Chapter 143: Horns and Fangs (2/2)
Hearing Si's words, Arthur's eyes turned round. If High-tier monsters were handled by rei-rankers mostly, myth-tier monsters were handled by Astra-rankers. That means this mana condensing agent was as valuable as a myth-tier monster.
”This is… too much?” Arthur asked with hesitation, feeling the cold woody texture of the box. Suddenly, it weighed heavier than earlier. Even if he didn't need a mana condensing agent, he could still give it to Oren when he needs it.
”It's not as valuable as the fortress you obtained for us.” Si laughed and shook his head. ”This is an investment. The stronger you become, the better it is for everyone here.”
Hearing his words, Arthur nodded. This was also one of the benefits he obtained by joining Mistletoe. Other than finding a channel to process his artifacts and the strength they aided him, he would also get such items.
”Thank you, everyone.” Arthur kept the box to himself as he nodded gratefully. The others grinned and waved their hands, still intoxicated by the alcohol.
”Now, let's talk about our next plans.”
***
They spent some time planning a few robberies, commissions, and auctions. Their meeting was purely focused on profits with no regard to how to obtain them.
Arthur estimated how much money was involved and he was shocked. His bank account already had more than a million. The Twilight Workshop would also pay him a million once he becomes the champion. There was also the matter of selling artificial artifacts.
He was becoming rich. However, he knew this money wouldn't sit around like this. He would need to move out of his house eventually. He would need to buy proper armor as he gets stronger and he would need money for that. He also wanted to buy a car for his mother as he knew she couldn't keep walking around. He saw how blistered her feet were one morning and he cried that day. It was almost a year ago and his life had no resemblance to that past. There was also his brother who needed resources to develop properly.
Everyone went on their own business afterward. Ivy guided Arthur toward the underground floors after Si said he should have his mask customized by Ruby.
Ruby was the last member of Mistletoe. She was also the technician of the group. Her ability allowed her to control metals so she utilized her love for technology. Arthur was excited to meet her since she could help him build his mecha one day.
The underground floor was brightly lit with whitewashed walls. There was no carpet or any decorations but simply stretches of corridors leading to different rooms and halls. As Arthur and Ivy walked into one of the rooms, they heard the shouting of a woman.
”Hand it properly, Simon Revo Number 12!”
Her voice was deep, almost gruff. As they avoided the lumps of metals and tables, they found Ruby standing in front of a giant table welding metals together. A robot was standing to the side holding several tools and handing them to her as she requested.
”Ruby!”
It seems she failed to sense their presence until they were standing next to her. Ivy even had to shout to grab her attention. Ruby didn't flinch but simply sighed and stopped the welding.
”What?” She said as she lifted her protection glasses over her brown hair. It was tied in a ponytail but seemed to have been unwashed for several days as it has several black patches of coal everywhere.
”This is Arthur, the newest member.” Ivy introduced and Arthur greeted her. However, Ruby simply looked at him for a second before nodding back and going back to her work.
”Ruby!” Ivy shouted again before the welding began. ”Can you make him a proper mask? We'll also need an untraceable cellphone.”
”I just want to work undisturbed, why do I need to suffer?” Ruby looked at the table and muttered in a low, annoyed, voice. ”Every time they need something, they come running. I'm so sick of this.”
”He's also a runes master!” Before she could continue with her grumbling, Ivy had to cut her off. Her words made Ruby stop her listless muttering and turn to face them. She studied Arthur carefully as if waiting for him to confirm.
”I am,” Arthur nodded even though he was technically a runes apprentice. However, his abilities could rival the best runes master out there.
”Hmm, what kind of mask do you want?” Ruby asked as she took off her glasses and ruffled through her hair. Arthur managed to see her face clearly for the first time. She was in her thirties with a freckled face and brown hair. She had dark circles under her eyes as if she hadn't slept in days.
”Well,” Arthur had already thought about the most suitable thing. He didn't want something overly dramatic. He wanted a mask resembling himself. He thought of his goblins and his creation ability. ”One with horns and fangs, like a goblin face.”