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Chapter 481: The Life Tree Sapling
"Are you saying you're planning to turn the future Mage Tower into a massive research base?"
Flipping through the blueprints in his hands, the Grand Arcanist Cronorman, after understanding the development path Matthew had laid out for Bay Territory...
Began to take this "half-student" full of whimsical ideas even more seriously.
Instead of refuting or scolding him as a matter of course, he began to ponder the purpose and benefits of such a plan.
"That's right. Considering safety and confidentiality, Mage Towers are the most suitable structures."
"Moreover, research and experiments have high energy demands and occasionally lead to various incidents."
"However, research cannot delay other production and development, so separating them is the most appropriate approach."
Cronorman found it amusing yet understandable that Matthew's first instinct was to prioritize safety.
After all, as a rare genius who had managed to escape the "schemes" of elves multiple times, this mindset might have been what kept him alive.
In such a state, Matthew's talent could truly shine.
"Theoretically, there's no issue. After all, you already have another legendary elemental crystal."
"Building an elemental energy pool exclusively for the Mage Tower, though extravagant, is indeed feasible."
"However, according to your design, the Mage Tower is five times larger than a typical one, with costs at least three times higher. Are you sure you can afford such a large sum?"
Cronorman calculated the materials, instruments, and tools, arriving at a cost that made Matthew grimace.
A total of 60 million gold coins!
Moreover, this sum had to be separate from the overall projects of Bay Territory.
First, to avoid attracting attention.
Second, to prevent others from uncovering the truth.
Lastly, because Bay Territory was already out of funds.
To maintain operations at the Scarlet Pass and to continue hunting timid demons to stabilize the Abyssal Rift...
Bay Territory had to spend an additional 1 million gold coins every month!
Half of the 2 million gold coins mined from the gold mine was gone in an instant.
As for the remaining 1 million gold coins, Bay Territory used it to recruit population from the turbulent Eastern Provinces and the Karl Plains.
Such an opportunity for expansion and development could not be missed.
Because of this, if Matthew wanted to complete his envisioned Mage Tower quickly, he had to start earning gold immediately!
At least 10 million gold coins per month, sustained for six months or more.
After all, exceeding planned expenditures was not uncommon.
Seeing Matthew's thoughtful expression, the smiling Grand Arcanist couldn't help but chide him:
"Don't worry too much. This is a long-term process. Take it slow. Things accumulate bit by bit..."
"Ideals always come at a high price."
The Grand Arcanist Cronorman did not stay in Bay Territory for long.
After spending a month of somewhat novel experiences, he left the territory with the food reserves Matthew had offered him.
His workload was immense. After stabilizing the completely destroyed Scarlet Fortress, he had to rush to the Underground World.
There, the unlucky Dwarf Kingdom was facing an invasion by a vast army of Drow Elves.
Compared to the orc threat, the resource-rich and far stronger Drow Elves were undoubtedly a greater problem.
However, he had already made an agreement with Matthew.
Next month, on August 20th, he would return to Bay Territory to take Matthew and Yaya to Sevinton.
Matthew carefully reviewed the Grand Arcanist's blueprints, noting down the marked materials and requirements before storing them away with care.
He still needed to make money first!
Matthew already had a plan, but before that, he needed to prepare.
July 21st.
Bay Territory.
Sunny.
Another large group of adventurers flocked to Bay Territory.
They were all rushing to the Scarlet Pass and Ruby Mines to pick up gold coins.
Then, they would find that after experiencing a brief "beautiful" moment of success...
They would face the embarrassment of lacking achievements.
In Bay Territory, they had to learn how to earn more merits.
Inside the Druid greenhouse...
Dozens of newly arrived elves, led by Annie, watched curiously as Matthew held the Life Tree seed.
To them, Matthew's ideas were good, but the chances of success seemed slim.
After all, if growing a Life Tree were that easy...
They wouldn't have gone 300 years without the shelter of a Life Tree after the last one died.
Still, they couldn't help but harbor some unrealistic hopes.
If Matthew truly succeeded, it would give the previously despairing elves a sliver of hope for the future.
Compared to their conflicted feelings, Matthew, the instigator, seemed quite at ease.
He calmly held the Life Tree seed, continuously infusing it with Fate Energy.
A conspicuous progress bar indicated how much was left to activate.
"10%..."
"20%..."
"30%..."
"..."
Every 10% required 1 million Fate Energy.
Equivalent to altering the fates of 1 million ordinary souls.
Next to him, Elona curiously watched his every move, hoping he would succeed.
After all, nurturing a Life Tree was the dream of every Druid.
Beside Elona, the sleeping Guoguo snored lightly. Thankfully, the Wisdom Tree in her arms continued to glow faintly.
The contemplative Old Li carefully sensed the subtle changes in the Life Tree seed in Matthew's hands, but came up empty-handed.
After about ten minutes...
Annie's initially joyful mood gradually turned tense.
Watching Matthew's calm smile, she silently prayed in her heart.
As for the other elves, most had already shown disappointment.
Many began glancing around, admiring the vast Druid greenhouse.
Crack!
A crisp sound drew everyone's attention.
They all looked over to see a tender green sprout emerging from the crack in the seed in Matthew's hand, and their breath caught.
Ignoring the Fate Energy he had consumed, Matthew carefully observed the Life Tree in his hand, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"Life Tree Sapling, Transcendent Plant, ???"
Success?
No, only half-success!
The Life Tree sapling's astonishing mortality rate was still the biggest headache for elves!
Over thousands of years, the elves had managed to cultivate saplings from seeds, but their survival rate was nearly zero!
Almost zero!