https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-18-The-Magic-Essence-Sprite-Workshop-Renovation-Plan-1-0/12849505/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-20-The-End-of-the-Beginner-Period-Ridiculous-Rankings/12849514/
Chapter 19: A Territory Lacking Everything
Chapter 19: A Territory Lacking Everything
Qin Muye realized he had been too hasty. Transforming the six sprite workshops into mana sprite workshops was not the problem; the issue was that he was out of gold.
First, he needed 70 gold coins to convert each of the 49 sprites to mana sprites. With the gold he had accumulated over the past two days, he only had 5,000 coins, and just converting the existing sprites in his mage tower would cost him 3,430 coins. Adding the 10 sprites led by Moxue would bring the total to 4,130 coins.
Even if he included the 2,000 coins from the two gold mines tomorrow, he could only recruit 20 mana sprites.
So, even if the mana sprite workshops could produce 100 sprites instead of 10, he wouldn't have enough gold to recruit them.
This left Qin Muye feeling a bit overwhelmed. He had been so focused on his research, assuming it would be special resources that would hold him back, but it turned out to be gold.
In the past few days, gold had seemed like the least useful basic resource for him.
"A single coin can stop a hero," Qin Muye sighed, feeling that this was truly unfair.
However, he didn't dwell on it too much. There's always a way out, and he now understood the importance of gold. Research requires funding.
The mana sprites could still be further improved. In fantasy terms, they were currently at the Mid-Stage of the 1st Rank and could be upgraded to the Late-Stage of the 1st Rank.
However, Qin Muye needed to delve deeper into his studies and research. He estimated that he could push their attack and defense attributes to 10 points and grant them an additional related skill.
With two more research projects, that would be quite impressive.
Moreover, they could be trained in the training grounds to become elite units.
"Not only do I lack gold, materials, and resources, but I also lack heroes."
Currently, only Moxue was busy running around, which made Qin Muye feel insecure. Today was the seventh day, the last day of the beginner period.
After today, the only remaining benefit would be that wild monsters wouldn't attack his territory.
This meant that over the next 23 days, he would have to face not only other lords' sudden attacks but also the hostility of the native inhabitants.
Indeed, in Qin Muye's eyes, the natives were hidden enemies, not collaborators.
From Molic Copperbeard's attitude, it was clear that the natives were bound by the rules of the "Lord Era" and were real, living beings. If Qin Muye were in their shoes, he would be annoyed too.
For example, when he passed by, the merchant was extremely reluctant to sell him anything but had to do so due to the rules.
However, just because they were bound by rules didn't mean they couldn't target lords. This world wasn't created by the gifted lords, and there were certainly ways to undermine them.
"More importantly, I lack time."
Qin Muye knew his situation. His combat skills were negligible; he could be chased by a goose and found it hard to kill a chicken. If it weren't for his learning ability and academic research, he would be useless.
The thought of future battles, not only against other lords but also against the natives, was quite daunting.
He didn't delude himself into thinking the natives would accept them. From Molic's obvious displeasure and the Wise Tree's seemingly kind but sharp attitude, it was clear that the natives were more likely to exploit and reject the gifted lords.
Therefore, Qin Muye deduced that they were probably invaders, which explained their treatment.
"Indeed, my sprites are the ones I can trust the most." Qin Muye sighed, knowing that his rise relied on methods outside the "Lord Era," but he was still weak and couldn't shake off his identity as a gifted lord. Thus, his foundation still lay within the "Lord Game."
His behavior was akin to living off different places, scavenging where he could.
As the sky grew dark, Maurice Snow returned with ten spirits. He was taken aback when he saw the originally small spirits had transformed into human-sized mana spirits. The change was more significant than he had anticipated.
As a hero unit, Maurice Snow could clearly feel the transformation brought about by the mana and elemental power within the mana spirits. However, he didn't ask too many questions and instead went to report to Qin Mueller, detailing their gains.
The harvest was substantial, considering it was the result of an entire day and night. Of course, compared to previous days, it seemed more impressive.
Qin Mueller inventoried the items himself and instructed Maurice Snow to rest and regain his strength. Maurice Snow had leveled up to 4, which was just enough for now. After today, things would likely be different, and he would need Maurice Snow's efforts, so it was essential for him to rest.
The remaining ten spirits were also arranged to transform into mana spirits, costing another 700 gold coins, further depleting Qin Mueller's resources.
"Three Primary Treasures, two 1st-level magic scrolls, and one building blueprint. That's quite a haul."
As for basic and special resources, Qin Mueller didn't bother to inventory them. The basic resources totaled around 3,000, averaging about 1,000 of each type. The special resources, however, didn't even reach three digits in total.
Standard Shield
Level: Basic
Attributes
Defense +2
A simple shield, this basic treasure made Qin Mueller smirk. Why did Maurice Snow give it to him? He could have equipped it himself, but now it had to go through his hands.
Apprentice Robe
Level: Basic
Attributes
Knowledge +1
Defense +1
The apprentice robe brought a smile to Qin Mueller's face. Finally, something he could wear. The standard armor would have been fine, but it was too heavy. Wearing it for a short while was manageable, but a whole day would be exhausting.
He put it on happily, and the +1 defense felt like a significant breakthrough.
Apprentice Staff
Level: Basic
Attributes
Strength +2
"I thought this thing was just a stick for kindling, but it turns out it's a staff?"
The +2 strength was quite impressive. His strength was still 0, and equipping the staff boosted his magical damage and effects considerably. Specifically, the Magic Arrow spell went from 10 points to 30 points, more than what he could achieve through rigorous training.
"Two more magic scrolls: a 1st-level Water Magic Healing spell and a 1st-level Air Magic Speed Boost spell."
"If only these were spell books, magic scrolls are hard to learn, especially Water and Air magic."
"However, once you master one spell, the rest become easier. I'll start with the Healing spell. Another all-nighter, but I hope I can finish in time."
Having the 1st-level Water Magic Healing spell would significantly improve the survival rate of Maurice Snow and the mana spirits under his command.
Magic Scroll: Healing
Spell Level: 1
Effect: Restore 10 hit points to an allied unit
Magic Scroll: Speed Boost
Spell Level: 1
Effect: Increase the speed of a selected allied unit by 3 points for 10 minutes
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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