The Metaverse World
Wise Struggle: A Shaky Offer
Staying three months towards the first harvest in the sixth month, Heru Cokro had to prepare at least ten million units of grain. If we consider the use of grain for other purposes, then the total cost reaches fifteen thousand gold. This is a very large amount, especially when compared to the meager military resources.
Military grain makes up only a fraction of this total cost. Regional projects and spending on military salaries are the biggest components. Therefore, Heru Cokro had to think hard about how to earn more money.
Under the agreement that had been made, in the third month, on the first day, the three guilds would dispatch their elite troops and gather in Borneo. Each elite group would consist of five hundred people. Unfortunately, the Boundary Rat Paying Army group only had six hundred members, so they were unable to take part in this plan.
After the discussion on Kalimantan, the day is nearing noon. Heru Cokro threw a party in the back garden as a form of gratitude for the good cooperation.
After the party, everyone had some free time. Some of them chose to explore Java Dwipa, while others gathered to discuss their own projects.
Suddenly, Wulan Guritno tries to convince Maya Estianti to take the girls to Pantura Bay for a swim. Although the sea water was still cold, players had powerful bodies and could enter the water. Heru Cokro did not realize how attractive the beach and sea were to the girls. Of the ten girls, only Aril Tatum refused.
However, Aril Tatum may just not want to leave the place where the bright moon shines down the river.
Genkpocker, Genkjoker, and a few other friends try to follow them, but they are rejected firmly by Wulan Guritno.
"No, no, we go alone!" wulan Guritno said firmly.
Afterwards, their attempts to follow the girls were unsuccessful.
Genkpocker persuaded his friend to go to the brothel, even shamelessly saying that he wanted to learn from the Javanese entertainment industry Dwipa.
Abhimanyu Wijaya also followed them.
Compared to Aryasatya Wijaya whose life is clean and pure, Abhimanyu Wijaya's personal life is wild. She is a playboy who changes girlfriends every month.
Meanwhile, Aryasatya Vijaya went with Habibi and Abraham Moses to tour the city. As a ruler responsible for the development of the region, Java Dwipa has many lessons that he can take and apply in Kalimantan. Many of the details of the city's construction could only be fully understood if he saw it in person.
Meanwhile, Heru Cokro summoned the Golden Rat to his reading room.
"Brother, about The Mask Rabbit, did you find anything?" ask Heru Cokro while serving a cup of hot tea.
The Golden Rat, who had investigated The Rabbit Mask on the orders of Heru Cokro, looked solemn.
"This matter is more serious than we thought," the Golden Rat said seriously. "Based on the instructions you gave us, we actually found the meeting place of The Mask Rabbit in Pindad. Unfortunately, when we got there, everyone was gone."
Heru Cokro nodded while brewing tea. He felt calm because his martial arts cultivation had given him peace of mind.
"Thank you for your hard work" said Heru Cokro. "Even if we're late, at least we have a lead."
They need to remain vigilant against The Rabbit Mask, who has proven to be a cunning and dangerous opponent.
Heru Cokro nodded in agreement. The Rabbit Mask must have realized that their failed assassination attempt would bring back a reply from Heru Cokro. Therefore, they have given the location of their meeting in Pindad as a sign of peace.
Facing such a skilled opponent was something extremely challenging. Heru Cokro wanted to know if there was any other news that could help him in this situation.
The Golden Rat smiled somewhat awkwardly as he gave his next piece of news, "We coincidentally discovered that they had revoked their murder order against you."
Heru Cokro frowned, "They might have deliberately released this news. When did your men get this information?"
The Golden Rat steadfastly replied, "This we already knew ten days ago."
"Ten days ago?" Heru Cokro smiled, "When is the Battle of Gresik over? The Rabbit Mask seems to have a quick source of intel."
The Golden Rat nodded and understood that Heru Cokro would read the situation well. They thought that there might be spies from The Mask Rabbit among the alliance forces during the Battle of Gresik. Facing a force as big as Java's Dwipa, The Rabbit Mask may have taken the prudent decision to stop the assassination attempt.
The Golden Rat agreed, "Sure, please say."
Heru Cokro explained his plan, "Tell them that I want to watch Wijiono Manto being killed in public. After that, everything will be forgiven."
He did not want to continue to be at odds with The Rabbit Mask. He knew that there might be a time in the future where they could work together. By stating that he wanted to forgive them, he left the door open to re-connect with them. However, he could not forgive Wijiono Manto.
The Golden Rat laughed, "That was a sneaky idea! You really know how to play with their minds!"
Heru Cokro wanted to tell The Mask Rabbit that he had known early on who hired them. He also wanted to tell Wijiono Manto that he had figured out his tricks in the living room. How The Rabbit Mask chooses to act next will depend on their goodwill.
It seemed, when his superior received the message from Heru Cokro, their faces would look very attractive.
"Don't talk about them," Heru Cokro waved his hand and continued, "Brother, have you considered my advice?"
Heru Cokro has advised the Copper Rat and the Silver Rat to take an important role in Java Dwipa. The Copper Rat will be the secretary of military intelligence, while the Silver Rat will be in charge of testing the special forces training base.
During this period of time, Heru Cokro had spoken to both of them. Both members of the mercenary group were willing to accept those roles. They realized that the positions Heru Cokro had offered were very important.
However, the Copper Rat and the Silver Rat were also very emotionally attached to the rest of their group. The departure of both of them would have a huge impact on the group of the Berdasi Rat Paying Army. The Golden Rat, as the leader of the group, also has great concerns as to how this move will affect the future viability of their group.
The Golden Rat kept smiling, but he appeared very confused. Heru Cokro knew that if he did not find a solution to this problem, his plans would fail, and cooperation with them would be disrupted. Doubt and inner conflict like this can ruin a strong relationship.
Heru Cokro began to consider his alternatives and decided to discard one of his trump cards. What he would do was risky, but he had to try to see if it would work.
"If you don't mind me asking, what's your final goal with the Boundary Rat Charge Army group?" Heru Cokro asked.
The Golden Rat smiled bitterly, "To be honest, we haven't thought about it seriously. We are just a bunch of mercenaries who are used to fighting. Besides, we don't have a long-term plan. We take jobs, get money, spend it on drinks and women. That's our life, both in the real world and in the game."
Heru Cokro nodded in understanding. Even though his words sounded harsh, it was a simple picture of life and perhaps more plausible to them.
"Since that's the case, why don't you let me be the sick tenant of the Berdasi Rat Paying Army group?"
The Golden Rat was very surprised, "What do you mean?"
Heru Cokro explained further, "It's simple. You all moved to Jawa Dwipa and worked for me. I'll double your total income."
The Golden Rat still had many doubts even though Heru Cokro had given a very tempting offer. For them, money is not the only factor to consider.
“Money is just one aspect,” Golden Rat paused for a moment, “That is more important, we are used to going around. We may not be used to staying in one place.”
Heru Cokro understood the worries of the Golden Rat. He knew that taking this step would change their lives significantly, and there would be great challenges in adjusting to a more structured life.
Heru Cokro decided to explain further, "But I want you to listen to my plan first before making a decision."
The Golden Rat agreed, "Please speak."
Heru Cokro explained, "After joining Jawa Dwipa, you will have four job options. First, you can become a spy for the Military Intelligence Division. Second, you can become an instructor at a special forces training base. Third, you can join the military and work your way up to becoming a captain or major. Even being a colonel might be open to you."
Heru Cokro knew that the colonel's job was the highest limit he could offer. Major general positions can only be held by NPCs. By offering this position, he was taking a big risk in the hope that they would accept the offer.
Even so, the Golden Rat was still hesitant. "This all sounds tempting, but we are mercenaries. We love to explore the world and find news. We don't want to be tied to one place."
Heru Cokro understood their worries and knew that it would not be easy to solve this problem. He realized that taking this step would have a huge impact on the group of the Berdasi Rat Paying Army, and he needed to find a better way to convince them.