The main lobby of 'The Sanctum' was bustling with people, their chatter and whispers filling the room. Merchants, cultivators, and even some nobles moved about, each engrossed in their own dealings. The sight of it all left Mira feeling a mixture of surprise and admiration.
Maria, holding her hand tightly, beamed with a sense of pride and accomplishment. "Welcome to the heart of the Sanctum," she said, gesturing at the grandeur surrounding them.
Mira surveyed the scene, her eyes examining the expansive hall. She took in the architectural beauty of the building, the sheer grandeur of it was hard to ignore. From the gleaming marble floors to the intricate murals adorning the ceiling.
Maria's eyes shone as she led Mira past the bustling lobby and into the maze of interconnected buildings that formed the core of the Sanctum. The pair entered a vast room filled with large and intricate arrays and formations, each flickering with a gentle aura.
"This is where our array masters and formation experts work and train. They are responsible for maintaining and improving the defensive and offensive arrays around the Sanctum while also creating ones we can sell," Maria explained. "There's a huge demand for portable Arrays and large Formations in this city due to the constant conflict in and around this location. I've barely dipped my toes into the market, but other than pills and my healing donations, it's bringing in the most income."
The next building was filled with the rhythmic clang of metal striking metal. Blacksmiths worked diligently, crafting high-quality weapons and armor. The bright sparks and the intense heat spoke volumes of the effort and skill that went into the process.
As they moved from one building to another, Mira was astounded by the depth and breadth of the resources and knowledge Maria had accumulated. Each area was a testament to Maria's commitment to growth and learning - not just for herself but for everyone who was a part of the Sanctum.
"The Sanctum is not just a healing hub, Mira," Maria said as they entered a spacious building filled with resources, potions, and medicinal plants. "It's a place where everyone has a chance to grow, to learn new skills, and to better themselves."
"I've worked hard to build a place where people can trade, learn, and cultivate in peace," Maria explained, leading Mira towards a massive training hall. "It's more than just a business. It's a community."
From the alchemy labs bustling with cultivators mixing concoctions to the vast training grounds echoing with the sounds of sparring, Mira saw the commitment and hard work Maria had poured into the Sanctum.
"The library," Maria said, leading Mira into a quiet, serene building. The room was filled with shelves upon shelves of books, scrolls, and ancient manuscripts. The air smelled of aged paper, and the quiet rustle of turning pages echoed throughout the space.
"I've gathered as many different types of knowledge and resources as I could," Maria explained. "This is the heart of our knowledge."
Finally, they visited the employment office, a bustling hub where cultivators could find work suited to their skills and qualifications. It was also a place where Maria's subordinates could sell their services and go on missions for whoever needed them.
Of course, The Sanctum wasn't the only place to have these services. Places like the Mercenary Association, Adventurer Hall, and the various leaders in the city also sold had workers-for-hire, but Maria's was different.
Not only was it cheaper than most, but there were also numerous ways to reduce the price. For example, if someone paid 500 Low-Stage Spirit Stones at any of their stores, they could reduce the cost of their mission by 50%. Pay 1 Mid-Stage Spirit Stone, and they'd be able to hire someone for free.
There were also other discounts that many people took advantage of. One of them was if they recommended 10 people to their shop, and they paid a certain amount of Spirit Stones each, that person would get a discount on any purchase at the Sanctum.
People could also pay for weekly, monthly, and yearly memberships that offered varying degrees of benefits.
Since Maria always kept the quality of her goods high, even if they were lower grades, all she needed was people to get through the door, and the profits would come rolling in. Vorandis was a bustling market-like city where people spent money every single day, knowing that every sunrise could very well be their last.
If she could take advantage of the tens, if not hundreds of millions, or even billions of Spirit Stones being traded every day, what she charged hardly mattered.
Of course, not everything was smooth sailing, especially in the beginning. Many people wanted to take her down and get rid of the competition, but there was a reason why she started this journey as a healer.
You can kill anyone, your boss, your competitor, your ex, and even those shady businessmen, but to kill the person that's keeping you alive and healthy every day? That was no different than shooting oneself in the foot!
Due to the number of people who now rely on Maria, all of varying strength and influence, anyone who dared to try and kill her was swiftly gotten rid of.
Mira was speechless after listening to everything. Throughout the tour, one thing became clear to Mira - the respect and admiration the people had for Maria.
'Isn't she essentially an up-and-coming mafia boss? Or worse, the head of a cult?'
No wonder she said that this wasn't a business but a community! Businesses were transactional, but what she wanted was to create something where people would help her willingly.
Looking at all the people buying her products and services, Mira couldn't help but think: 'They might seem like customers on the outside, but they're nothing more than glorified, loyal servants!'
By the time they ended their tour in a lavishly decorated office – Alicia's, the head of the Intelligence Department, personal space – Mira could only express her admiration.
The office was an elegant space filled with organized chaos. Scrolls and documents were spread out on a polished oak desk, and a large map of the city and surrounding areas was pinned to one wall, marked with countless tiny symbols.
Alicia, a sharp-eyed woman who now exuded an aura of quiet authority, greeted them with a warm smile.
"This is the nerve center of the Sanctum's operations," Maria explained, gesturing to the room. "Alicia coordinates everything from missions to resource allocation. She also handles all intelligence-related matters. It's thanks to her that we're always one step ahead, and I know what preparations to make before going into another business avenue."
Alicia chuckled softly, a glint of pride in her eyes. "Lady Maria gives me too much credit. It's her vision and sincere kindness that has made all this possible."
Maria's cheeks reddened slightly, but she didn't deny it. However, she still had to give credit where credit was due. "We're a team. Everyone contributes in their own way."
Mira found herself admiring Maria even more. It was not just the impressive setup of the Sanctum that astounded her, but the community spirit Maria had fostered.
"It seems like you've really found your calling," Mira said, reminiscing about all the time she spent trying to train Maria to fight. She was always shit at it, despite all her teachings.
So, it was because her talent lay elsewhere…
But Maria softly shook her head at Mira's words, "Not yet. This is just the beginning. A trial, if you will."
Seeing Mira's puzzled expression, Maria chuckled and continued, "I know that eventually, you'll travel to other continents. Whether that be the Central Continent or any of the others, you won't stay on this one forever. Hell, your goal is to ascend to the Immortal Realm!"
Mira nodded but still wasn't sure where Maria was going with this.
"My goal with this journey is to be a wife who can stand beside you. Since you have enough strength for the both of us, I need to look into other ways to support you. One of the ways I can do that is by gathering and providing information, resources, allies, and unknown knowledge. When we eventually leave for new lands, I need to know how to integrate into society so I can provide you with everything you lack. Not everything in this world can be obtained with strength, after all. My approach will help prevent you from making enemies as if your natural born talent." Maria chuckled, knowing of all the troubles Mira's gone through because of her terrible luck and bad personality.
Look no further than yesterday! As soon as she entered the city, she made an enemy out of one person and left a bad impression on another! When there were people around, Mira was bound to cause trouble.
Maria wanted to prevent that as much as possible, especially if and when they reached the Immortal Realm. She won't be able to go around killing whoever she feels like there. So, a more subtle approach would be necessary.
They might not know what the Immortal Realm was like, but any place where Ancient Beasts roamed freely, and god-like entities existed was bound to be extremely dangerous.
While Mira disagreed with Maria's last statement, she understood the message and couldn't help feeling more and more satisfied with Maria. Anyone who was willing to go to such lengths to help their significant other was definitely a keeper.
But she still felt the need to correct her on something.
"I might be strong, but that doesn't mean you can neglect your training," Mira stated, her eyes narrowing like a hawk onto Maria's figure. The blonde squirmed under her gaze, feeling uncomfortable. It felt like all her secrets were being exposed.
"I-I know! Master Aila has been in charge of my training and cultivation every day! I swear I haven't been slacking!" Maria managed to eke out a response, not daring to tease Mira on this subject.
She didn't want to die, after all.
"Master Aila?" Mira muttered. A hint of killing intent flashed through her eyes. Anyone who dared to make Maria call them 'master' deserved to die! Only she could be her master!
Then, after searching her memory, she came to a realization. "Ah! You mean, Sage Aila? The DEAD woman who helped your breakthrough to the Core Formation Realm?"
Maria nodded, her forehead and back covered in cold sweat. For some reason, her instincts flared, telling her that continuing this conversation would lead to disastrous consequences.
So, instead, she tried to change the topic.
"A-Anyways! Now that I've shown you the Sanctum, why don't I show you around the city? Then, afterward, I'll give you something that I'm sure you'll find interesting!"
Mira's gaze hardened, and the urge to drag Maria to the training ground and 'test' her assailed her mind, but she suppressed it.
"Very well." She nodded slowly, causing Maria to nearly release a breath of relief, but before she could, Mira added, "I'll check on your progress later."
'Fuck!'
'Fuck!'
The same thought flashed through two people's minds.
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