Chapter 460 The Various Constructs (2/2)
”No problem with this… Everyone in the Behermes Family knows how to make the Soul Cores. But the materials are very costly…” said Lapis.
”How much are we looking at?” Marlene questioned anxiously. After all, most of Starlight's spendings were on Lapis's alchemist tasks ever since Rhode had left the Fortress. If Anne was known as the big eater of the guild, then Lapis would be the other 'big eater' from a monetary perspective.
”This…” Lapis lowered her head and counted with her fingers. ”Producing a man-made Soul Core will need five times more materials than an Elemental Badge…”
”Five times?!” Marlene exclaimed and stood between Rhode and Lapis hurriedly while gesturing and gazing sternly at Rhode. ”Rhode, this is impossible! Five times is too much and Starlight definitely can't afford it! Maybe we should think of other solutions…”
Rhode puckered his brows and pondered hard for a few moments. He raised his hand to stop Marlene from speaking before turning his gaze towards Lapis. ”Non-man-made Soul Cores are also possible, right?”
”Yes, ordinary Soul Cores are possible,” said Lapis.
”Is there any requirement for the powers in the Soul Cores? Or perhaps, the requirement of the Soul Core's attributes?” Rhode anxiously asked.
”Hmm… the stronger the powers are, the better the Soul Core will be. However, I don't think its attribute means anything because the Stone Constructs will not be able to sustain the attribute powers in the Soul Cores perfectly, unlike the Constructs made of metal. Moreover, unless the Soul Core contains extreme powers, it is impossible for the Stone Construct to embody the attribute of the Soul Core,” Lapis explained further.
”…” Rhode paused for a few seconds and retrieved two Soul Cores from his spatial bag. These two Soul Cores were the ones he received after defeating the Undead Knight and Necromancer while they were on their way to Eagle City. Rhode had kept them and decided to summon them as his spirits when he had the time, but he had new ideas after listening to Lapis's words. ”Take a look at these two Soul Cores.”
Lapis took over the Soul Cores and examined cautiously. ”These two Soul Cores can be used to build powerful Stone Constructs, Sir Rhode.”
”Good.” Rhode heaved a sigh of relief and an idea came up in his mind. ”So, what about those Soul Cores with about one-tenth of their powers?”
”Hmm… Those Soul Cores with one-tenth of their powers would still be enough to drive the Stone Constructs and normal attack and defense shouldn't be a problem for them,” Lapis confirmed.
”Great!” Rhode made his decision and patted Lapis's shoulder. ”So then, I will leave these two Soul Cores with you. Go and figure out which kind of Stone Construct will be the most suitable. Then, hand your sketch to Marlene after you've drafted it. Marlene, pass the sketch to Shauna once you receive it and instruct Shauna to purchase and get carvings from the stonemason in Deep Stone City. Also, she can claim that this is needed for decorations in our guild Fortress. Any questions?”
”No problem, Rhode,” Marlene nodded with a sigh of relief.
As the financial assistant, Marlene understood how this arrangement could cut down their spendings. The materials required to produce the Stone Construct wouldn't be as demanding and furthermore, Deep Stone City was known for their inexpensive ores and stone materials. Moreover, the quality of the materials would be guaranteed if they purchased them through the Keller Family. At least this would be so much cheaper than magical crystals!
At this moment, Christie, who had been quietly observing their conversation, tugged on Rhode's sleeve lightly. Rhode lowered his head to find the little girl hugging the drawing board that had never left her side. She lifted her head and gazed at Rhode calmly. ”… Rhode… Can you let me… design the Stone Construct?”
”Oh?” Rhode was surprised as this was the first time he heard such a request from Christie.
On the contrary, Lapis and Marlene didn't feel strange at all. ”I think that's a great idea, Sir Rhode. Christie is really great at designing and this Elemental Badge was also designed by her!”
”Really?” Rhode was truly amazed after hearing Lapis' answer. He retrieved the Elemental Badge and examined it once more. The badge was exquisitely designed, which revealed the guild's imposing unity. Its unique and distinct pattern made it suitable to be worn as a group as it was easily recognizable by one another. Although Rhode knew that Christie could draw well and he was a total layman in designing, he understood that design and art weren't similar at all.
But why would Christie want to do this?
”… Christie… wants to help Rhode… and everyone… by doing something…” The little girl lifted her head and gazed at Rhode with her clear, round eyes. ”… Everyone takes good care… of Christie… So I think, I can also do something… for everyone…” The little girl said shyly.
”…” What Rhode saw from the little girl's eyes was her staunch determination and courage despite her frail stature. Rhode revealed a smile and squatted to Christie's eye level before stroking the little girl's silky long hair gently. ”So then, can I trouble you with this, Christie?”
”… Okay!” Christie grinned from ear to ear and nodded with all her might.