slaves of trolls in ancient times. From this perspective, the goblins' rise to power is actually quite inspiring.

"Stop whoever comes!"

As they crossed the desert and arrived at the entrance to Gadgetzan, the goblin city in the desert, a weak voice sounded from ahead.

Outside the gates of this classic desert "giant earthen walled city," decorated with a wasteland-style mechanical design, a goblin guard riding on a giant's head coughed terribly, too weak to even pick up his goblin musket.

Even so, the goblin guard still stretched out his hand and said tremblingly:
"Pay the city entry fee and get a temporary residence permit for one person. Cough cough cough. Three silver coins."

"But I have no money, my goblin friend."

Diakum stowed away the Spectral Tiger vehicle and, under the watchful gaze of the憨厚 (honest and simple) giant wielding a spiked warhammer, spoke to the goblin with a strange tuft of white hair before him:
"How about I use this to pay?"

"What is this? Damn it, this disease is killing me, I'm almost blind."

The goblin guard, dazed and confused, tried to see what Dick was holding, but he used too much force and fell off the giant's head with a scream, hitting the sand and passing out.

"It's over now."

Aegwynn, standing to the side with her arms crossed, scoffed:
“You’re going to be extorted to death by the goblins in this city. In this situation, I don’t think this matter will be over until you pay them hundreds or thousands of gold coins.”

"Don't make trouble."

Dick crouched down in human form, helped the unconscious goblin up, and put the seed into its mouth for it to swallow.

He turned to Aegwynn and said:

"If this guy were to die here, I'd be grateful if his compensation exceeded two months' wages, considering how persuasive he was to manage to get a top-level employment contract from Gadgetzan's HR department."

Goblin merchants always make their first fortune by exploiting their fellow goblins. Tragically, the wealthier they are, the more ruthless they exploit them; this is even considered a 'business virtue' by the goblins.

"cough cough"

The goblin guard who had been fed the seed quickly opened his eyes, and the moment he saw Diakum, he grabbed Dick's gauntlet and screamed:

"You knocked me down, pay up! At least ten gold coins to compensate me for my emotional and physical damage, otherwise I'll... Huh? I'm all better? My head doesn't hurt anymore!"

The little green skin jumped up with a shriek. Although it was still very weak, it immediately realized that its illness was recovering. It pulled up its sleeve and took a look. The dense gray spots that were originally there were also fading away quickly.

It immediately realized what had just happened, so it looked around, rubbed its hands together, and said enthusiastically to Diakum:

"You cured my plague? That's amazing!"
Was what you just fed me the antidote? Oh dear, you'd better hide this treasure well. This city is full of lunatics now. Once they find out you have the antidote, those guys will definitely come after you in logging machines.

At this point, I think you really need a 'professional manager' to help you manage this 'highly profitable' business!

Well, I'm not very talented, but I've been working in the local business world for many years. Ever since my mom gave birth to me in the bathroom of an Undermae bar, I've always wanted to find a chance to make something of myself.

I finally ran into him today.

The green goblin's large eyes shone with a tangible light. At this moment, Diakum appeared to it as if he were a "wealthy saint" who had descended from the heavens, his entire body adorned with golden light.

It said excitedly:
"The divine medicine you have can sell for at least ten gold coins. No, a thousand gold coins each! You absolutely cannot lower the price. Right now, the wealthy members of the Gadgetzan Consortium are all taking refuge in Gadgetzan. Some crazy guys have already driven the infected goblins into the desert to fend for themselves in order to protect themselves."

My God, this is so cruel.

But this is a great opportunity for you to make a name for yourself!
I guarantee that if you entrust the operation to me, you will become a wealthy tycoon in less than a day, and I will also earn a reputation and commission.

"Since we're on this topic, shall we sign a labor contract?"

Wearing his battle helmet, Diakum watched as the goblin before him spoke so many words in one breath. Only when the goblin looked at him expectantly did the Watcher speak:

"Your name is Marin? Marin Nogfogger? Aren't you a pharmacist? Why are you working as a guard?"

"You know me?"

The goblin paused for a moment, then sighed and said:
"The rich man knew I was a local apothecary. After he abandoned Booty Bay and fled here, he asked me to find a way to cure the plague, but I didn't have that ability. I even got infected myself."

Gadgetzan no longer tolerates idlers!

I wasn't joking. Many wealthy people are hiding here for refuge. Those infected goblins who can't pay will be kicked out, and there are many of them.
"Sigh, a failed pharmacist like me can only work like a slave to others to make a living."

"Ok."

Dick nodded, beckoned to Marin Nogfogger, who was at least 26 years away from becoming a tycoon, and whispered:
"I'll sign a contract with you, appointing you as my temporary personal treasurer. I have a bag of seeds here; go to the desert and bring back those expelled goblins. Soak the seeds in water and give it to them to drink. Although it won't cure the plague, it will greatly alleviate their symptoms."

Also, I want to see hot sand!

"I'm only staying here for 24 hours. If you can't get me to see Hot Sands, then our contract is void." "I can't."

Marin Nogfogger's eyes lit up, but then he pointed to the sky with a bitter expression and said:

"Prince Hot Sands was cruising in the sky in his luxurious airship the day after the plague broke out. Someone like him wouldn't risk getting infected and returning to the ground. But I know that Rivigaz, the richest man in Gadgetzan, is a loyal subordinate of Prince Hot Sands and has been appointed to manage his business in Booty Bay."

The wealthy man surely has a way to contact Prince Resa, and I will definitely find a way to let you meet him.

Actually, all you need is one seed.

It rubbed its hands together, took the small bag of seeds from Diakum, and said:

"The wealthy man was also infected with the plague. He sensed that his days were numbered, so he locked himself in his room. Now, half of the chaos in Gadgetzan is caused by other people trying to inherit Rivigaz's wealth."

"Just give it the seed, just cure it, and you'll immediately become the new master of this city."

"Then you can handle it, the faster the better."

The vigilant nodded and led the others into the city. Marin Nogfogger, bowing and scraping, watched his "temporary employer" leave, then looked somewhat conflicted at the small packet of seeds in his hand.

It opened it and counted; inside were ten precious seeds, radiating a vibrant green.

These things can save ten infected goblins. If it operates properly, the ten seeds could bring it a huge business with a return rate that could exceed several thousand or even tens of thousands of times. Or, if it's really cunning, it could simply run away with the money.

It's just a verbal contract anyway, so it has no binding force.

But the mysterious man asked me to soak the seeds in water to save the goblins who were about to die miserably in the desert. What a waste!
Those poor people were kicked out of the city because they couldn't pay their bills; there's no reward in saving them.

Marin is a pharmacist, though not necessarily a professional, but he can tell that the vitality of these seeds is diminishing over time, which means he must make a decision immediately.

Should I rescue people, contact a wealthy tycoon, or seize this windfall opportunity to make a fortune?
Three choices were presented to Marin Nogfogger, leaving him in a dilemma.

The troll companions beside Noggenfogger noticed his dilemma. The ogre-like creature, though more憨厚 (honest and simple) than the other, scratched his head, rubbed his belly, and said to the goblin who had bought him from the slave trader on Kezan Island for ten silver coins:
"I'm hungry, Marin. When are we eating?"

"Eat, eat, eat! All you do is eat! I'm facing a life-changing decision! That mysterious guy just casually handed me a chance to get rich quick. He must be an angel sent by the god of wealth to enlighten me."

Marin cursed:

“I must think carefully to understand the God of Wealth’s intention. Oh right, he just said he wanted to see Prince Resa, so he must have a big business deal to discuss with him.”

That's right, that's more in line with his identity as someone who casually pulls out the plague cure.

This is just the beginning, that's right!

These seeds are just an 'interview'!
"Focus on the long term and let go of the short term" is the principle of big business. This is the first sentence that Prince Resand wrote in his autobiography. Damn it, I almost missed this opportunity to make a fortune.

fast!
Go find some water right now!

I used five seeds to save people, one as a stepping stone, one as a gift to a wealthy man, and the remaining three to make money. Well, since I'm going to show off, I'll go all the way. I'll only keep one to make money and use the remaining seven to save people.

It muttered to itself that after the troll brought a basin of water, Marin, with a heart that had never felt so sad even when a horse died, threw the seeds into the water to soak. When it was about to leave the last seed to make money, it saw the gray spots on its troll companion's arm.

This clumsy creature is incredibly resilient and unafraid of plagues, but that doesn't mean it won't be affected.

It's getting dumber and dumber these past few days.

"Damn it! Why can't I bring myself to do this? No wonder I've never been able to make a fortune."

Noggenfogger cursed angrily, then closed his eyes and tossed the seed to his troll, signaling it to eat it. Afterward, he and the now-healthy troll covered themselves with water sacs, cursing and grumbling as he reflected that he must be ruthless next time to make big money.

Judging from its skillful manner, this guy must have done this kind of self-reflection many times in his past life.

All of this was projected by Aegwynn, who had already checked into the Gadgetzan Inn, and a group of people gathered around to watch the goblin's struggle, pain, and final decision.

"This guy is a good greenskin."

Irelia wagged her tail and said:
"It really wanted to make money, and I could feel its inner conflict, but it still chose to save more people, even though its motivation was just to show you how reliable it is."

"Are you testing him on purpose, Dick?"

Nelly glanced at Diakum, who was sitting in the other corner of the room, diligently practicing Eredar calligraphy. In response to the Archbishop's question, the Watcher shook his head and said:

"It wasn't a test; I knew it would do that from the beginning."

Because it is Noggenfogger, the most disciplined and wealthy goblin, and also my favorite goblin in the future I saw in the Destiny Revelation, tied for first place with another great goblin, Gazlowe.

Even if it hadn't met us, it would have definitely made a fortune.

If there truly is a god of wealth in Azeroth, then Marin Nogfogger would undoubtedly be one of His chosen ones.

"Then why give it the seeds?"

Aegwynn didn't believe this explanation. She flipped through the magic book and said:

"You are definitely testing it in order to select the most reliable goblin partner for Marshal Lothar."

Dick offered no explanation, for the Shadow Words were also mocking his hypocrisy, even if he had just been joking with his "old friend."

Sigh, it's so lonely when no one understands me.

------

"Ahem, thank you for your magic seed, sir. You saved my life and the vast fortune I've accumulated through a lifetime of hard work. Those bastards want to take it! They won't even dream of it!"

Hours later, Rivigaz, the wealthy man who had retreated from Booty Bay and was currently in charge of Gadgetzan, hosted a lavish banquet for his "saviors" with the highest honors.

Its body was very weak, clearly having been tormented by the demonic plague for a long time. In fact, judging from the bloodshot eyes, this wealthy man in a white shirt and black pants was probably only one step away from mental degeneration.

"These seeds can only protect you through this plague infection."

Dick said seriously:

"To be immune to the effects of the plague for a long time, you need to regularly take the Seeds of Nature that the Forest Spirit Sages have cultivated. Those otherworldly beings are now gathering in the Storm Kingdom."

I am merely their messenger.

The reason I insist on meeting you is that I hope you can help me contact Prince Hotsand.

To be frank, venture capital firms funding the Greenskins' invasion of Stormwind Kingdom constitutes a de facto war crime. I hope Prince Gadsand can curb their activities through the goblin channels and keep them from becoming too active!
Furthermore, the human Arathor Empire is about to be rebuilt, and Anduin Lothar needs a sufficiently large investor, so…”

"Ah, no wonder you insisted on meeting Prince Resa. Such a massive investment is indeed beyond the decision of a regional manager like myself."

Whether from weakness or nervousness, the wealthy man's green forehead was dripping with sweat, which he wiped as he spoke:

"I will deliver the message to Prince Resand as quickly as possible. Would you like to stay a few more days so that the prince can come to discuss the details of the cooperation with you in person?"

"No need, the letter will be delivered. If Prince Gadsworth is interested in the 'matters of state,' he can go directly to Stormwind to find Marshal Lothar and speak with him."

Dick waved his hand and said:

"I must go to Silithus to wage war, which will naturally require a large amount of supplies. I need to prepare food, supplies, and medicine for at least two thousand people. I hope Gadgetzan can provide me with everything I need."

As for the compensation

The Watcher shrugged and tossed a large bag of natural seeds into the arms of Marin Nogfogger, who was puffing out his chest in a smug manner.

He said to the astonished wealthy man:
"The business matters will be discussed with you by my private finance officer. I have only one request: the sooner the better! Also, those seeds can only maintain their activity for eight hours after being removed from the magical environment, so you don't have much time to heal this city."

While business is business, in the name of the Holy Light, let's not let those who suffer spend this night in despair.

(End of this chapter)