Chapter 60

Chapter 60: Emerald Moon Bow

It seemed that there was significant activity between the two nations. The Vergha Trade Alliance and the nation of Rourna were neighboring countries with frequent trade and cooperation. Due to Rourna’s position as the gateway to the Emerald Forest, the Snow Flower Union supported it annually with supplies to assist in resisting the Empire’s invasion.

However, with the passage of time and the reduction in support from other countries, only Vergha continued to aid Rourna. There were several reasons for this. First, if Rourna fell, Vergha would be the next to face the Empire. Thus, Vergha was willing to invest in this effort for self-preservation. Second, Rourna’s mages had outstanding alchemical creations, which often brought new business opportunities, something that Vergha’s merchants valued greatly. Third, Rourna’s advanced magitech, such as airships and ironclad warships, had opened up many new routes, stimulating the continent’s economy significantly. These technologies were also desperately needed by merchants.

Moreover, due to Rourna’s limited territory, despite its excellent technology, it struggled with population and resource constraints, thus heavily relying on Vergha’s support. Therefore, the two countries cooperated well on several projects, and this year saw even closer collaboration.

However, this step was quite significant. Lolan Hill thought to herself, allowing such core technology to be shared indicated that Rourna was under immense pressure. This pressure most likely came from the neighboring Emerald Empire, a colossal entity controlling nearly half the continent’s population.

“This price is really steep,” Lolan heard a familiar voice nearby.

【Chromium Xi Demonic Mechanical Crossbow】(Exquisite Golden Grade): Made from Chromium Xi metal, it contains four layers of magical arrays: acceleration, stabilization of atmosphere, sharpness enchantment, and demonic resistance enchantment. Its design is exquisite and user-friendly, making it very suitable for low-level users.

She turned around and saw the master and servant who had just gone to the clothing store.

“Golden-grade alchemical creations, I’ve seen them in Rourna before; they cost about 50 to 80 Extraordinary Gold Coins there. Although your technology is open, you really have the nerve to set such prices,” the red-haired young lady tapped the price tag beside the counter with her fan.

“Besides, there must be more than one of these,” she added.

“The young lady might have some misunderstandings about our Rourna’s alchemical creations. Let me explain it to you.”

“This piece was developed jointly by several high-ranking alchemists from Fipya Academy in our Rourna. It was designed to match the Emerald Moon Bow from the Emerald Empire, intended for use as a long-range weapon in small-scale emergency conflicts. Everyone knows the fame of the Emerald Moon Bow, and to create an equivalent high-grade standard weapon, a lot of resources and effort were invested.”

“Therefore, to recoup the high investment, we cannot sell it at cost. Otherwise, who would put in the effort to develop new things?” The shopkeeper explained clearly, putting the young lady in an awkward position.

“Even if it’s the Emerald Moon Bow, it should only cost around 100 gold coins in the Emerald Empire,” Wind said stubbornly.

The apprentice alchemist continued explaining, “Shall I recount how people evaluated the Emerald Moon Bow centuries ago? I believe this will help you better understand the value of this same-grade crossbow.”

How long does it take to make an Emerald Moon Bow? Some say ten days, others say half a year, and still others say three years… Actually, none of these are correct. Up until now, the finest elf craftsmen in the Emerald Forest have told us that a superior, lethal Emerald Moon Longbow requires over five years to manufacture. From selecting materials like split beast horns and dark moon purple wood to enchanting the bowstrings; from adjusting angles to testing thousands of arrows. One could say that the true value of a lethal Emerald Moon Longbow is no less than that of an equally crafted piece of art. When such a weapon filled with endless killing intent is placed in a warrior’s hands, at least half of the 60 arrows in a quiver will claim lives. ——Excerpt from “Research on Weapons Used by Forest Elves”

“In our Rourna, an excellent high-tier alchemical workshop can produce an equivalent weapon in just three months, and with sufficient resources and streamlined production, it could be even faster.”

Actually, the apprentice exaggerated somewhat. Chromium Xi was a rare metal in the Ivar World, with limited quantities, and high-tier alchemists were not easily found in Rourna either. However, this was indeed a remarkable achievement.

“Alright, alright, young lady, stop,” the maid pulled her own young lady back.

“Is the owner of the workshop here? Tell him someone from the Emanas family is visiting.”

“Owner?” The apprentice thought for a moment. The owner of the workshop was the mentor, right?

“Our mentor has gone out today. Is there anything I can help with?”

“Oh, he’s not here? Alright, tell him the items he needs are ready, and he can come directly to the Emanas Chamber of Commerce to pick them up.” At this point, the young lady smiled mischievously and continued.

“Also, our young lady really likes this crossbow. Please convey to the owner what happened today. He will surely be delighted.”

“Alright,” the apprentice thought, passing along a message wasn’t a big deal.

Unbeknownst to him, Emanas was one of the five major chambers of commerce in Hopeland, holding considerable influence locally. The apprentice who offended the young lady of Emanas would likely face severe reprimand from the mentor.

“Alright, my dear Wind, that’s enough for today. I told you earlier, the gradient dyeing technique of that clothing store was just a gimmick and couldn’t be mass-produced. You wouldn’t listen,” the chestnut-haired maid scolded her mistress.

“Now, since the workshop owner isn’t here, we might as well head back. You should focus on reading and studying. Didn’t you promise to go to Emanas with Miss Reiki?”

“Ah, Penny, why have you become so strict? You’re just like dad. I was just trying to flatter Reiki, after all, she doesn’t visit Hopeland often.”

“Miss, perhaps you forgot. If Miss Reiki marries into Hopeland, you’ll see her every day. Would you still be able to say such things then?”

“I really don’t want to read, it’s so boring. Penny, you’re my good friend, you must understand, right?” Wind reluctantly got into the carriage as Penny led her away.

(End of Chapter)