Chapter 293 of "Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic" is already posted online in Korean language courtesy of imgur.com.
Fortunately, Tumblr user Eleore provided extensive details on what happened in the chapter. The Kou Empire arc continues with Alibaba looking for ways on how to help Kougyoku Ren pay off their massive debt to Sinbad.
In this chapter, Alibaba proposes that the best way to save the empire is through commerce. Although there's an initial protest and hesitation from Koubon, everyone eventually agrees to the proposal. The army will now become merchants and the can use their discipline and previous experience to achieve success.
However, there lies a big challenge to Alibaba: transport. Due to distance, the goods would spoil even before they could reach their destination. Although air transport has been proposed, the army cannot develop such technology and Sinbad will not lend them any form of air transportation.
The chapter ends with Alibaba still very hopeful that someone is there to lend them help and find a solution to the problem.
The next chapter would definitely focus on our hero looking for the right person to help the empire. Eleore has also spilled the beans on what could possibly happen and it is a big twist that could send the empire into a frenzy.
Kouen is alive! Although the spoilers for the upcoming chapter ends with Alibaba arguing with Sinbad on what to do with the brothers, there is a big possibility that they will defy the orders and go back the empire.
However, it should be noted that Kougyoku Ren actually knows the status of her brothers. Alibaba would definitely have a word with her after learning that everyone is actually alive.
Users in Manga Helpers are also speculating on how their decision would affect the empire and what are their actual solution on solving the empire's debt problem.
With the brothers back in the empire, the next chapters would definitely inspire the troops on their upcoming role as merchants for a different type of war. This will definitely escalate the conflict of Alibaba and Sinbad.
