Hero of Darkness

Kahn woke up the next morning with calm and fresh mind. The first thought in his mind was about something they were going to do today. Because this day would mark a significant change in his life.

Since he could no longer do dungeon hunting or killing people to get strong and raise his levels, he had planned to open a new business along with Albestros.

This way, he would gain money and resources and won't have to resort to violence for some time. And it was also about time when he finally used his experience as an accountant from his previous life.

Kahn took a cold bath, got freshened up and went downstairs to the kitchen where Albestros was already preparing breakfast for both of them.

"Kid, you're awake." spoke the old man.

"Yeah.. I feel very refreshed and also excited." he replied.

"So what's going to be our plan? I only have the experience of running a small company. But the type of business we're trying to set up would require us to have thousands of workers, long-term consignments and rich consumers. Otherwise, we're no different than a vegetable vendor." spoke Albestros.

"You should leave that to me. Although I'm new to this as well, I already know the most important basics of starting a big and stable business." spoke Kahn.

"Enlighten me.."

"The first.. Assess the market before opening your doors. Understand the industry you wish to enter, as well as its major players and your future competitors.

If we can't offer something better and at a cheaper price, then we might as well leave this thought. Because our competition would be an established enterprise and we're basically trying to steal their food; right in their territory.

In the beginning, there will be many losses that we will have to go through. The organization itself won't be in harmony. And people we hire won't be loyal either. That's why many big businesses value their employees who can go for a long ride with them. Rest are there just for the money and easily expandable.

And naturally, we will have to create an environment suitable for the workers in a way that the company feels like a second home for them.

Once they're working as one unit, the efficiency & production will increase. For the first month itself, we should focus on covering the marginal cost rather than gaining profits.

Thus, the amount of starting capital needs to be decided before we even start. Because we will have to spend most of it on resources, supplies and distributors. Otherwise, we will never be able to expand quickly." he explained.

"I see. What's the second?" asked the blacksmith.

"The second is.. Know your audience. A defined and targeted market will help us gain a better and repeating customer base.

We need those people who would be our long-time consumers and completely rely on us for the service we're offering. The one time customers can only offer a chummy change even if they bring more people. There's a limit on how much a small number of customers can do. So we will need to aim for the big sharks first, the prawns can be prioritized upon later.

And this is where the Vandereich clan comes in." he elaborated.

"You mean their connections, right?" asked the old man.

"Yes. But no."

"The best customer is always the big organizations until we become a household name.

After our deal, the Vandereich clan would be doing direct business with us as far as weapons & armors are concerned. Unlike the other Grandmaster Blacksmiths who also work independently.. We need this clan's support even if we get branded as part of their faction.

Because those who critique you don't pay your bills. The business should be structured to meet the demands, expectations and emotions of the people who come to buy things from you.

Once the word spreads, not just their single clan; but other clans from their faction would also be more inclined to do business with us.

The direct jump we will be making in the first few months alone would save us years of struggle in gaining the rich customer base that we normally wouldn't get in the beginning phases.

And since the clan is also getting a cut, they would also be spreading the word about our company from the shadows."

"Wait, doesn't that mean we're completely relying on them for our business to flourish?" asked Albestros.

"In a way, yes. But in the long term, they won't have a true hold on us because of various reasons.

One reason being that they're not the investors and don't own any shares in our company in any way. The second would be that we're not dependent on them for the long term.

Of course, they might try to affect our business and even ward off our customers with their connections if the relationship between us sours.. But that will only happen if we're also relying on them for the manpower, security and management.

And that's why we will have to be independent of them as soon as we can. And I have some plans for that as well.

All we have to do is not make deals with people from their opponent's side and we will have their backing on the surface. That should be more than enough to avoid unnecessary trouble from the small fries.

Only those with big backing would dare to mess around with us." Kahn explained his foresight.

"I see. I presume there's a third?.." asked the blacksmith.

"Definitely. The third is.. Understand when, how and to whom you pay taxes and fees.

The bigger the company and more jobs we create.. the government will give us a subsidy or tax exemption accordingly. It can also increase our profits on an annual basis and the business will easily cover our initial losses from the beginning months.

Since both of us don't have any credibility to our name and the money I have came from unknown sources, no established bank would give us a loan. So if the business bombs.. It will be us taking a complete loss, nobody else."

Kahn sighed and continued again..

"The fourth is.. decide on the story or emotions you're selling through marketing, advertising and word of mouth." he said.

"What? Isn't your work and craftsmanship makes the biggest difference?" asked the old man.

Because that's how Albestros had run his previous company years ago.

"Yes, it does.. But you're forgetting that we're not selling paintings or any art. We're selling weapons and armors.

The swiftly your weapon kills, the happier your customer is. And you can always make it look elegant and artistic anyway. That would even sell for a higher price." spoke Kahn as he ate the breakfast.

Albestros on the other hand looked at Kahn with angered eyes as if Kahn had greatly disrespected their craft.

"Now let me explain.. Even if your work is the best in the world, it will never sell for a reasonable price unless there's a story and brand value of the maker attached to it.

In our case.. You are our poster boy. And the story is that the work was done by a Grandmaster Blacksmith.

That fact alone will be enough to sell our product. And the more reputation and popularity you gain over time.. The more money we make." spoke Kahn and gave a slightly sinister smirk.

As if a greedy and heartless business tycoon was looking at a goldmine.

Even Albestros felt a shiver in his bones after looking at the young man next to him.

"I get it. What's next?" he asked.

Kahn's face turned serious the next moment. As the next topic played a very important part in their plans.

"Next.. Let's visit the company building."

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