Several elders stood some distance from the harbor, gazing at the busy scene in the distance.
Workers shouted in rhythm as they carried crate after crate of goods onto the Serpent Emblem Conglomerate's cargo ships.
The bustling harbor and the ships lined up waiting to dock created a striking scene, as if silently mocking the Church's "trade ban."
"I really didn't expect this..." the human elder murmured. "Under the Church's threats, Treasure Island actually managed to establish ties with the Serpent Emblem Conglomerate."
The Dwarf Elder narrowed his eyes and estimated the number of ships. "At this scale, they may be planning to sell Treasure Island's goods across the entire continent."
However, the Elf Elder's brow gradually furrowed as he keenly realized a problem. "Treasure Island's products have always sold well. This will likely increase the Serpent Emblem Conglomerate's reputation in every region."
The others froze for a moment, then immediately understood what he meant.
The Serpent Emblem Conglomerate claimed to be a Minor Association. Both its distribution model and internal structure were highly similar to those of the Association.
The difference was that the Association was more official, recognized by every race and nation, and regularly issued all kinds of missions.
The Serpent Emblem Conglomerate, on the other hand, leaned more toward Gray Industries. It also issued missions and accepted commissions.
It was also involved in storing important items and exchanging gold.
At their core, both were about giving out and accepting missions.
This time, however, the Serpent Emblem Conglomerate had clearly changed its strategic direction.
The buying frenzy caused by products like Fountain Pens and watches had already reached the ears of those at headquarters. If the Serpent Emblem Conglomerate began selling them, its wealth and influence would surely soar.
It was obviously impossible for it to surpass