The Runesmith Chapter 376: Money Making Time

"Congratulations, Boss. It was a long ti coming, I was starting to feel bad for the missus."

"I suppose it was. I can't quite explain why I delayed it for so long…"

"Hehe... but, um..."

"Hm? Is sothing on your mind? You do appear a bit pale. Are you sure you're getting enough sleep?"

"I'm okay, I do get sufficient sleep... It's just that my wife now wants one too..."

"Wants one?"

rely a day had elapsed since Roland presented the ring to Elodia, and here he was, back to diligent work. This world had a similar engagent system before marriage. Only after going through a ceremony perford by a priest would it be regarded as complete. Bernir had followed this tradition with Dyana, holding a small ceremony at a nearby church, and Roland had even attended as a witness. Now, it seed it was his turn to step into the spotlight.

He didn't personally witness the culmination of the criminals' sentences. As per tradition, their severed heads would be exhibited in the city. While sowhat barbaric, it was a asure favored by nobles to deter acts of violence. Thieves sotis faced the amputation of digits for stealing, or injuries inflicted upon their tendons to impair their ability to flee. The world was still a cruel place, yet after addressing the recent challenges, it seed a bit less bleak.

“Yes that shiny thing.”

“The engagent ring?”

“Yes, that thing! It’s the only thing she's been blabbering about! The missus has been showing it of around the whole city since she got it.”

“Oh, has she?”

Roland found himself sowhat taken aback upon learning that Elodia, who typically exuded order and restraint, had made such a decision. It was likely there were nuances to the situation that Bernir hadn't fully disclosed, yet Roland didn't dwell on it too much. Given his influential reputation and the recent high-profile execution, it was improbable that anyone would dare attempt to pilfer the ring from his fiancée's possession.

“So, did your wife want one too?”

“Of course she did! Now I have to make one… so uh…”

“I’m not giving you a raise, maybe if you didn’t spend so much on wine you’d have so saved up.”Bernir's expression contorted with disappointnt, his midsection wobbling a touch as he did so. Since finding prosperity at the smithy, the half-dwarf had developed a taste for indulging in alcohol. His active routine at the smithy helped counteract most of the caloric excesses but it couldn’t handle it all. Despite his robustly muscular arms and legs, a sizeable paunch was amassing in the region of his belly. A testant to his fondness for drink, this rotund bulge seed to expand in proportion to his drinking.

“Engagent rings are usually used by nobility or rich rchants… isn’t it already a bit late, you already have a child and all?”

“That’s what I said! But then she just gave that look…”

His assistant appeared visibly disheartened, possibly due to his wife feeling excluded. It seed her close friends had received sothing she hadn't. Both Dyana and Elidia lacked an extensive friend circle. Their lives were often consud by work, carried seamlessly from one task to the next. Elodia shouldered the responsibility of overseeing the orphanage, while Dyana managed her independent smithy within the city. Her smithy's operations remained separate from his magic shop, allowing her to retain the entirety of her earnings from sales.

“How about we do this… There are probably so precious tals that we didn’t really use. You don’t need that much for a ring, just make one yourself and I’ll help you with the enchantnt and the gem?”

“You would do that boss?”

“Sure, if it just gets you to start working normally.”

“You’re the best boss in the whole world! I’ll never forget this!”

The ring Roland had bestowed upon Elodia held a unique quality: a runic enchantnt imbued within its design. Roland had a tendency to worry, so he decided to put a spell on the ring that was sort of like a tracking charm. Elodia was aware of this and didn't mind. The ring could asure her stress levels and heart rate, and if sothing happened, Roland would be alerted quickly.

There was also a fun feature: the ring could take a few still pictures. When activated, a light would shine from the gem, creating a holographic image of the stored pictures. Accompanied by a sweet tune, it was a gift Elodia really liked, and it was sothing that other won might enjoy too. Maybe Bernir's wife just wanted sothing like that to show off, and maybe it could even beco a product that could be sold later on.

“Yeah, sure… Now don’t drop the prototype, this thing costs more than a gold ring. Those union dwarves will also complain if they even see one scratch.”

“Aye, I got it.”

The pair was managing an upgraded variant of a spider golem, a creation enhanced beyond the norm. So of the parts were actually produced with the help of the Union. Despite the dwarve’s renowned stubbornness, their mastery in crafting tallic parts surpassed all. Roland's task primarily involved drafting schematics and the rest was executed by them with remarkable exactness. Following a comprehensive review of every detail, the asurents deviated by less than a re milliter from his specifications.

This would actually be their first real joint endeavor. Finally, after having to perform his knightly duties it was ti to work as a craftsman again. Roland was hoping to gain manufacturing insights by studying his forr adversaries and perhaps enriching his underground workshop in the process. Brylvia, a Runesmith herself, presented an opportunity for learning. She would be helping him with this new prototype he had desiccated a few nights too.

‘I’ll get a good idea of how the other Runesmiths stand if I observe her…’

The completed prototype was carefully placed inside a sturdy box, marking the end of their work in the underground workshop. With their task complete, the two individuals finally departed from the underground. The span of a few weeks had brought substantial changes, a testant to their dedication and progress. To no surprise, a waiting carriage stood nearby, ready to transport the package to the dwarven union. In the past, they would have had to personally deliver such items to cut costs, but now their efforts were recognized and supported.

As they ventured further, Roland admired the ongoing expansion of his compound, with Agni, now a tier 3 monster, diligently keeping watch over the area. With this upgrade in security, there was little cause for concern. Additionally, the turrets were being upgraded, ensuring that threats like anti-magic powder would soon be rendered insignificant.

“Ah this is the life, I still rember having to use that old handcart in the beginning.”

“I made you that runic cart later though…”

“Hehe, aye that thing saved a lot of ti and effort.”

Bernir observed as the two dwarves diligently packed the large box containing the golem. It was a sign that they had finally earned the respect they deserved. However, both n understood that maintaining this newfound recognition required continuous hard work. They were well aware of their relationship with the union - as long as they consistently produced high-quality products, they would retain their contract and receive the necessary assistance.

While they were adequately compensated for their work, their expenses were increasing. The costs of constructing new walls and upgrading the turrets were not insignificant. Roland found himself caught in a perpetual cycle of expansion and improvent. It would likely take several more years to establish a secure foothold, and the successful transportation of this prototype marked the first significant step towards achieving financial stability.

If the prototype perford as intended, obtaining funding would no longer be a concern. It held the potential to revolutionize their business and secure a steady inco stream. Although Roland and Bernir were capable of creating the product on their own, the assistance of the union's facilities and skilled workers significantly streamlined the process. It made their work much easier and more efficient.

Looking ahead, if everything went according to plan, the demand for these golems would skyrocket, necessitating mass production. They foresaw the need to create these golems in bulk, potentially reaching hundreds, or even thousands, in quantity. This realization brought a mix of excitent, as they understood the scale of the undertaking that lay ahead. Perhaps if everything went well, this would be the breakthrough this magical smithy needed to beco a household na.

“We should probably go, better if we are there to explain everything.”

“Aye, can’t trust those union bastards! It wouldn’t be strange if so of them still had a grudge against us.”

Roland exchanged a nod with Bernir before they set off towards the city. Unlike Brylvia, not all the other workers shared the sa enthusiasm. Bamur and Dunan, although their reputation had taken a hit, still held so influence within those circles. Roland didn't want to jump to conclusions about his new crafting partners, but he couldn't afford to take any risks. The outco of what they were creating had to be reliable, as people's lives were on the line.

‘Most of them have at least a lot of integrity when it cos to their craft and their fondness for gold coins can’t be ignored either… It should be fine, if this project fails they will also suffer the consequences.’

As they journeyed, Roland's thoughts remained consud by the matter at hand. At least he had faith in Brylvia's capability. If the prototype golems were to falter in their task, she would face even greater scrutiny than he would. Being a human Runesmith already put him at a disadvantage in the eyes of so dwarves, who didn't view him as an equal. With an esteed Master Runesmith by his side, soone who had been accepted by the union leaders and possessed formal training, the majority of the bla would inevitably be directed towards her.

“Ah, there is nothing better than the sound of hamrs on tal!”

The massive doors swung open, revealing a billowing cloud of steam as Roland and Bernir stepped inside the bustling dwarven smithy. The workshop was a hive of activity, with every mber engrossed in their tasks and the resounding clinks of hamrs echoing throughout the space. While Roland had visited this place on a few occasions, it was Bernir's first ti. Even before they entered, Roland noticed the curious gazes of so of the workers directed towards them. It was evident that Bernir, not being a pure dwarf, faced prejudice from those who still harbored ill feelings towards his roots.

“Ay, what ya staring at? Never seen an assistant of a Master Runesmith? How about you learn how to hamr a straight piece of iron before you stare at like that!”

Roland couldn't help but notice how much his assistant had grown since joining him. No longer did the judgntal glances bother him; instead, he stared right back, unafraid. In truth, Bernir's skills surpassed those of the tier 2 workers at the smithy. With a crafting level well over a hundred and having already achieved his second tier 2 crafting class, he was well on his way to becoming a tier 3 master blacksmith. It would take most of the workers here twice as long to reach that level of expertise. There was nothing these individuals could say or do to bring down this half-dwarf, for he had already achieved sothing that most could only dream of.

“I know that you feel enthusiastic but try not to make more enemies.”

“Oops, sorry about that boss.”

“It’s fine, now co. Master Brylvia should be sowhere in the back.”

When going around these parts it was better to keep everything professional. If the dwarves heard him talking to their leader in a casual tone, it could spoil their relationship. After acting like a Knight Commander for a few long weeks he was already getting a knack when speaking formally. Soon both of them made their way through the stuffy room and arrived at the union’s testing facility.

"The associate o' Master Brylvia's arrived, open up the gate lads!"

They reached a colossal gate situated at the far end of this imnse smithy. On either side, they could sense the intense heat emanating from enormous cauldrons brimming with molten tal. Beyond this gate lay the enchanting section, where skilled runesmiths and enchantsmiths resided. Since the new mistress had taken over, this area had beco the primary source of inco and investnts. High-level adventurers demanded the best of magical equipnt and here it would be assembled.

“Well, well, ye've finally brought yer arse here, Master Wayland."

“Good day, Master Brylvia.”

"Wha's that there? Don’t reckon I've laid eyes on him afore."

“This is my personal assistant, Berninr.”

“Assistant?”

Although Bernir had displayed a hint of arrogance when interacting with his fellow tier 2 craftsn, the atmosphere here was sowhat distinct. He stood before a revered Master Runesmith, soone who was on par with Roland, if not even superior in the eyes of the dwarves. The others were also skilled tier 2 Runesmiths with extensive training behind them. It was only natural for Bernir to feel a bit more hesitant this ti. The only issue was that they soon discovered he did not belong to the sa magical domain as the rest, making his presence in this chamber ant for enchanting highly unusual.

“Yes, is there a problem? He has been assisting for years, I trust him more than any of your people.”

“Nay, it’s all good. Every craftsman worth a damn has at least yin assistant like dat!”

The dwarven woman let out a chuckle as she spun around, playfully smacking the ear of a regular Runesmith who had been gawking at Bernir. As the group began to move, Roland took the opportunity to observe their surroundings. In contrast to his own secretive underground cave, this place appeared more organized. It beca evident that things were different here, as the magical craftsn did not personally craft the base items at all. Instead, their assistants would bring them high or highest-rated items to be enchanted with runes.

"Eh, quit yer starin' at everythin'."

“I’m not staring…”

Roland, accustod to donning his bulky armor and helt that obscured his face, found himself exposed and free to gaze at everything around him. His eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the peculiar tools being utilized in the enchanting process. So of the hamrs were connected to unfamiliar cylinders adorned with intricate runes. Upon closer examination, Roland discovered that these were mana canisters, enabling the smiths to compensate for their limited mana capacity. Unlike him with his enhanced stats, regular Runesmiths and Enchantsmiths couldn't sustain the sa level of productivity at their current skill level.

Further ahead, Roland stumbled upon a distinct section dedicated to intricate runic engravings on smaller objects. Skilled artisans ticulously worked on delicate jewelry pieces like bracelets, rings, and pendants. He noticed that they wore ornate monocles, which were connected to peculiar glowing enchanted helts. Roland deduced that these tools enhanced their vision and likely aided in focusing and channeling mana with greater precision. Such enhancents were unnecessary for him now, given his superior physique of an overlord.

Above them, Roland's gaze was drawn to a series of crucibles containing enigmatic liquids that differed from the usual scorching hot tals. These substances emitted a srizing magical glow, leaving him curious about their purpose. Consulting the newfound knowledge he had acquired from reading dwarven literature, he speculated that these might be a variation of liquid mana stones. It seed possible that these craftsn had discovered a thod to bypass the traditional slting process altogether. Roland decided to further explore this intriguing prospect once he had established a stronger relationship with the craftsn and gained their trust.

‘Brylvia promised to cooperate with after we are done with this project, I need to ask about those liquids later.’

While walking into another room he continued to make ntal notes about the technology he didn’t recognise. While his full armor wasn’t there anymore it didn’t an that he wasn’t wearing sothing that could record everything. His ordinary work attire still bore intricate runes, and a complex runic structure adorned his chest plate. This enabled him to gather diverse mana patterns, which he planned to study further at a later ti.

“Ah, so this be yer clever magical contraption, Aye? Ye'll need to break it down fer , how is it gonna bring in more coin than our usual goods?”

Upon entering the testing facility, he observed the assistants unpacking the box and carefully handling the golem unit. However, it wasn't the sole item contained within; nurous orbs adorned with intricate runes and other objects were also present. Now, his task was to showcase the functionality of his creation and illustrate how it could lead them to wealth by utilizing the dungeon and the adventurers within.