Chapter 631 - Tear of Asha
Chapter 631: Tear of Asha
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
[Tear of Asha (Legendary Artifact)]
[Buildable — Holy Maiden Statue]
[Requirement: Guild Fortress / Territorial level above the middle level]
[Consumption: 300k Gold Coins. 100 kg of Magic Crystals]
Rhode twitched his brows. The requirement of 300k gold coins was tough for him. Although he had received a lot of money from the Midsummer Festival, Paphield Battle, and the 5 Star Missions, the money had come and gone too quickly. Constructing the Fortress almost wiped out all his savings. Even though he had received some money in exchange for building the Fortress, the money was invested in the training of the Cavalrymen, establishing his private soldiers, and paying the mercenaries’ salaries. The operations of the guild had been especially rough for him as other guilds received income from their backings. However, in order to remain independent, Rhode had chosen to maintain the livelihood of the guild himself. Currently, his income was made up from the contributions of the merchants working in the Fortress, profit-sharing from the mine extraction, and sale of Lapis’s alchemy potions. It could also be said that Lapis was one of the crucial supporters of Starlight. Due to enhancements from an Alchemist Master, her potions had exceptional effects and were relatively popular in Paphield and nearby regions. During auctions, the various potions put on sale by Starlight often sold for high prices and this had become a major financial backing for the guild. In other words, without Lapis, perhaps Starlight would have a tough time operating smoothly.
Even though Lydia had conferred Rhode a territory, bluntly speaking, since there wasn’t anyone residing in Grenbell, this trip to the monastery would probably result in more profit than if he had raked Grenbell for 10 years.
And now, Rhode’s guild probably wouldn’t receive too much financial support even in the foreseeable future. This was also the reason why he had been thrifty. According to Marlene’s report, he had no more than 500k gold coins and this amount included all the wealth rummaged from the monastery. Although there was an agreement with the Silver Libra Trade Association to receive free Magic Crystals for support, Rhode was still helpless in terms of finances.
Rhode puckered his brows.
He wasn’t actually left without a choice, as the Senia Family was wealthy by the millions. If he sought assistance from her, he could receive five million gold coins in a snap of fingers. However, he wouldn’t do that and it wasn’t due to embarrassment. In the game, Rhode was righteous in using Mini Bubble Gum’s money and he wasn’t upset that players had accused him of living off a woman. However, it was different back then. Mini Bubble Gum’s money came from her and if there were any disputes or opinions over the fundings, it was a problem between Rhode and her. But unlike the large families, even if Marlene and her father were willing to support him, the funding ultimately belonged to the family. Even if Marlene didn’t mind, the Senia Family members might pressure her over the issue and make it difficult for her. The power disputes and conflicts of interests in large families were complicated and Rhode didn’t wish to get involved before settling his other issues.
“This…”
Rhode twitched his brows. Then, a glint flashed in his eyes.
“… Now isn’t the time to talk about this, Mr. Matt. I’m sure you will see it with your own eyes soon.”
The night darkened.
The pitch-black, dense night curtain had enveloped the entire sky. Rhode stood by the balcony and gazed at his majestic Fortress. Apart from the faint flames flickering, the entire Fortress was in complete stillness. It was midnight and everything had fallen asleep. This was the best opportunity for Rhode.
“Are you ready, Leader?”
Mini Bubble Gum and Canary stood behind him and looked with anticipation. Rhode nodded slightly and extended his arm forward. A massive beautiful crystal emerged and hovered in midair, emanating a gentle radiance. Then, a system prompt emerged before him.
[Detected the Tear of Asha… Activated… Buildable. Holy Maiden Statue. Confirm to build?]
Confirm.
Rhode answered inwardly. The Tear of Asha dazzled and glass-like thin threads dispersed and spiraled to the center of the Fortress. Then, the threads abruptly came to an abrupt halt as though they had frozen into ice. A hazy 20 meters tall white figure emerged under a shimmering light shining from above like the cloth over an artistic artifact had been dragged out, displaying its true self before everyone. As the white figure emerged, the Tear of Asha shone increasingly brighter.
“—!”
A crisp, deep boom spread across the continent and the cooling breeze hit Rhode comfortably in his face. In an instant, the fatigue on him had as though been washed away. A warm, white barrier of light emerged over them and extended over the Fortress before vanishing entirely.
Rhode gazed forward. A towering, spotlessly white statue of a young lady had been erected in the middle of the Fortress. Her eyes were shut and arms were folded before her chest. She lifted her chin as though praying to the heaven.
Rhode heaved a sigh of relief.
It worked.