the visionary

Counting the Profits:

After the overwhelming success of the "Aurora of Tomorrow" auction, Rafa returned to his private office in the main tower to assess the financial results. Sitting in a floating chair, he observed holograms projecting impressive numbers into the air.

"The magic method books brought in fortunes," he murmured, running his fingers through the floating data. "Kaelen's inventions were also a hit. And that Chiyu Chiyu no Mi... well, it seems someone was truly willing to pay any price for it."

The total revenue was astronomical, far beyond what any similar event had ever generated in Eldoria. However, for Rafa, money was only a secondary detail.

"Money is useful, but the real treasure here is recognition," he thought, leaning back in his chair. "Now everyone knows who I am. My name will echo for generations."

Recognition and Challenge Letters:

In the days following the auction, Rafa's name spread like wildfire across all continents of Eldoria. He was hailed as a visionary, a revolutionary who was changing the rules of the game. Nobles, merchants, and even commoners talked about the young baron who had created innovative magical items and organized such a grand event.

However, not all reactions were positive. Soon after the auction, letters began arriving at Rafa's territory. Many of them were challenge letters sent by the most powerful men in Eldoria, who saw the young baron as a threat or simply wanted to test his abilities.

Reading the Letters (Third Person):

Victor handed a stack of scrolls to Rafa, each sealed with different crests.

"Master, these are the letters that arrived in the last few hours," Victor said, maintaining his impeccable posture. "It seems many are interested in measuring their strength against you."

Rafa quickly skimmed through some of the letters. One was signed by Thalor, the Glacial, demanding a duel to "prove his superiority." Another came from Sylra, the Fire Master, who wished to "test the limits of the Visionary." Even secret guilds sent indirect challenges, inviting him to controlled combat arenas.

"They are curious," Rafa said, smiling. "But there's no need to worry. I can defeat them with a snap of my fingers."

Victor hesitated before responding. "Master, it might be wise to consider these challenges. Refusing so many duels could be seen as cowardice."

Rafa nodded. "You are right. But I don't need to prove anything to anyone. If they want to fight, they can come. I will receive them whenever and however I wish."

Discussing the Dungeon:

While dealing with the challenge letters, Rafa decided to address another important matter: the mysterious dungeon he had sealed at the heart of his territory. He called Victor for a meeting in his strategy room.

"Victor, we need to discuss the dungeon," Rafa said, while projecting a holographic map of the territory. At the center of the map, a red dot pulsed, representing the dungeon's location.

Victor bowed respectfully. "Yes, master. What do you wish to know?"

"I could clear that dungeon easily with a snap of my fingers," said Rafa, crossing his arms. "But that would be... anticlimactic. Besides, it would be a waste of such a valuable resource."

Victor frowned. "A resource, master?"

"Yes," Rafa replied. "That dungeon is leaking S-rank energy. This means it is one of the most dangerous and powerful in Eldoria. Instead of eliminating it, why not turn it into a test for the kingdom's warriors? Something like a challenge arena."

Victor pondered for a moment. "This would attract many powerful warriors to our territory, further increasing our reputation. But it could also bring risks. What if someone managed to exploit the dungeon without our permission?"

Rafa smiled. "That's why we have the Shadow Department and Kael's clones. We can monitor everything discreetly. Additionally, I can create additional barriers to ensure no one enters without my authorization."

"I understand," Victor said, nodding. "So, what is the plan?"

"We will announce a tournament," Rafa said, with a gleam in his eyes. "A tournament to explore the dungeon. Participants will have to prove their worth to earn the right to enter. Who knows? We might even discover some useful allies in the process."

Planning the Tournament:

With the idea set, Rafa began planning the tournament details. He decided that the event would be called "Trial of the Aurora," referring to the auction house's name. The objective would be simple: participants would face preliminary challenges to prove their strength before being allowed to enter the dungeon.

"The preliminary challenges will be created by Kaelen," Rafa told Victor. "He can develop magical arenas and technological obstacles to test the competitors. As for the dungeon, we will keep the seal intact until the tournament begins."

Victor carefully noted the instructions. "And what about the prizes, master?"

Rafa smiled. "The prizes will be exclusive items created by me. Perhaps another Akuma no Mi, or something equally valuable. This will ensure the best come running."

Final Reflection:

After finalizing the initial preparations for the tournament, Rafa returned to his tower's balcony to observe the horizon. He felt the weight of his growing fame, but also the excitement of shaping Eldoria's future.

"They challenge me because they are afraid," he murmured, watching the distant mountains. "But they don't realize I'm just the beginning. Soon, my modern empire will be the standard for this world."

He knew that the next steps would be crucial. The tournament would attract Eldoria's greatest warriors, and he would need to be prepared to handle any threat.

"Until then, I will remain the visionary everyone underestimates," he concluded, with a confident smile.