Rising god Chapter 3: Plan

The Baek rchant family had long been known for their business acun.

From a young age, each mber was expected to develop a trade, honing their skills as they grew older. But beyond their business expertise, they had a unique trait: each family mber specialized in a different sector of comrce.

For Baines, it was plants.

He had an innate understanding of their uses and value, turning them into a profitable venture. And the girl in front of him, Cecilia, his older sister, was a master of entertainnt. From plays to pleasure businesses, she knew them all.

Now, in the absence of nearly half their family, she had assud leadership of the rchant house.

"You went there..." Cecilia’s voice was calm yet laced with certainty. "I already know what you’re planning." She raised a hand to silence him before he could speak.

"Revenge, right? I’ve always seen it in you. And I know that no matter what I say, it won’t change your mind. I want to tell you not to go down this path, but that would make a hypocrite." She took a deep breath. "So instead, I’ll say this: do what you must, but don’t give them an easy death."

Baines’s breath hitched. The tears he had held back for so many years ca rushing down in full force. Ironically, it was at the mont he resolved to be strong that he broke down.

He had intended to slip away unnoticed, but his sister had read him like an open book.

"I will bring us back," he vowed, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "I promise."

A soft smile appeared on Cecilia’s lips. That was all she needed to hear.

After sharing a brief but firm embrace, Baines left the basent and returned to his room. Before lying down, he paused before a mirror, studying his reflection.

He was still just a boy, twelve years old.

His dark hair fell ssily over his forehead, partially covering his brown eyes, which carried a faint crimson hue. Whether it was a natural feature, a result of the bloodshed, or simply the burning drive for revenge, he couldn’t tell, and he didn’t care.

Staring at himself, he reaffird his goal and reiterated his first plan.

After a quick shower, he dressed in all black. His first plan didn’t require extravagance, just practicality.

SWING...

Opening a hidden door in his room, he stepped into what appeared to be an indoor garden. Neatly arranged rows of plants and flowers lined the space, filling the air with a soothing aroma. The ambiance was one of tranquility and relief, an almost surreal contrast to the world outside.

This room had been his anchor, the one thing that kept him from spiraling into despair. There were tis he had contemplated ending his life, but this sanctuary reminded him of what he still had to fight for.

On the road to becoming the strongest, he would never forget his roots, which were what he was currently looking at.

Gathering the plants, he placed them carefully into his dinsional pouch before leaving the manor.

As he stepped outside, he glanced up at a familiar window. His sister was watching him from their mother’s room.

’I’ll be back. Mom, Sister...’

Leaving no room for hesitation, he turned and walked away.

...

It was night, yet the streets of the rchant district was still alive with activity.

"Fresh clothes for sale!"

"Only the finest materials!"

"Weapons commissions available!"

As expected from a rchant family’s domain, trade never ceased. People bustled about, haggling over goods, but there was one thing they all had in common: they all carried weapons. So were visible; others concealed.

After all, in this world, being unard was a death sentence.

Baines navigated the streets with ease, eventually stopping in front of a building with a faded signboard:

Baek Transport Agency

The family’s transportation business, however, was now abandoned. His sister had dissolved the agency, but not out of spite. Instead, she ensured that every worker was reassigned to other establishnts.

Even now, she protected the family’s honor.

KNOCK... KNOCK...

The door creaked open, revealing an elderly man. His eyes widened in shock.

"Y-Young Master! What, co in, quickly!"

Baines stepped inside. "Uncle Kwon, have you been well?"

"Haa... As well as one can be. I’ve been keeping the place warm, waiting for the family’s return," Kwon said, setting down a tray of tea.

The old man had been one of the agency’s longest-serving employees, yet he had refused reassignnt. He had chosen to remain, believing that one day, the Baek family would be whole again.

"So," Kwon began, his gaze steady. "What brings you here, young master?"

Baines didn’t hesitate. "I need a favor."

Kwon straightened up, "Young master, don’t scare , I will assist to the best of my ability." Kwon bowed a little to show his sincerity. You need only ask."

"Good." Baines t his gaze. "Listen carefully."

For his revenge, he needed power, true power. Not just strength but the ability to kill without hesitation. The world needed to know terror.

But such things weren’t taught in noble academies or righteous sects. If he walked up to those factions and requested to be trained, he would die before he even set foot inside.

That left him with only one option.

"I need you to sell to the savage tribes."