Isaac studied the proboscis and the nymph liquid with new appreciation. "Would this neutralize the internal acid? Interesting approach. We could create an injection mechanism with the container... But I still think it won’t work." "Why do you say that?" Ren asked, his mushrooms pulsing with curiosity. "Someone from the craftsmen’s guild managed to extract the acid once... but the monster’s mouth was still barely resistant, just a bit less than a common sword and the method is expensive," Isaac explained, running a calloused finger along the proboscis’s edge. Ren smiled, his eyes lighting up. "It’s not just about extracting it, it’s about transforming it. The hollow, porous structure isn’t very resistant on its own, the deep assassin uses the liquid as support and micro-vibrations… err, I mean fast and small movements to bury its proboscis into rock and through the chitinous armors of its prey." "I understand, seems like you know what you’re doing... But I don’t think you can make it ’vibrate’ like that then." Isaac stroked his beard. "No, but the result of neutralizing the acid will turn what will be the tip of my spear into a harder, more elastic structure. Plus, small hard crystals will emerge on the surface, facilitating cutting and increasing damage." "Interesting theory. I’m beginning to eagerly await the result," Isaac’s eyes sparkled with professional curiosity. "One more thing," Ren added. "I also need a good dagger for dismantling beasts up to Bronze 2. Can you recommend one or make it for me before the 15th?" Isaac smiled, clearly intrigued by the challenge, his entire demeanor shifting from skepticism to engagement. "I can do both. For the injection mechanism, we just need to reinforce the interior with chromatic Stone Lurker minerals." "Exactly," Ren confirmed, his mushrooms pulsing with approval. "The extract doesn’t react with that material and maintains its corrosive properties." "You know more about this than I expected," Isaac commented, studying Ren with renewed curiosity, leaning back against his workbench. "Most students don’t even know that the cleaner contains nymph extract." "Let’s just say I have many books in my head," Ren responded with a small smile, tapping his temple lightly. "I see," Isaac nodded, though his expression suggested he wasn’t completely convinced. "As for the dagger, for Bronze 2 beasts you’ll need something special. I have an iron alloy with silver-glow mineral that would be perfect. Not cheap, 150,000, but it’ll last years if you take good care of it." "How much for everything?" Ren asked, mentally preparing himself for the impact on his savings. Isaac calculated quickly, his fingers twitching as if counting invisible crystals. "For the bow with Sarracenia string 10,000, the 100 arrows with worm tooth tips 500 since you brought the materials, the injection mechanism 4,000, incorporating the proboscis into a basic spear 500, and with the dismantling dagger... 165 thousand crystals, including labor." Ren whistled softly. It was a considerable sum, but necessary for his plans. Continue reading on freewebnovel "How long would it take?" "Since you want it for Zhao’s excursion, I can finish it in the two remaining days," Isaac responded, already mentally organizing his workflow. "I could rush some things so you could test it before going, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Especially with the bow, we need precision." "That’s fine, use all the remaining time then," Ren nodded. "Can I help with any part of the process? I’m interested in learning." Isaac’s eyes brightened with genuine interest. It wasn’t common for students here to want to learn the craft; most just demanded their items as quickly as possible and left after hearing an acceptable date. Ren was different and a breath of fresh air for him. "Actually," he smiled, revealing slightly crooked teeth stained from years of metalwork, "we could start right now with the arrows. It’s an easy process that just requires some precision." Ren smiled, his mushrooms pulsing with anticipation. "Perfect." While Isaac prepared the work area, Ren reflected on his decision to invest in conventional weapons. Most students here focused exclusively on developing their beasts’ abilities, considering traditional weapons inefficient or even a sign of weakness. Why depend on external tools when you could cultivate power within yourself? But Ren considered versatility as important as pure power and more important than the pride of the rich and noble. A powerful beast might be magnificent in certain situations, but useless in others. Well-chosen weapons could compensate for specific weaknesses, offer tactical options, and in Ren’s case, provide time while his beasts continued evolving. Besides, there was something elegant about a well-designed tool. Something that perfectly complemented the meticulous and analytical approach Ren applied to his cultivation. "All right," Isaac interrupted his thoughts, placing precision tools on the table with a metallic clink. "Let’s begin." Ren nodded, focusing on the task at hand. ♢♢♢♢ After spending time helping Isaac with arrow crafting, Ren decided it was time to resolve the financial aspect of his project. His mushrooms pulsed softly as he walked toward the academy bank, mentally calculating how much he would need to withdraw. The bank was relatively empty at that hour, so Finch spotted him immediately, his expression lighting up as if he’d just received a gift, practically bouncing in his seat. "Look who honors us with his presence!" he exclaimed dramatically, causing Theodore to look up from his ledgers. "The mushroom magnate in person!" "Good morning, Finch," Ren greeted as he approached the counter, the familiar scent of ink and paper filling his nostrils. "I need to make a withdrawal." "THEODORE!" Finch turned to his assistant with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Prepare the special book! Our favorite client is going to make some moves!" The mouse quickly pulled out a specially marked book, his whiskers trembling with anticipation. "How much will it be this time?" Finch asked, leaning over the counter conspiratorially. "Ten thousand to fill your room with sweets?" "I want 170 thousand crystals," Ren responded calmly. Finch blinked, his smile faltering slightly. "170 thousand? So much... but... that... that will reduce your balance to less than four hundred thousand..." He pronounced the figure as if it represented a personal calamity. Theodore even let out a small squeak of dismay, his tiny paws clutching the ledger. "It’s for an important project," Ren explained. "But..." Finch compulsively adjusted his glasses, the lenses catching the light. "This is the first time your account has decreased so much since you started your deposits! The first setback in the saga of the mushroom magnate!" "Don’t worry," Ren smiled slightly. "I have plans for this month. I’ll recover that and much more." Finch’s eyes widened behind his glasses, practically bulging with excitement. "THEODORE!" Finch exclaimed, startling the poor mouse who nearly jumped out of his fur. "WRITE THAT DOWN! HE WHO DOESN’T RISK, DOESN’T WIN!" The mouse wrote frantically, his tiny paws barely keeping pace with his tamer’s enthusiasm. "Could you give me a hint?" Finch leaned even further, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Is it a new business? A secret investment? Perhaps an alliance with one of those noble families I’ve heard have been following you lately?" "Just the crystals, please, Finch," Ren responded kindly but firmly.